Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report (EIA of NBT-Zab Wind... · Environmental Impact...
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Final ReportJanuary 2012
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS503, Anum Estate, Opp. Duty Free Shop, Main Shahrae Faisal, Karachi.
Phones: 9221-4311466, 4311467, Fax: 9221-4311467.
E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]
Website: www.emc.com.pk
Envi ronmenta l Impact Assessment (E IA )
100 MW Wind Power Project at Dhabeji
NBT Wind Power Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd
D i s c l a i me r :
This report has Attorney – Client Privilege. Environmental Management Consultants Pakistan & URS
Pakistan has prepared this report in accordance with the instructions of NBT-Zab Wind Power Pakistan
(Pvt.) Ltd. for their sole and specific use. Any other persons who use any information contained herein do
so at their own risk. This report cannot be used in the court of law for any negotiation or standardization.
© Environmental Management Consultants 2012
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Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 General ...................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1.1 Name Of The Project ................................................................................................... 1
1.1.2 Location ....................................................................................................................... 1
1.1.3 Name of Project Proponent .......................................................................................... 1
1.1.4 Name of Environmental Consultant ............................................................................. 1
1.2 Brief Description of Project ....................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Proponent ................................................................................................................................... 2
1.3.1 The Mission ................................................................................................................. 2
1.3.2 Norwegian Energy Building Technology .................................................................... 3
1.4 Environmental Impact Assessment............................................................................................ 3
1.5 Objectives Of The Project ......................................................................................................... 3
1.6 Need for the Project ................................................................................................................... 3
1.6.1 Energy Overview ......................................................................................................... 3
1.6.2 Global Energy Supply Scenario/Global Demand Forecast .......................................... 7
1.6.3 Potential of Alternative Energy.................................................................................... 9
1.7 Benefits Of Wind Farm Development ..................................................................................... 11
1.7.1 Carbon Dioxide & GHG Emissions and Pollution .................................................... 11
1.7.2 Net Energy Gain ........................................................................................................ 12
1.7.3 Benefits of Establishment of the wind power generation system .............................. 12
1.8 Scope of EIA Study ................................................................................................................. 13
1.9 Basis of Project Categorization for Environmental Assessment ............................................. 14
1.9.1 Methodology for Environmental Assessment Study .................................................. 14
1.9.2 Methodology Adopted for Social Aspects ................................................................. 14
1.9.3 Project Specific Data Collection ................................................................................ 15
1.9.4 Preparation of Report ................................................................................................. 16
1.10 Structure of EIA Report ........................................................................................................... 17
1.11 EIA Study Team ...................................................................................................................... 17
2.0 DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT ............................................................................................................. 18
2.1 The Project............................................................................................................................... 18
2.2 Project Components ................................................................................................................. 18
2.3 Work Schedule ........................................................................................................................ 19
2.4 Macro-Site Selection ............................................................................................................... 20
2.5 Determination of Wind Energy Potential For Micro-siting ..................................................... 20
2.5.1 Wind Speed Monitoring ............................................................................................. 20
2.5.2 Wind Characteristics .................................................................................................. 21
2.6 Siting NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm In Dhabeji ........................................................................ 23
2.6.1 Wind power density ................................................................................................... 23
2.6.2 Wind Turbines ........................................................................................................... 23
2.6.3 Performance of Wind Turbines .................................................................................. 25
2.7 NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Generation Complex ................................................................ 26
2.7.1 Logistics ..................................................................................................................... 27
2.7.2 Access Road ............................................................................................................... 27
2.7.3 Vehicles and Traffic ................................................................................................... 27
2.8 Major Construction Activities ................................................................................................. 28
2.8.1 Siting The Wind Turbines .......................................................................................... 28
2.8.2 Electrical Collection System ...................................................................................... 29
2.8.3 Substations ................................................................................................................. 29
2.8.4 Operations & Maintenance Center ............................................................................. 29
2.8.5 Civil Construction ...................................................................................................... 29
2.8.6 Staff Requirement during Construction Phase ........................................................... 35
2.8.7 Supplies during Construction Phase .......................................................................... 35
2.8.8 Electricity ................................................................................................................... 35
2.8.9 Emissions and Discharges during Construction Phase .............................................. 35
2.8.10 Waste Management .................................................................................................... 36
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2.8.11 Conservation of Water ............................................................................................... 36
2.8.12 Health, Safety & Environment ................................................................................... 36
2.8.13 Fire-Protection System ............................................................................................... 37
2.8.14 Fire Safety and Security ............................................................................................. 37
2.8.15 Employment ............................................................................................................... 37
2.8.16 Operational Activities ................................................................................................ 37
2.8.17 Staff ............................................................................................................................ 37
2.8.18 Supplies ...................................................................................................................... 37
2.8.19 Water .......................................................................................................................... 38
2.8.20 Waste Management .................................................................................................... 38
2.8.21 Noise .......................................................................................................................... 38
2.8.22 Operation & Maintenance .......................................................................................... 38
2.8.23 Decommissioning Activities ...................................................................................... 38
3.0 LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................................................... 40
3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 40
3.2 National Environmental Policy, Legislation & Guidelines ..................................................... 40
3.2.1 National Conservation Strategy ................................................................................. 40
3.2.2 Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997 ........................................................... 41
3.2.3 Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Review of IEE/EIA) Regulations
2000 ........................................................................................................................... 41
3.2.4 The National Environmental Quality Standards ........................................................ 42
3.2.5 Policy for Development of Renewable Energy for Power Generation, GOP 2006 ... 42
3.2.6 Land Acquisition Act, 1894 ....................................................................................... 44
3.2.7 Pakistan Penal Code (1860) ....................................................................................... 44
3.2.8 Antiquities Act, 1975 ................................................................................................. 44
3.2.9 Sindh Wildlife Protection Ordinance, 1972 and Amendments 2001 ......................... 44
3.2.10 The IUCN Red List .................................................................................................... 45
3.2.11 The Forest Act, 1927.................................................................................................. 45
3.2.12 Civil Aviation Rules (1994) ....................................................................................... 46
3.2.13 The Pakistan Environmental Assessment Procedures, 1997 ...................................... 46
3.2.14 Sectoral guidelines for Environmental Reports – Wind Power Projects .................... 47
3.2.15 World bank Guidelines on Environment.................................................................... 47
3.2.16 Equator Principles ...................................................................................................... 48
3.2.17 IFC Performance Standards on Social and Environmental Sustainability ................. 49
3.2.18 IFC- Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines ................................................. 52
3.3 Approval and Leases Requirements ........................................................................................ 54
4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL BASELINE .................................................................................... 55
4.1 General .................................................................................................................................... 55
4.2 Physical Environment .............................................................................................................. 55
4.2.1 Location ..................................................................................................................... 55
4.3 The Macro environment .......................................................................................................... 55
4.3.1 Physiography and Geology of Macro environment ................................................... 55
4.3.2 Physiography and Geology of Microenvironment ..................................................... 56
4.3.3 Physical Features ....................................................................................................... 56
4.3.4 Topography ................................................................................................................ 56
1. Plains and Plateau of Ghaggar Rann Pethani Interflows............................................ 56
2. Plains and Hills of the Coastal Belt ........................................................................... 57
4.3.5 Soil ............................................................................................................................. 57
4.3.6 Land Use .................................................................................................................... 57
4.3.7 Land Use in Microenvironment ................................................................................. 58
4.3.8 Seismicity ................................................................................................................... 58
1. Surjan Fault ................................................................................................................ 59
2. Jhimpir Fault .............................................................................................................. 60
3. Pab Fault .................................................................................................................... 60
4. Hab Fault.................................................................................................................... 60
5. Rann of Kutch Fault ................................................................................................... 60
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4.3.9 Tsunamis .................................................................................................................... 62
4.3.10 Storms ........................................................................................................................ 63
4.3.11 Climate ....................................................................................................................... 64
4.3.12 Average Wind Speed ................................................................................................. 64
4.3.13 Temperature ............................................................................................................... 65
4.3.14 Precipitation ............................................................................................................... 66
4.3.15 Ambient Air Quality .................................................................................................. 68
4.3.16 Noise .......................................................................................................................... 69
4.3.17 Hydrology .................................................................................................................. 69
4.4 Biological Environment ........................................................................................................... 72
4.4.1 Site Selection ............................................................................................................. 72
4.4.2 Fauna .......................................................................................................................... 73
4.4.3 Flora ........................................................................................................................... 81
4.4.4 Wildlife Reserves & Endangered Species.................................................................. 82
4.4.5 Mangrove Ecosystem ................................................................................................. 83
4.4.6 Sensitive Areas of Archaeological and Historical significance ................................. 84
4.5 Socioeconomic Profile ............................................................................................................. 84
4.5.1 The Macroenvironment .............................................................................................. 84
4.5.2 Urbanization ............................................................................................................... 85
4.5.3 Migratory Trends ....................................................................................................... 87
4.5.4 Sources of Income and Livelihoods ........................................................................... 87
4.5.5 Employment and Incomes .......................................................................................... 89
4.5.6 Indebtedness ............................................................................................................... 89
4.5.7 Enterprise and Industrial Sector ................................................................................. 89
4.5.8 Physical Infrastructure ............................................................................................... 90
4.5.9 Human Settlements in & around Project Area ........................................................... 94
4.5.10 Land Degradation, Desertification & Poverty Nexus ................................................ 96
4.5.11 Poverty ....................................................................................................................... 96
4.5.12 Community Expectations from NBT-Zab Wind Power Pvt. Ltd. .............................. 97
4.5.13 Employment Opportunities in Macro environment & NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm .. 97
5.0 SCREENING OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS & PROPOSED MITIGATION
MEASURES ....................................................................................................................................................... 99
5.1 Screening of Alternatives ........................................................................................................ 99
5.1.1 Selection of Preferred Alternative Site: ..................................................................... 99
5.1.2 Alternative # 1: No Action Alternative ...................................................................... 99
5.1.3 Alternative # 2: No New Renewable Energy Alternative ........................................ 100
5.1.4 Alternative # 3: Harnessing Wind Energy Potential of Gharo Corridor .................. 100
5.2 Screening of Potential Environmental Impacts at different stages of project development .. 100
5.2.1 Planning Stage / Siting of Wind farm ...................................................................... 100
5.2.2 Screening of Potential Environmental Impacts at Construction Stage..................... 105
5.2.3 Screening of potential environmental impacts at operation stage ............................ 111
5.3 Economic Assessment Of Environmental Impacts ................................................................ 114
5.3.1 Environmental Benefits Of Wind Farm Development ............................................. 114
5.3.2 Saving on Emissions ................................................................................................ 114
6.0 PUBLIC CONSULTATION & INFORMATION DISCLOSURE .................................................... 121
6.1 Objectives .............................................................................................................................. 121
6.2 Consultation Framework ....................................................................................................... 121
6.3 Consultation Process ............................................................................................................. 122
6.4 Formal Consultation Meetings with Institutional Stakeholders............................................. 123
6.5 Consultation Meetings with Communities ............................................................................ 124
6.6 Proceedings of Consultation Meetings .................................................................................. 125
6.7 Expectations of Stakeholders in Consultation Meetings ....................................................... 125
7.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ................................................................................. 129
7.1 Objectives of Environmental Management Plan ................................................................... 129
7.2 Scope of EMP ........................................................................................................................ 129
7.3 Components of EMP ............................................................................................................. 129
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7.4 Legislation and Guidelines .................................................................................................... 130
7.5 Organizational Roles and Responsibilities ............................................................................ 130
7.6 Environmentally Sound & Safe Working Procedures ........................................................... 131
7.7 Identification of Environmentally Safe Aspects .................................................................... 131
7.8 Environmental Assessment of Safe Procedures..................................................................... 131
7.9 Impact rating .......................................................................................................................... 132
7.9.1 Pre-Construction Phase ............................................................................................ 132
7.9.2 Environmental Aspects of Construction Activity .................................................... 132
7.9.3 Potential Impact of Construction Activity & Mitigation Measures ......................... 133
7.9.4 Potential Impacts at Operation Stage & Mitigation Measures ................................. 134
7.10 Environmental Management Programme .............................................................................. 135
7.11 Emergency Response Plan ..................................................................................................... 141
7.12 Training and Exercises .......................................................................................................... 142
7.13 Environmental Monitoring Program...................................................................................... 142
8.0 FINDINGS, RECOMMENDATIONS & CONCLUSION ................................................................. 144
8.1 Summary of Findings ............................................................................................................ 144
8.2 Recommendations ................................................................................................................. 145
8.3 Conclusions ........................................................................................................................... 145
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Proposed 100 MW NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Project
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Executive Summary
NBT-Zab Wind Power Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd, the proponent intends to establish a 100 MW wind farm
in the Gharo-Keti Bunder Wind Corridor. It has about 1500 acres of NBT-SZABIST land in
Dhabeji on the outskirts of Karachi, where it is carrying out its feasibility studies after getting LOI
from the Alternate Energy Development Board (AEDB). The Project includes designing, testing,
manufacturing, and operation as well as maintenance of wind turbines. The proponent will have
choice on turbine design including generator type, gearbox vs. gear-less, materials, besides control
on maintaining inventory. The proposed NBT-SZABIST Wind Power project includes installation
and operation of 33 wind turbines in Phase I for the production of 50 MW. Project Phase II
comprises installation of another 33 wind turbines and generation of 50 MW. The total capacity
generation will then be raised to 100 MW.
The Project Area is approximately 65 km from Karachi, the Capital of Sind Province. The subject
site is near the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) Pumping Station on undulating arid
land, with elevation ranging from 40 to 110 meter above mean sea level. Total project area of the
wind farm occupies an area of approximately 800 hectares.
Figure 1: The Project Area
Wind potential of different areas is usually characterized by assigning one of the seven wind classes,
each corresponding to range of wind speed and power density at specific height above the ground.
Standard wind class definitions are shown in Table 1.
Table 1: Standard Wind Class Definition
Class 30 m Height 50 m Height
Speed m/s Power W/m2 Speed m/s Power W/m
2
1 0- 5.1 0 -160 0 – 5.6 0 – 200
2 5.1 – 5.9 160 - 240 5.6 – 6.4 200 – 300
3 5.9 –6.5 240 - 320 6.4 –7.0 300 – 400
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4 6.5 – 7.0 320 - 400 7.0 – 7.5 400 – 500
5 7.0 – 7.4 400 – 480 7.5 - 8.0 500 – 600
6 7.4 – 8.2 480 – 640 8.0 – 8.8 600 – 800
7 8.2 – 11.0 640 - 1600 8.8 – 11.9 800 – 2000
The following figures show that by international wind classification, power density places the
Jamshoro, Nooriabad, Talhar and Keti Bandar sites in the excellent category, while Thatta, Thana
Bola Khan, Hyderabad and Gharo are placed in the category of good sites for generation of wind
power.
Figure 2: Wind Power Classification
Figure 3: Annual Average Wind Speed at 50 m Height in Pakistan
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Site specific wind speed comparison is being initiated at the NBT-SZABIST site in UC Dhabeji, to
finally select the wind corridor of GDRP ecosystem as the preferred site.
This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) evaluates the potential environmental, social,
economic, cultural, and natural impacts of the proposed 50×2 MW NBT-SZABIST Wind Power
Project. Environmental Management Consultants (EMC) Pakistan & URS Pakistan have been
contracted as a third party consultant by NBT-Zab Wind Power Pakistan Limited (hereinafter
referred as proponent) to conduct a detailed assessment (EIA) of the proposed Wind Farm Project.
The main objectives of the 50×2 MW NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Project is to:
Respond to the national need to produce power from Alternative or Renewable Energy sources
that are alternative to thermal and hydro power production systems;
Establish a wind power generation facility in accordance with GOP’s policy and guidelines on
development and generation of Alternative or Renewable Energy, being implemented through
the AEDB;
Utilize the potential of wind capacity identified by the AEDB at the Gharo-Keti Bunder Wind
Corridor and absorb the transferred technology of wind power generation to reduce the
emission of Greenhouse gases including CO2 in Pakistan through net energy gain, and
Utilize the hitherto unexploited wind energy potential which is the resource that will help
bridging the gap in supply and demand of energy being faced in Pakistan.
The Ghaggar Nala-Dhabeji Nala-Rann Pethani (GDRP) can be considered a distinct ecosystem on
the north of the railway line. It is more or less level and was found fairly covered with grass and/or
brushwood. The physical landscape has evolved under sub-tropical and arid conditions. The effects
of aridity are visible in the erosional work of the Ghaghar, Dhabeji and Rann Pethani River and their
tributaries that cross the railway line. The entire area is otherwise barren land with scanty
vegetation.
The land area of the ecosystem is the drainage basin of the Ghaggar and Dhabeji nalas and also of
the Rann Pethani River both systems discharge into the Gharo Creek. The Gharo filtration plant is
located about two km from National Highway. The Gharo Creek also receives some spill over from
the filtration plant. The land area between the Railway line and the Super Highway is under
subsistence farming and grows maize for fodder.
The area to the south of the Ghaggar – Dhabeji – Rann Pethani (GDRP) ecosystem slopes towards
the Gharo-Phitti salt water creek and has the open sea about 10 km down south. The area from the
Railway line to the creek is gravelly, and is scene for extensive excavation of gravel, sand and silt
for the construction industry in Bin Qasim and Gadap towns. The presence of concealed structures
under the hills, plains and rivers can fairly be deduced. Rock aggregates, sand, glass sand, lime-
stone and clay are some of the potentials for gainful utilization. Members of the Gaj Formation offer
ground water potential for limited use.
Trees found in the Project macroenvironment include Acacia nilotica (babul) (spotted during survey,
low frequency), Acacia Senegal (khor) (spotted during survey, low frequency), Calotropis procera
(spotted, low frequency), Salvadora oleoides (khabar) (dominant) and Prosopsis senegal (kandi)
(dominant but with low frequency), Acacia arabica (kikar) (dominant but with low frequency),
Capparis aphylla (reported but not spotted),Commiphora wrighti (spotted during survey, low
frequency), Commiphora stocksiana (spotted during survey, low frequency), Prosopis cenraria
(spotted during survey, low frequency), Tamarix gallica (lai) (dominant), tamarix aphylla(low
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Proposed 100 MW NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Project
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frequency), Euphorbia cauducifolia, Lasiurus sindicus ; willo or bahan (populus euphratica),
Rhazya stricta (spotted during survey, low frequency), karil (capparis aphyila), and siris (acacia
lebbek) (not found during survey), Prosopis cineraria, Eleusine flagelliforia, Salsola foetidia; Baleria
acanthoides(spotted during survey, low frequency), Lasiurus sindicus, Aristida sp. Ziziphus
nummularia (spotted, low frequency), Cordia gharaf (spotted during survey, low frequency),
Grewiavillosa, Leptodenia pyrotecneca, Lyssium depressum (spotted during survey, getting scarce),
Pterophyllum oliveri (spotted during survey, low frequency), Tecoma undulate (spotted during
survey, (spotted during survey, low frequency).
Houbara bustard, although a migratory bird, is one of the endangered species found in the macro
environment but not in the microenvironment of the Project site. Falcons are rarely spotted by the
locals in the area and were also not spotted during surveys.
The most common birds found in the macro environment are sparrows, robins and doves.
Characteristic bird species that have adapted to the environment and are still to be found in the area,
include the Indian grey partridge (francolinus pondicertanis), chest-nut-bellied sand grouse
(pterocles exustus), rock dove (Columbia livia), Indian little button quail (turnix sylvatica) and
Eurasian roller (coracias garrulous). Kites and vultures, the high flying birds were spotted but the
falcons were conspicuous by their absence during the survey and the several visits to the area. The
falcons were reported by the locals to be only occasional visitors.
Overall assessment of the environmental aspects and screening of potential impacts of the proposed
activities pertaining to establishment of NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Project in Taluka Dhabeji
finds that:
NBT-SZABIST Wind Power project site in the Gharo Wind Corridor is the preferred alternative
and ideally suited for establishment of the Wind Farm for wind classes 4-5.
An appropriate number of wind turbine generators (WTGs) will be sited on the 600 hectare
land area, with each WTG spaced at optimum distances apart following the annual maximum
wind direction.
There are no issues on land acquisition, loss of land, or loss of business; no involuntary
resettlement will be required.
Noise emissions from the wind turbines at NBT-SZABIST Wind Power project site may have a
high level at the top but the same will attenuate with distance. The noise level at the living areas
at more than 1.5 km or in excess of one rotor diameter equivalents will be within acceptable
limits of the World Bank Guidelines and the limits recently proposed by Federal EPA.
Visual effect, Noise effect, EMI effect, Flicker effect induced by operation of the wind turbines
will have no significant impact on the living area, located 1.5 km from the NBT-SZABIST
wind farm.
Detailed design will give due consideration to location of the WTG close to the living area at
Filter Plant Colony and Khaskheli goth and site them to maintain a distance of over 1.6 km. At
this distance, the noise from the wind turbine attenuates to acceptable levels, while the
visibility, shadow flicker and shadow effects are not an annoyance but curiosity.
The induced impact on operation of the wind turbines on the microenvironment will be
monitored through environmental management plan, environmental monitoring plan and the
IFC’s HSE Guidelines, and mitigated, if necessary by adoption of suitable measures at the site.
Piles for the foundations of WTG towers would be laid at depth of bedrock, which are hard and
pose minimum risk to the liquefaction threat during major (> 7 on Richter Scale) earthquake.
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Precious ecology of the microenvironment of NBT-SZABIST Wind Power project site will be
protected. The land being stony wasteland has no worthwhile vegetation. A few patches of dead
wood and dried up shrubs may have to be removed towards land clearance but the same will
have only minor impact on the environment.
There are no cultural heritage, recognized archaeological sites, endangered species of flora,
wildlife reserve, or potential tourism sites that may need protection and hence no mitigation
measures need to be taken. Mitigation measures have been proposed for the protection of the
spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastix hardwickii) Sandha and the straying high flying birds including
the black kites, a few eagles and very few falcons. The NBT-SZABIST land is not a habitat for
the Houbara bustard, nor is it a site for trophy hunting by the sheikhs of the Emirates. High
flying black kites do abound near the poultry farms outside the NBT-SZABIST land.
The number of the few Houbara bustard and high flying eagles and falcons still around will be
recorded during the pre-construction, construction and operation phases. Mitigation measures
such as hiring the services of sharp shooters will be in place to stupefy the high-flying stray
birds and later on release them to safe environment. This is already one of the conservation
practices to safe the wildlife in India. In order to implement the proposed mechanism Sindh
Wildlife Department will be taken onboard so that appropriate steps are taken to save the
wildlife from extinction.
Due vigilance will be kept for protecting the wildlife that may still be there.
Adoption of mitigation measures identified for different stages of the project will be keenly
monitored to further enhance the environmental performance of the NBT-SZABIST Wind
Farm.
Assessment of impact of activities during construction processes and operation stages at the NBT-
SZABIST Wind Farm site in taluka Dhabeji shows that the impacts will be of temporary nature and
small order. They are not expected to have any significant adverse impacts on the microenvironment
and macroenvironment of the Project. The minor impacts resulting from said activities or operation
of facilities would be mitigated.
EIA of the NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm has identified the key environmental aspects that need to be
attended to. Mitigation measures for the likely impact have been suggested. General specification/
details have been worked out in respect of type of structures, grade of concrete, and all other
materials of construction for the Construction Phase of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm.
It is recommended that:
The structures and materials conform to recommended standards and follow standard practice
of civil works.
Environmentally sound materials and goods are selected, with priority being accorded to
products meeting national and international standards.
Traditionally well-tried materials are chosen for provision of utilities services in the Project.
Temporary inconveniences due to construction works are minimized through planning and
coordination with local population and organizations in the neighborhood.
The foundations of the wind turbine towers are of concrete on bearing soil. Bearing capacity,
settlement, static and dynamic loading conditions are determined while seismic conditions
pertain to placement of the site in zone 2A (Moderate to High hazards) and taken into account
in the working designs that will submitted for approval.
The stability of soil is verified before laying the foundations of the wind turbines.
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No resettlement of population or relocation of structures will be involved since the wind farm
has been so designed as to have living area of the Filter Plant Colony and other villages clearly
outside the corridor of impact of the row of wind turbines on the 600 hectare NBT-SZABIST
land. The stakeholders have been consulted in this connection and the village representatives
have assured of unhindered completion of the Project.
Environmental Performance Monitoring will be an integral part of the Project to ensure
environmental safeguards.
Review of Guidelines for classification of polluted and unpolluted sites with respect to their airshed,
watershed, soil, sensitivity of ecosystem including fauna, flora, wildlife, aquatic life, historical and
archaeological sites and their values, along with assessment of impact by using the “Checklist of
actions affecting environment and significance of their impact” has been used in this EIA Study for
assessment of impact of different activities for establishment of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm. The
review process finds that:
The impacts from Wind Farm Project during construction, and installation of machinery and
the resulting emission of noise and gaseous effluent, and wastewater discharges during siting,
construction and operation of the Wind Farm Project would be of small order and would be of
little significance at the site or microenvironment and none in the macroenvironment.
Estimates on net saving in terms of air pollutants clearly suggest that operation of the NBT-
SZABIST Wind Farm would be economically viable and environment friendly.
No untreated wastewater would be discharged from the NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm. Initiatives
will be taken to harvest rainwater by channelizing it into dyked ponds for subsequent use in
plantation.
Noise emissions from the wind turbines at NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm site will have a high
level at the top and will attenuate with distance. The noise level at the living areas at more than
1.5 km or three times the required distance of one rotor diameter equivalents will be within
acceptable limits of the World Bank Guidelines and the limits recently proposed by Federal
EPA.
The level of emissions and discharges suggests that Wind Farm operations will have no
significant impact either on its microenvironment that includes the proposed site for Wind
Farm, or on its macroenvironment that includes the small cluster of settlement.
Screening of potential environmental impacts at the different stages viz. siting, construction,
installation of machinery and equipment and finally operation, leads to the conclusion that:
The wasteland at NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm has remained an isolated component of the
ecosystem of Lower Sindh for a long time. Location of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm will
comprise value -addition to the wasteland, besides having no significant impact on the micro
and macroenvironment, will not degrade the ecology of the stony wasteland in Dhabeji taluka.
Visual effect, Noise effect, EMI effect, Flicker effect induced by operation of the wind turbines
will have no significant impact on the living area, located 1.5 km or three times the required
distance of seven rotor diameter equivalents outside the NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm. The
induced impact on operation of the wind turbines on the microenvironment will be monitored
through environmental management plan, environmental monitoring plan and the IFC’s HSE
Guidelines, and mitigated, if necessary by adoption of suitable measures at the site.
There are no cultural heritage, recognized archaeological sites, endangered species of flora,
wildlife reserve, or potential tourism sites that may need protection and hence no mitigation
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measures need to be taken. Mitigation measures have been proposed for the protection of the
spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastix hardwickii) Sandha and the straying high flying birds. The
number of the few Houbara bustard and high flying eagles and falcons still around will be
recorded during the pre-construction period. Mitigation measures such as hiring the services of
sharp shooters will be in place to stupefy the high-flying stray birds and later on release them to
safe environment.
Finding of archaeological artifacts during the construction phase will be immediately reported
to the Department of Archaeology, Sindh.
The proposed NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm, when commissioned, would add value to the
otherwise wasteland on the north of National Highway N5 in Taluka Dhabeji and become an
integral part of the macroenvironment of Taluka Dhabeji.
Based on the findings of the environmental assessment, it is reasonable to suggest that the
environmental impacts of establishment of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm are minor and can easily be
mitigated by implementing the Environmental Management Plan (EMP), Environmental
Performance Monitoring Plan and IFC’s HSE Guidelines as well as Equator Principles all of which
form an integral part of the EIA process.
This EIA Study finds that the value-addition characteristics of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm would
respond to the principles of sustainable development that aim at “socially equitable and
economically viable development to improve the quality of life for all citizens of the Earth, without
altering the balance in the ecosystem”.
The Study therefore recommends that the EIA Report should be approved with the provision that
the suggested mitigation measures will be adopted and the Environmental Management Plan will be
followed in letter and spirit.
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1.0 Introduction
1.1 General
1.1.1 Name Of The Project
Establishment of 100 MW NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Project, in Gharo, District Thatta.
1.1.2 Location
Project site is located about 4 km off National Highway on SZABIST land in Union Council
Dhabeji, Taluka Mirpur Sakro, and District Thatta.
1.1.3 Name of Project Proponent
NBT-Zab Wind Power Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd
Mr. Malik Shahid Ahmed
Chief Operating Officer
Address: D-94, B Street, 5th Avenue, Block 5,
Kehkashan Clifton, Karachi-Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-35370353-6
Fax: +92-21-35370357
1.1.4 Name of Environmental Consultant
Environmental Management Consultants (EMC)
Mr. Syed Nadeem Arif
Managing Director
Email: [email protected]
Address: Office # 503, Anum Estate Building
Main Sharae Faisal (Opposite Duty Free Shop)
Karachi, Pakistan.
Tel: +92-21-34311466, 34321532
Fax: +92-21-34311467
1.2 Brief Description of Project
NBT-Zab Wind Power Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd, the proponent intends to establish a 100 MW wind
farm in the Gharo-Keti Bunder Wind Corridor. It has about 1500 acres of NBT-SZABIST land
in Dhabeji on the outskirts of Karachi, where it is carrying out its feasibility studies after
getting LOI from the Alternate Energy Development Board (AEDB). The Project includes
designing, testing, manufacturing, and operation as well as maintenance of wind turbines. The
proponent will have choice on turbine design including generator type, gearbox vs. gear-less,
materials, besides control on maintaining inventory. The proposed NBT-SZABIST Wind
Power project includes installation and operation of 33 wind turbines in Phase I for the
production of 50 MW. Project Phase II comprises installation of another 33 wind turbines and
generation of 50 MW. The total capacity generation will then be raised to 100 MW.
The Project Area is approximately 65 km from Karachi, the Capital of Sind Province. The
subject site is near the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) Pumping Station on
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undulating arid land, with elevation ranging from 40 to 110 meter above mean sea level. Total
project area of the wind farm occupies an area of approximately 800 hectares.
1.3 Proponent
NBT-Zab Wind Power (Pvt.) Ltd. has been incorporated as a joint venture company between
Norwegian Energy Building Technology (NBT) Pakistan Limited and SZABIST to establish
wind farms to start with a 50 MW wind farm in the identified wind corridor immediately
outside of Karachi. The Proponents bring in global experience and know how in the field of
renewable energy technology, which they are prepared to transfer. NBT as, the majority
shareholder has its first wind farm come into operation in western China in the year 2011.
NBT-Zab Wind Power (Pvt.) Ltd. is setting up 500 MW producing wind farms in a phased out
plan in Pakistan. It has opted to buy its own land and become the first wind farm in the country
to do so. The Joint Venture has about 600 hectares of land in Dhabeji on the outskirts of
Karachi, where it is carrying out its feasibility studies after getting the Letter of Intent (LOI)
from the Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB).
NBT Wind Power Pakistan Limited has four business areas:
Wind Farm Construction
Wind Turbine Manufacturing
Carbon Emission Trading, and
Biomass Power Projects
Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST) as a key member
of the Joint Venture, is a fully Chartered Institute established through a Legislative Act of the
Sindh Assembly (Sindh Act No. XI of 1995) and is approved and recognized by the Higher
Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan, as a degree granting institution.
SZABIST has started a new research and development program at Gharo in March 2002 and
has established the “SZABIST Research Station of Renewable Energy”. The Research Station
has been equipped with a Solar (Photovoltaic) unit, which powers the field office. Solar
Cookers and Solar Geysers have also been introduced to make the office functional. Two wind
turbines (windmills) have been installed with the technological help of the National
Commission of Renewable Energy (NCRE). Converters have been installed to document
round the clock data on wind intensity and direction. The turbines have been connected to a
pumping station, which draws underground water for drinking purpose and plantation. The
SZABIST Research Station is located on the 2000 hectares SZABIST land at Gharo.
1.3.1 The Mission
The Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST) was
established with the objectives: Producing highly qualified, scientific and technical personnel
to meet the country's requirements of conducting state-of-the-art scientific and technological
research and development in support of the private and public sector; Providing hi-tech
scientific and technological assistance to the Pakistan industry to enable it to compete with the
world industries in global trading; Providing highly trained scientific and technological
personnel to be able to attract the growth of high-tech industries and foreign and Pakistani
investment; and Providing a sound socio-economic and scientific base and infrastructure to
Pakistan to be able to meet the economic and technological challenges of the 21st century.
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The SZABIST is thus in the position to absorb the Wind Energy Technology as and when it is
grounded in Pakistan. The NBT Pakistan signed an agreement with SZABIST to bring in
investment and know-how required for the completion of this project within 18 months of all
necessary permits and requirements being in place. The students of SZABIST will get hands on
experience of the latest technology of establishing wind farms and erecting wind turbines on
SZABIST land area in Dhabeji Township.
1.3.2 Norwegian Energy Building Technology
(NBT-AS) owns 27 percent shares of Nordic Wind Power which is one of leading wind turbine
manufacturers in the world. NBT Wind Power Project (Pvt.) Ltd, subsidiary of NBT AS, a
Norwegian based company had expressed its interest to set up 500 MW Wind Power Project in
Pakistan by investing in the alternative energy sector. NBT also intends to set up hydro power
projects in Pakistan. NBT AS has already applied for issuance of Letter of Interest for 500 MW
and expressed that after issuance of LOI, the company will complete 250 MW wind project till
December, 2012.
1.4 Environmental Impact Assessment
This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) evaluates the potential environmental, social,
economic, cultural, and natural impacts of the proposed 50×2 MW NBT-SZABIST Wind
Power Project. Environmental Management Consultants (EMC) Pakistan and URS Pakistan
have been contracted as a third party consultant by NBT-Zab Wind Power (Pvt.) Ltd.
(incorporated as a joint venture company in and between NBT Wind Power Pakistan Limited
and Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST) Pakistan)
(hereinafter referred as proponent) to conduct a detailed assessment (EIA) of the proposed
Wind Farm Project.
1.5 Objectives Of The Project
The main objectives of the 50×2 MW NBT-Zab Wind Power Project is to:
Respond to the national need to produce power from Alternative or Renewable Energy
sources that are alternative to thermal and hydro power production systems;
Establish a wind power generation facility in accordance with GOP’s policy and guidelines
on development and generation of Alternative or Renewable Energy, being implemented
through the AEDB;
Utilize the potential of wind capacity identified by the AEDB at the Gharo-Keti Bunder
Wind Corridor and absorb the transferred technology of wind power generation to reduce
the emission of Greenhouse gases including CO2 in Pakistan through net energy gain, and
Utilize the hitherto unexploited wind energy potential which is the resource that will help
bridging the gap in supply and demand of energy being faced in Pakistan.
1.6 Need for the Project
1.6.1 Energy Overview
Electricity demand in Pakistan had already exceeded supply in the year 2002. Despite the
unsustainable growth in GDP, it was estimated that the generating capacity will have to escalate
by 50 percent by 2010 in order to meet the expected demand. Rising oil consumption and
leveling off in oil production together with inadequate refining capacity has left Pakistan (a)
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with shortfall of over 3500 MW in its theoretically maximum capacity of 17,793 MW, and (b)
heavily dependent on petroleum product imports from Middle East.
Natural gas accounts for the largest share of Pakistan’s energy use, amounting to about 50
percent of total energy consumption. With depleting reserves of both oil and gas, Pakistan is set
to import natural gas. Pakistan currently consumes all of its domestic oil and natural gas
production.
A number of technical and non-technical; operational and management constraints e.g. rise in
oil price entailing high cost of power production; technical faults in grids; inadequate water
storage in reservoirs; unforeseen drastic reduction in Chenab river water flow after the
commissioning of Baglihar Dam, have compounded the deficiency into energy crisis and the
capacity is not achieved.
Pakistan has remained an energy deficit country, dependent upon imports, mostly oil and oil
products. Pakistan has had more success in finding natural gas than oil, and as a result, gas over
took oil as the largest source of primary energy supplies, as shown in Figure 1.1.
Figure 1.1: Energy Mix Plan Projections (source: Vision 2030-PC, GOP)
Pakistan has three sources of energy, namely Hydel, Thermal (gas/ steam/ furnace oil) and
Nuclear.
There are four major power producers in country: WAPDA (Water & Power Development
Authority), KESC (Karachi Electric Supply Company), IPPs (Independent Power Producers)
and PAEC (Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission).
The break-up of the installed capacity of each of these power producers (as of June-2008) is as
follows:
WAPDA Hydel
Tarbela 3478 MW
Mangla 1000 MW
Ghazi – Barotha 1450 MW
Warsak 243 MW
Chashma 184 MW
Dargai 20 MW
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Rasul 22 MW
Shadi-Waal 18 MW
Nandi pur 14 MW
Kurram Garhi 4 MW
Renala 1 MW
Chitral 1 MW
Jagran (AK) 30 MW
Total Hydel ==> 6,461 MW
WAPDA Thermal Gas Turbine Power Station, Shahdra 59 MW
Steam Power Station, Faisalabad 132 MW
Gas Turbine Power Station, Faisalabad 244 MW
Gas Power Station, Multan 195 MW
Thermal Power Station, Muzaffargarh 1350 MW
Thermal Power Station, Guddu 1655 MW
Gas Turbine Power Station, Kotri 174 MW
Thermal Power Station, Jamshoro 850 MW
Thermal Power Station, Larkana 150 MW
Thermal Power Station, Quetta 35 MW
Gas Turbine Power Station, Panjgur 39 MW
Thermal Power Station, Pasni 17 MW
Total Thermal ==> 4811 MW
WAPDA’s Total Hydel + Thermal capacity is ==> 11,272 MW
KARACHI ELECTRIC SUPPLY COMPANY (KESC)
Thermal Power Station, Korangi 316 MW
Gas Turbine Power Station, Korangi 80 MW
Gas Turbine Power Station, SITE 100 MW
Thermal Power Station, Bin Qasim 1260 MW
Total (KESC) ==> 1756 MW
INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS (IPPs) Hub Power Project 1292 MW
AES Lalpir Ltd, Mahmood Kot Muzaffargar 362 MW
AES Pak Gen, Mahmood Kot Muzaffargar 365 MW
Altern Energy Ltd, Attock 29 MW
Fauji Kabirwala Power Company, Khanewal 157 MW
Gul Ahmad Energy Ltd, Korangi 136 MW
Habibullah Coastal Power Limited 140 MW
Japan Power Generation, Lahore 120 MW
Kohenoor Energy Limited, Lahore 131 MW
Liberty Power Limited, Ghotki 232 MW
Rousch Power, Khanewal 412 MW
Saba Power Company, Sheikhupura 114 MW
Southern Electric Power Company Limited, Raiwind 135 MW
Tapal Energy Limited, Karachi 126 MW
Uch Power Limited, Dera Murad Jamali, Nasirabad 586 MW
Attock Gen Limited, Morgah Rawalpindi 165 MW
Atlas Power, Sheikhupura 225 MW
Engro Energy Limited, Karachi —– MW
Kot Addu Power Company Limited (Privatized) 1638 MW
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Total (IPPs) ===> 6365 MW
PAKISTAN ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION KANUPP 137 MW
CHASNUPP-1 325 MW
Total (Nuclear) ===> 462 MW
Hydel electricity generated by WAPDA varies between two extremities, i.e., between
minimum of 2,414 MW and maximum of 6,761 MW depending upon the river flow.
Total Power Generation Capacity of Pakistan (including all sources) is 19,855 MW and the
electricity demand (as of April 2010) is 14,500 MW and PEPCO is merely generating 10,000
MW.
The Power generation companies are not buying furnace oil from PSO by saying they don’t
have money to do that but Pakistanis are all paying for electricity that is generated from furnace
oil.
This is the reason that top refineries like PRL are operating at 40% of their capacities.
Figure 1.2: Electrical Power Generation Capacity and Power Demand in Pakistan
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Figure1.3: Electrical Power Generation Capacity
Figure 1.4: Electric Power Demand (2005-2025) Pakistan
1.6.2 Global Energy Supply Scenario/Global Demand Forecast
Wind and solar power-generation system combined will, by the year 2025, match conventional
generation systems. Wind power generation capacity will reach 7,500GW by 2025;
Conventional power stations will be phased out completely by 2037; Demand for energy
supply is expected to rise by 50 per cent globally by 2030; Low-carbon energy industry is set to
be worth $3 trillion per year by 2050.
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Figure 1.5: Worldwide Energy Supply in Terawatts TW
Figure 1.6: Renewable Energy, End of 2006 (GW)
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Figure 1.7: Rate of World Energy Usage in Terawatts (TW), 1965-2005
1.6.3 Potential of Alternative Energy
The following are the alternative renewable energy sources that renew and do not deplete:
Solar Influence Dependent
1. Solar radiation
2. Biomass
3. Wind
4. Ocean wave energy
Earth-related
1. Tidal Energy due to earth’s rotation
2. Geo-thermal energy due to heat of earth’s interior.
For environmental and commercial reasons, the answer lies in harnessing Solar and wind
energy potential both of which have immense in Pakistan. Solar energy is, however, yet to
mature as a viable alternative even in the industrialized countries. On the other hand there has
been a steady rise in the installed capacity of wind power production systems. The global rise
in wind power production is shown in the following figures:
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Figure 1.8: Wind Power Installations
Figure 1.9: Global Wind Power Cumulative Capacity.
The total amount of economically extractable wind power is considerably more than present
use from all sources. At the end of 2010, worldwide nameplate capacity of wind-powered
generators was 197 giga watts (GW). Wind power now has the capacity to generate 430 TWh
annually, which is about 2.5% of worldwide electricity usage. Over the past five years the
average annual growth in new installations has been 27.6 percent. Wind power market
Wind Power Installations (1995-2008)
0
5000
10000
15000
20000
25000
30000
35000
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Year (1995-2008)
An
nu
al In
sta
lle
d P
ow
er
(Me
ga
wa
tts
)
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penetration is expected to reach 3.35 percent by 2013 and 8 percent by 2018. Several countries
have already achieved relatively high levels of wind power penetration, such as 21% of
stationary electricity production in Denmark, 18% in Portugal, 16% in Spain, 14% in Ireland
and 9% in Germany in 2010. As of 2011, 83 countries around the world are using wind power
on a commercial basis.
