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Kranji Forest Clearance Impact Study

The document summarizes the environmental impact assessment for a proposed 112.982 km highway project in India from Km 153.300 to Km 266.282 of NH-31. It describes the physical environment of the project area including climate, topography, geology, soils, surface and groundwater, air quality, noise levels, flora and fauna. Baseline studies found the air and water quality to be within national standards, though noise levels were higher near some schools and hospitals. The project would require cutting 8,584 trees but no rare or endangered species were identified in the area.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
104 views28 pages

Kranji Forest Clearance Impact Study

The document summarizes the environmental impact assessment for a proposed 112.982 km highway project in India from Km 153.300 to Km 266.282 of NH-31. It describes the physical environment of the project area including climate, topography, geology, soils, surface and groundwater, air quality, noise levels, flora and fauna. Baseline studies found the air and water quality to be within national standards, though noise levels were higher near some schools and hospitals. The project would require cutting 8,584 trees but no rare or endangered species were identified in the area.

Uploaded by

sathyamre
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

8.

0 Environmental Impact
8.1 Introduction
National highways (NHs) comprise about 2% of India's total road length and carry over
40% of total road traffic, making them key to national economic activities. The proposed
project is to be part of India's National Highways Development Project comprising the
north-south and east-west corridors. The present project is part of North – South and
East – West corridor project under phase – III program of NHDP. The Project, which is
to cover about 112.982 km in length will be implemented on Build, Operate and Transfer
(BOT) basis.
The project under consideration, the study relates to realignment and widening to 4-lane
dual carriageway configuration from Km 153.300 to Km 266.282 of NH – 31 (length
112.982 kms).
8.1.1 Need of the Study
Development of highway projects is generally intended to improve the economic and
social welfare of the people. At the same time it may also create adverse impact on the
surrounding environment.
People and properties may be in the direct path of road works are affected. The
environmental impact of highway projects include damage to sensitive eco-systems, soil
erosion, changes to drainage pattern and thereby ground water, interference with wild
life movement, loss of productive agricultural lands, resettlement of people, disruption of
local economic activities, demographic changes and accelerated urbanization. Highway
development and operation therefore, be planned with careful consideration of the
environmental impact. To minimize these adverse effects that may be created by the
highway development projects, the techniques of Environmental Impact Assessment
(EIA) become necessary.
8.1.2 Scope of Work
Environmental assessment is a detailed process, which starts from the conception of
the project and continues till the operation phases. The steps for environmental
assessment are, therefore, different in different phases. The first steps for
environmental assessment are known as scoping and screening. It is a preliminary
Environmental Impact Assessment study for identifying major environmental issues and
their broad mitigation measures. The findings of preliminary study guide to undertake
more focused Environmental Impact Assessment Study.
Final Feasibility Report Feasibility Study for 4- laning of Bakhtiarpur – Begusarai- Khagaria
Vol: I – Main Report section of NH-31 in the State of Bihar
CRAPHTS Consultants (I) Pvt. Ltd. NHAI
The basic aim of the present study is to assess the magnitude of actual and potential
environmental concerns due to conversion of the existing 2 lane National Highway into
4/6 lanes. This is also to ensure that the environmental considerations are given due
weight-age, in the design of proposed highway improvements being studied.
Environmental Screening of the study area has the following major objectives:
• To generate baseline environmental condition of the proposed project areas
including Ambient Air Quality, Noise level, Water Quality (surface & ground) and Soil
Quality etc.
• To classify the type of environmental assessment required,
• To delineate the major environmental issues and identify the potential hotspots,
which requires further study i.e. scope for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
• To recognize the potential environmental concerns,
• To determine the magnitude of potential impacts and ensure that environmental
considerations are given due weight-age while selecting and designing proposed
highway improvements.
8.2 Description of the Environment
8.2.1 Physical Environment
[Link] Metrology and Climate
The climate of project road is mainly sub-tropical with extreme variation in temperature
with very hot summers and very cold winters and relative humidity of 80 percent. The
summers are generally hot and dry, while cold weather prevails in winters. Due to large
variations in temperature and rainfall, the climate has a characteristic seasonality. The
temperature in the region varies from extreme high temperatures upto 43.0 0C in
summer to as low as 3.90C in winter. The mean annual average temperature of the city
is maximum 300C and minimum 210C. The wind speeds are quite low, though there are
occasional storms. The average wind speed is in the range of 5-6 km/hr. The yearly
average rainfall in the project area is about 1220 mm more than 90% of which occurs
during the rainy season.
[Link] Physiography, Topography, Geology, and Soils
The topography of the entire section of the project road alignment (including the new
alignment) is open, plain terrain with minor variation in levels between the two ends of
project road. In vertical profile, the road is almost level upto the entire length except
minor local rise on the Nallah crossing. However, the road slopes down towards
Ganga, mostly in vertical profile between km. 153.30 and km.205.150.
Final Feasibility Report Feasibility Study for 4- laning of Bakhtiarpur – Begusarai- Khagaria
Vol: I – Main Report section of NH-31 in the State of Bihar
CRAPHTS Consultants (I) Pvt. Ltd. NHAI
The layers of earth in the project area comprise of unconsolidated sediments of Indo
Gangetic alluvium and are river deposits of river Ganga and its tributaries. The alluvium
has been classified into two groups one is of middle Pleistocene age which occupies
high group and is not affected by floods during rainy season, the other belongs to the
upper Pleistocene to recent age and is confined to the flood plains along river channels.
Soil consists of sandy silt and clay silt.
[Link] Surface and Ground Water
Water is relatively abundant in the study area, mainly because the project road comes
under the catchment basin of Perennial River i.e. river Ganga and Burhi Gandak.
However, the concern with water is as much about quality as it is about quantity
available. The general drainage along the project road is towards Ganga River so that
the rivers and other streams flow towards River Ganga. The project road is crossing
through River Ganga and other drains, ditches and nallahs.
In order to allow sheet flow of water through open agricultural field, provision of culverts
has been made along the entire alignment of project road. Reconnaissance survey of all
streams were carried out and adequacy of existing drainage structure assessed and
new culverts wherever necessary proposed with the objective to reinstate natural
drainage pattern and irrigation system
There are number of wells, water taps and hand pumps in use along the project route,
highlighting the dependence on groundwater. There are about 333 numbers of hand
pumps and 130 wells within the ROW of the existing road.
[Link] Water Quality
A number of samples have been collected from surface as well as ground water sources
existing along the project road to ascertain the water quality. The water quality results
for surface and ground water as obtained through the analysis carried out by a reputed
laboratory of Patna have shown that all water quality parameters are well within the
stipulated standards. BOD levels in the entire surface water samples within the
permissible levels.
[Link] Air Quality
Composite samples were prepared using three 8-hr samples (24 hours) collected at five
locations for all parameters except for Carbon Monoxide (CO), which was for 8 hours.
The samples were analysed for pollutants of interest (CO, NO x, SO2, SPM and RPM).
The analysis showed that the air quality is generally within the national air quality
Final Feasibility Report Feasibility Study for 4- laning of Bakhtiarpur – Begusarai- Khagaria
Vol: I – Main Report section of NH-31 in the State of Bihar
CRAPHTS Consultants (I) Pvt. Ltd. NHAI
standards (NAQS) for SPM, RPM (PM10), SO2 and NOx at all five locations. In fact at
three locations (Bakhtiarpur, Baliya and Kagharia) levels of SPM are above the
prescribed limits. As regards CO, levels are vary between 120-280 μg/m 3 and at two
locations below the detectable limits.
[Link] Noise
In all, 7 locations were selected for monitoring of noise levels to cover all types of
sensitive receptors. The results of noise levels show that the short-term noise levels are
generally within the acceptable norms for industrial area (i.e. Leq 75 dB(A)). It has been
observed that noise levels are higher at Health Center (Km 188.6), Veternity (Km
189.9), High school (Near Baruani Refinery) and School (Near Bihiya Bazar) during the
day time.
8.3 Ecological Environment
