E176 v7 Nepal Electricity Authority Social Impact Assessment of Khimti- Dhalkebar 220 kV Transmission Line Project Final Report Submitted to: Khimti- Dhalkebar 220 kV Transmission Line Project Darbar Marga, Kathmandu Submitted by: Environment and Social Studies Department Adwait Marga, Kathmandu and will cross Ramechap, Sindhuli and Mahottari districts and finally reaches the Dhalkebar substation of Dhanusha district. For the purpose of the SIA study, the study area is defined as the project area consisting of the right of way, substation area as well as the area that will be impacted due to the construction and operation of the project. The proposed project will cover 16 VDCs and one Municipality of the five districts. The right of way of the proposed project will be 15 meter each side from the centerline and approximately 12.5.m x 12.5-m area will be required for tower foundation. In most of the areas span of the tower will be 350 meter and in total 230 towers will be constructed in 73- km alignment. The number of angle points is 53 and tower is steel lattice structure, self supported type. The project component also includes extension of two 132 kV line bays, one each at Khimti and Dhalkebar existing substations. The estimated cost for the proposed project is 22 million US$ which will be jointly funded by World Bank, HMG/N and NEA. In order to carry out the project works the entire stretch of the line route will be segmented into two work sections and will be controlled from two ends. The working group of each section will be more or less mobile; hence small size temporary camp will be constructed for the implementation of project. Altogether 225 people will be employed in the project which includes 50 skilled, 65 semi skilled and 110 unskilled. 4.0 Existing Social Condition of the Project Area The total population of the project area is 114516 and number of households is 21668. The male and female populations are 56414 (49.26%) and 58102 (50.74%) respectively. Average household size varies in between 4.39 and 6.21 and total average constitutes 5.28 persons per household. Annual population growth rate in the project area is about 2%. Brahmin, Chettri, Tamang, Newar and Magar are the major ethnic groups found in the project area. 56.85 % population of the project area is literate. The literacy rate is high (68.28%) in Gauribas VDC of Mahottari district and lowest (43.40%) in Kathjore of Ramechhap district. Krishna temple, Kalika Devi, Ram temple, Bhimeshwor temple, Dhanaugi temple and Ganesh temples are the religious places found in the project affected VDCs. Health facilities in project area are inadequate and main diseases prevalent are stomachache, diarrhea, fever, tuberculosis, hysteria, sKin diseases etc. Firewood, Kerosene and electricity are the main source of energy for lighting and cooking. Due to accessibility and low cost most of the households in the project area use firewood for cooking. The project area includes predominantly rural economy with agriculture as a main source of livelihood and income. The other occupations include business, service, labor work and domestication of livestock. A variety of skills including mason, carpenter, tailor, blacksmith, shoemaker, weaving and driver are found in the project area. Irrigated, un-irrigated and grassland are the main land type occupied by the local people. Distribution of PAF by size of land holding reveals that most of the families cultivate less than 1 ha of land. Estimated annual income per household in project area is Rs. 72400 in which agriculture and labor/ wages contributes about 36% and 28.5 % respectively. Expenditure pattern of PAF residing along the RoW indicates that the share of expenditure on food is about 69%, which is relatively in higher side. Expenses on energy constitute 9% followed by clothing, education and medicine. About 350 -400 m stretch of the proposed alignment passes in the vicinity of the Manthali airport at a distance about 740 m from the airport. No objection letter from the airport authority was received during the study. 5.0 Potential Social Impact The social impacts likely to occur in construction phase are loss of 1.6 ha private land, relocation of 17 houses (7 double story and 10 single story), relocation of one block and toilet of Tamakoshi Higher Secondary School at Khimti besi, loss of standing crops, occupational safety impacts, likely impact on gender & vulnerable group and life style. The other impacts include changes in social and cultural practices, health and sanitation and infrastructures (access trail at AP-16). The operation phase impacts include devaluation of land in RoW, electric hazardous and electromagnetic impact, loss of agricultural production, withdrawal of economic opportunity, farming hindrance and loss of aesthetic value. Employment to 225 people and increase in local economy is the positive impact during construction phase. The operation phase impacts include increase in local skill and national economy. 6 . 0 Mitigation Measures Mitigation measures suggested during construction phase include compensation for the loss of private land and houses, school block, provision of land registration fee (7% of the compensation amount or actual amount spend in land purchase whichever is low), rental alllowances for 4 months, appropriate rent for leased land, temporary camp with adequate facilities for the workers, provision of first aid kits and vaccines against infectious and communicable diseases. Other mitigation programs include awareness program, availability of safety equipment's and device, strong code of conduct for the outside construction workers; no discrimination to the local people on the basis of gender, cast color or place of origin in Nepal; appropriate coordination with local and district level administration such as local VDCs, NGOs CBOs and construction of access trail to the cultural site at AP-16. The operation phase mitigation programs include 10% compensation for the deduction of land value and occupational safety measures. The enhancement measures during construCtion phase include priority to the local employment, and community support program. The operation phase mitigation program includes local employment and continuation of community support program for 2 years. Due priority shall be given in rural electrification since this is prime expectation of local people from the project. The total social estimated mitigation cost is NRs. 12.36 million NRs. Nepal Electricity Authority will have prime responsibility for the implementation of recommended mitigation measures. The mitigation program will be implemented in coordination with district level line agencies to the extent possible. 7.0 Social Monitoring Baseline, impact & compliance monitoring will be conducted in different phases of the project. Changes in settlement, public health, infrastructure and compliance of the tender clauses are the major areas of monitoring. The schedule of monitoring will be daily, quarterly, half yearly and yearly depending on the parameters and type of monitoring. NEA will have prime responsibility for the implementation of environmental monitoring. Besides NEA line agencies, will also have responsibility for environmental monitoring of the proposed project The Environmental and Social Studies Department on behalf of the project will conduct the pre- construction monitoring. Khimti-Dhalkebar Environmental Management Unit comprising of staff from ESSD, among others will be the institution responsible for construction phase monitoring. Grid Operation Department, NEA will conduct the operation phase monitoring of the project and ESSD will conduct some of the monitoring works on behalf of the department. The estimated total monitoring cost including social monitoring is 3.92 million NRs. /- for both construction phase and two years operation of the project. 8.0 Conclusion and Recommendations The study indicates that proposed project would have low to moderate impact on socioeconomic environmental condition of the area. The study concludes that construction of the proposed Khimti-Dhalkebar 220 kV/TL Project is socially feasible if recommended mitigation measures and monitoring plan is implemented. CHAPTER-1 INTRODUCTION 1. 1 Background Transmission lines are linear facilities. About 40% of Nepal's population is served by electricity and the per capita consumption of electricity in Nepal is 64 kW/h (NEA 2003). The total installed capacity of the Integrated Nepal Power System (INPS) is approximately 585 MW. To meet present increasing demand of power generation the existing capacity of the transmission needs to be upgraded or new transmission line should be constructed. The Khimti region (Watershed of Tamakoshi and Khimti Khola) has the hydropower potential of about 1041 MW. This potential is mainly from the development of Tamakoshi (Rolwalling), Likhu-4, Khimti -II Hydroelectric Projects. Thus in view of future system development plan Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) proposed Khimti -Dhalkebar 220 kV Transmission Line Project. The Power Development Projects, of which Khimti-Dhalkebar 220 kV project is a component, financed by World Bank aims to meet the objectives of HMG/N in extending access to electricity supply to a larger percentage of the population by supporting the development of Nepal's power sector. As a component of this project the Khimti -Dhalkebar 220 kV line is proposed to evacuate the power generated from Rolwaling Hydroelectric Project. This transmission line will aliso be connected with two existing Independent Power Producer (IPP) plants, Khimti and Bhotekoshi, with a view to exporting power to India as well as to serve the eastern region of the country. It will also provide an attractive route to evacuate the power from the IPP plants since they are already connected to the grid system through the Bhaktapur substation. Since the proposed project will be funded under Power Development fund provided by the World Bank the study has to satisfy requirement of "Policy Framework for Environmental Impact Assessment for projects under the Power Development Fund"2002. This Policy Framework was a~greed by Ministry of Water Resources and World Bank for financing Projects under Power Development fund in Nepal. The policy framework is more specific on socio-economic and cultural aspects of the development projects. It identifies certain criteria, which are salient in Environment Protection R.ules 1997(EPR) and Environment Protection Act (EPA) 1997 and needs to be addressed during Project Preparation. Considering aforementioned requirement a separate Social Impact Assessment (SIA) report is prepared focusing on social baseline, impacts, mitigation measures and social monitoring of Khimti - Dalkebar 220 kV transmission line project. This report is prepared by the Environmental and Social Studies Department (ESSD) of NEA as per the contract signed between Transmission Line/Substation Construction Department and ESSD. 1.2 Objectives of the Study The main objective of this study is to identify social baseline conditions of project area, assessment of potential impacts and to propose mitigation measures and monitoring plan on social aspects. CHAPTER-2 STUDY METHODOLOGY 2.0 General Literature review, field survey by the team of experts (observation, checklist and questionnaire survey), meeting and discussion with line agencies, group meetings and impact assessment matrix were the main methodology applied for the SIA study. The details of methodology applied to conduct SIA study of the proposed project is presented below. District Mahottari includes only forest area and Dolakha District is nominally connected by the route alignment. Therefore the social study focused mostly on Ramechhap, Sindhuli and Dhanusha districts out of 5 affected districts by the project. 2.1 Literature Review Relevant information from various sources (Central Bureau of statistics (CBS), District Profiles-, VDC Profiles and Publications of local NGOs have also been collected and reviewed for baseline information. Review of topographical maps and district map has also been done. The feasibility study report (2003) and seeping document of Khimti -Dhalkebar 220 kV Project has been reviewed. The World Bank guideline for transmission line project and SIA guideline prepared for the Nepal Power Development Fund were reviewed to determine frame of reference for SIA study. 