A large wind farm may consist of several hundred individual wind turbines which are
connected to the electric power transmission network. Offshore wind power can harness the
better wind speeds that are available offshore compared to on land, so contribution of offshore
wind power in terms of electricity supplied is higher. Small onshore wind facilities are used to
provide electricity to isolated locations and utility companies increasingly buy back surplus
electricity produced by small domestic wind turbines. Although a variable source of power, the
intermittency of wind seldom creates problems when using wind power to supply up to 20% of
total electricity demand, but as the proportion rises, increased costs, a need to use storage such
as pumped – storage hydroelectricity, upgrade the grid, or a lowered ability to supplant
conventional production may occur. Power management techniques such as excess capacity,
storage, dispatchable backing supply (usually natural gas), exporting and importing power to
neighboring areas or reducing demand when wind production is low, can mitigate these
problems.
Wind power, as an alternative to fossil fuels, is plentiful, renewable, widely distributed, clean,
produces no greenhouse gas emissions during operation, and uses little land. In operation, the
overall cost per unit of energy produced is similar to the cost for new coal and natural gas
installations. The construction of wind farms is not universally welcomed, but any effects on
the environment from wind power are generally much less problematic than those of any other
power source.
Germany has taken a lead in this connection and has been supported by Europe and many
states in USA besides Canada in successfully generating clean and cheap wind energy. China
and India have followed suit with considerable success, knowing fully well the growing
demand and increasing limitations of relying on power generation technologies dependent on
petroleum oil and water. Malaysia and Indonesia have also realized this potential, given their
vast coastal areas.
Geographically, Pakistan is ideally placed in the tropics and has a number of wind corridors.
According to estimates based on the survey by the Pakistan Meteorological Department,
tremendous potential of about 43,000 MW exists for generating wind energy in the 9,700 km2
area in (i) Jamshoro, Nooriabad, Talhar and Keti Bandar corridor, and (ii) Thatta, Thana Bola
Khan, Hyderabad and Gharo sites that are placed respectively in the excellent category and
good category for generation of wind power. The SZABIST site, according to data available
with EMC Associates is placed in the Gharo-Keti Bunder corridor and considered suitable for
wind power generation.
1.7 Benefits Of Wind Farm Development
Significant environmental benefits can be gained by installing a wind farm, for example:
1.7.1 Carbon Dioxide & GHG Emissions and Pollution
The most serious threat comes from accelerating climate change, whose effects are already
being seen around the world in rising temperatures, melting ice caps and volatile weather
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patterns. Climate change is a direct result of the greenhouse effect – the build-up of greenhouse
gases in the atmosphere above the earth. Carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, industry
and the transport sector are by far the largest contributor. The Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change has predicted that human-induced greenhouse gas emissions will lead to a
substantial increase in global mean temperatures, which will rise between 1.4 and 5.8 degrees
over the course of this century.
Wind power generation does not require fuel for turbine operation, and has no emissions
directly related to electricity production. As such operation of wind turbines does not
produce CO2, SO2, NOx or particulate matter or any other form of air pollutant. The
manufacturing, transportation, construction at site and installation, however, does consume
resources and it is here that energy-intensive processes, generally using fossil fuel are
involved.
The following indicative figures relate to a 100 MW installed capacity and the production
of 1 kg of CO2 for the generation of each 1 kWh of electricity:
CO2 (a major contributor to the “greenhouse effect”) 310,000 tonnes/year.
SO2 (Sulphur Dioxide is a constituent of acid rain) 4,750 tonnes/year.
NOx (Nitrous Oxides are a constituent of acid rain) 2,300 tonnes/year.
Producing energy from the proposed wind farm will prevent these emissions being
produced elsewhere in Pakistan, thus helping the GOP’s environmental initiatives.
Developing a renewable energy resource will lessen the need to use fossil fuels such as
coal. This conforms with the keenness of GOP to increase the share of renewable energy in
electricity production, and its commitments to Kyoto Protocol. Reduction in the gas
emissions from fossil fuel generation will be achieved, although the amount obviously
depends on the wind farm installed capacity.
1.7.2 Net Energy Gain
The energy return on investment (EROI) for wind energy is equal to the cumulative electricity
generated divided by the cumulative primary energy required to build and maintain a turbine.
The EROI for wind ranges from 5 to 35, with an average of around 18. EROI is strongly
proportional to turbine size, and larger late-generation turbines are at the high end of this range,
at or above 35. This suggests that higher capacity wind turbines are likely to bring better EORI
and also better return on investment.
It may be noted that since energy produced by a WTG is several times the energy consumed in
construction, there is a net energy gain. It is estimated that reductions in CO2 emissions range
from 0.33 to 0.59 tonnes of CO2 per MWh. The energy used for construction is produced by
the wind turbine within a few months of operation. Thus the initial carbon dioxide emissions
are paid back within about 9 months of operation.
1.7.3 Benefits of Establishment of the wind power generation system
Benefits of establishment of wind power generation system include:
Reduction in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emission through net energy gain
Benefit to Alternative Energy Development Board in achieving the objectives of the
Government of Pakistan Policy and Guidelines on development and generation of
Alternative or Renewable Energy for Power Generation-2006 to involve the private sector
in generation of power through renewable resources.
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Benefit to National electricity production system in making renewable energy available to
the National Grid of the WAPDA, the main stakeholder.
Reduction in vulnerability to volatile utility prices.
Contribution to enhancement in quality of environment of the hinterland of the Wind
Corridor and restoration of the status of the area as the major user of wind power by
producing sustainable form of energy.
Contribution to enhancement in quality of life of the people resident in the area that has
lost its water, surface soil, vegetative cover, besides the fauna as well as flora and is left
with meagre resources of its own, except the wind that has the desired velocity that can be
utilized for power generation.
In view of the limitations on national reserves of oil and gas besides the unpredictable flow of
water to meet the energy demands, and in consideration of the urgent need to normalize the
commercial, industrial and agricultural activities, it is considered essential to broaden the
outlook on the energy mix and besides exploring indigenous sources that are renewable as well
as non-renewable, also increase the share of the renewable sources as alternative to petroleum
oil and gas that is presently the main (83.8%) source of fuel.
In consideration of the shortfall in the conventional energy resources the GOP had taken the
initiative to establish the Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) and to establish
Wind Power production systems as one of the alternative renewable sources. The Gharo wind
Corridor was identified to harness the potential of this renewable source and thus to meet the
rapidly growing demand of the industries, commercial organizations and the urban housing
sector.
1.8 Scope of EIA Study
This EIA study of NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Project is aimed at developing the
environmental profile of the project area so as to evaluate the existing physical, biological and
socioeconomic aspects leading to respective impacts due to construction and operations at the
Wind Farm.
The main purpose of the EIA study is to ensure that:
Any major adverse impact on the environment (physical, ecological and social) during
different phases of projects viz. siting, design, construction and operation are identified.
Adverse impacts are appropriately addressed and adequate mitigation measures are
incorporated in the siting, design, construction and operation phases of project.
Socioeconomic aspects are identified, and mitigated.
Alternatives to achieve the objectives are analyzed.
Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for sustainable development and operation of the
project is developed for implementation and monitoring of the project activities.
The present EIA report has identified the significant environmental aspects and screened the
potential aspects to ensure that the likely impacts due to proposed activities during
construction, installation of masts and WTGs and operation of the proposed project, and the
residual impact on adoption of mitigation measures have been critically assessed with respect
to compliance with the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997, World Bank, IFC and
ADB.
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1.9 Basis of Project Categorization for Environmental Assessment
Section 12 of Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997 and other regulatory documents
such as Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Review of IEE/EIA) Regulations 2000
requires that every new development project in Pakistan has to be preceded by an Initial
Environmental Examination (IEE) or Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) depending
upon the magnitude of the project and severity of impacts anticipated at the time of
commissioning of the project.
PEPA (Review of IEE/EIA) Regulations 2000 categorize projects into two separate schedules
depending on whether a project requires an IEE (Schedule-I) or an EIA (Schedule-II). The
Regulations also require that all projects located in environmentally sensitive areas need
submission of an EIA.
Thermal power generation of less than 200MW and hydroelectric generation of less than
50MW falls in Schedule I - lists of projects requiring an IEE while thermal power generation of
more than 200MW and hydroelectric generation of more than 50MW fall in Schedule II - lists
of projects requiring an EIA. Power generation from the wind turbines is not included in the
existing schedules and hence is not covered in the environmental regulations of Pakistan.
The cost of the proposed NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Project as well as its sensitivity with
respect to impacts on the physical, biological and social environment suggest that it will be
more prudent to place it in the category of projects requiring EIA under Schedule-II (Clause-
A3: Transmission lines (11 KV and above) and grid stations) of PEPA (Review of IEE/EIA)
Regulations 2000. Accordingly an EIA Study has been conducted, and the same will be
submitted to seek approval prior to project initiation.
1.9.1 Methodology for Environmental Assessment Study
The environmental assessment (examination and evaluation) is primarily based on simple
comparative evaluation approach. Initially the baseline or the profile of the project area is
developed by site surveys, collecting data, records and information on physical, ecological /
biological as well as socioeconomic environment. The data so compiled is then projected or
modeled for different phases of projects, i.e. design, construction, and operations. The likely
changes in the critical environmental aspects or significant changes in the ambient
environmental parameters are identified. Identification, assessment and evaluation of
significant impact either in qualitative or quantitative terms is carried out for which appropriate
mitigation measures are proposed.
1.9.2 Methodology Adopted for Social Aspects
EMC Team of environmentalists and environmental sociologists held consultation based on the
detailed contents of the Project with main stakeholders. Environmental and social
considerations being an essential component of the implementation phase of this project, the
following points were underscored for implementing the EIA recommendations:
Identifying the need, if any, for involuntary resettlement and for land acquisition and to
prepare an appropriate Involuntary Resettlement Program.
Reducing the impact on the living environment during the construction period, selecting
appropriate construction methods and construction schedule.
Accordingly the EIA study has:
Conducted public consultation at the early stage.
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Held stakeholders meetings during the study.
Understood in detail the concerns of Persons resident in the villages that are outside the
SZABIST land area.
In consideration of:
Agreement between NBT Wind Power Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd. allowing SZABIST land for
installation of Wind Power Generation Complex will require no payment for land
acquisition,
Consultation Meetings with the residents of one village located within the SZABIST
boundary and one on the outside of the land area, have confirmed the issue that
establishment of the Wind Farm on SZABIST land will not require land acquisition or
involuntary resettlement, and
Insignificant impact on the ecology and living environment,
It is implicit that there would be no need for involuntary resettlement or acquisition of
Land.
This EIA report presents the existing environmental scenario and the results from the
assessment and evaluation of the environmental aspects emerging during the installation and
operation phases of wind turbines. Following screening of potential environmental aspects, the
assessed and evaluated impacts requiring necessary mitigation measures are suggested in the
report. The report also includes the Environmental Management and Monitoring Program that
will be implemented during siting, construction and operation phases.
The methodology specifically adopted for conducting the EIA of The Project may be
summarized as follows:
1.9.3 Project Specific Data Collection
The foremost step was to get the maximum information on physical aspects of the project, as
well as construction and operation activities from the proponent.
The next step involved visits by the environmental assessment team comprising group of
experts to the project area and its vicinity to conduct reconnaissance survey and to collect
baseline data in the context to environmental (physical and ecological) and social aspects.
The survey included a focused group discussion with locals as part of information disclosure
and public consultation. Detailed data collection Surveys on physical, biological and social
aspects of the SZABIST area and its surroundings. This included:
Wildlife and Birdlife Survey.
Detailed socioeconomic survey of the project area.
Stakeholders Consultation including primary stakeholders and secondary stakeholders
including NGOs like IUCN and WWF.
Literature Review/Baseline.
All possible archives and published literature was surveyed along with previous IEE/EIA
studies conducted in the region.
Legislative requirements and regulatory requirements pertaining to the project were also
reviewed. These included:
Environmental Regulations, Standards & Guidelines.
Environmental issues concerning protection and control governed by Pakistan
Environmental Protection Act (PEPA) 1997.
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Legal Requirements in Pakistan for Environmental Assessment for New Projects under the
Environmental Protection Agency Sindh (SEPA);
National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) for gaseous, vehicular exhaust
emissions; noise emissions, and liquid effluents;
Sindh Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1972;
Antiquities Act 1975;
Forest Act, 1927;
Civil Aviation Rules (1994)
Biodiversity Action Plan;
PEPA Guidelines for Public Consultation;
PEPA Guidelines for Sensitive and Critical Areas;
Policy for Development of Renewable Energy for Power Generation, 2006, Government
of Pakistan;
World Bank Guidelines on Environmental Assessment;
IFC’s EHS Guidelines for Wind Energy;
IFC’s EHS Guidelines for Electrical Power Transmission and Distribution;
ADB Guidelines for Environmental Assessment;
JICA Guidelines for Environmental Assessment;
Equator Principles;
Low Frequency Noise and Wind Turbine; British Wind Energy Association, February
2005.
Impact Identification and Assessment.
On acquisition of baseline information the environmental aspects were identified
(screened) for different activities at the project siting, design, construction and operation
phases.
Subsequently the quantification of the impacts in terms of magnitude and significance was
evaluated.
In order to reduce the adverse impacts of the project mitigation measures were proposed to
minimize the impacts and to sustain the project in an environment friendly manner.
Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan was compiled and included in the
environmental assessment report to make it more comprehensive and self-sustaining with
the specific purpose of providing working guidelines for the project Proponent and
Management personnel who shall be responsible for the construction and operations of the
project, so as to enable them to maintain the environmental and social conditions in
conformity with the PEPA regulations. The management plan outlines the details required
to manage environmental, safety and community risks arising from the project activities as
well as social issues. It also gives the details of monitoring that would be required during
the operation phase of the project in order to comply with the requirements of sustainable
development.
1.9.4 Preparation of Report
This EIA report has been prepared in accordance with the guidelines of the Pakistan
Environmental Protection Agency (PEPA), World Bank and IFC. All pre-requisites of report
writing in structural format, contents and presentation have been considered and met as per the
standard format of the EIA document.
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1.10 Structure of EIA Report
The EIA report has been structured on the standard format, prescribed by the Federal EPA. The
Report has been presented in the following sections:
Section 1 - Introduction
Section 2 - Description of Project
Section 3 - Legal Requirements
Section 4 - Environmental and Social Baseline
Section 5 - Screening of Potential Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Section 6 - Public Consultation
Section 7 - Environmental Management Plan (EMP)
Section 8 - Findings and Recommendations
Section 9 - Conclusion
1.11 EIA Study Team
This EIA study has been conducted by a team of EMC environmental experts. Valuable input
was made by each team member who contributed in compilation of this report. Names and
designation / role of the project team members are given as follows:
Table 1.1: EIA Study Team
S. No. Name Position
1 Syed Nadeem Arif Project Manager
2 Mr. Saquib Ejaz Hussain Deputy Project Manager/EIA Specialist
3 Dr. Mirza Arshad Ali Beg Team Leader/Senior Environmentalist
4 Dr. Iqbal H. Hashmi Technical Writer and EIA Specialist
4 Ms. Nida Kanwal Sociologist
5 Dr. Badar Munir Ghauri Air & Noise Quality Expert
6 Dr. Syed Ali Ghalib Expert on Fauna
7 Dr. Syed Asad Ghufran Expert on Flora
8 Ms. Noor Fatima Environmental Scientist
9 Mr. Irfan Hashmi Expert on Carbon Management
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2.0 Description of Project
2.1 The Project
NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Project will be established on SZABIST land site in Ghaggar –
Dhabeji – Rann Pethani ecosystem in UC Dhabeji, Taluka Mirpur Sakro, District Thatta. The
Project will be in accordance with GoP’s policy and guidelines on development and generation
of Alternative or Renewable Energy, being implemented through the Alternative Energy
Development Board (AEDB). NBT-Zab Wind Power (Pvt.) Ltd has started installation of
masts for recording the meteorological data.
The Project comprises development, ownership and operation of 2x50 MW Wind Farm in
SZABIST land in Mirpur Sakro Taluka, District Thatta in Sindh, Pakistan by NBT-Zab Wind
Power (Pvt.) Ltd. The National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC), which is
responsible for transmission and distribution of electricity in the country, will purchase the
power generated by NBT-Zab Wind Power (Pvt.) Ltd.
Figure 2.1: NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Project Site
2.2 Project Components
The project components comprise the following:
Wind resource use assessment for macro-siting the Wind Farm in Gharo- Keti Bunder
Wind Corridor and micro-siting the wind farm in Ghaggar – Dhabeji – Rann Pethani
ecosystem in UC Dhabeji
Installation of 80m high meteorological masts for collection of wind data
Geo-technical survey
Appointment of the main contractor for the project and signing of a memorandum of
understanding (MoU) for selection of size of wind turbines on basis of wind
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classification arrived at from site specific meteorological data at SZABIST land in UC
Dhabeji.
Finalizing the layout plan for siting the selected wind turbines
Logistics
Construction of Access and Internal road network linking all wind turbines
Procurement and Installation of the finally selected Wind turbines, likely with a
generating capacity of 1.5 to 3.5 MW having rotor diameter of 80 to 90 m and with
each turbine mounted on a prefabricated steel tower such that the hub height is 80 to
100 m.
Installation of corresponding number of step-up transformers mounted at the foot of
each turbine tower
Construction of underground electrical collection system leading to the project sub-
station
Construction of operations and control building; substation and grid connection to
NTDC 132 KV system.
Plant O&M facility
Operation of wind farm,
Maintenance and decommissioning.
2.3 Work Schedule
The project will be executed in phases:
Phase 1: The first phase includes six months for obtaining permits and approval as well as
project financing from Equator Principle Bank including International Finance Corporation
(IFC) for arrangement of debt for which formation of a consortium is in progress to provide the
finance.
Phase 2: Second Phase will involve the entire life cycle of the Project mentioned above.
Construction of the Wind Farm will include the following activities:
Grading of the field and Construction Office area (to serve also as O&M building);
Construction of site roads, turn-around areas and crane pads at each wind turbine
location;
Piling and Construction of turbine tower foundations and transformer pads;
Installation of electrical collection system including underground and overhead lines;
Assembly and erection of wind turbines;
Construction and installation of substation;
Plant commissioning and energizing.
Work on the project is expected to commence during the last quarter of the year 2012, with the
construction of the access road and site preparation (civil works). The construction phase is
expected to take 18 – 20 months. The schedule of activities is expected to be as follows:
Civil construction access roads: February 2013 - May 2013
Site roads: March 2013 – September 2013
WTG foundations: March - November 2013
Electrical construction: March 2013
Turbine delivery: November - December 2014
Installation of Equipment: December 2014 – May 2015
Substation transformer(s) at site: February, 2014
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Substation commissioning: May, 2014
Collection system commissioning: June 2015
Turbine commissioning: July – September 2015
2.4 Macro-Site Selection
Wind Power Potential of the Gharo – Keti Bunder Wind Corridor, the macro-site of NBT-Zab
Wind Power (Pvt.) Ltd. was established after detailed survey by Pakistan Meteorological
Department in 2007. The AEDB has thereafter proceeded by:
Completion of pre-feasibility study of the Wind Corridor,
Issue of 56 LOIs to national and international companies for generation of 700 MW
power through wind energy by year 2010 and 9700 MW by year 2030.
Submission of applications by seven companies to National Electric Power Regulatory
Authority (NEPRA) for obtaining Generation License.
Grant of Generation License.
Offer of Land by AEDB in the wind corridor, and sub-lease of Land to 13 investors.
Endorsement of Basic Wind Data collected at Gharo-Keti Bundar: 7 m/s annual
average at approximately 65 meters, provided to AEDB by Pakistan Meteorological
Department
Under the Policy Guidelines the Power Purchaser would take the risk associated with
wind availability i.e. underwriting of data provided by Pakistan Meteorological
Department.
2.5 Determination of Wind Energy Potential For Micro-siting
2.5.1 Wind Speed Monitoring
The wind energy potential was determined for wind farm establishment by characterizing and
classifying the wind and estimating the wind power density during the three-year survey
period. Wind data were collected at 20 sites in the coastal belt as well as Dhabeji – Gharo of
Taluka Mirpur Sakro, District Thatta, Sindh. It was found that at 50-metre height, annual
average wind speeds were 8.5, 7.0, 7.0, 6.7 and 6.6 meters per second at Jamshoro, Keti
Bandar, Nooriabad, Thatta and Gharo, respectively.
Tables 2.1 and 2.2 show the benchmark established by the AEDB for the Gharo-Bhambore and
Boharo (Gharo) sites respectively. AEDB had concluded the agreement to sub-lease the land at
both sites for establishment of wind farms. The data recorded for Bohara Monitoring station in
the Keti Bunder-Gharo corridor by Midroc-Tussoni and reported by R&DC in the IEE Report
(IEE for 50MW Wind Power Plant at Lakha Island at Boharo, 2007) is presented in Table 2.2;
it shows the monthly average wind velocity recorded during the windy month of August 2007
at the Boharo site.
The range of variation in wind velocity at 60 m is between a low of 2.1 m/s to a high of 19.9
m/s with an average of 9.12 m/s, while at 30 m it ranges between 1.4 m/s and 19.3 m/s with an
average of 8.55 m/s. Thus there are minor differences in velocity between the 60 m and 30 m
levels. High velocity winds of 6 to 8 m/s are dominant from May to August, which are the
monsoon months.
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Table 2.1 Monthly Wind Speed in Khuttikun and Bhambore Sites
Month Mean Monthly Wind Speed (m/s)
Height 30 50 60 67 80
January 4.25 4.70 4.90 5.02 5.24
February 4.50 4.98 5.18 5.32 5.55
March 4.77 5.28 5.50 5.64 5.89
April 6.39 7.03 7.29 7.46 7.75
May 8.29 9.05 9.36 9.56 9.90
June 8.79 9.50 9.78 9.96 10.25
July 8.83 9.59 9.89 10.08 10.40
August 8.20 8.89 9.16 9.34 9.63
September 6.63 7.28 7.54 7.72 8.01
October 4.22 4.68 4.87 5.0 5.22
November 3.59 3.98 4.14 4.24 4.43
December 3.96 4.38 4.56 4.67 4.88
Annual Average 6.0 6.6 6.8 7.0 7.3
Table 2.2 Wind Statistics for Boharo (August 2007)
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5
Height above ground level (m) 80.0 80.0 60.0 30.0 10.00
Minimum wind speed (m/s) 2.1 2.1 1.8 1.4 1.1
Average wind speed (m/s) 9.12 9.12 8.96 8.55 7.89
Maximum wind speed (m/s) 20.0 19.9 19.7 19.3 17.8
Wind speed (m/s) 23 23 23 23 23
Average std deviation (m/s) 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.7
IEC (15m/s) turbulence intensity 6.8% 6.8% 6.9% 7.5% 8.5%
Average turbulence intensity 7.0% 6.7% 7.2% 8.0% 9.1%
It would be noted from Table 2.1 that the average monthly wind speed during the year is 7.3 at
80m height wile during the April-September period it ranges between a minimum of 7.75m
and 10.40m which is as recorded endorsed by AEDB.
2.5.2 Wind Characteristics
Wind potential of different areas is usually characterized by assigning one of the seven wind
classes, each corresponding to range of wind speed and power density at specific height above
the ground. Standard wind class definitions are shown in Table 2.3.
Table 2.3: Standard Wind Class Definition3.1
Class 30 m Height 50 m Height
Speed m/s Power W/m2 Speed m/s Power W/m
2
1 0- 5.1 0 -160 0 – 5.6 0 – 200
2 5.1 – 5.9 160 - 240 5.6 – 6.4 200 – 300
3 5.9 –6.5 240 - 320 6.4 –7.0 300 – 400
4 6.5 – 7.0 320 - 400 7.0 – 7.5 400 – 500
5 7.0 – 7.4 400 – 480 7.5 - 8.0 500 – 600
6 7.4 – 8.2 480 – 640 8.0 – 8.8 600 – 800
7 8.2 – 11.0 640 - 1600 8.8 – 11.9 800 – 2000
The following figures show that by international wind classification, power density places the
Jamshoro, Nooriabad, Talhar and Keti Bandar sites in the excellent category, while Thatta, Thana
3.1
Wind Power Classification of Pakistan, Pakistan Meteorological Department, Wind Mapping Project
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Bola Khan, Hyderabad and Gharo are placed in the category of good sites for generation of wind
power.
Figure 2.2: Wind Power Classification
Figure 2.3: Annual Average Wind Speed at 50 m Height in Pakistan
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2.6 Siting NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm In Dhabeji
Site specific wind speed comparison is being initiated at the SZABIST site in UC Dhabeji, to
finally select the wind corridor of GDRP ecosystem as the preferred site.
2.6.1 Wind power density
The amount of electricity produced by wind turbines depends on the amount of energy
contained in the wind that flows through the area swept by the wind turbine blades in one unit
of time. This energy flow is the wind power density (W/m2), which depends on wind density
cubed, which implies that the power contained in the wind increases very rapidly with wind
speed. However, below a certain minimum speed, the turbine does not have enough wind to
operate, whereas above a certain speed its output levels off or begins to decline. In very high
winds the turbine is shut down to prevent damage to it.
Available annual wind power densities (W/m2) at Gharo were recorded at 420 to 510 watts per
square meter at 80m height. This places the NBT-SZABIST WIND FARM site in class 5 at 80
m height and class 3 at 50 m height in the wind resource classification system.
Wind resource classification as well as the height of the site, which has also been taken
advantage of by the KWSB in siting its Filter Plant, and the accessibility of the almost flat
terrain are advantages of offered to the site. Furthermore the SZABIST land is outside the areas
of the five categories of land use: environmental (such as national parks), urban, forest,
cropland and range land.
Two factors considered in the study are the possible conflicts between wind power plants and
bird habitats and migration routes and constraints on the transmission capacity needed to carry
wind power to population centers. The present EIA Study indicates that the SZABIST site is
not located anywhere near existing transmission lines.
2.6.2 Wind Turbines
The SZABIST site will, for using the winds in class 5 at 80m height, set up wind turbines. The
turbines will use the following sub-system to catch the wind Conversion of wind density to
kinetic energy rotational motion drive an electric generator or alternator generate
electricity without creating environmental pollutants.
Turbine subsystems include:
Rotor component which includes the blades that convert the wind's energy into
rotational shaft energy;
Nacelle (enclosure) containing a drive train, usually including a gearbox* and a
generator includes the electrical generator, the control electronics, for converting the
low speed incoming rotation to high speed rotation suitable for generating electricity;
Tower, to support the rotor and drive train; and
Electronic equipment such as controls, electrical cables, ground support equipment,
and interconnection equipment.
*Some turbines do not require a gearbox
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Figure 2.4: Wind Turbine Configurations
1981 1985 1990 1996 1999 2000 2008
Rotor (meters) 10 17 27 40 50 71 107
Rating (KW) 25 100 225 550 750 1,650 3600
Annual MWh 45 220 550 1,480 2,200 5,600 13000
Figure 2.5: Historical Variation of Size & Capacity of Wind Turbines
Wind turbines can rotate about either the commonly used horizontal axis or a vertical axis.
Horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWT) have the main rotor shaft and electrical generator at the
top of a tower, and must be pointed into the wind. Small turbines are pointed by a simple wind
vane, while large turbines generally use a wind sensor coupled with a servo motor. Most have a
gearbox, which turns the slow rotation of the blades into a quicker rotation that is more suitable
to drive an electrical generator.
Figure 2.6: Components of a horizontal axis wind turbine (gearbox, rotor shaft and
brake assembly) being lifted into position
Since a tower produces turbulence behind it, the turbine is usually positioned upwind of its
supporting tower. Turbine blades are made stiff to prevent the blades from being pushed into
the tower by high winds. Additionally, the blades are placed a considerable distance in front of
the tower and are sometimes tilted forward into the wind by certain extent.
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Commercial wind farms generally use three-blade turbines that are pointed into the wind by
computer-controlled motors. They have high tip speeds of over 320 km/hour or 88 m/sec, high
efficiency, and low torque ripple, all of which contribute to reliability. The blades are usually
colored light gray to blend in with the clouds and range in length from 20 to 40 meters or more.
The tubular steel towers range from 60 to 90 m in height. The blades rotate at 10-22
revolutions per minute. At 22 rotations per minute the tip speed exceeds 90 m/sec. A gear box
is used for stepping up the speed of the generator, but direct drive of an annular generator is
also common, since more energy can be collected by variable-speed turbines which use a solid-
state power converter to interface with the transmission system. All turbines are equipped with
protective features to avoid damage at high wind speeds, by feathering the blades into the wind
which ceases their rotation, supplemented by brakes.
Wind farms being developed currently use large wind turbines for sites in class 5 and above.
Specifications for 1.5 and 2.5 MW wind turbines are given in Table 2.4.
Table 2.4 Typical Specifications for 1.5 MW & 2.3 MW Wind Turbines
Power 1.5 MW 2.3 MW
Voltage 690V 690V
Frequency 50 Hz 50 Hz
Number of Blades 3 3
Length of Blades 34 m 45 m
Tip Chord 0.80 m 0.8 m
Root Chord 2.40 m 3.5 m
Surface Gloss Semi-matt Semi-matt
Surface Color Light Grey (matching the
background)
Light Grey (matching the
background)
Hub Height 80 m or site specific 80 m or site specific
Rotor Speed 10.6 – 19 rpm 6-16 rpm
Rotor Diameter 70 m 93 m
Rotor Tilt 5 degrees 6 degrees
Swept Area 3000 m2 6800 m
2
Cut-in Speed 3 m/s 4 m/s
Cut Out Wind
Speed 25 m/s 25 m/s
Maximum 2 s
gust 55 m/s 55 m/s
In view of the NBT-SZABIST WIND FARM site being placed in class 4 to 5 at 80m height,
and also in consideration of large swept area required for and available at SZABIST site for
large turbines, the Project can opt for Wind Turbines with generating capacity of 1.5 to 2.5 MW
and over with rotor diameter of 80 to 90 m mounted at the hub height of about 90 to 100 m.
2.6.3 Performance of Wind Turbines
Performance of wind turbines depends on the average wind speed and its variability besides
topography of the site.
1. Variability of winds
Performance of wind turbines is constrained by large variations in the average wind speed at
the site during the calm period when the movement of wind is directionless and in the monsoon
months that are marked by unusually gusty or turbulent winds which can cause extra wear and
tear on wind turbine components and increase in repair and maintenance costs. Variations
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occurring over hours to days, being essential for wind resource evaluation, will be recorded
continuously after setting up the monitoring stations at the site.
2. Wind speed dependence on height
Increase in wind speed with height, known as wind shear depends mainly on atmospheric
mixing and roughness of terrain. Atmospheric mixing follows a diurnal cycle often causing
wind speeds to increase in the daytime and decrease at night. At a height of approximately 10
meters, the diurnal variation can be very pronounced; as the height increases to approximately
50 meters, it weakens or even disappears. The terrain at NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm site slopes
from 80 m amsl to 60 m towards the National Highway N5 and to the sea level southwards at
the coastline. The ascending winds from the sea shore gain momentum under such conditions
and in conjunction with low roughness and the flat open land at NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm
site will also affect wind shear allowing it to gain speed.
The wind shear will be measured at NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm site by monitoring wind
speeds at four heights of the tower. Since wind turbines produce much more power in stronger
winds, the most favorable position would be one facing the wind squarely. With current wind
turbine technology, the optimum tower height for the selected WTGs wind machines would be
attained at the height of 80 to 90 meters.
As a general rule of thumb, wind turbines are so installed on towers that the rotor blades are 10
m above any obstacle within 100 m of the tower. This is where the swept area needs to be
considered. The swept area which forms the impacted area of the NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm
wind corridor for any size of turbine would be taken into consideration while micro-siting the
turbines.
2.7 NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Generation Complex
A detailed wind resource and micro-siting study will be conducted by the technical consultants
for establishment of NBT-SZABIST WIND Farm Complex. The wind resource study will be
based on data from the Meteorological Department, and the site specific wind data from a
meteorological mast that is being set up by NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm at the site.
The data will be analyzed as part of the wind resource assessment program and for micro-siting
the wind turbines in addition to firming up the benchmark data provided by AEDB on wind
characteristics, variation of wind speed over time, wind power density and to establish the wind
energy potential in the ZWPL Project area in UC Dhabeji, Taluka Mirpur Sakro.
Aerodynamic modeling will be used to determine the optimum tower height, control systems,
number of blades, and blade shape.The weather station data when processed for wind
classification and wind power density would recommend the appropriate size, design and
positioning of the wind turbine for the wind farm at the Project site.
In the mean time, the geotechnical study, topography study and contour mapping, together with
establishment of baseline in respect of air quality study, Fauna and Flora as well as
socioeconomic studies for environmental assessment has been carried out. The environmental
study has identified the constraints to and minor or insignificant impact of installation of the
wind power generation system and has recommended mitigation measures to minimize the few
impacts.
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The wind farm at NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Project area in UC Dhabeji will comprise
optimally sized wind turbine generators (WTGs) located suitably within the boundary
demarcated by the following coordinates:
Table 2.5 NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Site Coordinates
Point Coordinates
1 24°46'15.00"N, 67°35'56.82"E
2 24°46'18.30"N, 67°36'19.08"E
3 24°47'39.90"N, 67°35'52.74"E
4 24°47'24.00"N, 67°33'22.14"E
5 24°47'18.06"N, 67°33'18.24"E
6 24°46'44.64"N, 67°34'30.66"E
Micro-siting of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Project will examine the location of wind farm
specifically with respect to its being near the resident and migratory bird flyways. NBT-
SZABIST Wind Farm will be tangential to the flyway to Haleji Lake, which is at least 20 km
from the Project site. The resident high flying birds surviving on the poultry farm wastes are to
be found on the outside of the boundary of the SZABIST land area. The wind farm is thus
expected to have the least impact on bird fauna. Aridity and deforestation activities have
reduced the biodiversity of the microenvironment of Project area to that of degraded land. The
residential area of the KWSB’s Filter Plant Colony is at a distance of 2.5 km in the south, and
one unauthorized hamlet that is another 2.5 km in the north; the rural community of Jaffar
Jokhio Goth and the others listed in Table 4.23 are outside the SZABIST land area. As such the
wind farm will not have demonstrable impacts on local populations, and on threatened or
endangered species.
2.7.1 Logistics
Equipment, supplies and personnel will move in and out from the site using the access road and
the Super Highway M-9. Heavy vehicles carrying the wind turbines and necessary equipment
will operate from Port Qasim and take the link road to National Highway N5 for onward
journey to SZABIST site by the dirt road which will be upgraded to take the heavy load of
towers (~162 tons), rotor blades (~60 tons), turbines (Nacelle ~82 tons), machinery and
equipment.
2.7.2 Access Road
NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Project site is accessed from Karachi through the National
Highway N5. At 55 km on N5 a shingle road takes off to the Filter Plant. A 2.5 km dirt road
from here takes to the Project site. This dirt road has been developed by the villagers resident in
Jaffar Jokhio Goth and beyond.
This track will need construction of a flyover to cross the water supply mainline from Gujju
and considerable up-gradation of the shingle road and dirt road.
2.7.3 Vehicles and Traffic
National Highway N5 and the 06 km of shingle and dirt road will be used by the NBT-
SZABIST Wind Farm Project vehicles. The shingle road will have to be improved by
widening, spreading gravel and compaction of the road from National Highway N5 to the end
of the Filter Plant end, construction of a flyover to cross the water supply mainline from Gujju
and other structures to make the road heavy vehicle worthy, besides construction of lay-byes
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for smooth movement of heavy transport vehicles. Additionally another 15 km internal road
network will be constructed to connect the turbines at the wind farm.
Heavy vehicular traffic will operate mainly for delivery of turbines and for transportation of the
batching plant and ancillaries. The latter process will require four flat bed trailers of 40-feet size
with a load carrying capacity of 30 – 35 tons. The movement of the turbines and towers takes
approximately two months and is expected to be from Port Qasim National Highway N5
Project site. Movement of vehicles for transportation of turbines and other needs during
construction typically requires:
Over 225 heavy haul truck / trailers of 60-feet size, with extended length and multiple
axles having a load carrying capacity of 40 -70 tons, in addition to
About 70 trucks /trailers of 20 – 25 ton capacity.
A maximum number of 6 vehicles (4 axles and above) per hour, including the buses and
coasters for movement of site staff during the construction period.
2.8 Major Construction Activities
Contract for construction will be awarded to an Engineering Firm of repute to undertake the
installation of turbines. The turbine supplier will have a supervising engineer onsite during the
installation phase and the commissioning engineer during the start-up phase. Installation of the
sub-station would be done by sub-contractors to the Engineering Firm. All other electrical work
will be done by the contractor.
Work will commence with improvement of the 06 km - access road connecting the site with
National Highway N5. The dirt road will require widening, spreading gravel and compaction to
upgrade/ build to a standard that is suitable for the 60-foot flat bed trucks in good weather
conditions. Lay-bys will be built at suitable points for ease of crossing. Since the entire project
area is flat, road gradient will not be an issue.
The roads within the project area shall be suitably compacted / strengthened to withstand the
onset of torrential surface flow and land submergence/inundation.
2.8.1 Siting The Wind Turbines
Design standards for siting the wind turbines include spatial configuration, lighting, density of
turbines, tower visibility and tower design.
Siting the wind turbines will, in taking account that each turbine unit will slow down the wind
behind it as it pulls energy out of the wind and converts it to electricity, space the turbines as far
apart as possible in the prevailing wind direction. As a rule of thumb, turbines in wind parks are
spaced somewhere between 5 and 9 RD apart in the prevailing wind direction, and between 3
and 5 RD apart in the direction perpendicular to the prevailing winds.
For the proposed NBT-SZABIST 50MW Wind Farm, as an example comprising 1.5 MW each
33 WTG with ~70 m RD would be spaced 5 RD or 350 m apart in the prevailing wind
direction, and 3 RD or 210 m apart in the direction perpendicular to the prevailing winds.
Likewise for 2.5 MW WTGs with 90 m RD, the required 20 sets will be sited 450 m apart in a
direction perpendicular to the coastline.
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2.8.2 Electrical Collection System
Power from the wind turbines being negotiated by NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm will generate
about 600 volts in each phase. The power will run through a step-up transformer, which steps
up the voltage to 11 kilovolts (kV). The power will then be fed into underground cables that
will provide electrical connection among groups of wind turbines. The underground collection
cables will feed the larger feeder lines that will run to the project substation. In locations where
two or more sets of underground lines converge, pad-mounted junction panels will be utilized
to tie the lines together into one or more sets of larger feeder conductors. At the Project
substation, the electrical power from the entire wind power plant will be converted to 132 kV
and will be delivered to the interconnection substation, for being stepped up to appropriate
voltage level.
2.8.3 Substations
The main function of the substations is to step-up the voltage so that electricity can be reliably
interconnected to the designated power grid. The basic elements of the substations are a control
house, two main transformers, outdoor breakers, relaying equipment, high-voltage bus work,
steel support structures, and overhead lightning suppression conductors. These elements will be
installed on concrete foundations. Each substation will consist of a graveled footprint area of
approximately two to four acres, a chain link perimeter fence, and an outdoor lighting system.
Direct strike lightning protections will be provided by the use of overhead shield wires and
lightning masts connected to the switchyard ground grid. Overhead shield wires will be high
strength steel wires arranged to provide shield zones of protection.
2.8.4 Operations & Maintenance Center
Facility to house the operations and maintenance (O&M) section will be constructed as an
integral part of the Project
2.8.5 Civil Construction
Civil works will include construction of the Sub-station and campsite preparation. The
following steps will be taken in site preparation:
Clearing of vegetation from identified areas
Filling and compaction
Construction of auxiliary facilities such as site camp, equipment and supplies storage
areas, water tank and water pits, fuel storage areas and waste pits.
Construction of turbine foundations and crane pad
The turbine foundation shall, where necessary, be built on pile foundations, with appropriate
number of piles per location, built on detailed design, using standard piling practices. The
construction at site will take into account that rotor assembly (blades and hub) weighing ~22
tons; the nacelle containing the generator component and weighing 52 tons, may need a
concrete base for the tower whose construction may require 26 tons of reinforcing steel and
contain 190 cubic meters of concrete. The base may be 15 m in diameter and 2.4 m thick near
the center.
Campsite facilities will include supply of safe drinking water; drainage, sewerage, and septic
tanks. Standard Operation Procedures will be followed to provide safe working environment
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compatible with human hygienic requirements and to maintain conditions necessary for storage
of medicines, materials and equipment:
The construction campsite will cover an area of about 10,000 m2 and will accommodate 4
construction trailers and 4 equipment storage trailers. There will also be vehicle parking
and equipment staging areas.
The water storage tank will be lined with an impervious liner to prevent seepage and loss
of water.
Sewage septic tanks will be lined. These will be periodically emptied into tankers for
transporting the sewage to the nearest treatment facility. Gray water (from kitchen and
washing areas) pits will not be lined, and water will be allowed to soak into the ground.
The wastewater from campsite will be discharged as per standard practice into separate
sewerage lines and from there to septic tanks soak pit system. The quality of effluent
discharged into soak pit system will be monitored for its BOD, and COD level.
Camps for the construction crew will be established at a suitable site identified by Project
Manager. The camps would accommodate around 400 to 500 personnel. The camp will be
complete with living accommodation, mess and kitchen, prayer room, bathrooms and
toilets, recreational facilities, fuel storage, water storage, etc. The camp will have its own
power generation arrangements in the form of diesel generators.
At all locations involving construction activity, appropriate water and sewage treatment
systems will be provided and no liquid or solid effluent or waste will be allowed to leave
the site without treatment to bring the effluents within the acceptable limits. The parking
area and workshop at the campsite will have a slop tank system to minimize the spread of
oily drips.
Under normal operations there will be no gaseous emissions from the campsite, or
operating areas. A small capacity, 2 MVA diesel generators, shall be installed for
emergency power supply for the essential loads. Only when there is need for the diesel
emergency generators would there be gaseous emissions from the sites, but such emissions
would be well within limits as described in a subsequent section.
Storm water runoff from the campsite will be suitably diverted through a storm water
drainage system into an existing surface flow system.
Storm water runoff from the wind farm will be harvested and ponded at a designated site
for irrigating the surrounding open area.
Onsite storage of fuel will be limited to daily requirements.
The onsite delivery of fuel or lubricant will be at designated site that will have an
impervious base, with a dyke around to contain spills in case an accidental spill occurs.
