BAN: SASEC Second Bangladesh India Electrical …...4. The Ishwardi sub-station has switchgear,...

SASEC Second Bangladesh–India Electrical Grid Interconnection Project (RRP BAN 44192)

Initial Environmental Examination

August 2015

BAN: SASEC Second Bangladesh–India Electrical

Grid Interconnection Project

Prepared by Power Grid Company of Bangladesh Limited (PGCB) for the Asian Development

Bank. This is a revised version of the draft originally posted in May 2015 available on

http://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/project-document/162107/44192-016-iee-01.pdf

http://adb.org/Documents/RRPs/?id=44192-016-3


CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS

(as of as of 17 August 2015)

Currency unit – BDT (Tk.)

Tk.1.00 = $0.0128

$1.00 = Tk. 77.77

ABBREVIATIONS

ADB Asian Development Bank

AEZ Agro-ecological Zone

AIS Air Insulated Switchgear

AP Angle Point

ASA Association for Social Advancement

BBS Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics

BEZ Bio-ecological Zone

BMD Bangladesh Meteorological Department

BPDB Bangladesh Power Development Board

BRAC Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee

BWDB Bangladesh Water Development Board

CEGIS Center for Environmental and Geographic Information Services

CITES Convention on International Trade in endangered species

DAE Department of Agricultural Extension

DC Deputy Commissioner/ Double Circuit

DEM Digital Elevation Model

DEPC Department of Environmental Pollution Control

DG Director General

DIA Direct Impact Area

DOE Department of Environment

DOF Department of Fisheries

DOL Department of Livestock

DPP Development of Project Proforma

EC Electrical Conductivity

ECA Environment Conservation Act

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

EMP Environmental Management Plan

EQS Environment Quality Standards

FAO Food and Agriculture Organization

FCBO Fisheries Community Base Organization

FD Forest Department

FGD Focused Group Discussion

FIDC Forest Industries Development Corporation

FWIP Future-with-Project



iv

FWOP Future-without-Project

FS Feasibility Study

FY Fiscal Year

GIA General Impact Area

GIS Geographic Information Services

GIS Gas Insulated Switchgear

GO Government Organization

GOB Government of Bangladesh

HES Health Environment and Safety

HHs Households

HTW Hand Tube well

HYV High Yielding Variety

HVDC High Voltage Direct Current

IDB Islamic Development Bank

IEC Important Environmental Component

IEE Initial Environmental Examination

IESC Important Environmental and Social Component

IUCN International Union for Conservation for Nature

JICA Japan International Cooperation Agency

KII Key Informant Interview

LILO Line In Line Out

LGED Local Government Engineering Department

MDG Millennium Development Goal

MoEF Ministry of Environment and Forest

MoU Memorandum of Understanding

NCA Net Cultivated Area

NCS National Conservation Strategy

NEMAP National Environment Management Action Plan

NGO Non-Governmental Organization

NOC No Objection Certificate

NWRD National Water Resource Database

OCR Ordinary Capital Resources

O/H Overhead

OMS Operation Management System

PAPs Project Affected People (s)

PCM People’s Consultation Meeting

PCP Project Concept Paper

PGCB Power Grid Company of Bangladesh Ltd

PPE Personal Protection Equipment

PRA Participatory Rural Appraisal

PWD Public Works Department

RP Resettlement Plan

RCC Reinforced Cement Concrete

ROW Right of Way

RRA Rapid Rural Appraisal

RL Reduced Level

RS Remote Sensing

SMEs Small and Medium scale Enterprises

SPM Suspended Particulate Matter

SPS Safeguard Policy Statement

SRDI Soil Resources Development Institute

SS Sub station

SSs Sub stations

STW Shallow Tube Well

ToC Table of Content

ToR Terms of Reference

TL Transmission Line

TLs Transmission Lines

TSP Triple Super Phosphate

U/G Under ground

UNCED United Nations Conference on Environment and Development

UNDP United Nations Development Plan

WARPO Water Resources Planning Organization

WHO World Health Organization

WB World Bank

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

m - meter

mm - mili meter

mt. - metric ton

kg. - kilogram

Km - kilometer

Ha - hectare

MVA - megavolt-ampere

kV - kilovolt (1,000volts)

MW - megawatt

Lakh - 100,000

This 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 be preliminary in nature. Your attention is directed to the

“terms of use” section on ADB’s website.

In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any

designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the

Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status

of any territory or area.



http://www.adb.org/terms-use

i

Table of contents

Table of contents .............................................................................................................................. i

List of Tables .................................................................................................................................... iii

List of Figures .................................................................................................................................. iv

List of Maps ....................................................................................................................................... iv

List of Photographs ....................................................................................................................... iv

Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................ v

1. Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 1

1.1 Overview of the Investment Programme ....................................................................... 3

1.2 Environmental Requirements ........................................................................................... 3

1.3 Structures of the Report .................................................................................................... 3

2. Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework ............................................................. 5

2.1 National Environmental Requirements ........................................................................... 5

2.1.1 Environmental Authority ............................................................................................ 5

2.1.2 Securing Environmental Clearance ......................................................................... 5

2.1.3 Relevant International Environmental Agreements ............................................. 8

2.2 Environmental Requirements of ADB.............................................................................. 9

3. Baseline, Potential Impacts and Environmental Management Plan ................ 13

3.1 Project Description ............................................................................................................ 13

3.1.1 Objectives and Benefits ........................................................................................... 13

3.1.2 Project components and activities ......................................................................... 13

3.1.3 Implementation Activities ....................................................................................... 15

Pre-construction phase............................................................................................................ 16

Construction phase .................................................................................................................. 16

Post-construction phase.......................................................................................................... 18

3.2 Availability of construction equipment and work schedule ...................................... 18

3.3 Analysis of Alternatives .................................................................................................... 18

3.4 Description of the Existing Environment ...................................................................... 22

3.4.1 Natural Hazards ......................................................................................................... 22

3.4.2 Meteorology ................................................................................................................ 27

3.4.3 Surface Water Quality .............................................................................................. 27

3.4.4 Ground Water Quality .............................................................................................. 28

3.4.5 Air Quality ................................................................................................................... 28

3.4.6 Noise Quality .............................................................................................................. 29



ii

3.4.7 Agriculture Resources .............................................................................................. 30

3.4.8 Terrestrial Flora ......................................................................................................... 30

3.4.9 Terrestrial Fauna ....................................................................................................... 31

3.4.10 Socio-economic Profile ............................................................................................. 31

3.5 Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures ................................. 33

3.5.1 Pre-construction and Design Phase ....................................................................... 33

3.5.2 Construction Phase ................................................................................................... 33

3.5.3 Operation Phase ........................................................................................................ 36

3.6 Public and Stakeholder Consultations .......................................................................... 36

3.7 Grievance Redress Mechanism ....................................................................................... 37

3.8 Environmental Management Plan .................................................................................. 38

3.8.1 Mitigation .................................................................................................................... 38

3.8.2 Monitoring ................................................................................................................... 44

3.8.3 Implementation Arrangement ................................................................................ 46

3.8.4 EMP and Monitoring Budget .................................................................................... 46

3.9 Conclusion and Recommendations ................................................................................ 47

Appendix 1 Environment Conservation Rules 1997 ......................................................... 50

Appendix 2 Environment Conservation Rules 1997 ......................................................... 56

Appendix 3 Name of Participants ........................................................................................... 62

Appendix 4 Layout Plans ............................................................................................................ 64

iii

List of Tables

Table 1: Tentative Financial Plan (US $ million) .............................................................................. 3

Table 2: Comparison of Environmental Requirements of ADB and GOB ..................................... 10

Table 3: Project Components and activities ................................................................................... 13

Table 4: Comparisons of Alternative Routes ................................................................................. 19

Table 5: Administrative units crossed by TL .................................................................................. 22

Table 6: Water level at Padma River in different return periods .................................................... 22

Table 7: Surface Water Quality Analysis Report ............................................................................ 27

Table 8: Ground Water Quality Analysis Report ............................................................................ 28

Table 9: Base information of Ambient Air Quality ......................................................................... 29

Table 10: Bangladesh Standards for Ambient Air Quality ............................................................ 29

Table 11: Noise Monitoring Report ................................................................................................ 29

Table 12: Standard for Ambient Noise ........................................................................................... 29

Table 13: Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for proposed project ..................................... 39

Table 14: Environmental Monitoring Plan for the Proposed Project .............................................. 45

Table 15: Budget for the EMP and Monitoring Plan ...................................................................... 46

Table 16: Name of Participants ...................................................................................................... 62



iv

List of Figures

Figure 1: DOE Application Process for Securing ECC .................................................................... 7

Figure 2: Grievance Redress Committee ....................................................................................... 38

List of Maps

Map 1: Base Map of the Project ............................................................................................ 2

Map 2: Proposed Bheramara - Ishwardi 230 kV T/L ............................................................ 14

Map 3: Proposed New AP of TL .......................................................................................... 21

Map 4: Flood vulnerability map of Bangladesh .................................................................... 24

Map 5: Seismic zone of Bangladesh ................................................................................... 26

List of Photographs

Photo 1: Proposed place in Bheramara sub-station ............................................................ 14

Photo 2: Proposed place in Ishwardi sub-station ................................................................. 15

Photo 3: RL : 16.054 m PWD (Ishwardi SS) ........................................................................ 25

Photo 4: RL: 17.462 m PWD (Bheramara SS) ..................................................................... 25

Photo 5: RL : 13.649 m PWD (agricultural land- Char Mokarampur) ................................... 25

Photo 6: Lichu (Litchi chinensis) an orchard vegetation ....................................................... 31

Photo 7: Housing condition in study area ............................................................................ 33

Photo 8: Consultation with local and secondary stakeholders ............................................. 37

v

Executive Summary

Introduction:

1. Government of Bangladesh (GOB) has taken decision that, additional 500 MW power will

be imported from India through back to back High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) system

which is to be installed at the same premises of existing HVDC station at Bheramara,

Kushtia. To evacuate the additional power from said HVDC system, Power Grid Company

of Bangladesh Limited (PGCB) intends to construct Power Transmission Line from

Bheramara 400 KV sub-station Kushtia, to Ishwardi 230 KV Sub-station, Pabna district

under North-West and South-West regions of Bangladesh. Asian Development Bank (ADB)

and GOB will provide financial assistance for the project. The total estimated cost of the

project is about US$ 183 million with financial contribution of US$ 120 million from ADB.

The Executive Agency is PGCB.

Project Description: 2. A double circuit 230 kV Power Transmission Line will be constructed from Bheramara

HVDC Station 230 kV Switchyard (second block) to Ishwardi 230/132 kV Substation by

quad ACSR conductor for power evacuation. The TL meets Ishwardi SS into two spare

bays at the south-east corner of 230 kV switch yard. Length of TL will be 12.00 km with 3

river crossing towers. Except paddy field and some litchi gardens, no major settlement will

be obtained in ROW. Tower number of tower will be ± 40 no’s.

3. The Bheramara sub-station is situated at char Mokarampur mauza in Mokarampur union,

under Bheramara upazila in Kushtia district The first Bheramara HVDC Back to Back Sub-

station was commissioned by PGCB in 2013 and has already been connected to 400kv

HVDC from Bahrampur, West Bengal by 400 kV transmission line.

4. The Ishwardi sub-station has switchgear, circuit breaker, transformer and protection

systems etc. This sub-station is also fully functional. So there is no need to construct any

major infrastructure for proposed Bheramara to Ishwardi230 kV transmission line. There

may install some pillars, towers and other instruments. PGCB has enough land to construct

other instruments for proposed transmission line within Ishwardi sub-station.

5. The PGCB will need an environmental clearance from the Department of Environment

(DoE), Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of the People’s Republic of

Bangladesh for implementing the transmission line and other ancillary works. With this,

PGCB intends to conduct Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) as well as Environmental

Impact Assessment (EIA) study. IEE is normally carried out at the early stage of project

planning and is used to identify and estimate the potential environmental impacts from the

project activities. IEE normally done within a short time duration based on preliminary

information .IEE is required to be submitted for obtaining location clearance. in the first

stage of project planning IEE plays a very vital role. The general objective of an IEE is to

examine all environmental parameters that are likely to be affected by the identified project

activities.



vi

Objectives: 6. The main objectives of the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) study included:

Identifying the current environmental and social baseline of the area;

Identifying important environmental and social components which may be impacted

from the project;

Assessing the potential environmental impacts, including any residual impact of the

proposed project;

Identifying mitigation measures to minimize the adverse impact;

Preparation of initial Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and;

Preparing an Environmental Monitoring Plan.

Environmental Requirements for the project:

7. According to ADB Safeguard Policy Statement 2009 (SPS 2009), the proposed project is

classified as category ‘B’. It needs only IEE. Following the SPS 2009, the IEE was prepared

as the unified environmental assessment and planning process like data collection,

consultation with local and institutional stakeholders, grievance redress procedure and

safeguard documentation to meet ADB safeguard requirements.

8. According to the EIA guidelines of the Department of Environment (DOE), an environmental

safeguard of the GOB, as provided under the power sectors are dictated by the

Environment Conservation Act of 1995 and the Environment Conservation Rule 1997,

which requires an IEE and an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in obtaining the site

clearance as well as environmental clearance from the DOE, Government of Bangladesh.

Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures:

9. Environmental impacts of for the proposed project are mostly associated during

construction and the costs of mitigation measures are included in the engineering,

procurement, and construction contract(s) while the costs during the operation phase are

borne by the EA. The mitigation measures are included in the EMP with cost estimates.

Table 13 presents the EMP while Table 14 gives the monitoring plan for the proposed

project.

Information Disclosure, Public and Stakeholders Consultations:

10. Public Consultation is mandatory for the IEE study of any development project as per ADB

SPS 2009. Public consultation is a part of the IEE process aimed at involving the project

stakeholders into the project development and implementation process. During the

consultation process, the proposed “transmission lines” and “sub-stations” project

interventions and expected results as well as impacts of the project were shared during the

sessions. In the consultation process, the stakeholders were involved in

reforming/developing the project interventions considering the local needs and aspirations

in line with the problems and solutions suggested by them. The proposed interventions,

findings of the IEE and the EMP were shared with the project stakeholders for obtaining

their perceptions, views and feedbacks on the probable changes likely to happen within the

project area.

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11. The IEE will be updated to include the results of formal consultations for all components to

meet the requirements of ADB’s SPS 2009 and Public Communication Policy 2011. The

updated IEE will be posted on the websites of PGCB and ADB.

Implementation Arrangement and Grievance Redress Mechanism:

12. PGCB will assign a Superintending Engineer as a Project Director (PD) at the head office

for overall execution of the project. The PD will carry out the following major specific tasks

relating to implementation; i. Liaison with district administration; ii. Play role in planning,

management, monitoring and implementation of TL and sub-station; iii. Ensure availability

of budget for all activities; iv. Hand over land to the contractor with construction schedule in

compliance with the resettlement activity (if applicable); v. Form necessary committees for

implementation, and monitor the effectiveness of entitlement packages and payment

modalities. vi. Conduct environmental management and monitoring.

