EIA-Ver2 - National Mission for Clean Ganga › ... › 40_Draft_Final_PATNA_RFD_ESIA.pdfProject :...

Project : Environmental Impact Assessment Study for Ganga River Front Development at

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Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................................... iii

1. INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................. 1

1.1 PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS UNDER NGRBA .............................................................................. 2

1.2 Patna River Front Development ................................................................................................................ 2

1.2.1 Proposed Developments in Patna RFD ................................................................................................... 3

1.3 PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF EIA .............................................................................................................. 3

1.4 PROPOJECT PROPONENT ..................................................................................................................... 4

1.5 TECHNICAL CONSULTANT AND ARCHITECT .................................................................................... 4

1.6 EIA CONSULTANT ..................................................................................................................................... 4

1.7 STRUCTURE OF EIA ................................................................................................................................. 4

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................................................. 6

2.1 EXISTING GHAT CONDITIONS ............................................................................................................... 7

2.2 NEED FOR PATNA RFD ......................................................................................................................... 12

2.3 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS ............................................................................................................. 13

2.3.1 Development of Ghats .............................................................................................................................. 13

2.3.2 Promenades including kiosks (connecting some of the ghats together) ........................................... 14

2.3.3 Community cum cultural centres ............................................................................................................. 17

2.3.4 Landscape work at Precinct Zones: ........................................................................................................ 18

2.3.5 City level parks: ......................................................................................................................................... 19

2.3.6 Improvement of approach roads to the precincts ................................................................................. 19

2.3.7 Development of Electric Crematoria at Gulbi Ghat ............................................................................... 20

2.3.8 Development of Toilet Complex .............................................................................................................. 20

2.3.9 Development of Interceptor Drain ........................................................................................................... 20

2.3.10 Environmental Awareness ....................................................................................................................... 20

2.4 PROJECT LOCATION .............................................................................................................................. 21

2.5 ADDITIONAL BENEFIT ............................................................................................................................ 24

2.6 PROJECT COST ....................................................................................................................................... 24

3. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK......................................... 25

3.1 POLICIES AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK OF GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (GOI) ................. 25

3.2 Environment and Social Management Framework (ESMF) of NGRBA ............................................ 30

4. DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENT ........................................................................................................... 34

4.1 PROJECT INFLUENCE AREA ................................................................................................................ 34

4.2 ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIAL SCREENING: ..................................................................................... 36

4.3 Project Area ................................................................................................................................................ 41

4.4 Baseline Environmental Profile ................................................................................................................ 41

4.4.1 Meteorological environment ..................................................................................................................... 41

4.4.2 Physical environment ................................................................................................................................ 43


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4.4.3 ECOLOGY AND BIODIVERSITY ............................................................................................................ 56

4.4.4 CULTURAL RESOURCES ...................................................................................................................... 75

4.4.5 SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS ................................................................................................................. 80

4.5 Conclusion .................................................................................................................................................. 81

5. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES ................................................................................................................. 82

5.1 With or Without Project Alternatives ....................................................................................................... 83

5.2 Good design aspects ................................................................................................................................ 86

5.3 Technology Benefits.................................................................................................................................. 91

6. PUBLIC CONSULTATION & STAKEHOLDER PARTICIPATION .............................................................. 92

6.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 92

6.2 Methods of Public Consultation ............................................................................................................... 92

6.3 Focus Group Discussion with local communities .................................................................................. 93

6.4 Public Consultation with Stakeholders ................................................................................................. 105

7. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIAL IMPACT AND MITIGATION MEASURES ...................... 109

7.1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................... 109

7.2 ENVIRONMENTAL and SOCIAL FACTORS: ..................................................................................... 109

7.2.1 Environmental Factors: ........................................................................................................................... 109

7.2.2 Social Factors: ......................................................................................................................................... 109

7.3 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND MITIGATION MEASURES-CONSTRUCTION STAGE ......... 109

7.3.1 Quarries and Crushers ........................................................................................................................... 109

7.3.2 Cultural and Heritage Resources: ......................................................................................................... 110

7.3.3 Loss of Structures.................................................................................................................................... 112

7.3.4 Generation of Dust: ................................................................................................................................. 113

7.3.5 Noise and Vibration: ................................................................................................................................ 113

7.3.6 Sanitation and Waste Generation: ........................................................................................................ 114

7.3.7 Impact on Utilities: ................................................................................................................................... 115

7.3.8 Integration of Drainage with Patna RFD: ............................................................................................. 115

7.3.9 Loss of vegetation and tree cutting: ...................................................................................................... 116

7.3.10 Impacts on Dolphin: ................................................................................................................................ 116

7.3.11 Clearing of Existing Solid Waste humps: ............................................................................................. 118

7.4 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND MITIGATION MEASURES-OPERATION STAGE ................. 120

7.4.1 Physiography and Drainage: ................................................................................................................. 120

7.4.2 River Water Quality: ................................................................................................................................ 120

7.4.3 Solid Waste Generation : ....................................................................................................................... 124

7.4.4 RISK ASSESSMENT AND SAFETY MEASURES: ............................................................................ 127

8. ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN ................................................................................................... 131

8.1 Specific activities by BUIDCo ................................................................................................................ 131

8.2 Specific activities by Contractor ............................................................................................................ 131


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8.3 Implementation of EMP .......................................................................................................................... 132

8.4 Environmental Monitoring Program ...................................................................................................... 144

8.4.1 Monitoring of Concessionaire / Contractor's Facilities, Plant and Equipment ............................... 144

8.5 Integration of Other NGRBA Programs with Patna RFD ................................................................... 144

8.6 Environmental Budget ............................................................................................................................ 145

8.7 Reporting System .................................................................................................................................... 151

9. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION .............................................................................................. 158


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List of Tables

Table 2-1 : Proposed Ghats for development ....................................................................................................... 14

Table 2-2 : Proposed Project Cost ........................................................................................................................ 24

Table 3-1 : Environmental Regulations and Legislations ...................................................................................... 26

Table 3-2 : Environmental Regulations and Legislations ...................................................................................... 27

Table 4-1 : Environment and Social Screening for River Front Development ....................................................... 36

Table 4-2: Proposed Ghats for Developments along river Ganga in Ganga Ghats ............................................... 41

Table 4-3 :Rainfall and Temperature at Patna in Ganga Basin ............................................................................. 42

Table 4-4: Soil Quality Analysis of Proposed Project Site ..................................................................................... 50

Table 4-5: Ambient Air Quality within study area................................................................................................... 52

Table 4-6: Ambient Noise Level within study area ................................................................................................ 53

Table 4-7:Water Quality Sample Analysis and Results ......................................................................................... 54

Table 4-8: List of trees reported in the project affected area ................................................................................. 61

Table 4-9: List of Avifauna reported in inner buffer zone ....................................................................................... 64

Table 4-10:Fish Species reported in the study area .............................................................................................. 73

Table 4-11List of Heritage Buildings within DPIA and IPIA ................................................................................... 76

Table 4-12: List of Indigenous Building along Ghats ............................................................................................. 75

Table 4-13: Component wise Project Affected Famililies ...................................................................................... 80

Table 4-14: Details of Possession of Material in PAFs .......................................................................................... 81

Table 5-1: With and Without Project Scenario ...................................................................................................... 84