The excavated earth, obtained during the piling procedure, will be used to construct the
embankment for the road. The remaining material required for the road embankments will
be from the site. The top layer of the road, morum type material or gravel and clay, will be
procured from the site.
Installation of wind turbines, their accessories and equipment will start after completion of
the above activities. Since all components will be prefabricated there would be need for
assembly only. However, some fabrication will also take place at site.
Civil construction at site will involve the following components:
1. Turbine base that will be built on pile foundations, with about 14 piles per location, using
reverse rotary drilling method for pile boring, and bentonite clay mixed with water during
boring;
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2. Sub-station and campsite preparation,
3. 11 km approach road, 15 km internal roads; culverts and the bridge, will involve the
following three phases:
a) Designing and Pre-Construction,
b) Construction and
c) Post Construction including Operation.
The pre-construction phase has three components:
Identification of land area and site;
Topographic survey, and
Design.
Construction activity as a major component of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Project is currently
at the Pre-Feasibility Stage. It will be followed by the pre-construction stage when:
The road and bridge construction design will be prepared
Land acquisition from private parties has been found to be a non-issue, since the NBT-
SZABIST Wind Farm will be sited on ZABIST land, has only two human settlements both
located about 2.5 km on the south and north of the Project site respectively: 1) Gharo
Pumping Station and its residential Colony, and 2) an unsurveyed hamlet, Yousuf
Khaskheli by name. There was another hamlet near the Yousuf Khaskheli Goth but the
same has been abandoned only recently. There is no un-surveyed land within the area
enclosed by coordinates given in Table 3.7. As such the living area is outside the corridor
of impact of the wind farm. To further lessen the impact, the WTGs will be so sited as to
have the residential area at least 1.6 km from the nearest wind turbine. It has been
ascertained that the access road excludes private land and will not require land acquisition
along the approach and internal roads.
No trees will be felled, except removal of dead wood of shrubs as part of land clearance
Suitability of the site with respect to stability and seismicity has been determined through
soil surveys by geo-technical investigations. The allowable bearing capacity of the soil will
be adopted as 1.70 tsf, but this value will be verified before the start of construction.
Topographic survey for the following will be undertaken and in the mean time NBT will
provide the detailed design for:
Construction of site roads, turn-around areas and crane pads at each wind turbine
location;
Construction of the turbine tower foundations and transformer pads;
Installation of the electrical collection system – underground and some overhead lines;
Assembly and erection of the wind turbines;
Construction and installation of the substation.
There may be need for construction of a flyover to cross over the KWSB’s Water Supply
mainline. As such the following tasks have been included with the condition that they will be
subject to its requirement at the detailed design stage:
Structural Excavation in Un-Classified Material, including Disposal
Structural Backfill using Granular Material
RCC in roof slab, beam, column & other structural members, in situ or pre-cast. Type B
(1:1.5:3)
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RCC in roof slab, beam, column & other structural members, in situ or precast. Type A
(1:1:2)
Plain Cement Concrete Including Placing, compacting, Finishing, and Curing (Ratio:
1:4:8)
Reinforcement as per AASHTO M31: Grade 60 (TOR Steel Deformed Bars)
Providing and launching pre-stressed post tensioned girders with concrete cylinder strength
of 5000 psi at 28 days including reinforcement and pre-stressing steel, grouting of tenders,
complete all as per drawings.
Up to 21m long girders
Up to 17m long girders.
Bridge Expansion Joint
Expansion Joint for the movement range of +/- 60mm (Freyssinet joint N-65 or equivalent)
Elastomeric Bearing Pad 500mm x 300mm x 50mm
Cast in place Concrete Pile diameter 760mm
Test Pile- 760mm Diameter.
Pile Load Testing: Max Load 240 – 360 tons
Galvanized Mild steel Bar (diameter 25mm )
Perforated Concrete Pipe
Pile Integrity Testing
Confirmatory Boring including SPT’s.
Samples lab test bore-hole logs
Provide Geotechnical Report
Riprap, class A
Grouted Riprap, class B
Filter Layer of Granular Material
For this purpose the general specification/details will be worked out in respect of type of
structures, grade of concrete, and all other materials required for the Construction Phase of the
Road and Bridge component (subject to final design) of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Project:
Structures and materials will conform to standards recommended above and follow
standard practice of civil works.
Environmentally sound materials and goods will be selected, with priority being accorded
to products meeting national and international standards.
Traditionally well-tried materials will be chosen for provision of services for construction
at the bridges.
Construction site will be adequately isolated to prevent entry of public and general safety
measures will be effectively imposed throughout the construction period.
Temporary inconveniences due to construction works will be minimized through planning
and coordination with local population and organizations in the neighbourhood.
The foundations of bridge structures will be concrete on bearing soil. Bearing capacity,
settlement, static and dynamic loading conditions have been determined while seismic
conditions pertaining to placement of the site in zone 2A (Medium Intensity hazards) will
be taken into account in the working designs that will be submitted for approval.
The hydrology, geology and stability of soil will be verified again before laying the
foundations.
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Environmental Performance Monitoring will be an essential component of the Project and
will be governed through Environmental Management Plan (EMP), which will include
Environmental Monitoring Plan.
The post-construction phase at the site will start after completion of the construction phase and
will include:
Provision of safe drinking water, and solid waste disposal system at campsites for the
operation area
Commissioning of the link roads and flyover (subject to final design) into the road
network.
Installation phase will start with the arrival and movement of machinery and equipment to site,
and will involve the following activities:
Figure 2.7: Transportation of Tower
Figure 2.8: Installation of Towers
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Figure 2.9: Assembly of Rotor Blades
Figure 2.10: Installation of Nacelle and Blades
Figure 2.11 showing 11 x 7,5 MW E126 Estinnes Windfarm, Belgium, July 2010, one
month before completion, with unique 2 part blades.
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2.8.6 Staff Requirement during Construction Phase
It is estimated that direct manpower required during the construction phase will be about 200,
which might increase to 600 during the construction period. About 100 support staff will be
present in addition to the above. Expatriate workers are not expected to be on site. Unskilled
jobs will be offered mainly to the local people particularly during the construction phase.
2.8.7 Supplies during Construction Phase
All supplies, both for construction and for the camp, will be transported by trucks from
Karachi. This will include all fuels and oils, drilling requirements, spare parts for construction
machinery and food and supplies for construction camp. Fuels and oils will be unloaded in
designated areas.
Aggregate / sand will be procured from the Hub crusher area. A catering company will be
contracted to supply the requirements to the campsite.
Fuel requirement during construction may be approximately 2 million liters which shall be met
by transportation by tanker trucks from Gujju Headwork. An onsite storage tank of 20,000
liters on storage wheels will be provided under due safety and security conditions for the daily
ongoing activities.
2.8.8 Electricity
The expected maximum requirement of electricity for construction and the campsite is
estimated at 1500 KVA. Diesel generators will be used for power generation to operate the
construction equipment and for the campsite.
2.8.9 Emissions and Discharges during Construction Phase
The daily estimated fuel requirement will be about 5,500 to 7,500 liters. This quantity of
fuel will be responsible for daily emission of approximately 260 kg CO, 14 kg SO2, 65 kg
NOx, and 14 kg Particulate matter, besides 16 tons CO2. These emissions will be dispersed
into the airshed of SZABIST area, which is thus far in the category of unpolluted sites. The
small quantity of emissions will not raise their level by sub-microgram units and would not
degrade the environment.
Emissions from the generators will be controlled by ensuring that the engines are always
properly tuned and maintained, and the generators are so located that emissions are
dispersed away from the camp and work areas.
Noise emission from the vehicles and equipments will exceed 85dB(A) but the same
would be reduced to less than 85dB(A) at 7.5 m from the source. Workers will be provided
PPE including ear plugs and other safety equipment as safeguard against occupational
hazards.
The liquid effluents generated during the construction phase will include domestic sewage
and grey water from camp operation.
The sewage will be treated in septic tanks and soaking pits.
The grey water from kitchens and washing areas will be directed to separate soaking pits.
The storm water will be collected in ponds and either disposed of after appropriate
treatment, or diverted to fields for vegetation/rejuvenation of local flora.
The operation phase may generate a small quantity of oil/oily water during the
maintenance of pumping stations. This will be treated in oil/water separators.
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2.8.10 Waste Management
The solid waste generated by the project will consist of campsite waste, garage waste, metal
scrap, and excess construction materials.
All efforts will be made to minimize waste generated during the construction period. The
main types of waste that will be generated are:
Fuels and oils
Garage waste
Sewage
Campsite waste
The piling operation is not likely to generate any waste as only water based bentonite clay
may be used during piling. As bulk concreting will be done using concrete, pump wastage
of concrete will be minimal.
Fuels and oils will, if stored at site, despite security reasons, be stored in containers in areas
with impervious floors and surrounded by dyke walls.
Recyclable materials will be periodically transported out of the site and sold / given to
contractors. Non-recyclable material will be collected and disposed of by the contractor at
designated landfill sites.
Most garage waste, such as used spare parts, is recycled in Pakistan. All such waste will be
collected and sold / given to contractors for disposal off-site.
As part of the site preparation stage, a drainage and sewerage system will be constructed
for the camp. The sewerage system will consist of soak pits for the collection of waste
water from the camp kitchen and washing / ablution areas. Sewage from the toilets will go
into lined septic tanks. Sewage and solid waste disposal trucks will be used to periodically
remove the sludge, sewage and solid waste from the site.
All combustible domestic waste will be collected and burned in a garbage pit, suitably
fenced to prevent from being blown away. Non-combustible and non-biodegradable waste,
such as glass, metal and plastic, will be separated and transported for being sold or given to
a contractor for suitable disposal.
2.8.11 Conservation of Water
The Wind Farm facility as well as campsite will keep the scarcity of water in the region in
view, and adopt recommended methods to reduce the usage of water, and use recycled water as
much as possible. The wind farm on the 600 hectare area slopes towards the Gharo Creek and
thus forms the drainage area of the Gharo Wind Corridor. Detailed design of the Project may
consider diversion of the surface flow through the natural drainage system into the field for
vegetation of the otherwise barren land.
2.8.12 Health, Safety & Environment
Several cases have been reported to occur where the nacelle that houses the wind turbine
caught fire. As it is normally out of the range of standard fire extinction equipment, it is nearly
impossible to extinguish such fires. In several cases one or more blades were damaged or torn
away. In 2010, a 70 MPH storm winds damaged some blades, prompting blade removal and
inspection of all 25 wind turbines in Campo Indian Reservation in California, USA. Also
several wind turbines collapsed catastrophically.
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Accordingly all the policy, procedures, and SOPs specific to HSE will be applicable to the
contractors to be engaged for construction work. The contractors will be mandated to follow:
HSE Policy of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm and the HSE Guidelines of the IMF
Emergency rescue plan pertaining to safety and accidents including fall, will be established
before start of construction activity according to the safety and protection rules of Pakistan.
Trained persons will be appointed on the posts relating to implementation of emergency
and rescue plan.
Trained technicians and safety equipments will be installed for technical measures during
construction and production.
2.8.13 Fire-Protection System
Appropriate fire detection and fire fighting system and equipment shall be designed and
provided throughout the wind farm.
2.8.14 Fire Safety and Security
According to the regulations of the authorities in charge of public security and fire fighting and
the rescue procedure of emergency treatment, the facilities of an independent rescue brigade at
Dhabeji Industrial Area will be availed. A dedicated ambulance shall be stationed at site for
emergency needs.
2.8.15 Employment
This project will bring in employment opportunities for the local inhabitants. Approximately
600 people will be working during the construction phase while approximately 40 technical
persons on shift basis shall be hired for operations at the wind farm and power plant during
operational phase. This number will be in addition to those engaged at site for security and
administrative duties.
2.8.16 Operational Activities
In-house as well as outsourced O&M activities will be carried out by trained staff for
maintaining the availability of wind power and high performance.
2.8.17 Staff
Reasonable accommodation shall be maintained at Dhabeji or Gharo for shift staff.
Wind farm would need a maximum of 10 persons per shift in addition to the security staff.
Security issues shall be outsourced and the level will be as per requirement at the site.
An average of 2 staff vans and an ambulance will be kept at the site to meet the
transportation and emergency needs.
2.8.18 Supplies
All supplies, both for operations and for the site staff, will be transported by trucks from
Karachi or the adjacent areas. This will include all fuels and oils, spare parts required for
maintenance and food and supplies for the site staff. Fuels and oils will be unloaded in
designated areas, which will have above ground storage of adequate capacity to store fuel.
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2.8.19 Water
850 liters per day of potable water will be required. This will be obtained from Gharo Filter
Plant and stored in a tank of 12,000 liter capacity. The storage tank will be fitted with treatment
units to obtain decontaminated water. This treated water will be shared with the local
population in the surrounding.
2.8.20 Waste Management
Fuels and oils will be stored in containers in areas with impervious floors and surrounded
by dyke walls.
Recyclable materials, including garage waste, will periodically be transported out of the
site and sold/given to contractors. Non-recyclable material will be collected and disposed
of at designated landfill sites.
The drainage and sewerage system constructed during the construction phase will be used
during the operations phase of the project i.e. soak pits for the collection of waste water
from kitchen and washing / ablution areas and septic tanks for sewage from the toilets.
Sewage and solid waste disposal trucks will be used to remove the sludge, sewage and
solid waste from the site.
Storm water drainage will be managed by controlled flow into the fields.
2.8.21 Noise
The desired noise level of 55 dB(A) would be achievable 1000 m from a turbine at 80 m hub
height generating 100 – 105 dB(A).
2.8.22 Operation & Maintenance
O&M presents different challenges for utilities, including decisions on conducting activities
with existing utility staff or outsourcing these activities or a blend of the two scenarios.
Operating costs are dependent upon many factors, but data
indicate that operating costs for modern (<5-year old) wind
projects run between $7 and $15/MWh of electricity produced.
Wind turbines can provide large amounts of electricity, cleanly
and reliably, at prices competitive with any other new electricity
source, provided they are properly operated and maintained.
2.8.23 Decommissioning Activities
The wind farm site, after having remained in operation for the lifecycle, estimated at 25 years
will not lose its value as a wind power generation system. Its performance would on the other
hand enhance the value of the site as a wind farm. This would demand up-gradation rather than
scrapping the plant and equipment or abandoning the site. What is anticipated is scrapping the
existing steel structure and replacing it with a better system that may have developed in the
mean time. Scrapping the site is therefore not envisaged. The towers and turbines may need
replacement while the old ones will be sold as scrap to be appropriately disposed of.
However, if the site is to be abandoned much before the designed plant life of 25 years,
decommissioning will be initiated by dismantling of the turbines, supporting towers O&M
building / sub-station, and transporting them out of the project area. It is expected that this
activity will take approximately 6 months and will require about 300 heavy haul trucks (60-feet
size) for the turbine components in addition to 600 truckloads of other materials. The turbine
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components will be sold as scrap. All scrap will, as per practice in Pakistan, be recycled to be
refurbished.
The concrete will be broken up and removed to a landfill site. The stored fuel and oil, together
with the containers, will be transported out of the site for sale / disposal at suitable landfill sites.
The site road embankments, if any, will be leveled and the material spread evenly over the
whole site. Chances are that the embankments may have become regularized and may have
come into regular use. The site will, otherwise be restored as far as possible to its original
condition. The access roads may be left intact, since local communities may have started to use
them. If not, they too will be dismantled and the land returned to its original condition.
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3.0 Legislative Requirements
3.1 Introduction
The principles of sustainable development are in the process of being incorporated into national
policies and legislation in Pakistan through various statutory instruments. This section
describes the current legal responsibilities of the proponent in the context of the environment
and sustainable development, and the institutions that exist in the country that may influence
the environmental management of the proposed project. NBT-Zab Wind Power Pvt. Ltd, the
proponent of this project will comprehensively follow the relevant requirements of the policy
documents and legislative framework as well as recommendations as described in the national
and international guidelines in relevance to the proposed project. Provisions of many of these
guidelines have been incorporated in the mitigation measures and the Environmental
Management & Monitoring Plan (EMMP) which have been formulated for the better
management of environmental and social impacts.
3.2 National Environmental Policy, Legislation & Guidelines
3.2.1 National Conservation Strategy
The National Conservation Strategy (NCS) is the primary policy document of the Government
of Pakistan (GOP) on national environmental issues. The Strategy approved by the Federal
Cabinet in March 1992 was also recognized by International Financial Institutions, principally
the World Bank. The NCS had identified 14 core areas including conservation of biodiversity,
pollution prevention and abatement, soil and water conservation and preservation of cultural
heritage. It had also recommended immediate attention to the stated core areas in order to
preserve the environment of Pakistan.
A mid-term review of the NCS in 2000 concluded that achievements under the NCS were
primarily awareness raising and institutional building rather than meaningful improvement of
the environment and natural resources and that the NCS was neither designed nor adequately
focused as a national sustainable development strategy (GoP, November 2002). Thus the need
for a more focused National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) was formulated and approved
by the Pakistan Environmental Protection Council in 2001 to practically improve the national
environment with emphasis on poverty reduction, and economic as well as sustainable
development.
NEAP now constitutes the national environmental agenda and its core objective is to initiate
actions that would safeguard public health, promote sustainable livelihoods and enhance the
quality of life of the people of Pakistan.
The GOP and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have jointly initiated an
umbrella support programme called the NEAP-Support Programme that was signed in October
2001 and implemented in 2002. The development objective supported by NEAP-Support
Programme is environmental sustainability and poverty reduction in the context of economic
growth. The objectives of new policy has total 171 guidelines on sectoral and cross sectoral
issues. The objectives of new policy include assurance of sustainable development and
safeguard of natural wealth of country. The following are the approved Sectoral Guidelines:
Water Supply and Management
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Air Quality and Noise
Waste Management
Forestry
Biodiversity and Protected Areas
Climate Change and Ozone Depletion
Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Agriculture and Livestock
Multilateral Environmental Agreements
Biodiversity Action Plan
The key to protection of the biological heritage of Pakistan lies in the involvement of local
people and in the support provided by competent institutions for conservation and sustainable
use. The Government of Pakistan has recognized the importance of these measures in the
preparation of National Conservation Strategy and in becoming a signatory to, and ratifying,
the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1994. Developing the Biodiversity Action
Plan for Pakistan, 2000 has been the most significant direct steps towards addressing the
biodiversity loss.
3.2.2 Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997
The Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997 is the basic legislative tool empowering the
government to frame regulations for the protection of environment.
The Act is broadly applicable to air, water, soil and noise pollution, as well as to handling of
hazardous wastes. Penalties have been prescribed for those who contravene the provisions of
the Act. The powers of the Federal and Provincial Environmental Protection Agencies (EPAs)
were also considerably enhanced under this legislation and they have been given the power to
conduct inquiries into possible breaches of environmental laws either of their own accord, or
upon the registration of a complaint.
Under section 12 of Act, no project involving construction activities or any change in the
physical environment can be commence unless the fulfillment of prerequisite i.e. to conduct
IEE or EIA and a report submitted to the Federal or Provincial EPA. PEPA Act, 1997 has been
provided in the report as Annexure- I.
3.2.3 Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Review of IEE/EIA) Regulations
2000
The PEPA review of IEE and EIA regulations, 2000 (the ‘regulations’), prepared by the PEPA
under the powers conferred upon it by the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, provide the
necessary details on the preparation, submission and review of the IEE and the EIA.
These regulations classify projects on the basis of expected degree of severity of environmental
impacts and list them in two separate schedules. Schedule-I lists projects that may not have
significant environmental impacts and require an IEE. Schedule-II lists projects of potentially
significant environmental impacts requiring preparation of an EIA. The Regulations also
require that all projects located in environmentally sensitive areas require preparation of an
EIA. PEPA (Review of IEE /EIA regulations) 2000 has been provided in the report as
Annexure- II.
Thermal power generation of less than 200KW and hydroelectric generation of less than
50MW falls in Schedule I - lists of projects requiring an IEE while thermal power generation of
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more than 200MW and hydroelectric generation of more than 50MW falls in Schedule II - lists
of projects require an EIA. Power generation from the wind turbines is not included in the
existing schedules and hence the environmental regulations of Pakistan.
The cost of the proposed NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Project as well as its sensitivity with
respect to impacts on the physical, biological and social environment suggest that it will be
more prudent to place it in the category of projects requiring EIA under Schedule-II (Clause-
A3: Transmission lines (11 KV and above) and grid stations) of PEPA (Review of IEE/EIA)
Regulations 2000. Accordingly an EIA study has been conducted, and the same will be
submitted to seek approval prior to project initiation.
3.2.4 The National Environmental Quality Standards
The NEQS were first promulgated in 1993 and were last revised in 2000. They comprise the
basic guidelines for liquid effluent and gaseous emissions of municipal and industrial origin to
comply with. These standards present the maximum allowable concentration for liquid effluent
before its discharge into sea, inland water & sewage (total 32 parameters to comply with) and
gaseous emissions in the ambient air from industrial sources (total 16 parameters to comply
with).
During the construction and operation phase of the project NEQS will apply to all effluents and
emissions. NEQS for municipal and industrial effluents, selected gaseous pollutants from
industrial sources, motor vehicle exhaust and noise, ambient air quality & ambient noise and
drinking water quality have been provided in the report as Annexure-III.
3.2.5 Policy for Development of Renewable Energy for Power Generation, GOP 2006
In December 2006 the Government of Pakistan published the first national package of
measures aimed at promoting renewable sources of energy. The provisions apply to
hydropower plants with a capacity of up to 50MW, solar thermal, photovoltaic’s and wind
energy. Over the short term, i.e. to mid-2008, technologies that are already in commercial use
internationally are to be trialed through the mechanism of attractive power purchase contracts
and partial risk coverage. In the medium term, i.e. to 2030, it is hoped to have installed at least
9700 MW of capacity for renewable electricity in this way.
Salient Features of Policy
The Policy invites investment from the private sector for following categories of projects:
1a. Independent power projects of IPPs (for sale of power to the grid only)
1b. Captive cum grid spill over power projects (i.e. for self-use and sale to utility)
1c. Captive power projects (i.e. for self or dedicated use)
1d. Isolated grid power projects (i.e. small, stand-alone)
2. Except for Category (a) above, these projects will not require any LOI, LOS, or IA from
the Government.
3. Electricity purchase by NTDC/CPPA from qualifying renewable resources at one
location and receive an equivalent amount for own use elsewhere on the grid at the
investor’s own cost of generation plus transmission charges (wheeling)
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4. Net metering and billing allowed enabling a producer to sell surplus electricity at one
time and receive electricity from the grid at another time and settle accounts on net basis.
This will directly benefit the economics of small scale, dispersed generation and
optimize capacity utilization of installed systems.
5. De-licensing and deregulation of small scale power production through renewable
resources (up to 5 MW for hydro and 1 MW for net metered sales) to reduce the
transaction costs for such investments. This will be particularly beneficial from micro,
mini and small hydro as well as solar-based electricity production.
6. Simplified and transparent principles of tariff determination
7. Insulating the investor from resource variability risk, which is allocated to the power
purchaser
8. Facilitating project proponents in obtaining carbon credits for avoided greenhouse gas
emissions, Helping improve financial returns and reducing per unit costs for the
purchaser
These guidelines are in line with the Government’s open door policy for inviting private
investment into the country.
Policy Goals and Development Strategy
Specific goals of Renewable Energy (RE) Policy are to:
1. Increase the deployment of renewable energy technologies (RETs) in Pakistan so that
RE provides a higher targeted proportion of the national energy supply mix, a minimum
of 9,700 MW by 2030 as per the Medium Term Development Framework (MTDF), and
helps ensure universal access to electricity in all regions of the country.
2. Provide additional power supplies to help meet increasing national demand.
3. Introduce investment-friendly incentives, and facilitate renewable energy markets to
attract private sector interest in RE projects, help nurture the nascent industry, and
gradually lower RE costs and prices through competition in an increasingly deregulated
power sector.
4. Devise measures to support the private sector in mobilizing financing and enabling
public sector investment in promotional, demonstrative, and trend setting RE projects.
5. Optimize impact of RE deployment in underdeveloped areas by integrating energy
solutions with provision of other social infrastructure, e.g., educational and medical
facilities, clean water supply and sanitation, roads and telecommunications, etc., so as to
promote greater social welfare, productivity, trade, and economic well-being amongst
deprived communities.
6. Help in broad institutional, technical, and operational capacity building relevant to the
renewable energy sector.
7. Facilitate the establishment of a domestic RET manufacturing base in the country that
can help lower costs, improve service, create employment, and enhance local technical
skills.
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3.2.6 Land Acquisition Act, 1894
The Land Acquisition Act (LAA) of 1894 amended from time to time has been the defector
policy governing land acquisition, resettlement and compensation in the country. The LAA is
the most commonly used law for acquisition of land and other properties for development
projects. It comprises of 55 sections pertaining to area notifications and surveys, acquisition,
compensation and apportionment awards and disputes resolution, penalties and exemptions.
3.2.7 Pakistan Penal Code (1860)
The Pakistan Penal Code (1860) authorizes fines, imprisonment or both for voluntary
corruption or fouling of public springs or reservoirs so as to make them less fit for ordinary use.
3.2.8 Antiquities Act, 1975
The Antiquities Act of 1975 ensures the protection of cultural resources in Pakistan. The act is
designed to protect “antiquities” from destruction, theft, negligence,” unlawful excavation,
trade and export. Antiquities have been defined in the Act as ancient products of human
activity, historical sites, or sites of anthropological or cultural interest, national monuments etc.
The law prohibits new construction in the proximity of a protected antiquity and empowers the
GOP to prohibit excavation in any area, which may contain articles of archaeological
significance. There are no gazette archaeological sites located within 5 km of proposed site
area.
3.2.9 Sindh Wildlife Protection Ordinance, 1972 and Amendments 2001
This ordinance provides for the preservation, protection, and conservation of wildlife by the
formation and management of protected areas and prohibition of hunting of wildlife species
declared protected under the ordinance.
The ordinance also specifies three broad classifications of the protected areas: national parks,
wildlife sanctuaries and game reserves. Activities such as hunting and breaking of land for
mining are prohibited in national parks, as are removing vegetation or polluting water flowing
through the park. Wildlife sanctuaries are areas that have been set aside as undisturbed
breeding grounds and cultivation and grazing is prohibited in the demarcated areas. Nobody is
allowed to reside in a wildlife sanctuary and entrance for the general public is by special
dispensation. However, these restrictions may be relaxed for scientific purpose or betterment of
the respective area on the discretion of the governing authority in exceptional circumstances.
Game reserves are designated as areas where hunting or shooting is not allowed except under
special permits.
Two amendments to the Ordinance were issued in January and June 2001 respectively
pertaining to oil and gas exploration activities within national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
The first amendment allowed the Government to authorize the laying of an underground
pipeline through protected areas. The second amendment allowed exploration and production
activities within national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. This amendment is not applicable to
other development projects including power generation using wind energy for example.
The Ghaggar – Dhabeji – Gharo ecosystem which includes the Project site does not fall in a
protected area or wildlife sanctuary.
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Legalization of hunting on disappearing creatures in Pakistan and specifically the hunting of
houbara bustard has been allowed as the preservation method for local wild animal habitat.
However, because of the lukewarm attitude of the authorities that be, this method of
conservation has failed in its mission. The wildlife department is hardly able to monitor the
actual number of animal or bird killed as against the legally allowed numbers, and that makes it
hard to control the trophy hunters.
Big-game hunting is banned in Pakistan vide the above regulations, except in community-
controlled areas with an existing limitation on exact kinds and numbers of species as well as
countries they can be exported in. There is decline in such species as cranes, geese, storks,
pelicans, and houbara bustards, which are migratory birds. The illegal hunting has led to
continuous loss, fragmentation and degradation of natural habitats that include forests,
rangelands, and freshwater and marine ecosystem.
3.2.10 The IUCN Red List
Some animal species are already extinct in Pakistan, and many are internationally threatened.
The 1996 IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals classifies 37 species and 14 sub-species of
mammals that occur in Pakistan as internationally threatened or near-threatened.
The Red List is based on field data that is more than 10 to 15 years old and needs to be re-
assessed. The country also provides critical habitat to 25 internationally threatened bird species
and 10 internationally threatened reptiles.
According to the National Avian Research Centre in Abu Dhabi, with houbara's birth rate of 5
per cent a year and if number of houbara keeps decreasing at the same rate with more than
6,000 being bagged by hunting parties and more than 4000 smuggled out of country, the worst
scenario is that the houbara bustard would disappear as the species by 2015.
There are a number of organizations that were formed to protest the illegal hunting and
preserve the wildlife. This includes National Council for Conservation of Wildlife (NCCW),
established in 1974 and supported by the UN, which breaks into three groups: Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), Convention on
Wetland of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat (RAMSAR) and
Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).
3.2.11 The Forest Act, 1927
The act empowers the provincial forest departments to declare any forest area as reserved or
protected. The act also empowers the provincial forest departments to prohibit the clearing of
forest for cultivation, grazing, hunting, removing forest produce; quarrying and felling, lopping
and topping of trees, branches in reserved and protected forests.
No protected forest is situated in the proposed wind farm area. However, it is not just the
protected forests that the Forest department needs to attend to; it is equally responsible to
protect the forest cover, protected or unprotected, to abate rampant desertification. The process
of desertification is linked to availability of firewood, which is now in greater demand than
ever because of the exhaustion of all fuel resources in the country. This has led to not just
felling, lopping and topping of trees, branches anywhere but to extracting the tree by the roots.
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3.2.12 Civil Aviation Rules (1994)
These rules apply to flight operations within Pakistan by aircrafts other than military aircrafts
and, except where otherwise prescribed, to flight operations by aircrafts registered, acquired or
operating under these rules, wherever they may be. The rules with relevant significance to the
activities taking place in Gharo Wind Corridor are the following:
No person shall erect any temporary or permanent structure, nor position a vehicle or
other mobile object on or in the vicinity of an aerodrome (airport), that will be within
the clearance area, or will protrude through an obstacle limitation surface, at that
aerodrome.
No person shall operate a light in the vicinity of an aerodrome which because of its
glare is liable to dazzle pilots of aircraft taking off from or landing at that aerodrome;
or which can be mistaken for an aeronautical ground light. If such a light is operated it
shall be extinguished or satisfactorily screened immediately upon notice being given
to the person or persons operating the light, by the Director General or by the Manager
or by a person authorized by him.
No person or persons shall operate a radio station or electrical equipment in the
vicinity of an aerodrome or of a radio aid to navigation serving an airway or an air
route in Pakistan which is liable to cause interference with radio communications
between aircraft and an Air Traffic Services Unit, or which is liable to disturb the
signal from a navigational radio aid.
A captive balloon or a kite shall not be flown at a height above 200ft within 6km of an
aerodrome, and a free balloon shall not be flown at any place, except with the express
permission of the Director General and in compliance with the conditions attached to
such permission
An aircraft shall not be flown over congested areas of cities, towns, or settlements or
over an open air assembly of persons, except by permission of the Director-General,
unless it is at such height as will permit, in the event of an emergency, a landing to be
made without undue hazard to persons on the ground, and except when it is taking off
or landing, shall not be flown closer than 500ft to any person, vessel, vehicle or
structure.
The proposed Wind farm site is neither used by the domestic air traffic, nor does it fall under
the flyway of the air traffic. It is therefore unlikely that wind farm construction and operation
activities would contravene any of the aforementioned rules. The Proponent will nevertheless
submit a promissory note to the Director General Civil Aviation informing the Authority of the
construction and operation schedule.
3.2.13 The Pakistan Environmental Assessment Procedures, 1997
The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency prepared the Pakistan Environmental
Assessment Procedures in 1997. They are based on much of the existing work done by
international donor agencies and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). The package of
regulations prepared by PEPA includes:
Policy and Procedures for Filing, Review and Approval of Environmental
Assessments;
Guidelines for the Preparation and Review of Environmental Reports;
Guidelines for Public Consultation;
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Guidelines for Sensitive and Critical Areas; and
Sectoral guidelines for Environmental Reports – Wind Power Projects
3.2.14 Sectoral guidelines for Environmental Reports – Wind Power Projects
These Wind Power sectoral guidelines are part of a package of regulations and guidelines.
They should be read in the context of the overall EIA Guideline Package. This “Package” has
been prepared by the Federal EPA in collaboration with other key stakeholders, including
Provincial EPA’s and Planning and Development Division from both the Federal Government
and the provinces, other Agencies, NGO’s representatives of Chambers of Commerce and
Industry, and academics and consultants. The Package consists of comprehensive procedures
and guidelines for environmental assessment in Pakistan. It is emphasized that the various
guidelines should be read as a package; reliance on the sectoral guidelines alone will be
inadequate.
3.2.15 World bank Guidelines on Environment
The principal World Bank publications that contain environmental guidelines are listed below.
Environmental Assessment Operational Policy 4.01.Washington, DC, USA. World
Bank 1999.Environmental Assessment Sourcebook, Volume I: Policies, Procedures,
and Cross-Sectoral Issues. World Bank Technical Paper Number 139, Environment
Department, the World Bank, 1991,Pollution Prevention and Abatement Handbook:
Towards Cleaner Production, Environment Department, the World Bank, United
Nations Industrial Development Organization and the United Nations Environment
Program, 1998.Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) guidelines, International
Finance Corporation (IFC) World Bank Group, 2007.
The first two publications listed here provide general guidelines for the conduct of an
IEE, and address the IEE practitioners themselves as well as project designers. While
the Sourcebook in particular has been designed with Bank projects in mind, and is
especially relevant for the impact assessment of large-scale infrastructure projects, it
contains a wealth of information which is useful to environmentalists and project
proponents.
The Sourcebook identifies a number of areas of concern, which should be addressed
during impact assessment. It sets out guidelines for the determination of impacts,
provides a checklist of tools to identify possible biodiversity issues and suggests
possible mitigation measures. Possible development project impacts on wild lands,
wetlands, forests etc. are also identified and mitigation measures suggested. The
Sourcebook also highlights concerns in social impact assessment, and emphasizes the
need to incorporate socio-economic issues in EIA exercises.
The EHS guidelines published by IFC are technical reference documents that address IFC’s
expectations regarding the industrial pollution management performance of its projects. They
are designed to assist managers and decision makers with relevant industry background d and
technical information. This information supports actions aimed at avoiding, minimizing, and
controlling EHS impacts during construction, operation, and decommissioning phase of a
project or facility.
The World Bank Guidelines for noise are provided in Table 3.1
Table 3.1: World bank Guidelines for Noise levels a
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No. Receptor Day (07:00-22:00) Night (22:00-07:00)
1. Residential, institutional educational 55 45
2. Industrial, commercial 70 70
Source: Pollution Prevention and Abatement Handbook World Bank Group (1998)
Notes: a Maximum allowable log equivalent (hourly measurements) in dB(A)
3.2.16 Equator Principles
The Equator Principles are a set of guidelines, promoted by the International Finance
Corporation (IFC) that address the environmental and social issues associated with major
development projects worldwide. They provide a common baseline and framework for the
implementation of internal environmental and social procedures and standards for project
financing activities across all industries.
Principle 1: Review and Categorization (of projects)
Principle 2: Social and Environmental Assessment
Principle 3: Applicable Social and Environmental Standards
Principle 4: Action Plan and Management System
Principle 5: Consultation and Disclosure
Principle 6: Grievance Mechanism
Principle 7: Independent Review
Principle 8: Covenants
Principle 9: Independent Monitoring and Reporting
Principle 10: EPFI Reporting
Review and categorization
An EPFI will categorize a project, based on the magnitude of the potential social or
environmental impacts and risks of that project, in accordance with IFC classification criteria.
These categories are:
Category A: Projects with potential significant adverse social or environmental impacts that is
diverse, irreversible or unprecedented.
Category B: Projects with limited adverse social or environmental impacts that is few in
number, generally site specific, largely reversible and readily addressed through mitigation
measures.
Category C: Projects with minimal or no social or environmental impacts.
Wind Energy projects, by their nature; tend to fall into Categories B or C, being medium or low
risk. Certain EPFIs as a matter of policy for example treat every wind turbine project as
Category B.
The Equator Principles apply to projects over 10 million US dollars. The Principles state that
adopting financial institutions will provide loans directly to projects only under the following
circumstances:
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This EIA study has adequately addressed the Equator Principles applicable to risky projects as
stated hereunder:
Principle 1 (Review and Categorization): The study has reviewed the National and
International Laws and Guidelines on different environmental aspects and has categorized the
NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Project in Category B (Medium Hazard).
Principle 2 (Social and Environmental Assessment): The Study has been prepared to
respond to the National and International requirements and to satisfactorily address the key
environmental and social issues.
Principle 3 (Applicable Social and Environmental Standards): For the purpose of this EIA
Study, primary data on the baseline environmental and social conditions have been generated
wherever necessary to address the requirements of National laws and regulations; applicable
International Treaties and Agreements; sustainable development and use of renewable natural
resources; protection of human health, cultural properties, and biodiversity and other physical,
ecological and socioeconomic issues required to be addressed under this Principle.
Principle 4 (Action Plan and Management System): Chapter 5 of this study screens the
potential environmental impacts and proposes/provides Mitigation Measures to reduce the
severity of impact. The study also includes the Environmental Monitoring and Management
Plan.
Principle 5 (Consultation and Disclosure): Being a project of Category B, the public
consultation is limited to the scoping sessions with stakeholders and an extensive
socioeconomic survey of the villages/hamlets that are all outside the boundary of the Project
area. The surveys and consultation meetings have established that no resettlement or temporary
relocation or acquisition of land is involved.
Principle 6 (Grievance Mechanism): This Principle will not apply since ‘no’ resettlement or
temporary relocation or acquisition of land is involved.
Principle 7 (Independent Review): Being placed in Category B, an independent review may
be needed.
Principle 8 (Covenants): The EIA study has incorporated Covenants linked to compliance.
Moreover, No Objection Certificates are issued to Proponents of Project under conditions of
compliance with the Mitigation and Performance Monitoring Plan. Needless to say that if the
proponent does not comply with the agreed terms, Sindh EPA is authorized to take corrective
and even coercive action.
Principle 9 (Independent Monitoring and Reporting): This Principle will be applicable to
the NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Project since it falls in category of projects requiring an EIA.
The proponent shall hire an Independent Monitoring Consultant to monitor the implementation
of EMP and make reports for submission to regulatory agency.
Principle 10 (EPFI Reporting): The concerned EPFI may safely commit to report publicly at
least annually about its Equator Principles implementation processes and experience.
3.2.17 IFC Performance Standards on Social and Environmental Sustainability
International Finance Corporation (IFC) applies the Performance Standards to manage social
and environmental risks and impacts and to enhance development opportunities in its private
sector financing in its member countries eligible for financing. The Performance Standards
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may also be applied by other financial institutions electing to apply them to projects in
emerging markets. Together, the eight Performance Standards establish standards that the
Proponent is to meet throughout the life of an investment by IFC or other relevant financial
institution.
The objectives of Performance standards are given below:
To identify and assess social and environment impacts, both adverse and beneficial, in the
project's area of influence
To avoid, or where avoidance is not possible, minimize, mitigate, or compensate for
adverse impacts on workers, affected communities , and the environment
To ensure that affected communities are appropriately engaged on issues that could
potentially affect them
To promote improved social and environment performance of companies through the
effective use of management systems.
Performance Standard-1: Social & Environmental Assessment and Management System
This Performance Standard seeks to:
Identify and assess social and environment impacts in the project’s area of influence;
Avoid, minimize, mitigate, or compensate for adverse impacts on workers, affected
communities, and the environment;
Ensure that affected communities are appropriately engaged on issues that could
potentially affect them; and
Promote improved social and environment performance of the project through the
effective use of management systems.
Under this Standard, the project is required to establish and maintain a social and
environmental management system appropriate to the nature and scale of the project and in
accordance with the level of social and environmental risks and impacts. The management
system is required to incorporate the following elements:
Social and Environmental Assessment;
Management program;
Organizational capacity;
Training;
Community engagement;
Monitoring; and
Reporting
This EIA study has been conducted to respond to requirements of national legislation and
international Guidelines and just as well fulfills the above requirements of the IFC Performance
Standards PS1.
Performance Standard-2: Labor and Working Conditions
This PS seeks to establish, maintain and improve the worker-management relationship;
promote fair treatment, non-discrimination and equal opportunity for workers, and compliance
with national labor and employment laws; protect the workforce by addressing child labor and
forced labor issues; and promote safe and healthy working conditions, and to protect and
promote the health of workers.
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The Sponsors of proposed project and their contractors will be required to adhere to this PS, in
particular with regard to compliance with national labor and employment laws; employment of
child labor, and promoting safe and healthy working conditions, besides protecting and
promoting the health of workers.
Performance Standard-3: Pollution Prevention and Abatement
The PS 3 seeks to avoid or minimize adverse impacts on human health and the environment by
avoiding or minimizing pollution from project activities, and to promote the reduction of
emissions that contribute to climate change. The Standard requires the project to consider
during its entire lifecycle ambient conditions and apply pollution prevention and control
technologies and practices that are best suited to avoid or, where avoidance is not feasible,
minimize or reduce adverse impacts on human health and the environment while remaining
technically and financially feasible and cost-effective.
PS 3 will be applicable to all stages of the NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Project. Various
aspects of pollution prevention and abatement of the proposed project are discussed separately
in this report.
Performance Standard-4: Community Health, Safety and Security
The PS 4 seeks to avoid or minimize risks to and impacts on the health and safety of local
community during the project lifecycle from both routine and non-routine circumstances, and
to ensure that the safeguarding of personnel and property is carried out in a legitimate manner
that avoids or minimizes risks to the community’s safety and security. The PS requires the
project to evaluate the risks and impacts to the health and safety of the affected community
during the design, construction, operation, and decommissioning of the project and establish
preventive measures to address them in a manner commensurate with the identified risks and
impacts.
The present assessment addresses the requirement of PS 4 for the proposed project, and has
evaluated the impacts of siting the Terminal on health, safety and security of the community in
the microenvironment as well as the macroenvironment. The Environmental Management Plan
also addresses company community aspects.
Performance Standard-5: Land Acquisition and Involuntary Resettlement
This PS aims to address the adverse impacts associated with land acquisition and involuntary
resettlement caused by the project. The PS seeks to:
avoid or at least minimize involuntary resettlement wherever feasible by exploring
alternative project designs
mitigate adverse social and economic impacts from land acquisition or restrictions on
affected persons’ use of land by: (i) providing compensation for loss of assets at
replacement cost; and (ii) ensuring that resettlement activities are implemented with
appropriate disclosure of information, consultation, and the informed participation of those
affected
improve or at least restore the livelihoods and standards of living of displaced persons
improve living conditions among displaced persons through provision of adequate housing
with security of tenure at resettlement sites.