8.3.1 Flora
The study area is predominantly open / cultivated land interrupted by scattered human
settlements with clusters of semi-pucca/ pucca houses and common native trees
present along the project road, along the village roads, on the bank of streams/ canals
and inside the agricultural land. Besides the crops other natural vegetation on the
project influence area of project road are common trees i.e., Neam, Babool and Kranji.
A total of 8584 numbers of trees have been identified that come under the widening
area of the project road that fall under the proposed RoW. The data from the local forest
department confirm that there are no rare or endangered plant, animal or bird species in
the project area. . However forest land is affected to the area of 2.54ha along the
alignment of project road between Km 217.650 to Km 232.725.
8.3.2 Fauna
The wild animals which are found in this area include the Boselaphus tragocamelus,
Panthera Pardus, Vulpes begalenses, Lepus Ruficandus, Hystrix Indica, Fox (Vulpes
bengalensis) hare (Lepus ruficandatus) monkey (Macaca mulatta), wild cat (felis
bengalensis) and the porcupine (Hystric leucura). The game-birds of the area include
the usual varieties found through out the plains. Among them mention may be made of
the peafowl (pavo cristatus), Frencolinus Vulgaris and the gray partridge (francalinus
pondicervanus), Capella Gallinago, Netta rifine The reptiles such as Naja Naja, Bungrus
caeruleus, Natrix pescaror, Python molurus etc. are also found in the project area. No
national park, sanctuary, wild life reserves or reserved forests are present in near
vicinity. The National Park (Rajgir National Park) is located 53 kms from the start point
Final Feasibility Report Feasibility Study for 4- laning of Bakhtiarpur – Begusarai- Khagaria
Vol: I – Main Report section of NH-31 in the State of Bihar
CRAPHTS Consultants (I) Pvt. Ltd. NHAI
of project road. The project road does not affect any form of wild life or movement of
birds as Rajgir National Park is located 53 Kms away from start point of project road.
8.4 Social – Cultural Environment
8.4.1 Land Use
The project road is passing through predominantly rural agricultural land, with scattered
settlement (villages and industrial areas). It is not affecting any major human
settlements.
The widening of project road will warrant land acquisition as the land available in the
existing RoW will not be sufficient for proposed widening. The landuse pattern does not
include any forest area. The landuse changes in the form of proliferation of Dhaba’s /
restaurants exist along the project road. Land acquisition requirement for both the
sections of project road works out to be 278.475 hectares.
8.4.2 Traffic Condition
Traffic surveys revealed that vehicle speeds along the project corridor vary between 15
km/h and 51.5 km/h, with average speed being around 33.28 KMPH. Most vehicles
plying on the project road are two-axle trucks, followed by car, jeep and two wheelers.
8.4.3 Pedestrian Crossing
Pedestrian volume counts across the project road were conducted at 6 locations along
the project corridor. The surveys were conducted for 8 hours, between 8.00 to 12.00
hours in the morning and between 16.00 to 20.00 hours in the evening on a
representative working day at all these locations in the year 2004. The peak hour values
of PV2 are computed for all these locations. The pedestrian vehicle conflict index at Km
194 and Km 270 are 6.37E+07 and 1.30E+07 respectively.
8.4.4 Accidents
A total of 1252 accidents were recorded for the stretch of project road between Km
153.300 – Km 266.282 in the year from 1999- 2004. The accident record also showed
that mainly trucks are involved in the accidents.
8.4.5 Transportation of Hazardous and Dangerous Goods
Patna is one of the major industrial centers of central India therefore NH-31 is frequently
used by vehicles carrying hazardous substances (e.g., industrial acids and petroleum
products). A large number of trucks per day carry petroleum products.
Final Feasibility Report Feasibility Study for 4- laning of Bakhtiarpur – Begusarai- Khagaria
Vol: I – Main Report section of NH-31 in the State of Bihar
CRAPHTS Consultants (I) Pvt. Ltd. NHAI
8.4.6 Cultural and Historical Sites
There are 61 Nos. worship places encountered within ROW of existing corridor which
are not directly affected in widening of project road.
8.4.7 Social Profile
Commercial activity like small shops along the project road is the main occupation for
people living in the project area. There are few industries present along the project
corridor. The proposed road widening will boost the local economy by generating direct
employment and indirect income through better connectivity.
8.5 Screening of potential environmental impacts and mitigation measures
8.5.1 Environmental Impact Associated with the Project Location
The environmental impacts associated with the project location will be insignificant
because the proposed road expansion will follow the existing alignment. In this case
where the existing stretch of NH –31 is being upgraded the most significant
environmental impacts would be associated with land clearing activities, e.g., tree
cutting and other clearing work. The total of this section of the project road is 112.982
Km.
8.5.2 Environmental Impact Associated with Construction Activities and
Mitigation Measures
[Link] Physical Environment
Physiography
The impact of road construction on physiography is a function of the terrain of the area.
Since the entire length passes through plain areas and the main carriageway will be
raised, therefore, there will be visible and significant impact on physiography of the
region.
Soil
The right-of-way of the project road is 60 m. However, the width of the existing road is
mostly about 7-10 m. Therefore, land clearing will be carried out during construction.
Total land clearing will involve about 278.475 hectares. The other earth works involve
scarifying the existing granular layer, excavating for road foundations and road
shoulders, compacting ground, and constructing embankments. Soil erosion is the most
significant impact associated with general earth works. The following soil erosion
measures will be provided during and after construction.
Final Feasibility Report Feasibility Study for 4- laning of Bakhtiarpur – Begusarai- Khagaria
Vol: I – Main Report section of NH-31 in the State of Bihar
CRAPHTS Consultants (I) Pvt. Ltd. NHAI
I. The contractor will be required to balance the amount of cutting and filling to
reduce the need to store excavated materials for a long time before reusing
them. Wherever earth materials are cut, care will be taken in terrain with a slope
of more than 25 %, and the cut sides should have gentle slopes.
II. Prior to rainy season, all the unstable slopes created during construction works
should have been stabilized and embankment will be provided with chutes and
drains to minimise soil erosion, stone pitching and toe walls will be provided on
steep embankment.
III. In areas prone to slope collapse and soil erosion, engineering measures must
be undertaken, and grass and shrubs will be planted as slope protection.
IV. Spoil materials will not be dumped in the forests, on agriculture lands, near
stream channels, or near other water bodies. Bituminous wastes will be
disposed of in identified sites
Rock, Gravel, and Sand
The construction of embankments will require about 6702676m 3 borrow materials, and
preparation of the pavement will require about 6702676m3 of borrow materials. Because
base and embankment materials can be taken from the borrow areas identified along
the roadsides, the impact associated with transportation of borrow materials will not be
significant. To minimize environmental Impacts associated with borrow pit activities, the
following selection criteria will be adopted:
I. Borrow pits will generally not be on cultivable land. However, if necessary to
borrow earth from cultivable land, the depth should not exceed 45 centimeters,
and the top of soil 15 centimeters will be stripped and set aside stored in stock
piles.
II. Borrow pits will generally be selected from wasteland and be at least 500 m
from the road and 800 m from residential areas
III. Immediately after use, borrow sites will be reclaimed properly, including
replacing the topsoil and planting cover vegetation
IV. If a new quarry is required, all the requirements for establishing a new quarry
will be fulfilled and the quarry will only be operated after receiving the necessary
license
V. The depth of the borrow soils will be regulated and therefore, the sides of the
excavation will have a slope not steeper than 25%
Air Quality
Final Feasibility Report Feasibility Study for 4- laning of Bakhtiarpur – Begusarai- Khagaria
Vol: I – Main Report section of NH-31 in the State of Bihar
CRAPHTS Consultants (I) Pvt. Ltd. NHAI
Earthwork and rock crushing activities will contribute to increasing dust, and the
pavement works will generate gas from the asphalt hot-mix plant and odor from the
compaction of pavement. The project will require about 51893 metric tonnes of asphalt.
Although the existing air quality of the project area is still good except for SPM and
RPM, the following mitigation measures are needed:
• Dust suppression equipment should be installed at cement and aggregate mix
plants.
• Water content of the construction roads should be maintained by watering the
construction area.
• Construction materials (sand, gravel, and rocks) and spoil materials will be
transported by properly covered trucks.
• Storage sites, mixing plants, and asphalt (hot mix) plants will be at least 1 km
downwind of the nearest human settlements.
• All vehicles (e.g., trucks, equipment, and other vehicles that support construction
works) will comply with the Vehicle Standard Emission, 1989.
