initial environmental assesement

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Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Ltd.ADB Financial Assistance Project, PFR-III [Updated in April 2010] Page 1

INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION REPORT

FOR PROPOSED NEW 400 KV SUB-STATION

At

SRINAGAR

POWER TRANSMISSION CORPORATION

OF UTTARAKHAND LIMITED







Prepared For

Asian Development Bank

Under

Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Ltd

(ADB FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROJECT, PFR-III)

Prepared by:Vikas Sharma

Master of Social Work &Master of Engineering

Updated in April 2010


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION 5

1.1 Background 11

1.2 Scope of Work & Methodology Adopted 11

2.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT 12

2.1 The project 12

2.1.1 Sub-station at Srinagar 14

2.2 Additional Justifications for the Projects 17

2.3 Implementation Plan 18

3.0 DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENT 19

3.1 Environmental Settings 19

3.1.1 Sub-station at Srinagar 19

3.2 Seismicity 19

3.3 Ecological Resources 19

3.4 Human and economic development 20

3.4.1 Population, Literacy and Employment 21

3.4.2 Health and Education 21

3.4.3 Drinking Water, Electricity, Road and Fire fighting 21

3.4.4 Economy 21

3.4.5 Sanitary Facilities 21

3.4.6 Health environment 21

3.4.7 Historical, cultural and archaeological sites / places 21

4.0 SCREENING OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND

MITIGATION MEASURES

22

4.1 Environmental problems due to project location and design 22

4.2 Environmental problems associated with construction and operation 22


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stage

4.2.1 Impact on Physical Resources 23

4.2.2 Impact on Environmental Resources 23

4.2.3 Impact on Ecological Resources 25

4.2.4 Impact on Human Environment 25

4.2.5 Waste Disposal 26

5.0 INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING

PROGRAM

32

5.1 Institutional arrangements 32

5.2

5.3

Environmental monitoring

Environmental Management Plan

34

34

6.0 PUBLIC INFORMATION AND CONSULTATION 37

7.0 FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 41

8.0 CONCLUSION 42

9.0 ANNEXURE

Annexure 1 Letter of Central Electricity Authority 43

Annexure 2 Letter of Ministry of Power, Govt. of India 47

Annexure 3 Demographic Structure of the Substation location 48

Annexure 4 Health and education Facilities of the Project Location 49

Annexure 5 Drinking Water Facilities, Electricity, Fire fighting, Roads

at the project Location

50

Annexure-6 Economic Structure of the project Areas 51

Annexure-7

Annexure- 8

Annexure- 9.1

Annexure- 9.2 (a)

Sanitary Facilities at the Project Location

Environment Management Plan (EMP)

Advertisement in Newspaper

Public Information (in English)

52

53

67

69


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Annexure- 9.2 (b)

Annexure- 9.3 (a)

Annexure- 9.3 (b)

Annexure- 9.4

Annexure- 9.5

Public Information (in Hindi)

Public consultation and awareness program (in English)

Public consultation and awareness program (in Hindi)

Attendance Sheet of Public Consultation

Photographs of Public Consultation

70

71

72

73

75


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1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

Uttarakhand is one of the most beautiful and enchanting region of northern India. Nature has

endowed this land with so much beauty and spiritual bliss that it is also known as Dev Bhoomi,

the Land of Gods. Ganga, Yamuna and scores of other rivers originate in Uttarakhand. Among

them Ganga is the most holy and prominent as she represents the soul of India, her rich

culture, history and civilization. In Sanskrit 'Himalaya' means Abode of Snow, truly

characterizing the vast permanent snow fields above the snow line. In the heart of thesemajestic mountains lies the state of Uttarakhand with Kumaon region in its east and Garhwal in

the west. Uttarakhand came into existence on 9th November 2000 as the 27th state of the

Republic of India. It was carved out of Uttar Pradesh. The State has been granted status of

special category state by Union Cabinet on 2nd May 2001.Uttarakhand is Border State

bordering China and Nepal. Geographically Uttarakhand is situated between 770 34' to 810

2' East longitude and 280 4' to 310 27' North latitude. Uttarakhand is predominantly a hilly

state with 88% of hilly area. The climate of the state varies from subtropical in valleys to

temperate on higher slopes. Total area of Uttarakhand is 53483 Sq KM, which is 1.73%

of the total area of India. The state is very rich in natural resources specially forest and water,

as it has many glaciers, dense forests, mountain peaks and a network of mighty rivers

viz., Ganga, Yamuna, Ramganga, Kosi etc. A total of 64.6% of the area is under forestcover.

ADMINISTRATIVE SETUP

2. Uttarakhand has inherited its present administrative set-up from its presentstate Uttar Pradesh. The facts and figure about Uttarakhand are as follows-

Divisions 2

Districts 13

Tehsils 78

Development Blocks 95

Muncipal Areas 71

Nyay Panchayat 670

Gram Panchayat 7227

Villages 16826

Based on Year 2007 figure


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DEMOGRAPHY

Population 8479562

Male 4316401

Female 4163161

Rural 6309317

Decadal Increase 19.2(1991-2001)

Population Density 159 Per Sq Km

Sex Ratio 964 Per Thousand

Per Capita Income Rs 12000 Per Year

Birth Rate 40.6

Infant Mortality Rate 52.4

Literacy Rate 72.28%

Male 84.01%

Female 60.26%

Decadal Literacy Rate 14.47%

District Wise Population Distribution (2001 census)

S.No District Name Male Female Total

1 Almora 293576 336970 630446

2 Bageshwar 118202 131250 249453

3 Champawat 110916 113545 224461

4 Chamoli 183033 186165 369198

5 Dehradun 675549 605334 1279083

6 Haridwar 773173 671040 1444213

7 Nanital 400336 362576 762912

8 Pauri 331138 365713 696851

9 Pithoragarh 227592 234557 462149

10 Rudraprayag 107425 120036 227461

11 Tehri 294842 309766 605608

12 Udham singh Nagar 649020 585528 1234548

13 Uttarkashi 151599 142580 294179

Total 4316401 4163161 8479562


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Uttarakhand - Tourism State

3. Tourism is one of main source of income at Uttarakhand. The northern areas ofUttarakhand are part of the Great Himalayas range, with average heights up to 3000-5000 metres. The famous peaks are Nanda Devi (7816m), Trishul (7120m) andPanchchuli (6910m). Southern Uttarakhand has plains that are part of the Terai foothills,where temperatures are higher and towns more accessible. The state is not industriallydeveloped and tourism is the mainstay of the economy. For the last 7 years, Dehradun,the largest town, has been its provisional capital. It has a well-connected railhead and asmall domestic airport.

4. To most travelers Uttarakhand is associated with its ancient traditions ofHinduism that flourished in its high Himalayan reaches. The source of India's mostrevered and important rivers Ganges as well as Yamuna, respectively called Gangotriand Yamunotri, lie here. These two spots, along with the shrines of Badrinath andKedarnath, make the 4 holy sites (Char Dham) that Hindus aspire to visit. Snow-boundfor most of the year, these are open from May to October. Lower south, along theGanges lie the sacred towns of Rishikesh (43km from Dehradun) and Haridwar(connected by rail to Delhi).

5. Uttarakhand's popular hill stations include Mussourie (2000m; 35 km fromDehradun) and Nainital (2000m; 35km from railhead Kathgodam). Corbett National Parkis its noted wildlife sanctuary. The combination of mountains and rivers yieldsopportunities for trekking, river rafting, hiking, which the state is promoting now.Rishikesh is a hub of water adventure sports. There is also a ski destination in Auli.

