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Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Study of

Sardu Khola Bridge Project

Along Dharan-Mangalbare-Bishnupaduka Road, Sunsari District,

Province no. 1

Submitted to:

Government of Nepal

Ministry of Forest and Environment Singha Durbar, Kathmandu

Submitted through:

Government of Nepal

Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration Singha Durbar, Kathmandu

Proponent:

Department of Local Infrastructure Shree Mahal, Pulchok, Lalitpur, Nepal

Telephone: 977-1-5555001, 5555362, 5543197

Fax: 0977-1-5555724

Email: [email protected] , [email protected]

August, 2019

mailto:[email protected]


EIA of Sardu Khola Bridge Project DoLI

ii

Table of Contents

Table of Contents .............................................................................................................. ii

List of Figures .................................................................................................................. vii

ANNEXEXS.................................................................................................................... viii

Acronyms and Abbreviations ......................................................................................... ix

कारयकारी सारााश ..................................................................................................................... ix

Executive Summary ....................................................................................................... xiv

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION .....................................................................................1

1.1 Name of the Proposal and Brief Introduction ............................................................1

1.2 Name and Address of the Proponent ..........................................................................1

1.3 Institutional Responsibility for Preparing EIA Report ...............................................1

1.4 Name and Address of Institute Preparing the Report .................................................2

1.5 EIA Study Team and Declaration ..............................................................................2

CHAPTER 2: SUMMARY OF THE PROPOSAL.........................................................3

2.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................3

2.1.1 General Project Background ...................................................................................3

2.1.2 Necessity of Sardu Khola Bridge ............................................................................3

2.2 Project Location .........................................................................................................4

2.2.1 Salient Features of the Project .................................................................................4

2.3 Project Area Delineation ............................................................................................8

2.4 Objectives of the Proposal..........................................................................................8

2.5 Objectives of the EIA Study ......................................................................................8

2.6 Rationale for conducting EIA ....................................................................................9

2.7 Impact on land use......................................................................................................9

2.8 Adverse Impact on Environment, Impact on Human Life, Population Pressure .......9

2.9 Damaged to be suffered by local goods and objects ................................................10

2.10 Approach Road .......................................................................................................10

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY ADOPTED .............................................................11

3.1 Preparatory Works for EIA Conduction...................................................................12

3.2 Preparation of Scoping Document and Terms of Reference (TOR) ........................12

3.3 Conduction of Field Data Collection for EIA Study ................................................13

3.4 Preparation of EIA Document ..................................................................................16


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CHAPTER 4: DETAILS OF THE PROJECT .............................................................18

4.1 Type of Proposal ......................................................................................................18

4.2 Bridge Design ...........................................................................................................18

4.3 Land Requirement ....................................................................................................18

4.4 Construction Approach and Activities .....................................................................18

4.5 Possible Emissions and Waste Generation...............................................................19

4.6 Energy Use ...............................................................................................................20

4.7 Human Resource ......................................................................................................20

4.8 Project Implementation Schedule.............................................................................20

CHAPTER 5: EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION .................................21

5.1 Physical Environment ..............................................................................................21

5.1.1 Physiography and Topography ..........................................................................21

5.1.2 Geology and Soil Type ......................................................................................22

5.1.3 Engineering Geology .........................................................................................23

5.1.4 Geomorphology .................................................................................................23

5.1.5 River Bank Stability ..........................................................................................23

5.1.6 Flood and Sedimentation ...................................................................................23

5.1.7 Ground water Condition ....................................................................................24

5.1.8 Seismicity of the Project area ............................................................................24

5.1.9 Climate...............................................................................................................25

5.1.10 Drainage and Hydrology .................................................................................26

5.1.11 Air Quality, Water Quality and Noise Levels .................................................26

5.1.12 Land Use ..........................................................................................................27

5.2 Biological Environment ...........................................................................................27

5.2.1 Forests within Project Area ...............................................................................27

5.2.2 Vegetation ..........................................................................................................28

5.2.2 Ethno-Botany and NTFPs ..................................................................................29

5.2.3 Domesticated Plants ..........................................................................................31

5.2.4 Rare, Threatened and Protected Plants ..............................................................31

5.2.5 Wildlife ..............................................................................................................31

5.3 Socio Economic and Cultural Environment .............................................................34

5.3.1 Population and Household .................................................................................34


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5.3.2 House Type, Ownership and Settlement Pattern ...............................................35

5.3.3 Caste and Ethnicity ............................................................................................35

5.3.4 Language ...........................................................................................................36

5.3.5 Religion and Culture ..........................................................................................37

5.3.6 Literacy and Education ......................................................................................37

5.3.7 Occupation .........................................................................................................38

5.3.8 Migration Pattern ...............................................................................................38

5.3.9 Public Health and Sanitation .............................................................................38

5.3.10 Energy Use ......................................................................................................38

5.3.11 Service Facilities..............................................................................................39

CHAPTER 6: IDENTIFICATION OF IMPACTS ......................................................42

6.1 Beneficial Impacts ....................................................................................................42

6.1.1 Beneficial Impacts during Construction Phase ..................................................42

6.1.2 Beneficial Impacts during Operation Phase ......................................................43

6.2 Adverse Impacts .......................................................................................................44

6.2.1 Pre-Construction Phase......................................................................................44

6.2.2 Construction Phase ............................................................................................44

6.2.3 Operation Phase .................................................................................................48

CHAPTER 7: PROJECT ALTERNATIVES ...............................................................53

7.1 No Action Option .....................................................................................................53

7.2 Project Alternative....................................................................................................53

7.3 Alternative Location/Site .........................................................................................53

7.4 Alternative Design and Construction Approach ......................................................54

7.5 Alternative Schedule and Process ............................................................................54

7.6 Alternative Resources ..............................................................................................54

7.7 Other matters ............................................................................................................54

CHAPTER 8: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS, ENHANCEMENT AND

MITIGATION MEASURES ..........................................................................................55

8.1 Beneficial Impacts and Augmentation Measures .....................................................55

8.2 Adverse Impacts and Mitigation Measures ..............................................................56

8.3 Actions, Impact and Mitigation Measures ...............................................................61

CHAPTER 9: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ...................................69


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9.1 Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and its Objectives...................................69

9.2 Statutory Requirement or Legal and Procedural Bases ............................................69

9.3 Institutions and their Roles .......................................................................................70

9.4 Environment Management during Construction and Operation ..............................71

9.4.1 Spoil Management Plan .....................................................................................72

9.4.2 Pollution Abatement Plan (Pertaining to Air Quality, Water Quality and Solid

Waste) 72

9.4.3 Construction and Temporary Facillity Site Rehabilitation Management Plan ..73

9.4.4 Terrestrial Ecology: Habitat Protection, Restoration and Management Plan ....73

9.4.5 Aquatic Ecology: Habitat Protection, Restoration and ManagementPlan .........74

9.4.6 President Chure-Tarai-Madhesh Conservation Area Impact Minimization and

Co- ordination Plan .....................................................................................................74

9.4.7 Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Management Plan...............................74

9.4.8 Construction Camp Management Plan ..............................................................75

9.4.9 Construction Traffic Management Plan ............................................................75

9.4.10 Emergency Preparedness and Management Plan ............................................76

9.4.11 Permits and Approval Plan ..............................................................................76

9.4.12 Public Health and Safety Management Plan ...................................................76

9.4.13 Public Grievance Redress and Management Plan ...........................................77

9.4.14 Project Information Management Plan ............................................................77

9.4.15 Environmental Impacts Mitigation Management Plan ....................................77

9.5 Cost of Implementation of Mitigation and Augmentation Measures .......................84

9.5.1 Tree Plantation Plan (Bio-engineering) .............................................................85

9.5.2 Cost for Training and Awareness ......................................................................86

CHAPTER 10: REVIEW OF RELEVANT ACTS, RULES, REGULATIONS AND

GUIDELINES ..................................................................................................................87

CHAPTER 11: ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING ................................................96

11.1 Matter to be monitored while implementing the Proposal .....................................96

11.1.1 Baseline Monitoring ........................................................................................97

11.1.2 Compliance Monitoring ...................................................................................97

11.1.3 Impact Monitoring ...........................................................................................97

11.2 Monitoring Indicators .............................................................................................97

11.3 Record Keeping, Reporting and Corrective Actions ............................................104


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11.4 Costs of Environmental Monitoring .....................................................................104

11.5 Environmental Auditing .......................................................................................105

CHAPTER 12: PARTICULAR OF THE COST AND RETURNS OF THE

PROPOSAL ....................................................................................................................111

12.1 Summary of Cost ..................................................................................................111

12.2 Comparision of Costs ...........................................................................................111

CHAPTER 13: CONCLUSION....................................................................................112

References .......................................................................................................................113

List of Tables

Table 1: Study Team ............................................................................................................ 2

Table 2: Salient Features of Bridge Project ......................................................................... 4

Table 3: Impact Area Delineation ........................................................................................ 8

Table 4: Summary of Public Consultations Conducted ..................................................... 15

Table 5: Summary of Public Hearing Conducted ............................................................. 16

Table 6: Land Requirement for the Bridge Project and Access ......................................... 18

Table 7: Quantity of Different Construction Materials Required ...................................... 19

Table 8: Project Implementation Schedule ........................................................................ 20

Table 9: Seasonal and Annual Climatic Normals for Sunsari District .............................. 25

Table 10: Annual minimum, maximum and average temperature of Dharan ................... 25

Table 11: Annual minimum, maximum and average temperature of Dharan ................... 25

Table 12: Relativity Humidity of Dharan .......................................................................... 25

Table 13: Water Quality of Sardu Khola ........................................................................... 27

Table 14: Vegetation within the Project Area.................................................................... 28

Table 15: Ethno-botany of Project Area ............................................................................ 29

Table 16: Mammals of Project Area .................................................................................. 31

Table 17: Avifauna of Project Area ................................................................................... 32

Table 18: Herpetofauna of Project Area ............................................................................ 33

Table 19: Rare, Threatened and Protected Animals Found in Project Area ...................... 33

Table 20: Population of the Project Area ........................................................................... 34

Table 21: Percentage of caste/ethnic composition within Project Area ............................ 35

Table 22: Percentage of people speaking mother tongue within Project Area .................. 36

Table 23: Population that have completed the education level within ZOI ....................... 37


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Table 24: Source of energy for lightening purpose ........................................................... 39

Table 25: Source of energy for cooking purpose ............................................................... 39

Table 26: Source of drinking water ................................................................................... 39

Table 27: Summary of the Beneficial Impacts and Scores ................................................ 49

Table 28: Summary of Adverse Environmental Impact and Scores .................................. 50

Table 29: Beneficial Environmental Impacts and Proposed Enhancement Measures ....... 62

Table 30: Adverse Environmental Impacts and Proposed Mitigation Measures .............. 62

Table 31: Institutional Roles and Responsibilities ............................................................. 70

Table 32: Environmental Impacts Mitigation Management Plan. ..................................... 78

Table 33: Cost for Impact Mitigation and Augmentation .................................................. 85

Table 34: Cost for Bio-engineering ................................................................................... 86

Table 35: Cost associated with training and awareness ..................................................... 86

Table 36: Review of Relevant Acts, Rules, Regulations and Guidelines .......................... 87

Table 37: Parameters selected for monitoring ................................................................... 98

Table 38: Compliance Monitoring for Sardu Khola Bridge Project ................................ 100

Table 39: Impact / Effect Monitoring for the Sardu Khola Bridge Project ..................... 101

Table 40: Estimated Cost for Environmental Monitoring ............................................... 104

Table 41: Environmental Auditing Framework for Sardu Khola Bridge Project ............ 106

Table 42: Environmental Management Cost ................................................................... 111

Table 43: Cost and Returns of the Proposal ..................................................................... 111

List of Figures

Figure 1: Bridge Location in District Map .......................................................................... 6

Figure 2: Bridge Location in Topographical Map ............................................................... 7

Figure 3: Bridge Location in Google Earth ......................................................................... 7

Figure 4: Geological Map of the Project Area ................................................................... 22

Figure 5: Seismic Risk Map of Nepal (After Bajracharya, 1994) ..................................... 24

Figure 6: Catchment Area of Sardu Khola at Bridge Site ................................................. 26

Figure 7: Forest towards Right Bank ................................................................................. 28

Figure 8: Environment Management Organization Structure ............................................ 71


viii

ANNEXEXS

Annex 1: SD/ToR approval letter & Approved Terms of Reference (ToR)

Annex 2: Consent from President Chure-Terai Madhesh Conservation Development

Committee

Annex 3: Information Collection Checklists

Annex 4: Minute of Public Consultation with Jalkanya CFUG

Annex 5: Public Consultation Notice and Minute of Public Hearing

Annex 6: Recommendation Letters of the Affected VDC

Annex 7: General Arrangement of Bridge

Annex 8: Location Map of Bridge

Annex 9: Declaration from EIA Study Team Member

Annex 10: Photographs


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Acronyms and Abbreviations

masl: meter above sea level

BS: Bikram Sambat

CBO: Community Based Organization

CCA: Chure Conservation Area

CFUGs: Community Forest User Group

CITES: Convention on International Trade in

Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora

cm: Centimeter

dBA: Decibel (A)

DCC: District Coordination Committee

DFO: Division Forest Office

DHM: Department of Hydrology and

Meteorology

DMG: Department of Mines and Geology

DoLI: Department of Local Infrastructure

DoR: Department of Roads

EA: Environmental Assessment

EIA: Environmental Impact Assessment

EMP: Environment Management Plan

EPA: Environment Protection Act

EPR: Environment Protection Rules

GIS: Geographical Information System

GoN: Government of Nepal

HFL: Highest Flood Level

HH: Household

IDO: Infrastructure Development Office

IEE: Initial Environmental Examination

IIZ: Indirecct Impact Zone

IUCN: International Union for Conservation of

Nature

LBS: Local Bridge Section

LEP: Labor based Environmentally

Friendly and Participatory Approach

LPG: Liquefied Petroleum Gas

LRBP: Local Road Bridge Programme

LRBS: Local Road Bridge Section

LRBSU: Local Road Bridge Support Unit

m : Meter

MoFAGA: Ministry of Federal Affairs and

General Administration

MoFE: Ministry of Forests and

Environment

MoPID : Ministry of Physical

Infrastructure and Development

NA: Not Applicable

NAAQS: National Ambient Air Quality

Standards

NGO: Non Governmental Organization

NTFPs: Non Timber Forest Products

PAFs: Project Affected Families

PCU: Project Coordination Unit

RCC: Reinforced Cement Concrete

RM: Rural Municipality

RoW: Right of Way

SD: Scoping Document

SDC: Swiss Agency for Development and

Cooperation

SWCA: Soil and Water Conservation Act

TA: Technical Assistance

ToR: Terms of Reference

VDC: Village Development Committee

www: World Wide Web

ZoI: Zone of Influence


ix

कारयकारी सारााश

पषठभमि

सथानीर सडक पल कारयकरि नपाल सरकारको आरथयक लगानी र मसिस मिकास तथा सहरोग मनरोगको परामिमिक

सहरोगिा साचामलत कारयकरि हो । रस कारयकरिको उददशर पल मनिायणिा रामिर र सथानीर (मनजी र सािदामरक)

सासथाको कषिता अमभबमि गरी दशभरर सिा र अिसरिा पहचको सिार गनय रहको छ । रो कारयकरि नपालका

समपणय मजललािा लाग गररएको छ । रसको आिारभत साझदारका रपिा सथानीर पिायिार मिभाग रहका छ ।

परदश ना . १, सनसरी मजलला, िरान- िागलबार-मिषणपादका सडक खणडिा पन सदय खोला पल पमन सथानीर

पिायिार मिभागको सथानीर सडक पल कारयकरि अतगयतक एउाा कारयकरि हो । रो िातािरणीर परभाि िलराङकन

परमतिदन सो पल मनिायण र साचालनका करििा पनय सकन सकारातिक तथा नकारातिक िातािरणीर एिा सािामजक

परभािलाई समबोिन गनयको लामग तरार गररएको हो ।

परसतािक

िरान – िागलबार – मिषणपादका सडक खणड अतगयत सनसरी मजलला मसथत िडा ना ११ र िडा ना २० को

मसिाना भई बगन सदय खोला िामथ पककी सडक पल मनिायण गन परसतािको कारयकारी मनकार एिा िातािरणीर

परभाि िलराङकनको लामग परसतािकको रपिा सथानीर पिायिार मिभाग रहको छ ।

परसतािकको ठगाना मनमनानसार रहको छ :

सथानीर पिायिार मिभाग

शरी िहल, पलचोक, लमलतपर, नपाल

समपकय फोन : ०१ - ५५३२०१९

इिल : [email protected]

िातािरणीर परभाि िलराङकनका उददशर

रस िातािरणीर परभाि िलराङकन अधररनको उददशर आरोजनालाई िातािरणीर पकषबाा िलरङकन गरी

आरोजनालाई परामिमिक तथा िातािरणीर पकषबाा ददगो बनाउन हो । रस अधररनको दौरान आरोजना

कारायिरन गदायका सकारातिक तथा तथा नकारातिक परभािहरको पमहचान गरी, सकारातिक परभािहरलाई

बढोततरी गन र नकारातिक असरहरलाई रमनकरण गन उपारहर पमहचान गरी परसताि गन सित आरोजनाको

उददशर हो ।

परसतािको सादरभयकता

सदय नदीिा बनन रस िोारिल पलल सनसरी मजललाको िरान उप - िहानगरपामलका िडा ना ११ र २० का

गरामिण बमसतहर जसत सगरिाथा ाोल, ३४ घर ाोल, मसरान दिी गाउ , मबषणपादका आददलाई िरान - िागलबार

-मिषणपादका िागयको िाधरिबाा अर कषतरसग सि िौसििा रातारातको िाधरिल जोडनछ । रस पलको

मनिायणल सथानीर िामसदाका लामग सहज, सरमकषत र भरपदो रातारातको िागय परसतत गन छ । साथ रस

आरोजनाल सथानीर सतरिा वयापाररक दकरराकलापलाई परोतसाहन गरी रोजगारी परिियन गन दमखछ । सथानी

रसतरिा उतपाददत िसतहरल मिशष गरी दि र दिजर उतपादन, फलफल, तरकारी, कखराको मनकासी सहज

गराई रामरो बजारिलर परापत भ आर आजयनको अिसर सजना हन दमखछ भन पल मनिायण गदाय आिशरक पन



x

िानि सरोत परदान गरी रस कषतरिा रोजगारीको अिसथािा सिार हन दमखछ । तसथय उपरकत सथानिा पल

मनिायणको आिसरकता सादरभयक छ ।

परसतािको मििरण तथा अधररन मिमि

बकस डीजाइन परकारको रो पलको लमबाई कररब १२१ मिार र पाी बाहकको चौडाई ७.५ मिार रहन छ र पाी

पल को दारा, बारा दब तफय १.१मि रहको छ । २६0 ४९’२६.४९” उततरी अकषााश र ८७0१५’१०.४९” पिी

दशातरिा सिदि सतहबाा ३१० मिारको उचाईिा परसतामित रो पल हाल भान चोक बजारबाा कररब ४.५

दकमि पमिििा अिमसथत छ । रो पलको दारा दकनार सनसरी मजलला िरान उप-िहानगरपामलका, िडा ना. २०

को मसरान दिी गाउ नमजक पदयछ भन बारा दकनार सनसरी मजलला, िरान उप-िहानगरपामलका, िडा ना. ११

को सगरिाथा ाोल, ३४ घर बमसत नमजक पदयछ । आरोजनाको कल लागत ि.अ.क. समहत न.र.

१३,९८,२०,४३८. ३३ लागन दमखछ ।

परिख पलिा पन रो सदय खोला पल चर सारमकषत कषतरिा मनिायण गररन भएकोल िातािरण सारकषण मनरिािली,

१९९७ को मनरि ३ अतगयतको अनसची २ को मिशष कषतर सरोकारको अः(२) अनसार िातािरणीर परभािको

वयिहारीक तथा ठाउ मबषश रमनकरण तथा लाभबदघीका उपारहर सझाि गनय िातािरणीर परभाि िलराङकन

कारय आिशरक दमखछ । रो िातािरणीर परभाि िलराङकन परमतिदन नपाल सरकारको काननी आिशरकता परा

गनय आिशरक सदभय सािागरीहरको पिय अधररन तथा सथलगत अधररन र िन तथा िातािरण ितरालरको (िा.

ितरीसतरीर) मनणयरदवारा २०७६।०२।१० गत सिीकत कषतर मनिायरण परमतिदन र कारयसची र रािपमत चर तराई

ििस सारकषण मिकास समिमतको २०७५।०८।२६ िा परापत अधररन सिीकमतका सतयहरको अमिनिा रमह तरार

गररएको छ ।

आरोजनाको मिदयिान िातािरणीर अिसथा

चर पियतबाा सर हन सदय खोला िलहरबाा पानी परापत गन नदी हो । अधररन कषतर पिी नपालको चर, मशिामलक

कषतरिा अिमसथत छ । भौगरभयक दमिकोणल आरोजना सथल मसिामलका कषतरको तललो मशिामलक इकाईिा पदयछ ।

रो कषतरिा सराडसाोन, िडसाोन जसता नरि र चमनलो खालका चटटानहर रहका छन । पलको दि तफय नदील

थपारको िााोको बाकलो तह रहको छ । परसतामित पलको दि तफयको जगहर मशिामलक चटटान िामथ नदील

थपारको िााोिा अिमसथत छ ।

आरोजना कषतरिा उषण हािापानी पाइछ । रस कषतरको िारषयक औशत अमिकति तापकरि ३०.१ मड.स. साथ

िारषयक औशत रनति तापकरि १८.६ मड.स. र िारषयक औशत िषाय १,७९४.३ मिमि हछ । पल मनिायण सथलिा

नदीको जलािार कषतर १९.६ ि.दक.िी. रहको छ । पलको दीगो पनको लामग मनिायण सथलिा नदीको सिरपका

कारण दि तािा ताीर सिारकारय अतरािशरक दमखछ । रहा िार, जल तथा धिनी परदषणका सरोतहर दमखएका

छ नन ।

आरोजना कषतर चर सारकषण कषतर मभतर पदयछ । आरोजना कषतर िरपरका िनिा मससौ र खरर िखर रपिा पाइछ ।

री िनिा मससौ सग, आप, बडािार, बोािाररो, जािन, हरो र बरोका रखहर पमन पाईछ । आरोजना कषतर

नमजक पाइन बनसपमतिा खतका कालािा लगाइएका रखहरिा आर, कागती, करा, अमबा, काहर, रसत

डालघास रखहरिा दबदब, मभिल, दकि, कटिरो आदद रहका छन । तर रो पल मनिायणका करििा कन पमन रख

काटनपन अिसथा छ न । पल परसताि गररएको ठाउ िानिीर बसोबास कषतरिा पन भएकोल रहा िरजतको आित

जाित मिरल हन गरको छ, तथामप िरपरका जागलिा भन तराई एिा मभतरी तराई कषतरिा पाइन िरजतहर जसत


xi

फराउरो, लागर, रातो बादर, बदल, मचततल, लोखक, राउरी िसा, आदी पाइछन । सदय खोला नदीिा बदना,

बाि सहर, ईल, कतल, असलाशाकय , पोथी, रह िाछा आदी पाइछन।

परतकषर परभामित कषतरको जनसाखरा १,२७५ परष र १,३८० िमहला गारी जमिा २,६५५ रहको छ र पररिारको

आकार ४.९९ रहको छ । राई जमत पमछ मलमब, निार, कषतरी, तािााङ, बराहमण, कामि, िगर, जमतका िामनसको

बाहलरता आरोजना कषतरिा रहको छ । आरोजना कषतरको साकषरता दर ७९.१३ परमतशत रहको छ । आरोजना

कषतरका िर जसो वयमकतहर द मनक जरालादारी र िजदरी कारयिा सालगन छन । रहाका अर पशािा बरापार र

ि दमशक रोजगार िहतिपणय छन । परभामित कषतरिा एक सिासर चौकील रस कषतरिा सिासर सिा परौद आएको

छ र मब.पी. कोइराला सिासर मबजञान सासथान िरान, लाभगरमहको लामग िखर सिासर सासथा रहको छ । अमिकााश

घरिरी मपउनको लामग िाराबाा आउन पानीिा अमशरत रहका छन । ७८.९५ परमतशत भदा बदढ घरिरील बारो-

गरास र बादक २१.०५ परमतशत घरिरील दाउरालाई परिख इिनको रपिा आरोजनाको परतकषर परभामित सथानिा

पररोग गदयछन र उजरालोको लामग ९९ परमतशत भदा बडी रामिर मिदयत दवारा लाभामित छन जहा जमिा ४

घरिरील उजजरालोको लामग िटटीतल को पररोग गदयछन । रहाको सथानीर िजार िागलबार बजार हो भन िखर

बजार िरान हो ।

िातािरणीर परभािहर

सकारातिक परभािहर

आरोजना मनिायणका करििा ततकाल दमखएका सकारातिक परभािहरिा उललखमनर वयमकत ददन बराबरको

असथारी रोजगारीको अिसर सजना र सथानीर जनताको दकषता अमभिमि रहका छन । आरोजना परभामित कषतरका

गरीब, अशहार र मपछमडएका िगयलाइ परररोजनाको उपभोकताबाा गररन रोजगारीका कारयहरिा पराथमिकता

ददइनछ । रस गरी आरोजना साचालन पमछ हन सकारातिक परभािहरिा िरान उप िहानगरपामलका िडा ना ११

र २० का जनतालाई िरान – िागलबार - मिषणपादका सडकिा बष भरी रातारातको समििा तथा पहच, सथानीर

कमष उपज तथा फलफलजर कमष उदयोगको परिदरिन, आरथयक मिकास, आदद रहका छन । पल साचालनिा

आएपमछ आरोजना परभामित कषतरका जनताहरलाई सािामजक सिा जसत ः सिासर, मशकषा, सािदामरक सिा,

बजार तथा अर समबिािा सहज र ित पहच परापत हनछ । रस पलको मनिायण पमछ रस कषतरिा द मनक उपभोगर

बसतहर, खादय तथा अर बसतहरको आपरतय सहज हनछ भन रस कषतरको कमष उपजल पमन सहज बजार परापत

गनछ जसल गदाय जीिनसतर बमि हनछ ।

नकारातिक परभािहर

आरोजना मनिायणका करििा िातािरणको सािामजक अिरििा दमखनसकन परिख नकारातिक परभािहरिा उपलबि

सिा समििािा दिाि, सथानीर र आगतक कािदारहर मबच दवद मसजयना, पशागत सिासर तथा सरकषािा परभाि,

आदद िखर सरोकारका रहका छन । अर असरहरिा कारय र जराला मितरणिा लमगक मिभद, जोमखिपणय कारयिा

नािालकहरको पररोग, असिसथ आिासका कारण फ मलन रोग, शारीररक समपकयका कारण सन रौन रोग हनसकन

दमखछन । साथ आरोजना साचालन पिात उपलबि समििाका कारण सडक दकनारिा अवयिमसथत िसोिास

बढन गई सडक कषतर अमतकरिण हन समभािना पमन रहछ ।

पल मनिायण परकरािा पररोग हन उपकरण, सिारीसािन एिा रसारमनक ततिहरको कारण धिमन, हािा र पानी

परदमषत हन सकछ । पलको मनिायण करििा मनसकन िााोका कारण नदीको पानी परदमषत हन सकछ । फोहोरको

उमचत वयिसथापन नभएिा जल तथा जमिको परदषणल अर नकारातिक परभाि मनमतराउन समभािना रहछ ।


xii

मनिायण सािामगरहरको सिमचत भणडारण तथा साचालन नगदाय चहािाका कारण सतही तथा भमिगत जल परदमषत

हनसकदछ । ज मिक िातािरणिा पन परभािको सदभयिा िनसपमत तथा िरजतिा परतरकष नकारातिक परभाि

पन दखखाद न । समडिा तथा परदषणको कारण जलीर पररमसथमतकीर परणाली र सदय खोलाका िाछािा पन

परभािलाई परिख चासोको मिषर हो ।

रमनकरणका उपारहर

आरोजनाको नकारातिक असरहर रमनकरण गनयका लामग मिमभनन वयिहाररक तथा मितवयरी उपारहर सझाि

गररएको छ । आरोजनाका परसतािक िा रसको परमतमनमि (मनिायण वयिसारी) ल आरोजना मनिायण तथा

साचालनको अिमििा रसता उपारहर अिलमबन गन छन । आरोजना मनिायण अिमिको लामग रनीकरणका

उपारहर लाग गन मजमििारी ठकदारको हनछ । अिलमबन गररन कही परिख उपारहर मनमनानसार छन ।

आरोजनािा परभामित जनतालाई मनिायण कारयिा समबमित रोजगारीिा पराथमिकता ददइनछ र

मशपिलक तामलिदवारा मतनको कषिता अमभबमि गररन छ ।

ताीर काान, भकषर र बाढी जोमखि रनीकरण गनय आिशरक नदी ताबि, बकषारोपण, बारो-

इजीनीररीङगको वयिसथा मिलाइन छ । खोलाको उपललो कषतरिा कररब १५० मि र तललो कषतरिा ५०

मि अमतररकत ताबि मनिायण गररनछ ।

पलको मनिायण करििा मनसकन िााोलाई उमचत सथानिा भडारण गरी पलका सारचना िा पनः भनय,

खालाा खालाी पनय र पहच सडक मनिायणिा पररोग गररन छ ।

सथानीर सिा समििािा दिाि कि गनय ठकदारल द मनक उपभोगर आिशरकता जसत खान पानी, साचार,

मिजली तथा खाना पकाउन इिन, आददको वयिसथा करामपमभतर गन छ । मनिायण गमतमिमिका कारण

कन भौमतक सारचनािा कषमत हन गएिा तरसको पनरनयिायण िा पनसथायपना गररन छ ।

पशागत सिासर र सरकषाको सरोकारका लामग आिशरक तरारी गररन छ । कािदारहरलाई हलिा,

पजा, बा, सरकषातिक पाी, चसिा, िासक आदद परदान गररन छ । मनिायण र भणडारणसथलिा अनामिकत

परिश र गमतमिमि रोकन खतराका साकतहर, छकबार एिा पालको वयिसथा गररन छ ।

करामप तथा मनिायण कषतरबाा ५० मि पर असथाई चपीको वयिसथा गररन छ र मतनलाई पानीको सरोतबाा

५० मि पर रामखन छ ।

आरोजना मनिायणको करििा मनसकन घरल तथा मनिायणजर फोहोरि लालाई नदीकषतर बाा पर उपरकत

सथानिा र भाडोिा साकलन गररन छ । पनः पररोग हनसकन िसत जसत डरि, बोरा, िात आददलाई जमिा

गरी किाडीिालाई बमचन छ ।

मनिायण गमतमिमििा पररोग हन तल तथा अर रसारमनक पदाथयहरलाई उपरकत सथानिा धरानपियक

भणडारण तथा उपरोग गररन छ ।

िातािरणीर वयिसथापन रोजना

सदय खोला पलको िातािरणीर वयिसथापन रोजनाल िातािरणीर परभाि िलराङकन अधररन परमतिदनिा

सझाइएका रमनकरणका उपारहर र अनगिनको परदकररानकल एिा सिरानकल कारायिरनलाई समनमित गन

वयिसथापकीर आिशरकता तथा परदकररालाई सिाको छ । आरोजनाको सिगर िातािरणीर वयिसथापन

परसतािकको मजमििारी मभतर पदयछ र रो परसतािक आफ ल िा मनिायण वयिसारी िाफय त गराइनछ ।

िातािरणीर वयिसथापनको समबििा आिशरक सचना तथा ि जञामनक आिार परदान गनय आरोजना मनिायणपिय,

मनिायणको सिरिा र साचालनको सिरिा िातािरणको अिसथाको जानकारी साकलन र अमभलख गनय


xiii

िातािरणीर अनगिन रोजना परसताि गररएको छ । आरोजना मनिायणको र साचालनको सिरिा कारायिरन गन

गरी दई परकारको अनगिनको वयिसथा गररएको छ , परभाि अनगिन र मनरिपालन अनगिन । री दई परकारको

अनगिनको लामग अनगिनका सचक, मिमि, सथान, बारमबारता, सिर तमलका र मजमििार कारयकारी मनकार

पमहचान गररएको छ । आरोजना मनिायणको अनगिन सथानीर पिायिार मिभाग तथा आरोजना साचालनको

अनगिन सथानीर पिायिार मिभाग, सथानीर सडक पल कारयकरि तथा मजललाका अर मनकारहरल गनछन ।

िातािरणीर अनगिनको लामग र ३,३५,०००/- मिमनरोजन गररएको छ भन पमहचान गररएका परभािहरको

रमनकरणका उपारहर अिलमबन गनयको लामग र ७,६५,०००/- हजार छाराइएको छ ।

िातािरणीर सारतरहरल कमतको दरसत काि गरका छन भनन रदकन गनय र आरोजनाका िासतमिक परभािको

पमहचान गनय, परभाि अनिानको दरसतता र अिलमबन गररएका रमनकरणका उपारहरको परभािकाररता जाचन

िातािरणीर लखापरीकषण रोजनाको खाका पमन रस परमतिदनिा परसतत गररएको छ । िातािरण सारकषण

मनरिािली २०५४ ल सझाए अनरप आरोजना सर भएको २ िषय पिात रसको िातािरणीर लखा परीकषण

गररनछ । आरोजनाको समपणय िातािरण वयिसथापनको खचय तथा मनिायण वयिसारीको काननी दामरतिको भार

परसतािकल िहोनछ ।

मनषकषय

रस सतरको आरोजनाका लामग आरोजनाबाा हन नकारातिक असरहर नगर छन । िर जसो असरहर सथानीर

सतरि मनिायण चरणिा िातर मसमित छन । आरोजनाबाा हन नकारातिक असरहर ददइएका रमनकरणका

उपारहरबाा कि गनय सदकछ । िातािरणीर वयिसथापन रोजनाको मभतर सिाीएका उपारहर अिलमबन गरीए

परररोजना कषतरिा भौमतक, ज मिक, सािामजक तथा सासकमतक िातािरणिा ठलो असरपन दमखद न । साथ रो

आरोजनाल कस को मनजी जगगा अमिगरहण गदन र कन परकारल कन रख पमन काटद न । रो आरोजना रािको

सडक साजाल तरार गन एउाा पिायिार पमन हो । तरस ल आरोजनाको परकमत, रसको अिमसथमत, सथानीर

जनसिदारहरको आरोरोजना परमतको रमच तथा पमहचान गररएका समभामित नकारातिक असरहरलाई

िधरनजर गद िातािरणीर परभाि िलराङकन अधररनल मनदशन गर अनरपको रमनकरण तथा

अमभिमिकरणका उपारहर अिलमबन गरी आरोजना रथामसघर साचालन गनय उपरकत दमखछ ।


xiv

Executive Summary

Background

Local Roads Bridge Programme (LRBP) has been financed by the Government of Nepal

(GoN) with technical assistance from Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation

(SDC) to improve the access to services and opportunities throughout the country and

strengthen Capacities of national, local institutions (private and communities) in bridge

sector. This programme is present in all the districts of the country. The basic partner is

principally DoLI.

