environmental impact assessment (eia) of dudh koshi-5 ... eia report... · environmental impact...

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of

Dudh Koshi-5 Hydropower Project

(110 MW)

Submitted to:

Ministry of Forests and Environment

Through

Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation

Submitted by

Department of Electricity Development

April, 2019

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report of Dudhkoshi 5 Hydropower Project (110 MW)

ii| P a g e Department of Electricity Development

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF TABLES ...........................................................................................................................IV LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................................ VII LIST OF ANNEXES .................................................................................................................... VII ACCRONYMS/ABBREVATIONS ................................................................................................... VIII SFO {SF/L ; F/ F+; .......................................................................................................................................... A

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................................. J 1.NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE INDIVIDUAL/INSTITUTION PREPARING THE REPORT .... 1

1.1The Proponent .............................................................................................................................................. 1 1.2Organization Responsible for Preparing the Report ................................................................................... 1 1.3Rationality of EIA Study ............................................................................................................................... 1 1.4Objectives of EIA ......................................................................................................................................... 2 1.5Scope of EIA Study ....................................................................................................................................... 2

2.INTRODUCTIONOF THE PROPOSAL ............................................................................................. 3 2.1Background .................................................................................................................................................. 3 2.2Project objectives, Need and Relevancy ...................................................................................................... 4 2.3Location and Accessibility ........................................................................................................................... 4 2.4Salient features of the Project ...................................................................................................................... 5 2.5Project Components ................................................................................................................................... 13 2.6Transmission Line ...................................................................................................................................... 17 2.7Project Activities ........................................................................................................................................ 18 2.8Construction Planning ............................................................................................................................... 18 2.9River Diversion during Construction ......................................................................................................... 22 2.10Project Cost ............................................................................................................................................. 22

3.STUDY METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................................... 23 3.1Literature Review and Consultation with the Stakeholders ....................................................................... 23 3.2Impact Area Delineation ............................................................................................................................ 23 3.3Field Study ................................................................................................................................................. 24 3.4Data Analysis and Processing ................................................................................................................... 32 3.5Public Consultation ................................................................................................................................... 32 3.6Draft Report Preparation .......................................................................................................................... 32 3.7Public Hearing ........................................................................................................................................... 33 3.8Recommendation Letters from the affected Rural Municipality/Wards ..................................................... 34 3.9Finalization of EIA Report ......................................................................................................................... 34 3.10Study Team ............................................................................................................................................... 34 3.11Estimated Budget for EIA study ............................................................................................................... 35

4.EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION ............................................................................... 36 4.1Physical Environment ................................................................................................................................ 36 4.2Biological Environment ............................................................................................................................. 57 4.3Socio-economic and Cultural Environment ............................................................................................... 83

5.ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ..................................................................................................... 103 5.1Beneficial Impacts .................................................................................................................................... 103 5.2Adverse Impacts ....................................................................................................................................... 105 5.3Evaluation of the Impacts ........................................................................................................................ 122

6.ALTERNATIVE ANALYSIS .......................................................................................................... 129 6.1Design Alternative ................................................................................................................................... 129 6.2Construction Method Alternatives ........................................................................................................... 129 6.3Project Alternatives ................................................................................................................................. 130 6.4Construction Material Alternative ........................................................................................................... 130 6.5Construction Schedule Alternatives ......................................................................................................... 131 6.6No Forest Option ..................................................................................................................................... 131 6.7No Project Alternative ............................................................................................................................. 131 6.8Operation Procedure ............................................................................................................................... 132 6.9Fish Ladder Alternative ........................................................................................................................... 132

7.ENHANCEMENT AND MITIGATION MEASURES ................................................................... 134 7.1EnvironmentalEnhancement Measures .................................................................................................... 134 7.2Community Support Program (CSP) ....................................................................................................... 136


iii| P a g e Department of Electricity Development

7.3Environmental Mitigation Measures........................................................................................................ 137 8.ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN .............................................................................. 150

8.1Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 150 8.2Planning150 8.3Summary of Environmental Mitigation, Monitoring andManagement Cost ............................................ 173

9.REVIEW OF PLANS, POLICIES, ACTS, REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, STANDARDS,

CONVENTIONS ................................................................................................................................. 174 9.1The Constitution ....................................................................................................................................... 174 9.2Plans and Polices ..................................................................................................................................... 174 9.3Strategies ................................................................................................................................................. 178 9.4Act and Rules ........................................................................................................................................... 180 9.5Guidelines and Manuals .......................................................................................................................... 187 9.6Working Procedures/Work Plans ............................................................................................................. 189 9.7Standards ................................................................................................................................................. 192 9.8International Instruments ......................................................................................................................... 193 9.9Relevant Institutions ................................................................................................................................. 194

10.ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING ........................................................................................... 197 10.1Environmental Monitoring Plan ............................................................................................................ 197 10.2Baseline Monitoring ............................................................................................................................... 197 10.3Compliance Monitoring ......................................................................................................................... 199 10.4Impact Monitoring ................................................................................................................................. 202

11.ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITING ................................................................................................. 207 11.1Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 207 11.2Physcical Environment .......................................................................................................................... 207 11.3Biological Environment ......................................................................................................................... 207 11.4Socio-economic and Cultural Environment ........................................................................................... 207 11.5Approach and Methodology ................................................................................................................... 208 11.6Schedule ................................................................................................................................................. 208 11.7Required Human Resources ................................................................................................................... 208 11.8Estimated Cost ....................................................................................................................................... 208 11.9Organizational Responsibility ................................................................................................................ 209

12.CONCLUSIONS ............................................................................................................................ 210 13.REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................... 211 ANNEXES .......................................................................................................................................... 212


iv| P a g e Department of Electricity Development

LIST OF TABLES

Table 2-1: Details of the access roads for the proposed DK5HPP ................................................ 5

Table 2-2: Comparative Salient Features of Dudh Koshi-5 HPP (as per ToR and revised) .......... 9

Table 2-3: Details of Adit Tunnel for the construction of the proposed DK-5 HPP ................... 17

Table 2-4: Acquisition of land for different project component .................................................. 18

Table 2-5: Estimate of construction materials required ............................................................... 19

Table 3-1: Description and categorization of the project impact area ......................................... 23

Table 3-2: Stand size classifications ............................................................................................ 26

Table 3-3: FGD Locations and Participant Details ...................................................................... 31

Table 3-4: Details on KII ............................................................................................................. 31

Table 3-5: Issues raised during public hearing ............................................................................ 33

Table 4-1: Catchment Characteristics .......................................................................................... 37

Table 4-2: Discharge Measurement of the Dudh Koshi River .................................................... 38

Table 4-3: Estimated Mean monthly flow ................................................................................... 40

Table 4-4: Low flows at the Intake Site, m3/s .............................................................................. 43

Table 4-5: Low Flow Analysis by Weibul Method ..................................................................... 43

Table 4-6: Flood Flow at Intake Site (m3/s)................................................................................. 44

Table 4-7: Flow of tributaries in the Dewatered Zone (m3/s) ...................................................... 45

Table 4-8: Ambient air quality at project area and national permissible limits ........................... 54

Table 4-9: Noise level measured in the different project area ..................................................... 54

Table 4-10: Water Quality Test Results....................................................................................... 55

Table 4-11: Land use pattern of Solukhumbu district (Ha) ......................................................... 56

Table 4-12: Land Use Pattern of Project Area ............................................................................. 57

Table 4-13: List of Community Forests in and around the project area ...................................... 60

Table 4-14: Recorded species of tree vegetation in the project area ........................................... 60

Table 4-15: Recorded Species of Shrubs in the project area ....................................................... 61

Table 4-16: Recorded Climbers Species in the project area ........................................................ 61

Table 4-17: Recorded herbs species in the project area ............................................................... 62

Table 4-18: Project Components and Major Tree Species .......................................................... 63

Table 4-19: Tree Category along Different Project Structures .................................................... 64

Table 4-20: Tree Basal Area, Volume and Biomass in Project Area .......................................... 64

Table 4-21: Tree Volume and Biomass Distribution with Project Structures ............................. 65

Table 4-22: Tree Volume and Biomass Distribution along with Project Structures ................... 71

Table 4-23: Importance Value Index of plant species in Herb Strata .......................................... 73

Table 4-24: Regeneration Status of Trees .................................................................................... 74

Table 4-25: Land Ownership of Forest Land ............................................................................... 75

Table 4-26: Ethno-botanical Uses Practiced in the Proposed Project Area ................................. 76

Table 4-27: Protected Plants in the Proposed Project Area ......................................................... 77

Table 4-28: Reported Mammals in the Proposed Project Area ................................................... 78

Table 4-29: Reported Birds in the Proposed Project Area ........................................................... 78

Table 4-30: List of Herpeto-Fauna Recorded in Project Area ..................................................... 80

Table 4-31: Reported and Observed Fish Fauna in the Dudh Koshi River ................................. 81

Table 4-32: Fish Migratory Pattern.............................................................................................. 82


v| P a g e Department of Electricity Development

Table 4-33: Species Diversity and Distribution ........................................................................... 82

Table 4-34: Fish Abundance at Sampling Sites ........................................................................... 82

Table 4-35: Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE) at Different Sampling Stations ................................ 83

Table 4-36: Protected Wild Animals in Project Area .................................................................. 83

Table 4-37: Land Use Pattern of Solukhumbu District ............................................................... 84

Table 4-38: Population of project affected Mapya Dudh Koshi Gaunpalika .............................. 86

Table 4-39: Population by caste/ethnicity and sex ...................................................................... 86

Table 4-40: Population distribution by mother tongue in the project Wards .............................. 87

Table 4-41: Religion of sampled households ............................................................................... 87

Table 4-42: Population migration pattern in the project area ...................................................... 88

Table 4-43: Households by outer wall of house/housing units .................................................... 89

Table 4-44: Vulnerable and disadvantage groups in the project area .......................................... 90

Table 4-45: Working age population (15 to 59) year of the project wards.................................. 90

Table 4-46: Production of Major Crops in the Project Area ........................................................ 91

Table 4-47: Major occupation of the Project Area ...................................................................... 91

Table 4-48: Livestock Herding in Project Area ........................................................................... 92

Table 4-49: Households by type of toilet facilities ...................................................................... 92

Table 4-50: Households by sources of drinking water ................................................................ 93

Table 4-51: Households by Type of fuel used for cooking in the project Wards ........................ 94

Table 4-52: Households by source of lighting ............................................................................. 94

Table 4-53: Distribution of Affected Population by Different Categories .................................. 97

Table 4-54: Age structure of the population of the sample HHs ................................................. 97

Table 4-55: Religious groups of sampled households ................................................................. 98

Table 4-56: Education Level of PAFs ......................................................................................... 98

Table 4-57: Land Categorization of Project Area ........................................................................ 99

Table 4-58: Income Source of Sampled HHs of Project Area ..................................................... 99

Table 4-59: Average Yearly Expenditure Range of the Sample Households .............................. 99

Table 4-60: Food Sufficiency in the Sample HHs ..................................................................... 100

Table 4-61: Sources of drinking water in the Sample HHs ....................................................... 100

Table 4-62: Sampled Households by type of toilets .................................................................. 100

Table 4-63: Distribution of Respondents by Perception about the Project ................................ 101

Table 4-64: Affected HHs by their preference on Modes of Compensation ............................. 102

Table 4-65: Distributions of Affected Households by Types of Cooking Fuel Used ................ 102

Table 5-1: Community Forestwise Forest Area Loss by Project components ........................... 111

Table 5-2: Standing Tree Loss due to the Proposed DK5HPP .................................................. 112

Table 5-3: Tree Basal Area, Volume and Biomass Loss Due to Proposed DK5HPP ............... 112

Table 5-4: Valuation of lost timbers and fuelwood ................................................................... 113

Table 5-5: Total Loss of Rare Endangered/Endemic Floral Species ......................................... 114

Table 5-6: Land required for construction of the project ........................................................... 117

Table 5-7: Annual loss of agricultural production and their valuation ...................................... 119

Table 5-8: Evaluation of Beneficial Impacts ............................................................................. 124

Table 5-9: Evaluation of Adverse Impacts ................................................................................ 126

Table 8-1: Awareness, Orientation and Training Plan............................................................... 150

Table 8-2: Permit and Approval Plan ........................................................................................ 151


vi| P a g e Department of Electricity Development

Table 8-3: Resettlement and Rehabilitiation Plan ..................................................................... 151

Table 8-4: Construction Camps and Traffic Management Plan ................................................ 152

Table 8-5: Pollution Abatement Plan ......................................................................................... 153

Table 8-6: Terrestrial Ecology (Forest Loss Management) Management Plan ......................... 156

Table 8-7: Aquatic Ecology Management Plan ......................................................................... 157

Table 8-8: Erosion Abatement and Muck/Spoil Management Plan .......................................... 159

Table 8-9: Public Health and Occupational Safety Management Plan ...................................... 161

Table 8-10: Rehabilitation Management Plan ........................................................................... 162

Table 8-11: Emergency Management Plan ................................................................................ 163

Table 8-12: Implementation Cost for Social and Environment Protection Measures ............... 168

Table 8-13: Estimated Cost for Environmental Monitoring ...................................................... 171

Table 8-14: Summary of the Project Environmental Costs ....................................................... 173

Table 10-1: Plan for Baseline Monitoring ................................................................................. 197

Table 10-2: Plan for compliance monitoring ............................................................................. 200

Table 10-3: Plan for impact monitoring..................................................................................... 203

Table 11-1: Environmental Audit Cost for DK5HPP ................................................................ 209


vii| P a g e Department of Electricity Development

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 2-1: Project Location in Nepal map.................................................................................... 6

Figure 2-2: Project location in District Map .................................................................................. 7

Figure 2-3: Wards of Mapya Dudhkoshi Rural Municipality ........................................................ 7

Figure 2-4: Location Map of DK5HPP on Topographical map .................................................... 8

Figure 3-1 Plot Design (Nested quadrate plot) ............................................................................ 26

Figure 4-1: Catchment Area of Dudh Koshi River ...................................................................... 38

Figure 4-2: Flow Hydrograph ...................................................................................................... 41

Figure 4-3: Flow Duration Curve for Dudhkoshi River .............................................................. 41

Figure 4-4: Energy Table ............................................................................................................. 42

Figure 4-5: Low Flow Analysis by Weibul Method .................................................................... 43

Figure 4-6: GLOF events recorded in Nepal (after Mool et al. 1995, 2001a; Yamada 1998a;

Bajracharya et al. 2008; Ives et al. 2010)..................................................................................... 47

Figure 4-7: Simplified geological map of the Himalaya showing major litho-tectonic divisions

(After Gansser, 1964)................................................................................................................... 48

Figure 4-8: Generalized geological map of Nepal (modified afterUpreti and Le Fort, 1999) ..... 50

Figure 4-9: Geological Map of Eastern Nepal ............................................................................. 51

Figure 4-10: Geomorphic view of the powerhouse and surge tank area ..................................... 53

Figure 4-11: Project Location and Sagarmatha National Park .................................................... 58

Figure 4-12: Vegetation Zone in Project Area ............................................................................. 59

Figure 4-13: Tree Fern Habitat in Project Area ........................................................................... 77

Figure 4-14: House Structures and Settlement Patterns .............................................................. 89

Figure 8-1: Organogram of the Environmental Management Unit for Dudhkoshi-5 Hydropower

Project ........................................................................................................................................ 167

LIST OF ANNEXES

Annex 1 : Terms of Reference

Annex 2 : Project Components and Layout Maps

Annex 3 : Project Schedule and Environmental Monitoring Schedule

Annex 4 : Component Wise Cost Estmation

Annex 5 : Water Quality Test Reports

Annex 6 : Minutes of the FGDs and attendance Photographs

Annex 7 : Checklists, Questionnaires and Data Sheets used for Data Collection

Annex 8 : Social and Biological Details

Annex 9 : Public Hearing Related

Annex 10 : Recommendation Letters

Annex 11 : Photographs


viii| P a g e Department of Electricity Development

ACCRONYMS/ABBREVATIONS

AAPA : Aquatic Animals Protection Act

amsl : Above mean sea level

ARO : Assessment and Review Office

BOD : Biological Oxygen Demand

CAR : Catchment Area Ratio

CBD : Convention on Biological Diversity

CBO : Community Based Organizations

CDMA : Code Division Multiple Access

CF : Community Forest

CFC : Compensation Fixation Committee

cft : Cubic Feet

CFUG : Community Forest Users Group

CITES : Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species

of Wild Fauna and Flora

CPU : Catch Per Unit

DADO : District Agriculture Development Office

DBH : Diameter at Breast Height

DCC : District Coordination Committee

DFO : Division Forest Office

DHM : Department of Hydrology and Meteorology

DK 5 HPP : Dudh Koshi -5 Hydro Power Project

DO : Dissolved Oxygen

DoED : Department of Electricity Development

DPR : Detailed Project Report

DSS : Dissolved Suspended Solid

EA : Environmental Audit

EC : Electrical Conductivity

EIA : Environmental Impact Assessment

EMP : Environmental Management Plan

EMU : Environment Management Unit

EPA : Environment Protection Act

EPR : Environment Protection Rule


ix| P a g e Department of Electricity Development

FDD : Fisheries Development Directorate

FGD : Focus Group Discussion

FSL : Full Supply Level

GHG : Green House Gas

GIS : Geographic Information Systems

GLOF : Glacial Lake Outburst Floods

GoN : Government of Nepal

GRU : Grievances Redress Unit

GWh : Giga Watt per Hour

ha : hectare

HFT : Himalayan Frontal Thrust

HH : Households

IEE : Initial Environmental Examination

INGO : International Non-Government Organization

INPS : Integrated Nepal Power System

IUCN : International Union for Conservation of Nature

JMC : Joint Monitoring Committee

KII : Key Informant Interviews

kVA : Kilo Volt per Ampere

kWh : Kilo Watt per Hour

LARS : Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation Section

LCF : Local Consultative Forum

masl : Meter above seal level

MBT : Main Boundary Thrust

MCT : Main Central Thrust

MIS : Mitigation Implementation Section

MoEWRI : Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation

MoFE : Ministry of Forests and Environment

MT : Mahabharat Thrust

MW : Mega Watt

NBSIP : Nepal Biodiversity Implementation Plan

NCS : National Conservation Strategy

NEA : Nepal Electricity Authority


x| P a g e Department of Electricity Development

NEFIS : Nepal Fisheries Society

NEPAP : Nepal Environmental Policy and Action Plan

N/L : Number per Liter

NGO : Non-Governmental Organization

NPWCA : National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act

NTFP : Non-Timber Forest Products

NWP : National Water Plan

PAF : Project Affected Families

PAP : Project Affected Persons

PIC : Project Information Center

PM : Particulate matter

PMO : Project Management Office

PoE : Panel of Expert

ppm : Parts per Millions

RM : Rural Municipality

SLC : School Leaving Certificate

SPAF : Severely Project Affected Families

TDS : Total Dissolved Solids

ToR : Term of Reference

TSS : Total Suspended Solids

TWL : Tailrace water level

UNFCCC : United Nations Framework Convention on Climate

Change

WECS : Water and Energy Commission Secretariat

WHO : World Health Organization

WRS : Water Resources Strategy


A| P a g e Department of Electricity Development

sfo{sf/L ;f/f+;

! k[i7e"ld

b'wsf]lz % hnljB't cfof]hgf ef}uf]lns ;d;+Vos cIff+z @&)@('$^'' pQ/ b]lv @&

)##'#)'' pQ/ / b]zfGt/

*^)$)'))'' k"j{ b]lv *^

)$#'#&'' k"j{ df cjl:yt 5 . h'g g]kfnsf] k|b]z gDa/ ! sf] ;f]n'v'Da' lhNnfdf kb{5

. o; cfof]hgfn] b'wsf]zL glbsf] kfgLnfO{ pkof]u ug]{5 h'g pRr lxdfnL If]q af6 pTkGg x'G5 . o;

cfof]hgfsf] k|:tfjs ljB't ljsf; ljefu /x]sf] 5 .

jftfj/0f ;+/If0f lgodfjnL, cg';'rL @ n] b'wsf]lz % hnljB't cfof]hgfnfO{ jftfj/0fLo k|efj d"NofÍg

(EIA) ug'{kg]{ ;d'xdf ;'rLs[t u/]sf] 5 . o; jftfj/0fLo k|efj d"NofÍg k|ltj]bg g]kfn ;/sf/sf] cfjZostf

nfO{ kl/k"lt{ ug{ tof/ u/LPsf] 5 .

@ cfof]hgf

cfof]hgf glbsf] axfjdf cwfl/t (Run of the River) k|sf/sf] k|:tfljt !!) d]ufjf6 Ifdtfsf] / l8hfOg

l8:rfh{ %@=$^ 3g dL6/ k|lt ;]s]08sf] /x]sf] 5 . sl/a !*=!) ld cUnf] jfFw yfg] vf]nf / b'wsf]zL glbsf]

bf]efg eGbf sl/j $% ld6/ tn dfKo b'wsf]zL ufpFkflnsfsf] jf8{ g= @ sf] /fK5f glhs} cjl:yt /xg]5 .

vf]nfsf] bflxg] lsgf/fdf jfFw;+u} /x]sf] kfgLsf] k|j]z dfu{n] kfgL lyufg]{ kf]v/L (Desilting/Settling basin)df

kfgL k|jfx ug]{ 5 / To; kfgLnfO ^!!$=)@ ld nfdf] ;'?Ë / ##@=$$ ld nfdf] el6{sn ;fkm\6÷OgSnfO8

;fkm\6÷k]g:6saf6 dfKo b'wsf]zL ufFpkflnsfsf] j8f gDa/ $, n"gd8fF8fsf] d'lg b'wsf]zL gbL / sf++s' vf]nfsf]

bf]efg eGbf &%) ld6/ dfly lgdf{0f ul/g] e"ldut ljB't u[xdf nlug]5 . cfof]hgfaf6 pTkflbt ljB'tnfO{

sl/a %=* ls= ld= nfdf] l;Ën ;ls{6 !#@ s]= eL= k|;f/0f nfO{g dfkm{t k|:tfljt b'wsf]lz $ hnljB't

cfof]hgfsf] k|:tfj ul/Psf] ;j:6];gdf nlug] 5 . cfof]hgfsf] ljlzi6 ?k (Salient Features) tnsf] tflnsf

! df lbOPsf] 5 .

Tfflnsf !M cfof]hgfsf] ljlzi6 ?k

;fdfGo

cfof]hgfsf] gfd b'wsf]lz % hn ljB't cfof]hgf

ljsf; k|sf/ gbLsf]] axfjdf cwfl/t

gbLsf] gfd b'wsf]zL

Gflhs}sf] ahf/ ;Nn]/L

:yfg ;f]n'v'Da' lhNNffsf] dfKo b'wsf]zL ufpFkflnsf jf8{ g= !, @, #, $ / & -

;fljssf] sfFs', jf;f, jfs' / h'ljª uf=lj=;= x?_

lhNnf ;f]n'v'Da'

k|b]z !

b]zfGt/ / cIff+z @&)@(' $^'' pQ/ @&

)##' #)'' pQ/

*^)$)' ))'' k"j{ *^

)$#' #&'' k"j{

afFw If]qsf] hnlj1fg

Hfnfwf/ If]q -afFw If]q ;Dd_ !%()=(# ju{ lsnf]ld6/

Hfnfwf/ If]q -ljB'tu[x_ !^!$=)* ju{ lsnf]ld6/

l8hfO{g k|jfx %@=$^ 3gld6/ k|lt;]s]08 -$) k|ltzt clwstfsf] ;Defjgf_


B| P a g e Department of Electricity Development

hl8t Ifdtf !!) d]ufjf6

;fdfGo hn ;tx !@%!=@% ld ;d'Gb|L ;txaf6

pRrtd hn ;tx !@%@=&% ld ;d'Gb|L ;txaf6

af‘w

afFwsf] lsl;d s+s|L6 afFw

afFwsf] nDafO{ / prfO{ $$ ld6/ nfdf] / !*=!) ld6/ cUnf]

kfgLsf] k|j]z dfu{ (Intake)

lsl;d cf]l/lkm; 6fO{k ;fO{8 OG6]s

;+Vof / k|sf/ (=% ld6/ km/flsnf] / % ld6/ pRr -@ j6f_

kfgL lyU|ofpg] kf]v/L (Settling

basin)

!% ld -Rff}8fO{_ x !(=^ ld -prfO{_x !%) ld -nDafO{_ -@j6f_

x]8/]; ;'?Ë (Headrace Tunnel)

nDafO{ ^!!$=)@ ld6/

qm|;;]S;g leqL k/L ;dfKt Jof; % ld6/

cl86 ;'?Ë –! @^% ld nfdf] / Jof; $ ld6/

;h{ ;fˆ6

lsl;d uf]nfsf/, hldg d'gL] /xg]

lelq Jof; !^ ld6/

prfO{ ^@=! ld6/

cl86 ;'?Ë –@ $%) ld nfdf] / Jof; $=%, #=% / @=% ld6/

cl86 ;'?Ë –@ s !@&=)^ ld6/ nfdf]] / $=% ld6/ Jof;

cl86 ;'?Ë –# $)$=@ ld6/ nfdf]] / $=% ld6/ Jof;

cl86 ;'?Ë –$ $#=@@ ld6/ nfdf]] / $=% ld6/ Jof;

cl86 ;'?Ë –% !#(=)@ ld6/ nfdf]] / ^=) ld6/ Jof;

cl86 ;'?Ë –% s *(=**ld6/ nfdf]] / %=) ld6/ Jof;

cl86 ;'?Ë –% v !()=$) ld6/ nfdf]] / $=% ld6/ Jof;

k]g:6s

Jof; #=% ld

nDafO{ #@$=$$ ld

ljB't u[x (kfj/ xfp;)

lsl;d e"ldut

cfsf/ &^=#) ld nfdf], !% ld km/flsnf] / #%=%) ld cUnf]


C| P a g e Department of Electricity Development

6]n/];

cfsf/ Uff]nfsf/

nDafO{ !*)=%( ld6/

6af{Og

6af{O{gsf] lsl;d km|flG;;

OsfO{ ;+Vof # j6f

zlQm / phf{ pTkfbg

;d|ut x]8 @%*=)( ld6/

cg'dflgt cjlzi6 x]8 @$!=&* ld6/

aflif{s cg'dflgt phf{ ^!*=*) uLufjf6 306f

;'Vvf (Dry) df};dsf] phf{ !))=#( uLufjf6 306f

aiff{ (Wet)df};dsf] phf{ %!*=$! uLufjf6 306f

k|j]z dfu{

bfDs' b]lv x]8jS;{ ^=! lsnf] ld6/ - %=^ ls=ld= lgdf{0f eO;s]]sf]_

bfDs' b]lv ljB't u[x &=$ lsnf] ld6/

cl86 @ ;Dd !=! lsnf] ld6/

;h{ 6ofÍ ;Dd )=$)# lsnf] ld6/

lgdf{0f cjlw $ jif{

cfly{s ;'rsx?

s'n nfut -g]=?=_ @)=@)$ ca{

cfof]hgfsf cGo cfjZos ;'ljwfx?df OlGhlgo/, 7]s]bf/ / >ldsx?sf] lzlj/, 9'ËfvfgL÷j/f] lk6, lgdf{0f

zlQmx?, lu§L km'6fpg], ;+u|x :yfg, Joflrª Knf06 / d]sflgsn of8{, :kf]On nfO{ k|jGw ug]{ :yfg /x]sf 5g\ .

oL ;a} ;'ljwfx? x]8jS;{ / ljB't u[x glhs /xg]5g\ . cfof]hgfsf nflu s/Lj @%=*#$ x]S6/ hldgsf]

cfjZostf kg]{5 h;dWo] @$=#@$ x]S6/ :yfoL ?kdf / !=%! x]S6/ c:yfoL ?kdf cfjZos kg]{5 . lgdf{0f

cjlwdf s/Lj %)) sfdbf/x? b}lgs ?kdf cfjZos kg]{5 . cfof]hgfsf] lgdf{0f $ jif{df ;+kGg ul/g] of]hgf

ul/Psf] 5 . cfof]hgfn] k|ToIf tyf ck|ToIf ?kdf ;f]n'v'Da' lhNNffsf] dfKo b'wsflz ufpFkflnsfsf] ;ft -&_

j6f j8fx? nfO{ k|efj kfb{5 .

# cWoogsf] k¢lt

k|:t't k|ltj]bg jftfj/0fLo k|efj d"NofÍgsf] nflu tof/ ul/Psf] :jLs[t If]q lgwf{/0f tyf sfo{;'rLsf] 9fFrf,

jftfj/0f ;+/If0f P]g, @)%#, jftfj/0f ;+/If0f lgodfjnL, @)%$, /fli6«o jftfj/0f k|efj d"Nofª\sg lgb]{lzsf,

!((# tyf cGo k|rlnt P]g, lgod tyf lgb]{lzsfx? adf]lhd tof/ ul/Psf] 5 . cWoogsf] qmddf :ynut

e|d0f, /fli6|o, :yfgLo tyf ;/f]sf/jfnfx? / ;/sf/L lgsfosf ljleGg k|ltlglwx? ;+u cGtls|{of ul/Psf] lyof]

. k"j{ tof/L cWoogdf cfof]hgfsf] lj:t[t cfof]hgf k|ltj]bg tyf cGo cfof]hgfx?sf] EIA k|ltj]bgx?

k"g/fjnf]sg ul/Psf] 5 . cfof]hgf :ynsf] cWoog, nlIft ;d'xdf 5nkmn tyf :yflgo JolQmx?;+u cGtjf{tf{


D| P a g e Department of Electricity Development

tyf k|ZgfjnL ;j]{If0f ul/ d:of}bf tof/ ul/Psf] ;fy} ;fj{hlgs ;'g'jfO{ kZrft ;/f]sf/jfnfx?sf] /fo ;'wmfj

;dfj]z ul/ tof/ ul/Psf] 5 .

$ P]g, lgod, sfg'g tyf gLltx?sf] ;dLIff

k|:tfljt cfof]hgfsf] jftfj/0fLo k|efj d"NofÍg k|ltj]bg tof/ ug]{ s|ddf hnljB't ljsf; ;+u ;DalGwt

ljBdfg jftfj/0fLo kIf;+u hf]l8Psf g]kfn ;/sf/sf] ljleGg of]hgf, gLlt, lgod, lgodfjnL, P]g,sfg'gx?sf]

;fy} cGt/f{li6«o ;lGw ;Demf}tfsf] ;dLIff ul/Psf] 5 . o:tf sfg'gL k|fjwfgx?sf] ;dLIff ug'{sf]d'Vo p4]Zo

hnljB't cfof]hgf lgdf{0fsf] ljleGg r/0fdf cfslif{t x'g] gLlt tyf lgodx? nfu' ug'{ xf] .;fy} /fli6|o

k|fyldstf k|fKt cfof]hgfsf] nflu /fli6|o jgIf]q k|of]u ug]{ ;DaGwL sfo{lalw, @)&$, d'n'sL b]jfgL P]g -

;lx+tf_, @)&$Ù x?sf] ;ldIff ul/Psf] 5 .

% ljBdfg jftfj/0fLo cj:yf

%=! ef}lts jftfj/0f

o; cfof]hgf If]q g]kfnsf] kxf8L If]qdf kb{5 . pQm cfof]hgfsf] afFw gbLdf / kfj/xfp; gbLsf] bfofF lsgf/df

/xg] 5 eg] s/La ^=!!$ ls= ld= ;'?ªsf] clwsf+; efu pQm :yfgdf cjl:yt kxf8sf] d'lgaf6 ;'?ªsf] lgdf{0f

ul/ hldg d'lgaf6 hfg] 5 . pQm If]qsf] r§fg tNnf] lxdfnL s'~h ju{sf] r§fg kb{5 h;df d'Vo ul/ lkmnfO{6

tyf lg; r§fgx? kfO{Psf 5g .

pQm cfof]hgfsf] afFw If]q vf]nfsf] au/ If]qdf kb{5 eg] To;sf] glhs} /x]sf] kxf8 hxfFaf6 ;'?ªsf] lgdf{0f

u/g] xf] pQm 8fF8f lg;tyf Sjfhf{O{6 r§fgx?n] ag]sf] 5 . sl/a ^=!!$ ls=ld= ;'?ª ljz]ift lg; / lkmnfO{6

h:tf vlghn] ag]sf] r§fg leqaf6 ;h{ 6ofÍ ;Dd k'Ub5 . ;h{ 6ofÍ /xg] If]qdf sf]n'lePn df6f] /x]sf] 5 .

kfj/xfp; If]qdf @) ld6/ ulx/fO ;Dd sf]n'lePn / Pn'lePn ldl>t df6f] /x]sf] 5 / @) ld6/ kl5 lg;

r6\6fg /x]sf] 5 .

of] cfof]hgf If]q ;d'Gb| ;tx b]vL !)#) / !#(% ld6/sf] prfOdf /x]tf klg glbsf] hnfwf/ If]q &)))

ld6/sf] prfO;Dd km}lnPsf] 5 . t;y{, hnjfo'sf] lx;fan] cfof]hgf If]q ;dlztf]i0f hnjfo' If]qdf kb{5 .

dg;'g dWo h'gdf z'? eO{ dWo ;]K6]Da/ ;Dd /xG5 . ;fwf/0ftof k'jL{o dg;'g aiff{ d] dlxgfdf x'G5 . l;:6

/ Sjfhf{O6 o; cfof]hgf If]qdf kfOg] d'Vo 9'Ëfx? x'g\ . o; If]qsf] jfo', kfgL / WjgLsf] cj:yf /fd|f] /x]sf]

5 . o; cfof]hgfsf] hnfwf/ If]qsf] cfsf/ 8]g8«fOl6s 5 / of] !%()=(# ju{ lsdL If]qdf km}lnPsf] 5 .

k|:tfljt cfof]hgf ;dlztf]i0f xfjfkfgL kfO{g] If]qdf kb{5 . o; If]qdf cf};t clwstd tfkqmd -@%-#) );]=_

/ cf};t Go"gtd tfkqmd dlxgfdf -–@ b]lv +@ );]=_ /]s8{ ul/Psf] 5 . k|:tfljt If]q g]kfnsf] bf];|f] ;]l:ds

hf]g (seismic zone) cGt{ut kb{5 eg] e' pkof]u sf] cfwf/df h+unL If]q, afFemf] hldg, s[lif of]Uo hldg

tyf jl:tx? kfO{Psf 5g\ .

%=@ h}ljs jftfj/0f

of] cfof]hgf If]q ;dl;tf]i0f hnjfo' If]qdf kb{5 . o; If]qdf lrnfpg]—s6'; / vf]6];Nnf]—rf}8fkft] jg kfO{G5

. cfof]hgf If]qsf] jl/k/L ;a} u/]/ & j6f ;fd'bflos jgx? kfO{G5g\ . ;Nnf], plQ;, lrnfpg], df}jf, c+u]/L]

cflb ?vx? cfof]hgf If]qsf d'Vo k|hfltx? x'g\ . ef]u6], ufOltxf/], P];]n', lrKn], w';'/, v/]6f] cflb a'6\ofg

k|hfltx¿ kfOG5g\ eg] xs{6f], cf+Vn], v¿sL, ljleGg k|sf/sf pGo", ltt]kflt, l;:gf]], v/ cfbL dl;gf la?jf

/ 3fF; k|hfltsf kfOG5g\ .

cfof]hgf If]qsf] jl/k/L !^ k|hfltsf :tgwf/L k|f0fLx? /]s8{ ul/Psf] 5 . ltlgx? dWo] jfFb/, :ofn, b'D;L,

v/fof] cflb d'Vo x'g\ . lrt'jf / 3f]/n 5]p5fpsf] hËndf slxn]sflx+ b]lvG5g\ . oxfF kfOg] d'Vo r/fx?df

sflnh, 9's'/, sfu, h'/]nL, k/]jf, sf]OnL / h+unL sfu cflb /x]sf 5g\ . 3;|g] hgfj/x?df 5]kf/f], ;k{x?

kfOG5g\ . oxfF d'Vo u/L r'Rr] c;nf, a'Rr] c;nf, ltt] / sfa|] hftsf df5fx? kfO{G5g\ .


E| P a g e Department of Electricity Development

%=# ;fdflhs cfly{s tyf ;fF:s[lts jftfj/0f

/fli6«o hgu0fgf, @)^* cg';f/ cfof]hgf k|efljt ;f]n'v'Da' lhNnfdf @#&*% 3/w'/L /x]sf 5g\ hxfsf] cf}ift

3/w'/L kl/jf/ $=$% /x]sf] 5 . pQm lhNnfsf] s"n hg;+Vof !)%**^ /x]sf] 5 h;df s"n dlxnfsf] hg;+Vof

%$^*^ -%!=^%%_ tyf s"n k'?ifsf] hg;+Vof %!@)) -$*=#%%_ /x]sf] 5 .

cfof]hgf k|efljt dfKo b'wsf]zL ufFpkflnsfdf @*)# 3/w'/L /x]sf 5g\ hxfFsf] cf}ift 3/w'/L kl/jf/ $=&*

/x]sf] 5 . k|efljt ufpFkflnsfsf] s"n hg;+Vof !#$!$ /x]sf] 5 . h;df s"n dlxnfsf] hg;+Vof ^**% tyf

s"n k'?ifsf] hg;+Vof ^%@( 5 . !$ jif{ d'lgsf] hg;+Vof #*=#( Ü 5 eg] ^) jif{ dflysf] hg;+Vof !(=@!

Ü 5 . !% jif{ b]lv %( jif{ ljrsf] hg;+Vof $@=#( Ü /x]sf] 5 . k|efljt ufpkflnsfdf s'n'Ë /fO{ hfltsf]

%!=%( Ü jfx'Notf /x]sf] 5 / z]kf{ !#=$* /x]sf 5g . cGo hfthfltx?df du/, tfdfË, a|fDX0f, If]qL, vflnË,

blnt cflb /x]sf 5g . To; If]qdf lxGb' / lxGb', af}¢ b'j} wd{ dfGg] dflg;x? kfOG5g . dfKo b'wsf]zL

ufpFkflnsfdf !) k|sf/sf efiffsf] k|of]u ul/G5 h;df d'Vo %)=$# Ü dflg;n] vflnË dft[efiff tyf g]kfnL

efiff af]nLrfnLsf] efiffsf ?kdf k|of]u ul/G5 . cfof]hgf If]qdf :jf:Yo, ;/;kmfO{, vfg]kfgL / kmfxf]/

Joj:yfkgsf cj:yf /fd|f] /x]sf] 5 . s[lif, kz'kfng, Aofkf/ tyf j}b]lzs /f]huf/L o; If]qsf k|d'v k]zfx?

x'g\ .;u/dfyf hfg] k}bn dfu{ oxL af6 ePsfn] el/of agL k}bn ofqf uP/ k};f sdfpg] klg ub{5g\ .

:yfgLon] of] bf];|f] Joj;fosf] ?kdf lnPsf 5g\ .cfof]hgf If]qsf w]/} h;f] afl;Gbfx? lxGb' wd{ dfG5g\

eg] s]xLn] af}4 wd{ dfG5g\ . oxfF dgfO{g] k|d'vrf8kj{x?df bz}+, ltxf/, Nxf];f/, df3] ;+qmfGtL, kmfu' k'0fL{df,

a'4 hoGtL, hg}k"0fL{df, >L k~rdL / tLh cflb kb{5g\ .

hDdf !)^ 3/w'/L pQm cfof]hgfaf6 k|ToIf k|efljt x'g] 5g . hxfFsf] cf}ift 3/w'/L kl/jf/ ;+Vof $=() 5 .

!$ jif{ d'lgsf] hg;+Vof @#=@) Ü 5 eg] ^) jif{ dflysf] hg;+Vof !@=)# Ü 5 . !% jif{ b]lv %( jif{ ljrsf]

hg;+Vof ^$=&^ Ü /x]sf] 5 . k|efljt 3/w'/Ldf /fO{ hfltsf]-%!=%(Ü_ jfx'Notf /x]sf] 5 . cGo hfthfltx?df

If]qL -^=@(Ü_ / z]kf{ -!#=$*Ü_ /x]sf 5g\ . sl/a %)Ü 3/w'/L lxGb' /x]sf 5g eg] $^=^& Ü 3/w'/Ln] lxGb',

af}¢ b'j} wd{ dfGg] ub{5g\ . ^!=@@Ü hg;+Vof ;fIf/ /x]sf 5g . sl/a ^$=@( Ü k|efljt 3/sf dflg;x? s[lif

k]zf ub{5g eg] sl/a $=%% Ü ljb]lzPsf 5g . cGo dflg;x? Aokf/ #=( Ü tyf gf]s/L &=&(Ü k]zfdf cfj¢

/x]sf 5g\ .

sl/a $)Ü k|efljt 3/w'/LnfO{ jif{e/L cfˆgf] pTkfbgn] vfgf k'Ub5 eg] !!=^& Ü 3/w'/LnfO{ # dlxgf vfgf

k'Ub}g / #^=^& Ü 3/w'/LnfO{ ^ dlxgf ;Dd vfgf k'Ub}g . vfgf gk'Ug] sl/a ^$=&% Ü 3/w'/Ln] cGo sfdaf6

/sd h'6fpg] ub{5g\ . !(=^@ Ü 3/w'/Ln] Hofnfdhb'/L tyf afsL j}b]lzs /f]huf/, Aofkf/ tyf gf]s/Laf6

vfgfsf] aGbf]a:t ldnfpb5g\ .

k|efljt kl/jf/sf] aflif{s cfo g]=?= @!^(*#=)) /x]sf] 5 h;dWo] @!Ü s[lifaf6, !%=&^ Ü Aofkf/ tyf

gf]s/Laf6 / afFsL Hofnf dhb'/L, ljk|]if0faf6 cfp5 . sl/a $%%kl/jf/sf] afli{fs vr{ g]=?= @))))) b]lv

#))))) lar /x]sf] 5, eg] sl/a *Ü kl/jf/sf] afli{fs vr{ g]=?= @))))) eGbf sd /x]sf] 5 .

^ ljsNkx?sf] ljZn]if0f

ljgf cfof]hgf ljsNknfO{ c:jLsf/ ul/Psf] 5 . lsgsL o;n] gt b]zsf] jt{dfg phf{ ;Í6nfO{ j9f]Q/L ug{

dBt u5{ g cfof]hgf lgdf{0f If]qsf :yfgLo jfl;Gbfsf] ljsf; pT;'stf nfO{ d4t u5{ . ljB't zlQmsf] cGo

ljsNkx?nfO{ cl:jsf/ ul/Psf] 5 lsgsL hnljB't b]zdf k|r'/ dfqfdf /x]s]f gljs/0fLo phf{sf] >f]t xf] .

hjsL cGo ljsNkx?n] phf{ ljsf;sf] nflu ljeLGg k|fljlws / k"gef{jL ljlQo ef/sf] ;fdgf ug'{ kg]{ x'G5 .

cfof]hgf :ynsf] ljsNkx?nfO{ lbOPsf] ef}uf]lns ;d;+Vosx?;+u d'Nof+sg u/LPsf] lyof] . jftfj0fLo

tyf cly{s b[li6«sf]0fn] k|:tfljt :yn / l8hfOgsf] ljsNknfO{ pQd dflgPsf] 5 .


F| P a g e Department of Electricity Development

& k|d"v jftfj/0fLo k|efjx?

o; cfof]hgfn] lgdf{0fsf qmddf s/La ^))-*)) c:yfoL /f]huf/Lsf] cj;/ ;[hgf ug]{5 h;df :yfgLonfO{

k|fyldstf lbOg] 5 . o;sf cltl/Qm, sfdbf/sf] pkl:yltn] /f;g nufotsf] cfk'lt{ ;DaGwL cGo Jofkf/sf]

cj;/ k|bfg ug]{5 . o; cfof]hgfn] :yfgLo:t/df k'jf{wf/ tyf ;fdflhs ;]jfsf] ljsf;df d2t k'¥ofpg] 5

h;n] :yfgLosf] hLjg:t/df ;'wf/ Nofpg] 5 . ;+rfngsf qmddf :yflgo hgtfnfO{ :yfoL /f]huf/sf] cj;/

;[hgf ug]{5 . ;a} eGbf dxTjk"0f{, o;n] k|lt jif{ ^!*=*) luufjf6 3G6f ljh'nL pTkfbg u/L b]zdf /x]sf]

phf{ ;+s6 s]lx xb;Dd ;dfwfg ug{ d2t ug]{5 . ;/sf/n] /fhZj / /f]olN6sf] ?kdf cltl/Qm cfDbfgL ug]{5

h;sf] dxTjk"0f{ lx:;f k|efljt If]qsf] ljsf;df vr{ ug{ kfOg]5 . cfof]hgf k|efljt If]qdf ;~rfng ul/g]

;fIf/tf jf cf}krfl/s–cgf}krfl/s lzIff, ;Lk ljsf; / cfo–cfh{gsf tflndn] :yfgLo ;/f]sf/jfnfnfO{ yk

cj;/ l;h{gf x'g]5 .

cGo ljsf; cfof]hgfx? h:t} o; cfof]hgfn] klg ;sf/fTds / gsf/fTds b'j}vfn] c;/ kfg]{ 5 . cfof]hgfn]

;/sf/L / lghL u/]/ hDdf @%=*#$ x] hUuf :yfoL / c:yfoL ?kdf csf]{ e"–pkof]udf kl/0ft ug]{5 . lgdf{0f

;DalGw ultljlw h:t} pTvgg\, 9fn s6fg, ;Dofpg] cflbn] :yfgLo e'agf]6nfO{ kl/jt{g ug]{5, 9fnnfO{

sdhf]/ agfpg], e"Ifo a9fpg] / gbLsf] kfgLdf wldnf]kgf a9fpg]5 . lgdf{0f sfo{, lgdf{0f ;fdlu|sf] 9'jfgL,

pTvgg\, l8«lnª, Anfl:6ª, x]le OlSjkd]G6sf] ;+rfng, qmz/ ;~rfng cflb sfo{n] jftfj/0fdf w'Fjf, w'nf], Wjlg

cfbL pT;h{g u/L jftfj/0fnfO{ k|b'lift agfpg]5 . lgdf{0fhGo / SofDksf] 3/]n' kmf]x/d}nf / 9nsf] sf/0f hn

/ hldg k|b'if0f x'g] ;Defjgf /xG5 . ;+rfngsf qmddf jftfj/0fsf] ef}lts cjojdf kg]{ c;/ vf]nfsf] axfj,

kmf]x/d}nf / sd{rf/L cfjf;sf] 9n Joj:yfkg;Fu ;DalGwt 5g\ .

cfof]hgfn] jftfj/0fsf] h}ljs cjojdf kfg]{ k|efjsf] ;DaGwdf jg / jg:kltdf kg]{ k|efjnfO{ dxTjk'0f{ dfGg

;lsG5 . cfof]hgf / o;sf ;xfos ;+/rgfx?sf] lgdf{0fsf] nflu s'n !%=!)$ x]S6/ jgn] cf]u6]sf] hUuf

lng'kg]{ x'G5 . cfof]hgf lgdf{0f ubf{ jgaf6 s'n #%!$ j6f ?vx? sf6\g' kg]{ b]lvG5 . o;sf cltl/Qm

jghËnaf6 pknAw x'g] jg k}bfjf/ tyf ;]jfsf] klg Ifo x'G5 . To;}u/L cfof]hgffsf sfdbf/ / u}/sfdbf/n]

ug{ ;Sg] sf7bfp/fsf] k|of]u, u}/ sfi7 jg k}bfjf/sf] k|of]u, h+unL hLjhGt'sf] rf]/L–l;sf/Ln] jgnfO{ k|ToIf

k|efj kfg]{ ;Defjgf /xG5 . o;n] ubf{ :yfgLo h}ljs ljljwtf / ltgsf] jf;:yfgdf gsf/fTds k|efj kg{

;Sb5 .

cfof]hgf ;+rfng cjwLdf jfFwn] hnr/Lo lhjx?nfO{ k'/\ofpg] /f]sfj6nfO{ dxTjk"0f{ gsf/fTds k|efj

dflgPsf] 5 . To;}u/L vf]nfsf] kfgLnfO{ jfFw If]qjf6 df]8\g' klg hnr/Lo kof{j/0f ;d:of ;+u ;DjlGwt 5 .

lsgeg] o;n] b'wsf]zL gbLsf] jfFw If]q b]lv dfx'/L vf]nfsf] ;+ud :yn;Ddsf] kfgLsf] dfqfnfO{ sd ub{5 .

lgdf{0f ultljlwaf6 pTkGg x'g] WjgL / sDkgn] / rf]/L–l;sf/Ldf sfdbf/sf] ;+nUgtfsf sf/0f jGohGt'sf]

;+Vofdf gsf/fTds c;/ kfg]{5 . jgsf] Iflos/0f / cfof]hgfsf] ;+/rgfsf] pkl:yltsf sf/0f jGohGt'sf]

cfjfudgdf :yfoL ?kdf c;/ kg]{5 . lgdf{0f ultljlwn] ;[hgf ug]{ c;xh kl/l:yltsf sf/0f jGohGt'sf]

cfjfudg, r/g / cGo Jojxf/df c;/ ug]{5 . gbL k|b'if0f, wf/ tyf jxfj kl/jt{gsf sf/0f df5f nufot

hnLo kfl/l:yltsLo k|0ffnLdf gsf/fTds c;/ kg]{ b]lvG5 . cfof]hgfjf6 x'g] sl/a @$=#@ x]S6/ hldgsf]

:yfoL clwu|x0fn] !)^ 3/w'/Lx?nfO{ k|ToIf ?kdf k|efj kf5{ . hldgsf] :yfoL clwu|x0fn] s'g} klg 3/w'/Lx?

ef}lts / cfly{s ?kdf :yfgfGt/0f x'g' kg]{ eg] 5}g . s[lifof]Uo hldgdf ljsf;sf ;+/rgf agfpbf To;df x'g]

pTkfbg 36\g]5 . lgdf{0fdf sfd ug]{ sfdbf/ / cGo Jofj;flos cj;/sf] vf]lhdf cfpg] le8sf sf/0f :yfgLo

;]jf;'ljwf ;DaGwL ;+w;:yf h:t} ljBfno, :jf:Yo ;+:yf, vfg]kfgL ljt/0f k|0ffnL, k|zf;lgs ;]jf, sfg"gL

;]jf, :yfgLo ahf/df cltl/Qm bjfj kg'{sf ;fy} ;du| ;/;kmfO{df k|efj kg]{5 . :yfgLo / jfx\o sfdbf/sf

ljrdf åGb ;[hgf x'g ;Sb5 . sfdbf/x?sf] Joj;fl;s :Jff:Yo / ;'/Iff klg dxTjk"0f{ ljifo xf] . hf]lvdk"0f{

sfo{df gfjfnssf] k|of]u, n}+lus Pj+ hftLo lje]bsf] klg ;d:of x'g ;Sb5g\ . zf/Ll/s lgs6tfsf sf/0f


G| P a g e Department of Electricity Development

3fts of}g/f]ux? km}lng] ;Defjgf klg /xG5 . ;+rfnsf qmddf lgdf{0fhGo /f]huf/Lsf] / cj;/sf] cGTosf

sf/0f :yfgLo hgtfsf] cfly{s ultljlw k|efljt x'g] b]lvG5 .

* gsf/fTds k|efj Go"gLs/0f tyf ;sf/fTds k|efjsf] a9f]Q/L

*=! gsf/fTds k|efj Go"gLs/0f

jftfj/0fLo tyf ;fdflhs k|efj Go"gLs/0fsf] k|lqmof cjnDag ug]{ lhDd]jf/L k|d'v ?kdf k|jw{ssf] /xG5 .

jftfj/0fLo tyf ;fdflhs ;'wf/sf pkfo tyf lqmofsnfkx?sf] sfof{Gjogsf] nflu cfj:os jh]6 klg oxfF

5'6\ofOPsf] 5 . sa'lnotdf lnOPsf] hldg hUufwgLnfO{ k'j{jt l:yltdf kmsf{Og] 5 . s[lifof]Uo hUufsf] dlnnf]

df6f] Ifo x'g glbg To;nfO{ ;+sng u/]/ ;'/lIft :yfgdf e08f/0f ul/g]5 . le/sf] s6fO{ ubf{ To;n] yfDg

;Sg] u/L dfq ul/g]5 . 7f8f / t];f{ gfnfx?sf] lgdf{0f ul/ e"IfonfO{ sd ul/g]5 . tNnf] t6Lo If]qdf ;'/IffTds

kvf{n, tyf t6aGw lgdf{0f ul/ gbLsf] :j?knfO{ ;'/Iff k|bfg ul/g]5 . gbLhGo pkhsf] pTvgg\ tyf ;+sng

ubf{ gbLsf] :j?knfO{ xfgL gk'¥ofO{ ul/g]5 .

w'nf] p8\g glbg k|d'v ;8sdf / sfo{:yndf kfgL 5ls{g] Joj:yf ldnfOg]5 . ;jf/L;fwgsf] lgoldt r]s

hfFr u/L To;af6 x'g] k|b'if0fsf] ;DaGwdf cfjZos sbd rflng]5 . kmf]x/d}nfnfO{ To;sf] k|sf/ cg';f/

5'6\ofO{ Pj+ l/tn] Joj:yfkg ul/g]5 . sfdbf/sf] ;+Vofsf] cfWff/df rlk{ / kfgLsf] Joj:yf ldnfOg]5 . lgdf{0fsf

qmddf pTkfbg x'g] df6f]nfO{ vfN6fv'N6L k'g{sf] nflu k|of]u ul/g]5 / afFsL plrt 9Ën] Joj:yfkg ul/g]5 .

c:yfoL ;+/rfgfx? cfof]hgf ;DkGg ePkl5 x6fOg]5 .

;/sf/L jg If]q / Toxfaf6 sfl6g] ?vsf] IftLk"tL{ jg tyf e"–;+/If0f k|rlnt sfg"gn] tf]s] adf]lhd ul/g] 5

. cfof]hgfn] cf]u6]sf] jg If]q a/fa/sf] hUuf lsgL ;/sf/nfO{ :jfldTj x:tfGt/0f ul/g] 5 . sf6\g'kg]{

?vx?nfO{ cWofjlws u/L, lrGx nfufO{ cfjZos dfqfdf dfq sl6g]5 . ;/sf/L jgaf6 sfl6g] k|To]s ?vsf]

abnfdf @% jf6f :yfgLo k|hfltsf lj?jfsf] jgIf]qsf] Ifltk"lt{jfkt lbOPsf] jftf]lsPsf] :yfgdf j[Iff/f]k0f

ul/g] 5 . ksfpg] ttfpg] k|of]hgsf] nflu bfp/fsf] k|of]u sd ug{ sfdbf/sf nflu dl§t]n jf Uof;sf] Joj:yf

ldnfOg]5 . sfdbf/nfO{ rf]/Llzsf/L ug{ / jg k}bfjf/x?sf] ;+sng ug{ /f]s nfufOg] 5 / o;sf] Joj:yf

cfrf/ ;+lxtf dfkm{t ul/g]5 . afFwjf6 vf]nfdf dfl;s k|jfxsf] !) k|ltzt kfgL jftfj/0fLo k|jfxsf] nflu

5f]l8g]5 / jfFwjf6 tNnf] tl6o vf]nfdf jftfj/0fLo k|jfxsf] sfof{GjognfO{ pko"Q ?kdf ul/g] 5 . lgdf{0f

sfo{nfO{ lbgsf] ;dodf dfq l;ldt ul/g]5 . cgfjZos pHofnf] alQx? Afflng] 5}g . t]n / /;fogx? ;xL

tl/sfn] pkof]u ul/g]5 . kmf]x/d}nf Joj:yfkgsf] plrt k|jGw ldnfOg]5.

hUufwlg;Fusf] bf]xf]/f] ;dembf/L cg';f/ cfjZos hUuf k|flKtsf] s'/f] ldnfOg]5 . c:yfoL ;+/rgf h:t}

sfdbf/sf] c:yfoL cfjf;, e08f/0f:yn cfbL sa'lnot jf ef8fdf lnOg]5 . v]taf/Ldf ePsf] jfnL gfz x'g]

cj:yfdf To;sf] k|rlnt ahf/d'Nosf] cfwf/df plrt Ifltk'lt{ lbOg]5 . :yfgLo ;]jf ;'ljwfdf bjfj sd ug{

7]s]bf/n] b}lgs pkef]Uo cfjZostf h:t} vfg] kfgL, ;+rf/, ljh'nL tyf vfgf ksfpg] OGwg, cflbsf] Joj:yf

SofDkleq} ug]{ 5 . lgdf{0f ultljlwsf sf/0f s'g} ef}lts ;+/rgfdf Iflt x'g uPdf To;sf] k'glg{df{0f jf

k'g:yf{kgf ul/g] 5 . k|efljt If]qsf :jf:Yo tyf lzIf0f ;+:yfsf] ;'wf/sf] nflu cfjZos ;xof]u k|bfg ul/g]5

. vfg]kfgL tyf l;+rfO{sf ;DaGwdf pknAw ljsNkx?sf] klxrfg ug]{ / ljBdfg ;|f]tx?sf] ;+/If0f ug]{ sfo{sf]

nflu k|fljlws tyf cfly{s ;xof]u pknAw u/fOg]5 . sfdbf/nfO{ /S;L vfg] / h'jf v]Ng] h:tf s[ofsnfkdf

;+nUg g/xg k|]l/t ul/g]5 . :yfgLo AolQmnfO{ cfof]hgfsf] /f]huf/Ldf k|fyldstf lbOg] 5 . k]zfut :jf:Yo /

;'/Iffsf] ;/f]sf/sf nflu cfjZos tof/L ul/g] 5 . sfdbf/x?nfO{ x]Nd]6, kGhf, a'6, ;'/IffTds k]6L, r:df,

df:s cflb k|bfg ul/g] 5 . lgdf{0f / e08f/0f:yndf cgflws[t k|j]z / ultljlw /f]Sg vt/fsf ;+s]tx?,

5]saf/ Pj+ kfn]sf] Joj:yf ul/g] 5 . gfjfnsnfO{ sfdbf/sf] ?kdf k|of]u ul/g]5}g .


H| P a g e Department of Electricity Development

cfof]hgfn] ln+u / hftsf] cfwf/df lje]b ug]{5}g . dfgj cf];f/k;f/nfO{ glhs af6 lgu|fgL ug]{ Joj:yf

ldnfOg]5 . lgdf{0f kZrft klg cfly{s s[ofsnfkdf :yfgLonfO{ ;+nUg u/fpg a}slNks lhljsf]kfh{gsf

;DaGwdf ljleGg tflndx? lbOg]5 .

cfof]hgf k|efljt kl/jf/x?nfO{ cfof]hgfn] lng] pgLx?sf] hUuf tyf ;DklQsf] nflu ;d'lrt Ifltk'lt{ lbOg]5

. pgLx?nfO{ cfof]hgf ;DalGw /f]huf/Lsf cj;/x?df / cfof]hgfn] ;~rfng ug]{ ljleGg lsl;dsf

tflndx?df klxnf] k|fyldstf lbOg]5 .

*=@ ;sf/fTds k|efjsf] a9f]Q/L

cfof]hgfn] ;fd"bflos ;fxfotf sfo{s|d cGtu{t cfof]hgf nfutsf] )=%)Ü /sd 5'§ofPsf] 5 / ljleGg

ef}lts tyf ;]jf k|bfossf sfo{s|dx? tyf ljleGg tflndx?cfof]hgfn] k|bfg ug]{5 .

( Jftfj/0fLo Aoj:yfkg of]hgf

jftfj/0fLo Aoj:yfkg of]hgfn] cfof]hgfsf lqmofsnfkx?sf] nflu k"j{ lgdf{0fsfn, / ;+rfngsfndf ul/g]

jftfj/0fLo cg'udg cfwf/ /]lvo cg'df]bg / k|efj cg'udg nfO{ ;dfj]; ub{5 . cg'udg–cfwf//]lvo,

cg'df]bg / k|efj cg'udgnfO{ ;dfj]z ub{5 . cg'udgsf] nflu dfkg ug{ ;lsg] ;'rsx?sf] >]0fLsf] 5gf]6

ul/Psf]5 . / ;fy} cg'udg ug]{ t/Lsfx? cg'udgsf] jf/Dj/tf cg'udg ul/g] :yn / cg'udgs]f nfuL

lhDd]jf/ sfo{sf/LnfO{ ;dj]z u/LPsf] 5 / ;fy} cg'udgsf nfuL cfjZos kg]{ nfut klg lbOPsf] 5 .

cfof]hgf k|efljt If]qdf cfof]hgf lgdf{0f / ;+rfngsf jftfj/0fLo kIf nfO{ pko'Qm lx;fan] cffof]hgf hLjg

rqmdf ;'gLZrLt ug{ ;+v'Jff vf]nfhnljB't cfof]hgf Joj:yfkg, k|fylds hLDd]jf/ ;+:yf ePsf]n] o;

jftfj/0Lo Joj:yfkg of]hgfdf zt{sf;fy cl3 ;fl/Psf d'Vo tTjx?nfO{ sfof{Gjog ug]{5 . jftfj/0Lo

Joj:yfkg of]hgfsf b'O{ k'/sx? x'g]5g\– jftfj/0Lo Joj:yfkg ult / sfof{Gjog ug]{ cË .

cfof]hgf jftfj/0fLo Joj:yfkg lqmofsnfkx?nfO{ tnsf lzif{sx?df lj:tf/Lt ?kdf ;dfj]z u/LPsf] 5 –

cg'dtL / :jLs[t of]hgf jftfj/0fLo tfnLd of]hgf k'g/jf; / k'g:yfkgf of]hgf lgdf{0f lzlj/ / 6«flkms

Joj:yfkg o]fhgf, k|b'if0f Go"gLs/0f of]hgf, hldgL kof{j/0f Joj:yfkg of]hgf, hnr/Lo kof{j/0f Joj:yfkg

of]hgf, e"–Ifo Go"lgs/0f tyf ds ÷ :KjfOn Aoj:yfkg of]hgf, hg:jf:Yo tyf Joj;foLs ;'/Iff Joj:yfkg

of]hgf, cfsl:ds Joj:yfkg of]hgf / k'g:yf{kgf of]hgf . dflysf of]hgfdf pNn]lvt tTjx? ;t{sf ;fy

cfof]hgfsf] hLjgrqm ;+u;u} hfg]5g\ .

g]kfnL jftfj/0f ;+/If0f gLodfjnL adf]hLd cfof]hgfsf] jftfj/0Lo Joj:yfkgsf] bfloTj k|:tfjssf] x'G5 .

l8hfOg ul/Psf cg'udgsf of]hgfx? tyf jftfj/0Lo Joj:yfkg of]hgfnfO{, ;/f]sf/jfnfdf plrt l/tn]

;'lgl:rt sfof{Gjog, cg'udg, d"Nofsg, ;'–;'lrt u/L k|ltls|of lng / ;'wf/ ug{ b'wsf]lz % hn ljB't

cfof]hgftyf kL Pd cf] n] cnu jftfj/0f tyf ;d'bfo ljsfz PsfO sf] :yfkgf ug]{5 . k|:tfljt jftfj/0f

tyf ;d'bfo ljsfz O{sfO{sf] d'Vou/L rf/ j6f sfo{x? x'g]5 . klxn]f o;n] k|efljt kIfx?sf] hUuf tyf

;Dkltsf] clwu|x0f, k'g{Zjf; tyf k'g{:yfkgfsf] sfof{Gjog tyf sfo{ lgikfbg ug]{5 . bf];|f]df o;n]

j9f]Q/Lsfsfo{qmdx?sf] cfof]hgf k|efljt If]qx?df sfof{Gjog tyf sfo{ lgKkfbg ug]{5 . t];|f]df o;n]

cfof]hgfsf ;/f]sf/jfnfx?df ;"rgf k|rf/Lt ug'{sf] ;fy} ljleGg lgsfox?nfO{ ;+of]hLt ug]{5 . rf}yf]df o;n]

jftfj/0fLo tyf ;fdflhs pkfox? / logsf sfdsfhsf] cg'udg ug]{5 . h'g jftfj/0fLo Aoj:yfkg of]hgf

tyf jftfj/0fLo cg'udg of]hgf jdf]lhd x'g]5 .

cfof]hgfsf] jftfj/0f tyf ;d'bfo ljsfz O{sfO{sf] :yfkgf cfof]hgfsf] l;eLn lgdf{0f sfo{sf] lg0f{o ug'{ eGbf

5 dlxgf klxn] ul/g]5 . cfof]hgfdf ;+nUg ljleGg ;/f]sf/jfnfx?n] ljleGg ;+:yfx?sf] k|ltlglwTj u5{g\ .

