Prepared for: ITC Limited -...
Transcript of Prepared for: ITC Limited -...
Prepared for:
ITC Limited 37, J.L. Nehru Road, Kolkata-700 071
Prepared by:
December 2015
PROPOSED TERMS OF REFERENCE
FOR
MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT AT
RAJARHAT
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Table of Contents
1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................4
1.1 Objectives of the EIA Study .......................................................................................... 4
1.2 Structure of The ToR ..................................................................................................... 5
2 Project Overview ...........................................................................................................6
2.1 Scope of Environment Impact Assessment ................................................................... 6
2.2 Overview of the Project ................................................................................................. 6
3 Environmental & Social Baseline Studies .....................................................................7
3.1 Understanding of Project area ........................................................................................ 7
3.2 Study Area ..................................................................................................................... 7
3.3 Primary Monitoring ....................................................................................................... 8
3.4 Targeted Surveys and Studies ...................................................................................... 11
3.4.1 Ecological Survey .............................................................................................. 11
3.4.2 Socioeconomic Analysis .................................................................................... 11
4 Impact Assessment.......................................................................................................12
4.1 Impact Identification .................................................................................................... 12
4.2 Impact Prediction ......................................................................................................... 12
4.3 Impact Evaluation ........................................................................................................ 12
5 Environment Safeguards ..............................................................................................13
5.1 Environmental Management Plan (EMP) .................................................................... 13
5.2 Environmental Monitoring Strategy ............................................................................ 13
6 EIA Reporting ..............................................................................................................14
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List of Tables
Table 3-1: Details of Monitoring Program for Environmental Components .............................8
List of Figures
Figure 3-1: Study Area for Mixed Use Area Development Project ...........................................8
Figure 3-2: Proposed Monitoring Stations ...............................................................................10
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1 Introduction
ITC owns a land property at Rajarhat, New Town, Kolkata. The area is being developed by
HIDCO, New Town Kolkata and segmented into three action areas namely Action Area-I, II
and III. The land parcel is in the category of Action Area IIIG/4 and is dedicated for IT industry
development. The above land parcel is governed by Kolkata Gazette, New Town Kolkata
Development Authority Act, bye laws for property development.
ITC has planned for a mixed use development in the land parcel consisting of a hotel, 2nos. IT
and 3 nos. non-IT offices and 2nos. residential building. The development is proposed
primarily in two phases, with a possible expansion in 3rd phase in order to maximize the
utilization of permissible FAR increase with the time.
The project attracts requirement of obtaining Environmental Clearances as per EIA
Notification, 2006 dated 14th September and is listed as Category B1 Project of the schedule
of EIA Notification, as it is having a built up area of 238746 Sq. m. The project will be
appraised by State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA).
ITC has appointed SENES Consultants India Pvt. Ltd. to undertake the environmental analysis
and documenting the same in the form of a formal Environment Impact Assessment (EIA)
report so that it can help in obtaining necessary environmental clearance from regulatory
authorities in India. This draft Term of Reference (ToR) intends to set the scope of the EIA
study as per the new EC process.
The intention of the proposed EIA is to support the project for obtaining of necessary
environmental clearance from the SEIAA. In this perspective, SENES would strive to fulfill
the project objectives delineated in the section below
1.1 OBJECTIVES OF THE EIA STUDY
The overall objectives of the EIA study will be as follows:
Establish the prevailing baseline environmental and socioeconomic condition of the
project site and its surroundings
Assess environmental, socioeconomic and health impacts arising out of the construction
and operation of proposed mixed area development project.
Recommend appropriate preventive and mitigation measures to minimize pollution,
environmental and social disturbances during the life-cycle of the project;
Integrate mitigative measures with existing program of project proponent so that they
can be implemented, monitored and suitable corrective action can be taken in case of
deviations;
Identify residual and cumulative impacts that may arise from the project and suggest
suitable measures to minimize them.
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1.2 STRUCTURE OF THE TOR
This ToR has been prepared to assist in undertaking the EIA study within the ambit of an
established and agreed upon scope and in a systematic and structured manner. The draft ToR
after acceptance by ITC would be submitted to SEIAA for approval of the scope for the EIA
study. The other key purpose of the ToR is to identify the key issues for the Environmental
Baseline Monitoring, Impact Assessment Methodologies and developing Mitigation Measures
at a later stage.
The ToR is structured as follows
Section 2: Project Overview
Section 3: Environmental and Social Baseline Studies
Section 4: Impact Assessment
Section 5: Environment Safeguards
Section 6: EIA Reporting
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2 Project Overview
2.1 SCOPE OF ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT
The EIA report shall be prepared in accordance with the following Terms of Reference based
on the EIA Notification (14th September 2006) and any other legislation and notification which
may apply to the Project. The EIA report will:
a) Assist the public and government in understanding the environmental and socio-
economic consequences of the Project’s development, operation and reclamation plans,
will assist M/s ITC Ltd. in the decision-making process;
b) Address:
i. Project impacts;
ii. Mitigation options; and
iii. Residual effects relevant to the assessment of the project
2.2 OVERVIEW OF THE PROJECT
This section of the EIA report will provide an overview of the project in terms of:
Regional Setting
Project Accessibility and Transport Linkage
Project Area
Water requirement & sourcing.