Table 6-1: Level of Consultations .......................................................................................................................... 92

Table 6-2: Outcome of Stakeholder Participation Meeting as Held on 30th August 2013. ................................... 106

Table 7-1: RAP Budget ....................................................................................................................................... 112

Table 7-2: Budget for Solid Waste Management................................................................................................. 125

Table 7-3: Carrying Capacity Calculation for each of project ghats ..................................................................... 127

Table 8-1: Environment Management Plan ......................................................................................................... 133

Table 8-2: Environmental Monitoring Plan .......................................................................................................... 146

Table 8-3: Environmental Budget ........................................................................................................................ 148

Table 8-4: Summary Details of Reporting ........................................................................................................... 151

Table 8-5: Clearance Requirements from Government of Bihar ......................................................................... 152


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List of Figures

Figure 2.1: Artists view of Golaghar Patna .............................................................................................................. 6

Figure 2.2: Sanitation issues along the ghats ......................................................................................................... 8

Figure 2.3: Slums at edge of river Ganga ............................................................................................................... 9

Figure 2.4:Gandhi Ghat (the only developed ghat at moment) ............................................................................... 9

Figure 2.5:Adalat Ghat Edge Condition Analysis (Boulder pitching at the edges) ................................................. 10

Figure 2.6:Edge condition Analysis in Krishna Ghat ............................................................................................. 11

Figure 2.7 Potential of ghat as a public Space ...................................................................................................... 14

Figure 2.8: Urban Precincts proposed ................................................................................................................... 15

Figure 2.9: Design of Urban Precinct (3D-View) ................................................................................................... 16

Figure 2.10:View of ghats after the proposed development of urban precinct ...................................................... 16

Figure 2.11:Proposed Community cum Eco-centre at Gai ghat ............................................................................ 17

Figure 2.12:Restoring the riparian edge and landscaping ..................................................................................... 19

Figure 2.13:Proposed approach road development of Gai ghat ............................................................................ 20

Figure 2.14:Project Location ................................................................................................................................. 22

Figure 2.15: Landuse along project ghats ............................................................................................................. 23

Figure 4.1:Direct Project Influence Area (DPIA) .................................................................................................... 34

Figure 4.2: Colour coded aspect map for direction of the terrain along the RFD, Patna ....................................... 44

Figure 4.3: DEM Map along the project section in Ganga ghat section in Patna .................................................. 45

Figure 4.4: Land Use along the stretch of river bank to be developed under RFD project in Patna ...................... 46

Figure 4.5: Physiographic map of Bihar along the river Ganga ............................................................................. 47

Figure 4.6: Seismic Hazard Map showing the Project Area (Ganga Ghats) .......................................................... 48

Figure 4.7:Seismic Zonation Map of India ............................................................................................................. 48

Figure 4.8:Sub-Basin maps of Ganga Basin ......................................................................................................... 49

Figure 4.9:Discharge of Raw Sewage in Ganga river from Anta Ghat (left) and Krishna Ghat (Right) .................. 56

Figure 4.10: Forest cover map of Bihar ................................................................................................................. 57

Figure 4.11: Photograph of Flora reported in Riparian Habitat .............................................................................. 60

Figure 4.12: Photographs of Trees Reported at Ghat Area ................................................................................... 63

Figure 4.13: Photograph of Animal Reported in study area .................................................................................. 66

Figure 4.14: Dolphins Movement in Project Study Area ........................................................................................ 69

Figure 4.15: Location were Dolphins are reported ................................................................................................ 71

Figure 4.16: Location of Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphins Sanctuary with respect to project site ........................... 72

Figure 4.17: Photographs of Species of Fishes reported during primary survey ................................................... 74

Figure 4.18: Locations of Heritage/Important Buildings within DPIA and IPIA ...................................................... 78

Figure 4.19: Locations of Indigenous Buildings within Project Ghats .................................................................... 79

Figure 7.1: Dolphins Movement .......................................................................................................................... 116

Figure 7.2: Open disposal of Solid Waste near to Ganga Ghats ......................................................................... 119

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Figure 7.4 : Toilet Block as Proposed in the Project............................................................................................ 122

Figure 7.5 : Proposed toilet Blocks (WC) ............................................................................................................ 123

Figure 7.6: Open disposal of Solid Waste near to Ganga Ghats ......................................................................... 126


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List of Annexure

Annexure 1.1: Guidelines for Existing Quarry Management

Annexure 1.2: Guidelines for Siting and Layout of Construction Camp

Annexure 1.3: Specific R&R Measures

Annexure 1.4: Drawings for Safety Measures

Annexure 1.5: Professor Sinha’s Report on Gangetic Dolphin in Context of Patna RFD

Annexure 1.6: INTACH’s Report on Cultural Heritage


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ACRONYMS

B.C. Before Christ

BUIDCo Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation

CPCB Central Pollution Control Board

EP Environment Protection

ESIA Environment and Social Impact Assessment

ESMF Environment and Social Management Framework

ESMP Environment and Social Management Plan

FGD Focus Group Discussion

GAP Ganga Action Plan

GoI Government of India

GoB Government of Bihar

INTACH Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage

MoEF Ministry of Environment and Forests

NGRBA National Ganga River Basin Authority

NGO Non- Government Organization

NMCG National Mission for Clean Ganga

NPRR National Policy on Resettlement and Rehabilitation

NP National Park

OP Operational Policy

PAFs Project Affected Families

PAPs Project Affected Person

PMG Program Management Group

R&R Resettlement and Rehabilitation Framework

RAP Resettlement Action Plan

RFD River Front Development

SC Supervision Consultant

SPMG Special Program Management Group

SPV Special Purpose Vehicles

ULB Urban Local Body

VSPL Voyants Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

WB World Bank

WLPA Wild Life Protection Act

WLS Wild Life Sanctuary

ZSI Zoological Survey of India


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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND

River Ganga has a significant economic, environmental and cultural value in India. Rising in the

Himalayas and flowing into the Bay of Bengal, the river traverses through a course of more than

2500km in the plains of north and eastern India. Increasing population in the basin and haphazard

urbanization and industrial growth has significantly impacted the water quality of river Ganga,

particularly during the dry season. The primary sources of pollution are untreated sewage and

industrial wastewater, also non-point pollution sources from agriculture and livestock, religious

activities and poor solid waste management also contribute significantly to the pollution.

The previous attempts to clean the river, such as Ganga Action Plan (GAP) launched in 1985 have

provided some gains in arresting rate of water quality degradation, but lot more needs to be done.

As a major first step in this direction, Government of India (GoI) has established the National Ganga

River Basin Authority (NGRBA) for comprehensive management of the river.

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS UNDER NGRBA

The NGRBA program will adopt a river basin approach and has been given multi-sectoral mandate to

address both water quantity and quality aspects. To achieve this objective, NGRBA is implementing a

project with financial assistance from The World Bank. The portfolio of investments supported by

NGRBA under this project includes the following:

Sewerage and sanitation systems/sewage treatment plants (new/up gradation)

Solid Waste Management

Industrial Pollution Control Initiatives

River front Management initiatives

These investments in the first phase of the program are spread across several cities / towns within

Ganga main stem states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal.

PATNA RIVER FRONT DEVELOPMENT (RFD)

Government of Bihar through Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (BUIDCo) intends

to implement improvements to the Ganga River Front in Patna through NGRBA Program.

