government of gilgit-baltistan water & power...

GOVERNMENT OF GILGIT-BALTISTAN

WATER & POWER DEPARTMENT

GILGIT-BALTISTAN

16 MW HYDEL POWER PROJECT (NALTAR-III)

INITIAL ENVRIONMENTAL EXAMINATION REPORT

August 2018

JV INTEGRATION ENERGY & ENVIRONMNET & HEC

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Table of Contents

Chapter-1 ............................................................................................................................................ 7

INTRODUCTION________________________________________________________________

.............................................................................................................................................................. 7

Background: ................................................................................................................................... 7

Environmental Regulatory Compliance: ..................................................................................... 7

1.3. Other related Legal, Regulatory and Policy Framework ................................................ 8

Guidelines ....................................................................................................................................... 8

OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE OF IEE .......................................................................................... 9

REPORT STRUCTURE ............................................................................................................... 9

Chapter-2 .......................................................................................................................................... 10

PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND EXISTING FACILITIES____________________________

............................................................................................................................................................ 10

2.1. Background & Justification ............................................................................................. 10

a) Project Location ................................................................................................................ 10

b) Project component............................................................................................................. 12

C. Alternative Layout Structures ......................................................................................... 15

Chapter-3 .......................................................................................................................................... 18

ENVIRONMNETAL

BASELINE_____________________________________________________ ............................. 18

3.1. Bacground: ............................................................................................................................ 18

3.2. Physical Environment ........................................................................................................... 18

a) Physiography ..................................................................................................................... 18

b) Geology ............................................................................................................................... 18

c) Seismimology ......................................................................................................................... 19

d) Precipitation ....................................................................................................................... 19

e) Soils......................................................................................................................................... 19

f) Hydrology .............................................................................................................................. 19

g) Water quality ..................................................................................................................... 20

3.3. Ecological Resources ............................................................................................................. 20

a) Forest: ................................................................................................................................. 20

b) Wildlife: .............................................................................................................................. 21

c) Flora in Naltar Valley:.......................................................................................................... 21

d) Fish Resources ................................................................................................................... 22

3.4. Socio-Economical and Cultural Environment ................................................................... 23

a) Demography ....................................................................................................................... 23

b) Cast and Tribes ................................................................................................................. 23

c) Education status .................................................................................................................... 23

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d) Health Status in Project Area .......................................................................................... 24

e) Agricultrue and crops ........................................................................................................... 24

f) Livestock and animal hausbandary .................................................................................... 25

g) Icome source ...................................................................................................................... 25

h) Water Sources and uses .................................................................................................... 25

i) Tourism in the project area ................................................................................................. 25

Chapter-4 .......................................................................................................................................... 27

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND MITIGATION

MEASURES_____________________________________________________________________

__........................................................................................................................................................ 27

4.1. Background: ...................................................................................................................... 27

4.2. Design Phase Impacts........................................................................................................ 27

I) Topography ........................................................................................................................ 29

II) Geology ........................................................................................................................... 29

III) Landuse........................................................................................................................... 29

IV) Excavated Material ........................................................................................................ 30

V) Impacts on existing infrastructures ............................................................................. 30

VII) Surface Water............................................................................................................. 31

VIII) Air Quality .................................................................................................................. 31

IX) Noise Levles: ................................................................................................................... 32

X) Impacts on Agriculture and Vegetation ...................................................................... 32

XI) Impacts on Terrestrial Flora ........................................................................................ 32

XII) Impacts on Terrestrial fauna .................................................................................... 32

XIII) Aquatic Life ................................................................................................................ 32

XIV) Employment Opportunities....................................................................................... 32

XV) Regional Safety and Health ....................................................................................... 33

XVII) Impacts on Resources ................................................................................................ 33

XIX) Impacts on Cultural Heritage and Archaeology ..................................................... 34

XX) Impacts on Tourism. .................................................................................................. 34

XXI) Impacts on Women and Indigenous Peoples ........................................................... 35

4.3. Impacts during Operation Phase ..................................................................................... 35

I) Impacts on Soil .................................................................................................................. 36

II) Impacts on Land Use ..................................................................................................... 36

IV) Impacts on Hydrology ................................................................................................... 37

V) Impacts on Air Quality.................................................................................................. 37

VII) Aquatic Life and Fish Stocks .................................................................................... 37

VIII) Impacts on Power ....................................................................................................... 38

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IX) Impacts on Employment Opportunities ...................................................................... 38

X) Impact on Women ......................................................................................................... 38

XI). Impacts on livestock ................................................................................................... 39

4.5. Positive Impacts ................................................................................................................. 39

STAKEHOLDERS

ONSULTATION_________________________________________________ ............................ 41

Stakeholders of the Project: ........................................................................................................ 41

Consultation Process .................................................................................................................... 41

Summary of Consultations: ........................................................................................................ 41

Future Consultation ..................................................................................................................... 42

Procedure for Public Disclosure ................................................................................................. 42

Chapter-6. ......................................................................................................................................... 43

INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENTS & ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

PLAN_____ ....................................................................................................................................... 43

6.1. Institutional Arrangement ................................................................................................ 43

6.2. Complaints & Grievances Redress ................................................................................. 43

6.3. Environmental Management Plan ................................................................................... 44

6.4. Monitoring & Evaluation ................................................................................................. 44

Chapter-7 .......................................................................................................................................... 56

ENVIRONMENTAL RELATED COSTS__________________________________________ . 56

Chapter-8. ......................................................................................................................................... 57

Findings & Recommendations____________________________________________________ 57

Chapter 9 .......................................................................................................................................... 59

CONCLUSIONS_______________________________________________________________ 59

Appendix-1........................................................................................................................................ 60

ENVIRONMENTAL FLOW ASSESSMENT_______________________________________ 60

Annex-II ............................................................................................................................................ 64

List of Stakeholder Consulatatios_________________________________________________ 64

Annex-III .......................................................................................................................................... 65

Reporting formates_____________________________________________________________ 65

Annex-IV ........................................................................................................................................... 66

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN__________________________________________. 66

Annex-V ............................................................................................................................................ 68

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT INVENTORY AS PER NATURE OF WORK.. 68

Annex-VI ........................................................................................................................................... 69

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PLAN_______________________________________________ . 69

Annex-VII. ........................................................................................................................................ 70

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Photographic Documentation of IEE

Process______________________________________________ ................................................... 70

A. Consultations with community during scoping visits ......................................................... 70

B). Views of project components captured during scoping visits ................................................. 71

Consultations with relevant Departments. ..................................................................................... 72

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List of Figures:

Figure 2 1-Location of the Naltar III 16 MW (source Feasibility Report 16 MW). ........................................ 11

Figure 2 2 Project components of Nalatar-III 16 MW ..................................................................................... 12

Figure 3 1 Mean Monthly Flow at Naltar Gah, Nalter (Source WAPDA& GTZ/HEPO) ............................... 19

Figure 3 2. Important fauna and flora in porject aras ....................................................................................... 20

List of Tales:

Table 2 1: Design Features of Naltar-III 16 MW hedel porwer project ........................................................... 14

Table 2 2-Details of alternatives considered for the project designs ............................................................... 15

Table 2 3 Design Discharge Optimization ....................................................................................................... 17

Table 3 1. List of reported wildlife in the project area ......................................................................... 21

Table 3 2. List of important flora in poject area. .................................................................................. 22

Table 3 3. Educational Status and Literacy Rate ...................................................................................... 24

Table 3 4. Educational Facilities Available in the Villages of the Project Area ................................. 24

Table 4 1. Summary of the nature of envrionmental impact of Naltar-III 16 MW project ....................... 28

Table 4 2. Summary of envrionmental impact of Naltar-III 16 MW Project in operational phase. .......... 35

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Chapter-1

INTRODUCTION________________________________________________________________

Background:

The 16 MW-Naltar III hydro power project is designed in lines with power generation development program

of Gilgit Baltistan, mainly focuses on the optimum utilization of indigenous hydroelectric power generation.

Naltar-III 16 MW project is located at Naltar Bala in Naltar valley about 50 Km from Gilgit city. The project

is to be constructed on the right bank of Nalter stream. Powerhouse will be constructed near Nalter pain village

upstream of the existing intake of 18 MW Naltar-IV Power house. The proposed project will reduce the

consumption of valuable fire wood, kerosene oil, liquid petroleum gas etc. and their destructive impacts on the

natural environment of the region. The proposed project aims to fulfill the gap between power supply and

demand in Gilgit city and surrounding villages.

This Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) presents the environmental assessment regarding the design,

construction and the operational phases of the proposed hydel power project. This IEE has been carried out to

ensure that the potential adverse environmental impacts are appropriately addressed in line with Gilgit-

Baltistan Environmental Protection Act 2014. This IEE report will be submitted to GBEPA on behalf of Gilgit-

Baltistan Water and Power Department (GB-WPD) for review and environmental approval as required by

Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Act 2014.

Environmental Regulatory Compliance:

1. Section 16(1) of the Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Act 2014 requires that “No proponent

of a project shall commence construction or operation unless he has filed with the Giglit-Baltistan

Environmental Protection Agency(GBEPA) an initial environmental examination or, where the

project is likely to cause an adverse environmental effect, an environmental impact assessment, and

has obtained from the GBEPA approval in respect thereof."

2. The National Environmental Quality Standards is (NEQS) applicable to any process emission or

effluent from the subproject. However, no such emission or effluent is envisaged from this project.

3. Pak - EPA in August 2000 issued “Policy and Procedures for Filing, Review and Approval of

Environmental Assessment”, which includes Schedules A, B and C defining development projects in

terms of requirements for EIA and IEE. Schedule A defines projects which require an EIA. It deals

with list of major projects which have the potential to affect a large number of people. The impact of

such projects may be irreversible and could lead to significant changes in land use and in the social,

physical and biological environment. The Section of Schedule A relating to Energy Sector states that

hydropower generation above 50 MW will require environmental impact assessment report. Schedule

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B defines projects which require an IEE. It deals with projects where the range of environmental issues

is comparatively narrow and issues can be understood and managed through less extensive analysis.

The Section of Schedule B states that hydropower electric generation below 50 MW will require IEE

Report. Schedule C combines everything not in Schedule A and B. Thus Naltar-III 16 MW hydel

Power Plant Project is covered by Schedule B which requires preparation of an IEE Report for

submission to GBEPA for their approval.

1.3. Other related Legal, Regulatory and Policy Framework

Following Policies, acts and regulation have been consulted to formulate this report.

National Environmental Policy

National Drinking Water Policy

Water Law

Labor and Health and Safety Legislation

Mines Act 1923;

Factories Act 1934;

Hazardous Occupations Rules 1963;

Workmen’s Compensation Act 1923 and

Dock Laborers Act 1934. No single comprehensive piece of legislation deals with occupational or

community safety and health.

International Law & Treaties

General Customary Laws

Environmental and Customary laws of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Act 2014

Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency Review of IEE and EIA Regulations, 2000

The Gilgit-Baltistan Wildlife Protection Act

The Forest Act, 1927

The Antiquities Act, 1975

Guidelines

Following environmental guidelines have been reviewed for preparation of this report.

Pakistan Environmental Assessment Procedures

Policy and Procedures for Filing, Review and Approval of Environmental Assessments

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Guidelines for the Preparation and Review of Environmental Reports

Guidelines for Public Consultation

Guidelines for Sensitive and Critical Areas

Sectoral Guidelines

OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE OF IEE

The objectives of the IEE are to:

i) Assess the existing environmental conditions to the areas where the project is located including the

identification and information of environmentally sensitive areas;

ii) Assess the proposed activities, identify and evaluate the potential impacts and determine their

significance;

iii) Proposed appropriate mitigation measures that can be incorporated into the proposed activities to

minimize any adverse impacts, ensure that residual impacts are acceptable and to propose appropriate

monitoring requirements.