2.2 Field Study The field investigation was carried out QY a group of social scientist compns1ng Socio- economist, Sociologist, ACRP expert and Senior Surveyor. The fieldwork was conducted in February- March and May -June 2004 and lasted for about 40 days. Team traversed throughout the alignment from Sahare of Dolkha to Dhalkebar of Dhanusha district to collect information on socio-economic and cultural aspects of the project area. The following methodology was applied to collect baseline information and impact prediction in Socio-economic and cultural environment. Inventory of Landowners from Cadestral Map Maps interpretation was an integral part of field survey. Topographic maps of the area were consulted and relevant information was collected. Khimti- Dalkebar 220 kV transmission line alignment drawn in topographic maps was transferred to cadastral maps of 1: 2500 scales by on the spot verification by junior surveyor (Amines). A 30m corridor was fixed on cadastral maps. By using parcel numbers within 30m-corridor landowner names were compiled which were further verified by the records of Land Revenue Office. The present list is outcome of aforementioned activities. The team faced the difficulty due to absent of uniform coordinates in topographic and cadastral maps. The area not covered by cadastral maps is covered by topographic map of route alignment. Thus total area is surveyed. Junior surveyor and staff of District Survey Office were mobilized to collect the list of landowners affected by the project. This list was further verified by Land Revenue Office to cross check and update the information. Questionnaire Survey Appropriate questionnaire was developed in Nepali language and administered in the project- affected area (Annex-1 ). The questionnaire was pre tested before administration to the local community at site. Cadestral maps and list of landholders along right of way of transmission line provided by District Revenue Office were considered for questionnaire interview. A random stratified questionnaire (sample) survey with equal probability of selection, proportionate to number of landowners was selected out of 16 VDCs and one municipality. Local enumerators were hired for questionnaire survey and 210 (29% of the total affected HH) were interviewed. A census was carried out for affected houses and land falling within Angle Towers. Separate data sheets for prices prevailing in the area were administered. The sample size is appropriate and represents the project area to draw conclusions and recommendations. The responses of the questionnaires were edited for consistency. The list of persons interviewed during the field survey is given in Annex-2. Checklist Survey/In depth Interview Former VDC Chairman, secretary and schoolteachers were interviewed to document information about local conditions expected impacts and mitigation measures. Thirty-two checklists were filled from above mentioned different persons, which include two from each VDC/Municipality affected by the project. Focused Group Discussion Gmup meeting was conducted at Kamlamai Municipality -10, Bhiman, Dhungarebas, Bijaya Chap, Rajabash, Tilpung, Kathjore, and Tulasi Bahunmara to discuss various issues likely to arise due to implementation of the project, existing socio-economic condition of the areas and views/ concerns of former representatives of VDCs, intellectuals and local people. Similarly, a meeting was also conducted with local NGOs such as Community Development Society, Tamakoshi Sewa Sammittee and Rural Health Development Project (Annex-3). The size of group ranges from 5-8 people. Local employment, rural electrification, compensation for the private assets and implementation of income generation program are the major concerns raised in-group meetings. The list of presentees and issues raised by them were noted down and are summarized in various sections of this report. 2.3 Data Analysis Data analysis was carried out by access computer program and as per formats of output tables provided by the expert. The main output data are presented in various chapters of this report. The collected data seems reliable because these data closely correlate with other available maps and publications. The impacts both positive and negative were identified and their severity was predicted. The appropriate mitigation measures are suggested as per the severity (i.e. magnitude, extent and duration) of the corresponding impacts. 2.4 Public Hearing Program The notice regarding the program was published in Gorkhapatra daily on 2061/5/25. The copy of the notice along with request letter for participation in the program was sent to concern ministries and departments, DOC office, local VDCs and district level line agencies. Audio n:!cord was made for the entire program and written concerns of the participants were collected. Public hearing was conducted at Manthali of Ramechhap district and Dhalkebar of Dhanusha district in order to provide opportunity for the maximum participation of local people and to discuss the findings of the EIA and SIA study and to collect the issues/ concerns of local people. The public hearing was focus on awareness about the project plan and program, building of mutual consensus about the implementation of the project, identification of the key impacts/issues and consideration of these issues/impacts during the preparation of final report. 2.5 Impact Assessment Matrix method was used to assess impact of the project on socio- economic and cultural environment. The magnitude, extent and duration of the impacts were categorized according to the National Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines, 1993. The impacts were further categorized as high, medium and low in terms of magnitude, short term, medium term and long term in terms of duration and local, site specific and regional in terms of extent. The families who loose land or any assets are classified project-affected families (PAFs) and those who lost their houses are classified as Seriously Project Affected Families (SPAFs). 2.5.1 Magnitude of Impacts Low Impact (L): If the impact is significant but limited to small magnitude Medium Impact (M): If the impact is of considerable magnitude High Impact (H): If the impact is of severe nature 2.5.2 Extent of Impacts Site Specific (S): If the impact is limited to the site itself then it is a site specific one. Local (L): If the impact of the work extends to the adjoining wards and or VDCs then it is termed as local Regional (R): If the impact of the work extends to the entire district or further then it is termed as regional. 2.5.3 Duration of Impacts Short Term (ST): If the duration of the impact is limited to the particular construction site then it is termed as a short-term impact. Medium Term (MT): If the impact of the work extends throughout construction period then it is termed as medium-term Impact. Long Term (L T): If the span of the impact expands beyond the construction phase of the project then it is termed as a long-term impact. 2.6Study Team A multidisciplinary team of experts conducted the SIA study. The following professionals were deployed for the SIA study of Khimti -Dhalkebar 220 kV Transmission Line Project. • Mr. S.C. Jha- Director ESSD • Dr. Mohan Deo Joshi- Team Leader/ Socioeconomist • Mr. Rabindra Chaudhary- Team Co-ordinator • Mr. D.S. Shrestha ACRP Expert • Mr. Rajan Rishi Kandel -Sociologist • Mr. Laxman Jha- Senior Surveyor • Mr. Mahesh Acharya- Data Analyst • Mr. Umesh Bista- Computer Operator CHAPTER - 4.0 EXISTING SOCIOECONOMIC CONDITION OF THE AREA 4.1 Socioeconomic Condition of the Project Affected Districts Details of relative indicators of development of the affected districts Dhanusha, Mahottari. Sindhuli, Ramechhap and Dolakha are provided in Annex-4, which indicates that these districts show mixed tendencies and are underdeveloped area in comparison with other districts of Nepal. They require central budget to develop basic infrastructure and their development potential. 4.1.1 Demography Altogether five districts are affected by 73-km long transmission line, which is located in Terai, Mid hills and Chure area of Nepal. Accordingly topography, climate and agricultural practices differ according to agro-climatical zones. Main demographical indicators are tabulated in Table 4.1.1, which indicate that Dhanusha is most populated followed by Mahottari, Sindhuli, Ramechhap and Dolakha. Male and female ratio has mixed tendency. Female outnumbers males in Dolkha and Ramechhap. Annual population growth rate is lowest in Dhanusha and highest in Sindhuli and Mahottari, which is approximately 2% per annum. Table- 4.1.1 Population Distribution of Project Affected Districts ..;. .. "'•1··~·.-.<···:··:·1> ~,'. ,~' ,' ,, , , , , , , , , , "' ',,, ~-~2,$:'> ,r5:[fffif:;::::'::-·, ~~~l.~~~~Ft~.~~:;,(~·l?ii;;.·. ~·::, j~· ~A,.!:,~",''" {,.::\.':/<;;:,~" :::::::-.-~ ~Rate l"'sN · ... · ~~..ri·ale · ·. Total · Annual Growth . · 0 1:.i :IVI~de. . .. . .... :;. .· ..::.. .1• Pef~~~)i,;~ : .. . . •·•· .•. · •.··· · 1 Dolkha 98832 103010 201842 1.54 2 Ramechhap 105594 113308 218902 1.53 3 Sindhuli 136857 135541 272398 1.98 4 Mohottari 276932 258552 535484 1.98 5 Dhanusha 353028 328124 681152 0.54 Total 971243 938535 1909778 Source: Nepal D1stnct Profile 2002, Nat10nal Development Institute 4.1.2 Education In terms of educational establishments Sindhuli had 705 schools and colleges. The number of educational establishments in Dolkha, Ramechhap, Mahottari and Dhanusha constitute 479, 523,347 and 504 respectively. Teacher .student ratio is highest in Dhanusha followed by Mahottari. It is lowest for Ramechhap. The published data reveal that literacy rates are 44, 34, 38, 32, and 38 percent in Dolakha, Ramechhap, Sindhuli, Mahottari and Dhanusha respectively. The detail of educational status is presented in Table 4.1.2. Table -4.1.2 Education Status of Project Affected Districts Dolakha 479 54610 1486 44% ~, '-· Ramechhap 523 55235 1355 34% ~~ Sindhuli 705 62027 1247 38% 4 Mahottari 347 74088 1279 32% &" ~> Dhanusha 504 115642 2517 38% Total 2558 361602 7884 Source: Nepal District Profile 2002, National Development Institute 4 . 1.3 Agriculture Paddy, wheat, maize and other cereal and cash crops are produced in the affected districts but the productivity is low due to traditional techniques and marginal use of modern agricultural inputs. Total estimated cereal production is 21653, 64988, 79648, 161485 and 198797 Mt. for Dolakha, Ramechhap, Sindhuli, Mahottari and Dhanusha districts respectively. Details regarding agriculture production in these districts are provided in Table 4.1.3. Table - 4.1.3 Agriculture Production of Project Affected Districts '1 Dolakha 6625 9095 1617 4316 21653 2 Ramechhap . 16420 36333 4020 8215 64988 :3 Sindhuli 26225 30172 10400 12851 79648 4 Mohottari 123935 2300 34240 1010 161485 ,_ ,) Dhanusha 149816 2351 46000 630 198797 Total 323021 80251 96277 27022 526571 Source: Nepal District Profile 2002, National Development Institute 4.1.4 Food Balance Food balance as estimated by Agricultural Department indicates that only Ramechhap and Sindhuli have food surplus estimated to be for 15 and 3 days per capita. Deficit ranges in between 19.3 and 4 days/ capita (Table -4.1.4). Dolakha 1999/2000 210906 40283 -21355 -19.3 2 Ramechha 1999/2000 227816 45791 1822 15 3 Sindhuli 1999/2000 276863 55649 478 3 4 Mohottari 1999/2000 543574 98387 -1005 -4 5 Dhanusha 1999/2000 680311 123136 -1427 -4 Total 1939470 363246 Source: Nepal District Profile 2002, National Development Institute 4.2 Socioeconomic Condition of the Project Affected VDCs This sub chapter is basically focused on socio-economic and cultural aspects of VDCs and Wards through which the proposed transmission line passes. This area is also refereed as project area in this report. For this purpose the transmission line corridor and project site is analyzed in more detail. 4.2.1 Demography of Project Area The project area is spread over 16 VDCs and one Municipality of five districts. The total population of the project area is 1,14,516 and number of households is 21668 (district profile). The male and female populations are 56414 (49.26%) and 58102 (50.74%), respectively. Among the projected affected VDCs Beghadawar is highly populated (10638) whereas population is low in Jalkanya VDC (1915). The ward wise population of the project area is given in Annex-5. Average household size varies in between 4.39 and 6.21 and total average constitutes 5.28 persons per household (Table 4.2.1 ). Annual population growth rate in the project area is about 2%. Table- 4.2.1 Population of the Project Area 2812 6147 1192 Khimti 2032 2390 4422 910 4.86 2 Ramechhap Tilpung 1993 2325 4318 792 5.45 Kathjor 2174 2605 4779 921 5.19 Manthali 2609 2444 5053 1150 4.39 Bhaluajor 1686 1870 3556 631 5.63 Bhimeshor 961 1063 2024 380 5.33 Ratanchura 1275 1375 2650 488 5.43 3 Sindhuli Ranichauri 4591 4580 9171 1477 6.21 Bhadrakali 2241 2350 4591 744 6.17 Jalakanya 908 1007' 1915 351 5.46 Kamalamai 16388 16450 32838 6447 5.09 Municipality 4 Mahottari Gauribas 2872 2860 5732 1094 5.24 Tulasi Bahunmara 1934 2090 4024 800 5.03 5 Dhanusa Begadawar 5513 5125 10638 1965 5.41 Dhalkebar 5132 4780 9912 1772 5.59 Total 56414 58102 114516 21668 5.28 Source: Nepal District Profile 1997 4 . 2.2 Ethnicity Being a less developed multiethnic society Nepal has caste system. The ethnic composition diiffers in different part of the alignment. Altogether sixty-three castes are found in the project area. Chettri (25.56%), Tamang (15.40%), Newar (11.35%), Magar (9.93% and Brahmin (~l.79%) are major ethnic group found in the project area (Annex-6). Other includes Kami, Sarki, Damai, Majhi and Yadav. 4.2.3 Language Social integration of the society is in process and population distribution by mother tongue for affected VDCs indicates that dominant language is Nepali followed by Tamang and Maithili. Besides this some dialects are also spoken in the area. Normally Nepali is spoken and understood by all residents. 4.2.4 Religion and Religious Sites Hinduism is the predominate (82.50%) religion followed by Buddha (15.72%) in the project area (Table- 4.2.2). Some households are the followers of Islam (0.14%) and Christian (0.24%). Table- 4.2.2 Religious Population in Project Area s·;No. :;s• ...~: I·•"{!!.;.W·~unici~~~-;'. . '~~~,· : :····: :i.;+i::.::.: .••• ·~ ·· ....; •• . . . .. ,~.•, •. ·.~·7·:~~.~:~u~ron~· .;.·~i\!•rP,~:·:.:·· ·~: ····•··· ....... ,.. r•·~J,~I?IYc . ~.•Y%'••• • ·•.·. l·m~lil!:!:i.;:~~~~~ljaslslam'f?•. ~\~~~~~<~in · Ghirsti~n Sikha la.aJJ.aJ,. '"' l'•'l'l'.•v·-•w"": ·.