Sardu Khola Bridge (Sunsari District) along Dharan - Mangalbare – Bishnupaduka road

is one of the projects under DoLI, LRBP. This EIA report has been prepared to address the

likely environmental and social impact, both beneficial and adverse, due to the proposed

bridge construction and operation in the project influenced area.

The Proponent

DoLI is the implementing agency and the proponent of the the Environmental Impact

Assessment (EIA) study for the construction of motorable bridge over the Sardu Khola at

Sunsari at the border of wards 11 and 20 of Dharan Sub-Metropolitan city of Sunsari

District, Province no.1 along Dharan - Mangalbare – Bishnupaduka road.

Full Address of the Proponent:

Department of Local Infrastructure

Shree Mahal, Pulchok, Lalitpur, Nepal

Telephone: 01-5532019

Email: [email protected]

Objectives of EIA

The aim of EIA study is to access the project from the environmental point of view and

make the proposed project technically and environmentally sustainable and to identify

beneficial and adverse impact upon the implementation of the proposed proposal and

recommend the measures for the enhancement of beneficial impacts and mitigation

measures for the adverse impacts.

Relevancy of the Proposal

The construction of the motorable bridge over the Sardu Khola will provide all weather

connectivity to the remote and isolated settlements of wards 11 and 20 as of Sagarmatha

Tole, 34 Ghare Tole, Siran Devi Gaun, Bishnupaduka etc. will be connected to Dharan

Sub-Metropolitan city of Sunsari District via; short stretch of Dharan - Mangalbare -

Bishnupaduka Road. The construction of bridge will also provide easy, safe and reliable

access route to the local people. Furthermore, the project will also encourage the local

commercial activities and will increase the employment opportunities at local level. Local

products like milk and milk products, fruits, vegetables and poultrycan get the market value

with easy transportation access and also creates better income opportunities. Similarly, the

project will also offer the employment opportunities by engaging rural people in

construction works. As such construction of the brige at this location is logical.


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Project Description and Study Methodology

This design of Box Bridge is about 121 m long with a carriageway width of 7.5.m with foot

path of 1.1m at both sides of the bridge. The proposed bridge is located at 260 49’26.49”N

latitude and 870 15’10.49”E longitude and elevation of 310m about 4.5 km West from

Bhanu chowk. The right bank of the proposed bridge site lies close to Siran devi gaun,

Ward no. 20 and the left bank lies close to Sagarmatha Tole, 34 Ghare settlement, Ward

No. 11 within Dharan Sub - Meteropolitian city of Sunsari District.The estimated total

project cost including VAT is NRs. 13, 98,20,438.33.

Since, the Sardu Khola Bridge is a major bridge being constructed within the boundary of

environmentally sensitive area designated as the Churia Conservation Area, EIA is

essential as per the special area consideration {L (2)} of Schedule 2 under Rule 3 of

Environmental Protection Rules (EPR 1997) to suggest the appropriate practical & site

specific mitigation/enhancement measures. This EIA report has been prepared following

necessary desk and field study and defined procedure and also on the basis of the SD and

ToR approved by the Ministry level decision of the MoFE on 2076-02-10 (2019-05-24)

and the conditions of consent from President Chure-Terai Madhesh Conservation

Development Committee was obtained in 2075/08/26 to fulfill the statutory requirement of

GoN.

Existing Environmental Condition

The Sardu Khola is a springfed river and originates from the Chure Range.

Physiographically, the study area lies in the Churia/Siwalik zone of Central Nepal.

Geologically, the project site is located within the Lower Siwalik unit of the Siwalik zone

which is mainly composed of sandstones, and mudstones and calcareous deposits. The

project area has thick alluvial deposits of the Sardu River on both banks exhibiting definite

fluvial cycles. The foundations of the proposed bridge on both banks are located in the

alluvial deposits overlying Siwalik Rock.

The climate of the project area is tropical. The annual average rainfall is 1,794.3 mm and

the average annual maximum temperature is 30.10C and average annual minimum

temperature is 18.60C. The Sardu Khola is a perennial river with significant discharge.

Total catchment area of the river at proposed bridge site is 19.6 Km2. Location of the bridge

and the nature of the Sardu Khola call for river training for sustainability of the bridge.

Sources of air, water and noise pollution are literally absent as of now.

The project area lies in Churia Conservation Area. The forest around the project area is

dominated by Sisoo (Dalbergia sisoo) and Khair (Acacia catechu) forest. Along with such

trees the forest consists of Bot Dhairo (Lagerstroemia parviflora), Badadhar (Artocarpus

lakoocha Wall), Jamun (Syzigium cumini), Harro (Terminalia chebula), Barro (Terminalia

bellirica) etc. The vegetation in the immediate vicinity of the project site is limited to sparse

fodder tress along the cultivated land as Guava, Mango, Aaru, Katahar etc. and few trees

species of Dabdabe ,Bhimal, Kimu, Kutmero etc. planted as flood protection against

agriculture field abutting the Sardu River. The area where the bridge has been proposed is

predominantly human habitation with infrequent movement of animals. However, the


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surrounding forest harbours mammalian species typical of Terai and inner Terai region of

Nepal like Rato Bandar (Macaca mullata), Langur (Semnopithecus entellus), Bandel (Sus

scrofa), Chital (Axis axis), Squirrel (Sciuridae sps.), Nyauri musa (Talpa sps.) etc. Fish

species like Buduna (Garra annandalei), Bam Sahar (Tor spp.), Eel (Anguilla bengalensis),

Katle (Acrossocheilus hexagonolepis), Aslashark (Wallago attu), Pothi (Puntius spp.) and

Rhou (Labeo rohita) are found except in dry season where river gets completely dry.

The total population of the direct influence project area is 2,655 with 1,275 male and 1,380

female. The total household size is 4.99. The population of the project area is dominated

by Rai, Limbu, Newar, Chhetri, Tamang, Brahman followed by Kami and Magar. Total

literacy of the project area is 79.13%. Agriculture and livestock rearing is the major

occupation of the project area. Other occupations include small business and aboard jobs.

Health care service is being delivered by one of the Health Post in the project area (Bhanu

Chowk) and people goes to B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences for better health

facilities. Most of the household depend on piped tap water for drinking. Almost 78.95%

households depend on bio-gas for cooking and more than 99 % have national electricity

available as a lighting source. Mangalbare bazaar is the local market center and the major

market is Dharan.

Environmental Impacts

Beneficial Impacts

The immediate beneficial impact from the project during construction phase is generation

of temporary employment opportunity of significant persondays together with skill

enhancementfor local people. Poor, vulnerable and socially excluded people of ZoI will get

priority in project related jobsthat are administered through users. The major beneficial

impacts after project completion includes enhanced accessibility and transportation facility

throughout the year to the people of both wards 11 and 20 of Dharan Sub-Metropolitan city

along Dharan - Mangalbare - Bishnupaduka Road which helps in promotion of agro-

enterprises based on local agricultural and horticultural products and economic

development. Once in operation the bridge will offer easy, comfortable and quick access to

people of the area to social service facilities like health, education, market and other

facilities. Likewise, this will ease the supply of daily consumables, food and others and

provide market to local agricultural products which will improve the quality of living.

Adverse Impacts

Among the adverse impact on the social domain of the environment, pressure on existing

service facilities, possible conflict and clash between local and outside workers,

occupational health and safety are of chief concern. Other impacts are gender

discrimination in task and wage distribution, involvement of children in risky works,

diseases due to unhygienic living condition, communicable diseases and STDs, etc. During

operation phase, ribbon settlement along the project alignment could develop haphazardly

and encroachment might occur along approach road.


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Construction activity may produce noise, water and air pollution due to operation of

construction equipments and vehicles and use of synthetic chemicals. Spoil from work for

bridge construction may mix with the river water and increase the sediment load. Improper

storage and handling of construction materials and chemicals may cause surface and ground

water pollution and soil pollution through leakage and seepage. Regarding the impact on

biological environment, no direct impact on forest and wildlife is envisaged as the bridge

is proposed amongst settlement. The major concern is impact on aquatic ecology due to

sediment and fresh water fish aboding the Sardu Khola.

Mitigation Measures

A number of practical and cost effective mitigation measures have been suggested to

prevent, correct and compensate the adverse effects of the project implementation. The

project proponent or its representative/contractoris bound to implement these measures

during the construction and operation of the project. For construction phase, contractor will

be responsible for the implementation of the mitigation measures. Some of the major

measures to be adopted are as follows:

The affected people will be given high priority in employment opportunities and

opportunity to local people will be maximized during construction phase. Similarly,

their skills will be enhanced through necessary trainings.

Proper engineering and bio-engineering techniques will be adopted to protect bank

cutting and erosion and avoid flood risk. River training works will be extended to

150 m upstream and 50 m downstream along the both banks of the Sardu Khola.

Spoil generated during construction work will be stored properly and reused in

backfilling and to reclaim depressions and approach road construction.

To reduce the pressure on service facilities, contractor will managesome utilities

like communication, lighting and cooking energy, drinking water supply, etc within

the camp.Any damages to physical infrastructures will be reconstructed or

rehabilitated.

To address the issue of occupational health and safety, proper safety arrangements

will be made. Safety equipment such as helmets, boots, gloves, safety belts, safety

glasses and masks will be provided to the workers working in the construction sites.

Warning signs, posts, barriers and guards will be installed to restrict access of

unauthorized persons to construction sites.

Arrangements of temporary latrines will be made for workers and they will be

placed 50 m away from water bodies.

All the camp wastes and construction wastes will be placed in the designated waste

collection pits away from the water path. The separate storage areas will be

established for all punctured containers (drums, carboys, flasks etc) and will be

processed for selling to scavengers.

Oils and other chemicals used in construction activities will be handled carefully

and stored in fallow land away from the river beds by using impervious layers.


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Environmental Management Plan

Environmental Management Plan (EMP) of Sardu Khola Bridge sets out environmental

management requirements and procedures to ensure that all mitigation measures and

monitoring requirements specified in this EIA study report will be carried out insubsequent

stagesof project. Overall project environmental management is the responsibility of

proponent through self or contractor.

Environmental monitoring plan has been proposed to investigate and understand the quality

of the environment prior to project and keep records of the project impact on the

environmental quality during construction and operation phases of the project so as to

provide reliable information and scientific basis for environmental management. Two types

of monitoring: Impact Monitoring and Compliance Monitoring have been proposed to

implement during the project construction and operation phases. It has identified the

indicators, methods, location, frequency and schedule and the competent authority for these

two types of monitoring. The DOLI will perform monitoring of the project implementation.

The DoLI, LRBP with district bodies will monitor during operation phase. For the

environmental monitoring, NRs 3,35,000 has been allocated. NRs 7,65,000 has been

allocated for mitigation of the predicted impacts.

Environmental audit plan has been proposed to provide the basis to examine how well the

environmental instruments have worked and enabled to assess the actual environmental

impacts, accuracy of prediction, effectiveness of environmental mitigation measures

adopted and functioning of monitoring mechanism. The Audit will be carried out as

specified as in EPR 1997 after 2 years of commencement of the project. The proponent will

cover all the environment management costs in addition to the legal liabilities of the

contractors.

Conclusion

Most of the identified and perceived impacts of the project are of low significance

compared to the project of this scale. With the set of mitigation measures, most of the

identified adverse impacts can be minimised and/or compensated and limited to locality

and construction period. Once the measures outlined in the EMP are implemented, there is

no risk for residual impacts that may affect the physical, biological, socio-economic and

cultural environment of the project area. No private land will be acquired and no trees to

be felled by any means for this project. It is an important infrastructure to facilitate road

network of the nation. Hence, it is advisable implement the project as soon as possible by

adopting appropriate mitigation and enhancement measures as suggested in this EIA study

report considering the local interest, nature, location and identified impacts of the project.


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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Name of the Proposal and Brief Introduction

The name of this Proposal is:

“Environmental Impact Assessment of Sardu Khola Bridge along, Dharan-Mangalbare-

Bishnupaduka road” in Sunsari District.

The aggrement for conductiong Environmental Impact Assessment of Sardu Khola Bridge

along, Dharan-Mangalbare-Bishnupaduka road” at Sunsari District, Province no. 1 (here

in referred to as “the Project”) was issued by the proponent DoLI, LRBP to the consultant

company.

Sardu Khola Bridge along Dharan-Mangalbare-Bishnupaduka road is one of the projects

under DoLI, LRBP. As the project lies within the boundary of environmentally sensitive

region, the Chure now declared as the Chure Conservation Area (CCA), Environmental

Impact Assessment (EIA) study is mandatory according to the national law and is necessary

to address the likely environmental and social impact, both beneficial and adverse, due to

the proposed bridge construction and operation in the project influenced area.

This EIA report has been prepared based on the Scoping Document (SD) and Terms of

Reference (ToR) approved by the Ministry of Forest and Environment (MoFE) on 2076-

02-14 (2019-05-28) (The approval letter and approved SD and ToR have been attached in

Annex 1). The consent for EIA Study from President Chure-Terai Madhesh Conservation

Development Committee was obtained in 2075/08/26 (Annex 2).

1.2 Name and Address of the Proponent

The proponent and executing agency of the“Environmental Impact Assessment of Sardu

Khola Bridge along, Dharan-Mangalbare-Bishnupaduka road” at Sunsari District is

Department of Local Infrastructure (DoLI)

The address of Proponent is:

Department of Local Infrastructure

Shree Mahal, Pulchok, Lalitpur, Nepal

Telephone: 01-5532019


1.3 Institutional Responsibility for Preparing EIA Report

Local Roads Bridge Support Unit (LRBSU), the technical support unit of the Local Roads

Bridge Programme (LRBP) has awarded consultancy services to Green Consult (Pvt.) Ltd.

who was responsible for conducting the necessary desk and field study and preparing

Scoping Document (SD), Terms of Reference (ToR) and final EIA Report on behalf of the

proponent adhering with the prevailing legislations and facilitate approval by the Ministry

of Forest and Environment (MoFE).


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1.4 Name and Address of Institute Preparing the Report

The present EIA Document has been prepared for the Project Proponent by the following

Consulting Firm.

Green Consult (Pvt.) Ltd.,

Dhumbarahi, Kathmandu


1.5 EIA Study Team and Declaration

The overall responsibility of the contents of this EIA study lies with the Report preparing

institution, namely Green Consult (Pvt.) Ltd.

All the team members involved in the preparation of this Report, have duly declared their

involvement and have taken due responsibility in preparation of this EIA Document. The

declaration forms from the Study Team members are attached in Annex 9. The study was

carried out by a team of qualified professionals which consisted of the followings:

Table 1: Study Team

SN Position Name of Member Qualification

1 Team Leader Dinesh P. Bhatta MSc in Env.

Engineering

2 Environmentalist Rabi Bhattarai M.Sc in Env. Science

3 Environmentalist Sagar Niroula M.Sc in Env Science

4 Biologist Kaustuv Raj Neupane M.Sc in Zoology

5 Geologist Sanjib Sapkota M.Sc in Geology

6 Socio-economist Sundar Neupane M.A in RD



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CHAPTER 2: SUMMARY OF THE PROPOSAL

2.1 Introduction

2.1.1 General Project Background

Local Roads Bridge Programme (LRBP) has come from the understanding that one of the

major causes of rural poverty in Nepal is lack of access to the markets and service centers

due to the absence of adequately maintained local roads and bridges connecting them.

Without the reliable motorable crossings on the rivers, people living in the area are not able

to get maximum benefit from the roads constructed and also the investments made in road

are not fully utilized.

Upon GoN’s request, Swiss Agency for Development and Corporation (SDC) agreed to

provide a Technical Assistant (TA) to DoLI to support the implementation of LRBP. The

main goal of the Motorable Bridge Programme is ‘People in the programme districts have

improved livelihoods’.The main objective of LRBP is to improve the access to services and

opportunities and strengthen the capacities of national and local institution (private and

communities) in bridge sectors.

The major components of the programs includes; construction and piloting of new bridges

and approaches, general knowledge and technology transfer, formulate policies, strategies,

norms, standards targeting bridge and capacity building of stakeholders including

Government of Nepal (GoN), local bodies, private sectors and communities. The major

outcomes of the project are to ensure improved access to services and opportunities to

people and to ensure that national and local institutions adopt appropriate local road bridge

strategy.

2.1.2 Necessity of Sardu Khola Bridge

Sardu Khola Bridge is proposed in Dharan-Mangalbare-Bishnupaduka road which

connects the remote and isolated settlements of Bishnupaduka with Dharan city as well as

Sub-Metropolitan city Office.

In absence of the bridge at the location, vehicles have to detour to reach the religious place.

Currently vehicles do not ply across the river. A motorable bridge over the Sardu Khola is

essential to make the road all weather. Construction of the bridge will provide quick, safe

and reliable access to the people and vehicles travelling on this route. The proposed bridge

will also enhance the regional commercial activities and employment opportunities with

enhancing road connectivity. Bishnupaduka is one of the religious places of Sunsari

District. Bishnupaduka is also a hub of agricultural products like Turmeric and other

vegetable products. People are using this route to bring products to the market in

Mangalbare Bazar (ward No 11 on Left bank) and Dharan Agricultural Market centre.

Beside this, the proposed bridge will also connect Ahale region of Dhankuta and Bhojpur

too. In addition, other popular areas like Barahachhetra and Chinde bhanjyang can be gone

through Bhisnu paduka and this bridge will support the concept of “Religious Tourism”

route forwarded by the Dharan Sub metropolitan city.


4

The local agricultural products from Bishnu paduka like milk & milk products, poultry,

vegetables and fruits can get the market value providing better earning opportunities. The

project will also provide the employment opportunities by engaging rural people during

construction of the project. Furthermore, people of these villages will be benefited with

access of better health services, education and other social services.

EIA study of the river-crossing facility is necessary in order to assess the environmental

consequences of the changes in socio-economic, cultural and bio-physical environment of

the project as a result of project implementation and suggest appropriate, practical and site-

specific mitigation and enhancement measures for the likely impacts.

Upon GoN’s request, Swiss Agency for Development and Corporation (SDC) agreed to

provide a Technical Assistant (TA) to DoLIDAR (now DoLI) to support the

implementation of LRBP. The main goal of the Motorable Bridge Programme is ‘People

in the programme districts have improved livelihoods.’

Overall construction management will be the responsibility of LBS/DoLI. For this the

capacity will be strengthened and innovative approaches will be piloted working through

users committees, enhancing labour component in the construction, inclusive participation

of the work-force, adequate social welfare for the workers; social issues will also be closely

monitored by PCU/LBS with the support of LRBSU (TA team); and appropriate and

effective maintenance systems will be developed, tested and adopted.

2.2 Project Location

The bridge site is proposed over the Sardu Khola between wards 11 and 20 of Dharan Sub

metropolitan city along Dharan-Mangalbare-Bishnupaduka road in Sunsari District. The

proposed bridge is located at 26°49'26.49"N latitude and 87°15'10.79"E longitude and

elevation of 310 masl about about 4.5 km west from Bhanu Chowk one of the major city

center of Dharan. The project lies within Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City, Sunsari District,

Province no. 1. The bridge connects wards 11 and 20 of Dharan Sub Metropolitan City.

Left bank of the proposed bridge lies at Sagarmatha Tole, 34 ghare tole ward No 11 and

right bank lies at Siran Devi Gaun, Bishnu Paduka, and Ward No 20 of Dharan Sub-

metropolitan City. Both the settlements on left and right bank are squatter settlements. The

location of the proposed project is depicted in the district map, topographical map and

google earth image in Figure 2, Figure 3 and Figure 4 respectively.

2.2.1 Salient Features of the Project

The features of the proposed project are summarized in the table below (Table 5).

Table 2: Salient Features of Bridge Project

Project Sardu Khola Bridge Project

Location

Province 1

District Sunsari

Left bank Dharan Submetropolitan City 11, Mangalbare

Right bank Dharan Submetropolitan City 20, Bishnupaduka

Name of Road Dharan-Mangalbare-Bishnupaduka


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Project Sardu Khola Bridge Project

Classification of Road Rural Road

Type of Road Surface Gravel and Earthen

Origination and destination of Road Dharan city and Bishnupaduka

Location of the Bridge Border of wards 11 and 20 of Dharan Submetropolitan

city

Geographical Longitude and Latitude Latitude 26°49'26.49"N

Longitude 87°15'10.79"E

Terrain River Valley and Foot Hill of Churia

Altitude 310 msl

Climate Sub-Tropical

Width of River at Bridge Site 125 m

Information on Structure

Total Length of Bridge 121 m

Classification of Bridge Major

Span Arrangement 14 no of boxes of size (5m *8m)

Width of Carriageway 7.5 m

Width of Footpath 1.1 m on each side

Type of Superstructure Box

Type of Foundation Open Foundation

Hydrology and Design Data

Catchment area of bridge site 19.6 sq Km.

Design Discharge 370.52

Project cost NRs.

Total Cost with 13% VAT 13,98,20,438.33

Construction Management

Estimated Construction Period 24 months

Supervision DoLI

Compliance Monitoring DoLI , LRBSU, LRBP

Maintenance Dharan Submetropolitan City, Local Bridge Committe,

different organisations

(Source: LRBP, 2018)


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Figure 1: Bridge Location in District Map


7

Figure 2: Bridge Location in Topographical Map

Figure 3: Bridge Location in Google Earth


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2.3 Project Area Delineation

For the purpose of the EIA study, the project area or the zone of impact (ZoI) is defined as

the area for the construction of the project structures/features as well as the area that will

be impacted due to the construction and operation of the project. The right bank of the

proposed bridge site lies on ward no. 20 and the left bank lies on ward no. 11 of Dharan

Submetropolitan City in Sunsari District. The project area has been further classified as

“core project area or direct impact zone” and “surrounding area or indirect impact zone” as

per expert judgement and practices on similar projects.

Core Project Area: The core project area or the direct impact zone includes the area or

wards of the submetroplitan city where the project structures including stockpiling yards

and camp sites are located and the land that will be acquired permanently for the project

construction. According to National EIA Guidelines, 1993, direct impact area refers to the

area where direct alteration in the existing environmental conditions takes place as a

consequence of project activities. It has been considered as an area around radius of 500 m

from bridge axis.

Surrounding Area: The surrounding area or the indirect impact zone included the area or

wards of the submetropolitan city that surround the core project area and where no any

project structures are located but the construction and operation of the proposed project

bring some environmental repercussions. It has been considered as an area around radius

of 2 km from the core project area.

Table 3: Impact Area Delineation

Project Areas (ZoI) Locations

Core project area/direct

impact zone

Right bank includes area of ward 20 of Dharan

Submetropolitan City and towards left bank areas of ward

11 of Dharan Submetropolitan City of Sunsari District.

Surrounding area/indirect

impact zone

Wards 11 and 20 of Dharan Submetropolitan City.

2.4 Objectives of the Proposal

The main objective of the proposal is to construct 121m long, a Motorable Bridge over

Sardu khola along Dharan-Mangalbare-Bishnupaduka road

2.5 Objectives of the EIA Study

The objectives of the EIA study are to identify the potential environmental impacts of

the proposed Motorable Bridge and to formulate strategies to avoid and minimize

adverse impact and enhance the beneficial impacts. The main objectives of this EIA

study are to:

To collect and document the baseline data of physical, biological, socio-economic

and cultural environment.

To analyze the data and determine the potential adverse and beneficial impacts in

terms of magnitude, extent and duration.

To prepare mitigation, monitoring, auditing and environmental management plan.


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To provide platform for public to raise their issues about the implementation of

the project.

To advise decision makers regarding the implementation of the project.

2.6 Rationale for conducting EIA

The right bank of the proposed bridge lies in Chure Conservation Area. As per the

statutory requirement provided in Environmental Protection Act (EPA) 1997, and

Environmental Protection Rule (EPR), 1997 and subsequent amendments in 1999, 2007,

and 2009, Schedule 2 under Rule 3, (A), Forest Sector, (7) (Nepal Gazette, Part 5,

2064/05/03 with recent amendments Part 2, 2073/7/29), medium to big type construction

activities inside conservation area should go through EIA. Likewise, under the special

area consideration (अः ३) under Schedule 2, any construction works inside conservation

area should go through EIA. Hence EIA study of the proposal is mandatory.

EIA of the proposed bridge project is necessary in order to assess the environmental

consequences of the construction and operation of proposed bridge and to suggest

appropriate, practical and site-specific mitigation and enhancement measures. The

assessment has been carried out to fulfill the study of environmental assessments work

and further helps on construction of bridge after the approval of this study report. The

consent for EIA Study from President Chure-Terai Madhesh Conservation Development

Committee was needed and was obtained at the dated 2075/8/26.

2.7 Impact on land use

The proposed project is construction of new motorable bridge over Sardu Khola. The

project lies on at the left bank Dharan Submetropolitan city ward no. 11, Mangalbare

and at right bank Dharan Submetropolitan city ward no. 20, Bishnupaduka where there

is already gravel and earthen rural road on each side named as Dharan-Mangalbare-

Bishnupaduka. The bridge will cover 0.13ha of government land whereas 0.17ha of river

area will be occupied to protect it. Moreover, the proposed project requires temporary

camp site and storage site in the project area. The total temporary land required for

construction of labor camp 0.01ha and storage camp will be 0.04ha. The project

construct labor camp and storage camp in the barren land in the project site. River bank

will be eroded during the construction of foundation of bridge. Moreover there is impact

on land related to camp site such as solid and liquid waste. Pollution on the Sardu Khola

will be seen due to leakage from construction camp and labor camp site. The movement

of vehicle will pollute surface water and soil in the camp site. The storage of construction

materials will impact on the aesthetic beauty of the site.

2.8 Adverse Impact on Environment, Impact on Human Life,

Population Pressure

Due to the construction of proposed Pedestrian suspension bridge there wil be adverse

environmental impacts in the different sector of the Environment.


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The major Physical and chemical impacts of the project are clearance of land for the

construction of bridge foundation, River bank erosion, sedimentation during excavation,

labor camp construction and solid waste management, stockpiling of construction

materials, occupational health and safety, impact on access road, air and noise pollution

during transportation of construction materials, scouring at mat and pier foundation,

disruption of natural water flow, reinstatement of camp sites etc. Likewise major

biological impacts are removal of forest and loss of trees, possibility of accident and

health safety of the workers etc.

2.9 Damaged to be suffered by local goods and objects

The Proposed bridge construction activities affects total of 0.363ha land where

permanently land use type of 0.313ha is used where river and flood plain 0.13ha for

bridge, river and flood plain 0.17ha for river protection, river/flood plain and community

forest area of 0.013ha permanently whereas temporarily 0.05ha is needed where

construction yard and stockpiling area constitutes 0.04ha, and remaining 0.01ha is for

construction camp, except this there is no any goods and objects damaged by this project.

2.10 Approach Road

There is already existing road on both right and left banks and no approach road is needed.

However, approach road towards left bank (around 20 m) needs to be widened and

upgraded and embankment of both roads has to be raised to reach the bridge height.


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CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY ADOPTED

In this Chapter, the methodology adopted during the conduction of this EIA Study Report

for the Sardu Khola Bridge construction project is briefly described. The chapter describes

the general method adopted, the details of the Scoping Process and field data collection,

including analysis and Report Presentation.

The EIA study has followed the basic steps outlined in EPA/EPR-1997, and National EIA

Guidelines-1993. Necessary information was generated through review of technical

documents and field works. During field visits, area experts were involved in identifying

issues and possible impacts related to the Project activities, by the method of inspection,

verifications, observations and discussions with local residents and key informants.

Secondary information was collected through published reports and interpretation of maps

and photographs. Primary information was generated through questionnaire, checklist,

measurement and consultation. Furthermore, local people were contacted and interviewed

to solicit information. A number of stakeholders meetings and Focus Group Discussions

(FGD) was held in the Project areas.

The principal steps undertaken in the EIA methodology to accomplish the assignment were:

Literature review of Relevant Documents and Map Interpretation,

Public Consultation with CFUG was process which included (Details are attached

in Annex 4):

Public Notice was forwarded by proponent to respective local ward and municipal

bodies, where people of the locality were given all information through ward 11

and 20.

Formal meetings were held in the different places with related stakeholders.

Public Hearing with local residents, information dissemination and feedback

received (on 25 June 2019, at Devi Gau, ward no.20 Dharan Sub-Metropolitan

City, details are presented in (Annex 5)

EIA Scoping Document and ToR preparation and approval (Approved TOR

attached in Annex 1)

Site inspection and field study to collect primary information on physical,

biological, socio-economic, cultural and historical issues,

Verification of secondary information through cross-check of data, interview and

participatory discussion with local people,

Public hearing to disseminate the Project related information including anticipated

impacts and proposed mitigation measures and to incorporate the public interest

and aspirations into the finalization of the study and project design (Annex 5),

Compilation of Data, Identification of potential impacts, mitigation measures,

EMP, and other Chapters as per EIA requirements for final EIA report.