This lEE is based on field reconnaissance surveys, secondary sources of information and public consultation

undertaken specifically for this project.

REPORT STRUCTURE

This report contains nine sections consisting of (i) introduction; (ii) project description; (iii) environmental

baseline; (iv) environmental impacts and mitigation; (v) stakeholders consultation; (vi) institutional

requirements and environmental management plan; (vii) environmental related costs; (viii) findings and

recommendations; and (ix) conclusions.

Assessment of environmental flow is given in Appendix- I and list of stakeholder consultaitons in Appendix-

II. Monthly and quarterly reporting format, solid wate managemnet plan, traffic management plan and PPE is

given in Apendix III, IV, V and VI.

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Chapter-2

PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND EXISTING FACILITIES____________________________

2.1. Background & Justification

According to data provided by GBWPD, there are 25715 electricity consumers in Gilgit town, and surrounding

areas. Of these 17444 (87%) are domestic, 7743 (10%) are commercial, whereas 528 (3%) are industrial. The

total power demand is 70 MW however; the total installed capacity of hydel and thermal power plants is 30

MW. Thus there is a shortfall of 40 MW. Unless new sources of power are added, the situation is likely to

aggravate with time as the demand is projected to increase to 100 MW by 2025. The proposed 16 MW plant

will be an important project to bridging the widening demand and supply gap.

a) Project Location

16 MW run of river hydropower project will be constructed at Nalter stream. The site is located at a distance

of 50-km from Gilgit town at upstream of 18 MW intake (Figure-2.1). Powerhouse of 16 MW will be

constructed near the intake of 18MW Nalter-IV. Nalter stream connects right bank of Nagar/Hunza River

which joins River Giglit at Danyore. The project will be constructed by Power Department GB through

contractor, which will be responsible to identifying all items of work and executing them according to the

design and specifications to meet the all other requirements.

Naltar 16 MW Naltar Bala

Figure 2 1-Location of the Naltar III 16 MW (source Feasibility Report 16 MW).

b) Project component

The main components of the project have been shown in Figure 2.2 and Page-13 in A-3 size. The layout of the

project comprises of a weir intake, connecting channel , gravel trap, sand trap sedimentation basin, headrace

channel, fore bay/peaking reservoir, spill channel, steel penstock, powerhouse, tailrace channel, anchor Blocks,

allied Structures including protective works, Surface Powerhouse including Overhead Travelling Crane, access

and approach roads, 03 Twin Jet horizontal shaft Pelton turbines along with all auxiliary equipment, Inlet

valve, 03 Governors (PID-Type) including power pack and all requisite equipment Salient features of the

layout are listed in Table 2.1.

Figure 2 2 Project components of Nalatar-III 16 MW

Weir: The weir consists of two parts. One a wide flushing section and second one a fixed sill type weir The

shape of the weir crest will be parabolic in order to avoid negative pressure. Intake: A lateral 1 m above the

flushing section will be constructed on the right bank equipped with coarse trash racks.

Connection Canal: A 54 m long free-flow covered canal between the intake and sedimentation basin serves

as connection channel.

Sedimentation Basin: A 84 m long single chamber sedimentation basin having an active depth of 66 m will

be constructed.

Headrace Canal: The concrete headrace channel of 3565 m long will connect the sedimentation basin and the

forebay. The channel will be covered with RCC slabs at the top.

Forebay: A pond type forebay structure of 34,500 cubic meter volume will be constructed. Penstock: An

embedded 1.4 m diameter and 1105 m long penstock will be laid between forebay and the power house.

Powerhouse: The powerhouse will be on the right bank of the Nalter Stream, comprising substructure to house

the pump sumps & tailrace channels and a super structure above ground comprising the machine hall and

necessary operating facilities including control room, stores, workshops, administrative rooms and Open

switchyard area. A short access road along with bridge over Nalter stream will be constructed to reach the

powerhouse area from the main road.

Open Switchyard Area: A flat 4x12 m area will be provided for the switchyard, located south of the

powerhouse building.

Tailrace:The tailrace channel will be placed under the machine hall floor, and will be discharged into Nalter

stream at upstream of Nalter-IV (18MW) weir.

Bridge: A concrete/steel bridge having a span of 30 meter and width 5 m is to be constructed over the Nalter

stream.

Table 2 1: Design Features of Naltar-III 16 MW hedel porwer project

Capacity 16 MW

Installed Capacity 16 MW

Type of development Run of River

Source Naltar Nallah

Gross Head

Net head 362 meters

Design Discharge 5.2 m3/sec

Turbine types and no of unites Pelton(3)

Capacity of each Unit 6.63 MVA (5.3 MW)

Penstock length 1.15 Km

Penstock Diameter 1.40 meter

Weir Size 20 m x 6m

Head Race Channel length 3.565 Km

Head Race Channel (x-section) 2.7 x 2.3 meters

Forebay size 34500 m3

Power House size 30.8 m x 15.6 m

Transmission line length (66 KV) 10 Km

Plant factor 68.13%

Energy available for sale 94.9 GWh

Unit Cost of Generation (per KWh) Rs. 4.17

Construction Cost/MW including 10 Km long 66

KV Transmission line

Rs. 186.84 million

Turbines: Three Twin jet horizontal Pelton type turbines will be directly coupled to the three phase, 50 Hz;

11kV synchronous generators rated 6.6 MVA and 0.8 power factor.

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Powerhouse Crane: a bridge type crane will be placed with main hoist for all normal requirements for lifting

and moving of heavy components during installation, maintenance work and operation.

Dewatering & drainage System: Dewatering of the system will be done through the turbine units and

penstock drain valve to tail water by gravity corresponding to the actual water level of the Nalter stream.

Cooling System: A closed water circuit system will be installed with re-cooling through an easily maintained

pipe system in the tailrace channel.

Fire Fighting Equipment: The fire fighting equipment will include main piping for fire hoses, water spray

nozzles etc. as required in the power station.

Generator: 03 pelton generators of synchronous type will be installed under the project. Transormers: There

will be three main step-up transformers and two auxiliary transformers, that will be installed in open-air

switchyard adjacent to the powerhouse. Switchgear: An outdoor switchyard consisting of a single bus bar

with a single circuit breaker arrangement has been chosen.

Transmission Line and Interconnection: The power from 16 MW will be stepped-upped to 66 KV and

brought to Nomal Gid station. From there power will be transmitted from Nomal Grid to Gilgit via 132 KV

transmission line up to Grid Station at Gilgit.

Access Road: The existing road up to the weir will be improved and upgraded to allow construction and

provide access for operations.

C. Alternative Layout Structures

Different alternatives were considered before selection of final design. The project layout was proposed on the

right bank of the Naltar stream as the more suitable as on left bank due to unstable slopes existing Nullah and

avalanches. Detail of alternatives are given in Table 2.2 below;

Table 2 2-Details of alternatives considered for the project designs

Component Alternatives Recommended

Weir Tyrolean Fixed sill and lateral intake

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Component Alternatives Recommended

Weir with gates and lateral intake

Fixed sill and lateral intake

Forebay

Location

Forebay located on moronic

foundation

Forebay located on rock foundation

Forebay located on rock foundation

Tailrace

Location:

Separate tailrace for each turbine

Combine tailrace for all turbines.

Combine tailrace for all turbines

Plant Design Economic parameters 5.2 m³/s shows better Benefit Cost ratio over

the studied alternatives Table-1

Turbine

Selection

Pelton turbines

Francis turbines

Pelton turbines based on available head and

discharge, cost, plant factor and manageable

size.

Switchgear

Arrangement

bus-bar, double bus-bar, single circuit

breaker system, bypass system, double

breaker syste

single bus-bar with a single circuit breaker

system based on costs and reliability in the

curent senerio.

Transmission

Arrangement

Independent transmission line upto

grid station at Gilgi.

Connection the powerhouse with

Naltar-IV and use the same

transmission line

Connection with 33 kV transmission

line coming from Juglote Gah Power

Station.

Connection the powerhouse with Grid Station

Nomal and use the same transmission line

keeping inview the costs, availibity of space

and line losses.

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Table 2 3 Design Discharge Optimization

Q

Design

PEAK PEAK

OFF

PEAK TOT COS/kWh

S#

MAX

MW

MIN

MW

MIN

MW

TOT

GWh PRO COST

WOUT

TR

WITH

TR

COS

/kW

BEN

/COST

BEN-

COST

BEN-

COST

m3/s MILL US $ Rs Rs US $ - MILL Rs MILL US $

1 3.00 9.09 4.55 5.15 67.88 16416243 1.842 1.870 1805 1.265 33.7 1.42

2 3.20 9.70 4.55 5.15 70.81 16808845 1.809 1.836 1733 1.281 36.6 1.54

3 3.40 10.31 4.55 5.15 73.52 17334939 1.797 1.823 1682 1.283 38.0 1.60

4 3.60 10.91 4.55 5.15 76.22 17824053 1.783 1.808 1633 1.288 39.7 1.67

5 3.80 11.52 4.55 5.15 78.93 18325405 1.771 1.795 1591 1.291 41.2 1.74

6 4.00 12.12 4.55 5.15 81.63 18747360 1.752 1.775 1546 1.318 46.1 1.94

7 4.20 12.73 4.55 5.15 84.34 19114192 1.730 1.752 1501 1.329 48.7 2.05

8 4.40 13.34 4.55 5.15 87.05 19777540 1.735 1.756 1483 1.321 49.0 2.07

9 4.60 13.94 4.55 5.15 89.75 20144342 1.714 1.735 1445 1.332 51.6 2.18

10 4.80 14.55 4.55 5.15 92.46 20497432 1.693 1.714 1409 1.343 54.4 2.29

11 5.00 15.16 4.55 5.15 95.17 20814611 1.671 1.691 1373 1.357 57.4 2.42

12 5.20 15.76 4.55 5.15 97.65 21112205 1.652 1.671 1339 1.368 60.1 2.53

13 5.40 16.37 4.55 5.15 99.90 21811149 1.668 1.687 1333 1.351 59.2 2.50

14 5.60 16.97 4.55 5.15 102.16 22375940 1.674 1.693 1318 1.343 59.4 2.50

15 5.80 17.58 4.55 5.15 104.19 23557187 1.729 1.747 1340 1.298 54.3 2.29

16 6.00 18.19 4.55 5.15 105.99 23854977 1.721 1.739 1312 1.302 55.6 2.35

17 6.20 18.79 4.55 5.15 10.79 24092026 1.710 1.727 1282 1.309 57.4 2.42

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Chapter-3

ENVIRONMNETAL BASELINE_____________________________________________________

3.1. Bacground:

The environmental and social baseline conditions have been established on the basis of information

gathered through interviews, formal and informal scoping sessions and group discussions with the communities,

departments and direct observation of selected locations in the project influnece area. Additionally, relevant data

gathered from Forest, Wildlife, Agriculture, GBEPA and Revenue department has been used for situtional

analysis of the project interventions. Secondary information form reports and relevnat publications was used for

drawing inferences.

3.2. Physical Environment

a) Physiography

Naltar valley is located on the left bank of Nagar/Hunza river in district Gilgit.. Naltar-III, 16 MW Hydro Power

Project is located at Naltar Bala. The deeply cut meandering gorges Naltar valley have lush green landscape,

thickly forest laden hill slopes, water streams lakes and milder climate, make it a famous tourist destination. The

upper parts of the valley remain glaciated throughout the year. The project area is characterized by diverse

ground topography with rugged mountains, forested valleys, alpine pastures and rich biodiversity. The mountain

slopes are generally steep to very steep in upper reaches but moderate near the mountain basis. The bed

rocks have a soils cover with varying thickness depending upon relief and aspect. Areas of steeper slopes,

with less vegetation, have comparatively thicker soils cover. In between the mountain range are the generally

narrow and somewhat open valleys here and there. Fertile valley soils in some locations support high yielding

cash crops. The valley is drained by small tributaries and ultimately joins Naltar nallah which ends up at

Nagar/Hunza River. It comprises parallel ridges having wide range of elevation. The streams are flanked

by narrow belts of land built up of the materials washed down from the catchment slopes.

b) Geology

The Naltar Valley is situated at 360 N and 740 4’ E covering a total area of 27,206 ha situated within the

Karakoram highlands. Geology is very similar to other parts of the Karakoram Range, and is dominantly

characterized by sub aerial fore-arc basaltic andesite, rhyolite, ignimbrite and volcanic clastic sedimentary rocks.