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The project site is the property of SZABIST. Moreover there is no settlement or hamlet within
the designated area. Land acquisition by the Project will therefore not cause any involuntary
resettlement.
Performance Standard-6: Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Natural Resource
Management
The PS 6 seeks to protect and conserve biodiversity, and promote sustainable management and
use of natural resources through adoption of practices that integrate conservation needs and
development priorities.
The present environmental assessment addresses the potential impacts of the proposed project
on the biodiversity. This EIA has recommended measures for the conservation of flora, fauna
and other natural resources.
Performance Standard-7: Indigenous Peoples
The PS 7 seeks to address the impacts of the project on the indigenous people. Specifically, the
objectives of the PS are to:
ensure that the development process fosters full respect for the dignity, human rights,
aspirations, cultures and natural resource-based livelihoods of Indigenous Peoples
avoid adverse impacts of projects on communities of Indigenous Peoples, or when
avoidance is not feasible, to minimize, mitigate, or compensate for such impacts, and to
provide opportunities for development benefits, in a culturally appropriate manner
establish and maintain an ongoing relationship with the Indigenous Peoples affected by a
project throughout the life of the project
foster good faith negotiation with and informed participation of Indigenous Peoples when
projects are to be located on traditional or customary lands under use by the Indigenous
Peoples
respect and preserve the culture, knowledge and practices of Indigenous Peoples
No indigenous people - with a social and cultural identity distinct from the existing dominant
society that makes them vulnerable to being disadvantaged in the development process of the
proposed project are known to exist in and around the proposed site. No such people were
found in the area during the present study either. Therefore, this PS is not applicable for the
proposed project.
Performance Standard-8: Cultural Heritage objectives have been set in the IFC
performance standards to achieve sustainable development.
The objectives of this PS are to protect cultural heritage from the adverse impacts of project
activities and support its preservation, and to promote the equitable sharing of benefits from the
use of cultural heritage in project activities.
No sites of cultural heritage are known to exist at or in the immediate vicinity of the project
location. There are also no indications of any old settlement in the area, nor is there any site
covered under the listing of cultural heritage sites. This PS will therefore not be applicable to
the Project.
3.2.18 IFC- Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines
The Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Guidelines are technical reference documents
with general and industry specific examples of Good International Industry Practice (GIIP).
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For Wind Energy the EHS Guidelines for wind energy include information relevant to
environmental, health, and safety aspects of onshore and offshore wind energy facilities.
Construction activities for wind energy projects typically include land clearing for site
preparation and access routes; excavation, blasting, and filling; transportation of supply
materials and fuels; construction of foundations involving excavations and placement of
concrete; operating cranes for unloading and installation of equipment; and commissioning of
new equipment. Decommissioning activities may include removal of project infrastructure and
site rehabilitation.
Environmental issues associated with the construction and decommissioning activities may
include, among others, noise and vibration, soil erosion, and threats to biodiversity, including
habitat alteration and impacts to wildlife. Due to the typically remote location of wind energy
conversion facilities, the transport of equipment and materials during construction and
decommissioning may present logistical challenges.
Environmental issues specific to the operation of wind energy projects and facilities include the
following:
Visual impacts
Noise
Species mortality or injury and disturbance
Light and illumination issues
Habitat alteration
Water quality
Electric Power Transmission and Distribution
The EHS Guidelines for Electric Power Transmission and Distribution include information
relevant to power transmission between a generation facility and a substation located within an
electricity grid, in addition to power distribution from a substation to consumers located in
residential, commercial, and industrial areas.
Examples of the impacts addressed in the General EHS Guidelines include:
Construction site waste generation;
Soil erosion and sediment control from materials sourcing areas and site preparation
activities;
Fugitive dust and other emissions (e.g. from vehicle traffic, land clearing activities,
and materials stockpiles);
Noise from heavy equipment and truck traffic;
Potential for hazardous materials and oil spills associated with heavy equipment
operation and fuelling activities.
Environmental issues during the construction phase of power transmission and distribution
projects specific to this industry sector include the following:
Terrestrial habitat alteration.
Aquatic habitat alteration.
Electric and magnetic fields.
Hazardous materials.
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3.3 Approval and Leases Requirements
All development activities are now required by law to obtain an Approval/No
Objection Certificate (NOC) from the provincial EPA or Federal EPA, as the case may
be.
Power Production Units based on Renewable Energy sources are required to obtain a
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Alternative Energy Development Board.
However, in order to encourage generation through renewable resources, small
projects for self-use will not require any permission from the government, and will
also be able to sell surplus power to Distribution Companies under the Renewable
Energy Policy - 2006.
The small renewable energy projects also do not require tariff determination from
NEPRA. It has been allowed that wind and solar projects, irrespective of size of the
plant (even more than 50 MW) will be handled by Alternative Energy Development
Board. The power purchaser will bear the wind risk as well.
Approvals/leases are required from Local Government, Highway Department, and
Irrigation Departments for installation of transmission lines and their crossing of
highways, roads, canals and public property. Approvals will also be needed from Civil
Aviation Authority as well as Telecommunication Authority in case the project is sited
near or under the aircraft flyway zone. Each of these departments has individual
requirements for grant of approvals.
The following departments are to be taken on-board before commencement of work at the
Project site:
Sindh Wildlife Department.
National Highway Authority.
Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA).
Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL).
Civil Aviation Authority
Telecommunication Authority.
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4.0 Environmental & Social Baseline
4.1 General
This section presents an overview of the physical environment of Gharo-Keti Bandar Wind
Corridor component of Thatta District that forms the macro environment of the Project and the
microenvironment that comprises the Wind Farm site located in Union Council Dhabeji,
Taluka Mirpur Sakro, 2.4 kms off the National Highway: N5. The physical features such as
Physiography, geology, soil classification, land capability, land use, water resources, natural
hazards, climate, hydrology, sea conditions, ambient air quality and noise emission issues in the
Gharo-Keti Bandar wind corridor and wind farm sites are covered in this section. Secondary
data and maps prepared by the Geological survey of Pakistan and Soil survey of Pakistan,
published literature; District Census Reports (DCRs) etc. have been used in the compilation of
this section. Various figures and tables supporting the literature are provided at the end of the
section.
4.2 Physical Environment
4.2.1 Location
The proposed project will be located in Union Council Dhabeji in Mirpur Sakro Taluka,
District Thatta and Sindh Province, Pakistan. The project area is approximately 65 km from
Karachi and 2.4kms from N5 National Highway. Project area coordinates are presented in
Table 4.1:
Table 4.1: Location coordinates of proposed wind farm
Point Coordinates
1 24°46'15.00"N, 67°35'56.82"E
2 24°46'18.30"N, 67°36'19.08"E
3 24°47'39.90"N, 67°35'52.74"E
4 24°47'24.00"N, 67°33'22.14"E
5 24°47'18.06"N, 67°33'18.24"E
6 24°46'44.64"N, 67°34'30.66"E
4.3 The Macro environment
4.3.1 Physiography and Geology of Macro environment
The Gharo-Keti Bandar wind corridor lies in the south western part of the Sindh province and
is mostly covered by the Indus Delta of the ancient past. In its physical aspects the District has
features varying from coastal swamps to fresh water marshes, lakes and from river islands to
coastal deltas. However, this wide variation has diminished as a result of the lack of fresh water
flow in the Indus River. The current terrain of the district consists of the Makli Hills close to the
Thatta Town. These hills are 32 kilometers in length and are home to the ancient tombs dating
back to the 15th century.
The western and north-western part of the district consists of hilly tracts known as Kohistan.
The hills are bare and mostly composed of limestone while the valleys are covered with grass
or brushwood. Southwards, the area degenerates into sandy wastes, uncultivated and almost
devoid of vegetation. There are short ranges of low stones, hills and intersected by nais or
torrent beds which carry the drainage of the Kohistan to the Indus. To the west, wind has blown
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sand over large tracts of land. In the south eastern quarter of the delta, there is a wide expanse
of salt waste, embracing a large part of the Shah Bander and Jatti Talukas. Between Sir and
Khori Creeks lie the great Sirganda salt deposits which consist of many square kilometers of
solid salt.
4.3.2 Physiography and Geology of Microenvironment
The microenvironment of the NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Project forms the eastern part of a
major synclinorium that stretches from Rann Pethani River to Cape Monze in the extreme west
and Mehar and Mol Jabals (mountains) in the north to the swampy area of the Gharo Creek.
4.3.3 Physical Features
The Ghaggar Nala-Dhabeji Nala-Rann Pethani (GDRP) can be considered a distinct ecosystem
on the north of the railway line. It is more or less level and was found fairly covered with grass
and/or brushwood. The physical landscape has evolved under sub-tropical and arid conditions.
The effects of aridity are visible in the erosional work of the Ghaghar, Dhabeji and Rann
Pethani River and their tributaries that cross the railway line. The entire area is otherwise
barren land with scanty vegetation.
The land area of the ecosystem is the drainage basin of the Ghaggar and Dhabeji nalas and also
of the Rann Pethani River both systems discharge into the Gharo Creek. The Gharo filtration
plant is located about two km from National Highway. The Gharo Creek also receives some
spill over from the filtration plant. The land area between the Railway line and the Super
Highway is under subsistence farming and grows maize for fodder.
The area to the south of the Ghaggar – Dhabeji – Rann Pethani (GDRP) ecosystem slopes
towards the Gharo-Phittee salt water creek and has the open sea about 10 km down south. The
area from the Railway line to the creek is gravelly, and is scene for extensive excavation of
gravel, sand and silt for the construction industry in Bin Qasim and Gadap towns. The area
from about one km to the creek is sandy-cum-muddy sub-stratum, with very soft mud and
mangrove vegetation. It has three salt pans along the sandy-muddy terrain of the creek. This
creek also houses the archaeological site of Bhambore.
The presence of concealed structures under the hills, plains and rivers can fairly be deduced.
Rock aggregates, sand, glass sand, lime-stone and clay are some of the potentials for gainful
utilization. Members of the Gaj Formation offer ground water potential for limited use.
4.3.4 Topography
The Project area has variegated topography ranging in height from below the datum level in the
south along the tidal swamps and mud flats of coastal strips to the maximum of 525 meters
above the mean sea level at Mol escarpment in Sindh Kohistan.
The project location is covered with un-differentiated piedmont and sub-piedmont deposits
consisting of loosely packed boulders, cobbles, pebbles and coarse to fine stand. Its
topographical features can be described as follows:
1. Plains and Plateau of Ghaggar Rann Pethani Interflows
The vast tract of land lying between the Ghaggar - Rann Pethani forms the interflows of the
drainage systems of the two streams. This area has very little natural drainage scars, which
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indicate its having a rocky base of alternating layers of consolidated sandstone, intervened by
silt and clay beds.
2. Plains and Hills of the Coastal Belt
The southern part of GDRP ecosystem follows the coastal strip of the Gharo and Korangi
creeks, demarcating the western edge of the old Indus delta. The areas, to the south of the east-
west baseline of the triangular outline of the vast synclinorium, subsided and were covered by
the sea making a shallow basin. In the course of time the deltaic deposits of the Indus River
filled this shallow basin and the northern part of the basin, which coincided with a fault line
making the coastal edge. The terrain rises gradually northward from the Arabian Sea,
culminating in low, flat-topped, parallel hills. Sub-parallel ridges interrupted by wide
intervening plains, categorized as marine denudation plains, sand dunes, and marine terraces,
are prominent features of this area.
The site proposed for the Wind Farm is enclosed between the National Highway N5 in the
south and the Pakistan Railway line in the north, and between the Dhabeji nala just ahead of
Dhabeji Railway Station on the west has the Tota Pahari in the west, Gharo Pumping Station
and its residential area in the east, the Gharo Creek in the south and south east. Pipri and Badel
Nala flow northwest of the proposed site. This nala ultimately falls into the Gharo creek located
in the adjacent south of the proposed site. The land use of the rest of the project area is divided
amongst industrial plots; public and civic buildings; roads, railway lines, and drains that are
passing through the industrial area.
The Study Area is approximately 65 km from Karachi, Capital of Sind Province, with elevation
ranging from 70 to 180 feet from sea level. Ground flat terrain in the south eastern part of the
study area is 70-80 feet above sea level while north western hilly part of the project area is 100-
180 feet from sea level.
The proposed wind farm site on SZABIST land is covered under the Miocene Sedimentary
Rocks (Limestone, sandstone and Shale) of Tertiary age and Pliocene and Miocene
Sedimentary Rocks (Shale, Sandstone, Conglomerate and Limestone) of Tertiary ages.
4.3.5 Soil
The texture of soils in the wind corridor ranges from loamy saline, silty and clayey in the
coastal areas to gravely, mainly loamy and clayey soils in the inland areas. The soils of
proposed wind farm site are also classified as mainly loamy saline and part gravely.
Some part of the project area soil is strongly saline and some part is strongly calcareous
(moderately alkaline).
4.3.6 Land Use
The land area covered by the wind farm site consists of complex of agriculturally unproductive
(rock) land and some poor grazing (gravely land) (Class VIII, VII). This area constitutes about
30% of the total wind farm area and is also incapable of agriculture as the soil underneath
mainly consists of rock and gravel. The remaining portion (about 70%) of the land is a
complex of poor torrent-watered crop land and poor (loamy) grazing land. Some part of this
land is capable of agriculture being fed by torrent water whereas the remaining portion
comprises grazing area (capable of growing grass and shrubs).
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Figure 4.1: Land of Dhabeji.
4.3.7 Land Use in Microenvironment
Project area is agriculturally unproductive (rock) land and some poor grazing gravely land.
Perennial grazing areas consist of moisture shortage, sandy soils with low to high salinity. This
land area in the form of semi-arid/arid sand desert is also present in the upper half of the wind
corridor in small patches. The outgrowth in these areas mainly consists of short grasses, shrubs
and scrubs along with a few drought resistant trees.
4.3.8 Seismicity
The seismicity map of Pakistan (Figure 4.2) shows that the earthquake zones have been hit by
earthquakes a number of times, but the depth of their epicenter is not usually lower than 33 km.
The map also shows the yellow line, which marks the frequency zones as well as the fault
lines. It also shows that the yellow line on entering the Arabian Sea bifurcates into a line that
travels along the coastline while the other goes southwest. This indicates that there are quite a
few other active faults in Lower Sindh, including a thrust-and-fold belt extending northward
parallel to the transform fault separating India from Asia, and the Rann of Kutch fault system
trending westward towards Jhimpir, Karachi city and Makran Coast bordering the Arabian Sea.
The map does not show the presence of the unique Mud Volcanoes, which are still active on the
Baluchistan coast.
Seismic activity in the macro environment of the Ghaggar-Dhabeji-Rann Pethani ecosystem
that includes the Project site is caused by the dynamics of slow but constant relative motion of
the active Karachi Triple Junction (KTJ) of three major tectonic plates viz. the Indian Plate, the
Arabian Plate, and the Eurasian Plate of the earth's crust. Their corresponding fault systems
comprising a subduction zone, a transform boundary, and the ancient rift system, intersect in
the general vicinity. Each produces a distinct type of ground motion and appears to have been
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reactivated, with an associated hazard risk that can be disastrous. Seismic activity in the region
is the result of movement on one or more faults and mainly from intra-plate active faults,
including the Karachi-Jati, Allah Bund-Rann of Kutch, Surjan-Jhimpir, and Pab.
Figure 4.2: Seismicity & Natural Disasters - Pakistan, 1990-2000.
The macro environment of NBT-SZABIST site is about 200 km on the NEE, while Karachi
lies approximately 160 km east of the triple junction. The western and north-trending arms of
the triple junction sustain convergent and trans-current rates of 28-33 mm/yr respectively1.
The presence of a recently discovered active Sonne fault indicates that the Arabian plate has
been fragmented across the southwest corner of the triple junction defining a triangular plate:
the Ormara plate whose velocity relative to the Arabian plate increases the subduction
velocities by a few millimeters per year compared with the rate at the west. In addition to these
clearly defined plate boundaries, other active structural zones have produced damaging
earthquakes that have been felt in the macro environment of NBT-SZABIST site in Deh
Kohistan in the past 200 years. They include the following faults:
1) Karachi-Jati
2) Surjan-Jhimpir,
3) Pab Fault
4) Hab Fault
5) Allah Bund-Rann of Kutch,
1. Surjan Fault
These N-S trending dip-slip or bedding-plane faults are active along the Kirthar Range Front.
This fault cuts across the Quaternary deposits on the north of Karachi and west of Mirpur
1 “Geodetically constrained Indian plate motion and implications for plate boundary deformation”, Apel, E, R., Bürgmann, P.
Bannerjee, and B. Nagarajan, 2006, EOS, Transactions, American Geophysical Union 85,52 T51B-1524 Fall meeting supplement
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Sakro. The southern end of this fault is intersected by the northwest trending Jhimpir Fault on
the west of Jhimpir. The interaction of these two faults is characterized by at least four tele-
seismic events of shallow focal depth and magnitude 3-6. The maximum magnitude of the
earthquake associated with the Surjan Fault is of the order of M ≈ 6-1.
2. Jhimpir Fault
A number of epicenters are located on this N-W trending fault. The fault has produced an
earthquake of M ≈ 5.6 on Richter scale.
3. Pab Fault
This NNW-SSE trending is 135 km in length and is located in the eastern part of the Pab Range
and has dislocated vertically the Quaternary alluvial fans. The maximum magnitude of the
earthquake associated with this fault is of the order M ≈ 7.0 on Richter scale.
4. Hab Fault
The Hab valley is traversed by this fault.
5. Rann of Kutch Fault
This E-W trending fault has produced earthquake of the order of M ~ 7.6 on Richter scale. In
1819 and 1956, this fault was responsible for severe earthquakes in Gujarat, Tharparker and
Indus delta. This fault system also known as Allah Bund Fault passes in the proximity of the
Steel Mills and Karachi Nuclear Power plant. It is 225 km in length and is responsible for the
production of earthquake of considerably high magnitude of up to 7.6 M on Richter scale and
of IX to X intensity on the Modified Mercalli, MM scale on June 16, 1819.
Additionally a complex series of faults generally oriented easterly and slightly concave to the
north have been identified through aerial photographs. They are roughly parallel to the inferred
zone of rupture for the 1819 earthquake event.
Over the last sixty years, earthquakes of intensity lower than 5 on Richter scale, including those
in 1945 and 1985, have struck the region comprising the macro environment and thus far they
have been of minor significance. This is mainly because the earthquakes here are not "Inter-
Plate" or "Plate Boundary" earthquakes which occur commonly along narrow zones that follow
the edges of tectonic plates.
The tectonic fault that produced the 2002-Bhuj earthquake, which registered a massive 7.7 on
the Richter scale, was part of a complex system of geologic faults that run northwest in Gujarat
through the marshy Rann of Kutch, where it produced a magnitude 7.6 quake in 1819, and also
ran into Pakistan. While concealed under the loose sand of the Rajasthan and Thar deserts and
sediments of the Indus delta, this system of faults appears to continue to the west, passing
through Karachi and while extending into the Arabian Sea, it intersects another system of faults
associated with a major tectonic boundary that has produced devastating earthquakes as far
north as Quetta in the past. Together these fault systems have produced historically large
earthquakes within Kohistan, notably in the Pab Range, Thatta Taluka, and Jhimpir areas.
It is the Intra-plate type of earthquakes (Mid-Plate Earthquakes) that occur far away from plate
boundaries. The latter type earthquakes are less frequent but are capable of releasing just as
much energy in a single event as one of similar intensity along a plate boundary. These arise
due to localized systems of forces in the crust sometimes associated with ancient geological
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structures such as in the Rann of Kutch. Thus while the October 8, 2005 mega thrust
earthquake was the direct result of the interaction between Indian Plate and the Eurasian plate,
the earthquakes of July, August and October 11 in the macro environment are intra-plate or
Mid-Plate events.
It may be noted that no earthquake, including the 1945 Makran and 2001 Bhuj events, as well
as the occasional shaking from M 4-5 earthquakes on faults in Kohistan, has ever produced
documented damage anywhere. Although the 1819 earthquake was apparently similar or larger
in magnitude than the 2001 Bhuj event, little damage occurred in Thatta and Hyderabad in
1819 compared to 2001 even though the former event was closer to these towns/cities.2
The Table 4.2 shows the earthquake occurrences over the last forty years. The Table does not
include the numerous events of magnitude less than 4.0 on Richter scale. Earthquakes of recent
occurrence were recorded on July 16, 2005, followed by one on August 6, another on August
13, yet another on October 9 and then again on October 11, 2005. They were all of magnitude
between 4 and 5.1 on Richter scale. The epicenter of these earthquakes was away from those
listed in table. The epicenter of the most recent tremor of January 2, 2009 was 100
kilometers in the coastal region of Thatta district. It had a shallow depth of 10 kilometers
and magnitude of 2.2 M on Richter scale.
Table 4.2: Epicenter, Depth, Magnitude & Intensity of Earthquakes Near Jhimpir
Year Coordinates Depth
Magnitude
Richter
Scale
Intensity
MM Location
1962 24o70’N66
o00E 0 4.50 - Karachi
1965 25o 03N67
o76’E 40 4.50 - Karachi
1966 25o 0N68
o00’ E - 5.0 VI-VII Jhimpir
1968 24o 61N66
o42’ E 19 4.10 - Karachi
1970 25o 28N66
o65’ E 33 4.90 V Karachi
1971 25o 00N68
o00’ E - 4.50 V Jhimpir
1972 25o 35N66
o71’ E 33 4.50 V Karachi
1973 25o 00N68
o00’ E - 5.00 VI Jhimpir
1973 25o 48N66
o33’ E 57 4.90 V Karachi
1975 25o 50N66
o80’ E - 4.50 V Gadani
1975 25o 22N66
o59’ E 33 4.90 V Karachi
1976 24o 96N70
o38’ E 14 4.70 V Karachi
1984 25o 86N66
o41’ E 33 4.70 VI Karachi
1985 24o 90N67
o39’ E 33 5.00 VI Karachi
1986 25o 34N66
o60’ E 33 4.50 V Karachi
1992 25o 25N67
o76’ E 33 3.60 IV Karachi
1996 25o 06N66
o76’ E 33 - - Karachi
1998 25o 69N66
o46’ E 33 4.40 V Karachi
1998 24o 85N66
o35’ E 33 4.50 V Karachi
2009 24o 31N67
o18’ E 10 2.2 IV Thatta
According to a map created by the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the country is divided
into 4 zones based on expected ground acceleration. The areas surrounding Quetta, those along
the Makran coast and parts of the NWFP, and also along the Afghan border fall in Zone 4. The
rest of the NWFP lies in Zone 3, with the exception of southern parts of this province, which lie
in Zone 2. The remaining parts of the Pakistani coastline also lie in Zone 3. The remaining
2 Seismic Hazard in Karachi, Pakistan: Uncertain Past, Uncertain Future, Roger Bilham, Sarosh Lodi, Susan Hough, Saria Bukhary, Abid
Murtaza Khan, and S. F. A. Rafeeqi, Seismological Research Letters; November 2007; v. 78; no. 6; p. 601-613; DOI: 10.1785/gssrl.78.6.601
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parts of the country lie in Zone 2. According to this classification this ecosystem would be
placed in Zone 2.
Figure 4.3: GSHAP hazard map of Pakistan3
Color scale indicates peak ground acceleration (m/s/s) with 10% probability of exceedance in
50 years) compared to (B) a recently revised hazard map following the 2005 earthquake
(working group on Pakistan Hazard 2006; zonation 4 is most hazardous, Zone 1 is least
hazardous).
In view of the not too distant location of the Project site to Allah Bund Fault line, it is suggested
that this ecosystem that includes the NBT-SZABIST project land should be placed in Zone 2A.
Such Seismic Zoning would correspond to Magnitude between 5.0 and 6.5 on Richter Scale
and Intensity between VII and IX on Modified Mercallis Scale and hence Ground Force in
terms of Assumed Approximate Acceleration equivalent of 0.3 g should be adopted for siting
the Wind Farm for constructions and positioning of towers and WTGs, for operational basis
earthquakes (OBE) pertaining to damage due to moderate level earthquakes (MM-VII to IX).
The seismic hazard, in view of the historical data, has been estimated for GDRP ecosystem as
"moderate to major". This suggests the "possibility" of earthquakes of intensity V to VII on
(MM) scale and "probability" of those above VII. The seismic risk factor of g/20 must
therefore be incorporated in the design factor for the construction of Wind Towers and
Turbines. Moreover in view of the Rock Quality Designation (RQD) values being generally
lower than 30% which shows poor Rock Quality and low load bearing capacity of the soil of
the area, the risk of liquefaction during major (> 7 on Richter Scale) earthquakes will have to
be taken into account. The appropriate mitigation measures would be to provide bored
reinforced concrete piles to minimize the risk of liquefaction threat during major (> 7 on
Richter scale) earthquake.
4.3.9 Tsunamis
Major damages done by Tsunamis, the impulsively generated seawater waves that are a result
of underwater earthquakes, have not been recorded for the coastal area south of Karachi. There
are, however, evidences of a 1.2 m tsunami generated by an offshore earthquake of intensity 8
M in 1945, which caused only minor damages in Port Qasim area. This event was followed by
3 Giardini, D., G. Grunthal, K. Shedlock, and P. Zheng (1999). The GSHAP Global Seismic Hazard Map. Annali di Geofisica 42, 1,225 –
1,230[Georef]
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another Tidal wave that was recorded in 1953. The Tsunami of December 26, 2004 had no
impact on the Project site in the GDRP ecosystem.
Tsunami hazards exist on the contiguous coastline. The > 1-hour delay between the main shock
and the arrival of the damaging tsunami associated with the 1945 earthquake was very
probably caused by submarine slumping offshore rather than direct uplift of the coast. If this
were indeed the case, even a modest earthquake in the Rann of Cutch region would be
sufficient to trigger a submarine slide that would endanger the shoreline of Karachi and Thatta
Districts, which however are less than 10 km from the Project site. There is therefore no
likelihood of Tsunami threat to the site.
4.3.10 Storms
The Table 4.3 shows the movement of cyclones and storms in the Arabian Sea. The movement
is generally in the west-north-westerly direction. The one that moved into the coastal area on
May 12, 1999 changed direction and hit the coastal area of Badin while the coastal area
southeast of Karachi was in the periphery and only rain showers of moderate intensity were
recorded. This coast is otherwise classified outside the zone of cyclone activity for the Arabian
Sea. Thunderstorm frequency is also low and is reported to occur at an average rate of 10
thunderstorms/year.
The pattern seems heading towards a change during the last two years. Coastal area of Pakistan
has experienced an increase in the frequency of storms in the southern part of Pakistan
especially along Baluchistan coast. In the month of June 2007 two tropical cyclonic storms
namely Gonu and Yemyin hit the Baluchistan coast. Under their influence, rain /thunder
showers associated with gusty winds and thunderstorms occurred at isolated places of Makran
Coast, while the sea conditions were very rough along the coast of Sindh. The high heat
content of the Arabian Sea that is adjacent to the heat zone of Pakistan had disturbed the heat
balance and water balance of the region. This induced the windstorm in late May, followed by
the Tropical Cyclone Gonu in the first week of June, then by Tropical Cyclone 03A from the
south of Mumbai, and thereafter by Tropical Cyclone 04B nicknamed Yemyin.
The June 6, 2010 cyclone 03A, nicknamed Phet had landed on the coast of Oman and had lost
its intensity. Moving in clockwise direction it poured heavy rains on Gwadar and Pasni. The
rain bearing winds moved along the coastline towards Karachi. It touched Karachi only
tangentially and brought 100 mm rainfall in Karachi and 50 mm rainfall in Hyderabad two
days before it landed south of Thatta District.
Table 4.3: Cyclones & Storms During Last 17 Years
No. Year Type/ Location of Cyclone Wind Speed
Range (km/h)
1 Nov 1993 Tropical Cyclone/ Northeast Arabian Sea 62 – 88
2. June 1996 Cyclonic Storm /East Central Arabian Sea 62 – 88
3. Oct 1996 Tropical Storm /Southeast Arabian Sea 62 – 88
4. June 1998 Cyclonic Storm /Southeast Arabian Sea 62 – 88
5. Oct 1998 Cyclonic Storm /East Central Arabian Sea 62 – 88
6. May 1999 Very Severe Cyclonic Storm /East Central
Arabian Sea > 118
7. May 2001 Very Severe Cyclonic Storm /East Central
Arabian Sea > 118
8. Sept 2001 Cyclonic Storm /East Central Arabian Sea 62 – 88
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9. May 2002 Tropical Cyclone /West Central Arabian Sea 62 – 88
10. May 2004 Very Severe Cyclonic Storm /Southeast
Arabian Sea > 118
11. Oct 2004 Severe Cyclonic Storm /Northeast Arabian
Sea 89 – 117
12. Sept 2006 Tropical Cyclone /East Central Adjoining
Northeast Arabian Sea 62 – 88
13. 02 June 2007 Tropical Cyclone /East Central Arabian Sea 62 – 88
14. 07 June 2007 Very Severe Cyclonic Storm /Northwesterly
of East Central Arabian Sea > 118
15. 21 June 2007 Tropical Cyclone (Deep Depression)
/Northeast Arabian Sea > 50
16 07 June 2010 Tropical Cyclone /Northeast Arabian Sea > 50
4.3.11 Climate
The SZABIST site is located at a higher level than the Karachi coastal belt and has a climate
typical of subtropical coastal zones lying in the monsoon region. The climate of the GDRP
ecosystem can be characterized by dry, hot and semi-humid conditions and is described as
moderate. The seasonal intervention of mild winter is brief; it lasts from mid-December to mid-
February. This is followed by a long hot and humid summer that extends from April to mid-
July. From here onwards up to mid-September the monsoon winds and cloud cover dominate
over the climatic norms: the temperatures are moderate, the humidity is high and one can
expect about 7 to 10 rainy days. This is followed by a brief return of the hot summer that lasts
from September to mid-November. Mild and semi-humid conditions thus characterize the
climate of GDRP ecosystem.
The records of the two observatories of the Pakistan Meteorological Department viz. at Port
Qasim and at Karachi International Airport have been used as the source of data for wind,
temperature and precipitation. These have been supplemented by the meteorological data
obtained during the ambient air quality monitoring study carried out by the Space and Upper
Atmospheric Research Organization, SUPARCO over the years.
4.3.12 Average Wind Speed
Recent data suggest that just before the onset of the monsoon season the wind direction is
mostly westerly averaging at 256o and varying between 3.5
o and 358
o, while the wind velocity
averages at 3.5 m/sec, varying between 0.9 and 5.5 m/sec.
Table 4.4: Meteorological Data (Date 24, 25-05-2011).
Wind Speed Pressure Wind Direction Temperature Humidity
Maximum 5.5 1000.0 358.7 37.4 70.6
Average 3.5 995.5 256.3 33.9 57.7
Minimum 0.9 966.5 3.5 30.9 44.4
In June the monsoon winds start blowing westerly, with velocity varying from 0.3 to 8.9 m/sec
and averaging at 4.0 m/sec.
Table 4.5: Meteorological Data (June 2010).
Wind Speed Pressure Wind Direction Temperature Humidity
Maximum 4.0 1008.8 265.5 33.3 77.9
Average 8.9 1011.6 344.5 35.7 86.9
Minimum 0.3 1006.9 6.4 31.5 64.4
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With the onset of winter, the wind direction is mostly unsettled averaging at 144o and varying
between 1o and 359
o, while the wind velocity varies between 0.0 and 2.2 m/sec and averages at
0.5m/sec.
Table 4.6: Meteorological Data (November 2011).
Wind speed
(m/s)
Pressure
(mbar)
Wind Direction
(degree)
Air Temperature
(0C)
Humidity
(% RH)
Maximum 2.2 1018.3 359 35.2 79.4
Average 0.5 1013.5 144 25.5 50.5
Minimum 0.0 1011.3 1 17.2 18.4
Wind Rose indicates that most of the time the wind direction was West-Southwest and
Southwest. The annual average wind speed is 6.56m/s and the percentage time when wind
speed is less than 2m/s is 16.32% only.
4.3.13 Temperature
Air temperature in the coastal area to the east of Karachi is generally temperate throughout the
year. During winter the range of variation of temperature is large for Karachi coast especially
with respect to maximum and minimum temperatures. The mean monthly maximum and
minimum temperatures recorded during the eleven years (2001-2011) at Karachi Airport
Meteorological Station of Pakistan Meteorological Department are given in the following
Tables.
Table 4.7a: Mean Monthly Maximum Temperature in Karachi
Table 4.7b: Mean Monthly Minimum Temperature in Karachi
Year Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual
2001 27.2 29.6 33.1 34.6 35.1 34.9 32.2 32.3 33.1 36 33.5 30.4 32.7
2002 27 28.2 33.3 35.4 35.6 35.1 32.2 31.6 31.4 36.5 32.7 28.1 32.3
2003 27.6 28.5 32.4 36.6 35.7 34.9 34.1 32.6 32.5 37 32.2 28.3 32.7
2004 26.6 29.9 36.2 35.4 36.8 35.6 33.8 32.7 32.8 33.7 33.1 29.4 33
2005 24.9 26.3 31.5 35.3 35.4 36 33.2 32.2 34.2 35.2 33.1 28.4 32.1
2006 26 31.3 31.8 34 34.6 35.3 33.8 31 34.2 35 33.4 26.3 32.2
2007 26.9 29.4 31.4 37.7 36 36.4 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 33
2008 24.4 26.9 34.3 34.4 33.9 35.1 33.5 31.9 34.7 35.5 32.5 27.2 32
2009 26.2 29.8 33 36 36.8 35.7 34.5 33 32.8 35.9 33 28.6 32.9
2010 27.5 29.2 34 35.7 36.5 34.7 34.6 33.2 34.5 35.9 32.7 28 33.0
2011 26.9 28.5 33.2 35.8 35.3 35.3 34.2 32.8 32.9
Average 26.5 28.9 33.1 35.5 35.6 35.4 33.6 32.3 33.3 35.6 32.9 28.3 32.6
Max. 27.6 31.3 36.2 37.7 36.8 36.4 34.6 33.2 34.7 37.0 33.5 30.4 33.0
Min. 24.4 26.3 31.4 34.0 33.9 34.7 32.2 31.0 31.4 33.7 32.2 26.3 32.0
Year Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual
2001 11.5 14.9 19.6 23.8 28.1 29 27.1 26.5 25.9 24.4 18.6 15.8 22.1
2002 12.8 13.8 19.5 23.9 27 28.2 29.6 25.6 24.8 22.5 17.7 14.9 21.7
2003 12.7 16.9 19.8 24.2 26.5 28.2 23.6 27 25.3 20.9 15.2 12 21
2004 12.9 14.5 19.1 24.8 27.3 28.8 27.5 26.3 25.3 22.4 18 15.4 21.9
2005 12.3 11.3 20.3 23 26.4 28.3 27.2 26.6 26.6 22.9 18.9 13 21.4
2006 11.7 18.1 19.6 24.5 27.5 28.5 28.3 26.3 26.8 25.7 19.4 14 22.5
2007 13 17.3 19.7 24.7 27.6 28.6 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 21.8
2008 10.1 11.1 19.6 24 27.3 29.1 27.9 26.8 26.6 23.8 17.6 14.9 21.6
2009 14.7 16.5 20.8 23.8 27.6 28.7 28.1 27.5 26.5 22.6 17 13.9 22.3
2010 12.2 14.7 21.3 25.1 28 28.2 28.3 27.2 25.8 23.9 17.4 11.1 21.9
2011 11 14.5 19.7 23.1 27.1 28.8 27.8 28.6 26.5
Average 12.3 14.9 19.9 24.1 27.3 28.6 27.5 26.8 26.0 23.2 17.8 13.9 21.8
Max. 14.7 18.1 21.3 25.1 28.1 29.1 29.6 28.6 26.8 25.7 19.4 15.8 22.5
Min. 10.1 11.1 19.1 23.0 26.4 28.2 23.6 25.6 24.8 20.9 15.2 11.1 21.0
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Figure 4.4: Mean Monthly Maximum & Minimum Temperature in Karachi
The Average Temperature Data of Mirpur Sakro Taluka is presented in Table 4.8.
Table 4.8: Average Temperatures for Mirpur Sakro, Pakistan
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum 26°c 29°c 32°c 35°c 36°c 35°c 34°c 32°c 33°c 35°c 33°c 28°c
Minimum 12°c 15°c 19°c 23°c 27°c 28°c 28°c 27°c 26°c 23°c 17°c 14°c
Source:http://www.worldweatheronline.com/weather-
averages/Pakistan/1736163/MirpurSakro/1784986/info.aspx
4.3.14 Precipitation
The mean relative humidity in summer is 60-70% while the mean relative humidity during
winter is 25-30%. The rain fall in the Karachi coastal zone including the GDRP ecosystem is
extremely low and erratic; accordingly this region falls in the semi-arid climatic zone. Table 4.9
shows the last nine years precipitation data recorded at Karachi Airport station.
Table 4.9: Monthly Precipitation (mm) at Karachi Air Port
Year Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual
2001 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 10.6 73.6 16.2 N/A 0.0 0.0 0.0 100.4
2002 0.0 2.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 N/A N/A 52.2 N/A 0.0 0.5 0.4 55.5
2003 6.4 21.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 16.3 270.4 9.8 N/A 0.0 0.2 0.0 324.9
2004 13.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 N/A 3.0 5.6 N/A 39.3 0.0 4.3 65.9
2005 6.6 12.8 N/A 0.0 0.0 N/A N/A 0.3 54.9 0.0 0.0 17.1 91.7
2006 N/A 0.0 N/A 0.0 0.0 0.0 66.2 148.6 21.9 0.0 3.1 61.3 301.1
2007 0.0 13.2 33.4 0.0 0.0 110.2 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 156.8
2008 8.0 Trace 1.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 54.0 37.5 Trace 0.0 0.0 21.0 121.6
2009 3.0 Trace 0.0 Trace 0.0 2.6 159.9 44.0 68.9 0.0 0.0 1.5 279.9
Source: Pakistan Meteorological Department
The 9-years record for rainfall of PMD at Karachi Airport (2001-2009) suggests that July and
August are the wettest months and that the maximum rainfall recorded in Karachi during 2001-
2009 period was 270.4 mm during the month of July 2003, while the maximum annual rainfall
was 324.9 mm during the year 2003, followed by 301 mm in 2006 and 279.9 mm in 2009. The
wet years followed a 3-year cycle during the first 9 years of the New Millennium. The year
2010 seems to be among the wettest years since Karachi City had witnessed more than 5 spells
0.0
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
25.0
30.0
35.0
40.0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
℃
Mean Monthly Maximum & MinimumTemperature
Mean Monthly MaximumMean Monthly Minimum
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of 50 mm each during the month of July, three major spells of 60 to 100 mm in August and two
spells of 25 and 10 mm each in the month of September.
Figure 4.5: Annual Rainfall in Karachi
In July and August 2011 again there was heavy rainfall all over Sindh. Hyderabad received
about 74 to 103 mm rain in 24 hours and the same amount poured in Karachi and the villages
in its outskirts. The torrential rains resulted in flooding of several villages and Dhabeji as well
as Gharo were not spared. The microenvironment of the proposed Wind Farm that has the
KWSB’s Filter Plant in the neighborhood was inundated.
Figure 4.6: National Highway N5 at Gharo on August 11, 2011
Karachi was facing drought conditions in the past and rainfall was erratic at around 50 mm for
three years followed by wet spells every third year. The average of two decades (70s and 80s)
shows that rainfall varies between 150 and 250 mm during the years. For Karachi the average
number of rainy days/year is less than ten. However, most of the precipitation usually takes
place within a short spell of 2 to 7 days. About 50 to 65 percent of the total annual rainfall
occurs during July and August while the southwest monsoon is on, another 15 to 25 percent of
0
100
200
300
400
500
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Rainfall(mm)
Annual Rainfall
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the annual rainfall occurs during NE monsoon in winter months (December - February). The
rest of the rainfall occurs in the form of occasional cloud burst.
The Average Rainfall Data of Mirpur Sakro Taluka is presented in Table 4.10.
Table 4.10: Average Rainfall for Mirpur Sakro, Pakistan
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum 17mm 3mm 3mm 0mm 3mm 9mm 48mm 43mm 4mm 6mm 1mm 7mm
Minimum 3 2 1 0 0 2 8 8 2 1 1 2
Source:http://www.worldweatheronline.com/weatheraverages/Pakistan/1736163/MirpurSakro/178
4986/info.aspx
4.3.15 Ambient Air Quality
The ambient air quality at the GDRP ecosystem which includes the SZABIST area is fairly
unpolluted since the industrial area of Dhabeji is at a distance of at least 6 km while the
National Highway N5 is at 2.4 km. The impact of exhaust emissions from vehicular traffic
operating on Highway N5 is limited to the microenvironment of the highway.
No sources of anthropogenic sources of air pollution exist in the immediate vicinity of the site;
therefore the ambient air of the area is likely to be free from the key pollutants such as carbon
monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter (PM).
Table 4.11 present the ambient air quality recorded by EMC in the recent past for the outskirts
of Karachi. It may be seen that the average level of each parameter in ambient air is on lower
side in comparison with National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS).
SO2 level ranges between 7.0 ppb and 13.6 ppb which are much lower than 38 ppb
recommended for the 24-hourly average by the NEQS.
NOx level ranges between 8.2 ppb and 16.3 ppb which are much lower than 38 ppb
recommended for the 24-hourly average by the NEQS.
CO level ranges between 0.2 ppm and 1.9 ppm which is well within the NEQS standards.
PM10 concentration was between 114.0 µg/m3 and 163 µg/m
3 with the average at 140.6
µg/m3 which is below the level suggested by NEQS.
Copy of NEQS for Air Quality has been included in this report as Annex.
Table 4.11: Ambient Air Quality at Outskirts of Karachi East.
Level SO2 (ppb) NOX (ppb) CO (ppm) DUST (g /m3) Noise dB(A)
Average 9.7 11.6 1.2 140.6 45.9
Max 13.6 16.3 1.9 163.0 54.0
Min 7.0 8.2 0.2 114.0 41.0
There would be no addition of PM10 or any other pollutant into the air-shed of the wind
corridor. This is because operation of the wind turbines itself will not discharge any pollutant.