To;}n] k/:kl/o lgsfo ;dGjosf] h?/t k5{ . b'wsf]lz % hnljB't cfof]hgf Joj:yfkg sfof{nosf] jftfj/0f


I| P a g e Department of Electricity Development

tyf ;d'bfo ljsfz O{sfO{ k/:kl/o lgsfo ;dGjo ug]{ d'Vo lgsfo x'g]5 . lsgls o;nfO{ cfof]hgf :yndf

;"rgf k|rf/Lt ug{ / cfof]hgfsf] ;"rgf s]Gb| ;+rfng ug]{ k|d'v sfo{sf] nfuL lgo'Qm u/LPsf] 5 . :yflgo

;/f]sf/jfnfx? ljz]if u/L cfof]hgf k|efljt If]qsf lhNnf, ufpFkflnsf/ jf8{ ;+jlGwt ;/f]sf/jfnfx?;+u

5nkmnnfO{ Joj:yf ug{ jftfj/0f tyf ;d'bfo ljsfz O{sfO{ k|d'v lhDd]jf/ x'g]5g\ . cfof]hgfsf ultljlwx?,

k|ultx? / kIfx?sf] d"Vo ;"rgf lbgsf nflu jftfj/0f tyf ;d'bfo ljsfz O{sfO{ k|d'vn] sDtLdf b'O{ dlxgfsf]

Ps k6s k/:k/Lo ;dGjo 5nkmn jf]nfpg] 5g\ h;n] ;xefuLo ljlw dfkm{t ljjfb cflbsf] ;dfwfg ug]{5.

;/f]sf/jfnfx?n] p7fPsf] rf;f]x?sf] sfo{ k|ult ;DjGwL ;'emfjx?nfO{ :yflgo ;/f]sf/jfnfx? ;+usf] 5nkmndf

afl8g]5g\ . b'wsf]lz % hnljB't cfof]hgfsf] jftfj/0fLo n]vf kl/If0f cfof]hgf ;dfkgsf] b'O{ jif{ kl5 z'?

ul/g]5 . b'wsf]lz % hnljB't cfof]hgfn] n]vf k/Lif0fsf] nfuL cfjZos k|jGw g]kfn ;/sf/ jf cGo dgf]gLt

n]vf k/LIfs dfkm{t ug]{5 .

!) jftfj/0fLo Go"gLs/0f, cg'udg, n]vf k/LIf0f tyf Joj:yfkg nfut

jftfj/0fLo cg'udgsf] nflu hDdf g]=? ((,^),)))÷– 5'§ofOPsf] 5 . o; kl/of]hgfsf] jftfj/0fLo

Aoj:yfkg, jftfj/0fLo clej[l4, ;fd'bflos ;xof]u sfo{qmd tyf jftfj/0fLo kl/If0f sfo{qmdsf] nflu hDdf

cg'dflgt g]= ? @&$,)$$,@()÷– 5'§ofOPsf] 5 .

!!= lg:sif{

of] cfof]hgfn] lghL ;DklQdf a9L k|efj kfg]{5 eg] ;fj{hlgs ;DklQdf Go"g vfnsf] k|efj kfg]{5 . cfof]hgfn]

clwu|x0f ug]{ hUuf, ;DklQ tyf vfBfGg jfnLsf] nflu gub /sd g} Ifltk"lt{ lbg k|:tfj u/]sf] 5 .

cfof]hgfsf] k|s[lt, :yfg, hgtfsf] cfof]hgf k|ltsf] ;sf/fTds ;f]r, d"Nofª\sg ul/Psf jftfj/0fLo

k|efjsf] k|s[lt Pj+ sfof{Gjog ug{ ;lsg] k|efj Go"gLs/0fsf pkfox?, hn;|f]tsf] pkof]u Pj+ jftfj/0f

;DaGwL ljBdfg gLlt tyf sfg'gnfO{ Wofgdf /fVbf of] cfof]hgf sfof{Gjog ug{ pko'Qm x'g] b]lvPsf]n]

sfof{Gjogsf] nfuL ;'emfj ul/Psf] 5 . cfof]hgfsf] :jLs[ltsf] nflu yk jftfj/0fLo cWoog cfjZos

b]lvb}+g . xfn klxrfg gePsf t/ lgdf{0fsf] cj:yfdf b]vfkg{ ;Sg] jftfj/0fLo k|efjx?nfO{ ;s];Dd

rfF8f] Go"gLs/0f ug'{kg]{ 5 .


J| P a g e Department of Electricity Development

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1. Background Dudhkoshi 5 Hydropower Project (DK5HPP) located in between the geographical coordinates,

latitudes 27°29’46” N to 27°33’30” N and longitudes 86°40’00” E to 86°43’37” E in Solukhumbu

district of Province Number 1 of Nepal. This project will utilize water resources of theDudhkoshi

River, a natural river originated from high Himalayas. Department of Electricity Development

(DoED) is the project proponent. The Environment Protection Rule Schedule II classifies

DK5HPP as an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) category project. This Environmental

Impact Assessment Report is prepared to meet the requirements of the Government of Nepal.

2. The Project The project is a run-of-river (R-o-R) type with a proposed installed capacity of 110 MW with a

design discharge 52.46 m3/s (40 percentile flow). The diversion weir of height 18.10 m will be

constructed about 45 m downstream from the confluence of Thane Khola and Dudhkoshi River

near Ranem in Ward no. 2 of Mapya Dudhkoshi Rural Municipality. The intake on the right bank

will feed the settling basin and is diverted to the underground Powerhouse located at the right

bank of the Dudhkoshi River nearLunam villfgxage in Ward no. 4 of Mapya Dudhkoshi Rural

Municipality through 6114.02 m long headrace tunnel and 332.4 m long vertical shaft/inclined

shaft/penstock. A 5.8 km long 132 kV single circuit transmission line from powerhouse to the

proposed substation of Dudhkoshi 4 hydropower project will be used for evacuation of energy

generated by the Project. The salient features of the project are presented in Table 1.

Table 1: Salient Features of the Project

GENERAL

Type of Project : Run-of-River

Name of River : Dudh Koshi

Nearest Town : Salleri

Rural Municipality : Mapya Dudhkoshi Rural Municipality (Previously Waku, Kaku, Basa

and Jubing VDCs)

District : Solukhumbu

Province No. : 1

GEOGRAPHICAL COORDINATES

Latitude : 27°29’46” N to 27°33’30”N

Longitude : 86°40’00” E to 86°43’37”E

HYDROLOGY

Catchment Area at Intake : 1590.93 km2

Catchment Area at

Powerhouse

: 1614.08 km2

Design Flow (Q40) : 52.46 m3/s


K| P a g e Department of Electricity Development

Normal Water Level

(NWL)

: 1251.25 masl

Maximum Water Level

(MWL)

: 1252.75 masl

DIVERSION WEIR

Type : Concrete Gravity ( 3 numbers of gate)

Crest Length : 44 m

Maximum Height : 18.1 m above bed level up to weir crest

Design Flood Discharge : 4353.08 m3/s

GRAVEL TRAP

Type : Integrated with Intake

Numbers : 2

Size (L x B x H) : 16 m x 9.5 m x 16 m

Bed Load Size to Trap : 5 mm

APPROACH TUNNEL

Type : Inverted D-shaped

Numbers : 2

Diameter of Tunnel : 4.4 m

Length

Approach Tunnel- 1 : 194.53 m

Approach Tunnel- 2 : 167.61 m

Bed Slope : 1:500

DESANDING BASIN

Type : Underground/Dufour

No. of Chambers : 2

Nominal Size of Trapped

Particle

: 0.2 mm

Trap Efficiency : 90%

Size (L x B x H) : 150 m x 15 m x 19.6 m

Normal Operating Level : 1250.715 masl

Maximum Water Level : 1252.215 masl

HEADRACE TUNNEL

Diameter : 5 m

Length : 6114.02 m


L| P a g e Department of Electricity Development

Finish Shape : Circular

SURGE TANK

Type : Restricted Orifice, RCC lined

Shaft Diameter : 16 m

Orifice Diameter : 2.2 m

Height : 62.1 m

Shape : Circular

PENSTOCK TUNNEL/SHAFT

Type : Circular, Steel Lined

Length : 324.44 m

Finish Internal Diameter : 3.5 m

POWERHOUSE

Type : Underground

Dimension (L x B x H) : 76.3 m x 15 m x 35.5 m

Turbine Axis Level : 985.0 masl

SWITCHYARD

Type : Underground

Dimension (L x B x H) : 80 m x 12.9 m x 16.1 m

TAILRACE

Type : Pressurized Tunnel

Diameter : 5 m

Length : 180.59 m

POWER FACILITIES

Installed Capacity : 110 MW

GENERATORS

POWER TRANSFORMERS

CONSTRUCTION

PERIOD

: 4 yrs.

FINANCIAL INDICATORS

Total Project Cost : 20.204 billion NRs.

Other project facility requirements are the camps for engineers, contractors, and labours;

quarry/burrow pits; construction powers, aggregate crushing, storage yards, Batching plants and

mechanical yards; spoil disposal sites etc. All of these facilities will be located close to the


M| P a g e Department of Electricity Development

headworks and powerhouse sites. A total of 25.834 ha of land will be required for the project. Of

the total, 24.324 ha is permanent land requirement while 1.51 ha is temporarily required.

A total of about 600-800 construction workforces is required on daily basis during construction

period. The project is planned for construction within a period of four years. The project will

affect either directly and/or indirectly all 7 wards of Mapya Dudhkoshi Rural Muncipality (dfKo

b'wsf]zL ufpFkflnsf) of Solukhumbu district.

3. Study Methodology The EIA process followed the Environment Protection Act, 1997 (EPA 2053), EPR, 1997 (2054)

and National EIA Guidelines, 1993. The EIA report was prepared as per the legal provisions of

the GoN and based on the approved Scoping and ToR. Field studies by the team of professionals,

interaction and consultation with the local people, stakeholders and the official of GoN line

agencies were conducted. Likewise, review of pertinent literatures, field survey, observation,

sampling, checklist and questionnaire administration, group meetings and impact assessment

matrix were the main methodologies applied for the Environmental Impact Assessment study of

the proposed project.

4. Legal aspects and Compliance requirements The prevailing plans, policies, acts, rules/regulations, guidelines, standards, conventions and

strategies related with development of the hydropower projects in Nepal were reviewed during

the preparation of EIA report.

According to Environment Protection Act (EPA), 1997 and Environment Protection Rule

(EPR),1997 this project has to conduct Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study and get

approval from the Ministry of Forests and Environment (MoFE). Apart from this, this EIA study

has followed Nepal Government different Policies, Guidelines, Acts, Rules and Regulations,

Standards, Manuals, Directives and International Conventions which includes Constitution of

Nepal, Hydropower Development Policy 2058 B.S., Forest policy 2071 B.S., National EIA

Guideline-2050, Water Resources Act and Regulations, Forest Act 2049 B.S., National Parks and

Wildlife Conservation Act 2029 B.S., Aquatic Animal Protection Act,/fli6«o k|fy{ldstf k|fKt

cfof]hgfsf nflu /fli6«o jg k|of]u ug{ lbg] ;DalGw sfo{ljlw @)&$, hUufsf] xbalGb 5'6 lbg] ;DalGw cfb]z

@)&$, ;+s6fkGg jGohGt' tyf jg:kltsf] cGt{/fli6«o Jokf/ lgoGq0f P]g, Convension on International

Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), 1993, Muluki Civil Act (Code),

2073, Convention on Biodiversity 1992,Convention (No.169), Concerning to Indigenus and

Tribal People Independent Countries 1991 etc.

5. Existing Environmental Condition The elevation varies from 980 m amsl at Powerhouse area to 1260 m amsl at the weir. The

catchment of DK5HPP at headworks is 1593.90 sq.km. The project area lies in the middle

mountain physiographic zone.

The project area has a rugged topography with steep hills and deep river valleys. The project area

experiences sub-tropical climate. According to the data recorded in the nearest meteorological

stations, mean annual rainfall in Dudhkoshi catchment is 2111 mm. Gneiss, phyllite and schist

are the main rock types in the project area. Minor activities of landslides were observed near to

the project construction sites. There is no risk of GLOF and its impact on the project structures.


N| P a g e Department of Electricity Development

Water from the Dudhkoshi River does not find any consumptive use like drinking water supply,

micro-hydro, water mills and irrigation purposes at the immediate upstream and throughout the

low flow zone of the project. The average monthly flow data reflects that the lowest flow of 14.82

m3/s during the month of March and highest flow recorded 259.11 m3/s in the month of August

at the proposed intake site of the project. Since the area is located in rural natural setting, the

ambient air quality, water quality and noise levels are not influenced by the industrial pollutions.

The project area is composed of mixed broadleaved forest. The overall project area is dominated

by Hill Sal and the other associated species include Chilaune, Siris, Uttis, Khirro, Gayo etc.

Plantation of Okhar was also observed in the private land in the project area. The project will

acquire 15.104 ha of forest. Altogether16 mammalian species, 58 species of birds and 16 species

ofHerpeto fauna have been reported in the project area. Similarly, 4 species of fish were reported

from th river stretch within the project area.

The total population of the affected area is 13,414 (6,529 male and 6,885 female) with average

household size of 4.78. The population of the area is dominated by Kulung Rai (51.59 %)

followed by the Tamang, Magar, Chhetri, Kami, and other groups.

Total of 106 households will be affected by the project having average household size of 4.90.

The Household survey shows that about 23.20 % of the populations are children. Likewise, 12.03

% of the population is above 60 years of age and 64.76 % of the population is between the age of

16 and 60 years. Rai (51.59%) is the dominant caste group among the affected households

followed by Chhetri (6.29%) and Sherpa (13.48%). Of the surveyed households, 50% follow

Hinduism and 46.67 % follow both hindu and budhist religion. Sparse population follow

Christianity as well. The literacy rate accounts about 61.22 %.

More than 64.29% of the households are involved in agriculture for their primary livelihood.

Besides agriculture, 4.55 % are in foreign employment, 3.90 % in business, 7.79% are engaged

in service, 5.06% are employed in trekking (potter), and 5.32 % in wage labor etc.

Only 40% households have food sufficiency for 12 months. Among the remaining households,

about 26.23% households have inadequate food for 3 months, 38.52% households have food

deficit for 6 months. Food deficient 64.75% households manage from other sources of income.

19.29% households manage from wage labour and remaining households manage from foreign

employment, business and services.

The average annual gross income of the surveyed HHs of the project area is estimated to be NRs.

2,16,983.00 per household which includes 21% from agriculture, 30.58% from business and

services and remaining from wage labour and remmitance.

Average annual gross expenditure per household of the sampled HHs shows that the majority of

the households (45.00%) expend 200,000 to 300, 000 per year range and about 8% of the

household expend less than NRs. 200,000 per year.

6. Alternative Analysis The no project alternative is rejected as it does not help relieve the current ongoing load shedding

inthe country, nor does it help development aspirations of the local area people of the

projectdevelopment site.


O| P a g e Department of Electricity Development

Other alternatives to electricity power were rejected, as hydropower is a renewable resource

abundant in the country while others require a number of technical and recurrent financial burdens

for the power development.

The project location alternatives within the given geographical coordinates were evaluated and

location and design alternative is considered the best from the environmental and economical

perspective.

7. Environmental Impacts During construction phase, the project will provide temporary employment opportunities to 600-

800 people and priority will be given to local people. Additionally, the presence of workforce will

provide subsidiary business opportunities related to provisioning and recreations to the local

people. The project will support development of local infrastructures and social services facilities

and their service delivery system in the project impacted area which will enhance the living

standard of the local people.

During operation and maintenance, it will provide permanent employment opportunities to local

people. Above all, it will generate 618.80 GWh energy annually and help to address the energy

crisis of the country to some extent. The government will get additional benefit from royalty and

revenue.

The GoN will benefit from additional income in terms of revenue and royalty which will be shared

for the development of affected area. Local people will get additional opportunities from the

formal and informal education, skill development and income-generating trainings to be

implemented in the project area.

Like any other development projects, this project is also likely to produce both beneficial and

adverse impacts on the existing natural settings and society. A total of 25.834 ha of land will be

acquired permanently and temporarily for the project and changed to another land use for project

implementation. The construction activities like excavation, slope cutting and grading will lead

to changes in local topography, disturb the fragile slopes and make soil loose eventually causing

erosion and siltation of the water body. The construction works, transportation and handling of

construction material, excavation, drilling, blasting use of heavy equipment, operation of crushing

and batching plant, etc., will emit significant amount of dust and emissions causing air pollution

during construction phase.

Solid and liquid waste generated from construction works and camping activities will degrade

water quality and pollute land. The impact on physical environment during operation phase is

related with the reduced flow of water, solid waste form residential camp and camp wastewater

management. Regarding the impact of project on biological domain of environment, major impact

is envisaged on forest, wildlife and aquatic life. Sitting of the project features and ancillary

facilities will acquire about 15.104 ha of forest area. Altogether, 3514 of trees different species

will be felled from the forest during project construction. This will also result loss of forest goods

and services. Similarly, during the construction period, worker and non-workers are likely to cut

down trees for firewood and timber to build residences, stalls and shades. They may also be


P| P a g e Department of Electricity Development

involved in illegal collection and selling of NTFPs. All this will have negative consequence on

local biodiversity and habitat.

The barrier created by the weir structure to the aquatic life is a significant adverse impact of the

project in the operation phase. Similarly, the diversion of water is the other issue of aquatic

ecology concern as it dewaters the stretch of the river downstream till the confluence with the

Mahuri River.

Noise and vibration produced by project activities and hunting/poaching by project labour force

may affect the population of wildlife in the area. The loss of forest due to placement of project

structures and facilities will produce long term localized impact on movement of the wildlife.

Construction disturbances resulting from drilling, vehicle movement and other related activities

would interrupt normal movement, feeding and other activities of animals. Water pollution,

reduction in current and discharge will have negative implication on fish and aquatic ecosystem.

The project affects 106 households directly by permanent land acquisition of about 4.133 ha. No

households will be physically and/or economically displaced by the project permanent land

acquisition.

Change in the cultivable land into development will reduce the agricultural production. Influx of

people in the form of workforce and subsidiary business opportunity seekers will put pressure on

the social service institutions particularly educational facilities, health services, water supply

systems, administrative services, law and order maintaining institutions, local markets and supply

institutions and above all the sanitation of the area. Conflict may arise between the local people

and outsider labours during the project construction. The construction workforces will be exposed

to a number of constructions related health risks and hazards. Child labour, gender and racial

discrimination may occur in project area. The cultural and traditional activities in the local area

will be influenced. Sexual intimacy between workers and local people may spread diseases like

HIV/AIDS and STDs. Due to the decline in construction related works, the economic activities

of local people will be influenced in operation phase.

8. Mitigation of Adverse Impacts and Enhancement of Beneficial Impacts

8.1 Mitigation of Adverse Impacts

Proponent will have the prime responsibility for implementation of mitigation and enhancement

method. Necessary budget has been allocated for the implementation of these measures. The

leased land will be returned to the owner after proper treatment/rehabilitation. To conserve top

soil, the top soil shall be collected and stored in a safe place protected from washout and fanning.

Slope of the cutting areas shall be maintained at less than the angle of repose to the extent possible.

Both vertical and horizontal drains will be provided to minimize the soil erosion problem.

Extraction of riverbed materials will be done without affecting the existing river morphology.

Water spraying will be carried out and vehicles will comply with the national emission standards

and regular (monthly) check-up for maintenance. Wastes will be separated, recycled, reused or

disposed as per its type. Camps will be provided with toilet and drinking water facility depending

on the number of workforces.


Q| P a g e Department of Electricity Development

Generated spoil will be used as back fill materials as far as possible and remaining spoil will be

managed properly. The temporary facilities will be dismantled after construction works are over.

The forest area and trees felled will be compensated as per the prevailing law. Land equaling the

area of forest to be acquired by the project will be bought and handed over to GoN. Trees that are

likely to be removed shall be counted, marked and harvested with the proper forest techniques.

The project will plant at least 25 saplings of locally suitable species for the loss of each tree at the

compensated land or site designated for plantation. Alternative fuels such as kerosene or LPG

will be introduced for cooking and heating purpose to reduce use of forest resources. In order to

avoid or minimize potential threat such as illegal cutting and collection of forest products, it is

recommended for best utilization of the forest products extracted as a part of site clearance. The

proponent will prohibit the project workers from game hunting and poaching and any kind of

illegal activities through code of conduct. A minimum of 10% of the monthly flow will be

released in the dewatered section and the releasing mechanism will be properly ensured.

Construction works shall be scheduled in daytime. The oil and lubricants will be handled properly

creating an impervious surface. Proper solid waste management plan will be implemented. All

the land to be acquired will be settled by bilateral negotiation with landowners. Area required for

the other project activities such as work camp, borrow areas, spoil disposal area, and stockpile

area for the construction materials, etc. will be taken on lease or rent. Standing crop will be

compensated as per the local market price. The contractor will manage utilities like, lighting and

cooking energy, drinking water supply, etc., within the camp so as to avoid the pressure on local

services. Infrastructural and educational support will be provided to the schools of the project area

on priority basis. Support will be provided to upgrade existing educational institutions and health

service facilities. Alternative source of drinking water will be identified and developed or existing

water resources and infrastructures will be improved. Workforce will be discouraged to involve

in activities like gambling and alcoholism. Local people will be given maximum priority in

employment. Safety equipment such as helmets, boots, gloves, safety glasses and masks will be

provided for workers those working in the construction sites. Guards, fences, barricades and

informative signposts will be installed at construction sites and storage yard to prevent

unauthorized entry. Child labour will be prohibited totally. Gender and racial discrimination will

not be entertained by the project. The prohibitory law against human trafficking and prostitution

will be strictly enforced and local security force as well as concern community will be informed

about the need of effective surveillance. Project will promote alternative livelihood activities by

training on improved agriculture and other off-farm activities.

The Project Affected Families will be provided respectable compensation for the land and

property they lose to the project. They will be given primary priority in project related

employment opportunities and all types of training opportunities.

8.1 Enhancement of Beneficial Impacts

Project has allocated 0.50% of total project cost as a Community Support Program and different

infrastructure and service supports and training programs will be provided by proponent.


R| P a g e Department of Electricity Development

9. Environmental Management Plan Environmental monitoring plans include the environmental monitoring during pre-construction,

construction and operation phases for baseline, compliance and impact monitoring of the project

activities. A set of measurable indicators have been selected for the monitoring and the plan

includes methods of monitoring, monitoring frequency, monitoring location, and personnel

responsible for monitoring along with the costs required for monitoring.

To ensure that the environmental issues of the project development and operation in the project

impact areas are properly addressed during the project life cycle, the DK5HPP project

management, as the primary responsible institution, will implement the key elements prescribed

in the environmental management plan. The environmental management plan has two

components: the environmental management activities and implementing organ.

The environmental management for the project is broadly included in the following headings:

permits and approval plan; environmental training plan, resettlement and rehabilitation plan;

construction camps and traffic management plan; pollution abatement plan; terrestrial ecology

management plan, erosion abatement and muck/spoil management plan, public health and

occupational safety management plan, emergency management plan, and rehabilitation plan. The

elements mentioned in the above plan go hand in hand throughout the project life cycle.

As per the Environment Protection Rules, environmental management of the project is the

responsibility of the proponent. To ensure that the designed monitoring plans and environmental

management plans are duly implemented, monitored, assessed, evaluated and disseminated to the

stakeholders for feedback and improvement, the DK5HPP, Project Management Office (PMO)

should establish a separate Environment Management Unit (DK5-EMU). The proposed DK5-

EMU has four major roles to play. First it will implement and administer land and property

acquisition, resettlement and rehabilitation of affected parties. Second it will implement and

administer the enhancement program in the project-affected areas. Third it will disseminate

information to the project's stakeholders and co-ordinate with the different line agencies. Fourth

it will monitor the environmental and social measures and its performance as per environmental

management plan and environmental monitoring plan.

The project DK5-EMU shall be established at least six months before the project's civil

construction award. The stakeholders involved in the project represent different institutions.

There is a need to have an interagency coordination. DK-EMU of the DK5HPP project

management office is the key agency which will be involved in the interagency coordination as it

has been assigned key role in the information dissemination and operation of the project

information center at the project site. The DK5-EMU Manager will be responsible for the

organization of meetings with the local stakeholders, particularly district, rural municipalities and

ward-based stakeholders of the project affected area.

Environmental audit of DK5HPP will begin after two years of the commencement of the project.

The project will make necessary arrangements for this audit through GoN or its nominated

auditor.


S| P a g e Department of Electricity Development

10. Environmental Mitigation, monitoring, auditing andManagement Costs For the environmental monitoring total NRs. 99,60,000/- have been allocated. An amount of NRs.

274,044,290.00/- has been allocated for mitigation measures, enhancement activities CSP and

auditing.

11. Conclusions The project will have significant impacts on the private property and insignificant impacts on

public property. Cash compensation for the acquisition of land and crops has been proposed.

Taking into consideration the nature of project, its location, people's positive response, evaluated

environmental impacts and practical mitigation measures, including existing policies and laws on

water resources utilization and the environment, this project is recommended for implementation.

However, unforeseen environmental impacts identified during the construction stage will have to

be mitigated in a timely manner.


1| P a g e Department of Electricity Development

1. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE INDIVIDUAL/INSTITUTION

PREPARING THE REPORT

1.1 The Proponent

Department of Electricity Development (DoED) is the proponent of the Dudh Koshi-5

Hydropower Project (DK5HPP). The detail of the proponent and contact address is given

below:


Sano Gaucharan, Kathmandu, Nepal

Phone: (977-1-) 5244326

Fax: (977-1-) 5244257

Email: [email protected]

1.2 Organization Responsible for Preparing the Report

This EIA report has been prepared by the JV of Silt Consultants (P.) Ltd., Insight Engineering

Consult (P.) Ltd. and Rajdevi Engineering Consultants (P.) Ltd on behalf of Department of

Electricity Development.

The detail address of the consultant is given below:

SILT Consultants (P.) Ltd.

Insight Engineering Consult (P.) Ltd.

Rajdevi Engineering Consultants (P.) Ltd.

Ratopul, Goushala, Kathmandu, Nepal

P.O. Box: 2724, Kathmandu

Tel: +977-1-4487598, 4475139; Fax: 00977-1-4473573

Email:[email protected], [email protected], Website:www.silt.com.np

1.3 Rationality of EIA Study

The policies of Nepal encourage the proponent to minimize adverse issues of the development

proposal on the environment and the legal regime on the environment obliges to prepare the

EIA Report before the project implementation. As per EPR, 2054 (1997) and its subsequent

amendment, pertaining to Schedule 2.E.2 and Schedule 2. A. 121, an EIA is mandatory for the

hydropower generation project of more than 50 MW capacity, projects requiring felling of

forests with an area of more than 5 ha. Since the proposed project has the installed capacity of

110 MW and requires felling of forest with an area of more than 5 ha falls in Schedule 2.pm.2

and Schedule 2.c=12 of EPR, 2054, it requires to conduct EIA study. The EPA, 2053 (1997)

and EPR, 2054 (1997) empowers the Ministry of Forests and Environment to approve the

Scoping document, Terms of References (ToR) and EIA report. This EIA document is prepared

to fulfill the provisions made in EPR, 2054.

1 EPR Schedule 2, Sector -Water Resource and Power Sector, Sub-rule 2 states EIA requirement for projects

above 50MW installed Capacity; EPR, Schedule 2, Sector Forest, Sub-rule 12 states EIA requirement for projects

needing more than 5 ha of forest area clear felling.

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.silt.com.np/



Until the Interim Report, the Installed Capacity of the project was adopted as 102 MW. Later,

as per the mandatory requirement of desander flushing channel to be above the 500 years flood

level, the level of desander had to be raised. Accordingly, the crest level of diversion weir also

increased. Consequently, the installed capacity also increased from 102 MW to 110 MW. The

comparative salient feature for both installed capacities has been shown under Table 2-2.

1.4 Objectives of EIA

The objective of the EIA study is to assess whether the proposed project is acceptable or not

from the environmental point of view and make the proposed project technically and

environmentally sustainable. The objectives of the EIA study are to:

• Collect baseline data and environmental conditions of the project area

• Carry out alternative analyses of the project features from the environmental point of

view

• Identify and predict environmental impacts of the selected alternative in terms of

magnitude, extent and duration potential to arise from the project implementation

• Identify the critical environmental problems that require further studies and/or

monitoring.

• Suggest mitigation measures for adverse impacts and enhancement measures for

beneficial impacts

• Develop an Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan and assess the

institutional arrangements and capacity for the implementation of the Environmental

Management and Monitoring Plan

• Develop information dissemination and consultation strategy for the implementation of

the project

• Consult and inform the project affected parties and other stakeholders, and ensure active

people's participation

• Advise decision makers regarding the environmental implementation of the project

1.5 Scope of EIA Study

The scope of work under this study is to conduct Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of

the project following the National EIA Guidelines and adhering to the approved ToR and the

requirements of EPA and EPR 1997 and subsequent amendments. This EIA study of DK5HPP

only includes hydropower generation components (headworks, powerhouse, surge shaft, adits,

penstock etc.) and project facilities like project component access road, permanent housing at

powerhouse and headworks, quarry sites, crusher plants, batching plants and muck disposal

area etc. of DK5HPP. However, the transmission line for the power evacuation is beyond the

scope of the study.



2. INTRODUCTION OF THE PROPOSAL

2.1 Background

Nepal is blessed with enormous water resources and if harnessed quickly and efficiently Nepal

can be one of the major exporters of electricity among the South-Asian countries. The perennial

nature of the rivers and the steep gradients of the country’s topography provide an ideal

condition for the development of hydroelectric projects. Despite serious efforts by concerned

agencies, development of such hydroelectric projects is slow primarily due to lack of funds and

basic infrastructure. As a result, Nepal is suffering from the shortage of electricity even after

importing about 250 MW (in an average) of power from India; elecricity imported from India

accounted for around 35% of the total energy consumed in the country in FY 2016/2017 (NEA,

2017). This bitter reality is adversely affecting in daily life of the people in general and

development activities of the country as a whole and consequently adversely affecting overall

economic development of the country. Therefore, considering the annual increase in electricity

demand by 8-9%, it has been now of utmost importance to develop hydropower projects at the

earliest possible time to be undertaken by the Government to meet the ever-increasing demand

for electricity.

The GoN in its most recent budget for FY 2018/19 has put emphasis to the development and

expansion of hydroelectricity and all types of renewable energy to provide clean energy to all

Nepali household within the coming three years and to avail electricity to all households as per

demand within the next five years (at the end of FY 2016/17, only 65% of the total household

in Nepal are connected to grid electricity) [NEA, 2017]. The Government has declared the

period of 2018-2028 year as Energy Decade. The Government’s vision also extends up to

reducing dependency over petroleum products through the necessary production and

distribution of electricity to meet the demand of the household, commercial and industrial

sector, replacing cooking gas and developing electrical transportation system. In this regard, to

commensurate with the GoN’s target to meet the increasing domestic power demand, the

Department of Electricity Development (DoED) under Ministry of Energy, Water Resources

and Irrigation (MoEWI) has made serious efforts in identification of possible hydropower

projects available throughout the country. The Dudh Koshi-5 Hydropower Project (Dudh

Koshi-5 HPP) is one among many such projects identified by the DoED.

In view of the project preparation for its implementation, Government of Nepal intends to carry

out Feasibility studies and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study of the proposed

Dudh Koshi-5 hydropower project under hydropower study program by utilizing Nepal

Government’s own resources through local consultants, in view of which, the Joint Venture of

Silt Consultants (P.) Ltd., Insight Engineering Consult (P.) Ltd. and Rajdevi Engineering

Consultants (P.) Ltd. was awarded the contract by the DoED to carry out feasibility study and

EIA study of the proposed Dudh Koshi-5 Hydropower Project, Solukhumbu, Nepal.

This EIA report is prepared for the proposed Dudh Koshi-5 HPP, Solukhumbu, Province #1,

Nepal in commensuration with the regulatory provisions of Environment Protection Act, 1997

and Environment Protection Rules, 1997. In commensuration with the EPR, 1997 (Rule 4 and

Rule 5), the proponent (the DoED) prepared Scoping document and Terms of Reference (ToR)



document for the EIA study which was approved by the Ministry of Forests and Environment

(the then Ministry of Population and Environment) on 20-07-2017 (Annex 1).

This EIA report is prepared in lieu with the approved ToR following necessary legal and

regulatory provisions of EPA, 1997 and EPR, 1997 and all other applicable statutory of GoN.

Scope of the present EIA study is limited to generation component of the proposed Dudh

Koshi-5 HPP.

2.2 Project objectives, Need and Relevancy

The purpose of the proposed DK5HPP is to harness the hydropower potential of the Dudh

Koshi River within the project coordinates by utilizing available flow of Dudh Koshi River

ensuring minimum possible adverse impacts on project area environment thereby contributing

to the local, regional and national economic development.

The main objective of the proposal is to develop 110 MW Hydropower project along the

Dudhkoshi River at Mapya Dudhkoshi Rural Municipality of Solukhumbu District. The project

lies within the coordinate of latitude 27029' 46" N to 27033' 30" N and longitude 86040' 00" E

to 86043' 37" E.

The other objectives of the proposal are to construct project facilities during construction phase

of Hydropower project. The proponent shall construct labor camps, construction yards,

stockpiling sites for store the construction materials, muck disposal sites, quarrying of

construction materials, stone crusher and batching plants.

2.3 Location and Accessibility

The whole Project area of the proposed DK5HPP lies in the Mapya Dudh Koshi Gaunpalika of

Solukhumbu district, Province #1 of Federal Republic of Nepal. Major project components

such as headworks (including intake, desanding basin, approach canal), water way alignment

(including headrace tunnel, surge shaft, penstock tunnel and tailrace tunnel) and powerhouse

facility as well as the switchyard station are proposed to be located on the right bank of Dudh

Koshi River, which is one of the major tributaries of the Sapta Koshi River in ward no. 1,2,3,4,

and 7 of Mapya Dudh Koshi Gaunpalika. Geographically, the proposed project lies between

86°40’00” E to 86°43’37” E longitude and 27°29’46” N to 27°33’30” N latitude. The elevation

within the project area varies between 1,102 masl to 3,079 masl. The catchment area of Dudh

Koshi River is bounded by Simhalila Dada in the East, Tuplung and Simramlase peaks in the

North, Dabala Dada and Iwa Nagi in the South and Deurali Dada in the West direction. The

geographical grid of the project does not fall inside the boundary of any National Park, Wildlife

Reserve, Hunting Reserve, Wildlife Sanctuary and conservation area.

The project area lies at an approximate road distance of 30 km north east from the district

headquarter Salleri. Salleri is located at around 266 km north east of Kathmandu. Also, Salleri

is connected to regular air flights from Kathmandu. From Salleri, four-wheel drives, goods

carrying Tractors and Jeeps only are available to reach Basa via seasonal earthen road from

Salleri. However, the intake site and powerhouse site are not connected by road yet.

The project site is accessible by earthen road from Phaplu airport of Solukhumbu to Basa and

accessible through a foot trail from Basa and alternative foot trails from Damku village. For



the construction of the project the project has to build the remaining project roads from Bodu

to Headworks and Bhumethan to Powehouse location. Alternatively, the project site can be

accessed by the roads constrcted by the Dudh Koshi-4 HPP.

Site access shall be provisioned by constructing internal access roads to reach to various project

component sites. The details of the access roads are provided in Table 2-1 below.

Table 2-1: Details of the access roads for the proposed DK5HPP

Code Description Length Road

Width Passage Bay

AR-1 Access Road from Damku towards Headworks

(From Damku towards headworks around 5.6 km

road has already been constructed) AR1

6.1 km 3.5 m at every 300 m

AR-2 Access Road from Damku towards Powerhouse

AR2 7.4 km 3.5 m at every 300 m

AR-3 Access Road towards Adit 2 (AR3) 1.1 km 3.5 m at every 300 m

AR-4 Access Road towards Surge Tank (AR4) 0.403 km 3.5 m Source: Feasibility Report, 2019

• Access Road to Headworks (AR-1):

The access road to headworks shall be provided through construction of a 6.1 Km long access

road from Damku on the right bank of Dudh Koshi River.

• Access Road to Powerhouse (AR-2):

The access road to headworks shall be provided through construction of a 7.4 Km long access

road from Damku on the right bank of Dudh Koshi River.

• Access Road to Adit-2 (AR-3):

A 1.1 Km long access road shall be constructed from nearest road head at AR-2 to reach to

Adit-2 portal location.

• Access Road to Surge Tank (AR-4):

A 403 m long access road shall be constructed from nearest road head at AR-2 to reach to surge

tank access portal or Adit-3.

2.4 Salient features of the Project

The project is RoR type with a proposed installed capacity of 110 MW with a design discharge

52.46m3/s in which river water will be diverted by constructing a 55 m wide and 18.1 m high

diversion weir to generate annual average energy of about 618.80 GWh. Entire project

components are sited on/along the right bank of Dudh Koshi River in ward no. 1,2,3,4 and 7 of

Mapya Dudh Koshi Gaunpalika (Basa). The salient features of the project are presented in

Table 2.2. The location map, district map and the project layout maps are presented below.



Figure 2-1: Project Location in Nepal map

ProjectLocation



Figure 2-2: Project location in District Map

Figure 2-3: Wards of Mapya Dudhkoshi Rural Municipality

dfKo b'wsf]zL ufpFkflnsf



Figure 2-4: Location Map of DK5HPP on Topographical map



Table 2-2: Comparative Salient Features of Dudh Koshi-5 HPP (as per ToR and revised)

GENERAL

Type of Project : Run-of-River

Name of River : Dudh Koshi

Nearest Town : Salleri

Rural Municipality : Mapya Dudhkoshi Rural Municipality (Previous Kaku, Waku, Basa

and Jubing VDCs)

District : Solukhumbu

Province No. : 1

GEOGRAPHICAL COORDINATES

Latitude : 27°29’46” N to 27°33’30” N

Longitude : 86°40’00” E to 86°43’37” E

HYDROLOGY for 110 MW for 102 MW

Catchment Area at Intake : 1590.93 km2 same

Catchment Area at Powerhouse : 1614.08 km2 same

Average Flow : 86.06 m3/s same

Design Flow (Q40) : 52.46 m3/s same

Afflux : 16.845m 13.845 m

Normal Water Level (NWL) : 1251.25 masl 1254.25 masl

Maximum Water Level (MWL) : 1252.75 masl 1255.75 masl

RIVER DIVERSION FACILITIES (Coffer Dam)

Design Diversion Discharge : 133.81 m3/s same

Height of Coffer Dam : 4.6 m above bed level same

Top Width : 3.5 m same

Side Slopes : 1:01 same

Length of 1st Stage Coffer Dam : 153 m same

Length of 2nd Stage Coffer Dam : 116.59 m same

DIVERSION WEIR

Type : Concrete Gravity ( 3 numbers of gate) same

Type of Gate : Radial Gate same

Crest Elevation : 1239.0 masl 1236 masl

Crest Length : 44 m same

Maximum Height : 18.1 m above bed level 15m above bed level

SPILLWAY

Type : Ogee Spillway same

No. of Bays : 3 same

Crest Elevation : 1239.0 masl same



for 110 MW for 102 MW

Maximum Flood Level (1000 yrs.

Return Period) :

1253.95 masl same

Width : 36 m same

Design Flood Discharge : 4353.08 m3/s same

UNDERSLUICE

Size (W x H) : 7 m x 5 m same

Number : 1 same

Invert Level : 1236.5 masl 1236 masl

Type of Gate : Radial Gate same

INTAKE

Number : 2 same

Type : Side Intake same

Invert Level : 1240.0 masl same

Size (W x H) : 9.5 m x 5 m same

GRAVEL TRAP

Type : Integrated same

Number : 2 same

Size (L x B x H) : 16 m x 9.5 same

Bed Load Size to Trap : 5 mm same

APPROACH TUNNEL

Type : Inverted D-shaped same

Numbers : 2 same

Diameter of Tunnel : 4.4 m same

Length .

Approach Tunnel- 1 : 194.53 m same

Approach Tunnel- 2 : 167.61 m same

Bed Slope : 1:500 same

DESANDING BASIN

Type : Underground/Dufour same

No. of Chambers : 2 same

Nominal Size of Trapped Particle : 0.2 mm same

Trap Efficiency : 0.9 same

Size (L x B x H) : 150 m x 15 m x 19.6 m same

Normal Operating Level : 1250.715 masl 1248 m amsl

Maximum Water Level : 1252.215 masl 1249.5 m amsl



HEADRACE TUNNEL


Type : Low pressure RCC lined tunnel same

Diameter : 5 m same

Length : 6114.02 m same

Hydraulic Slope : 1:200 same

Excavation Shape : Horse Shoe same

Finish Shape : Circular same

SURGE TANK

Type : Restricted Orifice, RCC lined same

Shaft Diameter : 16 m same

Orifice Diameter : 2.2 m same

Height : 62.1 m same

Shape : Circular same

Normal Water Level : 1247.529 masl 1237.58 masl

Maximum Upsurge Level : 1266.23 masl 1258.12 masl

Maximum Down Surge Level : 1217.296 masl 1210.82 masl

PENSTOCK TUNNEL/SHAFT

Type : Circular, Steel Lined same


Finish Internal Diameter : 3.5 m same

Manifolds (Nos., Length,

Diameter) : 3, 36.6 m, 1.8 m same

POWERHOUSE

Type : Underground same

Dimension (L x B x H) : 76.3 m x 15 m x 35.5 m same

Turbine Axis Level : 985.0 masl 982 masl

SWITCHYARD

Type : Underground same

Dimension (L x B x H) : 80 m x 12.9 m x 16.1 m same

TAILRACE

Type : Pressurized Tunnel same

Diameter : 5 m same


Excavation Shape : Horse Shoe same

Finish Shape : Circular same

Tail Water Level : 993.16 masl 993 masl



POWER FACILITIES


Gross Head : 258.09 m 255.25

Net Rated Head : 241.78 m 229.98

Installed Capacity : 110 MW 102MW

Average Annual Energy after

Outage : 618.80 GWh 588.07 Gwh

Dry Energy : 100.39 GWh 98.52 Gwh

Wet Energy : 518.41 GWh 486.23 Gwh

TURBINES

Type of Turbine : Vertical Shaft Francis same

No. of Units : 3 same

Unit Discharge : 17.49 m3/s same

Rated Speed : 500 rpm same

Rated Efficiency : 0.91 same

Number inlet valves : 3 same

Rated Output Capacity per unit : 39 MW 35 MW

GENERATORS

No. of Units : 3 same

Generator Type : 3 phase AC Synchronous same

Excitation : Brushless Excitation same

Rated Voltage : 11 kV same

Power Factor : 0.85 Lagging same

Layout : Vertical same


Rated Output : 43.5 MVA same

Rated Frequency : 50 Hz same

POWER TRANSFORMERS

Type : Step Up Power Transformer same


Rated Capacity : 14.5 MVA same

No of Units : 10 (1 Spare) same

Types of Connection : Star with Neutral Point Brought Out same

Type of cooling : ONAN same

Voltage ratio same

Primary (LV side) : 11 kV same

Secondary (HV side) : 132 kV same



TRANSMISSION FACILITIES


Length of Transmission Line : 5.8 km same

Connection Point : Dudh-Koshi -4 HPP Substation same

Type of Circuit : Single Circuit same

Conductor : BEAR ACSR same

Transmission Voltage : 132 kV same

CONSTRUCTION PERIOD : 4 yrs. same

FINANCIAL INDICATORS

Total Project Cost : NRs. 20.204 billion NRs. 18.437 billion

Cost per MW : NRs.183.676 million NRs. 180.75 million

Interest Rate of Loan : 0.11 same

IRR : 0.1893 0.1755

B/C Ratio : 1.55 1.44

NPV : NRs.11.141 billion NRs. 10.33 billion

Source: Feasibility Report, Dudhkoshi-5 Hydropower Project, 2019

2.5 Project Components

Figure 2-5 above presents the general layout of the project and the location of the key project

components. The section below briefly highlights the features of the different project

components. The major civil components of the project are:

2.5.1 Headworks

The headworks of the proposed Dudh Koshi-5 Hydropower Project comprise of a gated

diversion weir of concrete gravity type, a gated undersluice section and a side intake placed

adjacent to the undersluice. An ogee shaped free flow spillway is in-built at the downstream

face of the weir for the purpose of passing flood discharge to downstream. The following design

criteria are applied in the design of headworks structures:

• The headworks shall be capable of withdrawing the discharge of 62.95 m3/s (20% more

than design discharge of 52.46 m3/s) including discharge required for flushing. The

crest elevation of the gated spillway shall, therefore, be fixed based upon the invert

level of the intake and minimum operatinglevel of the plant.

• The diversion weir including the undersluice portion shall permit safe passage of design flood of 4353.08 m3/s, which is equivalent to 1 in 1000-year flood.



• Wing walls on either sides of the river and the deck level of the undersluice and intake

shallbe provided above the Maximum Flood Level (MFL) corresponding to the 1 in

1000 yearflood.

(i) Diversion Weir

The diversion weir is a concrete gravity type with provision of gates and an ogee shaped free

overflow spillway at downstream face, having length of 44 m. The shape of overflow crest and

the capacity of spillway are designed in accordance with the recommendations of United States

Bureau of Reclamation (USBR). The crest level of the spillway is fixed at 1239.0 masl to divert

the discharge of 62.95 m3/s (20% more than design discharge of 52.46 m3/s) including flushing

discharge and to provide sufficient head to flush the sediment from the gravel trap. The water

level on the weir is controlled through the provision of radial gates which are three in numbers.

The height of the weir is 18.1 m from river-bed. The head over the weir during 1000 years

flood, which is equivalent to 4353.08 m3/s, is calculated to be 14.345 m and accordingly the

top level of abutment on either side of the weir are fixed as 1256.0 masl, which is 2.65 m above

the 1000 years flood level.

The horizontal apron type stilling basin is designed just downstream of the sloping glacis of

the weir for the dissipation of energy. The length of the concrete apron is 62.28 m. A boulder

riprap of length 28 m is provided further downstream of the apron.

(ii) Undersluice

A gated undersluice is proposed on the right side of the diversion weir to prevent the entry of

bed load of the river to the intake and built-up of sediment deposition in front of the side intake.

The crest level of the undersluice is kept at 1236.5 masl. The undersluice section has a radial

gate and the opening is of height 5 m. Stop log guides are provided upstream of the breast wall

to allow maintenance of the undersluice gate and embedded parts. The section is capable of

passing 352.31 m3/s discharge, which is about 8.09% of the maximum discharge at 1 in 1000

years flood.

(iii) Side Intake

A RCC side intake is located immediately upstream and adjacent to the undersluice to withdraw

the discharge of 62.95 m3/s (20% more than design discharge of 52.46 m3/s) including the

discharge required for flushing at normal water level of 1251.25 masl. The invert level of the

intake is fixed at 1240.0 masl, which is 3.5 m above the crest level of undersluice to prevent

the intrusion of bed load into the intake chamber from the river. The intake will have two

openings, each of which is 9.5 m wide and 5.0 m high. The trash rack is kept at an inclination

of 75o with the horizontal direction. Stop logs are provided upstream of the intake trash racks

to permit maintenance works of trash racks. The deck level as well as side walls are fixed at

1256.0 masl, which is 2.65 m above the 1 in 1000 years flood level.

(iv) Gravel Trap

Two gravel traps are provided within the intake chamber to trap the gravels from the river. The

gravel traps lie immediately after the trash rack whose size is 16 m length, 9.5 m width and 16

m depth. The bed load size to be trapped by the basin is 5 mm.



2.5.2 Approach Tunnel

The water from intake is conveyed to the desanding basin through approach tunnel. The shape

of tunnel is inverted D-shaped with diameter of 4.4m. Two numbers of approach tunnel is

provided since there are two numbers of desanding basin. The lengths of approach tunnel are

194.53m and 167.61m. The tunnel is lined with RCC and shotcrete.

2.5.3 Desanding Basin

A desanding basin is required to trap the sediment particles before entering into the turbines.

The following design criteria are applied in the design of desanding basin:

• On the basis of general trend with recent studies carried out on hydroelectric projects

in Nepal, the desanding basin shall have at least 90 % trapping efficiency for the particle

size of 0.2 mm.

• The critical velocity for the design particle size of 0.2 mm is 0.2 m/s, whereas the

settling velocity is 0.02 m/s.

• The settled sediment particles shall be effectively flushed out to Dudhkoshi river.

Two numbers of underground desanding basins with two chambers each hopper type is

proposed on the right bank of the river. The design length, width and height for basin is 150 m,

15 m and 10.66 m respectively. Additional depth of 3.06 m is provided for the sediment storage.

Taking account of effective area of the basin, flow velocity in the basin will be 0.20 m/s and

the trapping efficiency of the basin will be more than 90 % for particle size greater than 0.2

mm. Transition length of 26 m is provided at upstream end of the basin to achieve the smooth

flow condition. The normal water level inside the basin will be maintained at 1250.715 m.

Vertical lift control gates and stop log grooves are provided just after the outlet to control the

flow inside the basin.

The proposed desanding basin is designed as an intermittent type, though there is provision of

continuous flushing during high flood period. The flushing duct is 1.0 m wide and 1.5 m high.

The bed slope of the flushing duct is 1 in 40. There is a vertical lift flushing gate at the end of

the basin to control the flushing discharge. The settled silt particles will be flushed back to

Dudhkoshi river through the flushing culvert followed by the boulder riprap.

2.5.4 Headrace Tunnel

The length of the low-pressure flow headrace tunnel from inlet portal up to surge tank is

6114.02 m. The excavation shape of the tunnel is horse-shoe while the finished internal shape

is circular. The finishing diameter of the tunnel is 5 m. The size of the tunnel is calculated for

the design discharge of 52.46 m3/s with the tunnel slope of 1:200 in concrete lined section.

2.5.5 Surge Tank

A surge tank acts as a cushion at the end of headrace tunnel. Surge tank is primarily necessary

to provide the cushion against the sudden load rejection at the power plant and to provide a

temporary storage of water to smoothen the flow in the headrace and pressure shaft preventing

intrusion of air inside the pressure shaft during sudden load acceptance. The size of the surge

tank should be sufficient to accommodate a potential upsurge due to sudden load rejection and

down surge due to load acceptance.



The type of surge tank provided here is restricted orifice surge tank. The surge tank is

cylindrical concrete structure having height of 62.1 m and 16.0 m shaft diameter. The diameter

of orifice is 2.2 m. The full supply level at tank is 1247.529 masl. The maximum upsurge that

can happen in surge tank is 1266.23 masl and maximum down surge is 1217.296 masl.

2.5.6 Valve Chamber

Excavation of the valve chamber was required to house the butterfly valve introduced in the

water conveying system for emergency closure of the power tunnel at the upstream end of the

steel lined pressure tunnel immediately downstream of the surge tank. The valve chamber is a

cavern having a length of 15 m, a width of 8 m and a height of 10.6 m.

2.5.7 Penstock Shaft

Penstock shaft is provided to connect tunnel-surge shaft junction and inlet of turbine. The total

length of the pressure flow conduit is 324.44 m. The circular shaped pressure shaft has the

finished internal diameter of 3.5 m and is steel lined inside. Three number of manifolds of

diameter 1.8 m and length 36.6 m are provided to distribute the water to the turbine units in the

powerhouse.

2.5.8 Powerhouse

Powerhouse is basically designed to in-house the turbine and generator and other necessary

electromechanical equipments. In addition, it must have an area for service and maintenance

and room for mounting control panel, transformer and high voltage panel in addition to an

office room. Generally, to lift the heavy installations in the powerhouse an overhead traveling

crane or a suitable mechanism having chain pulley is equipped. Generator floor of the

powerhouse is made safe from a possible flood of 1000 year return period that can happen in

the river basin.

Dudh Koshi-5 Hydropower consist of underground type powerhouse consisting of three units

of vertical axis Francis turbine. The size of the powerhouse is 76.3 m long, 15.0 m wide and

35.5 m high from its lowest level. Office area, control panel area, high voltage room,

transformer room etc. are suitably arranged inside the powerhouse. Erection bay of 10.2 m

width and 12.0 m long is provided at the main entrance of the powerhouse. Other

electromechanical accessories such as unit control panel and excitation panel are placed on the

side of the generator. For the hoisting of turbine and generator for the maintenance and other

purpose an overhead traveling gantry crane having 20 tons main hoist capacity will be installed

in the powerhouse.

2.5.9 Switchyardand Transformer Cavern

Underground switchyard and transformer cavern is provided adjacent to the powerhouse to

house the power transformers and other electrical equipments. The size of the cavern is 80 m

length, 12.9 m width and 16.1 m height. Access tunnel of diameter 5 m is provided to reach the

cavern.

2.5.10 Tunnel adits and portals

Eight number of tunnels adits are to be constructed for the facilitation of construction of

underground structures and for access to the structures, details of which are presented below in

Table 2-3.



Table 2-3: Details of Adit Tunnel for the construction of the proposed DK-5 HPP

Code Length Diameter Description Location

Adit-1 218.16 m 4.0 m i. Access tunnel to desander ii. Lap village, 265m

downstream of weir axis

Adit-2 454.58 m 4.5 m, 3.5 m

nd 2.5 m Desander flushing tunnel

Lap village, 450m

downstream of weir axis

Adit-2A 127.06 m 4.5 m iii. HRT construction adit iv. Lap village, branch of

Adit-2

Adit-3 404.2 m 4.5 m v. HRT construction adit vi. Khastap village, at

chainage 4.7km of HRT

Adit-4 43.22 m 4.5 m vii. Access tunnel to valve

chamber

viii. Bhumethan village

Adit-5 139.02 m 6.0 m ix. Access tunnel to

powerhouse

x. Bhumethan village, 950m

upstream of confluence of

Kaku and Dudhkoshi river

Adit-5A 89.88 m 5.0 m xi. Access tunnel to

switchyard

xii. Bhumethan village, branch

of Adit-5

Adit-5B 190.40 m 4.5 m xiii. Penstock shaft

construction adit

xiv. Bhumethan village, branch

of Adit-5

Source: Feasibility Report, 2019

2.5.11 Tailrace

Tailrace tunnel is designed to pass the discharge safely to the river downstream after it has been

utilized for power generation. Tailrace tunnel is circular in shape having diameter of 5.0 m and

laid at slope of 1:500. The length of tunnel is 180.59m. The flow inside tailrace tunnel is

pressurized. A weir is provided at outlet of tailrace to maintain the tail water level. A gate is

provided at the outlet to control the flood water from entering into the powerhouse. The normal

water level at tailrace outlet is maintained at 993.16 masl while the water level at 1000 years

flood is 997.96 masl.

2.5.12 Access/Project Roads

There is already the provision of access road which has been constructed as village road by the

local authorities in the project site. For the project road up to headworks, a total road length of

6.10 km is proposed from Bodu. Similarly, the project road up to powerhouse site is to be

constructed which covers a total length of 7.4 km from Damku upto the project powerhouse

site.

Additionally, there is a provision of project road which needs to be constructed for accessibility

to various adit tunnels apart from those constructed for accessibility up to powerhouse and

headworks. For construction adit, a total project road of 1.1 km is proposed and for access up

to the surge tank, the total project road of 403 m is to be constructed.

2.6 Transmission Line

The project will be connected to the switchyard of Dudhkoshi – 4 Hydropower Project via a

5.8 km approx. 132 kV single circuit overhead transmission line with BEAR ACSR conductor

suspended on self-supporting steel lattice towers.



2.7 Project Activities

The main project activities are given below;

Pre-Construction Work: This includes feasibility study, environmental study, approval

procedures, necessary agreements, land acquisition/procurement and other necessary

procurements, preparing land for camp facilities, etc.

Construction Work: The construction work consists of civil construction, hydro-mechanical

works, electromechanical works and electrical works.

Post Construction Work: The post construction work includes dismantling of temporary

facilities, rehabilitation of land covered by temporary facilities, termination of land lease

contract and handover of the land back as well as the operation of the project.

2.8 Construction Planning

2.8.1 Land Requirement

Major project components such as approach tunnel to settling basin, settling basin, headrace,

surge tank, penstock, powerhouse complex, switchyard and tailrace are sited underground.

Hence, for project execution land is required only for construction of diversion weir, intake,

gravel traps, spoil disposal sites, camps, workshops and stores, quarry and borrow sites and

project internal access roads. An estimated land area of about 25.834 ha is required for

construction of the project components and provisioning for project facilities of which 24.324

ha will be required permanently for project component construction and the remaining 1.51 ha

will be required temporarily (for quarry, borrow and spoil disposal sites). Out of the 24.324 ha

land to be permanently acquired, 4.033 ha is cultivated land and 13.747 ha is community forest

land. For temporarily leased land, 0.133 ha is cultivated, 1.357 ha is forest, and 0.01 ha is river

and flood plain.

Table 2-4: Acquisition of land for different project component

Project

component

Type of land (ha) River

flood

plain

Land

acquisition

type (ha) Total

(ha) Forest Cultivated Barren

Temp Perm

Govt. CF Govt. Pvt. Govt. Pvt.

Govt.

(Land

Reform)

Pvt.

Headworks 1.499 5.333 √ 6.832

Adit Portal

Area

0.392 √ 0.392

Surge Shaft

and

penstock

pipe Area

0.071 √ 0.071

Powerhouse 0.111 √ 0.111



and

Switchyard

Quarry

Area

1.109 0.02 √ 1.129

Disposal

Area

7.358 1.211 √ 8.569

Access road 4.316 3.993 √ 8.309

Camp Area

(Engineer’s)

0.04 √ 0.04

Camp Area

(Labor’s)

0.133 √ 0.133

Crusher and

batching

area

0.248 √ 0.248

Total (ha) 15.104 4.166 6.564 25.834

2.8.2 Human Resources

Following assumptions were made in the assumption of human resources requirement:

• Project construction period of about 4 years and

• Wok operation by 8 separate workforce team in different locations

A reasonable estimate based on the consultant’s experience in other similar hydroelectric

project for skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled human resources for a project of this size is about

600 to 800 during the peak construction period.

2.8.3 Construction Materials Requirement

Estimated volume of 180,900 m3 of concrete is required for the project construction. The main

construction materials and their estimated quantity are presented in Table 2-5.

Table 2-5: Estimate of construction materials required

Construction materials Estimated Quantity

Cement (bags) 2,043,205

Aggregate (m3) 153,500

Sand (m3) 76,750

Reinforcement Bars (ton) 5,384 ton


All local materials such as sand, gravel, stones etc. will be extracted from designated quarry

and borrow sites. Availing timber for construction from the project area forest shall be strictly

prohibited. The Contractor shall purchase other construction materials such as cement,

reinforcement bars, steel plates etc. from the factory and transported to the project site by

appropriate means of transportation.



2.8.4 Project Implementation Schedule

The project construction (implementation) schedule has been derived on the basis of calculated

quantities of works to be done and the time that is required to design, fabricate, supply and

install major project components. The total project construction period up to the commissioning

of the project is estimated to be 4 years. The time required for further investigations during

detailed design phase, preparation time for contract and tendering including negotiations and

contract awards has been considered appropriately while preparing the implementation

schedule. As can be seen from the implementation activities expect pre-construction works

such as access road construction, land acquisition, construction power establishment, contract

documents preparation etc. will be completed before. The Construction (Implementation)

Schedule is attached in Annex – 3.

2.8.5 Construction Power Requirement

At present, the project area is devoid of connection to National Grid (INPS). Therefore, unless

the project area is connected with INPS while the construction commences, two diesel

generator sets each with 1.5 MW capacities will be required at the headworks site and

powerhouse location, respectively to meet the electricity demand of the construction purpose

and for lighting of construction camps. In case, the project sites get connected with the INPS

while the project goes for construction, power from the nearest appropriate connecting point

will be derived for the purpose.

2.8.6 Employer’s Camp, Contractor’s Camp and Labor Camp

Two numbers of project camps (one each at headworks and powerhouse location) are proposed

to accommodate Contractor’s construction workforce as personnel of supervising Engineers

and the Employer’s staff. The camps are located on the right bank of the Dudhkoshi River.

2.8.7 Quarry Sites and Borrow Pits

Various probable quarry sites have been identified based on geological investigation which is

presented below in Table 2-6.

Table 2-6: Proposed Borrow and Quarry Sites

Naming Easting Northing Location Source of

Material

Quantity

(m3)

QS 1 470874.77 3048864.633 Left bank,

intake area

Hard and

strong gneiss

as bedrock

quarry

700

QS 2 470959.907 304898.424 Left bank,

adit-1 area

Terrace

deposit (silty

sand)

20,000

QS 3 470831.63 3048686.186 Right bank,

intake area

River bar

alluvium

deposit

2,000



Naming Easting Northing Location Source of

Material

Quantity

(m3)

QS 4 470756.305 3048698.801

Right bank,

uphill side of

desanding

basin at Lap

village

Colluvium

deposit and

scree deposit

20,000

QS 5 470796.207 3048464.724

Right bank,

uphill side of

adit-2 area at

Lap village.

Cohesive

material

deposit

150,000

Note: QS- Quarry Site, Source: Feasibility Report, 2019

2.8.8 Batching Plants and Aggregate Crushing Plants

The facilities for aggregate crushing and batching plants will be located at the headwork and

powerhouse sites close to the active construction sites. These facilities will be operated with

provisions of air pollution control, noise control/arresting facilities, and water and waste water

management facilities. These will be temporary facilities to be demolished at the end of the

construction period. The areas occupied by these facilities will be rehabilitated to original land

conditions and returned to the respective owners. The details of Batching Plant and Crushing

plants are shown in the table 2-7.

2.8.9 Material Storage and Mechanical Workshop

Material storage and mechanical workshops are located on the left bank of Dudhkoshi River

both at headworks and the powerhouse location. The details of Material Storage and

Mechanical Workshop are shown in the table 2-7.