• All hot-mix plants, crushers, and batching plants will be installed only after receiving
a No Objection Certificate from the concerned Pollution Control Board.
Noise
Machinery such as excavators, bulldozers, stabilizers, drills, stone crushers, graders,
vibratory rollers, concrete-mixing plants, and screening plants can generate noise. Each
machine has been designed to generate only a low level of noise. However, if several
machines have to be operated at the same time, their combined noise level could
constitute a disturbance. To minimize this impact, the following mitigation measures will
be adopted:
I. The contractor will be requested to provide a statement that all equipment used
for construction complies with Ministry of Environment and Forest noise
standards
II. In any residential area, the noise level should be limited at 45 decibels
measured in the audible noise bands (dBA) during night (from 9 PM to 6 AM)
and 55 dBA during daytime
III. For nearby schools, the contractor will discuss with the school principals the
agreed time for operating these machineries
Final Feasibility Report Feasibility Study for 4- laning of Bakhtiarpur – Begusarai- Khagaria
Vol: I – Main Report section of NH-31 in the State of Bihar
CRAPHTS Consultants (I) Pvt. Ltd. NHAI
Groundwater
No significant effect on groundwater is expected from construction or operation.
However, construction works should not use the groundwater without prior permission
from the local Ground Water Board.
Surface Water
The main concerns about surface water conditions during construction are related to
construction of piers (as part of bridge construction works), construction or expansion of
culverts, run-off from unprotected slopes, spillage and leakage from storage sites and
machines, and domestic sewage from the temporary camps for workers. To address
these concerns, the following mitigation measures will be adopted
I. No storage for toxic, hazardous, and harmful construction materials (e.g.,
asphalt, acidic and caustic substances, and petroleum products) will be near
water bodies. Storage areas will be maintained and checked to avoid leakage
and spillage.
II. To avoid contamination from fuel and lubricants, all vehicle and equipment used
during construction will be properly maintained and refueled. Refueling stations
will be constructed and maintained so as to prevent spillage or leakage of oil.
III. Waste petroleum products will be collected, stored, and sold to registered
collectors.
IV. A sewage system for temporary worker camps will be properly designed, and all
the toilet facilities will be at least pit latrines that are maintained and removed in
accordance to a defined schedule, or temporary treatment will be established in
the construction camps.
V. The slopes of embankments leading to water bodies will be properly designed
so that the contaminants will not enter water bodies and drainage from
construction areas will be filtered at least by vegetative methods.
VI. Surface drainage due to bridge construction will be diverted to avoid disruption
of water flows.
VII. Proper temporary diversion of irrigation channels must be constructed before
any culverts are constructed.
8.6.2 Ecological Environment
[Link] Flora and Fauna
The land clearing will cut about 8584 trees. To minimize the ecological impact
associated with tree cutting during construction, trees should be replanted as soon as
possible to develop a greenbelt along the roadsides. New trees must be watered often
and therefore will have an impact on the microclimate.
Final Feasibility Report Feasibility Study for 4- laning of Bakhtiarpur – Begusarai- Khagaria
Vol: I – Main Report section of NH-31 in the State of Bihar
CRAPHTS Consultants (I) Pvt. Ltd. NHAI
The Government requires planting of 2 new trees for each one cut. Trees can only be
cut and removed with prior approval of the Department of Forest. The environmental
management plan recommends which species to use for roadside plantation. However,
tree planting along the project road needs to be done in close consultation with Social
Forestry Division, Patna and Begusarai. More than 30000 trees are proposed to be
planted on the median and green verge proposed along the project alignment as
against 8584 trees proposed to be cut.
8.6.3 Traffic Management and Safety Plan During Construction
Major safety measures during construction have been developed and safety plans have
been recommended for different stages of construction, which includes construction sub
zones, working zones and traffic sub zones. Traffic control devices in the construction
zone generally perform the crucial tasks of warning, information and altering the driver
apart from guiding vehicles the movements, so that the drivers of vehicles as well as
works on sites are protected and safe passage to the traffic possible. Keeping in this
view the traffic control devices proposed are to be employed to address the safety
aspects.
8.7 Environmental Impact And Mitigation Measures Associated With Operations
8.7.1 Physical Environment
Environmental concerns related to the operation of the road involve air pollution and
water pollution. The improvement of the road surface and expansion of the road from
two-lane to four lanes will ease the movement of the traffic. Therefore, the level of
service for the project road will improve considerably and vehicles can move effectively.
Consequently, the ambient air quality will not deteriorate as ascertained through
prediction of impacts on air quality. However, since the project area is dry, the levels of
SPM and RSPM, which is within the prescribed limit at present, will increase. Mitigation
measures will include development of a greenbelt during construction, to reduce the
level of SPM and RSPM and act as noise barrier. Strict enforcement of vehicle emission
standards will significantly contribute to minimizing SPM and RSPM.
Water pollution will result mostly from run-off or drainage into water bodies,
maintenance of erosion protection work, inadequate management of wastewater from
facilities along the roadsides, and inadequate management of spill and leakage
accidents. To minimize such pollution certain mitigation measures are suggested in the
following manner: -
Final Feasibility Report Feasibility Study for 4- laning of Bakhtiarpur – Begusarai- Khagaria
Vol: I – Main Report section of NH-31 in the State of Bihar
CRAPHTS Consultants (I) Pvt. Ltd. NHAI
I. Runoff should be channeled to a vegetative filter, such as grass, before going to
the water bodies
II. Inspection and maintenance of erosion protection works needs to be carried out
regularly to ensure that they are functioning
III. Spill contingency plan or emergency plan for transporting hazardous and
dangerous good should be prepared, and disseminated to the concerned
parties and communities near accident-prone areas.
8.7.2 Ecological Environment
No ecological impact is expected from operation of the road. However, it is important to
maintain trees planted along the roadside. Long-term afforestation will compensate for
the loss of trees for road expansion.
8.8 Institutional requirements, environmental management, and monitoring
programme
8.8.1 Institutional Requirements
Prior to implementation of the Project, NHAI needs to comply with several
environmental requirements, such as obtaining state pollution control board clearances,
MOEF clearances and securing a tree removal and replanting permit from the
Department of Forest. NHAI will also need to confirm that contractors have appropriate
and valid permits to use local water supplies and to construct and operate plants such
as hot mix plants and batching and rock crushing facilities.
As of October 2004, NHAI had two full-time environmental staff members under its
Environmental and Social Development Unit. The two staff members are responsible for
addressing environmental concerns for a nationwide road development program
involving thousands of kilometers of road. Much of their work is delegated to
consultants. To effectively provide quality control and oversight for the EMP
implementation, NHAI staff needs more training in air and noise pollution management
and ecological impact mitigation. For this Project, the Project Implementation Unit (PIU)
will have one technical manager to address environmental and social concerns. In
addition, each project package will have an environmental specialist as member of the
supervising consultant team. This environmental specialist will help implement the
project EMP. The EMP is given in Appendix 1.
Overall implementation of the EMP will become NHAl's responsibility. Other parties to
be involved in implementing the EMP are as follows:
Final Feasibility Report Feasibility Study for 4- laning of Bakhtiarpur – Begusarai- Khagaria
Vol: I – Main Report section of NH-31 in the State of Bihar
CRAPHTS Consultants (I) Pvt. Ltd. NHAI
I. Contractors: responsible for implementing all measures required to mitigate
environmental impacts during construction
II. Other government agencies: such as state pollution boards, Departments of
forest, divisions of forest at the local levels, and Motor Vehicle Departments will
be responsible for monitoring the implementation of environmental conditions
related to their areas.
Considering the number of government agencies that need to be involved in
implementing the EMP, training workshops should be conducted each year for the first 3
years to share the monitoring report on the implementation of the EMP and to decide on
remedial actions, if unexpected environmental Impacts occur.
8.8.2 Monitoring
The monitoring plan (Appendix 2) was designed based on the project cycle. During the
pre-construction period, the monitoring activities will focus on (i) checking the
contractor's bidding documents, particularly to ensure that all necessary environmental