The wind turbines will only modify the wind speed and leave the air quality unaltered. The
dispersion of the existing level of PM10 and other pollutants will maintain the status of the air
shed of the corridor in the unpolluted category.
NEQS requires that the 24-hour maximum average and annual mean concentration of SO2
should be less than 80 g/m3. Thus establishment of proposed Wind Farm on SZABIST land in
the so far unpolluted GDRP ecosystem would not alter the air quality and maintain the level of
primary parameters within NEQS limits.
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4.3.16 Noise
There is no continuous source of noise emission in the proposed SZABIST wind farm site.
Occasionally there is some intermittent noise emission from a passing by motorcycle or a
railway train. This may raise the noise level by ~2 to 4 dB (A). The ambient noise level
remains as recorded in the Table 4.12.
The Noise level recorded at the unpolluted site in GDRP ecosystem ranges between 41 dB (A)
and 54 dB (A) with the average at 45.9 dB (A), which is characteristic of wilderness and well
within 70 dB (A) the level suggested by World Bank Guidelines.
* Facing Wind, **Exposed to Heavy Traffic
Figure 4.7: Noise level monitoring activity at project site
4.3.17 Hydrology
1. Surface Hydrology
The GDRP ecosystem is drained by several streams including the Ghagga nala, Lat nala also
known as Dhabeji nala which has its sources in a spring, and the Rann Pethani Nadi are the
well established surface water sources, only the Dhabeji nala is perennial, while the other two
receive their share of surface water during the rains. The rains adequately charge the aquifers in
such manner as to make good quality groundwater available to the industries throughout the
year. The recipient industries include Pakland Cement and those in the Dhabeji Industrial Area.
The Ghaggar-Dhabeji-Gharo-Rann Pethani ecosystem is governed by the catchment area of
Ghaggar nala, which is a natural non-perennial stream that flows North-South along the
Eastern boundary of Eastern Industrial Zone of Port Qasim. It finally drains into the Choudhry
Creek about 4 km from the Indus Refinery site. The stream discharge depends on the rainfall in
its catchment. The rainfall record for the years 2001 to 2007 at Karachi Airport and
Table 4.12: Noise Level at Different Locations Around Proposed Site
S. No. Site Noise Level dB(A)
1. Wind Mast 47.0
2. Near Tota Pahari 65.0*
3. Near Steel mill Pipeline 51.0
4. Near SZABIST Office 2.5km from Project area 68.0**
5. Near Baba Bukhari Shrine 46.0
6. Near Railway Track at Dirt Road 66*
7. Goth Yusuf Khaskheli 57.0
8. Goth Jaffer Jokhio 55.0
9. Goth Haji Hamza Zangiyani 54.0
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Meteorological Department recorded above shows wide range monthly and annual variation.
Monthly precipitation varies from almost nil in the month of March, April and May and
November to maximum in July and August. Similarly year 2002 and 2004 had very little rains
(55.5mm and 65.9mm), while year 2003, 2006, 2010 and 2011 were wet years with over 300
mm rainfall. The quality of Ghaggar water is sweet, however, the physical examination
indicates that municipal as well as industrial wastewater is being discharged into the stream and
is polluting it.
Ghaghar Nala has an extensive catchment area in the macro environment comprising the
Ghaggar Union Council in Bin Qasim Town. The large catchment area is a possible reason for
its flooding with small amount of ~5 mm rainfall as was observed during the September (2005)
rains in the area. Another stream known as the Filter Nala, which flows parallel to Ghaghar
Nala is about three Km to the east of Ghaggar Phatak. The two streams flow to the Gharo
Creek, which is about 6 Km to the south of the site. A perennial stream flows just ahead of
Dhabeji and is a source of irrigation water for a large farm adjacent to the spring that is the
source of the perennial Dhabeji stream. The water from this stream as well as the Ghaggar Nala
is being extensively excavated by water carriers.
The spring related Dhabeji Nala has a large grove of date palm trees and is also site of the
shrine of Baba Jumman Shah Bokhari who is claimed as the companion of six other Bokharis
in the Bhambore area.
Other water courses on the north in Gadap town of Karachi are Sukkhan Nala, and Thaddo
Nala, which are the tributaries of Malir River. They flow away from Ghaghar and hence do not
contribute to the hydrology of the eco-subsystem. Groundwater resource potential low at the
site since water has not been found at a depth of 100 ft.
The GDRP ecosystem is also home to quite a few water ponds formed at natural depressions,
some of them being the result of extensive excavation of sand and gravel. The ponds are
generally used by locals for domestic and livestock purposes, although not all of them are for
drinking water.
2. Water Resources
Indus River via the Keenjhar Lake is the source of freshwater for Karachi. The KWSB Water
supply mainline takes off from Gujju and is brought to the Dhabeji Pumping Station at Tota
Pahari where it is filtered and pumped into the mainline to Karachi, as shown in the following
figure. Pakistan Steel, Port Qasim and the industries in the Eastern Zone of Port Qasim also
source their water from the Indus River system. Pakistan Steel Mills has facilitated the off take
of freshwater from its pipeline to meet the requirements of the Jokhio community in the
villages e.g. Jaffer Jamadar across the SZABIST boundary line.
3. Water supply
The Kalri Baghar Feeder from Kotri Barrage on River Indus feeds the Keenjhar Lake from
where around 90 percent of the water supply is made available to the City of Karachi. This
supply is conveyed through the Keenjhar-Gujju Canal (KG Canal) which has a capacity of 320
MGD and through the K-II scheme commissioned with a capacity of 100 MGD. An additional
80 MGD is made available from a 54 km pipeline from Gujju canal built by ICI for industrial
uses at PQA. Similarly Pakistan Steel Mills has itself a system for the supply of 200 MGD
water for its own use.
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Figure 4.8: Water supply map
4. Wetland
There is no water body designated as wetland except Haleji Lake and Mehro Kotri which are
approx. 20 from Project site. These two wetlands are also designated as Important Bird Area
(IBA) by Birdlife International.
Figure 4.9: IBAs identified near Study Area.
Haleji Lake is a perennial freshwater lake with marshes and a brackish seepage lagoon.
Considered a game reserve in 1971, this lake was declared a wildlife sanctuary and in 1976, the
lake was designated as a Ramsar site. Haleji serves as an important source of water for Karachi
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besides being a popular recreational destination. The Lake is located in Thatta district on
24°47’N, 067°46’E coordinates.
5. Groundwater Hydrology
Ground water generally becomes saline from Hyderabad down south. This is attributed to the
shift of the Arabian Sea in geological times. There are credible evidences to the effect that the
Kirthar Mountains were witness to the last ice age some 15,000 years from the present and that
the seashore was at the present site of Hyderabad some 12,000 years ago. The areas with saline
groundwater show higher concentration of chlorides compared with carbonates, bicarbonates
and sulphates which suggests that some millennia ago the area was submerged in the sea.
Although melting of the Himalayan glaciers and water flow downstream the Indus and the
ancient Saraswati had diluted the salinity, yet saline water in the deep down strata could not be
displaced by the fresh water flow from the rivers. The sediment transported by the rivers
ultimately trapped the salinity in its fold. Hydro-geological investigations carried out by the
Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) on the western side of the Indus River
reveals that fresh water is available at shallow depths in Hyderabad and Thatta districts up to
60m. It becomes saline to highly saline as one move southwards to the coastal areas. Ground
water occurs under water table condition at depths varying from 3m to 10m.Groundwater
depth in the GDRP ecosystem is about 30m. Quality of the ground water is reasonable and is
potable as reported by locals.
4.4 Biological Environment
4.4.1 Site Selection
1. Macro-Site Selection Considerations
For siting of wind farms it is necessary to examine the potential of the impact of operation of
the wind turbines on the bird and bat migration flyways. Wind farms sited outside these
flyways are expected to have the least impact on wildlife. However, even if they are sited
peripheral to major flyways, they could have impacts, which could be verified, on local
populations, and on threatened and endangered species.
2. Micro-Site Evaluation
The SZABIST Project site does not fall within major or minor migration route, and because
sufficient work has been done in this region previously4, EMC did not undertake site
evaluation studies or multiple seasons and multiyear baseline data collection. Site evaluation
studies generally include the following methodologies for measurement of potential wildlife
mortality, displacement and disturbance:
Mobile Radar: This technique uses mobile radar and is perhaps the most powerful tool for
conducting a risk assessment as it provides data on the abundance, spatial distribution and
elevation of birds. This technology is very costly and has not been used in Pakistan.
Sound Recordings: This low cost technology uses microphones in an array that can provide
information on species composition, abundance and altitude.
4 Mohammad Sharif Khan, Annotated Checklist of Amphibians and Reptiles of Pakistan, Asiatic Herpetological Research, 2004, Vol. 10, pp. 191-201.
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Aerial Surveys: This method is chiefly employed in determining species composition,
abundance, behavior and movement patterns in an offshore environment. Aerial surveys can
be used to supplement visual observations.
Visual Observations: Qualified observers conduct surveys that provide data on abundance and
behavior of birds on and around proposed sites. EMC employed the visual observation
technique for identifying the fauna as well as flora. Local population and SZABIST personnel
assisted EMC experts in a 12-hour watch on the movement and intensity of the wildlife
including quadrupeds, reptiles and high flying as well as nesting birds, in addition to locating
habitats, if any besides identifying the species in and around the areas where NBT-Zab Wind
Power Pvt. Ltd is locating the wind masts.
4.4.2 Fauna
1. Wildlife
Wild hare, fox, jackal and porcupine were sighted during surveys by the observers. Only one
burrow of a honey badger was found but there were no imprints to show that the same was
being actively used by the animal. Only the fox droppings were sighted near a poultry farm,
while a jackal was once sighted during the afternoon and was heard once in the night. The
number and frequency of visits by these animals into the area is reported by the locals to have
substantially reduced now. It is inferred from the frequency of visits that those spotted and
reported by the locals did not seem to have their habitat in the microenvironment. They appear
to have strayed in as casual visitors.
2. Reptiles
Reptiles are also getting rare because of aridity which has in general reduced the biodiversity of
the area. The monitor lizard population in the microenvironment of NBT-SZABIST Wind
Farm Project site is low, while that of spiny-tailed lizard is abundant. Indian Monitor lizard
(Varanus bengalensis) Wadhi Go/Gioh (reported but not spotted), and Monitor lizard (Varanus
griseus) were neither reported nor spotted. The spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastix hardwickii)
Sandho/Sandha was not spotted perhaps because they and the other reptiles were hibernating;
their abundance is nevertheless low as suggested by the locals. All sand mounds in the area
were found to have their burrows. The species are included in Appendix III of the CITES.
Other reptiles reported here include: Yellow-headed Agama (Stellio Agama nupta fusca) Batth
Kirro/Zard Sar Pahari Girgit (spotted during the survey), Indian Garden Lizard (Calotes
versicolor) Wann Kirro/Rang badal Girgit, Long-tailed Desert Lacerta (Eremias guttulata
watsonana) Wadhi Puch Kirri/Taweel dum Sandhi (reported but not spotted), Sindh Sand
Gecko (Crossobamon orientalis) Thari Kirri/Regi Chhupkali (reported but not spotted).
3. Snakes
The Indian sand boa (Eryx johni) Bar Matti/Do Muhi (reported but not spotted); Saw-scaled
Viper (Echis carinatus) Lundhi Bala/Jalebi Samp (reported to be quite frequent but not
spotted), are common in the project area, while the Sindh two-headed snake, Indian common
krait, and oxus cobra are rare. All these snakes are front-fanged. The krait, viper, and cobra are
deadly but incidence of snake bite, as reported by the locals, is getting low, quite likely because
their population has been thinned out.
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4. Birds
Consultant conducted a detailed bird life survey in and around the proposed NBT-SZABIST
wind farm site. The objectives of the proposed desktop bird life survey are to collect baseline
information regarding bird habitats and migratory patterns within the Study Area including the
Project Area and an area of 5km from the Project Area boundary. The present Birdlife survey
report has covered specific details on:
Presence or likely presence of state protected species and those that are recognized by the
IUCN as globally threatened species within the Study Area;
Large numbers of any particular bird species utilizing the Study Area;
Preferred habitat on or near the wind farm for the above species;
Species or groups of birds that are potentially affected by the wind farm during its operation
(i.e. prone to collision with turbines or other indirect effects).
Both direct and indirect impacts on birdlife from the operation of wind farms are a major
concern in Pakistan and abroad. Important Bird Areas identified in the macroenvironment of
project area are listed in Table 4.13.
Table 4.13: IBAs identified close to or in the vicinity of Project Area
Nam
e of
the
Bir
d A
rea
Coord
inat
es
Alt
itude
(ft.)
Are
a (h
a)
Clo
sest
dis
tance
from
the
Pro
ject
Are
a (k
m)
Pro
tect
ion L
evel
Hab
itat
Maj
or
spec
ies
of
conce
rn (
IUC
N
import
ance
/cla
ss I
pro
tect
ion)
Haleji
Lake
Wildlife
Sanctuary
24o
48’14.33”N
67°46’ 37.41”
E
13 1704 Approx.
19 km
Wet
Land wetlands
Threatened Species:
Pelecanus
crispus,haliaetus
leucoryphus,Aquila
Calnga,Aquila
heliacal,Rynchop
Albicolliis,columa
eversmanni
Mahro
Kotri
24°38’43.82”N
67°27’07.05”E
162 Approx.
20 km
Wet
Land
Shrub
land,
Wetland
Threatened Species:
Haliaeetus leucoryphus,
Aquila Clanga
Source: http://wwfpak.org/ and http://www.iucn.org/places/pakistan/
The most common birds found in the macro environment and spotted during the field survey of
study area are presented in Table 4.14.
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Table 4.14: Most common birds found in the macro-environment
Common Name
Scientific name Protection
Status IUCN
Siting Picture
Indian Robin
Thamnobia cambaiensis
Least Concern
Spotted in Project Area
Indian Grey
Partridge
Francolinus pondicertanis
Least Concern
Characteristic bird species that have adapted to the environment and are still to be found in the area and reported by
locals
Chest-nut-bellied
Sandgrouse
Pterocles exustus
Least Concern
Reported but not spotted
Rock Pigeon
Columba livia Least
Concern Spotted in Project
Area
Indian little
Button Quail
Turnix sylvatica
Least Concern
Reported but not spotted
Eurasian Roller
Coracias garrulus
Least Concern
Reported but not spotted
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Table 4.14: Most common birds found in the macro-environment
Common Name
Scientific name Protection
Status IUCN
Siting Picture
Kite Milvus migrans Least
Concern Spotted.
Highflying bird
Houbara Bustard
Chlamydotis undulata
IUCN Red List as low
risk, Vulnerable.
VU
These were not spotted during the survey. They were reported by the locals to be sited 2-3 km away
from study area and only occasional visitors.
Little Bustard Tiloor
Tetrax tetrax
IUCN Red List as low risk, near threatened.
NT
These were not spotted during the survey. They were reported by the locals to be sited 2-3 km away
from study area and only occasional visitors.
Grey Partridge
Francolinus pondicerianus
Least Concern
Reported but not spotted
Painted Sand
Grouse Pterocles indicus
Least Concern
Reported but not spotted
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Table 4.14: Most common birds found in the macro-environment
Common Name
Scientific name Protection
Status IUCN
Siting Picture
Saker Falcon
Falco biarmicus cherrug
IUCN Red List as low
risk, Vulnerable.
VU
Extremely rare. Highflying birds were not spotted during the survey and the several
visits to the area. They were
reported by the locals to be only
occasional visitors.
Common Quail
Coturnix coturnix
Least Concern
Reported but not spotted
Indian Griffon Vulture
Gyps fulvus fulvescens
Least Concern
Not spotted. High Flying Bird
Partridge Ammoperdix griseogularis
Least Concern
Reported but not spotted
Eurasian Wryneck
Jynx torquilla Least
Concern Spotted
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Table 4.14: Most common birds found in the macro-environment
Common Name
Scientific name Protection
Status IUCN
Siting Picture
Sindh Woodpeck
er
Dendrocopos assimilis
Least Concern
Reported but not spotted
Common Hoopoe
Upupa epops Least
Concern Reported but not
spotted
Asian Koel
Eudynamys scolopacea
Least Concern
Spotted
Rose-ringed
Parakeet
Psittacula krameri
Least Concern
Spotted
Spotted Owlet
Athene brama Least
Concern Reported but not
spotted
Indian Collared
Dove
Streptopelia decaocto
Least Concern
Reported but not spotted
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Table 4.14: Most common birds found in the macro-environment
Common Name
Scientific name Protection
Status IUCN
Siting Picture
Common Crane Koonj
Grus grus Least
Concern
Reported by the locals but not
spotted this year and also not
spotted during the survey
Tawny Eagle
Gandoori Okab
Aquila rapax Least
Concern Reported but not
spotted
Common Myna
Acridotheres tristis
Least Concern
Spotted
Pale Crag-martin
Ababeel
Hirundo obsolete
Least Concern
Reported but not spotted
House Sparrow
Passer domesticus
Least Concern
Spotted
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Table 4.14: Most common birds found in the macro-environment
Common Name
Scientific name Protection
Status IUCN
Siting Picture
Black kite Milvus affinis Least
Concern
Spotted in moderate
population. Their presence is usually
due to poultry farms
Houbara bustard, although a migratory bird, is one of the endangered species found in the
macro environment but not in the microenvironment of the Project site. Falcons are rarely
spotted by the locals in the area and were also not spotted during surveys.
The most common birds found in the macro environment are sparrows, robins and doves.
Characteristic bird species that have adapted to the environment and are still to be found in the
area, include the Indian grey partridge (francolinus pondicertanis), chest-nut-bellied sand
grouse (pterocles exustus), rock dove (Columbia livia), Indian little button quail (turnix
sylvatica) and Eurasian roller (coracias garrulous). Kites and vultures, the high flying birds
were spotted but the falcons were conspicuous by their absence during the survey and the
several visits to the area. The falcons were reported by the locals to be only occasional visitors.
Other birds reported to be straying in occasionally, but not spotted during the surveys, include
the Houbara bustard (Clamydotis undulate), Houbara Bustard (Tetrax tetrax) Tiloor (spotted),
which are in IUCN Red List as low risk, near threatened); Grey Parttridge (Francolinus
pondiceranus); Indian Sand grouse (Pterocles exustes); Painted Sand grouse (Pterocles
indicus); Saker Falcon (Falco biarmicus cherrug) (Extremely rare); Indian Griffon Vulture
(Gyps fulvus fulvescens) (not spotted); Partridge (Ammoperdix griseogularis) See See
Teetar/Sissi Tittar; Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix) Butair/Bhuntrio; Eurasian Wryneck
(Jynx torquilla) Gandam Muroor/Nando Kath-Kulho (not spotted); Sindh Woodpecker
(Dendrocopos assimilis) Sindhi Khat-Khat/Kath Kutho (reported but not spotted); Common
Hoopoe (Upupa epops) Hud Hud /Hud Hud (spotted); Indian Roller (Coracias benghalensis)
Neel Kanth/Sat Rango (spotted); Asian Koel (Eudynamys scolopacea) Koel/Koel (spotted);
Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) Tota, Gulabi Kanth Tota/Mitthu, Chattu (reported but
not spotted); Spotted Owlet (Athene brama) Chittidar Ullu/Nandho Chibhro (reported but not
spotted); Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) Jhungi Kabutar (reported but not spotted); Indian
Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) Bari Fakhta Gero (spotted during survey); Common
Crane (Grus grus) Koonj (reported but not spotted this year by locals and also not during the
survey); Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax) Gandoori Okab, Rigger/Par Mar (not spotted), Common
Myna (Acridotheres tristis) Myna Ghursal/Kabbri, Myna (spotted during survey); Pale Crag-
martin (Hirundo obsoleta) Peeli Chatani Ababeel/Jabal wari Ababeel also as pithee (spotted
during survey); House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) Gorrea, Gharelu Chiriya/Jhirki (spotted
during survey).
5. Mammals
Indian Pangolin (Scaly Anteater) (Manis crassicaudata) Safna Shikam, (reported but not
spotted by locals and also not during survey) is reported in the IUCN Red List as low risk, near
threatened; Jackal (Canis aureus) /Geedarr (spotted during survey) is reported in IUCN Red
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List as low risk; Ratel (Honey Badger) (Mellivora capensis) Gorrpat/Qabar Ka Bijju
(abandoned burrow spotted during survey); Small Indian Mongoose (Herpestes javanicus)
Chhota-Neula (spotted during survey); Black-naped Hare (Lepus nigricollis dayanus)
Saho/Khargosh; Grey Spiny Mouse (Mus saxicola) Kandan Waro Kuo/Kharpusht Chooha
(reported but not spotted).
6. Livestock
Local inhabitants in the microenvironment maintain stocks of cows, goats and sheep that were
found grazing in the area. Livestock and ruminants include: Domestic Goat (Capra hircus)
Bakri/Bakra; Domestic Sheep (Ovis aries) Bhairru/Bhairr; Domestic Cattle (Bos taurus)
Gaon/Dhaggo, Dhaggi (male, female); Domestic Donkey (Equus asinus) Gadduh/Gadah.
4.4.3 Flora
In the case of flora also sufficient work has been reported for the Gharo5 region previously.
EMC did, however carry out its own field observations. According to these observations, the
vegetation and vegetative growth in Project area is constrained by aridity, typography, and
relief. The stony waste or the plains of the GDRP ecosystem are getting depleted of whatever
natural vegetation as a result of extensive deforestation and land clearance for stone and gravel
excavation. The following trees, shrubs and grasses were found during survey of the site.
1. Trees
Trees found in the Project macroenvironment include Acacia nilotica (babul) (spotted during
survey, low frequency), Acacia senegal (khor) (spotted during survey, low frequency),
Calotropis procera (spotted, low frequency), Salvadora oleoides (khabar) (dominant) and
Prosopsis senegal (kandi) (dominant but with low frequency), Acacia arabica (kikar) (dominant
but with low frequency), Capparis aphylla (reported but not spotted),Commiphora wrighti
(spotted during survey, low frequency), Commiphora stocksiana (spotted during survey, low
frequency), Prosopis cenraria (spotted during survey, low frequency), Tamarix gallica (lai)
(dominant), tamarix aphylla(low frequency), Euphorbia cauducifolia, Lasiurus sindicus ; willo
or bahan (populus euphratica), Rhazya stricta (spotted during survey, low frequency), karil
(capparis aphyila), and siris (acacia lebbek) (not found during survey), Prosopis cineraria,
Eleusine flagelliforia, Salsola foetidia; Baleria acanthoides(spotted during survey, low
frequency), Lasiurus sindicus, Aristida sp. Ziziphus nummularia (spotted, low frequency),
Cordia gharaf (spotted during survey, low frequency), Grewiavillosa, Leptodenia pyrotecneca,
Lyssium depressum (spotted during survey, getting scarce), Pterophyllum oliveri (spotted
during survey, low frequency), Tecoma undulate (spotted during survey, (spotted during survey,
low frequency).
2. Grasses
The following grass species have been reported at the site but most of them were found to have
succumbed to aridity compounded by overgrazing: Arisdita adscensionis, A. Mutabilis,
Cenchrus ciliaris, Cenchrus biflorus, Cenchrus, Cenchrus pennisetformis, Cynodon dacdylan,
Cymbopogon jawarancusa, Digitaria sp, Eleucine flagellifera, Lasiarus sindicus, Saccharum
spontaneum, Sporobolus marginantus.
5 Ethnobotanical Studies of Mahal Kohistan, Abdul Qadir Panhwar and Hidaytullah Abro, Pak. J. Bot., 39(7): 2301-2315, 2007
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3. Forbs
Aerva tomentosa, Cassia holoserica, Convolvulus glomeratus, Crotolaria bifolia, Fagonia
cratica, Helotropium ophioglossum, Indigofera oblongifloia, Rynccosia minima.
4. Bush
Predominant bush species found in the area include Devi, Chali, Damral and Darathi (local
names). No special medicinal value is associated with these bush species by the locals.
5. Crops
Agricultural activities are constrained by rainfall which has been erratic as well as scant in the
microenvironment. Major crops grown on the few fields outside the villages include Indian
corn. No crop production was possible during the current season because there was cloud burst
which flooded the land area and the soil being largely sandy and gravely could not retain the
moisture.
4.4.4 Wildlife Reserves & Endangered Species
There is no Wildlife Reserve in close vicinity of Project site. Keenjhar Lake Wildlife Sanctuary
is located 100 km outside of the microenvironment. This, the largest freshwater lake in
Pakistan, supports extensive reed beds and rich submerged and floating vegetation. This is also
a breeding, staging area for wintering water birds. It is estimated to support as many as 140,000
birds, including European Wigeon, Black Coot and Common Pochard. The lake is a major
source of drinking water for Karachi and supports an important fishery.
Houbara bustard, although a migratory bird, is one of the endangered species found in the area.
A number of non-technical reasons are responsible for not allowing enforcement of a lot many
wildlife conservation programs in their true spirit, and to the slow disappearance of the houbara
bustard, a migratory bird that flies into Pakistan from former Soviet territory. Adapted to arid
conditions with little vegetation, the houbara bustard is found in sandy and stony semi-desert
regions such as that in Sindh and Punjab. A largely solitary bird, the houbara bustard feeds
alone or in small groups on beetles, ants and plants. Between February and April the female
lays two or three eggs in a small scrape. After hatching, the chicks follow the female for
protection as she feeds, as they are vulnerable to predators, including eagles, falcons, foxes,
wolves, monitor lizards, snakes and kestrels.
The bird had been hunted in the Middle East to the point of near-extinction by the nineteen-
sixties, and by 1975 it was declared an endangered species in Pakistan. In 1983 at an
international wildlife symposium in Peshawar, it was agreed that Pakistan’s migratory houbara
bustard population was numbered somewhere between twenty and twenty five thousand birds
and in 2002 it was estimated at about thirty thousand.
The legalized hunting of houbara bustards implies purchasing a permit license, the amount of
which differs throughout the regions of Pakistan but ranges over millions for each area. Heavy
cost is involved for relaxation of rules and obtaining permits to accommodate Arab dignitaries
for whom hunting camps are set up by the landlords in Sindh and Punjab. The bird is widely
popular among Arab hunters due to traditional beliefs, starting with the old customs and
traditions and ending with houbara’s meat qualities, which Arabs consider to be aphrodisiac
while in reality it is diuretic. To meet the Arabian demand for houbara bustards seven thousand
live birds enter the UAE illegally and because of bad conditions of detention and confinement
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many of them die during the journey from Pakistan, Iran and Central Asia. The million dollar
illegal trade prospers nevertheless.
The traditional sports hunting the houbara bustard has significantly reduced the population of
not only these birds but also that of the falcons and the wintering birds such as the cranes from
Kazakhstan and Siberia. This over-hunting has been compounded by habitat loss and
degradation. The subspecies C. u. fuertaventurae has been particularly affected by habitat
degradation as a result of tourist activities and associated development, as well as by military
exercises, over-grazing, sand-extraction, and road-development. Further threats to these birds
include collisions with power lines, and nest-predation by introduced mammals.
High flying birds that may be impacted by the operations at the wind farm include the black
kites, eagles (uqqab), vultures, crows and the pigeons. The black kites and crows outnumber
the vultures while the uqqab seems to be extinct and was also reported as such by the locals.
The black kites were spotted nesting in hundreds on a transmission tower near the poultry
farms in Gharo Township. Only one eagle was spotted during the dawn to dusk survey at and
in the neighborhood of the Project site.
The above list of birds and mammals and findings of the survey give an impression that the
Project area has lost its biodiversity, and is fast losing its wildlife resources.
The spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastix hardwickii) Sandho/Sandha is in abundance in the
microenvironment but it is protected by the locals. All sand mounds in the area have the
Sandha burrows. The two species: Uromastix and monitor lizard are included in Appendix III
of the CITES.
4.4.5 Mangrove Ecosystem
The 8 km shoreline on the west and the Gharo creek on the south of the Project site are at least
5km from the mangrove ecosystem. The mangrove ecosystem of Gharo Creek and on the
southeast is known to be inhabited by invertebrate fauna predominantly crustaceans, and by
gastropods, bivalves and polychaetes, while the common fish species include mud skippers,
mullets and sardines. Avecenna marina is the predominant mangrove species colonizing the
mud flats. The density of the forest varies between 1000 and 2000 trees per hectare, while the
average heights of the stands vary from 1 to 3m.
The seawater in the creek is however contaminated with sewage and industrial effluent
discharged from Dhabeji and Gharo Industrial areas. The mudflats of the creeks and the
swamps in the mangrove ecosystem provide sustenance to the fish, crabs and shrimps
community noted during the reconnaissance survey. The fishermen resident in Khaskheli Goth
reported that they catch pomphret, dangra, mangra, crabs and shrimps from the creek adjacent
to the Project site.
The mangrove system contributes to the stability of the shoreline as such it will be helpful if
and when an onshore wind farm is planned in the subsequent phases of the Project. They will
further be useful in prevention of erosion and reduction in siltation. As such the Project
activities will be aimed at conservation of this ecosystem.
The above details of Flora and Fauna might give an impression that the area is rich in
biodiversity. This is not correct. It has been noted that the animals have been reported by the
locals but they were not spotted during the surveys. As such it needs to be stressed that the land
has lost or is fast losing its wildlife resources.
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4.4.6 Sensitive Areas of Archaeological and Historical significance
Thatta district as a whole and its surroundings are archaeologically important as it was chosen
by several Emperors and feudal lords as the place of their eternal abode. Consequently, Makli
Hills became the largest cemetery of Pakistan where several marvellous monuments were
constructed depicting outstanding episode of history. Makli Hilll is now an institution for
learning and research. Because of its historical importance and uniqueness in the built heritage
of humanity, this site has been recognized as ‘world heritage’.
Significant Protected Archaeological Sites in GDRP ecosystem include the archaeological site
of the ruins of ancient Port of Debal at Bhambore town about 5km off the National Highway
and 10km from Dhabeji town and 15km from the Project site.
The settlement of ‘Bambore’ is located some 64km east of Karachi on the Gharo Creek which
in fact is the ancient deltaic channel of Indus River. The settlement has been described in
history as the port city Debal where large ships were anchored to trade goods brought from the
hinterland by huge caravans. It was considered a doorway from Middle East to Ceylon in the
east, and Alor to Multan in the North.
The shrine of Baba Jumman Shah Bokhari near the spring which is the source of Dhabeji is
another historical site. The shrine has a large grove of date palm trees in its surrounding. The
date palm grove is stated to have its origin with the caravans that stayed here during their
journey to the trade centre at Debal. Baba Jumman Shah Bokhari is claimed as the companion
of six other Bokharis in the Bhambore area. The presence of these cultural sites and of red
stones scattered at quite a few places suggests that the area may have historical or cultural
significance. This aspect will be specially taken care of during construction at the site, and if
artifacts of significance are found, the finding will be immediately reported to the Department
of Archaeology, Sindh.
4.5 Socioeconomic Profile
4.5.1 The Macroenvironment
Thatta District is spread over 17,355 km2 or 1.735 million hectare and is located between
23°43' to 25°26'N and 67°05' to 68°45'E in Sindh, Pakistan. The district is bounded on the
north by Dadu district, on the east by Hyderabad and Badin districts, on the south by Rann of
Kutch area and the Arabian Sea and on the west by Karachi District. According to the 1998
census of Pakistan, it had a population of 1,113,194 of which 11.21% were urban. The
population of Thatta District was estimated in 2008 at 1.469 million with 778 thousand males
and 691 thousand females.
District administration in Thatta district was till recently governed by the local government
system. The District is subdivided into 7 tehsils (talukas or sub-district): Ghora Bari, Jati,
Mirpur Bathoro, Mirpur Sakro, Shah Bunder, Sujawal, Thatta, Kharo Chan, and Keti Bunder.
These talukas include 55 Union Councils, 7,200 villages and over 190,000 households with an
average size of 6.5 persons per household. The seven talukas are governed by their respective
Taluka Municipal Administration (TMA), while the 55 UCs of 7 talukas are governed by
Union Council Administration (UCA).
The NBT-SZABIST wind farm would be sited in Taluka Mirpur Sakro which has 10 Union
Councils. SZABIST land falls in Union Council Dhabeji of Taluka Mirpur Sakro in District
Thatta.
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Table 4.15:Tehsils and Union Councils of District Thatta
Tehsil Union Council Total Ucs
Ghorabari Garho, Khan., Kotri Allah Rakhio, Mahar, Uddasi 5
Jati Begna, Gul Muhammad Baraa, Jati, Karamalik,
Kothi, Murid Khoso 6
Mirpur Bathoro Bachal Gugo, Banno, Darro, Darya Khan Suho,
Jhoke Sharif, Laikpur, M.Bathoro, Mehar Shah 8
Mirpur Sakro
Bohara, Choubandi, Dhabeji, Gharo.,
Ghulamullah, Gujjo, Haji Ghirano, Karampur,
Mirpur Sakro, Sukhpur
10
Sajawal Ali Bahar, Bello, Bijora, Jar, Kinjhar, Sujawal 6
Shah Bander Chuhar Jamali, Doulatpur, Goongani, Jungo
Jalbani, Ladiun 5
Thatta
Chatto Chand, Doomani, Jherruck, Jhimpir,
Jungshahi, Kalakot, Kalri., Makli, Onger, Sonda,
Tando Hafiz Shah, Thatta-I, Thatta-Ii
13
Mirpur Sakro
Bohara, Choubandi, Dhabeji, Gharo.,
Ghulamullah, Gujjo, Haji Ghirano, Karampur,
Mirpur Sakro, Sukhpur
10
Total Number
Of Tehsils=8
Total Number of
Union Councils=63
Figure 4.10: Tehsils and Union Councils of District Thatta
4.5.2 Urbanization
Going by status of urbanization given by urban: rural population ratio, which stands at
11.2:88.8 for District Thatta, this district is among the least-developed areas of Pakistan whose
ratio of rural: urban population according the 1998 census is 35:65. It was stated earlier that
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adequacy in providing the benefit of development processes to the grass root level is invariably
reflected in the level of urbanization of the area concerned. Since a share of 30% urban
population in the total suggests a threshold stage of development and of over 45% suggests a
take-off stage, the ratio for District Thatta suggests that it has yet to come out of the stage of
under-development6.
According to the Pakistan National Human Development Report 2003, Thatta stands 64th
among 91 Districts (UNDP 2003) and one of its Taluka Mirpur Sakro was declared the most
poverty ridden Taluka in District Thatta.
The underdeveloped status of the Thatta District is reflected by the land utilization pattern, type
of dwelling units and availability of infrastructure facilities such as water supply and sanitation,
roads, transportation in the four ecosystems just cited. As expected the infrastructure facilities
that upgrade the quality of life of the people of the area concerned are all highly deficient. The
villages, union council, tehsil and district centers as a whole bear a rural character and the
status of degraded land.
The population of all seven Talukas of Thatta District according to the 1998 Census was 1.113
million. Based on an annual growth rate of 2.26 percent the current population of the district is
estimated to be around 1.301 million. There are three Talukas which are coastal and four which
are non-coastal. The population of the non-coastal Talukas is the most dense. Mirpur Bathoro is
the most densely populated Taluka followed by Sujawal and Thatta Talukas. The coastal
Talukas have large geographic areas and much lower population densities.
The rural population of the district was 0.988 million in 1998 constituting 89 percent of the
population. The average annual growth rate in rural population between 1981-1998 was 2.15
percent annual. Males were 113 percent of females. The age structure of the population showed
that those of 18 years and above were 52 percent of the population. The entire district has a
broad based population pyramid indicating a high proportion of population at younger age
groups. With 68 percent of the people currently married and 47 percent of total females in the
reproductive age.
However, the people with the most threatened and vulnerable livelihoods are the people along
the coastal areas. The population along the coast is difficult to estimate as there is no system in
place that tracks the movement of this population.
The coastal talukas in Thatta District have a population of 619,980, which is 48 percent of the
total district population. The average annual population growth in the coastal talukas is
estimated at about 2.2% per annum.
Table 4.16: Estimated Population in the Coastal Talukas of Thatta
Coastal Taluka 1998 2005
Mirpur Sakhro 175,176 203,840
Ghorabari 105,482 120,344
Keti Bunder 23,187 27,000
Shah Bunder 87,174 98,936
Jati 116,175 132,848
Kharochhann 25,666 29,012
Source: 1998 Census Data and projections.
6 Mirza Arshad Ali Beg, Problems due to Urbanization in Pakistan, Chapter VIII in Democracy Displaced in Pakistan, Case
History of Disasters of Social Pollution, Research & Development Publications, Karachi, 1998
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The Mirpur Sakro Taluka, where the proposed site is located, covers an area of about 2,982
square kilometers (736,541 acres).The taluka is distributed in 10 unions, 92 revenue villages,
1,526 villages and 32,099 households. The total population according to the 1998 census was
198,852 individuals.
Table 4.17: Mirpur Sakro Population
Taluka Union
Councils
No. Of
Dehs
Revenue
Villages Villages Households
Population(1998
Census)
Mirpur
Sakro 10 95 92 1526 32099 198852
Within the Gaga-Dhabeji-Rann Pathani ecosystem Gharo and Dhabeji are the important towns
on National Highway N5 to Thatta. They are both in taluka Mirpur Sakro. Dhabeji town is
located at 24'47" N 67'31" E, in Union Council Dhabeji of Taluka Mirpur Sakro in District
Thatta. It is just past Ghaggar Phatak on National Highway and is south of the Pakistan
Railway line. It has an industrial zone along the National Highway. Gharo is the UC Head
Quarter and is the terminus of Keti Bunder-Gharo Link road and being at the head of Gharo
Creek it has a unique position as a rural trade centre. It has a slightly larger population than
Dhabeji.
Table 4.18: Average House Hold Size In The Two UCs.
S.No. Name of UC Population (1998
Census)
Estimated Current Population
(2007) % of Taluka
1 Gharo 21,723 28,112 11%
2 Dhabeji 18,908 24,446 10%
Average household size in the two UCs is reported to be 6 to 7 per household.
4.5.3 Migratory Trends
In 1998 the total in-migrants into the district were estimated to be 22,871 or about 2 percent of
the population. Only 26 percent had migrated within the last five years and the remaining had
migrated before this period. Among the reasons for migration was marriage, business and
transfer. The most significant aspect as far as migration trend in this district is concerned is the
out-migration especially from the coastal areas as a result of the impoverishment of resources
which does not offer employment opportunities and adds to the problem of living within
affordable means.
4.5.4 Sources of Income and Livelihoods
1. Agriculture and Livestock
Good breed of buffalo and cow are found in Thatta District. Sheep, goat, camel, horse, ass and
mule are also the main livestock of the district. The numbers of large animals far exceeds the
number of smaller animals showing preferences of people for keeping cattle rather than goats
or sheep. Livestock in the district suffers in particular from shortage of high quality feed and
fodder crops as a result of the overall shortage of water. The livestock numbers have been
particularly affected as a result of the decrease in the flow of the Indus.
Table 4.19 : Livestock Population in Thatta District Type Population Percentage
Cattle 339,105 31
Buffalo 314,253 29
Sheep 170,031 16
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Table 4.19 : Livestock Population in Thatta District Type Population Percentage
Goat 240,920 22
Camel 11,081 1
Horse 424 0
Mule 183 0
Ass 23,748 2
Domestic Poultry 510,114 Not
included
Source: Livestock census: 1996
Villages have, since historical times relied on multiple sources of income depending upon the
household resource ownership. In the GDRP ecosystem fishing formed a major part of
livelihoods, while rice crop farming was always a key component as each family had access to
some land to grow red rice on, which they cultivated on a subsistence basis. Scarcity of water
has constrained crop production as a means of livelihood.
Livestock ownership is now the only means to supplement household consumption needs and
as a store of value. Wood cutting enabled households to meet their fuel needs as well as
supplement incomes for the poorer households. As a result of decrease in water availability and
increased salinity there has been a pressure on diverse type of livelihoods. The choice that was
once available to households is gradually diminishing and households are increasingly
becoming dependent upon one or two sources of income. Along the coast, fishing has become
the single source of income for many families. In addition, this source of income has become
more unreliable with much lower returns than were possible a decade or so ago.
In some of the villages in the GDRP ecosystem, land cultivation is seasonal, restricted to the
rainy season, to ensure sufficient water for the crops. The agricultural land is owned by the
villagers. The latest visit to the cultivated lands revealed that the crops of maize had been
harvested; the yield was poor because of untimely cloud burst.
Two-thirds of the village households own land of varying sizes. Most of the cultivable land is
worked upon by the land owners themselves who are inhabitants of this village, but some are
too poor to cultivate it themselves, hence a few households have rented it out to “Haris” who
invest in cultivating their land, preparing it for crops, build canals and bunds to irrigate the land
and then collect the harvest to sell it in the markets in Gharo and Dhabeji. The Hari gives the
land owner two-thirds of the money earned from the crop. This augments the annual income of
the household. The “Hari” i.e. the lessee of that land allows the household to take 1 to 2 kilo of
vegetables that he cultivates.
The crops grown on their lands are: guaar beans, torian, loki, kaddu, teenday, lady finger, and
lentils (moong). In non-edible items they cultivate sesame seed for oil extraction.
2. Occupation
The GDRP area does not offer opportunities for employment and the population is primarily
employed as cheap unskilled labor force either in Dhabeji or Gharo. Cultivation is not possible
here due to scarcity of water. Livestock herding is the only income generating option; the
limited livestock holdings in the settlements is kept primarily for household use of livestock
products. Skilled labor is scarce, and the categories of skilled laborers are mostly chowkidars,
drivers, welders, plumbers and electricians. Government service is relatively rare but residents
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of some villages find low level jobs in the KWSB’s Filter Plant, and the industrial units in
Dhabeji and Gharo.
4.5.5 Employment and Incomes
The economically active population is 25 percent of the total population and 37 percent of the
population is aged 10 and above. A high unemployment rate of 18 percent was recorded in
Thatta District in 1998. Of the total employed persons, about two-thirds are engaged in primary
occupations namely agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting.
The villagers in the GDRP area have multiple sources of income which varies from:
Government jobs in the Water Board and the Railway.