Table 2-7: Co-ordinates of Material Storage and Mechanical Workshop

Naming Easting Northing Location

CR-1, MS-1 and MWS-1 470873.378 3048499.947 At adit-1 area, Lap village, right bank

of Dudhkoshi river

CR-2, MS-2 and MWS-2 469739.941 3042334.352 At tailrace outlet area, Bhumethan

village, right bank of Dudhkoshi river

Note: CR- Crusher, MS- Material Storage, MWS- Mechanical Workshop

2.8.10 Muck disposal

About 592,900 cubic meters of spoils has been estimated to be generated due to excavation for

project component construction. The excavated volume of spoil needs safe and environment

friendly disposal. Three numbers of spoil disposal sites are proposed for the purpose all of

which are on the right bank of DudhKoshi River. Selection of spoil disposal sites are based on

available area so as to accommodate generated muck volume, terrain condition (slope gradient



and stability), proximity to water sources, proximity to settlement and land use type (so as to

avoid prime agricultural and/or forest land).

Table 2-8: Proposed Spoil Disposal Sites

Naming Easting Northing Location

SD-1 471216.804 3048172.201 At headworks area around adit-2 location, Lap

village, right bank of Dudhkoshi river

SD-2 469912.985 3043313.682 At adit-3 area, Khastap village, right bank of

Dudhkoshi river

SD-3 469801.978 3042732.085 At adit-5 area, Bhumethan village, right bank of

Dudhkoshi river

Note: SD- Spoil Deposit , Source: Field Investigation Report, 2016

2.9 River Diversion during Construction

Temporary diversion of Dudhkoshi River is required to facilitate the construction of the

headworks structures of the project. As the headworks structures are planned to be constructed

in dry season of the year, the river diversion scheme during construction is designed for a return

period of 1 in 20 years dry season flood of 133.81 m3/s. The diversion of the river at the

proposed headworks site will be carried out in two stages covering two seasons. In the first

stage, during the dry season of the first year of the construction, the river flow will be diverted

to the left part of the river by construction of a coffer dam along and across the undersluice

portion. During this period, the undersluice, divide wall and intake will be constructed. In the

second stage, during the dry season of the second year of the construction, the river flow will

be diverted to the right part of the river through the undersluice by construction of cofferdams

across the river at upstream and downstream of the weir and stilling basin structures. The

diversion weir, stilling basin and wing walls will be constructed during this period. After

construction of all structures, coffer dams will be demolished and leveled up to the designed

shape and size. The cofferdams are gravity type with impervious core inside and excavated

shell materials outside with boulder aprons in upstream and downstream faces.

2.10 Project Cost

The total project cost of Dudh Koshi-5 Hydropower Project with transmission line is estimated

as NRs. 20.204 billion. (Feasibility Report, 2019).



3. STUDY METHODOLOGY

This EIA for Dudhkoshi-5 Hydropower Project has been conducted in accordance with the

methodology described in the Terms of Reference approved by MoPE (now MoFE) on

2074/4/5. The following methodologies have been applied to the collect baseline information

and impact prediction:

3.1 Literature Review and Consultation with the Stakeholders

The literature review process started at the very beginning of the EIA study and intermittently

carried out during the whole study till the final stage of draft EIA report preparation. At the

very beginning, the approved Scoping Document and TOR document for EIA of Dudhkoshi-5

Hydropower Project is thoroughly studied and reviewed. The Field report and preliminary

Feasibility Report, 2017 prepared by the design consultant is reviewed and consulted for

technical information related to project. Available published literature, documents and maps

(GON's topographic map, 2786 06 and 2786 10 with scales 1: 50,000, land use maps, aerial

photographs, cadastral survey maps, Google maps etc.) related to the project area were

reviewed. Previously studied environmental assessment reports of hydropower projects and

other related projects (EIA of Kabeli A HEP, ESIA of Tamakoshi III HEP etc.) were looked

through. Solukhumbu District Profile, 2074, Strategic Road Network Report of Department of

Roads (2007), reports published by Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) etc. were used for

collecting existing rural municipality and district level information on physical, biological and

socio-economic environment. Climate related data were sourced from Department of

Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM).

Relevant laws, acts, rules & regulation, policies, guidelines, strategies were reviewed in order

to avoid any form of non-compliance. The published literatures on the biomass, flora and fauna,

rare/endangered /protected species in and around the project area were reviewed.

To justify to the local concerns and local information available in the secondary literatures,

officials of the local and district level, particularly Rural Municipality, District Coordination

Committee, District Forest Office, Community Forest User Groups, District Soil Conservation

Offices and District Land Revenue Office were also consulted to seek site-specific information

of the project area. Furthermore, the local and national institutions working in the project area

were consulted to verify the project specific information related to environmental and social

aspects.

3.2 Impact Area Delineation

For the EIA study purpose, the project affected areas are classified as Direct Impact Area and

Indirect Impact Area based on the proximity to the project sites and the intensity of the impacts

resulting from project implementation, the description and the categorization of the project

impact area are presented below in Table 3-1.

Table 3-1: Description and categorization of the project impact area

Categories Description Specification



Direct Impact Area

High impact area includes those areas

where different types of project activities

takes place such as construction of

different project components including

headworks structures, water conveyance

arrangements, power generation facilities

and switchyard, access road and internal

project road, project offices and camps,

operation of borrow and quarry sites,

spoil disposal sites etc. which directly

affects the physical, biological and socio-

economic environment and resources

Immediate project activity area

in Ward no. 1, 2, 3, 4 6 and 7 of

Mapya Dudh Koshi Rural

Municipality

Indirect Impact Area

Low impact area is further away from

project activity area. Physical and

biological environment of this area may

experience minimal impact, but socio-

economic impact can be of importance

because these areas may supply labor and

agricultural goods to the project area.

Wards 5 and 7 and Remaining

areas of aforementioned wards

of Mapya Dudh Koshi Rural

Municipality

3.3 Field Study

The field investigation was carried out by a multidisciplinary team, which comprised of a

wildlife expert, physical environment expert, environmental engineer, hydropower engineer,

biologist and fishery experts. The design and hydropower engineers of the proponent also

assisted the team member during the field survey. Field visit was conducted in wards 3 and 4

(settlements: Khuskum, Basa, Dirlung, Majhagau, Lapa, Patame, Palamdu, Boldu) of the

Mapya Dudhkoshi Rural Municipality over a period of October 21-29, 2017 to collect the

baseline information. The study team carried out field visit in project affected wards of

Dudhkoshi Rural Municipality of Solukhumbu district. The required baseline information on

physical and biological environment of direct and indirect impact areas of the project were

collected during the field visit. The information on different environmental components was

collected by using the following tools.

3.3.1 Physical Environment

In order to collect baseline information on the physical environment, an intensive field

investigation along the proposed project area was carried out. Land use patterns, topography

and soil erosion were carried out through direct observation and field mapping.

Four water samples were taken from Dudhkoshi River at proposed intake site, powerhouse site

and one water samples were taken from a private tap at the proposed camp site. The samples

were taken on 4/2/2074.

The methods employed for the data collection were indirect assessment of air quality; water

sample collection at four locations (headworks and dewater zone) of Dudhkoshi River and

laboratory analysis on different parameters like BOD, DO, TSS, TDS, etc. for water quality;

and direct observation & measurements of sound pressure level at two locations (headworks

and powerhouse) for noise quality.

Collected water samples were analyzed in Water Engineering and Training Center P. Ltd.,

Dillibazar Kathmandu. Six physical parameters (Turbidity, electrical conductivity, total



dissolved solid & total suspended solid), 9 chemical parameters (Total alkalinity, BOD, COD,

DO, Iron and Sulfate) and 2 microbial parameters (Total coliform and Faecal coliform) were

tested for the collected samples. Temperature, pH and electrical conductivity were measured

both in the field and in the laboratory using a pH meter. All other parameters were tested in

laboratory. The test methods and test units are provided in Annex 5.

The slope stability and landslides, fan deposits and rock fall within the project area were studied

thorough site observation and on-site delineation in maps. Apart from the above information,

discussions were carried out with local communities to fill the information gaps such as

flooding events, GLOF events, seismic history, landslide events and locations and land

degradation process etc.

3.3.2 Biological Environment

For biological parameters, both primary and secondary sources of information were used.

Primary sources were basically used floral and faunal diversity. Information on fauna and flora,

protected, rare and endangered species and sensitive habitats in the project areas were collected

through site visit and transect walk survey. Existing situation and possible impacts on wild

fauna were studied in relation to risk of project implementation. Forest inventory was done

through purposive sampling with nested quadrate methods within the project area to estimate

number of tree and volume of timber to be cleared. Local people of the project impact area

were consulted on use and management of forest resources in including availability and use of

NTFPs as well as MAPs, ethno-botanical importance of the plant species, problems

encountered in use and management of forest resources and the possible impacts of the project

on the local flora. Agro-biodiversity of the project area is recorded in a data sheet (Annex 5)

through consultations with local informants. Information on availability of fauna was also

collected in consultation with local informants, members of forest user groups and other

knowledgeable locals. Interaction with local people and photography consultation with local

communities were done for wildlife diversity. The loss of protected, rare and endangered

species based on the CITES Appendix, IUCN Red Data and Government of Nepal protected

lists were enumerated in the field throughout the project area.

Forest and Vegetation

Forest inventory was done with purposive sampling in the areas where project structures and

facilities will be made. Broadly the samplings were done in 6 sites— i) intake and headwork

site, ii) surge tank, iii) power house portal and tailrace area, iv) spoil disposal sites, v)

construction adit portals and vi) construction material sites.

Plot Design:

Nested quadrate was prepared in each sampling point. Initially 20x20 m2 square shaped tree

plot was prepared for tree. Then 5x5 m2 square plots for shrubs and 1x1m2 square plots for

herbs were laid down at the centre of 20x20 m2 of tree plots (Figure 4.1). Thus 3 plots were

laid down in each sampling points. Altogether 27 sampling points were laid down. Thus, a total

area of 10,800 m2 for tree, 675 m2 for shrub and 27 m2 for herb were surveyed. All tree species

having DBH greater than 10 cm were considered within 20x20 m2 pot. DBH and height of all

trees were measured with the help of DBH tape and clinometer respectively. Crown cover

percentage of trees within the sampling plots was estimated occularly for the determination of



stocking of forest. Number of all shrub species having height greater than 10 cm, and tree

species with less than 10 cm DBH and greater than 10 cm height were studied within nested

quadrate of 5x5 m2. Similarly, the number of all herb species and seedlings of shrub and tree

with height less than 10 cm were counted in 1x1 m2 nested plot.

Stand Size:

The stand size classification is presented in Table 4.1. The classification has been modified

based on Forest Inventory Division (FSRC, 1995).

Table 3-2: Stand size classifications

Symbol Stand Size DBH (cm)

1 Poles 10 - 25

2 Small saw timber >25 - 50

3 Large saw timber > 50

Figure 3-1 Plot Design (Nested quadrate plot)

Tree Volume:

Basal area and height were measured for calculation of standing trees trunk volume. This was

estimated as

𝑇𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 =BA× H

2…………….. (i)

Where, BA was basal area at 1.3-meter height, which is πr2, where r is radius (in meter) at 1.3

m height of the tree and H = height (in meter) of the tree (DoF 2061).

Timber and Fuelwood Volume:

Timber volume is calculated as follows (DoF 2061):

𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 = 𝑇𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 × 𝑄𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑇𝑟𝑒𝑒…………….. (ii)

Where, tree volume is from eq. (i) and quality of tree is based on DoF 2061. If the tree is of 1st

class, tree volume is multiplied by 2/3, while 1/2 for 2nd class tree and 0 for 3rd class tree.

Fuelwood volume is calculated as follows (DoF 2061):

𝐹𝑢𝑒𝑙𝑤𝑜𝑜𝑑𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 = 𝑇𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 × 𝑄𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑇𝑟𝑒𝑒 + 𝐵𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑐ℎ 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒……… (iii)



Where, tree volume is from eq. (i) and quality of tree is based on DoF 2061. If the tree is of 1st

class, tree volume is multiplied by1/3, while 1/2 for 2nd class tree and 1 for 3rd class tree.

Tree Biomass:

Tree standing volume was multiplied with its dry wood density to get stem biomass of tree.

Using stem biomass, branch biomass and foliage biomass were calculated using ratio of branch

to stem biomass and foliage to stem biomass for various species (HMGN, 1988).

𝑆𝑡𝑒𝑚 𝐵𝑖𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 = 𝑇𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑋 𝑇𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝑊𝑜𝑜𝑑 𝐷𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦…………….. (iv)

Where, tree volume is from eq. (i), and tree wood density was obtained from various sources

such as DoF (2010), Sharma E.R. and Pukkala T. (1990) and Master plan for forestry Sector

(1988).

𝑇𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝐵𝑖𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 = 𝑆𝑡𝑒𝑚 𝐵𝑖𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 + 𝐵𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑐ℎ 𝐵𝑖𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 + 𝐿𝑒𝑎𝑓 𝐵𝑖𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠…………….. (v)

Importance Value Index

The dominancy of any species in an area is estimated with respect to its importance value which

is the combined effect of relative density, relative frequency and relative basal area. The basal

area is replaced by coverage in case of shrubs and herbs.

𝐼𝑉𝐼 = RD + RF + RBA or RC … … … … ..…….. (vi)

Where,

RD = Relative Density

RF= Relative Frequency

RBA = Relative Basal Area (for tree)

RC= Relative Coverage (for shrubs and herbs)

Density:

Shrub/Herb density is calculated as follows;

𝐷𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 (𝑁𝑜./ℎ𝑎) =I

AXNx 100…………………. (vii)

Where,

I = Total number of individuals

A = Area of each sampling plot

N = Total number of plots

𝑅𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝐷𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 (%) =D

TDx100……………... (viii)

Where, D = Density of an individual species; TD = Total density of all species

Frequency:



𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 (%) =E

Nx100 ……………………. (ix)

Where,

E = Encounter (Total Number of plots in which an individual species occurred)

N = Total number of plots

𝑅𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 (%) =F

TFX100…………. (x)

Where, F = Frequency of an individual species; TF = Total frequency of all species

Coverage:

𝐶𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 (%) = CI ………………………….. (xi)

Where,

CI = Coverage of an individual species in a sampling plot

𝑅𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝐶𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 (%) =TCI

TCX100………… (xii)

Where, TCI = Total coverage an individual species; TC = Total coverage of all species

Basal Area:

𝐵𝑎𝑠𝑎𝑙 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 (𝑚2) =d2

4… … … … … … … … … … (xiii)

Where,

d (m) = diameter at breast height of an individual tree

𝑅𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝐵𝑎𝑠𝑎𝑙 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 (%) =TIBA

TBAX100…….. (xiii)

Where, TIBA = Total basal area of an individual tree; TBA = Total basal area of all trees

Wildlife and Avian Fauna

Information on wildlife (including mammalian and herpetofauna as well as amphibians and

avian fauna) of the project area was gathered using both direct and indirect methods.

Direct method involved transect walk which was proposed on observing status of wildlife in

forest and immediate surroundings within project’s impact area. Animals, reptiles and birds

spotted along the route and information on the habitat where such observations were made

were recorded. Moreover, identification of pug marks/footprints, droppings/pellets, ground

digging and uprooting, tree scratching and marking, animal remains such as skin, fur, feathers,

and carcasses, dwellings such as nests, holes and burrows etc. were used in order to document

presence of particular wild animals, herpetofauna and birds. Calls and singings of birds were

recorded as far as identified. The collection of the wildlife specimens was carried out whenever

possible and photographs were taken of uncollected items for the purpose of identification of

specimens. Such information was also validated by means of consultation with local

informants. Special faunal record data sheets were prepared and used to record faunal presence,



their abundance and other associated features in the project area (Annex I). Additional

information on animal presence, movements issues and conflicts were obtained by using

indirect methods i.e. discussions with a range of stakeholders that included local people, forest-

goers or cattle grazers, CFUGs and Ilaka range post staff, etc.

Fish

Fish samples were collected at three different stations (weir Site, downstream of weir site-at

middle of dewatered zone and tailrace area; of the Dudh Koshi River with the help of cast nets

and by mobilizing the local fishermen. The number of efforts employed by the fishermen was

recorded to determine catch per unit effort (CPUE). The collected fish were identified at site.

Measurements of total length, weight and other morphological characteristics were recorded.

A detailed study of local fishes was carried out for determining the dominant species, species

diversity, taxonomic and endemic characteristics for local and global listing.

The important secondary sources of information which were reviewed include district profile,

village profile, energy and environment plan, district management plan and so on. Others

included many reports and researches related to EIA, Forest maps, statistical reports, and

websites of MoFE, DoF and DNPWC including other available useful information.

3.3.3 Socio-economic and Cultural Environment

Data on socio-economic status and cultural aspects were collected from direct and indirect

impact areas. The methods utilized for collection of socio-economic data from the primary

sources include followings:

Household survey: Household (HH) survey of direct and indirect impact areas was conducted

by using structured questionnaires to obtain baseline information on demographic and

educational status, ownership patterns and farm practices, economic status, energy sources,

basic health conditions, common diseases, etc. Furthermore, project related issues such as

compensation and expectation from the project were also addressed by questionnaire interview.

The household level questionnaire used for the survey is given in Annex 8.

At the first stage of field investigation a total of 48 households were surveyed in the project

affected wards 3 and 4 (settlements: Khuskum, Basa, Dirlung, Majhagau, Lapa, Patame,

Palamdu, Balku) of the Dudh Koshi Rural Municipality over a period of October 21-29, 2017.

For such surveys two enumerators were employed who were trained for enumeration prior

mobilizing them to the field. A field supervisor was also appointed to supervise the works of

the enumerators at field.

Regular informal public consultation was a part of the EIA study. Local people were consulted

in a number of occasions and forums during the EA process. A total of 7 FGDs with the local

people have been conducted in different location of the project are as to identify the various

issues related to the project development and its socioeconomic consequences and

corresponding mitigation measures. FGDs were conducted with following specific objectives;

i. To provide factual information on the project location, particularly the main project

structures such as weir, tunnel, adit portals, powerhouse, surge tank, tailrace and the

project access roads besides tentative locations of the quarry sites, construction camps

and operation camps of the project.

ii. To clarify the objective of the Project SA and its procedures.



iii. To provide potential impacts of the project from technical considerations during

project construction and operation in the project area's physical, biological, social,

socio-economic and cultural domain.

iv. To collect information on the project areas physical, biological and socio-economic and

cultural environments from the local peoples’ perspective

v. To collect opinion of the people on the project areas

vi. To get feedback on the potential impacts of the project in the eyes of the local people

particularly on the local infrastructure, social norms and culture and on the physical and

biological environments

vii. To solicit opinion of the local people on the alternative mitigation measures to abate,

or avoid the potential impacts

viii. To solicit opinion of the local people with regard to the development aspiration of the

project.

The focus group discussion meetings were formal and informal meetings. To start the meeting,

lead member of the study team first introduced the consulting members with a note on the

objective of the meeting. Then the project layout and its different components and their

physical location in the field were explained with details of the type of construction and

operation activities of the project. Then the forum was opened for public debate on the different

issues. Land acquisition and mode of compensation, livelihood related issues due to the loss of

land, dewatering, prior information dissemination practices, ILO 169 and rights of the IPs, rural

electrification, current uses of Dudhkoshi river, perceptions towards project, socio-cultural

practices associated with Dudhkoshi river, local development needs, likely impacts due to the

various project structures and corresponding mitigation measures were the major issues

discussed during the FGDs. The participants freely discussed on the issues and expressed their

ideas, views, suggestion, and comments on the various components of the project. The

moderator (study team member) introduced the issues and agendas of the discussion and kept

the discussion going and tried to prevent domination of the discussion by a few participants.

Information pertaining to the optimum environmental mitigation option and environmental

enhancement measures was also obtained from the discussions and consultation with the local

people. The information solicited will be used extensively in the preparation of this EIA report,

particularly for the environmental baseline, prediction of environmental impacts; design of

mitigation and monitoring and in the preparation of environmental enhancement programs.

The FGD meeting was organized by giving a prior verbal notice through a runner. Separate

FGD were organized for indigenous peoples, women, Dalits and affected households and other

marginalized groups as they may have different agendas, interests and aspirations than the

dominant groups. The details of FGDs and consultation meeting conducted during the field

investigation period are provided hereunder in Table 4.2.



Table 3-3: FGD Locations and Participant Details

S.N. FGD

Location Date

No of

Participants Discussed topic Remarks

1 Damku

(RM Hall)

October

25, 2017

Female: 3

Male: 11

Integrated development

planning for direct influence

area, royalties, local people

share, local people

employment/training

supporting for education and

health etc,

Including Elected

members of the

Mapya Dudh Koshi

RM at RM office

2

Damku

(Local

organization)

October

24, 2017

Female: 5

Male: 10

Income come generation

Training for kitchen

gardening, animal rearing,

tailoring, weaving, women

supported activities regular

checkup system for health

Members of Indreni

Cooperative Groups

3 Basa October

24, 2017

Female: 5

Male: 9

Improvement of Salleri to

Basa road section, protection

of the land slide, spring etc

Bazar area people

4

Padma Kanya

Basic School,

Basa

October

23, 2017

Female: 2

Male: 3

Employment, Supporting for

local level stakeholders etc

School teachers

5 Bodhu October

23, 2017

Female: 2

Male: 4

Limited land for cultivation so

that access road alignment

should be changed

Villagers

6

Rapcha CFUG

Office,

Lemchi

October

26, 2017

Female: 4

Male: 12

Employment opportunity/

affected area electrification

/10% share from local people/

trees plantation provision etc

Rapcha CFUC

members at CFUG

office

7 Dhirochan -7 October

23, 2017

Female :1

Male:4

Drinking water/ drip irrigation/

Kitchen gardening

Local people at

Damku

The list of persons consulted in the Community Forest User Group Meetings as well as minutes

of the FGD meetings along with attendance of the participant is presented in Annex 6.

b) Key Informant Interview

Key informant interviews are qualitative in-depth interviews with people who possess in-depth

knowledge of one or more aspect of the community. The purpose of key informant interviews

is to collect information from a wide range of people—including community leaders,

professionals, or residents—who have first-hand knowledge about the community. Table 3-4

hereunder provides details of KII conducted for EIA of the proposed DK-5 HPP.

Table 3-4: Details on KII

S.N. Subject Key Informant



1 Education Chairman- Management Committee, Shree Padma

Kanya Lower Secondary School

2 Community health, Diseases In-charge, Khastap Sub-health post

3 Fish and Fishing Practice Part time fisherman, Waku

4

Project area history, settlement patterns,

landslides and GLOF events, Disaster

events

Elder residents of Damku and Rapcha (2)

3.4 Data Analysis and Processing

Primary and secondary data were processed and analyzed using computer-based tools.

Available maps were interpreted. Information was tabulated. The information was cross

checked and analyzed. The data were processed using computer-based spread sheet and

presented in tabular and graphical formats.

The identification and prediction of impacts was done by considering the proposed project

actions/activities in terms of their relation to the baseline data of the area. The impacts of the

activities on biological resources in the defined influence area were analyzed. The impacts were

classified in terms of extent (site specific, local, and regional), magnitude (low, medium, and

high) and duration (short term, medium term and long term) as well as nature (reversible,

irreversible) and level (low, moderate, and significant). The likely impacts were assessed

covering both adverse and beneficial ones. The methodology adopted for impact identification

and prediction were standard checklists and matrix methods and expert judgment.

Furthermore, the identified impacts were prioritized and significant impacts were described in

the EIA report as indicated in the National EIA guidelines.

3.5 Public Consultation

Public Consultation was sought at the different stages of EIA report preparation. First of all, a

15-days public notice was published in a national daily newspaper for the scoping exercise. A

reconnaissance site visit was made to prepare the scoping document for the EIA study, during

which interactions with local people were carried out for identifying issues and concerns.

Suggestions from concerned Gaupalika/wards were collected for preparing the terms of

reference (ToR) for the study. During the EIA study phase, interactions with the local people

were made through focused group discussions and household survey of project affected

families. The photographs of the project area and the Focus Group Discussion are presented in

Annex-11.

3.6 Draft Report Preparation

Based on the processed data, the draft EIA report had been prepared and presented. The draft

EIA report comprised of baseline information on physical, biological, socio-economic and

cultural environment, project impacts both beneficial and adverse, which were identified and

predicted taking into consideration the baseline environmental conditions. The draft report also

includes benefit augmentation measures to enhance the beneficial impacts and mitigation

measures for adverse impacts to avoid, minimize and/or compensate adverse impacts. The

proposed compensatory and mitigation measures are based on the consultant’s earlier



experience of EIA study of development projects and government decisions on the

compensatory measures for the loss of forest area and tree due to the project implementation.

An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) has been included as an integral part of the EIA

report, which focused on the implementation of the environment protection measures,

environmental monitoring and auditing requirements along with implementation

responsibilities, organization, staffing, reporting, budget, and co-ordination aspects.

3.7 Public Hearing

A public hearing programme on “Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Dudhkoshi -5

Hydropower Project was organised by the proponent, DoED on 17th September 2018 (01 Ashoj

2075) in the premises of Samiksha Hall of Mapya Dudhkoshi Rural Municipality, Mapya Dudh

Koshi RM-3, Basa, Khastap of Solukhumbu District. The program was chaired by Mr. Narayan

Kaji Karki, Ward chairman of Mapya Dudh Koshi ward no. 3, Mr. Buddhi Kiran Rai, Chairman

of Mapya Dudh Koshi RM as the Chief Guest. The representatives from all the wards of Mapya

Dudh Koshi RM, representatives of members of parliament, different schools around the RM,

local pol, ice post community forests and political parties participated in the program. Other

participants included the representatives from local youth club, Aama Samuha, Mahila Samuha

and journalist of local media. Besides, local communities and the members from affected

families had also participated in the program. Out of them 127 people have signed on the public

hearing attendance sheet. The list of participants of the public hearing is given in Annex 9.

Summary of Issues raised by Stakeholders

During the Public hearing suggestion and quarries were noted and summary of the issues raised

in the program are listed below:

Table 3-5: Issues raised during public hearing

S. N. Issues Raised Where considered in Report

1 Data on actual forest loss is needed Incorporated under section

5.2.2,

2 Can Forest Users use electricity free of cost or not? 7.1.2

3 What compensation measures are there for forest loss,

there should be in report?

7.3.3.1

4 What types of benefits will be given to forest users in

return of forest loss, there should be in report?

7.2.5

5 There should be support programmes for livelihood

activities to locals who are partially of fully

dependent on fishing in Dudhkoshi river

7.2

6 While making tunnel, what could be the impacts the

structures lying over the ground such as Dipendra

Primary School and Basa Khali Secondary School?

These structures lie at an

approx. distance of 1.8 km

from the headrace tunnel.

Temporary vibration impact

will be there but insignificant.



S. N. Issues Raised Where considered in Report

7 Employment opportunity should be given to locals. 7.1.1

8 Institutional share must be provided. 7.1.2 (v)

9 Free electricity should be given to impacted

households.

Comment Repeated

10 Individual share should be provided. 7.1.2 (v)

11 Public network should be maintained and there

should be mechanism of public participation in

project development

8.2.2

12 EIA report should address about tourism

development in project area.

7.1.1

13 All seven wards should be kept in impact zone of

project.

3.2

3.8 Recommendation Letters from the affected Rural Municipality/Wards

As per Rule 10 of EPR, 1997, recommendation letter from the directly affected Mapya

Dudhkoshi Gaupalika and Indirectly affected wards of Mapya Dudhkoshi Rural Municipality

were collected for the project implementation. Similarly, the recommendation letters from the

affected community forest user groups were also collected and are presented in Annex 10.

3.9 Finalization of EIA Report

This Draft Final EIA report has been prepared incorporating the issues/suggestions

raised/provided during the public hearing meeting and will be submitted to the Ministry of

Forests and Environment through the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation. The

Ministry (MoFE) will publish 30-day public notice seeking the opinion and suggestions from

the general public. A presentation of this final EIA report will be made in MoFE. The Report

will be finalized incorporating the valid comments of the EIA Review Committee and general

public if any.

3.10 Study Team

This EIA study has been performed and the report has been prepared by a multidisciplinary

team ofexperts and are presented in the Table 3-6. Declaration forms signed by the members

of study team are presented in the Annex-11.

Table 3-6: EIA Study Team

Name of Expert Expertise Education Position in

the Team

Shiv Shanker Karki Environment Environmental Engineering Team Leader



Sunil Thapa Hydropower

Engineer

Civil Engineering Team Member

Bhaskar Kafle Environment Environmental Engineering Team Member

Shiva Prasad Dhakal Sociology Sociology Team Member

Deep Bahadur Swar Aquatic Life

Expert

Zoology Team Member

Yogendra Yadav Ecologist Botany Team Member

Navaraj Pokhrel EMP Expert Environmental Science Team Member

3.11 Estimated Budget for EIA study

A total contracted amount of NRs. 2,866,000.00/- has been allocated to complete the EIA study

of DK5HPP.



4. EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION

This section describes the existing baseline environmental situation of the project area. The

information provided is based on the detailed on-site environmental studies for the project area

during the EIA study phase.

The objective of the environmental baseline assessment is to assess the present state of the

environmental conditions in the project area (Site Specific, Project Rural Municipality and

Project District) in order to evaluate environmental impacts and issues of the project

development and operations.

4.1 Physical Environment

4.1.1 Climate

The project area has a cool-temperate type of climate. Climate of the area is influenced by the

physiography of the region. Dudh Koshi is a perennial river from the snow melt; however, it

tends to be influenced from south-west monsoon type climate. The project area has a moderate

summer season with a maximum temperature ranging from 25o C to 30o C. The minimum

temperature during winter ranges from -2o to + 2oC. The average annual rainfall is

approximately 1,736 mm.

4.1.2 Hydrology

Catchment Characteristics

Dudhkoshi River, one of the major tributaries of Sapta Koshi River has its origin in Mahalungur

Himal as Nojumba Glacier. Deku Khola, Luia Khola, Chhuserma Khola, Thado Koshi Khola,

Nagbuwathenja Khola, Manjo Khola and BhoteKoshi Nadi are the main tributaries of the Dudh

Koshi River. The catchment area of the Dudh Koshi River at the proposed intake site is about

1,590.93 square km. Geographically, the basin is located between longitudes 8631'00'' to

8659'00'' East and latitudes 2732'00'' to 2806’30'' North in the Solukhumbu District,

Province 1 of Nepal. The catchment area of Dudh Koshi River is bounded by Simhalila Dada

in the East, Tuplung and Simramlase peaks in the North, Dabala Dada and IwaNagi in the

South and Deurali Dada in the West side. The local gradient of the river is 3.23% at the

proposed headworks area. The width of the river at the proposed intake varies between 20 m

to 30 m.

The catchment area of Dudh Koshi River has elevations ranging from 1,235 m amsl near the

intake to about 8,188 m amsl. The catchment is covered with snow in higher altitudinal areas

and dense forest starts with hills to elevation of 4000 m amsl at Thyangboche. The area above

the El. 5000 m amsl is noted to be nearly 804.59 square km and above EL. 3000 m amsl is

1440.47 square km. Catchment area at intake site and the powerhouse location of the proposed

DK-5 HPP is 1,590.93 Km2 and 1,614.08 Km2respectively.



Table 4-1: Catchment Characteristics

S. No. Description Units

Values for

Intake Site Powerhouse

Site

1 Catchment Area km2 1590.93 1614.08

2 Perimeter km 298.74 304.37

3 Area below 5000 m km2 786.82 809.96

4 Area below 3000 m km2 150.23 173.37

5 Elevation Minimum m 1225 1102

6 Elevation Maximum m 2978 3079

7 Longest Flow Profile

i. Length Km 81.80 87.62

ii. DS Elevation m 1225 1102

iii. US Elevation m 6660 6660

iv. Average Slope % 6.6 6.3

8 Basin Centroid m 2198 2099

Longitude Decimal

Degree

86.7127 86.7127

Latitude Decimal

Degree

27.8625 27.8576

Elevation m 5237 4767

Source: Feasibility Report 2019



Figure 4-1: Catchment Area of Dudh Koshi River

Establishment of Gauging Station

For the study of the discharge and sediment pattern of the Dudh Koshi River at the Proposed

Dudhkoshi Hydropower project hydrological station was established at Waku, Mapya

Dudhkoshi Rural Municipality-6 of Solukhumbu District. Since no previous records of flow

exist of the proposed Hydropower project, a manual type hydrological gauging station (3m

gauge height) was installed. The gauging station is 200 m upstream from the suspension bridge

and 1.5 km downstream of intake site.

Table 4-2: Discharge Measurement of the Dudh Koshi River

S. No. Date Discharge (m3/s) S. No. Date Discharge

(m3/s)

1 15 Jun, 2015 101.454 18 19 Feb, 2016 16.741

2 28 Jun, 2015 114.620 19 2 Mar, 2016 18.602

3 12 July, 2015 111.946 20 6 April, 2016 21.228

4 27 July, 2015 106.522 21 9 May, 2016 24.110

5 10 Aug, 2015 111.918 22 21 June, 2016 115.068

6 23 Aug, 2015 117.376 23 16 October, 2016 84.768

7 5 Sep, 2015 119.527 24 17 November,

2016 53.805



S. No. Date Discharge (m3/s) S. No. Date Discharge

(m3/s)

8 18 Sep, 2015 110.030 25 24 Dec, 2016 19.526

9 3 Oct, 2015 104.075 26 14 January, 2017 19.852

10 26 Oct, 2015 83.191 27 8 February, 2017 14.993

11 9 Nov, 2015 60.565 28 8 March, 2017 15.219

12 22 Nov, 2015 44.622 29 17 April, 2017 15.284

13 11 Dec, 2015 29.185 30 10 May, 2017 14.924

14 26 Dec, 2015 26.386 31 15 May, 2017 122.370

15 9 Jan, 2016 24.605 32 13 October, 2017 122.433

16 21 Jan, 2016 23.693 33 20 Nov, 2017 62.430

17 4 Feb, 2016 22.020 34 7 Dec, 2017 60.863


Mean Monthly Flow

For comparison mean monthly flow weighted average from catchment correlation using

stations 670, 647, WECS/DHM (Hydest) method and MIP method were done. The weight for

flow from stations 647 is assigned 0.1 and 670 is assigned 0.60 whereas for linearly correlated

data with the average from 647 and 670 was assigned 0.3 whereas for WECS/DHM and MIP

method no weights are assigned. They are shown here just for the comparison. Even though

the catchment area is greater than 100 km2, the estimated value from WECS/DHM method was

very low compared to other methods, similarly as MIP method is recommended for use in

catchments with area less than 100 km2 and the catchment here is very large than 100 km2. The

mean monthly flow for the river from various methods are presented in table below:



Table 4-3: Estimated Mean monthly flow

Month Flow (Dudhkoshi)

(m3/s)

Flow (Tamakoshi)

(m3/s) Flow (Hydest) (m3/s) MIP (Average) (m3/s)

Linear correlated

(m3/s) Accepted Flow (m3/s)

Jan 18.99 15.90 9.66 29.91 19.15 18.73

Feb 15.60 13.87 8.22 20.75 15.74 15.47

Mar 14.93 13.41 7.60 15.23 15.07 14.82

Apr 17.81 15.40 8.40 11.04 17.96 17.61

May 30.82 28.31 12.09 20.75 31.03 30.63

Jun 105.16 89.06 75.65 34.54 105.73 103.72

July 243.33 228.58 116.94 149.43 244.54 242.22

Aug 257.61 268.71 138.35 275.91 258.89 259.11

Sep 190.73 168.09 105.43 229.88 191.69 188.75

Oct 80.62 67.35 45.95 115.00 81.07 79.43

Nov 38.22 32.01 38.71 55.18 38.47 37.67

Dec 24.94 20.94 25.26 41.39 25.12 24.59

Source: Feasibility Study Report, 2019



Figure 4-2: Flow Hydrograph

Figure 4-3: Flow Duration Curve for Dudhkoshi River



Figure 4-4: Energy Table

Low Flow Analysis

WECS/DHM Method

The low flow study is important for knowing whether there is any risk to turbines during

operation perioddue to unusually low river flow for which the frequency analysis of the

minimum flow is required. The low flow analysis is carried out using the WECS/DHM method

and the values for various return periods are given in table below

Energy Calculation

Unit wt. of water 9.81 KN/m3

NWL at inlet of HRT 1251.25 masl

NWL at tailrace 993.160 masl

Gross head 258.09 m

Turbine efficiency 93 %

Generator efficiency 97 %

Transformer efficiency 98 %

Overall efficiency 88.406 %

S.no. Dry Season

1 0.5 %

2 0.5 %

3 1 %

4 1 %

Total 4 3 %

3 %

4 %

River

Flow

Riparian

Flow

Available

Flow

Turbine

discharge

Head

loss

Net

head

Generation

capacity

Dry season

energy

Wet season

energy

m3/s m3/s m3/s m3/s m m kw kwh kwh

Jan 31 18.73 1.48 17.248 17.248 1.819 256.271 38334.382 27665156.517

Feb 28 15.47 1.48 13.988 13.988 1.212 256.878 31162.498 20312962.943

Mar 31 14.82 1.48 13.338 13.338 1.108 256.982 29726.516 21453031.781

Apr 30 17.61 1.48 16.128 16.128 1.591 256.499 35876.960 12528234.370 12399077.315

May 31 30.63 1.48 29.148 29.148 5.059 253.031 63963.574 45685343.272

Jun 30 103.72 1.48 102.238 52.460 16.305 241.785 110003.767 76034603.503

Jul 31 242.22 1.48 240.738 52.460 16.305 241.785 110003.767 78569090.287

Aug 31 259.11 1.48 257.628 52.460 16.305 241.785 110003.767 78569090.287

Sep 30 188.75 1.48 187.268 52.460 16.305 241.785 110003.767 76034603.503

Oct 31 79.43 1.48 77.948 52.460 16.305 241.785 110003.767 78569090.287

Nov 30 37.67 1.48 36.188 36.188 7.764 250.326 78563.395 54303018.316

Dec 31 24.59 1.48 23.108 23.108 3.202 254.888 51081.203 18432141.134 18242119.060

100.3915267 518.4060358

Total annual energy generated (GWH) 618.7975626

Wet Season

0.5

0.5

2

1

Types of losses

Station Consumption

Forced Outage/ System trip

Planned Outage/ Overhaulings

Transmission losses

Month

Numbers of

operating

days/ month

Total seasonal energy (GWH)

Dry season outage

Wet season outage



Table 4-4: Low flows at the Intake Site, m3/s

Return Period

(yrs)

Duration

(Days) Low Flow Discharge (m3/s)

2

1 5.98

7 6.25

15 6.94

monthly 7.26

10

1 4.36

7 4.67

15 5.34

monthly 5.63

20

1 3.96

7 4.31

15 4.99

monthly 5.27

Low Flow Analysis by Statistical method

Considering the DHM data of the instantaneous low flow at Rabuwa bazaar the analysis of the

low Flow has been made using Weibul method. The result obtained from the low flow analysis

has been presented in the table and figure below:

Figure 4-5: Low Flow Analysis by Weibul Method

The summary of the major return period flow is presented the Table 4-5 also.

Table 4-5: Low Flow Analysis by Weibul Method

Return Period (Year) Flow (m3/s)

43 5.20

21.5 6.98

0.00

5.00

10.00

15.00

20.00

25.00

30.00

35.00

40.00

45.00

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50

Min

imu

m F

low

(C

um

ecs)

Return Period (Yr)

Low Flow Analysis



Return Period (Year) Flow (m3/s)

10.75 7.37

4.3 9.54

1.72 12.49

1 41.91

Extreme Discharge Calculation

For the study of extreme discharge, the data from Station 670 and Station 647 were used and

comparisons were done between results from these two methods. Gumbel’s method, log normal

and log Pearson type III methods were used to estimate the extreme discharges for different

return periods. Standard error was calculated for each method and based on the standard error,

the accepted maximum discharge values were calculated using the weighted average method.

The weightage of 0.4 was assigned to Log Pearson type III from Station 647 and 0.2 value was

assigned to Log Pearson from Station 670 and 0.1 was assigned for values from others. From

this calculation, the accepted extreme discharge value for 100 years return period is 2431.22

m3/s. During the calculation of extreme discharge, the values from WECS/DHM method was

not used in this study as the computed discharge was different from other methods. The

computed extreme discharge is given in Table4-6:

Table 4-6: Flood Flow at Intake Site (m3/s)

Return

period

(T)Years

Discharge from different stations using different methods, m3/s

From Dudhkoshi @ Rabuwa Bazar

(Station (#stn.670)

From Tamakoshi @ Busti

(# Stn.647)

Accepted

Gumbel Log

Normal

Log

Pearson

type III Gumbel

Log

Normal

Log

Pearson

Type III

2 787.00 959.09 903.50 627.48 715.63 709.66 812.25

5 1383.20 1265.49 1284.63 810.68 842.91 845.07 1113.09

10 1777.94 1482.34 1638.28 931.97 925.42 937.59 1354.60

20 2156.58 1697.71 2072.66 1048.31 1002.60 1027.55 1625.09

25 2276.69 1767.43 2233.44 1085.22 1026.71 1056.34 1720.25

50 2646.70 1986.44 2811.46 1198.91 1100.03 1145.91 2046.97

100 3013.97 2210.46 3532.90 1311.76 1171.67 1236.39 2431.22

200 3379.90 2440.67 4436.08 1424.20 1242.26 1328.43 2888.82

300 3593.63 2578.56 5067.49 1489.87 1283.24 1383.18 3198.16

400 3745.17 2677.94 5569.41 1536.43 1312.21 1422.49 3439.44

500 3862.68 2755.95 5992.93 1572.54 1334.65 1453.26 3640.41

1000 4227.55 3003.59 7527.41 1684.65 1404.21 1550.56 4353.08

S.E. 18.19 12.24 8.81 4.43 1.46 1.35




Tributaries in the Dewatered Zone

Seven streams drain to the potential dewatered zone of the Dudhkoshi in the project area. The

average discharge of the streams calculated based on the HYDEST method is presented in

Table 4-7 for the different months of the year.

Table 4-7: Flow of tributaries in the Dewatered Zone (m3/s)

SN Month

Mean monthly discharge (m3/s)

Tributary 1

(@ 1.27 km

from weir)

Tributary 2

(@ 1.7 km

from weir)

Tributary 3

(@ 2.27 km

from weir)

Tributary 4

(@ 3 km

from weir)

Tributary 5

(@ 3.5 km

from weir)

Tributary 6

(@ 6.2 km

from weir,

Mahuri

Khola)

Tributary 7

(@ 7.46 km

from weir,

Chelsi

Khola)

1 Jan 0.03 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.07 0.07 0.04

2 Feb 0.03 0.04 0.03 0.03 0.06 0.06 0.04

3 Mar 0.02 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.05 0.05 0.03

4 Apr 0.02 0.03 0.02 0.02 0.04 0.05 0.03

5 May 0.02 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.05 0.05 0.03

6 Jun 0.06 0.11 0.09 0.09 0.18 0.21 0.10

7 Jul 0.32 0.46 0.39 0.41 0.68 0.76 0.42

8 Aug 0.41 0.58 0.49 0.52 0.86 0.97 0.54

9 Sep 0.32 0.46 0.39 0.41 0.68 0.76 0.42

10 Oct 0.14 0.20 0.17 0.18 0.30 0.33 0.19

11 Nov 0.04 0.07 0.06 0.06 0.12 0.13 0.06

12 Dec 0.03 0.05 0.04 0.04 0.08 0.09 0.04

4.1.3 Watershed Characteristics

The entire upstream catchment area is covered by the forest with dense shrubs. The catchment

area also covers snow fed zone. The hill side slope in the catchment area ranges from steep to

mild. Slopes along the left bank of Dudh Koshi River comprise of forest, widely cultivated land

and settlement of Damku and Bodu villages. The right bank has forest, cultivated land and

settlement of Khanigaun and Budhabare. The underground powerhouse is proposed nearby the

confluence of MahuriKhola and Dudh Koshi River, wherein, forest area exists.

The hills are covered with forests and very little plain land is available for cultivation. Most of

the reach of the river is covered with large boulders. Dudh Koshi watershed lies in three

districts – Solukhumbu in the North, Okhaldhunga in the South-West and Khotang in the

South-East.

4.1.4 Sediments

The collection of the samples for the suspended sediment was done on daily basis for the

monsoon season and the sample was collected from the headworks site regularly for the period

of 2 months. 60 regular sediments were extracted with the help of samplers and 10

instantaneous observations were taken during high floods. The samples are collected by depth

integration method as generally used by the DHM for the rivers having the depth greater than

1 m. The results of this analysis show that the maximum concentration of suspended sediment

in Dudh Koshi River is about 504 ppm on 24 July 2016 (2073/04/09), whereas there are some

samples which have concentration of 4 ppm (16 June 2016 and 5July 2016).



Mineral composition analysis was carried out under the binocular microscope at Central

Department of Geology. For this propose several samples were analyzed under several field of

vision. In average, ~ 60% grains are of quartz, ~22% muscovite/biotite, ~10% rock fragments

and opaques and ~8% feldspar. The hardness of these grains is not similar. According to Mohr's

Scale of Hardness, the hardness of investigated particles are as follows: Quartz=7, Feldspar=6,

Biotite/Muscovite= 3.5, Rock fragments/opaques= variable (~ 5 in average).

4.1.5 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)

The Dudh Koshi Sub-basin is the one that contains the highest number of glacial lakes as well

as lakes associated with glaciers. The potentially dangerous lakes of the Dudh Koshi Sub-basin

are Lumding Tsho, Dig Tsho, Chokarma Cho, Imja Tsho, Tam Pokhari, Hungu Lake, East

Hungu 1, East Hungu 2, and West Chamjang. Among these, Dig Tsho and Tam Pokhari already

had outburst events in 1985 and1998 respectively. There were numbers of events of GLOFs in

Dudh Koshi basin. On 3rd September 1977 a relatively small glacial lake located at a higher

elevation discharged into Nare Lake, located below the peak of Mt Ama Dablam. The rapid

inflow of water caused Nare Lake to overtop its end-moraine dam and discharge into the Imja

Khola (river) and thereafter down the Dudh Koshi valley. The hydrological recording gauge at

Rabuwa Bazar, 90 km downstream from the source, showed a prominent discharge peak on 3

September 1977. Nevertheless, this attenuated GLOF discharge peak was far below those

recorded on the 26th, 27th, and 28th August 1977, due to ’normal’ summer monsoon peak

floods (ICIMOD, 2011). (4 August 1985, there was a catastrophic GLOF on Dig Tsho.

Vuichard and Zimmermann (1986, 1987) estimated that 6–10 million cubic metres of water

drained from the lake in about four hours, making the average rate of discharge about 500

cumecs. They estimated an actual peak discharge of water as high as 2,000 cumecs. From

accounts given by local eye witnesses, it appears that there were two or more distinct surges

because the bridge at Jubing, 40 km downstream from the source, washed out 90 minutes after

the initial flood wave had passed. On 3rd September, 1998 GLOF was triggered in Tam Pokhari

Lake when an ice avalanche hit the frontal lake and induced a surge wave which overtopped

the end moraine dam. (ICIMOD, 2011).

The glacial Chokarma Chohas also drained out in the past (source: ICIMOD, 2001). Similarly,

Imja Tsho, which seems to be a probable out bursting lake has drained by Nepal Army in year

2016.



Figure 4-6: GLOF events recorded in Nepal (after Mool et al. 1995, 2001a; Yamada

1998a; Bajracharya et al. 2008; Ives et al. 2010)

4.1.6 Geology and Geomorphology

Regional Geology

The project area is located in the Lesser Himalayan Zone in the eastern part of Nepal about 296

km east of Kathmandu, which lies in the eastern part of the Himalayan Arc. The lesser

Himalaya covers about one- third (800 km) of the Himalayan Arc. The Great Himalayan Arc

is thought to be formed by the collision between the Indian plate and Eurasian tectonic plates

spreading over a distance of 2400 Km from Pakistan in the west and to Burma in the east.

The Himalaya is the youngest mountain system in the world and extends in an east west trend

with an approximate length of 2400 km. Geologically, it is divided into five sections, after

Bordet (1961) and Gansser (1964). From west to east these are the Punjab Himalaya, Kumaon

Himalaya, Nepal Himalaya, Sikkim-Bhutan Himalaya, and the North East Frontier Agency

(NEFA) Himalaya. The Nepal Himalaya extending from the Mahakali River in the west to the

Mechi River in the east, running the entire length of Nepal is a part of the Great Himalayan

Range. The Nepal Himalaya occupies the central part (800 km) of the 2400 km long

southwardly convex Himalayan arc. The major five morphogenetic zones of the Nepal

Himalaya from south to north as per “Gansser, 1964, Hagen, 1969”, and “Amatya and Jnawali,

1994” are given below.

Project Location



Figure 4-7: Simplified geological map of the Himalaya showing major litho-tectonic divisions (After Gansser, 1964).



The Lesser Himalaya lies between the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) in the south and the Main

Central Thrust (MCT) in the north. In general, stratigraphy of the Lesser Himalaya of Nepal

can be divided into four major groups as: Nuwakot Complex/Group (Stöcklin and Bhattarai,

1977; Stöcklin, 1980; Paudyal and Paudel, 2013 in central Nepal), Tansen Group (Sakai, 1983

and 1985, in western Nepal), Dang-Salyan Group (Dhital and Kizaki, 1987, mid-western

Nepal) and Pokhara Subgroup of the Midland Group of Department of Mines and Geology

(DMG, 1987, in eastern to western Nepal).

Project Area Geology

Locally, Dudh Koshi-5 Hydropower Project area lies to the Pokhara Sub-Group of the Lesser

Himalayan Zone in eastern Nepal. The total project area lies within the Seti Formation (DMG,

1987) which is a succession of grey to greenish grey, gritty phyllites and quartzites with minor

conglomerate layer. Basic intrusions are also noted within the succession. The Main Central

Thrust (MCT) is the only major thrust near the area and is located at about 10 km North from

the project area. The lithological succession (rock type) of the project area can be divided into

two unit.



Figure 4-8: Generalized geological map of Nepal (modified afterUpreti and Le Fort, 1999)

Project Area



Figure 4-9: Geological Map of Eastern Nepal



Engineering geological condition of each project component is described as follows:

(i) Intake Area

The proposed intake site is located approximately 500 m downstream of the confluence of

Thane Khola with Dudh Koshi River at altitude of around 1225 m. This site is proposed for the

weir axis. The left bank of the river at weir axis contains alluvial terrace followed by bed rocks

of fresh gneiss while the right bank contains rocky slope covered with colluvial soil mixed with

minor amounts of alluvial soil of Dudh Koshi terrace.

Gneiss unit is well exposed at and around the intake area. It is predominantly composed of

gneiss with minor amounts of white quartzite. Well-developed pockets of augen gneiss are

found in the fresh exposures. The gneiss is medium-to coarse-grained, thickly-foliated and non-

calcareous in nature. Overall composition of the rock is dominated by psammatic minerals (e.g.

quartz and feldspar) over pelitic minerals like micas and chlorites. The general dipping of this

unit is northwards in intake area. The beds at the intake area are dipping towards north having

the dip amount of about 20°-35°. The degree of weathering is moderate in general as indicated

by the discoloration and bleaching effects seen in the fresh minerals. In some places, feldspar

is deeply weathered to the kaoline.

(ii) Desander area

Desander area is located at right bank of the Dudh Koshi River about 200 m downstream from

the proposed weir axis. The desander basin is composed of bed rocks (gneiss) thinly covered

by colluviums. Vegetation is thick and is grown in the weathered bed rocks and colluviums.

No potential geological hazards like shear zone, fracture zones etc. are found around the

desander area.

(iii) Tunnel Alignment

About 6.11 km long headrace tunnel passes through the Gneiss unit. The rocks of the proposed

inlet portal are of fresh augen gneiss. However, immediate to the up stratigraphic section to

this succession there is a fairly laminated succession of metasandstone in low dip. The total

section of tunnel passes through the gneissic rocks and not from the overlying phyllite and

metasandstone rocks.

In general, the rock along the tunnel is considered to be good rock (Geological Strength Index

(GSI)~60 and Rock Mass Rating (RMR)~10). For construction of Tunnel Support Type I is

enough in the normal case as observed from the outcrops at the surface both for headrace,

penstock and adit tunnels.

(iv) Surge Tank Area

It lies in the 950m elevation. The area is covered with medium to sparsely covered mixed forest.

Slope of the area is steep (~ 650), however it is straight and smooth. The geology consists of a

monotonous succession of gneiss with minor amounts of quartzites. Most of the area is well-

covered by the direct exposure of bed rocks while the remaining area is covered with shallow

layers of colluviums. No major landslides or faults are found as adverse geological conditions.



(v) Powerhouse Area

The powerhouse is located about 1.7 km downstream from the confluence of the Mahuri Khola

and the Dudh Koshi River, at the right bank of the Dudh Koshi. There is exposure of bed rocks

covered with thin layers of both colluvial and alluvial admixtures. It has steep slope made up

of bed rocks (gneiss) at the up-hill section. Geomorphology of the powerhouse area including

the surge tank shows quite rugged with several streams having steep gradient flowing towards

the Dudh Koshi River.

Figure 4-10: Geomorphic view of the powerhouse and surge tank area

(vi) Landslide, slope stability

The major landslides are distributed in the Phyllite-Metasandstone Unit, a younger stratigraphy

of the area. Some of the earthquake triggered landslides are also observed at the lower reaches

of the Basa village. Rate of soil erosion is found higher at the sides of the small streams joining

to the Dudh Koshi. A most remarkable feature is the indication of creeping at the up section of

the intake area. Next is the presence of a dry debris flow about 50 m downstream of the

confluence of the Dudh Koshi and Thane Khola, at the right bank side of the Dudh Koshi. It is

about 300 m upstream of the presently proposed weir axis. Geologically, there is uniform

structure from the intake to the power house area. However, there is no any major thrust passing

through the project area.

Detail discontinuity survey was carried out at and around the rocky slopes of the project area

to assess the stability condition. Stereographic projection of major joint sets and hill slope

measured in the right bank of Dudh Koshi River in intake area shows that the area is prone to

plane failure. The condition for wedge failure also exits.

4.1.7 Air and noise quality

The project area lies in a rural setting with no industrial activities. No major parameters

affecting air quality at present are found in the area and its vicinity. Use of firewood for cooking

purpose has some impact. Field observations showed that there is no point-source for degrading

the air quality and hence air quality is also found to be good. The equivalent sound level

measured by the sound level meter in the headworks and powerhouse sites were 34.9 dBA and



35.4 dBA respectively. The particulate matter concentration of SPM and PM10 measured at

Rapcha was found to be 193.6μg/m3 and 86.2μg/m3; considerably above the other measured

sites as shown in table 4.8. The major contributors to these particulate matters are related to

vehicle blew dust from recently constructed rural earthen roads and dust arising from soil

disturbance while preparing the field for agriculture.

Table 4-8: Ambient air quality at project area and national permissible limits

Station

code

Date of

sampling

Hrs. of

sampling Name of the Location

Total SPM

mass (µg/m3)

Total PM10

mass (µg/m3)

National Ambient Air Quality Standard for Nepal, 2003 230 120

S-1 5th Jan 2019 24 hrs. Headwork 119.0 54.3

S-2 6th Jan 2019 24 hrs. Powerhouse 137.2 61.5

S-3 7th Jan 2019 24 hrs. Settlement (Rapcha) 193.6 86.2 Source: EIA Field Survey, 2017/18

Since the project area is located in a rural area and there are no industries within the project

area. No vehicular activities are also found in the project area. The maximum (Rapcha) and

minimum (Headwork) noise levels recorded were 57.2 dBA and 21.3 dBA, respectively as

shown in table 4.9. The maximum sound levels recorded at settlement is mostly attributed to

house construction, vehicular and human movement.

Table 4-9: Noise level measured in the different project area

Station

code

Date of

monitoring

Number of

spot

measurement

Location

Sound pressure (dBA)

Maximum Minimum Average

S-1 5th Jan 2019 5 Headwork 47.3 21.3 34.9

S-2 6th Jan 2019 5 Powerhouse 48.8 24.3 35.4

S-3 7th Jan 2019 5 Settlement

(Rapcha) 57.2 30.7 42.6

Source: EIA field Survey, 2017/18

4.1.8 Water quality

The water quality analysis of Dudh Koshi River was carried out on November 10th 2017 and

March 3rd 2018 at two locations namely: Sampling station 1 (at the intake site), and Sampling

station 2 (at the powerhouse site). The turbidity of Dudh Koshi River varies according to the

time of year the sample is taken.



Table 4-10: Water Quality Test Results

S.

N. Parameters

Test

Methods

Observed values

Drinking

Water, Basa-

2

Drinking Water,

Dudhkoshi-4

River Water,

(Intake)

River Water,

(Powerhouse)

1 Turbidity,

NTU

2130 B,

APHA, 21st

EDITION

<1.0 <1.0 52 2.0

2 Conductivity,

µS/cm

2150 B,

APHA, 21st

EDITION

10 28 41 53

3 pH @ 20oC 4500-H+ B,

APHA, 21st

EDITION

6.1 6.7 6.5 6.8

4 Total

Dissolved

Solids, (mg/l)

2540 C,

APHA, 21st

EDITION

6.0 17 24 32

5 Total

Suspended

Solids, (mg/l)

2540 D,

APHA, 21st

EDITION

<1.0 <1.0 31 1.0

6 Total

Hardness as

CaCO3,

(mg/l)

2340 C,

APHA, 21st

EDITION

18 16 32 36

7 Total

Alkalinity as

CaCO3,

(mg/l)

2320 B,

APHA, 21st

EDITION

8.0 14 16 20.0

8 Dissolved

Oxygen, mg/l

4500-0 A,

APHA 21st

EDITION

7.9 8.4 8 6.3

9 Iron, mg/l 3111 B,

APHA, 21st

EDITION

0.01 <0.01 1.6 0.63

10 Sulphate,

mg/l

4500-SO4,

APHA, 21st

EDITION

<5.0 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0

11 BOD, mg/l 5210 B,

APHA, 21st

EDITION

1.9 0.8 6.3 16.8

12 E-Coli,

CPU/100 ml

9222 D,

APHA, 21st

EDITION

12 nil 110 1

APHA: American Public Health Association



The water samples were tested at Water Engineering & Training Centre Private Limited in

Kathmandu. The test reveals that the quality parameters are suitable for sustaining fish and

aquatic life. The dissolved oxygen content (an index of water quality in relation to flora and

fauna) was found to be between 6.3 mg/L and 8.4 mg/L which is an acceptable level (dissolved

oxygen content below 5 mg/L is unsuitable for fish and aquatic life). The pH level of the water

at sampling site was between 6.1 and 6.8, which is suitable for aquatic life. A pH level lower

than 5 (acidic water) is most damaging to eggs and larvae of aquatic organisms. Most aquatic

life (except for some bacteria and algae) cannot survive a pH < 4. Variation in temperature has

an important influence on all the organisms including fish since feeding, respiration and all

other physiological activities are influenced by temperature. Total water hardness, which

ranges from 32 to 36 mg CaCO3/L between the intake site and powerhouse sites respectively,

is considered to be suitable for fish growth. Finally, all the observed values of all the tested

parameters were found to be within the limit of Nepal’s National Drinking Water Quality

Standards, 2062 (NDWQS). However, activities like open defecation and use of water for

different domestic purposes like bathing, washing utensils, etc are common among the

settlements residing along the riverbank and is likely to be contaminated by microbial

contamination. The complete analysis results are presented in Annex 5.

4.1.9 Land use pattern

Solukhumbu district lies between 27o20’39” to 28o6’24” North and 86o0’21” to 87o0’1” East.

The total area of the district is 339776 ha which comprises 33312 ha agriculture land

(Cultivated-21435 ha and Non-cultivated-11877 ha), 49849 ha pasture land, 105330 ha forest

land and 151285 ha other land. The total area of the district is 339776 ha; majority of the area

is covered with 31.27 % (105330 ha.) forest area and 9.8% (33312 ha.) agricultural land. Table

4-11 represents the land use pattern of the District.

Table 4-11: Land use pattern of Solukhumbu district (Ha)

Physical

Condition

Agriculture (ha.) Non-Agriculture (ha.)

Total (ha.) Cultivated

Non-

Cultivated Pasture Forest Others

High Himalaya 503 89 31,808 10,937 149,174 192,511

High Mountain 19,602 11,314 17,812 93,673 2,063 144,464

Mid Mountain 1,330 474 229 720 48 2,801

Total 21,435 11,877 49,849 105,330 151,285 339,776

Source: District Profile of Solukhumbu, 2074

The land use pattern of the project area can be broadly divided into agriculture land, barren

land, forest land (including degraded shrub area), river and flood plain. Within the project area

boundary, agriculture land along with the settlement accounts for the major portion of land use,

which is about 66.2% of total land. Similarly, forest area, barren pubic land and river and flood

plain account for 15.3%, 11.3% and 7.2%, respectively.



Table 4-12: Land Use Pattern of Project Area

S.N. Land use type Percent (%)

1 Forest Area 15.30

2 Agricultural area (Khet and Bari land) including settlement 66.20

3 Barren land 11.30

4 River and Flood plain 7.20

Total 100

Source: Feasibility study/Field survey, 2017

4.2 Biological Environment

4.2.1 Forest Types of Solukhumbu District

The forests of the district are broadly classified into five types, namely, subtropical deciduous

hardwood forest, lower temperate mixed deciduous and coniferous hardwood forest, upper

temperate mixed deciduous and coniferous hardwood forest, high altitude coniferous forest and

shrub. Subtropical hardwood forest covers an area of 3535.20 Ha with the species of Sal, Harro,

Barro etc. and is found in the southern region of the district below 1000 masl and rivers. Lower

temperate mixed deciduous and coniferous hardwood forest is found in altitudes between

1000m and 2000 m and occupies 24,748.40 Ha of area. The main species of trees are

rhododendrons, Pinus wallichina. Upper temperate mixed deciduous and coniferous forest is

found in altitudes between 2000m and 3000 m, and occupies 36,873.40 Ha of area. The major

species of trees include rhododendrons, Quercus spp, Alnus nepalensis. High altitude

coniferous forest is found between the attitudes of 2500m to 3500 m with the species of thingre

sallo (Tsuga dumosa), khasru (Quercus semecarpfolia), and maple. This type of forest occupies

an area of 20324 Ha. Shrub forest occurs above 3500 m altitude and occupies 19.84 Ha area of

the district (DFO- Solukhumbu, 2068). Sagarmatha National Park, a national park in the

Himalayas of eastern Nepal, is situated in the Solukhumbu District. The park is situated at a

distance of about 24 km from the Dudhkoshi-5 Hydropower Project area and it is shown in the

Figure 4-11 below.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Himalayas

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepal

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solukhumbu_District



Figure 4-11: Project Location and Sagarmatha National Park

4.2.2 Vegetation and Forest Type in the Project Area

Broadly the project area lies in central midlands with nine different vegetation zones of Central

Biogeographic region in Subtropical Life Zone (Figure 4-12). But the project components lies

within only two vegetation zone—Schima Castanopsis Forest and Chir Pine-Broadleaved

Forest. The project area with surge tank, power house and tailrace lies in Schima-Castanopsis

Forest while rest of the project area lies in Chir Pine –Broadleaved Forest Zone. Although the

lower part lies in Schima-Castanopsis Forest, the forest is Chir Pine due to reforestation in

community forests. Schima-Castanopsis forest is largely dominated by Castanopsis indica.

When mixed with Schima wallichii, it has a number of other associates as well such as Lyonia

ovalifolia, Eurya acuminata, and Engelhardia spicata. The chir pine-broadleaved forest occurs

between 1000-2000 m. It is generally composed of Pinus roxburghii, Quercus incana, Q.

lanata, Rhododendron arboreum, L. ovalifolia, E. spicata, Erythrina stricta and S. wallichii.

