Final Environmental Assessment Report of Transmission and Distribution Subprojects in Garo Hill Districts of Meghalaya Under NERPSIP Prepared & Submitted By Department of Environmental Studies North-Eastern Hill University Shillong-793022 Final Environmental Assessment Report of Transmission and Distribution Subprojects in Garo Hill Districts of Meghalaya Under NERPSIP Project team Prof. D. Paul, Principal Investigator Prof. D. Walia, Co-investigator Prof. B. K. Tiwari Mr. K. K. Choudhury Coleen Marak, Project Fellow Christie Momin, Project Fellow Prepared & Submitted By Department of Environmental Studies North-Eastern Hill University Shillong-793022 NERPSIP/Meghalaya/FEAR-1/2018-19/R4 November, 2019 ABBREVIATIONS ADC – Autonomous District Council APs – Affected Persons AP Angle Point CBIS – Capacity Building & Institutional Strengthening CEA – Central Electricity Authority CPTD – Compensation Plan for Temporary Damages CPIU – Central Project Implementation Unit dB Decibel DC – District Collector DL Distribution Line E&S – Environmental and Social EHS Environment, Health & Safety EMF Electro Magnetic Field ESMC – Environment & Social Management Cell ESPPF – Environment and Social Policy & Procedures Framework EMP – Environmental Management Plan FCA,1980 – Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 FEAR – Final Environment Assessment Report GHADC Garo Hills Autonomous District Council GOI – Government of India GRM – Grievances Redressal Mechanism GRC – Grievance Redressal Committee HFL High Flood Level IA – Implementing Agency IEAR – Initial Environmental Assessment Report MoEFCC – Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change MePDCL – Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Ltd MePTCL – Meghalaya Power Transmission Corporation Ltd LOA – Letter of Award NOC No Objection Certificate NEHU – North Eastern Hill University NER – North Eastern Region NERPSIP – North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project O&M Operation & Maintenance OPs – Operational Policies PCB Poly Chlorinated Biphenyl PIU – Project Implementation Unit POWERGRID – Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. PPEs – Personal Protective Equipments PMU – Project Management Unit PRA Participatory Rural Appraisal RoW – Right of Way R& R – Rehabilitation and Resettlement RRM – Random Rubble Masonry SS – Substation SPCU – State Project Coordination Unit T&D – Transmission & Distribution (T&D) TL Transmission Line WB – The World Bank TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Description Page EXECUTIVE SUMMARY CHAPTER -1 : INTRODUCTION 1-7 1.1 : Project Background 1 1.2 : Project Justification 2 1.3 : Benefits of Project 3 1.4 : Project Scope & Present Study 3 1.5 : Overall Project Progress 4 1.6 : Objectives and Methodology adopted for FEAR Study 6 CHAPTER -2 : BASELINE DATA 8-30 2.1 : Project Location 8 2.2 : Meghalaya 8 2.3 : West Garo Hills District 17 2.4 : Baseline Description of the Subproject areas 28 CHAPTER- 3 : LEGAL & REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS 31-40 3.1 : Constitutional Provisions 31 3.2 : Environmental Provisions 32 3.3 : Social Provisions 37 CHAPTER-4 : MAJOR FEATURES OF FINAL ROUTE & 41-56 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 4.1 : Environmental Criteria for Route Selection 41 4.2 : Major features of final route of TL & DL 46 CHAPTER-5 : POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS, 57-84 EVALUATION AND ITS MANAGEMENT 5.1 : Impact Due to Project Location 57 5.2 : Environmental Problems Due to Design 60 5.3 : Environmental Problems during Construction Phase 68 5.4 : Environmental Problems Resulting from Operation 60 5.5 : Critical Environmental Review Criteria 69 5.6 : Public Consultation 70 5.7 : Compliance of EMP 70 5.8 : Conclusion 83 SECTION-6 : MONITORING & ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT 85-89 STRUCTURE 6.1 : Administrative Arrangement for Project Implementation 85 6.2 : Review of Project Implementation Progress 85 6.3 : E & S Monitoring 88 6.4 : Grievance Redressal Mechanism (GRM) 88 LIST OF MAPS Map Description Page Map-2.1 : Location Map of the Project 8 Map-2.2 : Topo Map showing Subprojects Location 9 Map-2.3 Google Map showing Subprojects Location 10 Map-2.4 : Forest cover of Meghalaya 15 Map-2.5 : Protected Areas of Meghalaya vis-à-vis the sub-projects location 16 Map-2.6 : Elephant Corridors vis-à-vis sub-projects location. 25 Map-2.7 Map showing general land use pattern along transmission 29 corridor Map-2.8 Map showing notified forest area vis-à-vis subproject location 30 Map-4.1 : Satellite image with superimposed line route showing important 48 land use features Map-4.2 : Comparison of line route between IEAR Route vis-à-vis Final 49 Route of 132 kV Phulbari -Ampati line Map-4.3 : Satellite imagery showing details of 33 KV line route from 51 Phulbari to Chibinang Map-4.4 : Satellite imagery showing details of 33 KV line from Phulbari to 52 Phulbari Map-4.5 : Satellite imagery showing details of 33 KV line from Phulbari to 53 Rajaballa Map-4.6 : Satellite imagery showing details of 33 KV line from Tikrikilla to 54 Raksambre Map-5.1 : Line route in paddy field 59 Map-5.2 : Line route in private plantation 59 LIST OF FIGURES Figure Description Page Figure-4.1 : Completed portion of 33 kV Phulbari-Chibinang line without 50 disturbance to standing tree Figure-5.1 : Tower installed at AP 72/0 with 9 m extension 62 Figure-5.2 : Pangolin’s burrows/habitat 63 Figure-5.3 : Retaining wall at 33/11 kV Raksambre 64 Figure-5.4 : Use of Tractor for Stringing 65 Figure-5.5 : Construction during lean period 65 Figure-5.6 : Substation sites located far away from settlement area and all 65 construction activities are confined within the boundary LIST OF TABLES Table Description Page Table-2.1 : General land use pattern of Meghalaya 11 Table-2.2 : Protected Areas in Meghalaya 14 Table-2.3 : Forest Cover of West Garo Hills District 20 Table-2.4 : Details on Total population 27 Table-2.5 : Details on Male & Female Population 27 Table-2.6 : Details of Percentage SC/ST 27 Table-2.7 : Literate & Illiterate Population 28 Table-2.8 : Details on Workers 28 Table-2.9 : Details on Households 28 Table-5.1 : Details of Retaining Wall 64 Table-5.2 : Compliance Status of EMP as proposed in IEAR 71 LIST OF APPENDIXS Appendix Description Appendix-A : Site Visit & Interaction with Project Official Appendix-B : Transact Survey during Study Appendix-C : Details of PRA Exercise LIST OF ANNEXURES Annexure Description Annexure -1 : No Objection Certificate from Forest Authority Annexure- 2 : Details of Tower schedule of 132kV Line Annexure- 3 : Details of Pole schedule of Distribution Line Annexure- 4 : Species wise Tree Details coming under RoW Annexure- 5 : NoC from concerned Land owner/ Headman /Village Council Annexure- 6 : Sample case of Compensation payment Annexure- 7 : Drawing of Bird Guard/Anti perching devises Annexure- 8 : Signed copy of Safety Plan submitted by Contractor Annexure- 9 : Safety/Penalty provisions in Contract Conditions Annexure- 10 : Approved Labour license & Insurance policy by Contractor Annexure- 11 : Safety Checklists Annexure- 12 : Details of safeguard consultation Annexure- 13 : Notification of Grievance Redressal Committee Acknowledgement It is a pleasure to place on record, my appreciation for all the help and support received from different quarters towards completion of the project. I am thankful to the Power Grid Corporation of India for reposing their faith in NEHU for undertaking the project. I am especially appreciative of Mr. Deepjyoti Baruah and the field station staff of Power Grid for all the support through documents and consultations during the course of the project. I am thankful to my teammates Prof. B. K. Tiwari, Prof. D. Walia and Mr. K.K. Choudhury for their valuable observations and inputs, both during field visits, and during compilation of the report. My confidence in my project staff who are past students of the department has been amply rewarded by the excellent discipline and meticulous work ethics they exhibited during the field work and data collection. I am thankfully proud of them and am confident that this experience would have exposed them to new domains of discourse and enriched their knowledge Finally I am extremely grateful to all the respondents of the PRA exercise whose valuable inputs were indispensable in the fruition of the work and its logical culmination into the present report. Dibyendu Paul Executive Summary North Eastern Region Power Supply Improvement Project (NERPSIP) is a World Bank funded project aimed at improving the impoverished power transmission and distribution system in the North Eastern states of India with Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. (POWERGRID), the single transmission utility of the country as the implementing agency (IA). The present Final Environmental Assessment Report (FEAR) is for the for the West and South west Garo hills transmission and distribution system, and has been undertaken to verify the actual locational details of the project elements, to report any impacts on the biodiversity and protected area and the project affected people, and to assess the compliance of the Initial Environmental Assessment Report (IEAR) /Environment Management Plan (EMP) prepared and submitted by the IA for the instant project. The elements of the present project include a 132 kV D/C line transmission line from Phulbari to Ampati and 5 nos. 33 kV distribution lines and associated new substations at 132/33 kV Phulbari, 33/11 kV Chibinang, 33/11 kV Rajballa Bhaitbari & 33/11 kV and extension/augmentation of existing 132/33 kV Ampati, 33/11 kV Phulbari & 33/11 kV Tikrikilla substations. The topography of the western fringes of Garo hills where the project is located is mostly plain land (>70%) interspersed by small undulating hillocks. About 30% of the landscape has a vegetation cover (open forest, plantations) mostly in the hilly terrain, and the rest (70%) is constituted by plain farm land (paddy cultivation). Most of the land is privately owned and some are under the jurisdiction of the Village Council. The final layout of transmission line from Phulbari to Ampati has been carefully selected from three given options. The alignment has successfully avoided all reserve forests and protected areas. This is evident from the satellite imagery with superimposed transmission alignments. Only a small portion (about 30%) of the line passes through private land with cashew / betelnut plantations. Such portions of the line, being in open forests with low canopy, will not necessitate felling of commercially important trees along the RoW, except for the portion passing through the plantation, where compensation being provided to affected person/land owner. Further, for the tower locations on hillocks, the height gain due to elevation is sufficient to allow retention of trees along RoW, thus further minimizing felling requirements. The original length of the line has been significantly reduced 50 km from earlier 69 km due to relocation of the Phulbari in same locality after non-finalization of earlier identified land & location of Ampati substation closer to Phulbari by about 11 km. As a result, the environmental footprints have been drastically reduced without any additional impacts as envisaged in IEAR. Similarly, the distribution lines too have been aligned by avoiding dense plantation areas. Here, the RoW corridor being narrower (15m) will further reduce the necessity of tree felling. Much of the line would only need lopping of branches for unhindered passage. The land requirement and excavation for tower footing has been adequately addressed. Unequal Leg Extensions (ULE) has not been used in the present case. Soil excavated for tower footing has been backfilled, and the remaining soil has been optimally managed through even spreading and compaction. Since the excavation operations are undertaken during the dry season, no hindrances to cropping operations are envisaged. However, as per procedures compensation to all affected persons/ land owners for any damage to crops/ felling of trees and cost for use of the land for tower base area @ 100% land cost as per prevailing rates are being provided by IA/Utility. As the transmission and distribution lines avoid ecologically sensitive areas, there is no evidence to suggest threats to biodiversity. Elephant sightings have been reported in a section of the transmission line (AP60-AP75), and extensions have been provided for towers in this section so as to ensure unhindered passage of elephants. Review of literature on animal/elephant corridors have revealed the presence of two documented elephant corridors, but they are located distantly, to the east and south east of the project area. No animal corridors are present in the project area. An endangered (IUCN category) mammalian species Manis crassicaudata is reported to inhabit in some pockets of the project area. However, being fussorial (burrowing) in habit, there is no apparent threat to the species except in the event of the necessity of excavations for project elements being located in the vicinity of active burrows. Although no borrows exist in tower location/RoW Care during study period, care should be taken by IA to avoid such accidental encroachment. Primates are also reported in some locations. However, as most of the line passes through paddy fields, chances of electrocution are negative. Even in the portions where the line passes through private plantation area, the clearance of the conductors from the canopy is high enough to negate any chances of electrocution. No bird migration/fly path found in project area. Moreover, bird guard/anti perching devices are being made part of BoQ/tower design. The substations are located away from human habitation and are mostly on high ground so as to avoid instances of flooding or noise pollution. Permissions have been taken from the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) wherever necessary. In some locations, earth cutting requirements have necessitated and installation of retention walls which have been provided. All tower footings are of equal leg distribution, and the excavated soils are being backfilled, the excess being evenly spread out within the boundary of the substations. Appropriate drainage has been provided, and management of transformer oil spillage has been adequately addressed through provisions for collection and storage for either recycling or disposal. Excavations and all accident prone areas are appropriately barricaded for safety. Issues relating to operational health and safety has been adequately addressed. The labourers are provided with safety gear and provisions for first aid and arrangement for shifting of affected persons to nearby hospitals are also in place. Compensation for injury and death has been ensured through provisions in Safety Plan & Contract condition. Proper sanitation facilities and safe drinking water are being provided in the project locations. The site managers have been advised to ensure that there are no instances of open defecation. The IA has a continuous monitoring mechanism of the project w.r.t. compliance of the mandatory requirements as stipulated in the IEAR. Thus the adherences to the clauses by the contractors are regularly monitored especially in respect of EMP implementation, OHS compliance. The project has thus far had zero fatality which is indicative of the strict vigil of the IA. The Capacity building and Institutional Strengthening program of the IA is held intermittently to enhance the skills of the project officials. Further, meetings between IA and MePTCL are held on a monthly/ bimonthly basis to assess the work progress and difficulties encountered in respect of land acquisition, RoW and compensation if any. For the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), prior permissions and appointments were taken from the village headmen and meetings were held with the villagers to generate information regarding their opinions about the project and its potential impact on the area. Further, information about the important biodiversity elements present in the area was also generated through 500m walks undertaken in the North, South, East and West directions from a focal point for sightings of large winged birds and their nesting sites, and primates. At private plantation locations, potential perching sites were carefully observed for sightings. Most of the tower locations visited for PRA was on either flat land or on gentle slopes, thus negating chances of erosive losses during construction. Further, as most of the locations were agricultural land or private plantation patches with low canopy, the requirement of tree felling for ROW is drastically reduced and will have negligible impact. It emerged from the survey that the PAP were appreciative of the project and hoped that the power scenario would improve after commissioning of the project. Local people also benefited through project related employment that was being generated. Overall, the planning and layout of the project elements have been undertaken in a judicious manner so as to ensure minimum environmental impact. However, during the implementation phase, especially in respect of the construction, strict monitoring by the IA should be undertaken so as to ensure proper compliance by the contractors with reference to the IEAR and especially with regard to compliance of the health and safety measures. FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1.1 Project Background Electric power being an enabler sector acts as a catalyst for the growth and development of areas having accessibility to it. The North Eastern Region (NER) of India faces significant bottlenecks in accessibility and availability of power and the per capita power consumption of NER is one third of the national average. Further, no significant generation capacity has been added between 2004 and 2011, as a result of which, inadequate power supply remains a critical constraint to sustainable and inclusive growth, and to the efforts of scaling up private investment and economic competitiveness in the NER. The road-map for development of power sector specifying the need for strengthening of overall Transmission, Sub-transmission and Distribution system of NER was brought out in the “Pasighat Proclamation on Power” released during the first Sectoral Summit of North Eastern Council at Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh in January 2007. Accordingly, Government of India (GoI) with the financial assistance of The World Bank (WB) has planned a composite scheme viz. “North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project” (NERPSIP) to create/augment proper infrastructure/network of Transmission & Distribution (T&D) in the region. The scheme covers six North Eastern States ( Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Tripura, Nagaland & Mizoram ) to create a robust power network by improving the intra-state transmission & distribution (33kV and above) network with required capacity building initiatives for effective utilization of assets. The Ministry of Power (MoP), GoI appointed Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), the Central Transmission Utility of the country as the “Implementing Agency” (IA) to implement the project under Tranche-1 in close coordination with the respective State Governments/Utilities. However, the ownership of the assets shall be with the respective State Governments/ State Utilities, who will be responsible for operation and maintenance of assets once they are handed over to them upon progressive commissioning. POWERGRID is also facilitating in building the institutional capacity of the state departments and utilities to continue managing the rehabilitated networks in an efficient manner. The state wise scope of works proposed under Tranche-1 is given below: 1 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP State Transmission/ Sub-transmission Distribution (33kV) (132kV & above) Line New S/s Total MVA Line New S/s Total MVA (Km) (No.) (New & Aug.) (Km) (No.) (New & Aug.) Assam 233 11 1644 479 16 240 Manipur 254 2 160 131 13 229.4 Meghalaya 225 4 940 263 11 135 Mizoram 143 3 125 5 1 6.3 Nagaland 285 5 245 76.5 10 190 Tripura 261 9 1306.5 1096 34 450.5 Total 1401 34 4420.5 2051 85 1251.2 The project has two components namely Component A: Priority Investments for Strengthening Intrastate Transmission, Sub-transmission, and Distribution Systems, and Component B: Technical Assistance for Capacity Building and Institutional Strengthening (CBIS) of Power Utilities and Departments of Participating States. The total project cost is Rs. 5111 Crore with financing from both GoI and Bank on 50:50 basis. The Bank is providing financial support to the tune of Rs $ 470 million (Rs 2511.165 crores) under the Loan No.-8631-IN which was signed on 28th November, 2016 and became effective from 20th February, 2017. The loan closing date is 31 st March, 2023. The remaining financing including capacity building will be met through Govt. of India funding. 1.2 Project Justification The existing intra-state transmission system in Meghalaya is quite old & weak, and is unable to cater to the growing power requirements of the state. Although the present T&D system covers many areas of the state, it is inadequate in its reach, and due to a redundant T&D system, outage of any transmission system element results in long term power shortages making the system highly unreliable. Further, some of the network elements have undergone long term outage due to break-down. Therefore, it has become essential to address the situation through remedial measures in the transmission and distribution system. Accordingly, phase-wise strengthening of transmission & sub-transmission system has been proposed. The transmission schemes proposed under Tranche-1 of Meghalaya State include construction of 416 km of 220/132 kV transmission lines & associated 4 nos. new 2 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP substation and 198 ckm of 33 kV distribution lines & associated 11 nos. substation along with augmentation & strengthening of transmission and sub-transmission spread across the State 1.3 Benefits of the Project The proposed transmission and distribution schemes will not only improve the overall power situation, but will also enhance reliability, quality and security of power supply of the State. 1.4 Project Scope & Present Study In line with MePTCL & MePDCL’s Environment and Social Policy & Procedures Framework (ESPPF), POWERGRID in association with Meghalaya Power Transmission Corporation Ltd (MePTCL) & Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Ltd (MePDCL) carried out comprehensive environment and social assessment of each subprojects and prepared Initial Environment Assessment (IEA) reports. These reports were subsequently disclosed for public information both on the State Utility, POWERGRID and Bank website after obtaining clearance from The World Bank. As per provision the ESPPF, a Final Environment Assessment Report (FEAR) for each subproject need to be prepared with an objective to assess the compliance of mitigation measures as suggested in IEARs. However, as per Project Agreement signed between POWERGRID and Bank such study require to be undertaken by Independent Agencies as per Term of Reference agreed with Bank. Accordingly, POWERGRID appointed North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) as Independent consultant vide LOA Ref No.: NEGW/NERPSIP/C&M/17-18/400-13/LOA-57/117 dated 27th March 2019 to carry out FEAR study. The present Final Environment Assessment Report (FEAR) is a document developed as a consultancy assignment by NEHU to validate the work undertaken and to critically examine any deviation, if any with respect to management measures as outlined in the IEAR which is based on MePTCL/MePDCL’s Environmental and Social Policy & Procedures Framework (ESPPF), World Bank’s Operational Policies and Bank’s Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines for Electric Power Transmission and Distribution. 3 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP The scope of the present study include of 132 KV transmission line and associated 132/33 kV substations & 33 KV distribution lines and 33/11 KV substations being implemented in Garo Hills District of Meghalaya. Details of T & D component are as follow; A. Transmission Components i) Phulbari – Ampati 132 kV D/C line ii) Establishment of 132/33 kV substation at Phulbari iii) Extension of 132/33 kV Ampati substation B. Distribution Components i) 33 kV line from Phulbari 132/33 kV substation (New) - 33/11 kV Rajballa Bhaitbari substation (New) ii) 33 kV line from Phulbari 132/33 kV substation (New) - 33/11 kV Chibinang substation (New) iii) 33 kV line from 33/11 kV Tikrikilla substation(Existing) - 33/11 kV Raksambre substation(New) iv) 33 kV line from Phulbari 132/33 kV substation (New) - 33/11 kV Phulbari substation (Existing) v) 33 kV line from Phulbari 132/33 kV substation (New at 33/11 kV line Tikrikilla- (Taping point) vi) Reconductoring of 33 KV Tikrila-Phulbari line (Existing) from point “X” to 33/11 kV Tikrikilla substation (Existing) vii) Establishment of 33/11 kV substation at Rajballa Bhaitbari, Chibinang, Raksambre viii) Strengthening at 33/11 kV Phulbari substation (Existing) with replacement of existing 2 X 2.5 MVA by 2 X 5 MVA ix) Bay addition 1 No each at 33/11 kV Phulbari (Existing) and 33/11 kV Tikrikilla; 1.5 Overall Project Progress A brief status on project implementation progress of various transmission & distribution components till October, 2019 is presented below; 4 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Name of the T & D Component Progress as on September, 2019 A. Transmission and Distribution Line Overall progress- 64 % Phulbari – Ampati 132 kV D/C line  172 out of 174 tower foundations completed.  151 out of 174 tower erections completed.  2 km out of 50 km stringing yet completed. 33 kV line from Phulbari 132/33 kV  311 HT poles out of total 746 poles erected. substation (New) - 33/11 kV  Stringing (26 km) yet to commence. Rajballa Bhaitbari substation (New) 33 kV line from Phulbari 132/33 kV Completed. substation (New) - 33/11 kV  59 HT poles out of total 59 poles erected. Chibinang substation (New)  Stringing of 2.02km out of 2.02 km completed. 33 kV line from 33/11 kV Tikrikilla  249 HT poles out of total 302 poles erected. substation(Existing) - 33/11 kV  Stringing (11 km) yet to commence. Raksambre substation(New) 33 kV line from Phulbari 132/33 kV  228 HT poles out of total 234 poles erected. substation (New) - 33/11 kV  Stringing (8 km) yet to commence. Phulbari sub-station (Existing) 33 kV line from Phulbari 132/33 kV  02 HT poles out of total 25 poles erected. substation (New at 33/11 kV line  Stringing (1 km) yet to commence. Tikrikilla- (Taping point) Reconductoring of 33 KV Tikrila-  Stringing activity yet to commence. Phulbari line (Existing) from point “X” to 33/11 kV Tikrikilla substation(Existing) T & D Substations Land area measuring 12.50 acre secured from single 132/33 kV Phulbari substation landowner through private purchase on willing buyer (2 x 50 MVA) willing seller based on negotiated/market rate. Approx. 65 % civil work & 25 % equipment erection completed. Extension of 132/33 kV Required land for extension work already available in Ampati substation the existing substation premise and hence, no fresh 5 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP land secured. Civil work just started (2 % completed.) Establishment of 33/11 kV Land area measuring 0.66 acre secured from single Substation at Rajballa landowner through private purchase on willing buyer Bhaitbari willing seller based on negotiated/market rate. (1 X 5 MVA) Approx. 45 % civil work & equipment erection yet to commence. Establishment of 33/11 kV Land area measuring 1.65 acre secured from single Substation at Chibinang (1 X 5 landowner through private purchase on willing buyer MVA) willing seller based on negotiated/market rate. Substation commissioned on 31.07.2019. Establishment of 33/11 kV Land area measuring 0.66 acre secured from single Substation at Raksambre (1 X landowner through private purchase on willing buyer 5 MVA) willing seller based on negotiated/market rate. All works completed and test charged successfully completed on 30.09. 2019. 1.6 Objectives and Methodology adopted for FEAR Study The main objectives of the FEAR study is to assess the mitigative measures as suggested in IEAR and/or EMP are effectively implemented/ addressed at the ground during pre-construction & construction stages of project cycles. The study also help in establishing the status of compliance of various mitigation/management measures provided in the IEAR/EMP and suggests gaps or weaknesses, if any. To achieve this, NEHU undertook a comprehensive biophysical, environmental, socio- economic data gathering exercise along the transmission/ distribution line routes and substations location to assess/verify the actual site specific measures implemented /being implemented by IA/Contractor in respect of measure/actions listed in IEAR/EMP. The methodologies adopted for instant FEAR are as follows: (i) Review of IEAR: The IEAR has been thoroughly analyzed to ensure that the mitigation measures as proposed in IEAR are being implemented at ground level or deviation if any. 6 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP (ii) Physical verification of construction elements: Extensive site visits were conducted for ascertaining/verifying the compliance with respect to IEAR/EMP, contract conditions through discussion with Site In-charge and Construction Contractor & verify various data/ maps/ other records substantiating compliance measures undertaken. Photographs of visit to various subproject sites is presented at Appendix-A (iii) Line transects survey for flora and fauna: Line transacts survey were conducted along 10% of the transmission and distribution routes for analysis of flora and fauna. The results were corroborated in consultation with secondary data and further with the information generated through PRA. Details of line transacts survey undertaken during study is placed at Appendix – B. Besides, bird walks were also undertaken, particularly in private plantation patches, to locate nesting sites and for bird sightings. (iv) Visit schedule with local residents to generate PRA data and public consultation: Local headmen of villages selected for PRA study were approached and meetings were fixed to gather information from the local residents in respect of the impact of the project, the compensation status, the biodiversity elements etc. and any other information related to the project implementation. The details of PRA exercise is presented at Appendix-C. (v) Analysis of secondary data : Extensive literature survey was undertaken to determine the biodiversity components of the project area. Further, literature in respect of animal corridors, status of forests, etc. were also consulted. The official websites of the forest department were also visited to corroborate the information garnered from secondary sources (vi) Development of Google maps: Google maps and Geo-referenced maps with superimposed coordinates of project elements have been generated so as to verify locational details and details of physical features of terrain of the project locations. 