There are also Chalt group (Abtain-blain), rocks and related calac-alkaline andisites, high-Mg tholleiites and

boninites. Rakaposhi volcanic Formation and lower part of the Baumaharel Formation are also exposed (Searle

et al., 1996). The slope of the Naltar Gah is 9.3%, High mountains surround the stream having steep gradient

between Naltar Bala and Naltar Paeen section; The valley has an elevation of 2000 to 3200 m.a s.l. with

surrounding mountains towering to about 5800 m.a.s.l. in certain ranges.

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c) Seismimology

According to “Seismo-Tectonic Map of Pakistan”, a sizeable part of Gilgit-Baltistan belongs to a major

earthquake zone with recent past earthquakes upto a magnitude of M ≤ 6.5 of the Richter scale. (Referance:

Feasibility stuty for Nalter III 16 MW HPP)

d) Precipitation

The project area has an average yearly precipitation of about 572 mm. Maximum precipitation is in the form of

winter snow. Ordinarily, the hottest month of the year is July, where mid day temperatures may reach in access

of 30° C. Similarly January has the lowest temperatures and high chill factors and night temperatures reach as

low as -30° C. (Referance: Feasibility stuty for Nalter III 16 MW HPP).

e) Soils

Soils are a mixture of varying degrees of alluvial deposits, and a sizeable concentration of organic matter is

found in bowl shaped valley depressions. Such places are used for rich cash crops like off-seasonal vegetables

and potatoes.

f) Hydrology

Naltar Nallah is a perennial stream fed by rainfall, glacial and seaonal snow melt. The stream length is

approximately 42 km and the total catchment area is 270 km2 There are some small lakes above the tree line in

an area of vast grazing pastures. Total annual flow repored in the past studies is arround 9.45 m 3 / sec with

maximum flow of 29 m 3 /sec in July and August Figure-

Figure 3 1 Mean Monthly Flow at Naltar Gah, Nalter (Source WAPDA& GTZ/HEPO)

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g) Water quality

The bacteiral water quality of Naltar Nallh is good, as anthropogenic pollution at present is bare minimum. The

use of fertilizer and pesticides is also limited. The liquid waste is being discharged in the fields. The water is

running fast and big boulders, cobbles, gravel and pebbles constitute the bed of stream. The rooted vegetation

on either bank of the stream is sparse and at a distance adding little to the biomass of the stream in the form of

falling leaves and litter. Naltar Nallah is the prime source of irrigation for habitants of Naltar Bala living near

bridige. With the exeption of witner season Naltar nallah is not used as dirnking water source by Naltar Bala and

Naltar Paeen people..

3.3. Ecological Resources

a) Forest:

Naltar valley is famous as biodiversity hot spot and decleared as game sanctuary by Forest, Wildlife & Parks

and Envrionment Department Gigit-Baltistan. Apline pastures, conferous forests and typcial annual grass are

found in lower reaches. Naltar nalah lies in lower reaches and characterized by having stepping forests.

Figure 3 2. Important fauna and flora in porject aras (Source-WCS Pakistan)

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b) Wildlife:

The topography of Naltar valley provide a good habitat for a number of wildlife species. Common wildlife

sepecies reported in the valley include World Life Department GB declared the area a game sanctuary as a mean

of protection and preservation for the endangered wildlife species. Snow leopard is already declared as

endangered species. Based on consultative sessions with the locals, forest and wildlife officials exisitng wildlife

species are summarized in Table-3.1

Table 3 1. List of reported wildlife in the project area

Source-Data derived from Wildlife Department GB and Baseline Surveys.

Birds: Besides common birds like Chakor (Alectorista graeca), Ram Chakor, there are a variety of Predators

such as Kite, Falcon, Hawk, Asiatic Vulture and Beard Vulture are common. Some migratory birds may stray to

side valley.

Reptiles: Owing to climatic severity of hot summers and cold winters, no significant reptiles have been reported

from the project area. Reptilian and amphibian fauna of the area is not well documented. However, local people

have reported some snakes, with negligible cases of any snakebite. Rock lizards are common in the region.

c) Flora in Naltar Valley:

Forests in Naltar valley falls in the category of “Protected Forests”, including the project area. Natural flora

including blue pine, spruce, birch, juniper, russian olive, wild willow, seabuckthorn, ash and wild rose are

common in Naltar valley. Common floral species of Naltar valley is given in Table-3.2

S. No Common Name Scientific Name

1 Flare-horned Markhor Capra falconeri falconeri

2 Himalayan Ibex Capra ibex sibirica

3 Snow Leopard Uncia uncia

4 Himalayan lynx Lynx lynx isabellius

5 Ladakh Urial Ovis vignei vignei

6 Fox Vulpes vulpes

7 Gray Wolf Canis lupes

8 Leopard cat Prionailurus bengalensis

9 Stone marten Martes foina

10 Altai weasel Mustela altaica

11 Pika Ochotona sp

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Table 3 2. List of important flora in poject area.

S. No Common Name Scientific Name

1 Wild Willow Salix spp

2 Russian Olive Alegnus sortensis

3 Sea Buckthorn Hippophae rhamnoides

4 Juniper Juniperus exelsa

5 Blue Pine Pinus wallichiana

6 Ash Sheveria robista

7 Wild Rose Rosa webiana

8 Fir Abies pindrow

8 Birch Betula utilis

9 Tumurroo Thymus superfilum

Source: Data derived from Forest Department and Baseline Surveys.

The local population has grazing, grass cutting, and fuel colletion rgihts. However, for construction purposes

local villagers need permission from Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) for cutting of pinen trees to fullfill their

construction needs. Cutting of pine and other trees for firewood and timber needs was common in the past. Their

largest wood consumption is for cooking and heating in the winters season.

Naltar valley is famous for Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), which are of significant economic importance

for the local population. According to a research there are 147 species of medicinal plants that are used by local

population for different disease mediantions. These include The largest ethnobotanically important family was

Asteraceae which contributed 17 species (12.06%), followed by Fabaceae (10 species, 7.09%), Polygonaceae,

and Rosaceae (8 species, 5.67% each), Lamiaceae and Salicaceae (7 species, 4.96% each), Chenopodiaceae and

Rananculaceae (5 species, 3.55% each) and Apiaceae, Poaceae and Solanaceae (4 species, 2.84% each); while

rest of the families had fewer species (Table 2). Altogether, the recorded ethnoflora comprised of 91 herbs, 27

trees and 23 shrubs. Other NTFPs include mushrooms, Black Moral and a variety of grasses, being the main

source of cattle fodder.

d) Fish Resources

Fisheries Department Gilgit-Baltitan, has established a hatchery in 1978 in Naltar Nallath. Rainbow trout,

Kamloop and Australian brown trout fish is found in Naltar stream but Fisheries Department has stopped

stocking Naltar Gah after floods. Previously increased trout fish production has decreased after the flood. There

is no commercial fishing in the project area. The fishes caught are for the personal consumption. The survey

showed that very few people consume fish as part of their diet.

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Due to fast running nature of the stream filamentous algae and other macrophytes are not found except in some

backwater where pool-like situation exists. Very few pools and puddles are located along its course no specific

site data for indigenous or native species are available. However, site-specific data of exotic species is available.

The exotic species found are brown trout and Kamloop. Discussions with local people indicate there is a low

dependence upon fishing, which is done casually mainly for domestic consumption using rods and fly lines.

3.4. Socio-Economical and Cultural Environment

a) Demography

Naltar valley comparies 22 small and big human settlemnets. The central village is known as Naltar, located in

the middle of the Naltar Valley. these human settlements are situated on either side of the Naltar stream with

additional scattered sparsely distributed clusters of habitation. The valley sides are steep but land is terraced

wherever possible for agricultural purposes. Estimated population size in Naltar valley is arround 3010 persons.

Total number of households in Naltar valley is arroud 413. .

The demographic patren of Naltar Bala village is almost similar to the other settlement in Naltar valley. The

estimated population of Naltar Bala is arround 1800 living in 200 number of dewelings. The current population

growth rate in Naltar Bala is 2.66 % with household size of 7.27 persons. People are living in joint family system.

b) Cast and Tribes

The people of the area belong to different tribes and sub-tribes such as Yashkun, Shin and Gujjars. Gujjars

migrated from Punjab some 100 years back. They mainly speak Shina. Few outsiders settled from Hunza, Nagar,

Gilgit and Nomal in the area, due to its importance in tourism and scienic beauty.

c) Education status

Based on the socio-economic survey of sampled households, the overall literacy rate (number of literate persons

per 100 populations) is concluded as 84.6%. It is about 86.3% for males and 75.5 for females which show that

the residents of the Project Area know the importance of education. Details are given in Table 3.3. Table depicts

the education level of the selected population of the Project Area which shows that the ratio of intermediates,

graduates and post graduates is low as compared to those having qualifications up to primary, middle and matric.

Based on the socio-economic survey, it was found that there are ten primary, 2 middle school and 4 high schools

in the Project Area. There is only one college in the whole Project Area. The students have to move to Gilgit for

degree or higher education. Village-wise education facilities found in the Project Area are shown in Table 3.4.

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Table 3 3. Educational Status and Literacy Rate

Education Leve Male % Female % Litracy Rate % Over all %

Male Female

Illiterate 5.9 20.8

86.3 75.5 84.6

Read Quran 2.0 3.8

Primary 11.8 7.5

Middle 17.6 18.9

Matric 17.6 15.1

F.A. 7.8 18.9

B.A. 19.6 9.4

M.A. 9.8 0.0

NOSA* 0.0 5.7

Total 100.0 100.

* NOSA: Not of School Age Source: Feasiblity report Naltar-III

Table 3 4. Educational Facilities Available in the Villages of the Project Area

S# Category of Institution Number of Institutions

Village Nalter Village Nomal

Boys Girls Boys Girls

Primary Schools 3 2 5 3

Middle Schools 0 0 1 0

High School 1 0 1 2

Colleges 0 0 1 0

Total 4 2 8 5

Source: Data derived from feasiblity report and baseline surveys.

d) Health Status in Project Area

Health care is provided by five BHUs in project area two in Naltar and three in Nomal. There is no qualified

doctor, only dispensers give medicine to the patient’s. In emergency, patients especially in maternity cases, are

taken to Gilgit hospital. Some old experienced women in this field make deliveries at home.The interviews with

local population in the project showed that seasonal diarrhea, gastrointestinal fever and cold and

tuberculosis/asthma are common. The children and women are particularly more vulnerable. Women health care

Center and better health facilities should be provided, especially LHV: may be trained and appointed in the

villages.

e) Agricultrue and crops

Residents of project area rigidly follow traditional cropping practices. Maize and wheat are the main crops.

Potatoes are being cultivated as cash crop in higher altitudes. Oilseeds, pulses and others crops are negligible.

Due to the relatively steep slopes terraced fields are very small and cropping intensity is high.

Maize and Potato is cultivated on 100% and 80% of available agricultural land in project area respectively.