In the project area, S. wallichii and E. spicata remains the main associated species.



Figure 4-12: Vegetation Zone in Project Area

Community Forestry is common in Solukhumbu district. The total number of private forest is

121 and community forest is 169 in Solukhumbu district.There are 5 types of forest such as

Sub-tropical deciduous broad-leaved hardwood forest, which lie at altitude less than 1000m;

Lower-temperate mixed deciduous and coniferous hardwood forest, which lie at altitude of

1000m to 2000m; Upper-temperate mixed deciduous and coniferous hardwood forest, which

lie at altitude of 2000m to 3000m; High altitude coniferous forest, which lie at altitude of 2500

m to 3500m; and shrubs.

4.2.3 Community Forests in the Project Area

Within the Mapya Dudh Koshi Rural Municipality, there are 27 community forests registered

in Division Forest Office (old District Forest Office), Solukhumbu. Among them 7 lies within

the project area. Details of community forests located within the project area are presented in

the table below.



Table 4-13: List of Community Forests in and around the project area

S.N. Name and

Address of CF Location

Total Area

(ha.) Major Tree Species Remarks

1

Dudh Koshi CF,

Mapya Dudh

Koshi RM-1

Just above of weir

Site (left bank) 419.80

Uttis, Mauwa,

Albizzia, Pine

Affected by backwater flow

due to damming

2

Rapchha CF,

Mapya Dudh

Koshi RM-2

weir site (right

bank) 496.80

Uttis, Mauwa,

Albizzia,


due to damming, weir&

Reservoir, Intake and

Flushing Tunnel, CMS2, SD2

3

Bhirkuna CF,

Mapya Dudh

Koshi RM-6/7

weir site and In

between the route

(left bank)

394.20

Uttis, Mauwa,

Albizzia, Sallo,

Mauwa, Chhilaune,

Khirro


due to damming, weir&

Reservoir

4 Waku CF, Mapya

Dudh Koshi RM-6

In between the

route (left bank)

and left bank of

Power House

74.32 Uttis, Mauwa,

Albizzia, Sallo,

Mauwa, Chhilaune,

Khirro

No direct impact

5 Basa CF, Mapya

Dudh Koshi RM-3

In between the

route (right bank)

110.80 Sallo, Mauwa, Uttis,

Chhilaune, Khirro SD2, SD3

6 Lemchikharka CF,

Dudh Koshi RM-3

In between the

route (right bank)

58.37 Sallo, Mauwa,

Chhilaune, Khirro Adit portal, SD4

7 Bijai CF, Dudh

Koshi RM-4

Power house site

(right bank)

75.60 Saj, Khirro, Sallo,

Mallato Power house, Tailrace, CMS3

Source: Field survey, 2017

4.2.4 Forest/Vegetation Species

The major species of tree, shrubs and herbs vegetation recorded from the project area during

walkthrough survey of the proposed project site is presented in Table 4.14 below.

Table 4-14: Recorded species of tree vegetation in the project area

S.N. Local Name Scientific Name

1 Gurans Rhododendron arboreum

2 Khote sallo Pinus roxburghii

3 Gobre sallo Pinus wallichiana

4 Khirro Sapium insigne

5 Chilaune Schima wallichii

6 Mauwa Engelhardtia spicata

7 Uttis Alnus nepalensis

8 Phaledo Erythrina variegata

9 Siris Albbizia sp.

10 Amala Phyllanthus emblica

11 Tuni Toona ciliata

12 Simal Bombax ceiba

13 Pahele Litsea oblonga

14 Angeri Lyonia ovalifolia

15 Khanyu Ficus semicordata

16 Bhalayo Semecarpus anacardium

17 Bhakkiamilo Rhus parviflora

18 Badahar Artocarpus lakoocha



19 Daar Boehmeria regulosa

20 Tanki Bauhinia purpurea

21 Koiralo Bauhinia variegate

Source: Field Observation and Consultation, 2017/2018

Table 4-15: Recorded Species of Shrubs in the project area


1 Titepati Artemisia indica

2 Bhende kuro Barleria cristata

3 Chutro Berberis asiatica

4 Gargalo Boehmeria platyphylla

5 Gwello Callicarpa macrophylla

6 Hinguwa Camellia kissi

7 Nilo dhusure Caryopteris odorata

8 Barkule Casearia glomerata

9 Bhati Clerodendrum sp.

10 Dhusure Colebrookea oppositifolia

11 Machhaino Coriaria napalensis

12 Allo Girardinia diversifolia

13 Punwale Ilex excels

14 Phusre ghans Indigofera pulchella

15 Gai tihare Inula cappa

16 Asuro Justicia adhatoda

17 Masino kanda Lantana camara

18 Ban kangiyo Luculia gratissima

19 Chiple ghans Oreocnide frutescens

20 Seto chulsi Osbeckia nepalensis

21 Rato chulesi Osbeckia stellata

22 Chuwa Phlogacanthus thyrsiflorus

23 Khareto Phyllanthus parvifolius

24 Ghangaru Pyracantha crenulata

25 Basanti kanda Randia tetrasperma

26 Majitho Rubia manjith

27 Ainselu Rubus ellipticus

28 Phitiphiya Sarcococca coriacea

29 Dursul Solanum erianthum

30 Simali Vitex negundo

31 Dhanyaro Woodfordia fruticosa

32 Timur Zanthoxylum armatum

Source: Field Observation and Consultation, 2017

Table 4-16: Recorded Climbers Species in the project area


1 Mirke laharo Ceropegia pubescens

2 Batulo pate Cissampelos pareira

3 Bhyakur Dioscorea bulbifera

4 Bhyakur Dioscorea deltoidea

5 Bokri lahara Hedyotis scandens

6 Pani lahara Tetrastigma serrulatum

7 Singame lahara Thunbergia coccinea

8 Dudhe lahara Trachelospermum lucidum

9 Indreni Trichosanthes wallichiana

10 Cat claw Uncaria scandens



Source: Field Survey, 2017/18

Table 4-17: Recorded herbs species in the project area


1 Apamarga Achyranthes aspera

2 Ganmane ghans Ageratum conyzoides

3 Rato charpate Anisomeles indica

4 Phurke Arundinella nepalensis

5 Kurkur Bidens pilosa

6 Beardgrass Bothriochola sp

7 Amala jhar Cassia mimosoides

8 Salimo Chrysopogon gryllus

9 Chandigava Coelogyne sp.

10 Batule silam Craniotome furcata

11 Orchids Dendrobium Sp.

12 Banmara Eupatorium adenophorum

13 Piringo Hedyotis corymbosa

14 Arthunge Heteropogon contortus

15 Siru Imperata cylindrica

16 Phulphar Justicia procumbens

17 Bhendi phul Lindenbergia grandiflora

18 Kodi Paspalum scrobiculatum

19 Amilo pire laharo Persicaria perfoliata

20 Rudilo Pogostemon glaber

21 Nilo butte ghans Scutellaria discolor

22 Melastomataceae Sonerila tenera

23 Nalu kuro Urena lobata

24 Jhurjhure Vernonia cinerea


4.2.5 Vegetation Composition in the project area

Most of the vegetation around the project area is of mixed type and sporadic in nature. The

forest composition at different project locations is described below:

Vegetation at headworks (Weir, intake, gravel trap, desanding basin), QS2, SD1 and

Flushing Tunnel Portal Area

Vegetation at Headwork (Weir, intake, weir, gravel trap, desanding basin), CMS-1/2/3/4/5,

SD1, CR-1, MS &MWS-1, and Flushing Tunnel Portal Area:

In headwork areas, Uttis (Alnus nepalensis) is dominant tree species followed by Chilaune (S.

wallichii), Mauwa (E. spicata), Malata (Macaranga pustulata) and Jamun (Syzygium cumin).

Although the area lies in Chir Pine-Broad Leaved Forest, local humidity and other edaphic

factors favor other species such as Uttis (A. nepalensis), Okar (Juglans regia) and Gurans

(Rhododendron arboretum) are also there. Based on standing tree category, the forest in

headwork area seems good (Table 4-10 and Annex 8). The trees in left bank are very scanty

and are along with river banks as there is very steep slope in upwards area.



Vegetation at Access Road, Adit Portal and SD2:

Access road from Damku to Power House passes through Basa CF and Rapcha CF. The area

is at narrow stream valley of Rechepu Khola. On its left bank, Basa CF lies while Rapcha CF

is at right bank. The area lies in the Basa CF. Khote salla (Pinus roxburghii) and Chilaune (S.

wallichii) are major tree species at the area. Large saw timber category trees are absent. On the

right bank, the trees are sparse and almost no trees in upward slope due to steepness of the area.

Uttis (A. nepalensis) and, Mauwa (E. spicata) are major tree species in the area. Around Adit

portal, the area lies in Lemchikharka CF. Mauwa (E. spicata) and Khote salla (P. roxburghii)

are dominant tree species. The forest seems good in terms of DBH category of trees as it holds

all types of tree category.

Surge Tank and Access Road to Surge Tank

The area lies in zone of Schima-Castanopsis Forest. The land belongs to individual persons as

well of Bijai CF. Mauwa (E. spicata) and Uttis (A. nepalensis) are dominating tress in the area.

Access Road from Surge Tank to PH, Portal Access to PH, Tailrace, CR-2, Labour Camp-

2, MS and MWS & CMS-2

All the areas lie in Bijai CF. Khote salla (P. roxburghii), Saj (Terminalia alata), Mauwa (E.

spicata) and Malata (Macaranga pustulata) are dominant tree species in the area. Mature trees

are scanty while poles are nearly 75% of total trees.

Table 4-18: Project Components and Major Tree Species

SN Project Component Forest Types Dominant Tree Species

1

Headwork (Weir, intake, gravel

trap, desanding basin), CMS-

1/2/3/4/5, SD1, CR-1, MS

&MWS-1, and Flushing Tunnel

Portal Area

Chir Pine-Broadleaved

Forest

Alnus nepalensis, Schima wallichii,

Engelhardia spicata, Macaranga

pustulata, Syzygium cumini

2 Access Road, Adit Portal and

SD2 Chir Pine-Broadleaved

Forest

Alnus nepalensis, Engelhardia

spicata, Pinus roxburghii, Schima

wallichii,

3 Surge Tank and Access Road to

Surge Tank Schima-Castanopsis

Forest Engelhardia spicata, Alnus nepalensis

4

Access Road from Surge Tank

to PH, Portal Access to PH,

Tailrace, CR-2, Labour Camp-

2, MS and MWS & CMS-2

Schima-Castanopsis

Forest

Pinus roxburghii, Terminalia alata,

Engelhardia spicata, Macaranga

pustulata

Note: PH- Powerhouse, CR-Crusher Plant, MS- Material Storage, MWS- Mechanical

Workshop, CMS- Construction Material Site




Table 4-19: Tree Category along Different Project Structures

Project Component Tree Category (No./ha)

Total (No./ha) Pole

Small Saw

Timber Large Saw

Timber Headwork (Weir, intake, gravel trap, desanding basin),

CMS-1/2/3/4/5, SD1, CR-1, MS &MWS-1, and Flushing

Tunnel Portal Area 142 54 48 244

Access Road, Adit Portal and SD2 150 75 17 242 Surge Tank and Access Road to Surge Tank 135 25 10 170 Access Road from Surge Tank to PH, Portal Access to

PH, Tailrace, CR-2, Labour Camp-2, MS and MWS &

CMS-2 125 42 4 171

4.2.6 Tree Basal Area, Volume and Biomass

In an average the tree basal area is only 23.04 m2/ha in the project area. Similarly, tree volume

and biomass were found to be 460.91 m3/ha and 562658.31kg/ha respectively. Similarly,

timber volume and fuelwood volume were 162.13 m3/ha and 867.76 m3/ha respectively. In

terms of Basal Area (BA), volume and biomass, forest in headwork seems good (Table 4-20,

Annex 8).

Table 4-20: Tree Basal Area, Volume and Biomass in Project Area

SN Project Component

Number of

Standing Trees

(no./ha)

Basal

Area

(m2/ha)

Standing

Tree

Volume

(m3/ha)

Timber

Volume

(m3/ha)

Fuelwood

Volume

(m3/ha)

Total

Biomass

(Kg/ha) Pole Trees

1

Headwork (Weir,

intake, gravel trap,

desanding basin),

CMS-1/2/3/4/5,

SD1, CR-1, MS

&MWS-1, and

Flushing Tunnel

Portal Area

142 102 54.40 1037.51 462.12 1553.57 1239843.62

2 Access Road, Adit

Portal and SD2 150.00 92.00 10.78 400.42 141.91 490.13 426764.73

3 Surge Tank and

Access Road to

Surge Tank 135.00 35.00 19.76 191.12 18.21 446.53 303243.01

4

Access Road from

Surge Tank to PH,

Portal Access to

PH, Tailrace, CR-

2, Labour Camp-2,

MS and MWS &

CMS-2

125.00 46.00 7.21 214.60 26.30 980.82 280781.89

Note: PH- Powerhouse, CR-Crusher Plant, MS- Material Storage, MWS- Mechanical

Workshop, CMS- Construction Material Site, SD- Spoil Deposit




Table 4-21: Tree Volume and Biomass Distribution with Project Structures

S.N. Scientific Name

Number of Standing

Trees (No./ha) Basal

Area

(m2/ha)

Standing

Volume

(m3/ha)

Timber

Volume

(m3/ha)

Fuelwood

Volume

(m3/ha)

Biomass (Kg/ha)

Stem Branch Foliage Total Poles Trees Total

A. Headworks (Weir, intake, gravel trap, desanding basin), CMS2, SD1 and Flushing Tunnel Portal

1 Alnus nepalensis 42 46 88 10.81 197.47 120.74 338.17 77014.78 107014.40 5754.30 189783.49

2 Boehmeria rugulosa 4 4 0.05 0.32 0.00 0.24 189.60 141.82 40.01 371.43

3 Bridelia retusa 2 2 0.02 0.10 0.00 0.08 85.62 64.05 18.07 167.73

4 Cassine glauca 4 4 0.05 0.25 0.00 0.19 149.49 111.82 31.54 292.86

5 Chekrasi 2 2 0.71 16.34 10.89 24.45 9706.20 11288.31 1766.53 22761.04

6 Cinnamomum tamala 8 8 0.17 2.59 0.00 1.94 1539.10 1151.25 324.75 3015.10

7 Elaeagnus parvifolia 2 2 0.02 0.10 0.00 0.08 60.77 45.46 12.82 119.05

8 Engelhardia spicata 8 17 25 18.61 365.65 0.00 978.04 217198.78 364291.75 44042.21 625532.74

9 Eurya cerasifolia 6 6 0.05 0.35 0.00 0.26 209.73 156.88 44.25 410.86

10 Homalium napaulense 2 2 0.02 0.10 0.00 0.08 61.28 45.83 12.93 120.04

11 Juglans regia 6 6 2.41 33.18 22.12 48.16 19710.17 22037.25 3597.26 45344.68

12 Lyonia ovalifolia 2 2 0.02 0.13 0.00 0.12 79.66 71.45 40.31 191.42

13 Macaranga pustulata 17 8 25 1.32 21.03 9.39 26.57 12489.98 11652.29 2373.35 26515.61

14 Maesa chisia 2 2 0.09 0.81 0.00 0.61 482.21 360.69 101.75 944.65




Number of Standing


Area

(m2/ha)

Standing

Volume

(m3/ha)

Timber

Volume

(m3/ha)

Fuelwood

Volume

(m3/ha)

Biomass (Kg/ha)


15 Malami Kath 4 4 4.06 89.83 59.89 134.42 53360.19 62057.90 9711.55 125129.64

16 Rhododendron arboreum 4 4 0.10 0.68 0.00 0.37 434.33 236.27 120.31 790.91

17 Rhus sp. 2 2 0.02 0.12 0.00 0.09 70.90 53.03 14.96 138.89

18 Schima wallichii 13 19 32 16.19 432.57 286.38 217.54 298038.25 50720.85 9894.91 358654.01

19 Syzygium cumini 2 8 10 2.01 34.86 21.96 19.33 26838.60 4991.98 939.35 32769.93

20 Trichilia connaroides 4 4 0.03 0.20 0.00 0.15 175.97 131.62 37.13 344.72

21 Wendlandia puberula 8 8 0.09 0.50 0.00 0.37 297.06 222.20 62.68 581.95

Sub-total 126 116 242 56.84 1197.20 531.38 1791.24 718192.68 636847.11 78940.97 1433980.76

B. CMS1

1 Castanopsis tribuloides 50 50 0.68 2.41 1.81 1447.88 1083.01 305.50 2836.39

2 Elaeagnus parvifolia 25 25 0.87 3.03 2.27 1800.93 1347.10 380.00 3528.03

3 Engelhardia spicata 75 75 1.76 10.37 9.59 6160.63 5698.58 1946.76 13805.97

4 Pinus roxburghii 25 25 0.50 2.77 0.52 1797.71 339.77 181.57 2319.05

5 Schima wallichii 50 50 1.28 7.59 3.94 5226.80 2717.94 334.52 8279.26

6 Wendlandia puberula 25 25 0.24 0.71 0.53 423.54 316.81 89.37 829.72

Sub-total 250 0 250 5.32 26.88 0.00 18.67 16857.50 11503.21 3237.71 31598.41




Number of Standing


Area

(m2/ha)

Standing

Volume

(m3/ha)

Timber

Volume

(m3/ha)

Fuelwood

Volume

(m3/ha)

Biomass (Kg/ha)


C. SD2

1 Alnus nepalensis 75 8 83 3.60 553.75 25.93 662.47 215962.98 253308.76 21388.43 490660.18


3 Ghoge 8 8 1.45 60.27 0.00 119.69 35797.63 35296.47 6586.76 77680.87

4 Macaranga pustulata 8 8 1.16 67.38 44.92 88.89 40020.75 39460.46 7363.82 86845.03

5 Quercus glauca 8 8 0.13 3.21 0.00 2.40 2983.75 2231.85 629.57 5845.17

6 Rhodingo 8 8 16 1.83 89.25 35.29 105.65 53017.45 52275.20 9755.21 115047.86

7 Rhus javanica 8 8 0.38 14.93 0.00 11.17 8867.57 6632.94 1871.06 17371.57

8 Sapium insigne 8 8 1.16 52.94 0.00 105.13 31444.88 31004.65 5785.86 68235.38

9 Sterculia villosa 8 8 0.13 2.67 0.00 2.00 1588.13 1187.92 335.09 3111.14

10 Syzygium cumini 8 8 16 0.99 42.61 0.00 39.19 32812.85 30175.62 6284.63 69273.10

Sub-total 173 56 229 14.07 994.00 106.14 1364.78 486046.91 543503.48 74333.15 1103883.55

D. SD3

1 Engelhardia spicata 25 25 2.55 3.82 0.00 3.77 2268.23 2236.48 417.35 4922.06

2 Pinus roxburghii 100 100 200 9.82 69.62 31.47 32.06 45250.56 10608.29 2882.60 58741.45

3 Schima wallichii 50 50 0.95 4.85 0.00 2.52 3339.50 1736.54 213.73 5289.76




Number of Standing


Area

(m2/ha)

Standing

Volume

(m3/ha)

Timber

Volume

(m3/ha)

Fuelwood

Volume

(m3/ha)

Biomass (Kg/ha)


Sub-total 150 125 275 13.31 78.28 31.47 38.34 50858.29 14581.31 3513.68 68953.28

E. Construction Adit Portal (Right Bank of Mahuri Khola)



3 Sapium insigne 12 13 25 0.78 45.95 0.00 93.09 27295.49 30646.09 5044.55 62986.13

4 Schima walichii 25 25 1.43 117.17 61.51 77.45 80729.88 15015.76 2825.55 98571.19

5 Syzygium cumini 25 25 0.36 14.48 0.00 10.83 11149.96 8340.17 2352.64 21842.77

6 Wendlandia puberula 13 13 0.12 3.71 0.00 2.78 2205.95 1650.05 465.46 4321.46

Sub-total 174 51 225 9.51 842.24 295.68 859.15 536902.19 309976.15 61627.34 908505.69

F. Surge Tank and Access Road to Surge Tank

1 Alnus nepalensis 45 45 0.96 4.90 0.00 3.94 1912.41 1535.67 323.20 3771.28

2 Casearia graveolens 5 5 0.05 0.18 0.00 0.13 105.11 78.62 22.18 205.92


4 Malami/Anau Kath 5 5 0.04 0.05 0.00 0.04 30.24 22.62 6.38 59.24

5 Pinus roxburghii 10 10 1.32 14.28 1.90 8.42 9284.48 2376.83 427.09 12088.40

6 Quercus lanata 5 5 0.08 0.32 0.00 0.24 283.50 211.77 64.92 560.20




Number of Standing


Area

(m2/ha)

Standing

Volume

(m3/ha)

Timber

Volume

(m3/ha)

Fuelwood

Volume

(m3/ha)

Biomass (Kg/ha)


7 Schima walichii 10 5 15 0.67 5.43 0.61 2.82 3741.98 893.72 148.14 4783.83

8 Terminalia alata 10 5 15 1.40 9.49 1.13 9.28 9015.55 6138.19 410.31 15564.05

9 Trichilia connaroides 5 5 10 0.32 1.68 0.00 3.08 1443.03 1380.45 270.33 3093.80

Sub-total 135 35 170 19.76 191.12 3.64 433.48 117755.40 164852.50 20635.12 303243.01

G. Access Road from Surge Tank to PH, Portal Access to PH, Tailrace, CMS3

1 Bauhinia variegata 4 4 8 0.30 3.45 0.00 15.72 2415.80 2304.03 453.35 5173.18

2 Bridelia retusa 4 4 0.14 1.50 0.00 1.12 1248.24 933.69 263.38 2445.31

3 Casearia graveolens 4 4 0.17 2.71 0.00 2.02 1607.37 1202.31 339.15 3148.84

4 Cassine glauca 4 4 0.08 0.79 0.00 0.59 466.71 349.10 98.48 914.29


6 Ficus benghalensis 4 4 0.03 0.24 0.00 0.18 141.80 106.06 29.92 277.78

7 Ficus religiosa 4 4 0.07 1.23 0.00 0.92 729.24 545.47 153.87 1428.58

8 Homalium napaulense 4 4 0.06 1.14 0.00 0.85 674.95 504.86 142.42 1322.23

9 Lyonia ovalifolia 4 4 0.06 0.94 0.00 0.70 555.84 415.77 117.28 1088.90

10 Macaranga pustulata 8 9 17 0.63 10.57 3.38 31.47 6279.58 5905.48 1187.91 13372.97

11 Mallotus tetracoccus 13 13 0.20 3.65 0.00 2.73 2170.30 1623.39 457.93 4251.62




Number of Standing


Area

(m2/ha)

Standing

Volume

(m3/ha)

Timber

Volume

(m3/ha)

Fuelwood

Volume

(m3/ha)

Biomass (Kg/ha)


12 Olea glandulifera 4 4 0.28 6.02 0.00 31.03 3577.54 3527.45 658.27 7763.25


14 Rhus wallichii 4 4 0.03 0.44 0.00 0.27 263.34 158.27 37.66 459.26

15 Sapium insigne 8 8 2.25 105.20 0.00 559.71 62491.10 72086.84 11380.05 145957.99

16 Schima wallichii 4 4 0.42 11.49 7.66 18.10 7917.35 1472.63 277.11 9667.08

17 Terminalia alata 25 25 0.66 15.18 0.00 11.36 14424.47 10789.51 3043.56 28257.54

18 Trichilia connaroides 4 4 0.06 0.92 0.00 0.69 547.74 409.71 115.57 1073.02

Sub-total 124 46 170 7.21 214.60 26.30 808.25 136414.67 121829.34 22537.88 280781.89

Total 161.71 61.29 223.00 18.00 506.33 142.09 759.13 294718.23 257584.73 37832.26 590135.23



4.2.7 Shrub Stratum

Various shrubs found in various proposed project structure sites are given below in table 4-22.

Table 4-22: Tree Volume and Biomass Distribution along with Project Structures

SN Scientific Name Density (No/ha) RD (%) RF (%) RC (%) IVI

A. Headwork (Weir, intake, gravel trap, desanding basin), CMS-1/2/3/4/5, SD1, CR-1, MS

&MWS-1, and Flushing Tunnel Portal Area 1 Acacia Sp. 61.54 0.51 1.20 0.66 2.38 2 Aeschynanthus parviflorus 61.54 0.51 1.20 0.66 2.38 3 Alnus nepalensis 153.85 1.27 2.41 2.65 6.33 4 Berberis sp. 153.85 1.27 2.41 1.32 5.01 5 Boehmeria platyphylla 1323.08 10.94 6.02 6.62 23.59 6 Bridelia retusa 92.31 0.76 2.41 1.32 4.50 7 Casearia graveolens 61.54 0.51 1.20 0.66 2.38 8 Callicarpa arborea 30.77 0.25 1.20 0.66 2.12 9 Capparis spinosa 92.31 0.76 1.20 0.66 2.63

10 Caryopteris odorata 123.08 1.02 1.20 0.66 2.88 11 Castanopsis tribuloides 338.46 2.80 2.41 2.65 7.86 12 Cyphostemma auriculatum 215.38 1.78 2.41 1.32 5.52 13 Engelhardia spicata 92.31 0.76 2.41 1.99 5.16 14 Eurya cerasifolia 246.15 2.04 3.61 3.97 9.62 15 Flacortia sp. 1969.23 16.28 4.82 15.23 36.34 16 Homalium napaulense 523.08 4.33 4.82 4.64 13.78 17 Inula cappa 461.54 3.82 3.61 1.99 9.42 18 Lyonia ovalifolia 153.85 1.27 3.61 2.65 7.54 19 Maesa chisia 461.54 3.82 4.82 5.30 13.93 20 Osbeckia nepalensis 123.08 1.02 1.20 0.66 2.88 21 Osbeckia stellata 369.23 3.05 3.61 2.65 9.32 22 Phoebe lanceolata 123.08 1.02 2.41 1.99 5.41 23 Phyllanthus parvifolius 584.62 4.83 6.02 3.31 14.17 24 Pilea scripta 2276.92 18.83 4.82 15.89 39.54 25 Quercus glauca 30.77 0.25 1.20 0.66 2.12 26 Rhododendron arboreum 61.54 0.51 2.41 1.32 4.24 27 Rhus javanica 30.77 0.25 1.20 0.66 2.12 28 Rhus wallichii 61.54 0.51 1.20 0.66 2.38 29 Ribes himalense 307.69 2.54 2.41 1.99 6.94 30 Rubus sp. 184.62 1.53 3.61 1.99 7.13 31 Saurauia napaulensis 61.54 0.51 1.20 0.66 2.38 32 Schefflera venulosa 61.54 0.51 1.20 1.32 3.04 33 Schima wallichii 276.92 2.29 4.82 3.31 10.42 34 Smilax sp. 276.92 2.29 3.61 1.99 7.89 35 Solanum surattense 338.46 2.80 1.20 1.32 5.33 36 Syzygium cumini 30.77 0.25 1.20 0.66 2.12 37 Trichilia connaroides 30.77 0.25 1.20 0.66 2.12 38 Wendlandia coriacea 246.15 2.04 2.41 2.65 7.09 Subtotal 12092.31

B. SD-2, Construction Adit portal/Access Road 1 Maesa macrophylla 533.33 5.41 8.70 10.71 24.82 2 Desmodium sp. 666.67 6.76 8.70 7.14 22.60 3 Grewia tiliaefolia 266.67 2.70 8.70 7.14 18.54 4 Homalium napaulense 133.33 1.35 4.35 3.57 9.27 5 Inula cappa 3066.67 31.08 13.04 14.29 58.41 6 Lyonia ovalifolia 266.67 2.70 4.35 3.57 10.62



SN Scientific Name Density (No/ha) RD (%) RF (%) RC (%) IVI 7 Phyllanthus parvifolius 2000.00 20.27 13.04 14.29 47.60 8 Quercus lanata 400.00 4.05 4.35 7.14 15.54 9 Rubus sp. 400.00 4.05 8.70 7.14 19.89

10 Smilax sp. 666.67 6.76 8.70 7.14 22.60 11 Tinospora sp. 400.00 4.05 8.70 7.14 19.89 12 Wendlandia coriacea 266.67 2.70 4.35 3.57 10.62 13 Woodfordia fruticosa 800.00 8.11 4.35 7.14 19.60 Subtotal 9866.67

C. Access Road/Surge Tank/SD3/Labour Camp 1 Boehmeria rugulosa 400.00 4.63 4.17 3.03 11.83 2 Caryopteris odorata 400.00 4.63 4.17 3.03 11.83 3 Casearia graveolens 160.00 1.85 4.17 3.03 9.05 4 Colebrookea oppositifolia 880.00 10.19 12.50 9.09 31.78 5 Desmodium sp. 640.00 7.41 8.33 6.06 21.80 6 Flacortia sp. 640.00 7.41 8.33 9.09 24.83 7 Inula cappa 1200.00 13.89 12.50 9.09 35.48 8 Lyonia ovalifolia 80.00 0.93 4.17 3.03 8.12 9 Maesa macrophylla 1120.00 12.96 12.50 27.27 52.74

10 Osbeckia stellata 400.00 4.63 4.17 3.03 11.83 11 Phyllanthus parvifolius 640.00 7.41 4.17 3.03 14.60 12 Swida oblonga 160.00 1.85 4.17 3.03 9.05 13 Wendlandia coriacea 80.00 0.93 4.17 3.03 8.12 14 Luculia gratissima 160.00 1.85 4.17 3.03 9.05 15 Woodfordia fruticosa 1680.00 19.44 8.33 12.12 39.90 16 Subtotal 8640

D. Access Road from Surge Tank to PH, Access Tunnel to Powerhouse and Switchyard ,

Tailrace, CR-2, MS & MWS-2 1 Caryopteris odorata 466.67 10.45 6.67 5.88 23.00 2 Casearia graveolens 333.33 7.46 6.67 5.88 20.01 3 Colebrookea oppositifolia 1200.00 26.87 13.33 41.18 81.38 4 Engelhardia spicata 200.00 4.48 6.67 2.35 13.50 5 Flacortia sp. 200.00 4.48 6.67 5.88 17.03 6 Flemingia macrophylla 333.33 7.46 6.67 5.88 20.01 7 Inula cappa 533.33 11.94 13.33 10.59 35.86 8 Maesa macrophylla 133.33 2.99 6.67 2.35 12.00 9 Phyllanthus parvifolius 400.00 8.96 6.67 5.88 21.50

10 Sida sp. 466.67 10.45 20.00 8.24 38.68 11 Terminalia alata 200.00 4.48 6.67 5.88 17.03 12 Subtotal 4466.67 Total 8766.41



4.2.8 Herb stratum

Various herbs found in various proposed project structure sites are given below in table 4.22.

Table 4-23: Importance Value Index of plant species in Herb Strata

SN Scientific Name Density (No/ha) RD (%) RF(%) RC (%) IVI

A. Headwork (Weir, intake, gravel trap, desanding basin), CMS-1/2/3/4/5, SD1, CR-1, MS

&MWS-1, and Flushing Tunnel Portal Area 1 Acer sp. 1538.46 0.32 1.54 0.48 2.34 2 Adiantum sp. 3076.92 0.64 1.54 0.48 2.66 3 Ageratina adenophora 49230.77 10.19 9.23 10.58 30.00 4 Ageratum conyzoides 12307.69 2.55 1.54 5.77 9.86 5 Asparagus racemosus 3846.15 0.80 3.08 0.96 4.83 6 Bidens pilosa 4615.38 0.96 1.54 0.48 2.97 7 Boehmeria sp. 20000.00 4.14 4.62 7.21 15.97 8 Capillipedium assimile 16923.08 3.50 1.54 1.92 6.96 9 Chirita urticifolia 121538.46 25.16 9.23 16.83 51.22 10 Chrysopogon gryllus 23076.92 4.78 1.54 3.85 10.16 11 Compositae 1 4615.38 0.96 1.54 0.48 2.97 12 Coniogramme japonica 3076.92 0.64 1.54 0.48 2.66 13 Coniogramme pubescens 2307.69 0.48 1.54 0.48 2.50 14 Coniogramme serrulata 3076.92 0.64 1.54 1.44 3.62 15 Cyperus sp. 15384.62 3.18 4.62 1.92 9.72 16 Cyphostemma auriculatum 769.23 0.16 1.54 0.48 2.18 17 Diplazium dilatatum 15384.62 3.18 1.54 2.40 7.13 18 Dryopteris sp (1) 1538.46 0.32 1.54 0.48 2.34 19 Girardinia diversifolia 12307.69 2.55 6.15 2.40 11.11 20 Globba clarkei 769.23 0.16 1.54 0.48 2.18 21 Imperata cylindrica 11538.46 2.39 1.54 0.96 4.89 22 Ipomia sp. 769.23 0.16 1.54 0.48 2.18 23 Lindenbergia grandiflora 2307.69 0.48 1.54 1.92 3.94 24 Lindsaea ensifolia 3076.92 0.64 1.54 0.48 2.66 25 Nephrolepis cordifolia 46153.85 9.55 6.15 8.65 24.36 26 Oplismenus burmannii 1538.46 0.32 1.54 0.48 2.34 27 Piper chaba 34615.38 7.17 9.23 8.65 25.05 28 Pogostemon glaber 4615.38 0.96 1.54 0.96 3.46 29 Pteris arisanensis 12307.69 2.55 3.08 3.85 9.47 30 Pteris normalis 21538.46 4.46 3.08 3.85 11.38 31 Pteris sp. 2307.69 0.48 1.54 0.48 2.50 32 Rubus sp. 769.23 0.16 1.54 0.48 2.18 33 Solanum virginianum 1538.46 0.32 1.54 0.48 2.34 34 Urtica sp. 24615.38 5.10 6.15 8.65 19.90 Subtotal 483076.92

B. SD-2, Construction Adit portal/Access Road 1 Ageratina adenophora 283333.33 23.42 11.76 31.25 66.43 2 Asparagus racemosus 6666.67 0.55 5.88 1.56 8.00 3 Asplenium sp. 46666.67 3.86 5.88 6.25 15.99 4 Capillipedium assimile 386666.67 31.96 17.65 17.19 66.79 5 Cheilanthes argentea 16666.67 1.38 5.88 1.56 8.82 6 Chrysopogon gryllus 300000.00 24.79 11.76 18.75 55.31 7 Cyperus sp. 46666.67 3.86 11.76 3.13 18.75 8 Cystopteris sp. 10000.00 0.83 5.88 1.56 8.27 9 Lepidagathis sp. 10000.00 0.83 5.88 1.56 8.27 10 Nephrolepis cordifolia 83333.33 6.89 11.76 10.94 29.59



SN Scientific Name Density (No/ha) RD (%) RF(%) RC (%) IVI 11 Pteris normalis 20000.00 1.65 5.88 6.25 13.79 Subtotal 1210000.00

C. Access Road/Surge Tank/SD3/Labour Camp 1 Ageratina adenophora 222000.00 28.98 22.22 38.10 89.30 2 Artemisia indica 20000.00 2.61 5.56 5.95 14.12 3 Bidens pilosa 8000.00 1.04 5.56 1.19 7.79 4 Capillipedium assimile 150000.00 19.58 11.11 8.33 39.03 5 Cheilanthes argentea 10000.00 1.31 5.56 1.19 8.05 6 Chromolaena odorata 6000.00 0.78 5.56 1.19 7.53 7 Chrysopogon gryllus 200000.00 26.11 11.11 17.86 55.08 8 Indigofera sp. 2000.00 0.26 5.56 1.19 7.01 9 Nephrolepis cordifolia 104000.00 13.58 11.11 15.48 40.16 10 Pteris normalis 32000.00 4.18 11.11 5.95 21.24 11 Urtica sp. 12000.00 1.57 5.56 3.57 10.69 Subtotal 766000.00

D. Access Road from Surge Tank to PH, Access Tunnel to Powerhouse and Switchyard ,

Tailrace, CR-2, MS & MWS-2 1 Ageratina adenophora 223333.33 35.08 21.05 40.48 96.61 2 Asparagus racemosus 1666.67 0.26 5.26 1.19 6.72 3 Capillipedium assimile 83333.33 13.09 10.53 7.14 30.76 4 Chrysopogon gryllus 83333.33 13.09 5.26 9.52 27.88 5 Cystopteris sp. 5000.00 0.79 5.26 1.19 7.24 6 Lepidagathis sp. 33333.33 5.24 5.26 3.57 14.07 7 Nephrolepis cordifolia 145000.00 22.77 15.79 17.86 56.42 8 Pteris normalis 26666.67 4.19 21.05 7.14 32.38 9 Urtica sp. 35000.00 5.50 10.53 11.90 27.93 Subtotal 636666.67 Average 773935.90


4.2.9 Regeneration Status

Regeneration of tree species in various proposed project structure sites are given below in table

4-24. Regeneration of tree species has been given in Annex 8.

Table 4-24: Regeneration Status of Trees

SN Project Structure Regeneration Category

(No./ha)

Seedling Sapling Total

1 Headwork (Weir, intake, gravel trap, desanding basin), CMS-

1/2/3/4/5, SD1, CR-1, MS &MWS-1, and Flushing Tunnel

Portal Area 5077 73 5150

2 SD-2, Construction Adit portal/Access Road 1333 108 1441 3 Access Road/Surge Tank/SD3/Labour Camp 1680 95 1775

4 Access Road from Surge Tank to PH, Access Tunnel to

Powerhouse and Switchyard, Tailrace, CR-2, MS & MWS-2 600 24 624

Total 8690 300 8990



4.2.10 Forest Land Ownership

Forest area covered by project components is 15.1051 ha. All the forest area is community

forest (Table 4-25). Nearly 50% of total forest area is of Rapcha CF followed by Lemchikharka

(20%) and Bijai CF (10%). Forest area as per project component has been given Annex 8.

Table 4-25: Land Ownership of Forest Land

Forest Ownership Project Components Forest Area Covered by

Project Structures m2 ha

Basa CF Access Road 8326.26 0.8326

Bhirkuna CF Borrow and Quarry Site: CMS#1 &

CMS#2 2070.00 0.2070

Bijai CF

Surge tank, Adit-4 Portal (Valve

chamber Access Portal), Adit-5 Portal

(Powerhouse Access Tunnel), Tailrace

Outlet Portal, Access Road, CR, MS and

MWS-2, Camp Site 2 (Labor)

15446.52 1.5447

Lemchikharka CF Adit-3 Portal (Construction Adit), Spoil

Dispossal Sites: SD#2 29675.65 2.9676

Rapcha CF

Intake, Adit-1 Portal (Access tunnel to

desander), Adit-2 Portal (Desander

Flushing), Access Road, Spoil Disposal

Site: SD#1, Borrow and Quarry Site:

CMS#4, Borrow and Quarry Site:

CMS#5, Crusher, Mechanical Workshop

and Material:CR, MS and MWS-1

Storage, Camp Site 1 (Labor)

74264.31 7.4264

Lemchikharka/Bijai

CFs Access Road and Disposal Sites: SD#3 7063.65 0.7064

Rapcha/Bhirkuna/Dhu

dhkoshi CFs Pondage area 14204.32 1.4204

Total 151050.71 15.1051

4.2.11 Ethno-botanical information

Surrounding forests are a major source of fodder, fuel wood, timber, bedding material for

livestock for the local people. A few tree species such as Saj (T. tomentosa), Khote salla (P.

roxburghii) and Chilaune (S. wallichii) are used for timber. However, Amala, Gayo (B. retusa),

Katus (C. indica) and Banjh (Q. lanata) are mainly used as fodder plants. Kaphal (M.

esculanta), and Ainselu (R. ellipticus) are edible and consumed by local people. Stems of Daar

(Boehmeria rugulosa) are used for making wooden vessels known as “theki", while brooms

are made from the inflorescences of Amliso (Thysanolaena maxima). Tuberous roots of Tarool

(Dioscoreaspp.) are used as a vegetable.

According to local informants, residents prefer to receive treatment from modern (allopathic)

medicine as opposed to traditional herbal (ayurvedic) medicine. This is mainly due to the

facilities available at nearby health post. However, some people in the project area still use

traditional treatments using plant parts from surrounding forests provided by local healers

(Dhami, Jhakri).



Table 4-26: Ethno-botanical Uses Practiced in the Proposed Project Area

S.N. Scientific Name Vernacular name Habit Uses

1 Bauhinia purpurea Tanki Tree Fodder, Fuelwood, Vegetables

2 Castanopsis indica Katus Tree Edible fruit, Fodder, Fuelwood

3 Castanopsis tribuloides Musure Katus Tree Edible fruit, Fodder, Fuelwood

4 Cinnamomum tamala Tejpat Tree Medicine, Spice

5 Ficus religiosa Peepal Tree Religious use, Fodder

6 Ficus semicordata Khaneu Tree Edible fruit and fodder

7 Myrica esculenta Kafal Tree Edible fruit and fodder

8 Phyllanthus emblica Amala Tree Edible fruit, Medicine

9 Rhododendron

arboreum Laligurans Tree Medicine

10 Rhus javanica Bhakimlo Tree Medicine, Edible Fruit

11 Ficus bengalensis Bar Tree Religious use, Fodder

12 Pinus roxburghii Sallo Tree Timber, Fuelwood

13 Terminalia alata Saaj Tree Timber, Fuelwood

14 Alnus nepalensis Uttis Tree Timber, Fuelwood

15 Duabanga grandiflora Lampate Tree Timber, Fuelwood

16 Maesa chisia Bilaaune Tree Fodder, Fuelwood

17 Bridelia retusa Gaayo Tree Fodder, Fuelwood

18 Bauhinia variegata Koiralo Tree Medicine, Vegetable

19 Syzygium cumini Jaamun Tree Medicine, Timber, Fuelwood

20 Psidium guajava Amba Tree Edible Fruit, Medicine

21 Juglans regia Okhar Tree Medicine

22 Ficus lacor Kabro Tree Vegetable, Fodder

23 Engelhardia spicata Mauwa Tree Fuelwood

24 Trichilia connaroides Aankha Taruwa Tree Medicine

25 Berberis sp. Chutro Shrub Medicine, Edible Fruit

26 Colebrookea

oppositifolia Dhusure Shrub Medicine

27 Dichroa febrifuga Vasak Shrub Medicine

28 Inula cappa Gaitihare Shrub Medicine

29 Jatropha curcas Sajiwan Shrub Medicine

30 Justicia adhatoda Asuro Shrub Medicine, Green Manure

31 Rubus sp. Aiselu Shrub Edible fruits

32 Woodfordia fruticosa Dhairo Shrub Medicine, Fodder

33 Zanthoxylum armatum Timur Shrub Medicine, Spice

34 Achyranthes aspera Apamarga Herb Medicine

35 Ageratina adenophora Banmara Herb Medicine

36 Artemisia indica Titepati Herb Medicine

37 Asparagus racemosus Kurilo Herb Medicine

38 Bambusasp. Bans Herb Food, Fodder, Construction

Materials

39 Centella asiatica Ghortaapre Herb Medicine

40 Cynodon dactylon Dubo Herb Religious, Medicine

41 Eulaliopsis binata Babiyo Herb Household use (rope making)

42 Girardinia diversifolia Lekali Sisnu Herb Medicine, Vegetable

43 Osbeckia nepalensis. Angeri Herb Medicine

44 Urtica dioica Sisnu Herb Medicine, Vegetable

45 Diplazium sp. Niguro Fern Vegetable

46 Dryopteris cochelata Niguro Fern Vegetable

47 Dioscorea bulbifera Ban tarul Climber Medicine, Vegetable

48 Dioscorea deltoidea Tarul Climber Vegetable



S.N. Scientific Name Vernacular name Habit Uses

49 Rubia manjith Majitho Climber Medicine

50 Smilax sp. Kukurdaino Climber Medicine

51 Piper chaba Chabo Climber Medicine

4.2.12 Protected Plant Species

Among various plants found in project area, seven are protected by GoN and other international

conventions. A prime habitat of tree fern was found in head work area (near flushing tunnel)

where 30 tree ferns were noted in the area of 1200 m2. Similarly, another habitat outside project

activity area was also in upstream of same stream, where 16 such tree ferns were noted.

Table 4-27: Protected Plants in the Proposed Project Area

S.N. Scientific Name Nepali Name

CITES

Appen

dix

IUCN

Red List

GoN Remarks

1 Ceropegia pubescens Mirke laharo II - - Outside Sampling Sites

2 Dioscorea deltoidea Bhyakur II Threatened - Outside Sampling Sites

3 Juglan regia Protected In sampling plots

4 Orchids Sunakhari II Endangered - Outside Sampling Sites

5 Lichens Jhyau Protected Outside Sampling Sites

6 Cyathea spinulosa Rukh Unyu II Endangered Outside Sampling Sites

Figure 4-13: Tree Fern Habitat in Project Area

4.2.13 Wildlife

It has been reported that the community forests around the project area provide habitat for some

wild mammals such as Ghoral, Hare, Barking Deer, Jackal, Common Leopard, Monkey,

Porcupine, Dhedu and Lokharke.



Table 4-28: Reported Mammals in the Proposed Project Area

S.N. Common Names Scientific Names Status of occurrence

Common Sparse Rare

1 Indian Hare Lepus nigricollis √

2 Five-striped Palm Squirrel Funambulus pennantii √

3 House Rat Rattus rattus √

4 Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus √

5 Indian Porcupine Hystrix indica √

6 Small Indian Mongoose Herpestes auropunctatus √

7 Bengal Fox Vulpes bengalensis √

8 Golden Jackal Canis aureus √

9 Asian House Shrew Suncus murinus √

10 Tarai Grey Langur Semnopithecus hector √

11 Rhesus Macaque Macaca mulatta √

12 Barking Deer Muntiacus muntjak √

13 Common Goral Naemorhedus goral √

14 Common Leopard Panthera paradus √

15 Yellow-Throated Marten Martes flavigula √

16 Bat Scotophilus heathi √ Source: Field Survey, 2017/18

4.2.14 Birds

Different types of birds are found in the project area. The forest, mountain and riverine

ecosystems of the project area favor a variety of avifauna species like Kalij (Lophura spp.),

Dhukur (Streptopelia sp.), Crow (Corvus splendens), Jureli (Pyconotus cafer), Parewa

(Columba livia), Cuckoos (Cuculus spp.), jungle crow (Corvus macrorhychos), and kalij

pheasant (Lophura leucomelanos) have been reported prominent bird species from the project

area. Other species recorded in the project area is given in table 4.28.

Table 4-29: Reported Birds in the Proposed Project Area

S.N. Order/Family/Common Name Scientific Name

1 Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis

2 Besra Accipiter virgatus

3 Jungle Myna Acridotheres fuscus

4 Bank Myna Acridotheres ginginianus

5 Common Myna Acridotheres tristis

6 Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus

7 Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis

8 House Swift Apus affinis

9 Common Swift Apus apus

10 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

11 Eurasian Eagle Owl Bubo bubo

12 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis

13 Rosefinch Carpodacus sp.

14 Rufous Woodpecker Celeus brachyurus

15 Bush Warbler Cettia sp.

16 Rock Pigeon (Common Pigeon) Columba livia

17 Oriental Magpie Robin Copsychus saularis

18 Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis



S.N. Order/Family/Common Name Scientific Name

19 Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos

20 House Crow Corvus splendens

21 Common Quail Coturnix coturnix

22 Eurasian Cuckoo (Common Cuckoo) Cuculus canorus

23 Indian Cuckoo Cuculus micropterus

24 Nepal House Martin Delichon nipalensis

25 Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda

26 Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus

27 Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus

28 Pale-headed Woodpecker Gecinulus grantia

29 Common Crane Grus grus

30 Vulture Gyps sp.

31 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica

32 Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach

33 Kalij Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos

34 Blue-throated Barbet Megalaima asiatica

35 Great Barbet Megalaima virens

36 Black Kite Milvus migrans

37 Wagtail Motacilla sp.

38 Blue Whistling Thrush Myophonus caeruleus

39 Indian Grey Hornbill Ocyceros birostris

40 House Sparrow Passer domesticus

41 Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus

42 Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus

43 Green-billed Malkoha Phaenicophaeus tristis

44 Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo

45 Indian Pitta Pitta brachyura

46 Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria

47 Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer

48 Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis

49 Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis

50 Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

51 Common Woodshrike Tephrodornis pondicerianus

52 Orange-breasted Green Pigeon Treron bicincta

53 Jungle Babbler Turdoides striatus

54 Small Button quail Turnix sylvatica

55 Barn Owl Tyto alba

56 Grass Owl (Eastern Grass Owl) Tyto longimembris

57 River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii

58 Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus


4.2.15 Reptiles and Amphibians

Ten (10) species of reptiles and six (6) amphibians were recorded from the project area.

According to the local people, project area consists of snakes, rat snake (Ptyas mucosus)

mountain pit viper (Ovophis monticola), green pit viper (Trimeresurus albolabris) and garden



lizard (Calotes versicolor). The presence of frog (Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis) and toad

(Duttaphrynus melanostictus) were also noted in ditches and pools at the intake, powerhouse

sites and the communities around. Others are given in table 4.29.

Table 4-30: List of Herpeto-Fauna Recorded in Project Area

S.N. Common Name Scientific Name

1 The Bengal monitor or common Indian monitor Varanus bengalensis

2 Golden tree snake Chrysopelea ornata

3 Many-keeled grass skink Eutropis carinata

4 Large mountain lizard Japalura major

5 Tuberculated agama Laudakia tuberculata

6 Mountain pitviper Ovophis monticola

7 Sikkim ground skink or bronzy-brown skink) Asymblepharus sikimmensis

8 Oriental ratsnake, Indian rat snake Ptyas mucosa

9 Green pit viper Trimeresurus albolabris

10 Garden lizard Calotes versicolor

11 Himalaya sucker frog, Himalaya cascade frog, or

Himalaya frog Amolops himalayanus

12 Himalayan toad Duttaphrynus himalayanus

13 Nepal paa frog, tiny frog, small paa frog Nanorana minica

14 Indian burrowing frog Sphaerotheca breviceps

15 Indian skipper frog or skittering frog Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis

16 Asian common toad, Asian black-spined toad, Asian

toad, black-spectacled toad Duttaphrynus melanostictus

4.2.16 Butterflies

Varieties of butterflies were recorded between the intake and powerhouse area. The presence

of black bodied sward tails (Papilo spp.), dukes (Euthalia sahadeva), town tiger (Danaus

aglea) and demons (Notocrypta curvifascia) were recorded at the intake site, whereas barons

(Euthalia monima), sailers (Neptis hylas) and common mep (Cyrestis thyodamas) were

recorded from the powerhouse area.

4.2.17 Fish Species

A total of 4 species of fish were reported to be found in Dudh Koshi River. Two days sampling

using a fish net and fish hook resulted in catch of only Chuche Asala i.e. Schizothorax

progastus and Buche Asala (Schizothorax richardsoni) in three sites i.e. Dudh Koshi River at

Weir and Intake Area, Dewatered Zone near Tari (Suspension Bridge) and Powerhouse and

Tailrace Area. Other 2 species (Kabre, Tite) were reported by local informants.



Table 4-31: Reported and Observed Fish Fauna in the Dudh Koshi River


Mig

rato

ry S

tatu

s

Sites

Du

dh

Ko

shi

Riv

er a

t

Wei

r a

nd

In

tak

e A

rea

Dew

ate

r Z

on

e o

f

DK

5H

PP

, N

ear

Ta

ri

(Su

spen

sio

n B

rid

ge

Are

a)

Po

wer

ho

use

an

d

Ta

ilra

ce A

rea

O R O R O R

1 Chuche Asala Schizothorax progastus MM + + + + + +

2 Buche asala Schizothorax richardsoni MM + + + + + +

3 Kabre Glyptothorax pectinopterus R + + +

4 Tite Psilorhynchus pseudecheneis R + + +

Source: Field Survey, 2017; Note: MM: Middle Distance Migratory, LM: Long Distance Migratory, R:

Residential; Note: O= Observed; R= Reported

A. Species Description

i. Schizothorax richardsonii (Blunt–nosed Asala) and Schizothoraichthys progastus

(Pointed nose -Asala)

Asala is the dominant mid distance migratory fish species (belonging to Cyprinidae family) in

the Dudh Koshi River. These two fishes are omnivorous fishes and feed on algae, pieces of

aquatic plants and insects. Asala breeds twice in a year in autumn (September/October) and

spring (March/April). These species prefer rapids, pools and riffle types of habitats. A local

informant reported catch of a maximum 2 Kg Chuche Asala from the Dudh Koshi River. Asala

could be found in Dudh Koshi River in all seasons but the local informant reported that

abundance is higher during April-May.

ii. Glyptothorax pectinopterus (Kabre)

Kabre is a residential fish from Sisoridae family. It is more abundant in the Dudh Koshi River

during June to September. These are small, benthic species inhabiting pool and run areas of

streams and also found in the mountain rapids. This species inhabits swift-flowing rivers with

a substrate of sand and rocks.

iii. Psilorhynchus pseudecheneis(Tite)

‘Tite’ is one of the residential fishes having medicinal value. Its body is elongated, depressed

and flattened with 3 to 5 distinct transverse folds on the ventral side. Generally, the body colour

is darker with greenish spangle on the dorsal side. The head is bluish brown while the ventral

yellowish. A light dark band is present along the pectoral fin from just behind the operculum

to the base caudal. A few dark blotches and bands are present in front of the dorsal fin as well

as behind. Its scales are pigmented black. It grows up to 150 mm. The stone carp is said to have

an acrid taste and is therefore called Tite. It has a medicinal value. Tite is more abundant during

August-September.



B. Fish migration and migratory path

Some fish species of migratory nature were observed on the basis of interactions with the local

fishermen, direct observation and relevant literatures. Among reported 4 fish species, two

species (Schizothorax progastus and Schizothorax richardsoni) were medium distance

migratory species and the rest two were residential species. The migration pattern of the fishes

is shown in Table 4.32.

Table 4-32: Fish Migratory Pattern

Fish Species J F M A M J J A S O N D

Schizothorax progastus (Chuche

Asala) ↑ ↑ ↑ ↓ ↓

Schizothorax richardsoni (Buche

Asala) ↑ ↑ ↑ ↓ ↓

Source: Field Survey, 2017/18; Note: ↑= Upstream Migration; ↓= Downstream Migration

C. Species Abundance

A total of 26 fish of a single species were collected from the three sampling sites of Dudh Koshi

River. In all three sampled sites, only two fish species were caught. Among 26 individual

fishes, 15 were caught from power house and tailrace areas, 3 from dewater zone and 8 from

headwork areas. The length of the caught fishes ranged from 10 cm to 23 cm. Maximum weight

of a single fish is recorded to be 230 gm. The combined weight of all caught fishes was 2.35

Kg.

Table 4-33: Species Diversity and Distribution

Common Name Scientific Name Site*

Total 1 2 3

Buche Schizothorax richardsoni 2 2 11 15

Chuchche Schizothorax progastus 6 1 4 11

Total 8 3 15 26

Source: Field Survey, 2017, *Note: 1=Power House and Tailrace Area; 2=Dewater Zone and

*3=Headwork Area

Table 4-34: Fish Abundance at Sampling Sites

Site

No. Sites

Number of

Fish Caught

Total Weight

of Fish

Caught (gm)

Numbe

r of

Species

Catch

Percentag

e

Percentage of

fish caught by

Weight

1 Headwork Site 8 750 2 30.77 31.91

2 Dewater Zone 3 450 2 11.54 19.15

3 Powerhouse and

Tailrace Area 15 1150 2 57.69 48.94

Total 26 2350 6 100.00 100.00

Source: Field Survey, 2017



D. Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE)

A total of 26 fish were caught at 3 Sites. The catch per unit effort for site 1 is 1:0.53, site 2 is

1: 0.33, site 3 is 1:0.56, with the highest ratio at downstream.

Table 4-35: Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE) at Different Sampling Stations

Sites

No. Sites

Level of

Effort

No. of Fish

caught

Catch per unit

effort (CPUE)

Attempt

Catch

Ratio

1 Headwork Site 15 8 0.53 1:0.53

2 Dewater Zone 9 3 0.33 1:0.33

3 Powerhouse and Tailrace Area 27 15 0.56 1:0.56

Total 51 26 0.51 1:0.51


E. Fishing Trends and Practices

The Dudh Koshi River is a high gradient mountain river carrying moderate discharge in dry

season. The River is good in terms of fish resources. The field interviews with local informant

revealed that there are no families in project affected areas who entirely depend on fishes of

Dudh Koshi River for their living. Fishing is a part-time job and for fun in the area.

4.2.18 Protected Wildlife

Among various wild animals reported/observed from project area, eleven (11) species are

protected. Of which 5 were mammals, 5 birds and 1 reptile.

Table 4-36: Protected Wild Animals in Project Area

S.N. Common Names Scientific Names CITES

Appendix

IUCN

Red List GoN Remarks

1 Golden Jackal Canis aureus III Mammals

2 Rhesus Monkey Macaca mulatta II LR/nt Mammals

3 Yellow-throated

Marten Martes Flacigula III Mammals

4 Common Leopard Panthera Pardus I LR/nt Mammals

5 Bengal fox Vulpes

bengalensis III DD Mammals

6 Besra Sparrow

Hawk Accipiter virgatus II Birds

7 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis III Birds

8 Vulture Gyps sp. Birds

9 Indian Pitta Pitta brachyura II Birds

10 Barn Owl Tyto alba II Birds

11 Asiatic Rat Snake Ptyas mucosus II Reptiles


4.3 Socio-economic and Cultural Environment

4.3.1 District Profile

(i) Introduction

Solukhumbu district, a part of province 1 of Nepal, is surrounded by Bhojpur and

Sankhuwasabha district in the East, by Tibet in the North, Dolakha and Ramechhap in the West

and by Okhaldhunga and Khotang district in the South. It lies 266 km north east from the capital



district Kathmandu. It lies between 27o20’39” to 28o6’24” North and 86o0’21” to 87o0’1” East.

The total area of the district is 339776 ha. Which comprises 33312 ha agriculture land

(Cultivated-21435 ha and Non-cultivated-11877 ha), 49849 ha pasture land, 105330 ha forest

land and 151285 ha other land. The total area of the district is 339776 ha; majority of the area

is covered with31.27 % (105330 ha.) forest area and 9.8% (33312 ha.) agricultural land.

Table 4-37: Land Use Pattern of Solukhumbu District

Physical

Condition

Agriculture (ha.) Non-Agriculture (ha.)

Total (ha.) Cultivated

Non-

Cultivated Pasture Forest Others

High Himalaya 503 89 31,808 10,937 149,174 192,511

High Mountain 19,602 11,314 17,812 93,673 2,063 144,464

Mid Mountain 1,330 474 229 720 48 2,801

Total 21,435 11,877 49,849 105,330 151,285 339,776

Source: District Profiles of Solukhumbu, 2074

This district consists of one constituent area. It has one municipality and seven Gaunpalika.

The population census of the district in 2011 showed 105886 constituting 51200 (48.35%)

males and 54686 (51.65%) females. There were 23785 households with average household size

4.45 persons. Salleri is the headquarter of the district. Ethnically, major groups are Rai, Sherpa,

Chhettri, Tamang and kulung respectfully Kami, Magar, Brahman, Newar, Gharti and others.

(ii) Caste/Ethnic Composition

Solukhumbu district has diverse ethnic distribution. There are more than 40 caste ethnic groups.

It has a predominant ethnic Rai 19.61%, following Sherpa 16.71%, Chhetri 15.06%, Tamamg

9.90%, Kulung 8.90%, Kami 5.59%, Magar 4.91% and Brahman 4.62% population, making

up about 85.30% of the total population. After this there are Nachhiring, Newar, Gharti/Bhujel,

Damai/Dholi, Thulung, Gurung, Dashnami/Sanyasi, Sarki Khaling, Sunuwar, Kalar, Majhi and

others who makes 14.70 % predominantly inhabit the district.

(iii) Economic Activities

About 50.72 percent of total population of the district is economically active, of which about

58% totally depend upon agriculture. The remaining 42% are engaged in non-agricultural

occupation such as trade/business, transport, services etc.

The main cereal crops of the district are paddy, maize, wheat, phaper, millet, and barley with

the annual production of 3366 MT, 32517mt, 6957 MT 192 MT, 26880 MT and 200 MT

respectively. Potato 153723 MT is the main cash crop in the district in 20016/17 as per district

profile. A total of 8555 MT of milk, 2513 MT of meat, 4185,000 eggs, and 6832 MT of wool

were produced as the livestock products of the district in 20016/17. The district is a food deficit

district of Nepal.

Other major economic activity in the district is tourism. The tourism industry has provided

employment to more than 2000 persons. Solukhumbu district consists of famous trekking route

for the international trekkers and climbers to Sagarmatha base camp. Pike dada, Ratnange dada,

Chiwang gumba, Junbesi gumba Tashithanmen Mahabir gumba, Jyalsa, Salleri Thekchhen



Pema Chholing gumba, Merapik, Dhaemapik, Salpa pokhari and many other places of Namche,

Khumjung and Chaurikharka are in the trekking route, and large numbers of lodges and

restaurants are in operation in the trekking areas. More than 25000 trekkers use the trekking

route every year. The per capita income of the district is high than other district of Nepal.

(iv) Social Services

a) Education

There are total 280 schools, in which 172 primary; 64 lower secondary, 20 secondary and 24

higher secondary schools in the district. Six private campuses and 248 pre-primary schools are

also there in the district. The literacy rate of 6 years of age and above in the district is 67.5%

in 2016/17 in the district.

b) Health

The district has one district hospital, 2 health centre, 14 health posts, 18 sub-health posts and

one Ayurvedic Aushadhalaya (clinic). About 500 women health volunteers are active in

providing the health services to the women of the district. The most common diseases prevalent

in the district are skin diseases, diarrhoea, and worm gastritis.

c) Communication

There is one district post office, 8 regional divisional post offices and 25 additional post offices

in the district. Beside this two-courier service are in the district. There 455 telephone lines have

been distributed in the district. At about 16150 CDMA, 3570 Ncell and 13080 Namaste mobiles

are distributed in the district.

d) Water Supply and Sanitation

About 89.50 percent of total households have tapped water supply in the district. About 75

percent of the total population of the district have toilet facilities and other go to field, khola

and khet bari for open defecation.

e) Electrification

About 20 percent of the total population of the district enjoys electricity supply in their houses

through small hydropower, Peltric set and Micro hydropower projects. Local people have also

installed individual solar panels.

f) Transportation

This district is connected with 55 km of National Highway and it is about 266 km from

Kathmandu with black top road. The district is also connected with Kathmandu through air

transport services between Phaplu and Syangboche Airports of the district and Tribhuvan

International Airport in Kathmandu.

4.3.2 Project Affected Rural Municipality (Gaunpalika), Wards and Project Area

The DK5HPP is situated within one rural municipality– Mapya Dudhkoshi Rural Muncipality

of Solukhumbu district. All 7 Wards of Mapya Dudhkoshi rural municipality will be affected

by the project.



(i) Population size and Dynamics

The project affected rural municipality has population of 13,414 residing in 2,803 households.

Among total population in the project affected rural municipality, 48.67% are male and the

remaining 51.33% are female. The project affected rural municipality account for around

11.78% of the total households and around 12.76% of the total population of the project district.

Average family size of the project affected rural municipality is 4.78 which is slightly higher

than that of project district.

