Initial Environmental Examination

June 2012

Sri Lanka: Northern Road Connectivity Project

– Additional Financing

National Roads

Prepared by the Road Development Authority, Ministry of Ports and Highways for the Asian Development Bank.

CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS (as of 5 June 2012)

Currency unit – Sri Lankan rupee (SLR) SLR1.00 = $0 .0076917160

$1.00 = SLR 130.010000

ABBREVIATIONS

ADB – Asian Development Bank ADT – average daily traffic AC – asphalt concrete AP – affected person BIQ – basic information questionnaire CEA – Central Environmental Authority CSC – construction supervision consultant DA – Department of Archeology DoAS – Department of Agrarian Services DoF – Department of Forestry DoI – Department of Irrigation DS – Divisional Secretary DSD – Divisional Secretariat Division DWLC – Department of Wild Life Conservation EA – Executing Agency EIA – environmental impact assessment EMP – environmental management plan EMoP – environmental monitoring plan EMS – environment method statement EO – Environment Officer ES – Environment Specialist GN – Grama Niladhari GND – Grama Niladhari Divisions GRC – Grievance Redress Committee GRM – Grievance Redress Mechanism GSMB – Geological Survey and Mining Bureau IEE – initial environmental examination LA – local authority LHS – left hand side MOPH – Ministry of Ports and Highways MSL – mean sea level NEA – National Environmental Act NRCP (PC) – Northern Road Connectivity Project (Provincial Component) NP – North Province NGO – nongovernment organization PD – Project Director PIU – Project Implementation Unit RE – Resident Engineer REA – rapid environmental assessment RHS – right hand side ROW – right-of-way TOR – terms of reference

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

km – kilometer m – meter

NOTE

In this report, "$" refers to US dollars. This initial environmental examination is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. 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 ................................................................................................. vi

Chapter 1 - Introduction ............................................................................................ 1

1.1. Project Background and Justification ............................................................ 1

1.2. Extent and Scope of the Study ..................................................................... 1

1.3. Objective of the IEE Report .......................................................................... 3

1.4. Structure of IEE Report ................................................................................ 3

1.5. Applicable Environmental Legislations ......................................................... 4

1.6. Methodology ................................................................................................ 5

Chapter 2 - Description of the Project ........................................................................ 7

2.1. Type of the Project ....................................................................................... 7

2.2. Category of the Project ................................................................................. 7

2.3. Need for the Project ..................................................................................... 8

2.4. Location ....................................................................................................... 9

2.5. Analysis of Alternatives ...............................................................................11

2.6. Size and Magnitude of Operation ...............................................................11

2.7. Cost for the Project .....................................................................................13

2.8. Proposed Schedule for the Implementation .................................................13

Chapter 3 - Description of the Existing Environment of the project affected area .... 14

3.1. Description of the Existing Condition of Subprojects Roads ........................14

3.2. Description of the Existing Environment of Subprojects Roads ...................17

Chapter 4 - Screening of the Potential Environment Impacts and Mitigation

Measures ...................................................................................................... 56

4.1. Environmental Impacts Associated with Pre Construction and

Construction Stage ......................................................................................56

4.2. Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures Associated With

Operation Period .........................................................................................68

Chapter 5 - Institutional Requirements and Grievance Redress Mechanism ............ 71

5.1. Institutional Arrangements ...........................................................................71

5.2. Capacity Building ........................................................................................72

5.3. Grievance Redress Mechanism ..................................................................72

Chapter 6 - Environment Management Plan and Environment Monitoring Plan ....... 75

Chapter 7 - Public Consultation and Information Disclosure ................................... 77

7.1. Public Consultation .....................................................................................77

7.2. Consultation Findings ..................................................................................78

7.3. Information Disclosure .................................................................................79

Chapter 8 - Conclusion and Recommendations ....................................................... 80

Chapter 9 - References ............................................................................................ 82

v

Annexures

A. Typical cross sections

B. Topographical maps

C. Drainage – catchment maps

D. Environment Management Plan

E. Environment Monitoring Plan

F. Public consultation

Attachments

1. CEA Consent letter for BIQ

2. Culvert list

3. Bridge list

4. Material Extraction Sites

5. Inundation Sections

vi

Executive Summary

1. Introduction

Project Background and the Justification

1. The proposed Feasibility Study and Detail Design of Northern Road Connectivity

Project (NRCP) includes rehabilitation and upgrading of 117.5 km of five A, B & AB

Class National roads located within Anuradhapura, Mannar and Jaffna districts of North

Central and Northern Provinces of Sri Lanka.

2. The dilapidated conditions, lack of drains, poor alignments, narrow road sections

structurally damaged culverts, bridges and causeways of the subproject roads

contributes to high vehicular operation cost, long travel time and high transport cost.

Main objective of developing these seven roads with standard two/ four lane status is to

assist the existing and predicted traffic flow in the area in future. In addition the road

network is mainly seen as a tool for poverty alleviation, allowing war affected people in

the area to directly access other areas of the country to engage in a number of social

and economic activities. Additionally this project will improve and strengthen the National

Highways Network efficiency in Sri Lanka thereby establishing a smooth traffic flow,

reduce costs and travel time incurred by users of the road network, increase lifetime of

the roads by appropriate, periodic maintenance and consequently contributing to

economic development of the country.

Extent and Scope of the Study

3. The Environmental Assessment was carried out as a requirement of the

Feasibility Study for a total of 117.5 km 2 A, 1 AB and 2 B class roads located within

Anuradhapura, Mannar and Jaffna districts in NCP and NP. The project comprises a

total area of 177.17 ha over a project stretch of 117.5 km with an average strip of 15 to

27.2 m width. Scope of the study was determined by stipulations given in the ADB, IEE

outline and include field data collection, Public consultation, Assessment of potential

environmental impacts and development of preventive and/or mitigation measures for

significant impacts, preparation of BIQs, REAs, EMPs, EMoP and finally the IEE report

Objective of the IEE Report

4. Main objective of this IEE report is the preparation of a comprehensive account

of the current environment condition of the project affected area of NCP & NP.

Accordingly a single consolidated IEE report will be submitted for ADB to facilitate their

decision making.

vii

Methodology

5. Field observation of the roads located within NCP and NP was carried out during

the period from February to April 2012. A line transect survey was carried out along all

the proposed roads about 25 m either side and direct observations were made to identify

road side trees, important flora, fauna, water resources, land use pattern,

environmentally sensitive and protected areas. Other reliable information was collected

from villagers and respective authorities during public consultation meetings. Secondary

information for the report was gathered from printed materials and other sources of

Government Departments, Authorities, Ministries, NGOs and relevant websites etc.

2. Description of the Project

Type of the Project

6. Proposed roads for rehabilitation and upgrading are existing National roads. The

carriageways of the entire road or selected sections are insufficient to cater the present

and predicted traffic demands. Therefore selected roads are proposed to widen and

improve to standard two or four lane status with 6.6.m – 14.0 m carriageway, shoulders

on both sides and earth or line drains where required.

Category of the Project

7. According to BIQ and Environmental Guidelines for Road and Rail Development

in Sri Lanka of CEA (1997) proposed project roads fall in to un-prescribed category.

CEA consent for 2 subprojects under un-prescribed category has been already obtained.

BIQs for the rest of the 3 subproject roads were prepared and submitted to CEA for

Environment clearance. According to information regarding BIQs and Environmental

Assessment Guidelines of CEA rest of these 3 subproject roads will be categorized

under un-prescribed category. Based on the REA Checklist of ADB classification, NP

roads are categorized under environment category B. Thus the IEE serves as the

complete Environment Assessment for the proposed project.

Need for the Project

8. The conflict that prevailed for nearly three decades in the country has destroyed

and damaged the road network of NP, EP and part of NCP of Sri Lanka. In general

rehabilitation and improvement of proposed roads are necessary due to dilapidated

conditions, existing traffic demands and expected traffic growth due to rapid economic

development in the future. Apart from that rehabilitation of these roads is essential to

increase road safety and transport efficiency in these areas. Other than road

improvement it will also aim at contributing to infrastructure development at national

level and help to uplift the living conditions of the people in the area.

viii

Location

9. A total of 5 subproject roads located within Anuradhapura, Jaffna and Mannar

districts of NCP and NP of Sir Lanka has been identified for the improvement. Out of

these, 3 roads are located within 3 DSDs of Anuradhapura district (Medawachchiya,

Kebithigollewa and Padaviya), a single road in 3 DSDs of Mannar district (Madu,

Nannaddan, Mannar) and 1 road in 2 DSDs of Jaffna district (Jaffna,Kayts).

Analysis of Alternatives

10. All roads identified for the proposed rehabilitation are very essential link roads to

other parts of the country. Even without the proposed rehabilitation and improvement,

these roads will continue to be a main and convenient transportation link with National

and Provincial road networks in NP and NCP. Although the proposed subproject roads

are located in close proximity to environment sensitive areas, impacts associated with

construction stage are temporary, short term and can be managed by adhering to EMP

of the project. Although some roads will require land acquisition, there will only be

resettlement activities within the same premises but no relocation. Since most of the

projects are located in urban semi urban and rural areas of Jaffna, Mannar and

Anuradhapura districts, impacts will be much higher than the current project if new roads

are constructed as alternatives. On the other hand, there are no existing roads that can

be developed as alternatives to the proposed subprojects. Therefore, examination of

alternatives to the project‘s location, design, technology, and components would not be

necessary. Thus, the proposed improvements will be the better option for existing and

proposed traffic demand in the area.

Size and the Magnitude of Operation

11. Road improvement works under NRCP will involve rehabilitation and upgrading

of five A, B and AB class National roads in NP and NCP of Sri Lanka. They do not

generally involve new road construction except where there is a special need to re-route

or realign a section of road. The proposed road formation width standards and Rights of

Way (RoW) are discussed in detail in the section of Engineering Assessment of

Feasibility Study of the Main Report. For 2/4 lane standards the existing road platform is

to be widened along the existing centreline to provide proposed carriageways, cycle

lanes, earth or line drains incorporated with paved shoulder and soft shoulders at both

sides of the carriageway.

Cost for the Project

12. The total cost estimated for major items associated with the proposed

subprojects works (including earth work, pavement, drainage structures and ancillary

work) were established by application of appropriate unit rates to estimated work item

quantities derived from results of surveys, test results and design analysis for

subprojects. Finalized estimates of each subprojects will be included in Volume 3 – Cost

estimates of: Detail Design and Final Report of the project.

ix

Proposed Scheduled for the Implementation

13. Proposed Feasibility and Detailed Engineering Design of the subproject roads

will be completed in July 2012. Once Detailed Designs and Bid Documents are

completed, tenders will be awarded to successful contractors at the beginning of 2013.

ADB is the funding agency for Feasibility Study, Detailed Engineering Design and for

civil works. Improvement works are scheduled to be completed within two years.

3. Description of the Existing Environment

3.1. Description of the existing condition of subproject roads

14. Proposed roads for the improvement pass through urban, semi urban and rural

agricultural villages of Anuradhapura, Jaffna and Mannar districts. Land use beside the

roads include business premises of medium and small scale, residential areas, home

gardens, large extent of paddy fields, forests, scrublands and chena cultivations. AB021

and AB019 roads pass through coastal areas of the Jaffna district and consists of fishing

villages and coastal habitats like mangrove strips, mangrove forest and other coastal

habitats. Numbers of large, medium and small scale fresh water tanks are also located

beside some of the proposed roads (eg. A029, B211, B283).

15. Terrain of the roads are flat and alignment mainly straight with a few curves.

Current condition of some road sections is fairly good for transportation but most of the

sections are not at a satisfactory level due to their dilapidated condition. Most of the

cross drainage including bridges and causeways are also structurally damaged, blocked

and not in a functional situation. In addition number of inundation sections are located

along B211 at different locations. Daily traffic volumes of some road sections are high

due to several reasons such as connection of other national and provincial roads as well

as the presence of important religious sites along the road (AB19).

16. Majority of people in subproject affected areas are farmers and mainly depend

on paddy cultivation (Eg. A029, B283, B211, A014). Large irrigation schemes located

besides these roads such as Padaviya tank (B211) and Yodha wewa (A014) assist in

paddy cultivation. Other than agriculture, fishing is a major income generation activity of

the people living around some road sections (E.g. AB19). Apart from paddy and fishing

some people engage in business, small and medium scale industries, chena cultivations

and animal husbandry. Additionally small percentages of people are engaged in

government and private sector occupations.

17. Environmentally sensitive areas located within the proposed roads include

Padaviya Sanctuary (B211), Waduwagama forest (A029), Vankalai Ramsar site,

Sanctuary (A014) and Jaffna lagoon (AB19). Construction material resources such as

gravel mining sites as well as metal quarries are located beside B283 road at different

locations. In addition human elephant conflict exist along the A029 road Other than

above environmentally sensitive areas, several public sensitive places such as schools,

government institutions, post offices, hospitals as well as religious places (temples,

kovils, churches, and mosques) are located beside the subproject roads.

x

3.2. Description of the environment condition of subproject roads

18. Following section describes the current situation of physical, ecological,

economic and social background of the sub-project affected areas of Anuradhapura,

Mannar and Jaffna districts in brief.

Physical Resources

19. Topography: Geology and Soil: The project area is located in the Northern half

of Sri Lanka and topography is slightly undulating with elevations ranging from 0 - 150 m

and sometimes nearly 2000 m at the highest parts. Geology of Anuradhapura is highly

crystalline, and belongs to the ancient continent, Gondwanaland. Quaternary and

Miocene limestone are predominant in the Jaffna peninsula and are of Phanerozoic era.

Highly Karstic and permeable Miocene limestone aquifers are present along the coastal

belt of Mannar district. Reddish Brown Earth, Low Humic Gley, Red Yellow Latosol &

Regosol soils, Solodized- Solonetz, Solonchaks & Grumusol soils are the common soil

types in the area.

20. Climate: Agro climatically the area falls into low country Dry Zone of Sri Lanka

and the climate is characterized by high temperature and low rainfall. Mean annual rain

fall is below 1500 mm. Majority of rainfall occurs during theNorth East monsoon

(December-February), and rest is experienced during the Second Inter Monsoon

(October to November). A small amount of rain is received during South West monsoon

(May to September). This area receives sufficient rainfall by cyclones and depressions

in some years. Annual average temperature of the area ranges from 24 - 33oC.

Temperature is warm throughout the year and records highest from May to August.

Relative humidity varies between 70 - 82% within the year.

21. Air quality and Noise: No baseline survey has been carried out to measure air

quality of the areas recently due to the war condition. According to available information

in 1999, concentration of ambient air quality parameters in the project area are well

below NAAQS. Since the project area is free from large scale industries, high emissions

of air pollutants could not be observed. However dust emanation from gravel roads

during the dry season, operation of vehicles, burning of forest patches for Chena

cultivation, wood and kerosene burning stoves can temporally impact on local air quality.

However since the project area is rich in vegetation; all such emissions will be very well

dissipated.

22. Water Resources: Tanks, streams, and springs are the main sources of surface

water in the project area and are the main storage for rain water during the whole year.

These are mainly used for the purpose of agricultural activities. Water for cultivation is

also obtained from agricultural wells by lift irrigation. Ground water in the project area is

mainly use as a source of drinking water. Ground water in coastal areas is brackish due

to salt water intrusion, and is therefore mainly used for the purpose of industrial

activities. Availability of shallow ground water is seasonal and is abundant during heavy

rains. Quality of ground water varies with the available compounds and substances.

xi

Ecological Resources

23. Natural vegetation of the sub-project affected areas mainly consists of tropical

Dry Mixed Evergreen Forests, Dry Monsoon Forest, Riverine Dry Forest and Coastal

habitats such as lagoons and Mangrove Forest. Environment sensitive areas located

within the proposed roads include Padaviya Sanctuary (B211), Waduwagama forest

(A029), Vankalai Ramsar site, Sanctuary (A014) and Jaffna lagoon (AB19). These sites

are characterised by a number of habitats such as freshwater, shallow brackish water,

inter-tidal mudflats, lagoons, mangroves and sea grass beds with high biodiversity. All

these habitats are housed by a variety of aquatic and terrestrial floral and faunal species.

Economic Development

24. Land Use: Anuradhapura is the largest of all districts in Sri Lanka, and covers

11% of the whole country‘s land surface. Mannar district covers approximately 3% of the

total land area and Jaffna district covers 1.58 % of the total land area of the country. Land

use of the project area mainly consist of inland water bodies, fishing villages, residential

areas, business premises, government and private sector buildings, religious places,

agricultural areas, and several natural habitats including coastal habitats, lagoons,

small islands, mangrove strips, forest patches, and scrub forests. The pattern of human

settlement around subproject roads varies mostly from rural, semi- urban to urban.

25. Agriculture: Agriculture is one of the key economic sectors in the project area

providing livelihoods for many families. Paddy production is the major agricultural

activity in the area and is cultivated under rain fed system including main irrigation

schemes, medium and small tanks in Maha season (during North East monsoon period).

In addition to paddy, perennial crops, vegetables and fruits are cultivated during the

whole year using seasonal tanks and underground water. Perennial crops such as

Palmyra and Coconut are significant plantations in the project area.

26. Fishing: Apart from agriculture, the economy of the area predominantly revolves

around fishing. This industry provides many employment opportunities to thousands of

people. Deep sea and lagoon fisheries are common in Mannar and Jaffna districts while

inland fishery is common in Anuradhapura district. Exclusively traditional fisheries

methods such as ―Prawn cage‖ are practiced in the Jaffna lagoon.

27. Industries: Other than agriculture and fisheries, the industrial sector plays a

considerable role in economic development of the people in the area. There are some

major industries in the Jaffna district but functioning with limited capacity. Other than that

people depend on Small and Medium, Cottage and Service industries. Tourism is

another emerging industry in these areas because of many tourist attractions such as

Irrigation tanks, wetlands, sanctuaries, sandy beaches, ancient temples, monastic sites

and statues of Lord Buddha.

28. Animal Husbandry: Livestock sector is an important component of the farming

system of the project affected areas which generates additional income, employment

opportunities and highly nutritious food. Majority of people in the area depend on

Poultry, Goat and Dairy farming while a small percentage of people depend on animals

such as sheep, pig, turkey, gini fowl, duck and rabbit.

xii

29. Infrastructure Facilities: Except in some rural villages, electricity and tele-

communication facility are available for most parts of the area. Tele-communication

facility is mainly obtained through wireless tele-communication services. Most families

in the project area receive water from common, open and tube wells. However drinking

water is a main problem in coastal areas due to salinity. Pipe borne water facility is

available to limited areas and pit latrines, sewage canal systems and proper garbage

dumping sites are restricted to urban centres. Many development projects are currently

underway to develop infrastructure facilities in the district.

Social and Cultural Development

30. Population and Community: Selected roads for improvement run through 3

DSDs of Anuradhapura, 2 in Jaffna and 3 in Mannar. Population of the area represent all

ethnic groups (Sinhalese, Muslims, Tamils and Burger) and religious groups (Buddhist,

Hindus, Muslims, Roman Catholics and Christians) in the country. Majority of the people

in Anuradhapura district is Sinhala Buddhist while In Mannar and Jaffna it is Tamil.

31. Health and Educational Facilities: Provincial general hospitals, base hospitals,

district hospitals, peripheral units, rural hospitals, central dispensaries, maternity homes

and dispensaries assist in providing health services to the area. Generally the education

level was fairly good with literacy rate being around 90% in 2007. Many government

schools and teachers contributed in this regard. However education and health sectors

of Mannar and Jaffna districts have been adversely affected by the conflict that

prevailed.

Cultural Archaeological and Historical Significance

32. There are many Cultural Archaeological and Historically Significant places in

Anuradhapura, Jaffna and Mannar districts. Anuradhapuara is considered as the first

historical capital of Sri Lanka and today is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage

Site. The history of Mannar district goes back to the ancient times even before the

Mahavansa was written. Primary Buddhist attractions in Anuradhapura are the

Atamasthana and the main historical and religious places in Mannar district include

Tirukketheeswaram kovil, Ketheeswaram Hindu temple, Pesalai and Madu Church,

Other than that the principal sea port Matota was recorded as an important ancient port

in the Indian Ocean. Jaffna district is also rich with many historical, Archaeological and

culturally significant places such as Delft Island, Dutch Church, Nagadeepa temple,

Vaddukkoddai church and Chulipuram Paralai Pillaiyar Kovil.

4. Screening of the potential environmental impacts and mitigation measures

33. Potential adverse environmental impacts and generic issues as identified during

the above activities are summarised in Table 1.

xiii

Table 1 Potential Environmental Impacts

Issues of concern Anticipated Impacts Proposed mitigation Measures

Pre-Construction and Construction Stage

Land Acquisition Loss of land, other private properties

and income generation activities

Acquisition of land based on the design

requirements. Provide adequate compensation

based on LAA, NIRP and RAP for those who lose

property.

Impacts on

Temporary Use of

Lands

Public inconvenience, Soil erosion ,

waste accumulation and deterioration of

scenic beauty of the environment

Land selection should be done in accordance with

local laws, regulations and in close consultation with

LAs away from environmental and public sensitive

areas.

Removal of Public

Utilities

Public inconvenience and accidental

damage

Removal by close coordination with line agencies,

employment of trained and experienced workers,

restoration of utilities immediately to avoid public

inconvenience

Extraction,

Transportation and

Storage of

Construction

Materials

Soil erosion, lowering of river beds,

destruction of river banks, reduction of

sand replenishment of coastal beaches,

coastal erosion , creation of breeding

sites for mosquitoes, damage to minor

roads and increase dust and noise

nuisance

Suitable material extraction sites should be identified

subject to environmental requirements, construction

materials should not exceed carrying capacity of

trucks, use of tarpaulin covers over transported

materials, avoid storage of materials around

sensitive locations etc.

Effect on local road

net work

Increase traffic, public inconvenience

and damage to roads

Use roads of adequate capacity for heavy trucks,

obtain permit from LAs to use local roads, make

provision to maintain roads which are used for

construction activities as part of the contract.

Solid waste disposal

and sanitation

Deterioration of road side ecology,

Impact to public health and scenic

beauty in the area, causing blockage of

natural water flow paths, provide

favourable habitats for vectors of

diseases.

Exclude areas which are close to public and

environment sensitive, re-use of debris and residual

spoil materials wherever possible, dump materials

should not spread which interfere with sensitive

sites, provision of proper drainage and sanitation

facilities

Effect on Water

Resources

Use of water sources and construction

activities close to water bodies may

affect water sources used by local

communities and lead to deteriorate the

quality of water

Workforce should be aware of water conservation,

pollution and minimization of water usage, avoid

entering waste water directly in to water bodies,

construction works affecting water bodies have to be

undertaken during dry season, storage of

construction materials away from water bodies

Soil erosion

sedimentation and

siltation

Decrease of infiltration of rain water,

acceleration of surface runoff, lowering

of river beds. destruction of river banks

etc.

Provision of suitable drainage facilities, proper

treatment of clearing and filling areas against flow

acceleration, reduce removal of trees / green cover

vegetation, establishment of erosion control

measures, construction of cross drainages during

dry season.

Temporary floods

Blockage of existing drainage paths,

stagnation of water in roads, effect on

ecology, soil erosion

Increasing embankment height of particular sections

with construction of new cross drainages,

reconstruction of existing culverts, causeways and

bridges with sufficient capacity

Effect on Flora, Disturbance to wild animals, impact to Strict attention on worker force regarding disturbing

xiv

Issues of concern Anticipated Impacts Proposed mitigation Measures

Fauna and their

habitats

migration paths, loss of faunal and floral

habitats

surrounding habitats, flora and fauna including

hunting of animals and fishing, avoid removal of

trees as much as possible, adhere to the guidelines

and recommendation made by CEA and DoF

regarding removal of road side trees.

Biodiversity

conservation and

sustainable natural

resource

management

Loss of native species and species

diversity by introduction of invasive

species, top soil erosion, seed bank

depletion by extraction of material.

Disturbing of breeding, foraging, and

migrating behaviour of wild fauna by

noise and vibration

Organize awareness programme to work force

regarding biodiversity, its conservation, and

importance, avoid introduction of alien species

during construction related activities , use of natural

resources in a sustainable manner.

Protection of

archaeological,

cultural and religious

places

Impact on cultural values,

archaeological significant sites, impact

on tourism

Prior consultation and consent should be taken from

DA for construction work close to Archaeological

sites. If any structures are discovered on the site,

necessary steps should be taken to inform to

Engineer and DA immediately as mentioned in the

EMP.

Disruption of Traffic

Inconvenience to road users and

possibilities of accidental risk, delays in

travel time, increased noise and exhaust

emissions, disturbance to pedestrians

and public

Avoid rush hours for material transportation,

schedule movement of large trucks and plant in off-

peak traffic times, identify alternative roads to avoid

traffic congestions through urban centres, advance

notice to public about the schedule of construction

etc.

Personal safety Accidental risk to general public and

workers

Briefing and training of workers on safety

precautions, use of licensed and trained plants and

vehicle operators, provide safe working practices,

safety wears and first - aid facility

Impact from Dust,

Noise and Vibration

Deterioration of air quality due to dust

and other emissions, disturbance to

general public and impact to their

properties

Location of crushers and hot mixed plants should be

selected away from residential and environmental

sensitive areas, maintenance of machinery and

equipment in a good condition, limit working time for

activities that create noise etc.

