Environmental Assessment Report

Summary Initial Environmental Examination

Project Number: 40005
December 2009

INDIA: Jharkhand State Roads Project

Prepared by [Author(s)]
[Firm]
[City, Country]
Prepared by the Road Construction Department, Government of Jharkhand for the Asian
Development Bank (ADB).
Prepared for [Executing Agency]
[Implementing Agency]

The summary initial environmental examination is a document of the borrower. The views expressed
herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB’s Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may
The views expressed herein are those of the consultant and do not necessarily represent those of ADB’s
be preliminary in nature.
members, Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature.
 ABBREVIATIONS

ADB - Asian Development Bank

CPCB - Central Pollution Control Board
EA - Executing Agency
EFRC - Environment Friendly Road Construction
EIA - Environmental Impact Assessment
EMMP - Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan
IEE - Initial Environmental Examination
MoEF - Ministry of Environment and Forests
NGO - Non Government Organization
NOx - Oxides of Nitrogen
PMU - Project Management Unit
PWD - Public Works Department
RCD - Road Construction Department
ROW - Right of Way
SPM - Suspended Particulate Matter
SO2 - Sulphur Dioxide
SPCB - State Pollution Control Board
TOR - Terms of Reference
WHO - World Health Organisation

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

km - kilometer
km2 - square kilometer
m - meter
ha - hectare - unit of area
m3 - cubic meter
C (Celsius) – unit of temperature
dB(A) - decibel audible– unit of level of sound

NOTES

(i) The fiscal year (FY) of the Government and its agencies ends on 31st March.
(ii) In this report, “$” refers to US dollars.
 CONTENTS
Page
I. INTRODUCTION 1
II. DISRIPTION OF THE PROJECT 1
III. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT 2
A. GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS OF JHARKAHND STATE 2
1. Physical Environment 2
2. Biological Environment 3
3. Socio-Economic Environment 3
B. THE SPECIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS ALONG THE PROJECT
ROAD 4
IV. POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 4
A. Environmental Impacts Associated with Project Location, Preliminary Planning
and Design 4
B. Environmental Impacts Due to Construction 5
C. Environmental Effects Related to Operation 7
D. Potential Environmental Enhancement/ Protection Measures 7
V. INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 7
VI. PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE 8
VII. FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 9
VIII. CONCLUSIONS 9
 I. INTRODUCTION

1. The Government of Jharkhand has been entrusted with the development of the State
Road Network, connecting Northern part of State to National Highway No. 2 at Dhanbad. A link
road connecting Govindpur - Jamtara - Dumka - Barhet – Sahebganj, covering a total length of
about 310 km and passing through six districts of the State has been selected under the project.

2. The project is categorized as B project as per the ADB Policy as well as EIA notification,
2006 of Government of India. Accordingly, Environmental Assessment Study has been
undertaken by the Road Construction Department (RCD), Government of Jharkhand as per the
requirements of EIA notification, 2006 of Government of India. This Summary IEE is based on
the Environmental Assessment Report prepared for the project. It summarizes the
environmental impacts associated with implementation of the proposed project. The study was
undertaken in accordance with relevant laws and regulations of the Government of India; as well
as in compliance with the ADB’s Environment Policy, 2002, and Environmental Assessment
Guidelines, 2003. The content and format of Environmental Assessment Report prepared for
the project is complying with the ADB’s requirements of category B projects.

II. DESRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

3. The project related to the rehabilitation and upgrading of the existing road, i.e.,
Govindpur – Jamtara – Dumka – Barhet – Sahebganj. The project road takes off from Chainage
0.0 Km at Govindpur Junction at NH-2, which further traverses through Jamtara, Dumka, Barhet
and ends at Sahebganj. The entire project length has been divided into four packages as:

Package : Road Section Length (Km)

Package 1 : Gobindpur to Jamtara Section 69.68
: Jamtara Bypass 10.92
Package 2 : Jamtara to Dumka Section 75.50
: Dumka Bypass 05.98
Package 3 : Dumka to Barhet Section 98.14
Package 4 : Barhet to Sahebganj Section 49.85

4. The proposed improvement work includes widening of existing road sections to two-lane
carriageway configuration with provisions of road side furniture and cross drainage work. The
new highway will have a carriageway width of 7.0 m with a formation width of 12 m. The existing
bridges and culverts will be rehabilitated and wherever required new bridges / culverts will be
constructed. Two bypasses have been proposed at Jamtara and Dumka to avoid large- scale
resettlement, and also to improve geometric conditions realignments that have been proposed
at critical places.
2

III. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

A. GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS OF JHARKHAND STATE

1. Physical Environment
5. Climate: The state is classified as sub-continental type in a climatic zone. The climate of
the region is characterised by general dryness. It is very pleasant during the cold weather from
November to February. Thereafter the climate becomes warm. It remains hot until the monsoon
breaks towards the middle of June. With the setting in of rains the temperature falls and
humidity rises. July to October is the rainy months. July and August are the wettest months. The
average rainfall during July is 287 mm and that in August 445 mm. The average annual rainfall
in the area is approximately 1300mm. The wind speed of the area is mild to low with a
maximum wind speed 10-20 kmph during monsoon.

6. Topography, Geology and Soil: The topography of entire state is moderate to

undulating. The entire area lies on upland tract. The state lies mostly on Chotanagpur plateau,
which extends up to West Bengal. The area is situated at an altitude of 250 to 350 m above the
mean sea level. The State lies at a latitude of 23°45’ to 25°15’ North and a longitude of 86°55’ to
87°55’ East.

7. The state is rich in coal and mineral resources. The archean gneisses and the
Gondwana group of rocks constitute the major portion of the district. The main rocks in the area
are Alluvium, Laterite, Mica Perodolite, Dolorite, Barakar Sandstone, Shale, Quartz, etc. The
state has a variety of soils ranging from rich clayey to gravely. The main soil groups are (i)
Piedmont Swamp Soil; (ii) Terai Soil and iii) The Gangetic Alluvium soil.