Table 4-38: Population of project affected Mapya Dudh Koshi Gaunpalika

Ward No. Households Population Male Female Sex Ratio HH Size

1 335 1524 741 783 94.64 4.55

2 308 1543 753 790 95.32 5.01

3 368 1713 821 892 92.04 4.65

4 338 1529 761 768 99.09 4.52

5 491 2261 1073 1188 90.32 4.60

6 541 2566 1255 1311 95.73 4.74

7 422 2278 1125 1153 97.57 5.40

Total 2803 13,414 6,529 6,885 94.83 4.78 Source: CBS, 2011

(ii) Social Demography

Caste and ethnicity

Project area is inhabited by diverse caste and ethnic/Janajatis, and linguistic groups. Among

them Rai is predominant in terms of population. Rai is the largest Janajati group having 51.59%

of the total population of the project wards followed by Sherpa (13.48%), Kami (5.02%),

Magar (8.50), Chhetri (6.29%), Tamang (5.45%) and other groups.

Table 4-39: Population by caste/ethnicity and sex

S. N. Wards and

caste/ethnicity

Jubing

(1) %

Basa

(2,3)

Kaku

(4,5)

Baku

(6,7) Total

Percent

(%)

1 All Caste 1524 3256 3790 4844 13414 100

2 Rai 555 36.42 1775 1922 2669 6921 51.59

3 Sherpa 607 39.83 0 482 719 1808 13.48

4 Kami 139 9.12 291 428 380 1238 9.23

5 Magar 152 9.97 286 0 702 1140 8.50

6 Chhetree 8 0.52 613 123 100 844 6.29

7 Tamang 15 0.98 0 691 25 731 5.45

8 Brahman - Hill 9 0.59 0 22 129 160 1.19

9 Damai/Dholi 11 0.72 87 38 23 159 1.18

10 Gharti/Bhujel 0 0 156 0 0 156 1.16

11 Khaling 6 0.39 0 66 0 72 0.54

12 Newar 0 0 0 0 45 45 0.33

13 Tharu 6 0.39 11 0 0 17 0.14



14 Others 16 1.05 37 18 52 123 0.92

Source: CBS 2011

Language

Census 2011 recorded, more than 11 languages in the project affected rural municipality.

Among these 11 languages, the most widely spoken languages are: Khaling (50.43%) followed

by Nepali (20.25%), Sherpa (13.64%), Magar (7.75%), Tamang (5.22%), Thulung (0.59%) and

other languages.

Table 4-40: Population distribution by mother tongue in the project Wards

Wards and

Mother Tongue

Ward 1

(Jubing)

Ward 2,3

(Basa)

Ward 5

(Kaku)

Ward 6,7

(Baku)

Total Percent

(%)

Khaling 504 1742 1911 2608 6765 50.43

Nepali 235 1137 623 721 2716 20.25

Sherpa 604 0 483 743 1830 13.64

Magar 105 254 0 681 1040 7.75

Tamang 10 0 690 0 700 5.22

Thulung 22 0 46 11 79 0.59

Rai 10 24 13 29 76 0.57

Bhujel 0 60 0 0 60 0.45

Tharu 5 11 0 0 16 0.12

Nachhiring 0 0 0 15 15 0.11

Maithili 0 0 0 12 12 0.11

Others 29 28 24 24 105 0.76

Source: CBS 2011

Religion

Hinduism and Buddhism are mostly practiced in the area and most of them celebrate Hindu

festivals. Household survey indicated that there are 47 % Buddhists, 51 % Hindus and 2 %

Christians. However, Sholukhambhu District comprises of 63% Hindus and 35% Buddhists.

Dashain, Tihar, Teej, Chaite, Janaipurnima, Baishakh Purnima, Maghe Sangkranti and Lhosar

are the important festivals celebrated in the area.

Table 4-41: Religion of sampled households

Religions Numbers of HHs HH percentage

Hindus 99 50.51

Buddhists 92 46.94

Christians 4 2.04

Others 1 0.51

Total 196 100.00




Gender roles and social networks

Women constitute about 51.32 % of the total population in the project affected rural

municipality as per national census survey of 2011. They do all the household chores including

cooking, cleaning, rearing children, tending cattle and even work in the fields. The literacy rate

among them is also low as compared to men. Women perform most of the HH work and farm

activities. The working hours of women are comparatively longer than that of men in this area.

Women from and around the project site are also equipped with skills such as sewing and

knitting of woolen cap and etc. However, all household and other decisions are made by men,

and women are often ignored in the decision-making process, although their contribution is

immensely valuable.

Literacy and education

When compared the literacy rate (5 years or above) of the project area, Basa-2 &3 stood first

with 66.58% followed by Jubing-1 (65.52%), Kaku-4 & 5 (64.80%) and Baku-6 & 7 (58.51%).

In the project wards, a total of population 7,642 (63.06%) can read and write, whereas 385

(3.18%) persons can only read and 4084 (33.7%) persons can neither read nor write as reported

in the Census 2011 (CBS 2011).

According to the Census 2011, the record of educational attainment of project area population

is good. There were 7700 (96.82%) persons who have passed formal degree, including SLC

(CBS, 2011). Based on the Census 2011, within the entire project area, only11 males and 3

females had completed Masters’ degree.

The project area has 9-primary and 4 secondary schools. There is one high school in ward no-

3 Damku at project area. Students of the project area have to go to Kathmandu & Salleri bazaar

for higher level education. Students, who are economically sound, prefer to go to either Salleri

bazaar or Kathmandu for higher education.

Migration

The out-migration is a regular phenomenon which occurs mostly in an economically active age

group. Usually people migrate to Salleri Bazar (district headquarter), Kathmandu, Qatar, Dubai

and Malaysia especially during off farming season either for employment purpose or for long

term migration.

Of the respondents, 770 of the sampled population 182 (25.70%) has gone out for seeking jobs.

Among the migrated people of the sample area, 5 percent of the people are in Qatar, 3 percent

in India, 7 percent in Dubai, 8 percent in Malaysia and remaining sixty -nine percent are within

the country. Women migration is nominal. However, they migrate together with their husbands

and families. Seasonal migration is still common.

Table 4-42: Population migration pattern in the project area

Sampled

HHs Qatar Malaysia Dubai

Saudi

Arabia/Bahrain India

Within

country Other Total

160 10 16 13 12 6 136 5 198

Percent 5.05 8.08 6.57 6.06 3.03 68.69 2.53 100.00




Housing and settlement pattern

Both cluster and scattered settlement were observed in the district during the site visit. Cluster

settlement were observed mainly in district headquarter and market/bazaar area, whereas

scattered settlement was observed in remote hills and other places. The settlement in the project

area is scattered type. In the village area, houses are mostly made up with locally available

materials like mud and stone with stone/slate, metal (tin) sheet and thatched roof, whereas RCC

houses were observed in district headquarter, market/bazaar areas and along the access road.

Figure 4-14: House Structures and Settlement Patterns

By the type of outer wall of housing, 95.70% (3098) housing units were constructed by mud

bonded stones, 1.79% (58) housing units were constructed by using Bamboo and using Wood.

As the data shows, about 99% households are built by using mud/stones, bamboo and woods

(Table 4-43).

Table 4-43: Households by outer wall of house/housing units

Wards Total Type of outer wall

Mud

bonded

bricks/stone

Cement

bonded

bricks/stone

Wood/

planks

Bamboo Unbaked

brick

Others Not

Stated

Jubing 769 721 3 35 9 0 0 1

Basa 676 659 3 1 5 4 0 4

Kaku 829 804 0 11 8 0 2 4

Baku 963 914 0 11 36 0 0 2

Total 3,237 3,098 6 58 58 4 2 11

Percent (%) 95.7 1.79 1.79

Source: CBS 2011

Vulnerable and disadvantaged groups

This study identified Persons with Disability (PWDs), children, Dalits, and elderly people as

the vulnerable and disadvantage groups in the project areas. Persons belong to these categories

are vulnerable because of their specific characteristic which put them at a higher risk of relative

disadvantages in access to resources, employment opportunities and income level. Moreover,

it is also likely to argue that people from such categories are at a higher risk of being



marginalized, compared to other people since they cannot capture the benefits that might be

accrued from the project. The Census 2011 data shows that population from the vulnerable

groups (disabled people, children, dalits, elderly people) comprised 48.13% of the total

population in the project Wards. Table 4-44 shows the total population of the vulnerable

groups.

Table 4-44: Vulnerable and disadvantage groups in the project area

Wards PWDs Children

(0-14) years Dalits

Elderly People

(65 and above) Total

Percentage

(%)

1 49 481 150 81 761 10.40

2,3 61 1164 378 155 1758 24.02

4,5 195 1252 466 253 2166 29.60

6,7 160 1821 403 249 2633 35.98

Total 465

(3.47%)

4718

(35.17%)

1397

(10.41%)

738

(5.50%)

7318

(54.55%)

100

Source: CBS 2011

(iii) Economic demography

Economically active population

The working age population (15 to 59) years of the project wards are shown in the Table 4-45

below. As per the Census report, the working age population was 56.22% (7,541) of the total

population of rural municipality which is slightly lower than the national working age

population (57%). When compared to Ward wise working age population, Jubing-1 had highest

working age population with 60.69% followed by Kaku-4 & 5 with 56.46%, Basa-2 & 3 with

56% and Baku-6&7 with 54.77%.

Table 4-45: Working age population (15 to 59) year of the project wards

Wards Total Populatiom Working population (15 to 59) Year

Percent (%) Male Female Total

Jubing (Ward 1) 1524 448 477 925 60.69

Basa (2,3) 3256 865 958 1823 56.00

Kaku (4,5) 3790 964 1176 2140 56.46

Baku (6,7) 4844 1278 1375 2653 54.77

Total 13,414 3,555 3,986 7541 56.20

Source: CBS 2011

Land use and farming

Land use pattern in the project area is diverse and has direct bearing on agricultural production

and food security. Lands are, for instance, used as forest area, agriculture/cultivated land,

pasture/grass land, shrub land, sandy area, water bodies, barren land etc.

It has been found that over 60% of the people are dependent on agriculture-based occupation.

Maize, Millets, Paddy and wheat are the major crop produced in the area. Production of maize



accounts for 37% of total agriculture production, which is very high as compared to the other

crops. Agricultural activities are performed intensively with manual labor. However, overall

economy of the project area primarily depends on agriculture and tracking sector, which has

been integrated with livestock. Agriculture production depends upon a variety of conditions

such as timely onset of monsoon and the input of modern agriculture services, etc. Majority of

the land at the intake area depends on monsoon rains due to the lack of irrigation facilities.

Table 4-46: Production of Major Crops in the Project Area

S.N. Crops Production

(Muri)

Production

(Muri)

Production

(Kg)

Average

Production/HHs

Percent

(%)

1 Paddy 163 163 11410 58.21 8.48

2 Maize 157.3 638.8 44716 228.14 33.23

3 Wheat 49.85 181.85 12729.5 64.95 9.46

4 Potato 75.1 349.1 24437 124.68 18.16

5 Millet 128.85 583.85 40869.5 208.52 30.37

6 Mustard

& Others 4 6 420 2.14 0.31

Total 1922.6 134582 686.64 100.00


Employment

Self-employment is only option to keep oneself as employed. The overwhelming majority of

the local people are employed in the agricultural sector (subsistence farming). Livestock

rearing and rain fed farming are the major agricultural activities of the project area. Few

households also practice small scale trade with combined focus on household commodities,

goats, and alcohol. At the local level, employment opportunity is very low.

Agriculture is the main occupation of the project area. More than 64.29% of the respondents

are involved in agriculture for their primary livelihood. Besides agriculture, 9.09% are students,

5.06% are employed in trekking (porter), 4.55 % are in foreign employment 7.79% are engaged

in service, 3.90 % in business and 5.32 % in Labor works including mason and carpenter etc.

Table 4-47: Major occupation of the Project Area

Major Occupation Population Percent (%)

Agriculture 495 64.29

Services 60 7.79

Labors/Mason etc 41 5.32

Trekking 39 5.06

Foreign employment 35 4.55

Business 30 3.90

Others 70 9.09

Total 770 100.00


Fishing

There are only few fishermen in the project area. Estimation of fishermen population in the

area is difficult, mainly because they did not claim themselves as professional fishermen.



Fishing is practiced mainly by communities living in immediate vicinity nearby Dudh Koshi

River. They use different types of fishing gears. They are tango (Balchhi), gill net

(LaharePasso), and cast net (HaateJal), to catch the fish from the river. Fishing was reported

to be practiced mainly from September to November and some minor fishing during the rest of

the monsoon season. The price of fresh fish is reported to be about NRs. 450 per kg. They sell

fish often in the local market and occasionally in Basa and Damku.

Livestock

Livestock is an important part of the agriculture system of the project area. 89% of the people

own cows and bulls. Cattle and buffaloes are the main providers of manures too.

Table 4-48: Livestock Herding in Project Area

Livestock Total Percent Avg. Livestock /HHs

Cow/Bull 505 19.22 2.58

Buffalo 236 8.98 1.20

Hen/Duck 1052 40.05 5.37

Goat 677 25.77 3.45

Pigs 157 5.98 0.80

Total 2627 100.00 4.04 Source: Field Survey, 2018

Most of the animal products such as milk, butter and ghee are consumed locally. People usually

make ghee for self-consumption and selling purpose. While some house owners with many

cattle sell these products at the nearest market areas like Damku Bazar.

(iv) Access to civic amenities

Drinking water and sanitation

Based on the Census 2011, the situation of drinking water and sanitation in the project area is

not bad. For instance, majority of the households 76.98% (2158) have access to ordinary toilet

facilities. Out of 2803 total households, 5.24% (147) have access even to flush toilet facility.

However, the census reported that more than 17.62% (494) households have no access to toilet

facilities (See Table 4-49).

Table 4-49: Households by type of toilet facilities

Wards Total

HHs

Households without

toilet facility

Households with toilet

facility of Toilet

facility

not stated Flush toilet Ordinary

toilet

Jubing (Ward

1) 335 39 53 243 0

Basa (2,3) 676 132 32 511 1

Kaku (4,5) 829 160 31 636 2

Baku (6,7) 963 163 31 768 1

Total 2,803 494 147 2,158 4

Percent (%) 100 17.62 5.24 76.98 0.16

Source: CBS 2011



The main source of water for drinking water supply in the project affected wards is local

springs. As for the access to drinking water, 90.51% (2537) have access to tap or piped drinking

water supply. There were 1.75% (49) households who have no access to tap or pipe drinking

water supply and they sourced drinking water supply from nearby river and streams. Beside

this, another sources of drinking water used by 2.32% (65) households was Kuwa.

Table 4-50: Households by sources of drinking water

Wards Total HHs

Main source of drinking water

Ta

p/p

iped

wa

ter

Co

ver

ed

wel

l/k

uw

a

Un

cov

ered

wel

l/k

uw

a

Sp

ou

t w

ate

r

Riv

er

/str

eam

Oth

ers

No

t S

tate

d

Jubing (1) 335 283 2 6 33 11 0 0

Basa (2,3) 676 656 4 8 0 7 0 1

Kaku (4,5) 829 775 0 7 23 22 0 2

Baku (6,7) 963 823 3 44 83 8 0 1

Total 2,803 2537 9 65 139 49 0 4

Percent (%) 90.51 0.32 2.32 4.96 1.75 0 0.15

Sources: CBS 2011

Public health

Water borne diseases: Water borne diseases such as diarrhea, dysentery, typhoid and fever are

common in the project affected wards of rural municipality. Moreover, cough and cold, gastric,

eye diseases, respiratory diseases (bronchitis), malnutrition, skin diseases, heart diseases, blood

pressure and tuberculosis are also recorded in the area. However, there was no record of

HIV/AIDS in the project area.

Health treatment facilities:

There are four health posts in the project affected area. The nearest health post (with limited

health facilities) is located at Basa, which is 2-3 hours walking distance from the project intake

area and 1.5 hour from proposed powerhouse area. As per government rules, one Assistant

Health Worker (AHW), one Maternal Child Health Worker (MCHW) and one Field Health

Worker need to be engaged in each health post. However, the facilities such as staff and

medicines are inadequate most of the time in the health post.

Sources of energy use

According to the Census 2011 report, almost 2792 (99.60%) out of the total 2803 households

use firewoodas cooking fuel, and only negligible households 5 (0.18%) and 1 (0.03%) reported

to have used Kerosene and LP gas as cooking fuel respectively. This shows that local people

heavily depend on the forests for collecting firewood required for cooking. However, it was

observed that households and business houses like hotel and lodges in the market area use LPG

(Liquefied Petroleum Gas) and Kerosene as an alternative source of energy for cooking (Table

4-51).



Table 4-51: Households by Type of fuel used for cooking in the project Wards

Wards Total

HHs

Fuel usually used for cooking

Wo

od

/

fire

wo

od

Ker

ose

ne

LP

ga

s

Sa

nth

i/

gu

ith

a

(co

w d

un

g)

Bio

ga

s

Ele

ctri

city

Oth

ers

No

t S

tate

d

Jubing (1) 335 335 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Basa (2,3) 676 675 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

Kaku (4,5) 829 826 1 0 0 0 0 0 2

Baku (6,7) 963 956 4 1 0 1 0 0 1

Total 2,803 2792 5 1 0 1 0 0 4

Percent (%) 100 99.60 0.18 0.03 0 0.03 0 0 0.16

Source CBS, 2011

As for the lighting, electricity is recorded as the major sources of energy used for lighting in

the project area in the Census 2011. Other than cooking fuel, the Census data reveals that

majority of the households 1809 (64.54%) use electricity for lighting, 439 (15.66%) households

use kerosene, 377 (13.45%) households use Solar Power and remaining 178(6.35%)

households use other means of energy for the lighting.

Table 4-52: Households by source of lighting

Wards Total

HHs

Fuel usually used for lighting

Electricity Kerosene Bio gas Solar Others Not

Stated

Jubing (1) 335 318 11 0 3 3 0

Basa (2,3) 676 659 14 0 2 0 1

Kaku (4,5) 829 526 173 0 89 39 2

Baku (6,7) 963 306 241 64 283 68 1

Total 2,803 1,809 439 64 377 110 4

Percent (%) 100 64.54 15.66 2.28 13.45 3.92 0.15

Source: CBS, 2011

(v) Local institutions and services

In the past, presence of government institutions was mostly limited to the district headquarters

and local people from the project area had to go to the respective district headquarter for

fulfilling all legal and administrative services. After the promulgation of the new Constitution

and consequent re-structuring of the local governance units (Rural Municipalities and Ward)

as the basic governing units have increased local people’s access to the government services at

the local level. Field interactions with local people revealed that local institutions like mother

groups, co-operatives, youth clubs, forest user's groups, etc. are also in operation and are

engaged in forest conservation, saving and credit, environmental conservation, health and



sanitation, community development programs and raising awareness programs in the project

area.

A number of national and international NGOs and INGOs are launching different kinds of

development and capacity building programs in the district. However, there are few NGOs and

INGOs working in the project affected Rural Municipality. Some Mother's Group, Youth club,

and CFUGs are engaged in forest conservation, saving and credit, environmental conservation,

health and sanitation, community development programs and raising awareness programs in

the project site. The local NGO, Himalayan Foundation, based in Salleri, is to empower

women, children, poorest and marginalized groups of people by promoting self-reliance

through organizational activities, awareness-building activities and economic self-dependence.

Like was REED Nepal based in Kathmandu, is supporting for school building and educational

materials at Basa & Baku areas. Other NGOs like Gorkha Welfare Society (GWS) support

agriculture and livestock-based activities to uplift the economic status of the beneficiaries, like

was Himalayan Development Foundation working in the field of education in Mapya

Dudhkoshi Gaunpalika

(vi) Transportation and communication

Transportation:

The access to the district headquarters Salleri bazaar from Kathmandu is through an all-weather

road about 266 km long, BP Highway connecting at Khurkot, at Sindhuli district. The

construction work for earthen track opening has been completed from the road head at Salleri

bazar of district headquarter up to the Basa near Gaunpalika headquarter through powerhouse

area at Thane khola.

Communication:

There are no telephone lines in the project area. However, the Nepal Telecommunications

Corporation (NTC) and NCELL networks especially Cell Phone services have access in the

project area. The post office of the project area is alsofound in the project areas.

As observed during the fieldwork, most of the areas are connected with mobile services. Code

Division Multiple Access (CDMA) phone facilities, NTC, and Ncell mobile services are

available in most parts of the project area. It was also observed that some of the households

had access to Dish Home cable network television. Young generation were found using internet

services, though limited to certain parts of the project area.

(vii) Archaeology and culture and heritage

No specific archaeological, historical sites of local importance were identified in the project

area. In the project site, there are some Bhumepuja (Bhumesthan), Bas, small temples,

Bhumesthans are near of mostly located in the Kirat Khulung Rai communities, whereas

temples and shrines are found in Brahmin and Chhettri communities. Religious places of Kirat,

Khaling Rai Bhumesthan at ward no 2 and Khaling Rai Bhumesthan at ward no 3, which are

located at Bodhu about 1.5 km and 4 km from the headworks and 4 km from the powerhouse

tunnel respectively. There are important religious places of the project affected areas, besides

these there are small temple at ward no 6, Jaleswor temple at Basa, Shiva temple at Damku,

Krishna temple Majha Gaun ward no-3, Somabare Sarwarati temple at Himalayan Secondary

School ward no-3 etc.



(viii) Water use of the Dudhkoshi River

In the project area, water-based infrastructure in operation was not observed. However, two

small hydropower company were running and one is under construction at Jubing ward no 1.

Two small hydropowers were operating in the project areas, whose installed capacity is 70 &

30 MW respectively. The project is located in Andheri Khola ward number 1.

(ix) Cremation Practices

Kirat, Buddhist and Christian community in the project area practice burying of the body after

death, whereas the Hindu community strictly performs cremation by burning of the dead body

usually on the bank of the River. One cremation site is located near the confluence of Thane

Khola and Dudh Koshi River used by people of wards 6 and 7 of Mapya Dudhkoshi rural

municipality. Cremation site is located approximately 1 km downstream from the proposed

weir site on either bank of the river. Left bank is mostly used by Magar community of ward 6

of Mapya Dudhkoshi rural municipality. Right bank is mostly used by Brahmins, Chhetris,

Kamis and Damais of ward 3 of Mapya Dudhkoshi rural municipality. There are no physical

structures.

(x) Tourism

The project area is located near a tourist area (Sagarmatha base camp, Kalapatthar) of the

country, a famous trekking route to the Sagarmatha Base Camp & Sagarmatha National Park /

wildlife Conservation Area (SCA). Sagarmatha Base Camp is Nepal's most popular trekking

destination with over 38000 trekkers visiting each year. Usually, tourists come to Salleri Bazaar

by bus from Kathmandu and they either spend the night in Salleri Bazaar or head out directly

on the trek. Generally, trekkers stop at Lukla Bazaar to spend the night. Hence, the economy

of the impact area relies on tourism to some extent and particularly on food provision for

restaurants and lodges. Porters from Dudh Koshi Gaunpalika are also hired by trekkers to go

around the Sagarmatha base camp but most of them are hired in Lukla, Kathmandu or Salleri

bazaar.

4.3.3 Project affected households

This section describes the socioeconomic baseline of the project affected households based on

the finding of the household survey. Total of 60 households locating near the project area

directly or indirectly affected were surveyed to understand the demographic, economic and

cultural environment of the affected families, their perception regarding the project, expected

compensation for the lost property, types of resettlement package desired etc.

Defining Project Affected Families (PAF)

All those households/persons whose land(s) are to be acquired were considered as project

affected households. The project affected households include households residing within the

project component or the project facility occupied areas, who will be adversely affected by

construction of the project structures and project facilities. Of the total surveyed affected

households, 31 households are from Mapya Dudhkoshi Rural Municipality-2 (Basa), 10

households are from ward-3, 9 households are from Mapya Dudhkoshi Rural Muncipality-4 &

5 (Kaku) and 10 households are from Mapya Dudhkoshi Rural Muncipality- 6 & 7 (Baku).



These are further categorized as:

Project Affected Families (PAFs):

The households losing up to 50% of their total land are categorized under this category; and

Severely Project Affected Families (SPAFs):

The households/families who are physically displaced from their residences or commercial

establishments and those who are severely affected through loss of more than 50% of their

land. The households losing residential structures are also included in this category.

Detail socioeconomic profile of these households are presented in the following sections:

(i) Demographic Features of the Affected Households

Population, Age structure, Caste/ethnicity, Sex Ratio and Family Size

The total population of 160 affected households is 785 of which 51.08 % are females and 48.92

% are males with the average family size of 4.9 persons. The overall sex ratio (female to male)

is 0.93. In terms of the caste/ ethnicity, Rai are the dominant caste groups (97.5%), followed

by Chhetri (1.875%) and Sherpa (0.625%).

Table 4-53: Distribution of Affected Population by Different Categories

Categories Male Female Total Sex Ratio

(Female/Male)

Family

Size

By Caste/Ethnicity No % No % No %

Rai 375 48.76 394 51.24 769 97.96 1.05 4.90

Chhetri 6 54.50 5 45.50 11 1.40 0.83 5.5

Sherpa 3 60.00 2 40.00 5 0.64 0.67 5.0

Total / Overall 384 48.92 401 51.08 785 100 1.04 4.90

Source: Field Survey 2017/18

Total population of the sampled households (60) is 247 (Male 125, Female 122) with an

average HHs size of 4.11, which is slightly less when compared to the municipality average

(4.78). The Household survey shows that about 23.20 % of the populations are children, among

them about 3.9% are below one year. Likewise, 12.04 percent of the population is above 60

years of age and 64.76 percent of the population is between the age of 16 and 60 years. It shows

that about 35.24 percent of the population is dependent and 64.76 percent of population is

economically active.

Table 4-54: Age structure of the population of the sample HHs

Age Group Population Total Percentage

Male Female

<5 5 6 11 4.47

6 to 15 24 22 46 18.73

16 to 59 81 79 160 64.76

> 60 16 14 30 12.04

Total 126 121 247 100.00 Source: Household Survey, 2017/2018



(ii) Languages and Religions

The Janajati/Adhibasi groups like Kulung speak in their own mother tongue to communicate

with each other. However, almost all family members of these groups can also communicate

in Nepali language. Rai is the most dominant mother tongue among the PAFs (97.5%), Nepali

is spoken by 1.25%, Sherpa by 1.25%.

As per sample household survey, 50% project affected families follow Hindu religion and

remaining 46.67% and 2.33 % households follow Buddhist religion and other religion

respectively. The Chhetri caste of the project area mostly follows Hindu religion and the Rai

and Sherpa caste among the PAFs follows Hindu as well as Buddhist religion.

Table 4-55: Religious groups of sampled households

Religions Numbers of HHs HH percentage

Hindus 30 50.00

Buddhists 28 46.67

Christians 2 2.33

Total 60 100.00


(iii) Literacy and Education Status

Out of the surveyed household population (aged 5 years and above), about 61.22 % of the

population is reported to be literate.

Table 4-56: Education Level of PAFs

Categories HHs Population

above 5 years

age

Percentage

Illiterate 23 52 38.78

Literate 18 41 30.61

Primary (1-3) 3 6 4.59

Lower Secondary (4-8) 5 11 7.65

Secondary (9-10) 7 16 11.73

Higher Secondary 2 6 4.08

Bachelor's & above 2 3 2.56

Total 60 135 100.00


(iv) Occupation

Agriculture is the main occupation of the project affected households. More than 64.29% of

the households are involved in agriculture for their primary livelihood. Besides agriculture,

9.09% are students, 5.06% are employed in trekking (potter), 4.55 % are in foreign employment

7.79% are engaged in service, 3.90 % in business and 5.32 % in Labor works including mason

and carpenter etc.

(v) Land Tenure and Landholdings

In general, land has been divided into two categories. One is Khet (in which paddy can be

grown) and another is Bari (in which paddy cannot be grown). The total land of the sampled

households is estimated to be 3235 ropanies (164.55 ha) Khet is 435 ropanies (22.13 ha) and



Bari is 3235 ropani (164.55 ha). The average household land holding size is 16.51 ropanies

(0.84 ha).

Table 4-57: Land Categorization of Project Area

Sampled HHs Khet Bari Total

Ropani Ha Ropani Ha Ropani Ha

60 133.20 6.77 857.15 43.60 990.35 50.37

Average land

holding / HHs 2.22 0.113 14.286 0.73 16.506 0.843

Note: 1ha =19.66 ropani Source: Field Survey, 2017/18

(vi) Income and Expenditure Characteristics

The average annual gross income of the sampled HHs of the project area is estimated to be

NRs. 2,16,938.75 per household indicating the average per capita income NRs. 52,783.

However, it includes all the income of the households, i.e. income from agriculture, business,

service as well as income from outside the country (remittance). The agriculture production is

consumed by the HHs themselves and there is no surplus to sell in the market. The grain

production has been calculated in cash by the market price (value).

Table 4-58: Income Source of Sampled HHs of Project Area

Income Sources Total Amount (NRs.) Percent (%)

Agriculture 2,733,428.60 21.00

Business 2,056,579.60 15.80

Services 1,923,813.00 14.78

Labour 2,564,216.35 19.70

Remittance 2,749,048.00 21.12

Other 989,239.40 7.60

Total 13,016,324.95 100

Source: Household Survey, 2017/18

Average annual gross expenditure per household of the sampled HHs shows that the majority

of the households (45.00%) expend 200,001 to 300, 000 per year range and about 8% of the

household expend less than NRs. 200,000 per year.

Table 4-59: Average Yearly Expenditure Range of the Sample Households

S. N. Expenditure Range (NRs.) No. of HHs Percent (%)

1 <50,000 2 3.33

2 50,001-130,500 1 1.67

3 130,501-200,000 5 8.33

4 200,001-300,000 27 45.00

5 300,001-400,000 20 33.33

6 400,001-500,000 3 5.00

7 >500,000 2 3.33 Total 60 100



(vii) Food Sufficiency

Food is not sufficient for the majority of the people round the year from the agricultural sector.

They have to buy food from the market. Only 40% have food sufficiency for 9 to 12 months.

The remaining population has inadequate food throughout the year. Rice/Dhido and vegetables

are the common food usually taken during lunch and dinner.

Table 4-60: Food Sufficiency in the Sample HHs

S.N. Duration Number of

HHs Percent (%)

1 No Production 1 1.67

2 > 3 months 6 10.00

3 3-6 months 13 21.67

4 6-9 months 9 15.00

5 9-12 months 24 40.00

6 ˂12 & selling 7 11.66

Total 60 100 Source: Field Survey, 2017/18

(viii) Drinking Water and Sanitation

As per the sampled HHs survey, on an average, 83.33% have access to tapped drinking water

supply. Rest use spout, river, spring for the drinking purpose.

Table 4-61: Sources of drinking water in the Sample HHs

Source Number of HH Percent of HHs

Tap/Piped Water 50 83.33

Spout Water 2 3.33

River/Stream 7 11.67

Others 1 1.67

Total 60 100

Source: Household Survey, 2017

More than 90% of the total households in project affected households have toilet facilities,

majority of which are ordinary toilet type are 73.33 %.

Table 4-62: Sampled Households by type of toilets

Type of Toilet Number of HHs Percent of HHs

No Toilet 1 1.67

Pit Toilet 3 5.00

Flush Toilet 12 20.00

Ordinary Toilet 44 73.33

Total 60 100.00

Water borne diseases:

Water borne diseases such as diarrhea, dysentery, typhoid and fever are common in the project

affected wards of rural municipality. Moreover, cough and cold, gastric, eye diseases,

respiratory diseases (bronchitis), malnutrition, skin diseases, heart diseases, blood pressure and



tuberculosis are also recorded in the area. However, there was no record of HIV/AIDS in the

project area.

Health treatment facilities:

There are four health posts in the project affected areas. The nearest health post (with limited

health facilities) is located at Basa, which is 2-3 hours walking distance from the project intake

area and 1.5 hour from proposed powerhouse area. As per government rules, one Assistant

Health Worker (AHW), one Maternal Child Health Worker (MCHW) and one Field Health

Worker need to be engaged in each health post. However, the facilities such as staff and

medicines are inadequate most of the time in the health post.

Majority of the population (76%) prefer to go to health posts for treatment, 10 % prefer to go

to hospitals. Other traditional practices like treatment by healer (6%) are also commonly found

in the project area. Only 10% of the population prefers to go to the hospital when treatment is

not possible at the health posts.

Expenditure on health care:

In order to find out the average annual expenditure on health care of the people, the respondents

were asked how much money they spent on their family member(s) on health care in the past

one year. According to the respondents, the average annual HH expenditure on health care is

NRs 6,000, which is about 8 percent of the total expenditure of the household. It shows that

they are also conscious about health care.

(ix) Perception about the Project and Preferred Modality of Compensation

Study carried out in various locations of the project area indicate that local people have positive

attitude toward the construction of the project. However, household survey data shows that

about 86.67% households interviewed expressed their positive thoughts over the project and

the remaining 13.33 % households were unknown about the project. Expectation of jobs,

quality health services, education, availability of reliable electricity and improved physical

infrastructures were the main reasons to support the project.

Table 4-63: Distribution of Respondents by Perception about the Project

Categories Positive About project Do Not Know Total

By Location

Mapya Dudhkoshi RM-2 (Basa), 29 (93.55) 2 (6.45) 31

Mapya Dudhkoshi RM-4 & 5 (Kaku) 7 (77.77) 2 (22.23) 9

Mapya Dudhkoshi RM- 6 & 7 (Baku) 16 (80) 4 (20) 20

Total / Overall 52 (86.67) 8 (13.33) 60 (100)

Source: Field Study, 2017

Project affected household were asked to specify their preference for compensation in case

their land need to be acquired for the construction of the project. Majority of the affected

households (81.67%) expressed desires for cash compensation for the lands to be acquired by

the project while about 13.33 % households show willingness to get land for land compensation

and the rest household preferred to be rehabilitated by the developers.



Table 4-64: Affected HHs by their preference on Modes of Compensation

Categories Cash Land for Land Rehabilitated by

developers

Total

By Location

Mapya Dudhkoshi RM-2 (Basa) 27 (87.10) 4 (12.90) 0 31

Mapya Dudhkoshi RM-4 & 5

(Kaku)

6 (66.67) 2 (22.22) 1 (11.11) 9

Mapya Dudhkoshi RM- 6 & 7

(Baku)

16 (80) 2 (10) 2 (10) 20

Total / Overall 49 (81.67) 8 (13.33) 3 (5.00) 60

(100)

Source: Field Study, 2017

The affected households use various sources and types of energy for lighting, heating/cooking

purposes. Electricity is mainly used for lighting; firewood and LP gas is used for cooking and

heating. Electricity facilities are available to all affected households and they use electricity

mainly for lighting purposes. The project affected households use firewood as major sources

of energy for cooking. Among the surveyed households, about 83.33% use firewood as only

the source of energy for cooking and 16.67% households use both firewood and LP gas as

sources of energy for cooking.

Table 4-65: Distributions of Affected Households by Types of Cooking Fuel Used

Categories Firewood

Only

Firewood & LP

Gas

Total

By Location

Mapya Dudhkoshi RM-2

(Basa)

26 (83.87) 5 (16.13) 31

Mapya Dudhkoshi RM-4 & 5

(Kaku)

7 (77.77) 2 (22.23) 9

Mapya Dudhkoshi RM- 6 & 7

(Baku)

17 (85) 3 (5) 20

Total / Overall 50 (83.33) 10 (16.67) 60 (100)




5. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

This Chapter addresses the potential impacts likely to accrue as a result of the implementation

of the proposed DK5HPP. Based on the project details and the baseline environmental status,

potential impacts as a result of the construction and operation have been identified.

Environmental impacts of the proposed project have been identified for the project structures

and facilities covering the physical, biological, and socioeconomic and cultural environments.

The impacts associated with construction and operation of the project component roads is

discussed under physical, biological, and socioeconomic and cultural environment under

respective headings. The beneficial impacts are given in subheading 5.1 and adverse impacts

are mentioned in sub-heading 5.2.

5.1 Beneficial Impacts

The proposed Dudh Koshi-5 HPP is associated with the beneficial impacts to the project area,

region and in a large scale to the nation. Identified beneficial impacts are described below.

5.1.1 Construction Phase

i. Employment opportunities for local people and impact on local economy and skill

development

Approximately 600-800 unskilled, semiskilled and skilled workers will be employed at the

peak construction period with priority given to workers from the project affected area based on

their skills and qualifications. Construction jobs will provide cash income to bolster the local

economy, provide investment possibilities and raise the standard of living in the region.

However, as the project area is predominantly agro-pastoral, local workforces will require

some specific skill development. Once the project construction is completed, these skills will

also enable people to get employment in other similar projects.

During the construction period, workers from outside the project area will reside in the project

area for considerable period of time, since they will have good purchasing power, there will be

increased demand for different types of food, beverage and other daily necessary items. More

tea stalls, grocery shops and restaurants might be operated and/ or existing hotels will expand

and cater services. As a result of this, significant amount of cash will be channeled into the

local economy.

The impact will be direct in nature, high in magnitude, local in extent and short term in

duration.

ii. Benefits as a result of access road and pconstruction

The project requires all weather roads for the transportation of equipment and materials to the

construction site. Therefore, the project shall upgrade existing road to the project area. Further,

the project will construct about 6.1 km access road to reach to the headwork and about 7.4 km

access road to reach to the powerhouse site. Also, 1.1 km and 403 m road shall be constructed

to access the Adit-3 and surge tank respectively. Round the year maintenance of the main

access road is a direct benefit to the local communities of the project area. The improved

condition of road is envisaged to provide easy access for better education, health care and

market facilities, including agricultural extension services, communication etc. In this way, the

project will contribute in improving the road system of the project area, which will benefit not

only to the local people in the project area but also to the wards and settlements outside of the



project area. The impact will be indirect in nature, high in magnitude, local in extent and long

term in duration.

iii. Benefits from community and social support programs

The project has allocated 0.5% of total project cost as Community Support Program and

suggested improvement of local services like health posts, schools, drinking water and social

services. Project also support to improve water supply facilities, educational institutions, health

care institutions, etc. beforehand commencement of construction as some of these are necessary

for its construction crew as well. These programs are envisaged to help develop local

infrastructures and social services in the project impacted area helping local people to improve

their quality of life.

The impact will be direct in nature, moderate in magnitude, local in extent and long term in

duration.

iv. Benefits from implementation of environmental mitigation programs and benefit

augmentation measures

The project will implement environmental mitigation programs and benefit augmentation

measures as proposed in the EIA report. It will benefit the people of project affected area and

the whole rural municipality at large. The impact will be indirect in nature, moderate in

magnitude, local in extent and long term in duration.

v. Increase in economic activities in the project area and associated beneficial impacts

in local economy through micro-enterprise development

An expanded local market will be created by the in-migration of workers. Local residents can

take advantage of these new opportunities by expanding their existing local industries and

establishing new ones. The impact will be indirect in nature, moderate in magnitude, local in

extent and short term in duration.

vi. Benefits for Exposure of local population to new technologies and technology

transfer

The project requires professional technical persons for implementation of the construction

works. Local people who will get opportunities to work with these professionals will get

opportunities to learn knowledge and skills from the professionals. With the knowledge and

skills learned during the construction of the project, local people will be able to get employment

in similar projects elsewhere. Such knowledge and skills will be obtained, particularly in the

areas of tunnel construction, heavy equipment operation, masonry, construction of dry walls,

gabion walls and bio-engineering etc. The impact will be direct in nature, low in magnitude,

local in extent and long term in duration.

5.1.2 Operation Phase

i. Benefits to be incurred from addition of 110 MW of power to INPS

The implementation of the proposed DK5HPP will generate 618.80 GWh of hydroelectricity

per year and feed into the national grid and simultaneously, will help to improve the energy

situation. This will be big input in the national level power planning as the country is facing



heavy power shortage. Moreover, Hydroelectric being clean renewable energy will also protect

the environment.

The impact will be direct in nature, high in magnitude, regional in extent and long term in

duration.

ii. Changes in local economic activities

With the project in their background, local people can involve in business supplying groceries

and equipment needs of the project and its resident workers. Additionally, more reliable

electricity supply will encourage small and medium scale industries based on local resources.

These will have positive impact on local economy. The impact will be indirect in nature,

moderate in magnitude, local in extent and long term in duration.

iii. Changes in micro and macro economy

With the increase in the economic activities, the local area micro economy will be drastically

changed. Currently people are practicing subsistent agriculture for livelihood. There will be a

shift in the agriculture practice from subsistence to commercial farming. Many people will

establish cottage industries based on local resources as electrical energy will be available for

the industries. This will bring a substantial change in the macro-economy of the entire district.

Dependency on agricultural activities will be minimized by the introduction of industrial and

service-oriented enterprises in the local area. The impact will be indirect in nature, low in


iv. Sharing of electricity royalty to concerned state and concerned local level

As per the provisions in the Intergovernmental Fiscal Arrangement Act, 2074, 50 % of the total

royalty obtained will be allocated to the Government of Nepal, 25% to the concerned state and

25% to the concerned local level. The impact will be direct in nature, moderate in magnitude,

regional in extent and long term in duration.

5.2 Adverse Impacts

Considering the project activities, environmental impacts have been assessed as per the

National Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines 1993 for magnitude, extent, and

duration. Identified and predicted environmental impacts have been evaluated to know the level

of significance. The following sub-sections include the impacts identified or predicted.


(i) Construction Phase

i. Change in Land Use

Areas under different land use patterns will be required for the project construction. In the case

of DK5HPP, forest area, private land and river banks will be utilized for the project

construction. About 25.834 ha of land is planned to be acquired temporarily and permanently

for project infrastructure construction. Out of the total land to be acquired, project requires

24.324 ha permanently for the construction of different project component. The topography of

the project area will be changed since the land use will be changed in the area. The local

topography of cropland and forested land will be replaced by infrastructure of project like



intake, power house, and staff quarters. Impact on the topography will also occur by the

disturbance of fragile slopes, clearance of land and disposal of muck.

The impact will be direct in nature, moderate in magnitude, site specific in extent and long

term in duration.

ii. Possible Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) and associated impacts

The impacts of potential outbursts of glacial lakes upstream of the Dudh Koshi are expected to

be significant. However, GLOFs occur in many different forms and can vary in character from

catastrophic to insignificant and unrecorded. The downstream impact of any lake outburst

depends on the size of the lake, depth of the lake, type of dam of the lake, distance from the

project, nature of dam break, slope of the river channel downstream, possible obstruction to

high floods by narrow cross sections downstream and other factors. A major lake outburst may

release enormous amounts of stored water that, together with the debris flow, can causes

serious flood damages downstream along the river channel. Impacts of GLOFs, unrelated to

the Project, are expected to be from moderate to extreme in magnitude, all along the river and

for a short duration whilst the Project will serve to reduce damage due to relocation of

infrastructure, prior warning when events do happen and implementation of risk reduction

measures.

iii. Landslides and soil erosion

Construction activities will include land excavation, slope cutting, grading, use of heavy

equipment etc, which will change the existing slope of land. So these activities on slopes may

induce slope failure and mass wasting. Use of explosives for excavation during the construction

of tunnel will disturb the stable rock and rock fall may occur. Blasting will cause vibrations

which may initiate landslides.

The clearing activities of forest and agricultural land for the construction of project structures

will make the soil surface loose. So, soil erosion may occur during the rainy season especially

in the steep slopes. The eroded particles may be transported to the river by monsoon runoff and

exacerbate sedimentation in river.

The impact is direct, moderately significant, site specific in extent and short term in duration.

iv. Possible impacts on spring sources above and below along the tunnel alignment

Experiences from previous studies showed that construction of tunnel can dewater the land

area above the level of tunnel within an influence area of hundred meters from the right of way

of the tunnel alignment. Dewatering or draining of the groundwater above the level of tunnel

is high in the initial phase of construction and again re-established after many years of

construction. These water sources are likely to be impacted by the tunnel excavation works.

Provided these spring water sources are drained to the tunnel, the population depending upon

these sources will have to travel long distance for the drinking water purpose and the

agricultural products based on the irrigation water from these sources will not be available to

the local communities with implication on livelihood. The impact will be moderate on the

communities’ dependent on these water sources, site specific and for a long-term in duration.

v. Impact on river morphology

The diversion of water through the tunnel will have an impact on the river flow and

morphology. The river will divert up to 52.46m3/s of flow through the tunnel to the powerhouse



located downstream. Therefore, the river stretch of about 7.9 km between the proposed intake

and powerhouse site can be classified as a dewatered reach.

The basin hydrology and flow regime of Dudh Koshi will not be impacted by the Project during

the construction phase. Shortly downstream of the weir construction site, the river will be

running in its natural state until dam closure and diversion to the power station commences. A

more concentrated river course along the left bank will therefore be established during

construction and the braided pattern will disappear. Possible extraction of large boulders from

the riverbank for construction purposes may have some impact on the river morphology in the

long run. The impact will be direct in nature, moderate in magnitude, site specific in extent and

short term in duration.

vi. Generation of spoils and spoil disposal related issues

The tunnel excavation will be generating about 592,900 m3 of the muck. Management of the

large volume of the wastes would be challenging. Improper disposal of the large volume of

spoil may result in destruction of productive land and vegetation, increased turbidity of river

water, increased dust in project environment, adverse impact on aquatic life, and ugly scars in

the landscape. This impact is predicted to be direct in nature, moderate in magnitude, short

term in terms of temporal coverage and site-specific in terms of spatial coverage.

vii. Water quality management and waste water disposal issues

Changes in the water quality of surface water bodies are likely to occur due to construction

activities. In major stretches of the Dudh Koshi, there is limited space available on both river

banks, and as most of the construction activities will be located close to the river, there is an

increased possibility of water quality deterioration.

There will be a temporary increase in the turbidity and sediment content of the river due to

unavoidable disturbance of river beds and banks and likely accidental spills of sediment

producing material in the river. In addition, potential uncontrolled spillage of petrochemicals,

oils, paints, cement slurry, dynamite residue and hazardous substances may also have an

adverse impact on the river water quality. The impacts will be felt most during the dry season.

Besides this, some wastewater from labour camps are likely to pollute the water

microbiologically and add inorganic elements like carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus. Such

pollution will take place in spite of project efforts to contain discharges and limit the extent as

far as possible. The discharge of the camps’ effluent into the water bodies could be significant

with far reaching implications to the water users downstream, but mitigation measures to

prevent this are included in the project. Improper management of waste, both solid and liquid,

generated by the people directly or indirectly involved in the project will probably take place,

and increased BOD and Fecal coliform in Dudh Koshi can be expected to a certain degree. The

potential for adverse impacts is nevertheless short-term in nature.

The first flushing of the tunnel system will result in a sudden discharge to the river water loaded

with toxic chemical residue from dynamite used in blasting operations. Such events have been

known to result in massive fish kills when allowed to happen uncontrolled and at an

unfavorable time. Unless properly mitigated such impacts will be severe although short term

in nature.



The impact will be indirect in nature, moderate in magnitude, short term in duration and local

in terms of spatial coverage.

viii. Loss of fertile top soil

Total of 4.166 hectares of agricultural land will be used by the project. The top soil, estimated

to be about 16650 m3, in the fertile land will be destroyed if not removed before construction

and cannot be used for cultivation.

The impact will be direct in nature, low in magnitude, site specific in extent and short term in

duration.

ix. Clogging of natural drainages

Excavation works results in change in existing topography. Stockpiling of construction

materials and disposal of spoil or muck on the river banks might create disturbances to local

natural drainage that might appear during rainy season. In this way, the construction works

have an adverse impact on natural drainage system of the project area.

This impact is indirect in nature, low in magnitude, local in extent and short-term duration.

x. Noise and vibration related impacts

Construction activities and operation of diesel plants, vehicles, ventilators, cement batching

and aggregate crushing plants at various project sites will generate noise and vibrations. The

increase in ambient noise levels will have pronounced impacts on settlements in close

proximity to noise sources at the headworks, powerhouse site and some sections of the access

road. Blasting will generate the loudest noise levels, producing short lived noise in the range

of (100-140 dBA) near the source. The impact is expected to be moderate in magnitude and for

short durations. Strong vibrations and overpressure can damage nearby houses and other

structures. The main sites of vibration generation will be at blasting sites, tunnel portals and

entrances, adits and intake, etc.

The impact is direct in nature, moderate in magnitude, site specific in extent and short term in

duration.

xi. Issues relating haphazard stockpiling of construction material

The project has designated separate areas for the stockpiling of construction materials such as

sand, aggregates, iron rods, steel frames, cement, etc for the project construction period.

However open and haphazard stockpiling is a potential to degrade the aesthetic beauty of the

stockpiling areas. During the construction phase, there will be significant quantity of

construction materials such as gravels, aggregates, bricks, cement, etc. around the construction

area. Seepage and leakages from the stockpiled construction materials can directly impact soil

and water quality of the river. Additionally, if not properly managed, the beauty of local

topography might be affected. The impact will be direct in nature, low in magnitude, site

specific in extent and short term in duration.

xii. Issues relating to generation of solid waste and their management

During the construction phase large number of labors will be required so that there might

establish the camp sites for labor and construction yard. Solid waste will be generated from the

camp site and construction yards. This will cause the environmental problem in and around the

camp site if not managed properly. Both organic and inorganic form of wastes will be generated



due to construction activities and also from camps and housing areas. In construction sites the

construction wastes like mucks, tins, smaller scraps, empty sacs will accumulate. The rubbishes

and garbage from the camps and local shops in the project areas will also increase. The project

area is literally free from solid waste at present.

The impact is indirect, moderate in magnitude, site specific in extent and short-term in

duration.

xiii. Air pollution related issues

During construction period, the activities such as transportation of man and material,

excavation, blasting, use of heavy equipments and operation of crushing plant will generate

dust and vehicular emission. This impact on air quality will however be short in duration and

for the most part be limited to the project site. The impact will be most severe at weir site,

powerhouse site, along the access road, crushing plant, concrete mixing sites and the spoil

disposal area. Specially, when air movement is small during light winds, dust particles, aerosols

and noxious gases may build-up in construction area. However, this will be periodically washed

away or diluted and dispose particularly in the rainy season.

Other potential impacts on air quality are unpleasant odor due to improper management of

sewage and solid waste and indoor smoke pollution due to cooking activities. Because, during

construction period, there will be large number of construction worker in the project area.

Increased dust in the air will impair the health of people through increased incidence of Acute

Respiratory Infections (ARI), wheezing, shortness of breath and dust allergies. Prolonged

exposures to dust can cause in respiratory diseases like Asthma and Bronchitis.

However, the impact will be direct in nature, low in magnitude, local in extent and short term

in duration.

(ii) Operation Phase

i. GLOF and associated impacts

As a GLOF event could in theory happen any time, with particular risks during the monsoon

season, there is in principle no difference between construction and operation phase of the

project. However, vulnerability of people and property is higher during construction due to the

number of people being exposed to the dangers of GLOF events. Impacts of GLOFs, unrelated

to the project, are expected to be from moderate to extreme in magnitude, all along the river

and for a short duration.

ii. Impacts on river flow regime downstream of diversion weir (dewatered stretch of

Dudh Koshi River) and possible microclimatic changes

The diversion of Dudhkoshi River in intake site will eventually result in some impacts on the

downstream dewatered zone. Low volume of water is likely to increase the temperature in the

dewatered zone. The change in flow during wet season is not considered significant but in dry

period (7 months) the flow will be significantly reduced which causes adverse impact on river

morphology. This will be a residual impact until the project will be in operation.

There will be some change in the water quality in the dry season in the dewatered stretch of the

river between weir and tailrace. Because of the reduction of the flow discharge and contribution



of nutrients, there will be growth of blue filamentous algae in the dewatered stretch of the river.

The dissolved oxygen level will slightly drop while the water temperature will slightly increase.


duration.

iii. Land submergence created by 18.1m high diversion weir and associated impacts

The diversion structure and creation of reservoir in front of the diversion structure in the

operation phase divide the existing river morphology into distinct three sections as under:

• Undisturbed section upstream the upper limit of the reservoir

• Reservoir section of about 50 m length

• Dewatered section of about 7.9 km length

As the existing aquatic life are co-existing with the undisturbed river morphology for ages will

find difficulties to sustain their life cycle in the changed morphological and water conditions

of the changed river stretches. Major changes in aquatic life will occur in the reservoir section

and in the dewatered section through November to May every year.

The impact will be direct in nature, low in magnitude, local in extent and long term in duration.

iv. Management/final disposal of solid waste and wastewater (both black water and grey

water)

Solid waste pollution in and around project area during operation phase will be very low as

compared to that during construction period. The solid waste generation sources will reduce

drastically as all of the construction work force will leave project area after project

construction. However, some amount of solid waste may be generated from the project

permanent camp and office.

This impact is indirect in nature, low in magnitude, site specific and long term in duration.

v. Noise and vibration

During operation period, the impact due to noise is expected to exist in the powerhouse due to

the running of turbines. As the powerhouse is a closed system and is located away from the

settlements, the impact of noise is confined to the powerhouse operating workers only. A

minimal amount of impulse noise will be generated due to the movement of vehicles along the

road in the project area. However, as during operation phase the vehicular movement is too

infrequent, the noise impact is insignificant.

The noise impact is direct in nature, low in magnitude, site specific and short term in duration.



i. Loss of forest area

Total forest land required by the project is 15.10 ha. The project will require 13.747 ha of CF

area permanently and 1.357 ha of CF land temporarily. The clearance is required for

construction of weir, approach canal, gravel trap and desander basin, the access road to

headworks, adit portals, spoil disposal sites, access road to camp sites, mechanical yards and



aggregate crushing plants, mechanical workshops, adits and other project components (Table

5-1). Impact is of direct in nature, moderate magnitude, local extent and long-term duration.

Table 5-1: Community Forestwise Forest Area Loss by Project components

SN Project Component Forest Area

(Ha) Community Forest

1 Headworks (weir)

1.1 Pondage area 1.4204 Rapcha/Bhirkuna/Dudhkoshi CFs 1.2 Intake 0.0788 Rapcha CF 2 Adits and Portal

2.1 Adit-1 Portal (Access tunnel to

desander) 0.0973 Rapcha CF

2.2 Adit-2 Portal (Desander Flushing) 0.0962 Rapcha CF 2.3 Adit-3 Portal (Construction Adit) 0.0630 Lemchikharka

2.4 Adit-4 Portal (Valve chamber

Access Portal) 0.0363 Bijai CF

2.5 Adit-5 Portal (Powerhouse Access

Tunnel) 0.0994 Bijai CF

2.6 Tailrace Outlet Portal 0.1113 Bijai CF 3 Surge tank 0.0707 Bijai CF 4 Disposal Sites 4.1 SD#1 5.5238 Rapcha CF 4.2 SD#2 1.1275 Lemchikharka CF 4.3 SD#3 0.7064 Lemchikharka/Bijai CFs 5 Borrow and Quarry Sites 5.1 CMS#1 0.0070 Bhirkuna CF 5.2 CMS#2 0.2000 Bhirkuna CF 5.4 CMS#4 0.4000 Rapcha CF 5.5 CMS#5 0.5029 Rapcha CF 6 Project Road Access Road at headwork Area 0.3891 Rapcha CF Access Road at powerhouse Area 0.9597 Bijai CF

Access Road to SD#2/Surge

Tank/Powerhouse 0.8326 Basa CF

Access Road to SD#2/Surge

Tank/Powerhouse 1.7771 Lemchikharka

7 Crusher, Mechanical Workshop

and Material Storage

7.1 CR, MS and MWS-1 0.1240 Rapcha CF 7.2 CR, MS and MWS-2 0.1240 Bijai CF 8 Access Road to Camp site 8.1 Camp Site 1 (Labor) 0.2144 Rapcha CF 8.2 Camp Site 2 (Labor) 0.1434 Bijai CF Total 15.104

ii. Impacts on forest vegetation and overall forest diversity

Estimated total number of seedlings is 53185, sapling 1180, poles 2148 and trees 1366 needs

to be cut down for various proposed project structures. Due to felling of these trees, 560 m2

tree basal area, 11379 m3 tree standing volume, 4776 m3 timber volume, 17702 m3 fuelwood

and 13497475 kg tree biomass will be lost. Total value of lost timber is estimated to be NRs.



51,492,308 and for fuelwood NRs. 14,145,432. The impact will be direct in nature, moderate

in magnitude, site specific in extent and long term in duration.

Table 5-2: Standing Tree Loss due to the Proposed DK5HPP

SN Project Structure Regeneration (No) Number of Standing Trees (No)

Pole

s

Small

Saw

Timber

Large

Saw

Timber

Total 1 Headworks (weir) Seedling Sapling

1.1 Pondage area 7211 104 202 76 68 347

1.2 Intake 400 6 11 4 4 19

2 Adits and Portal

2.1 Adit-1 Portal (Access tunnel to desander) 494 7 14 5 5 24

2.2 Adit-2 Portal (Desander Flushing ) 488 7 14 5 5 23

2.3 Adit-3 Portal (Construction Adit ) 84 7 9 5 1 15

2.4 Adit-4 Portal (Valve chamber Access Portal) 61 3 5 1 0 6

2.5 Adit-5 Portal (Powerhouse Access Tunnel) 60 2 12 4 0 17

2.6 Tailrace Outlet Portal 67 3 14 5 0 19

3 Surge tank 42 2 10 2 1 12

4 Disposal Sites

4.1 SD#1 28044 404 786 297 266 1349

4.2 SD#2 1503 122 169 85 19 272

4.3 SD#3 1187 67 95 18 7 120

5 Borrow and Quarry Sites

5.1 CMS#1 36 1 1 0 0 2

5.2 CMS#2 1015 15 28 11 10 49

5.4 CMS#4 2031 29 57 22 19 98

5.5 CMS#5 2553 37 72 27 24 123

6 Project Road

6.1 Access Road at headwork Area 1975 28 55 21 19 95

6.2 Access Road at powerhouse Area 576 23 120 40 4 164

6.3 Access Road to SD#2/Surge

Tank/Powerhouse 1110 90 125 62 14 201

6.4 Access Road to SD#2/Surge

Tank/Powerhouse 2369 193 267 133 30 429

7 Crusher, Mechanical Workshop and

Material Storage

7.1 CR, MS and MWS-1 629 9 18 7 6 30

7.2 CR, MS and MWS-2 74 3 15 5 1 21

8 Access Road to Camp site

8.1 Camp Site 1 (Labor) 1089 16 31 12 10 52

8.2 Camp Site 2 (Labor) 86 3 18 6 1 24

Total 53185 1180 2148 853 513 3513

Table 5-3: Tree Basal Area, Volume and Biomass Loss Due to Proposed DK5HPP

SN Project Structure BA

(m2) SV

(m3) TV

(m3) FV

(m3) TB (Kg)

1 Headworks (weir)

1.1 Pondage area 77.28 1473.71 656.41 2206.74 1761113.55

1.2 Intake 4.29 81.76 36.42 122.43 97707.12

2 Adits and Portal



2.1 Adit-1 Portal (Access tunnel to desander) 5.29 100.95 44.96 151.16 120636.78

2.2 Adit-2 Portal (Desander Flushing ) 5.23 99.81 44.46 149.45 119272.96

2.3 Adit-3 Portal (Construction Adit ) 0.68 25.23 8.94 30.88 26886.18

2.4 Adit-4 Portal (Valve chamber Access Portal) 0.72 6.94 0.66 16.21 11007.72

2.5 Adit-5 Portal (Powerhouse Access Tunnel) 0.72 21.33 2.61 97.49 27909.72

2.6 Tailrace Outlet Portal 0.80 23.88 2.93 109.13 31241.20

3 Surge tank 1.40 13.51 1.29 31.56 21434.73

4 Disposal Sites

4.1 SD#1 300.51 5730.97 2552.65 8581.58 6848622.15

4.2 SD#2 12.15 451.48 160.00 552.62 481179.79

4.3 SD#3 13.96 135.00 12.86 315.41 214200.25

5 Borrow and Quarry Sites

5.1 CMS#1 0.38 7.26 3.23 10.87 8678.91

5.2 CMS#2 10.88 207.50 92.42 310.71 247968.72

5.4 CMS#4 21.76 415.00 184.85 621.43 495937.45

5.5 CMS#5 27.36 521.74 232.39 781.25 623483.88

6 Project Road

6.1 Access Road at headwork Area 21.17 403.71 179.82 604.51 482436.79

6.2 Access Road at powerhouse Area 6.92 205.95 25.24 941.27 269460.20

6.3 Access Road to SD#2/Surge Tank/Powerhouse 8.97 333.40 118.15 408.10 355335.20

6.4 Access Road to SD#2/Surge Tank/Powerhouse 19.15 711.57 252.17 870.99 758386.11

7 Crusher, Mechanical Workshop and Material

Storage

7.1 CR, MS and MWS-1 6.74 128.61 57.28 192.58 153687.30

7.2 CR, MS and MWS-2 0.89 26.60 3.26 121.58 34804.88

8 Access Road to Camp site

8.1 Camp Site 1 (Labor) 11.66 222.45 99.08 333.09 265828.67

8.2 Camp Site 2 (Labor) 1.03 30.77 3.77 140.62 40254.86

Total 560 11379 4776 17702 13497475

Note: BA=Basal Area; SV=Standing Volume; TV=Timber Volume; FV=Fuelwood Volume and TB=Total Biomass


Table 5-4: Valuation of lost timbers and fuelwood

S

N Scientific Name

Timber Volume

(CFT)

Fuelwood Volume

(Chatta)

Valuation in NRs.

Timber Fuelwood

1 Alnus nepalensis 35636.46 199.72 8,018,203.45 2,296,815.57

2 Bauhinia variegata 1.79 20,635.16

3 Boehmeria rugulosa 0.14 1,620.74

4 Bridelia retusa 0.80 9,154.70

5 Casearia graveolens 1.35 15,574.38

6 Cassine glauca 0.50 5,787.10

7 Castanopsis tribuloides 0.09 1,021.07

8 Chekrasi 3215.13 14.43 723,404.02 165,976.21

9 Cinnamomum tamala 0.00 1.11 12,756.83

10 Elaeagnus parvifolia 0.00 0.15 1,762.39

11 Engelhardia spicata 0.00 615.38 7,076,825.92

12 Eurya cerasifolia 0.00 0.14 1,638.33

13 Ficus benghalensis 0.00 0.12 1,369.98

14 Ficus religiosa 0.00 0.61 7,045.63

15 Homalium napaulense 0.00 0.61 7,004.63

16 Juglans regia 6026.67 26.24 2,109,334.95 301,775.00



S

N Scientific Name

Timber Volume

(CFT)

Fuelwood Volume

(Chatta)

Valuation in NRs.