The River Ganga in Patna is an intrinsic part of life of Patna. Some of the most important Hindu

festivals and religious congregations are celebrated on the banks of the river Ganga such as the

Kumbh Mela and the Chhathh puja and large numbers of devotees gather during these festivals.


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At present the existing facilities at the Ghats for these activities are poor. The Ghats are neither big

enough to accommodate thousands of devotees during Chhath festival nor there is any facility like

changing rooms.

River water fronts have potential to become the recreational and cultural hubs of city and have

emerged as lively urban face. River water front development also has potential to create

Environmental Awareness for cleanliness of river and generating Ecological Awareness and

tourism for the river edge and thus prevent disposal of untreated sewage into the river,

Considering these aspects, the proposed Patna RFD project, proposes the following improvements.

Development of 20 ghats (from Anta ghat to Naujarghat);

Promenades including kiosks (connecting some of the ghats together); Promenade will have

long walkways along the river ganga

Community cum cultural centres including places for cafeteria, reading room, Dolphin

Information centre.

Landscape work in the precinct zones;

City level parks; and,

Improvement of approach roads to the precincts

Development of Crematoria in Gulbi Ghat to an electric crematoria

Development of interceptor drains (total 8 nos.)

Toilet Complex

The total cost of the project is INR 24327.00 Lakhs. The cost break up is shown in table1.

Table 1: Proposed Project Cost

S.No Description of Item Cost (INR Lakh)

1 Development of 20 ghats (from Anta ghat to Naujar ghat including

change room)

8,929.37

2 Promenades including kiosks (connecting ghats together) 8751.07

3 Community cum cultural centres 1,660.04

4 Landscape work in the precinct zones 425.60

5 City level parks 833.14

6 Improvement of approach roads to the precincts 262.11

7 Development of Gulbi ghat 750.77

8 Interceptor Drain 326.97

9 Toilet Complex 36.96

10 Information Education and communication campaign 75.00

11 ESMP Cost (including R&R Cost) 511.89

12 Add contingency (8%) 1764.08

Total 24327.00


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POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK

The following laws and regulations are applicable to the proposed activities of Patna RFD:

Policy and regulatory framework of Govt. of India;

Environmental Policy of the respective State Governments;

Legislations applicable to the construction activities;

Environment and Social Management Framework of NGRBA

The Project is seeking financing from World Bank and hence their environmental and social

safeguards are also applicable to this Project.

Since, the total built up area of the project is about 2700sq.m which is less than 20,000 sq.m and the

total construction area is about 69,500 which is less than 1,50,000 sq.m, the project does not attract

requirement of Environmental Clearance requirements of EIA Notification, 2006 of GoI.

Similarly, the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 is not applicable to the project, despite the presence of

Gangetic Dolphin in the river, as the project area is not located within 10 km radius of a wildlife

sanctuary area.

Other Applicable important regulations are:

The The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and Water Prevention and Control

of (Pollution) act, 1974 will be applicable;

The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 will be applicable;

The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, as the project

area is located however some old building are there along the ghats which will be protected;

Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) of NGRBA:

In addition to the above regulations, NGRBA has developed an ESMF to address various

environmental and social issues related to investments. According to this framework, any project

supported by NGRBA shall carry out an Environment and Social Screening to understand magnitude

of impacts. In general, based on screening exercise, projects are categorized either as High Impact or

Low Impact category in which high impact projects require detailed ESIA study along with preparation

of an EMP. The Patna RFD has been categorized as High impact category due to presence of

schedule-I animal, i.e. Dolphin and resettlement requirement of 229 Project Affected Families (PAFs).

Therefore a detailed EIA and EMP study has been carried out.


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BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL PROFILE

In general 200m lateral distance from the right bank side has been considered as Direct Project

Influence Area (DPIA) and 500 m lateral distance from the right bank side has been considered as

Indirect Project Influence Area (IPIA) to access the baseline environmental conditions around the

project area.

The area within this DPIA and IPIA mostly consists of built up area which also includes some old and

important buildings. Very few open spaces are present within the IPIA, the prominent one being

Gandhi maidan. No sensitive areas like wildlife sanctuary, national park, etc. are observed within the

DPIA or IPIA. However institutions such as Patna Medical College, Patna College, B.N. College,

Patna Law College, temples along the ghats, some old buildings and few schools are located in the

IPIA.

Meteorology: The climate in Patna is characterized by quite hot summers to moderately cold winters.

In the Ganga basin the mean maximum and mean minimum temperature as recorded in Patna is

respectively 31.9°C and 20.8°C. The relative humidity ranges between 80-93%. The mean annual

rainfall is 1003.4mm. The maximum Wind speed is 177 km/h while the average wind speed during the

year is 5 km/h. The wind direction near the river area varies from NE during the summer season to

SW during the winter season.

Topography: .The topography near the Ganga Ghats in Patna City is like a saucer and city has

drainage issues during monsoon season. This core area of Ganga Ghats in Patna faces problems of

ofver crowding (e.g. Collectorate ghat, Anta ghat, B.N College ghat, Gulbi ghat etc.) which has lead to

enormous pressure on the physical infrastructure and traffic congestion.

Geology: Ganga ghats are part of the Indo-Gangetic alluvium, one of the three main physiographic

divisions of India, which separates Extra-Peninsular regions on the north from the peninsular region

on the south. The quaternary sediments are deposited unconformable on the Achaean basement.

Physiography and Soil: The project area of Patna RFD falls under active alluvial plain and the soil of

the Patna river basin area is characterized by Calcareous alluvial (UstochreptsHaplaquepts) i.e. it is

slightly alkaline. This shows that the alluvium deposit in this region is old alluvium deposit.

Seismicity: The DPIA and IPIA fall under Seismic Zone-IV i.e. in low hazard zone.

Drainage: The project area falls under the river basin of Ganga and sub basins of Punpun, Gandhak

and Burhi-Gandak-Bagmati river basins. As per the local observation, Ganga river near the project


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Ghats are meandering to the left and during the summer season, lean flow is observed between

Collectorate Ghat to Adalat Ghat at the right bank of river Ganga.

Air Quality: Baseline Ambient air quality was monitored during September 2012 at 3 locations to

understand the air quality of the DPIA for 24 hours in each location as per CPCB standards for the

parameters like PM10, PM2.5, SOx, NOx, HC and CO. The air quality data are given in table 2.

Table 2 : Ambient Air Quality within study area

Location

PM 10

(µg/m3)

PM 2.5

(µg/m3)

SO2

(µg/m3)

NO2

(µg/m3)

CO

(µg/m3)

Collector ghat 88 47 5.4 26.7 363

Dr. T.N.Banerjeeghat 54 29 4.3 21.4 275

Gulbighat 69 36 4.0 19.0 175

CPCB Standards 100 60 80 80 2000

Source: Baseline Environmental Monitoring done at project site during September 2012

Noise Quality: Noise quality monitoring has been undertaken for the duration of 24 hrs at 3 selected

locations. The monitoring data is given in table 3.

