IND: Bihar New Ganga Bridge Project...IND: Bihar New Ganga Bridge Project Prepared by Bihar State...

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Environmental Impact Assessment (Draft) November 2015 IND: Bihar New Ganga Bridge Project Prepared by Bihar State Road Development Corporation Limited, Government of Bihar for the Asian Development Bank.

Transcript of IND: Bihar New Ganga Bridge Project...IND: Bihar New Ganga Bridge Project Prepared by Bihar State...

  • Environmental Impact Assessment (Draft) November 2015

    IND: Bihar New Ganga Bridge Project Prepared by Bihar State Road Development Corporation Limited, Government of Bihar for the Asian Development Bank.

  • CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS (as of 31 October 2015)

    Currency unit – Indian rupees (INR/Rs) Rs1.00 = $ 0.01538

    $1.00 = Rs 65.0315

    ABBREVIATIONS AADT - Annual Average Daily Traffic AAQ - Ambient air quality AAQM - Ambient air quality monitoring ADB - Asian Development Bank AH - Asian Highway ASI - Archaeological Survey of India BDL - Below detectable limit BGL - Below ground level BOD - Biochemical oxygen demand BSRDCL - Bihar State Road Development Corporation Limited BOQ - Bill of quantity CCE - Chief Controller of Explosives CGWA - Central Ground Water Authority CITES - Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species CO - Carbon monoxide COD - Chemical oxygen demand CPCB - Central Pollution Control Board CSC - Construction Supervision Consultant DFO - Divisional Forest Officer DG - Diesel generating set DO - Dissolved oxygen DPR - Detailed project report E&S - Environment and social EA - Executing agency EAC - Expert Appraisal Committee EFP - Environmental Focal Person EHS - Environment Health and Safety EIA - Environmental impact assessment EMOP - Environmental monitoring plan EMP - Environmental management plan ESCAP - United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and

    Pacific GHG - Greenhouse gas GIS - Geographical information system GOI - Government of India GRC - Grievance redress committee GRM - Grievance redress mechanism HFL - Highest flood level IA - Implementing Agency IMD - Indian Meteorological Department IRC - Indian Road Congress IUCN - International Union for Conservation of Nature

  • IVI - Important value index IWTA - Inland Waterways Authority of India LHS - Left hand side LPG - Liquefied petroleum gas Max - Maximum Min - Minimum MJB - Major bridge MNB - Minor bridge MOEFCC - Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change MORSTH/

    MORTH - Ministry of Road Surface Transport and Highways

    N, S, E, W, NE, SW, NW

    - Wind Directions (North, South, East, West or combination of Two directions like South West, North West)

    NGO - Non-governmental organization NH - National Highway NOC - No Objection Certificate NOx - Oxides of nitrogen NPL - National Physical Laboratory, U.K. NBWL - National Board for Wildlife PAH - Project Affected Household PAP - Project Affected Persons PAS - Protected Areas PCC - Portland Cement Concrete PCR - Public Community Resources PCU - Passenger Car Units PD - Project Director PM - Particulate Matter PIU - Project Implementation Unit PPE - Personal protective equipment PMAE - Project Management and Authority Engineer PPT - Parts per trillion PPTA - Project Preparatory Technical Assistance PUC - Pollution Under Control PWD - Public Works Department R & R - Rehabilitation and Resettlement RCC - Reinforced cement concrete RHS - Right hand side ROB - Road Over Bridge ROW - Right of way RSPM - Respirable suspended particulate matter SAARC - South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation SC - Scheduled Cast – Name of a community in India SEIAA - State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority SEMU - Social and Environmental Management Unit SH - State highway SIA - Social Impact Assessment SO2 - Sulphur Dioxide SOI - Survey of India SPCB - State Pollution Control Board SPL - Sound Pressure Level

  • SPM - Suspended Particulate Matter SPS - ADB Safeguard Policy Statement, 2009 ST - Scheduled Tribes – Name of a community in India TA - Technical assistance TDS - Total dissolved solids TSS - Total Suspended Solids UA - Urban Agglomeration UIDSSMT - Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and

    Medium Towns UNESCO

    - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural

    Organization USEPA - United States Environmental Protection Agency UT - Union Territories WHC - Water holding capacity WWF - World Wildlife Fund ZSI - Zoological survey of India

    WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

    dB(A) – A-weighted decibel ha – hectare km – kilometre

    km2 – square kilometre KWA – kilowatt ampere Leq – equivalent continuous noise level µg – microgram m – meter MW (megawatt) – megawatt PM 2.5 or 10 – Particulate Matter of 2.5 micron or 10 micron size

    NOTE In this report, "$" refers to US dollars.

    This environmental impact assessment is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

  • CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................. I

    Introduction i A. Description of the Project i B. Description of the Environment ii C. Consultation, Disclosure and Grievance Mechanism iv D. Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures iv E. Conclusions and Recommendations v F.

    I. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................. 1 Background 1 A. Project Rationale 2 B. Environment Category and Scope of the EIA Study 4 C. Methodology Adopted for the EIA Study 7 D. Structure of the Report 8 E.

    II. POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORKS ..............................................10 National (India) Environmental Policy Framework 10 A. Social Regulatory Requirements of India and State 13 B. International Treaties and Relevance to the Project 13 C. ADB Safeguard Policy Statement Requirements 15 D.

    III. PROJECT DESCRIPTION ................................................................................19 A. Type of Project 19 B. Location and Features of the Proposed Project 19 C. Engineering Surveys and Investigations 21 D. Projected Traffic for the Design 21 E. Components of the Project 21 F. Proposed Alignment and Conceptual Plan of Project Components 25 G. Cost of the Project and Implementation Arrangement 31 IV. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT ...........................................................................32

    Physical Environment 32 A. Ecological Environment 64 B. Socio-Economic Environment 85 C. Socio-Economic Profile of Project Affected Person 91 D.

    V. IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND MITIGATION MEASURES..................................................95 Construction Activities and Rating of Impacts 95 A. Anticipated Environmental Impacts 97 B. Key operational stage impacts 122 C. Cumulative and Induced Environmental Impacts 140 D. Environmental Enhancement Measures 148 E.

    VI. CLIMATE CHANGE RISK AND ADAPTATION FOR GANGA BRIDGE .......................... 151 Review of Related Literature 151 A. Predicted High Flood Level 153 B. Testing for Non-Stationarity 155 C. Return Periods vs. Return Levels 157 D. Design Flood for River Ganga at Patna 158 E. Adaptation Measure 159 F. Greenhouse Gas Emissions 160 G.

    VII. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES .............................................................................. 162 A. Introduction 162 B. ‘With Project’ and ‘Without Project’ Scenario 162 C. Alternative Alignments/Locations 167

  • D. Engineering / Technological Alternatives 170 VIII.PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS, INFORMATION DISCLOSURE AND GRIEVANCE

    REDRESS MECHANISM .................................................................................................. 177 A. Public Consultations 177 B. Public Disclosure 194 C. Grievance Redress Mechanism 194 IX. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN AND INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT .... 197 A. Introduction 197 B. Impacts and Mitigation Measures 197 C. Environmental Monitoring and Reporting Program 198 D. Environmental Reporting System 200 E. Institutional Arrangement 201 A. Roles and Responsibilities 202 B. Environmental Safeguards Budget 209 X. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................. 212 ANNEX 1: RAPID ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (REA) CHECKLIST ............................ 214 ANNEX 2: COMPARISON OF WB AND GOI AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS ............ 219 ANNEX 3: COMPARISON OF WB EHS AND GOI AMBIENT NOISE LEVEL STANDARDS .. 220 ANNEX 3A. INDIAN STANDARD DRINKING WATER SPECIFICATION: IS 10500:1991 ....... 221 ANNEX 4: DETAILS OF TREES TO BE CUT ......................................................................... 222 ANNEX 5: RECORD OF PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS ............................................................. 232 ANNEX 6: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ............................................................ 257 ANNEX 7: ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN DURING CONSTRUCTION AND

    OPERATION PHASES .............................................................................. 301 ANNEX 8 : TREE PLANTATION AND MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES .................................... 305 ANNEX 9: GUIDELINES FOR BORROW AREA MANAGEMENT........................................... 307 ANNEX 10: GUIDELINES FOR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ............................. 309 ANNEX 11: GUIDELINES FOR WASTE DISPOSAL AND MANAGEMENT ............................ 312 ANNEX 12: GUIDELINES FOR CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL STORAGE AND HANDLING