7 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP CHAPTER 2: BASELINE DATA 2.1 Project Location The proposed project is located in West Garo Hills & South West Garo Hills districts of Meghalaya (Map-2.1). The map showing location of various subprojects is presented in Map- 2.2 & Map -2.3. Map - 2.1: Location Map of the Project It may be noted that South West Garo Hills, previously a part of West Garo Hills (Ampati Sub-division) became a district in year 2012. The basic environmental setting of the State and project area districts are given below: 2.2 Meghalaya Meghalaya has a geographic area of 2.24 million ha, which constitutes 6.82% of the country’s total area. It is situated between latitude 24°58' N to 26°07' N and longitude 8 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Map- 2.2: Topo Map showing Subprojects Location 9 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Map- 2.3: Google Map showing Subprojects Location 10 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP 89° 48' E to 92° 51’E. The state has most of its land covered by hills interspersed with gorges and small valleys with elevation ranging between 150 m to 1,950 m. In terms of tribal composition, the state has three distinct regions, namely, Garo Hills, Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills. The general land use pattern of the state is depicted in Table 2.1. Table- 2.1: Land use pattern in Meghalaya Land Use Area in ‘000 ha Percentage Total geographical area 2,243 Reporting area for land utilization 2,243 100.00 Forests 946 42.21 Not available for cultivation 239 10.66 Permanent pastures and other grazing lands 00 00 Land under misc. tree crops & groves 164 7.31 Culturable wasteland 391 17.44 Fallow lands other than current fallows 155 6.91 Current Fallows 60 2.67 Net area sown 285 12.71 Source: Land use statistics, Ministry of Agriculture, GOI, 2011-12 Climate: The State enjoys a temperate climate. It is directly influenced by the South-West Monsoon and the northeast winter wind. The climate varies with altitude. The four seasons of Meghalaya are: Spring - March and April, Summer & Monsoon - May to September, Autumn -October and November and Winter - December to February. Temperature: The temperature during summer months (April to October) is usually 15°C minimum to 23°C maximum, and during winter months (November to March) it is 3°C minimum to 15°C maximum. Rainfall: Monsoon usually starts by the third week of May and continues to the end of September, and sometimes well into the middle of October. The average rainfall in the 11 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP State is 12,000 millimeters (mm). There is a great variation of rainfall over central and southern Meghalaya. Mawsynram platform, receives the heaviest rainfall in the world. At Sohra (Cherrapunjee), the average annual rainfall is as high as 12000 mm but Shillong located at a distance of about fifty kilometers from Sohra receives an average of 2200 mm of rainfall annually. Minerals: Meghalaya with its rich wealth of mineral deposits has tremendous industrial potential. There are extensive deposits of coal, limestone, granite, clay and other minerals. Coal deposits are available in all districts and particularly in the southern slopes of the state. The coal bears low ash content and its calorific value ranges between 6500 to 7500 KCal/Kg. The total estimated reserve of coal is in the region of 640 million tonnes. The coal is mainly of sub-bituminous type and can be utilized in varied industries ranging from power, fertilizer, cement and textile to paper, rubber, brick kilns and also pottery based industries. The coal found in the State can also be converted into coke to recover value added chemicals like light, medium and heavy oil, phenol and producer gas. Limestone is another mineral that occurs in an extensive belt (approx. 200 km. Long) along the Southern border of Meghalaya. The quality of limestone found here varies from cement grade to chemical grade having three brands as well. Total inferred reserve limestone within the State is about 5,000 million tons. The quality of limestone in the state has CaO content of 53% and can be of use in steel, fertilizer and chemical industries. Granite of excellent quality is at present being mined in the East and West districts of Khasi hills. Sizeable deposits are estimated and can be found in various shades and colours. Clay of various types such as Kaolin (China clay), white clay, and fire clay are found in various parts of the states. These clays are suitable for the ceramic, paper, rubber and refractory industries. It has been estimated that there are a few hundred million tonnes of clay reserves in the state. Beside the above, other economically viable minerals like gypsum, phosphorite, silica and, base metals, quartz and feldspar can be located in various parts of the state. The State is also credited with having one of the most valuable sillimanite deposits in the world. 12 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Soils: The soils of the hills are derived from gneissic complex parent materials; they are dark brown to dark reddish-brown in colour, varying in depth from 50-200 cm. The texture of soils varies from loamy to fine loamy. The soils of the alluvial plains adjacent to the northwest and southern plateau are very deep, dark brown to reddish-brown in colour and sandy-loam to silty-clay in texture. Meghalaya soils are rich in organic carbon, which is a measure of nitrogen supplying potential of the soil, deficient in available phosphorous and medium to low in available potassium. The reaction of the soils varies from acidic (pH 5.0 to 6.0) to strongly acidic (pH 4.5 to 5.0). Most of the soils occurring on higher altitudes under high rainfall belt are strongly acidic due to intense leaching. Base saturation of these soils is less than 35 %. These soils are not suitable for intensive crop production. There is not much difference in fertility classes of the soils of the State. Four soils fertility classes, namely, High Low Medium (HLM), High Medium Medium (HMM), Medium Medium Low (MML), Medium Low Medium (MLM) have been established from the soil test data so far compiled in the Soil Testing Laboratory of the State. A study conducted by the Indian council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Complex, Shillong revealed that about 40% of the soils of the state contain micronutrients below the critical level. Water Resources: River System: The river system of Meghalaya comprises mainly of rivers draining to the Brahmaputra Basin in the north and the Meghna Basin in the South. Brahmaputra Basin comprises of sub-basin of Dilni, Ganol, Jinjiram, Ringgi, Ghagua, Didak, Damring, Krishnai, Dudhnoi, Ronggre, Umsiang, Umkhri, Umiam, Umiew, Myntang, Umlarem and Meghna Basin comprises of sub- Basin of Kangra, Simsang, Dareng, Darong, RongIk, Kynshi, Umngi, Myntdu, Lubha. Meghalaya is dominated by the Brahmaputra river (length: 2900 km). Its drainage area is roughly 935,500 sq. km. Surface Water: The availability of surface water has been roughly estimated at 63.204BCM by referring to data from various sources. 13 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Ground Water: The ground water resources of the state have been assessed by the Central Ground Water Board and the Annual replenishable ground water is 1.15 BCM. Ecological Resources: The recorded forest area is 9,496 sq. km which constitutes 42.34% of the geographic area of the state. According to legal status, Reserved Forests constitute 11.72 % and Unclassed Forest 88.15% of the total forest area (Map-2.4). The state has eight forest types as per Champion & Seth Classification system (1968), belonging to five forest type groups, viz. Tropical Wet Evergreen, Tropical Semi Evergreen, Tropical Moist Deciduous, Subtropical Broadleaved Hill and Subtropical Pine Forests. Protected Areas: The protected area network in Meghalaya occupies 1133.9 Sq. Km area which constitute about 5.06 % of the State ’s Geographical Area. The Protected Area Network includes 2 national Parks, 4 wildlife Sanctuaries and 1 Biosphere Reserve playing an important role in in-situ conservation of Biodiversity. Details of the protected areas are presented in Table -2.2 below: Table 2.2: Protected Areas in Meghalaya Sl. Protected Areas Area in District Year of No. Sq. km Establishment 1. Siju Wildlife Sanctuary 5.81 South Garo Hills 1979 2. Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary 29 Ri-Bhoi District 1981 3. Baghmara Pitcher Plant 0.02 South Garo Hills 1984 Sanctuary 4. Balpakram National Park 220 South Garo Hills 1985 5. Nokrek Ridge National Park 47.78 East Garo Hills 1986 6. Nokrek Biosphere Reserve 820 East, West and 1988 South Garo Hills 7. Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary 59.90 East Jaintia Hills 2014 It has been observed that none of the proposed transmission and distribution lines or substations are located/passing through any protected area like national parks, sanctuaries, biosphere reserves etc (Map- 2.4). It is also found that there is no ecologically sensitive area within a radius of 10 Km from the transmission and distribution lines proposed under this scheme. 14 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Map 2.4 - Forest Cover Map of Meghalaya 15 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Map 2.5- Protected Areas of Meghalaya vis-à-vis the sub-projects location 16 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Wetlands: The state of Meghalaya has 259 wetlands including small wetlands, covering an area of 29987 Ha, constituting 1.25% of geographic area of the state. None of the wetlands are part of Ramsar Convention. Total wetland area of West Garo Hills is 7196 Ha, which is 0.021% of the geographic area of the district. However, none of these wetlands are impacted in due to construction of T & D lines and associated substations. Human and Economic Development: Meghalaya is predominantly an agrarian economy. Agriculture and allied activities engage nearly two-thirds of the total work force in Meghalaya. However, the contribution of this sector to the State’s NSDP is only about one-third. Agriculture in the state is characterized by low productivity and unsustainable farm practices. Despite the large percentage of population engaged in agriculture, the state imports food from other Indian states. The service sector is made up of real estate and insurance companies. Infrastructural constraints have also prevented the economy of the state from creating high income jobs at a pace commensurate with that of the rest of India. 2.3. West Garo Hills District: West Garo Hillls district is one of the largest district of Meghalaya located in the western part of the State and having a Geographic Area of 3677 sq km, including the area of newly created South West Garo Hills. As per 2011 census, total population of the district is 4,70,796. Around 84% population of the district lives in rural areas. The district is predominantly inhabited by Schedule Tribes, who constitutes 71% of the total population. The district has a healthy sex ratio of 979 females for 1000 males, which is better than the corresponding National figure. The literacy rate of the district is 67%. The district derives its name from Garo community, a tribe with a matrilineal society belonging to the Bodo family of the Tibeto-Burman race tribes who are the main inhabitants of the district The Garo Hills district was divided into two districts, viz. the West Garo Hills district and the East Garo Hills district in October 1976. The erstwhile West Garo Hills district was further divided into two administrative districts of West and South Garo Hills on June 1992. The West Garo Hills district was further divided into two administrative district of West and South West Garo Hills on 7th August, 2012. The 17 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP district headquarters of West Garo Hills is Tura. The West Garo Hills district has two sub-division and six development blocks with an area of 2,93,400 ha. Other indigenous inhabitants are the Hajongs, Rabhas, Koches, Rajbansis, Meches, Kacharis and Dalus. The district is also inhabited by Bengalis, Assamese, Nepalese, Marwaries, Biharis and people from other parts of India. Administratively the district is divided into three subdivisions viz. Tura, Phulbari and Dalu. There are five revenue circles and six community development blocks (CD) in the district. The total number of villages in the districts is 1258 of which 1172 are inhabited. The administration is carried on by the Executive Committee constituted under the Autonomous District Rules, the Committee being headed by the Chief Executive Member. There are two Executive Members under him. These functionaries share among themselves the entire responsibility of administration, their separate functions being defined. In short, in respect of the internal administration of the district they may be compared to the Ministers of the State Government in that they are elected to the Council and have particular subjects under their charge. The major subjects assigned to the Council are: Forests, Civil Works, Taxation, Revenue, Judicial, Transport and Education. The business of the house is conducted by the Chairman and Deputy Chairman, corresponding to the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker in the State Assembly. In domestic matters, very wide powers are exercised by the Nokma of individual villages. He is the head or chief of the dominant clan within the territorial limits. At the grass root level, the village headman or locally called Nokma enjoys full freedom in planning and developing the area under his jurisdiction. They are also known as the Local Self Government. There are Laskars and Sardars recognized by District Council who have a certain measure of magisterial powers and rather more police powers. Sardars are appointed to assist the Laskars in the discharge of their duties. The institution of Laskarship has come under some criticism in recent years. Topography: The West Garo Hills district is mostly hilly with plains fringing the northern, western and the south-western borders. The district is situated approximately between the latitudes 90° 30’ and 89° 40’ E, and the longitudes of 26° and 25° 20 ’ N. The West Garo Hills district lies on the western part of the state of Meghalaya bounded by the East Garo Hills district on the east, the South Garo Hills on the south-east, the North Garo Hills district 18 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP on the north and South West Garo Hills on the south- west. There are three important mountain ranges in the districts of Garo Hills. The project area is located in the westernmost fringes of the district and mostly constituted by flat land. Tura Range: This is one of the most important mountain ranges in West Garo Hills. The Tura range is about 50 km long and extends in the east-west direction from Tura to Siju in the South Garo Hills district. The mountain peaks that are located in this range are Tura Peak, Nokrek Peak, Meminram Peak, Nengminjok Peak, Chitmang Peak The highest peak of this range is the Nokrek (Altitude 1412 m above msl) lying 13 km southeast of Tura. To the west of the Tura range low hill ranges run from north to south, and to the north of the Tura range hill ranges run parallel to it, gradually increasing in height till they meet in the south. Now the entire Tura range comes under the management of Nokrek National Park: These high ranges are strictly protected as Catchment areas right from the time of British Administration in Garo Hills. There is no human habitation in the heart of these ranges which has now become an ideal home to various flora and fauna. Arbella Range: Arbella Peak is 999 metres high. It lies on the northern side of Asananggre village on the Tura- Guwahati road. Most of the peaks in this mountain range fall in the East Garo Hills district. Ranggira Range: This mountain range lies on the western fringe of the district and ends in Hallidayganj village. The height of this peak is 673 metres. Climate: The climate of the district is largely controlled by South-West monsoon and seasonal winds. The West Garo Hills district being relatively lower in altitude to the rest of Meghalaya, experiences a fairly high temperature ranging between 20 oC to 30oC for most part of the year. The average rainfall is 2800- 3300 mm of which more than two- thirds occur during the monsoon, and relative humidity ranges between 60%-80% (KVK, Tura; 2014). Winters are practically dry. Soils : The district shows different types of soil as the provenance differs widely. Red gravelly soils and red Sandy Loam in the hilly slopes and Clayey Loam in the plains are the predominant soil types. The soils are acidic in nature and comparatively rich in organic matter and nitrogen but poor in phosphorous and potassium. 19 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP The project area enjoys the climatic conditions and soils as outlined above. Being on the western most fringes of the district, the project area is located mostly on level land (>70%) and mildly undulating hillocks. Forests1: The district has mostly dense tropical mixed forest, and a small patch of temperate forest in the higher parts of the Tura range. However, as per the latest State of Forest Report 2017 published by Forest Survey of India (FSI) it has been observed that there is a reduction of 2.14% of forest cover from 2015 in the project area district. The details of forest resource available in the project area districts is presented in Table 2.3. Table 2.3. Forest Cover (West Garo Hills): ( Area in Sq. km) District Geographic As per 2017 Assessment % Forest area Very Dense Mod Dense Open Total cover forest forest forest West Garo Hills 3677 0 1244 1593 2837 77.16 Source: Indian State of Forest Report, 2017 It is evident from above table that the project area district has a very high forest cover i.e. 77.16% of the geographical area of the district which are mostly comprising of moderately dense or open forest. However, due to meticulous routing of T & D lines and Locating the substation lands by IA/State Utilities involvement of notified forest area were completely avoided. Further, State forest authorities after joint inspection has issued No Objection Certificate (NoC) stating that the status of land coming under RoW of 132 kV Phulbari-Ampati is only non-forest land (Annexure- 1). Biodiversity: The whole of Garo Hills region forms a sort of undulating plateau with plenty of flat lands and valleys with altitudes varying from 100-1400 m above sea level, Nokrek being the highest point, i.e. 1418 m. The district has a rich and unique flora and it is supposed to be the original home of the Citrus. Based on altitude, the vegetation of Garo Hills can be broadly classified into the flora of tropical and sub-tropical zones. 1 Notified forests- An area under Government control notified or recorded as forest. Reserve forests - Natural forests having rich bio-diversity and No activity is permitted without permission. Protected forests - All activities are permitted unless it is prohibited. Protected areas - A clearly defined geographical space, recognised, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means. It includes National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Tiger Reserves, Biosphere Reserves etc. Community forests - Involvement of local communities in the protection and/or management of public forests. Degraded forests- Forest with canopy density < 40%. Open forests- Canopy density between 10 to 40%. 20 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Flora of Tropical Zone: The tropical vegetation covers areas upto an elevation of about 1000. The majority of the forests viz. Dilma, Dhima, Chimabangsi, Rajasimla Ildek, Darugre, Rongrenggre, Songsak, Siju, Rewak, Emangre, baghmara, Phulbari, Rongmatchokgre, Rongchugre, Singimari etc. fall in this zone. It embraces evergreen, semi-evergreen and deciduous forests, bamboo thickets and grasslands including riparian forests and swamps. These forests mainly consists of Shorea robusta and in certain area Tectona grandis has also been introduced. The tallest trees are Schima wallichii, Terminalia belirilia belirica, Engelhardtia spicata, Aesculus assamica, Papheopedilum insigne, Diplomeris pulchella, Leptomischus wallichi, Carex remota L. Eriocaulon etc. Aporusa wallichii, Bridelia retusa, Cryptocarya andersonii, Talauma hodgsonii, Lagerstroemia parviflora, Gmelina arborea . Miliusa velutina, Hibiscus macrocarpus, Zizyphus rugosa, Helicia robusta, Engelhardtia spicata var. Colebrooliana and Ficus cuminate etc. form the lower canopy. The main components of Shrub species are Capparis zeylanica, Garcinia lancifolia, Bauhinia cuminate, Mimosa himalayayana, Acacia Concinna, Mussaenda Roxburghii, Eupatorium Modiflorum, Solanum Kurzii and Phlogacanthus tubiflorus etc. In a few areas, numerous tree intertwining lianas such as Dysolobium grande, Mucuna bracteata, Fissistigma wallichii, Paederia scanders, Solena heterophylla and Aristolocchia saccata are prominent. Rarely, Aristolochia cathcartii may be seen in certain forests. Several species of bamboo stretch for long distances forming thickets of secondary vegetation without any competition. A few palms like Areca, Caryota, Pinanga and Didymosperma are also conspicuous. The ground flora in deciduous forests is very poor and seasonal, while in evergreen forests, species of Alpinia, Amomum, Colocasia, Costus, Hedychium etc are not uncommon. The epiphytic climbers found are Rhaphidophora spp., members of Gesneriaceae, Hoya spp. With beautiful bunches of star like flowers and stem, parasites of Loranthaceae and total root parasite Cuscuta reflexa are also seen. A few species of epiphytic orchids are seen in the evergreen forests but with low species diversity. The herbaceous vegetation is less profuse and includes the members of Oxalidaceae, Balsaminanceae, Acanthaceae, Leeaceae, Fabaceae, Asteraceae and Poaceae. Ferns and fern-allies, liverworts and mosses etc. are also seen on old tree trunks and stones etc. near water sources and in shady places. Due to excessive ‘Jhum’ practice, most of the forest areas are cleared and secondary monoculture planatations of Shorea robusta have been established. In more or less open moist localities and near water sources, 21 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP herbs like Dictyospermum, Aneilema Scaberrimum, Burmania Sp., Coiictyospermum, Aneilema Scaberrimum, Burmania Sp., Coix sp. Cyprus spp., Oxalis Corniculate, Anemone spp. and Ericcaulon can be seen. Flora of sub-tropical vegetation: The sub-tropical vegetation occurs at elevations above 1200 m from sea level and this type of forest is restricted in Tura Peak, Nokrek Peak etc. These are mainly evergreen forests but a few elements of deciduous forests are also seen. The top canopy is constituted by Castanopsis hystrix, Betula culindristachvs, Kavea floribunda, Garonia affinis, Cyathocalvx martabanicus, Talauma rabaniania, Taluma phellocarna, Dryntes lancifolia Pasania xylocarpa, Fiscus spp. and Vitax altissima. Aldina cordifolia, Sterculia villosa, Garuga pinnata, Machilus gamblei, M. Villosa, Milletia orainii, Carnicia paniculata, Sageraea juarina, Symolocus ferruginea, Eriobotrya benghalensis, Adinandra griffithi, Leptomischus wallichi, Anthoxanthum clarkei , Ceropegia angustifolia Wight , Clematis apiculata , Emblica offinialis, Ebretia cuminate, Quercus semiserrata, Betula alnoides with Litsea spp. etc. forming the middle canopy of trees. The lowest canopy comprises of Aglata roxburghii, Antidesma bunius, Breynia patens, Pasania spicata, Mitrephora tomentosa, Styrax serrulati, Premna multiflora, Entada phaseoloides, Conophalus suaveolens, Dalbergia stipulacea, Spatholobus roxburghii and Vitis latifolia etc. The high altitude coupled with low temperature and moisture is congenial for the profile growth of epiphytic flora. The branches of old tree trunks are moss-laden and are fully covered by epiphytic orchids, though species diversity is very low. Ferns, liverworts and mosses etc. are also predominant in this region. However, it may be noted that much of the plant diversity is concentrated in the protected and Reserve forests. Moreover, the lines traversing only non-forest area which are mostly on secondary growth (Jhum fallows) or are degraded forests and plantations therefore having nil or insignificant impact on biodiversity of the project area Fauna: The large diversity of mammalian fauna found in project area district includes: Hoolock gibbon Stump-tailed macaque Rhesus macaque Assamese macaque Slow loris Golden langur Capped langur Common monkey Tiger Leopard Clouded leopard Golden cat 22 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Leopard cat Marbled cat Jungle cat Large Indian civet Masked Palm civet Binturong Indian Grey mongoose Indian fox Himalayan Black bear Yellow Throated marten Yellow-Bellied weasel Madras Tree shrew Indian flying squirrel Malayan Giant squirrel Bandicoot rat Lesser Bamboo rat Black Napped hare Rufous-tailed hare Sambar Gaur Indian Crested porcupine Cheetal Muntjac or Barking deer Indian elephant Wild dog Indian Wild boar Different Species of Bats Scaly ant eater Some of the threatened flora and fauna found in the project area district are as follows Sl No Scientific name Category Flora 1 Papheopedilum insigne Endangered 2 Adinandra griffithi Endangered 3 Diplomeris pulchella Vulnerable 4 Leptomischus wallichi Rare 5 Nepenthes khasiana Endangered 6 Anthoxanthum clarkei Endangered 7 Carex remota L. Endangered 8 Ceropegia angustifolia Wight Vulnerable 9 Clematis apiculata Endangered 10 Eriocaulon gregatum koern. Rare 11 Hoya spp Endangered 12 Fimbristylis stolonifera Rare Fauna 1 Philautus garo (Amphibia) Vulnerable 2 Macaca assamensis (Mammalia) 3 Nycticebus bengalensis (Mammalia) Vulnerable 4 Macaca arctoides (Mammalia) Vulnerable 5 Manis sp (Mammalia) Endangered 23 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Different varieties of birds are in abundance in the forest areas of the region. Indian black baza Barred jungle owlet Red jungle-fowl Thick-billed green pigeon Blue throated barbet Long-tailed broadbill Grey-headed myna Jungle myna Green magpie Indian house crow Red winged crested Large green-billed malkoha cuckoo Crow pheasant Red headed trogon Red wattled lapwing Burmese roller Broad-billed roller Spur-winged plover Indian three-toed forest kingfisher Some other varieties of birds like the White-crested Laughing Thrush, Scarlet Minivet, Black-headed Oriole, Cockoo-shrike, Green Barbet, Chloropsis, Green Himalayan Barbet, White–capped Redstart, Magpie Robin, Yellow Bulbul, Brown Fish Owl, Bee- Eaters, Serpent Eagle, Hill Myna, Pied Myna, Grey-headed Sibia, Slaty-headed Scimitar Babbler, as well as various species of Hornbills, Nightjars, Egrets, Parrots, Swallow- Shrikes have also been reported. Reptile fauna include different varieties of lizards, snakes, turtle/tortoises. Different species of lizards, geckos and skinks include Calotes Emma, C. Maria, C. Versicolor, Cnemaspis Jerdoni, Cytodac Tylus Khasiensis, Cosymbotus Platyrus, Hemidactylus Brooki, H. Frenatus, Gekko Gecko, Japalura Planidorsata etc. Different species of snakes include Blind snakes, Indian Gamma, Checkered Keelback, Red necked Keelback and others important poisonous species include Indian Cobra and Vipers. Protected Areas: The only protected area located in project area district is Nokrek Biosphere Reserve. Besides, Elephant corridors are present around Nokrek Biosphere reserve (to the east of project area) and also in the southern eastern parts (Map- 2.6). A larger area encompassing many reserve and protected forests are included as Elephant reserve by the State Forest department. However, these corridors and reserves are far away from the project area. Water resources: River Systems: The Tura range forms watersheds in the West Garo Hills district, from which the rivers flows towards Bangladesh plains in the south and the Brahmaputra valley in the north and the west. The important rivers of the north group are the Kalu, 24 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Ringgi and the Didak. The important rivers of the southern group are the Bhogai, Dareng etc. The Tura range is also the source of the Simsang (Someswari), one of the major rivers of Meghalaya, whose valley is one of the most important features in the South Garo Hills. Map- 2.6 : Elephant Corridors vis-à-vis sub-projects location. Someswari: This is the largest and the second longest river in the whole district. The river is locally known as Simsang. It starts from Nokrek mountains and runs towards the east, passing through Rongrenggre, Williamnagar (headquarters of East Garo Hills district), Nongalbibra, Siju, Rewak and lastly Baghmara the headquarters of South Garo Hills district. The upper course of this river is not navigable due to the high number of cataracts and numerous huge boulders. However the lower course has many deep pools and falls. They are Mirik, Matma, Kan´chru Suk, Jamiseng, Warisik, Bobra, Goka etc. The chief tributaries are Chibok, Rongdik, Rompa and Ringdi rivers. Jinjiram: It starts from Derek village and its main tributary starts from Upot Lake. It runs towards the east connecting with Gagua river, then runs through the border of Goalpara district towards Phulbari and reaches Hallidayganj where it enters the Goalpara district. It is the longest river in the Garo Hills districts. 25 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Kalu: Locally, this river is called Ganol. Its sources start from Tura peak and runs towards the west through Damalgre, Garobadha and Rangapani before it enters Goalpara district. Its chief tributaries are Dilni and Rongram rivers. Didak: It stars from Anogre village and runs through Garo Hills district before it enters into Goalpara district. Bogai: Locally known as Bugi, its source starts from the southern side of Nokrek Mountains and runs through Dalu village and enters into Mymensingh district in Bangladesh. Rongai: Starts from Arabela peak and runs through Ringgegre village and then falls into Jinjiram river. Locally known as Ringge river. Dareng or Nitai: The source is on the southern side of Nokrek Mountain. It runs southwards through Silkigre and enters into Bangladesh. It has many deep pools like Warima, Rong´ang, Bamon etc. where Bamon is the deepest. The chief tributaries are Kakija, Daji and Rompa. Economics Status The economic status of the district is primarily driven by Agriculture and assistance schemes of Central and local government. Agriculture remains the main profession/source of livelihood for the local community. Poultry, Dairy Farming and Beekeeping are also practiced. However, the presence of industries is by and large negligible except for Tourism. Among several factors, lack of reliable power may be one of the reasons for the dismal growth of the industries. Demography Features Total Population Total population in Meghalaya stands at 29,66,889 of which 23,71,439 (79.93%) population belong to rural area and 5,95,450 (20.07%) population belong to urban area. The West Garo Hills district has a total of 6,43,291 population of which is the most populous district of Meghalaya constituting 21.68% of State’s population. The rural and urban population constitute 88.36% and 11.64% of total populations of the district. Details are given in Table 2.4. 26 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Table 2.4: Details on Total Population Total Percentage Percentage Name/Particulars Total (Rural) Total (Urban) Population (Rural) (Urban) Meghalaya 29,66,889 23,71,439 5,95,450 79.93 20.07 West Garo Hills 6,43,291 5,68,433 74,848 88.36 11.64 Source: Census of India, 2011 Male and Female Population Out of total population 29,66,889 of the State, male population constitutes 14,91,832 (50.27%) and female population is 14,75,057 (49.73%). Total population in West Garo Hills district stands at 6,43,291of which male population stands at 3,24,159 (51.41%) and female population stands at 3,19,132 (48.59%). The sex ratio of the district stands at 945 females per thousand male which is lower than State’s average of 989. Details are given in Table 2.5. Table 2.5: Details on Male/ Female Population Name Total Total Total Percentage Percentage Sex /Particulars Population Male Female (Male) (Female) Ratio Meghalaya 29,66,889 14,91,832 14,75,057 50.27 49.73 989 West Garo Hills 6,43,291 3,24,159 3,19,132 51.41 48.59 945 Source: Census of India, 2011 Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) Population As per census 2011, the Scheduled Caste (SC) & Scheduled Tribe (ST) population of the State stands at 17,355 (0.89%) and 25,55,861 (86.14%) respectively. The West Garo Hills district has a total SC population of 8,810 (1.37%) and ST population of 4,74,009 (73.68%). Details are given in Table 2.6. Table 2.6: Details on Percentage SC/ST Name/ Total Total SC Percentage of Total ST Percentage of Particulars Population Population SC Population Population ST Population Meghalaya 29,66,889 17,355 0.89 25,55,861 86.14 West Garo Hills 6,43,291 8,810 1.37 4,74,009 73.68 Source: Census of India, 2011 Literacy The literacy rate of West Garo Hills district stands at 55.76 % which is slightly lower than State’s average. However, the female literacy rate of the district is higher than State’s literacy rate. Details are given in Table 2.7. 