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Si ndh Coast al Communi t i es Devel opment Pr oj ect Ð SCDA ADB ( ) Envi r onment al Exami nat i on Repor t Vi l l age , Yousi f Bhat t i Shah Bundar,

Sindh Coastal Community Development Project Environmental Examination Report Shrimp and Crab Pond Site Village Yousif Bhatti, Shah Bundar

March 2012 Prepared by IUCN Pakistan IUCN Pakistan Country Office 1 Bath Island Road, Karachi75530 Pakistan Tel: ++ 92 (21) 35861540-3 Fax: ++ 92 (21) 35861448, 5835760

Table of Contents Executive Summary ............................................................................................. 1

1.0 Introduction ................................................................................................... 2

2.0 Purpose and Scope of the Report ...................................................................... 3

3.0 Description of Sub-project ............................................................................... 3

3.1 General Features ......................................................................................... 4

3.2 Technical Features of Shrimp and Crab Ponds .................................................. 5

3.4 Type and Category of the Project: ................................................................. 5

3.5 Location of Project ....................................................................................... 5

3.6 Objectives of Project .................................................................................... 6

3.7 Alternatives Considered ................................................................................ 6

3.8 Size & Magnitude of Operations and Implementation Schedule ........................... 6

3.9 Government Approval and Leases .................................................................. 6

4.0 Description of Environment .............................................................................. 7

4.1 Physical Features ........................................................................................ 7

4.2 Ecological Features ...................................................................................... 7

4.3 Socioeconomic Features ............................................................................... 7

4.3.1 Quality of Life ....................................................................................... 8

5.0 Potential Environmental Impacts & Mitigation Measures ....................................... 8

5.1 Environmental Impacts Due to Existing Site .................................................... 8

5.2 Environmental Impacts Due to Project Design ................................................. 9

5.3 Environmental Impacts Due to Project Construction ......................................... 9

5.4 Environmental Impacts Due to Project Operation ........................................... 11

5.5 Mitigation Measures ................................................................................... 12

6.0 Analysis of Alternatives ................................................................................. 15

7.0 Public Consultation and Disclosure .................................................................. 16

8.0 Conclusion and Recommendations .................................................................. 16

Annexure I: ...................................................................................................... 18

Annexure II ...................................................................................................... 22

Annexure III: .................................................................................................... 26

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Executive Summary

The Sindh Coastal Community Development Project (SCCDP) is being implemented by the Sindh Coastal Development Authority (SCDA) in coastal areas of Thatta and Badin through government agencies (Sindh Forest Dept., Sindh Fisheries Department, and District Governments) and non-government organizations (NRSP and IUCN). The project is funded by the Asian Development Bank. IUCN has been entrusted with the planning and implementation of community mangrove planting, and management and environmental assessment of aquaculture under the sub-component on improved coastal management. This report presents findings of an initial environmental assessment of the pilot aquaculture site for establishment of 10 shrimp/crab ponds on approximately one hectare land identified by the Sindh Fisheries Department along Ambra creek near Garho Town of the Thatta District. The initiative is being managed by the community mobilized by NRSP. The proposed aquaculture site lies adjacent to village Yousif Bhatti located on Shah Bundar road at 240 13’ 057” north latitude and 0670 54’ 37.26” east longitude. The site originally forms a part of agricultural landscape surrounding it. The site itself is affected by salinity and has no potential for agriculture even in future. The establishment of new ponds will have very negligible or insignificant environmental impacts in the area. However, an environmental management and monitoring plan has been proposed to mitigate potential environmental impacts and for continuous environmental monitoring of the proposed interventions during construction and operation phases (Annexure I). Apparently, the proposed design of pilot ponds has been considered to be investment intensive for the poor coastal folks to afford and replicate later. Hence, it is recommended that the project proponents may reconsider the proposed design to make it less investment intensive and replicable. Low technology, low input and household managed single ponds may be a suitable alternative to distribute project benefits widely and making its replication feasible.

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1.0 Introduction

The Sindh Coastal Community Development Project (SCCDP) is being implemented by the Sindh Coastal Development Authority (SCDA) in coastal areas of Thatta and Badin through government agencies (Sindh Forest Dept., Sindh Fisheries Department, and District Governments) and non-government organizations (NRSP and IUCN) with different roles and responsibilities assigned to each of them. The objectives of the project are:

i. Diversify household income generation options and access to service in ways sustainable to the fragile ecosystem

ii. Improve coastal zone management by stabilising environmental degradation, protecting coastal areas from accelerated erosion

iii. Strengthen institutional capabilities for coastal zone planning and development and management of fisheries resources

The complex nature of the project demands effective cooperation between organizations for successful implementation of the project in order to achieve the following outputs:

i. Sustainable community managed income generating mangrove stands, pond/raft fisheries, and shell fisheries established

ii. Transparent and accountable community driven mechanisms for identification, implementation and operations and maintenance of civil works and public services in place

In the role of consultant IUCNP has been working very closely with NRSP and Sindh Forest and Fisheries departments for the implementation of SCCDP. Under the sub-component improved coastal management, IUCNP is tasked with the planning and implementation of community planting, management and environmental assessment of aquaculture in the coastal areas of the Thatta and Badin districts. IUCN Pakistan’s key roles in the ADB funded ‘Sindh Coastal Community Development Project are:

i. To implement the Community Mangrove Planting component of the project – 350 ha through local community participation.

ii. To monitor and evaluate both the 350 ha area and the planting of 3000 ha of mangrove by the Dept of Forestry on government owned land.

iii. To monitor environmental impacts of the aquaculture related activities to be undertaken as part of the project.