~~~!. i 1 Sa hare 2638 108 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2746 2 Khimti 3905 517 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4422 3 Gelu 5671 471 1 0 0 4 0 0 0 6147 4 Tilpung 3313 1004 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 4318 5 Kathjor 4639 138 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 4779 6 Manthali 4391 307 0 8 0 0 1 0 346 5053 7 Bhaluwajar 2723 772 0 0 0 0 0 0 61 3556 8 Bhimeshwar 2022 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2024 9 Jalkanya 1753 162 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1915 10 Ratanchura 2561 89 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2650 11 Bhadrakali 2594 1979 0 18 0 0 0 0 0 4591 12 Kamalamai 25723 6324 29 291 1 99 13 1 357 32838 Municipality 13 Ranichuri 6582 2551 0 0 0 38 0 0 0 9171 14 Gauribas 5096 400 1 9 0 27 0 0 199 5732 15 Tulsi Bahunmara 3421 549 0 3 1 13 0 0 37 4024 16 Begadabar 8513 1752 42 0 0 89 13 0 229 10638 17 Dhalkebar 8932 877 87 0 0 15 0 0 1 9912 % 82.50 15.72 0.14 0.28 0.002 0.249 0.024 0.001 1.07 100 Source: Nepal District Profile 2002, National Development Institute Krishna temple, Kalika Devi, Ram temple, Bhimeshwor temple, Dhanaugi temple and Ganesh temples are the religious places found in the project affected VDCs. The detail of religious places found in the project area is presented in Table 4.2.3. Nil Kanteshwor ......•...................•..... Ramechhap Boudha Mandir ............ ----····- ············-···········-··-·· ···--······ Ram Mandir Thanpati Mahadev Mahadevsthan Shiva Mandir ............ , ...........................- . . . . . . . ········-"""'"'"*'"'" . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pei~blJ.PC:lJif1_9!b._l\!lc:i_fJ9.iL Radha Krishna lndrabatii~rnple Ram Sita Mandir Kusheshwor ----···············-·····--···-·····-········--··- Shiva Mandir ·······-············-"'""""""""'-- . . :.UP~c:lli . I\!I9D9._i~ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .:R ______!?_b.99"Y.c:i.!L ____ _ __ _l?_b_991;\/.9!LI\!IC:lD_cl]r_ Krishna Mandir Sindhuli Bhimsen Mandir Vic:iJayc;bbCIP . . . Mahottari .[\J (:l\/a Cllj r99 tempi~ . . . . . . . . R!J.E9?. . 1\!1. C:l.r1clir. . . . . . . . . .. . ......P.b?r1C1li9L Mahadevsthan Dhanusha Bahunmara m"""'-"''"""'"'""-""""""•••---·-·-·--··•~mmm•-•-•••••-•••"-"""'"- Chure Shiva Mandir Bisara Mandir Ram Mandir Source: Checklist Field Survey, 2004 4.2.5 Education and Educational Institution 516.85 % population of the project area is literate. The literacy rate varies in different VDCs. The literacy rate is high (68.28%) in Gauribas VDC of Mahottari district and lowest (43.40%) in Kathjore of Ramechhap district. The detail of literacy status in project area is given in Annex-7. Altogether 102 educational institutions of different levels are found in the project area. Out of the total educational institutions primary level constitutes 70.59% and plus 2 is only 2.94 %. The number of educational institutions is more in Ramechhap part of the project area in compare to other district (Table 4.2.4). Primary School Lower Secondary School 0 0 2 5 15 14.71 Secondary School 0 6 2 1 3 12 11.76 Plus 2 0 2 0 0 3 2.94 Total 5 50 13 6 28 102 100 Source: Field Survey, 2004 The number of educational establishments by levels, number of teachers and students in the project area are tabulated in following tables-4.2.5. Preliminary data indicate that in primary level students/teacher ratio in Ramechhap is 29. Similar indicators for Dhanusha and Sindhuli are 30 and 29. In lower secondary level student/ teacher ratio for Ramechap and Dhanusha is 39 and 46. In secondary level the ratio is almost same except for Sindhuli and Dhanusha wl1ere it is more than 50. Table- 4.2.5 Number of Schools in Project Area Source: Checklist Field Survey, 2004 4.2.6 Occupation Agriculture is predominant occupation in project area flowed by livestock farming, poultry, trade and business, manufacturing industries, transport and business. According to available data 17.63% population of the project area is economically active. Out of that 10.7% are involved in manufacturing sector and 33.3% in trade and business. The other areas are 3.6%, 29% and 21.6% for transport, service and others respectively. The detail of economic active and non active population in the project area is presented in Annex- 8. 4.2.7 Land Holding Size and Land Transaction Checklist survey provides average landholding by types of land in the project area, which shows that Terai households have more land than hilly families. Land distribution is uneven. Most of lands are concentrated on few landholders. Average household in Dolakha, Ramechhap, Si1ndhuli, Mahottari and Dhanusha, sector of the project area corresponds to 0.66 ha, 0.60 ha, 0.35 ha, 0.67 and 0.91 ha per households respectively (Table- 4.2.6). It shows that subsistent farming system prevails in project area and per capita land availability is low. Table - 4.2.6 Land Holding Size in Project Area 3 2 3 5 13 0.66 J39111~~h~9P . 1.70 1.72 2.61 5.77 11.8 0.60 Sindhuli 1.00 0.50 1.00 4.50 7 0.35 1\/lahottari 6 5 0 2.16 13.16 0.67 Dhanusha 6.50 0.00 0.00 11.50 18 0.91 Source: Checklist Field Survey, 2004 Land transaction in terms of land purchase and sale is limited in the project area. Therefore, land holdings appear to be stable. However, the price of land depends upon the location, quality o'f land and varies from VDC to VDC (Table- 4.2.7). Table- 4.2.7 Land Price in Project Area Sindhuli Kamalamai 80000 70000 60000 50000 60000 50000 40000 30000 30000 Sindhuli Ratanchura 200000 150000 100000 200000 150000 100000 10000 Sindhuli Bhimeshwor 500000 400000 200000 200000 250000 200000 150000 100000 Tulasi per Dhanusha Bahunmara 35000 22000 20000 18000 20000 16000 10000 9000 Kattha Dhanusha Ben adawar 40000 35000 20000 15000 20000 15000 7000 5000 Dhanusha Dhalkebar 20000 18000 16000 14000 15000 14000 13000 12000 Per Ramechha Manthali 200000 150000 100000 90000 20000 15000 10000 8000 10000 Ro ani Ramechha Katahare 125000 100000 90000 75000 90000 75000 70000 65000 40000 Source: Field Survey, 2004 4.2.8 Agriculture Practice and Production Average productivity of crops shows that Sindhuli is more productive for paddy and maize. Per Hopani wheat and millet production is highest in Ramechhap. Details are provided in the Table 4.2.8. Table -4.2.8 Productivity of Different Crops in Project Area :u61t ' ';,~,'f~,L~', ,,, '""" ''''''''"''"'' ' ,,•,Mal~~~~j;'I"·Jh"eat ~ §,,',[,,,,"'" ," ', ,,.lm::>~(c'II,H ' ;;;,';',,[;,;, [:,;JtLLLLt;, ;, ;,';,;' C~~dy,: ,,,~ jl(iL!MUiet ,,e,il~ato, Others Dolkha Muri/Ropani 3.14 1.34 2.00 2.00 5.00 ' 2.00 RamechhaP,. Muri/Ropani 3.14 1.34 2.00 2.00 5.00 2.00 Sindhuli Muri/Ropani 4.50 2.50 1.75 1.75 4.50 2.25 Mahottari ................................................ Muri/Ropani 2.00 1.50 1.50 - 5.00 2.45 Dhanusha Muri/Ropani 2.00 1.50 1.50 - 5.00 2.50 Note: 1 Mun= 50 Kg Source: Checklist Field Survey, 2004 4.2.9 Income Levels From the interview with knowledgeable persons income levels of families were estimated and results are shown in following table which indicates that most of families have average annual income in between Rs 12000 and 50000. Significant numbers of rural families are living on below Rs. 12000 annual income. It appears that normally income data are under reported in rural context but the tabulated data indicate disparity of income distribution among the families in and around transmission line alignment. Table-4.2.9 Number of Households by Annual Income in Project Area Affected District Source: Checklist Field Survey, 2004 4.2.1 0 Electrification The field survey shows that 12 VDCs and one municipality of the project area are partly electrified (Table 4.2.1 0). Table -4.2.1 0 Electrified Area _,;,:,:, ;,~;".Di~tr,ic~'' ' ·'" Lc,' W$111 ,,,,,,, [ ......... "''Vil,l~,g~ '•••.Hdt ";L ,,• ,•··,······ ' Pauwa, Kirne, Rithabote and Dolkha Sa hare 3, 4, 5 & 6 Sahare Mahottari Gauribash 8 Raj bash Begadawar 8 Bal Tole 4 Jamunibas Dhanusha 9 Lalgadh Dhalkebar 2 Dhalkebar, Ghattole 4 Dhalkebar Gelu 1 Batase Kathajore 8 Sandre, Pakhakhet Khimti 1 Khimti Digi, Thapatole, Khimti Besi 5 Khimti Besi Ramechhap 6 Khimti Besi Manthali 1 Lisanpani 2 Machhedanda 6 Nalamitol, Dahalgaun 7 Dahalgaun 8 Tekanpur Tilpung 2 Mange Bhadrakali 1 Dhungre Bhanjyang 2 Dhungre Bhanjyang 3 Lamishwara, Mudekharka Bhimeshwor 2 Tari, Baghbazar, Raj Dei 3 Rato Tar, Khurkot Ratotar Pokhrelthok, Dhungeni Danda, 4 Kushgaun, Khurkot Sindhuli 9 Mathillo Besi Kamalamai 6 Aandheri, Ratamate Bhadautar, Dandatole, Majhitar, 7 Panitanki, Thulitar 9 Kattike Ratanchura 1 Khanigaun, Thapatole 2 Vijaychhap, Ghhata Mathi 11 Khanigaun Source: Fteld Survey, 2004 Electricity consumption is primarily domestic in nature and large industries consuming considerable energy is absent in project area. Between the periods the number of consumers was slightly increased. Per consumer revenue may be taken as proxy of consumer's willingness to pay. In domestic sector willingness to pay varies in between Rs.163 and 168. Overall revenue pE~r consumer during winter is Rs. 352 and during the summer it decreases to Rs. 289. Household consumption is more or less stable and constitutes 29.5 units per month. Table -4.2.11 Energy consumption in Project Area during winter 2 Commercial 13 4496 45709 3516 3 Noncommercial 71 9722 92526 1303 4 Industrial 26 8425 58178 2238 5 Others 8 29056 254564 31820 6 Total 2240 124231 787933 352 Source: NEA, Sindhu/i Branch - Monthly Statement for 060, Paush Table-4.2.12 Energy Consumption in Project Area during summer Non -commercial Industrial 4.2.11 Land use Pattern Map interpretation of the project area reveals that altogether 68.44 ha of cultivated area along ROW with 68 tower pads will be required for the construction of the Project. The land use pattern of the alignment by affected districts is provided in this table-4.2.13 which shows area under forests is 106.6 ha. River crossing, road crossing and barren lands constitute 53.6 ha. Cultivated area is not affected in Dolakha and Mahottari districts and social issues, if any, may be only related to use of forests in these districts. Table- 4.2.13 Land use Pattern in Transmission Line ROW 4.2.12 Development Activities Hydropower, drinking water, health, road, suspension bridge and rural electrification are the major development project implemented in the project area. The field survey shows that nurnber of development program are more in Ramechhap part of the project area compare to other areas (Annex-9). 4.2.13 Institutional Analysis and Infrastructure NGOs More than 20 NGOs are working in the project area. Rural Health Development Project (RHDP), Community Development Society (CDS), Tamakoshi Sewa Samiti, Dhruba Tara Yuva Club and Dhanusha Sewa Samiti are the main NGOs actively working in environment, drinking water, health, social service & public awareness and income generation areas. The list of NGOs, objectives/work area and people employed are presented in Annex-10. Infrastructure The main local markets are Khimti Besi, Gogane, Kubinde, Khurkot, Panitanky, Sindhure Bagmara and Hardia. The infrastructures for people services are 11 kV transmission line in Manthali area and 33KV T/L in Ratanchaur and Bhadrakali area, airport in Manthali, irrigation canal in Khurkot. Sindhuli - Banepa Road and Bardibas - Sindhuli Road is the other features encounter in the transmission line corridor. The other infrastructure found in the area are hospital, police office, forest office, irrigation, a9riculture service center, veterinary, water supply office and banks (Annex-11). 4 ..2.14 Manthali Airport About 350 -400 m stretch of the proposed alignment extent in the vicinity of the Manthali airport. This stretch lies at a distance about 730 m from the airport. This airport is located in Manthali of Manthali Village Development Committee and occupies 0.04 ha of land. There are three flights (Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday) of Royal Nepal Airlines from Kathmandu to Mathali in a week. Tt1is airport also serves as transit point for the landing of aircraft if the whether of Lukla and other mountainous flight are not clear. The airport has landing facilities from north and south direction depending on wind direction. 4.2.15 Information Decimation in Project Area The field survey compiled the data regarding knowledge about the project, which reveals that 70 % of households had knowledge about the project. 30 % of respondents said that they have no information regarding the project. Information on the project is to be provided before and during the project construction so that people will be aware of activities in the route alignment. Public consultation and activities regarding information disclosure will enable the local people to know more about the project (Table 4.2.14). Table 4.2.14 Knowledge About the Project Fig 4.2.1 Knowledge About the Project 4.2.16 Expectation The survey team records various expectations of affected households. Most of people (42.19 %) expect that project will provide better compensation followed by employment. As a result of project construction local area will be developed and electrification in rural area will be intensified. The details of people's expectations are provided in following table-4.2.15. Table 4.2.15 Expectation from Project 4.2. 17 Public Hearing Public hearing was conducted at Manthali Bazar of Ramechhap district on 2061/5/28 and Dhalkebar of Dhanusha district on 2061/6/8 in order to provide opportunity for the maximum participation of local people and to discuss the findings of the EIA study and to collect the issues/ concerns of local people. 