27 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Table 2.7 : Literate and Illiterate Population Name/Particulars Total Total Percentage Percentage Percentage Population Literate of Literate (Male) (Female) Meghalaya 29,66,889 17,85,005 60.16 51.20 48.80 West Garo Hills 6,43,291 3,58,702 55.76 53.92 46.08` Source: Census of India, 2011 Total Workers (Male and Female) Total population into work in Meghalaya stands at 11,85,619 of which total Male (work) population stands at 7,03,709 (59.35%) and total female (Work) population stands at 4,81,910 (40.65%). The West Garo Hills district has a total work population of 2,55,693 of which total Male (work) population stands at 1,51,914 (59.41%) and total female (Work) population stands at 1,03,779 (40.59%). Details are given in Table 2.8. Table 2.8: Details on Workers Name/ Total Total Male Total Female Percentage Percentage Particulars Population (Work) (Work) (Male) (Female) (Work) Meghalaya 11,85,619 7,03,709 4,81,910 59.35 40.65 West Garo Hills 2,55,693 1,51,914 1,03,779 59.41 40.59 Source: Census of India, 2011 Households Total Households in Meghalaya stands at 5,48,059 of which 4,30,573 (78.56%) households belong to rural area and 1,17,486 (21.44%) households belong to urban area. The district has a total of 1,23,352 households of which 1,09,609 (88.85%) households belong to rural area and 13,743 (11.15%) households belong to urban area. Details are given in Table 2.9. Table 2.9: Details on Households Name/ Total Total Total Percentage Percentage Particulars Households (Rural) (Urban) (Rural) (Urban) Meghalaya 5,48,059 4,30,573 1,17,486 78.56 21.44 West Garo Hills 1,23,352 1,09,609 13,743 88.85 11.15 Source: Census of India, 2011 2.4 Baseline Description of the Subproject areas: The baseline data around the sub-project sites is generally in conformity with the baseline data of the West & South West Garo hills districts. However, the topography 28 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP encountered around the transmission and distribution line route alignment is mostly combination of hilly (with gentle slope) and plain land under paddy cultivation. On an average 70% of transmission/distribution line corridors are in plain land and remaining 30% are in hill areas with gentle slope. All the substations are located generally in plain area. The common vegetation type encountered along the transmission line corridor are mostly paddy cultivation and private land with moderate dense tree cover dominated by fruit bearing /cashew nut trees and in some places by rubber cultivation done by local population. The general baseline of the project area is well depicted below in the Map- 2.7 Map-2.7 – Map showing general land use pattern along transmission corridor The general demographic profile of the project areas (in and around Phulbari/Raksambre/Chibinang/Ampati) is mix of scheduled tribe population dominated by Garo people and also some other population of Bengalis, Nepalis, Assamese, members of other ethnic groups such as the Hajong, Rabhas and Koches. 29 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP There is no recorded forest (reserved forest/protected forest etc.) and Protected areas (NP/WS/Tiger Reserve etc.) involved in the sub-project sites. The nearest recorded forest i.e. Dibru Hill RF is located approximately 3 km from the nearest project site i.e. 33/11 kV Chibinang S/s as shown in Map 2.8 below Map-2.8 – Map showing notified forest area vis-à-vis subproject location 30 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP CHAPTER 3: LEGAL & REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS Power transmission and distribution project activities by their inherent nature and flexibility have negligible impacts on environmental and social attributes. The IA & MePTCL/MePDCL are undertaking its activities within the purview of Indian and State specific laws keeping in mind appropriate international obligations and directives and guidelines with respect to environmental and social considerations of Bank’s Operational Policy. The regulatory frameworks applicable for this project and its status of compliance provided below; 3.1. Constitutional Provisions Subsequent to the first United Nations Conference on Human Environment at Stockholm in June, 1972, which emphasized the need to preserve and protect the natural environment, the Constitution of India was amended through the historical 42nd Amendment Act, 1976 by inserting Article 48-A and 51-A (g) for protection and promotion of the environment under the Directive Principles of State Policy and the Fundamental Duties respectively. The amendment, inter alia provides: "The State shall endeavor to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country". (New Article 48A) "It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures”. [New Article 51 A(g)] Article 21 of the constitution provides, “no person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law ”. Article 21 is the heart of the fundamental rights and has received expanded meaning from time to time after the decision of the Supreme Court in 1978. The Article 21 guarantees fundamental right to life – a life of dignity to be lived in a proper environment, free of danger or disease or infection. Recently, Supreme Court has broadly and liberally interpreted the Article 21, transgressing into the area of protection 31 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP of environment, and held that the citizen’s right to live in an eco-friendly atmosphere is to be interpreted as the basic right guaranteed under Article 21. Thus the Indian Constitution now has a two folds provision: (a) On the one hand, it gives directive to the State for the protection and improvement of environment. (b) On the other hand the citizens owe a constitutional duty to protect and improve the natural environment. Constitutional provisions in regard to social safeguards are well enshrined in the preamble such as JUSTICE, social, economic and political; LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation. Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles guarantee the right to life and liberty. Health, safety and livelihood have been interpreted as part of this larger right. Social safeguards provisions are dealt in detail in different Article such as Article-14, 15 17, 23, 24, 25, 46, 330, 332 etc. POWERGRID shall implement the said constitutional provision in true sprit to fulfill its environmental and social obligations and responsibilities. 3.2 Environmental Provisions Sl. Acts, Relevance/ Applicability to Status of Compliance No. Notifications the project and Policies I. National/State requirement 1. Forest When transmission projects pass No notified forest area (Conservation) through forest land, prior clearance is involved in any of the Act, 1980 has to be obtained from Ministry of line routes or Environment Forest & Climate substations location. Change (MoEFCC), GoI under the Hence, forest clearance Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 under FC, Act 1980 not before starting any construction applicable. activity in designated forest area 2. The Scheduled When transmission projects pass Since no forest Tribes & Other through forest land, NoC from DC clearance is involved 32 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Sl. Acts, Relevance/ Applicability to Status of Compliance No. Notifications the project and Policies Traditional has to be obtained before Stage-II such requirement is not Forest Dwellers approval in compliance to FRA Act as applicable. (Recognition of per MoEF circular dated 5th February Forest Rights) 2013 Act, 2006 3. Environment Transmission line projects are Not applicable (Protection) Act, exempted from of Environment 1986/ (Protection) Act, 1986 EIA Environment Notification, 2006 However, Impact amendment in the Environment Assesment (Protection) Act, 1986 on 7th May’ Notification, 1992 made it necessary to obtain 2006 clearance from MoEFCC for power transmission projects in three districts in the Aravalis (viz., Alwar in Rajasthan and Gurgaon & Nuh- Mewat in Haryana). Ozone Regulate and control manufacturing, Only CFC free i) Depleting import, export and use of Ozone equipments are being Substances Depleting Substances under procured/specified in (Regulation Montreal Protocol adopted on 16th tender document and Control) September 1987 Rules, 2000 ii) Batteries Provides certain restriction on Batteries are used (Management disposal of used batteries and its during operation phase. and Handling) handling and to file half yearly return Hence, the issue of Rules, 2001 in prescribed form to the concerned proper handling and State Pollution Control Board. disposal of batteries as per rules not an issues during construction stage. iii) Hazardous Provides for environmentally sound Generally Used oil is 33 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Sl. Acts, Relevance/ Applicability to Status of Compliance No. Notifications the project and Policies Wastes management of hazardous wastes so generated after 10-15 (Management, as to ensure no adverse effects that years of operation of Handling and may result from such waste. Used transformers and hence Transboundar trasnsformer oil is categorized as the issues of handling y Movement) hazardous waste which has to be and disposals of Rules, 2008 disposed off only through auctioned/ hazardous transformer sold to registered recyclers only and oil is not an issue at this file annual return on prescribed form stage. to the concerned State Pollution Control Board. iv) E-waste Provides for environmentally sound E-waste disposal is not (Management management of e-waste to ensure an issue during and Handling) that e-waste are managed in a construction phase. Rules, 2011 manner which shall protect health and the environment against the adverse effects that may result from hazardous substance contained in such wastes. It is the responsibility of the bulk consumer to ensure that e- waste generated is channelized to authorized collection center(s) or registered dismantler(s) or recycler(s) or is returned to the pick-up of take back services provided by the producer. 4. Biological Provide for conservation of biological The present project Diversity Act, diversity, sustainable use of its does not involve any 2002 components and fair and equitable biosphere reserves. sharing of the benefits arising out of the use of biological resources, knowledge and for matters connected therewith. 34 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Sl. Acts, Relevance/ Applicability to Status of Compliance No. Notifications the project and Policies 5. Ancient The act has been enacted to prevent All such areas have Monuments & damage to archaeological sites been completely Archaeological identified by Archaeological Survey of avoided. Sites and India. Remains Act, 1958 6. Meghalaya Deals with felling of trees outside The sub projects are Tree forest areas within 10 Km radius of located far away from (Preservation) the municipal areas of Shillong and such area. Act, 1976 Shillong Cantonment area. MePTCL/MePDCL would take necessary permission under this act, wherever necessary. 7. Meghalaya Defines ‘Forest’ “as a continuous The project does not Forest area of at least 4 Acres of land involve any forest land regulation having trees, irrespective of as per definition of (Amendment) ownership, where more than 250 forest. Accordingly, Bill 2012 trees of 15 cm diameter at breast NoC has been issued height (DBH) per hectare are by forest authority present, or where more than 100 based on tree clumps of bamboo per hectare are enumeration data and present”. joint verification. II. World Bank Operational Policy (OP) 8. OP- 4.01: To ensure the environmental and E & S aspects of the Environmental social and sustainability of project have already Assessment investment projects. Support been integrated in to integration of environmental and management social aspects of projects in the procedures based on decision-making process. comprehensive environment assessment undertaken by IA during 2015. 35 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Sl. Acts, Relevance/ Applicability to Status of Compliance No. Notifications the project and Policies 9. OP- 4.04: To promote sustainable development The present project Natural by supporting the protection, does not involve any Habitats conservation, maintenance, and natural habitats such as rehabilitation of natural habitats and biodiversity area, their functions. protected area etc. 10. OP-4.11: To preserve PCR and in avoiding The Present project Physical their destruction or damage. PCR does not encroach Cultural includes resources of archeological, upon any such Resources paleontological, historical, resources. (PCR) architectural, and religious (including graveyards and burial sites), aesthetic, or other cultural significance. 11. OP-4.36: To realize the potential of forests to All line routes and Forests reduce poverty in a sustainable substation locations manner, integrate forests effectively successfully avoided into sustainable economic encroachment into any development, and protect the vital Protected and Reserve local and global environmental forests. services and values of forests 10. WB EHS The Environmental, Health, and Applicable provisions of Guidelines for Safety (EHS) Guidelines are EHS guidelines are Electric Power technical reference documents with being followed during Transmission general and industry specific project implementation. and Distribution examples of Good International Industry Practice. The EHS Guidelines contain the performance levels and measures that are generally considered to be achievable in new facilities by existing technology at reasonable costs. 36 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP 3.3 Social Provisions Sl. Acts, Rules Relevance/ Applicability to the Status of Compliance No. and Policies project Sixth Schedule Special provisions also have been NoC from Village Council/ 1 of the extended to the Tribal Areas Headman (Dorbar) /Land Constitution under the 6th Schedule [Articles owner obtained by IA, 244(2) and 275(1) of the wherever applicable. constitution] in addition to basic fundamental rights. The Sixth Schedule provides for administration of tribal areas as autonomous entities. The administration of an autonomous district is vested in a District Council and of an autonomous region, in a Regional Council. These Councils are endowed with legislative, judicial, executive and financial powers. 2. The Right to Act ensures appropriate No involuntary acquisition Fair identification of the affected involved. However, fresh Compensation families/ households, fair land required for and compensation and rehabilitation construction of 132/33 KV Transparency of titleholders and non- substation at Phulbari and in Land titleholders. 33/11 kV substations at Acquisition, Rajballa Bhaitbari, Rehabilitation Chibinang, Raksambre were and secured through direct Resettlement Purchase on Willing Buyer Act, 2013 Willing Seller basis on negotiated rate. 37 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Sl. Acts, Rules Relevance/ Applicability to the Status of Compliance No. and Policies project 3. Electricity Act, Sanction of Ministry of Power MoP, GoI approved the 2003 (EA, (MoP), GoI/State Govt. is a NERPSIP comprehensive 2003) mandatory requirement for taking scheme for six North up any new transmission project Eastern States including under the section 68(1) of The Meghalaya under vide its Electricity Act, 2003. The sanction Office Memorandum dated authorizes to plan and coordinate 1st December 2014. activities to commission the new projects. 4. Rights of Way The act has a provision for MePTCL & MePDCL has (RoW) and notifying transmission company been vested with the powers Compensation under section 164 (B) to avail of Telegraph Authority vide benefits of eminent domain Deptt. of Power, Govt. of provided under the Indian Meghalaya notification dated Telegraph Act, 1885. 5th February 2016, under Section - 164 of the Electricity Act. However, compensation for all damages are being paid to the individual land owner as per the provision of Section- 10 (d) of Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 5. The Right to The Act provides for setting out Designated authorities are Information the practical regime of right to already in place in MePTCL Act, 2005 information for citizens to secure & MePDCL. access to information under the control of public authorities, in order to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority, the constitution of a Central 38 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Sl. Acts, Rules Relevance/ Applicability to the Status of Compliance No. and Policies project Information Commission and State Information Commissions and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. 6. Indian The Act provides for procedures No such instances reported. Treasure Trove to be followed in case of finding of Moreover, possibilities of Act, 1878 as any treasure, archaeological such discoveries are quite amended in artifacts etc. during excavation. remote due to limited and 1949 shallow excavations. The Meghalaya Act prohibits transfer of land from Not applicable as Govt. of 7. Transfer of tribal to non-tribal. Meghalaya has already Land issued an Exemption (Regulation) Certificate that the Act, 1971 (Act provisions of Section 11(d)(i) 1 of 1972) of the aforesaid act (as amended) shall not apply in relation to all purchases/ acquisition of land by MePTCL /MePDCL II. World Bank Operational Policy (OP) 8. OP 4.12 – This policy covers direct Not applicable as no Involuntary economic and social impacts both involuntary acquisition Resettlement resulting from Bank-assisted invoked for securing land for investment projects and are proposed substations. caused by the involuntary taking However, fresh land of land. To avoid or minimize required for construction of involuntary resettlement and, 132/33 KV substation at where this is not feasible, assist Phulbari and 33/11 kV displaced persons in improving or substations at Rajballa at least restoring their livelihoods Bhaitbari, Chibinang, and standards of living in real Raksambre were secured terms relative to pre-displacement through direct Purchase on 39 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Sl. Acts, Rules Relevance/ Applicability to the Status of Compliance No. and Policies project levels or to levels prevailing prior Willing Buyer Willing Seller to the beginning of project basis on negotiated rate implementation, whichever is higher. 9. OP 4.10 – This policy contributes to the Explicit consent from ADC Indigenous Bank's mission of poverty and the Village Councils is Peoples reduction and sustainable required in the case of development by ensuring that the acquisition of lands which is development process fully not applicable in instant respects the dignity, human project. However, NoC of rights, economies, and cultures of from village councils (Head Indigenous Peoples. The man, Sordars) and land objective is to design and owners obtained for implement projects in a way that community forest land/ADC fosters full respect for indigenous area wherever applicable. peoples so that they receive culturally compatible social and economic benefits, and do not suffer adverse effects during the development process. The project shall ascertain broad community support for the project based on social assessment and free prior and informed consultation with the affected Tribal community, if any. 40 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP CHAPTER-4 : MAJOR FEATURES OF FINAL ROUTE & ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS Environmental impact of transmission and distribution (T & D) line projects are not far reaching and are mostly localized to RoW. However, T & D project has some effects on natural and socio-culture resources. These impacts can be minimized by careful route selection. To minimize these possible impacts, MePTCL/MePDCL & IA at the system planning stage itself try to avoid ecological sensitive areas like forest. Wherever such infringements are substantial, different alternative options are considered to select most viable route alignment. For further optimization of route modern survey techniques/tools like GIS, GPS aerial photography is also applied. Introduction of GIS and GPS in route selection result in access to updated/latest information, through satellite images and further optimization of route having minimal environmental impact. Moreover, availability of various details, constraints like topographical and geotechnical details, forest and environmental details etc. help in planning the effective mitigate measures including engineering variations depending upon the site situation/location. The route/site selection criteria followed is detailed below: 4.1 Environmental Criteria for Route Selection For selection of optimum route, the following points are taken into consideration: (i) The route of the proposed lines does not involve any human rehabilitation. (ii) Any monument of cultural or historical importance is not affected by the route of the line. (iii) The proposed route does not create any threat to the survival of any community with special reference to Tribal Community. (iv) The proposed route does not affect any public utility services like playgrounds, schools, other establishments etc. (v) The line route does not pass through any sanctuaries, National Park etc. (vi) The line route does not infringe with area of natural resources. In order to achieve this, MePTCL/MePDCL undertook route selection for individual transmission & distribution lines in close consultation with representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Forests and the Department of Revenue. Although under 41 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP National law, POWERGRID has the right of eminent domain, yet alternative alignments are considered keeping in mind the above-mentioned factors during site selection, with minor alterations often added to avoid environmentally sensitive areas and settlements at execution stage.  As a rule, alignments are generally cited 10-15 km away from major towns, whenever possible, to account for future urban expansion (refer final route maps Map 4.1 to Map- 4.5).  Similarly, forests are avoided to the extent possible, and when it is not possible, a route is selected in consultation with the local Divisional Forest Officer, that causes minimum damage to existing forest resources.  Alignments are selected to avoid wetlands and unstable areas for both financial and environmental reasons. In addition, care is also taken to avoid National parks, Sanctuaries, Eco-sensitive zones, Tiger reserves, Biosphere reserves, Elephant corridors and IBA sites etc. Keeping above in mind the routes of proposed lines under the project have been so aligned that it takes care of above factors. As such, different alternatives for transmission lines were studied with the help of Govt. published data like Forest atlas, Survey of India etc. and Google Maps to arrive at the most optimum route, which can be taken up for detailed survey and assessment of environmental & social impacts for their proper management. Similarly the TOR for detailed survey using modern tool like GIS/GPS also contained parameters to avoid/reduce environmental impact while deciding the final route alignment. The major objectives for detailed survey that are part of contract are summarized below: (i) The alignment of transmission line shall be most economical from the point of view of construction and maintenance. (ii) Routing of transmission line through protected and reserved forest area should be avoided. In case it is not possible to avoid the forest or areas having large trees completely then keeping in view of the overall economy, the route should be aligned in such a way that cutting of trees is minimum. (iii) The route should have minimum crossing of major rivers, railway lines, and national/state high ways, overhead EHP power lines and communication lines. 42 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP (iv) The number of angle point shall be kept to a minimum. (v) The distance between the terminal points specified shall be kept shortest possible, consistent with the terrain that is encountered. (vi) Marshy and low line areas, river beds and earth slip zones shall be avoided to minimum risk to the foundations. (vii) It would be preferable to utilize level ground for the alignment. (viii) Crossing of power line shall be minimal. Alignment will be kept at a minimum distance of 300 meters from power lines to avoid induction problems on the lower voltage lines. (ix) Crossings of communication lines shall be minimized and it shall be preferably at right angle, proximity and paralyses with telecom lines shall be eliminated to avoid danger of induction to them. (x) Area subjected to flooding searches streams shall be avoided. (xi) Restricted areas such as civil and military airfield shall be avoided. Care shall also be taken to avoid the aircraft landing approaches. (xii) All alignment should be easily accessible both in dry and rainy seasons to enable maintenance throughout the year. (xiii) Certain areas such as query sites, tea, tobacco and saffron fields and rich plantation, gardens and nurseries that will present the owner problems in of right of way and leave clearance during construction and maintenance should be avoided. (xiv) Angle point should be selected such that shifting of the point within 100 m radius is possible at the time of construction of the line. (xv) The line routing should avoid large habitation densely populated areas to the extent possible (xvi) The area requires special foundations and those prone to flooding should be avoided (xvii) For examination of the alternatives and identification of the most appropriate route, besides making use of information/data/details available/extracted through survey of India topographical maps and computer aided processing of NRSA 43 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP satellite imagery, the contractor shall also carry out reconnaissance/preliminary survey as may be required for the verification and collection of additional information/data/details. (xviii) The contractor shall submit his preliminary observation and suggestion along with various information/data/details collected and also processed satellite imagery data, topographical map data marked with alternative routes etc. The final evaluation of the alternative routes shall be conducted by the contractor in consultation with owners’ representatives and optimal route alignment shall be proposed by the contractor. Digital terrain modeling using contour data from topographical maps as well as processed satellite data shall be done by the contractor for the selected route. A flythrough perspective using suitable software(s) shall be developed or further refinement of the selected route. If required site visit and field verification shall be conducted by the contractor jointly with the owners’ representatives for the proposed route alignment. (xix) Final digitized route alignment drawing with the latest topographical and other details/features including all river railway lines, canals, roads etc. upto 8 Kms on both side of selected route alignment shall be submitted by the contractors for owners approval along with report containing other information / details as mentioned above. In the instant project also, criteria for route selection as mentioned above, has been duly adhered to and the proposed 132 kV Phulbari-Ampati route has been selected from analysis of three (03) alternatives routes as described in the IEAR. Subsequently, the proposed route was considered for detail survey by Contractor Agency (after awarding of contract). During detailed survey minor alterations as well as geometrical corrections of the route have been carried out which seems inevitable due to actual ground conditions with prime objective of avoiding dense forest/private plantation areas, settlements, CPR, and also considering the technical feasibility of the route from operation and maintenance point of view in consultation with the local village councils prevalent in the project area. Therefore, following minor change in scope of work has been observed with respect to IEAR scope which resulted due to the best effort of IA/MePTCL in effectively integrating safeguard and engineering measures in successful minimization of impact on forest and environment. 44 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Sl. Scope as per IEAR Current Status with Remarks No justification Transmission Component Line Substation 1. Phulbari – Establishment Final route is 50.10 Substation land Ampati 132 of 132/33KV km and line length is changed by approx.. kV D/C line - substation at reduced by 20 km due 5.7 km in east direction 69.29 km Phulbari to location of in the same locality by substation at Phulbari MePTCL due to non- & Ampati finalization of earlier identified land. This has resulted in the reduction of route length which has further reduced the environment impacts Ext. of 132/33 NA NA kV Ampati substation Distribution Component 1 33 kV line Establishment Final line route is Substation location from 132/33 of 33/11 kV 25.81 km and there is changed by MePDCL kV Phulbari - substation at an increase of line due to non-finalization 33/11 kV Rajballa length of 10.5 km due of earlier identified Rajballa Bhaitbari to change in the land. However, no Bhaitbari location of Phulbari & additional substation - Rajballa Bhaitbari environmental impact 15.30 km substation. is anticipated as there 2 33 kV line Establishment Final route is 2.02 km is no significant from 132/33 of 33/11 kV which is approx. 3.5 change has been kV Phulbari - substation at km less as compared observed with respect 33/11 kV Chibinang to earlier route due to base line data as Chibinang change in the location considered in IEAR in substation- of 132/33 kV Phulbari the change route 5.58 km substation portion 3 33 kV line Establishment Final route is 11.01 Meticulous realignment from 33/11 kV of 33/11 kV km and reduction of during ground truthing Tikrikilla - substation at line length of approx. survey has reduced 33/11 kV Raksambre 3 km from earlier line length further. Raksambre route was due to substation further optimization -14 km during ground truthing survey considering construction 45 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP difficulties and RoW issues. 4 33 kV line Strengthening Final route is 8.10 km from 132/33 at 33/11 kV and line length has kV Phulbari - Phulbari been increased by 33/11 kV substation 6.0 km due to change Phulbari- (Existing) in location of 132/33 2 km kV Phulbari substation 5 33 kV line Bay addition 1 Final route (0.8 km) from 132/33 No at 33/11 has been reduced by kV Phulbari kV Phulbari 5.2 km due to change substation - (Existing) in in the location of Tikrikilla- 132/33 kV Phulbari Phulbari substation taping point - 6 km 6 Reconductori Bay addition 1 Final reconductoring ng of 33 kV No at 33/11 Length reduced to Tikrila- kV Tikrikilla 22 km Phulbari line (Existing) from point “X” substation to 33/11kV Tikrikilla-30km 4.2 Major Features of Final Route of TL & DL Transmission line: A major portion of the transmission line passes through paddy fields, and the remaining portion through private plantation/ lands owned by Village council. The selected line does not have any National Highway, Power line or Railway crossings. However, there are 6 stream crossings which do not require any special towers, or tower locations on the river beds. The line route doesn’t involve any notified forest land which would necessitate forest clearance under Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. Moreover, Forest authority after joint verification has issued No Objection Certificate (NoC) for non-involvement of forest land in the RoW of proposed line route (refer Annexure-1). Besides all protected areas like National parks, Wildlife sanctuaries and designated wildlife/elephant have been completely avoided. However, during survey forest officials revealed that elephant sightings/movement have been reported between stretches AP-60 to AP-75. Further 46 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP analysis of literature revealed that no animal / elephant corridors are present within the project locations. Moreover, after interactions with villagers during PRA exercise & analysis of literature, it has emerged that there was a reported sighting around 5 years back. The line length of final route (Map -4.1) has been reduced by approx. 19 km from to 50.10 km from earlier 69.29 km due to shifting of Phulbari substation by approximately 5.7 km in east direction in same locality and also location of Ampati substation site about 10-12 km nearer to Phulbari. Since there is a significant reduction in line length without any major deviation from earlier route alignment including no change land use pattern and other base line data of the projects area it is expected that the resultant environmental footprints will be further reduced. Comparison of line route as in IEAR vis-à-vis final route is presented as Map- 4.2. The line has a total 176 towers without any National Highway (NH), railways and major river crossings. Most of the tower locations are easily accessible through existing road to carryout construction and maintenance activity and construction of new approach road not required. Details of tower schedule of final route alignment describing important features of line route is placed as Annexure-2. 