Onion and Peas are also partially cultivated in project area. Average production of wheat, maize and Potato is

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103, 173 and 1,000 Kg/kanal, respectively. Fruit trees were also reported in project area. Walnut, apricot, apple

and almond are found in abundance. Cherries of Nomal are famous for their taste and quality.

f) Livestock and animal hausbandary

Livestock and animal hausbandery is also one of the the main income source of comunity living in the project

area. Poultry, in the form of hen keeping, is common practice by most families. Meat, milk, butter and eggs are

the main livestock products. In Nalter valley goats, sheep, cows, bulls, donkeys, mules, and yaks are comon

livestock species.

g) Icome source

Agriculture and animal hausbandry are the main sources of income generation in the project area. However most

of the households need additional money to satisfy their various daily needs. So, majority of the male population,

even children, go to other parts of GB and down country for employment and jobs. Seasonal migration in winter

time is the general strategy to substitute food production by cash availability. Only their dehqans stay behind in

Naltar to take care of their homes and other property.

h) Water Sources and uses

Springs, galcieal, lakes and snow melt are the principal sources of water in Naltar Valley. Water from these

perennial source comes to Naltar stream and is used for irrigation, drinking and other domestic uses through out

the year. Sine pipe water supply in the entire valley is unsatifiacory therefore populaiton fulfill drinking water

needs from nearyby springs or Nalter stream.

i) Tourism in the project area

Naltar valley is famous due to a number of touristic attractions such as lakes, forests and wildlife rehabiliation

center constructed by Wildlife and Parks Department of Gilgit-Baltistan. However, trousit faciliteis are lacking

in the area. Naltar Bala is famous due to winter skeing tournamnet jointly orgnaized by Governemnt of Gilgit-

Baltisan and Pakistan Air Force.

There are three lakes in Naltar Valley known as Naltar lakes or Bashkiri Lakes at an altitude ranging from 3050–

3150 m. The first Bashkiri Lake is located at a distance of 12 kilometers from Naltar Bala The road up to the

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naltar_Valley

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lakes is a non-metallic dirt-road alongside a rivulet, flowing down the valley. The lakes are surrounded by dense

pine forests, during winters it becomes almost impossible to reach the lake with any vehicle due to the heavy

snow (10 to 15 feet high) on the road

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Chapter-4

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND MITIGATION

MEASURES_______________________________________________________________________

4.1. Background:

This chapter of the report highlight the potential environmental impacts of Naltar-III 16 MW project and propose

mitigation measures to minimize the impacts in the design, construction and operational phases. The process of

impact prediction is the core of the environmental assessment process and it is critical that the recommendations

and mitigation measures are carried out during the construction and operation of the project in accordance with

the Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Act 2014, and its sub-sequent rules regulations and draft

guidelines to address environmental issues related to hydro power projects in the context of Gilgit-Baltistan.

The environmental assessment of the project is conducted, principally, within the framework of Gilgit-Baltistan

Environmental Protection Act 2014, IEE/EIA regulations 2000 and Guidelines for the preparation and review of

environmental reports. To identify the impact of the project on the physical, biological and human environment

of the project area and to categorise them in accordance with their significance, a Project Impact Matrices has

been prepared. All the project activities are divided into three phases;

Design phase

Construction phase; and

Operational phases

4.2. Design Phase Impacts

The design phase mainly comprises of feasibility study and detailed design for the proposed project. The

consulting firm responsible to carry out feasibility study was given the following ToRs for Naltar-III 16 MW

project in Naltar Valley.

Collection and review of feasibility report prepared by Hydro Electric Planning Organisation (HEPO)

WAPDA in collaboration with German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ).

Collection and review of Comprehensive Planning of Hydel Resources of Tributaries of Indus River in

Northern Areas of Pakistan prepared by Hydro Electric Planning Organisation (HEPO) Wapda in

collaboration with German Agency for technical Cooperation (GTZ) (Gilgit Region).

Collection and analyses of additional basic data

Review of the power market

Technical redesign of the systems and performance of layout studies

Up-dating of unit cost and Bills of Quantities

Economic and financial analyses

Field surveys with respect to involuntary resettlement and environmental aspects

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Establishment of environmental and resettlement impact mitigation concepts for the project.

Since there will be no any major activities during design phase except site inspection, topographic surveys,

geological mapping and sub-surface investigation at the proposed site. Most of the activities do not require

extensive physical interference in the project area, therefore, no significant environmental, socioeconomic and

health impacts have been identified.

4.3 Construction Phase Impacts:

Construction related activities would result short term negative impacts in terms of noise, dust and exhaust

pollution on the nearby settlements and specifically to the sensitive receptors like school, madrasa residential

area and hotels.

The construction phase impacts are mostly of a temporary nature and their magnitudes are subject to the

engineering management practices adopted during construction phase. During construction most of the impacts

will be of negative nature, but most of them are temporary and will vanish with the completion of project. Major

environmental impacts during construction phase and proposed mitigation measures are discussed in following

sections. Summary of environmental impacts in construction phase is given in Table-4.1

Table 4 1. Summary of the nature of envrionmental impact of Naltar-III 16 MW project

Name Impact

Positive Negative No

Topography

Seismicity

Geology

Land sliding

Land use

Mining

Evacuated material

Physical infrastructure

Climate

Hydrology

Surface water

Sedimentation

Flood

Ground water

Air quality

Agriculture

Terrestrial Flora

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Name Impact

Terrestrial Fauna Positive Negative No

Aquatic life

Involuntarily settlement

Employment opportunities

Regional health

Occupational health

Resources

Increased road risk

Communication

Heritage and archaeology

Tourism

Women and indigenous people

Solid waste

I) Topography

The interventions of the Naltar III 16 MW HPP are not likely to impact the topography of the area on a large

scale except for those areas where the physical activities of excavation, digging and movement of heavy

machinery will take place. Similarly, areas where excavated material will be disposed, dumped or stored will be

negatively affected. This impact can be considered as a negative impact with moderate magnitude.

Impact Impact Level Mitigation

Minor topographical impacts due

to dumping, cutting, excavation

consturction of access roads,

destabliztion of slopes at power

house site.

Minor magnitude Leveling of soil dumps in agricultral fied.

Bioengineering measures will be taken to stablize

slopes with similar vegetation types.

II) Geology


Distrubance of exisiting stable

geological formation due to

blasting, extensive excavation,

cutting of formations that may

result more landslides events.

Minor magnitude Blasting will be avoided where possible.

Grater number of low power blast should be

prefered instead of high intensity single blast.

Stablization measures will be taken after cutting

of slopes.

III) Landuse

In addition to the permanent land requirements, temporary land acquisition will be needed at three sites, i.e.

diversion weir, penstock, powerhouse and quarry sites. Total area for temporary acquisition is estimated at 0.2

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ha which will be mostly the riverbed or pasture lands, and 0.12 ha is the farmlands. This land will be acquired

for a maximum period of three years.


Current agricultural production

will be effected that will effect the

farmers economy.

Soil fertility may be efected due to

storage of excuvated material

Minor magnitude

Minor

Effected agricultral income will be compensated

on market rates.

Appropirate rent will be paid to farmers.

Ensusure proviosn of organic and inorganic

fertilizer to community in consultation with

Agriculture department.

IV) Excavated Material

During construction of the project a very large quantity of excavated material is expected to be generated from

the project activities. Unplanned disposal may create environmental degradation of the area and environmental

issues of significant adverse impacts can emerge during construction of the project. The nuisance created by

excavated material will be a major negative impact of the project.


Destruction of Environment and

asthetic values of the area.

Major negative

impact Excuated material will be dumped in an

environment friendly maner to minimize negative

impact on surrounding environment.

Volume of excavated material should be reduced

by avoiding uncessary excavation. The top soil

will be used as cover material in nearby

agriculaual fields and land developement in

selected areas.

V) Impacts on existing infrastructures

Since most of the project components are located in out of inhabited area therefore no adverse affect of project

installations will occure. However, due to construction of new forebay area, chennal and road 5 households

will be demaged.


5 number of housholds will be

damaged during construction of

channel and forebay.

Moderate to high

negative impact Measures will be taken to minimize damage of

infrasturcture during alignment of physical

components of the project.

Owners of the demage property will be

compensated as per existing markeet rates.

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VI) Impacts on Climate

No impact on climate of the whole project area is expected due to construction of Nalter II 16 MW HPP, either

positive or negative, during the construction phase. Project construction involves large scale activities including

the movement of different types of light and heavy traffic, working of heavy machinery, blasting of rocks,

operation of batching and mixing plants and the presence of large numbers of workers in the area. Due to these

activities, it is expected that the microclimate of the project area will deteriorate significantly.

Mitigation

The deterioration in the local climate during the construction phase will be of a temporary nature and will

disappear with the completion of the project. However, special measures will be adopted to reduce these impacts

during construction phase.

VII) Surface Water


Physical and biological water

quality will be affected by project

activities such as wier construction

activites, wastewater dispoasl from

camping, oil and chemical spiolage

from machinery.

High to moderate Proper disposal of liquid and solid waste will be

ensured during construction through constrution

of septic tanks and dumping of solid waste as per

agreed gudieliens with GBEPA.

Vehicle parking and service areas will be

established away from water sources with proper

draniage facilities.

VIII) Air Quality

The project activities will involve large movements of heavy diesel operated machinery and vehicles which

produce more noise and generally emit more smoke. Similarly, various levels of noise and air pollution are

expected to be generated from construction machinery and equipment, working of heavy earth moving

machinery, drilling, blasting operations, concrete mixing, pouring equipment and stone crushers etc. All these

activities will become major sources of noise, smoke and dust pollution. High noise and air pollution level if

not mitigated will cause major adverse health impacts on workers on the project site and on local communities

living in surrounding areas. The pollution in the air in the form of dust, vehicle exhaust, particulate matter,

aerosols, smoke and gases will increase besides an increase in noise pollution. The impact on air quality is

considered as short duration negative impact of moderate magnitude

Impact Impact Level &

category

Mitigation

Production of high levels of smoke,

dust due to extensive use of

machinery and mechannical work

including vehicle movement

Short duration

adverse negative

environmental

impact

Contractors will be bound to use new and good

condition vehicales to minimise smoke

emissions.

Develop SoPs for regular tuning of vehicles

and machinery.

Avoid blasting or use low power small scale

blasting material.

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Sprinklers will be used during high movement

of vehicles, dust production sites, and shifting

of excuated mateiral during work by

contractor.

IX) Noise Levles:


category

Mitigation

Existing noise levels will be

affected due to heavey vehicles and

other construction machinery.

Short duration

adverse negative

environmental

impact

Contractors will be bound to use new and good

condition vehicales to minimise noise effect.

Develop SoPs for regular tuning of vehicles

and machinery.

Avoid blasting or use low power small scale

blasting material.

X) Impacts on Agriculture and Vegetation

Impact Impact Level Mitigation Measure

Agricultural production in limited

area will be effected due to

dumping of wastematerial and

stocking of project equipement etc.

Minor magnitude Required land will be acquired for short time on

market rates from farmers/community.

Compensation of agriculral products will be

given to farmers on existing market rates.

Soil dumps will be leveled by contractor

XI) Impacts on Terrestrial Flora


About 500 trees will be affected

during construction of channel

Major negarive

impact Efforts will be done to minimize number of

affected trees during alignment of channel.

5000 trees of same species will be planted in

consultation with Forest Department GB.

XII) Impacts on Terrestrial fauna

Since project is located in the center of the settlements, therefor no significant impact of project is noted during

field visits on terretial fauna.

XIII) Aquatic Life


category

Mitigation

During construction of wire and

sedementation tank acquatic life

will be affected for a short period.

Short duration

adverse negative

environmental

impact

Diversion of Naltar Nallah will be

accomplished before constructoin of intake

wier and sedimentation tank.

Mesh will be installed accorss the Naltar nallah

to retain fish upstream the intake wier work.

XIV) Employment Opportunities


category

Mitigation

Ample employment oppertunities

for local people during

construction activities mostly in

Short and long term

postive impact Contractors will be bound to hire community

of Naltar Bala and Natal Paeen for unskilled

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unskilled and semi-skilled

labouring.

and semi-skilled jobs in consultation with local

village committees and W&P Department.