Effect on existing

drainage

Accidental damage to culverts, bridges

and other irrigation structures.

Design of bridges should conform to the

requirements of the „Bridge Design Manual‟ of RDA ,

avoid storage of construction materials and disposal

of debris around cross drainage and natural flow

paths, provision of temporally drainage facilities to

construction site

Operation Period

Air Quality and Noise

Reduction of air pollution compared to

the current situation. Better air quality

and lesser noise emission.

Enforcement of traffic rules, proper maintenance

programme after rehabilitation process, relevant

traffic signs should be placed at relevant locations.

Encroachment of

RoW

Impact to pavements and road side

drains. obstruct maintenance activities

of roads, view range of travellers and

impact to movement of pedestrian.

increase accidental damage to vehicles

Implementation of rules and regulations, routine

checking by RDA of MOPH to remove unauthorized

structures from RoW

xv

Issues of concern Anticipated Impacts Proposed mitigation Measures

and road users.

Safety of Road Users

Increased number of accidents due to

convenient riding surface and new

geometry.

Enforcement of speed limits, traffic rules and

regulations, installation of warning signs, regulatory

signs and information signs as well as provision of

bus bays, pedestrian crossings, side walks, etc. at

appropriate locations.

Drainage

Congestions

Change of water flow direction, impact

to carriage way, cross drainages and

road edges

Avoid improper disposal of debris and garbage into

side drainages and periodical maintenance of

drainage structures.

5. Institutional Requirements and Grievance Redress Mechanism

5.1. Institutional Arrangements

34. RDA is the Executing Agency for the Project and has responsibility of

implementing the overall EMP. The Project Implementation Unit (PIU) established within

the RDA, will be responsible for overall contract administration and supervision

regarding implementation of Environmental Specifications and Special Environmental

Provisions included in Contract Document. In practice, detailed implementation of EMP

will involve Contractors, CSCs, PIU, ESD of RDA and PD of RDA. Contractors will be

responsible to implement all mitigation measures during the construction period,

especially to mitigate all environmental impacts associated with construction activities.

CSCs will be responsible to provide daily supervision to the contractor for

implementation of EMP and reporting it to the PIU on monthly basis. ESD established

within the RDA will be responsible for monitoring implementation of the EMP during the

construction phase. CEA which is responsible for overall environmental management in

the country, will periodically review the monitoring reports submitted by PIU/ESD and

provide guidance and advice if and when required.

5.2. Grievance Redress Mechanism

35. Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) provides an effective approach to resolve

issues made by affected community on environmental impacts arising throughout the

project cycle. This mechanism will be established by the project proponent; RDA to

address any grievances presented by APs. Most of the environmental impacts are

construction related complaints and managing them is mainly the contractor's

responsibility. However, these grievances could be minimized at the initial stage of the

project by careful design, implementation and monitoring of sub-projects and also

through sound communication & awareness among all the stakeholders including APs

regarding project activities. All environmental impacts that could arise during the

construction phase can be easily mitigated through adhering to mitigation measures

addressed in EMP by the contractor and by careful supervision of CSCs /ES, the

representatives of RDA and CEA.

xvi

6. Environmental Management and Monitoring Plans

6.1. Environmental Management Plan (EMP)

36. The EMP has been prepared to ensure that the proposed project would not

generate any negative impact on environment. This was developed based on best

practices for environmental management and includes potential impact as a result of

project activities, proposed mitigation measures, responsible party to implement and

supervise those and feasible cost measures to be taken to reduce potential significant

adverse impacts at an acceptable level.

6.2. Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMoP)

37. In addition to the EMP, to ensure that the project would not generate any

negative impact to the overall environment quality, an EMoP has been prepared. This

includes information on environmental parameters to be monitored, location, time and

frequency, cost for sampling and stage of subproject during which monitoring should be

conducted. EMoP will be a useful tool to monitor implementation of mitigation measures

included in EMP.

7. Public Consultation and Information Disclosure

Public Consultation

38. Providing information at an early stage to the public especially to APs will ensure

community awareness and avoid conveying misinformation to APs. Public consultation

for the proposed roads/sections was carried out during the period from February to April

2012. During these discussions participants generally expressed their views about the

project including current environmental, social and economic situation of the proposed

subproject areas

Consultation Findings

39. All the proposed subproject roads are very essential link roads to other national

and provincial roads in the area. These roads provide access to the interior part of

Anuradhapura and Mannar districts as well as coastal areas of Jaffna district. Therefore

improvement of these roads is very essential for all other development activities in the

area and directly contributes to poverty alleviation in respect of income generation

through employment opportunities in various fields such as agriculture, fishing, tourism

and other industrial activities.

Information Disclosure

40. In accordance with ADB‘s Information Disclosure policy, RDA will submit the final

IEE report and EMP to ADB for disclosure on ADB‘s website. This will ensure that RDA

will provide relevant environmental information to ADB Board consideration for project

appraisal. If the IEE is carried out in accordance with ToR provided by CEA, information

should be made available to the general public in three languages (Sinhala, Tamil and

xvii

English). This will ensure incorporating affected peoples‘ concerns and inputs into

project design and implementation.

8. Conclusion and recommendations

Construction activities associated with proposed subprojects do not expect to cause

significant environmental and social impacts to the subproject affected areas. Although

environmental sensitive areas of Padaviya sanctuary (B211), Vankalai RAMSAR site

and sanctuary (A014) are located in the subproject affected areas, land acquisition,

removal of trees or any other impacts to those sites will not be expected through the

project. Potential negative environmental impacts that have been identified during the

study are temporary and can be managed properly by adopting proposed migratory

measures in the EMP. However anticipated positive social and environmental impacts of

the project will clearly out lie negative impacts of the project. Therefore the proposed

road improvement project is environmentally acceptable. CEA consent for 3 subprojects

under un-prescribed category have been already obtained and BIQs for rest of 4

subproject roads were prepared and submitted to CEA.

1

Chapter 1 - Introduction

1.1. Project Background and Justification

1. The proposed Feasibility Study and Detailed Design of the Northern Road Connectivity

Project (NRCP) includes rehabilitation and upgrading of 117.5 km of five A, B & AB Class

National roads located within Anuradhapura, Mannar and Jaffna districts of the North Central

Province (NCP) and Northern Province (NP) of Sri Lanka. The Government of Sri Lanka has

received a loan from Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the Road Project Preparatory Facility

(RPPF ADB Loan 2080) and intends to apply a portion to undertake preparatory activities for

additional financing of on-going NRCP ADB Loan 2639.

2. Dilapidated condition, lack of drains, poor alignments, narrow road sections structurally

damaged culverts, bridges and causeways of the subproject roads contributes to high vehicular

operation cost, long travel time and high transport cost. Main objective of developing these

seven roads with proper two/ four lane status is to cater to the existing and predicted traffic flow

in the area in future. In addition the road network is mainly seen as a tool for poverty alleviation,

allowing war affected people in the area to directly access other areas of the country to engage

in a number of social and economic activities. Additionally this project will improve and

strengthen the National Highways Network efficiency in Sri Lanka thereby establishing a

smooth traffic flow, reduce costs and travel time incurred by users of the road network, increase

lifetime of roads by appropriate, periodic maintenance and consequently contributing to

economic development of the country.

3. Out of the 5 roads/sections selected for improvement, 3 are (A029, B283 and B211)

located in 3 Divisional Secretariat Divisions (DSD) in Anuradhapura district of NCP. A single

road section (A014) is located within 3 DSDs of Mannar district of NP and one road/section is

located within 2 DSDs in Jaffna district of NP. The roads/ sections proposed for the

Environmental Assessment are illustrated below.

29.60 km long Madu road to Mannar: A section from Medawachchiya- Mannar -

Talaimannar (A014) Road

10.90 km long Kebithigollewa to Waduwegama: A section from Vavuniya -

Horowupathana (A029) Road

20.27 km long Jaffna to Kayts: Entire section of Jaffna - Pannai - Kayts (AB19) Road

25.35 km long Medawachchiya to Kebithigollewa: Entire section of Medawachchiya -

Kebithigollewa (B283) Road

31.40 km long Kebithigollewa to Padaviya: Entire section of Kebithigollewa – Padaviya

(B211) Road

1.2. Extent and Scope of the Study

4. The Environmental Assessment was carried out as a requirement of Feasibility Study for

a total of 117.5 km 2 A, 1 AB and 2 B class roads located within Anuradhapura, Mannar and

Jaffna districts in NCP and NP. The project comprises a total area of 177.17 ha over the project

2

stretch of 117.5 km with an average strip of 15 to 27.2 m width. The general extent of five

subprojects are mentioned in Table 2.

Table 2 General extent of the subprojects

Road Number

Road Name Length (Km) Width (m) Total area

(Ha)

A 029 Vavuniya – Horowupathana 10.90 15.00 16.35

B 283 Medawachchiya – Kebithigollewa 25.35 15.00 38.03

B 211 Kebithigollewa – Padaviya 31.40 15.00 47.03

A 014 Medawachchiya - Mannar – Talaimannar 29.60 15.00 44.4

AB 19 Jaffna - Pannai – Kayts 20.275 15.6 31.36

Total area 177.17

5. The scope of the study was determined by stipulations given in the ADB, IEE outline.

This include:

Field data collection regarding physical, social, economic and environment

background

Public consultation with affected people and other relevant authorities

Preparation of Basic Information Questionnaires (BIQs) and submission to CEA

(Central Environmental Authority) for environment clearance

Preparation of REA (Rapid Environment Assessment) checklists for ADB

categorization

Assessment of potential Environmental impacts and development of preventive

and/or mitigation measures for significant impacts,

Preparation of Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and Environmental

Monitoring Plans (EMoP)

Preparation of institutional requirements and grievance redress mechanism

Preparation of consolidated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) report

6. Proposed improvement works under the project are generally envisaged to involve:

Widening to standard 2/4 lane status

Realignment to alleviate small radius curves.

Upgrading existing condition of the road with proper surfacing associated with

Asphalt Concrete.

Provisions of road side drainage, improvement of culverts, causeways, bridges

and other hydrological structures where necessary.

Installation of traffic warning signs, provision of pedestrian crossings, bus bays

and parking where necessary.

3

1.3. Objective of the IEE Report

7. Main objective of this IEE report is the preparation of a comprehensive account of the

current environment condition of the project affected area of NCP & NP. Accordingly a single

consolidated IEE report will be submitted for ADB to facilitate their decision making.

8. In detail, the consolidated IEE report will address current Physical, Ecological, Economic

and Social background of subprojects, anticipated environmental impacts that will arise due to

project activities, necessary measures that have to be adopted to mitigate them and public

views and suggestions regarding the project etc. Furthermore this IEE report includes suitable

EMP and EMoP with recommended institutional arrangements for monitoring activities for

identified environmental issues.

1.4. Structure of IEE Report

9. In order to fully meet all requirements, the IEE report generally follows the ADB SPS

2009 and EA Guidelines 2003. Structure of the IEE report is organized as follows:

Introduction: Provides an identification of the project and project proponent,

RDA and an explanation of purpose of the IEE. It also presents the organization

of the IEE, applicable environmental regulations and an explanation of the extent

of the IEE study.

Description of the Project: In accordance with the ADB SPS 2009 and EA

Guidelines 2003, this section provides detailed description of the project, need of

the project, project location, and magnitude of operation, environmental category

of the project and implementation schedule.

Description of the Environment: Provides a description of potentially affected

environment. The description is based on available documentation, statistical

data, and meetings with government authorities, AP, field surveys and

investigations.

Screening of the Potential Environmental Impacts and Mitigation

Measures: Provides an assessment of potential impacts of the proposed road

development in the light of existing conditions, together with recommended

actions to prevent and/or otherwise mitigate unavoidable impacts expected to be

incorporated as integral parts of the Project.

Institutional Requirements and Grievance Redress Mechanism: Provides a

description of responsible parties to implement, administration and supervision of

the project, address concerns, complaints and grievances of affected population

regarding environmental performance of the project.

Environmental Management Plan: Provides a plan for implementing

recommended mitigation measures for addressing environmental issues and

specifies responsible agencies, location and timing for implementing mitigation

measures.

Public Consultation and Information Disclosure: Information on public

participatory workshops and consultations with experts and local administration

is presented in this section.

4

Conclusions and Recommendations: Ultimate conclusions and

recommendations which are finalized by the consultant are stated here with

analysis of currently available data.

1.5. Applicable Environmental Legislations

10. A large number of recurrent and non-recurrent activities under road and rail

development are presently not covered by the National Environmental Act (NEA)1. However

rehabilitation of existing national roads do not fall within the category of ―Prescribed Projects‖

listed in Gazette Extra-ordinary No. 772/22 of 24th June 1993 and subsequent amendments,

which needs to go through an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process and

subsequent conditional approval from CEA of Ministry of Environment and Natural Resource

(MENR). These may, however be subjected to an environmental review, if the Project

Approving Agency; CEA deem it necessary. National laws and regulations that can be relevant

to the project are briefly described in Table (Table 3) below.

Table 3 Applicable national laws and regulations relevant to the project

Laws and Regulations Provisions and main content

National Environmental Act No.47 of 1980, Amendment No.56 of 1988, and other Amendments

The NEA is a framework environmental statute that makes provision for protection, management and enhancement of environment, for regulation, maintenance and control of quality of environment and for the prevention and control of pollution by implementing the proposed project.

Coast Conservation Act No 57 of 1981 This act regulates any un authorized construction within the coastal zone, by making it mandatory to obtain permits for any development activity falling within the coastal zone.

National Environmental (Noise Control) Regulations No. 01 of 1996

Regulates maximum allowable noise levels for construction activities during proposed project activities

National Environmental (Protection & Quality) Regulations, No. 01 of 1990

Provides standards for discharging effluents into inland surface water during proposed project activities.

Fauna and Flora Protection Act (1993)

An act to amend the fauna and flora protection ordinance (Chapter 469) of 1938, which provide for the protection and conservation of fauna and flora of Sri Lanka and their habitats; for the prevention of commercial and other misuse of such fauna and flora and their habitats for conservation of biodiversity of Sri Lanka; and to provide for matters connected there with or incidental thereto.

Felling of Trees Control Act No. 09 of 1951 as Amended through Act No. 30 of 1953

This Act sought to prohibit and control felling of specified trees (mainly intended to stop indiscriminate felling of specified trees) in the country.

Water Resources Board Act No. 29 of 1964, Amendment No.42 of 1999

Control, regulation and development (including conservation and utilization) of water resources; prevention of pollution of rivers, streams and other water resources; formulation of national policies relating to control and use of water resources.

Soil Conservation Act, No. 25 of 1951 Amended in 24 of 1996

An act to make provisions for enhancement and substances of productive capacity of soil, to restore degraded land for prevention and mitigation of soil erosion, for conservation of soil resources and protection of land against damage by floods, salinity, alkalinity and drought and to provide for matters connected there with or incidental thereto.

Explosive Act No. 36 of 1976 To provide control of explosions and regulations of matters connected with explosive activities.

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act 1996

The Act addresses management, regulation, conservation and development of fisheries and aquatic resources during proposed

1Central Environmental Authority, 2003.National Environmental Act, Subsidiary Legislation.

5

Laws and Regulations Provisions and main content

project activities.

Flood Protection Ordinance No. 04 of 1924

An ordinance for protection of areas subjected to damage from floods. This includes declaration of flood areas, preparation of schemes for flood protection and other rules and regulations regarding flood in the country.

Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) Act No. 33 of 1992

Regulates exploration for minerals, mining, transportation, processing, trading in export of mineral products and usage of quarries and sand mines in the country.

Motor Traffic Act, No 14, 1995, Amended by Act No. 05 of 1998

Provision of laws relating to Motor Vehicles and their use on highways including provisions relating to insurance against third party risk

Crown Land Ordinance Act No. 1947 The Act dealing with allocation and control of Crown lands In Sri Lanka for private and government activities.

Irrigation Act No. 23 of 1983

An Act to formulate policies and programmes in regard to subjects of irrigation, reservoirs, water resources management and prevention of pollution of rivers, streams and other water recourses. Promotion, construction, operation and maintenance of irrigation schemes, drainage and flood control in the country.

Regulations of Local Authorities Regulates and control actions and methods taking place within the command area relevant to government laws and regulations.

Source: Compiled by the Consultant

11. Following table (Table 4) indicates key clearance and permits that should be obtained

for the proposed project

Table 4 Key clearance and permits need for the project activities

Project stage Clearance and permits Activity Relevant Agency

Pre-Construction Stage

(Although clearances and

approval should be obtained during pre-construction stage it is valid throughout the project cycle.

However this should be renewed before

expiry date)

Environment Clearance Implementation of the project CEA

Clearance for development activities in coastal areas

Implementation of the project CCD

Industrial Mining License (IML) Operation of quarries, borrow

areas and other material extraction sites

GS&MB

Environmental Protection License (EPL)

Operation of quarries, crushers, borrow areas

(material extraction sites) CEA

Explosive Permits Blasting activities MoD

Local Government Authorities Trade License

Operation of metal quarries, crushers, borrow areas,

disposal sites, labour camps

Local Authorities(LAs)

Approval for removal of trees Widening of the CW DS, DoF,

DWLC, CEA

Construction stage Consent from relevant government agencies

Construction of bridges, culverts and other drainage

systems

DoI, DoAS, PDoI

1.6. Methodology

12. Environmental Assessment of the project has been performed in accordance with

following policies and guidelines:

Environmental Safeguards Compliance Manual (ESCM) of RDA,

ADB SPS 2009 and EA Guidelines 2003,

Policy and Legal Framework of Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) and

6

Environmental Guidelines for Road and Rail Development in Sri Lanka of CEA

(1997).

13. Also the report has been prepared conforming to the requirements of ―Environmental

Framework‖ established for NRCP.

14. Field observation of the roads located within NCP and NP was carried out during the

period from February to April 2012. A line transect surveys was carried out along all the

proposed roads about 25 m either side from the centreline. However this specified area of

investigation was expanded beyond 25 m, when the impacts were considered as special and

significant i.e. Impacts regarding hydrology, ecology and social issues. Direct observations

were made to identify road side trees, important flora, fauna, water resources, land use pattern,

environmental sensitive and protected areas.

15. In certain occasions information was collected from villages and respective authorities to

understand the general social and environmental background of the project affected areas

including existing social and environmental problems. At the same time information was

collected to prepare BIQs for Environment clearance. Public consultation meetings were carried

out for each and every road with affected parties to get their current perception on the project

and those views and suggestions are incorporated in the reports. This information is also used

to address Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM).

16. Secondary information for the report was gathered from printed materials and other

sources of Government Departments, Authorities, Ministries, Non-Government Agencies

(NGOs) and relevant websites etc.

17. Common EMP (Annex D) and EMoP (Annex E) were prepared for the project and were

included in the consolidated IEE report and also in the Bid documents.

7

Chapter 2 - Description of the Project

1.1. Type of the Project

18. A total of 5 subproject roads including two A class roads (A029, A014), two B class

roads (B 283, B211) and oneAB class road (AB19) have been identified within Anuradhapura,

Jaffna and Mannar districts of NCP and NP of Sir Lanka. These are existing National roads and

the proposed project activities will involve rehabilitation and upgrading of these roads.

19. Existing carriageways of entire road or selected sections are insufficient to cater to the

present traffic flow in subproject affected areas. Therefore selected roads are proposed to be

widened as standard two or four lane status with 6.6.m – 14.0 m carriageway, shoulders on

both sides and earth or line drains where required as indicated in Table 5.

Table 5 Details of proposed subprojects

Road Number Length (Km) Existing RoW (m) Proposed RoW (m)

Existing CW (m) Proposed CW (m)

Hard Shoulders(m)

Soft Shoulders (m)

A 029 10.90 9-12 15.00 5.20 6.6 1.0 1.0

B 283 25.35 17 - 21 15.00 5.60 6.60 1.0 1.0

B 211 31.35 15 - 19 15.00 5.90 6.60 1.0 1.0

A 014 29.60 13 - 17 15.00 4.70 7.00 1.0 1.0

AB 19 20.275 10-12 15.6 4-5.5 6.6 1.5 1.0

1.2. Category of the Project

20. According to BIQ and Environmental Guidelines for Road and Rail Development in Sri

Lanka of CEA (1997) the proposed project roads fall in to un-prescribed category.

21. CEA consent for 2 subprojects (A014, AB19) under un-prescribed category have been

already obtained through letter No. 08/EIA/Trans/03/04 Vol II dated 3rd September, 2009

(Attachment 1). BIQs for rest of 3 subproject roads were prepared and submitted to CEA for

Environment clearance. According to information regarding BIQs and Environmental

Assessment Guidelines of CEA (Sri Lanka) rest of these 3 subproject roads will be categorized

under un-prescribed category since this is a rehabilitation and improvement project.

22. Based on REA Checklist of ADB classification, NP roads are categorized under

environment category B. Therefore potential environment impacts associated with the proposed

project are less adverse than category A. Thus the IEE serves as the complete Environment

Assessment for the proposed project.

8

1.3. Need for the Project

23. The conflict that prevailed for nearly three decades in the country has destroyed and

damaged the national, provincial and rural road network of NP, EP (Eastern Province) and part

of NCP of Sri Lanka. Some of these roads were mainly used for the purpose of military activities

and transportation by general public was very limited. Therefore the roads were subjected to a

long period of underinvestment and insufficient maintenance which resulted in further

destruction.

24. Conditions such as poor alignments, narrow road sections, rough surfaces, pot holes

with water stagnated areas, structurally damaged drainage facilities have led to high vehicle

operating costs and long travel times which result in unnecessarily high transport costs These

may also impede the delivery of social services of these areas and opportunities for rural

population to fully engage in economic and social activities. Since a majority of people in NP

and NCP engage in agriculture activities and fisheries, good transportation facility is essential

for them to access commercial centres in semi urban and urban areas. Apart from that

rehabilitation of these roads is essential to increased road safety, transport efficiency and

access to other infrastructure facilities. Further road improvement will positively impact on

tourism industry of the area which will positively impact on living standards of the people.

25. In 2009, after the war, several development programmes (eg.Uthuru Wasanthaya and

Maga Neguma) were initiated by the Sri Lankan Government to improve infrastructure facilities

of the war affected areas. Proposed project will therefore aim at contributing to the infrastructure

development at national level and help to uplift the living conditions of war affected people in the

North. Since many projects are underway to develop the North, it is also expected to divert

additional vehicles to these areas thereby rapidly increase traffic volumes in future. Therefore

improvement of proposed subprojects is really essential. Current and projected Average Daily

Traffic (ADT) in another 20 years of the proposed roads are summarised in Table 6.

Table 6 Average Daily Traffic Based on Traffic Counts and traffic forecasts

Road Road Name Section

Current ADT

volumes Traffic Forecasts (ADT)

2012 2022 2032

A014 Medawachchiya - Mannar -

Talaimannar (47+000 to 76+600) 2836 6,551 9143

A029 Vavuniya - Horowupathana (24+000 to 34+900) 746 2041 2,757

AB019 Jaffna - Pannai - Kayts (00+000 to 14+765) 2009 6,355 9,808

(14+765 to 20+900) 501 1,728 2,718

B211 Kebithigollewa - Padaviya (00+000 to 31+345) 1283 3,278 4,475

B283 Medawachchiya -

Kebithigollewa

( 00+000 to 12+600) 1614 4,280 5,,864

(12+600 to 25+350) 1487 4,029 5,489

Source: Traffic Engineering study NRCP- National (2012)

9

1.4. Location

26. A total of 5 subproject roads located within Anuradhapura, Jaffna and Mannar districts of

NCP and NP of Sir Lanka has been identified for improvement. Out of these, 3 roads are

located within 3 DSDs of Anuradhapura district (Medawachchiya, Kebithigollewa and Padaviya),

a single road in 3 DSDs of Mannar district (Madu, Nannaddan, Mannar) and 1 road in 2 DSDs

of Jaffna district. (Jaffna,Kayts).

27. List of roads with starting, end points and their administrative boundaries are indicated in

Table 7. General locations map of the proposed projects is shown in Figure 1 and location

maps at 1:50,000 scales are provided for each road section separately as Annexure B and

Hydrological maps are given as Annexure C.

Table 7 Subproject roads located within different DS & PS divisions of NP and NCP.

Road

No Road Name

Length (Km)

Province District Divisional Secretary

Local Authority

A-014 Medawachchiya -

Mannar – Talaimannar road.

29.6 North Mannar

Madu Madu PS

Nannaddan Nannaddan PS

Mannar Mannar MC

B-283 Medawachchiya -

Kebithigollewa road.

25.35 North

Central Anuradh

apura

Medawachchiya Medawachchiya

PS

Kebithigollewa Kebithigollewa PS

B-211 Kebithigollewa - Padaviya road.

31.35 North

Central Anuradh

apura Kebithigollewa Kebithigollewa PS

Padaviya Padaviya PS

A-029 Vavuniya –

Horowupathana road.