13. Management and general supervision of project implementation will be done by the Project

Management Unit (PMU) headed by the PD from PGCB. The overall implementation of the

EMP will be carried out under the supervision of the PD, PMU. An environmental staff (or a

firm that will be retained during implementation), who will be primarily responsible for

ensuring that the EMP is properly implemented, will be recruited for the project prior to

award of the civil works contract. Aside from this, he/she will coordinate and interact with

Project Director, PMU on compliance to ADB requirements, relevant government agencies

and local authorities on environmental issues and clearances, update and finalize the IEE,

and will prepare environmental monitoring reports for submission to ADB at least twice a

year during construction and annually during operation phase.

14. A grievance redress committee (GRC) at the union level (the lowest administrative units in

Bangladesh) will be set up to addressed local grievance by PGCB as soon as the project

commences and will ensure equal representation of women in the members of GRC. GRC

will convene twice a month and will keep a record of the grievances, classify, prioritize, and

provide the solution (s) within 30 days from the date of the complaint. The record will include

the contact details of the complainant, date the complaint was received and the nature of

the complaint, agreement on corrective actions and the date it was enforced, and the final

outcome. All complaint related documentation such as minutes of the meeting and

decisions will be summarized and become part of the semi-annual monitoring report

submitted to ADB.

Conclusion: 15. The proposed power transmission line will not supply electricity directly to the people all

along the route. But the people living along the proposed transmission line expressed keen

interest for implementing the Transmission line and sub-station in their area. Their main

interest is that the overall development in the power sector would contribute to the national

development from which they along with others will be benefitted. Local people along the

transmission line alignments will be benefited as the project will generate some

employment opportunities for them during the pre-construction and construction phases.

16. High resolution Remotely Sensed (RS) images have been used in deciding the route of the

transmission line avoiding settlements and ecologically sensitive and protected areas. This

has been reconfirmed by the IEE team members who walked along the entire length of the

alignment to ground truth the signatures of the satellite images. Observations of the team



viii

members suggest that the route finally selected passes mostly through agricultural crop

fields and not through settlement or ecologically sensitive and protected areas.

17. Some minor negative impact of the project will be felt during the pre-construction and

construction phases which may involve removal of vegetation and cutting of trees for

carrying construction materials to the sites, erection of towers and construction of the

transmission line. These problems could be overcome by paying compensation and

bringing back these lands to almost their original form before handing them over to the

owners after the construction is over. Crop production lost due to these activities during the

pre-construction and construction phases will have to be compensated as well.

18. The project is not likely to have any significant negative impact; therefore no major

mitigation measures will be required. The minor impact of noise and increase in traffic are

within the existing level experienced by the local people. The towers will be erected and the

line installed under expert supervision. The contractor will be under specific orders for

providing Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) and abide HES guidelines to the workers

engaged for the job.

19. The morphological analysis of the Ganges River is very much essential for the river

crossing of the proposed transmission line. So, the river crossing site has been identified

for crossing of the proposed 230 kV line. There are two existing transmission lines plying on

the both sides of the Hardging Railway Bridge which is located 2.5 km down of the

proposed river crossing point. River bank erosion, accretion of char land and historical

development of the study reach will need to investigate further.

20. No land acquisition will be required for the proposed sub-station. Because the proposed

sub-station is located within the PGCB’s owned sub-station area. Crop compensation for

tower footing sites as well as for DIA area of ROW during stringing period will be paid by

contractors which would be supervised by PMU. The environmental monitoring plan, if

properly implemented during the pre-construction, construction and post-construction and

operation phases will ensure taking corrective measures.

21. For implementing of the Environmental Management Plan i.e. compensation, mitigation,

contingency and enhancement measures, total amount of TK. 145 lakh is estimated during

this IEE study. Including the monitoring cost, the total budget of the EMP will be $329,000

(Tk 235 lakh) approximately.

ix



1

1. Introduction

22. GOB has taken decision that, additional 500 MW power will be imported from India through

back to back HVDC system which is to be installed at the same premises of existing HVDC

station at Bheramara, Kushtia. To evacuate the additional power from said HVDC system,

PGCB intends to construct around 12 km Power Transmission Line from Bheramara 400

KV sub-station Kushtia, to Ishwardi 230 KV Sub-station, Pabna district belonging to North-

West and South-West regions of Bangladesh.

23. ADB and GOB will provide financial assistance for the project. The PGCB will need an

environmental clearance from the DOE, Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of

the People’s Republic of Bangladesh for implementing the transmission line and other

ancillary works. With this, PGCB intends to conduct IEE as well as EIA study as notional

requirement. According to ADB Safeguard Policy Statement 2009 (SPS 2009), the

proposed project is classified as category ‘B’. and It needs only IEE.

24. The main objectives of the IEE study included:

Identifying the current environmental and social baseline of the area;

Identifying important environmental and social components which may be impacted

from the project;

Assessing the potential environmental impacts, including any residual impact of the

proposed project;

Identifying mitigation measures to minimize the adverse impact;

Preparation of initial EMP and;

Preparing an Environmental Monitoring Plan.

25. The location of the project is shown in Map 1. The proposed 230 kV transmission line will

be constructed from Bheramara to Ishwardi under Kushtia and Pabna district. A double

circuit 230 kV Power Transmission Line constructed from extended part (second block) of

Bheramara HVDC Station 230 kV Switchyard to Ishwardi 230/132 kV Substation by quad

ACSR conductor for power evacuation. The TL meets Ishwardi SS into two spare bays at

the south-east corner of 230 kV switch yard. Length of TL will be ± 12.00 km with 3 river

crossing towers. Except paddy field and some litchi gardens, no major settlement will be

obtained within ROW. The total number of towers will be ± 40. A map is attached below.

26. The Bheramara sub-station is situated at char Mokarampur mauza in Mokarampur union,

Bheramara upazila under the Kushtia district. PGCB will set up a 500MW back-to-back

High-Voltage Direct-Current (HVDC) sub-station (second block) at Bheramara in Kushtia for

improving electricity supply from India. The first Bheramara HVDC Back to Back Station

was commissioned by PGCB in 2013 and has already been connected to 400kv HVDC

from Bahrampur, West Bengal by 400 kV transmission line which has 29 km far from Indo-

Bangla border. The Ishwardi sub-station has switchgear, circuit breaker, transformer and

protection systems etc. This sub-station is also fully functional. So there is no need to

construct any major infrastructure for proposed Bheramara to Ishwardi 230 kV transmission

line. PGCB has enough land to construct other infrastructures for proposed transmission

line within Ishwardi sub-stations.



2

Map 1: Base Map of the Project

Bheramara

Ishwardi

3

1.1 Overview of the Investment Programme

27. The investment for the project is estimated to be US$183.20 million. The Government has

requested a loan equivalent to US$35.0 million from ADB’s Ordinary Capital Resources and

US$85.0 million from ADB’s Special Funds to finance the Project and will provide funds

equivalent to US$63.2 million (Table 1). A project loan financing modality is considered.

Table 1: Tentative Financial Plan (US $ million)

Source Amount (US $ million) Share of Total (%)

Asian Development Bank 120.0 65.6

Government of Bangladesh 63.2 34.4

Total 183.2 100.0

Source: ADB estimate based on development project proposal approved by Government, and discussions

with PGCB and GOB

1.2 Environmental Requirements

28. According to ADB Safeguard Policy Statement 2009 (SPS 2009), the proposed project is

classified as category ‘B’. It needs only Initial Environmental Examination (IEE). Following

the SPS 2009, the IEE was prepared as the unified environmental assessment and

planning process like data collection, consultation with local and institutional stakeholders,

grievance redress procedure and safeguard documentation to meet ADB safeguard

requirements.

29. According to the EIA guidelines of the DoE, an environmental safeguard of the Government

of Bangladesh (GOB), as provided under the power sectors are dictated by the

Environment Conservation Act of 1995 and the Environment Conservation Rules 1997,

which require an IEE and an EIA in obtaining the site clearance as well as environmental

clearances respectively from the DOE, Government of Bangladesh.

1.3 Structures of the Report

30. Section 1 provides the background of the project as well as investment program of the

proposed project. Section 2 presents the policy, legal and administrative framework

applicable for the project. Section 3 defines baseline, potential impacts and the

environmental management and monitoring plan. The report is rounded up with conclusion

and recommendations.



5

2. Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework

2.1 National Environmental Requirements

31. This section presents the regulatory agency, process, regulations and international

environmental agreements relevant to the Investment Program.

2.1.1 Environmental Authority

32. The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF) is the agency of the GOB in planning,

promotion, coordination and overseeing the implementation of environmental and forestry

programs. MOEF oversees all national environmental matters and is responsible for

activities such as prevention and control of pollution, forestation and regeneration of

degraded areas and protection of the environment, and in the framework of legislations.

MOEF also conducts surveys, impact assessment, control of pollution, research, and

collection and dissemination of environmental information and creation of environmental

awareness among all sectors in Bangladesh.

33. Under the MOEF, the DOE was established as the primary government authority mandated

to regulate and enforce environmental management regulations to ensure sustainable

development and to conserve and manage the environment of Bangladesh. The DOE

implements the duties of the MOEF on the ground through the consistent application of

environmental rules and regulations, and provide guidance, training and promotional

campaign on improving the awareness of environmental issues.

2.1.2 Securing Environmental Clearance

34. Section12 of ECA 1995 provides that no industrial unit or project can be established or

undertaken without obtaining an environmental clearance certificate (ECC) from the

Director General, DOE. In accordance with the ECR 1997, DOE has classified development

interventions based on their potential adverse environmental impacts for the purpose of

issuing the ECC. The categories are: (i) green, (ii) orange A, (iii) orange B, and (iv) red.

35. The application for ECC from the DOE has two steps: (i) site clearance certificate is

obtained at the initial stage and (ii) the ECC at the advanced stage. ECC is required for all

the categories (i.e., green, orange A, orange B, and red). A site clearance and ECC are

required for industries /projects in the categories: orange A, orange B, and red. Appendix 1

gives the complete list of industries according to category.

36. The issuance of ECC by the DOE for Green projects is within 15 days upon receipt of

application while for the site clearance of Orange A projects, the issuance will be within 30

days upon receipt of application, then for Orange B and Red categories, it will be 60 days.

The ECC of Green projects is valid for three years. Once the site clearance is obtained for

Orange A, Orange B, and Red projects, the ECC can be applied. DOE will issue or

disapprove the ECC for Orange A projects within 15 days and within 30 days for Orange B

projects while for Red category, it will be within 60 working days. The ECC is valid for one



6

year depending on the compliance of the conditions and must be renewed 30 days prior to

the expiry date.

37. No environmental study is required for Green industries or projects since they are

considered to be relatively pollution free. However, a no objection certificate (NOC),

normally taken from the local authorities, is required for submission to the DOE including a

general information about the project/industry, and a description of the raw materials and

finished products.

38. To obtain the site clearance, projects or industries with in the Orange A category are

required to submit general information, NOC, feasibility report, description of raw materials

and finished products, process flow diagram, layout plan, and effluent disposal system. For

Orange B category, the application for site clearance and ECC includes the feasibility

report, IEE, EMP for existing industry, a NOC, pollution minimization plan, and an outline of

relocation plan. The Red category industries/projects are those which may cause significant

adverse environmental impacts and therefore, and require an EIA. Power projects fall within

the Red category. The documents required for site clearance are feasibility report, IEE and

EMP for existing industry, no objection certificate ( NOC), a pollution minimization plan

including emergency plan for mitigation of adverse environmental impacts. After the

issuance of the site clearance, the proponent can apply for the ECC. Figure 1 pre s ents

the process of application for ECC to the DOE including the documents required.

39. It is presumed that, during detail design and implementation period the Bangladeshi system

including standards would be applied to this project and references are to be duly specified

to confirm to the World Bank/ Asian Development Bank EHS guidelines. If the World Bank/

ADB EHS guideline standards are more stringent in that case, those have to be applied

instead of the Bangladeshi standards for the transmission system.

7

Figure 1: DOE Application Process for Securing ECC

40. Other relevant national regulations are as follows:

(i) E n vironment Court Act 2000 (amended in 2002) is under the Judiciary and MOEF to ensure the completion of environment related legal proceedings effectively;

(ii) Vehicle Act 1927, the Motor Vehicles Ordinance 1983, and Bengal Motor Vehicle Rules 1940 are under the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority which regulates vehicular emissions and noise including road safety;

(iii) Factories Act 1965 and Bangladesh Labour 2006 are under the Ministry of Labour which provides for the occupational rights and safety of factory workers and the

Process of obtaining EIA

GREEN

The application should enclose: i. General information; ii. Description of raw

materials & finished products

iii. An NOC

The application should enclose: i. General information; ii. Description of raw

materials & finished products

iii. An NOC iv. Process flow diagram,

layout plan, effluent disposal system etc.

The application should enclose: i. Feasibility Study

Report (for proposed industry/project);

ii. Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) (for proposed industry/project);

iii. Environmental Management Plan (EMP) Report (for existing industry/project;

iv. An NOC v. Pollution vi. Outline or relocation

plan; etc.

The application should enclose: i. Feasibility Study

Report (for proposed industry/project);

ii. Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) (for proposed industry/project); Or Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) (on the basis of the ToR)

iii. Environmental Management Plan (EMP) Report (for existing industry/project;

iv. An NOC v. Pollution plan; vi. Outline or relocation plan;

etc.

Obtaining Environmental

Clearance

Obtaining Site Clearance

Such a clearance will be subject to renewal after each three-year

period

Applying for

Environmental Clearance


Clearance

Such a clearance will be subject to renewal after each one-year

period


Applying for Environmental

Clearance


Clearance


period

Applying for Environmental

Clearance


Clearance


period

ORANGE A ORANGE B RED




8

provision of comfortable work environment and reasonable working conditions; (iv) The Forest Act 1927 (amended in 1982 and 1989) is under the MOEF to protect

forest resources; (v) Energy Policy 1996 is under the MPEMR which underscores the environmental

protection by requiring an EIA for any new energy development project; (vi) Telegraph Act 1885 is under the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunication which

provides that the GOB can build towers on public land without giving any land compensation;

(vii) Electricity Act 1910 is the law relating to the supply and use of electrical energy, and which allows any person to secure a license to supply energy and to put down or place electrical supply lines for the transmission of energy. Sect 19 (1) of the Act provides that the licensee, in the exercise of any of the powers conferred by or under this Act, will cause as little damage, detriment and inconvenience as may be, and will make full compensation for any damage, detriment or inconvenience caused by him or by any one employed by him.

41. Appendix 2 and Appendix 3 present the relevant environmental regulations and

environmental quality standards in Bangladesh, respectively.