XV) Regional Safety and Health


category

Mitigation

Health and safety of native people

may be affected due to outsiders

(skilled and unskilled labour)

Moderate of high

Negative Contractors will be bound to construct camping

site far away from local settlement.

Project areas will be fenced and signages will

be palced for local people and workers.

The signages will be produced in local

language so that native community can

understand the massage clearly.

Security system and guard will be placed at

appropiate places on access routs to the project

site.

Conatractor will be responsible to develop

SOPs for emergency response to accident on

need basis.

XVI) Occupational Health and Safety


category

Mitigation

Risk of accidents and disease

outbreaks in workers camp and at

work places.

Short duration

adverse negative

environmental

impact

An envroinmental unit will be established.

A qualified occupational safety officer will be

appointed.

Contractor will be resoposible to carryout risk

assessement and devleop a site specific Health

and Safty Management plan.

Contractor will be responsible to indentify

hazard to workers, conduct helath secreening,

provide PPEs to protect workers against

acccident.

Contractor will be resposible to document

occupational accidents, dissesses and incidents

and to develop emergency prevention,

preparedness and response arrangements.

XVII) Impacts on Resources

Construction workers will need their daily supplies in the project area. This could potentially negatively affect

the existing resource base and cost for firewood, food, goods, water and fish as well as create considerable

amounts of waste.


category

Mitigation

Availability of commodities and

piece may be affected if not

planned accordingly.

Minor magnitude

and negative Contractors will develop a plan with budget for

providing of commodities to labour such as

fuel for cooking and heating, water for cooking

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and cleaning, food supplies, and hygienic

sanitation facilities for collecting and disposing

waste, including construction waste

XVIII) Impact of Roads Traffic

The project area is approachable only along Nomal-Nalter road, which is not sufficiently wide for movement of

heavy machinery and is very risky. There are many dangerous sharp turns on Nomal-Nalter Road. It is difficult

and very risky for heavy machinery and vehicles to move for transportation of required equipments and material.

The road has a dangerous narrow carriageway and bridges insufficient to carry the expected traffic load.


category

Mitigation

High risk of accidents espcially to

local people due to trafffic load of

light and heavy traffic

Minor magnitude

and negative Special measures such as comprehesive traffic

plan keeping in view the peak hours public

traffic incluidng speed limit.

Sinages will be displayed for general publics

and project workers at different locations on

the road especially on trunings in English,

Chinese and Urdu.

Measures for the safe disposal of construction

and excuated matrial will be in place by

contractor.

All project vehicles and equipment will be

maintained properly.

XIX) Impacts on Cultural Heritage and Archaeology

No site of archaeological and historical importance has been identified in the project area. However, the

inhabitants of the project area have their specific cultural heritage, which may be affected due to a heavy influx

of people/labour in the area from different cultural backgrounds and ethnic affiliations.


category

Mitigation

Local aspects of culture and

heritage may be affected by influx

workers from multi-cultural

background.

Negative and

negligible

magnitude

Project management unit and contractor issue a

guideline to project workers to respect local

norms and culture of the project area.

Contractor will take measures for appropirte

community relations for social cohesion. .

XX) Impacts on Tourism.

Nalter valley is one of the most attractive tourist spot in GB. Every year hundreds of local and foreign tourists

move into the area particularly during the summer. Specific measures will be taken for saftey of tourist visiting

Naltar Bala.

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category

Mitigation

Safety of toursit will be at high risk

during project construction

activities.

Moderate to high

and negative Contractor and Project management unit

will develop a comprehensive traffic plan

with precautionary signaes for toursits

visiting the project area.

Sinages should be in urdu and english

languages for guidance of toursits.

XXI) Impacts on Women and Indigenous Peoples

Construction of the project may affect access of local people and women to their traditional travelling routes,

and may reduce safe passage not only for the community but also for their animal herds.


category

Mitigation

Local community activities such as

agriculture, grazing, water fetching

will be affected by construction

activities.

Moderate to high

and negative Contractor through EMU will ensure safe

passage for women and indigenious people

through construction area.

Access rights will be accomodated by

provision of rights of way for comfortable

mobility of that local people espcially women

throughout the constrution area.

4.3. Impacts during Operation Phase

During the operation phase, most of the impacts of the project on the environment of the area will be of a positive

nature and negative impacts will be much less as compared to the construction phase. Summary of environmental

impacts during operational phase is given in Tablel-4.2

Table 4 2. Summary of envrionmental impact of Naltar-III 16 MW Project in operational phase.

Name Impact


Seismicity

Geology

Land sliding

Land use

Mining

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Name Impact

Dismantling material

Physical infrastructure


Climate

Hydrology

Naltar stream

Surface water

Sedimentation

Flood

Ground water

Air quality

Agriculture and vegetation

Flora and Fauna

Aquatic life and fish stock

Power

Employment opportunities

Social services

Landscaping and visual amenity

Women

I) Impacts on Soil

Following impacts on soils for weir, headrace channel, forbay and reservoir may occur if mitigation measures

are not adopted and enforced during operation phase of the project:


category

Mitigation

Degradation of landscape, erosion

and soil contamiantion will be

occured.

Moderate to high

and negative Contrcator will install oil separators at wash

down and refueling areas to avoid soil

contaminaiton.

Contractor will design proper facilities to store

hazardous waste and material of the project.

II) Impacts on Land Use

After construction and during the operation phase, some positive changes in land use are expected as areas under

construction camps and other auxiliary services will revert to their pre-project use.

III) Impacts of Dismantling Material

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After completion of the project construction but before operation of the project temporary structures, batching

and mixing plants and labour camps etc. will require dismantling and a large quantity of spoil material will

become available for proper disposal, which will be a moderate level negative impact of the project. The debris

produced will require proper dumping or disposal to avoid any environmental degradation.


category

Mitigation

Aesthetic environmental values will

be affected.

Moderate to high

and negative All kind of spoil material will be disposed off

properly soon after completion of the

construction work.

Spoil material will be used for land

developement along Naltar Nallah in

consultation with local people and GBEPA.

IV) Impacts on Hydrology

The hydrology of the proposed Nalter 16 MW HPP starting from upper limit of weir intake to the end of the

tailrace channel is expected to change significantly during operation of the project. The water flow pattern will

change as significant volume of water will be diverted towards headrace tunnels to generate power. The flow in

this part of the river will reduce drastically below historic flows. However, as there is minimum human

population on this section of the river getting any sort of benefit, no negative impacts on human population are

anticipated due to changes in the hydrology.


category

Mitigation

Change in river flow pattren will

affect down stream aquatic life

Moderate to high

and negative Operating department will be resposnible to

maintain 10% of minimum flow down stream

to maintain acqutic life.

V) Impacts on Air Quality

During operation of the project, the air quality of the area will improve significantly as compared to the air

quality of construction phase.

VI) Impacts on Agriculture

Agriculture in the project area is practiced on scattered flat patches and on contour strips developed by the

farmers with their own efforts and resources. The main source of irrigation in the area is the snow melt water

diverted from streams towards crops and orchards and no irrigation is practiced from river water in any part of

project area, and no major impact on agriculture is expected in the project area with the implementation of the

project.

V). Impacts on Flora and Fauna

No major impact on Flora and Fauna of the area during operation of the project.

VII) Aquatic Life and Fish Stocks

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Fishing in project area is not common as the river bed is steep, water velocity is high and the river flows in a

deep gorge which is not easily assessable. No specific site data for indigenous or native species are available.

Department of Fisheries has established a hatchery in Nalter valley just above the weir intake of 16MW HHP.

Discussions with community shows that there is low dependent upon fishing. However, Naltar Nallah is a

potential breading gournd for tourt snd other native fish sepecies. Mid to high level of environmental impact

may happen if following mitigation measures would not be taken into account.


category

Mitigation

Disturbance of fish movement

Redction in breeding sites and fish

populaiton

Moderate to high

and negative

Moderate to high

and negative

Operating department will be resposnible to

place ladder in the channels in consultation

with Fishries Department.

Strickly maintain envrionmental flows during

lean flow period.

VIII) Impacts on Power

The most important and significant impact of the project will be the power generation as Gilgit-Baltistan is

presently facing acute shortage of power. The power generating capacity of the project is estimated as 16 MW.

The power generated will help to establish new industries, to boost commercial activities and to enhance job

opportunities in the area. Electricity generation impacts are considered to be most significant positive impact of

the project.

IX) Impacts on Employment Opportunities

During operation, as compared to the construction stage, a small number of people will benefit from employment

opportunities. However, even during this stage, a large number of both skilled and semiskilled manpower will

be required, who will be recruited from the local area. Employment generation during the operation phase is

considered to be of a moderate positive nature.

X) Impact on Women

Contrary to the construction phase, there will be much less movement of vehicles as well as people in the area

during the operation phase. In addition, women of the project area will be able to avail the facilities created

during construction stage of the project. Thus during this phase no negative impacts on women are expected.

Summary of impacts during operational phase is given in Table 4.2.

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XI). Impacts on livestock

The proposed intake and chanel is lacated at the bank of Naltar Gah which is not used as grazing area for

livestokc. However, in the forebay there is minor chances that animale may fall in the forebay. Inorder to minize

such incidents fencing will be ensured arround forebay and open channels. Similarly, environmental flows

recomended in this report should be maintaiend in low flow seasons to cater the domestic and livestok needs by

W&P Department.

4.5. Positive Impacts

1) The proposed 16 MW plant will be an important project for bridging the widening gap between demand

and supply in Gilgit town. At present, there are 25715 electricity consumers in Gilgit town and

surrounding areas. Of these 17444 are domestic, 7743 are commercial, whereas 528 are industrial. The

total power demand is 70 MW. At present total installed capacity of power projects for Gilgit town is

55 MW. However, according to W&PD the current generation is about 23 MW, thus there is a shortfall

of about 46 MW. Unless new sources of power are added, the situation is likely to aggravate with time

as the demand is projected to increase to 20 to 30 MW by 2020.

2. Existing drinking water supply systems in Naltar Bala needs rehabilitation. The whole of the population

depends on springs and Naltar Nallah for drinking water during lean periods. It has, therefore, been

suggested to rehabilitate the existing drinking water supply scheme at Naltar Bala on the demand of

villagers. The provision of water supply scheme planned under the project will be a significant

development. This is suggested that contractor will rehabilitate water supply scheme in this village.

3. Availability of power would reduce consumption of fuel wood by villagers for heating and cooking

purposes.

4. The project will provide unskilled jobs opportunities during the construction phase and a limited number

of 20 jobs during project operation to locals.

5. Hydropower is a clean and renewable source of energy and its use instead of thermal power reduces the

emission of pollutants such as carbon dioxide (CO2), particulate matter (PM), Sulphur dioxide (SO2),

carbon monoxide (CO) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and hydrocarbons. One way of mitigating the

impacts of Green House Gas Emissions is replacing and/or developin clean energy sources (hydropower

and solar) as alternate to the dirty energy sources (thermal, oil, coal etc.). To realize this UNFCCC has

introduced various mechanisms including CDM. Development of 16MW Naltar HPP will contribute to

the climate change by mitigating/replacing the diesel gen sets prevailing in the area to offset the shortage

of energy. The estimated values of emission reductions from the project (with 80% Plant Factor and 21

years project life) and Carbon revenues have been summarized in the following:

Plant factor consider = 68%

Project life determined= 21 years

Emission Factor = 0.8 (default)

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Carbon emission reduction= 1280950.272 tCO2 eq

Considering $ 5/CER rate during the project life emissions in the Carbon Market

Carbon revenues $ = 7535000 (over 21 years @ $5/CER)

RS.= 742951158

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Chapter-5

STAKEHOLDERS ONSULTATION_________________________________________________

In order to take on board relevant stakeholders on the project and to record relevant issues a series of meetings

were held during preparation of this report. The objectives of the stakeholder’s consultation were as under;

To overall objective and important component of the project.