Under the Aquaculture sub-component of the project pilot scale aquaculture activities are to be initiated in Thatta and Badin districts. The pilot activities will include establishment of 30 shrimp/crab ponds in coastal areas. Based on the result of these pilots, the aquaculture activities are intended to be expanded to promote livelihood of households in coastal areas of Sindh.

For the establishment of pilot ponds, local communities are to be mobilized and engaged in the pilot initiatives with support from NRSP, and environmental assessment and monitoring of pilot interventions is to be carried out by IUCN Pakistan so that the

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adverse environmental consequence are avoided or mitigated to enhance the positive benefits of the proposed interventions.

2.0 Purpose and Scope of the Report

The purpose of this report is to present an initial environmental assessment of the pilot aquaculture site for establishment of 10 shrimp/crab ponds requiring a piece of approximately one hectare land identified by the Sindh Fisheries Department near Yousif Bhatti village, Taluka Shah Bundar of Thatta district. Based on this assessment, environmental impacts of proposed pilot interventions have been identified, screened and assessed. Mitigation measures to address the potential environmental impacts have been proposed and a monitoring plan has been suggested for continuous monitoring of the proposed interventions during construction and operation phases (Annexure I) with an objective to make these interventions environment friendly.

An initial environment assessment of the proposed pilot site was conducted before the start of project to assess baseline situation and analyse environmental impacts of proposed aquaculture intervention during design, construction and operation phases. The scope of this environmental assessment report is limited to environmental situation within the immediate surroundings of the identified site. The assessment covers physical, biological and socio-economic parameters pertaining to the proposed pilot aquaculture intervention. The assessment was conducted by a multidisciplinary team of experts from IUCN, as follows:

1. Ahmad Saeed, EIA Specialist / Team Leader

2. Ghulam Qadir Shah, Environment Specialist / Co-Team Leader

3. Hamid Sarfraz, Sociologist

4. Muhammad Tahir Qureshi, Coastal Ecosystem Expert

5. Rafiul Haq, NRM Specialist

6. Aquaculture/Fisheries Specialist

7. Nadeem Mirbahar, Plant Scientist

8. Shehzad Sadiq, Forestry expert

For the preparation of this assessment report several visits of the proposed site were conducted to collect required information. These included joint visits with relevant fisheries officials, meetings with local NRSP staff, discussion and consultation with community members. In addition, background project documents and literature was reviewed for the preparation of this report. For the purpose of this assessment Environmental Assessment and Review Procedures suggested by ADB were used as a guideline.

3.0 Description of Sub-project The aquaculture sub-component of Sindh Coastal Community Development Project aims at sustainable fisheries (aquaculture) development in the coastal areas of Sindh (Thatta & Badin) specifically involving the local fisher folks who rely on fishing as their source of livelihood. As per project document (PC-I) the proposed interventions entails development of shrimp and crab ponds system comprising of small, low technology

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ponds supported by mangrove plantings . The original project document envisaged the following strategy for aquaculture interventions:

3.1 General Features

i. Initial construction and operationalisation of twenty (20) ponds and (20) pilot rafts with expansion of 80 additional ponds and 80 rafts based on successful pilot.

ii. The proposed sites for mariculture include Keti Bundar, Shah Bundar and Zero Point near Ahmad Rajo. For piloting, the two proposed sites are Keti Bandar and Shah Bandar. If these trials are successful they will be extended to Zero Point near Ahmad Rajo.

iii. The pond and raft would involve domestic species (Annexure X of PC-I). Endogenous species fully adapted to local environmental conditions have been selected: (i) two prawn species, Penaeus indicus and Penaeus merguiensis; (ii) the mud crab, Scylla serrata; (iii) a local species of oyster, Crassostrea rivularis; (iv) the mussel, Perna viridisand; and (v) local seaweed species, Ulva. Enteromorpha Porphyra (RRP-SCCDP).

iv. The ponds and rafts will be managed in collaboration with the Coastal Fisheries hatcheries at Gharho and Hawks Bay and with consultants.

v. Community organizations in villages will be mobilized by NRSP to assist in the pilot scale trails. Community members will be trained in cultivation and harvesting techniques and in the maintenance and policing of ponds and rafts.

vi. Village selection will be based on (i) poverty levels, (ii) interest and willingness of poor households to engage in the overall activities of the project; and (iii) physical proximity the coast, to other interested villages and to proposed mangrove and fish pond working areas.

vii. Harvest and marketing of the prawns and crabs will be managed carefully, taking into consideration a good return that is fairly distributed to the local communities that are involved in the operation.

viii. Following successful pilot scale intervention, the cultivation of crabs, shrimps, bivalves and seaweeds will be extended to the third site at Zero Point, and also expanded at the Keti Bandar and Shah Bandar sites with eighty additional ponds and eighty rafts, for a total of 100 ponds and 100 rafts, subject to advance environmental planning and regulation to avoid future pollution and environmental degradation.

ix. The aquaculture activities would be linked to protective mangrove planting. x. The sites selected for this sub-component would not be located in ecologically

sensitive or wildlife areas (Annexure X of PC-I). However, later on, keeping in view the time constraints and slow progress under fisheries component, the scope of piloting was changed to establishment of 30 pilot ponds (10 at each site) to be established at Keti Bundar, Shah Bundar and Badin as per the strategy laid down above.