    PLAN .............................................................................. 314 ANNEX 13: DETAILS OF TRANSECT WALKS CONDUCTED IN THE PROJECT INFLUENCE

    AREA .............................................................................. 315

    LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Project Components ....................................................................................................... i Table 2: Project Categorization .................................................................................................. 4 Table 3: Applicable Environmental National and State Requirements .......................................11 Table 4: Key Steps in Tree Cutting Permission Process: ..........................................................18 Table 5: Details of the Project ...................................................................................................19 Table 6. Projected Traffic for the Project ...................................................................................21 Table 7: Soil Quality in the Project Area (Dry Season) ..............................................................41 Table 8: Soil Quality in the Project Area (Wet Season) .............................................................42 Table 9: Land use classification of Bihar State ..........................................................................45 Table 10: classification within Project Influence Area based on Satellite Imagery .....................46 Table 11: Details of Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Locations ..................................................47 Table 12: Techniques Used for Ambient Air Quality Monitoring .................................................48 Table 13: Ambient Air Quality Status with respect to PM10 (24 hour average) Dry season ........48 Table 14: Ambient Air Quality Status with respect to PM10 (24 hour average) Wet season .......48 Table 15: Ambient Air Quality Status with respect to PM2.5 (24 hour average) Dry season ........48 Table 16: Ambient Air Quality Status with respect to PM2.5 (24 hour average) wet season ........49

  • Table 17: Ambient Air Quality Status with respect to SO2 (24 hour average) Dry season ..........49 Table 18: Ambient Air Quality Status with respect to SO2 (24 hour average) wet season ..........49 Table 19: Ambient Air Quality Status with respect to NO2 (24 hour average) Dry season .........49 Table 20: Ambient Air Quality Status with respect to NO2 (24 hour average) wet season .........49 Table 21: Ambient Air Quality Status with respect to CO (24 hour average) Dry season ...........50 Table 22: Ambient Air Quality Status with respect to CO (24 hour average) wet season ...........50 Table 23: Details of Noise Level Monitoring Locations ..............................................................51 Table 24: Ambient Noise Levels Monitored in Dry/winter Season .............................................52 Table 25: Ambient Noise Levels Monitored in Dry/winter Season .............................................53 Table 26: Surface Water Quality in the Project Area (dry/winter season) ..................................56 Table 27: Ground Water Quality in the Project area (dry/winter season) ...................................58 Table 28: Surface Water Quality in the Project Area (wet season) ............................................60 Table 29: Ground Water Quality in the Project area (wet season) .............................................62 Table 30: Forest Cover of Bihar and Project Districts ................................................................67 Table 31: Forest Classification in Bihar .....................................................................................68 Table 32: List of Trees in the Project Influence Area and It’s Status ..........................................69 Table 33: Protected Area Network in the State of Bihar ............................................................70 Table 34: Faunal Species in Project Influence Area ..................................................................73 Table 35: Fish Species in the River Section under Project Area ................................................74 Table 36: Land Use Pattern based on Satellite Imagery (Year 2013) ........................................85 Table 37: The Demography of Villages in project area of Core Zone of Vaishali district ............87 Table 38: The Demography of Villages in project area of Core Sone of Patna district ...............88 Table 39: List of Sensitive Receptors along the Project Road ...................................................91 Table 40: Social Categories of the DPs .....................................................................................91 Table 41: Number of DPs ..........................................................................................................92 Table 42: Vulnerable Households being affected ......................................................................92 Table 43: Annual Income Level of the Affected Households......................................................93 Table 44: Number of DPs considered as Separate family as per LA Act ...................................93 Table 45: Educational Status of DPs .........................................................................................93 Table 46: Occupational Status of DPs .......................................................................................94 Table 47: Stage wise construction activities ..............................................................................95 Table 48: Rating of Impacts ......................................................................................................97 Table 49: Calculation of PM-10 Emissions from Sand Piles .................................................... 105 Table 50: Calculation of PM-10 Emissions from Sand Piles .................................................... 106 Table 51: Construction Equipment Noise Emission Levels ...................................................... 106 Table 52: Vibration Levels due to Construction Equipment and Traffic at 30 m (99 ft) ............. 107 Table 53: Noise Level Prediction during Construction ............................................................. 108 Table 54: Annual average daily motorized traffic data ............................................................. 123 Table 55: Emission factors for different types of Vehicle (ARAI, 2007) .................................... 124 Table 56: Weighted Emission Factor for proposed traffic ........................................................ 125 Table 57: CO Predicted Concentrations (ppm) for peak traffic hour ........................................ 126 Table 58: PM2.5 predicted concentrations (µg/m3) for peak traffic hour .................................... 126 Table 59: PM10 predicted concentrations (µg/m3) for peak traffic hour ..................................... 126 Table 60: Baseline pollutant concentration at different locations ............................................. 128 Table 61: Annual average daily motorized traffic data ............................................................. 135 Table 62: Noise prediction in dB (A) along the road corridor ................................................... 135 Table 63: List of Sensitive Receptors along the Project Road ................................................. 135 Table 64: Predicted Noise Levels along the Project Road with and without mitigation meaaures ............................................................................................................................................... 137 Table 65: Assessment of Induced Impacts from Proposed 6-lane Bridge Construction ........... 142 Table 66: Modeling Annual Maximum Flood at Gandhighat Station, Patna ............................. 153

  • Table 67: % Change for Estimated Maximum Discharge ....................................................... 158 Table 68: Projected Traffic for the New Patna Bridge ............................................................. 160 Table 69:. Projected growth rates % ....................................................................................... 160 Table 70:CO2 Emission Factors ............................................................................................. 161 Table 71: Comparison of ‘With’ and ‘Without’ Project Scenario ............................................... 164 Table 72: Comparison of Alternative Alignments for Proposed 6-lane Ganga Bridge .............. 168 Table 73: Cost Comparison of 6-lane Bridge with Three Superstructure Options .................... 171 Table 74: Comparison of Environmental Issues associated with two type of Bridges .............. 172 Table 75: Details of Stakeholder Consultations & Issues Discussed ....................................... 180 Table 76: Summary of Public Consultations ............................................................................ 187 Table 77: Summary findings of Public Consultation and Actions Taken .................................. 190 Table 78: Peoples’ Perception about Environment Parameter in the Project Area .................. 193 Table 79: Stage-wise Reporting System of PIU....................................................................... 201 Table 80: List of Partner Organizations in Implementing the EMP ........................................... 209 Table 81: Summary of Environment Safeguards Budget ......................................................... 210 Table 82: Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan Cost Estimates ........................... 211 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Map of the Project Site ................................................................................................ 2 Figure 2: Connectivity of Proposed Bridge to the Regional Road Network ................................. 3 Figure 3: EIA Study Area ........................................................................................................... 6 Figure 4: Environmental Legal Administrative Framework in India ............................................16 Figure 5: Environmental Clearance Process in India .................................................................17 Figure 6: Location Map of the Project Site on Google earth Image............................................20 Figure 7: Location of the Project Site on SOI Topographic Map ................................................20 Figure 8: General Arrangement Drawing of Proposed Bridge ....................................................23 Figure 9: Cross Section Detail of Proposed bridge and Foundation ..........................................24 Figure 10: Proposed Road Alignment of the Bihar New Ganga Bridge and Approach Roads ....25 Figure 11: Section 1: Conceptual Plan of the Project Start Point Intersection of Patna-Bakhtiyarpur(diverted NH-30) ....................................................................................................25 Figure 12. Section 2: Conceptual Plan of the Rail-Over-Bridge across Patna - Mokama Main line .................................................................................................................................................26 Figure 13. Section 3: Conceptual Plan of the Old NH-30/Loknayak Ganga Path Interchange ...26 Figure 14. Section 4: Conceptual Plan of the Bakhtiyarpur-Patna Toll Post ..............................27 Figure 15. Section 5: Conceptual Plan of the Bihar New Ganga Main Bridge ............................28 Figure 16. Section 6: Conceptual Plan of the Raghopur Diara Access Ramps ..........................28 Figure 17. Section 8: Conceptual Plan of the Junction Arrangement at Mehnar Road ..............29 Figure 18. Section 10: Conceptual Plan of the Arrangement of 6-lane facility across Hajipur to Samastipur Main line (ROB) ......................................................................................................30 Figure 19. Section 11: Conceptual Plan of the Arrangement between Chak Sikander Railway Station, NH-103 & Gazipur Chowk (End Point) ........................................................................30 Figure 20: Average Temperature (0C) Graph for Patna based on 2000 to 2012 Data ...............32 Figure 21: Five year Average Rainfall Data of Patna .................................................................33 Figure 22: Wind rose Diagram of the Project Area. June, 2013 .................................................33 Figure 23: Topography of Project Area – Section 1 ...................................................................34 Figure 24: Topography of Project Area – Section 2 ...................................................................35 Figure 25: Topography of Project Area – Section 3 ...................................................................35 Figure 26: Topography of Project Area – Section 4 ...................................................................36 Figure 27: Topography of Project Area – Section 5 ...................................................................36 Figure 28: Geological Map of Bihar and Project Area ................................................................37