Infrastructure

S. No. Items Year/ Period Number

1. Important Tourist Places 2006-2007 214

2. Developed Tourist Places 2006-2007 124

3. Tourist Rest Houses 2006-2007 174

4. No. of Beds in T.R.H. 2006-2007 6764

5. Rain Baseras 2006-2007 32

6. No. of Beds in Raien Basera 2006-2007 1610

7. No. of Hotels and Paying Guest Houses 2006-2007 2312

8. No. of Dharamshala 2006-2007 802


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Tourist Statistics

S. No. Items Year/ Period Number

1. In Tourist Places (including Pilgrims) 2007 2,26,00,000

(i) Indian Tourist 2007 2,21,00,000

(ii) Foreign Tourist 2007 1,06,000

2. In Important National Parks 2007 1,99,043

(i) Indian Tourist 2007 18,3481

(ii) Foreign Tourist 2007 15,562

6. Uttarakhand has been declared as an Herbal State and a maximum number ofAyurvedic and Homoeopathic medicines depend on plant sources and our state with itsbiodiversity has a tremendous potential and advantage in the herbal area. It also hasthe distinction to become the first state in the Nation to declare its Health & PopulationPolicy in December 2002 and under the policy directions it will integrate the services ofdifferent systems of medicine such as Ayurveda, Homoeopathy and Unani to achieve

synergy. The National Rural Health Mission (2005-12) too seeks to revitalize localhealth traditions and mainstream AYUSH into the public health system.

7. Uttarakhand is a predominantly agricultural state with 75% of the peopledeployed in this sector. The state is well linked by state highways, national highwaysand district roads. The state has broad gauge railway lines but only in the plain areas.

Airports at Dehradun (Jollygrant) and Pantnagar are civil airports in the state.

8. POWER TRANSMISSION CORPORATION OF UTTARAKHAND LIMITED:(PTCUL) was established to facilitate transfer of power and to improve the Transmissionof electricity system within the state, thus leading to the formation of the State PowerGrid. India has a large projected demand-supply gap and has extensive potential for

hydropower development. Hydropower generation capacity has lagged behindparticularly during the last two decades. Since 1975, the share of hydropowergeneration capacity has come down to a level of 25% against a desired level of 40%.Therefore, hydropower development is being given priority to improve hydro/thermal mixfor optimizing the efficiency of countrys power system and usage of resources forsustainable power generation in an environment friendly manner. Apart from being anenvironmentally clean source of power, hydropower would also provide a peakingpower option for the country. Government is showing strong commitment towardshydropower projects and has launched a 50,000 MW Hydro Electric Initiative.Uttarakhand state is endowed with tremendous hydro power potential. At present thereis an urgent necessity for constructing a power evacuation system of the order of 6000

to 6500 MW of generation project in Yamuna , Bahgirathi, Alakhnanda and ShardaBasin. The PTCUL objective is to evacuate the power from Yamuna, Bhagirathi, and

Alaknanda river basins. The objectives of PTCUL in the ensuing Asian DevelopmentBanks loan Project is to provide optimized power system expansion of the northern gridand increase the pace of economic development in less-developed regions inUttarakhand State. The Project supports Government goal of providing affordableuniversal power service by 2020. The need of the hour is to ensure equitable


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distribution of energy, augmentation of existing transmission capacity, put andintegrated robust transmission system in place within cost , quality and time parametersand maintain grid discipline within the frame work of the prescribed grid code. PTCULsresponse is a balanced combination of reliability, security and economy. PTCULbelieves that these guiding principles must match rising expectations of a cleaner, safer,healthier environment and of people, both affected and benefited by its activities.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION & BENEFITS:

9. The proposed transmission system has been envisaged in consultation with CEA

and other beneficiary constituents for the reliable evacuation of more than 3000 MW

Power of Lata Tapovan NTPC (171 MW), Badrinath GMR Energy (140 MW), Vishnugad

NTPC (520 MW), Pipalkoti THDC (444 MW), Devsari SJVNL (330 MW), Langrasu

UJVNL (141 MW), Bawala Nandprayag UJVNL (300 MW), Srinagar P/H GVK (330

MW), Rambhara Lanco (76 MW), Phatabyung Lanco (76 MW), Singolibhatwari L&T

(99MW) and SHPs for further distribution among beneficiary states. Some units of these

projects are scheduled to be commissioned within 11th

plan followed by subsequent

units at some intervals.

10. Transmission system for these projects is of a regional/ state level collaboration

as the power from these projects would be shared by Uttarakhand and other Northern

region states such as Delhi, Himanchal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana and Uttar

Pradesh. These will be connected through the proposed Intra-State transmission

system and through existing lines/interconnection to other regions. Techno-Economic

clearance of the proposed project has been obtained from Central Electricity Authority

(CEA) vide letter no. 12A/G/2006-SP&PA/39 dated 09/01/2007(enclosed) and proposal

has been examined by Ministry of Power, GoI and found in order vide letter no.

11/5/2004-IC dated 4th

May, 2007(APPENDIX 1 and APPENDIX 2).

11. For the subject, sub-project 400 KV substation Srinagar, this IEE document is

prepared on the data contained in the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

Report submitted by PTCUL on Feb 01, 2005. There is no change in the physical

parameters of the subject in relation to its design, location, land acquisition, forest land,

capacity etc. as mentioned in the report prepared earlier. This report depicts the details

of IEE for proposed new 400 KV sub-station at Srinagar for which the land has already

been identified and is in possession with PTCUL.

12. The EIA report describes the environment in the State of Uttarakhand, where the

proposed transmission project is to be located and various measures that will be takenby PTCUL during design, construction and maintenance stages altogether to avoid andwherever not possible to mitigate the effect on environment of various constructionactivities.


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1.2 Scope of Work & Methodology Adopted

13. A team of PTCUL, headed by qualified and experienced engineer speciallyassigned this work has carried out the IEE of this sub-project under project PFR-III. Theteam conducted reconnaissance survey to identify the major environmental issues.

Accordingly, field surveys were also undertaken to assess physical and biologicalenvironment. An area within 12.0 Km radius around the proposed sub-station has beendefined as the study area for the collection of data. The field studies were supported by

data collected from secondary sources such as Internet, Forest Atlas of India, StatisticalHandbook for Uttarakhand District Maps, National Atlas and Thematic MappingOrganization, Geological Survey of India, Physical map of Uttarakhand etc.

14. The broad scope of the study is:

i) To conduct field visits to collect data relevant to the study area and also collectsecondary data so as to establish the baseline environmental status of the studyarea;

ii) To assess the impacts on environmental attributes due to the location, design,construction and operation of the proposed project;

iii) To prepare a mitigation plan outlining the measures for protecting the environmentincluding institutional arrangement and environmental monitoring;

iv) To identify critical environmental attributes required to be monitored subsequent tothe implementation of the proposed project; and

v) To carry out consultation with local people so as to identify the public perception ofthe project.

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

1.2.1 Data Constraints

15. This report is prepared on the basis of field study and with the help of availablesecondary data.


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2.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

2.1 The project

16. The project involves construction of new 400 KV substation at village Khandukhalin Srinagar town (district Pauri) as discussed below. The location map of this substationis presented as Figure 2.1, Figure 2.2 and Figure 23.

Figure 2.1: Location map of the proposed substation


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2.1.1 400 KV Sub-station at Srinagar

17. The work involves construction of a new sub-station of Voltage ratio400/220/132KV and capacity of 2x315 MVA and 2x160 MVA at Khandukhal 11 Kmaway from Srinagar in Pauri district of Uttarakhand. Total land acquired is 17.295 hect.which is classified as civil forest land and leased to Power Transmission Corporation of

Uttarakhand Ltd. for 30 years. PTCUL has deposited Rs. 3,27,55,278 (1,00,31,100 asNPV+15,,91,140 as compensatory a forestation+ 2,30,000 nearby proposed land+20903038 as lease rent for 30 years) to the forest department. All the formalities havebeen completed including cutting of 121 number of trees by forest department and theland is in possession with PTCUL. The estimated cost for this substation is Rs. 158.01crores.