Pension of villagers retired from Water Board and Railway jobs
Agriculture income from owner’s cultivable land
Sale of Livestock as and when need arises
Contractual jobs in mills and factories in Gharo.
There is unemployment all over the villages amongst the men who were previously employed.
The focus group revealed that two-thirds of the employable men are unemployed and only one-
third are holding stable jobs. Qualifications are few, almost non-existent in the villagers,
maximum metric or inter passed. Most men have skills (agricultural, masonry) but not
education.
Focus group discussion at Goth Jafar Jamadar and at Goth Nabi Bakhsh revealed that the main
source of income is employment only. At least 30% population is living at subsistence level,
surviving only on pension of an aged family member who retired and now relies on subsistence
farming. 10% population survives on family members who are not in regular employment.
60% of the villagers earn their living from sources such as shop/kiosk in the village or from
collection of stones or wood.
At least 35% of the population of the two villages survives on Rs 5000 and less; another 30%
earns 5000-11000; yet another 30% earns 11000 – 18000, while the remaining 10% in the
villages earns Rs 18000-25000. The two villages: Goth Jaffar Jokhio and Goth Nabi Bakhsh
have 200 and 300 goats respectively and 150 and 250 chickens respectively. Ownership of
cows is limited to the upper class. Jaffar Goth has only 2 cows while there are about 20 cows in
Yusuf Khaskheli village. Almost all households in the villages have goats to fulfill their milk
requirements for tea. Chicken are raised for eggs and are seldom used as a source of meat.
4.5.6 Indebtedness
Most of the families are indebted in the range of Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 50,000 yearly. They borrow
money for household consumption from banyas or the landlord on whose land they make a
living, and repay the loan by selling livestock at the time of Eidul Azha.
4.5.7 Enterprise and Industrial Sector
From the industrial point of view Thatta District has progressed considerably. There are about
30 industrial units established in the district. Apart from the sugar mills all the larger industrial
units are located in Dhabeji and Gharo in the GDRP area. Most of the labour in these units is
non-local and commutes from within the two towns or from Karachi. These include textile
mills (9), paper mills (2), flour mill (3) salt works, ice factory (2), etc. Additionally, stone from
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the Makli Hills and Kohistan is supplied to the Pakistan Steel Mill and the Thatta Cement
Factory.
Table 4.20: Factories in Dhabeji & Gharo Industrial Area.
S.# Functional Not Functional
01 M/s Tapal wood works Sakreo Road Gharo M/s Allied Paper Mills Gharo
02 M/s Al-Asif Sugar Mills Gharo M/s Al-Noor Textile Mills Dhabeji
03 M/s Al-Abbas Gases Dhabeji M/s Azmat Textile Mills Dhabeji
04 M/s Indus Jute Mills Dhabeji M/s Ahmed Spinning Mills Dhabeji
05 M/s Jeo Links Dhabeji M/s Arafat Rice Mills Dhabeji
06 M/s O.K Oil Mills Dhabeji M/s Abasian International Dhabeji
07 M/s Anwar Textile Mills Dhabeji M/s Abdul Haq Flour Mills Dhabeji
08 M/s Garieb Sons Gharo M/s Central Cotton Ltd Dhabeji
09 M/s Maza International M/s Classic Paper & Board Gharo
10 M/s Peoples Flour Mills Dhabeji M/s Madina Rice Mills Gharo
11 M/s Qureshi Salt Works Dhabeji M/s Pakistan PVC Ltd Gharo
12 M/s Hirjina Salt Works Dhabeji M/s Peoples Flour Mills Dhabeji
13 M/s Dhabeji Salt Works Dhabeji
1. Salt industry
There are numerous sites for salt production in the Bambhore area. Private contractors have
leased these lands from the government and local people are working there since the inception
of the salt works, under primitive conditions for seven days a week, at an average salary of Rs.
250-350 per day.
2. Poultry farming
A large number of poultry farms were observed during the site visit for socioeconomic survey
in the project area. The climatic condition favors this profitable business in terms of quality and
quantity. These farms are major suppliers to urban centers.
3. Handicrafts
Both men and women in the project area supplement their major income source with
handicrafts. Women particularly use their leisure time, albeit minimal, for handmade products
like rali, comforters called sour, sagi, agath and embroidery on shirts, bed sheets, pillows,
handkerchiefs and table covers. Of importance is rali making which is not only an economic
activity but also a tradition for women in the area. Rali is traditional apparel used as a mat or
quilt. The upper part of rali is a combination of bright colored square clothes sown together to
form various floral and geometrical patterns. A simple rali takes about 1.5-2 months to prepare.
Rali is an essential feature of a girl’s dowry, so a girl starts learning the art of rali making from
the age of 6-8 years. Ghagho or Cholo is another piece of art. They may earn from Rs. 400 to
Rs. 600 per month from these sources. Income from these activities usually stays with women
themselves and they can spend this money as they desire.
4.5.8 Physical Infrastructure
1. Water supply
According to the 1998 Housing Census, the facility of piped water inside the house was
available to 14 percent of the housing units in the district. There is a wide divergence in this
facility in urban and rural areas. About one-third of the housing units have this facility in urban
areas compared to around 10 percent in rural areas. Hand pumps inside the house were
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available to around 13 percent of the housing units in the district. Hand pumps, wells and
ponds were almost equally being used as a source of drinking water outside the housing units.
About 16 percent used outside ponds for fetching water and 6 percent of housing units used
dug wells. Being at the tail end of the Indus River system, Thatta District was facing the worst
ever fresh water crisis due to non-release of water in the river. In the coastal talukas, only 26
percent of the people had access to water supply from within the village. Gharo Filter Plant
network is the source of water for Jafar Jokhio Goth and ground water or supplies by donkey
cart is the source for Goth Nabi Bakhsh. The water so supplied is not treated.
2. Potable Water
Lack of potable water is one of the primary issues of this region. The Union Councils have
provided water supply lines to most villages, but these schemes are largely non-functional.
Groundwater levels are low and prospecting for water is an expensive proposition.
3. Sanitary waste Disposal
Only about 1/3rd of the residents in the GDRP have a separate sanitation facility. The residents
of units without proper latrine facility use adjacent rural environs. Majority uses the bushes to
answer the call of nature. Only a few households have latrines as part of their bathing area. In
the bushes outdoors the toilet area is demarcated. Although, women’s enclosure is separate but
it is not properly concealed.
Solid waste from homes is thrown in a demarcated garbage dumping area in the bushes. There
are three “bathoris” for the three muhallahs. When the solid waste is in excess it is either lifted
via tractor and taken to the lands and dumped in a big hole for bio-degradation into manure, or
it is burnt. Conversely, this waste might also be sold to contractors from some other villages,
who then have the garbage lifted and removed to cultivable lands where it is used to make
manure.
Animal waste is not collected in special ways. Rather it is thrown in the same garbage area and
allowed to dry after which if the quantity of animal waste is substantial then it is lifted and
taken to the agricultural lands and dumped in a pit to turn it into manure, or else sold to
contractors from other villages who have it lifted via tractor and taken to their own lands.
4. Electricity
Electricity is available to about one-third of the housing units in Thatta District. There is a wide
variation in the availability of electricity in urban and rural areas. It is estimated that about 79
percent in urban areas had access to electricity in contrast to about 21 percent in the entire
District. Kerosene oil is used in over 77 percent of the rural dwellings. More than 80 percent of
the housing units in the district were using wood as cooking fuel. Only 3 percent of the housing
units had access to Sui Gas in the district.
In Goth Jaffa Jokhio the villagers use gas lamps and kerosene oil lamps for lighting. Once a
week the gas tanks are filled from Gharo. Batteries are used for charging mobile phones,
playing a radio or a TV. In certain situations a large truck battery is taken to Gharo for two days
of charging and brought back and it lasts for a week in the village for uses just mentioned.
People also use a battery to illuminate the shop with a small tube light at night.
Fuel for energy comes from burning wood in the stoves, for cooking and burning wood in
winter for heating purposes. Diesel is used for motorcycles and kerosene is used for hand held
lamps. The source of wood is the bushes and woodlands around the village from where
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household members cut bundles of wood as per requirement. However, at least 50% of the
sampled households bought their stock of wood from wood cutters who sell bundles of wood
to the villagers. Diesel for personally owned vehicles is acquired from Gharo city. A
motorcycle needs Rs.100 worth of petrol to commute between Jaffer Jokhio Goth and Gharo
city. The villagers average cost of fuel is as follows:
Table 4.21: Villagers average cost of fuel
Type of Fuel Average cost per month
Wood Rs. 533
Petrol/Diesel Rs. 3000
Kerosene oil Rs. 300
Since the villagers net income is limited, such a large cash outflow for fuel leaves them with
little or no possibility of saving any part of their income.
5. Road Transport
The Thatta District is linked by road with other districts. National Highway from Karachi to
Peshawar passes through Thatta for a length of 200 kilometers. All major towns of the district
are connected with metalled roads of 1,585 kilometers length. The district is also connected by
the main railway line from Karachi to Peshawar. The principal railway stations are Jangshahi,
Dhabeji and Jhimpir. The district is also equipped with digital and non-digital
telecommunication system besides postage and telegraph.
Cost of travelling to and from the villages in GDRP area by different means of transport is very
expensive and often causes delays and untimely deaths in medical emergencies. The cost of
transportation to and from Goth Jafar Jokhio creates an impediment in visiting the doctor in
case of illnesses. A family in the Goth owns a Suzuki and charges a rent for taking villagers to
and from Gharo. It is also used for transportation of goods to the village from Gharo.
Cost estimates for transportation from and to the village are as follows:
By motorcycle: Rs.200 to Rs. 300 (both ways inclusive)
Richshaw: Rs.600 (both ways inclusive)
Suzuki: Rs.1000 to Rs.1200 (both ways inclusive)
Lorry: Rs. 900 to 1000 (both ways inclusive)
In the case of a medical emergency, they call their contacts in Gharo who send a vehicle to the
village in which they commute to the hospital in Gharo. People in the village who cannot
afford the transportation and medical fees, in case of emergency borrow money from
somebody in the village.
6. Irrigation and Drainage Systems
The hilly areas of the district are cultivated on monsoon water and wells, while the canals and
channels irrigate the other lands. The areas within the protective banks of the Indus used to
have fertile patches of land which depended upon flood and lift water system from barrage
channels at various places for irrigation purposes. However, the pattern of irrigation has been
transformed in the district due to lack of water availability.
Table 4.22: Different NGOs working in District Thatta
District NGOs
Thatta 1. National Rural Support Program (NRSP),
2. Aga Khan Planning and Building Services
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Table 4.22: Different NGOs working in District Thatta
3. IUCN
4. WWF
5. Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO)
6.HANDS
7. Pakistan Fisher folk Forum
8. Adventure Foundation of Pakistan
9. Indus Earth
10. SCOPE
7. Education
Education opportunities in the area are minimal in Mirpur Sakro taluka as a whole. The
disparity seems more pronounced in rural areas than in urban areas, and gender-wise.
The educational facility in the area in the GDRP ecosystem comprising Bhambore, Dhabeji,
and Gharo is adequate to the extent of primary and level and secondary level. The Dhabeji
Pumping Station residential Colony has a high school. Literacy and enrolment level for boys in
particular, is above average in the villages visited. Each of the villages in the area has access to
primary or middle school within a distance of three to four kilometres.
There is one high school each at Ghagar Town, Bhambore, Dhabeji and Gharo that offers
services to nearby Dehs. Female literacy rate is low, with rare cases of literate adult females.
General educational level, according to Nazims of Union Councils, is above average, training
in technical skills is inadequate and the proportion of skilled labour in the workforce is
estimated at less than 10 % of the total labour force. Thus the local residents are ill-equipped
for jobs in industry and manufacturing.
8. Literacy Rate and Education Facilities
There are two primary school buildings for boys in the villages surveyed for this study; both of
them are functional. It is reported that teachers have been appointed for the functional schools.
Male literacy ratio is less than 60% and female literacy is almost 20%. Most persons can speak
Urdu, the National language and most of them can read the Holy Quran. Things have started to
change with the emergence of new leadership which has started setting up mosques and
madressas in the area of influence.
9. Health
Health facilities are inadequate and sub-standard in quality in the GDRP ecosystem and people
have to travel to Thatta District Hospital in severe emergencies or even to Hyderabad and
Karachi. There is a Basic Health Unit (BHU) and a Mother and Child Centre (MCH) in
Ghaggar town, Bhambore, Dhabeji and Gharo but these centres are understaffed and
understocked. Serious ailments have to be treated at Thatta, Quaidabad or Karachi. Many of
the diseases occurring in the area are water borne, and the lack of sanitation facilities and
reliable water supply schemes has contributed to health problems.
Fever, Malaria, Tuberculosis, respiratory tract congestion, asthma, sugar, blood pressure,
diarrhoea, vomiting, Hepatitis B, kidney stone are the common reported diseases especially
amongst women and children. Snake biting is not as common as it used to be a few years
back.28% cases of snake bite were reported from Goth Jaffar Jokhio. After the rainy season,
the entire village falls ill with high grade fever, vomits, flu and cough. Many adults and
children pass away in these times.
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Infant deaths have occurred more frequently and mostly in home birth or during the journey to
Gharo. Transportation of an emergency case to Gharo hospital may get delayed due to non-
availability of conveyance or due to the uneven and rough terrain that has to be crossed.
Transportation cost for taking a delivery case to Gharo is Rs.1000 per trip (approximately) and
the Hospital charges Rs.5000 plus medicine.
10. Nutrition & Diet
The people consume a varied diet, consisting largely of vegetables and lentils. They often go to
their lands to get fresh vegetables for self-consumption and cooking. The Hari allows this as
they are the land owners and just take enough for self-consumption of a couple of days.
The villagers have a proper meal twice a day. The men who have to go to work eat a breakfast
mostly of tea and paratha, and a full meal at dinner time and the women and children have a
proper meal at lunch and dinner time. For afternoon meals at work in Gharo, men take 2
chappatis each, from home and buy the “saalan” from Gharo City. As Snacks or fillers the men
consume pan, chai and gutka.
For making tea, goat milk is used. Each household has 1 or more goats to fulfill its milk
requirements. Some also use cow milk depending upon the social strata the house belongs to.In
lunch and dinner they frequently consume vegetables and daal and infrequently they eat
chicken, red meat, and fish. Mostly they eat wheat bread/roti and seldom do they have rice. The
villagers also consume meat once a week and may consume meat more frequently when they
cut one of their livestock animals.
11. Gender Bias
The women are responsible for cutting wood for the stoves, filling water from the pipes,
cooking, cleaning and washing clothes. In each household the women have the duties divided
among themselves. It is observed that the women perform very tedious and strenuous tasks and
thus appear to age faster than men.
Women are the primary bearers of the burden of household chores. But responsibility of
grocery shopping is undertaken by the men since it has to be done from Gharo city. Males also
lend a helping hand in cutting wood for the stove. Children of age also assist the adults in
household chores such as water filling, sweeping and dusting, milking animals and gathering
eggs.
The women are interested in selling their handcrafted quilts on commercial basis and the men
support the idea. The males would like to open a kiosk; farming if they had the means, and in
learning masonry.
Most of the villagers are so frustrated by the restricted employment opportunities in the nearby
urban areas that they are willing to learn new skills to create opportunities for self employment
or even find employment under contractors in the private sector.
4.5.9 Human Settlements in & around Project Area
The wind farm project, proposed to be sited on SZABIST land, has only two human
settlements both located about 2.5 km on the South and North of the project site: 1) Gharo
Pumping Station and its residential Colony, and 2) an unsurveyed hamlet, Yousuf Khaskheli by
name. There was another hamlet near the Yousuf Khaskheli Goth but the same has been
abandoned only recently. Other major villages in the GDRP ecosystem include the following.
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Table 4.23: Estimated population found in microenvironment of the project area
Living
Area/Village
Households Estimated
Population
Source of
Income School Hospital Electricity
Total Pukka
Filter Plant
Colony (2.5 km) 60-80 60 500 Employment 2 1 √
Yousuf
Khaskheli
(2.5 km)
15 x 60
Agriculture
Livestock,
Labor*
x x x
Siddique Jokhio
(2.4 km) 13-14 1 100
Agriculture
Livestock,
Labor*
x x x
Jaffar Jokhio
Jamadar
(3.5 km)
40-50 10 280
Agriculture
Livestock,
Labor*
1 x X
Nabi Bakhsh
(16 km) 60-70 15 400
Agriculture
Livestock,
Labor*
1 x X
Hashum Jokhio
(7.4 km) 20-25 2 180
Agriculture
Livestock,
Labor*
x x x
Dost Mohammad
Zangiyani &
Haji Hamza
Zangiyani (9km)
18 1 120 Livestock,
Labor* x x X
Asghar Mirbahr
(10 km) 2 20 Labor* x x X
Sumar Shoro
(12 km) 20-25 2 180
Livestock,
Labor* x x X
*Labor represents: quarrying, wood cutting, stone crushing, sand/gravel
collection/transportation, odd jobs
1. Castes, Lineages and Tribes
The GDRP area has two major groups of people: samat and non-samat. Samats are people
inhibiting the Sindh province. Non-samats are the immigrants from various parts of
subcontinent especially baloch tribes.
In the Gharo area, the major tribes include Baloch (Kalmati; locally pronounced Karmati,
Ahmadani, Baghiar) Khaskheli, Mallah, Mir Bahar, Megwar, Kohli, Sodai, Machhi, Sathia,
Hangoro, Kathiar, Syeds, Qureshi, Samo, Mullepoto, Jat, Multani, Panjabi and Pathan (Niazi,
Khattak, Sulemankhail).
In the SZABIST land area and it’s environment the dominant tribe is Jokhio, followed by a
small group of khaskhelis. The population in the project area is dominantly Muslim. Almost all
Muslim population belongs to the Sunni sect. According to the government figures 96.72% of
the population is Muslim (Thatta DCR, 1998, p. 26). There is a small Hindu minority
comprising 2.7% of the district population. Owing to the strong sufi tradition in Sindh, people
in the project area have strong affiliation to sufism and piri/muridi. Females are more faithful
towards dargahs compared to men. This fact manifests their insecurity in local social setup.
They also have a strong belief on spiritual healing and hence rely on Dum, Darood, and Taveez
for disease cure, black magic, and help in thier family lives.
Men are usually followers of pirs. Prominent pirs followed in the area include Saeen
Amanullah Shah, Saeen Baqir Ali Shah Jeelani, and Saeen Peeran Dinno Shah (lives in Uthal,
Balochistan).
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4.5.10 Land Degradation, Desertification & Poverty Nexus
In and around GDRP ecosystem, desertification has caused widespread degradation of the
ecosystem to support the quest for urban development and not so much the growing
population. Aridity in the ecosystem compounded by deflation by wind as a common natural
process in the NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Project macro environment has deflated the surface
of the soils by several centimeters. The much too common gravel covered surfaces occurring
throughout the stony wastes of the area are evidence of high contemporary rates of wind
erosion. The elevated mounds of fine sand that occur around shrubs on the Plains provide
evidence that it has been deflated by windblown sand during the life of the plants and
aggravated the process of desertification thus contributing to environmental crises, such as loss
of flora, fauna, biodiversity and productivity of the ecosystems. In general, the quest for
enhanced productivity in urban centres has intensified exploitation and has carried disturbance
by man into less productive and more fragile lands.
Over exploitation of the meagre resources has given rise to degradation of soil, water and
vegetation. These three elements of the natural ecosystem serve as the natural foundation for
human existence. In the fragile ecosystem at GDRP, the loss of biological productivity through
impoverishment of plant, animal, soil and water resources has become irreversible, and has
permanently reduced its capacity to support human life.
Impoverishment of resources leading to environmental degradation is both a cause and a
consequence of rural poverty. Therefore, impoverishment of resources leads to desertification
which in turn leads to poverty, and the vicious circle completes when poverty leads to further
desertification.
4.5.11 Poverty
Level of poverty is increasing because of frequent droughts occurring in this arid zone of
Sindh. The trend, of uprooting shrubs, cutting trees for fuel wood, over grazing due to over
stocking, and sand /gravel removal from the river beds, is increasing. If the current trend
continues, the already exhausted rangelands will not be in a position to support the existing
level of livestock population of this arid region. The economic impact of such a situation has
had direct effect on the population here and is likely to increase the level of poverty amongst
the herders of this ecosystem.
Such continuous and uninterrupted degradation of natural resources is pushing the ever
growing population for its livelihood to migration to urban centers, which are not prepared to
absorb it. The migration of the rural population to the urban areas has amassed the urban areas
with social problems by increasing slums around the cities. This situation has created law and
order problem in the cities. Because of increasing poverty and lack of basic amenities the most
vulnerable sections of population like the children and women are being affected and will be
badly affected in the next few years.
Although formal area poverty profile has not been prepared for Lower Sindh including Thatta,
secondary data generated by the project preparatory technical assistance (PPTA) showed that
54% are among the “poorest” category and 79% may be characterized as poor. In a 2004
national survey Pakistan’s poorest district was Thatta.
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Family income of Rs 5 to11 thousand, arrived at by this study, already suggests that almost
75% of the families live below the poverty line. All members of the family have to contribute
to sustain their subsistence living. Poverty has mostly been caused by the following factors:
Scarcity of water
Recurring drought
Low return from crop and livestock farming
Low wages from stone/wood cutting
Low literacy rate
Lack of training
High population growth
Lack of access to employment in industrial area
Increasing unemployment
High cost of healthcare
4.5.12 Community Expectations from NBT-Zab Wind Power Pvt. Ltd.
All respondents i.e. males as well as females expect the following from the proposed project:
Safe drinking water**
Job Opportunity*
Healthcare centers particularly for women and children**
Schools*
Vocational training
Black top link roads*
Poverty alleviation schemes*
Land development for suitable crops
Protection from drought
New income generating opportunities like small business, and supply of goods and
services to the company and people working for the wind farm
** Highest Priority *High Priority
The resident population was confident that the proposed wind power project would change
their lifestyle and they will enjoy better quality of life and their young and future generation
will not live in poverty, if the company is committed to develop the villages and provide them
job opportunities.
4.5.13 Employment Opportunities in Macro environment & NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm
Macro environment of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Project site has the industrial estates of
Dhabeji and Gharo located within 10 Km from the site. The villages do not have skilled labor
of the sort that is needed for industrial units. However, the skilled laborers of the category
comprising drivers, mechanics, welders, plumbers and electricians, if available will be offered
employment in the forthcoming construction and operation phase of the wind power.
1. Employment Opportunities in Macroenvironment & NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm
Macroenvironment of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Project site has the industrial estates of
Dhabeji and Gharo located within 10 Km from the site. The villages do not have skilled labor
of the sort that is needed for industrial units. However, the skilled laborers of the category
comprising drivers, mechanics, welders, plumbers and electricians, if available will be offered
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employment in the forthcoming construction and operation phase of the Wind Power
Production Unit. The construction phase of NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Generation Complex
will generate approximately 600 new jobs during construction/erection and installation phase
and about 30 new jobs after coming into operation.
2. Employment Opportunities in Macroenvironment & NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm
Macroenvironment of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Project site has the industrial estates of
Dhabeji and Gharo located within 10 Km from the site. The villages do not have skilled labor
of the sort that is needed for industrial units. However, the skilled laborers of the category
comprising drivers, mechanics, welders, plumbers and electricians, if available will be offered
employment in the forthcoming construction and operation phase of the Wind Power
Production Unit. The construction phase of NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Generation Complex
will generate approximately 600 new jobs during construction/erection and installation phase
and about 30 new jobs after coming into operation.
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5.0 Screening of potential environmental impacts
& proposed mitigation measures
This Chapter presents the screening of potential environmental and social impacts of different
activities of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Project during its different stages of designing,
construction and operation. Using the general guidelines as well as professional judgment it
evaluates the positive and negative impact of emissions and waste discharges on the aesthetics,
airshed, watershed, fauna, flora and the living environment at SZABIST Site Dhabeji. The
screening process, besides identifying significant environmental impacts and the existence of
residual impact suggests mitigation measures that may have to be adopted in order to reduce
minimize or compensate for the impact.
5.1 Screening of Alternatives
The NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Project aims at harnessing wind energy the renewable energy
source potential in the Gharo Wind Corridor in NBT-SZABIST Site Dhabeji as an alternative
to the conventional system that depends on fossil fuel, and thus meet the shortfall in the current
energy production system. The alternatives available are:
No Action, continuation with the existing condition.
No renewable energy alternative; No New system alternative that involves renewable
energy but continuation with the use of fossil fuel.
Harnessing Wind Energy Potential of the Gharo Wind Corridor at NBT-SZABIST Site
Dhabeji.
5.1.1 Selection of Preferred Alternative Site:
Selection of the preferred alternative system and site for establishment of wind farm needs to
be based on:
Current status of energy production system,
Strategic needs of energy production, conservation and environmental protection,
Urgent need to provide better level of service in power production to meet the current and
future demand.
5.1.2 Alternative # 1: No Action Alternative
The “No Action Alternative” does not offer the advantages sought by the Alternative Energy
Development Project. It does not respond to:
The urgent and strategic needs of enhanced power production to meet the demand of
industry, agriculture as well as commercial and domestic consumers of the country; nor
does it propose better level of service for improvement of quality of life.
The need to increase the current power production capacity despite the shortfall in energy
availability resulting in load shedding of 6 to 8 hours every day.
The requirement of slowing down on fossil fuel consumption that is adding to global
warming on the one hand and on the other hand depleting its resources.
In view of the above shortcomings the “No Action Alternative” cannot be considered.
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5.1.3 Alternative # 2: No New Renewable Energy Alternative
Alternative#2 also does not respond to:
The need to increase the current power production capacity despite the shortfall in energy
availability resulting in load shedding of 6 to 8 hours every day.
The requirement of slowing down on fossil fuel consumption that is adding to global
warming on the one hand and on the other hand depleting the resources.
5.1.4 Alternative # 3: Harnessing Wind Energy Potential of Gharo Corridor
Harnessing Wind Energy Potential of Gharo Wind Corridor responds to the criteria just
mentioned. Moreover it offers the following advantages over the others:
The screening process finds the site of the Project in the Gharo Wind Corridor suitable for
wind classes 4-5.
The proposed site is the property of NBT-Zab Wind Power Pvt. Ltd, the proponent of the
project.
It is the only alternative site for establishment of the NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Project.
It suits to the requirement of accessibility to infrastructure facilities for the establishment of
Wind Farm and for providing energy to WAPDA when it goes into operation.
Alternative 3 has, in view of the above findings, been found to be the preferred alternative.
5.2 Screening of Potential Environmental Impacts at different stages of
project development
Exploitation of wind energy potential at SZABIST Site Dhabeji will require the following
environmental constraints to be addressed:
Land Use.
Visual Effects.
Noise Effect.
EMI Assessment.
Flicker Effects.
Cultural Heritage and Archaeological Issues.
Flora.
Fauna (Wildlife, Birds).
Wind Farm Development Advantages (positive effects).
Recreational and Tourism Issues.
Impact during Construction phase.
Impact during Operational phase.
5.2.1 Planning Stage / Siting of Wind farm
The microenvironment i.e. the 600 hectare land area at the SZABIST Site Dhabeji is
currently stony wasteland being further degraded by indiscriminate removal of sand,
gravel, stone and vegetation. The living area is more than 1.5 km outside the Project site
and being at least 15 km from industrial activity centre at Dhabeji and Gharo and at a
distance of 3.5 km from National Highway N5, does not fall in the corridor of their impact.
Current land-use in the distantly located villages is limited to subsistence farming, and
cashing on the dead wood dried up vegetation and sand/gravel/stone.
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The resident population outside SZABIST land area is engaged in low level labor in stone
digging, crushing, wood cutting and sand/gravel/stone collection as well as wood cutting.
The land is the property of SZABIST, and does not entail involuntary resettlement.
The NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm has no protected areas such as wildlife, game reserves or
national park, or any archaeological, historical or cultural heritage in its neighborhood; as
such it would have no visual impact on them.
Removal of vegetation will be needed at 33 locations on the 600 hectare land for piling for
siting the wind turbines.
Mitigation Measures: Contractors will be committed to minimizing the removal of
vegetation, and replanting trees that may have to be removed.
Soil erosion is likely to be caused by the vehicular traffic on unpaved roads and dirt tracks,
land clearing for construction camps and wind turbine towers, construction of roads and
excavation for tower foundations.
Soil may be contaminated as a result of fuel/oils/chemicals spillage and leakage, and
inappropriate waste (solid as well as liquid) disposal.
Mitigation Measures: Contractors will be committed to strictly follow the EMP as well as
IFC’s EHS Guidelines on minimizing the soil erosion and contamination.
NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm would have its share of water from the Gharo Filter Plant
network and would thus have no significant impact on the current beneficial water uses in
the area.
The airshed of the NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Farm is, according to the assessment of
ambient air quality, unpolluted. The dust fall in the microenvironment as estimated from
the ambient air quality measurements at site is high as a result of high aridity in the airshed
of the macro environment as well as that of the site itself.
Deposition of dust on the rotor blades of the WTG may have significant impact on
operation of the WTGs. The WTG supplier will take this aspect into account, while
Environmental monitoring and management plan as well as maintenance staff will address
this issue in particular.
The wasteland at GDRP area has remained an isolated component of ecosystem of Lower
Sindh for a long time; location of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm will comprise value addition
to the wasteland and will have no significant impact on its degraded ecology.
1. Land Use
The wind farm site lies in the Ghaggar-Dhabeji-Rann Pethani (GDRP) ecosystem. The 600-
hectare land comprising the microenvironment is arid stony wasteland with rock, sand and
gravel removal besides tree/dead wood/shrubs removal activities leading to impoverishment of
resources and further degradation. There is one residential Colony and one hamlet (small
village) with 70 to 80 and 10 to 15 households respectively in the surrounding with Goth Jaffar
Jokhio 1.5 km from the boundary of the SZABIST land.
The site is not located under the flyway of commercial aircrafts. The wind turbines would be at
the hub height of 80 m (to be confirmed at design stage), which would necessitate adequate
provision of warning lights and signals necessary for elevated structures. This would require
obtaining clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority and Telecommunication Authority,
which has since been obtained.
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Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are needed with respect to existing land use
and land tenure since:
The 600 hectare land has been made available to the NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Project at
Dhabeji
Unsurveyed land, including the Khaskheli village lies unauthorized inside the boundary
demarcated by the coordinates, will be vacated with no cost to the Proponent.
Likewise there are no issues on loss of land, or loss of business. No involuntary
resettlement is consequently required and no business can be considered lost on the
acquired land.
The detailed design will give due consideration to location of the WTG close to the living
area at SZABIST site at Dhabeji and site the WTGs to maintain a distance of about 1.6 km.
The wind turbines would be suitably landscaped so as to make them visually attractive and
also matt-finished to make the rotors less glossy.
2. Geology and Land Form
From the already available secondary data of project area it is shown that the water table is
deep down and much below 20m. It is assumed that the strata in the vicinity of water table are
dried up. Different strata of the soil comprise an initial 1 to 3 m of mostly soft materials like
fine to coarse silty sand, followed by reddish brown hard clay stone/siltstone fractured to 10 m,
siltstone/clay stone/limestone fractured in the following 15 to 20 m.
The secondary borehole data for the area in conjunction with Rock Quality Designation (RQD)
values indicate that the soil at borehole site has RQD values lower than 30% which shows poor
Rock Quality and low load bearing capacity.
The project/site specific geological study is underway.
Mitigation Measures: This would require appropriate mitigation measures in providing bored
reinforced concrete piles to the depth of hard rock’s with RQD values greater than 50%. It is
therefore suggested that piles of the foundations of the towers should be laid at depth of
sandstone/hard rock which are hard and pose minimum risk to the liquefaction threat during
major (> 7 on Richter Scale) earthquake.
3. Seismic Hazard
The seismic hazard, in view of the historical data as well as proximity to fault has been
estimated for SZABIST Site Dhabeji as "moderate to major". This suggests the "possibility" of
earthquakes of intensity V to VII on (MM) scale and "probability" of those above VII. The
NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm site should be placed between Zone 2 and Zone 3 i.e. Zone 2A.
Such Seismic Zoning would correspond to Magnitude between 5.0 and 6.5 on Richter Scale
and Intensity between VII and IX on Modified Mercallis Scale. This suggests that Ground
Force in terms of Assumed Approximate Acceleration equivalent of 0.3 g should be adopted
for the site.
A seismic risk factor of 0.3 g is recommended for the design for constructions and installations
at the site in view of the installations involving large towers with hub heights reaching 80
meters, for operational basis earthquakes (OBE) pertaining to damage due to moderate level
earthquakes (MM scale VII to IX).
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Moreover in view of the Rock Quality Designation (RQD) values being lower than 30% and
showing poor Rock Quality and low load bearing capacity, the risk of liquefaction during
major (> 7 on Richter Scale) earthquakes will have to be taken into account.
Mitigation Measures
Seismic risk factor of 0.3 g should be incorporated in the design factor for the construction
of Wind Towers and Turbines.
Bored reinforced concrete piles shall be provided to minimize the risk of liquefaction
threat during major (> 7 on Richter scale) earthquake.
4. Visual Effects
Visual impact depends on the visual contrast between turbine structures and visual character
against the skyline and landscape, both of which result from color, form and scale. Visual
effects are so far a non-issue in the construction of large structures. They have so far not
appeared as a major constraint to development of high-rise apartments, towers, minarets and
chimneys. There are also no regulations for visual effects while siting wind turbines.
The proposed wind farm at NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm site will have the Filter Plant Colony
on the southwest at distances of 2.5 km from the Project site. The population resident in the
Colony will be the only one to view the wind turbines. Visual impact will not be of concern to
the areas in the north or south. It will also not be of concern to the residences and structures in
Goth Jaffar Jokhio which is 2.5 km outside the NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm area. The wind
farm will hardly be visible from National Highway N5 on the south.
Mitigation Measures: The NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm will be so designed at the final design
stage that the nearest WTG is sited at a distance of about 2.5 km from the Filter Plant
Residential area.
Reflected light can be distressing to the eye of persons in living environment in close
proximity. The rotor blades will have dull finish so as to retard reflection.
The wind farm being established in SZABIST land area would be viewed as a curiosity as is
being reported by the residents of Filter Plant Colony and Jaffar Goth. The cluster of WTG all
lined up along the 11 km strip of land in the wilderness will create a point of interest in the
distantly located rural landscape. This point of interest could be cashed by suitable landscaping
and creating a public viewing area to demonstrate the performance of this clean, renewable
form of energy generation.
5. Noise Impact
Noise created by the wind turbines would range between 90 and 105 dB(A) at a height of about
70 m. This level would attenuate at the ground level to perceptible range of 55 to 65 dB(A),
which is almost the same as noted when the surface wind is blowing. With the rotation of
blades by class 3-4 winds at 12 to 15 rotations, the noise emission would be at the lower level
of 55 to 60 dB(A). At a distance of over 1.5 km, where the three villages are located, the noise
emission would be just perceptible. The average background noise level recorded at site during
the reconnaissance survey was 38.0 to 46.5 dB(A), while it ranged between 41 and 54 dB(A)
during 24-hour monitoring at the site. The noise level as a result of exposure to wind was 65.0
to 76.0 dB (A).
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Performance of WTGs at a recently installed wind farm in the Jhimpir Wind Corridor has been
observed by the residents of Qasim Burfat Goth. The blades were found rotating at 12 to 15
rounds per minute and were not causing sound disturbance or roaring effect. The residents were
of the opinion that the wind was at times noisier than the WTGs all put together.
Mitigation Measures: In case the wind turbines are noisier than just stated, the impact will be
largely on the operators working at the wind farm or the security personnel resident in the
accommodation provided to them. It will be mandatory for the workers and officials to wear
ear mufflers or earplugs while in the operations area and for the management to adopt
mitigation measures during construction to minimize the environmental impact of the wind
farm. Regulations/standards relevant to wind farm have not been framed.
National Environmental Quality Standards have only been stated for transport vehicles which
suggests that the level should not exceed 85 dB(A) when measured at a distance of 7.5 m from
the edge of the road. World Bank Guidelines have set the following standards:
Table5.1: World Bank Guidelines.
Maximum allowable log equivalent (hourly
measurements) in dB(A)
Day Receptor
(07:00–22:00)
Night Receptor
(22:00 - 07:00)
Residential, institutional, educational 55 45
Industrial, commercial 70 70
The standards will be applied if the level exceeds the limits for Industrial and commercial sites
set at 70 dB(A) at the boundary of the wind farm. Simulation studies indicate that this level
would be achieved at the ground level of the wind farm. These studies also show that the noise
level would be reduced at the Filter Plant and its residential area at a distance of over 2.5 km to
acceptable levels of 55 dB(A) during the day and 45 dB(A) during the night, as required by the
World Bank Guidelines.
The detailed design shall nevertheless take the noise aspect into consideration and site the
WTG nearest to the Colony at a distance exceeding 1.5 km.
6. EMI Impact
Electro-magnetic Interference (EMI) caused by the development of wind farm is not expected
to be significant. Electro-magnetic Interference produced from either WTG placement in the
direct line of sight of point-to-point communications, or too close to omni- (all) directional
communications or radar equipment, is the main point of interest for communications and radar
operators.
Mitigation Measures: Contact with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority will be made
to establish licensed communications operators in the area. Although no major impact is
anticipated, communications operators may need to be contacted, during the initial stages of
development. In some cases before and after surveys of signal strength and interference may be
required. Typically the following types of owners/operators are contacted.
Television (Some interference to Television signals close to and within the wind farm is
possible, however this would probably be possible by rectification with relatively
inexpensive aerials or repeaters.)
Radar Systems (Considered an issue on Super Highway for security reasons).
Public Communications Systems (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority)
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Private Communications Systems: Mobile phone coverage is presently being extended to
Jhimpir near the Project site.
7. Flicker Shadow Effect
Turbines that are east or west of houses can impose fluctuating shadow effects at morning or
evening hours when the sun is behind the rotor blades and the alternating shadow flicker is
cause for annoyance to residents within one km. The 33 WTGs would be located in a row
along the 11 km x 0.2 km strip of land, with the nearest WTG on the southwest at a distance of
2.5 km from the Filter Plant and its residential colony. The Filter Plant and its Colony will thus
be outside the corridor of impact of rotor induced shadow during morning or evening hours.
The setback distance of 750 m to 1000 m will for most areas exclude the possibility of
significant shadow effects at residences beyond 1 km.
Mitigation Measures: This issue will be analyzed in more detail at the designing and siting
stage for the final layout.
5.2.2 Screening of Potential Environmental Impacts at Construction Stage
Construction activities on SZABIST land for the establishment of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm
will include the following main elements:
Location of campsite and field construction office
Construction of access road, site roads, turn-around areas and crane pads at each wind
turbine location;
Construction of the turbine tower foundations and transformer pads;
Installation of electrical collection system – underground and some overhead lines;
Assembly and erection of the wind turbines;
Construction and installation of the substation;
Plant commissioning and energizing, and
Decommissioning.
The above activities will entail the following construction related issues that may have impact
on the environment and will require mitigation measures to be adopted during the
implementation phase:
Heavy weight and/or long trucks haulage
Surface sealing (foundations, roads)
Topsoil removal
Compressing of topsoil
Protection of (natural) drainage of agricultural lands
Fuel storage
Concrete production
Ground water levels and watercourses, erosion minimization
Waste disposal
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Dust emission and control
Construction related noise
General conditions of construction site (visual)
Disturbance of fauna
Impact on flora
Emergency response
Site rehabilitation.
1. Impact Assessment
Construction at the proposed site of Wind Farm would not involve extensive land
preparation since the stony wasteland at NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Project site is almost
flat. The impact of land preparation on the microenvironment i.e. SZABIST land with no
value addition to its land use, and the living area 1.5 km outside the allotted area, will be
minor and not significant.
Site preparation activities would include clearing, excavation, earth and fill movement and
transportation of wind turbine sets and associated equipment to the site. The said activities
will not lead to extensive soil erosion resulting from removal of topsoil at the site, but to
improvement of its quality.
Mitigation Measures: The fugitive dust emission would be controlled by spraying water to
keep the soil moist. Dust emission due to other materials of construction will be controlled
through appropriate measures to reduce the level of impact to be of minor significance.
Temporary disturbance to the landscape that will occur during construction of site roads,
turn-around areas and crane pads at each wind turbine location; construction of the turbine
tower foundations and transformer pads; installation of the electrical collection system,
including underground and some overhead lines; assembly and erection of the wind
turbines, and construction and installation of the substation, will be limited to the
microenvironment.
Mitigation Measures: Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and IFC’ HSE Guidelines
will be effectively implemented to keep the interventions in the ecosystem well within
prescribed limits and contractors will be mandated to adopt the EMP in letter and spirit.
Vehicles and construction equipment will not be repaired in the field. If unavoidable,
impervious sheathing will be used to avoid soil and water contamination.
For the domestic sewage from the construction camps, appropriate treatment and disposal
system, such as septic tanks and soaking pits, will be constructed having adequate capacity,
and after determining the soil percolation capacity. The contractor(s) will submit to the
proponent the plans for the camp layout and waste disposal system, and obtain approval.
Waste oils will be collected in drums and sold to the recycling contractors.
The inert recyclable waste from the site (such as card board, drums, broken/used parts,
etc.) will be sold to recycling/disposal contractors. The hazardous waste will be kept
separate and handled according to the nature of the waste.
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Domestic solid waste from the construction camp will be disposed in a manner that does
not cause soil contamination. The waste disposal plan submitted by the contractor(s) will
also address the solid waste.
The construction camp will not be established close to the storm water channels and the
living areas in particular the villages.
Formation of internal access tracks, foundation excavations, electrical trenching and other
site works will not be visible to the public commuting on National Highway N5 at a
distance of over 5 km, nor will there be a shadow effect on the Filter Plant Colony that is
located on the southwest of the site at a distance of 1.5 km. Estimates available from other
sites in Jhimpir wind corridor show that 7-10% of the project area is temporarily disturbed
for road and crane pad construction. At completion of the project, the turbines, access
tracks and associated equipment occupying about 1% of the site area, will meaningfully
add value to the wasteland at SZABIST land area.
2. Blocked Access
There are no settlements at or in the immediate vicinity of the proposed site. Hence the
construction activities at the site will not cause any inconvenience to the nearby population
by blocking their access routes. The movement of extra heavy plant equipment along the
roads leading to the site may require temporary adjustment and would not block the
insignificant local traffic even for short periods of time.