Timber Fuelwood

17 Lyonia ovalifolia 0.00 0.53 6,124.10

18 Macaranga pustulata 2729.38 18.53 477,642.03 213,062.90

19 Maesa chisia 0.00 0.33 3,804.91

20 Malami/Anau Kath 16315.65 73.24 3,671,022.11 842,283.99

21 Mallotus tetracoccus 0.00 1.82 20,968.59

22 Olea glandulifera 0.00 3.15 36,238.55

23 Pinus roxburghii 16209.36 47.11 5,673,276.09 541,756.93

24 Quercus lanata 0.00 0.01 0.00

25 Rhododendron

arboreum 0.00 0.20 2,313.27

26 Rhus sp. 0.00 0.05 559.43

27 Rhus wallichii 0.00 0.21 2,468.16

28 Sapium insigne 0.00 68.47 787,402.30

29 Schima wallichii 82037.25 130.34 28,713,038.94 1,498,958.06

30 Syzygium cumini 5982.90 13.55 2,094,013.86 155,824.75

31 Terminalia alata 35.35 7.71 12,373.09 88,627.04

32 Trichilia connaroides 0.58 6,724.73

33 Wendlandia puberula 1.00 11,551.19

Total 1,681,88.16 1230.04 51,492,308.55 14,145,432.55

iii. Impact on aquatic life including fishery resources of the Dudh Koshi River

The undisturbed Dudhkoshi aquatic habitat will be altered by construction of weir at the

headworks. Moreover, the aquatic habitats would be disturbed due to extraction of river bed

materials for construction purpose at different stretches. Contamination of river by spillage of

chemical as well as solid wastes of different kind have a negative impact on the aquatic fauna

including fishes. There are no fishery dependent households in the project area as the fish catch

is too low. However, the above-mentioned activities would affect upon 4 different species of

fishes those are found in the Dudhkoshi. This impact is predicted to be direct nature, of

moderate magnitude, site-specific in extent and short term in duration.

iv. Possible impacts on protected species of flora and fauna

Six species of plant of conservation significance are to be affected due to the implementation

of the proposed Dudh Koshi-5 HPP. The affected species are abundant in the other project not

affected areas within the project rural municipality and other areas also.

The impact will be direct in nature, low in magnitude, site specific in extent and long term in

duration.

Table 5-5: Total Loss of Rare Endangered/Endemic Floral Species

SN Protection

Category Name Tree Pole Saplings Seedling

Remarks

2 GON

Protected

Lichen Abundant

3 Juglans regia 52 0 0

5 CITES/IUCN

Cyathea spinulosa 30 individuals

6 Ceropegia pubescens Abundant

Note: * Listed in IUCN list, ** Listed in IUCN and CITES list



v. Impact on wildlife and avian population

Although about 15.104 ha of the forest area will be cleared for the construction purpose, there

are no prime habitat of the wildlife. The forest area in the community forest are also too less

used by the bigger wildlife as their habitat as it is on the edge of the forest closer to the foot

trails with movement of people. The impacted forest areas are occasionally used by the wildlife

as feeding ground. Hence, impact on wildlife due to habitat loss is less prominent. Direct loss

of wildlife by the land use change is not expected.

This impact is predicted to be indirect in nature, of low magnitude, local and short term in

duration.

vi. Impact on Non-Timber Forest Products/MAPs

Bantarul (Dioscorea deltoidea), Amala (Phyllanthus emblica) and bankurilo (Aesparagus

racemosus) are the major NTFPs that would be affected due to clearing activities during project

construction. The affected NTFPs are abundant in the other parts of the project area as well as

outside the project area also.

The impact will be indirect in nature, moderate in magnitude, site-specific in extent and short

term in duration.

vii. Possible Risk of forest fire

In and around the construction area, there will be many types of fuel that create fire hazards,

such as slash accumulation of timber cutting, dryden grass and debris accumulation, large

accumulation of flammable leaves, dead trees, dry bushes etc., as well as gasoline for vehicles

and machinery. Fire might be set accidentally due to inadvertently thrown cigarette stub and

left campfire or deliberately by some ruffian. Small fire can turn huge forest fire. Improper

garbage disposal and improper storage of inflammable gases and liquids at the construction site

can aggravate the situation.

The impact will be indirect in nature, low in magnitude, local in extent and short term in

duration.

viii. Disturbance to wildlife due to construction activities

Once the construction starts the construction related activities such as excavation works,

drilling and blasting of rocks, movement of vehicles, operation of heavy machineries etc will

disturb the wildlife and birds around. The wildlife population such as the Rhesus monkey,

Langoor, porcupine etc. may get decreased due to the annoyance to the noise. Decrease of

population of wild animals such as monkeys and porcupine have a positive effect also as these

are the major problematic animals for crop depredation of the local farmers. However, the wild

animal population is expected to increase after the construction work is over. The impact will

be direct in nature, low in magnitude, site specific in extent and short term in duration.

(ii) Operation Phase Impacts

i. Impacts on fish and aquatic fauna and their habitat

Barrier effect: The presence of weir will limit access of migratory fish species to some

upstream spawning areas. The diversion of the Dudh Koshi river water creates the barrier for

the upstream and downstream migration of mid range migratory fish species. Nevertheless, in



a long-term view, this prevention of upstream fish migration could reduce fish access to

upstream and downstream breeding and rearing habitats.

However, the effect is expected to be of minimum significance due to following reasons:

• Only a small portion of snow trout use upstream habitats for spawning,

• Several spawning sites are available downstream of the intake site,

• Low height of weir (18.1 m above natural bed rock),

• The project is a RoR type,

• A minimum flow of 10 % of the lowest mean monthly flow (1.48 m3/s) on the river

shall be maintained, and

Diversion of water: Water diversion to the tunnel will reduce the flow in the Dudh Koshi River

particularly in the section between the intake and powerhouse site. Flow reduction will affect

spawning and breeding of fishes, particularly during the dry season (i.e. March and April).

However, the availability of many downstream spawning and breeding grounds will minimize

this impact. Reduced flow will also increase the water temperature and reduce food availability,

thus causing an overall decline in fish productivity. The low flow will also affect the fish

population as fishermen can more easily exploit fish in this area.

The impact is direct, moderately significant, local in extent and long-term in duration.

ii. Change in composition of fish fauna in upstream section of diversion weir

One of the largest upstream impacts of weir construction (both storage and Run of the river

type) is submergence. The area flooded by the reservoir is a strong proxy variable for many

environmental and social impacts (Goodland, 1997). The argument that the loss of riverine

habitat associated with impoundments is balanced by the creation of lake-habitat is somewhat

deceptive as natural lakes and wetlands often function in very different ways. The water levels

maintained in large impoundments are generally not constant as a result of which the

productive littoral areas are rarely sustained. Moreover, as compared to natural stream levels,

water levels in these impoundments are usually significantly elevated, flooding part of the

terrestrial–aquatic interface and creating a new littoral zone with steeper banks, less complex

aquatic habitat, and different physicochemical conditions for aquatic plants and animals

(Walker and others 1992).


duration.

iii. Possible disturbance to the wildlife activities

Habitat disturbances: Placement of facilities such as the housing camps and other project

features will create some disturbances. Operation of these structures may create habitat

disturbances and interrupt the regular movement of fauna. However, most of the area's fauna

is confined to the uphill-forests of villages.

The impact will be direct in nature, low in magnitude, site specific in extent and long term in

duration.

Sudden release of water: The sudden release of water to the downstream may flood and wash

away the wildlife along the flow direction when the wildlife visits the downstream river banks



for drinking purposes. According to local respondents, however, wildlife movement is not

frequent near the river banks.

The impact is direct, moderate in magnitude, site specific in extent, and long-term in duration.

iv. Possible Forest Fires

As the project area is in the forest area and /or close by the forest area, there is likelihood of

incidence of the forest fire caused by workforce indiscipline. The grass species and pine trees

present in project construction sites are vulnerable to fire, especially during the dry season.

Even a small fire in the form of cigarettes, buds and match stick used by the construction crew

could be a crucial factor for fire hazard. Likewise, the leakage of fuel from vehicles could also

be the cause of fire. The forest fire could create a big fire hazard affecting the whole region.

The impact will be indirect in nature, low in magnitude, local in extent and short term in

duration.

5.2.3 Socioeconomic and Cultural Environment


i. Land acquisition and Land compensation related issues

An estimated land area of about 25.834 ha is required for construction of the project

components and provisioning for project facilities of which 24.324 ha will be required

permanently for project component construction and the remaining 1.51 ha will be required

temporarily (for quarry, borrow and spoil disposal sites). Out of the 24.324 ha land to be

permanently acquired, 4.033 ha is cultivated land and 13.747 ha is community forest land. For

temporarily leased land, 0.133 ha is cultivated, 1.357 ha is forest, and 0.01 ha is river and flood

plain. The permanent structure of the project will be constructed in the permanently acquired

land and temporary project ancillaries will be constructed in leased land.

The impact is direct, moderate in magnitude, local in extent and long-term in duration.

Table 5-6: Land required for construction of the project

Project

component

Type of land (ha)

River

flood

plain

Land

acquisition

type (ha) Total

(ha)

Forest Cultivated Barren Temp Perm


Govt.

(Land

Reform)

Pvt.

Headworks 1.499 5.333 √ 6.832

Adit Portal

Area

0.392 √ 0.392

Surge Shaft

and

penstock

pipe Area

0.071 √ 0.071



Project

component

Type of land (ha)

River

flood

plain

Land

acquisition

type (ha) Total

(ha)

Forest Cultivated Barren Temp Perm


Govt.

(Land

Reform)

Pvt.

Powerhouse

and

Switchyard

0.111 √ 0.111

Quarry

Area

1.109 0.02 √ 1.129

Disposal

Area

7.358 1.211 √ 8.569

Access road 4.316 3.993 √ 8.309

Camp Area

(Engineer’s)

0.04 √ 0.04

Camp Area

(Labor’s)

0.133 √ 0.133

Crusher and

batching

area

0.248 √ 0.248

Total (ha) 15.104 4.166 6.564 25.834

ii. Loss of community forest resources and compensation related issues

The project will occupy about 15.104 ha of community forest land belonging to 7 Community

Forests in the project area. Though the scale of the impact is low, the project activities will

contribute to loss of trees and vegetation which could provide timber, fodder and fuelwood to

the CF user households. This impact is predicted to be direct in nature, of moderate magnitude,

local and long-term duration.

iii. Loss of agricultural land and crop production

Utilization of agricultural lands for different project features will decrease the agricultural

production in the area. Furthermore, possible diversion of labour from agricultural practices

into project construction activities may result in lower seasonal yields causing additional food

shortages in the area. As per local production trends, about 32.89 tons of paddy, the same

amount of wheat and approximately 9.73 tons of maize is expected to be lost in annual

production due to acquisition of agriculture land. Thus, acquisition of land will also have direct

impact on agriculture production and economic condition of the local people.



With the implementation of the proposed project, there will be loss in annual production of

agricultural products as the project will be acquire temporary the agricultural lands in form of

Khet and Bari for the quarry and disposal sites. Estimated loss of major crops and its valuation

is provided in Table 5.7.

Table 5-7: Annual loss of agricultural production and their valuation

S. N. Crop Annual loss in production

(Ton)

Estimated

Valuation in NRs.

1 Paddy 32.89 105,248.00

2 Wheat 32.89 111,826.00

3 Maize 9.73 34,055.00

4 Millet 1.56 7,488.00

5 Buckwheat 1.80 10,080.00

6 Potato 22.86 80,010.00

7 Mustard 0.50 10,000.00

8 Seasonal vegetables 1.12 14,560.00

Total 373,267.00 Source Field Survey 2017/18

Note: Market Price 2018, Paddy= 3200/Ton, Wheat= 3400/T, Maize= 3500/T, Millet= 4800/T,

Potato= 3500/T, Buckwheat= 5600/T; Mustard= 20000/Ton; Vegetables= 14,560/Ton


term in duration.

iv. Pressure on existing facilities, services and resources of the project area

There will be increased pressure in social service and facilities due to the migrant work force

and outsider’s population. Apart from the migrant workforce, during construction period there

may be influx of outsider population aiming to make trades and businesses in the project area.

Such outsiders may come along with their families. In this way, the population of a relatively

smaller project area can become crowded with addition of the outsiders. The addition of the

outsider population creates pressure in social service providing institutions in the area.

Experience of hydropower projects construction in Nepal, reveals pressure on the social service

institutions particularly educational facilities, health services, water supply systems,

administrative services, local law and order maintaining institutions, telecommunication

services, local markets and supply institutions and above all the sanitation management of the

area. The implication is shortages in rooms, benches, teachers in the nearby schools; shortages

of medicine, and medical personnel in nearby health posts; shortages in water supply; increase

in thefts, quarrels over resources with a burden to local administration and law and order

institutions; price inflation of local as well outside market commodities; and above all increase

in solid waste, human waste and degradation of the overall sanitation status of the area. The

impact will be indirect in nature, moderate in magnitude, site specific in extent and short term

in duration.

v. Possible interference with village trails

Interference with local village trails as an impact is predicted to be of indirect in nature, low

magnitude, local in extent and for short term duration.

vi. Occupational health and safety related issues



The construction activities such as blasting, using heavy equipment and working in the river,

tunnel and on steep slopes, may cause accidents and injuries. The most common injuries that

might occur are due to accidental falls from scaffoldings or other structures, injuries due to

falling objects such as rocks or other construction equipment, collapse of tunnel or other

excavations, traffic accidents and drowning. The victims will most probably be construction

worker although injuries to local people arealso possible. Similarly, construction practice

without use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like glove, boot and helmet results into

the minor accidents. Health hazard may also occur due to gases emission while constructing

tunnel. Work related injuries and vehicle accidents are the likely impacts predicted due to

implementation of the proposed project.

The impact will be direct in nature, high in magnitude, site specific in extent and short term in

duration.

vii. Issues relating to public health and sanitation and as well as public safety

Public safety during construction phase is also an issue of concern. People unknowingly can

get into accidents during blasting operations. Also, the spilled chemical, hazardous explosive

materials, sharp construction materials pose threat to public safety unless adequate awareness

is provided and strict regulations are formulated.

The impact will be indirect in nature, low in magnitude, site specific in extent and short term

in duration.

viii. Socio cultural issues such as community conflict with the outside work force

Another socio-cultural impact in the project area during construction will be an overall

disruption of the traditional cultural ways of people living in and near the project area.

Disruption of social life will also be caused by the presence of the construction workforce and

an anticipated influx of job seekers during construction period of the project. For example, it

is likely that the influx of construction workers will result in increased cases of inter-caste

marriages locally. Eventually, some changes in ethnic and community solidarity and

occupational patterns can be expected in the area. It is also likely that the construction workers,

contractors and engineers and their families, would interact with the local people that could

expose them to wide range of information opinions and ideas outside of their areas. Thus, the

project will have some impacts on social, cultural and religious features of the project areas.

These impacts are expected to be direct, low in magnitude, local in extent and of short term.

ix. Issues relating to increased gambling, alcoholism and prostitution

With the beginning of construction of projects involving numbers of migrant workforce

introduced to new areas, there is always risk of introduction of new communicable diseases

carried by the migrant workforce from elsewhere. While there are risks of communicable

diseases being brought into the project area, the situation gets worst as these diseases spread to

the local population and turn to an epidemic. As evident from other projects in Nepal, the risks

of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) including HIV and AIDS increases in the project area.

With a number of outsider population introduced to the area, there is always likelihood of

conflicts between the locals and the outsiders. The locals have their own way of living as guided

by the traditional cultures and practices. The outsider populations have a different way of living

life as they are from a different area with different societal settings and customary traditions.

This difference between the locals and outsiders creates a cultural gap and with any kind of



intrusion to the existing traditions in the local area by the outsiders there will be conflicts

generated. Moreover, with increased migrant workforce in the area, there will be increased

alcoholism, gambling, prostitution in the project area and thereby the law and order situation

may get vandalized. The impact will be indirect in nature, moderate in magnitude, local in

extent and short term in duration.

x. Loss of Private Land and Property

About 4.133 ha of private lands will be lost from the project implementation but there will be

no loss of private property. The impact is predicted to be of direct nature, moderate magnitude,

local extent and long term duration.

xi. Economic inflation

All the hydropower projects are capital-intensive scheme. Therefore, the economic activities

will be very high and intense during construction phase in the form of employment, business,

and compensation etc. Land prices in the area will inflate. The people's behavior will be

changed due to the big cash amount received from the compensation of their land. People in

the local area after getting employment in the project will earn cash and there is likelihood of

expending the cash earned in alcoholism and gambling.

The impact is expected to be of indirect nature, moderate in magnitude, local in extent, short

term in duration.


i. Occupational health and safety related issues of the power station workers

Occupational Health and Safety issues during operation phase are particularly associated with;

• Long term exposures to noise from turbine operation

• Accidents due to electrocution causing injuries and deaths

Occupational health impacts are direct in nature, moderate in magnitude, site specific in extent

and long-term duration.

ii. Public Safety Related Issues/Movement of people in dangerous places

Local people with ignorance may not know about new structures and dangerous places such as

the switch yard. They may visit these areas and risk their well-being. Children are especially

susceptible to such hazards, which can result in accidents.


term in duration.

iii. Issues relating to upstream and downstream (dewatered stretch of the Dudh Koshi

River) water uses and conflicts

The bank at about 100m downstream from the proposed Powerhouse, Sub-station and

Switchyard site is used as cremation place by the Hindus of the project area. Especially, the

people from ward no. 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7 of Mapya Dudh Koshi Rural Municipality use the place

for cremation. Though there is no infrastructure for the cremation such as cremation platform,

will be affected of traditional cremation ground is a sensitive issue. The project needs to arrange

an alternative cremation ground upstream from the proposed weir site with facilities such as

cremation platform, steel truss hut etc.



Similarly, implementation of the proposed Dudh Koshi hydropower will affect downstream

purpose Dudh Koshi-4, hydropower headworks at ward-4. The purpose Dudh Koshi -4

hydropower activities will be carried out at about 200m-500m downstream from the proposed

power house and switchyard of Dudh Koshi HP. The project has a plan to coordinate with Dudh

Koshi -4 HPP.


term in duration.

iv. Issues relating to sudden release of water to downstream

Water is released suddenly to downstream area to flush out the sediment load from settling

basin especially during the wet season. Children may go swimming, local people may cross the

river, and fishermen may go fishing in the downstream areas. People may be washing in the

river if they are unaware of the situation. Thus, there is a high risk of accidents and even loss

of life if people are unknown and are not informed about the sudden release of water. The

impact will be direct in nature, moderate in magnitude, site specific in extent and long term in

duration.

v. “Boom Town” effect and its impact on local economy

The first and foremost impact during the operation phase is the withdrawal of economic

activities which flourished during the construction phase since majority of the construction

workforce will leave the project areas. However, it is likely that some economic activities will

continue or be further promoted in these areas.

During operation phase when the energy is sold to NEA in bulk, the economic activities will

be much less, only about 2~3 percent of total investment is necessary for annual expenditure.

The labour requirement will decrease drastically, and so will be the income opportunities.

Similarly, the business "boom" will decrease substantially and employment opportunity will

be drastically reduced during this phase. Local people might feel that, the natural resources

from their area has been utilized / exploited, but most of the benefits have been ripped off by

the outsiders. Lack of public awareness and participation in the development effort will

generate negative impact in the local people. The impact will be indirect in nature, low in


5.3 Evaluation of the Impacts

In general, direct impacts are identified, and indirect impacts predicted. The significance of the

impacts has been evaluated using the words significant, moderately significant and

insignificant. Assumption has also been made to evaluate the significant impacts. For example,

the direct impacts or direct loss of land and property, forests and demolition of infrastructures

as a part of site clearance are as significant impacts; the project induced impacts are considered

moderately significant; and impact that may occur outside the project area, and/or which is not

directly related with the project activity is considered insignificant for this project.

For convenience, direct impacts having total score of over 75 are considered significant;

impacts having 50 to 75 score are considered moderately significant; and impacts having total

score of less than equal to 50 are considered insignificant for this project. However, some of

the impacts whose total score exceeds 50 may not be significant in view of the nature of the



predicted impacts. Some impacts having less than 50 score could also be considered significant.

The logical base for such ranking has been given in the remarks. It has been done so as the

impacts are related to the subjective judgment on magnitude, extent and duration of the impacts

(Table 5-8 and 5-9). For example, impacts likely to occur outside the project's direct impact

zone and of indirect nature may not be significant although the total score exceeds 50. This

ranking has provided a basis to select and propose environmental protection measures, i.e.,

beneficial impacts augmentation measures, and adverse impacts mitigation measures.



Table 5-8: Evaluation of Beneficial Impacts

SN Likely Impacts

Natu

re

Magn

itu

de

Exte

nt

Du

rati

on

Tota

l S

core

Significance

1. Construction Stage

1.1

Employment opportunities for local people and impact on local

economy and skill development

D H (60) L (20) ST (05) 85 Significant

1.2 Benefits as a result of access road construction

ID H (60) L (20) LT (20) 100 Significant

1.3 Benefits from community and social support programs D M (20) L (20) LT (20) 60 Moderately

Significant

1.4 Benefits from implementation of environmental mitigation

programs and benefit augmentation measures

ID M (20) L (20) LT (20) 60 Significant

1.5 Increase in economic activities in the project area and associated

beneficial impacts in local economy through micro-enterprise

development

ID M (20) L (20) ST (05) 45 Insignificant

1.6 Benefits for Exposure of local population to new technologies

and technology transfer

D L (10) L (20) LT (20) 50 Insignificant

2. Operational Stage

2.1 Benefits to be incurred from addition of 110 MW of power to

INPS

D H (60) R (60) LT (20) 140 High Significant

2.2 Changes in local economic activities ID M (20) L (20) LT (20) 60 Moderately

Significant

2.3 Changes in micro and macro economy ID L (10) L (20) LT (20) 50 Moderately

significant



SN Likely Impacts

Natu

re

Magn

itu

de

Exte

nt

Du

rati

on

Tota

l S

core

Significance

2.4 Sharing of electricity royalty to concerned state and concerned

local level

D M (20) R (60) LT (20) 100 Highly

significant

Note: D = Direct, ID = Indirect, S= Site specific, L= Local, R= Regional, ST=Short Term, LT= Long Term, H = High, M=Moderate, LO= Low

Value in the parenthes are based on neumaric value provided in National Environmental Impact Assessment

Guideline, 1993. Priority rank; 1 (sum of numerical value 70 or above) = highly significant; 2 (sum of numerical value 45- 70) = moderately significant; 3 (sume of numeric

value below 45) = low significant.



Table 5-9: Evaluation of Adverse Impacts

SN Likely Impacts

Natu

re

Magn

itu

de

Exte

nt

Du

rati

on

Total

Score Significance

1. Physical Environment

1.1 Construction Stage

1.1.1 Change in land use D M (20) SS (10) LT (20) 50

Moderately

Significant

1.1.2 Possible Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) and associated

impacts IN H (60) L (20) ST (05) 85 Significant

1.1.3 Landslide and soil erosion D M (20) SS (10) ST (05) 35 Insignificant

1.1.4 Possible impacts on spring sources above and below along the tunnel

alignment D M (20) SS (10) LT (20) 50

Moderately

significant

1.1.5 Impact on river morphology D M (20) SS (10) ST (05) 35 Insignificant

1.1.6 Generation of spoils and spoil disposal related issues D M (20) SS (10) ST (05) 35 Insignificant

1.1.7 Water quality management and waste water disposal issues ID M (20) L (20) ST (05) 35 Insignificant

1.1.8 Loss of fertile top soil D L (10) SS (10) ST (05) 25 Insignificant

1.1.9 Clogging of natural drainages ID L (10) L (10) ST (05) 25 Insignificant

1.1.10 Noise and vibration related impacts D M (20) SS (10) ST (05) 35 Insignificant

1.1.11 Issues relating haphazard stockpiling of construction material D L (10) SS (10) ST (05) 25 Insignificant

1.1.12 Issues relating to generation of solid waste and their management ID M (20) SS (10) ST (05) 35 Insignificant

1.1.13 Air pollution related issues D L (10) L (20) ST (05) 35 Insignificant

1.2. Operational Phase

1.2.1 GLOF and associated impacts ID H (60) L (20) ST (05) 85 Significant

1.2.2 Impacts on river flow regime downstream of diversion weir

(dewatered stretch of Dudh Koshi River) and possible microclimatic

changes

D M (20) L (20) LT (20) 60 Moderately

Significant

1.2.3 Land submergence created by 15m high diversion weir and

associated impacts D L (10) L (20) LT (20) 50

Moderately

Significant

1.2.4 Management/final disposal of solid waste and wastewater (both

black water and grey water) ID L (10) SS (10) ST (05) 25 Insignificant



SN Likely Impacts

Natu

re

Magn

itu

de

Exte

nt

Du

rati

on

Total

Score Significance

1.2.5 Noise and vibration D L (10) SS (10) ST (05) 25 Insignificant

2. Biological Environment

Adverse Impacts

2.1. Construction Stage

2.1.1 Loss of forest area D M (20) SS (10) LT (20) 50

Moderately

significant

2.1.2 Impacts on forest vegetation and overall forest diversity D M (20) SS (10) LT (20) 50

Moderately

significant

2.1.3 Impact on aquatic life including fishery resources D M (20) SS (10) ST (05) 35 Insignificant

2.1.4 Possible impacts on protected species of flora and fauna D L (10) SS (10) LT (20) 40 Low significant

2.1.5 Impact on wildlife and avian population ID L (10) L (20) ST (05) 35 Insignificant

2.1.6 Impact on Non Timber Forest Products/MAPs ID M (20) SS (10) ST (05) 35 Insignificant

2.1.7 Possible Risk of forest fire ID L (10) L (20) ST (05) 35 Insignificant

2.1.8 Disturbance to wildlife due to construction activities D L (10) SS (10) ST (05) 25 Insignificant

2.2. Operational Stage

2.2.1 Impacts on fish and aquatic fauna and their habitat D M (20) L (20) LT (20) 60 Moderately

significant

2.2.2 Change in composition of fish fauna in upstream section of diversion

weir D M (20) L (20) LT (20) 60

Moderately

significant

2.2.3 Possible disturbance to the wildlife activities D L (10) SS (10) LT (20) 40 Low significant

2.2.4 Possible Risk of forest fire ID L (10) L (20) ST (05) 35 Insignificant

3. Socio economic and Cultural Environment

Adverse Impacts

3.1. Construction Stage

3.1.1 Land acquisition and Land compensation related issues D M (20) L (20) LT (20) 60

Moderately

significant

3.1.2 Loss of community forest resources and compensation related issues D M (20) L (20) LT (20) 60

Moderately

significant



SN Likely Impacts

Natu

re

Magn

itu

de

Exte

nt

Du

rati

on

Total

Score Significance

3.1.3 Loss of agricultural land and crop production D M (20) SS (10) LT (20) 50

Moderately

significant

3.1.4 Pressure on existing facilities, services and resources of the project

area ID M (20) SS (10) ST (05) 35 Insignificant

3.1.5 Possible interference with village trails ID L (10) L (20) ST (05) 35 Insignificant

3.1.6 Occupational health and safety related issues D H (60) SS (10) ST (05) 75 Significant

3.1.7 Issues relating to public health and sanitation and as well as public

safety ID L (10) SS (10) ST (05) 25 Insignificant

3.1.8 Socio cultural issues such as community conflict with the outside

work force D L (10) L (20) ST (05) 35 Insignificant

3.1.9 Issues relating to increased gambling, alcoholism and prostitution ID M (20) L (20) ST (05) 45 Significant

3.1.10 Loss of Private Land and Property D M (20) L (20) LT (20) 60 Significant

3.1.11 Economic inflation ID M (20) L (20) ST (05) 45 Significant

3.2. Operation Phase

3.2.1 Occupational health and safety related issues of the power station

workers D M (20) SS (10) LT (20) 50 Significant

3.2.2 Public Safety Related Issues/Movement of people in dangerous

places D M (20) SS (10) LT (20) 50 Significant

3.2.3 Issues relating to upstream and downstream (dewatered stretch of the

Dudh Koshi River) water uses and conflicts D M (20) SS (10) LT (20) 50 Significant

3.2.4 Issues relating to sudden release of water to downstream D M (20) SS (10) LT (20) 50 Significant

3.2.5 “Boom Town” effect and its impact on local economy

indirect in nature, low in magnitude, local in extent and long term ID L (10) L (20) LT (20) 50 Significant



6. ALTERNATIVE ANALYSIS

Alternative analysis is considered as an integral part of project feasibility study. Alternative

analysis is primarily governed by the factors like technical feasibility, economic viability and

environmental acceptability. This section focuses on the assessment and evaluation of the

following aspects of the available alternatives: (i) choice of design (ii) selection of fish

migration structure; (iii) analysis of potential alternative project sites; and (iv) Technology,

Procedures of Operation, Time Schedules, Energy and Raw Materials to be used for DK-5 HPP.

The aim of the proposed Dudh Koshi-5 HPP is to construct and install a system having 110

MW installed capacity which can generate 618.80 GWh of energy annually in the national grid

of Nepal. The various alternatives to achieve the project objectives of Dudh Koshi-5 HPP with

no or minimum environmental damages are discussed in the following sections.

6.1 Design Alternative

In the desk study conducted DK 5 HPP was proposed as a simple runof-river (SRoR) scheme

with an installed capacity of 102 MW. Further desk studies and field investigations conducted

during the initial stages of the present study indicated that the project could be developed as a

pondage run-of-river (PRoR) scheme. Accordingly, the project was studied as pondage run of

river scheme considering different alternatives. Optimization of the installed capacity of DK 5

HPP was carried out to establish the optimal plant size for power production from the

hydropower scheme. For this purpose, various installed capacities of the project and the

corresponding flow conveyance systems were considered for economic analyses, keeping the

full supply level at the headworks and the tail water level at the powerhouse fixed. To identify

the optimum installed capacity of the project, seven installed capacities, ranging 46.12 to

154.27 MW, were considered. For a fixed design head, the increase in installed capacity was

achieved by varying the flow in the conveyance system through variations in the dimensions

of the desanding basin, headrace tunnel, surge tank, penstock, power station and tailrace canal.

For each alternative scheme, preliminary cost estimates of the requisite works were prepared

based on quantity takeoffs from preliminary designs and rates from projects of similar nature.

Likewise, power generation and annual energy productions, together with dry and wet energy,

were computed for each alternative based on the hydrological data generated during the present

study and base energy prices offered by Nepal Electricity Authority.

6.2 Construction Method Alternatives

Construction methodology will be based on intensive technologies of construction equipment

and maximum utilization of local resources to the extent possible. This is to ensure lowest

possible cost for project development and ensure quality in the works undertaken. Due priority

will be given for the recruitment of local people which will minimize the requirement of

temporary camp, reduce fuel wood and timber requirement, enhance local skill and economy

and develop better relationship between the project and local people. The surface construction

work will be scheduled in daylight and night construction will be limited to underground work.

Controlled blasting will be practiced at all times while excavating the underground area to have

a minimum vibration impact on the house structures located close to the tunnel alignment. This

will minimize the impact on local topography, structural damages in nearby settlement and



unnecessary disturbances to local community. Drilling work site will be selected away from

the settlement whereas movement of vehicle in suspicious areas will be controlled to minimize

the likely damage. The implementation of the project will require sand and aggregate which

will be used from the proposed quarry sites and crushing the excavated materials from tunnel.

6.3 Project Alternatives

Such alternative seeks other modes of electricity facility to fulfill similar requirements for the

regional development as would be achieved by installation of hydropower. The people within

the zone of influence require safe, efficient, cheap and healthy energy for daily lighting and

cooking activities. At the same time, there is an urgent need to conserve the environment in

terms of physical, biological, social and cultural aspects. Possible alternative options to achieve

above-said prospect would include solar power, wind power, thermal power, fossil fuel and

firewood. Power import from neighboring countries is another option. Solar and wind power

are also sources of clean energy which create or produce very less environmental degradation.

However, the potentiality of both solar and wind power on large extent depends on the sunshine

hour and wind velocity which may not be available all the time. Besides, there are problems

associated with these sources. Imported solar panels are complex in technology and expensive

in maintenance. Power generated from solar power is very small to be used for heating and

cooking purpose. Some household in the project affected area have small solar panels for

lightening purpose that is not sufficient as they need more power for cooking, lightening,

heating, running electronic and electrical equipments and others. Related problems in the

operation of wind power are lack of time series data of wind & trained human resources and

intricate design of wind turbines. Thus, the solar and wind power could not be an appropriate

alternate for this size project. Thermal power plant is associated with serious environmental

problems like air pollution due to CO2 emission, sludge handling, high noise, high temperature

and fire hazard. Besides, petroleum products are imported from abroad, price is continuously

increasing, and there is a problem of spare parts and their high cost. Nepal is surrounded by

India on south, east and west and China on north. Nepal has been importing power from India

where the power is already in acute shortage. Various problems are stumbled during its import

such as lack of high voltage transmission line, low voltage at certain time of the day and

irregular supply schedule. High mountain barrier has made power import inaccessible and

costly from China. Thus, it is an optimum necessity to seek out the permanent source of

electricity in nation itself for the continuous supply of electricity. For these reasons, power

import from neighboring countries can never be a sustainable solution for Nepal. Considering

the above alternatives, hydropower can be the best option to serve the purpose of electricity

requirement of the country.

6.4 Construction Material Alternative

Physical resources are consumed for the construction of proposed project. The materials to be

used are boulders (stones) for gabion and walls, gabion wires, masonry wall, brick or concrete

block, aggregates for concreting. Other local resources will be quarry and burrow used from

the area. Reinforcement bars and cement will also need to be transported from other places of

the country or outside of country. Electro-mechanical equipments need to be imported from

overseas manufacturers. There are no other cost-effective alternatives for the above materials

in construction works of the project. The construction is intended to be carried out by



conventional method, whereas earthwork, construction of simple structure such as drains,

gabion walls, bio-engineering works etc. will be carried out manually.

6.5 Construction Schedule Alternatives

The estimated project construction period is 4 years from the date of commencement of the

work. The construction works are mainly of two types - surface construction works and

underground construction works. The surface construction works is to be carried out only in

dry season. But the underground structures such as desander, tunnel, surge tank, powerhouse

and other structures can be constructed throughout the year irrespective of weather and climatic

conditions. All the surface work will be scheduled in day light.

6.6 No Forest Option

The no forest option helps to conserve and protect forest areas for optimal option selected for

the project. It will obviously provide ecosystem services, soil and nutrient conservation, habitat

for wildlife, source of fuel wood, forage and fodder to local people and other forest based raw

materials but it will seriously undermine the development of proposed option that is renewable

and clean source of energy. The long-term operation of the project far outweighs the ecosystem

and economic services provided by the forest under project effect. It will provide continuous

source of clean energy that will displace existing use of fossils fuels and fuel woods, helps to

conserve more forest area that will obviously degraded in the future that has negative impact

on forest and human health on long run. The project's layout option is such that minimal forest

area is required. Except for forest land required by reservoir, project component roads, adits

and other components of the project are laid underground and hence forest requirement is

limited which will be compensated as per Procedural Guideline for the use of Forest Land

(2063) and other mitigation programs as proposed in the EIA report.

6.7 No Project Alternative

This alternative prevents the implementation of the Proposal and will therefore forfeit the

beneficial impacts identified in Chapter 5. This Proposal aims to provide electricity to remote

rural areas of project affected district and adding up in the national power supply as required.

Similarly, limitation exists to access clean energy in rural areas. This situation calls for rapid

expansion of power projects. Furthermore, electricity is synonymous with development.

Household amenities, commerce and industry all depend on the reliable power supply. Thus,

the Project is a necessity of the country. According to the power forecast of NEA, annual

increment of the power demand is well above 50 MW. The Fourteenth Three Year plan intends

to generate 704 MW of hydropower. Hence, do-nothing scenario will be against the

government’s Three Years plan and/or national commitment. If hydropower generation is not

continued, power shortage will continue and hamper the overall socio-economic development

of the country. Electricity consumption is one of the parameters to assess the prosperity of the

people. Activities like running rice mill, flour mill, saw mill, oil mill, nursing home operation

(x-ray, pathology, operation), photo processing, secretarial services (computer typing, printing,

email and internet operation, sending and receiving fax) these all and other activities depend

on electricity. In fact, the demand for electricity is increasing and there are difficulties in

meeting the requirement. Access to power is an addiction, without which life becomes

miserable. In this age of information technology, the power availability must be increased.

Therefore, absence of project alternative does not hold any merit. Similarly, No project



alternative means the non-use of potential power generation, loss of job opportunity,

continuation on power shortage, and also depriving of the other economic benefit due to the

project implementation. In a country where unemployment is very high and clean energy is in

shortage, do nothing scenario is a regressive approach and is very difficult to accept. The do-

nothing situation will prevent some of the environmental adverse impacts at the cost of

isolation, difficulty in access, remoteness, malnutrition and severe poverty. In balancing the

trade-offs with the No-action option, this alternative is regarded as not acceptable in the interest

of national development.

6.8 Operation Procedure

Operation of the project comprises of semi automatic control system. A team of qualified staff

will run the project and no adverse impact is anticipated to the local population or environment.

It would rather benefit the local community through increased employment opportunities,

communication facilities and supply for rural electricity. The project will be operated as per

requirement of INPS.

6.9 Fish Ladder Alternative

There are various options to mitigate the effects of restriction to fish migration due to diversion

weir; however, the effectiveness of the applied measures may be quite different for the different

measures depending upon the local field conditions, behavior of the existing aquatic fish

species etc. Commonly used mitigation options are:

• Fish Trapping, Hauling and Release;

• Fish Lock Alternative;

• Fish Ladder Alternative;

• Cold water Fish Hatchery annexed with open water stocking of mid-range and long-

distance migrants

The Fish Trapping, Hauling and Release alternative is cost effective, labor intensive and

provide direct benefit to the local economy as this will be based on the employment of the local

fisherman community. For the trapping of fish, various fish traps can be used. The commonly

used fish traps for upstream and downstream migrant fishes are bamboo weir fish traps, fish

wheels, fyke or Hoop Nets and pot gears. The trapped fish then can be hauled using

transportation vehicles. To transport the fish upstream and downstream, specially designed

insulated water tanks with facilities for aeration and water circulation will be needed. Such

tanks can be designed and manufactured in Nepal. The only drawback of this option is that the

handling of the fish during trapping and hauling may result in high mortality of the fish.

The Fish Lock Alternative is the automated mechanical device designed and placed in the weir

structure. A special fish lock structure below, above the weir attracts, and lock the fishes. The

locked fishes are then hauled across the weir by a specially designed lift automatically. Such

devices have been brought into operation at number of dams in other parts of the world. Owing

to the fish release conflict, difficulties in attracting fish in the lock area and difficulty for fish

to access the trap area in the turbulent water condition released from the spillway in monsoon,

this alternative may not function effectively at times when it is required the most.



The Fish Ladder Alternative provides a natural migratory path to the migrating fish without

human intervention in the migrating season. Since very little is known on the swimming speed

of the targeted fish species and required flow conditions of water, it is difficult to confirm the

efficiency of fish ladder. There are many projects planned in the Dudhkoshi basin creating

dewatered zones along the river alignment. For example, in this project, there will be

approximately 8 km of dewatered zone. Therefore, for this long-dewatered zone, the

compensation flow equivalent to 1.48 m3/s will disappear in the average width of 25m of

Dudhkoshi River. The fish ladder therefore, will help in the vicinity of the weir site only and

does not help for the migratory fish to swim in the dewatered zone.

On-site cold-water fish hatchery annexed with open water stocking of mid-range and long-

distance migrant species annually in the upper catchment of the Dudh Koshi is the other

alternative. But this alternative will require maintenance of an on-site fish hatchery of the

targeted fish species for the production of the targeted numbers of fingerlings from hatchery

and hauling of the fish fingerlings for open water stocking in the Dudhkosh River. Experience

of cold-water fish hatchery in Nepal (Kali Gandaki “A”, Pokhara, Trishuli, and Godavari)

reveals that the target 14 fish species including the IUCN red list species could be breed in the

hatchery in captivity. This option though costly in terms of infrastructure eand operation

investments has advantages over the other options as it ensures the conservation of the IUCN

red list species in the River and may even conserve the native species.

An analysis of the various options reveals that the Fish Trapping and Trucking and Fish Lock

Alternatives are relatively cheap and do not require high investment costs compared to fish

ladder and cold-water fish hatchery alternatives but would require an effective and efficient

management throughout the project operation period. The effective and efficient management

in the context of Nepalis highly questionable. Therefore, the on-site cold-waterfish hatchery

annexed with the open water fish stocking are the best alternatives to minimise the barrier effect

to fish migration vis-á-vis conservation of the IUCN red list species. Apart from this, the cold-

waterfish hatchery will compensate for some of the impacts on fish diversity and population of

the upstream Dudh Koshi River. In the downstream section, the habitats provided by the Dudh

Koshi River are anticipated tomitigate the impacts on fish diversity and population.

Summarizing, the project will provide an onsite cold-water fish hatchery for a selection of the

migratory fish species including the IUCN red list species and operate the fish hatchery for the

production of fish fingerlings for open water fish stocking in the Dudh Koshi River.



7. ENHANCEMENT AND MITIGATION MEASURES

This section identifies the environmental mitigation measures to address the potential adverse

impacts of the project. It also presents the environmental enhancement measures for

augmenting the benefits of the project. Mitigation measures are developed by considering all

possible impacts from the implementation of the project-construction and operation.

Appropriate mitigation measures are recommended to eliminate, reduce or avoid the potential

adverse impacts on physical, biological, socio-economic, and cultural environment resulting

from the implementation of Dudh Koshi-5 Hydropower Project. Cost effective and practical

enhancement and mitigation measures have been devised in order to address the anticipated

impacts of the project implementation. These recommended actions include preventive

compensatory, corrective measures for adverse impacts and enhancement measures for

beneficial impacts which will be implemented during project construction and operation phase.

The responsibility of implementing proposed enhancement and mitigation measures lies with

the proponent and the proponent needs to ensure that all the proposed measures are fully

implemented.

7.1 Environmental Enhancement Measures

The benefit from the project could be enhanced or made more effective if they are planned

properly. The following are the possible augmentation measures to enhance the benefit(s).

7.1.1 Construction Phase

i. Employment opportunities for local people and impact on local economy and skill

development

The project will give first priority to the PAFs and local people who want to work in the project.

The project will maintain the roster of the PAFs and at least a member of PAF will be employed

during the project construction period. The project will provide necessary training to the SPAFs

and PAFs, if necessary, depending upon the nature of the work offered.

The project will include a binding clause in the contractor's agreement to give first priority to

PAFs while hiring both skilled and unskilled labor forces and to give daily wages or monthly

wages not less than the district approved rates. The next priority will be given to local people

for employment. The employment to the local people will be coordinated through the

Coordination Committee. Local people will be recruited for administrative and technical works

as per their qualifications and skills.

Table 7-1: Cost allocated for training program

SN Particular Number

of trainees

Per

trainees’

cost

Training

Duration as

per CTEVT

Estimated

Total Cost

(NPRs)

1 Off seasonal vegetable

production 45 12,000.00 20 days 540,000.00

2 Cardamom production &

Processing 15 25,000.00 1month 375,000.00



SN Particular Number

of trainees

Per

trainees’

cost

Training

Duration as

per CTEVT

Estimated

Total Cost

(NPRs)

3

Improvement Livestock

farming (Buffalo, Cow,

goat, pig &chicken)

65 18,000.00 45 days 1,170,000.00

Sub-Total 125 2,085,000.00

Table 7.2: Estimated Cost for the Skill Development Training

SN Particular Number of

trainees

Per trainee

cost

Training

Duration/Period

as per CTEVT

Total Cost

(NRs.)

1 Electrical /Plumbing

training 15 55,000.00 390 Hrs 825,000.00

2 Driving 15 32.000.00 1Month 480,000.00

3 Plywood making 10

33,000.00 1 Month 330,000.00

4 Tourism hostility& Cook 25

38,000.00 45 Days 950,000.00

5 Meson 15

18,000.00 15 Days 270,000.00

6 Netting, stitching

&trailering etc 45

22,000.00 45 Days 990,000.00

7 Other training will be

proposed as local interest 30 55,000.00 45 Days 1,650,000.00

Total 155 5,015,480.00

ii. Increase in economic activities in the project area and associated beneficial impacts

in local economy through micro-enterprise development

The project staff and its workers would require local products such as vegetables, rice, pulses,

eggs, milks, ghee, chicken, mutton etc and other consumption goods such as edible oil, soap,

LPG, noodles, biscuits, clothes etc. They could be fulfilled by the local vendors.

Apart from that the project will allocate budget for training to one person each PAFs willing to

enhance skills in modern techniques of cash crop and livestock farming, tourism activities for

example homestay trekking, or the enhancement of the technical skills and know–how. The

project will encourage its staff members and construction workers to purchase local products

in order to uplift the economic condition of local farmers.

iii. Benefits for Exposure of local population to new technologies and technology

transfer

The project will launch training programs in specialized area such as electro–mechanical works

of Hydroelectric, house wiring and maintenance, road slope stabilization, spoil handling etc.

First priority will be given to the seriously project affected people (SPAFs), project affected

people (PAFs) and local people to the extent they are interested to get involved in the

construction activities.




i. Benefits to be incurred from addition of 110 MW of power to INPS

As the project is aimed for selling the energy to Integrated Nepal Power System owned by the

NEA, there will be additional availability of power/energy to INPS. The locals will also be

facilitating due to availability of electricity, if NEA plans to carry out rural electrification works

there acquiring the support from the government.

ii. Benefits from Community Support Program (CSP)

This issue is described in section 7.2.

iii. Benefits from implementation of environmental mitigation programs and benefit

augmentation measures

Various benefit augmentation measures and environmental mitigation measures as proposed in

EIA shall be implemented effectively which will have multi fold benefits during the operation

phase also.

iv. Benefits as a result of access road construction

The project will regularly repair and maintain the main road leading to the project area and also

the project service roads such that the local people will have uninterrupted service of the roads

for their mobility. Improved road conditions will benefit the community in various ways such

as faster accessibility to hospitals, year-round accessibility to bigger markets such as Salleri to

sell their farm as well as livestock products, easy access to education etc.

v. Public Shares

The project will provide 10% of the public shares to the locals in the project area.

vi. Rural Electrification

The proposed Project may open the door for the expansion of distribution network for rural

electrification in the vicinity of the project areas where there is no access to electricity.

However, the proposed Project will not carry out the rural electrification program itself. 7.2 Community Support Program (CSP)

As per the Concept Paper and Work Plan for National Energy Crisis Alleviation and Electricity

Development Decade, 2015 (/fli6o phf{ ;+s6 lgjf/0f tyf ljB't ljsf;sf nflu cjwf/0ff kq tyf

sfo{of]hgf, @)&@), 0.50% (NRs. 101,022,050.00) of the total project cost has been allocated for

Community Support Program (CSP). The project has suggested the following sectors for the

uptimum utilization of CSP cost for overall community development of the project area:

7.2.1 Education Support

The project suggests providing financial support to local education sector. Support shall be

provided to those schools which are located near to the project construction sites. Support shall

be provided for the establishment of library, widening of playground, educational materials

including sports, and other physical facilities.

7.2.2 Health Sector Support

Physical facility of existing health posts located in the project affected wards are poor in terms

of infrastructure and service delivery. There is a need of strengthening existing physical

facilities. Hence, the project suggests to provide financial support for strengthening the existing

health posts of the project affected wards.



7.2.3 Drinking water support

The project suggests to provide financial support for strengthening the community-level water

supply facilities in each project affected Wards which already exist in the settlements of the

project affectedarea.

7.2.4 Irrigation System Support

The project suggests to provide support for strengthening the community-level irrigation

facilities in project affected area.

7.2.5 Support to Cultural Heritage:

The project suggests to support in the preservation, improvement and renovation of the cultural

heritage sites lying nearby the project affected area.

7.2.6 Conservation of Local Forest and Biodiversity

The project suggests to provide financial support to local Forest User’s Groupin coordination

with Division Forest Office (DFO) to pursue afforestation in degraded land and conservation

of biodiversity in the project area.

7.3 Environmental Mitigation Measures


(iii) Construction Phase

i. Change in land use

• Due consideration will be given to avoid use of good forest, fertile land, settlement

areas for the establishment of labour camp, quarry sites, construction material

stockpiling area including other permanent project features;

• Appropriate compensation will be provided for families who will loose their land.

Detail is presented under socio-economic and cultural impact part.

• Temporarily acquired land will be leased for construction period and it will be

rehabilitated and brought to its original status, after the completion of construction

work, to the extent possible.

• Losses of forest area will be compensated as per the prevailing law. As per the Work

Procedure Regarding Use of National Forest Area for Projects of National Priority,

2074, the project will develop a plantation site.

• All the muck will be disposed in designated areas only.

ii. Possible Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) and associated impacts

GLOF impacts on the project area will be caused by natural events without relationship to

project activities or facilities. But due to the establishment of the project, mitigation measures

against natural GLOFs will be introduced and should in principle be classified as enhancement

rather than mitigation measures. From an environmental perspective the most important actions

are:

• Establishment of an initial and temporary GLOF warning system tailored to the fact

that large numbers of workers are exposed in construction sites near the river and inside

tunnels that cannot be closed for protection.



• Preparation of emergency plans in respect of GLOF warnings and establishment of

evacuation paths for escape to higher ground (up to 15 m above river level at the intake

site) at critical sites.

A budget of NRs. 1 million has been allocated to provide early warning system of Flood due

to GLOF.

iii. Landslides and soil erosion

Following mitigation measures for the soil erosion and landslides impacts are prescribed;

• Land clearance will be minimized as far as possible

• Dumping of excavated spoils in the hill slope will be avoided

• Surface excavations works in headwork, access roads and powerhouse areas will be

controlled as to the geotechnical requirements of land stability and erosion

• After excavation works, the excavated slopes in all areas will be stabilized by the

application of civil and bioengineering works as required by the local geotechnical

conditions.

• The spoil will be deposited to levels and heights taking into consideration of the

geotechnical stability of deposited materials

• All excavated materials will be deposited in the safe spoil disposal sites as designated

in the proposal

• Disposal of excavated loose materials along the water pathways will be prohibited

• Protection walls for major active landslides shall be constructed

iv. Possible impacts on spring sources above and below along the tunnel alignment

Prior to the start of the construction work, the water spring within 200m strip above the tunnel

alignment will be surveyed in the peak dry season and the available spring discharge is

measured and documented. The survey will be done in the presence of the village elites and

wards’ representatives. Estimated cost for the survey of spring location and discharge

measurement is NRs. 2,00,000. Alternative arrangement for the water supply wil be made if

the existing water springs sources are affected by the tunnel construction.

v. Impact on river morphology

The extraction of river bed materials will be planned properly in such a way that river

morphology does not change after the removal of the materials. Further, during the extraction

of materials, due consideration will be given to minimize bank erosion. Similarly, the

construction of the weir will be planned in a way so that concentrated flow or the diverted flow

does not make bank erosion as such. As the mitigation measure is related to planning, no budget

will be required for mitigating this impact.

vi. Generation of spoils and spoil disposal related issues

Following mitigating measures need to be adopted:

• Top soil (up to 15cm depth from the surface) from the affected area will be scrapped

and stored for later reuse in land development at disposal sites and other degraded land

in the project area.

• The excavation materials will be used for backfilling purposes wherever required

• All excavated materials will be deposited in the safe spoil disposal sites as provided by

the project design.



• Deposition of the spoils on the hill slopes, drainage structures, private agricultural land,

natural waterways etc will be strictly prohibited.

• The excavated areas including the slopes will be revegetated so that the erosion prone

area could be protected. The revegetation works will be carried out with the local

species of grass, herbs, shrubs or trees.

• Prior to the start of muck disposal, the contractor will make a plan for muck disposal

and get approval from the project environmental officer. The plan besides other will

have a plan for toe and slope protection of the muck areas from the monsoon washout.

• The muck deposited will be properly compacted and will be facilitated by surface runoff

drainage facilities to avoid air pollution and run off erosion.

• The muck disposal site will be rehabilitated by covering the muck surface by the top

soil saved from the access roads, headworks and power house site preparation.

vii. Water quality management and waste water disposal issues

Control of oil, chemicals and other substance spillage

• The storage areas for the chemicals, oils and other substances will be located far from

the water sources to avoid the contamination by spillage.

• Service vehicles will be used to refuel heavy machineries to minimize the risks of

spillage.

• Workshop facilities will be located at least 100m away from the water sources. Spilled

oil and grease trapping systems will be built in the workshop. Such trapping systems

will be maintained periodically to avoid contaminated runoff into the water courses.

• Periodic maintenance of vehicles and other equipments will be done in order to ensure

no leakages in the fuel tanks.

Wastewater Management

• All kinds of waste shall be kept away from water sources to avoid contamination

through seepage or direct runoff.

• Toilets shall be provided at all construction sites and camp site with appropriate septic

system. Toilets will be located away from water courses. At construction site one toilet

shall be provided for no more than 20 workers. The provided toilet facilities should

accommodate the loads over the full construction period. The facilities shall be

maintained periodically and maintenance programme shall be mentioned in the

contractor's plan to be approved by the concerned project authority.

• Open urination and defecation shall be prohibited.

• Camp effluents shall not be discharged directly into the water sources. An adequate size

effluent treatment system will be constructed to treat the camp effluent.

• Any discharge in inland surface water will be practiced as per the tolerance limit set by

the MoFE.

Water quality monitoring

• Water quality of the sources in and around the construction sites, camp sites and major

settlements shall be monitored quarterly (dry season and wet season monitoring). The

drinking water used in the camps and housings shall also be monitored.

viii. Loss of fertile top soil

While preparing the site for construction for the access road, powerhouse and headworks, the

top soil will be managed separately and saved in a separate area for later rehabilitation works.

The top soil (0-25 cm) from the productive land (borrow areas, access road construction areas,

etc.) shall be preserved and reused for plantation and restoration purposes. A 15 cm top soil



will be stripped off from the borrow pit and this will be stored in stockpiles in a designated area

for height not exceeding 2m and side slopes not steeper than 1:2 (Vertical: Horizontal).

ix. Clogging of natural drainages

Following are the mitigating measures to reduce the impact:

• During excavation natural drainage channels will be protected as far as possible

• Runoff drainages will be constructed in project construction sites (headworks and

powerhouse), and project facility sites (camps, storage facilities, muck disposal sites

etc.) will be facilitated during the construction period and later remodified to suit to the

local conditions in the operation period as permanent network. The runoff water

collected will be safely discharged to the natural water bodies. After the completion of

the muck disposal, the muck disposal sites will be facilitated by permanent drainage

networks to collect and discharge the runoff water safely to the water bodies

• Permanent side drains and cross drainage structures will be constructed along the access

roads to collect water from the slope area. The collected water of the side drains will be

discharged to suitable natural waterways to avoid upstream and downstream erosion.

• In the agricultural fields, provisions will be made to drain the slope water to the down

slope agricultural land such that the water required for irrigation is not blocked with

prior consultation and agreement with farmers.

• Regular clearing of the drainage structure will be practiced (two times during monsoon

and one time each before and after monsoon) to remove the blockages by the sediments.

x. Noise and vibration related impacts

Control of blast related noise and vibration

• As far as possible blasting operation will be avoided during nights.

• Blasting will be controlled using limited detonators (charge weights) in small lot.

• Charge weight for each blast will be allocated considering relative distance to the

sensitive locations.

• The damage occurred due to blasting in surrounding private structures will be

compensated.

• The vulnerable population to vibration and noise will be temporarily shifted to safe

locations during blasting period.

• Confining blasting operations during the day time only. Prior information should be

given by blowing siren 10 minutes before blasting operation and 10 minutes after

blasting operation to indicate the commencement and conclusion of the operation;

• Regular maintenance of the vehicles to reduce the mechanical and body noise while

driving;

• Prohibition on the blowing of horns in critical stretches close to villages and near the

school area along the road; and

• Installing noise reducing equipment in the ventilators, compressors and diesel generator

set

• Construction equipment and engines will be maintained regularly as per manufacturer's

specification.

• Pressure horns in the vehicles will be prohibited. Blowing of horns will be allowed only

for safety reasons.

• The noise generating machineries and equipments such as generators, crushers,

concrete mixers will be placed far from the residential areas



Monitoring

Noise intensity level will be monitored regularly in the major construction sites such as

headworks, powerhouse, settlements along the roads etc.

xi. Issues relating haphazard stockpiling of construction material

The impacts will be mitigated by the following mitigation measures:

• Proper disposal mechanisms will be established for the management of what remains

of construction materials;

• Stockpiling and storage of the construction materials in designated sites only.

• The construction materials such as brick, sand and gravel will be methodically stored

at proper locations separately; and

• The residual of construction materials will be re-utilized for other construction purposes

like construction of resting places wherever possible.

xii. Issues relating to generation of solid waste and their management

Waste disposal

• Dumping facilities will be provided at each construction site to avoid proliferation of

the litters and construction trash materials.

• The construction wastes will be managed within the work areas. Tins and other metals

are kept in a closed scrap yard within the construction premise.

• Solid waste from the camp and work areas will be collected regularly.

• Separate waste collection bins will be provided in the camps to segregate wastes of

different nature. Appropriate methods will be adopted for disposal of the waste of

different nature. Appropriate location will be identified for the disposal of wastes. The

waste disposal area will be developed in such a way to ensure that the pollution of

surface water by run-off and underground water through leachate will be avoided.

• If the wastes are to burn, then the burning area will be located far from the settlements,

camps/housing area and working sites.

• Vector control measures (for examples use of insecticides) will be adopted in order to

check growth of disease carrying vectors.

xiii. Air pollution related issues

Dust control measures

• Excavation will be minimized as far as possible.

• The aggregate crushing plants, and concrete mixing plants will be located far from the

settlements and camp areas.

• The access roads and excavation areas will be regularly sprayed with water during dry

days, at least two times a day during peak construction period.

• The borrow vehicles will be covered during the transportation of dusty materials in the

construction sites. The spoils disposed in the spoil tip areas will be compacted in order

to stabilize them and avoid dust blowing by the wind; after the completion of the

construction plantation will be carried out in the spoil tip areas.

• Excavated areas will be revegetated to minimize the bare surface.

Emission Control Measures

• The stationery engines will be placed away from the settlement and camp areas.



• Fume/smoke stacks will be provided in diesel and petrol operated machines and plants

such as diesel generators, stone and aggregate crushers etc.

• Vehicles and stationary combustion engines will be maintained regularly as per

manufacturer's specification.

• The emission impact will also be mitigated by installation of filters and air pollution

control equipment.

Monitoring

• Monitoring of emission of the vehicles used for construction and stationery

engines/construction machines for compliance with GoN's emission standards

• Monitoring of air quality will be done in construction sites will be done during whole

construction period. The air quality monitoring will be done in major construction sites

such as headworks, powerhouse, and settlements along access roads. Compliance with

National Ambient Air Quality Standard of GoN will be checked.


i. GLOF and associated impacts

Following are the mitigating measures to reduce the impact

• Provide permanent warning system along the riverbank of Dudh Koshi and educate the

local residents about the system and characteristics of lake outbursts.

• It is recommended to develop emergency response procedures in case of glacial

outbursts.

ii. Impacts on river flow regime downstream of diversion weir (dewatered stretch of

Dudh Koshi River) and possible microclimatic changes

Changes in microclimate will be expected during dry season in the downstream area. As a

mitigation measure, the project will maintain a minimum flow of 10% of the mean monthly

flow. The extraction of river bed materials will be planned properly in such a way that river

morphology does not change after the removal of the materials. Further, during the extraction

of materials, due consideration will be given to minimize bank erosion. The project is

committed for the release of a minimum 1.48m3/s from the weir.

iii. Possible impacts on spring sources above and below along the tunnel alignment

Alternative arrangement for the water supply will be made if the existing water springs sources

are affected by the tunnel construction.

iv. Land submergence created by 18.1m high diversion weir and associated impacts

The river bank erosion due to bed level rise and damage to the agricultural fields will be

minimized by the river bank protection measures in the critical areas successively as the erosion

potentials are noted or reported by the farmers.

v. Management/final disposal of solid waste and wastewater (both black water and

grey water)


• Solid waste and wastewater from project permanent camp and project office will be

managed properly.

• Haphazard disposal of wastes will be strictly prohibited.



vi. Noise and vibration

Since, the operation phase impacts on air quality, water quality, noise pollution and

solidwaste generation is too minimal, the mitigation actions required are also few.

vii. Air Quality

• The machines such as generators will be repaired and serviced regularly

• The project vehicles will be maintained and repaired regularly.

• Monitoring of air quality of the powerhouse and settlements along the project road

(periodically for one year after project construction)

viii. Water Quality

• The effluent discharges from project office and project camp to nearby water sources

will be prohibited.

• The spillage of chemicals such as oils and paints which can occur during repairing and

maintenance of powerhouse equipment and machines will be controlled.

• Haphazard disposal of spent oils and lubricants from the powerhouse and the

switchyard will be prohibited. All the spent oils, lubricants, from the powerhouse and

switch yards and transformers will be collected and kept in a separate designated area.

These spent oils and lubricants will be handed over to the authorized private waste oil

and lubricant dealers for treatment reuse

• Drinking water quality of the camp and water quality of the water sources around

powerhouse will be monitored periodically (for one year after the construction)

ix. Noise pollution

• The powerhouse workers will be provided with the ear muffs to reduce the exposure to

continuous noise of turbine operation

• Pressure horns blowing will be prohibited in the settlements along the roads in the

project area.

• Noise the camp and water quality of the water sources around powerhouse will be

monitored periodically (for one year after the construction)



i. Impacts on forest area and forest vegetation and overall forest biodiversity


• Forest and vegetation will be cleared only to the required by pegging the area and

numbering the trees;

• Compensatory afforestation for the felled local tree species as per department of Forest

guideline will be carried out in consultation with the Division Forest Office on the

project costs. The plantation will be carried out with the species those are required to

cut down for the project construction in order to compensate for the lost species.

Moreover, emphasis will be given to the species with high value for timber and

fuelwood.

• As per rule of 1:25, a total of 87,850 tree saplings will be planted. The cost of plantation

has been estimated to be NRs. 21,634,818.91 (Annex 8). The total cost including

caretakers has been estimated to be NRs. 25,234,818.91.

ii. Impact on aquatic life including fishery resources of the Dudh Koshi River


• Unless required by the project structural placement, the riverbed will not be disturbed



• Spoil disposal in the river flood plain will be prohibited

• Fishing will be restricted for the project staff and outside project workforce

iii. Possible impacts on protected species of flora and fauna


• As far as possible, the felling of rare, endangered, endemic species will be avoided

• In case the felling is required by the project layout, such species will be planted in

afforestation areas as a part of compensatory afforestation as per department of Forest

guideline

iv. Impact on wildlife and avian population


• Forest and vegetation will be felled only to the required by pegging the area and

numbering the trees

• The project will organize programs to raise awareness on conservation of wildlife

habitats and wildlife species for local people, school children and project workers

• Night time construction activities using heavy machineries and blasting operations

between 18 hours to 5 hours will be avoided as far as possible

v. Impact on Non-Timber Forest Products/MAPs


• The project will develop programs to support NTFP promotion.

• While carrying out afforestation, the plantation of NTFP species will also be carried

out.

vi. Possible Risk of forest fire


• The project staff and workforce will be instructed not to visit the forested areas

• Awareness relating to importance of forest and biodiversity and consequences of forest

fires will be provided to the local people and the project staffs.

vii. Loss of aquatic habitat and consequent impacts on aquatic lives

Mitigation: Following are the mitigating measures to reduce the impact

• Unless required by the project structural placement, the riverbed will not be disturbed

• Spoil disposal in the river flood plain will be prohibited

• Fishing will be restricted for the project staff and outside project workforce


i. Impacts on fish and aquatic fauna and their habitat

Mitigation: Following are the mitigating measures to reduce the impact

• Hatchery backed open water fish stocking of fish species will be carried out annually

in the upstream section of the Dudh Koshi River from the weir by obtaining fingerlings

from private hatchery

• Steel wiremesh will be placed at the mouth of intake structure to prevent fish passage

to the waterways

• Residual environmental flow (1.48 m3/s) will be released round the year from the weir

as per Hydropower Policy to sustain the aquatic life of the dewatered section between

weir and tailrace.



