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Prepared for : SJVN Ltd. (A Joint Venture of Govt. of India & Govt. of Himachal Pradesh), Shimla, H. P. CENTRE FOR INTER-DISCIPLINARY STUDIES OF MOUNTAIN & HILL ENVIRONMENT University of Delhi, Delhi

DRAFT FINAL REPORT

PREFACE

Luhri Hydro-electric project proposed by Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) Ltd. (A

Joint Venture of Government of India & the State Government of Himachal Pradesh) aims at

harnessing power potential of the waters of Satluj river. The catchment and project activities

of the proposed project are located in Shimla, Kullu and Mandi districts of Himachal

Pradesh. The scheme proposes to generate 775 MW of power by constructing a 86 m high

concrete gravity dam on Satluj river near Nirath village and diversion of water through a

38.138 km long Head Race Tunnel with an underground power house located on right bank

of Satluj river near Marola village. The project would affect nearly 24 Revenue villages and

submerge nearly 153.05 ha of land. It is envisaged that a total of 2337 land owners would be

affected, directly or indirectly, due to acquisition of land for various project activities and

components including displacement of 37 families.

The report has been prepared in two volumes; the first volume essentially covers

environmental aspects dealing with the description of the project area as well as entire

catchment area up to the power house site. It also covers probable environmental impacts of

various project activities to be undertaken during the construction of the proposed project.

The second volume concentrates on the management aspects covering issues of biodiversity

management, catchment area treatment, resettlement and rehabilitation of the project affected

families/ persons, package for economic development of the area including human health

facilities, etc. A separate disaster management plan has also been given, in case of

eventuality of the dam failure. All the mitigation measures to be undertaken by the project

developer have been dealt with in detail along with the cost estimates for each proposed plan.

The two volumes, therefore, completely cover various aspects of the existing environment

resource base and the projected impacts by the proposed project and also the management

plans to mitigate/reduce any negative impacts.

December, 2010 Principal Investigator

Project Team

Principal Investigator :

Professor Maharaj K. Pandit

Core Team :

Dr. M.S. Bisht, Sr. Scientist

Dr. J.P. Bhatt, Scientist

Dr. S.K. Pattanayak, Scientist

Dr. D.C. Nautiyal, Scientist

Mr. Rajender Mehta

Research Staff :

Ms. Simin Elahi, SRF

Ms Monica, JRF

Mr. N. Johan Kumar Singh, JRF

Supporting Staff :

Mr. Ajay Gaur , TA

Ms. Dimple Razdan, TA

Mr. Rohit Singh, LA/FA

Mrs. Sheela JACT

Mr. Baljeet Singh JACT

Mr. Satpal Singh JACT

Ms. Laxmi Negi JACT

Mr. Chandan Singh LA

Mr. Kalam Singh, LA

Mr. Yashpal Singh, LA

Mr. Digamber Singh, LA

EIA APPLICATIONS (TILL 30TH

SEPTEMBER, 2010)