12

3.1 Preparatory Works for EIA Conduction

3.1.1 Desk Study

During preparation of EIA report different published literatures (data and information) were

reviewed in order to get required information for conduction of this study and report

preparation. The following steps were followed during the desk review:

Collection and review of secondary sources of information from various sources

including internet or websites, organizational and institutional libraries of different

governmental organizations and non-governmental organization.

Initial interaction and consultation with the local community and district level

stakeholders.

Delineation of geographical boundary of the influence area on the topographical

map.

Preparation of project specific checklist.

3.1.2 Literature Review

Relevant information for the study was collected through extensive review of literature.

Relevant documents and reports were collected and reviewed to detail out the nature of the

Project and identify the preliminary list of potential environmental impacts. The detail

review of “Detailed Design Report, 2017” of proposed Project was done extensively.In

conjunction with this report, 1:25,000 topographic maps, geological maps and Google maps

of project area were collected and information from Kirtipur Municipality were also

collected and reviewed. After the review of literature and documents, the Study Team

delineated the areas, where the Project is expected to have its impacts. Maps were prepared

showing potential development areas, natural resources and possible impacts on them from

Project activities. Based on this information, a base-map of the Project area was prepared

for its use during field surveys.

3.1.3 Review of Relevant Government’s Policies, Laws, Guidelines and Manuals

The proposed Project attracts the following policies, laws, guidelines, manuals and

standards of Government of Nepal (GoN). Apart from the GoN policies, laws, guidelines

and standards, the project will also attract the President Chure Terai Madesh Master Plan

and standards. The relevant national policies, acts, rules and guidelines attracted by the

proposed project summarized in Chapter 9 of this Report.

3.1.4 Study of Maps/Other Maps

Topographical maps were analyzed carefully along the road alignment together with field

verification by all experts analyzing direct and indirect impact zones in the project area.

Similarly, Geological Maps and Satellite Images are also used to study the existing geology

of the proposed project area.

3.2 Preparation of Scoping Document and Terms of Reference (TOR)

The Scoping for the EIA was undertaken in accordance with the EPA/EPR-1997 to

determine the scope of the EIA, and to inform stakeholders about the proposed Project and


13

to received their comments on relevant environmental issues and identify priority issues for

environmental assessment. Scoping exercise, besides review of Project‟s Detailed

Feasibility Report and other Project related literature, included publication of 15 days

Public Notice ( Scoping Annex- 2 ), inspections of Project construction site, and discussions

with local people, stakeholders and concerned government officials. The environmental

issues of priority concerns in the scoping document were based on the experiences of the

consultants on the similar type of Projects incorporating the concern received during formal

and informal deliberations with local people and other concerned stakeholders.

The issues and possible impacts identified in the Scoping Document were categorically

tabulated as Issues identified and prioritized for EIA Study and were incorporated in the

Terms of Reference (ToR). The ToR was prepared by including these potential issues, as

per the Schedule-4 of EPR pertaining to Rule-4 and Rule-5 (attached in Annex 1). The main

EIA study was focused on the detailed analysis of the environmental issues identified in

the approved SD and ToR. The Scoping Document and Terms of Reference (ToR) was

approved by MoFE, after its formal review, dated on 28th May, 2019 (2076/02/14).

3.3 Conduction of Field Data Collection for EIA Study

3.3.1 Site Inspection and Field Study

After the approval of Scoping Document and ToR, field studies were conducted in the

Project site areas in an extensive manner. A study team‟s professionals visited and

collected the overall basic information regarding the Project site area and site-specific

information. The data collection and field study was carried out in the months of May till

June 2019.

3.3.2 Field Study and Collection of Baseline Data

The detail field study was conducted to generate information on physical and biological

resources and social status. Information on major flora and fauna species was collected

though walk over survey and interacting with the local people. The study team also

discussed with the officials of the district organization, local bodies, and district forest

office and personnel to verify the information and collected their concerns and opinions.

The brief description on the Field Study methods is given here under.

Physical Environment Survey:

Field observation and walk-through survey was adopted to verify information. The physical

factors have direct impact on the construction and operation of the project to the project

site. Prior to the implementation of projects it is essential to collect and analyze different

data pertaining to hydrology, weathers data. The required data from physical aspects

includes; Topographical data, climatic data, meteorological data (temperature and

precipitation), geological, land use pattern, water, air and noise quality, solid waste

management system/ spoil disposal, workcamp and labor camp other information

concerning physical resources of the project area was collected. All these data and other

relevant information are collected from available topographical map, aerial photographs,

field tests and site observation consultation with local communities of the project site.


14

Biological Environment Survey:

During the biological survey, observational visit to forests within the Project area, were

carried out and interaction meetings with key persons were carried out. During the

observational visit, entire treeswithin the proposed sitewere enumerated and information

on biological environment and management issues of community forests user groups and

their public concerns were acquired. The officials of Jalkanya Community Forest Users

Groups (CFUGs), local concerned committee, representatives of political party

representatives were consulted. The participants were informed about the project activities

and potential impacts and mitigating efforts of the project. Further, environmental

sensitivity, environmental development efforts and concerns of the area had also been

discussed with the participants. General information on the state of community forest,

forest tree, shrub/herbs and other species of different values available in the community

forests were acquired. Information about number of community of forest, types of species,

and existing condition of community forest were also collected during the meetings while

consultation. Enquiry was also made on wildlife species, aquatic species and barren land

available in community forests for likely requirement of afforestation.

In case of aquatic species, Sardu Khola being non-perenial River the major fish species

found were Buduna (Garra annandalei), Bam Sahar (Tor spp.), Eel (Anguilla bengalensis),

Katle (Acrossocheilus hexagonolepis), Aslashark (Wallago attu), Pothi (Puntius spp.) and

Rhou (Labeo rohita). The existing river has not good fish biodiversity. Local fishermen are

not engaged to catch fish species in Shardu River for economic purpose. In the dry season

the river gets complete dry so no fish can be found in the location. However, during wet

season the river gets frequently flooded.

Socio-economic and Cultural Survey:

Information on socio-economic and cultural features of the Project area (of immediate

vicinity of, 34 ghare tole ward no. 11 including population, ethnicity, occupation status,

education level has collected through focus group discussion and questionnaire survey.

Similarly, description of Siran Devi Gaun settlement pattern, religion, cultural and religious

sites, sources of energy and energy consumption, social infrastructures, market centers, etc.

were collected and described. The secondary information of Dharan Sub- Metropolitan City

was collected by reviewing different published literatures, information, particularly the

CBS data. The Jalkanya CFUG is in immediate vicinity of the Project area, so its cultural

aspects were also studied alongwith issues regarding environmental impacts which may

arise due to proposed work. During the field visit different issues regarding social and

environment and its possible positive and negative impacts were collected from the local

level stakeholders.

3.3.3 Conduction of Consultation, Interactions Meeting and Public Hearing

During the field study, study team contacted the local people to solicit their concerns and

opinions on physical, biological, socio-economic, cultural and historical aspects. The

public input have been documented in this Report. Public consultation specifically with

CFUG member and public hearing meetings are given in Annex 4 and Annex 5.


15

a) Interaction Meetings

Various level of different formal informal interaction meeting, Stakeholder Consultation

was held in the project area regarding the project during this scoping process. Local

institutions which are also played vital role as local stakeholders. The involved participants

were; Jalkanya Community Forest User Group, and Dharan Sub-Metropolitan city ward

no. 11 and 20. Local individuals are also participated in the meeting significantly. Summary

of Public Consultations Conducted are summarized in the Table 4 below:

Table 4: Summary of Public Consultations Conducted Type of Discussion Date Purpose of

Consultation

Nos. of Participants

Public Consultation 2076/2/29 – Jalkanya

CFUG member House.

To know CFUG’s

opinion towards

proposed project

13

6 Male

7 Female

Issues and suggestion

of meeting

1. While constructing Sardu Khola Bridge promotion of positive or

benefical impacts should be prioritized as far as possible while reducing

negative impacts and urge to start construction process as soon as

possible.

2. Jalkanya Community User Group found no any negative impact due to

proposed project so start and finishing of construction of Sardu Khola

Bridge to be done within contract time.

(Source: Field Survey, 2019)

The details of the meetings conducted are included in Annex 4.

b) Focus Group Discussion

A Focus Group Discussion was carried out at Jalkanya Devi Community User group

member’s house on June, 2019, to understand the existing socio-economic and cultural

situation and identify issues and concerns of the local people about the project. During

discussion, people’s understanding of the Project’s suitability, short-term, long-term

impacts and benefits were discussed. Altogether 13 people were presented in the

discussion. These individuals were chosen on the basis of effective institution working who

were nearby settlements.

c) Public Hearing Meeting

A Public Hearing program was conducted at the Project site on 25 June 2019 (Asar 10

2076). The objective of the meeting was to disseminate the information included in the

draft EIA Report and inform about the Project‟s status. The EIA Report was presented with

a short description of the environmental impacts, both beneficial and adverse, and the

mitigation measures, their monitoring and the associated cost were also explained. The

representatives from the DoLI, as the proponent agency, were also present in the meeting,

to interact with the local people. The participating people welcomed the Project‟s activities,

and expressed happiness in the Project’s proposal to include plans and budgetfor social

enhancement and local area development of accessibility to city area all around the year.

The main concerned of the people was regarding the protection of bank at both sides

upstream and downstream and bioengineering on access road to bridge. The proponent

expressed that the issues will be settled in alegally acceptable manner with the provision of


16

environmental protection measures to be done by contractor during construction, prior to

project implementation and duly notified to all the stakeholders.

Table 5: Summary of Public Hearing Conducted Type of Discussion Date Purpose of

Consultation

Nos. of Participants

Public Hearing 2076/3/10 – Jana Jagaran

Bal Bikash Kendra, Devi

Gaun ward 20. Dharan

Sub-Metropolitan City

To know stakeholder

opinion, suggestion and

issues towards

proposed project

41

30 Male

11 Female

Issues and suggestion

of meeting

1. There should be provision of bank protection on both sides of the bridge.

2. Afforestation programme should be launched.

3. While working at community forest area, care must be taken for minimal

impact inside community forest.

4. Bioengineering should be done on acces road to bridge height.

5. The proposed work have more positive/ beneficial impacts so,

community requests and urge for onstruction work to be forwarded as

soon as possible.

(Source: Field Survey, 2019)

The details of the meetings are summarized in Annex 5.

3.4 Preparation of EIA Document

3.4.1 Compilation of Baseline Information, Impact Identification, Prediction and

Evaluation

Based on the primary and secondary information the possible environmental impacts were

identified considering proposed Project activities and its interaction with surrounding

environment and accordingly the impacts were evaluated and presented in Chapter 6 in

accordance to Schedule 6 of EPR, 1997. The National EIA Guidelines, 1993 was followed

for the evaluation of impacts on the basis of magnitude, extent, duration and for providing

score value.

3.4.2 Prescription of Mitigation and Enhancement Measures, Monitoring and

Auditing

The mitigation and enhancement measures were proposed in order to ameliorate the

beneficial impacts and avoid or mitigate the adverse impacts considering the identified

impacts, their nature, extent and complexity, identified during the EIA exercise. While

recommending the mitigation option, a realistic approach was applied such that the

measures could be employed in the local context, and discussed in Chapter 8. Monitoring

plan is formulated to assess the effectiveness and implementation status of mitigation and

benefit augmentation measures. Auditing plan was also designed to verify the past and

current environmental performance and given in Chapter 10.

3.4.3 Preparation of Environment Management Plan

Environment Management Plan (EMP) was prepared to ensure and evaluate the

effectiveness of each of the mitigation and enhancement measures adopted to minimize the

environmental impacts and to ameliorate the overall environmental conditions within the

region of influence. The basic objectives of EMP are that it clearly spells out the


17

environmental concerns of the Project and prescribes a systematic environmental

management system to be followed to attain the environmental improvements in and

around the Project vicinity. The associated costs for adopting mitigation measures and

enhancement measures were also estimated and given in Chapter 8.

3.4.4 Alternative Analysis

A Chapter on the possible alternative options to the Project‟s design and its components

was identified and discussed in Chapter 7.

3.4.5 Preparation of EIA Draft Report

After doing all the study the preparation of draft report was done and Public hearing

program at project affected area was carried out. Concern of local stakeholder and local

people were taken on the preliminary draft. Then final EIA report was prepared. After the

completion of report, it was forwarded to Ministry of Forest and Environment through

Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration.

The general arrangement and concrete outline of the Sardu River Bridge is attached in

Annex 7 and the Location map of the bridge in contour map is attached in Annex 8.

3.5 Study Limitations

This EIA study has followed the basic concept of EIA as to make the EIA report site-

specific, to the extent possible. This study limits primary information along the project area

for physical, biological and socio-economic and cultural information. The information

related to Indirect Impact Zones were based on secondary information. Furthermore, the

limitations of the socio-economic Household Survey, encountered during the survey were:

The socio-economic household survey was done in squatter settlements which was

10m far from proposed bridge location on left bank where local authorities were

concerned about expansion of such squatter settelements and people were very

reluctant not to answer such socio-economic conditions as they wanted to setteled

down there so put forwarded their hesitations on answering such questionnaire.


18

CHAPTER 4: DETAILS OF THE PROJECT

In this Chapter, brief engineering details of the various components of the proposed Project

are given, which have been referred from the Detailed Feasibility Report prepared by the

LRBP Study Team.

4.1 Type of Proposal

The present proposal is of the type for construction of motorable box bridge of span 121m

along Dharan – Mangalbare - Bishnu paduka road.

4.2 Bridge Design

The main design characterstics of this proposed Project is palnned as 14 box each of size

(5m*8m). The score factors were taken into consideration while adopting to work on Chure

region.

4.3 Land Requirement

Land acquisition on permanent basis is not required for the project however about 0.05 ha

will be used temporarily for construction yard, stockpiling and labor camp. There is no

need of private land and all the land used will be government owned land. The description

of the land requirement is described in the Table 6.

Table 6: Land Requirement for the Bridge Project and Access

Project

Component

Private Government Land use

Type

Total

(ha) Temporary Permanent Temporary Permanent

Bridge 0 0 0 0.13 River and

flood plain

0.13

River

Protection

0.17 River and

flood plain

0.17

Approach

Road

0.013 River /

flood plain

and

community

forest

0.013

Construction

Yard and

Stockpiling

Area

0 0 0.04 0 River and

flood plain

0.04

Construction

Camp

0 0 0.01 0 River and

flood plain

0.01

Total 0 0 0.05 0.313 0.363

0 0.363 0.363 Source: Field Study, 2019

4.4 Construction Approach and Activities

Construction approach: The construction of bridge and approach road will follow a

combaination of machinery and Labor based Environmentally Friendly and Participatory

(LEP) approach by ensuring minimal damage to local environment.


19

Construction technology: Technology employed in construction will be machine

supported LEP methods.

Construction activities: Activities during construction includes civil works, river training

& bio-engineering, social development, and environmental protection activities.

Construction equipments: Equipments like grader, vibrator, vibrator roller, water

browser, loader, roller and mixer will be used at construction sites during construction

period. Vehicles like trucks will convey the necessary raw materials and equipments to the

construction site.

Construction Materials: The design parameters will adopt the design standard of

DoR/IRC. Various construction materials required for construction of the proposed bridge

include cement aggregates of various grades, sand, stone, geotextile, reinforcement,

binding wire, planks, struts, nails, GI pipe, paint, mesh wire, selvedge, bearing, expansion

joints etc. The quantity of these raw materials will be presented in following Table 7.

Table 7: Quantity of Different Construction Materials Required

SN Materials Quantity Unit SN Materials Quantity Unit

1 Aggregate 20-40 mm 1230.57 m3 11 Mesh Wire 10swg 57960 kg

2 Aggregate 10-20mm 1107.99 m3 12 Selvedge Wire

&swg 8184 kg

3 Aggregate 10mm &

down 312.08 m3 13 Binding wire 4119.9 kg

4 Subbase aggregate 172.8 m3 14 Planks 38mm

thick.

66.51 M3

5 Coarse sand 956.94 m3 15 struts, ballies, etc. 18.31

6 Sand 484.72 m3 16 Nails, spikes, etc. 5583.64 kg

7 Stone 915.53 m3 17 GI Pipe 783.36 m

8 Cement 971.22 t 18 Paint 51.46 lit

9 Timber 5437.84 m3 19 Suitable Material 228.99 cum

10 Reinforcement 184.75 t 20 Water 78,6125 lit Source: Design and Estimate Document of Sardu Khola Bridge Project, 2018

***Necessary aggregates will be obtained from authorized supplier.

4.5 Possible Emissions and Waste Generation

There are potential environmental implicationsof implementation of the proposal. Different

type of wastes and pollutants are assumed to be produced during the construction phase of

the project but no wastes are assumed to be produced by the project itself after the

construction.

Solid Wastes: Spoil is produced mainly during the excavation. The spoil generated will be

used used up in backfilling foundation pits and trenches. Additional material will be

required to fill the approach road.Prior to filling, the spoil will be piled up in an environment

friendly manner.Steel and other metal wastes will be assembled at the site. Liquid and

Semi-liquid Wastes: The quality of water in the river appears to be good without any

anthropogenic pollution. However, oil and grease used during the construction phase can

cause water pollution which will be managed in an environment friendly manner.


20

Air Pollution: During the excavation process and operation of vehicles and equipments,

dust and soil particles that go airborne are assumed to deteriorate the air quality.

Noise Pollution: Operation of diesel generators, excavators, vibrators, dozers and other

construction activities may increase the noise level.

4.6 Energy Use

Gasoline and electrical energy will be used during the construction phase. Diesel will be

used for the transportation of construction materials and running other diesel run

equipments. The area is connected with national grid and hence will be the main source for

electric energy. Use of firewood is assumed to be minimal as laborers at the camp will use

kerosene and LPG cylinders for cooking and heating purpose. For the project it is estimated

that around 300.69 lit of diesel and 9,643.80 lit of petrol will be needed.

4.7 Human Resource

Construction of the proposed bridge will require about 1,02,214.52 human days of input

from different capacity of workers that constitute 79,538.24 human days of unskilled

person power and 22,676.28 human days of skilled person power that includes engineers,

technicians and operator.

4.8 Project Implementation Schedule

Table 8 shows the implementation schedule of the Sardu Khola Bridge Project.

Construction work will be halted during monsoon season (i.e. July, August and September).

Table 8: Project Implementation Schedule

SN Activities 2018 2019 2020 2021

III I II III I II III I II III

1 Detail Survey, Design and Estimate

2 EIA and Approval

3 Project Implementation (Bridge

Construction)

A General Items

B Site Clearance

C Foundation

D Substructure

E Superstructure

F River Training Works

G Access Road

Note: I = (January, February, March), II = (April, May, June), III = (July, August, September), IV = (October,

November, December), (III = Monsoon)


21

CHAPTER 5: EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION

This section deals in brief with the existing environmental setting of the project area with

regard to physical, biological, socio-economic and cultural environment and interpretation

of the baseline information with view of impact assessment and environmental

management.

5.1 Physical Environment

5.1.1 Physiography and Topography

Physiographically, the project area lies in the Churia/Siwalik Range. The topographic

setting of immediate bridge site is abutting river terraces along both the banks. Right bank

of the proposed bridge site is Chure hill while left bank is flat river valley (Dharan City).

The present bridge location is at Latitude 26°49'26.49"N, Longitude 87°15'10.79"E and at

an elevation of 310 amsl which consists of alluvium on both sides and the alluvial deposits

are lying upon the Siwalik rocks. The river is straight at the project site.

The landuse pattern of the project site especially along the catchment is dominated by forest

covering upto (49.4%) and cultivated land (23.4%). Other land use type includes bush,

sand, grass, water body, barren land and cutting and cliff area.


22

5.1.2 Geology and Soil Type

Figure 4: Geological Map of the Project Area

The project area lies on the Siwalik foothills at Sardu Khola which separates the Siwaliks

succession on the right bank and alluvial fan at the left bank. Geologically the area lies on

the Siwaliks, which can be further classified as Lower Siwaliks and the Middle Siwaliks.

This area has been well studied by various scientists since early.

Bordet and Latreille (1955) investigated the Siwaliks around Dharan, where Bordet (1961)

identified the following cyclic succession (the thickness of a cycle varies from 10 to 20 m)

from the bottom to top:

(1) Cross bedded micaceous sandstones with small pebbles of quartz or foliated crystalline

rocks; conglomerates containing metamorphic pebbles; they constitute a fining-upwards

sequence topped by beds of lignite; and

(2) Greenish gray to pale yellow claystones with yellow calcareous nodules. He also

reported some bivalves and gastropods, and remarked that the formation is folded with

steep dips towards the north.

The Lower Siwaliks of this region are exposed mainly in the outer belt of the

Barahakshetra–Dharan area. In the lower reach of the Sardu Khola, west of Dharan, the

Lower Siwaliks is represented by thick- to very thick-bedded, medium- to fine-grained,

light gray-green to dark gray sandstones interbedded with green-gray and red purple,


23

variegated mudstones. Sporadically, they also contain thin (5 cm) coal seams. A thick

(more than 3 m) yellow-brown residual soil is generally found on top of the sandstones.

The Middle Siwaliks of the Barahakshetra–Dharan area consist of coarse- to very coarse-

grained, cross stratified, biotite-rich, pepper-and-salt sandstones, containing a few

conglomerate lenses and thin beds. The sandstones gradually pass upwards to gray or dark

gray mudstones containing plant remains.

The construction site lies on the flood plain hence the geotechnical parameters of the soil

is to be determined prior to the design of the bridge. The soil of this site has been termed

as moderate bearing capacity with high permeability. The bed rock in the area is not

expected within 5 meters.

5.1.3 Engineering Geology

The soil on the both bank of the river is alluvial type with coarse sand and cobbles. The

exposure of bedrocks lack in the construction site. The soil in the area has been classified

as river terrace deposit consisting of sub angular to rounded pebbly and gravelly materials

of quartzite, gneiss, schist phyllite mixed with fine sand, silt and clay, locally developed

and distributed along the sides of the streams with thickness up to 2 m.

5.1.4 Geomorphology

The area lies in the Siwaliks Range that exhibits very rugged terrain with deeply dissected

gullies and steep slopes on the right bank where the lower alluvial terrace on the left bank.

The Siwalikss of the region is characterized by low terraces, alluvial fans, badlands, and a

thin soil cover. This landform contributes a huge amount of sediment to the rivers through

gullies and tributaries. A majority of the rivers originating from this range are mainly

ephemeral and the proposed river is springfed type.. The physiography of the area is

dominantly controlled by the geology. The Siwalikss consisting of soft sandstones exhibit

highly dissected topography; the river valleys are wider and straighter. The resistant Middle

Siwalikss are characterized by high hills, steep slopes, and deeply dissected gullies. The

rivers and streams flowing through the Siwalikss carry much sediment.

5.1.5 River Bank Stability

The Banks on the both sides are the elevated alluvial terrace as a flood plain. The banks on

the area is suffering from bank erosion and is being controlled by embankments. The huge

amount of sediments from the upstream during the monsoon can create a problem. The

deposition of sediments in the river bed can lead the river to get directed towards the bank,

which in this case must be critically considered. The proper management of the river course

is recommended for protecting the bank from erosion with proper embankments on both

banks.

5.1.6 Flood and Sedimentation

As mentioned above, the project site is vulnerable to frequent flooding. As, the catchment

area lies in chure region with fragile soil mainly of granual type during monsoon season


24

the river will carry heavy sediment load. The overall process of building proposed bridge

will help in yielding good, long-term payoff for resource users, their communities and the

environment on critical part of activities they carry out on watersheds as a result if

constructed in environment friendly manner then helps in watershed management of the

local watershed with participatory approach of local communities.

5.1.7 Ground water Condition

The river is the springfed type, which flows only in the monsoon with minor contribution

from the groundwater. The river flows only for few months after the monsoon and for rest

of the months remains dry. Due to alluvial soil with cobbles and pebbles the water infiltrates

to the great depth making the area dry. Few springs are located at the foothills on the right

bank. These sources serve as an important source of water in the dry period. The ground

water level of project area was below 20m. Further as this bridge type is “multi cell Box

Bridge” each of size (5m*8m) whose foundation is generally laid on river bed and cut-off

wall is provided up to the score depth to safeguard the foundation. Thus, ground water

condition has no significant role for this project.

5.1.8 Seismicity of the Project area

Nepal is considered to be an active seismic zone due to continuous collision between the

Indian and the Eurasian tectonic plates. The National Seismological Centre, Department of

Mines and Geology (DMG) has prepared a micro seismic epicenter map of Nepal Himalaya

and adjoining region (1:200,000). The map shows distribution pattern of earthquake

epicenters in Nepal and adjoining region. The map also suggests that Eastern Terai of Nepal

is seismically more active than other parts of Nepal.

In order to determine seismic coefficient, a seismic design code for Nepal has been

prepared. Bajrachrya (1994) divided the whole country into five seismic risk zones (Figure

6). According to the map of Bajracharya (1994), the Sardu Khola Bridge location lies in

the high seismic risk zone of Nepal.

Figure 5: Seismic Risk Map of Nepal (After Bajracharya, 1994)

Project Site


25

5.1.9 Climate

Considering the altitude of the project site, the project area has sub-tropical climatic

conditions. As per DHM data, the average maximum temperature for Sunsari district is

30.1°C and average minimum temperature is 18.6°C. Precipitation here averages 1794.3

mm. The climatic data from last 5 years released by DHM shows the warming trend in the

area as the average annual temperature of 2017 was 25.6°C with annual maximum

temperature as 30.5°C and minimum annual temperature of 20.6°C,. The table belows

shows the detail climate data of Dharan and its trend for last 5 years.

Table 9: Seasonal and Annual Climatic Normals for Sunsari District

Season Winter Premonsoon Monsoon Postmonsoon Annual

Precipitation (mm) 32.8 226.9 1433.6 101.1 1794.3

Maximum Temperature (°C) 24.5 32.6 32.5 30.1 30.1

Minimum Temperature (°C) 10.4 19.3 24.7 17.8 18.6 (Source: DHM 2018)

Table 10: Annual minimum, maximum and average temperature of Dharan

Year 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

min/max/avg

mi

n

ma

x

av

g

mi

n

ma

x

av

g

mi

n

ma

x

av

g

mi

n

ma

x

av

g

mi

n

ma

x

av

g

Temperature

(°C)

20.

3

29.

9

25.

1

20.

2

29.

7

24.

9

20.

4

29.

8

25.

1

20.

8

30.

1

25.

5

20.

6

30.

5

25.

6

(Source: DHM 2018)

Table 11: Annual minimum, maximum and average temperature of Dharan

Year 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Precipitation (mm) 2212 1684.9 1802.7 2362.2 2215.7

(Source: DHM 2018)

Table 12: Relativity Humidity of Dharan

Time 8:45 5:45

Year 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

RH 72.7 75.4 76.8 80.1 79.8 73.7 76.2 80.4 79 79.1

(Source: DHM 2018)


26

5.1.10 Drainage and Hydrology

The Sardu Khola is intermittent river of Sunsari District draining significantly during rainy

season only. It is a springfed river and originates from the Chure Range.

Figure 6: Catchment Area of Sardu Khola at Bridge Site

The catchment area of the river is just 19.6 square km at bridge site. The elevation

difference of the catchment at the bridge site is from 310 m to 1564 m amsl. The longest

length of the river up to the bridge site is 9.92 km.

5.1.11 Air Quality, Water Quality and Noise Levels

Air Quality: There is no significant air polluting industries at the vicinity of bridge site at

present. The potential sources of air pollutants are limited to vehicular emission for the

physical closeness of the bridge site to the approach road. The emission from vehicular

traffic within Dharan city and access road may be considered as the source of non-point

emission with no significant impact at the project area. Provided non-continuous sources

of emission, the ambient air quality of the area is assumed to be within the National

Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). However, during the vehicular movement in the

earthen road, fugitive emissions could be high at the local level.

Water Quality: Water quality of the Sardu Khola is believed to be suitable for aquatic life

and irrigation. Any source of pollution is not visible along the river alignment, however

during monsoon water becomes turbid due to high load of suspended sediment. The table

below shows the water quality of sardu khola.


27

Table 13: Water Quality of Sardu Khola

S.N. Parameters Observed Value

1. Temperature (0C) 27

2. pH 7.7

3. Electrical Conductivity (micro-siemens) 486

4. Total Suspended Solids, (mg/l) 108

5. Dissolved Oxygen, (mg/l) 7.4

6. Total Hardness as CaCO3, (mg/l) 129

7. Total Alkalinity as CaCO3, (mg/l) 123

8. Free Carbon dioxide, (mg/l) 4.6

9. Chloride, (mg/l) 58

(Source: Field Survey, 2019, Water analysis kit was used for test)

Noise Levels: Similarly, source of noise pollution are very infrequent in the area except

from passing vehicles in the access road. The noise data of the left bank was found to be

55 db whereas on right bank it was 49db.

5.1.12 Land Use

The landuse in the ZoI is dominated by agricultural land and settlement, river bank,

waterway and forest. The land use pattern of the project site especially along the catchment

is dominated by forest covering up to 49.4 % and cultivated land (23.4%). Other land se

type includes bush, sand, grass, cutting and cliff area, build up area and water body. Within

the immediate banks, beside barren flood plain of Sardu river, the land use pattern towards

left bank is dense settlement area and towards right bank is newly afforested forest land.

5.2 Biological Environment

The project lies within the boundary of Chure Protected Region. Apart from this, it does

not fall in any restricted areas or places of cultural, historical and archeological

importance/monuments, wildlife reserves and national parks. The approach road of 0.013ha

needs to be acquire as it falls under river/flood plain and community forest on right bank

of the proposed project.

5.2.1 Forests within Project Area

Project site trveresed through only one Community Managed Forest that is Jalkanya CFUG.

Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs) have been organized under the present forestry

sector policy responsible for the protecting, harvesting, and regenerating community forest.

CFUG in turn can use 75% of the income from community forest for the community

development activities and rest 25% for the community forestry development activities.

Forest type existing along the bridge construction site is mainly riverine forest Sisoo

(Dalbergia sisoo) and Khair (Acacia catechu). However, project construction site is lies in

Section-3 of Jalkanya CFUG which was afforested by Community around 6 years ago. This

section of forest is disturbed high within 200 meters from exiting road and adjoining to

Siran Devi Gaun.


28

Figure 7: Forest towards Right Bank

5.2.2 Vegetation

The project area lies in the tropical to sub-tropical vegetation zone. The major tree species

found within and near the project area are presented in Table 14 below.

Table 14: Vegetation within the Project Area

Local Name Scientific Name Plant’s Family

Aanp Mangifera indica L. Anacardiaceae

Badahar Artocarpus lakoocha Wall Moraceae

Bakenu Melia azederach L. Meliaceae

Bamboo Bambus spp Poaceae

Banjhi Anogeissus latifolius Combretaceae

Bar Ficus bengalensis L. Moraceae

Barro Terminalia bellirica Combretaceae

Bel Aegle marmelos(L) Corr. Rutaceae

Bhalayo Rhus javanica L. Anacardiaceae

Bot Dhayaro Lagerstroemia parviflora Roxb. Lythraceae

Narival Cocos nucifera L. Palmae

Dabdabe Garuga Pinanata Roxb. Burseraceae

Dhaiyaro Woodfordia fruticosa (L) Kurz. Lythraceae

Gidari Premna integrifolia L. Verbenaceae

Haade Lagerstroemia parviflora Roxb. Lythraceae

Hallunde Lannea coromandelica (Houtt.)Merr Anacardiaceae

Harro Terminalia chebula Combretaceae

Katahar Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam Moraceae

Jamun Syzigium cumini Myrtaceae

Karma Adina cordifolia Rubiaceae


29

Local Name Scientific Name Plant’s Family

Kabro Ficus lacor Moraceae

Kadam Anthocephalus chinensis Rubiaceae

Kumbi Cochlospermum religiosum Cochlospermaceae Source: Field Survey, 2018

Within the construction area there is no presence of any trees either of pole size or greater

than pole size or less than pole size.