Solid waste generation and its management procedure
Source of Power Supply
A map of the project area highlighting location of the project will be provided in the EIA
Report.
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3 Environmental & Social Baseline Studies
3.1 UNDERSTANDING OF PROJECT AREA
To provide an understanding of the project area the EIA study will involve reconnaissance
visits and compilation of secondary information present as following.
Location of the project site
Location of settlements in the vicinity
Location of sensitive environmental receptors in the project area
Land use of the area and its vicinity
Location of the sensitive ecosystem and wildlife habitat
Drainage network of the area and its vicinity
Existing transport infrastructure (e.g., roads/ railways)
3.2 STUDY AREA
Primary baseline data collection will be conducted within the study area i.e. area with a radius
of about 10 km around the proposed site which may be impacted by the operation of the
development activity (Fig. 3.1). This delineation has been done based on the nature of the
project and also after gaining understanding of the surrounding areas through the initial
reconnaissance surveys. During the course of the study, if the need is felt, a flexible approach
will be taken to expand the study area further. The following features will be considered within
the study area:
Present Land use of project site and in the study area (delineated forest area, agricultural
land, grazing land, wildlife sanctuary, national park, human settlement, etc)
Topography in the study area
Sensitive Environmental Resources: Sensitive Natural Habitats
Surface water resources and drainage network in the project site and study area
Ground water resources in the project site and study area
Details of the physical and socio-economic features along with manmade structures
Road Network
Proneness to Natural Disasters
Sensitive Social Resources: Human habitats, Public Utilities, Valuable Common
Property Resources.
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The sites and the surrounding study areas would be depicted on GIS maps through satellite
imagery to help understanding the status of environment and impacts. The following section
details out the Sampling Plan for the study.
FIGURE 3-1: STUDY AREA FOR MIXED USE AREA DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
3.3 PRIMARY MONITORING
The sampling plan for primary monitoring has been drawn up based on the findings of the
reconnaissance survey and the understanding of the proposed project activities. The sampling
plan will also take into consideration of receptor locations that could potentially be affected by
the proposed activities. The monitoring stations and sampling locations for each environmental
component along with the parameters to be monitored, frequency and number of samples to be
taken are presented in the environmental matrix given in Table 3.1.
TABLE 3-1: DETAILS OF MONITORING PROGRAM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENTS
Component Air Quality
No. of Stations 4 Stations
Frequency & Duration 24hrs / 8 hrs, once in a week for 4 weeks ( excluding monsoon)
Parameters PM 10, SO2, NOx, and HC
Locations ITC Project Site, Hatishala, Akandakeshari and Kathalberia
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Component Ground water and Surface water Quality
No. of Stations 5 samples (From Open Wells, lake/pond/River, Dug Wells & Tube
Wells as per avilabaility)
Frequency & Duration Grab sample – One time
Parameters
Color, Odor, Taste, pH, Turbidity, Total hardness, Iron, Chloride,
Residual free chlorine, Dissolved solids, Nitrates, Fluoride, Cadmium,
Lead, Arsenic
Locations Akandakeshari, Hatishala, Kulberia, Bhagabanpur etc
Component Ambient Noise
No. of Stations 5 Stations (Sensitive receptors around the proposed site, residential,
commercial and industrial zones)
Frequency & Duration 24 Hours ( Day and Night time) - Once
Parameters Equivalent sound level in dB (A) – Leq and Lmax
Locations ITC Project Site, Hatisala Crossing, Akandakeshari village, Kathalberia,
Unitech Crossing
Proposed Monitoring Location Map is enclosed in Figure. 3.2.
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FIGURE 3-2: PROPOSED MONITORING STATIONS
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3.4 TARGETED SURVEYS AND STUDIES
3.4.1 Ecological Survey
There is no natural forest within the areas surrounding the project site. Mainly semi evergreen
type of vegetation is observed at areas surrounding the project site. No protected area is located
within the study area. East Kolkata Wetland, designated as wetland of international importance
under Ramsar Convention on August 19, 2002, is located about 3 km from the project site.
The ecological profile of the area would be drawn up based on secondary data review and
primary field surveys. Secondary data will be obtained from Forest Department and local
people. The primary data relating to flora, fauna, livestock and agricultural diversity of the area
will be generated by visiting the site area and its surroundings. The study area will be delineated
as the Core Zone (proposed project site) and Buffer Zone (area with 10 Km. radius around the
proposed site). The baseline surveys will be carried out to determine the existing environmental
conditions and to facilitate an adequate assessment of the Project’s impacts upon ecology and
the development of appropriate mitigation measures. Efforts will also be made to find
protected species in the area which can be of conservation importance.