10.90 North

Central Anuradh

apura Kebithigollewa Kebithigollewa PS

AB-19 Jaffna - Pannai –

Kayts road. 20.275 North Jaffna

Jaffna Jaffna MC

Kayts Kayts PS

Total length 117.5 km

10

Figure 1 General Location Map of Project Roads / Sections

11

1.5. Analysis of Alternatives

28. All roads identified for the proposed rehabilitation are very essential link roads to

other parts of the country. In general rehabilitation and improvement of proposed roads are

necessary due to existing traffic demands, dilapidated conditions and expected growth in

traffic due to rapid economic development in future.

29. Even without proposed rehabilitation and improvement, these roads will continue to

be a main and easy transportation link with National and Provincial road networks in the NP

and NCP. Although the proposed subproject roads are located in close proximity to

environment sensitive areas, road improvement works will be restricted to the existing road

corridors of particular locations. Therefore land acquisition will not be required from those

areas. The impacts associated with construction stage are temporary, short term and can be

managed by adhering to the EMP of the project.

30. Within the proposed project, some roads require partial land acquisition due to minor

realignment (eg.B283). There are some roads that require no land acquisition at all

(eg.A014). (Refer: Resettlement Action Plan, Volume 8).

31. If new roads have to be constructed as alternatives, impacts will be much higher than

the current project. Since most of the projects are located in urban and semi urban areas of

Jaffna, Mannar and Anuradhapura districts more lands have to be acquired, and many

people have to be resettled/ relocate which ultimately affect their income generation, living

standards and social background. Furthermore other infrastructure facilities will also be

affected more compared to the current project Therefore the government will have to spend

considerable amount of money for compensation and new road construction activities. If new

roads are constructed, impacts related to natural environment is also high compared to the

current project. On the other hand, there are no existing roads that can be developed as

alternatives to proposed subprojects

32. Therefore, examination of alternatives to subproject‘s location, design, technology,

and components would not be necessary. Thus, the proposed improvements will be the

better option for existing and proposed traffic demand in the area.

1.6. Size and Magnitude of Operation

33. Road improvement works under NRCP will involve rehabilitation and upgrading of

seven A, B and AB class National roads in NP and NCP of Sri Lanka. They do not

generally involve new road construction except where there is a special need to re-route or

realign a section of road.

34. Proposed road formation width standards and Rights of Way (RoW) are discussed in

detail in the section of Engineering Assessment of Feasibility Study of the Main Report. The

proposed 5 roads will be developed to 2 lane standards. For the 2 lane standards, existing

road platform is to be widened along the existing centre line to provide proposed carriage

ways, cycle lanes, earth or line drains incorporated with paved shoulder and soft shoulders

at both sides of the carriage way.

35. It is proposed that on most of the roads horizontal alignments will follow existing road

centrelines. Where irrigation canals exist along the roads in either LHS/ RHS, the centreline

12

should be shifted accordingly. In general road carriageway widths vary between 4.00 and 6.7

m and RoW width being 9.0 to 19.0 m. Shoulder widths vary between1.0 m to 1.5 with

majority being 1.00 m. Road formation width is generally 6.6 m to 14.0 and road RoW

between 15 m to 27.2 m.

36. The dimensions (cross-sections) given to each road are dependent on projected

traffic volume (Table 6). The civil works will entail repair and extension of existing cross

drainage structures (Refer Appendix 2: for Bridges and Culverts Schedule) to accommodate

new road cross section as detailed in construction drawings (Refer: Annex C: Typical Cross-

Sections).

37. The general scope of work for the National roads comprises:

Initial repairs to the existing road surface to prepare it for resurfacing or

overlay: these repairs may include bituminous patching, crack sealing,

carriageway edges and shoulder repairs where traffic damage or erosion has

occurred, cleaning of side drains and road culverts.

In all cases recommended improvements entail overlaying existing pavement

with a base or levelling course, designed for the projected number of

Equivalent Standard Axles (ESA‘s) over design life of the road, and

resurfacing. Where a pavement is found to be severely deteriorated, broken

or uneven, existing surface would first be scarified and reshaped before

applying the pavement surface. Work will also include cleaning of road side

drains; and culverts; cleaning of outlet drains; repairs to road furniture.

In some cases roads will have pavement widening varying between 1.00 m

and 3.00 m and/or shoulder widening varying between 0.50 m and 1.50 m.

These widening activities will in most cases involve earthworks, pavement

construction, overlaying of the existing pavement and bitumen surfacing.

Work will also include cleaning of road side drains; and culverts; cleaning of

outlet drains; repairs to road furniture (Culvert and Bridge list Attachment 2 &

3).

Improvements will be carried out to roadside drains, culverts and bridges.

Where existing structures are sound then culverts will be lengthened and

bridges widened to suit the new road width. Where the condition of culverts

and/or bridges is poor, the structure will be replaced.

Minor realignment may be made to alleviate small radius curves. Widening

will be carried out on insides of curves for most roads. Known black spots will

be alleviated and in some cases minor adjustments may be made to vertical

alignment if visibility is considered a problem. This will include approaches to

bridges and railway crossings on embankments.

Improvements works will include where technically appropriate correction of

irregularities in road cross-section and severe undulations in the longitudinal

profile.

Bridge repairs, re-decking, widening and in some cases replacement of

structure of a bridge are the main rehabilitation activities with respect to

13

structures. More than two-thirds of structural work entails reconstruction of

bridges. Balance work includes structural renovation of substructure and

superstructure elements together with installation/repair of guardrails and

improvement of causeways and vented drifts.

1.7. Cost for the Project

38. The total cost estimated for major items associated with proposed subprojects works

(including earth work, pavement, drainage structures and ancillary work) were established by

application of appropriate unit rates to the estimated work item quantities derived from the

results of surveys, test results and design analysis for subprojects. The finalized estimates of

each subprojects will be included in Volume 3 – Cost estimates of: Detail Design and Final

Report of the project.

1.8. Proposed Schedule for the Implementation

39. Present Feasibility and Detailed Engineering Design of the subproject roads will be

completed in July 2012. Once Detailed Designs and Bid Documents are completed, tenders

will be awarded to the successful contractors at the beginning of 2013. ADB is the funding

agency for Feasibility Study, Detailed Engineering Design and for civil works. Improvement

works are scheduled to be completed within two years.

14

Chapter 3 - Description of the Existing Environment of the project affected area

1.1. Description of the Existing Condition of Subprojects Roads

B 211: Kebithigollewa - Padaviya road (31.4 Km)

40. The proposed road starts from 4 way junction of Kebithigollewa town (end point of

B283 road) with ribbon type developed business area (about 200m) and then passes

through residential area of kebithigollewa. Rest of the section runs through rural agricultural

villages of Pahalagama, Ithalawiddawewa, Mahanetiyawa, Rambakepuwewa,

Samadhigama, Galawewa, Thammennawa, Hearath Halmillewa, Kahatagollewa, Konwewa,

Kuda Bellankadawala, Maha Bellankadawala, Punchimudagama, Bogashandiya, Boraluwala

up to Padaviya. Land use pattern beside the road includes business premises, home

gardens and residences, large extent of paddy fields, scrublands and chena cultivations.

Additionally number of seasonal tanks are located beside the road {Ihalagollewa,

Kudakatuweragollewa, Mahanetiyawa, Pahala Herath Halmillewa etc.), while several tank

bund are connected to the proposed road at several locations. Large irrigation scheme of

Padaviya tank is located around 16.5 km (LHS) of the road within Padaviya sanctuary. Main

irrigation canal of the tank crosses the road within the Padaviya town boundary. A total of

31.4 km road ends at Padaviya town

41. Environment sensitive area of Padaviya Sanctuary is located LHS of the road from

16.1 km (Mora Oya) to 27.5 km (Bogashandiya). The road is located outside of the

sanctuary and in some locations it is adjacent to the proposed road {Refer annex B:

Topographic maps of the road (3.1-3.3)}. Large extent of private lands, residences, home

gardens, and agricultural lands are located in the sanctuary area of the road.

42. Terrain of the road is flat and the alignment mainly straight with a few curves in the

initial section. The current situation of the road surface is fairly good for transportation up to

9.00 km. However rest of the section is not at a satisfactory level due to the dilapidated

condition. Insufficient capacity of cross drainages could also be observed at different

locations along the road. The road gets inundated around water spills of Weli Agara (4.9

km), Pudalugaswewa (17.00 km) and Meegaskada (19.00 km) during heavy rains. Several

pubic sensitive places are scattered from Kebithigollewa to Padaviya and include two

government schools {Mahanetiyawa (5.9 km: R), Bellankadawala (22.4 km: R)} other

important government buildings {sub post office / Kahatagahawewa (17.2 km: R), base

hospital / Padaviya (29.2 km: L) and pradeshiya sabah / Padaviya (19.8 km: R)}, few

religious places {two temples (25.2 km: R), Isipathanaramaya (28.5 km: L) and a church

(28.3 km: R). In addition number of government buildings are concentrated to Padaviya

town.

A029: Vavuniya - Horowupathana road (10.9 Km)

43. The proposed road section starts from 24.00 Km post of Vavuniya – Horowupathana

road, around 4 way junction of Kebithigollewa town. The road runs through semi urban area

of Kebithigollewa and rural agricultural areas of Iyaththige wewa, Kirikitiyawa, Girirajapura

15

and Waduwagama. Land use beside the road includes medium and small scale business

premises, home gardens and residences, paddy fields, chena cultivations, scrublands and

forest at the end section. The road passes Kebithigollewa town with ribbon type developed

business premises about 300m, and then passes through residential area within town

boundary. Kebithigollewa bus stand and clock tower are located around 25.1 km (RHS) of

the road. Rest of the section up to 30.00 km mainly runs through home gardens, residences,

intermittently distributed small seasonal tanks, paddy fields and chena cultivations. A

seasonal tank of Iyaththigewewa is located at 27.00 km of the road. Large extents of paddy

fields are located around 27.1 and 28.5 kms. The road crosses branches of Yan Oya

around 27.7 km and 28.7 km chainages. Environment sensitive area of Waduwegama forest

is located beside the road from 30.00 km to 34.90 km. A total of 10.90 km road ends around

34.90 km within Kebithigollewa DSD.

44. Terrain of the road is flat and the alignment is mainly straight with a few curves.

Current situation of the road surface up to 27.5 km is fairly good and the rest up to 34.5 km

is highly dilapidated. Most of the cross drainages are structurally damaged, blocked and not

in a functional situation. Majority of people in the area are farmers and mainly depend on

paddy cultivation. Since forested areas are located around these agricultural villages,

human elephant conflict is a common incidence in this area. Two government building

{Office of Department of Forest (25.6 km), single govenment school (1.9 km: L) and a temple

at Iyaththigewewa (27.1 km)} are the public sensitive locations observed along the project

road.

B283: Medawachchiya - Kebithigollewa road (25.9 Km)

45. The proposed road starts close to the 154 km post of A009 road (within

Medawachchiya town boundary) and runs through a number of villages including

Medawchchiya, Isenbessagala, Thammennawa, Dachchigama, Mahadiwulwewa,

Etaweeragollewa, Kumbukgollewa, Ethakada, Hirallugama, Gonameriyawa and

Kebithigollewa. Land use beside the road includes home gardens and residences, large

extents of paddy lands, scrublands, chena cultivations, scattered business premises, small &

medium scale seasonal tanks and their catchment areas. Numbers of gravel mining sites,

metal crushers as well as metal quarries are located beside the road at different locations.

Therefore huge quantities of construction materials are supplied to NCP, NP and EP for

roads and other infra-structure development programmes from these areas. A total of 25.4

km road ends at 4 way junction of Kebithigollewa town of A029 Vavuniya – Horowpathana

road.

46. Terrain of the road is flat and the alignment is mainly straight with a few curves.

Current situation of the existing road is fairly good and in a motorable condition. Four

government schools {Ihalathammennawa (3.00km: L), Mahadivulwewa (5.5km: R),

Ataweeragollewa (8.8km: R), and Athakada (12.00 km: R)}, central Dispensary/Athakada

(11.9 km: L), Education Office/Kebithigollewa (24 km: L) and two locally important temples

{Sri Gonameriyawa Temple (20.2 km: L) and Kebithigollewa Temple (24.1 km: L)} are

located beside the road. Other than that several large, medium and small scale tanks are

located beside the road at different locations {Mahadivulwewa (5.3 km: R), Ataweeragollewa

(9.4 km: R), Athakada (12.3 km: L) and Kebithigollewa tank (23.2 km: L). Therefore majority

16

of people in the area are farmers and mainly depends on paddy cultivation. They also

engage in chena cultivations, fishing and animal husbandry. Additionally small percentages

of peoples engage in business, government and private sector occupations. There are no

environment sensitive areas beside the proposed road section.

A014: Medawachchiya - Mannar – Talaimannar road (30.0 Km)

47. The section of A014 road starts from 47.00 km post of Madhu road junction and runs

through number of agricultural villages including Madhu, Periyapandiviriththan,

Kaddaiyadpam, Thampanaikulam, Thambalaponnayakulam, Katkidantakulam, Murungan,

Yodha wewa, Mathottam, Vannamotte, Uyiliankulam, Nochchikulam up to Vankalai. Initial

section of the road passes through paddy & chena cultivations, residences of rehabilitated

people, bare lands and scrub forests. The population density of the proposed road seems to

be low. Murungan town is the main commercial centre in the project area with ribbon type

developed business premises and government buildings. Therefore people surrounding the

proposed road section frequently visit Murungan town for their daily needs and to obtain

government services. Yodha wewa is the main irrigation scheme of the area and is located

from 61.00 km to 66.00 km (RHS) of the road. More than 3.00 km of the tank bund of Yodha

wewa runs parallel to the proposed road. People of this area mainly depend on paddy

cultivation and fishing industry under Yodha wewa irrigation scheme. The road passes

through large extents of paddy fields in Yodha wewa, Mathottam, Vannamotte, and

Uyiliankulam (61.00 -75.00 km), Nochchikulam areas and several fishing villages around

Yodha wewa. A total of 30.00 km road terminates at Thirucashwaram Kovil junction around

77.00 km post.

48. Terrain of the road is flat and the alignment is mainly straight. Current situation of the

existing road is fairly good and in a motorable condition. Many public sensitive locations

including four government schools {Sinhala maha vidyalaya / Madu (47.8 km), Roman

Catholic Tamil school / Kaddaiyadpam (50.3 km), government school / Murungan (61.8 km:

L), Roman Catholic Tamil school / Mathottam (68.8 km: L)}, buildings of Murungan town area

{market (60.3 km: L), veterinary surgeon office (61.1 km: L), police station (61.4 km: L),

hospital (61.5 km: L)}, Yodha wewa district fertilizer store (62.00 km: L) agrarian service

centre (62.3 km: L), irrigation office (62.3 km: L)} and several religious places {Sri Bodhi

raja viharaya (47.3 km: R), two churches (47.6 km: R & 52.3 km: R) and Purana viharaya

(59.5 km)} are located beside the road. Vankalai Ramsar site and Sanctuary are the highly

environment sensitive areas located RHS of the road from 74.00 km up to end section.

Large numbers of water birds frequently inhabit water stagnated areas of this sanctuary.

AB19: Jaffna - Pannai – Kayts Road (20.4 Km)

49. The proposed Jaffna – Ponnai – Kayts (AB19) road starts roundabout of AB21 close

to Jaffna fort. The initial section of the road (about 4.3 km) runs through Jaffna lagoon and

then enters to Kayts Island close to Allaippidi junction. Several small islands, mangrove

strips and mangrove forest patches are located close/at the vicinity of this section. The

Jaffna lagoon is mainly used for fishing activities by fishing community in the area.

50. The road then runs parallel and very close to the Jaffna lagoon up to 6.00 kms (RHS)

and enters to a plane area. Then road enters to a residential area of Manomman (7.8 km)

17

and runs up to 4 way junction of Nagadeepa (11.6 km) through Tharikkattuban junction (12.2

km) & water stagnated area with no residences. The daily traffic volume up to Nagadeepa

junction (11.6 km) is very high due to visit of large number of pilgrims in Nagadeepa temple.

Scattered residences, water stagnated areas, scrub forests, abandoned houses, chena

cultivations and paddy fields are located beside the road of Ponnankandy area (12.3 to 14

km). The section between Suruvil junction/Paravanai (14.20 km) up to 3 way junction of

Kayts (18.1 Km) runs through residential and agricultural areas of Paravanai and

Naranthanai. Large number of abandoned/damaged residences and government buildings

could be observed in Naranthanai area. The road then enters to Kayts town area around

18.5 km. Number of government and private sector buildings, religious places (18.5 km to

19.5 km) and ribbon type developed business premises (about 100 m beside the road) are

located at the end section of the road. A total of 20.4 km road ends at 3 way junction of

Kayts town and close to Kayts Jetty.

51. Terrain of the road is flat and alignment is mainly straight. Current situation of the

road including initial section as well as from 12.2 km up to Kayts town boundary is not at a

satisfactory level. Four locally important churches at Naranthanai (16.1 km: L) and Kayts

(18.5 km, 19.1 km: R & Rev. Joseph Church 19.4 km: L) are the locally important religious

places located beside the road. Other than that two government schools {Roman Catholic

Tamil Boys school (19.00 km: L) & St Anthony‘s School (19.1km: R)}, base hospital (18.6

km: L), assistant governor‘s office (18.7 km: L), National Saving Bank (18.9 km: L), police

station (19.2 km L), post office (19.3 km: R) and pradeshiya sabha office (19.5 km: R) are

located within Kayts town area.

1.2. Description of the Existing Environment of Subprojects Roads

52. Following section describes the current situation of physical, ecological, economic

and social background of the sub-project affected areas of the district in brief.

3.2.1. Anuradhapura District

Physical Resources

Topography, Geology and Soil

53. Anuradhapura district is located in the Northern half of Sri Lanka and bordered by 7

districts: Vavuniya, Trincomalle, Polonnaruwa, Matale, Kurunegala, Puttalam and Mannar.

Selected roads for the improvement run through 3DSD s of Anuradhapura District (Padaviya,

Kebithigollewa and Medawachchiya).

54. Topography of the district is slightly undulating with elevations ranging from 150 m to

nearly 2000 m at the highest parts. Geology of major part of the district is highly crystalline,

formed by metamorphosis of well-bedded sediments in an old geosyncline and is belong to

ancient continent, Gondwanaland. Geology of North Western boundary of the district

overlain by Pleistocene and Miocene.

55. There are five rock types within the district which are generally in Central and

Eastern parts of the district consist with Highland series. Western part of the district consists

with Vijayan series rocks of Precambrian and Palaeozoic eras. West of Vijayan series rocks

18

consist of Pleistocene and post Pleistocene sand and gravel of coastal nature. Further small

extents of Miocene limestone of marine sedimentary origin overlain by quaternary deposits.

56. Reddish Brown Earth – Low Humic Gley association is the most commonly

distributed soil in this district. Reddish Brown Earth component of this association is better

drained and occupies upper parts of the undulations that almost exclusively make up the

landscape in the district. Poorly drained Low Humic Gley soil covers the lower parts of the

same undulations. Phosphate in Eppawala (Use for the production of phosphate fertilizer

and chemical industry), Mica in Kebithigollawa, lime stone in Palagala to Horowpathana and

pink quartz in Palagala DSD are the major mineral types found in the area.

Climate

57. According to the geographical location, Anuradhapura district belongs to low country

Dry Zone of Sri Lanka where annual rainfall is less than 1500 mm. Major rainfall peaks is

called Maha rains which falls during North-East monsoons (December-February). As the

Maha rains fade away, a dry season sets where there is little or no rain. The second rainy

season experienced during the Second Inter Monsoon (October to November). A small

amount of rain is received during the South West monsoon (May to September). Extremely

heavy rains bought by cyclones and depressions during some years.

58. The temperature of the district is warm throughout the year and is 27.3oC. It shows

little variation over the year with rainfall. Highest temperature is recorded from March to May

and August to September and is 29 - 30 0C. Temperature becomes low in December to

January and is 26 0C. Relative humidity of the district varies between 70 - 82% within the

year. During South Western monsoons the wind speed accelerates to 12 km/hr. or rises

further to 16 km/hr. Evaporation rate of water from a free water surface is 35 mm/week and

varies from place to place.

Air quality and Noise

59. According to the information available at National Building Research Organization,

concentration of particulate matter in Anuradhapura area in 1999, are well below NAAQS

(Table 08). However, no recent data is available on air quality in the Anuradhapura district.

Therefore it is very important to measure current air quality parameters of the project area

19

Table 8 Air quality at Anuradhapura meteorological Department in May 1999

Date Start time (hrs.) Run time (hrs.) PM10

Concentration (µg/m3)

Maximum permissible

level (µg/m3)

25/05/99 18.00 24 30 100

26/05/99 19.00 24 29 -

27/05/99 19.00 24 37 -

28/05/99 18.40 24 20 -

29/05/99 19.20 24 16 -

30/05/99 19.10 24 33 -

31/05/99 19.15 24 45 -

02/06/99 17.10 24 39 -

03/06/99 17.15 24 37 -

04/06/99 18.45 24 37 -

Source- NBRO

60. Noise level measurements within the project area are not available. Since the

proposed road sections are located mainly within semi-urban, rural residential and

agricultural areas, noise levels may be below than the permissible levels.

Water Resources

61. Tanks, streams, and springs are the major surface water resource in the district and

are main storages of rain water during the whole year. Major irrigation tanks found in the

district are Kala wewa, Basawakkulama wewa, Nuwara wewa and Tissa wewa which were

built during ancient times. Many other rulers constructed a number of large tanks such as

Padaviya, Nachchaduwa, Kantale Mahawilacchiya wewa which further expanded the

irrigation network. Other than the mentioned reservoirs many ponds are fed by a network of

subterranean channels have been constructed to supply water to the district. Eg: Kala Oya

and Kalankuttiya Oya supply water to the Southern boundary of the district. Eastern

boundary runs along the right bank watershed area of Nelu Oya along Yan Oya. Modaragam

Aru and Kal Aru nourish the Western region of the district. Other than the above mentioned

perennial tanks, there are 2600 small and medium scale tanks located in the district. These

are commonly known as village tanks and are mainly used for the purpose of agricultural

activities. Following table (Table 9) shows the water resources observed beside the

proposed subproject roads during the field survey.

20

Table 9 Water resources (seasonal tanks) within sub –project affected areas

Road name Water resources

B 211: Kebithigollewa - Padaviya road. Ihalagollewa seasonal tank

Kuda katuweragollewa seasonal tank

Mahanetiyawa,

Pahala Herath Halmillewa

Irrigation scheme of Padaviya tank

A029: Vavuniya - Horowupathana road Iyaththigewewa seasonal tank

Branches of Yan Oya

B283: Medawachchiya - Kebithigollewa road. Mahadivul wewa

Ataweeragollewa wewa

Athakada wewa

Kebithigollewa tank

62. Ground water is mainly used for the purpose of drinking. At present it has expanded

for agricultural activities in dry season as well. Shallow ground water fluctuates with rains

(abundant during and after Maha rains up to end of February). It is more in well-drained

upper slopes of catena than poorly drained lower slope and found to be better where the

rock is quartzite/ highly weathered/ moderately and fractured compared to sites with un-

weathered rocks. Large number of surface water resource located within Anuradhapura

district helps stabilize the ground water resources.

63. The geology beneath unconsolidated overburden of the district is composed of

crystalline rocks, which are hard and nonporous. Hence the availability of deep ground water

is very limited. Depth of the ground water level is varies within the range of 5 m -8 m. Quality

of ground water varies with the available compounds and substances of the district. (i.e.

Hardness due to elements such as Calcium and Magnesium and salinity due to Chloride).

Fluoride and Iron contents in ground water have been found to be high in the district and

results in lowering the water quality.

Ecological Resources

64. Natural vegetation in Anuradhapura district and sub-project affected areas mainly

consists of tropical dry mixed evergreen forest. Forest cover in the district is 24% of land

area and has under gone drastic changes due to human interference over thousands of

years.

65. According to the moisture content available in rain and soil, there are two types of

forest in the district namely dry and moist. The dry forest type, which is widespread in the

district, consists of species such as Manilkara hexandra (Palu), Chloroxylon swetenia

(Buruta), Bridelia retusa (Ketakala), Syzigium cumini (Madan), Vitex pinnata (Mille) and

Berya cordifolia (Halmille) etc. The moist type is found some DS divisions, which are closer

to rivers, near water holes and in uplands adjacent to tanks. Alseodaphne semicarpifolia

(Wewarana), Berrya cordifolia (Halmilla), Diosyros malabarica (Thimbiri), Terminalia arjuna

(Kubuk), Madhuca longifolia (Mee) and Schleierera oleosa (Kone) are the common trees in

wet and moist areas.

66. When considering the vertebrates fauna, fresh water fish species such as Anguilla

bicolor bicolor (Anda), Mystus vittatus (Ankutta), Channa striata (Lula), Plotosus canius

21

(Magura), and Puntius titteya (Tittaya) are common in this district. Kelaarts toad, Hourglass

tree frog, Common branded caecitian and Small eared toad are the amphibian species

recorded in Anuradhapura district. Serpent reptiles and Tetrapod reptiles recorded in this

area include Earth snake, Bronzeback, Common whip snake, Russell‘s viper, Saw scaled

viper, Common wolf snake and Merrem‘s hump noses etc,. Out of 427 bird species recorded

in Sri Lanka, many are reported to be present in this district because of availability of food

resources, favourable whether condition during migration season and various habitats such

as riverine forests, tanks and villus in Wilpattu area. Among mammals spotted deer, Palm

squirrel, Porcupines, Hare and Indian gerbil are the commonest mammals in the district.