requirements have been included; and (ii) checking that the contract documents
references to environmental mitigation measures requirements have been incorporated
as part of contractor's assignment. During the construction period, the monitoring
activities will focus on ensuring that environmental mitigation measures are
implemented, and some performance indicators will be monitored to record the Project's
environmental performance and to guide any remedial action to address unexpected
impacts. Monitoring activities during project operation will focus on recording
environmental performance and proposing remedial actions to address unexpected
impacts.
8.8.3 Public Consultation and Disclosure
Public consultations were conducted in August and September 2004 through village
meetings and meetings with other relevant government agencies at the local levels. The
consultations were carried out at individual villages, with community leaders and village
administration; and at local, civil, and forest administration levels. Formal and informal
methods of consultation were adopted. Stakeholders consulted include local residents,
shop owners, roadside food stall owners, truck drivers, and community leaders and
officials.
The consultation was designed to inform the parties consulted about the proposed
Project and to determine their concerns related to it. At the first visit to site, the
consultation focused on informing the public about the Project and its potential
environmental impacts. At the later stage, consultation was done to determine the major
Final Feasibility Report Feasibility Study for 4- laning of Bakhtiarpur – Begusarai- Khagaria
Vol: I – Main Report section of NH-31 in the State of Bihar
CRAPHTS Consultants (I) Pvt. Ltd. NHAI
areas of environmental problems that should be considered from the local stakeholder’s
point of view. The findings of public consultation were considered in finalizing of the
mitigation measures or alternatives.
8.9 Finding and Recommendations
Primary and secondary data were used to assess the environmental impacts. The
potential environmental impacts were assessed in a comprehensive manner. The report
provided a picture of all potential environmental impacts associated with the Project,
and recommended suitable mitigation measures.
Environmental impacts associated with the Project need to be properly mitigated, and
the existing institutional arrangements, including human and financial resources, are
available. Therefore, the proposed mitigation and management plans are manageable.
Almost all environmental impacts related with the Project will take place during the
construction. The implementation of the environmental mitigation measures during the
construction period will be assigned to the contractors. However, contractors
traditionally have little understanding of environmental problems; therefore, the required
environmental mitigation must be clearly described into the contract documents, and
implementation of mitigation measures must be monitored by the environmental
specialist of the construction supervision consultants. A direct reporting mechanism
from the environmental supervising consultant to the environmental staff of NHAI needs
to be established, and a mechanism to address unexpected environmental impacts.
The EIA, including an EMP, should be used as a basis for and environmental
compliance program. In addition, the conditions as part of the forest clearance from the
Government should also be a basis for the environmental compliance program.
Therefore, continued monitoring of the implementation of mitigation measures, the
implementation of the environmental conditions for forest clearance, and monitoring of
the environmental impact related to the operation of the Project should be properly done
and reported at least yearly as part of the project performance report.
8.10 Conclusion
The IEE report has thoroughly assessed all the potential environmental impacts
associated with the Project. The environmental impacts identified by the study are
manageable, and NHAI will implement the mitigation measures stated in the report.
NHAI will adopt the review procedure for the environmental assessment study for the
follow up subprojects. The EIA brings out clearly that incremental pollution load if any,
on account of highway project will be sustainable. Thus the proposal will be environment
compatible in all completeness.
Feasibility Study and Preparation of DPR for 4/6 laning of selected stretches of National Highways
Draft Detailed Project Report under 10,000kms (NHDP Ph. III) Programme (Contract Package No. NN/DL3/2)
Volume – IV-A : EIA Report Khagaria – Begusarai – Bakhtiarpur section of NH-31 in the State of
Bihar
CRAPHTS Consultants (I) Pvt. Ltd. NHAI
Ex- 14
Appendix - 1
Environmental Management Plan
Environment
at Issue /
Component
Time
Frame /
Stage
Remedial Measure Approximate
Location
Mitigatio
n Cost
Institutional Responsibility
Implementation Supervision
Soil
Conservation
of productive
land
Design Stage productive agricultural areas have been avoided for
provision of project road minimize temporary
acquisition of productive agricultural lands
Throughout
project
location
Project
preparation
cost
Design
Consultants
PIU, NHAI
Construction
Stage
Covering all disturbed areas including borrow area:
Top dressing of the road embankments and fill slopes:
Filling up of tree pits, in the median and in the green
buffer proposed along the project road.
Throughout
project
location
Engineerin
g cost
Contractors SC, PIU & NHAI
Operation
Stage
the possibility of change in land-use pattern cannot be
ruled-out along the project corridor
landuse regulation controls have to be adopted
A land use zoning may be prepared, under which up
to a particular distance from the project road there will
not be any development allowed
A special body in association with local governing
bodies will hold meetings periodically to check the
ribbon development along the service road and ROW
of project road
Throughout
project
location
Engineerin
g cost
NHAI, Local
Govt. bodies,
NIA etc.
NHAI
Feasibility Study and Preparation of DPR for 4/6 laning of selected stretches of National Highways
Draft Detailed Project Report under 10,000kms (NHDP Ph. III) Programme (Contract Package No. NN/DL3/2)
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Soil Erosion Design Stage For embankment, other than Ganga Bridge approach,
abutting streams and water bodies, provision has
been made for slope and toe protection with stone
pitching on filter blankets.
For channel changes of streams and canals required
for reducing skew angle of crossing and for their
diversion from footprint of embankment, lining with
stone pitching and filter blanket have been proposed
to control erosion.
Berms have been provided for slope and embankment
stability for high embankment stretches
Throughout
project
corridor
Project
preparation
cost
Design
Consultants
PIU, NHAI
Construction
Stage
Channels, ditches, berms, or shoulder dikes for
diverting water to satisfactory outfalls should be
constructed at appropriate locations early in the
construction of the project
Benches or terraces, enclosed drainage systems, or
the mulching or covering of the soil with various
materials may be required to reduce slope erosionespecially
while constructing high embankments
Throughout
project
corridor
borrow pits,
service road
Engineerin
g stage
Contractor SC, PIU, NHAI
Borrowing of
Earth
Design Stage The construction of embankments will require about
67, 02,676m3 borrow materials, and preparation of
the pavement will require about 27,63,383 m3 of
borrow materials. To meet this requirement several
borrow area locations have been identified and
recommended
Identified
borrow areas
project
preparation
cost
Design
Consultants
PIU, NHAI
Construction
Stage
To avoid any embankment slippages, the borrow
areas will not be dug continuously. In case borrow
areas other than specified are selected, the size and
shape of borrow pits will be decided by the
Supervision Consultant
In all
proposed
borrow areas
Engineerin
g cost
Contractors SC, PIU, NHAI
Quarries Design Stage A recommended list of such operationalised, licensed
quarries have been provided
Project
preparation
cost
Design
consultants
PIU, NHAI
Feasibility Study and Preparation of DPR for 4/6 laning of selected stretches of National Highways
Draft Detailed Project Report under 10,000kms (NHDP Ph. III) Programme (Contract Package No. NN/DL3/2)
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Ex- 16
Construction
Stage
If the contractors decide to use quarries not in the
recommended list, they would require obtaining
clearance from mines department and State Pollution
Control Board
All proposed
quarry sites
Engineerin
g cost
Contractors Local district
authority, SC,
PIU, NHAI
Sand from
River Bed
Design Stage In case new quarries are opened the NHAI in
association with the MPCB shall carry out the
monitoring of the redevelopment of the quarries so as
to ensure that the redevelopment plan has been
carried out as laid down in the conditions of MPCB
clearance
NHAI will sign a MoU with the state irrigation
department to ensure irrigation department that there
will not be uncontrolled sand mining and the sand
mining is not intended for de-silting / excavation
Sand required for concrete work will be procured from
existing sand mine in Ganga River
The contractor will prepare plan for sand borrowing
from these locations and Supervision Consultants will
approve their plan
project
preparation
cost
Design
Consultants
PIU, NHAI
Construction
Stage
Precautionary measures like covering of vehicles will
be taken to avoid spills during transport to
construction site
- Engineerin
g cost
Contractors SC, PIU, NHAI
Contamination
of Soil from
fuel and
lubricants
Construction
Stage
the vehicles and equipment will be maintained and