  • Figure 29: Physiographic Map of Project Area ..........................................................................38 Figure 30: Soil Map of the State and Project Area .....................................................................39 Figure 31: Seismic Zonation Map of India and Project Region ..................................................43 Figure 32: Drainage Pattern and River Basin Map of Bihar and Project Region ........................44 Figure 33: Land use pattern in Bihar State ................................................................................45 Figure 34: Distribution of Land use Pattern in Project Influence Area ........................................46 Figure 35: Average Ambient Air Quality in the Project Area (Dry Season) .................................50 Figure 36: Average Ambient Air Quality in the Project Area (wet Season) .................................51 Figure 37: Average Noise Level (Leq) in the Project Area in January 2015 ...............................52 Figure 38: Average Noise Level (Leq) in the Project Area in February 2015 .............................53 Figure 39: Average Noise Level (Leq) in the Project Area in July 2015 .....................................53 Figure 40: Average Noise Level (Leq) in the Project Area in August 2015 ................................54 Figure 41: Coverage of Ecological Study ..................................................................................66 Figure 42: Forest Cover Distribution of Bihar ............................................................................67 Figure 43: Forest Cover Map of Bihar and Project Area ............................................................68 Figure 44: Protected Area Map of Bihar and Project Area (Source: Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun) .................................................................................................................................71 Figure 45: Distribution Map of Gangatic Dolphin (Source: IUCN Red List) ................................75 Figure 46: Habitats and Movement Path of Dolphins, Turtles and Gariyals in Ganga near Project Area ..........................................................................................................................................79 Figure 47: Location of Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphins Sanctuary with respect to project site ....80 Figure 48: Gharial habitat range ................................................................................................82 Figure 49: Distribution Map of Nilssonia Gangetica (Source: IUCN Red List) ............................85 Figure 50: Contours of normalized surface windspeeds, us/ur (source: USEPA AP-42) .......... 105 Figure 51. Erosion and Deposition Along the Proposed Bridge Axis, 2010 (S. Dayal and D. S. Pattanik). ................................................................................................................................. 114 Figure 52. Bridge alignment alternatives (BSRDC, 2013). ...................................................... 115 Figure 53. Showing superimposed courses of river Ganga from the year 1922 to 2013 (BSRDC, 2013). ..................................................................................................................................... 116 Figure 54. Channel reflection observed in river Ganga at Patna (BRSDC, 2013) .................... 117 Figure 55: Traffic Fleet on the bridge ...................................................................................... 123 Figure 56: CO predicted concentrations (ppm) along the proposed Bridge ............................. 127 Figure 57: PM2.5 predicted concentrations (µg/m3) along the proposed Bridge ........................ 127 Figure 58: PM10 predicted concentrations (µg/m3) along the proposed Bridge ......................... 127 Figure 59: Spatial distribution of CO concentrations ................................................................ 128 Figure 60: Spatial distribution of PM2.5 concentrations ............................................................. 130 Figure 61: Spatial distribution of PM10 concentrations.............................................................. 132 Figure 62: Noise contour for 1st Year ....................................................................................... 138 Figure 63: Noise contour for 5th year ....................................................................................... 138 Figure 64: Noise contour for 10th year ..................................................................................... 138 Figure 65: Noise contour for 15th year ..................................................................................... 139 Figure 66: Noise contour for 20th year ..................................................................................... 139 Figure 67: Conceptual Drawing of the Noise Barrier ............................................................... 140 Figure 68: Indicative location of Proposed Six-Lane Bridge and future road network .............. 141 Figure 69: Annual Maximum Discharge Series of River Ganga (1965-2012) at Gandhighat Station, Patna ......................................................................................................................... 154 Figure 70: Probability Density Function ................................................................................... 154 Figure 71: Observed Trends in ganga River Annual Maximum Discharge ............................... 155 Figure 72: GEV Fit, Non-Stationary, Ganga River at Patna ..................................................... 157 Figure 73: return Level versus Return Period .......................................................................... 158 Figure 74: Project Alignment Options ...................................................................................... 167

  • Figure 75: General Arrangement Drawing of Preferred Option 3 ............................................. 175 Figure 76: Cross Section Detail of Preferred Option 3 ............................................................. 176 Figure 77: Photographs of Road Side Interviews with Affected People ................................... 178 Figure 78: Photographs of Consultations with Stakeholders.................................................... 189 Figure 79: Grievance Redress Mechanism ............................................................................. 196 Figure 80: Institutional Arrangements for Environment Safeguards ......................................... 203

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    EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

    Introduction A.

    1. This report documents the findings and results of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for proposed greenfield Bihar New Ganga Bridge Project at Patna. The scope of the EIA study covered the immediate project area and a buffer radius of 10km surrounding the project area which is referred as the “project influence area” in the rest of the report. This area includes 10km upstream and downstream of the bridge location. 2. The project is classified as environment Category A Project as per ADB SPS requirements due to: i) potential adverse impacts expected on the Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista gangetica), Gharial (Gavialis gangetica) and the Ganges soft shell turtle (Nilssonia gangetica) which are listed under the IUCN red list as endangered, critically endanged and vulnerable respectively and under schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act of India; ii) the large scale of physical works involving huge quantities of construction material; and iii) the creation of long term new traffic over the bridge. 3. Under the EIA Notification, 2006 of the Environmental Protection Act of India, though bridges are not specifally mentioned, the project bridge is being considered as “Building and Construction Projects with an area bigger than 20,000 square meters and hence falls under category B requiring an environmental clearance from the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority.

    Description of the Project B.

    4. The total project cost is estimated to be approximately $832 million of which ADB will finance $500 million from its Ordinary Capital Resources (ORC). 5. The proposed bridge will take off from Kacchi Dargah (from NH-30) on the south and terminate at Bidupur (at NH-103) in Vaishali on the north to provide an alternative to the existing Mahatma Gandhi Setu bridge locaed aboutbn 10km upstream. This existing bridge is the only connection between north and south Bihar near Patna and is currently in poor condition causing traffic jams, safety issues and air pollution. Table 1 shows the key components of the Project.

    Table 1: Project Components

    Name of the Project Project Components Total

    Length (km) Districts State

    Construction of a new six-lane suspension type bridge across Ganges River from Deedargunj on NH-30 to Chak Sikandar in Vaishali district on NH-103

    Main bridge Approach Roads Toll gates 3 km Widening

    of NH103

    22.76 Patna and Vaishali Bihar

    6. The alignment of the proposed bridge is located at an area where the river divides into a north and south channel with an island called Raghopur diara in the middle. The bridge is proposed to be bank to bank bridge running from the south (Kachhi Dargah) over the diara and to the north side (Bidurpur). Raghopur diara consists mainly of alluvial soil and parts of it get submerged annually during the monsoon season.

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    7. The project engineering team as part of feasibility study has studied various alternatives for: i) location of the alignment, ii) type of structures to constructed, and iii) type of bridge to be construction. After considering various factors such as technical feasibility, costs, resettlement impacts, environmental impacts, hydrological risks and traffic scenarios the bank to bank concrete extra dosed bridge was recommended as the most suitable option.

    Description of the Environment C.

    1. Physical Environment

    8. The project area forms a part of the Ganga river basin which covers an area of over 1 million sq. km forming one of the largest drainage basins in the world. The project area is made up of flat alluvial plains with an average elevation of approximately 53 m above msl. The project area has humid subtropical climate with extremely hot summers from March to mid-June, monsoons from mid-July to late September and chilly winter nights, foggy or sunny days from November to February. Soil in the project area is characterized by calcareous alluvial (slightly alkaline). The site of proposed 6-lane bridge is situated in moderately stable zone which falls under seismic zone IV (as per IS 1893 (Part-I): 2002) category. 9. The land use pattern within the corridor of influence of the proposed project is mostly water bodies (river Ganges) followed by agricultural land. The project area mostly falls under the river basin of Ganga and sub basins of Punpun, Gandhak and Burhi-Gandak-Bagmati river basins. The water level varies between 45m and 50m (High Flow Level) above msl between the dry winter season and monsoon season. The pre-monsoon ground water levels were found to be generally in the range of 3m – 9m bgl (below ground level) and post-monsoon ground water levels mostly in the range of 1m – 3m bgl in the project area of Patna and Vaishali districts.