5.2.2 Ethno-Botany and NTFPs

The biological resources play influential role in the socio-economic condition and life style

of local people. Diverse ethnic groups inhabit the project area. They use different biological

resources in various ways, like food, medicine and others. People around the project

location reported different utilities of the plant resources found in the area, though

currently, there is no record of commercial utilization of such resources in the project area.

The common plants of enthobotanical importance are listed in Table 15.

Table 15: Ethno-botany of Project Area

Local name Scientific name Plant’s Family Remarks

Asuro Adhatoda vesica Acantheceae Medicinal

Sangle Dobinea vulgaris Aceraceae

Lunde Amaranthus spinosus Amarantaceae Vegetable

Apamarga Achyranthus aspera Amaranthaceae Medicinal

Bhringaraj Alternanthera sessilis Amaranthaceae

Datiwan Achyranthes aspera Amaranthaceae

Bhakmilo Rhus javanica Anacardiaceae Pickle

Kanga Bhalayo Rhus wallichii Anacardiaceae

Dabdabe Lannae coromandelica Anacardiaceae

Lapsi Choerospondias axillaris Anacardiaceae Pickle

Chuwa Plumeria rubra Apocynaceae

Sarpa makai Arisaema sp. Araceae Fodder

Aanka Calotropis gigantea Asclepiedaceae Medicinal

Galeni Sambucus hookeri Caprifoliaceae

Abijalo Drymaria cordata Caryophyllaceae Medicinal

Bethu Chenopodium album Chenopodiaceae Vegetable

Barro Terminalia bellirica Combretaceae Medicinal

Ilame jhar Ageratum conyzoides Compositae

Bhede kuro Xanthium strumarium Compositae

Elephantopus scaber Compositae Medicinal

Hachhau jhar Dichrocephala integrifolia Compositae Medicinal

Kalijhar Eupatorium adenophorum Compositae

Titepati Artemisia indica Compositae Medicinal

Kuro Bidens pilosa Compositae

Mikania micrantha Compositae

Aule kalijhar Chromolaena odorata Compositae

Nilo Ilame Ageratum houstonianum Compositae

Kanike ghas Parthenium hysterophorus Compositae Fodder

Amarlata Cuscuta reflexa Convolvulaceae Medicinal


30

Local name Scientific name Plant’s Family Remarks

Pani sag Rorippa nasturtium Cruciferae Vegetable

Bhyakur Dioscorea deltoidea Dioscoreaceae Food

Bantarul Dioscorea bulbifera Dioscoreaceae Food

Sal Shorea robusta Dipterocarpaceae Timber

Guelo Elaeagnus parvifolia Elaeagnaceae

Rudraksha Elaeocarpus sphaericus Elaeocarpaceae Religious

Laligurans Rhododendron arboreum Ericaceae Medicine

Angeri Lyonia ovalifolia Ericaceae Medicinal

Ader Ricinus communis Euphorbiaceae

Amala Phyllanthus emblica Euphorbiaceae Medicinal

Ranikhel Jatropha curcas Euphorbiaceae Biofuel

Dhude Euphorbia hirta Euphorbiaceae

Khirro Sapium insigne Euphorbiaceae

Lalupate Euphorbia pulcherrima Euphorbiaceae

Sindhure Mallotus philippensis Euphorbiaceae Fodder

Pithari Trewia nudiflora Euphorbiaceae Timber

Maledo Macaranga indica Euphorbiaceae Timber/Fodder

Banjhi Anogeissus latifolius Combretaceae Timber

Katus Castanopsis indica Fagaceae Fruit

Hydrila Hydrilla verticillata Hydrocharitaceae

Okhar Juglans regia Juglandaceae Fruit/Timber

Dhusure Colebrookea oppositifolia Labiatae Packaging

Ghurbis Leucosceptrum sp. Labiatae

Pudina Mentha arvensis Labiatae Medicinal/Pickle

Leucas cephalotes Labiatea

Kutmero Litsea monopelata Lauraceae Fodder

Koiralo Bauhinia purpurea Leguminaceae Fodder/Timber

Taanki Bauhinia variegata Leguminaceae Fodder/Timber

Cassia sophera Leguminaceae

Cassia tora Leguminaceae

Kauso Mucuna nigricans Leguminaceae Medicinal

Khayar Acacia catechu Leguminaceae Timber

Phaledo Erythrina stricta Leguminaceae Fodder

Rajbrikchya Cassia fistula Leguminaceae Medicinal

Baldengra Mucuna macrocarpa Leguminoidae Medicinal

Bhatmase Desmodium confertum Leguminoidae Fodder

Bhorla Bauhinia vahlii Leguminoidae Packaging

Bhuletro Butia minor Leguminoidae Erosion

Lajjawati Mimosa pudica Leguminoidae

Bhimsenpati Buddleja asiatica Loganiaceae Medicinal

Hadchud Viscum album Lorenthaceae Medicinal

Dhaero Woodfordia fructicosa Lythraceae Pickle Source: Field Survey, 2018


31

5.2.3 Domesticated Plants

Local people have planted fruit trees like Mango (Magnifera indica), Litchi (Litchi

chinensis), Nibuwa (Citrus limonum), Aaru (Prunus persica), Kagati (Citrus aurantifolia),

Banana (Musa paradisiaca), Gauva (Psidium guajava), Katahar (Artocarpus

heterophyllus), etc. and fodder trees like Dabdabe (Garuga pinnata), Bhimal (Grewia

optiva), Kimu (Morus alba), Kutmero (Litsea monopetala), etc. Besides, people grow

numerous other crops, vegetables, pulses and fruits for household utilization or selling in

the market and those form quite a long list.

5.2.4 Rare, Threatened and Protected Plants

Among the plant species recorded in the project vicinity area, Shorea robusta, is protected

by government of Nepal under the Forest Act, 2049. However, these plants will not be

affected by project implementation.

5.2.5 Wildlife

The forest of Chure region and especially that of the inner Terai is heavily disturbed due to

human activities and natural disasters as well. So the otherwise inherently diverse zone in

terms of wildlife is very infrequently attended by very few wild animals. Moreover, the

area where the bridge has been proposed is prodominantly human habitation with

infrequent movement of animals. However, the surrounding forest harbours mammalian

species typical of Terai and inner Terai region of Nepal which sometimes venture as far as

the bridge site. Based on direct encounters, indicator and information given by the local

people, the fauna composition including the common birds, mammals, herpeto-fauna and

fish found in the ZoI of the project site is briefly summarized below:

Mammals: Fox (Canis aureus), House Rat (Rattus rattus), were reported as common

species found the project adjoining areas by consultation of the public. However not a

single mammalian species was observed during the field visit except bats flying in the

evening.

Table 16: Mammals of Project Area

S.N. Family Scientific Name Common Name Local Name

1. Canidae Vulpes bengalensis Bengal fox Fyauro

2. Cercopithecidae Semnopithecus entellus Hanuman langur Langur

3. Cercopithecidae Macaca mulatta Rhesus monkey Rato Bandar

4. Suidae Sus scrofa Wild boar Bandel

5. Cervidae Axis axis Spotted deer Chital

6. Scuiridae Ratufa bicolor Black giant squirrel Lokharke

7. Herpestidae Herpestes nyula Indian mongoose Nyauri musa

8. Mustelidae Vivericula indica Small Indian civet Kala Source: Field Survey, 2018

Avifauna: The common species of birds reported in the project area were Cattle Egret

(Bubulcus ibis), Pond Heron (Ardeola grayii), White throated Kingfisher (Halcyon

coromanda) Vented Bulbull (Pycnonotus cafer), Chive (Dicrusus sp), Fisto (Orthrotomus

sp), Dove (Streptopelia Chinensis), Common Crow (Corvus splendens), Sparrow (Passer


32

domesticus), Myana (Acridotheres tristis) were the birds observed during the field study.

The other birds found in surrounding of Project area are given in table below. However

there is no presence of vulture near and around the project vicinity and its surrounding even

though project vicinity have Simal trees.

Table 17: Avifauna of Project Area

Family Scientific Name

Common Name Nepali Name

Ciconiidae Leptoptilos javanicus Lesser Adjutant Garud

Corvidae Urocissa erythrorhyncha

Red-billed blue

magpie Lampuchhre

Laniidae Lanius tephronotus Grey-backed shrike Bhadrai

Corvidae Corvus splendens House crow Kag

Ardeidae Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret Bakulla

Ardeidae Ardea cinerea Grey Heron Fushro bakulla

Ardeidae Mesophoyx intermedia Intermediate Egret

Majhoulaseto

bakulla

Ardeidae Adreola grayii Pond Heron Askote bakulla

Centropodidae Centropus sinensis Crow Pheasant Dhode koili

Columbidae Streptopelia chinensis Spotted Dove Dhukur

Coraciidae Coracias benghalensis Indian Roller Theuwa

Corvidae Dendrocitta vagabunda Indian Tree Pie Kokale

Corvidae Coracina macei Large Cuckooshrike

Latusakbirahi

chara

Cuculidae Cuculus micropterus Indian Cuckoo Koili

Dicruridae Dicrurus adsimilis Black Drongo Chibe

Megalaimidae Megalaima asiatica Blue-throated Barbet Kuthruke

Muscicapidae Copychus saularis

Oriental Magpie

Robin Dhobi chara

Passeridae Passer domesticus House Sparrow Bhangera

Picidae Dinopium benghalense

Lesser Golden-Backed

Woodpecker Lahache

Pycnonotidae Pycnonotus cafer Red-vented Bulbul Jureli

Pycnonotidae Pycnonotus leucogenys White-cheeked Bulbul Julfe jureli

Bucerotidae Anthracoceros albirostris Oriental pied hornbill Dhanesh

Sylviidae Phylloscopus fuligiventer Smoky warbler Dhwause fisto

Sylviidae Phylloscopus maculipennis Ashy-throated warbler

Fushrokanthe

fisto

Muscicapidae Luscinia brunnea Indian blue robin Nilo robin

Sylviidae Pteruthius xanthochlorus Green shrike babbler

Harit

bhadraibhyakur Source: Field Survey, 2018

Herpetofauna: The common species reported were Common Karait (Bungarus caeruleus),

Common Garden Lizard (Calotes versicolor), House Gecko (Hemidactylus spp). White

Lipped Pit Viper (Trimeresurus albolabris), Khasrebhyaguta (Bufo spp.), Frog

(Hoplobatrachus tigerinus), Cobra (Naja Sps) were the herpetofaunas found in the

subproject area. The other common species are given in table below.


33

Table 18: Herpetofauna of Project Area

Family Scientific Name

Common Name Nepali Name

Reptiles

Agamidae Calotes versicolor versicolor Common garden lizard Cheparo

Gekkonidae Hemidactylus brookii brookii Spotted house gecko Mausuli

Gekkonidae H. flaviviridis Yellow bellied house gecko Mausuli

Gekkonidae H. frenatus Common house gecko Mausuli

Varanidae Varanus bengalensis Indian monitor Gohoro

Varanidae V. flavescens Yellow monitor Sungohoro

Tephlopidae Rhamphotyphlops braminus Common blind snake Telia sanp

Boidae Python molurus bivittatus Burmese Rock python Ajhingar

Colubridae Amphiesma stolatum Checkered keelback Harhare

Colubridae Ptyas mucosa mucosa Asiatic rat snake Dhaman

Colubridae Xenochrophis piscator Water snake Pani sanp

Elapidae Bungarus caeruleus Common krait Karet

Elapidae Naja naja Cobra Goman

Elapidae Ophiophagus Hannah King cobra Rajgoman

Amphibia

Bufonidae Bufo melanostictus Common Asian toad Khasre bhyaguta

Raniidae Hoplobatrachus tigerinus Indian bull frog Bhyaguta

Raniidae H. crassus Jerdon’s bull frog Bhyaguta

Raniidae Euphlyctus cyanophlyctis Skittering frog Sano bhyaguta

Rhacophoridae Polypedates maculates Common Indian tree frog Rukh bhyaguta

Source: Field Survey, 2018

Fish: The major fish species found were Buduna (Garra annandalei), Bam Sahar (Tor

spp.), Eel (Anguilla bengalensis), Katle (Acrossocheilus hexagonolepis), Aslashark

(Wallago attu), Pothi (Puntius spp.) and Rhou (Labeo rohita). The existing river has not

good fish biodiversity. Local fishermen are not engaged to catch fish species in Shardu

River for economic purpose. In the dry season the river gets complete dry so no fish can

be found in the location. However, during wet season the river gets frequently flooded.

5.2.6 Rare, Threatened and Protected Wildlife

Among the faunal species recorded in the project location, five species including four

mammals and one reptile were specified different protection status. Though none of the

animals recorded were nationally protected by GoN under National Parks and Wildlife

Conservation Act, 1973, all of these species were listed in different appendices of CITES.

Table 19: Rare, Threatened and Protected Animals Found in Project Area

SN Scientific Name Local

Name

Legal Status Local

Status

Local

Use GoN IUCN CITES

1 Macaca mullata Rato

Bandar

II Common Pest

2 Semnopithecus

entellus

Langur LC I Common

3 Canis aureus Syal LC III Common Pest

4 Vulpes bengalensis Fyauro LC III Rare


34

5 Ptyas mucosus Dhaman II Rare

6 Panthera pardus Chituwa NT I Rare Pest

7 Martes flavigula Malsapro LC III Common Pest

8 Felis chaus Ban

Biralo

LC II Rare Pest

9 Herpestes edwardsi Nyauri

Musa

III Common

10 Milvus migrans Kalo Chil LC II Common

11 Bubo nipalensis Ullu LC II Rare

12 Glaucidium radiatum Ullu LC II Rare

13 Ptyas mucosus Dhaman II Common

CITIES Appendices

Appendix I: Species threatened with extinction

Appendix II: Species not yet threatened, but could become endangered if trade is not

controlled

Appendix III: Species identified by any party as being subject to regulation in that country

and which require international co-operation to control trade

IUCN Red List (1995)

LR: Low Risk, NT: Near Threatened, LC: Least Concern, VU: Vulnerable, EN:

Endangered, CR: Critically Endangered, K: Insufficiently Known

5.3 Socio Economic and Cultural Environment

5.3.1 Population and Household

The bridge lies within Dharan Submetropolican City. According to CBS 2011 and 2017,

total population in project area of Dharan Submetropolitan City is 137,705 in 32,693

households. Similarly, total population in project specific ward (wards 11 and 20) is 15,094

in 3,502 households. Total Population along with male and female within project area is

given in table below.

Table 20: Population of the Project Area

Impact Zone Total

Household

Population

Total Population Male Female

Dharan

Submetropolitan

City / ZOI

32,693 137,705 64,671 73,034

Ward 11 and 20 /IIZ 3,502 15,094 7,050 8,044

DIZ 532 2,655 1,275 1,380

Source: CBS, 2012

The above table show cased fewer number of male populationon both wards of project

influence area and Sub-metropolitan city as many have left countries for foreign

employment opportunities (Gulf, Europe, Australia, U.S.A, U.K) after peace process in

Nepal. The 34 Ghare settlement towards left bank and Siran Devi Gaun settlement towards

right bank lies within DIZ. There are 500 households within DIZ of left bank and 32

households within DIZ of right bank. Both of these settlements are squatter settlement area.


35

5.3.2 House Type, Ownership and Settlement Pattern

Within ZOI, it is noticed that around 35% of the houses are modern with RCC with pillar,

Cement bonded bricks/stone wall type and RCC Roof, 50% semi modern houses with

Cement bonded bricks/stone foundation type and wall type and Galvanized iron Roof, 15%

traditional houses with Mud bonded bricks/stone or wooden piller foundation type, Mud

bonded bricks/stone or Wood/ planks/Bamboo outer wall and Galvanized iron/

Thatch/straw/ Wood/ planks roof type. Around 60% of total household are self owned and

around 30% are rented within ZOI.

DIZ of the proposed bridge location is squatter area with clustered settlement. Within DIZ,

most of the houses (around 40%) are traditional, 10% are modern and 50% traditional.

Squatter settlements in the banks of Sardu and Seuti Khola are major encroachment of the

river banks and flood plain seen on Dharan. 34 ghare settlement reside on nearby project

vivinity within IIZ land without legal rights. They live in informal settlements without basic

infrastructure and services provided by government. The settlements is characterized as

slums due to their impoverished living conditions, highly congested spaces and an absence

of public facilities such as safe drinking water, sanitation and waste management.

5.3.3 Caste and Ethnicity

The project areas were characterized by the presence of diverse ethnic groups. The

population of the ZOI is dominated by Rai (20.72%) followed by the Limbu (11.66%),

Newar (11.06%), Chhetree (10.67%), Tamang (7.26%), Brahmin Hill (7.09%), Kami

(6.19%), Magar (4.22%) and rest below 4%. Following table shows the population

distribution by caste/ethnicity within ZOI.

Table 21: Percentage of caste/ethnic composition within Project Area

S.N. Caste/Ethnicity Popn % S.N. Caste/Ethnicity Popn % S.N. Caste/Ethnicity Popn %

1 Rai 28536 20.72 29 Hajam/Thakur 344 0.25 57 Mewahang Bala 42 0.03

2 Limbu 16061 11.66 30 Brahman - Tarai 299 0.22 58 Sudhi 40 0.03

3 Newar 15237 11.06 31 Bangali 281 0.2 59 Danuwar 40 0.03

4 Chhetree 14692 10.67 32 Dom 247 0.18 60 Dev 37 0.03

5 Tamang 10003 7.26 33 Rajput 213 0.15 61 Kewat 36 0.03

6 Brahman - Hill 9764 7.09 34 Jhangad/Dhagar 201 0.15 62 Ghale 33 0.02

7 Kami 8526 6.19 35 Dhimal 160 0.12 63 Thami 32 0.02

8 Magar 5810 4.22 36 Dhanuk 158 0.11 64 Tatma/Tatwa 31 0.02

9 Damai/Dholi 2968 2.16 37 Thakuri 154 0.11 65 Musahar 26 0.02

10 Gurung 2669 1.94 38 Thulung 139 0.1 66 Kumal 24 0.02

11 Kulung 2036 1.48 39 Samgpang 137 0.1 67 Kanu 21 0.02

12 Gharti/Bhujel 1858 1.35 40 Chamar/Harijan/Ram 135 0.1 68 Lohar 21 0.02

13 Musalman 1803 1.31 41 Rajbansi 119 0.09 69 Nachhiring 21 0.02

14 Marwadi 1684 1.22 42 Punjabi/Shikh 106 0.08 70 Halkhor 18 0.01

15 Tharu 1568 1.14 43 Kayastha 101 0.07 71 Dusadh/Pasawan/Pasi 16 0.01

16 Sarki 1489 1.08 44 Bhote 97 0.07 72 Kumhar 15 0.01

17 Teli 1233 0.9 45 Baraee 95 0.07 73 Bantar/Sardar 15 0.01


36

S.N. Caste/Ethnicity Popn % S.N. Caste/Ethnicity Popn % S.N. Caste/Ethnicity Popn %

18 Bantaba 977 0.71 46 Sonar 87 0.06 74 Rajdhob 15 0.01

19 Sherpa 940 0.68 47 Badi 83 0.06 75 Khatwe 14 0.01

20 Yakkha 728 0.53 48 Mallaha 77 0.06 76 Lepcha 12 0.01

21 Sanyasi/Dashnami 619 0.45 49 Bahing 76 0.06 77 Dhunia 12 0.01

22 Haluwai 619 0.45 50 Khawas 73 0.05 78 Munda 11 0.01

23 Sunuwar 581 0.42 51 Khaling 71 0.05 79 Others 236 0.17

24 Chamling 569 0.41 52 Badhaee 70 0.05 80 Dalit Others 89 0.06

25 Majhi 482 0.35 53 Koiri/Kushwaha 61 0.04 81 Janajati Others 19 0.01

26 Kathbaniyan 456 0.33 54 Satar/Santhal 50 0.04 82 Terai Others 174 0.13

27 Yadav 391 0.28 55 Dhobi 49 0.04 83 Undefined Others 258 0.19

28 Kalwar 346 0.25 56 Yamphu 44 0.03 84 Foreigner 25 0.02

Source: CBS, 2014

Within DIZ also, Rai are the dominant ones. In 34 Ghare settlement area, 150 hhs are Rai

followed by 100 hhs Dalits, 60 Limbu, 40 Tamang, 40 Newar, 20 Chhetree, 20 Brahmin,

10 Magar and 60 others. In Siran Devi Gaun settlement area, 23 hhs are Rai followed by 7

Tamang and 2 Dalits (Bishowkarma)

5.3.4 Language

Within ZOI, majority of the people of the project area speak Nepali language (42.49%)

followed by Limbu (10.06%), Newar (7.38%), Rai (5.94%), Tamang (5.93%) and Bantawa

(5.84%). Following table shows the population by mother tongue.

Table 22: Percentage of people speaking mother tongue within Project Area

S.N.

Languag

e Popn

%

S.N

. Language

Pop

n %

S.N

. Language

Pop

n %

1 Nepali

5851

5

42.4

9 18 Tharu 789

0.5

7 35 Puma 119

0.0

9

2 Limbu

1385

1

10.0

6 19 Thulung 721

0.5

2 36 Rajbanshi 75

0.0

5

3 Newar

1016

0 7.38 20 Bhojpuri 595

0.4

3 37 Lohorung 72

0.0

5

4 Rai 8182

5.94 21 Sunuwar 527

0.3

8 38 Chhiling 71

0.0

5

5 Tamang 8171

5.93 22 Dumi 503

0.3

7 39

Yamphu/Yamph

e 65

0.0

5

6 Bantawa 8042

5.84 23 Bhujel 489

0.3

6 40 Santhali 33

0.0

2

7 Maithili 4483

3.26 24 Bahing 397

0.2

9 41 Doteli 32

0.0

2

8 Magar 4331

3.15 25 Khaling 350

0.2

5 42 English 23

0.0

2

9

Chamlin

g 3596

2.61 26 Wambule 320

0.2

3 43 Punjabi 22

0.0

2

10 Kulung 2128

1.55 27 Mewahang 240

0.1

7 44 Dhimal 20

0.0

1

11 Gurung 1736

1.26 28 Sindhi 215

0.1

6 45 Khash 20

0.0

1

12 Sampang 1436

1.04 29 Bangla 212

0.1

5 46 Thami 16

0.0

1

13 Urdu 1173

0.85 30 Koyee 178

0.1

3 47 Danuwar 14

0.0

1

14 Hindi 1082

0.79 31 Nachhiring 168

0.1

2 48 Tilung 14

0.0

1


37

S.N.

Languag

e Popn

%

S.N

. Language

Pop

n %

S.N

. Language

Pop

n %

15 Rajsthani 1004

0.73 32

Uranw/Ura

u 166

0.1

2 49 Lapcha 11

0.0

1

16 Yakkha 896

0.65 33 Majhi 159

0.1

2 50 Others 847

0.6

2

17 Sherpa 839

0.61 34 Dungmali 123

0.0

9 51 Not Reported 474

0.3

4

Source: CBS, 2014

Within DIZ, most of the people speak Nepali (50%) followed Rai (25%), Limbu (12%) and

Tamang (8%) and remaining others.

5.3.5 Religion and Culture

Majority (55%) of people of the project area follow Hindut hat is followed by Budism and

the rest in small number follow other religions. Hence, they celebrate the common Hindu

festivals like Dashain, Tihar, Saune Sankranti, Makar Sankranti, Tamu Lhosar, Chaite

Dashain, Baisakh Purnima, Bhailo Purnima, Janai Purnima and Tij. The life rituals like

naming, thread ceremony, marriage and death ceremony are observed as per the respective

caste and ethnicity. Their cultural pattern and social life also has a deep rooted relationship

with the nature. They also believe on portfolio of God and Goddess attached with the

resources on which human life exists.

5.3.6 Literacy and Education

Considering the population above 5 years of age, the total literacy of ZOI is 82.84% (male

89.29% and female 77.20%). Literacy rate towards left bank side is higher (84.50%) than

that towards right bank side (73.76). The literacy status, population, aged 5 years and above

by literacy status, sex of ZOI is given in tables below.

Table 23: Population that have completed the education level within ZOI

Education Level

Population that have completed the educational level

Both Sex Male Female

Beginner 3118 1611 1507

Primary (1-5) 29833 15185 14648

Lower secondary (6 -8) 20414 10023 10391

Secondary (9 -10) 15751 7744 8007

S.L.C. & equiv. 19294 9456 9838

Inter-mediate & equiv. 9317 4676 4641

Graduate & equiv. 4141 2520 1621

Post Graduate equiv. & above 1319 907 412

Others 53 33 20

Non-formal education 3837 1692 2145

Level not stated 304 139 165 Source: CBS, 2014

Within DIZ, around 1000 people have completed S.L.C and equivalent level of education,

500 people inter-mediate and equivalent, 100 people graduate equivalnet, and 10 people

have compleded Post Graduate equivalent & above level of education.

There are around 2 primary and 1 secondary level schools within DIZ. As the ZOI includes

Dharan City itself, the area is well facilated with educational institutions including B.P


38

Koirala Institute of Health Sciences and Institute of Engineering Purwanchal Campus

(Eastern Region Campus).

5.3.7 Occupation

Within 34 Ghare settlement of DIZ, most of the households (more than 95%) are involved

in daily labor and only 2% are involved in business, 2% in government services and 1%

non government services. Within Siran Devi Gaun settlement of DIZ, 24 hhs are involved

in labor, 8 hhs business and 2 agriculture. However, within ZOI, most of the people are

involved in agriculture followed by services and business.

Due to topography and soil types agriculture is a perfect source of income generation near

project site. The bridge connects rural setting of Bishnupaduka area with Dharan city which

is the major market hub of Sunsari district. The agricultural and livestock products

(vegetables and dairy products) are daily brought to market centres.The project area is

reknowned for local chicken and kalo bangur. The hilly areas of project vicinity have

potential of professional cow and goat farming, which can be encouraged as the hill

sourroundings have enough grazing lands. Also, ward number 20 is famous for ginger and

turmeric farming.

5.3.8 Migration Pattern

Both in-migration and out-migration were reported in the project area. There are many

cases of migration that go unregistered. Dharan City towards left bank of the proposed

bridge is growing rapidly with many households from nearby region migrating towards the

city both permanently and temporary for jobs and business. People going abroad for

employment are more common these days among the youths. The major destinations

common to the youth in the project area are India, Malaysia, Dubai and Qatar.

5.3.9 Public Health and Sanitation

The project area is well equipped with health facilities as there is one health post within

DIZ and many health institutions including B.P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences within

ZOI. According to the District Health Office (2071 B.S.), the major health problems of the

area are helmenthiasis, headache, gastritis, pyrexia of unknown origin, respiratory tract

infection, impetigo, typhoid/enteric fever, tonsillitis, diarrhea, etc. The health status of

people has improved because of increased awareness towards health and sanitation.

As of 2011, 72.69 % of the households in the project area had modern flush type toilet,

23.66% have ordinary toilet while nearly just 2.92% are household without toilet facility,

(CBS, 2011) while remaining falls in other non-reported category.

5.3.10 Energy Use

The project affected area is connected with national grid electricity facility and hence

electricity is the main source of energy for lightning. Within DIZ, most of the households

(beside 4 HHs in Siran Devi Gaun that use kerosene for lightning) use electricity for

lightning. Aournd 40 HHs in 34 Ghare have solar facility for lightning beside electricity.

Following table shows the source of lightening within ZOI.


39

Table 24: Source of energy for lightening purpose

Total Households Fuel usually used for lighting

Electricity Kerosene Bio gas Solar Others Not Stated

32,693 31,136 1,065 133 22 100 237

Source: CBS, 2014

In case of cooking, 100 HHs in 34 Ghare within DIZ use fire wood and remaining 400 use

biogas. Simlarly, within DIZ of Siran Devi Gaun, 12 HHs use fire wood for cooking and

remaining 20 use biogas. Following table shows the source of cooking within ZOI.

Table 25: Source of energy for cooking purpose

Total

household

Fuel usually used for cooking

Wood /

firewood Kerosene LP gas

Santhi/

guitha

(cow

dung)

Bio

gas Electricity Others

Not

Stated

32,693 11,405 474 20,259 16 213 12 83 231

Source: CBS, 2014

5.3.11 Service Facilities

Drinking Water Supply:

Tap water is the main source of drinking water within project area. Settlements within DIZ

(Both banks), are using piped water sourced from nearby spring towards Bishnupaduka.

For other domestic purpose like washing cloths, people use river water from Sardu River

when available. Following table shows the source of drinking water within ZOI.

Table 26: Source of drinking water

Total

househol

d

Main source of drinking water

Tap/pipe

d water

Tubewell

/

handpum

p

Covered

well/kuw

a

Uncovere

d

well/kuwa

Spou

t

water

River

/strea

m

Other

s

Not

State

d

162,279 46,804 109,667 660 1,142 873 296 2,003 834

Source: CBS, 2014

Communication: Communication facility has infiltrated to almost all the places in the

project area through mobile servicesof various types. The cable phones used in the past are

losing popularity due to easily accessible mobile network. Radio and FM network has come

within the access of local people. However very limited households are able to enjoy

television. Internet service and printed media is yet to gain popularity in the area.

Electricity and Lighting: Most of the places in the project area have been supplied with

electricity through national transmission. According to CBS (2014), 80.82% of the

households have been using electicity from national transmission for lighting the house.

Remainging households have been relying on conventional fuel (kerosene), solar energy,

biogas and other.


40

Trade/business, industries: The project area lacks big industries and beside shops, bakery,

rice mill and local metal industries, no other trade/business activities are noticed within

project area. The recent turn of events happenings around Sardu with ward level activities

people from the uphill settelements of Bhanjyang have started Machhamar Homestay to

target people coming to Bishnupaduka which might be beneficial for 133 local houses at

Bhanjyang village which is 6km far from right bank of bridge. The other chances of opening

hotels and tiffin houses as small scale business (due to increased religious activities after

construction of the bridge), would be also very promising to locals. The nearest market

people would often travel to Bishnu paduka for religious visit which might result in several

income generating activities.

Local development activities: The project area is adjoining to Dharan city which is highly

active in local development activities. Different development activities like infrastructure

construction, tourism promotion, business activities, industrial activities, health and

educational institutions etc. are growing rapidly within the project area

Fuel Wood: With the growing access, the non-conventional fuel like Liquid Petroleum Gas

(LPG) is used on project vicinity and sourroundings by all the households.

Road and Transportation: The local level authorities have plans for promoting Dharan-

Mangalbare Bishnupaduka road for connecting rural areas of Bhojpur and Dhankuta

districts. The essentiality of Sradu Khola Bridge then plays strategically huge role in

promotion of connectivity and communication of rural areas of different distrcits to city

areas. The bridge not only promotes internal tourism due to cultural aspeccts of

Bishnupaduka but also helps in connectivity of rural areas to city areas.

River Crossing Facilities: There is no any provision of crossing Sardu Khola from bridge

as people are crossing the khola by walking. Also, there is under-construction of RCC

Bridge about 2km downstream at chatara line road.

Law and Order: During the field survey, the general law and order situation of the area

was found to be satisfactory. The nearest police post is stationed at mangalbare which is

1.5km left bank alongside ward no 11 on dharan- mangalbare road. All the three security

agencies of Nepal likewise, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and Nepal Army have their

presence at district level. Minor disputes are solved by the involvement of local ward level

leader in coordination with local tol bikash samiti.

Market Centers: Mangalbare Bazaar is the nearest market in the project area whereas

Dharan is the major market centre.

Business and Industries: Different types of business enterprises and industries involved

in production and distribution of various types of goods and services in the project area.

The type and number of business/industries includes Mill, Furniture, Electrical/Electronics

and Computer Institute Construction Service.There are various other types of businesses,

especially shop stalls locally known as hat bazar at Mangalbare where various types of

items like garments, construction materials, groceries, restaurants, liquors,


41

medicine/clinics, cosmetics and tailor are found. The major business tooks place in Dharan

Bazar.

Major Religious, Historical, Natural, Touristic and Cultural Sites: Bishnu paduka is

the major religious site of the project area which is 6 km far from the proposed bridge

location. Similarly, the access road leads to nearest chure hill from where sight-seeing of

Dharan city can be observed. The newly opening of Machhamare Homestay at Bhanjyang

village which is 6km far from right bank of proposed project site is recent approach made

by local public for promotion on cultural tourism to Bishnupaduka. Hence, the project area

has high tourism potential (mainly religious tourism).