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18. Srinagar town offers a panoramic view of the great Himalayas form it's towns andvillages. The Srinagar City which is situated in valley at an altitude of 579 Mts. abovethe sea-level in the headquarters of the District Pauri Garhwal and the Garhwal Division.There is Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University and Medical college, numberof schools and Inter colleges are in Srinagar. Headquarters of all Govt. departments arelocated in the District Pauri .

19. The project site is uncultivated barren civil forest land. The proposed site is 6 Km

away from the NH-58 connecting Haridwar to Rudrapryag and Chamoli Districts. All themajor utilities like Fire station, Hospital, Medical college, Police station, Schools,Colleges and University etc. are available in the Srinagar town which is 11 Km awayfrom the project site. Details of Srinagar town are given below:-

Formal Re-establishment : 1896

Longitude / Latitude : 30o

13' N | 78o

36' E

Region/Location : Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand Central Himalayas, India

Area/STD Code : 01346

Zip/Pin Code : 246174

Population : 19,861 (2001census)

Literacy : 83%

Area : 9.659 Sq Kilometers

Altitude : 579 Meters

Weather : Mild in Winter and Hot in Summer

Temperatures : Average Temperature 24o

C

Maximum Temp. 42o C | Minimum Temp. 10o C


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20. This project is the part of scheme submitted to ADB for financial assistance inAlaknanda Basin to evacuate the power of the following Power Houses

Lata Tapovan NTPC (171 MW)

Badrinath GMR Energy (140 MW)

Vishnugad NTPC (520 MW)

Pipalkoti THDC (444 MW)

Devsari SJVNL (330 MW)

Langrasu UJVNL (141 MW)

Bawala Nandprayag UJVNL (300 MW)

Srinagar P/H GVK (330 MW)

Rambhara Lanco (76 MW)

Phatabyung Lanco (76 MW) Singolibhatwari L&T (99MW)

SHPs.

21. The Initial Environment Examination Report has been prepared by PowerTransmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Ltd. (PTCUL) to comply with the requirementsof ADB for its Power Sector Development Loan for the Transmission Improvementproject Transmission system associated with Alaknanda basin projects more than 3000MW HEP being constructed by NTPC, THDC, GVK, GMR and SHPs atChamoli/Pauri/Udhamsingh Nagar districts of Uttarakhand state by the year 2008-2009

to 2011-2012.22. The IEE report describes the environment in the State of Uttarakhand, where theproposed transmission project is to be located and various measures that will be takenby PTCUL during design, construction and maintenance stages altogether to avoid andwherever not possible to mitigate the effect on environment of various constructionactivities.

2.2 Additional Justifications for the project

23. In addition to the above justification, the overall power scenario of Uttarakhandas described below also justifies the construction of new substation. The total proposed

pooled power at 400 KV Srinagar S/s will be more than 3000 MW. This substation willevacuate the pooled power of generators in Alaknanda Basin which are given below:

24. Lata Tapovan NTPC (171 MW), Badrinath GMR Energy (140 MW), VishnugadNTPC (520 MW), Pipalkoti THDC (444 MW), Devsari SJVNL (330 MW), LangrasuUJVNL (141 MW), Bawala Nandprayag UJVNL (300 MW), Srinagar P/H GVK (330MW), Rambhara Lanco (76 MW), Phatabyung Lanco (76 MW), Singolibhatwari L&T(99MW) and SHPs.


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25. After the construction of new 400 KV substation at Srinagar, Srinagar willbecome the pooled power hub. Presently Srinagar town and nearby areas are feed inradial mode through single circuit 132 KV Rishikesh- Srinagar line. Whenever there isany breakdown or shutdown in the line there is no alternate supply on EHV system.400/220/132 KV sub-station Srinagar will be connected with existing 132 KV substationSrinagar, the EHV system will strengthen and reliability of the supply to the Srinagartown and its nearby areas will be more.

26. Similarly 400/220/132 KV sub-station Srinagar will be connected with 132 KVsub-station Simli (Karanpryag) and 132 KV sub-station Satpuli (Pauri), the EHV systemwill strengthen and reliability of the supply to the Simli and Satpuli sub-stations.Reliability of the supply to the 132 KV sub-station Kotdwar, which is an industrial area,will also increase as it will be connected to 400/220/132 KV sub-station Srinagarthrough 132 KV sub-station Satpuli.

27. Reasons of forecasted generation and demand growth

i) Due to rapid growth of the hydro power generation sector, helped by theNations special attention to the growth of Uttarakhand.

ii) Due to rapid growth of the industrial sector, helped by the Nations specialattention to the growth of Uttarakhand.

iii) Higher consumption in the domestic sector due to development under Govt.APDP scheme and increasing use of modem gadgets.

iv) Also, the Government of India (GOI) has envisaged 100% electrification ofvillages by the end of 11th plan i.e. by 2012 and coverage of 100%households by the 11

thplan, i.e. by 2012. At present, about 5% of the

villages needs to be electrified.

28. There is urgent need of system up gradation, this need will be fulfilled by the

ADB under the program loan. The project will help in evacuation of upcoming powergeneration, operational efficiency, quality of power and reliability of the system.

2.3 Implementation Plan

29. The proposed project involves construction of new 400 KV Sub-station. Since theland has already been acquired for the purpose, hence the land acquisition problemsare not there. The activities for the development of land are already in progress. Tenderfor procurement of equipments, erection of sub-station equipments, testing andcommissioning has already being initiated and technical evaluation has been done , theproject is expected to start by the end of 2008 The project is expected to take 24-26

months for completion.


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3.0 DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENT

30. The description of the surrounding environmental conditions around theproposed substation area is given briefly in following sections.

3.1 Environmental Settings

3.1.1 Sub-station at Srinagar

31. The study area comprises of mainly scrub and bushes. The temperature variesmaximum of 42oC to minimum of 10oC. The average rainfall in the area is 1547 mm.The soil in the study area is yellowish in colour with loamy texture. The geology consistsof mixed alluvium and sandstone shale grit and conglomerate. The region consists ofentirely medium to high grade metamorphic rocks and is intruded by latter volcanicrocks. The study area is not a flood prone area. The population in the study areaconsists of mostly farmers and workers.

3.2 Seismicity

32. The study area falls under Zone IV and slightly above on modified Mercalli

Intensity Scale, where the maximum intensity could reached VIII which is not the mostsevere seismic zone and is referred as Medium Damage Risk Zone.

3.3 Ecological Resources

Flora

33. Ferns: Over 120 species of fern grow in damp ravines, Covered rocks and treetrunks. Fueli Ferns grow abundantly in the monsoon month of July, August andSeptember.

34. Tree: The hills abound wild cherry, wild Apple, Spindle Wood, Oak, Fig, Poplar,

Holly, Rhododendron, Masuri Berry, Dogwood, Horse Chestnut and hill tuna. At higheraltitudes, forests are crowded with Himalayan cypress, Deodar, Blue pine, Fir and Longleafed pine.

35. Acacia Arabica (Babul): This tree and other of same genus yield a gum, which isused as substitute for gum Arabic.

36. Egle Marmelos (Bel): The fruit is a specific in atonic diarrhea and dysentery.

37. Artemisia Vulgris (Pati) : It has stomachic and tonic properties and is given infevers.

38. Boenning Hausenia albiflora (Pisu-ghas): Exported and used as a medicine forpoultry.

39. Bauhinia Veriegata (Kachnar): The root in decoction is useful in dyspepsia andflatulency, the flowers with sugar as gentle laxative, and the bark, flowers or roottriturated in rice-water as a cataplasm to promote suppuration.


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40. Berberis Lycium (Kingora-ki-jar): An extract from the roots is known as rasaut.The medicinal extract is highly esteemed as a febrifuge and as a local application in eyediseases.