Mitigation Measures
The IFC’s EHS Guidelines will be strictly followed
Movement of extra heavy loads will be carefully planned, in consultation with the
communities in the surrounding and relevant authorities.
Co-habitation issues with existing wind farm operations will not require negotiations with
the community who are settled in the villages on unsurveyed land outside the sub-leased
area.
Diesel and other petroleum products used for the operation of construction machinery and
transportation equipment would cause air pollution besides causing soil pollution through
oil spills. The impact from such activity would be of minor significance and would be
controlled by good housekeeping practices.
40,000 liters water required daily for numerous construction activities would be
transported in tanker trucks from Gujju and will not have significant impact on other
beneficial water uses or its reduced availability for Karachi Water and Sewerage Board.
Conservation practices would nevertheless be adopted during the entire course of
construction.
Noise and visual impact will be limited to the microenvironment comprising GDRP
ecosystem. No major operational impact is envisaged at the construction stage from the
NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm.
3. Air Quality Deterioration
Construction machinery, diesel generators and project vehicles will release exhaust emissions,
containing carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO2), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and
particulate matter (PM), which can deteriorate the ambient air quality in the immediate vicinity
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of the project site and along the road leading to it. Furthermore, construction activities such as
excavation, leveling, filling and vehicular movement on unpaved tracks may cause fugitive
dust emissions.
The deteriorated air quality at the project site is unlikely to impact the communities, since the
nearest community/settled area is 1.5 to 2.5 kilometers away. However the construction crew
and other site staff can be impacted by this air quality deterioration. In addition, the exhaust and
dust emissions caused by project related vehicular traffic may impact the communities living
along the dirt track leading to the site.
The daily estimated fuel requirement will be about 5,500 to 7,500 liters. This quantity of fuel
will be responsible for daily emission of approximately 260 kg CO, 14 kg SO2, 65 kg NOx,
and 14 kg Particulate matter, besides 16 tons CO2. These emissions will be dispersed into the
unpolluted environment at SZABIST land area. Their dispersal will not degrade the quality of
airshed of the Project site.
Mitigation Measures
Environmental Management Plan (EMP) will be effectively implemented to keep the
interventions in the ecosystem well within prescribed limits while IFC’s HSE Guidelines
will be strictly followed and contractors will be mandated to adopt the EMP in letter and
spirit.
Emissions from the generators will be monitored to ensure that the engines are properly
tuned and maintained, and generators are so located that emissions are dispersed away
from the camp and work areas.
Noise emission from the vehicles and equipments will exceed 85 dB (A) but the same
would be reduced to less than 85 dB (A) at 7.5 m from the source. Workers will be
provided ear plugs and other safety equipment as safeguard against the hazards in the ‘high
noise zones’, which will be clearly defined.
The liquid effluents generated during the construction phase will include domestic sewage
and grey water from the camp operation.
The sewage will be treated in septic tanks and soaking pits.
The grey water from kitchens and washing areas will be directed to separate soaking pits.
The storm water will be collected in ponds and either disposed of after appropriate
treatment, or diverted to fields for vegetation, and rejuvenation of local flora.
4. Gender and Social Issues
The construction site and construction camp will be located well outside the community, thus
eliminating any impact on the women of the area. The vehicular traffic on the local roads can
potentially pose low level of adverse impact on the women of the area.
Mitigation Measures
Construction crew will avoid entering villages and settlements.
Local norms will be respected
Communities will be informed and consulted before commencing the site works.
Strict adherence to EMP and IFC’s EHS Guidelines as well as code of conduct will be
maintained by the construction crew.
Environmental monitoring during the project execution will ensure compliance with the
above mitigation measures and their adequacy, as well as significance of any residual
impacts.
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5. Child Labor
Although the use of child labor is not prevalent in the construction works such as those
involved in the proposed project, yet the provisions of the Child Labor Act will be made part of
the construction contracts, in order to ensure that no child labor is employed at the project sites
or campsites.
6. Cultural Heritage and Archaeological Issues
There is no prominent cultural or archaeological feature in or around the NBT-SZABIST Wind
Farm Project site. Bhambore is of archaeological, historical and religious significance but it is
at least 8km from NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm site.
Mitigation Measures: The recommended procedure will be followed during site excavation
for construction at the site, which requires that if artifacts of significance are found, the finding
will be immediately reported to the Department of Archaeology, Sindh.
7. Flora
Trees and shrubs (Indigenous Germplasm): One of the main causes of depletion of
rangeland and desertification of the land in the microenvironment is the practice of cutting and
uprooting trees and shrubs for use as fuel by the rural population because wood is the principal
source of available energy, and the dead wood resulting from continuous drought, is also cash
crop. It has been shown in the following Table that the following indigenous tree/shrub species
are still present but would soon be lost since tree cutting and the resulting topsoil removal is
going on unabated.
Table 5.2: Flora present in the microenvironment of the project area
Local
Name English Name Botanical Name Family
Babul Acacia Acacia nilotica Leguminosae/Mimosoideae
Kunbhat Gum Arabic Acacia Senegal Leguminosae/ Mimosaceae
Bavri ---- Acacia Jacquemontii Leguminosae/Mimosoideae
Phulai Amartasar gum Acacia modesta Leguminosae/
Mimosoideae
Nim Neem Azadiradita indica Meliaceae
Gugur Indian Bdellium Commiphora mukul Burseraceae
Phog Calligonum Calligonum
polygonoides Polygonaceae
Lyar Narrow leaf
sepistan Cordia latifolia Ethretiaceae
Kirir Caper berry Capparis deciduas Capparidaceae
Kandi Prosopis Prosopis cineraria Leguminosae/
Mimosoideae
Devi Mesquite Prosopis juliflora Leguminosae/
Mimosoideae
Jaar Tooth brush Tree Salvadora persica Salvadoraceae
Mithi Jaar Tooth brush Tree Salvadora oleoides Salvadoraceae
Rohiro Tecoma Tecoma undulata Bignoniceae
Lai/Lao Tamarix Tamarix aphylla Coniferae
Ber Jujube Ziziphus mauritiana Rahmnaceae
Jaanguri ber Desert Jujube Ziziphus nummularia Rahmnaceae
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Mitigation Measures: The trees named hereunder are a valuable resource and are essential for
sustaining the biodiversity of this fast degrading land. The Project will promote the program for
protection of the following indigenous plants and replant them where necessary.
8. Fauna
There is no Wildlife Reserve in close proximity of Project site. Keenjhar Lake Wildlife
Sanctuary is far away of the SZABIST land.
Low frequency of visits of a small number of mammals, birds, and reptiles leads to the
conclusion that biodiversity of the area has been substantially reduced. Indian Monitor lizard
(Varanus bengalensis) Wadhi Go/Gioh (reported but not spotted), and Monitor lizard (Varanus
griseus) were neither reported nor spotted during the surveys for this study. The spiny-tailed
lizard (Uromastix hardwickii) Sandha is in abundance. All sand mounds in the area have
burrows of the sandhas. With extensive wood cutting the mounds are also getting flattened and
despite their being protected by the locals they are getting endangered. The species are
included in Appendix III of the CITES.
Mitigation Measures: The NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Project will require land clearance for
siting the WTGs. The Project site itself is stony wasteland and has only few mounds along the
11 km strip of the site that hosts the sandhas. Contractors will be required to commit to protect
them and not to disturb the mounds but if necessary, the lizards will not be trapped but scared
away. They usually find an alternative hole in the surrounding when scared. Commitment to
protection of the lizards and other reptiles will be the mitigation measure employed to save the
animals during construction.
The sandhas will soon find other holes and get rehabilitated. These reptile species are scared by
movement of mechanical systems or men and animals. Wind turbines and movement of rotors
will be at hub height of ~80 m, while movement of personnel would be around the WTGs that
would be sited 350 m apart. Thus it is less likely that the sandas will be disturbed if they
continue to remain in the microenvironment of the WTGs.
Birds: Studies undertaken throughout the world have shown that WTGs on land based wind
farms do not pose any substantial threat to birds and other wildlife. Risks of birds colliding
with WTGs are much lower than with communication towers, high tension wires, vehicles, and
are the highest with buildings and windows
The NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Project site does not have habitat of the concerned high flying
birds including kites, vultures, and falcons or the Houbara bustard (Tiloor), which is in the
IUCN Red List as low risk, near threatened.
Mitigation Measures: NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Project site is stony wasteland degraded
further by removal of trees, sand, gravel and stone. As such the area offers no attraction to the
falcons or other high flying birds for habitation, nor to the migratory birds which do not find an
aquatic environment to land. The falcon or other high flying birds found in the
microenvironment are those that stray in. The Environmental Management Plan will include
monitoring the number of such birds flying in during the pre-construction period and also their
mortality in case they fly in.
The possibility of the noise-sensitive falcons flying into the wind turbine structures will be
substantially lowered by the siting of seven wind farms in a row at SZABIST land in Dhabeji.
The cumulative effect of such siting would inhibit the high flying birds from flying into or
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landing in the Gharo Wind Corridor. The wind corridor is not on the fly way of the wintering
birds and also not a habitat for the falcon or Houbara bustard. NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm
Project site will not contribute to birds being inhibited in flying in or landing in the wind
corridor.
The noise level of about 95 to 105 dB(A) is even otherwise sufficient to scare the high flying
birds. The movement of the rotors at 12 to 15 rounds per minute is not so brisk as to entangle a
bird easily. Despite these observations, services of sharp shooters will be acquired to carefully
stupefy the high-flying stray birds before they reach the turbines and subsequently rehabilitate
them in safe environment. The EMP will include monitoring the incidence of such birds
straying in and the number of birds killed or injured.
9. Recreational Value & Tourism
At present the NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm site does not have any tourism value. However,
establishment of the wind farm and its operation in the stony wasteland only 3.5 km from the
National Highway N5 may induce curiosity and encourage tourism. However, the resident
population is highly traditional and does not encourage visits of non-locals.
5.2.3 Screening of potential environmental impacts at operation stage
Operation of Wind Farm at the proposed site would start as soon as the wind turbines and
switchyard are in place, and the system starts to produce power. Environmental problems
identified at the Operations stage relate to the following aspects:
Air quality and noise level changes due to operation of fleet of trucks, container trucks and
operation of mechanical equipment.
Visual Effects
Noise Effect
EMI Effects
Flicker Effects
Cultural Heritage and Archaeological Issues
Flora
Fauna (Wildlife, Birds)
Recreational and Tourism Issues
Operation of Wind Farm would not release air pollutants into the airshed, and wastewater
will be discharged into soak pits after treatment.
Diesel and other petroleum products used for the operation of mechanical equipment and
transportation vehicles would cause air pollution besides causing soil pollution through oil
spills. The impact from such activity would be of minor significance and would be
controlled by good housekeeping practices.
Visual effect, Noise effect, EMI effect, Flicker effect induced by operation of the wind
turbines will have no significant impact on the living area, since the detailed design would
locate the nearest turbine beyond 1.5 km on the outside of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm
Project site in SZABIST land area.
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Mitigation Measures: The induced impact on operation of the appropriately sited wind
turbines on the microenvironment will be monitored through Environmental Management Plan
(EMP) and IFC’s HSE Guidelines on Wind Energy 2007, and mitigated, if necessary by
adoption of suitable measures to minimize the impact of Visual effect, Noise effect and Flicker
effect on the microenvironment as well as macroenvironment.
1. Noise Effect
The rotor blades of the wind turbines are the main source of noise during the operation
phase of the wind power plants.
The study of noise data for a wind power generation plant of similar size and using the
same turbines in the same microenvironment shows that the noise levels generated by the
wind farm drop down to 35-40 dB(A) range within a distance of about one kilometer from
the plant. This noise level is much lower than the background noise that exists in the living
environment i.e. the villages which will be at a distance of over 1.5 km from the nearest
turbine.
The emergency generator, if installed at the site, will also generate some noise. However,
much like the noise generated by the wind farm, its impact on the communities will be
negligible, in view of the large distance.
Advances in turbine technology and design have resulted in reduced noise emissions.
Aerodynamic refinements that have combined to make turbines quieter include the change
from lattice to tubular towers, the use of variable speed operations, and the switch to 3
blade turbine designs. Improvements in gearbox design and the use of anti-vibration
techniques in the past ten years have resulted in significant reductions in mechanical noise.
The most recent direct drive machines have no high-speed mechanical components and
therefore do not produce mechanical noise.
Mitigation Measure
No mitigation measure is necessary. The staff will be provided with the personnel
protective equipment (PPE).
In general, noise is unlikely to be a significant problem where the distance from the nearest
turbine to any noise sensitive property is more than 1000 metres. The proponent may seek
evidence that the type(s) of turbines proposed will use best current engineering practice in
terms of noise creation and suppression.
Noise mapping study is recommended at the detailed design stage.
2. Shadow Flicker and Blade Glint
Shadow flicker occurs when the sun passes behind the wind turbine and casts a shadow on the
immediate neighborhood. As the rotor blades rotate, shadows pass over the same point causing
an effect termed shadow flicker. Shadow flicker may become a problem when residences are
located near, or have a specific orientation to, the wind farm. Similar to shadow flicker, blade
or tower glint occurs when the sun strikes a rotor blade or the tower at a particular orientation.
This can impact a community, as the reflection of sunlight off the rotor blade may be angled
toward nearby residences. Blade glint is not a concern for new turbines as matt finish paint is
now being used which does not produce the glint effect. However, the nearest WTG will be
sited in the detailed design at about 1.5 km away from the living area in the hamlets. Hence the
flicker or glint from the proposed project will not cause any significant adverse impact.
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According to the report of Chief Medical Officer of Ontario in May 2010: Shadow flicker
occurs when the blades of a turbine rotate in sunny conditions, casting moving shadows on the
ground that result in alternating changes in light intensity appearing to flick on and off. About 3
per cent of people with epilepsy are photosensitive, generally to flicker frequencies between 5-
30Hz. Most industrial turbines rotate at a speed below these flicker frequencies.
Careful site selection, design and planning, and good use of relevant software, can help avoid
the possibility of shadow flicker in the first instance. It is recommended that shadow flicker at
neighboring offices and dwellings within 500m should not exceed 30 hours per year or 30
minutes per day.7 At distances greater than 10 rotor diameters from a turbine, the potential for
shadow flicker is very low.
Mitigation Measures
Careful site selection, design and planning, and good use of relevant software, can help avoid
the possibility of shadow flicker in the first instance. Proponent will provide calculations
(application of Windpro Software) to quantify the effect and where appropriate take measures
to prevent or ameliorate the potential effect, such as by turning off a particular turbine at certain
times.
3. Wildlife
The project site and its immediate vicinity do not provide habitat to any terrestrial or avian
faunal species, nor is it located along or under the route of migratory birds. The endangered
Houbara bustard found in the macro environment, and the highflying falcons are only few in
number. The number of the few that visit the site and also their mortality will be recorded
during the pre-construction period. High noise levels scare these noise sensitive bird species
and the falcons, eagles and high flying birds would be scared off by the scores of WTGs lined
up at the NBT-SZABIST site in the Gharo Wind Corridor.
Regarding the chances of avian collision with turbines, no such instances have been reported so
far. There is a need to study bird behavior and characteristic in these areas which makes it
necessary to undertake periodic bird counting and maintaining of records.
Mitigation measures
Environmental Management Plan (EMP) will be effectively implemented to keep the
interventions in the GDRP ecosystem well within prescribed limits. Contractors will be
mandated to adopt the EMP in letter and spirit and strictly follow IFC’s HSE Guidelines.
The project staff will not be allowed to indulge in any hunting, trapping or harassment
activities.
Configure turbine arrays to avoid potential avian mortality (e.g. group turbines rather than
spread them widely or orient rows of turbines parallel to known bird movements);
Increase the visibility of towers and rotor blades to birds by using uniform colors and
flashing rotor lights especially during migration;
Mitigation measures such as positioning of sharp shooters can be in place not to kill but
stupefy the high-flying stray birds before they reach the turbines. Such birds would be
7 The shadow flicker recommendations are based on research by Predac, a European Union sponsored organization
promoting best practice in energy use and supply which draws on experience from Belgium, Denmark, France, the
Netherlands and Germany.
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rehabilitated subsequently into safe environment such as a Biodiversity Park. This is
already one of the conservation practices to safe the wildlife in India. In order to
implement the proposed mechanism Sindh Wildlife Department will be taken onboard so
that appropriate steps are taken to save the wildlife from extinction.
A record of bird casualties will be maintained and reviewed at the end of every month.
The endangered spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastix hardwickii) Sandha that is abundant in the
microenvironment is included in Appendix III of the CITES. The animal is very shy and
scarred of any movement in the surrounding. The sandhas usually find an alternative hole
in the surrounding when scared. They will get rehabilitated by the time the wind farms go
into production.
The environmental monitoring and strictly following IFC’s EHS Guidelines during the
project execution will further ensure compliance with the above mitigation measures and
their adequacy in dealing with significant residual impacts.
4. Habitat Modification
The establishment and operation of a series of wind power plants will potentially modify the
natural habitat of the ecosystem of NBT-SZABIST Site at Dhabeji. However the
macroenvironment of these wind farms is not located in an area which is known for high bird
concentration/habitat, or bird migration route. Such a route is at least 15 to 20 km from this site.
The aridity of the land and removal of topsoil has rendered the land unproductive and
unattractive for the birds and wildlife to move in. The series of wind turbines would be a
deterrent for the high flying migratory birds to make a landing in this barren land. As a result of
the proponent’s O&M activities on the wind farm in a row, the site will not remain available to
the wild birds as landing area and not the least as feeding ground.
NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm site is at low heights compared with other structures in the
microenvironment. It will be less likely to initiate modification of the habitat, if there is any.
Hence the loss of the site as the feeding ground for the birds is unlikely to be significant.
5.3 Economic Assessment Of Environmental Impacts
5.3.1 Environmental Benefits Of Wind Farm Development
Significant environmental benefits will be gained by installing the NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm.
Developing the renewable energy resource would, besides proportionately lessening the need
to use fossil fuels such as imported fuel oil, or gas, complement the GoP efforts in increasing
the power production capacity. Substantial reduction in gaseous emissions from fuel-fired
generation will be achieved, although the amount would depend on the wind farm installed
capacity.
5.3.2 Saving on Emissions
Utilizing wind power is among the cheapest methods of reducing CO2 emissions in electricity
production. According to a Danish study, a 100 MW offshore wind farm will reduce CO2
emissions by almost 0.3 million tons per year, when substituting power from conventional coal
fired power plants. The costs will be approximately US$ 5 per ton of CO2 for offshore wind
farms situated near the coast.
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CO2 emission is not the only gas of concern in terms of global warming. Others including
NOx, VOCs and humidity also contribute to retaining the thermal component of solar energy.
The following indicative figures are based on the estimates that a 100 MW installed capacity
power plant using fossil fuel produces 1 kg of CO2 for generation of each 1 kWh of electricity.
Accordingly the 50 MW capacity power plant based on fossil fuel would produce:
CO2 (a major contributor to the “greenhouse effect”): 155,000 tonnes/year
SO2 (Sulphur Dioxide a constituent of acid rain): 2,375 tonnes/year
NOx (Nitrous Oxides a constituent of acid rain): 1,150 tonnes/year
Thus NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Generation Complex will
Prevent emission of an amount equivalent to 155,000 tonnes CO2, 2,375 tonnes SO2, and
1150 tonnes NOx annually
Add as much value as the saving on CO2 to the wind whose potential has so far remained
neglected in the country.
Help the government environmental initiatives in:
Augmenting the power production capacity in the country, and
Lowering the emission of greenhouse gases.
Table 5.3: Checklist Of Actions Affecting Environment And Significance Of Their Impact.
Actions Affecting
Environment Resources &
Values
Damage To
Environment
Recommended
Mitigation
Measures
Significance of Impact
A. Environmental Problems due to Siting/ Location of Project None Small Medium Major
1.Changes in hydrology
affecting existing land values
1. Damages to land
by erosion and/or
accretion
1.Careful
design and
planning to
minimize/offset
problem
√
2. Changes in drainage pattern
2. Damages due to
change in flooding,
accretion, erosion
hazards
2.Careful
design to
minimize/offset
problem
√
2a. Obstruction in Water Flow
2a Conflicts with
other beneficial
water uses
2a.Appropriate
sharing of
water with
KWSB Filter
Plant
√
3. Changes in land uses
3. Possible loss in
overall regional
welfare
3. Careful
planning &
Implementation
of IFC’s HSE
Guidelines
√
4. Encroachment into precious
ecological zones
4. Loss of precious
ecology
4. Careful
planning &
Implementation
of IFC’s HSE
Guidelines
√
5. Resettlement 5. Displacement of
local population
5. Adequate
attention to
local problems
√
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6.
Historical/monuments/cultural
values
6. Loss of precious
values
6. Careful
planning to
minimize/offset
problem
√
7. Environmental aesthetics
7. Loss of
environmental
aesthetics
7. Careful
planning √
B. Environmental Problems due to Inadequate Design None Small Medium Major
1. Unrealistic assumptions on
available O & M skills
1. Unnecessary
damages because
O&M requirements
too high
1. Realistic O&M
assumptions &
Implementation
of IFC’s HSE
Guidelines
√
2. Pollution Control
Equipment Selection
2. Assumed
pollution removals
not realized
2. Appropriate
equipment
selection
√
3.Environmentalpollution
control operations
3. Possible loss in
overall regional
welfare
3. Careful
planning/
designing /
monitoring and
use of appropriate
standards
√
3a. Surface water
3a. Impairment of
downstream
beneficial water
uses
3a. Careful
Management of
Resources
√
3b. Groundwater.
3b Impairment of
beneficial water
uses
3b. Careful
Management of
Resources
√
3c. Air 3c. .Impairment of
air quality
3c. Careful
Management &
monitoring
√
3d. Noise
3d. Environmental
Degradation &
Health hazard
3d. Careful
planning &
monitoring
√
4. Impacts on adjacent land
economic users including
recreation/tourism
4. Impairment of
land uses
4. Careful
planning/O&M √
5. Occupational health &
Safety hazards
5. Hazards to
workers health &
safety
5. Effective
implementation
of EMP &
IFC’s HSE
Guidelines to
offset problem
√
6. Hazards due to
Spills/fires/explosions
6. Hazards to
workers health &
safety
6. Effective
implementation
of EMP &
IFC’s HSE
Guidelines
√
7. Area sanitation 7.Sanitation/disease
hazards
7. Careful
planning/design √
8. Hauling routes in/out areas
8. Traffic
congestion and
nuisances along
routes
8. Effective
implementation
of EMP
√
C. Environmental Problems During Construction Stage None Small Medium Major
1. Problems due to
uncontrolled construction
1. Problems of
Environmental
1. Careful
Planning and
√
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practices Degradation Implementation
of EMP &
IFC’s HSE
Guidelines
a) runoff erosion
(a) Problems of
Environmental
Degradation
a) Careful
Planning and
Implementation
of EMP
√
b) worker accidents
b) Problems of
Environmental
Degradation
b) Careful
Planning and
Implementation
of EMP
√
c) sanitation disease hazards
c) Problems of
Environmental
Degradation
c) Careful
Planning and
Implementation
of EMP
√
d) insect vector disease
hazards
(d) Problems of
Environmental
Degradation
d) Careful
Planning and
Implementation
of EMP &
IFC’s HSE
Guidelines
√
e) hazardous material
handling
(e) Problems of
Environmental
Degradation
e) Careful
Planning and
Implementation
of EMP&
IFC’s HSE
Guidelines
√
f) dust/odors/fume
(f) Problems of
Environmental
Degradation
f) Careful
Planning and
Implementation
of EMP &
IFC’s HSE
Guidelines
√
g) explosion/fire
hazards/hazardous materials
spills
(g) Problems of
Environmental
Degradation
g) Careful
Planning and
Implementation
of EMP &
IFC’s HSE
Guidelines
√
h) noise/vibration hazards
(h) Problems of
Environmental
Degradation
h) Careful
Planning and
Implementation
of EMP&
IFC’s HSE
Guidelines
√
i) traffic congestion
(j) Problems of
Environmental
Degradation
j) Careful
Planning and
Implementation
of EMP &
IFC’s HSE
Guidelines
√
k) water pollution hazards
(k) Problems of
Environmental
Degradation
k) Careful
Planning and
Implementation
of EMP &
IFC’s HSE
Guidelines
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l) blockage of wildlife/birds
passageways
(l) Problems of
Environmental
Degradation
l) Careful
Planning and
Implementation
of EMP &
IFC’s HSE
Guidelines
√
2. Uncovered cut & fill areas
2. Soil erosion &
consequent damage
to properties &
environment
2. Careful
Planning and
Implementation
of EMP &
IFC’s HSE
Guidelines
√
2. Inadequate construction
monitoring
2. Encourages poor
construction
practices
2. Adequate
monitoring
during
construction
and
Implementation
of EMP &
IFC’s HSE
Guidelines
√
D. Environmental Hazards Relating to Operations (assuming
proper design assumptions on O&M) None Small Medium Major
1. Inadequate O & M
1.Varietyof
environmental
degradation similar
to items B.1 to 8
Adequate
monitoring
during
Operation and
Implementation
of EMP &
IFC’s HSE
Guidelines
√
2. Inadequate operations
phase/environmental
monitoring
2. Opportunity loss
for feedback
connections to
project design and
O&M
Adequate
monitoring
during
Operation and
Implementation
of EMP &
IFC’s HSE
Guidelines
√
3. Occupational Health &
Safety Programmes including
accidents
3. Hazards to
workers health &
safety
Adequate
monitoring
during
Operation and
Implementation
of EMP &
IFC’s HSE
Guidelines
√
4. Nuisance from handling &
Transportation of fuels on
access roads
4. oil drips, spills,
dust & noise
hazards
Adequate
monitoring
during
Operation &
Implementation
of EMP
√
5. Surface run off from plant
yard
5. leakage of fuel
on ground & oil
drips
Adequate
monitoring
during
Operation &
Implementation
√
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of EMP
E. Critical Environmental Review Criteria None Small Medium Major
1. Loss of irreplaceable
resources
1. Long-term
national
environmental and
economic losses
1. Planning
should be
consistent with
high-level
government
policies
√
2. Accelerated use of
resources for short term gain
2. Long-term
national
environmental and
economic losses
2. Planning to
be consistent
with polices
√
3. Endangering of species
3.Long-term
environmental
losses
3. Planning to
be consistent
with polices
3a. Effective
implementation
of EMP &
IFC’s HSE
Guidelines
√
4. Promoting undesirable
rural-urban migration
4. Intensification of
urban
socioeconomic
problems
4. Planning to
be consistent
with polices
√
5. Increase in affluence/poor
income gap
5. Intensification of
national
socioeconomic
imbalances
5. Planning to
be consistent
with polices
√
F. Potential Environmental Problems During Operation None Small Medium Major
1. Removal or damage to
vegetative growth
1. Problem at
preparation of site
& during operation
1. Careful
implementation
of EMP &
IFC’s HSE
Guidelines
√
2. Land Use Changes
2. Problem at
preparation of site
& during operation
2. Careful
implementation
of EMP&
IFC’s HSE
Guidelines
√
3. Micro level changes in the
human settlements
3. Problem at siting
& Operation stage
3. Careful
implementation
of EMP &
IFC’s HSE
Guidelines
√
4. Industrial & Transportation
Activities
4. Problem at
Operation Stage
4. Not
envisaged
Careful
implementation
of EMP
including
Traffic
Management &
IFC’s HSE
Guidelines
√
5. Emergence of Slums &
Wayside Commercial
Activity
5. Problem at
Construction &
Operation Stage
5. Not
envisaged
Careful
implementation
√
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of EMP
G. Impacts from power Transmission facilities None Small Medium Major
1 Environmental health
hazard due to electromagnetic
radiation
1. Unnecessary
exposure of
workers to
environmental
hazards.
Careful
planning,
training of
workers
√
2. Depreciation of
environmental aesthetics 2. Loss of values
2. Careful
planning &
implementation
of EMP&
IFC’s HSE
Guidelines
√
3. Encroachment on
ecosystem
2. Loss of precious
ecology
2. Careful
implementation
of EMP&
IFC’s HSE
Guidelines
√
Overall Significance of Impact: Not Significant
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6.0 Public Consultation & Information Disclosure
This Chapter provides the details of the consultation meetings held with the stakeholders as
part of the environmental and social soundness assessment process requiring information
disclosure and sharing. For this purpose consultation meetings were held at the outset for the
scoping process of EIA study, followed by a series of meetings at the grassroots level.
6.1 Objectives
The objectives of these meetings were to:
Share information with the public about the NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Project being
established on SZABIST Land area in UC Dhabeji
Inform the stakeholders of the positive and negative aspects identified for the project and
the environmental issues likely to emerge while the Project is in the pre-construction,
construction and operation stages.
Request the stakeholders to share information on significant physical, biological and
socioeconomic environment that must be taken into consideration during the different
stages of the Project, and measures to be adopted to minimize the severity of impact;
Assess the level of awareness on the environment and the proposed project, and
Determine the impact of future development plans in the project area.
6.2 Consultation Framework
The consultation being a continuous process needs to be maintained throughout the project 6.1
.
The consultation framework adopted for the pre-construction, construction and subsequent
phases of the NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Project is elaborated in the Table 6.1:
Table 6.1: Consultation Framework
Project
Phase Proposed Tool
Stakeholders Consulted/to
be Consulted Responsibility
Pre-
Construction
Formal and informal
meetings, focus group
discussions
Institutional stakeholders;
Grass root stakeholders,
including communities in
neighborhood likely to be
involved during the Project
Implementation Stage
Environmental
Management
Consultants, NBT-
Zab Wind Power
Pvt. Ltd
Construction i. Formal and informal
contact and liaison with
the community and
other relevant
stakeholders (e.g. Sindh
EPA)
i. Institutional stakeholders
ii. Grass root stakeholders,
including communities in
neighborhood involved
during Project
Implementation Stage
NBT-Zab Wind
Power Pvt. Ltd
Official
ii. Grievance Redress
iii. Consultations with
communities during
environmental
compliance & Impacts
monitoring
iv. during external
monitoring
Communities in
neighborhood involved
during Project
Implementation Stage
6.1
Social Analysis Sourcebook: Incorporating Social Dimensions into Bank-Supported Projects. The World Bank. December 2003
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Table 6.1: Consultation Framework
Project
Phase Proposed Tool
Stakeholders Consulted/to
be Consulted Responsibility
v. during site visits by
IFC/ Equator Principles
Financial Institutions
(EPFIs) Monitoring
Mission
Operation Liaison with
communities in
neighborhood
Communities in
neighborhood Involved
during the Project
Operation Stage
NBT-Zab Wind
Power Pvt. Ltd.
6.3 Consultation Process
The stakeholders were briefed during scoping sessions about the objectives of the wind power
project in Gharo Wind Corridor, about the NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Project, and the
necessity of introducing the EIA process. Observations of the participants were noted and have
been incorporated into the text of the EIA. At the consultation meeting the stakeholders and
village representatives were informed that:
The proposed site is the property of NBT-Zab Wind Power Pvt. Ltd, the proponent of the
project
The Project will involve the following activities:
Construction of access track and internal road network
Transportation of steel towers for the hub height of ~80 m and turbines, rotor blades
with ~70 m diameter
Piling for foundation of towers
Installation of Wind turbines
Installation of transformers
Construction of electrical collection system
Construction of operations/maintenance and control building; substation and grid
connection to NTDC 132 KV system
Operation of wind farm, and Maintenance
Operation of the wind farm will require the following environmental issues to be
addressed:
Land Use Changes
Visual Effects
Noise Effect
EMI Assessment
Flicker Effects
Cultural Heritage and Archaeological Issues
Flora
Fauna (Wildlife, Birds)
Wind Farm Development Advantages (positive effects)
Recreational and Tourism Issues
Impact during Construction phase
The stakeholders, in particular the residents in Filter plant colony and Khaskheli Goth were
informed that siting of the wind farm will be so designed that wind turbine generators (WTGs)
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and the mast are at a distance exceeding 1.5 km so that the living area is outside the corridor of
impact. The two groups were informed that their residential areas are, as per present estimates,
at more than 2.5 km. Keeping the wind farm at this distance will minimize the negative impact
due to visual effect; flicker and shadow effect; noise and air emissions. The stakeholders were
also briefed on the process of monitoring through the Environmental Management Plan as the
tool to monitor the environmental performance throughout the lifecycle of the Project. The
stakeholders and village representatives consulted in this connection have assured of
unhindered support towards completion of the Project.
Scoping meetings were conducted with Institutional stakeholders and grassroots stakeholders,
including communities in neighborhood while conducting the present EIA. Letters were sent to
the Institutional stakeholders included the following:
Sindh Environmental Protection Agency
SUPARCO
IUCN – Pakistan
WWF – Pakistan
Sindh Wildlife Department
Ministry of Local Government & Rural Development
Department of Archaeology, Government of Pakistan
Meteorology Department
KWSB Filter Plant
The grassroots stakeholders included the inhabitants of Filter Plant Residential Colony and 4
Goths in the neighborhood of NBT-SZABIST Wind Power Project site. A list of stakeholders
contacted appears as Table 6.2 and 6.3.
6.4 Formal Consultation Meetings with Institutional Stakeholders
The Institutional stakeholders contacted during the scoping sessions had a positive view on the
project. They were firm in the opinion that there would be very little direct benefit of the
project for the local community, but they thought that siting of development projects in an area
does yield the benefits in the long run in terms of increased business activity, expanded
infrastructure and improved quality of life. The formal consultation meetings with different
officials had the following observations/suggestions:
The environmental issues at the Project site are not acute and should be manageable.
The wind traveling inland from the sea has a tendency to ascend into the open land on the
east of Kirthar Range. The wind here should not be dust raising.
Wildlife to be accounted for include the high flying birds and the reptiles in particular the
spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastix hardwickii) Sandha. The mitigation measures may include
just protection by scaring; they are so shy that they will immediately find another hole.
They agreed that places near National Highway N5 being away from Keenjhar Lake and
Haleji Lake are not on the flyway of the winter migrating birds.
Officials and public representatives agreed with the need of the wind power project as one
which would make the country less dependent on fossil fuel. They however, desired its
early implementation and completion. According to the officials and energy consumers the
crisis has aggravated due to sidelining the alternative energy sources and not realizing their
full potential.
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The majority (70%) of the beneficiary communities were found aware of the Project but
were desperate to know as to when power would be produced and made available to
consumers.
Almost all participants suggested that instead of looking for fossil fuel, the easier options
like the wind energy potential should be exploited as early as possible.
Some of them were of the opinion that small wind mills are working successfully and they
should be encouraged instead of waiting for investment on import of large wind turbines.
They quoted the example of Denmark in this connection.
They believe that setting up wind farms based on indigenous technology would allow our
high level manpower to play their part in the socioeconomic development of the country.
Project impacts and resettlement were not of much concern to the stakeholders both
because the Project site is highly degraded land while the small clusters of settlements
were outside the boundary of the project area sub-leased by AEDB.
Encroachment on precious ecology was not an issue because aridity and scarcity of sweet
water had dried up the vegetation and driven whatever wildlife was native to the area.
Whatever form may still be there would be barely surviving in the extremely impoverished
environment.
The officials of the local administration welcomed the establishment of the proposed wind
power plant on the area bounded by the coordinates mentioned in Table 4.1. They
considered it a positive step towards the development of the area in general. They were of
the view that this project would provide much-needed employment opportunities to the
poor people of area, which would improve the economic condition of the area.
6.5 Consultation Meetings with Communities
At the scoping sessions with communities around the proposed site, groups and individuals
were first provided all relevant information about siting of, construction at and operation of the
Wind Farm and the Consultants’ experience on projects similar to the one that is being
proposed. Some of the resident communities already knew about the project, but did not know
the specific details, particularly about the environmental issues involved. The communities
generally welcomed the plans to establish the proposed power project in the area. Since the
project would not directly affect them, the villagers generally did not have any apprehension or
reservation about the project. They nevertheless viewed the project as one that would create
employment opportunities and small business/trade opportunities for the local population.
Participatory and consultative approach was employed for information dissemination and data
collection. The summary of consultations, major opinions and concerns of the stakeholders
identified during scoping meetings is provided below:
Stakeholders at the Filter Plant Colony were seen taking a sigh of relief since with
availability of a power production system the chronic problem of power shortage / load
shedding will be substantially reduced. They were keen to know if their site would be
impacted in any manner or if they may be resettled. They were informed that Wind farm
will be sited about 2.5 km from their colony and hence will not be impacted directly.
Construction of access road may affect the physical environment to some degree but
careful planning and adoption of appropriate mitigation measures will reduce the impact.
Residents of the other village viz. Khaskheli Goth with only 15 households were not much
concerned about loss of land or loss of business during construction of access road and at
the site, since they knew that their Goths were on unsurveyed land. But they were happy
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when informed that due care will be exercised to exclude the Goth from the corridor of
impact.
In separate meetings held by EMC with the stakeholders at the villages outside the
boundary of SZABIST land, the participants agreed that the Project would be first of its
kind to address development of their area. The village representatives gave firm assurance
that there would be no hindrance to completion of the project from any such stakeholder
provided they are treated with respect and given whatever is their due. They would be
happy if employment was offered to their youngsters and petty contract to local potential
resident.
The village representatives were convinced that designing the project will spare them with
all negative aspects of the Project and see to it that their rights and assets are provided due
safeguard.
Most of the communities were found aware that the project would not affect them.
They showed their concern on the local labor force being unable to participate in the
development project.
6.6 Proceedings of Consultation Meetings
Stakeholders at the consultation meetings gave a very positive response on project and did not
show concerns about establishment of the project or about installation of large turbines in an
otherwise quiet neighborhood or about loss of business, community owned assets and trees,
increase in dust and noise emission, congestion in construction areas, disruption of
communication during improvement of roads, loss of land due to road improvement,
inconvenience during construction, and potential increase of hunting wildlife. The stakeholders
were informed that such concerns have been addressed through project design as well as
environmental management and monitoring plan, besides IFC’s HSE Guidelines (2007).
6.7 Expectations of Stakeholders in Consultation Meetings
Stakeholders at the consultation meeting had the following expectations:
Drinking water supply should be made available to the villages in GDRP area on top
priority basis.
Schools should be provided with all the infrastructure and teachers
Native species of bushes/trees should be planted in case there are plans to replace felled
trees;
Contractors must adopt standard procedures in all their works and it should be mandatory
on them to follow the Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan as well as IFC’s
HSE Guidelines on employment of local labor and child labor;
Sites used for labor camps and quarrying of construction materials should be rehabilitated
and/or leveled;
Spoiled dumps should be leveled so that adjacent community/farmers may use them for
crops/tree planting;
Dust and noise pollution should be minimized during construction work;
Wind farms and their labor camps must not be established close to villages; and
Left over construction materials must be disposed of before leaving
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Table 6.2: Summary of Stakeholder Consultation
Information Disclosure and
Enquiries at NBT-SZABIST Wind
Power Project Site
Observations/Response of the Communities
Participants were informed at the outset
about the objectives of the wind farm
project and about the prevailing
environmental condition at the site.
People were informed that according to
initial observation at the site, the area
was highly underdeveloped.
There was no water, no electricity while
dust and firewood was for free and
felling of trees and their incineration in
charcoal kilns was rampant.
There was room for up gradation of the
general condition. The wind power
project could be one step towards
achieving the up gradation, but like all
other development projects, it has
limitations of its own. Those limitations
are imposed by environmental aspects.
These limits are identified by
environmental impact assessment.
The purpose of our visit, the participants
were explained, was to share
information on the environmental
baseline and impact that the different
activities will have on the physical and
social environment. The impact of
activities involved in bringing the
machinery and equipment to site, their
installation, and operation will be
assessed and finally the environmental
performance will be evaluated.
The participants were informed about
the different environmental aspects and
their impact on the physical and living
environment and how the severity of
impact will be reduced.
They were informed that evaluation of
social soundness of the project was just
as important as physical and biological
soundness. For this purpose it is
important to have information on:
Living conditions at Project site and
in the surrounding villages, name of
villages, number of households,
distance from Project site; distance
from important towns, mode of
Participants were appreciative of:
Initiative taken by NBT-Zab Wind Power
Pvt. Ltd in identifying the potential of wind
energy in Gharo Wind Corridor, which has
remained an underdeveloped area since ages.
Initiative at bringing the environmental
issues to the fore, and also incorporating
mitigation measures and provision of
facilities such as water supply for
construction, and provision of safe drinking
water, besides handing over the water supply
and wastewater disposal system to the
village residents at the end of construction
period.
There were observations on impoverishment of
the environment resulting from inattention to
improve the general condition of the area and
maintaining it.
Poverty was the main issue confronting the
stakeholders in particular the residents of villages
at great distances from the site. There were
observations that ecological resources, including
the land and vegetation were being depleted at a
rapid rate while subsistence farming was unable
to meet the day-to-day needs of the local
population.
Others observed that poverty level in Taluka
Dhabeji and Gharo was slightly higher than other
Talukas in District Thatta. Livestock farming
was the mainstay of almost all the villages in the
two Talukas; there were also residents with fixed
income from pensions. The household income of
at least 50% population was less than Rs 5000
per month/household.
Employment opportunities were low and the
younger generation was not prepared to remain
in poverty; and that may be the reason that every
other person had a cell phone. They tend to move
to the industrial area in Dhabeji and Gharo but
not to Karachi.
Poverty has mostly been caused by the following
factors:
Scarcity of water, and untimely rainfall
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Table 6.2: Summary of Stakeholder Consultation
Information Disclosure and
Enquiries at NBT-SZABIST Wind
Power Project Site
Observations/Response of the Communities
transport; Availability of water and
safe drinking water; Pattern of
disease and common ailments in
the area;
Availability of healthcare facilities,
and their performance, schools and
their performance; General living
conditions, occupation, professional
affiliation, type of family, Size of
family, Indigenous communities in
the area, ethnicity, Treatment of
disadvantaged communities.
Recurring drought
Low return from crop and livestock farming
Low wages from sand/gravel excavation
Low literacy rate
Lack of training
High population growth
Lack of access to employment in industrial
area
Increasing unemployment
High cost of healthcare
In individual interview and focus group
discussions, women identified the following
issues:
Need for a dispensary and Mother and Child
Healthcare Centre for the villages
Awareness on education
Access to vocational training centre for
women to earn through working at home
Establishment of industrial home type of
institution for production of hand made
goods
Gender discrimination
Compulsion to engagement in gravel
excavation to supplement their family
income
Fetching water from long distances, some
times more than once
Malnourishment.