refuelled in such a fashion the oil/diesel spillage does
not contaminate the soil
At the wash down and refuelling areas, “oil
interceptors” shall be provided
All spills and petroleum products shall be disposed off
in accordance to the MPCB Guidelines
Through out
project
corridor
Engineerin
g cost
Contractors SC, PIU, NHAI
Operation
Stage
Probability of contamination of soil being only from the
road runoff, which is directed into nearest water
bodies through well-designed drains and oil / grease
separators, no impact on the soil during operation
stage except in case of accidents, is anticipated.
Through out
project
corridor
Engineerin
g cost
Local bodies
including state
PWD, NHAI
NHAI
Feasibility Study and Preparation of DPR for 4/6 laning of selected stretches of National Highways
Draft Detailed Project Report under 10,000kms (NHDP Ph. III) Programme (Contract Package No. NN/DL3/2)
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Ex- 17
Construction
Stage
It will be required that the cut and fill works are carried
out strictly in accordance to the design drawings
All spoils will be disposed off and the site will be fully
cleaned before handing over.
The construction wastes will be dumped in selected
pits, developed on infertile land.
All contract
sites through
out the
project
corridor
Engineerin
g cost
Contractors SC, NHAI
Water
Surface water
bodies and
other
resources
Design Stage The impacts on surface water bodies have been
avoided by suitable design modifications
All water
resources
throughout
the project
corridor
Project
preparation
cost
Design
consultants
PIU, NHAI
Construction
Stage
Part filling of existing water bodies, shall be
compensated for by the excavation of an equal
volume of earth from elsewhere of the water body
The water body may be in use of local people for
irrigation and other domestic purposes therefore, local
people need to be informed prior to the construction
work
To keep the turbidity under control silt and slurry
produced from the base of piers shall be collected and
disposed at the designated disposal site by the
contractor
All water
bodies
throughout
the project
corridor
Engineerin
g cost plus
Rs. 1.70
million for
relocation
of hand
pumps,
wells and
water taps
Contractors SC, PIU, NHAI
Operation
stage
water quality monitoring of various surface water
bodies have been proposed at several locations along
the project road
oil interceptor will be periodically cleaned particularly
before the rainy seasons
Ganga river
and Burhi
Gandak River
Rs. 0.03
million for
water
quality
monitoring
Local Govt.
bodies, NHAI
NHAI
Feasibility Study and Preparation of DPR for 4/6 laning of selected stretches of National Highways
Draft Detailed Project Report under 10,000kms (NHDP Ph. III) Programme (Contract Package No. NN/DL3/2)
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Drainage Design Stage longitudinal drains are proposed on either side of
project road which will get connected to the existing
cross drainage structures
drains are also provided along the edge of
embankment on either side where service road is not
provided
Projetc
prepeation
cost
Design
cosultantPIU,
NHAI
Construction
Stage
The contractor will remove obstructions that may
cause any temporary flooding of local drainage
channels during construction
In section along watercourses, and locations close to
cross – drainage channels, the contractor will ensure
that earth; stone or any other construction material
shall be disposed off immediately at the designated
landfill site so as to avoid blocking the flow of water
along those channels
All necessary precautions will be taken to construct
temporary or permanent devices to prevent foundation
Throughout
project
corridor
Engineerin
g cost
Contractors SC, PIU, NHAI
Operation
stage
To maintain an efficient storm water flow, the roadside
ditches will be cleaned regularly especially prior to the
monsoons
Throughout
project
corridor
Local Govt.
bodies, NHAI
NHAI
Prevention of
Water Quality
Degradation
Construction
Stage
construction work close to the streams or other water
bodies will be avoided, especially during monsoon
period
All wastes arising from the project will be disposed off,
as per SPCB norms
The slopes of embankment leading to water bodies
will be modified and re-channelised so that
contaminants do not enter the water body
Throughout
project
corridor
Engineerin
g cost
Contractors SC, PIU, NHAI
Air
Air Quality Design Stage The capacity augmentation of the project road will
offer improved level of service resulting into reduction
of pollution load due to idling of vehicles
Throughout
project
corridor
Engineering
cost
Contractors PIU, NHAI
Feasibility Study and Preparation of DPR for 4/6 laning of selected stretches of National Highways
Draft Detailed Project Report under 10,000kms (NHDP Ph. III) Programme (Contract Package No. NN/DL3/2)
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Ex- 19
Construction
Stage
The asphalt plants, crushers and the batching plants
will be sited at least 1 km in the downwind direction
from the nearest human settlement. Vehicles
delivering loose and fine materials like sand and fine
aggregates shall be covered to reduce spills on haul
roads
It shall be ensured that the dust emissions from the
crusher and vibrating screen at the stone quarries do
not exceed the emission standards set by Central
Pollution Control Board.
Contractor
sites
Rs. 0.075
million for air
quality
monitering
per camp
site
Contractor SC, PIU, NHAI
Operation
stage
During operation stage of the project, vehicular
emissions of critical pollutants (SPM, RSPM, CO, SO2
and NOx) will be monitored
The respective Contractors will do plantation in
median and available clear space in RoW with
technical assistance from state forest department
Tree plantation for attenuating pollution levels shall be
as per the proposed road landscape plans, which
includes species with thick foliage.
Rs. 0.02
million for air
quality
managemen
t
Motor Vehicle
Dept., SPCB,
NHAI
NHAI
Noise
Noise Design
Stage
Critical locations have been identified with respect to the
noise standards and mitigation measures proposed
Throughout
project
corridor,
especially at
sensitive
areas
Project
preparation
cost
Design
consultant
PIU, NHAI
Feasibility Study and Preparation of DPR for 4/6 laning of selected stretches of National Highways
Draft Detailed Project Report under 10,000kms (NHDP Ph. III) Programme (Contract Package No. NN/DL3/2)
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Ex- 20
Constructio
n Stage
The plants and equipment used for construction will
strictly conform to CPCB noise standards. Vehicles and
equipments used shall be fitted with exhaust silencers
batching will be stopped during the night time between
9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m
To protect construction workers from severe noise
impacts, noise standards of industrial enterprises will be
strictly enforced, and workers shall be provided with
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as earplugs.
Construction
and quarry
sites
Engineering
cost
Contractors SC, PIU, NHAI
Operation
stage
Monitoring shall be taken up at few locations of the
project road in addition to noise sensitive receptors
where noise barriers have been provided, so as to
ascertain any requirement for the provision of additional
measures for the mitigation of ill effects due to increased
noise resulting from the operation of the project
Rs. 0.072
million for
noise
managemen
t
Motor vehicle
dept., SPCB,
NHAI
NHAI
Flora
Flora Design
Stage
Approximately 8584 trees will be cut for road
construction. The loss of tress is being compensated in
accordance to the NHAI tree plantation strategy in the
alignment. Trees will be removed with prior approval of
Conservator of Forest Patna. Compensatory
afforestation as per forest conservation act 1980 will be
adopted. Two trees will be planted for each tree felled
as per regulatory compliance.
Disposal of the trees will be as per the norm, otherwise
as mutually decided by the contractor in consultation
with SC and PIU
Throughout
project
corridor
within RoW
Rs. 48
million
(including
maintenanc
e for 3 yrs)
Conservator of
Forest parna,
Design
consultant,
PIU, NHAI
PIU, NHAI
Constructio
n Stage
Apart from tress earmarked for felling, no additional tree
will be felled. No tree will be removed in the zone of
construction (apart from those trees earmarked for
felling) without the prior approval of the Department of
Forests
Throughout
project
corridor
within RoW
Rs. 48
million
(including
maintenanc
e for 3 yrs)
Forest Dept.
Bihar
SC, PIU, NHAI
Fauna
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Draft Detailed Project Report under 10,000kms (NHDP Ph. III) Programme (Contract Package No. NN/DL3/2)
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Ex- 21
Fauna Constructio
n Stage
The construction workers will be educated to intimate
the higher officer in charge if they encounter any wild
fauna (adult, or juvenile or eggs) during construction
work
Throughout
project
corridor
No cost is
involved
Contractor SC, PIU, NHAI
Traffic safety plans
Traffic safety
plans
Design
Stage
provisions of crossing for heavy commercial vehicles
through overpass with minimum 5.5m headroom on the
project road
Throughout
project
corridor
Project
preparation
cost
Design
consultant
PIU, NHAI
Constructio
n Stage
Traffic management plans shall be prepared and
temporary diversion routes will be identified to divert
traffic from construction locations. Signboards indicating
construction sites on the road and flags shall be erected
Throughout
project
corridor
Engineering
cost
Contractor SC, PIU, NHAI
Cultural Properties
Cultural
Properties
Design
Stage
Alignment has been worked out to minimise impacts on
cultural/ religious properties. At locations where this was
unavoidable, and where the community was willing to