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3.2 Technical Features of Shrimp and Crab Ponds i. A series of 10 ponds (each about 20 x 50 meters in size or 0.1 ha) will be built

for pilot testing of the approaches on two of three sites. Ten ponds will be constructed at each site, five each for crab and shrimps.

ii. Pilot ponds will be sited above mean high tide level with built up bunds (embankments) to prevent encroachment during spring tides. Seawater supply will be by a gravity-fed system relying on the ebb and flow of the twice-daily tide. The shrimp ponds will be seeded with post-larvae from the Hawks Bay shrimp hatchery. The crab ponds will be seeded with young crabs caught by local villagers in the mangrove swamps.

iii. The feed for the crab is trash fish. The feed for shrimp is commercial feed pellets, or a combination of urea, cow and poultry waste, rice husk, DAP (di-aminophosphate), molasses and yeast, prior to stocking the pond.

iv. Shrimp fishery will yield 1650 kg after 4 months, and crab fishery will produce 2000 kg after 4 months. There is a large local and export market for shrimps (Rs.200-300/kg depending on season). Crabs (Rs. 80-100/kg) are valuable export with a significant market, and the potential for seaweed direct exports and local sale of extracts is high.

3.4 Type and Category of the Project:

The proposed pilot aquaculture ponds consist of small scale community managed initiatives which fall in Schedule-I of the ‘Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (IEE and EIA) Regulations 2000’. For such project, Initial Environmental Examination is required which deals with preliminary assessment of predicted quantitative and qualitative environmental impacts of a project to know if there are any adverse impacts that may require a full scale EIA.

3.5 Location of Project Site for the proposed (10) pilot aquaculture ponds are located adjacent to village Yousif Bhatti (240

13’ 57” north latitude and 0670

54’ 37.26” east longitude), falling in Union Council Daulatpur Tehsil Shah Bundar District Thatta (Fig 1: Location Map). In this regard, the project proponent, Sindh Fisheries Department has

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entered into an agreement (Annexure II) with a local landowner, Mr. Muhammad Yousif Bhatti to get the subject land allocated for establishment of a series of 10 shrimp/crab ponds, each measuring 0.1 ha (20m x 50m), on a communal basis.

3.6 Objectives of Project

i. Aquaculture based on community ponds and rafts will provide livelihood opportunities.

ii. Enhance income of the communities engaged in operation of aquaculture activities.

iii. Enable communities to better manage their natural resource base, enabling more diversified, regular and sustainable income from these sources.

iv. Develop sustainable alternatives that reduce pressure on the capture fisheries.

3.7 Alternatives Considered

The proposed establishment shrimp and crab ponds has been prescribed in the Sindh Coastal Community Development Project being executed by Sindh Coastal Development Authority in Thatta and Badin districts of Sindh province. The proposed site for pilot scale shrimp and crab ponds has been selected by Sindh Fisheries Department keeping in view ownership documents available with the landowner, nearness of the site to tidal inundation and willingness of local community to participate in proposed intervention. The proposed site is inundated by tidal flow and is affected by salinity therefore it has a very low potential for agriculture.

Since, the identified site is affected fulfils the required technical parameters for crab and shrimp ponds piloting, the alternate sites were not considered.

3.8 Size & Magnitude of Operations and Implementation Schedule

By design, the proposed pilot aquaculture ponds should involve low technology and low input community operated aquaculture activities. The total land occupied by the proposed pilot (10) ponds would be 1 ha. The pilot pond and raft construction would be completed during the first year, however the operation phase will remain continue beyond the project life and would require continuous monitoring.

3.9 Government Approval and Leases

The proposed pilot aquaculture activities are being implemented as one of the sub-components of Sindh Coastal Community Development Project being executed by the Government of Sindh through Sindh Coastal Development Authority. As such the proposed interventions remain endorsed by the government. Further, implementation and technical supervision of proposed aquaculture activities would be carried out by the Sindh Fisheries Department which is a responsible Sindh Government Agency.

The designed pilot project intervention would require approximately 1 ha land, which has been identified by Sindh Fisheries Department and entered into an agreement with a local private landowner to get the subject land allocated for the purpose. Therefore, no approval or lease from government is involved in respect of the subject land.

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4.0 Description of Environment

4.1 Physical Features The proposed aquaculture site lies adjacent to village Yousif Bhatti located on Shah Bundar road. The site is located at 240 13’ 057” north latitude and 0670 54’ 37.26” east longitude. The proposed land originally forms a part of agricultural landscape surrounding it which has been cut off due to tidal inundation and is affected by salinity. The general topography of the area is flat interfacing the inter-tidal creek zone. The terrain is exposed to seasonal and diurnal inundations; therefore the soil has the hard top showing crusts at places with salt in it. The sub-soil is wet and showed symptoms of waterlogging. There are two distinct seasons in the area; summer (March – June) and winter (November to February). Average annual rainfall is about 200 mm. Winds blow from the west during March to October and from north-east during November to January.

4.2 Ecological Features The proposed aquaculture ponds site forms part of agriculture landscape of the area which has been encroached by tidal waters. At some places, the site has been occupied by mangrove plants (Avicenna) and natural seedlings which reportedly have been planted by a youth belonging to the local community. The surrounding agricultural landscape of the area consists of tree and shrub growth. The plant species included, Acacia sp., Prosopis sp, Tamarix sp and Salvadora persica. The vegetation is dominated mostly by shrubs; however variations in vegetation composition were observed with varying microhabitats. The floristic list of the area is shown as per Annexure III. The patches of mudflats in the terrain were observed hospitable for Avicennia sp to germinate and establish. The dominant life forms consisted halophytes belonging to family Chenopodiaceae. The other significantly represented members of the floristic list belonged to Poaceae, Asteraceae and Zygophylliaceae. The areas close to the habitations were under agricultural use with, rice and sugarcane and vegetables as significant crops but with compromised productivity and quality levels.