As most of the population belong to Hindu religion, they celebrate the common Hindu

festivals like Dashain, Tihar, Saune Sankranti, Makar Sankranti, Tamu Lhosar, Chaite

Dashain, Baisakh Purnima, FaguPurnima, Janai Purnima and Tij. The life rituals like

naming, thread ceremony, marriage and death ceremony are observed as per the respective

caste and ethnicity. Their cultural pattern and social life also have a deep rooted relationship

with the nature. They also believe on portfolio of God and Goddess attached with the

resources on which human life exists.

Non-Governmental Organization and Activities: A number of NGOs CFUG, are

working in the field of forest and environmental protection, water supply and sanitation,

disaster,women awareness, rural livelihood and income generating activities in the project

area and its vicinity.


42

CHAPTER 6: IDENTIFICATION OF IMPACTS

The impacts are examined on the basis of baseline condition of project area and likely

impacts during construction and operation phases. Such impacts have been identified based

on site observation, field survey & information obtained from the stakeholders and few

were identified from value judgment. The impacts are expressed in terms of their

magnitude, extent and duration.

6.1 Beneficial Impacts

6.1.1 Beneficial Impacts during Construction Phase

Employment Opportunities

During construction, the project will generate significant mandays of temporary

employment opportunities that constitutes unskilled personpower and skilled personpower

including engineers, technicians and operators. People will be required for excavation,

concrete works, scaffolding, gabion box weaving, transportation, supervision and

management during construction of this project and local people based on their

qualification and skill will have additional income opportunities. This will uplift the

economic status of the ZoI. However, if earned wage is saved and utilized for micro and

small scaled enterprises, benefit will be durable. The envisaged impact will be direct, local,

short term in nature, having high magnitude and hence will be very significant.

Enhancement of Technical Skills

This project not only provides employment opportunities to the poor and unskilled but also

supports in transfer of skills and technical know-how to work in similar construction works.

The employment opportunity will, on the other hand, be able to develop project type

specific skill among the workers which could subsequently be used in other project. These

skills will encourage the locals in getting long term employment opportunities. Workers

will acquire the additional knowledge through training in material handling, occupational

safety, general environment, health and social precautionary measures.

The envisaged impact will be indirect, local, long term in nature, having medium magnitude

and will be significant.

Increased Trade and Business Opportunities

During construction period, different types of commercial activities will come into

operation in order to meet the demand of construction crew. In general, the enterprises will

include food and teashops, groceries, lodges and restaurants for serving construction crews.

The demand for local products such as pulses, milk, meat, vegetables, fruits (especially

mango, litchi, etc) etc. will rise during the construction period which may provide added

impetus for local production and marketing. This will contribute to the local rural economy

and may help reduce rural poverty. The Machhamare Homestay at Bhanjyang village is

already showing signs of possible promotion of local tourism hospitality with the proposed

project at Sardu Khola. Such benefits may contribute to enterprise development, which


43

often continues to entrench beyond construction period. The project will give due priority

to the local products, local market and local petty contractors.

The envisaged impact will be indirect, local, short term in nature, having medium

magnitude and will be significant.

6.1.2 Beneficial Impacts during Operation Phase

Reduced Traffic Disruption

Vehicles can ply across the river only at some shallow point and that is possible only during

low flow conditions. After the completion of the project, the flow will not hamper the river

crossing in any season. People from the remote and isolated settlements of wards 11 and

20 of Dharan Sub-metropolitan City, will have more convenient access to the

Bishnupaduka as well as to the Dharan city due to ease of accessibility on Dharan-

Mangalbare-Bishnupaduka road. In the mean time, the time and cost of

travelling/transportation will also be reduced significantly. Similarly, the bridge will

encourage the transportation all year round.

The envisaged impact will be direct, local and the long terms having high magnitude hence

will be very significant.

Improvement of Transportation Services

Access to services is irregular and difficult at present. The new opening will connect two

wards of Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City on either bank of Sardu Khola. The road traffic

will increase as religious place of Bishnu paduka will be focal point of travveling on as

transportation services along approach road will be also improved. Once the road/bridge is

in operation, people will have cheap and easy access for various goods such as seeds,

chemical fertilizer and technology leading to increase in agricultural production and

diversification as well as their market. Good quality of road and structures will give rise to

number of public vehicles and competition thereby resulting low transportation cost. This

connection will also strengthen social and cultural ties among people living towards either

bank.

The envisaged impact will be direct, local and long term impact having medium magnitude

hence will be very significant.

Promotion of Agro-enterprise Related to Horticultural Products

Road access is crucial for economic development. With the operation of the bridge, a

reliable access will be established with the rural villages and this will promote agro-based

(crops and horticulture) and livestock based (dairy and meat) enterprises which have higher

prospects in the area. The 71 ethno-botanical plants having different use identified in area

and as mentioned in baseline will find more use, value and further processing as more

technicians will visit in the locality due to new connectivity. Moreover, the surroundings

have been identified as pockets for tropical fruits like Banana, Mango and Litchi.

Marketting of these fruits will be eased by the existence of the bridge.


44

The envisaged impact will be indirect, regional and long term having high magnitude,


Access to Public Services and Basic Utilities

The construction of bridge will provide un-obstructed and reliable access to different basic

facilities like education, health, market, etc to the people of project area through means of

transportation for daily conveyance. People of remote locality of two wards will have easy

access to Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City for bigger health care facility, so is the case for

markets centers and education. The bridge will ease the vehicular movement and immediate

service of ambulance. The envisaged impact upon education, health and others will be

direct, long term, regional, of medium magnitude, hence will be very significant.

Timely construction of the proposed bridge and its regular maintenance will generate the

service in time and sustain the service.

6.2 Adverse Impacts

The adverse impacts during construction and subsequent operation and maintenance in

terms of physical, biological, socioeconomic, cultural and religious aspects due to project

actions are evaluated as follows:

6.2.1 Pre-Construction Phase

6.2.1.1 Biological Environment

Removal of Vegetation due to Site Clearance

The project does not require clearing of any trees except ground vegetation so the impact

is very minimal whereas for approach road 0.013ha needs to be acquire from river/flood

plain area and community forest. So there is minimal impact on biological environment.

6.2.1.2 Socio-economic and Cultural Environment

Land and Property Acquisition, and Compensation

Potential land required at proposed bridge site is government land. Land and property

acquisition and subsequent compensation measures will not be required for this project.

However the project will take consent of government land required for temporary purpose.

Issues related to community land and grazing

About 0.05ha land abutting Sardu Khola required for the project is Government land which

is not currently used for any productive community purpose. This will be used temporarily

for construction yard, construction vehicle parking, stockpiling and labor camp. There is

no conflict among communities regarding use of land by the project.

The proposed bridge location is not prime land for grazing for cattles including drinking

water for them and wallowing by buffalo.

6.2.2 Construction Phase



45

Issues of effect on Social Services and Community Infrastructures

The construction crew will need services like water supply, electricity, telephone, provision

shop, health facilities, fuel, etc. which they will have to utilize from the existing facilities

in the area. This may create pressure on the existing common resources; especially water

supply, electricity and health service are already limited.

These envisaged impacts of the project will be direct, site specific, short term and of high

magnitude hence will be very significant.

Occupational Health and Safety Measures

During the construction phase, the construction workforces will be exposed to a number of

constructions related health risks and hazards. Fugitive emissions, noise and physical injury

during construction works such as slope cutting, foundation excavation, river training work

etc. may cause serious health impact. Unsafe drinking water, unhygienic sanitary condition

(i.e. lack of the latrine and sanitary facilities) in the construction camp can increase the risk

of additional and endemic diseases such as diarrhoea, dysentery and cholera.

The envisaged impact will be direct, local and short term having high magnitude hence


Communicable Diseases

Certain communicable diseases might be transmitted by the outside workers. Workers

sharing the same camp facilityare at higher risk of such diseases. Intimacy between workers

and local people may spread diseases like HIV/AIDS and STDs.

The envisaged impact will beindirect, regional and long term having medium magnitude,


Conflict between Locals and Outside Workers

Conflict may arise between the local people and outsider labours during the project

construction regarding recruitment and procurement for work. Presence of non-native

people may not be welcomed by the local residents. Additionally, the construction workers

may involve in gambling, alcoholism etc and eventually may get into conflict among

themselves or with the surrounding people. Similarly, workforce from outside may not be

familiar with the localculture of the project area and the disagreement may take the form

of argument ultimately creating conflict with local people.

The envisaged impact will be direct, local, short term, of low magnitude, hence will be

insignificant.

Gender Discrimination

As known from local consultation, discrepancy is already prevalent in the project area in

wage distribution among male and female labour forces. It is very likely that similar

treatment is continued while reimbursing the construction workforce involving the local.

The envisaged impact will be direct, local, short term, of medium magnitude, hence will be

significant.


46

Child Labour Issue

Most of the adolescents have been away from their homeland leaving only females and

children. Children have also been involved in productive work in the family. It is most

likely that children will be exploited by the contractors in the construction and related

works.

The envisaged impact will be direct, local, short term, of medium magnitude, hence will be

significant.

6.2.2.2 Physical Environment

Sediment Load in Sardu Khola

Excavation of sand and aggregates from the river flood plain can generate suspended

sediment load in the river. Such effects are also envisaged during the excavation of

foundations. This could affect the downstream channel.

The envisaged impact will be direct, local, short term and of low magnitude, hence will be

insignificant.

Stockpiling, Spoil Disposal and Transportation of Material

The major construction materials are steel, cement, sand and aggregate. Since the material

used for the construction is limited, stockpiling of steel, cement, sand and aggregates in the

construction yard and stockpiling yard (0.04ha) and for construction camp (0.01ha) of small

area will be acquired. Hence, few environmental implications are envisaged on air, water

and land.

Quarrying and Extraction of the River Bed Material

The required sand and aggregates will be sourced from the authorized supplier.

Thus, there is no issue in this regard.

Bank Stability and Cutting: As stated earlier, the area on the both sides consists of soft

sedimentary rocks and semi consolidated alluvium of Chure. The proposed project have no

such heavy cutting of the river banks for laying abutments and approach road whereas for

the left bank slightly slope should be cut for approach road where the natural slope is

found to be very gentle. The envisaged impact will be direct, site specific, long term, of

medium magnitude, hence will be significant.

Impact on Air Quality, Water Quality and Noise Level

Air Pollution: Diesel generator, machinery equipments, excavators, drillers, dozers and

transportation vehicles may introduce the fugitive & combustion emissions into

atmosphere. Dust emission can be expected to be high along approach road. Smoke & Dust

will also affect the road/bridge site, vegetation, local people and workers. The envisaged

direct impact due to air pollution will be, site specific and short terms and of medium

significance hence will be insignificant.

Water pollution: The water quality of river is in suitable range however construction and

personal activities of the labors may introduce several water pollutants into the river.


47

Probable water pollutants are turbidity, suspended & dissolved solids, fecal contamination,

oil & grease from vehicles and equipments, etc.The inappropriate use, storage, processing

& application of chemicals (i.e. fuel, lubricants, oils & acids and other materials) for the

construction may cause soil & ground water pollution. Fluid and solid waste resulting from

the construction camp may affect the nearby land and water body. Presence of pollutants

in the water may disrupt aquatic environment and dependent lives downstream.

These envisaged impacts due to the water pollution will be direct, local and short term in

nature and having moderate magnitude, hence will be significant.

Noise pollution: The present noise level of the area is very ambient. During the

construction period, operation of machines, excavators, power tiller, movementof

transporting vehicles, trucks and construction equipments will increase the existing noise

level.

The envisaged direct impact will be, site specific, short term, local and of medium

magnitude hence will be significant.

Impact due to Solid Waste Generation

Construction activities will produce solid wastes such as synthetic materials and some

forms of inorganic wastes, whereas, domestic activities will produce mainly food wastes

and excretory wastes. Improper dumping and management of these wastes can result in

unpleasant odors, deterioration of water quality in the river water and groundwater, visual

impacts that can cause health related hazards to the local inhabitants.The envisaged impact

will be direct, site specific, short term, of high magnitude, hence will be very significant.


Impact on Aquatic ecology due to sediments from foundation excavation activities

Construction of bridge will require temporary diversion of River by construction of

diversion bund. Construction work in River will also increase chances of increase in

turbidity due to sediment load. The Sardu Khola has many species of aquatic life, including

fresh water fish species like Buduna (Garra annandalei), Bam Sahar (Tor spp.), Eel

(Anguilla bengalensis), Katle (Acrossocheilus hexagonolepis), Aslashark (Wallago attu),

Pothi (Puntius spp.) and Rhou (Labeo rohita), which may get adversely affected by such

activities and pollution in water.

The impact will be direct, high significance, local and short-term.

There will be various mechanical activities along the bank of Sardu River during the laying

of abutments. The involvement of heavy machineries and intensive construction activities

along the river channel hinder the activities of aquatic organisms, alongside the destruction

of their natural habitat. Similarly, some members of construction crew would involve

themselves in fishing activities in their spare time causing the population of some fish

species to decline.

This impact is envisaged to be medium magnitude, local and short term in duration and

limited to construction period.


48

Impacts on General, Rare, Endangered and Threatened Species of Flora and Fauna

The forest of Chure region and especially that of the inner Terai is heavily disturbed due to

human activities and natural disasters as well. So the otherwise inherently diverse zone in

terms of wildlife is very infrequently attended by very few wild animals. Moreover, the

area where the bridge has been proposed is prodominantly human habitation with

infrequent movement of animals. Hence, this impact is envisaged to be medium

significance, medium term in duration and local in extent.

Though infrequently, lowland mammals and birds visit the project site and surrounding.

Many wildlife species are rare. Visiting birds and animals could be disturbed due to

construction activities. Workforce may involve in hunting and poaching activities during

construction.

This anticipated impact will be indirect, local, short term, having medium magnitude, hence

will be significant.

6.2.2.4 Chemical Environment

Impacts of Construction Wastes (Chemically Hazardous Liquid Wastes and Solid

Wastes, Sanitary Wastes, and other Organic and Inorganic Wastes etc.)

Construction work will require oil and fuel, lubricants, imulsion paints and other chemical.

Intrusion of these matters into the water may deteriorate the water quality seriously. The

envisaged impact will be direct, site specific, short term, of medium to High magnitude,


6.2.3 Operation Phase


Ribbon Settlement along the Road

There is a possibility of concentration of commercial activities and settlements from hinter

land to approach road alignment. There are chances of erecting new and haphazard

settlements along the newly operated connectivity to open marketing options. This practice

could disturb the traffic, entice for encroachment of the RoW, increase possibility of

accidents, decline the aesthetic value and reduce the overall capacity of road. If such

practices are not controlled by enforcing specific legal actions.

The envisaged impact will be indirect, site specific, long term, of high magnitude, hence


Bridge and Road Safety Measures, Accidents andLoss of Life and Property

There are chances of vehicular accidents on the approach curve and sharp turnings

especially on both side of proposed bridge. Inadequate provision of the road safety

measures like lack of signals and lack of enforcement of traffic rules during operation

period may invite accidents and even loss of life.

The envisaged impact will be direct, site specific, long term, of high magnitude, hence will

be very significant.


49


Slope/Bank Instability and Sustainability of Bridge

The fluvial deposits and soft rock along the bridge and approach road embankmentat either

bank may become unstable triggering slope failure ultimately affecting the bridge

durability.

The envisaged impact willbe direct, site specific, long term and of moderate magnitude,

hence will be significant.

Impact due to Air and Noise Pollution

Increased number of additional vehicles due to availability of easy road access can cause

air and noise pollution. The noise of horns from vehicles can cause problem to nearby

community.

The impact will be direct, of low magnitude; site specific and long-term in nature hence

will be insignificant. However since the movement of vehicles is not expected to be high,

the impact will also be minimal and momentary.

The below Table 27 and Table 28 shows the summary of beneficial as well as adverse type

of impacts that were identified during the study along with their scores.

Table 27: Summary of the Beneficial Impacts and Scores

Activity Issues Related beneficial

impacts

Type of impact

Sig

nif

ica

ne

Imp

act

Ex

ten

t

Du

rati

on

Ma

gn

itu

de

Construction Phase

Construction of

bridge and

approach road

Employment opportunities Generation of temporary

employment and increase

in income level

D L

20

ST

05

H

60

Vs

85

Enhancement of technical

skill

Increase in income

generating activities and

employment opportunities

IN L

20

LT

20

M

20

S

60

Increased Trade and

Business opportunities

Increase in income level

of non-worker through

demand for local

agricultural products

IN L

20

ST

05

M

20

S

45

Operation stage

Operation of road

and bridge

Reduced traffic disruption Transportation facility in

the area all year round

D L

20

LT

20

H

60

Vs

100

Improvement of

transportation services

Safe travel, Improve

accessibility, saving of

travel time and cost

D L

20

LT

20

Mo

20

Vs

100

Promotion of agro-

enterprise

Economic improvement IN R

60

LT

20

H

60

Vs

140

Access over public

services and basic utilities

Easier access to

educational institutions,

D R

60

LT

20

Mo

20

Vs

100


50


impacts

Type of impact

Sig

nif

ica

ne

Imp

act

Ex

ten

t

Du

rati

on

Ma

gn

itu

de

health institutions,

religious places etc.

Table 28: Summary of Adverse Environmental Impact and Scores

Activity Issues Related adverse Impacts Type of

impacts

Sig

nif

ica

nce

Imp

act

na

ture

E

xte

nt

Du

rati

on

Ma

gn

itu

d

e

Pre- construction

Project Planning and

design Process and reliability of

detail survey and design

Inappropriate alignment, construction

camps, asphalt plants, etc.,

encroachment of sensitive area

D L

20

ST

5

H

60

Vs

85

Construction Phase

Socio-economic and Cultural Environmental Impacts

Construction of bridge

and approach road

Impact on the social

services and community

infrastructure

Pressure on social service facilities

likewater supply.

D Ss

10

ST

10

H

60

Vs

80

Construction force and

occupational safety

Occupation Health and

Safety measures

Exposure of construction workforce to

related health risks and hazards due to

operation of machines & construction

work, improper sanitation etc.

D L

20

ST

05

H

60

Vs

85

Construction force and

communicable

diseases

Communicable diseases Impact on health of locals and

construction workers due to proximity

to infected person, Sexual contacts

and proliferation of HIV/AIDs and

STDs

ID R

60

LT

20

Mo

20

Vs

100

Operation of

construction camp

Conflict between locals

and outside workers

Conflict during work due to distinct

thought and cultural perception;

alcoholism and gambling.

D L

20

ST

05

Lo

10

In

35

Construction activity,

wage and female

participation

Gender discrimination Discrimination in wage/salary

distribution

D L

20

ST

05

Mo

20

S

45

Construction and child

involvement

Child labour issue Use of child labour force in risky jobs D L

20

ST

05

Mo

20

S

45

Physical Environmental Impacts

Construction activities Sedimen load in river

water

Impacts on the river and its biota by

increased turbidity

D Ss

10

ST

05

Lo

10

In

35

Excavation of

foundation, Storage of

construction materials

Stock piling, spoil/waste

disposal, Transport of

construction materials

Impact on the river ecology by

cement, soil and excavated materials

on water and others resources

D Ss

10

ST

05

Mo

20

In

35

Construction activity Bank stability Bank instability and chances of bank

failure

D Ss

10

LT

20

Mo

20

S

50


51


impacts

Sig

nif

ica

nce

Imp

act

na

ture

E

xte

nt

Du

rati

on

Ma

gn

itu

d

e

Construction work

:Air, Water and Noise

pollution

Impacts on air quality due

to operation of

equipments and vehicles

Introduction of fugitive and

combustion emissions, dust (PM10)

and smoke, etc. and its impact on

workers, local people and vegetation

D Ss

10

ST

05

Mo

20

In

35

Impact on water quality Mixing of pollutants like turbidity,

fecal contamination, oil and grease

and other inorganic and organic

wastes resulting pollution of water

body.

D L

20

ST

05

Mo

20

S

45

Impact of noise from

operation of equipments

and vehicles

Health of local people and worker D L

20

ST

05

Lo

20

S

45

Construction work and

Solid waste generation

Impact due to solid waste

generation

Synthetic materials, construction and

domestic wastes reduce land and water

quality, aesthetics impacting on human

and environmental health

D Ss

10

ST

05

H

60

Vs

75

Biological Environment Impacts

Construction work, in

stream activities

Impact on Aquatic

ecology due to sediments

from excavation and

diversion

Increase turbidity and sediment load

causing pollution and fish movement

and illigal and illicit fishing by

workers on spare time

D L

20

ST

05

H

60

Vs

85

Construction work,

vehicle

movement on wildlife

distribution

Impacts on rare,

endangered, threatened

and endemic species

Hunting and poaching by workforce;

road collision and fatal injury to

wildlife and death; disturbance to

wildlife due to movement of vehicles

ID

L

20

ST

05

Mo

20

S

45

Chemical Environment Impacts

Use of chemicals in

construction works

Impacts of construction

wastes, oil and lubricants

spillage

Water pollution & impact on aquatic

animals due to oil, lubricants, acids.

suspended and dissolved solids, oil &

grease, fuels, organic wastes

D Ss

10

ST

05

H

60

Vs

75

Operation Phase

Socioeconomic and Cultural Environment Impacts

Operation of bridge

and the approach road

Ribbon settlement along

the project alignment

Development of Ribbon settlement

and encroachment of RoW, increased

accidents, delay in traffic movement

ID Ss

10

LT

20

H

60

Vs

90

Use of bridge and

approach road

Bridge and road safety

issues

Chances of road accidents in the

turnings of the Bridge/Road and Loss

of life and property

D Ss

10

LT

20

Mo

20

Vs

50

Physical Environment

Operation of bridge

and approach road

Bank instability and

failure and River shifting

Bank instability andcutting;

Foundation excavation by changed

river flow; Flood and safety of bridge

D Ss

10

LT

20

Mo

20

S

50


52


impacts

Sig

nif

ica

nce

Imp

act

na

ture

E

xte

nt

Du

rati

on

Ma

gn

itu

d

e

Operation of vehicle Impact due to Airand

Noise pollution

Dust, smoke, noise level, due to

vehicle movement and problem to

local community

D Ss

10

LT

20

Lo

10

In

40

Note: D= Direct; ID = Indirect, Ss= Site Specific; L = Local, R = Regional; ST= Short Term, NA

= Not Applicable of No Impact, MT = Medium Term, LT = Long Term; Lo = Low, Mo =

Moderate, H = High, I=Insignificant, S=Significant, Vs=Very Significant, Hs=Highly

Significant


53

CHAPTER 7: PROJECT ALTERNATIVES

The aim of the project is to construct bridge and improve the transportation network for the

promotion of quick and safe connectivity. Various alternatives were considered to achieve

the project’s objectives in environment friendly manner.The alternatives were analyzed in

terms of:

No action option;

Project alternatives;

Alternative location/site;

Alternative design and construction approach;

Alternative schedule and process; and

Alternative resources and technology.

These alternatives are analysed and evaluated subsequently in following sub-headings;

7.1 No Action Option

People from the remote and isolated settlements of 11 and 20 of Dharan Sub- Metropolitan

City along Dharan-Mangalbare-Bishnupaduka road of Sunsari District have to detour and

will be deprived from the mainstream of the development through access if this option is

not implemented. In absence of motorable bridge the road do not serve access towards

Ward no. 20 of Dharan Sub- Metropolitan City and movement of people between banks of

Sardu khola is limited. People towards right bank have to detour to reach district headquater

Sunsari. The construction of the proposed bridge provides year round motorable access to

the people of immediate remote area from bridge site like sagarmatha Tole, 34 ghare tole,

to Siran Devi gaun, Bishnu paduka including other areas. Additionally, vegetables, fruits

and milk have high potential in ward no 20 of Dharan. The potential religious tourist’s

arrival may be also higher in Bishnu padulka as accessibility will be high with construction

of motorable bridge in proposed location.

7.2 Project Alternative

Culvert is not feasible because width of river is more than 6 m. Construction of the

Causeway also is not feasible considering the river characteristics as it has been observed

from the service of existing one. A suspension bridge also exists but is applicable for

pedestrians only. In this context, motorable bridge is identified as the best alternative over

it

7.3 Alternative Location/Site

Considering the identical nature of the geology along the river stretch, the only limiting

factor identified was the width of the river which is relatively narrower and channel is

straight at the proposed location. No other better and suitable alternative location for bridge

axis was found than the proposed one. Flow width (river channel) is wider down

streamwhile aligning approach road along both banks of the river is lengthly, costy and


54

time consuming towards upstreams. The bridge site other than selected one needs longer

bridge with more protection works, lengthy and complicated approach road construction,

and considerably higher cost of construction. Feasibility study has also revealed the

proposed bridge location as geologically and hydrologically more suitable than any other

immediate locations. Hence, the present site is best fit for the project. Nonetheless, owing

to the nature of the river, river training is necessary on both banks.

7.4 Alternative Design and Construction Approach

Considering the river bank, channel morphology, bed & bank materials, alignment of the

existing road, durability and maintenance cost, Box type bridge option is found to be

suitable. The construction approach selected is a labor based approach with minimum

utilization of the machine power as it provides maximum job opportunities to the local

people with minimal environmental implications.

7.5 Alternative Schedule and Process

The construction schedule has been proposed taking the climatic and hydrological

condition of the area into consideration. Similarly, the schedule of active construction of

foundation of the bridge is proposed in dry period to avoid the impact of high discharge of

the Sardu Khola during rainy season.

7.6 Alternative Resources

As cement and steel/iron has no alternative for the project construction, these materials will

be sourced from the Nepalese and nearest Indian market, Jogbani. Necessary aggregates

are locally available in the river. Among the construction modalities, maximization of labor

based option was preferred as it provides job opportunity to the local people. The proposed

bridge construction work shall have manual based work as far as possible and as mentioned

earlier.

7.7 Other matters

The alternative for the environmental management system could be the establishment of

the Environmental Monitoring Unit at MoFAGA/DoLI/BS. The unit will conduct the

monitoring work in the regular interval of time. It will be better if the environmental

monitoring unit comprises of the representatives of clients, consultant, contractor and the

local authorities as required. Timely meeting shall be conducted where the compliance

status and future necessities shall be discussed, and certain agreement could be decided.

Third party monitoring could also be an alternative.


55

CHAPTER 8: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS,

ENHANCEMENT AND MITIGATION MEASURES

Mitigation and enhancement measures are designed to cope with adverse consequences and

to enhance the positive impacts on the environment because of the project implementation.

Mitigation measures are recommended actions that reduce, avoid or offset the potential

adverse environmental consequences of the project activities.

For the impacts, practical mitigation measures (or actions) have been proposed to mitigate

the possible environmental and social impacts that may result due to project

implementation (construction and operation). The proponent of the project has prime

responsibility in carrying out the indicated mitigation measures.Keeping in mind the

current political and social situation, several of these require sharing of responsibilities

with public authorities and local stakeholders. Four categories of environmental and social

mitigation measures are generally identified:

Preventive or Impact avoidance measures are usually implemented at the project

planning and design stage, in order to eliminate or minimize from the onset all

anticipated adverse impacts.

Corrective or Reductive measures are those used to eliminate a source of impact or

reduce its intensity to an optimal or acceptable extent.

Compensatory measures seek to compensate for impacts that cannot be mitigated and

for residual impacts of the project after implementation of mitigation measures.

Enhancement or Benefit Augmentation measures are used to improve existing

environmental or social conditions, which are not directly affected by the project. Such

measures may be implemented outside the study area. To be efficient, these measures

must be defined in cooperation with all stakeholders.

Adverse and beneficial impacts that are not identified or anticipated at this stage, if latter

discovered during the construction and operation stage of the project shall be duly taken

care of by the proponent.

8.1 Beneficial Impacts and Augmentation Measures

No augmentation measure has been suggested for this benefit. However, the contractor will

be encouraged to give priority to local and marginalized people including women in

construction works as per their skills.

8.1.2 Beneficial Impacts during Operation Phase

Reduced Traffic Disruption

Regular/annual maintenance of the bridge and the approach road will be arranged by

proponent with the help of DCC. Annual budget will be allocated for this purpose.

Improvement of Transportation Services

Necessary arrangements will be made for protecting the bridge against the harm due to

anthropogenic and natural factors. This includes arrangement of regular inspection and


56

maintainace. The proponent will allocate budget for regular inspection and maintenance of

the bridge and its approaches.

Promotion of Agro-enterprise Related to Horticultural Products

No augmentation measure has been suggested for this benefit.

Access to Public Services and Basic Utilities

Timely construction of the proposed bridge and its regular maintenance will generate the

service in time and sustain the service.

8.2 Adverse Impacts and Mitigation Measures

8.2.1 Pre-construction Phase


The mitigation measures adopted during design or pre-construction phases are of

preventive in nature with two basic objectives: (i) avoiding costly mitigation, and (ii)

awareness among the stakeholders for environment protection while constructing and

operating infrastructure services.

Route/Site Selection

The Site for the Bridge is appropriately selected considering all the technical and

environmental parameters. There is no new route selection but following the existing

alignment as discussed earlier in Chapter 7- Project Alternatives.

Detailed Survey and Design

The design parameters will adopt the design standard of DoR/ IRC. The works will be

executed through NCB based construction. River training will be used for stabilization of

the river banks. All provision proposed in the EMP of this EIA document will be fittingly

reflected in the Design.

The measures proposed during this phase include:

Including proven standards of good practices ( Incorporation of

Environmental Guidelines of then DoLIDAR and current DoLI and provisions

of the EMP of this EIA Document);

Avoidance of sensitive areas (appropriate selection of Bridge site, Approach

Road alignment, construction camps, asphalt plants);

Location of asphalt plants, and stockpiles away from settlements, cultivated

land and unstable area, (potential risks for later causing direct and

subsequent problems for surface and groundwater, water pollution, disruption

of waterways, air pollution, noise pollution, accelerated and uncontrolled dump

sites, landscape aesthetic sores, and public health & accident risks);

Minimise occupational health and safety risks (health / safety regulations,

adequate safety gears, planning for adequate signage and awareness

programmes);


57

Prevent inducement of uncertainties among locals relating to the Project (

Plan for timely process of public consultation. Ensure that the social survey

team is fully aware of the technical design and alignment centreline before

starting HH surveys);

Construction works may cause stresses, shortage and damage to local natural

resources like drinking water, irrigation water, soil and services ( plan and

study alternative and/or outside provision of required resources);

Loss of cultural heritage, it may (needs to be avoided to the extent possible,

seeking alternative solutions in close consultation with the affected

communities);

8.2.2 Construction Phase


Issues of effect on Social Services and Community Infrastructures

The contractor will manage some utilities like communication, lighting and cooking

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

services. The contractor will be responsible for reconstruction and rehabilitation of

damages due to their activities; any damage to existing road in project location, like

formation of ditches, will be controlled and rehabilitated. The responsibility of looking after

the amenities of the workers is the responsibility of the contractor.

Occupational Health and Safety Measures

The contractor will maintain occupational health and safety arrangement and strictly

enforce the safety measures.

Construction workers will be prior informed about job hazards, emergency

procedures and any other relevant safety measures.

Personal Protective Equipments (PPE) such as helmets, boots, gloves, safety belts,

safety glasses and masks will be provided to the workers working in the

construction sites.

Contractor will arrange the First Aid Kit Box and standby medicine for workforce

during working period and emergency situations.

In case of serious injury and accidents, the injured will be run to the nearest hospital

with the necessary diagnosis and treatment facilities.

Warning signs, posts, barriers and guards will be installed to restrict access of

unauthorized persons to construction sites.

Only authorized person will be allowed to operate heavy machinery and

equipments.

Temporary drinking water supply and latrine pit will be established at site.

Dust control will be done in the construction areas by sprinkling water.

Vehicles and equipments will be maintained in proper condition so that they

produce less noise.

Group accidental insurance will be done for the workers.