2.1.3 Relevant International Environmental Agreements

42. The following is a list of applicable international environmental agreements that can provide

guidance during the implementation of the proposed project:

Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (Paris1972) – this convention was accepted in Bangladesh on 3 August 1983 and ratified on 3 November 1983. This Convention defines and provides for the conservation of the world’s heritage by listing the natural and cultural sites whose value should be preserved. Existing list can be referred to, if available, to avoid impacts in areas with cultural and natural heritage 7value.

Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Water fowl Habitat (Ramsar1971) – ratified on 20 April 1992, which provides a framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and their resources. Bangladesh has two Ramsar sites, the Tangauar Haor (Northeast of Bangladesh) and parts of Sundarban Reserved Forest (Southwest of Bangladesh).This project avoided these two identified Ramsar sites.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Washington 1973) – also known as CITES was signed on 20 November 1981. This Convention provides a framework for addressing the over harvesting and exploitation patterns that threaten species of flora and fauna. Under the Convention, the governments agree to restrict or regulate trade in species that are threatened by unsustainable patterns. This project is not within the habitat areas which are likely to have endangered species of wildlife and flora. The project sites are located in the built-up areas of two districts named Kushtia and Pabna. Nonetheless, the EA will ensure that the project will not cause any harvesting and exploitation of wild flora and fauna during construction and operation.

Convention on Biological Diversity (1992) – entered into force on 29 December 1993 and ratified on 20 March 1994. This provides for a framework for biodiversity and

9

requires signatories to develop a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. This project will refer to the applicable or relevant National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan to ensure that any replacement of cleared vegetation (if any) resulting from the project will be consistent with the objectives and priorities of the Action Plan.

Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn 1979) –this sets the framework for agreements between countries important to the migration of threatened species. Proposed project is not with in the areas known or likely to be habitat of migratory species of wild animals.

Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPS) a global treaty in May 2001 which was made effective in May 2004 to protect human health and the environment from chemicals that remain intact for a long time and become widely distributed geographically and accumulate in human and wildlife tissue. GOB signed the Stockholm Convention on POPS on 23 May 2001 and was ratified on 27 March 2007. The treaty requires the Parties to take measures to eliminate or reduce the release of POPS in the environment. The POPS of major concern to power sector projects is the polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) used before as a transformer oil. PCB is not manufactured in Bangladesh and its international production generally was ended in 1980. This project will ensure that management of POPS, if any, will be managed consistent with the Stockholm Convention.

2.2 Environmental Requirements of ADB

43. The environmental requirements specified in SPS 2009 apply to all projects funded by ADB.

SPS 2009 covers three key safeguard areas: environment, involuntary resettlement, and

indigenous peoples; and aims to avoid adverse project impacts to both the environment and

affected people; minimize, mitigate and/or compensate for adverse project impacts, and

help Borrowers to strengthen their safeguard systems and to develop their capacity in

managing the environmental and social risks. The environment assessment and review

procedures require for the analysis of alternatives, meaningful consultation, timely

information disclosure, preparation of environmental management plan and monitoring with

appropriate budget, setting up of a grievance redress mechanism, biodiversity conservation

and sustainable natural resource management, pollution prevention and abatement,

inclusion of occupational and community health and safety, and avoiding damage to

physical cultural resources.

44. During identification, screening and scoping of projects, ADB uses a categorization system

based on the significance of potential environmental impacts and is determined by the

category of its most environmentally-sensitive component, including direct, indirect,

cumulative, and induced impacts within the project's area of influence. The project

categorization system is as follows:

Category A – an environmental impact assessment (EIA) is required for a project that is likely

to have significant adverse environmental impacts that are irreversible, diverse, or

unprecedented, and may affect an area larger than the sites or facilities subject to physical

works.

Category B – an initial environmental examination (IEE) is required for a project that is likely to

have adverse environmental impacts that are less adverse than those of Category A which are

site-specific, few if any of them irreversible and in most cases mitigation measures can be

designed more readily than Category A.



10

Category C – no environmental assessment is required but environmental implications will be reviewed for a project that is likely to have minimal or no adverse environmental impacts. Category FI – if a project involves investment of ADB funds to or through a financial

intermediary.

45. Table 2 presents a comparison of the environmental requirements focusing on the ADB and

GOB.

Table 2: Comparison of Environmental Requirements of ADB and GOB

Project Stage ADB GOB

Screening and Categorization

Uses sector-specific rapid environmental assessment checklist for screening

assigns categories based on potential impacts:

A - EIA required (irreversible, diverse or unprecedented adverse environmental impacts)

B - IEE required C - no environmental

assessment required but a review of environmental implications is required

FI - ESMS required

ECA 1995 and ECR 1997 set screening criteria to classify industries/projects based on potential environmental impacts as follows: Green, Orange A, Orange B and Red. These screening criteria are based on project or industry type and do not consider the scale and location. The category determines the level of environmental assessment.

Environmental Assessment

Identify potential impacts on physical, biological, physical cultural resources, and socioeconomic aspects in the context of project's area of influence (i.e., primary project site and facilities, and associated facilities)

Industry/project category Green - no environmental assessment required Orange A - no IEE or EIA required but must provide process flow, lay-out showing effluent treatment plant, etc. Orange B - IEE required Red - both IEE and EIA are required

Analysis of Alternatives

For projects with potential significant impacts (i.e., Category A) Examine alternatives to the project's location, design, and technology

Document rationale for selecting the particular project location, design, and technology Consider "no project" alternative

Regulations (i.e., ECA 1995 and ECR 1997) do not require specifically the identification and analysis of alternatives

Meaningful Consultation

Starts early and continues during implementation

Undertaken in an atmosphere free of intimidation

Gender inclusive and

Public consultation and participation are not mandatory based on ECA 1995 and ECR 1997

11

Project Stage ADB GOB

responsive Tailored to the needs of

vulnerable groups Allows for the incorporation

of all relevant views of stakeholders

Information Disclosure

ADB will post in its website the following:

Draft EIA report posted on ADB website at least 120 days prior to Board consideration

Draft EA/EARF prior to appraisal

Final or updated EIA/IEE upon receipt

Environmental monitoring report submitted by borrowers upon receipt

No requirement for disclosure but DOE posts the Minutes of the Meeting on the application for environmental clearance certificate to its website, http://www.doe- bd.org/minutes.php

Grievance Redress Mechanism

Establish a mechanism to receive and facilitate resolution of grievances or complaints

Grievance redress mechanism is not mentioned in the regulations

Use of Environmental standard

Refers to Environmental Health and Safety Guidelines 2007

If national regulations differ, more stringent will be followed

If less stringent levels are appropriate in view of specific project circumstances, provide full and detailed justification

Ambient and emission standards included in ECA 1995 and ECR 1997 Occupational health and safety standards included in the Factories Act 1965 and Bangladesh Labour Law 2006

Monitoring and Reporting

Prepare monitoring reports on the progress of EMP

Retain qualified and experienced external experts or NGOs to verify monitoring information for Category A projects

Prepare and implement corrective action plan if non- compliance is identified

Requires submission of quarterly, semiannual, and annual reports to ADB for review

ECC is subject to annual renewal based on compliance of the conditions set in the ECC.

Source: Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources.



13

3. Baseline, Potential Impacts and Environmental Management

Plan

3.1 Project Description

3.1.1 Objectives and Benefits

46. The objectives of the project are:

To ensure quality services to the customers.

To improve the distribution system and decrease system loss.

Economic use of electricity with the reduction of National Peak Demand.

Reduction of load shedding.

Ensure quality power supply with reliability

3.1.2 Project components and activities

47. The project is located in the South-West and North-West Region of Bangladesh mainly

within Pabna and Kushtia District belonging to Rajshahi and Khulna divisions respectively.

The locations of the project are shown in Map 2. There are five unions located alongside the

transmission line belonging to two upazilas named Ishwardi and Bheramara. It is also

mentioned that nine mauzas and one Paurasava are also crossed by the proposed

transmission line. Total around 40 tower footings will be constructed along the proposed line.

48. The Bheramara sub-station is situated at char Mokarampur mauza in Mokarampur union, Bheramara upazila under the Kushtia district. PGCB will set up a 500MW back-to-back HVDC sub-station at Bheramara in Kushtia for importing electricity from India. The first Bheramara HVDC Back to Back Station was commissioned by PGCB in 2013 and has already been connected to 400kv HVDC from Bahrampur to West Bengal by400 kV transmission line. Existing sub-station area is already having other facilities such as electrical specifications for switchgear, circuit breaker, transformer and protection systems etc (table 3). These are now available for proposed Transmission Line. There is available space within Bheramara HVDC sub-station for constructing new bays. Moreover, this proposed project doesn’t require any land acquisition for the sub-station. Photo 1 of Bheramara Sub-station is presented below.

Table 3: Project components and activities

Name of project Length T/L Main activities

Bheramara to Ishwardi 230 kV

Transmission Line

Around 12

km

Construction, testing and commissioning of

230 kV Bheramara (Kushtia district) –

Ishwardi (Pabna district) Double Circuit

(DC) overhead transmission line.

500MW back-to-back High-

Voltage Direct-Current (HVDC)

sub-station

- Construction, testing and commissioning of

the Sub-station

Source: DPP, PGCB.



14

Map 2: Proposed Bheramara - Ishwardi 230 kV T/L

Photo 1: Proposed SS site within Bheramara

existing sub-station

15

49. The Ishwardi sub-station has switchgear, circuit breaker, transformer and protection

systems etc. This sub-station is also fully functional. So there is no need to construct any

major infrastructure for proposed Bheramara to Ishwardi transmission line (230Kv). There

may install some pillars, towers and other instruments. PGCB has enough land to construct

other instruments for proposed transmission line within Ishwardi sub-station. So there is no

need to acquire land or other developmental activities e.g. land filling, land leveling,

bounding, roadway for vehicle movement, storage of material etc. in this purpose. Sub-

station sites are now being developed and prepared for any kind of construction activities of

proposed transmission line. Photo 2 is presented the Bheramara Sub-station below.

Photo 2: Proposed place in Ishwardi sub-station

3.1.3 Implementation Activities

50. The construction activities associated with the proposed project include the transmission

towers, stringing of the transmission line, and construction of the substation. The main

implementation activities should be conducted by implementing agency. Some activities

include the following:

Land/vegetation clearing along the right-of-way (ROW);

Determine the requirements for temporary access roads/tracks;

Establish the required areas for material storage and work sites;

Determine if constructions camps for workers will be required;

Move the equipment and materials required to the work sites or storage areas;



16

Foundation works for substations and transmission towers (around 40 nos.);

Erection of transmission towers and stringing of transmission lines;

Installation of surface drainage and construction of cable trench, covered storage and

warehouse /stockroom;

Laying of gravel for the switchyard with associated civil and electrical works and

boundary lighting;

Setting up of security/ sentry post;

Construction of transformer blast wall, septic tank, and rain water harvesting unit;

Equipment installation, testing, and commissioning of equipment, and;

Other miscellaneous tasks needed to complete the works.

51. The substations will be equipped with safety measures such as fire-fighting equipment, first

aid kits, and property boundary wall/ fence with trained security personnel.

Pre-construction phase

52. Pre-construction activities are summarized below:

Study of distribution systems, feasibility study and load flow study including the

preparation of development plan;

Prepare the engineering design (Appendix 4 - lay-out plan for both sub-stations

i.e. Bheramara and Ishwardi ) and as-built drawings to update the system as

appropriate;

Prepare the required bid documents for the construction of substation as well as its

associated works;

Establish the temporary access track;

Establish the areas for material storage and worksites;

Establish the construction camps for workers, as needed.

Construction phase

Civil Construction Works

53. Earth works for the foundation: Earth works and excavation are needed for the foundation

of the substation and ancillary buildings as well as the transmission towers at required

depth. The excavated earth and other spoils are kept temporarily in borrow areas nearby

and after the earthworks for the foundation, back filling of the excavated area will be done

and finished with sand.

Foundation Treatment

54. Geotechnical investigations of the foundation area will be under taken. Results of

geotechnical investigations help in designing the appropriate foundation of the structures as

well as in determining if treatment of the foundation is required. The appropriate treatment

such as bulla piling, precast reinforced concrete cement (RCC) piling or in-situ concrete

piling, sand piling, and removal of peat or loose soil will be determined after the

geotechnical investigations.

RCC works

55. RCC works are needed for the roof, columns, beams, floor, foundation of transformers,

circuit breaker and steel structures, and other structures.

17

Brickworks up to plinth level and superstructure

56. Brick works will be done for the construction of the substation building using First Class

bricks and, coarse sand and cement up to the roof level.

Sand backfilling

57. Back filling by sand will be done in the excavated areas for the foundation and floor of the

building.

Plastering and finishing (electric wiring, distemper or plastic paints)

58. Concealing of the electrical wiring with wires of proper size and good quality will be done

and bulbs and switchboards will be provided. Plastering of the walls inside and outside of

the building and its roof will be undertaken accordingly with curing work carried out for at

least three weeks. After this time, plastic paint distemper will be done on the walls and the

roof of the building.

Wood/Thai aluminum for doors and windows, and glass fittings

59. Wood/Thai aluminum works with glass fittings will be done on the door shutter sand

windows of the building.

Sanitary works

60. Sanitary works include laying down of sewerage pipelines either with polyvinyl/chloride PVC

or RCC, and installation, fitting, and fixing of toilet accessories (British Industry Steel

Frame).

Water supply system

61. Existing water supply system, if available, will be used as water supply source for the

substation. In places where there is no supply system, tube wells will be installed for the

workers and staff at the substation.

Boundary fencing with concrete pillars and barbed wires

62. To protect the sub stations from encroachment and unauthorized entry from the public, the

area has already been fenced with six feet- high boundary wall.

Electric Work

63. Once the substation building is completed, all the equipment (transformer, circuit breaker,

isolator, lightening arrester, panel board, batteries and battery charger, etc.) will be installed

(outdoor and indoor) according to specifications and standards. Most of the material for the

substation will has to be procured abroad. Thus, there will be limited domestic resource

utilization for the project. Construction materials such as bricks, sand, cement, rods, etc. will

be locally purchased.

Testing and commissioning of equipment

64. After the outdoor and indoor installation of all the equipment required, they will be tested

according to specifications and standards. Once all the tests have been successfully

completed, the substation will be commissioned.

Erection of the transmission towers

65. Steel lattice towers are transported to designated locations from the nearest road access

point then carried manually to locations where access by vehicle is difficult. After the



18

foundation strength is complete, the towers are erected manually using pulleys, wrenches,

etc.

66. The towers will be constructed to bear the load of the tower, cables, accessories including

wind load and earthquake load. In areas of paddy fields, the towers will have proper

clearance at the sag (lowest point on line) and in homesteads, the sag will be above the

canopy. It is estimated that about 40 transmission towers need to be erected for the

proposed project.

Installation of fire-fighting system and establishing first aid center

67. As the AIS sub-station is vital installations, fire-fighting equipment of appropriate

specification will be procured and installed. First aid boxes are to be kept at the installation

including provision of ambulance service.