47 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Map 4.1- Satellite image with superimposed line route showing important land use features 48 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Map- 4.2: Comparison of line route between IEAR Route vis-à-vis Final Route of 132 kV Phulbari -Ampati line 49 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Distribution lines: About 80% of the lines are passing through plain terrain and 20% through gentle sloping hills. These lines mostly passing through agricultural lands/ along existing roads and do not involve any reserve/protected forest land or located in elephant movement zones (refer Map 4.3- 4.6). It has been observed that there are some major variations in final route length of lines from earlier routes due to change in location of some associated substations. However, considering that distribution line has minimum environmental footprints and increase in total line length by 4.8 km for all lines (from earlier 72.88 km to 77.68 km) without any change in land use and other base line data, no additional impacts of any kind apart from earlier identified impacts in IEAR/EMP are anticipated. A total of 1371 poles are being/to be erected for all 5 proposed distribution lines having a total line length of 77.68 km. Details of pole schedule of final route of various lines are placed as Annexure-3. The Phulbari-Chibinang distribution line (refer Map-4.3) has been carefully laid, traversing agricultural land and avoids dense vegetation area except in two small patches, one near Phulbari substation, and the other close to the Chibinang substation. However, the envisaged impact in these two patches is minimal as no felling of will be required and only lopping of tree branches will suffice for RoW clearance (Figure-4.1). The line has a river Figure-4.1. Completed portion of 33 kV Phulbari- Chibinang line without disturbance to standing tree crossing with a span of 173 m. The Phulbari- Phulbari distribution line has about 20% of the line traversing through private plantation (near the 132/33 kV Phulbari substation), the rest being aligned on agricultural land (Map- 4.4). The Phulbari-Rajaballa distribution line is also aligned on agricultural land with only a small portion (5%) emanating from Phulbari substation having private plantation (Map- 4.5). Similarly Tikrikilla-Raksambre distribution line has about 5% of the alignment through private plantation land near the Raksamgre substation, the rest being aligned on agricultural land and/ or along roadsides, and has three road crossings (Map- 4.6). 50 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Map- 4.3: Satellite imagery showing details of 33 KV line route from Phulbari to Chibinang 51 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Map-4.4: Satellite imagery showing details of 33 KV line from Phulbari to Phulbari 52 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Map-4.5: Satellite imagery showing details of 33 KV line from Phulbari to Rajaballa 53 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Map-4.6: Satellite imagery showing details of 33 KV line from Tikrikilla to Raksambre 54 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Based on the above analysis of final route of transmission and distribution lines, the summarized environmental impact matrix is presented below; S. No. PARAMETERS EXTENT OF IMPACT 1. A. Total Line length- Though change in final route length observed in most lines (TL -50.10km, DL- as compared line length envisaged in IEAR, no additional 77.68 km) impacts are anticipated as the final routes are more or less aligned to earlier routes without involvement of any ecologically sensitive area or change in land use pattern. Moreover, due to significant reduction in final route of 132kV line length by approx. 19 km, it is expected that resultant environmental footprints will be less as envisaged earlier. B. Terrain: Plain area- Major portion (80 %) of lines are passing through plain area 41 km(TL)+ 71.2 and remaining through hilly terrain which are mostly gentle km (DL) Hilly area- sloping hills. Hence, no major impacts with respect to soil 9 km (TL)+ 6.5 (DL) erosion & slope protection like revetment/ retaining/ toe wall etc. are required/ anticipated. 2. Forest land No notified forest, protected areas and other ecological traversed (km) sensitive area involved. Only private plantation of approx 15 km of total line length having sparse vegetation encountered. It is estimated that maximum 3000 trees will be felled out of total of 15365 trees coming under the RoW. The species wise tree detail is enclosed as Annexure-4. Further, in hilly area due to additional height gain of towers and availability of adequate clearance tree felling will be further minimized. 3. Forest land Nil 4. Forest type NA 5. Forest density NA 6. Rare/endangered No rare/endangered flora found in project area. flora 55 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP 7. Rare/ The pangolin or scaly ant eater (Manis sp) which is an endangered endangered species is reported in some pockets of the fauna project area. However, this animal is fussorial in habit, living in burrows inside dense vegetation areas only. As the lines being drawn aerially and there is no involvement of forest land in the line routes, encroachment of these burrows are quite remote and unlikely. Hence, possibility of any impacts on this species not anticipated. 8. Migrating Wildlife/ Although no documented corridors exist along the line breeding ground routes, elephant sightings have been reported in some section (between AP-60 to AP-75 ) of 132 kV Phulbari- Ampati line However, necessary measures like tower extensions up to 9m have been provided in vulnerable locations in consultation with forest officials to maintain adequate ground clearance for safe passage of elephant. Further, no impact on avifauna is anticipated as there is no migratory path or nesting sites found in project area /tower location. 9. National Park / No protected areas involved sanctuaries 10. Wet land None traversed 11. Soil erodability Low 12. Historical / None Cultural 13. monuments Relocation of None villagers 14. Loss/ Hindrance Negligible, restricted to construction phase only. to Public Utilities . . 56 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP CHAPTER-5 : POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS, EVALUATION AND ITS MANAGEMENT Although, all possible measures have been taken during the finalization of route alignment as described in the earlier chapter for the proposed transmission/distribution system but due to peculiarity of terrain and demography of the area where project is being implemented, some environmental impacts may be there. The explanations in brief with regard to possible environmental impact and measures taken to minimize the same are as follows: 5.1 Impact Due to Project Location (i) Impact on habitation and Resettlement As explained in previous chapter during line routing stage itself all measures have been undertaken by IA to avoid settlements such as cities, villages etc in line with the guiding principle of avoidance as per ESPPF. During detail survey modern techniques/tools like GIS, GPS, and aerial photography were utilized to further optimization the final route alignment avoiding human habitation and other ecological and socially sensitive areas. The final route map of transmission and distribution lines clearly depict no major habitations /settlement areas are located near to project location (refer Map 4.1 to Map 4.6). Moreover, the project does not require any resettlement of villagers as no land is acquired for tower/pole foundation as per existing law. However, the project involves construction of 4 new substations i.e. 132/33 kV substation at Phulbari and three 33/11 kV substations at Rajballa Bhaitbari, Chibinang and Raksamgre for which fresh lands have been secured through private purchase on willing–buyer and willing-seller basis on negotiated/market rate. A total of 15.47 acres land was secured for these substations from 4 private persons who willing sold their land. The augmentation/extension work in Ampati, Phulbari and Tikrila substations are being undertaken in the already existing MePTCL/MePDCL substations premise and no acquisition of fresh land was required for this purpose. However, all substations are located on level land and away from human habitations, water bodies and ecologically sensitive areas. Since, no involuntary acquisition was involved and fresh lands were secured only through private purchase there is no R & R and resettlement issues. 57 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP (ii) Land value depreciation It is evident that electric power being an enabler sector acts as a catalyst for the growth and development of areas having accessibility to it. Based on past experience land prices are generally expected to rise in the areas receiving power. The final route 132 kV Phulbari-Ampati line is passing mostly through agriculture fields and uninhabited areas where the land-use is not going to change in foreseeable future. Therefore, the value of land is not adversely affected to a significant degree. Moreover, distribution lines intended to provide power supply to populated area will boost the economic status as well as land price of the area, thus, outweighing possible negative impacts, if any. (iii) Historical/cultural monuments/value The final routes of transmission and distribution line don ’t involve any monuments of historical or cultural significance. (iv) Encroachment into precious ecological areas In accordance with the policy of route selection, IA/Utility have taken due precautions right from the planning stage itself to avoid routing of line through forest, protected areas like national park/sanctuaries and other ecological sensitive areas. Because of careful route selection technique it was possible to avoid all such areas completely in all line routes and substation locations in spite of the fact that the project area district is rich in natural resources and biodiversity area having forest cover more than 77% of total geographical area of the district. The final route alignment passes mostly though cultivated land (70%) and the remaining 30% passes through degraded land with sparse tree cover which does not have any ecologically sensitive locations. Further, State forest authority has already issued No Objection Certificate (NoC) stating that only non-forest land is involved in RoW of 132 kV Phulbari-Ampati line. (refer Annexure- 1). (v) Encroachment into other valuable lands Most of the stretch (70%) of final route passes through paddy cultivated agricultural land and the remaining 30% passes through degraded forests with sparse tree cover including a small stretch a cashew nut plantation area (Map 5.1 & Map 5.2). 58 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Map 5.1: Line route in paddy field Map 5.2 : Line route in private plantation As per existing law, land for tower/pole & right of way is not acquired and ownership of land remains with the owner and agricultural activities are allowed to continue after construction activity. . However, as per existing laws2 compensation for all damages (tree/crop) are paid to the individual land owner. Additionally, land compensation @100% land value for tower footing area is also paid to land owner as per prevailing practices. In the instance case all the 176 nos. tower locations are coming either on private land or community land owned by Autonomous District Council/Village council. Since the whole area is coming under Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), No Objection Certificate (NoC) from concerned land owner/ Headman /Village Council has already been obtained (Annexure-5). The agriculture, horticulture departments have been approached to determine the rates of compensation for the paddy fields and cashew plantations respectively. Similarly, for land compensation the land rate has been fixed by District Collector/ ADCs. In line with the compensation procedures laid down in ESPPF & CPTD, compensation towards damage to tree/crop and land diminution value have been paid to affected persons after assessment of actual damage based on market rate and verification by concerned revenue authorities. A sample case of compensation payment including notice to land owner, assessment and verification by revenue authority and payment to affected person etc is enclosed as Annexure-6. The details of compensation plan along with estimated cost for damages towards tree/crop & land has been explained in the Compensation Plan for Temporary Damages (CPTD) report prepared for this project. 2 As per the present provision in the Electricity Act, 2003 read with relevant provisions of Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 all the damages (without acquisition of subject land) accrued to person while placing the tower and line are to be compensated 59 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP (vi) Interference with other utilities and traffic As per regulations, it is mandatory for IA/Utility to seek clearance prior to construction from department of Railways, Telecommunications and wherever necessary from aviation authorities that are likely to be affected by the construction of transmission lines. The transmission and distribution lines do not interfere with telecommunication towers. Further, railway lines and aviation routes are not present in the project locations. It is therefore not required to avail clearances from Department of Railways, Department of Telecommunications, and the Ministry of Aviation. As regard inference with traffic, it is to may be noted that the project area has very low vehicular/traffic density due to low economic base prevalent in the area. Further, the instant project activities don’t require very less vehicular movement and that too restricted to construction period only. Hence, no steep rise in traffic volume is anticipated/observed. (vii) Interference with drainage pattern As the transmission/distribution lines are constructed aerially and the blockage of ground surface is limited to area of tower footings, which is very small, there is little possibility of affecting drainage pattern. Since in the instant project most part of the line and all substations are located in plain area possibility of any impact on drainage of the area is negligible and no such case encountered till date. Further, no tower/pole to be placed on river beds which could interfere with existing drainage patterns. 5.2 Environmental Problems Due to Design (i) Escape of polluting materials The equipment installed on lines and substations are static in nature and do not generate any fumes or waste materials. However, detailed specification with respect to equipment design and substation sewage design has been included in tender document to avoid any incidence of land and water contamination. Apart from this, solid waste like packing materials, cables, aluminum conductor, sand, aggregate material, cements and 60 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP steel generated during construction is carefully handled and removed from site periodically to avoid any contamination (ii) Explosion/fire hazards During the survey and site selection for transmission lines and sub-stations, it has been ensured that these are kept away from oil/gas pipelines and other sites with potential for creating explosions or fires. In the instant case the route line routes and substations are not located close to the vicinity of oil/gas pipelines or other installations with potential fire/ explosion hazard. Apart from this, states of art safety instruments have been installed in the substations on both the ends, so that, the line gets tripped within milliseconds in case of any fault. (iii) Erosion hazards due to inadequate provision for resurfacing of exposed area Each 132kV tower and 33 kV pole foundation involve generation of approx. 108 m3 and 0.72 m3 excavated earth respectively. Similarly, each 132/33 kV & 33/11 kV would generate approx. 7500 m3 and 2000 m3 excavated earth respectively. Based on this, it is estimated that a total of approx. 33,495 m3 (176X108 + 7500X1 + 1371x0.72 + 3X 2000) of excavated materials will be generated for construction of 176 nos of tower, 1 no of 132/33 kV substation, 1371 nos of poles and 3 nos of 33/11 kV substations. However, all the soil excavated for tower/pole footings and substations construction are optimally utilized for backfilling and the remaining soil being spread evenly and compacted. Topsoil disturbed during the development of sites are used to restore the surface of the platform. Infertile and rocky material are dumped at carefully selected dumping areas and used as fill for substation/ and tower/pole foundations. Since most of the tower locations and substations are on flat land, there is no potential for erosion hazard in instant case. (iv) Environmental aesthetics The visual aesthetics of the localities are not going adversely affected as all line routes and substations are located away from habitation area. Further, towers and poles for 132 kV transmission & 33 kV distribution lines will be placed wide apart at an interval of approx. 300 meters and 70-100 meter. 61 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP (v) Noise/vibration nuisances The equipment installed at substation are mostly static and are so designed that the noise level always remains within permissible limits i.e. 85dB as per Indian standards. Some noise is unavoidable during construction phase like Noise produced by concrete mixing equipment and excavators which are temporary and only in day time. However, regular monitoring by IA/Contractors and due maintenance of equipment are ensured to keep the noise level well within the prescribed limit. . Noise level measured during site visits to all active sites found to be within permissible limits (<75 dB). (vi) Blockage of wildlife passage/ impact on avifauna As already explained, the transmission & distribution lines have been aligned with total avoidance of reserve forest, protected areas, demarcated/ documented migration path of wildlife/elephant corridors. However, during ground survey it was informed by local forest officials that in some section of the transmission line (Between AP-60 to AP-75) elephant sighting has been reported a few years back. Further analysis of literature and interaction with villagers revealed that no animal / elephant corridors are present within the project locations and sightings of stray elephants (straying from the main herd) were reported in the past (5-10 years back) and, there were no reported sightings in recent times due to reduction in forest cover in that area. However, as a precautionary measure, this section has been provided with tower extensions to ensure unhindered passage in the event of incursion of elephants. Accordingly, tower extensions of 9M have been used in vulnerable locations in consultation with forest officials so as to maintain a clearance of 13M from the lowest sag point of the bottom conductor, thus maintaining an additional clearance of more than the mandated 6.6 M so that elephants Figure 5.1 Tower installed at AP 72/0 can pass safely below the conductor(refer with 9 m extension Figure – 5.1) 62 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP It has also been reported that the pangolin or scaly ant eater (Manis sp) which is an endangered species are found in some pockets of the project area district. However, this animal is fussorial in habit, living in burrows inside plantation land (Figure - 5.2). Since all transmission and distribution line routes completely avoid forest land and mostly traverse on agricultural land, chances of encroachment of these burrows are quite Figure 5.2 Pangolin’s burrow/habitat remote and unlikely. The Bird hit/electrocution by electric lines mostly occurs during landing and takeoff near the water bodies, fly path of birds. Since in the instant case due to routing of line away from such areas bird hit/electrocution is not anticipated. However, as an additional measures Bird guard/ anti perch devise has been included in part of BoQ and also made integral part of tower design (drawing attached as Annexure-7). 5.3 Environmental Problems during Construction Phase (i) Uncontrolled silt runoff Majority of tower/pole locations are on flat land and those located on hilly terrain have been positioned on hilltops so as to avoid bench cutting of soil, revetments or retaining walls. The excavated material has been backfilled and any remaining earth, if any have been spread around the base and compacted. In case of distribution lines all the excavated soil is backfilled and compacted after erection of tubular poles. So far there are no instances with potential of erosion during construction of above said lines. Similarly, all substations are also located on flat land and adjacent to existing roads. The substation towers are all of equal leg footing. In some instances retaining walls in some portions have been recommended after inspection. The substations have been provided with boundary walls and backfilling /and or spreading and compaction within the boundary walls have been done to take care of excavated materials. Being located on high flat land, the substations are not prone to flooding/ erosive losses of soil. Barricading of pits/ excavated areas and accident prone locations have not been done in some instances, and was pointed out to the officials of the implementing agency. 63 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP There are no instances of erosion/losses of soils into adjoining area as all the overburden are being backfilled within the substation boundary walls and properly managed. The substations are not located in the vicinity of water bodies or ecologically sensitive areas. As a site specific measures, construction of retaining walls have been necessitated at three new 33/11 kV substations i.e. Chibinang, Rajballa Bhaitbari & Raksambre. The dimension details and photographs of under construction retaining wall at Raksambre given in Table -5.1 and Figure 5.3 Table 5.1 Details of retaining wall Sl. Substation Retaining wall dimensions 1 Chibinang Length: 80.081m +22.5m = 102.581m Height: 2.25m (for 80.081m section); 4.25m (for 22.5m section) Earthwork excavation: 190.914 m3 Wall up to plinth: 92.444m3 Wall up to raft: 37.728m3 Wall above plinth: 166.273m3 Cement concrete above R-R wall: 2.933m3 Pointing: 198.463m2 Weep holes: 43 2 Rajballa Length: 51m + 30m = 102.581m Bhaitbari Height: 4.75m (for 51m section); 6.25m (for 30m section) Earthwork excavation: 204.761 m3 Wall up to plinth: 156.798m3 Wall above plinth: 437.495m3 Cement concrete above R-R wall: 2.357m3 Pointing: 368.392m2 Weep holes: 64 3 Raksambre Length: 144.63m + 8m +8m = 160.3m Height:2.25m (for 144.63m section); 2.76m (for 8m section); 4.85m (for 8m section) Earthwork excavation: 227 m3 Wall up to plinth: 136.35m3 Wall above plinth: 217.19m3 Cement concrete above R-R wall: 4.69m3 Pointing: 264.46m2 Weep holes: 42 Figure 5.3 Retaining wall at 33/11 kV Raksambre 64 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP (ii) Nuisance to nearby properties Due to careful route and site selection settlements/habitation area have been kept away from transmission/distribution line route and substations. Further, construction activities are mostly undertaken through the use of small mechanical devices e.g. tractors and manual labour (Figure 5.4), therefore nuisance to the nearby properties if any, is not expected. The construction activities are normally undertaken in lean period and post harvesting to avoid/minimize such impact (Figure 5.5). Figure 5.4 Use of Tractor for Stringing Figure 5.5 Construction during lean period Apart from siting of substations from habitated area, all active substations sites are prohibited for general public both due to its separation/demarcation by boundary wall and also due to statutory provisions (Figure- 5.6). Hence, any adverse impact arising during the construction of these substations will be temporary and limited to the boundaries of proposed substations only and will neither impact nearby habitat/property nor health & safety of neighboring community. 33/11 kV Chibinang Figure 5.6 Substation sites located far away from settlement area and all construction activities are confined within the boundary 65 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP (iii) Interference with utilities and traffic and blockage of access way It has been observed that most of the tower/pole locations are easily accessible (taking 250 m as buffer zone which can always be accessed through head load) through existing roads or village paths but no major construction of roads will be necessary either during construction or as a part of maintenance procedures. Further, all the new substations are located adjacent to existing road and no new approach road is required to be constructed. However, in case upgradation /augmentation of existing field/path is required during construction, compensation for any damage to crop or field as per normal compensation procedure will be paid to the owner In many areas such improvement in the access road is highly appreciated by the local population. The transmission and distribution lines do not interfere with telecommunication towers. Further, railway lines and aviation routes are not present in the project locations. It is therefore not required to avail clearances from Department of Railways, Department of Telecommunications, and the Ministry of Aviation. For crossings of road short span angle (DT) towers are located at a distance so as not to cause any hindrance to the movement of traffic. Stringing at the construction stage is carried out during lean traffic period in consultation with the concerned authorities and angle towers are planted to facilitate execution of work in different stages. (iv) Inadequate resurfacing for erosion control As explained earlier, majority of tower/pole locations are on flat land and those located on hilly terrain have been positioned on hilltops so as to avoid bench cutting of soil, revetments or retaining walls. However, till date no instances with potential of erosion observed during construction of above said lines. Furthermore, construction is generally undertaken outside the rainy season. As the proposed lines are mostly passing through plain areas no such problems are anticipated. Although substations are located on flat land but due to undulating terrain additional site specific erosion protection measures such as Revetment & RRM Wall & Grass with bamboo grids slopes have been planned/being implemented in case of Phulbari, Rajballa Bhaitbari substation whereas RRM wall has been constructed in Chibinang 66 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP substation (refer Table -5.1 and Figure 5.3) based on site requirement/conditions and subsequent technical approval through committee. (v) Inadequate disposition of borrow area As mentioned earlier the transmission tower foundations involve excavations on small scale basis and the excavated soil is being optimally utilized for back filling. All the substations land on located in flat land hence the volume of cutting is equal to volume of filling avoiding borrowing of the area. Besides, only existing borrow sites are being used to source construction aggregates required for the project. Hence, acquisition/creation of any new borrow area is not needed in instant project. (vi) Protection of Worker's health/safety All health and safety issues and its management aspects related contract workers/laboures have been made integral part of project through contract specific safety plan. Accordingly, construction contractors has submitted their Safety Plan duly signed before award of each contract under the project. A sample copy of Safety Plan submitted by M/s Neccon Power & Infra Limited is enclosed as Annexure-8. The Project is being executed as per the approved plan and is regularly monitored by dedicated Safety personnel. Moreover, for strict compliance of safety standard/plan a special provision as a deterrent has been added in the contract which provides for a heavy penalty of Rs.10 lakhs for each accidental death and Rs1.0 lakh/each for any injury and is deducted from the contractor’s payment and paid to the deceased/affected family (Annexure-9). Additionally, work and safety regulations, workmen's compensation, insurance are adequately covered under the General Conditions of Contract (GCC), a part of bidding documents. The project authority ensures that all contractors are operating with valid labor license as per provision under section – 12(1) of the Contract Labour (Regulation & Abolition) Act, 1970 and also certified under Section- 7(3) of the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Condition of Service) Act, 1996 from Ministry of Labour & Employment. Besides, the contractors have obtained requisite insurance policy as per provisions of Employee Compensation Act, 1923 for its employed workforce. Sample copy of labor license and insurance policy for workers is attached as Annexure-10. 67 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP During construction work, safety guidelines/checklists including work permits and safety precautions are being strictly followed which are also regularly monitored by site in- charge. Sample copy of filled in checklist is enclosed as Annexure-11. Labourers were hired locally wherever possible. The workers have been provided with PPEs such as boots and helmets. Mock drill such as fire safety, first aid etc are conducted periodically to enhance the preparedness level of the workforce. Safety induction & awareness programme including HIV/AID are also conducted at every active site. Safety film for transmission project in local language has been shown to workers for better awareness. Proper drinking water has also been provided. First aid boxes and provisions for treatment in case of emergencies were arranged locally/ nearby towns. 5.4 Environmental Problems Resulting from Operation (i) O&M Staff/Skills less than acceptable resulting in variety of adverse effects As informed by project officials, O & M program will be implemented by substation personnel for both the lines as well as substations. Monitoring measures employed include patrolling and thermo-vision scanning. The supervisors and managers entrusted with O&M responsibilities are intensively trained for necessary skills and expertise for handling these aspects. A monthly preventive maintenance program will be carried out to disclose problems related to cooling oil, gaskets, circuit breakers, vibration measurements, contact resistance, condensers, air handling units, electrical panels and compressors. Any sign of soil erosion is also reported and rectified. Monitoring results are published monthly, including a report of corrective action taken and a schedule for future action. On potential effect of Electro Magnetic Field (EMF), the project official informed the transmission system are absolutely safe which are designed based on approved international standards following ICNIRP guidelines. As regard Poly Chlorinated Biphenyl (PCB), it has been observed that no PCB containing equipments are being procured and PCB level of less than 2 mg/kg (ppm) which is non –detectable has been stated in tender specification. 68 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP 5.5 Critical Environmental Review Criteria (i) Loss of irreplaceable resources In the instant project none of the project elements encroach upon any forest area, protected areas, and ecologically sensitive areas hence, the problem of losing natural resources is not anticipated. . (ii) Accelerated use of resources for short-term gains There will be no significant impact on the natural resources occurring due to construction of transmission/distribution and substation. The construction material such as tower members, cement etc shall come from factories while the excavated soil finally reused for backfilling to restore the surface. The water is required for construction activity and domestic use in small quantity which is being met from nearby existing source or Borewell. Thus the project shall not cause any accelerated use of resources for short-term gains. The aggregates used for construction are sourced locally existing borrow sites only without creating any new borrow area. Hence, it may be seen that the activities associated with implementation of subject project shall not cause any accelerated use of resources for short term gain. (iii) Endangering of species As already explained, Pangolin or scaly ant eater (Manis sp) is reported in some pockets of the project. As the animal is fussorial in habit and mostly concentration in dense vegetation land, no direct impact on such species is anticipated considering no involvement of forest land along line route and also aerial nature of transmission and distribution project (iv) Promoting undesirable rural-to urban migration The project doesn’t involve any submergence or loss of land holdings that normally trigger migration. It also does not involve resettlement due to acquisition of any private land holdings. Hence, there is no possibility of any migration. 69 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP 5.6 Public Consultation Public consultation/ information dissemination is a continuous process starting with the project conception and continues during project implementation and even during O&M stage. As stated in ESPPF, public consultation using different technique like Public Meeting, Small Group Meeting, informal Meeting are being carried out during different activities of project cycle. In the instant project both formal and informal consultations meeting were organized which is also made integral part of IEAR and CPTD. During survey also Utilities & POWERGRID site officials meet people and inform them about the routing of transmission and distribution lines. Similarly, during the construction every individual, on whose land tower is erected and people affected by RoW, are being consulted. Further, in case of Autonomous District Council areas consultations are being held with the respective village councils for identification of the landowner and obtaining their consent for the RoW (refer Annexure -5) . Besides, as per agreed framework, gender issues have also been addressed to the extent possible during such consultation process. Details of formal and informal consultation oragnized for instant project including photographs of the meeting and minutes of meeting are placed as Annexure-12. 