western region transmission (maharashtra) private … · the state of maharashtra. the sub-project...

WESTERN REGION TRANSMISSION (MAHARASHTRA)

PRIVATE LIMITED

ENVIRONMENTAL DUE

DILIGENCE REPORT

December 2010

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Typewritten Text

E1915 V2

India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page i

CONTENTS

DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................... PAGE NO. LIST OF FIGURES………………………………………………………………………………………2 LIST OF TABLES……………………………………………………………………………………… .2

ABBREVIATIONS……………………………………………………………………………………….3

1. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... 1 1.1. background:................................................................................................................................ 1 1.2. Scope of This Report ................................................................................................................. 3 1.3. Project Description: ................................................................................................................... 3 1.4. Approach to the EDDR: ............................................................................................................. 7 1.5. structure of this report: ............................................................................................................. 8

2. POLICY, LEGAL AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS: ........................................ 9 2.1. legal setting: ............................................................................................................................... 9 2.1.1. MOP order/sanction under the Electricity Act, 2003: ................................................................... 9 2.1.2. Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: ............................................................................................ 9 2.1.3. Forest Conservation Act, 1980:.................................................................................................. 10 2.1.4. Biological Diversity Act, 2002: .................................................................................................... 10 2.2. Policy setting: ........................................................................................................................... 11 2.2.1. Environment and Social Safeguard Framework (ESSF) of IIFCL: ............................................. 11 2.2.2. Environment and Social Policy & Procedures (ESPP) of Power Grid: ...................................... 11 2.2.3. Other Legislation Applicable to Construction Activities: ............................................................. 11 2.3. Compliance to Clearance: ....................................................................................................... 12 2.4. summary of clearance: ............................................................................................................ 13

3. ENVIRONMENTAL PROFILE: .................................................................................. 14

4. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES: ............................................................................. 19

5. ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES: 26 5.1. During construction activities: ............................................................................................... 26 5.1.1. Land Use: ................................................................................................................................... 26 5.1.2. Ambient Air Quality: ................................................................................................................... 26 5.1.3. Ambient Noise Levels: ............................................................................................................... 26 5.1.4. Water Quality:............................................................................................................................. 26 5.1.5. Soil: ............................................................................................................................................ 26 5.1.6. Flora: .......................................................................................................................................... 27 5.1.7. Fauna: ........................................................................................................................................ 27 5.1.8. Health and Safety: ...................................................................................................................... 27 5.1.9. Socio-Economic Condition: ........................................................................................................ 28 5.1.10. Resettlements: ........................................................................................................................... 28 5.1.11. Cultural Sites: ............................................................................................................................. 29 5.2. During Operational activities: ................................................................................................. 29 5.2.1. Land Use: ................................................................................................................................... 29 5.2.2. Air and Noise Quality: ............................................................................................................... 29 5.2.3. Water Quality:............................................................................................................................. 29 5.2.4. Soil: ............................................................................................................................................ 29 5.2.5. Flora: .......................................................................................................................................... 29 5.2.6. Fauna: ........................................................................................................................................ 30 5.2.7. Health and Safety: ...................................................................................................................... 30 5.2.8. Socio-Economic Condition: ........................................................................................................ 30

6. ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN: .................................................................. 31

India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page ii

6.1. Components of EMP: ............................................................................................................... 31 6.2. Impact Mitigation and Institutional Responsibilities: ........................................................... 31 6.3. Institutional framework: .......................................................................................................... 31 6.4. EMP Monitoring by lIE: ............................................................................................................ 31

7. PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE: ............................ 37 7.1. Institutional Stakeholder’s consultation: .............................................................................. 37 7.2. public consultation: ................................................................................................................. 37

8. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION: ........................................................... 38 8.1. Conclusion: ............................................................................................................................... 38 8.2. MONITORING: ........................................................................................................................... 39

LIST OF FIGURES:

FIGURE1.1 : WESTERN REGION SYSTEM STRENGTHENING SCHEME (WRSSS)-II……………………………5

FIGURE 3.1 : FOREST COVER MAP IN Maharashtra………………………………………………………………………17

FIGURE6.1 : ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE…………………………………………………………………………………..35

LIST OF TABLES:

TABLE 1.1 : PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS……………………………………………………………………………………………..4

TABLE 1.2 : SUB-PROJECT TRANSMISSION LINES………………………………………………………………………..6

TABLE1.3 : PROJECT SCOPE OF WORK……………………………………………………………………………………….7

TABLE1.4 : SUBSTATION DETAILS………………………………………………………………………………………………7

TABLE1.5 : SUB-PROJECT CONSTRUCTION DETAILS……………………………………………………………………8

TABLE2.1 : FOREST CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR 400KV TRANSMISSION LINE…….…………….12

TABLE2.2 : PRESENT STATUS OF STATUTOTYCLEARANCE………………………………….……………………..14

TABLE3.1 : ENVIRONMENTAL PROFILE OF SUB-PROJECTS…………………………………………………………19

TABLE4.1 : ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT FOR 400KV PARLI-PUNE SECTION……………..……..………….23

TABLE4.2 : ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT FOR 400KV PUNE-AURANGABAD SECTION………..………..24

TABLE4.3 : ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT FOR 400KV PARLI-SHOLAPUR…………………..………..……….25

TABLE4.4 : ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT FOR 400KV SHOLAPUR-KOLHAPUR…..……..………..……….26

TABLE4.5 : ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT FOR 400KV LILO OF LONIKHAND-KALWA.………..………….27

TABLE4.6 : ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT FOR 400KV LILO OF SHOLAPUR-KARAD ……………….……..28

TABLE5.1 :FOREST DIVERSION DETAILS FOR 400Kv PUNE-AURANGABAD………………………..……….30

TABLE6.1 :ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN………………………………………..…..………..……......36

LIST OF APPENDICES:

APPENDIX 1.1 : LOCATION MAP WRTMPL…………………………………………………………………………………………………….42

APPENDIX 5.1 : COMMUNICATIONS RELATING TO FOREST CLEARANCE………………………………………………………..43

APPENDIX 7.1 : FORMAL PUBLIC CONSULTATION DETAILS……………………………………………………………………………45

APPENDIX 7.2 : LICENSE UNDER SECTION 164 OF ELECTRICITY ACT 2003……………………………………………………..47

APPENDIX 8.1 : COMPLIANCE MONITORING-EMP IMPLEMENTATION………………………………………………………….51

India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page iii

ABBREVIATIONS:

CCF - Chief Conservator of Forests

CEA - Central Electricity Authority

CLA - Common Loan Agreement

CRR - Compliance Review Report

D/C - Double Circuit

DCF - Deputy Conservator of Forests

DP - Development Partners

EA - Electricity Act

EIA - Environmental Impact Assessment

EDDR - Environmental Due Diligence Report

EMP - Environment Management Plan

EPA - Environment Protection Act

ESPP - Environment and Social Policy and Procedures

ESSF - Environment and Social Safeguard Framework

FI - Financial Institutions

IA - Implementation Agreement

IIFCL - India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd.

LILO - Line in and Line Out

LIE - Lender’s Independent Engineer

MOEF - Ministry of Environment and Forests

MOP - Ministry of Power

PC - Project Cycle

PGCIL - Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd.

SPV - Special Purpose Vehicle

WRSSS - Western Region System Strengthening Scheme

WRTMPL - Western Region Transmission (Maharashtra) Pvt. Ltd.

WB - World Bank

India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 1

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1.1. BACKGROUND:

1. To meet the growing power demand in the Western Region of India, a number of power

transmission projects are coming up in this region. The State of Maharashtra is part of the

Western Regional Electricity Grid comprising the States of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya

Pradesh and Goa. As part of strengthening of the Western Grid, new transmission

strengthening proposed to be implemented under Western Region System Strengthening

Scheme (WRSSS-II), which comprises of 4 projects namely A, B, C, and D as shown in

Fig1.1. Project B and C that are coming up in the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat shall be

developed by Independent Private Transmission Company (IPTC) through 100.00% private

participation route. Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. (PGCIL) carried out necessary

bidding process in selecting the IPTC and entrusted the implementation of project B and C

to Reliance Power Transmission Ltd (RPTL). RPTL then formed a wholly owned project

specific “Special Purpose Vehicle” (‘SPV”) for implementing the Project B and C. Accordingly

Western Region Transmission (Maharashtra) Private Limited (“WRTMPL”) and Western

Region Transmission (Gujarat) Private Limited (“WRTGPL”) were formed to undertake the

Project B and C respectively. The transmission project in Maharashtra involving

development of 1031.3km 400kV line. The project highlights are given in Table 1.1:

Table 1.1: Project Highlights

Project Name

- Western Region System Strengthening Scheme - II,

Project B

Total length

- 1031.2km

Location - Beed, Ahmednagar, Pune, Aurangabad, Sholapur,

Osmanabad, Latur, Sangli and Kolhapur districts in

Maharashtra and Bijapur district in Karnataka

Beneficiaries - MP Power Trading Company Ltd, Gujarat Urja Vikas

Nigam Ltd, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution

Company Ltd., Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Co.

Limited, Electricity Department Govt. of Goa, Electricity

Department Administration of Daman & Diu, Electricity

Department Administration of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and

MP Audyogik Kendra Vikas Nigam Ltd.

Project Cost

- Rs 912 Crores


The objective of the project is to:

• Provide adequate transmission system for reliable transfer of power to constituents

of Western region;

• Maintain system stability, security of the western grid under all operating conditions;

and,

• Increase the power transmission capacity of National Grid

.

2. WRTMPL has signed the Common Loan Agreement on 24th April 2009 with the lenders1

including India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd. (IIFCL). IIFCL as part of its

infrastructure scheme has approved Rs 124 Crores to WRTMPL out of the total project cost

of Rs 912 Crores. Out of the approved Rs 124 Crores, IIFCL has already disbursed Rs

15.65 Crores to WRTMPL.

3. World Bank has sanctioned US$ 1,195 million line of credit to IIFCL to encourage flow of

private investments into infrastructure. The sub-project has been considered for retroactive

financing out of the above line of credit from World Bank. In order to be eligible for funding

from the WB loan facility, Compliance Review Report (CRR) need to be prepared for the

1 The lenders of the project include State Bank of India (SBI), IIFCL, Vijaya Bank, Bank of Mysore and State Bank of

Bikaner and Jaipur (SBBJ).

Fig 1.1: Western Region System Strengthening Scheme (WRSSS)-II


sub-projects which includes (i) Finance; (ii) Procurement; (iii) Environment and (iv) Social

aspects. The Present Environmental Due Diligence Report (EDDR) is part of the CRR.

1.2. SCOPE OF THIS REPORT

4. Power transmission projects do not require an EIA/ Environmental Clearance as per the EIA

notification, 2009 by Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), Govt. of India (GoI).