relocate the religious property, relocation has been
proposed
Throughout
project
corridor,
specifically
at sensitive
location
Project
preparation
cost
Design
consultant
PIU, NHAI
Constructio
n Stage
All necessary and adequate care will be taken to
minimize impacts on cultural properties which includes
cultural sites and remains, places of worship including
temples, mosques, churches and shrines, etc.
graveyards, monuments and any other important
structures
Location of
cultural
properties
Rs. 5,000
lumpsum
per location
(in addition
to provision
made in
RAP)
Contractor PIU, NHAI
Feasibility Study and Preparation of DPR for 4/6 laning of selected stretches of National Highways
Draft Detailed Project Report under 10,000kms (NHDP Ph. III) Programme (Contract Package No. NN/DL3/2)
Volume – IV-A : EIA Report Khagaria – Begusarai – Bakhtiarpur section of NH-31 in the State of
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22
Annexure - 2
Monitoring plan for performance indicators
Environmental
Component
Project
Stage
Parameters Frequency Standard
s
Approximate
Cost (Rs)
Implementation Supervisio
n
Air Quality Constructio
n stage
SPM, RPM, NOx, CO 24 hr
continuous,
3 / year for
3 years
Air quality
standards
by CPCB
5000 X 3 X 3
= Rs 45,000
(assuming 8
construction
sites)
Total = Rs
3,60,000
Contractor
through
approved
monitoring
agency
PIU, NHAI,
SC
Operation
stage
SPM, RPM, NOx, CO, HC,
Pb, SO2
24 hr
continuous,
3 / year
Air quality
standards
by CPCB
5000 X 3 X 8
= Rs. 1,20,000
Contractor
through
approved
monitoring
agency
NHAI
Water Quality Constructio
n stage
All the parameters for
inland surface water quality
standard for class – D will
be tested for ground water
as per ISO 1050:1991
3 / year for
3 years
Water
quality
standards
by CPCB
2000 X 3 X 3 X
12
= Rs. 2,16,000
NHAI PIU, NHAI,
SC
Operation
stage
All the parameters for
inland surface water quality
standard for class – D will
be tested for ground water
as per ISO 1050:1991
3 / year Water
quality
standards
by CPCB
2000 X 3 X 12
= Rs. 72,000
Contractor
through
approved
monitoring
agency
NHAI
Noise levels Constructio
n stage
As per National Ambient
Noise Standard as per
Environmental Protection
Act, 1986 amended 2002
24 hr
continuous,
3 / year for
3 years
Noise
level
standards
by CPCB
2000 X 3 X 3 X
18
Rs. 3,24,000
NHAI PIU, NHAI,
SC
Feasibility Study and Preparation of DPR for 4/6 laning of selected stretches of National Highways
Draft Detailed Project Report under 10,000kms (NHDP Ph. III) Programme (Contract Package No. NN/DL3/2)
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23
Operation
stage
As per National Ambient
Noise Standard as per
Environmental Protection
Act, 1986 amended 2002
For 3 years
after
plantation
Noise
level
standards
by CPCB
2000 X 3 X 12
= Rs. 72,000
Contractor
through
approved
monitoring
agency
NHAI
Flora Operation
stage
Maintain the species at
75% survival rate
For 3 years
after
plantation
- 150000X3=
Rs.4,50,000
NHAI NHAI
Soil Operation
stage
Monitoring Pb, Cr, Cd 3 years,
Once in a
year during
winters
- 12 X 3000 X 3
= 1,08,000
NHAI NHAI
Total Monitoring Cost = Rs. 17,22,000
Cd - Cadmium, CO – Carbon Monoxide, Cr – Chromium, HC – Hydrocarbon, IS – Indian Standard, NHAI
– National Highway Authority of India,
NOx –Oxides of Nitrogen, Pb – Lead, PIU – Project Implementation Unit, RPM – Respirable Particulate
Matter, SO2 – Sulphur Dioxide,
SC – Supervision Consultant, SPM – Suspended Particulate
Final Feasibility Report Feasibility Study for 4- laning of Bakhtiarpur – Begusarai- Khagaria
Vol: I – Main Report section of NH-31 in the State of Bihar
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9.0 Resettlement Action Plan
9.1 Introduction
The objectives of globalisation of economy and increased efficiency and safety in trade and
business have made a serious impact on the road transportation in the country. The country
has undertaken a 10-year highway transportation improvement program, as a part of its
approach to attain its objectives. The constitution of National Highway Authority of India
(NHAI) by the parliament via National Highway Authority of India Act, 1988 was an important
step in this direction.
The national highways carry about 40% of our total traffic, though they constitute only about
2% of the total network, this itself highlights its importance. To cope up with this challenge
the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India through National Highway
Authority of India (NHAI) has taken up the development of various National Highways
Corridors for augmenting their capacity adequately for safe and efficient movement of traffic.
One such project is titled ‘Consultancy services for Feasibility Study and Detailed Project
Report for selected stretches of National Highways under 10,000km (NHDP, Phase-III)
programme for Bakhtiarpur – Begusarai – Khagaria section of NH-31 in the state of Bihar
(Contract Package No. NN/ DL3/ 2) under Phase III Programme of North-South and East-
West Corridor Project was awarded by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to
CRAPHTS Consultants (I) Pvt. Ltd In joint venture with EMA Unihorn (I) Pvt. Ltd.
9.3 Approach & Methodology
The project tasks incorporated integration of engineering, environment and social
components within the planning exercise. The various processes involved in carrying out the
social assessment included the following:
9.3.1 Analysis of Alternatives
The feasibility study Consultant team comprising experts from social, environment
and engineering areas carried out a study to identity the most suitable alignment
option for the project road. In all, three alternative routes were initially considered for
the project road. All the options were analyzed for their relative merits and demerits
and finally the most suitable alternative was selected. The decision on the most
suitable route was undertaken by assigning different weights to factors like capital
cost, scope of future widening, land acquisition, displacement requirements, user
cost, environment impacts and technical suitability of the alignment.
Final Feasibility Report Feasibility Study for 4- laning of Bakhtiarpur – Begusarai- Khagaria
Vol: I – Main Report section of NH-31 in the State of Bihar
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9.3.2 Preliminary Social Screening Survey
The basic objective of the preliminary social screening survey was to assess the
possible impact of the project on people as a result of road widening and realignment
bypassing the Bakhtiarpur, Barh, Mokama and Begusarai. The survey also aimed at
capturing people's perceptions and their initial reactions to the resettlement and
rehabilitation policy of the NHAI.
9.3.3 Physical survey vis-a-vis design modifications and finalization of alignment
The social and environmental team jointly carried out a detailed physical survey of
the selected route to provide inputs to minimize displacement and reduce negative
social and environmental impacts resulting in minor design modifications and
finalization of the project alignment.
9.3.4 Data Collection
To prepare the RAP, social impact assessment has been carried out on the basis of
the following points: -
Primary data, collected through census survey and socio-economic survey (100%)
Secondary data Consultations with various stakeholders, Focus Group Discussions
(FGDs).
9.3.5 Census Survey
The census survey was carried out in order to meet the following objectives: -
• To collect information on likely project impacts
• To disaggregate affected properties by type & to decide upon the
entitlements
• To decimate the project information.
9.3.6 Socio-Economic Baseline Survey
Socio-economic survey of PAPs was conducted to provide a database and to assist in
development of indicators for monitoring and evaluation of RAP. The aim of the
baseline socio-economic survey was to determine distribution of socio- economic
groups on the map, analysis of social structure and income resources of the PAPs,
inventories of the resources, which the PAP use as well as the data on the system of
economic production. The data collected through the survey included the following
points: -
• Demographic profile of the PAFs
• Social characteristics (type of family, head of family, religion/caste, vulnerability
etc.)
• Economic conditions (occupation, income, assets, resources use pattern etc.)
• Educational and Cultural aspects.
Final Feasibility Report Feasibility Study for 4- laning of Bakhtiarpur – Begusarai- Khagaria
Vol: I – Main Report section of NH-31 in the State of Bihar
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9.3.7 Data Collection from Secondary Sources
The secondary data/information was collected from various agencies; so as to
ascertain/verify the ground realities and comprehend the socio-economic
characteristics, physical features and cultural set-up of the project area before
undertaking detailed field investigations. Relevant documents were collected from
Tehsil Offices, Development Authorities and others agencies, besides collecting
various published/unpublished reports on the issues, which have also been used in
the preparation of the RP.
9.3.8 Consultations
The Consultations were undertaken with various stakeholders at different levels i.e.
district, block / village for information dissemination of the project and also to obtain
their ascertain the peoples views about the project. The other objective of the
consultation was to incorporate the perceptions of the stakeholders in the planning
and implementation of the PRP.
9.4 Minimizing Negative Social Impacts
Social Impact assessment is an important component of project preparation during design
stage so as to minimize, reduce and mitigate negative social impacts of the project. The
social assessment has identified potential adverse impacts on the people losing their assets