Endemic species such as Red faced Malkoha and Purple faced leaf monkey are other

abundant mammals in this area.

67. Padaviya Sanctuary and Waduwagama forest are the environment sensitive areas

located beside the proposed subproject roads of B211 and A029 respectively. However both

roads are located outside the above sites.

Economic Development

Land Use and Agriculture

68. Anuradhapura is the largest of all districts in Sri Lanka, covering an area of 738953

ha that covers 11% of the whole country‘s land surface. Compared to other district of the

country the largest area of inland water (515 km2) belongs to the Anuradhapura district.

Pattern of human settlements around the roads varies from rural to semi- urban. The district

economy is predominantly centred on paddy cultivation. As per the land utilization in 2008,

128,719.79 ha and 59,084.05 ha were used for paddy and chena cultivation respectively.

Following table shows the land use pattern in 4 DSD s in Anuradhapura with available data.

Table 10 Land use pattern in 4 DSD s in Anuradhapura District

Land use type Anuradhapura

District (ha) Padaviya Rambewa Kebithigollewa Medawachchiya

Abandoned tanks 5256.56 10 - - -

Marsh lands 1479.5 41 - - -

Chena 59084.1 434 3905 - -

Forest 233284 13325 3949 240 312 Ac

Home gardens 69207.1 1970 3962.5 -

Paddy 128720 4577 15179.9 4680 85Ac

Coconut 948.89 1520 891.5 - -

Water spring 231.06 - - - -

Scrublands 164682.5 405 - - -

Water channels 4502.07 388 - - -

Tanks and Reservoirs 49166.05 6947 - - -

other 5825.9 403 - 33570 -

Total land area 738953 ha 305.07 35349.4 38500 488 Ac

69. Cultivation of the district heavily depends on irrigation tanks such as Nuwara wewa,

Kala wewa, Basawakkulama, Nachchaduwa tank and Thisa wewa built by ancient kings. In

2008 alone, 812,554 hectares were cultivated in the district under main irrigation schemes

and paddy harvest grown amounted to 12,357 metric tons. Other than those 14 large tanks,

22

19 medium tanks and 2569 small tanks are distributed within the district. In addition to paddy

cultivation, 6,324 hectares was cultivated with vegetable and additional crops.

70. Majority of the people in the area are farmers and largely depend on paddy

cultivation. Additionally animal husbandry including cattle, goat and poultry farming is also

common in the district. (Figure 2 And Table 11) In 2008 it self-annual milk production of the

district was 11,61176 litters.

Figure 2 Animal husbandry in Anuradhapura District in 2007

Table 11 Animal husbandry in some project affected DSDs in 2009

DSD s

cow

s

Milk

cow

s

buffo

low

s

Milk

cow

s

No

of g

oats

No

of p

igs

Chi

ck/ h

ens

Padaviya 538 6943 1923 2342 1674 204 18783

Rambewa 11100 - 7310 - 8077 98 19944

Industries

71. Apart from agriculture, the economy of the Anuradhapura district predominantly

revolves around tourism, inland fisheries, small scale industries and some large scale

industries. According to recent estimates 24,592 of the population are employed in various

industries. Out of them 7632 persons are employed in 3453 small scale industries, while

9710 persons are employed in 53 large scale industries. However compared to other

districts, industrial contribution in the district is low.

72. At present, most of the population in the district depends on tourism industry.

Significant number of local and foreign tourists visits Anuradhapura throughout the year. The

reason behind this is ancient Sri Lankan culture. Irrigation tanks, ruins of castles of several

emperors, ancient temples, monastic sites, statues of Lord Buddha are the main places,

where local and foreign visitors are attracted.. Traditional items such as kitchenette

appliances, cultural foods, Sinhala clothes, ornaments etc are sold by local people around

0

100000

200000

300000

400000

500000

600000

700000

Nu

mb

er

23

these places. The main constraint for development of tourism and other commercial

activities of the Anuradhapura district is poor road net-work (narrow and dilapidated roads).

Therefore development of road net-work to a higher standard is vital to develop tourism and

other commercial activities of the district. Eco-tourism is another popularizing industry in this

area

73. Fishing is another industry which is centred around inland waters. At present there

are 6707 fishing families in the district and the average daily catch is 5465 Mt.

Infrastructure Facilities

74. Except in some rural villages, electricity is available in most parts of the district. The

Village Electrification Development Programme is currently being operated to supply

electricity for the people who are not covered by the National Electricity Network. In 2009

the government has spent Rs. 19,577,456 on rural electrification projects.

75. Other than electricity, tele-communication facility is available in most of the areas in

the district. Pipe borne water facility is available to limited areas and pit latrines, sewage

canal systems and proper garbage dumping sites are restricted to the urban sector of this

district. RDA and Provincial Road Development Authority (PRDA) engage in construction

and maintenance of many roads in the district and help people to solve their transport

problems. Many road development projects are currently underway to improve the transport

sector in the district.

76. Electricity is available in all most all parts of the subproject areas. Telecommunication

facility is mainly obtained through wireless telecommunication services. Common wells have

been constructed mainly for domestic and agricultural purposes and water is obtained

through pipelines. Many government and private banks engage in commercial activities in

the district.

Social and Cultural Development

Population and Community

77. A total of 22 DSDs and 19 PSDs are located within the Anuradhapura district.

Selected roads for the improvement run through 4 DS divisions of the district. Population of

Anuradhapura district by 2008 was 886,945 and represent all ethnic and religious groups in

the country. On a community basis 808,859 Sinhalese (91.20%), 72,289 Muslims, 4,502

Tamils and 1,295 others are present. The above population belongs to five religious groups

(90% Buddhist, 0.5% Hindus, 8.4% Muslims, 0.8% Roman Catholics and 0.3% other

Christians). Table 12 indicates population sizes of 4 DSDs of Anuradhapura district.

24

Table 12 Population sizes of subproject affected DSDs of Anuradhapura district

DSD Populati

on No of

families Buddhist Hindu catholic Islam Sinhala Tamil Muslim

Kebithigollewa 23258 6959 - - - - 21,057 31 2170

Rambewa 38532 11489 33387 25 111 5009 33495 28 5009

Padaviya 33737 6700 23112 85 - 24 33707 13 3

Medawachchiya 50141 - 46065 172 682 3222 47303 195 2643

Anuradhapura District

886945 238769 803459 3844 7128 186 808859 4502 72289

78. Total labour force in the district in 1997 was 67600 (87.6 %). Currently, most of the

people in the district engage in fishing and agriculture activities. Fisheries itself provides

many employment opportunities for people in the district. Agriculture is mainly based on

major food crops such as paddy, coconut, Palmyra and some subsidiary food crops. Other

than that, small scale industries such as pottery, grinding mills, Palmyra products, jewellery

manufacturing and carpentry; provide considerable amount of employments opportunities for

the people in the district.

79. Majority of people in the project area are farmers and mainly depend on paddy

cultivation under Rambewa, Mahakanadarawa, Padaviya, Kebithigollewa and Weli Oya.

Others engage in business, chena cultivations, fishing and animal husbandry. A small

percentage of people engage in government and private sector occupations

Health and Educational Facilities

80. A total of 60 hospitals are distributed in different locations of the district. These

include a single Provincial general hospital, 03 Base hospitals, 4 District hospitals, 5

Peripheral units, a single Prison hospital, 23 Rural hospitals, 5 Central dispensary and

Maternity homes and 18 Dispensaries. Out of these, the Provincial general hospital is

located at Anuradhapura and 03 Base hospitals are located at Tambuthtegama,

Kebithigollewa and Padaviya.

81. During the last four years, the health sector in Anuradhapura district received

unprecedented boost. From 2006 to 2009, P.S.D.G institution, World Bank and other

funding institutions have provided a total of Rs. 833 million for assistance of health

development activities. These funds were allocated for construction and renovation of

hospitals, provision of health facilities, procure modern equipment and upgrade technology,

improve standards and facilities at centres dealing with prevention of communicable

diseases and for improvement of transport facilities. Accordingly one surgical hospital, 3

base hospitals, 4 district hospitals, 7 central hospitals, 24 rural hospitals and 20 clinics were

established in the district. At the same time, district was provided with 474 doctors, 504

nurses, and 423 health service personnel. Hospital bedding capacity was increased to cater

to 2987 patients. Apart from that certain amount of money was spent for the development

of Indigenous Medical Services.

82. Generally education level of the district is fairly good (Literacy rate is 90.5%). Within

the district altogether 585 schools including 549 government schools, a single special

education unit and 35 Pirivenas were distributed in 2008. Student population amounts 262,

40 with 1312 teachers serving in these schools. Following table (Table 13) shows number of

students, teachers and no of schools located within project influence DSDs

25

Table 13 Details of education within project influence DSDs

DSD No of students No of teachers No of schools

Kebithigollewa (2010) 4647 290 -

Rambewa 6807 451 31

Padaviya 4200 233 16

Medawachchiya 1865 594 -

Anuradhapura District (2008) 544

83. Schools and other government officers located beside the proposed subproject roads

are illustrated in Table 14

Table 14 Public sensitive locations beside the project roads

Road name Chainage Public sensitive locations /government buildings

B 211: Kebithigollewa - Padaviya road.

5.90 km (R) Mahanetiyawa Government school

22.40 km (R) Bellankadawala Government school

17.20 km (R) sub post office Kahatagahawewa

29.20 km (L) Base Hospital Padaviya

19.80 km (R) Padaviya Pradeshiya Sabah

A029: Vavuniya - Horowupathana road. 25.60 km Office of Department of Forest

1.90 km (L) Government School of Iyaththigewewa

B283: Medawachchiya - Kebithigollewa road.

3.00 km (L) Ihalathammennawa Government school

5.50 km (R) Mahadivulwewa Government school

8.80 km (R) Ataweeragollewa Government school

12.00 km (R) Athakada Government school

11.90 km (L) Athakada Central Dispensary

24.00 km (L) Education Office of Kebithigollewa

A009: Kandy - Jaffna Road.

143.80 km (R) Ikirigollewa Muslim Government School

145.70 km (R) Sangilikanadarawa Maha Vidyalaya,

146.00 km (L) Wahamalgollewa sub post office

Cultural Archaeological and Historical Significance

84. Anuradhapura is the first historical capital of Sri Lanka and today is recognised by

UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, From the 4th century BC, Anuradhapura was the capital

city of Sri Lanka and until the beginning of 11th century it remained one of the most stable

and durable centres of political power and urban life in South Asia. Although according to

historical records the city was founded in 4th century BC, the archaeological data put the

date as far back as 10th century BC.

85. Primary Buddhist attractions in Anuradhapura are the Atamasthana or the 8 main

places of worship located within the Anuradhapura town boundary. These eight places

include Sri Maha Bodhi, Lovamahapaya, Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparamaya, Abayagiriya,

Jetavanaramaya, Mirisavetiya and Lankaramaya. In addition to the Atamasthana,

Mihinthalawa was a thick jungle area inhibited by wild animals and was a hunting ground

reserved for the royals. All this changed in 250 BC when the son of the Indian Emperor

Asoka, Mahinda Maha Thero arrived at the Missaka Pauwa. Initially it was the Mahinda

26

Maha Thero‘s residence, but later Mihinthale became a main centre for Theravada

Buddhism. Sigiriya is rock fortress located away from Anuradhapura town. King Kassaypa

made his kingdom at the top of the ―Sigiriya‖. It is a culturally significant place that is

because it was nominated for eighth wonder of the world. Another important location is

Isurumuniya built by King Devanampiyatissa. The carving of Isurumuniya lovers on the slab

has been brought from another place and placed there. Thantirimale, Avukana, Vijithapura

and Thalagulu Viharaya are also very important religious, historical, cultural and

archaeological sites located within the district.

86. However none of the above mentioned Cultural, Archaeological and Historically

significant sites are located in close proximity to the proposed subproject roads. But several

locally important Buddhist temples are located beside the proposed roads and are listed

below (Table 15)

Table 15 Locally important religious places located along the subproject roads

Road name Chainage Religious places

B 211: Kebithigollewa - Padaviya road.

25.20 km (R) Two temples

28.50 km (L) Isipathanaramaya

28.30 km (R) church

A029: Vavuniya - Horowupathana road. 27.10 km (L) Temple in Iyaththigewewa

B283: Medawachchiya - Kebithigollewa road. 20.20 km (L) Sri Gonameriyawa temple

24.10 km (L) Kebithigollewa Temple

3.2.2. Mannar District

87. Mannar district is one of the five administrative districts of NP and surrounded by

Puttalam, Anuradhapura, Vavuniya , Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi districts and long coastal area in

the western part. The district covers 2002.7 Sq.km, which is approximately 3% of the total

land area of Sri Lanka. The conflict that prevailed in the Northern region of the country for

the last 30 years have destructed the large region including environment of Mannar district.

Administratively Mannar district divided in to 5 DSD‘s: Mannar town, Manthai West, Madhu,

Nanattan and Musali. Of these selected roads for rehabilitation runs through three DSD‘s

(Mannar town, Madhu and Nanattan).

Physical Resources

Topography, Geology and Soil

88. Mannar district is located within the first peneplane which ranges from 0-125 m. The

land area sits at low elevations which is less than 30 m from the Mean Sea Level (MSL).

Terrain of the district is flat and gently undulating. Geology of the district consists with highly

Karstic and permeable Miocene limestone aquifers which are present along the Northern

and North Western coastal belt from Puttalam to Mullaitivu. In this belt the limestone aquifer

is overlain at many places by permeable and comparatively thin quaternary sand and silty

27

clay deposits. In the North Western coastal belt extending from Puttalam to Mannar, the

limestone aquifer is overlain by a 60 to 100 m thick Quaternary sand and clay sequence.

89. According to agricultural soil classification, major soil groups identified in the district

are Reddish Brown Earth, Low Humic Gley, Red Yellow Latosol & Regosol soils, Solodized-

Solonetz, Solonchaks & Grumusol soils (Figure 3). Regosol soil is mainly found in Mannar

Island. Yellow red latosol found distinctively in coastal regions. The dark clay soil

(Grumosol), covers around 12% of the total land area, and is ideally suited for paddy

cultivation.

Figure 3.Soil Distribution in Mannar District

Climate

90. Mannar district falls within low country dry zone and the climate is characterized by

high temperature and low rainfall. The mean annual rain fall is below 1250 mm (642.8 mm in

2007). Majority of rain fall (nearly 60%) occurs during North East monsoon from October to

December. The month of February, March and May to July are dry with very little rainfall.

The mean annual temperature range from 240C to 330C and the highest temperatures are

normally recorded during the month of May and August. Relative humidity of the district

varies from 65 % to 86 % during the day.

Water Resources

91. Mannar district is located within the Northern river basin region and the Mahaweli

inter basin region of the country. The district has a marine coastline of 163 km, fresh water

area of 4867 ha and a brackish water area of 3828 ha. Water sources of the district are

mainly used by the people for the purpose of drinking, irrigation, fishing and other industrial

activities.

92. Rivers originating from the central hills such as Aruvi Aru (the second longest river in

Sri Lanka), Nay aru, Parangi aru and Chippi aru run through Mannar District. The major

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

14000

16000

Ext

in H

a

28

agricultural reservoirs in the district are Gaint tank, Akaththimuippu, Viyadikulam, Mullikulam,

Periyapandivirichan, Chenamaruthamadu tanks and Maruthamadhu Anicut etc. Mannar has

artesian springs and aquifers which supply fresh water and it was used in successful

cultivation in the past. Out of the total requirement of water in coastal region, more than 90%

is obtained as groundwater.

93. There are many major, medium and minor fresh water tanks in the district (table 16 and17).

The proposed A014 road runs through major irrigation tank called Giant tank (around 61.00

to 66.00 km). The command area of the tank is 24,438 acres (9,984 ha) and accounts for 5%

of the total area of the district. It has the capacity to irrigate to 2005 acre land in Mannar

division. There are 372 minor tanks available in the district with the total irrigable area of

14,368 ha. Dug wells and tube wells provide supplementary irrigation for crop cultivation.

Table 16 Major Tanks in Mannar District

Name of Major Tanks D.S. Division Irrigable Area (Acs)

Giants Tank Manthai, Nanattan, Mannar 24,439

Akkathymurippu Kulam Musali 6,234

Viyadi Kulam Musali 1223

Sub Total 31,896

Table 17 Medium (Provincial) Tanks in Mannar District

Name of Tank Capacity (Ac./Ft) Irrigable Area Catchment Area

(Ha) (Sq.M1) (Sq.Km)

Adampan Kulam 580 161.8744 4.50 11.65

Kurai Tank 2,062 303.5 9.60 24.86390

Marutha madu Anicut 410 226.6242 2.67 6.91527 Periyamadu Kulam 5,780 303.5 142.00 367.77858

Welmaruthamadu 2,766 303.5145 156.00 404.04

Periyapandivirichchan Kulam 2,816 245.2397 32.40 83.91568 Thatchanamaruthamadu Tank 1,141 214.4836 43.00 111.36957

Mullikulam 1,500 151.8 12.67 33.81

Total 17,055 1,911 403 1,044

Air Quality and Noise

94. No baseline survey was carried out to measure the air quality of Mannar district

during past few decades. At present, most of the land area of the district is covered with

forest and scrublands. Although there are a few small scale industries in the district, effect of

them on air quality is very low. However vehicular traffic found within Mannar town can affect

air quality to some extent. But apparently, air quality standards in the area are within the

national ambient air quality standards.

Ecological Resources

95. Mannar district is unique in its vegetation and wildlife contrasting with the rest of Sri

Lanka. Out of the total land area of 1996 Sq. km in Mannar district, over 50% is covered with

forest. Forests types in the district are Dry Monsoon Forest, Riverine Dry Forest and

Mangrove Forest which is usually associated with river mouths and lagoons. There are five

forest reserves and 12 state reserves within the district which extend 40,697.07 and 53490.9

hectares respectively (Table 18 & 19). The important wetlands within the district are Adams

29

bridge, Palk bay, Vankalai and Giant tank. These characterized by a number of habitats

such as freshwater, shallow brackish water inter-tidal mudflats, sand banks, lagoons and

Sea grass beds. All these habitats provide feeding, breeding and nursery grounds for variety

of plants and animal species.

Table 18 Forest Reserves In Mannar District

Name of FR/PR D.S.Division Extent in

(Hec)

Ninthavil FR Manthai west 7,720.35

Madhu FR Madhu 8,261.23

Madhu PR Madhu 14,164.30

Mavellu FR Musali 437.07

Veppal FR Nanattan 10,114.12

Total 40,697.07

Source: District Statistical Hand Book-2009, Mannar (FR: Forest Reserve, PR: Proposed Reserve)

Table 19 State Forest in Mannar District

D.S Division Name of Forest Extent(ha

Musali Chilavathurai 3237.55

Pannai Vedduwan 13529.37

Marichchukaddi 7284.5

Manthai West Sinnapandivirichchan 259

Periyapandivirichchan 4856.33

Palampiddy 4573.04

Vellankulam 6977.33

Parappukadanthan 4977.74

Madhu Iranai Iuppaikulam 7228.49

Coastal Area Vellankulam 162.87

Arippu 202.34

Chilavathurai 202.34

Total 53490.9

Source: District Statistical Hand Book-2008, Mannar

96. Mannar Island is considered as a paradise of birds. According to published data,

more than 150 bird species have been recorded from Mannar Island and adjoining main

lands. Adam‘s Bridge and Mannar Island are situated on one of the bird migration routes in

the country. Talaimannar beach, the Periya Kalapuwa area, Giants Tank, Kora Kulam and

the lagoon between Thoddaveli and Pesalai are other locations where birds are abundant.

The shallow depths and muddy substrates support prawns, small fish species and clupeids,

while more open ocean species found towards Mannar Island. The famous Mannar pearl

bank is also located within the Palk Bay.

97. Giant tank sanctuary, Vankalai sanctuary and Madu road sanctuary are the important

protected areas found within the district. Large numbers of butterflies, amphibians, reptiles ,

large and small mammals (Elephant, Toque monkey, Ring tailed civet cat, Spotted deer,

Wild boar, Black tipped Mongoose, Grey mongoose) inhabit in these areas. The aquatic

macrophytic vegetation is dominated by floating species such as Nelumbo nucifera and

Nymphaea stellata and is found in reservoirs such as Giant‘s tank. The arid zone forests and

30

dry scrubland are the major vegetation types that can be observed in surrounding landscape

of Giant tank. The Vankalai sanctuary is located RHS of A014 road at 74 km to 78.4 km.

98. The Vankalai Sanctuary is the 4th Internationally Important Wetland of Sri Lanka,

declared through a Gazette notification dated September 9, 2008 and upgraded as a

Ramsar site in 2010. It is located North-West of Sri Lanka (8°56‘N 079°55‘E) and covers an

area of 4,839 ha. The sanctuary consists of several ecosystems, range from arid-zone thorn

scrublands, arid-zone pastures and maritime grasslands, sand dunes, mangroves, salt

marshes, lagoons, tidal flats, sea-grass beds and shallow marine areas. Due to the

integrated nature of shallow wetland and terrestrial coastal habitats, this sanctuary is highly

productive, supporting high ecosystem and species diversity. The site provides excellent

feeding and living habitats for more than 20,000 water birds during migratory season,

including Northern Pintail (Anas acuta), Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) and

Eurasian Wigeon (Anas Penelope), of which Vankalai Sanctuary supports 1% of the

population of the latter two species.

99. The coastal and marine ecosystems are important for over 60 species of fish, marine

turtles, and rare species such as Dugongs (Dugong dugon). These ecosystems provide

important spawning and feeding grounds for juvenile fish species such as Trevally (Caranx

spp.), Snappers (Lutjanus spp.), and host a number of threatened species, such as Green

Turtle (Chelonia mydas), Dugongs (Dugong dugon), and Saltwater Crocodiles (Crocodylus

porosus). Vankalai Sanctuary sustains livelihoods of fisheries-dependent communities in the

area. Part of the Vankalai Sanctuary is an archaeological site because it is partly located in

the major port of ancient Sri Lanka, dated from 6th century BC to 13th century AD. The

Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWLC) is directly responsible for managing this

diverse and culturally rich wetland.

Economic Development

Land Use and Agriculture

100. Total land area of Mannar district is 2002.07 Sq. km (202,206.79 ha). Out of the total

area, 1991.00 Sq.km area is covered by land and the rest is (11 Sq. km) inland waters. Over

50% of land area in the district (131,046 ha) is covered with forest reserve. The rest of the

land is occupied by human settlements, industries, roads and cultivation. The land available

for cultivation is 33,334 ha (19%) and mainly consists of paddy, subsidiary crops,

homestead land and fruit crop lands. Out of the total cultivable land 62% of paddy, 16% of

Palmyra, 7% of coconut and 9% of highland crops are cultivated in the district. Following

table (Table 20) shows the land use pattern in Mannar district and project DSDs in detail.

31

Table 20 Land Use Pattern - Mannar District – 2007

Category Mannar

Hec) Nanattan

Hec) Musali Hec)

Manthai West Hec)

Madhu Hec) Mannar District

Hec)

Agricultural Lands

Paddy

Major 1,775 4,742 2,280 4,150 1,875 14,822

Minor - 25 225 1,400 1,705 3,355

Rain fed 100 125 330 535 210 1,300

Perennial Crops

Cashew 200 - 1,768 - 80 2,048

Coconut 2,010 134.3 175 71 13 2,403.3

Palmyra 3,360 1,700 220 680 40 6,000

Highland Crops 1,589 189 352 804 472 3,406

Forest Reserve

State Lands

- - 14,613 8,132 - 22,745

- - 10,527 22,576 33,103

- - 438 7,727 8,165

- - 6,072 22,454 28,526

Others - 3,240 6,211.36 16,987 12,069 38,507.36

Residential Water Bodies,& Plantations

and Barren Lands 13,654. 4,841 4,211 4,350 10,769 37,826.

Total 22,688 14,996 47,422 44,836 72,263 202,206

Agriculture:

101. Agriculture is one of the key economic sectors in the district providing livelihoods for

over 15000 families. Over 50% of the population in Mannar are involved in paddy cultivation.

Paddy harvest is mainly obtained from Nanattan, Adampan and Musali areas. Gaint tank in

Mannar DSD, Akaththimuippu, Viyadikulam, Maruthamadhu Anicut in Musali DSD,

Mullikulam Tank, Periyapandivirichan, Thadchanamarutha madu in Madhu DSD, Priyamadu,

Velimaruthamadu, Koorai, Adampankulam in Manthai West are the major irrigation

reservoirs in the district which support agricultural activities. The Giant‘s tank itself irrigates

about 11000 ha of paddy land and feeds 162 minor tanks. At the end of the monsoon

season, it irrigates an additional 2500 ha. Akathimuripu is another major tank on the left

bank of Aruvi Aru with a cultivated area of roughly 2,800 ha and an additional 225 ha. Minor

tanks provide water for around 6053 ha. Table.21 indicates the Aswedumised extent of

paddy in project affected DSDs in Mannar 2008.