4.3 Socioeconomic Features The sub-project falls in Union Council Daulatpur, Tehsil Shah Bundar, District Thatta. The village Yousif Bhatti exist near the proposed site. The village comprises of 43 households with a population of 228 residents. The average household size is five members. The residents of village belong to Bhatti tribe. Approximately, 125 livestock and poultry heads are possessed by the village occupants. The major livestock includes goats, buffaloes and cows. A community organization (CO) namely Haji Allahwarayo Bhatti exists in the village. According to village profile prepared by NRSP, approximately 67% households have been ranked from transit poor to extremely poor. The livelihoods of local communities depend mainly on agriculture, fishing and use of mangroves for fuel wood, thus, well integrated into the coastal environment.

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4.3.1 Quality of Life

Socio-economic conditions of the village are almost identical to that of any coastal settlement. In general, the shortage of water, the absence of education, housing and health facilities are some of the common issues prevalent in the area. The types of houses or shelters in the villages consist of mostly thatched and a few of brick made houses. No sanitation and water supply facilities exist in the villages. The canal water and hand pumps are the sources of drinking water for the local communities. The literacy ratio is extremely low, 20% male and 5% female population of the village are literate. The village is connected to Chauhar Jamali town through a metalled road leading from Chauhar Jamali to Shah Bundar. The other communication facilities such as satellite telephone services are also common in the area. The diseases such as Malaria, Cholera, Blood Pressure, and Hepatitis are much prevalent within the village and the area. The preliminary physical data do not show environmental pollution of great magnitude within the village; however access to clean drinking water and absence of basic civic amenities appears to be the main cause of disease prevalence in the area. Due to ethnic homogeneity, community conflicts are less prevalent. The local Bradari (communal) system is used to resolve community conflict.

5.0 Potential Environmental Impacts & Mitigation Measures

5.1 Environmental Impacts Due to Existing Site

a. Legal Position

The proposed land is a private land belonging to Mr. Muhammad Yousif Bhatti. The ownership claim may be verified from the Record of Rights (Form VII) of the land attached to the agreement signed between landowner and the Sindh Fisheries Department. The discussion with Fisheries Department officials revealed that the mandatory condition of legal ownership of land has made it difficult for them to identify the potential sites, restricting their choice to selection of sites which are legally owned by a community member.

b. Groundwater

The site for establishment of proposed pilot aquaculture ponds is located within the reach of tidal flows and is connected to adjacent irrigated landscape. The site is advantageous for pond establishment as it has access to both sea water and freshwater, essential to maintain appropriate levels of salinity for shrimp/crab farming. Since the ponds will be located within intertidal zone, the issue of ground water contamination due to saline water is insignificant. The water table is already very high in the area with saline ground aquifer. Adjacent to the ponds site, there is a small pond established by the community for storage of freshwater for livestock consumption which may likely be impacted due to project construction and operations if proper mitigation measures are not adopted.

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c. Agriculture

Agriculture is one of the most prominent sources of livelihoods in the area. During the field visit, agriculture activity was noticed adjacent to the proposed ponds site. Establishment of ten pilot ponds would involve a small area of 1 ha land which is not under any land use at present and is lying barren. The proposed ponds establishment is therefore unlikely to have a significant impact on agriculture land use in the area.

d. Structures

Since the area is barren and there are no any major infrastructures or settlements close to the pond site, the proposed activity is unlikely to have any impact on existing infrastructures within the area.

e. Erosion

The proposed site falls at the periphery of agricultural landscape and is located sufficiently landwards to be influenced by direct creek water action. Hence, the risk of erosion is minimal. As a precautionary measure, the protection of embankments with mangrove planting will help in their further reinforcement.

5.2 Environmental Impacts Due to Project Design

By their existing design the proposed piloting envisages establishing ten ponds at one site with reasonably heavy investment. Keeping in view the project logic, this model may not be within the reach of a poor fisher folk to replicate the same. Hence, the existing design appears inconsistent with the project objectives, as it undermines its adoption by resource poor fisherfolks.

As per original design, pilot ponds were to be established in the Keti Bundar and Shah Bundar areas taking advantage of the natural creek system without involving extensive infrastructure in order to keep them less intensive so that are easily replicable by the poor fisherfolks. The reason for using creek system as aquaculture ponds was to develop a model which can be easily replicated by communities with little investment.

5.3 Environmental Impacts Due to Project Construction

Following are some of the potential impacts due to construction of aquaculture ponds:

a. Biodiversity

A small patch of artificially planted mangrove exists in the identified site. A number of naturally regenerating seedlings were also observed at the construction site. It is most likely that some of these seedlings or plants are damaged due excavation of ponds and dumping of sludge or excavated material. It would therefore be important for the proponents to layout the ponds in a manner that minimum damage to growing mangrove plants and seedlings is caused due to ponds construction. In order to compensate for the damaged plants and seedlings, the proponents are required to plant 10 times more the number of all damaged plants or seedling within the area.

It is recommended that local mangrove species such as, Avicennia marina are planted in the area and around the pond banks with support from the project beneficiaries and local forest department officials. This will help in compensating for the damaged plants, in addition to strengthening of pond bands against erosion and creating a natural source of fertilisation of ponds for shrimp and crab production.

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b. Groundwater

Adjacent to the ponds site, there is a small pond established by the community for storage of freshwater for livestock consumption. This may require precautionary measures against disposal of any solid and liquid wastes so that the existing freshwater bodies used by community are not affected.