8. Surface and Groundwater Quality: The Damodar is the most important river of the
Chotanagpur plateau. It rises in Palamu and flows eastward between the plateaus of Ranchi
and Hazaribag. It is joined by the Bokaro, the Konar and the Barakar rivers. The Damodar
enters Dhanbad district at its confluence with the Jamuria, a stream that marks the western
boundary of Dhanbad with Hazaribagh District. Further east, the Damodar is joined by the Katri
River, which rises in the foot hills below Parasnath and traverses through the Coal-field Area.
Damodar flows for about 77 km through the district being joined by the Barakar at its eastern
border near Chirkunda. The Panchet dam extending to roughly 6 km is built on river Damodar.

9. Analysis of water samples collected from the project area shows that ground water
quality in the area is slight alkaline in nature. The other parameters are lies within the
permissible limits prescribed by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) as well as State
Pollution Control Board. Surface water quality lies within the permissible limits except some
parameters. Result shows that turbidity of the water at Barakar River is much more, i.e., 190
units against the permissible limit of 10 NTU. Analysis of the dissolved oxygen, biochemical
oxygen demand, and chemical oxygen demand shows that there were no organic load present
in the water and no waste disposal in the project area. Chloride, sulphate and nitrate
concentration lies within the permissible limits.

10. Air Quality and Noise: Ambient air quality was monitored during month of August at
Govindpur as well as Jamtara junction with the help of Centre of Mine Environment, Indian
School of Mines, Dhanbad. Results indicate that respirable particulate matter level is higher
(186.2 and 172.4 g/m3) than the permissible limits (100 g/m3) given by CPCB at Govindpur
and Jamtara junctions respectively. Other parameters, i.e., sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen
 3

oxides (NOx), suspended particulate matter (SPM), carbon monoxide, and lead were also
monitored and concentration found within permissible limits of CPCB.

11. The entire project corridor is free from noise pollution except at some congested
locations where noise level is expected to be high. The results of noise monitoring conducted
show that the noise level exceeds at all the congested locations than the prescribed ambient
noise standards for commercial as well as residential zones. At Govindpur junction it is found
that the noise level is 81.7 dB(A) against the permissible limit of 65 dB(A). At Narayanpur village
it is 71.6 dB(A) against the permissible limit of 65 dB(A) given by State Pollution Control Board.
Similarly at Jamtara Chowk it is 82.9 dB (A) which is 17.5 units more than the prescribed limits.

12. Particulate emissions from commercial activities is considered a primary source of air
pollution, while secondary sources include dust arising from unpaved surfaces, smoke from
burning of firewood, and vehicular pollution. Noise pollution is not a problem in the State.

2. Biological Environment
13. Vegetation: The forests of the State are mainly classified into three categories namely:
1) dry deciduous forest, 2) dry peninsular sal forests, and 3) moist peninsular sal. Forests
extend over 23,605 sq.km representing 29.61% of the total geographical area of the State of
which 82 % are protected forest and 17.5 % are reserve forest with a small amount of unclassed
forests (33.49 sq.km.). Legally these forest areas have been classified into reserved forest,
protected forest and unclassed forest. To obviate pressure on the natural forests, plantations
have been undertaken by forest department in forest and non-forest areas to supplement the
availability of fuel wood, small timber, fodder, etc.

14. Fauna: On account of increased anthropogenic pressure on the forest, biodiversity and
wildlife resources are depleting. The main associates of Sal, Skend, Asan, Mahua, Dhaura,
Piar, Sidha, Bahera, Karam, Bagal, Palas occurs but Khair does not occur in large number
anywhere, in the division. Bamboo is found on the hills thinly distributed and its occurrence in
inversely proposional to that of Sal. The main species occurring are Dhaura, Asan, Pier, Sidha,
Kala, Piaral, Gamhar, Siris, Galgal, Bahera, Parasi, Bel, Palas, Semal, Khair, Mahira, etc. are
found scattered in the forests. The undergrowth consists of Ber, Kanoda, Harsingar, etc.

15. The common wild animals in the regions are Tiger, Leopard, Cheetal, Barking Deer,
Sambhar, Wild Boar, Neelgai, Langur, Gaur, Wolf Elephant, Wild Dog, Sloth Bear, Rhesus
Monkey, Black Buck etc. The important fishes commonly found in the region’s plain and river
basins are Catla catla, Labeo rohita, Labeio calbase, Cirrihinus mirigale, L. Bata, M.aor, W.attu,
B. bagrius, Heteropneuptus fonilis, Notopterus nontopterus, C. gaehua, and C. striatus, etc.

3. Socio-Economic Environment
16. With a geographical area of 79,714 sq.km, the population density of the state stood at
338 against the national average of 325 persons per sq. km. The sex ratio in the state is 941
and the literacy rate is 54.1%. About 28% of total population of the state is tribal. Agriculture is
the major source of income of local people. About 61% area is arable, of which about 20% is
under current follow. The most important crops are paddy, maize, wheat, and vegetable
followed by pulse and oils seeds. Agricultural and allied activities form major portion of the
state’s economy. Although Jharkhand is endowed with vast and rich natural resources, 80 % of
its population residing in 32,620 villages depend mainly on agriculture and allied activities for
their livelihood. The total area occupied by various plantation and horticulture crop in the State
is about 257,000 hectares with an estimated total production of 3,785,000 tons.
4

17. The State has vast reserve of mineral base which is backbone of state’s economy.
There are reserves of important deposits of coal, limestone, kyanite and granite. The State has
an enormous potential for exploitation of coal, mica, and other minerals particularly in
Singhbhum, Dhanbad, Bokaro, Ranchi, Hazaribagh, and Koderma. The State accounts for
32.09% of India’s coal reserves, 25.94% of copper, 31.84% of iron ore, 90% of pyrite and
57.47% of graphite and huge deposits of other minerals. The major industries in the state are
mostly mineral based. The state also has good potential for tourism as it has great cultural and
religious values. State has many important religious /pilgrimage centers. However, there are no
archeologically sensitive locations along the project road.

