1
Environmental Assessment and Environmental Management Framework
Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening Project
August, 2012
2
Contents
Section 1: Description of the Proposed Project ......................................................................... 4
1.1 Project objective............................................................................................................... 4
1.2 Project components .......................................................................................................... 4
1.3 Location and Scale of Operation ...................................................................................... 7
Section 2: Overview of Environmental Conditions and Issues ................................................. 8
2.1 Land use ........................................................................................................................... 8
Implications for Environmental Management ................................................................... 9
2.2 Land degradation ............................................................................................................. 9
Implications for Environmental Management ................................................................. 10
2.3 Rainfall ........................................................................................................................... 10
Implications for Environmental Management ................................................................. 11
2.4 Groundwater .................................................................................................................. 11
Implications for Environmental Management ................................................................. 12
2.5 Agriculture ..................................................................................................................... 12
Implications for Environmental Management ................................................................. 14
2.6 Forests ............................................................................................................................ 14
Implications for Environmental Management ................................................................. 15
2.7 Housing .......................................................................................................................... 15
Implications for Environmental Management ................................................................. 15
2.8 Cultural heritage sites .................................................................................................... 19
Implications for Environmental Management ................................................................. 19
Section 3: Potential Environmental Impacts of Proposed Project Activities ........................... 20
3.1 Environmental Impacts of Service Centres .................................................................... 20
3.1.1 RTPS Centres / Adarsh Centres .............................................................................. 20
3.1.2 Social Care Service Centres / Buniyad Centres ...................................................... 23
3.2 Environmental Impacts of MNREGS and IAY ............................................................. 24
3.2.1 MNREGS Works .................................................................................................... 24
3.2.2 IAY Constructions .................................................................................................. 31
Section 4: Overview of Legal and Regulatory Requirements ................................................. 33
Section 5: Environmental Management Framework ............................................................... 35
5.1 Managing Impacts of Directly Supported Project Activities ......................................... 38
3
5.1.1 Environmental appraisal of project supported construction activities .................... 38
5.1.2 Environment Friendly Construction ....................................................................... 41
5.2 Managing Impacts of In-directly Supported Project Activities ..................................... 43
5.2.1 Capacity Building on Environmental Management ................................................ 43
5.2.2 Integration of information on environment management aspects in monitoring and
evaluation ......................................................................................................................... 44
5.3 Monitoring ..................................................................................................................... 45
5.3.1 Internal Monitoring ................................................................................................. 45
5.3.2 External Monitoring ................................................................................................ 45
5.4 Institutional Arrangements............................................................................................. 46
5.5 Budget ............................................................................................................................ 48
Annex 1: Environment Management Guidelines for MNREGS Works and IAY Housing .... 49
Annex 2 : State Consultation Report…………………………………………………………57
Annex 3 : District Consultation Reports (Nalanda, Buxar, Madhubani & Katihar districts)...64
4
Section 1: Description of the Proposed Project
The Government of Bihar (GoB) intends to strengthen social protection (SP) administration
in the state through improvements in the institutions and systems for program delivery.
Towards this, the GoB is preparing the Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening
(BISPS) project with support from the World Bank.The proposed interventions are designed
to strengthen systems for delivery across selected SP programs: the Mahatma Gandhi
National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGS), Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY) and
social pensions, as well as services for older persons and persons with disabilities. The
project will be administered by the Departments of Rural Development and Social Welfare
through the Bihar Rural Development Society (BRDS) and the Society for the Ultra Poor and
Social Welfare (SUPSW).
1.1 Project objective The Project Development Objective is to strengthen the capacity of the state SP system to
deliver selected programs and services, and to improve service delivery outcomes in four
districts by supporting the implementation of systemic reforms and piloting innovations.
1.2 Project components The project is composed of the following two components:
Component 1: Strengthening social protection capacity and systems
o Sub-component 1.1: Strengthening systems and capacity for delivery of safety net programs
o Sub-component 1.2: Strengthening systems and capacity for delivery of social pensions and
social care services
Component 2: Piloting innovations in SP delivery
o Sub-component 2.1: Integrated SP service delivery
o Sub-component 2.2: Social care provision
o Sub-component 2.3: Design, development and pilot of a connected e-service architecture for
SP service delivery
o Sub-component 2.4: Innovation window
The details of the components are as follows:
Component 1: Strengthening Social Protection Capacity and Systems. This component will strengthen core
systems and capacity of the two implementing agencies – the Bihar Rural Development Society (BRDS) and the
State Society for Ultra-Poor and Social Welfare (SSUPSW) – at the state-level, as well as support
implementation of systemic reforms in the four districts. Improvements in delivery mechanisms financed by the
project would be applicable state-wide, and will be gradually introduced and financed by the Government of
Bihar in all districts. A brief description of each sub-component is as follows:
Sub-Component 1.1: Strengthening systems and capacity for delivery of safety net programs. Support will be
provided to BRDS to strengthen the delivery of MGNREGS and IAY programs, focusing on:
(i) Streamlining program delivery mechanisms by developing standardized procedures and tools for
effective management of the benefits process, for outreach and communications to citizens, and for
financial management and disbursement of benefits. IT applications for MGNREGS and IAY will
be developed to enable tracking of all stages of service delivery. A mechanism for entering into
partnership arrangements with non-government agencies for joint implementation of MGNREGS
and IAY will also be developed;
(ii) Strengthening staff capacity and performance incentives by developing a new HR policy, a new
performance management system, and a training system for building staff capacity and for
monitoring the quality of training delivered;
5
(iii) Putting in place monitoring and accountability mechanisms to enable program and project
implementation, monitoring and evaluation. A comprehensive M&E strategy will be developed and
capacity built to operate the management information system (MIS) as well as to undertake field
assessments and social audits. Procedures for dealing with appeals/grievances related to MGNEGS,
IAY and the SECC/BPL Census will also be developed; and
(iv) Implementing systemic reforms in four districts by testing and fine-tuning the new operational
procedures, materials and tools. Consultancy services, additional technical staff and required
training will be provided at all levels of program implementation.
Sub-Component 1.2: Strengthening systems and capacity for delivery of social pensions and social care
services. Support will be provided to SSUPSW to strengthen the delivery of social pensions and social care
services for PWDs and older persons, focusing on:
(i) Promoting an enabling policy environment by developing policies, programs and operational
guidelines for institutional and non-institutional care targeted to PWDs and older persons as well as
developing models for family and community based rehabilitation;
(ii) Streamlining program delivery mechanisms by developing standardized procedures and tools for
effective management of the identification, disability certification and enrolment of intended
beneficiaries, for outreach and communications to citizens, and for disbursement of benefit
payments, and for grievance redressal. IT applications for social pensions and social care services
will be developed to enable case management and tracking of all stages of service delivery. Support
will also be provided develop a mechanism for entering into partnership arrangements with non-
government agencies for joint provision of institutional and non-institutional care;
(iii) Strengthening staff capacity and performance incentives by developing a new HR policy, a new
performance management system, and a training system for building staff capacity and for
monitoring the quality of training delivered;
(iv) Setting up monitoring and accountability mechanisms to enable the monitoring of social pensions,
BSIOPS and social care services. A comprehensive M&E strategy will be developed and capacity
built to operate the management information system (MIS) as well as to undertake field assessments
and social audits. This sub-component will also develop procedures for dealing with
appeals/grievances related to social pensions and social care services; and
(v) Implementing systemic reforms in four districts by testing and fine-tuning the new operational
procedures, materials and tools. Consultancy services, additional technical staff and required
training will be provided at all levels of program implementation.
Component 2: Piloting Innovations in Social Protection Delivery.This component addresses the issue of
inadequate service provision at the block and community levels and fragmentation in SP delivery by piloting
models for integrated service delivery in the four districts. The two implementing agencies under this project
would serve as an incubation center for the Kabhi Bhi Kahin Bhi Sewayen (KBKBS) model, with the intention to
provide a platform for integrated SP delivery in the long-term. This model involves bringing services closer to
beneficiaries through the setting up virtual citizen interfaces, block-level service centers with mobile outreach
and community-based service provision. These outreach centers would be supported by rule-based processing,
enabled by an integrated e-service architecture, while government functionaries continue to perform strategic
and statutory tasks (Sub-Component 2.1-2.3). This separation of roles is desirable as it provides a single point of
contact for citizens, reduces rent-seeking opportunities and promotes accountability by introducing checks and
balances in the system, and reduces the workload of government officials with respect to repetitive tasks. This
component will also support small-scale pilots to be financed from an ‘Innovation Window’ (sub-component
2.4) which would test innovative proposals to further improve social services. These pilots are expected to be
operational in the second/third year of project implementation in order to provide adequate time for their design,
set-up and operation. In particular, the focus in the first year of the project would be on streamlining processes
and capacity building in order to ensure clear allocation of functions and strong institutional oversight for
effective functioning of these pilots.
Sub-component 2.1: Integrated SP service delivery. This sub-component would support
GoB in setting up block-level service centers aimed at increasing service demand, the
efficiency of beneficiary interaction with the programs’ administration and promoting an
integrated approach to SP delivery at the block level and below. This includes support for the
following: Operational design of the KBKBS model:This would entail thedevelopment of an implementation
roadmap and operational manual for the KBKBS pilot and include detailed assessmentsin order to
6
simplify and redefine program processes, identify specific areas for converging with ongoing e-
governance initiatives, clearly allocate functions across stakeholders (including between government
functionaries and private service providers), determine the anticipated demand for services and
expected volume of transactions in order to arrive at the services to be offered and associated revenue
model, and define service standards for delivery. This component would also support GoB in putting in
place performance monitoring arrangementsand institutional mechanisms for coordination between
BRDS and SSUPSW for managing operations at the Centers.
Citizen Service Centers (referred to as RTPS Adarsh Centers)would be established to provide
information and assistance to beneficiaries and other stakeholders. This includes support for the design,
construction, maintenance and outsourced operations of the centers in all blocks in the four districts
(about 68 centers). These privately managed centers would offer a package of services, such as
providing information on, assistance for applications and demand registration,and recording complaints
and grievances with respect to the selected SP benefits (such as MGNREGS, IAY and social pensions).
The centers would also offer selected government services that fall under the RTPS Act (such as issue
of certificates, application, complaint registration and delivery/collection of documents, etc); civil
registration services (such as enrolment in state’s resident registry) and private services (such as utility
bill payments, etc). However, statutory functions such as eligibility determination, sanctioning of
benefits, disposal of grievances etc. would remain with government functionaries.
A state-level call center would be establishedto provide a virtual channel for beneficiaries to access the
selected SP services offered at the Adarsh Centers in the four districts. It would also serve as a help
desk for queries and complaints related to the selected programs. Depending on the operational design
developed under this sub-component, support would also be provided to establish a back-end hub for
processing transactions received through the various citizen interfaces.
Sub-component 2.2: Social care provision.This sub-component would support the development of social care
provision at the block and community level through the following pilots:
Social Care Service Centers (referred to as Buniyad Centers)would be established to provide high
quality care, support and rehabilitation services for older persons and persons with disabilities. While
Adarsh Centers will provide services that are amenable to standardization, a separate facility is
necessary to deliver services that require dedicated case management systems to address the needs of
these special groups. The services offered at the Buniyad Centers would include basic care and support,
legal aid, therapy, counseling and rehabilitation, emergency outreach, assessment and disability
determination, provision of assistive devices, etc either in-house or through a referral network. The
Centers would also manage a mobile outreach program to provide services at the community level,
particularly for those unable to access services at the Centers. This sub-component would finance the
construction, maintenance and outsourced operations of the Centers in four districts (one center per
three blocks; about 23 centers in total).
Workable models for Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) of older persons and persons with
disabilities in all GPs in the four districts would be piloted. Given the special needs of these groups,
this would involve provision of care and rehabilitation services in family and community settings for
the poorest and most vulnerable individuals. Local community facilitators (identified through
partnerships with community based organizations (CBOs) and NGOs) would be trained to serve as the
focal service provider for these groups. For instance, two of the districts have mature village
organizations promoted by the BRLP that have been identified as partners to identify and oversee
community facilitators as well as to facilitate the formation of disabled persons and older persons
associations.
Sub-Component 2.3: Design, development and pilot of a connected e-service architecture for SP service
delivery.This sub-component aims to address the challenge of weak and burdensome beneficiary identity
management, inability to monitor service delivery across programs, and lack of an institutional mechanism for
rule-based data sharing between programs and administrative levels.This sub-component would pilot an
integrated transaction-based IT platform, called Connected e-Services Architecture (CeSA), to enhance the
effectiveness and the accountability of SP programs by making available more accurate, comprehensive and
timely information.The CeSA would leverage the existing and proposed IT infrastructure and solutions by GoB,
particularly those created under the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) and the state e-Shakti program. This
will include support for thedesign, development, and operationalization of the corresponding key building
blocks of CeSA as follows:
Bihar State Resident Registry (BSRR)would be developed to authenticate beneficiary identity and
eligibility for SP programs.The project would support the creation of a database of all residents in the
7
four districts, as well as the establishment of procedures for data verification, cleaning and updating so
that data quality of the BSRR improves over time. A standard interface would be provided to service
requests to the BSRR from participating programs for authentication of identity and other relevant
household or individual level information required to determine benefit eligibility.
Integrated Information Management and Decision Support System (IIMDSS)would be developed to
provide an integrated view of intended beneficiaries based information collated from different
databases. The project would support the establishment of a Data Warehouse and Business Intelligence
tools, including the required hardware, and development of applications for collating, analyzing and
reporting information.
Augmentation and customizationof shared/common services, application and infrastructure, as
necessary, to pilot CeSA.
Sub-Component 2.4: Innovation window. This sub-component would finance an ‘Innovation Window’ for the
two Societies to pilot innovations in four districts that contribute towards the project objectives. The criteria for
the selection of innovative proposals would include: (i) increasing community level outreach for effective
delivery of social protection programs and services at the local level; (ii) enhancing promotion and participation
of stakeholders and project beneficiaries; and (iii) provide social protection for the poor and vulnerable during
emergencies and disasters. Proposals that meet these criteria would be submitted for review and approval to the
Bank by the two Societies.
1.3 Location and Scale of Operation The project will be implemented at the state-level and demonstrate innovations in selected
project districts. Pilots will be supported in four districts: Buxar, Katihar, Madhubani, and
Nalanda. These have been identified using the following criteria: contiguity; maturity of self-
help groups, village organizations and other community groups such as those promoted by
the Bihar Rural Livelihood Project; convergence with the Bihar Panchayat Strengthening
Project districts; and geographic diversity.
8
Section 2: Overview of Environmental Conditions and Issues
Bihar is India's second poorest and third most populous state, with 56% of the rural
population living below the poverty line. Bihar is primarily rural and agrarian, with high
levels of seasonal migration.
Box 1: Environmental Conditions and Issues in Bihar1
Agriculture: Of the total geographic area of 94.16 lakh ha, about 60% is cropped. About 35% of the net
sown area is cropped twice. The crop productivity in the state is one of the lowest in the country. The
net irrigated area is 34.61 lakh ha (61% of the net sown area). Of this, 64% is irrigated by tubewells
and 27% is irrigated by canals.
Fodder resource: The area under pastures and grazing lands is extremely scarce (0.18% of the total
geographic area). Of all rural households owning cattle and/or buffalo in Bihar, more than three-
quarters are either landless or have less than 1 hectare of land. Sheep and goats tend to be even more
concentrated among landless and marginal rural households. Wastelands: Wastelands are spread over
an area of 6841 sq.km (7.26% of the total geographic area). Of the total wasteland in the state, land
with scrub (dense and open) accounts for 3715 sq km, waterlogged area (permanent and seasonal)
accounts for 1564 sq km and degraded forest land with scrub accounts for about 1200 sq km.
Forests: Forest area is limited (6.6% of the total geographic area). The state has 1 national park and 11
sanctuaries comprising a protected area of 3208.47 sq km.
Floods: Bihar is the most flood prone state in the country with 73.06 % of its geographical area (68.80
lakh hectares) affected by floods. The flood situation is most severe in the northern plains of Bihar.
Surface water: The surface water resource in the state includes 69000 ha of ponds and tanks, 9000 ha
of oxbow lakes, 7200 ha of reservoirs, 3200 km of rivers and 1 lakh ha of riverine and other flood
plains.
Groundwater: The stage of ground water development is 39%. None of the blocks in the state are
classified as Over Exploited, Critical or Semi-critical with respect to the groundwater status. The stage
of groundwater development exceeds 50% in Nalanda, Jehanabad, Begusarai, Siwan, Saran and Patna.
Water quality: Groundwater quality in parts of the state is affected by high Fluoride (4157 habitations),
Iron (18673 habitations) and Arsenic (1590 habitations).
Cooking energy: The majority of rural households in the state depend on firewood (49%) and dung
cake (33%) to meet cooking fuel requirement.
This section provides an overview of the relevant environmental conditions and issues in the
four project districts: Buxar, Katihar, Madhubani and Nalanda. The implications for
environmental management are also mentioned.
2.1 Land use Agriculture accounts for the largest land use in the project districts. The cropped area (net
sown area) ranges from 55% of the geographical area in Katihar to 77% in Buxar and
Nalanda. The project districts with the most extent of area under fallows are Katihar (13%)
and Buxar (10%). Forest area is very limited – the largest extent being in Nalanda covering
2% of its geographical area. Pastures and grazing lands are negligible. Katihar has the largest
extent of barren and unculturable lands at 8%.
Chart 1: Land Use in the Project Districts2
1Source:
2Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Government
of India. Viewed at http://eands.dacnet.nic.in on 15 February, 2012.
9
Implications for Environmental Management The presence of significant extent of fallow lands, waste lands and barren lands – highlights the scope
for land development works under the MNREGS.
2.2 Land degradation The spread of wasteland is highest in Katihar accounting for 9.6% of its geographical area.
Most of this is degraded scrub land and waterlogged and marshy land. Similar wastelands
also occur in Buxar and Madhubani – though to a lesser extent.
10
Chart 2: Wastelands in the Project Districts3
Implications for Environmental Management Waste lands highlight the need for land development works under the MNREGS: soil and moisture
conservation works on scrub land, reclamation and drainage works on waterlogged and marshy land,
etc.
2.3 Rainfall The normal annual rainfall (long period average 1941-1990) in Bihar is 1230 mm. Of this,
1039 mm is received during the monsoon months (June-September)4. The normal rainfall in
the project districts ranges from 977 mm in Nalanda to 1297 mm in Katihar. The actual
rainfall received in these districts during 2002-2009 has been less than normal in most years.
3Rainfall Report. Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar. Viewed at
http://krishi.bih.nic.in/statcrop/Rainfall%20Report..pdf on 13 March 2012; Economic Survey 2010-11, Finance
Department, Government of Bihar. Viewed at http://gov.bih.nic.in/documents/Economic-Survey-2011-
English.pdf on 13 March 2012. 4Hydromet Division, India Meteorological Department, Subdivisional Rainfall Normals.
11
Chart 3: Rainfall in the Project Districts5
Implications for Environmental Management The rainfall trend in the last decade highlights the significance of investments in rain water harvesting,
revival of traditional water bodies and soil moisture conservation – all of which can be taken up under
MNREGS.
2.4 Groundwater The stage of groundwater development in the project districts ranges from 31% in Buxar and
Madhubani to 58% in Nalanda. Thus, they are considered ‘safe’ areas which have potential
for groundwater development.
Chart 4: Groundwater Development in the Project Districts6
5 Wasteland Atlas of India 2010, Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development, Government
of India. Viewed at http://dolr.nic.in/wasteland2010/bihar.pdf on 16 February 2012. 6 Wasteland Atlas of India 2010, Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development, Government
of India. Viewed at http://dolr.nic.in/wasteland2010/bihar.pdf on 16 February 2012.
12
Parts of Buxar have Fluoride in excess of the permissible limit (>1.5 mg/litre). Parts of Buxar
and Katihar have Iron and Arsenic in excess of the permissible limit (>1.0 mg/litre and >0.05
mg/litre respectively)7.
Table 1: Groundwater Quality in Project Districts
District Fluoride >1.5 mg/litre Iron >1.0 mg/litre Arsenic >0.05 mg/litre
Nalanda
Buxar
Madhubani
Katihar
Implications for Environmental Management Water quality testing to ensure that all water sources under the project (e.g., hand pumps/tube wells
used for drinking water supply in Adarsh Centres and Buinyaad Centres) meet the stipulated standards
for human consumption is important – especially as 3 of the project districts are known to have
drinking water quality problems.
2.5 Agriculture The four project districts fall in three agro-climatic zones: North-West Alluvial Plain
(Madhubani), North-East Alluvial Plain (Katihar) and South Bihar Alluvial Plain (Katihar
and Buxar). The table 2 presents the key features and cropping pattern in these zones.
Table 2: Agro-climatic Zones in the Project Districts Agro-climatic Zone Districts Soil Rainfall Important Cropping Sequence
Zone I – North-
West Alluvial Plain
Madhubani Sandy loam,
Loam
1040-1450 mm Rice-Wheat, Rice-Rai, Rice-Sweet
Potato, Rice-Maize (Rabi), Maize-
Wheat, Maize-Sweet Potato, Maize-Rai,
Rice-Lentil
Zone II – North-
East Alluvial Plain
Katihar Sandy loam,
Clay loam
1200-1700 mm Jute-Rice, Jute-Wheat, Jute-Potato,
Jute-Kalai, Jute-Mustard, Rice-Wheat-
Moong, Rice-Toria
Zone IIIB – South
Bihar Alluvial
Plain (West)
Nalanda,
Buxar
Sandy loam,
Clay loam,
Loam, Clay
990-1240 mm Rice-Wheat, Rice-Gram, Rice-Lentil,
Rice-Rai
The cropping intensity ranges from 120% in Nalanda to 160% in Katihar. The percentage of
net sown area that is irrigated ranges from 47% in Madhubani to 86% in Buxar. The
predominant source of irrigation in the project districts is tubewells. The use of groundwater
has increased over the years (Chart 7), while dependence on other irrigation sources such as
tanks has declined.
7Groundwater Quality in Shallow Aquifers of India. 2010. Central Ground Water Board, Ministry of Water
Resources, Government of India.
13
Chart 5: Cropping Intensity in Project Districts (2008-2009)8
Chart 6: Irrigated Area in Project Districts (2008-2009)9
8Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Government
of India. Viewed at eands.dacnet.nic.in on 15 February, 2012. 9Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Government
of India. Viewed at eands.dacnet.nic.in on 15 February, 2012.
14
Chart 7: Irrigation Sources in Project Districts (1999-2000)10
Implications for Environmental Management While the status of groundwater in the project districts is considered ‘safe’, the growing reliance on
groundwater and the decreasing use of surfacewater sources (canals, tanks) is an unsustainable trend.
MNREGS provides scope for revival of surface water sources – desilting of ponds, repair of canals,
revival of the traditional ahar-pyne systems, etc.
2.6 Forests Forest area is very limited in the project districts – the largest extent of forest is found in
Madhubani (136 sq km). There are two protected areas in the project districts: Gogabil Pakshi
Vihar in Katihar (Closed Area) and Rajgir Sanctuary in Nalanda (Sanctuary).
Table 3: Forest Area in Project Districts (area in sq km)11
District Geographical
area
Very dense
forest
Moderately
dense forest
Open forest Total
Buxar 1708 0 2 1 3
Katihar 3057 0 18 44 62
Madhubani 3501 0 18 118 136
Nalanda 2367 0 5 23 28
10
Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Government
of India. Viewed at eands.dacnet.nic.in on 15 February, 2012. 11
India State of Forest Report 2009, Forest Survey of India, Government of India.
15
Implications for Environmental Management Forest cover is extremely limited in Bihar – including in the project districts – at the same time, the
demand for fuel and fodder is significant. Plantations under MNREGS provide scope for addressing the
need for increased tree cover in the state.
In the project districts with protected areas, it is important to ensure that all project supported activities
are in compliance with the laws and regulations of the Forest Department and do not negatively impact
these areas.
2.7 Housing District-level household data
12 points to the fact that a significant number of rural households
in the 4 districts: Use asbestos (GI/metal/asbestos) as roofing material (33% in Katihar and19% in Madhubani)
Cook inside the household premises (90% in Nalanda and Buxar, 75% in Madhubani and 50% in
Katihar)
Use fuel wood (46% in Madhubani to 13% in Nalanda), crop residue (76% in Katihar to 7% in Buxar)
or cowdung cakes (64% in Buxar to 4% in Katihar) as cooking fuel
Have very limited use of clean fuels like LPG (6% in Buxar to 2% in Katihar)
Do not have a toilet (77% in Nalanda to 87% in Katihar)
Do not have a drainage system for disposal of sullage (23% in Nalanda to 83% in Madhubani)
Implications for Environmental Management The existing rural housing scenario highlights the importance of promoting the following in IAY:
o Discourage use of asbestos as roofing material
o Encourage adoption of cleaner fuels, cleaner cooking devices, chimneys, outdoor/well-
ventilated kitchens
o Encourage construction of toilets and drains – through convergence with MNREGS
o Encourage provision of system of sullage disposal at household level
12
Houselisting and Housing Census Data, Census of India 2011, Government of India. Viewed at
http://www.censusindia.gov.in on 10 July 2012.
16
Chart 8: Roofing Material in Project Districts (2011)13
Chart 9: Location of Household Cooking Activity in Project Districts (2011)14
13
Houselisting and Housing Census Data, Census of India 2011, Government of India. Viewed at
http://www.censusindia.gov.in on 10 July 2012. 14
Houselisting and Housing Census Data, Census of India 2011, Government of India. Viewed at
http://www.censusindia.gov.in on 10 July 2012.
17
Chart 10: Household Cooking Fuel in Project Districts (2011)15
Chart 11: Household Access to Toilet Facilities in Project Districts (2011)16
15
Houselisting and Housing Census Data, Census of India 2011, Government of India. Viewed at
http://www.censusindia.gov.in on 10 July 2012. 16
Houselisting and Housing Census Data, Census of India 2011, Government of India. Viewed at
http://www.censusindia.gov.in on 10 July 2012.
18
Chart 12: Type of Household Toilet Facilities in Project Districts (2011)17
Chart 13: Drainage Facilities in Project Districts (2011)18
17
Houselisting and Housing Census Data, Census of India 2011, Government of India. Viewed at
http://www.censusindia.gov.in on 10 July 2012. 18
Houselisting and Housing Census Data, Census of India 2011, Government of India. Viewed at
http://www.censusindia.gov.in on 10 July 2012.
19
2.8 Cultural heritage sites The project districts have 10 of the 70 sites identified in the state of Bihar as ‘Ancient
Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains of National Importance’ by the
Archaeological Survey of India19
. The following table gives details of these sites.
Table 4: Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains of National Importance
in Project Districts
S. No. Name of the Monument Locality District
1 Ancient mound Buxar Buxar
2 Remains of ancient fort or Pachrukhi
Garh locally known as Raja Bali Ka
Garh
Balirajgarh Madhubani
3 Remains of the ramparts and the
mound commonly known as the
‘Queen’s Palace’ in the Killa
Bihar Sharif Nalanda
4 Tomb of Malik Ibrahim Bayu Bihar Sharif Nalanda
5 Ancient remains known as Garh Ghorakatora Nalanda
6 All mounds, structures and buildings
enclosed in the acquired area
Nalanda Nalanda
7 Ancient mound Bargaon Nalanda
8 Statue of Buddha Jagdishpur Nalanda
9 i. All ancient structures and other
monuments.
ii. All ancient structures and all
artificial ancient remains which are
situated within a distance of half a
mile of the said two ancient cities
known as old and new Rajgriha.
iii. Walls of the two ancient cities
known as old and new Rajgriha
Rajgir Nalanda
10 Ancient mound Buxar Buxar
Implications for Environmental Management It is important to ensure that project supported activities in proximity (up to300 metres radius) of
protected monuments are undertaken only after requisite permission from the ASI.
19
List of Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains of National Importance, Archaeological
Survey of India. Viewed at http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_alphalist_bihar.asp on 5 March 2012.
20
Section 3: Potential Environmental Impacts of Proposed Project
Activities
The project aims to establish a more effective, transparent and responsive social protection
delivery system through support for: (a) strengthening systems and capacity for implementing
and monitoring selected social protection programs at the state-level and in selected districts,
and (b) piloting innovations for integrated social protection service provision. The project
focuses on the programs administered by the Departments of Rural Development and Social
Welfare. These include MGNREGS (public works), IAY (cash transfers) and social pensions
(cash transfers), and social care services for older persons and persons with disabilities. The
project will include strengthening capacity and systems for implementing and monitoring
these programs at the state-level. It will also support the implementation of systemic reforms
and pilots for integrated social protection delivery in four project districts – Buxar, Katihar,
Madhubani, and Nalanda.
This section provides a detailed analysis of the potential positive and negative impacts of the
following project activities: Impacts of the Service Centers (Adarsh Centres and Buniyad Centres)
Impacts/issues associated with MNREGS works
Impacts/issues associated with IAY construction
The analysis is based on: Secondary information (review of data and documents on MNREGS and IAY)
Field study in three districts (Madhubani, Buxar and Nalanda) covering:
o Existing Block-levelRight to Public Services(RTPS) Centres
o A range of MNREGS works – both completed and in-progress
o Existing IAY houses
Discussions with State and District level stakeholders (Block Development Officers, MNREGS staff –
Programme Officers, Engineers and Panchayat Technical Assistants), representatives of Gram
Panchayats and Panchayat Rozgar Sevaks.
3.1 Environmental Impacts of Service Centres
3.1.1 RTPS Centres / Adarsh Centres
3.1.1.1 Profile of the Adarsh Centres Location and Scale: The Adarsh Centers (AC) will be located at the block headquarters in the four pilot
districts. About 68 such ACs are planned.Each AC is expected to be about 1000 square feet in area.
Description of Services: The ACs will offer a package of services, including information, application
and grievance redressal in social protection programs implemented by the Departments of Rural
Development and Social Welfare (such as MNREGS, IAY and social pensions) as well as selected
government services that fall under the RTPS Act, such as issue of certificates, information,
application, complaint registration and delivery/collection of documents, etc. Various business to
citizen (B2C) services could also be offered (e.g., utility bill payments).
Infrastructure: Each AC will have a number of service counters equipped with computer terminals and
manned by agents and will have facilities such as: waiting area, toilets for men and women,
accessibility to the elderly and the disabled, power back-up, etc.
Land for Construction: The Government of Bihar will provide land for construction of the ACs within
the premises of existing Block Development Office (BDO). As an interim measure, pending
construction, rented premises close to the BDO may be used.
Design of the Building: The design of the ACs will be developed as part of the preparation for pilot
implementation in the first year of the project.
21
Construction: The construction of the ACs would be outsourced to a private vendor.
Maintenance: The maintenance of the ACs would be outsourced to a private vendor.
3.1.1.2 Environmental Impact of the Adarsh Centres The impact is limited as the ACs have a relatively small demand for land (1000 square feet)
and will not involve any change in land use (the ACs will be located on existing BDO
premises).
The field study undertaken for the EA included visits to the existing RTPS centres of the
Government of Bihar in the districts of Madhubani and Buxar. Based on the field study as
well as on a review of available documents, the following specific environmental impacts
have been identified: Impacts related to construction of ACs
o Inappropriate design leading to sub-optimal ventilation, drainage, sanitation, and, access
o Construction-specific impacts: Loss of trees at construction site; Abandoned borrow pits;
Improper disposal of construction debris
Impacts related to management of ACs
o Inadequate water and sanitation facilities
o Noise and air pollution from generators
o Poor waste management
3.1.1.3 Field Study Observations on Existing RTPS Centres The RTPS Centres are located on existing BDO campuses – which are typically large campuses (a
couple of acres or more) housing several Government offices. There is adequate space available in the
campuses for construction of the ACs.
All the RTPS Centres have a shaded waiting space for visitors.
As they are located on BDO campuses, the RTPS Centres share the public toilet and water facilities
that are on the campuses.
All the RTPS Centres are equipped with power-backup generators. The generators comply with the
noise pollution control norms prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board. The generators are
usually located outside the main office space – either outdoors or in a separate enclosure.
Each RTPS Centre has a large amount of paper (copies of applications, etc.) in storage – this may pose
a fire hazard.
22
Photo Set 1: Field Observations of Existing RTPS Centres in Project Districts
The RTPS Centres are located in existing BDO campuses – which typically are located on Government land,
cover a large area and house several other public offices.
The RTPS Centres consist of a small office space (about 1000 square feet or less) with counters for interface
with citizens.
The RTPS Centres typically have a shaded waiting area – sometimes with seating facility – for visitors.
All RTPS Centres are equipped with power-backup generators that comply with the noise pollution control
norms prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board. Storage of a large amount of paper at these
Centres may pose a fire hazard.
23
3.1.2 Social Care Service Centres / Buniyad Centres
3.1.2.1 Profile of the Buniyad Centres Location and Scale: The Buniyad Centers (BC) will be located at cluster level (a cluster of blocks) in
the four pilot districts. About 23 such BCs are planned. Each BCis expected to be about 5000 square
feet in area.
Description of Services: The BCs will offer a package of quality care and rehabilitation services for
older persons and persons with disabilities (PWD).The services offered will include basic care and
support, legal aid, therapy, counseling and rehabilitation, emergency outreach, assessment and
disability determination, provision of assistive devices, etc.Referral services will be provided for
beneficiaries needing more specialized services. Each BC will have technical personnel comprising of
psychologists, therapists, trainers and technicians. Service delivery at the Buniyad Centers in two
districts would be outsourced to a private agency, while in the remaining two districts the SSUPSW
would engage contract staff to provide services.
Infrastructure: The BCs will be equipped with specialized diagnostic and therapeutic equipment as well
as mobile outreach infrastructure (one van per district) to provide outreach and emergency services. In
establishing the BCs, guidelines and space standards for barrier free built environment of disabled and
elderly persons will be followed.
Land for Construction: The Government of Bihar will provide land for construction of the BCs within
the premises of existing Block Development Office (BDO). The BCs will be operated from rented
premises initially (until construction).
Design of the Building: The design of the BCs will be developed as part of the preparation for pilot
implementation in the first year of the project.
Construction: The construction of the BCs would be outsourced to a private vendor. Engineers from
Bihar’s Industrial Development Authority (IDA) will be engaged for technical supervision of the
construction.
Maintenance: The maintenance of the BCs would be outsourced to a private vendor.
3.1.2.2 Environmental Impact of the Buniyad Centres The impact is limited as the BCs have a relatively small demand for land (5000 square feet)
and will not involve any change in land use (the BCs will be located on existing BDO
premises).
The preparatory work on the project included a rapid assessment of the District Disability
Rehabilitation Centres (DDRC)in the state – including visits to existing DDRCs in
Madhubani and Muzaffarpur. Based on the field observations as well as on a review of
available documents, the following specific environmental impacts have been identified: Impacts related to construction of BCs
o Inappropriate design leading to sub-optimal ventilation, drainage, sanitation, and, access
o Construction-specific impacts: Loss of trees at construction site; Abandoned borrow pits;
Improper disposal of construction debris
Impacts related to management of BCs
o Inadequate water and sanitation facilities
o Poor bio-medical waste management
3.1.2.3 Observations on Existing DDRCs There are 9 DDRCs in the state – 8 run by the Indian Red Cross Society and 1 run by an NGO. Of the
project districts, Madhubani and Katihar have functional DDRCs.
The services to be provided in a DDRC are counseling, physiotherapy, audio and speech therapy,
mobility instruction, fabrication of prosthetic and orthotic devices and referral services. However,
existing DDRCs do not provide the full range of services (the Madhubani DDRC provides only
counseling and mobility instruction services).
The DDRCs are located in small rented premises (the Madhubani DDRC operates from a 100 square
feet room) – these do not have provision to facilitate easy access by the physically disabled persons.
24
No bio-medical waste is generated – as the services currently provided do not generate such waste.
Facilities for water and sanitation are either inadequate or are absent.
Photo Set 2: Field Observations of Existing DDRCs
The existing DDRC in Madhubani is located in a small room with no easy access to PWDs. The only services
provided are counselling and mobility instruction.
3.2 Environmental Impacts of MNREGS and IAY
By strengthening delivery mechanisms for the MNREGS and IAY, the project may
contribute to an increased uptake of these programs – and hence to their environmental
impact – both positive and negative.
3.2.1 MNREGS Works
3.2.1.1 Profile of MNREGS Works Volume of works: The volume of the work undertaken under MNREGS ranges from less than 3000
individual works in Madhubani to over 7500 works in Nalanda. This includes both completed as well
as ongoing works. Works that are incomplete and abandoned are also counted under ongoing works –
thus a large number of ongoing works is cause for concern. While Buxar has the highest proportion of
completed works, Katihar has the highest proportion of ongoing works (chart 14).
Nature of works: Rural connectivity is the most popular category of works accounting for 85% of the
works in Katihar to 28% in Buxar. Water conservation and water harvesting account for 70% of the
works in Buxar. Drought proofing works form 30% of MNREGS works in Nalanda. Flood control and
protection works account for 10% of works in Nalanda and 5% of works in Madhubani (chart 15).
Chart 14: MNREGS Works in Project Districts (2008-09 to 2010-11)20
20
MPRs of March 2009, 2010, 2011 viewed at http://nrega.nic.in.
25
Chart 15: Nature of MNREGS Works in Project Districts (2010-11)21
3.2.1.2 Environmental Impact of MNREGS Works The field study undertaken for the EA included visits to completed as well as on-going
MNREGS works in the districts of Madhubani and Buxar (as well as in the districts of Patna
21
MPRs of March 2009, 2010, 2011 viewed at http://nrega.nic.in.
26
and Nalanda). Based on the field study as well as on a review of available documents, the
following specific environmental impacts have been identified:
27
Table 5: Environmental Impacts of MNREGS Works
Work Positive Impact Negative Impact
Roads – construction, repair Impact on land productivity (construction of road on agriculture land,
borrow pits on agricultural land, bricks for paving sourced from agricultural
land)
Impact on natural habitats in cases where roads encroach on water bodies or
are in close proximity to waterfowl nesting areas
Impacts on 'borrow areas' from where soil for filling is taken – loss of
productive top soil, impact on drainage
Inadequate drainage provision leading to water logging and/or damage to
road
Felling of trees at the construction site
Temporary impacts and waste disposal related to construction (noise, dust,
etc.)
Possibility of pilferage of any chance finds of archaeological importance
Ponds – construction,
excavation, de-silting,
cleaning, etc.
Improved water harvesting/storage
Water conservation
Construction of pond on fertile agriculture land
Felling of trees at the excavation site
Possibility of pilferage of any chance finds of archaeological importance
Uneven deposition of silt/soil on banks may lead to weakening of banks,
uneven deposition on farm lands may lead to problems with irrigation and
drainage
Erosion from unstable earthen bunds
Water harvesting structures
– Check Dams, Ahar-Pyne
Improved water harvesting/storage
Water conservation
Impacts on downstream water users due to possible reduction in water
availability
Risk of breaching, water leakages, etc., from poorly constructed water
retention structures
Erosion from bunds that are not properly compacted
Uneven deposition of silt/soil on banks may lead to weakening of banks,
uneven deposition on farm lands may lead to problems with irrigation and
drainage
Felling of trees at the excavation site
Possibility of pilferage of any chance finds of archaeological importance
28
Renovation of Canals Improved efficiency in water
conveyance, reduced loss of water
(to seepage, weeds, etc.)
Improved availability of water at
tail-end
Poor planning/design leading to sub-optimal benefits from the renovation
work (work is undertaken on only a part of the canal, improper slope
leading to problems at tail-end)
Impacts on 'borrow areas' from where soil for embankment filling is taken
Uneven deposition of silt/soil on bunds may lead to weakening of bunds,
uneven deposition on farm lands may lead to problems with irrigation and
drainage
Erosion from unstable earthen bunds
Poor maintenance leading to lack of sustainability of benefits from the
renovation work (clogging of canal with weeds, damage to bunds)
Plantation Improved green cover Improved
availability of biomass for meeting
fuel, fodder, food needs
Mono culture plantation of exotic species
Overuse of chemical fertilisers leading to pollution
Impacts on human and environmental health due to use of hazardous
chemical pesticides
Drains Improved sanitation due to control
of stagnation of sullage water
Improper design may lead to poor performance
Poor maintenance may lead to water stagnation and associated problems
such as increase in breeding sites for mosquitoes
Disposal of debris/waste material on agricultural fields
Lack of sullage treatment may lead to cess pools, pollution of water bodies,
etc.
Felling of trees
29
Photo Set 3: Field Observations of Environmental Impact of MNREGS Works
Positive Environmental Impacts of MNREGS
Revival of traditional water harvesting structures, renovation of irrigation canals and increase in green cover
are some of the positive environmental impacts of MNREGS works in Bihar.
Negative Environmental Impacts/Issues of Road Works under MNREGS
Borrow pits for road construction, land filling, etc., are often located in agricultural land. Pits more than 1.5
metre deep are not uncommon. Rehabilitation of the borrow pits is not taken up as part of the MNREGS work.
Brick-soling for all-weather roads is a popular work under MNREGS. Bricks are often made on leased
agricultural land – impacting soil productivity. Road construction may involve felling of trees – however, there
is no plan for compensatory plantation.
Provision for drainage and cross-drainage are sometimes not made – resulting in water logging and/or damage
to the road during the rains.
30
Environmental Issues in Canal Works under MNREGS
Incomplete canal renovation that reduces water conveyance efficiency, non-compacted/non-turfed bunds that deposit
silt back into the canal, lack of maintenance of renovated canals are issues associated with canal works.
Environmental Issues inRenovation of Water Bodies under MNREGS
Improper location of water bodies sometimes leads to non-retention of water. Non-compaction of bunds and non-
turfing on bund slopes leads to erosion and siltation.
Environmental Issues inPlantations under MNREGS
While there are good practices such as provision of water facility and use of organic manure, there are issues of
concern with respect to use of hazardous pesticides (unsafe use and disposal).
Environmental Issues Concerning Cultural Heritage Sites and MNREGS
Of the 70 protected monuments in Bihar, 10 are located in the project districts. MNREGS works in the vicinity (300
metre radius) of these monuments (such as this platform in Madhubani) require permission from the ASI.
31
3.2.2 IAY Constructions
3.2.2.1 Profile of IAY Constructions Madhubani leads in IAY house construction among the project districts (chart 16).
IAY convergence with programs relevant to environmental improvement – sanitary latrines, smokeless
chulhas, kitchen gardens and bio-gas – is also reported from Madhubani. However, field study
observations do not corroborate this.
Chart 16: IAY Constructions in Project Districts (2010-11)22
3.2.2.2 Environmental Impact of IAY Constructions The field study undertaken for the EA included visits to completed IAY houses in the
districts of Madhubani and Buxar. Based on the field study as well as on a review of available
documents, the following specific environmental impacts have been identified:
Table 6: Environmental Impacts of IAY Housing
Positive Impact Negative Impact
Design-related
aspects
Well-designed
housing – with
appropriate
ventilation and
sanitation facilities
can enhance well-
being
Poor ventilation due to cultural practices,
safety concerns and cost-cutting by
beneficiaries
Indoor air pollution due to use of biomass
based fuels and poor ventilation
Lack of sanitation facilities
Lack of sullage disposal facilities
Risk from AC roofing sheets – during
cutting/drilling
Construction-related
aspects
Felling of trees at the construction site
Temporary impacts and waste disposal
related to construction (noise, dust, etc.)
22
MPRs of 2009-2010, 2010-2011 viewed at http://iay.nic.in/netiay/rural/menurep.aspx.
32
Photo Set 4: Field Observations of Environmental Impact of IAY Constructions
Positive Environmental Impacts of IAY Houses
Provision of adequate ventilation, use of safe construction materials and provision for toilets are some of the
positive elements in certain IAY houses.
Negative Environmental Impacts of IAY Houses
Poor ventilation combined with use of fuelwood or cowdung cakes, use of AC sheets as roofing material and
inadequate provision for sanitation including sullage disposal are commonly associated with IAY houses.
33
Section 4: Overview of Legal and Regulatory Requirements
This section presents a brief listing of the various environment related acts and regulations of
the Governmentsof India and Bihar that are relevant to the activities under the proposed
project.
Table 7: Legal and Regulatory Framework for the Project
Act Relevance to Project Activities Applicability to Project
Activities
Environment
(Protection) Act
1986
Emission standards are applicable for
construction activities. Emission or discharge
of pollutants beyond the specified standards
is not permissible.
The Air
(Prevention And
Control of
Pollution) Act
1981
Discharge of any air pollutants into the
atmosphere should be within the prescribed
standards.
Applicable to all
activities involving air
pollution – construction
of roads, buildings, etc.
Water (Prevention
and Control of
Pollution) Act,
1974
Any polluting matter must not be released
into stream or well or sewer or on land.
Applicable in case of
drain construction
activity under
MNREGS.
The Noise
Pollution
(Regulation And
Control) Rules
2000
Compliance with noise limits prescribed by
Central Pollution Control Board for Diesel
Generator Sets (up to 1000 KVA) must be
ensured.
Applicable to Diesel
Generator Sets in ACs
and BCs.
Bio-Medical
Waste
(Management and
Handling) Rules,
1998
Bio-medical waste needs to be treated and
disposed of in accordance with the procedure
and in compliance with the standards
prescribed in the Rules. The institution
generating bio-medical waste is required to
set up requisite bio-medical waste treatment
facilities, or, ensure requisite treatment of
waste at a common waste treatment facility or
any other waste treatment facility.
Applicable in case of
any bio-medical waste
generation by the BCs
(unlikely considering
the nature of services
being envisaged).
The Forest
Conservation Act
1980
Forest land should not be used for any non-
forest purposes. In case any proposed
construction activity involves forest land, it is
necessary that permission is taken from the
Forest Department.
Applicable to all works
located on forest land.
Indian Forest
(Bihar
Amendment) Act,
1989
The following activities are prohibited in
reserved and protected forests: clearing or
damaging trees, quarrying stone, clearing or
breaking land for cultivation, etc. In case any
proposed activity involves reserved and
protected forests, it is necessary that
permission is taken from the Forest
Department.
There are two protected
areas in the project
districts: Gogabil Pakshi
Vihar in Katihar
(Closed Area) and
Rajgir Sanctuary in
Nalanda (Sanctuary).
34
Bihar Timber and
Other Forest
Produce (Transit
Rules) Amended
Guidelines, 2002
The permission of the Gram Panchayat
Mukhiya is required for felling and transport
of trees from village premises.
Applicable to felling of
trees and use of timber
in construction works.
Wild Life
(Protection) Act
1972
Destruction, exploitation or removal of any
forest produce from a sanctuary or the
destruction or diversification of habitat, or the
diversion, stoppage or enhancement of the
flow of water into or outside the sanctuary,
etc., is prohibited without a permit granted by
the Chief Wildlife Warden. No person shall
enter a sanctuary without permission.
There are two protected
areas in the project
districts: Gogabil
Pakshi Vihar in Katihar
(Closed Area) and
Rajgir Sanctuary in
Nalanda (Sanctuary).
Insecticides Act
1968
Pesticides banned or restricted for use in India
should not be used. The used packages shall
not be left outside to prevent their re-use.
They should be broken and buried away from
habitation.
Applicable in case of
pesticide application
for plantation activity
under MNREGS.
Bihar Ground
Water (Regulation
& Control of
Development and
Management) Act,
2006
Rain water harvesting structures are
mandatory for structures in the building plan
in an area of 1000 sq. m. or more. Existing
users of ground water are also required to
register themselves with the Ground Water
Authority.
The main construction
activities (ACs and
BCs) under the project
are much smaller than
1000 sq. m.
Supreme Court
Order
Writ Petition (c)
No. 36 2009
Bore wells must be secured (barriers, filling
up, etc.) during construction, repair and in
case of abandonment to prevent accidental
falls into bore holes.
Applicable to bore well
digging undertaken for
construction purposes
in the project and for
irrigation bore wells
under MNREGS.
Bihar Jalkar
Management Act
2007
Putting any obstruction restricting the
movement of fish shall be prohibited in rivers
and reservoir.
Drawing of water from tanks, reservoirs and
mauns for irrigation shall be prohibited.
District Fisheries Officer may order for
drawing of water for irrigation when the water
level is minimum average five feet in these
jalkars.
Intentional water pollution, encroachment and
disfiguration of structure of Jalkars is an
offence.
Applicable to irrigation
works under MNREGS
where the source is
Jalkars.
35
Bihar Irrigation
Act 1997
Every owner whose tank, well, pond or any
other water body situated above any irrigation
work shall maintain the bunds and surplusing
arrangements in safe and efficient conditions.
Excavation of wells near the irrigation works
for domestic use either on personal or
community basis shall be done with in the
distance specified by the State Government
from time to time.
Applicable to irrigation
works under
MNREGS.
Bihar Irrigation
Laws 1922
Sanction of the collector is required to
construct any new irrigation channel taking
off from any river or stream within the limits
specified in the notification by State
Government.
Applicable to irrigation
works under
MNREGS.
Ancient
Monuments and
Archaeological
Sites and
Remains Act,
1958
Bihar Ancient
Monuments and
Archaeological
Sites,
Remains And Art
Treasures Act,
1976
Construction activities within 300 m radius of
protected areas and monuments require
permission from the Department of
Archaeology and
Museums, Government of Bihar /
Archaeological Survey of India.
Any ‘chance finds’ (objects with
archaeological, paleontological, historical,
architectural, religious, aesthetic, or other
cultural significance) encountered during
digging, will have to be deposited with
theDepartment of Archaeology andMuseums,
Government of Bihar.
Applicable to all
construction activities
under the project.
Provisions to ensure compliance with the applicable legal and regulatory requirements have
been incorporated into the Environmental Management Framework (section 5).
Section 5: Environmental Management Framework
The proposed project will support Government of Bihar in developing a more effective,
transparent and responsive social protection delivery system by strengthening systems and
capacity at the state-level and piloting innovations for integrated delivery in selected districts.
The project wouldstrengthen core systems and capacity of the two implementing agencies –
the Bihar Rural Development Society (BRDS) and the State Society for Ultra-Poor and
Social Welfare (SSUPSW) at the state-level, support implementation of systemic reforms in
the four districts and also finance the monitoring and evaluation of the project.The project
will support the following pilot innovations in four districts: (i) block-level citizen service
delivery centers (Adarsh Centers), (ii) Buniyad Centers and community-based rehabilitation
for social care service provision, (iii) a shared services IT solution for social protection
delivery, and (iv) ‘Innovations Window’ to support small-scale pilots to further improve
social services.
From the perspective of environmental impact and its management, the project supported
activities can be grouped under the broad categories depicted in table 8.
36
Table 8: Environmental Impact of Project Activities
Activities with no environmental
impact
Activities with limited
environmental impact
Activities directly
supported by the
project
Promote enabling policy
environment
Strengthen program delivery
mechanisms (procedures, tools)
Strengthen staff capacity and
performance incentives
Set up monitoring and
accountability mechanisms
Implementation of systemic
reforms in 4 districts
Operational design of KBKBS
model
State level call center
Community-based rehabilitation
Connected e-Service
Architecture
Innovation Window
Citizen Service
Centres (RTPS
Adarsh Centres)
Social Care
Service Centres
(Buniyad Centres)
Activities indirectly
supported by the
project
Social pensions MNREGS works
IAY housing
As seen in the table, and as elaborated in section 3, most of the activities directly supported
by the project are unlikely to have any environmental impact – as these involve strengthening
state level systems and capacity. The only directly supported project activity likely to have
some limited environmental impact is the construction of the service centres – about 68
block-level Adarsh Centres (citizen interfaces for integrated service delivery) and about 23
cluster-level Buniyad Centres (social care service centres for older persons and for persons
with disabilities). The impact is limited as the service centres have a relatively small demand
for land (approximately 1000 sft for Adarsh Centre and 5000 sft for Buniyad Centre) and will
not involve any change in land use (the service centres will be located on existing BDO
premises).
By strengthening delivery mechanisms for MGNREGS and IAY, the project is expected to
contribute to an increased uptake of these programs, and hence to their environmental impact.
Considering the nature of these programs (works on water conservation and harvesting,
plantations, rural housing, etc.) it is expected that there is likely to be an overall positive
environmental impact. Specifically, the projectis likely to contribute to improvements in
water conservation, water efficiency, water harvesting, increase in green cover, better
housing, etc. However, as outlined in section 3, there are environmental risks stemming from
poor planning and implementation.
In order to address the identified environmental impacts (mitigate negative impacts and
strengthen positive impacts),an Environmental Management Framework (EMF) has been
developed for this project. The specific objectives of the EMF are as under:
37
To define a systematic approach for identifying and mitigating risks associated with activities directly
supported by the project
To ensure legal and regulatory environmental compliance of all activities directly supported by the
project
To encourage better environmental management in all project supported activities
To meet these objectives, the EMF involves a two-pronged strategy, depicted in figure 1.
Figure 1: Key elements of the Environmental Management Framework (EMF)
38
5.1 Managing Impacts of Directly Supported Project Activities
The project will ensure that the activities directly supported by it are in compliance with
relevant legal and regulatory requirements, do not cause irreversible/significant negative
environmental impacts, and, promote good environmental practices. This will be done in two
ways: Environmental appraisal of project supported construction activities that have limited environmental
impact
Adoption of environment-friendly design elements, construction and management practices for project
supported construction activities
5.1.1 Environmental appraisal of project supported construction activities
The activities directly supported by the project and having limited environmental impact –
the construction of Adarsh Centres and Buniyad Centres – will go through environmental
appraisal. The appraisal will be done during the planning stage prior to the actual
construction. The appraisal will consist of (a) screening, and, (b) if required, a detailed
appraisal.
5.1.1.1 Screening A screening checklist will be used at the planning stage of each service centre to determine if
the construction activity triggers any legal/regulatory requirements and if there is a need for
further detailed appraisal. The screening checklist will be used by the District Manager of the
BRDS District Units for the Adarsh Centres and by the District Program Manager of the
SSUPSW District Units for the Buniyad Centres. An indicative checklist to be used for
screening is provided (Box 2). This may be strengthened during the course of project
implementation to make it more comprehensive and user-friendly.
Box 2: Screening Checklist
Name of Site: Date:
Location: Block: District:
Total area: Ownership: Area to be constructed:
1. Does the proposed site involve forest land / protected area /
important natural habitats such as wetlands, and/or, does it
require permission from the Forest Department?
Yes No
2. Will the construction at the proposed site involve felling of
trees? Yes No
3. Is the proposed site located in within 300 metres of any
structure of cultural significance (archeological,
paleontological, historical, etc.)?
Yes No
4. Is the proposed site prone to or has had past occurrence of
flooding or water logging? Yes No
5. Will the construction at the proposed site lead to pollution
or obstruction of flow of any water body? Yes No
If the answer to any question in the checklist is ‘Yes’, the activity is required to go through
detailed appraisal.
39
5.1.1.2 Detailed appraisal A detailed appraisal will be undertaken in each case of a service centre which is identified
through screening as requiring the same. The appraisal will be commissioned by the BRDS of
RDD for the Adarsh centres and by the SSUPSW of DoSW for the Buniyad Centres and will
beundertaken by a qualified Civil/Environmental Engineer from theBihar’s Industrial
Development Authority (which will provide technical supervision for the construction
activities under the project).The appraisal will identify site-specific impacts and mitigation
measures. The identified mitigation measures may include:
(a) Permissions to be taken in view of triggered legal and regulatory requirements
(b) Elements that need to be incorporated in the construction design to avoid/reduce negative
impacts
The District Manager of the BRDS District Units (for the Adarsh Centres) and the District
Program Manager of the SSUPSW District Units (for the Buniyad Centres) will be
responsible for securing the relevant permissions. Modifications in construction design will
be included in the detailed plan and estimates for the construction works.
An indicative format to be used for the appraisal report is provided (Box 3). This may be
strengthened during the course of project implementation to make it more comprehensive and
user-friendly.
40
Box 3: Detailed Environmental Appraisal Report
Name of Site: Date:
Location: Block: District:
Total area: Ownership: Area to be constructed:
Regulatory Compliance
Compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements: Permission of Forest Department:
Permission of Department of Archaeology andMuseums:
Any other (specify):
Impacts
Details of trees to be felled: No. of trees to be felled:
Species composition (mention number for each species):
Girth of trees (mention number in each girth range):
Age of trees (mention number in each age range):
Any other (specify):
Impact on drainage and water bodies: Extent of area at construction site likely to be water logged/flooded:
Likelihood of obstruction of flow of any existing water body due to construction (details):
Likelihood of pollution of any existing water body due to construction (details):
Any other (specify):
Any other impacts:
Mitigation Measures
Permissions to be taken for legal and regulatory compliance:
Plan for compensatory plantation: No. of trees to be grown:
Species composition (mention number for each species):
Location:
Arrangements for plantation after-care (for 3 years):
Impact on drainage and water bodies: Measures to avoid water logging/flooding:
Alternatives to avoid any obstruction of flow of any existing water body due to construction:
Alternatives to avoid pollution of any existing water body due to construction:
41
5.1.2 Environment Friendly Construction
The project will finance the following block-level service centers in the four selected
districts: about 68 Adarsh Centers (covering all blocks in the selected districts) operated by
BRDS and about 23 Buniyad Centers (each covering a cluster of around three blocks in the
selected districts) operated by SSUPSW.The Department of Rural Development will provide
land for construction of the Adarsh Centres within the premises of existing Block
Development Offices. The Buniyad Centers will ideally be co-located with the Adarsh
Centers. The construction and maintenance of the service centers would be outsourced to a
private agency. The design of the service centres will be finalized in the first year of the
project and the construction will be done in a phased manner over the ___ and ___ years. The
construction activities will endeavour to be environment friendly. This will be done through
integration of environment-friendly elements into the design of the service centres, by
ensuring that the building construction contractors follow a code of practice on environmental
safeguards, and, by continuing good environmental management practices during the
operation and maintenance of the service centres (Figure 2).
Figure 2: Strategy for Promotion of Environment Friendly Construction
42
5.1.2.1 Green Design The service centres will be designed during the first year of the project implementation by a
private design agency contracted for the purpose. The terms of reference for the design
agency will specify that environment-friendly elements must be integrated into the building
design. An indicative list of these elements is provided (Box 4). For the Buniyad Centres
which are expected to be about 5000 s ft (465 sq m) in area, the option of securing a ‘Green
Building Certification’ such as the SVAGRIHA23
guidance-cum-rating system will be
explored.
Box 4: Environment Friendly Elements for Green Buildings24
Reduce exposed, hard paved surface on site (open areas surrounding the building) and maintain native
vegetation cover on site
Passive architectural design and systems to reduce energy consumption and maintain comfort
(courtyard, roof insulation, ventilators, etc.)
Good fenestration design (design of openings such as windows, doors, etc.) for reducing direct heat
gain and glare while maximizing daylight penetration
Efficient artificial lighting system (reduce overall lighting power density)
Thermal efficiency of building envelope(design external wall sections and select construction materials
to reduce heat gain)
Use of energy efficient appliances (use of appliances that have BEE star labeling of ‘3 Star’ or more)
Use of renewable energy on site (use of solar water heaters, solar lights)
Reduction in building and landscape water demand(use of low-flow fixtures)
Rainwater harvesting (rooftop rainwater harvesting for direct use through storage tanks or for
recharging ground water through recharge pits) – unless the site has high groundwater table
Waste management (segregation and treatment/proper disposal of wastes including any biomedical
waste, organic wastes, recyclable wastes)
Reduce embodied energy of building (use of PPC cement that contains fly ash)
Use of low-energy materials in interiors (use of bamboo, low VOC and lead-free paints, exposed brick-
finish, etc.)
5.1.2.2 Code of Practice for Contractors The construction of the service centres would be outsourced to a private agency and will be
done in a phased manner over the ___ and ___ years. It will be ensured that the building
construction contractors follow a code of practice on environmental safeguards (Box 5). The
code of practice will form part of the contract documents.
Box 5: Code of Practice on Environmental Management for Construction Contractors
All building materials – including sand and timber – will be from legal sources.
No tree will be cut unless there is prior written permission from the ___ and unless compensatory
plantation is undertaken.
All borrow areas from which soil is taken for construction purpose will be suitably rehabilitated.
The construction site – especially pits – will be securely fenced to prevent accidental falls.
All water sources created under the project (e.g., hand pumps/tubewells dug for drinking water supply
at the service centres) must meet the stipulated standards for human consumption
23
For details see http://www.grihaindia.org 24
SVAGRIHA Version 1.2, TERI and ADaRSH, 2011.
43
Any borehole dug at the construction site will be properly secured during digging/repair and in case of
abandonment.
Any chance finds during digging, etc., at the construction site will be immediately reported to the
Department of Archaeology andMuseums, Government of Bihar.
All construction workers will be provided protective/safety gear (helmets, first-aid kit at site, etc.).
All construction waste (rubble, etc.) will be cleared from the site after construction and disposed
appropriately (no dumping in/around water bodies/courses).
5.1.2.3 Environment-friendly Management Good environmental management practices will continue to be implemented during the
operation and maintenance of the service centres. These practices include:
Use of energy efficient appliances
Use of power backup generators that comply with the noise pollution control norms prescribed by the
Central Pollution Control Board
Provision of safe water
Maintenance of sanitation facilities
Appropriate waste management – including as and when applicable, biomedical waste management as
per the rules prescribed by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India
These practices will form part of the operational manuals on the operation and maintenance
of these service centres. They will also form part of the contract documents in cases where
the operation/maintenance is outsourced to a private agency.
5.2 Managing Impacts of In-directly Supported Project Activities
By strengthening delivery mechanisms for MGNREGS and IAY, the project is expected to
contribute to an increased uptake of these programs, and hence to their environmental impact.
The project will make efforts to promote good environmental management practices in these
activities in two ways:
Capacity building on environment management
Integration of information on environment management aspects in monitoring and
evaluation
5.2.1 Capacity Building on Environmental Management
One of the project sub-components focuses on strengthening the BRDS systems and capacity
for the delivery of MGNREGS and IAY in four districts. The development of standardized
procedures and tools on MNREGA and IAY, and, the establishment of a training system for
enhancing staff capacity are among the key activities under this sub-component. The project
will utilize these same channels to facilitate better environmental management in MNREGS
and IAY through integration of environmental management into the operational manuals of
the programs, and, training on environmental management to the technical staff associated
with MNREGS and IAY. In addition, the BRDS will be equipped with a technically qualified
Advisor to provide inputs on environmental management.
(Please see Annexure – 4 for a view of the existing capacity for Environmental Safeguards
Management in IDA, BRDS and SSUPSW.)
5.2.1.1 Integration of environmental management into the operational manuals of the programs District-specific technical manuals for use by the field level technical staff of the MNREGS
(PTA, Junior Engineer, PO, etc.) and IAY (?) on environmental management of MNREGS
44
works and IAY housing will be developed by a consultant agency with experience in these
areas. These will be treated as supplementary materials to the operational manuals on the
programs. An indicative sample of guidelines on environmental management of MNREGS
works and IAY housing is provided (Annex 1).
5.2.1.2 Design and delivery of training programs on environmental management The Training and Capacity Building Unit of the BRDS will develop a detailed plan for
training the field level technical staff of the MNREGS (PTA, Junior Engineer, PO, etc.) and
IAY (?) on the technical manuals on environmental management of MNREGS works and
IAY housing. It will develop the training modules and deliver the training program from year
___ of the project in the four districts.
5.2.1.3 Advisor on environmental management in BRDS At least one of the six Advisors to be appointed for MNREGA in the BRDS will have
masters’ level qualifications and experience in natural resource management / hydrogeology
(or a relevant subject) and will anchor the responsibility of strengthening environmental
management in MNREGA and IAY (further elaborated in table 9).
5.2.2 Integration of information on environment management aspects in monitoring and evaluation
Under the project sub-component that focuses on strengthening the BRDS systems and
capacity for the delivery of MNREGS and IAY in four districts, one of the key activities is
supporting BRDS in building capacity for monitoring performance and in setting up
appropriate external review mechanisms. An M&E Unit will be set up in BRDS to develop a
comprehensive M&E strategy for MNREGS and IAY, undertake field assessments etc... The
M&E strategy of the project will include a focus on capturing information on environmental
management aspects of MNREGS works and IAY housing. The information will be captured
both through the MIS as well as through specially commissioned field studies. An indicative
sample of the aspects on which information will be captured is provided (Box 6).
Box 6: Information on Environment Management of MNREGS and IAY
MNREGS Survival rate of plantations (percentage of saplings survived in 2
nd/3
rd year after plantation)
Additional irrigation potential created/revived (extent of land area)
Extent of sand casted area treated
Extent for water logged area treated
Extent of erosion prone area treated
IAY Number of IAY houses with provision of windows and/or ventilators
Number of IAY houses with provision of chimney
Number of IAY houses with improved chulhas or kerosene stoves or LPG stoves
Number of IAY houses with toilet facility
Number of IAY houses with sullage disposal facility
Number of IAY houses with kitchen garden
Number of IAY houses with AC sheet roofing material
45
5.3 Monitoring
Monitoring of EMF implementation will be done at two levels, internal and external.
5.3.1 Internal Monitoring
Internal monitoring will be undertaken for both the Adarsh and Buniyad Centres. The District
Manager of the BRDS (for Adarsh Centres) and the District Program Manager of the
SSUPSW(for Buniyad Centres) will be responsible for monitoring the compliance of the
contractors with the Code of Practice. In case of non-compliance and in case of any residual
environmental issues of concern, the District Managers will coordinate with the respective
State Units who will follow up with the contractor to ensure that required action is taken. In
caseof non-compliance of the contractor, the State Units of BRDS/SSUPSW will take
appropriate action as provided for in the contract documents. Reports of the internal
monitoring will be filed at both the State and District Units.
5.3.2 External Monitoring
External monitoring will be undertaken for the Buniyad Centres (as these are the larger
buildings). For these centres, it is planned that a ‘Green Building Certification’ such as the
SVAGRIHA25
guidance-cum-rating system will be adopted. The process of securing this
third-party rating involves a detailed examination of drawings/estimates/documents and site-
visits by the certification agency. This will function as the external monitoring system.
25
For details see http://www.grihaindia.org
46
5.4 Institutional Arrangements
Table 9: Institutional arrangements for implementation of the EMF
State Unit District Unit
BRDS ___ will be responsible for the following:
Commission detailed appraisal of construction sites by a qualified
Civil/Environmental Engineer from the Bihar’s Industrial Development
Authority (which will provide technical supervision for the construction
activities under the project), as and when required
Ensure follow-up action by contractors on Code of Practice compliance
report
The District Manager will be responsible for the
following with respect to Adarsh Centres:
Screening of construction sites
Informing State Unit of BRDS in case of
requirement of Detailed Appraisal
Securing required permissions for
compliance with legal/regulatory
requirements
Monitoring the compliance of the
contractors with the Code of Practice
Ensure implementation of good
environmental management practices
during operation and maintenance of the
service centres Advisor on Environmental Management will be responsible for the following
with respect to MNREGS and IAY:
Coordinate with consultant agency for development of technical manuals
on environmental management of MNREGS works and IAY housing
Coordinate with Training and Capacity Building Unit to ensure design
and delivery of training on environmental management for MNREGS and
IAY technical field staff
Coordinate with Monitoring and Evaluation Unit for regular M&E on
environmental management aspects of MNREGS works and IAY housing
47
SSUPSW ___ will be responsible for the following:
Commission detailed appraisal of construction sites by a qualified
Civil/Environmental Engineer from the Bihar’s Industrial Development
Authority (which will provide technical supervision for the construction
activities under the project), as and when required
Coordinate third-party ‘Green Building Certification’ for the Buniyad
Centres
Ensure follow-up action by contactors on Code of Practice compliance
report
The District Program Manager will be
responsible for the following with respect to
Buniyad Centres:
Screening of construction sites
Informing State Unit of SSUPSW in case
of requirement of Detailed Appraisal
Securing required permissions for
compliance with legal/regulatory
requirements
Monitoring the compliance of the
contractors with the Code of Practice
Ensure implementation of good
environmental management practices
during operation and maintenance of the
service centres
48
5.5 Budget
S.No. Item Unit Unit Cost (INR) No. of Units
Sub-total (INR)
1 Detailed Appraisal by Bihar's IDA Site 5000 45 225000
2 Green Building Certification Building 80000 23 1840000
3 Operational Manual on EM Manual 200000 4 800000
4 Training module on EM Module 100000 1 100000
5 Field study on EM in MNREGS, IAY Study 500000 4 2000000
Total 4965000
Note: Costs of training delivery, internal monitoring, staff costs not included. These will have
to be budgeted for under the respective sub-components in the project’s detailed cost tables.
49
Annex 1: Environment Management Guidelines for MNREGS Works and IAY Housing
Table 10: Environmental Management Guidelines for MNREGS Works
Work Positive Impact Negative Impact Mitigation Measures
Roads –
construction, repair
Impact on land productivity
(construction of road on agriculture land,
borrow pits on agricultural land, bricks
for paving sourced from agricultural
land)
Select road alignment such that use of agricultural
land is avoided/minimized
Ensure that borrow pits are suitably rehabilitated by
levelling, replacement of top soil, etc.
Use bricks for paving only when necessary
Ensure that bricks for paving are sourced from non-
agricultural lands
Impact on natural habitats in cases
where roads encroach on water bodies or
are in close proximity to waterfowl
nesting areas
Select road alignment such that encroachment on
water bodies and natural habitats such as waterfowl
nesting areas is avoided
Impacts on 'borrow areas' from where
soil for filling is taken – loss of
productive top soil, impact on drainage
Ensure that borrow pits are suitably rehabilitated by
levelling, replacement of top soil, etc.
Inadequate drainage provision leading to
water logging and/or damage to road
Select road alignment such that interference with the
local drainage system is avoided/minimized
Make adequate provision for drainage and cross-
drainage structures
Felling of trees at the construction site Select road alignment such that requirement of tree
felling is avoided/minimized
Ensure that permission is taken from ___ for felling
of trees
In case of need for tree felling, ensure compensatory
plantation is undertaken of twice the number of trees
felled
Temporary impacts and waste disposal
related to construction (noise, dust, etc.)
Minimize dust generation during construction (e.g.,
sprinkling water)
Ensure that all construction waste is suitable disposed
50
Possibility of pilferage of any chance
finds of archaeological importance
Report any chance finds of historical, archaeological
significance to the Department of Archaeology
andMuseums, Government of Bihar
Ponds – construction,
excavation, de-
silting, cleaning, etc.
Improved water
harvesting/storage
Water conservation
Construction of pond on fertile
agriculture land
Select pond location such that use of agricultural land
is avoided/minimized
Poor location and design may lead to
non-retention of water
Ensure pond location and design are identified on the
basis of a hydro-geological assessment (technical as
well as local knowledge based) to ensure that there is
adequate water retention for the desired period
Felling of trees at the excavation site Select pond location such that requirement of tree
felling is avoided/minimized
Ensure that permission is taken from ___ for felling
of trees
In case of need for tree felling, ensure compensatory
plantation is undertaken of twice the number of trees
felled
Possibility of pilferage of any chance
finds of archaeological importance
Report any chance finds of historical, archaeological
significance to the Department of Archaeology
andMuseums, Government of Bihar
Uneven deposition of silt/soil on banks
may lead to weakening of banks, uneven
deposition on farm lands may lead to
problems with irrigation and drainage
Ensure that excavated silt is used (bund
strengthening, application to agricultural fields)
Erosion from unstable earthen bunds Ensure that bunds are compacted and strengthened
through riveting, turfing, etc., to reduce chances of
erosion
Poor maintenance leading to lack of
sustainability of benefits from the work
(overgrowth of weeds, siltation, damage
to bunds)
Ensure appropriate institutional arrangements for
maintenance of the structure are agreed upon and
provided for
51
Water harvesting
structures –
Check Dams,
Ahar-Pyne
Improved water
harvesting/storage
Water conservation
Impacts on downstream water users due
to possible reduction in water
availability
Ensure that location and design of the water harvesting
structure are identified on the basis of a hydro-geological
assessment (technical as well as local knowledge based)
to ensure that downstream flows are not adversely
affected
Risk of breaching, water leakages, etc.,
from poorly constructed water retention
structures
Ensure that design of the water harvesting structure is
undertaken by a qualified technical expert and is built
according to the specifications of design and materials
Erosion from bunds that are not
properly compacted
Ensure that bunds are compacted and strengthened
through riveting, turfing, etc., as per the specified design
to reduce chances of erosion
Uneven deposition of silt/soil on banks
may lead to weakening of banks,
uneven deposition on farm lands may
lead to problems with irrigation and
drainage
Ensure that excavated silt is used (bund strengthening,
application to agricultural fields)
Felling of trees at the excavation site Select location/design of the water harvesting structure
such that requirement of tree felling is
avoided/minimized
Ensure that permission is taken from ___ for felling of
trees
In case of need for tree felling, ensure compensatory
plantation is undertaken of twice the number of trees
felled
Possibility of pilferage of any chance
finds of archaeological importance
Report any chance finds of historical, archaeological
significance to the Department of Archaeology
andMuseums, Government of Bihar
Poor maintenance leading to lack of
sustainability of benefits from the work
(clogging of pynes with weeds, siltation,
damage to bunds)
Ensure appropriate institutional arrangements for
maintenance of the structure are agreed upon and
provided for
52
Renovation
of Canals
Improved efficiency in
water conveyance,
reduced loss of water (to
seepage, weeds, etc.)
Improved availability of
water at tail-end
Poor planning/design leading to sub-optimal
benefits from the renovation work (work is
undertaken on only a part of the canal,
improper slope leading to problems at tail-
end)
Ensure that canal renovation work is undertaken in a
comprehensive manner on the basis of both technical
inputs as well as local knowledge
Impacts on 'borrow areas' from where soil
for embankment filling is taken
Ensure that borrow pits are suitably rehabilitated by
levelling, replacement of top soil, etc.
Uneven deposition of silt/soil on bunds may
lead to weakening of bunds, uneven
deposition on farm lands may lead to
problems with irrigation and drainage
Ensure that excavated silt is used (bund
strengthening, application to agricultural fields)
Erosion from unstable earthen bunds Ensure that bunds are compacted and strengthened
through riveting, turfing, etc., as per the specified
design to reduce chances of erosion
Poor maintenance leading to lack of
sustainability of benefits from the
renovation work (clogging of canal with
weeds, damage to bunds)
Ensure appropriate institutional arrangements for
maintenance of the structure are agreed upon and
provided for
Plantation Improved green cover
Improved availability of
biomass for meeting fuel,
fodder, food needs
Mono culture plantation of exotic species Ensure selection of mixed species for plantation
based on technical inputs on suitability to the area
as well as local preference
Overuse of chemical fertilisers leading to
pollution
Ensure use of organic manure (farm yard manure,
vermicompost, etc.)
Impacts on human and environmental health
due to use of hazardous chemical pesticides
Avoid use of chemical pesticides
When use is necessary, prefer safer pesticides
(slightly toxic – marked with the green identification
band on label)
Ensure pesticide application is undertaken with
required safety measures (protective clothing)
Ensure proper disposal of pesticide containers
(destruction to prevent re-use, sealing, burial)
53
Poor maintenance leading to lack of
sustainability of benefits from the plantation
Ensure appropriate institutional arrangements for
maintenance of the plantation are agreed upon and
provided for
Drains Improved sanitation due to
control of stagnation of
sullage water
Improper design may lead to poor
performance
Ensure that location and design of the drains are
based on technical as well as local knowledge to
ensure that they function effectively
Poor maintenance may lead to water
stagnation and associated problems such as
increase in breeding sites for mosquitoes
Ensure appropriate institutional arrangements for
maintenance of the drains are agreed upon and
provided for
Lack of sullage treatment may lead to cess
pools, pollution of water bodies, etc.
Ensure that sullage collected through drains is
properly treated and disposed – treatment through
stabilization ponds, root-zone treatment, etc., and
disposal by channelling into technically designed
soak pits
Felling of trees Select drain alignment such that requirement of tree
felling is avoided/minimized
Ensure that permission is taken from ___ for felling
of trees
In case of need for tree felling, ensure compensatory
plantation is undertaken of twice the number of trees
felled
54
Table 11: Environmental Impacts of IAY Housing
Positive Impact Negative Impact Mitigation Measures
Design-related
aspects
Well-designed
housing – with
appropriate
ventilation and
sanitation facilities
can enhance well-
being
Poor ventilation due to cultural practices,
safety concerns and cost-cutting by
beneficiaries
Ensure provision of adequate ventilation in
the house through windows, ventilators, etc.
Indoor air pollution due to use of biomass
based fuels and poor ventilation
Lack of sanitation facilities Ensure provision of technically sound toilet
for each house
Lack of sullage disposal facilities Ensure provision of facility for disposal of
sullage – kitchen garden, soak pit, etc.
Risk from AC roofing sheets – during
cutting/drilling
Avoid use of AC roofing sheets
Construction-related
aspects
Felling of trees at the construction site Ensure that permission is taken from ___ for
felling of trees
In case of need for tree felling, ensure
compensatory plantation is undertaken of
twice the number of trees felled
Temporary impacts and waste disposal
related to construction (noise, dust, etc.)
Minimize dust generation during
construction (e.g., sprinkling water)
Ensure that all construction waste is suitable
disposed
State Level Consultation Workshop on Social and Environment Assessment
for
Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening (BISPS) Project
6th
Aug. 2012, Patna
Organized by
State Society for Ultra Poor and Social Welfare (SAKSHAM)
(Department of Social Welfare, Govt. of Bihar)
Bihar Rural Development Society (BRDS)
(Department of Rural Development, Govt. of Bihar)
Introduction
The State Level Consultation Workshop on Social and Environment Assessment was
organized at Conference Hall, SC/ST Welfare Department, Old Secretariat, Patna on 6th
August 2012. The objective of the workshop was to share the findings of the Social and
Environment Assessments of BISPS and present the Social and Environment Management
Frameworks designed for the project with a view to elicit stakeholder feedback.
Page 56 of 87
Participant profile
The participants of the workshop included Principal Secretary, Department of Rural
Development (DoRD); Secretary, Department of Social Welfare (DoSW); CEO, Bihar Rural
Livelihood Promotion Society (BRLPS); District Development Commissioners (DDC);
Block Development officers (BDO); Circle Officers (CO), Officers from DoRD & DoSW,
State Society for Ultra Poor and Social Welfare (SAKSHAM) team members, representatives
of NGOs, representatives of the World Bank, etc. The workshop has about 55 participants in
all.
Overview of proceedings
The workshop started with introductory remarks by the senior Government officials
conveying the objective of the workshop. An overview of the project was then given by
SAKSHAM team members including details on the various components and the planned
activities. This was followed by a detailed presentation and discussion on the findings of the
Environmental Assessment (EA) and on the Environmental Management Framework (EMF).
Key discussion points and suggestions
Page 57 of 87
Construction activity:
The main construction activity under the project is the construction of the Adarsh and
Buniyad Centres. These buildings are about 1000 and 5000 square feet in area
respectively. The existing Government laws and regulations relevant to construction
activities need to be followed to avoid any kind of environmental impacts.
As both the centres are planned to be constructed within the existing Block
Development Office campuses, there are unlikely to be any issues relating to change
in land use and land acquisition. Block-wise information on land availability is to be
urgently compiled for corroborating this finding in all cases.
Good buildings involve resource-efficient design, material safety, etc., and can
contribute to a healthy and more productive working environment. Integration of
environment-friendly elements such as use of solar power in the buildings needs to be
explored.
Block level offices have frequent power cuts. The design of both centres should be
such that enough sunlight penetrates the building for adequate lighting.
MNREGA Works:
The main concern with regard to the social forestry under MGNREGA is the poor
survival rate. After-care of the plantation is weak even though the scheme provides
for a care taker (Van Poshak) for a unit of 200 saplings. The wage of the Van Poshak
is quite low and reducing it further on the basis of the percentage of saplings that
survive is not always feasible. The need to explore alternatives such as the use of
more mature saplings that will be hardy was emphasized. Also, local species of plants
need to be promoted for plantation so that they provide multiple benefits to
communities and sustain interest in after-care.
While water conservation and harvesting structures are required, proper planning and
technical support is critical – especially in the case of marginal land owners with
limited agriculture land.
Works involving water bodies (ponds, lakes) cannot be taken up under MGNREGA
without the permission of the Fisheries Department. Permission is difficult to secure
as these assets are usually auctioned off to fisherperson’s cooperative societies.
Page 58 of 87
IAY Housing:
Indira Awas Yojana (IAY) amount (Rs. 45,000/-) is not sufficient to build a house as
the cost of construction materials has increased. To resolve this issue, the use of low
cost and locally procured material should be promoted.
Protected Areas:
Protected areas such as wildlife sanctuaries will not be involved in any kind of
construction activity under the project. The example of the Goga Beel – a wetland in
Katihar district – was shared in this context. The wetland that was once rich in
migratory birds has seen a severe decline in the bird population and diversity in last 5
years. Disturbance of the habitat due to fishing and agriculture in the area is probably
the cause.
Human Resources:
In the case of both IAY and MGNREGA, the human resource requirement is more
than the available staff. So adequate number of people should be engaged at Block
and Panchayat level for delivering these programmes.
A Natural Resource Management specialist will be appointed in BRDS to provide
technical support to MNREGS works.
SOCIAL ASPECTS
ADARSH and BUNIYAD Centres are planned to construct within the premises of
Block offices so that every social group can access the services from these centres.
There will not be any kind of exclusion of any social group in these centres.
Mahadalit (SC) and Schedule Tribe (ST) groups are most marginalized than others
and exploited by middlemen. Special arrangements should be made in such a way that
the project could deliver benefits to these groups in a focused way.
Level of awareness about various Govt. programmes is low in Bihar. Special
awareness drive for the local community should be planned to deliver services to
beneficiaries.
All the 4 plot districts are different from each other in Socio-cultural aspects. Planning
should be made on the basis of existing situations in these districts. For an example
Katihar district has highest population of Schedule Tribes (STs) and they use their
Page 59 of 87
own language “Santhali” instead of Hindi so the local level project activities should
be communicated in Santhali language for better understanding and people’s
participation in project activities.
Low Literacy rate among target groups in the proposed districts is a bottleneck for
delivery of project outputs. The project should take the steps to communicate
objectives and also involve target groups to get benefits for the success of project.
Reaching of Social Security Pensions (SSP) to beneficiaries in right time is an issue.
Department of Social Welfare has initiated data digitalization work of SSP
beneficiaries’ to address this issue.
Baseline survey should be done to compile the required information for the project
and updated on regular basis.
At the end of the workshop, participants were agreed for the requirement of such Social
Protection project in Bihar.
Mr. Bishnu C. Parida, Dy. CEO, SAKSHAM offered vote of thanks to participants and
informed that such types of consultative workshops will be organized at district level to get
feedback and suggestions on the BISPS project.
Page 60 of 87
List of Participants
SI.
No. Name Designation
Department /
Organization Location
1 A. Santosh Mathew Principal Secretary Rural Development Patna
2 Sandeep Poundrik Secretary Social Welfare Patna
3 Arvind Kumar
Choudhary CEO, JEEViKA BRLPS Patna
4 Vinod Singh DM Buxar Govt. of Bihar Buxar
5 Srinivas Varadan Consultant, So. Care The World Bank New Delhi
6 R.S. Trida Officer Govt. of Bihar Katihar
7 Sangeeta Kumari Social Dev. Specialist The World Bank Patna
8 Pravesh Kumar Consultant, So. Care The World Bank New Delhi
9 Ashing Aziz Operations Analyst The World Bank Delhi
10 Yashwant Kr.Azad Monitoring &
Evaluation BPSP, DOPR, GoB Patna
11 Upendra Kumar Sr. A.O SSUPSW, DoSW Patna
12 Animesh Pandey Project Officer RDD Patna
13 Mahnaz Fatma PM -Nutrition
SSUPSW Patna
14 Abhishak Singh Programme Manager
NGO - AKF Patna
15 R.Rjha CPO Social welfare Buxar
16 Kalyani Kandule Consultant World Bank New Delhi
17 Indu Bala Sinha ADSS DoSW Patna
18 Alok Patnaik Operations Specialist World Bank Patna
19 Nitya Nand Pandey BDO RDD Madhubani
20 Moti Kr.Dinkar BDO RDD Buxar (Rajlons)
21 B.K. Prabhakar BDO RDD Buxar (Brahmpur)
22 Md.Sajjad Zehil PO RDD Buxar (Chause)
23 Jivan Chandra Programme Officer RDD Madhabani
24 Md. Shamsuzzaha PO RDD Madhabani
25 Sanjit Kumar PM- Prog. Mgmt BTAST Patna
26 Saurabha Trividi PM- C & R
SSUPSW Patna
27 Narendra Kumar BDO RDD Katihar
(Hasanganj)
28 Ruhal Fatma ADSS DoSW Nalanda
29 Soumya Project Manager WDC, Bihar Patna
30 Irina Sinha project dissector WDC, Bihar Patna
31 Dr. Sushma Kapoor Nutrition BTAST BTAST Patna
32 Puja V Dutta Sr. Economist World Bank New Delhi
33 Neha Vyas Environmental
Specialist World Bank New Delhi
34 Kumar Subhash Programme officer RDD Rajpur Buxar
35 Arvind Kumar
Srivastava Block welfare officer SC & ST Welfare Manihari Katihar
36 Neeha Sharma Nutrition Expert B-TAST SWASTH Patna
Page 61 of 87
37 Dheeraj Kumar Programme Officer RDD Katihar
38 Sanjay Prakash Singh Programme officer RDD Katihar
39 Ajit Kumar Sinha DWO. SC & ST welfare Katihar
40 Ashwini Kumar
Choudhary BWO SC & ST welfare Katihar
41 O.P. Rai DDC Madhubani RDD Madhabani
42 Kishan Kumar Singh DDC Katihar RDD Katihar
43 Kaushlendra Pathak DDC Buxar RDD Buxar
44 Fazle Rabbani PM - PwD SSUPSW Patna
45 Bishnu C Parida Dy.CEO SSUPSW Patna
46 Hasnain A.Warshi PM - OP SSUPSW Patna
47 T.P. Singh APM- BP SSUPSW Patna
48 Vishal Singh SPM – C & R SSUPSW Patna
49 Avinash Kumar PM- BP SSUPSW Patna
50 Naresh Kr. Srivastara Programme Officer RDD Nalanda
51 Savita Kumari PO RDD Nalanda
52 Vivek Anand M & E Officer
NGO - AKRSP Muzaffarpur
53 Archana Gupta Block Dev. officer RDD Patna
54 Satish Ranjan Sinha Planning officer RDD Patna
Page 62 of 87
Nalanda – District Level Consultation Workshop on Social and Environment
Assessment for Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening (BISPS) Project
Organized by:
State Society for Ultra Poor and Social Welfare (SAKSHAM)
(Department of Social Welfare, Govt. of Bihar)
Bihar Rural Development Society (BRDS)
(Department of Rural Development, Govt. of Bihar)
Introduction:
The first District Level Consultation Workshop on Social and Environment Assessment was
organized at District Collectorate, Nalanda on 13-08-2012 in which a total of 33 stakeholders
participated.
The objectives of the workshop was to share the findings of the Social and Environment
Assessment of BISPS and present the Social and Environment Management Frameworks
designed for the project with a view to elicit stakeholder feedback.
Participant Profile:
The participants of the workshop were DDC, Nalanda; Joint Director, DoRD, Patna; Director,
Agriculture Dept.; Asst. Director, Social Security; Director, Welfare Office; Block
Development Officers (BDO); Circle Officers (CO); representatives of NGOs; District
Representative of Jeevika Project, Officials from DRDA; consultant of BRDS and
SAKSHAM team members.
Overview of Sessions:
The workshop was initiated with the introduction of the participants followed by a
presentation giving an overview of the BISPS Project wherein the project objectives and
project components were explained. The Social and Environment Assessment and the
proposed Management Frameworks were shared with participants and suggestions were
sought.
Key discussion points and suggestions: The land for Buniyad Centre and Adarsh RTPS centre is not available in the block premises of
Parwalpur and Ekangarsari and hence alternative sites have been proposed 50 metres away from the
Block premises. The land available in Hilsa is waterlogged and requires treatment.
For effective power management, the use of solar power for Buniyaad and RTPS Adarsh centres must
be explored.
The project should boost up the provisions in the guidelines of MGNREGS for promoting fodder banks
and fencing options on plantations.
To promote an environment friendly work culture, capacity building of the officials is required.
Agriculture top fertile soil use for works must be discouraged. This is serious problem but nobody
taking note of it. At least through this project this issue need to be highlighted to aware the general
public and official engage in implementing the program.
Strong team composition with an understanding of NREGS, environment, insurance coverage; and
worksite provisions and facilities has become pertinent for effective implementation
Considering the nature and objective of NREGS to strengthen the natural resource base, the indicator
related to environment conservation and maintenance need to be chalk out to provide information and
clarification to all stakeholders involve in implementing the same.
Page 63 of 87
Program Schedule
District Level Consultation Workshop on Environment and Social Assessment of BISPS
Project
Date: 13-08-2012
Venue: District Collectorate, Nalanda
Time Session Key Person Responsible for
Presentation / Anchoring
Discussion
10.30 am to 11.00 am Registration SSUPSW
11.00 am to 11.30 am Welcome and Introductions:
Introduction to the Workshop
Introduction of Participants
DDC, Madhubani, Bihar
SSUPSW and BRDS
11.30 am to 12.15 pm Introduction to the BISPS
Project: Objectives, Components
Ms. Mahua
Mr. Hasnain Ansari
12.15 pm to 01.15 pm Introduction to the Environment
and Social Assessment and
Management Framework
Mr. Abdul Qayum
Consultant
01.15 pm to 02.30 pm Open House Discussion and
Feedback from participants
SSUPSW and BRDS
02.30 pm Lunch
Participant List
SN Name Designation Department/ Organization
1 B. Kartkey DDC Nalada -
2 Arshad Ali Director N.E.P DRDA
3 Sudama Mahto Director Ag. offices Agriculture
4 Rahat Fatima Asst. Director Social Security Social Security
5 Surendra Ram Director Welfare office Welfare
6 Dr. Satish Pd. Joint Director R.D. Depart.
7 Rajesh Kumar Gupta B.D.O Rural Dept.
6 Ashok Kumar B.D.O Rural Dept.
7 Suresh Kumar C.O Revenue Dept.
8 Rajiv Kumar Mehta B.D.O Rural Dept.
9 Chit Ranjan Pd. Singh B.D.O Rural Dept.
10 Ramesh Kumar B.D.O Rural Dept.
11 Sanjay Kumar B.D.O Rural Dept.
12 Nirmal Kumar B.D.O Rural Dept.
13 Vijay Kumar Singh B.D.O Rural Dept.
14 Dhirendra Kumar
Singh
B.D.O Rural Dept.
15 Shambha Kumari B.D.O Rural Dept.
16 Nand priharde B.D.O Rural Dept.
17 Binod Kumar Rajak B.D.O Rural Dept.
Page 64 of 87
18 Ved Kumar Singh B.D.O, Tharthari Rural Dept.
19 Shri Kant Singh B.D.O, Parwalpur Rural Dept.
20 Amresh Kumar Project, DRDA Nalanda
21 Samir Kumar District Manager Jeevika Nalada
22 Sarita Dungdung Young Processional -
23 Chandani Prakash YP(MNREGA) Nalanda
24 Punam Kumari Block Project Manager Jeevika Nalada
25 Sujeet Kumar Assistant DRDA, Nalanda
26 Abhishek Kumar Clerk, DRDA Nalanda
27 Anoop Kumar Clerk, DRDA -
28 Bhupendra Bihari Clerk, DRDA Nalada
29 Abdul Bahab DRDA Nalanda
30 Ashok Kumar DRDA Nalanda
31 Satish Chand Prasad DRDA Nalanda
32 S.M. Alam Rojnama Rashtriya Sahar Media
33 Binod Kumar Sinha A.E. DRDA Nalanda
34 Parwez Alam B.D.O Rural Dept.
Photographs
Page 65 of 87
Buxar – District Level Consultation Workshop on Social and Environment Assessment
for Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening (BISPS) Project
Organized by:
State Society for Ultra Poor and Social Welfare (SSUSW)
(Department of Social Welfare, Govt. of Bihar)
Bihar Rural Development Society (BRDS)
(Department of Rural Development, Govt. of Bihar)
Introduction:
The second District Level Consultation Workshop on Social and Environment Assessment
was organized at Collectorate Office, Buxur on 14th August 2012 in which a total of 46 key
stakeholders participated.
The objective of the workshop was to share the findings of the Social and Environment
Assessment of BISPS and present the Social and Environment Management Frameworks
designed for the project with a view to elicit stakeholder feedback.
Participant Profile:
The participants of the workshop were DDC, Buxur; Joint Director (DoRD); DAO,
(Agriculture Dept); ADSS (Social Welfare); Civil Surgeon (Health Dept); Block
Development officers (BDO); Circle Officers (Revenue); DHO (Dist. Horticulture); Asst.
Engineer (Water Resource Dept and Minor Irrigation); representatives of NGOs; consultant
of BRDS and SAKSHAM team members
Overview of Session:
The workshop began at 11:15 am with the welcome address by a SAKSHAM team member
followed by introductory remarks by the DDC.
In the first session, a SAKSHAM team member briefly presented the overview of the BISPS
Project including the project background, objectives, strategic context, project components,
details of the KBKBS model and Buniyad Centres, etc.
In the second session, the findings of the draft documents including Social and Environment
Assessment and Social and Environment Management Frameworks were shared with the
participants and suggestions were sought.
Key discussion points and suggestions on EA-EMF:
Issues on Environment Impacts of MNREGS works: The negative impact of MNREGS works on the local environment is a matter of concern. Construction
of ponds on fertile agriculture land, loss of productive top soil, felling of trees at construction site, etc.,
are some of the negative impacts perceived by the participants.
The comments and suggestions shared by the participants for mitigating the negative impacts are:
As poor planning of MNREGS works is a key reason behind negative environmental impacts, the
planning process in the Gram Panchayat must be strengthened.
The technical staff of MNREGS (PTA, Junior Engineer, Assistant Engineer, PO, etc) need technical as
well as environment sensitization training to enhance the technical soundness of their work and their
motivation.
Page 66 of 87
The BISPS Project should build the capacity of frontline workers i.e. Rozgar Sevak, Junior engineer
who are involved in planning, implementation and monitoring of schemes of MGNREGS in the
villages.
Issues on Environment Impacts of IAY: There is lot of scope for integration of the total sanitation program with IAY. Although some efforts
have been made in this regard, the result so far is not very significant. The reasons are many, the most
important of which is lack of awareness among people of the negative impact of lack of sanitation.
There is a need for awareness-raising through regular contact and meetings to explain various negative
aspects of open defecation and the benefits of sanitation.
Capacity building training is required for staff involved in Indira Awas Yojana (IAY).
Technical skills should be provided to local masons on design and use of low cost but environment
friendly materials in construction of IAY housing.
Convergence with relevant schemes of other departments may be facilitated.
Page 67 of 87
Program Schedule:
Time Session Key Person Responsible for
Presentation / Anchoring
Discussion
10.30 am to 11.00 am Registration SSUPSW
11.00 am to 11.30 am Welcome and Introductions:
Introduction to the Workshop
Introduction of Participants
DDC, Buxar
Mr. Bishnu C Parida
Dr. Satish Prasad, BRDS
11.30 am to 12.15 pm Introduction to the BISPS Project:
Objectives, Components
Mr. Bishnu C Parida
Mr. Fazle Rabbani Siddiqui
12.15 pm to 01.15 pm Introduction to the Environment&
Social Assessment and
Management Framework
Mr. Abdul Qayum
Consultant
01.15 pm to 02.30 pm Open House Discussion &
Feedback from participants
SSUPSW and BRDS
02.30 pm Lunch
Page 68 of 87
1. List of Participants
SN Name Designation Department/ Organization 1 K. Pathak DDC RDD
2 Dr. S. Prasad Jt. Direcctor RDD
3 Shankes Pd. singh BDO RDD
4 SharafatHusan BDO RDD
5 Ajay Kumar Singh BDO Hawanagar RDD
6 Moti Kumar Dinkar BDO Rajpur RDD
7 A.S. Misra BDO Buxar RDD
8 RajendaraKuamr BDO Simari RDD
9 SumantNath CO, Semari Revenue
10 Shahid Jamal BDO, Chaugai RDD
11 Dr. B.K. Prabhkar BDO Brahndser RDD
12 SiddhNath CO Chaugain Revenue
13 Vinod Kumar Sinha BDO Chausa RDD
14 Sanjay Kumar PO Buxar RDD
15 KrishnaKanhaiya Prasad BDO, Ftorhi RDD
16 K.K. Singh CO Dumraon Revenue
17 Umesh Kumar CO Nawanagar Revenue
18 Jitendra Kumar PO, Itharhi RDD
19 TusharkantChanda PO Simri RDD
20 Ram Bhajan Ram CO Rajpur Revenue
21 BhararBhuSharTiway CO Itharhi Revenue
22 Satish Chandra Anand PO Brahmpur Revenue
23 Rajesh Kumar PO Chakki Revenue
24 KhaedAkhter PO Bumraon Revenue
25 Md. SajjadZahil PO Chause Buxar RDD
26 Jitendra Kumar PO Nawanagar RDD
27 Kr. Subhash PO Rajpur RDD
28 Dr. Harish Chandra Hari Civil Sergeon Heath Dept.
29 Dr.K.K. Misha - -
30 Prem Shankar Ram DAO Buxar Agriculture
31 Deepak Kr. Sinha DHO Buxar Agriculture
32 S.N. Singh EO (Assistant Engr) Water Resource Dept.
33 B.N.Pathak CO Chausa Revenue
34 Anil Benet cruz Asst. Director NGO- BWDS
35 Ajay Kumar Supervisor NGO- Chirag
36 Poonamej Secretary NGO- Chirag
37 RiyaChaurasia Co-ordinator NGO- Monalisa
38 Binad Kumar Singh Secretary NGO- Monalisa
39 S.Shankar Member NGO- Sahara
40 Abdul Qayam Consultant BRDS
41 Fazle Rabbani PM (Disability) SSUPSW
42 Bishnu C Parida Dy. CEO SSUPSW
43 Vijay Kumar Singh CO Buxar Revenue
44 Ram vinodkumarsha Assistant Engineer Minor Irrigation
45 Sumankumari PO Chaugain RDD
46 Alok Kumar ADSS Social Welfare
Page 69 of 87
Photographs:
Madhubani – District Level Consultation Workshop on Social and Environment
Assessment for Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening (BISPS) Project
Organized by:
State Society for Ultra Poor and Social Welfare (SAKSHAM)
(Department of Social Welfare, Govt. of Bihar)
Bihar Rural Development Society (BRDS)
(Department of Rural Development, Govt. of Bihar)
Introduction:
The third District Level Consultation Workshop on Social and Environment Assessment was
organized at DDC office premise, Madhubani on 16-08-2012 in which a total of 39 key
stakeholders of the project participated.
The objective of the workshop was to share the findings of the Social and Environment
Assessment of BISPS and present the Social and Environment Management Frameworks
designed for the project with a view to elicit stakeholder feedback.
Participant Profile:
The participants of the workshop were the District Development Commissioner (DDC);
Undersecretary DoRD, Patna; Circle Officers (CO); Asst. Director, Social Security; Block
Development Officers (BDO); DAO (Agriculture Dept.); Dist. Horticulture Officer; Civil
Page 70 of 87
Surgeon; Community Development Officer, NABARD; DPM, Jeevika Project and
representatives from NGOs; team members of SAKSHAM and consultant from BRDS.
Overview of Sessions:
The workshop began at 11 am with the welcome address and introduction of participants
followed with inaugural address by DDC, Madhubani. This was followed by a presentation
on an overview of the BISPS Project wherein the project objectives and project components
were explained. The Social and Environment Assessment and the proposed Management
Frameworks were shared with participants and suggestions sought.
Key Discussions and Suggestions on EA-EMF:
BUNIYAD and ADARSH Centers The design of the ADARSH and BUNIYAD Centers should integrate environment-friendly aspects.
The use of Solar Energy to replace/supplement Diesel Generators for power back-up must be explored.
Page 71 of 87
Indira Awas Yojana (IAY) A model of low cost housing must be created and adopted. This is already being adopted in the states of
Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. However, the cash amount must be enhanced from the existing Rs 45,000.
Also, to resolve this issue, low cost material and locally procured material should be promoted by the
Government.
IAY is a cash-transfer scheme. It is not possible to prescribe any design to the beneficiaries unless there are
policy level changes.
However, rather than imposing a top-down scheme, the focus must be on empowering the beneficiaries to
contribute some additional amount to construct their dream house.
There is a need to create awareness to change the mindset of the beneficiaries about the design and
construction of the housing.
MNREGA Works In Madhubani, there are no protected areas such as sanctuaries and national parks. However, the district has
several ponds that come under the purview of the Fisheries Department. Any of the development works on
these sites are not possible without a healthy collaboration between these departments at the State level.
It is important to involve trained engineers to design and monitor the MGNREGA construction works as the
local community and staff does not have expertise in technical design. However, availability of trainer
engineers is a constraint.
Forestry (plantation) works should be increased in MGNREGS on Panchayat and Private land. The benefits
to the community from plantations on Panchayat land need to be made clear to the community.
Infrastructure Development Authority can also be requested to provide technical support for design of the
MGNREGS works.
Page 72 of 87
1. Program Schedule:
I.
II. District Level Consultation Workshop on Environment and Social Assessment of BISPS Project
III. Date: 16-08-2012
IV. Venue: DDC office premise, Madhubani
Time Session Key Person Responsible for
Presentation / Anchoring
Discussion
10.30 am to 11.00 am Registration SSUPSW
11.00 am to 11.30 am Welcome and Introductions:
Introduction to the Workshop
Introduction of Participants
DDC, Madhubani, Bihar
SSUPSW and BRDS
11.30 am to 12.15 pm Introduction to the BISPS
Project: Objectives, Components
Mr. Avinash Kumar
Mr. Saurabh Trivedi
12.15 pm to 01.15 pm Introduction to the Environment
and Social Assessment and
Management Framework
Mr. Abdul Qayum
Consultant
01.15 pm to 02.30 pm Open House Discussion and
Feedback from participants
SSUPSW and BRDS
02.30 pm Lunch
2. Participants List
V.
SN Name Designation Department/ Organization
1 O.P. Rai DDC RD Bihar
2. Jagdish Choudhary Undersecretary DoRD, Patna
3 Raj Kumar Vishwatarma Community Development WECP, Priyadars NABARD
4 Barun Kumar DPM BRLPS/ Jeevika project
5 Rajesh Gupta TM BRLPS/ Jeevika project
6 Praveen Kumar Singh DPO Office of DEO MDD
7 Ravi Shankar Pandey CO CO, Madhubani
8 Krishna Kant Jha DAO Agriculture Department
9 Sunil Kumar BDO BDO, Jhanjharpur
10 Lakshmi Kant Jha DHO Dist. Horticulture Officer
11 Amrendra Narayan Executive Marinate -
12 Hari Prasad BDO BDO, Rajnagar
13 Kusum Lal Paswan Circle Officer C.O. Jay nager
14 Kusum Lal Paswan CO C.O Kaluahi
15 Kushi N. Singh BDO BDO. Phulpraj
16 Aswani Kumar CO CO, Phulpraj
17 Ashok Kumar BDO BDO, Pandoll
18 Shallder Kumar Jha CO Pandoll
19 Avdhesh Kumar Srivastava CO CO, Rajnagar
20 Ashok Kumar CO CO, Madhubani
21 Sunil Kumar CO CO, Khajanahi
Page 73 of 87
22 Ashwani Kumar Sinha CO CO, Basopatti
23 Baidyanath BDO Block, Basopatti
24 Nitya Nand Pandey BDO Block
25 Bijay Kumar BDO Block, Karernari
26 Mandau Mishra BDO Block, Basopatti
27 Raman Kumar Jha BDO Block, Lakhriturt
28 Upendra Prasad BDO Block, Raheka
29 Raj Bahuahier Gupta BDO Block, Jainagar
30 S.P. Verma BDO Block, Bahuarhi
31 Ashuik Singh - SWD
32 Abdul Qayum Consultant -
33 Dr. Sudhir Kumar Sinha Civil Surgeon Dist. Hospital, Madhubani
34 Rajeev Rajan Sinha - Revenue
35 Babu Yadav Sr. Dy, Collector -
36 Mukesh Kumar Jha DIA, NIC NIC
37 Sunil Kumar Mihra Press -
38 Raman Kumar Mishra Press Prabhat Khabar
39 Shyam Sunder Jha Press Dainik Jagran
3. Photographs
Page 74 of 87
Katihar – District Level Consultation Workshop on Social and Environment
Assessment for Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening (BISPS) Project
Organized by:
State Society for Ultra Poor and Social Welfare (SAKSHAM)
(Department of Social Welfare, Govt. of Bihar)
Bihar Rural Development Society (BRDS)
(Department of Rural Development, Govt. of Bihar)
Introduction:
The fourth District Consultation Workshop on Social and Environment Assessment was
organized at Vikas Bhawan, Katihar on 17th
August 2012 in which a total of 45 key
stakeholders participated.
The objective of the workshop was to share the findings of the Social and Environment
Assessment of BISPS and present the Social and Environment Management Frameworks
designed for the project with a view to elicit stakeholder feedback.
Participant Profile:
The participants of the workshop were DDC, Katihar; Undersecretary from DoRD, Patna;
Consultant, World Bank; Block Development officers (BDO); Circle Officers (CO);
representatives of NGOs; consultant from BRDS and SAKSHAM team members.
Overview of Session:
The workshop began at 11 am with the welcome address by a SAKSHAM team member
followed by introductory remarks by the DDC, Katihar.
In the first session, a SAKSHAM team member briefly presented the overview of the BISPS
Project including the project background, objectives and source of finance, strategic context,
project components, and gave details of the KBKBS model and the Buniyad Centres.
In the second session, the findings of the draft documents including Social and Environment
Assessment and Social and Environment Management Frameworks were shared with the
participants and suggestions were sought.
Key discussion points and suggestions on EA-EMF:
● Some of the participants expressed concern about the poor quality of work carried out
in some of the MNREGS works stemming from the lack/inadequacy of scientific
design and technical supervision relating to works on water harvesting and
conservation.
● A large number of MNREGS works particularly those related to water conservation,
remain incomplete or have been inefficient, either due to lack of technical support to
GPs or insufficient rainfall.
● Concern was also expressed about the need to focus on survival of the saplings
planted under MNREGS.
Page 75 of 87
Protected Areas:
● Gogabil Pakshi Vihar a protected area in the district once known for its migratory
birds and forest coverage is a thing of the past. The habitat of birds has been
destroyed and since last 5-6 years this protected areas has not able to attract migratory
birds due to encroachment for agricultural land and fishing. This highlights the need
for adoption of environmental safeguards in development activity.
IAY Housing:
● In the light of the existing rural housing scenario and the importance of promoting
environment friendly housing in IAY (construction of well ventilated house with
toilets and drains, discouraging use of asbestos-cement sheets, etc.), most of the
participants felt that the idea is useful and innovative but implementation within the
available fund for IAY will be a challenge. The example of Andhra Pradesh was cited
in this context where Rs 65,000 is provided per beneficiary for IAY. It is necessary to
think of alternatives for low-cost, innovative environment friendly housing for the
rural poor people.
● Some participants were of the view that it will be useful to promote/create a model for
low cost housing at least in one pocket of the district so that it success can be
replicated in rest of the district.
Program Schedule:
District Level Consultation Workshop on Environment and Social Assessment of BISPS
Project
Date: 17-08-2012
Venue: Vikas Bhawan, Katihar
Time Session Key Person Responsible for
Presentation / Anchoring
Discussion
10.30 am to
11.00 am
Registration SSUPSW
11.00 am to
11.30 am
Welcome and Introductions:
Introduction to the Workshop
Introduction of Participants
DDC, Katihar
Representative from SSUPSW
and BRDS
11.30 am to
12.15 pm
Introduction to the BISPS Project:
Objectives, Components
Mr. Vishal Singh
Mr. Tribhuwan Singh
12.15 pm
to 01.15 pm
Introduction to the Environment and
Social Assessment and Management
Framework
Mr. Abdul Qayum
Consultant
01.15 pm to
02.30 pm
Open House Discussion & Feedback from
participants
SSUPSW and BRDS
02.30 pm Lunch
4. List of Participants:
Page 76 of 87
SN Name Designation Department/ Organization
1 Keshav Kumar Singh DDC, Katihar RDD
2 Muni Lal Jamadar Director, NEP DRDA, RRD
3 Jitendra Kumar Singh BDO, Kadwa RDD
4 Dr. Rakesh Kumar BAHO Animal Husbandry Deptt.
5 Ratan Lal BDO, Azamnagar RDD
6 Shiv Shankar Ramani Secretary NGO - KKVVBKS
7 Madan Kumar Accountant NGO - KKVVBKS
8 Satish Prasad CO, Pranpur Revenue
9 Rudrakant Dube Secretary NGO – MPEW Society
10 Rakesh Kr. Srivastav Secretary NGO - MJSS
11 Shakun Verma CO, Hasnganj Revenue
12 Srinivas Varadan Consultant The World Bank
13 Abdul Qayam Consultant BRDS
14 Ravindra Kumar BDO, Pranpur RDD
15 Arvind Mishra CO, Barsoi Revenue
16 Indrajeet Singh DHO Horticulture
17 Dr. Jagdish Chowdhury Under Secretary RDD
18 Dr. Om Prakash ACMO Health
19 Narendra Kumar BDO, Hasanganj RDD
20 Rajesh Kumar Singh Secretary NGO - APSS
21 Randhir Singh BDO, Balrampur RDD
22 P.C. Das Assistant DRDA (RDD)
23 A.K. Jha Assistant DRDA (RDD)
24 A. Ram DOP, Katihar Education
25 Archana Gupta BDO Dandkhora RDD
26 S. K. Jha DAO, Katihar Agriculture
27 R. N. Pandey CO, Sameli Revenue
28 Parshu Ram BDO, Falka RDD
29 S. K. Sahay CO, Kursela CO
30 Madhu Kumari BDO, Katihar RDD
31 Jaishankar Kumaar DO DRDA (RDD
32 Nuzhat Manzur BDO & designated for SC &
ST Welfare, Block Manihari
RDD
33 Bibha Kumar BDO, Amdabad RDD
34 Ashutosh Jha CO Falka Revenue
35 S. Singh CO, Amdabad Revenue
36 Arun Kumar Choubey BDO, Barari RDD
37 S. Kumar CO, Barari Revenue
38 Mahesh P Singh CO, Manihari Revenue
39 Kishor K Mandal Secretary NGO - SGV
40 H. K. Das Assistant DRDA (RDD)
41 Sandeep Kumar Assistant DRDA (RDD)
42 S. Singh Assistant DRDA (RDD)
43 Amit Chubey Secretary NGO - MPES
44 Usha Devi Assistant NGO - MPES
45 Pradeep Kumar Assistant NGO - MPES
Page 78 of 87
Annexure-4
Review of Existing Capacity for Environmental Safeguard Management
1. Profile of existing capacity of Infrastructure Development Authority (IDA)
1.1 Staff profile:
Designation/Post Qualifications No. of
posts
Key role Capacity building
needs in
environmental
management
Director (Project
Implementation)
Graduate Degree
in Engineering
1 Over all in-
charge of
program
implementation
All regular staff of
IDA has received
training on the
‘Green Building’
concept. However,
there is a perceived
need for further
training and skill up
gradation in
environment
management.
Chief Consultant
(PDA/Tecnical/
BoT)
Graduate Degree
in Engineering
5 Project
supervision
Consultant
(Design)
Graduate Degree
in Engineering
1 In-house
checking
Consultant
Planning
Graduate Degree
in Engineering
1 In-house
checking
Consultant
(Technical)
Graduate Degree
in Engineering
21 Supervision
Executive Diploma in Civil
Engineering
33 Supervision
Note: IDA has a panel of experts in different technical areas including Green Buildings, and
it seeks their services as per the requirement of the projects. IDA’s regular staff (listed in
table above) is mainly involved in supervision and monitoring of construction work.
1.2 Existing experience on environmental management
IDA has so far undertaken two projects that involved integration of environment-friendly
elements into construction. These are the Gaya Academic Block and the Forest Bhawan. IDA
has a well equipped laboratory for monitoring quality of construction materials. It has also
on-site lab facilities for testing and monitoring construction. IDA employs third-party
evaluation support to ensure quality construction.
2. Profile of existing capacity of SSUPSW:
2.1 Staff Profile:
Designation/Post Qualifications and
Experience
Number
of posts
Key role Capacity building
needs in
environmental
management
CEO Indian Revenue
Service
One Overall
coordination of
SSUPSW
The SSUPSW
team in the
present designated
role does not CEO/ Deputy M.Phil (NRM) One Almost all the
Page 79 of 87
CEO team members
have joined
SSUPW in
January 12.
All the team
members have
been functioning
in accordance
with their
designated role.
require capacity
building in
environment
management.
However, SPM
(M&E) and DPM
who are
responsible for
coordinating with
the technical
support agency
for construction of
environment
friendly buildings
and for ensuring
compliance of
construction
contractors with
code of practice
need training on
relevant aspects of
environmental
management.
State Program
Manager (SPM)-
Ultra poor
Post Graduate
Diploma in Rural
Development
(PGDRD)/ PG in
Public Health/
social science
One
SPM and PM
(CB)
PGDRD/ PGPRM One +
One
SPM and PM
(Communication
& Research)
MA (Mass
Communication)/
M.Phil
One +
One
PM-Nutrition Degree/ PhD in
Nutrition
One
Project
Coordinator (PC)
Asst. PC
MBA One +
One
PM-Disability LSW/ B. Ed (Spl.
Education)
One
PM-Service for
Older Person
PGDRD One
Profile of existing capacity of BRDS.
3.1 Staff Profile:
Designation/Post Qualifications Experience No.
of
post
s
Key role Capacity
building
needs in
environmenta
l management
Chief Operating
Officer/Managin
g Director
Two years full
time Post
Graduate
Degree in any
discipline OR
Two years full
time PG Degree
or Diploma in
Management
OR Four years
Graduate
Degree in
Engineering,
Agriculture &
Allied Sciences.
14 years of
handling
state or
national level
responsibility
at significant
scale in any
sector.
One Provide
direction and
leadership to
achieve the
vision, mission,
and objectives
of BRDS.
Be the guardian
of the core
principles of
BRDS.
Provide
direction and
support at the
regional,
district and
-
Page 80 of 87
local level
Programme
collaboration
and partnership
with
stakeholders
including
NGOs, private
sector,
financial
institutions,
and line
departments.
Ensure that
BRDS has both
local and state
level impact of
a demonstrably
high quality.
Responsible for
effective
management of
programmes
and human
resources of
BRDS.
State Programme
Director-
MNREGA
Two years full
time Post
Graduate
Degree in any
discipline OR
Two years full
time PG
Degree/Diplom
a in
Management
OR Two years
full time MSW
OR Four years
Graduate
Degree in
Engineering,
Agriculture &
Allied Sciences.
12 years
experience in
relevant
domain such
as similar
rural
development
programmes
at scale
One Overall
responsibility
for
implementation
of MNREGS
according to
the Act at state,
district, block
and panchayat
levels.
Ensure that the
programme
meets its
objectives and
impacts the
lives of the
targeted
beneficiaries.
Provide overall
leadership and
guidance to
teams at the
State, District,
Block and
-
Page 81 of 87
Panchayat
level.
Forge
partnerships
with other
stakeholders
including line
departments,
private sectors
and civil
society
organizations.
Overall
coordination
and supervision
of programme
implementation
.
Director– Social
Audit
Same as above. 8 years of
work
experience
with
demonstrated
commitment
towards
issues of
transparency,
accountabilit
y in
Governance
One Provide Policy
guidance to
BRDS on
Social Audit
Processes and
ensure calendar
based social
audit.
Ensure the
autonomy and
purity of the
social audit
process and
implementation
.
Ensure that all
policy level
decisions
related to the
Social Audit
are
implemented.
Provide
guidance and
manage the
Social Audit
Directorate of
BRDS.
Sensitize all
stakeholders on
social audit
process
-
Page 82 of 87
Work towards
brining full
transparency in
all BRDS
programs.
Head - Capacity
Building, HR
and Facility
Management
Two years full
time Post
Graduate
Degree/Diplom
a in
Management
OR Two year
full time PG
Degree/Diplom
a in Human
Resource
Management
OR Two years
full time MSW.
Minimum 10
years of
experience in
HR/Facility
Management
and Capacity
Building
domain
preferably of
handling
operations at
state/
national level
One Assess relevant
training needs
for staff
individuals and
organization, in
consultation
with unit heads.
Develop
Capacity
Building
Strategy,
training
modules and
programmes to
meet training
and
development
needs of all
BRDS Staff.
Ensure quality
of delivery of
Capacity
Building
activities.
Ensure that
Capacity
Building efforts
result in greater
programme
effectiveness in
the field.
Orientation
training in
environment
management
to enable
coordination
of capacity
building
programmes
on
environmenta
l management
to BRDS and
MNREGS
staff.
Team Leader –
Monitoring,
Evaluation and
Learning
Two years full
time PG
Degree/Diplom
a in
Management
OR Two year
full time MSW
OR Four years
Graduate
Degree in
Engineering,
Agriculture &
Allied Sciences.
Minimum 10
years of
experience in
thematic
domain
preferably of
handling
operations at
state/national
level
One Ensure the
development of
appropriate
monitoring and
learning
environment
and systems
across BRDS.
Ensure
successful roll
out of the
Monitoring and
Evaluation
systems across
Orientation
training in
environment
management
to enable
monitoring of
environmenta
l management
aspects of
MNREGS
and IAY.
Page 83 of 87
BRDS and will
contribute
towards
capacity
building of the
staff.
Build a
streamlined
reporting
system across
all levels.
Conduct
Review and
monitoring of
all
programmes.
Ensure that
programme
data is
collected in a
timely manner,
analyzed to an
appropriate
recognized
standard,
evaluated
accurately,
clearly and
presented to
BRDS
management
and to the
people of
Bihar.
Maintain and
manage
institutional
memory of
BRDS.
State Level Advisors
Engineering Four years
Graduate
Degree in
Engineering or
higher
Minimum 10
years of
experience in
thematic
domain
preferably of
handling
operations at
state/national
level
One Provide
strategic
guidance to
BRDS in their
respective
thematic area,
including
formulating
policies,
designing
Training on
environment
management
of MNREGS
works and
IAY housing. Natural Resource
Management
Four years
Graduate
Degree in
Engineering
OR Two years
One
Page 84 of 87
full time PG
Diploma in
Management
OR Two years
full time
Graduate
Degree in
Agriculture &
Allied Sciences.
implementing
guidelines and
ensuring
quality
implementation
.
Partnership
management
with service
providers both
public and
private,
coordinating
relationship
with project
stakeholders as
well as external
resource
agencies
Convergence
with
Government
department,
linkages with
financial
institutions,
building
capacity of
NGOs and civil
society
organizations
Institution &
Capacity
Building
Two years full
time PG
Diploma in
Management
OR Two years
full time MSW
OR Two year
fill time Post
Graduate
Degree/Diplom
a in Human
Resource
Management.
Minimum 10
years of
experience in
thematic
domain
preferably of
handling
operations at
state/
national
level.
Undertake
reviews,
evaluations and
research
(including field
research) to
further enhance
quality of the
programmes.
Provide
trainings to
Project staff,
including
handholding
support
wherever
required
Orientation
on
environment
management
to enable
coordination
of capacity
building
activities on
environmenta
l management
in MNREGS
and IAY.
Convergence
Coordinator
Two years full
time PG
Minimum 8
years of
Build
Partnerships
Training in
environment
Page 85 of 87
Degree/Diplom
a in
Management
OR Four year
Graduate
Degree in
Engineering,
Agriculture &
Allied Sciences.
experience
particularly
in rural
housing
preferably of
handling
operations at
state/
national level
and Linkages –
with other
government
departments
and
programmes
particularly
IAY, private
sector and civil
society
organizations –
for social
inclusion, for
economic
inclusion &
linkages -
Training
institutions, etc
Develop
guidelines for
building
partnerships
particularly for
IAY.
Periodic review
of partnerships
management
aspects of
IAY housing.
Monitoring,
Evaluation and
Learning Team
(2)
A full time Post
Graduate
Degree/Diplom
a in
Management
OR full time
MSW OR Four
year Graduate
degree in
Engineering,
Agriculture &
Allied Sciences.
At least 2
year
experience in
relevant
domain
09 Ensure
successful roll
out of the
Monitoring &
Learning
Strategy
Guiding &
Undertaking
periodic
evaluations
including
evaluation
studies and
other need
based
documentation.
Thematic
reviews of the
programmes at
the State Level
Undertaking
Data analysis,
trend analysis
for strategic as
Orientation
training in
environment
management
to enable
monitoring of
environmenta
l management
aspects of
MNREGS
and IAY.
Page 86 of 87
well as
operational
decision
making.
Train other
staff to
carryout
participatory
and
conventional
monitoring and
evaluation
Programme
Executives (10)
Two years full
time PG
Degree/
Diploma in
Management
OR Two years
full time MSW
OR a Four
years Graduate
Degree in
Engineering,
Agriculture or
Allied Sciences
NIL 10 Managerial
assistance to
Directors,
Team Leaders
and State Level
Advisors
Support rolling
out of
strategies at the
district and
block levels
Documentation
and Reporting
Liaise/ follow
up with
Districts/
stakeholders
Orientation
on
environment
management
aspects of
MNREGS
and IAY.
3.2 Existing experience on environmental management:
3.2.1 Integration of environmental considerations into the planning process of MNREGS
works: The works permitted under the MNREGS are those which adhere to good Natural
Resource Management. These include works on water conservation; drought proofing;
plantation; soil and moisture conservation; land development; up gradation of wastelands;
recovery of wetlands and marshy lands, etc.
To facilitate this, the following have initiatives have been taken:
Decentralise planning up to ward level (sub-Gram Panchayat)
Provision for technical staff for a cluster of Gram Panchayats to provide technical
support to the ward Sabha to formulate plans for MNREGS works.
Provision for hiring of technical experts at district level.
3.2.2 Monitoring of quality of MNREGS works: The existing technical staff of the
Department of Rural Development catering to MNREGS are as follows:
There is one Panchayat Technical Assistant per Gram Panchayat who takes
measurement of every work and is also responsible for ensuring quality check as per
the estimate.
There is one Junior Engineer for every 10 Gram Panchayats who is responsible for
quality check for 100 percent of the schemes under his charge.
Page 87 of 87
There are Assistant Engineers and Executive Engineers at the district level who are
responsible for conducting quality checks on 10 percent of the schemes under their
charge.
In addition to this, teams of technical persons headed by senior Deputy Collectors and
other district level officials visit randomly selected Blocks/Panchayats on every
Wednesday and conduct a 100 percent verification of the MNREGS works done.
Follow-up of the monitoring is carried out through: block level weekly review by
Program Officers on every Tuesday of all Panchayar Rozgar Sevaks (PRS); monthly
review by DM, DPC/DDC, ADPC; monthly review at the state level of DDCs, weekly
video conferencing with 10 poor-performing blocks every week by the state
monitoring team.
3.2.3 Good environmental management practices taken up in MNREGS works in Bihar:
The provision for taking up plantation works under MNREGS by appointing one Van Poskak
(care-taker) for every unit of 200 plants has been instituted (by developing detailed guidelines
and schedule of rates) to ensure the survival and growth of the saplings. This has resulted in
the creation of large scale work in Tirhut, Gaya, Patna, Munger, etc., and has also led to the
creation of green cover. The scheme has also emphasized on promotion of organic manures.
Detailed guidelines (and schedule of rates) of organic manures have been issued. Training
workshops by resource persons in organic farming such as Subhas Palekar have been
organized both at the state level and in the districts of Muzaffarpur, Begusarai, etc.
3.2.4 Integration of environmental management in IAY housing:
IAY guidelines provide for construction of earthquake resistant houses with
provisions for smokeless cookstoves, toilet and plantation of trees. The guidelines
also provide a framework for convergence with total sanitation campaign. The
construction of IAY houses is done by the beneficiaries themselves. While there is
emphasis on providing design and technical support for the construction, no fund is
allocated for the same from the Central Government.
The quality monitoring of the houses is in the hands of beneficiaries themselves. In
cases where the state has made a specific intervention like in Kosi region, flood
resistant houses are being built with the technical support of the state, by providing an
additional state support of Rs 20,000 per housing unit.
Monitoring of the construction up to plinth and lintel level, and, construction of toilets
is monitored by the Panchayat Sachiv (Secretary). Weekly monitoring and follow
up/review are done by the Block Development Officers (BDOs). Monthly review
meeting is being carried out by DM/DDC.
Examples of integration of good environment management practices in IAY in Bihar
include the construction of flood resistant houses in the Kosi region, convergence
with smokeless chulhas in Madhubani and Nalanda districts, and, convergence of the
IAY program with the total sanitation campaign.