58

Communicable Diseases

Sanitary condition will be maintained in the construction camp by arranging toilets and

water supply. The toilets will be located at least 50 m away from the river. Workers will be

encouraged to keep their camps clean and tidy. Workers will be informed about STDs and

the preventive measures. Workers will undergo regular health check-ups in the construction

camp which will be arranged by the contractor.

Conflict between Locals and Outside Workers

Construction workers from outside the project area will be well-informed about the general

norms and values of society. The construction workforce will be instructed to respect local

people, especially the female members and observe/follow the local culture and tradition.

Workforce will be discouraged to involve in activities like gambling and alcoholism. Local

people will be informed about project activities, requirements and time schedules. Local

people will be given maximum priority in employment.

Gender Discrimination

Project will establish agreement with contractors to consider male and female equally for

wage distribution for works of similar nature. Male workers will be instructed to respect

their female counterparts.

Child Labour Issue

Child labour will be prohibited totally. Project will establish agreement with contractors to

prohibit child labour and the program will monitor the compliance regularly.


Sediment Load in Sardu Khola

Excavated material will be stockpiled for use in river training works or for filling or

reclamation of land during approach road construction. Minimal cut and fill approach will

be adopted to protect the loose materials along slope from eroding and destabilizing.

Foundation works will be avoided in rainy season. Blockage of river flow will be cleared

immediately.Adoption of method of pumping mud slurry to avoid sediment load discharge

in the river while working on mat and piers is important. This is the subject of construction

management and on additional budget will be required for this.

Stockpiling, Spoil Disposal and Transportation of Material

Similarly the spoil generated is expected to be used up all. Small volume of spoil is

expected to be generated from foundation (open pier, abutment and protection structures)

excavation. Of the total spoil generated, significant volume will be used in backfilling in

foundation pits and trenches. The remaining spoil will be used in fill material for approach

road. And there will still be deficit of fill material for approach road.

Although, limited quantity of material will be used for construction, and all the spoil will

be used up, there may be some environmental implication of temporary storage of these

materials and can be minimized by adopting following measures:

Material will be stockpiled at fallow land and covered,

Proper drainage will be arranged around the stockpile area,


59

Required aggregates will be collected from river bed sustainably whenever

required,

Floodways, natural drainage paths, water bodies, farmlands will be avoided,

Stockpiling of the construction aggregates will be done above the high flood level

of the river,

Stockpiling of the cement and other materials in shaded structures within the

construction camp will be made,

Spoil generated from excavation of the abutment and foundations will be used for

land filling or reclamation for approach road construction and river training works.

These are the subject of construction management and no additional budget will be required

for this.

Bank Stability and Cutting:

Proper engineering and bioengineering techniques will be adopted to protect bank cutting

and erosion and avoid flood risk within 150 m upstream and 50 m downstream from the

bridge location. Construction of river training works with gabion (150 m u/s and 50 m d/s)

to minimize bank cutting.

Impact on Air Quality, Water Quality and Noise Level

Air Pollution: To mitigate the air pollution and its effect the following measures will be

carried out:

Construction equipments and vehicles will be regularly examined and maintained

in proper condition.

Water will be sprinkled along access road at least two times a day to reduce the dust

emission.

Proper protection works like fencing by GCI sheets or walls will be done at

excavation and disposal site.

Construction materials will be properly covered during conveyance.

Speed limit will be enforced for service vehicles.

Workers will be encouraged to use masks.

Water pollution: The proponent will adopt the following mitigation measures in order to

minimize the impact on the surface and ground water quality;

Disposal of the soil, sludge and the other wastes directly into the water body will

be avoided;

Prevention of the soil slippage at the toe of stockpile areas by installing barriers at

the perimeter;

Prohibition of the open urination and defecation by workers. Pit toilets will be

provided at the work sites;

Restriction of the vehicle washing in the river; and

Safe storage and the wise use of the chemicals.

Noise pollution:

The following mitigation measures will be adopted to minimize the noise pollution:


60

Concrete mixer, including other construction equipment etc. will be maintained in

proper condition by applying grease and lubricants.

Sound producing equipments will be preferred to use only in day time.

Earplug will be provided to the worker involved in equipment operations.

Aggregate screening measures will be kept at area away from settlement.

Impact due to Solid Waste Generation

The solid waste generated from the construction/labor camp will be segregated at source

and degradable waste will be used for composting.All the camp wastes and construction

wastes will be placed in the designated waste collection pits away from the water path. The

separate storage areas will be established for all punctured containers (drums, carboys,

flasks etc) and will be processed for selling to scavengers. Similarly, the offsite activities

of the workforce that are potential to cause pollution of surface and subsurface waters will

be prohibited.


Impact on Aquatic ecology due to sediments from foundation excavation activities

To avoid disturbance to aquatic life due care will be given during temporary diversion of

river such that it will generate minimal sediments and have insignificant impact on

increasing turbidity of the river due to sediment. As far as possible the short diversion shall

assume natural stream flow. The workers will be strictly prohibited from fishing or using

any destructive fishing technique that will effect not only the fish population but also affect

other aquatic life.

Impacts on General, Rare, Endangered and Threatened Species of Flora and Fauna

Hunting and poaching by the construction crew will be strictly prohibited. The construction

activity will be managed so as to minimize disturbance to wildlife; speed limit will be

enforced for transporting vehicles.The impact can be minimized by employing the local

labours. Similarly, restriction will be put on construction workers from entering into the

local forest areas and the provision will be enforced as punishable offense. In addition,

restriction will be put on the use of wildlife meat in the construction camps. A hoarding

board will pe placed at bridge site to aware workers and locals alike on importance of

wildlife, conservation and importance and sensitivity of conserving Chure Region in terms

of biodiversity.

6.2.2.4 Chemical Environment

Impacts of Construction Wastes (Chemically Hazardous Liquid Wastes and Solid

Wastes, Sanitary Wastes, and other Organic and Inorganic Wastes etc.)

The chemicals used during construction will be handled properly. Similarly, proper

barricades will be established to isolate the construction material. Chemicals, oils and fuels

will be stored in the impervious floor in such a way that no leakage or spillage will occur

to drainage system.


61

6.2.3 Operation Phase


Ribbon Settlement along the Road

The mitigation measures will be to discourage such settlements adjacent to the approach

Road and Bridge. Speed Limit signs shall be erected at such locations. Respective DCC/

Sub-Metropolitan /Wards and DAO will regulate the possible illicit construction and

activities along the road alignment so as to minimize the impacts. DCC/ Sub-Metropolitan

/Wards in coordination with DAO shall place hoarding board that clearly outlines the road’s

RoW and prohibition of construction of any kind of permanent structure within the RoW.

Bridge and Road Safety Measures, Accidents andLoss of Life and Property

Appropriate design will be adopted focusing required bridge and road safety measures.

Required delinators, safety signs, speed humps, road marking will be used as appropriate

along road and bridge. Four signposts will be installed near the bridge for this purpose.

Road safety measures will also be adopted following 3-Es (i.e. Engineering, Enforcement

and Education). The bridge and the approach road will be repaired and maintained

regularly. The DCC and DoLI will allocate budget for the regular inspection and the

maintenance of bridge.


Slope/Bank Instability and Sustainability of Bridge

The slope will be stablized by appropriate engineering structure. Project infrastructure will

be protected by river training works upstream and downstream of the project and on both

banks. Cost has been provisioned in design and estimate document for river training works

and bank protection works. Bridge User Committee will be formed to enforce the protective

provisions and DCC will monitor on such activities. Bioengineering technique will be

adopted on the both banks. Afforestation of locally suitable species like Sissoo, Khayar,

and Bambool will be carried out along the bank area.

Impact due to Air and Noise Pollution

Road will be maintained frequently to minimize air and noise pollution. However since the

movement of vehicles is not expected to be high, the impact will also be minimal and

momentary.

8.3 Actions, Impact and Mitigation Measures

To avoid descriptive repetition, measures have been presented in tabular form against the

envisaged impacts along with the required cost estimation. This section has prescribed the

practical and cost effective mitigation measures to minimize and compensate the effects of

adverse impacts to acceptable level. The project proponent will ensure to implement these

measures during the construction and operation of the project. The below table represents

the beneficial impacts and enhancement measures (Table 29) as well as mitigation

measures for the reduction of impacts (Table 30) respectively.


62

Table 29: Beneficial Environmental Impacts and Proposed Enhancement Measures


impacts

Benefit augmentation

measures

Responsible agencies

Executing

agencies

Supporting

agencies

Construction Phase

Increased

Trade and

Business

opportunities

Increase in income

level of non-worker

through demand for

local agricultural

products

Priority to local products,

local market and local

contractors

Contractor&

DoLI/LRBSU

DoLI/LRBSU

Operation stage

Operation of

road and

bridge

Reduced traffic

disruption

Transportation

facility in the area all

year round

Regular maintenance of

bridge and approach road

whenever necessary

DoLI/LRBSU DoLI/LRBSU

Improvement of

transportation

services

Safe travel, Improve

accessibility, saving

of travel time and

cost

Regular bridge and approach

maintenance

Allocation of budget for

regular inspection and

maintenance of the bridge.


Promotion of

agro-enterprise

Economic

improvement

No augmentation measure

within the scope contractor or

proponent

Wards/ NGOs/

CBOs

DoLI/LRBSU

Access over

public services

and basic utilities

Easier access to

educational

institutions, health

institutions, religious

places etc.

Timely implementation of the

project

Regular maintenance of the

bridge


Table 30: Adverse Environmental Impacts and Proposed Mitigation Measures

Activity Issues Related

adverse

Impacts

Mitigation measures Responsible agencies

Executing agencies Monitoring

agencies

Pre- construction

Project

Planning and

design

Process and

reliability of

detail survey

and design

Inappropriate

alignment,

construction

camps, asphalt

plants, etc.,

encroachment

of sensitive

area

The bridge design will

follow the standard

methods.

All provision proposed in

the EMP of EIA

document will be

properly reflected in the

design.

LRBSU DoLI/LRBSU

Construction Phase

Socio-economic and Cultural Environmental Impacts

Construction

of bridge and

approach road

Impact on the

social services

and

Pressure on

social service

facilities

Provision of basic

utilities within camp

perimeter

Contractor/Proponent

DoLI/

Consultant


63


adverse

Impacts



agencies

community

infrastructure

likewater

supply.

Building consensus with

local people for using

community

infrastructures and

resources

Any damage to existing

road in project location

like formation of ditches

shall be controlled and

rehabilitated.

Construction

force and

occupational

safety

Occupation

Health and

Safety

measures

Exposure of

construction

workforce to

related health

risks and

hazards due to

operation of

machines &

construction

work,

improper

sanitation etc.

Safety arrangements like

provision of First Aid Kit

Box and standby

medicine for workforce

during working period

and emergency.

Provision of PPE

(helmet, boots, globe,

mask and safety belts etc)

Provision of temporary

drinking water and toilets

in the construction

camps.

Maintenance of condition

of vehicles and

equipments.

Contractor/Proponent DoLI/

Consultant

Construction

force and

communicabl

e diseases

Communicabl

e diseases

Impact on

health of

locals and

construction

workers due to

proximity to

infected

person, Sexual

contacts and

proliferation

of HIV/AIDs

and STDs

Regular health check-up

in the construction camp.

Awareness using

pamphlets boards and

browsers.

Encouragement to keep

the camp clean and tidy.

Arrangement of toilet

with water supply 50 m

away from river.


Consultant

Operation of

construction

camp

Conflict

between locals

and outside

workers

Conflict

during work

due to distinct

thought and

cultural

perception;

alcoholism

and gambling.

Informing worker about

general norms and values

of local community;

instructing them to

respect local culture and

tradition with humility.

Job opportunities to local

people will be

maximized.


Consultant


64


adverse

Impacts



agencies

Discouraging gambling

and alcoholism.

Formation of Public

Greviance Redress

Mechanism.

Construction

activity, wage

and female

participation

Gender

discrimination

Discriminatio

n in

wage/salary

distribution

Enforcement of non-

discriminatory policy

Positive discrimination,

empowerment and social

mobilization; related

trainings/programs


Consultant

Construction

and child

involvement

Child labour

issue

Use of child

labour force in

risky jobs

Prohibition of use of

child labour in the force.

Agreement with

contractor to avoid use of

children below 18 yrs of

age.


Consultant

Physical Environmental Impacts

Construction

activities

Sedimen load

in river water

Impacts on the

river and its

biota by

increased

turbidity

Proper drainage

arrangement in stockpile

area;

Immediate clearance of

the river path in case of

blockade;

Minimal cut and fill

approach;

Safe pumping out of mud

slurry.


Consultant

Excavation of

foundation,

Storage of

construction

materials

Stock piling,

spoil/waste

disposal,

Transport of

construction

materials

Impact on the

river ecology

by cement,

soil and

excavated

materials on

water and

others

resources

Material will be

stockpiled at fallow land

and will be covered.

Proper drainage will be

arranged around the

stockpile area.

Floodways, natural

drainage paths, water

bodies, farmlands will be

avoided.

Sustainable collection of

river bed materials

whenever required,

Excavated materials will

be used for filling and

river training works.


Consultant


65


adverse

Impacts



agencies

Construction

activity

Bank stability Bank

instability and

chances of

bank failure

Due consideration of

existing slope and

minimal excavation

Construction of river

training works with

gabion (150 m u/s and 50

m d/s) to minimize bank

cutting.


Consultant

Construction

work :Air,

Water and

Noise

pollution

Impacts on air

quality due to

operation of

equipments

and vehicles

Introduction

of fugitive and

combustion

emissions,

dust (PM10)

and smoke,

etc. and its

impact on

workers, local

people and

vegetation

Construction equipments

and vehicles will be

regularly examined and

maintained in proper

condition.

Water will be sprinkled

along access road at least

two times a day to reduce

the dust emission.

Proper protection works

like fencing by GCI

sheets or walls will be

done at excavation and

disposal site.

Construction materials

will be properly covered

during conveyance.

Enforcing vehicle speed

limit


Consultant

Impact on

water quality

Mixing of

pollutants like

turbidity, fecal

contamination,

oil and grease

and other

inorganic and

organic wastes

resulting

pollution of

water body.

Disposal of the soil,

sludge and the other

wastes directly into the

water body will be

avoided,

Prohibition of the open

urination and defecation

by workers. Pit toilets

will be provided at the

work sites,

Restriction of the vehicle

washing in the river and

Safe storage and the wise

use of the chemicals.

Impact of

noise from

operation of

equipments

and vehicles

Health of local

people and

worker

Concrete mixer, vibrator,

etc. will be used with

possible sound

minimizing applications.

Sound producing

equipments will be


66


adverse

Impacts



agencies

preferred to use only in

day time.

Earplug will be provided

to the worker involved in

equipment operations.

Construction

work and

Solid waste

generation

Impact due to

solid waste

generation

Synthetic

materials,

construction

and domestic

wastes reduce

land and water

quality,

aesthetics

impacting on

human and

environmental

health

Segregation of solid waste

at source;

Composting degradable

waste;

Separate collection and

storage arrangements and

that too far from

waterway;

Selling sellable wastes

like metals, bottles,

drums, etc.


Consultant

Biological Environment Impacts

Construction

work, in

stream

activities

Impact on

Aquatic

ecology due to

sediments

from

excavation and

diversion

Increase

turbidity and

sediment load

causing

pollution and

fish movement

and illigal and

illicit fishing

by workers on

spare time

Due care during

temporary diversion and

chanelling water towards

the diversion;

Diversion channel

assuming natural flow;

Prohibiting construction

crew from illicit fishing

activities through

awareness.


Consultant

Construction

work, vehicle

movement on

wildlife

distribution

Impacts on

rare,

endangered,

threatened and

endemic

species

Hunting and

poaching by

workforce;

road collision

and fatal

injury to

wildlife and

death;

disturbance to

wildlife due to

movement of

vehicles


crew from hunting and

poaching

Enforcing speed limit and

traffic regulation for

transport vehicles

Maximizing numbers of

locals in construction

crew

Putting restriction on

construction workers

from entering into the

local forest areas and

enforcing this provision

as punishable offense

Putting restriction on the

use of wildlife meat in

the construction camps

Contractor/Proponent CCA, Sub-

Metropolitan


67


adverse

Impacts



agencies

and treating breaching as

punishable offense

Hoarding board on

importance of wildlife

and conservation.

Chemical Environment Impacts

Use of

chemicals in

construction

works

Impacts of

construction

wastes, oil and

lubricants

spillage

Water

pollution &

impact on

aquatic

animals due to

oil, lubricants,

acids.

suspended and

dissolved

solids, oil &

grease, fuels,

organic wastes

Chemicals, oils and fuels

will be stored in the

impervious floor in such

a way that no leakage or

spillage will occur to

drainage system.

Monitoring and

controlling leakage and

spillage


Consultant

Operation Phase

Socioeconomic and Cultural Environment Impacts

Operation of

bridge and the

approach road

Ribbon

settlement

along the

project

alignment

Development

of Ribbon

settlement and

encroachment

of RoW,

increased

accidents,

delay in traffic

movement

Appropriate planning and

enforcement of law;

Installation of speed

breakers and sign of road

safety.

DCC/ Sub-Mteropolitan

/Wards

CDO/DCC

Use of bridge

and approach

road

Bridge and

road safety

issues

Chances of

road accidents

in the turnings

of the

Bridge/Road

and Loss of

life and

property

Awareness by signboards

and traffic signs at critical

places & bridge sites;

Safety trainings to

drivers;

Adopting 3Es:

Engineering,

Enforcement and

Education.

Local people and drivers DoLI/

Consultant


Operation of

bridge and

approach road

Bank

instability and

failure and

River shifting

Bank

instability

andcutting;

Foundation

excavation by

changed river

flow; Flood

Bank stabilization using

appropriate structure;

Enforcement of

protective provision

through Bridge User

Committee.

Local people DoLI/

Consultant/

DCC


68


adverse

Impacts



agencies

and safety of

bridge

River training works

extending to 150 m

upstream along the left

bank of the Sardu Khola.

Operation of

vehicle

Impact due to

Airand Noise

pollution

Dust, smoke,

noise level,

due to vehicle

movement and

problem to

local

community

Frequent maintenance of

road to reduce air

pollution

Local people/Sub-

Mteropolitan/Wards

DoLI/ DCC


69

CHAPTER 9: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

9.1 Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and its Objectives

Environmental Management Plan (EMP) has been prepared for Sardu Khola Bridge Project

to set out environmental management requirements and procedures to ensure that all

mitigation measures and monitoring requirements specified in this EIA study report will be

carried out in subsequent stages of project. It identifies and quantifies the impacts to

formulate the mitigation strategies in order to minimize adverse impacts caused by the

implementation of the project. EMP refers to the documentation pertaining to project

management, monitoring, auditing and execution of mitigation measures and also the

verification of the predicted impacts in the project cycle.

The basic objectives of the EMP are to:

Formulate project environmental management requirements to ensure that all the

mitigation measures, monitoring requirements specified in the report will be carried

out during project construction and operation;

Establish the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved in environmental

management; and

Establish a supervision monitoring auditing and reporting framework.

This EMP has elaborated comprehensive environmental management actions that consist

of the descriptive set of mitigation, monitoring, and institutional measures to eliminate

adverse environmental impacts, offset them, or reduce them to acceptable levels. It clearly

identifies the roles and responsibilities of institutions involved, and define the location of

verification of prescribed measures. The measures are described in following sub-headings.

9.2 Statutory Requirement or Legal and Procedural Bases

Several relevant policies, guidelines, acts and rules applicable to construction and operation

of Sardu Khola Bridge are described in chapter 10. This EMP is based on the experiences

of previously constructed bridges of similar nature, and findings of the EIA study. The

major statutory and legislative requirements reviewed are:

Environment Protection Act, 2053 (1997) and Environment Protection Rules, 2054

(1997) with respective amendments

Public Roads Act, 2031 B.S. (1974 A.D.)

Forest Act, 2050 (1993), its amendments (1995) and Forest Rules (1995)

Local Government Operation Act 2074 BS (2017 A.D)

Soil and Watershed Conservation Act, 2039 (1982)

National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, 2029 (1973)

Aquatic Animals Protection Act, 2017 (1961) and first amendment, 1998

Labor Act, 2048 (1991)

Water Resources Act, 2049(1992)

Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 2057 (2000)

Environmental Conservation Standards for Construction and Development in Chure

Region, 2072 B.S. (2015 A.D.)


70

National Forest Policy, 2075 B.S.

9.3 Institutions and their Roles

The proponent of the Sardu Khola Bridge (DoLI) is primarily responsible to execute the

environmental management plan, however, there are different central level, district level

and local level stakeholders those having different levels of responsibilities at various

stages i.e., design, construction, post construction and operation of the project. Different

institutions involved in the EIA and EMP implementation and their roles are described in

the table below:

Table 31: Institutional Roles and Responsibilities

Institution Roles Responsibility on the Project

Ministry of Forest and

Environment (MoFE)

Mandated to formulate and

implement the environmental

policies, plans and

programmes at the national

level

Final approval of the EIA report

as per the provisions of Act and

Rules

Review of project monitoring

reports during construction and

operation phases and give

comments for corrective actions

Auditing of project general

performance during operation

phase

Ministry of Fedral

Affairs and General

Administration

(MoFAGA)

Executive agency and

concerned Agency

Representation in the EIA review

team,

Forward EIA report to MoFE for

approval after necessary review.

Conduct the environmental

monitoring from the central level

Department of the Local

Infrastructure (DoLI)

Responsible to execute

infrastructure projects under

MoFAGA.

Overall coordination and the

supervision of the LRBP in the

center level.

Bridge Section

(BS/DoLI)

Coordinate and monitor

LRBP activities at Center and

the district

Review, comments and forward

the ToR for EIA and Report to the

MoFAGA for necessary action.

Ministry of Physical

Infrastructure and

Development (MoPID)

Province Ministry

Province no.1

Executive agency and

concerned Agency

at Province level

Province no. 1

Conduct the environmental

monitoring from the Province

level

Infrastructure

Development office

(IDO)

Responsible to execute

infrastructure projects under

MoPID at Province level.

Provides back-up support to

the DCCs/municipalities in

the Technical matters

Supports the DCCs/ Sub-

Metropolitan /Municipalities/

Rural Municipalities to implement

the project activities.

Local Roads Bridge

Project Support Unit

(LRBP-SU)

Technical backstopping and

the Management support to

Center/district

Support capacity building of the

district for the implementation of

the rural infrastructure

considering the environmental

safeguard measures and social

development activities


71

Institution Roles Responsibility on the Project

Contractors Bridge construction work Building bridge and

implementation of contractor’s

part of environmental

responsibility.

President Chure Terai-

Madesh Conservation

Area Development Board

Planning, Policy, Strategy for

the conservation of Chure

region

Control development works

taking place within CCA; Co-

ordinate, supervise and monitor

whethere the work is undertaking

in compliance with the objective

and targets of CCA

The below figure shows the environment management organization structure.

Figure 8: Environment Management Organization Structure

9.4 Environment Management during Construction and Operation

The ultimate responsibility of management of mitigation measures and monitoring rests on

the proponent (LRBP/DoLI). Since, the project is being executed by the proponent through

contractor and the major impacts of the project will result due to construction activities, the

mitigation measures for the impacts due to activities related to construction contractor will

be implemented thorugh the contractor himself by including the provisions in the tender

document.

In order to deal with the environmental impacts, an extensive set of pre, during and post

construction environment management plans have been prepared for different issues related

with the construction and operation of the project based on the Chapter 6 of this report.

GoN, Ministry of Forests

and Environment

GoN, Ministry of Federal Affairs and

General Administration

Climate and Disaster Management Section

President Chure Terai

Madhesh Conservation

Development Committee

DoLI (Monitoring, Environment and

Technology Promotion Sector)

Bridge Section / DoLI

LRBP/LRBSU

MoPID-IDO/

LRBSU- Province office

Contractor Other Stakeholders

DCC Sunsari, Dharan

sub metropolitan City


72

These plans identify the actions to be taken to address the particular issue. The timing, costs

and responsibilities have been identified in the Environment Mitigation Management Plan.

The monitoing parameters, methods and frequencies as well as the reporting requirement

have been described in subsequent sections.

9.4.1 Spoil Management Plan

Small volume of reusable earthen materials is expected to be generated from foundation

(pier, abutment, wings walls, river training works and other protection structures)

excavation. Significant volumeof spoil thus generated will be used in backfilling in

foundation pits and trenches. The remaining spoil will be used in fill material for approach

road.

Although, limited quantity of material will be used for construction, and all the spoil will

be used up, there may be some environmental implication of temporary storage of these

materials and will be minimized by adopting following measures:

Material will be stockpiled at fallow landon both banks of the river and covered,

Proper drainage will be arranged around the stockpile area,

Floodways, natural drainage paths, water bodies, farmlands will be avoided, and

Spoil generated from excavation of the abutment and foundations will be used for

backfilling behind structure and approach road embankment formation.

9.4.2 Pollution Abatement Plan (Pertaining to Air Quality, Water Quality and Solid

Waste)

During the construction period water quality of Sardu Khola and air quality of the

surrounding area is likely to deteriorate due to project activities. The objective of the

pollution abatement plan is to avoid or minimize the pollution streams (gaseous, liquid,

solid and acoustic) from the project activities during pre-construction, construction and

operation periods of the project. Both preventive and remedial measures will be

implemented by the project. The preventive measure focus on preventing pollution streams

whereas the remedial measures will focus on the measures to minimize the effects of

pollution through end of the pipe treatment technologies.The regular monitoring of the

water and air quality will be part of pollution abatement plan. The following actions have

been defined under this plan.

To maintain thewater quality following measures will be undertaken:

Teporary diversion will be planned and implemented ensuring minium sediment

load and turbidity to river water;

Discourage washing of construction vehicles in river;

Prevent waste, toxic compound and oil reaching water body including collection

and safe storage of spent oil disposal through reuse and incineration;

Garbage and solid wastes generated from construction camps will be dumped safely

away from water bodies;

Awareness program shall be implemented for the project workers to prevent the

water pollution from project related activities; and


73

Provision of toilets and septic tanks shall be made in all camps. And the toilet will

be constructed at least 50m away from the water course.

Following measures will be undertaken to maintain the air quality of the project area:

Contractor will be encouraged to purchase and use quality fuel from authorized

vendor in their construction vehicles,

Water will be sprinkled along access road, construction site and public areas like

near settlements to reduce the dust emission from construction vehicles,

Construction equipment and vehicles will be regularly examined and maintained in

proper condition,

Proper fencing will be done at excavation and disposal site, and

Construction materials will be properly covered during haulage.

Solid waste management actions include:

Segregation of waste as per their nature,

Cement bags, metal scarps will be collected and will be sold,

Bio-degradable wastes generated from worker’s camp will be safely disposed in

compost pits,

Other non-degradable wastes are crushed and graded to minimize their volume and

will be disposed in the safe places, and

Hazardous waste is not expected however, in any exception they will be

collectedsafely and transported to the hazardous waste treatment centers and the

project will bear cost for it.

9.4.3 Construction and Temporary Facillity Site Rehabilitation Management Plan

It ensures that all disturbed areas due to construction activities are restored. The major areas

affected by construction of project that require rehabilitation are construction yard,

campsites.

a. Construction yard: Rehabilitation of the construction yard requires all stockpiled material

to be removed and cleaned to significantly resembling previous condition.

b. Campsites: Rehabilitation of the camp site requires dismantling, decommissioning and

removal of all the built-up structure including contractor camp and labour camp. Since the

area would generally be compacted, the area will then be ripped and re-top soiled and

handed back to owner in its original form.

9.4.4 Terrestrial Ecology: Habitat Protection, Restoration and Management Plan

The objective of terrestrial ecology management plan is to ensure that the terrestrial

resources such as forests/vegetation, and wildlife of the project site and surroundings will

not face adverse impact due to the project implementation. As repeatedly mentioned, the

project has been proposed amidst flood plain and barren land and does not require felling

of any trees. Moreover, the presence of the bridge will avoid the regular change in route

according to the flow condition and destruction of local landscape. However, realizing the

sensitivity of the Chure Region, extra precautionary measures will be adopted by the

proponent to enhance the local habitat.


74

The cut-bank will be benched and subjected to bio-engneering operation.

Afforestaion with local tree species will be carried out on both banks.

The project will restore all disturbed area due to project activities.

The contractor will be made contractually responsible for provisioning local

employment, supply of kerosene and LPG at the labor camps, for prohibiting the

use of local NTFP and wildlife within the camp etc.

Local people will be made aware about importance of conservation. This will be

carried out in coordination with CCA.

9.4.5 Aquatic Ecology: Habitat Protection, Restoration and ManagementPlan

Aquatic ecology protection restoration and management plan includes the activities that

seek to protect and restore the aquatic habitat around the project area. These activities will

be carrid out in line with the standard formed by President Chure Terai- Madesh

Conservation Development Board. The actions include, but not limited to the following:

Restrict fishing activities by the construction workforce in the Sardu Khola by any

means

Rehabilitate disturbed stream bed and flood plain due to project activities;

Regular monitoring of aquatic lives especially fisheries and macro-invertebrates;

Identify the potential pollution sources and take actions to remove it

(Implementation of Spoil Disposal Plan and Pollution Abatement Plan); and

River training works.

9.4.6 President Chure-Tarai-Madhesh Conservation Area Impact Minimization and

Co- ordination Plan

CCA impact minimization and coordination plan will contain measures to avoid impact on

biodiversityof CCA and overcome the vulnerability of CCA. It will include the following:

Development and implementation of a worker’s code of conduct prohibiting

hunting, fishing and possession of wildlife for human consumption;

Inter-cooperation among CCA office at district, Wards, DCC and DFO will be

established; and

Environmental education and awareness will be imparted in local communities and

the project personnel in coordination with CCA office.

Afforestaion with local tree species will be carried out on both banks in coordination

with CCA office.

9.4.7 Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Management Plan

As the construction work is associated with diverse types of risk prone activities. The

workers involved in the construction works are exposed to these occupational risks.

Sickness, injuries, and even fatal accidents cannot be ruled out. The increased traffic of

construction vehicles and associated fugitive dust and noise are yet another source of direct

imperative health effects, even fatal to both the project area people and occupational

workers. OHS measures include:

Restriction in access to construction sites to the public by fencing and using guards;

Provision of warning signs and boards near to the construction site;


75

Provision of personnel protective equipment such as helmets, boots, gloves, and

mask to construction workers, supervisors, and visitors;

Operation of machinery and other heavy equipment by authorized personnel only;

Provision of emergency equipment such as first-aid kits, flash lights, fire

extinguishers, audible warning devices such as a siren, emergency vehicle, and

phone on site at all times with workers well informed about the proper use of such

equipment; and

Provision of adequate lighting and ventilation at all construction sites and camps.

9.4.8 Construction Camp Management Plan

Hiring local people can avoid the necessicity of camp housing for workers. However, the

required manpower may not be sufficed by the area. Timely construction of the project

requires workers from far have housed in camp in the vicinity of the project area till

construction period.The primary responsibility of the construction camp management lies

with the contractor; however, the specifications for preparation of this plan will be

presented in the construction bid. The following measures adopted for camp management:

Camps will be located in relatively stable geological setting, i.e. away from

potential landslide vulnerable zone and flood prone area.

Fencing and prohibition warning signposts will be installed to keep away non

associated personnel.

Two pit latrines with water supply will be provided sufficiently far from the camp.

The camps will be ventilated and with basic amenities like water, electricity and

cooling (fan/for the area has hot and humid climate).

The camps will have waste segregation arrangements.

Camp will be provided with proper drainage management with catch drains.

The camp will have a common dining facility using alternative fuel like LPG or

Kerosene than fuelwood.

Arrangement will be made for disinfectation of camp premise, waste disposal sites

and toilets.

Camp dwellers will undergo regular health checkups.

9.4.9 Construction Traffic Management Plan

This is prepared to ensure the safe and efficient performance of the road network, to

minimize adverse effects on the existing community arising from construction traffic, and

to provide the community with information about specific management method to be

employed during construction of the project. The construction traffic management plan of

the project includes following actions:

Traffic scheduling so that vehicles are operated normally during day time;

Placement of traffic control diagram in different places around project area;

Parking lots will be alloted away from the nearby water sources and critical areas;

Placement of no-horn zone in sensitive areas especially around schools, health posts

and forest.