Further, any indiscriminate dumping of waste oil from vehicles, chemicals or any other contaminants may also be a source of groundwater contamination, if not disposed properly.

c. Dust

Dust is an inherent problem in construction activities especially if excavation is required. It is very likely that dust will be an issue for the nearby settlements during ponds construction. However, this would be a cause of temporary disturbance to the nearby settlements which may be avoided through adoption of appropriate mitigation measures.

d. Noise

The movement of heavy machinery especially when it passes through the residential areas will result in noise. Similarly, operation of the machinery at the project site will be a source of noise. However, since the site is at some distance from the habitations, it may have very minimal and temporary impact on the people living in the vicinity and through proper mitigation measures the noise impact may be minimized at the project site. During operation phase the motor pumps may be used which may be a source of noise of lower intensity however; these pumps may only be used for shorter periods of time therefore there may be negligible impact on the noise level.

e. Excavated Soil/Material:

Disposal of the excavated soil may be a potential issue at the project site. Appropriate disposal of excavated material will require careful consideration by the project proponent. No disposal should be allowed on nearby private lands.

f. Agriculture

Agriculture is one of the key sources of livelihoods of the local communities. However, given the smaller nature of construction activities, it is unlikely that the construction activities may have a major negative impact on agriculture in the area. However, it is of utmost importance to take proper precautionary measures to avoid any potential impacts of construction activities on agriculture, in particular due to setting up of construction camp and its activities, disposal of waste material and parking or movement of heavy earth moving machinery.

g. Construction Camp

If the contractor decides to establish a camp for the construction of ponds, it may potentially result in environmental and social impacts.

The environmental impacts mainly include generation of wastewater and solid waste.

The social issues may pertain to location of construction camps. This needs to be given attention and the camps may established away from the habitations to avoid any social issues. There could also be potential social issues if the contractor decides to bring

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external labour instead of using local labour. This can potentially lead to conflict if the labour is involved in practices not acceptable in local cultural context. However, it is very likely that the contractor will use local labour to cut construction costs and to avoid any potential conflict with the local population.

h. Community Safety

The potential issues pertaining to community safety may relate to use of heavy machinery during excavation phase that may pass through the town streets and village link roads to reach the construction site. Any carelessness on part of the operator or of the community may potentially result in an accident. It is particularly important to pay attention to the safe speed limits and keep an eye out for children in the areas which are more vulnerable to such accidents.

i. Occupational Health and Safety

It may be a potential major concern in this intervention because of the use of heavy earthmoving machinery and civil works. Careless operation of heavy machinery and execution of civil works may potentially cause injuries to staff and labour.

Although, there is a little practice of using protective gears by labour in Pakistan, it is up to the contractor to ensure that the protective gears are used by labourers to protect them against any potential injuries. In addition, harsh summer weather when the construction might take place may be another potential risk for the labourers to suffer from heatstroke. Labour intensive tasks should be avoided during day times when the mercury is at its maximum.

Moreover, the project may have positive impact on nutrition of target community due to enhanced availability of fish/shrimp for human consumption.

g. Public utilities

Since the ponds would be situated away from community residential area or any major commercial activity as such no negative impacts on public utilities may be foreseen.

h. Erosion and Flooding

The risk of erosion and flooding would be minimal. However, as the site is located within the reach of tidal water and is regularly inundated there may be risks of erosion, if the embankments are not well compacted and built.

5.4 Environmental Impacts Due to Project Operation

Some of the potential environmental impacts during the operation of aquaculture ponds are as follows:

a. Biodiversity

The introduction of any fish species which is alien and potentially invasive is a potential threat to marine biodiversity in the area. Only local species should be introduced in the pilot ponds.

It would also be essential for the proponents to ensure that the ponds operations or any future pond expansions do not cause any damaged to established mangrove plants and seedlings.

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Chemicals / medicines are used in aquaculture especially in intensive aquaculture operations. Excessive use of these chemicals and fertilizers may be a source of aquatic pollution with negative impacts on aquatic biodiversity. However, being an activity of small scale in nature the use of chemical and antibiotics, etc. is expected to be occasional and will have a negligible impact on the water / air quality.

b. Disposal of Sludge and Other Waste Materials

During the project operational phase, it is likely that desilting /excavation will be required to restore capacity of the ponds. Any indiscriminate dumping on adjacent agriculture fields and ponds may result in environmental and social issues. Dumped material becomes a source of dust in the area and may create problems for farmers if dumped on agriculture land.

c. Groundwater

Since the ground water is already saline as such ponds will not have any adverse impacts on it. However it is assumed that the ponds will act as seepage sink if they are sufficiently deeper. In such a case, these are expected to have positive impact on reclamation the surrounding lands.

d. Work area and Labour camps

During the operation phase the labour will be arranged by the CO from within the community, except for any technical support which will be provided to CO by the Fisheries Department during the project period. Once the CO is trained in ponds operation, they may be able to operate the ponds independently. Hence, no negative sociocultural issues may be foreseen.

e. Social conflicts

The site is belongs to a single and coherent community as such adverse impacts may not be feared. Instead there is opportunity of positive economic and social impacts due to start of economic activity in shape of shrimp or crab ponds. These ponds are expected to demonstrate a successful farming which will invite establishment of more such ponds, which may bring a broader social and economic wellbeing in the area.

f. Mosquito Breeding

Being located in coastal area, the mosquito breeding is very common; as such mosquito breeding is not specifically feared from these ponds.

5.5 Mitigation Measures

1. Project Design

While it is up to the project proponent and executing agency to decide the suitable model for piloting, the existing design of the proposed pilot model envisages establishing ten ponds at one site with reasonably heavy investment. Keeping in view the project logic, this model may not be within the reach of a poor fisher folk to replicate. Hence, the scope of adoption of existing design by resource poor fisherfolks is undermined.