B. THE SPECIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS ALONG THE PROJECT ROAD

18. The project road takes off from NH-2 at Govindpur and passes through settlement
locations of Pokheria, Pandidih, Narayanpur, Jamtara, Bagdhah more, Fatahpur, Nishchitpur,
Dumka, Amrapara, Barhet, Borio, and terminates at junction of NH-80 at Sahebganj, covering a
total length of about 310 km. The project road passes through six districts of Jharkhand State. It
is revealed through surveys that the strengthening and widening of the project road will cause a
large number of displacements of the people. Therefore two bypasses at Jamtara (10.92 km
length) and Dumka (5.98 km length) have been proposed.

19. Major portion of project road lies at latitude of 24°16’ North and at a longitude of 87°15’
East. The topography in the area is flat except 10 km hilly section in Package 4. The land use is
dominated by agriculture and open land. About 34 km length of project road passes through
sections of forest areas. However, density of vegetation is very less, i.e., 0.2 to 0.25. It is
envisaged that about 18,781 trees exist within a 20m corridor along the project road. However,
there are no rare species of flora and fauna in the forests of region. The existing road has
mostly single and intermediate lane configuration with average carriageway width varies from
3.0 to 5.0 m. Available ROW varies between 12 and 25 m. The project areas are mainly
drained by Barakar river basin, Ajay river basin, and Ganga river basin. The project road
crosses large number of rivers/streams (74 total) as well as ponds (114 total), hand pumps and
wells exist along the project road. Major perennial rivers are in the project area are Barakar,
Ajay, Gumani, Basnoi, Mayurakshi, Behmai and Morang. The project area receives an annual
rainfall of over 1200 mm and soils are stable. There are no archeologically sensitive locations in
the project area except few cultural structures, i.e., temples, shrines, masjid and educations
centres. There are number of settlement locations along the project road where proposed
improvement may lead to resettlement and land acquisition.

IV. POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

A. Environmental Impacts Associated with Project Location, Preliminary Planning

and Design
21. Location issues: The environmental impact of project road location will not be very
significant since improvement work will be carried out along the existing roads. Some sections
pass through undulations with patches of vegetation and forests. Prior clearance from the
Forest Department will be obtained before execution of works to cut the road side trees and
diversion of forest land. Also measures will be implemented to minimize tree felling. Minor
impacts on land use and local communities are expected due to acquisition of land for widening
 5

of road. The project affected people will be compensated as per the provisions of the
resettlement plans. The widening option, have been devised so as to cause minimize
destruction of structures. There are private structures, few small temples, shrines, and
educational buildings which are coming adjacent to existing carriageway of the project roads.
Care will be taken to avoid such community structures or cause damage in their relocation.
There will also be a requirement to establish construction camps and related contractor’s
facilities, borrow pits and quarries. These will be located in environmentally sound and socially
safe areas. It is expected that construction materials for the road works will be mined only from
approved quarries.

22. About 34 km length of the project road passes through sections of forest area and the
proposed improvement would require acquisition of about 28.03 hectares of forest land and
about 326.8 hectares of vegetative cover will be cleared.

B. Environmental Impacts Due to Construction

23. Impacts on Topography, Soil and Vegetation: During the improvement work of the
road sections and because of felling of trees, ground clearing; stone quarrying, and construction
of structures, and construction of new bypass at Jamtara and Dumka, etc. change in micro-level
topography is expected.

24. During road improvement works, there will be cut and fill activities, cutting of trees, stone
quarrying, and construction of structures. Even with reasonable care exercised in the final
design, the interaction between proposed road features and existing land features could result
in significant land instabilities during construction. Thus, the following mitigating measures
should be implemented:
 existing vegetation including shrubs and grasses along the road (except within the strip
directly under embankments or cuttings) should be properly maintained and all slopes/soil
cutting areas should be revegetated as soon as construction activities are completed,
 excavation and earthworks should be mainly undertaken during the dry season when the
risks from erosion and silt run-off are least,
 sites for quarrying, borrowing and disposal of spoils are to be confirmed according to the
applicable laws and regulations in the state and the practices followed in recent/ongoing
projects of international level,
 controlled and environmentally friendly quarrying techniques should be applied to
minimise erosions and landslides,
 cut material should be disposed of in suitable depressions,
 materials that will be used for surface dressing will consist of aggregates and gravel, and
must not contain silt, and
 Internationally accepted best practice engineering approaches will be incorporated into
contract documents and monitored during construction.

25. Impacts on Surface and Groundwater Quality, Drainage and Hydrology: The project
road crosses large number of rivers/streams (74 total) as well as ponds (114 total), hand
pumps, and wells exist along the project road. Improvement of road may result in disruptions to
the natural hydrology and water mismanagement and may lead to further problems of soil
erosion.

26. The improvement of the road may result in disruptions to the natural hydrology and
water mismanagement that may lead to further problems of soil erosion. Construction activities
could also lead to the temporary pollution of water bodies from spillage of chemicals and oil at
6

construction sites and waste from construction camps, discharge of sediment-laden water from
construction areas and uncontrolled surface water discharge over the road edge creating large–
scale erosion on down-slopes. Thus the following mitigating measures are recommended:
 natural courses of water bodies should, as far as possible be maintained and brought
back to their natural course;
 all debris and vegetation, clogging culverts should be regularly cleared and disposal of
construction debris in streams and rivers should be avoided;
 river-bank slope stabilities should be monitored and appropriate remedial measures
applied throughout the construction period;
 if possible, construction work at bridges should also be avoided during the rainy season,
 chemicals and oils should be stored in secure, impermeable containers, and disposed of
well away from surface waters;
 no vehicle cleaning activity should be allowed within 300 m of water bodies/ drains;
 construction camps should be equipped with sanitary latrines;
 lined drainage structures should be provided; and
 side drain waters must be discharged at every available stream crossing.