However, Detailed Project Report considered the Environmental Impacts and accordingly

aligned the transmission lines minimizing the environmental impacts. This sub-project

requires Environmental Assessment as per World Bank’s OP 4.01: Environment

Assessment. This report compiles information on environmental assessment and

management plan as available from measures undertaken in the project documents. The

consolidated Environmental Due Diligence Report (EDDR) has been prepared with a basic

objective to collate and analyze the addressal of environmental impacts and environmental

management measures that are being integrated in the project documents. The report also

reviews the project compliance with environmental regulations of Government of India (GoI)

and the environmental safeguards requirements of the World Bank.

1.3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

5. As part of strengthening of the Western Grid, new power transmission lines are proposed

under WRSSS-II. Under this scheme 1031.3 km 400kV line is proposed to be developed in

the state of Maharashtra. The sub-project transmission lines passes through Beed,

Ahmednagar, Pune, Aurangabad, Sholapur, Osmanabad, Latur, Sangli and Kolhapur

districts in Maharashtra and Bijapur district in Karnataka. The sub-project details are given

in table 1.2. The sub-project location map is given in Appendix-1.1.

Table 1.2: Sub-project transmission lines

S.No. Name of Transmission Lines

Name of Tehsil/ District

Approx Line Length (Km)

No. of towers to be footed

1 Parli – Pune 400kV D/C line Parli/Beed to Pune/Pune

323 886

2 Pune-Aurangabad 400kV D/C line

Pune/Pune to Aurangabad

236 623

3 Parli-Sholapur 400kV D/C line

Parli/Beed to Sholapur/Sholapur

136 355

4 Sholapur (Limdi Chincholi)- Kolhapur, 400KV D/C Line

Solapur to Kolhapur

219 575

5 LILO of Lonikhand-Kalwa 400Kv D/C Line at Pune

Lonikhand Kalwa/Thane

1.2 8

6 LILO of Sholapur-Karad 400kV S/C line at Sholapur

Sholapur/Sholapur 116 298

Total 1031.2 2745 Source: Information as received from WRTMPL

6. Project Advantages: Project developer has taken relevant measures in selection of the

project alignment minimizing impacts on sensitive environmental features especially to avoid

forested areas, natural habitats, physical and cultural resources and settlement areas. The


inherent design benefits of the project as observed during the technical mission visit of World

Bank along with IIFCL officials are given below:

• Double Circuit transmission design instead of a single circuit which helps in carrying

higher MW of power.

• Vertical placement of conductors in transmission towers minimizes the Right of Way

(ROW) to 46m instead of 52 m as required for horizontal placement of conductors.

(figure 1.2);

• Minimization of transmission losses by adopting 400kV line instead of 220kV line.

7. The scope of work of WRTMPL as part of the project include only gantry to gantry

connection and the major construction activities include (i) construction of tower foundation;

(ii) tower erection and (iii) stringing of wires. The interconnection facilities like sub-stations

and associated equipments are supported by PGCIL. WRTMPL has entered into an EPC

contract with Reliance Infra. The scope of work of WRTMPL, PGCIL and Reliance Infra is

summarized in table 1.3 as given below:

Table 1.3: Project Scope of Work

S.No. Scope of Work Primary Responsibility

Secondary Responsibility

1 Detailed survey with respect to route alignment,

optimization of tower locations, soil resistivity, etc.

Reliance Infra WRTMPL

2 Design and testing of various families of tower for

different wind zones through which the

transmission lines are passing.


Typical view of Horizontal

placement of conductor in

transmission tower

Typical view of Vertical

placement of conductors in

transmission tower

Figure 1.2: Placing of conductors in transmission towers


S.No. Scope of Work Primary Responsibility

Secondary Responsibility

4 Fabrication and supply of all types of towers, tower

accessories and line materials.


5 Selecting different types of foundations for different

towers and casting for foundation for tower footings

including river crossing towers.


6 Erection of towers, painting of towers and supply

and erection of span markers, obstruction lights,

fixing of insulator string, stringing of conductors

and earth wire along with all necessary line

accessories.


7 Testing and commissioning of respective transmission lines.


8 Maintenance of Right of Way. WRTMPL

9 Crop compensation. WRTMPL

10 Statutory clearances from Govt. authorities. WRTMPL

11 Interconnection facilities (like substation, gantries

etc)

PGCIL WRTMPL (to obtain necessary permission for charging)

Source: Project Information Memorandum for Project B and Implementation Agreement

8. According to the “Implementation Agreement (IA)” between PGCIL and WRTMPL, PGCIL

shall provide all the necessary interconnection facilities to WRTMPL. The interconnection

facilities including the substations/switch stations as detailed in table 1.4. The substation

facility for the present sub-project shall be provided by PGCIL.

Table 1.4: Substation Details

S.No. Transmission Line Name of Substation

1 Parli-Pune 400kV D/C line 400kV substation at Parli

400KV Substation at Pune

2 Pune-Aurangabad 400kv D/C line 400 KV substation at Pune

400 KV substation at Aurangabad

3 Parli- Sholapur 400kv D/C Line 400 kV substation at Parli

400kV substation at Sholapur

4 Sholapur-Kolhapur, 400kV D/C Line 400kV substation at Sholapur

400kV substation at Kolhapur

5 LILO of Lonikhand-Kalwa 400kV D/C

line Pune

400kV substation at Pune


S.No. Transmission Line Name of Substation

6 LILO of Sholapur-Karad 400kV S/C

line at Sholapur

400kV substation at Sholapur

9. Lenders Independent Engineer (LIE) has been appointed by State Bank of India to monitor

the progress in construction activities. The status of construction activities as per the latest

LIE report (4th Quarterly report) is given in table 1.5.

Table 1.5: Sub-Project Construction Status

S.No. Name of transmission Line

Length (km)

Activities Progress up to 30.11.2010

Total Unit 1 Parli-Pune 400kV D/C

line 323 Detailed Survey 323 Km Completed

Foundations 886 Nos. 471 Erection 886 Nos. 108 Stringing 323 Km 0 2 Pune-Aurangabad

400kv D/C line 236 Detailed Survey 236 Km 212

Foundations 623 Nos. 323 Erection 623 Nos. 44 Stringing 236 Km. 0 3 Parli- Sholapur 400kv

D/C Line 136 Detailed Survey 136 Km Completed

Foundations 355 Nos. 118 Erection 355 Nos. 44 Stringing 136 Km 0 4 Sholapur-Kolhapur,

400kV D/C Line 219 Detailed Survey 219 Km Completed

Foundations 575 Nos. 227 Erection 575 Nos. 59 Stringing 219 Km 0 5 LILO of Lonikhand –

Kalwa 400kV D/C line Circuit-I

1.2 Detailed Survey 1.2 Km Completed

Foundations 8 Nos. 4 Erection 4 Nos. 0 Stringing 0.1 Km 0 6 LILO of Sholapur-

Karad 400kV S/C line Circuit-II

116 Detailed Survey 116 Km Completed

Foundations 297 Nos. 298 Erection 297 Nos. 298 Stringing 116 Km 115


S.No. Name of transmission Line

Length (km)

Activities Progress up to 30.11.2010

Total for Project 1031.2 Detailed Survey 1031.2 Km 1007

Foundation 2745 Nos. 1441

Erection 2745 Nos. 553

Stringing 1031.2 Km 115

Source: Information as received from WRTMPL

1.4. APPROACH TO THE EDDR:

10. The EDDR reviews the available documents and assesses the compliance of the sub-

project with the respect to (i) regulatory clearances (like environmental clearance, forest

clearance, CRZ clearance etc.); (ii) Environmental safeguards as per Environment and

Social safeguard framework (ESSF) of IIFCL and applicable operational policies of WB (iii)

analysis of alternatives; (iv) the process of identifying environmental impacts and integration

of environmental management measures; (v) public consultations and information disclosure

etc. The approach towards preparation of the draft EDD include the following work plan:

11. Activity1: As part of preparation of detailed EDD, meeting of the Environmental

Development Specialist of IIFCL has been held with the Vice President and other officials of

WRTMPL on 20th of March 2010 to discuss the following:

(i) Route of Proposed transmission line and environmental considerations in analysis of

alternatives;

(ii) Project implementation framework;

(iii) Status of Forest Clearance; and,

(iv) Facilitation towards obtaining necessary document towards preparation of detailed

EDD.

12. Activity2: Collection of relevant information included (i) relevant topographical sheets of the

proposed alignment for each alignment sections; (ii) information regarding justification of

alignment selection; (iii) Measures integrated in the project to address construction and post

construction impacts including Health and Safety Policy of the organization; and, (iv)

information on current status of forest clearance (if any).

13. Activity3: A site visit was undertaken by an IIFCL official familiar with the project and its environmental and social issues between 13th-17th April 2010 to review (i) environment management measures undertaken details pertaining to project team to implement such measures; (ii) Site reconnaissance to get the first hand feel of the project and key environmental issues including: presence of any ecological hot spots like sanctuaries and wildlife areas within the project corridor ; (iii) interaction with project authorities (iv) health and safety practices adopted and (v) preparedness of the team to address the emergency situation if any; and , (vi) monitoring and evaluation arrangements.

14. Activity-4: Preparation of draft EDDR which included (i) review of available documents and

collating the information from various documents to assess the possible environmental

impacts of the project and (ii) compilation of EMP by taking information on several measures

integrated in the project documents.


15. Activity 5: Based upon the review of the draft EDDR, a joint site visit was undertaken by the World Bank along with IIFCL’s officials during 9-10th June 2010 as part of the Environment and Social (E&S) due diligence for the Western Region Transmission Project (Maharashtra). This included field visit mission to Sholapur-Karad section and Sholapur-Kolhapur section. The team visited various construction stages such as foundation, tower erection, stringing etc. of both the sections, to ascertain the social and environmental issues and the measures adopted by the developer.

16. Activity6: Based upon the site visit and receipt of necessary information pertaining to environmental management measures undertaken in the project the EDDR has been updated.

1.5. STRUCTURE OF THIS REPORT:

In chapter 2, the policy, legal and regulatory framework pertaining to the environmental assessment of transmission line projects are given. It starts with a brief description of the legal and regulatory requirements and then focuses on the environmental safeguard policies of IIFCL and its development partners and then provides present status of statutory clearances. Next in chapter 3, the baseline environmental profile of the project area is given. This is then followed by Analysis of alternatives and justification towards selection of present alignment integrating environmental considerations in chapter 4. The construction and post construction time environmental impacts are assessed in chapter 5 along with the mitigation measures. The existing environmental management plan and institutional framework towards implementing the same is given in Chapter6. Chapter 6 is then followed by the formal public consultation carried out during the selection of alignment in chapter 7. The conclusion made on this draft EDDR and specific recommendation made towards finalizing the EDDR is given in the chapter 8.


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17. This chapter briefly describes the policy legal and regulatory requirements for implementing

a new transmission line project. A transmission line project requires assessment for

applicability of (i) Indian Electricity Act 2003; (ii) Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; (iii)

Forest (conservation) Act, 1980; (iv) Hazardous Waste (Management & Handling) Rules,

2003; (v) Conservation of Natural resources related laws; (vi) Environment safeguard

requirement of IIFCL as per their Environmental and Social Safeguard Framework (ESSF)

and environmental safeguard requirements of its development partners; and (vii) other

legislation applicable to construction activities.

2.1. LEGAL SETTING:

2.1.1. MOP order/sanction under the Electricity Act, 2003:

18. The Electricity Act, 2003, is an act to consolidate the laws relating to generation,

transmission, distribution, trading and use of electricity in India. Authorization by Ministry of

Power, Govt. of India (GOI) is a mandatory requirement for execution of a new transmission

project under the section 68(1) and section 164 of Electricity Act, 2003. The sanction

authorize WRTMPL to plan and coordinate activities to commission the new project.

Electricity act does not explicitly deal with environmental implications of the activities related

to power transmission. However, environmental protection is integrated in the project

activities.

2.1.2. Environment (Protection) Act, 1986:

19. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (EPA-1986) provides holistic framework for the

protection and improvement to the environment. Under the EPA-1986 certain development

projects have been identified requiring environmental clearance as defined under EIA

notification dated 14th September 2006 including all its amendments. Since the transmission

line projects are non polluting in nature and do not involve any disposal of solid waste,

effluents and hazardous substances on land, air and water, such projects are exempted

from environmental clearance as per the EIA notification. However, if a transmission line is

located in an ecologically sensitive area declared by MoEF then environmental clearance

may need to be taken.

20. The applicable rules and regulations under the EPA-1986 includes the compliance

requirement with:

• Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules, 2001;

• Hazardous Waste (Management and Handling) Amendment Rules, 2003; and,

• Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000

21. However, the above rules relate to associated facilities to transmission lines such as sub-

stations and switching yards. The associated facilities required for the project are provided

by Power Grid as per the Implementation Agreement. As part of Powergrid, providing such


facilities, complies with above rules following their Environment and Social Policy &

Procedures (ESPP).

2.1.3. Forest Conservation Act, 1980:

22. The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 provides for the conservation of forests and regulating

diversion of forestlands for non-forestry purpose. When transmission projects falls within

forestlands, prior clearance is required from relevant authorities under the Forest

(Conservation) Act 1980. A maximum width of ROW for transmission lines in forest land and

minimum clearance between conductors and trees to be adhered in route selection as

specified in IS:5613 and by the MOEF guideline for a 400kv line is given in table 2.1below:

Table 2.1: Forest Clearance requirements for 400kV power transmission line

Transmission

Voltage (KV)

Max ROW

(m)

Ground

Clearance (m)

Minimum Clearance between

Conductor & Tops of Tree (m)

400kV 52 7.30 5.5

23. The competent authority for the forest clearance as per the forest conservation act is given

below:

• Regional Chief Conservator of Forest if the area involved is less than 5ha;

• Concerned Regional Office of the MoEF, if the area involved is 40 hectare or less

based upon the recommendation of regional CCF; and,

• MoEF, New Delhi if the area is more than 40 hectare

24. As part of project all the reserve forest stretches and wild life sanctuaries are now being

avoided through some realignment of the project stretches.

25. The project may require tree cutting from non-forest areas along the alignment. In this

regard, permission from tree cutting shall be taken from local authority (DM/DC or

Panchayat).

2.1.4. Biological Diversity Act, 2002:

26. Under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity signed at Rio de Janeiro on 5th

June, 1992 of which India is also a party, MoEF has enacted the Biological Diversity Act,

2002 to provide for conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components

and fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the use of biological resources,

knowledge and for matters connected therewith. As per the provision of act certain area

which are rich in biodiversity and encompass unique and representative ecosystems are

identified and designated as Biosphere reserves to facilitate their conservation. All

restrictions applicable to protected areas like National Parks and Sanctuaries are also

applicable to these reserves. The project does not pass through any such ecologically

sensitive areas. Also as referred in the project documents, WRTMPL abides by the provision

of the act wherever applicable and commits to totally avoid these biosphere reserves while

finalizing the route alignment.


2.2. POLICY SETTING:

2.2.1. Environment and Social Safeguard Framework (ESSF) of IIFCL:

27. The Environmental and Social Safeguard Framework (ESSF) provides the enabling

mechanism to IIFCL to deliver its policy objectives and applies to projects funded by IIFCL

throughout the Project Cycle (PC). The ESSF defines procedures, roles, and responsibilities,

at various project milestones for managing the adverse environmental impacts. Projects

financed by IIFCL need to undergo to an environmental and social due diligence process

utilizing the procedures described in the ESSF to ensure sustainable project investment.

The ESSF of IIFCL can be viewed at http://www.iifcl.org/whatsnew_details.php?wid=32.

28. As part of the due diligence process of IIFCL, the environmental safeguard requirements of

Development Partners are considered. The present project has been considered by IIFCL

for retroactive financing from the World Bank’s line of credit. Thus as part of the relevant

World Bank’s Operational Policies was reviewed.

29. The sub-project falls under category FI (OP 4.01: Environmental Assessment) requiring an

environmental review.

30. The project also does not involve (i) significant excavations, demolition and movement of

earth, flooding or other environmental damages and (ii) and also not located in the vicinity of

a physical, historical and cultural resources. Thus the OP 4.11 on Physical Cultural

resources is not applicable.

2.2.2. Environment and Social Policy & Procedures (ESPP) of Power Grid:

31. Since POWERGRID is the concessioning authority of the project, the ESPP of

POWERGRID may be suitable followed to environmental management in the project. The

ESPP of POWERGRID is based on the principals of Avoidance, Minimization and

Mitigation. The ESPP outlines POWERGRID’s commitment to deal with environmental and

social issues relating to its transmission projects and lays out management procedures and

protocol to address them. Towards conservation of natural resources-particularly forest

resources, POWERGRID has achieved tremendous success after the implementation of

ESPP. The details of the ESPP can be viewed at :

http://www.powergridindia.com/PGCIL_NEW.

2.2.3. Other Legislation Applicable to Construction Activities:

32. The other applicable legislation pertaining to the construction activities of transmission lines

are given below:

• Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970 (the Act provides for

certain welfare measures to be provided by the contractor to contract labour):

• Minimum Wages Act, 1948 (the employer is supposed to pay not less than the

Minimum Wages fixed by appropriate Government as per provisions of the act);


• Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 (the Act prohibits

employment of children below 14 years of age in certain occupations and processes

and provides for regulation of employment of children in all other occupation and

processes. Employment of child labour is prohibited in Building and Construction

industries)

• The building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and

Conditions of Service) Act 1996 ad the Cess Act of 1996 (all the establishments

who carry on any building or other construction work employs 10 or more workers

are covered under this Act; the employer of the establishment is required to provide

safety measures at the building or construction work and other welfare measures,

such as canteens, first-aid facilities, ambulance, housing accommodation for workers

near the workplace etc.)

33. Reliance Infrastructure as part of their Health, Safety and labour policy adheres to the above

mentioned construction related legislations.

2.3. COMPLIANCE TO CLEARANCE:

34. The statutory clearances required as part of the proposed transmission line was assessed

and the current status of availability of such clearances is given in table 2.2. Route alignment

has been changed to avoid reserve forest stretches and no forest clearance is involved as

part of the project.

Table 2.2: Statutory clearance required and present status of clearance

Particular Parli-Pune Pune-Aurangabad

Parli-Sholapur Sholapur-Kolhapur

LILO of Sholapur -Karad

LILO of Lonikhand -Kalwa

License under section 68 and 164 of Electricity Act 2003

Obtained Obtained Obtained Obtained Obtained Obtained

Environmental Clearance

Not Applicable

Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable

Reserve Forest Clearance

Not Required Not Required Not Required Not Required Not Required Not Required

Forest NOC NOC Obtained

All cases submitted clearance received, GIB new alignment from 91/5 to 104/0 is in process,

Clearance received

Clearance received

Clearance received

Not required

Provisions under Biological Diversity Act 2002

The project alignment sections do not pass through any reserve or protected forest areas, national parks and wildlife sanctuary area.

Aviation Clearance-Civil

NOC Received

NOC received however revised

proposal for

400Kv multi

circuit

submitted.

NOC received NOC received NOC received NOC received

Aviation Clearance-

NOC Received

NOC received however revised

NOC Received NOC received NOC received NOC received


Particular Parli-Pune Pune-Aurangabad

Parli-Sholapur Sholapur-Kolhapur

LILO of Sholapur -Karad

LILO of Lonikhand -Kalwa

Defence proposal for 400Kv multi circuit submitted.

Railway crossing clearance

Joint inspection completed. NOC is in process.

Joint inspection completed. NOC is in process.

All 5 nos cases

are submitted, 2

nos NOC

Received, 01

Nos. Inspection

completed, NOC

in process. 02

Nos.Inspection

is pending (

South-Western

Railway)

1 nos

submitted

regarding

inspection is

under

discussion.

NOC received Not Required.

NH-Crossing clearance

One Proposal (NH-21) sent to Parli office & further followup will be done by Parli division.

Two Proposal (NH-22) Follow up with NHAI, revised proposal submitted to Asst. Engineer, Ahmednagar

One Proposal (NH-13) case has been submitted to Solapur NH division office.

NOC Received for one proposal on NH-9

Two proposals. One on NH-9 and one on NH-21. One NOC received.

Not applicable

2.4. SUMMARY OF CLEARANCE:

35. The developers have received clearance from Ministry of Power under section 68 and

section 164 of Electricity act 2003 which is a mandatory requirement for execution of new

transmission lines;

36. Transmission line projects are non polluting in nature and are exempted from environmental

clearance as per the EIA notification 2006 including all its amendments, except in case of

transmission lines located in ecologically sensitive areas declared by MoEF;

37. Further all forest related NOCs has been received as part of the project;

38. As part of the project, the concessionaire has avoided all the reserve forest stretches and no

reserve forest clearance is required.

39. Civil Aviation clearance NOC has been received for 4 sections and Defence Aviation

Clearance NOC has been received for 3 sections.

40. Railway crossings clearance is not required for the LILO of Lonikhand-Kalwa section. For

the rest of the sections proposals have been submitted and in most of the cases joint

inspection are carried out. NOC has been received for the LILO of Sholapur-Karad section.

41. NH crossing clearance is not required for the LILO of Lonikhand-Kalwa section. For the rest

of the sections NH crossing clearance is submitted and clearance is awaited.

42. Although the alignment does not pass through any known biodiversity areas in the project

area, necessary clearance may need to be obtained during the construction activities if

required.


333... EEENNNVVVIIIRRROOONNNMMMEEENNNTTTAAALLL PPPRRROOOFFFIIILLLEEE:::

43. This chapter briefly describes the baseline environmental profile of the study area of the transmission lines segments. The proposed alignment section passes through Beed, Ahmednagar, Pune, Aurangabad, Sholapur, Osmanabad, Latur, Sangli and Kolhapur districts in Maharashtra and Bijapur districts in Karnataka. Information on natural and socio-economic environment was collected from secondary sources, topo sheets and field survey information. A 46m of ROW has been considered as part of the transmission line segments.

44. Terrain and Land Use: The state of Maharashtra can be divided into five regions namely Deccan Plateau, Central Highland, Eastern Chotanagpur Plateau, Western Ghat and Coastal Plain. Almost all the project districts are within the North Deccan zone. Additionally Kolhapaur, Pune and Sangli districts are also included under Western Ghat zone. The project transmission line sections traverse through flat to slightly undulating terrain passing mostly through agricultural land use.

45. Water Resource: Water is the most precious natural resource of the state, greatly in

demand and most unevenly distributed. Within the ROW of the transmission line sections

the major water resources are rivers like Bhima, Krishna, Sina, Panchaganga and Manjara

which further adds to open river valleys.

46. Cultural Resources: Within the project corridor (10km distance from either side of the line

segments) there exists some historical and religious structures; however none of these

structures are archaeologically important hot-spots.

47. Air and Noise Quality: The transmission alignment section passes through rural settings

and the Air and Noise environment in the region is comparative in good quality.

48. Water Quality: The water quality measurement in some of the important rivers criss-

crossed by the transmission line segments are well within the prescribed limits with respect

to parameters like pH, DO, BOD and COD.

49. Major Agricultural Products: Agriculture contribute to more than 20% of the states income.

Maharashtra is the largest producer of a number of items such as Alphonso Mango,

Thomson seedless grapes, Cavendish bananas, soft seeded pomegranates, sugar, cotton,

oilseeds and cashew. Important cash crops are cotton, sugarcane, groundnut and tobacco.

50. Soil Quality: The soils of Maharashtra are residual, derived from the underlying basalts. In

the semi-dry plateau, the regular (black-cotton soil) is clayey, rich in iron, but poor in nitrogen

and organic matter; it is moisture- retentive. The higher plateau areas have soils containing

higher gravels.

51. Forest Areas: The total forest cover in Maharashtra is about 16.46% of state’s

geographical area. Out of the total forest cover non-forest cover is about 82.19%, Open forests 6.85%, moderately dense forests 6.77% and Very Dense Forests 2.84%. Very dense forest cover can be seen in Gondiya, Gandchiroli, Bhandana, and Chandrapur and in


some parts of Amravati and Yavatmal districts. The project districts however mostly covered by Open and non-forest types having lower canopy density as can be seen from Figure 3.1.

Fig: 3.1: Forest Cover Map in Maharashtra (Source: Forest Survey of India, 2009)

52. The forest cover in project districts line Beed, Ahmednagar, Osmanabad, Sholapur, Sangli

and Latur is less than 2.0% of the district geographical area and is significantly characterized

by open forests. Forest cover in Auranagabad district is about 5.51% of the district

geographical area and is significantly characterized by open forests.

53. The project districts like Pune and Kolhapur has good forest cover (Pune: 11.07% and

Kolhapur :23.1% of their respective district geographical area). The forest type in Pune is

significantly distributed between moderately dense forests and open forests. While in

Kolhapur the forest type is significantly characterized by moderately dense forests.

54. However as part of the project the project alignments do not affect any of the forest areas.

The Environmental profile of the sub-project area is given in Table 3.1.


Table 3.1: Environmental Profile of the sub-project area

S.No. Environmenta

l Profile

Parameters

400kV D/C Parli-

Pune

400kV D/C Pune-

Aurangabad

400kV D/C Parli-

Sholapur

400kV D/C

Sholapur-Kolhapur

LILO of Lonikhand-

Kalwa 400kV D/C

Line at Pune

LILO of

Sholapur-Karad

400kV S/C line

at Sholapur

1 Demography The project districts in Maharashtra and population includes:

Bid: 2,161,250;Kolhapur:3,523,162;Latur:1,075,257;Osmanabad:1,486,586;Pune:7,232,555;Ahmednagar:4,040,642;

Sholapur:3,849,543;Sangli:2,583,524

The project districts in Karnataka and population includes:

Bijapur:1,806,918

2 Forest/Natural

Resources The forest cover in project districts line Bid, Ahmednagar, Osmanabad, Sholapur, Sangli and Latur is less than 2.0% of the district

geographical area and is significantly characterized by open forests.

No reserve forest stretches are encountered for any of the project alignment section. The quality of forest in the project districts is

significantly characterized by open forest (Pune: 56%; Ahmednagar: 56%; Auranagabad:78%), followed by moderately dense

forest (Pune:44%; Ahmednagar:24%;Aurangabad:18%). Very dense forest is negligible in Aurangabad and is almost nil in Pune

and Ahmednagar districts. The forest cover in Kolhapur districts in the Sholapur-Kolhapur section is about 23.1% of the district’s

geographical area. The forest type are mostly characterized by moderately dense forests 58%, followed by open forests 38% and

about 4% of very dense forests.

3 National

Parks/Wild

Life

Sanctuaries

The project

corridor does not

pass through any

National Park and

Wild life sanctuary

area and thereby

minimizes the

impact on

biodiversity. The

Alternative route has

been selected to

avoid part of Great

Indian Bustard

sanctuary near the

Godavari river

crossing. There is

no change in the

total alignment

The project corridor

does not pass

through any National

Park and Wild life

sanctuary. The

selected route has

been planned at

about 30 km away

from the Great Indian


does not pass

through any

National Park and

Wild life sanctuary.

The selected route

in this section has

been planned at

about 15km away


does not pass

through any

National Park and

Wild life sanctuary.

The project

corridor does

not pass through

any National

Park and Wild

life sanctuary.

The selected

route in this

section has



S.No. Environmenta

l Profile

Parameters

400kV D/C Parli-

Pune

400kV D/C Pune-

Aurangabad

400kV D/C Parli-

Sholapur

400kV D/C

Sholapur-Kolhapur

LILO of Lonikhand-

Kalwa 400kV D/C

Line at Pune

LILO of

Sholapur-Karad

400kV S/C line

at Sholapur

nearest wildlife

sanctuaries like

Bhimshankar and

Supe wild life

sanctuaries are

more than 50km

away from the

project alignment.

length for such

changes.

Bustard Sanctuary

located in North

Sholapur and at

about 20-25km away

from the Vedshi wild

life sanctuary in

Osamanabad district.

from Sagareswar

wild life sanctuary

in Sangli district.

been planned at

about 40km

away from the

Sagareshwar

wildlife

sanctuary.

4 Water

Resources

The project area in

this section is

criss-crossed by

some minor drains

and small streams

including rivers like

Sina, Ghod, Vel,

Bhima, Bhama

The project area in

this section is criss-

crossed by some

small streams


Bhima, Ghod,

Kukadi, Mula

reservoir right bank

canal, Pravara river,

Godavari and

Shivna.

The project area in


crossed by some

small streams


Manjara.

The project area in


crossed by some

small streams


Sina, Bhima,

Krishna and

Panchganga.

The project area is

not criss-crossed

by any kind of

drain, stream or

river.

The project area

in this section is

criss- crossed

by some small

streams

including rivers

like Bhog.

5 Historical/

cultural

Resources

Within the project corridor there exist some religious structures; however none of them are getting disturbed by the selected

alignment. Additionally these religious structures are not archaeologically important sites. In Pune-Aurangabad section the world

heritage site Ajanta and Elora caves are more than 30km away from the project corridor.

6 Land Use The land use in the most of the project districts comprise mostly Agriculture and some non-cultivable



S.No. Environmenta

l Profile

Parameters

400kV D/C Parli-

Pune

400kV D/C Pune-

Aurangabad

400kV D/C Parli-

Sholapur

400kV D/C

Sholapur-Kolhapur

LILO of Lonikhand-

Kalwa 400kV D/C

Line at Pune

LILO of

Sholapur-Karad

400kV S/C line

at Sholapur

7 Meteorology Within the project districts the prevailing wind directions are mostly from west. The state enjoys a tropical monsoon climate: the

summer starts from March and yields to the rainy monsoon in the month of June. The annual peak temperature of 400C is recorded

in some parts of the state during the month of May. The average the temperature in the summer season varies between 220C to

400C, while in winter the temperature varies between 12

0C to 25

0C.

Distribution of rainfall is highly uneven in the state. Konkan region receives the highest rainfall as 2,500mm while the Marathwada

receives rainfall less than 800mm. Within the project districts the rainfall ranges between 900-1100 mm.

8 Air and Noise

Quality

The project in the selected alignment section passes mostly through rural areas where the existing air and noise environment is

generally in good quality.

9 Water Quality The water quality data of some of the rivers criss-crossed by the project alignments include:

Bhima: pH:7.23;D.O:3.3;B.O.D:18.63;C.O.D:40;

Panchganga:: pH:7.23; D.O: 4.77;B.O.D:8.6;C.O.D:30.67;

Krishna: pH: 7.73; D.O:6.43;B.O.D:5.63;C.O.D: 37.5;

Godavari: pH:8.06;D.O:5.9;B.O.D:7.11;COD:23.36

The water quality of the mentioned rivers are well within the permission limits. (Except pH all parameters are measured as mg/l; Source: Report

on river Water Quality in Maharashtra; prepared by Maharashtra Pollution Control Board).


444... AAANNNAAALLLYYYSSSIIISSS OOOFFF AAALLLTTTEEERRRNNNAAATTTIIIVVVEEESSS:::

55. As part of the bid document, Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. (PGCIL) has provided necessary guidelines and detailed survey data base for the optimum selection of project alignments. Accordingly, walkover surveys have been carried out towards selection of project alignment minimizing the impact on natural habitat, physical and cultural resources and avoiding settlement areas. As part of selection of project alignment two alternative alignments have been studied and the best alternative has been selected based upon the following basic principles as given in box 4.1. The analysis of alternatives justifying the selection of project alignment is given in tables 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5 and 4.6.

56. For selecting the optimum route, the following points are taken into consideration both by PGCIL and WRTMPL:

• Any historical and culturally important place is not affected by the route of transmission line;

• The proposed transmission line does not affect any public utility services like playground, schools and other establishments;

• The line route does not pass through any ecologically sensitive areas like Sanctuary, National Parks etc.;

• The selected route to pass through minimum protected /reserve forest area. Moreover, while selecting the present route care has been towards restoring the dense forest covers as compared with the other alternative route;

• Selection of route having easy accessible roads making the Operation and Maintenance(O&M) easier;

• Keeping minimum number of power line crossings in the selected route making easier O&M and avoiding electrical shock hazard risks to the maintenance workers;

• Selection of optimum route avoiding congested inhabitant areas, villages and towns to the extent possible during walkover survey and discussion with local villagers;

• Keeping minimum number of severance crossing as part of selection of the alignment.

Box 4.1: Basic Principles for Route selection:

• Non disturbance of ecological balance of area through which lines pass; • Avoidance of reserved and protected forest patches to the maximum extent feasible; • Avoidance of possible continuous exposure of high voltage to biological strata on the

surveyed routes;


Table 4.1: Alternative Assessment for 400KV D/C Parli-Pune line

S.No. Parameters Features Along Alternative1 Features along Alternative 2 Alternative Selection

1 Required ROW for

transmission line 46m 46m

The reasons behind selecting the Alternative 1 as against alternative 2 is given below: A section of the alternative 2 is crossing SH-27 twice while in case of Alternative 1 the crossing with SH-27 is only once. This justifies the selection of Alternative1. Additionally the number of river/stream crossings in case of alternative 2 is observed higher than that of alternative 1. This justifies selection for alternative 1.

2 Length of Alignment 323km 323.7 km 3 Terrain Plain and undulating terrain Plan and undulating terrain 4 Existing land use Primarily agricultural fields, barren

lands. Primarily agricultural fields and barren lands

5 NH-Crossing 2numbers in total; This alignment crosses SH-27 near Sirur Maharashtra once.

2numbers in total ; This alignment crosses SH-27 twice near Sirur Maharashtra

6 Railway Crossings 1 (Manmad-Sarola) 1(Manmad-Sarola) 7 Seismic Zone III as per IS: 1893 III as per IS: 1893 8 National Parks, Wildlife

Sanctuaries within 10km radius

The project corridor does not pass

through any National Park and Wild

life sanctuary. The selected route

has been planned at about 30 km

away from the Great Indian Bustard

Sanctuary located in North

Sholapur and at about 20-25km

away from the Vedshi wild life

sanctuary in Osamanabad district.

The project corridor does not pass through any national park or wild life sanctuary. The selected route has been planned at about 30 km away from the Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary located in North Sholapur and at about 20-25km away from the Vedshi wild life sanctuary in Osamanabad district.

9 River/Stream/Canal Crossings

The project alignment is criss-crossed by minor streams and drains including rivers like Sina, Ghod, Vel, Bhima and Bhama.

The project alignment is criss-crossed by minor streams and drains including rivers like Sina (2 times), Ghod, Vel, Bhima and Bhama.

10 R eserve Forest stretches

Nil Nil

11 Historical/Cultural places

Nil Nil

12 Settlement areas Away from settlement areas Away from the settlement areas 13 Crossing of

transmission lines 1 number of 132 kV line, 1 number of 220 kV line and 1 number of 400kV line

1 number of 132 kV line, 1 number of 220 kV line and 1 number of 400kV line


Table 4.2: Alternative Assessment for 400KV D/C Pune-Aurangabad line S.No.

Parameters Features Along Alternative1 Features along Alternative 2 Alternative Selection

1 Required ROW for

transmission line 46m 46m The reasons behind

selecting the Alternative 1 as against alternative 2 is given below: The alternative2 passes through the great Indian bustard bird sanctuary near the crossing of Godavari river while the route of alternative 1 is taken about 10km away from the sanctuary. However the length of the alignment remains unchanged. This justifies the selection of alternative 1. Further, in alternative 1 no reserve forest stretch is being encountered as compared to alternative 2.

2 Length of alignment section

236 km 236km

3 Terrain Plain and undulated terrain Plain an undulated terrain 4 Existing land use Agricultural, barren lands and forest

sections Agricultural, barren lands and forest sections

5 NH and other major roads crossings

2 numbers of NH crossings 2 numbers of NH crossings

6 Railway Crossings 1 number of railway crossings 1 number of railway crossing 7 Seismic Zone III as per IS: 1893 III as per IS: 1893 8 National Parks, Wildlife

Sanctuaries within 10km radius

Nil. Portions of great Indian bird sanctuary is about 10km away from the project alignment.

The project alignment is passing through great Indian bustard and Jaikwadi wild life sanctuary.

9 Reserve forest No reserve forest stretch 850m of forest stretch 10 River/Stream/Canal

Crossings The project area in this section is criss- crossed by some small streams including rivers like Bhima, Ghod, Kukadi, Mula reservoir right bank canal, Pravara river, Godavari and Shivna.

The project area in this section is criss- crossed by some small streams including rivers like Bhima, Ghod, Kukadi, Mula reservoir right bank canal, Pravara river, Godavari and Shivna.

11 Historical/Cultural Within the project alignment there is not historical/cultural resources are observed having archeological important. Ajanta and Elora caves are more than 30km away from project alignment.

Within the project alignment there is not historical/cultural resources are observed having archeological important. Ajanta and Elora caves are more than 30 km away from project alignment. The alternate route for the great Indian bust

12 Settlement areas The route alignment has been selected far away from settlement areas.

Alignment is passing close to settlement areas like Nevasa.

13 Crossing of transmission lines

3 numbers of 132kV, 3 numbers of 220 kV, 1 number of 400kV and 1 number o f 500 kV line.

3 numbers of 132kV, 3 numbers of 220 kV, 1 number of 400kV and 1 number of 500 kV line.


Table 4.3: Alternative Assessment for 400KV D/C Parli-Sholapur section


1 Required ROW for

transmission line 46m 46m In this section the

alternative alignments are mostly selected close to each other and much difference cannot be made between them. In alternative 1, the alignment has been placed perpendicular to the river/NH/railway crossings. Moreover, the alignment does not pass close to settlement areas, national parks/wild life sanctuaries and any other ecologically sensitive areas.

2 Alignment Length 136km 136km 3 Terrain Plain and undulating terrain. Plain and undulating terrain. 4 Existing land use Agricultural and barren types Agricultural and barren types 5 NH-Crossing 1 number of NH crossings 1 number of NH crossings 6 Railway Crossings 1 number of railway line crossings 1 number of railway line crossing 7 Seismic Zone III as per IS: 1893 III as per IS: 1893

8 National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries within 10km radius

Nil. Nil

9 Reserve Forests Nil Nil 10 River/Stream/Canal

Crossings The project area in this section

is criss- crossed by some

small streams including rivers

like Manjara.

The project area in this section is criss

crossed by some small streams including

rivers like Manjara

11 Historical/Cultural resources along the line

Nil

Nil

12 Settlement areas The project corridor the selected alignment route is away from the settlement areas.

The alignment is selected away from settlement areas.


4 numbers of 132 kV lines, 2 numbers of 220kV lines and 1 number of 220kV line

4 numbers of 132 kV lines, 2 numbers of 220kV lines and 1 number of 220kV line


Table 4.4: Alternative Assessment for 400KV D/C Sholapur-Kolhapur section


1 Required ROW for

transmission line 46m 46m The reasons behind

selecting the Alternative 1 as against alternative 2 is given below: The alternative2 crosses Bhima river twice in Bijapur district Karnataka, while alternative 1 crosses Bhima river once. This justifies the selection of alternative 1.

2 Alignment Length 219 Km 220.3 Km 3 Terrain Plain with some undulating terrain Plain with some undulating terrain. 4 Existing land use Agricultural and barren types Agricultural and barren types 5 NH-Crossing 1 number of NH crossings 1 number of NH-crossings 6 Railway Crossings 4 4 7 Seismic Zone III as per IS: 1893 III as per IS: 1893


The project corridor does not

pass through any National

Park and Wild life sanctuary.

The project corridor does not pass through

any National Park and Wild life sanctuary.


Crossings The project area in this section

is criss- crossed by some

small streams including rivers

like Sina, Bhima, Krishna and

Panchganga.

The project area in this section is criss-

crossed by some small streams including

rivers like Sina, Bhima, Krishna and

Panchganga. Additionally section crosses

Bhima river twice in Bijapur district,

Karnataka.


Nil Nil


The project corridor the selected alignment route is away from the settlement areas.


4 nos. of 400 kV, 7 nos. of 220 kV and 4 nos. of 132 kV.

4 nos. of 400 kV, 7 nos. of 220 kV and 4 nos. of 132 kV.


Table 4.5: Alternative Assessment for 400KV D/C LILO of Lonikhand-Kalwa S.No. Parameters Features Along Alternative1 Features along Alternative 2 1 Required ROW for

transmission line 46m 46m

2 Alignment Length 1.3km 1.3km 3 Terrain Plain with some hilly patches. Plain with some hilly patches. 4 Existing land use Agricultural Agricultural In this section the selection of current route has been made based upon the basic principles of alignment section. There is no river, NH, railway line crossings within the alignment. Additionally there are no national parks, reserve forest areas within the project corridor. Within the project corridor there exist some religious structures; however none of them are getting disturbed by the selected alignment. Additionally these religious structures are not archaeologically important sites. Since the alignment section length is only 1.2km therefore selection of alternative has been made as per the survey route provided by PGCIL in the bid document.


Table 4.6: Alternative Assessment for LILO of Sholapur-Karad 400kV S/C section


1 Required ROW for

transmission line 46m 46m In this section the alternative

alignments are mostly selected close to each other and much difference cannot be made between them. The only advantage pertaining to the selection of Alternative 1 was placing of this alignment in perpendicular direction with respect to river, NH and railway crossings. The selected alignment is away from settlement areas, and is not passing through any National Park/Wild life Sanctuary areas and any other ecological sensitive areas.

2 Alignment Length 116 km 116.7kM 3 Terrain Plain and undulating terrain. Plain and undulating terrain. 4 Existing land use Agricultural Agricultural 5 NH-Crossing 2 numbers of NH crossings 2 numbers of NH crossings 6 Railway Crossings 1 number of railway line crossing 1 number of railway line crossing 7 Seismic Zone III as per IS: 1893 III as per IS: 1893


The project corridor does not

pass through any National Park

and Wild life sanctuary.

The project corridor does not pass

through any National Park and Wild life

sanctuary.


Crossings The project area in this section is

criss-crossed by some small

streams including rivers like

Bhog.

The project area in this section is criss

crossed by some small streams

including rivers like Bhog.


Nil

Nil


The alignment passes through away from settlement areas.


2 numbers of 132 kV, 1 number of 220 kV and 1 number of 400kV line

2 numbers of 132 kV, 1 number of 220 kV and 1 number of 400kV line


555... AAASSSSSSEEESSSSSSMMMEEENNNTTT OOOFFF EEENNNVVVIIIRRROOONNNMMMEEENNNTTTAAALLL IIIMMMPPPAAACCCTTTSSS AAANNNDDD MMMIIITTTIIIGGGAAATTTIIIOOONNN

MMMEEEAAASSSUUURRREEESSS:::

5.1. DURING CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES:

5.1.1. Land Use:

57. At present most of the land is agricultural land and construction work would involve only construction of foundation and erection of towers and stringing of lines. Due to construction of towers, crop production in the area occupied by the tower will be stopped for short run and after the erection of towers the crop production work can start again. Thus the impact on land use during the construction work is not significant in nature.

5.1.2. Ambient Air Quality:

58. Construction activities will involve excavation for erection of tower and movement of vehicles carrying the construction material, etc. This will result in limited fugitive emission at site. Spraying of water during construction will reduce the emission to a great extent.

5.1.3. Ambient Noise Levels:

59. During construction phase, the sources of noise pollution will primarily be limited to movement of vehicles transporting construction material and equipments to the site. The project sites are however away from settlement areas of villages through which the alignment section is passing through and hence the villagers will not be affected due to increased noise level. Use of low noise generating equipments and restriction of construction activity for limited periods will further reduce the disturbance from noise pollution.

5.1.4. Water Quality:

60. Erecting of towers for transmission line will not have any significant impact on surface and

groundwater quality along the line. The tower footing along the river crossings are located at

a sufficient distance from the embankment to ensure minimum disturbance to riparian

vegetation. At the river crossing areas the construction camps are located at a significant

distance provided with adequate sanitation facilities as per the health and safety policy of the

company minimizing the chances of degradation of water quality.

5.1.5. Soil:

61. The excavation work involved in the project is limited to construction of tower foundation. The loss of top soil as envisaged during such construction activities can largely be reduced by storing the top soil and spreading it back for filling up the excavated area of the tower foundation.


5.1.6. Flora:

62. The construction work along the alignment may cause loss of vegetation. Trees might need

to be cut or trimmed for laying of transmission lines causing a loss of flora. Further loss to

flora would be due to loss of crops in the area occupied by the tower base.

63. Care has been taken to avoid thick vegetation; towers are located where vegetation is thin.

This will greatly minimize tree loss and compensation to be paid to tree owners. Clearance

for trees to be cut will be taken from concerned authorities and if required compensatory

afforestation (CA) has to be done in association with the concerned authorities. Trimming of

trees should be done in consultation with the concerned authorities.

64. As informed by the Developer, in the “Pune-Aurangabad” section, the alignment is now

being taken away of about 10km from the Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary and Jaikwadi

Sanctuary. The diversion route of the alignment was also shown to IIFCL during the joint site

visit of IIFCL and World Bank officials during 9-10th of June 2010.

65. In “Pune-Aurangabad” section, it has been informed by WRTMPL that the reserve forest

section is now completely avoided (this is also being supported by LIE as per their 4th

Quarterly report).

66. The developer follows a mechanism of compensating the trees and has established a

process of complying with requirements in case of timber grade trees. In case social forest

stretches are encountered, WRTMPL follows a mechanism with the respective village

panchayat through a process of CSR activities or community development activities (as

required by the villagers) to obtain NOC from the respective village panchayat.

67. Copies of communication relating to forest NOCs are given in Appendix-5.1.

5.1.7. Fauna:

68. The existing land use for the transmission line is rarely used for grazing by domestic animals

like cow, buffalo, goats etc.; hence minimal disturbance to local animals is anticipated during

construction. The forest types in the mentioned sections are mostly governed by Open

Forests and Non-forest types thereby minimizing presence of rare and endangered species.

Based upon the discussion with the forest officials in the above mentioned forest ranges it is

inferred that presence of rare and endangered species of flora and fauna in the proposed

project section is not significant.

5.1.8. Health and Safety:

69. There have been some concerns about the possibility of an increased risk of concerns from

exposure to electromagnetic radiations from overhead transmission lines. Further,

construction workers might get injured or meet accidents during construction activities.

Injuries, bruises, transmissible disease, etc. due to unhygienic condition, protective

measures and lack of awareness.


70. The developer has a well defined safety management protocols and the safety manager has

been deployed for enforcement of safety measures during construction. In respect of

management of debris disposal, necessary measures have been integrated in the

construction contract.

71. According to the health and safety policy of and conditions of contract, the contractor shall

be responsible for (i) establishing construction camps with adequate sanitation facilities; (ii)

periodic health check-up for its employees and (iii) maintaining strict safety guidelines with a

provision of penalty for offences.

72. Further the safety policy ensures safety awareness among the workers organized on daily

basis by the safety personnel of the contractor. The safety policy also frames out some

specific safety requirement of workers pertaining to: (i) Welding, cutting and stone breaking;

(ii) hoisting of equipments; (iii) Electrical works; (iv) working at heights; (v) erection of

structural steels etc. Additionally the general safety guidelines include: (i) restricting vehicle

speed plying with the construction site area; (ii) wearing of safety helmets as per color

coding;(iii) following various codes like HSE codes/provisions as per factories

acts/Environmental Protection Act etc.

73. The Health and safety measures in the project are implemented through on site safety

training on fortnightly basis by the safety personnel of WRTGPL with various contractors.

Additionally regular medical checkup camps are organized. The medical checkups are being

done by the Govt. doctors of the nearby village hospitals. In some cases of major illness, the

labors are taken to the private clinics for medical checkup as well.

74. Developer keeps the contact details of all Public Health centers and clinics along the line

route along with the emergency numbers. In case of any sickness or injury the workers are

provided with necessary treatment. No major injuries have taken place till date.

.

75. The workers are provided with Safety shoes, helmets, reflectors, earplugs and double

lanyard safety belts (being worn by the gang workers working at heights) as personnel

protective equipments.

5.1.9. Socio-Economic Condition:

76. Socio-economic impacts during constructional phase due to erection of transmission lines

will be mainly due to loss of agricultural land on which towers will be erected. However, as

per the provisions of telegraph act, the land owners will be provided compensation for crop

loss during the construction phase.

5.1.10. Resettlements:

77. There is no issue of related to resettlement and rehabilitation as it has been avoided during

the selection of the present alignment and the alignment selected is far away from the

human settlement. The details pertaining to the socio-economic conditions and R&R issues

are given in Social Due Diligence report.


5.1.11. Cultural Sites:

78. No archaeological, historical or culturally important sites are located near the proposed

transmission Line. During construction phase, if any cultural property is found, the work will

be stopped immediately and the contractor will immediately intimate WRTMPL about

availability of cultural property. WRTMPL will intimate to Department of Archeology &

Museums, Maharashtra and Karnataka and approval will be taken to erect the tower for

transmission line.

5.2. DURING OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES:

5.2.1. Land Use:

79. Minor changes in land use pattern is envisaged during the operation phase. At present the portion of the land where towers will be erected is mainly agricultural land. During operation phase, the same land can again be utilized for agricultural purpose. Therefore the impact on land use is negligible though permanent in nature.

5.2.2. Air and Noise Quality:

80. The operation of transmission line does not involve any emission of gases and generation of

dust particles and hence the impact on ambient air quality is anticipated to be very less

during erection of transmission lines. Similarly impact on noise quality is envisaged to be

very low.

5.2.3. Water Quality:

81. The operation of transmission line do not involve generation of any effluent and discarding of

any hazardous chemical which could have chances of impact on nearby water bodies. Thus

no impacts on ground water or surface water quality are anticipated during the operational

stage.

5.2.4. Soil:

82. The project document ensures designing of 13 different types of foundations according to

the soil types within the project alignments. The engineering design is made considering the

soil quality and erosion potential of the region. Moreover, project line section will not block

the drainage within the alignment and also do not increase the run-off in the local catchment

area. Thus, from transmission line project the impact on soil quality is negligible during the

operation stage.

5.2.5. Flora:

83. Trees near transmission lines may increase the chances of fire hazards due to electric

sparks requiring trimming of trees to minimize the risk of accidents and proper maintenance.

As part of maintaining the ROW such trimming of trees may need to be undertaken which

may require approval from Forest Department. The ROW maintenance team of WRTMPL

shall coordinate with the forest department in order to obtain necessary NOC for tree cutting.


5.2.6. Fauna:

84. Since avian fauna might be at small risks by hitting the transmission lines, hence a minor

impact is predicted during the operational phases. Addition of deflectors is proposed to

minimize the risk.

5.2.7. Health and Safety:

85. Engineers, linemen may get be injured or meet accidents during maintenance of

transmission lines including injuries, bruises, transmissible diseases, etc. As part of the

health and safety policy, Reliance Infra ensures that the workers involved working in heights

are provided with necessary personal protective equipments like safety shoes tested for

11/33kV, Handgloves tested for 11/33kV (IS 4770), safety belts, ladders/monkey ladders (as

per IS: 3696), fall arrestor etc. There have been some concerns about the possibility of an

increased risk from exposure to electromagnetic radiations from overhead transmission

lines. However the exposure limit shall be kept at minimum level and regular medical

checkup of the employees shall be conducted to minimize such impacts.

5.2.8. Socio-Economic Condition:

86. Socio-economic condition of the project villages around the proposed transmission lines is expected to be improved due to an overall increase in power supply in the grid and hence an increased power supply in the villages as well. Increase in power supply to these rural areas will beneficially impact the socio-economic conditions thereby directly/indirectly triggering the growth of agricultural up gradation, health and education facilities, infrastructural development etc. Therefore, the overall impact on socio-economic condition will be positive for this project.


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6.1. COMPONENTS OF EMP:

87. A consolidated EMP has been prepared as part of the EDDR compiling all the necessary information available in project document and the actual activities been undertaken by the developer towards selection of project alignment and construction activities considering environmental impacts. The EMP has been prepared by collecting the information on several measures integrated in project documents towards minimizing negative environmental impacts. The major components of the EMP include:

• Mitigation of potentially adverse impacts; • Monitoring during the project implementation and operation; and, • Institutional arrangements.

6.2. IMPACT MITIGATION AND INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

The environmental issues and suggested mitigation measures with institutional arrangements for implementation and supervision mechanism is given in table 6.1.

6.3. INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK:

88. WRTMPL have two tiers of institutional bodies to oversee the implementation of the project.

The bodies are constituted at the head quarter/corporate office level and at the project level.

The head quarter/corporate office level institutions are focused on financial aspects of the

project, while in the project level the technical aspects of the project are focused.

89. The EMP implementation during the construction stage shall primarily be the responsibility of

the contractor which will be constantly monitored by the project team of WRTMPL. The

project team of WRTMPL consists of line managers, planners & coordinators and finance

personnel. The line managers are further supported by section engineers who will be

supported by site supervisors. The section engineers are responsible for project execution

and shall be responsible for environment management, monitoring health and safety issues,

ROW maintenance and forest clearance etc. The organization chart of WRTMPL is given in

figure 6.1.

6.4. EMP MONITORING BY LIE:

90. The LIE has been engaged for construction monitoring. The LIE’s scope of work also include observing and determining whether the health and safety norms are enforced as per company policy and environment and social measures are in place.


Section Engineer

(Sumit P. Rathi)

Supervisor (Tarun

Kumar)

Supervisor

(M.Shaikh)

Supervisor Amit

Om Kumar

Supervisor

Ramswaroop

Section Engineer

Parikshit Samudre

Ahmadnagar Ahmadnagar

Section in Charge

Vish. Patela) Part II --

180 Km of Pune – A’bad

Line from A’Nagar to

A’bad S/S -- Part I in Box

no. 6

Section in Charge

V. Tripathia) Part II--186

Km of Pune – Parli Line

within A’Ngr from Sh’pur to

Pune

Sholapur

Pune

Ahmadnagar Sholapur Pune Pune Pune

Line ManagerAjay

GadkariAhmadnagar,

366 KmPune - A’bad

(186 Km)Pune - Parli

(186 Km)

Prj Montr / Mat MgmtS.

Satarke

PROJECT HEAD

ARVIND KUMAR SHARMA, Pune

Figure 6.1: ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE – PROJECT B, Maharashtra

Line Manager

S. N. Ram Sholapur, 540 Km

Sholapur – Kolhapur (219

Km)Parli – Pune (136 Km)LILO

Sh’pur-Karad (116 Km)

Quality Engineers

1. Vinit Sinha

Fin & AccountsPranav

Shah

SAP/IT Montrg

Engg

Engineer

Supervisor

ROW Engg.Rajan

Shriman

ROW for Pune (+ would

process clearances for

all lines)

Usmanabad

Sholapur

Engineer (GET)

Supervisor

Engineer(Atik Shaik)

Supervisor (Mangesh

Patil)

Supervisor (vacant)

Engineer (GET)Vipul

Tiwari

Supervisor Gaikwad

Supervisor (Vacant)

Supervisor (Vacant)

Section in Charge

S Rathod 135km

Section in Charge

Jagdish Tiwari

219km

Section In charge

V K Garad 185 kma)

Sh’pur LILO (50Km)b) Part

I -- 70 Km of Parli – Pune

Line from Parli S/S to

Sh’pur —Part II in Box

no.2, Part III in Box6

ROW Engg.

Maharaj Pande

1 2 3 4 5

Line Manager

R Chakraba) Part III--50 Km of

Parli – Pune Line from A’Nagar to

Pune S/S b) Part I -- 50 Km of Pune

– A’bad Line from Pune S/S to

A’Nagar

6

Office Boy

Praveen Shriman,

Supervisor for

Material Dispatch

Amol Dhabade

ROW


Table 6.1: Environment Management Plan

Project Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Responsibility Parameters for

Monitoring

Pre-Construction Stage

Alignment selection Chances of potential impacts

on terrestrial habitat including

(i) Forest Fire; (ii) Avifauna and

bat collision and electrocutions.

Impact on eco-sensitive areas

(like national parks, wildlife

sanctuaries etc.)

Impact on historical and cultural

resources

Selection of an optimum route primarily

avoiding: (i) Human settlements and grazing

land; (ii) Environmental sensitive locations

such as school, colleges, hospitals, religious

structures, monuments, etc.; (iii) Notified Eco-

sensitive locations and dense plantation; and ,

(iv)Socially, Culturally, Archaeologically

sensitive area.

WRTMPL The project has already

received authorization

under section 68 and

section 164 under

electricity act under which

the mitigation measures

are already undertaken to

avoid sensitive

environmental location and

minimizing impact on forest

land and tree cutting.

Further details pertaining to

the same shall be

confirmed during the site

visits towards finalizing the

EDDR.

Tower Location Exposure to safety related risks ;

impact on water bodies, railway

lines and roads

Overhead line route designed in accordance with

permitted level of power frequency and the

technical specification for ground clearance of

towers.

Location of towers has been avoided to be

nearer to water bodies, railway lines and roads at

maximum extent possible. When such crossing is

unavoidable adequate care has been taken to

make the crossing of the power line at least at

the perpendicular direction to such crossings.

WRTMPL

Equipments

submerged under

flood

Contamination of receptors (soil,

water etc.)

Avoid location of towers above high flood level WRTMPL 91. Land above high flood level*

Tree cutting and

impact on forest land

Impact on biodiversity, chances

of forest fire and electrocutions

and some time impact on

livelihood.

Minimize the impact by maintenance of ROW.

Obtaining forest clearance and provide

assistance towards compensatory afforestation

to restore the forest land.

WRTMPL WRTMPL has avoided all

the reserve forest stretches

for the project and received

forest related NOCs.

WRTMPL to comply with

tree cutting requirements

for timber grade tress.



Monitoring

Air craft hazards from

towers

Nearest Airport and distance The site should be at appropriate distance from

the nearest airport. Civil aviation clearance in this

regard is required in some sections.

WRTMPL Civil aviation clearance

pending in other sections is

required to be obtained. The

details pertaining to such

clearance shall be

monitored by LIE.

Designing drainage

pattern*

Impact on ground water and

nearby agricultural field

Adequate drainage system to be adopted to

avoid accidental hazards in drainage systems.

WRTMPL Ground condition for flow of

drain water*

Construction Stage

Physical Construction Disturbance on farming activities Construction activities on land shall be timed to

avoid disturbance on the nearby field crops, care

shall be given to carry out construction activities

in post harvest season minimizing crop loss.

Contractor/WRT

MPL

Time period of available

field crops and are generally

managed by the line

managers.

There could be impact on cultural

and historical resources during

excavation.

Construction work to stop immediately if any

cultural property is found during excavation. The

contractor is to intimate the same to WRTMPL,

who will in turn report the same to State

Archaeological department and approval shall be

taken for further construction.

Contractor/WRT

MPL

Records on cultural

properties found during the

excavation work if any*.

Mechanized

Construction

Impact on noise and vibration to

construction workers.

Modern machines are deployed fitted with noise

control measures like silencers. Personal

protective equipments shall be provided to the

workers.

Contractor/WRT

MPL

Constructional equipments

to be monitored. LIE

generally monitors the

construction activities and

equipments.

Construction of roads

for accessibility

Increase of dust particles.

Impact on trees/biodiversity

especially in the forest areas

Existing roads and tracks shall be used for

construction and maintenance access to the line

to the extent possible.

Contractor/WRT

MPL

Access roads, routes

(length and width of new

access roads to be

constructed) nearest

dwelling or social institution*



Monitoring

Site Clearance Vegetation Tower erection to disturb minimum loss to

vegetation/crops. Compensation shall be paid

prior to tower erection.

Contractor

/WRTMPL

Vegetation marking and

clearance control*

Tree cutting or

trimming for ROW

maintenance

Loss of vegetation and

biodiversity

Adequate clearance between the tree top and

the conductor as per the technical specification.

Contractor

/WRTMPL

Species specific trees

retention as approved by

statutory authorities

(maximum height at

maturity)

Disposal of felled trees as

complied by forest

department

Compensatory afforestation

for each trees felled.

Impact on Utilities Overflows or discharge Temporary filling in nearby drains not to be

permitted.

Contractor/WRT

MPL

Temporary fill placement

(m3)*

Tower Erection Health and Safety impacts The health and safety policy of Reliance Infra

briefly outlines the safety aspects to be

undertaken during working at height.

Contractor Records on accidents, if any

during the tower erection to

be verified during site visit

for the finalization the

EDDR.*

Operation Stage Impacts

Workers health and

safety

Injury and sickness/health

hazards

• Careful design

• Safety awareness

• Emergency plan

• Sanitation and medical facilities

WRTMPL Usage of appropriate

technologies, awareness

amongst the staff, provision

of facilities etc.

Electrical Shock

hazards

Injury/Mortality • Careful design

• Safety awareness

• Emergency plan

• Barriers to prevent climbing

WRTMPL Proper maintenance of

fences, barriers, signals etc

along with number of

injuries and accidents



Monitoring

• Warning signals

Transmission Lines Exposure to electromagnetic

interference

Transmission line design to comply with the limits

of electromagnetic interference from overhead

power lines

WRTMPL Required ground clearance,

generally to be monitored by

LIE.

Tower and

transformer/Substation

maintenance

Using of hazardous chemicals Switch stations and substations are primarily not

considered as part of the project and hence

usage of hazardous chemicals is not part of the

project. According to Implementation Agreement

providing interconnection facilities shall be the

responsibility of POWERGRID.

Substation

authority

As part of their ESPP the

details pertaining to

hazardous chemicals and

their management shall be

the responsibility of

POWERGID*.

Note: The * marked Parameters shall be monitored by IIFCL periodically.


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7.1. INSTITUTIONAL STAKEHOLDER’S CONSULTATION:

92. As part of preparation of the EDDR, the status of institutional stakeholder’s consultation has been assessed. WRTMPL have received authorization under section 164 under Electricity Act and the route selected under the project are approved by Central Electricity Authority (CEA). Clearances from such authorities generally involve number of consultation with the respective nodal officers of the mentioned organization. Additionally WRTMPL have also undertaken consultations with the National Highways, Railway Authorities, Civil Aviations and Forest Department, POWERGRID, as part of their clearance requirements from the mentioned departments.

7.2. PUBLIC CONSULTATION:

93. Formal Consultation: Power transmission projects in general do not create many

environmental and social impacts which may result in resistance from public. However, as

part of the process of obtaining authorization under section 164 of the Electricity Act 2003,

public notification of the projects is published in one local, one Hindi and one English

newspaper to invite objections from the public within two months. Within two months of the

notification no objection came from public showing resistance against the project. The paper

advertisement details and communication related to non receipt of objections against the

project is given in Appendix-7.1. The license that has been given to WRTMPL under

section 14 and 15 of EA-2003 is given in Appendix-7.2.

94. Informal Consultation: During the technical mission site visit of World Bank (9-10th June

2010) along with IIFCL’s officials, villagers were interacted in the Sholapur-Karad and

Sholapur-Kolhapur sections of the project alignment. Such interaction reveals that crop

compensation is adequately being paid to the villagers.


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8.1. CONCLUSION:

95. The routes of proposed transmission lines have been selected as best possible option

because of the following reasons:

• The line route does not pass through any ecologically sensitive areas like Sanctuary, National Parks etc.;

• The selected route has been taken away from the Great Indian Bird Sanctuary in the Pune-Aurangabad section which increased the length of the alignment in this section to 20km.

• No human habitation is affected;

• Effort has been made to avoid reserve forest stretches in the selected alignment route. • No grazing land in the vicinity of the project area. • The proposed transmission line does not affect any public utility services like playground, schools

and other establishments;

96. The concessionaire has adopted following measures in the design of the transmission to

minimize the environmental impacts:

• Double Circuit transmission design instead of a single circuit which helps in carrying higher

MW of power

• Vertical placement of conductors in transmission towers minimizes the Right of Way (ROW)

to 46m instead of 52 m as required for horizontal placement of conductors; and,

• Minimization of transmission losses by adopting 400kV line instead of 220kV line.

97. As informed by the developer the Towers are erected at a significant distance from both

sides of the rivers/drain crossings and to the extent possible the vertical distance between

the two towers shall be kept perpendicular to the rivers/drains, roads/railway lines to

minimize the length of line crossing the same.

98. The selected alignment under the project has been approved by Central Electricity Authority

(CEA) and license has been issued to WRTMPL under section 14 and 15 of electricity act

for execution of the project.

99. The proposed transmission line will pass through mainly agricultural land which belongs to

nearby villagers. The conclusion emerged from the consultation with the villagers is that they

have no objection in giving their land for construction of towers and transmission lines

provided they are given adequate crop compensation.

Positive Impacts of the project include:

• Better electric supply;

• Employment opportunities;

• Improvement in education and health


100. A monitoring arrangement has been established with the developer and the as per the latest

monitoring report the developers follows the proposed EMP measures.

101. The developer has a well defined safety management protocols and the safety manager has

been deployed for enforcement of safety measures during construction. In respect of

management of debris disposal, necessary measures have been integrated in the

construction contract.

102. As per the monitoring report, it is informed that fortnightly safety training is given to the

workers and the developer also organizes regular medical checkup camps for workers

health. The contact details of all PH centers and clinics along the line route with emergency

numbers are prepared. The medical checkups are being done by the Govt. doctors of the

nearby village hospitals. In cases of major illness, the labors are taken to the private clinics

for medical checkup as well.

103. As per the latest monitoring report it has been informed by the developer that all the reserve

forest stretches (earlier there was an involvement of diversion of 3.6 ha of reserve forest

land) are being avoided by the developer. Further the alternative route has been selected

avoiding the Great Indian bustard Sanctuary and Jaikwadi Bird Sanctuary in the Pune-

Aurangabad section.

104. Forest NOCs has been received for the alignment sections.

105. If the transmission lines pass through any kind of social forest land (developed in village

community lands), WRTMPL make necessary arrangement with the respective village

panchayat through providing some CSR/community development activities (as required by

the panchayat) to obtain the necessary permission from the respective panchayat.

106. The developer follows a mechanism of compensating the trees and has established a

process of complying with the requirements in case of timber grade and fruit bearing trees.

107. The developer informed that the Surrounding villages shall be informed about the safety

requirements from transmission lines prior the lines are charged.

108. Overall the development of the transmission line in the project section will not have any

significant impact on the surrounding environment.

8.2. MONITORING:

IIFCL has undertaken with the LIE to monitor and report the development of the

Environmental Safeguards measures and safety measures. Additionally, IIFCL has taken up

a quarterly separate Environmental safeguard monitoring with the developer to track the

progress in the forest NOCs, progress in the EMP implementation measures. The latest

monitoring report is given in Appendix 8.1.


Aurangabad

Pune

Parli

Sholapur

Kolhapur

Karad

Appendix-1.1: Location Map WRTMPL


Appendix-5.1: Communication relating to Forest Clearance

Solapur (SOLAPUR-KARAD LINE)


Appendix-5.1: Communication relating to Forest Clearance OSMANABAD (SOLAPUR-KARAD LINE)


Appendix-5.1: Communication relating to Forest Clearance

AURANGABAD (PUNE-AURANGABAD LINE)


Appendix-5.1: Communication relating to Forest Clearance KOLHAPUR (SOLAPUR-KOLHAPUR LINE)


Appendix-5.1: Communication relating to Forest Clearance BIJAPUR (KARNATAKA) FOR SOLAPUR-KOLHAPUR LINE


Appendix-5.1: Communication relating to Forest Clearance SOLAPUR (SOLAPUR-PARLI LINE)


Appendix-5.1: Communication relating to Forest Clearance OSMANABAD (SOLAPUR-PARLI LINE)


Appendix-5.1: Communication relating to Forest Clearance BEED (SOLAPUR-PARLI LINE)


Appendix-5.1: Communication relating to Forest Clearance AHMEDNAGAR (PUNE-PARLI LINE)


Appendix-5.1: Communication relating to Forest Clearance BEED (PUNE-PARLI LINE)


Appendix 7.1: Formal Public Consultation Details


Appendix 7.2: License Under Section 164 of Electricity Act 2003


Appendix 8.1 (Monitoring Report as pert 30.11.2010)

Compliance status on Environmental Management plans for Western Region

Transmission Project (Maharashtra):

Annexure-I: Clearance Related

1. Progress Status for Forest Clearance: All the reserve forest stretches has been avoided and no

forest clearance is required. Further all the Forest NOCs required for the respective alignment

sections has been received from the respective forest departments.

2. Alignment Diversion to avoid Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary and Jaikwadi Sanctuary in Pune-

Aurangabad section.

Alignment

Section

Starting Point of Diversion

(angle Point)

End point of Diversion

(Angle Point)

Additional Length of

alignment due to

diversion

Pune-

Aurangabad

AP 91/5

AP 104/0

Change in 30 KM from the

previous alignment.

However the total

alignment length in Pune-

Auranagabad section

remain unchanged.

Annexure-II (A): TREE CUTTING

Alignment section Total no. of tree to be cut Status of trees removed

Parli-Pune Could be identified only after

Tower Erection.

Till date No Tree removed.

Pune-Aurangabad

Parli-Solapur

Solapur-Kolapur

LILO (Solapur-

Karad)

LILO (Lonikhand-

Kalwa)


Management Measures:

Issues Yes/No Actions Required

Whether NOC from forest

department taken for tree

cutting has been received.

Yes

Applied for in case to case basis for timber grade trees

only

Safety measures like fencing

taken prior to tree

cutting/Trimming?

Yes

Any other action taken…

Annexure-III (A): Progress of EMP Implementation-Construction Stage

Name of Alignment Section: All the alignment sections

Project

Activity

Potential Impact Mitigation Measures Compliance Status

Physical

construction Disturbance on

farming activities Construction activities on land timed to

avoid disturbance to field crops within 1

month of harvesting season, wherever

possible.

Complied with

Cultural and

Historical

Resources

Construction work to stop immediately if any

Archaeological/ Cultural property is found

during excavation. Contractor to intimate the

same to WRTPL, who will in turn report the

same to State Archaeological department and

approval shall be taken for further

construction.

Till date no such cultural or

historical resources has been

encountered during

construction.

Mechanized

Construction,

Excavation

etc.

Noise and

vibration

Modern machines are deployed fitted with

noise control measures like silencers.

Regular maintenance of constructional

equipments.

Using of PPE to minimize sound/ noise harm

level.

Machines are fitted with

silencers to maintain the noise

level within permissible limits.

Regular maintenance are done

by contractors

PPEs like Ear plugs are

provided.

Construction

of roads for

accessibility

Increase of dust

particles

Impact on

trees/biodiversity

especially in the

forest areas

Existing roads and tracks to be used for

construction and maintenance access to the

line, to the extent possible.

Complied with

Impact on

Utilities

Overflows or

discharge

Temporary filling in nearby drains not to be

permitted. Complied with

Tower

Erection

Health and Safety

impacts

The health and safety policy of Reliance

Infra briefly outlines the safety aspects to be Complied with


undertaken during working at height.

Health and

Safety of

Contractor

Injury and sickness

to workers

The Occupational Health and Safety Policy

of Reliance Infrastructure/ JSL includes

detailed list of protective equipments for

workers.

Policy to include the minimum requirements

for site camps and provisions for adequate

sanitation facilities.

Contractor to carry out regular medical

checkup for their employees.

Contractor to arrange for emergency care

services.

Training and development of employees for

effective implementation of Health and

Safety standards.

Medical checkups are taken

periodically. Contact details of

all PH centers and clinics along

the line route with emergency

numbers are prepared.

Training and development of

employees are conducted

periodically.

Annexure-III(B): Progress of EMP Implementation-Operation Stage

Alignment Section:

Project

Activity

Potential Impact Mitigation Measures Compliance Status

Maintenance

of towers

Electric Shock

Hazards Injury to

workers

Generating awareness/ Training to

maintenance staff about the safety risks and

electrical shock hazards.

Creating of barriers along towers to prevent

climbing and Warning Signals on towers.

Shall be complied with during the

operation stages. ACD fitted to all

towers.

Transmission

Lines

maintenance

Exposure to

electromagnetic

interference

Transmission line design to comply with the

limits of electromagnetic interference from

overhead power lines

Shall be complied with during

operation stages.


Annexure-IV: ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT AT THE CONTRACTOR AND

LABOUR CAMPS:

General Facilities at Camp-Site:

Labour Manpower Resources

Facilities Provided /Other Features Nos.

Labour Nos.

1. Transient

2. Permanent

3. Women

Transient camps have approximately 18 to 20 labors. Permanent camps each have 5 to 7 persons. No women are involved.

Management Comments on providing of following facilities at labour camps:

Issues Type of Facilities provided

Drinking water Facilities like water tanks/hand pumps are available at site.

Sanitation Facilities Public toilets are used.

Medical facilities Medical checkup are done periodically.

Arrangement for

accommodation

Tents are provided for accommodation.

Cooking Facilities and

arrangement for fire woods

Fuel woods are collected from nearby village markets.

Annexure-V: Machinery, materials and other physical aspects:

Indicators Compliance details

Arrangement for Waste Disposal Waste from labor camps and wire packaging materials are

collected and disposed off periodically.

Machineries with adequate noise and

vibration control measures

Machines are fitted with silencers having noise levels within

permissible limits.

Maintenance of construction

equipments

Equipments are maintained by contractors.

Type of Personal Protective Equipments

provided for safeguard from noise

Earplugs are provided.

Management Measures:

Issues Yes/No Actions

Drainage not to collect any waste

water

Yes Generation of waste water from labor camps

are negligible

Dust Suppression

1. Haul Roads, if any

2. Stockyard, if any

Yes Regular sprinkling are carried out at haul roads

and stockyards.

Stockyard Planning Yes Materials are segregated and covered. Haul


1. Material covered;

2. Segregation of materials;

3. Routing of heavy vehicles

roads are used for heavy vehicles.

Safety Equipments All safety equipments provided.

Annexure-VI: Formats for Health and Safety Measures:

S.No. Health and Safety Issues Overall safety measures

1 Injury Sickness of Workers No injury cases till date

2 Medical Check Up Camps Periodically organized.

3 Use of Personal Protective

Equipments and Safety measures

Taken

Safety shoes, helmets, reflectors, earplugs and double

lanyard safety belts (being worn by the gang workers

working at heights)

4 Emergency care facilities Contact details of all PH centers and clinics along the

line route with emergency numbers are prepared. The

medical check ups are being done by the Govt. doctors of the nearby village hospitals. In cases of major illness, the labors are taken to the private clinics for medical checkup as well. First Aid box provided in each camp.

5 Safety Measures taken for working in

heights

Use of safety belts and safety shoes and helmets and

double lanyard safety belts (being worn by the gang

workers working at heights)

Training and Development Details:

No. of On Site training program arranged: On site safety training are done on fortnight basis.

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