5.7 Compliance of EMP The IA has a continuous monitoring mechanism of the project w.r.t. compliance of the mandatory requirements as stipulated in the IEAR. As many provisions of EMP related to construction contractor, EMP has been made integral part of contract document for proper its implementation by contractor/sub-contractor. Thus, the adherence to the clauses by the contractor is regularly monitored especially in respect of various implementation E & S measures including health and safety aspects. During the present study, our team has critically assessed/evaluated the compliance measures with respect mitigation measures stipulated in the IEAR through physical inspection, verification of record/ documents/ drawing, interaction with project officials/contractor/ villagers/construction workers and PRA etc. Based on above, a detailed compliance status w.r.t. each identified impacts enlisted in EMP have been prepared and is presented in Table – 5.2. 70 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Table – 5.2: Compliance Status of EMP as proposed in IEAR Clause Project activity/stage Potential impact Proposed mitigation measures Compliance Status No. Pre-construction 1 Location of overhead Exposure to safety Setback of dwellings to overhead line Complied with. line towers/ poles/ related risks route designed in accordance with Route alignment criterion is part of survey underground distribution permitted level of power frequency and contract wherein all statutory Electrical lines and alignment & the regulation of supervision at sites. clearance as stipulated under CEA’s design regulations, 2010 (Measures related to safety & electric supply) is considered/ensured. 2 Equipment Release of chemicals PCBs not used in substation transformers Complied with specifications and and gases in or other project facilities or equipment. Part of technical specification of transformer. design parameters receptors (air, water, PCB is not used or non-detectable level (i.e. land) less than 2mg/kg) as per IEC 61619 or ASTM D4059 Processes, equipment and systems not to Complied with. use chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), CFC Free equipment is part of tender including halon, and their use, if any, in specifications existing processes and systems should be phased out and to be disposed of in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Government 3 Transmission/ Exposure to Line design to comply with the limits of Complied with. Distribution line design electromagnetic electromagnetic interference from Design parameters have been complied with. interference overhead power lines Field testing should be done after energization. 4 Substation location and Exposure to noise Design of plant enclosures to comply with Complied with. design noise regulations. Transformers with maximum noise emitting level of 75 dB specified in tender specification. Sound proof enclosures used for D.G sets Social inequities Careful selection of site to avoid Complied with. encroachment of socially, culturally and archaeological sensitive areas (i.g. sacred No encroachment of any socially sensitive groves, graveyard, religious worship areas due to proposed substations. place, monuments etc.) 71 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Clause Project activity/stage Potential impact Proposed mitigation measures Compliance Status No. 5 Location of overhead Impact on water Avoidance of such water bodies to the Complied with. line towers/poles/ laying bodies extent possible. Part of detailed alignment survey and design. of underground distribution line & Avoidance of placement of tower inside No tower/pole located in water bodies. alignment and design water bodies to the extent of possible Social inequities Careful route selection to avoid existing Complied with. Part of detailed tower/pole settlements and sensitive locations alignment survey design. Minimise impact on agricultural land Though major section of proposed lines are routed through agricultural land in order to avoid impact on environmentally/ socially sensitive areas, efforts such as scheduling of construction lean/ post-harvest period, consultation with local authorities/ autonomous councils etc (fig. ) are being made to minimize impacts on agricultural land/produce to the extent possible Careful selection of site and route alignment to avoid encroachment of socially, culturally and archaeological All settlements & ecologically sensitive areas sensitive areas (i. g. sacred groves, avoided except some unidentified elephant graveyard, religious worship place, movement zone. monuments etc.) 6 Securing lands for Loss of land/ income In the case of Involuntary Acquisitions, Fresh land required for construction of substations. change in social Compensation and R&R measures are substations at Phulbari, Rajballa Bhaitbari, status etc. extended as per provision of Chibinang and Raksamgre have been secured RFCTLARRA, 20133 through private purchase on willing-buyer and willing-seller basis on negotiated/market rate. Since no involuntary acquisition of land is involved, there is no R&R issue. 3 In the instant case no Involuntary acquisition of land (permanent) is involved, hence this clause shall not be applicable. 72 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Clause Project activity/stage Potential impact Proposed mitigation measures Compliance Status No. 7 Encroachment into Loss of precious Avoid encroachment into such areas by Complied with. protected area/ precious ecological values/ careful site and alignment selection ecological area damage to precious (National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuary, Part of detailed siting and alignment species Biosphere Reserves/ Biodiversity survey/design. All such areas avoided Hotspots) Minimize the need by using RoW wherever possible 8 Line through identified Damage to the Study of earmarked elephant corridors to Complied with. Elephant corridor / Wildlife/ Birds and avoid such corridors, Adequate ground Part of detailed sitting and alignment survey Migratory bird also to line clearance, Fault clearing by Circuit /design. All identified Elephant corridors/bird fly Breaker, Barbed wire wrapping on towers, path have been avoided completely. In spite of reduced spans etc., if applicable that some elephant movement zone has been reported between AP 60 - AP75 for which adequate ground clearance has been provided through tower extension up to 9 meter. Avoidance of established/ identified Bird guard/ anti perch devise is part of BoQ and migration path (Birds & Bats). Provision of also integral part of tower design. flight diverter/ reflectors, bird guard, elevated perches, insulating jumper loops, obstructive perch deterrents, raptor hoods etc.4, if applicable 9 Line through forestland Deforestation and Avoid encroachment by careful site and Complied with. Part of detailed siting and loss of biodiversity alignment selection alignment survey and forest areas have been edge effect Minimise the need by using existing completely avoided. towers, tall towers and RoW, wherever Tower extensions of 3-9 m have been provided possible to reduce tree felling, wherever needed Measures to avoid invasion of alien Invasion of alien species not anticipated. species Obtain statutory clearances from the Not applicable as there is no involvement of Government forest land 4 As per International/National best practices and in consultation with concerned forest/wildlife authority 73 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Clause Project activity/stage Potential impact Proposed mitigation measures Compliance Status No. Consultation with autonomous councils Complied with. wherever required 10 Lines through farmland Loss of agricultural Use existing tower or footings wherever Not applicable production/ change in possible cropping pattern Avoid sitting new towers on farmland Complied with. wherever feasible Part of detailed sitting and alignment survey. Though it is unavoidable but effort are being made to minimized the impact/loss of production 11 Noise related Nuisance to Substations sited and designed to ensure Complied with. neighbouring noise will not be a nuisance Part of detailed equipment design. Substations properties are appropriately sited and away from settlement area. Transformers with maximum noise emitting level of 75 dB and DG set with proper enclosures are part of equipment specification/ design criteria 12 Interference with Flooding hazards/ Appropriate sitting of towers to avoid Complied with. drainage patterns/ loss of agricultural channel interference Part of detailed alignment survey and irrigation channels production alignment survey, Interference with drainage patterns/ irrigation channels not anticipated 13 Escape of polluting Environmental Transformers designed with oil spill Complied with. materials pollution containment systems, and purpose-built Part of detailed equipment design /drawings oil, lubricant and fuel storage system, Designed with oil spill containment systems complete with spill cleanup equipment. having sump of capacity of 200% of oil volume of largest transformer Substations to include drainage and Complied with. sewage disposal systems to avoid offsite Proper drainage and sewage system are part land and water pollution. of detailed substation layout and design /drawings based on site condition. 14 Equipments submerged Contamination of Substations constructed above the high Complied with. under flood receptors flood level(HFL) by raising the foundation Part of detailed substation layout and design pad /drawings. All substations are being constructed above HFL. 74 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Clause Project activity/stage Potential impact Proposed mitigation measures Compliance Status No. 15 Explosions Hazards to life Design of substations to include modern Complied with. /Fire fire fighting equipment Part of detailed substation layout and design Provision of fire fighting equipment to be /drawings. Compliance assured by site located close to transformers manager Construction 16 Equipment layout and Noise and vibrations Construction techniques and machinery Complied with. installation selection seeking to minimize ground disturbance. Noise produced by concrete mixing equipment and excavators are temporary and confined to day time only. No ground disturbance observed. 17 Physical construction Disturbed farming Construction activities on cropping land Complied with activity timed to avoid disturbance of field crops (within one month of harvest wherever Excavations not done during monsoon which is possible). the cropping period. However, full compensation as per assessment of revenue authorities is being paid to land owner/farmer by IA/Utility in case of inevitable damages. 18 Mechanized Noise, vibration and Construction equipment to be well Complied with. construction operator safety, maintained. efficient operation Some noise unavoidable in day time but no noise at night as no work being undertaken at night. Noise levels measurements are done regularly by IA & Construction contractor. Noise level measured during site visits to all active sites found to be within permissible limits (<75 dB). Noise, vibration, Turning off plant not in use. Complied with. equipment wear and tear 75 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Clause Project activity/stage Potential impact Proposed mitigation measures Compliance Status No. Construction of roads for Increase in airborne Existing roads and tracks used for Complied with. accessibility dust particles construction and maintenance access to the line wherever possible. Water sprinkling done whenever required Increased land New access ways restricted to a single Most of the tower locations are easily requirement for carriageway width within the RoW. accessible through existing roads/paths. All temporary accessibility substations sites are located close top existing road and no new access road required/ constructed for this project. 20 Construction activities Safety of local Coordination with local communities for Complied with. villagers construction schedules, Barricading the construction area and spreading Excavated areas barricaded and restriction to awareness among locals enter work site during construction strictly followed, Local traffic Coordination with local authority/ requisite Most of the tower/pole locations are in obstruction permission for smooth flow of traffic farm/barren land. Hence, no traffic obstruction is witnessed. For substation location, smooth traffic flow is ensured by project authorities/contractor in close co-ordination with local authority wherever necessary. 21 Temporary blockage of Overflows, reduced Measure in place to avoid dumping of fill No dumping observed. All overburden utilities discharge materials in sensitive drainage area managed optimally by reutilizing it as fill materials. 22 Site clearance Vegetation Marking of vegetation to be removed prior Minimal clearing required as most part of to clearance, and strict control on clearing line/towers are in paddy fields and substations activities to ensure minimal clearance. are on degraded land. For distribution lines, No use of herbicides and pesticides hardly any trees will be required to be felled. No use of herbicides and pesticides observed/anticipated. 76 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Clause Project activity/stage Potential impact Proposed mitigation measures Compliance Status No. 23 Trimming Fire hazards Trees allowed growing up to a height Complied/to be complied during stringing work. /cutting of trees within within the RoW by maintaining adequate In distribution line where string has already RoW clearance between the top of tree and the completed only looping/pruning done to conductor as per the regulations. maintain safe electrical clearance as per applicable norms (CEA’s regulations, 2010 (Measures related to safety & electric supply) Loss of vegetation Trees that can survive pruning to comply Construction period and deforestation should be pruned instead of cleared. Felled trees and other cleared or pruned Felled trees are handed over to land owner. vegetation to be disposed of as IA/State Utilities have no role in storage or authorized by the statutory bodies. disposal of felled trees/wood 24 Wood/ Loss of vegetation Construction workers prohibited from Complied with. Cooking Gas/ fuel wood vegetation harvesting and deforestation harvesting wood in the project area during provided by the Contractor their employment, (apart from locally employed staff continuing current legal activities) 25 Surplus earthwork/soil Runoff to cause Soil excavated from tower footings/ Complied with. water pollution, solid substation foundation disposed of by waste disposal placement along roadsides, or at nearby Soil backfilled and excess spread out evenly house blocks if requested by landowners and compacted. Excavated soil was properly stored and no dumping observed in visited sites/location. 26 Substation construction Loss of soil Loss of soil is not a major issue as Complied with. excavated soil will be mostly reused for filling. However, in case of requirement of Excavated soil used optimally for backfilling excess soil the same will be met from and distribution within the boundary is existing quarry or through deep adequate. No additional requirements of soil excavation of existing pond or other observed for any substations. nearby barren land with agreement of local communities Water pollution Construction activities involving significant Complied with ground disturbance (i.e. substation land forming) not undertaken during the No construction during monsoons. No seepage 77 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Clause Project activity/stage Potential impact Proposed mitigation measures Compliance Status No. monsoon season or water pollution observed. 27 Site clearance Vegetation Tree clearances for easement Complied with/to be complied establishment to only involve cutting trees off at ground level or pruning as appropriate, with tree stumps and roots left in place and ground cover left undisturbed 28 Substation Waste disposal Excess fill from substation/tower Complied/ to be complied foundation/Tower foundation excavation disposed of next to erection disposal of roads or around houses, in agreement Excavated soil optimally used. Backfilling and surplus earthwork/fill with the local community or landowner. spreading of excess soil within substation area assured by project authorities. 29 Storage of chemicals Contamination of Fuel and other hazardous materials Proper complied to be ensured. and materials receptors (land, securely stored above high flood level. water, air) Stored in designated area inside the premise in most sites. However, some construction waste laying haphazardly and required proper storage/disposal 30 Construction schedules Noise nuisance to Construction activities only undertaken Complied with neighbouring during the day and local communities properties informed of the construction schedule. Construction in day time only 31 Provision of facilities for Contamination of Construction workforce facilities to include Complied with. construction workers receptors (land, proper sanitation, water supply and waste However, there is scope for further water, air) disposal facilities. improvement in improving the living condition of worker 32 Influx of migratory Conflict with local Using local workers for appropriate asks Complied with. workers population to share local resources Local workforces have been given preference based on skill only. 33 Lines through farmland Loss of agricultural Use existing access roads wherever Complied with. productivity possible Ensure existing irrigation facilities are Repair/restoration done immediately wherever maintained in working condition required. No complaint observed/reported. 78 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Clause Project activity/stage Potential impact Proposed mitigation measures Compliance Status No. Protect /preserve topsoil and reinstate after construction completed Repair/reinstate damaged bunds etc after construction completed Social inequities Land owners/ farmers compensated for Compensation for land and damage to any temporary loss of productive land as crop/tree etc is paid to land owner after per existing regulation. assessment by revenue authority. However, it has been observed that there is delay in payment of compensation to land owner (after 3-6 months of actual damage). Project authority need to expedite process for early payment 34 Uncontrolled erosion/silt Soil loss, Need for access tracks minimised, use of Complied with. runoff downstream siltation existing roads. Limit site clearing to work areas No new access road constructed and Regeneration of vegetation to stabilise construction during monsoon avoided as far as works areas on completion (where possible applicable) Avoidance of excavation in wet season Water courses protected from siltation through use of bunds and sediment ponds 35 Nuisance to nearby Losses to Contract clauses specifying careful Complied with. properties neighbouring land construction practices. uses/ values As much as possible existing access Good construction practices with proper ways will be used scheduling of construction activities observed in all active sites. No major deviation with Productive land will be reinstated respect to contract conditions by the contractor following completion of construction found/reported Social inequities Compensation will be paid for loss of Observation already provided at Clause no 34 production, if any. above 79 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Clause Project activity/stage Potential impact Proposed mitigation measures Compliance Status No. 36 Flooding and loss of Avoid natural drainage pattern/ facilities Complied/ being complied. Flooding hazards due to soils, contamination being disturbed/blocked/ diverted by construction of receptors (land, ongoing construction activities No such issue reported/ came across during impediments of natural water) visit to various sites drainage 37 Equipment submerged Contamination of Equipment stored at secure place above Complied with under flood receptors (land, the high flood level(HFL) water) Substations are constructed above HFL. 38 Inadequate siting of Loss of land values Existing borrow sites will be used to Complied with. borrow areas (quarry source aggregates, therefore, no need to areas) develop new sources of aggregates 39 Health and safety Injury and sickness of Safety equipment’s (PPEs) for Safety equipment available but often not used workers and construction workers by workers. members of the Contract provisions specifying minimum Worker facilities/camp available but needs public requirements for construction camps further improvement with respect to sanitation. Contractor to prepare and implement a Health & safety plan in place and properly health and safety plan. implemented. No major accident/incident Contractor to arrange for health and reported for any site till date. safety training sessions More training to be conducted to create awareness on use of PPEs /safety gear. 40 Inadequate construction Likely to maximise Training of environmental monitoring Project staffs often found to be unaware of the stage monitoring damages personnel IEAR, ESPPF and the requirements therein. More specific awareness/ training on IEAR, Implementation of effective environmental ESPPF etc requirements for effective monitoring and reporting system using implementation/ monitoring of provisions of checklist of all contractual environmental IEAR, ESPPF and contract conditions to requirements achieve 100% compliance Appropriate contact clauses to ensure satisfactory implementation of contractual environmental mitigation measures. 80 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Clause Project activity/stage Potential impact Proposed mitigation measures Compliance Status No. Operation and Maintenance 41 Location of line Exposure to safety Setback of dwellings to overhead line Not applicable at present. Pertain to Operation towers/poles and related risks route designed in accordance with & Maintenance period only overhead/ under-ground permitted level of power frequency and line alignment & design the regulation of supervision at sites. 42 Line through identified Injury/ mortality to Avoidance of established/identified bird flyways, migratory birds, bats etc due to migration path (Birds & Bats). Provision of path collision and flight diverter/ reflectors, elevated electrocution perches, insulating jumper loops, obstructive perch deterrents, raptor hoods etc., if applicable 43 Equipment submerged Contamination of Equipment installed above the high flood under flood receptors (land, level (HFL) by raising the foundation pad. water) 44 Oil spillage Contamination of Substation transformers located within land/nearby water secure and impervious sump areas with a bodies storage capacity of at least 100% of the capacity of oil in transformers and associated reserve tanks. 45 SF6 management Emission of most Reduction of SF6 emission through potent GHG causing awareness, replacement of old seals, climate change proper handling & storage by controlled inventory and use, enhance recovery and applying new technologies to reduce leakage 46 Inadequate provision of Injury and sickness of Careful design using appropriate staff/workers health and staff /workers technologies to minimise hazards safety during operations Safety awareness raising for staff. Preparation of fire emergency action plan and training given to staff on implementing emergency action plan Provide adequate sanitation and water supply facilities 81 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP Clause Project activity/stage Potential impact Proposed mitigation measures Compliance Status No. 47 Electric Shock Hazards Injury/ mortality to Careful design using appropriate staff and public technologies to minimise hazards Security fences around substations Barriers to prevent climbing on/ dismantling of transmission towers Appropriate warning signs on facilities Electricity safety awareness raising in project areas 48 Operations and Unnecessary Adequate training in O&M to all relevant maintenance staff skills environmental losses staff of substations & transmission/ less than acceptable of various types distribution line maintenance crews. Preparation and training in the use of O&M manuals and standard operating practices 49 Inadequate periodic Diminished Staff to receive training in environmental environmental ecological and social monitoring of project operations and monitoring. values. maintenance activities. 50 Equipment Release of chemicals Processes, equipment and systems using specifications and and gases in cholofluorocarbons (CFCs), including design parameters receptors (air, water, halon, should be phased out and to be land) disposed of in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Govt. 51 Transmission/ Exposure to Transmission/ distribution line design to distribution line electromagnetic comply with the limits of electromagnetic maintenance interference interference from overhead power lines 52 Uncontrolled growth of Fire hazard due to Periodic pruning of vegetation to maintain vegetation growth of tree/shrub requisite electrical clearance. /bamboo along RoW No use of herbicides/ pesticides 53 Noise related Nuisance to Substations sited and designed to ensure neighbouring noise will not be a nuisance. properties 82 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP 5.8 Conclusion It is vivid from the above discussion that all transmission & distribution line routes and substations location have been selected judiciously by considering the technical, environmental, socio-economic aspects. Though some changes in line length & route alignment have been observed in transmission /distribution lines as compared to IEAR scope but as a result careful route selection IA/Utility could able to avoid ecologically & socially sensitive areas including forest, protected areas, PCR etc completely in all the lines and substations being implemented under this project. The provisions of IEAR & EMP are being implemented at ground level and strict compliance by construction contractors is ensured through regular monitoring by IA/Utility. So far, no major impacts apart from earlier identified impacts are anticipated due to such changes in scope. However, based on site condition IA /Utility has taken some additional site specific measures like providing tower extension in some stretches for adequate clearance to wild animal/elephant and erosion/slope protection measures like RRM Wall etc in substations. Besides, all other applicable laws/rules/regulations of the country & funding agencies are being complied with and till date no violation/ penalty with respect to contravention of any regulations has been reported. During assessment, it has also been observed that so far the project has achieved zero fatality with no major non-compliance of EMP/Contract provisions as stipulated in IEAR, which is an indicative of the strict vigil of the IA. It has also emerged from the survey & PRA exercise that the PAP were appreciative of the project and hoped that the power scenario would improve after commissioning of the project. Local people also benefited through project related employment that was being generated. However, following suggestions may be considered to further improve the safeguard measures and also enhance the environmental sustainability of project, During the construction phase, the implementing agency needs to ensure strict compliance of the contract provisions/EMP by Contractor especially in respect of workers health and safety. Project staff of the implementing agency should be well versed with the contents of the IEAR so as to ensure proper compliance by the contractors. 83 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP  In some cases delay in payment of tree, crop & land compensation to affected FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP persons observed. Further streamlining of compensation process and responsibility allocation need to be undertaken by IA/Utility to avoid delay in future cases.  More regular co-ordination between IA & Utility as very less involvenmt of Utility in project implementation.  It is suggested that the galvanized towers in the affected zone be painted grey/ green or barbed wire wrapping on towers/ installation of spike on towers up to a height equal to the normal height of adult elephants so as avoid damage to line tower and / or possible electrocution.  Care should be taken to ensure that no borrows inhabited by Pangolin exists before taking up excavations for tower foundation or substations. The workers and field personnel should be educated on the identification and detection of burrows in consultation with the local inhabitants, who often have the knowledge about the presence and location of local biodiversity. Overall, the commissioning of the project will augment the power distribution and availability in the region which will further catalyze economic activity and development of the area/region. 84 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP CHAPTER-6 : MONITORING & ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT STRUCTURE For smooth implementation of this project, following administrative and functional set up have been institutionalized for project implementation, review and monitoring etc. 6.1 Administrative Arrangement for Project Implementation: Central Project Implementation Unit (CPIU) - A body responsible for coordinating the preparation and implementation of the project housed within the IA’s offices at Guwahati. The “Project-In-Charge” of IA & Head of each of the SPCU shall be a member of CPIU. State Project Coordination Unit (SPCU) – A body formed by the State Utility and responsible for coordinating with IA in preparing and implementing the project at the State level. It consist of experts across different areas from the Utility headed by an officer of the rank not below Chief Engineer, from the Utility. Project Implementation Unit (PIU) – A body formed by the IA, including members of Utility on deputation, and responsible for implementing the Project across the State, with its personnel being distributed over the work site/s & operating in close association with the SPCU/ CPIU. PIU reports to the State level “Project Manager” nominated by the Project-in-Charge of IA. The IA has a Core team stationed at the CPIU on a permanent basis, and other IA officers (with required skills) makes visits as and when required by this core team. This team represents IA is responsible for all coordination with SPCU, PIU, within IA and MoP, GoI. CPIU also assists MoP, GoI in monitoring project progress and coordination with The Bank. 6.2 Review of Project Implementation Progress: To enable timely implementation of the project/subprojects, following committee has been set up to review the progress; A. Joint Co-ordination Committee (JCC): IA and SPCU nominate their representatives in a body called JCC to review the project. IA specifies quarterly 85 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP milestones or targets, which are reviewed by JCC through a formal monthly review meetings. This meeting forum is called as Joint Co-ordination Committee Meeting (JCCM).The IA convenes & keeps record of every meeting. MoP, GoI and The Bank join in as and when needed. B. High Power Committee (HPC): The Utility in consultation with its State Government has constituted a High Power Committee (HPC) consisting of high level officials from the Utility, State/ District Administration, Law enforcement agencies, Forest Department. etc. so that various permission/ approvals/ consents/ clearances etc. are processed expeditiously so as to reach the benefits of the Project to the end consumers. HPC meets on bimonthly basis or earlier, as per requirement. This forum is called as High Power Committee Meeting (HPCM) and the SPCU keeps records of every meeting. Minutes of the meeting will be shared with all concerned and if required, with GoI and The Bank. C. Contractor’s Review Meeting (CRM): Periodic Review Meeting is held by officials of PIU with Contractors at field offices, State Head Quarters (PIU location) and if required with core team of IA at Guwahati. These meetings are called “Contractor’s Review Meeting” (CRM). PIU shall keep a record of all CRMs, which shall be shared with all concerned and if required, with GoI and The Bank. D. Review meetings are held among MoP, GoI, The Bank, State Government, Utility and IA, at four (4) months interval or earlier if needed, primarily to maintain oversight at the top level, and also to debottleneck issues that require intervention at GoI/ State Government level. Minutes of the meeting shall be prepared by IA and shared with all concerned. 