environmental assessment and environment management framework

Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening Project

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Bihar Integrated Social Protection

Strengthening Project

Environmental Assessment

and

Environment

Management Framework

October 5, 2013

(Draft)

Government of Bihar

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Table of Contents

Acronyms ........................................................................................ 4

Section 1: Project Background and Description .................................. 6

1.1 Introduction ........................................................................................... 6

1.2 Social Protection Programs in Bihar ...................................................... 6

1.3 Challenges to Social Protection Program Delivery in Bihar ..................... 8

1.4 Project Rationale ..................................................................................... 9

1.5 Project Development Objective ............................................................. 10

1.6 Project Components ............................................................................. 10

1.7 Project Cost and Financing ................................................................... 13

1.8 Proposed Project Duration .................................................................... 13

Section 2 : Over-view of Environmental Conditions .......................... 14

2.1 Environmental Profile ............................................................................ 14

2.1.1 Climate ................................................................................................ 14

2.1.2 Agro-Climatic Conditions ................................................................... 15

2.1.3 Soil Types .......................................................................................... 16

2.1.4 Water Resources ................................................................................ 17

2.1.5 Land use ............................................................................................ 19

2.1.6 Floral and Faunal Diversity ................................................................. 23

2.1.7 Protected Areas ................................................................................... 23

2.1.8 Forests ................................................................................................ 24

2.1.9 State’s Disaster Risk Profile ................................................................ 24

2.2 Socio-economic Profile .......................................................................... 26

2.2.1 Demographic ....................................................................................... 26

2.2.2 Households .......................................................................................... 27

2.2.3 Population by Religion ........................................................................ 27

2.2.4 Birth and Death Rates ......................................................................... 28

2.2.5 Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes ............................................. 28

2.2.6 Literacy ............................................................................................... 29

2.2.7 Economy .............................................................................................. 29

2.2.8 Total Workers ...................................................................................... 29

2.2.9 Agricultural/Non-agricultural Distribution of Workers ........................ 30

2.2.10 Income .............................................................................................. 30

2.2.11 Vulnerable Population ....................................................................... 30

2.3 Administrative Set-up ........................................................................... 31

Section 3 : Overview of Policy and Regulatory Requirements ............ 34

3.1 National Laws and Regulations ............................................................. 34

3.2 World Bank Operational Policies ........................................................... 37

Section 4 : Potential Environmental Impacts ................................... 41

4.1 Positive Benefits of the Project ............................................................. 43

4.2 Potential Adverse Impacts on Environment .......................................... 44


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4.2.1 Environmental Impacts associated with Buniyad Centers ................... 44

4.2.2 Environmental Impacts associated with MGNREGS ............................ 47

4.2.3 Environmental Impact/Issues Associated with IAY ............................ 52

4.3 Conclusion ............................................................................................. 54

Section 5: Environment Management Process and Guidelines ............ 55

5.1 Environment Management Process ........................................................ 56

5.1.1 Need for Environmental Management Framework ............................... 56

5.1.2 Purpose and Objectives of EMF .......................................................... 57

5.2 Managing Impacts of Directly Supported Project Activities .............................. 58

5.3 Managing Impacts of In-directly Supported Project Activities .......................... 62

Section 6: Stakeholder Consultation................................................ 64

6.1 Stakeholder Consultation ............................................................................ 64

6.2 Types/ Categories of Stakeholders ............................................................... 64

6.3 Process of Stakeholder Consultation ........................................................... 65

6.4 Stakeholder Consultation in BISPSP ............................................................. 65

6.5 Type of Consultations ................................................................................ 65

6.6 Key Findings from the District Level Consultations ........................................ 67

6.7 Follow-up District Level Consultations ......................................................... 70

Section 7: Institution Arrangements ............................................... 71

7.1 Project Implementation Arrangements ........................................................ 71

7.1.1 State Level Entities ................................................................................ 71

7.1.2 District Level Entities ............................................................................. 73

7.1.3 Block Level Entities ................................................................................. 74

7.2 Institutional Arrangements for Environment Management .............................. 74

7.3 Monitoring and Reporting .......................................................................... 75

7.4 Training and Capacity Building for Environmental Management ....................... 76


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Acronyms

BPL Below Poverty Line

BPRS Bihar Panchayati Raj Society

BPSM Bihar Prashasnik Sudhar Mission

BRDS Bihar Rural Development Society

BSIOPS Bihar State Integrated Older Persons Scheme

BSRR Bihar State Resident Registry

BSWAN Bihar State Wide Area Network

CBO Community Based Organization

CBR Community-Based Rehabilitation

CDMA Central Database Management Agency

CEO Chief Executive Officer

CHC Community Health Center

COO Chief Operations Officer

CSC Community Service Center

DDRC District Disability Rehabilitation Centers

DMT District Management Team

DoSW Department of Social Welfare

DPMU District Project Management Unit

EA Environmental Assessment

EMF Environment Management Framework

FM Financial Management

FY Financial Year

GoB Government of Bihar

GoI Government of India

GSDP Gross State Domestic Product

IAY Indira Awaas Yojana

IIMDSS Integrated Information Management and Decision Support System

IT Information Technology

KBKBS Kabhi Bhi Kahin Bhi Sewayen

M&E Monitoring and Evaluation


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MGNREGS Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme

MIS Management Information System

NeGP National e-Governance Plan

NGO Non-Governmental Organization

NRHM National Rural Health Mission

NSS National Sample Survey

PDS Public Distribution System

PHC Primary Health Center

PRI Panchayati Raj Institution

PWD Person With Disability

RDD Rural Development Department

RSBY Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana

RTI Right to Information

RTPS Right to Public Service

SDC State Data Center

SECC Socio-economic and Caste Census

SGSY Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojna

SMF Social Management Framework

SIL Specific Investment Lending

SP Social Protection

SSUPSW State Society for Ultra Poor and Social Welfare

WB The World Bank


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Section 1: Project Background and Description

1.1 Introduction

Bihar is India’s third largest state with a population of 104 million and approximately 54

million people currently living below the poverty line. The state’s over-all economy has

grown rapidly at 11 percent per annum between 2004-05 and 2010-11 with agriculture

and related activities growing at 4 percent per annum during this period.

In the last decade, Bihar has also made impressive improvements in human

development outcomes in terms of access to schooling and health. However, illiteracy,

under-nutrition, infant and child mortality continue to be issues of concern. Bihar is

primarily rural and agrarian, with high levels of landlessness, land fragmentation,

dependency on agriculture and high levels of seasonal migration. The state is also

vulnerable to natural disasters, with nearly three-fourths of the state prone to seasonal

flooding.1

Despite the impressive growth, the share of the rural population living below the poverty

line witnessed little change from 55.7 percent in 2004-05 to 55.3 percent in 2009-10.

However, certain groups including persons with disabilities, older persons and widows,

are especially vulnerable to economic shocks and rising living costs. The census of 2001

estimated that there are about 5.5 million people aged 60 and above; 2 million widowed,

separated or divorced women and; about 1.9 million persons with disabilities (PWDs) in

Bihar, constituting about 6.6 percent, 2.4 percent and 2.3 percent of the population

respectively.2

1.2 Social Protection Programs in Bihar

Social care service provision is largely absent for older persons, persons with disabilities

and widows, and policies to cover these groups are still under development. These

groups are also underserved by existing programs - other than social pensions and some

limited provision of institutional care, existing mechanisms for care and support for older

persons and persons with disabilities are very limited. Provision of non-institutional care

is largely restricted to sporadic NGO-led interventions.

Bihar is yet to formulate a state policy for Older Persons, has only recently adopted the

National Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act (2007) and the

State Disability Policy is still in draft stage. The draft Bihar State Integrated Older

Persons Scheme (BSIOPS) is currently under discussion, and if introduced by Govt. of

Bihar, would include a provision for social care services and facilitator-led home and

community-based care for older persons.

1 Flood Management Information System (FMIS), Water Resources Department, Govt. of Bihar.

2 However, there is growing evidence that people with disabilities comprise between 4 and 8% of the

Indian population (World Bank 2009). Using this prevalence rate yields about 3.3 to 6.6 million PWDs

in Bihar.


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Social protection spending is fairly high in Bihar (refer Table 1.1) and there are several

programs in place to meet the needs of the poor and vulnerable.3 These include social

assistance programs with in-kind or cash transfers such as:

(i) Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) - a

rights-based, demand-driven public works program that guarantees all rural

households up to 100 days annually of unskilled public works employment on

demand;

(ii) Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY) - cash transfers to poor rural households for building

houses and;

(iii) Social pensions - cash transfers for older persons, widows and persons with

disabilities.

Expenditure on these three categories of programs in Financial Year (FY) 2010-11 was

Rs. 64,730 million and accounted for 74 percent of the total social protection spending in

the state or about 3.04 percent of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). However,

expenditures on social care services are minimal.

Table 1.1: Expenditure on Social Protection spending in Bihar (2010-11)

Social Protection Scheme Allocation

(Rs. mn)

Expenditure

(Rs. mn)

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme 31,938 26,320

Indira Awaas Yojana 34,151 30,226

Social Pensions 8,285 8,095

Total (3 main programs) 74,463 64,730

Other SP Programs * 29,863 22,355

Total SP expenditure (all) 104,325 87,085

Expenditure on 3 main programs as % of total SP expenditure 71% 74%

Expenditure on 3 main programs as % of GSDP 3.49% 3.04%

Sources: Administrative Data, Govt. of Bihar.

* Other social protection programs include the Public Distribution System (PDS) among others.

While significant resources are provided for the three major programs, the performance

of these programs falls short of their poverty reduction potential due to low awareness

and inadequate capacity to implement. For instance, one study estimates that, if

MGNREGS was implemented as intended, the extra labor earnings from MGNREGS could

potentially bring down the poverty rate in Bihar by about 10 percent points rather than

its actual impact of closer to 1 percent point.4

3 Central spending on social protection was 2.2 percent in 2008-09 (World Bank - 2011), though this does not

take into account the expansion of central MGNREGS and social pensions spending in recent years.

4 Estimates from an impact evaluation of MGNREGS conducted in 2009 and 2010 in rural Bihar by the World

Bank at the request of the Rural Development Department.


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The potential to increase program coverage and thereby to address deprivation and

poverty in Bihar is high. For instance, in 2009-10, only 18 percent of rural households

got work on MGNREGS worksites, 14 percent of rural households received IAY benefits

and 8 percent of rural households reported getting at least one type of social pension

(old age, widowed or disability). MGNREGS is designed as a demand-driven scheme, and

only about one third of households that wanted to work on the scheme actually got

work, though the number of days was short of the 100 day guarantee. Similarly, only 12

percent of the eligible disabled persons are provided disability pensions.5 The evidence

on other aspects of performance is somewhat mixed.6

1.3 Challenges to Social Protection Program Delivery in Bihar

Challenges in implementing SP programs have been identified collaboratively by GoB and

the World Bank (WB) under the Bihar Capacity Building Technical Assistance program

(BCBTA). These assessments were instrumental in examining current systems for Social

Protection delivery, identifying critical challenges and developing consensus for reform.

Key findings of the assessments are described below:

(i) Constraints related to awareness generation, enrollment, beneficiary management

and benefit payments impede effective delivery

Awareness of rights and information about the processes to access these rights remains

low, especially among women, due to inadequate communication and outreach coupled

with social stratification and illiteracy. Standardization of processes for beneficiary

enrolment would reduce ambiguity and make the process of enrolment more inclusive

and transparent. Additionally, the poor and vulnerable are likely to be excluded where

there is discriminatory access to information and benefits, where application procedures

are too complex or impose high transaction costs. Finally, benefit payments are

hampered because the banking network has low penetration in many blocks of the state

and the postal system has weak capacity. In addition, without real time financial

management and monitoring systems, implementing agencies are unable to ensure

sufficient funds are available in a timely fashion. As a result, there are significant delays

in benefit payments that likely have serious implications for the very poorest and most

vulnerable.7

(ii) Human resource gaps constrain the ability to deliver SP programs

At the state level, specific technical skills are required, including policy and program

development for vulnerable groups, managing e-governance initiatives, financial and

contract management, monitoring and performance management, among others. At the

5 Based on administrative data and census data on population and share of elderly.

6 For MGNREGS, the evidence suggests that poor and Scheduled Caste/Tribe households are more

likely to get work, though women were substantially less likely to get work than men. In the case of

IAY and social pensions, the Below Poverty Line (BPL) Census is used to identify the poor. However,

there have been reports of inclusion and exclusion errors, as evidenced by the over 60 lakh appeals

made in 2008 following an update of BPL status.

7 For instance, field work during project preparation indicated that social pension beneficiaries typically

received benefits once in six months, instead of Rs. 200 (approximately $4) every month.


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district-level and below, the current delivery structure is inadequate to meet the

increasing needs of the target groups. For instance, there is a single district officer

responsible for overseeing all social welfare policies, legislation and programs in the

district. Most Social Protection programs – IAY, social pensions, social care services - do

not have dedicated and qualified staff at the district-level and below, and rely on the

Block Development Officer, who is responsible for overseeing all rural development and

social protection schemes in addition to performing all other administrative, revenue and

law and order functions at the block level. MGNREGS is the sole exception, with

dedicated contractual staff at the district, block and panchayat level, although training

remains an issue. Panchayati Raj Institutions (elected local governments) play a central

role, but have limited capacity for implementation and oversight of social protection

programs.

(iii) Challenges relating to performance monitoring and accountability also impede

service delivery.

Existing monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems do not provide adequate support for

planning and decision making. At present, implementing agencies lack the requisite

Information Technology systems to track beneficiaries and benefits in a timely fashion.

Field level validation of program performance and social audits are in their infancy. There

is limited ability to systematically monitor performance, address bottlenecks at different

stages of delivery, and provide timely feedback to program administrators.

(iv) Institutional arrangements and coordination issues.

Like most states in India, the state system for social protection program delivery in Bihar

is spread across various Departments and therefore often lacks coordination and

convergence across programs or the implementing departments. In Bihar, in addition to

MGNREGS and IAY, Rural Development also implements the Below Poverty Line (BPL)

list which is used across several social protection programs to identify poor households in

rural areas. The Department of Social Welfare is responsible for social pensions and

social care services.8 At present, beneficiary records are stored in multiple formats

across various government agencies, resulting in fragmented information of variable

quality. The lack of an authoritative and unified registry transfers the burden of proof of

identity and eligibility to beneficiaries, who often face problems and incur costs in the

process. This can lead to the exclusion of eligible beneficiaries (due to lack of required

documents on age and identity), inclusion of ineligible beneficiaries (due to fake identity

and lack of cross-checking between program databases) and high transaction costs for

both beneficiaries and program administrators.

1.4 Project Rationale

For such reasons explained above, 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

8 The two other major SP programs – Public Distribution System (PDS, subsidized food) and Rashtriya

Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY, subsidized health insurance) - are administered by the Department of

Food and Civil Supplies and the Department of Labor respectively.


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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 social protection 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

aims to strengthen institutional capacity to deliver social protection programs and

services and expand outreach of social care services for poor & vulnerable, persons with

disabilities, older persons and widows in Bihar.

1.5 Project Development Objective

The Project Development Objective is to strengthen institutional capacity to deliver social

protection programs and services and expand outreach of social care services for poor

and vulnerable households, persons with disabilities, older persons and widows in Bihar.

The ultimate goal of the Project is to improve the effectiveness with which resources are

managed and deployed to provide quality services to programs beneficiaries.

1.6 Project Components

The project would focus on programs administered by the Department of Social Welfare

(DoSW) including social pensions (cash transfers) and social care services for older

persons, widows, and persons with disabilities, and by the Rural Development

Department (RDD) which oversees the provision of MGNREGS and IAY. Specifically, the

project would provide support for: (1) strengthening capacity to implement and monitor

these programs at the state, district and block levels; and (2) strengthening outreach

and social protection service delivery. On these lines, the proposed project includes two

specific components:

Component 1: Strengthening Social Protection Systems and Capacity

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, district and block levels. This component

has two sub-components, reflecting support to each of the two state implementing

agencies, as follows:

Sub-Component 1.1: Strengthening systems and capacity for safety net delivery

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 disbursement of benefits and grievance

redressal. The creation of a Bihar State Resident Registry (BSRR) to track

beneficiaries of selected social protection schemes will be supported, as will

strengthening financial management systems and capacity at the state, district and

block levels for all central and state schemes and scaling up e-payments to

beneficiaries;


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(ii) Strengthening staff capacity and performance incentives by developing a HR policy,

performance management system, and training system for building staff capacity

and for monitoring the quality of training delivered; and

(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 management information systems

(MIS) as well as to undertake field assessments and social audits. Procedures for

dealing with appeals/grievances related to selected social protection schemes,

especially MGNREGS and IAY, will also be developed.

Consulting and non-consulting services, additional technical staff, required training and

capacity building, goods, and incremental operating costs will be provided.

Sub-Component 1.2: Strengthening systems and capacity for social pension and

social care service delivery

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

persons with disabilities, older persons and widows;

(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,

for disbursement of benefit payments, and for grievance redressal.

Procedures for public-private-community partnerships would be developed and

capacity would be built for contract and performance management of private sector

service providers and other partners to support SSUPSW put in place a mechanism

for partnership management. IT applications for social pensions and social care

services will be developed to enable case management and tracking of all stages of

service delivery;

(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; and

(iv) Setting up monitoring and accountability mechanisms to enable the monitoring of

social pensions and social care services. A comprehensive M&E strategy will be

developed and capacity built to operate the management information system (MIS)

that will be developed as well as to undertake field assessments and social audits.

Support for improving funds management by designing and piloting e-payments for

social protection schemes will be provided.

Consulting and non-consulting services, technical staff, required training and capacity

building, goods, and incremental operating costs will be provided.


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Component 2: Strengthening Outreach and Social Protection Service Delivery

Under this component, the Project would support state-wide coverage of social care

services by establishing 101 Social Care Service Centers. Pilots to support improving

outreach through mobile outreach and therapy services, testing models of community

based rehabilitation, and an “Innovation Window,” which would test innovative proposals

to further improve social services, would also be supported.

Sub-component 2.1: Establish and Strengthen Social Care Services

This sub-component would support establishing social care services across the state

through Social Care Service Centers (referred to as Buniyad Centers) that would

provide high quality care, support and rehabilitation services for older persons, widows

and persons with disabilities. A Buniyad Center would be set up in each of the 101 sub-

divisions across the state. From among the 101 centers, 38 centers would be further

strengthened as district level centers with additional human resource and infrastructure

to undertake monitoring and supervision of social care services in each district.

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, and would be provided either in-

house or through a referral network. This sub-component would finance the

construction, maintenance and operation of these Centers. It would also finance

renovations of select government buildings, which will house temporary centers where

service provision will be initiated during the first year of the project.

Sub-component 2.2: Pilot Models in Social Protection Delivery

Under this sub-component, the Project would support strengthening access and outreach

of select social protection services in the state through:

Establishing mobile outreach and therapy services to improve coverage and outreach

of social care services and other social protection services for the target beneficiary

groups. The project would support one mobile therapy service van in each district,

fully equipped with diagnostic, therapeutic equipment and audio-visual systems.

Developing and piloting workable models for Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR)

of older persons, widows and persons with disabilities. 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 focal service providers for these groups.

Sub-Component 2.3: Innovation Window

This sub-component would finance small-scale pilots that contribute toward the project

objectives by testing innovative mechanisms for increasing community level outreach for

effective delivery of social protection programs and services at the local level; enhancing

promotion and participation of stakeholders and project beneficiaries; and providing

social protection for the poor and vulnerable during emergencies and disasters. This sub-


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component would be initiated in the third year of the project and would finance eligible

expenditures (including goods, services and operating costs) for the pilots.

Project

1.7 Project Cost and Financing

The Project would be financed by an IDA Credit of US$84 million with an estimated

Government of Bihar contribution of US$36 million. IDA would retroactively finance

eligible expenditures incurred by the Government during the one year period prior to

Credit signing (expected in January 2014). These expenditures will include those

incurred in conducting the necessary environmental and social safeguard assessments,

advance procurement action taken for large contracts, and recruitment of contractual

staff for both implementing agencies, among others. Estimates by sub-components are

shown in the Table 1.2 given below.

Table 1.2 : Project Cost – Component-wise Break-up

Components

IDA

Financing

(US$ million)

GOB

Financing

(US$ million)

Total

(US$ million)

Component 1 23.0 9.9 32.9

1.1 Strengthening Systems and Capacity for Safety

Net Delivery 17.1 7.3 24.4

1.2 Strengthening Systems and Capacity for Social

Pension and Social Care Service Delivery 5.9 2.5 8.5

Component 2 61.0 26.1 87.1

2.1 Establish and Strengthen Social Care Services 48.6 20.8 69.5

2.2 Pilot Modes in SP Delivery 8.9 3.8 12.7

2.3 Innovation Window 3.4 1.5 4.9

T o t a l 84.0 36.0 120.0

1.8 Proposed Project Duration

The project duration is estimated to be six years to allow adequate time to design,

construct, equip, staff, operate and evaluate the proposed service centers, which

account for the majority of the total project cost. It is estimated that two to three years

would be required to fully set up these centers, leaving another three to four years to

engage in service provision.


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Section 2 : Over-view of Environmental Conditions

Bihar is located between 24°20'10" and 27°31'15"N latitude and 82°19'50" and

88°17'40"E longitude in the eastern part of the India and situated at about 52.73 m

height above sea level . It is an entirely land locked state and is surrounded by

West Bengal in the east, Uttar Pradesh in the West and the State of Jharkhand in

the South. In the North, Bihar shares its boundary with Nepal.

The project will be implemented across the administrative divisions in the state of Bihar.

A Buniyad Center would be set-up in each of the 101 sub-divisions across the state

under Component 2 of the project would to support establishment of social care services

across the state. From among the 101 centers, 38 centers would be further strengthened

as district level centers with additional human resource and infrastructure to undertake

monitoring and supervision of social care services in each district. Further, the project

seeks to strengthen delivery systems of MGNREGS and IAY programs, which also have a

state wide implementation characteristic. It is therefore imperative to appreciate the

environmental profile in which the project will be implemented. This section provides

the geographic, physiographic and socio-economic profile of Bihar along with

environmental baseline.

2.1 Environmental Profile

Bihar state is 12th largest in terms of geographical size (94,163 sq. km) and 3 rd

largest by population (10.38 crores) as per Census 2011, in the country. It is also

known for its abundant natural resources, perennial rivers, fertile lands and a long

glorious history. In spite of all these conditions, the state remained one of the

poorest states in the country since independence. The humid West Bengal in the

east and the sub humid Uttar Pradesh in the West provides it with a transitional

position in respect of climate, economy and culture.

The poverty condition further deteriorated after the state’s division in 2000 (when

Jharkhand was separated from Bihar as a new state). After the division, Bihar

retained almost 75 percent of the population, while it is left with only 54 percent of

the land, thus inducing a lot of strain on the available resources.

2.1.1 Climate

Being located between 25 to 27 degree north latitude, the climate of Bihar is of mostly

sub-tropical. Nevertheless region close to Tropic of Cancer experiences tropical climate

during summer. Like all the Indian states, Bihar also reels under hot summer season

during months of March to May. Average temperature is 35-40 degree Celsius

throughout the summer months. April and June are the hottest months of the year.

December to January is the winter season in Bihar. The winter in Bihar is mild with

average temperature being 5 to 10 degree Celsius.

Bihar gets its maximum rainfall during South-West monsoon season which prevails from

June to September. The natural precipitation varies from 990 to 1700 mm and most of

the precipitation is received during the month of July to September. The average annual

rainfall of Bihar is 1271.9 mm and the average number of rainy days is 52.5.


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Monthly Average Rainfall and Potential Evapotranspiration

The monthly average rainfall and potential evapotranspiration in Bihar is presented in

graph.

The Zone-II North East Alluvial Plains has the highest rainfall ranging between 1200-

1700 mm, the Zone-I North West Alluvial Plains has rainfall between 1040-1450 mm,

and the Zone-III, South Bihar Alluvial Plains has the lowest rainfall ranging between

990-1240 mm. The districts of Kishanganj, Araria, West Champaran and Purnia receive

over 1400 mm rainfall while Patna and Nalanda receive less than 1000 mm of rainfall

annually.

2.1.2 Agro-Climatic Conditions

Bihar with a geographical area of about 94,200 sq. km. is divided by river Ganges into

two parts, the north Bihar with an area of 53,300 sq. km. and the south Bihar having an

area of 40,900 sq. km. Based on soil characterization, rainfall, temperature and terrain,

four main agro-climatic zones in Bihar have been identified each with its own unique

prospects. The districts falling within these agro-climatic zones have been listed out on

Table 2.1.

Agro climatic zone I and II are located north of the river Ganges whereas the Zone III is

located south of the river Ganges. Zone I is situated in the north western part of the

state whereas zone II is located in the north eastern part. Zones I and II are flood prone

whereas zone III is drought prone.

Table 2.1 : Agro-Climatic Zones

Agro-climatic Zone Districts

Agro- climatic zone I

(Northern West)

West Champaran, East Champaran, Siwan, Saran,

Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Madhubani,

Darbhanga, Samastipur, Gopalganj and Begusarai


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Agro-climatic Zone Districts

Agro-climatic Zone II

(Northern East)

Purnea, Katihar, Saharsa, Supaul, Madhepura, Khagaria,

Araria and Kishanganj.

Agro-climatic zone IIIA

(Southern East)

Sheikhpura, Munger, Jamui, Lakhisarai, Bhagalpur and

Banka.

Agro-climatic zone IIIB

(Southern West)

Rohtas, Bhojpur, Buxar, Bhabhua, Arwal, Patna, Nalanda,

Nawada, Jehanabad, Aurangabad and Gaya.

Potential-wise all three agro climatic zones have vast untapped potential for increasing

the productivity of food grain crops. There are three crop seasons, Kharif, Rabi and Zaid.

Rice, wheat and pulses are grown in all the districts – however, the choice of the crop

and crop rotation varies across the agro climatic zone.

2.1.3 Soil Types

As far as soil resources are concerned, Bihar has three types of soil: montane, alluvium

and marshy/swampy soil of Terai. Across the state, soil texture varies from sandy loam

Soil Types


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to heavy clay. However, the majority type belongs to loam category which is good for

crop cultivation. Soil pH varies from 6.5 to 8.4.

2.1.4 Water Resources

The Bihar plain is divided into two unequal halves by the River Ganga which flows

through the middle from West to East. Close to 88 percent of the population lives in

villages Bihar is richly endowed with water resources, both the ground water resource

and the surface water resources, which is in use for drinking purposes, irrigation and

industries.

Not only by rainfall but it also has considerable water supply from the rivers which flow

within the territory of the State. Ganga is the main river which is joined by tributaries

with their sources in the Himalayas. Some of them are Saryu (Ghaghra), Gandak, Burhi

Gandak, Bagmati, Kamla-Balan and Mahananda. There are some other rivers that start

from the plateau region and meet in Ganges or its associate rivers after flowing towards

north. Some of these are Sone, Uttari Koyal, Punpun, Panchane and Karmnasha. These

rivers make the water available for irrigation and also help in generating the hydro

energy for the state. Apart from this, they provide a medium for water transport and

support the fishery industry in the state. The details of the main rivers are given in

Table 2.2:

River Basins


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Table 2.2 : River Systems in Bihar

Name of the

Basin

Catchment

Area

Length of

River in Bihar

Embankment

Constructed

Flood

Prone Area

Protected

Area

(Sq.Km) (Km) (Km) (Sq.Km) (Sq.Km)

Ganga 19322 445 596.92 12920 4300

Burhi Gandak 9601 320 704.26 8210 4010

Kiul Harohar 17225 - 14 6340 Nil

Kosi 11410 260 387.51 10150 9300

Punpun 9026 235 37.62 6130 260

Mahananda 6150 376 225.33 5150 1210

Sone 15820 202 59.54 3700 210

Bagmati 6500 394 400.79 4440 3170

Kamla Balan 4488 120 184.9 3700 2810

Gandak 4188 260 511.66 3350 3350

Ghaghra 2995 83 132.9 2530 790

Chandan 4093 118 83.18 1130 80

Badua 2215 130 Nil 1050 Nil

Lalbakeya - - 54.35 - -

Adhwara - - 181.5 - -

Bhuthi - - 54.7 - -

Surface water: The surface water resource in the state includes 69,000 hectares of

ponds and tanks, 9000 hectares of oxbow lakes, 7200 hectares of reservoirs, 3200 km of

rivers and 1 lakh hectares of riverine and other flood plains.

Groundwater: The annual replenishable ground water resource in the state is estimated

to be 29.19 BCM. The net annual ground water availability is 27.42 BCM. The annual

ground water draft is estimated to be 10.77 BCM. None of the administrative divisions

(called 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

percent 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). The details

of groundwater contamination have been presented in Table 2.3:


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Land Use Classification in Bihar(Area in Lakh Hectares)

Table 2.3: Ground Water Contamination Status

Contaminant Districts Affected

Fluoride (>1.5 mg/l) Aurangabad, Banka, Buxar, Bhabua(Kaimur), Jamui, Munger,

Nawada, Rohtas, Supaul

Iron (>1.0 mg/l)

Aurangabad, Begusarai, Bhojpur, Buxar, Bhabua (Kaimur), East

Champaran, Gopalganj, Katihar, Khagaria, Kishanganj,

Lakhiserai, Madhepura, Muzafferpur, Nawada, Rohtas, Saharsa,

Samastipur, Siwan, Supaul, West Champaran

Nitrate (>45 mg/l) Aurangabad, Banka, Bhagalpur, Bhojpur, Bhabua, Patna,

Rohtas, Saran, Siwan

Arsenic (>0.05 mg/l)

Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Bhojpur, Buxar, Darbhanga, Katihar,

Khagaria, Kishanganj, Lakhiserai, Munger, Patna, Purnea,

Samastipur, Saran, Vaishali

2.1.5 Land use

Bihar has a geographical area of about 94,200 sq. km. The state is divided by river

Ganges into two parts, the North Bihar with an area of 53,300 sq. km, and the South

Bihar with an area of 40,900 sq. km. Of the total geographic area of 94.16 lakh

hectares, about 60 percent is cropped once and only about 22 percent of the area is

cropped twice. The gross and net sown area in the State is estimated at 77.18 lakh ha

and 56.65 lakh ha respectively. The cropping intensity is 1.36. Forest area is limited (6.6

percent) and the area under pastures and grazing lands is extremely scarce (0.18

percent).

The districts of East and West Champaran, Rohtas, Madhubani and Purnea have the


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largest net sown area. However, in terms of the net sown area as a percentage of the

district area Buxar, Bhojpur and Nalanda top the list with more than 75 percent while

Jamui and Monghyr are at the bottom of the list with less than 40 percent of their area

as net sown. Over-all cropping intensity is highest in Saharsa (1.76), Sivhar and Supaul

and lowest in Banka (1.07), Darbhanga and Patna.

The extent of fallow lands is the maximum in the districts of Gaya, Jamui, Purnea while

as percentage of the district area Sheikhpura, Jamui and Gaya have more than 20

percent area under fallow land category.

The districts with more than 50,000 hectares under forests are Bhabua, Jamui, West

Champaran, Gaya, Rohtas and Nawadha. Only 9 districts have more than 500 hectares

under pastures and grazing lands with Gaya having the maximum area at 2192 hectares

(0.44 percent).

Wastelands are spread over an area of 6,841 sq. km in Bihar accounting for 7.26 percent

of the state's geographic area. Of the total wasteland in the state, land with scrub

(dense and open) accounts for 3715 sq. km (about 4 percent), waterlogged area

(permanent and seasonal) accounts for 1564 sq. km (1.66 percent) and degraded

forest land with scrub accounts for about 1200 sq. km (1.27 percent). The districts of

Jamui and Banka have more than 20 percent of their area under wasteland. Nalanda,

Bhojpur, Buxar and Khagaria have the least extent of wastelands in the state. Jamui,

Banka, West Champaran and Katihar have the maximum area under degraded scrub

land.

The districts most affected by permanent water logging are Saran, Siwan, Vaishali and

Muzaffarpur and those affected by seasonal water logging are Purnia, Madhepura and

Saharsa. The land-use details of Bihar and its comparison to national average is given in

Table 2.4.


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Table 2.4 : Land Use Details – Bihar and India (in ‘000 hectares)

Item/Land Use

1986-87 1991-92 1996-97 2001-02 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07

India Bihar India Bihar India Bihar India Bihar India Bihar India Bihar India Bihar

1 Forest 67416 609 68024 616 68750 616 69487 622 - 622 - 622 - 622

2 Area not available

for cultivation 39729 1849 41013 1892 41543 2032 42136 2077 - 2082 - 2083 - 2083

(A) Area under non-

agricul. uses NA 1407 NA 1450 41543 1595 41780 1641 - 1646 - 1647 - 1647

(a) Land Area NA 1177 NA 1173 NA 1259 NA 1279 - 1285 - 1286 - 1286

(b) Water Area NA 230 NA 277 NA 336 NA 362 - 361 - 361 - 361

(i) Perennial NA 144 NA 182 NA 207 NA 207 - 207 - 207 - 207

(ii) Temporary NA 86 NA 95 NA 129 NA 155 - 154 - 154 - 154

(B) Barren and

Uncultivable land NA 442 NA 442 NA 437 NA 436 - 436 - 436 - 436

3

Other uncultivable

Land excluding

Fallow Land

NA 292 NA 299 - 296 - 299 - 302 - 303 - 304

(i)

Permanent

pasture and other

grazing land

12050 34 11676 28 11040 19 10581 18 - 17 - 17 - 17


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Item/Land Use

1986-87 1991-92 1996-97 2001-02 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07

India Bihar India Bihar India Bihar India Bihar India Bihar India Bihar India Bihar

(ii)

Land under Misc.

trees, crops and

groves

3623 190 3643 202 3567 226 3335 235 - 239

240

241

(iii) Cultivable Waste

Land 16410 68 15072 69 13947 51 13352 46 - 46

46

46

4 Fallow Land 23049 1032 24222 823 23218 872 24927 698 - 781

795

686

(i)

Fallow Land other

than Current

Fallow

9563 207 9848 184 9892 157 10254 135 - 133

129

120

(ii) Current Fallow 13486 825 14374 639 13326 715 14673 563

648

666

566

5 Net Area Sown 142003 5577 141408 5731 142813 5542 141383 5664

5572

5556

5665

6 Total Cropped

Area 177042 8133 182728 8052 189592 8064 190488 7897

7399

7396

7719

7 Area Sown more

than once 35039 2556 41320 2322 46779 2522 49105 2233

1827

1840

2054

Source: Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Bihar Patna.

Statistical Abstract (C.S.O.) 1982, 1984, 1989, 1992, 2000 to 2006.


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2.1.6 Floral and Faunal Diversity

Erstwhile Bihar, lying close to the foot hills of Nepal and covering an area of 1,73,877 sq.

km, harbours a very rich and diverse flora. Its unique phyto-geographical position,

topography and good precipitation are some of the important factors which are mainly

responsible for the high degree of plant diversity. The occurrence of different types of

forests, ranging from sub-tropical to tropical and consequently the establishment of

three National Parks and twenty Wildlife sanctuaries in the state, which constitute an

important source of germplasm, are of considerable interest. Although the state has

been botanically surveyed since 1848, the floral information was published during 1921-

1925 which included Bihar, Orissa and parts of West Bengal. However, the complete

flora related information of Bihar itself is not available.

Simultaneously, the natural vegetation since Haines’ publication has been continuously

and increasingly under pressure owing to developmental projects and non-judicious

exploitation of plant resources. These reasons coupled with the publication of a number

of new plant records for the state warrant the need of fresh estimation of current status

of floristic account of the state.

The jungles of Bihar abound in wildlife, though some of the notable game animals and

birds like tiger, deer, buffalo, duck etc., are fast disappearing. In order to prevent the

extinction of any species and to preserve them and maintain their balance with nature,

wildlife sanctuaries have been set up. Three sanctuaries are located in northern fringe of

West Champaran district. As a result of strict management and proper protection given

to wildlife, the present form has become much richer than the past and the difficult task

of wildlife resuscitation and conservation has been greatly achieved, so that some of the

rare animals on the verge of extinction, such as elephant and gaur have considerably

multiplied.

2.1.7 Protected Areas

Bihar has 1 national park and 11 sanctuaries comprising a protected area of 3208.47 sq

km and a protected non-forest area of 76.30 sq. km. The details of the protected area

are given below:

Table 2.5 : Protected Areas in Bihar

S.No. Name of Park/Sanctuary District Type

1 Barela Sazs Sanctuary Vaishali Sanctuary

2 Bhimbandh Sanctuary Monghyr Sanctuary

3 Gogabil Pakshi Vihar Katihar Closed Area

4 Gautambuddha Sanctuary Gaya Sanctuary

5 Kaimur Sanctuary Rohtas Sanctuary

6 Kanwar Jheel Bird Sanctuary Begusarai Sanctuary


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S.No. Name of Park/Sanctuary District Type

7 Kusheshwarsthan Darbhanga Closed Area

8 Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary Jamui Sanctuary

9 Nakti Dam Bird Sanctuary Jamui Sanctuary

10 Rajgir Sanctuary Nalanda Sanctuary

11 Udaypur Sanctuary West Champaran Sanctuary

12 Valmiki National Park West Champaran National Park

13 Valmiki Sanctuary West Champaran Sanctuary

14 Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Bhagalpur Sanctuary

2.1.8 Forests

Only about 6.87% of the geographical area (6473 sq. km) of the state of Bihar is

classified as forests. This consists of 76 sq. km of very dense forests, 2951 sq. km of

dense forests and 2531 sq. km of open forest. The forests of Bihar are of three types:

Dry deciduous forest, Wet deciduous forest and Sub Himalayan and Terai forest. The first

type is found in and around Kishanganj district, the second type is found in the Kaimur

district and along the northern slope of Chottanagpur plateau and the third type is found

around the Someshwar hills in West Champaran district. The districts with more than

50,000 hectares under forests are Bhabua, Jamui, West Champaran, Gaya, Rohtas and

Nawadha.

The sub-Himalayan foothills of Someshwar and Dun ranges in Champaran constitute a

belt of moist deciduous forests. These also consist of scrub, grass and reeds. Rainfall

here is the most significant factor in determining the nature of vegetation. In areas with

rainfall of above 1,600 mm, the conditions promote growth of luxuriant Sal forests. The

most important trees are Shorea Robusta (Sal), Shisham, Cedrela Toona, Khair, and

Semal.

2.1.9 State’s Disaster Risk Profile

The plains of Bihar bordering Nepal are drained by a number of rivers with catchments in

the steep and geologically nascent Himalayas. Kosi, Gandak, Burhi Gandak, Bagmati,

Kamla Balan, Mahananda and Adhwara Group of rivers originate in Nepal, carry high

discharge and very high sediment load and drop it down in the plains of Bihar. About 65

percent of the catchment area of these rivers falls in Nepal and Tibet and only 35

percent in Bihar. However, as the gradient flattens out in India, the susceptibility to

floods is far more on the Indian side.

The plains of north Bihar have recorded the highest number of floods during the last 30

years. In recent times, Bihar witnessed high magnitudes of floods in 1978, 1987, 1998,

1999, 2004, 2007 and 2008. The total area affected by floods has also increased during


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Major River Systems

these years. In 2004, an area of 23,490 sq. km was devastated by the floods of

Bagmati, Kamla and Adhwara groups of rivers and left 800 dead, even when Ganga, the

master drain, was flowing low. In 2007 and 2008, the floods were marked by

unprecedented severity.

A brief timeline of floods in Bihar is presented below:

In 1998, maximum discharge in July in most rivers in North Bihar damaged the

embankment along Burhi Gandak, Bagmati, Adhwara and Kosi rivers. Total deaths

were 381 and damage to property was estimated at Rs 1 billion while crops worth Rs

3.67 billion were destroyed.

In 1999, exceptional precipitation in October in the Nepal catchments caused flooding

of Kamla Balan and Kosi rivers. Crop damage was estimated at Rs 2.5 billion and

property damage was reported for another Rs 0.5 billion.

In 2000, heavy rainfall in Kamla Balan and Bhutahi Balan catchments in July caused

the Eastern Kosi Afflux Bund to give way, inundating 12,351 villages and destroying

crops worth Rs 0.8 billion.

In 2001, heavy rain in Nepal catchments of rivers caused the Western Kosi

embankment, Bhutahi Balan right embankment, Bagmati left embankment and Burhi

Gandak left embankment to breach. Crop worth Rs 2.6 billion and property worth Rs

1.8 billion were destroyed.


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In 2002, north Bihar experienced serious flooding due to overtopping in Kamla Balan

left embankment and Khiroi right embankment. There were 489 deaths. Crops worth

Rs 5.1 billion and property worth Rs 4 billion were destroyed.

In 2003, the Ganga surpassed the earlier 1978 HFL of 34.18 m at Bhagalpur and at

Gandhighat, Patna the 1994 HFL of 50.27 m at Patna.

In 2004, the catchment area of north Bihar Rivers received heavy rainfall in July and

surpassed the 1987 flood levels. Bagmati and Burhi Gandak surpassed all time high

flood levels. There were as many as 53 embankment breaches in Bagmati, Burhi

Gandak, Kamla Balan, Bhutahi Balan and Adhwara group of rivers, causing severe

flooding and loss of life and property. Crop damage was assessed at Rs 5.2 billion

and property dmage at Rs 10 billion. There were 885 deaths.

In 2007, heavy rainfall in the catchment of all rivers caused serious flooding due to

28 breaches in Burhi Gandak and Bagmati river basins, causing extensive damage to

life and property.

The 2008 Kosi flood, the most disastrous floods in the history of India, occurred due

to a breach in the Kosi embankment near Indo-Nepal border (at Kushaha in Nepal)

on August 18, 2008. The river changed its course and inundated areas which had not

experienced floods in last many decades. The flood affected over 2.3 million people in

the northern part of Bihar.

In addition to flooding, north Bihar is also vulnerable to the other hydro-meteorological

disaster risk of windstorms. The flood affected districts are also exposed to geo-

morphological disaster risks from earthquakes. Araria and Supaul lie in seismic hazard

Zone V while Madhepura, Saharsa and Purnea lie in Zone IV.

2.2 Socio-economic Profile

Bihar is India’s third largest state with a population of 104 million, with approximately 54

million people currently living below the poverty line. Bihar is primarily rural and

agrarian and characterized by high levels of landlessness, land fragmentation and high

levels of seasonal migration. In particular, poverty incidence has remained high

throughout the 2000s – the share of the rural population living below the poverty line

witnessed practically no change from 55.7% in 2004-05 to 55.3% in 2009-10. This

suggests that there is a large population that needs to be reached out through welfare

programs and also that some groups are more vulnerable than others like the elderly,

persons with disabilities, among others. This sub-section presents the over-all socio-

economic profile in the state of Bihar, which is important to understand in the context of

this project.

2.2.1 Demographic

According to the 2011 census, the population of the state of Bihar is 103,804,637

persons, consisting of 52.2% males and 47.8% females. The population of the state

is predominantly rural, with 89% of the population residing in rural areas. Patna

(57,72,804) and Sheikpura (6,34,927) are the most populated and least populated

districts respectively of the state.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosi_embankment

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kusha


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According to Census 2011, Bihar has recorded 25.07% decadal population growth.

The district with highest decadal growth is Madhepura (30.65%) and the district

with lowest decadal growth is Gopalganj (18.83%). The urban decadal growth rate

(35.11%) is higher when compared to rural growth rate (23.9%). While the decadal

growth rate of urban females (37.07%) is more than urban males (33.4%), the

rural females (23.43%) growth rate is lower than that of rural males (24.33%). This

could be a pointer towards increased acceptance of girl child (reduced female

foeticide/infanticide) and women empowerment in urban areas.

2.2.2 Households

The household size in the state of Bihar roughly stands at six members per household.

The number of members per household in rural areas is 5.99, whereas that in urban

areas is about 6.04.

Table 2.6 : Household Details

2.2.3 Population by Religion

The population of Hindus in Bihar is about 83%, whereas the Muslim population is

about 17%.

Table 2.7 : Percentage Population by Religion

S.No. Community

Bihar India

Population

( '000) Percentage

Population

( '000) Percentage

1 Hindus 69077 83.23 827579 80.46

2 Muslims 13722 16.53 138188 13.43

3 Christians 53 0.06 24080 2.34

4 Sikhs 21 0.02 19216 1.87

5 Budhists 19 0.02 7955 0.77

6 Jains 16 0.02 4225 0.41

7 Other Religious persons 53 0.06 6640 0.65

8 Religion not stated 38 0.05 728 0.07

Total 82999 100 1028611 100

Source: Bihar at Glance, 2009

S.No Particular Number

Urban Rural

1 No. of households 1,37,44,000 -

2 Total population 8,29,99,000 7,43,17,000

3 No. of persons per household 6.04 5.99


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The rest comprise 0.06% Christians, 0.02% Sikhs, 0.02% Buddhists, 0.02% Jains,

while 0.05% belong to other religions. About 0.06% did not state their religion.

2.2.4 Birth and Death Rates

The crude birth rate per 1000 population for Bihar is 26.7, whereas the same is

21.2 for urban areas and 27.5 for rural areas. The crude death rate per 1000

population is 7.2, whereas the same is 5.7 for urban areas and 7.4 for rural areas.

Table 2.8: Birth and Death Rates

S.

No. Particulars Rural Urban Combined

1 Crude Birth Rate per 1000 population 27.5 21.2 26.7

2 Crude Dearth Rate per 1000 population 7.4 5.7 7.2

3 Infant mortality Rate per 1,000 Live births 53 56 55

Source: Data on Sample Registration System, Registrar General of India, Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of

India, New Delhi and Annual Health Survey, 2010-11

The infant mortality rate per 1000 live births is 55, whereas the same is 56 for

urban and 53 for rural areas. This data shows that there is significant difference in

among rural and urban areas in terms of birth and death rates, as the urban data is

more promising.

2.2.5 Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

The Scheduled Caste population of Bihar was 15.7% in 2001, as compared to

16.2% for India. The corresponding figures for 1991 were 15.5% and 16.5%.

Table 2.9 : Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Population in Bihar

SC/ST

Total Population Rural Urban

Total Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female

Scheduled

Castes 13048608 6784676 6263932 12178555 6321221 5857334 870053 463455 406598

Percent 15.7% 52% 48% 16.4% 51.9% 48.1% 10.0% 53.3% 46.7%

Scheduled

Tribes 758351 393114 365237 717702 371009 346693 40649 22105 18544

Percent 0.9% 51.8% 48.2% 1.0% 51.7% 48.3% 0.5% 54.4% 45.6%

Source: Census, 2001

The Scheduled Tribe population was 0.9% in 2001, as compared to 8.2% for India

in the same year. The state ranked 16th in the Scheduled Caste population and 27th

in the Scheduled Tribe population in 2001.


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2.2.6 Literacy

As per 2011 Census, the number of literates in Bihar is 54,390,254 - taking the state’s

literacy rate to 63.82%. Out of these male literates are 73.4% and female literates are

53.3%. The urban literacy rate stands at 78.75% (male literacy at 84.42% and female

literacy at 72.36%) compared to rural literacy rate of 61.83% (male literacy at 71.9%

and female literacy at 50.82%).

2.2.7 Economy

Bihar, once restricted to the lowest levels of development in the country, has not only

grown consistently but also out-performed even the most developed states. Between

1999 and 2008, GDP grew by 5.1% a year, which was below the Indian average of

7.3%. More recently, Bihar's state GDP recorded a growth of 18% in 2006–2007. In the

five-year period of 2004–2009, Bihar's GDP grew at a stunning rate of 11.03%. This

makes Bihar the fastest growing major state. It has clocked an annual growth rate of

14.15 per cent for the fiscal 2010-11, surpassing the GDP figures of some of the most

developed states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra and Punjab.

The state has witnessed a GDP growth rate of over 14 per cent thrice in the past five

years. It has also made global headlines by getting into the World Bank Development

Report, 2009 as the fastest growing Indian state, followed by Chhattisgarh which saw its

GDP grow at 11.57 per cent. Closely following the two are Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra

with growth rates at 11.74 per cent and 10.47 per cent respectively. In actual terms,

Bihar state GDP was ranked second out of 28 states, next only to Gujarat. Despite this,

Bihar has the lowest GDP per capita in India, although there are pockets of higher than

average per capita income.

The economy of Bihar is largely service oriented, but it has a significant agricultural

base. The topography of Bihar can be easily described as a fertile alluvial plain

occupying the Gangetic Valley. The plain extends from the foothills of the Himalayas

in the north to a few miles south of the river Ganges as it flows through the State

from the west to the east. Rich farmland and lush orchards extend throughout the

state. The major crops are paddy, wheat, lentils, sugarcane, jute (hemp, related to

the marijuana plant, but a source of tough fibers for gunny bags). Also, cane grows

wild in the marshes of West Champaran. The principal fruits are mangoes, banana,

jack fruit and litchis. This is one of the very few areas outside China which produces

litchi.

The state also has a small industrial sector. As of 2008, agriculture accounted for 35%,

industry 9% and service 55% of the economy of the state. Among all the sectors, the

manufacturing sector performed very poorly in the state in the period 2002–2006, when

the state recorded an average growth rate of 0.38%, compared to India's 7.8%.

2.2.8 Total Workers

There were a total of 22.69 lakh workers working in 12.25 lakh establishments of the

State in 2005. The number of total workers grew by 1.62% during the period 1998-

2005. Out of total workers, 14.05 lakh workers (61.90%) were in rural areas while 8.65

lakh workers (38.10%) were in urban areas. The growth of workers in rural area for

whole of the state was 15.06 % as against decline of 17.07% in the urban areas.

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/domestic-demand-to-push-growth-crisil/1/125574.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/States_of_India_by_size_of_economy


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Rural Urban Distribution of Workers

2.2.9 Agricultural/Non-agricultural Distribution of Total Workers

The number of workers in the

agricultural establishments in the

State decreased from 64,010 in 1998

to 63,021 in 2005, a decline of

1.57%. The number of workers in the

non-agricultural establishments

increased from 21,69,322 in 1998 to

22,06,535 in 2005 recording a

growth of 1.72%.

This is shown in the table below:

Table 2.9 : Distribution of Workers (Agriculture and Non-Agricultural)

Agricultural Workers Non-Agricultural Workers Total

1998 2005 1998 2005 1998 2005

64010 63021 (-.57%) 2169322 2206535 (1.72%) 2233332 2269556 (1.62%)

Source: Fifth Economic Census 2005, Govt. of Bihar

2.2.10 Income

There is a substantial gap in the per capita income of India (25661) and Bihar (9586).

During period 2006-07 and 2008-09, the Per Capita Income of Bihar has grown by

17.37%, whereas during the same period that of India has grown by 13.64%.

Table 2.10 : Per Capita Income

Per Capita Income 2006-07 2007-08

(Provisional)

2008-09

(Quick) 2006-07

2007-08

(Provisional)

2008-09

(Quick)

Bihar 8167 8703 9586 9817 11135 12643

India 22580 24295 25661 29524 33283 38084

Source: Bihar at Glance 2009

2.2.11 Vulnerable Population

The rural population below poverty line was surveyed and finalized in 2007. In order to

revise this list, the Socio-economic Caste Census has now been conducted and the data

is undergoing authentication. Based on the 2007 survey, 11.34 million households i.e.,

approximately 45.36 million people (based on an average of 4 persons per household)

were living below the poverty line. This comprises of over half of the population of Bihar.

Five districts namely Kishanganj, Madhubani, Khagaria, Purnea and Supaul recorded

over 70 per cent population below poverty line.

The 2001 census estimated that there are about 5.5 million people aged 60 and above

and about 1.9 million persons with physical challenges in Bihar, constituting about 6.6%


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and 2.3% of the population respectively. According to census 2011, the population of

people aged 60 and above has gone up to 7.7 million comprising of 7.4% of the total

state population. Data on persons with disabilities of census 2011 is currently not

available.

Both older persons and persons with disabilities are likely to experience multiple

deprivations. About 28 percent of Bihar’s physically challenged population is

economically dependent on others, while the dependency ratio amongst the disabled

elderly and among older women, particularly widows, is even higher. Households with

one or more physically challenged members also tend to be poor. In 2002, 72% of

households with at least one disabled person had a monthly per capita expenditure of

less than Rs. 400 when the poverty line for rural Bihar was Rs. 433 in 2004-05.

Poverty among the elderly is often not significantly different from the general population

although a key source of vulnerability for the elderly is rising health expenditure at a

time of declining income. In 2004, a majority of older persons lived with their families,

but as many as 15% lived either alone or just with their (equally elderly) spouses,

making them particularly vulnerable.

Discrimination based on gender and caste affecting the poor and vulnerable section is

prevalent in the State. Gender, literacy, land ownership (or rather the lack of it), caste

etc. are still visible factors that make specific population groups highly vulnerable and

poor. Socially excluded sections of women especially widowed women suffer from many

forms of discrimination and deprivation. The state on its part has initiated many

programs for development and welfare of these population groups.

Discrimination based on gender and caste affecting the poor and vulnerable section is

prevalent in the State. Gender, literacy, land ownership (or rather the lack of it), caste

etc. are still visible factors that make specific population groups highly vulnerable and

poor. Socially excluded sections of women especially widowed women suffer from many

forms of discrimination and deprivation. The state on its part has initiated many

programs for development and welfare of these population groups.

2.3 Administrative Set-up

The state is divided into nine administrative divisions comprising of 38 districts. The

division-wise break up of districts is listed in Table 2.11.

Table 2.11 : Administrative Divisions

S.No. Division Headquarters No. of

Districts Districts

1. Bhagalpur Bhagalpur 2 Banka, Bhagalpur

2. Darbhanga Darbhanga 3 Darbhanga, Madhubani, Samastipur

3. Kosi Saharsa 3 Madhepura, Saharsa, Supaul

4. Magadh Gaya 5 Arwal, Aurangabad, Gaya, Jehanabad,

Nawada

5. Munger Munger 6 Jamui, Khagaria, Munger, Lakhisarai,

Sheikhpura, Begusarai


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S.No. Division Headquarters No. of

Districts Districts

6. Patna Patna 6 Bhojpur, Buxar, Kaimur, Patna, Rohtas,

Nalanda

7. Purnia Purnia 4 Araria, Katihar, Kishanganj, Purnia

8. Saran Chapra 3 Gopalganj, Saran, Siwan

9. Tirhut Muzaffarpur 6 East Champaran, Muzaffarpur, Sheohar,

Sitamarhi, Vaishali, West Champaran

These 38 districts are further divided into 101 administrative sub-divisions called Tehsils

and 534 Development Blocks.

Table 2.12 : Administrative Set-up – A Summary

Details 2001 2011

No. of Divisions 9 9

No. of Districts 37 38

No. of Sub-Districts 101 101

No. of Towns 130 199

No. of Villages 45,098 44,875

Bihar – Administrative Divisions (Districts)


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In pursuance of the 73rd and 74th Amendments to the Constitution, Bihar has 8463

rural local bodies and 141 urban local bodies towards strengthening grassroots

governance. Districts-wise details of sub-divisions, blocks and urban and rural local

bodies across the State are given at Annexure 1 and a summary is presented in Table

2.12 above.


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Section 3 : Overview of Policy and Regulatory Requirements

This section deals with the laws and regulations of Government of India and Government

of Bihar related to environment as are relevant in the context of the project. This section

also presents the applicable policies of the World Bank.

3.1 National Laws and Regulations

The sub-section needs to be updated as when new policies, laws and are made and

enforced or the existing ones are revised.

Table 3.1 Key Regulations and Their Applicability to the Project

Act Relevance to the Project Applicability

Environment

(Protection) Act

1986

Emission standards are applicable for

construction activities. Emission or

discharge of pollutants beyond the

specified standards is not permissible.

Environmental Clearance has to be

obtained for certain specific type of

activities mentioned in the Act.

Yes. Environmental

Clearance will not be

required but environmental

protection has to be ensured

during building construction.

The Air (Prevention

And Control of

Pollution) Act 1981

Discharge of any air pollutants into the

atmosphere should be within the

prescribed standards.

Yes. Applies to all activities

involving air emissions such

as civil/ construction work.

Water (Prevention

and Control of

Pollution) Act, 1974

Any polluting matter must not be

released into stream or well or sewer or

on land.

Yes. Applicable to all

activities involving waste

water discharges such as

building construction work

and specific activities

(drainage and road works)

under MGNREGS.

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.

Yes. Applicable to Diesel

Generator Sets (in Buniyad

Centers) and other noise

generating equipment in use

during building construction.

The Forest

Conservation Act,

1980

Forest land should not be used for any

non-forest purposes. In case any

proposed activity involves forest land, it

is necessary that permission is taken

from the Department of Forests.

No. Screening process will

ascertain that sub-projects

requiring forest land

diversion are excluded from

the project.

Bihar Timber & 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.

Yes. Applicable to felling of

trees and use of timber in

construction works.


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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.



requiring forest land

diversion are excluded from

the project.

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.



requiring wildlife areas/

clearance are excluded from

the project.

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.

Yes. Applicable in case any

bio-medical waste

generation takes place at the

Buniyad Centers. However,

the nature and quantum of

wastes generated is likely to

be quite small considering

the nature of services

envisaged under the project.

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.

Yes. Applicable to bore well

digging undertaken for

construction purposes for

Buniyad Centers in the

project and for irrigation

bore wells under MGNREGS.

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.

No. The main construction

activity of Buniyad Centers

under the project is much

smaller than 1000 sq. m.

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.

Yes. Applicable to irrigation

works under MGNREGS. The

manuals/process/procedure

strengthening related to

MGNREGS works and staff

training will cover this legal

requirements.


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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 surplus 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.


works under MGNREGS. The


strengthening related to

MGNREGS works and staff

training will cover this legal

requirements.

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.


works under MGNREGS

where the source is Jalkars.

The


strengthening activities

related to MGNREGS works

and staff training will cover

this legal requirements.

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.

Yes. Applicable in case of

pesticide application for

plantation activity under

MNREGS. The manuals/

process/procedure

strengthening activities

related to MGNREGS works

and staff training will cover

this legal requirements.

Ancient Monuments

and Archaeological

Sites and

Remains Act, 1958

and

Bihar Ancient

Monuments and

Archaeological Sites,

Remains And Art

Treasures Act, 1976

Construction activities within 300 m

radius of protected areas and notified

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

the Department of Archaeology and

Museums, Government of Bihar.

Yes. Applicable to all

construction activities

proposed under the project.


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The policy and regulatory analysis suggests that the proposed sub-projects to be taken

does not fall under any of the project categories listed in Schedule-I of the

Environmental Impact Assessment Notification and hence does not require any formal

environmental clearance of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of

India.

The provisions to ensure compliance with the other applicable legal and

regulatory requirements need to be incorporated appropriately into the project

design. Primarily, this will be tackled in the following manner:

1. For the creation/construction of Buniyad Centers, the legal/regulatory requirements

will be integrated into the site selection (through screening), building design and

civil work contracts.

2. For the softer components such as strengthening program delivery of MGNREGS

and IAY supported under the project, the requirements under national laws and

policies apart from regulations/rules of Govt. of Bihar will be highlighted/integrated

clearly in the process, procedures and institutional capacity building activities

(including monitoring and evaluation mechanisms) to be carried out under the

project. Specific ‘guidance’ is needed and will be built into the program delivery

systems to ensure improved understanding and enforcement (and thereby

results/outcomes of the Social Protection programs themselves) of the regulatory

requirements, which currently remains weak/patchy.

3.2 World Bank Operational Policies

The relevant and applicable safeguards policies of the World Bank were also reviewed.

The table here describes the relevant safeguard policies of the World Bank and discusses

their applicability to the project.

Table 3.2 : Applicability of World Bank Operational Policies

Policy Key Features Applicability

OP/BP 4.01

Environmental

Assessment

Potential environmental

consequences of projects

identified early in project cycle.

EA and mitigation plan required

for the project with significant

environmental impacts or

involuntary resettlement.

EA should include analysis of

alternative designs and sites, or

consideration of "no option".

Requires public participation

and information disclosure

before Board approval.

Yes. Applicable due to construction of

‘Buniyad Centres’ and support to

activities in MGNREGA and IAY.


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OP/BP 4.04

Natural

Habitats

Prohibits financing of projects

involving "significant conversion

of natural habitats unless there

are no feasible alternatives".

Requires environmental cost

benefit analysis. Requires EA

with mitigation measures.

Not Applicable.

No physical interventions proposed

under the project are expected to affect

natural habitats. No civil works will be

financed under the project in designated

protected areas/wilderness areas/

critical natural habitats. The

environment screening tool will be used

to ensure compliance in this regard.

OP 4.09

Pest

Management

Supports environmentally sound

pest management, including

integrated pest management,

but does not prohibit the use of

highly hazardous pesticides.

Pest management is the

borrower's responsibility in the

context of a project's EA.

Yes. Applicable in case of

pesticide/fungicide application for

plantation activity under MGNREGA. OP

4.09 is being triggered as

biological/environmental control

methods or reliance on chemical

pesticides for afforestation/tree

plantation activity under MGNREGA is

envisaged and noted during field

assessment.

Even though investment of this nature

(tree plantation or procurement of

pesticides/ fungicides) will not be

directly funded the project, the technical

and funding support to strengthening

delivery of MGNREGS (which supports

such works) requires that mechanisms

are ‘built’ into the program itself to

appropriately manage such issues.

OP/BP 4.36

Forestry

Prohibits financing for

commercial logging operations

or acquisition of equipment for

use in primary moist tropical

forests.

Yes. No civil works will be financed

under the project in forest areas or over

land designated for forests. The

environment screening tool will be used

to ensure compliance in this regard.

However, the project seeks to

strengthen the delivery of MGNREGS,

which involves works being taken up on

forest land as part of “drought proofing

including afforestation” and “tree

plantation - this has a potential to

generate both positive and negative

impacts on forests. It also includes

works related to water conservation and

rural road construction, which again

may have some impact on forests.


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OP/BP 4.12

Involuntary

Resettlement

Implemented in projects which

displace people. Requires public

participation in resettlement

planning as part of SA for

project. Intended to restore or

improve income earning

capacity of displaced

populations.

Not Applicable.

Involuntary land acquisition and land

purchase will not be done for any

project activity, and are included in the

project’s negative list. In blocks where

the government land is not available,

the project will not be undertaking

construction of Buniyad Centers.

OP/BP 4.10

Indigenous

Peoples

Purpose is to ensure indigenous

peoples benefit from Bank

financed development and to

avoid or mitigate adverse

impacts on indigenous peoples.

Applies to projects that might

adversely affect indigenous

peoples or when they are

targeted beneficiaries.

Requires participation of

indigenous peoples in creation

of “indigenous people

development plan”.

Yes. Project beneficiaries include tribal

population. Such beneficiaries account

for more than 2% of the total population

in 10 districts of Bihar. As per the

census of India (2011), the population

of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled

Tribes is 16.56 million and 1.33 million

respectively comprising of 15.91% of

the total population. The policy is

triggered to ensure that any adverse

effects of the project are avoided or

minimized and that the Scheduled

Castes and Tribes receive culturally

appropriate social and economic

benefits.

OP/BP 4.11

Physical

Cultural

Resources

Purpose is to assist in the

preservation of cultural

property, such as sites having

archaeological, paleontological,

historical, religious and unique

cultural values.

Generally seeks to assist in

their preservation and avoid

their elimination. Discourages

financing of projects that will

damage cultural property.

Yes. A few project interventions may be

located close to sites, structures,

natural/man-made features that have

historical, archaeological, religious or

other cultural significance. Chance-finds

are also a possibility in a state with a

rich historical and cultural background.

OP/BP 4.37

Safety of

Dams

Applies to large dams (15

meters or more in height).

Requires review by independent

experts throughout project

cycle. Requires preparation of

EA and detailed plans for

construction and operation, and

periodic inspection by the Bank.

Not Applicable. There is no construction

of new dams or activities that are

concerned with safe functioning of

existing dams.

OP/ BP 17.50

B i h a r In t e gr at ed S o c i al P r o t ec t i o n S t r e n g t h en i n g Pr o j ec t

Policy

Key Features

Applicability

OP/BP 7.50 Projects on International Waterways

Covers riparian waterways that form boundary between two or more states, as well as any bay, gulf, strait or channel bordered by two or more states.

Applies to dams, irrigation, flood control, navigation, water, sewage and industrial projects. Requires notification and agreement between states, detailed maps, and feasibility surveys.

Not Applicable. There are no interventions planned/ proposed over or around an international waterway that could cause a potential conflict. There are also no activities that may affect the use or pollute such a waterway.

OP/BP 7.60 Projects in Disputed Areas

Applies to projects where there are territorial disputes present. Allows Bank to proceed if governments agree to go forward without prejudice to claims. Requires early identification of territorial disputes and descriptions in all Bank documentation.

Not Applicable. The project is not proposed in any disputed area.

Other World Bank Policy important from an environmental management perspective is the revised World Bank Policy on Access to Information, effective from July 1, 2013. This policy deals with Disclosure of Information. The Bank’s Policy on Disclosure of Information, has been incorporated in the project implementation plan and its compliance will be ensured through various stages of the project cycle.

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http://www1.worldbank.org/operations/disclosure/

http://www1.worldbank.org/operations/disclosure/


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Section 4 : Potential Environmental Impacts

There are several social protection (SP) programs in place in Bihar, both centrally

sponsored schemes and state schemes. These programs include social assistance

programs providing in-kind or cash transfers, social insurance programs, and social care

services for vulnerable groups, such as the following:

(i) Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) - a

rights-based, demand-driven public works program that guarantees all rural

households up to 100 days annually of unskilled public works employment on

demand;

(ii) Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY) - cash transfers to BPL rural households for building

houses;

(iii) Social pensions - cash transfers in the form of social pensions for BPL older

persons, widows and persons with disabilities through the Indira Gandhi National

Old Age, Widow and Disability Pension Schemes (IGNOAPS, IGNWPS and IGNDPS

respectively) as well as state social pension schemes;

(iv) Social Care Services for Persons with Disabilities – rehabilitation services for

persons with disabilities through District Disability Rehabilitation Centers (DDRCs).

Some key details about these programs are given in Table 4.1 below.

Table 4.1 : An Over-view of Social Protection Programs in Bihar

S.No. Program Description Target Group

1 MGNREGS

Each household entitled for a

100 days of guaranteed

employment in a FY

Universal - Open to all rural

households

At least 30% women participation

intended

2 Social Security Pensions (Central and State Schemes)

2a IGNOAPS

(NSAP)

Cash transfer to Older Persons

@Rs.200/- per beneficiary per

month

@Rs. 500/- per beneficiary per

month

60 years and above BPL

BPL with 80 years and above

2b IGNWPS

(NSAP)

Cash transfer to eligible widows


month

Widow

BPL 40 – 79 years

2c IGNDPS

(NSAP)

Cash transfer to eligible PWDs


month

Severe or multiple disabilities in

the age of 18 – 79 years

BPL


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S.No. Program Description Target Group

2d

Bihar Social

Security (Old

Age) Pension

Scheme

Cash transfer to eligible

older persons @Rs.200/- per

beneficiary per month

60 – 64 years

Un-irrigated land ownership

less than 1 acre

Annual HH income less than

Rs. 5000 & 5500 in rural and

urban areas

2e

State Widow

Pension

Scheme

(Laxmibai)


widows @Rs.300/- per


Age: 18-39 yrs (both BPL &

Non-BPL) Age: 40 & above

(non-BPL)

Annual Income less than

60000 for all

2f

State

Disability

Pension

Scheme


PWDs @Rs.300/- per


At least 40% disabled

No income or age criteria

3

Social Care

Services for

Older Persons

and PWDs

DDRCs to provide basic

therapy and rehabilitation

services to PWDs

Older Persons in need

Persons with Disabilities

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 the state.

From an environmental perspective, the positive and negative impacts due to

project activities on physical, natural and social environment would be

associated with three specific interventions. These are:

(a) Planning, design, construction and operation of Service Centers (Buniyad Centers)

(b) Activities associated with supporting and strengthening delivery of MGNREGS and

(c) Activities associated with supporting and strengthening delivery of IAY.


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The analysis is based on:

1) Secondary information (review of data and documents on MGNREGS and IAY)

2) Field study, based on random sample visit in three districts (Madhubani, Buxar and

Nalanda) covering:

o Existing Social Services Centers (Buniyad Centers)

o A range of MNREGS works – both completed and in-progress

o Existing IAY housing scheme

3) Discussions with State and District level stakeholders (Block Development Officers,

MGNREGS staff – Programme Officers, Engineers and Panchayat Technical

Assistants), representatives of Gram Panchayats and Panchayat Rozgar Sevaks.

4.1 Positive Benefits of the Project

The principal project beneficiaries are the intended target population of the programs

being supported, i.e., vulnerable rural households, widowed women, persons with

disabilities and older persons. Though the proposed systemic reforms in service delivery

are applicable state-wide, the main beneficiaries would be the 92 million rural residents

of Bihar where the project would support the establishment 101 social care Buniyad

Centers in all sub-divisions of the State. In these districts, more than 66% of the rural

population lives in poverty, 7% are elderly and 3% are persons with disabilities. These

groups are characterized by high levels of illiteracy and face barriers of access to

services. The project focuses on building effective mechanisms for reaching these

groups, ensuring their rights and providing them an effective and responsive safety net.

By piloting innovative delivery mechanisms, the project would also benefit government

employees and others engaged in social protection program delivery through simplifying

procedures and clarifying roles, building capacity and incentivizing performance.

The social protection programs targeted under the Project are generally pro-poor and

therefore do not discriminate / exclude any population group on the basis of caste.

The

beneficiaries of these programs generally belong to the most vulnerable sections of the

population, which includes Scheduled Castes (SCs), including Mahadalits and Scheduled

Tribes (STs), women, widowed women, persons with disabilities, older persons etc. From

amongst the schemes that the Project will be working on, IAY is the only scheme that

specifically prioritizes SCs and STs among others. Other schemes are either universal

(MGNREGS) or by design target specific groups such as widowed (IGNWPS & Laxmibai

Social Security Pension), older persons (IGNOAPS & Bihar Social Security Pension),

persons with disabilities (IGNDPS & Bihar Disability Pension Scheme) etc. There is a

separate Department of Welfare in the Government of Bihar that has the responsibility of

undertaking schemes and programs for the welfare of the SCs and STs.

The Project does not intend to influence or work upon any design modifications of the

schemes in terms of its targeting. However, through preparation of the BSRR and other

community-based initiatives, the Project will strengthen mechanisms for beneficiary

identification and enrollment. Such a registry will inform the project of specific groups (if

any) that are excluded.


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The project aims to address the issue of exclusion by increasing awareness of

entitlements, reducing discretionary sanctioning and payment of benefits, increasing

access to schemes, and maximizing coverage of schemes.

4.2 Potential Adverse Impacts on Environment

The project proposes to provide social care services (Buniyad Centres) to older persons,

persons with disabilities and widowed women, strengthen and streamline provision of

social pensions and strengthen the Departments of RDD and Social Welfare towards

better management of social protection programs such as MGNREGS and IAY. This sub-

section describes the key adverse impacts that are likely to be associated with these

activities.

4.2.1 Environmental Impacts/Issues associated with Buniyad Centers

(i) Profile of the Buniyad Centers

Location and Scale: The Buniyad Centers will be located in all 101 sub-divisions

of the state. A total of about 101 Buniyad Centers are planned. Each Buniyad

Center is expected to be about 4000 to 5000 square feet in area. In all, 38 district

level Buniyad Centres will be of 5000 sq. ft. while the remaining 63 sub-division

level Buniyad Centres will have an area of 4000 sq. ft.

Description of Services: The Buniyad Centers will offer a package of quality care

and rehabilitation services for older persons, widows 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 Buniyad Centers will have

technical personnel comprising of psychologists, therapists, trainers and

technicians.

Infrastructure: The Buniyad Centers 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 Buniyad

Centers, guidelines and space standards for barrier free built environment of

disabled and elderly persons needs to be followed. The design should ensure

accessibility for women, widows, SCs including Mahadalits, STs, and follow

guidelines and space standards for barrier free built environment of disabled and

elderly persons.

Land for Construction: The Government of Bihar will provide land for

construction of the Buniyad Centers within the premises of existing Block

Development Office (BDO) or health facility. It is proposed to operate 38 Buniyad

Center from existing buildings until the construction of new buildings is completed.

However, the number of existing buildings is subject to their availability, more

importantly suitability (to be determined by a technical assessment), and possible

modifications to ensure accessibility.


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Design of the Building: The design of the Buniyad Centers will be developed as part of the preparation in the first year of the project. Along with this, a technical assessment of suitability of existing building will also be undertaken. This will be followed by design modification for making the building accessible to persons with disabilities. As far as possible, the new buildings would be constructed following green/-er building norms. Both these functions of planning new facility and retrofitting of existing buildings will be carried out by hiring a design consultant.

Construction: The construction and modification of existing building of the Buniyad Centers would be out-sourced to a private vendor. Engineers from Bihar State Building Construction Corporation Limited will be engaged for technical supervision of the construction. However, considering Buniyad Centers are being proposed at various parts of the State, a Supervision Consultant would be hired for day to day supervision of Buniyad Centers during its construction.

Maintenance: The maintenance of the BCs would be out-sourced to a private vendor.

Service delivery: Services would be delivered at the Buniyad Centers by contract staff hired by SSUPSW.

(ii) Field Observations

The preparatory work on the project included a rapid assessment of the District Disability Rehabilitation Centers (DDRC) (operating on similar lines as Buniyad Centers) in the state – including visits to existing DDRCs in Madhubani and Muzaffarpur.

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.

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.


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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 counseling and mobility instruction.

(iii) Environmental Issues/Impact Associated with Buniyad Centers

The impact would be limited as the Buniyad Centres have a relatively small demand

for land (5000 sq. ft. for district centers and about 4000 sq. ft. for sub–divisional

centers) and will not involve any change in land use as these Centers will be

located on existing premises of the Block Development Office or with in the campus

of an existing health facility. Therefore, the Project does not envisage any major

adverse impact from the construction of the Buniyad Centers per se.

However, based on the field observations as well as on a review of available

documents, the following specific environmental impacts have been identified:

Issues related to planning and design of Buniyad Centers

o Improper access and water logging conditions could affect functionality of

these centers in some locations

o Inappropriate design leading to sub-optimal ventilation, drainage, water

supply and sanitation

o Non-provision of barrier free access

Issues related to construction of Buniyad Centers

o Loss of trees

o Abandoned borrow pits

o Improper disposal of construction debris

Issues related to management of Buniyad Centers

o No/poor/inadequate water and sanitation facilities


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o Poor housekeeping and building maintenance (including seepage from

ceiling and walls

o Unhygienic conditions

o Poor bio-medical waste management

4.2.2 Environmental Impacts/issues associated with MGNREGS

By strengthening delivery mechanisms for the MNREGS, the project may contribute to an

increased uptake of these programs – and hence to their environmental impact – both

positive and negative. As part of the environmental assessment study, site visits were

made to Madhubani, Nalanda, Bauxar and Katihar to understand the activities being

taken up under MNREGS and their associated environmental impacts. The selection of

these districts is based on the geographical locations, topographical set-up,

environmental conditions/attributes and vulnerability to flood.

(i) Profile of the MGNREGS Works Assessed

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

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.


Some key observations from the field have been presented in the photo plate attached

here.

Field Observations - MGNREGS Works

Positive Environmental Impacts

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


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in Bihar.

Negative Environmental Impacts/Issues of Road Works under MGNREGS

Borrow pits for road construction, 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 MGNREGS 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.


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Environmental Issues in Canal Works under MGNREGS

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 in Renovation of Water Bodies under MGNREGS

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 in Plantations under MGNREGS

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).


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Environmental Issues Concerning Cultural Heritage Sites and MGNREGS

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) requires permission from the Archeological Survey of India.

(iii) Environmental Issues/Impact Associated with MGNREGS

The environmental assessment took into account both completed works as well as on-

going under MGNREGS. Based on the field study as well as on a review of available

documents, the following typical environmental impacts that are associated with various

types of activities under MGNREGS have been identified:

Table 4.2: Typical Environmental Impacts/Issues

Activity/

work

Positive

Impact/s Negative Impact/s

Roads –

construction,

repair

Improved

connectivity,

accessibility

to market,

social

infrastructure

s etc.

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.


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Activity/

work

Positive


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


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


drainage

Felling of trees at the excavation site


archaeological importance

Plantation Improved

green cover

Improved

availability of

biomass for

meeting fuel,

fodder, food

needs

Mono culture plantation of exotic species

Over-use of chemical fertilizers 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 and

pollution of water bodies.

Felling of trees


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Activity/

work

Positive


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


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)

4.2.3 Environmental Impact/Issues Associated with IAY

By strengthening delivery mechanisms for the IAY, the project may contribute to an

increased uptake of these programs – and hence to their environmental impact – both

positive and negative. As part of the environmental assessment study, site visits were

made to Madhubani and Bauxar Districts to understand the activities being taken up

under IAY and their associated environmental impacts.

(i) Profile of the MGNREGS Works Assessed

Madhubani leads in IAY house construction among the project districts.

IAY Constructions in Districts Assessed (2010-11)


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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.


Some key observations from the field have been presented in the photo plate attached

here.

Field Observations - IAY Works

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 cow dung cakes, use of AC sheets as

roofing material and inadequate provision for sanitation including sullage disposal are

commonly associated with IAY houses.

(iii) Environmental Issues/Impact Associated with IAY

The field study undertaken as part of the Environmental Assessment exercise included

visits to completed IAY houses in sample 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:


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Table 4.3: Typical Environmental Impacts/Issues

Aspect 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.)

4.3 Conclusion

The direct physical interventions under the project are limited to planning, design,

construction and maintenance of Buniyad Centers, which would require some level of

interventions on environmental management during site selection, building design,

construction and operation.

While there are no direct physical investments being made under MGNREGS and IAY, the

softer components on institutional strengthening and delivery mechanism improvement

support under the project would require some mainstreaming/consideration of

environmental dimensions into policy, operational and monitoring procedures to enhance

the intended benefits accruing from these social protection programs and avoid or

minimize the unwarranted environmental impacts/issues (such as those mentioned in

this section) arising due to the implementation of such schemes.


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Section 5: Environment Management Process and Guidelines

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 would 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, support

implementation of systemic reforms in the four districts and also finance the monitoring

and evaluation of the project.

The project supported activities, therefore have been grouped under the broad

categories depicted in the table below.

Table 5.1: Categorization of Activities from Environmental Impact Perspective

Activities with no direct environmental impact Activities with limited direct

environmental impact

Strengthening social protection systems and

capacity through:

a) Developing Operational Manuals for MGNREGS

and IAY

b) Outreach and communication for MGNREGS and

IAY – establishment of communications cell;

developing of communication strategy

c) Strengthening Financial Management Systems

and benefit disbursement

d) Applications for strengthening tracking of selected

social protection schemes

e) Developing HR policy

Strengthening Outreach and Social

Protection Service Delivery through:

(a) Social Care Service Centers

(Buniyad Centers)

(b) Pilot Models in Social Protection

Delivery (Mobile Outreach and

Therapy Services)

As seen in the table, most of the activities supported by the project are unlikely to have

any significant, large-scale or irreversible environmental impacts. The only directly

supported project activity likely to have some limited adverse environmental impact is

the creation of Buniyad Centers (Social Care Service Centers for older persons and for

persons with disabilities).

Among the activities that can generate indirect environmental impacts are strengthening

and capacity building activities for MGNREGS and IAY. 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 over-all positive

environmental impact. Specifically, the project is likely to contribute to improvements in

water conservation, water efficiency, water harvesting, increase in green cover, better

housing, etc. However, there are environmental risks stemming from poor planning and


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implementation. With this perspective in mind, the section here provides guidance on

handling the environmental management aspects/dimensions of this project.

5.1 Environment Management Process

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 EMF involves a two-pronged strategy, depicted in Figure

presented below.

Key elements of the Environmental Management Framework (EMF)

The Environment Management Framework/tool, as designed for this project, aims to

support at the early stages of planning and decision-making and selection of

environmental measures including mitigation options based on the nature and scale of

identified potential impacts encountered for each of the three main types of activities,

namely Buniyad Centers, MGNREGS and IAY, that has are relevant from an

environmental management perspective.

These guidelines have been developed to assist the two Implementing Agencies (BRDS &

SSUPSW) and the Project staff in the management of social impacts and other related

issues for effective planning and execution of BISPS Project.

5.1.1 Need for Environmental Management Framework

The projects, primarily supports refurbishment of existing building and construction of

new building for Buniyad Centers that are spread across different districts in the state

with varying geographical and socio-economic conditions. In addition, the proposed

project also proposes updating of Operational Manuals of MGNREGA and IAY schemes,

Managin

g I

mpacts

of

Dir

ectly

Support

ed P

roje

ct

Activitie

s • Identify and mitigate risks through sub-project specific investigation/assessment

•Integrate environment-friendly elements into planning and design

• Integrate environment-friendly elements into construction

• Manage operation of facility/building with regard to environment, health and safety

Managin

g I

mpacts

of

In-d

irectly

Support

ed P

roje

ct

Activitie

s • Capacity building on environment management

• Integration of environment management aspects in program's process, procedures and manuals, including monitoring and evaluation


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which provide an opportunity to streamline environmental management measures in

these programs for creation of sustainable assets.

The heterogeneous characteristics in terms of locations and site conditions warrant a

mechanism to bring a homogeneous approach in the planning, design and execution of

environmental management activities for such works. This has necessitated preparation

of a document that will help and guide the Implementing Agency (BRDS and SSUPSW) in

selection of appropriate technique/s to carry out planning, design and implementation of

environmental management activities in line with the type and nature of civil works

proposed under the project. Therefore, although the general thrust and broad project

interventions are well understood, the specific details pertaining to planning and design

of Buniyad Centers that the project envisages to support, will be completely known only

later in the project cycle.

In the given context, through this and the following sections – the Environmental

Management Framework (EMF) serves as an appropriate tool, allowing for flexibility

within the boundaries set forth by the requirements of the Bank’s operation policies and

the country’s regulatory mechanisms. The framework describes the principles, objectives

and approach to be followed in avoiding, minimizing and mitigating the adverse

environmental impacts that are likely to arise as a result of the implementation of the

various construction activities under the Bihar Integrated Social Protection and

Strengthening Project.

The works proposed under the project have a potential to trigger some adverse

environment and social impacts in the process in the local context, if the works are not

properly planned and managed. Also, some opportunities to enhance the positive

benefits of the interventions exist, which can be integrated into the planning and design

process early-on, provided a clear-cut guidance is available. Therefore, an Environmental

Management Framework (EMF) for the project offers the required flexibility in guiding

the process of dealing with the unwarranted impacts and would help in augmenting the

positive benefits for both situations – for existing buildings that will be refurbished and

those where new Buniyad Centers will come-up and engineering designs are yet to be

initiated.

The framework details out the various policies, guidelines and procedures that need to

be integrated during the planning, design and implementation cycle of the Bank-financed

project in the state of Bihar. It also outlines the indicative management measures

required to effectively address or deal with the key issues that have been identified. The

required institutional arrangements for implementing the EMF have also been outlined as

a part of this framework.

5.1.2 Purpose and Objectives of EMF

Good environmental management practices are essential and integral elements of

sound project preparation and implementation. More specifically, the EMF seeks to:

Establish clear procedures and methodologies for environmental planning,

review, approval and implementation of sub-projects to be financed under

the Project.


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To provide practical guidance for planning, designing and implementing the

environmental management measures.

Specify appropriate roles and responsibilities, and outline the necessary

reporting procedures, for managing and monitoring environmental and

related social concerns of the sub-projects and;

Determine the institutional arrangements, including those related to training,

capacity building and technical assistance (if required) needed to successfully

implement the provisions of the EMF.

The application and implementation of the EMF therefore, will:

Support the integration of environmental aspects into the decision making

process of all stages related to planning, design, execution, operation and

maintenance of sub-projects, by identifying, avoiding and/or minimizing

adverse environmental and social impacts early-on in the project cycle.

Enhance the positive/sustainable environmental and social outcomes through

improved/ sensitive planning, design and implementation of sub-activities.

Minimize environmental degradation as a result of either individual sub-

projects or through their indirect, induced and cumulative effects, as much

as possible.

Protect human health and

Minimize impacts on cultural property.

The use / implementation of the EMF will also support the achievement of

compliance with applicable laws and regulations as well as with the requirements of

relevant Bank policies on environmental safeguard aspects.

5.2 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:

Specific site investigation and assessment of project supported building

construction activities (Buniyad Centers) that have limited environmental impact

Adoption of environment-friendly design elements, construction and management

practices for project supported building construction activities

The activities directly supported by the project and having limited environmental impact

will go through site specific technical and environmental assessment. The assessment

will be done during the planning stage prior to the actual construction by a Design

Consultant. The environmental conditions will be assessed before finalizing the site and

thereafter in parallel to the engineering design preparation. Specifically this will involve

the following steps:

1) Environmental Screening

2) Verification of Environmental Screening Results


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3) Integration of Environmental Requirements into Design

4) Environmental Monitoring and Reporting during Construction

5) Environmental Monitoring During Operation

Step 1 - Environmental Screening

An environment and social screening format would be filled-up after undertaking a field

visit to understand the general site conditions and constraints, if any. Without narrowing

the focus of the detailed field investigation/assessment, having this knowledge provides

an early sense on the spatial and temporal dimension about the likely issues on-hand.

Screening consists of checking and identifying environmental risks, impacts and

opportunities and the requisite measures that are applicable within the local context for

addressing them. The result from this exercise will serve as an important input into the

decision making for site selection. This exercise will be conducted using pre-defined

checklists (one for identification of sites for new buildings and the other for identifying

existing buildings in which the Service Centers can be temporarily run) through the field

officials at the Block level.

The screening details are being vetted by the concerned Block Development Officer

(BDO). The concerned BDO is also specifying in the checklist whether the required space

of 4000 to 5000 sq. ft. (5000 sq. ft. for 38 district level Buniyad Centers and 4000 sq. ft.

for remaining 63 sub-division level Buniyad Centers) is available. Wherever the

Government land for construction of Buniyad Centers is found to be encumbrance free

the concerned BDO will certify the same. In case, the said land is not encumbrance free

the BDO will mention this fact along with nature and extent of the issue/encumbrance.

In cases, where no land is available within the Block premises, the Centers will not be

constructed in those blocks to avoid any change in land use of other land and to avoid

land acquisition.

Step 2 - Verification of Environmental Screening Results

Detailed verification exercise is the second step in the environment management

process. Since the field data collection is the responsibility of the Block level officials,

who may limited perspective on the environmental requirements/issues, it is imperative

that a systematic verification by an Environmental Expert is carried out to cross-check

and validate the results from the said screening exercise.

The purpose of the verification exercise is to get an overview of the nature, scale and

magnitude of the issues in order to determine the sub-project/site feasibility and if

findings permit, it allows for proper scoping of further assessments to be carried out.

After identifying key issues, the applicability of the Government of India’s/State

Government’s regulatory requirements is to be established as part of the verification

exercise.

The key sub-steps involved in the screening process are outlined below:

Ascertain presence of any environmentally sensitive areas/issues through

primary/secondary information.


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Confirm applicability of regulations and policies in context of broad sub-project

interventions.

Conduct ground truthing and incorporate required/ additional information in the

screening format.

Ascertain details about land availability and broad categories of ownership

(forest/govt./private)

Document results in a systematic manner

The outcome of the screening process will help select and/or prioritize the various

investments and where required and start the clearance process (if required) in a timely

manner.

Steps 3 to 5 - Integration of Environment, Health and Safety Requirements into

Design, Construction and Operation of Buildings

The scale of environmental impacts due to construction of Buniyad Centers will be

localized and of low significance. However, if not managed adequately during planning,

design, implementation and operation stages, the impacts might become significant due

to inappropriate site selection, improper plan and design of the building including

inadequate ancillary facilities like drainage and sanitation system.

The construction activities therefore will endeavor to be environment friendly. This will

be done through:

promotion of “environmentally friendly” design and construction through integration

of environment-friendly elements into the design (“Green/-er Design”) of the service

centers,

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 centers.

The Figure below depicts the strategy to promote environmentally friendly design,

construction and maintenance approach.

Strategy for Promotion of Environment Friendly Construction

Preconstruction

• Green/-er Design • Energy

• Materials

• Water

• Waste

• Landscape

Construction

• Code of Practice for Contractors • Safety aspects

• Legal compliance

Postconstruction

• Environmental Management • Energy

• Water and Sanitation

• Waste management


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A. Green/-er Building Design

The service centers will be designed during the first year of the project implementation

by a private Design Consultant/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 here.

For the Buniyad Centers which are expected to be about 5000 sq.ft (465 sq m) in area,

the option of securing a ‘Green Building Certification’ such as the SVAGRIHA9 guidance-

cum-rating system will be explored.

Environment Friendly Elements for Buildings10

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.)

B. Code of Practice for Construction

The construction of the service centers would be outsourced to a private agency and will

be done in a phased manner. It will be ensured that the building construction contractors

follow a code of practice on environmental, health and safety requirements. The code of

practice will form part of the contract document/s.

This will include:

9 For details see http://www.grihaindia.org

10 SVAGRIHA Version 1.2, TERI and Adarsh, 2011.

http://www.grihaindia.org/


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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 concerned

department/agency 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 excavations – will be securely fenced to prevent

accidental falls.

All water sources created under the project (e.g., hand pumps/tube wells dug for

drinking water supply at the Service Centers) must meet the stipulated standards for

human consumption.

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 and Museums, Government of Bihar.

All construction workers will be provided protective/safety gear (such as helmets)

and first-aid kit shall be made available at site.

All construction waste (rubble) will be cleared from the site after construction and

disposed appropriately (no dumping in/around water bodies/courses).

C. Environment-friendly Management/Operation of Buildings

Good environmental management practices will continue to be implemented during the

operation and maintenance of the service centers. 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 for health and hygiene

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 centers. They will also form part of the contract documents

where the operation/maintenance is out-sourced to a private agency.

5.3 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 – positive and negative. The project will make efforts to promote good

environmental management practices in these activities in two ways:


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1) Streamlining environmental management measures in form of guidance note/s as

part of the Operational Manuals of both MGNREGS and IAY

2) Capacity building on environment management

3) Integration of information on environment management aspects in monitoring and

evaluation

Streamlining Environmental Management Measures in Operational Manual of

MGNREGS and IAY

District-specific technical manuals for use by the field level technical staff of the

MGNREGS (PTA, Junior Engineer, PO) and IAY on environmental management of

MGNREGS works and IAY housing will be developed by a Consultant/Agency with required

experience in these areas. These will be treated as supplementary materials to the

operational manuals on the programs. Guidance to manage/mitigate environmental

issues associated with specific works under MGNREGS has been developed and provided

in Annexure 2. Based on how the specific technical pieces of work shape-up during the

course of project implementation, these principles and guidance will be appropriately

integrated into the outputs.

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 being implemented in the state. The

development of standardized procedures and tools on MGNREGA 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 MGNREGS 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/Expert to

provide inputs on environmental management as and when these institutional

strengthening measures are developed and launched.

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 the state, 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 and undertake field assessments.

The M&E strategy of the project will include capturing of 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.


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Section 6: Stakeholder Consultation

Stakeholder’s consultations and participation have been viewed as a continuous process,

involving, promoting of public understanding of the processes and mechanisms through

which developmental problems, needs are investigated and resolved. The stakeholder

consultation, as an integral part of environmental impact process throughout the project

preparation stage not only minimizes the risks and unwanted political propaganda

against the project but also abridges the gap between the community and the project

formulators, which leads to timely completion of the project and making the project

people friendly.

6.1 Stakeholder Consultation

Stakeholder consultation is a two way process, which involves the interaction of various

stakeholders and the project proponent. It is highly desirable for all key stakeholders to

arrive at a consensus on sensitive features, impacts and remedial actions.

6.2 Types/ Categories of Stakeholders

Based on their role towards the project, stakeholders have been categorized into

following groups:

(i) Owners or Project Proponent

This is related to the stakeholder who risks their own money in a venture. Whilst they

will get a return on their investment, usually in the form of a dividend they have a

vested interest in seeing the Organization being successful, to not only guarantee their

dividend but also to ensure it grows.

(ii) Government Agencies

Some government departments which will be affected either positively or negatively or in

both ways by the proposed project are required to give their inputs to make project

successful. These government agencies are BRDS, SSUPSW, RDD, DoSW and Bihar State

Building Construction Corporation Limited.

(iii) Communities/Beneficiaries

This is very important stakeholder category that will be benefited directly through

implementation of the project. Their participation provides a significant input in terms of

their opinions/suggestions in terms of expectation from project design and ways to

improve it. These primary stakeholders include the intended target population or

beneficiaries of the social protection programs being supported under the project - the

poor and vulnerable rural households, persons with disabilities, older persons and

widows. There are about 5.5 million people aged 60 and above and about 1.9 million

persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Bihar, and 2.0 million widowed, divorced and

separated women who could benefit from the project. These groups are characterized by

high levels of illiteracy and face barriers of access to services. The project focuses on

building effective mechanisms for reaching out to these groups, ensuring their rights and

providing them an effective and responsive safety net.


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(iv) Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

The representatives from the Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and Non-

Governmental Organizations (NGOs), including the Disabled Persons Organizations

(DPOs) and Senior Citizen Associations, which are working in project influence area (in

this case the state of Bihar) are important stakeholders too.

6.3 Process of Stakeholder Consultation

Public consultation is an important method of involving various stakeholders particularly,

local community with reference to the proposed development initiatives. It provides a

platform to participants to express their views, concerns and apprehensions that might

affect them positively or negatively. Through participation and consultation stakeholders

influence development initiatives and decision making process. The effectiveness of

participation and consultation is directly related to the degree of involvement of the

project affected persons and the beneficiary groups and integration of the outcomes

from the consultations, wherever feasible in the proposed project initiatives. Detailed

planning is required to ensure that local community, interested groups, non-

governmental organizations, civil society organizations; local government, line

departments, etc. are consulted regularly, frequently and purposefully during different

stages of the project including project preparation.

6.4 Stakeholder Consultation in BISPSP

The preparation of BISPSP has ensured involvement of various stakeholders and people

in project planning, implementation and operation. The consultations under the project

were conducted as part of project preparation, so that aspirations of the people can be

assessed for collective and mutually agreed project related decisions. The consultation

mechanism has been designed in such a manner that every stratum of society and

concerned administration at different spatial hierarchy is consulted. Regular/periodic

consultations will continue through the remaining stages of the project delivery cycle.

6.5 Type of Consultations

Various types of Public Consultation have been and are being carried out during the

project preparation stage which includes:

Consultation with stakeholders at the State Level

Consultation with stakeholders at District Level

6.5.1 State Level consultation

State level consultation workshops witnessed active involvement of Principal Secretary,

DoRD; Secretary, DoSW; CEO, Bihar Rural Livelihood Promotion Society (BRLPS);

District Development commissioners (DDC); Block Development Officers (BDO); Circle

Officer (CO); Officers from DoRD & DoSW, State Society for Ultra Poor and Social

Welfare (SAKSHAM) team members, representative of NGO’s and representatives of the

World Bank. Two such workshops were held as part of project preparation – one in

August 2012 and the other in September 2013.


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The consultation workshops were conducted with an objective to share the findings of

Environmental and Social Assessments and presenting the Environmental Management

Framework and Social Management Framework prepared/designed for BISPS with a view

to elicit stakeholder’s feedback. Importantly, during consultation the main themes/issues

that were highlighted by the stakeholders were on:

a) Planning, Design and Construction of Buniyad Centers proposed under the project

b) Issues faced by vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities and elderly.

c) Poor survival rate of plantations, after-care of plantation, technical support to water

conservation and harvesting structures related to works under MGNREGS.

d) Inadequacy of amount provided under the Indira Awaas Yojana to build a house -

increased cost of construction material was highlighted.

e) Dealing with issues of protected areas – it was emphasized that any kind of

construction activity under the project should not be allowed in such areas.

f) Need for additional Human Resources for IAY and MNREGA at Block and Panchayat

level for delivering of these programs.

The details of the two State Level Consultation Forums organized as part o project

preparation are attached at Annexure 3 and 4.

6.5.2 District Level Consultations

District level consultations were conducted at four districts of Buxar, Katihar, Madhubani

and Nalanda during August 2012. The concerned District Development Commissioner

(DDC); Circle Officer; Assistant Director, Social Security; Block Development Officers

(BDOs); District Agriculture Officer (Agriculture Department); District Horticulture

Officer; Civil Surgeon; Community Development Officer, NABARD; and representatives

from NGO’s participated in these meetings. More details are in the table below:

Table 6.1 : District Level Consultations

Sl.

No. District

Date of

Meeting Venue Important Participants

1 Buxar 14.08.2012

District

Collectorate,

Buxar

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

2 Katihar 17-08-2012

Vikas

Bhawan,

Katihar

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


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Sl.

No. District

Date of

Meeting Venue Important Participants

3 Madhubani 16-08-2012 DDC Office,

Madhubani

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 Surgeon; Community

Development Officer, NABARD; DPM, Jeevika

Project and representatives from NGOs; team

members of SAKSHAM and consultant from BRDS

4 Nalanda 13.08.2012

District

Collectorate,

Nalanda

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

The consultations started with an overview of the BISPS Project wherein the project

objectives and project components were explained. The Social and Environment

Assessment findings and the proposed Management Frameworks were shared with

participants for discussions/suggestions during these meetings. The details of District

Level Consultation Workshops are in Annexure 5.

6.6 Key Findings from the District Level Consultations

Over-all, the district level consultations had good participation from all stakeholders and

the Project has been well received. The key suggestions/feedback from these district

level consultations have been tabulated below.

S.No District Key Suggestions/Feedback

1 Buxar 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 as perceived by the participants.

The comments and suggestions shared by the participants for

mitigating the negative impacts are:

o As poor planning of MNREGS works is a key reason behind

negative environmental impacts, the planning process in the

Gram Panchayat must be strengthened.

o 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 orient their motivation to issues of sustainability.

o The BISPS Project should build the capacity of frontline workers

i.e. Rozgar Sevak and Junior Engineers who are involved in

planning, implementation and monitoring of schemes of

MGNREGS in the villages.


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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 about the

negative impacts resulting from 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

Awaas 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 should be

facilitated.

2 Katihar 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 MGNREGS.

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 agriculture and fishing. This highlights the need for

adoption of environmental protection in development activity.

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’s success can be replicated in rest of the district.

3 Madhubani The design of the Buniyad Centres should integrate environment-

friendly aspects.

The use of Solar Energy to replace/supplement Diesel Generators for

power back-up must be explored.


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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 mind set of the

beneficiaries about the design and construction of the housing.

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

MGNREGS construction works as the local community and staff does

not have expertise in technical design. However, availability of

trained 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.

4 Nalanda The land for Buniyad Centres and Adarsh RTPS centres (now excluded

from the project scope) 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 Buniyad

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 for

plantations.

To promote an environment friendly work culture, capacity building of

the officials is required.

Fertile soil from agricultural fields/top soil use for works must be

discouraged. This is serious problem but nobody is taking a note of it.

At least through this project, this issue needs to be highlighted to

make the general public and officials engaged in implementing the

program aware about this.

Strong team composition with an understanding of MGNREGS,

environment, insurance coverage; and worksite provisions and

facilities has become pertinent for effective implementation.


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Considering the nature and objective of MGNREGS to strengthen the

natural resource base, the indicator related to environment

conservation and maintenance needs to be chalked out to provide

information and clarification to all stakeholders involved in

implementing the same.

6.7 Follow-up District Level Consultations

With a delay in project delivery and subsequent changes to project scope and the

revisions in safeguard instruments, follow-up consultations were organized in October

2013.

Table 6.2 : Follow-up District Level Consultations

Sl. No. Date of Meeting District

1 October 1, 2013 Patna

2 October 4, 2013 Gaya

3 October 5, 2013 Motihari

4 October 7, 2013 Purniya

Four such follow-up consultations were carried out in districts of Patna, Purniya, Motihari

and Gaya. More are planned in the near future. The summary is given in the table above

while the details are attached in Annexure 6.


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Section 7: Institution Arrangements

Both the Rural Development Department (RDD) and Department of Social Welfare

(DoSW) work with specifically mandated entities which will function as the implementing

agencies for the purpose of the BISPS Project. Respectively, the Bihar Rural

Development Society (BRDS) and the State Society for Ultra-Poor and Social Welfare

(SSUPSW) would serve as the focal points for day-to-day management of activities

under the project. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Committee of both

State Societies headed by their respective Secretary (i.e. of RDD and SSUPSW) would

provide guidance during Project implementation.

7.1 Project Implementation Arrangements

The project will be implemented by the Department of Social Welfare (through SSUPSW)

and the Rural Development Department (through BRDS), who will oversee operations

through their existing institutional structures, with the heads of each Society reporting to

the Secretaries of their respective line Departments, i.e. RDD and DoSW. IDA financing

would provide for the costs of the selected staff at SSUPSW and BRDS, as well as for

out-sourced technical agencies for additional support to the implementing agencies.

The diagram below shows the various units of the two implementing agencies with their

reporting channels.

Institution Arrangements for the Project

7.1.1 State Level Entities

The Project would rely on the existing institutional mechanisms for management

oversight and streamlined coordination between the activities of both Societies. The

office of the Development Commissioner (DC) of the Government of Bihar, in his ex-

officio position as the chairperson of the General Body of BRDS and of SSUPSW would

play the coordinating and oversight role. The DC also holds similar office in other


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societies (such as for the Bihar Panchayat Strengthening Project). The DC and the

societies’ General Bodies would provide overall policy advice and oversight and ensure

coordination between the implementing agencies for effective implementation of the

Project.

BRDS and SSUPSW would organize their staff into specialized cells for program

management, monitoring and evaluation, communication, training, e-governance and

partnerships, for implementing their respective mandates and supervising project

operations. The society staff would also include domain specialists for their respective

areas of business, i.e. programs and services targeted to the rural poor and vulnerable,

older persons, widows and persons with disabilities.

SSUPSW would undertake the construction of 101 Buniyad Centers, as well as

architectural design, quality control and supervision with the support of the Bihar State

Building Construction Corporation Limited (BSBCCL). Operations at the service centers

would be facilitated and monitored by the District level Buniyad Centers (referred to as

the District Unit of SSUPSW). These District Units would function in close collaboration

with the Assistant Director – Social Security. Staffing at these Units would consist of

contractual staff appointed by SSUPSW.

BRDS would undertake the implementation and supervision of project activities,

particularly the financial management strengthening and internal pre-audit functions,

through a district level team appointed by BRDS on contractual basis. This district level

team would function in close collaboration with the District Rural Development Agency

(DRDA). At the block level, BRDS will appoint an accountant who would work under the

Block Development Officer (BDO) to facilitate scheme wise and unit wise accounting,

financial reporting, bank and inter unit reconciliations, funds management, etc.

Bihar Rural Development Society (BRDS)

BRDS has been set up as an entity registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860,

to help guide RDD in the implementation of rural development schemes, and is primarily

tasked with management of the MGNREGS implementation and monitoring. The Society

is committed to eradicating poverty, promoting sustainable development and productive

employment, as well as fostering social justice for the rural poor population.

Project support to the Society will provide financing for program management, training,

establishment of partnerships, outreach and awareness, development of policy and

guidelines, applications for RDD programs and services, etc. as part of the capacity and

systems strengthening activities for BRDS, under Sub-Component 1.1. In addition, the

Project would finance goods, services and operating costs for small-scale pilots under the

innovation window under Sub-Component 2.3.

The Executive Committee of BRDS has the Secretary, RDD, as the President, providing

an effective link with the Department. BRDS is headed by a Chief Executive Officer

(CEO), a position held by the IAS officer appointed as the state’s MGNREGS

Commissioner who provides management oversight of daily business activities, including

those financed by the Project. The Society is expected to be fully staffed with personnel

responsible for implementing and monitoring MGNREGS, financed by, or represented by,

the Government of Bihar.


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Bank support would finance remaining contract staff involved in the implementation and

monitoring of the Project, thus utilizing mandated positions in BRDS rather than creating

time-bound Project-specific positions. The Society would also hire a number of technical

agencies to support functions such as Financial Management and e-Governance

management, and Bank support would finance such selected contractual service

providers in agreement with BRDS.

State Society for Ultra-Poor and Social Welfare (SSUPSW)

SSUPSW has been established under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, in order to

implement and monitor DoSW programs and services. The Society has been set up with

a view towards creating an enabling policy environment for the welfare of DoSW’s target

beneficiaries, planning and managing policy actions, and supporting DoSW and its three

Directorates in program review and institutional strengthening activities.

Project funding would be primarily for staffing and training costs, but also other technical

assistance (as similarly provided for BRDS) as part of the capacity and systems

strengthening activities under Sub-Component 1.2. The social care service centers to be

operated at the sub-division level by SSUPSW would be overseen by the monitoring units

in the designated district level centers, which would also ensure that service in the

Buniyad centers adheres to defined service standards. SSUPSW would be responsible for

the overall oversight of construction of 101 Buniyad Centers and will hire a civil engineer

for this purpose. The construction of the Buniyad centers, as well as architectural design,

quality control and supervision, will be carried out by the Bihar State Building

Construction Corporation Limited (BSBCCL), which will sign a detailed Memorandum of

Understanding (MOU) with SSUPSW. As with BRDS, the Bank would also finance goods,

services and operating costs for small-scale pilots under the innovation window (Sub-

Component 2.3).

The Society is headed by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO), a position in which an IAS

officer would be appointed as per Government sanction. At present, the position is held

by Director, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). Besides, in order to ensure

day to day implementation and supervision of the BISPS Project, the Department of

Social Welfare has designated the Director, Directorate of Social Welfare, an IAS officer

as the Project Director.

In order to strengthen management oversight of daily business activities, including those

financed by the Project, SSUPSW has hired the services of a Deputy CEO (DCEO). The

DCEO would also provide the direct linkage to the district-level monitoring units based in

the district level Buniyad Centers, which in turn would manage the SSUPSW sub-division

level centers.

7.1.2 District Level Entities

In line with the vision of strengthening existing institutions and systems of the

Government, the Project would support BRDS and SSUPWS in setting up and

strengthening their respective District Units to implement and monitor Project activities,

and serve as an interface between the state and block levels. This would ensure that

sustainable and technically equipped units are established for effective implementation

of social protection programs.


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In addition, the District Magistrate and the District Development Commissioner

(reporting to RDD) are an integral part of the delivery chain for the programs

implemented by BRDS and SSUPSW and would play a critical role in the implementation

of the systemic reforms and pilots.

BRDS District Units

At the district-level, BRDS has District Program Management Teams (DPMT) which would

support the Society in the implementation of RDD programs and services. These would

also act as the administrative hub for the block-level pilot centers operating in their

respective districts. These units would primarily be Government financed, with staff

directly recruited by BRDS, while incremental staff required for Project implementation

and monitoring would be financed by the Bank. This district level team would function in

close collaboration with the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) and the DPMT.

Other personnel may be deputed by the Society or recruited on a contractual basis. The

District Units would be headed by the District Manager who would report to the COO at

BRDS.

SSUPSW District Units

The District level Buniyad Centers will serve as the SSUPSW District Units and would

support the Society in the implementation of DoSW programs, provide services for older

persons, widows and persons-with-disabilities at the district, manage and monitor the

sub-divisional level centers, and coordinate the duties of the mobile outreach and

therapy units. These District Units would function under the overall supervision of the

Assistant Director Social Security (ADSS), DoSW.

Led by a District Coordinator cum Center Manager, the District Units would report to the

ADSS at the district level and the Deputy CEO of SSUPSW at the state level. Other

personnel may be deputed by the Society or recruited on a contractual basis.

7.1.3 Block Level Entities

The Block Development Offices (BDO), of the Government of Bihar, are responsible for

overseeing all rural development and social protection schemes, performing all other

administrative, revenue and law and order functions at the block. The BDO would play a

critical role in the implementation and supervision of activities proposed under this

Project. The financial management staff supported by the project at the block level

would work under the supervision and guidance of the BDO to facilitate scheme wise and

unit wise accounting, financial reporting, bank and inter unit reconciliations, funds

management, among others. The BDO would also coordinate with the relevant Project

personnel at the district level.

7.2 Institutional Arrangements for Environment Management

Specifically for environment management, the responsibility for ensuring the

implementation of the EMF will be anchored with an identified/designated officer in the

State Units of both BRDS and SSUPSW. These officers will over-see, coordinate and

monitor environment management aspects of the project. An expert, whose services will

be hired from the market to support the implementation of EMF will be a part of the

project team at SSUPSW (under DoSW). The roles and responsibilities for ensuring EMF


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implementation will also be shared by the RDD and DoSW programs at the district and

block levels.

In addition to periodic internal monitoring, an independent external monitoring of the

Buniyad Centers will be undertaken during the project duration to check compliance,

assess impacts and identify ways of strengthening environmental management.

7.3 Monitoring and Reporting

The environmental monitoring programme will be devised to ensure that the envisaged

purpose of the project is achieved and results in benefits for the target population. Broad

objectives of the monitoring programme will be:

To evaluate the performance of measures proposed in the EMF

To suggest improvements in the plans, as and if required (also keeping in mind

the way the project evolves)

To ensure that the statutory and regulatory obligations are met

Regular reviews will be conducted through the project cycle starting from the planning

and design itself and continuing through the implementation and operation stages.

Internal audit will be carried out by the Consultant hired from market, placed at SSUPSW

to support the project. Primarily the review/auditing exercise will determine whether the

sub-projects comply with all required regulatory and operation standards. It entails a

systematic, documented and periodic review of project implementation and could be a

very useful tool to improve the over-all project performance.

Some suggested indicators for monitoring environmental performance include:

Social Care Service Centers (Buniyad Centers)

This will cover monitoring of all Buniyad Centers and will be undertaken prior to, during

and after the completion of the building construction. The key aspects to be monitored

include:

Compliance with the legal and regulatory requirements;

Integrated planning (land use) of Buniyad Centers facilities with existing site

features

Extent of integration of ‘green/-er design’ features and ‘environment friendly’

materials in design, including accessibility for physically challenged persons and

conservation measures for energy and water

Construction stage management, including construction waste management and

workers occupational health and safety

Over-all operation and maintenance of Buniyad Centers, including health/hygiene

and housekeeping

MGNREGS

Survival rate of plantations (percentage of saplings survived in 2nd/3rd year after

plantation)

Additional irrigation potential created/revived (extent of land area)

Extent of sand casted area treated

Extent for water logged area treated


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Extent of erosion prone area treated

Water conservation structure created

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

7.4 Training and Capacity Building for Environmental Management

The BRDS and SSUPSW are responsible for the implementation of the project. These

agencies are implementing Environmental Management Framework (EMF) for the first

time and based on institutional capacity assessments during project preparation, it was

found that there is extremely limited exposure to environmental issues. More details are

in Annexure 7. As a result, support and handholding during initial stages of the project

becomes important.

A training plan has been out-lined keeping in mind the needs of the various target

groups involved in the project. The training for BRDS and SSUPSW staff will be provided

through a combination of formal in-house/class room based training and practical on-

the-job sessions. The training will be delivered through a combination of any of these

methods:

Class-based sessions/interactions

On-the-job Training

Short Courses and

Workshops/Seminars

Exposure visits

The training plan will cover basic principles and methods for sound environmental

management; screening and its documentation; mitigation measures; implementation

techniques; monitoring and reporting; regulatory requirements and; other relevant

environmental management methods and tools.

Typical modules, to be detailed out further, may include:

Purpose and components of the EMF prepared for BISPSP

Environmental issues in the context of Buniyad Centers, MNREGS and IAY

Environmental appraisal process – screening and site assessment

Environmental management measures for Buniyad Centers, MNREGS and IAY

o Building Planning and design

o Energy conservation and its saving techniques

o Construction management

o Occupational Health and safety during construction

o Handling and management of wastes


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o Water Conservation and harvesting, irrigation, watershed development,

drought proofing measures, afforestation (activities under MNREGA)

Monitoring, evaluation and reporting on environmental aspects


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Annexures


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Annexure 1

Administrative and Local Governance Units in Bihar

S

No. District Name11 Sub-Division Name

No. of

Blocks12

No. of

Panchayats13

1 Araria Araria, Farbisganj 9 218

2 Arwal Arwal Sadar 5 68

3 Aurangabad Aurangabad, Daud Nagar 11 203

4 Banka Banka 11 185

5 Begusarai Begusarai, Manjhaul, Ballia,

Bakhari, Teghara. 18 257

6 Kaimur (Bhabhua) Bhabhua, Mohania 11 151

7 Bhagalpur Bhagalpur, Kahalgaon,

Naugachhia 16 242

8 Bhojpur Ara Sadar, Jagdishpur, Piro 14 228

9 Buxar Buxar, Dumraon 11 142

10 Darbhanga Darbhanga Sadar, Benipur and

Biraul 18 330

11 East Champaran Motihari Sadar, Areraj, Raxaul,

Sikarahna, Pakridayal 27 410

12 Gaya Gaya Sadar, Neemchak, Bathani,

Sherghati, Tekari 24 332

13 Gopalganj Gopalganj, Hathua 14 234

14 Jamui Jamui 10 153

15 Jehanabad Jehanabad 7 93

16 Katihar Katihar Sadar, Barsoi, Manihari 16 238

17 Khagaria Khagaria, Goghri 7 129

18 Kishanganj Kishanganj 7 126

11

Source: Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Planning & Development Department, Government of Bihar, http://dse.bih.nic.in/personnel.htm 12

Source: Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Planning & Development Department, Government of Bihar, http://dse.bih.nic.in/personnel.htm 13

Source: Annual Report 2009-10, Department of Panchayati Raj, Government of Bihar.

http://dse.bih.nic.in/personnel.htm

http://dse.bih.nic.in/personnel.htm


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S

No. District Name11 Sub-Division Name

No. of

Blocks12

No. of

Panchayats13

19 Lakhisarai Lakhisarai 7 80

20 Madhepura Madhepura, Uda Kishanganj 13 170

21 Madhubani Madhubani, Jaynagar, Benipatti,

Jhanjharpur, Phul Paraas 21 399

22 Munger Munger, Haveli Kharagpur,

Tarapur 9 101

23 Muzaffarpur East Muzaffarpur, West

Muzaffarpur 16 387

24 Nalanda Bihar Sharif, Rajgir, Hilsa 20 249

25 Nawada Nawadah, Rajauli 14 187

26 Patna Patna Sadar, Patna City, Barh,

DanaPur, Masaurhi, Paliganj 23 331

27 Purnea Purnea, Banmankhi, Dhamdaha,

Vaishi 14 251

28 Rohtas Sasaram, Bikramganj, Dehri 19 246

29 Saharsa Saharasa Sadar, Simri

Bakhtiyarpur 10 153

30 Samastipur Samastipur Sadar, Dalsinghsarai,

Patori, Rosera, 20 381

31 Saran Chapra, Marhawrah, Sonepur 20 330

32 Sheikhpura Sheikhpura 6 54

33 Sheohar Sheohar 5 53

34 Sitamarhi Sitamarhi Sadar, Belsand, Pupri 17 273

35 Siwan Siwan, Maharajganj 19 293

36 Supaul Supaul, Birpur, Nirmali,

Tribeniganj 11 181

37 Vaishali Hajipur, Mahnar, Mahua 16 290

38 West Champaran Bettiah, Bagaha, Narkatiyaganj 18 315

Total 101 534 8463


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Annexure 2

Part A - Environmental Management Guidelines for MGNREGS Works

Work Category Type of Work Positive

Impact Negative Impact Mitigation Measures

Rural

Connectivity

Mitti Murram Road

Gravel Road

WBM Road

CC Road

Inter Locking

Cement Block road

Brick Kharanja

Stone Kharanja

Cross Drainage

Improve

Connectivity

and

accessibility to

market and

social

infrastructures

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



top soil, etc.


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Inadequate drainage provision

leading to water logging and/or

damage to road


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


requirement of tree felling is

avoided/minimized

Ensure that permission is taken from

concerned agency 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

Possibility of pilferage of any

chance finds of archaeological

importance

Report any chance finds of historical,

archaeological significance to the


Museums, Government of Bihar


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Renovation of

Traditional water

bodies including

desilting of tanks

Desilting of tanks,

talab and ponds and

other traditional

water bodies

Repair, renovation

and restoration of

tanks, talab, ponds,

check dams, escape,

weirs and control

structures

Improved

water

harvesting/sto

rage

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


excavation site

Select pond location such that


avoided/minimized


Forest Department/concerned office for

felling of trees






importance






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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

Water

conservation and

water harvesting

Continuous contour

trenches/furrows,

staggered trenches,

box trenches

Sunken ponds

Gully plugs

Improved

water

harvesting/sto

rage

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


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Boulder check

Gabions structures

Ponds, Tanks,

Percolation tanks

etc.

Underground dykes

Earthen dam

Springshed

development

- Staggered

trenches

- Plantation

Ckeck dam, anticut,

stop dam

Artificial recharge of

well through sand

filter

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



etc., as per the specified design to

reduce chances of erosion


on banks may lead to

weakening of banks, uneven



and drainage



fields)


excavation site

Select location/design of the water

harvesting structure such that


avoided/minimized


concerned agency for felling of trees





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importance







from the work (clogging of

pynes with weeds, siltation,

damage to bunds)




for

Irrigation canals

including micro

and minor

irrigation

Construction of

canal, distributary &

minor lining of

canals

Rehabilitation of

minor, sub-minors

Community well for

irrigation

Lift irrigation

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



top soil, etc.


on bunds may lead to

weakening of bunds, uneven



and drainage



fields)


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Erosion from unstable earthen

bunds



etc., as per the specified design to

reduce chances of erosion



from the renovation work

(clogging of canal with weeds,

damage to bunds)




for

Drought Proofing

including

afforestation and

tree plantation

Nursery raising

Eco restoration of

forest

Afforestation – to

cover degraded

forest and barren

land under

afforestation

Grassland

development &

silvipasture

Road/canal side

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)


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Block plantation Ensure proper disposal of pesticide

containers (destruction to prevent re-

use, sealing, burial)



from the plantation



plantation are agreed upon and provided

for.

Flood Control

Diversion channel

Diversion weir

Peripheral/cross

bund

Drainage in water

logged areas

Deepening and

repairs of flood

channels

Chaur renovation

Construction of

storm water drains

for coastal

protection

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



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


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Construction of

intermediate and

link drains Felling of trees

Select drain alignment such that


avoided/minimized


Forest Department/concerned office for

felling of trees





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Part B - Environmental Management Guidelines for IAY Works

Activities Positive


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


construction site

Ensure that permission is

taken from concerned

agency 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


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Annexure 3

State Level Consultation Workshop (No. 1)

on Environment and Social 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)


(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

Environment and Social Assessments of BISPSP 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 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 and representatives of the World Bank. The workshop was

attended by 54 participants in all.


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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

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.


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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.

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


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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 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.


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List of Participants

S.

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 Madhubani

24 Md. Shamsuzzaha PO RDD Madhubani

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


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S.

No. Name Designation

Department /

Organization Location

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

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 Deputy 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


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Annexure 4

State Level Consultation Workshop (No. 2)



October 1, 2013, Patna

Organized by:





Introduction

The Department of Social Welfare and the Department of Rural Development jointly

organized a State level Consultation Workshop on Environmental and Social Assessment

of Bihar Integrated Social Protection Strengthening Project on 1st October 2013 at Hotel

Patliputra Ashok, Patna.

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.


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Participant Profile

The participants of the workshop were Secretary ICDS; DDCs and other officials from

Districts; ADSS; Consultants from World Bank; representatives from NGOs and CSOs;

SAKSHAM team members. In all, there were 57 participants

Overview of proceedings

The program was led by Senior Administrative Officer, SSUPSW Sri K K Sinha who

marked the beginning of the event by welcoming Secretary, Social Welfare Department

Sri Rajit Punhani. He emphasized on the project objectives and its scope and coverage.

The project would support state wide coverage of social care services and improvement

of departments’ capacity to deliver the social protection programs through: 101 social

care service centres, one in each sub division; 38 mobile outreach and therapy vans, one

in each district; Financial management strengthening support to RDD in all 534 blocks

and strengthening capacity to implement and monitor social protection programs and

social care services. The project would be implemented over six years, with a total cost

of Rs 600 crore, including 420 crore loan from World Bank.

There was a presentation on BISPS project proposal by Dy CEO, SSUPSW Mrs Mahua

Roy Chowdhary. She elaborated the objective of the project and how to go about the

objective; the target group and the expected project outcomes. She also shared the

project cost and the sustenance. She requested participants from various streams for

their inputs as the project is in an initial stage and the inputs could be valuable.

In subsequent presentations, 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.


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To mark ‘World Old Persons Day’ a play was performed by participants from

CHAMAN, an NGO working for mentally challenged.


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Key Discussion Points and Suggestions

Each of the presentation was followed by discussions and suggestions from the

participants. The following are the key highlights:

Social Issues

Honourable Secretary elaborated the significance of Buniyad Centers saying that

it will cater to need of destitute at local level through well paid specialists or

referred to empanelled centers which need not necessarily be government

hospitals. This will disperse the enormous load on state hospitals. In the long run

Government also aims at creating a panel of private doctors who will be entitled

to certify for disability. Thus the involvement of Health Department in this project

is quite high.

Director Pensioners’ Society pointed out that while every medical college in Bihar

has Pediatricians, none of them has Geriatrician. In India, there are 30 lakhs

pensioners as against 50 lakhs people working in government. Yet in Bihar, these

are neglected lot as unlike other states it doesn’t provide medical security to

retired people. This needs to be looked into.

Some disabled people are completely bed ridden. They might be deprived of

services provided at Block level centers. There should be a toll free number for

each Buniyad center so that totally disabled or helpless people can at least call

and seek help.

Social Management Framework:

Buniyad centers to be constructed within the premises of Block offices so that

every social group can access the services from these centers. There will not be

any kind of exclusion of any social group in these centers.

While identifying the centers no one should be disturbed or displaced

Tribal Inclusion

The participation of tribal is poor because they don’t buy the theory of outside

agencies approaching them as they might influence their existing social structure.

So the approach should be very sensitive. Someone from among them on whom

they can confide, like the ward member in the Panchayati Raj elected by the

tribes themselves, can be involved in the committee to approach them.

Community Facilitators engaged in tribal villages or tribal majority Gram

Panchayats should be from amongst the tribal communities. Particularly for the

tribal pockets communication should be customized to cater to their needs and in

their language.

As strategies for social inclusion of tribal population, there should be focus on the

blocks with tribal population with respect to awareness generation and improved

monitoring and accountability, capacity building of project staff and improved

beneficiary participation.

The location of Buniyad center should be selected in such a way that it is easily

accessible to Tribal and Mahadalits.

Structural and Locational Issues

The center should preferably be at ground floor to avoid inconvenience for old

and disabled people in climbing up.

District officials suggested that there should be a prior lease agreement with the

concerned department before investing further. This suggestion was appreciated

by World bank representative


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Honourable Secretary suggested preference should be given to an already

existing building ( preferably from Health department as compared to other

department) so that the project can be kick started immediately

But if the space selected is a land, preference should then be given to Sub

division or block office campus

Space from irrigation department, any other department and court premises can

be acquired only if DM/court approves that in writing

Also as a pilot, the building of Buniyad Center could be utilized in some other

productive ways also based on ideas and suggestions from participants. One such

suggestion was to start organic farming as mostly the premise was big and there

was plenty of land.

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 centers should

be such that enough sunlight penetrates the building for adequate lighting.

Environmental Issues

The ecosystem thriving in the premises should not be disturbed by cutting of

trees or filling up of pond or drainage system.

In context of MNREGA, key environmental issues while constructing roads and

canals should be kept in mind. The impact on land productivity, plantation and

natural habitat has to be taken care of.

Human Resource

JEEVIKA is working in all 38 districts of Bihar and will be present in every block by

2014. Jeevika has already done capacity Building of village women as community

resource person. We can utilize the same human resource. Coordination between

departments is required so that there is no duplicity of work and the progress is

at faster pace.

There are about 12-15 recruitments to be done at every Buniyad center. In

addition, 4 technical people will be present in each 38 vans. This totals to more

than 1500 people. We can involve people from community level. Local care-givers

can be trained and provided recognized certificates at the Buniyad Centers.

Most of the persons with disabilities are uneducated or less educated. Providing

employment to them is also a challenge and we might take support from MNREGA

in this regards.

Honourable Secretary Mr Rajit Punhani offered vote of thanks to participants and

informed that such types of consultative workshops will be organized again after Oct 31,

2013 at district and subdivision level to get feedback and suggestions on the BISPS

project.


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Program

Time Session Key Person

09.30 to 10.00 am Registration SSUPSW

10.00 to 10.30 am

Welcome and Introductions:

Introduction to the Workshop

Introduction of Participants

SSUPSW

10.30 to 10.45 am Introduction to the BISPS Project: Objective, Components

SSUPSW, BRDS

10.45 to 11.00 am

Introduction to the Environmental and Social

Assessment Studies:

Overview of the World Bank’s Safeguard Policies; Study

Methodology

World Bank Team

11.00 to 11.15 am

Presentation of findings of Environmental Assessment, followed by discussion and

feedback from participants

Consultant, SSUPSW

11.15 to 11.45 am

Presentation of Social Assessment followed by discussion and feedback from

participants

SSUPSW

11.45 to 12.15 pm Presentation of Environmental and Social Management

Framework

World Bank Team & SSUPSW

12.15 to 1.15 pm

Discussion:

Inputs from RDD, DoSW, BRDS, SSUPSW

SSUPSW, BRDS

1.15 to 1.30 pm Closing remarks SSUPSW, BRDS

1.30 to 2.30 pm Lunch

2.30pm to 3.30 pm Role of Society, Government and NGOs for the Welfare of Older Persons in Bihar

Mr. KK Verma, Director, DoSW

Dr. I C Kumar,

President, Bihar Pensioner Samaj

Prof Dr. D. M Diwakar, Director, A

N Sinha Institute of Social Studies,

Patna

3.30 -3.45pm Stage Play Students from

CHAMAN

3.45 - 4.00pm Vote of thanks


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Annexure 5

District Level Consultation Workshop (Nalanda)



Organized by:





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.




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 the 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.


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


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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.

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




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

S.No. Name Designation Department/

Organization

1 B. Kartkey DDC Nalanda -

2 Arshad Ali Director N.E.P DRDA

3 Sudama Mahto Director Ag. offices Agriculture

4 Rahat Fatima Asst. Director Social

Security Social Security


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Organization

5 Surendra Ram Director Welfare office Social Welfare

6 Dr. Satish Pd. Joint Director Rural Development Dept.

7 Rajesh Kumar Gupta B.D.O Rural Development Dept.

6 Ashok Kumar B.D.O Rural Development Dept.

7 Suresh Kumar C.O Revenue Department

8 Rajiv Kumar Mehta B.D.O Rural Development Dept.

9 Chit Ranjan Pd. Singh B.D.O Rural Development Dept.

10 Ramesh Kumar B.D.O Rural Development Dept.

11 Sanjay Kumar B.D.O Rural Development Dept.

12 Nirmal Kumar B.D.O Rural Development Dept.

13 Vijay Kumar Singh B.D.O Rural Development Dept.

14 Dhirendra Kumar

Singh

B.D.O Rural Development Dept.

15 Shambha Kumari B.D.O Rural Development Dept.

16 Nand priharde B.D.O Rural Development Dept.

17 Binod Kumar Rajak B.D.O Rural Development Dept.

18 Ved Kumar Singh B.D.O, Tharthari Rural Development Dept.

19 Shri Kant Singh B.D.O, Parwalpur Rural Development Dept.

20 Amresh Kumar Project, DRDA Nalanda

21 Samir Kumar District Manager Jeevika Nalada

22 Sarita Dungdung Young Processional -

23 Chandani Prakash YP (MGNREGS) 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


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Organization

32 S.M. Alam Rojnama Rashtriya Sahar Media

33 Binod Kumar Sinha A.E. DRDA Nalanda

34 Parwez Alam B.D.O Rural Development Dept.

Photographs


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District Level Consultation Workshop (Buxar)



Organized by:





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



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 the 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




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.


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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.

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.

Program Schedule

Time Session


for Presentation /


10.30 am to 11.00 am Registration SSUPSW

11.00 am to 11.30 am




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 &


02.30 pm Lunch


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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


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Photographs


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District Level Consultation Workshop (Madhubani)



Organized by:





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.




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

Surgeon; Community Development Officer, NABARD; DPM, Jeevika Project and

representatives from NGOs; team members of SAKSHAM and consultant from BRDS.


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

BUNIYAD and ADARSH Centers

The design of the ADARSH (now dropped from project scope) 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.

Indira Awaas 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.


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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.

MGNREGA 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.

Program Schedule

Date: 16-08-2012

Venue: DDC office premise, Madhubani

Time Session


for Presentation /



11.00 to 11.30 am Welcome and Introductions:



DDC, Madhubani, Bihar

SSUPSW and BRDS

11.30 to 12.15 pm Introduction to the BISPS Project:

Objectives, Components

Mr. Avinash Kumar

Mr. Saurabh Trivedi

12.15 to 01.15 pm Introduction to the Environment

and Social Assessment and


Mr. Abdul Qayum

Consultant

01.15 to 02.30 pm Open House Discussion and

Feedback from participants

SSUPSW and BRDS

02.30 pm Lunch


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Organization

1 O.P. Rai DDC RD Bihar

2. Jagdish Choudhary Undersecretary DoRD, Patna

3 Raj Kumar Vishwatarma Community Develop. 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

22 Ashwani Kumar Sinha CO CO, Basopatti

23 Baidyanath BDO Block, Basopatti

24 Nitya Nand Pandey BDO Block

25 Bijay Kumar BDO Block, Karernari


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Organization

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


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Photographs


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District Level Consultation Workshop (Katihar)



Organized by:





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.




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.


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




● 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.


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● Concern was also expressed about the need to focus on survival of the saplings

planted under MNREGS.

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

Date: 17-08-2012

Venue: Vikas Bhawan, Katihar

Time Session

Key Person Responsible for

Presentation / Anchoring

Discussion


11.00 to 11.30 am




DDC, Katihar

Representative from SSUPSW

and BRDS

11.30 to 12.15 pm Introduction to the BISPS Project:

Objectives, Components

Mr. Vishal Singh

Mr. Tribhuwan Singh

12.15 to 01.15 pm

Introduction to the Environment

and Social Assessment and


Mr. Abdul Qayum

Consultant

01.15 to 02.30 pm Open House Discussion &


02.30 pm Lunch


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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 Dept.

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


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Organization

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

Photographs


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Annexure 6

District Level Consultation Workshop (Gaya)

(Second Round/Follow-up)



Organized by:





Introduction

The District Level Consultation Workshop on Social and Environment Assessment was

conducted at Collectoriate Auditorium, Gaya 7th October 2013 in which a total of key

stakeholders including government’s district and block level officials; representatives of

NGOs participated.


Assessment of BISPS project 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 DM, Gaya; DDC, SDO, ADSS (Social Welfare);

Block Development Officers (BDOs); representatives from NGOs; consultants World Bank

and SSUPSW and SAKSHAM team members.

Overview of Session

The workshop began at 03:00 PM with the welcome address by ADSS (Social Welfare)

followed with self introduction by the participants.

In the first session, SAKSHAM team present the overview of the BISPS Project that

includes the project background; objectives; strategic context; project components with

special emphasis on social care centre- Buniyad Centre.

In the second session, overview of the World Bank’s Safeguard Policies was shared by

the WB team. This has followed with presentation of 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.


While reflecting on the presentation, DM emphasized that stakeholder consultation

at the beginning of the project is important in analyzing and understanding

resource available that can be contributed to the project by the various

stakeholders.

He reiterated that that since the project intends to provide services to older

persons, widows and persons with disabilities needs serious reflections around the

identified issues by the key stakeholders of the project. He was in the view that

today’s consultations would holds more meaning when it is supported with


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intensive sharing and deliberations in the near future. He announced 22nd

November 13, for the follow-up consultation meetings with the key stakeholders in

Gaya.

On issue of identifying existing structure/ building for the social care service centre/

Buniyad Centre, DDC appreciated the idea. He gave his consent to find out one or

two existing building from where the service centre can be started after necessary

renovation.

On the issues of environment impact of Bunirad centres, the officials were in view

that such impacts are negligible and if there is any problem of water logging,

wetland or ditches found near the proposed sites/ lands that can be managed.

On the issues of social concern of the beneficiaries of the Buniyad Centres is

concerned, the officials feel that since all the service centres are coming up in

campus of the block the environment is conducive for the people to visit the centre.

They reiterated that public feel more comfortable to visit the block for various

services and they would not hesitate to visit the service centres either.

One of the most important health problems of the elderly is the cataract and the

problem gets compounded in case of disadvantaged, vulnerable or destitute elderly.

Therefore, project aim at providing services through Buniyad Centres can also be

included under the intervention.

There was yet another view to improve preparedness and resilience among the

older people, widows and persons with disabilities at risks through formation and

strengthening of Community Based Organizations is need to be integrated with the

services for beneficiaries of the project. This would provide them aspirations to

fight for being powerlessness by realizing own potentials and less dependent on

others or family members.

There was another view also shared by one participate that this centre should also

provide services to the leper. On this it was replied that since such persons need

different types of care and rehabilitation and for this several government’s schemes

are there and hence they cannot be included under the services of Buniyad Centre.

Program Schedule

Time Session


for Presentation /


2.30 to 3.00 pm

Welcome, Inauguration and

Introduction:



Mr. Avinash Kumar ,

SSUPSW

3.00 to 3.15pm Introduction to the BISPS Project:

Objective, Components

Mr. Avinash Kumar,

SSUPSW

3.15 to 3.30 pm

Introduction to the Environmental

and Social Assessment Studies:

Overview of the World Bank’s

Safeguard Policies; Study

Methodology

Mr. Abdul Qayum,

Consultant, SSUPSW


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Time Session


for Presentation /


3.00 to 3.45 pm

Presentation of findings of

Environmental Assessment, followed

by discussion and feedback from

participants

Mr. Abdul Qayum,

Consultant, SSUPSW

3.45 to 4.00pm

Presentation of Social Assessment

followed by discussion and feedback

from participants

Mr. Avinash Kumar,

SSUPSW

4.00 to 4.15 pm Presentation of Environmental and

Social Management Framework

World Bank Team &

SSUPSW

4.15 to 4.30 pm Discussion SSUPSW

4.30 to 4.35pm Closing remarks SSUPSW

4.35 to 4.40 pm Vote of thanks ADSS , Gaya


Photographs


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Annexure 7

Review of Existing Capacity for Environment Management

1. Infrastructure Development Authority (IDA)

Staff profile

Designation/

Post Qualifications

No. of

posts Key role

Capacity building

needs for

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.

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.


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2. SSUPSW

Staff Profile

Designation/Post Qualifications

and Experience

Number

of posts Key role

Capacity

building needs

for

environmental management

CEO

Indian Revenue

Service

One

Overall

coordination of

SSUPSW SSUPSW team in

the present

designated role

does not 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.

CEO/ Deputy CEO M.Phil (NRM) One

Almost all the

team

members have

joined SSUPW

in January 12.

All the team

members have

been

functioning in

accordance

with their

designated

role.

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


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3. Profile of existing capacity of BRDS

3.1 Staff Profile

Designation/ Post

Qualifications Experience No. of posts

Key role

Capacity building needs

for environmental

management

Chief Operating Officer/

Managing 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 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/Diploma 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 Panchayat level.

Forge partnerships with other stakeholders

including line departments, private sectors and civil society organizations.

Overall coordination and supervision of programme implementation.

-


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Designation/ Post


Key role


for


Director– Social Audit

Same as above. 8 years of work experience with demonstrated

commitment towards issues of transparency,

accountability 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

Work towards brining full transparency in all BRDS programs.

-

Head - Capacity

Building, HR

and Facility Management

Two years full time Post Graduate Degree/Diploma in Management OR Two year

full time PG Degree/Diploma 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

environmental management to

BRDS and MNREGS staff.


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Designation/ Post


Key role


for


Team Leader – Monitoring,

Evaluation

and Learning

Two years full time PG Degree/Diploma 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 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.

Orientation training in

environment

management to enable

monitoring of environmental management

aspects of MNREGS and

IAY.

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 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

Training on environment

management of

MNREGS works and IAY housing.

Natural

Resource Management

Four years Graduate Degree

in Engineering OR Two years full time PG Diploma in Management OR Two years full time Graduate Degree in Agriculture & Allied Sciences.

One


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Designation/ Post


Key role


for


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/Diploma 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 to enable

coordination of

capacity building

activities on environmental management in MNREGS and

IAY.

Convergence Coordinator

Two years full time PG Degree/Diploma in Management OR Four year

Graduate Degree in Engineering, Agriculture & Allied Sciences.

Minimum 8 years of experience particularly

in rural housing

preferably of handling operations at state/

national level

Build Partnerships 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

Training in environment management

aspects of IAY housing.

Monitoring, Evaluation

and Learning Team (2)

A full time Post Graduate Degree/Diploma 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 well as operational decision

making.

Train other staff to carryout participatory and conventional monitoring and evaluation

Orientation/ training in to

enable monitoring of



IAY.


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Designation/ Post


Key role


for


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


IAY.


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3.2 Existing Experience on Environmental Management

3.2.1 Integration of environmental considerations into the planning process of

MGNREGS works: The works permitted under the MGNREGS 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:

Decentralize 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 MGNREGS 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.

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 MGNREGS 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.


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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.

environmental assessment and environment management framework

Documents