Post-construction phase

68. Post construction phase will cover final installation of the safety measures in the substation

and transmission towers such as fire-fighting equipment system following the appropriate

specifications, and the emergency first aid kits installed at strategic locations within the

substation. Trained security personnel will be deployed to ensure peace and security within

the property perimeter.

3.2 Availability of construction equipment and work schedule

69. Equipment and materials required for the construction of the substation such as poles,

conductors, conductor joining material, cable, indoor termination kit, insulator, distribution

transformer accessories, transformer protection equipment, hardware materials for

transmission system etc. will be procured from abroad. Construction materials such as

bricks, sand, cement, rods, etc. will be acquired locally from domestic suppliers.

70. Project implementation is expected to begin with contract award in July 2015 and

completion by June 2018.

3.3 Analysis of Alternatives

71. The following criteria were considered for selecting the alignment of the route:

Open agricultural land.

Distance from connecting road should not be more than 1 km.

Avoid settlement areas as much as possible.

Avoid urban areas as much as possible.

Avoid river crossings if possible.

Avoid water bodies.

Consider the existing power distributing line.

Location of Air-Insulated Switchgear (AIS).

72. Three alternative routes (Option-1, Option-2 and Option-3) have been considered for the

proposed 12km T/L. The options were selected through consultation with local

stakeholders, analyzing maps and satellite images to minimize impacts from previous

ROW. From field findings, it is obvious that every transmission route has both limitation and

opportunity (see Map 3).

19

73. The Bheramara to Ishwardi 230 kV transmission line (about 12 km) Right of Way (ROW)

will pass over various mauzas under Bheramara and Ishwardi upazila. Table 4 presents the

comparative features within General Impact Area (GIA) and Direct Impact Area (DIA)for

the-3 proposed options. Option-2 comprises almost 9 semi pucca houses1 and 20 katcha

houses 2 where option-1 includes 250 and 76 semi-pucca houses 3 and other option-3

comprises almost 780 pucca and 650 semi-pucca houses. Avoiding 2 pucca houses and

some other semi-pucca (3 nos.) and kutcha houses (5 nos.) and from the path of option 2,

3rd nos. angle point (AP) has been shifted from north to south direction and fixed the TL

finally (see MAP 4).

Map 3: Proposed three alternative lines

Table 4: Comparisons of alternative routes

Route Features of impacted area (ROW-Right of Way) Socially

1 Pucca houses; Pucca houses refers to dwellings are made by building materials i.e. brick, cement and rod etc.

2 Katcha houses: Katcha houses refers to dwelling are made by wood, bamboo, straw or tin roof, and plinth is made

by mud;

3 Semi Pucca houses: Semi pucca houses refers to dwellings are made by both materials i.e. brick, tin and wooden

etc.



20

options GIA-1 (30m left side) DIA (20m middle side) GIA-2 (30m right side)

and environmen

tally suitable

Op

tio

n-2

Pucca house 15 nos. - Pucca house 6 nos.

Su

ita

ble

Semi-pucca house 6 nos.



Kutcha house 55 nos. Kutcha house 25 nos. Kutcha house 53 nos.

Education Institute 3nos.

- -

Rail line crossing Rail line crossing Rail line crossing

132Kv transmission line cross






Pucca Road cross 16 nos.



Kutcha Road cross 9 nos.



Padma river Cross Padma river Cross Padma river Cross

Pond 2 nos. Pond 3 nos. Pond 2nos.

Rice Processing mill 7nos.

Rice Processing mill 4 nos.


Banana tree 6 nos. Banana tree 20 nos. -

Bamboo 20 nos. - Bamboo 35 nos.

Trees (Timbers, fruits, medicine etc)791 nos.

Trees(Timbers, fruits, medicine etc) 414 nos.


Op

tio

n-1

Pucca house 250 nos. Pucca house 180 nos. Pucca house 350 nos.

No

t su

ita

ble



Semi-pucca house 320nos.






Shop 55 nos. Shop 25 nos. Shop 70 nos.

















Banana tree 6 nos. Banana tree 20nos. -

Bamboo 250 nos. - Bamboo 300 nos.

Trees (Timbers, fruits, medicine etc) 2500 nos.



21

Route options

Features of impacted area (ROW-Right of Way) Socially and

environmentally

suitable

GIA-1 (30m left side) DIA (20m middle side) GIA-2 (30m right side)

Op

tio

n-3

Pucca house 120 nos. Pucca house 50 nos. Pucca house 80 nos.

No

t su

ita

ble






- Education Institute 6nos.


Lalon shah Bridge - Harding bridge

- - Ishwardi EPZ area

















Banana tree 6 nos. Banana tree 20nos. -

Bamboo 200 nos. Bamboo 150 nos. Bamboo 350nos.




Source: Rout survey, February 2015.

Map 3: Proposed New Aangle point for avoiading pucca house

74. On the other hands there is no Educational institution in the option-2 with in DIA, compared

to more such institutes under option-1 and option-3. There is no shop in the option-2 and 1.

However option-3 includes 150 shops which guarantees livelihood to a lot of people’s

Old AP

of TL

New AP

of TL

SS



22

livelihood. Option-2 crosses less pucca and kutcha road than option-1 and 3. All l the

option includes trees which need to be cut down. Comparatively, option-2 demand less than

the others. All the options have to cross the Padma River. It would rather select the option

2 as option 3 may create some difficulties. The option 3 also has to cross 132Kv and 230Kv

transmission line and rail way. In the option-3, the T/L is shorter than the others but it have

to cross Lalon Shah road way Bridge, Harding Railway Bridge and proposed Ruppur

nuclear power plant site. It also demands underground line that is also costly than other

options.

75. Considering the obstacles of alternative routes it is obvious that option-2 is more suitable

than other alternatives. It offers less cut down trees, includes no educational institutions

within DIA, less livelihood (rice mill, shops etc) losses, road networks etc. This route is

designed through crop field, barren land and less dense area. Therefore, it will minimize the

effects and the cost as well.

3.4 Description of the Existing Environment

Administrative Area 76. A 20m wide area through the ROW has been defined as the directly impacted area (DIA)

has been considered for environmental analysis. General socioeconomic profile has been

prepared for union-based administrative units (Table 5) over which the power transmission

line shall traverse.

Table 5: Administrative units crossed by TL

Sl. No. District (s) Upazila (s) Union (s) Mauza (s)

1 Pabna

Ishwardi

Sara Sara

2 Paurasava Paurasava

3 Silimpur Char Silimpur

4 Char Mirkamari

5 Pakshi Baghail

6 Bamanagar

7 Kushtia

Bheramara

Mokarampur Golapnagar

8 Char Golapnagar

9 Mokarampur

10 Char Mokarampur Source: GIS analysis, CEGIS, 2015.

3.4.1 Natural Hazards

Flooding 77. The Bheramara – Ishwardi 230 kV transmission line will traverse through flood free area

(Map-4). The transmission line will cross the 2.19 kilometer wide Padma River at Bheramara Sadar. The historic records of water level at Padma River are available with the BWDB. Based on the historic records, the probable maximum water level near the crossing was estimated for different return periods. At the crossing point with the Padma River, water level in the 20 year return period is 16.08 m, PWD (above sea level) shown in the table 6.

Table 6: Water level at Padma River in different return periods

Return Period (Years) Water Level (m, PWD)

2.33 14.16

5 14.9

10 15.51

23

20 16.08

50 16.83

100 17.39

Source: BWDB



24

Map 4: Flood vulnerability map of Bangladesh

Proposed

Project site

25

Climate Change 78. The proposed ROW and sub-station area are located in the north-west region of

Bangladesh which is flood free area as well as high elevated area considering coastal area

(south-west zone of Bangladesh). In terms of climate change issues, the north-west zone

will be continued relatively to be in advantageous condition in future. The land elevation of

the Sub-stations sites Bheramara, Ishwardi and agricultural land (Char Mokarampur) are

stated in three pictures. The elevation of Bheramara sub-station area is stated as more than

100 years return period.

Photo 3: RL : 16.054 m PWD

(Ishwardi SS)

Photo 4: RL: 17.462 m PWD

(Bheramara SS)

Photo 5: RL : 13.649 m PWD

(agricultural land- Char

Mokarampur)

Tornado 79. There are some evidences of local seasonal storms, popularly known as nor’westers

(Kalbaishakhi). Severe nor’westers is generally associated with tornadoes. The frequency

of nor’westers usually reaches a maximum in April, whereas it is low in May and minimum

in March. Nor’westers and tornadoes are more frequent in the afternoon. Nor’westers may

occur in late February due to early withdrawal of winter from the Shillong Plateau of India.

There would be an effect of tornados on the towers of the transmission line. However,

improved design could protect the towers from accidents.

Erosion

80. The Padma is very dynamic River due to river erosion and accretion. Morphological

analysis of the Ganges River at the proposed alignment of the transmission line is to be

needed on the based on previous studies, using historical maps, time-series satellite

images and relevant hydro-morphological data. Advanced remote sensing and GIS tools

and techniques should be used for this analysis. The study reach is almost bounded by

structures, like Paksey hard point, guide bunds of the Hardging Railway Bridge.

Seismicity 81. Bangladesh is divided into three seismic zones: Zone I–Severe (Seismic Factor, 0.08g),

Zone II– Moderate (Seismic Factor, 0.05g), and Zone III – Minor (Seismic Factor, 0.04g).

Map 5 shows the seismic zones of Bangladesh. The proposed project area lies within Zone

III. Thus, the design of towers and substation should with stand ground acceleration

equivalent to 0.04g during earthquake.



26

Map 5: Seismic zone of Bangladesh

27

3.4.2 Meteorology

82. The study area is located under a typical monsoon climate area within country. It has three

main seasons:

Summer/pre-monsoon - March to May

Rainy season/monsoon - June to October

Winter season - November to February

83. The rainy season is hot and humid having about 80 percent of the annual rainfall. The

winter is predominately cool and dry. The summer is hot and dry interrupted by occasional

heavy rainfall.

84. The Bheramara - Ishwardi transmission line project lies in the southwestern part of

Bangladesh where monsoon comes in the month of July and recedes in late October. The

Bangladesh Meteorological Data (BMD) of Ishwardi station shows that the maximum

temperature in the months of April is around 350C and the minimum temperature in the

month of January is around 80C. The monthly average of relative humidity varies from 64%

to 86% in a year. Even in winter season, the humidity is above 50%. The annual average

rainfall of this area is 1455 mm/yr of which 79% occurs during monsoon. December to

January are coldest months with the lowest temperature at 8 oC and warmest in March to

May at 35.5oC.

3.4.3 Surface Water Quality

85. Sample from one surface water collection point (Pond water) west side the HVDC station of

Bheramara, Kushtia- (GPS: 24 03” 57 N and 88 59’ 51 E) was collected on 14th February 2014 to analyze Turbidity, DO, pH, BOD, COD, Arsenic, Iron, Fecal Coliform, Chloride and Manganese. The analyses of the parameters have been done in BUET Laboratory, Dhaka and result has been placed in the table 7.

Table 7: Surface Water Quality Analysis Report

Sl No. Parameter for

Laboratory Analysis Bangladesh Standard Test Result for point -1

1 pH 6-9 8.39

2 Turbidity - 38.6

3 Arsenic 0.2 mg/L 0.006

4 Iron 2 mg/L 0.5

5 Chloride 600 mg/L 36

6 Manganese 5 mg/L <MDL

7 Fecal Caliform - 100

8 DO 4.5-8 mg/L 5.46

9 COD 200 mg/L 38

10 BOD 50 mg/L 9

Source: Water Quality Test from BUET Laboratory. 24th February 2014

The analysis result of the surface water listed in the Table 6.10 shows that all the parameters

are within the DoE standard limit. There is no Bangladesh standard for surface water of

Turbidity and Fecal Coliform.



28

Table 8: Surface water quality at Ishwardi portion

Location Source of Surface water

GPS Reading

(Lat-Long)

pH Temp °C

TDS (ppm)

EC µs/cm

DO (mg/l)

Remarks

Sara Ghat, Pakshi, Ishwardi

Ganges River

N24º06’16.4’’ E89º01’37.1’’

8.1 33 110 230 4.2 Left bank of Ganges river

Baghor Mollik Para, Pakshi, Ishwardi

Pond N24º05’49.8’’ E89º03’20.3’’

8.8 34 150 310 7.7 Cultural fish pond

Baghoil, Pakshi, Ishwardi

Baghoil khal (dotol

bridge)

N24º06’9.9’’ E89º03’44.3’’

8.0 30 190 390 3.1 Water flows only in

monsoon

Table 9: Surface water quality tested in DPHE Lab.

Location Source of

Surface water

GPS Reading

(Lat-Long)

Turbidity (NTU)

Arsenic (mg/l)

Iron (mg/l)

Manganese (mg/l)

Remarks

Baghail, Pakshi, Ishwardi

Baghail khal

(dotol bridge)

N 24º06’9.9’’ E 89º03’44.3’’

29 0.013 2.5 0.29 -

Bangladesh Standard 10 0.05 0.3-1 0.1 -

Limit of Quatitation - 0.001 0.09 0.05 -

Source: Water Quality Test from DPHE Central Laboratory, June 2015

3.4.4 Ground Water Quality

86. Sample from one ground water point inside the HVDC station of Bheramara, Kushtia

(GPS: 24 04’ 56 N and 88 59’ 50 E) was collected on 14th February 2014 to analyze

Turbidity, pH, Arsenic, Iron, Chloride and Manganese. The analyses of the parameters

have been done in BUET Laboratory, Dhaka and result has been placed in the Table 10.

Table 10: Ground Water Quality Analysis Report

Sl No. Parameter for

Laboratory Analysis Bangladesh Standard

Test Result for point -1

1 pH 6-9 7.12

2 Turbidity 10 JTU 0.96

3 Arsenic 0.05 mg/L 0.004

4 Iron 0.3-1.0 mg/L 0.04

5 Chloride 150-600mg/L 11

6 Manganese 0.1 mg/L 1.04

Source: Water Quality Test from BUET Laboratory. 24th February 2014

3.4.5 Air Quality

87. One representative sample of air was collected from the south side of Control Room

Building at HVDC Station, Bheramara, Kushtia was (GPS: 24 04’ 02 N and 89 00’ 03

E) on 14th February 2014 to analyze SPM, CO, SOX, NOX and Lead. The analyses of the

29

parameters have been done in Enviro Consultation Ltd. Laboratory, Dhaka and results have

been placed in Table 9 and the standard data for Bangladesh is stated in Table 11.

Table 11: Base information of Ambient Air Quality

Sl. No.

Parameter for Analysis Bangladesh Standard (Industrial and Mixed Area)

Result

1 SPM 200 microgram per cubic meter 405.55

2 SO2 120 microgram per cubic meter 21.57

3 NOx 100 microgram per cubic meter 78.68

4 Lead - 0.13

5 CO 5000 microgram per cubic meter Nil

Source: Enviro Consultants Limited, 8th March, 2014.

