Pipal Koti

INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION REPORT FOR PROPOSED NEW 400 KV GIS SUB-STATION At KUWARIPASS (PIPALKOTI) (Revised)
POWER TRANSMISSION CORPORATION OF UTTARAKHAND LIMITED
Prepared For Asian Development Bank Under Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Ltd (ADB FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROJECT, PFR-IV)
Prepared by: Vikas Sharma Master of Social Work & Master of Engineering
Updated in April 2012
IEE for Purposed 400 KV GIS Substation Kuwaripass (Pipalkoti) Uttarakhand Power Sector Investment Project (Tranche 4) Implementing Agency - Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Ltd. 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 2.0 3.0
INTRODUCTION DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENT 3.1 Physical Resources and Environmental Settings 3.2 Ecological Resources 3.3 Economic Development 3.4 Social and Cultural Resources ALTERNATIVES FOR SUBSTATION LAND SCREENING OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND MITIGATION MEASURES 5.1 Environmental problem due to Project location and Design 5.2 Environmental problems associated with construction and operation stage INSTITUTIONAL REQUIRMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAM Institutional Arrangements Environmental Monitoring Critical Environmental Review Criteria Environmental Management Plan Economic Assessment Associated Facilities PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND INFORMATION DISCLOUSURE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS CONCLUSION ANNEXURES Annexure-1 Annexure-2 Annexure-3 Annexure-4
5 11 15 15 16 20 20 24
4.0 5.0
26 26 26 33 33 34 35 35 37 38 39 43 44
6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0
Letter of Central Electricity Authority Letter of Ministry of Power, Govt. of India Approval letter of DPR Implementation Bar Chart
45 49 50 54
Annexure-5 Annexure-6 Annexure-7 Annexure-8 Annexure-9.1 Annexure-9.2 (a) Annexure-9.2 (b) Annexure-9.3 (a) Annexure-9.3 (b) Annexure-9.4 Annexure-9.5
SLD (Single Line Diagram) of 400 KV GIS Substation Schematic Diagram of Alakhnanda basin Technical Aspects Environmental Management Plan Advertisement Public Information (in English) Public Information (in Hindi) Public Consultation and Awareness Program (in English) Public Consultation and Awareness Program (in Hindi) Attendance Sheet of Public Consultation Photographs of Public Consultation
56 57 58 62 72 75 76 77 78 79 81
List of Abbreviations
ADB BOD CEA DC or D/C DPR EA EMP EHV GoI GIS HEP IEE Km MOEF MW MU MOP NIT PTCC PTCUL PGCIL PLF ROW UED Asian Development Bank Board of Directors Central Electricity Authority Double Circuit Detailed Project Report Executing Agency Environmental Management Program Extra High Voltage Government of India Gas Insulated Substation Hydro Electric Power Initial Environmental Examination Kilo Meter Ministry of Environment and Forest Mega Watt Million Units Ministry of Power Notice of Inviting Tender Power Telecom Co-ordination Committee Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited Power Grid Corporation of India Limited Plant Load Factor Right of Way Uttarakhand state Energy Department
1.0
INTRODUCTION
1. India has a large projected demand-supply gap and has extensive potential for hydropower development. Hydropower generation capacity has lagged behind particularly during the last two decades. Since 1975, the share of hydropower generation capacity has come down to a level of 25% against a desired level of 40%. Therefore, hydropower development is being given priority to improve hydro/thermal mix for optimizing the efficiency of countrys power system and usage of resources for sustainable power generation in an environment friendly manner. Apart from being an environmentally clean source of power, hydropower would also provide a peaking power option for the country. Government is showing strong commitment towards hydropower projects and has launched a 50,000 MW Hydro Electric Initiative. 2. Uttarakhand state is endowed with tremendous hydro power potential. At present there is an urgent necessity for constructing a power evacuation system of the order of 6000 to 6500 MW of generation project in Yamuna, Bhagirathi, Alaknanda and Sharda Basin. Under the Uttarakhand Power Sector Investment Project, the Government of India (GOI) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) propose development of a robust transmission system to evacuate 5000 MW power from existing and new hydropower plants in the state of Uttarakhand. The project supports sector reforms, commercialization of hydropower resource and strengthening of the in-state grid. Uttarakhand states Energy Department (UED) is the Executing Agency (EA), whereas Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Ltd. (PTCUL) is the Implementing Agency for the transmission component. 3. The first Detailed Project Report (DPR) was prepared for the whole transmission network component by Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. (PGCIL) under contract to PTCUL whereas the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) reports have been prepared by the IA directly. The Environmental Categorization for the sub-project substation is Category B. The IEE report conforms to the Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF) guidelines and regulations and is consistent with ADB Operations Manual F1/BP and F1/OP (2003), Environment Policy, and Environmental Assessment Guidelines (2003). 4. The proposed transmission system has been envisaged in consultation with CEA and other beneficiary constituents for the reliable evacuation of approximately 1500 MW of Hydro Power. 171MW generation of M/s. NTPC at Latatapovan, 300 MW generation of M/s. GMR at Badrinath, 520MW generation of M/s. NTPC at Vishnugad and 444 MW generation of M/s. THDC at Pipalkoti will be evacuated through 400 KV GIS Substation, Kuwaripass (Pipalkoti) for further transmission to 400 KV Substation Srinagar.
5.
Background: Uttarakhand is one of the most beautiful and enchanting region of
northern India. Nature has endowed this land with so much beauty and spiritual bliss that it is also known as Dev Bhoomi, the Land of Gods. Ganga, Yamuna and scores of other rivers originate in Uttarakhand. Among them Ganga is the most holy and prominent as she represents the soul of India, her rich culture, history and civilization. In Sanskrit 'Himalaya' means Abode of Snow, truly characterizing the vast permanent snow fields above the snow line. In the heart of these majestic mountains lies the state of Uttarakhand with Kumaon region in its east and Garhwal in the west. Uttarakhand came into existence on 9th November 2000 as the 27th state of the Republic of India. It was carved out of Uttar Pradesh. The State has been granted status of special category state by Union Cabinet on 2nd May, 2001.Uttarakhand is Border State bordering China and Nepal. Geographically Uttarakhand is situated between 770 34' to 810 2
east longitude and 280 4' to 310 27' North latitude. Uttarakhand is predominantly a hilly state with 88% of hilly area. The climate of the state varies from subtropical in valleys to temperate on higher slopes. Total area of Uttarakhand is 53,483 Sq KM, which is 1.73% of the total area of India. The state is very rich in natural resources specially forest and water, as it has many glaciers, dense forests, mountain peaks and a network of mighty rivers viz., Ganga, Yamuna, Ramganga, Kosi etc. A total of 64.6% of the area is under forest cover. 6. Uttarakhand has inherited its present administrative set-up from its present state Uttar Pradesh. The facts and figure about Uttarakhand are as followsDivisions Districts Tehsils Development Blocks Muncipal Areas Nyay Panchayat Gram Panchayat Villages
Source: Based on year 2007 figure
2 13 78 95 71 670 7,227 16,826
Demographical Data Population 84,79,562 Male Female Rural Decadal Increase Population Density Sex Ratio Per Capita Income Birth Rate Infant Mortality Rate Literacy Rate Male Female Decadal Literacy Rate Literacy Rate Male Female Decadal Literacy Rate 43,16,401 41,63,161 63,09,317 19.2(1991-2001) 159 Per Sq Km 964 Per Thousand Rs 12000 Per Year 40.6 52.4 72.28% 84.01% 60.26% 14.47% 72.28% 84.01% 60.26% 14.47%
District Wise Population Distribution (2001 census) S. No District Name Male Female Total 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Almora Bageshwar Champawat Chamoli Dehradun Haridwar Nanital Pauri Pithoragarh 2,93,576 1,18,202 1,10,916 1,83,033 6,75,549 7,73,173 4,00,336 3,31,138 2,27,592 1,07,425 2,94,842 6,49,020 1,51599 43,16,401 3,36,970 1,31,250 1,13,545 1,86,165 6,05,334 6,71,040 3,62,576 3,65,713 2,34,557 1,20,036 3,09,766 5,85,528 1,42,580 41,63,161 6,30,446 2,49,453 2,24,461 3,69,198 12,79,083 14,44,213 7,62,912 6,96,851 4,62,149 2,27,461 6,05,608 12,34,548 2,94,179 84,79,562
10 Rudraprayag 11 Tehri 12 Udham Singh Nagar 13 Uttarkashi Total
7.
Uttarakhand - Tourism State: Tourism is one of main source of income at
Uttarakhand. The northern areas of Uttarakhand are part of the Great Himalayas range, with average heights up to 3,000-5,000 meters. The famous peaks are Nanda Devi (7,816m), Trishul (7,120m) and Panchchuli (6,910m). Southern Uttarakhand has plains that are part of the Terai foothills, where temperatures are higher and towns more accessible. The state is not industrially developed and tourism is the mainstay of the economy. For the last 7 years, Dehradun, the largest town, has been its provisional capital. It has a well-connected railhead and a small domestic airport. 8. To most travelers, Uttarakhand is associated with its ancient traditions of Hinduism that flourished in its high Himalayan reaches. The source of Indias most revered and important rivers Ganges as well as Yamuna, respectively called Gangotri and Yamunotri, lies here. These two spots, along with the shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath, make the 4 holy sites (Char Dham) that Hindus aspire to visit. Snow-bound for most of the year, these are open from May to October. Lower south, along the Ganges lie the sacred towns of Rishikesh (43 Km from Dehradun) and Haridwar (connected by rail to Delhi). 9. Uttarakhand popular hill stations include Mussourie (2,000 m; 35 km from Dehradun) and Nainital (2,000 m; 35km from railhead Kathgodam). Corbett National Park is its noted wildlife sanctuary. The combination of mountains and rivers yields opportunities for trekking, river rafting, hiking, which the state is promoting now. Rishikesh is a hub of water adventure sports. There is also a ski destination in Auli.
S. No. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Infrastructure Items Important Tourist Places Developed Tourist Places Tourist Rest Houses No. of Beds in Tourist Rest.Houses Rain Baseras No. of Beds in Raien Basera No. of Hotels and Paying Guest Houses No. of Dharamshala
Year/ Period 2006-2007 2006-2007 2006-2007 2006-2007 2006-2007 2006-2007 2006-2007 2006-2007
Number 214 124 174 6764 32 1610 2312 802
Tourist Statistics S. No. Items Year/ Period 1. In Tourist Places (including Pilgrims) 2007 (i) Indian Tourist 2007 (ii) Foreign Tourist 2007 2. In Important National Parks 2007 (i) Indian Tourist 2007 (ii) Foreign Tourist 2007
Number 2,26,00,000 2,21,00,000 1,06,000 1,99,043 18,3481 15,562
10. Uttarakhand is a predominantly agricultural state with 75% of the people deployed in this sector. Uttarakhand has a tremendous potential and advantage in the herbal area and has been declared as an Herbal State and a maximum number of Ayurvedic and Homoeopathic medicines depend on plant sources and its biodiversity. It also has the distinction to become the first state in the nation to declare its Health & Population Policy in December 2002 through which it hopes to integrate the services of different systems of medicine such as Ayurveda, Homoeopathy and Unani to achieve synergy. The National Rural Health Mission (2005-12) seeks to revitalize local health traditions and mainstream AYUSH into the public health system. 11. The state is well linked by state highways, national highways and district roads. The state has broad gauge railway lines but only in the plain areas. Airports at Dehradun (Jollygrant) and Pantnagar are civil airports in the state. 12. Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited (PTCUL): PTCUL was established to facilitate transfer of power and to improve the Transmission of electricity system within the state, thus leading to the formation of the State Power Grid. India has a large projected demand-supply gap and has extensive potential for hydropower development. Hydropower generation capacity has lagged behind particularly during the last two decades. Since 1975, the share of hydropower generation capacity has come down to a level of 25% against a desired level of 40%. Therefore, hydropower development is being given priority to improve hydro/thermal mix for optimizing the efficiency of countrys power system and usage of resources for sustainable power generation in an environment friendly manner. Apart from being an environmentally clean source of power, hydropower would also provide a peaking power option for the country. Government is showing strong commitment towards hydropower projects and has launched a 50,000 MW Hydro Electric Initiative.
13. Uttarakhand state is endowed with tremendous hydro power potential. At present there is an urgent necessity for constructing a power evacuation system of the order of 6,000 to 6,500 MW of generation project in Yamuna, Bhagirathi, Alaknanda and Sharda Basin. 14. Scope of Work & Methodology Adopted: A team of PTCUL officials, headed by qualified and experienced engineer specially assigned this work has carried out the IEE of this sub-project under project PFR-IV. The team conducted reconnaissance survey to identify the major environmental issues. Accordingly, field surveys were also undertaken to assess physical and biological environment. An area within 12.0 Km radius around the proposed sub-station has been defined as the study area for the collection of data. The field studies were supported by data collected from secondary sources such as Internet, Forest Atlas of India, and Statistical Handbook for Uttarakhand District Maps, National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organization, Geological Survey of India, Physical map of Uttarakhand etc. 15. The broad scope of the study is: i) To conduct field visits to collect data relevant to the study area and also collect secondary data so as to establish the baseline environmental status of the study area; ii) To assess the impacts on environmental attributes due to the location, design, construction and operation of the proposed project; iii) To prepare a mitigation plan outlining the measures for protecting the environment including institutional arrangement and environmental monitoring; iv) To identify critical environmental attributes required to be monitored subsequent to the implementation of the proposed project; and v) To carry out consultation with local people so as to identify the public perception of the project. vi) Borrower (i.e. PTCUL) will submit environmental monitoring reports to ADB once in a year.
2.0
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
16. The Project. The project involves construction of new 400 KV GIS Substation at village Naurakh near Kuwaripass (Pipalkoti), Dist. Chamoli as discussed below. The location map of this substation is shown in Figure 2.1, Figure 2.2 and Figure 2.3. For the 400 KV GIS Pipalkoti Sub-station, this IEE document is based on the data contained in the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Report submitted by PTCUL on Feb 01, 2005 and this revised report has been prepared by the IA directly. The Environmental Categorization for the sub-project substation is Category B.
Figure 2.1: Location map of the proposed sub-station