Table 3: Noise monitoring result in the study area

Location Leq day dB(A) Leq Night

dB(A)

L Max dB(A) L Min dB(A)

Collectorate ghat 46.60 33.70 51.30 30.20

Gulbi ghat 43.80 31.90 48.30 25.60

Dr. T.N.Banerjee ghat 35.60 33.20 49.80 29.50

CPCB Standards 55.00 45.00

Source: Baseline Environmental Monitoring done at project site during September 2012

Soil Quality: The soil quality has been carried out in 3 locations and it has been observed that the

soil quality is slightly alkaline which also support the presence of Calcareous Alluvium. The texture of

soil is mostly silty loam and loamy.

Water Quality: Water quality samples were collected from 7 locations including upstream and

downstream of Ganga at Anta Ghat where a major sewage outfall has been seen. In general the DO

content of water is quite good ranging more than 7mg/l. The BOD content at the downstream of Anta

ghat shows the impact of Sewage on Ganga as the noted BOD was observed as 12.9 mg/l. In other

locations the BOD content has been seen in the range of 2-3.3 mg/l. Overall the water quality of

Ganga at the project locations are still well within the bathing water quality.


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Flora and Fauna: The proposed project partly comprises of Riparian Habitat and partly terrestrial

Habitat. The floristic survey of the proposed site witnesses scattered growth of grasses (mainly

weeds), rooted hydrophytes, emerging hydrophytes and shrubs. Commonly reported weeds species

are Congress grass (Partheniumhysterophorus), Lantana (Lantana Camara), Eipatoriumtrilpineve,

Solanumxanthiocarpum and Datura (Dathurastromonium). The species of grasses reported along the

banks are Cyanodondactylon, Achyranthesaspera, Saccharumarundinaceum, Vetiveriazizanoides,

Ludwigiaparviflora, Rungiarepens, etc. Rooted hydrophytes are reported along the banks, where

water level is less than a foot or water has recedes after flooding. The commonly reported

hydrophytes are Ipomoea carnea, Argeratumconyzoides, Azollapinnata, Eichhorniacrassipes,

Lemnaperpusilla, Spirodelapolyrhiza, etc. Ipomoea aquatic,etc.

The fauna reported in the area are mainly avifauna (highest diversity) followed by mammals and

reptiles. The commonly reported avifauna in the study area are Common crow, Myna, Eagle,

Sparrow, Babbler, Pigeon, Cattle Egrets, Red Vented bulbul, Drongo, Sparrow, Indian Roller etc.

Aquatic mammals like Gangetic Dolphins (PlatanistaGangeticagangetica) have been reported in the

study area.

The fish species reported in the project area include Mrigal (Cirrhinamrigala), Catla (CatlaCatla), Rohu

(Labeorohita), Calbasu (Labeocalbasu), Bata (Labeobata), Kalabans (Labeodero), Tengara

(Mystustengara), Singhi (Heyeropneustusfossilis), Palwa (Mystuscavasius), Pothia (Puntiussophore),

Phasia (Setipinnabrevifilis).

Cultural and Heritage Resources: A detailed survey of cultural and heritage buildings in and around

the project area was carried out by INTACH as part of preparation of Cultual Impact Assessment

(CIA) Reort and has identified 26 structures in the DPIA. While none of them physically affected, care

shall be taken during construction to avoid damages to these structures. These structures are not

included either in the list of Archeological Survey of India or Government of Bihar.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS & MITIGATION MEASURES

The anticipated environmental impact both during the construction and operation sages are

summarized in table 4.

Table 4: Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures

S.No Potential Environmental Impacts Mitigation Measures

Design and Pre-Construction Stage

1 Vegetation Clearance and Tree Cutting Trees are required to be saved as per the designs and

drawings of promenade and ghat development. Vegetaion are

to be removed before commencement of construction

2 Resettlement of PAP Nearly 229 PAFs are to be resettled as per the RAP report and


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summary given in Annexure 1.3.

3 Prcument of plant and machinery Specifications to comply with the relevant national standard

norms of emission control.

4 Set up of construction camp (For 25-30

Peoples)

The construction camps will be located at least 200m away

from Ganga ghats and there must be basic living standard as

per the guidelines given in annexure 1.2.

Construction Stage

5 Procurement of construction materials from

existing quarry sites and thus consumption

of resources.

About 10,000-15,000m3 of quarry material to be procured from

existing and approved quarry sites. For new quarries if

Environmental Clearance is applicable to be obtained.

Adequate safety pre-cautions to be ensured during

transporation of quarry material from quarries to the

construction site. Vehicles transporting the material shall be

covered to prevent spillage.

6 Generation of Debris Debris generated due to the dismantling of the existing ghats,

structures shall be stored at a place sufficiently away from the

main channel of Ganga.

The debris generated from the structures shall be reused as far

as possible and the left over material shall be disposed at a

suitable location with following local rules and regulations along

with approval from the ‘Engineer’ and the ‘Environmental

Specialist’ on the project. In no case, no debris shall be

disposed into the river Ganga.

7 Noise and vibration impact to cultural and

old buildings and safety to devotees

coming to temples along ghat during

construction.

For any kind of piling work during construction vibro hammer to

be used instead of sheet piling to minimize vibration. Noise

barriers shall be put at locations like Patna Medical College,

B.N College, Patna Law College and schools to avoid noise.

8 Discharge from existing sewer drains at

Anta Ghat and Krishna Ghat

Route of these discharge point to be diverted before the start of

ghat construction at these 2 locations;

Route to be diverted through the existing trunk sewer line to the

existing STP at Saidpur.

This needs to be taken up by BUIDCO as a separate project.

9 Waste Water from construction camp Adequate sanitation and waste management facility to be provided in construction camp as per Annexure 1.2 of EIA

report and it is to be ensured that no liquid or solid waste get

disposed into river Ganga during the construction period.

Monitoring of water quality during construction period as per the monitoring plan

10 Impact on structures during construction As part of the project no heritage building/indigenous buildings/temples/mosques shall be demolished;


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For heritage buildings within 25 m from ghat adequate care shall be taken to minimize vibration impact. Overall piling

work to be used with Vibro Piling rather than normal sheet

piling.

Chance find of any heritage structure / remnants during construction shall be immediately reported to the

authorities and shall comply with Ancient Monuments and

Archeological Sites and Remains Act 1958

11 Noise from Vehicles, Plants and Equipment Construction activities shall be avoided during evening and

night time hours (7 p.m. to 6 a.m.)

All jackhammers and pavement breakers used on the

construction site shall be fitted with manufacturer’s approved

exhaust muffler.

Use of pneumatic impact equipment shall be restricted 100m

from noise sensitive locations,. Instead of pneumatic

hammers electric, hydraulic hammers could be used.

Temporary Noise Barrier at important locations of Schools

and Health centres.

12 Dust Generation and Equipment Selection,

Maintenance and Operation

Vehicles carrying construction materials shall be covered;

Regular water sprinkling at areas of dust generation;

Regular pollution under check for construction vehicles shall

be made;

13 Loss of flora and Fauna Fuel provision shall be made available in camp like LPG so

that no tree cutting is involved for fuel wood.

Construction workers must protect natural resources and

wild animals especially Dolphin

Fishing is strictly prohibited.

14 Risk and Safety Adequate precautions will be taken to prevent danger from

electrical equipment.

Precautions shall be made to provide proper access route to

the devotees;

The safety of workers shall be taken care as per the

prevailing norms;

No material or any of the sites will be so stacked or placed

as to cause danger.

All necessary fencing and lights will be provided.

Protective footwear and protective goggles to all workers.