Table 12: Bangladesh Standards for Ambient Air Quality

Sl. No.

Area

All values in micrograms per cubic meters

Suspended Particulate Matters (SPM)

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Oxides Nitrogen (NOx)

A Industrial and mixed 200 120 5000 100

B

Commercial and mixed

400 100 5000 100

C Residential and rural 200 80 2000 80

D Sensitive 100 30 1000 30

3.4.6 Noise Quality

88. Four representative points of noise monitored of the 400 KV Switch Yard line area of HVDC

station Bheramara, Kushtia was collected on 11th June 2014 to analyze Noise level. The

analyses of the parameter have been done in Enviro Consultation Ltd. Laboratory, Dhaka

and results and standard values of Bangladesh have been placed in Table 13 and Table 14

respectively.

Table 13: Noise Monitoring Report

Point Location Bangladesh Standard Test Time Test Result

1 Tower No.01,TT 1/0 Near HVDC station, Bheramara, Kushtia

Day Time 60 dBa Day Time 48.5 dBa

Night Time 50 dBa Night Time 45.1 dBa

2 Tower No.74, AP 12/0, Bhaghjote, Mohishkundi, Doulatpur, Kushtia.



3 Tower No.78,TT 2/0, Bhangapara, Pakuria, Mohishkundi, Doulatpur, Kushtia



4 Middle of the 400 KV Switch Yard at HVDC station, Bheramara, Kushtia



Source: Enviro Consultants Limited, 15th June, 2014.

Table 14: Standard for Ambient Noise

Area Categories Standard value (dBa)

Day Night

A Silent zone 45 35

B Residential area 50 40

C Mixed area (mainly residential area, and also 60 50



30

simultaneously used for commercial and industrial purpose)

D Commercial area 70 60

E Industry area 75 70

3.4.7 Agriculture Resources

89. The agricultural lands which are under the (ROW) of 230 KV power transmission line are

being intensively used for agricultural crops. The area is dominated by double cropping

pattern. Major cropping pattern within the buffer area of ROW is Fallow-HYV, Aman- HYV,

Boro and Fallow- HYV, Aman-Pulses, each of which is about 20% of the NCA. Other major

crops are such as jute, banana, tobacco, maze, wheat etc. grown vastly in this area.

3.4.8 Terrestrial Flora

90. There were large patches of forests in this zone; but they have, in most cases, been

ruthlessly cut down. However, this zone is still fairly wooded with many valuable indigenous

timber species. Foremost amongst these are: the Sal (Shorearobusta), which is also found

in the Madhupursal tract, Banyan (Ficusbengalensis), and Aswatha (F religiosa). The fruit-

bearing tree species indigenous to this zone are: the Mango (Mangiferaindica), Guava

(Psidiumguajava), Sharifa (Anonasquamosa), Tamarind (Tamarindusindica), Jackfruit

(Artocarpusheterophyllus), Badam (Terminalia catappa), Date palm (Phoenix sylvestris),

and Toddy palm (Borassusflabellifer). Settlement vegetation is the single most important

plant community in terms of diversity. The most common plants that are now being selected

for homestead plants are the exotic and these are Akashmoni (Acacia moniliformis) and

Mahogany (Swieteniamahagoni). The dominant species of settlement vegetation are lychee

(Litchi chinensisSonn.), Rain tree (Albiziasaman), Aam (Mangiferaindica), Sirish

(Albizialebbeck), Bot (Ficusbenghalensis) etc. Settlement vegetation also plays an

important role in providing shelter for various types of wild animals. Besides meeting food,

fodder, medicine, fuel and other household requirements, settlement vegetation is the major

source of timber, fruit and renewable biomass energy.

91. Orchard vegetation is another type of terrestrial vegetation found along homesteads and

cultivated land of the study area. Litchi (Litchi chinensis - Photo 6) is the major vegetation of

this type. This area produces a large number of superior varieties of Litchi, mostly grown in

Pabna district. These Litchis have wide demand in the national market and are

commercially important. Orchard vegetation is also providing shelter and food for local

common birds, mammals and reptiles. Local people are planting these type of plantation for

their commercial value.

31

Photo 6: Lichu (Litchi chinensis) an orchard vegetation

3.4.9 Terrestrial Fauna

92. Populations of mammals are low and all the bigger mammals have already disappeared

with the disappearance of the forest patches. Small mammals such as Common Mongoose

(Herpestesedwardsii), Small Indian Mongoose (Herpestesauropunctatus), Asian Palm Civet

(Paradoxurushermaphroditus), Oriental Civet (Viverrazibetha), Common House rat

(Rattusrattus), Little Indian field mouse (Musbooduga), Indian long tailed tree mouse

(Vandeleuriaoleracea), Irrawaddy Squirrel (Callosciuruspygerythrus), Greater Short-nosed

Fruit Bat (Cynopterus sphinx), Indian Pipistrelle (Pipistrelluscoromandra), Golden Jackel

(Canis aureus) are the common of all.

3.4.10 Socio-economic Profile

93. Population: There are 32,322 households in the study area consisting of 141,590 people4.

This includes 71,274 (50.34%) males and 70,316 (49.66%)females. The sex ratio5 of male

and female of these mauza is 101, in which 101 are males and 100 are female. Age

structure shows that about 31% of total population are children (age ranges up to 14 years),

61% of total population are youth (age ranges from 15 to 59 years) which are regarded as

man-power and the rest 8% of total people belong to old category (age ranges above 65

years). There are no schools and hospitals located within DIA area.

Employment Opportunity and Occupation

94. About 44% of total population are employed in different sectors mainly in farming sector

where 40% are engaged in household works and about 16% of total population are not

working (it includes children and physically challenged population). Fishermen are fishing in

4 The formula to calculate a growth rate given a beginning and ending (Estimated Population) population

is: Pop Future =Pop Present (1+r)n

Where: Pop Future = Future Population, Pop Present = Present Population, r = Growth Rate and n = Number of Years

5Number of males per 100 females in a population, using the formula: Sex Ratio SR = M x 100 / F



32

river and beel area. It is found that almost 56% people (including looking for work,

household work and do not work) are dependent on employed category (56%).

Standard of living- Drinking water

95. Drinking water is a major indicator of measuring social condition. It shows that on average,

95% people can collect drinking water from tube well, 2% from tap water and rest of the 3%

can collect drinking water from other sources such as ponds, river etc.

Standard of living- Sanitation Facilities

96. In the study, area about 68% household reported that they have sanitary toilet facilities in

which 29% with water-sealed and another 39% with non water-sealed. Other hand 27%

household has kancha toilet facility and 4% household have no sanitation facility.

Standard of living- Access to electricity

97. Electricity is footmark of modern evolution. It is an important indicator of measuring

advancement of an area. In the study area, on average 65% households are under

electricity coverage in which Ishwardi Paurashava covers highest percentage, almost 87%

and Sara union covers lowest percentage (44%). Thus in terms of electricity coverage, the

area is better than national coverage (53%).

Standard of living- Housing

98. In the study area, overall housing condition 6 is moderate. On an average only 10%

households are pucka and 31% households are semi pucka whereas the highest 58%

houses are kutcha (Photo 7) and Jhupri is negligible. The scenario of housing condition is

now changing with increasing income of the study area.

99. Cultural resources :

100. There is no physical cultural resources located within the DIA area. .

6BBS distinguishes housing structures into four classes such as-i) Jhupri: House which consist mud walls of 1.5 to 3.0 ft

thickness, which carry the roof load. Earthen floor, thatch or CI sheets are used as roofing materials. . There is no monolithic

joint between the wall and the roof. ii) Kutcha: Walls: Organic materials like jute stick, catkin grass, straw, and bamboo mats.

Split are bamboo framing. In some areas wall are made by earth. Foundation: Earthen plinth with bamboo or timber posts. Roof:

Thatch-rice or wheat or maize straw, and catkin grass, with split bamboo framing; iii) Semi-pucka: Walls: Bamboo mats, CI

sheet, Timber or bamboo framing. In some areas wall are made by earth, sometimes part or full brick. Foundation: Earthen

plinth; Brick perimeter wall with earth infill; Brick and concrete also use. Roof: CI sheet with timber or bamboo framing; and

iv) Pucka: House which is made by fully concrete, cement, and iron.

33

Photo 7: Housing condition in study area

3.5 Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures

101. Overall objective of route selection is to find the best and suitable alignment that will

have the least environmental impacts. The impacts of transmission line project are localized

within the ROW and sub-station site where clearing of vegetation will occur. While good

engineering practice and appropriate survey approach have been applied in selecting the

best alignment, residual impacts cannot be entirely avoided due to varying terrain and

demography of the area that will be traversed by the transmission line. The impacts of

substation are site specific. An EMP including an environmental monitoring plan will ensure

that these residual impacts are minimized and controlled. In view of the construction and

operational features including quantum of machineries and equipment to be in use, it may

be conform that, GHG emissions will not exceed 100,000 tonnes per SPS requirement for

GHGs.

3.5.1 Pre-construction and Design Phase

Selection of Transmission Line and Survey

102. Route survey through ROW may create some disturbance to localized area. Walk over

survey/transect will involve the setting up of temporary access tracks to determine the type

and number of trees and plants that may be affected, type of settlements and shops within

the ROW, and natural physical features and public utilities that may be traversed by the

transmission line. These may cause temporary disturbance and/or inconvenience to local

people within the ROW.

Land Acquisition

103. No land acquisition will be needed for the proposed sub-station and transmission line.

3.5.2 Construction Phase

104. There will be clearing of ROW, setting up of temporary access tracks, setting up of

materials storage areas along the route and work sites, transport of material and equipment

to the site, excavation for substation and tower foundation, cementing/concreting of tower

foundation, erection of the towers, and conductor stringing. The PMU-PGCB will ensure that



34

the Contractor's contract will include the obligation to compensate for any temporary

damage, loss or inconvenience as a result of the project during the construction phase

(Sect. 19 of Electricity Act 1910, 1982 Acquisition and Requisition of Immovable Properties,

SPS 2009).

Preparation of construction management work plan to minimize impacts

105. Integrated construction management plan may help in smooth implementation of earth-

moving works, civil and electrical works to avoid any impact of unplanned activities by the

Contractor (s). The work plan will include the temporary pedestrian and traffic management,

water spray vehicles, materials and waste management, noise and dust control, and

community and safety plan.

Recruitment and orientation of workers

106. There will be opportunities for local people to engage in non-agricultural employment

during construction. The presence of workers may become small-scale and temporary

business opportunity to provide services such as food, temporary lodging, etc. Potential

conflict may occur during recruitment when migrant workers are favored over local people.

To avoid potential conflict, Contractor(s) will be directed to give priority to local people in

hiring.

107. PMU-PGCB will conduct briefing for Contractor(s) on the EMP, records management,

and reporting. Orientation of PMU-PGCB to Contractor(s) and workers will provide an

understanding of the irresponsibility in implementing the EMP and an agreement on the

critical areas to be monitored. Part of the orientation and briefing to Contractor(s) and

workers will be on awareness about socially transmitted disease such as HIV/AIDS to

prevent potential incidence.

Clearing of vegetation and land within the ROW and substation site

108. Excavation and earth-moving will be done at the tower foundation sites for the

transmission lines including the sub-station site. Vegetation clearing will be done at the

ROW. Transmission line routes will traverse mainly agricultural land. Construction works will

not be scheduled during harvest time to minimize damage to cash crops. Trees (414 nos.)

and crops that will be cleared and any temporary damage to affected persons within the

ROW will be compensated. Five times of trees should be planted surrounding area for

mitigation the cutting of trees by contractors.

109. More than 2000 trees that are medium height with high productivity such as lemon,

mango, guava, etc. are preferred. The replanting activities will be monitored by PMU-

PGCB, DOF and local authorities. It the trees die then contractor will re-planted the trees

accordingly.

110. To minimize impact to wildlife in the project area, schedule of work will avoid the

breeding season (March-May) and destruction of nests will be prohibited. In some areas,

loss of habitat due to stringing of conductors will naturally regenerate in about 2-3 years.

111. Earth-moving for transmission line will be isolated to tower sites only. Tower foundations

involve small-scale excavations and the excavated topsoil will be used for back filling.

112. Only the exact amount of construction materials (i.e., sand, gravel, concrete, etc.) will be

brought on-site at the transmission towers so that stockpiling will be avoided and

inconvenience to local people minimized. At the substation site, adequate storage for

materials needed for construction works will be provided

35

Potential increase in dust level, noise and vibration

113. Contractor(s) will be required to maintain construction vehicles regularly to minimize the

contribution of vehicular emissions as per BRTA rule. Construction vehicles transporting

materials that generate dusts will be covered and dust-generating activities particularly in

the substation sites will be temporarily enclosed to contain dispersion. Spray of water during

construction period in SS site as well as tower sites will minimize dust level in the locality.

Despite the fact that, the transmission lines are designed to keep away from residential

properties. it would be necessary to monitor and quantify, dust and noise impacts to specify

standards which contractor must adhere to.

114. Contractor(s) shall take adequate measures to minimize noise level and nuisance in the

vicinity of transmission tower sites and sub-stations by following the traffic management

plan and construction schedule.

Land affected by the ROW and tower footings

115. A four-legged steel lattice type transmission towers will be used. The ROW for 230 kV

transmission line is 20m from the centre line. Some agricultural land will be lost permanently

at the base of the transmission towers. For the proposed line, total 40 towers will be

constructed where per footing 20mX20m = 400 sq m @40 towers = 16000 sq m total land =

3.95 acre land will be affected. It may be mentioned here that, all measures will be taken to

remain away from the residential buildings located under or in proximity to the proposed

transmission line. Further, due care has to be taken during detail design and

implementation period that, potential effects of EMF on residents would be of prime

importance with reference to EHS guidelines on transmission system. In this connection, it

may be highlighted that H&S with respect to working at height and working with electricity

including EMF exposure need to be given particular attention with reference to the EHS

guidelines H&S and on transmission system.

116. Crops and plants that are less than 3m tall such as sugarcane, corn, rice, etc. will

remain along the buffer area of the ROW. Agricultural activities within the ROW will be

allowed after construction but with restrictions to height of vegetation.

Erection of towers and stringing of conductors

117. Access of tracks will be created to reach the location of the towers. The access tracks

created for bringing in the tower components will remain track sand would just be wide

enough to accommodate the machinery needed to erect the tower sand to maintain them.

118. The erection of towers as well as stringing of conductors may interfere with road

crossings which may pose safety risks to the public and construction workers. To minimize

the risks, adequate danger and clearly visible warning signs will be posted at designated

sites while scaffoldings will be placed over road crossing points. Contractor(s) will be

required to instruct drivers of construction vehicles to strictly follow road regulations. Security

personnel will be assigned to prevent accidents.