215 peoples were participated in the program, which includes former chairman of the affected VDCs, Secretary of VDCs, affected people, representative of community forest users group and local people. Chief District Officer, representative of district forest offices, representative of district development committee, representative of Ministry of Population and Environment and Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation were also participated in the program. The finding of the EIA/SIA study and objectives of the program was presented by the NEA staff. The representative of ministries requested participants to raise their relevant concerns in the program. Among the participants 43 people raised different types of questions, which was replied by the project manager and team leader of EIA study team. The detail of the public hearing report is given in Annex-12. 4.3 Socioeconomic Condition of the Project Affected Families 4.3.1 Demography The population distribution pattern of the project affected families (PAFs) reveals that population density is high in affected families with average household size is 6.2. The study shows that male population is more than females (Table-4.3.1). Table -4.3.1 Total Population and Households of PAF ,fi"l, ~" ~LLP\0?/L~~l. ,;,; Jl'LL'l':~;,:~l ~~ [ ll '/ ,''. ,,.[,, lll •LL ,,,;c:, ·[c,L'''L'TQ.t~.l ·''· , "'"""'"''' ,.,,,,;; Total Population 1307 Male 705 Female 602 Number of Households 210 Household Size 6.22 Source: F1eld Survey, 2004 Joint family system is common in PAFs. The field study shows that among the project affected families 63.33 % are joint families and 36.67 % are nuclear families (Fig 4.3.1 ). The existence of considerable joint families shows that farming activities require considerable labor inputs and joint family is a economically viable option. However process of formation of nuclear family is underway and is likely to increase number of households. Tables 4.3.2 provide the family status of the PAFs. Table 4.3.2 Family Type of PAFs 133 77 36.67 210 100.00 Source: Field Survey, 2004 Nuclear Family 37% Joint Family 63% Fig: 4.3.1 Family Type ofPAFs 4 . 3.2 Age Structure Age structure of the affected population indicates that economically active population constitutes 63% and dependent are less, i.e. 37%. It indicates that students are also included in economically active population. 28% of the population needs schooling facilities and about 10% may need frequent medical services. The numbers of females is greater in below 10 years age group (Table 4.3.3). It is assumed that this age structure will not change significantly during Project construction and the need of services will remain the same. Table- 4.3.3 Population Distribution of PAF by Age Group and Sex n=210 ~~~_ge"~\r6i!:J1 ~~:::,Tt~:~~y ,, "~~iMahf:~~ . ; ,· .• li·OC ••it~'" I VLGJ .;.0>;:•· . • i, ::;::;:::'~ '~~~ ·pe·E~eijta:~~;;~ Below 10 Years 105 112 217 16.60 10 -15 Years 80 64 144 11.02 15- 60 Years 450 369 819 62.66 Above 60 Years 70 57 127 9.72 Total 705 602 1307 100.00 Source: FJeld Survey, 2004 4.3.3 Religion The religion pattern of the project affected families are similar to non affected families. The field survey shows that 92.38% population is Hindu followed by 7.62% Buddha (Table 4.3.4) Table 4.3.4 Religion of the Project Affected Families 1 Hindu 1195 194 92.38 2 Buddha 112 16 7.62 3 Muslim 0 0 0.00 4 Christian 0 0 0.00 5 Others 0 0 0.00 Total 1307 210 100.00 Source: Field Survey, 2004 4.3.4 Literacy The questionnaire survey indicates that literacy status of the project affected families is 64.65%, which is higher than the average of the project area. According to the findings 35.35% of population is illiterate. Among the literate 14.54% are able to read and write. People with primary, lower secondary, secondary and SLC level of education are 16.68%, 8.8%, 9.79% and 9.79 % respectively. Only 5% of affected population have more than SLC level of education. Overall literacy of PAF is 64.65% which is considered a good indicator of social status. The detail of literacy status of the project affected families is given below. Table-4.3.5 Literacy Status of PAF Male 178 108 127 72 78 88 54 527 705 Female 284 82 91 43 50 40 12 318 602 Total 462 190 218 115 128 128 66 845 1307 Percentage 35.35 14.54 16.68 8.8 9.79 9.79 5.05 64.65 100.00 Source: Field Survey, 2004 4.3.5 Migration Pattern Ttle field survey shows that most of the households (83.33%) are local resident but some people migrated into the area due to various reasons. One family migrated recently. Three families came to the area within five years. Thirty- one households are migrant for more than five years (Table 4.3.6). It appears that a few families may immigrate to the project area until the construction of the project starts. The Project Affected Families are comparatively stable and present data reflects socio- cultural issues during construction when seasonal in migration may occur. Out migration was not considered which has primarily seasonal character. Table 4.3.6 Migration Pattern of PAFs Local Resident 175 83.33 Migrated Within 1 Year 1 0.48 Migrated Within 5 Years 3 1.43 Migrated More Than 5 Years 31 14.76 Total 210 100.00 Source: Field Survey, 2004 4.3.6 Occupation Among the project-affected families 49% of population responded that their primary occupation is agriculture. 8.8% reported that service is their main occupation. Study is also taken as an occupation and 17% of the respondents reported their occupation as a student. Share of business, labor and wages are almost equal and constitute 2.68 and 2.37 percent respectively (Table-4.3.7). It appears that labor and wages will be required during project construction and operation and local skills will be utilized as far as practicable. Existing occupational distribution reflects rural nature of sampled population where agriculture is dominant characteristics. Some diversification of occupation is expected during construction. Table- 4.3.7 Occupation Distribution of PAF by Sex Agriculture 285 356 641 49.04 Business 28 7 35 2.68 Service 102 13 115 8.80 Labour and Wages 29 2 31 2.37 Students 148 106 254 19.43 Unable to Work 107 116 223 17.06 Others 6 2 8 0.61 Total 705 602 1307 100.00 Source: Field Survey 2004 4.3. 7 Skills During the field survey an inquiry was made about skills of affected population and only 10% of population have some skills. A variety of skills including mason (7.52%) carpenter (3.01 %), tailor (1.50%), blacksmith (3.01 %), shoemaker (3.01 %), weaving (1 0.53%) and driver (4.51 %) are found in the project area. These and other skills of affected population may be utilized during transmission line construction. The details are shown in table 4.3.8. Table 4.3.8 Distribution of Skilled Population in Project Affected Families n=210 . :C;;;c .· · > ~;,; > .N.umber nf'~ ~ ~;~ .. .. P.e"rcentage:..'i(::A·~,r;. Mason 10 7.52 Carpenter 4 3.01 Tailor 2 1.50 Blacksmith 4 3.01 Shoemaker 4 3.01 Weaving 14 10.53 Driver 6 4.51 Construction 1 0.75 Nursery Works 4 3.01 Others 84 63.16 Total 133 100.00 Source: F1eld Survey, 2004 4.3.8 Land Holding Size and Land Transaction The project affected families located along the RoW use irrigated, unirrigated and grassland. Distribution of PAF by size of land holding reveals that most of the families cultivate less than 1 ha of land. 21.43 % of PAF reported that they have no irrigated land and 13.3 % of PAF do not own unirrigated land. Similarly 67% of them are deprived of grassland. On the average total landholding of a PAF is 1.05ha which includes 0.4 ha irrigated land, 0.58 ha unirrigated land and 0.07 ha grassland. Area distribution according to size of landholding is presented in Table 4.3.9. Table- 4.3.9 Distribution of PAFs by Land Holding Size n=210 .·······rotaltana·>"·~;.·. '"i,:"'1"L,,,,,:, ,; f:', ~--:_ "" c ,.,-, ~··Percent , ',i',Ndj" 45 21.43 0.00 28 13.33 0.00 141 67.14 0.00 0.00 0.00 Less Than 0.1 ha 20 9.52 0.98 21 10.00 4.67 10 4.76 0.53 6.18 2.79 0.1-0.2ha 33 15.71 4.54 35 16.67 17.78 30 14.29 3.90 26.21 11.83 0.2-0.5 ha 63 30.00 19.55 61 29.05 17.78 19 9.05 4.91 42.24 19.07 0.5-1.0 ha 25 11.90 17.32 38 18.10 26.51 6 2.86 3.31 47.14 21.28 Greater Than 1 ha 24 11.43 40.78 27 12.86 54.31 4 1.90 4.63 99.72 45.02 Total 210 100.00 83.17 210 100.00 121.04 210 100.00 17.28 221.49 100.00 Source: Field Survey, 2004 4.3.9 Area Allocation and Productivity The project area includes predominantly rural economy with agriculture as a main source of livelihood and income. Agricultural practices with age old equipment result in low productivity of major crops. The primary crops cultivated in the project area are paddy, wheat, maize, millet and pulses and their productivity is estimated at 1.48, 0.56, 0.78, 0.94 and 2.77 Uha respectively. Area allocation indicates that area under maize is highest followed by wheat, paddy and pulses. Annual average production per household is estimated to be 3514 Kg. or 567 k~l per capita or 47.23 Kg per capita per month. The details are provided in following table 4.3.10. Table -4.3.10 Agricultural Practice and Production 240378.32 265674.99 40658.65 112237.49 2371.64 125554.27 37354.82 209933.71 882260.31 286349.56 328535.22 17340.81 134319.59 41321.49 25125 89200 30825 122250 375 136800 35275 0.56 0.78 0.94 2.77 0.19 5.26 4.48 4 . 3.10 Livestock with PAFs Livestock development is one of the major sources of income besides their own consumption of livestock and their products. Cattle, buffaloes, goats, pigs and birds are the major livestock domesticated in the project area. The number of these animals differs from house to house. On the average each household possesses 2.18 cattle, 8.5 buffaloes, 3 goats and sheep and 6.2 hen and duck (Table 4.3.11 ). ~~-T..... able -4.3.11 Livestock Population with PAFs b Male 6.20 Female 168 36.60 4.01 Mil kin 31 6.75 0.74 968.57 4.61 2 Buffalo 1786 100.00 Male 1539 86.17 36.71 Female 175 9.80 4.17 Milking 72 4.03 1.72 3488.57 16.61 3 Goats and Sheep 621 14.81 4 Pis 24 0.57 5 Hen and Duck " 1302 31.06 Total 4192 100.00 4457.14 21.22 Source: Field Survey, 2004 4.3.11 Fruit Trees Fruit trees are the sources of additional income. Inventory conducted during the field survey concludes that fruits like orange, lemon, mango, guava, junar and banana are prevalent in project area. Total number of trees estimated as 4769 owned by 210 households. Share of banana, guava and mango is highest followed by lemon and orange. Species wise distribution of the fruits and number of trees per household are tabulated in following table. Table - 4.3.12 Fruit Trees in the Project Affected Area Types of Iree •·~ili!~:~i,:, T"otai.~Numbei · .· ..... ~~ez:'''' ef.HH .:'· Orange 213 4.47 1.01 Lemon 111 2.33 0.53 Mango 503 10.55 2.40 Guava 509 10.67 2.42 Banana 2699 56.59 12.85 Others 734 15.39 3.50 Total 4769 100.00 22.71 Source: F1eld Survey, 2004 4.3.12 Health Facilities and Diseases Health facilities in project area are inadequate and main diseases prevalent are stomachache, diarrhea, fever, tuberculosis, hysteria, skin diseases and others. The percentage wise distribution of main diseases is provided in following table. It appears that communicable diseases exist in the project area (Table 4.3.13). As a supplement to the survey findings annual records of Manthali Health Post are annexed which are typical of project area (Annex-15). Table- 4.3.13 Number of PAF Affected by Diseases Field Survey, 2004 Methods of treatment indicate that in most cases patients consult health post, private clinics and pharmacy. Local baidya and dhami/jhakri also contribute to patient's treatment. There are the cases when patient was not .treated at all. Following table provides the information about common methods of treatment in project area (Table 4.3.14). The present data suggest that health facilities are not developed in project area. Table- 4.3.14 Methods of Treatment Private Clinic 28 11.72 Local Baidhya 8 3.35 Dhami I Jhakri 11 4.60 Health Post 166 69.46 Pharmacy 21 8.79 Others 4 1.67 Not Treated 1 0.42 Total 239 100.00 Source: Field Swvey, 2004 4.3.13 Energy Firewood, kerosene and electricity are the main source of energy for lighting and cooking. Due to accessibility and low cost almost all houses use the firewood for cooking. For lighting purposes electricity is used by 52.4% households where as kerosene is used by 46.2% households (Table 4.3.15). Animal dung and agricultural residue are not being used for lighting and cooking. Table- 4.3.15 Energy Use and Source for Lighting and Cooking 1.43 98.10 97 46.19 0.95 110 52.38 0.00 0 0.00 0.00 0 0.00 0.00 0 0.00 0.95 Total 210 100.00 100.00 Source: Field Survey, 2004 vtlillingness to Pay for Electricity The field survey indicates that most of the households (85%) are willing to pay Rs. 80 per month Some 11% of households may connect their houses by paying 300 Rs. per month. 3.7% afford more (Table 4.3.16). The following table reveals that rural households are unable to pay substantial amount for commercial energy due to lack of cash income. In most cases electricity is used only for lighting purpose which gives low electricity consumption pattern. Table -4.3.16 Willingness to Pay for Electricity Field Survey, 2004 4.3.14 Food Sufficiency Reported information about food sufficiency indicates that 34.76% of households in core project ,area have sufficient food for twelve months. Similarly 17.62% and 38.10% of households have deficit of food for 3 and 6 months respectively (Table 4.3.17). Food reserve of 2.86 per cent of households does not cover even 3 month. These data show that malnutrition and deficit in calorie intake of the households are prevalent in project area. The details are tabulated in following table. Table- 4.3.17 Food Sufficiency of PAFs $l)ffi~IAnt t~r1lMonfl1~, ~~'''W"'v, ,''No .of+iHs · ,, ,; ~... ·:~~~ c:- . <.,f'foQf'IJII:[; Q) ..... ell 0 0 0 Q) .s::. ell .s::. .... u.. I- .s::. 