41. Bombax Malabaricum (Semal): The gum is given in asthenic cases, the rootfurnishes one of the musali and is used as a stimulant and tonic and in large doses asan emetic, and the leaves are employed as an aphrodisiac and in special diseases.

42. Cinnamomum Tamala Tej (Bark), Tejpat (Leaves): The bark and leaves are usedas a carminative, aromatic and stimulant in coughs and dyspepsia and generally assubstitute for tree cinnamon.

43. Aconitum Hetrophyllum Atis (Root): It is used as a tonic, febrifuge andaphrodisiac.

Fauna

44. The valleys of Garhwal are quite rich in wild life and are excellent grounds for thenaturalist. Shielded from trigger-happy populace, animals and birds abound in the thickforests.

45. Animals: The cat family is abundant in these mountains and would include theTiger, Panther, Civet cat, Leopard cat and Jungle Cat. Relatives of the domesticateddog would include the Himalayan Silver Fox and the Jackal. Various species of deerincluding the Musk Deer and the Barking Deer roam in the forest. Sambhar and Guralas well as the Bear and the Porcupine can also be seen. The flying mammal, the Battoo is common. Among the most adorable animals in this region are the Chipmunk, theRhesus Monkey and the Flying Squirrel.

46. Birds: Over 400 varieties of birds have been recorded in the Himalayan region.The shore Bird- Musphekraa forest host, the Jewel Thrush, Black headed Oriole, Black

headed yellow Bulbul, Rosy Minivet, Laughing Thrush, Golden Backed Wood peckerand the Blue fly Catcher, Wintering waterfowl include the Goosander, Brahminy Duck &Green Shank, Grey headed Fishing Eagles may also be seen by the river edge. Afterascending over 5000 feet, the Woodpecker, Thrush & Warbler become more common,between 8000-11000 feet, Grosbeak, Rock Thrush, Crested black Tit & red headedLaughing Thrush are a plenty.

3.4 Human and economic development

47. This section discusses the baseline scenario of the socio-economic environmentin the study area. The issues discussed are population, education, employment,community services and transportation. For assessing the baseline socio-economic

data, information from secondary data sources i.e. the 2001 Census data has beenconsidered.


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3.4.1 Population, Literacy and Employment

48. The population density of Pauri is 159/sqr Km. For Srinagar town the details forthe socio-economic statistics like total population, density, sex ratio, literacy rate,workers & non-workers, schedule caste and schedule tribe is given in Annexure -3.

3.4.2 Health and Education

49. Srinagar has the best educational and medical facilities. The details on the healthand educational facilities are given in Annexure - 4.

3.4.3 Drinking Water, Electricity, road and Fire fighting

50. The main source of drinking water is natural source and tap water. The details ondrinking water electricity, fire-fighting facilities are given as Annexure -5.

3.4.4 Economy

51. Economic profile in the study area is given as Annexure -6.

3.4.5 Sanitary Facilities

52. The normal mode of disposal of sewage is through open drains and pit system.The details on sanitary facilities are given as Annexure-7.

3.4.6 Health environment

53. The project site is situated on hills in very good climatic condition, there is no air,noise, water and industrial pollution. Health environment is very good.

3.4.7 Historical, cultural and archaeological sites /places

54. There are no historical/archeological sites in the study area around the proposed

new substation.


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4.0 SCREENING OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATIONMEASURES.

4.1 Environmental problems due to project location and design

55. Potential adverse environmental impacts associated with location of proposednew station has already been avoided or minimized through proper site selection. Thesite selection has been done in such a way that human resettlements are away, does

not affect monuments of cultural or historical importance, does not create a threat to thesurvival of any community with special reference to tribal communities, does not affectany public utility services like playgrounds or schools, does not affect any sanctuaries,national park and reserve forest areas.

4.2 Environmental problems associated with Construction and OperationStage

56. The project activities would involve transportation of material and equipment,erection of sub-station steel structures, construction of foundation material forstructures, etc. and cable trench, grounding of switch yard equipment, installation of theequipments (such as transformers, circuit breaker, lightning arrester, power and control

cables, bus bars), testing and commissioning of these equipments. During the operationphase most of the construction phase impacts will get stabilized and the impacts will berestricted only to the operation and maintenance of the substation.

57. The impacts on the environment from various activities of the project can becategorized as follows:

Impact on Physical Resources

Impact on Topography Impact on Climate

Impact on Environmental Resources

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

Impact on Ecological Resources

Terrestrial Ecology Wild Life Aquatic Ecology

Human Environment

Health and Safety Agriculture


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Socio-economics Resettlement and Rehabilitation Cultural sites Traffic and Transport

Waste Disposal

Solid waste disposal Liquid waste disposal

58. The impacts of the project activities on various environmental attributes arediscussed in subsequent sections.

4.2.1 Impact on Physical Resources

Impact on Topography

59. During the construction of the proposed project, the topography will change dueto leveling of the proposed uneven site. The permanent change would be the presence

of substation and associated structures on the leveled land. Cutting of trees (121 no) isminimum and its approval from forest department has already been obtained andamount has been deposited.

Impact on Climate

60. The project involves negligible deforestation and/or vegetation. Hence impact onclimate is not anticipated.

4.2.2 Impact on Environmental Resources

Impact on Air quality

61. During the construction phase, the activities would involve excavation, movementof transporting vehicles along the haul road (through pucca roads, but are notmaintained). All these activities would give rise to emission of dust particles therebyaffecting air quality marginally at the site which although will be transitory in nature.Sprinkling of water during excavation will reduce the dust emission to the greater extent.

62. The project will not have any negative impact on the air quality of the regionduring the operation phase.

Impact on Noise Levels

63. During the construction, the major sources of noise pollution are movement of

vehicles transporting the construction material and equipment to the site. The majorwork of the construction is expected to be carried out during the day time. The noiseproduced during the construction will have negligible impact on the residents ofVillagers as they are too far more over the exposure for very short period.

64. During the operation phase of the project there will noise from the substation dueto transformers operation which will be felt only up to 15 to 50 m from the substation


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area. However there are no settlements within the distance of 50 m of the proposedsub-station. It is proposed that the substation area should be surrounded by wall, whichwill have sound attenuation effect and proper maintenance of theequipments/machineries inside the sub-stations so that the ambient noise level meetsthe CPCB standard for residential areas (55 dB(A) during daytime and 45 dB(A) duringnight time ) at the boundary of sub-station.

Impact on Surface Water Quality

65. The construction and operation of the proposed project will not have any majorimpact on the surface and ground water quality in the area. Contamination to waterbodies may result due to spilling of construction materials and surface runoff from theconstruction site joining the water body. There may be increase in the turbidity levels in

Alaknanda River at Srinagar substation if the surface runoff from the substation meetsthe river. This can be avoided by construction of sedimentation pond at the constructionsite.

66. It is proposed to employ workers for the construction purpose. Adequate drinkingwater facilities, sanitary facilities and drainage in the temporary colonies of theconstruction workers should be provided to avoid the surface water pollution. Provisionof adequate washing and toilet facilities with septic tanks and appropriate refusecollection and disposal system should be made obligatory. This should form an integralcomponent in the planning stage before commencement of construction activity.

67. Sedimentation ponds should be provided at the substation site during theconstruction phase. The sludge generated at the trap should be kept in specified placeinside the premise of sub-stations and sold to authorized contractors/third parties. Nosludge disposal on land should be done.

Impact on Ground Water Quality

68. Ground water pollution can take place, if chemical substances and oily waste getleached by precipitation of water and percolate to the ground water table. Avoidingspilling at the construction site will minimize the chances of leaching constructionchemicals to the ground water. Adequate treatment facilities at the substation areasshould be provided as stated above to avoid ground water pollution.

Impact on Soil and Geology

69. The impact on soils will be due to the soil erosion at the construction site andalong the access routes due to excavation activity and land clearance, leveling andstabilization of sub-station construction sites will be done after completion ofconstruction activity. Construction chemicals will be handled properly to avoid any soil

contamination.