Figure 2.2: Location map of the proposed sub-station 17. Need for the Project: The proposed transmission system has been envisaged in consultation with Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the GOI nodal agency for Energy planning and other beneficiary constituents for the reliable evacuation of approximately 1,000 MW of Power at 400 KV GIS Substation Pipalkoti for further distribution among beneficiary states. Some units of these projects are scheduled to be commissioned within 11th plan followed by subsequent units at some intervals. For this project the proposed hydro power capacities in Alaknanda basin are (Annexure-6). S. No. 1 2 3 Project Lata Tapovan NTPC Badrinath GMR Energy Vishnugad NTPC Capacity 171 MW 300 MW 520 MW
18. Distribution among beneficiary states shall be decided by the CEA. Some units of these projects are scheduled to be commissioned within 11th plan followed by subsequent units at some intervals. A unified Transmission system having regional/ state level collaboration for power evacuation from these projects would be shared by Uttarakhand and other Northern region states such as Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. These will be connected through the proposed Intra-State transmission system and through
existing lines/interconnection to other regions. Techno-Economic clearance of the proposed project has been obtained from Central Electricity Authority (CEA) vide letter no. 12A/G/2006SP&PA/39 dated 09/01/2007(enclosed) and proposal has been examined by Ministry of Power, GoI and found in order vide letter no. 11/5/2004-IC dated 4th May, 2007 (Annexure-1, Annexure-2). This project has been approved by the BOD of PTCUL on 29.09.05 and Detailed Project Report of this project has been approved by the CEA vide letter number 12A/G/SP&PA08/572 dated 24/06/09 (Annexure-3). 19. Project Location. The project falls under the Chamoli District of Uttarakhand. The most optimal project route alignment is shown in the Figure 2.3.
Figure 2.3: Location map of the proposed sub-station