27. Air Quality: During construction, and at the micro-level only, air quality may be
degraded by generation of dust (SPM) and generation of polluting gases including SO2, NOX,
and hydrocarbons for short periods from vehicular movements, site clearance, earth filling and
material loading and unloading. The impacts are expected to be localised, temporary and
confined to construction areas. Care should, however, be taken at sensitive urban locations so
that harmful impacts can be minimised. The following actions should be implemented:
 regular check-up and maintenance of construction equipment;
 mixing plants, i.e., asphalt, concrete, and bricks, should be operated within the
permissible limits of CPCB, and be located away from settlements;
 the contractor should submit a dust suppression and control programme to the RCD;
 vehicles delivering loose and fine materials should be covered to reduce spills;
 controlled blasting should be carried out and only with the prior approval of the site
Engineer and, if required, RCD;
 bitumen emulsion should be used wherever feasible; and
 bitumen heaters should be used and the use of wood for fuel discouraged or prohibited.

28. Noise and vibration will be unavoidable but the impact will only be temporary and will
only affect people living or working near piling locations. Mitigation measures should include (a)
construction machinery should be located away from settlements (b) careful planning of
machinery operation and the scheduling of such operations can reduce noise levels, (c) the
siting of construction yards at least 500 metres from residential areas, and (d) contractors
should be required to fit noise shields on construction machinery and to provide earplugs to the
operators of heavy machines.

29. Flora and Fauna: The project road mostly passes through plain terrain. However,
acquisition of forest land (28.03 hectares) may cause minor impacts on the presence of flora
and fauna in the forests. Removal of the existing vegetative cover and the uprooting of about
7,174 trees is an unfortunate activity, which may reduce the ecological balance in the areas.
This may also affect the wildlife habitat and enhance soil erosion. A total of approximately 326.8
hectares of vegetation cover would probably be removed for improvement of road.
 7

30. To minimize negative impacts on flora such as trees, contract documents should specify
that (a) all wood building material for workers’ housing should be brought from outside the
project area; (b) workers should be supplied with non-wood fuels such as kerosene or liquefied
petroleum gas for the duration of the contract, (c) all contract equipment and plants should be
cleaned to the satisfaction of the project engineer in charge prior to their relocation to project
sites; (d) during site clearance, care should be taken to ensure that the minimum area of
vegetation area is affected; and (e) the water sprinkling of trucks used as construction vehicles
should be properly and regularly undertaken, so that dust deposition problem on vegetation are
minimized.

31. About 34 km length of project road passes through forest area. However, the presence
of wild animals is very rare. The presence of wild animals in the project areas is not reported
and may be considered very rare. However, to avoid any significant impacts on wildlife the
following mitigating measures should be implemented: (a) construction facilities such as workers
camp, construction camp, hot mix plant, batching plant should be located at least 1 km away
from the forest stretches; and (b) employment agreements should specify heavy penalties for
illegal hunting, trapping and wildlife trading - all other ancillary works should also agree not to
participate in such activities.

C. Environmental Effects Related to Operation

32. Noise and Vibration, Air Pollution, Runoff, Spoils of Hazardous Materials: The
current low traffic flows along the project roads is expected to increase because of improved
economic activities associated with better access. The larger numbers of vehicles will be an
additional source of noise and gaseous emissions. Traffic volumes will, however, remain low
and this should not be a significant impact. Repairs to culverts and new drainage work will
eliminate/ reduce the soil erosion problems presently caused by poor cross drainage.

33. Land Use and Settlements: The likely impacts on land use and settlement patterns are
limited. Improved access will inevitably lead to increased in and out migration, but this is likely
to occur gradually and over a prolonged period. There will be time for new residential areas to
be established. There may, however, be a need to control ribbon development.

D. Potential Environmental Enhancement/ Protection Measures

34. In order to improve the environment, additional measures were also proposed during
construction for the following: (a) sanitation and housekeeping at the labour/construction camps,
(b) provision of water supply, (c) hygiene and provision of toilet facilities, (d) sewerage and
waste disposal, (e) first aid, (f) maintenance of buildings and facilities, (g) identification of debris
disposal sites, and (h) rehabilitation of quarry and borrow pits.

V. INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

35. Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan: Keeping in view various

environmental issues associated with project activities, an environmental management plan
(Appendix A) including time frame and the implementing responsibilities have been worked out.
The impacts and mitigation measures are worked out at various stages of the Project, i.e.,
planning and design, construction and operation stages of proposed Govindpur–Jamtara–
Dumka–Barhet–Sahebganj road section.
8

36. Aside from EMP, to ensure that the Project would not generate a negative impact to the
overall environmental quality, the environmental monitoring plan (Appendix B) is prepared. The
environmental monitoring plan also includes the responsible parties to implement and the party
to supervise or receiving the monitoring report. The environmental quality monitoring covers air
and water quality, noise and vibration, and other environmental parameter to monitor vegetation
coverage along the road side.

37. Responsible Authorities for Implementation: The Road Construction Department

(RCD), Government of Jharkhand, has been entrusted the responsibility of successful
implementation of the project. RCD is responsible for development and maintenance of state
road network and operates through its Headquarters at Ranchi. In the present organisational
structure, RCD is headed by the Secretary, RCD, who, along with Engineer-in-Chief, is overall
responsible for managing the activities of the department.