119. Site engineers will look for the location of the nearest hospital to make arrangements in

case of accidents in the worksites. First aid treatment and a charitable dispensary will be

setup within the construction sites and field offices. Workers will be provided with all PPEs

i.e. hard hats, safety shoes, and safety belts while designated staff will be provided with

communication devices. The Contractor(s) will comply with relevant safety measures

required by law and best engineering practices.



36

3.5.3 Operation Phase

Failure of power transmission line system

Accidental failure of transmission line as well as sub-station may expose wildlife and the public

to the danger of electrocution hazards. Transmission line system is designed with a protection

system that shuts off during power over load or similar emergencies. Regular maintenance

program of TL and SS will ensure the safety and integrity of the power transmission system.

Regular trimming of vegetation or lopping of trees monitoring and maintenance will ensure the

safety and integrity of towers and transmission lines. PGCB will conduct training, information

dissemination and campaign to local people on awareness to transmission line safety

practices.

Encroachment to ROW

120. Encroachment to ROW is potentially dangerous to both people and the power

transmission system. To prevent encroachment, land use practices and any other

infrastructure that will have negative impact on the power transmission system will be

restricted. PGCB will conduct informal briefing sessions, formal training, provide leaflet and

signboard to residents on safety of living near the transmission line during their operation

and maintenance work regularly.

Clearing of vegetation within the ROW

121. Local communities will not be allowed to plant large trees - higher than 3m within the

ROW to keep the integrity within the ROW to ensure the required vertical spacing between

the conductors and the vegetation is maintained for safety reasons. A service road for

vehicles will be established underneath the transmission line, but will be used only to

maintain the towers and the conductors. The service road will be maintained and will remain

access of tracks and other heavy loaded vehicles.

3.6 Public and Stakeholder Consultations

122. Public Consultation is mandatory for the IEE study of any development. Public

consultation is a part of the IEE process aimed at involving the project stakeholders into the

project development and implementation process. During the consultation process (Photo

8), the proposed “transmission line” and “sub-station” project interventions and expected

results as well as impacts of the project were shared during the sessions. In the

consultation process, the stakeholders were involved in reforming/developing the project

interventions considering the local needs and aspirations in line with the problems and

solutions suggested by them. The proposed interventions, findings of the IEE and the EMP

were shared with the project stakeholders for obtaining their perceptions, views and

feedbacks on the probable changes likely to happen within the project area.

123. Primary stakeholders are people who would be directly benefited or impacted by a

certain project intervention. In case of the proposed Project, the primary stakeholders

include the people living within the Project area particularly those who reside within and in

the immediate vicinity of the project area. The primary stakeholders of the Project include

the farmers, fishermen, local business community as well as the households to be affected,

women groups, and caretakers of community properties. Primary stakeholders identified

37

and consulted during the present IEE include communities to be benefitted and/or affected

by the Project, local leaders, community members and other local representatives.

Secondary stakeholders for the Project include local government institutions (LGI), PGCB,

and Department of Forest, other government agencies, academia, NGOs and general

public at large.

124. People suggested that people who would lose their own land for the project should be compensated with land and properly resettled, if possible. People who would lose their livelihoods such as sharecroppers and leaseholders will have to be compensated with cash. The following suggestion were made by local people from PCMs:

- Real land owners and sharecroppers should be identified.

- All project affected people (PAPs) should be compensated

- Proper compensation rate should be ensured for different crops

- No work should be started for implementing the project until proper compensation is

paid to the displaced people (if any).

- The people who would lose their livelihood should be engage in different occupation

with proper training by the responsible agencies.

- A neutral monitoring agency should be engaged for monitoring the compensation

activities.

Photo 8: Consultation with local and secondary stakeholders

3.7 Grievance Redress Mechanism

125. PGCB will ensure that local people will have the opportunity to express their legitimate

grievance or file a complaint about the project by establishing a process to address the

issues raised. This can be achieved by careful implementation of the EMP, continuing

consultation and communication with stakeholders during implementation by the PMU,

PGCB, Contractor(s), and local government authorities. Contact details of the PMU for filing

complaints will be posted in the project areas.



38

126. A GRC at the union level will be set up by PGCB as soon as the project commences

and will ensure equal representation of women in the members of GRC. Figure 2 shows the

organization of the GRC.

*Religious leader

* Religious representatives

Figure 2: Grievance Redress Committee

127. GRC will convene twice in a month and will keep a record of the grievances, classify,

prioritize, and provide the solution(s) within 30 days from the date of the complaint. The

record will include the contact details of the complainant, date the complaint was received

and the nature of the complaint, agreement on corrective actions and the date it was

enforced, and the final outcome. All complaint related documentation such as minutes of

the meeting and decisions will be summarized and become part of the semi-annual

monitoring report submitted to ADB.

128. The GRC will report to the complainant(s) about the developments regarding their

grievances and the decisions of the GRC. If the grievance is not addressed, the complainant

can seek legal redress of the grievance in the appropriate courts.

3.8 Environmental Management Plan

3.8.1 Mitigation

129. The environmental impacts and mitigation measures with cost estimates are presented

in Table 13. The EMP will be updated before the start of civil works, and as needed to

accommodate any change in the condition of the site, performance of Contractor(s), and

feedback from local people or other stakeholders.

Chair of the GRC

PD, PGCB

Secretary of the GRC

Representative of Contractor (s)

Member-

Chairman of the

Union

Member-Female

Representative

of the PAPs

Member- Local

Teacher or

Iman*

Member-

Neighbor of the

PAPs as witness

39

Table 13: Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for proposed project

Project activities

Environmental Components likely to be impacted

Description of Potential Impact

Mitigation /Enhancement Measure

Estimated Cost (BDT)*

Responsible Agency/unit

Pre-construction and Design Phase

Route survey Land resources and community

Route Survey through ROW may create some disturbance to localized area

High resolution Remotely Sensed (RS) images have been used in deciding the route of the transmissions line avoiding settlements, structures, and ecologically sensitive areas, consulting with local people

Included in project cost

PGCB planning and design unit and consultant

Land aacquisition

a. Community no land acquisition needed

- Adequate compensation for crop loss should be paid to the actual land owners/share croppers.

- PD, PGCB

Construction Phase

Orientation for contractor and workers

Contractors and workers

- Workers not aware of environmental requirements during construction - Contractors not familiar with EMP implementation and compliance

- Conduct briefing for Contractor on the EMP, records management, and reporting - Agreement on critical areas to be monitored and the required mitigation measures - Create awareness of sexually-transmitted diseases like HIV/AIDS

Included in the Project costs

PMU-PGCB

Prepare construction management plan to control impacts of construction impacts

-Community -Land resources

Unplanned construction related impact may happen

-Temporary pedestrian and traffic management plan - Materials management plan - Waste management plan

Included in Project costs

Contractor(s), PMU-PGCB

- Air quality and noise level - Water quality

Air quality and may deteriorate slightly due to transport of materials to the tower/ substation sites.

- Noise and dust control plan, community and safety plan -All vehicles, equipment and machinery to be used should comply with the relevant ECR norms and other rules. - All vehicles used on site for this purpose should carry currently valid fitness certificates





40

Project activities






issued by the BRTA.

Hiring of project staff and workers

Community Temporary employment may be created for construction of power transmission lines.

-Use local labour for manual work and eligible local work force for clerical and office jobs - Contractor(s) to strictly enforce priority for local hiring

- Contractor(s), PMU-PGCB

Temporary labor shed preparation and use

Land Resources Land should be occupied temporarily for labor shed where land may be used otherwise.

Contractor who constructs the labor shed shall consult with local people

- Contractor(s), PMU-PGCB

Quality water use Worker should be scoped to use quality drinking as well as household chores

Need temporary HTWs for quality water



Community Heath, sanitation and PPEs

Ensure sanitation, drinking water and proper medical facilities with paramedic doctor, first aid box and ambulance facilities during construction period. - Mitigation measures for impact on human health and safety should also include providing safety gear and PPEs i.e. gloves, helmets, boots etc. to workers. -Contingency fund should be created in case of emergency or accidents during construction of transmission lines, towers etc.

20 Contractor(s), PMU-PGCB

Sub-station and tower footing sites preparation, vegetation and land clearing, excavation and earth-moving works

Land resources Might be partially impacted along ROW, would be impacted fully in tower locations

During the construction period, the contractor should carefully dig the hole for erecting the tower. The excavated soils should be properly stacked

(as covered in RP)


41

Project activities






and the hole should be refilled with the stacked soil by maintaining the sequence of the profile (i.e. substratum – Subsoil – Topsoil). The loosened topsoil on the surface must be compacted well so that no erosion can take place.

Agriculture Resources

Might be partially impacted along ROW, loss of crop production in tower locations, foundation period, tower erection period and strining period

Adequate compensation for crop loss should be paid to the actual land owners/share croppers.

- (as covered in RP)


Ecological resources

Cut of terrestrial vegetation at towers and SS sites

Plantation of local species in the selected areas as early as possible after finishing the construction works. Avoid tree felling if possible, adequate compensation for trees


Deterioration of wildlife habitat quality

Plantation of local species at substation sites will recover some habitat loss. Avoid killing of animals. Labors should be made aware about local faunal species Use low sound emitting machineries. Avoid excess lighting and use shaded lights at construction site


Air quality Air quality and may deteriorate due to transport of materials to the tower/

- All vehicles, equipment and machinery to be used should comply with the relevant ECR norms and other




42

Project activities






substation sites and construction work

rules. - All vehicles used on site for this purpose should carry currently valid fitness certificates issued by the BRTA. - Spray water in construction sites.

Noise level During construction phase noise level will temporarily be affected due to transport of materials to the tower/ substation sites, soil digging; concrete works at tower/ substation sites

- Noise and dust control plan, community and safety plan - All vehicles, equipment and machinery to be used should comply with the relevant ECR norms and other rules. - All vehicles used on site for this purpose should carry currently valid fitness certificates issued by the BRTA.


Water quality During construction, disposal of construction debris, fuel/oil spills will affect the overall quality of the surface water

- Strictly avoid cleaning/washing of any construction equipment and construction debris in any water body, prepare temporary pond or tank


Erection of towers, stringing of transmission line and conductoring of transmission line

Community Interference with road crossing

- Danger and clearly visible warning signs will be posted at designated sites - Scaffoldings will be placed over road crossing points



Safety risk for public

- Maintain necessary fence or barricade (as appropriate), sufficient lights, signs and danger signals, and take all required precautions for public safety - Assign security personnel to prevent accidents and trespassing - Require Contract


43

Project activities






or to direct drivers of construction vehicles to strictly follow road regulations

Ssafety risk for workers

- First aid box and ambulance facilities during construction period. - Mitigation measures for impact on human health and safety should also include providing safety gear and PPEs i.e. gloves, helmets, boots etc. to workers. - Contingency fund should be created in case of emergency or accidents during construction of transmission lines, towers etc. - Preparation of an emergency response plan would be an essential element with due provisions of first aid, emergency causality services, and ambulance facilities. These have to be worked out in details with due deployment of designated manpower, training services and adequate amenities before commencement of implementation.

as mentioned above


Agricultural resources

Crop could be damaged during stringing period

Adequate compensation for crop loss should be paid to the actual land owners/ share croppers.


Operation Period

Hazards due to accidental failure of transmission lines

Community and fauna

Electrocution hazards might occur only if someone comes too close or in contact with

- Automatic protection system that shuts off during power over load or similar emergencies will be installed, -Transmission lines

Included in the O&M costs

PGCB and/or Contractor (if this service is outsourced)



44

Project activities






the transmission line cable

are insulated relatively higher height (or covered) to minimize accident to birds and bats. - Regular operation, monitoring and maintenance to ensure safety and integrity of towers and power lines - As part of corporate social responsibility initiatives, training, information dissemination and campaign to local people to enhance awareness on transmission line safety practices.

Encroachment to ROW

Flora and community

Potential danger to both community and power transmission related structures and flora and fauna

- Periodic inspection and maintenance of ROW - Restrict land use practices and any other infrastructure that will negatively affect power transmission system.



Clearing of vegetation within the ROW (i.e. pruning of vegetation higher than 3m)

Flora, fauna and community

Unexpected /unplanned structures and flora and fauna to the power line

Regular trimming to maintain adequate distance between the top of tree and the conductors



*Bangladesh Taka

Total 105

3.8.2 Monitoring

Environmental monitoring during construction will be a day-to-day process to ensure that any

departure or non-compliance to the EMP are avoided or immediately addressed so that any

unforeseen impacts are quickly discovered and remedied. Regular monitoring and maintenance

of the power transmission system during operation will help ensure the integrity and safety of

the structures and components, thus, minimize safety risks to the public. It is a requirement for

the EMP to also consider capacity of the borrower to implement the mitigation and monitoring

requirements and incorporate any necessary capacity building activities. The detail of the same

has to be worked out during implementation period. Ensuring mitigation and monitoring

requirements (including semiannual monitoring report submission) and responsibilities in clear

terms might help satisfactory implementation. Further, implementation arrangements should

reflect what procedures need to be followed in case of change of scope, unanticipated impact,

or monitoring demonstrating a non-compliance resulting in need for corrective action to be

taken.

45

130. Accidents and fatalities should be undertaken with the target to be zero. Further, site-

specific mitigation for Padma river crossing will be ensured during implementation period.

Table 1 4 presents a summary of the environmental monitoring plan.

Table 14: Environmental Monitoring Plan for the Proposed Project

Project Stages

Parameter/ Indicators

Location Frequency

Responsibility (Implementation

and Supervision

Pre-construction Period

Soil sampling Tower sites Once before construction

PMU-PGCB, Contractor

Loss in crop production

Along the alignment Monthly District Commissioner’s staff, PMU-PGCB, Contractor

Un-hygienic condition for workers including water supply and sanitation

Labor sheds in sub-station sites and tower locations

Monthly PMU-PGCB, Contractor and Environment Consultant

Construction Period

Noise, dust and water quality, Spraying of water to exposed land and before movement of construction vehicles

Along the alignment and substations

Weekly at alignment Every day at substation sites

Contractor, PMU-PGCB

Solid waste management


Every week Contractor, PMU-PGCB

Danger and warning signs for safety of workers and the public


Once a month Contractor, PMU-PGCB

Announcement to the public of works schedule


As needed Contractor, PMU-PGCB

Operation Phase

Failure of transmission towers

Along the alignment Every month PGCB

Trimming of vegetation or

Along the alignment ROW

Quarterly PGCB



46

Project Stages

Parameter/ Indicators

Location Frequency

Responsibility (Implementation

and Supervision

lopping of trees

Pilferage of cables Along the alignment Quarterly PGCB

3.8.3 Implementation Arrangement

131. The institutions involved include the Executing and Implementing Agency (PGCB), the

Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) Office, the Agricultural Marketing Directorate, Agricultural

Extension Department (DAE) the Department of Forestry (DoF), the Public Works

Department (PWD), donor agencies, etc. The main tasks and responsibilities of the

institutions are planning, negotiating, consulting, approving, coordinating, implementing,

financing, monitoring and evaluating the implementation work. In the case of crop

compensation, representatives of DAE, Representative of DC’s concerned, Executive

Agency (EA-PGCB) staff, PWD, Forest officials and representatives from affected

communities will carry out joint verification of the inventory of affected persons and assets

acquired (crops, structures, trees and others) to finalize the list for implementation

purposes, particularly for payments to be made by the DC office. Furthermore, PGCB will

make a separate joint verification of affected properties for their relocation prior to project

implementation.