20. There is slight change in the capacity of the substation since 2005 study as now it has a 2x315 MVA transformer based on capacity of generators and load flow study, while earlier proposed transformer capacity was 2x240 MVA. There is no change in the physical condition and location, land acquisition; forest land etc. as mentioned in the report prepared earlier in Feb 2005 as the substation will be constructed on the same land. 21. The work involves construction of a new sub-station of Voltage ratio 400/220 KV and capacity of 2 x 315 MVA at Pipalkoti (Naurakh) 17 Km away from Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The Land is classified as a civil revenue land and land is in lease out process to
Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Ltd., the cost of which is Rs. 50 lakhs. The estimated cost for this substation is Rs. 261.69 Crores. 22. The GIS 400/200 KV substation sub-project is the part of the Tranche 4 of the ADB Uttarakhand Power Sector Investment Project. This report depicts the details of IEE for proposed 400 KV Kuwaripass (Pipalkoti) Sub-station. The IEE report describes the environment in the State of Uttarakhand, where the proposed transmission project is to be located and various measures that will be taken by PTCUL during design, construction and maintenance stages altogether to avoid and wherever not possible to mitigate the effect on environment of various construction activities. 23. Salient Features of Scheme: 400/220 KV GIS Substation Kuwaripass (Pipalkoti) Substation shall be comprised of: a. 2 No. 315 MVA, 400 / 220 KV Transformers b. For 400 KVFeeder bays 6 nos., Transformer bays 2 nos. and Bus Coupler 1 no c. For 220 KV Feeder bays 4 nos., Transformer bays 2 nos. and Bus Coupler 1 no d. Bus configuration for Sub-station will be one main bus scheme with latest Substation Automation and SCADA The single line diagram (SLD) of Substation is enclosed as Annexure 5. 24. Salient Features of the Construction: The land for the substation has been identified and has been provided by the Govt. of Uttarakhand. a. The control room shall accommodate all the bay modules as per the scope. Earth mat will be designed as per finite element analysis. b. The substation has been designed with SCADA and automation system as per latest practices and standards. c. Substation switchyard will comprise of terraces to accommodate equipments and bays which will reduce land development cost. 25. The details of Technology Features of the 400/220 KV substation are given in Annexure7.
26. Implementation Schedule. The total project cost is 261.69 Crores for the construction of new 400/200 KV GIS Sub-station. The land has been provided by the State Government hence the land acquisition problem is not there. Tender for procurement of equipments, erection of sub-station equipments, testing and commissioning has already being initiated. The project starting date is 01.01.2014 (date of publication of NIT) and the project is proposed to be completed within 30 months from the date of award of contract. The proposed completion date is June 2016. The Implementation Bar Chart is attached as Annexure 4
3.0
DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENT:
27. The description of the surrounding environmental conditions around the proposed substation area is given briefly in following sections.
3.1
Physical Resources and Environmental Settings:
28. Chamoli District: Chamoli lies in the Central Himalaya and constitutes a part of the celebrated 'Kedar Kshetra'.The District Chamoli is surrounded by Uttarkashi in North-West, Pithoragarh in South-West, Almora in South East, Rudraprayag in South-West and Tehri Garhwal in West. The geographical area of the District is around 7520 sq.kms. 29. The project site is forest land, civil forest land and uncultivated barren. The proposed site is 21 Km away from the NH-58 connecting Haridwar to Rudraprayag and Chamoli Districts. All the major utilities like Fire station, Hospital, Police station, Schools, Colleges etc. are available in the Chamoli District. Details of Chamoli District are given below:District Headquarters: Formal Re-establishment : Region/Location : Area/STD Code : Zip/Pin Code : Population : Literacy : Area : Altitude : Weather : Temperatures : Gopeshwar 1960 Uttarakhand Central Himalayas, India 01372 246401/246402 370,359 (2001census) 76.23% 7951 Sq Kilometers 800 meters to 8000 meters Child in Winter and Mild in Summer Maximum Temp. 34o C | Minimum Temp. 0o C
30. The study area is characterized by reserved forest, civil soyam forest and unirrigated crop land. The area comprised mainly forest, soyam forest, non agriculture, agriculture fields and thick vegetation bushes in between. The study area runs into series of ridges and valleys. Each is leads to another coiling up in seemingly unending chains. Most of the terrain is mountainous consisting of high rise ridges, hills and plateaus and flat pieces of land are rare. The soil found is alluvial soil. 31. Study Area - sub-station: The study area comprises of mainly scrub and bushes. The temperature varies maximum of 36oC to minimum of 0oC. The average rainfall in the area is 1547 mm. The soil in the study area is yellowish in color with loamy texture. The geology consists of mixed alluvium and sandstone shale grit and conglomerate. The region consists of entirely medium to high grade metamorphic rocks and is intruded by latter volcanic rocks. The study area is not a flood prone area. The population in the study area consists of mostly farmers and workers. 32. Seismicity: The study area falls under Zone IV and slightly above on modified Mercalli Intensity Scale, where the maximum intensity could reach VIII which is not the most severe seismic zone and is referred as Medium Damage Risk Zone.
3.2
Flora
Ecological Resources
33. Ferns: Over 120 species of fern grow in damp ravines, Covered rocks and tree trunks. Fueli Ferns grow abundantly in the monsoon month of July, August and September. The forest of the district can be divided into the botanical divisions listed below34. Himalayan Sub-tropical Pine: These forests are wound between the heights of 910 m. to 1,825 m. throughout the district. The trees which are commonly found in these forests are Anyar, Caryoptexis wallichii, Rubus ellipticus, Rhus semialata and Desmodiumsamuense on the northern aspect of the hills. 35. Moist Temperate Seral Forest: These forests are found between the altitudes of 1,200 m. to 2,150 m along the streams and newly formed beds with undergrowth of Sarococca preuniformus spp. Barberis spp. and Ainslea aptera especially in western part of the Joshimath and the eastern part of Karnprayag tehsils. 36. Banj Oak Forests: These are found between the heights of 1,825m and 2,450 m but at place their limits ascent up to 2,600 m. on the southern aspect and descend to 1,200 m. on the northern aspect of the hills. Trees commonly met with in these forests are Buras, anyar, carpinus, viminea and Ilex odorala. 37. Oak Scrub Forests: These forests are found in the localities of banj oak forests near the habitations. Sometimes due to excessive damage, banj oak is replaced by scattered bushes of Barberis Chitriya, Basiatice and Cretaegus cronulata. 38. Tilonj Forests: These forests are found between the same altitudes as those of the oak and are associated with the lauraceous, ilex, betula alnoides, etc. The shrubby under growth consist of Robus spirea, indigofera and Ainslea aftera. 39. Lower Blue Pine Forest: These forests are found between the heights of 1825 meters and 2600 meters Especially in Tehsils Chamoli and Karnprayag having Euscholtzia polistachya, Vibumun foctens, Rosa microphylla, Vibumun cotonifoliun, Exaecarea acerifolia, etc. as shrubby under growth. 40. Dry Coniferous Forest: On deep soil between the altitude of 1825 mts and 2600 mts over a small area on all aspects except the steep southern slopes with quartzitic sub soil, mainly Deodar is found associated with Kharasu, Akhrot, Kharif, Syan and Maira, The under growth consist of shrubs such as Aveliatryflora, Sumiperous, Macropoda, Prunus jacqumontii, Ribes grosulaia and Rosa scricea, the shrubby under growth consisting of Achyranthes bidentata and Aralia cissifolia. 41. Moist Temperate Deciduous Forest: These forests are found on deep moist soils between the heights of 1,825 meters and 2,750 meters along hill stream. The top canopy consist of pangar, kanchula, maira sour, akhrot, dalla and kabasi, the shrubby under growth consisting of viburum spirea, sorbiflora barberis supp. Strodilanthas wallichii , etc. 42. Cypress Forests : These forests are found between the heights of 2,125 meters and 2,600 meters on rocky slopes and precipitous ground mixed with tilong, kali, Corpinus ninerea, Eunonimus pendulus, Ilex, Machilusdutti, etc.
43. Kharasu Forests: The Kharasu forests are found between the heights of 2450 meters and 3500 meters mixed with kanchula, pangar, Saur and burans. The shrubby undergrowth consists of Rosa scricea, Rosa macrephylla, Viburum foeten, Contoneaster ocuminate, Ribes glaciaia and ringals. 44. Western Oak Forests: These forests are commonly found on the southern aspect of hills between the altitudes of 2,450 meters and 2,900 meters mixed with Kharasu, tilonj, pangar, kanchula, kabasi, etc. the chief undergrowth being Rhamnus purpurrea, Wickstroemia cancacenda, Rosa macrophylla, Skimmia bursola, Rubus niveus. Among creepers which are found here are Vitis semicordata, Schizandras grandiflora and Hedera helix. 45. Dry Temperate Deciduous Forests: These forests consisting of kabasi trees are found between the heights of 2,450 meters and 2,750 meters in the northern part of the district, Lonicara spp. and Rosa serecea, being the shrubby undergrowth. 46. Temperate Hippophae Scrub Forests: These forests consisting of ames scrubs, are found between the heights of 2,275 meters and 3,200 meters n gravel beds along the banks of the streams mixed with gadbhains. 47. Kharak Forests: The forests are found above the altitude of 2,215 meters and have practically no tree growth except the Rumex nepalensis undergrowth. 48. Ringal Forests: These occur above the height of 2,425 meters mixed with high level oak and coniferous trees. 49. Alpine Fir Birch Forests: These grow better between the heights of 2,900 meters and 3,500 meters in all aspects of the hills except in the moist areas. The plants growing in these forests are fir, birch and Rhododendron. The ungrowth consists of Pyrus folilosa, Cotoneaster acuminata, Rosa sericea, Ribes glaciala, Ribes rubrum, Lonicera spp. and Smilex vaginate. 50. Birch - Rhododendrons Forests: These forests are found between the altitudes of 2900 meters and 4,125 meters and in them are found the stunted bhuj and rhododendrons with Pyrus foliolose as 90 percent of the undergrowth. Other plants which grow here are Rubus niveus, Swilax vaginate, Cotoneaster spp. Lonicera spp. and Pologorum vaccinifolium. 51. Alpine Scrub Forests: Between the altitudes of 3,350 meters and 4,275 meters and with a rainfall above 1,016 mm. evergreen scrubs are found consisting of Rhododendron asthopogen, Junipexus recurva, J. communis, Lonicera parviflora, etc. In the dry inner ranges having a rainfall less than 255 mm grow exeophytic dwarf shrubs consisting of Eurotia ceratoides, junipexus pseudosabina, J. communis and Caranga sp. ad Artimisia spp. 52. Alpine Pastures: Between the heights of 2,050 meters and 2,975 mts on the northern aspect of the hills and between the altitudes of 2,500 meters and 4,425 meters on the southern aspect of the hills the land is covered with short grasses and herbs, which are used as pasture where professional graziers bring their cattle. 53. Other Forests: In the warm valleys of the extreme southern part of the district some species of the trees of the plains such as mango, jamun, pipal, banyan and shisham grow here and there up to an altitude of about 915 meters The 'Sal' which is found up to a height of 1,220 meters, is seldom seen north of the river Pindar but it is usually not allowed to stand near cultivated tracts because it is said to attract white ants. The Tun and the Kharik, or Kharak are to be seen growing up to an elevation of about 1,250 meters which is also suitable for the growth of
haldu and dhauri. Carefully proctected by the cultivator on the pugar (terrace wall of the field), the leaves of the bhyunl tree afford excellent fodder for the cattle. 54. In the Alaknanda valley, the bases, slopes, gorges and tops of the hills up to the height of 1067 meters are well wooded with high trees such as catechu, bahera, har (or harara), amaltas, bel, kachnar and dhak. A large variety of creepers some of which have broad green leaves also thrive I in the vicinity of the trees. 55. From about 1,220 mts to 1,829 mts, Chir abounds and above this level oak and chimul are found, the former being a hard wood, is used for making agricultural implements and the latter for fuel. The Chir wood is commonly used for building purposes in the district, and its logs and sleepers are floated down the Alaknanda to the plains. Chir is also tapped for resin but quantity of turpentine produced in the district is small. 56. Above an elevation of 3,439 meters Moru or Tilonj and Kharasu grow and their timber is also used for manufacturing agricultural implements. The pangar or horse chestnut and the maple are found up to a height of 3,048 meters, especially in the Riniganga valley. The wood of the latter is used for making drinking vessels and bowls known as lahauri-doba. 57. Spruce, silver-fir, kail and kharasu, oak and some trees of small economical value are the principal trees found in the forests of the upper Himalayas (above 3,048 meters). Fine forests of silver-fir, kail and pine occupy the slopes on the left bank of Alaknanda from Pipalkoti to Joshimath. The Surai of Himalaya sypress and the Himalayan cedar forests which lie along the Alaknanda in patti Talla Painkhanda and the Neoza pine forests near Tapovan along the Dhauli, are fairly extensive and have trees of thuner (yew), papari (boxwood), Kharasu and deodar. The birch grows up to an elevation of about 3,658 meters above which lies an expance covered wih bush and grass variegated in summer by Alpine forests of many colours. The places of richest vegetation are between the elevation of 2,134 meters and 3658 meters where the epiphytic form of flora, ferns, mosses, creepers and many varieties of flowers make the region beautiful especially after the rainy season. Colquhounia is abundant on the main Badrinath and Trishul ranges and ringals form the undergrowth of the forests uo to an altitude of 2,286 meters 58. Many medicinal blooms, herbs and plants, greatly valued in Ayurveda grow in the district. Most of the flowers and plants come up during the rains but wither away from October to May, imparting the characteristic brown color to the countryside during the winter. In these parts Senecio rufinervis, a perennial herb forms dense undergrowth to the exclusion of most other plants. Aromatic plants are found in abundance at higher altitudes. The groves in the district covering an area of 430.72 hectares are mostly in the warm deep southern valley and consist of chiefly of mango, guava, banana, papaya and jackfruit trees but apple, pear, peach, plum, apricot, cherry, chestnut, mulberry, strawberry, litchi and loquat also flourish. Other cultivated trees of the district include species of citron of which the chief is Malta, lime, and sweet-lime and orange which, though thriving in the warm valleys, can also be grown up to a height of about 1,677 meters The vine is raised in groves where the rains are not too heavy. 59. The chief varieties of timber trees found in the groves of the district are pine, tun, deodar and many varieties of walnut. The timber of the deodar tree is considered to be sacred and is noted for durability and resisting insect, pest and dry rot. It is great demand for making doors and roof f temples. In the past a very fine grove of deodars surrounded the Binsar temple in the south-western extremity of Tehsil Karanprayag.
60.
Fauna: The district is rich in fauna and has been the habitat, from time immemorial, of a large variety of mammals, various species of bird, reptiles and fish. In the Mahabharata there is
mention of deer hunting in this area by the Pandu, the father of Pandavas, who is said to have taken up his abode in Pandukeshwar. About the middle of the Nineteenth century many villages were deserted because of the dread of wild animals. Tigers are found up to an elevation of about 3,048 meters and in the past haunted the big forests of Chandpur and Dudhatoli, occasionally reaching the thick forests of Vasuki and Tungnath. The number of wild animals has considerably decreased on account of their destruction and thinning of the forests. 61. Among the animals of the district are the tiger, leopard, panther, snow-leopard, himalayan black bear, brown bear, deer, wild dog, Chutraila or pine marten and Himalaya weasel. The first is found throughout the district and is extremely dangerous when it becomes a man-eater. The Snow-leopard which is met at higher altitudes above the tree line, some 3,658 meters to 3,963 meters above sea level, hunts at night, preying on wild sheep and goats, musk deer and marmots. Like other beasts of prey its movements are regulated by those of its prey. It is hunted for its valuable fur. The black Himalayan bear is common in district and is found up to a height of 915 meters It frequently plunders wild beehives, for their honey and is serious menace for the crops and occasionally becomes carnivorous killing goats and sheep and even cattle. The brown bear is rare and is known to live in the bare open peaks high above the tree line in the watershed of the Nandakini and Kailganga. Fearing and avoiding human beings it does not become a man eater but often becomes a terror to live-stock. Wild dogs are generally seen in the forests of Pindar valley and Dudhatoli. The otter (ud) is found in waters of the Pindar. 62. Caps are made of its skin, and its fur, worn round the neck, is considered to be efficacious in curing goitre. Other wild animals seen in the district are Hyaena, jungle cat, wolf, jackal, porcupine and mountain fox. The wild bear is widely distributed in the district and is found up to a height of 2,743 meters, chiefly in oak forests. The goral or Himalayan chamois, serow and thar are widely distributed between the elevation of 2,134 meters and 3,658 meters The flesh of animals which have thorn, especially that of male is valued by the hill people. 63. The bharal which lives on grassy slopes between the heights of 3,048 mts and 4,572 meters is prized for its skin. The Himalayan marmot of the seiuriod family is one of the mammals that lives at the highest altitudes usually favoring an elevation between 3,963 meters and 5,487 meters and is valued for its fur. Among the deer tribe the Sambar or jarao, kakar (barking deer) and kastura (musk deer) are the only members of the cervidae family which are represented in the district. 64. Birds: The district is particularly rich in avifauna and the birds found here are mostly of the same kind as those occurring throughout the Himalayan region. Birds of prey such as eagles, falcons, hawks and vultures are very common. Among the game birds, the most common are the ban titar, kala titar and chakor, the last named found right up to the snowline. The junguria or karmonal (snow partridge), which found above the tree line and below the snowline on steep and rocky ground breeds throughout the altitudes it inhabits between 3,048 meters to 4,572 meters above sea level. The horned pheasant, which is really more a partridge than a pheasant, is represented by the lungi or lunji and the jawar. Both the species which breed in May and June at elevations between 2,439 meters and 3,353 meters, have magnificent males with beautiful plumage. Others important birds of this family are the Chir or Chir pheasant, Pukras, Pokras or koklas locally called kaleej or murga. The last, occurring up to an altitude of about 2,439 meters is the commonest of all. 65. Among the protected non-game birds, the chief are the common king-fisher, white breasted king-fisher, pied king-fisher, blue-jay or Indian roller, black-headed oriole, small cuckoo, Indian cuckoo and European cuckoo. The Indian scarlet minivet which is an unprotected nongame bird belonging to the pericrocotidae family looks very beautiful when on the wings. A rare member of the phononodidae family, seen near Amsor in Tehsil Karnprayag in Feb. 1966 was
perhaps a white bulbul, the most attractive mong the bulbul species, and, perhaps a migratory bird. Others birds which are commonly found in the district are common swallow, pied wagtail, ashy wren-warbler, Indian wren-warbler, Alpine swift, house swift, parakeet, rock-pigeon and Himalayan woodpecker. 66. Reptiles: Snakes somewhat rare in the district but the cobra and the Russels viper or necklace snake are common and they may be found up to a height of 1,829 meters the latter being viviparous and nocturnal in its habits. The only hill snake found above 2,439 meters is Ancistrodon Himalayans which attains a length of about 62 cm. and is venomous though its bite is not fatal. Among the non-venomous snakes the charao (rock snake) which may grow to a length to about 9 meters, although specimens over 6 meters, in length are rare, is occasionally seen on the rocky slopes of the lower hills. The python, a protected species, has been found as far up as the slopes below the Tungnath range in Ukhimath. The rat-snake, which attains a length of about 3 meters, is common; it does not bite but strike its victim with its tail, the flesh of the part so struck decaying. Non- poisonous snakes also sometimes occur in the tanks near the temple of Trijugi Narain and to be touched by them is considered auspicious by the Hindu pilgrims who bath in these tanks. About ten species of lizards inhabit this region and can been seen basking in the sun on rock. Of these the blood-sucker is harmless in spite of its name. The bull-frog and common toad, both amphibians, are met with throughout the district. 67. Large and varied groups of insects are found in the district and some, such as snow-fly, thrive in the glaciers. The leech, which is particularly active during the rains, is of common occurrence in the oak forests. In May and June swarms of flies are to be seen all along the route up to Gulabkoti, the mora, a small stinging fly, is also found in the district and causes small painful sores. 68. Fish: Fish abound in almost all streams of the district and riparian villages find in it an important supplement to their ordinary food. The common species found here are asela or saul, mahasher, kalabans or karaunch and fucta or phar kata. Other species found in the district include Gadara, gadiyal or guluwa, tarra, symplu and nama, nawoo or japa.
3.3
Economic development:
69. This section discusses the baseline scenario of the socio-economic environment in the study area. The issues discussed are population, education, employment, community services and transportation. For assessing the baseline socio-economic data, information from secondary data sources i.e. the 2001 Census data has been considered. 70. Economy: Economic profile in the study area is given as Table 3.3.1.
3.4
Social and Cultural Resources:
71. Population, Literacy and Employment: The population density of Chamoli is 159/sqr Km. For Chamoli Dist. the details for the socio-economic statistics like total population, density, sex ratio, literacy rate, workers & non-workers, schedule caste and schedule tribe is given in Table-3.4.1 72. Health and Education: Chamoli has the good educational and medical facilities. The details on the health and educational facilities are given in Table 3.4.2 & Table 3.4.3. 73. Drinking Water, Electricity, road and Fire fighting: The main source of drinking water is natural source and tap water. The details on drinking water electricity, fire-fighting facilities are given in Table 3.4.4.
74. Sanitary Facilities: The normal mode of disposal of sewage is through open drains and pit system. The details on sanitary facilities are given as Table 3.4.5 75. Health environment: The project site is situated on hills in very good climatic condition; there is no air, noise, water and industrial pollution. Health environment is very good. 76. Historical, cultural and archaeological sites/places: There historical/archeological sites in the study area around the proposed substation. are no
Table 3.3.1: Economic Structure of the project Areas Name of Town Annual income of the Annual expenditure of the town 2007-2008 town 2007-2008 Chamoli DNA DNA Note: (i) NA for Not Available, (ii) DNA for Data Not Available, (iii) for Available Table 3.4.1: Demographic Structure of the Substation Area Chamoli
Most important commodities imported Food Grains
Most important commodities exported None
Most commodities manufactured None
important
Population (in Thousands) Name of Town Chamoli Area (sq. Km.) 7,520 Population 3,69,198 Male 183.75 Female 186.61 Total 370.36 Rural 319.66 Urban 50.70 SC 67.54 ST 10.48
Table 3.4.2: Health Facilities of the Project Area Chamoli Health Centers Name of Dist. Allopathic Chamoli 29 Ayurvedic 51 Homeopathic 5 Primary Health Center 12 Family & Child welfare Sub center 91 T.B. Hospital 1
Table 3.4.3: Education Facilities of the Project Area Chamoli Name of Dist. Chamoli Junior Basic Schools 979 Senior Basic Schools 223 Senior Secondary Schools 126 Deg./ Post graduate college 7 ITI 5 polytechnic 1
Table 3.4.4: Drinking Water Facilities, Electricity, Fire fighting, Roads at the project Location Important Drinking water sources Drinking water source Electricity (number of connections) capacity in liters Name of Tap Well Tank Tube Over Serv River Press Dome Indus Com Road Other Town water water water well/ hea ice infiltr ure stic trial merci lighting s handd rese ation tank al (points) pump tank rvoir galler y
Road length (in km.) Surf aced road Un surfa ced road Total road lengt h Fire fighting services - Name of nearest place where available Chamoli Dist ance (in km)
Pipalkoti NA NA Note: (i) NA for Not Available, (ii) DNA for Data Not Available, (iii) for Available Table 3.4.5: Sanitary Facilities at the Project Location Two most prevalent systems of sewerage Open surfa ce drain s Box surfa ce drain s NA
DNA
DNA
DNA
DNA
DNA
DNA
DNA
DNA
Number of latrines
Two most prevalent methods of disposal of night soil
Name of Town Pipalkoti
Sewe r NA
Sky drains NA
Cess pool method NA
Pit System
Othe rs DNA
Water borne DNA
Servic e DNA
Oth ers DNA
Head load No
Bask et No
Wheel barro ws
Septic tank
Sewer age No
pit system
Oth ers DN A
4.0
77.
ALTERNATIVES FOR SUBSTATION LAND:

The feasibility of land is determined on the following parameters: i. Ease of access for transmission lines into the substation ii. Feasibility of approach roads and least requirement for benching and terracing. iii. Connectivity to small town/hamlet for staff residences and office facilities. iv. No water-logging and no low lying area. The following lands were studied in detail to arrive at the best alternative: TABLE 4.1 Alternatives for 400 KV SUB-STATION (PIPALKOTI)
Alternative-I Kuwaripass Chumargaur 2.81 Hectare Private/Govt. Hilly One crop per year Rice BY Canal Alternative-II Joshimath Joshimath 2.62 Hectare Private Hilly One crop per year Rice BY Canal Alternative-III Kuwaripass (Pipalkoti) Naurakh 3.095 Hectare Govt. Hilly Govt. land -
Sl. No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 i) ii) 7 i)
Study Point Location Village Name Size of Land Type of Land General Geography of Area Agriculture/Cropping Pattern Main Types of Crops Irrigation Facility Socio-economic condition area: Profession of existing population Agricultural (self employment, Merchants, Manufacturer, Transporters & Handicrafts etc. Wages Earner (skilled/Unskilled labour) Others if any Natural resources base Political influence No./Name of village effected Party Fully Total No. of families likely to be effected No. of families whose part holding likely to be acquired No. of families whose total holding likely to be acquired Land + Home Land only Home only Cast of PAPs/PAFs GC OBC SC/ST
Agriculture & Labourers
ii) iii) iv) v) 8 i) ii) 9 10 11
Unskilled labour Service/Agriculture Moderate NIL NIL 100 Nos. 1 No.
Unskilled labour Service/Agriculture Moderate NIL NIL 25 Nos. -
Unskilled labour Service/Agriculture Moderate NIL NIL None -
a) b) c) 12 a) b) c)
100 Nos.
25 Nos.
None
100 Nos. -
25 Nos. -
13
General Pattern of Cultivation i.e. by owner on lease (Registered/Un-registered) Loss of structure House/shop along with the status of occupants (Owner/Tenant/Lease Holder/quarter) others Common property resources like school, Ponds Grazing Ground, Religious Places Drainage facility Tree/Plantation/Orchards (Approx.) Cost of land/lease cost Reasons for selection
By owner
By owner
Govt. land
14
NIL
NIL
NIL
15 a)
b) 16 17 18
Yes Rs. 20 Crores -
Yes Rs. 1.5 Crores -
Yes Rs. 0.5 Crores Best suitable being least loss to general public
Alternate-III is the best option and selected site for sub-station. 78. Land Selection Committee Recommendation: Committee visited locations and considered various parameters for finalizing their recommendations that Alternative III as best suitable land due to following reasons 1- No tree cutting is involved. 2- Land is almost flat. 3- Land is adjacent to the highway road hence construction of approach road required is Minimum. 4- No common properties resources like school, ponds grazing, grounds and religious place etc are encountered within the selected site land. The land is Hilly. 5- Enough corridors are available for incoming and outgoing lines. The location is near to District Chamoli (Gopeshwar). All amenities like hospitals, post, telegraph, schools for children education etc are available since the Chamoli (Gopeshwar) is located near to this site.
5.0 SCREENING OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES: 5.1 Environmental problems due to project location and design:
79. Potential adverse environmental impacts associated with location of proposed new station has already been avoided or minimized through proper site selection. The site selection has been done in such a way that human resettlements are away, does not affect monuments of cultural or historical importance, does not create a threat to the survival of any community with special reference to tribal communities, does not affect any public utility services like playgrounds or schools, does not affect any sanctuaries, national park and reserve forest areas. No tree cutting is required for the proposed substation land.
5.2 Environmental problems associated with Construction and Operation Stage:

80. The project activities would involve transportation of material and equipment, erection of sub-station steel structures, construction of foundation material for structures, etc. and cable trench, grounding of switch yard equipment, installation of the equipments (such as transformers, circuit breaker, lightning arrester, power and control cables, bus bars), testing and commissioning of these equipments. During the operation phase most of the construction phase impacts will get stabilized and the impacts will be restricted only to the operation and maintenance of the substation. 81. The impacts on the environment from various activities of the project can be categorized as follows: Impact on Physical Resources Impact on Topography Impact on Climate Impact on Environmental Resources Impact on Air Quality Impact on Noise Levels Impact on surface Water Quality Impact on ground Water Quality Impact on Soils and Geology Impact on Ecological Resources Terrestrial Ecology Wild Life Aquatic Ecology Human Environment Health and Safety Agriculture Socio-economics Resettlement and Rehabilitation Cultural sites Traffic and Transport Waste Disposal Solid waste disposal Liquid waste disposal
82. The impacts of the project activities on various environmental attributes are discussed in subsequent sections.
Impact on Physical Resources

83. Impact on Topography: During the construction of the proposed project, the topography will change due to leveling of the proposed uneven site. 84. Impact on Climate: The project involves negligible deforestation and/or vegetation. Hence impact on climate is not anticipated.
Impact on Environmental Resources:

85. Impact on Air quality: During the construction phase, the activities would involve excavation, movement of transporting vehicles along the haul road (through pucca roads, but are not maintained). All these activities would give rise to emission of dust particles thereby affecting air quality marginally at the site which although will be transitory in nature. Sprinkling of water during excavation will reduce the dust emission to the greater extent. The project will not have any negative impact on the air quality of the region during the operation phase. 86. Impact on Noise Levels: During the construction, the major sources of noise pollution are movement of vehicles transporting the construction material and equipment to the site. The major work of the construction is expected to be carried out during the day time. The noise produced during the construction will have negligible impact on the Villagers as they are too far more over the exposure for very short period. 87. During the operation phase of the project there will noise from the substation due to transformers operation which will be felt only up to 15 to 50 m from the substation area. However there are no settlements within the distance of 50 m of the proposed sub-station. It is proposed that the substation area should be surrounded by wall, which will have sound attenuation effect and proper maintenance of the equipments/machineries inside the substations so that the ambient noise level meets the CPCB standard for residential areas (55 dB(A) during daytime and 45 dB(A) during night time ) at the boundary of sub-station. 88. Impact on Surface Water Quality: The construction and operation of the proposed project will not have any major impact on the surface and ground water quality in the area. Contamination to water bodies may result due to spilling of construction materials and surface runoff from the construction site joining the water body. There may be increase in the turbidity levels in Alaknanda River at Pipalkoti substation if the surface runoff from the substation meets the river. This can be avoided by construction of sedimentation pond at the construction site. 89. It is proposed to employ workers for the construction purpose. Adequate drinking water facilities, sanitary facilities and drainage in the temporary colonies of the construction workers should be provided to avoid the surface water pollution. Provision of adequate washing and toilet facilities with septic tanks and appropriate refuse collection and disposal system should be made obligatory. This should form an integral component in the planning stage before commencement of construction activity. 90. Sedimentation ponds should be provided at the substation site during the construction phase. The sludge generated at the trap should be kept in specified place inside the premise of
sub-stations and sold to authorized contractors/third parties. No sludge disposal on land should be done. 91. Impact on Ground Water Quality: Ground water pollution can take place, if chemical substances and oily waste get leached by precipitation of water and percolate to the ground water table. Avoiding spilling at the construction site will minimize the chances of leaching construction chemicals to the ground water. Adequate treatment facilities at the substation areas should be provided as stated above to avoid ground water pollution. 92. Impact on Soil and Geology: The impact on soils will be due to the soil erosion at the construction site and along the access routes due to excavation activity and land clearance, leveling and stabilization of sub-station construction sites will be done after completion of construction activity. Construction chemicals will be handled properly to avoid any soil contamination. Geological impacts are related to damage due to seismic conditions. The study falls under marcalli intensity scale zone IV where the max. Intensity could reach VIII which is not severe seismic zone. However foundation design needs to be done considering the probability of occurrence of earthquake at the design stage itself.
Impact on Ecological Resources:

93. Terrestrial Ecology: There is no tree in this land and belongs to revenue department and lease out to PTCUL for 30 years. There is no wildlife sanctuary, wetland or reserve forest in the close vicinity of the proposed substations. The proposed project area of Pipalkoti hosts small patches of vegetation which mainly consists of few scrubs.. Plantation around the substation area will improve the ecology and aesthetics in the surrounding. 94. Wild Life: The faunal species in the study area is mainly of those associated with manmade habitat. No wild life occurrence is there around the substation areas. There may be possibility of bird hits to the conductors, which should be avoided by installing the deflectors. 95. Aquatic Ecology: Impact on aquatic ecology is not anticipated, as the site is located approximately 500 mts away from the water bodies. There are changes of surface runoff during construction activity meeting the Alaknanda river at Pipalkoti site which is located on the upland hill adjacent to the river. The surface runoff should be routed to the sedimentation pond to avoid the river water pollution.
Impact on Human Environment:

96. Health and Safety: Health and safety impacts will be in terms of risk of accidents and exposure to electromagnetic fields at the substation. The accidents may due to electro-cutting, lightening, fires and explosions. The lightening arresters should be provided at strategic locations in the substation. Sufficient number of fire protection equipments like buckets, fire extinguishers, fire water tank should be provided for emergency needs. At the substation level, the safety and emergency procedures manual should be kept. Necessary training regarding safety aspects to the personnel working at the substation and line inspectors should be provided. Personal protective equipments like safety gloves, helmet, mufflers etc will be provided during construction period and during the maintenance work. The importance should be given to maintain hygienic conditions and good aesthetics at the substation.
97. Agriculture: Proposed Pipalkoti sub-station is located at Naurakh Village, civil revenue land and under process for lease out to PTCUL through state government. Acquisition of agriculture land has been avoided as far possible for the substation. Hence no major impact on the agriculture is envisaged. No surrounding agriculture land will be affected due to construction activity, as the access to the site will be through the existing roads. 98. Socio-economics: Beneficial impacts are envisaged on socio-economic conditions, as there will rural and urban electrification. There will also be job opportunities during the construction period for the local population. At the state level, the industrial development may take place, which will trigger the economic growth on the regional scale. 99. Resettlement and Rehabilitation: The land acquisition does not involve the displacement of any houses at the new substations as the land belongs to forest department and lease out to PTCUL for 30 years. 100. Cultural sites: There are no archaeological, historical or cultural important sites around the substations; hence the impacts on these sites are not envisaged. 101. Traffic & Transport: During the construction phase, traffic disturbance needs to be minimized by avoiding high-density areas, proper traffic signs, ensuring proper access roads and avoiding road blockage.
Waste Disposal:
102. Solid waste disposal: The solid waste generation at the substations will include metal scraps, wooden packing material etc. Solid waste/scrap will be collected and disposed of in compliance with the Environmental Protection Act, 1986, and applicable regulations and rules. 103. Liquid waste disposal: Main liquid waste is the oil waste etc. PTCUL has discontinued procurement of poly-chlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) transformer oil. Pure hydrocarbon mineral oil will be used for transformers, current transformers, potential transformers and capacitors under the project which will not have any adverse environmental impacts. Separated oily waste will be collected and disposed of in compliance with the Environmental Protection Act, 1986, and applicable regulations and rules. 104. The Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Requirements Matrix is given in Table- 5.1 below. Measures and Monitoring
Table 5.1: Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures and Monitoring Requirements Matrix
S. No. A. 1. 2. B. 1. Environmental attribute Physical Resources Topography Climate Environmental Resources Air Quality Potential impacts Nature of impact Magnitude of impacts Mitigation measures Implementation & Monitoring
Change in the surface features No impacts on the climatic conditions
Direct/Local/ irreversible Direct/Local/ irreversible
X X
Plantation around the substation area to improve the aesthetics No mitigation required
During construction and operation phase --
2.
Noise
Due to increase of dust project will have marginal impact on air quality. Noise due to general construction activities on the nearby settlements
Direct/Local/ reversible Direct/Local/ reversible
Noise arising from substation operation and corona noise from conductors
Direct/Local/ reversible
Water Spraying at construction site, limited bare soils, maintenance of vehicles No nearby settlement, however restriction of noise generating activities at night and use of personal protective equipment like ear plugs, mufflers etc. enclosure around the construction site and use of low noise generating activities. There is no nearby populated area. Monitoring of possible corona noise to identify and correct problems. Proper maintenance of equipments/ machineries so the ambient noise standard is met Sedimentation ponds at the substations for waste water. Domestic waste treatment by providing septic tank soak pit. Containment structures, oil water separation, adopting good practices for oil handling and maintenance works Oil trap installation for separation of oil from water Stabilization of disturbed land. Proper handling of construction chemicals to avoid spillage.
During activity During activity
construction
construction
During phase
operational
3.
Surface Ground quality
and Water
Runoff from the construction site Domestic wastewater from construction sites and during substation operation Oil spillage
Direct/Local/ reversible Direct/Local/ reversible indirect/Local / reversible indirect/Local / reversible Direct/Local/ reversible
Before activity
construction
During construction and operation During construction and operation During operation During and after the construction activity
4.
Soils Geology
and
Oil contamination during maintenance Soil erosion due to construction activities.
X X
Damage activity
due
to
seismic
Direct/region al/ reversible
Site already selected and proper foundation design considering the geological conditions and seismicity of the area
Before the construction activity.
C. 1.
Ecological Resources Terrestrial Ecology Terrestrial Fauna
Loss of vegetation
Direct/Local/ irreversible Direct/Local/ reversible Direct/Local/ reversible Direct/Local/ reversible
2.
Disturbance to the local fauna during construction Disturbance to the local fauna during operation
3. D. 1.
Aquatic Ecology Human Environment Health and Safety
No significant envisaged
impacts
Plantation around the substation area will improve the ecology and aesthetics in the surrounding No wildlife around the substation area. Most are associated with man. Hence no mitigation is required. Monitoring for bird strikes during the operation and use of deflectors if required. No mitigations required
After the construction phase After the construction activity During the operational stage. During and after the construction activity.
Exposure to electromagnetic fields Fires, explosion and other accidents at the substations
Direct/Local/ continuous Direct/Local
2. 3.
Agriculture Socio-economics
Permanent and loss of agriculture
temporary
Direct/Local/ reversible Direct/region al
X X
Substation site is away from the settlement. No houses in the immediate vicinity. No mitigations required. Use of personal protective equipments during construction and maintenance. Prepare and implement safety and emergency manual. Regular inspection of lines for faults prone to accidents. Provision of Fire protection equipments. Provision of Lightening arrestors No mitigations required as there is no acquisition of agriculture land. Unskilled job opportunities during the construction period. Indirect benefits such as petty purchases of domestic items and logistic local support ( tractor trolley, donkeys etc during construction period. Overall economic growth of the region. No displacement of houses hence no mitigation required No mitigation required
--
During phase
operation
-During phase construction
Beneficial impacts from rural and urban electrification. Job opportunities during construction phase
4.
Resettlement
Resettlement of the house in substation areas No archaeological, historical or cultural important sites are affected by the construction of the substations
Direct/Local/ reversible Direct/Local/ reversible
--
5.
Cultural sites
--
6.
Traffic and Transportation
Traffic congestion due to movement of construction vehicles Probability of Surface and ground pollution
Direct/Local/ reversible
Avoid high density areas, proper traffic signs at the construction site, ensuring proper access roads The wooden and metallic scrap will be collected and disposed off in compliance with the Environmental Protection Act, 1986, and applicable regulations and rules. The oil sludge should be separately stored in the containers and disposed off in compliance with the Environmental Protection Act, 1986, and applicable regulations and rules.
During phase
construction
Solid Disposal
Waste
indirect/Local / reversible
During construction and maintenance
Liquid (Oil) waste Disposal
Probability of Surface and ground pollution
indirect/Local / reversible
During construction and maintenance.
6.0
INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAM: Institutional arrangements:
6.1
105. The mitigation measures suggested requires monitoring of environmental attributes both during construction and operational phase of the project. PTCUL have a separate environmental cell for dealing with the various environmental issues at the corporate level. In the PTCUL there is environmental cell both at the corporate and regional levels to monitor and implement environmental good practices. 106. The environment management cell at both the levels is headed by qualified and experienced engineer who is well aware of the project activities and its impacts on the environment. The engineer should be able to give guidance to the personnel to adopt the environmental good practice. 107. The duties of the environmental cell at the corporate level: Monitoring and implementation of mitigation measures during construction and operation phases of the project. Prepare environmental management cell at both the levels is headed by qualified and experienced engineer who is aware of the project activities and its impacts on the environment. The engineer should be able to give guidance to the personnel to adopt the environmental good practice. Advising and coordinating regional environmental management cells activity towards effective environment management. Prepare environment and safety manual for the operation of sub-station. Liaise with the Ministry of Environment Forest (MoEF), New Delhi and State Department of environment and sought their help to solve the environment related issues of the project implementation. Advice to project planning cell on environmental and social issues while route selection of the alignment at the planning stage to avoid negative environmental impact. Provide Training and awareness on environmental and social issues related to power transmission projects to the project staff. 108. The duties of the environmental cell at the regional level: Implement the environment policy guidelines and environmental good practices at the sites. Advising and coordinating the field offices activity towards effective environment management. Implement environment and safety manual. Liaise with the State pollution control board and sought their help to solve the environment monitoring related issues. Carry out environmental and social survey in conjunction with project planning cell while route selection of the alignment at the planning stage to avoid negative environmental impact. Provide Training and awareness to the field offices on environmental and social issues related to power transmission projects. 109. Institutional Structures and Responsibility for Environmental Management Plan at Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited (PTCUL) is given in Table 6.1 below:
Table 6.1 Institutional Structures and Responsibility for Environmental Management Plan at Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited (PTCUL) Environmental Degradation, Pollution, social issues and community development, Resettlement, Poverty Alleviation Coordinate with MoEF, GoUK, GOI, ADB and other regulatory authorities during construction and operation stages of project
EMSD (Project incharge)
Environmental Issues Supervision of Environment related activities EMST PIU Superintending Environmental Engineer, Ex. professionals, Engineer (Engineers, field Responsible for supervisors) supervising Responsible contractors and monitoring and overseeing the reporting implementation progress on the of EMP EMP
Social Issues Social Issues, Community Development, R&R, Executive Executive Engineer Engineer Responsible for addressing social issues of the community Responsible for addressing community concerns and overseeing resettlement issues
EMSD = Environmental Management and Social Department, EMP = environmental management plan, EMST = Environmental management and Social Team, MOEF = Ministry of Environment and Forests, PIU = Project Implementation Unit
6.2 Environmental monitoring:

110. During the construction and operation phase of this project, the monitoring of the environmental aspects shall be done at the substation level by a competent officer under guidance of the regional and corporate level offices. During the construction phase, the prospective contractor should ensure that activities like handling of earth work; clearing work, access road construction, putting proper traffic signals is done properly to have minimum impact. This in turn should be monitored by the Engineer-in-Charge of the individual substation. Preventive maintenance should be carried out to identify and resolve problems related cooling oil,
gaskets, circuit breakers, vibration measurements, and other monitoring activities at regular intervals. 111. Monitoring of oil water separation and sanitary waste treatment should be done periodically to avoid water pollution. Other environmental good practices include noise abatement, maintaining hygienic conditions, maintenance of fire and safety equipment etc. clearing of grass should be done periodically and medium height tree plantation around the substation wall should be done at the substation areas. Monitoring report should be prepared once in six months with the corrective action plan for the problem areas. 112. Overall the environmental good practices should be followed as per environmental policy guidelines of the State Government.
6.3
Critical Environmental Review Criteria:
113. Loss of irreplaceable resources: The EMP includes compensation for the loss by minimizing the impact of loss of vegetation as per existing norms under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. 114. Accelerated use of resources for short-term gains: The project will not use of any natural resources occurring in the area during construction as well as its operation cum maintenance phases. The construction material such as tower members, cement etc. shall come from factories while the excavated soil shall be used for backfilling and revetment to restore the surface. Thus the project shall not cause any accelerated use of resources for short term gains. Endangering of species: No endangered species of flora and fauna exist in the project area as well as in the affected forest thus there seems to be no possibility of endangering/causing extinction of any species. Promoting undesirable rural-to urban migration: The project will not cause any submergence or loss of land holdings that normally trigger migration. It also does not involve acquisition of any private land holdings. Hence, there is no possibility of any migration. Increase in affluent/poor income gap: The project will increase availability and reliability of power in Uttarakhand State. It is well known that power is a key input to the economic development of any area. Past experience indicates that economic development leads to generation of more jobs which in turn should raise the living standards of poor. Thus the project is expected to contribute in reduction of affluent/poor income gap by providing opportunities for employment and rural based economic activities.
115.
116.
117.
6.4
118.
Environmental Management Plan:

The main benefits of the environmental mitigation plan are (i) ensuring that environmental standards are met during design, construction, and operation of the project; (ii) providing offsets to negate project impacts especially ecological impacts, e.g., in the form of compensatory afforestation, greenbelt development and landscaping. Without such expenditures, the project might generate large environmental impacts, causing the
biophysical environment in the area to deteriorate and indirectly depressing the economies of local communities. No tree cutting is involved for the construction of the substation at Kuwaripass (Pipalkoti). 119. Table 5.1 defines the Environmental Monitoring Requirements whereas the Summary EMP for the project components is provided in Table as Annexure- 8. The compliance with the EMP has been prepared based upon optimum and reasonable costs that are derived upon minimization of mitigation measures on a least-cost basis. The 400/200 kV substation project cost is 218.82 lacks which includes the land cost of 50 lacks. The EMP costs for the substation are given below in Table 6.4.1 below:
120.
Table 6.4.1: EMP Cost during Construction Stage S. Activity Unit Rate No. (INR) Safety awareness program among No. 1 the villagers and workmen. The contractor will conduct Information Education and Consultation Communication (IEC) campaigns at least every other month, addressed to all site staff and labour to the immediate local community and project affected people about the project related environment management and social issues. 2 Water sprinkling at haul road for suppression of dust due to vehicle movement near construction site for minimum 2-3 times. Per day minimum 1 hour sprinkling with water tankers/manually shall be done during construction days.
Quantity
Amount (INR) Lacs at least Contractor every shall other implement the month same as per clause 22.1 of Section 8 Special Condition of Contract
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as Safety Helmets, gumboots, safety Jackets, Ear plugs & Nose masks to workers working at construction site. The minimum no of PPE shall be 75 each of define item at one time.
No.
75
Contractor shall implement the same as per clause 22.1 of Section 8 Special Condition of Contract The contractor will maintain a stock of at least 75 PPEs in his stores for uses as per clause no 22.2 of Section 8 -
S. Activity No.
Unit
Rate (INR)
Quantity
Provision of sanitation facility around the camp site.
Amount (INR) Lacs Special Condition of Contract. Contractor shall implement the same as per clause 22.2 of Section 8 Special Condition of Contract
6 7
Construction stage monitoring of Ambient Air and Ambient Noise due to construction activity by approved monitoring agency -Once in 3 months interval near habitation close to construction site. Payment will be made after the verification from the site engineer. A) Ambient Air monitoring No. B) Ambient Noise monitoring No. C) Drinking water monitoring at No. camp site Green belt development inside the campus of sub-station Environmental enhancement such as repairing, whitewashing of worship places and schools, provision of drinking water facilities, sitting benches etc. and development of green belt along the worship place and schools, repairing of approach road and provision of bathing ghats close to project site. Detail plan with costing will be prepared by Implementing Agency and upon approval by Engineer/PTCUL, it will be executed. Upon verification of
8500 4000 7500