Protective eye-shields to workers engaged in welding works

Earplugs to workers exposed to loud noise (above 75dB


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(A)),

The Contractor shall comply with all regulations regarding

safe scaffolding, ladders, working platforms, etc.

The Contractor shall ensure that no paint containing lead or

lead products is used.

Operation Stage

15 Sewage generation from Project and Water

Quality

Toilet complexes along with 24 other toilets will be provided in the project;

Approximately 30 KLD of sewage expected;

Septic Tank and soak pit shall be provided for the sewage; Water quality to be monitored as per monitoring plan

16

Surface Run-off

Interceptor drain has been proposed to cater surface run-off

from promenade and pathways and will be ultimately be linked

with the drains along access roads

17 Increase of speed of water at Ghat section

and chances of Soil Erosion

As part of the project necessary green areas along the

banks will be protected as well as new green areas in terms

of city parks shall be created. This will provide necessary

bank stability.

Further, riparian edge restoration program will be

undertaken to maintain natural habitat.

At the bottom of the ghat boulder pitching shall be made so

that uniform speed is maintained.

18 Solid Waste Management Bins along Ganga ghats @4 bins in each ghat for 20kg

capacity;

254 litterbins along promenade and pathways of 1kg

capacity;

Masonry bins at 6 locations to facilitate communities to

dispose their waste at these bins;

Providing 2 no. of 4.5m3 bins at Anta Ghat Vegetable

market;

1 dumper placer, 2 auto tripper and 1 JCB hooper type

vehicle shall be provided to collect the dispose the waste

generated from the proposed project.

19

Dolphin Conservation

The mess size of the iron wire to be used to fix the boulders

below the steps at ghats close to the water line or river edge

should be four inches instead of eight inches.

No indigenous grasses should be planted in the landscape


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terraces between two ghats as in the spaces natural

amphibious/aquatic grasses of riparian zone of the river grow

There should be minimum or no noise under the water during

implementation of the project. If any mechanized boat is used

during implementation of the project, the same may be propeller

guard.

20

Safety Measures

The load bearing capacity of each ghat has been calculated to

indicate the safe number of people to accomdae the ghat and

promenade with a carrying capacity approach. The other health

and safety measures being proposed in the project are:

Belts all along the ghats;

PPE use;

Inaccessibility to children; (Construction Netting);

4 ambulances (for 2 years of project construction

period) shall be provided for any type of medical

emergency;

Chaat festival will be restricted to these ghats during

construction period;

Side Access for pedestrian movements at

Mahendrughat;

Refuge access;

Increase of access to the promenade through

pedestrian streets;

One way traffic to ghat where accessibility is less than

6m.

Crowd management during festivals

PUBLIC CONSULTATION

Local people were extensively consulted while carrying out the EA study. A total of 8 FGDs were

conducted in the project area in the project influence area. Further, municipal ward councilors, MLAs

were consulted on 3rd

August 2013. In addition to the above, a city level public consultation was

carried out on 30th August 2013 to obtain the views of local people. While most of the people

welcomed the project and views and suggestion are incorporated in the project and EMP, wherever

applicable.

EMP BUDGET

In order to implement the proposed Environmental Mitigation measures a detailed Environmental

Management Plan has been prepared. To implement the plan there will be a Supervision Consultant

who will oversee the work of contractor. The Supervision consultant will further report the progress of


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work to BUIDCo. The final implementation monitoring for the same shall be carried out by NMCG. The

total EMP budget has been considered is about INR 84.5 Lakhs. The detail about environmental

budget is presented below in Table-5

Table-5 Environmental Budget

S. No Description of Item Cost (INR Lakhs) Primary

Responsibilty

Secondary

Responsibility

1 Environmental Awareness program towards minimizing the pollution problem for solid waste management, water pollution prevention and minimizing impact on Dolphin etc. through preparing of IEC materials, media advertisement, clippings in cinema hall etc.

13.00 BUIDCo BUIDCo

2 Environmental Awareness during the construction stage

7.00 Contractors BUIDCo

3 Soil Erosion restoration work like retaining wall, edge restoration work, turfing and vegetative cover,

Covered in

Engineering Cost

(BOQ item 2.1.3)

Contractor BUIDCo

4 Establishing of Construction Camp including facilities for drinking water, waste water treatment and solid waste disposal facilities

Covered in

Engineering Cost

(Incidental Items)

Contractor BUIDCo

5 Facilities towards solid waste management for the project (Civil Cost from Table 7.3 of EIA report)

Covered in

Engineering Cost

(Incidental Items)

Contractor BUIDCo

6 Procurement of Vehicles for solid waste management and 2 dumper bins (O&M Cost from Table 7.3)

32.64 BUIDCo BUIDCo

7 Small mesh barrier to screen the pious refuse preferably iron mesh with 1’’x1’’seize

8.10 Contractor BUIDCo

8 Construction of interceptor drains (3000 m) to collect storm water from project area and raw sewage from the building lines along the ghats, connect to a suitable manhole for ultimate treatment in a STP

Covered in

Engineering Cost

(BOQ item 2.5)

Contractor BUIDCo

9 Construction of toilets along the promenade

Covered in

engineering cost

(Items 2.2.3,

2.2.4, 2.3 of BOQ)

Contractor BUIDCo

10 Provision of boulder pitching with 4incher iron wire;

No indigenous grass

Covered in

engineering cost

(Items 2.1.3,of

Contractor BUIDCo


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S. No Description of Item Cost (INR Lakhs) Primary

Responsibilty

Secondary

Responsibility

species to be introduced BOQ)

Total Environmental Enhancement Cost

60.74

Environmental Monitoring-Construction Stage

11 Air Quality Moniutoring 0.96 Contractor BUIDCo

12 Water Quality Monitoring 3.84 Contractor BUIDCo

13 Noise Quality Monitoring 0.54 Contractor BUIDCo

14 Soil Quality Monitoring 0.72 Contractor BUIDCo

15 Travel and Transportation of

Laboratory Personnel


Total Environmental Monitoring Cost

(Construction Stage)


Environmental Monitoring-Operation Stage

16 Air Quality Moniutoring 1.2 BUIDCo BUIDCo

17 Water Quality Monitoring 6.4 BUIDCo BUIDCo

18 Noise Quality Monitoring 0.75 BUIDCo BUIDCo

19 Soil Quality Monitoring 9.75 BUIDCo BUIDCo

20 Travel and Transportation of

Laboratory Personnel for 5

years

5.00 BUIDCo BUIDCo

Total Monitoring Cost-Operation Stage 14.10

Total EMP-Cost 82.86

Contingency (2%) 1.66

Total EMP with contingency 84.52


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1. INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND River Ganga has a significant economic, environmental and cultural value in India. Rising from the

Himalayas and flowing into the Bay of Bengal, the river traverses through a course of more than 2500

km in the plains of north and eastern India. Increasing population in the basin and haphazard

urbanization and industrial growth has significantly impacted the water quality of river Ganga,

particularly during the dry season. The primary sources of pollution are untreated sewage and

industrial wastewater, also non-point pollution sources from agriculture and livestock, religious

activities and poor solid waste management also contribute significantly to the pollution.

Figure 1. 1The Ganga and its spirituality

The previous attempts to clean the river, such as Ganga Action Plan (GAP) launched in 1985 have

provided some gains in arresting rate of water quality degradation, but lot more needs to be done.