To collect information on expected long and short-term impacts.

To collect information on the key issues by stakeholders especially communities

To recommend appropriate mitigation measures means to resolve the issues during implementation and

operationalization of the project.

Stakeholders of the Project:

Key stakeholders of the project are communities of Naltar Bala, Naltar Paeen, Department of Forest, Department

of Wildlife, Department of Fisheries and Armed Forces of Pakistan. Other stakeholders are non-governmental

organizations, and government departments particularly the GB-PWD.

Consultation Process

Consultations were carried out through focus group discussions, public meetings, community discussions with

key stakeholders, and formal meetings with government officials, to ascertain their views and identify their needs

and preferences for compensation and rehabilitation measures. During the consultation, the stakeholders were

informed about the project and their concerns were recorded. Views on compensation and related issues were

also discussed with the persons likely to be affected by land acquisition. Photographs of the scoping sessions /

consultations are placed at the end of the report.

Summary of Consultations:

Following are the findings of stakeholder’s consultations;

i) In general, everyone welcomed the project. No one expressed any concerns by the project itself.

ii) Community demanded fair and speedy compensation of the affected assets.

iii) Compensation should be at market rate in consultation with community.

iv) Employment opportunity for local people during construction and operation phase was key issue of

Naltar Bala and Naltar Peen communities. Community demanded fair allocation of jobs and

recruitment.

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v) Community showed serious concerns regarding water flows in Naltar Nallah especially in winter

when whole Naltar water will be diverted towards weir of the project. They demanded alternate

drinking water arrangements by project management.

vi) Since landholdings are very small, to the extent possible project should avoid land acquisition.

Meetings with officers of line departments

The team of consultants’ also visited line departments in Gilgit to obtain information on various aspects of

Fisheries, Wildlife, Agriculture, Health and Land acquisition and Forest. The list of Line Departments visited is

given in Appendix II.

Future Consultation

Extensive public consultations were earlier conducted in the project area during preparation of feasibility report

of the project. Similar consultation with communities of Naltar Bala and Paeen were held in February 2018.

Such an exercise will be continued during implementation phase of the project, especially during alignment of

headrace channels with local communities, armed forces, forest department and other relevant line agencies to

take them on board. The objective of the future consultation will mainly focus on define actual losses and land

acquisition, timing of work, overall schedule, minimizing disturbance to business, and public safety and gender

issues.

Procedure for Public Disclosure

In promoting transparency and accountability, PMU will continue to provide relevant information to the

stakeholders in a timely manner in a form and language (urdu) that are understandable and accessible to them.

Illiterate people will be informed verbally during regular consultation process by the PMU. Following procedure

will be adopted for information dissemination to public;

PMU will disclose the IEE report and related documents to Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection

Agency. IEE report will be disclosed at the water and power departments website. The local community

will be provided with the Summary of IEE report and project information at different stages of the

consultation in Urdu either in written form or verbally.

The information will be made available in locations that are easily accessible to stakeholders. Depending

upon the capacity of a stakeholder and nature of the information to be disseminated, such locations can

be local villages, project site office, PMU office, government department or local government setup

Overall, the consultation activities and disclosure will be designed so as to maximize community

awareness of the project and to create reasonable opportunities for community input and involvement.

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Chapter-6.

INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENTS & ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN_____

6.1. Institutional Arrangement

Gilgit-Baltistan Water and Power department will be the executing authority. GB-PWD will exercise its

functions through establishing a Project Management Unit (PMU), at project site headed by a full time Project

Director who will be responsible for general project execution. In this regard, a well-defined institutional

structure will be placed in the PMU and staff will be assigned to specific roles. The PMU will ensure compliance

with the Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Act 2014 and its rules and regulations.

Under PMU, an Environment and Social Development Cell (ESDC) will be established which will be

accountable and responsible for implementation of EMP. The ESDC will initially consist of one environment

specialist, who will be directly hired by GB-WPD to provide technical assistance in implementation of the

environment and resettlement plans. The number of staff/members may be increased depending on the number

and nature of project activities. The ESDC will work in close collaboration with the respective PMU to

implement EMP. The ESDC will also be responsible for internal monitoring. The project Coordination Office

will ensure budgets are delivered in time to the competent authority for timely implementation of EMP. The

EPC contractor of the project will have a full-time health, safety and environment (HSE) officer to manage the

tasks assigned under this IEE.

6.2. Complaints & Grievances Redress

For the purpose of addressing grievances by the community about the implementation of IEE and EMP, a

Grievance Redress Committee (GRC) will be established for the project as soon as project implementation

commences. However, with careful observance of the provisions of the EMP by all stakeholders involved,

grievances can be avoided.

The Committee will be established at the project level with the primary objective of providing a mechanism to

mediate conflict. The committee will constitute the Project Director, one elected representative, one

representative of district revenue officer and three representatives of the affected community.

If necessary, the aggrieved person will first address the complaint to Grievance Redress Committee who will

strive for settlement within 10 days of lodging of the complaint. If the complaint cannot be settled, the grievance

will be referred to ESDC. Within 30 days the Grievance Redress Committee will discuss the matter and refer

the grievance to PMU, and obtain a resolution. If the grievance redress mechanism fails to satisfy the aggrieved

person, s/he can approach the Gilgit Baltistan Environmental Protection Agency or court of law.

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6.3. Environmental Management Plan

This IEE concludes that the construction impacts will be manageable if the mitigation measures are implemented

carefully. An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) has been prepared (Table 6.2) by close reference to the

best practices and in line with GBEPA 2014 and IEE/EIA Regulations 2000. EMP is based on the type, extent

and duration of the identified environmental impacts, mitigation measures, their timing, location, and

implementation/ monitoring responsibility. PMU should check that contractors have all the necessary valid

licenses and permits such as those for use of powered mechanical equipment.

6.4. Monitoring & Evaluation

The environmental performance of the project will be monitored internally by the PMU and ESDC. The

information will be collected directly in the field by ESDC on monthly basis to assess the environmental

performance of the project and to adjust the work program, if necessary. The monthly and quarterly reports will

be communicated to GB-EPA on standard formats.

An environmental monitoring plan showing implementation responsibilities and schedule has been drawn up

and places as Table 6.1 Monitoring activities during implementation will focus on compliance with license

conditions, recording implementation of mitigation measures, recording environmental parameters, reviewing

contractor environmental performance and proposing remedial actions to address unexpected impacts during

construction.

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Table 6 1 Environmental Monitoring Plan

No. Environmental Monitoring Tasks

Implementation

Responsibility

Implementation

Schedule

1 Design Phase

1.1

Audit project bidding documents to ensure

IEE and EMP is included. PMU through .ESDC

Prior to issue of bidding

documents.

1.2 Disclosure of the project to NEPRA PMU through ESDC

Prior to issue of bidding

documents.

1.3

Monitor final site selection (alignment)

and its environmental compliance with

EMP PMU through ESDC

Prior to PMU approval of

detailed designs.

2 Construction Phase

2.1

Regular (monthly) monitoring and

reporting (quarterly) of Contractor's

compliance with statutory environmental

requirements PMU through ESDC

Continuous throughout

construction period.

2.2


reporting (quarterly) of contractor's

compliance with contractual

environmental mitigation measures PMU through ESDC



2.3


reporting (quarterly) of complaints and

responses of environmental mitigation

measures PMU through ESDC



2.4

Monitor adjustments to the EMP and the

thorough implementation of detailed EMP

PMU through ESDC

During all phases of the

project

2.5

Commissioning phase monitoring of as

built equipment and facilities versus

environmental contractual performance

criteria

PMU through ESDC

At commissioning.

3 Operation and Maintenance Phase

3.1 Observations during routine maintenance

inspections of facilities. Inspections will

include monitoring implementation of

operational mitigation measures versus

environmental criteria specified in EMP

for operational impacts.

Chief Engineer

GBWPD

As per EMP

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Table 6 1 SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING PLAN

Environmental

Concern

Objectives Mitigation

Measures (MM)

Recommended

Timing to

Implement

MM

Locations to

Implement

MM

Responsibility

to

Implement

MM

Responsibility

to

Monitor MM

DESIGN STAGE

1. Project

disclosure

• Statutory compliance with GB-

EPA 2014 and IEE/EIA

Regulations 2000

• IEE report

submission to GB-

EPA.

• Detailed

design

commencement

• Entire

project

Project

Director

Secretary GB-

PWD

2. Project

boundaries change

• Compliance with statutory

requirements GB-EPA 2014 and

IEE/EIA Regulations 2000

Environmental

assessment in line

with GB-EPA

Guidelines

Update IEE and

confirm findings and

recommendations.

Submit revised IEE

and EMP to GB-

EPA

• Completion of

detailed design

• Entire

project

Contractor Project

Director,

Contractor

3. Land acquisition • Compensation to affectees • LARP

Implementation.

•

Implementation

schedule

• Entire

project

Project

Director,

Secretary GB-

WPD, Project

Director, PMU

Construction Stage

1. Loss of

productive

agriculture

• Minimize need to acquire

agricultural land for temporary

facilities

• Consultation with

land owners.

Ensure appropirte

rent for acquried

land.

Provide organic

and inorganic

fertilizers to

maintain soil

fertility.

• Detailed

design stage.

• Entire

project

ESDC, PMU Secretary GB-

WPD, Project

Director, PMU

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Environmental

Concern


Measures (MM)

Recommended

Timing to

Implement

MM

Locations to

Implement

MM

Responsibility

to

Implement

MM

Responsibility

to

Monitor MM

.

2. Waste disposal • Sound environmental

management

Design consultants

to explore and

identify reuse

options.

Design consultant to

identify disposal

locations for

excavated materials

and requirements in

contracts.

Disposal at

identified sites

Detail design

output.

Within one

month of award

of contract or

earlier

• Entire

project

Contractor,

PMU

Secretary GB-

WPD, Project

Director

3. Plans to control

environmental and

associated impacts

• Avoid impacts from unplanned

activities

Construction

contractor to prepare

following plans as

part of SSEMP:

Temporary traffic

management plan

Drainage and

utilities re-

provisioning plan

Materials

management plan

Waste management

plan

Excavated material

disposal plan

Tree compensatory

planting plan

Noise and dust

control plan.

• Submission to

GB-EPA

prior to

construction

activity

• Entire

project

PMU &

Contractor

Project

Director

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Environmental

Concern


Measures (MM)

Recommended

Timing to

Implement

MM

Locations to

Implement

MM

Responsibility

to

Implement

MM

Responsibility

to

Monitor MM

Blasting

management plan

Oil spill

management plan

4. Loss of trees • To avoid adverse impacts due to

removal of trees.

Payments linked to

tree re-establishment

and not to tree

removal:

Minimize tree

cutting.

Ten new trees will

be planted to replace

each cut tree

Select only

indigenous tree

species for

replacement; no

alien invasive

species to be used

• One month

prior to and

during

construction of

relevant

activities

• Entire

project

PMU &

Contractor

Project

Director

5. Soil erosion • To minimize excessive erosion

of embankments and slopes.

Maintain proper

slope

Compaction of soil

material

Tree plantation on

the slope

• Construction

activities

• All

embankments

and slopes

with

protection

measures.

Contractor Project

Director

6. Environmental

orientation of

contractor and

workers

• Develop capacity to implement

environmental requirements and

mitigation measures

Contractor tender

documents to

include resources

and funds for

mitigation

The contractor shall

be responsible for

Before

commencement

of construction

work.