Ideally, low cost, less intensive individual ponds within the natural creek systems in coastal areas appear more suitable and easily replicable by the targeted poor folks.

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2. Construction and Operation

Soil Erosion & Flooding: The pond embankments shall be properly compacted and reinforced to prevent erosion of soil due to intrusion by creek water. Protective planting of mangrove plants along the embankment and creek frontage should help in providing a sustainable measure to prevent erosion of the creek and pond embankments.

a. Biodiversity

In order to minimise losses to biodiversity, the proponent shall implement the following mitigation measures.

i. No alien or exotic species of shrimp and crabs shall be introduced to avoid erosion of native biodiversity. Only recommended local species of crab and shrimp should be tried in the pond.

ii. The ponds shall be laid out in a manner so that minimum damage is caused to existing mangrove plants and seedlings growing in the area. Where such damage is unavoidable, the proponent shall plant 10 times more than the number of plants of local mangrove species Avicennia marina which have been damaged due to project implementation within the area and along pond embankments.

iii. Where possible, the use of chemicals and fertilizers shall be kept at minimum and monitored periodically to avoid negative impacts of excessive use of chemicals and fertilizers on aquatic biodiversity.

b. Groundwater

The suggested mitigation measures include the following:

i. Precautionary measures may be taken to avoid disposal of any solid and liquid wastes in existing freshwater bodies used by community or their livestock.

ii. Indiscriminate dumping of waste oil from vehicles, chemicals or any other contaminants shall be avoided as they may be a source of groundwater contamination.

iii. Vehicle maintenance should be undertaken at a specified location and all waste should be collected and not disposed indiscriminately. All waste oil should be collected and given to vendors in recycling business. Similar caution should also be taken while handling other chemicals.

d. Waste Disposal


i. A proper system of solid waste disposal shall be formed. Extra care should be taken to avoid any direct or indirect impact of construction on agriculture fields in the area due to disposal of waste or other project operations.

ii. No solid or liquid waste material should be dumped in agriculture or private land.

e. Air Pollution


i. To minimize air pollution due to dust the excavated materials may be kept sprinkled with water to set the fine dust particles in order to prevent their movement through wind.

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ii. In case of transportation of waste materials to other site, the transportation should preferably be undertaken during night hours and in covered vehicles to avoid inconvenience to people and road users.

f. Noise Pollution

Noise may not be a major issue during construction, since the project site is at some distance from the human settlement. However, the following mitigation measures are suggested to prevent noise pollution during the project construction and operation:

i. No operation of heavy machinery at the project site should be carried out during night hours.

ii. Use of heavy equipment in the construction of ponds should be minimised as much as possible.

g. Construction camp

If the contractor decides to setup a camp, the following mitigation measures may be adopted.

i. Labour camps shall be established away from the village settlement, and the camp site shall be selected in consultation with the local community and the owner of the land.

ii. Solid waste and wastewater from the camp should not be indiscriminately disposed out in the open.

iii. As far as possible, the contractor shall prefer engagement of local community members as labourers to avoid chances of social conflict and provide employment to the local people. The contractor should ensure that the labour employed does not create any problems for the community.

iv. After the construction is complete, the camp should be properly dismantled and the site rehabilitated. Any structures constructed should be demolished if the owner does not want them.

v. No heavy machinery should be parked on agriculture land to avoid soil compaction.

h. Community Safety

i. If possible, a bypass should be used for the movement of heavy earthmoving machinery through towns and villages. However, if not available, extra care should be taken during movement of heavy earth moving machinery through town streets or village habitations.

ii. The safe speed limits should be strictly enforced during movement of machinery or such movement should preferably be carried out at night hours when the streets are empty. Any movement during the day should be done carefully with the help of some staff to clear and warn people of machinery’s movement. The machinery should have proper lights and reflectors.

iii. The project area should be strictly prohibited for the movement of people who are not working for the project during construction and operation, especially children.

iv. The ponds should have safety markings and warning signs around the site to keep unauthorized people away and also to forewarn them of potential risks that lie at the project site.

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i. Occupational Health and Safety

i. The staff and labour should be provided protective gears. It is the duty of the project contractor to ensure that the staffs wear protective gears.

ii. Protective gears may be employed by the workers during pond construction and during operations, particularly while handling the chemicals.

iii. A first aid box should be available at the project site to deal with emergencies.

iv. The camp office and construction site should be properly guarded to avoid threats associated with unauthorized use of stored equipment, chemicals and machinery.

h. Erosion and Flooding

The pond embankments may be kept properly compacted and maintained to avoid risks of erosion and flooding.

6.0 Analysis of Alternatives

a. No Project Option

The project document envisaged improving livelihoods through providing better alternatives. Aquaculture has been proposed as one of the best ways of alleviating poverty of the fisherfolks in the coastal areas of Sindh. As such, no project option falls outside the consideration of project proponents.

b. Design Alternatives

The existing design of ten ponds in a series has been adopted as provided in the project document. The existing design needs reconsideration to make pilot interventions within the reach of poor households and make their replication feasible. However, the design alternatives have not been considered.

Ideally, individual household based ponds may be a useful design alternative to distribute project benefits widely, take advantage of natural creek system, test low input technology that requires minimal investment and that has more chance of replication. Also, such a design strategy may provide an opportunity to test and compare the results of piloting at diversified geographical locations.

c. Site Alternatives

The site selection is based on availability of the ownership record (Form VII B) with the landowner and his consent to allocate the land to CO for the said purpose under an agreement signed by the owner with the Sindh Fisheries Department. As per assessment by the Sindh Fisheries Department the identified site fulfils the required criteria for shrimp/crab ponds establishment. Hence, alternative site was not considered.

d. Input Alternatives

The current design requires considerably high investment for excavation and other infrastructure developments which may be beyond the reach of poor and indebted coastal fisher folks. Therefore, following the design which requires less input cost may be advantageous and more feasible alternate option.