As a major first step in this direction, the Government of India (GoI) has established the National

Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) for comprehensive management of the river. The NGRBA

program will adopt a river basin approach and has been given multi-sectoral mandate to address both

water quantity and quality aspects.


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1.1 PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS UNDER NGRBA

The NGRBA program will adopt a river basin approach and has been given multi-sectoral mandate to

address both water quantity and quality aspects. To achieve this objective, NGRBA is implementing a

project with financial assistance from The World Bank. The portfolio of investments supported by

NGRBA under this project includes the following:

Sewerage and sanitation systems/sewage treatment plants (new/up gradation);

Solid Waste Management;

Industrial Pollution Control Initiatives; and,

River front Management initiatives

These investments in the first phase of the program is spread across several cities and/or towns

within Ganga main stem states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal.

1.2 Patna River Front Development

The River Ganga in Patna is an intrinsic part of life of Patna. Being a historical city1, the settlements

started right along river’s bank edge and consequently the river’s edge remained unattended. Some of

the most important Hindu festivals and religious congregations are celebrated on the banks of the

river Ganga such as the Kumbh Mela and the Chhath puja and large numbers of devotees gather

during these festivals.

At present the existing facilities at the Ghats are quite poor. There is no change room or toilet facility

on the Ghats. The Ghats are neither big enough to accommodate thousands of Devotees during

Chhath festival nor there is any facility like changing rooms. There is hardly any Ghat where Visitors

of Patna can go for an enjoyable glimpse of river Ganges. The entire river bank is hard surface, they

are either Ghats or stone pitched and there is virtually very little landscaping or soft surface along the

river edge. There are also no city level parks.


emerged as lively urban face. This can transform the water front areas from marginal use and connect

to the main stream; public activity etc. The great potential of river front development eluded the people

of Patna.

River water front development also has potential to create Environmental Awareness for cleanliness

of river and generating Ecological Awareness and tourism for the river edge and thus prevent

disposal of untreated sewage into the river, and also prevent solid waste dumping on the river banks.

1 The history of Patna spans three millennia and has the distinction of being associated with two most ancient

religions of the world, namely Buddhism and Jainism. Patna was originally known as Patliputra in the Mauryan

empire. The mighty river Ganges is an intrinsic part of life of Patna.


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Now with this decision of Govt. of Bihar to develop the Ganga river front, a great opportunity for urban

transformation of city has emerged. The proposed Patna RFD will be developed under the portfolio of

investment under NGRBA.

1.2.1 Proposed Developments in Patna RFD

The proposed Patna river front development project is spread over 6.6 km from Collectorate Ghat to

Naujar Ghat and would involve the following activities:

Development of 20 ghats (from Collectorate ghat to Naujar ghat including change room);

Promenades including kiosks (connecting some of the ghats together);

Community cum cultural centers;


City level parks;


Development of Crematoria in Gulbi ghat with provision of electric crematoria

Development of interceptor drain;

Toilet Complex

Details of the developments are presented in Chapter-2. The total project cost proposed for Patna

RFD is INR 24327.00 Lakhs.

1.3 PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF EIA

The present Patna RFD project will be implemented under NGRBA program being implemented with

the financial assistance from the World Bank. As per the Environmental and Social Management

Framework of NGRBA, the project has been screened (given in details in chapter-4) for its impacts

and has been identified as high impact category and hence an EIA study has been carried along with

specific EMP.

The scope of the EIA study has been finalized based upon the project screening and categorization

and is given below:

Project screening and scoping;

Project categorization considering as per the NGRBA ESMF ;

Detailed assessment of natural habitats in the river and its riparian areas;

Assessment of water quality along the river stretch both through secondary and primary data

generation;

Preparation of study area maps for an immediate vicinity of 200m-500m from either side of

the river through satellite imagery to understand the details of vegetation and potential of

siltation.

Aquatic Ecological assessment of the river stretch of ghat development program;


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Assessment of existing sewage disposal and proposed improvement mechanism for

restricting sewage and other trade effluent disposal (if any) in to the ghat development

section;

Assessment of proposed Solid Waste Management System as part of the proposed

development;

Assessment of possible impact on river bed due to the proposed engineering measures for

ghat development and possible management measures (if any);

Assessment of physical and cultural Resources along the project stretch and assessment of

potential beneficial and adverse impact on such resources from the project;

Assessment of possible Environmental Quality measures and monitoring mechanism;

Assessment of possible Environment Management measures and cost;

1.4 PROPOJECT PROPONENT

Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation, Government of Bihar.

1.5 TECHNICAL CONSULTANT AND ARCHITECT

M/s Sen and Lall Consultants Pvt. Ltd. is the technical consultant for this project and M/s NilaA

Architecture and Urban Design is the architect consultant for this project for the proposed river front

development in Patna including development of 20 ghats, promenade including kiosks, community

cum cultural centre, landscape work in the precinct zones, city level parks and development of

approach road to the ghats.

1.6 EIA CONSULTANT

M/s Voyants Solutions Pvt. Ltd. is the EIA consultant for the project.

1.7 STRUCTURE OF EIA

The present EIA report is organised in following chapters.

Chapter- 1 Introduction

This chapter describes briefly describes the project, NGRBA

Portfolios of Investments, the ESMF and need of EIA study.

Chapter- 2 Project Description

In this, chapter the existing conditions of the project area and

proposed developments taken under the projects are described along

with the cost summary of total investment under Patna RFD

Chapter- 3 Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework

This Chapter captures the policy and legal framework of government

of India as well the safeguard policies of World Bank that are

applicable to the project.


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Chapter-4 Description of Environment

Description of the baseline environmental condition including the

baseline conditions of river water quality, terrestrial and aquatic

ecology, air, noise and soil quality are described in this chapter.

Chapter-5 Analysis of Alternatives

This chapter describes the alternatives considered in the project

towards improving the project.

Chapter-6 Public Consultation

This chapter briefly describes the consultation measures carried out

with the various sections of common public in and around the project

area and the suggestions provided under the consultation are

documented.

Chapter-7 Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures

This chapter provides details of the potential impacts from the project

on various environmental factors and mitigation measures proposed

for the construction and operation stage

Chapter-8 Environmental Management Plan

This chapter envisages the requirement of Environmental

Management Plan including the monitoring and supervision

framework for the implementation of EMP along with the budget for

implementing EMP.

Chapter-9 Conclusion and Recommendation

This chapter provides the conclusion about the implementation of the

project and provides necessary recommendations.


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2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION A detailed project report on riverfront revitalization has been prepared to enhance the potential of

Patna’s river edge infrastructure and future decade. This is an unprecedented opportunity to create

new public realm facing towards the river that is strongly connected to the city’s urban fabric. The

report outlines a set of urban strategies that form the larger civic vision to the water front in the city

and illustrates the detail proposal in ghat precincts.

The main aim of the project is to attempt with a proposal that works collaboratively with Architecture

and Engineering, Urban design and Ecology and Landscape Design. The project area is spread over

a length of 6.6 km of the water front starting at Collectorate ghat and down the river till Ganga Setu

and beyond upto Naujar ghat.