Refreshers at

early stages of

construction

• Construction

Sites

Contractor,

ESDC

Project

Director

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Environmental

Concern


Measures (MM)

Recommended

Timing to

Implement

MM

Locations to

Implement

MM

Responsibility

to

Implement

MM

Responsibility

to

Monitor MM

implementation of

an affective

environmental

monitoring and

reporting system

using checklists of

all contractual

environmental

requirements and

EMP

7. Exploitation

handling,

transportation and

storage of

construction

materials

• Minimization and avoidance of

adverse environmental impacts

due to construction material

exploitation, handling,

transportation and storage

Contract documents

to specify:

Fuel and bulk

storage covered with

tarpaulin against

wind and away from

the residential area.

Proper maintenance

of transport vehicles

Work areas to be re-

vegetated and

landscaped,

wherever

appropriate, to

minimize erosion

and to avoid creating

hazards for people

and livestock

• Construction

activities

• A list of

routes of

transport of

construction

material is to

be prepared

for the

contract and

agreed one

month prior to

construction

activities.

Contractor Project

Director,

ESDC

8. Explosive

Material for

Blasting

To minimize the damage around

specific site.

To control the noise level

Use required

quantity of

• During

excavation

activities

• where

required

Contractor ESDC, Project

Director

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Environmental

Concern


Measures (MM)

Recommended

Timing to

Implement

MM

Locations to

Implement

MM

Responsibility

to

Implement

MM

Responsibility

to

Monitor MM

To ensure the workers’ safety. explosive material

for blasting.

Blasting should be at

day time and in

bounded area.

Handle the

explosive material

under

manufacturer\s

specifications and

Explosive Act 1884,

of the government.

during

construction

9. Air quality • To minimize particulate matter

released to the atmosphere.

Stockpiled soil and

sand to be sprinkled

with water on daily

basis where required

Stockpiled soil and

sand shall be slightly

wetted before

loading, particularly

in windy conditions.

Fuel-efficient and

well-maintained

haulage trucks shall

be employed to

minimize exhaust

emissions.

The road near

communities shall

be sprayed twice a

day with

• Construction

activities.

• All

construction

sites

Contractor to

comply with

NEQS

ESDC, Project

Director

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Environmental

Concern


Measures (MM)

Recommended

Timing to

Implement

MM

Locations to

Implement

MM

Responsibility

to

Implement

MM

Responsibility

to

Monitor MM

• Concrete batching

plants, asphalt plant

and rock crusher

activities to be

controlled (e.g.

asphalt hot mix

plants should not be

located within 500m

of any sensitive

receiver, river- bank

or irrigation channel

but located at

convenient sites

nearby but

downwind of and at

least 500nm from

sensitive receptors

such as schools and

hospitals

10. Construction

Waste Disposal

• Minimize the impacts from

construction waste disposal.

Preparation of waste

management plan

including estimates

of amounts and

types of construction

waste to be

generated by the

project.

Identify

opportunities for

waste to be reused in

the project or by

• One month

prior to

construction

activities

quarterly.

• All

construction

sites

Contractor

Secretary GB

WPD

ESDC, PD

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Environmental

Concern


Measures (MM)

Recommended

Timing to

Implement

MM

Locations to

Implement

MM

Responsibility

to

Implement

MM

Responsibility

to

Monitor MM

other interested

parties.

Identifying

potentially safe

disposal sites close

to the project or

those designated

sites in the contract.

Waste shall not be

burned as open

burning Is contrary

to good

environmental

practice.

11. Water quality • Minimization of adverse

impacts on water quality

Storage of

lubricants, fuels and

other hydrocarbons

more than 50m away

from water bodies.

Proper disposal of

solid waste from

construction

activities and labor

camps.

Covering the

construction

material and spoil

stockpiles with a

suitable material to

reduce material loss

and sedimentation.

Construction

activities

• Entire

project

Contractor ESDC, PD

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Environmental

Concern


Measures (MM)

Recommended

Timing to

Implement

MM

Locations to

Implement

MM

Responsibility

to

Implement

MM

Responsibility

to

Monitor MM

Avoiding

stockpiling to water

bodies.

12. Worker camp • To ensure that the worker

facilities does not adversely affect

the surrounding environment and

residents in the area.

Felled trees and

other cleared or

pruned vegetation

should not be

burned.

LPG to be provided

for cooking at

worker camps.

Drinking water and

sanitary facilities

shall be provided for

employees.

Solid waste and

sewage shall be

managed according

to the waste

management plan.

The Contractor shall

document that all

liquid and solid

hazardous and non-

hazardous waste are

separated, collected

and disposed of

according to the

given requirements

and regulations.

Entire project

construction

activities

• Construction

camps

Contractor EDSC, PD

13. Workers’

Safety

• To ensure safety of workers and

equipment.

Placing adequate

warning signs.

During

construction

Workers camp Contractor ESDC,PD

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Environmental

Concern


Measures (MM)

Recommended

Timing to

Implement

MM

Locations to

Implement

MM

Responsibility

to

Implement

MM

Responsibility

to

Monitor MM

Providing workers

with PPE’s.

Establish all relevant

safety measures as

required by law and

good engineering

practices.

First aid facilities

should be available

at construction sites

with at least one

qualified first-aider

Construction

sites

14. Traffic

Condition

• Minimize disturbance of

vehicular traffic & pedestrians

during haulage of materials, spoil,

equipment and machinery

machinery machinery

Implement traffic

management plan.

Formulation and

implementation of a

construction related

traffic management

plan.

Assign traffic

control personnel.

Vicinity of

residential areas,

schools to be

considered for

installation of traffic

warning signs and

speed bumps.

• No blocking access

to the road

• Day Time

during

construction

activities

Existing

access road

Construction

sites

Contractor ESDC, PD

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Environmental

Concern


Measures (MM)

Recommended

Timing to

Implement

MM

Locations to

Implement

MM

Responsibility

to

Implement

MM

Responsibility

to

Monitor MM

15. Restoration of

Temporary land

• All vacated sites should be

restored to pre-project conditions

All construction

sites, all debris and

waste shall be

removed.

All temporary

structures, including

office buildings,

shelters, waste

receptacles and

toilets shall be

removed.

All vacated sites

should be restored

to pre-project

conditions

• At conclusion

of the project

• All

temporary

acquired sites

Contractor, Project

director

OPERATIONAL STAGE

1. Water quality • Maintain the quality and

quantity of water to be supplied

to community.

• The drinking water

quality used by the

community in the

project area shall be

monitored.

• Starting from

the construction

period and

continuing for

the first three

years of the

project

operation.

• Nalter

Nullah

Chief engineer

GB WPD

Secretary GB-

PWD, Chief

engineer

GB WPD

2. Water Quantiny Miantian environmental flows

down stream the weir in winter

seasaon

30 % of the mean

lien perod will be

maintaned down

stream the weire

During

operration phase

Naltar Nallah GBWPD GBWPD &

GBEPA

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Chapter-7

ENVIRONMENTAL RELATED COSTS__________________________________________

EMP implementation includes staffing and monitoring activities to be undertaken by PMU. For this purpose

PMU will established Environmental and Social Development Cell (ESDC) which together with

Supervision Consultant will implement the EMP. The environment related cost for EMP implementation

and monitoring is as under;

Table - 7.1 Summary of Estimated Environmental Cost

Item Sub Item Estimated Cost

(Rs.) for one year

Estimated cost for

three years

Monitoring staff Environmental officer/specialist 3,60,000/- 10,80,000/-

Mitigation measures As prescribed under EMP /- 30,00,000/-

Transport 1 vehicle for 1 year 300,000/- 9,00,000/-

Tree plantation As prescribed uner mitigation

measures and EMP

Lump sump 10,00,000/-

Total 59,80,000/-

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Chapter-8.

Findings & Recommendations____________________________________________________ This IEE report has been prepared based on the secondary data of feasibility report, primary data collection

through relevant department, and extensive consultations with communities and proponent. In-situ

environmental surveys were carried out in order to complete the environmental assessment and

recommendation of suitable mitigation measures. Following are the key findings and recommendations;

The negative environmental impacts from the project will mostly take place during the construction

stage but there are also some potential negative impacts for the operational stage as well as many

significant beneficial impacts. The construction impacts are very predictable and manageable and

with appropriate mitigation few, residual impacts are likely.

Communities of Naltar Bala and Naltar Paeen are not fully aware about the project interventions.

They have serious concerns on compensation and job opportunities in the project. PMU should

conduct follow-up visits to take onboard the communities on project interventions and to arrange

satisfactory compensation for short term land acquisition as per current market rates.

In order to minimize the negative environmental impact during construction phase, PMU should

include the IEE and EMP, updated if necessary, as contractual requirements, accepted by all

contractors prior to 'signing the contract(s). The contractor will be required to prepare an SSEMP

including temporary traffic management, materials management master plan, waste management

plan, blasting management plan and oil spill management plan. The SSEMP should be deliverable

by the contractors and approved by GBEPA before construction commences.

PMU should conduct a review the monitoring activities proposed in this IEE to establish the

parameters to be checked during the construction and operation in consultation with GBPEA.

The IEE, including the EMP, should be used as a basis for an environmental compliance program

and be included in the contract documentation. The EMP shall be reviewed at the detailed design

stage. In addition, any conditions that are part of the environmental clearance from the GBEPA

should also be as a basis for the environmental compliance program.

Continued monitoring of the implementation of mitigation measures, the implementation of the

environmental conditions for work and environmental clearance, and monitoring of the

environmental impact related to the operation of the project should be properly carried out and

reported monthly to track and determine the net environmental benefits that have accrued.

Implementation of the environmental mitigation measures during the construction phase should be

responsibility of contractor that should be included in the contract and implementation should be

monitored by PMU.

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GB-WPD should submit summarize environmental monitoring reports to GBEPA on quarterly

basis.

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Chapter 9

CONCLUSIONS_______________________________________________________________

i) Environmental impacts during construction and operational phases of the project, as identified

in Chapter-4, should be mitigated. In order to implement mitigation measures institutional

arrangements are to be made available. For effective implementation of the mitigation plan,

payment milestones should be linked with the implementation of the recommendations based

on mitigation and management plans.

ii) Monitoring activities will need to focus on compliance with license conditions, recording

implementation of mitigation measures, adherence to agreed waste disposal practices,

reviewing contractor environmental performance and proposing remedial actions to address

unexpected impacts.

iii) The implementation of the Naltar III is a feasible and sustainable environmental option but

thorough implementation of the EMP is required throughout the design, construction and

operation of the project in order to minimize impacts and retain public support for the project.

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Appendix-1

ENVIRONMENTAL FLOW ASSESSMENT_______________________________________

INTRODUCTION

Naltar-III Hydropower project aims to generate 16MW of electricity under a design flow of 5.2 m3/s using

3 Pelton Wheel Turbines. The minimum flow requirement to keep the plant in operation is 2.7 m3/s to

generate 5.3 MW electricity in winter season.

Based on the mean annual flows in Naltar Nallah, the source water will be diverted towards power house

in minimum flow periods. However, keeping in view the downstream water flow requirements to maintain

aquatic life and domestic use of water, it is important to allow a certain share of water, generally referred

to as environmental flows, through the existing course of the water so that biological life in the affected

stretch can be maintained. While in principle the concept of environmental flows is accepted uniformly, the

methodologies for establishing the levels of environmental flows vary considerably amongst experts,

environmental agencies or countries. In Pakistan, there does not exist any specific legislation or ruling or

instruction from relevant governments or statutory bodies or regulatory agencies which establish a specific

framework or methodology for determining environmental flow. Consequently, in water resource

development schemes, where the level of environmental flows has to be established, consultants rely on

existing precedents or use their own experience and understanding to propose such flow requirements. In

this note, the environmental flow adopted for Naltar-III Hydropower Project is discussed for further clarity

and understanding.