0 .... ell i5 ell E Cl .8 Cf) Methods of treatment adopted by SPAFs indicate that health post and private clinics are being used for treatment. The locals are using modern method of treatment. Traditional methods were not reported but interviews with local residents during the site visit shows that traditional methods are still being used in the projectarea (Table 4.4.16). Table -4.4.16 Methods of Treatment Adopted by SPAF 4.4.15 Income and Expenditure Average annual income of SPAFs consists of agriculture and animal husbandry, service, trade, cottage industries, labor and wages and professional services. The share of agriculture in household income is about 35%, which is under reported. Labor and wages contribute 37.09 % of annual average income. Agriculture and animal husbandry placed second and contributes 35.1 percent. The share of services in annual average income is 16.27% followed by cottage industries (6.92%). Trade has the lowest contribution consisting of 2 ..31 %. The table-4.4.17 shows that annual average income per household is Rs.67351 and per capita constitutes Rs.10774. Table -4.4.17 Annual Average Income of SPAFs ~e~nelntagi.; A'nn~.~l 'A;;~i~r.... 35.10 16.27 2.31 6.92 37.09 2.31 0.00 100.00 Expenditure pattern of SPAFs presented in following table (Table 4.4.18) shows that 72.5% of total expenses are made for food, which demonstrates consumer behavior of households. Share of energy and clothing is 9.95% and 6,7 % respectively. Contribution of education and medicine is almost equal and constitutes 4.69% and 4.4 % of annual expenditure. Annual average household expenditure is estimated to be Rs. 60774. In per capita terms it is equal to Rs. 10336. Table -4.4.18 Annual Average Expenditure of SPAFs CHAPTER-S IMPACT ASSESSMENT 5.0 General This chapter addresses the likely adverse and positive impacts of the construction and operation of Khimti-Dhalkebar 220 kV Transmission Line Project, which will result in changes to the existing baseline conditions. The details of adverse impacts and positive impacts on socio- economic and cultural environment of the area are presented below in sub chapter 5.1 and 5.2 respectively. The impact assessment and mitigation measures matrix is presented in Table 5.1.4. 5.1 Adverse Impact 5.1.1 Construction Phase 5.1.1.1 Land Acquisition About 68 tower pads are located in cultivated area, which will affect 1.06 ha land permanently. Altogether 68 households will be affected by the land take. The field survey shows that land loss is negligible in compare to the total land occupied by the landowners. The field survey shows that approximately 12 % households falls in the RoW have land holding size of 0.25 ha or less than this. The impact of land acquisition is significant for the tenants and farmers whose land holding is less than 0.25 ha. It is not clear at this stage that such type of households will be affected by land acquisition or not. Besides permanent acquisition land will be taken on lease for temporary facilities. Approximately 0.5 ha land will be temporarily affected by the project. The project will affect Sitalpatti Pani Guthi land at Khrkote of Bhimeshwor VDC. Approximately 0.446 ha Guthi land falls in the RoW. The over all magnitude of impact is considered to be low, extent is local and duration is long term. The field survey identified 714 land parcels affected by the transmission alignment. Out, of which 365 (51%) parcels are located in Ramechhap district, followed by 283 land parcels in Sindhuli. and 66 parcels are affected in Dhanusha district (Table 5.1.1 ). According to cadastral map interpretation private lands are not affected in Dolakha and Mahottari districts. Table-5.1.1 Affected Parcels Distribution by Districts 1. Dhanusha 66 9.3 2. Ramechhap 365 51.1 3. Sindhuli 283 39.6 Total 714 100 Source: Field Survey, 2004 VDC wise distribution of affected land parcels reveals that affected land parcels in Sidheshwori constitute 16.80 % followed by Tilpung and Khimti. Bhimeswor and Bhaluajore are also impacted considerably. Table -5.1.2 provides distribution of affected land parcels by VDCs. Table-5.1 2 VDC wise Affected Land Parcels '~S~O;''"''' ,,10 ,, ' co,','"'''""'~"' ,fl1ftit v:~~,:~:J++o:;,,,,, ~li:?~~~~,,~~> .,.a;;:.j;;;:.;;:.~+;~,::~~~,~~~,~~~,:;~;,~~,~r,~l: +:c;,:~'~'' J:"'~'i h:c~'~l ~· !,\1<, 1. Begadwar 29 4.06 2. Dhalkebar 37 5.18 3. Bhaluwajor 67 9.38 4. Bhangeri(Manthali) 9 1.30 5. Gelu 10 1.40 6. Katahare(Tilpung) 110 15.40 7. Kathajore 32 4.48 8. Nagthali (Khimti) 107 14.98 9. Sunarpani(Manthalil 30 4.20 10. Bhadrakali 29 4.06 11. Bhimeshwor 85 11.90 . 12. Rani bas 11 1.54 13. Ranichura 11 1.54 14 Ratanchura 27 3.78 15. Sidheshwori 120 16.80 Total 714 100 Out of total land parcel affected by the project 631 will be affected from private land and 83 from government land (Table 5.1.3). Table -5.1.3 Parcels of Government Land affected by Transmission Line ·~~ :~~~~f-lit~~ ~, ~'~J~:P'e>~ri!Jttrc1$1~~ ~Nurn lt~r:§'' &fr~,~re~l,~ 1. Road 8 2. Butane 7 3. jungle 2 4. Kalno 4 5. Kulo 4 6. Khalsa 4 7. Khola 3 8. Bhir 5 9. Sagar 2 10. Ailani 2 11. HMG 7 12. Guthi 8 13. Unidentified 25 14. School 2 Total 83 Details of parcel number with landowners' name address area of land parcels and affected area by 30-meter corridor is provided in Annex 16. Table 5.1.5 Entitlement Mat~i:ic 2. Land falling Hardship Owners with Amount will be paid The Project under ROW allowance 10% certificate in cash of land value 3. Land occupied by Replacement House owner Will be paid in cash The Project residential house value in cash 4. Tenants 50% of the cash A person cultivating The amount is The Project compensation land under lease deducted from total compensation 5. 33% oftotal Person who pays rent 67 % goes to Guthi The Project compensation to Guthi and 33% to the cultivator 6. Replacement House owner Will be paid in cash The Project cost without allowing to use depreciation previous construction materials 7. Cultivated Area Value of one Household should be If the cultivator The Project by non year crop cultivating the land provides titleholders production for more than one documentation of year more than one year use cash will be rovided. 8. Loss of standing Value of Crops Cultivator Damage The Project Crops assessment Committee will determine extent of losses and amount to be paid 9. Loss of tree in Cost of trees Tree owner Damage The Project Private Land Five years assessment production of Committee fruit and fodder considering wood trees volume 10. Common Continued All users Alternative The Project Property assess to arrangements are to resources resources be made 11. Loss of Replacement of User group Equivalent land will The Project Community affected land be provided Ministry of forest Land Forest 5.1.1.2 Relocation of Houses Seventeen houses are likely to be affected due to implementation of the project, which include 9 in Sindhuli 3 in Ramechhap and 5 in Dhanusha districts (Table 5.1.6). Out of the total affected '· houses 9 houses have tiled shaded and 8 with thatched roof. 7 houses are double story and 10 are single story. Eight VDC and one municipality will be affected by the house relocation. About 100 people will be affected by house relocation. The age structure indicates that the stress caused by relocation may not be crucial for economically active group, which is supposed to be active participant of project construction. Table- 5.1.6 Houses Affected in Different part of the Project Area Type Story Roof type District VDC Ward No/Settlement Kachhi Hamechhap Khimti Khatri tole -6 1 2 Thatch Manthali Dahal Guan-6 1 2 do Bhaluwajore Lisanpani-1 1 2 do Sindhuli Bhadrakali Mudekhrka 1 1 Thatch Ratanchura Ward-2 1 1 do Ratanchura Ward-2 1 2 do c Kamalamai Municpality Sano Karkare 1 1 Thatch Kamalamai Municipality Karkare 1 2 Tyal Kamalamai Municipality Thukitar 1 1 Thatch Ranichuri Bhuttaya-Khatyar 3 2 Tyal Dhanusha Tulasichauda Ram chandra tole -2 3 2 Tyal Beghadabar Ward-4 1 1 Tyal Beghadabar Ward-4 1 2 Tyal Total 17 Tlhe transmission line crosses the school building (one block) and toilet of Tamakoshi Higher Secondary School at Khimti besi of Khimti VDC. The magnitude of impact is considered to be high, extent is local and duration is long term. 5 . 1.1.3 Loss of Standing Crops Preferably construction of transmission line is to be carried out during lean season so that standing crops are not da·maged or minimum damaged due to construction related activities. However it is not completely ignored during construction and area close to tower pads and RoW may disturb due to movement of contractor machines, labor force and for line pulling. Normally the winter crop will be affected as construction will be curtailed or even closed down completely during the monsoon. This impact is considered more at Khimti besi, near Sindhuli bazar area and at Lalghadh area. It is not possible to calculate the exact loss at this stage. The magnitude of impact is considered to be low, extent is local and duration is long term. 5.1.1.4 Occupational and Safety Hazards Construction related accidents are common in Nepal, primarily because of unsafe construction practices. The erection of towers and stringing of line in steep slopes are difficult and risky job and any negligence on the part of personal protective guidelines may cause accident. Work- related injuries and vehicle accidents are the likely impact expected due to implementation of the proposed project. The magnitude of impact is moderate, extent is local and duration is long term. 5.1.1.5 Historical and Cultural Sites Devithan of Gelu VDC falls between AP-1 to AP-2 and Mahadevthan of Bhaluwajor VDC is located close to AP-16. The clearance height of the Devithan is more than 50 meter whereas Mahadeothan is located about 12 meter from the Angle Tower. The access trail to the reli9ious site at AP-16 will be disturbed which may pose difficulty to worshipers. Since movement of people is not restricted in the RoW the likely impact on cultural site is considered to be low, extent is local and duration is long term. 5.1.1.6 Conflict of Interest and Law and Order Situation During the construction of the transmission line labor force from different places with different religion and faiths will be employed by the contractor and possibilities of conflict of interest exists and law and order situation may be detoriated. Since the Iabore force is limited and mobile the magnitude of impact is considered to be low, extent is local and duration is medium term. 5.1.1.7 Gender and Vulnerable Group Normally female has greater workload than male and role of women in decision making is limited. During project construction daily wages labor will be deployed for excavation, transportation of construction materials and other construction related works. The contractor especially the sub contractors may discriminate the women and vulnerable group while hiring the workers. Field study shows that there are some vulnerable groups, such as minors, aged and handicapped but project impact on such groups is minimum. It is assumed that most oif the labor force required for the construction of the transmission line will be farmers and land less people from the vicinity of the actual work place moving around the alignment as the construction proceeds. In general the employment opportunity will be more to men in comparison to women in development projects implemented so far in Nepal and this trend may continue in this project also. This will not only change the daily workload patterns within families, but will alter the relation between men and women and between the generations too. While men gain access to the cash economy women remain in the weakened subsistence sector. Although the number of the local labours in the project shall be limited, the possibility of employing child labour cannot be ruled out for lesser wage rates. Considering the number of labors to be employed, the significance of impact will be low. On the other hand in practice rural minors can support the.ir family by performing light works. In the absence of which the family is deprived of financial help earried by respective minors. It appears that by forbidding the child labor we are depriving them an opportunity of financial assistance. The overall magnitude of impact is considered low, extent is local and duration is medium term considering the nature of construction work and manpower deployed. 