Figure 2.1: Artists view of Golaghar Patna

The history of Patna spans three millennia and has the distinction of being associated with two most

ancient religions of the world, namely, Buddhism and Jainism. The state has seen the rise and fall of

mighty empires of the Mauryas and the Guptas. The Patna was originally known as Patliputra in the

Mauryan empire. From this city the famed emperor Chandragupta ruled a vast empire from Bay of

Bengal to Afghanistan.

This state has also produced several eminent world class scholars namely:

Aryabhatt-Famous mathematician and astronomers

Chanakya-Master of State Craft and Guru of Chandragupta Maurya

It is believed that Patliputra was among the largest cities of the world between 300 and 195B.C.


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2.1 EXISTING GHAT CONDITIONS

During the visit of the project team of the environmental consultants to assess the existing conditions of

the ghats the following point emerges:

Sanitation: At present the existing facilities at the ghats are quite poor. Practically there is no

infrastructure in the ghats. Disposal of raw sewage from settlement and slums is very common

including open defecation along the edge. Further there are dairy units along the ghat the

waste is directly disposed to river Ganga (Refer Figure 2.2).

The mighty river Ganges is an intrinsic part of life of Patna. This being an historical city, the

settlements started right after river’s bank edge and consequently the river’s edge remained unattended.

The great potential of riverfront development eluded the people of Patna.

The famous Chhathh Puja of Eastern India is celebrated in Patna with great gaiety on river Ganga’s

banks. More than five lakhs devotees offer Puja to Sun God on the occasion of Chhathh Puja in the

month of October. On this occasion lakhs of people trek to Ganges and after holy dip in the Ganges

worship Sun God.

Recently Ganga Aarti has started at 2 nos. ghats, namely Gandhi ghat and Bhadra ghat. The Tourism

Department conducts these activities on weekly basis and this already has emerged an attractive

weekly event of city. Such programs can create enormous awareness for cleanliness of river Ganges.

Now with the decision of Bihar Govt. to develop the Ganga river front, a great opportunity for Urban

transformation of city has emerged.

The spread of Patna along river Ganga The spread of Patna city in and around Gandhi

Maidan


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Disposal of sewage from building lines along

ghat to river ganga

Domesticated animal and dairy units along ghat,

disposal of animal waste to river Ganga

Open Defecation along edges of river Ganga Direct disposal of solid waste from the

slum/colonies along the river bank into river Ganga

Figure 2.2: Sanitation issues along the ghats

Festivals and Safety: The ghats are neither big enough to accommodate thousands of

Devotees during Chhath festival. There are high chances of accident if any mishap happens

with the devotees.

Encroachments: Illegal colonies, slums and encroachment are observed along the ghat

especially at Bhadra ghat high density of slum observed. The colonies are developed so close

to the bank that during monsoon, there are chances of drowning and unsafe conditions. (Refer

figure 2.3).


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Figure 2.3: Slums at edge of river Ganga

Safety issues during Night time: There is no lighting along the ghats making it really

unsafe to women and general public as well. On the contrary at Gandhi Ghat has been

developed well for recreational purposes.

Figure 2.4:Gandhi Ghat (the only developed ghat at moment)

Edge Restoration:. Stone pitching has been observed along the river bank. This is a practice

being done to protect the banks from erosion but this does not sustain for more than 2-3

years and every time such types of edge restoration work is done without any kind of

landscaping or green area, reduces the ecological activities in the river edges and impacts the

food chain (Figure 2.5).

Unsafe Ghats-No clear entry exit route: At present the ghats are very narrow and the steps

are very steep especially at Mishri ghat. Almost all the ghats have some temple and devotees

go for puja and making it difficult for children, women and aged persons.

Further, there is no demarked entry or exit route to the ghats from the banks which also

creates unsafe conditions during mass gatherings like Chatth festival etc.

Project : Environmental Impact Assessment Study for Ganga River Front Development at Patna

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Figure 2.5:Adalat Ghat Edge Condition Analysis (Boulder pitching at the edges)


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Figure 2.6:Edge condition Analysis in Krishna Ghat


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2.2 NEED FOR PATNA RFD

Patna being an historical city2, the settlements started right along river’s bank edge and consequently

the river’s edge remained unattended. Some of the most important Hindu festivals and religious

congregations are celebrated on the banks of the river Ganga such as the Kumbh Mela and the

Chhath puja and large numbers of devotees gather during these festivals.

At present the existing facilities at the Ghats are quite poor. There is no change room or toilet facility

on the Ghats. The Ghats are neither big enough to accommodate thousands of Devotees during

Chhath festival nor there is any facility like changing rooms. There is hardly any Ghat where Visitors

of Patna can go for an enjoyable glimpse of river Ganges. The entire river bank is hard surface, there

are either Ghats or stone pitched or there is virtually very little landscaping or soft surface along the

river edge. There are also no city level parks.


emerged as lively urban face. This can transform the water front areas from marginal use and connect

to the main stream, public activity etc. The great potential of river front development eluded the people

of Patna.

River water front development also has potential to create Environmental Awareness for cleanliness

of river and generating Ecological Awareness and tourism for the river edge and thus prevent disposal

of untreated sewage into the river, and also prevent solid waste dumping on the river banks.

Now with this decision of Bihar Govt. to develop the Ganga river front, a great opportunity for urban

transformation of city has emerged. The proposed Patna RFD will be developed under the portfolio of

investment under NGRBA.

After several discussions with the government agencies and NGRBA the need for the river front

development in Patna along river Ganga was taken in to consideration mainly for the following

reasons:

Upgradation of Ghats:

At present the existing facilities at the ghats are quite poor. Practically there is no change room or

toilet facility in the ghats. The ghats are also not big enough to accommodate thousands of Devotees

during Chhath festival. There is hardly any ghat where Visitors to Patna can go for an enjoyable

glimpse of river Ganges.

2 The history of Patna spans three millennia and has the distinction of being associated with two most ancient

religions of the world, namely Buddhism and Jainism. Patna was originally known as Patliputra in the Mauryan

Empire. The mighty river Ganges is an intrinsic part of life of Patna.


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Environmental Awareness:

The proposed river front development has potential to become one of the recreational and cultural

hubs of the city and can emerge as lively urban face. This can transform the water front areas from

marginal use and connect to main stream, public activity etc. Once such public place is being

developed then the necessary environmental awareness and citizen’s responsibility towards the

cleanliness of river Ganga is expected to be developed along with increase of tourism. It is expected

that the proposed river front development in Patna would enhance the environmental awareness

specifically addressing (i) sanitation issues, (ii) prevent disposal of untreated sewage from the houses

adjoin the ghats, (iii) prevent uncontrolled disposal of solid waste in the river, (iv) ecological

awareness among people and among the fishermen specifically regarding Ganga Dolphin and (v)

Open Defecation. The Project also expected to generate awareness among the pilgrims as well as

with the line department regarding the health, safety and environmental issues during mass gathering

of people during famous chatt festival and ?Ganga A arti? along Ganga ghats.

Ghat Landscaping:

At present only stone pitching work has been observed along the banks which are generally need to

be repeated for every 2-3 years of time. This generally reduces the ecological activities along the

banks.

The proposed project is proposed with ecological edge restoration work along the banks.

2.3 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS

The proposed Patna river front development project would involve the following projects:

Development of 20ghats (from Collectorate ghat to Naujar ghat including change room);

Promenades including kiosks (connecting some of the ghats together);

Community cum cultural centres;


City level parks; and,


Development of Crematoria in Gulbi Ghat to an electric crematoria

Development of interceptor drains (total 8 nos.)