70. Geological impacts are related to damage due to seismic conditions. The studyfalls under marcalli intensity scale zone IV where the max. Intensity could reach VIIIWhich is not severe seismic zone. However, foundation design needs to be doneconsidering the probability of occurrence of earthquake at the design stage itself.


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4.2.3 Impact on Ecological Resources

Terrestrial Ecology

71. There are few trees which has already being cut by the forest department afterdepositing the required amount by the PTCUL as land belongs to forest department andlease out to PTCUL for 30 years. There is no wildlife sanctuary, wetland or reserveforest in the close vicinity of the proposed substations. The proposed project area of

Srinagar hosts small patches of vegetation which mainly consists of few scrubs andtrees like bamboo, mango, teak, eucalyptus etc. Plantation around the substation areawill improve the ecology and aesthetics in the surrounding.

Wild Life

72. The faunal species in the study area is mainly of those associated with manmadehabitat. No wild life occurrence is there around the substation areas. There may bepossibility of bird hits to the conductors, which should be avoided by installing thedeflectors.

Impact on Aquatic Ecology

73. Impact on aquatic ecology is not anticipated, as the site is located approximately500 mt away from the water bodies. There are changes of surface runoff duringconstruction activity meeting the Alaknanda River at Srinagar site which is located onthe upland hill adjacent to the river. The surface runoff should be routed to thesedimentation pond to avoid the river water pollution.

4.2.4 Impact on Human Environment

Health and Safety

74. Health and safety impacts will be in terms of risk of accidents and exposure to

electromagnetic fields at the substation. The accidents may due to electro-cutting,lightening, fires and explosions. The lightening arresters should be provided at strategiclocations in the substation. Sufficient number of fire protection equipments like buckets,fire extinguishers, fire water tank should be provided for emergency needs. At thesubstation level, the safety and emergency procedures manual should be kept.Necessary training regarding safety aspects to the personnel working at the substationand line inspectors should be provided. Personal protective equipments like safetygloves, helmet, mufflers etc will be provided during construction period and during themaintenance work. The importance should be given to maintain hygienic conditions andgood aesthetics at the substation.

Agriculture

75. Proposed Srinagar sub-station is located at Khandukhal Village; civil forest landhas been leased out through state government and is in possession with PTCUL.

Acquisition of agriculture land has been avoided as far possible for the substation.Hence no major impact on the agriculture is envisaged. No surrounding agriculture landwill be affected due to construction activity, as the access to the site will be through theexisting roads.


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Socio-economics

76. Beneficial impacts are envisaged on socio-economic conditions, as there willrural and urban electrification. There will also be job opportunities during theconstruction period for the local population. At the state level, the industrial developmentmay take place, which will trigger the economic growth on the regional scale.

Resettlement and Rehabilitation

77. The land acquisition does not involve the displacement of any houses at the newsubstations as the land belongs to forest department and lease out to PTCUL for 30years.

Cultural sites

78. There are no archaeological, historical or cultural important sites around thesubstations; hence the impacts on these sites are not envisaged.

Traffic & Transport

79. During the construction phase, traffic disturbance needs to be minimized byavoiding high-density areas, proper traffic signs, ensuring proper access roads andavoiding road blockage.

4.2.5 Waste Disposal

Solid waste disposal

80. The solid waste generation at the substations will include metal scraps, woodenpacking material etc. Solid waste/scrap will be collected and disposed of in compliancewith the Environmental Protection Act, 1986, and applicable regulations and rules.

Liquid waste disposal

81. Main liquid waste is the oil waste etc. PTCUL has discontinued procurement ofpoly-chlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) transformer oil. Pure hydrocarbon mineral oil will beused for transformers, current transformers, potential transformers and capacitors underthe project which will not have any adverse environmental impacts. Separated oilywaste will be collected and disposed of in compliance with the Environmental Protection

Act, 1986, and applicable regulations and rules.

82. The environmental impact matrix and the mitigation measures are given inTable-4.1 below.


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Table 4.1:Environmental Impact Matrix

S.No.

Environmental attribute

Potential impacts Nature ofimpact

Magnitude of impacts Mitigation m

Low Medium High

A. PhysicalResources

1. Topography Change in the surfacefeatures

Direct/Local/irreversible

X Plantation substation aaesthetics

2. Climate No impacts on theclimatic conditions

Direct/Local/irreversible

X No mitigation

B. Environment

al Resources1. Air Quality Due to increase of dust

project will havemarginal impact on airquality.

Direct/Local/reversible

X Watering atlimited bare of vehicles

2. Noise Noise due to generalconstruction activitieson the nearbysettlements


X No nearhowever regenerating and use of pequipment

mufflers etc.the constructlow noise ge


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Noise arising fromsubstation operationand corona noise fromconductors


X There is no area. Monitcorona noiscorrect probl

Proper mequipments/ the ambient met

3. Surface andGroundWater quality

Runoff from theconstruction site


X Sedimentatiosubstations f

Domestic wastewaterfrom construction sitesand during substationoperation


X Domestic wproviding sep

Oil spillage indirect/Local/reversible

X Containmentwater sepagood practicand mainten

Oil contaminationduring maintenance

indirect/Local/reversible

X Oil trap separation of

4. Soils andGeology

Soil erosion due toconstruction activities.


X Stabilization Proper handchemicals to


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Damage due toseismic activity

Direct/regional/ reversible

X Site alreadproper fouconsideringconditions the area

C. EcologicalResources

1. TerrestrialEcology

Loss of vegetation Direct/Local/irreversible

X Plantation substation the ecologyin the surro

2. TerrestrialFauna

Disturbance to thelocal fauna duringconstruction


X No wildlifsubstation associated Hence no

required.Disturbance to thelocal fauna duringoperation


X Monitoring during theuse of defle

3. AquaticEcology

No significant impactsenvisaged


X No mitigatio

D. HumanEnvironment

1. Health andSafety

Exposure toelectromagnetic fields

Direct/Local/continuous

X Substation the settlemin the immemitigations


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Fires, explosion andother accidents at thesubstations

Direct/Local X Use of peequipmentsconstructionmaintenancimplement emergencyRegular insfor fault

accidents. protection Provision arrestors

2. Agriculture Permanent andtemporary loss ofagriculture


X No mitigatithere is nagriculture

3. Socio-economics

Beneficial impacts fromrural and urbanelectrification. Jobopportunities duringconstruction phase

Direct/regional

X Unskilled jduring thperiod. Insuch as pedomestic itlocal suptrolley, donconstructionOverall ecothe region.

4. Resettlement Resettlement of the

house in substationareas

Direct/Local/

reversible

X No displace

hence required


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5. Cultural sites No archaeological,historical or culturalimportant sites areaffected by theconstruction of thesubstations


X No mitigatio

6. Traffic and

Transportation

Traffic congestion due

to movement ofconstruction vehicles

Direct/Local/

reversible

X Avoid high

proper trafconstructioproper acc

E Solid WasteDisposal

Probability of Surfaceand ground pollution

indirect/Local/ reversible

X The woodscrap will disposed owith the Protection applicable rules.

F Liquid (Oil)wasteDisposal

Probability of Surfaceand ground pollution indirect/Local/ reversible X The oil slseparately containers in compliEnvironmeAct, 1986,regulations


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5.0 INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORINGPROGRAM

5.1 Institutional arrangements

83. The mitigation measures suggested requires monitoring of environmental

attributes both during construction and operational phase of the project. PTCUL have aseparate environmental cell for dealing with the various environmental issues at thecorporate level. In the PTCUL there is environmental cell both at the corporate andregional levels to monitor and implement environmental good practices.

84. The environment management cell at both the levels is headed by qualified andexperienced engineer who is well aware of the project activities and its impacts on theenvironment. The engineer should be able to give guidance to the personnel to adopt theenvironmental good practice.