Lump sum
12 12 12
1.02 0.48 0.90 5.0 13.10
Lump sum
S. Activity Unit No. concerned Engineer, the payment shall be done. 8 Medical camps for workmen and No. society including checkup of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) including HIV/AIDS and health awareness program on monthly basis shall be done by the Contractor. Payment to the contractor for preparation and implementation this program shall not exceed the provisional sum dedicated for this purpose (Clause 22.2.7 of Section 8 of Special Condition of Contract) Total EMP cost during construction stage
Rate (INR)
Quantity
Amount (INR) Lacs
15000
30
4.50
25.00
121. The land has been provided by the State Government. There is no permanent or temporary structure on the land, hence there is no resettlement. There is no tree on this land hence no forest compensation is required. 6.5 Economic Assessment:
122. Energy demand has been growing at about 13% faster than gross domestic product during the last five years, and continued expansion of the energy and electricity supply and delivery infrastructure will enable rapid growth in the agriculture and industry sectors. To meet economic growth targets in the Uttarakhand state, electricity supplies will need to grow at substantial rates. The development of natural resources based generating capacity (hydro) in the state will introduce a greater diversity in sources of electricity supply and with that enhanced security of supply. Uttarakhand has only hydropower as one of its resources. Hydropower development is being given priority to improve hydro/thermal mix for optimizing the efficiency of countrys power system and usage of resources for sustainable power generation in an environment friendly manner. 123. The Uttarakhand Power Sector Investment Project will generate significant benefits it will (i) serve as a catalyst for Uttarakhand Energy development and provide a suitable power trading capacity to the state; (ii) reduce dependence on energy from the National grid as Uttarakhand does not have its own coal/fossil fuel powered power plant, thereby enhancing the state balance of payments account; and (iii) enhance the flow of capital into the Uttarakhand State, thereby leaving scarce national resources for other projects, while at the same time generating tax revenues for the State Government. The proposed project will minimize the environmental costs of providing the required increase in power evacuating capacity of the state. Apart from being an environmentally clean source of power, hydropower also provides a peaking
power option for the country. From the operational angle, hydro projects also provide synergy for optimizing generation, result in fuel savings, minimize greenhouse gases and produce power in environment friendly manner, supporting sustainable development. 124. Reasons of forecasted generation and demand growth: i) Due to rapid growth of the hydro power generation sector, helped by the Nations special attention to the growth of Uttarakhand. ii) Due to rapid growth of the industrial sector, helped by the Nations special attention to the growth of Uttarakhand. iii) Higher consumption in the domestic sector due to development under Govt. APDP scheme and increasing use of modem gadgets. iv) Also, the Government of India (GOI) has envisaged 100% electrification of villages by the end of 11th plan i.e. by 2012 and coverage of 100% households by the 11th plan, i.e. by 2012. At present, about 5% of the village needs to be electrified.
125. There is urgent need of system up gradation; this need will be fulfilled by the ADB under the program loan. The project will help in evacuation of upcoming power generation, operational efficiency, quality of power and reliability of the system. 6.6 Associated Facilities
126. In addition to the above justification, the overall power scenario of Uttarakhand as described below also justifies the construction of new substation. There is one existing 400 KV D/C transmission line which is evacuating power from Vishnuprayag (400MW) HEP of M/s. JP Hydro to Muzaffarnagar of PGCIL for further transmission. The LILO of this existing transmission line is proposed at 400 KV GIS Sub-station Pipalkoti to provide alternate path for power evacuation of 400 MW Vishnuprayag HEP in case of emergency. In the same way, the proposed LILO will provide an alternative path for the transmission of the accumulated generation of the Lata Tapovan, Badrinath, Vishnugad, and Vishnuprayag HEPs, hence power evacuation reliability will increase. 127. The detailed map of the Alaknanda basin provides a layout of the above projects and the transmission capacity of the basin as Annexure- 6.
7.0 PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE:

128. Whenever a power transmission system is planned and put up for the Governments approval, a Gazette notification of the transmission scheme is made in the state Gazette under section 29(II) of the Electricity (Supply) Act of 1948. The details of the schemes including the locations ( villages/towns) through which it will pass should be published in daily news papers of the area for information and to solicit comments, from the public within stipulated period. This is to allay fears and apprehensions of people and the objections or suggestions received, are considered in the location of the project. Presently the public consultation is done as a part of social assessment separately to ascertain the peoples reaction and the related issues are covered separately in the social assessment report. 129. During the survey, public consultation has done to know the peoples perceptions about the project and environmental problems. The purpose of the public consultation includes the following: To ascertain the public views on various environmental issues related to sub-station; To encourage and provide for peoples participation in project implementation; and To obtain new insight and site specific information, and to appropriating possible mitigation measures based on local knowledge of the communities.
Process Adopted:
130. Public consultation is an integral part of EMP report. Community consultations covering Environmental and Social aspects have been done close to proposed route of transmission line with Panchayat members and local villagers including women group. Local communities, who are primary stakeholders, have been chosen for consultation. Focused group discussion with the local community is adopted as a tool for the consultation along the transmission line. The local communities have been informed in advance about the date, venue, and purposes of the public consultation with briefing on project interventions including its benefits and disadvantages. The environmental concerns and suggestions made by the participants has been listed out, discussed and dissolved. 131. The details of scheme including the locations (villages/towns) where the route alignment of transmission line is proposed is published in daily news papers Amar Ujala, Uttarakhand edition, Danik Jagran, Uttarakhand edition and Times of India , Delhi edition) for information and to solicit comments from the public within stipulated period is given in Annexure 9.1. 132. Information about the proposed project in English and Local language (Hindi) is shared, which is given in Annexure 9.2 (a) & Annexure 9.2 (b). 133. Public Consultation and Awareness Program in English and Local language (Hindi) for the proposed project is done based on certain questions, which is given in Annexure 9.3 (a) & Annexure 9.3 (b).
Outcome of Public Consultation:

134. Most of the people seems to be unaware of the environment problems but after awareness and consultation program, people felt necessary to have new transmission line in the interest of development of state. After the discussion, the response of the people was obtained on the response sheet. Public consultation details are summarized in following table: Public Consultation Details: S. Issues Public Response PTCULs Explanations No. 1. Are you aware Most of the people were Officers of PTCUL team explained the of the project? unaware of the project. importance of project and its benefits. 2. Are you aware a. Generally people a. Consultation team ensured the people of the were worried about that double the afforestation will be done environmental the cutting of trees. by the forest department at the expenses issues related of PTCUL to compensate the to the project? deforestation. It was also briefed that route alignment is done in such a way that minimum tree cutting is required. b. Some people were b. It was informed that soil excavation area worried about the is very less for construction of tower dust emission. foundation and during the construction spray of water will be done to mitigate the dust emission. c. Few people also c. Officers explained that tower will be enquired about the transported in parts and it will be done by traffic/heavy vehicle using the normal trucks. traffic. d. Some people d. It was explained to them that construction were worried period for tower foundation near to the about noise of specific village is very short and it is in transport weeks. vehicles e. Some people asked e. It was briefed that designing of towers the question about (uneven legs extensions) is done in such the cutting of land a way that minimum cutting of land, if any, (benching work) and is required. Even if cutting of land is stabilization of land, require stabilization of land will done by if any. constructing retaining/breast wall and by doing revetment work.
S. Issues No. 3. Other issues
Public Response
PTCULs Explanations
a. Some people, a. Public was ensured that contractor will be especially ladies, asked strictly to maintain the discipline were worried about among the outside workers. the nuisance by the outside workers. b. Some people asked b. It was informed that contractor will be about the asked to prefer the local employment for employment from unskilled jobs. Indirect income to the this project. villagers will be generated in the form of purchases by the outside workers for their daily needs and in the form of animal transportation of material if required. c. Some people asked c. It was explained to them that this line will about importance of be of high voltage and will evacuate the constructing power power generated in HEPs to load centers. line in an already This will solve the problem of power electrified village. shortage, provide quality power at low cost to the state consumers and by selling the surplus power it will increase the revenue of the State of Uttarakhand. d. Some people d. It was ensured to them that it will be enquired about the avoided. However, if there is any loss it loss to their personal will be compensated as per departmental land and crops, if norms. Crop compensation will be any. provided to them by PTCUL but the case will be processed by the state government revenue department.
135.
The following people were present during the Public Consultation.
Name of village Helang Date: 05-11-2008 S. No. Name 1 Sh. Mahesh Pal 2 Sh. Murli 3 Sh. Shiv Singh 4 Sh. Shiv Lal 5 Sh. Upendra Singh Panwar 6 Sh. Mahadev Singh 7 Sh. Rakesh Sati 8 Sh. Dhermendra Bisht 9 Sh. Bhagat Singh 10 Sh. Jagdamba Prasad 11 Sh. Biru 12 Sh. Santosh Bhandari 13 Sh. Prakash Tamta 14 Sh. Manoj Singh Bhandari 15 Sh. Pusker Singh
Age 30 25 46 30 25 44 30 28 32 48 43 30 30 27 39
Gender Male Male Male Male Male Male Male Male Male Male Male Male Male Male Male
Occupation Shopkeeper Patel Engg. Shopkeeper Labour Patel Engg. Bank Patel Engg. Contractor Farmer B.P.M. Farmer Agriculture Agriculture Agriculture Pvt. Service
Attendance sheet and Photographs of public consultation are enclosed as Annexure-9.4 and Annexure 9.5 respectively.
8.0
FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
136. Impacts are manageable and can be managed cost effectively - Environmental impacts are likely to result from the proposed transmission system development. Careful mitigation and monitoring, specific selection criteria and review/assessment procedures for candidate subprojects have been specified to ensure that minimal impacts take place. The detailed design would ensure inclusion of any such environmental impacts that could not be specified or identified at this stage are taken into account and mitigated where necessary. Those impacts can be reduced through the use of mitigation measures such as correction in work practices at the construction sites, or through the careful selection of sites and access routes. 137. Benefits far outweigh negative impacts - the proposed project will improve operational efficiency and quality of power, reliability of the system and at the same time will reduce losses. Evacuation of power from the region will boost economic development of the area and by strengthening the power transmission infrastructure. Overall, the major social and environmental impacts associated with transmission projects are limited to the construction period and can be mitigated to an acceptable level by implementation of recommended measures and by best engineering and environmental practices. It is been evaluated form the impact matrix that the project will not have significant negative environmental impacts and the project would help in improving the socio-economic conditions of this developing state. As the project falls in category B as per the ADBs guidelines, no detailed EIA study is required.
9.0 CONCLUSIONS
138. The IEE performed by IA to date is adequate for purposes of project implementation. Based on the environmental assessment and surveys conducted for the Project, the potential adverse environmental impacts can be mitigated to an acceptable level by adequate implementation of the mitigation measures identified in IEEs, EIAs, and EMP. Adequate provisions are being made in the Project to cover the environmental mitigation and monitoring requirements, and their associated costs. 139. As already mentioned, new 400 KV GIS Substation at Kuwaripass Pipalkoti) will evacuate the power of under construction Hydro-electric power projects, improve operational efficiency quality of power, reliability of the system and at the same time will reduce losses. The transmission (400 KV Srinagar- Kashipur line) of power between the two regions (GarhwalKumaun) will provide a tremendous boost to the economic and industrial development of Uttarakhand state and will strengthen the power transmission due to addition of this new substation at Srinagar. Overall, the major social and environmental impacts associated with transmission project is limited to the construction period and can be mitigated to an acceptable level by implementation of recommended measures and by best engineering and environmental practices. 140. Overall, the major social and environmental impacts associated with transmission project is limited to the construction period and can be mitigated to an acceptable level by implementation of recommended measures and by best engineering and environmental practices.
Annexure-1
Annexure- 2
Annexure- 3
Annexure- 4
Annexure- 5
Annexure- 6 Alaknanda Basin
Annexure- 7 Technical Aspects

The design and specification of substation equipment are to be governed by the following factorsInsulation Coordination: 420KV system would be designed to limit the Switching over voltage to 2.5p.u. in 5 to 5 cycles. Consistent with these values and protective levels provided by lightning arrestors, the following insulation levels are proposed to be adopted for 420KV & 220KV systems: 420KV a b c d e f g Impulse withstand voltage for Transformer and reactors for other equipment Switching surge withstand voltage Minimum creep age distance Max. fault current Duration of fault Corona extinction voltage 1300KVp 1425KVp 1050KVp 10500mm 50KA 1 Sec. 320KV rms 220KV 1050KVp 1050KVp 5125mm 40KA 1sec. 155KV rms
To control the steady state, transient and dynamic over voltage to specified levels, compensation equipment shall be provided.
Steady State Stability: The Steady State Stability is the ability of a system, to return/remain in
the state of equilibrium when subjected to small or gradual changes of disturbances. The steady state stability limit is the maximum power that can flow through some lines in the system when the entire or part of the system to which the stability limit refers is subjected to a small disturbance without loss of its stability. The steady state stability is usually quantified by measuring the relative angular displacement (also called as swing curve) between the two buses (nodes) in a network when a small disturbance is applied somewhere into the system. In an integrated power system consisting of large number of generator, load and line etc. a maximum relative angular separation of about 30 deg. between the two buses may be assumed to be acceptable (safest) limit for maintaining the steady state stability of the system. Angular separation for different alternative have been studied and found to be in order.
Switching Schemes: The following switching schemes have been considered