38. Institutional Requirements for the Project: To ensure that the proposed mitigation
measures are implemented, the environmental management plan, which described the
responsible party to implement mitigation measures and who is responsible party to supervise
them, has been prepared in the matrix form (Appendix A).

39. The RCD as the Executing Agency (EA) is responsible for implementing the overall
EMP. In practice, the PIC will be the responsible party to implement EMP on behalf of RCD. The
contractors will be responsible for implementing all mitigation measures during the construction
period, especially to mitigate all environmental impacts associated with the construction
activities. The construction supervision consultant (CSC) will be responsible for day-to-day
supervision of the contractor for implementing the EMP and reporting the implementation of
EMP of each package to the PIC on a monthly basis. The PIC has an environmental officer and
will review the CSC’s reports on implementation of EMP and coordinate with other relevant
Government agencies or local authorities to take necessary actions if any environmental
impacts could not be mitigated as was planned in the EMP or if any additional mitigation
measures are required. The PIC will follow up by preparing annual report on implementing EMP
to the relevant parties such as SPCB, Forest Department and also for ADB.

40. The expected cost of the environment mitigation measures and monitoring is about
US$191,000 (US$124,000 for mitigation measures outside the civil works, which are mostly tree
planting, and US$67,000 for environmental monitoring and training). Other mitigation measures
are related to construction works and their cost is part of the civil works cost.

VI. PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE

41. Official consultations with stakeholders were carried out during the preparation of
environmental study. Various officials consulted include the Chief Conservator of Forest, Chief
Wildlife Warden, Environmental Officer from Pollution Control Board, and Statistical Officers.
The issues discussed include flora and fauna in the region, environmental quality and
socioeconomic scenario in the region.

42. Consultations with affected persons, local communities, village heads, and shopkeepers
were carried out through structured questionnaire during the field surveys. Most of the people
interviewed strongly support the Project. The people living in the entire project areas anticipate
benefits from improved transport facilities, employment opportunities, boost economic
 9

development and thereby provide direct, or indirect, benefits. They are in favour of proposed
development without major impacts on properties and natural resources. It is envisaged from
the interview survey undertaken along project roads that there is increased environmental
awareness among the local people.

VII. FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

43. The positive impacts of the Project include: i) the improved road: will reduce travel time,
fuel consumption, and emissions from base traffic volumes; ii) drainage conditions will be
considerably improved: this because of the provision of improved side drains, culverts and
causeways; iii) economic development and access will be stimulated; and iv) boost to tourism
sector in the state due to better access to important tourist/religious centers.

44. The negative and deemed ‘significant’ impacts identified are: (a) impacts due to loss of
forest resources and impacts due to loss of roadside trees; (b) impacts due to loss of land and
displacement of people, c) change of natural course of rivers and erosion of river banks and
siltation of water bodies, (d) occasional disturbance from noise generated during construction of
project roads, (e) occasional high concentrations of airborne dust during construction of project
road resulting in deposition and some damage to vegetation, crops and water quality of
streams.

45. The predicted negative impacts will occur mostly during the construction stage but for
short term and reversible. They are also manageable and almost all of them can be minimized
through engineering solutions incorporated in the design and implementation of the EMP and
monitoring plan. For all works, the RCD will, however, have to obtain applicable clearances from
the Forest Department and Ministry of Environment and Forests. The EMP should also be
improved during implementation if there is any change in design or realignment (if deemed
necessary) is envisaged.

VIII. CONCLUSIONS

46. The environmental assessment report prepared for the Project has thoroughly assessed
all the potential environmental impacts. All negative impacts, during and post construction,
including those deemed ‘significant’ can be properly mitigated and no comprehensive, broad,
diverse or irreversible adverse impacts have been identified. In view of this, it may be concluded
that improvement of the project road presents no major environmental and ecological concerns
and does not warrant further detailed environmental study.
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Appendix A: Environmental Management Plan

Appendix A
Environmental Issues / Mitigation Institutional Responsibility
Remedial Measures / Actions Approximate Location
Component Cost (INRs.) Implementation Supervision
1. Pre-construction Phase
1. Finalization of road  Take adequate consultation with local people to avoid Throughout the project Part of project Design RCD
alignment and sensitive areas. road cost Consultant / RCD
widening options  Avoid excessive cut and fill and road should be aligned to
including bypass follow natural topography. Bypass alignments at
alignment
 Minimize requirement of forestland for road construction Jamtara (10.92km) and
 Initiate actions to seek permits for diversion of forest land Dumka (5.98 km)
for non-forest uses (road construction) as per the Forest
(Conservation) Act, 1980.
 Initiate actions to take environmental clearance from MoEF
as per the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
 Avoid or minimize tree felling, acquisition of agricultural
land, shifting of shrines/temples, disturbance to community
ponds, community resources, burial grounds, etc. to the
extent possible through evolving alternate widening options.
2. Land and Property  Social Impact Assessment and Resettlement Studies Throughout project road Free land to RCD / Design RCD /
Losses / Acquisition undertaken for project. corridor be made Consultant Supervision
 Initiate all necessary land and property acquisition available by Consultant
procedures prior to the commencement of any related work. RCD.
Locations of forest areas
 Adhere to the Land Acquisition procedures in accordance to along the project road
RAP’s Entitlement Framework. alignment (34 km
 Compensation as per project Resettlement Action Plan. length)