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7.0 Public Consultation and Disclosure Public consultation was carried out with the purpose to receive and record stakeholders’ views related to objectives and other aspects of the proposed aquaculture ponds, including the issues of sustainability, integration of social and environmental concerns and quality of life. It was also intended to reflect expectations, fears, apprehensions and general views of the people of the area about the proposed intervention. Public consultation focused on primary and most directly relevant stakeholders, particularly the local communities, involved with the project and other stakeholders including local officials Sindh Fisheries Department, Sindh Forest Department and NRSP. Consultation process involved an interactive and participatory method to ensure equal opportunity of expression to each and every participant and record their perceptions about the proposed intervention. The consultations were held with the target community and other relevant stakeholders more than twice at and near the project site. During community consultations the information about project and the proposed aquaculture interventions was shared with the community members in an understandable and culturally appropriate way. Views of female participants could not be recorded due to socio-cultural reasons and their no direct involvement in the proposed intervention. Generally the attitude of local communities was found very positive towards the proposed intervention. Strong commitment of community members towards participatory benefit sharing and management of the proposed intervention was noticed. The community members expected that this project would improve the general economic conditions and livelihoods of the local people by creating employment opportunities during the different phases of the project construction and operation.

8.0 Conclusion and Recommendations Promotion of aquaculture activities under Sindh Coastal Community Development Project is aimed at diversifying income generation opportunities for coastal fisher folk communities. Under the revised aquaculture plan, a total of 30 shrimp and crab ponds are planned to be established in coastal areas of Keti Bundar, Shah Bundar and Badin for piloting. As mandated under the project, an initial environmental assessment of site selected near village Yousif Bhatti, Shah Bundar by Sindh Fisheries Department for establishment of 10 pilot shrimp and crab ponds was carried by a team of IUCN experts before the start of project. The assessment has revealed that the proposed site is suitable for aquaculture piloting and the target communities were found motivated and willing towards participatory benefit sharing and management of ponds. The impact scoping and screening process did not identify any significant negative environmental issues related to the construction and operation of the proposed intervention. Due to smaller sale of proposed activity involving approximately one (1) ha of infertile land, the identified impacts were found to be in significant in scope, scale, nature and duration and could be easily mitigated through adoption of measures proposed in the environmental management and monitoring plan of the proposed site. However, the assessment team feels concerned over replicability of the proposed design of ponds keeping in view high investment cost involved in pond construction. Being cost

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and infrastructure intensive, the proposed design appears to be beyond the reach of poor fishing households to replicate the same at their making the sustainability of intervention questionable. The assessment team feels that a less intensive and low technology alternate design needs to be considered to make its adoption feasible for the targeted poor fisher folks.

Annexure I: Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan for Establishment of Aquaculture Ponds Located at Village Yousif Bhatti Shah Bundar

Phase /Activity Mitigation Measures Monitoring Indicators Responsible Agency Reporting Requirements

Pond construction and operation

a. Biodiversity i. No alien or exotic species of shrimp and crabs shall be introduced to avoid erosion of native biodiversity.

Kinds of species introduced Fisheries Department/IUCN Quarterly reports summarising activities, implementation of mitigation measures, impacts observed, additional measures required.

ii. The ponds shall be laid out in a manner so that no clearing or minimum damage is caused to existing mangrove plants and seedlings growing in the area

No of plants damaged Fisheries Department/CO/ IUCN

Monthly reports

iii. Where such damage is unavoidable, the proponent shall plant 10 times more than the number of plants of local mangrove species Avicennia marina may be planted within the area and along pond embankments.

No of plants replanted Fisheries Department / CO members/IUCN

Quarterly reports

iv. The use of chemicals and fertilizers shall be kept at minimum and monitored periodically to avoid negative impacts of excessive use of chemicals and fertilizers on aquatic biodiversity.

Type and quantity of chemicals used

Fisheries Department/CO/ IUCN

Quarterly reports

v. Undertake routine monitoring during construction and operational phase of temperature, conductivity, total suspended solids, turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen both above and downstream construction works.

Fisheries Department/CO Quarterly reports

b. Groundwater i. Precautionary measures may be taken to avoid disposal of any solid and liquid wastes in existing freshwater bodies used by community or their

No evidence of disposal of wastes in freshwater bodies

Contractor Monthly reports

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livestock.

ii. Indiscriminate dumping of waste oil from vehicles, chemicals or any other contaminants shall be avoided as they may be a source of groundwater contamination

Waste disposal measures adopted on site


iii. Vehicle maintenance should be undertaken at a specified location. All waste oil should be collected and disposed safely.

Vehicle maintenance and oil disposal measures adopted on site


c. Waste Disposal i. A proper system of solid waste disposal shall be adopted.

Waste disposal measures adopted on site

Fisheries Dept./CO/ Contractor

Quarterly reports

ii. No solid or liquid waste material should be dumped in agriculture or private land.

Waste or sludge disposal measures adopted

Fisheries Department/CO/ Contractor

Quarterly reports

d. Air and Noise Pollution i. To minimize air pollution due to dust the

excavated materials may be kept sprinkled with water to set the fine dust particles in order to prevent their movement through wind.

Properly sprinkled and compacted pond banks and paths

Contractor Fortnightly reports

ii. In case of transportation of waste materials to other site, the transportation should preferably be undertaken during night hours and in covered vehicles to avoid inconvenience to people and road users.