5.1.1.8 Life Style The interaction among different people and ethnic group may attract the rural people towards more advanced society. Experience with other project indicates that sudden cash flow in project area and cash earning of workers is spend unproductively. The availability of cash and alcohol may divert workers towards gambling and more alcohol consumption. The concentration of a labor force of some hundreds may encourage prostitution, which could encourage the spread of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases. A particular risk group is long distance Truk drivers who are often responsible for disease transmission. The migration of large workers from out side may affect the local social and cultural norms and other local facilities of the area. However local labors may be exposed to the new lifestyle with its minuses and pluses and some may try to adopt new values. In this sense a new culture may be developed within the project area. This impact is considered significant in low population area especially in hills. The magnitude of impact is low, extent is local and duration is medium . term. 5:1.1.9 Health and Sanitation The project area has relatively poor health and sanitation facilities. Health care facilities are located far. The likely increase in population of the area during construction may add further stress on local health posts. The lack of proper sanitary measures in temporary camps affects the health condition of the workers. The most vulnerable will be women and children. Since the proposed project requires small labor and local labor force will be used mostly the magnitude of likely impact is considered to be low, extent is local and duration is medium term. 5.1.1.10 Social and Cultural Practices Construction of proposed project requires 225 number of workers and their dependents having di·fferent cultural traditions, norms and values, which may interact with, established local sociological and cultural aspects. Due to short stay of new comers most of their sociological and cultural ways of life hardly could be observed by local society. But certain values may be exchanged among the workers such as inter caste marriages, demonstration impact of lifestyle, health and sanitation, skill transfer, opportunity of new jobs, working discipline etc. This impact is comparatively high in hills with respect to the Terai area because Terai is already facing rapid changes in social patterns due to migration from the hills and from India. The magnitude of impact is considered to be low, extent is local and duration is medium term. 5.1.1.11 Impact on Infrastructure and Communal Resources The influx of labor increases population density in project area and infrastructures (school health post, banks, road and drinking water facilities) established for permanent population. In this respect influx of construction crew may pose some additional pressure on existing facilities. Since the number of construction crew is limited the likely pressure on local infrastructure facilities may not be considerable and the project construction may not require additional capacities of these facilities. The project will disturb access trail near AP-16. The magnitude of impact is considered to be moderate, extent is local and duration is medium term. 5 . 1.1.12 Expectations The proposed project is not designed for rural electrification. Despite this local people interviewed during the field survey and in-group meetings expressed their belief that rural ellectrification will follow line construction. The other demands are local employment; appropriate compensation based on the value loss and assistance in local development works such as gabian wire, fencing wire etc. It is unwise to ignore these expectations but difficult to fulfill the requirements since some are not directly related with project. The experience at other projects is that when peoples expectations of benefits are not fulfilled the consequences are disappointment and frustration which may affect during the construction of this project as well as other development project in the region. 5.1.2 Operation Phase 5.1.2.1 Interference to the Airport The transmission line passes near the Manthali airport at a distance of approximately 7'40m from the existing airport. Discussion with the Civil Aviation Authority and representative of Mathali airport reveals that technically the alignment is not interfering the existing airport and no impact is anticipated for aviation traffic. No objection letter for the proposed transmission line is provided for the final selected route by the Civil Aviation Authority. 5.1.2.2 Loss of Agricultural Production 1.06 ha of cultivated land for 68 tower pads will be permanently acquired. Assuming 150 % cropping intensity and existing cropping pattern there will be annual loss 4.2 tons food grain. Paddy, wheat, maize, millet, potato and pulses are the crops likely to be affected by the land acquisition. This loss is divided among 68 landowners and every cultivator will loose about 62Kg of grain. The production loss is spread over 23.33 Km length of transmission line, which reduces intensity of impact in one place. The magnitude of impact is low, extent is local and duration is long term. 5.1.2.3 Reduction of Land Value Land transaction in hilly districts (Ramechhap and Sindhuli) are rare but in Dhanusha selling and buying the land are common. As per electricity regulation houses are not allowed to build along right of way due to safety reason. The value of land especially at Khimti besi, Manthali Bazar, Sindhuli Bazar and Dhalkebar areas the market value of adjoining parcels is reduced since the land will not be applicable for construction of house. This phenomenon exists but it is difficult to quantify and other factors also contribute to price fixation mechanism. · The overall magnitude of impact is moderate, extent is local and duration is long term. 5.1.2.4 Farming Hindrance The placement of one tower will occupy 0.015 ha (12.5mx12.5m) of land. The towers constructed in cultivated area, especially those erected in the middle of land parcels pose hindrance while ploughing the agro- field. The field may be cultivated by using human labor that will increase the cost of agriculture production. This impact is considered more significant at Khimti besi, Sindhuli Bazar area and Dhalkebar. The overall magnitude of impact is considered to be low, extent is local and duration is long term. 5.1.2.5 Withdrawal of Economic opportunity During the project construction induced economic opportunities benefit the local peoples, local economy and project area as a whole. At the end of project construction these opportunities ceased to exist. Worker will lose the job and salary. Demand for local agricultural production by construction crew will be minimized. Community and local commodity transactions will be reduced. Tt1e withdrawal or decrease in economic activity during operation and maintenance may affect the life style of the local people. Local people are habitual of more earning and expenses are rises as increase in economic condition of the people. People will face difficulty to mange the lifestyle once the economic activities will reduce and earning will drastically decline. However the magnitude of impact is considered to be low because the economic activities are limited and some might be continued during operation phase also. The extent is local and duration is long term. 5.1.2.6 Occupational Health and Safety Tt1e new lines will be larger and carry a much higher current than any previously operated in Nepal. During operation phase, the flow of 220kV current and the operation ·of substation- makes the people, in the immediate vicinity of the line, vulnerable to electrical hazards such as fire, electrical shocks or even electrocution. Furthermore lack of training, operation and maintenance skill and unavailability of the necessary safety equipment may add further risk with safety regards. Tl1e public can be affected principally through their own acts, such as children climbing towers, high vehicles attempting to pass beneath the lines, surveyors using metal leveling staffs under the conductors and attempt at power theft. These risks have a low probability of occurrences, but a very high (terminal) significance to the individuals involved. The overall magnitude of impact is considered to be low, extent is local and duration is long term. 5 . 1.2.7 Visual Aesthetic Value Approximately 73-Km transmission line along Tamakoshi valley, Middle Hills and Terai creates some short of visual barrier. More over 230 towers erected along the corridor affect the visual aesthetic value. Sometimes the route passes near the settlement and may create visual barrier but ridge to ridge alignment does not reduce the aesthetic value. The Gadhi palace is located approximately 700-meter distance from the proposed line hence no direct impact is expected. The overall magnitude of impact is considered to be low, extent is local and duration is long term. 5 . 1.2.8 Electric and Magnetic Field Effects Electric power transmission lines create electric and magnetic field together known as ellectromagnetic field or EMF. Electric fields are created by the presence voltage and are expressed in volts per meter (V/m). Magnetic field is produced by the presence of current in the line and is expressed in terms of ampere per meter (Aim). Power line EMFs are strongest beneath the lines and diminish rapidly with distance. For high voltage lines, they merge into normal background levels at a distance of 200 - 300 meters. EMFs are also created at substation. EMFs may pose a hazard to human health. The scientific community has not rE~ached consequences on specific biological response to EMFs but it is expected some impacts are likely to occur due to long term exposure. The magnitude ofoverall impact is considered to be low, extent is local and duration is long term. 5.2 Positive Impacts 5.2.1 Construction Phase 5.2.1.1 Local Employment One of the major positive impacts of the project during the construction stage is the creation of employment opportunity. Altogether 225 people will be deployed during the construction of the project, which include 110 unskilled, 65 semi skilled and 50 skilled manpower. 48% of labor force is estimated to be unskilled. Normally high cast people are reluctant to low grade physical labor and lower caste people may take advantages of the situation. Cash income is needed in rural household to pay for debts, manufactured goods, education and cloths. To some extent such employment opportunities may check out migration of the area and promote in migration. In this sense the employment opportunities contribute to poverty alleviation in rural area. The possible increase in local employment opportunity will be positive impact to the area as people are currently facing acute unemployment. The magnitude of impact is considered to be moderate, extent is local and duration is medium term. 5.2.1.2 Local Economy The employment opportunity, income from shops, house rental, increases demand for fresh vegetable, meat and rental/lease of land are the areas of income during construction period. Furthermore local contractor will also be used for some construction work which is considered positive impacts for the local economy. The likely impacts due to increased economic activities during construction phase and contribution of project to enhance rural economy is considered positive impact for the area. As a result of increased trade and business, significant amount of cash will be channeled in to local economy. This short term economic boom will contribute to diversify and development of local economy. The increase in trade and business will enhance the economic status of local people. The magnitude of impact is considered to be moderate, extent is local and duration is medium term. 5.2.2 Operation Phase 5.2.2.1 Increase in Local Skills Experience shows that local employed people gain experience in tower pad assembling, erection of towers, stringing of line, driving and transportation of equipment. The work enhances traditional skills and some marketable new skills will emerge in the area. With the skill learned during the construction of the project, local people will be able to get employment in similar projects elsewhere in Nepal. The magnitude of impact is considered to be moderate, extent is national and duration is long term. 5.2.2.2 National Economy The transmission line project will evacuate the energy produced in Khimti area and provide reliable power supply in load centers in eastern region. It will also reduce transmission losses and generates revenue by exporting power to India. This will be the first 220 kV voltage line in Nepal and will contribute to value added of the national economy. 