 For acquisition of forest land (about 28.0 hectares of forest

land to be acquired), compensatory afforestation as per
Forest Conservation Act, 1980 shall be undertaken against
forest land acquisition on double amount of land.
2. Construction Phase
1. Removal of  The road land width requiring clearing shall be clearly Throughout Project road Contractor Contractor / RCD Supervision
Vegetation and Land demarcated on ground as per alignment plan. corridor Cost Consultant/
Clearing activities  During land clearing operations, top soil shall be collected, Forest
preserved, and reused as a base for turfing of embankment Department/
Environmental Issues / Mitigation Institutional Responsibility
Remedial Measures / Actions Approximate Location
Component Cost (INRs.) Implementation Supervision
slopes or development of barren areas along road side. Locations of the Forest For relocation RCD
 Trees falling within roadway width and other vegetative Areas (about 34 km of utilities
cover are to be removed. Compensatory afforestation as length passing through Govt. will bear
per requirements of forest department (1:2 in Jharkhand) forest areas) the cost
shall be undertaken for loss of trees. In total 14384 trees
will be planted. Cost of
 Cultural properties like small temples/shrines (34 cultural compensatory
properties are affected) coming within the road land width, afforestation
shall be shifted to adjacent areas in consultation with local (US$0.1
community leaders. million)
 During clearing operations, any treasure trove, slabs with
epigraphical evidence or edicts, sculptural or any material
found and appear to have historical importance, it should be
brought to the notice of Department of Archaeology,
Government of Jharkhand and instructions of Department, if
any, must be followed.
 All public utilities like power transmission cables, telephone
cables, water/sewerage lines, drains, tube wells, etc., falling
within road land width shall be inventoried, and arrange for
relocation /shifting to adjacent areas in consultation with the
respective agencies/ authorities.
 Establish and maintain interaction with local community to
ensure that no social resentment sets in due to operations.
3. Establishment of  The temporary office and storage area for construction At identified location with Contractor Contractor with Supervision
temporary site office works shall be located away from human settlement areas prior approval of cost approval of Consultant/
and material storage (minimum 500 m) and forest areas (minimum 1 km). supervision consultant supervision RCD
areas  The office and storage areas shall preferably be located on consultant
barren/waste lands and conversion of agricultural/cultivable
lands for office and storage areas shall not be allowed
under any circumstances.


Appendix A
All fuel oil/lubricants loading, unloading and storage areas
shall be paved (impermeable), and have separate storm
water collection system with facility for separation of
oil/lubricants prior to discharge.
 The temporary office and storage area shall be provided
with adequate water supply, sanitation, septic tank/soak pit
of adequate capacity so that it functions properly for the

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Remedial Measures / Actions Approximate Location
Component Cost (INRs.) Implementation Supervision

Appendix A
entire duration of its use.
 After completion of construction works, the site shall be
restored to its previous state by undertaking clean up
operations.
4. Establishment of  The construction campsites shall be located away from any At identified camp Contractor Contractor with Supervision
construction camp local human settlement areas and preferably located on location with prior cost approval of Consultant/
sites lands, which are barren/waste lands. approval of supervision supervision RCD
 The camps shall be located, at a minimum, 1 km from forest consultant consultant
areas to deter trespassing of construction labour.
 The campsites shall be provided with adequate water
supply, sanitation and all requisite infrastructure facilities.
This would minimize dependence on outside resources,
presently being used by local populace and minimize
undesirable social friction thereof.
 The camps shall have septic tank/soak pit of adequate
capacity so that it can function properly for the entire
duration of its use.
 Construction camps shall be provided with kerosene/LPG to
avid dependence on firewood for cooking to the extent
possible.
 After completion of construction works, location of
campsites shall be restored to its previous state by
undertaking clean up operations.
5. Extraction and  Stone aggregates shall be sourced only from licensed At identified quarries and Contractor Contractor with Supervision
mobilization of existing quarries. RCD has identified quarries. borrow area location with cost approval of Consultant/
construction  No new crushers shall be established and existing licensed prior approval of supervision RCD
materials, i.e., crushers will be used. supervision consultant consultant
boulders, aggregates,
 Ensure stone quarries and crushing units have pollution
earth and water for
control system, occupational safety procedures/practices in
construction
place and regular inspection shall be carried to ensure
compliance. This shall be a pre-condition for sourcing of
materials from quarries/crushing plants.
 Earth borrow areas identified in design report shall be
reassessed for its environmental sensitivity and ensure it is
not an ecologically sensitive areas. Permits are to be
obtained from authorities and all permit conditions are
Environmental Issues / Mitigation Institutional Responsibility
Remedial Measures / Actions Approximate Location
Component Cost (INRs.) Implementation Supervision
complied.
 The borrow areas are to be demarcated with signboards
and operational areas are to be access controlled.
 Topsoil from borrow areas (first 30cm) are to be preserved
and used for redevelopment of borrow areas as per IRC
provisions or as a base for turfing along embankment
slopes.
 The borrow areas as an option may be converted into
ponds wherever possible, which can be used for storage of
rainwater for domestic use.
 Conversion of agricultural lands for borrowing earth is to be
discouraged to the use possible unless warranted by local
conditions. In such cases, written consent shall be obtained
from the land owners.
 Fly ash shall be used in all road construction works, which
are within the 100 km from thermal power stations. Design
consultant has identified sources of fly ash and incorporated
in the design as per IRC specifications.
 Water for construction works shall not be drawn from
sources, which serve routine needs of local people.
 In case water is sourced from existing private tube wells,
well owner shall be informed about the quantity and
duration for which water drawls will be carried out and
possible implications. Written consent for use of
groundwater shall be obtained.
 In case new tube wells are to be constructed, required
permits are to be obtained from the Ground Water
Department and permit conditions, if any are to be
complied.
 In any case, care shall be taken not to source all

Appendix A
requirements from one single source and no two sources (in
case of tube wells) shall be less than 500 m from each
other.
6. Transportation of  Existing tracks/roads are to be used for hauling of materials Along haul roads with Contractor Contractor with Supervision
construction materials to extent possible. prior approval of cost approval of Consultant/
 The alignment of haul roads (in case of new ones) shall be supervision consultant supervision RCD