400KV Double Bus Bar system 220KV Double Bus Bar system
Substation Equipment: The switchgear shall design and specified to withstand operating
conditions and duty requirements.
Power Transformer: Power transformers shall at outdoor type with HV side SF6/Oil interface
and secondary side IC-220mm2 XLPE copper cable conform to IEC: 50075/IS:2025 in general. These transformers shall generally have OLTC, the range and requirement of which shall be finalized based on the system requirement. The air core reactance shall be of the order of 20%. Tertiary windings shall be provided for large auto transformers which shall be capable of being
loaded to one third of transformer loading. Insulation level of tertiary winding shall not be less than maximum transferred surge from HV/MV winding to tertiary winding.
Circuit Breaker: Circuits breakers shall be with the GIS module in general comply to IEC
62271-100 & IEC-50594 and shall be of SF6 type. The rated break time shall not exceed 40ms for 420KV and 50ms for 245KV circuit breakers. Circuit Breakers shall be provided with single phase and three phase auto re-closing. The circuit breakers controlling 420KV lines wherever required shall be provided with pre insertion closing resistor of about 400ohms with 8ms insertion time. The short line fault capacity shall be as the rated capacity and this is proposed to be achieved without use of opening resistors.
Isolators: The isolators with one switch and two switches shall be with the GIS module comply
to IEC 52271-102 in general. Isolators shall be motor operated. Earth switches are provided at various locations to facilitate maintenance. Main blades and earth blades shall be interlocked and interlock shall be fail safe type. All earth switches shall be motor operated type.
Current Transformers: Current transformers will be with the GIS module shall comply to IEC
60044-1 in general. All ratios shall be obtained by secondary taps. Current transformers shall have five secondary for 400KV & 220KV. The burden and knee point voltage shall be in accordance with the requirements of the system including possible feeds for telemetry.
Capacitor Voltage Transforms/ Voltage Transformers: Capacitive Voltage transformers

shall be outdoor type and VT will be with the GIS bus module comply to IEC 60044-2 in general. These shall have three secondary out of which two shall be used for protection and one for metering. Accuracy class for protection core shall be 3 P and for metering core shall be 0.2. The voltage transformers on lines shall be suitable for Carrier Coupling. The Capacitance of CVT shall be 4400/8800pF depending on PLCC requirements.
Surge Arrestors: Station class current limiting, heavy duty gapless type surge arresters will be
A/S type conforming to IEC 60099-4 in general shall be provided. The rated voltage of surge arrester and other characteristics are chosen in accordance with system requirements. Surge arresters shall be provided near line entrances, so as to achieve proper insulation coordination. These shall be fitted with pressure relief devices and diverting ports suitable for preventing shattering of porcelain housing providing path for the flow of rated currents in the event of arrestors failure.
Substation Support Facilities: Certain facilities required for operation & maintenance of
substations as described below shall be provided with in the substation.
AC & DC power supplies: For catering to the requirements of three phase & single phase AC
supply and DC supply for various substation equipments the following arrangement is envisaged: i. For LT supply, at new substation, 2 nos. 630 KVA 33/0.4KV LT transformers shall be connected with the tertiary of 315MVA, 400/220/33KV Auto transformer. ii. 2 nos. batteries of 220V of 500AH for control & protection and 1 no. 300AH 50V battery for PLCC would be provided at new substation. Each battery would have a boost and trickle charger. iii. Suitable AC & DC distribution boards and associated LT switchgear would be provided at new substations. iv. In new substations, one no. 100KVA outdoor silent type DG set shall be provided.
Fire Fighting System: For Auto transformer the fire protection system shall be Nitrogen
injection fire prevention & extinguishing system and protection system for indoor control room and GIS room will be portable type.
Lighting & Communication: Adequate normal & emergency AC & DC lighting shall be
provided in the control room of the substation. The switchyards shall also be provided with adequate lighting. A telephone exchange of 24 lines shall be provided at new substations as means of effective communication between various buildings of the substation.
Control Room: There will be 400KV GIS cum control room building that will have AC, DC
distribution room battery & charger room, PLCC, SAs system and offices. There will be separate one GIS room for 220KV substation.
Protection & Control Protective Relaying System: The protective relaying system proposed to be provided for
transmission lines, auto-transforms and bus bars to minimize the damage to the equipments in the events of faults and abnormal conditions, is dealt in this section.
Transmission Lines: 400KV lines shall have MAIN-I and MAIN-II protection as four zone
distance type with carrier aided inter-tripping feature. 400KV lines shall also be provided with two stages over voltage protection. Further, all 400KV lines shall be provided with single and three phase auto re-closing facility to allow re-closing of circuit breakers in case of transient faults. These lines shall also be provided with distance to fault locators to identify the location of fault on transmission lines.
Auto Transformer: These shall have the following protections:

1. Differential protection 2. Restricted earth fault protection 3. Over-current and earth fault protection on HV/MV side 4. Over fluxing protection 5. Overload alarm. Besides these Power transformers shall have BUCHOLZ relay, protection against high oil and winding temperature and pressure relief device. Bus bar Protection: The high speed bus bar differential protection which is essential to minimize the damage and maintain system stability at the time of bus bar faults shall be provide for 400KV & 220KV buses. Bus bar protection scheme shall be such that it operates selectively for each bus and incorporate necessary features required for ensuring security. The scheme shall have the provision for future expansion. For existing substations, the existing bus bar protection shall be augmented wherever required.
Local Breaker Break up Protection: This shall be provided for each 420KV & 220KV
breaker and will be connected to de-energize the affected stuck breaker from both sides.
Time synchronization equipment: Time synchronization equipment complete in all respect

including antenna, cable, processing equipment required to receive time signal through GPS of from National Physical Laboratory (NPL) through INSAT shall be provided.
Substation Automation System: The functions of control, annunciation, disturbance

recording, event logging and measurement of electrical parameters shall be integrated in Substation Automation System. The Automation System shall be provided with the facility of communication at control centre and remote center operation. In existing substations where substation automation is not provided, control functions shall be done through control panels.
PLCC: Power line carrier communication (PLCC) equipment complete for speech transmission,
line protections, and data channels shall be provided on each 400KV & 220KV transmission line. The protections for transmission line and the line compensating equipment shall have hundred percent back up communication channels. The PLCC equipment shall in brief include the following: Coupling device, line traps, carrier terminals, protection couplers, HF cables, trunk selectors, automatic exchange and maintenance & testing instruments. Coupling devices shall be suitable for 4400/8800pF for 400KV & 220KV CVTs for phase to phase coupling. The pass band of coupling devices shall have sufficient margin for adding communication channel in future if required Necessary protection devices for the safety of personnel and low voltage part against power frequency voltages and transient over voltage shall also be provided. The line traps shall be broad band tuned suitable for blocking the complete range of carrier frequencies. Line Trap shall have the necessary protective devices such as lighting arresters for the protection of tuning device and shall be equipped with corona rings. The carrier terminals shall be of single side-band (SSB) amplitude modulation (AM) type and shall have 4 KHz band width. Decoupling network consisting of line traps and coupling capacitors may also be required at certain substation in case of extreme frequency congestion.
Control Concept: All EHV Circuit Breaker shall be controlled and synchronized from a
centralized control center/remote control center.
Annexure 8 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