5.2.2.3 Employment Opportunity For the smooth operation the project will require manpower which will provide employment opportunity to the people. Similarly, regular maintenance such as vegetation clearance in RoW and other maintenance work is vital for the smooth operation of power line. This will also provide short-term employment opportunity to the local people. The employment opportunity will provide income source to some of the local people. CHAPTER- 6 MITIGATION MEASURES 6.0 General The following mitigation measures are proposed to ameliorate the possible adverse impacts of the project during construction and operation phases. NEA being the proponent of the project has prime responsibility in carrying out the indicated mitigation measures. Contractors will implement some of the mitigation measures mentioned below on behalf of NEA. 6.1 Construction Phase 6.1.1 Compensation for the Land Loss Legal Procedure of Compensation The legal basis of land acquisition and compensation is the Land acquisition Act, 2034 and specific regulations to be pursuant to the Act. According to Article -3 of the Act His Majesties Government can acquire any land, anywhere and in any amount for the public works by paying compensation. Article -9 outlines the procedures to be followed regarding notification of land acquisition (i.e. publishing lists of landowners and parcel numbers in the newspapers). The article states that to notify certain individuals the local officer may send a notice personally to such persons. Article -13 and 16 of the Act relates to creation of a Compensation Fixation Committee. The committee will be formed under the chairmanship of Chief District Officer of the concerned district and includes chairman of affected VDCs, representative of affected people, representative of the District Development Committee, representative of land revenue office and representative of Khimti-Dhalkebar 220 kV Transmission Line Project. The primary duty of the Committee is to fix compensation rates. Article -14 of the Act relates to land for land compensation. As per Article 27 the required land can be acquired through negotiation process between HMG/N and concerned residents in order to device a just and fair method and rate of compensation. According to Article -34 the land not required by the project should be returned to the concerned landowner. The Project will follow Policy Framework for Environmental Impact Assessment for Projects Under the power development Fund, 2002 underlines the need for Grievance Redress Committee and Compensation Fixation Committee which will be formed to undertake the respective responsibilities. The "Policy Framework for Project under the Power Development Fund" provides guidelines for acquisition and compensation of this Project. A Grievance Redress Committee will be established to address complains and grievances of projects acquisition and compensation process. Compensation The private land affected by the project will be compensated as per the rate fixed by the Compensation Fixation Committee. Affected people were asked (21 0 H.H) about the mode of compensation. Most the households affected by the land acquisition requested for cash compensation. The payment will be made on cash and all the procedures will be completed prior to implementation of the project. Reported land cost figures from the local people is in higher side and land revenue office accepts lower rates for the purpose of revenue collection than market price of land. The market vailue is still more for housing plots, land near the roads and market centers. Hence the rates provided by Land Revenue Office are considered as inapplicable in the case of Khimti- Delkebar 2~W kV Transmission line. The rates are to be differentiated for municipalities and District he~adquarters. Both government's rate and market rates in the area will be taken in to account by Compensation Fixation Committee while determining compensation rates. The land price varies from place to place, parcel to parcel and according to proximity of road and market cemters. The average land price in the area is considered for the estimate of compensation (Table 6.1.1 ). Land less (tenants), Guthi holders etc affected by the project will also be compensation as per the recommendation of the Compensation Fixation Committee and the decision of the project. Persons who do not have formal legal rights but have a claim to such rights (continued possession of public lands) provided that such claims becomes recognized through an appropriate process are eligible for compensation. The affected Guthi land of Shitalpatti Pani Gughi will be compensated as per Guthi Act 2033. B~esides compensation, land registration fee upto 7 % of the compensation amount or the actual amount spent in land purchase by the project affected families whichever is low will also be provided (if any affected family purchases land of similar type of equal area to replace land tatken by the project within six months). The affected families must submit proper documentation to the project to receive such facilities. The estimated compensation amount for the land to be acquired by the project is as follows. Table- 6.1.1 Land Compensation Cost 491250 5,20,725 2 Land Registration Fee 1.06 7% of the compensation 36,450.75 amount Total 5,57,175.75 Source: Field Survey 2004 Preference of Compensation Regarding types of compensation the household survey indicated that 87.62 % of affected households prefer cash compensation. Land for land compensation was reported by 10.48 % of households but small piece of land located in distant place can hardly be economically cultivated.1.43 % of household prefer house to house compensation for house loss (Table 6.1.2). Following table and Fig 6.1.1 provide the details of preference for compensation. Table 6.1.2 Preference of Compensation for Affected Lands Cash 184 87.62 Land for Land 22 10.48 House for House 3 1.43 I Others Total 210 1 0.48 100.00 Source: Field Survey, 2004 Others Cash 87.62% Fig: 6.1.1 !'reference of Compensation by PAFs Preferable Use of Compensation Money The field survey results (Fig 6.1.2) regarding preferable use of compensation amount indicate that most of households (72.05%) are thinking to spend on buying land followed by construction of house (21.26%). Some of the households are planning to invest in business (5.12%) and some may pay the outstanding debt (Table 6.1.3). Table 6.1.3 Preferable Use of Compensation Money by Percent of Users ~tf~e of~i~;ii,~~i~~h Buy Land 183 72.05 Construction of House 54 21.26 Business 13 5.12 Pay Debt 4 1.57 Others 0 0.00 Total 254 100.00 Source: Field Survey, 2004 Business House 21% Fig: 6.1.2 Use of Compensation by PAFs 6:1.2 Compensation for Relocation of Houses Tt1e project will provide appropriate compensation for the houses and land area occupied by the house likely to be affected by the project. Houses will be compensated at replacement cost. The affected households will be allowed to use the construction material from their own dismantled houses. Besides, compensation rental allowances for the 4 months will be paid to each household. It is expected that new houses will be constructed within that period. Di!scussion with the affected people reveals that people are not ready to resettle out side the area and able to manage in nearby areas or land. Resettlement is not applicable for this project because the number of houses to be affected by the project is low and scattered in 9 VDCs of 3 districts. The project will also compensate for the construction of one block of school building and toilet of Tamakoshi Higher Secondary School since the alignment passes through them. Due care has to be given to school going and aged population while relocation of houses. The detail of compensation rate and amount for the house loss is presented in Table 6.1.4. Table-6.1.4 Compensation for the Relocation of Houses T pes of Houses Kachi house with tiled roof 200000 9 1800000 Kachi house with thatched roof 150000 8 1200000 School block having Paki house with 1200000 1 1200000 tin shade Construction of School Toilet LS 1 50000 Sub- Total 42,50,000 2 Land Replacement Cost Land replacement cost for houses 491250/ha 0.27 ha 132637.5 Land replacement cost for school 600000/ha 0.050ha 30000 3 House Rental allowance for 4 500/month 68 months 34000 months Total 44,46,637.5 SPAFs preference for compensation indicates that 76.5 % of households prefer cash compensation and 11.7 % prefer replacement houses. Some households raised the question of house plots also. As a whole most of households are satisfied by cash compensation considering easy handling of cash for different purposes. Table 6.1.5 Preference of Compensation of SPAFs 5.88 11.76 5.88 100.00 6.1.3 Compensation for Crop Loss Construction work shall be scheduled at best to avoid cropping season. People of the concerned land shall be informed in advance so these disturbances shall be minimized. Compensation shall be paid for any unavoidable crop damage or area depending on the crop production. Damage of any standing crop shall be paid based on the present value. Compensation shall also be paid for the loss of fruit trees. The implication of food deficit in project area indicates that the project contractor has to manage food requirement for construction crew independently without relying on local food supply. 6.1.4 Occupational Safety Measures The construction area shall be declared as hard hat area and all the necessary precaution and warning sign must be placed at work site. This area shall be restricted for the entry of un- authorized people. Hard hat, eyeglass, safety boot, fire fighting accessories, caution signals and other safety equipment as required at particular site and work area must be provided. The contractor shall conduct safety awareness program and any loss of life or injury shall be compensated at prevailing rules. The likely increase in injuries and accidents shall be minimized and contractual requirements should be strict. 6.1.5 Infrastructure The access trail to the cultural site at AP-16 shall be reconstructed to facilitate the access for worshipper. 6.1.6 Coordination The project shall develop a good coordination mechanism with local and district level administration of HMG/N. Cordial relation shall also be established with local VDCs, NGOs, CBOs and project workers working in the area. The project shall establish good information system to coordinate the work between the different project partners such as contractor, consultant and client. 6.'1. 7 Gender and Vulnerable Group The project shall not discriminate to the local people based on gender, cast, color or place of oriigin in Nepal and vulnerable group. The project shall completely ban the use of child labor. Consultant, contractor and sub contractor shall be instructed that use of child labor is not allowed in project works. Due priority shall be given to project related employment and other benefits to vulnerable group and poor people. 6.1.8 Awareness Program · Awareness program will be implemented by the project for the proper use of compensation amount, areas of employment and likely effect on people due to withdrawal of economic opportunity. The awareness program will also include about the problem associated with social and cultural disintegrate and awareness against girls trafficking and sexually transmitted disease (STD) such as AIDS. 6.1.9 Health and Sanitation Temporary camp shall be provided for the project workers. The temporary camp established by sub contractor must have toilet facilities and the drinking water sources shall be tested prior to mobilization. The contractor shall maintain at least first aid kits and vaccines against infectious and communicable diseases, which will decrease pressure on local health and sanitation fatcilities. Health check-up of workers an_d documentation of health status shall be made periodically. 6 . 1.10 Cultural Aspects To minimize the impact on cultural practice of local communities, a strong code of conduct need to be enforced to the outside construction workers. The workers shall be instructed to act in a responsible manner during and after the working hours, respecting the rights, property and practice of local people. 6.2 Operation Phase 6.2.1 Manthali Airport Since the alignment is shifted from the previously proposed location in consultation with Civil Aviation Department no mitigation measure is proposed. 6.2.2 Agricultural Production The impact on agriculture production is in small scale and scattered in nature it is not possible to implement agriculture intensification program. The community support program elaborated in 6.3.1.2 especially for the poor and deprived people will minimize the likely impact. 6,.2.3 Land Devaluation Private land (68.44 ha) within the RoW will be compensated at current market price as per standard practice of HMG/N. Such amount will be paid 10% of the total amount of land value. The land within RoW will be utilized as usual by the respective landholders. There is not such standard practice for commercial and housing plots, where the value depends on a number of highly subjective factors. It is recommended that such areas shall be considered while determining devaluation cost. 6.2.4 Fprming Hindrance This is unavoidable impact. However it is recommended that placement of tower pad at the center of field shall be avoided. 6.2.5 Awareness Program The awareness program mentioned in 6.1.8 will minimize the likely impacts due to withdrawal of economic activities. 6.2.6 Occupational Health and Safety Safety equipment required for the operation of the transmission line should be provided. During the maintenance major area shall be restricted for entry of unauthorized person to avoid disturbances and risk. Hard hat, eye glass, safety boot, ear plugs, good electric light system, power-cutting devices fire fighting accessories, caution signals and other safety equipment as required at particular site and work area must be provided. The aforementioned awareness program will also minimize the risk of accidents. 6.3 Enhancement Measures 6.3.1 Construction Phase 6.3.1.1 Priority to the Local Employment The project shall emphasize to hire the local people to the extent possible for the construction work. Due priority shall be given to project affected families, disadvantage people and women. 