Community Expectations from NBT-Zab Wind
Power (Pvt.) Ltd:
All respondents i.e. males as well as females
expect the following from the proposed project:
Safe drinking water**
Job Opportunity*
Healthcare centers particularly for
women and children**
Schools*
Vocational training
Black top link roads*
Poverty alleviation schemes*
Land development for suitable crops
Protection from drought
New income generating opportunities
like small business, and supply of goods
and services to the company and people
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Table 6.2: Summary of Stakeholder Consultation
Information Disclosure and
Enquiries at NBT-SZABIST Wind
Power Project Site
Observations/Response of the Communities
working for the wind farm
** Highest Priority *High Priority
The resident population was confident that the
proposed wind power project would change their
lifestyle and they will enjoy better quality of life
and their young and future generation will not
live in poverty.
Table 6.3: List of Officials of Institutional Stakeholders
S. # Name Designation
1 Mr. Waqar H. Phulpoto Director Sindh EPA
2 Mr. S.M. Yahya Director General Sindh EPA
3 Local Representative Sindh Wildlife Department
4 Mr. Umeed Khalid World Wide Fund (WWF) Pakistan
5 Mr. Tahir Qureshi International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
6 Mr. Zia Uddin Director, Pakistan Meteorology Department (PMD)
Table 6.4: List of People Interviewed
S. # Names Information
1 Ali Baloch SZABIST Coordinator
2 Khamiso SZABIST Coordinator
3 Mola Bakhsh – wood cutter Jaffer Jokhio
4 Haji Abdul Karim (S/o Jaffer Jokhio) Jaffer Jokhio
5 Juma Jaffer Jokhio
6 Angara Jaffer Jokhio
7 Mehar Ali Jaffer Jokhio
8 Saleh Mohammad Jaffer Jokhio
9 Haider Jaffer Jokhio
10 Waqar Ahmed Jaffer Jokhio
11 Muhammad Hashim Jokhio Jaffer Jokhio
12 Bhai Khan Khaskheli Yusuf Khaskheli
13 Jamal Khaskheli Yusuf Khaskheli
14 Ms. Sahiba Yusuf Khaskheli
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7.0 Environmental Management Plan
This Chapter presents an environmental management plan (EMP) as the implementation
mechanism to manage environmental and social issues and mitigation measures identified in
Chapter 5 on screening potential environmental impacts and mitigation measures.
7.1 Objectives of Environmental Management Plan
The EMP will help NBT-Zab Wind Power (Pvt.) Ltd, the Proponent in addressing the adverse
environmental impact of the project, enhance project benefits, and introduce standards of good
environmental practice. The primary objectives of the EMP are to:
Facilitate Owner/project sponsors corporate policy on environment
Define the responsibilities of project coordinators, contractors and other role players and
effectively communicate environmental issues among them.
Facilitate the implementation of mitigation measures identified in the EIA by providing the
technical details of each project impact, and providing an implementation schedule.
Define a monitoring mechanism and identify monitoring parameters to ensure that all
mitigation measures are completely and effectively implemented.
Ensure that after completion of Project, restoration of site and rehabilitation work will be
carried out
Required equipment and human resources for environmental monitoring and meeting
contingency plan objectives are in place and personnel are trained to meet accidents and
emergencies
7.2 Scope of EMP
This Environmental Management Plan has provided detailed strategy to be implemented for
achieving improved environmental performance in the following areas:
1. Environmental Management
2. Water Usages and Disposal
3. Recycling and Waste Management
4. Storm Water Management
5. Pollution Prevention/Environmental Risk Assessment
6. Bio-Diversity
7. Energy Management
8. Transport
9. Community Awareness
7.3 Components of EMP
The EMP consists of the following components:
1. Legislation and Guidelines
2. Organizational Structure and Responsibilities
3. Mitigation Plan
4. Environmental Monitoring Plan
5. Emergency Response and Contingency Plan
6. Communication and Documentation
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7. Change Management
7.4 Legislation and Guidelines
The EIA for Wind Power Generation has discussed national and international legislation and
guidelines that are relevant to the project. NBT-Zab Wind Power (Pvt.) Ltd will ensure that the
key project management officials and staff and all its assigned and associated consultants and
contractors are aware of these legislations and guidelines prior to the start of the project
activities.
EIA Regulation: The project will be conducted in conformance with EIA regulation and
relevant international conventions and that guidance is sought from national and
international guidelines. An independent monitoring consultant will be appointed for the
project.
NEQS Requirements: The NEQS for industrial gaseous emissions, Motor Vehicle
Emissions and Noise levels, and Industrial and Municipal effluents will be followed
throughout the project activities and operation.
World Bank Guidelines: The World Bank guidelines will be followed in all such cases
where National guidelines have not been proposed. The project designers need to know
applicable bank requirements and the environmental implications of their design choices.
Protection of Wildlife & Endangered Species: The Wind Corridor in Dhabeji taluka is
wasteland having few trees on its area and hence offers no attraction for habitation to the
falcons or other highflying birds of concern to the project. As such they are only occasional
visitors to Gharo Wind Corridor. It will be necessary to monitor the number and type of
visiting bird species including the falcons, eagles and black kites during the pre-
construction and subsequent stages of the project. Mitigation measures for protection of the
spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastix hardwickii) Sandha have been proposed and the same will
be adopted.
7.5 Organizational Roles and Responsibilities
NBT-Zab Wind Power (Pvt.) Ltd shall have its own Environmental Management System EMS
to ensure the implementation of EMP and Health and Safety Issues during construction and
maintenance.
The environmental management responsibilities will be assumed by its Project Manager and
his team members during construction and operations phase to:
Coordinate with relevant government departments
Identify and report changes in activities and services that may create new environmental
aspects
Collect and coordinate information regarding environmental aspects, and maintain records
related to environmental aspects and their impacts
Ensure construction work is carried out in an environmentally sound manner by the
Contractor by incorporating environmental compliance by appropriate provision in the
construction contract
Contractor will ensure compliance with the environmental management plan by way of
training of construction crews in all aspects of implementation of EMP.
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7.6 Environmentally Sound & Safe Working Procedures
Contractors, sub-contractors and contract workers will be made aware of environmental
aspects and Emergency Response Plan prior to commencing the work. Prior to leaving the site
contractors, sub-contractors and contract workers will ensure that their work area is in safe
position. On emergency call they will report in assembly area. Written procedures or standards
will be prepared for all activities, where the absence of such procedures and standards could
result in not following HSE policy, the law or the contract.
Safe Working Procedures will be based on the following four aspects of job safety:
Safe Place: Work site will be designed and controls set up to ensure that working
environment provides no significant risk to personnel, property and the environment.
Safe Equipment: All equipment for any job, including tools, machinery and protective
equipment will be specified and/or designed to ensure that it poses no significant risk to
personnel, property or the environment. All equipment will comply with legislative
standards for conformity and test.
Safe Procedure: Procedures will be designed for all aspects of the job to facilitate safe use
of equipment at the work site to complete tasks with no significant risk to personnel,
property or the environment. Design of procedure will be based on step-by-step analysis of
the tasks involved (Job Safety Analysis), identification of associated hazards and
elimination of control of those hazards. Procedures should allow for work in ideal
conditions as well as under aggravating conditions e.g. adverse weather.
Trained Personnel: Suitable job-specific, safety skills and supervision training will be
provided to personnel involved in construction and operation activities so that they are able
to use the procedure and equipment at the worksite with no significant risk to personnel,
property and environment.
Safe Working Procedures will be available to contractors and sub-contractors, who will adopt
the relevant labor laws of the country.
7.7 Identification of Environmentally Safe Aspects
EMS will identify Environmental aspects at the initiation of activities at the site with regard to:
Emissions of fugitive dust and gaseous pollutants from vehicles and equipment,
Discharges of liquid effluent including oily waste and seepage to land, and water
Disposal of excavated material and solid waste to land, water and air
Noise
Consumption of natural resources and energy
Emergency releases
Fauna including high flying/straying birds, and Flora.
7.8 Environmental Assessment of Safe Procedures
After identifying the environmental aspects, the related impacts will be assessed and the
significance of each issue will be evaluated. Following aspects will be identified for evaluating
the impacts:
Parts of microenvironment impacted
Parts of macroenvironment impacted
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Whether the impact is beneficial or damaging
Severity of impact
Frequency or likelihood of impact
Existing mitigation measures
Adequacy of mitigation measures
Concerns of stakeholders/interested parties
Regulatory requirements and their compliance
7.9 Impact rating
Impact rating will be assessed for each identified aspect to determine the significance as small,
medium and high intensity or non-significant.
7.9.1 Pre-Construction Phase
Following are likely to be the main activities at pre-construction phase:
Photographs of the project area will be taken for recording current status of environment to
compare with alterations introduced by the Project
Monitoring disturbance or alterations in the natural drainage of NBT-SZABIST Wind
Farm land, and soil erosion, if any
Number of approach routes to different facilities over the Wind farm and the powerhouse
will be minimized
Use of horns will be avoided
Soaking pits for waste water from campsites will be constructed and hazardous waste from
these pits will be treated during rehabilitation and restoration phase
Leakages and drips from operating vehicles and equipment will be attended to
immediately; vehicles with leaks will be restrained from operation at the site. All vehicles
will carry fire extinguishers
7.9.2 Environmental Aspects of Construction Activity
Construction activities at SZABIST land area for establishment of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm
would likely include the following main elements:
Location of campsite and field construction office
Land clearance,
Construction of site roads, turn-around areas and crane pads at each wind turbine location;
Construction of turbine tower foundations and transformer pads;
Installation of electrical collection system – underground and some overhead lines;
Assembly and erection of wind turbines;
Construction and installation of substation;
Plant commissioning and energizing.
The above activities would likely entail the following issues that may have impact on the
environment and require adoption of mitigation measures during the implementation phase:
Heavy weight and/or long trucks haulage
Surface sealing (WTG foundations)
Topsoil removal
Compressing of topsoil
Fuel storage
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Concrete production
Waste disposal
Dust emission
Construction related noise
General conditions of construction site (visual)
Disturbance of fauna, including reptiles and resident birds
Impact on flora
Emergency response
Site rehabilitation.
7.9.3 Potential Impact of Construction Activity & Mitigation Measures
Construction at the proposed site of Wind Farm would not involve extensive land preparation
and the likely impact will be minor and not significant on the microenvironment i.e. SZABIST
land in taluka Dhabeji that has currently insignificant land use, while villages such as Jaffar
Jokhio goth and Nabi Bakhsh goth are outside the Project site.
Site preparation activities would include clearing, excavation, earth and fill movement;
transportation of towers, rotors, wind turbine sets and associated equipment to the site. The
said activities will lead to soil erosion resulting from removal of topsoil at the site, but to
improvement of its quality. The fugitive dust emission would be extensive because of
aridity of the soil. Dust emission due to other materials of construction will be controlled
through appropriate measures to reduce the level of impact to minor significance.
Temporary disturbance to the landscape will be limited to the microenvironment during
construction at site, turn-around areas and crane pads at each wind turbine location;
construction of turbine tower foundations and transformer pads; installation of electrical
collection system, including underground and overhead lines; assembly and erection of
wind turbines, and construction and installation of substations.
Formation of internal access tracks, foundation excavations, electrical trenching and other
site works will hardly be perceptible to the residents of villages in the neighborhood at
distances of over 1.5 km from the site. Estimates available from other sites show that 7 -
10% of the project area is temporarily disturbed for road and crane pad construction. At
completion of the project, the turbines, access tracks and associated equipment occupying
about 1% of the site area, will meaningfully add value to the wasteland at SZABIST in
taluka Dhabeji.
Co-habitation issues with existing wind farm operations will not require assessment and
negotiation with landowners.
Diesel and other petroleum products used for the operation of construction machinery and
transportation equipment would cause air pollution besides causing soil pollution through
oil spills. The impact from such activity would be of minor significance and would be
controlled by good housekeeping practices.
Water required for numerous construction activities would not be of such order as to result
in any significant impact on other beneficial water uses or its reduced availability for
functions of villages outside SZABIST land in taluka Dhabeji. Conservation practices
would nevertheless be adopted during the entire course of construction.
Noise, visual impact, flicker shadow and shadow impact will be limited to the
microenvironment comprising the allotted land.
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No major operational impact is envisaged at the construction stage from the NBT-
SZABIST wind farm.
7.9.4 Potential Impacts at Operation Stage & Mitigation Measures
Environmental problems identified at the Operations stage of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm
relate to:
Air quality and noise level changes due to operation of fleet of long vehicles, container
trucks and operation of mechanical equipment.
Visual Effects
Noise Effect
EMI Assessment
Flicker Effects
Cultural Heritage and Archaeological Issues
Flora
Fauna (Wildlife, Birds)
Recreational and Tourism Issues
Operation of Wind Farm would not release air pollutants into the airshed, and wastewater
will be discharged into the soak pits after treatment.
Diesel and other petroleum products used for operation of mechanical equipment and
transportation vehicles may cause air pollution and also soil pollution through oil spills.
The impact from such activity would be of minor significance and would be controlled by
good housekeeping practices.
Noise emissions from the wind turbines at NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm site will have a
high level at the top but the same would attenuate with distance. The noise level at the
living areas at more than 1.5 km or 20 times the hub height will be within acceptable limits
of the World Bank Guidelines and the limits recently proposed by Federal EPA.
Visual effect, Noise effect, EMI effect, Flicker effect induced by operation of the wind
turbines will have no significant impact on the living area, located 1.5 km or 20 times the
hub height outside the Project area in Dhabeji.
Daily water requirement at the site during operation and wastewater discharges would not
be of such magnitude as to result in any significant impact on other beneficial water uses
or its reduced availability for the functions in the villages that are even otherwise outside
the operations area of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm site. Conservation practices would
nevertheless be adopted during the entire course of construction.
Generation of solid and hazardous waste will be of small order and good housekeeping
practices will be adopted to reduce their impact.
There are no cultural heritage, recognized archaeological sites, endangered species of flora,
wildlife reserve, or potential tourism sites that may need protection and hence no
mitigation measures need to be taken. Mitigation measures have been proposed for the
protection of the spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastix hardwickii) Sandha and the straying high
flying birds. The number of the few Houbara bustard and high flying eagles and falcons
still around will be recorded during the pre-construction period. Mitigation measures such
as hiring the services of sharp shooters will be in place to stupefy the high-flying stray
birds and later on release them to safe environment.
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Mitigation Plan: Mitigation plan as a key component of EMS lists all the potential impacts of
project activities and associated mitigation measures identified in the EIA. Mitigation measures
for different activities during different phases of the Project are as follows:
7.10 Environmental Management Programme
The following environmental aspects would require planned intervention by EMS for the Wind
Farm on NBT-SZABIST land in Dhabeji:
7.1 Design Phase: Location/Siting of Wind Farm on SZABIST land in Dhabeji
Project
Activity
Potential Hazards &
Environmental
Impacts
Proposed Mitigation Measures and Residual
impact
Institutional
Responsibilities
& Actions Taken
Site
Selection
Land Lease in
Gharo Wind
Corridor
Land use,
Resettlement of
Population
Relocation of assets
600 ha land at SZABIST in Dhabeji is part of
the Project. There are no issues relating to
existing land use and land tenure or on loss of
land, or loss of business. No involuntary
resettlement is consequently required and no
business is to be considered lost on the land.
There is no vegetation on wasteland of
SZABIST area in Dhabeji.
There are no sensitive assets of concern on the
SZABIST area in Dhabeji.
Design
Consultant
Accounted for in
the Land Lease
Seismic Activity
Changes in sub-soil
structure resulting
from Location of
campsite and field
construction office
Construction of
internal roads at site,
turn-around areas
and crane pads at
each wind turbine
location;
Construction of
turbine tower
foundations and
transformer pads;
Installation of
electrical collection
system –
underground and
some overhead
lines;
Assembly and
erection of wind
turbines;
Construction and
installation of
substation
IFC’s EHS Guidelines will be strictly followed
Allowable bearing capacity to be adopted for
Seismic Zone 2A.
Temporary disturbance to the landscape
that will occur during construction of site
roads, turn-around areas and crane pads at
each wind turbine location; construction
of the turbine tower foundations and
transformer pads; installation of the
electrical collection system, including
underground and some overhead lines;
assembly and erection of the wind
turbines, and construction and installation
of the substation, will be limited to the
microenvironment.
Formation of internal access tracks,
foundation excavations, electrical
trenching and other site works will not be
visible to the residents of villages in the
neighborhood at a distance of over 1.5 km
or 20 time hub height from site. Estimates
from other sites show temporarily
disturbance over 7 - 10% of project area
for road and crane pad construction. On
completion of project, the turbines, access
tracks and associated equipment
occupying about 1% of the site area, will
meaningfully add value to the wasteland
at SZABIST area in Dhabeji.
Co-habitation issues with existing wind
farm operations will not require
assessment and negotiation with
landowners.
Diesel and other petroleum products used
for operation of construction machinery
and transportation equipment would cause
air pollution besides causing soil pollution
Design
Consultant
Will be
accounted for in
the Detailed
Design
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through oil spills. The impact from such
activity would be of minor significance
and would be controlled by good
housekeeping practices.
Water required for numerous construction
activities would not result in any
significant impact on other beneficial
water uses or reduce its availability for
functions of villages outside Project area.
Conservation practices would nevertheless
be adopted during the entire course of
construction.
Noise, visual impact, flicker shadow and
shadow impact will be limited to the
microenvironment comprising the allotted
land.
No major operational impact is envisaged
at the construction stage from the NBT-
SZABIST wind farm.
Construction activity
induced Changes in
Ecology
Land use changes in ecology and Loss of
vegetation will be non-issue on the wasteland
of proposed NBT-SZABIST wind farm.
IFC’s EHS Guidelines will be strictly followed
to minimize changes if any
Environmental
Consultant
Construction
Activity induced
Land Use Changes
Restoration of land after use Environmental
Consultant
7.2 Design Phase: Location of Utilities at NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm
Project
Activity
Potential Hazards
& Environmental
Impacts
Proposed Mitigation Measures Institutional
Responsibilities & Actions
Taken
Safety on Access
Road, Construction
of site roads, turn-
around areas and
crane pads at each
wind turbine
location;
Construction of the
turbine tower
foundations and
transformer pads;
Installation of the
electrical collection
system –
underground and
some overhead
lines;
Assembly and
erection of the wind
turbines;
Construction and
installation of the
substation
IFC’s EHS Guidelines will be strictly
followed
Incorporation of Safety provisions
The impacts from Wind Farm Project
during construction, and installation
of machinery and the resulting
emission of noise and gaseous
effluent, and wastewater discharges
during siting, construction and
operation of the Wind Farm Project
would be of small order and would be
of little significance at Project site or
its microenvironment and none in its
macroenvironment.
Environment
Specialist/Design Consultant
Design to include the on-site
facility in NBT-SZABIST
wind farm
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Water Supply &
Drinking Water
IFC’s EHS Guidelines will be strictly
followed
NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm would
have its share of water from the Gujju
Headwork that will have no
significant impact on the current
beneficial water uses in the area.
Environment
Specialist/Design Consultant
Detailed Designs to include
water supply and sewerage
system and standard septic
tanks at construction sites.
Slope Protection IFC’s EHS Guidelines will be strictly
followed
Intersecting natural flow will be
diverted to protect foundations/piles
towards bandats for use in vegetation
Environment
Specialist/Design Consultant
Designs will provide for
directing surface flow away
from WTG foundation and
into bandats/temporary
reservoirs for subsequent use
in plantation.
Wastewater IFC’s EHS Guidelines will be strictly
followed
Sewerage system for conveyance of
wastewater from construction sites to
septic tanks and separate arrangement
for sludge disposal to be provided at
campsite and residential area of
workers and officials at NBT-
SZABIST Wind Farm.
Provision of Gravel/Sand Bed for
passing Workshop/Yard wastes
containing oil & grease
Environment
Specialist/Design Consultant
Septic tanks will clarify the
wastewater by sludge
settlements and reduce BOD
with increased residence
time. Overflow from the
septic tank will flow into
standard soak pits.
Solid waste
Construction Waste
IFC’s EHS Guidelines will be strictly
followed
Solid waste at camp & construction
sites will not be mixed with
hazardous waste and will not be
disposed of into open land or into the
dry wadis in the area.
Segregation at source and provision
of containers for conveyance to burn-
pit at construction sites.
Construction waste will be disposed
of in designated areas at borrow pits.
Environment Specialist/
Design Consultant
Positioning of containers and
burn pits will be provided for
in the furnishings.
Air Quality IFC’s EHS Guidelines will be strictly
followed
The airshed of the NBT-SZABIST
Wind Farm is unpolluted. The dust
fall in the microenvironment is high
as a result of high aridity in the
airshed of the macroenvironment as
well as that of the site itself.
Design Consultant
Detailed Designs to account
for impact of high dust fall
Air Pollution IFC’s EHS Guidelines will be strictly
followed
Air and noise pollution and other
forms of nuisance in the
microenvironment and
macroenvironment of site will be
mitigated by monitoring the level of
particulate matter and noise.
Air pollution due to fugitive dust
emission and operation of equipment
during construction will be controlled
by good housekeeping practices e.g.
sprinkling water.
Environment
Specialist/Supervision
Consultant
Implementation of EMP and
Monitoring Plan will ensure
mitigation of impact of air
pollution.
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Noise Pollution IFC’s EHS Guidelines will be strictly
followed
Noise from Wind turbines does not
generally exceed background noise
levels at a distance 7 rotor blade
diameter from the turbines (5 - 7 rotor
diameters is the conventional
separation from older versions of
turbines; noise footprint of newer
turbines is smaller).
No mitigation measures would be
necessary on siting the 2x50 MW
NBT-SZABIST wind farm at 1.5 Km
from any living/activity area.
Provision of ear plugs to personnel
working in areas with noise level
above 85 dB(A).
Environment
Specialist/Design Consultant
Implementation of EMP and
Monitoring Plan will ensure
mitigation of impact of noise
pollution.
7.3 Location & Management of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Facilities
Environmental
Issue
Requirement Mitigation Measures Institutional
Responsibilities & Actions Taken
Topsoil
Conservation
Management of
Project
facilities and
Conservation of
soil
IFC’s EHS Guidelines will
be strictly followed
Identification & inclusion
of siting in the overall
design of different activity
centers such as camp site,
borrow pits, WTG
foundation sites.
Environment Specialist/Design
Consultant
Design to include the on-site
facilities at NBT-SZABIST wind
farm.
Location &
Management of
Project Facilities
Management of
Project
facilities
IFC’s EHS Guidelines will
be strictly followed
The Design would ensure
that
Campsite is at 500 m
distance from living
area/village
Campsite does not hinder
movement of villagers
Construction wastes are
removed & disposed of in
designated burrow pits in
environmentally
sustainable manner
Excavation of 50 cm soil
for borrow area
Fugitive dust emission is
kept to the minimum
Site for storage of
construction waste is duly
restored after use
Borrow pits for waste
disposal at natural
depressions are provided
with impervious layer
Hazardous waste
including concrete waste,
if any is segregated &
disposed of into borrow
pits with impervious layer
and liner
Oil containers are in place
Environment Specialist/Design
Consultant/Contractor
Design to include the on-site facility
at NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm
and Contractor to implement the
mitigation measures duly
supervised by Supervision
Consultant and Environment
Specialist by implementation of
the EMP and Monitoring Plan.
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for temporary storage of
lubricants
Soil contamination is
avoided
Walls are constructed and
suitably landscaped near
sensitive locations such as
schools, mosques and
graveyards for providing
sanctity to the structure
and protection against
noise pollution.
7.4 Pre-Construction Phase: Management of Land Use
Project Activity Potential Hazards &
Environmental Impacts
Proposed Mitigation
Measures
Institutional
Responsibilities
Mobilization of
contractor(s) and
pertinent
equipment and
machinery
Awareness on
Environmental Aspects
related to use of
equipment and
associated
environmental and
occupational health
hazards
IFC’s EHS Guidelines will be
strictly followed
Creation of awareness on
procedures of
o safety
o health
o environment
Provision of protective devices
for safety
Provision of protective
measures for workers
Contractor
Mobilization of
project
equipment and
materials
Awareness on Aspects
related to use of
equipment and
associated
environmental and
occupational health
hazards
IFC’s EHS Guidelines will be
strictly followed
Provision of protective devices
for safety
Provision of protective
measures for workers
Contractor
Establishment
and operation of
construction
camps
Awareness on Aspects
of environmental,
occupational health &
safety
IFC’s EHS Guidelines will be
strictly followed
Provision of jobs for locals
Provision of protective devices
for safety
Provision of protective
measures for workers
Contractor
1.1 Pre-Construction Phase: Land Preparation
Initiation of
activities at site
Stony Wasteland,
scanty vegetation
IFC’s EHS Guidelines will be
strictly followed
Take cognizance of stony
wasteland.
Contractor/supervised
by HSE Manager
Construction
activities at site
Operation of heavy
equipment, Noise,
Fugitive dust emission
Gaseous emission from
construction equipment
Accidents
IFC’s EHS Guidelines will be
strictly followed
Safe Working Procedures;
Environmentally Sound
Standard Operating
Procedures
Emergency Response Plan
Contractor/supervised
by HSE Manager
Topsoil
Conservation
Stony wasteland
Topsoil sandy
IFC’s EHS Guidelines will be
strictly followed
Implement good housekeeping
and environmentally sound
standard management
practices
Contractor/supervised
by HSE Manager
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Environmental
Enhancement Re-
vegetation and
Plantation
Damages done to arid
ecosystem by natural and
man-made activities
including sand/ & gravel
excavation/ stone
crushing /wood cutting
& transportation
IFC’s EHS Guidelines will be
strictly followed
Rainwater harvesting and
using the water accumulation
for re-vegetation and
Establishment of Biodiversity
Park specific to arid zone
environment.
Contractor/supervised
by HSE Manager
Management of
Drainage System
Damages done by
construction activity to
drainage system, and
structures, and likely
impact during
construction
IFC’s EHS Guidelines will be
strictly followed
Take cognizance of arid/stony
wasteland that is sandy
Avoid location of Camps and
access tracks/internal roads on
land sloping towards the wadis
Campsite will not be
established in the vicinity of
water supply sources to village
in the surrounding.
Maintenance of vehicles and
other equipment will be
allowed only in designated
areas underlain with concrete
slabs and a system to catch
runoff.
Washing of vehicles will be
restricted.
Contractor/supervised
by HSE Manager
Protection of
Cultural &
Community
Owned assets
Adverse impact of
siting campsites
IFC’s EHS Guidelines will be
strictly followed
Camps, access tracks, and
other project sites will avoid
cultural and community
owned assets.
No campsite will be
established in the vicinity of
cultural sites and community
owned assets.
Land development will not
require resettlement of
population or relocation of
structures.
Contractor/supervised
by HSE Manager
7.5 NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm Environmental Management Programme
Project Activity Potential Hazards
& Environmental
Impacts
Proposed Mitigation Measures Institutional
Responsibilities
Emergency
Medical Aid
Services
Emergency
Management
IFC’s EHS Guidelines will be
strictly followed
Establishment of emergency First
Aid system
Provision of speedy transportation
system staffed by trained Medical
Technicians
Adoption and implementation of
fire/emergency/contingency plans
Ambulance to be
provided at the
Construction site
HSE Manager to
implement Emergency
Management Plan and
Disaster Management
Plan
Environmental
Awareness
Creation of
awareness on
procedures of
safety
health
environment
IFC’s EHS Guidelines will be
strictly followed
Provision of protective devices
for safety
Provision of protective measures
for workers
HSE Manager
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Environmental
Management
Services
Availability of
campsite
environmental
management
services
IFC’s EHS Guidelines will be
strictly followed
Adoption and implementation of
environmental services plans,
including:
Best Management of Road
construction Environment
Best Ground & Housekeeping
Management Practices
Professional on-site management
and support resources
Assurance of access to
emergency services at NBT-
SZABIST WTG Units
HSE Manager
Emergency
Management
Availability of
emergency services
IFC’s EHS Guidelines will be
strictly followed
Establishment of emergency
systems
Adoption and implementation of
fire/emergency/contingency plans
HSE Manager
Disaster
Management
Keeping prepared
for disaster
IFC’s EHS Guidelines will be
strictly followed
Establishment of Contingency
Plan for WTG units
Preparedness for Disaster &
Implementation of
fire/emergency/contingency plans
HSE Manager
7.11 Emergency Response Plan
NBT-SZABIST-EMS would implement its own Emergency Response Plan during the pre-
construction and construction stages. The Emergency Response Plan during the construction
period will be managed and monitored by the NBT-SZABIST -EMS Emergency Response
Team. The Response team will ensure that the operations are carried out in minimal time
avoiding any fire, safety and security hazard and affecting the environment. The team will be in
readiness to adopt the following procedure:
Evaluation of the situation to identify the most important steps, which must be taken first
and can have an important bearing on the overall action to be taken.
Deployment of required manpower and equipment.
Organizing required logistical support so that there are no bottlenecks hampering the
operation.
See to it that injured persons are cared for.
Respond to calls for ambulances for shifting the injured persons to neighborhood
hospitals/healthcare units and if necessary to DHQ Hospital Thatta.
Isolate all sources of ignition and environmental hazard.
Evacuation of people who are in immediate or imminent danger. Response Team and/or
in-charge of the Campsite will exert positive leadership and give instructions calmly,
firmly, explicitly, and courteously and obtain help of law enforcement agencies, if
necessary.
Block approach roads if necessary for safety of operations.
Arrange for emergency notifications of water shed areas, public utilities, and the like to
safeguard the public and property.
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Surveillance and monitoring operations.
Retrieval and disposal of earth/debris and resources affected by the hazard at appropriate
site.
Termination of clean-up operation.
7.12 Training and Exercises
To ensure effective implementation of the Emergency Response plan, training programs for
Disaster response personnel will be organized regularly in collaboration with wind farms in the
neighborhood. The training program will aim at:
Maintaining the plan and working document to be fully operational.
Inform the Response Team members and other relevant personnel of their respective duties
and procedures to be followed.
Familiarize all relevant personnel with the use of equipments.
The training program will be structured according to the level of responsibility of the
participants:
Classroom instructions as well as field demonstration will be conducted.
Regular operational exercise/drills will be conducted to ensure that the response
organization and other components detailed in the plan function effectively and
Response Team members and other relevant personnel assigned specific responsibilities
become fully familiar.
7.13 Environmental Monitoring Program
Monitoring of different activities will be required to assess the impacts of activities during
construction and operation on the environment. For this purpose NBT-SZABIST-EMS will
establish its own unit to:
Coordinate with other units
Follow the monitoring frequency of selected parameters as per the monitoring plan given
in the following Table.
Record all non-conformities observed and report them along with actions to Project
Manager for further action.
Report any impact anticipated along with recommendations for further action.
Contractor shall take note of the recommendations relating to issues arising during monitoring
of construction activities. The following Tables show the checklist of actions for monitoring
different environmental Aspect during the Construction and Operations Phases of the Project:
7.6: Monitoring Plan
Stage Monitoring
areas
Location of
monitoring Parameters to monitor
Documentation &
Monitoring
Frequency
Const
ruct
ion &
Oper
atio
n
Ecological
Conditions
Access Road to
Wind Mast, and
Access Rd from
Wind Farm to
Powerhouse
Visual analysis and
observations on flora and fauna
for loss of biodiversity,
recording number of trees lost,
animals hunted/killed and
number of visiting birds,
hunted, killed, stupefied &
saved
Quarterly
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7.6: Monitoring Plan
Stage Monitoring
areas
Location of
monitoring Parameters to monitor
Documentation &
Monitoring
Frequency
Const
ruct
ion
Water Sampling points at
campsite,
powerhouse;
Water analysis for following
parameters:
pH
Dissolved Oxygen
Total suspended solids
Common ions
Oil & grease
Coliform count
Quarterly
Const
ruct
ion
Wastewater Outlet of the
wastewater
treatment system
Wastewater analysis for the
following parameters:
pH
Total suspended solids
DO
BOD
Oil & grease
Quarterly
Const
ruct
ion Solid Waste
(Kitchen)
Collection,
handling and
disposal to
designated
areas/borrow pits
Observations on solid waste
type, quantity and disposal
arrangement
Quarterly
Solid Waste
Quarterly
Const
ruct
ion Air quality 15 meters distance
from activity area
Parameters to monitor include:
CO
SPM
SO2
NOx
i. Before beginning
of construction
ii. Monthly during
construction
iii. Quarterly during
operations
End o
f
Const
ruct
ion
Restoration of
sites
All excavation sites
& Borrow pits Visual Observations
Status Report for
Completion of
Construction
Oper
atio
ns
Accidental
risk at site
NBT-SZABIST area
in UC Dhabeji
Visual Observations
Recording accidents during
operation of WTG &
equipment
Quarterly
Oper
atio
ns
Noise
Activity areas
Wind Farm
Powerhouse
Filter Plant
Access Road
Noise intensity measurement
Quarterly
Const
ruct
ion
& O
per
atio
ns
Occupational
Safety
Installation of
Machinery and
equipment
Operations areas
Visual observations and
Recording hazard/accident
Quarterly
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8.0 Findings, Recommendations & Conclusion
8.1 Summary of Findings
Overall assessment of the environmental aspects and screening of potential impacts of the
proposed activities pertaining to establishment of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm in Taluka
Dhabeji finds that:
NBT-SZABIST site in the Gharo Wind Corridor is the preferred alternative and ideally
suited for establishment of the Wind Farm for wind classes 4-5.
An appropriate number of wind turbine generators (WTGs) will be sited on the 600
hectare land area, with each WTG spaced at optimum distances apart following the annual
maximum wind direction.
There are no issues on land acquisition, loss of land, or loss of business; no involuntary
resettlement will be required.
Noise emissions from the wind turbines at NBT-SZABIST site may have a high level at
the top but the same will attenuate with distance. The noise level at the living areas at more
than 1.5 km or in excess of one rotor diameter equivalents will be within acceptable limits
of the World Bank Guidelines and the limits recently proposed by Federal EPA.
Visual effect, Noise effect, EMI effect, Flicker effect induced by operation of the wind
turbines will have no significant impact on the living area, located 1.5 km from the NBT-
SZABIST wind farm.
Detailed design will give due consideration to location of the WTG close to the living area
at Filter Plant Colony and Khaskheli goth and site them to maintain a distance of over 1.6
km. At this distance, the noise from the wind turbine attenuates to acceptable levels, while
the visibility, shadow flicker and shadow effects are not an annoyance but curiosity.
The induced impact on operation of the wind turbines on the microenvironment will be
monitored through environmental management plan, environmental monitoring plan and
the IFC’s HSE Guidelines, and mitigated, if necessary by adoption of suitable measures at
the site.
Piles for the foundations of WTG towers would be laid at depth of bedrock, which are hard
and pose minimum risk to the liquefaction threat during major (> 7 on Richter Scale)
earthquake.
Precious ecology of the microenvironment of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm will be
protected. The land being stony wasteland has no worthwhile vegetation. A few patches of
dead wood and dried up shrubs may have to be removed towards land clearance but the
same will have only minor impact on the environment.
There are no cultural heritage, recognized archaeological sites, endangered species of flora,
wildlife reserve, or potential tourism sites that may need protection and hence no
mitigation measures need to be taken. Mitigation measures have been proposed for the
protection of the spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastix hardwickii) Sandha and the straying high
flying birds including the black kites, a few eagles and very few falcons. The NBT-
SZABIST land is not a habitat for the Houbara bustard, nor is it a site for trophy hunting
by the sheikhs of the Emirates. High flying black kites do abound near the poultry farms
outside the NBT-SZABIST land.
The number of the few Houbara bustard and high flying eagles and falcons still around
will be recorded during the pre-construction, construction and operation phases. Mitigation
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measures such as hiring the services of sharp shooters will be in place to stupefy the high-
flying stray birds and later on release them to safe environment.
Due vigilance will be kept for protecting the wildlife that may still be there.
Adoption of mitigation measures identified for different stages of the project will be keenly
monitored to further enhance the environmental performance of the ZWPL-SZABIST
Wind Farm.
Assessment of impact of activities during construction processes and operation stages at the
NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm site in Taluka Dhabeji shows that the impacts will be of temporary
nature and small order. They are not expected to have any significant adverse impacts on the
microenvironment and macroenvironment of the Project. The minor impacts resulting from
said activities or operation of facilities would be mitigated.
8.2 Recommendations
EIA of the NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm has identified the key environmental aspects that need
to be attended to. Mitigation measures for the likely impact have been suggested. General
specification/details have been worked out in respect of type of structures, grade of concrete,
and all other materials of construction for the Construction Phase of NBT-SZABIST Wind
Farm.
It is recommended that:
The structures and materials conform to recommended standards and follow standard
practice of civil works.
Environmentally sound materials and goods are selected, with priority being accorded to
products meeting national and international standards.
Traditionally well-tried materials are chosen for provision of utilities services in the
Project.
Temporary inconveniences due to construction works are minimized through planning and
coordination with local population and organizations in the neighborhood.
The foundations of the wind turbine towers are of concrete on bearing soil. Bearing
capacity, settlement, static and dynamic loading conditions are determined while seismic
conditions pertain to placement of the site in zone 2A (Moderate to High hazards) and
taken into account in the working designs that will submitted for approval.
The stability of soil is verified before laying the foundations of the wind turbines.
No resettlement of population or relocation of structures will be involved since the wind
farm has been so designed as to have living area of the Filter Plant Colony and other
villages clearly outside the corridor of impact of the row of wind turbines on the 600
hectare SZABIST land. The stakeholders have been consulted in this connection and the
village representatives have assured of unhindered completion of the Project.
Environmental Performance Monitoring will be an integral part of the Project to ensure
environmental safeguards.
8.3 Conclusions
Review of Guidelines for classification of polluted and unpolluted sites with respect to their
airshed, watershed, soil, sensitivity of ecosystem including fauna, flora, wildlife, aquatic life,
historical and archaeological sites and their values, along with assessment of impact by using
the “Checklist of actions affecting environment and significance of their impact” has been used
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in this EIA Study for assessment of impact of different activities for establishment of NBT-
SZABIST Wind Farm. The review process finds that:
The impacts from Wind Farm Project during construction, and installation of machinery
and the resulting emission of noise and gaseous effluent, and wastewater discharges during
siting, construction and operation of the Wind Farm Project would be of small order and
would be of little significance at the site or microenvironment and none in the
macroenvironment.
Estimates on net saving in terms of air pollutants clearly suggest that operation of the NBT-
SZABIST Wind Farm would be economically viable and environment friendly.
No untreated wastewater would be discharged from the NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm.
Initiatives will be taken to harvest rainwater by channelizing it into dyked ponds for
subsequent use in plantation.
Noise emissions from the wind turbines at NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm site will have a
high level at the top and will attenuate with distance. The noise level at the living areas at
more than 1.5 km or three times the required distance of one rotor diameter equivalents
will be within acceptable limits of the World Bank Guidelines and the limits recently
proposed by Federal EPA.
The level of emissions and discharges suggests that Wind Farm operations will have no
significant impact either on its microenvironment that includes the proposed site for Wind
Farm, or on its macroenvironment that includes the small cluster of settlement.
Screening of potential environmental impacts at the different stages viz. siting, construction,
installation of machinery and equipment and finally operation, leads to the conclusion that:
The wasteland at NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm has remained an isolated component of the
ecosystem of Lower Sindh for a long time. Location of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm will
comprise value -addition to the wasteland, besides having no significant impact on the
micro and macroenvironment, will not degrade the ecology of the stony wasteland in
Dhabeji taluka.
Visual effect, Noise effect, EMI effect, Flicker effect induced by operation of the wind
turbines will have no significant impact on the living area, located 1.5 km or three times
the required distance of seven rotor diameter equivalents outside the NBT-SZABIST Wind
Farm. The induced impact on operation of the wind turbines on the microenvironment will
be monitored through environmental management plan, environmental monitoring plan
and the IFC’s HSE Guidelines, and mitigated, if necessary by adoption of suitable
measures at the site.
There are no cultural heritage, recognized archaeological sites, endangered species of flora,
wildlife reserve, or potential tourism sites that may need protection and hence no
mitigation measures need to be taken. Mitigation measures have been proposed for the
protection of the spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastix hardwickii) Sandha and the straying high
flying birds. The number of the few Houbara bustard and high flying eagles and falcons
still around will be recorded during the pre-construction period. Mitigation measures such
as hiring the services of sharp shooters will be in place to stupefy the high-flying stray
birds and later on release them to safe environment. This is already one of the conservation
practices to safe the wildlife in India. In order to implement the proposed mechanism
Sindh Wildlife Department will be taken onboard so that appropriate steps are taken to
save the wildlife from extinction.
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Finding of archaeological artifacts during the construction phase will be immediately
reported to the Department of Archaeology, Sindh.
The proposed NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm, when commissioned, would add value to the
otherwise wasteland on the north of National Highway N5 in Taluka Dhabeji and become
an integral part of the macroenvironment of Taluka Dhabeji.
This EIA Study finds that the value-addition characteristics of NBT-SZABIST Wind Farm
would respond to the principles of sustainable development that aim at “socially equitable and
economically viable development to improve the quality of life for all citizens of the Earth,
without altering the balance in the ecosystem”.
The Study therefore recommends that the EIA Report should be approved with the provision
that the suggested mitigation measures will be adopted and the Environmental Management
Plan will be followed in letter and spirit.
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Exhibit: Photographs of the Survey
EIA Team during survey Site View
Flora at the Site Flora at the Site
Hazrat Ismail Shah Ghous Qutubuddin Baba Sewing/Cutting Training Center
Gharo Filter Plant Wind mast
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Exhibit: Photographs of the Survey
Topography of the area Goth Deen Muhammad Marri
Local people involved in cutting trees Mouse Hole
Primary School Eid Gah
Mosque Live stock
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Exhibit: Photographs of the Survey
Approach to site Noise monitoring near railway line
Consultation with proponent Consultation with Yousuf Khaskheli Villagers
Consultation with Goth Jaffer Jokhio Villagers Consultation with Goth Jaffer Jokhio Villagers
Consultation with locals Consultation with locals