85. The duties of the environmental cell at the corporate level:

Monitoring and implementation of mitigation measures during construction andoperation phases of the project.

Prepare environmental management cell at both the levels is headed byqualified and experienced engineer who is aware of the project activities andits impacts on the environment. The engineer should be able to give guidanceto the personnel to adopt the environmental good practice.

Advising and coordinating regional environmental management cells activitytowards effective environment management.

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

Department of environment and sought their help to solve the environment

related issues of the project implementation. Advise to project planning cell on environmental and social issues while route

selection of the alignment at the planning stage to avoid negativeenvironmental impact.

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

86. The duties of the environmental cell at the regional level:

Implement the environment policy guidelines and environmental goodpractices at the sites.

Advising and coordinating the field offices activity towards effectiveenvironment management.

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

environment monitoring related issues.


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Carry out environmental and social survey in conjunction with project planningcell while route selection of the alignment at the planning stage to avoidnegative environmental impact.

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

87. Institutional Structures and Responsibility for Environmental Management Plan atPower Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited (PTCUL) is given in Figure 5.1below:

Figure 5.1: Institutional Structures and Responsibility for Environmental ManagementPlan at Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited (PTCUL)

EnvironmentalDegradation,

Pollution, social

issues andcommunity

development,Resettlement,

PovertyAlleviation

Coordinate withMoEF, GoUK,GOI, ADB and

other regulatoryauthorities

duringconstruction

and operationstages ofproject

EMSD(Project in-

charge)

Environmental IssuesSupervision of Environment

related activities

Social IssuesSocial Issues, Community

Development, R&R,

EMSTDy.GM, Ex.Engineer

Responsible forsupervisingcontractors and

overseeing theimplementationof EMP

PIUEnvironmentalprofessionals,(Engineers,fieldsupervisors)Responsible

monitoring andreportingprogress on theEMP

ExecutiveEngineer

Responsible foraddressing

social issues ofthe community

ExecutiveEngineer

Responsible foraddressingcommunityconcerns and

overseeingresettlementissues

EMSD = Environmental Management and Social Department, EMP = environmental management plan, EMST =Environmental management and Social Team, MOEF = Ministry of Environment and Forests, PIU = ProjectImplementation Unit


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5.2 Environmental monitoring

88. During the construction and operation phase of this project, the monitoring of theenvironmental aspects shall be done at the substation level by a competent officer underguidance of the regional and corporate level offices. During the construction phase, the

prospective contractor should ensure that activities like handling of earth work, clearingwork, access road construction, putting proper traffic signals is done properly to haveminimum impact. This in turn should be monitored by the Engineer-inCharge of theindividual substation. Preventive maintenance should be carried out to identify andresolve problems related cooling oil, gaskets, circuit breakers, vibration measurements,and other monitoring activities at regular intervals.

89. Monitoring of oil water separation and sanitary waste treatment should be doneperiodically to avoid water pollution. Other environmental good practices include noiseabatement, maintaining hygienic conditions, maintenance of fire and safety equipmentetc. Clearing of grass should be done periodically and medium height tree plantationaround the substation wall should be done at the substation areas. Monitoring report

should be prepared once in six months with the corrective action plan for the problemareas.

90. Overall the environmental good practices should be followed as per environmentalpolicy guidelines.

5.3 Environmental Management Plan

91. The main benefits of the environmental mitigation plan are (i) ensuring thatenvironmental standards are met during design, construction, and operation of theproject; (ii) providing offsets to negate project impacts especially ecological impacts, e.g.,

in the form of compensatory afforestation, greenbelt development and landscaping.Without such expenditures, the project might generate large environmental impacts,causing the biophysical environment in the area to deteriorate and indirectly depressingthe economies of local communities. No tree cutting is involved for the construction of thesubstation at 400 Kv sub-station at Srinagar.

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

b. The 400 KV substation project cost is 172.08 crores which includes the no landcost, as it is government land. The EMP costs for the substation are given belowin Table5.1 below:


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Table 5.1: EMP Cost during Construction Stage

S.

No.

Activity Unit Rate

(INR)

Quantity Amount

(INR) Lacs

1 Safety awareness program

among the villagers and

workmen. The contractor willconduct Information Education

and Consultation Communication

(IEC) campaigns at least every

other month, addressed to all site

staff and labour to the immediate

local community and project

affected people about the project

related environment management

and social issues.

No. - at least

every

othermonth

Contractor

shall

implementthe same as

per clause

22.1 of

Section 8

Special

Condition of

Contract

2 Water sprinkling at haul road forsuppression of dust due to vehicle

movement/heavy machinery

movement will be done with water

tankers/manually as per

requirement of the conditions at

site to minimize the dust pollution.

- - - Contractorshall

implement

the same as

per clause

22.1 of

Section 8

Special

Condition of

Contract

3 Personal Protective Equipment(PPE) such as Safety Helmets,

gumboots, safety Jackets, Ear

plugs & Nose masks to workers

working at construction site. The

number of safety jackets at site

store will be at least 10 jackets

and 75 numbers of each of the

following PPE items will be

available at site at one time.

a) Helmetsb) Gumboots

c) Nose masks

d) Ear plugs

No. - 75 Thecontractor will

maintain a

stock of at

least 75

PPEs in his

stores for

uses as per

clause no

22.2 of

Section 8 -Special

Condition of

Contract.


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S.

No.

Activity Unit Rate

(INR)

Quantity Amount

(INR) Lacs

4 Provision of sanitation facility

around the camp site.

- - - Contractor

shall

implement

the same asper clause

22.2 of

Section 8

Special

Condition of

Contract

5 Construction stage monitoring of

Ambient Air and Ambient Noise

due to construction activity by

approved monitoring agency -Once in 3 months interval near

habitation close to construction

site. Payment will be made after

the verification from the site

engineer.

A) Ambient Air monitoring

B) Ambient Noise monitoring

C) Drinking water monitoring atcamp site

No.

No.

No.

8500

4000

7500

12

12

12

1.02

0.48

0.90

6 Green belt development inside the

campus of sub-station

Lump

sum

5.0

7 Environmental enhancement such

as repairing, whitewashing of

worship places and schools,

provision of drinking water

facilities, sitting benches etc. and

development of green belt along

the worship place and schools,

repairing of approach road and

provision of bathing ghats close to

project site. Detail plan with

costing will be prepared by

Implementing Agency and upon

Lump

sum

18.1


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S.

No.

Activity Unit Rate

(INR)

Quantity Amount

(INR) Lacs

approval by Engineer/PTCUL, it

will be executed. Upon verification

of concern Engineer, the payment

shall be done.8 Medical camps for workmen and

society including checkup of

Sexually Transmitted Infections

(STI) and Sexually Transmitted

Diseases (STD) including

HIV/AIDS and health awareness

program on monthly basis shall be

done by the Contractor. Payment

to the contractor for preparation

and implementation this programshall not exceed the provisional

sum dedicated for this purpose

(Clause 22.2.7 of Section 8 of

Special Condition of Contract)

No. 15000 30 4.50

Total EMP cost during construction stage 30.00

92. The land has been provided by the State Government. There is no permanent ortemporary structure on the land, hence there is no resettlement. There is no tree on thisland hence no forest compensation is required.

6.0 PUBLIC INFORMATION AND CONSULTATION

93. Whenever a power transmission system is planned and put up for theGovernments approval, a Gazette notification of the transmission scheme is made in thestate Gazette under section 29(II) of the Electricity (Supply) Act of 1948. The details ofthe schemes including the locations ( villages/towns) through which it will pass should bepublished in daily news papers of the area for information and to solicit comments, fromthe public within stipulated period. This is to allay fears and apprehensions of people andthe objections or suggestions received, are considered in the location of the project.Presently the public consultation is done as a part of social assessment separately toascertain the peoples reaction and the related issues are covered separately in thesocial assessment report.

94. During the survey, public consultation has done to know the peoples perceptionsabout the project and environmental problems. The purpose of the public consultationincludes the following:

To ascertain the public views on various environmental issues related to sub-station;


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To encourage and provide for peoples participation in project implementation; and

To obtain new insight and site specific information, and to appropriating possible

mitigation measures based on local knowledge of the communities.

Process Adopted:

95. Public consultation is an integral part of EMP report. Community consultationscovering Environmental and Social aspects have been done close to proposed route oftransmission line with Panchayat members and local villagers including women group.Local communities, who are primary stakeholders, have been chosen for consultation.Focused group discussion with the local community is adopted as a tool for theconsultation along the transmission line. The local communities had been informed inadvance about the date, venue, and purposes of the public consultation with briefing onproject interventions including its benefits and disadvantages. The environmentalconcerns and suggestions made by the participants has been listed out, discussed anddissolved.

96. The details of scheme including the locations (villages/towns) where the routealignment of transmission line is proposed is published in daily news papers Amar Ujala,Uttarakhand edition, Danik Jagran, Uttarakhand edition and Times of India , Delhi edition)for information and to solicit comments from the public within stipulated period is given inAnnexure 9.1.

97. Information about the proposed project in English and Local language (Hindi) isshared, which is given in Annexure 9.2 (a) & Annexure 9.2 (b).

98. Public Consultation and Awareness Program in English and Local language(Hindi) for the proposed project is done based on certain questions, which is given in

Annexure 9.3 (a) & Annexure 9.3 (b).

Outcome of Public Consultation:

99. Most of the people seems to be unaware of the environment problems but after

awareness and consultation program, people felt necessary to have new transmission

line in the interest of development of state. After the discussion, the response of the

people was obtained on the response sheet. Public consultation details are summarized

in following table:

Public Consultation Details:

S.

No.

Issues Public Response PTCULs Explanations

1. Are you aware

of the project?

Most of the people were

unaware of the project.

Officers of PTCUL team explained the

importance of project and its benefits.


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S.

No.


2. Are you aware

of the

environmental

issues related

to the project?

a. Generally people

were worried about

the cutting of trees.

a. Consultation team ensured the people

that double the afforestation will be done

by the forest department at the expenses

of PTCUL to compensate the

deforestation. It was also briefed that

route alignment is done in such a way that

minimum tree cutting is required.

b. Some people were

worried about the

dust emission.

b. It was informed that soil excavation area

is very less for construction of tower

foundation and during the construction

spray of water will be done to mitigate the

dust emission.

c. Few people also

enquired about the

traffic/heavy vehicle

traffic.

c. Officers explained that tower will be

transported in parts and it will be done by

using the normal trucks.

d. Some people

were worried

about noise of

transport

vehicles

d. It was explained to them that construction

period for tower foundation near to the

specific village is very short and it is in

weeks.

e. Some people asked

the question about

the cutting of land

(benching work) and

stabilization of land,

if any.

e. It was briefed that designing of towers

(uneven legs extensions) is done in such

a way that minimum cutting of land, if any,

is require. Even if cutting of land is

required stabilization of land will done by

constructing retaining/breast wall and by

doing revetment work.

3. Other issues a. Some people,

especially ladies,

were worried about

the nuisance by the

outside workers.

a. Public was ensured that contractor will be

asked strictly to maintain the discipline

among the outside workers.

b. Some people asked

about the

employment from

this project.

b. It was informed that contractor will be

asked to prefer the local employment for

unskilled jobs. Indirect income to the

villagers will be generated in the form of

purchases by the outside workers for their

daily needs and in the form of animal


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S.

No.


transportation of material if required.

c. Some people asked

about importance of

constructing power

line in an already

electrified village.

c. It was explained to them that this line will

be of high voltage and will evacuate the

power generated in HEPs to load centers.

This will solve the problem of power

shortage, provide quality power at low

cost to the state consumers and by selling

the surplus power it will increase the

revenue of the State of Uttarakhand.

d. Some people

enquired about the

loss to their personal

land and crops, if

any.

d. It was ensured to them that it will be

avoided. However, if there is any loss it

will be compensated as per departmental

norms. Crop compensation will be

provided to them by PTCUL but the case

will be processed by the state government

revenue department.

100. General awareness was shared /imparted during the Public Consultation and

Awareness Program at the following villages:-

S. No. Name of Village Date No. of People

1 Khandukhal 20-08-2008 12

2 Benswada 20-08-2008 14

3 Dehalchori 20-08-2008 23

4 Maletha 21-08-2008 11

101. Attendance sheet and Photographs of public consultation are enclosed asAnnexure-9.4 and Annexure 9.5 respectively.


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7.0 FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

102. It is been evaluated form the impact matrix that the project will not have significantnegative environmental impacts and the project would help in improving thesocioeconomic conditions of this developing state. As the project falls in category B as

per the ADBs guidelines, no detailed EIA study is required.


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8.0 CONCLUSION

103. Based on the environmental assessment and surveys conducted for the project,associated potential adverse environmental impacts can be mitigated to an acceptablelevel by adequate implementation of the measures as stated in the IEE. Adequate

provisions should be made in the project to cover the environmental mitigation andmonitoring requirements, and their associated coasts.

104. As already mentioned, new 400 KV substation at Srinagar will evacuate the powerof under construction Hydro- electric power projects, improve operational efficiencyquality of power, reliability of the system and at the same time will reduce losses. Thetransmission (400 KV Srinagar- Kashipur line) of power between the two regions(Garhwal-Kumaon) will provide a tremendous boost to the economic and industrialdevelopment of Uttarakhand state and will strengthen the power transmission due toaddition of this new substation at Srinagar. Overall, the major social and environmentalimpacts associated with transmission project is limited to the construction period and can

be mitigated to an acceptable level by implementation of recommended measures and bybest engineering and environmental practices.


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Annexure: 1


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Annexure: 2


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Annexure 3: Demographic Structure of the Substation Location

NameofTown

Area(sq.Km.)

Population

Numberofhouseholds

Number ofoccupiedresidentialhouses

Populationdensity persq.km.

Sexratio(familiesper1000males)

Populationage 6yearsandabove

Number ofliteratesage 6yearsandabove

Literacyrate

WorkersandNon-workerstotalworkers

Mainworkers

Marginalworkers

Non-workers

Workparticpation rate(percent)

Srinagar 9.659 19861 3972 3938 159 962 14697 11916 83 5876 5236 640 13985 26.36


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Annexure 4: Health and education Facilities of the Project Location

Name ofTown

Hospitals Dispensaries Healthcenters

Familyplanningcenters

Nursinghomes

othermedicalinstitutions

Totalnumberof beds

Srinagar 3 3 3 3 5 1 500

ame ofown

Number ofschools -Primary

Number ofschools-Middle

Numberofschools-Secondary

Number ofschools-Seniorsecon

dary

Number ofvocationaltraining

institutions

Numberofpolytechnics

Number ofcollegesoffering

courses inArts

Science

Commerce

Medical

Engineering

rinagar 3 5 2 8 3 1 1 1 1 1 1


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Annexure 5 : Drinking Water Facilities, Electricity, Fire fighting, Roads at the project Location

Important Drinking watersources

Drinking water sourcecapacity in liters

Electricity (number ofconnections)

Namef

Town

Tapwater

Wellwater

Tankwater

Tubewell/hand-pump

Overheadtank

Servicereservoir

Riverinfiltrationgallery

Pressuretank

Domestic

Industrial

Commercial

Roadlighting(points)

Others

Suraceroad

Srinagr NA

DNA

DNA

DNA

DNA DNA

DNA DNA

Note: (i) NA for Not Available, (ii) DNA for Data Not Available, (iii) for Available


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Annexure -6 : Economic Structure of the project Areas