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Appendix A
finalized to avoid agricultural lands to the extent possible. In consultant
unavoidable circumstances, suitable compensation shall be
paid to people, whose land will be temporarily acquired for
the duration of operations. The compensation shall cover for
loss of income for the duration of acquisition and land
restoration.
 Prior to alignment of new haul roads, topsoil shall be
preserved or at least shall be used for any other useful
purposes like using in turfing of embankment rather than
allowing its loss by construction activities.
 Dust suppression along transportation links is to be ensured
by deploying water tankers with sprinkling system are to be
deployed along haul roads.
 The vehicles deployed for material transportation shall be
spillage proof to avoid or minimize the spillage of the
material during transportation. Transportation links are to be
inspected daily to clear accidental spillage, if any.
 Precaution shall be taken to avoid inconvenience to the
local community due to movement of materials.
7. Temporary traffic  Wherever required prepare appropriate traffic diversion All along the project road. Contractor Contractor with Supervision
diversion plans (in specific stretches as per progress of construction cost approval of Consultant/
work) and implement to avoid inconvenience due to supervision RCD
construction works to present road users. consultant
 The traffic diversion signs should be bold and clearly visible
particularly at night.
 Diversion schemes are required to ensure smooth traffic
flow, minimize accidents to road users during construction
works.
8. Cut and Fill  Finalization of alignment plan and profile shall consider All along the project road. Contractor Contractor with Supervision
operations options to minimize excessive cuts or fills. The design shall cost approval of Consultant/
follow the relevant IRC specifications. supervision RCD
 The cut and fill quantities required for profile correction shall consultant on
be balanced to the extent possible, to avoid dependence on plan and profile
earth from borrow areas.
 In both cases of cut and fill, top soil shall be preserved and
reused for turfing of embankment slopes or redevelopment
Environmental Issues / Mitigation Institutional Responsibility
Remedial Measures / Actions Approximate Location
Component Cost (INRs.) Implementation Supervision
of borrow areas or any other areas in the vicinity of roads.
 Under no circumstances, topsoil shall be allowed to be
used as a fill material in road construction activities.
9. Preparation of  The road construction works will raise, extend and enlarge All along the project road Contractor Contractor with Supervision
embankments and existing road carriageway all along the alignment. At locations of cost approval of Consultant/
road base Therefore, mitigation measures to contain erosion and embankments supervision RCD
drainage problems are essential. consultant on
 The engineering measures for countering soil erosion, plan and profile
slope protection, drainage wherever required shall be
considered and implemented as per relevant IRC
specification.
 Measures like selection of less erodable material for
embankment construction, compaction, adequate
embankment slopes and turfing shall be considered as per
IRC specifications.
10. Construction of  The road construction will also require construction of Locations of Contractor Contractor with Supervision
bridges / culverts several cross drainage structures, across streams/rivers bridges/culverts along the cost approval of Consultant/
flowing across the road. project road (74 supervision RCD
 Refer to hydrological studies to ensure that construction of locations of consultant on
drainage structures is not likely to alter drainage pattern, culverts/bridges) plan and profile
and discharge capacities of drainage structures are
designed to facilitate smooth passage of water and heading
up or flooding is avoided even in flood season.
 Schedule the construction works to dry season so that
impacts on water quality of stream/river is minimized or
avoided.
 Precaution shall be exercised to prevent oil/lubricant/
hydrocarbon contamination of channel bed during
construction works. Spillage, if any, shall be immediately
cleared with utmost caution to leave no traces.

Appendix A
 Ensure all construction wastes are removed from work site
and stream/river beds are to be cleaned up after completion
of construction but prior to onset of monsoon.
11. Plantation of trees  Tree planting operations shall be commenced immediately All along the project road / Environmental Contractor / local Supervision
after completion of embankment compaction. at identified location Cost US$ 0.1 Forest Consultant/
 Tree plantation along the road shall be undertaken as per million) Department Forest

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Environmental Issues / Mitigation Institutional Responsibility
Remedial Measures / Actions Approximate Location
Component Cost (INRs.) Implementation Supervision

Appendix A
permit conditions issued by the Department of Forests, prior Department
to tree felling.
 The species shall be suitable for local climate and easily
available. The concerned Divisional Forest Officer can be
consulted for selection of species and technical guidance, if
required.
 Proper care shall be taken to increase survival rate of
saplings like regular watering, pruning, provision of tree
guards, manure for better nourishment, etc., including timely
replacement of perished saplings.
12. Establishment and  Hot mix plants shall be established at least 500 m away At identified hot mix plant Contractor Contractor with Supervision
operations of hot mix from human settlements and preferably located on leeward locations with prior cost approval of Consultant/
plants, laying of side of most dominant wind direction. approval of supervision supervision RCD
bitumen  NOC to establish and operate are to be obtained from State consultant consultant
Pollution Control Board and all permit conditions are to be
implemented/ complied.
 The hot mix plants shall be set up on barren/waste lands
and conversion of agricultural/cultivable lands for this
purpose shall not be allowed under any circumstances.
 All operational areas like storage, handling, loading,
unloading areas shall be paved, and have separate storm
water collection system with facility for separation of
oil/lubricants prior to discharge.
 The storm water from storage area shall not be directly
discharged into any, nearby water courses/drains.
 The hot mix plants shall be provided with adequate water
supply, sanitation, septic tank/soak pit of adequate capacity
so that it functions properly for the entire duration of its use.
 After completion of construction works, the site shall be
restored to its previous state by undertaking clean up
operations.
 Hot mix plants shall have required measures for control of
dust, air, and noise pollution as per regulatory limits of State
Pollution Control Board measures.
 Appropriate traffic diversion schemes shall be implemented
during bitumen paving is under progress and all works shall
Environmental Issues / Mitigation Institutional Responsibility
Remedial Measures / Actions Approximate Location
Component Cost (INRs.) Implementation Supervision
be planned and swiftly completed to avoid inconvenience to
road users.
13. Mobilization of  All diesel-run equipment/vehicles/ deployed for construction At identified locations Contractor Contractor with Supervision
construction activities shall be regularly maintained for smooth operation, cost approval of Consultant/
machineries and a measure contributing to air quality and noise. supervision RCD
vehicles  Vehicles/equipment shall be periodically subjected for consultant
emission tests and shall have valid Pollution Under Control
certificates.
 All vehicles deployed for material movement shall be spill
proof to the extent possible. In any case, all material
movement routes shall be inspected daily twice to clear off
any accidental spills.
14. Occupational Health  All personnel at work sites shall be provided with protective At identified locations Contractor Contractor with Supervision
and safety hazards at gears like helmets, boots, etc., so that injuries to personnel cost approval of Consultant/
work and camp sites are avoided or minimized. supervision RCD
 Children and pregnant women shall not be allowed to work consultant
under any circumstances.
 No personnel shall be allowed to work at site for more than
10 hours per day (8-hour makes one work shift).
 Workforce, likely to be exposed to noise levels beyond
regulatory stipulated limits, shall be provided with protective
gears like ear plugs, etc., and regularly rotated.
 Dust suppression measures like sprinkling of water shall be
ensured at all operations areas.
 The construction camps shall have healthcare facilities for
adults, pregnant women and children.
 All construction personnel shall be subjected to routine
vaccinations and other preventive/healthcare measures.
 The work and campsites shall have suitable facilities for