76

9.4.10 Emergency Preparedness and Management Plan

It will include evacuation and rescue plan during disasters, hazards and accidents. The plan

includesfollowing arrangements:

Awareness to the workers relating to activities to be performed during emergency;

Arrangement of first aid facility and emergency medicines;

Standby vehicle for running injured into medical facilities available;

Development and communication of evacuation route and bypass

Development of communication system, alarm and siren;

Designation of rescue team; and

Communication facility will be in place for coordination with the local security

offices.

9.4.11 Permits and Approval Plan

There are a number of legislative provisions which require prior permits and approvals

from the concerned government agencies to commence the works. Besides, some activities

would require general consensus of the project area communities or individuals for smooth

operation of certain activities of construction and operation. In these cases, project

management will obtain prior permits and approvals or consensus of the affected

communities and general public before the start of activities.

Approval of Environmental Impact Assessment from the Ministry of Population

and Environment is due on the proponent,

Likewise, permission and coordination for undertaking mitigative activities for

using public land for site clearance will be acquired from CCA and DCC, and

Approval will be obtained from the DCC for sourcing the riverbased construction

materials.

9.4.12 Public Health and Safety Management Plan

The project development sites are areas of high human concentration. High human

concentration at one location is always associated with high pollution loads to the

environment, particularly sanitary and solid waste. Normally, the project development sites

in the rural areas are thinly populated and the population is not exposed to high pollution

loads of diverse types. This increased pollution, in an infrastructure deficient area to treat

the pollution, becomes the primary cause of public health degradation. Apart from this,

people from different places and with different diseases come in the area as project workers

or economic opportunity seekers. They may also act as carriers of the communicable

diseases which are otherwise alien to the local population of the project area. Moreover,

safety issue of general visitor is of another concern. Following actions will be carried out

under this plan:

Regular health check-up in the construction camp,

Awareness using pamphlets, boards and browsers,

Encouragement to keep the camp clean and tidy,

Arrangement of toilet with water supply,

Disinfectation arrangement,


77

Restriction of general public into construction area by warning signs and guards,

and

Imformation to local about potentially dangerous areas and activities.

9.4.13 Public Grievance Redress and Management Plan

As the project follows existing road alignment, no disputes related to ownership of property

is expected. However, grievances may arise due to various reasons besides that. A

grievance redress mechanism will be established to allow individual or community to

appeal against any disagreeable decisions, practices and activities; technical and general

project-related disputes. It will consist of four levels of authorities in order of increasing

hierarchy. First one is local level authority consisting of Contractor and Site Representative

of the Proponent; second is the central level authority consisiting of Central Office of the

Proponent. At the third level, Grievance Redress Committee is envisaged consisting

rerpesentatives of local and central level authorities as well as affected person. The last one

is legal redress from the court of law for the grievance that could not be redressed at first

three levels. The site engineer will record the detail of the compalints and its fate.

Rule 45 of the EPR 1997 has given authority to the Chief District Officer (CDO) for

grievance handling and redress. Affected party (AP) has to mention the type of loss suffered

as a result of Sub-project activities and the amount of compensation sought. The CDO will

conduct an investigation into it as well as into the actual situation prevailing at the

concerned place, as required, and also seek the opinion and suggestion from the concerned

officer who would investigate the loss and send the report to CDO within 30 days from the

date of receipt of the application. The CDO will take a decision in respect to payment of

compensation within 15 days from the date of receipt of suggestion from the concerned

officer. The amount of the compensation determined by the CDO under this rule should be

appropriate and reasonable. Rule 46 of EPR states that the proponent shall pay the

compensation amount to the concerned individual or institution within 30 days from the

date of determination of the amount of compensation.

9.4.14 Project Information Management Plan

Proponent’s Engineer at site shall be responsible for maintenance of records and

information received from the contractor and proponent, dissemination of information to

the project stakeholders and co-ordinate with the different line agencies.

9.4.15 Environmental Impacts Mitigation Management Plan

The environmental mitigation measures described in previous Chapter 6 will be

implemented in different phases of proposal implementation. The Impact Mitigation

Management Plan briefly describes impacts, description of mitigation action required,

individual or agency responsible, timing of actions, responsible authority. The following

table summarizes the environmental impacts management plan for the project.


78

Table 32: Environmental Impacts Mitigation Management Plan.

Issues Mitigation/Augmentati

on Measures

Mitigation

Cost

Time &

Duration

Individuals/Age

ncy Responsible

Competent

Authority/ Agency

Beneficial Impacts

Construction Phase

Employment

opportunities

Priority to socially

excluded, disadvantaged,

marginalized people and

women

No

additional

cost

Construction

Phase

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/LRBSU/

Supervision

Consultant

Enhancement

of technical

skill

On the job training in

construction technique

and river training works

to local laborers

including OHS

NRs

50,000

Once during

construction


Increased

Trade and

Business

opportunities

Priority to local

products, local market

and local contractors

No

additional

cost

Regularly

during

construction

Contractor&

DoLI/LRBSU

DoLI/ LRBSU

Operation Phase

Reduced

traffic

disruption


bridge and approach

road whenever necessary

Budget as

needed

During

operation

DoLI DoLI/LRBSU

Improvement

of

transportation

services

Regular bridge and

approach maintenance

Allocation of budget for

regular inspection and

maintenance of the

bridge.

Budget as

needed

During

operation

DoLI DoLI/LRBSU

Promotion of

agro-

enterprise

No augmentation

measure within the

scope contractor or

proponent

NA Sub-Metropolitan /Wards/NGOs/

CBOs

DoLI/LRBSU

Access over

public

services and

basic utilities

Timely implementation

of the project


the bridge

NA During

Operation

DoLI / LRBSU DoLI/LRBSU

Adverse Impact

Pre-Construction Phase


Process and

reliability of

detail survey

and design

The bridge design will

follow the standard

methods.

All provision proposed

in the EMP of EIA

document will be

properly reflected in the

design.

No extra

cost

Prior

Construction

LRBSU DoLI/LRBSU

Construction Phase

Socio-Economic and Cultural Environment


79


on Measures

Mitigation

Cost

Time &

Duration

Individuals/Age

ncy Responsible

Competent

Authority/ Agency

Impact on the

social

services and

community

infrastructure

Building consensus with

local people for using

community

infrastructures and

resources and provision

of basic utilities within

camp perimeter

No extra

cost

During

construction

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/Consultant

Any damage to existing

road in project location

like formation of ditches

shall be controlled and

rehabilitated.

Budget as

needed

During

construction

Contractor/Propo

nent

DoLI/Consultant

Occupation

Health and

Safety

measures

Provision of First Aid

Kit Box and standby

medicine for workforce

for emergency.

NRs

25,000

During

construction

Contractor

/Proponent

DoLI/Consultant

Provision of PPE

(helmet, boots, globe,

mask and safety belts

etc.)

NRs

75,000

During

construction

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/Consultant

Sign and barricading to

restrict public access to

construction site.

NRs

100,000

During

construction

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/Consultant

Communicabl

e diseases

Regular health check-up

in the construction camp.

NRs

60,000 for

health

camp

arrangeme

nt

Twice During

construction

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/Consultant

Awareness using

pamphlets, boards and

browsers.

Encouragement to keep

the camp clean and tidy.

No extra

cost

Throughout

construction

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/Consultant

Arrangement of 2 toilets

with water supply 50 m

away from river.

NRs

50,000

Throughout

construction

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/Consultant

Disinfectant will be

sprayed regularly in the

toilets and garbage

collection pits.

NRs 5,000 Throughout

construction

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/Consultant

Conflict

between

locals and

outside

workers and

public

grievance

Informing worker about

general norms and

values of local

community; instructing

them to respect local

culture and tradition

with humility; gambling

No extra

cost

Throughout

construction

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/Consultant


80


on Measures

Mitigation

Cost

Time &

Duration

Individuals/Age

ncy Responsible

Competent

Authority/ Agency

and alcoholism will be

discouraged.

Job opportunities to

local people will be

maximized.

No extra

cost

Throughout

construction

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/Consultant

Grievance Redress

Mechanism will be

formed and locals will

be informed about its

existence and procedure

No extra

cost

Throughout

construction

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/Consultants

Gender

discriminatio

n

Enforcement of non-

discriminatory policy;

Positive discrimination,

empowerment and social

mobilization; related

trainings/programs

No extra

cost

Throughout

construction

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/Consultant

Child labour

issue

Prohibition of use of

child labour in the force

through agreement with

contractor to avoid use

of children below 18 yrs

of age.

No extra

cost

Throughout

construction

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/ Consultant


Sediment

load in river

water

Proper drainage

arrangement in stockpile

area

No extra

cost

Throughout

construction

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/ Consultant

Balancing cut and fill

approach; Excavated

materials will be used

for filling and river

training works.

No extra

cost

Throughout

construction

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/ Consultant

Immediate clearance of

the river path in case of

blockade; Pumping out

mud slurry.

No extra

cost

Throughout

construction

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/ Consultant

Stockpiling,

spoil/waste

disposal,

Transport of

construction

materials

Material will be

stockpiled at fallow land

on the right bank of the

river and will be

covered. Floodways,

natural drainage paths,

water bodies, farmlands

will be avoided.

No extra

cost

Throughout

construction

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/ Consultant

Proper drainage will be

arranged around the

stockpile area.

No extra

cost

Throughout

construction

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/ Consultant


81


on Measures

Mitigation

Cost

Time &

Duration

Individuals/Age

ncy Responsible

Competent

Authority/ Agency

Excavated materials will

be used for filling and

river training works.

No extra

cost

Throughout

construction

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/ Consultant

Bank stability Due consideration of

existing slope and

minimal excavation

No extra

cost

During

construction

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/Consultant

Construction of river

training works with

gabion (150 m u/s and

50 m d/s) to minimize

bank cutting.

Included in

the design

After bridge

construction

Contractor/Propo

nent

DoLI/Consultant

Impacts on

air quality

due to

operation of

equipments

and vehicles

Construction equipments

and vehicles will be

regularly examined and

maintained in proper

condition.

No extra

cost

During

construction

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/Consultant

Water will be sprinkled

along access road at least

two times a day to

reduce the dust emission.

Included in

the design

During

construction

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/Consultant

Construction materials

will be properly covered

during conveyance.

No extra

cost

During

construction

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/Consultant

Enforcing vehicle speed

limit

No extra

cost

During

construction

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/Consultant

Impact on

water quality

Disposal of the soil,

sludge and the other

wastes directly into the

water body will be

avoided

No extra

cost

During

construction

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/Consultant

Prohibition of the open

urination and defecation

by workers.

No extra

cost

During

construction

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/Consultant

Pit toilets will be

provided at the work

sites 50 m away from the

river.

Cost

already

addressed

During

construction

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/Consultant

Restriction of the vehicle

washing in the river

No extra

cost

During

construction

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/Consultant

Safe storage and the

wise use of the

chemicals.

No extra

cost

During

construction

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/Consultant

Impact of

noise and

vibration

from

operation of

equipments

and vehicles

Concrete mixer, vibrator,

etc. will be used with

possible sound

minimizing applications.

No

additional

cost

Throughout

construction

period

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/Consultant

Sound producing

equipments will be

preferred to use only in

No

additional

cost

Throughout

construction

period

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/Consultant


82


on Measures

Mitigation

Cost

Time &

Duration

Individuals/Age

ncy Responsible

Competent

Authority/ Agency

day time and will be

kept at area away from

settlement.

Earplug will be provided

to the worker involved in

equipment operations.

No

additional

cost

Throughout

construction

period

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/Consultant

Impact due to

solid waste

generation

Solid waste will be

segregated at source and

managed following 3 R

principle.

NRs 5,000

for waste

collection

and

separation

bins

Throughout

construction

period

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/Consultant

Degradable waste will

be disposed in a separate

pit away from the water

bodies.

No

additional

cost

Throughout

construction

period

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/Consultant

Sellable wastes like

metals, bottles, drums,

bags, etc will be stored

and sold to vendors.

No

additional

cost

Throughout

construction

period

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/Consultant

Biological Environment

Impact on

Aquatic

ecology

Due care during

temporary diversion and

channeling water

towards the diversion;

Diversion channel

assuming natural flow.

No

additional

cost

Throughout

construction

period

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/Consultant

Construction crew will

be prohibited from illicit

fishing activities through

awareness

No

additional

cost

Throughout

construction

period

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/Consultant

Waste and spills will be

managed properly

avoiding water bodies.

No

additional

cost

Throughout

construction

period

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/Consultant

Impacts on

rare,

endangered,

threatened

and endemic

species


crew from hunting and

poaching; Putting

restriction on

construction workers

from entering into the

local forest areas and

enforcing this provision

as punishable offense;

Putting restriction on the

use of wildlife meat in

the construction camps

and treating breaching as

punishable offense

No

additional

cost

Throughout

construction

period

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/ CCA/

Consultant


83


on Measures

Mitigation

Cost

Time &

Duration

Individuals/Age

ncy Responsible

Competent

Authority/ Agency

Enforcing speed limit

and traffic regulation for

transport vehicles

No extra

cost

Construction

period

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/Consultant

Maximizing numbers of

locals in construction

crew

No extra

cost

Construction

period

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/Consultant

Hoarding board on

importance of wildlife

and conservation and

sensitivity of the area.

NRs

25,000

Construction

period

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/Consultant

/CCA

Chemical Environment

Impacts of

construction

wastes

(spillage of

fuels, grease

and other

chemicals

and

consequent

land and

water

pollution)

Chemicals, oils and fuels

will be stored in the

impervious floor in such

a way that no leakage or

spillage will occur to

drainage system.

No

additional

cost

Throughout

construction

period

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/Consultant

Leakage and spillage

will be monitored and

controlled; accidental

spillage will be captured

immediately

No

additional

cost

Throughout

construction

period

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/Consultant

Operation Phase

Socio-Economic and Cultural Environment

Ribbon

settlement

along the

project

alignment

Appropriate planning

and enforcement of law;

Installation of sign of

road safety.

Cost under

road safety

Operation

phase

DoLI/DCC/ Sub-

Metropolitan/

Wards

CDO/DCC/ Sub-

Metropolitan/Wards

Bridge and

road safety

issues

Awareness by

Signboards and traffic

signs at critical places &

bridge site

NRs

10,000

Operation

Phase

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/Consultant

Adopting 3Es:

Engineering,

Enforcement and

Education. Education

will be imparted to the

local people on bridge

safety issue,

afforestation and

biodiversity

conservation as a whole

NRs.

60,000

Operation

Phase

Contractor/

Proponent

DoLI/Consultant


Bank

instability

and failure

River training works

extending to 150 m

upstream and 50 m

downstream along the

Cost

addressed

already

Operation

and

maintenance

DoLI/DCC DoLI/Consultant/

DCC


84


on Measures

Mitigation

Cost

Time &

Duration

Individuals/Age

ncy Responsible

Competent

Authority/ Agency

and River

shifting

both banks of the Sardu

Khola .

Restriction of extraction

of soil and aggregates to

500m upstream and

downstream of the

bridge location;

Enforcement of

protective provision

through Bridge User

Committee.

No

additional

cost

Operation

and

maintenance

DoLI/DCC Sub-

Metropolitan/

Wards

DoLI/DCC Sub-

Metropolitan/Wards

Bioengineering

operation and

afforestation along the

bank with locally

suitable tree species.

NRs

2,50,000

Operation

stage

DoLI/DCC DoLI/DCC

Impact due to

Airand Noise

pollution

Frequent maintenance of

road to reduce air

pollution.

Budget as

per need.

Operation

and

maintenance

DoLI/DCC DoLI/DCC

9.5 Cost of Implementation of Mitigation and Augmentation Measures

The design and cost estimation of various activities of mitigation measure such as slope

stabilization, spoil disposal, supply of the PPE, accidental insurances, river training, bio-

engineering measures etc. shall be incorporated in the design and cost estimates. Therefore,

most of the mitigation measure suggested would be a part of the bridge design and

construction without additional cost. All proposed mitigation measures will be an

integrated part of the project design during construction and operation phases. A total of

NRs 7,65,000 has been allocated for implementation of mitigation and augmentation

measures.

The proponent will cover all the environment management costs in addition to the legal

liabilities of the contractors and its environmental focal person. Similarly the proponent

will cover the cost related to the legal role that the governmental institution will have to

play.


85

Table 33: Cost for Impact Mitigation and Augmentation

SN Particular Amount (NRs) Remark

1 Job related training including construction

technique, sensitivity of the region and OHS

{Table 35 (1)}

50,000 Two days workshop

2 OHS Measures

I First Aid Kit and Standby Medicine 25,000

II PPE for workers 75,000

III Sign and Barricading of Construction Yard

with Guard

1,00,000

3 Health Camps (2 camps during

construction)

60,000 Two camps with a

general physician and

team

4 Two pit toilets with water supply

arrangements

50,000

5 Waste collection bins 5,000

6 Arrangement for spraying disinfectant 5,000

7 Hoarding board on sensitivity of area and

conservation of wildlife

25,000

8 Traffic awareness and safety signpost 10,000

9 Bioengineering and Plantation along the

Bank

2,50,000

10 Reinstatement of Construction Site 50,000

11 Awareness program on bridge safety and

biodiversity conservation including others.

{Table 35 (2)}

60,000 Two days training to

the local people related

to bridge safety and

biodiversity

conservation, with the

close coordination with

CCA Authority.

Total 7,65,000/-

9.5.1 Tree Plantation Plan (Bio-engineering)

Although the construction of the proposed project does not require tree cutting, tree

plantation is mainly done to minimize river bank cutting and erosion. Tree plantation will

be carried along both banks of the river, outside the river training structures. Altogether

200 saplings will be planted (including both banks) for this purpose. Species recommended

for tree plantation includes Sisso, Simal, Bakaino and Khayer. The detail break down of

tree plantation program is presented in following table:


86

Table 34: Cost for Bio-engineering

SN Activities Amount

(NRs)

Remarks

1 Plantation of 200 sapling along the bank

including site preparation,

50,000 NRs 250/sapling

2 Replacement of 60 dead saplings at the rate of

NRs 150 per sapling

9,000 Assuming 10%

mortality

3 Bamboo guard around the sapling to prevent

grazing

80,000 NRs 400/guard

4 Benching and landscaping along banks 50,000 sqm

5 Grass and shrub plantation over fresh cut 20,000 Nos.

6 Tools 20,000 LS

7 Trending and maintenance for five years

(personpower)

37,000 LS

Total 2,66,000/-

9.5.2 Cost for Training and Awareness

A sum of NRs 1,10,000 has been allocated to train and aware workers and local people on

different subjects as described below:

Table 35: Cost associated with training and awareness

SN Activities Amount

(NRs)

Remarks

1 Two Days Training to Workers on Following

Subjects:

a) Construction Techniques by supervising

engineer

b) OHS measures by Environmental Officer of

Proponent

c) Sensitivity of Region (Chure) and general

conservation awareness by Environmental

Officer of Proponent

50,000/- Cost includes

remuneration and

logistics for trainers

and lunch for

trainees

2 Awareness and Education to Local People on

following subjects

a) Bridge safety measures by engineer of

proponent

b) Environmental Sensitivity of the region and

biodiversity conservation by CCA

Personnel or Environmental Officer of

Proponent

60,000/- Two days workshop

in close coordination

with CCA Autority;

Cost includes

remuneration and

logistics for trainers

and lunch for

trainees

Total 1,10,000/-


87

CHAPTER 10: REVIEW OF RELEVANT ACTS, RULES,

REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES

GoN has adopted various policies, acts, rules, regulations and guidelines to ensure the

integration of the development and conservation of environment. The policies and

legislative provisions of Nepal that have a direct relevance to proposed project are given in

Table 36 below.

Table 36: Review of Relevant Acts, Rules, Regulations and Guidelines

Constitution

Constitution of Nepal The article 30 (1) of constitution has granted

‘every person shall have the right to live in clean

and healthy environment’ as a fundamental right

for the people. The victim shall have the right to

obtain compensation, in accordance with law, for

any injury caused from environmental pollution or

degradation

Article 51 of the constitution mentions about

pursuing policies to develop balanced,

environment friendly, quality and sustainable

physical infrastructures, while according priority

to the regions lagging behind from development

perspective. The article also mentions about

sustainable development

Policies and Plans

Fourteenth Three Year

Plan 2073/74-2075/76 B.S

The plan centers on increasing domestic

production by transforming the agricultural sector

and expanding tourism, industry and small and

medium enterprises. The plan also aims on

developing infrastructure related to energy, road,

air travel and information and communications

besides strengthening the country’s social security

and social protection systems. Besides,

introducing reforms in the economic and social

sectors, ensuring sound and accountable public

finance, delivering quality public services in a

transparent manner and promoting good

governance by protecting and promoting human

rights are other objectives. Focus has also been

laid on cross-cutting issues such as gender

equality, inclusive society, environmental

protection and capacity development of different

institutions.


88

President Chure-Tarai Madhesh

Conservation Master Plan, 2074

B.S.

The Master Plan has been prepared for 20-year

period. This plan incorporates overall image of the

conservation of chure. It initially analyses the

existing scenario and finally discuss about

management of the Chure-Tarai Madhesh

landscape. Again, the integrated river system

management plan, of the 64 river systems that will

be implemented in the first complementary section

of the plan. Similarly, the district- wise plan of the

36 districts touched by the Chure region habe been

included in its second complimentary section.

National Forest Policy, 2075 B.S. This policy focuses on sustainable management of

forest in Nepal. It emphasizes for green economy,

employment generation, tourism development,

carbon sequestration, biodiversity, conservation

and watershed management, to contribute for

country’s propesrity as national goal. This policy

is related to overall management of forest for

development of user’s group, coopearatives, forest

enterpreneurs, medicinal plants and NTFPs

enterpreneurs. As country is newly structured in

three federal system with three type of

government. This policy also defines roles and

responsibilities and resource mobilization of forest

by three type of governments.

Policy Document, Environmental

Assessment in the Road Sector of

Nepal (2000 A.D)

The Policy Document ensures that development

improves the way of life of the affected people

without damaging the natural surroundings. The

policy document suggested five types of

environmental assessment activities viz.

Screening, Initial Environmental Examination,

Scoping, Environmental Impact Assessment and

Monitoring. Environmental mitigation measures

appropriate to the Nepal Road Sector are outlined

in this document

20 Year Road Plan, 2059 –2079

B.S. (2002-2022 A.D.)

With main objectives of development of Strategic

Road Networks (SRN), the implementation

strategies include all weather road connection to

the District Headquarters (DHQ) and provision of

road linkages from the DHQ to the adjacent road

network of the neighboring districts and countries

Acts and Rules


89

Environment Protection Act, 2053

BS (1997 A.D)

Any development project, before implementation,

to pass through environmental assessment, which

may be either IEE or an EIA depending upon the

location, type and size of the projects. As per

Article 3 of EPA, 1997, IEE study is prerequisite

for construction of road. Article 4 prohibits

implementing the proposal without getting the

IEE/EIA approved from the concerned authority.

Article 6 deals on the approval procedures. Article

18 has provisions for punishment.

Environment Protection Rules,

2054 BS (1997 A.D) (with

amendments)

Rule 3 schedule 1 lists project that have to conduct

IEE and schedule 2 list projects that has to conduct

EIA before implementation. Rule 5 guides for

preparing ToR and rule 7 guides for preparing

IEE/EIA report. Rule 10, suggests submitting

recommendations received from affected

municipalities/rural municipalities along with the

IEE/EIA report. Rule 13 deals with environmental

monitoring. According to this rule, the concerned

ministry is responsible for such monitoring.

Schedule 3 and 4 are the ToR format for IEE and

EIA respectively. Matters to be covered in IEE and

EIA are given in schedule 5 and 6 respectively.

Forest Act, 2049 BS (1993 A.D) Section 68 of the Act states that “notwithstanding

anything contained in this Act, in case there is no

alternative except to use the forest area for

implementation of the plan of national priority and

if there shall be no significant adverse effect on the

environment while conducting such plan, GoN

may give assent to use any part of the government

managed forests, community forests, leasehold

forests, or religious forests, for the implementation

of such plan”. Further, the sub-section (2) states

for compensatory arrangements if any damage of

the person or community is occurred.

Forest Rules, 2051 BS (1995 A.D) According to Rule 65 (1) of Forest Rules, “if there

is loss of anything of local people during

implementation of the national prioritized plan,

the plan implementer has to pay compensation.”

Rule 65 (2) states that, “the proponent has to pay

all the costs incurred in clearing and managing

trees and bushes.


90

Local Government Operation Act

2074 BS (2017 A.D)

Para 3 section 11 (2) Subclause 1(chha) and (yna)

has shorted out the rights of municipalities and

rural municipalities in which municipalities and

rural municipalities are responsible for

environment protection at local level.

Para 3 section 11 (4) Subclause 3 (nga) also

mentions about protection of local level forest,

wildlife, birds, water use, environment and

biodiversity.

Similarly, para 3 section 12(2) subclause 1(ga)

mentions about environment friendly

development works.

Soil and Watershed Conservation

Act, 2039 BS (1982 A.D)

Soil and Watershed Conservation Act, 1982 attract

as and when slide or erosion within road is

surfaced up significantly.

Labour Act, 2074 BS (2017 A.D) Where 20 or more employees are engaged,

employer shall constitute a Safety and Health

Committee as per sec 74

Where 10 or more employees are engaged in the

entity, employer shall also constitute the

Collective Bargaining Committee as per sec 116

Sec 80 mentions about provision of controlling

communicable diseases

Sec 82 mentions about occupational health and

treatment

Labour Rules 2075 BS (2018 A.D) Rule 7 is concern with occupational safety and

health policy. Employers are required to maintain

an occupational health and safety policy including

provisions related to arrangements Employee’s

safety and security, Employee’s health, probable

accident in workplace, precautions to be taken

while operating devices and machines in

workplace and precautions to be taken while using

chemical substances.

The Labor Rules has provided the detail safety

measures to be followed by Employer.

Child Labor (Prohibition and

Regulation) Act, 2056 BS (2000

A.D)

As per section 3 of this act, no child having not

attained the age of 14 years shall be engaged in

works as a laborer. However, clause 2 states that it

is prohibited to engage children below 16 years in

works in risk-prone sectors such as public

transportation and construction related works. In

other words, any employment of children below


91

the age of 16 is to be excluded from becoming

contracted in any of the road and bridge’

construction works.

Solid Waste Management Act,

2068 BS (2011 A.D)

The objectives of the act include maintaining a

clean and healthy environment by minimizing the

adverse effects of solid waste on public health and

the environment. The act mandates local bodies to

take the necessary steps to promote reduce, reuse,

and recycle (3R), including segregation of MSW

at source. It also authorizes the local bodies to

formulate rules, by-laws, and guidelines.

Solid Waste Management Rules

2070 BS (2013 A.D)

Rule 3 mentions about segregation and

management of solid waste, rule 4 about discharge

of solid waste and rule 5 about discharge and

management of harmful and chemical waste

Public Road Act 2031 B.S. (1974

A.D)

The Public Road Act is the governing legislation

for construction and operation of roads in Nepal.

The Act prohibits the construction of permanent

structures (buildings) in a defined distance from

the rural road, i.e., the road agency has the

authority over everything within the right of way.

The act makes provision for cases where road

projects temporarily require land and/or other

properties during construction, rehabilitation and

maintenance. A Compensation Fixation

Committee CFC determines compensation in case

of loss of assets, business or production.

Provisions are also detailed for compensation for

the extraction of construction materials. Article 19

of the Act mandates requirement of permission

from the Department of Roads to carry out

activities within the limits of the road boundaries.

As per Article 29, local governmental offices have

to give notice to the DoR prior to the start of

activities in the limits of the public roads.

Water Resource Act, 2049 B.S.

(1992 A.D)

The Act strives to minimize environmental

damage to water bodies, especially lakes and

rivers through environmental impact assessment

studies.

Under Section 19, it is clearly mentioned that No

one shall pollute water resource by way of using

or putting any litter, industrial wastes, poison,

chemical or toxicant to the effect that the pollution


92

tolerance limit of the water resource as prescribed

pursuant to Sub-section (1) is exceeded.

सङकाापनन िरजत तथा िनसपमत

अतरामसिर वयपार मनरनतरण ऐन 2073

B.S (2017 A.D)

This Act was enforced for the enactment of

Convention on International Trade in Endangered

Species of Wildlife Fauna and Flora (CITES,

1973) being Nepal a party country of Convention.

This acts states about the regulation and control of

international trade of such endangered flora and

fauna species

Manuals/Guidelines/Directives

BatabaranParichhyan - Resource

Booklet - 2070 B.S. (2013 A.D.)

It provides guidance for local body to prepare

environmental assessment reports of different

projects; construction materials extraction and

local roads, on their own.

Batabaraniya Nirdesika (Nepali),

2057 B.S. (2000 A.D.)

Focuses in the practical implementation of small

rural infrastructures through the minimization of

environmental impacts and outlines simple

methods of environmental management in the

different phases of the project cycle. More

emphasis is given to prevention rather than cure.

Occupational Safety and Health

Guidelines, (DoLIDAR 2017 A.D)

This guideline guides all projects under DoLIDAR

with basic principals for working safely on

construction sites and for ways for Contractors and

managers to manage the safety and health on site.

Environment Friendly Local

Governance Framework (EFLG)

2070 B.S (2013 A.D.)

This framework is prepared to promote

environmental conservation through local

institutions to materialize environment friendly

local development concept. There are different

level of environment friendly indicators like basic,

advanced and special indicators at household,

tole/settlement, ward, VDC, Municipality and

District level. Main objectives of this framework

are (1) Main streaming the environment, climate

change, disaster management issues in local

development planning process; (2) Making

environment friendly local governance

mechanism; (3) Strengthening basic level to make

environment friendly sustainable development;

(4) Promoting coordination and cooperation

within environment and development; and (5)

Strengthening local organization to enhance local


93

ownership for the sustainable development of

environment.

Environmental and Social

Management Framework (ESMF)

Geo-DoR, GoN (2008 A.D) and

addendum 2013 A.D.

The framework contains public consultation

framework and compendium of environmental

and social impacts with mitigation measures that

needs to be adopted during road design,

construction and operation. Addendum is focused

for bride related cases.

Environmental Management

Guidelines, Geo Environmental

Unit, DoR, (1997 A.D)

This guideline assists to integrate environmental

consideration in each phase of project cycle. The

guideline consists of environmental mitigation

measures to be incorporated into Road projects,

procedures for public participation, and socio-

economic consideration.

National Environmental Impact

Assessment Guidelines 2050 BS

(1993 A.D)

The guideline assists mechanisms for conducting

Environmental Assessment. This guideline guides

in project screening, scoping, identifying project

impacts, adopting mitigation measures,

monitoring, evaluating impacts, community

participation, and report preparation.

Roadside Bio-engineering

Reference Manual, DoR, GoN

(1999 A.D)

This Reference Manual provides a theoretical

concept for the use of vegetation with engineering

structures.

Roadside Bio-engineering Site

Handbook, DoR, GoN (1999 A.D)

This handbook provides information needed to

design, plan, implement and maintain roadside

bio-engineering works. It also covers the

establishment and maintenance of bio-engineering

nurseries.

Roadside Geotechnical Problems:

A Practical Guide to their

Solutions (2007 A.D)

This document provides practical guidance on

how to deal with geotechnical problems that affect

roads. This document guides in problem

identification, site investigation and risk

assessment and possible engineering solutions.

Guidelines on Use of National

Forest Area for Operation of

National Prioritized Project (रामिर

पराथमिकता परापत आरोजनाको लामग रामिर

िन कषतर पररोग गन समबमित कारयमबिी

२०७४ (2017)

The guideline addresses the conditions to make

forest land avail to the loss of forest land use and

forest products. Has provision of compensatory

plantation of 1:25 tree, it also suggests the

mitigation measures to apply for the conservation

of forest.