ENVIRONMENTAL FLOW ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGIES

There are many formulas for the calculation of environmental flow. At present the number of formulas

worldwide is 207 [1]. This number is tending to increase day by day. This demonstrates that no good

universally valid solution for environmental flow determination exists at the moment and probably will

never exist. The various groups of formulas available for Environmental Flow Assessment (EFA) are based

on the following aspects [2].

i) Methods based on hydrologic or statistic values;

ii) Methods based on physiographic principles;

iii) Formulas based on velocity and depth of water; and

iv) Methods based on multi-objective planning taking into consideration

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ecological parameters.

For calculations of environmental flows in Nalatar III project, a comparative analysis was done by using

CEMAGREF formula and EF Montana Method. These two methods have been applied in various hydro

projects in Gilgit-Baltistan and other parts of Pakistan. Analysis of environmental flows has been given in

the following sections.

CEMAGREF FORMULA

According to this formula Q = [(0.0651 Qmm+2) /100] Qam (Ref. CEMAGREF: Agricultural and

Environmental Research Institute, Antony, France; Formula developed for Minimum Flow for Ecological

Requirements, 2006) where Qmm is mean minimum monthly flow and Qam is annual mean discharge of

the Naltar Nullah at the weir site. Using 2.09 m3/s for Qmm and 9.47 m3/s for Qam, the required ecological

flow Q is equal to 0.21 m3/s as environmental flow.

The same formula was earlier used by Fitchner Consultants of Germany for 106 MW Golen Gol HPP,

Chitral Pakistan. Golen Gol HPP is being developed by WAPDA, the state-owned organization for the

development of water resources and hydropower.

The EIA for Golen Gol HPP has already been approved by EPA showing no reservations on the

environmental flow calculation method.

This formula was later on used by Star Hydropower Ltd. for ADB finance 147MW Patrind Hydropower

Project, AJ&K, Bunji Hydro Power Project EIA and Thak hydropower IEE. The following Table-1

compares the Formula value of 0.21 m3/sec as environmental flow with the estimated monthly flows of

Thak Nullah in the reach from weir site to powerhouse site.

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Environmental Flow Requirements (m3/s) based on CEMAGREF FORMULA

The Table shows that the quantity of water available for power generation from October to May every year

would be less than the design flow of 5.2 m 3/ /s e less than the design flow of 1.7m3/s. The required

environmental flow during these lean months is in order of 4 to 10% of the total flow. The effect on aquatic

life during these lean months October to May is not considered significant when viewed from the fact that

substantial fish culture does not exist in the reach under consideration. Therefore, diversion of the stream

for power generation in the section immediately downstream of the weir will not affect fish population

indicating insignificant impact on the fishing.

EF Montana Method

The period November to May is a period of lean flow as given in the Table -2. According to this method

10% of lean months average flow which is 0.163 m3/sec has been considered as environmental flow for

bare survival of biota in vulnerable reach during this period. Flow of water available for power generation

at full capacity is more than the designed flow of 5.2 m3/s in the months from April to November. The

minimum flow requirement to keep the power plant in operation is 1..73 m3/s when only one turbine will

be generating 5.3 MW power during the lean months from November to April March after release of

S.no

Months

Monthly Mean Flow

(Qmm)

Environmental Flow

m3/s %

1 Januray 2.37 0.21 9

2 Febrary 2.2 0.21 10

3 March 2.09 0.21 10

4 April 2.65 0.21 8

5 May 5.99 0.21 4

6 June 15.13 0.21 1

7 July 29.93 0.21 1

8 August 28.49 0.21 1

9 September 13.15 0.21 2

10 October 5.63 0.21 4

11 November 3.36 0.21 6

12 December 2.67 0.21 8

Mean Flow 9.47

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minimum 10% environmental flow whereas for May to November three turbines will generate 16 MW

using 5.2m3/s flow. The following is prepared to explain the situation.

Environmental Flow Requirements (m3/s) based on EF Montana Method

S.no Lean

Months

Monthly Mean

Flow (Qmm)

No of Turbines

in Operations

Flow Requriement

for Trubine

Operation ( (m3/s)

Environmental Flow

(m3/s) %

1 2 3 4(1-3) 5

1 November 3.36 1 1x1.73=1.73 1.63 48.5119

2 December 2.67 1 1x1.73=1.73 0.94 35.20599

3 Januray 2.37 1 1x1.73=1.73 0.64 27.00422

2 Febrary 2.2 1 1x1.73=1.73 0.47 21.36364

3 March 2.09 1 1x1.73=1.73 0.36 17.22488

4 April 2.65 1 1x1.73=1.73 0.92 34.71698

Mean Flow 2.56

The table shows that during the lean months period the release of environmental flow downstream of weir

site will not in any way compromise on water availability for power generation thus having least impact on

power generation while ensuring the downstream ecological requirements from 17 to 48% as compared to

10%.

CONCLUSION

• Two methods, namely, CEMAGREF Formula and Montana Method have been used to assess the

environmental releases downstream of the weir.

• According to CEMAGREF Formula environmental flow varies from 4 to 10% of natural flows

during lean months from November to April every year.

• According to Montana method the environmental releases during lean months are above 10% of

natural flow, varying between 17 to 48%.

• The average of environmental flow during lean months (0.83 m3/s) is 30% of average annual flow

(9.47m3/s) which, therefore, has been adopted for the project.

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Annex-II

List of Stakeholder Consulatatios_________________________________________________

S.No Name of Contact Person Department/Organization Constact Number

1 Mohsin Ali Community (Naltar Paeen) 03555126177

2 Akbar Hussain Community (Naltar Paeen) 03555663826

3 Ghulam Serwar Community (Naltar Paeen) 03115517738

4 Jaffer Hussain Community (Naltar Paeen) 03555123229

5 Ghulam Hussain Community (Naltar Paeen) 03555300174

6 Fazal Rehman (Molvi) Community (Naltar Bala) 03554139058

7 Haji Gohar Aman Community (Naltar Bala) 03555610388

8 Mir Zaman Community (Naltar Bala) 03555633800

9 Noor Jalal Community (Naltar Bala) Nil

10 Mir Baz Community (Naltar Bala) 03554104184

11 Mohammad Essa Khan Community (Naltar Bala) 03555244200

12 Mr. Khadim Hussain Conservator Forest Gigit 920572

13 Syed Naeem Range Forest Office (Naltar)

14 Mr. Rehmat Ali Deputy Director Fishries

15 Mr. Karim Khan Project Director (Naltar III)

16 Mr. Sadarat Ali Proejct Engineer (Naltar III)

17 Mr. Shehzad Hssan Shigir Driector GBEPA 920679

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Annex-III

Reporting formates_____________________________________________________________

Typical monthy and quartely reporting format.

Issue Mitigation

Measure

Monitoring

Indicator

Monitoring

Frequency

Parties responsibel Project status

Implementation Supervision

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Annex-IV

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN__________________________________________

Construction Phase

Construction processes and accommodation of workers will produce much solid waste. Solid waste

components are paper, timber, plastic, iron, non-iron metals, and glass etc. At the construction site and all

labour camps, a trash disposal system shall be implemented in order to collect all materials.

For proper disposal, segregation, recycling or treatment facilities will have to be established at one place.

Waste material such as metals, plastic, timber, and paper would be treated accordingly for transport towards

down locations in Pakistan. Some of the solid material, in order to avoid additional transport, could be used

for meeting local energy needs. However, strict legal requirements on emission standards will have to be

kept in view.

1. Non-Hazardous Waste

Non-Hazardous Waste includes mainly the construction waste generated during land clearance, excavation

work for headrace channel, forebay and powerhouse, concreate and asphalt, wood, bricks, glass, plastic and

papers and other ferrous/iron products.

Mitigation measure

Recycle or reclaim material where possible

If recycling is not practice, waste must be disposed through an appropriate of-site disposal facility in an

environmentally acceptable manner and in with environmental laws.

The construction material will be kept in a covered area, especially during the rainy season

The excavated material will be re-used by adopting different methods, which will be used as a filling

material.

Separately labeled waste containers/bins for different types of waste will be deployed in order to

collect/treat waste. The waste bins will be properly marked for each type of waste produced during the

construction activities.

Solid Waste would be disposed within designated area as per environment friendly protocols

2. Hazardous Waste

Hazardous waste includes corrosiveness, toxic substances, paints, acids, diesel and other oil. The handling,

storage and transportation of hazardous substance should be managed properly to minimize the risks.

Mitigation measures

All hazardous material should be stored in clearly labeled containers and vessels.

Storage facility will be regularly monitored and inspected

Curbs or drip pans should be provided under potential leak sources

Prohibit use of lead based paints

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Prohibit asbestos containing material

Operational Phase

Improper collection and disposal of waste during this phase results in the contamination of ground water

and aesthetic/visual values of the area.

All reusable and recyclable (non-biodegradable) waste/scrap will be given to scrap dealers.

All biodegradable waste (food and kitchen waste) will be collected and disposed into designated pits or

transport to municipal waste collection and disposal facility at Chilmishdas near Faizabad Village Nomal.

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Annex-V

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT INVENTORY AS PER NATURE OF WORK

Required personnel protection equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times when on construction site. At a

minimum, each employee is required to wear a hard hat and safety glasses. High visibility safety vests with

reflective striping are required when employees are exposed to vehicular traffic. In the absences of vehicular

traffic, high visibility shirts should be worn at all times. All workers must wear shirts with sleeves, long

work pants, and sturdy work shoes or boots when working on a construction or renovation site. Sleeveless

or tank top shirts, short pants, sweatpants, sneakers, sandals, and high-heeled or open-toed shoes are not

permitted.

Depending on the circumstances and potential hazards present, additional PPE may also be required.

Additional PPE may include:

Protective gloves

Hearing protection

Full face shields when cutting, grinding or chipping

Chemical splash googles

Respiratory protection where required

Full protection equipment when working above 6 feet

Specific protective clothing such as welding leathers when welding or fire resistance clothing when

working with live or high electricity devices /equipment’s.

The Health and Safety Officer/supervisor will maintain a register as per following schedule;

Table: PPE Inventory Register Name of employee

Item Issue date Signed Return date Sign Condition

Gloves

Face protection

Googles

Ear defenders

Dust protection

Helmets

Boots/foot protection

Foul weather gears

High visible cloths

Fire resistance

equipment’s

Others

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Annex-VI

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PLAN_______________________________________________

The project area is approachable only along Nomal-Nalter road, which is not sufficiently wide for

movement of heavy machinery and is very risky. There are many dangerous sharp turns on Nomal-Nalter

Road. It is difficult and very risky for heavy machinery and vehicles to move for transportation of required

equipments and material. The road has a dangerous narrow carriageway and bridges insufficient to carry

the expected traffic load. Project related traffic does not cause impacts to local population or environment

if, the drivers and other related personals operate/drive vehicle in a safe manner. However to avoid any

nuisance from traffic following measure should be taken during construction of 16 MW Hydropower

project;

Sinages will be displayed for general public and project workers at different locations on the road.

Sinages should be in urdu and english languages for guidance of toursits.

Measures for the safe disposal of construction and excuated matrial.

The weather conditions must be known before the start of the journey from Met office and drivers must

be briefed before the start of the journey so that cargo may be protected from rain damage and driver

may plan the journey accordingly

Upgrade all Project related roads to appropriate standards for safety

Educate all nearby villages on road safety

All vehicles must be maintained to manufacturer’s standards including regular maintenance of tires,

breaks and lights.

Capacity building of drivers on defensive driving

Avoide vahicle movement durimg night witout headlights

Ensure PPE to drivers and other vahicle related personels

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Annex-VII.

Photographic Documentation of IEE Process______________________________________________

A. Consultations with community during scoping visits

A view of meeting with Naltar Paeen Community

A view of meeting with Naltar Bala Community

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______________________________________________________________________________

B). Views of project components captured during scoping visits

A view of construction site for power house

A view of diversion and intake

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Consultations with relevant Departments.

Meeting with Deputy Director Fisheris at Gilgit.

Meeting with Assistant Director EIA GBEPA

government of gilgit-baltistan water & power...

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