    10. Sampling of water quality show that all parameters of water quality are within the IS:10500 drinking water standard except for the higher levels of total coliform and fecal coliform. Ground water samples were found to be within the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) standards. Sampling of air quality show that the ambient air quality levels of all pollutants are within the NAAQS. However, the PM10 and PM2.5 levels are above the World Bank Environment Health and Safety (WB EHS) guideline values of 50 µg/m3 and 25 µg/m3 respectively. The source of the PM10 and PM2.5 is the brick kilns located in Didarganj and along the banks on southern side of the project side i.e. Kacchi Dargah end.

    11. Noise levels monitored at four locations along the project road show that both daytime and night time noise level exceed the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) and the WB-EHS guidelines in one location (Kalyanpur village) of four sampling locations. The source of noise in Kalyanpur village is operation of the brick factories and local domestic/commercial activities.

    2. Ecological Environment

    12. Majority of the land use in the project area of influence is water bodies and agricultural land comprising riparian habitat and terrestrial habitat. The dominant type of habitat in the project area is “modified habitat” in the area of the approach roads. However the area inside the Ganga river serves as natural habitat for the Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista Gangetica) which is listed as “endangered” under the IUCN red list, under schedule I of the Wildlife Conservation Act of India and also listed under CITES annex 1. Gharials (Gavialis gangeticus) a critically endangered species has also been reported to use the river in the project influence area as a

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    migratory route. However according to local wildlife experts (Professor R.K Sinha of Patna University and Dr. Gopal Sharma of Zoological Survey of India, Patna) it is mainly the confluence of the Gandak river located about 14 km upstream of the project bridge site which is the main habitat for the gharial. The Raghopur diara serves as natural habitat for the Ganges soft shell turtle (Nilssonia gangetica) which is listed as “vulnerable” under IUCN and is also listed schedule I of the Wildlife Conservation Act of India. In addition the diara serves as habitat to a number of migratory bird species. However, none of the bird species are endangered. 13. Other mammal species seen in the project influence area are smooth coated otters (Lutra perspicillata), Black Buck (Antilope cervicapra), Blue Bulls (Boselaphus tragocamelus), Jackals (Canis aureus), Indian mongoose (Herpestes edwardsii) and five stripped squirrel (F. p. chhattisgarhi). Other than these wild animals, domesticated mammals like goat, sheep, dog, cow, ox, donkey etc. are also present in the project influence area. Other reptile species seen in the project influence area are monitor Lizards (Varanus bengalensis), hard-shell turtles (Kachuga tecta), soft-shell turtles (Aspideretes gangeticus), water snakes (Xenochrophispiscator), rat Snakes (Ptyas mucosus), common Kraits (Bungarus caerulens) and Indian cobra (Naja Naja). Avian fauna in and along the Ganga river are rich and highly diverse. Species recorded along the Ganga river in the project area are Caspian Tern (Sterna caspia), Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa), Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), Greater Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga), Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus), Common Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna), Pied Harrier (Circus melanoleucos), Indian Cormorant (Phalacrocorax fuscicellis), Great White Pelican (Pelicanus onecrotalus). Through field surveys the following birds were sighted in the project influence area: Common crow, Myna, Eagle, Sparrow, Babbler, Pigeon, Cattle Egrets, Red Vented bulbul, Drongo, Sparrow and Indian Roller. The species of fishes noticed from study are Rohu, Catla, Hilsa, Mystus sp, Cirrhinus Sp, etc. Species of fishes reported in the study area is given in Table 36. The species of fishes given in Table 36 are commonly reported in the fresh water bodies like river, streams, lakes, pond and estuaries. They are cosmopolitan in distribution and are reported all over India and Indian Sub continents. These species of fishes are commonly used in aqua culture practice and had good commercial importance 14. There are three faunal species that are listed as endangered under IUCN and included in schedule I and II of the Wildlife Protection Act of India in the project influence area are:

    i) Gangetic dolphin (Platanista gangetica) ii) Ganges softshell turtle (Nilssonia gangetica) iii) Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus)

    15. Literature reviews, primary field surveys and consutlations with local wildlife experts showed that the project area does not seve as “critical habitat” for any of these three species mainly because: the population proportion found in the project area is less than 10% of the total population and the project influence area is not a discrete management unit for any of the species.

    3. Socio-economic Environment

    16. In 2011, Vaishali district had a population of 3,495,021 with a population density of 1,717 people per sq. km. Of the total 1,844,535 were male and 1,650,486 female. In 2011, Patna district had population of 5,838,465 with a population density of 1,823 people per sq. km. Of the total 3,078,512 were male and 2,759,953 were female. The sex ratio in Vaishali was 895 females per 1000 and that of in Patna was 897 females per 1000 male under the census of

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    2011. The average literacy rate of Vaishali was 66.60% that of Patna was 70.68% compared to 62.92% of 2001.

    17. Transportation system is a key factor in the socio-economic development of any state. In comparison with other Indian states, Bihar is poorly served with transport and communications facilities. State has about 21.77 km of roads per 100 sq. km, as against the national average of 38.33 km per 100 sq. km. The state is well endowed with potential hydroelectric power. Installed power capacity of Bihar is 540 MW, of which 320 MW is produced from Barauni Thermal Power Station and 220 MW from Muzaffarpur Thermal Power Station. The state is known to be one of the popular tourist destinations of country with Bodhgaya, the most important Buddhist site in the world located in it.

    Consultation, Disclosure and Grievance Mechanism D.

    18. A total of 13 focus group discussions and 24 one on one key person interviews involving 362 participates from affected people, landowners, and village authorities, were carried out in May-June 2013, November – December 2014 and October 2015. Specific emphasis was given to the participants from vulnerable groups and women groups to ensure that gender concerns are addressed in the project. Out of total participants, 54 participants were from women group. 19. In addition wildlife experts from local government agencies such as the Forestry department, Zoolgical Survey of India (ZSI), Patna University, State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority and Inland Waterways Authority were consulted. A number of non-government organizations at local, regional as well as international levels were also consulted including World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), India; Dolphin Foundation, Guwahati, Assam; Aaranyak, Guwahati; Centre for Environment Education (CEE), Delhi; and Mandar Nature Club of Bhagalpur (Bihar).

    20. The draft Environmental Impact Assessment Report will be disclosed in the office of BSRDCL. The report will also made available to interested parties on request from the office of the BSRDCL. This draft final EIA report will be disclosed to the public through the ADB website, 120 days before the approval of the project by ADB Board. The updated EIA report to be prepared during the detailed design stage will be disclosed on ADB website as well. 21. A grievance and redress mechanism (GRM) for environment safeguards has been established for the project. Depending on the seriousness of the grievences, they will be addressed at three levels including the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) level, management level (BSRDCL) and at the grievance redress committee (GRC) level. The GRC will comprise of members from the PIU, BSRDCL, contractor, Project Management and Authority Engineer (PMAE), and relevant experts from the Forestry Department or ZSI and others depending on the nature of the issue. The duration for responding to the complainant will range from 7 days to a maximum of 30 days depending on the seriousness of the complaint.

    Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures E.

    22. Construction activities for pre-construction, construction and post-construction and operation stages were identified. An analysis of interactions of the construction activities with the environment identified two broad types of impacts. First: impacts that are low – severe, temporary and localized and second: impacts that are low, permanent and regional.

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    23. Amongst the first type severe impacts are expected on the local biodiversity and the three protected species; air quality through generation of dust and fugitive emissions and the local hydrological regime. To address impacts on biodiversity and the protected species several measures have been recommended for avoidance; mitigation, minimization and enhancement. It includes implementation of a Biodiversity Conservation Plan (BCP) to ensure no “net loss” of biodiversity. For mitigating and minimizing impacts of dust and fugitive emissions mitigation measures such as water sprinkling, maintenance of minimum distances from existing communities, proper maintenance of construction equipment and vehicles are proposed. Additional hydrological studies have been recommended and further design of erosion protection measures particularly in Raghopur diara will need to be carried out. Implementationof recommended measures are expected to maintain the level of impacts to average – low, temporary and localized.

    24. Amongst the second type key impacts are air pollution, increase in GHG emissions and noise levels due to generation of new traffic over the bridge. The bridge runs mainly over the river and there are only 3 settlements along the approach roads and only 4 sensitive receptors within 10m of the road edge. Projections made show that PM2.5 and PM10 exceeds WB-EHS standards only in year 15 at 10m from the road edge. There will be no exceedances of GOI and WB-EHS standards for noise levels due to construction of noise barrier, difference in height of the elevated road and location of the sensitive receptors. Given these factors, the impacts are expected to be low and minimal.

    25. Further the following measures will be taken to ensure that the project will remain complaint to the ADB SPS: declaration of key biodiversity areas as no-go zones; prohibition of piling for construction of piers; prohibition and minimization of dredging; implementation of good practice guidelines; sourcing of construction material only from existing licensed quarries.

    26. An environmental management budget of US$ 1, 324, 413 or INR 83,438,000 has been estimated for implementation of the environmental safeguards under the project. This budget also includes cost of implementing the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMOP), Biodiversity Conservation Plan. The EMP has been prepared for avoidance, mitigation and minimization of potential adverse impacts and enhancement of various environmental components along the project road. For each mitigation measures to be carried out its location, timeframe, implementation and overseeing/ supervising responsibilities has been identified. Monitoring plan for construction and operation phase has been framed to ensure effective implementation of EMP.

    Conclusions and Recommendations F.

    27. Conclusions. In light of the technical, institutional and budgetary measures recommended it is expected that the project will avoid severe, permanent and regional impacts. There will be no net loss in biodiversity. Tremendous social and economic benefits will be generated in Bihar by the bridge creating a reliable, sustainable and safe access to Patna city and connection between south and the lesser developed north Bihar. 28. The EPC modality will be followed under the project. Therefore the detailed design of the bridge and approach roads will be prepared by the contractor. Project components that will be identified during the detailed design stage are: identification of camp sites; quarries; haul routes; all season access routes to the diara; borrow areas; disposal sites and others. Considering these factors this EIA report and EMP will updated and revised during the detailed design stage. Physical construction works will allowed on site upon approval of the revised EIA report and

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    EMP. The contractor will be required to allocate enough budget to implement all items under the EMP.

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    I. INTRODUCTION

    Background A.

    1. The Ganges River bisects Bihar into northern and southern regions, flowing through the middle from west to east. Patna the capital city of Bihar is located on the southern bank of the river Ganga and also straddles the rivers Sone, Gandak and Punpun. At an elevation of 53m above mean sea level (msl) the city is approximately 35 km long and 16-18 km wide and houses most of the important institutions i.e. administrative, health, and higher learning education. In the northern bank lies Vaishali district with population of about 3.5 million, one of the most backward districts in the entire country. 2. The state of Bihar has the huge potential of industrial growth, which needs better connectivity of villages, towns with adjoining areas. The economy of Bihar state is mainly based on agricultural and trading activities. The industrial and agricultural developments have led to higher transport demand. With the higher transport demand and the expansion of the existing business, there is a growing mismatch between the vehicular population and availability of road infrastructure, which has resulted in traffic congestions, deteriorated level of traffic efficiency and road safety in existing bridges such as Mahatma Gandhi Setu. As a result of the aforesaid growth and need to fulfill the mismatch various new infrastructure development projects has been planned across the state. The Government of Bihar acting through Bihar State Road Development Corporation Limited (BSRDCL) has taken the needful action. BSRDCL has ideated the urgent need of a road bridge over Ganges connecting Patna and Vaishali district. 3. Subsequently BSRDCL had planned a conceptual scheme for linking NH-30 (Kacchi Dargah) to NH-103 (Bidupur in Vaishali district) through a six lane iconic or similar type road suspension cable bridge over river Ganges. BSRDCL had engaged a technical advisor for preparation of feasibility study and preliminary project report of road bridge over river Ganges. 4. Based on the feasibility study it is proposed to construct a new six-lane suspension type bridge across Ganges River from Deedargunj on NH-30 to Chak Sikandar in Vaishali district on NH-103, consisting of six lane bridge structures of 9.760 kilometers, approach viaduct and roads of 1.5 kilometers from south and 8.5 kilometers from north, tolling and service facilities, and widening 3 kilometers of NH-103. The proposed location of the bridge is about 10 km downstream of existing Mahatma Gandhi Setu in Patna. Figure 1 show the location of the proposed bridge over river Ganges.

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    Figure 1: Map of the Project Site

    Project Rationale B.

    5. The existing Mahatma Gandhi Setu bridge over Ganges River which connects Patna to Vaishali district and Northern Bihar was constructed and opened in 1982 with 4 traffic lanes and sidewalks. However, this bridge is in deteriorating condition due to rapidly increasing traffic volume and vehicle weights. At present, it is restricted to 2-lanes, leading to severe traffic

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    congestion, and is closed for heavy commercial vehicles. The travel time over the 5.6 kilometer bridge can often exceed 1 hour or more, and the alternate crossing is about 120 kilometers away. Hence, the urgent need for another bridge for transporting passengers and goods between Patna and northern Bihar. 6. Besides the project will also provide connectivity to Raghopur Island. Raghopur is surrounded by ganges river from all sides connected Island. Every year this area gets submerged by water due to flood by the ganges. The Island is currently connected with a small link road through pantoon bridge that connects island with Patna city. 7. Along the proposed six-lane bridge over river ganges will also provide connectivity to the wide regional road network which BSRDCL is currently developing. Figure 2 show the overall regional connectivity drawn on google-earth image.

    Figure 2: Connectivity of Proposed Bridge to the Regional Road Network 8. A road map and policy framework to develop and sustain a good road network in the state is provided in the Bihar Road Sector Development-New Dimensions, which calls for the state to address network capacity and quality deficiencies, strengthen its road agencies, adopt best practices to improve project implementation capacity, introduce long-term performance-based maintenance contracts, and encourage private sector to participate in road financing. Also, a strategic master plan for 20 years is being prepared under the ongoing CDTA 8170 (Road Master Plan for Bihar’s State Highway Development) to include long term vision and goals, action program, and financing plan. The strategic context is clear as India’s Twelfth Five Year Plan seeks faster, more inclusive and sustainable growth. The government’s objectives in the transport sector include improving connectivity and developing state core network. This is supported by the ADB’s country partnership strategy with emphasis on infrastructure

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    development for increased movement of people and goods. The proposed project is consistent with plans for improving traffic movement across Bihar, and is integral to the overall road sector improvements that ADB is already financing. 9. The proposed financing modality for the project is a Multitranche Financing Facility (MFF). The project is estimated to cost $832 million, of which ADB will finance $500 million from its Ordinary Capital Resources (OCR). Each tranche under the MFF will finance a slice of a long term contract package to construct the bridge, and the last tranche will also cover the performance-based maintenance. The overall impact of the project will be improved transport network in Bihar. The immediate outcome will be improved connectivity between Patna and Northern Bihar. The specific project outputs will be: (i) a new bridge across Ganges River from Deedargunj on NH-30 to Chak Sikandar in Vaishali district on NH-103, consisting of six lane bridge structures of 9.760 kilometers, approach viaduct and roads of 1.5 kilometers from south and 8.5 kilometers from north, tolling and service facilities, and widening 3 kilometers of NH-103, and (ii) enhanced capacity of bridge operation and management. The project construction period will span 4 years approximately from 2016 to 2019. This will be followed by a performance based maintenance period of 5 years.

    Environment Category and Scope of the EIA Study C.

    10. Details on the project category under ADB SPS and GOI environmental policies are provided in Table 2.

    Table 2: Project Categorization Project Category according to ADB SPS

    1. Category A 2. Reason for proposed

    category i) There are risks for large scale - short term impacts and

    long term irreversible impacts due to the large scale of the project requiring significant quantities of civil works; and

    ii) There is risk of short term and long term impacts on the Ganges river dolphin (Platanista gangetica) a globally endangered species under Integrated Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) which is found in the Ganges river including the section over which the bridge will be built. Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) Checklist is attached as Annex 1.