• Release of 500,000 fingerlings @ 100,000 fingerlings per year is proposed for 5 years

in upstream of Dudhkoshi River weir (NRs. 5,000,000.00)

ii. Change in composition of fish fauna in upstream section of diversion weir

• Hatchery backed open water fish stocking of fish species will be carried out annually

in the upstream section of the Dudh Koshi River from the weir by obtaining fingerlings

from private hatchery

• Steel wiremesh will be placed at the mouth of intake structure to prevent fish passage

to the waterways

• The creation of numerous small shallow pools from 10m² to 25m², and 0.15m to 0.3m

deep) within the same reservoir bank area. These pools should be appropriately spaced

on both banks, and would re-create breeding sites for the majority of the amphibian

fauna of the locality.

• Vegetation should not be cleared around or in these pools.

iii. Possible disturbance to the wildlife activities


(i) No poaching and hunting activities will be allowed.

(ii) Minimum disturbance will be maintained


• The project staff and workforce will be instructed not to visit the forested areas

• Awareness relating to importance of forest and biodiversity and consequences of forest

fires will be provided to the local people and the project staff.

7.3.4 Socioeconomic and Cultural Environment


i. Land acquisition and Land compensation related issues


• The private lands which will be acquired by the project will be compensated. The

compensation value of land will be determined through a compensation determination

committee including representatives from district administrative officials (CDO,

District Land Revenue Officer and DCC Chairman), representatives from affected

landowners and project authorities.

• The standing crop at the time of acquisition will be allowed to harvest by the respective

landowners. If the project

• Developer chooses to enter into the area before the harvesting of standing crop, the

standing crop will be compensated as per the production potential at market price.

• The trees in the private forests and other agricultural lands that need to be cut down for

the project will be duly compensated by the project.

• Employment priorities will be given to the population in the household whose land and

property are lost due to project.

ii. Issues relating to loss of private/farm trees (timber, fruits, fodder) as well as

standing crops and their compensation


• The project will develop training packages for the development and enhancement of

skills of the people in the households whose land is affected. Such trainings would be

developed in consultation with the affected households. Masonry, carpentry, driving,

electrician, welding, computer educations are fields which the people in the project area



have shown interest towards, during field survey. Such trained human resource can be

employed by the project to fulfill project human resource requirement. The trainings

such provided will be useful in terms of earning livelihood for the affected households

after the project construction also.

• The project will develop training programs to the project area farmers to enhance their

knowledge and skills in improved farming techniques and livestock rearing in

collaboration with the DADO and DLSO.

• The project will also develop and implement income generating programs to the project

affected households. Such programs will be developed in consultation with the affected

households. Implementation of such IGPs will be carried out with assistance from the

local CBOs and NGOs.

iii. Loss of community forest resources and compensation related issues

This has been dealt in section 7.3.3.1 (i).

iv. Loss of agricultural land and crop production

The project will provide adequate compensation for the loss of agriculture land and crop

production. Trainings on scientific agriculture technologies and an improved seed program

will increase the agricultural production in the project area. Moreover, people on the project

area/s will be motivated for cash crop plantation. Such trainings will somehow compensate

for the loss in agriculture production and will help boost economic conditions of the locals.

v. Issues relating to damage to or loss of community as well as private properties and

their compensation


• The project will compensate for the community land on a lease basis for temporary

acquisition

• The project will negotiate with the affected households to provide compensation for the

loss of tree from the private land on mutual basis. Compensation will be paid as per the

numbers of plant rather than wood volume. Owner will have the right to use the

uprooted trees without deducting amount.

• Will compensate the aggregate volume excavated as per DCC guideline in case of

boulder, aggregate and sand extraction

vi. Pressure on existing facilities, services and resources of the project area


• The project will support the existing educational institution in the project area to

provide education to the project workers and staffs

• The project will support existing health institution in the project area to upgrade its

capacity

• The project will establish Project Health Unit (PHU) within the premise of the project

for its staff and construction worker. Such a unit will also provide free of cost service

to the local area people. The project will employ a health assistant and an ANM in the

PHU for the treatment.

• The project will establish a self standing water supply system for the project camp

facilities without impinging upon the community supply system

• The project will establish self standing communication facilities for the project staff

and workers in project camp

• The project will request CDO of the Solukhumbu district to establish a Police Post to

ensure law and order in the local area and financially support to such posts



vii. Possible interference with village trails


• As far as possible the waterway structures will be aligned so as to avoid the existing

foot trails.

• The project will construct alternative foot trails in replacement of the foot trails which

will be interfered by the waterway structure.

• Wherever possible, as allowed by the topography, the headrace as well as penstock pipe

will be buried underground so that the impact on interference with the foot trails could

be minimized.

viii. Occupational health and safety related issues


• The project will establish a Project Health Unit (PHU) within the premise of the project

for its staff and construction worker. Such a unit will also provide free of cost service

to the local area people. The project will employ a health assistant and an ANM in PHU

for the treatment of ills. There will be provision of medical stocks and other support

facilities in the PHU of the camp to stabilize the conditions of injured prior to shifting

to the nearby hospital outside (Damku/Salleri/Kathmandu) the project area. An

ambulance will be provisioned standby at the PHU for the service of injured and ills.

• The project will make the Contractor to prepare health and safety plan for the project

workers approve it and monitor its implementation by the Contractor.

• First aid facility in each of the construction sites will be provisioned with instructions

of use.

• Emergency fire fighting systems will be provisioned in the camps and the construction

areas.

• Personnel protective equipments such as helmets, gloves, boots, mask, ear plugs, safety

belts etc. as to the requirement of the construction work nature to each of the

construction workers and supervisors will be provided. Workers without required PPEs

will not be allowed to enter in to the construction site.

• The project will make the Contractor to organize regular safety instruction and safety

drills prior to, during and after the working hours in a routinely manner

ix. Issues relating to public health and sanitation and as well as public safety


• The Contractor will make provisions for checking health status of the worker he wants

to employ. Workers with contagious diseases will be discarded from employment.

• The project will launch community awareness program on sexually transmitted disease

and ways to prevent such disease apart from medication from the camp hospital.

• The project will distribute condoms at nominal price to the workers and locals through

the health serve facilities of the camps

• The project will launch community awareness program on communicable disease and

ways to prevent such disease

• Health status of project workers and community people residing nearby the project

construction and facilities sites will be monitored periodically. Health camps will be

organized once in every six months in the project area.

• Hoarding boards, and traffic signs in the critical points in road corridor will be placed

and awareness campaigns will be conducted in the project area



• Signboards with signs on different construction related activities will be placed in the

entrance of the construction sites. Danger boards will be placed in critical danger areas

in the construction sites

• All the construction sites will be fenced and unauthorized persons will not be allowed

in the construction sites.

• Sirens will be blown 10 minutes before and 5 minutes after surface blasting for public

safety. All foot trails will be blocked for public movement at the time of blasting

operations

• All visitors in the construction site will be instructed to wear protective gears

x. Socio cultural issues such as community conflict with the outside work force


• The project will organize regular ethical behavioral programs to outside workers before

work session to respect local people, their culture and traditions

• The project will discourage alcohol consumption in the public places outside the camp

areas by putting penalty to the project workers

• Gambling in the project area premises will be strictly prohibited.

xi. Issues relating to increased gambling, alcoholism and prostitution


• The project will organize regular ethical behavioral programs to outside workers before

work session to respect local people, their culture and traditions

• The project will discourage alcohol consumption in the public places outside the camp

areas by putting penalty to the project workers

• Gambling in the project area premises will be strictly prohibited.


i. Occupational health and safety related issues of the power station workers


• Occupational health and safety plan (OHSP) specific to operation and maintenance

phase of the project will be developed incorporating plans to deal with safety in

powerhouse as well as maintenance activities shall be developed and implemented.

Compliance of the implementation of the measures recommended in the plan will be

monitored periodically.

• Safety signs, warning symbol boards will be placed in powerhouse complex. Road

safety symbols will be maintained at key points.

• Powerhouse workers will be equipped with all necessary safety equipments.

• Emergency fire fighting system will be provisioned in the camps and the powerhouse

complex

• Powerhouse workers will be made aware of the safety issues inside the powerhouse.

ii. PublicSafety Related Issues/Movement of people in dangerous places


• All dangerous sites such as switch yard will be fenced as a precautionary measure to

restrict people's movement in the area;

• Safety signs and posts will be erected at critical areas; and

• Local people will be made aware of dangerous project areas.



iii. Issues relating to upstream and downstream (dewatered stretch of the Dudh Koshi

River) water uses and conflicts

• The project will arrange an alternative cremation ground upstream from the proposed

weir site with facilities such as cremation platform, steel truss hut etc.

• Similarly, implementation of the proposed Dudh Koshi hydropower will affect

downstream purpose Dudh Koshi-4, hydropower headworks at ward-4. The proposed

Dudh Koshi -4 hydropower activities will be carried out at about 200m-500m

downstream from the proposed power house and switchyard of Dudh Koshi 5 HPP. The

project has a plan to coordinate with Dudh Koshi -4 HPP.

iv. Issues relating to sudden release of water to downstream

During the operation phase, the sudden release of water downstream of the headworks may

cause accidents. Thus, as a mitigation measure, a siren system will be established to make

the downstream people aware about the timings of the release of water. Similarly, local

people will be made aware about the siren system.

v. “Boom Town” effect and its impact on local economy

Upon the completion of the project, most of the skilled labour will lose jobs. They will not

be able to utilize their skills locally. In order to maintain their economy through the utilization

of their skills, they will have two options: either, they have to leave the area and go elsewhere

in search of jobs that match their skills or they have to remain in the local area and find jobs

which are locally available.

In order to mitigate such kind of trauma of job loss after the project, the following measures

will be adopted by the project:

• The project will try to appoint maximum number of local people as far as possible

during the operation period;

• Training sessions will be conducted at least 3 months prior to the project completion,

so that the labour force will be able to start their own businesses immediately upon the

termination of their jobs in the project;

• Training programs will be organized particularly targeting the skilled labour force

willing to establish their own entrepreneurship, where they can utilize their skills and

make a living; and

• Possible efforts will be made by the project to help the trained and interested local

human resource obtain employment in new hydroelectric projects.



8. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

8.1 Introduction

The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) has been prepared as an integral part of

Dudhkoshi-5 Hydropower Project to set out the procedural framework to ensure the

implementation of mitigation measures, monitoring and auditing requirements. The plan

specifies the environmental responsibilities of all parties involved in the project, and detail

environmental management requirements for the project during the pre-construction,

construction and operation phases. The plan also specifies the coordination mechanism with

various line agencies, non-project participants and schedule. The monitoring component

likewise defines the monitoring mechanism, reporting etc. Similarly impact audit define the

auditing parameters and responsibility. The project proponent will be responsible for the

implementation of the EMP. The plan will apply adaptive management to accommodate

changes in project design during the time. The EMP will follow Plan – Do – Check Act Cycle

(PDCA) approach. The EMP will be updated during the detail design to cover the likely

changes in project design, likely changes in policy and regulatory mechanism and stakeholder

concerns.

8.2 Planning

8.2.1 Stages for the Implementation of Environment Protection Measures

The environmental protection measures (EPMs) will be implemented during the pre-

construction, construction and operational and maintenance stages of the project. The

implementation of EPMs will be the responsibility of the proponent. All preparatory activities

related to site clearance including the necessary permission from the relevant government

organization(s) as well as land and property acquisition will be completed during the pre-

construction stage. In this stage, the project will delineate the actual area to be acquired for the

project activities, negotiate with the land and property owner(s), and compensate for the lost

resources. In case of government land, the project will request the government for leasing out

required land. The project will negotiate with the community forest user groups for the

temporary use of their land following the government procedure. As these are basically related

to the pre-construction stage, the project will not be implemented without completing these

pre-requisites. Similarly, the design will be undertaken by adopting the basic civil engineering

design principle for the environmental protection (for example design of the access road in

balance depth, connecting outlet of the drain to the natural drain, providing bio-engineering

measures for covering the exposed area due to excavation etc.). To be specific the detailed

design will consider all the proposed mitigation measures in this EIA report. A detail

Environmental, Social and CSP Action Plans of the Project is presented in Table 8-1 to Table

8-11.

Table 8-1: Awareness, Orientation and Training Plan

SN Actions Target Groups Schedule Responsibility

1

Leaflet/flyers/brochures be

prepared in different

languages to make aware of

project and its surrounding –

environmental affairs (e.g.

Construction

crew and other

stakeholders

Construction

phase Employer



SN Actions Target Groups Schedule Responsibility

dos & don’ts for labors on

terrestrial and aquatic

environment viz. forests fires)

2 Orientation and Environment

Training

Project decision,

Project

Management and

Contractor team

Pre-construction

Employer in co-

ordination with

Experts as needed

3

Orientation and Environment

Trainers Training with focus

on mitigation and monitoring

actions (EMP

Implementation) including

satefy requirements

Section staff of

Environment

Management

Unit of Employer

and Contractor

Pre-construction

Employer in co-

ordination with

Experts as needed

4

Orientation and environmnt

training to the project

operators on oil handling,

storage, and recycling, safety

and emergency prepardness

Project operation

team

At the begining of

the operation

phase

Employer in co-

ordination with

Experts as needed

5

Importance of inclusion of

EA prescription in the tender

document

Employer, its

representative

and Contractor

Approval of the

project

implementation

Employer, its

representative and

Contractor

Table 8-2: Permit and Approval Plan

SN Requirements Authority Implementation

Time

Responsibility

1 EIA approval MoFE Feasibility Stage DoED

2 Tree clearing from community

forest

DFO and MoFE Pre-construction DK-5

HPP/EMU/GRU

3 Permanent land acquisition Land

owners/CDO

Pre-construction DK-5

HPP/EMU/GRU

4 Land lease agreement for

temporary facilities

Land

owners/CDO

Pre-construction DK-5

HPP/EM/GRU

5 Entry to private land and

property, if required

Land owners Pre-construction Contractor

Note: CDO = Chief District Officer, DFO = Division Forest Office, EM and GRU:

Environment Management Unit and Grievance Redress Unit

Table 8-3: Resettlement and Rehabilitiation Plan

S.N. Action Timing of Action Responsibility

1 Re verification of the owners of the land to be

acquired permanently including their affected

land areas, land plot numbers and

landownership

DK5 HPP

Project

Management



S.N. Action Timing of Action Responsibility

Identification of the household or parties

traditionally using land without land

certificates in case of acquisition /lease of such

land

Pre-construction (6

months before

construction)

2 Negotiation with concerned land owners

regarding the amount to be paid

3 Handling of grievances of the affected parties

and individuals (formalities of Grievance

Redress Mechanism)

Pre-construction and

construction

Dk 5 HPP

Project

Management /

EM and GRU/

LC

4 Monitoring of the implementation of R&R Pre-construction and

construction

EMU/ Joint

Monitoring

Committee/

Panel of Expert

Notes: LCF: Local Consultancy Forum EMU: Environmental Management Unit

Table 8-4: Construction Camps and Traffic Management Plan

S. N. Activities Timing of

actions

Responsibilities

1 Pre-information to the local area people on

the start date of project preparation works

and the range of activities to be undertaken

Pre-construction Dk 5 HPP PMO/ EM and

GRU

2 Preparation of environmental management

plan for the construction camps (issue based

and site based)

Pre-construction Contractor

3 Site clearance and construction plan for

construction camps (engineer, contractor,

labor force, mechanical yards, long term

storage facilities etc) with plans to save top

soil for later use

Pre-construction Supervising engineer/

EMU/ Contractor

4 Preparation of a Guideline for construction

vehicle operation (speed, use of horn,

parking on the road and off the road etc.)

and meet pollution criteria green stickers

Pre-construction Supervising engineer/

EMU/ Contractor

5 Preparation of sites for parking of the

project vehicles, material storage and

staying facilities for the early construction

workers/contractors with adequate facilities

of water supply, drainage, cooking, dining,

toilets, solid waste collection and storage

etc.

Construction Contractor

6 Construction of camps and facilities Construction Contractor

7 Monitoring of related activities pre-construction and

construction

Supervising engineer/ EMU



Table 8-5: Pollution Abatement Plan

S. N. Activities Timing of actions Location Responsibilities

1

The earthen and graveled road corridors will be sprinkled

regularly to minimize the fugitive dusts from the plying of

the construction related vehicles particularly in the winter

and Sumer dry season.

Pre-construction Headworks area, powerhouse

area and adit area to spoil

disposal site.

Contractor

2

The aggregate crushing sites and active construction sites

will also be sprinkled regularly by water as to the

requirement on the advice of supervising engineers/

Environmental Monitor

Construction Aggregate crushing site, and

active construction sit

Contractor

3

The occupational workers at the construction sites, engineers

and supervisors will be provided with PPE (air masks,

helmets and safety goggles as per the standard guideline)

Pre-construction,

Construction period

All construction sites

Contractor

4 Ventilators of adequate capacity for ventilating the tunnel

area during blasting and mucking period

Construction period

Adit portals to tunnel Contractor

5

The sites for surface structure and all project facility sites

(camps, mechanical yards, storage facilities, muck disposal

sites etc.) will be facilitated with temporary drainage

facilities to collect and discharge the runoff water after

required treatment (sedimentation and oil and grease

removal) safely to the natural water bodies.

Pre-construction,

Construction period

All camp and facility sites Contractor

6 Discharge of construction waste such as cement, and

concrete slurry will not be discharged to the river water.

Construction period Headwork, powerhouse Contractor

7

The water discharged from aggregate washing plant will be

collected in settling tanks/ponds at suitable location for

sedimentation and treatment

Construction period Aggregate waste water discharge

point

Contractor

8

All spent grease and mobil and unused or date expired toxic

chemicals will be collected separately in plastic drums and

stored in a safe place under the shade

Pre-construction,

Construction/ operation

All construction sites, camps and

other facility sites/operation

Contractor/ Operation

manager

9

The unused chemicals, spent mobil, grease etc. will

discharged only with the approval of the chief of the

Environmental Monitoring Unit

Pre-construction,

Construction period

All construction sites, camps and

other facility sites

Contractor



10

The petroleum bunkers will be placed in a separate area in a

concrete bounded area with the facility of oil and grease

separator

Pre-construction,

Construction period

Storage yards Contractor

11

The waste water from the mechanical yards will be collected

in a separate area. The water will be treated for the oil and

grease and then released to the water bodies.

Construction period Mechanical yard waste water

discharge point

Contractor

12

Provisioning of adequate toilet facilities will be made in the

camps and active construction sites. The toilet waste of the

camps will be drained to a single treatment facility in each

camp. The treated water will only be released to the nearby

area.

Pre-construction,

Construction period

All camps and active

construction site

Contractor

13

Open defecation will be prohibited in and around the

construction sites, camp sites and in the river bank area.

Hoarding sign boards will be placed in the construction

camps, and active construction sites.

Pre-construction,

Construction period

In areas surrounding the

construction sites

Contractor

14

A solid waste collection and storage system will be

established in all the construction related camps and

construction sites. The collected waste will be segregated as

to the property of the waste as degradable, glass, metals,

plastics, cloths and leather etc and will be stored in separate

bounded areas. These materials will be disposed as to the

recommendations and approval of the project environmental

officer

Pre-construction,

Construction /operation


construction sites/Operation

camps


Manager

15

Garbage containers of adequate size will be placed at critical

places in the construction related camps and construction

sites. The collected garbage will be collected daily for

segregation and storage as outlined above

Pre-construction,

Construction/ operation


construction sites/Operation

camp


Manager

16

Stockpiling and storage of the construction materials in

designated sites only away from the water paths. Prohibition

on the stockpiling of construction materials in other areas

Pre-construction,

Construction period


construction sites

Contractor

17

Muck disposal will be carried out in the designated sites

only. Prohibition of muck disposal in other non-designated

area

Construction period All camps and active

construction sites

Contractor

18 Operation of noise generating construction activities in the

day time zone as far as possible

Pre-construction,

Construction period


construction sites

Contractor



19

Prohibition on surface blasting operations in the day time

zone only. Prior information will be given through siren

blow 10minutes before the blasting operation and 10

minutes after the blasting operation

Construction period

Tunnel, headwork, and

powerhouse

Contractor

20

Regular maintenance of the vehicles to reduce the

mechanical and body noise while plying

Pre-construction,

Construction period

All vehicle and machinery Contractor/

Supervising engineers/

Proponent

21

Prohibition in the blowing of horns in critical stretches close

to villages and near the school area along the road

Pre-construction,

Construction period

Villages and school areas

Contractor/

supervising engineers/

Proponent

22

Fitting of noise reducing equipments in the ventilators

compressors and diesel generator sets

Pre-construction,

Construction period

Ventilator compressors and

diesel generator sets

Contractor

23 Fitting of noise reducing equipments in the ventilators

compressors and diesel generator sets

Pre-construction,

Construction period

Ventilator compressors and

diesel generator sets

Contractor

24

Compliance monitoring of A, B and C Construction/ Operation All above sites EMU/ Supervising

engineers/ Operation

Manager

25

Impact Monitoring related to A, B, and C

Construction/ Operation All above sites EMU/ Supervising


Manager



Table 8-6: Terrestrial Ecology (Forest Loss Management) Management Plan

S. N. Activities Timing of Action Location Responsibilities

1 /fli6«o k|fyldstf k|fKt cfof]hgfsf] nflu /fli6«o jg If]q k|of]u ug{

lbg] ;DalGw sfo{ljlw, @)&$

• Consultation with the DFO, local community and forest

user groups to identify the required area for

compensatory afforestation

• Seedling preparation or procurement

• Plantation of at least 87850 seedling in the afforestation

area as per forest norms

• Taking care of the plantation area for 5 years to ensure

that the planted trees or deposit the required amountto the

division forest office to grow to sufficient height

• Handover the afforested area to thedistrict forest office

after 5 years

Construction and

Operation

Area as designated

by committee

DK5HPP/EMU

2 Preference to the local for project employment as

mentioned in mitigation section

Preconstruction,

construction

All project works

Dk 5 HPP Project

Management/ contractor/

Supervising engineers/

Operation Manager

3 Provision of LPG or kerosene to the outside workforce for

cooking/heating

Preconstruction,

construction

Construction workers of

all project sites

Contractor

4 Provision for camp lodging to the outside workforce with a

common cooking facility

Preconstruction,

construction

All outside construction

workers

Contractor

5 Prohibition on the sale and purchase of the local NTFP and

fishes in the camps

Preconstruction,

construction and

operation

All project locations Contractor/ Supervising


Manager

6 Prohibition in roaming in the local forest area by the

outside workforce

Preconstruction,

construction and

operation

Surrounding areas of

project site

Contractor/ Supervising


Manager




7 Lease Compensation to the Forest Land Area Construction,

operation

All permanently

occupied forest areas

DK-5 HPP Project

Management

8 Clearing of the forest vegetation and stockpiling the

vegetation products before handover:

construction All permanently

occupied forest areas

Environmental Monitoring

Unit/ DK 5 HPP project

management

9 Implementation of training, NTFP and other forest related

programs

construction Project affected

community forest

EM and ERU

10 Project will inform in time to the local authorities,

Ward/Rural Municipality representative, Community forest

user groups and the forest range post office, if it finds the

forest area is encroached close to the construction site

construction Surrounding forests of

the project site

EMU/DK-5 HPP project

management

11 Hoarding boards will be placed at critical location of the

district road , project component road and other public

places on the preventive actions to control the forest fire

Construction

Surrounding areas of the

project site

EM and ERU/ DK-5 HPP

project management

12 Public awareness programs will be launched to prevent the

forest fires in the local area

Construction Surrounding areas of the

project site

EM and ERU

13 Project workers will be regularly informed not to throw

lighted cigarette tips in the forest areas and not to use forest

area as picnic spots

Construction Surrounding areas of the

project site

EM and ERU/ Environmental

Monitoring Unit

14 Compliance and impact monitoring of the related activities Construction/

operation

All sites as designated Environmental Monitoring Unit

Table 8-7: Aquatic Ecology Management Plan

S.N. Activities Timing of Action Location Responsibilities

1 Restriction on fishing activities by the construction

workforce on the Dudh Koshi River Preconstruction and

construction

Dudh Koshi River

headworks to Powerhouse

Environmental

Monitoring Unit



S.N. Activities Timing of Action Location Responsibilities

2 Water and land pollution abatement Pre - construction,

Construction and

operation

All project sites as

designated

Environmental

Monitoring Unit/

Contractor

3 Restriction on the use of pesticides, electrical gears and

explosive for fish capture in Dudh Koshi River Pre - construction,

Construction and

operation

Reservoir to powerhouse

tailrace

Project RMC

authorities,

District

Agriculture

Office and Local

NGOs

4 Complete prohibition on the discharge of muck/spoil into

the river Construction All construction sites Contractor

5 Design the provision of releasing 10% of the minimum

monthly flow as a inbuilt structure of the weir and ensure

that the structure is constructed

Design weir Design Engineer/

Supervising

engineers/

6 Monitoring of relative activities Pre-

construction/construction

and operation

All project site Environmental

Management unit



Table 8-8: Erosion Abatement and Muck/Spoil Management Plan


1 While preparing the site for construction of project

component roads, camp, etc, the top soil will be managed

separately and saved in a separately for later rehabilitation

works

Pre-construction/ Construction

All project sites Contractor

2 All surface excavation above 3m vertical height will be

excavated through benching.

Construction

All project sites

Supervising

Engineer/Contractor

3 Potential landslide and soil erosion will be controlled

through:

• Pegging and flagging on the boundaryof the landslide

area

• Maintenance of slope less than theangle of response

• Provision of proper drains

• Bio-engineering measures on landslide

• Grass turfing on gentle slope andconcreting on the steep

slope withbenching height >3m & proper drainage

Preconstruction

andconstruction

Projectarea

Contractor

4 The excavated surface will be protected againstthe water

erosion by adequate vertical andhorizontal drainages and

the water collectedfrom the excavation area will be

discharged into safe area.

Construction All project sites Supervising Engineer/

Contractor

5 All excavated areas and spoil deposited areas will be

stabilized by civil and bio-engineering works.

Construction All project sites Contractor/DK5HPP

6 Stockpiling and storage of the constructionmaterials will be

done in designated sites only.

Prohibition on the stockpiling of constructionmaterials in

other areas.

Construction Allprojectsites Contractor

7 Muck disposal sites will be carried out in the designated

sites only.

Prohibition of muck disposal in other non-designated areas.

Construction

All project sites

Contractor

8 Prior to the start of spoil disposal, thecontractor will make a

plan for spoil disposaland get approval from the

Construction Designated spoil disposalarea EMU/Contractor




projectenvironmental officer. The plan, among others, will

have measures for toe protection from the monsoon

washout.

9 The muck deposited will be properly compacted and will

be facilitated by surface runoff drainage facilities to avoid

air pollution and run off erosion.

Construction Spoil disposal area Contractor/

DK5HPP

10 The excavated surface will be protected against the water

erosion by adequate vertical and horizontal drainages and

the water collected from the excavation area will be

discharged into safe area.

Construction Spoil disposal area Contractor/

Supervising Engineer

11 All project facility sites (camps, mechanical yards,

storage facilities muck disposal sites etc.) will have

drainage facilities to collect and discharge the runoff

water safely to the natural water bodies

Construction All project sites Contractor/

Supervising Engineer/ EMU

12 The access roads will have permanent side drain structures

to collect water from the upslope area. The collected water

of the side drains will be discharged to suitable natural

waterways to avoid upstream and downstream erosion.

Construction Access roads Contractor



Table 8-9: Public Health and Occupational Safety Management Plan

Activities Timing of

Action

Location Responsibilities

Implement Pollution

Abatement Plan

During

construction

All project sites Contractor

Preparation of occupational

health andsafety plan and

submission to EMU of

DK5HPP for approval

Pre-

construction

All project sites

and all workforce

Contractor

Provision of First aid

facilities

Construction

phase

All active construction

sites and yards

Contractor

Medical checkup of the

workforce before

employment

Construction

phase

Allconstruction

workers

Contractor

Regular medical checkup of

the

construction workers every

6 months

Construction

phase

Allconstructionworkers Contractor

Sopport to Health facilities

(intermittenthealth camps,

strengthening health

postnearby the project) to

local public as per the CSP

Construction

phase

People ofproject area

Contractor/

DK5HPP

Potable water supply facility Construction All project camp Contractor

Establishment

ofconstruction waste

collection system and

management

Construction All activeconstruction

sites

Contractor

Fencing of all construction

sites and restriction on entry

to the outsiders

others than authorized

person


sites

Contractor

Appropriate danger signs in

all active construction sites

work areas as to the degree

of risk in the site


sites

Contractor

Provision of Personal

Protective

Equipment (such as boots,

gloves, masks, ear plugs,

helmets, safety goggles etc.)

tothe construction workers

as appropriateto the


sites

Contractor



requirement and risk of

theworking area and

implement the

useeffectively

Regular training as required

to the

construction workers and

health and safety issues of

the construction work

Before and

during

construction

Allconstructionworkers Contractor

Regular training to

operation staff asrequired on

occupation health and safety

issues

Operation Allconstructionworkers

Contractor

Insurance of workers Pre-

construction

All workers Contractor

Table 8-10: Rehabilitation Management Plan

Activities Schedule Location Responsibilities

Rehabilitate the excavated slopes

of the

construction areas using

appropriate bioengineering,

plantation/vegetation

Postconstruction

Access roads,

headworks, adit

and penstock

area,

powerhouse,

tailrace

Contractor

Rehabilitation the drainage

networks as

to the requirement (some area

might need

strengthening while in some it

might

have to demolish completely to

give the

land and drainage the natural

condition)

Postconstruction Access roads,

headworks,

camps, storage

area,

powerhouse,

spoil disposal

sites etc.

Contractor

Demolition of all unnecessary

structures, their foundations,

clean up and reclaim

the sites to pre-construction

phase

Post-

construction

Temporary

residential

camps, storage

yards,

mechanical

yards, batching

plant, aggregate

crushers,

aggregate

Contractor



washing plants,

etc.

Rehabilitation the muck disposal

site withproper drainage facility as

per approvedplan. Use the saved

top soil on the top of the spoil

sites to develop the land in an

usable land for afforestation or

other purpose as per the

recommendation of the EMU

Postconstruction Spoil

disposalsite

Contractor

Rehabilitation of the quarry area

in such that puddles and

depressions are not left out

Postconstruction

Quarry area Contractor

Rehabilitate the temporarily

acquiredcultivable land by tilling

and spreading the top soil saved.

Postconstruction Temporarycamp

and storage area

Contractor

Handover the temporary land

acquired sites to the respective

owners and get a certificate of

handover

Postconstruction Labour camps Contractor

Table 8-11: Emergency Management Plan

Activities Schedule Location Responsibilities

Provision of helipad for

emergency

evacuation of injured or other

people

Preconstruction Construction sites Contractor/

DK5HPP

Provision of standby

ambulance to

evacuate the injured at the

earliest to the nearest hospital

Construction

Powerhouse

&Headworks area

Contractor/

DK5HPP

Provision of medical stock

particularly for water borne

disease to tackle theepidemic

in the camp or in the villages

surrounding the project site

Construction

Health care

facility at project site

Contractor

Provision of firefighting

equipment and regular fire

fighting training as needed

Construction Construction

sites

Contractor

Provision of sirens to inform

people of

the emergencies (fire

hazards, blastingoperations,

chemical hazard,

trafficaccidents, earthquake

etc.) and drill operations at

least once in 6 months

Construction

Powerhouse,

camp sites,

headwork, adit

portals

Contractor



Emergency preparedness

training and on drill

operation (GLOF, floods,

release of waterfrom weir,

epidemic outbreak,

earthquakeetc.) at least every

6 months

Operation All

projectsite/powerhouse

and headworkand

dewatered stretch

Operation

Manager

8.2.2 Implementation Approach and Mechanism

(i) Project Stakeholders for Environmental Management

Key stakeholders including DK 5 HPP, to be involved for project environmental management

in hierarchy orders are:

• Ministry of Forests and Environment (MoFE);

• Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation (MoEWRI);

• Department of Forest;

• Department of Environment

• Construction Management/Supervision Consultant;

• Project proponent

• Environment Monitoring Unit

• Environment Management and Grievances Redress Unit

• Local Consultative ForumContractor;

• Local level Government and non- government organizations such as District

Coordination Committee, (DCC),

• Division Forest Office (DFO),

• Mapya Dudhkoshi Rural Municipality (RM),

• NGOs and Community based Organizations (CBOs).

(ii) Institutional Arrangement and Responsibility

a) Project Manager Office

The DK 5 HPP Project Manager Office will be established under the organizational setup of

the Project. The Project Manager will have overall responsibility regarding the implementation

of EMP including others. He will be also responsible for acquiring necessary permits for forest

clearance from Ministry of Forest and Environment, land acquisition and compensation etc.

The Project Manager will be responsible to make sure the incorporation of EIA

recommendations in tender document and contract agreement and allocation of necessary

budget for the implementation of EMP.

b) Dudh Koshi-5 Environment Managementand Social Development Unit (DK 5

HPP-EMSDU)

Local consulting firm will be assigned for environment monitoring of the project. The

consulting firm will establish Dudh Koshi-5 Environment Monitoring Unit for day to day

environmental monitoring of the project, implementation of monitoring plan and coordination

of work with concerned stakeholders. The unit will work for Project Manager Office and the

cost required for the establishment and operation of the unit will be provided by the PMO.

The following human resources will be deployed in DK 5 HPP -EMSDU.



• Environmental Expert/Unit Chief

• Ecologist/ Forest Expert

• Wildlife expert

• Socio-economist

• Field Technician/Supervisors-2

• Support staff – 1

c) Environment Management and Grievances Redress Unit (EM & GRU)

Environment Management and Grievances Redress Unit will be established under the Project

Organizational setup. This office will be under direct supervision of PMO. This unit will have

three sections namely Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation Section (LARS), Project

Information Center (PIC) and Mitigation Implementation Section (MIS). All three sections

have unique responsibility regarding the implementation of different action. LARS will be

responsible for the implementation of land acquisition and rehabilitation program whereas

public disclosure work will be conducted through PIC. The MIS will implement mitigation

measures proposed in Chapter 7 especially the program proposed in biological and

socioeconomic environment. The MIS will coordinate the work district level line agencies such

as Division Forest Office, District Coordination Committee, District Land Revenue etc.

d) Construction Contractor

The construction contractor will be responsible for implementation of mitigation measures

specified in the part of contractor and compliance with the tender clauses. The contractor will

be responsible for the implementation of spoil disposal, waste management, occupational

safety, structural bioengineering measures, air, noise and water quality protection measures,

etc.

e) Construction Management/Supervision Consultant

The coordination of the compliance monitoring and mitigation program allocated under the

contractor will be the responsibility of Consultant. Environment Monitoring Unit of the project

will work for the monitoring of compliance issues and report to the Project Manager. The

project manager delivers the written message to the Consultant for prompt action. He will have

authority to stop work fully or partially; delay in payment or otherwise penalize contractors for

of non-performance of environmental tender clauses. The Consultant will also be responsible

for the supervision and quality control of the works conducted by the DK 5 HPP-EMU and

Contractor. The Consultant will also have responsibility for the approval of Environment

Protection Plan, Health Safety Plan, Waste Management Plan and Muck Disposal Plan

prepared by the Contractor on recommendation of DK 5 HPP EMU chairman of project

affected RMC, representative of principle of local high school, NGOs, DK 5 HPP-EMU, EM

and GRU and PAFs will be the member of committee. Committee will promptly act to resolve

the social and environmental issues related to project.

f) Local Consultative Forum

A Local Consultative Forum (LCF) will be established to address the grievances regarding

compensation and other social and environmental issues. This committee will work as an

independent body and will have separate office within the project area. The logistic support



required for the operation of this office will be provided by the Project Manager Office. The

committee will be headed by social worker respected in the community, RM chairman of

project affected RM, representative of principle of local high school, NGOs, DK5 HPP-EMU,

EM and GRU and PAFs will be the member of committee. Committee will promptly act to

resolve the social and environmental issues related to project.

g) Joint Monitoring Committee

To ensure the proper implementation of mitigation measures and monitoring work a joint

monitoring team will be formed which will monitor the activities of the DK5 HPP-EMU, EM

& GRU and Contractor on periodic basis. This monitoring team will be coordinated by the

project central office Kathmandu. Coordination with line ministries (MoFE and MoEWRI) is

required during monitoring works. The committee will include the representative of district

level line agencies (DCC, DFO, Agriculture Development Officer, District Administration

Officer, Education and Health Officer), representative of local club and mother group.

8.2.3 Reporting

DK5 HPP-EMU will be responsible for the preparation of Environmental Management Reports

whereas EM & GRU will prepare quarterly progress report regarding the implementation of

mitigation and enhancement program. The Project Manager Office (PMO) will be responsible

for the distribution of report to the concerned agencies. The DK 5 HPP-EMU will prepare the

following reports: -

(i) Pre-construction Environmental Report

This report will be prepared prior to start (just before start) of construction work. The report

includes the changes in baseline situation and site condition prior to start of actual construction

work. The Environment Management Plan will be updated during this period.

(ii) Construction Phase Environmental Report

The construction phase environmental report will be prepared on quarterly basis and annual

environmental report will be prepared at the end of each calendar year. A final environmental

report will be prepared after the completion of the construction work. DK 5 HPP-EMU will be

responsible for the preparation of report. The report will be distributed to Ministry of Forest

and Environment, Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Department of

Electricity Development and district level line agencies.

(iii) Operation and Maintenance Phase Environmental Report

Operation and maintenance phase environmental report will be prepared for the two years

following the construction. DK 5 HPP-EMU will prepare this report for project. The report will

describe mitigation measures, problems and recommended solution. The report shall clearly

identify where operational mitigation measures are not being met or where mitigation efforts

are inadequate to protect natural and socioeconomic resources. Unanticipated deleterious

impacts of the projects will be clearly identified. Measures to solve problem will be proposed

and be funded under the project annual operating budget. The environmental audit report will

be prepared by MoFE as per EPR 97.



Figure 8-1: Organogram of the Environmental Management Unit for Dudhkoshi-5

Hydropower Project

8.2.4 Monitoring Implementation and costs

The environmental monitoring works will be implemented by the Dudh Koshi-5 HPP

Environmental Management Unit (DK-5 HPP EMU) (Refer Section 10.3 and 10.4 of Chapter

10). The cost for baseline monitoring is estimated in below table. The compliance monitoring

will be conducted by the DK-5 HPP EMU team, the cost of which will be included in operation

cost of DK-5 HPP EMU (remuneration of DK-5 HPP EMU staff). Similarly, apart from DK-5

HPP EMU team of staffs, impact monitoring requires expertise from various fields which will

be hired as and when required. Such expert human resource may be required in the field of GIS

mapping, fisheries, and environmental pollution etc. Costs required for environmental

monitoring is provided in Table 8.12.



Table 8-12: Implementation Cost for Social and Environment Protection Measures

S.

N.

Mitigation Action Estimated

Cost (NRs)

Remarks

A Physical and Biological

Environment

A1 Construction Phase

Reclaiming of the muck disposal area and

quarry site area 1,000,000.00

The amount is included in the

Project Cost

Prior survey of house structures along the

tunnel alignment

300,000.00

Survey of spring location and discharge

measurement

200,000.00

Temporary water supply arrangements in

the event of the effect on used springs 500,000.00

Bio-engineering works for slope

stabilization

500,000.00 The amount is included in the

Project Cost

Compensatory plantation of 87850

seedlings as per the Work Procedure

Regarding Use of National ForestArea for

Projects of National Priority, 2074,

calculations as per forest norms

25,234,818.00

Compensation to the lost forest area as per

the Forest Act The amount is included in the

Project Cost

Clearance and stockpiling of the felled

forest products

200,000.00

Combined supervision with the official of

DFO/CFUGs to mark trees and poles for

felling

400,000.00

Technical and financial assistance (forest

conservation programs, awareness

campaigns, etc.) to the affected forest user

group

1,000,000.00

Hoarding boards costs at critical locations

and near the project facilities on the

preventive actions

100,000.00



S.

N.


Cost (NRs)

Remarks

Public awareness programs on

conservation and forest resource

management in the local area

250,000.00

Public awareness programs with

firefighting training to prevent the forest

fires in the local area

200,000.00

Sub-Total (A1) 29,884,818.00

A2 Operation Phase

Bio-engineering works for slope

stabilization

500,000.00 The amount is included in the

Project Cost

Hoarding boards at critical locations and

their maintenance to generate awareness to

the visitors on the significance of forests

and wildlife of the area

100,000.00

Release of 500,000 fingerlings @ 100,000

fingerlings per year is proposed for 5 years

in upstream of Dudhkoshi River weir

5,000,000.00

Sub-Total (A2) 5,600,000.00

B Socio-economic and Cultural Impacts Mitigation

B1 Construction Phase

Compensation for loss of private land

(4.133 ha)

123,563,672.00 The amount is included in the

Project Cost

Temporary lease of land during

construction period

Contractor will be made

responsible for this

Compensation for loss of crop production

(one-time compensation during permanent

acquisition of land)

373,270.00

Compensation for loss of trees from

private land

500,000.00

Hiring security guards for securing project

facilities

Contractor’s Overhead

Rehabilitation of religious and cultural

resources (Cremation sites)

800,000.00



S.

N.


Cost (NRs)

Remarks

Implementation of Livelihood

improvement plan for PAFs

200,000.00

Sub-Total (B1) 125,436,942.00

B2 Operation Phase

Installation of early warning system (siren

system)

1,000,000.00

Awareness program on the use of early

warning system

200,000.00

Support downstream fishing communities

through skill training and capacity

development trainings

200,000.00

Sub-Total (B2) 1,400,000.00

C Beneficial impacts enhancement

measures

Income generation training 20,85,000.00

Skill enhancement training 50,15,480.00

Local employment facilitation measures

for PAFs

200,000.00

Equipment operation related trainings 100,000.00

Maintenance of existing infrastructure like

health posts, schools and water supply

systems

1,000,000.00

Co-ordination with the DFO management

and CFUGs

200,000.00

Sub-Total (C) 8,600,480.00

D Community Support Program (CSP)

Community Support Program (CSP)

(0.50% of total project cost)

101,022,050.00

Sub-Total (D) 101,022,050.00

Grand Total 271,944,290.00 Excluding project cost items



8.2.5 Costs for Environmental Monitoring

The costs included in this section present only the costs where DK5HPP management is

responsible for the compliance and impact monitoring through instrumental monitoring. The

costs of the other monitoring activities through technical support staff at site are included in

the environmental management costs of the project. The costs where contractor is responsible

are the part of the project civil cost and not included here.

Table 8-13: Estimated Cost for Environmental Monitoring

S.

No. Items

Person-

month

Rate/Month

(NRs.)

Amount

(NRs.)

1 Pre-construction Phase

1.1 Human Resources

1.1.1 Environmental Expert/ Team Leader 1 100,000.00 1,00,000/-

1.1.2 Environmental Engineer 1 75,000.00 75,000/-

1.1.3 Forestry Expert/ Ecologist 1 75,000/- 75,000/-

1.1.4 Socio-economist 1 75,000/- 75,000/-

1.1.5 Support Staff 1 20,000/- 20,000/-

Sub total 3,45,000/-

1.2 Out of Pocket Expenses

1.2.1 Field Assistant LS 50,000/-

1.2.2 Transportation LS 3,00,000/-

1.2.3 Report Production LS 50,000/-

1.2.4 Sampling/ Laboratory Analysis LS 75,000/-

1.2.5 Miscellaneous LS 50,000/-

Subtotal 5,25,000/-

Total (1) 8,70,000.00

2 Construction Phase

2.1 Human Resources

2.1.1 Senior Environmental Advisor 2 100,000.00 200,000.00

2.1.2 Unit Chief/ Environmental Expert 48 75,000.00 3,600,000.00

2.1.3 Environmental Engineer 2 75,000.00 1,50,000.00

2.1.4 Forestry Expert/ Ecologist 2 75,000.00 1,50,000.00

2.1.5 Monitors 48 25,000.00 1,200,000.00

2.1.6 Support Staff 48 15,000.00 720,000.00

Sub -total 60,20,000.00



S.

No. Items

Person-

month

Rate/Month

(NRs.)

Amount

(NRs.)


2.2.1 Field & Office Equipment LS 2,50,000.00

2.2.2 Office Establishment LS 2,50,000.00

2.2.3 Office Supplies/ Report Preparation LS 2,50,000.00

2.2.4 Sampling/ Lab Analysis LS 2,50,000.00

2.2.5 Transportation (Vehicles/ fuels/

maintenance etc.)

LS 10,00,000.00

2.2.6 Miscellaneous LS 2,50,000.00

Sub-total 22,50,000.00

Total (2) 82,70,000.00

3 Operation and Maintenance Phase (24 months)

3.1 Human Resources

3.1.1 Environmental Expert/ Team Leader 1 1,00,000.00 1,00,000.00

3.1.2 Forestry Expert/ Ecologist 1 75,000.00 75,000.00

3.1.3 Socio-economist 1 75,000.00 75,000.00

3.1.4 Support Staff 1 20,000.00 20,000.00

Sub-total 2,70,000.00


3.2.1 Field Assistant LS 1,00,000.00

3.2.2 Transportation LS 1,00,000.00

3.2.3 Field sampling/ lab analysis LS 2,00,000.00

3.2.4 Report Production LS 1,00,000.00

3.2.5 Miscellaneous LS 50,000.00

Sub-total 5,50,000.00

Total (3) 8,20,000.00

Grand Total (1+2+3) 9,960,000.00

8.2.6 Environmental Management Cost

The environmental management cost for staff and consultants of the Environmental Support

Unit ofthe Project Management Office is already included in the civil management cost of the

project costs.



8.2.7 Environmental Audit Cost

Environmental audit is to be carried out by the MoFE as per the EPR, 1997. Hence, the

environmental audit cost has been allocated by the project.

8.3 Summary of Environmental Mitigation, Monitoring andManagement Cost

Table 8.14 presents the summary of the project environmental costs excluding the cost included

in project cost.

Table 8-14: Summary of the Project Environmental Costs

S. N. Particulars Estimated Cost (NRs)

1 Environmental Mitigation (Construction Phase) 155,321,760.00

2 Environmental Mitigation (Operation Phase) 7,000,000.00

3 Environmental Enhancement Measures 8,600,480.00

4 Community Support Program (CSP) 101,022,050.00

5 Environmental Monitoring (Pre-Construction Phase) 870,000.00

6 Environmental Monitoring (Construction Phase) 82,70,000.00

7 Environmental Monitoring (Operation Phase) 820,000.00

8 Environmental Auditing 21,00,000.00

Total Environmental Cost

(excluding the cost included in project cost)

284,004,290.00

Total environmental cost for the project accounts to the sum of environmental mitigation cost,

environmental enhancement cost which is NRs. 271,944,290, Community Support Program

(CSP) cost is NRs. 101,022,050.00, cost for environmental monitoring is NRs. 9,960,000.00

and cost for environmental auditing is NRs.2,100,000.00. The total environmental cost for the

proposed Dudh Koshi 5 HPP is NRs. 284,004,290.00 which is about 1.40% of the total project

cost (NRs. 20,204,409,910.00).



9. REVIEW OF PLANS, POLICIES, ACTS, REGULATIONS,

GUIDELINES, STANDARDS, CONVENTIONS

This Chapter reviews the Policies, Procedures, Guidelines and Legislative provisions of the

Government of Nepal that have a direct relevance with the proposed project development and

operation. Some of the related international conventions and guidelines pertinent to the present

study were also reviewed.

9.1 The Constitution

9.1.1 Constitution of Nepal

The proponent shall only exercise the rights provided by the Constitution and shall abide by

the Constitutional requirements stipulated in its Clauses in course of implementation of the

proposed DK-5HPP. Some of the relevant Constitutional provisions are;

i. The Constitution of Nepal, 2015 in its Article 30 (1) recognizes the right of every citizen

to live in a clean and healthy environment.

ii. Article 30 (2) makes polluter of the environmental pollution and degradation liable to

compensate the victim of the consequences arising out of such pollution and degradation

as provided by the law. However, Article 30 (3) also states that “this Article shall not be

deemed to obstruct the making of required legal provisions to strike a balance between

environment and development for the use of national development works”.

iii. Article 15 of the Constitution of Nepal recognizes Right to Property of every citizen of

Nepal.

iv. Article 51 (f) “Development Policy” of the Constitution of Nepal, 2015 emphasizes on

prioritization of under-developed regions while going for balanced, environment-

friendly, qualitative and sustainable physical infrastructure development. The same

Article 51 (f) (3) also identifies need of increasing the participation of local people in

development process. Similarly, Article 51 (f) (7) states that “the State shall pursue a

policy of adopting appropriate ways of minimizing or stopping negative impacts on

environment if it is there or if there is a possibility of such an impact on nature,

environment, or biodiversity”.

9.2 Plans and Polices

9.2.1 National Five-Year Plans (1st to 10th)

Nepal started its planned process of development in 1956, when the First Five Year Plan (1956-

1961) was launched. The Sixth Five Year Plan (1980-1985) was the first to emphasize the need

for EIA for major infrastructure projects and committed to adopt a policy for the integration of

environmental aspects during the construction of large-scale projects. After that, the Seventh

Five Year Plan (1985-1990), was the first to consider the environment as a distinct component

in the planning process. Unfortunately, implementation of environmental programmes, such as

the EIA policy stated in the Seventh Five Year Plan, were not realized to the extent previewed,

largely due to the lack of coordination among sectoral programmes, insufficient skilled human

resource, a lack of appropriate legislation and funds and, above all, a lack of appropriate

institutional arrangement. Later the realization for the importance of Environmental

Assessments was mooted in the water resources sector upon the publication of a report on

"WECS and the Environment "in 2047 by the Water and Energy Commission Secretariat, GON

enunciated separate Hydropower Development Policy in 2049. One of the objectives of this



policy is to "render assistance in the conservation of environment by supplying clean energy

through the development of hydroelectricity power". This policy objective calls for expanding

the use of electricity to minimize fuel wood consumption and provide the guidance for the

construction and operation of hydroelectricity project ensuring minimization of adverse effects

on the environment (MOWR, 2049). For the first time a national level policy on environment

management was incorporated. Policy commitments were made in this Plan to carry out EIA

for all major development projects related to the sectors of tourism, water resources,

transportation, urbanization, agriculture, forestry and industry. The plans and programmes

formulated in the Seventh year Plan were of great significance to environmental protection in

Nepal.

The Eighth Five Year Plan (1991-1995) and the Nepal Environmental Policy and Action Plan

(1993) re-emphasized the need for an EIA system to integrate environmental concerns into the

development process. The Eight Five Year Plan anticipated the establishment of a national

system for EIA and stipulated that EIAs be conducted at the stage of feasibility study. It further

emphasized in the commercial development of hydropower with an objective of integrating

energy generation in the national productive sector.

The Ninth Five Year Plan (2055-2059) has encouraged the private sector and joint venture

investments on hydroelectricity development (NPC, 2055). The Plan has emphasized the need

for developing hydroelectricity with special attention of mitigating of adverse environmental

impacts through the integration of watershed management in the projects of water resource

development. Integration of EIA has been given a priority in implementation of the mitigation

of adverse effects and the enhancement of beneficial impacts

Tenth Five Year Plan (2002– 2007) aims to extend the electrification within country and export

to India for mutual benefit.

9.2.2 The Fourteenth Three Year Plan (2073/74-2075/76 B.S.)

The Fourteenth Three Year Plan (2073/74-2075/76 B.S.) has recognized the wise use of water

resources as an opportunity for prosperity of Nation.The plan has emphasized on the need to

prioritize and implement Micro, Medium and Large hydropower projects to make our country

self- relient in the energy sector. The main goal of this plan is to ensure that hydroelectricity is

available to all households in all region of Nation.

The fourteenth plan policy encourages the private sector to invest in hydropower sector,

similarly the plan has also emphasized to create an opportunity for the local communities to

acquire shares in Medium and large hydropower projects.

The objective of fourteenth plan also includes;

• To increase the natonal hydropower generation to 2,301 MW by 2075/76 BS

• To make power available to at least 87% of the country’s population by 2075/76 BS

9.2.3 National Water Plan 2059-2064 BS (2002-2007 A.D.)

The National Water Plan 2002-2007 (NWP) was prepared to implement the Water Sector

Strategy of Nepal. The Plan targets an increase in Nepal's hydropower generation from 600

MW in 2007 to 4,000 MW by 2027. The NWP emphasizes the need for Strategic

Environmental Assessment. Section 7 of the NWP highlights the Environment Management



Plan (EMP) as a strategic document for the implementation, monitoring and auditing of

environmental protection programs.

9.2.4 Nepal Environmental Policy and Action Plan, 2050 B.S. (1993 A.D.)

The Nepal Environmental Policy and Action Plan (NEPAP), endorsed in 1993 recognize that

a growing number of people are exposed to pollution from industrial enterprises. NEPAP

identifies the following factors as contributing to this process.

(iii) Industrial plants inappropriately sited close to pollution centre

(iv) Insufficient emphasis on fuel efficiency

(v) Little if any pollution abatement equipment used for reducing emission and

(vi) A total lack of industry pollution standards.

The Action Plan for infrastructure development within NEPAP recommends the finalization of

draft EIA guidelines for water resources, the development of EIA guidelines for road

construction and the use of EIA when designing hydroelectric projects.

9.2.5 Climate Change Policy, 2068 BS (2011)

The Climate Change Policy, 2011 envisions making the Country free from the adverse impacts

of climate change, by considering climate justice, through the pursuit of environmental

conservation, human development, and sustainable development--all contributing toward a

prosperous society. This way the policy relates to the Project Developer’s responsibility in

implementing the Project so that it can have minimal impacts on environment contributing to

minimization of climate change impacts. One of the policies of the Climate Change Policy,

2011 is to implement existing air quality standards and developing and implementing new

standards to support low carbon and climate-resilient development which is relevant in context

of the development of the proposed DK5HPP.

9.2.6 Hydropower Development Policy, 2058 BS (2001 AD)

The main objective of Hydropower Development is to generate/produce electric power at low

cost by utilizing water resources available within the country. And to supply/extend reliable

electricity service nationwide at reasonable price. Other objectives are to develop hydropower

as export orientated commodity and also relate electrification with the economic activities of

the country.

Some of the highlights of Hydropower Development Policy 2001 are as follows:

i. Develop small, medium, large and reservoir type projects considering maximum and

optimum benefit to the country with minimum environmental consequences.

ii. Encourage local bodies, co-operatives and private sectors participation with clear,

simple and transparent rules and regulation.

iii. Develop hydropower as an alternative to Bio and Thermal energy with an aim to

contribute in the environmental protection.

iv. Encourage people’s participation in hydropower development with a view to

dissemination of benefit at local level also.

v. Render priority to Nepalese labour, skill and resources in implementation of hydropower

projects.



vi. Control in the leakage of electricity.

9.2.7 Forest Policy, 2071 BS (2014 AD)

The forest policy 2071 aims to strengthen the forest resources of Nepal. The policy aims:

(vii) To manage forest resource sustainably, increase productivity of forest area/sector

and increase overall production from forest.

(viii) To conserve biodiversity, conservation of sources, and equal sharing and

distribution of environmental services gained from conservation.

(ix) The policy also aims to conservation of water, soil on basin level studying and

planning based on catchment level. The Hydropower sector while promoting

conservation at local level shall think and act on the watershed conservation basis.

(x) To encourage private sector for the development and conservation of forest sector.

Also aims to promote the forest-based entrepreneurships, diversification, value

addition through marketing and creation and promotion of green employment

(xi) To reduce and mitigate the adverse impacts of climate related hazards and

enhance climate change adaptation measures and resilience in Nepal.

(xii) Good governance, inclusion and social justice for the conservation of forest

resources.

(xiii) To enhance the conservation the policy aims to encourage forest conservation

groups to manage forest in scientific way to strengthening ecosystem and other

environmental services.

9.2.8 Land Acquisition, Resettlement and Rehabilitation Policy, 2071 BS (2015 AD)

With an aim to improve social and economic status of project affected families by providing

fair and adequate compensation, appropriate resettlement and rehabilitation assistances/

allowances, the GoN has released Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy in

2015. The Policy mission is to facilitate timely execution (completion) of development projects

by minimizing adverse impacts on economic, social and cultural aspects of affected

families/people and the project area. The Policy has following specific objectives;

i. Avoid displacement wherever possible and if not, minimize as far as possible

ii. If population displacement is unavoidable, mitigate adverse impact by providing

adequate compensation and rehabilitation assistance to affected person, family and

community

iii. Create conducive environment for timely completion of the project by simplifying land

acquisition, valuation, compensation, resettlement and rehabilitation process.

The Policy classifies projects on the basis of numbers of families to be displaced such as;

iv. High risk project: Project that displaces (both physical and economic) 50 or more

families in the mountain region, 75 or more families in the hills and 100 or more

families in the Terai plains

v. Medium risk project: Project that displaces (both physical and economic) less than 50

families in the mountain region, less than 75 families in the hills and less than 100

families in the Terai plains.



vi. Low risk project: Projects with no physical displacement Project with only economic

displacement and None of Affected person loose more than 10% of their productive

asset

Four approaches for land acquisition has to be adopted namely, voluntary donation, direct

negotiation, land development program and expropriation (Use of eminent domain). The

proposed DK5HPP falls under low risk project as per the categorization of the Policy.

9.3 Strategies

9.3.1 Nepal Biodiversity strategy and Action Plan (2014-2020 A.D.)

Nepal is committed to conservation and utilization of the country’s unique biodiversity and

biological resources on a sustainable basis for the benefit of present and future generations.

Moreover, as a Party to the CBD, Nepal has an obligation of developing a national strategy for

conservation and sustainable use of her biodiversity and integrating conservation into relevant

sectoral and cross-sectoral plans and policies.

Accordingly, the first national biodiversity strategy and its implementation plan were prepared

by the Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation (MoFSC; CBD Focal Agency) in 2002 and

2006, respectively (MoFSC, 2002; MoFSC, 2006a). This National Biodiversity Strategy and

Action Plan (NBSAP) is a revised and updated version of theNepal Biodiversity Strategy

(NBS). It builds on the achievements and lessons learned from implementation of the NBS. It

is prepared by taking into considerations of the national needs in terms of conservation of

biodiversity, sustainable use of its components and equitable sharing of benefits accrued from

conservation and utilization of genetic resources. Relevant decisions and guidelines of the CBD

Conference of Parties (COP), particularly the COP 10 Decision X/2 on Strategic Plan for

Biodiversity 2011–2020 adopted by the Parties in October 2010, and the Aichi Biodiversity

Targets provided theoretical framework and technical guidance for developing the NBSAP.

The NBSAP has been prepared by the Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation with funding

support of the Global Environment Facility through the United Nations Environment Program.

The overall goal is to significantly enhance the integrity of Nepal’s ecological systems by 2020,

thereby contributing to human well-being and sustainable development of the country. This is

to be achieved through implementation of a number of sectorspecific and cross-sectoral

strategies and priority actions. Eight principles underpin the strategy and 13 broad strategic

approaches have been prescribed to facilitate itsimplementation. The experience gained and

lessons learned from implementation of the Nepal Biodiversity Strategy (2002) and Nepal

Biodiversity Strategy Implementation Plan (2006) provided the necessary context for

formulating the strategy. The specific strategies and associated actions are grouped into the six

biodiversity themes and 15 cross-cutting subjects. The strategies for managing protected area

and forest biodiversity aim at reducing or managing human pressures on natural resources,

reducing human-wildlife conflict, controlling invasive alien species, mitigating climatic threats

to ecosystems, species and their habitats, and addressing economic and social concerns of local

and indigenous communities through targeted programmes, enabling policy and legislative

environment. Reducing the rate of loss and degradation of forest habitats, improving biological

connectivity, enhancing knowledge and understanding about forests, promoting conservation

of species and genetic diversities, enhancement of forest-based livelihoods is some of the



focused areas. The mainstrategy of the Nepal National Biodiversity strategy and Action Plan

are;

• Management of rangeland biodiversity emphasize on improving knowledge and

understanding of rangeland ecology and biodiversity, and development and

implementation of integrated rangeland management plans and programmes for the

conservation of rangeland and enhancing the herders’ livelihood.

• Improving and expanding the existing community-based management of agricultural

genetic resources; strengthening the national ex-situ conservation programme;

enhancing communication, education and public awareness; and promoting indigenous

traditional knowledge, skills and practices are some of the strategies for management

of agro biodiversity.

• Managing mountain biodiversity include: improving understanding of mountain

biodiversity and ecosystem services; promoting environment-friendly economic

development and alternative livelihood opportunities through development of local

forest and agriculture-based enterprises; designing and implementation of ecosystem-

based adaptation programmes; and promoting public–private partnerships and regional cooperation.

9.3.2 National Water Resource Strategy, 2058 BS (2002 AD)

Realizing the fact that the development and management of water resources should be under

taken in a holistic and systematic manner aimed at the sustainable use of resources ensuring

conservation and protection of the environment. Nepal has adopted National Water Resource

Strategy (NWRS). This strategy underscores the interdependencies between water resource

development and environment conservation, and has adopted environment principles related,

inter alia, to the integration of ecological aspects at every level of hydropower development

process, conserve biodiversity, watersheds and adopt ecosystem approach. The activities are

also related to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, promotecommunity

participation for the sustainable management of watersheds and aquatic ecosystems (WECS,

2002). The WRS has a target of developing 820 MW of hydropower by 2063/064 to meet the

domestic demand at base case scenario including export to the tune of 150 MW and achieve

per capita electricity consumption of 100KWh.

9.3.3 National Conservation Strategy, 2050 BS (1993 AD)

The National Conservation Strategy for Nepal (NCS), endorsed by the government in 1988,

recognizes the interdependence of conservation and development. The environmental policy

of the NCS emphasizes a need for socioeconomic and environmental impact assessment of

infrastructure and other developmental projects, and adequate measures to minimize the

adverse impact to a significant level.

9.3.4 Water Resources Strategy, 2058 BS (2001 AD)

Integrated Water resource management has been adopted as one of the principle themes of the

National Water Strategy. It professes that water must be viewed from a holistic perspective,

both in its natural state and in balancing the competing demands on it, e.g. domestic,

agriculture, hydropower, industrial, cultural and environmental. The National Water Strategy

has set forth 10 strategic outputs for short, mid and long term for the overall development of



water resources. The Nepal Water Plan is built around these strategic outputs of the National

Water Resources Strategy.

9.4 Act and Rules

9.4.1 Environment Protection Act, 2053 BS (1997 AD) and Environment Protection

Rules (latest amendment 2010), 2054 BS (1997 AD)

The Environment Protection Act (EPA) of 1997 can be considered as the first act dealing with

environment in totally. It considers that sustainable development is possible through proper

consideration of interdependency of economic development and environmental protection. The

Act has taken the term “Environment” as aphysical, biological and social-economic and

cultural aspects and their interaction and inter relation. The projects and program are to be

developed and implemented to minimize adverse impact on physical, biological and social-

economic and cultural environment. The salient features of the Act are consideration of proper

use and management of natural resources, incorporation of environmental concerns in the

development process, participatory role of communities and stakeholders to mention the few.

The procedure and framework as outlined in the Act are as follows;

• Project planning and project approval

• Project implementation and pollution control mechanism

• Punishment and penalties for non-compliance

The EPA, 2053 has made public consultation a pre-requisite to all the prescribed development

projects and programs. The legal provision has provided the local people an opportunity to

voice their concerns and issues right from the scoping stage to approval of the EIA report. The

section 3 of the EPA, 2053 calls for carrying out IEE orEIA for the prescribed proposals.