Appendix A
handling any emergency situation like fire, explosion, etc.
 All areas intended for storage of hazardous materials shall
be quarantined and provided with adequate facilities to
combat emergency situations. All required permits for
storage of inflammable/hazardous materials are to be
obtained.

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Component Cost (INRs.) Implementation Supervision

Appendix A
 The personnel in charge of such areas shall be properly
trained, licensed and with sufficient experience.
 The operational areas shall be access controlled and entry
shall be allowed only under authorization.
15. Cleaning work sites  All operational areas under road construction works like All along the project road Contractor Contractor with Supervision
and waste disposal work sites, office/storage area, work force camps, and cost approval of Consultant/
borrow areas, shall be cleaned up and restored to its supervision RCD
previous state soon after operations are complete. consultant
 All construction waste shall be disposed in approved areas.
Local district authorities shall be consulted to determine
disposal site and implement any conditions imposed while
issuing permits.
3. Operation Phase
1. Contamination from  The accident sites shall be cleared immediately. All along the project road Maintenance RCD / Contractor RCD
accidental spills  The soiled dearth shall be scraped into small lined confined cost
pits nearby with ROW
2. Air Pollution  Vehicular air pollution shall be managed enforcing the All along the project road Maintenance Transport RCD
vehicle emission rules. cost Department/
 Road side tree plantation shall be maintained. SPCB/ RCD
 Public awareness shall be generated.
3. Noise Pollution  No horn signs for sensitive area (dense forests, school and At selected locations Contractor Contractor RCD
religious structures) shall be put up. cost
 Public awareness program shall be conducted.
4. Water Pollution  The drainage system shall be cleaned periodically as per At selected locations Maintenance Contractor RCD
operation and maintenance manual. cost
 Washing of vehicles shall be prohibited and signs will be
put up.
5. Safety Measures  The traffic management plan shall be developed along At selected locations Maintenance Contractor / RCD RCD
congested locations. cost
 Traffic control measures, including speed limits, shall be
enforced strictly.
 Encroachment and squatting within the ROW shall be
controlled.
Environmental Issues / Mitigation Institutional Responsibility
Remedial Measures / Actions Approximate Location
Component Cost (INRs.) Implementation Supervision
 No schools or hospitals shall be allowed to be established
within ROW.
Note: RCD: Road Construction Department, SPCB: State Pollution Control Board; IRC: Indian Road Congress; RAP: Resettlement Action Plan; ROW: Right
of Way; NOC: No Objection Certificate

Appendix A
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Appendix B: Environmental Monitoring Plan
Responsible party

Appendix A
Environmental
Aspect to be Monitored Time and Frequency of Monitoring Location
Features
Implementation Supervision

i) Air and Noise Concentration of SPM and SO2 Before starting of any construction activities. At selected settlement Supervision RCD
and NOx locations along the Consultant
Once in every section while construction is project road
ongoing.
Leq - Noise levels on dB (A)
scale Once after completion of construction activities.

ii) Water Quality Concentration of sediments
and presence of construction
debris.
Before starting of construction activities. Major water bodies / Supervision RCD
streams and ponds Consultant
During construction activities in the vicinity of each along the project road
water body. alignment
Once after completion of construction activities.

pH, BOD, COD, DO, TDS, Same as above.

NO3 and Coliform

Length of line drainage During construction activities in the vicinity of each Full length of project Supervision RCD
structures constructed and water body. road Consultant
strengthened.

Length of damaged or missing Before starting of construction activities. Full length of project Supervision RCD
line drains. road Consultant
Once after completion of construction activities.

Total number, type and lengths Before starting of construction activities. Full length of project Supervision RCD
of cross drainage structures road Consultant
including bridges constructed Once a year during construction activities.
or strengthened
Once after completion of all construction activities.

Number of weak cross Before starting of construction activities. Full length of project Supervision RCD
drainage structures. road Consultant
Once after completion of construction activities.

iii) Tree Plantation Survival rate of plants Once every season during construction Location of Supervision RCD
One in a year during operation phase for 2 years compensatory Consultant / RCD
afforestation all along
the project road.
BOD = biochemical oxygen demand, COD = chemical oxygen demand, DO = dissolved oxygen, NOx = nitrogen oxides, NO3 = nitrate, RCD = Road Construction
Department, SPM = suspended particulate matter, TDS = total dissolved solids.