    3. Type if assessment required

    iii) Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment

    Project Category/Environmental Assessment requirements under national /local policies

    4. Name/names of applicable national acts, regulations

    The Environmental (Protection) Act 1986 The Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 EIA Notification, 2006

    5. Environmental category

    B. Paperwork to confirm categorization as B1 or B2 is under process.

    6. Reason for category or environmental assessment or N/A

    Construction of the bridge and approach roads (considered as bypasses) connecting to NH on either side is considered as “Building and Construction” greater than 20,000 square meters under the EIA Notification, 2006. Hence it is categorized as B.

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    7. Type of assessment required

    EIA report in accordance with TOR approved by the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA).

    11. The objective of this EIA study is to identify potential environmental impacts of the proposed bridge and approach road development, and to formulate strategies to avoid and minimize adverse impacts. The scope of work to accomplish the above objective, comprise the following:

    understanding the baseline environmental conditions of the project area, identifying the potential environmental impacts of the proposed project, recommending appropriate mitigation measures to avoid/minimize the

    environmental impacts, recommending environmental enhancement measures to help improve the local

    environment, and preparing an environmental management plan for achieving the above two

    recommended measures.

    12. The area covered in this EIA study includes the location of the bridge (running over the river and the Raghopur diara) and approach roads. A 2 km buffer area is considered as the core area of impact or area of direct impact and the surrounding area of upto 10 km surrounding the bridge and approach roads including upstream and downstream of the bridge location considered as the buffer area or area of indirect impact as shown in Figure 3.

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    Figure 3: EIA Study Area

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    Methodology Adopted for the EIA Study D.

    13. The Environmental Impact Assessment has been carried out, in accordance with the requirements of the ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS 2009). The study methodology has been adopted in such a manner to ensure that environmental concerns are given adequate weightage in the selection of alignment and design of the bridge and approach roads.

    14. The Environmental assessment is based on information acquired through primary data collection, secondary sources, consultations and modeling exercises. An overview of the key methods adopted for data collection and analysis is provided below.

    1. Primary data collection

    15. Ecological surveys were carried out in and around the project area to collect information on the flora and fauna with special emphasis on the habitat of the Gangetic Dolphin, a globally endangered species known to exist in the Ganga river. Primary data on the baseline conditions of air quality, quality of surface and ground water, noise levels, soil conditions were also carried out. Primary data collection has been carried out only for both the seasons i.e. the dry season data over December 2014 – January 2015 period and wet season data over July – August 2015 period. Further details on the methodology used for primary data collection is provided in Chapter 3.

    2. Secondary data collection

    16. A host of literature exists on the Gangetic Dolphin and ongoing Dolphin conservation projects. These documents were reviewed to understand the ecological habitat range of the dolphin, its seasonal activities of breeding and feeding, migration routes etc. In addition literature on the Gangetic river basin, the hydrological and ecological systems were also reviewed. While many documents were reviewed from which most information was sought from are:

    The Conservation Action Plan for The Gangatic Dolphin (2010-2020) by National Ganga River Basin Authority, MoEFCC, Government of India;

    The Gangatic Dolphin and Action Plan for its Conservation in Bihar (2013) prepared by Dr. R.K. Sinha for Department of Environment & Forest, Government of Bihar;

    Protection of Endangered Ganges River Dolphin in Brahmaputra River, Assam, India (2009) prepared by Dr. Abdul Wakid, Programme Leader, Gangatic Dolphin Research and Conservation Programme for IUCN.

    Smith, B.D. & Braulik, G.T. 2012. Platanista gangetica1. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2015.2. . Downloaded on 28 July 2015.

    17. Data on the hydrology of the Ganga river and past flood levels were sourced from the Central Water Commission (CWC) of Patna. Data on monthly temperature and wind speed were sourced from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) of Patna. This was used for studying the climatic conditions and projection of future climate in the project area.

    3. Consultations

    1 Source: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/full/41758/0

    http://www.iucnredlist.org/

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    18. Consultations were carried out with local communities to get information on the baseline environmental conditions in the project area, seek the local people’s views on the project and find opportunities to modify the location and design of the project to meet their needs. Consultations were also carried out with key government agencies such as the local Department of Environment and Forest, State Level Environmental Impact Assessment Authority, Bihar State Pollution Control Board, Zoology Department of Patna University, State Biodiversity Board and Zoological Survey of India. Local, regional and international NGO’s consulted on their views and recommendations on the project are WWF-India, Centre for Environment Education (CEE), Dolphin Foundation, Guwahati, Aaranyak, Guwahati, and Mandar Nature Club of Bhagalpur. Further details on the people and agencies consulted are provided in Chapter 8 of this report on Information Disclosure, Consultation, and Participation.

    4. Modelling

    19. The CALINE model was used to predict future air quality and FHWA TNM Noise model was used to predict noise levels and the Transport Emissions Evaluation Model for Projects (TEEMP) to project future greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with the future projected traffic.

    5. Analysis of information

    20. The information collected through the methods described above was analysed to help identify key project impacts and provide recommendations for avoiding, minimizing, mitigating impacts and providing compensatory measures. Recommendations have also been made to enhance the local environmental conditions with the intention of having no net loss of biodiversity due to the project and maintaining the environmental conditions within baseline conditions or improving the environmental conditions in comparison to baseline conditions.

    Structure of the Report E.

    21. This EIA report has been presented as per requirements of the ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS) 2009. The report is organised into following ten Chapters, a brief of each chapter is described below. An executive summary is also provided at the beginning of the report.

    Chapter 1 - Introduction: This section describes the background information about the project and EIA study.

    Chapter 2 - Policy, Legal, and Administrative Frameworks: This section summarizing the national and local legal and institutional frameworks that guided the conduct of the assessment.

    Chapter 3 - Project Description: This section presents the key features and components of the proposed project.

    Chapter 4 - Description of the Environment: This section discussing the relevant physical, biological, and socioeconomic features that may be affected by the proposed project.

    Chapter 5 - Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures: This section presents the environmental assessment of likely positive and adverse impacts attributed to the proposed project and concomitant mitigation measures.

    Chapter 6 - Climate Change Risk Assessment: This section provides an analysis of climate change impacts and risks due to the implementation of proposed project.

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    Chapter 7 - Analysis of Alternatives: This section covers analysis of various alternatives considered to minimise the overall impacts of proposed development and suggest most appropriate alternatives based of detailed analysis of impact and risk associated with each alternative.

    Chapter 8 – Consultation, Information Disclosure, and Grievance Redress Mechanism: This section describes the consultation process undertaken during the environmental examination and its results, their consideration in the project design, and manner of compliance to the ADB’s Publication Policy and related national laws. It is also describing the formal and informal redress procedures for registering, resolving, and reporting complaints.

    Chapter 9 - Environmental Management Plan and Institutional Arrangement: This section discussing the lessons from the impact assessment and translated into action plans to avoid, reduce, mitigate or compensate adverse impacts and reinforces beneficial impacts. This plan is divided into three sub-sections; mitigation, monitoring, and implementation arrangements.

    Chapter 10 - Conclusion and Recommendation: This section stating whether there is a need for any further detailed specific studies/assessments and highlights key findings and recommendations to be implemented by the borrower.

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    II. POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORKS

    22. India has well defined institutional and legislative framework. The legislation covers all components of environment including air, water, soil, terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna, natural resources, and sensitive habitats. India is also a signatory to various international conventions and protocols. The environmental legislations in India are framed to protect the valued environmental components and comply with its commitment to international community under relevant conventions and protocols. Asian Development Bank has also defined its Environmental and Social Safeguard policies under the Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS), 2009. This section summaries the following:

    National (India) Environmental Legislation and Legal Administrative Framework, Social Safeguard Regulatory Requirements, ADB safeguard policies and categorisation of the project, Summary of international treaties and applicability to the project

    National (India) Environmental Policy Framework A.

    23. The legal framework of the country consists of several acts, notifications, rules and regulations to protect environment and wildlife. In 1976, the 42nd Constitutional Amendment created Article 48A and 51A, placing an obligation on every citizen of the country to attempt to conserve the environment. The national legislations are broadly divided under following categories:

    Environmental Protection, Forests Conservation, and Wild Life Protection.

    24. The umbrella legislation under each of above category is highlighted below:

    The Environment (Protection) Act 1986 was enacted with the objective of providing for the protection and improvement of the environment. It empowers the Central Government to establish authorities charged with the mandate of preventing environmental pollution in all its forms and to tackle specific environmental problems that are peculiar to different parts of the country. Various rules are framed under this Act for grant of environmental clearance for any developmental project, resources conservation and waste management.