Environmental Standards


94

Chure Environmental Standards for

Developmental Activities 2072

B.S.

The sector 2 clause road sub sector 2.4 first clause

Major bridge to be constructed where

Environment Protection Act 2053, and

Environment Protection Rule 2054 would be

followed while conducting EIA.The second

clause states that Environment Social

Management Framework (ESMF), 2000 would be

followed. The third clause states that massive

sediment load that might came from chure region

will be analysed and done on the basis of it while

making structural design. The fourth clause states

that there should not be any extracatation of river

bed materials from direct impacted zone and right

and left (both) sides of the bridge. The fourth

clause states about the screening work to be

carried out on the basis of annex three, placed on

the document of chure standard 2072.

Nepal Bridge Standards 2067 B.S Department of Roads (DOR) has formulated these

standards with a view to establish a common

procedure for design and construction of road

bridges in Nepal. All permanent bridges shall be

designed for a design life of minimum 50 years.

Traffic projections shall be made for a period of

30 years and designed for a desig discharge of 100

yrs return period.

Nepal Vehicle Mass Emission

Standard 2069 BS (2012 A.D)

The emission standard is enforced for vehicles

operated on petrol and diesel as per ignition

engines, type approval and conformity of

production and seat/weight/number of wheels of

vehicles. The proponent using these vehicles

during and after the project should comply the

standards.

National Ambient Air Quality

Standards for Nepal 2060 B.S

(2003 A.D)

The construction and operation of the proposal

should comply limit of the ambient air quality

standards. The construction fugitive and

combustion shall not deteriorate the ambient air

quality following limits on; Total Suspended

Particles (TSP), PM10, Sulphur Dioxide, Nitrogen

Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, lead, Benzene.

National Drinking Water Quality

Standard of Nepal 2062 BS (2005

A.D)

Drinking water to be provided to the construction

crews should be within the limits of National

Drinking Water Quality Standards.


95

Noise Level Standard of Nepal

2069 BS (2012 A.D)

Government of Nepal has formulated noise level

standard for different area for day and night time.

Project Activities should be within the prescribed

limit of noise level. No equipment or activities

exceeding limit is allowed.

National Diesel Generator

Emission Standard 2069 BS (2012

A.D)

The GoN has introduced the National Diesel

Generator Emission Standard (NDGES) for new

and in-use diesel generators with a capacity of 8

kW-560 kW. The emissions limits are set for four

major pollutants: CO, HC, NOx, and PM.

Generators used for the project should comply

with the emissions limit.

International Conventions and Treaties

Convention on Biological

Diversity, 2049 BS (1992 A.D)

The objectives of this Convention, to be pursued

in accordance with its relevant provisions, are the

conservation of biological diversity, the

sustainable use of its components and the fair and

equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the

utilization of genetic resources, including by

appropriate access to genetic resources and by

appropriate transfer of relevant technologies,

considering all rights over those resources and to

technologies, and by appropriate funding.

Convention on International Trade

in Endangered Species of Wild

Fauna and Flora (CITES), 2053

BS, amended, 2059 BS (1973 A.D,

amended 1979 AD)

The convention classifies species according to

criteria where access or control is important (e.g.

I-species threatened with extinction; II-species

which could become endangered; III-species that

are protected; E-Endangered; V-Vulnerable, R–

Rare (CITES, 1983). The project will have to

minimize impacts to the CITES species as far as

possible.

SIACM Conventation (2006) A.D. The achievement of the sound management of

chemicals throughout their life cycyle so that the

chemicals used in ways that minimize significant

adverse impacts on the environment and human

health as appropriate, by stakeholders, according

to their applicability.


96

CHAPTER 11: ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING

Environmental monitoring is an integral part of the Environmental Management Plan.

Environmental monitoring process generates meaningful information and improves the

implementation of mitigation measures. Besides this, it also provides early warning for

significant environmental damages so that additional actions may be taken. The aims of

Environmental Monitoring Plan are:

To ensure that project baseline conditions were adequately documented; so that a

comparative assessment of the project baseline before and after the project could be

made objectively for impact evaluation,

To ensure that the mitigation commitments to minimize the predicted adverse

impacts and maximize the beneficial impacts including the environmental

enhancement programmes were actually complied and implemented sincerely in

time by the project and,

To verify that the project impacts were either within the limits of the environmental

impact prediction or some unforeseen impacts also occurred during project

development and what measures were taken to minimize the unforeseen impacts.

As per EPR 1997, project proponent should be responsible for monitoring. The information

obtained from these activities shall be presented on regular basis and made available to all

the concerned agencies. The project proponent shall appoint a team of monitoring experts

and mitigation officer. The project proponent shall be primarily responsible for all the

proposed environmental monitoring plans with proper consultation and involvement of

local people in the process. However, the agencies like MoFE, MoFAGA, and other

relevant agencies like President Chure Terai- Madesh Conservation Development Board

shall be consulted during monitoring.

11.1 Matter to be monitored while implementing the Proposal

Monitoring of the implementation of environmental protection measures provides a basis

for logical comparison for the predicted and actual impacts of a proposal. Environmental

monitoring will involve the systematic collection of data to determine the actual

environmental impacts of the sub-project, compliance of the sub-project with regulatory

standards, and the degree of implementation and effectiveness of the environmental

protection. Monitoring will be an integral part of the implementation of the mitigation

measures during project construction, and will generate important information. It will

improve the quality of sub-project implementation. The EIA Guidelines (1990) and EPR

(1997) also require monitoring plans and indicators, schedules and responsibilities be

identified in the EIA report. The National EIA Guidelines for the Forestry sector, 1995 has

proposed three stages of the monitoring i.e. baseline monitoring, compliance monitoring

and impact monitoring.


97

11.1.1 Baseline Monitoring

Baseline monitoring aims to determine the baseline condition of the environmental

resources. It is carried out if significant time elapse between preparation of the EIA report

and the construction stage or change in the environmental quality is noticeable. This project

will proceed for the immediate construction after the approval of this EIA report and hence

baseline monitoring is not necessary.

11.1.2 Compliance Monitoring

Compliance monitoring is essential in order to ensure that environmental protection

measures recommended by this study and other requirements set forth during the approval

of the sub-project are complied with. This monitoring is not concerned with determining

the actual effect of the project activities on the environment.

The proponent will ensure compliance of activities such as; inclusion of mitigation

measures in the design and tender documents, budget allocation for mitigation measures

and monitoring, compensation arrangements and other compliances spoil disposal, storage

sites, arrangement of construction activities etc.

11.1.3 Impact Monitoring

This monitoring detects environmental changes and estimates inherent variation within the

environment, establishes long term trends in the natural system, and derives conclusion by

making comparison against standard or targets.

Impact monitoring is generally carried out to access the effectiveness of the environmental

mitigation measures and provides the actual level of the impact in the field. Hence, an

impact monitoring evaluation study is proposed by the end of project construction phase or

within 2 years of the project implementation. Impact monitoring will focus on each

predicted impact and effectiveness of environmental protection measures.

11.2 Monitoring Indicators

Monitoring will be carried out in a transparent and credible manner by using established

indicators. To ensure that the monitored parameters are replicable, i.e. they do not depend

on the person or specific methodology used, the selected indicators are easy to be verified

and controlled by the agencies where the final monitoring and supervision responsibility

remains.

Use of standard checklists and formats is sought to be used by the monitoring staff both for

site surveys and in the subsequent reports. Much of the monitoring is related to quantifying

the observed impacts, and to verify the nature and extent of impacts, photographs,

parameter tests, collect local accounts of stakeholders and technical experts. The

monitoring will also include specific cause-effect analyses for the impacts observed.

Following Table 37 specifies the set of verifiable indicators that will be used for

monitoring.


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Table 37: Parameters selected for monitoring

Monitor sector Parameter selected for the monitoring

Flooding, Bank Cutting,

Sedimentation,

Waste Management

Sites

No., location and the extent of the bank failure

Cause analysis for such failure, nature and man-made

Area (ha) of the land, forest and the properties affected

No. and the extent of gully erosions and the pavement failure,

Sites and the suitability of the safe disposal of garbage and

wastes.

Bioengineering/river training Nos and types of structures constructed for river training, their

suitability for the proposed project,

No. of plants species selected for the bio-engineering,

disaggregated by the protective function,

Effectiveness of river training works.

Seismicity Nos and magnitude of local seismic activities and respective

damage to structures.

Water pollution, water

resources and their uses,

surface water, Irrigation

water & Drinking water

No. and extent of the water logging at oppressive and /or

decommissioned construction site,

Incidents and trends in development of waterborne diseases,

Nos of days and nature of traffic delays due to water logging and

inundation,

Blockage of waterways-extent and secondary impacts,

Water pollution incidents due to unsafe disposal of waste and

spoil, analyzing effects on local fisheries,

Observations on car washing practices in rivers, and analysis

ofpotential environmental effects.

Air and noise level in relation

to the traffic volume

End of pipe measurement of vehicle exhaust,

Point measurement of noise near the construction site,

Qualitative analysis of wind borne dust particles during the

construction stage of the project,

Qualitative assessment of vibrations sensed around the nearby

households of the project construction site,

Traffic volume count.

Bridge and Road Safety Speed measurement at both sides of the bridge

Nos and type of accidents recorded by the Traffic Police Office

and local health service centres that occurred around the bridge

Effectiveness of safety signs

Aquatic Ecology Use of fish diet in camp and identificiation of their source,

Practice of disposal of solid and liquid waste,

Change in local catch of fish.

Wildlife habitat disturbance

and impacts on forest

resources and its mitigation

Nos and extent of accidents inflicting wildlife,

CCA records on illegal medicinal plant, wildlife exploitation and

trade,

Nos, extents and causes of forest fires,

Observations and handling of invasive species,

Success/failure/effectiveness of roadside plantation.

Socio-economic development

in road alignment

Demographic, economic and education data,

No. and the extent of new settlements/types and ethnic groups,

No. and extent of new business,

No. and extent of new service and utilities,

No. of employment opportunities created,

No. of workers received training on the enhancement of technical

skill including women,

Change in transportation cost and time,


99

Number and type of the enterprises, cottage industries established,

Change in the status of basic services and utilities in ZoI for

access to services,

Rate of the involvement of female populace in activities other

than households and agricultures,

Condition of affected infrastructures,

Occupation health and safety measures provided to workers,

Increase in the number of people receiving social services

facilities (schools and health post),

No. accidents related to bridge structure and approach road,

State of accidents related to bridge structures and approach road

State of settlement condition (no. of houses, shops, sanitation

condition),

Number and status of porter’s livelihood,

Wage of women,

No. of Children below 18 years of age in workforce.

As baseline environment of the project area is grossly known and also documented in this

EIA report, the DoLI/LRBP together with district bodies will carry out compliance and

impact monitoring of the project construction and operation period. The monitoring

management plan for compliance and impact monitoring presented in Table 38 and Table

39 respectively.

Table 38 identifies the specific compliance monitoring activities. Phase-

wise/chronological details are provided for the methods, schedules, responsible

implementing agency and the responsible monitoring agency. The compliance monitoring

refers primarily to the pre- construction and the construction stage of the project. Table 39

shows the impact and the effect of monitoring activities envisaged as in the previous table

and provide the applied methods, location and schedule along with responsible

implementing & monitoring agencies.


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Table 38: Compliance Monitoring for Sardu Khola Bridge Project

Parameters/Issues

Responsible

Implementing

Agency

Verifiable

Indicators

Verification

Methods

Schedule

Responsible

Monitoring

Agency

Final Site and alignment

selection as per EIA /EMP

recommendation

Consultant Incorporation of EIA/ EMP

recommendations into Site and alignment

selection process and design document

Walkthrough along final Bridge site and

approach road alignment, verifying

sensitive areas

Initial stage of

surveying

Proponent

Public land acquisition Proponent Cadastral records, Recommendation from

President Chure Terai-madhesh

Conservation Development- Committee,

ward offices for use of public land

Consultation and observation of

recommendation letters

Initial stage of

surveying and

alignment selection

CCA / PCU /

DoLI/ MoFAGA

Site selection and preparation of

construction logistics

Contractors Project’s arrangement for materials

storage, and construction activities

Site observation, geo-referencing and

photographic documentation

Beginning of

construction period

Proponent/

Consultants

Use of local labour, particularly

vulnerable groups and women

Contractors Specifications which obligate the

contractors to observe certain quotas for

employing local labour, specially

vulnerable groups and women, use of

child labour

Records that facilitates and coordinates

the process for local people’s

employment, interviews

During the entire

period where labour

work is contracted

Proponent

Awareness and on-the-job

training on bridge / approach

road construction to

technicians, and locally

employed labourers

Contractors Training programmes for skill

development, occupational safety and

environmental protection associated with

bridge and road construction works

Specifications; Training records, check

training programme reports, assess

feedback from participants

Beginning of

construction and

during construction

Proponent/

Consultants

Compliance to Occupational

health and safety matters

Contractor

Health and safety regulations, first aid and

medical arrangements, contingency plan,

number and type of safety equipments

such as mask, helmet, glove, safety belt

Spot checks at work sites, photos, accident

records, interviews

Monthly throughout

construction activities

Proponent/

Consultants

Compliance to Environmental

Protection Measures, including

pollution prevention, water and

soil management, slope

stabilisation, cut and fill, waste

management, spoils, sensitive

habitats and critical sites,

protection of fauna and flora

Contractor

Arrangement specified in the Code of

Practice and in Manuals relating to

environmental protection; records and

observations on pollution, waste

management, spoil deposit.

Site inspection, discussion with Project

management, consultants, and local

people. Quantifying site-specific impacts,

photos, laboratory tests where required.

Existing patrol, control and enforcement

mechanisms, enforcement records, Air

and noise quality measurement water

quality test

Before and during

construction period

Proponent/

Consultants/FUGs/

CCA

Site clearance Contractor Amount of vegetation removed during

construction works

Record, inspection and interview with

local people and CFUGs

After detail design and

before construction

work

CFUGs /

DFO/CCA

Proponent

Measures to avoid pressure on

forest and wildlife

Contractor Use of firewood or fossil fuel by

construction crew, events of hunting and

killing of wildlife/fishes

Inspection, interview with local people

and CFUGs

Once a month during

construction

CFUGs /

Proponent/

Consultants

Measures to protect

environment from air & noise

pollution

Contractor Measurement of vehcle exhausht

Dust level and noise level at work sites,

major settlements and sensitive spots like

health centres and schools

Testing, Observation of good construction

practices anddiscussion with residents

andworkers

Once in a month

during construction

Proponent

/Consultants

Measures to protect water

bodies from pollution

Contractor Visual observation, observation of open

defecation and waste disposal around

water sources near construction sites ;

Parameters like pH, hardness, DO etc.

Site inspection, test of site-selected

samples of water at laboratory

Once in a six months

during construction;

Upon demand for

testing with field kit

Proponent

/Consultants

Restoration, rehabilitation,

reconstruction of all

infrastructure services disrupted

or damaged by the proposal

activities

Contractor Continued services by the facilities and

functional public life

Site observation; Wards/DCC records;

Public Consultation Meetings; Photos

Once in a month

during construction

Proponent

/Consultants

Adequate technical and

environmental supervision

Consultant Adequate number of technicians regularly

at site

Check number and type of technicians

available at site;

Skill of work carried out;

Discussion

Twice a month during

construction

Proponent

Clean up and reinstatement of

the construction sites (camps,

stockpiling yard)

Contractor Decommissioned sites indicate no

adverse/residual environmental impacts,

and are rehabilitated to the satisfaction of

the supervisor and land owners

Site observation; Comparing photos;

Consultation with land owners and CBOs

At end of construction

period

Proponent

/Consultants


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Table 39: Impact / Effect Monitoring for the Sardu Khola Bridge Project

Parameters

/Issues

Verifiable

Indicators VerificationMethods Location Schedule

Responsible

Monitoring Agency

Bank /Slope

stability and

erosion

Inclination,

Bank/ slope

failures, causes;

Drainage

facilities such as

catch drain, side

drains and

functionality of

cross drainage

structures; Fresh

gullies and

erosion;

Success/failure

of bio-

engineering/river

training

solutions

Site observation,

photos

Discussion with

technicians

Near steep

slopes and at

river bank

cutting areas

Continuously

during

construction

and

operation

Proponent/

Consultants

Disposal of

Spoils and

construction

wastes

Affected

aesthetic value,

affected forest

and agriculture,

initiated land

erosion by local

blocked

drainage, hazard

to downstream

slope residents

and agricultural

lands

Site observation and

interviews, photos,

geo-referencing sites

At specific

locations

where such

sites occur

During

construction

Proponent/Consultants

Disruption of

drainage system

Status of

rehabilitation

Service status of

irrigation and

water supply

system;

Operation and

maintenance

requirement

Observation and

interviews, photos,

fisheries data,

wildlife records;

Records of Sunsari-

Morang Irrigation

Office

Disrupted

aquatic

system,

irrigation

schemes

During

construction


Loss or

degradation of

farmland ,

community

forest area

Status of road

side land;

Production /

yield;

Observation, data

collection and

analysis and

interview with

stakeholders

Road side

land and

houses

During

construction



102

Parameters

/Issues

Verifiable


Responsible

Monitoring Agency

Status of road

side houses;

Status of

standing crop

along alignment

Water quality observation of

open defecation

and waste

disposal around

water sources

near

construction

sites ;

Parameters like

pH, hardness,

DO etc.

Visual observation,

water sample test

River water

Drinking

water at

Camps

During

construction;

Upon

demand for

testing


Air quality Dust level in

ambient air

Test by portable Air

Sampler.

At

construction

sites and at

sensitive spots

(schools,

health spots,

major

settlements)

During

construction


Forest and

vegetation

Numbers of

trees, presence

of ground

vegetation, signs

of illicit logging

and extraction of

NTFPs

Observations, photos;

interview with

CFUGs members

In and around

the

construction

sites, firewood

use in local

restaurants

During

construction

and

operation

CFUGs during

construction;

Wildlife/Aquatic

Life

Wildlife hunting

trapping and

poaching by

work force, trade

of wildlife,

biological

survey on

selected biota,

road accidents

inflicting

wildlife

Interview with local

people / CFUGs/

photos,

observations

Forest areas at

roadside/River

Twice a year

during

construction

and routine

during

operation

Proponent

CFUGs/Consultants

Change in

economy

Numbers of

people employed

Records kept by the

Project management,

Project Area Trimester

during



103

Parameters

/Issues

Verifiable


Responsible

Monitoring Agency

by the Project

during

construction

Numbers of

women in work

forces

discussion with

stakeholders

construction

phase

Trade and

commerce

Numbers of

shops increased

or decreased,

rental of houses

and land spaces

Records, interviews,

observations, photos

Project Area Throughout

Project, once

in a year


Cottage

industries

Establishment of

industries in the

vicinity of

Project Area

Records and

interviews, photos

Project Area/

zone of

influence

Throughout

Project


Occupational

safety and

hazard

Type and

number of

accident

occurred during

construction;

Adequacy of

occupational

safety measured

provided;

Compensation

provided in case

of fatal accidents

or invalidity

Observations, photos,

spot checks,

contractors’ and

health centre records

interview with

labourers

Project Camps During

construction


Change in socio-

economic

structure

No and extent

of new

settlements /

types and ethnic

groups; Nos and

extent of new

businesses; Nos

and extent of

new services

and utilities,

social conflicts

Observations,

interview with local

people, DCC, Police

and Wards records

Project Area During

construction


Ribbon

settlement

Congestions to

road users

Nos. of

accidents, RoW

encroachment

Records, observations Project Area During

construction



104

11.3 Record Keeping, Reporting and Corrective Actions

EPR 1997 entitles the monitoring responsibilities to the proponent. The proponent will

develop in-built monitoring mechanism to show its additional commitment for

environmental improvement and mitigate undesirable changes, if any during construction

and operation stage. During construction, District Implementation Team in district and

Environmental specialist for LRBSU will conduct environmental monitoring with the

support of DoLI. Beside this, it is recommended that an external team hired by DoLI will

take the responsibility for the monitoring. At least one monitoring in each construction

season is necessary. Trimester EMP compliance report will be prepared and submitted to

the DoLI by the monitoring consultant.

To demonstrate compliance with the environmental management, the proponent will

instruct the contractors through engineer to maintain daily records of mitigation

implementation works in retrievable forms at its office during the construction phase.

Contractors will keep records of the employment of the local people, and will submit those

records to the engineers every three month. Similarly, records of occupational safety and

health will also be documented in retrievable forms and submitted to engineer in every

three month. Besides, records of instructions, trainings and land area rented with

agreements will also be submitted to the engineers regularly or when it is demanded by the

engineer.

Contract document will categorically include provision of the environmental protection,

health and safety, waste management and other environmental mitigation measures

identified during the EIA study. It will spell out clearly the measures that will be taken in

case on non compliance. This will make them comply with the provisions.

The monthly reports will be based on recurrent site inspections and will report on the

effectiveness of the mitigation measures;

The Contractor's compliance with the environmental specifications;

Measures recommended in the events of non-compliance and

Recommendations for any other remedial actions, etc

In the operation phase, DoLI/LRBP will keep records of the mitigation and monitoring as

required in the retrievable forms. Central level monitoring will be conducted once by the

MoFE as suggested by the EPR 1997.

11.4 Costs of Environmental Monitoring

The cost of environmental monitoring of Sardu River Bridge Project has been itemized in

Table 40.

Table 40: Estimated Cost for Environmental Monitoring

Description Duration Rate NRs. Amount (NRs.)

Environmental Specialist 1 80,000 80,000

Engineer 0.5 60,000 30,000

Socio-economist 0.5 60,000 30,000


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District Focal Person 0.5 40,000 20,000

Support staff 1 25,000 25,000

Transportation costs LS 60,000

Report preparation LS 15,000

Laboratory and Equipments LS 25, 000

Sub-total 2,85,000

Central level monitoring (monitoring by MoFE)

Monitoring cost 50,000

Total 3,35,000

11.5 Environmental Auditing

Environmental Audit enables us to check back and examine how well the environmental

instruments have worked and enabled to assess the actual environmental impacts, accuracy

of prediction, effectiveness of environmental mitigation measures adopted and functioning

of monitoring mechanism. EPR 1997 suggests conduction of environmental examination

by MoFE after two (2) years of commencement of the project.

11.5.1 Agencies Responsible for Examination

On behalf of Government of Nepal, MoPE is responsible for Examination of the projects.

The Audit will be carried out as specified as in National EIA Guideline (1993). This

guideline specifies that the result obtained from EIA should be made available to the

project proponent and concerned agencies.

11.5.2 Elements to Environmental Examination/Audit report

Main elements in the audit report include:

Predicted impacts in EIA report for defined activities in the project development

Mitigation measures in EIA report to minimize impacts of the defined activities in

the project cycle

Implementation status of the mitigation measures in the project as per EMP

Effectiveness of the employed mitigation measures to minimize the impact of the

defined activities

Any residual impact due to construction activities

Any corrective actions suggested or undertaken to mitigate the impacts of the

defined activities

Compliance or non-compliance with EMP

Compliance of EMP with the national environmental standards

Experience gained to strengthen impact prediction in future project for the defined

activities

Environmental Impact Audit of the project is performed after two years following its

operation and its facilities to assess the actual environmental and health impacts, the

accuracy of predictions, and the effectiveness of mitigation measures and the functioning

of monitoring mechanisms. The framework for Environmental auditing of this project is

presented in the Table 41:


106

Table 41: Environmental Auditing Framework for Sardu Khola Bridge Project

Parameters Indicators Location Methods Sources


i. Air Quality

Quality of Air TSP, PM10,

PM2.5, SOx,

NOx, dust

accumulation

from

construction

activities in

houses,

vegetation,

surrounding

areas

Around the

bridge and

along the road

access

Low-volume sampler,

visual inspection,

measurement, and

their comparison with

ambient standards

Analysis of

data,

information for

local people,

observation

ii. Noise and Vibrations

Noise Noise levels

and their

comparison

with ambient

standards

Around the

bridge and

along the road

access

Decibel meter Measurement

and

information

from local

people

Vibration of

Structures

Any case of

hearing

impairment

Cracks existed

in houses, and

compensation

Construction

sites,

locations of

cracked

buildings

Interview, observation Local people,

observation

iii. Water Quality

Water Quality Temperature,

pH, turbidity

TSS, TDS,

sodium

chloride, oil

and grease

Sardu River

stream-flow

below bridge

site

Water samples

collection and testing

Analytical data

iv. Disposal of Spoils and Construction Wastes

Disposal for

construction

spoils

Initiated

erosion

Affected the

aesthetic value

Designated

sites

Observation/interview Local people

and

observation

v. Bank Cutting and Stability

Bank stability Cut and

unstable areas

on natural

slopes,

collected data

Abutments,

its u/s and d/s

for 150 m

Observation,

measurement

Local

information

photographs,

observation


107

Plantation and

bioengineering

along the bank

Afforestation

of the bank and

conditions of

bank revetment

structures

150 m u/s and

50 d/s of

bridge site

along the

bank

Visual observation,

photographs

Local

information,

observation

Biological Environment

i. Forest and vegetation

Loss of Trees

from nearby

forest

Volume of fuel

wood trade,

location of

timber depots

and firewood

sale in the

project

construction

area

Project site,

checkpoints

and

settlement

areas

Records, observation Local people,

available

information,

observation,

CCA

Number of

stumps of cut

trees in nearby

forest

Forest area

nearby

Examination of forest Local people,

observation

Alternative

energy for

cooking for

labour force

Volume and

type of fuel

used in the

project area

Project sites Record from the

contractors

Local people.

observation

Harvesting and

trade of medical

plants

Sales of

medical herbs

increased

Project site

and the

market

Information from the

local people and

market

Local people

Physical

condition of the

forest

General

condition of

forest nearby

Forest near

project site

Observation Information

available from

local people,

CCA

ii. Wildlife

Wildlife Wildlife

hunting,

trapping and

poaching by

workforce

Forest area

near the

project site

Interview with local

people and

photographs

Local people,

observation,

CCA

Trading of

wildlife

products(dried

meats, hides,

furs)

Project sites

and market

Observation,

interview and

photographs

Local people,

observation,

CCA

Frequency of

the birds and

mammals seen

in the projects

sites before

Project area Observation,

interview

Local people,

CCA


108

and after the

project

Socio-economic and Cultural Environment

i. Employment Opportunity

Employment

Opportunity

Number of

local laborers

employed in

the Project

Construction

Project site Analysis of records,

interview

Records from

contractor and

local people

Number of

women in

workforce

Project sites Records Local people

records of

contractor

Use of children Project site Records Records, local

people

ii. Trade, Commerce and Industry

Trade,

Commerce and

Industry

Number of

business

enterprise in

the vicinity of

project area

Project area

and the

surroundings

Records, interview Records and

local people

Rentals of

houses and

land space,

before, during

and after the

project

Local area Inquiries, interview Local tenants

and local

people

iii. Occupational and safety Hazard

Occupational and

Safety Hazard

Types and

numbers of

accidents

occurred

during

construction

Project sites Records, interview Records from

contractors and

local people

Adequacy of

occupational

safety

measures

provided by

the project

Project sites Records, interview Records from

contractors and

local people

Facility of first

aid emergency

services

provided

Project sites Records, interview Records of

office and local

people

Compensation

to the loss of

life or

disability

Project sites Records, interview Records of

contractor,

office of

project


109

management

and local

people

v. Public Health

Public Health Cases of

communicable

diseases as

compared to

the number

and types of

disease, which

existed before

the project.

Project site,

health posts

and hospitals

Records, interview Medical

records from

local health

post/hospital,

interview

vi. Undesirable Activities (Social Problems/Crimes)

Alcohol and

Drug Abuse

Liquor

production and

consumption

and

comparison

with levels

before the

project

Project site Survey, in-depth

interview

Local people,

observation

Law and Order Level of

disputes and

crimes

Project site Survey, interview Local people,

police, project

management

office

Clean-up Temporary

workforce sites

cleaned and

restored to

original

condition

Project area Visual inspection,

interview with

relevant people

Contractors,

local people

observation

vii. Damages and Complaints

Damage and

Compensation

Type of

damages made

on personal

properties

Project site

and its

vicinities

Survey, interview,

observation

Observation,

records

Damage to

local

infrastructure

such as roads,

bridges,

culverts, etc

Within the

periphery of

project area

Survey, interview,

observation

Concerned

agencies, local

people

Compensation

for

maintenance

and

Project area Interview, records Concerned

agencies,

project

management


110

rehabilitation

of

infrastructure

and local

people

Losses caused

by vibration

and noise and

compensation

paid

Project area

and its

vicinity

Record, interview Local people

and project

management

viii. Coordination and Communication

Coordination and

Communication

Coordination

among district

administration,

CCA,

Municipality,

Wards,

politicians,

project

management,

contractors,

laborers and

local people

Office of

Authorities,

District

headquarters

and project

site

Record and interview Office of

Authorities,

project

management,

local people,

Sub-

Metropolitan/

Ward officials,

local leaders,

contractors and

labour

representatives

Information

dissemination

to workers and

local people

about the

project

Project site

and vicinity

Mass meetings, public

notices

Local people,

project staff

and laborers

ix. Economic Condition

Socio-Economic

Changes

Change in

local economy

(standards of

living)

Project area /

Sub-

Metropolitan

/Wards

Interview, survey,

observation

Local people,

business

community,

observation

Price Rise Rise in the

price in

essential

commodities

as compared to

the price of

these goods

before

construction

and adjusted

for inflation

Local Market Market survey Local people,

shop keepers


111

CHAPTER 12: PARTICULAR OF THE COST AND

RETURNS OF THE PROPOSAL

Measurement of the actual benefit of the proposed project on environmental and social

domain in monetary term is difficult and beyond the scope of this level of project and study.

However, a summary of cost assessment has been made in different terms in this section.

12.1 Summary of Cost

The total environmental and social costs are summarized in Table 42. Total environmental

cost includes the cost of implementation of mitigation measures and the cost of monitoring.

Table 42: Environmental Management Cost

S.N. Measures/Activities Costs NRs. Remarks

1 Mitigation Cost 7,65,000/-

2 Environmental monitoring including central level monitoring 335,000/-

Total 11,00,000/-

12.2 Comparision of Costs

Since, it is difficult to estimate the return o the project in monetary terms, comparasion has

been made with the total project cost only. The comparison is presented in the Table 43.

Table 43: Cost and Returns of the Proposal

S.N. Measures/Activities Costs NRs. Remarks

1 Mitigation Cost and Enhancement Cost 765,000

2 Environmental monitoring including central level monitoring 335,000

3 Total Enviornmetal Cost 11,00,000

4 Total Project Cost 13,98,20,483.33

5 Percentage of Total Environmental Cost to the Total Project

Cost

0.78%


112

CHAPTER 13: CONCLUSION

The proposed Sardu Khola Bridge is essential for the development of rural road network to

enhance the connectivity of people living in the region. After the completion of the project,

access to the social services will be easier for people of the remote areas of this region

alongside important religious place of Bishnu paduka. It will have long-term impact on the

development of local and regional areas. Besides these, implementation of this proposal is

expected to bring several immediate short term benefits like employment generation,

increase in the local economy and enhancement of the technical skills, especially during

operation phase.

Moreover, the project has been expected to have minimal detrimental effect on the physical,

biological, socioeconomic and cultural environment of area. This project does not falls on

any environmentally, historically and culturally sensitive areas. Most of the adverse

impacts (identified and predicted) are short and medium term in nature as well as reversible

in nature. Similarly, identified environmental adverse impacts are locally confined and

limited mainly to the period of construction. No acquisition of private land and resettlement

will be required and no stands of trees to be felled only some common ground vegetations

will be cleared. With set of the proposed mitigation measures, most of impacts can be

minimized or even set off. In addition, proposed bridge work do not exceed any of the

prescribed thresholds by EPA, 1997 and EPR, 1997 (First amendment, 1999) and other

relevant acts and rule.For this time, EIA is sufficient for implementation of project.

To implement the proposal, adopting the safeguard measures described in Environmental

Management and Monitoring Plan is essential.Similarly, all the social and environmental

issues related to project should be settled down before implementation of project works.


113

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