Name ofTown Annual income ofthe town 2007-2008 Annual expenditureof the town 2007-2008

Most importantcommoditiesimported

Most importacommoditiesexported

Srinagar DNA DNA Food Grains None



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Annexure -7: Sanitary Facilities at the Project Location

Two most prevalent systems of sewerage Number of latrines Two most prevalensoil

NameofTown

Sewer

Opensurfacedrains

Boxsurfacedrains

Skydrains

Cesspoolmethod

PitSystem

Others

Waterborne

Service

Others

Headload

Basket

Whlbarws

Srinagar NA NA NA NA DNA DNA DNA

DNA No No



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ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP)

Project activity/stage

Potentialimpact

Proposed mitigationmeasure

Parameter to bemonitored

Measurement frequency

Pre-construction/ Design-phase

Selection of land Change inland use

1. Avoidance of forest land,cultivable land and built-up area.

2. At least 100 m away fromthe surface water body

3. Should be away fromenvironmental sensitivelocations such as school,colleges, hospitals,religious structures,monuments etc

4. Minimum tree cuttingConsultation with localvillagers and relevantauthorities

Land use of the siteand nearby location

Part of detaileddesign survey

EquipmentSpecificationsand designparameters

Release ofChemicalsand gases inreceptors

1. Pollution Controlequipments to be used inSubstation transformersor other project facilitiesor equipment.

2. Process, equipment andsystem not to use CFCsincluding halon, and theiruse, if any, in existingprocesses and systemsshould be phased outand to be disposed off ina manner consistent withthe requirement of thegovernment

1. Transformersdesign

2. Process,equipment anddesign

Once during dephase


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Potentialimpact




Substationlocation anddesign

Exposure tonoise

Design of plant enclosuresto comply with noiseregulations.

Expected noiseemissions based onsubstation design

Compliance witregulations - on

Involuntaryresettlement orland acquisition

Socialinequities

Compensation paid fortemporary/ permanent lossof productive land as per

LAA & its process

RAP implementation Consultation waffected partiesonce in a quart

Encroachmentinto preciousecologicalareas

Loss ofpreciousecologicalvalues/damage topreciousspecies

Avoid encroachment bycareful site and alignmentselection

Sub-station location(distance to nearestdesignated ecologicalprotection area)

Consultation local authoritonce

Noise related Nuisance toneighbouringproperties

Substations designed toensure noise will not be anuisance.

Noise levels Noise levels tospecified in tedocumentsonPTCUL Part

detailed equipdesign

Designingdrainage pattern

Impact ongroundwaterand nearbyagriculturalfield

Appropriate mitigationmeasures to be adoptedin the design itself toavoid accidental hazardsin the drainage system

Ground condition forflow of drain water

Part of detaileddesign survey

Transformers designed withoil spill containmentsystems, and purpose-builtoil, lubricant and fuelstorage system, complete

With spill cleanupequipment.

Equipmentspecificationswith respect topotential pollutants

Tender documeto mespecificationsonce

Escape ofpollutingmaterials

Environmentalpollution

Substations to includedrainage and sewagedisposal systems to avoidoffsite land and water

Substation sewagedesign

Tender documeto mention detaspecificationsonce


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Potentialimpact




pollution.Equipmentsubmergedunder flood

Contamination of receptors(land, water)

Substations constructedabove the high flood level(HFL) by raising thefoundation pad.

Substation design toaccount for HFL(elevation withrespect to HFLelevation)

Base height asflood design - o

Explosions/Fire Hazards to

life

Design of Substations to

include modern fire controlsystems/firewalls.

Substation design

compliance with fireprevention andcontrol codes

Tender docume

to mention detaspecifications -once

RainwaterHarvesting

PositiveImpact

- - Part of detaileddesign survey

Uncontrollederosion/ siltrunoff

Soil loss,downstreamsiltation;

Need for access tracksminimised, use of existingroads.

Design basis andconstructionprocedures(suspended solids inreceiving waters;

area re-vegetated inm2; amount of bundsconstructed [length inmeter, area in m2, orvolume in m3])

Incorporating design constructionmanagementpractices onc

each site

Construction-Phase


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Potentialimpact




Equipmentlayout andinstallation

Noise andvibrations

Construction techniquesandmachinery selection seekingto minimize grounddisturbance.

Constructiontechniques andmachinery

Constructiontechniques andmachinery creaminimal grounddisturbanceoat the start of econstruction ph

Disturbednearbyfarmingactivities

Construction activities onland timed to avoiddisturbance on the nearbyfield crops (within 1 monthof harvest wherever

possible)

Time period ofavailable field crop

Crop disturbapost harvest

Crops once

PhysicalConstruction

Felled treesand othercleared orprunedvegetation tobe disposedof asauthorized bythe statutorybodies

Disposal of clearedvegetation as approved bythe statutory authorities(area cleared in m2)

Use or intended useof vegetation asapproved by thestatutory authorities

Amount of groudisturbance - oper site


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Potentialimpact




Noise,Vibration andOperatorsafety,efficientoperation

Construction equipment tobe well maintained.

The machines should beproperly fitted withsilencers

Regular maintenance ofconstructional equipments

Turning off plant when notin use

Constructionalequipments

Once at the staconstructionalactivities andleast once dmiddle construction sta

MechanizedConstruction

Noise,vibration,equipmentwear and tear

Proper maintenance andturning off plant not in use.

Constructionequipmentestimated noiseemissions andoperating schedules

Complaintsreceived by locauthoritiesev2 weeks

Increase inairborne dustparticles

Existing roads and tracksused for construction andmaintenance access to theline, wherever possible

Access roads, routes(length and width ofnew access roads tobe constructed)nearest dwelling or

social institution

Use of establiroads whepossible everweeks

Construction ofroads foraccessibility

Increasedlandrequirementfor temporaryaccessibility

New access ways restrictedto a single carriagewaywidth within the RoW

Access width(meters) &Tower location andline alignmentselection (distance toagricultural land)

Consultation local authoand land owOnce


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Potentialimpact




Temporaryblockageof utilities

Overflows,reduceddischarge

Temporary placement of fillin Drains/canals notpermitted.

Temporary fillplacement (m3)

Absence of fill isensitive drainaareasevery 4weeks

Site clearance Vegetation Tree clearances foreasement establishment toonly involve cutting trees offat ground level or pruningas appropriate, with treestumps and roots left in

place and ground cover leftundisturbed

Ground disturbanceduring vegetationclearance (area, m2)

Amount of grdisturbance - e2 weeks

Wood/vegetationharvesting

Loss ofvegetationanddeforestation

Construction workersprohibited from harvestingwood in the project areaduring their employment(apart from locallyemployed staff continuingcurrent legal activities).

Illegal wood/vegetationharvesting (area inm2, number ofincidents reported)

Complaints by people or evidence of ilharvesting - evweeks

Excess fill from towerfoundation excavationdisposed of next to roads or

around houses, inagreement with the localcommunity or landowner.

Location and amount(m3)of fill disposal

Appropriate filldisposallocationsever

weeks

Surplusearthwork/soil

Runoff tocauseConstruction

period waterpollution, solidwastedisposal Soil excavated from

Sub-station constructionSoil disposallocations and volume(m3)

Acceptable soildisposal sites

. every 2 weeks


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Potentialimpact




Loss of Soiland soilerosion due toexcavation

Fertile Top soil removed forconstruction shall be usedin backfilling for towers andremaining to be spreadover in nearby fields

Preservation of topsoil

Regular checkduring excavatiactivities

SubstationConstruction

Waterpollution

Avoidance of constructionalactivities during monsoon

pH, BOD, Mg, Na,Ca, K, Total

hardness, Fe etc

With approvedmonitoring age

at construction as per monitoriplan

Storage ofchemicals andmaterials

Contamination of receptors(land, water,air)

Fuel and other hazardousmaterials securely st

initial environmental assesement

Documents