6.3.1.2 Community Support Program In order to minimize the project impact on affected families disadvantageous and vulnerable people and to develop cordial relation and safe operation of the project community support program is suggested. The survey identified about 40 poor and disadvantageous households in the transmission line alignment. The community support program should be implemented to support the disadvantageous people and lower caste people in addressing their pressing needs. The scope of the program should be further designed and refined in consultation with local NGOs, stakeholders and residents of route alignment. The basic principle of the program implementation is the local participation, contribution and support to the economically disadvantageous group and benefit sharing. At least the following aspects shall be covered under this scheme. • Cash crop training especially vegetable and Junar • Livestock raising training • Poultry farming training After completion of the training users groups will be formed in the leadership of the trained pE!rson and such group will be assisted for the farming of goat, pig and poultry where most of disadvantageous group are employed. This program is mostly designed for the poor and vulnerable people affected by the project. The training program and implementation of community support program will be revised and implemented in coordination with local NGOs. 6.3.1.3 Rural Electrification Main demand of the local people is to electrify the affected area. Although this project is not directly related for rural electrification it is recommended that project should facilitate rural electrification in the area through NEA regular scheme since NEA is responsible for the rural electrification in different part of the country. Some of the project areas in Sindhuli and Ramechhap districts are already proposed for rural electrification under the Rural Electrification and Distribution System Reinforcement Project. 6.3.2 Operation Phase 6.3.2.1 Priority to the Local ~mployment The project shall emphasize to hire the local people to the extent possible for the operation and maintenance work. Due priority shall be given to project affected families, disadvantage people and women. 6.3.2.2 Community Support Program Tlhe community support program implemented during the construction phase shall be continued for at least two years of project operation. 6A Social Mitigation Cost The proposed social mitigation cost includes only the items described above, which are not included in project design and tender documents. The Total estimated mitigation cost for the proposed Khimti-Dhalkebar 220 kV Transmission Line Project is 36.47 Million NRs. out of which social mitigation cost include 12.36 million NRs. (Table-6.4.1 ). Table 6.4.1 Social Mitigation Cost IS~~N;'~1:•)~:~ 1Tit1:::.t:l~ ~,,;lc;; ~;~:;: '~:'\~~;~i~~;s:s~':;;, ::::~~;:<,<~ ' ll~i:;r,:~~··r:•:·~~;::, ~ere&!~' ,... ,.• , '~',~:It.= 1 Compensation of land Ref. Table 4.2 557175.75 2 House relocation Ref. Table 4.3, 4446637.5 3 CroQ_ damage LS 300000 4 Compensation for the loss of private trees LS 500000 5 Awareness program LS 200000 6 Land compensation for ROW ( 10%) 491250/ha 3362115 7 Community support program LS 2500000 8 Miscellaneous LS 500000 Total 1,23,65,928.25 Besides the above-mentioned cost some social mitigation costs are included in project design and can not be separated. The item in built in project design and included in tender documents is not included in this estimated mitigation cost. Those costs are tie up with other activities and included in total project cost. The following social mitigation programs are included in technical part of the project. • Camp with adequate facilities • Safeguarding of the construction sites and safety equipment's • Safety awareness program and associated mitigation measures • Provision of first aid kits, health checkup of the workers and vaccines against infectious disease CHAPTER -7 SOCIAL MONITORING 7.0 General Monitoring is an essential aspect of social management. It consists collection of data to measure social 'changes associated with construction and operation of the project. Depending on the location or the month of the year certain construction activities may have greater or lesser impacts. NEA will have prime responsibility for implementation of monitoring program: Khimti-Dhalkebar Environmental Management Unit, Consultant, Project Manager, Contractor and Line Agencies are responsible for monitoring of different components as specified below. 7. 1. Types of Monitoring Based on the study, type and size of the project and monitoring experience of other projects daily to quarterly monitoring depending on the parameter is recommended throughout construction period. The monitoring will be conducted in construction and operation phases of thB project. 7:1.1 Baseline Monitoring Baseline monitoring is conducted to update the baseline condition of the project area prior to implementation of the project. 7.11.2 Impact Monitoring Impact monitoring is to be carried out to assess actual level of impact. The impact monitoring will be conducted during construction as well as operation phases of the project. The impact monitoring includes: • Monitoring of the impacts of the project on socioeconomic environment of the area • Monitoring of the accuracy of the predicted impacts • Monitoring of the effectiveness of social mitigation measures and community support program 7.1.3 Compliance Monitoring The compliance monitoring will be conducted to monitor the compliance of the recommended mitigation measures and monitoring activities. The compliance monitoring will mainly focus on; • Mitigation and monitoring requirements associated with the contractor shall be dually incorporated in tender document and contract agreement. • Compliance of the tender clause • Compliance of the mitigation measures • Monitoring of the allocation of adequate budget for the implementation of the mitigation measures and monitoring works 7.~! Monitoring Parameters, Schedule and Agencies to be Consulted Settlement, public health, infrastructure and compliance of the tender clauses are the few areas of monitoring. The schedule of monitoring will be daily, quarterly, half yearly and yearly depending on the parameters and type of monitoring. The details of monitoring parameters, schedule, method and agencies to be consulted during construction and operation phase is presented in Table- 7.2.1. 7.3 Manpower Socio-economist along with supervisors and support staff will be mobilized for social monitoring of the project. 7.4 Monitoring Cost The estimated total monitoring cost is 3.92 million NRs. including manpower, report production, transportation and others for pre construction, 18 months construction and 2 years operation phases (Table-1 0.2). This cost also includes monitoring of social sector ( Ref. EIA report fur further details). 7.5 Organizational Setup Environmental and Social Studies Department of NEA will be the organization responsible for pre construction monitoring. Khimti-Dhalkebar Environment Management Unit (KDTL-EMU) comprising of staff from ESSD, among others will be established for the construction phase monitoring of the project. This unit will work on behalf of Khimti-Dhalkebar 220 kV Transmission Line Project. The KDTL-EMU will be responsible for compliance and impact monitoring works as specified in Table 7.2.1. Grid Operation Department, NEA will conduct the operation phase monitoring up to first 2 years of the project and ESSD will conduct some of the monitoring works on behalf of the department. ( Ref. EIA report fur further details). CHAPTER -8 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 8.'1 Conclusion Nepal Electricity Authority proposed Khimti -Dhalkebar 220 kV Transmission Line Project to evacuate the power generated from Tamakoshi and other hydropower project in the region. This SIA report is an outcome of the study conducted as per the World Bank Guidelines for the projects funded under the. power development fund. The Social Impact Assessment study is based on field survey and review of secondary information. On the basis of the above analysis it may be summarized that social baseline has been determined and impacts are predicted. Social mitigation measures are proposed to support the construction & post acquisition scenario that Project Affected Families are at least as well off as before the project construction. The major social impacts likely to occur due to implementation of proposed project are summarized below. 8.1.1 Adverse Impact Construction Phase • · Loss of 1.06 ha private land for the placement of towers • Likely impact on 68 households due to land acquisition for tower pads • Relocation of one block and toilet of Tamakoshi Higher Secondary School at Khimti besi • Relocation of 17 houses • Likely impact on standing crop • Occupational safety impacts • Likely disturbance in cultural worship • Likely detoriation in law and order situation • Likely impact on gender and vulnerable group • Changes in life style • Impact on local health and sanitation situation • Likely impact on social and cultural practices • Likely impact on community services and institutions • Expectations of local people Operation Phase • Loss of approximately 4.2 Mt. food grain annually • Withdrawal of economic opportunity • Reduction of land value in Khimti besi, Manthali, Sindhuli and Dhalkebar market areas • Farming hindrance • Likely impact on aesthetic value • Occupational and safety impacts • Electromagnetic impact 8.1.2 Positive Impact Construction Phase • Employment to 225 people • Likely improvement in local economy Operation Phase • Enhancement in technical skill and know- how • Improvement in national economy • Local employment opportunity 8.2 Recommendations Social impacts can be mitigated by paying appropriate compensation, preferential hiring rehabilitation grant based on entitlement policy and other mitigation measures which will contribute to enhance the quality of life of Project Affected Families and rural society. The following mitigation measures are proposed to minimize the likely impacts of the proposed project on socioeconomic and cultural environment of the area. Construction Phase • Compensation for the loss of private land and provision of land registration fee up to 7 % of the compensation amount or the amount spend for land purchase (within 6 months) whichever is low. • Appropriate rent for leased land • Compensation for Relocation of Houses • Compensation for the relocation of one block of school building and toilet • Appropriate compensation for the loss of crop • Implementation of occupational safety measures and regular checkup of the project workers • Construction of access trail at AP-16 • Coordination with local administration, VDCs, DOCs local people etc • Due priority shall be given to project related employment and other benefits to vulnerable group and poor people • The contractor shall maintain at least first aid kits and vaccines against infectious and communicable diseases • Awareness program • Strict rule and regulation for the workers • Land prices are subject to change and are to be updated prior to meeting of compensation fixation committee meeting. • Landowners name, types of land, and other essential information has to be confirmed before the project implementation due to time lag between this study and time of project implementation. • Modalities and scope of work of Community Support Program are to be further refined in consultation with Project Affected Families. Operation Phase • Private land falls within the RoW will be compensated. Such amount will be paid 10% of the total amount of land value • Tower shall not be placed at the center of field to the extent possible Safety equipment required for the operation of the transmission line shall be provided and safety measures must be applied Enhancement Measures Construction Phase • Priority for local employment • Implementation of community support program Operation Phase • Due priority shall be given to local employment • Continuation of community support program for 2 years • Due priority shall be given for rural electrification to the affected area In summary the project is socio-economically feasible and appropriate arrangements are to be made to compensate and rehabilitate project affected families. Any omission and/ or discrepancy regarding entitlement, list of landowners etc will be sorted out during project implementation. The study concludes that construction of the proposed Khimti-Dhalkebar 220 k\1 Transmission Line Project is feasible if recommended social mitigation measures and monitoring plan is implemented. REFERENCES CBS, Statistical year Book of Nepal 2003 CBS, Population of Nepal: Caste/ Ethnicity, Mother tongue and Religion (CDR) 2001 DDCO, 2060. District Level Monitoring and Evaluation Reporl. District Development Committee Office, Information and Collection Center, Ramechhap DDCO, 2059. Ramechhap Development Overview for the improvement of the communication and transparency in development. District Development Committee Office, Information Collection Center, Ramechhap. DDCO. 2058. Ramechhap Development Overview. District Development Committee, Information and Collection Center, Ramechhap. DDCO. 2059. Ramechhap in Maps. District Development Committee Office, Human Resources Development Center, Ramechhap. DDCO. 2060. Ramechhap Development Overview for the Improvement of the Communication and Transparency in Development. District Development Committee, Information and Collection center, Ramechhap. HMG/N Electricity Regulation 2050, Nepal Rajpatra KM. 2059. An Overview of Kamalamai. Second Edition. Kamalamai Municipality, Sindhuli NEA, 2003, Detail Route Alignment Survey of Khimti Dhalkebar 220 kV Transmission Line Project. Project Development Department, NEA. NEA (2002). A Year in Review, Nepal Electricity Authority, Fiscal year 2001/02, Durbar Mlarg, Kathmandu NEA 2003. A Year in Review, Nepal Electricity Authority Fiscal year 2002/03 NPC. Tenth Five-year Plan 2059-2064 NRA National Research Associates Nepal District Profile 2002 NDP National District Profile (1997) Kathmandu.