Toilet Complex

Details of the developments are given below:

2.3.1 Development of Ghats

The proposed 20 ghats considered to be developed under this project given in table 2.1 and shown in

figure 2.2 respectively.


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Table 2-1 : Proposed Ghats for development

Figure 2.7 Potential of ghat as a public Space

2.3.2 Promenades including kiosks (connecting some of the ghats together)

The proposed development of promenades are given below and shown in figure 2.8 and 2.9:

Name of

Precinct

Connected Ghats

Precinct-I Collectorate ghat Anta ghat B.N.College ghat Mahendru ghat

till Adalat ghat

Precinct-II Adalat ghat To Gandhi ghat

Precinct-III Gandhi ghat to Rani ghat

Ghat Names

Anta ghat B.N. College ghat

Adalat ghat Mishri ghat

T.N. Banerjee ghat Krishna ghat

Baharwa ghat Rani ghat

Ghagha ghat Raushan ghat

Choudharytola ghat Pathri ghat

Alamgaunj ghat Naurwa ghat

Hanuman ghat Raja ghat

Gai ghat Bhadra ghat

Mahavir ghat Naujar ghat


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Name of

Precinct

Connected Ghats

Precinct-IIIA Gulbi Ghat to Gai Ghat

Precinct-IV Bhadra ghat Mahavir ghat Naujar ghat

Figure 2.8: Urban Precincts proposed


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Name of

Precinct

Connected Ghats

Figure 2.9: Design of Urban Precinct (3D-View)

After the development of the urban precincts the view of a ghat is shown in figure 2.10.

Figure 2.10:View of ghats after the proposed development of urban precinct


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2.3.3 Community cum cultural centres

Three number of community cum culture centres are proposed as given below and shown in figure

2.11.

Community cum Eco Centre at Collectorate ghat: This centre is facilitated with community

landscape court with sit out, eco-centre cum meeting hall, café sitting in the second floor. The

total built up area would be 2014 sq.m.

Community cum cultural Centre at Bhadra ghat: This centre will be facilitated with food

court and community hall and children centre, multi purpose hall for dance and performance

and a promenade view café. The total built up area would be 1273 sq.m.

Dolphin Information Centre at Gai ghat: The total built up area would be 950 sq.m

Café at Patna College: This centre will be facilitated with café in the ground floor, Reading

room and kids reading area in the 1st floor and Amphitheatre and viewing deck in the 2

nd floor.

The proposed built up area is 381 sq.m

Audio-Visual theatre at Gandhi ghat: This centre is facilitated with café in the ground floor,

audio-visual hall in the 1st floor, amphitheater and viewing deck in the 2

nd floor. Total built up

area 381 sq.m.

Figure 2.11:Proposed Community cum Eco-centre at Gai ghat


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2.3.4 Landscape work at Precinct Zones:

The proposal has also put forward a framework to integrate landscape in to the existing river edge

design. The landscape design has listed criteria like edge restoration, bio-diversity for wildlife,

methods for carbon reduction , providing Larger open space for people for rituals, activity and

exercise, walks, workshops, seminars, shade areas for people, concepts of bio-degradable garbage,

flood control through landscape engineering and environmental education.

The development on the river edge has to be of a kind that doesn’t harm the river ecology. The design

solution is a sustainable process. Steps have been taken to put in place on the promenade network of

waste disposal. The textures and use of material be such that it would be green and environment

friendly.

Landscape work has been proposed in four (4) number of precinct zones as given below and shown

in figure 2.12:

Precinct Landscape Work Landscape Work Landscape Work

Precinct-I Collectorate ghat to Anta ghat Anta ghat to B.N

college ghat

B.N College ghat to

Mahendru ghat

Precinct-II Mishri ghat to T.N Banerjee ghat T.N Banerjee ghat to

Kali ghat

Precinct-III

and Precinct-

IIIA

Gandhi ghat to Bharva ghat Bharva ghat to Law

college ghat

Rani ghat to Gulbi ghat

Precinct-IV Gai ghat to Naujar ghat

The proposal under the landscape works at the precinct zones will include the following aspects:

Riparian edge restoration, planting long edge for biodiversity of wild life, carbon reduction,

nutrient exchange along edge

Large open space to facilitate people for rituals, activity and exercise, walks, workshops,

seminars, shade areas for people

Flood control through landscape engineering permanent and temporary

Environmental education


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Figure 2.12:Restoring the riparian edge and landscaping

2.3.5 City level parks:

Two (2) city level parks are proposed respectively at Patna College ghat and Gai ghat

2.3.6 Improvement of approach roads to the precincts

Following approach roads are proposed for improvement, which are connected through main road of

Gandhi Maidan- Patna City. These approach roads varies in length (100 to 500 m) and width (5 to 20

m) according to existing accessibility.

Approach road to precinct-I

Approach road to precinct-II

Approach road to precinct-III and IIIA

Approach road to precinct-IV

Approach road to Krishna ghat

Approach road to Choudurytola ghat

Approach road to Pathri ghat

Approach road to Gai ghat

Approach road to Raja ghat

A schematic view of proposed development of approach road is given in figure 2.13.


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Figure 2.13:Proposed approach road development of Gai ghat

2.3.7 Development of Electric Crematoria at Gulbi Ghat

At present the present crematoria uses wood as burning material. This electric crematorium will help

in reducing the wood consumption and next it would give more burning facilities. These electric

crematoria would help in burning 30 dead bodies in a day.

2.3.8 Development of Toilet Complex

Toilet complexes are proposed at 3 locations as part of the project namely at Collectorate Ghat, Anta

Ghat and Bhadra Ghat. Nearly 600 people are expected to use each of these toilets in a day.

2.3.9 Development of Interceptor Drain

The project also envisages towards improving interceptor drains to capture the sewage getting

directly disposed to Ganga from the building along the ghat and run-off and then finally disposing

them off at a main drain line. A total of 8 such interceptor drains are being proposed.

2.3.10 Environmental Awareness

The proposed river front development has potential to become one of the recreational and cultural

hubs of the city and can emerge as lively urban face. This can transform the water front areas from

marginal use and connect to main stream, public activity etc. Once such public place is being

developed then the necessary environmental awareness and citizen’s responsibility towards the

cleanliness of river Ganga is expected to be developed along with increase of tourism. It is expected


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that the proposed river front development in Patna would enhance the environmental awareness

specifically addressing (i) sanitation issues, (ii) prevent disposal of untreated sewage from the houses

adjoining the ghats, (iii) prevent uncontrolled disposal of solid waste in the river, (iv) ecological

awareness among people and among the fishermen specifically regarding Ganga Dolphin and (v)

Open Defecation. The Project also expected to generate awareness among the pilgrims along with

various line department health, safety and environmental issues during festivals like “Chatth Puja?

and ?Ganga A arti?.

2.4 PROJECT LOCATION

The proposed project site is located along the river Ganga starting from Collectorate ghat and spread

beyond the Ganga setu. Few of the ghats are proposed to be connected through promenade and

would also involve landscape work.

The location map of the proposed project site is provided in Figure 2.14 and existing landuse along

the ghats is presented in Figure 2.15.


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Figure 2.14:Project Location

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