and livelihood.
In all about three alternatives were considered for the alignment of the said project. The
alternatives were examined in terms of their relative merits and demerits and the most
acceptable option (option II), which is also the least cost, and time intensive scheme was
selected for the said project.
9.4.1 Measures to minimize negative social impacts
As the highway passes through areas of ribbon development, therefore, the RAP for
the project would need to address the issues related to titleholders and nontitleholders
loosing their livelihood and assets. The aim of integration of social
components in the design phase is to minimize the hardships of the affected people.
The RP also aims to help the APs to either better or at least maintain their livelihood.
Based on consultation with various stakeholders and project social assessment
report, the Project engineering team developed guidelines to minimize negative social
and environmental impacts/displacement, reduce disruption of livelihoods, protection
of environmentally sensitive features etc. Table 9.1 provides the measures that have
been adopted for offsetting the impacts.
Final Feasibility Report Feasibility Study for 4- laning of Bakhtiarpur – Begusarai- Khagaria
Vol: I – Main Report section of NH-31 in the State of Bihar
CRAPHTS Consultants (I) Pvt. Ltd NHAI
Table3.1 Measures to Minimize Negative Social Impacts
Criteria Design Approach
Minimization of Tree Loss Eccentric Widening
Displacement of Important Religious Structures Realignment
Displacement of Commercial / Residential Properties Realignment
9.4.2 Summary of measures taken and their impacts in minimizing negative social
impacts in the project area
To minimize negative social impacts, the alignment has been fixed in such a way that
there is least impact on the settlements. Efforts have also been made to avoid conflict
with the sensitive structures, like mosque, temples, schools and places of cultural
importance. To achieve this, the alignment has been shifted at various locations to
save residential area of villages, structures, temples, graveyards, mosques, orchards,
community structures, ponds etc.
9.5 Land Estimates and Common Properties
9.5.1 Land Acquisition
Some of the important factors that were kept in mind while designing the alignment of the
project road included minimizing the negative social impact and minimising the cost of the
project. The final alignment that emerged after considering the due objectives needs only
……….. hectares of land acquisition.
9.5.2 Common Properties
There are number of common properties that are likely to be affected due to the project
road, these include police station, temples / mosques etc. Table 9.2 shows the details of such
properties.
Table 9.2 Common Properties Affected due to Project Road
Sl. No. Name of the Properties Number
1 Temple/Mosque 49
2 Community Structure 7
3 Government Structure 11
4 Wells 130
5 Hand Pumps 333
6 Total 530
Source: Primary Survey, 2009
9.6 Details of the Affected Households / Families
‘Household’ has been considered as the basic unit of socio-economic data in the survey
conducted by the consultants, but as the entitlement matrix under the R&R framework of
Final Feasibility Report Feasibility Study for 4- laning of Bakhtiarpur – Begusarai- Khagaria
Vol: I – Main Report section of NH-31 in the State of Bihar
CRAPHTS Consultants (I) Pvt. Ltd NHAI
NHAI considers ‘Family’ as the basic, therefore information pertaining to family has been
analysed from the census / socio economic survey.
9.6.1 Titleholders
The project road affects 1896 title holders.
9.6.2 Non-Titleholders
Non titleholders present in the project road are basically in the form of squatters and
encroachers in addition to kiosks and / ambulatory vendors. These have been classified as
affected persons and the details of which are given in the table 9.3 below:
Table 9.3 Project Affected Non - Titleholders
Location Squatters Encroachers Total
Begusarai 0 0 0
Khagaria 0 1 1
Source: Primary Survey, 2009
9.6.3 Vulnerable Section
Vulnerable section of the society is that strata of the society, which is the most, oppressed
class. Careful planning calls for integrating their views and perception into the planning
process. The distribution of Vulnerable Households (VHs) is presented in table 9.4.
Table 9.4: Details of Vulnerable Households (VHs)
Districts
Vulnerability Components
OBC SC ST Total
Begusarai 289 68 0 357
Khagaria 31 6 0 37
Source: Census Survey, 2009
OBC: Other Backward Caste; SC: Scheduled caste; ST: Scheduled Tribe
9.6.4 Displaced Households (DHs)
The two type of project affected persons, they are the ones who have their structures lying
inside the ROW and the others are the ones whose structures also come under the widening
area. For assessing the PDHs, all the structures that come under the widening area have
been taken into account. It can be seen from the table 9.5 that a total of 710number
households have a potential to be displaced by the project road. The details of which are
shown below: -
Final Feasibility Report Feasibility Study for 4- laning of Bakhtiarpur – Begusarai- Khagaria
Vol: I – Main Report section of NH-31 in the State of Bihar
CRAPHTS Consultants (I) Pvt. Ltd NHAI
Table 9.5 Details of the DHs
Social
Impact
Titleholders Squatters &
encroachers
Ambulatory /
Kiosks
Total
Numbers 1896 0 0 1896
Source: Primary Survey, 2009
9.6.5 Loss of Livelihood
Loss of livelihood is termed as loss of source / means of income, directly or indirectly, due to
acquisition or removal of commercial, residential or agricultural property. As the alignment
passes through a number of villages which are dependent on the highway for their livelihood
therefore a number of commercial and residential properties will be affected by the proposed
road, the details of such properties are listed in the Table 9.6.
Table 9.6 Details of loss of livelihood
District A B C D Total
Begusarai 333 0 41 2 376
Khagaria 34 0 6 1 41
Source: Census Survey, 2009
A: Loosing residential structure; B: Agricultural Land C: Loosing commercial establishment and source of income; D:
Lively wood
9.7 R&R Entitlement Framework
The loss of whole or part of the structures be it residential, commercial or mixed use, cause
not only loss of assets but also the income through business etc. This would upset the whole
economic fabric of the area and the standard of living of the families. Therefore, after
understanding the project ground conditions and the needs, an entitlement framework for the
project-affected families has been developed. The entitlement of the AFs is based on the
entitlement framework of the R&R Policy. The entitlement framework and the R&R Policy
framework for Project Road is provided in the Table 9.7 below
9.8 Budget
The budgetary provision for the project road is summarized in various sub heads in the Table
9.8, mentioned below, for the project road section of Bathiarpur - Begusarai – Kagharia (NH-
31).
Table 9.8: Summary Budget for Resettlement and Rehabilitation Activities
[Link]. Item Amount in Rs. (million.)
1 Land Acquisition 756.50
2 R&R cost 337.12
Final Feasibility Report Feasibility Study for 4- laning of Bakhtiarpur – Begusarai- Khagaria
Vol: I – Main Report section of NH-31 in the State of Bihar
CRAPHTS Consultants (I) Pvt. Ltd NHAI
3 Assistance 9.97
4 Community infrastructure 35.08
5 Site development 8.82
6 RP implementation cost 25.29
7 Contingency & miscellaneous expenses 7.916
Total 1180.70
9.8.1 Income restoration
The basic objective behind the income restoration activities and schemes is to restore the
economic status of the affected persons enjoyed prior to the project commencement. The
families entitled for training for income restoration as per the entitlement framework are
vulnerable displaced titleholders and persons losing commercial structure/assets.
9.8.2 Participation of Stakeholders
The RP implementation action plan has been prepared through participatory process -
specially focusing on the vulnerable groups. The consultations organized at villages and at
the district provided key inputs to finalize the design and measure to develop the mitigation
plans.
9.9 Institutional Arrangement
The Environmental and the Social Development Unit (ESDU) located at the NHAI
headquarters will be responsible for overall monitoring and implementation of the RP.
The unit is presently headed by a GM and has one Deputy General Manager looking after
Environment component besides implementation of RP. It is now proposed to have one
additional manager, independently looking after R&R work, within ESDU.
The NHAI's existing capacity includes a Project Implementation Unit (PIU) at Patna headed by
a Project Director and two managers (technical and environment). It is proposed to have an
additional RO’s looking after R&R works.
9.9.1 Implementation Arrangement and Schedule
The detail implementation schedule has been prepared listing the chronological steps to have
smooth implementation of resettlement & rehabilitation plan. The exercise of verification of
PAPs and PDPs would be done by NGO on the site during implementation of RP. The actual
affected PAPs & PDPs will be issued necessary identity cards.
Final Feasibility Report Feasibility Study for 4- laning of Bakhtiarpur – Begusarai- Khagaria
Vol: I – Main Report section of NH-31 in the State of Bihar
CRAPHTS Consultants (I) Pvt. Ltd NHAI
RP further describes the linkages between resettlement implementation and set of institutions
for civil work for each component of the project. To facilitate the implementation, NGOs
would be contracted and trained. The implementation of the project is likely to be completed
in three years. To evaluate the impacts of the project activities on the socio-economic
condition of the PAPs an independent Evaluation Consultants would be hired by NHAI.