Table 21 Aswedumised extent of paddy according to the DSDs of Mannar district – 2008

DS division Aswedumised extent (Hectares)

By Irrigation Rain fed Total

Major Minor

Mannar Town 2,075 20 388 2483

Madhu 450 1175 110 1735

Nanattan 4840 942 1226 7008

Total 14,822 4,149 4,109 23,080

Source: Statistical Branch Mannar 2010

32

102. Other than paddy, crop distribution in the district is mainly Palmyra, Coconut and

several subsidiary crops (kurakkan, maize, sorghum, green gram, cow pea, dhal, manioc,

sweet potatoes, onion and chillies) during Yala and Maha seasons (Figure 4). Variety of soil

types found within the district is suitable for these food crops. For example Grumusol (clay

soil) has a high potential for paddy cultivation averaging 4.7 – 5.4 MT per ha. Regosol soil

which is mainly found in Mannar Island is good for vegetables, Palmyra and coconut. Yellow

red latosol soil which is found distinctively in coastal regions of Mannar is good for

vegetables, horticulture and other field crops. Reddish brown earth soil is also good for field

crops, vegetables, horticulture and forestry.

Figure 4 Production of subsidiary crops in Yala/ Maha 2009 in Mannar district

103. Animal husbandry provide considerable amount of income and employment

opportunities for the people in terms of cattle and cow milk production (227,979 l), eggs and

meat production from chickens, ducks, pigs, goat and sheep (table 22 and 23).

Table 22 Livestock population of Mannar District in 2009 (Nos)

District Cattle Buffaloes Goats Pigs Poultry Turkey Gini Fowl Ducks Rabbits Others

Mannar 15274 1,448 6691 30 46,660 96 172 376 25 40

Total in NP 77,215 2,805 95531 244 598,946 1,863 1,045 1,701 408 153

Source: Dept. AP & H, NP

Table 23 Milk, egg & meat production in Mannar district in 2009

District Milk ( litres/day) Eggs ( Nos /

Day) Meat ( Kg/day) Other products (

Cow Milk Buffalo Milk Beef Mutton Chicken Curd Ghee

Mannar 2,068.00 134.00 4,280.00 1,930.00 285.00 2,373.00 87.00 38.00

Total in NP 76,129.00 264.00 143,589.00 7,271.26 2,129.52 17,904. 1,770 149

Source: Dept. of AP & H, NP

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

Pro

du

ctio

n in

Mt.

Crop Type

33

Industries

104. Prior to the conflict, the economy of Mannar district was mainly based on agriculture,

fishing and salt production industry. At present agriculture and fishing are the two major

income generation activities found within the district. Although there are some large scale

industries (Table 24), they produce below capacity due to lack of labour, infrastructure

facilities and damage occurred during war. For an example the Mannar saltern industry

produced around 4,000 MT (Metric Tons) of salt annually prior to the war but the production

has reduced dramatically buy now. Currently this company supplies limited quantities of salt

for fishing industry & dry fish production, Pesalai ice production centre, multi-purpose

cooperative societies and private sector for their consumption.

105. Although Mannar has a large fishing population, absence of local boat manufacturing

industry within the district has given rise to several problems associated with fisheries. The

capacity of ice production in Pesalai ice factory has also reduced due to age of the factory,

damage occurred due to war and neglected maintenance.

Table 24 Large Scale Industries in Mannar – 2010

Description ofIndustry

Type of Industry

Location Employees Source of

Energy If not functioning

why Skill Un skill

Saltern Salt Periya kadai 15 35 Fuel

Ice factory Ice Keeri 04 02 Electricity

Ice factory Ice Siruthoppu 06 02 Electricity

Ice factory Ice Moor Street 03 02 Electricity 90% Establishment

work completed

Canning Factory Tin Fish Pesalai 25 70 Not function

Poultry Food Factory

Poultry Food

Pesalai 14 32 Not function

Source: Divisional Secretariat – Mannar Town.

106. Apart from that there were 902 Small / Medium Industries, 297 Cottage Industries

and 174 Service industries which provide employment to around 2333 people (Figure 5 )

34

Figure 5 Small and medium scale industries in Mannar district - 2010

Fishing Industry

107. Fishing is a major contributor to the local economy in Mannar and provides livelihood for large portion of population in Mannar and Musali divisions. Over 50% of the population rely heavily on fishing activities. There are about 9679 active fishermen in 41 fishing villages in Mannar district and the annual fish production is around 8500 MT. Out of that 15% fish production is utilized for dry fish production, 5% for local consumption and the remaining 80% is transported to other districts. The district has been playing a crucial role supplying sea foods such as prawns, crabs, cuttlefish and sea cucumbers to other parts of the country. Variety of fishing methods such as lagoon, coastal and off shore fishing and obtaining other marine products through diving is practiced by fisherman. However, most of the fishing is now concentrated to coastal areas. Marine fishing area stretches from Thavenpiddy to Mullikulam in the east and Talaimannar to the south. Inland fishing was abandoned during the years of conflict and offshore fishing is constrained by the restrictions placed on multi-day boats, due to security reasons. In addition, majority of anchorage facilities are damaged or destroyed. These reasons have directly impact on reduction in fish production, fisheries livelihoods and other supporting private businesses like lubricants, batteries and boat and out-board motor repairs.

Mineral industry:

108. Mannar district is built up of limestone of Quaternary and Miocene complex. The district has been recognized as an excellent place for providing raw materials for cement, tile, brick and pottery industries. For example, Montmorillonite clay is available in various parts of Mannar, particularly in Murunkan, and is the only place in Sri Lanka where this kind of clay can be obtained. This clay is used in making cement and it was transported to Kankasanthurai Cement Factory before destruction of railway network due to war.

20%

56%

0% 3%

0% 5%

2% 1%

2% 2% 2%

7%

Animal Production

Agriculture

Handloom

Carpentry

Aluminium Fabrication

Food Based

Construction

Chemical Production

Engineering Services

Jewellery

Tailoring

Other industry

35

Tourism Industry:

109. Since there are plenty of tourism attraction sites on the district, it has a high potential

to develop the tourism industry. The wetlands and sanctuaries such as Madhu and Giant

Tank play a major role for attracting wildlife lovers and naturalists, especially bird watchers.

Beautiful beaches like Talaimannar village, important archaeological sites such as Catholic

churches built by the Portuguese, the Adam‘s Bridge and important religious centres like

―Tirukketishvaram Hindu Temple―, Madu Church are the other places which attract both

local and foreign visitors.

Infrastructure Facilities

110. For a variety of reasons, water supply and sanitation are key issues faced by the

people who live in Mannar. Since the district is located in the driest part of the country, many

areas suffer shortages of potable water, especially during the dry season. People living

along the Mannar coasts are particularly affected because of the salinity of well water. This

situation has worsened due to the armed conflict. Most of the wells were abandoned and

disused by people for a long period of time. Although, there are 44% individual wells and

57% common wells throughout the district, they need to be repaired or reconstructed

immediately. Additionally, more deep tube wells will be necessary to reach fresh aquifers.

Another difficulty faced by Mannar residents is lack of telecommunication services. Land

phones are disconnected in nearly all parts of the district except in Mannar town. Although,

the internet connectivity exists (via dial-up only), it is extremely slow. Credit facilities are also

in poor condition, largely due to the local situation that prevailed where business turnover

was poor and this affected the farmers, fishermen as well as local businessmen in the

district. Electricity is available many areas of the district and the present situation of supply is

at a satisfactory level.

111. The existing transport infrastructure in the Mannar district is very poor. However,

several projects are now in progress to improve this sector. Major projects established

recently are the construction of new Mannar bridge and improvement of causeways and

connecting roads by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Apart from that,

Mannar has an ancient port which needs to be expanded into a large harbour. It is estimated

that the present 'Sethusamudram Project' by the Indian Government will bring 90% of the

shipping traffic very near to Mannar Harbour.

112. Several studies have shown that there is a potential to exploit oil under the sea off Sri

Lanka‘s North West Coast, particularly in Mannar Basin. The Petroleum Ministry had called

for bids from international oil companies for exploration of petroleum hydrocarbons in Blocks

2, 3 and 4 in the Mannar Basin. This will certainly give Mannar district an identity in the

country‘s economic landscape.

Social and Cultural Development

Population and Community

113. Mannar district is divided into 5 DSD‘s namely Madhu, Mannar, Manthai West, Musali

and Nanattan. These DSDs are further sub-divided into 153 GND‘s. According to 1981

census, total population in the district was 106235. Out of them 53.37% was male while

36

46.59% was female. Population density of the district was 53 person /sq. km. Out of the total

population of the district, most were Sri Lankan Tamils, The rest was Indian Tamils, Sri

Lankan moor, Sinhalese, Burgher, Malay and other ethnic groups (Figure 6.). The religious

(Hindus, Muslims, Catholics and Christians) wise population of the district follows the same

pattern.

Figure 6 Population distribution in Mannar district (census – 1981)

114. The estimated population from year 2006 to 2009 in Mannar district is illustrated in

Table 25. This reduction of the population sizes is mainly because, the civil war. The war has

lost people‘s lives and displaced many. Some have fled to other parts of the country. Hence

obtaining accurate demographic data is difficult.

Table 25 Population of Mannar district by DSDs 2006 - 2009

D.S.Division 2006 2007 2008 2009

Mannar 47,600 51,249 51,579 54,345

Manthai West 18,954 26,741 ** 7,850

Madu 12,687 4,498 2,507 2,623

Total 103,671 103,688 75,755 93,961

Source: Statistical Hand Book -2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005 200

District Planning Secretariat, Mannar

Employment:

115. Total labour force in Mannar 1997 was 67600 of which about 87.6% were employed.

Currently, most of the people engage in fishing and agriculture activities. The fisheries itself

provides a lot of employment opportunities for the people. Agriculture is mainly based on

major food crops such as Paddy, Coconut, Palmyra and some subsidiary food crops. Other

than that, small scale industries such as pottery, grinding mills, Palmyra products, jewellery

manufacturing and carpentry, provide considerable amount of employment opportunities to

the people in the district.

Health and Educational Facilities

116. There was one base hospital, four district hospitals, one peripheral unit, two central

dispensaries, maternity homes and one rural hospital in the district. But some of them are

0

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

60000

Sinhalese Indian Tamil

Sri Lankan Tamils

Sri Lankan moor

Burgher Malay other

Po

pu

lati

on

Nu

m

37

not functioning by now (Table.26 & 27). There is one central Ayurvedic hospital in

Thalvupadu, Mannar Town DSD, and few free Ayurvedic hospitals in Mannar Town DSD and

Musali DSD.

Table 26 Information regarding the hospitals by DSD of Mannar District– 2007

DS Division Hospital

Mannar Town BH Mannar / DH Thalai Mannar / PU Pesalai / CD & MH Erukalampiddy/ PMCU

Thiruketheeswaram*

Manthei West DH Adampan /RH Vidathalthivu

Madhu PMCU Periyamadhu*/PMCU Iranaillupaikulam/PMCU Priyapandiviricahn*

Musali DH Chilavathurai*/ PMCU Marichukaddy*

Nanattan DH Murunkan/ CD & MH Vankalai

Source: Ministry of Health Sri Lanka (* indicates hospitals not functioning)

Table 27 Medical / Health Institutions in Mannar District- 2009

Curative Care Institutions

District General Hospital 1

Divisional Hospital 9

Primary Medical Care unit 6

Chest Clinic 1

STD Clinic 1

Grand Total 18

Preventive Care Institutions

HC 41

School Dental Clinic 3

MOH 4

AMC 1

Education facilities:

117. The entire district is divided into two educational zones namely Mannar and Madhu.

In Mannar Educational Zone (Mannar, Nanattan, Musali) there are about 77 schools while in

Madhu Educational Zone (Manthei West, Madhu, Mannar) there are 42 schools. Out of them

only 98 schools are functioning of which 3 are National and 95 are Provincial schools (Table

28). The education sector was also adversely affected by the conflict. Many of the original

structures are damaged or destroyed. The total number of teaching positions for both zones

is 1303. However, currently there are only 799 positions filled, leaving 38% of teaching

appointments vacant.

Table 28 Schools by Type and Status by Mannar District, 2010

Functioning Schools Temporary Closed Recently Displaced

Re Opening School

Grand Total lAB 1C II RI

Sub Total

lAB 1C II RI Sub Total

8 14 39 37 98 1 1 7 12 21 33 43 119

Source: Ministry of Education, NP

118. Following table (29) shows schools, hospitals and other government institutions

located along the A014 road.

38

Table 29 Government Institutions located along the A014 road

Road name Chainage Public sensitive locations /government buildings

A014: Medawachchiya -

Mannar – Talaimannar road.

47.80 km Sinhala Maha Vidyalaya Madu

50.30 km Roman Catholic Tamil school Kaddaiyadpam

61.80 km (L) Government school, Murungan

68.80 km (L) Roman Catholic Tamil school Mathottam

60.30 km (L), Market, Murungan

61.10 km (L), Veterinary Surgeon Office, Murungan

61.40 km (L), Police station, Murungan

61.50 km (L) Hospital, Murungan

62.00 km (L) District Fertilizer Store, Yodha wewa

62.30 km (L) Agrarian Service Centre, Yodha wewa

62.30 km (L) Irrigation office, Yodha wewa

Cultural Archaeological and Historical Significance

119. Mannar is rich with 127 historical, archaeological and culturally significant places.

The history of the district goes back to the ancient times even before the Mahavansa was

written. Mannar was the place where Hanuman, the monkey warrier mentioned in

Ramayana arrived in Lanka with his troops. He built a bridge to cross the Mannar gulf from

Rameswaran and today it is known as Adams Bridge. As shown by the ocean scientists this

bridge is sunk to-day in the deep sea and need to be preserved as a cultural heritage.

120. There are several historical and religious places such as Tirukketheeswaram and

Madhu church in mainland in Mannar. The Madu Church is one of the ancient churches in

Asia and is located near Murunkan. The Hindu Culture in the District is personified in ancient

temple at Thiruketheeswaram, which was in a dilapidated condition for a long time. This

temple was built near the ancient port of Manthai, which was an entry point for Arab traders.

The rehabilitation and reconstruction of the temple had been undertaken with funds provided

by the Government. Nearly 100,000 pilgrims from all parts of the Island visits this place

annually. The temple provides necessary facilities to the pilgrims,. As mentioned in

Ramayanaya, the Ketheeswaram Hindu temple which was built by Rama is also located

near the town of Mannar, and is one of the five ancient Sivan temples around the Island .

Apart from that the Pesalai Church (largest church in Sri Lanka), Madu Church, Kali Temple

(ancient Christian Churches) are also located in Mannar district. Other than those 133 Hindu

temples, 142 Churches, 56 mosques and 3 Buddhist temples are located in the district.

Following table (30) shows locally important religious places located beside the A014 road.

Table 30 Religious places located beside the A014 road

Chainage Religious places

47.30 km (R) Sri Bodhi raja Viharaya

47.60 km (R Church, Madu

52.30 km (R) Church

59.50 km Purana Viharaya, Murungan

121. The principal sea port Mahatitta / Mantai or Matota which is located opposite the

modern Mannar town, was recorded as the largest and most important port in the Indian

Ocean. In ancient times traders from East Asia and Mediterranean countries met and

engaged in trading oyster pearls and elephant tusks etc in this port. This place is also

considered as a transit centre of the Indo-Arians. The Pandyan princess who was brought

here as Vijaya‘s queen also landed at this port. The port of Talaimannar, which is the

39

terminus of the Railway from Talaimannar. Nearly 18 miles by sea from this port, a ferry

service was operated to India - Dhanuskody. Apart from this port, the Aravi aru / Arippu has

greater significance, since it is the place where king Vijaya landed in the country with his

group. The Giant tank / Mahamattaka which was built by king Dhatusena (455-473), is also

an important place found in the district.

3.2.3. Jaffna District

122. Selected roads for the improvement are distributed within four DSDs of Jaffna district.

These are Jaffna, Valikamam West (Chankanai), Valikamam South West (Sandilipai) and Island

North (Kayts) DSDs.

Physical Resources

Topography, Geology and Soil

123. Jaffna district is located in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka and occupies most of

the Jaffna peninsula. It has an area of 1,025 Sq. km out of which 929 Sq. km is land and the

rest (96 Sq. km) is inland water. General topography of Jaffna district is flat and slightly

undulating and arises up to 35‘ from MSL. The topography of Chankanai / Valikamam West

DSD is even and rises gradually from the sea coast and is located near the Indian Ocean

(Palk Strait) on the North West, North and Jaffna Lagoon on the South. It has a coast line of

12 km of which 4 km faces the Indian Ocean and the rest faces the Jaffna lagoon.

124. Geological formations of Quaternary and Miocene limestone are predominant in the

Jaffna peninsula and are of Phanerozoic era. Prominent rock types in Miocene geological

formation are limestone, sand rocks whereas rock types in quaternary geological formation

are gravel, partly ferruginized, red brown earth, sand, beach and dunes sand, brown and

grey sand, alluvial and lagoon deposits and clay silt,

125. Soil of this area is physio-graphically grouped into KARST plain and COASTAL plain.

The most common soil type in the district is Latosol. Well drained, brown to dark brown,

derived from clay loam deposits of variable depth underlain by lime stone. The soil

composition of the district is shown in Figure 7. Soil of the district is commonly suitable for

cultivation of perennial and seasonal crops.

40

Figure 7 Distribution of soil types in Jaffna district

126. According to Indian geological opinion part of the district falls within the Petroleum

belt of Naively of South India which crosses the Palk Straight and falls into Mannar Gulf.

Climate

127. Agro climatically the district falls into low country dry zone of Sri Lanka which is

further categorized into DL3 and DL4 Zones. Climatically Jaffna district is hot with a

temperature ranging from 270 C to 320 C. The highest temperature is normally recorded in

April and May. Average annual rainfall of the district is below 1500 mm.

128. The district receives the highest rainfall (around 80 to 85%) by North East monsoon

which is also known as Maha /Major season (December-February), and the rest is

experienced during Second Inter Monsoon (October to November). During this period, there

is a possibility of experiencing minor cyclones as well. A small amount of rain is received

during the South West monsoon/ Yala season (May to September) period and is generally

dry. However localized sporadic rainfall events can also be observed during this period. (Yala

season). Wind velocity is relatively high during the month of May and June. High

temperature, relative humidity, wind velocity and its direction are the important factors

determining post population dynamics and crop performance in the area.

Water resources

129. Streams and inland tanks are the major fresh water resources in the district . Most

of them are seasonal which gets dried during dry season. Rainfall is the main source of water

and is percolated into the soil and stored underground, which is used for agriculture and

other purpose during dry season. Therefore the water table in the area goes deeper during

dry season and rises up during rainy season. Due to natural geological underground

formation, ground water is available at depths of 6 to 14 meters. Groundwater is used for

drinking purposes through dug wells and water for cultivation is obtained from agricultural

wells (abandoned) by lift irrigation.

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

30000

35000

Sandy Regasoals

Alluvial Alkaline Latosol Calcic Red Yellow

Lattesol

Red Yellow

Lattesol

Coral Limestone

Exte

nt

in H

a

41

130. Other than that there are many (Kulams) ponds in the district which are now mostly

silted, constructed primarily to provide lift irrigation and as funnel for subterranean aquifers.

There are 494 minor tanks in the district with the total Irrigable Area of 9,662 ha. Number of farm

families benefited by these tanks are 10,066. Jaffna lagoon which is of a length of 15 km is an

important water resource in the project area. It is boarded at the widest part at Pannai

(Eastern) and ends at Kayts (Western) allowing netted openings to maintain water level and

salt concentration in the lagoon. This becomes an ideal ―Closed Home‖ salt water lake for

fish, prawns and shrimps culture.

131. Although Jaffna district does not have rivers, channel named Valukkai Aru (seasonal

river) is present in the district. Length of this channel is 5000 feet and total area is 49 km2. It

rises from Vasavilan, running along many areas (Tellipalai, Ambanai, Alaveddy,

Kandaroddai, Uduvil, Sandilipai, Navali) and ending at Arali barrage in Vali West division.

132. So far no comprehensive hydrological survey has been carried out to assess the

quantity and quality of water available in the district. However well water in most residential

areas is brackish since the district is located close to sea and lagoons. In some areas water

has been extracted excessively, resulting in risk of salt water intrusion into the fresh water.

Air Quality and Noise

133. Since the project area is free from large scale industries, emissions which deteriorate

air quality could not be observed. However dust emanation from deteriorated gravel roads ,

emissions from operation of vehicles, domestic activities, burning of forest patches, burning

wood and kerosene stoves etc... can deteriorate the air quality of the project area

temporarily However as the project area is rich in vegetation; all such emissions will be very

well dissipated.

134. According to Schedules I and II of National environmental (Noise Control)

regulations No.1 1996 (924/12), the study area belongs to ―Low noise area‖.

Ecological Resources

135. Ecological resources belonging to the Jaffna district are typical to the dry zone of Sri

Lanka. The forest type in the district is Dry Monsoon Forest and consists with semi

deciduous vegetation. Other than that, Mangrove forests are also present along intertidal

sheltered coastlines, usually associated with river mouths and lagoons. Vegetation usually

consist of Rhyzophora species. The freshwater inland tanks, ponds and streams within the

district housed for many aquatic floral and faunal species. Several marshy lands could also

be observed in the district. The coastal area of the district consists of high biodiversity with

many aquatic faunal and floral species such as fish, alga and marine grass species. However

most of above habitats have been modified or destroyed mainly due to the civil war that

prevailed for about 30 years in the district.

136. With respect to floral and faunal distribution different types of habitats including scrub

forest, mangrove strips, forest patches, chena cultivations, home gardens, paddy fields

and water bodies (both marine and inland) can be observed within the project area . Major

environment sensitive area located along the AB021 and AB019 is Jaffna lagoon. This

area belongs to bird migratory pathway and several winter and summer migrants arrive

42

during end of August and from March to April respectively. The lagoon is also famous for

several commercially important fish species. Thiruvadinilai beach in Chankanai area is

another environmental sensitive site of the district.

137. Main identified problems related to environment pollution in the district are solid

waste disposal, soil mining and agrochemical usage. In particular, solid waste is a major

problem as population density is high in urban and suburbs in the district. There is a huge

garbage disposal site of Jaffna MC located around 5.4 km (R) of AB21 road. Apart from that

municipal solid waste (including sewerage) and Pradeshiya Sabah wastes is dumped at

Kallundaiveli. Improper solid waste disposal practices form bad odour, reduce scenic beauty

and provide breeding sites for mosquitoes and other insects. Therefore proper solid waste

management is essential.

138. Recently water scarcity has been an increasing problem in the district due to salt

water intrusion, sudden development of infrastructure of the city and increasing temperature

resulting in drought condition. Soil mining is taking place at ponds, bare lands (mainly in

Kaddudai G.N division) and mining of sand takes place in coastal areas of Kalundaiveli and

Navaly. This sand is mainly used for the purpose of road construction. However this may

induce seawater erosion during rainy season, loss soil fertility and increasing saline

condition of drinking water wells.

Economic Development

Land Use

139. The total area of the district is 1025. Sq. km which is 1.58 % of the total land area of

the country. Out of that 929 km is land area and the remaining area consists of inland water

(96.00 Sq. km). Majority of the land area of the district consists of residential areas, saline

and barren lands and forests. The total land area available for cultivation in 2009 was 362.93

sq. km and mainly consists of Paddy, Palmyra and several perennial crops. Following figure

(8) shows the land use pattern of the district in 2009.

43

Figure 8 Land use pattern of Jaffna district in 2009

Source: District Statistical Hank Book - Jaffna. – 2009

140. AB021 and AB19 roads passes through various manmade land use types (fishing

villages, residential areas, business premises, government and private sector buildings,

religious places, agricultural areas, chena cultivations, plantation crops) and several

natural habitats (coastal habitats, lagoons, small islands, mangrove strips, mangrove forest

patches, large extent of bare lands and scrub forests). The land use pattern in each DSD of

the project area are summarised in Table 31.

Table 31 Land Use Pattern in project affected DSDs of Jaffna District

Nature of Land Jaffna DSD (Ha) Chankanai DSD Sandilipai DSD Kayts

Total area 1700 4,730 4,740 4511

Land area 1085.1 2,613 2,085 -

Water area 614.9 2,117 2,655 -

Agricultural land 46 1,357 1,037 400

Other crops 20 1,499 1,175 115

Forest land 0 184 339 0

Other (Sea Shore/ Crown

land/ Hazard land) 203 170 279.2 -

Agriculture

141. Agriculture is the major source of income generating activity in the Jaffna district and

around 70% of families are engaged in this sector. The district has a high potential for

paddy production and is cultivated under rain fed system in Maha season (during the North

7%

11%

2%

3%

12%

1% 3%

12% 16%

21%

4%

2% 6%

Paddy

Arable Crops

Fruit Crops

Coconut

Palmyrah

Economic Trees

Rocky Lands

Sandy and Syrup Jungles

Saline, Alkaline and Barren Lands

Buildings, Roads and other Homestead Lands Area under Inland Water

Land which cannot be cultivatable due to present situation Land got damaged in permanent crops

44

East monsoon period). The total Aswedumised extent of paddy lands in 2009/Maha season

in Jaffna district was 13,102.00 ha. Out of which nearly 8000 ha was cultivated and the total

paddy production was 12,893 Mt. However about 2000 ha of paddy land has identified as

marginal due to salinity problem. Other than that conflict prevailed in NP has severely

affected the major and minor irrigation systems and distribution canals.