6.3. E & S Monitoring: The arrangement for monitoring and reviewing of project from the perspective of environment and social management forms part of overall arrangements for project management and implementation environment. Environmental monitoring is a continuous process throughout the Project life cycle starting from site selection to construction and maintenance stage. As Implementing Agency (IA) POWERGRID endeavours to implement the project in close coordination with the respective state 86 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP power utilities and departments. POWERGRID has been implementing the project based on the Implementation/Participation agreements that were signed separately between POWERGRID and the Power utilities. The IA has appointed dedicated Environment Officer in each state including Meghalaya to oversee the E & S management. Besides, MePTCL / MePDCL also has a separate cell at the Circle office level namely Environment and Social Management Cell (ESMC) headed by Chief Engineer (Transmission) for proper implementation and monitoring of environmental & social management measures. Apart from day to day E & S monitoring other major responsibilities are;  Coordinating environmental and social commitments and initiatives with various multilateral agencies, MoEFCC and Govt. of Meghalaya.  Coordination of all environmental activities related to a project from conceptualization to operation and maintenance stage. Advising site offices to follow-up with the state forest offices and other state departments for expediting forest clearances and other E & S issues of various projects.  Providing a focal point for interaction with the MoEF for expediting forest clearances  Training of Circle and Site officials on E & S issues arising out of Transmission/Distribution projects and their management plan.  Training of other departments to familiarize them with the ESPP document. Additionally, Field In-Charge reviews the progress on daily basis and periodic review by higher management including review by Heads of SPCU and CPIU undertaken wherein apart from construction issues the environmental aspects of the projects are discussed and remedial measures taken wherever required. Besides, Periodic Contractor ’s Review Meeting (CRM) are being held by officials of PIU with Contractors at field offices, State Head Quarters (PIU location) and with CPIU at Guwahati for better co- ordination and resolution any pending issues. The World Bank mission team also visits various sites every six months to review the progress status including ground level implementation of safeguard measures. Any observation/agreed action plan suggested by the Bank in the Aide Memoire is religiously complied in time bound manner. Additionally, review meeting among MoP, GoI, The Bank, State Governments., Utility and IA being held periodically to maintain oversight at the top level and also to debottleneck issues that require intervention at GoI/ State Government level. 87 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP The Capacity building and Institutional Strengthening program of the IA is held intermittently to enhance the skills of the project officials. Besides, separate E & S training are also organized for Official of State Utility under Capacity Building & Institutional Strengthening (CBIS) programme. Further, State utility meetings between IA and MePTCL are held on a monthly/ bimonthly basis to assess the work progress and difficulties encountered in respect of land acquisition, RoW and compensation if any. The IA has a continuous monitoring mechanism of the project w.r.t. compliance of the mitigation measures as stipulated in the IEAR. Thus, the adherence to the clauses by the contractors are regularly monitored especially in respect of various implementation E & S measures including health and safety aspects. Due to such strong institutional support structure coupled with monitoring mechanism in place, no major non-compliance were observed/reported during the implementation of projects till date. The project has so far had zero fatality which is indicative of the strict vigil of the IA. During the present study, our team also observed mitigation measures as suggested in IEAR are mostly complied with even though some gaps were found with respect proper to documentation. 6.4 Grievance Redressal Mechanism (GRM) Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) is an integral and important mechanism for addressing/resolving the concern and grievances in a transparent and swift manner. In accordance with the provision in ESPPF, Grievance Redress Committees (GRC) have been constituted in Meghalaya both at the project/scheme level and at Corporate/HQ. This GRC is aimed to provide a trusted way to voice and resolve environment & social concerns of the project, and to address the concerns of the affected person/community in a time bound manner without impacting project implementation. The Corporate/HQ level GRC has been constituted and notified which is headed by Director (Transmission), MePTCL. Similarly project level GRCs have been constituted for each transmission and substations covered under this project. Notifications of Corporate & Project level GRC are placed as Annexure-13. Apart from above, grievance redressal is in built in crop/tree compensation process where affected persons are given a chance to place their grievances after issuance of 88 FEAR for T & D Project in Garo Hill District of Meghalaya under NERPSIP notice by revenue officials on the basis of assessment of actual damages. Grievances received towards compensation are generally addressed in open forum and in the presence of many witnesses. Process of spot verification and random checking by the district collector/ its authorized representative also provides forum for raising the grievance towards any irregularity/complain. Moreover, MePTCL/MePDCL & POWERGRID officials also address to the complaints of affected farmers and the same are forwarded to revenue official for doing the needful, if required It may also be noted that concerns of public are addressed regularly through public consultation process which started from project planning to construction and will be continued in operation and maintenance also. Besides, many concerns/grievances from affected persons/public have been received by Site Offices which are also regularly tracked for early resolution. However, it has been observed that most of them were minor in nature and were resolved instantly and amicably by Site Officials after discussion & deliberation with affected person/ in consultation of revenue/district officials. 89 APPENDIX A Photo Plates of Site Visits & Project Elements 1 Interaction with POWERGRID Officials at Phulbari Visit of Tower location at AP 27/0 of 132 kV Visit of Pole Location at C7 of 33 kV Phulbari- Phulbari- Ampati line Chibinang line 2 Visit to 33/1 kV Raksambre Substation 3 4 5 APPENDIX-B Data Collection Through Line Transacts Survey & PRA For the Line Transact Survey & PRA studies, 10 % of the tower locations along the route were surveyed, and the villages falling therein were visited for interaction with the project affected people (PAP). Thus, for the whole stretch of the alignment, a total of 12 villages were visited. Although site visits were undertaken for distribution lines and substations, PRA studies were not conducted as the impact due to distribution lines is negligible, and the substations were mostly on land either already acquired earlier (extension or bay addition at existing substations), or located away from residential area (new). The location/village visited along with co-ordinates and other details are provided in the table below.. Sl Tower Tower Name of GPS coordinates Topography Land use No No Type village 1 AP 5 DB+6 Gopal Than Lat- 25˚51'49.01'' Gentle slope Paddy Long- 90˚02'20.50'' 2 AP-20 DC+6 Balu Jhora Lat -25˚50'05.92'' Plain Paddy Long- 90˚00'15.51'' 3 AP DA+3 Negikona Lat -25˚48'03.82'' Plain Paddy 35/3 Long-89˚58'56.98'' 4 AP DA 0 Dublamari Lat-25˚45'33.31'' Plain Paddy 45/1 Long-89˚59'56.92'' 5 AP DB+3 Mela Giri Lat-25˚44'02.38'' Gentle slope Plantation 55/0 Long - 90˚01'30.95'' 6 AP DA+0 Ranthapara Lat - 25˚41'33.55'' Plain Paddy 65/4 Long- 90˚01'13.13'' 7 AP 74 DB+9 Dokagre Lat- 25˚38'52.66'' Gentle slope Private Long- 90˚01'21.02'' plantation 8 AP 92 DB+0 Dipty Para Lat- 25˚36'16.18'' Gentle slope Plantation Long-90˚01'12.22'' 9 AP DA+3 Chirangpara Lat - 25˚34'48.22'' Plain Paddy 103/1 Long- 89˚58'46.09'' 10 AP 76 DB+0 Kalamati Lat -25°38'34.44" Hillock Jhum Long- 90°01'19.39" 11 AP 82 DD+0 Khalmangittim Lat25°37'41.28" Gentle slope Private Long90°01'34.47" plantation 12 AP 90 DD+3 Mangapara Lat- 25°36'32.76" Gentle slope Private Long- 90°01'32.16" plantation Data Collection Report Sample 1. Name of the line : 132 kV Phulbari- Ampati line Section of Route : Gantry to AP5 (Loc No. Gantry to 5/0) Number of Towers : 17 Section length : 4.731 km AP surveyed after every 5 km : AP 5/0 Tower type of AP5/0 : DB+6 Latitude : 25˚51'49.01'' Longitude : 90˚02'20.50'' DESCRIPTION REMARKS Status of land Private ownership General topography of the area Gentle slope Nature of vegetation in the study Agricultural crops. area Density of vegetation Low Number of trees likely to be felled Based on the tree enumeration report obtained from in that POWERGRID, from AP5 to AP6 the number of economically important trees coming under 27M RoW are :- Bamboo, 360; Betel nut, 132; Banana, 19 and others 124 Any specific observation with There are no ecologically sensitive areas near the respect to ecological sensitivity in tower location that would impact the environment the study area around it. DETAILS ON BIODIVERSITY OF THE STUDY AREA AND LIKELY IMPACTS DESCRIPTION STATUS/ AVAILABILITY LIKELY IMPACTS FLORA a) Common flora in the Ziziphus mauritiana, Tectona grandis, There are no likely study area Careya arborea, Tapioca sp. impact as observed in b) Endemic flora Ziziphus mauritiana, Tectona grandis, the study area Careya arborea, Tapioca sp. c) Endangered flora NA d) Vulnerable NA e) Threatened NA f) Any specific The land where the base of the tower is observation constructed has been already covered with some vegetation, and there are barely any fully grown trees in the tower location. FAUNA a) Common fauna in Pigeon, mynah, fowl, There is no likely impact on the the study area monkey, squirrel faunal diversity in the tower location. b) Endemic fauna c) Endangered fauna NA d) Vulnerable NA Special emphasis on There is no elephant corridor There will be no likely impact on Elephant habitat/ nor an elephant habitat in it as there is no elephant habitat corridor the region or corridor in the region. a) Availability of large Kite, hawk This bird is spotted only at times. winged birds There is no likely impact b) Availability of In the specific tower location There is barely any chance of monkey/ primate AP5/0 monkeys are barely electrocution of animal since the species and chances of sighted unlike before estimated tower height is higher electrocution because of conversion of than the height of the tree, and forest land to agricultural also the population of the land. monkey has declined in the area. c) Any species nesting There are no nesting sites of sites of birds which birds sighted may be impacted IMPACT OF PROJECT ACTIVITY ( TOWER FOUNDATION/ ERECTION/ STRINGING) DESCRIPTION REMARKS Disposal of excavated soil/ excess soil No disposal of the excavated soil Any major issue of soil erosion at project There is no soil erosion observed in the tower site/ tower locations location Whether benching carried at tower No benching is carried out locations Number of trees felled/required to be NA felled at tower Leg extension/ extended tower provided/ No leg extension requirement Impact on nearby water bodies due to There is no impact on the water bodies as the project activity tower location is far from the river. Whether location is vulnerable to soil The location is not vulnerable to soil erosion erosion/ soil failure Any specific requirement of slope No requirement for slope protection since the protection measures like revetment/ land is level retaining/ toe wall etc. at project locations Impact of approach road construction (if No impact on the road construction, the required) condition of the road itself is bad. Transportation of tower materials The materials are transported via trucks but only the base of the tower has been constructed. SOCIO ECONMIC ASSESSMENT OF THE STUDY AREA DESCRIPTION REMARKS Name of the village Gopal Than General socio economic profile of PAP in project area Nature of land affected due to project activity Any resettlement issue There is no issue of resettlement as it is an agricultural land. Any negative impact on livelihood of PAP There is no negative impact on the livelihood of the people. Any impact on archaeological structure (If, No archaeological structure in and around the available in the vicinity) village Any impact on common property There is no such impact on the common resources/religious area/sacred groves property resources or any religious area as etc. the tower is located inside the village, few distances from the main road and there are no sacred groves in the village area. Consultation with PAP/ Village council As per the PRA conducted, the villagers were cooperative in answering the questions and there seem to be no issue as the project would also benefit them in many ways and the compensation is complete. Sample 2. Name of the line : 132 kV Phulbari- Ampati line Section of Route : AP6 to AP20 (Tower Loc 6/0 to 20/0) Number of Tower/ Poles : 19 Section length : 5.101 km AP surveyed after every 5 km : AP 20/0 Tower type of AP20/0 : DC+6 Latitude : 25˚50'05.92'' Longitude : 90˚00'15.51'' DESCRIPTION REMARKS Status of land Paddy field General topography of the area Plain Nature of vegetation in the study area Paddy field Density of vegetation Sparse Number of trees likely to be felled in that Based on the tree enumeration report stretch obtained from POWERGRID, from AP20 to AP21 the number of trees in RoW are 51. Any specific observation with respect to There is no ecological sensitivity in the study ecological sensitivity in the study area area DETAILS ON BIODIVERSITY OF THE STUDY AREA AND LIKELY IMPACTS DESCRIPTION STATUS/ AVAILABILITY LIKELY IMPACTS FLORA a) Common flora in the Oryza sativa There are no likely study area impact as observed in b) Endemic flora NA the study area c) Endangered flora NA d) Vulnerable NA e) Threatened NA f) Any specific observation The tower is located in the paddy field where it has been left uncultivated and the vegetation in the area is sparse. FAUNA a) Common fauna in the Mynah, squirrel, egret No likely impact on the faunal study area diversity b) Endemic fauna c) Endangered fauna d) Vulnerable Special emphasis on There is no elephant habitat There will be no likely impact Elephant habitat/ corridor or corridor in the study area since there is no elephant habitat or corridor in the study area a) Availability of large Kite, crow There is no likely impact on winged birds the large winged. b) Availability of monkey/There are no monkeys primate species and around the tower location as chances of electrocution it lies in the paddy field and there are no chances of electrocution of the animal c) Any species nesting There are no nesting sites sites of birds which may sighted in the tower location be impacted IMPACT OF PROJECT ACTIVITY ( TOWER FOUNDATION/ ERECTION/ STRINGING) DESCRIPTION REMARKS Disposal of excavated soil/ excess soil No disposal of the excavated soil Any major issue of soil erosion at project There is no soil erosion observed at the tower site/ tower locations location since it is a plain area Whether benching carried at tower No benching is carried out locations Number of trees felled/required to be felled The tower is located in the paddy field at tower Leg extension/ extended tower provided/ No leg extension requirement Impact on nearby water bodies due to There is no impact on the nearby water body project activity Whether location is vulnerable to soil The location is not vulnerable to soil erosion erosion/ soil failure Any specific requirement of slope No requirement for slope protection since it is protection measures like revetment/ a plain area retaining/ toe wall etc. at project locations Impact of approach road construction (if No impacts on the road construction required) Transportation of tower materials the materials are transported via trucks and only the base of the tower has been constructed SOCIO ECONMIC ASSESSMENT OF THE STUDY AREA DESCRIPTION REMARKS Name of the village Balu Jhora General socio economic profile of PAP in project area Nature of land affected due to project activity Any resettlement issue There is no resettlement issue Any negative impact on livelihood of PAP There is no impact on the livelihood of the people. Any impact on archaeological structure (If, There is/are no archaeological site in the available in the vicinity) village Any impact on common property There is no impact on the common property, resources/religious area/sacred groves religious area neither on the sacred groves. etc. Consultation with PAP/ Village council The villagers took their time out for the meeting, where the briefing was done followed by queries regarding their greviances/apprehensions etc. When questions were raised regarding the project, the replies were positive where they also mentioned that they were assured of 100% compensation for acquisition of the land for tower. Sample 3. Name of the line : 132 kV Phulbari- Ampati line Section of Route : AP21 to AP 35/3 (Tower Loc 21/0 to 35/3) Number of Tower/ Poles : 20 Section length : 5.336 km AP surveyed after every 5 km : AP 35/3 Tower type of AP35/3 : DA+3 Latitude : 25˚48'03.82'' Longitude : 89˚58'56.98'' DESCRIPTION REMARKS Status of land Paddy field General topography of the area Plain Nature of vegetation in the study area Paddy field Density of vegetation Medium Number of trees likely to be felled in that Based on the tree enumeration report stretch obtained from POWERGRID, from AP21 to AP35 the number of trees to be felled are 4. Any specific observation with respect to There are no ecologically sensitive areas ecological sensitivity in the study area near the tower location DETAILS ON BIODIVERSITY OF THE STUDY AREA AND LIKELY IMPACTS DESCRIPTION STATUS/ AVAILABILITY LIKELY IMPACTS FLORA a) Common flora in the Oryza sativa There are no likely impact as study area observed in the study area b) Endemic flora NA c) Endangered flora NA d) Vulnerable NA e) Threatened NA f) Any specific observation The tower is located in the paddy field. FAUNA a) Common fauna in the egret, mynah, pigeon, There are no likely impacts study area squirrel, kingfisher on the birds and the animals in the study area. b) Endemic fauna NA c) Endangered fauna NA d) Vulnerable NA Special emphasis on There is no elephant habitat There will be no likely impact Elephant habitat/ corridor or corridor in the study area as there is no elephant where the tower located habitat or corridor in the study area. a) Availability of large Kite, crow There are no likely impact on winged birds the large winged birds b) Availability of monkey/ There are no monkeys in the primate species and study area as per the chances of electrocution information obtained. c) Any species nesting There are no nesting sites sites of birds which may sighted. be impacted IMPACT OF PROJECT ACTIVITY (TOWER FOUNDATION/ ERECTION/ STRINGING) DESCRIPTION REMARKS Disposal of excavated soil/ excess soil No disposal of the excavated soil Any major issue of soil erosion at project There is no soil erosion observed site/ tower locations Whether benching carried at tower No benching is carried out locations Number of trees felled/required to be The tower is right in the middle of the paddy felled at tower field Leg extension/ extended tower provided/ No leg extension requirement Impact on nearby water bodies due to There is no impact on the water bodies as the project activity tower location is far from the river. Whether location is vulnerable to soil The location is not vulnerable to soil erosion erosion/ soil failure Any specific requirement of slope No requirement for slope protection since it is protection measures like revetment/ a plain area retaining/ toe wall etc. at project locations Impact of approach road construction (if No impacts on the road construction, the road required) itself is bad making it difficult for transporting the materials Transportation of tower materials the materials are transported via trucks and only the base of the tower has been constructed SOCIO ECONMIC ASSESSMENT OF THE STUDY AREA DESCRIPTION REMARKS Name of the village Negikona General socio economic profile of PAP in project area Nature of land affected due to project activity Any resettlement issue There is no issue on the resettlement issue as the tower is located in the paddy field. Any negative impact on livelihood of PAP There is no such impact on the livelihood of the people. Any impact on archaeological structure (If, There is/are no archaeological site available in the vicinity) Any impact on common property There is no impact on the common property resources/religious area/sacred groves or the religious area. It is located away from etc. the place of worship. Consultation with PAP/ Village council As per the PRA, the people do not have any apprehensions. The Cultivation of rice is still being done, and there is no disturbance or effect on the paddy fields nearby. The compensation has been assured wherever required Sample 4. Name of the line : 132 kV Phulbari- Ampati line Section of Route : AP36 to AP45/1 (Tower Loc 36/0 to 45/1) Number of Tower/ Poles : 17 Section length : 5.312 km AP surveyed after every 5 km : AP 45/1 Tower type of AP45/1 : DA+0 Latitude : 25˚45'33.31'' Longitude : 89˚59'56.92'' DESCRIPTION REMARKS Status of land Paddy field General topography of the area Plain Nature of vegetation in the study area Paddy field Density of vegetation Medium Number of trees likely to be felled in that Based on the tree enumeration report stretch obtained from POWERGRID, from AP36 to AP45 the number of trees in RoW is 122. Any specific observation with respect to There is no ecological sensitivity in the study ecological sensitivity in the study area area. DETAILS ON BIODIVERSITY OF THE STUDY AREA AND LIKELY IMPACTS DESCRIPTION STATUS/ AVAILABILITY LIKELY IMPACTS FLORA a) Common flora in the Oryza sativa There are no likely impact as study area observed in the study area b) Endemic flora NA c) Endangered flora NA d) Vulnerable NA e) Threatened NA f) Any specific observation The tower is located in the middle of the paddy field. FAUNA a) Common fauna in the Mynah, wagtail,egret, There is no likely impact on study area squirrel, pigeon, monkey the faunal diversity in the study area. b) Endemic fauna NA c) Endangered fauna NA d) Vulnerable NA Special emphasis on There is no elephant habitat There will not be likely impact Elephant habitat/ corridor or corridor in the study area. on it as there is no elephant habitat or corridor in the region a) Availability of large Crow, hawk There will be no likely impact winged birds on the large winged birds in the study area. b) Availability of monkey/ Monkeys are sighted at times There will be no chances of primate species and but not in the area where the electrocution chances of electrocution tower is located. c) Any species nesting No nesting sites were sighted sites of birds which may in the study area. be impacted IMPACT OF PROJECT ACTIVITY (TOWER FOUNDATION /ERECTION/ STRINGING) DESCRIPTION REMARKS Disposal of excavated soil/ excess soil No disposal of the excavated soil Any major issue of soil erosion at project There is no soil erosion observed at the tower site/ tower locations location Whether benching carried at tower No benching is carried out locations Number of trees felled/required to be The tower is located in the paddy field felled at tower Leg extension/ extended tower provided/ No leg extension requirement Impact on nearby water bodies due to There is no impact on the nearby water body project activity Whether location is vulnerable to soil The location is not vulnerable to soil erosion erosion/ soil failure Any specific requirement of slope No requirement for slope protection since it is protection measures like revetment/ a plain area retaining/ toe wall etc. at project locations Impact of approach road construction (if No impacts on the road construction, the required) condition of the road makes it difficult for transporting the materials. Transportation of tower materials the materials are transported via trucks and only the base of the tower has been constructed SOCIO ECONMIC ASSESSMENT OF THE STUDY AREA DESCRIPTION REMARKS Name of the village Dublamari General socio economic profile of PAP in project area Nature of land affected due to project activity Any resettlement issue There is no resettlement issue as the tower is located far away from the settlement areas. Any negative impact on livelihood of PAP There is no negative impact on the livelihood of the people. Any impact on archaeological structure (If, There is/are no archaeological site available in the vicinity) Any impact on common property No impact on the common property neither resources/religious area/sacred groves on any religious area and sacred groves. The etc. tower location is far away from the religious area in the village and is located in the middle of the paddy field Consultation with PAP/ Village council There is no negative feedback from the villagers regarding the tower which is yet to be constructed. Even though only the tower base has been constructed, cultivation of rice was still done. The people from the village were quite cooperative and full compensation has been assured Sample 5. Name of the line : 132 kV Phulbari- Ampati line Section of Route : AP45/2 to AP55 (Tower Loc 45/2 to 55/0) Number of Tower/ Poles : 17 Section length : 4.917 km AP surveyed after every 5 km : AP 55/0 Tower type of AP55/0 : DB+3 Latitude : 25˚44'02.38'' Longitude : 90˚01'30.95'' DESCRIPTION REMARKS Status of land Plantation area General topography of the area Gentle slope Nature of vegetation in the study Plantation area Density of vegetation Medium Number of trees likely to be Based on the tree enumeration report obtained from felled in that POWERGRID, from AP55 to AP56 the number of trees in RoW are :- Bamboo, 220; Cashewnut, 184; other miscellaneous,175; Any specific observation with There is no ecologically sensitivity in the study area respect to ecological sensitivity in the study area DETAILS ON BIODIVERSITY OF THE STUDY AREA AND LIKELY IMPACTS DESCRIPTION STATUS/ AVAILABILITY LIKELY IMPACTS FLORA a) Common flora in the Cashewnut, Tectona grandis, No likely impact on the study area Lagerstroemia speciosa, Albizia trees lebbeck b) Endemic flora Tectona grandis, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Albizia lebbeck c) Endangered flora NA d) Vulnerable NA e) Threatened NA f) Any specific The study is basically located in a observation Cashewnut plantation area. The tower height is more than that of the trees. FAUNA a) Common fauna in the Fowl, squirrel, monkey, No likely impact study area jungle cat, mynah, bats, wagtail b) Endemic fauna c) Endangered fauna d) Vulnerable Special emphasis on There are no elephant habitat There will be likely impact on Elephant habitat/ corridor or corridor in the study area it as there is no elephant habitat or corridor in the region a) Availability of large Kite, hawk winged birds b) Availability of monkey/ Monkeys sighted There are no chances or primate species and electrocution. The tower chances of electrocution height is more than that of the cashewnut trees. c) Any species nesting No nesting sites sighted in sites of birds which may the study area be impacted IMPACT OF PROJECT ACTIVITY (TOWER FOUNDATION/ ERECTION/ STRINGING) DESCRIPTION REMARKS Disposal of excavated soil/ excess soil No disposal of the excavated soil Any major issue of soil erosion at project There is no soil erosion observed site/ tower locations Whether benching carried at tower No benching is carried out locations Number of trees felled/required to be felled at tower Leg extension/ extended tower provided/ No leg extension requirement Impact on nearby water bodies due to There is no impact on the water bodies as the project activity tower location is far from the river. Whether location is vulnerable to soil The location is not vulnerable to soil erosion erosion/ soil failure Any specific requirement of slope No requirement for slope protection protection measures like revetment/ retaining/ toe wall etc. at project locations Impact of approach road construction (if No impacts on the road construction required) Transportation of tower materials The materials are transported via trucks and hydra is also used. SOCIO ECONMIC ASSESSMENT OF THE STUDY AREA DESCRIPTION REMARKS Name of the village Mela Giri General socio economic profile of PAP in project area Nature of land affected due to project activity Any resettlement issue No issue in resettlement as the tower location is far from the settlement areas. Any negative impact on livelihood of PAP No negative impact on the livelihood of the people Any impact on archaeological structure (If, There is/are no archaeological site available in the vicinity) Any impact on common property No impact on the common property, religious resources/religious area/sacred groves area or sacred groves. etc. Consultation with PAP/ Village council During the conduct of PRA the villagers were happy with the installations as there were parts of village where there is no electricity yet and it would be beneficial for them. The compensation has been assured Sample 6. Name of the line : 132 kV Phulbari- Ampati line Section of Route : AP56 to AP65/4 (Tower Loc 56/0 to 65/4) Number of Tower/ Poles : 17 Section length : 5.030 km AP surveyed after every 5 km : AP 65/4 Tower type of AP65/4 : DA+0 Latitude : 25˚41'33.55'' Longitude : 90˚01'13.13'' DESCRIPTION REMARKS Status of land Paddy field General topography of the area Plain Nature of vegetation in the study area Paddy field Density of vegetation Medium as the cultivation of rice has been done Number of trees likely to be felled in Based on the tree enumeration report obtained that stretch from POWERGRID, from AP65 to AP66 the number of trees in RoW is only 1. Any specific observation with respect No ecological sensitivity in the study area to ecological sensitivity in the study area DETAILS ON BIODIVERSITY OF THE STUDY AREA AND LIKELY IMPACTS DESCRIPTION STATUS/ AVAILABILITY LIKELY IMPACTS FLORA a) Common flora in the Oryza sativa No likely impact study area b) Endemic flora NA c) Endangered flora NA d) Vulnerable NA e) Threatened NA f) Any specific observation The tower base has been constructed in a paddy field FAUNA a) Common fauna in the Erget, Mynah, Wagtail No likely impact study area b) Endemic fauna Mynah, Wagtail c) Endangered fauna NA d) Vulnerable NA Special emphasis onThere is no elephant habitat There will be likely impact on Elephant habitat/ corridor or corridor in the area it as there is no elephant habitat or corridor in the region a) Availability of large Crow, kite No likely impact winged birds b) Availability of monkey/ There are no monkeys No likely impact primate species and sighted near the tower chances of electrocution location c) Any species nesting There are no nesting sites sites of birds which may sighted No likely impact be impacted IMPACT OF PROJECT ACTIVITY (TOWER FOUNDATION/ ERECTION/ STRINGING) DESCRIPTION REMARKS Disposal of excavated soil/ excess soil No disposal of the excavated soil Any major issue of soil erosion at project There is no soil erosion observed site/ tower locations Whether benching carried at tower No benching is carried out locations Number of trees felled/required to be felled The tower is in the middle of the paddy field. at tower Leg extension/ extended tower provided/ No leg extension requirement Impact on nearby water bodies due to There is no impact on the water bodies as the project activity tower location is far from the river. Whether location is vulnerable to soil The location is not vulnerable to soil erosion erosion/ soil failure Any specific requirement of slope No requirement for slope protection since it is protection measures like revetment/ a plain area retaining/ toe wall etc. at project locations Impact of approach road construction (if No impacts on the road construction required) Transportation of tower materials the materials are