Section 4 of the said Act prohibits the proponents not to execute the projects without approving

IEE/EIA reports. Section 6 empowers the concerned Ministry and the Ministry of Forests and

Environment to approve IEE andEIA reports respectively.

The proposal requiring IEE/EIA studies are broadly listed in Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 under

rules 3 of EPR, 2054 enforced under the provisions of EPA. As per rule 4, proposal requiring

EIA will have to prepare a scoping document incorporating the public concerns and apply to

Ministry of Forests and Environment through concerned agencies. In this process a 15 days

public notice in the national newspaper requesting suggestions and comments on

environmental issues arising due to the proposal implementation has to be published. The

Ministry of Forests and Environment is empowered to review the document and give approval

with or without needed amendments.

As per rule 5, proponent of both IEE/and EIA proposals has to prepare Terms of Reference

(ToR) of the proposal for approval. In the case of IEE, ToR is approved by the concerned

agency whereas Ministry of Forests and Environment will give ToR approval requiring EIA, it

will have to comply with all provisions of EIA. Rule 7 of EPR provides that the IEE proposal

proponent to publish fifteen day’s public notifications in the national daily newspaper and

present the notification to the public institution of the affected areas for comments and

suggestion on IEE proposals during the study phase. Whereas proponents of the EIA proposal

have to organize a public hearing in the project affected area to collect public concerns and

suggestions.



Rule 10 of EPR stipulates that all the proposals submitted for approval will have to take letter

of recommendations from the concerned affected rural municipalities and municipalities on the

proposals. However, the rule is silent on the status of the IEE/EIA if it is approved contrary to

public and the affected rural municipality and municipality opinion. However, the Ministry can

only grant its approval to implement the proposals if it does not cause significant adverse effect

on the environment under rule 11.

Rule 12 of EPR stipulates that the proponent is obliged to follow the terms of conditions set by

concerned agencies or Ministry of Forests and Environment in the approval letter during project

implementation and operation. Rule 13 provides that the concerned agency to be responsible

for the project monitoring.

Rule 14 provides that the Ministry of Forests and Environment to be responsible

forenvironmental audit after 2 years of project implementation.

9.4.2 Solid Waste Management Act, 2068 BS (2011 AD) and Solid Waste Management

Rules, 2070 BS (2013 AD)

The Act clearly envisages about management of solid waste and provision of licensing for

management. In such case, the article (7) on discharge of solid waste entails about the person,

organization that produces hazardous waste or chemical waste shall have to manage such waste

as prescribed (sub article 2). It is restricted that nobody shall do or cause to do the work relating

to the solid waste management without obtaining license from the Local Body as prescribed by

article 13 of chapter, miscellaneous sub article 1.

Solid waste management rules 2070 BS have been issued by the government of Nepal by power

conferred by section 50 of the solid waste management Act 2068. Rule 3 of this Rules enforced

the segregation and management of the solid waste. Sub rule 1 of this rule stipulates the

segregation of solid waste at least organic and inorganic solidwaste at its source under section

6 have to management and segregation of harmful and chemical waste separately. The

responsibility of managing of the chemical and harmful solid waste under sub rule1 shall be a

concern generator. Rule 4 of this rules endorsed the discharge the solid waste as comfortable

manner for transportation, processing and final discharge by take in to account the possible

adverse effect on the public health and environment and the ways of reduction of such effect.

9.4.3 Plant Protection Act, 2064 BS (2007 AD) and Plant Protection Rules, 2067 BS

(2010 AD)

Plant Protection Act, 2007 {vide its Section 6 (2) (e)} and its succeeding Plant Protection Rules,

2010 prescribes terms and restrictions relating to the trafficking and use of plants and plant

products, biological control agents and beneficial organisms.

9.4.4 Child labor (Prohibition and regularization) Act, 2056 BS (2000 AD) and Child

Labor (Prohibition and Regulation) Rules, 2063 BS (2006 AD)

Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 2000 (2056) has been enacted and enforced

with a view to adopting ILO Convention concerning Elimination of Worst Forms of Child

Labour (C182) and Minimum Age Convention (C138). This Child Labour (Prohibition and

Regulation) Act, 2000 was enacted as legislative measure for preparative works. This is the



main Act which deals with issues of child labour. Although the Act was promulgated in 2000,

it came into force only on 16th November, 2004.

9.4.5 Local Government Operation Act, 2014 AD (2071 BS) and Local Self

Governance Regulations, 2056 BS (1999 AD)

This newly formed act describes about the criteria to divide a state into municipalities or rural

municipalities and respective rights, duties and responsibilities in different development and

conservation sector. It clarifies the rights of municipalities/rural municipalities to form local

laws, regulations and criteria for conservation of environment protected areas and species; for

environmental pollution and hazard control; solid waste management etc.

9.4.6 Forest Act, 2049 BS (1993 AD) and Forest Rules, 2051 BS (1995 AD)

The Forest Act, 1993 recognizes the importance of forests in maintaining a healthy

environment. The Act requires the decision makers to consider all forest values melding

biodiversity, not just production of timber and other commodities. Act 68 (1) of the Act states

“Not withstanding anything contained in this Act, in case there is no alternative except to use

the Forest Area for the implementation of the plan having national priority and if there shall be

no significant adverse effect in the environment while conducting such plan, GoN may give

assent to use any part of the Government Managed Forest, Community Forest, Lease hold

Forest or Religious Forest for the implementation of such plan”.

The Forest Regulation, 1995 makes any project proponent liable of compensating for the losses

or harms caused by the execution of such project in any forest area. Article 65 (1) of the

regulation states, “In case the execution of any project having national priority any causes any

loss or harm to any local individual or community, the operators of the concerned project itself

shall bear the amount of compensation to be paid in consideration thereof”. Article 65 (2) states

“The entire expenses required for the cutting, making in to pieces and transporting the Forest

Products in a Forest Area to be used by the approved project shall be borne by the operators of

the project”.

9.4.7 Water Resources Act, 2049 BS (1992 AD) and Water Resources Regulations,

2050 BS (1993 AD)

Water Resource Act, 1992 is the umbrella Act governing water resource management, which

declares the order of priority of water use, vests ownership of water in the State, provides for

the formation of water user associations, establishes a system of licensing and prohibits water

pollution. Article 19 (1) of the act mentions that the government through notification in the

Nepal Gazette prescribe pollution tolerance limits for the water resources. Similarly, article 19

(2) requires any person to abide by the act not to pollute water resources beyond specified limit.

Article 20 states that while utilizing water resources, there should not be significant adverse

impact on the environment with regard to soil erosion, flood, landslide and other similar cases.

Articles 16, 19, 20 of the Act are also related to land acquisition. According to article 16 (3),

the government shall, according to existing laws, acquire land for the licensed person or

institution and any compensation in this regard shall be paid by the licensed person.

Water Resource Regulation, 1993 is the umbrella Regulation governing water resource

management. The regulation particularly sets out the procedure to register a Water User



Association and to obtain a license, establishes the District Water Resource Committee, sets

out the rights and obligations of Water User Associations and license holders and deals with

the acquisition of house land and compensation.

9.4.8 Electricity Act, 2049 BS (1992 AD) and Electricity Rules, 2050 BS (1993)

Electricity Act governs the use of water for hydropower generation, establishes a system of

licensing, sets out the power functions and duties of a license holder provides certain financial

incentives for the license holder and sets out the powers to the government. It requires any

person or corporate bodies to obtain license prior to survey, generation, transmission or

distribution of electricity of more than 1000 KW. In article 24 of the Act, it states that “While

carrying out electricity generation, transmission or distribution, it shall be carried out in such

manner that no substantial adverse effect be made on environment by way of soil erosion, flood,

landslide, air pollution etc.” Article 33 deals with land acquisition. Licensed individuals can

apply the government to acquire land for the purpose of electricity generation, transmission

and distribution. The government shall acquire the land for the stated objectives under existing

regulations the compensation incurred to acquire land and other property shall be paid by the

applicant.

Rule 12 (f) of the Electricity Rules, 1993 have made provision of application for production

license. It states “Analysis of environmental effect (measures to be taken to minimize adverse

effects due to the project on environment, social and economic effect on said area, utilization

of local labor, source and material, benefits to be taken by local people after the completion of

the project, training to be provided to the local people in relation to the construction,

maintenance, operation; facilities to be required for the construction site, safety arrangements

and effect on local landowners due to the operation of the project, details of people to be

evacuated (relocated) and necessary plan for their rehabilitation should also be shown”.

9.4.9 Labor Act, 2074 BS (2017 AD) and Labor Rules, 2075 BS (2018 AD)

The Labor Act, 2017 have made provisions for recruitments, minimum wages and

remunerations, minimum standard for working places like arrangement of residence of the

workers at site etc. The Act also provides requirements for health and safety of the employees

as well as a healthy, safe and secured environment for workers. The Act regulates all labor

issues pertaining to an enterprise i.e. all labor issues of industrial, commercial, transport and

construction labor. The Act by its Section 5 prohibits employment of children in any work

against law. Section 6 and Section 7 prohibits discrimination in employment of anyone based

on religion, race, gender, ethnicity, caste, origin, language and political inclination or any other

forms and also prohibits discrimination on remuneration wage to the employee. Paragraph 7 of

the Act includes provisions for working hours and management of transportation for the

employee. Paragraph 8 includes provisions relating to renumerations. Section 53 and 54

include provisions for health and accident insurances. Paragraph 8 stipulates provisions relating

to occupational health and safety at the workplace.

The Government of Nepal (“GoN”) has framed the Labor Rules, 2075 (2018) ("Labor Rules")

by exercising the power conferred to it under Section 184 of the Labor Act,

2074 (2017) (“Labor Act”) which was passed by the Council of Ministers on May 28,2018

(Jestha 14, 2075). The Labor Rule has been published in Nepal Gazette on June 22, 2018 (Asar



08, 2018) with immediate effect and has repealed the then Labor Rules,1994 (2050) (“Previous

Labor Rules”).

Rule 16 of the Labor Rules provides flexibility to the Employer to determine the work hours.

The Employer can determine the work hours on the basis of the nature of the work of the entity.

The notice of the work hours however, should be given to all the Employees.

The Labor Rules also provides that the Employer may put the Employee to work on rotation

based on nature of its work. It seems that the Labor Rules envisages putting the Employee in

different shifts.

The Labor Rules requires the Employer to provide additional rest period for certain female

Employees. The Employer should provide half an hour additional time for female Employees

(a) who has baby below 3 years for breast feeding, and (b) who is pregnant.

The Labor Rules specifically require the Employer to pay the salary to the Employee for weekly

off. The Labor Act also authorizes the Ministry of Labor to specify the Employer who should

pay the salary to the Employee through banking channel.

Similarly, Labor rule also states about Occupational Safety and Health policy “Employers are

required to maintain an occupational health and safety policy. The policy should cover different

measures in accordance with the entity’s nature of business. The policy should be drafted in a

way which includes provisions related to arrangements Employee’s safety and security,

Employee’s health, probable accident in workplace, precautions to be taken while operating

devices and machines in workplace and precautions to be taken while using chemical

substances.

9.4.10 Industrial Enterprise Act, 2049 BS (1992 AD)

Industrial Enterprises Act requires permission for the extension and diversification of

environmentally sensitive industries and provides financial incentives for industrial enterprises

that minimize harmful effects on the environment.

9.4.11 Soil and Watershed Conservation Act, 2039 BS (1982 AD) and Soil and

Watershed Conservation Rules, 2042 BS (1985 AD)

The Act prohibits any person from doing anything that may result in soil erosion or washout

on lands on protected watershed or in adjoining areas. The Act also makes provisions for

acquisition and compensation for the lands comprising the private property of anyone Article

10 of the Act states “Not withstanding anything contained in current law, no person shall be

allowed to take any of the actions without the permission of the Watershed Conservation

Officer on lands located within any protected watershed area prescribed as those on which

floods, landslides, washouts, or erosion occur or may occur:”

The Soil and Watershed Conservation Regulation in its Rule 11 requires any proponent to

undergo through application procedures to use the protected watershed area or land prone to

natural calamity.



9.4.12 Land Revenue Act, 2034 BS (1977 AD)

The Act is also applicable, as the land acquisition involves change of ownership of land. Article

8 of the Act states that registration, change in ownership, termination of ownership right and

maintenance of land records are done by Land Revenue Office.Similarly, article16 states, if

land revenue is not paid by the concerned owner forlong period of time, the revenue can be

collected through auction of the parcel ofthe land for which revenue has been due.

9.4.13 Land Acquisition Act, 2034 BS (1977 AD)

The Act aims at amending and consolidating current legislation relevant to the acquisition of

land. The Government may acquire any land at any place for any public purpose, if it so deems

necessary, according to the procedure set out by this Act. To this end it regulates the nomination

of an officer responsible for preliminary action in charge of the determination of the land area

to be acquired (through a survey, collection of samples of soil, demarcation of land, installation

of equipment), the determination of the compensation and the submission of a report to the

local officer regarding the findings of preliminary action. After having received the report, the

local officer shall issue a notification containing all the particulars required (e.g. purpose of

acquisition, location of the land, terms of acquisition, plot number or boundaries of the land,

land area). Further provisions concern the publication of said notice, the decision by the Zonal

Commissioner of complaints filed by the landowner, the occupation of the land by the local

officer, the criteria for the determination of the compensation which shall be paid either in cash

or by allotment of other lands in exchange, if so, required by the landowner.

9.4.14 National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, 2029 BS (1973 AD) and National

Parks and Wildlife Conservation Rules, 2030 BS (1974 AD)

Schedule 1 relating to section 10 of this act provides the list of protected wildlife. According

to section 10, wildlife mentioned in schedule 1, are prohibited for hunting. According to section

11, no person shall be permitted to hunt wildlife without obtaining license. There will be

punishment in terms of fine or imprisonment or both if any person illegally kills or injures

wildlife within protected areas. Rule 5 of the NPWC Rules imposes restriction in hunting (in

special circumstances even when one has the license to hunt).

9.4.15 Land Reform Act, 2021 BS (1964 AD)

The act was enforced to implement the land reform program of government. The actcame in to

effect with the objectives such as rapid economic development through the proper utilization

of the land resources, improvement of livelihood of the land peasants through the equal

distribution of agricultural land and providing them withthe easy access of essential knowledge

and required tools for the encouragement of farming and high productivity.

9.4.16 Explosive Act, 2018 BS (1961 AD) (latest amendment 1991)

It is expected that explosives will be used during the construction of the Project. Hence, the

provision of the Explosive Act, 2018 also needs to be taken into consideration. Section, 3 of

the Act states that GoN by a notification in the Nepal Gazette may declare any substance as

explosives. Section 4 forbids producing, storing, using, carrying and importing explosives

without a license. The Section also provides the person to apply for the license to the Chief

District Officer with prescribed descriptions.



9.4.17 Aquatic Animal Protection Act, 2017 BS (1960 AD)

This act mainly focuses on the protection and management of aquatic ecology, aquatic fauna

including fish and wetlands. This act prohibits use of poison or harmful chemicals or materials

in the water bodies or explosives to dismantle any embankment with a view to catching or

killing aquatic animals including fish. However, there is no specific law for fishing and

fisheries management.

9.4.18 CITES Act, 2016, ;Í6fkGg jGohGt' tyf ag:kltsf] cGt/fli6«o Aofkf/nfO{ lgodg tyf

lgoGq0f ug{ ag]sf] P]g, @)&#

This Act was enforced for the enactment of Convention on International trade in endangered

species of wild flora and fauna (CITES, 1973) and Nepal also has signed the Convention. This

acts states about the regulation and control of international trade of such endangered flora and

fauna species.

The species are protected by CITES against over exploitation and they are listed in three CITES

Appendices I, II, and III for different levels or types of protection. Appendix I lists species that

are the most endangered among the CITES listed animals and plants. These are threatened with

extinction and CITES prohibits commercial international trade except for scientific research.

Appendix II lists species that are not threatened with extinction at present but may become so

unless trade is closely controlled. Appendix III lists species that are included at the request of

a Party that regulates trade and that needs cooperation of other countries to prevent

unsustainable or illegal exploitation.

9.4.19 Contribution Based Social Security Act, 2074 BS (2017 AD)

This act was passed by the Parliament on July 24, 2017 (Shrawan 09, 2074) and accorded the

assent by the President on 13 August, 2017 (2074-04-29). The Social Security Act is effective

from November 11, 2017 (Kartik 25, 2074) by virtue of Section 1(2) of the Act. Section 1 (2)

of the Social Security Act provides that it will be effective from 91 (Ninety-One days) from

the date of assent by President.

Clause 2.1.1 of the act states that the government specifies the timeline within which the

employer is required to be listed in the Social Security Fund ("Fund"). The time is specified in

the Gazette notice that prescribes the sectors, business, industry or service that the Social

Security Act applies.

Clause 2.2.1 states that the employer to enlist the employees in the Fund. The timeline for

enlisting the employees depends on applicability of the said Act to the employer. For example,

the employers to whom the Social Security Act is applicable at its effective date i.e. Nov.11,

2017 should enlist its employees within six (6) months from the effective date. The other

employers should enlist the employees in the Fund within 3 months from the date of appointing

or establishing the employment relation with such employee.

9.4.20 Muluki Civil Act (Code), 2074 BS (2017 AD)

This Act came into action from 1st Bhadra, 2075. Clause 617 states that the tenure of lease

contract lasts for fourty years for the construction, development and operation of infrastructure

like electricity generation.



Clause 640 states about the age of person engaging in the manual works. It states that a person

under 16 years should not be forced to engage in physically challenging works.

Clause 641 states that workers should not be liable to work more than 8 hours a day and 48

hours a week witbout extra time payments.

9.5 Guidelines and Manuals

9.5.1 MoEST- A Guide to Environmental Management Plan of Hydropower Projects

(2006 AD)

The guide sets out the guideline for the formulation of the environmental management plan of

hydropower development projects relating to project management structure, roles and

responsibilities of the stakeholders and the project proponent. It provides the framework for

monitoring and auditing principles and planning.

9.5.2 DOED Manuals for Preparing EIA Documents for Hydroelectric Projects

The Department of Electricity Development, Government of Nepal, in collaboration with the

United States Agency for International Development and International Resource Group has

developed a series of manuals for the conduction and preparation of EIA and IEE documents

in the power and transmission line development sector. Important manuals developed are:

• Manual to establish baseline information, impact analysis and mitigation measures for

hydropower project, December (2006)

• Manual for Addressing Gender Issues in Environmental Impact Assessment/Initial

Environmental Examination for Hydropower Projects (2005)

• Manual for Conducting Public Hearings in the Environmental Impact Assessment

Process for Hydropower Projects, (2004)

• Manual for Developing and Reviewing Water Quality Monitoring Plans and Results for

Hydropower Projects (2002)

• Manual for Preparing Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for Hydropower

Projects, (2002)

• Manual for Developing and Reviewing Water Quality Monitoring Plans and Results for

Hydropower Projects, (2002)

• Manual for Preparing Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for Hydropower

Projects (2002)

• Manual for Preparing Terms of References (TOR) for Environmental Impact

Assessment (EIA) of Hydropower Projects, with Notes on EIA Report Preparation,

(2001)

The manuals set forth by DoED provide systematic details of methods and tools for the

conduction of IEE/EIA public hearing, IEE/EIA level assessment of gender related issues,

preparation of IEE/EIA level environmental management plans, review of IEE/EIA level water

quality assessment, and preparation of IEE/EIA terms of reference.

The EIA study team has thoroughly reviewed available manual and followed those as guiding

documents while carrying out the EIA study of the proposed DK5HPP.



9.5.3 Hydropower Environmental Impact Assessment Manual, 2074 BS (2018 AD)

Ministry of Forests & Environment has prepared this Hydropower Environmental Impact

Assessment Manual, in line with the National Environmental Impact Assessment Guideline. It

has undergone extensive gap analysis of existing Nepali EIA related documents and legislation

followed by a series of multi-stakeholder participatory processes in order to assist hydropower

companies conduct better EIAs that meet international standards and aid the Government with

the review and approval process.

This Manual has been designed in a format that is user-friendly and aims to guide practitioners,

regulators and developers in the industry understand in detail the importance of several existing

gaps like meaningful engagement of stakeholders, adequate definition of areas of influence and

study areas, sufficient identification of baseline studies, knowledge on identifying and

quantifying impacts, need of precision on impact predictions, and suitable alternatives analysis.

9.5.4 Nepal Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines, 2050 BS (1993 AD)

To address environmental impact assessment as envisaged by NCS 1987, National

Environmental Assessment (EIA) Guidelines were endorsed by Government of Nepal on 27

September 1992 and gazetted on 19 July, Volume 1993, Number 5. The guideline provides

criteria for project screening and initial environmental examination (IEE). This includes

scoping, preparation of terms of reference for EIA, methods for EIA report, impact

identification and prediction, impact mitigation measures, review of the draft EIA report,

impact monitoring, evaluation of impact studies, impact auditing, community participation and

schedules and annexes to IEE and EIA.

Many of the guideline provisions are now included in the Environment Protection Act 1977

and Environment Protection Regulation 1997. EIA in Nepal has now become legally

mandatory. However, as the national Environmental Guidelines, 1993 have not been issued

under the environmental Protection Act (1997), they do not have any legal force. It is a policy

guideline issued by the Government that is still followed in the matters which are not covered

by the Environment Protection Act (1997) and Environment Protection Regulations (1997).

9.5.5 EIA Guidelines for Forestry Sector, 2052 BS (1995 AD)

Within the broad framework of the National EIA guidelines, two separate EIA guidelines of

Forestry and Industry Sector were prepared and the government endorsed them in 1995. These

two guidelines primarily differ on schedules, which include projects and program requiring

levels of environmental assessment.

It has given focus on to make proposals socio-culturally acceptable, economically feasible, and

environmentally sustainable, thereby to conserve genetic resources and biodiversity, and

minimize environmental damage in forest areas and facilitate in identification of positive and

adverse impacts of proposal implementation.

9.5.6 Department of Forest Guidelines

The Department of Forest has made public various guidelines with relevance to environmental

assessment of the development projects as under:



i. Forest Produces Collection, Sale and Distribution Guidelines, 2057 BS (1998 AD)

The guidelines, clauses 3 to 4 have specified various procedures and formats for getting

approval for vegetation clearance, evaluation of the wood volume etc. and government offices

and officials responsible for the approval. These provisions have a direct relevance to the

development of the project and need compliance to these provisions.

ii. Community Forest Development Program Guidelines, B.S. 2071 (2014 AD)

The community forest development guideline, 2014 is prepared with the amendment in

community forest guideline, 2000. The guideline is prepared for users’ groups, field workers

in government and nongovernmental organization, forester and facilitators involving in the

field of forest development. The guideline shall be followed by users' group, partner

organization for users' group formation and forest action plan preparation, implementation,

monitoring and evaluation.

iii. Community Forest Inventory Guidelines, 2061 BS (2005 AD)

The guideline for inventory of community forests advice to classify the forest into timber trees,

pole size trees and regeneration on the basis of diameter. It has recommended using 25 m x 20

m size of quadrat for timber trees, 10 m x10 m for shrub and 5 m x 5 m for sapling and 2 m x

5 m for seedling plots in the community forest. Plants having DBH (Diameter at Breast Height,

i.e. 1.3 m above ground) greater than 30 cm is considered as trees. Trees having DBH between

10 to 29.9 cm are categorized as poles and plants having less than 10 cm DBH and more than

one-meter height belongs to sapling and plants having height of less than one meter categorized

as seedlings. The guidelines provided the methods of calculating volume of timber and fuel

wood. The guideline also advises to stratify the large areas in the hills and mountains to

eliminate variations in slope aspects etc. After stratification, area of each stratum could be

calculated.

9.6 Working Procedures/Work Plans

9.6.1 Working Procedure for the Use of National Forest Area for National Priority

Project, 2074 BS (2017 AD)

Realizing the need to manage the provision in relation with giving approval to use forest area

for operation of national priority projects, Government of Nepal has endorsed this “Working

Procedures relating to use of National Forest Area for Projects of National Priority, 2017”

under provisions stipulated in Clause 68 (1) of the Forest Act, 1992. This working procedure

supersedes the previous “Working Procedures relating to use of National Forest Area for other

purposes, 2006”.

Section 3 (1) of this procedure requires Ministry (concerning to specific national priority

project) to carry out feasibility study and alternatives of the project avoiding the national forest

to the extent possible. However, as per the provision of Section 3 (2), if such study carried out

in accordance with Section 3 (1) requires use of forest area, then the alternative requiring

minimum forest area or clearance of minimum number of trees and vegetation shall be selected.

Section 4 (1) of the Procedures provisions need of preparation of an Initial Environmental

Examination or an Environmental Impact Assessment Report relating to environmental

impacts of such project which requires forest area for its implementation in accordance with



the prevalent Environment Protection Act and Environment Protection Regulation. If the

investigation carried out in accordance with Section 4 (2) reveals implementation of the project

causes impacts on the environment, then the concerned Ministry shall prepare a report

incorporating mitigation measures to minimize such impacts along with environmental

management plans for the project. Section 4 (4) requires concerned Ministry to take approval

from the Ministry of Forests and Environment prior approval of the IEE or EIA reports in

accordance with prevalent law for the projects requiring national forest area.

Section 5 (1) describes the procedures to submit application for the use of national forest areas

attaching necessary documents such as evidential reasons and rationality of requirement of

national forest area, copy of relevant license, DPR and other technical documents, feasibility

and alternative study report carried out as per Section 3 of the procedure and the reports

prepared in accordance with Section 4 (1) or Section 4 (3) of the Procedure. Documents proving

the project for which the national forest area is required is a national priority project as well as

national forest area is required for such project must be attached along with the application.

Section 8 describes provisions relating to availing land area as a replacement for the land area

to be used for the implementation of the project in accordance with the procedures and Section

9 describes provisions on possibility of availing monetary compensation (as per the rate

determined by the Ministry of Forests and Environment) of the national forest area to be used

if the project could not avail replacement land area.

Section 10 explains provisions relating to compensatory plantation and requires 25 saplings to

be planted for loss of a tree. The proponent of project shall bear cost of land area equivalent to

land area occupied by the physical infrastructures of the project and also cost of afforestation

in the area designated by the concerned District Forest Office as well as the cost of maintaining

and protection of such afforestation areas for five years; after which such forest shall be handed

over to the concerned DFO. If the project is unable to carry out afforestation by itself, then the

project shall avail cost of afforestation and cost for maintaining and protection of afforested

area to the concerned District Forest Office which shall carry out the afforestation and

subsequent maintenance and protection of the afforested area.

As per Section 11, the project shall pay annual lease amount for temporary occupancy of

national forest at the rate fixed for leasehold forests as per Schedule 20 of Forest Regulations,

1993 which shall be deposited in federal saving account.

Section 12 of the Procedure mandates the project to implement mitigation measures mentioned

in IEE or EIA report of the project and the cost for such measures shall be borne by the project

itself.

9.6.2 Working Procedures relating to Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) and

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of Hydropower and Transmission Line

Project, 2073 BS (2016 BS)

This Working Procedures has been formulated in accordance with Rule 94 (1) of the Electricity

Regulation, 1992 in order to simplify procedures relating to IEE and EIA as mentioned in

Clause 76 of the Concept Paper and Work Plan for National Energy Crisis Alleviation and

Electricity Development Decade, 2015. As per the Procedures, the IEE report registered in

Registration Section of the Department of Electricity Development shall be forwarded directly



to the Planning Section. The concerned officer shall examine the IEE reports and will request

(taking consent from Environment Section Chief) for additional information, if any within two

working days. After receiving all necessary documents, required number of copies (both hard

copy and electronic copy) of the report shall be requested for Review Committee. The project

proponent shall be informed to carry out presentation of the IEE report within seven working

days. The review committee members shall be availed timely availed with the reports. The

review committee member shall study the report beforehand and avail their comments and

suggestions on the report after the presentation. The comments and suggestions of the review

committee members shall be compiled and given to the project proponent asking to revise and

submit the report within two working days. The revised IEE report shall be examined for if the

comments/suggestions are incorporated or on by the concerned officer and if all is found

satisfactory, the report shall be forwarded to Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and

Irrigation for approval along with the template. The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and

Irrigation shall approve the report within 5 working days from the date of receipt of the report.

9.6.3 Concept Paper and Work Plan for National Energy Crisis Alleviation and

Electricity Development Decade, 2072 BS (2015 AD)

The Concept Paper was issued with an objective to substantially end the power outage within

one year, completely end power outage (even in the dry season) within two years and to ensure

energy security within the next decade. Realizing land acquisition remaining to be a major

hurdle in development of power projects, the concept paper has proposed a number of reforms

to simplify the process of land acquisition which include;

- Inapplicability of land ceiling to hydropower projects provided that such area of land

has been approved in the course of obtaining necessary environmental clearances, and

- Formation of special committees at the district level to review consideration for

acquisition of land.

Also, the concept paper attempts to ease and clarify the process for obtaining environmental

and social clearances by prescribing timelines for environmental and other agencies to process

applications and review/approve relevant documents and provide necessary clearances.

9.6.4 zf;sLo tyf cfly{s ;'wf/sf nflu tTsflng sfo{of]hgf, @)^( (2012)

Government of Nepal has placed energy section under high priority and special provision for

the transmission line construction has been made:

• %))) d]ufjf6 ljB't pTkfbg geP;Dd sf6]sf] ?vsf] ;+Vofsf] b'O{ u'0ffdf ?v jg tyf

jftfj/0f dGqfnon] pknAw u/fPsf] :yfgdf /f]Kg} kg]{ Joj:yfug]{ .

• hnljB't pTkfbgsf] nflu ?v sf6\g cg'dltdfu]sf] tL; lbgleq cg'dlt glbPdf :jtM cg'dlt

ePsf] dfgL sf/jfxL cuf8L a9fpg] .

9.6.5 Order relating to exemption of land ceilings, 2017

Government of Nepal has passed an order to exempt existing ceilings on land for selected

developmental entities including hydropower projects. Section 3 of the Order requires

application to filed to purchase land area more than ceiling prescribed by the Land Act, 1957.



As per the Schedule 2 of the Order, hydropower projects can purchase land area in quantity

mentioned in the detailed project report of the concerned project.

9.7 Standards

9.7.1 Nepal Vehicular Mass Emission Standards, 2069 BS (2012 AD)

Nepal Vehicular Emission Standard, 2012 enforced for the vehicles operating on petrol, gas,

and diesel. The emission standards are very specific for two, three and four-wheeler vehicles.

The vehicles used by the project should comply with the vehicular emission standards during

the construction and operation phase.

9.7.2 National Ambient Air Quality Standard, 2069 BS (2012 AD)

National Ambient Air Quality Standard is established for various parameters such as TSP,

PM10, Sulphur Dioxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, Lead, Benzene, PM2.5 and

Ozone. The standard states that the maximum concentration stated for averaging time of 24

hours for TSP, PM10, Sulphur Dioxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, and PM2.5 and the maximum

concentration stated for averaging time of 8 hours for Carbon Monoxide and Ozone should be

under standard limit for at least 95% duration for one fiscal year and should not exceed

maximum concentration for 18 days in 365 days. No any parameters shall exceed its maximum

concentration limit for two consecutive days within one year.

9.7.3 National Noise Quality Standard, 2069 BS (2012 AD)

National Standard for Sound Quality is established as per Rule 15 of Environment Protection

Rules, 2054. The maximum limit of sound for city and residential area is 55 decibels for

daytime and 50 decibels for night hours. Whereas for the industrial area, the maximum limit of

sound is 75 decibels for daytime and 70 decibels for night hours. Further, for the peace zone,

the maximum limit of sound is 50 decibels for daytime and 40 decibels for night hours.

9.7.4 Standards for Emission from in-use and Imported Diesel Generators, 2069 BS

(2012 AD)

The MoSTE (now MoFE) introduced in October 2012 the National Diesel Generator Emission

Standard (NDGES) for new and in-use diesel generators with a capacity of 8 kW-560 kW

(under the 1997 Environment Protection Act). In doing so they followed the Indian standards

for construction equipment rather than for diesel gensets. Hence, the Nepal emission standards

for new and in-use diesel gensets are less stringent than in India. The emissions standards set

for new diesel generator imports is equivalent to Bharat Stage III standards and, for in-use

diesel generators, is equivalent to Bharat Stage II. The emissions limits are set for four major

pollutants: CO, HC, NOx, and PM. The emissions limit for PM for new DG sets less than 19

kW is 0.80 g/kWh; for 19 to <37 kW, the emissions limit is 0.60 g/kWh; for 37 to <75, it is

0.40 g/kWh; for 75 to <130 kW, it is 0.30 g/kWh; and for 130 to <560 kW, it is 0.20 g/kWh.

MoSTE has not yet been able to monitor the compliance of emissions standards for new and

in-use DG sets.

9.7.5 National Indoor Air Quality Standards, 2067 BS (2009 AD)

Government of Nepal has formulated noise level standard for different area for day and night

time. Department of Environment has been established under the Ministry of Population and

Environment for monitoring the environmental condition. The National Noise Quality



Standards, 2012 enforced by GoN has set quality standards for the maintenance of the ambient

noise quality. The project during its construction and operation will have to comply the set

standards for the ambient noise quality.

9.7.6 Nepal Drinking Water Quality Standards, 2062 BS (2005 AD)

Provides details of the water quality standards to be applied to all water supply Subprojects.

These set out the water quality parameters, which the water suppliers should adhere to. The

directives also ensure that the water sampling, testing and analysis procedures used to certify

that the drinking water supplied or to be supplied conforms to the NDWQS and also sets the

monitoring and surveillance procedures to certify that the quality of supplied water conforms

to the standards.

9.7.7 Tolerance Limits for Industrial Effluents to be Discharged into Inland Surface

Waters, 2003

The Ministry of Environment has set tolerance limits for the industrial effluents to be

discharged into the inland surface water. Since the project is considered as an industry it will

have to comply with the tolerance limits set in the standard prior to the discharge of the

effluents into the inland surface water during the construction and operation period.

9.8 International Instruments

9.8.1 The World Charter for Nature (1992)

The World Charter for Nature, 1992 seeks commitment from the States along with other public

authorities, groups and corporation to control the activities which might have an impact on

nature (particularly irreversible damage to the nature) and the best available technologies that

minimizes significant risks to nature or other adverse effects shall be used. Charter presents

special concerns over the pollutants and in its Clause 12 states "discharge of pollutants into

natural systems shall be avoided with special precautions for prevention of radioactive and

toxic wastes".

9.8.2 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) (1992)

Nepal signed the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) during the Earth Summit in June

1992; ratified it in the fall of 1993; and it has entered into force since 21 February 1994. Nepal

is committed to implementation of the convention. The Forest Act, 1993, Forest Rules, 1995,

EPA, 1997 and EPR 1997 are enforced by GoN in response to CBD. As the state is fully

committed to conserve its biodiversity, the proposed project being an entity of state itself is

also full-heartedly committed to conserve biodiversity in and around project area.

9.8.3 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (1992)

The ultimate objective of this Convention and any related legal instruments that the Conference

of the Parties may adopt is to achieve, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the

Convention, stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that

would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. Such a level

should be achieved within a time-frame sufficient to allow ecosystems to adapt naturally to

climate change, to ensure that food production is not threatened and to enable economic

development to proceed in a sustainable manner.



9.8.4 ILO Convention C-169 (1989)

Article 7 of the convention provides the right to the indigenous and tribal people to decide their

own priorities for the process of development. However, for the national development plans

and programs, it mandates consultation with them in the formulation of the plans and programs.

Article 12, 13, 14 and 15 safeguards rights of the indigenous people in the land and natural

resources in territories traditionally occupied by them. In the event that the state retains the

right of the natural resources in their territories, it mandates formulation of special provisions

under the state legislation for participation in the decision-making process and resettlement

process with full compensation of the resulting loss or injury (Article 16). As Nepal is signatory

of the convention will have to comply the provisions stipulated in the conventions, if the project

is to impact the safeguard rights of the indigenous people.

9.8.5 The Basel Convention (1989)

The Basel Convention of 1989 was in response to a series of incidents involving dumping of

hazardous wastes in developing countries in Africa and Asia. Spirit of the Basel convention

will be followed ensuring hazardous waste generation at source that hazardous wastes and

treating/disposing such waste as close as possible to their source of generation.

9.8.6 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and

Fauna (1973)

The convention classifies species according to criteria where access or control is important

(e.g. I-species threatened with extinction, II-species which could become endangered; III-

species that are protected; E- Endangered; V- Vulnerable, R-Rare (CITES 1983)). The project

will have to minimize impacts to the CITES species as far as possible.

The Project shall comply with the provisions of above listed policies, laws, guidelines,

manuals, standards and international conventions and treaties. Besides above-mentioned

legislations, the Project shall also comply with the provisions of any other legislation attracted

due to various activities that will be undertaken during project implementation.

9.9 Relevant Institutions

During the construction and operation of this project, some organisations will be directly

involved. They are grouped under local and national level institutions. The local institutions

include both village and district level organisations.

9.9.1 Local Institutions

Local Bodies

All the project components will be located in the Dudhkosi Gaupalika. Hence, this affected

Gaupalika can facilitate the project in land and property acquisition and compensation issues,

and educate the local people in assisting project construction in time. Based on the Local

Government Operation Act, the Gaunpalika can plan and implement the environmental

conservation programmes and the project can assist in such activities of the Gaunpalika.

District Administration Office (DAO)

The District Administration Office (DAO), Solukhumbu could assist the project on land and

property acquisition and compensation issues, and avoiding and/or resolving any conflicts



during the project implementation. Similarly, the Chief District Officer (CDO) might facilitate

the implementation of the project by issuing the license regarding the use of necessary

explosives.

District Coordination Committee (DCC)

The Solukhumbu DCC could play a pivotal role for timely completion of the project by

educating local people on its importance and also helping the Project for coordinating with

project affected local bodies in land acquisition process. As the DCC will receive part of the

royalty from this project during its operational stage, it might have additional interest to

complete the project to the earliest possible.

MapyaDudhkoshi Gaupalika

The entire project infrastructure is located within the MapyaDudhkoshi Gaupalika. The

proponent will have to work in close coordination with this local body. As the local bodies will

receive part of the royalty from this project during its operational stage, it might have additional

interest to complete the project to the earliest possible.

Other District Organisations

The District Forest Office and Land Revenue Office might provide technical assistance for the

conservation and management of forests and re-greening the project area, transfer the land

ownership in the name of the proponent once the private lands and properties are compensated.

Furthermore, the District Water Resources Committee might contribute to resolve any conflict

on water use(s) raised at different stages of the project, and facilitate its timely implementation.

Local level Project Coordination Committee

A local level Coordination Committee will be formed having representation from all declared

affected Gaupalikas in the project. This committee will facilitate in the implementation of the

project at the local level. The proposed development fund will be channelled through this

committee. This committee will also address the grievance of the local people if any from the

project activities.

9.9.2 National Institutions

Department of Electricity Development (DoED)

As the proponent of this project, DOED has also intention for timely approval of this EIA report

and the implementation of the project. Furthermore, the Dudhkoshi Gaunpalika can participate

in environmental monitoring works on behalf of the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and

Irrigation.

Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation

In this project, the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation can facilitate the EIA

report approval process by timely sending it, with its comments and suggestions, if any, to the

Ministry of Forest and Environment. It can also make necessary arrangements for land and

property acquisition for the smooth implementation of the project. As per the EPR (1997), the

ministry should be involved in environmental monitoring and it should also issue necessary

directives to the proponent to adopt measures to reduce or avoid adverse environmental



impacts. The ministry has also the responsibility to inform Ministry of Forest and Environment

about the directives issued to the proponent.

Ministry of Forests and Environment (MoFE)

The Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation (MFSC) and Ministry of Populattion and

Environment has been merged and Ministry of Forests and Environment has been formed. The

ministry might promptly issue permission to use barren land and the Division Forest Office

(DFO) of Solukhumbu might issue permit for cutting and transportation of the trees even not

registered as the private forest based on the provisions of the Forest Rules (1995). The DFO

might also be involved in providing technical inputs on forestry matters to the project, and in

environmental monitoring of the forestry sector.

As per the EPR, the Ministry of Forests and Environment approves the EIA report. The MoFE,

however, would be involved in preparing the environmental auditing report after two years of

operation of the project.



10. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING

10.1 Environmental Monitoring Plan

Monitoring is an important element of the environmental management as there is always some

uncertainty to the extent of the project impacts on the natural, socio-economic and cultural

environments. Similarly, there is uncertainty about the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation

measures. The objective of monitoring is to provide information that the predicted impacts of

a project are within the acceptable limits and to provide early warning about unacceptable

environmental conditions. Environmental monitoring programmes are also required to ensure

project compliance with recommended environmental studies conducted for the project as well

to ensure compliance with environmental laws and in ameliorating and eliminating adverse

impacts caused by the project. Therefore, a monitoring programme is required to evaluate

application and effectiveness of the mitigation measure, compliance with environmental

standards and designing of alternative mitigation measures for negative impacts that were

perceived significant during the study phase.

The National EIA Guidelines of 1993 propose three types of monitoring. They are baseline

monitoring, compliance monitoring and impact monitoring; the plans for which are presented

in this chapter.

10.2 Baseline Monitoring

Baseline monitoring is required to compile and maintain the database on environmental

conditions prior to the implementation of the project. The primary concern during this phase

will be to implement field data collection programs to obtain the baseline conditions, such as

scientific and sociological information needed to finalize the design and cost of the mitigation

measures. This is especially important if the project is delayed due to unforeseen

circumstances. Such data recorded before project implementation will facilitate the comparison

of information obtained in monitoring activities conducted during project implementation.

Changes in the baseline conditions will imply the impact of the project implementation on

environment. Hence, baseline monitoring serves as an important basis for monitoring of the

project impacts on the environment i.e. the impact monitoring. A plan for the baseline

monitoring for the proposed Dudh Koshi-5HPP is presented in Table 10.1.

Table 10-1: Plan for Baseline Monitoring

SN Parameter Indicators Method Location

A. Physical Environment

1 Topography Degrees of slopes Site observation Construction area

2 Land use Area of land under different land

use such as forest, shrubs, barren

land, cultivated lands etc.

Site observation, GIS

Mapping

Project Area

3 Hydrology Discharge and flood level Direct discharge

measurements, gauge

readings

Dudh Koshi

River

4 Geology Stability of slopes, Occurrence of

land slides

Field observation Project Area

5 Air Quality Dust pollution (TSP, PM10);

Industrial Pollution

Observation and air

quality measurement

Headworks,

Powerhouse and




using a high-volume

sampler

Settlements along

the project road

6 Water Quality Temperature, pH, Turbidity,

Electrical conductivity, TSS, TDS,

Iron, Sulphate, BOD, COD, DO,

Alkalinity, Total Hardness, Total

Coliform and Fecal Coliform

Field measurements,

Water sampling and

lab testing

Dudh Koshi

River at

headworks and

powerhouse site,

7 Noise Loudness and intensity of noise Field measurement

using a dB meter

Headworks,

Powerhouse and

Settlements along

the project road

8 Solid waste Quantity and composition of waste Observation and

questionnaire survey

Project Area

B. Biological Environment

9 Forest and

vegetation

Forest area, type, species

composition, frequency, density,

BA, crown cover, standing stock,

biomass, Timber, fodder and

fuelwood

NTFPs, forest management, forest

use, Energy use

Observation, GIS

mapping, Forest

measurements

(Quadrate sampling),

household surveys,

FGD

Project Area

10 Wildlife

(including

mammals,

avian fauna

and

herpetofauna)

Wildlife habitat, wildlife species,

hunting and poaching activities,

crop and animal depredation,

human wildlife conflicts

Observation, Transect

survey, Questionnaire

surveys, FGD, KII

Project Area

12 Fishes Fish species, abundance, spawning,

rearing and breeding habitats,

fishing practices, fishing

households, fish market

Observation, fish

sampling,

Questionnaire surveys,

FGD, KII

Dudh Koshi

River

C. Socioeconomic and Cultural Environment

13 Demographic

characteristics

Household numbers, population,

ethnicity, religion, language

spoken, migration, education and

literacy, occupation and skills

Secondary sources,

Household survey,

FGD

Project Area

14 Agriculture

and livestock

Land ownership, land holding,

cultivated area, cropping practices,

crop production, crop yield, agro-

biodiversity

Livestock ownership and holding,

livestock products

Crop and livestock product market

Secondary sources,

Household survey,

FGD

Project area

15 Economy Occupation and skills, markets,

annual income and expenditures,

food sufficiency

Household survey,

FGD

Project area

15 Sanitation and

health

Drinking water source, treatment

practices, toilet availability and

types, cooking practices, waste

management practices

Diseases, treatment practices,

disability, natality and mortality

Secondary sources,

Household survey,

FGD

Project Area

16 Culture Religious shrines, festivals Discussions with the

local people, Rural

Project area




Municipality wards

and observation,

Questionnaire surveys

17 History and

archaeology

Sites of archaeological and historic

significance

Secondary Sources,

FGD

Project area

18 Gender Property ownership in women,

participation of women in

community groups, decision

making by women

Household survey,

FGD

Project area

19 Vulnerable

communities

Participation of vulnerable

communities in community groups

Secondary Sources,

FGD

Project area

20 Infrastructures Road, Bridge, School, health

facilities, irrigation system,

drinking water system, community

building, watermills, Temples and

shrines, Cremation sites etc.

Secondary Sources,

FGD, Rural

Municipality surveys

Project area

Baseline monitoring will be carried out before the project construction commencement. For

DK-5 HPP, if the project comes under construction within 2 years from the data collection for

this EIA study, the baseline data and information presented in this EIA report will serve as

baseline and hence baseline monitoring will not be required. However, under any unforeseen

circumstances, if the propose DK-5 HPP gets delayed for more than two years (from the data

collection for the present EIA), the project requires to carry out a baseline monitoring prior

project construction. Any difference in baseline conditions in any of the physical, biological

and socioeconomic & cultural parameters observed and assessed during baseline monitoring

from those established during present EIA study will provide a reference to understand the

changes occurring in project area environment without project implementation scenario.

The responsibility for the baseline monitoring including the cost for monitoring lies within the

project proponent. Cos have been allocated for baseline monitoring of the proposed DK-5 HPP.

10.3 Compliance Monitoring

Compliance Monitoring employs a continuous recording of specific environmental quality

indicators in order to ensure project compliance with recommended environmental protection

standards. The main objective of the compliance monitoring is to ensure that all conditions set

forth and commitments made in the approved EIA report and other applicable regulatory

requirements and standards, the project documents including project contracts and

specifications etc. An early compliance assessment is also required to check if the

environmental mitigation activities prescribed in the approved EIA report are well integrated

in subsequent project documents such as detailed engineering design and tender documents.

Table 10.2 gives the compliance monitoring plan, which includes compliance parameters,

indicators for measuring compliance, methods to be followed and guiding document to be

referred, responsible parties for compliance monitoring and the schedule for compliance check.



Table 10-2: Plan for compliance monitoring

S. N. Parameter Indicators Method/ Guiding Document Responsible

Agency Schedule

1

EIA mitigations

Incorporation of EIA mitigation measures

recommendations into contractual documents

Review of detailed design, project

specification and tender documents/

Approved EIA

Consulting

engineers

Following

completion

of tender

documents

2 Environmental

Considerations

The presence of each of the environmental

considerations from the tender documents in the

work plan

Review of proposed work plans/

Approved EIA

Consulting

engineers

During

contract

negotiations

3

Contractor’s

compliance in carrying

out environmental

mitigation activities

prescribed in EIA,

project contract

documents and project

specification

documents

Forest clearance Excavation of lands for project

construction, , spoils management, work area

hygiene, application of slope stability measures,

air quality protection, water quality protection,

noise minimization, solid waste management, over

extraction of aggregates, felling of trees, intrusion

in the surrounding forest, blasting practices, pre-

employment screening of project workers, safety

equipment for workers and safety assurance

practices in area, public safety assurance practices,

project camp management (drinking water, toilets,

cooking fuel), control of social disorder

(alcoholism, gambling, prostitution) and all others

mentioned in Chapter 9 of this report

Site observation and discussion with project

management, project staffs and local people

using a checklist/

Approved EIA, Project Contract and

Specification document, Regulatory

documents of GON

Consulting

engineers/

DK-5 HPP

EMU

Continuous

during the

construction

period

4

Contractor’s

compliance to GON’s

regulatory

requirements (Acts,

Regulations,

Guidelines, Standards)

Water quality, air quality, noise, forest clearance,

employment, occupational health and safety

Review of the regulatory documents, enlisting

of the relevant clauses, site inspection and

observation/

Constitution of Nepal (2015), Environment

Protection Act (1996) and Environment

Protection Regulation (1997), Aquatic

Animals Protection Act (1961), Labor Act

(1992), Water Resources Act (1992), Water

DK-5 HPP

EMU

Continuous

during the

construction

period



S. N. Parameter Indicators Method/ Guiding Document Responsible

Agency Schedule

Resources Regulation (1993), Forest Act

(1992), Forest Regulation (1993), Local

Government Operation Act (2017); Local Self

Governance Regulation (1999), Soil and

Watershed Conservation Act (1982), Soil and

Watershed Conservation Regulation (1982),

Explosives Act (1961), Nepal Ambient Air

Quality Standards (2003), Nepal Vehicular

Mass Emission Standard (2000), Nepal

Drinking Water Quality Standards

(2005),Tolerance Limits for Industrial

Effluents to be Discharged into Inland Surface

Waters (2003)

5 Project Proponent’s

compliance in carrying

out activities

prescribed in

environmental

mitigation and

environmental

enhancement activities

Compensation, soil erosion and landslide control,

compensatory plantation, staff employment,

implementation of trainings, income generating

programmes, awareness programs, support to

social institutions and all others mentioned in

Chapter 9 of this EIA report

Review of project correspondence letters,

evidence documents, observations, interviews

with the concerned project authority,

interviews with the project affected

households/ Approved EIA

Concerned

Ministry and

Departments

of GON

Continuous

during the

construction

period

6

Project Proponent’s

compliance GON’s

regulatory

requirements

Land acquisition and compensation, project staff

employment, environmental protection

Review of the regulatory documents, enlisting

of the relevant clauses, site inspection and

observation/

All the regulatory documents mentioned in

point 4 above (of this table) including Land

Acquisition Act (1977), Industrial Enterprise

Act (1992)

Concerned

Ministry and

Departments

of GON

Continuous

during the

construction

period


202| P a g e


10.4 Impact Monitoring

Impact Monitoring measures the physical, biological, socio-economic and cultural parameters

within the project area during the construction and operation phases in order to detect

environmental changes that occur as a result of project implementation. The main objectives

of impact monitoring are to ensure that the actual impacts measured in the field are really within

the manageable limit of the designed mitigation measures and also to detect any unexpected

damages and thereby providing early warning to the responsible agencies for undertaking

corrective and additional measures to avert, if possible or minimize the risks of such

unanticipated impacts. It involves actual measurement of the impacts of construction activities

on the environment, such as water quality samples being taken at regular intervals to assess

pollution concentrations in the river from construction work camps, after mitigation steps are

taken.



Table 10-3: Plan for impact monitoring

S. N. Parameter Indicator Location Methods Schedule Responsible

agencies

A. Physical Environment

1 Land use Change in area under

different land use Project Area

Observation,

GIS Mapping

One time after

completion of project

construction

DK-5 HPP EMU

2

Soil Erosion

and land

stability

Development of rill

and gullies,

occurrence of

landslides, drainage

failures, river bank

cutting

Construction area,

spoil disposal areas,

project roads, Dudh

Koshi River bank

Observation

Continuous

throughout project

construction

DK-5 HPP EMU

3 Air quality TSP, PM10, SOx,

NOx, CO

Headworks,

Powerhouse and

settlements along

project road

Sampling using

high volume

sampler

Twice a year during

construction phase in

dry and wet season;

one time after a year of

powerhouse operation

in Powerhouse

complex

DK-5 HPP EMU

2 Water Quality

Temperature, pH,

Turbidity, TDS, TSS,

Conductivity,

alkalinity, hardness,

iron, BOD, COD,

SO4, DO, Total

Coliform, Fecal

Coliform

Dudh Koshi River

downstream of weir,

upstream and

downstream of

powerhouse, drinking

water of project camp

Water

sampling and

laboratory test

Twice a year during

construction phase in

dry and wet season;

two-time monitoring

of project permanent

camp drinking water

and Dudh Koshi River

near powerhouse

DK-5 HPP EMU

3 Noise Noise intensity level

Major construction

areas, settlements

along project road

Measurement

of noise using

dB meter

During peak

construction period

DK-5 HPP EMU




agencies

4 Solid waste Proliferation of waste Project area Observation

Continuous

throughout project

construction and one

year of project

operation

DK-5 HPP EMU

B. Biological Environment

5 Forest Change in forest area

(area)

Headworks,

Powerhouse, Water

way alignment, project

road alignment, forests

in the project area

Observation,

GIS mapping

One time monitoring

after completion of

project construction

DK-5 HPP EMU

/CFUG

6 Vegetation No of trees and

shrubs cleared

Headworks,

Powerhouse, Water


road alignment

Records of

clearance of

species

During clearance in

each area

DK-5 HPP EMU

7 Protected

species

No of protected

species cleared

Headworks,

Powerhouse, Water


road alignment

Records of

clearance of

species

During clearance in

each area

8

Compensatory

Plantation

Status of plantation

and survival rate Plantation area

Records of

plantation and

counting of

survived

saplings

Every three months

after plantation DK-5 HPP EMU

9 Wildlife

Poaching events, crop

depredation

frequency

Project area Interviews with

local people

Continuous

throughout project

construction

DK-5 HPP EMU

10 Fish Fish diversity and

abundance

Dudh Koshi River

between downstream

of weir and upstream of

powerhouse

Fish sampling

Every four months

during construction

and every four months

for one year during

operation

DK-5 HPP EMU




agencies

C. Socioeconomic and Cultural Environment

11 Affected

households

Livelihood

conditions of the

affected households

by land and property

acquisition

Affected households

Household

survey using

structured

questionnaires

End of every year

during construction

period; at the end of

the first year of

operation

DK-5 HPP EMU

12 Affected

community

Quality of

community life in

project area

Affected Rural

Municipality

Observation,

Interviews,

FGD

End of every year

during construction

period; at the end of

the first year of

operation

DK-5 HPP EMU

13 Employment

No of local as well as

migrant employees

working for the

Contractor and the

project proponent

Project Work Records of

employees

Every month during

construction phase;

one time monitoring in

the beginning of

operation

DK-5 HPP EMU

14 Community

services

Pressures in existing

service institutions

and facilities such as

schools, health posts,

drinking water etc.

Service institutions in

the project area

Records of

particular

service

institution such

as health posts

and school,

interviews with

schools,

teachers, health

personnel,

water user

groups

Every four months

during construction,

one-time monitoring

at the end of first year

of operation

DK-5 HPP EMU

15

Community

health and

safety

Incidence of

communicable

diseases, STDs,

accidents

Project area

Interviews,

structured

questionnaire

surveys,

Every three months

during construction,

one time monitoring at

DK-5 HPP EMU,

PHU




agencies

reports from

health

institutions

the end of first year of

operation

16

Occupational

health and

safety

Injuries, deaths,

accidents of

construction

workforce

Construction areas

Project reports,

interviews with

construction

workers

Every month during

construction, one time

monitoring at the end

of first year of

operation

DK-5 HPP EMU,

PHU, Contractor

17 Conflicts

Conflicts between

locals and outside

workforce

Project area Interviews,

record keeping

Every months during

construction

DK-5 HPP EMU,

Rural Municipality

18 Law and order Events of burglary,

fights Project area

Interviews,

record keeping

Every month during

construction

DK-5 HPP EMU,

Rural Municipality,

Police post

19 Commodity Prices of the

commodity Project area

Records of

commodity

prices in local

markets

Every month during



of operation

DK-5 HPP EMU

20

Environmental

Enhancement

Programs

People perception of

environmental

enhancement

programs

Project area

Discussions

with the

beneficiary of

enhancement

programs

Every six-month

during project



of operation

DK-5 HPP EMU


207| P a g e


11. ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITING

11.1 Introduction

An environmental auditing will compare monitoring results with information generated during

the preproject period. Comparisons can be made with similar projects or against standard

norms. It helps to evaluate the accuracy and adequacy of EIA predictions by relating actual

impacts with predicted impacts.

Impact monitoring provides raw data, which can be used to undertake an EIA audit. Such audit

can be effective tools by providing control authorities with an overall picture of the main

impacts of the project and identifying issues of concern, where actual impacts have exceeded

norms. However, MoFE will carry out post-construction environmental audit study after two

years of commencement of project operation as per provision of EPR, 2054. It helps to examine

the actual environmental impacts, accuracy of predictions, effectiveness of environmental

impact mitigation and enhancement measures and functioning of monitoring mechanisms.

The environmental audit for physical, biological and socio-economic and cultural environment

is described in sub sections 11.2, 11.3 and 11.4 respectively. The environmental audit shall

include, but not be limited to, the following tasks.

11.2 Physcical Environment

Following aspects shall be covered under the physical environment:

• Changes in baseline condition in the physical environment of the project area after the

project construction such as topography, land use, landslide, hydrology;

• Accuracy of the predicted impacts;

• Magnitude of the predicted impacts;

• Effectiveness of the implemented mitigation measures;

• Compliance with the EIA report;

• Compliance with environmental clauses of tender document;

• Identification of numbers and area of non-compliances; and

• Effectiveness of compliance monitoring system.

11.3 Biological Environment

Following aspects shall be covered under the biological environment:

• Changes in baseline condition in the biological environment of the project area after the

project construction;






• Identification of numbers and area of non-compliances; and

• Effectiveness of compliance monitoring system

11.4 Socio-economic and Cultural Environment

Following aspects shall be covered under the socio-economic and the cultural environment:


208| P a g e


• Changes in baseline condition in the socio-economic and cultural environment of the

project area after the project construction;




• Positive and negative impacts of the project on local community;



• Identification of number and area of non-compliances;

• Effectiveness of compliance monitoring system; and

• Impact of the project on the regional and national economy

11.5 Approach and Methodology

Environmental audit will follow the same methodology and survey sites covered in

EnvironmentalImpact Assessment Study and monitoring report. Review of monitoring report,

field visit, data collection, sampling, lab test and use of checklist, meeting and discussion with

local community, Rural Municipality, DCC and the line agencies shall be the main

methodologies to be adopted for the environmental impactaudit.

11.6 Schedule

Environmental audit of the proposed project shall be conducted after two years of the

completion of the project, as per EPR, 2054. The estimated time for the audit is proposed for 6

months from the date of commencement.

11.7 Required Human Resources

Environmental audit requires a team of multidisciplinary experts with relevant experiences

inhydropower project. Following team is proposed for environmental audit of the proposed

Project.

• Team Leader/ Environmental Expert;

• Hydropower Engineer/ Civil Engineer;

• Environmental Engineer;

• Forestry Expert/ Ecologist;

• Socio-economist; and • Support staff

11.8 Estimated Cost

The estimated cost to carry out the environmental impact audit is estimated as NRs.

21,00,000.00 including the experts, datacollection, sampling, lab test, transportation and report

production. The detail of the environmental auditcost is presented in the Table-11.1 below:


209| P a g e


Table 11-1: Environmental Audit Cost for DK5HPP

S. N. Particulars of Item Unit Quantity Rate (NRs.) Amount

(NRs.)

1. Personal Cost

Team Leader/Environment

Specialist

month 4 150,000.00 600,000.00

Environmental Engineer month 3 100,000.00 300,000.00

Ecologist/Forester month 3 100,000.00 300,000.00

Social Safeguard Specialist month 3 100,000.00 300,000.00

Support Staff month 4 50,000.00 200,000.00

2. Field per diem LS 150,000.00

3. Vehicles & Logistics LS 100,000.00

4. Office supplies & consumables LS 100,000.00

5. Report Preparation LS 50,000.00

Grand Total (NRs.) 2,100,000.00

11.9 Organizational Responsibility

The project proponent will be responsible for the auditing activities after the completion of the

project as per the Environment Protection Regulation of the Government of Nepal. However,

agencies like the Ministry of Forests and Environment, Ministry of Energy, Water Resources

and Irrigation and other relevant organizations will be consulted during the auditing. Local

NGOs and National NGOs may also be entrusted to carry out the task, if they are engaged to

do so by the government.

MoFE is supposed to undertake the post-construction environmental audit work of the

Dudhkoshi-5 Hydropower Project as per the provision made in Environment Protection Rules,

2054 (1997).


210| P a g e


12. CONCLUSIONS

The proposed Dudh koshi-5 Hydropower Project will generate 618.80 GWH of annual average

energy, out of which 100.39 GWh would be dry season (Paush to Chaitra) and wet season

energy would be 518.41 GWh.

Apart from the generation of the hydroelectric power, the project will provide a number of

benefits both during the construction and the operational stages. During the construction stage,

some of the beneficial impacts include the employment generation, increase in local economy

and enhancement of technical skills and know-how. It will have long-term impact for the

development of the local area.

The project will also result in some adverse impacts of different magnitudes, in different

locations and even for the long-term duration. The major adverse impacts include land

acquisition. The project intends to acquire about 4.133 ha of private land and about 20.191 ha

of the government land. This project will also have significant impact in the forest area about

15.104 ha.

During the operation phase, water diversion will have impact on the river stretch (from

headworks to powerhouse site) due to reduced flow for an extended length about 7.9 km.

However, the rivulets between headworks and powerhouse contribute substantial amount of

water to maintain ecological flow. This EIA report includes mitigation measures for each of

the significant adverse impacts. The proposed project could be implemented by ensuring the

implementation of the proposed EPMs (Environmental Protection Measures). The project will

also commit to compensate/mitigate any other impact encountered during the construction and

operation of the Project. No further environmental study will be required for project clearance.


211| P a g e


13. REFERENCES

• CBS (2014). National Population and Housing Census 2011 (National Report). Volume 01,

NPHC 2011.Central Bureau of Statistics, Government of Nepal, Thapathali, Kathmandu.

• DDC (2009). District Development Profile of Solukhumbu, Salleri.

• DOED (2001). Manual for Preparing Scoping Document for Environmental Impact

Assessment (EIA) of Hydropower Projects. Department of Electricity Development,

Kathmandu.

• DOED (2001). Manual for Preparing Terms of Reference (TOR) for Environmental Impact

Assessment (EIA) of Hydropower Projects with Notes on EIA Report Preparation. Department

of Electricity Development, Ministry of Water Resources, Kathmandu.

• EPR (1997). Environment Protection Rule of Nepal.

• EPA (1997). Environmental Protection Act of Nepal.

• ERM (2009). Baynes Hydropower ESHIA: Final Scoping Report. ERM Southern Africa in

association with Environment Dynamics, Urban Dynamics, IRDNC, Holisticos and Angola

Research Institute, October, 2009.

• SchEMS (2008). Baseline Study of Tamakoshi III Hydropower Project. Volume I Main Draft

Report.

• Draft Feasibility Study Report of Dudh Koshi-5 Hydropower Project, unpublished

• Field Investigation Reports of Dudh Koshi-5 Hydropower Project

• Draft Feasibility Study Report of Dudh Koshi-4Hydropower Project, unpublished

• Draft IEE Report of Dudh Koshi-4Hydropower Project, unpublished

• Village Development Profile of Basa VDC and BakuVDC. (2009)

ANNEXES