142. Other than paddy, perennial crops, vegetables and fruits are cultivated during the

whole year using underground water. Perennial crops such as Palmyra and Coconut are

significant plantations in the district. Other than paddy, variety of vegetables (Beans,

Tomato, Brinjals, Cabbage, Beetroot, Bitter Gourd, Snake Gourd, Okra, Pumpkin, and

subsidiary food crops such as Gingerly, Chilli, Green gram, Onion, Groundnuts, Cowpea,

Kurakkan) are cultivated during Maha and Yala season. Out of these, district has high

potential for red onion cultivation. In general these subsidiary crops are cultivated in the

paddy land after harvesting period. Other than above crops Grapes, Mango, Jack Fruit,

Plantain, Lime, Orange, Papaya, Pomegranate, Guava, Passion Fruit, Pine Apple are the

major fruit types cultivated in the district.

Animal Husbandry

143. Livestock sector is an important component of the farming system of the district which

generates additional income, employment opportunities and high nutritious food (milk, milk

products and meat) for the poor people of this area. Majority of the people in the area

depend on Poultry (295,576), Goat (69,489 of goats) and Dairy farming (56,497 of cattle).

Other than that animals such as sheep, pigs, turkey, gini fowl, ducks and rabbits are reared

in small quantities :4223 (Figure 9 and Table 32). Agriculture – Livestock integrated farming

system is very famous in this area from ancient time. Most of the people are traditionally

have one or two cows, goats and few birds (Turkeys, Quils, and Pigeons) at their premises.

Since thousands of acres of grazing lands are available in the district, there is a tendency of

improving dairy farming. Poultry farming is also a developing area due to availability of

poultry meals and marketing opportunities.

45

Figure 9 Animal Husbandry in Jaffna District - 2009

Table 32 Livestock Population in project affected DSDs of Jaffna district In– 2010

Type of Animal husbandry Jaffna DSD Chankanai DSD Sandilipai DSD Kayts DSD

Cattle Rearing 2010

No. of Milk Cows 250 3,654 1,031 348

No. of other Cows 230 2,446 1,015 1390

No. of Calves 20 948 430 410

Total 500 7,048 2,476 2148

Goat Rearing 2010

No. of She Goats 763 4,556 1322 1083

No. of He Goats 315 2,241 1,435 400

Total 1078 6,482 2,757 1483

Poultry Farming 2010

No. of Cock Birds 2286 2,927 2,532 1349

No.of Chickens 4229 4244 6,915 1191

No. of Laying Hens 7934 14,287 - 3005

No. of Broiler 4669 8,750 - 1400

Total 19118 30,208 39,205 6945

Source: Dept. AP & H, NP

144. Cattle are mainly reared for milk and manure. Unwanted male and culled animals are

sold for meat purpose. The vast majority of milk producers in the division are peasant

farmers who first satisfy their family requirements and then sell any surplus milk. Goats are

multipurpose animals and are reared for producing milk, meat, skins and hair. Poultry is

mainly for eggs and meat. The total amount of milk, eggs, meat and other productions of

Jaffna district in 2009 are indicated in Table 33.

13%

16%

70%

1%

Cattle rearing

Goat rearing

Poultry farming

Other (sheep, pigs, ducks and rabbits

46

Table 33 Livestock production in Jaffna district in 2009

Production type Amount

Milk (litres/day)

Cow Milk 38,967

Buffalo Milk 82,256

Goat Milk 3,191

Meat ( Kg/day)

Beef 3,775

Mutton 1,608

Chicken 5,263

Other products

( Litres/day)

Curd 1,213

Ghee 91.5

Yoghurt 6

Others 16.5

Eggs (Nos / Day) 120,192.00

Source: Dept. of AP & H, NP

Fishing

145. Apart from Agriculture, fishing industry plays a major role in the economy and

provides many employment opportunities to the people living in the district. In 2009 there

were18197 active fisherman, 18258 fishing families and number of people dependent on it

was around 20,715. Total fresh and dried fish production of the district in 2009 was 11,978

and 735.54 Mt respectively. Around 4406 mechanized and non- mechanized fishing crafts, 8

ice plants, 102 fishing landing sites, 1 fishery harbour (in Tellipalai DSD), 10 anchorage point

and.116 fishery Co-operative Societies helped in this regard. Details of fishing Industry in

project affected DSDs in 2010 is summarised in following table (Table 34).

Table 34 Details of Fishing Industry in project affected DSDs in 2010

Factor Jaffna

DSDs

Chankanai

DSD

Sandilipai

DSD

Kayts

DSD

Fishing Families 3437 1632 1,956 -

No. of Active Fishermen 4484 2650 1,490 -

Fish Production (Mt) 500.4 - 3373.6 7672.93

Dried Fish Production (Kg) 75.9 - - -

Fishery Co-operative Society 7 12 15 -

Ice Plants 4 - - -

Mechanized fishing craft 259 - 264 128

Non-mechanized fishing craft 340 229 213 239

Fishing landing sites 5 8 05

146. According to Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources of Sri Lanka, Jaffna district

is divided into 14 fisheries inspector Division. At present both marine and brackish water

fishing (mainly pawn fishing) are practiced in Jaffna. However many people depend on

marine fisheries. Two types of marine fishing methods (i.e. deep sea and lagoon fishing)

take place in the district. Mechanized FRP boats & traditional nets (Cash Net Fishing) are

used for deep sea fishing while Vallam, outboard motors & traditional Vallam (Non

Mechanized boats and Vallam) are used in lagoon fishing. Specific catches in deep sea

47

fishing include Valai, Skate, Soodai, Shark, Seer, Seela and Rock fish while prawns, Crabs,

Kayal, Sirayal & Thiral are the specific fish catches in lagoon fishing.

147. Mathakal thurai, Kusamanthurai, Chavatkaddu, Anaikottai and Navaly are some

areas famous for fishing in the district. Exclusively traditional fisheries methods (i.e. wooden

crafts with sail and mat, Small Kalangaddy and ―Prawn cage‖) are practiced in

Ponnalai,Moolai, Vaddukkoddai and Araly areas of the Jaffna lagoon. Fish vendors, dry fish

producers market their catches in Manipay market, Chankanai market and Pandatheruppu

market.

148. Some decades ago, fishery was one of the major income generation activities of the

people living along the coastal belt of the Jaffna district. Number of fishing families in 2003

were above 15,000 and the total fish production was around 21,000 Mt. Compared with the

year 2003, the total number of fishing families has been increased up to 20,000 by 2009,

however there is a considerable reduction of the total fish production (11,978 Mt.) in the

district (Figure 10). However this industry was heavily affected during war period and

natural catastrophes including Tsunami in 2004 and ―Nisha Cycolone in 2008. These

disasters caused extensive damage to many deep sea areas (eg. Chulipuram) and to the

fishing materials. Government of Sri Lanka has taken several steps to rehabilitate this

sector.

Figure 10.Fishing families and fresh fish production in Jaffna district 2003 - 2009

Source: Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources & D.F.E.

Note: - DFEO - District Fisheries Extension Office – No data Available for 2006 due to war condition.

149. At present deficiency of Infrastructure facilities, decline in fish catches, damaged

Jetties are the major problems associate with fishing. To solve these problems, increasing

the number of infrastructure, getting permanent locations for fisheries cooperatives,

preventing intrusion of Indian fisherman and taking measure to sustainable fishing are

suggested. Apart from that establishment of fishery harbours, improvement of Sea shore

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

2003 2004 2005 2007 2008 2009

Nu

mb

er

Year

Fishing families (No)

Total fish production (Mt)

48

facilities, supplement of instruments, create store facilities are essential for the development

of fishing in the district.

Other Industries

150. Apart from the agriculture and fisheries, the industrial sector plays a considerable

role in economic development of people in Jaffna. The major industries in the district were

centred on production of Cement, Arrack, Boat Building and Fishing Net many of which were

destroyed during the war period hence not functioning properly at present (Table 35).

Table 35 Major Industries in Jaffna District - 2009

Industries Product Location Nature

Sri Lanka Cement Factory Cement Kankesanthurai Not functioning

Sri Lanka Cement Factory Cement Jaffna Not functioning

Achchuveli Industrial Estate

Industrial sheds & developed plots

for various small & medium

industries

Atchuchuveli Not functioning

Palmyra Distillery Industries Arrack Thikkam Functioning

Karainagar Boat Yard Boat Building Karainagar Functioning

Fishing Net Factory Fishing Net Kurunagar Functioning

151. Other than large scale industries people in the district depend on small & medium

industries, cottage industries and service industry. The number of medium & small, cottage

and service industries in the district are 1411 and their distribution in project affected DSDs

are illustrated in Table 36.

Table 36 Number of Industries in each DSDs

Industry Jaffna DSD Chankanai DSD Kayts DSD

Medium & Small Scale Industry 132 452 20

Cottage Industry 103 30 22

Service Industry 30 80 27

Tourism

152. Tourism is another sector that can be developed in the Jaffna district. There were no

visitors to Jaffna before 2008 due to the civil war in the country. However this condition

changed after the re-opening of A9 road. Jaffna Public Library, Nagadeepa temple and kovil,

Dambakola patuna temple, Dutch Church are few potential tourist sites where both local

and international tourists are attracted. The main tourist attraction sites in project affected

DSDs and their importance are summarised in Table 37.

49

Table 37 Main tourist attraction sites in project affected DSDs and their importance

DSD Tourists attraction site Importance

Jaffna DSD

Jaffna Public Library.

In the 1980‟s it was one of the biggest library in Asia, containing over 97,000

books and manuscripts. The architecture of the building was Indo-Saracenic

style

Nagadeepa Vihara Belief that Lord Buddha visited Nagadeepa during his second visit to the

country to resolve a conflict between 'Naga' tribesmen.

'Naagapushani Amman'

kovil

Belief that the old statue of God in this kovil emerged from the earth,

thousands of years ago.

Chankanai

DSD

Thiruvadinilai Spiritual

beach

One of the important Spiritual beaches in the Jaffna district for Hindus. Paralai

Vinayagar Temple‟s water cutting ceremony is also celebrated at this beach.

Dutch Church Very ancient and large church in this area and considered as a significant

archaeological point by the Department of Archaeology in SL.

Chulipuram Paralai

Pillaiyar Kovil One of the ancient and historical temples in Jaffna district.

Ponnalai Varatharaja

Perumal Kovil

One of the big, famous and ancient Hindu Vaisnawa temple in the Jaffna

district. Many racial and religious tourists visit to this temple.

Sandilipai

DSD

Sampilthurai Sangamithai

Temple

Mathagal - Buddhist female Monk Sangamithai reached this Place firstly in Sri

Lanka with a Branch of Sree Mahabodhi Tree.

Kalaiyodai Amman

Temple Belief that “Kannaki Amman” god rests in tiredness in this place

Nunasai and Mathagal-

Murugan temples There are 7 holes in the temple pond with unknown deepness

Kayts DSD No such tourist attraction sites

153. Since the district consists of many natural landscapes including lagoons, coastal

beaches, marsh lands which are rich in biodiversity and scenic beauty it has high potential

for ecotourism. On the other hand, ancient marine and brackish water fishing practices,

small scale industries like handloom, Coir, Carpentry, Pottery, Agriculture has the potential

to attract eco-tourists. Therefore development of AB19 and AB021 will greatly help to

improve the tourism sector in the district.

Infrastructure Facilities

Transport

154. There are 4 National highways (9.51 km), 11 A class roads (279.73 km), 31 B class

roads (220.58 km) and 198 C & D Class roads (571.79 km) in the district. Various modes of

transportation are (busses, three wheelers, vans, motor cycles and bicycles) are used by

people. But bicycles are the convenient mode of transportation for many people. Lorries,

trucks, tractors and other heavy vehicles are used for transportation of goods and heavy

materials. At present problems related to roads are damage occurred during war, rush in

transport services, stagnation of water, pot hole patching, encroachment and garbage

disposal on the roadsides. At present many repairing and reconstruction road projects are

being implemented as a part of the ―Uthuru Wasanthaya‖ project.

50

Electricity

155. Before the conflict situation electricity supply to Jaffna district was derived from

Laxapana power supply scheme. After being disconnected in 1990, Jaffna peninsula got

electricity from generators. However this is not at a satisfactory level. In 2009 there were

101,979 electricity consumers in the district. Therefore many development projects are being

undertaken in the district to fulfil the electricity demand.

Communication

156. Telephone and postal services play a major role in communication service in this

area. There are about 30 main Post Offices and 142 sub Post Offices in the district. Sri Lanka

telecom co-operation; the main government body and many private wireless telephone

services render telecommunication services to the area.

Water supply

157. Most of the families in the district get water facilities from common, open and tube

wells. However drinking water is a main problem in coastal areas of the district due to

salinity. Therefore people of these areas have to travel long distances to draw drinking

water. Ground water is taken for the purpose of drinking by pipe lines in urban areas.

Although there are many small ponds in Jaffna, water is available only in the rainy season.

Therefore agricultural activities are restricted to certain months of the year. To overcome

drinking water problems many water schemes has been provided by the government of Sri

Lanka. These are maintained by PS and National Water Supply and Drainage Board. Other

than that some villages get water facilities from Bowser, which is maintain by Pradeshiya

sabhas. Infrastructure facilities available in in project affected DSDs are summarised Table

38.

Table 38 Infrastructure facilities in project affected DSDs in 2010

Infrastructure facility Jaffna

DSD

Chankanai

DSD

Sandilipai

DSD

Kayts

DSD

Electricity No. of Families with Electricity 9593 - 10,500 All

No. of Families without Electricity 1307 - - -

Roads

A class roads 7 3 2 1

B class roads 4 3 7 1

C, D and E class roads 528 349 253 35

Postal Service main post offices 3 3 2 1

sub post offices 8 10 12 7

Water Supply

Ponds/ Small tanks 28 43 31 16

Number of open wells 6184 8,802 8445 1250

Number of tube wells 371 367 571 -

158. The infrastructure facilities in the Jaffna district had been badly damaged during the

war period and are not at a satisfactory level compared to the other parts of the country.

Certain amount of this damage has been repaired or reconstructed fully. Different types of

projects have been implemented by the Government, NGO‘s and various funding sources

selecting suitable villages to develop infrastructure. World Bank and ADB provide support to

develop infrastructure and the housing needs of the district. Table 39 indicates some of the

projects undertaken by various NGOs.

51

Table 39 Implemented NGOs Project

NGO Nature of Work

World Bank

ADB

Development of infrastructure especially road development and water supply.

Funding for housing projects

TRRO

Issued of Livelihood items to the IDP‟s, Issued Bicycles for Resettled School

Children & Occupants, Tree Planting programmes, Renovation of Nonguthari

Chanel

UNHCR Grants for Shelter items, Issued Non Food Relief Items for IDP‟s

PARCIC Supplement of Poultry, Cattle, Fishing Gear

SOND Supplement of Sports Equipments, School Equipments & Shoes, Child

awareness Programmes

159. Other than that there are many Community Based Organizations (Rural Development

Societies, Women Rural Development Societies, Community Centres, Farmers

Organization, Fisheries Co- operative Societies and Sports Clubs) providing various types of

services to public. The families attached to these organizations receive assistance from non-

government organizations to uplift their living standard, saving habits, unity and self-

confidence. Various government and private commercial centres Including Rural Banks,

Samurdhi Banks, State and Private Banks assist in financial matters with this regard. Table

40 shows the service institutions located beside the AB021 and AB19 project roads

Table 40 Service institutions located beside AB021 and AB19 project roads

Road name Chainage Service institute

AB021: Jaffna - Ponnalai - Point Pedro road

9.40 km (L) Institute of Technology, Vaddakoddai

0.50 km (R) Proposed prison complex, Navanthurai

1.10 km (R) Children park, Navanthurai

1.65 km (L) Market, Navanthurai

3.00 km (L) Jetty & small harbour, Kakathive

8.70 km (R) Post Office, Vaddakoddai

10.00 km (L/R) Police station of Vaddakoddai

AB19: Jaffna - Pannai – Kayts Road

18.70 km (L) Assistant Governor‟s Office, Kayts

18.90 km (L) National Saving Bank, Kayts

19.20 km (L) Police Station, Kayts

19.30 km (R) Post Office, Kayts

19.50 km (R) Pradeshiya Shaba Office, Kayts

Social and Cultural Development

Population and Community

160. Jaffna district is one of the 25 administrative districts of Sri Lanka and is divided into

15 DSDs, each headed by a Divisional Secretary (Assistant Government Agent). The DSDs

are further sub-divided into 435 GN Divisions (villages). Jaffna district has 17 local

authorities of which one is a Municipality, three are Urban Councils and the remaining 13 are

PS. Parts of the district were transferred to newly created Mullaitivu district in September

1978 and Kilinochchi district was carved out of the southern part of Jaffna district in February

1984.

161. According to 1981 census the population of the District was 831,800 (Including

Kilinochchi District which was part of Jaffna District in 1981). The population of the district is

almost exclusively Sri Lankan Tamil (99.9% of the population in Jaffna district) while Sri

Lankan Moor and Sinhalese comprises of 0.1%0.0042%.

52

Table 41 Population Distribution among project affected DS 1981—2009 (in nos)

D.S.Division 1981 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2006 2007 2009

Island North(Kayts) 37583 11334 14323 15798 25144 14638 13975 13835 16257

Jaffna 78128 39291 43462 42516 53090 51539 64270 54156 55469

Valikamam South

West(Sandilipai) 56657 39209 42935 51650 54481 54002 62201 62995 61922

Valikamam

West(Chankanai) 47620 33178 35837 41636 46169 46687 50207 49993 50776

Source: Statistical Hand Book - 2003, 2005 - 2009 District Planning Secretariat, Jaffna.

162. The Statistics shows that people are differently employed in various fields. Most of

the families are engaged in agriculture and fisheries. Other than those, there are government

employees, co-operative employees, those engaged in foreign employment and self-

employed persons. On the basis of income, people below poverty line receive 2,500 rupees

monthly income. These people get relief from government by means of Samurdhi funds.

Rest of the people is above the poverty line and is mainly engaged in Government and

private sector employments.

Health and Educational Facilities

Health

163. The health services of project affected DSDs are at a satisfactory level. The first Co-

operative Hospital of Asia was established in Chankanai DSD in Moolai during the 1930 and

was used as a teaching hospital for the Northern Private Medical college students. When

considering health facilities, Jaffna teaching hospital is the only tertiary care institution which

comes under the administration of Central Ministry of Health. All other curative institutions

(Base hospitals, Divisional hospitals, Primary Medical Care units, Cancer Unit and Chest

Clinic) come under the administration of Regional Director of Health Services, Jaffna. In the

preventive sector under each MOH there are clinic centres which provide Maternal and Child

Health care services mainly. Table: 42 shows the medical and Health Institutions in Jaffna

District in 2009..

Table 42 Medical / Health Institutions in Jaffna District, 2009

Health Institution Number

Curative Care Institutions

Teaching Hospital 1

Base Hospital Type A 2

Base Hospital Type B 2

Divisional Hospital 22

Primary Medical Care unit 16

Chest Clinic 1

STD Clinic 1

Grand Total 45

Preventive Care Institutions

GHC 4

School Dental Clinic 2

MOH 2

AMC 1

Total 54

53

164. In addition to Western system of medicine, Ayurvedic systems are also functioning in

the District of Jaffna under the supervision of the Regional Director of Health Services.

Under Ayurvedic system there are 01 District Ayurvedic Hospital, 02 Rural Ayurvedic

Hospitals and 09 Ayurvedic Central Dispensaries. In addition, there are 30 Free Ayurvedic

Dispensaries under Local Governments.

165. Like other sectors in the district, the health services were badly damaged due to

destruction of infrastructure, displacement of health staff and reluctance of health personnel

to serve in the conflict affected areas during the war period. The health status of the people

has also deteriorated due to frequent displacements, physical & psychological

disabilities, loss of family members, food insecurity and spread of communicable

diseases. Before 2009 hospitals in the district faced many difficulties in getting medicines

and services since the A9 road acted as the main supply route for Jaffna peninsula.

However after opening the A9 road, the hospitals in the district function normally. Apart from

that the government of Sri Lanka has taken necessary steps to rebuild the health services

of the district with the financial assistance of many international funding agencies.

Education

166. Jaffna District had the advantage of an excellent education system introduced

primarily by the British. The American Mission and several other missions also established a

chain of English schools. Finally, Hindu schools were established and cherished by the

majority Hindu population. Prior to the civil war, the city had one of the highest literacy rates

within Sri Lanka. Like other sectors the education system of the district was affected during

the war period. The total number of teachers and students in Jaffna in 2010 was 6972 and

122515 out of whom many are Tamils. There were 489 schools in the district in 2010,

however only 415 were functioning. (4 National schools, 405 Provincial schools and 6

Private Schools). The rest was temporarily closed due to the war condition. The educational

level of the people of Jaffna district in 2010 is illustrated in Table 43.

Table 43 Education Level in Jaffna district- 2010

G.C.E.

O/L

Qualified

G.C.E.

A/L

Qualified

Graduates

MBBS B.Sc

(Science)

B.Sc

(Maths) B.A

B.Com

&

B.B.A

Dip. &

Others

4685 3157 75 97 47 347 101 153

167. Table 44 shows the details of the education sector in project affected DSDs. The

Chankanai division has the first English Education Institute which was established in 1823

and still continuous as a Private English College. In addition there is a Technical Engineering

College, Institute of Nursery Studies & Institute of Gender Development at Moolai.

Table 44 Details of education sector in project affected DSDs

Jaffna DSD

Chankanai DSD

Sandilipai DSD

Kayts DSD

Number of schools 31 32 40 15

Numbers Students 19271 10,988 13,068 2815

Numbers of Teachers 910 500 668 179

Student Teacher Ratio 430 22 20 16

54

168. A total of five government schools and a single hospital are located beside the

proposed roads (Table 45).

Table 45 schools and hospitals located beside the AB21 and AB19 roads

Road name Chainage Public sensitive locations /government buildings

AB021: Jaffna - Ponnalai - Point Pedro road

8.00 km (R) Government School, Nagendramadam

9.70 km (R) Jaffna collage, Vaddakoddai

9.40 km (L) Institute of Technology, Vaddakoddai

AB19: Jaffna - Pannai – Kayts Road.

19.00 km (L) Roman Catholic Tamil Boys school, Kayts

19.10 km (R) St Anthony‟s government School, Kayts

18.60 km (L) Base Hospital of Kayts

Cultural Archaeological and Historical Significance

169. Jaffna city, along with the rest of the Jaffna peninsula was a part of the Kingdom of

Tambapanni in 543 BC. Ancient Sinhala chronicles including Mahavamsa describes Jaffna

city as a vital part of the island nation. It says exotic tribes such as the Yakkhas strictly

inhabiting the centre of the island and the Nagas who worshiped Snakes inhabited the

Northern, Western and Eastern parts of the island, therefore historically referred to as

"Nagadipa". Excavations that were conducted during 1918 and 1919 in the Jaffna city,

revealed coins that dated back to 2000 B.C, suggesting that the Northern part of Sri Lanka

was a "flourishing" settlement prior to the arrival of Prince Vijaya.

170. A lot of people in Jaffna follows Hindu tradition and celebrate festivals and Hindu

ceremonies. In 2009 there were about 2373 Hindu Temples, 221 Churches, 11 Mosques and 1

Buddhist Temples in the district. Out of these there are many culturally and archeologically

important places in the District. These include the Dutch Church, Nagadeepa temple, Paralai

Vinayagar temple, Ponnalai Varatharajapperumal temple, Vaddukkoddai church, Chulipuram

Paralai Pillaiyar Kovil. Table 46 shows the places of worship in project affected DSDs in

2010.

Table 46 Places of Worships by DS Divisions - 2010(Nos)

DS Division Jaffna DSD Chankanai DSD Sandilipai DSD Kayts DSD

Hindu Temple 71 188 124 33

Church 25 5 28 10

Mosque 11 4 - -

Buddhist Temples 1 - - -

171. 'Nagadeepa' is probably a recognized landmark in the Jaffna peninsula for Buddhists

because they believe that Lord Buddha visited this place during his second visit to Sri Lanka

to resolve a conflict between 'Naga' tribesmen. 'Naagapushani Amman' kovil is another

historically important site in Nagadeepa.