transported via trucks and only the base of the tower has been constructed SOCIO ECONMIC ASSESSMENT OF THE STUDY AREA DESCRIPTION REMARKS Name of the village Ranthapara General socio economic profile of PAP in project area Nature of land affected due to project activity Any resettlement issue No resettlement issue Any negative impact on livelihood of PAP No impact on the livelihood of the people Any impact on archaeological structure (If, There is/are no archaeological site available in the vicinity) Any impact on common property There is no impact on the common property, resources/religious area/sacred groves religious area ad sacred grove etc. Consultation with PAP/ Village council As per the PRA there was no one opposing the construction of a tower, positive feedbacks were given by the villagers when certain questions were raised. The compensation is assured wherever necessary Sample 7. Name of the line : 132 kV Phulbari- Ampati line Section of Route : AP66 to AP74 (Tower Loc 66/0 to 74/0) Number of Tower/ Poles : 20 Section length : 5.269 km AP surveyed after every 5 km : AP 74/0 Tower type of AP74/0 : DB+9 Latitude : 25˚38'52.66'' Longitude : 90˚01'21.02'' DESCRIPTION REMARKS Status of land Private ownership General topography of the area Gentle slope Nature of vegetation in the study area Naturally grown trees Density of vegetation Medium Number of trees likely to be felled in that Based on the tree enumeration report stretch obtained from POWERGRID, from AP74 to AP75 the number of economically important trees in RoW are:- Bamboo, 155; Cashewnut, 25; Banana 10; and other miscellaneous species, 609. Any specific observation with respect to No ecological sensitivity in the study area ecological sensitivity in the study area DETAILS ON BIODIVERSITY OF THE STUDY AREA AND LIKELY IMPACTS DESCRIPTION STATUS/ AVAILABILITY LIKELY IMPACTS FLORA a) Common flora in the Tamarind, Teak, Cedrela There are no likely impacts study area toona, Albizzia lebbeck, litchi, on the trees. The tower Diploknema butyraceae, height is more than that of Grewia spp. the trees. b) Endemic flora Teak, Cedrela toona, Albizzia lebbeck, litchi, Diploknema butyraceae, Grewia spp. c) Endangered flora NA d) Vulnerable NA e) Threatened NA f) Any specific observation There is a rubber plantation There are no likely impacts on one side of the erected on the plantation area. tower. FAUNA a) Common fauna in the Mynah, woodpecker, wagtail, There are no likely impact on study area pigeon, squirrel, monkey, the faunal diversity fowl, fox b) Endemic fauna Wagtail c) Endangered fauna NA d) Vulnerable NA Special emphasis on There is no elephant habitat There will be likely impact on Elephant habitat/ corridor or corridor in the study area it as there is no elephant habitat or corridor in the region a) Availability of large Hawk, eagle winged birds b) Availability of monkey/ Sighted occasionally There are no chances of primate species and electrocution. The tower chances of electrocution height is more than that of the tree height c) Any species nesting There are no nesting sites sites of birds which may sighted in the study area be impacted IMPACT OF PROJECT ACTIVITY (TOWER FOUNDATION/ ERECTION/ STRINGING) DESCRIPTION REMARKS Disposal of excavated soil/ excess soil No disposal of the excavated soil Any major issue of soil erosion at project There is no soil erosion observed site/ tower locations Whether benching carried at tower No benching is carried out locations Number of trees felled/required to be felled at tower Leg extension/ extended tower provided/ No leg extension requirement Impact on nearby water bodies due to There is no impact on the water bodies as the project activity tower location is far from the river. Whether location is vulnerable to soil The location is not vulnerable to soil erosion erosion/ soil failure Any specific requirement of slope No requirement for slope protection protection measures like revetment/ retaining/ toe wall etc. at project locations Impact of approach road construction (if No impacts on the road construction required) Transportation of tower materials the materials are transported via trucks and hydra is also used SOCIO ECONMIC ASSESSMENT OF THE STUDY AREA DESCRIPTION REMARKS Name of the village Dokagre General socio economic profile of PAP in project area Nature of land affected due to project activity Any resettlement issue No resettlement issue Any negative impact on livelihood of PAP No impact on the livelihood of the people Any impact on archaeological structure (If, There is/are no archaeological site available in the vicinity) Any impact on common property There is no impact on the common property, resources/religious area/sacred groves religious area and sacred grove etc. Consultation with PAP/ Village council As per the PRA conducted, the villagers present in the meeting seem to have no problem in the construction of the tower as it would also help them in other ways. Even though the compensation is in process there was no one opposing the project and compensation for land acquisition has also been assured. Sample 8. Name of the line : 132 kV Phulbari- Ampati line Section of Route : AP75 to AP92 (Tower Loc 75/0 to 92/0) Number of Tower/ Poles : 18 Section length : 5.286 km AP surveyed after every 5 km : AP 92/0 Tower type of AP92/0 : DB+0 Latitude : 25˚36'16.18'' Longitude : 90˚01'12.22'' DESCRIPTION REMARKS Status of land Private ownership General topography of the area Gentle slope Nature of vegetation in the study area Private plantation Density of vegetation Low Number of trees likely to be felled in that Based on the tree enumeration report stretch obtained from POWERGRID, from AP92/0 to AP93/0 the number of economically important trees in RoW are:- Betel nut, 81; Bamboo 2 and other miscellaneous 7. Any specific observation with respect to No ecological sensitivity in the study area ecological sensitivity in the study area DETAILS ON BIODIVERSITY OF THE STUDY AREA AND LIKELY IMPACTS DESCRIPTION STATUS/ AVAILABILITY LIKELY IMPACTS FLORA a) Common flora in the Guava, teak, gamhar There are no likely impact on study area floral diversity b) Endemic flora NA c) Endangered flora NA d) Vulnerable NA e) Threatened NA f) Any specific observation The height of the tower is more than that of the trees FAUNA a) Common fauna in the Squirrel, magpie, bat, mynah, No likely impact study area egret, fowl, wild pig, monkey b) Endemic fauna c) Endangered fauna Nil d) Vulnerable Nil Special emphasis onThere is no elephant habitat No likely impact as there is Elephant habitat/ corridor or corridor in the study area no elephant habitat or corridor in the region a) Availability of large Kite, hawk, eagle No likely impact winged birds b) Availability of monkey/ Monkeys are sighted at No chances of electrocution primate species and times. of the animal as tower height chances of electrocution is more than tree canopy c) Any species nesting No nesting sites sighted sites of birds which may be impacted IMPACT OF PROJECT ACTIVITY (TOWER FOUNDATION/ ERECTION/ STRINGING) DESCRIPTION REMARKS Disposal of excavated soil/ excess soil No disposal of the excavated soil. Any major issue of soil erosion at project There is no soil erosion observed site/ tower locations Whether benching carried at tower No benching is carried out locations Number of trees felled/required to be felled at tower Leg extension/ extended tower provided/ No leg extension requirement Impact on nearby water bodies due to There is no impact on the water bodies as the project activity tower location is far from the river. Whether location is vulnerable to soil The location is not vulnerable to soil erosion erosion/ soil failure Any specific requirement of slope No requirement for slope protection since the protection measures like revetment/ land is level. retaining/ toe wall etc. at project locations Impact of approach road construction (if No impacts on the road construction required) Transportation of tower materials the materials are transported via trucks and hydra SOCIO ECONMIC ASSESSMENT OF THE STUDY AREA DESCRIPTION REMARKS Name of the village Dipty Para General socio economic profile of PAP in project area Nature of land affected due to project activity Any resettlement issue There is no issue on the resettlement as the tower is located far from the settlement area Any negative impact on livelihood of PAP No negative impact on the livelihood of the people Any impact on archaeological structure (If, No archaeological site in the area available in the vicinity) Any impact on common property There is no impact on the common property resources/religious area/sacred groves religious area or sacred groves etc. Consultation with PAP/ Village council The group discussion was quite effective as per the PRA as the villagers did not have any problem regarding the erection of the tower as it would also benefit them as well. Compensation has been assured Sample 9. Name of the line : 132 kV Phulbari- Ampati line Section of Route : AP93 to AP103/1 (Tower Loc 93/0 to 103/1) Number of Tower/ Poles : 21 Section length : 5.394 km AP surveyed after every 5 km : AP 103/1 Tower type of AP103/1 : DA+3 Latitude : 25˚34'48.22'' Longitude : 89˚58'46.09'' DESCRIPTION REMARKS Status of land Private ownership General topography of the area Plain Nature of vegetation in the study area Paddy field Density of vegetation Low Number of trees likely to be felled in that Based on the tree enumeration report stretch obtained from POWERGRID, from AP103/0 to AP104/0 the number of trees likely to be felled is 7 Any specific observation with respect to No ecological sensitivity in the study area ecological sensitivity in the study area DETAILS ON BIODIVERSITY OF THE STUDY AREA AND LIKELY IMPACTS DESCRIPTION STATUS/ AVAILABILITY LIKELY IMPACTS FLORA a) Common flora in the Oryza sativa No likely impact study area b) Endemic flora NA c) Endangered flora NA d) Vulnerable NA e) Threatened NA f) Any specific observation The tower lies in the paddy filed. FAUNA a) Common fauna in the Magpie, egret, crow, wagtail No likely impact study area b) Endemic fauna Wagtail c) Endangered fauna NA d) Vulnerable NA Special emphasis onThere is no emphasis on the There will be likely impact on Elephant habitat/ corridor elephant habitat corridor. it as there is no elephant habitat or corridor in the region a) Availability of large Kite No likely impact winged birds b) Availability of monkey/ No monkeys sighted in the primate species and study area chances of electrocution c) Any species nesting No nesting sites sighted in sites of birds which may the study area be impacted IMPACT OF PROJECT ACTIVITY (TOWER FOUNDATION/ ERECTION/ STRINGING) DESCRIPTION REMARKS Disposal of excavated soil/ excess soil No disposal of the excavated soil. Any major issue of soil erosion at project There is no soil erosion observed site/ tower locations Whether benching carried at tower No benching is carried out locations Number of trees felled/required to be felled at tower Leg extension/ extended tower provided/ No leg extension requirement Impact on nearby water bodies due to There is no impact on the water bodies as the project activity tower location is far from the river. Whether location is vulnerable to soil The location is not vulnerable to soil erosion erosion/ soil failure Any specific requirement of slope No requirement for slope protection since it is protection measures like revetment/ a plain area. retaining/ toe wall etc. at project locations Impact of approach road construction (if No impacts on the road construction required) Transportation of tower materials the materials are transported via trucks SOCIO ECONMIC ASSESSMENT OF THE STUDY AREA DESCRIPTION REMARKS Name of the village Chirangpara General socio economic profile of PAP in project area Nature of land affected due to project activity Any resettlement issue There is no issue on the resettlement as the tower is located in the paddy field. Any negative impact on livelihood of PAP No negative impact on the livelihood of the people Any impact on archaeological structure (If, No archaeological site in the area available in the vicinity) Any impact on common property There is no impact on the common property, resources/religious area/sacred groves religious area or sacred groves etc. Consultation with PAP/ Village council As per the group discussion and meeting held, certain questions were raised regarding the impacts and the compensation, no one in the meeting opposed the construction of the tower. 100% Compensation has been assured Field Data Collection Report on the towers falling in tree lands Since most of the tower locations are in paddy fields, a separate survey has been conducted for towers that are falling in vegetation/plantation rea. Sample 10. Name of the line : 132 kV Phulbari- Ampati line Section of Route : AP 71A to AP 76/0 (Tower Loc 71A/0 to 76/0) Number of Tower/ Poles : 6 Section length : 1.475 km AP surveyed of AP76/0 : AP 76/0 Tower type : DB+0 Latitude : 25°38'34.44" Longitude : 90°01'19.39" DESCRIPTION REMARKS Status of land Private ownership General topography of the area Hillock Nature of vegetation in the study area Jhum land Density of vegetation Sparse Number of trees likely to be felled in that Based on the tree enumeration report stretch obtained from POWERGRID, the number of trees in RoW from AP 76/0 to 77/0 is 658 out of which 429 are bamboo. Any specific observation with respect to No ecological sensitivity in the study area. ecological sensitivity in the study area DETAILS ON BIODIVERSITY OF THE STUDY AREA AND LIKELY IMPACTS DESCRIPTION STATUS/ AVAILABILITY LIKELY IMPACTS FLORA a) Common flora in the Bamboo sp, Grewia sp, There is no impact on the study area Albizia sp. Lebbeck, Wrightia flora in the study area. antidysenterica b) Endemic flora Grewia sp, Albizia sp. Lebbeck, Wrightia antidysenterica c) Endangered flora NA d) Vulnerable NA e) Threatened NA f) Any specific observation NA FAUNA a) Common fauna in the Monkey, pigeon, fox, wild No likely impact observed study area boar, fowl, pangolin, barking deer, mynah b) Endemic fauna Monkey, pigeon, fox, wild boar, fowl, pangolin, barking deer, mynah c) Endangered fauna pangolin No likely impact observed as no borrows found in Tower location/RoW d) Vulnerable Special emphasis on No elephant habitat or There will be likely impact on Elephant habitat/ corridor corridor in the study area. it as there is no elephant habitat or corridor in the region a) Availability of large Eagle, kite, hawk No likely impact winged birds b) Availability of monkey/ Primates sighted occasionally No chances of electrocution primate species and of the animal in the study chances of electrocution area as there are no big trees near the tower location c) Any species nesting No nesting sites sighted sites of birds which may be impacted IMPACT OF PROJECT ACTIVITY (TOWER FOUNDATION/ ERECTION/ STRINGING) DESCRIPTION REMARKS Disposal of excavated soil/ excess soil No disposal of the excavated soil Any major issue of soil erosion at project There is no major soil erosion observed site/ tower locations Whether benching carried at tower Negligible benching is carried out locations Number of trees felled/required to be felled at tower Leg extension/ extended tower provided/ No leg extension requirement Impact on nearby water bodies due to There is no impact on the water bodies as the project activity tower location is far from the river. Whether location is vulnerable to soil The location is not vulnerable to soil erosion erosion/ soil failure Any specific requirement of slope No requirement for slope protection. protection measures like revetment/ retaining/ toe wall etc. at project locations Impact of approach road construction (if No impacts on the road construction. required) Transportation of tower materials the materials are transported via trucks and hydra SOCIO ECONMIC ASSESSMENT OF THE STUDY AREA DESCRIPTION REMARKS Name of the village Kalamati General socio economic profile of PAP in project area Nature of land affected due to project activity Any resettlement issue There is no issue on the resettlement. Any negative impact on livelihood of PAP No negative impact on the livelihood of the people Any impact on archaeological structure (If, No archaeological site in the area available in the vicinity) Any impact on common property There is no impact on the common property resources/religious area/sacred groves religious area or sacred groves etc. Consultation with PAP/ Village council As per the PRA, the villagers had no issue in the construction of tower as it did not have any impact on their cultivation area nor on the other assets. The compensation has been assured Sample 11. Name of the line : 132 kV Phulbari- Ampati line Section of Route : AP 77 to AP 82 (Tower Loc 77/0 to 82/0) Number of Tower/ Poles : 6 Section length : 1.754 km AP surveyed : AP 82/0 Tower type of AP82/0 : DD+0 Latitude : 25°37'41.28" Longitude : 90°01'34.47" DESCRIPTION REMARKS Status of land Private ownership General topography of the area Gentle slope Nature of vegetation in the study area Naturally grown trees Density of vegetation Low Number of trees likely to be felled in that Based on the tree enumeration report stretch obtained from POWERGRID, the number of trees in RoW between AP 82/0 to AP83/0 is 35 Any specific observation with respect to No ecological sensitivity in the study area. ecological sensitivity in the study area DETAILS ON BIODIVERSITY OF THE STUDY AREA AND LIKELY IMPACTS DESCRIPTION STATUS/ AVAILABILITY LIKELY IMPACTS FLORA a) Common flora in the Grewia sp, Wrightia There is no impact on the study area antidysenterica, flora or on the area Lagerstoemia speciosa, Schima wallichii b) Endemic flora Grewia sp, Wrightia antidysenterica, Lagerstoemia speciosa, Schima wallichii c) Endangered flora NA d) Vulnerable NA e) Threatened NA f) Any specific observation FAUNA a) Common fauna in the Monkey, squirrel, jungle cat, No likely impact study area fox, pangolin, barking deer, mynah, wagtail b) Endemic fauna c) Endangered fauna Pangolin No likely impact observed as no borrow found in Tower location/RoW d) Vulnerable Special emphasis on No elephant habitat or No likely impact as there is Elephant habitat/ corridor corridor in the study area no elephant habitat or corridor in the region a) Availability of large Kite, hawk No likely impact winged birds b) Availability of monkey/ Primates sighted No chances of electrocution primate species and of the since the height of the chances of electrocution tower will be higher than that of the trees. c) Any species nesting No nesting sites sighted sites of birds which may be impacted IMPACT OF PROJECT ACTIVITY (TOWER FOUNDATION/ERECTION/STRINGING) DESCRIPTION REMARKS Disposal of excavated soil/ excess soil No disposal of the excavated soil Any major issue of soil erosion at project There is no major soil erosion observed site/ tower locations Whether benching carried at tower Negligible benching is carried out locations Number of trees felled/required to be felled at tower Leg extension/ extended tower provided/ No leg extension requirement Impact on nearby water bodies due to There is no impact on the water bodies as the project activity tower location is far from the river. Whether location is vulnerable to soil The location is not vulnerable to soil erosion erosion/ soil failure Any specific requirement of slope No requirement for slope protection. protection measures like revetment/ retaining/ toe wall etc. at project locations Impact of approach road construction (if No impacts on the road construction, the required) condition of the road itself is bad making it difficult for transporting the materials. Transportation of tower materials the materials are transported via trucks SOCIO ECONMIC ASSESSMENT OF THE STUDY AREA DESCRIPTION REMARKS Name of the village Khalmangittim General socio economic profile of PAP in project area Nature of land affected due to project activity Any resettlement issue There is no issue on the resettlement as the tower is located far away from the settlement area. Any negative impact on livelihood of No negative impact on the livelihood of the PAP people Any impact on archaeological structure No archaeological site in the area (If, available in the vicinity) Any impact on common property There is no impact on the common property resources/religious area/sacred groves religious area or sacred groves etc. Consultation with PAP/ Village council As per the PRA, since the tower is located far from the settlement area there is no problem with the villagers and neither is it causing any impact on the jhum lands nor on the faunal diversity. There was a positive response from the people of that village. As per their opinion the population decline of animals was because of loss of habitat. Compensation for land has been assured. Sample 12. Name of the line : 132 kV Phulbari- Ampati line Section of Route : AP 83 to AP 90 (Tower Loc 83/0 to 90/0) Number of Tower/ Poles : 8 Section length : 2.186 km AP surveyed : AP 90/0 Tower type of AP90/0 : DD+3 Latitude : 25°36'32.76" Longitude : 90°01'32.16" DESCRIPTION REMARKS Status of land Private ownership General topography of the area Gentle slope Nature of vegetation in the study area Naturally growing trees Density of vegetation Low Number of trees likely to be felled in that Based on the tree enumeration report stretch obtained from POWERGRID, the number of trees in RoW between AP 90/0 to 91/0 is 167 and Cashewnut is 8. Any specific observation with respect to There is no ecological sensitivity in the study ecological sensitivity in the study area area. DETAILS ON BIODIVERSITY OF THE STUDY AREA AND LIKELY IMPACTS DESCRIPTION STATUS/ AVAILABILITY LIKELY IMPACTS FLORA a) Common flora in the Mahua, Cashewnut, Albizia There is no impact on the study area sp, Neem flora or on the area b) Endemic flora NA c) Endangered flora NA d) Vulnerable NA e) Threatened NA f) Any specific observation The tower location is near the cashew nut plantation area. FAUNA a) Common fauna in the Squirrel, fowl, wagtail, There is no likely impact as study area mynah, monkey the tower height will be more than the tree height b) Endemic fauna Wagtai c) Endangered fauna NA d) Vulnerable NA Special emphasis onNo elephant habitat or No likely impact as there is Elephant habitat/ corridor corridor in the study area no elephant habitat or corridor in the region a) Availability of large Kite, hawk winged birds b) Availability of monkey/ Monkeys sighted No chances of electrocution primate species and of the animal chances of electrocution c) Any species nesting No nesting sites sighted sites of birds which may be impacted IMPACT OF PROJECT ACTIVITY (TOWER FOUNDATION/ERECTION/STRINGING) DESCRIPTION REMARKS Disposal of excavated soil/ excess soil No disposal of the excavated soil Any major issue of soil erosion at project There is no major soil erosion observed site/ tower locations Whether benching carried at tower Negligible benching is carried out locations Number of trees felled/required to be felled at tower Leg extension/ extended tower provided/ No leg extension requirement Impact on nearby water bodies due to There is no impact on the water bodies as the project activity tower location is far from the river. Whether location is vulnerable to soil The location is not vulnerable to soil erosion erosion/ soil failure Any specific requirement of slope No requirement for slope protection. protection measures like revetment/ retaining/ toe wall etc. at project locations Impact of approach road construction (if No impacts on the road construction. required) Transportation of tower materials the materials are transported via trucks SOCIO ECONMIC ASSESSMENT OF THE STUDY AREA DESCRIPTION REMARKS Name of the village Mangapara General socio economic profile of PAP in project area Nature of land affected due to project activity Any resettlement issue There is no resettlement issue Any negative impact on livelihood of PAP No negative impact on the livelihood of the people Any impact on archaeological structure (If, No archaeological site in the area available in the vicinity) Any impact on common property There is no impact on the common property resources/religious area/sacred groves religious area or sacred groves etc. Consultation with PAP/ Village council The villagers were quite cooperative in the PRA and had no problem with the construction. Compensation has been assured wherever necessary. APPENDIX C Details of Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) 1 Location of tower footing (AP 5/0) Survey and interaction with villagers Layout of village with location of tower footing (arrow) 2 Tower footing of AP 20/0 (arrow) PRA Interaction with villagers Layout of village with location of tower footing (arrow) 3 Location of tower (AP35/3) Survey and PRA interaction with villagers AP 35/3 AP 35/2 AP 35/1 Layout of village with location of tower footing (arrow) 4 Tower footing Tower base 5 Tower footing (arrow) Interaction with villagers for PRA 6 Layout of village with location of tower footing (arrow) 7 Tower base Tower base 8 Layout of village with location of tower locations & tower footing (arrow) 9 Location of AP 82/0 Excavation for foundation of tower Layout of village with location of tower footing (arrow) 10 Location of AP 90/0 Tower base View of erected tower 11 Interaction with villagers for PRA Layout of village with location of tower footing (arrow) 12 Interaction with villagers for PRA Layout of village with location of tower (104/0) footing (arrow) 13 ANNEXURE-1 NOC from Forest Authority ANNEXURE-2 Tower Schedule of 132 kV Phulbari – Ampati TL ANNEXURE-3 Pole Schedule of Distribution lines 33 kV Phulbari – Chibinang 33 kV Phulbari – Phulbari 33 kV Phulbari – Rajaballa 33 kV Tikrikilla – Raksambre Phulbari -Tikrikilla-Phulbari ANNEXURE-4 Species-wise Tree Details under RoW Species wise Tree coming under RoW Common name Botanical name Nos. Agar Aquilaria maiaccensis 57 Amra Curcuma amada 7 Babul Acacia nilotica 37 Bahera Terminilia bellerica 18 Bajalganta - 17 Balsuber - 4 Bamboo Bambusoideae sp. 291 Banana Musa acuminata 32 Barsol - 2 Ber Ziziphus jujuba 23 Betel Nut Areca catechu 2750 Bhawara - 5 Black Berry Rubus sp. 3 Bodbok - 10 Bolbat - 460 Boldogra - 236 Boldok - 457 Bolmark - 24 Bolmatra - 16 Borsal - 23 Cashew Nut Anacardium occidentale 1681 Champ - 12 Chiring - 3 Chuinching - 6 Chultata - 2 Churi - 2142 Coconut Cocos nucifera 9 Demmer - 1 Dhudhkhere - 1 Digah - 4 Dimonu - 1 Drumstick Moringa oleifera 3 Dudhkhar - 1 Fakaram - 63 Gamari Gmelina arborea 224 Giga - 1 Gijara - 2 Goalmatra - 1529 Golden - 6 Golmarech - 1 Golmogra - 39 Goose Berry Phyllanthus acidus 2 Guava Psidium guajava 10 Gular - 7 Guljar - 6 Hazari - 1 Henaduti - 5 Imli Tamarindus indica 10 Jack Fruit Artocarpus heterophyllus 34 Jakha - 3 Jam - 5 Jambora - 3 Jamun Syzygium cumini 38 Jangle Tree - 10 Jarul - 402 Jia - 34 Jigar - 12 Jogra - 59 Jukha - 907 Jungle Tree - 48 Jutuli - 14 Kadamb Anthocephalus kadamba 6 Kahua - 7 Kamsari - 3 Kanchan - 1 Keveli - 4 Khajur Phoenix dactylifera 10 Kharibol - 82 Khashe - 12 Khokan - 2 Khowla - 2 Khura - 3 Kiring - 1 Korai - 40 Kowla - 2 Krishnasura - 2 Kujha - 1 Kumbhir - 834 Lemon Citrus sp. 4 Lichi Litchi chinensis 4 Madar - 10 Makahi - 1 Makhanti - 19 Makrisal - 1 Maksi - 1 Mandal - 1 Mango Mangifera indica 34 Matmi Croton joufera 28 Medla - 14 Nahar - 2 Nahon - 96 Nedla - 1 Neem Azadirachta indica 48 Niour - 3 Orange Citrus reticulata 7 Palm Palm species 6 Panipitha - 1 Piple Ficus religiosa 15 Plase Butea monosperma 2 Poma - 93 Populer Populus sp. 25 Rubber Hevea brasiliensis 56 Sal Shorea robusta 317 Sagawan Tectona grandis 1588 Sahajan - 6 Sakhuaa - 1 Salmahuri - 3 Salmara - 6 Samoga - 1 Semalu - 3 Seoul - 10 Shagalsena - 4 Sidai - 11 Simmer - 53 Siris Albizia macrophylla L. 39 Sohejan - 11 Somalu - 1 Sram - 1 Sumithinge - 3 Tuni (P) - 1 Wakhanti - 5 Zigar - 4 Grand Total 15365 ANNEXURE-5 NOC from Land owner/ Headman/ Village Council Scanned by CamScanner Scanned by CamScanner Scanned by CamScanner Scanned by CamScanner Scanned by CamScanner Scanned by CamScanner ANNEXURE-6 Sample Case of Compensation Payment Towards Temporary Damages Scanned by CamScanner Scanned by CamScanner Scanned by CamScanner Scanned by CamScanner Scanned by CamScanner ANNEXURE-7 Drawings of Bird guard/ Anti-perching Devices ANNEXURE-8 Signed Safety Plan Submitted by Construction Contractor NECCON POWER & INFRA LIMITED (Formerly : North Eastern Cables & Conductors (p) Ltd.) REGEr*E^-1F.D^9lj'-cj.^s^!ull-Atl:l JoRHAT-785 001 (ASSAM) PHoNE (0376) 2351433, 23508e4, FAX : 2351318, 6RAM J lo,tq : NECCoN E-mail : neccon@necconpower.com, info@necconpower com; Weosit :'http://www ftt;;-g;;.;;;iciN-t , Dzr'o6ibi'g?0"il3'6br'r'i' Ref: N ECCON / DcM/ pGclL/M EG_DMS _O2l 76_t7 Date: Oct. 15,201G To The Deputy General Manager (NERpSlp) Power Grid Corporation of India Limited. Dongtieh, Lower Nongrah, l-apalang, Shillong, Meghalaya_793006 sub:- submission of safety Plan against "substation packages MEG-DMs-02 Under North Eastern Region Power lmprovement system lmprovement project in Meghalaya,,. 1\ tr Ref:- L. NoA No: cc-cs/474-NER/REW-24so/ucs/NoA-r/5s00; datect: 27/os/2ot6(suppry) 2' NoA l\l o : cc-cs/474-N ER/REW -24so t cs / / lNoA- r/5801; dated : 27 / os / 2ot6(service) Dear Sir, With referen.:e to the above, we are submitting herewith the Safety plan for above said projecr for youl- kinci infrlrmation & record please. Thanking you. yours faithfully, For, Neccon power & Infra timited. ( t' Director (tech) Unit(s) 1 Industrial Estate, Cinnamara, Jorha!785 008 (Assam), phone :2360503,2360354 lS : 398 2 F44, I nd ustrial Area, S ikar-332 00 1 (Rajastha n), phone : 0 1 572-2 SBg2g ,252741 J Bapi Industrial Estate, Bapi, Dausa (Rajasthan) I lt.ill Branch Office NECCON House, 37, Tulsibata Road, Ulubari, Guwahati-781 007, phone . 036.1_2523626 r:U 1 Fax .2522789, E-mail : neccon@necconpower com - PART-I,T,IW 2 416, (4'^ Floor), City Plaza, Space Cinema Complex, Jaipur-302016 (Rajasthan), Tele Fax . (0141)2281540, E-mail : necconjpr@necconpower.com Productivity, Quality, lnnovation and Management are the piilars of our Success Tabfe of Contents For (package MEG- DMS - O2l Sf. No. Contents Safe Work Procedures of different activities Manpower Deployment plan List of Liffing Machine & other T & p for Erection List of Personnal protetive Equipments List of Earthing Equipments List of Qualified Safety officer Environment, Health and Safety policy On Site Emergency plan Safety Check list for 3 Major activities Safety Training Module Safety Induction Training Record Policy schedule for Employees compensation Insurance Marine - cum - Erection Insurance policy,EAR policy (lncludes third party liability under section - ll) certificate of Registration Under Building and other construction works ( Regutations Employment and conditions of Service) Act, 1996. wq{ A$sAh4 FORM- 18 1 9AA 385129 I! SAFETY PLAN THIS SAFETY PLAN is made this 27th day of May 2016. by M/S NECCON POWER & INFRA LIMITED,,India a Company incorporated under the laws of India and having its Registered Office at - Seuni Ali, A.T.Road, forhat-78500L (Assam) (hereinafter called as Contractor which shall include its successors and permitted assigns ) for approval of M/S Power Grid Corporation of India Limited a company incorporated under the Company Act,1956 having its Registered Office at B-9, Quatab Institutional Area, Katwaria Sarai, New Delhi-110016 and its Corporate Office at Saudamini plot No.-2,Sector -29, Gurgaon-122007 and its Supply cum Installation Contract for Substation Package- MEG -DMS-02 Under North Eastren Region Power , Improvement System Improvement Project in Meghalaya.