Common questions

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The environmental assessments concluded that any incremental pollution load from the highway project would be sustainable. This was determined through comprehensive impact evaluation using both primary and secondary data, and suitable mitigation measures were recommended to ensure compatibility with the environment .

The feasibility study highlighted that NH-31, being frequently used by vehicles transporting industrial acids and petroleum products, poses safety risks. This frequent transportation emphasizes the importance of stringent safety regulations and monitoring to mitigate potential hazards associated with transporting such dangerous goods .

During construction, the project proposed avoiding construction work close to water bodies during monsoon, disposing of waste per SPCB norms, and modifying slopes towards water bodies. In the operation stage, regular cleaning of oil interceptors and water quality monitoring, particularly at Ganga and Burhi Gandak Rivers, were planned to prevent water quality degradation .

The pedestrian-vehicle conflict index at Km 194 was 6.37E+07, and at Km 270, it was 1.30E+07. These values reflect significant pedestrian-vehicle interactions, with a higher index at Km 194 indicating more potential conflict and possibly highlighting a need for improved traffic safety measures at that location .

Stakeholder consultations involved engaging with local residents, shop owners, and community leaders to inform them about the project and gather concerns. These consultations aimed to address environmental impacts and resulted in the integration of community feedback in developing mitigation measures, as reflected in the comprehensive impact assessments and adjustment of project plans .

Mitigation strategies for soil erosion during construction involved protecting slopes and tows with stone pitching on filter blankets and setting berms for embankment stability. Additionally, channels, ditches, or shoulder dikes were constructed to divert water, and mulching or covering of soil with various materials was employed, particularly in high embankment areas .

The role of monitoring is crucial in managing environmental impacts of the NH-31 project. Contractors with little environmental knowledge necessitate clear guidelines in contracts, while environmental specialists supervise implementation. The direct reporting mechanism from consultants to NHAI's environmental staff, coupled with yearly monitoring and compliance checks, ensures mitigation measures are effectively managed and any unexpected impacts are promptly addressed .

The project design took into account the presence of 61 worship places along the corridor. Though not directly affected, the project ensured alignment adjustments and careful planning to minimize impacts on these sites. This reflects an effort to respect and preserve cultural heritage within the project's scope .

The land acquisition strategy aimed to minimize social impacts and project costs by carefully designing alignments to avoid residential areas, sensitive structures, and productive agricultural lands. This strategic planning reduced displacement and disruption of livelihoods, reflecting a conscious effort to balance infrastructure development with social and economic concerns .

Air quality concerns were addressed by siting asphalt plants, crushers, and batching plants downwind and away from settlements, covering materials to prevent spills, and employing methods to control dust emissions. During operation, emissions of SPM, CO, SO2 were monitored, and tree plantations were planned to mitigate pollution .

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