172. The Delft Island is believed to be one of the main archeologically important places in

Jaffna district. It still bears evidence of Portuguese and Dutch influence having two forts built

during Portuguese and Dutch period. Limestone can be seen everywhere in the island and

walls of the houses have been raised with these stones. The other important sights in Delft

island is the "growing rock' where Christians believe Adam left his footprints in there. The

island also has the ruins of a few old temples. The above mentioned sites attract thousands

of local and foreign visitors daily. (Refer Table 37 for other cultural and archaeological tourist

55

attraction sites in the district). The culturally and historically important locations found

along the AB021 and AB19 are illustrated in following table. (Table 47)

Table 47 culturally and historically important locations found along the AB021 and AB19

Road name Chainage Religious places

AB021: Jaffna - Ponnalai - Point Pedro road

0.30 km (R) Hindu Kovil

1.10 km (R) Hindu Kovil

5.10 km (R) Hindu Kovil, Kalundal

8.80 km (R) Church,

AB19: Jaffna - Pannai – Kayts Road

11.60 km 16.10 km (L)

18.50 km 19.10 km

19.40 km (L)

Nagadeepa temple Church, Naranthanai

R & Rev Joseph Church R & Rev Joseph Church

Church, Kayts.

173. Other than cultural and archeologically important places, the Jaffna people valued

and safeguarded their inherited customs and traditions. Jaffna proudly safeguarded a very

rich cultural tradition of music and dancing, essentially South Indian in nature and origin. The

district has number of Artists, Musicians, Drama artist, Dancers, Folk dancers, Sculptors,

Drawing artist, Writers and poets. Culture and Art of the district are associated with the

human soul and life. Eg. Art of dancing known as koothu: a combination of dancing, singing

and beauty, is able to reveal the feelings of the mind and emotions of beauty. This art is

famous in coastal areas of the Jaffna Division and Passaiyoor. Other than that folk dance in

―Vadamody‖, sculpturing at Village Araly, ―Cultural Peravai‖ in Chankanai DSD are other

significant cultural events in the district. Several organizing groups such as Jaffna DS

Cultural Council, Tamil Cinema Society etc. work for the cultural development of Jaffna

district. These councils are engaged in assisting in development of arts on the divisional

level and continues to engage in composing new art and cultural dimensions.

56

Chapter 4 - Screening of the Potential Environment Impacts and Mitigation

Measures

174. The proposed work under NRCP will involve rehabilitation and upgrading of existing

5 A, B and AB class National roads/sections up to standard 2 lane status with pavements,

improvement of road surface, construction of side drains & embankments, widening or

replacement of culverts, cause ways bridges etc. During the construction phase, activities

such as removal and re-establishment of public utilities, removal of road side trees, mining of

gravel and sand, quarrying of metal, transportation of construction materials, disposal of

construction waste, establishment of construction material processing plants, storage yards,

labour camps, vehicles and equipment service yards and other facilities will have to be

implemented. These activities can cause several negative impacts to the existing

environment of the project area in several ways. Therefore feasible mitigation measures

have been suggested to avoid or minimize anticipated impacts while enhancing the positive

environmental impacts through following section. These measures should also need to be

included to contract conditions and specification of the subproject roads.

1.1. Environmental Impacts Associated with Pre Construction and Construction Stage

4.1.1. Resources mobilization

175. Mobilization of resources for the project construction activities such as space, human

capital and physical resources is a major task that should be carried out at an early stage of

the project. Acquisition of lands for the proposed RoW, construction of material processing

plants, storage yards, labour camps, offices are the activities that require considerable

amount of space. Therefore availability of land for construction related activities is very

important. Adequate provision should also be made to mobilize the construction equipment,

vehicles and other construction materials.

4.1.2. Land acquisition and removal of structures from the proposed RoW

Outline and impacts

176. Since proposed roads/sections are to be widened to cater to only 2lane standards,

additional land needs to be acquired from private and government properties are minimal.

Descriptive details on land acquisition and resettlement for the proposed activities is

discussed in the Social and Resettlement Assessment in detail.

Mitigation measures

177. Acquisition of land if required should be purely based on the design requirements.

Adequate compensation should be given to those who lose property and such compensation

should be based on Land Acquisition Act (LAA), National Involuntary Resettlement Policy

57

(NIRP) and guidelines given in the ―Entitlement matrix‖ of the Resettlement Action Plan

(RAP) prepared for the subprojects {Refer: Volume 8 : Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) of

NRCP-National}

178. Based on the RAP all possible livelihood restoration measures should be undertaken

to support persons whose livelihood activities are affected. All permanent structures that will

have to be relocated could be set back in their properties within the same land if space is

available. This will avoid relocation/ resettlement in new sites. Provision of labourers to shift

and restore the structures outside the RoW is also important.

179. If the project activities involve reclamation of paddy fields, construction close to or

within the coastal zone and archaeological sites: prior approval should be obtained from the

Department of Agrarian services (DoAS), Department of Coast Conservation (CCD) and

Department of Archaeology (DA) respectively.

4.1.3. Selection of lands for temporally use

Outline and impacts

180. Construction of materials processing plants, storage yards, vehicle parks, disposal

sites and labour camps for temporary use will require additional lands within subproject

affected areas. These activities can create social and environmental impacts such as

conflicts between workforce and surrounding communities, soil erosion, impact on natural

ecology due to removal of green cover vegetation and trees etc.

Mitigation measures

181. Selection of lands should be undertaken by the contractors carefully, away from

environmental and public sensitive areas in accordance with local laws, regulations and in

close consultation with villagers and LAs. If any public lands are selected, obtaining official

permits from the relevant authorities and compensation/rent for consuming the selected sites

will also be essential. Selection of local un-skilled and skilled workers for the proposed

construction activities can reduce the requirement of land for labour camps in large scale.

4.1.4. Removal of public utilities

Outline and impacts

182. Public utilities such as electricity, pipe born water supply and telecommunication

facilities located within the existing RoW have to be removed during proposed project

activities. The electricity is available all the subproject roads while telecommunication and

pipe borne water supply facilities are available in some road sections. The responsibility for

removal of utilities during pre-construction stage should be handled by Project

Implementation Unit (PIU). If it is undertaken during the construction stage it should be

handled by the contractor under the supervision of the PIU.

58

Mitigation measures

183. Proper coordination and consent should be taken from service providers (CEB,

NWDB, Sri Lanka Telecom), if utility lines need to be shifted due to design requirements or

alignment changes. Advance notice to the public about the time and duration of the utility

disruption will reduce public inconvenience and provide adequate time to obtain alternative

utility service during disruption. Employment of well trained and experienced machinery

operators, technical officers & labourers, for the removal will reduce accidental damage to

the utilities, workers and general public. These activities will also ensure re-establishment of

utilities rapidly..

4.1.5. Extraction, transportation and storage of construction materials

Outline and impacts

184. All construction materials for the NCP roads are available within project affected

areas of Anuradhapura district. However metal for construction activities of Jaffna roads

should be transported from outside especially from NCP ( see Attachment 4 Material

Extraction Sites). In general extraction of construction materials on a large scale can have

negative impact such as noise, air, water, soil pollution, reduction of scenic beauty and

impact on the natural ecosystem.

185. Soil erosion, lowering of river beds, destruction of river banks, reduction of sand

replenishment of coastal beaches, coastal erosion and salt water intrusion during dry season

are the main consequences due to sand mining. Nuisance from dust, noise and vibrations

will create health and social disturbance to people around metal extraction sites. Stagnation

of water in borrow pits, material storage yards and metal quarries provide breeding sites for

mosquitoes and create accidental damage to people and wild animals. Transportation and

storage of construction materials can potentially cause disturbance to the general public,

increase dust and noise nuisance and damage to minor roads.

Mitigation measures

186. Extraction of construction materials should be undertaken only from mines and

quarries approved by GS&MB. If new material extraction sites need to be located, those

should exclude areas which are public and environment sensitive. Burrow areas shall not be

opened without permission of the site engineer. Environmental requirements and guidelines

issued by the CEA, GSMB and LAs should be followed with respect of locating material

extraction sites, other operations and rehabilitation of extraction sites at the end of use.

Earth available from excavation of road side drains can be used for embankment materials

under approval of the engineer.

187. Transport, loading and unloading of construction materials should not cause

nuisance to the people by way of noise, vibration and dust. All drivers should obtained

license for the category of vehicles they drive and follow the speed limits of roads based on

the traffic rules and regulations. Construction materials should not exceed the carrying

capacity of trucks.

59

188. When storage of construction materials all stock piles should be located sufficiently

away from environment and public sensitive locations. Sand, rubble, metal bitumen and

cement should be covered to ensure protection from dust and to avoid emissions. These

should not be located around irrigation canals, tank bunds, cross drainage and natural flow

paths. All cement, bitumen (barrels), oil and other chemicals should be stored and handled

on an impervious surface above ground level (e.g. concrete slab) and should be enclosed

ensuring that no storm water flows in to the structures. Adequate ventilation should be kept

to avoid accumulation of fumes and offensive odour that could be harmful.

4.1.6. Effect on local road net work

Outline and impacts

189. In general, sources of construction materials (borrow pits, quarries, mines) and

processing plants cannot be established adjacent to proposed subproject roads. Therefore

construction materials should be transported from outside areas through the rural road

network. The carrying capacity of rural roads is not sufficient to cater to the vehicular load

and hence, can be damaged during transportation of construction materials. In generally LAs

cannot engage in such immediate maintenance activities due to the lack of financial

capacities.

Mitigation measures

190. Nomination should be given by the contractor in bidding work for the quarries and

borrow areas, roads which he intends to use with adequate capacity for heavy trucks by

providing evidence. The Contractor should obtain permits from LAs to use local roads prior

to transportation of construction materials, machineries and equipment. Construction

materials shall not exceed the carrying capacity of the local road network. If construction

vehicles are likely to cause damage to public roads, provision should be made for their repair

and restoration as part of the contract. The Contractor should maintain all roads, which he

intends to use for transportation of construction materials as per the agreement.

4.1.7. Waste disposal and Sanitation

Outline and impacts

191. Solid waste associated with construction and other related works (construction

debris, spoil, and waste generated from labour camps, officer‘s accommodations) may

impose several negative environmental and social impacts to the subproject affected areas

including impact on ecology, public health and scenic beauty. Labour camps, garbage

disposal sites and material storage yards provide favourable habitats for vectors of diseases

like mosquitoes and rats. Decaying wastes attract pests such as rats and flies which become

unhealthy, dirty, and unsightly places to reside in. Contamination of water bodies with

wastewater, construction debris and spoil will create significant impact on aquatic lives and

people inhabited in the area.

60

Mitigation measures

192. Selection of disposal site by the contractor should exclude areas which are close to

public and environment sensitive areas. Prior approval for the disposal site should be

obtained from LAs via Grama Niladari. All debris and residual spoil materials (soil, sand,

rock, and deadwoods) generated from construction activities shall be re-used wherever

possible for site levelling, back - filling under instruction of Engineers & Construction

Supervision Consultant (CSC). Dump materials should be placed without interference to the

irrigation canals, water bodies, agricultural lands or any other environmental sensitive sites.

193. Contractor should handle and manage waste generated from construction/labour

camps without contaminating the environmental conditions or affecting the risk of

public/communities living near the sites. Proper solid waste disposal, sanitation and

sewerage facilities (drinking water, urinals, toilets and wash rooms) should be provided to all

sites of construction/labour camps. Location of labour camps should be approved by the

Engineer and comply with guidelines/recommendations issued by CEA and LAs.

194. Provision of proper drainage facilities to minimize stagnation of water around worker

based camps and keeping the drainage facilities clean at all times to prevent breeding of rats

and other vectors such as flies. Garbage bins should be provided to all workers based

camps, construction sites and should be dumped regularly in a hygienic manner under the

inspection of Public Health Inspector (PHI) in the area.

195. Majority of skilled and unskilled workers should be selected from the project influence

area to avoid generation of waste and sanitation problems from labour camps. If migrant

labour is brought for construction activities from different areas there may also be conflict

situations among the workers and settlers near worker camps. Spreading of communal

diseases is also possible due to migrant labourers.

4.1.8. Effect on water resources

Outline and impacts

196. Coastal habitats, seasonal tanks, streams, irrigation canals, and community water

supply facilities are located adjacent/across the proposed subproject roads. For the

construction related activities water will be required in significant amounts from above

sources. Therefore, excessive use of water for construction activities may impact on aquatic

ecology and water resources especially during the dry season. Furthermore, construction

close to the water bodies, construction of cross drainage, poor sanitation at work sites,

labour camps and disposal of solid waste may affect water sources used by local

communities in different ways. E.g. the surface water runoff and groundwater close to

construction site can be polluted with various materials (paints, glues, lubricants, toxic

chemicals, cement and bitumen) which in turn affect the overall water quality of the area.

Mitigation measures

197. Contractor should make aware employees regarding water conservation, pollution

and minimization of water usage. Water from residential areas should be obtained after

consent from the local community. Construction work affecting water bodies have to be

61

undertaken during the dry season and necessary steps should be taken to avoid entering

wastewater directly in to water bodies. Pits should be introduced wherever possible to

prevent silting of water bodies as a result of construction work.

198. Excavation of beds of any streams, irrigation systems, and other water resources

should be avoided as much as possible. Public or community water supplies with proper

sanitation arrangements should be provided to the labour camps and other construction

related places with the approval from the relevant authorities, ensuring no raw sewage is

released into drains or water bodies.

199. Contractor shall not divert, close or block existing canals and streams in a manner

that adversely affect downstream intakes. If diversion, closing or blocking of canals and

streams is required for the execution of work, contractor must obtain approval from

engineers and relevant line agencies in writing. If disrupted, an alternative water sources

should be arranged for the affected community. Contractor shall restore the water sources to

its original status once such diversion or closer or blockage ceased.

200. All toxic and hazardous materials required for construction (asphalt, fuel; toxic,

hazardous and other fine particals) should be sited at least 500m away from water bodies

and should prevent their entering into such places. Water that is contaminated with fuel, oil

and grease should not be directly released to storm water or natural water drainage system.

If released, they should be entered to pits allowing them to filter, settle down and release to

the environment as per the guide lines issued by the CEA.

201. Vehicles and equipments used for the construction activities should be maintained in

good condition, ensuring no undue leakage of fuel and lubricants is released to water

sources. Equipment and vehicles should not be allowed to wash with drinking water wells or

streams.

4.1.9. Soil erosion, sedimentation and siltation

Outline and impacts

202. The project affected area of NCP and NP receives a considerable amount of water

during North East Monsoon Period while selected roads in Jaffna district are located within

the coastal area. Thus soil erosion, sedimentation and siltation can take place any time

during rainy seasons due to construction activities such as cut and fill operation, land

clearing, construction or reconstruction of new culverts, causeways, bridges and

construction of earth and line drains. Decrease of infiltration of rain water, acceleration of

surface runoff, lowering river beds and destruction of river banks are the main impacts

associated with soil erosion.

Mitigation measures

203. All permanent and temporally work should be undertaken to control soil erosion,

sedimentation and water pollution as per the design or as directed by the engineer. Top soil

generated from construction sites (not exceeding 150 mm) should be stored properly (height

not exceeding 2m) and reused for turfing and tree planting activities. Clearing and filling

62

areas should be treated against flow acceleration and should be designed carefully to

minimize obstruction or destruction of natural drainages.

204. Works that lead to heavy erosion shall be avoided during heavy rains. Steep cuts

should be limited and slope cuts should be decreased in order to minimize erosion due to

rain. The exposed slopes shall be graded and covered by grasses as per the specifications.

All filling areas should be compacted immediately to reach specific degree of compaction

and to establish proper mulch. Retaining structures and deep-rooted grass should be placed

in erodible areas, where necessary. Use of silt traps and erosion control measures close to

water bodies is also necessary

205. All temporary soil dumps should be removed to a suitable disposal site. If temporary

soil dumps are left for a long time those should be covered with thick tarpaulin sheets.

Suitable local drainage facilities should be established properly to drain water in construction

areas. Construction activities including earth work and construction of cross drainages

should be conducted during the dry season (May to September).

4.1.10. Temporary floods

Outline and impacts

206. Some sections of the proposed roads are prone to flood / inundate during rainy

seasons (refer approximate location of flooding: Attachment 5.) due to location of the roads

in low elevation areas. Poor drainage facilities in these roads is another factor contribute for

local flooding. In addition blockage of existing drainage paths due to construction activities

will also create temporally floods. To minimize those impacts recommendations given by the

hydrological study (Road Specific Design Report: Volume 2, Appendix 2.2) should be strictly

followed. In addition following measures need to be implemented.

Mitigation measures

207. Construction activities shall not lead to aggravate floods in flood prone areas.

Increasing embankment height of particular sections, construction of new cross drainage,

reconstruction of existing culverts, causeways and bridges with sufficient capacity will avoid

location specific temporary floods. All construction activities should be properly planned &

arranged to minimize flood. The existing drains should be cleaned after site specific

construction, excavations, clearing & grubbing.

208. Storing of chemicals and construction materials should avoid areas which can be

washed away by flood. Temporary earth drains should be provided as practically as

possible until required line or earth drains are provided after excavation and other

construction activities.

63

4.1.11. Effect on flora, fauna and their habitats

Outline and impacts

209. Proposed subprojects for the improvements runs through urban, semi urban, rural,

agricultural, environment sensitive and coastal areas in NP and NCP of the country.

Therefore floral and faunal species inhabited in the project affected area include both

common home garden and wild verities belong to both aquatic and terrestrial habitats.

Additionally perennial tanks, streams, mangroves, RAMSAR site, sanctuaries and other

stagnant water bodies are also located in these subprojects affected areas.

210. During construction phase activities such as site clearing, construction of culverts

and bridges, mining and quarrying operations, removal of trees and green cover vegetation

etc., will potentially impact to the ecological resources of the area by means of disturbing

habitat, increasing soil erosion and surface runoff, creating noise and vibration at the project

site etc. For an example, different species of trees over 30 cm Diameter at Breast Height

(DBH) will need to be removed from the existing RoW of proposed roads.

Mitigation measures

211. All works should be carried out as mentioned in the flora and fauna protection

ordinance (chapter 567) in a manner that destruction of flora, fauna and their habitats is

minimized. Awareness programs should be organized for the workforce about Importance of

flora, fauna and different types of aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Workforce should avoid

disturbing flora, fauna including hunting of animals, gathering fire wood from the surrounding

habitats and fishing in water bodies. Removal of trees should be avoided as much as

possible. If rare, threatened or endangered floral or faunal species are found during

construction activities, it should be immediately informed to Resident Engineer (RE). All

construction activities should be planned according to the RE followed by Environmental

Specialist of CSC‘s instructions. In addition construction activities close to environment

sensitive areas (Sanctuaries, forested areas and RAMSA site) should be arranged under

guidance and instruction of DWLC & Department of Forest (DOF). Construction activities

around elephant inhabited areas (e.g. A029) should be conducted under the instruction of

DWLC. If there are any elephant migration paths located along/across the roads, those

should be identified with the help of DWLC. Construction activities should be limited to day

time and activities which may impede their natural behaviour (i.e. activities that create high

noise and vibration) should be minimised/control as much as possible. Further, Material

extraction sites and waste disposal sites should not be located within these sensitive areas.

212. Contractor shall adhere to the guidelines and recommendation made by CEA and

DoF regarding removal of road side trees. Decision on tree removal should be mainly based

on the detailed engineering design. All road side trees subjected to potential removal should

be marked and preparation of inventory of tree removal is also necessary by the contractor.

When removing of trees, valuable timber should be properly stacked and handed over to

DoF or rightful owners. Tree planting should be done at wherever appropriate space along

the road side compensating 1 tree cut with planting at least 3 trees by the contractor. If not,

the Executive Agent/ Implement Agent (EA /IA) will need to find a suitable place in

consultation with LA‘s and local communities for tree planting programme. The suitable

64

saplings for the tree planting programme should be selected with the instruction of DoF. This

will help to compensate the floral loss during construction stage, provide long term benefits

to the society and useful in demarcating and protecting the road reservation.

4.1.12. Biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural resource management

Outline and impacts

213. The subproject affected areas are mainly consist of man-made habitats and rural

agricultural villages including home gardens, paddy fields, mixed and chena cultivations,

coastal habitats, fresh water bodies and associated irrigation schemes. The environment

sensitive area of the subproject roads are sanctuaries, mangroves, forest and RAMSAR site

In general road construction activities may impact on surrounding vegetation, i.e. loss of

native species and species diversity, increase risk of invasive species, top soil erosion, seed

bank depletion, risk of fire and seed disposal. Extraction of construction materials, removal

of trees and other excavation works has the potential to destroy or injure wildlife. These

construction activities may also impact on the habitat quality, species diversity, and

reproductive success of some species. Noise generated from construction vehicles,

equipment, material processing plants and vehicle traffic has the potential to disturb

breeding, foraging, and migrating behaviour of wild species.

Mitigation measures

214. Careful attention should be given especially during the construction phase to avoid or

minimize the effects to the natural environment of the area. Almost all the stakeholders

associated with the construction and pre construction stages of the project should be made

aware of negative impacts that can arise due to above activities. Contractor should

especially be aware not to introduce any alien species during construction related activities

(i.e. transportation of construction materials, turfing and sub base materials machineries,

vehicles and equipment‘s from the outside areas). Saplings for tree planting program should

comprise of native or endemic species which is suitable to the existing climatic condition of

the subproject areas. Client should undertake periodic assessment of accidental or

unintended introduction of invasive alien species and other construction activities that can

affect natural ecosystems.

215. Although project activities will involve use of natural resources such as water, metal,

sand, earth in the project affected areas; use of those in an unsustainable manner will not be

practiced during construction as well as its operation cum maintenance phases. However

anticipated impacts (eg. removal of trees and green cover vegetation, lowering of river beds,

soil and coastal erosion) can be avoided or minimized by adhering to proposed mitigation

measures through EMPs.

65

4.1.13. Protection of archaeological, cultural and religious places

Outline and impacts

216. One proposed subproject roadAB019 run at the vicinity of Jaffna fort, (50- 100 m)

which is important archaeological site located in Jaffna town. However project activities will

not cause any impact to the above site. Since Anuradhapura district is very famous for the

archaeological, cultural and religiously significant locations, construction activities may

impact unidentified significant locations.

Mitigation measures

217. Prior consultation and consent should be taken from Department of Archaeology

(DA) for construction work close to the Archaeological sites. If any fossils, coins, articles of

value antique, structures etc., are discovered in the construction site, it should be

immediately informed to the Engineer and DA. If there are any important archaeological,

cultural and religious sites recovered, work should be stopped within 100m in all direction

from the site discovery as mentioned in Antiques Ordinance in 1940 and Cultural Property

Act of 1988. Further, necessary precautions should be undertaken to avoid any workmen or

any other person entering the above areas. Assistance should be taken from DA for further

project activities.

4.1.14. Disruption of traffic

Outline and impacts

218. Improvement works on the road pavement, widening operations or reconstruction of

culverts and bridges that may be necessary during the project can impede the existing traffic

flow in the area. This can be observed especially in urban centres, near public sensitive

locations and close to bridge construction sites along all subprojects. The Existing ADT

volumes of the proposed project roads are shown in Table 06. In addition, vehicles involved

in construction as well as transportation of construction materials from outside will increase

daily traffic volume and accidental risk. These activities will also result in vehicular

congestions, delays in travel time, increase noise and exhaust emissions, disturbance to

pedestrians and public in built up areas.

Mitigation measures

219. Advance notice to the road users and roadside communities about the schedule of

construction activities, provision of safe and convenient passage to vehicles and passengers

especially during construction of culverts and causeways, implementation of traffic

management plans (if necessary) in construction areas according to traffic rules and

regulations in close coordination with local police by the contractor are the major mitigation

measures.

220. All signs used for traffic management should be of accepted standards and approved

by the engineer/ police. Construction sites and excavated areas should be barricaded with

warning tapes, painted barriers or traffic corns. Usage of flagmen and/or temporary traffic

66

signs for construction sites or temporally diversion, allocation of properly trained personnel

provided with proper gear including communication equipment and luminous jackets for night

use are other measures that have to be undertaken during construction period.

4.1.15. Personal safety of workers and general public

Outline and impacts

221. Construction related activities both within and outside of subproject affected areas

could create accidental harm to general public and work force. Construction of, culverts,

causeways, bridges, surfacing, roadway excavation, removal of road side structures, trees,

use of hazardous substances, processing and transportation of construction materials are

the main causes associated with accidental risk.

Mitigation measures

222. Contractor should organize awareness programs about personal safety of workers

and general public in the area with proper briefing and training on safety precautions, their

responsibilities for the safety of themselves and others. Contractor shall comply with

requirements for the safety of the workmen as per the International Labour Organization

(ILO) convention No. 62, Safety and Health regulations of the Factory Ordinance of Sri

Lanka to the extent that are applicable to his contract. Other than that, the contractor has to

comply with regulations regarding safe scaffoldings, ladders, working platforms, gangways,

stairwells, excavations, trenches, safe means or entry and egress.

223. Use of licensed and trained plant/vehicle operators, provision of protective footwear,

helmets, goggles, eye-shields and clothes to workers depending on their duty (mixing

asphalt, blasting, handling equipment) are the major steps that can be taken to reduce

accidental risk. Apart from that provision of high visibility jackets with necessary lighting

arrangements to the workers when construction activities are taking place at night, allocation

of flagmen during day time and provision of two red lamps at night are also necessary.