Evidence of safe transportation of waste materials/ vehicle logbook


iii. Use of heavy equipment in the construction of ponds should be minimised as much as possible.

No heavy machinery parked in private or agricultural lands

Fisheries Department/CO/ Contractor

Fortnightly reports

iv. No operation of heavy machinery at the project site should be carried out during night hours.

Vehicle logbook Contractor Fortnightly reports

e. Construction camp i. Labour camps shall be established away from

the village settlement, and the camp site shall be selected in consultation with the local

Location of camp site Contractor Fortnightly reports

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community and the owner of the land.

ii. Solid waste and wastewater from the camp

should not be indiscriminately disposed out in the open.

Waste disposal system at camp site


iii. As far as possible, the contractor shall prefer

engagement of local community members as labourers to avoid chances of social conflict and provide employment to the local people. The contractor should ensure that the labour employed does not create any problems for the community.

No of local people engaged by the contractor /Labour roster


iv. After the construction is complete, the camp should be properly dismantled and the site rehabilitated. Any structures constructed should be demolished if the owner does not want them

Post construction position of camp site

Fisheries Department/CO/IUCN

Quarterly reports

v. No heavy machinery should be parked on agriculture land to avoid soil compaction

Parking area designated Contractor Quarterly reports

f. Community Safety i. The safe speed limits should be strictly enforced

during movement of machinery or such movement should preferably be carried out at night hours when the streets are empty. Any movement during the day should be done carefully with the help of some staff to clear and warn people of machinery’s movement. The machinery should have proper lights and reflectors.

No of fatal incidents reported

Contractor / Machinery operators

Fortnightly reports

ii. The project area should be strictly prohibited for

the movement of people who are not working for the project during construction and operation, especially children.

Guarding measures employed at pond construction site

Contractor/Fisheries Department/CO

Fortnightly during construction and quarterly during operation

iii. The ponds should have safety markings

especially warning tape around the site to keep unauthorized people away and also to forewarn them of potential risks that lie at the project site.

Pond construction area clearly marked

Contractor/Fisheries Department


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g. Construction camp i. Labour camps shall be established away from

the village settlement, and the camp site shall be selected in consultation with the local community and the owner of the land.

Siting of labour camp Contractor/Fisheries Department

Quarterly reports

ii. Solid waste and wastewater from the camp

should not be indiscriminately disposed out in the open.

Waste disposal system adopted


Fortnightly reports

iii. As far as possible, the contractor shall prefer

engagement of local community members as labourers to avoid chances of social conflict and provide employment to the local people. The contractor should ensure that the labour employed does not create any problems for the community.

No. of local people engaged

Contractor Quarterly reports

iv. After the construction is complete, the camp

should be properly dismantled and the site rehabilitated. Any structures constructed should be demolished if the owner does not want them.

Physical verification of site Contractor Quarterly reports

v. No heavy machinery should be parked on

agriculture land to avoid soil compaction.

Parking area fixed Contractor Fortnightly reports

h. Occupational Health and Safety i. Protective gears may be employed by the

workers during pond construction and during operations, particularly while handling the chemicals.

No. of workers using protective gears


ii. A first aid box should be available at the project

site to deal with emergencies.

No of emergency/first aid tool kits available on site

Contractor/Fisheries Department

Quarterly reports

iii. The camp office and construction site should be

properly guarded to avoid threats associated with unauthorized use of stored equipment, chemicals and machinery.

Equipment /chemical storage facilities on site



i. Erosion and Flooding i. The pond embankments may be kept properly

compacted and maintained to avoid risks of erosion and flooding.

Properly compacted embankments



Annexure II: Agreement Signed between CO and Sindh Fisheries Department

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Annexure III: Detail Floristic list of the Pond area adjacent to Golo Mandharo Village

# Taxon Family

Pentatropis nivalis (J.F.Gmel.) Field &J.R.I.Wood Asclepiadaceae

Launaea procumbens (Roxb.) Amin Asteraceae

Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh Avicenniaceae

Capparis decidua (Forsk.) Edgew Capparidaceae

Arthrocnemum macrostachyum (Moric.) C.Koch Chenopodiaceae

Arthrocnemum indicum (Willd.) Moq Chenopodiaceae

Atriplex stocksii Boiss Chenopodiaceae

Chenopodium album L Chenopodiaceae

Salsola imbricata Forsk Chenopodiaceae

Suaeda fruticosa Forsk. ex J.F.Gmelin Chenopodiaceae

Suaeda monoica Forsk. ex J.F.Gmelin Chenopodiaceae

Convolvulus arvensis L Convolvulaceae

Cressa cretica L. Convolvulaceae

Cyperus bulbosus Vahl Cyperaceae

Euphorbia serpens Kunth Euphorbiaceae

Alhagi maurorum Medic Fabaceae

Acacia nilotica Delile Mimosaceae

Prosopis juliflora Swartz Mimosaceae

Aeluropus lagopoides (L.) Trin. ex Thw Poaceae

Chloris barbata Sw Poaceae

Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. Poaceae

Desmostachya bipinnata (L.) Stapf Poaceae

Paspalum vaginatum Swartz.. Poaceae

Phragmites karka (Retz.) Trin. ex Steud. Poaceae

Sporobolus virginicus (L.) Kunth Poaceae

Salvadora persica L Salvadoraceae

Tamarix indica Willd. Tamaricaceae

Typha angustata Bory & Chaub Typhaceae

Fagonia indica Burm.f. Zygophyllaceae

Zygophyllum simplex L. Zygophyllaceae

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