132. Responsibilities of Implementing Agencies: PGCB will assign a Superintending

Engineer as a PD at the head office for overall execution of the project. He will ensure the

land with assistance from district administrations. The PD will carry out the following major

specific tasks relating to implementation; i. Liaison with district administration; ii. Play role in

planning, management, monitoring and implementation of TL and sub-station; iii. Ensure

availability of budget for all activities; iv. Hand over land to the contractor with construction

schedule in compliance with the resettlement activity; v. Form necessary committees for

implementation, and monitor the effectiveness of entitlement packages and payment

modalities; vi. Conduct environmental management and monitoring.

133. Management and general supervision of project implementation will be done by the

PMU headed by the PD from PGCB in daily routine basis . The overall implementation of

the EMP will be carried out under the supervision of the PD, PMU. An environmental staff

(or a firm that will be retained during implementation), who will be primarily responsible for

ensuring that the EMP is properly implemented, will be recruited for the project prior to

award of the civil works contract. Aside from this, he/she will coordinate and interact with

PD, PMU on compliance to ADB requirements, relevant government agencies and local

authorities on environmental issues and clearances, update and finalize the IEE, and will

prepare environmental monitoring reports for submission to ADB atleast twice a year during

construction and annually during operation phase.

3.8.4 EMP and Monitoring Budget

134. For implementing EMP, about BDT 253.75 lakh will be required. The major cost will be required for EMP cost as BDT 165 lakh and monitoring cost is BDT 108.75 lakh. The breakdown of budget for the EMP is given in Table 15.

Table 15: Budget for the EMP and Monitoring Plan

Item Qty Rate/Ref. Total Taka

47

(lakh)

Mitigation Plan and contingency 3 years Table 13 105

Enhancement plan 3 years Lump sum 20

Training of Professionals and Workers about accidental cases and safety measures

3 years Lump sum 20

Sub total 145

Monitoring Plan From revenue budget

Consultant (for monitoring) 36 person – month

Tk.150,000 per month

54

Transport (for monitoring team) 360 days Tk.10,000 per day

36

Reporting and others Lump sum 15

DoE Clearance cost From revenue budget

Yearly renewal cost 3 Years 125,000/per year

3.75

Sub Total 108.75

Total Cost 253.75

3.9 Conclusion and Recommendations

Conclusion

135. The proposed power transmission line will not supply electricity directly to the people all

along the route. But the people living along the proposed transmission line expressed keen

interest for implementing the transmission line and sub-stations in their area. Their main

interest is that the overall development in the power sector would contribute to the national

development from which they along with others will be benefitted. Local people along the

transmission line alignments will be benefited as the project will generate some

employment opportunities for them during the pre-construction and construction phases.

136. High resolution Remotely Sensing (RS) images have been used in deciding the route of

the transmission line avoiding settlements and ecologically sensitive and protected areas.

This has been reconfirmed by the IEE team members who walked along the entire length of

the alignment to ground truth the signatures of the satellite images. Observations of the

team members suggest that the route finally selected passes mostly through agricultural

crop fields and not through settlement or ecologically sensitive and protected areas.

137. Some minor negative impact on ecological resources of the project will be felt during the

pre-construction and construction phases which may involve removal of vegetation and

cutting of trees for carrying construction materials to the sites and erection of towers and

construction of the transmission line. These problems could be overcome by paying

compensation and bringing back these lands almost to their original form before handing

them over to the owners after the construction is over. Crop production lost due to these

activities during the pre-construction and construction phases will have to be compensated

as well.

138. The project is not likely to have any significant negative impact; therefore no major

mitigation measures will be required. The minor impact of noise and increase in traffic are

within the existing level experienced by the local people. The tower will be erected and the

line installed under expert supervision. The contractor will be under specific orders for

providing PPEs to the workers engaged for the job.



48

139. The morphological analysis of the Ganges River is very much essential for the river

crossing of the proposed transmission line. There are two existing transmission lines plying

on the both side of the Hardging Railway Bridge. So, another river crossing site will be

needed for crossing of the proposed 230 kV line. River bank erosion, accretion of char land

and historical development of the study reach will need to be investigated further.

140. No land acquisition will be required for the proposed sub-station because the proposed

sub-station is located within the PGCB’s owned sub-station area. The environmental

monitoring plan, if properly implemented during the pre-construction, construction and post-

construction and operation phases will ensure taking corrective measures.

Recommendation

141. Local people will have employment opportunities during the pre-construction and

construction phases and operation phase. So, the contractor should be specifically

instructed to employ local laborers as much as possible.

142. Minor negative impacts like clearing of vegetation and cutting of trees at the pre-

construction and construction phases should be taken care of by taking proper mitigation

measures. Efforts should be made to avoid cutting of trees as much as possible. Some

trees might be unavoidable of cutting. In such cases, equal amount of or more trees should

be replanted in surrounding areas for conservation of biodiversity. In this case, homesteads

gardening will be emphasized with fruit and rapid growing timber trees in surrounding

areas. Selection of the season for carrying out the work should be made by adjusting with

the cropping season so as to inflict minimum damage to field crops. In both cases, proper

compensation for all types of damages must be paid and the land should be brought back

to its original form to the maximum extent before they are handed back to the owners.

143. The construction labour camps should be provided with water supply and sanitation

facilities. The workers should be apprised of hygienic practices. The transportation of heavy

equipment should be done by river craft where wheeling is not feasible. The stores and

equipment yards should be properly guarded so that all equipment remains safe. The back

to back sub-station should be fully equipped with fire-fighting equipments, first aid and

ambulance service provisions.

144. A morphological study and analysis of the proposed river crossing area of the Ganges

River is recommended strongly using historical maps, time-series satellite images and

relevant hydro-morphological data. Advanced remote sensing and GIS tools and

techniques will be used for this analysis. The decade scale river planform may be analyzed

followed by century scale analysis in the subsequent sections. Detail study needs to

consider relation between upstream and downstream morphology of river at river crossing

section. The incidence analysis of the Ganges River in the study reach and riverbed level

data may be checked to estimate the design scour level during designing the pier depth in

the river. Then project implementer can take decision properly for the river crossing of the

proposed transmission line in proper place on the basis of morphological report.

145. For implementing of the EMP i.e. compensation, mitigation, contingency and

enhancement measures, total amount of TK. 145 lakh is estimated during this IEE study.

Including the monitoring cost, the total budget of the EMP and Environmental Monitoring

Plan will be Tk. 253.75 lakh approximately. Finally, on proper examination it is observed

that the project has been proposed to be implemented safely and in an environment friendly

manner. So it is recommended that the project may be cleared to further steps.

50

Appendix 1

Environment Conservation Rules 1997

Department of Environment

Classification of industrial units or projects based on its

location and impact on environment

Schedule 1 - Environment Conservation Rules 1997

[See Rule 7(2)]

(A) GREEN CATEGORY

1. Assembling and manufacturing of TV, Radio, etc.

2. Assembling and manufacturing of clocks and watches.

3. Assembling of telephones.

4. Assembling and manufacturing of toys (plastic made items excluded).

5. Book-binding.

6. Rope and mats (made of cotton, jute and artificial fibers).

7. Photography (movie and x-ray excluded).

8. Production of artificial leather goods.

9. Assembling of motorcycles, bicycles and toy cycles.

10. Assembling of scientific and mathematical instruments (excluding manufacturing).

11. Musical instruments.

12. Sports goods (excluding plastic made items).

13. Tea packaging (excluding processing).

14. Re-packing of milk powder (excluding production).

15. Bamboo and cane goods.

16. Artificial flower (excluding plastic made items).

17. Pen and ball-pen.

18. Gold ornaments (excluding production) (shops only).

19. Candle.

20. Medical and surgical instrument (excluding production).

21. Factory for production of cork items (excluding metallic items).

22. Laundry (excluding washing).

Foot Notes:

(a) Units of all kinds of cottage industries other than those listed in this Schedule shall remain outside the purview of Environmental Clearance Certificate (Unit of cottage industry means all industrial units producing goods or services in which by full-time or part-time labour of family members are engaged and the capital investment of which does not exceed Taka 5 (five) hundred thousand).

(b) No industrial unit listed in this Schedule shall be located in any residential area.

(c) Industrial units shall preferably be located in areas declared as industrial zones or in areas where there is concentration of industries or in vacant areas.

(d) Industrial units likely to produce sound, smoke, odor beyond permissible limit shall not be acceptable in commercial areas.

(B) ORANGE-A CATEGORY

51

1. Dairy Farm, 10 (ten) cattle heads or below in urban areas and 25 cattle heads

or below in rural areas.

2. Poultry (up to 250 in urban areas and up to 1000 in rural areas).

3. Grinding/husking of wheat, rice, turmeric, pepper, pulses (up to 20 Horse Power).

4. Weaving and handloom.

5. Production of shoes and leather goods (capital up to 5 hundred thousand Taka).

6. Saw mill/wood sawing.

7. Furniture of wood/iron, aluminum, etc.,(capital up to 5 hundred thousand Taka).

8. Printing Press.

9. Plastic & rubber goods (excluding PVC).

10. Restaurant.

11. Cartoon/box manufacturing/printing packaging.

12. Cinema Hall.

13. Dry-cleaning.

14. Production of artificial leather goods (capital up to 5 hundred thousand Taka).

15. Sports goods.

16. Production of salt (capital up to 10 hundred thousand Taka).

17. Agricultural machinery and equipment.

18. Industrial machinery and equipment.

19. Production of gold ornaments.

20. Pin, U Pin.

21. Frames of spectacles.

22. Comb.

23. Production of utensils and souvenirs of brass and bronze.

24. Factory for production of biscuit and bread (capital up to 5 hundred thousand Taka).

25. Factory for production of chocolate and lozenge. (capital up to 5 hundred

thousand Taka).

26. Manufacturing of wooden water vessels.

(C) ORANGE-B CATEGORY

1. PVC items.

2. Artificial fiber (raw material).

3. Glass factory.

4. Life saving drug (applicable to formulation only).

5. Edible oil.

6. Tar.

7. Jute mill.

8. Hotel, multi-storied commercial & apartment building.

9. Casting.

10. Aluminum products.

11. Glue (excluding animal glue).

12. Bricks/tiles.

13. Lime.

14. Plastic products.

15. Processing and bottling of drinking water and carbonated drinks.

16. Galvanizing.

17. Perfumes, cosmetics.

18. Flour (large).

19. Carbon rod.

20. Stone grinding, cutting, polishing.

21. Processing fish, meat, food.



52

22. Printing and writing ink.

23. Animal feed.

24. Ice-cream.

25. Clinic and pathological lab.

26. Utensils made of clay and china clay/sanitary wares (ceramics).

27. Processing of prawns & shrimps.

28. Water purification plant.

29. Metal utensils/spoons etc.

30. Sodium silicate.

31. Matches.

32. Starch and glucose.

33. Animal feed.

34. Automatic rice mill.

35. Assembling of motor vehicles.

36. Manufacturing of wooden vessel.

37. Photography (activities related to production of films for movie and x-ray).

38. Tea processing.

39. Production of powder milk/condensed milk/dairy.

40. Re-rolling.

41. Wood treatment.

42. Soap.

43. Repairing of refrigerators.

44. Repairing of metal vessel.

45. Engineering works (up to 10 hundred thousand Taka capital.)

46. Spinning mill.

47. Electric cable.

48. Cold storage.

49. Tire re-treading.

50. Motor vehicles repairing works (up to 10 hundred thousand Taka capital).

51. Cattle farm: above 10 (ten) numbers in urban area, and above 25 (twenty

five) numbers in rural area.

52. Poultry: Number of birds above 250 (two hundred fifty) in urban area and above

1000 (one thousand) in rural area.

53. Grinding/husking wheat, rice, turmeric, chilly, pulses – machine above 20Horse Power.

54. Production of shoes and leather goods, above 5 (five) hundred thousand Taka capital.

55. Furniture of wood/iron, aluminum, etc., above 5 (five) hundred thousand Taka capital.

56. Production of artificial leather goods, above 5 (five) hundred thousand Taka capital.

57. Salt production, above 10 (ten) hundred thousand Taka capital.

58. Biscuit and bread factory, above 5 (five) hundred thousand Taka capital.

59. Factory for production of chocolate and lozenge, above 5 (five) hundred

thousand Taka capital.

60. Garments and sweater production.

61. Fabric washing.

62. Power loom.

63. Construction, re-construction and extension of road (feeder road, local road).

64. Construction, re-construction and extension of bridge (length below 100 meters).

65. Public toilet.

66. Ship-breaking.

67. G.I. Wire.

68. Assembling batteries.

69. Dairy and food

Foot Notes:

53

(a) No industrial unit included in this list shall be located in any residential area.

(b) Industrial units shall preferably be located in areas declared as industrial zones or in areas where there is concentration of industries or in vacant areas.

(c) Industrial units likely to produce sound, smoke, odor beyond permissible limit shall not be acceptable in commercial areas.

(D) RED CATEGORY

1. Tannery 2. Formaldehyde 3. Urea fertilizer 4. T.S.P. Fertilizer 5. Chemical dyes, polish, varnish, enamel 6. Power plant 7. All mining projects (coal, limestone, hard rock, natural gas, mineral oil, etc.) 8. Cement 9. Fuel oil refinery 10. Artificial rubber 11. Paper and pulp 12. Sugar 13. Distillery 14. Fabric dying and chemical processing 15. Caustic soda, potash 16. Other alkalis 17. Production of iron and steel

18. Raw materials of medicines and basic drugs 19. Electroplating 20. Photo films, photo papers and photo chemicals 21. Various products made from petroleum and coal 22. Explosives 23. Acids and their salts (organic or inorganic) 24. Nitrogen compounds (Cyanide, Cyanamid, etc.) 25. Production of plastic raw materials (PVC, PP/Iron, Polyesterin etc.) 26. Asbestos 27. Fiberglass 28. Pesticides, fungicides and herbicides 29. Phosphorus and its compounds/derivatives 30. Chlorine, fluorine, bromine, iodine and their compounds/derivatives 31. Industry (excluding nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide) 32. Waste incinerator 33. Other chemicals 34. Ordnance 35. Nuclear power 36. Wine 37. Non-metallic chemicals not listed elsewhere 38. Non-metals not listed elsewhere 39. Industrial estate 40. Basic industrial chemicals 41. Non-iron basic metals 42. Detergent 43. Land-filling by industrial, household and commercial wastes 44. Sewage treatment plant 45. Life saving drugs 46. Animal glue 47. Rodenticide 48. Refractories 49. Industrial gas (Oxygen, Nitrogen & Carbon-dioxide)



54

50. Battery 51. Hospital 52. Ship manufacturing 53. Tobacco (processing/cigarette/Biri-making) 54. Metallic boat manufacturing 55. Wooden boat manufacturing 56. Refrigerator/air-conditioner/air-cooler manufacturing 57. Tyre and tube 58. Board mills 59. Carpets 60. Engineering works: capital above 10 (ten) hundred thousand Taka. 61. Repairing of motor vehicles: capital above 10 (ten) hundred thousand Taka 62. Water treatment plant 63. Sewerage pipe line laying/relaying/extension 64. Water, power and gas distribution line laying/relaying/extension 65. Exploration/extraction/distribution of mineral resources 66. Construction/reconstruction/expansion of flood control embankment, polder, dike, etc. 67. Construction/reconstruction/expansion of road (regional, national & international) 68. Construction/reconstruction/expansion of bridge (length 100 meter and above) 69. Murate of Potash (manufacturing)

Foot Notes:

(a) No industrial unit included in this list shall be allowed to be located in any residential area.