3.4.2 Socioeconomic Analysis
The social assessment was primarily based on the analysis of the secondary data and
Community consultations.
Secondary Data Analysis
To evaluate socio-economic environment in the study area, secondary information from
the 2011 Census handbook has been referred to and details pertaining to habitations in
the study area have been extracted and assessed.
Stakeholder Identification
Stakeholder identification is an important aspect for collection of socioeconomic
baseline information. Local villagers, Panchayat, school authority, health department,
Public health engineering department, ITC, NKDA are the main stakeholder of this
project.
Initial Stakeholder Consultation
Consultations with stakeholder are a continuous process that would be continued during
the construction and operation phases of the project. Initial stakeholder consultation has
been conducted with the local villagers. Consultation with other identified stakeholder
will be carried out in the latter stage of the study.
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4 Impact Assessment
The EIA study will aim to identify, characterize and evaluate potential impacts arising out of
the project and prioritize them so that they can be effectively addressed through Environment
Management Plans and Project designing and planning.
4.1 IMPACT IDENTIFICATION
The preliminary identification of the potential impacts will be carried out based on the
understanding of the project gained during the scoping exercise and field visit, consultation
with representatives of the project proponent and professional judgment of the SENES team.
4.2 IMPACT PREDICTION
Environmental and socioeconomic impacts would be predicted based on baseline conditions
on site, professional judgment, and by using network methodology. The quantitative prediction
would be carried out for air and noise quality status.
Short-term impact on ambient air quality due to air emissions from multiple sources (from
moving source) such as aircrafts, surface vehicles and point sources such as DG Sets will be
predicted using relevant models. The model input data will include the emissions from aircrafts
calculated on the basis of ICAO data, emissions from vehicles and emissions from DG Stack.
Noise during operational phase is generated by aircrafts, DG Sets and vehicular traffic.
However, the latter two are localised while the aircraft noise is significant due to its movement
over wide area. Suitable model will be chosen for predicting the increase in noise levels. The
model will calculate changes in noise impact resulting from the new runways, new traffic
demand and fleet mix and other operational procedures. Noise contours showing the areas and
the number of dwellings exposed to various aircraft noise levels will be shown clearly.
Impacts resulting from ground water cutting and depletion will be assessed. Surface runoff
from the proposed site and its impact on surface water resources and adjacent agricultural land
will be undertaken. Also socioeconomic surveys of stakeholders will be carried out to predict
socio-economic and health impacts.
4.3 IMPACT EVALUATION
An environmental matrix will be developed to formally present an overview of the predicted
impacts. The matrix structure will take into account the environmental issues as well as the
concerns of the community.
The first step in the elaboration of the matrix will consist of defining the main activities or
aspects of the project that possibly can generate negative or positive impacts through extensive
consultations with representatives of the project proponent. The second steps will aim at
establishing a list of environmental elements (biophysical and human) found in the project area.
Potential interrelations between the impact sources and these elements will be established to
identify the impact.
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5 Environment Safeguards
The EIA study would prepare guidelines for mitigating any adverse impact identified due to
the proposed project. The site specific mitigation plan will specifically address impacts that
would be generated as a result of the proposed project.
5.1 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP)
The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) will recommend specific, structured and targeted
management plans to mitigate the significant impacts and bring them to a level that would be
acceptable to both the regulatory authorities and the community. The EMP will be formulated
in close cooperation with the client team to delineate action plans that are economically
feasible. The EMP would be laid down in a manner that the plans can be integrated with the
proponent’s existing environment management measures. The EMP would also include
recommendations for necessary pollution prevention, control as well as conservation and
compensatory measures. In addition, a systematic environmental monitoring plan for assessing
the adequacy of the mitigation measures and for understanding changes in environmental
quality due to the proposed project would also be part of the EMP.
5.2 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING STRATEGY
To measure the effectiveness of the implementation of the EMP a monitoring strategy (Plan)
for activities during construction phase and also during the post construction phase will be
prepared. The Plan must include the monitoring activities and corresponding schedules.
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6 EIA Reporting
Reporting on all activities conducted during the project will be prepared, collated and submitted
in the form of an EIA Report. The report will include supporting documents as necessary, a list
of findings, impacts and proposed mitigation measures. Following would be the structure of
the report as per the guideline set by the EIA 2006 Notification:
Executive Summary
Introduction
Description of Project
Description of Environment
Impact Assessment
Environmental Management Plan & Framework
Environmental Monitoring Program
Disclosure of Consultants
The draft EIA report would be further finalized by incorporating comments and views obtained
from different stakeholders during the public hearing and through letters/ representations
before being submitted to the appraisal committee. Annexed to the report, there would also be
the notes and proceedings of the public hearing, list of references and other relevant documents,
photographs etc.