Project activity Potential Proposed mitigation /stage impact measure Pre-construction/ Design-phase Selection of land Change in 1. Avoidance of forest land, land use cultivable land and builtup area. 2. At least 100 m away from the surface water body 3. Should be away from environmental sensitive locations such as school, colleges, hospitals, religious structures, monuments etc 4. Minimum tree cutting Consultation with local villagers and relevant authorities Equipment Release of 1. Pollution Control Specifications Chemicals equipments to be used in and design and gases in Substation transformers parameters receptors or other project facilities or equipment. 2. Process, equipment and system not to use CFCs including halon, and their use, if any, in existing processes and systems should be phased out and to be disposed off in a manner consistent with the requirement of the government Parameter to be monitored Land use of the site and nearby location Measurement and frequency Part of detailed design survey Institutional responsibility PTCUL Implementation Schedule During detailed design survey
1. Transformers design 2. Process, equipment and design
Once during design phase
PTCUL
Part of tender specifications for the equipment
Project activity /stage Substation location and design Involuntary resettlement or land acquisition Encroachment into precious ecological areas
Potential impact Exposure to noise
Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement and measure monitored frequency Design of plant enclosures Expected noise Compliance with to comply with noise emissions based on regulations - once regulations. substation design Compensation paid for temporary/ permanent loss of productive land as per LAA & its process of Avoid encroachment by careful site and alignment selection RAP implementation Consultation with affected parties once in a quarter
Institutional responsibility PTCUL
Implementation Schedule Part of detailed siting survey and design Prior to construction phase Part of detailed siting and alignment survey/design
Social inequities
PTCUL
Noise related
Loss precious ecological values/ damage to precious species Nuisance to Substations designed to neighboring ensure noise will not be a properties nuisance.
Sub-station location Consultation with PTCUL (distance to nearest local authorities designated ecological once protection area)
Noise levels
Designing drainage pattern
Escape of polluting materials
Impact on groundwater and nearby agricultural field Environmenta l pollution
Appropriate mitigation measures to be adopted in the design itself to avoid accidental hazards in the drainage system Transformers designed with oil spill containment systems, and purpose-built oil, lubricant and fuel storage system, complete With spill cleanup equipment. Substations to include drainage and sewage disposal systems to avoid
Ground condition for flow of drain water
Noise levels to be PTCUL, specified in tender documentsonce PTCUL Part of detailed equipment design Part of detailed PTCUL design survey
Part of detailed equipment design
Part of detailed alignment survey and design Part of detailed equipment design /drawings
Equipment Tender document PTCUL specifications to mention with respect to specifications potential pollutants once
Substation design
sewage Tender document to mention detailed specifications
PTCUL
Project activity /stage
Potential impact
Equipment submerged under flood
Proposed mitigation measure offsite land and water pollution. Contaminatio Substations constructed n of receptors above the high flood level (land, water) (HFL) by raising the foundation pad. Hazards to life Design of Substations to include modern fire control systems/firewalls.
Parameter to be monitored
Measurement and frequency once
Institutional responsibility
Implementation Schedule
Explosions/Fire
Substation design to account for HFL (elevation with respect to HFL elevation) Substation design compliance with fire prevention and control codes -
Base height as per PTCUL flood design - once
Tender document to mention detailed specifications once Part of detailed design survey
PTCUL
Rainwater Harvesting Uncontrolled erosion/ silt runoff
Positive Impact Soil loss, downstream siltation;
PTCUL
Need for access tracks minimized, use of existing roads.
Design basis and construction procedures (suspended solids in receiving waters; area re-vegetated in m2; amount of bunds constructed [length in meter, area in m2, or volume in m3])
Incorporating good PTCUL design and construction management practices once for each site
Part of detailed substation layout and design /drawings Part of detailed substation layout and design /drawings Part of detailed substation design Part of detailed substation design
Construction-Phase Equipment Noise and Construction techniques Construction layout and vibrations and machinery selection techniques installation seeking to minimize ground machinery disturbance.
Construction and techniques and machinery creating minimal ground disturbanceonce at the start of each construction phase
PTCUL Supervision Consultant/ Contractor
/ Construction Period
Project activity /stage Physical Construction
Potential impact Disturbed nearby farming activities
Mechanized Construction
Proposed mitigation measure Construction activities on land timed to avoid disturbance on the nearby field crops (within 1 month of harvest wherever possible) Felled trees Disposal of cleared and other vegetation as approved by cleared or the statutory authorities pruned (area cleared in m2) vegetation to be disposed of as authorized by the statutory bodies Noise, Construction equipment to Vibration and be well maintained. Operator The machines should be safety, properly fitted with efficient silencers operation Regular maintenance of constructional equipments Turning off plant when not in use Noise, Proper maintenance and vibration, turning off plant not in use. equipment wear and tear
Parameter to be Measurement and monitored frequency Time period of Crop disturbanceavailable field crop post harvest Crops once
Institutional responsibility PTCUL / Supervision Consultant/ Contractor PTCUL/ Supervision Consultant/ Contractor
Implementation Schedule Construction Period
Use or intended use Amount of ground of vegetation as disturbance - once approved by the per site statutory authorities
Construction Period
Constructional equipments
Once at the start of constructional activities and at least once during middle of construction stage
PTCUL / Supervision Consultant/ Contractor
Construction Period
Construction equipment estimated noise emissions and operating schedules
Complaints received by local authoritiesevery 2 weeks
PTCUL, Contractor through contract provisions
Construction Period
Project activity /stage Construction of roads for accessibility
Potential impact Increase in airborne dust particles
Proposed mitigation measure Existing roads and tracks used for construction and maintenance access to the line, wherever possible
Parameter to be monitored Access roads, routes (length and width of new access roads to be constructed) nearest dwelling or social institution
Measurement and frequency Use of established roads wherever possible every 2 weeks
Institutional responsibility PTCUL / Supervision Consultant/ Contractor
Increased New access ways restricted land to a single carriageway requirement width within the ROW for temporary accessibility Temporary blockage of utilities Overflows, reduced discharge Temporary placement of fill in Drains/canals not permitted.
Site clearance
Wood/ vegetation harvesting
PTCUL Contractor through contract provisions Vegetation Tree clearances for Ground disturbance Amount of ground PTCUL/ easement establishment to during vegetation disturbance - every Supervision only involve cutting trees off clearance (area, m2) 2 weeks Consultant/ at ground level or pruning Contractor as appropriate, with tree stumps and roots left in place and ground cover left undisturbed Loss of Construction workers Illegal wood Complaints by local PTCUL vegetation prohibited from harvesting /vegetation people or other /Supervision and wood in the project area harvesting (area in evidence of illegal Consultant/ deforestation during their employment m2, number of harvesting - every 2 Contractor (apart from locally incidents reported) weeks employed staff continuing current legal activities).
Access width (meters) & Tower location and line alignment selection (distance to agricultural land) Temporary fill placement (m3)
Consultation with local authorities and land ownersOnce
PTCUL Supervision Consultant/ Contractor
/ Construction Period
Absence of fill in sensitive drainage areasevery 4 weeks
Construction Period
Construction Period
Construction Period
Project activity /stage Surplus earthwork/soil
Potential impact Runoff to cause Construction period water pollution, solid waste disposal
Proposed mitigation measure Excess fill from tower foundation excavation disposed of next to roads or around houses, in agreement with the local community or landowner. Soil excavated from Sub-station construction Fertile Top soil removed for construction shall be used in backfilling for towers and remaining to be spread over in nearby fields Avoidance of constructional activities during monsoon
Parameter to be monitored Location and amount (m3)of fill disposal
Measurement and frequency Appropriate fill disposal locationsevery 2 weeks
Institutional responsibility PTCUL /Supervision Consultant/ Contractor
Substation Construction
Loss of Soil and soil erosion due to excavation Water pollution
Soil disposal Acceptable soil locations and volume disposal sites (m3) 1. every 2 weeks Preservation of top Regular check soil during excavation activities
Construction Period PTCUL/ Supervision Consultant/ Contractor PTCUL/ Supervision Consultant/ Contractor PTCUL/ Supervision Consultant/ Contractor Construction Period
pH, BOD, Mg, Na, Ca, K, Total hardness, Fe etc
Storage of chemicals and materials
Contaminatio n of receptors (land, water, air)
Fuel and other hazardous materials securely stored above high flood level.
Constructional Schedules
Noise pollution
Location of hazardous material storage; spill reports (type of material spilled, amount (kg or m3) and action taken to control and clean up spill) Constructional activities to Time of construction Once in a quarter be undertaken during day and noise level at construction site time only and local [dB(A)] community shall be informed about the constructional schedule
With approved monitoring agency at construction site as per monitoring plan Fuel storage in appropriate locations and receptacles - every 2 weeks
Construction Period
Construction Period
PTCUL/ Supervision Consultant/ Contractor
Construction Period
Project activity /stage Provision of facilities to the constructional workers Encroachment into farmland
Potential impact Contaminatio n of receptors (land, air, water) Loss of agricultural productivity
Social inequities
Uncontrolled erosion/silt runoff
Soil loss, downstream siltation;
Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement and measure monitored frequency Proper sanitation, water Amenities of Presence of proper supply and waste disposal workforce facilities sanitation, water facilities supply and waste disposal facilities Usage of existing Complaints Use existing access utilities received by local roads wherever possible Status of facilities people /authorities Ensure existing irrigation 3 (earthwork in m ) every 2 weeks facilities are maintained in working condition Protect /preserve topsoil and reinstate after construction completed Repair /reinstate damaged bunds etc after construction completed Compensation for Implementation of Consultation with temporary loss in Crop compensation affected parties agricultural production (amount paid, dates, once in a quarter etc.) Need for access tracks Design basis and Incorporating good minimised, use of existing construction design and roads procedures construction Limit site clearing to work (suspended solids in management receiving waters; practicesonce for areas Regeneration of vegetation area re-vegetated in each site m2; amount of bunds to stabilize works areas on completion (where const ructed [length in meter, area applicable) in m2, or volume in Avoidance of excavation in m3]) wet season Water courses protected from siltation through use of bunds and sediment ponds
Institutional responsibility PTCUL/ Supervision Consultant/ Contractor PTCUL/ Supervision Consultant/
Construction Period
Contractor
Construction Period
PTCUL Contractor through contract provisions
Construction Period
Project activity /stage Flooding hazards due to construction impediments of natural drainage Equipment submerged under flood
Potential impact Flooding and loss of soils, contamination of receptors (land, water)
Proposed mitigation measure Avoid natural drainage pattern /facilities being disturbed /blocked /diverted by ongoing construction activities
Parameter to be monitored Contract clauses (e.g., suspended solids and BOD/COD in receiving water)
Measurement and frequency Incorporating good construction management practicesonce for each site
Institutional responsibility Contractor through contract provisions
Contaminatio n of receptors (land, water) Inadequate Loss of land siting of borrow values areas
Equipment stored at secure Store room level to Store room level as place above the high flood be above HFL per flood design level (HFL) (elevation difference once in meters) Existing borrow sites will be Contract clauses used to source aggregates, therefore, no need to develop new sources of aggregates Incorporating good Construction management practicesonce for each site
IA (PTCUL)
Construction Period
IA (Contractor through contract provisions PTCUL /Supervision Consultant/ Contractor
Construction Period
Health Safety Workers
and Injury and 1. Safety equipments for of Sickness constructional workers 2. Contract provisions specifying minimum requirements for construction camps 3. Contractor to prepare and implement health and safety camps 4. Contractor to arrange for health and safety training sessions 5. Contractor to arrange Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to workers working at construction site
Safety provision Contract clauses during construction; compliance once and every quarter Contract provision for safety issue
Construction Period
Project activity /stage Inadequate Construction stage monitoring
Potential impact Likely maximize damages
Proposed mitigation Parameter to be measure monitored to 1. Training of 1. Training environmental monitoring Schedules personnel 2. Respective 2. Implementation of contract checklist effective environmental and remedial monitoring and reporting actions taken system using checklist of thereof. all contractual 3. Compliance report environmental related to requirements environmental 3. Appropriate contract aspects for the clauses to ensure contract satisfactory implementation of contractual environmental mitigation measures 4. Monitoring of Ambient Air and Ambient Noise at construction site
Tree plantation along the periphery of substation
Positive impact
Plantation
Tree plantation must be done before cutting of tree and it shall be maintained for minimum 1 year.
Measurement and frequency 1. Number of programs attended by each person once a year 2. Submission of duty completed checklists of all contracts for each site once 3. Submission of duty completed compliance report for each site once 4. Monitoring of Ambient Air and Ambient Noise at construction site close to habitations at regular intervals Check on planted tree and its maintenance on quarterly basis
Institutional responsibility PTCUL /Supervision Consultant/ Contractor
PTCUL/ Supervision Consultant/ Forest Department PTCUL/ Supervision Consultant/ Contractor
Construction Period
Provision of Rain water harvesting
Positive impact
As per approved design of rainwater harvesting, it shall be provided within sub-station site. Check on monthly basis
Construction Period
Project activity /stage Environmental enhancement along the project site
Potential impact
Proposed mitigation measure
Parameter to be monitored The Contractor will indentify the location for enhancement and upon approval from PTCUL/ Consultant, the enhancement will be done. Substation bunding (as-built diagrams)
Measurement and frequency
Institutional responsibility
Operation and Maintenance Phase Oil spillage Contaminatio n of land/nearby water bodies Substation transformers located within secure and impervious bunded areas with a storage capacity of at least 100% of the capacity of oil in transformers and associated reserve tanks Careful design using appropriate technologies to minimise hazards Bunding capacity and permeability once PTCUL During Operation
Inadequate Injury and provision of sickness of staff/workers staff /workers health and safety during operations
Usage of appropriate technologies (lost work days due to illness and injuries) Training/awareness programs and mock drills
Safety awareness rising for staff. Preparation of fire emergency action plan and training given to staff on implementing emergency action plan Provide adequate sanitation and medical facilities
Preparedness level for using these technologies in crisis once each year Number of programs and percent of staff /workers covered once each year
PTCUL
During Operation
Provision of facilities
Complaints received from staff /workers every 2 weeks
Project activity /stage Electric Shock Hazards
Potential impact Injury/mortalit y to staff and public
Proposed mitigation measure Careful design using appropriate technologies to minimise hazards
Parameter to be monitored Usage of appropriate technologies (number of injury incidents, lost work days)
Measurement and frequency Preparedness level for using these technologies in crisis once a month
Implementation Schedule During Operation
Security fences around substations/powerhouse/ head works Barriers to prevent climbing on/dismantling of transmission towers Appropriate warning signs on facilities Electricity safety awareness raising in project areas
Maintenance fences Maintenance barriers
of Report maintenance every 2 weeks of
on
Maintenance of warning signs Training /awareness programs and mock drills for all concerned parties
Operations and maintenance staff skills less than acceptable
Unnecessary environmental losses of various types
Adequate training in O&M to all relevant staff of substations and transmission line maintenance crews. Preparation and training in the use of O&M manuals and standard operating practices.
Number of programs and percent of total persons covered once each year Training/awareness Number of PTCUL programs and mock programs and drills for all relevant percent of staff staff covered once each year
During Operation
Inadequate periodic environmental monitoring
Diminished ecological and social values.
IA staff to receive training in environmental monitoring of project operations and maintenance activities.
Training/awareness programs and mock drills for all relevant staff
Number of programs and percent of staff covered once
PTCUL
During Operation
Project activity /stage Noise generating equipments
Potential impact Nuisance to neighbouring properties
Proposed mitigation measure Equipments to be well installed with noise absorbing techniques Noise barriers
Parameter to be monitored level in dB (A)
Measurement and frequency each year Every month or as desired in consultation with affected parties (if any)
Implementation Schedule During Operation
Annexure 9.1
Annexure 9.2 (a) Public Information

General public is hereby informed that construction of Extra High Voltage 400 KV GIS Substation Kuwaripass (Pipalkoti), District Chamoli is proposed with the financial assistance of Asian Development Bank. The purpose is to evacuate the power from the various Hydro Electric power houses under construction/ proposal nearby. Following points are for your awareness:1. Sate of Uttarakhand will progress by leaps and bounce due to more power generated , as the state will get free 12% of the generated electric power as well as the transmission charges by transmitting the electric power. Thus the state will get more revenue and more electric power. You all will get uninterrupted electric power supply due to this more power generated. The extra revenue generated will be used in various development activities of state, which will increase your living standards. 2. Construction of this substation will generate local employment, as large number of unskilled labor (men/women) will be required at the time of construction activities. Completion period of this project will be around 2-3 years. Local employment which you get during this period will increase your living standards PTCUL Department needs your co-operation for successful completion of this project. Let us contribute for the prosperity of the state. Thank You. together
Dy. General Manager (ADB Project works) Urja Bhawan Compound Kanwali Road, Dehradun Ph. No. 0135-2761587
ByPower Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Ltd (A Government of Uttarakhand Undertaking)
Annexure-9.2(b)
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Annexure-9.3(a)
Public Consultation and Awareness Program (ADB Financed Project, PFR-IV) Name of Project: Construction of 400 KV GIS Substation Kuwaripass (Pipalkoti).
Following General Knowledge was shared /imparted during the Public Consultation and Awareness Program. (1) Are you aware of the project?
(2) How this will benefit you personally society and state as a whole?
(3) What are the environmental issues related to the project?
(4) What are the disadvantages and how these can be mitigated?
(5) Considering all the positive & negative factors, should the project be implemented or not?
Dy. General Manager (ADB Project works) Urja Bhavan Compound Kanwali Road, Dehradun Ph. No. 0135-2761587
Annexure-9.3(b)
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Annexure 9.4
Annexure 9.5
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INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION REPORT FOR PROPOSED NEW 400 KV GIS SUB-STATION At KUWARIPASS (PIPALKOTI) (Revised)

POWER TRANSMISSION CORPORATION OF UTTARAKHAND LIMITED

1.0 2.0 3.0

Background: Uttarakhand is one of the most beautiful and enchanting region of

2 13 78 95 71 670 7,227 16,826

10 Rudraprayag 11 Tehri 12 Udham Singh Nagar 13 Uttarkashi Total

Uttarakhand - Tourism State: Tourism is one of main source of income at

Number 214 124 174 6764 32 1610 2312 802

Number 2,26,00,000 2,21,00,000 1,06,000 1,99,043 18,3481 15,562

DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

Figure 2.1: Location map of the proposed sub-station

Figure 2.3: Location map of the proposed sub-station

Physical Resources and Environmental Settings:

Social and Cultural Resources:

Most important commodities imported Food Grains

Most important commodities exported None

Most commodities manufactured None

Two most prevalent methods of disposal of night soil

Name of Town Pipalkoti

Cess pool method NA

Water borne DNA

Oth ers DNA

ALTERNATIVES FOR SUBSTATION LAND:

Sl. No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 i) ii) 7 i)

Agriculture & Labourers

Agriculture & Labourers

Agriculture & Labourers

ii) iii) iv) v) 8 i) ii) 9 10 11

Unskilled labour Service/Agriculture Moderate NIL NIL 100 Nos. 1 No.

Unskilled labour Service/Agriculture Moderate NIL NIL 25 Nos. -

Unskilled labour Service/Agriculture Moderate NIL NIL None -

Yes Rs. 20 Crores -

Yes Rs. 1.5 Crores -

5.2 Environmental problems associated with Construction and Operation Stage:

Impact on Physical Resources

Impact on Environmental Resources:

Impact on Ecological Resources:

Impact on Human Environment:

Change in the surface features No impacts on the climatic conditions

Direct/Local/ irreversible Direct/Local/ irreversible

During construction and operation phase --

Direct/Local/ reversible Direct/Local/ reversible

During activity During activity

Surface Ground quality

Oil contamination during maintenance Soil erosion due to construction activities.

Direct/region al/ reversible

Before the construction activity.

Ecological Resources Terrestrial Ecology Terrestrial Fauna

Direct/Local/ irreversible Direct/Local/ reversible Direct/Local/ reversible Direct/Local/ reversible

Aquatic Ecology Human Environment Health and Safety

Direct/Local/ continuous Direct/Local

Permanent and loss of agriculture

Direct/Local/ reversible Direct/region al

-During phase construction

Direct/Local/ reversible Direct/Local/ reversible

Traffic and Transportation

During construction and maintenance

Liquid (Oil) waste Disposal

Probability of Surface and ground pollution

During construction and maintenance.

INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAM: Institutional arrangements:

EMSD (Project incharge)

6.2 Environmental monitoring: