Initial Environmental Examination June 2021

NEPAL: Electricity Grid Modernization Project - Additional Financing Main Report - Part 2 of 4

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. Your attention is directed to the “terms of use” section on ADB’s website.

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.

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meet their power demand. However, the Transmission Directorate of NEA under private financing is implementing the Bardhaghat to Sardi 132 kV transmission line on their behalf. The Bardhaghat to Sardi 132 kV transmission line was conceptualized to provide power to Hongshi Cement with the agreement that NEA will construct it for them and that the second circuit will be utilized by NEA (from where the line will be tapped to the proposed Dumkibas Substation). Therefore, they have control over it. But this is not an associated facility as per ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement (2009) definition because construction of Dumkibas substation by NEA is not required for it to go ahead.

78. Given that Dumkibas Substation is in Chure Conservation Area, a due diligence of the transmission line has been carried out to ensure it has been installed in accordance with national environmental requirements. Appendix 5 sets out the anticipated impacts and risks informed by the national EIA completed by NEA, including baseline surveys and public consultations. The transmission line is currently under construction and it is expected to complete by Q2 2021. Based on NEA reports till July 2020, 60 of the 67 tower foundations and 30 of the 67 tower erection works were complete at that time. Currently stringing works are already ongoing in areas close to the proposed tower tapping site i.e., tower number 12. The EIA which includes a costed EMP was disclosed and cleared by the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation in September 2016. The transmission line is passing through the Chure Conservation Area including forest areas. Chure Board has approved construction of the transmission line project within the protected area.

Figure 20: Integrated Nepal Power System10

10 Image Courtesy: Nepal Electricity Authority

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G. Project Benefits

79. There will be beneficial technical as well as socio-economic impacts as a result of the EGMP-AF implementation. After completion of the proposed Project components, the following outputs will benefit the NEA and its customers in seven project provinces of Nepal as well as to the nation:

• Available energy will be best utilized and expected energy spillage in next few years will be better managed.

• Adequate, reliable, and quality power will be ensured for socioeconomic development. Favorable atmosphere will be created for Nepal’s economic growth from which more jobs may be created, and the country’s economy may be improved.

• Transmission capacity of Kathmandu Valley and other regions of Nepal will increase, to help meet growing demand in the country whilst ensuring a quality and reliable electricity supply.

• Transmission and distribution system modernization will ensure quality and reliable supply, reduce technical losses, provide better service to the consumers, and reduce the number of NEA staff which are required to deliver the required level of service, thereby helping to increase revenue and improve the financial health of NEA.

H. Analysis of Alternatives

80. ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement (2009) and as a key aspect of good environmental practice potential alternatives to the project should be evaluated. In order to achieve this, environmental and social considerations need to be brought into planning from the early stages. In case of EGMP-AF, a range of alternatives to the proposed Project and its components has been considered by NEA.

81. No Project Alternative: This would have no adverse environmental impacts since no construction works would be involved. However, socioeconomic benefits would not be realized. Unprecedented growth in power consumption has led to severe imbalance in demand and supply of electricity power in the country which has resulted in load shedding. Customers (in 2019 figures show 42.06% of sales were to domestic consumers, followed by 38.21% to industrial customers) would continue to experience unreliable and poor-quality electricity supply. Relying on an old mechanically operated system, NEA would continue to experience technical losses and future increased demand for electricity could not be met, the resulting imbalance in optimization of demand and supply creating an unfavorable environment for economic growth and providing affordable clean energy for all (UN Sustainable Development Goal 7). Moreover, after the current COVID-19 related economic slump in Nepal, there has also been a slump in power consumption. With the economic slowdown, NEA’s proactive role in ensuring modern infrastructure makes implementation of this project even more important. There are no current practical alternatives to the project in Nepal for demand and supply economics of energy other than having consumers producing their own energy in isolation. The project will also be helpful for the expansion of rural electrification program to help reduce pressure on fuel wood. Therefore, the “with project” alternative was preferred by NEA over the “no project” alternative.

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82. Location/Route Alternatives: Location/route alternatives were analyzed by NEA in selecting sites for the new substations and the alignment of the new transmission lines (overhead as well as underground), taking into consideration the following criteria.

• ROW which have minimal environmental impact;

• Improvement of reliability of the power system;

• Provide the shortest straight route as far as possible with minimum number of angle points;

• Minimum number of structure crossings;

• Avoid built up, swampy, and unstable areas;

• Provide easy access for construction and maintenance works;

• Avoid settlements as far as possible;

• Proximity of road; and

• Provide short, easy, safe, and economical route for access road.

83. For the new transmission lines comparative studies of different routes, design, and construction methods were done by NEA, as detailed in Appendix 6. Routes have been selected to minimize forest clearance and no disturbance to sites of the cultural and historical significance. Specifically, for the Chobar-Lagankhel underground transmission line in Kathmandu Valley, options that avoid impacting on its cultural World Heritage Sites were considered.

84. For Dumkibas Substation the option to avoid the Chure Conservation Area was considered but determined practically not possible as the transmission line it is connected to runs entirely within the protected area. However, within the Chure Conservation Area the site has been selected on agricultural land.

85. Other Alternatives: Other alternatives such as use of existing substation land for construction of new substations; overhead or underground line in Kathmandu Valley, and air (AIS) or gas (GIS) insulated substations (the former requiring a greater footprint, and having greater risk of flashover, but the latter using sulfur hexafluoride [SF6] a potent greenhouse gas) were considered in the project planning stages.

86. The principle that has (and will be) adopted for the selection and design of new equipment is to comply with national requirements as well as considering international good practice per the IFC EHS Guidelines particularly with respect to avoiding the use of PCB oils in purchase of transformers, and the use of all asbestos containing materials in new construction.

I. Climate Change Risks

87. The climate change impact of the project is categorized as medium. The project has been assessed for its risk and vulnerability to climate change impacts, identified risks being extremes of temperature and rainfall and more frequent/severe extreme weather events. Design measures have been identified to ensure that these risks can be minimized, including raising plinth heights at substations to avoid inundation by floodwater, providing fire walls between transformers, ensuring project infrastructure withstands 55 m/s windspeeds, using pile foundations in flood prone areas, revetment and use of geo-synthetic material in foundation, concrete encasing and painting of stub in water logged areas, and use of ACSR conductors that can withstand higher temperatures.

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88. In addition, the project contributes to climate mitigation by reducing technical losses from the transmission and distribution network and allowing higher penetration of hydropower.

J. Project Cost and Implementation Schedule

89. The total cost estimate for the project is $75 million. ADB will provide $60 million through its ordinary capital resources (OCR) facility with $15 million counterpart funding of NEA. The project will be implemented progressively over five years with a completion date by 2027.

90. Each new transmission line or substation component is anticipated to take 36 months including a 6 months pre-construction phase and a 30 months construction, testing and commissioning phase. The construction work on transmission lines will primarily be carried out during the dry season when ground conditions are essentially dry to allow easy movement of materials and placement of tower. Construction activities during the monsoon season will primarily be restricted to stringing of conductors.

91. Table 13 gives the component wise schedule with an indicative schedule for a new transmission line in Figure 21.

Table 13: Component Wise Construction Schedule

Project Component Schedule (months)

1. Construction of 10.46 km Kohalpur-Nepalgunj 132 kV 4-circuit

Transmission Line and associated Substation 30

2. Construction of 6 km 132 kV underground line from Chobar to

existing Lagankhel Substation and upgradation of Lagankhel

Substation

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3. Construction of new Substation in Dumkibas 30

4. Construction of new Substation Mulpani 36

5. Installation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Revenue

Management System (RMS) 30

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Figure 21: Indicative Construction Schedule for New Transmission Line

Component

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IV. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

92. In order to establish the physical, biological socio-economic and physical cultural conditions and baseline setting of the project components (two new transmission lines and four new substations namely Nepalgunj, Dumkibas, Lagankhel, and Mulpani), review of secondary data, information collected through consultations, field surveys, and primary data collection were carried out.

93. In this chapter, the environmental setting of the project components is discussed first followed by the description of the environment (physical, biological, and socio-economic and physical cultural) in the project area of influence. As the project activities are spread over three provinces of the country, the general environmental setting of the affected provinces is presented with specific details focused on the locations of the new transmission lines and substations.

A. Environmental Setting of the Project Components

94. Key environmental setting features of the project components are presented in Table 14 and discussed in subsequent paragraphs.

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Table 14: Summary Environmental Setting Features of Project Components

Project Component Scope/Activities

under Component

Location Key Environmental Features

Province Districts Municipalities

Construction of

Kohalpur-Nepalgunj

132 kV TL and

associated Substation

a. Construction of 10.46 km long 132 kV overhead TL from Kohalpur to Nepalgunj

Lumbini Banke Kohalpur

Baijanath

Khajura

Janaki

• Terrain – flat

• Land Use – agricultural cultivated land

• Structures within 500 m – 1,055 no.

• Structures within ROW – 3 no. (2 private and 1 public)

• Private land beneath ROW – 18.60 ha owned by 87 households

• Wells or water bodies within 500 m – 1 village well, handpumps, 4 no. ponds

• Crossings – 13 earthen and 4 blacktopped roads, 9 small rivulets, 6 no. canal crossings, 1 no. 33 kV and 4 nos. 11 kV power lines.

• Habitat – Modified (agricultural cultivated land)

• Forests – None

• Trees Lost – 43 private trees, 250 private saplings in orchards

• Protected Areas within 25 km – Banke National Park and buffer zone, Bardiya National Park and buffer zone, Chure Conservation Area

• Key biodiversity area within 25 km – Bardiya National Park,

Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary and Girijapur Barrage (India)

• Community sensitive receptors e.g., schools, clinics within 500 m - 2 secondary schools (one school is 230 m distant near tower 11, the other is 500 m away, near Nepalgunj Substation)

• Physical Cultural Resources in 500 m – 3 no. temples (at 54 m, 330 m and 420 m)

• Existing Access to the Project Area – Yes, black topped and earthen road

b. Construction of new 132/33/11 kV substation at Bakaspur (proposed new Nepalgunj SS)

Lumbini

Banke

Janaki RM

• Land Area – 2.71 ha

• Land Type and Status – private, cultivated land to be acquired by NEA

• Terrain – flat

• Land Use – agricultural cultivated land

• Structures within 500 m – 1 no. secondary school at 500m

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• Wells or water bodies within 500 m – Khajura Branch Irrigation Canal adjacent to substation, 2 no. village ponds at 200 m

• Habitat – Modified (agricultural cultivated land)

• Trees – none

• Protected Areas within 10 km – none

• Key biodiversity area within 10 km – none

• Community sensitive receptors e.g., schools, clinics within

500 m – 1 no. secondary school at 500 m

• Physical cultural resources within 500 m – none

• Existing Access to the Project Area – Yes, gravel road

• New Access Track to Substation Required - No

Construction of

Chobhar – Lagankhel

132 kV Transmission

Line and associated

substation

a. Construction of 6 km long 132 kV underground transmission line from Chobhar to Lagankhel

Bagmati Lalitpur and

Kathmandu

• Terrain – mixed, flat with gentle slopes, steep slopes, and undulating landforms

• Land Use – suburban to dense urban area, along the roadway

• Structures within 100 m – more than 6,400 no.

• Structures within ROW – none

• Private land affected – none

• Wells or water bodies within 100 m – 1 well on side of road,

many wells within individual houses, and 2 river crossings

• Crossings – along an unnamed concrete road, the Jal

Binayak Road, Nakhu Road, Kathmandu Valley Ring Road, Mahalaxmisthan Road, 2 no. major rivers (River Bagmati and River Nakkhu), 6 no. 33 kV and 5 no. 11 kV power lines

• Habitat – modified

• Forests – none

• Trees lost – none

• Protected Areas within 10 km – proposed Pulchoki Conservation Area, Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park and buffer zone

• Key biodiversity area within 10km – Pulchoki Mountain Forest, Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park

• Community sensitive receptors e.g., schools, clinics within 500 m - 7 schools/colleges, 2 hospitals, 1 prison for criminals

• Physical cultural resources within 100 m – Jal Binayak and Basuki Naag Temples (50 m away from the road), Manjushree Park, including Manjushree and Chovar caves

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65 m away from the road, Mahalaxmi Temple (about 20m away from the road), and a Pati/traditional resting place/Saraswati Temple/Old Well on the road. A cremation site exists 75 m away from Jalbinayak Temple and 116 m south of the Nakhu alignment which crosses the bridge at River Bagmati.

• Access to the Project Area – Yes, transmission line follows the existing road

b. Upgradation of 132/66/11 kV substation at Lagankhel

Bagmati Lalitpur Lalitpur SMC • Land Area – 0.661 ha (existing substation premises)

• Land Type and Status – existing NEA substation and distribution center

• Terrain – flat

• Land Use – urban

• Structures within 500 m – Dense Urban Setting at least

2,333 with nearest residence 15 m away

• Wells or water bodies within 500 m – 3 ponds (1 pond Nyu

Pakha immediately north of the substation boundary, 1 pond at 50 m east, adjacent to another pond at 170m east)

• Habitat – Modified

• Trees – Yes, 5 no.

• Protected Areas within 10 km – proposed Pulchoki

Conservation Area, Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park and buffer zone

• Key biodiversity area within 10 km – Pulchoki Mountain

Forest, Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park

• Community sensitive receptors e.g., schools, clinics within 500m – 9 Colleges, 10 Schools (1 secondary school immediately west of the substation), 2 Kindergarten, 1 Hospital (230 m), 1 Clinic (161 m), Lalitpur District Court, Lalitpur Land Revenue Office, Nepal Army Camp and Lagankhel Football Ground,

• Physical cultural resources within 500 m – includes 2 Hindu Temples, 1 Buddhist Stupa, 1 Christian Church, 1 Pati, 1 Old Well, 1 Pond North of Substation is known as Nyu Pakha in Newari Language and this is a traditional pond which is currently being renovated by the Metropolitan Office.

• Existing Access to the Project Area – Yes

• New Access Track to Substation Required – No

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Construction of

132/33/11 kV

Substation at

Dumkibas

a. Construction of new 132/33/11 kV substation at Dumkibas

Gandaki Nawalparasi

East

Binayee Tribeni

Municipality • Land Area – 3.34 ha

• Land - Private Land, to be acquired by NEA

• Terrain – flat

• Land Use – agricultural and rural residential mixed land used

• Structures within 500 m – 125 houses, nearest 15 m away

• Structures affected – 22 (8 residential + 14 non-residential)

• Wells or water bodies within 500 m – Binayee River (about

475 m)

• Habitat - Modified

• Trees – 2no. (mango trees)

• Protected Areas within 10 km – Chure Conservation Area, Chitwan National Park and its Buffer Zone (it is also a Natural World Heritage Site)

• Key biodiversity area within 10 km – Chitwan National Park,

Nawalparasi Forest

• Community sensitive receptors e.g., schools, clinics within

500 m – none

• Physical cultural resources within 500 m – none

• Existing Access to the Project Area – Yes, some minor reinforcement of existing gravel road may be required to accommodate construction traffic

• New Access Track to Substation Required – No

Construction of 132/11

kV Mulpani substation

a. Construction of new 132/11 kV substation at Mulpani

Bagmati

Kathmandu

Kageshwori

Maohara

Municipality

• Land Area – 0.81 ha (NEA land)

• Land Type and Status – private, acquired by NEA

• Terrain – flat

• Land Use – vacant, barren land

• Structures within 500 m – 3 schools, 1,461 houses (nearest house 5 m away)

• Wells or water bodies within 500 m – none

• Habitat - Modified

• Trees – none

• Protected Areas within 10 km – Shivapuri Nagarjun

National Park and buffer zone

• Key biodiversity area within 10 km – Shivapuri Nagarjun

National Park

• Community sensitive receptors e.g., schools, clinics within 500m – 3 secondary schools (130, 430 and 455 m), Primary Health Center (130 m)

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ha = hectare, HH = households, km = kilometer, kV = kilovolt, m = meter, NEA = Nepal Electricity Authority, ROW = right of way, SS = substation, TL = transmission

line.

• Physical cultural resources within 500 m – 1 temple at 500

m

• Existing Access to the Project Area – Yes

• New Access Track to Substation Required - No

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(a) Kohalpur - Nepalgunj 132 kV Transmission Line and associated Substation

95. Kohalpur - Nepalgunj 132 kV Transmission Line. The alignment of the transmission line runs (Figure 22 and linked photographs) through flat, plain agricultural land with ground elevation ranging from 148 to 301.42 meters above sea level (masl) at Nepalgunj substation site near Bakaspur village (lower point), Bankatwa, Baijanath Rural Municipality (RM)-5 (Angle Point (AP)2). The main land use pattern along the alignment is cultivated land [31% rainfed cropland, 69% irrigated or post-flooding cropland] (Figure 23).

96. The alignment avoids densely populated areas, major structures, religious places, schools, and other community infrastructures. Major crossings include 13 no. earthen roads, 4 black top roads, 9 no. small rivulets, 6 no. canals (Sikta irrigation main canal, 1 no. Pipari Branch, 1 no. Parsenipur Branch, 1 no. Gohawa Branch, 1 no. Akalgharwa Branch and 1 no. Khajura Branch of the Dunduhawa Branch Canals), 1 no. 33 kV and 4 no. 11 kV power lines. The main access to the transmission line alignment is the East-West Highway/Mahendra Highway and Ratna Highway/Nepalgunj-Surkhet Highway and several earthen roads connecting these highways as well as an access road made by Sikta Irrigation Project.

97. There are 6 (1 main and 5 branch) irrigation canal crossings (between the new substation and AP 1): Khajura Branch Canal, between AP 10 and 9 near tower 21, Gohawa Branch Canal between AP 6 to 7 near tower 16, Parsenipur Branch Canal between AP 5 and 6 near tower 12, Akalgharwa Branch Canal, between AP 3 and 2 or near tower 5, Pipari Branch Canal, near tower 4, and the Sikta Irrigation main canal near tower number 4 between AP 2 and 3. Major stream crossings are Murghiya Nala, Kiran Nala and Itaharwa Nala. Moreover, there are in total 4 ponds within the ROW between AP 16 and 17 (between tower 38 to 37), near AP 13 (tower 29), tower 24 (between AP 11 and 10) and AP 8 (tower 20). No Forest Land will be crossed by the alignment, however, partially the alignment will cut through the trees of an orchard. It is estimated that about 43 fruit/timber trees are likely to be lost from this private orchard. Besides this, about 250 saplings of masaba are likely to be lost from a private orchard. There are no protected area or key biodiversity area within the project area of influence of the transmission line, the nearest are Banke National Park and Bardiya National Park.

98. Based on the feedback received from Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN) during consultation it was informed that earlier studies have recorded Sarus Crane in earlier Village Development Committee of Khajura Khurda, currently in Janaki RM Ward no. 3 and 4 (the proposed substation is in ward no 4). The sighting locations were about 4 km away from the substation site based on a study done in 2015/16 and another study done in 2017.11 Based on consultation with local people in the substation area, sarus crane has not been observed by them, but during consultation with local people between AP 12 and 13 near Amritpur village, it was mentioned that the area is visited by sarus crane. No sightings were recorded during the site visits by non-ecologist in the months of January and March.

99. Three temples in terms of physical cultural resources have been identified within 500 m, one near AP 17 closest distance being Gawa Mata temple at 54 m from the alignment and two Shiva temples, one between AP 13 to 14 which is 330m away from the alignment and another at 420 m between AP 6 and 7. Besides this it was understood from consultations that the members

11 S. Tiwali. 2016. Population Status and Habitat Suitability of Sarus Crane (Antigone antigone, Linnaeus, 1758) in

Banke District, Nepal. December 2016.

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of the Chamar Community tend to cremate all over the agriculture field or along the irrigation canals.

100. The transmission line is within 3.66 km of the Nepalgunj airport. This airport is considered as a hub airport of Nepal operating in its present location of Ranjha since 1980. In recent years, this airport has seen addition of new carriers, expansion of existing fleets, and rise in pilgrims to Kailash Man Sarovar.12 Based on latest information the flight movement from Nepalgunj has increased between 2017 to 2019 from 13,838 to 15,698 with passenger movements increasing from 369,355 to 453,433 and cargo movements increasing from 1,847,952 kg to 1,936,861 kg over the same period.13

101. Nepalgunj substation: The terrain of the proposed site is flat with a gentle slope towards the south at 20%–25% and ground elevation is 148 masl. The land is currently cultivated with standing crop. The land belongs to a private owner and NEA is preparing the land acquisition process (public notice for land acquisition has been placed close to the site on the gate of the steel factory 600 m away from the new substation). Within 500m of the substation site, sensitive receptors such as a Khajura Branch Canal of Sikta Irrigation Project (at the southern boundary wall of the proposed substation), 2 village ponds (200 m away) and a school (500 m away) are observed. The site is accessible through Khajura Branch Canal Access Road currently planned to be upgraded and to be blacktopped by the government. The substation is within 3.98km of the Nepalgunj airport.

Figure 22: Alignment of Kohalpur-Nepalgunj Transmission Line and Substation

Locations

12 Nepalgunj Airport. https://airports.caanepal.gov.np/nepalgunj (Accessed 26 April 2021). 13 Nepalgunj Airport Profile. https://airports.caanepal.gov.np/nepalgunj/uploads/file/1601133207.pdf (Accessed 26 April

2021).

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Alignment of the transmission line next to

orchard along cultivated land near waterlogged land

Tower 19 for the Tower Tapping Alignment

Alignment route of transmission line Proposed site of Nepalgunj Substation

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Proposed Site Nepalgunj Substation next to

branch road of access road Proposed site of Nepalgunj Substation with

access road

Dried dug pond along the alignment Pond along the transmission line alignment

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Figure 23: Land use map along Kohalpur-Nepalgunj TL line

(b) Chobhar-Lagankhel 132 kV Transmission Line and associated Substation

102. Chobhar - Lagankhel 132 kV Underground Transmission Line: The proposed alignment of the underground transmission line (Figure 25 to Figure 29 and linked photographs) runs through suburban and urban areas along the existing road comprising of flat land with gentle slopes, steep slopes, and undulating landforms with ground elevation ranging from 1280.72 to 1339.56 masl.

103. The alignment avoids major structures, religious places, schools, and other community infrastructures by following the existing road. Major crossings along the alignment include 2 rivers -- the Bagmati and Nakhu rivers, 6 no. 33 kV and 5 no. 11 kV powerlines. No Forest Land will be crossed by the alignment. About 2.9 km passes along Jalbinayak Road, Nakhu Road and Kathmandu Ring Road at the proposed Pulchoki Conservation Area but this is not currently managed as a conservation area according to DNPWC and falls in the suburban area of Kathmandu and Lalitpur Districts.

104. The alignment crosses the Bagmati River bridge next to Chobhar Gorge (formed between Adhinath Hillock of Chobhar and Saibu Hillock of Bhainsepati). There is a small stream that drains to River Bagmati near Jalbinayak Temple next to the alignment that follows Nakhu Road. This is the location where the Bagmati River drains out of Kathmandu Valley. Close to this area is the Jal Binayak Community Forest. Consultation with BCN officials indicated that the site at the crossing

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of River Bagmati needs to have minimal disturbance by construction workers as an area important for birds south of the alignment is reported by BCN. However, south of the alignment it is also observed that currently construction work for North South Fast Track Road is ongoing. However, in the gorge north of the bridge eagles have been observed. In second photo below trees were observed where eagles were perching 50 m north of the bridge, in the first photo Jalbinayak Temple is observed next to the river and Fast Track Road Construction to the right of the river.

105. Manjushree Park is located at the Bagmati river crossing – it is a limestone area with the cave system of Manjushree Cave (350 m of the 1250 m cave system is currently being used for tourist visit, it is believed that on the east side of the river towards the Saibu Bhaisepati Hillock a cave also exists but is not accessible and the cave system does not extend toward the Jabinayak Temple, other caves in the area include Chovar Cave). A 33 feet high stone carved Manjushree Statue is constructed in the Manjushree Park. An old well, a Sarwawasti Temple, and a Pati/traditional resting place have been identified along the alignment near Lagankhel Substation, likewise the temple boundary for Mahalaxmi Temple is adjacent to the road (the main temple structure being 20 m away from the main road). Ashoka stupa is 200m away from Lagankhel Substation. There is a Kumari Function Hall next to the road at Sainbu Bhansepati Hillock, Jalbinayak Temple at Chobhar south of the Bagmati River Bridge Crossing and Manjushree Park Boundary immediately adjacent to the road. No other physical cultural resources have been identified. Table 15 present the details of the cultural and religious monuments sites along the Chobhar- Lagankhel transmission line and the locations of all these sites are shown in Figure 24.

106. The area close to Chobhar Substation has an under construction inland clearances depot (ICD) near Bhutkhel Settlement of Kirtipur. According to the ICD EIA Report after its operation the traffic at the Balkhu Dankshinkali Road (used/crossed by the alignment) is to increase by 141% from the baseline study done in 2016 (1671 vehicle per day) to 2025. Likewise, by 2039 the road traffic has been projected to increase by approximately 500% in comparison to the base year traffic flow (with peak traffic flow to occur between 12-3 pm daily). Other large-scale infrastructure projects that are very close to this alignment are Outer Ring Road and Kathmandu Terai Fast Track Road. In addition to this there is a Wholesale Chovar Fruit, Vegetable and Flower Market built under the assistance of World Bank close to this site (through Project for Agriculture Commercialization and Trade). The ICD Project being next to the Jalbinayak Temple had provision of about Nepali Rupees (NPR) 4 million for the temple and the surroundings areas as

environmental enhancement cost.

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Table 15: Local Religious and Cultural Monuments/Sites Identified along the Chobhar-

Lagankhel Transmission Line

Sl. No.

Name of Monuments/ Sites

Location Aerial Distance km

District

1 Ashok Stupa Lagankhel 0.23 Lalitpur

2 Mahalxmi Temple Lagankhel 0.13 Lalitpur

3 Nyu Pakha/Rani Pokhari

Lagankhel

At the northern

boundary wall but 0.15 from central point of the pond and SS

Lalitpur

4 Prayag Pokhari Pond

Lagankhel 0.52

Lalitpur

5 Pati Mahalxmisthan 0.006 Lalitpur

6 Mahalaxmi Temple Mahalxmisthan 0.13 Lalitpur

7 Stone Tap Vinayak Colony 0.4 Lalitpur

8 Jal Binayak Temple Chobhar 0.07 Kathmandu

9 Manjushree Park Chobhar Boundary wall at the alignment road

Kathmandu

10 Kumari Function Hall Sainbu Bhainsepati 0.02 Lalitpur

Figure 24: Map Showing Locations of Cultural/Religious Sites along the Alignment of Chobhar to Lagankhel Underground Transmission Line

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107. Lagankhel substation: The terrain of the substation is flat and ground elevation is 1332.9 masl. The proposed site occupies a total land area of the existing substation premises of 0.661 ha. The land use is an existing NEA substation and distribution center. It is used as a store for substation equipment (wires, insulators, cables, poles etc.) which will need to be shifted to another location. There are at least 2,333 structures within 500m. There are three ponds, located north as well as east of the substation. Nakhu River is the closest river which is 1.5km away to the south. The proposed substation site is accessible through Satdobato Lagankhel Road as well as Mahalaxmisthan Road. Other immediate neighboring structures to the existing substation site include Lalitpur District Court, Lalitpur Land Revenue Office, Nepal Army Camp and Lagankhel Football Ground.

Figure 25: Alignment of Chobhar to Lagankhel 132 kV Underground Transmission Line

and Lagankhel Substation Location

Discussion with locals along the alignment Lagankhel substation

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Figure 26: Land use map along Chobhar-Lagankhel line

Figure 27: Alignment in proposed Pulchoki Conservation Area

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Figure 28: Map of proposed Phulchoki Conservation Area

Source: WDPA map of Pulchoki Conservation Area

Figure 29: Saraswati Temples and Pati in Relation to Alignment and second photo in

front of Mahalaxmi Temple

Saraswati Temples and Pati in Relation to Alignment Front of Mahalaxmi Temple

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(c) New 132/33/11 kV Substation at Dumkibas

108. The terrain of proposed site (Figure 30 and linked photographs) is flat land with ground elevation ranging from 160 to 184 masl. The land use is mix of agricultural and rural residential land. The land belongs to private owner and NEA is in the land acquisition process. The nearest settlement is Tikaram Danda which is 15 m away from the site. The Binayee River is 475m to the north and east of the substation site. The project will directly affect 22 structures (8 residential and 14 non-residential) and two trees (private mango trees). The nearest other structures are at about 15 m away (across the other side of the access road) from the site. The site is located within the Chure Conservation Area. Chitwan National Park and also Nawalparasi Forest key biodiversity areas (KBA) are protected areas or key biodiversity areas within 10 km zone of the proposed site. The project area is well connected with the East-West Highway which is currently being upgraded.

Figure 30: Location of the Proposed Dumkibas Substation

(d) New 132/11 kV Substation at Mulpani

109. The terrain of the proposed site (Figure 31 and linked photographs) is flat land located

next to a hilly area at an elevation of 1348.42 to 1350.33 masl (average slope of 3.052). The land use is vacant, barren land currently being used as a public bus stand. The land has been acquired by NEA under ADB funded PTDEEP in 2018 however because of weak soil properties the work on this site had been stopped under that project. NEA has now proposed an engineering design

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involving soil compaction and/or piling for the site and is now going ahead with substation construction under the EGMP-AF. There are no streams within 500 m. Manohara River is at about 880 m to the south of the proposed site. There are about 3 schools and 1,461 individual structures within 500 m. Also, there are 4 residential houses within 5-10 m distance of the substation site. The Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, also an IBA, whose boundaries are concurrent with the buffer zone is within 10 km north of the substation site (Figure 32). There is an existing access road up to the substation site.

Figure 31: Location of the Mulpani Substation

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Site of Mulpani Substation and Access Road

Figure 32: Location of the Mulpani Substation and Associated Transmission Lines of

NEA in Relation to Protected Areas

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B. Physical Environment

(a) Physiography, Land Use, Geology and Soil

110. The EGMP-AF components will be implemented in three provinces of Nepal, a landlocked country occupying an area of about 147,181 sq.km.

111. The project components lie within regions of significant topographic variability, ranging from as low as 148 masl to 1350.33 masl (Figure 33). The EGMP-AF components are lying in three distinct physiographic zones: Terai, Siwaliks, and Hills. The Terai region (14% of country area) consists mostly of alluvial plains lying in the range of 60-200 masl. The Siwaliks region (13% of country area) covers the foothills regions immediately north of the Terai region, reaching up to 1,800 masl and stretching from east to west. The Hills (29% of country area) are characterized by a moderate elevation range of 1,500-2,500 masl.

Figure 33: Elevation layer in relation to project components

112. Land use in Nepal is dominated by agriculture (22%) and arable (12%) followed by forest land (19%). Permanent pastures and other grazing lands cover about 9% of the land area. Table 16 shows the land use pattern in the country.

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Table 16: Land Use Pattern of Nepal (2001-2012)

Land Use Categories Area in '000 hectares

Percentage

Total Area 14,335

Agriculture Area 4,180.47 22

Arable Area 2,247.31 12

Permanent Crops 142.63 1

Permanent pastures and other grazing lands 1,790.53 9

Forests 3,680 19

Other Land 6,474.53 35

Inland Water 383.0 2

Source: FAOSTAT, 2016.

113. Geology of the project areas is dynamic as a result of active lithospheric plate tectonics. Geologically, the EGMP-AF components are located in three zones each of which is separated from others by distinct fault structures, most of which are thrust faults. These zones are: Indo-Gangetic Plain, Siwaliks and Lesser Himalaya from south to north. Each of these zones has its own inherent geological characteristics. The main frontal thrust (“MFT”) marks the northern boundary between the Indo-Gangetic Plains and the Siwalik Zone, main boundary thrust separates the Lesser Himalayas from the Siwalik. Major types of rocks in the project area are quaternary alluvial river deposits for Kohalpur-Nepalgunj Transmission Line and Nepalgunj Substation, Sub-Himalayan Quaternary alluvial deposits of Dun Basins for Dumkibas Substation, and Lesser Himalayan Plio-Pliestocene to Quaternary fluvial gravels, conglomerates and lacustrine clay deposits with vertebrate fossils in the Kathmandu Valley. Also near the Chobar Substation the geology consists of rocks of limestone and shale. Chobhar is at the rim of Kathmandu Valley which consists of lacustrine deposits.

114. Soils in the project areas (Tables 17 to 19) are dominated by loam under Kohalpur-Nepalgunj Transmission Line, Nepalgunj Substation and Dumkibas Substation, clay loam in Mulpani Substation, and loam together with clay loam for the Chobhar-Lagankhel Transmission Line.

Table 17: Soil Properties in Nepalgunj Substation Site14

Properties Mean Value

pH value: 5.96

Organic Matter: 2.64%

Total Nitrogen: 0.12%

Available Phosphorus (P2O5): 36.97 kg/ha

Available Potassium (K2O): 139.39 kg/ha

14 National Soil Science Research Center. https://soil.narc.gov.np/soil/soilmap/

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Zinc (Zn): 0.31 ppm

Boron (B): 0.24 ppm

Sand: 21.53%

Clay: 34.02%

Table 18: Soil Properties in Dumkibas Substation Site15

Properties Mean Value

pH value: 6.47

Organic Matter: 4.11%

Total Nitrogen: 0.11%

Available Phosphorus (P2O5): 156.34 kg/ha

Available Potassium (K2O): 54.03 kg/ha

Zinc: 1.18 ppm

Boron: 1.21 ppm

Sand: 69.25%

Clay: 10.78%

Table 19: Soil Properties in Mulpani Substation Site16

Properties Mean Value

pH value: 6.01

Organic Matter: 1.98%

Total Nitrogen: 0.11%

Available Phosphorus (P2O5): 344.07 kg/ha

Available Potassium (K2O): 425.32 kg/ha

Zinc (Zn): 1.74 ppm

Boron (B): 0.91 ppm

Sand: 51.71%

Clay: 16.78%

15 Footnote 13. 16 Footnote 13.

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115. Kohalpur-Nepalgunj 132kV Transmission Line and Nepalgunj Substation. The alignment traverses through the Terai Region of mid-western Nepal. The area consists of Gangetic Plains with quaternary alluvial river deposits of Pleistocene to recent over 1000m thick, its northern boundary consists of Main Frontal Thrust which separates it from the Siwalik Hills. Table 20 presents the soil quality. The soil texture found here includes loam.

Table 20: Soil Properties along the alignment of Kohalpur-Nepalgunj Transmission Line17

116. Chobhar-Lagankhel Underground 132kV Transmission Line, Lagankhel Substation, and Mulpani Substation. Kathmandu Valley and its sites are located in the mid Himalayan region of Lesser Himalaya in Central Nepal. The valley is 30 km east to west and 25 km north to south with surrounding mountain ranges composed of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks with gneiss and migmatites.18 The valley basin consists of Plio-Pleistocene fluvial, fluvial lacustrine and fluvio-deltaic sediments.19 It is drained by the Bagmati River with Bishnumati, Dhobi Khola, Manhara, Hanumante, Godawari, Kodku, Nakhu, and Balkhu Rivers as its main tributaries. Table 21 present the soil quality along the alignment. The parent soil along the alignment consists of Fluvial con-calcareous and the soil information are described in the table. The soil texture consists of loam to clay loam. Major soil types found in the valley includes Haplaquepts, Dystrochrepts and Haplaquents.

Table 21: Soil Properties along the Chobhar-Lagankhel 132kV Transmission Line

Properties Max Value Min Value

pH value: 6.284 6.003

Organic Matter: 2.57% 2.38%

Total Nitrogen: 0.13% 0.11%

Available Phosphorus (P2O5): 332.901kg/ha 159.565 kg/ha

17 Footnote 13. 18 Stocklin, J. 1980. Geology of Nepal and its regional frame. Journal of Geological Society of London. 137. pp. 1-34. 19 Yoshida, M., & Igarashi, Y. 1984. Neogene to quaternary lacustrine sediments in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal.

Journal of Nepal Geological Society. 4. pp. 73-100.

Properties Max Value Min Value

pH value: 6.725 5.731

Organic Matter: 5.54% 1.30%

Total Nitrogen: 0.28% 0.07%

Available Phosphorus (P2O5): 116.054kg/ha 17.128 kg/ha

Available Potassium (K2O): 240.095 kg/ha 81.952 kg/ha

Zinc: 0.856 ppm 0.227 ppm

Boron : 2.766 ppm 0.165 ppm

Sand: 35.78% 15.06%

Clay : 41.25% 17.71%

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Available Potassium (K2O): 487.345 kg/ha 367.924 kg/ha

Zinc: 2.179 ppm 1.292 ppm

Boron : 1.031 ppm 0.798 ppm

Sand: 54.78% 49.49%

Clay : 19.50% 14.99%

kg/ha = kilograms per hectare, kV = kilovolts, pH = potential of hydrogen, ppm = parts per million.

117. Dumkibas Substation: Geologically the site falls under the Sub Himalayan Zone with shale, sandstone, pseudoconglomerate, claystone, mudstone, conglomerate, pebble and boulder beds20 as major types of rocks found here. Major soil types found along the alignment include Udipsamments, Dystrochrepts and Rhodustalfs and the soil texture includes loam.

(b) Seismology

118. Nepal is the 11th most earthquake-prone country in the world (NPC, 2015). Ever since the first recorded earthquake of 1225 AD that killed one-third of the population of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal has experienced a major earthquake every few generations. Baisakh 12, 2072 (April 25, 2015) was the major latest such incident. Figure 34 shows the map of earthquake density heat map and EGMP-AF components.

119. Peak ground acceleration for the Maximum Considered Earthquake is presented in terms of zone factors based on intensity of ground shaking (in g, 1 g=9.81m/s2). The EGMP-AF components are situated in seismic zone factor of 0.3 to 1 which can pose serious seismic risks. The adequate structural designs will be considered for such seismic zones. When compared to the seismic risk profile at national scale, the transmission line alignments do not pass through the most dangerous seismic zone:

• Kohalpur-Nepalgunj 132kV transmission line is located over seismic zone factor 0.38 with return period of 500 years21

• Chobhar-Lagankhel 132kV transmission line crosses over seismic zone factors 0.36 with return period of 500 years.

• Dumkibas Substation lies in area that experiences 100 gals, Lagankhel and Mulpani Substation in an area that experiences 200 gals22 and are in seismic zone factor 0.99 (highest risk).

20 Department of Mines and Geology, Geological Map of Nepal. 1993.

https://dmgnepal.gov.np/public/uploads/images/58ceae4c58b07e6b3cfec44d2036ccc5.jpeg 21 Department of Mines and Geology, Seismological Map of Nepal. http://seismonepal.gov.np/publications 22 Footnote 20. 1 gal is equal to bedrock acceleration 1cm/s2.

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Figure 34: Earthquake Density Heat Map above magnitude of 3.5 since 1950 of Nepal with EGMP-AF Components

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(c) Climate and Meteorology

120. Climatic and meteorological factors play a major role in causing natural disasters such as floods and landslides. Therefore, these factors, when viewed in light of topographical and geological conditions, can be used to assess the risk of occurrence of such disasters, although the nature and extent of such disasters for any affected areas are determined with the combination of both natural and anthropogenic factors. Extreme weather events associated with the level of precipitation (rainfall duration and intensity) that triggers a landslide, debris flow or other similar event is known as precipitation threshold. Several studies have been done in the Himalaya region to derive relationships between rainfall amount and intensity, and the number and size of landslides and debris flows. Understanding of weather conditions, geomorphology and geology are important while planning and designing infrastructure.23

121. As the EGMP-AF components are located in areas with high topographic variability, these will experience different types of climatic regimes and precipitation pattern. Average maximum precipitation of the Kohalpur-Nepalgunj Transmission Line area between 2001 to 2019 is 1348.47 mm with a linear positive trend. Similar data for the Dumkibas Substation area shows a linear negative trend with average maximum precipitation between 2001 to 2019 being 1,888.79 mm.24 For Kathmandu valley where the Chobar-Lagankhel Underground Transmission Line, Lagankhel Substation and Mulpani Substation are included there is an average maximum precipitation of 1313.58 mm with a linear negative trend in this period.

122. Nepal has two patterns of monsoon season appearing in summer (easterlies) and winter (westerlies). Summer monsoon advances from the Bay of Bengal to the west and it is the country’s wettest period of the year when 75% of total yearly rainfall occurs within a few months (June–September). Usually, the western parts receive less rainfall than the east during summer monsoon due to decreased moisture gradient as the wind approaches the eastern side. The winter monsoon (originating from the Arabian Sea) usually brings cold air and modest precipitation along the northwest regions. The winter is the driest period in the northwest region. Figure 35 shows the temporal maximum precipitation in the EGMP-AF component areas for 19 years.

23 Deoja B. B. 2001. Hazards and Risks to and from Linear Infrastructures in Mountainous Regions, Landslide Hazard

Mitigation in the Hindu Kush-Himalayas. Kathmandu. 24 Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information using Artificial Neural Networks - Dynamic Infrared Rain

Rate near real-time (PDIR-Now). CHRS Data Portal. http://chrsdata.eng.uci.edu/. (accessed 4 March 2021).

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Figure 35: Average Annual Precipitation Graph of EGMP-AF Components (2001-2019)

123. Wind velocities in the EGMP-AF component regions vary with altitude i.e. the wind velocities in low altitude valleys are lower in magnitude than those in the high-altitude valleys and mountain ridges. The extreme wind speed is as high as 46.76 m/s in Kathmandu. The average monthly wind speed in Kathmandu Valley was observed to be 3.74 kilometer per hour (km/h) from March to August and lowest at 2.39 km/h in December. The highest wind speed recorded was at Nagarkot station, 6.1 km/h in April.

124. Kohalpur-Nepalgunj Transmission Line. The transmission line is situated in the Tropical Climatic Zone. Recorded temperatures from LANDSAT in 2020 varied between a

minimum of -9.08C and maximum of 37.585C (along the project site at 158 masl site considered between the minimum and maximum elevation of the alignment)25 (Figure 36).26 The maximum and minimum precipitation values for the spatial distribution are shown in Table 22. The Wind Exposition Index (WEI) for the alignment indicates that Tower 6, AP 7, AP 9, AP 5, AP 11, AP 15, tower 26, 9 and 30 are in areas experiencing high wind greater than 1.1 WEI. The mean wind speed at 10m height along the alignment of the transmission line varied from a minimum of 1.95m/s to a maximum of 2.21 m/s (at AP 17) with the lowest wind speed at Tapping Tower of 1.946 m/s.27

26 Earth Engine Data Catalog. USGS Landsat 8 Collection 1 Tier 1 Raw Scenes. (accessed 15 May 2021) 27 Global Wind Atlas. https://globalwindatlas.info/

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

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2016

2017

2018

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Ma

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Kathmandu

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Figure 36: Seasonal Temperature along Elevation Transect at Kohalpur-Nepalgunj Transmission Line From Tapping Tower in the North End to Substation in South End

Table 22: Spatial Variation of 2020 Monsoonal Precipitation in Project Affected

Area of Kohalpur-Nepalgunj Transmission Line

Month Precipitation in millimeter

Average Max Min

June 152.33 168 140

July 578 616 550

August 478.5 513 471

September 544.67 590 520

125. Chobhar-Lagankhel Underground Transmission Line. This underground transmission line lies in the Warm Temperate Climatic Zone. Recorded temperatures from LANDSAT in 2020

varied between a minimum of 12.3C and a maximum of 25.3C.28 However, temperatures vary based on elevation. Therefore, a transect along the alignment based on different elevations shows

that for 2019 the maximum summer temperature at elevation 1,315 masl reached 30.17C, while

the minimum winter temperature dropped to 6.37C at 1,819 masl (Figure 37 and Table 23). Measurements from DHM stations in the project affected districts highlight a maximum monthly rainfall of 351 mm in between June to September 2019 for Kathmandu.29 2019 data for average values over the area indicate a 76.1% of the annual mean precipitation falling during the monsoon season of June to September. The Wind Exposition Index (WEI) for the alignment has been

28 Government of Nepal. Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. 2017. Observed Climate Trend Analysis of Nepal (1997-2014).

Kathmandu. 29 Footnote 29.

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measured between Angle Point (AP) 6 to 13, AP 15 to AP 20, AP 27 to AP 28, AP 29 to 31 and AP 33 to 35 and was observed to range between 1.2 to 1.4m/s, evidencing wind exposed areas.30

Figure 37: Seasonal Temperature in Relation to Elevation in Kathmandu Valley

Table 23: Monthly Spatial Pattern Monsoonal Precipitation for 2019 in

Kathmandu Valley

Month Precipitation in millimeter

Average Max Min

June 148.7 351.0 87.0

July 128.0 201.0 63.0

August 212.7 351.0 134.0

September 76.2 137.0 20.0

(d) Air and Noise Quality

126. Secondary information on Air Quality published by Department of Environment, Government of Nepal, observations at sites (Figure 38), and field monitoring at two (Dumkibas and Mulpani) substation sites have informed the baseline for air quality and noise. In order to establish a more robust baseline for the EGMP-AF components, the environmental monitoring plan requires undertaking pre-construction air and noise quality measurements during the detailed design and pre-construction phase at sample locations where sensitive receptors are in close proximity to the ROW of transmission line and substation boundaries.

30 A WEI value below 1 indicate wind shadowed areas and WEI above 1 indicates wind exposed area.

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127. For this IEE, the ambient air quality data was taken from Copernicus31 using the latest available data of 2018 (Figures 39 to 42 and Table 24) for Particulate Matter (PM2.5), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx), and Ozone (O3). It can be seen from the maps that all baseline air quality parameters are generally within the permissible limits of national as well as WHO guidelines for the protection of human health although there may be local hotspots of air pollution which can only be determined through monitoring on the ground.

128. Similarly, except some urban centers like Kathmandu, noise levels are generally anticipated to be low and within the permissible limits. Based on consultation with local people air quality was not mentioned as a major environmental issue however in areas close to proposed substation industries make a lot of noise and this was noted as causing a problem in Kohalpur-Nepalgunj transmission line area.

Table 24: Air Quality Monitoring for Total Suspended Particulates (TSPM) as 24 hourly

averages by Department of Environment GoN32

Monitoring Stations

ug/m3 ug/m3 ug/m3 ug/m3 ug/m3 ug/m3 ug/m3

27-Feb 2021

28-Feb 2021

1-Mar 2021

2-Mar 2021

3-Mar 2021

4-Mar 2021

5-Mar 2021

Nepalgunj 17.129 8.477 10.23 17.478 18.893 18.425 13.654

TU, Kirtipur, Kathmandu Valley 87.448 101.736 85.904

Bhaisepati, Kathmandu Valley 92.161 87.173 79.81 62.07 100.94 103.146

Sauraha (gateway to Chitwan National Park) 39.029

31Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) Atmosphere Data Store (ADS).

(https://ads.atmosphere.copernicus.eu/cdsapp#!/dataset/cams-global-reanalysis-eac4-monthly?tab=overview) 32 Government of Nepal Ministry of Forests and Environment Department of Environment Air Quality Monitoring.

http://pollution.gov.np/

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Figure 38: GoN Air Quality Monitoring Location in Yellow in relation to EGMP AF Project

Components

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Figure 39: PM2.5 Levels Map of Nepal and EGMP-AF Components

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Figure 40: NO2 Levels Map of Nepal and EGMP-AF Components

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Figure 41: SO2 Level Map of Nepal and EGMP-AF Components33

33 Footnote 31.

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Figure 42: O3 Levels Map of Nepal and EGMP-AF Components

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129. In order to supplement secondary data, field monitoring of air and noise quality has been carried out at two substations i.e., Dumkibas 83°51'23"E and 27°35'52"N (rural residential area) and Mulpani at 85°23'32"E and 27°42'45"N (urban residential area). These two sites are selected since there are new infrastructure with sensitive receptors within 100m of the proposed sites. Field sampling (one period of 24 hr continuous monitoring) for air and noise quality were collected on 23 and 24 April 2021 at Mulpani substation site and on 25 to 26 June at Dumkibas Substation through the use of combined sampler and real time sound level monitor. Table 25 present the results of the air quality monitoring whereas noise level monitoring results are presented in Table 26.

Table 25: Air Quality Monitoring Results

Parameters Units NAAQS (24 Hour)

WHO34 24-hour Average Observed Values

Mulpani Dumkibas

TSPM µg/m3 230 n/a 168.7 107.4

PM10 µg/m3 120 50/24 Hour

(99th percentile)

72.8 52.8

PM2.5 µg/m3 40 25/24 hour

(99th percentile)

32.0 14.6

SO2 µg/m3 70 20/24 hour 2.1 <1.0

NOx µg/m3 80 200/1 hour

(results not directly

comparable)

4.8 3.6

Carbon Monoxide µg/m3 10000 10000 <1000.0 <1000.0 n/a = not applicable, NAAQS = national ambient air quality standards, NOx = nitrogen oxides, PM10 = particulate

matter less than 10 microns, PM25 = particulate matter less than .5 microns, SO2 = sulfur dioxide, TSPM = total

suspended particulate matter, ug/m3 = micrograms per cubic meter, WHO = World Health Organization.

Table 26: Noise Level Monitoring Results

Locations Noise Source Time Noise Level (dBA)

LAmax LAmin LAeq

Mulpani Site Public and vehicular movement including other natural sound.

Day (06:00 AM - 06:00 PM)

76.3 42.3 48.5

Night 07:00 PM - 05:00 AM

73.7 40.9 46.9

Dumkibas Site Natural sound, occasional movement of public and vehicles

Day (06:00 AM - 06:00 PM)

70.3 33.5 41.6

Night 07:00 PM - 05:00 AM

65.5 33.6 39.4

Day 55 LAeq

34 World Health Organization (WHO). Air quality guidelines – global update 2005.

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WHO Noise Guidelines for residential area (most stringent for urban residential)

Night 45 LAeq

NAAQS Noise Standards for rural residential areas (most stringent for rural residential)

Day 45 LAeq

Night 40 LAeq

LAeq = equivalent noise level , NAAQS = national ambient air quality standards, WHO = World Health

Organization.

130. The results are compared with the most stringent standards between Nepal NAAQS and WHO Air Quality and Noise Guideline values. It can be seen from Table 25 that the air quality at both the substation sites is well within the permissible standards of Nepal (NAAQS) for all the monitored parameters but WHO guidelines designed for the protection of human health are exceeded for PM10 and 2.5 at Mulpani and PM10 at Dumkibas, indicating care will need to be taken to avoid further dust generation during construction works to protect health. For Mulpani the monitored noise levels (Table 26) are also well within the WHO guideline levels which are the more stringent for an urban residential setting for day time whereas for night time is shows noise levels are slightly on the higher side (46.9-55 dB(A) against the permissible limit of 45 dB(A) indicating care will need to be taken to avoid further noise generation during construction and operation of substation to protect health of nearby residents. For Dumkibas the monitored noise levels (Table 26) are well within the more stringent Nepal NAAQS for rural residential areas both at day time and night time. The maximum recorded noise level at Dumkibas site is 41.6 dB(A) against the permissible limit of 45 dB(A) during the daytime hours.

(e) Water Resources and Water Quality

131. The transmission line components of the EGMP-AF project cross over several rivers; their respective flow varies seasonally and depending on precipitation. The mean, maximum and minimum flow using FLO1K35 for 55 years from 1960 to 2015 along the alignments at the location where the transmission lines cross major rivers are discussed below (Figure 43).

132. Except for the Dumkibas substation site, water quality monitoring has not been done in the project areas. Therefore, available secondary data has been used to establish the water quality baseline.

133. Kohalpur-Nepalgunj Transmission Line and Nepalgunj Substation. The transmission line does not cross any large rivers however several rivulets with 6 irrigation canals are crossed, and the alignment is in the flat Terai Plains where monsoonal overflow of these streams and seasonal flooding of the surrounding land can be an annual occurrence. During consultation, it was reported that Murghi Nala overflowed between AP 6 and 7 near tower number 16 where the transmission line crosses Murghi Nala at 28.1371°N and 81.6347°E; the Kiran Nala overflows between AP 6 to 7 at 28.170522°N and 81.637190°E. Murghi Nala is a perennial stream with a maximum annual flow of 0.137 cubic meters per second (m3/s) on average over the period 1960-2015; its maximal annual flow reached

35 V. Barbarossa, et al. 2018. FLO1K, global maps of mean, maximum and minimum annual streamflow at 1 km

resolution from 1960 through 2015. March 27.

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0.299m3/s in 1961. Likewise, Kiran Nala maximum annual flow averages 0.951 m3/s which reached its maximum in 1961.36 Overall, the mean and maximum annual river flows of these two rivers have followed a decreasing trend over the period 1960-2015. Water quality of the respective rivers is generally good based on consultation with local people, although water quality monitoring data is not available. Given Nepalgunj Substation is immediately adjacent an irrigation canal it will be necessary to collect baseline water quality data during pre-construction.

134. Chobhar-Lagankhel Transmission Line. The transmission line crosses Bagmati River between at 27.659°N and 85.2913°E and Nakkhu River at 27.6624513°N and 85.3060200°E. The maximum annual flow is on average over the period 1960-2015 0.1255m3/s and 1.83 m3/s respectively on these two rivers; maximal annual river flow reached 0.164m3/s in 1978 and 2.63 m3/s in 1999 respectively on these two rivers. The mean and maximum annual river flows of these rivers have followed an increasing trend (Figure 43).

135. Water quality of the rivers is poor. A water treatment and distribution plant is present at the confluence of Nakkhu River and Bagmati River. Nakkhu River is also important for the festival of Rato Machindranath which is celebrated once every 12 years. Based on a 2016 study by Department of Hydrology and Meteorology the pH value of the Bagmati River is 6.925, Dissolved Oxygen 6.575 mg/l, Biological Oxygen Demand 27.225 mg/l (highest value of 90.5 mg/l 4 km downstream from the crossing point of transmission line other sites being upstream the average value for upstream and downstream is considered), Chemical Oxygen Demand

61.925 mg/l, Total Dissolved Solids 352.5 mg/l, Electrolyte Conductivity (970S/cm), Ammonia 70 mg/l, Nitrate 0.3 mg/l, Nitrous N 0.1 mg/l, Total Organic Carbon 30 mg/l, Total Hardness 90 mg/l, Magnesium 10.6 mg/l, and Iron 3.9 mg/l in River Bagmati. Likewise, the water quality of Nakhu River was observed to be pH value of 8.1, Dissolved Oxygen 7.1 mg/l, Biological Oxygen Demand 5.4 mg/l, Chemical Oxygen Demand 15.9 mg/l, Total Dissolved Solid 280 mg/l,

Electrolyte Conductivity 300S/cm, Ammonia 30 mg/l, Nitrate 0.2 mg/l, Nitrous N <0.1 mg/l, Total Organic Carbon 3.6 mg/l, Total Hardness 120 mg/l, Magnesium 24 mg/l, and Iron 2.8 mg/l. The study concluded that agricultural activities, direct discharge of sewerage, and solid waste dumping are some major causes of pollution of the rivers and its high bacterial contamination.37

36 Footnote 35. 37 Government of Nepal Ministry of Population and Environment Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. 2016.

Water Quality Measurement and Hoarding Board Installation. Lalitpur.

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Figure 43: Discharge Patterns in the major rivers in the project areas

136. The water sample from Arun Khola (nearest water body from an early alternate substation location that was identified on the banks of this river)) was collected and analyzed. The results are presented in Table 27. It can be seen from that table that water quality parameters of the rivers are generally within the permissible standards of Government of Nepal.

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Table 27: Water Quality Data for Rivers Closest to the Project Sites

S.N. Parameters Observations from Arun Khola 202138

1 pH @ 21 C 8.2

2 Total Suspended Solids (mg/l) 1

3 Total Residual Chlorine (mg/l) Nil

4 Hydrogen Sulphide(mg/l) ND <0.1

5 Phenol (mg/l) ND <1

6 Oil and Grease (mg/l) 2

7 Fluoride (mg/l) 0.07

8 Ammoniacal – N (mg/l) 0/27

9 Biological Oxygen Demand (mg/l) <1

10 Chemical Oxygen Demand (mg/l) 2

11 Cadmium (mg/l) ND <0.003

12 Copper (mg/l) ND <0.01

13 Lead (mg/l) ND <0.01

14 Zinc (mg/l) ND 0.01

15 Silver (mg/l) ND <0.01

16 Arsenic (mg/l) ND <0.01

17 Hexavalent Chromium (mg/l) ND <0.01

BDL = below detection level, mg/l = milligrams per liter, ND = not detected, NTU =nephelometric turbidity unit,

pH = potential of hydrogen, UV = ultraviolet.

C. Biological Environment

137. None of the EGMP-AF components are located on forest land. Bio-climatic conditions determine the biodiversity of a particular place. Since the EGMP-AF project areas extend from the flat Terai and up and down hills in agricultural land and urban areas, diversity and composition of flora was observed.

(a) Protected Areas and Forest Management

138. The National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1973 provides a legal basis for the management of protected areas. Nepal has established a very good network of protected areas with 12 national parks, 1 wildlife reserve, 1 hunting reserve, 6 conservation areas, and 13 buffer zones extending from lowland Terai to high mountains, covering 23.39 % of the total country's land, which contributes to in-situ conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity across the

38 Arun Khola Sampling on 27/02/2021 for EGMP-AF near Shree Oil.

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country. Conservation efforts made by the government of Nepal are popular worldwide and highly recognized by international societies.

139. Some of the EGMP-AF components are located in designated protected areas. Figure 44 show the locations of the EGMP-AF components on the protected areas map of the country. Of particular note is the Chure Conservation Area and proposed Pulchoki Conservation Area. A brief note on these protected areas along with their protection significance is presented in the subsequent paragraphs.

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Figure 44: Protected Area Map of Nepal and Location of EGMP-AF Components

Dumkibas

SS

103

140. Chure Conservation Area: Dumkibas substation site falls within Chure Conservation Area (Figures 45 and 46). The region is very fragile and distinctive in terms of its geology, hydrological cycle, and ecology. Mainly, sandstone, mudstone and conglomerates are found in the region, and are in the state of being eroded as these rocks have not been totally solidif ied. Being sensitive towards various socioeconomic and developmental activities, government of Nepal has initiated President Chure Conservation Program in the fiscal year (FY) 2066/FY2067. Despite its name, the Chure Conservation Area is an environmental protection area declared in 2071 Bikram Sambat (BS) and does not have the same status as a Protected Area/Conservation Area managed by DNPWC. It covers both the Chure Hills (Figure 45, pink area) and the associated Dun (fertile river valleys used for agriculture, Figure 45 yellow area).

Figure 45: Chure-Tarai Madhesh Landscape

141. The Chure Hills range is situated parallel to but further south of the Himalayan range in Nepal. Geographically, it is equally known as the "Siwalik" or "Sub-Himalaya". Some narrow gorges created by the rivers such as the Marin and Kamala gorges of Sindhuli, the Rangoon Valley of Dadeldhura together with the Dun Valley or the Inner-Tarai such as the Dang, Deukhuri Surkhet and Chitwan Valleys lie within the Chure Conservation Area extending over 800 km from Mahakali in the west to Mechi in the east. It occupies, altogether, 36 (fully or partially) out of the 75 districts of the nation. Moreover, its width varies from 10 km to 50 km (north-south), having more width where there are valleys. The Chure Hills range occupies about 12.78% of the total land area (147,181 sq.km.) of Nepal and is inhabited by 3.6 million people. The elevation of the Chure Conservation Area ranges from 120m to 1,972m.

142. About 48.19% of the total area of the Chure-Tarai Madhesh Landscape is covered by agriculture and settlement, 47.16% by forest (76% of this is outside WDPA categorized Protected Areas), shrub-land and grassland, and the rest 4.65% by river and river-bed. Of the total area of the Chure Hills range (including gullies) 83.47% is occupied by forest, shrub and grassland while 13.16% by agriculture and settlement, and the rest 3.37% by river and river-bed. On the contrary, 83.18% of the Tarai Madhesh region is occupied by agriculture and settlement, 12.59% by forest, shrub and grassland, and the rest 4.23% by river and river-bed. The proportion of land under the forest, shrub, and grassland in the Chure Hills range is comparatively quite high while there is dominance of agriculture in the Tarai Madhesh region.

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However, the proportion of agriculture is nearly 58% in the Dun, while almost the same proportion of ground is covered by forest, shrub, and grassland in the Bhavar region.

143. Ecologically, the Chure Hills range is a very important physiographic zone of Nepal. Of its forests, 3% are conifers (all Chir pine), 83% hardwoods, in almost equal amount of Sal forest and tropical mixed forest, and 14% mixed Chirpine and hardwoods. Altogether, 14 of the Nepal's total 118 ecosystems lie in the Chure Hills.

144. Based on a wildlife study carried out between 2016 to 2018 in this region and published in 2021, 41 species of mammals were recorded using camera traps of which 20 are recorded in the IUCN red list including one critically endangered, five endangered, nine vulnerable and three near threatened species. Critically endangered Chinese pangolin were photographed from two locations in Chure (Chitwan and Udaypur); of the five endangered species, dhole and hog deer were recorded exclusively inside the protected areas whilst Indian pangolin, tiger and elephant were also recorded outside of protected areas. The abundance of tiger was found to be relatively lower than expected, although there is the possibility of population connectivity dispersal between the Parsa-Chitwan-Parsa and Banke-Bardia populations. 378 species of birds were recorded of which 8 were globally threatened (eight globally threatened (one critically endangered, two endangered and five vulnerable) and 35 nationally threatened and rare. The species list also includes 279 species of butterfly, 104 species of fish, and 99 species of herpetofauna (24 amphibians and 75 reptiles). Among these herpetofauna two species were recorded for the first time in Nepal. This included Asian monitor lizard (Varanus salvator) (in Udaypur District) and a new species of frog, Cope’s frog (Hydrophylax leptoglossa) (in Illam District). The study has categorized the Chure Region as an area of high biodiversity with anthropogenic threats due to widespread poaching of wildlife and high grazing pressure. Seven pocket areas for the biodiversity conservation in Chure were identified including the surrounding forest particularly east of Binayee River, north of Chitwan National Park as being important in terms presence of wildlife. Likewise, the community forest in Dumkibas was also reported during consultation to have presence of wildlife and visitation by migratory birds. Poaching being an issue for the biodiversity conservation in Chure was identified and it was recommended strong law enforcement and minimizing human pressure is important to conserve it not only for the biodiversity but also for ensuring ecosystem services for the people living in the Terai, the southern part of Chure Region.39

145. Although the proposed Dumkibas Substation site falls inside Chure Conservation Area, the land use of the proposed site is a mix of agriculture cultivated and rural residential land. The area is already disturbed by human presence, there are 125 structures within 500m periphery from the proposed site of which 22 will be directly affected by construction of the substation site. However, the surrounding forest (shown in Figure 46) in this area, being north of Chitwan National Park, has record of presence of Tiger, Striped Hyena, Leopard Cat, and Leopard. The Forest of Central Chure Conservation Area has been categorized by the 2021 report among the highest mammal species diversity area of the Chure Conservation Area. Based on the consultation with local people and local forest officials, the forests in the area are visited by several wild animals. Also, every year 5-19 migratory birds (locally named as Karyang Kurung – Demoiselle Crane) visit the forests in the local area according to the consultees.

39 N. Subedi et.al. 2021. Report on Faunal Diversity in Chure Region of Nepal. ResearchGate. February 2021.

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Figure 46: Dumkibas Substation and Protected Area Zones

146. Proposed Pulchoki Conservation Area: About 2.9 km section of the Chobhar-Lagankhel underground transmission line traverses through the proposed Pulchoki Conservation Area (Figure 50) in Kathmandu and Lalitpur Districts (all along the road). The consultation with Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation reported that the conservation area was proposed and is currently not under conservation management. The land therefore currently does not have any biodiversity conservation status. The name Pulchoki is derived from a hill station at Bhaktapur District. The similar named Pulchoki Mountain Forest IBA exists whose boundaries do not overlap with the project area.

(b) Flora and Fauna along the New Transmission Lines and Substations

147. Kohalpur-Nepalgunj Transmission Line and Nepalgunj Substation. The closest protected area along the proposed alignment is Banke National Park, which is about 10km North East of the tower tapping site, while the Nepalgunj substation is 15km West of Banke National Park. The alignment is 4.4 km West of Kamdi Corridor (this biological corridor connects Banke National Park in the North through National and community forest to India’s Sohelwa Wildlife Scantuary in the South which is a part of East West Terai Arc Landscape from River Bagmati in the East to River Yamuna in the West), and 11km South of Bardiya National Park which is also an important bird area (Figure 47). The alignment is on agricultural land and avoids crossing forest land.

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Figure 47: Map showing location of Banke National Park and Bardiya National Park

148. Banke District is known to support Sarus Crane, an IUCN Vulnerable bird species, it is largely non-migratory and associated with wetlands, farmlands, and grasslands. A walkover survey was carried out by a non-ecologist in the month of January to March where no occurrence of Sarus Crane along the alignment was recorded by them. However, during the consultation, local people informed that the area between AP 16 to 17 is visited by Sarus Crane, Greater Adjutant (IUCN Endangered), and Blue Bull (Nilgai, Boselaphus tragocamelus an antelope of IUCN Least Concern). Likewise, between AP 11 and 12 Sarus Crane visits were informed by locals. The area was informed by locals to be crossed by hundreds of migratory birds flying towards the south in the month of September/October and flying back North in May/June.

149. Figure 48 presents the maps of the tentative location of Sarus Crane observations based on the study map in International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) published in 2015.40 The nearest were found approximately 4 km from the alignment. 51 number of Sarus Cranes were counted, out of them 43 were adults and eight were chicks. The estimated population density of Sarus Crane was 0.136 individuals in per sq. km due to a lack of suitable habitats.41 Figure 48 shows the municipalities in first map and spots in green triangle in second map where the birds were surveyed in that study as informed by BCN during the consultation, only the southern end of the alignment was included in the study area. Also, in Figure 49 (with two green circles) are where the locals informed that in monsoon season Sarus Crane visited the area.

40 Footnote 10. 41 Footnote 10.

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Figure 48: Maps showing Municipalities in Banke District where presence of Sarus Cranes Reported

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Figure 49: Map showing locations along the Alignment where visits of Sarus Cranes are Reported by BCN and Locals

150. Chobhar-Lagankhel Underground Transmission Line. About 2.9 km section of the Chobhar-Lagankhel underground transmission line traverses through the proposed Pulchoki Conservation Area (Figure 50) in Kathmandu and Lalitpur Districts (all along the road). There is no forest area affected by the project. The Bagmati River is crossed in Chobhar Area for the alignment as depicted in Figure 50, e-Bird records a few species of note upstream and downstream of the gorge including Steppe Eagle (IUCN Endangered). A species of eagle, thought to be Steppe Eagle, was spotted perching in trees in gorge during site visits by a non-ecologist.42 The next closest biodiversity important site is Taudhaha (wetland known for migratory birds, and the only natural lake of the Kathmandu district) 1.3 km south from Chobhar where the alignment begins. e-Bird records species such as Steppe Eagle (IUCN Endangered) at Taudhaha.43 Consultation carried out with BCN identified that the area south of the alignment where it crosses over the bridge of River Bagmati is used by birds. At present southern side of the bridge or gorge has Jalbinayak Temple towards the right bank (next to which the ICD is being constructed) while the North South Fast Track Road towards the left bank of the River Bagmati is being constructed, hence there is already a degree of disturbance in this area.

Figure 50: Map Showing World Heritage Sites/National Monuments of Kathmandu

Valley and EGMP AF Components and Taudaha Lake

42 eBird Hotspot. Chobhar D/S Gorge, Kathmandu District, 1, NP and Bagmati River - Upstream of Chobhar Gorge,

Kathmandu District, 1, NP (accessed on 18 April 2021). 43 eBird Hotspot. Taudaha, Kathmandu District, 1, NP and Arend's Bagmati and Taudaha Fixed Route, Kathmandu

District, 1, NP (accessed on18 April 2021)

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(c) Critical Habitat Analysis

151. The project areas in which the EGMP-AF components are located and in which the construction works will take place have been screened to determine presence of threatened species using the Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT).44 Screening using IBAT shows that there are protected areas and KBA within a 50 km buffer of the project sites (Table 28) – note that the Chure Conservation Area is not reported within IBAT as it is not a DNPWC protected area.

Table 28: Component wise list of Protected Areas, KBAs and IUCN Red List Species

Component/ Site Name Protected Areas

within 50km

Key Biodiversity Areas

(KBAs) within 50km

IUCN Red List

within 50km

1. Kohalpur-Nepalgunj TL 5 5 72

2. Chobhar-Lagankhel TL 7 4 68

3. Mulpani substation 7 4 62

4. Dumkibas substation 3 6 77

152. In terms of threatened species IBAT screening shows that there are 62-77 potential threatened species (within 50 km) listed in the IUCN red list (Table 29) potentially coinciding with the area in which in which construction works will take place. Of the 62-77 species, 7-12 are classified as critically endangered and 20-24 as endangered species. Table 29 provides the component wise list of potential threatened species (within 50 km) listed in the IUCN red list.

Table 29: Component wise list of threatened species (within 25 km) listed in the IUCN

red list

Component/ Site Name Critically Endangered (CR) Endangered (EN) Vulnerable (VU)

1. Kohalpur-Nepalgunj TL 12 22 38

2. Chobhar-Lagankhel TL 9 22 37

3. Mulpani substation 7 20 35

4. Dumkibas substation 12 24 41

IUCN = International Union for Conservation of Nature, TL = transmission line.

153. A critical habitat analysis for the transmission line and substation components was rapidly developed through a desktop review of existing project documentation and other existing grey and published literature. It aligns with ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement (2009) and International Finance Corporation Performance Standard 6 Guidance Note (IFC 2019) critical habitat requirements (Appendix 9).

154. SPS defines critical habitat as areas with high biodiversity value, including (1) habitat required for the survival of critically endangered or endangered species; (2) areas having special significance for endemic or restricted-range species; (3a) sites that are critical for the survival of migratory species; (3b) areas supporting globally significant concentrations or numbers of individuals of congregatory species; (4) areas with unique assemblages of species

44 IBAT is a multi-institutional programme of work involving BirdLife International, Conservation International, IUCN

and UNEP-WCMC. IBAT provides a basic risk screening on biodiversity. It draws together information on globally recognized biodiversity information drawn from a number of IUCN’s Knowledge Products: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, Key Biodiversity Areas (priority sites for conservation) and Protected Planet/The World Database on Protected Areas (covering nationally and internationally recognized sites, including IUCN management categories I–VI, Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance and World Heritage sites).

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or that are associated with key evolutionary processes or provide key ecosystem services; and (5) areas having biodiversity of significant social, economic, or cultural importance to local communities. Critical habitat may include (6) those areas either legally protected or officially proposed for protection. In relation to criterion 1-3 and 6, this assessment followed more detailed guidance in the International Finance Corporation Performance Standard 6 guidance note (IFC 2019) on the determination of critical habitat.

155. Given the rapid desktop nature of this assessment, AoAs for each Project Component were defined to encompass the Project component itself, and a precautionary buffer to encompass any potentially significant impacts.

• For Kohalpur-Nepalgunj overhead transmission line/Nepalgunj Substation most impacts will be limited to within Kohalpur Municipality, Baijnath Rural Municipality and Janaki Rural Municipality and so for terrestrial and aquatic species a buffer of 5 km was adopted. However, due to the overhead linear nature of this component and its location in a rural area a buffer of 25 km was adopted for birds, protected areas, and internationally recognized biodiversity sites to ensure all potentially wider ranging species were adequately considered.

• For the underground transmission line and substation components in Kathmandu Valley the buffer was limited to 5 km, given that all linear works are situated within the urban area, the substation works have a small-scale footprint, and impacts will be limited to within Kirtipur Municipality, Lalitpur Metropolitan City and Kageshwori Manahara Municipality, Mulpani.

• For Dumkibas Substation the buffer was limited to 5 km given the small-scale footprint of this project component and impacts will be limited to within Binayee Tribeni Rural Municipality.

156. The buffer is an arbitrary distance but has been chosen to be sufficiently precautionary to ensure capture of impacts such as edge effects, hunting or disturbance by construction workers, any noise/dust/pollution impacts during construction, and electrocution/collision risks for birds. A single AoA for each component with the exception of the larger AoA for birds at Kohalpur-Nepalgunj was chosen in the absence of sufficient information on species’ presence in the area to usefully identify multiple ecologically suitable terrestrial and aquatic AoAs. Identification of an AoA does not mean that the project has any obligations across it. The aim of this Critical Habitat Assessment is to identify whether each broad unit qualifies as Critical Habitat and, if so, for which biodiversity features. This information helps to prioritize the biodiversity impact assessment and to focus mitigation efforts as elaborated in the following chapter.

157. This assessment identified the Areas of Analysis (AoAs) for the project components (which cover a much larger area than the project area of influence) are possible or actual Critical Habitat for twelve birds, three mammals, key ecosystem services, and four legally protected areas/internationally recognized sites (Table 30). Terri Arc landscape in which the AoAs for the Kohalpur-Nepalgunj and Dumkibas components fall is confirmed Critical Habitat for tiger. Other species qualify the AoAs on a precautionary basis due to limited availability of data. Thus, on a precautionary basis the features listed in Table 30 should all be considered priority biodiversity for the Project to avoid, mitigate and – if necessary – offset impacts upon. In general, this does not pose a challenge to the Project as this priority biodiversity is confined to forests outside of the direct footprint of the project component. Indirect impacts (if any) as a result of human disturbance to adjacent forest land can be managed through the project adopting strict anti-hunting and poaching protocols for workers, undertaking conservation

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awareness raising activities etc. The summary of why each feature meets Critical Habitat criteria is given in Table 30. IBAT Screening Report for the EGMP-AF project components is presented in Appendix 9.

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Table 30: Summary of Critical Habitat-qualifying biodiversity in the Project AoAs

Biodiversity

type

Species or

Area

Name/Details

ADB Critical Habitat

criterion qualified45

AoAs

Supporting

Critical Habitat

Significant

Impact on

Critical

Habitat

Qualifying

Features46

Lesser

Project

Footprint

Impacts

1 2 3a&b 4 5 6

1. Mammal Tiger

Globally EN

Nationally EN

X Kohalpur-

Nepalgunj AoA

Dumkibas AoA

No Indirect

disturbance

risks to tiger

in adjacent

forest

habitat, no

significant

impacts

anticipated

but follow

EMP to

minimize

disturbance

2. Mammal Chinese

Pangolin

Globally CR

Nationally EN

X Kohalpur-

Nepalgunj AoA

Kathmandu

Valley AoA

Dumkibas AoA

No If present

impacts

unlikely to

be

significant,

but follow

EMP to

minimize

disturbance

3. Mammal Indian

Pangolin

Globally EN

Nationally EN

X Kohalpur-

Nepalgunj AoA

Dumkibas AoA

No

4. Bird Bengal

Florican

Globally CR

X X Kohalpur-

Nepalgunj AoA

Dumkibas AoA

No Unlikely but

follow EMP

to minimize

risk (if any)

45 ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement (2009) defines critical habitat as areas with high biodiversity value, including

(i) habitat required for the survival of critically endangered or endangered species; (ii) areas having special significance for endemic or restricted-range species; (iiia) sites that are critical for the survival of migratory species; (iiib) areas supporting globally significant concentrations or numbers of individuals of congregatory species; (iv) areas with unique assemblages of species or that are associated with key evolutionary processes or provide key ecosystem services; and (v) areas having biodiversity of significant social, economic, or cultural importance to local communities. Critical habitat may include those areas either legally protected or officially proposed for protection. In relation to criterion 1-3 and 6, this assessment followed more detailed guidance in the International Finance Corporation Performance Standard 6 and its accompanying guidance note (IFC 2019) on the determination of critical habitat.

46 In accordance with ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement (2009) significant impact is flagged if there could be (i) measurable adverse impacts, or likelihood of such, on the critical habitat which could impair its high biodiversity value or the ability to function; or (ii) the project is anticipated to lead to a reduction in the population of any recognized endangered or critically endangered species or a loss in area of the habitat concerned such that the persistence of a viable and representative host ecosystem be compromised.

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Biodiversity

type

Species or

Area

Name/Details

ADB Critical Habitat

criterion qualified45

AoAs

Supporting

Critical Habitat

Significant

Impact on

Critical

Habitat

Qualifying

Features46

Lesser

Project

Footprint

Impacts

1 2 3a&b 4 5 6

Nationally CR

Full Migrant

to species

from OHL

5. Bird Lesser

Florican

Globally EN

Nationally CR

Full Migrant

X Kohalpur-

Nepalgunj AoA

Dumkibas AoA

No Unlikely but

follow EMP

to minimize

risk (if any)

to species

from OHL

6. Bird White-

rumped

Vulture

Globally CR

Nationally CR

Congregatory

X X Kohalpur-

Nepalgunj AoA

Dumkibas AoA

No No nesting

sites will be

directly

impacted,

no

significant

impact

anticipated

but follow

EMP to

minimize

disturbance

and

minimize

risk to

species from

OHL

electrocution

and collision

7. Bird Red-headed

Vulture

Globally CR

Nationally EN

Congregatory

X X No

8. Bird Slender-

billed Vulture

Globally CR

Nationally CR

Congregatory

X X No

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Biodiversity

type

Species or

Area

Name/Details

ADB Critical Habitat

criterion qualified45

AoAs

Supporting

Critical Habitat

Significant

Impact on

Critical

Habitat

Qualifying

Features46

Lesser

Project

Footprint

Impacts

1 2 3a&b 4 5 6

9. Bird Yellow-

breasted

Bunting

Globally CR

Nationally CR

Congregatory

Full Migrant

X X Dumkibas AoA No No nesting

sites will be

directly

impacted,

no

significant

impact

anticipated

but follow

EMP to

minimize

disturbance

10. Bird Great

Hornbill

Globally VU

Nationally EN

X Kohalpur-

Nepalgunj AoA

Dumkibas AoA

No Unlikely but

follow EMP

to minimize

disturbance

(if any)

11. Bird Lesser

Adjutant

Globally VU

Nationally VU

Congregatory

Full Migrant

X Dumkibas AoA

No Unlikely but

follow EMP

to minimize

disturbance

(if any)

12. Bird Grey-

crowned

Prinia

Globally VU

Nationally CR

X Dumkibas AoA No Unlikely but

follow EMP

to minimize

disturbance

(if any)

13. Bird Jerdon’s

Babbler

Globally VU

Nationally CR

X Dumkibas AoA No Unlikely but

follow EMP

to minimize

disturbance

(if any)

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Biodiversity

type

Species or

Area

Name/Details

ADB Critical Habitat

criterion qualified45

AoAs

Supporting

Critical Habitat

Significant

Impact on

Critical

Habitat

Qualifying

Features46

Lesser

Project

Footprint

Impacts

1 2 3a&b 4 5 6

14. Bird Slender

Billed

Babbler

Globally VU

Nationally CR

X Dumkibas AoA No Unlikely but

follow EMP

to minimize

disturbance

(if any)

15. Bird Oriental

Darter

Globally NT

Nationally NT

Congregatory

X Kohalpur-

Nepalgunj AoA

Dumkibas AoA

No Unlikely but

follow EMP

to minimize

disturbance

(if any)

16. Areas

Forest

Habitat of the

Chure

Conservation

Area

>Provides

Key

Ecosystem

Services

X Dumkibas AoA No Indirect

disturbance

risks to

adjacent

forest

habitat,

EMP

includes

site-specific

biodiversity

mitigation

measures

Banke

National Park

>Protected

Area and IBA

X Kohalpur-

Nepalgunj AoA

No No

Katarniaghat

Wildlife

Sanctuary

and Girijapur

Barrage

>IBA

X Kohalpur-

Nepalgunj AoA

No No

Bardia

National Park

>Protected

Area and IBA

X Kohalpur-

Nepalgunj AoA

No No

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Biodiversity

type

Species or

Area

Name/Details

ADB Critical Habitat

criterion qualified45

AoAs

Supporting

Critical Habitat

Significant

Impact on

Critical

Habitat

Qualifying

Features46

Lesser

Project

Footprint

Impacts

1 2 3a&b 4 5 6

Chitwan

National Park

Buffer Zone

>KBA and

IBA

X Dumkibas AoA No No

AoA = area of analysis, CR = critical, EMP = environmental management plan, EN = endangered, IBA = important bird

area, KBA = key biodiversity area, OHL = overhead line, VU = vulnerable.

158. Table 31 shows important areas for biodiversity falling within the AoAs of the project components and Table 32 elaborates on the reasons for these features supporting critical habitat.

Table 31: Important areas for biodiversity falling within the AoAs

Areas of Analysis Protected Areas Key Biodiversity Areas/Important Bird Areas

Kohalpur-Nepalgunj

5 km, plus 25k m for birds

Banke National Park and

Buffer Zone (within 5 km)

Chure Conservation Area

Bardia National Park and

Buffer Zone

Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary

Bardia National Park

Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary and Girijapur Barrage

Dumkibas

5km

Chure Conservation Area

(project footprint within)

Chitwan National Park Buffer Zone (within 5km)

Chitwan National Park

(within 5 km)

Kathmandu Valley

5 km

Proposed Pulchocki

Conservation Area

(project footprint within)

n/a

KBA = key biodiversity area, km = kilometer, n/a = not applicable.

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Table 32: Legally protected areas and key biodiversity areas in AoAs

SI.

No.

Legally protected

area/KBA

IUCN

Category

KBA/IBA

Criteria

Critical Habitat

qualifying as a

protected

area/KBA/IBA

alone?

In project

footprint

1 Banke National Park II n/a Yes, as protected

area

No

2 Bardia National Park II IBA A1, A3,

A4i,

Yes, as protected

area, and an IBA

No

3 Katarniaghat Wildlife

Sanctuary and

Girijapur Barrage

IV IBA A1 Yes, as an IBA No

4 Chure Conservation

Area (Environmental

Protection Area)

VI n/a No Yes,

Dumkibas

Substation

5 Chitwan National Park

Buffer Zone

VI KBA B2,

geographically

restricted

biodiversity

IBA A1, A3,

A4i

Yes, as KBA and

an IBA (the

protected area is

outside the 5 km

buffer)

No

6 Proposed Pulchoki

Conservation Area

n/a n/a No Yes, Chobar-

Lagankhel

Underground

Transmission

Line

AoA = area of analysis, IBA = important bird area, KBA = key biodiversity area, km = kilometer, n/a = not

applicable.

(d) Physical Cultural Resources

159. Kathmandu Valley is an ancient city of Newari speaking people with numerous temples, stupas and waterspouts moreover it has seven UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Sites (WHS) under the umbrella of the Kathmandu Valley WHS. The rich architectural structures in Kathmandu date back to Kirat and Licchavi era with one waterspout dating back to the year 650 common era. The city’s cultural festivals and religious rituals are mostly celebrated around water. Some important religiously as well as culturally important structures of Kathmandu Valley include in Bhaktapur District (Bhadgau, Durbarchowk, Nayatpoldewal, Bhairavnath Mandir, Datatraya Mandir, Nawadurga Mandir, Pashupatinath of Bhadgau and Siddhapokhari), in Kathmandu District (Taleju Bhawani of Hanuman Dhoka, Hanumandhoka Mandir, Akash Bhairav, Annapurna, Kumari Bahi, Swetakali Nardevi, Sobha Bhagwati, Bhadrakali, Naxal Bhagwati, Kothe Shimbhu, Narayanhiti Narayansthan, Matsyendra Bahal, Jaggannath, Blkranseel Mahabir, Kastamandap, Narayanhiti Durbar, Singhadurbar, Sahid Smarak, Sundhara, Rani Pokhari, Tudikhel, Pashupatinath, Guheshwori, Baudhanath, Swayambhu, Manjushree Chaitya, Changu Narayan, Dhanju Stup, Charmurti, Budhanilkantha, Bagh Bhairav, Panchakanya Devi and Gokarneshwor Mahadev and in Lalitpur District (Degutale, Krishna Temple of Durbarsquare, Matsyendranath Mandir of Durbar Square, Minnath,

119

Harinarayan Mahabir, Hiranyawarna Mahabir, Mahabaudha, Kumbeshwor and Four Stupa in the four corners of Lalitpur City constructed by King Asoka).47

160. Table 33 is a list of monuments of international/national importance as officially recognized by the DOA of Nepal and listed by UNESCO World Heritage – the first seven fall under the umbrella of the Kathmandu Valley WHS. The Ancient Monument Preservation Act 2013 recognizes any ancient monuments and artistic objects of hundred years old as archeologically important objects which will be preserved by DOA. There is also province and district protected monuments, archaeological sites that have been recognized by the DOA. The closest cultural world heritage site Patan Durbar Square is 950m by road (about 800 m aerial distance). It is known with indigenous language as Yala Layaku and consists of 16th century architectural monuments. There are several Bahals in Patan around the Durbar Square (Bahal in Newari Language denotes a type of courtyard with square or rectangular space bounded by buildings on all side which are raised on a platform named Falcha, the ground is paved with brick or stone and generally centrally placed of the bahal are chaitya with presence of a well). Some bahals include Kwa Bahal, Oku Bahal and Machhindra Bahal.

161. The alignment of the Chobhar-Lagankhel underground transmission line passes over Nakkhu River and the river is known to be used for 12-yearly Rato Machindranath cultural festival of Newar Community. Prominent temples along the alignment include Jalbinayak Temple and Mahalaxmi Temple. Other than this, physical cultural resources include a Pati (traditional resting place), Saraswati Temple and an old well within the road itself. River Bagmati is also culturally and religiously sacred as it flows next to Pashupatinath Temple. Kathmandu Valley initially being a lake and its draining by Manjushree at Chobhar is considered in the valley as the origin of Kathmandu civilization and hence has a significant imprint in the history of the area.

Table 33: World Heritage Sites/National Monuments of Nepal

Sl. No. Name of Monuments/ sites Location District

1 Durbar Square of Hanuman Dhoka Kathmandu Kathmandu

2 Durbar Square of Patan Patan Lalitpur

3 Durbar Square of Bhaktapur Bhaktapur Bhaktapur

4 Buddhist Stupas of Swayambhu Swayambhu Kathmandu

5 Buddhist Stupa of Bauddhanath Baudha Kathmandu

6 Hindu Temple of Pashupati Gaushala Kathmandu

7 Hindu Temple of Changu Narayan Changu Narayan Bhaktapur

8 Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha Lumbini Rupandehi

Source: UNESCO.

47Government of Nepal, Department of Archeology.