(b) Industrial units shall preferably be located in areas declared as industrial zones or in areas where there is concentration of industries or in vacant areas.

(c) Industrial units likely to produce sound, smoke, odor beyond permissible limit shall not be acceptable in commercial areas.

(d) After obtaining location clearance on the basis of Initial Environment Examination (IEE) Report, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report in accordance with the approved terms of reference along with design of ETP and its time schedule shall be submitted within approved time limit.

56

Appendix 2

Environment Conservation Rules 1997

Relevant Environmental Standards from Environmental Conservation Rules 1997

Schedule 2 Standards for Air [See Rule 12]

Density in microgram per cusec meter

Sl. No.

Categories of Area

Suspended Particulate Matter

(SPM)

Sulphur dioxide

Carbon Monoxide

Oxides of Nitrogen

a. Industrial and mixed

500 120 5000 100

b. Commercial and mixed

400 100 5000 100

c. Residential and rural

200 80 2000 80

d. Sensitive 100 30 1000 30

Notes: (1) At national level, sensitive area includes monuments, health center, hospital, archeological site,

educational institution, and government designated areas (if any). (2) Industrial units located in areas not designated as industrial areas shall not discharge pollutants

which may contribute to exceeding the standard for air surrounding the areas specified at Sl. nos. c and d above.

(3) Suspended Particulate Matter means airborne particles of a diameter of 10 micron or less.

Schedule 3 Standards for Water [See Rule 12]

(A) ) Standards for inland surface water

Best Practice based classification

Parameter

pH BOD mg/L

DO mg/L

Total Coliform

number/100

a. Source of drinking water for supply only after disinfecting:

6.5-8.5 2 or less 6 or above 50 or less

b. Water usable for recreational activity :

6.5-8.5 3 or less 5 of more 200 or less

c. Source of drinking water for supply after conventional treatment :


d. Water usable by fisheries: 6.5-8.5 6 or less 5 of more ---

e. Water usable by various process and cooling industries :


f. Water usable for irrigation: 6.5-8.5 10 or less 5 of more 1000 or less

Notes: In water used for pisiculture, maximum limit of presence of ammonia as Nitrogen is 1.2 mg/l. 1. Electrical conductivity for irrigation water – 2250 µmhoms /cm (at a temperature of 25°C);

Sodium less than 26%; boron less than 0.2%.

(B) Standards for drinking water

SI. No. Parameter Unit Standard

57

1 Aluminum mg/L 0.2

2 Ammonia (NH3) “ 0.5

3 Arsenic “ 0.05

4 Barium “ 0.01

5 Benzene “ 0.01

6 BOD5 20°C “ 2.0

7 Boron “ 1.0

8 Cadmium “ 0.005

9 Calcium “ 75

10 Chloride “ 150-600*

11 Chlorinated alkanes Carbontetrachloride

“ 0.01

1.1 dichloroethylene “ 0.001



trichloroethylene “ 0.09

12 Chlorinated phenols “

- pentachlorophenol “ 0.03

- 2.4.6 trichlorophenol “ 0.03

13 Chlorine (residual) “ 0.2

14 Chloroform “ 0.09

15 Chromium (hexavalent) “ 0.05

16 Chromium (total) “ 0.05

17 COD “ 4.0

18 Coliform (fecal) n/100 ml 0

19 Coliform (total) n/100 ml 0

20 Color Hazen unit 15

21 Copper mg/L 1

22 Cyanide “ 0.1

23 Detergents “ 0.2

24 DO “ 6

25 Fluoride “ 1

26 Hardness (as CaCO3) “ 200 – 500

27 Iron “ 0.3 – 1.0

28 Kjeldhl Nitrogen (total) “ 1

29 Lead “ 0.05

30 Magnesium “ 30 – 35

31 Manganese “ 0.1

32 Mercury “ 0.001

33 Nickel “ 0.01

34 Nitrate “ 10

35 Nitrite “ <1

36 Odor “ Odorless

37 Oil and grease “ 0.01

38 pH --- 6.5 – 8.5

39 Phenolic compounds mg/L 0.002

40 Phosphate “ 6

41 Phosphorus “ 0

42 Potassium “ 12

43 Radioactive materials (gross alpha activity)

Bq/l 0.01

44 Radioactive materials (gross beta activity)

Bq/l 0.1

45 Selenium mg/L 0.01

46 Silver “ 0.02

47 Sodium “ 200

48 Suspended particulate matters “ 10

49 Sufide “ 0

50 Sulfate “ 400

51 Total dissolved solids “ 1000

52 Temperature “ 20-30

53 Tin “ 2

54 Turbidity JTU 10

55 Zinc mg/L 5



58

Schedule 4

Standards for Sound

[See Rule 12]

Sl No Category of areas Standards determined at dBa unit

Day Night a. Silent zone 45 35 b. Residential area 50 40 c. Mixed area

(mainly residential area, and also simultaneously used for commercial and industrial purposes)

60 50

d. Commercial area 70 60 e. Industrial area 75 70

Notes

:

1. The time from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. is counted as daytime. 2. The time from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. is counted as night time. 3. Area up to a radius of 100 meters around hospitals or educational institutions or

special institutions/ establishments identified/to be identified by the Government is designated as Silent Zones where use of horns of vehicles or other audio signals, and loudspeakers are prohibited.

Schedule 5

Standards for Sound originating from Motor Vehicles or Mechanized Vessels [ See Rule 12]

* At the time of taking measurement, the motor vehicle shall not be in motion and its engine

conditions shall be as follows:-

(a) Diesel engine – maximum rotating speed. (b) Gasoline engine –at two thirds of its maximum rotating speed and without any load. (c) Motorcycle – If maximum rotating speed is above 5000 rpm; two thirds of the

speed, and if maximum rotating speed is less than 5000 rpm, three-fourth of the speed.

Category of Vehicles Unit Standards Remarks

*Motor Vehicles (all types) dBa 85 As measured at a distance of 7.5 meters from exhaust pipe.

100 As measured at a distance of 0.5 meter from exhaust pipe.

Mechanized Vessels dBa 85 As measured at a distance of7.5 meters from the vessel which is not in motion, not loaded and is at two thirds of its maximum rotating speed.

100 As measured at a distance of0.5 meter from the vessel which is in the same condition as above.

59

Schedule 6

Standards for Emission from Motor Vehicles

[ See Rule 12 ]

Parameter Unit Standard Limit

Black Smoke Hartridge Smoke Unit(HSU) 65

Carbon Monoxide gm/km 24

percent area 04

Hydrocarbon gm/km 02

ppm 180

Oxides of Nitrogen gm/km 02

ppm 600

* As measured at two thirds of maximum rotating speed.

Schedule 10

Standards for Waste From Industrial Units or Projects Waste

[See Rule 13]

Sl. No.

Parameters

Unit

Discharge To

Inland Surface Water

Public Sewerage

system connected to treatment at

second stage

Irrigated

Land

1 Ammonical nitrogen (as elementary N)

mg/L 50 75 75

2 Ammonia (as free ammonia) mg/L 5 5 15 3 Arsenic (as As) mg/L 0.2 0.05 0.2 4 BOD5 at 20oC mg/L 50 250 100

5 Boron mg/L 2 2 2 6 Cadmium (as Cd) mg/L 0.5 0.05 0.05 7 Chloride mg/L 600 600 600 8 Chromium (as total Cr) mg/L 0.5 1.0 1.0 9 COD mg/L 200 400 400 10 Chromium (as hexavalent

Cr) mg/L 0.1 1.0 1.0

11 Copper (as Cu) mg/L 0.5 3.0 3.0 12 Dissolved oxygen (DO) mg/L 4.5-8 4.5-8 4.5-8 13 Electro-conductivity (EC) micromho/cm 1200 1200 1200 14 Total dissolved solids mg/L 2100 2100 2100 15 Flouride (as F) mg/L 2 15 10 16 Sulfide (as S) mg/L 1 2 2 17 Iron (as Fe) mg/L 2 2 2

18 Total kjeldahl nitrogen (as N) mg/L 100 100 100 19 Lead (as Pb) mg/L 0.1 1 0.1 20 Manganese (as Mn) mg/L 5 5 5 21 Mercury (as Hg) mg/L 0.01 0.01 0.01 22 Nickel (as Ni) mg/L 1.0 2.0 1.0 23 Nitrate (as elementary N) mg/L 10.0 Not yet set 10 24 Oil and grease mg/L 10 20 10 25 Phenolic

compounds (as C6H5OH)

mg/L 1.0 5 1.0

26 Dissolved phosphorus (as P) mg/L 8 8 15 27 Radioactive substance (to be specified by Bangladesh Atomic Energy

Commission) 28 pH ---- 6-9 6-9 6-9 29 Selenium (as Se) mg/L 0.05 0.05 0.05 30 Zinc (as Zn) mg/L 5 10 10 31 Temperature oC

(summer) oC (winter)

40 45

40 45

40 45

32 Suspended solids (SS) mg/L 150 500 200 33 Cyanide (as Cn) mg/L 0.1 2.0 0.2



60

Notes:

(1) These standards shall be applicable to all industries or projects other than those specified under the heading “Standards for sector wise industrial effluent or emission.”

(2) Compliance with these standards shall be ensured from the moment an industrial unit starts trial production, and in other cases, from the moment a project starts operation.

(3) These standards shall be inviolable even in case of any sample collected instantly at any point of time. These standards may be enforced in a more stringent manner if considered necessary in view of the environmental conditions of a particular situation.

(4) Inland Surface Water means drains/ponds/tanks/water bodies/ ditches, canals, rivers, springs and estuaries.

(5) Public sewerage system means treatment facilities of the first and second stage and also the combined and complete treatment facilities.

(6) Irrigable land means such land area which is sufficiently irrigated by waste water taking into consideration the quantity and quality of such water for cultivation of selected crops on that land.

(7) Inland Surface Water Standards shall apply to any discharge to a public sewerage system or to land if the discharge does not meet the requirements of the definitions in notes 5 and 6 above.

61

Schedule 11 Standards for Gaseous Emission from Industries or Projects

[See Rule 13] Sl. No. Parameters

Standard present in a unit

of mg/Nm3 1. Particulate

(a) Power plant with capacity of 200Megawatt or above. 150 (b) Power plant with capacity less than 200Megawatt. 350

2. Chlorine 150 3. Hydrochloric acid vapor and mist 350 4. Total Fluoride F 25 5. Sulfuric acid mist 50 6. Lead particulate 10 7. Mercury particulate 0.2 8. Sulfur dioxide kg/ton acid

(a) Sulfuric acid production (DCDA*process) 4 (b) Sulfuric acid production (SCSA*process) 20

(*DCDA: Double Conversion, Double Absorption; SCSA: Single Conversion, Single Absorption.)

Lowest height of stack for dispersion of sulfuric acid (in meter) (a) Coal based power plant

(1) 500 Megawatt or above 275

(2) 200 to 500 Megawatt 220

(3) Less than 200 Megawatt 14(Q)0.3 (b) Boiler

(1) Steam per hour up to 15 tons 11

(2) Steam per hour more that 15 ton 14(Q)0.3 [Q = Emission of Sulfur dioxide (kg/hour)]. 9. Oxides of Nitrogen

(a) Nitric acid production 3 kg/ton acid (b) Gas Fuel based Power Plant

(1) 500 Megawatt or above 50ppm

(2) 200 to 500 Megawatt 40ppm

(3) Below 200 Megawatt 30ppm

(c) Metallurgical oven 200ppm 10. Kiln soot and dust mg/Nm3

(a) Blast Furnace 500 (b) Brick Kiln 1000 (c) Coke oven 500 (d) Lime Kiln 250



62

Appendix 3 Name of Participants

Table 16: Name of Participants

SI. Name Age Occupation Village Mobile No.

1 Q.M Shafiqul Islam - Superdent Enginear and project director,

HVDC 2nd Block Project

- -

2 Mohammad Rezaul Hossain

- SAE, HVDC 2nd Block Project

- -

3 Md. Shafiqul islam 42 Agriculture Hotatpara 01781126389

4 Md. Boton Ali 34 Agriculture Hotatpara 01762597917

5 Md. Liton Pramanik 30 Agriculture Hotatpara 01760175158

6 Md. Bdur Rashed 35 Agriculture Hotatpara 01742558202

7 Md. Sajedul Pramanik 28 Agriculture Hotatpara -

8 Thando mia 25 Business Hotatpara -

9 Md. Fozlu 47 Fisherman Hotatpara -

10 Md. Shahidur rahman 41 Student Hotatpara -

11 Porimal Ronju 49 Business Hotatpara -

12 Md. Abu Bokkar Sarder 25 Non-Agriculture labour Char Mirkamari -

13 Md. Abu Taher Sarder 38 Non-Agriculture labour Char Mirkamari -

14 Md. Abu Taher 36 Non-Agriculture labour Char Mirkamari -

15 Md. Sahdat Sarder 41 Non-Agriculture labour Char Mirkamari -

16 Md. Sohagh Pramanik 36 Non-Agriculture labour Char Mirkamari 01782203225

17 Md. Fahad hossain 45 Business Char Mirkamari -

18 Md. Abul Hossain Faraji 34 Business Char Mirkamari -

19 Md. Mesbahuddin Talukdar 55 Business Char Mirkamari -

20 Farid Ahamed 52 Fisherman Char Mirkamari -

21 Main uddin 32 Fisherman Char Mirkamari -

22 Md. Khalilur rahman 32 Business Char Mokarimpur -

23 Sardar Abdul Motin 15 Business Char Mokarimpur -

24 SM. Nurul Islam 25 Fisherman Char Mokarimpur -

25 Sree Jibon Halder 47 Fisherman Char Mokarimpur -

64

Appendix 4 Layout Plans

Layout Plan: Bheramara SS

65

Layout Plan: Ishwardi SS



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