    The Forest (Conservation) Act 1980 was enacted to help conserve the country's forests. It strictly restricts and regulates the de-reservation of forests or use of forest land for non-forest purposes without the prior approval of Central Government. To this end the Act lays down the pre-requisites for the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes.

    The Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 amended 2003 was enacted with the objective of effectively protecting the wildlife of the country and to control poaching, smuggling and illegal trade of wildlife and its derivatives. It defines rules for the protection of wildlife and ecologically important protected areas.

    25. State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) together form the regulatory and administrative core of the part. Other Ministries / Statutory Bodies / Departments responsible for ensuring environmental compliance and granting various clearances includes state ministry/department of environment, regional offices of MOEFCC and state forests/wildlife departments. Their key roles and responsibilities and interface among them have been concisely depicted through the flow diagram. The administrative framework defines the roles and responsibility of various

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    ministries and government departments at Central Level and State Level. The administrative framework for environmental protection, forests conservation and wildlife protection is given at Figure 4. 26. The environmental impact assessment requirement in India is based on the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006 (amended 2009), all its related circulars; MOEFCC’s Environmental Impact Assessment Guidance Manual for Highways 2010, and IRC Guidelines for Environmental Impacts Assessment (IRC:104-1988) of highway projects. In addition to road and transport infrastructure development including establishment of temporary workshops, construction camps, hot mix plants, and opening of quarries for road/bridge construction work require to comply with provisions of The Forest (Conservation) Act 1980 (Amended 1988) and Rules 1981 (Amended 2003): The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (Amended 1993); The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1972 (Amended 1988) and Rules 1974; The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 (Amended 1987) and Rules 1982; The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 (Amended 2002) and Hazardous Waste (Management, Handling and Trans-boundary Movement) Rules 2008 (Amended 2009). 27. A review is undertaken for all the environmental rules and regulation which might be applicable to the proposed bridge project. These legislations with applicability to this bridge development project are summarized below in Table 3 and approval and monitoring framework is depicted in Figure 5. There is no separate state level legislation. However various acts like Water and Air are enforced through state level authority which is the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB). 28. Specifically for the proposed Ganga bridge project, the following (Table 3) environmental laws and regulations are applicable.

    Table 3: Applicable Environmental National and State Requirements Sl. No.

    Activity Statute Requirement Competent Authority

    Responsible Agency for Obtaining Clearance

    Time Required

    Planning Stage: Before start of Civil Works Construction (Responsibility: Executing Agency) 1. Implementing

    Project Environment Protection Act of 1986, EIA Notification 2006 and amendments

    Environmental Clearance

    State Level EIA Authority of Bihar

    BSRDCL 6 months

    2. Implementing Project in Forest Area

    Environment Protection Act of 1986, Forest Conservation Act

    Tree cutting permit

    Conservator of Forest, Government of Bihar

    BSRDCL 6 months

    Construction Stage (Responsibility: Contractor) 3. Establishing

    stone crusher, hot mix plant, wet mix plant and

    Water Act of 1974, Air Act of 1981, Noise Rules of 2000 and Environment

    Consent-for-establishment

    State Pollution Control Board, Bihar

    The Contractor

    2-3 months

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    Sl. No.

    Activity Statute Requirement Competent Authority

    Responsible Agency for Obtaining Clearance

    Time Required

    Diesel Generator Sets

    Protection Act of 1986 and as amended

    4. Operating stone crusher, hot mix plant, wet mix plant and Diesel Generator Sets

    Water Act of 1974, Air Act of 1981, Noise Rules of 2000 and Environment Protection Act of 1986 and as amended

    Consent-for-operation

    State Pollution Control Board, Bihar

    The Contractor

    2-3 months

    5. Use and storage of explosive for quarry blasting work

    India Explosive Act 1984

    Explosive license for use and storage

    Chief Controller of Explosives

    The Contractor

    2-3 months

    6. Storage of fuel oil, lubricants, diesel etc. at construction camp

    Manufacture storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules 1989

    Permission for storage of hazardous chemical

    State Pollution Control Board or Local Authority (DM/DC)

    The Contractor

    2-3 months

    7. Quarry operation

    State Minor Mineral Concession Rules, The Mines Act of 1952, Indian Explosive Act of 1984, Air Act of 1981 and Water Act of 1974

    Quarry Lease Deed and Quarry License

    State Department of Mines and Geology

    The Contractor

    2-3 months

    8. Extraction of ground water

    Ground Water Rules of 2002

    Permission for extraction of ground water for use in road construction activities

    State Ground Water Board

    The Contractor

    2-3 months

    9. Use of surface water for construction

    - Permission for use of water for construction purpose

    Irrigation Department

    The Contractor

    2-3 months

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    Sl. No.

    Activity Statute Requirement Competent Authority

    Responsible Agency for Obtaining Clearance

    Time Required

    10. Engagement of labor

    Labour Act Labour license

    Labour Commissioner

    The Contractor

    2-3 months

    29. In addition to the acts and regulations listed above the Environmental Impact Assessment Guidance Manual for Highways 2010 issued by MOEFCC and the IRC Guidelines for Environmental Impacts Assessment (IRC:104-1988) of highway projects issued by MORTH, were referred in the process of preparing this EIA. The following requirements are particularly important and need special attention in order to avoid any delays for a project:

    i) Although bridges are exclusively not included in the list of projects requiring an EIA as per EIA Notification 2006). However with recent judgment passed by National Green Tribunal (NGT), bridges with built up area ≥ 20000 sq.m. would be considered as building projects and would fall under Schedule 8(b) of Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2006, relating to buildings, construction and development projects which are mandated to get prior environmental clearance. Since the built up area of proposed 6-lane bridge is ≥ 20000 sq.m. environmental clearance may be required from SEIAA. BSRDCL is coordinating with SEIAA on requirement of the EC.

    ii) Placement of hot-mix plants, quarrying and crushers, batch mixing Cutting of trees from non-forest land require a tree cutting permit from the local forestry department. All trees cut under a project must be compensated by compensatory afforestation as required by the State Forest Department.

    iii) Plants, discharge of sewage from construction camps requires No Objection Certificate (Consent to Establish and Consent to Operate) from State Pollution Control Board prior to establishment.

    30. Before the start of civil works for the any part of the project, BSRDCL (as project proponent) must obtain necessary permits/clearances from the respective statutory authorities. Procedures and steps to be followed to obtain various permits/ clearances under the project are presented in Table 3.

    Social Regulatory Requirements of India and State B.

    31. There are many rules and regulations framed by the Government of India for the protection of workers. Most of these legislations will be applicable to contractors in charge of construction. BSRDCL will ensure compliance to these social legislations through contractual obligation and regular checks & penalties. These legislations include The Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996; Child Labour (prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986; Minimum Wages Act, 1948; Workmen Compensation Act, 1923; Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972; Employee State Insurance Act; Employees P.F. and Miscellaneous Provision Act, 1952; Maternity Benefit Act, 1951; Payment of Wages Act, 1936; Equal Remuneration Act, 1979; Inter-State Migrant Workmen’s (Regulation of Employment & Conditions of Service) Act, 1979; Equal Remuneration Act, 1979 etc.

    International Treaties and Relevance to the Project C.

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    32. Government of India has signed many international treaties. GOI has also framed various laws, regulations and guidelines to meet country’s obligations under these treaties. The projects of this magnitude may contribute in meeting country’s obligation directly or indirectly. A screening was carried out of these treaties regarding its applicability to this project. Outcome of these treaties. The relevant International Treaties are:

    Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (Rectified by India in 1997): The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The major feature of the Kyoto Protocol is that it sets binding targets for 37 industrialized countries and the European community for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This amount to an average of five per cent against 1990 levels over the five-year period 2008-2012.

    Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural

    Heritage (Rectified by India in 1972): The most significant feature of the 1972 World Heritage Convention is that it links together in a single document the concepts of nature conservation and the preservation of cultural properties. The Convention recognizes the way in which people interact with nature, and the fundamental need to preserve the balance between the two.

    Convention on Biological Diversity (Rectified by India in 1994): It is an

    international treaty which considered as a key document for “sustainable development”. This entered into force in 1993 to develop national strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. It has 3 major goals i.e. (1) conservation of biodiversity (2) sustainable use of its components; and (3) fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources. As an impact of this convention, the year “2010” was considered as “International Year of Biodiversity”.

    Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) (Rectified by India in 1976) - It is a multilateral treaty to protect endangered plants and animals which is also known as “Washington Convention”. It was opened for signature in 1973, and entered into force in 1975, in order to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species in the wild. This treaty protects about 5,000 species of animals and 29,000 species of plants by listing them in 3 specific “appendices” namely “Appendix I”, “Appendix II” and “Appendix III”.

    Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) (India is signatory since 1983): This treaty is also known as “Bonn convention”. It aims to conserve terrestrial, marine and avian migratory species throughout their range. This having 119 parties and the depository is the government of the Federal Republic of Germany. This treaty facilitates the cooperation of different countries to protect the migratory species. There are 176 threatened migratory species are conserved under this treaty.

    Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ratified by India in 1982): It is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands by recognizing the fundamental ecological functions of

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    wetlands and their economic, cultural, scientific, and recreational value. It was signed in 1971 and came into force in 1975. Currently, The Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites) includes 2,122 sites having an area of 507,470,800 acres.

    ADB Safeguard Policy Statement Requirements D.

    33. The Asian Development Bank has defined its Safeguard requirements under its ‘Safeguard Policy Statement 2009 (SPS 2009). The prime objectives of safeguard policy are to: (i) avoid adverse impacts of projects on the environment and affected people, where possible; and (ii) minimize, mitigate, and/or compensate for adverse project impacts on the environment and affected people when avoidance is not possible. This policy requires assessment, mitigation and commitment towards environmental protection. The extent of assessment depends on the category of the project. ADB’s SPS 2009 classify a project depending on following three categories.

    Category A: A proposed project is classified as category A if it is likely to have significant adverse environmental impacts that are irreversible, diverse, or unprecedented. These impacts may affect an area larger than the sites or facilities subject to physical works. An environmental impact assessment is required.

    Category B: A proposed project is classified as category B if its potential adverse environmental impacts are less adverse than those of category A projects. These impacts are site-specific, none or very few of them are irreversible, and in most cases mitigation measures can be designed more readily than for category A projects. An initial environmental examination is required.

    Category C: A proposed project is classified as category C if it is likely to have minimal or no adverse environmental impacts. No environmental assessment is required although environmental implications need to be reviewed.

  • 16

    Figure 4: Environmental Legal Administrative Framework in India

    MOEFCC (Nodal agency at central lelvel for developing legislation and granting environmental clearance for the projects

    categorized as Category "A" as per EIA Notification)

    STATE MINISTRY /DEPT. OF

    ENVIRONMENT (State level

    implementation agency for

    environmental legislations and formulation of

    legislation at State Level )

    CPCB (Technical advisory bofy of MOEF and

    Watch Dog for SPCB activities )

    Regional Office (Monitoring body to

    reveiw the compliance of the

    project approved by MOEF/SEIAA)

    State Dept. of Forest/Wildlife

    (Monitoring body to reveiw the

    compliance of the project approved by

    MOEF/SEIAA)

    SEIAA (State level agency for granting

    Environmental Clearance for category 'B'

    Projects)

    SPCB (Enforcing body

    for environmental rules and

    regulations of centrl and state

    level & also advisory body for

    State Ministry)

    Protected Area Office/Divisional

    Forest Office

    Project Proponent

    Consents

    Approvals

    Consents/ Approvals

    Compliance Reporting

    Compliance Reporting

    Compliance Reporting

  • 17

    Figure 5: Environmental Clearance Process in India 34. Key Steps in EC Process:

    1) Submission of application along with Form-I, Pre-feasibility report and other necessary documents to Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC) or State Environmental Appraisal Committee (SEAC)

    2) Presentation of Terms of Reference (TOR) to MOEFCC or SEAC 3) Obtaining TOR from MOEFCC or SEAC 4) Preparation & submission of Draft Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)/

    Environmental Management Plan (EMP) 5) Conducting Public Hearing 6) Preparation of revised EIA/EMP (as per comment of Public Hearing) 7) Preparation & submission of Final EIA to MOEFCC or SEAC along with Stage 1

    forest clearance. 8) Final presentation to MOEFCC or SEAC. 9) Obtaining Environmental Clearance.

  • 18

    Table 4: Key Steps in Tree Cutting Permission Process: Step No. Activity No. of Days

    1 Preparation of case / application letter to the Revenue and Forest Department for felling of trees falling within the Right of Way 7

    2 Area to be cleared of trees is verified on the ground with the help of Revenue Department 30 3 Joint visit by Executive Engineer, DFO and Revenue Department staff for the verification of the land and trees falling within the ROW

    4

    Enumeration of trees by Forest Department after the visit of Forest Guard and Range Officer (both from Forest Department). The details cover number of trees to be cut along with chainage, species and girth information.

    7

    5 List of trees to be cut is forwarded by the Range Officer to the concerned DFO for approval 15

    6 The combined case paper is prepared by enclosing the documents received from Revenue and Forest Department (as prepared in the steps mentioned above).

    7

    7 Case is submitted to the concerned DFO – the DFO Office examines the case and if there are no observations, sends it to the Conservator of Forests (CF)

    7

    8 The CF office will examine the case and if there are no observations, will approve the felling proposal. 7

    9 The approval from CF office is conveyed to the concerned DFO, who further conveys the final sanction (in writing) to Executive Engineer. 2

    10 DFO further directs the concerned Range Officer (Forest Department) to mark (process is formally known as ‘hammering’) the trees for cutting. 1

    11 Range Officer hammers/ marks the trees in presence of Executive Engineer or his field representative. 10

    12 The Range Officer sends the final list of trees to the concerned DFO for information. 1

    13 DFO forwards the case to Forest Corporation to call ‘tender’ for cutting the marked trees. 3

    14 DM Forest Corporation calls for bids and fixes date/s to receive the tenders. 30

    15 After opening of the tenders and their evaluation, tree cutting work is awarded to the selected contractor. 15

    16 Contractor mobilizes the required labor and machinery at site. 15 17 Contractor cuts the trees 30 Total Number of Days (numbers indicate ideal situations) 187

  • 19

    III. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

    A. Type of Project

    35. The proposed project is a greenfield project aimed at development of connectivity between Patna and Vaishali district through construction of a 6-lane road bridge across river Ganges. The proposed bridge will take off from Kacchi Dargah (from NH-30) at a distance of about 18 kilometers from Patna Railway station and it will terminate at Bidupur (at NH-103) in Vaishali to provide an alternative to the Mahatma Gandhi Setu and reduce the travel time, overcome traffic congestion, provide smooth connectivity. The rational for the proposed project is provided Section B of Chapter 1. Summary of project is provided in Table 5.

    Table 5: Details of the Project

    Name of the Project Project Components Total Road Length (km) Districts State

    Construction of a new six-lane suspension type bridge across Ganges River from Deedargunj on NH-30 to Chak Sikandar in Vaishali district on NH-103

    Main bridge Viaducts Approach Roads Toll gates and

    service facilities.

    22.76 Patna and Vaishali

    Bihar

    B. Location and Features of the Proposed Project

    36. The site chosen for the proposed 6-lane facility, situated east of the Patna city in the State of Bihar. It lies between NH-30 (near Kacchi Dargah in Patna District) and NH-103 (near Bidupur in Vaishali district). The proposed bridge travers between 25034’2.24” N, 85015’7.86” E (Kachhi Dargah) to 25041’17.82” N, 85022’49.65” E (Bidupur) at an elevation of approximate 53 meter above mean sea level. The new bridge will be located about 10 kilometers downstream (east) from the existing bridge (Mahatma Gandhi Setu) to help decongest Patna and to provide all weather connectivity for communities living in Raghopur Diara (river island) situated between two streams of the Ganges river. The Raghopur diara, has a very high potential for development as a futuristic satellite town of Patna. However, the diara is prone to seasonal flooding but remains inhabited and cultivated during most part of the year. There is only one seasonal road link (pontoon bridge) connecting it to Patna apart from boats. 37. The alignment of the proposed bridge spans over the entire width of the Ganges River including the river island, and connect with national highways on both sides of banks, improving connectivity and substantially reducing travel time between Patna and its surrounding areas. The approved alignment of the proposed project is shown in Figure 6 (on Google earth image) and Figure 7 (on Survey of India Topographic Map). 38. Surrounded by the Ganges on all sides, Raghopur consists mainly of alluvial soil. Every year this area gets submerged by water due to flood by the Ganges. This has been helpful to Raghopur in way that flood also brings new layer of soil that makes this area fertile. Nearest town to Raghopur is Patna and Hajipur. There is only one road link through a pontoon bridge that connects it to Patna city. Apart from that Boat is maj