(33/.Lkv New s/s), (33kv S/C I ) overhead line (Reconductoring), Addition of no.33kv line bay. OPGW, ADSS Fiber Optic Cable, Fiber Optic Terminal Equipment. LOA NO: CC-CS/474-NEIVREW-2450/AG5^{OA- 1/5800; Dated: 2TthMay 2016. WHEREAS M/S Power Grid Corporation of India Limited has awarded to the Contractor the aforesaid Contract vide its Notification of Award No. CC-CS/474-NEI{,/REW-2450/AG5/NOA- V5800 dated: 27th May 2016.In terms of which the Contractor is required to submit 'Safety Plan' along with certain documents to the Engineer In-Charge/Project Manager of the Employer within Sixty (60) days of Notification of Award for its approval. NOW THEREFORE, the Contractor undertakes to execute the Contract as per the safety plan as follows: 1,. THAT the Contractor shall execute the works as per provisions of Bidding Documents including those in regard to Safety Precautions / provisions as per statutory requirements. THAT the Contractor shall execute the works in a well planned manner from the commencement of Contract as per agreed mile stones of work completion schedule Page 1 planning and execution of construction works goes smoothly and consistently through out the contract duration without handling pressure in last quarter of the financial yearf last months of the Contract and the shall be finalized in association with POWERGRID Engineer In-chargef Project Manager from time to time as required. a J. THAT the Contractor has prepared the safe work procedure for each activity i.e. foundation works including civil works, erecfion, stringing (as applicable), testing & comrnissioning, disposal of materials at site f store etc. to be executed at site, which is enclosed at Annexure - L4 (SP) for acceptance and approval of Engineer In-chargefProject Manager. The Contractor shall ensure that on approval of the same from Engineer In-charge/Project Manager , the approved copies will be circulated to Emplojrer's personnel at site [Supervisor(s)/Executive(s)] and Contractor's personnel at site [Gang leader, supervisor(s) etc.] in their local language / language understood by gang. THAT the Contractor has prepared minimum manpower deployment plan, activity wise as () stated above, which is enclosed at Annexure - 18 (SP) for approval of Engineer In- char ge f P roject Mana ger. 4. THAT the Contractor shall ensure while executing works that they will deploy minimum 25% of their own experienced work force who are on the permanent roll of the company and balance 75% can be a suitable mixed with the hired gangs / Iocalworkers f casualworkers if required. The above balance 75% work force should be provided with at least 10 days training by the construction agencies at sites and shall be issued with a cerfificate. No worker shall be engaged without a valid certificate. Hired gang workers shall also follow safe working procedures and safety norms as is being followed by company's workmen. It should also be ensured by the contractor that certified fitters who are climbing towers / doing stringing operations can be easily identifiabte with a system like issue of Badge / Identification cards (ID cards) etc. Colour identification batches should be worn U/ tne workers. Contractor has to ensure that inexperience workers / unskilled workers should not be deployed for skilled job. ( 5. THAT the Contractor's Gang leader / Supervisor / Senior most member available at every construction site shall brief to each worker daily before start of work about safety requirement and warn about imminent dangers and precautions to be taken against the imminent dangers (Daily Safety Drill). This is to be ensured without failby Contractor and maintain record of each garrg about daily safety instructions issued to workers and put up to POWERGRID site In-charge for his review and record. 6. THAT the Contractor shall ensure that working Gangs at site should not be left at the discretion of their Gang Leaders who are generally hired and having little knowledge about safety. G*g leader should be experienced and well versed with the safe working procedures applicable for transmission line/ Sub Station works. In case gang is having Gang leader not on permanent roll of the company then additional Supervisor from company's own roll having thorough knowledge about the works would be deployed so as to percolate safety instructions upto the grass root level in healthy spirits. Contractor has to ensure close Page supervision while executing critical locations of transmission lines / sub stations and ensures that all safety instructions are in place and are being followed. 7. THAT the Contractor shall maintain in healthy and working condition all kind of Equipments / Machineries / Lifting tools f Lifting tackles / Lifnng gears / AII kind of Ropes including wire ropes / Polypropylene ropes etc. used for Lifting purpose during execution of the project and get them periodically examined and load tested for safe working load in accordance with relevant provisions and requirement of Building & other construction workers Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Services Act and Central Rule 1998, Factories Act 7948, Indian Electricity Act 2003 before start of the project. A register of such examinations and tests shall be properly maintained by the contractor and will be promptly produced as and when desired by the Engineer In-chargefProject Manager or by the person authorised by him. The Contractor has to ensure to give special attention on the formatton / condifion of eye splices of wire rope slings as per requiiement of IS 2762 Specification for wire rope slings and sling legs. () THAT the Contractor has prepared a list of all Lifting machines, lifting Tools / Lifnng Tackles / Lifnng Gears etc. / All types of ropes and Slings which are subject to safe working load is enclosed at Annexure - 2 (SP) for review and approval of Engineer In-charge/project Manager. 8. THAT the Contractor has to procure sufficient quantity of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)conforming to Indian / International standards and provide these equipment to every workman at site as per need and to the satisfaction of Engineer-in-charge/Project Manager of POWERGRID. The Contractor's Site Supervisorf Project Manager has to ensure that all workmen must use Personal Protective Equipment at site. The Contractor shall also ensure that Industrial Safety helmets are being used by all workmen at site irrespective of their working (at height or on ground). The Contractor shall further ensure use of safety shoes by all ground level workers and canvas shoes for all workers working at heighf Rubber Gum Boots for workers working in rainy season and concreting job, Use of Twin Lanyard Full (, body Safety Harness with attachment of light weight such as aluminium alloy etc. and having features of automatic locking arrangement of snap hook, by all workers working at height for more than three meters and also for horizontal movement on tower shall be ensured by contractor. The Contractor shall not use ordinary half body safety harness at site. The Contractor has to ensure use of Retractable type fall arrestors by workers for ascendirg / descending on suspension insulator string and other similar works etc., Use of Mobile fall arrestor for ascending / descending from tower by all workers. The contractor has to provide cotton / Ieather hand gloves as per requirement, Electrical Resistance Hand gloves for operating electrical installations / switches, Face shield for protecting eyes while doing welding works and Dust masks to workers as per requirement. The Contractor will have to take action against the workers not using Personal Protective Equipment at site and those workers shall be asked to rest for that day and also their Salary be deducted for that day. POWERGRID may issue warning letter to Project Manager of contractor in violation of above norms. Page 3 THAT the Contractor shall prepare a detailed list of PPEs, activity wise, to commensurate with manpower deployed, which is enclosed at Annexure - 3 (SP) for review and approval of Engineer In-charge/Project Manager. It shall also be ensured that the sample of tn"r" equipment shall be got approved from POWERGRID supervisory staff before being distributed to workers. The contractor shall submit relevant test ceitificates as per IS 1 International Standard as applicable to PPEs used during execution of work. All the ppE's to be distributed to the workers shall be checked by POWERGRID supervisory staff before its usage. The Contractor also agrees for addition / modification to the list of PPE, if arly, as advised by Engineer In-Charge / Project Manager. 9. THAT the Contractor shall procure, if required sufficient quantity of Earthing Equipm ent Earthing Devices complying with requirements of relevant IEC standards / lCe.,eruity tUCt standards for Earthing Equipments / Earthing Devices are - 855,72g0,1235 etc.) andto the () satisfaction of Engineer In-Charge/ Project Manager and contractor to ensures to maintained them in healthy condition. THAT the Contractor has prepared / worked out minimum number of healthy Earthing Equipments with Earthing lead confirming to relevant IS / European standardi per gang wise during stringing acnvity/ as per requirement, which is enclosed herewith at Annexure - 4 (SP) for review and acceptance of Engineer In-Charge/ Project Manager prior to execution of work. 10. THAT the Contractor shall provide communication facilifies i.e. Walky - Talkie / Mobile Phone, Display of Flags / whistles for easy communication among workers during Tower erection / stringing actlity, as per requirement. 77. THAT the Contractor undertakes to deploy qualified safety personnel responsible for safety as per requirements of Employer /Statutory Authorities. (, THAT the Contractor employing more than 250 workmen whether temporary, casLlal, , probationer, regular or permanent or on contract, shall employ at least one full time officer exclusively as qualified safety officer having diploma in safety to supervise safety aspects of the equipment and workmen who will coordinate with Engineer In-charge /Project Manager/Safety Co-ordinator of the Employer. In case of work being carried out through sub contractors the sub - contractor's workmen / employees will also be considered as the contractor's employees f workmen for the above purpose. If the number of workers are less than 250 then one qualified safety officer is to be deployed for each contract. He will report directly to his head of organizatton and not the Project Manager of contractor He shall also not be assigned any other work except assigning the work of safety. The curriculum vitae of such person shall be got cleared from POWERGRID Project Manager / Construction staff. The name and address of such safety officers of contractor will be promptly informed in writing to Engineer In-charge with a copy to safety officer - In-charge before start of work or Page 4 immediately after any change of the incumbent is made during the currency of the contract. The list is enclosed at Annexure - 5A (SP). THAT the Contractor has also prepared a list including details of Explosive Operator (if required), Safety officer / Safety supervisor / nominated person for safety for each erectton f stringing gangr list of personnel trained in First Aid Techniques as well as copy of organisation structure of the Contractor in regard to safety. The list is enclosed at Annexure - sB (sP). 72. The Project Manager shall have the right at his sole discretion to stop the work, if in his opinion the work is being carried out in such a way that it may cause accidents and endanger the safety of the persons and/ or property, andf or equipment. In such cases, the Contractor shall be informed in writing about the nature of hazards and possible tnjury/ accident and he shall comply to remove shortcomings promptly. The Contractor after stopping the specific work can, if felt necessary, appeal against the order of stoppage of work to the Project (t Manager within 3 days of such stoppage of work and decision of the Project Manager in this respect shall be conclusive and binding on the Contractor. 13. THAT, if, any Employer's Engineer/ supervisor at site observes that the Contractor is failing to provide safe working environment at site as per agreed Safety PIan / POWERGRID Safety Rule/ Safety Instructions / Statutory safety requirement and creates hazardous conditions at site and there is possibility of an accident to workmen or workmen of the other contractor or public or the work is being carried out in an un safe manner or he continues to work even after being instructed to stop the work by Engineer / Supervisor at site / RHQ / Corp. Centre, the Contractor shall be bound to pay a penalty of Rs. 10,000/ - per incident per day till the instructions are complied and as certified by Engine er / Supervisor of Employer at site. The work will remain suspended and no activity will take place without compliance and obtaining clearance f cernfication of the Site Engineer / Supervisor of the Employer to start the work. 74. THAI if the investigation committee of Employer observes any accident or the Engineer In- chargef Project Manager of the Employer based on the report of the EngineerfSupervisor of the Employer at site observes any failure on the Contractor's part to comply with safety requirement / safety rulesf safety standards / safety instruction as prescribed by the Employer or as prescribed under the applicable law for the safety of the equipment, plant and personnel and the Contractor does not take adequate steps to prevent hazardous conditions which may cause injury to its own Contractor's employees or employee of any other Contractors or Employer or any other person at site or adjacent thereto, or public involvement because of the Contractor's negligence of safety norms, the Contractor shall be liable to pay a compensation of Rs. 10,00,000/ - (Rupees Ten Lakh only) per person affected causing death and Rs.'J-,00,000/- (Rupees One Lakh only) per person for serious injuries / 25% or more permanent disabilify to the Employer for further disbursement to the deceased famlly/ Injured persons. The permanent disability has the same meaning as indicated in Workmen's Compensation Act 7923. The above stipulations is in addition to all other compensation payable to sufferer as per workmen compensation Act / Rules Page THAT as per the Employer's instructions, the Contractor agrees that this amount shall be deducted from their running bill(s) immediately after the accident, That the Contractor understands that this amount shall be over and above the compensation amount liable to be paid as per the Workmen's Compensation Act /other statutory requirement/ provisions of the Bidding Documents. 15. THAT the Contractor shall submit Near-Miss-Accident report alongwith action plan for avoidance such incidence f accidents to Engineer - In-charge/ Project Manager. Contractor shall also submit Monthly Safety Activities report to Engineer - In-char ge/ PToject Manager and copy of the Monthly Safety Activities report also to be sent to Safetyln-charge at RHd of the Employer for his review record and instructions. 16. THAT the Contractor is submitting a copy of Safety Policy/ Safety Documents of its Company which is enclosed at Annexure - 6 (SP) and ensure that the safety Policy and safeW documents are implemented in healthy spirit. (, 17. THAT the Contractor shall make available of First Aid Box [Contents of which shall be as per Building & other construction workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Services Act and Central Rule 1998 / POWERGRID Guidelines)] to the satisfaction of Engineer In-Charge/ Prcject Manager with each gang at site and not at camp and ensures that trained persons in First Aid Techniques with each gang before execution of work. 18 THAT the Contractor shall submit an'Emergency Preparedness Plan' for different incidences i.e. Fall from heigh! Electrocution, Sun Stroke, Collapse of pit, Collapse of Tower, Snake bite, Fire in camp f Store, Flood, Storm, Earthquake, Militancy etc. while carrying out -.r.itiorr, different activities under execution i.e. foundation works including civil workr, stringing (as applicable), testing & commissioning, disposal of materials at site / store etc. which is enclosed at Annexure - 7 (SP) for approval of the Engineer In-Charge/ project Manager before start of work. 79. THAT the Contractor shall organize Safety Training Programs on Safety, Health and Environment and for safe execution of different activities of works i.e. foundation works including civil works, erection, stringing (as applicable), testing & commissioning, disposal of materials at site f storc etc. for their own employees including sub contractor work.ir o., regular basis. The Contractor, therefore, submits copy of the module of training program, enclosed at Annexure - 9 (SP), to Engineer In-charge/Project Manager for its acceptance and approval and records maintained. 20. THAT the Contractor shall conduct safety audit, as per Safety Audit Check Lists enclosed at Annexure - 8 (SP), by his Safety Officer(s) every month during construction of Transmission Lines / Sub Stations / any other work and copy of the safety audit report will be forwarded to the Employer's Engineer In-charge / Site ln-chargefProject Manager for his comments and feedback. During safety audit, healthiness of all Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) shall be checked individually by safety officer of contractor and issue a certi of its Page 6 ORJJAT healthiness or rejection of faulty PPEs and contractor has to ensure that all faulty PpEs and all faulty lifting tools and tackles should be destroyed in the presence of POWERGRID construction staff. Contractor has to ensure that each-gangbe safety audited at least once in two months. During safety audit by the contractor, Safety officer's feedback from POWERGRID concerned shall be taken and recorded. The Employer's site officials shall also conduct safety audit at their own from time to time when construction activities are under progress. Apart from above, the Employer may also conduct surveillance safety audits. The Employer may take action against the person / persons as deemed fit under various statutory acts/provisions under the Contract for any violation of safety norms / safety standards. 27. THAT the Contractor shall develop and display Safety Posters of construction activity at site and also at camp where workers are generally residing. ,, ( 22. THAT the Contractor shall ensure to provide potable and safe drinking water for workers at site / at camp. 23. THAT the Contractor shall do health check up of all workers from competent agencies and reports will be submitted to Engineer In-Charge within fifteen (15) days of health check up of workers as per statutory requirement. 24. THAT the Contuactor shall submit information alongwith documentary evidences in regard to compliance to various statutory requirements as applicable which are enclosed at Annexure - 10A (SP). The Contractor shall also submit details of Insurance Policies taken by the Contractor for insurance coverage against accident for all employees are enclosed at Annexure - 108 (Sp). 25. THAT a check-list in respect of aforesaid enclosures alongwith the Contractor's remarks, wherever required, is attached as Annexure - Check List herewith. C THE CONTRACTOR shall incorporate modifications/changes in this'safety Plan'necessitated on the basis of reviewfcomments of the Engineer In-Charge /Project Manager within fourteen (14) days of receipt of review/comments and on final approval of the Engineer In-Charge /Project Manager of this 'Safety Plan', the Contractor shall execute the works under the Contract as per approved 'Safety Plan'. Further, the Contractor has also noted that the first progressive payment towards Services Contract shall be made on submission of 'safety Plan' alongwith all requisite documents and approval of the same by the Engineer In-Charge /ProjectManager. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Contractor has hereunto set its hand through its authorised representative under the common seal of the Company, the day, month and year first above mentioned. For and on behalf of M/s WITNESS 1. Signature.. Signature 2. (r All the annexure referred to in this "safety Plan" are required to be enclosed by the ,, contractor as per the attached Check List,; 7' Safety Plan is to be executed by the authorised person and (i) in case of seal of the Company or (ii) having the on seal of the company with authority to (iii) In case of (ii), the original power of ontract or a photostat copy of the power of ttorney and such documents should be ( attached to this Safety plan. 2' For all safefy monitorin g/ documgntation, Engineer In-charge / Regional In- charge of safety at RHe will be the nodal officers for communication. Page 8 CHECK LIST FOR SEFETY PLAN Details of Enclosure Status of Submission of information/ documents Annexure - 1,4' (SP) Enclosed atPage No. 16-18 (For concreting ,for Excavation & foundation Safework procedure for each activity i.e. for Erection & Transportation of tower foundation works including civil works, parts, for stringing for erection, stringing (as applicable), testing & crossing LT lines, for operation of mixers, commissioning, disposal of materials at site / during survey, for store, store etc. to be executed at site. during tree cutting,for shutdown during line crossing,railway crossing and NH crosses. Annexure - 1B (SP) Manpower deployment plan, activity wise foundation works including civil works, Enclosed at Page erection/ stringing (as applicable), testing & No.29 commissioning, disposal of materials at site / store etc. Annexure - 2 (SP) Ail List of Lifting Machines i.e. Crane, Hoist, Lifting Tools & Triffor, Chain Pulley Blocks etc. and Lifting Tackles are used, Tools and Tackles i.e. D shackle, Pulleys, certified by come along clamps, wire rope slings etc. and competent person all types of ropes i.e. Wire ropes, Poly Page No.30 propylene Rope etc. used for lifting purposes along with test certificates. Annexure - 3 (SP) Industrial Safety Helmet-IS 2925: List of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), 1964 activity wise including the following along Equipment for with test certificate of each as applicable: Eye and Face protection-IS L. Industrial Safety Helmet to all workmen 1179:7967, at site. (EN 397 / IS 2925) with chin strap Protective Filters and back stay arrangement. for Welding & 2. Safety shoes without steel toe to all cutting-IS 5983: ground level workers and canvas shoes 1971.Rubber for workers working on tower. Page9 \ai: I"rl ,s /-b, S. N. Details of Enclosure Status Remarks of Submission of information/ documents Electrical Rubber Gum Boot to workers working in purposes-IS rainy season / concreting job. 4770:1968,FuLL 4. Twin lanyard Full Body Safety harness Body (Harness with shock absorber and l"g shap Double Lanyard)- arrangement for all workers working at IS height for more than three meters. Safety 3521:7965,Safety Harness should be with attachments of Shoes-IS light weight such as of aluminium alloy 3737:7966. etc. and having a feature of automatic Other items, ( locking arrangement of snap hook and whenever comply with EN 367 / IS352tstandards. required, shall be 5. Mobile fall arrestors for safety of workers made available at during their ascending / descending site. from tower / on tower. EN 353 -2 (Guided type fall arresters on a flexible Page No.31 anchorage line.) Retractable type fall arrestor (EN360: 2002) for ascending / descending on suspension insulator string etc. 7. Providing of good quality cotton hand gloves f leather hand gloves for workers engaged in handling of tower parts or as per requirement at site. 8. Electrical Resistance hand gloves to workers for handling electrical ( equipment / Electrical connections. IS : 4770 9. Dust masks to workers handling cement as per requirement. 10 Face shield for welder and Grinders. IS:7179 / IS:2553 17 Other PPEs, iI any, as per requirement etc. 5. Annexure - 4 (SP) Shall be available List of Earthing Equipment / Earthing Yes when required at devices with Earthing lead conforming to site IECs for earthing equipments are - (855, 1230, 1235 etc.) gang wise for stringing activity/as f> Page L0 l $Eri S. N. Details of Enclosure Status Remarks of Submission of information/ documents per requirement 6. Annexure - 5A (SP) l List of Qualified Safety Officer(s) alongwith Yes Enclosed at Page their contact details No.33 7. Annexure - 58 (SP) Details of Explosive Operator (if required), Safety officer / Safety supervisor for every ( erection / stinging gang, any other person nominated for safety,list of personnel trained No Not Applicable in First Aid as well as brief information about safety set up by the Contractor alongwith copy of organisation of the Contractor in regard to safety 8. Annexure - 6 (SP) Copy of Safety PoIicy/ Safety Document of Yes Enclosed at Page the Contractor's company No.34 9. Annexure - 7 (SP) 'Emergency Preparedness Plan' for different incidences i.e. Fall from height, Electrocution, d-, Sun Stroke, Collapse of pit Collapse of Tower, Snake bite, Fire in camp / Store, Flood, Storm, Earthquake, Militancy etc. Yes Enclosed at Page while carrying out different activities under No.35-46 execution i.e. foundation works including civil works, erection, stringing (as applicable), testing & commissioning, disposal of materials at site / store etc. L0. Annexure - 8 (SP) Safety Audit Check Lists ( Formats to be Yes Enclosed at Page enclosed) No.47-50 11. Annexure - 9 (SP) Yes c\ lb r\ s\ PaZe77 ft ,/ ,1 JCRHAT !x + &r, S. N. Details of Enclosure Status Remarks of Submission of information/ documents Copy of the module of Safety Training Programs on Safety, Health and Environmen! Enclosed at Page safe execution of different activities of works No.5L-52 for Contractor's own employees on regular basis and sub contractor employees. 72. Annexure - 10A (SP) Information alongwith documentary in regard to the Contractor's evidences ( compliance to various stafutory requirements including the following: (i) Electricity Act 2003 All protection Yes shall be taken as lName of Documentary eoidence in support of per E-Act 2003 compliancef (ii) Factories Act 1948 Yes Not applicable fName of Documentnry eaidence in support of compliancef (iii) Building & other construction workers () (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Services Act and Central Act 1996) and Registration Welfare Cess Act 1996 with Rules. Yes under BOCW placed at Page fName of Documentary euidence in support of No.67-68 compliancef (i") Workmen Compensation Act 7923 and Rules. Yes Enclosed at Page fName of Documentary euidence in support of No.54-56 compliancef (v) Public Insurance Liabilities Act 7997 and Yes Covered at 13 (ii) Rules. of this check list Page 1 '+V. ai, S. N. Details of Enclosure Status Remarks of Submission of information/ documents lName of Documentary euidence in support of compliance) ("i) Indian Explosive Act1948 and Rules. No Not Applicable fName of Documentnry eaidence in support of compliancef ( ("ii) Indian Petroleum Act1934 and Rules. No -do- fName of Documentary eaidence in support of compliancef (viii) License under the contract Labour (Regulation & Abolition) Act'1.970 and Rules. Enclosed Page Yes No.54-55 fName of Documentary eaidence in support of compliancef (ix) Indian Electricity Rule 1956 and amendments if any, from time to time. All works shall Yes be carried out as (t per E-Act 2003 & fName of Documentary eaidence in support of IE Rule 1955 compliancef (") The Environment (Protection) Act 1986 and Rules. All protection Yes shall be taken as per Act & Rules fName of Documentary eoidence in support of compliance) (xi) Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act All protection 1986. Yes shall be taken as per Act & Rules Page 13 \ lt< I:V ANNEXURE-9 Safety/Penalty Provisions in Contract Conditions ANNEXURE-10 Labour License and Insurance Policy for Workers Reed.A/D. GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF I-ABOUR & EMPLOYMENT OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT LABOUR COMMISSIONER(CENTML) KEN DRIYA SH RAM SADAN, R. K. M ISSION, ROAD, BIRU BARI,G UWAHATI- 1 6 No.s4(1s) 12016-clA dated: -05. 1 1. 1B To M/s,Unique Structure & Towers Limited, (Rep, by Shri R.K.Bansal,M,D) 1-A,Light Industrial Area, Bhilai-490 026' ( _, Subject:- Inter State Migrant Workmen(Regulation of Employment and condition Of Service)Act,1979_ Renewal of Licence No.54l15/16-ISMW dated 73.I2.t6 Dear Sir, Please refer to your application dated 05.11.18 for renewal of labour licence received in this office on 05.11.18 under Inter State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and condition of Service)Act,7g7g In this connection please find enclose herewith the Original licence renewed upto 12.12.19. Please acKnowledge receipt, C Enclo:-original Licence Assistan Central) & Registering t,r979 Copy for information to:- 1.The Dy.Chief Labour Commissioner@,Guwahati, I /, Assistant Labour Com missioner(Central ) & Re g i ste r rfiry i$mimsuuqudnfs 16$&\&6 RFft CS ) A ct, I97 9 . Govemment of Indi: Guwahati FORM-VI [(See Rule 11(1)] Government of India Ministry of Labour & Employment Lrcence NO:lSMW.54/1.5/20J,6-G/ A Dated t ,i) .* j'.'l;: L) Licence is hereby granted to M/s Unique Structure &,ftrfit,:, Ltd. ,, ,, (Rep.by:-shri R.K.Bansal,M,D) 1-A,Light IndustriarArea, Bhilai-400:'qaF".. 'l:, . . under section 8(1)on the Inter State Migrant workmen (Regulation oiE conditions of services)AcL,'J.979, subject to the conditions specified in t (_ 2) This licence is for doing the worl< of;:::::::::::::::;:::::;:::::::::;:::::::::::::::::;::::::::::::: service contract for Topwer Package TW02 associated with NER Power sysrem tmprovement project(lntra-state: Meghalaya)vide No.cc'cs/T1-NENTWT-2469/1/G4/NOA-;t/5g44 dt.- 29,06.16ynderthe estabtishment of The Deputy General Manager,PowERGRlD,Dongtieh,Lower Nongrah, t/palang,shillong-793006 3) The llcence shall remain in force till (Hakim Gautam) Assistant Labour Co AL) & Licencingror+iieflnn r'e ' /. he, lI rsTs i, '1i:qr'':r'q .S (RENEWAL) (See Rule 14 Date of Renewal Fee Paid for renewal Date of expiry C .r0.2017 s BO,0O (EtGFfTy )onty 2.72.2018 c501d"2c1f Rf otCoOg 1?,7e" zof I MIGRANT LABOUR Signature and Seal of Licencing Officer 50 (rtrrv)onty MIGRANT LABOUR REGISTERED A/D/ Mr N rsrf;y%FUHS|,I'f Iil,?AyM E Nr FFICE OF TH E ASSISTA O Nf r,qA_O U N CO rV rVESI6i.r KENDRIYA SHRAM SADAN,R, TNTCTNTRAL) r.I'IESTOTV.NONP, No.46(289)/2016-G/A 'TNUAANI,GUWAHATI-16 dated;-05,11,1B Tn tv M/s.Unique Structure & Towers Ltd. (Rep. by Shri R.K.Bansal,M,D) 1-A,Light Industrial nrea, Bhitai_400026. ( ' raet Labour(Regulation & Abolition)Act,l g70 Aborition) centrar Rures,1971-Renewai andcontract Labour or L;;;;, of ricence No. 16-L dated 09.11.16. Dear Sir, :;.t.,:,i:i;:?:i::.fiil..:,iru,iifi;Tx?.il*li;,.1;i3,5,i.::[::ii ,T,:?,?H please find enclose herewith renewed ,p,ol8et?i;.:3ltt"ion the orisinal Licence Please acknowledge receipt, { Enclo:-Origina} Licence Assistan al) & Licencing 1970. Contract Labour (R&n) Act, 1 970 Copy for information to:_ 1.The Dy,C.L.C@,Guwahati for information. Central)& 7970 Conrraa Labour (R&A') eri rgZO :t.t:; # ,l;1',lll,.'a ccl tohbrd GonsGl nsurdnce coryany LTD tctct LDMBARD HOUSE 414 Vee' Sad,b, Md9 Near S ddhr Vrnayak Tlmp u fiilhadeu Mumbr 4!0 025 WORKMAN COMPENSATION INSURANCE U I N- lRDAN 1 1 5P001 0V0 l 20O607 Misc 1 O POLICY SCHEDULE Policy No. 4010116422-7152100/000 {TRUE COPY) lssued at MUMBAI 1. Name of the lnsr.rred: UNIOUE STRUCTURES 6 TOWERS LTD 2. Address of the lrrsured: 41, Light Industrial Area, Bhilai Durg Chhattisgarh Pin- 490026 3. Total Sum lrrsured: 3,00,00,000 00 4. Scope of cover: Main Coverage: WC Liabilirv Cover Table 'A, Extensio ns Etrdorsement ii) Table A: Coverage provided is Indenrrrity against Iegal liability for accidents to employees under the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1923 and sLlbseqLrettt ar.nettdrnents of the said Act prior to the date of the issue of the policy; Tlre Fatal Accidents Act 1 855 arrd at Commorr Law onlV Exclusions: (i) Any employrrent compensation in excess of the actual sum insured for workmen compensation ordinance (not to apltly ip respect of coml.t.tou law awards) (ii) l-osses suffered in the course of manufacturing and /or supplying and/or produclrrg storing, filling, breaking down, transportisg Fireworks, amnrunition, fuses, cartridges, powder, nitro-tllycerirre, or any explosives. (iii) Losses suffered in the course of manufacturing and /or supplying arrd/or producing storing, filling, breaking down, transporting Gases and/or air under pfessut e in containers (jv) Losses suffeted in the coutse of manufacturing and /or supplying arrd/or producing storing, filling, breaking down, transporting Butane, n.lethane, propat)e, atrd other liquefied gases. (v) Losses suffered in the course of rnanufacturin g and lor supplying and/or producing storing, filling, breaking down, transporting Celluloid and pyroxylin. (vi) Losses suffered in the course of manufacturing and /or supplying and/or producing storing, filling, breaking down, transporting Petrochelr.licals and also chemicals of a toxic (as defirred under India Public Liability Act 1991), noxious, explosive and/or highly flatnmable nature {vii) Losses suffered itr the cotlrse of Manufacturin g and lor supplying and/or producing storing, filling, down,transporting Asbestos and/or asbestos products. (viii) ltisunderstoodatrdagreed,however,thatthestorage,transportand/orhandlingifarryofthesubstancesabovemeptionecl other than f) which is merely irrcidental to the operation arrd/or trade of the Insureds not otl.terwise excluded is covered (ix) Underground and/or underwater mines and/or underground services in connection therewith However, this exclusioq shall only apply where nrore than 20 people are working at the same location at any one time. (x) Subaqueous work (underwater work). {xi) Ouarries, where explosives are used (xii) Losses suffered orr or ir.r corrnectiorr witlr offshore rigs. (xiii) Aircraftcrewsit.trespectofflightrisk.However,thisexclusionshall notapplytoaircraFLwhicharesetasidefornonfarepaying executive use arrd wl.riclr are crewed by six persolrs or ress. (xlv) Ship crews other than on inland vessels or on vessels operating within territorial waters. However, this exclusiorr shall not apply to a vessel crewed by six persons or less (xv) Fire brigades other than those formed privately for loss preverrtion purposes. (xvi) Service in any l