224. Excavated areas for construction should be barricaded using barricading tapes, sign

boards and red light. Quarry operations, roadway excavations and blasting should be carried

out and supervised by trained personnel. Explosives for the project activities should be

stored in a secure location in a protected way. Arranging regular safety checks for vehicles

and equipment‘s, allocation of responsibility to relevant personnel, prohibition of alcoholic

drinks and other substances which may impair judgment of workers engaged in construction

activities, arrangement of proper first aid and transport facilities for injured people,

installation of warning signs, speed limits and signals to particular locations of the road are

the measures that have to be adopted for personal safety of workers and general public

4.1.16. Effect on existing drainage

Outline and impacts

225. Land clearing, cut and fill operations, removal of road side structures, trees and

public utilities as well as other construction related activities may lead to accidental damage

67

to culverts, bridges and other irrigation structures. Storage of construction materials and

alteration of natural flow paths will create temporary impact to existing drainages.

Mitigation measures

226. Design of bridges should conform to requirement of the ‗Bridge Design Manual‘ of

RDA considering a flood return period of 100 years. Design of culverts should be considered

to allow sheath flow or cross drainage without any blocking.

227. Investigation report should be submitted to the engineer if diversion or close or

blocking of canals, streams or other water sources for proposed construction work need to

be undertaken. Approval should be obtained from relevant authorities (DOI, DS, DoAS) prior

to such action take place or any proposed construction works on/at areas belongs to those

institutions. Restoration the water bodies to its original status once the need for such

diversion, close or blockage is no longer required.

228. Contractor should avoid storage of construction materials and disposal of debris

around irrigation canals, cross drainage and natural flow paths. If existing drains are

obstructed, provision of temporally drainage facilities to the construction site will be required.

Contractor is responsible for replacing structurally damaged structures and maintaining

drainage paths and drains clear at all times during construction period.

4.1.17. Impact from dust, noise and vibration

Outline and impacts

229. Dust, noise and vibrations generated from the project activities will impact the road

side communities and people who inhabit around material extraction sites. In general poor

air quality is the most immediate pollution effect experienced from the construction sites.

Release of Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) from storage sites and transfer of

vehicle/equipment fuels, emission of small amounts of Carbon monoxide, Nitrogen dioxide

and particulates from blasting activities and generation of dust (from clearing, grubbing,

excavating, backfilling, dumping, mixing concrete, transportation of materials, storage of soil

and metal piles etc.) will impact on the surroundings air quality.

Mitigation measures

230. Construction related activities closer to public sensitive locations have to be

scheduled in coordination with relevant authorities (community leaders, schools‘ principals,

high - priests or other respective officers) to avoid disturbance to day to day activities of the

people. All machinery, equipment and vehicles should be maintained in a good condition by

engaging skilled mechanics and regularly maintained in compliance with National Emission

Standards (1994). Noise control regulations stipulated by the CEA in 1996 (Gazette Extra

Ordinance, No 924/12) should strictly be implemented for crushers, hot mixed plants,

construction vehicles and equipment. The maximum permissible noise levels at boundaries

of the land in which the sources of noise is located for construction activities are 75dB (A)

Leqand 50 dB (A) Leq during day time and night time respectively (Day time: 6.00 am - 7.00

68

pm, night time: from 7.00 pm - 6.00 am). However Contractor should limit working time for

activities that create noise from 6.00 am to 6.00 pm.

231. Crushers and hot mixed plants should be placed with the approval of Engineer, CEA,

LAs and should be located at least 500 m away from residential and environmental sensitive

areas or other public sensitive locations. Dust extraction units, exhaust silencers and noise

reduction devices can be fitted to the road side crushers, construction vehicles and hot

mixed plants to reduce dust emissions.

232. Dust emissions during transportation of construction materials should be controlled

by enforcing speed limits to the vehicles, providing of dust barriers (canvas, hard polythene,

asbestos sheets) to the public sensitive locations, wet spraying of quarries, construction

sites, roads which will be used for the transportation of construction materials at regular

intervals. Tarpaulin covering is mandatory on trucks/lorries which are used for transporting

materials and all construction materials (sand, gravel, metal, cement) should be stored with

proper covering. Suitable actions should be taken to minimize or avoid dirt and mud being

carried to road surface. Contractor should also take actions to prevent bad odour and

offensive smells emanating from chemicals, construction material processing or other

construction activities

Note: LAeq'T' means the equivalent continuous, A- weighted sound pressure determined

over a time interval T (in dB).

4.1.18. Road side landscape and road furniture

Outline and impacts

233. Maintenance of road side landscape and provision of road furniture is a must to

enhance the scenic beauty beside the road corridor and public safety during the operation

stage. Road landscape include tree plantation, registration of road embankments and other

slopes, edge treatment of water bodies while road furniture include foot paths, railings,

storm water drains, traffic signs, speed limits, and any other such items.

Mitigation measures

234. All debris, piles of unwanted earth, spoil materials and temporally structures should

be cleared away from the road sides and disposed at locations designated or acceptable to

the RE. Road landscape activities have to be done as per either detailed design or typical

design guidelines given as part of the bid documents. Road furniture items should be

provided as per the design given in the bid documents.

1.2. Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures Associated With Operation Period

235. Environmental impacts identified during the operation stage are common for all

proposed projects roads and are described as follows.

69

4.2.1. Air Quality and Noise

236. Due to existing conditions, the ambient air quality in urban centres is impaired by

vehicular emissions, especially during peak hours while rural and agricultural area it is due to

dust emission from unpaved roads. The proposed improvements are designed to decrease

congestions, allow smooth traffic flows and reduce time that vehicles remain stationary with

minimum accelerations and decelerations. The project is therefore expected to have a

positive effect on overall air quality compared to the current situation of the project area.

Noise generated during operation period can be managed by enforcing proper traffic rules

and regulations (i.e reduce obstruct parking, direction to alternative paths during high traffic

time etc.)

237. Maintenance activities during the operational phase will also potentially result in the

release of air and dust, both directly and through impeding traffic. This effect can be

mitigated by ensuring that maintenance work takes place as far as possible during off peak

traffic hours and dust emissions are suppressed and plant and equipment maintained in

good serviceable order.

4.2.2. Drainage Congestions

238. The improvement of road side drainage including culverts and bridges through the

project is expected to facilitate smooth water flow and speed water flow during rainy season.

However, stagnation or blocking the water flows may occur due to sediments, improper

disposal of debris during maintenance activities or ignorance of public by disposing spoil and

garbage in the side drainage. These activities will obstruct road side drainage, culvert and

manholes which provide suitable habitats for vectors like mosquitoes. Therefore, RDA needs

to undertake regular maintenance of the drainage system to avoid drainage congestions that

may cause local flooding, which at the end could destroy the road.

4.2.3. Safety of Road Users

239. Improvement of road surface including widening of carriage way and adjustments as

per the design will increase speed of vehicles. The convenient passages of the subproject

roads will reduce number of accidents and risk to the pedestrians as well as

drivers/travellers. Enforcement of speed limits, traffic rules and regulations, installation of

warning signs, regulatory signs, information signs as well as provision of bus bays,

pedestrian crossings, pavements, guard railings, chevron markers etc. to appropriate

locations are essential to enhance more safety of the people.

4.2.4. Encroachment of Right Of Way

240. Encroachment of RoW of National Roads can be taken place any time after

completion of construction works and this practice is common all over the country; mainly for

income generation activities. Currently number of temporally informal sector units can be

seen within existing RoW of the subproject road with several permanent structures. This

situation can be seen especially around public sensitive and environment sensitive locations.

The permanent or temporary structures built by encroachers within existing reservation

cause impact to the pavements and road side drains. They also obstruct maintenance

70

activities of the roads, view range of travellers and impact to the movement of pedestrian.

Parking of vehicles opposite to these locations for buying foods (vegetable, fruits), as well as

for other services will increase accidental damage to vehicles and other road users.

Implementation of rules, regulations and rooting checking by RDA of MOPH to remove

unauthorized structures from right of way is necessary during the operation stage to avoid

encroachment.

71

Chapter 5 - Institutional Requirements and Grievance Redress Mechanism

1.1. Institutional Arrangements

241. RDA is the Executing Agency for the project and has the responsibility to implement

overall EMP. PIU established within the RDA, will be responsible for overall contract

administration and supervision regarding implementation of Environmental Specifications

and Special Environmental Provisions included in Contract Document. In practice, detailed

implementation of EMP will involve the following parties,

Contractor

Contractor Supervision Consultants (CSC)

Project Implementation Unit (PIU)

ESD (Environmental and Social Division) of RDA

Project Director (PD) of RDA

242. Contractors will be responsible for implementation of all mitigation measures included

in EMP of the project during the construction period, especially to mitigate all environmental

impacts associated with construction activities. CSCs will responsible for daily supervision of

the contractor regarding implementation of EMP and reporting the implementation of EMP to

PIU on monthly basis. ESD established within the RDA will be responsible for monitoring

the implementation of EMP during the construction phase. CEA which is responsible for

overall environmental management in the country will periodically review the monitoring

reports submitted by PIU/ESD and provides guidance and advice when required. The

responsibility hierarchy of project implementation is as follows.

72

Figure 11 Responsibility hierarchy of project implementation

1.2. Capacity Building

243. RDA/ESD already has adequate capacity for monitoring and implementation of environment and social issues related with road projects. However, there should be a better coordination between Client, CSC and Contractor regarding implementation of EMP which can be achieved through conducting meetings and workshops. This will help to clarify any issues, doubts regarding the project and will help to implement EMP more effectively.

244. The RDA through PIU shall organize orientation sessions and regular training sessions for relevant technical and management staff of RDA, contractor and his staff before commencing construction activities. These sessions should be focused on environmental performance, methods on implementing and monitoring EMP, agreements on checklists and reports, methods maintained by field staff on EMP implementation, activities related to EMoP, preparation and submission of monitoring reports, etc. . which will ultimately enhance their capabilities for day to day supervision and implementation of EMP and EMoP of the project.

1.3. Grievance Redress Mechanism

245. Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) provides an effective approach to resolve any issues made by affected community on environmental impacts arising throughout the project

ESD- RDA

C

E

A

Project Director -RDA

Team Leader

Environmental

Officer

Contractor/

Project

Manager

Project Implementation

Unit

Environmental

Specialist

Residence

Engineer

R

DA

CSC

C

on

trac

tor

73

cycle. This mechanism will be established by the project proponent; RDA to address

grievances presented by Affected Persons (APs). Since most of the environmental impacts

are construction related complaints (issues related to dust, noise and vibration, effect on

land, loss of access, local road network, deteriorating water quality and quantity, soil erosion

and safety issues) managing those is mainly the contractor's responsibility.

246. However, these grievances could be minimized at the initial stage of the project by

careful design, implementation and monitoring of sub-projects and also through sound

communication & awareness among all the stakeholders including APs regarding project

activities. Furthermore, adhering to mitigation measures addressed in EMP by contractor

(with the help of Environmental Officer) under the careful supervision of CSCs /ES and the

representatives of RDA and CEA will minimise construction related grievances.

5.3.1. Grievance Redress Committee

247. This mechanism will be executed through a Grievance Redress Committee (GRC)

and consists of following Members;

A representative from RDA (Project Director)

A representative from community leader/ Grama Niladhari (GN)

A representative from contractor/ EO/ Project Manager

A representative from CSC (Engineer/ES)

A representative from relevant DSD (Divisional Secretary/Additional Divisional

Secretary)

248. Almost all the stakeholders related to the GRM should be aware and instructed by

PIU regarding the established grievance process, the requirement of grievance mechanism,

goals, benefits, relevant laws and regulations of GRM. They should also be instructed about

procedures of taking/ recording complaints, handling of on-the spot resolution of minor

problems, taking care of complainant and most excellent response to distressed

stakeholders. The Affected community should especially be made aware of the procedure ,

venue and the responsible person to contact when making a complain (Wildau. S., et al,

2008)3.

5.3.2. The Process of Grievance Redress Mechanism Complaints of APs can be made as an individual or as a group in verbal or written form through

letters/suggestion boxes and telephone conversation. Received complaints will be screened to

determine if they are eligible to be addressed by GRM. If the complaint is rejected, the complainant

is informed about the decision and the reasons for rejection. If the complaint is accepted, it can be

resolved through GRM of the project (Fig 12). Solutions for complaints should be handed over to

complainant in written form and actions to be taken to mitigate those impacts should be informed

to the responsible institution / individual.

3 Wildau, S., Moore, C., Atkins, D., and O’Neill, E. 2008. A Guide to Designing and Implementing Grievance Mechanisms for

Development Projects. Office of the Compliance Advisor/Ombudsman, International Finance Corporation, Washington, D.C.

74

249.

Figure 12 Responsibility hierarchy of resolving public complaints

250. When people encounter an issue, first step is submission of complaint to the

Contractor/PM/EO through community leader/GN. If the complaint is simple and the answer

is straightforward, it should be directly provided within 2 days to the compliant.

251. If the reply could not be provided immediately or not within his authority or if the

response for the complaint is at an unsatisfactory level for the complainer, it should be

forwarded to the Grievance Redress Committee A GRC meeting must be convened and an

answer for the complaint should be provided within 3 weeks to the compliant.

Special Note: Refer to Designing and implementing grievance redress mechanisms, a guide

for implementers of transport projects in Sri Lanka (2010) by ADB for further details

Complaints by individuals,

Groups, or institutions

Complaints by People’s

representatives: political,

religious, community

GRC Secretary

(Complaints to GRC in written form

GRC meeting

Convey the decision to APs

Decision to be

taken within 3

weeks of

receipt of

complaint

75

Chapter 6 - Environment Management Plan and Environment Monitoring Plan

1.1. Environmental Management Plan (EMP)

252. To ensure that the proposed project would not generate any negative impact on

environment, the EMP has been prepared and attached as Annex D. This was developed

based on best practices for environmental management in the country. The EMP includes

identified impacts during project activities, proposed mitigation measures, responsible

parties to implement and supervise those impacts and feasible cost measures to be taken to

reduce the potential significant adverse impacts in an acceptable level.

253. There must be professional expertise with the contractor side to prepare Environment

Methods Statement (EMS), based on the EMP prepared under the feasibility study. EMS is a

document to declare mitigation measures for anticipated environmental impacts during pre-

construction and construction stage. Clearances and permits which need to be taken from

Government Departments and Institutions are also included in the comprehensive EMS. It

also comprises of measures to be taken for environmental protection, methods for saving

energy and reduce wastes and losses, preventing or minimizing pollution, disposing of

pollutants comply with existing stipulations and laws. The comprehensive EMS clearly

explains that the contractor usually takes action to minimize environmental impacts during

project activities. The organization structure of implementing comprehensive EMS comprises

of an environmental supervision department, thus environmental protection around the

construction site is directly controlled by a technical department which is usually supervised

by a Resident Engineer (RE) and ES of CSC.

1.2. Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMoP)

254. To ensure that the project would not generate any negative impact to overall

environment quality, the Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMoP) has been prepared (Annex

E). This includes information on environmental parameters to be monitored, location, time

and frequency, cost for sampling and stage of subproject which monitoring should be

conducted etc. The EMoP is a useful tool to monitor the implementation of mitigation

measures included in EMP. Monitoring of quality of water, air and noise during construction

stage is a responsibility of the contractor by the approved Government Monitoring Agency.

All construction activities such as site supervision, removal of trees, material extraction,

verification of permits etc. by contractor will be supervised by ES of CSC. The environmental

monitoring report will be submitted to PIU of RDA and then will be reported to the PD at

RDA.

The Criteria for selection of sampling locations for the EMoP is as follows.

Air quality- Urban, semi urban centres, environment and public sensitive areas and

places where potential increase of traffic.

76

Water quality- streams/tanks/wells and construction sites of bridges where local

communities use water for supporting their lives, and those with available water

almost all over the year.

Noise and vibration- Urban, semi urban centres, environment and public sensitive

areas that might be affected by used of heavy equipment.

Flora - Areas where trees are available within proposed RoW and locations where

removal of large numbers of trees for the proposed activities.

Fauna - Ecological sensitive areas (sanctuaries, lagoons, forest patches etc.) where

species diversity is high and such areas that might be affected by the proposed

project activities.

77

Chapter 7 - Public Consultation and Information Disclosure

255. In line with NEA in Sri Lanka, public consultation and information disclosure is undertaken through public notice prior to approval by CEA for the particular project. According to ADB Environmental Guidelines public consultation and information disclosure is the main activity carried out during the initial stage of an IEE. The aim of the process is to understand the view point of public about the project and respond to their concerns and suggestions during early stage of the project. Incorporation of environmental and social concerns to decision making process through public consultation will avoid or minimize conflict situations that can arise during construction stage.

1.1. Public Consultation

256. Public consultation for the proposed roads/sections was carried out during the period from February to April 2012. Providing information at an early stage to public especially for the APs about objectives, activities, expected outcomes of the project etc. will ensure community awareness and avoid conveying misinformation to APs. During individual as well as group discussions APs were briefed about the proposed improvement works including widening, reconstruction of culverts, causeways and bridges, drainage and payment works, surfacing works etc. by the consultants. Participants generally expressed their views about the project including current environmental, social and economic situation of the proposed subproject areas.

Figure 13 Individual and group discussions held during the field survey

A014: Consultation with fishing communities of Yodhawewa

A014: Consultation with road side communities

78

1.2. Consultation Findings

257. All the proposed subproject roads (B211, B283, AB19) and identified sections (A014,

A029,) are very essential link roads to other national and provincial roads in the area. These

roads provide access to the interior part of Anuradhapura and Mannar districts as well as

coastal areas of Jaffna district. Therefore improvement of these roads is very essential for all

other development activities in the area and directly contributes to poverty alleviation in

respect of income generation in various fields such as agriculture, fishing, tourism and other

industrial activities.

258. Proposed subproject roads runs through agricultural areas especially paddy

cultivation under main irrigation schemes (Yodha wewa: A014, Kebithigollewa tank: B283,

Wahalkada & Padaviya tanks: B211) as well as under rain water. Additionally above

irrigation tanks are being used by fishing communities in project affected areas and

surrounding villages. The road A029 runs through coastal areas of Jaffna peninsula with

number of fishing and agricultural villages.

259. B 211 is the main access road from east coast to Kebithigollewa and from NCP to

Padaviya. B283 (starts from A009 of Medawachchiya and ends at Kabithigollewa Junction)

and B211 (stars at the end point of B283) act as an important access road direct to

Parakramapura, Sripura, Nadunkerni, Mullaitivu and Pulmodai through Padaviya. The

famous Padaviya sanctuary is also located LHS of the proposed B 211 road. Apart from that

this road is directed to Pulmudai area and Pulmodai sand mine. Additionally numbers of

B283: Consultation with road side

communities

B211: Consultation with farmer

79

medium and large scale tanks are located beside B283 and B 211 roads since

Kebithigollewa and Padaviya are predominant agricultural areas of the country.

260. A014 is the only available and convenient road from other areas of the country to

Mannar through Vavuniya and Medawachchiya. This is also a very important road directed

to Madhu Church, Mannar town and Talaimannar jetty. Other than that Madhu sanctuary,

Yodha wewa irrigation scheme, Ramsar site of Vankalai are also located beside this road.

Therefore A014 is a main road for all development activities in Mannar district including

fishing, agriculture, tourism, oil exploration and proposed ferry service from Talaimannar to

Danushkody in India.

261. AB019 is a very important road located in the coastal area of Jaffna peninsula, which

runs up to Kayts Island from Jaffna town. This is the main access to other three islands

(Nagadeepa, Mandathive and Punkudathive) which are located close to kayts. Out of above

three sites, Nagadeepa temple is an important religious place for Buddhists and being visited

by thousands of people from other areas of the country annually. A group of other Islands

(Delft, Nainathive, Analaithive and Eluvathive) in Jaffna peninsula is also located North-West

to Kayts which provide main access through the Indian Ocean from Kayts. The aquatic

habitats of above islands including intertidal mudflats; sand flats, mangrove swamps and

mangrove forest etc. provide breeding, feeding and foraging habitats to various faunal and

floral species. Large number of birds belonging to the different species can be seen in these

areas especially during migratory period. Communities beside the road and surrounding

islands mainly depend on marine fishing. This area is also a good tourism destination site.

Therefore improvement of this road is important for development of fishing and tourism

industries in future.

262. Annexure F indicates a summary of public consultations made during the field survey

on selected roads

1.3. Information Disclosure

263. In accordance with ADB‘s Information Disclosure policy, RDA will submit the final IEE

report and EMP to the ADB for disclosure on it‘s website. This will ensure that RDA will

provide relevant environmental information to ADB Board consideration for project appraisal.

264. If the IEE carried out in accordance with ToR (Terms of Reference) provided by the

CEA, it should be made available to all stakeholders related to the project through DS office,

GN office, LAs, Provincial offices of CEA prior to the project approval. The information

should be made available in a timely manner in three languages (Sinhala, Tamil and

English). This will ensure incorporating affected peoples‘ concerns and inputs into project

design and implementation.

265. During project implementation, project information boards have to be established on

either end of the project corridor displaying the project name, stretch of the road, type of

rehabilitation, time frame, cost of the project, funding agency, implementing agency with

other salient features of the project. This will ensure further awareness about the project to

the stakeholders including APs.

80

Chapter 8 - Conclusion and Recommendations

266. The present study focused on IEE study on rehabilitation and improvement of seven

subproject roads located in Anuradhapura, Mannar and Jaffna districts of NCP & NP.

267. The construction activities associated with subprojects will not expect significant

environmental and social impacts to project affected areas. Since the environmental

sensitive areas of Padaviya sanctuary (B211), Vankalai RAMSAR site and sanctuary (A014)

are located outside of the proposed project roads, land acquisition, removal of trees or any

other significant impacts to those sites will not be expected during the project. The identified

potential negative environmental impacts are mainly restricted to pre-construction and

construction periods of the project. These impacts are temporary and can be managed by

adopting proposed migratory measures cited in the EMP. Apart from that, anticipated

positive social and environmental impacts of the project will clearly out lie the negative

impacts.

268. The proposed roads are currently in a deteriorated condition due to lack of

maintenance during conflict that prevailed during the past 3 decades. Although these areas

have been recently resettled by the government, resources were not equally distributed

compared to other areas of the country. On the other hand several subproject roads (A014,

AB19, and B211) are the only available, convenient and short distance roads to particular

locations of the country. Sometimes people use alternative access instead of the proposed

subproject roads to overcome transport difficulties. Additionally current daily traffic demand

of some subproject roads are considerably high and existing CW widths of these roads are

not sufficient to cater to the traffic volumes. Therefore rehabilitation and improvement of the

roads are essential.

269. Majority of the villages in subproject affected areas of Anuradhapura district was

bordering the war zone and people in subproject areas of A014 and A029 in Mannar and

Jaffna districts lived within the war zone of the country. Therefore road development

activities will directly contribute to poverty alleviation in respect of enhancing income

generation, employment, local/foreign investments and other social services of the area. For

example, selected subproject roads are extremely important for improvement of agricultural,

livestock, industrial, fishing and tourism activities in NP and NCP. Apart from that people in

the project affected area will benefit through improved access, enhanced safety, increased

trade and services, increased land value, emergence of temporary jobs and services

opportunities during construction.

270. Since some subproject roads (eg. A029) are inundated during heavy rains,

hydrological investigations should be highly considered during the detailed design of culverts

and bridges. Rising embankments, removal of structurally damaged culverts and bridges,

provision of suitable drainage facilities with adequate diameter are essential. Coordination of

Department of Irrigation during designing and construction of cross drainages over irrigation

canals, stream and rivers is also important to overcome this problem.

271. The air, water and noise levels of subproject affected areas in NCP and NP during

the war period is completely different to the current situation. During that period, air and

81

noise pollution were very high due to military operations. Apart from that a considerable

amount of forest cover had been cleared and almost all industrial activities related to

manufacturing of chemical, salt, cement and mineral sand etc. were abandoned and

destroyed. Currently number of infra-structure development projects related to road

construction, water and electricity supply etc.. are in progress in these areas. Therefore

transportation of construction materials through subproject roads is significantly high which

ultimately increase air and noise pollution of the subproject roads compared to the previous

situation. On the other hand development of agricultural activities after resettlement resulted

in enhancement of chemicals and fertilizer usage. However there is no reliable baseline

information regarding water quality, air and noise/vibration levels in the project affected

areas. Therefore monitoring the baseline parameters during preconstruction stage is highly

recommended. This is essential for repeated checking and monitoring of water, air and noise

during construction and operation periods and also to implement the EMP and EMoP

effectively. Baseline results should also be incorporated to the contract documentation to

establish performance action thresholds, pollution limits and contingency plans for

contractor‘s performance. Adequate budgetary provisions must be ensured to undertake

monitoring activities on time.

272. CEA consent for 2 subprojects (A014 and AB19) under un-prescribed category have

been already obtained through letter No. 08/EIA/Trans/03/04 Vol II dated 3rd September,

2009 (Attachment.1). BIQs for the rest of 3 subproject roads were prepared and submitted to

CEA for environment clearance. According to information regarding BIQs and Environmental

Assessment Guidelines of CEA (Sri Lanka) rest of 3 subproject roads will be categorized

under un-prescribed category. The appropriate category for the proposed NCP & NP roads

based on REA checklists of the ADB is category B. Thus a full EIA for these roads is not

required according to ADB Guidelines. However contractor should comply with the

environmental and safeguards compliance policies of donor agencies if any during the

construction activities in addition to regulations of the Central Environment Authority.