Applicants

S.N. Name of Applicant Organizations State

1 Vimta Labs Limited Hyderabad

2 EMTRC Consultants Private Limited Delhi

3 Kalyani Laboratories Bhubaneshwar

4 Ghosh, Bose and Associates Pvt. Ltd. Kolkata

5 Geomin Consultants Pvt. Limited Bhubaneshwar

6 Pollution Control Research Institute Haridwar

7 EQMS India Pvt. Ltd. Delhi

8 MetamorphosisSM

Bangalore

9 Perfact Enviro Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Delhi

10 Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited Hyderabad

11 SGS India Pvt. Ltd Gurgaon

12 Mineviron Systems Pvt. Ltd., Nagpur

13 Environment Health and Safety Consultants Private Limited Bangalore

14 B. S. Envi-Tech Pvt. Ltd. Hyderabad

15 Bhagavathi Ana Labs Hyderabad

16 Asian Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Delhi

17 Kadam Environmental Consultants Vadodra

18 Envirotech East Pvt. Ltd. Kolkata

19 M/s Pragathi Labs and Consultants Pvt. Ltd. Secunderabad

20 JM Environet Pvt. Ltd. Gurgaon

21 Wolkem Consultancy Services Udaipur

22 Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education Dehradun

23 Ecomen Laboratories Pvt. Ltd. Lucknow

24 Mantec Consultants Pvt. Ltd. Delhi

25 Mineral Engineering Services Karnataka

26 Enviro Techno Consult Nagpur

27 Enkay Group Jaipur

28 Earth and Environment Bhubaneshwar

29 Creative Enviro Services Bhopal

30 RS Envirolink Technologies Pvt. Ltd. Gurgaon

31 Ramans Consultancy Services Pvt. Ltd. Ahmedabad

32 Voyants Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Gurgaon

33 Green Circle, Inc. Vadodra

34 Pioneer Enviro Laboratories and Consultants Pvt. Ltd. Hyderabad

S.N. Name of Applicant Organizations State

35 Global Experts (A Techno-Enviro Consultant) Bhubaneshwar

36 ABC Environ Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Chennai

37 Development Consultants Private Limited Kolkata

38 Sun Consultancy and Services Bhubaneshwar

39 Engineers India Limited Gurgaon

40 Senes Consultants India Pvt. Ltd. Noida

41 GIS Enabled Environment & Neo-Graphic Centre Ghaziabad

42 Anacon Laboratories Pvt. Ltd. Nagpur

43 RITES Limited Gurgaon

44 Anand Consultants Ahmedabad

45 Green Chem Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Chennai

46 Deccan Consulting Engineers Private Limited Delhi

47 Mecon Limited Ranchi

48 Consulting Engineering Services (India) Private Limited New Delhi

49 Hubert Enviro Care Systems (P) Ltd. Chennai

50 ERM India Private Limited Gurgaon

51 Kirloskar Consultants Limited Pune

52 M. N. Dastur and Company (Pvt.) Ltd. Kolkata

53 Holtec Consulting Private Limited Gurgaon

54 Jyoti Om Chemical Research Centre Private Limited Ankleshwar

55 M/s Aqua-Air Environmental Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Surat

56 National Environmental Engineering Research Institute Nagpur

57 Yogiraja Industrial Consultants Pune

58 Cholamandalam MS Risk Services Chennai

59 R. K. Consultants Jodhpur

60 M/s Udaipur Min-Tech Pvt. Ltd. Udaipur

61 San Envirotech Pvt. Ltd. Ahmedabad

62 ENV Developmental Assistance Systems (I) Pvt. Ltd. Lucknow

63 M/s Visiontek Consultancy Services Pvt. Ltd. Bhubaneshwar

64 Grass Roots Research & Creation India (P) Ltd. New Delhi

65 Indomer Coastal Hydraulics (P) Ltd. Chennai

66 Prakriti Consultants Services Lucknow

67 Aditya Environmental Services Pvt. Ltd. Mumbai

68 T.R. Associates Ahmedabad

69 Mantras Resources (Environmental Division) Nashik

70 Intercontinental Consultants and Technocrats Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi

71 VITYA Consultants Pvt. Ltd. Secunderabad

72 Mott Mac Donald Pvt. Ltd. Ahmedabad

73 Enviro Care India (P) Ltd. Madurai

S.N. Name of Applicant Organizations State

74 Water and Waste Water Research Center Sangli

75 M/s Padmaja Aerobiologicals Pvt. Ltd. Navi Mumbai

76 Consulting Engineers Group Ltd. Jaipur

77 Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Limited Ranchi

78 Pure Enviro Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Chennai

79 Ultra-Tech Environmental Consultancy and Laboratory Thane

80 En-vision Enviro Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Surat

81 S. S. Environics (India) Pvt. Ltd. Bhubaneshwar

82 Detox Corporation Pvt. Ltd. Surat

83 Desein Private Limited New Delhi

84 Singareni Collieries Company Limited Khammam, Andhra

Pradesh

85 WAPCOS Limited Gurgaon

86 ENVOMIN Consultant (Pvt.) Ltd. Bhubaneshwar

87 ECO-CARE Solutions (Environmental Consultants & Engineers) Vadodra

88 Environmental Engineers & Consultants Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi

89 Team Labs and Consultants Hyderabad

90 Environmental, Mine Plan & Resource Evaluation Solutions Chennai

91 EST Consultants (P) Ltd. New Delhi

92 UniStar Environment & Research Labs Pvt. Ltd. Vapi, Gujarat

93 L & T RAMBOLL Consulting Engineers Limited Andhra Pradesh

94 Environment Protection and Training Research Institute Hyderabad

95 SAI Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Ahmedabad

96 Centre for Envotech and Management Consultancy Private Limited Bhubaneshwar

97 Creative Engineers & Consultants Chennai

98 Projects & Development India Limited Noida

99 Envirocare Consultants (I) Pvt. Ltd. Baroda

100 In Situ Enviro Care Bhopal

101 E. C. Engineers (Environmental Consultants) Jaipur

102 SV Enviro Labs & Consultants Vishakapatnam

103 Sri Sai Manasa Nature Tech Pvt. Ltd. Hyderabad

104 Eco Chem Sales and Service Surat

105 Scott Wilson India Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi

106 SMEC India Private Limited Gurgaon

107 Transit Surveys Karnataka

108 Bhagwati Enviro Care Pvt. Ltd. Ahmedabad

109 National Institute of Oceanography Goa

110 Siddhi Consultants Ankleshwar

111 ENPRO Enviro Tech & Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Surat

S.N. Name of Applicant Organizations State

112 Global Enviro Labs Hyderabad

113 Weston Solutions (India) Pvt. Ltd. Hyderabad

114 Superintendence Company of India Pvt. Ltd. Kolkata

115 Paryavaran Labs (India) Limited Hyderabad

116 TATA Consulting Engineers Limited Mumbai

117 Garden City Environmental Services Bangalore

118 Sawen Consultancy Services Lucknow

119 Enviro Analyst & Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Mumbai

120 Louis Berger Consulting Pvt. Ltd. Gurgaon

121 Envisafe Environmental Consultants Ahmedabad

122 Technoenviron Consultants Maharashtra

123 En-Geo Consultancy & Research Centre(ENGECORC) Guwahati

124 Agricultural finance corporation Ltd. Mumbai

125 Det Norske Veritas AS Hyderabad

126 Centre of Mining Environment, Department of Environmental Science

and Engineering Dhanbad

127 Srushti Sewa Nagpur

128 MITCON Consultancy Services Ltd. Pune

129 Apex Mintech Consultants Udaipur

130 Idma Laboratories Limited Haryana

131 Eco Care Burdwan,West

Bengal

132 Shri Environmental Technology Institute New Delhi

133 Pollution & Ecology Control Services Nagpur

134 National Institute of Ocean Technology Chennai

135 Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies Of Mountain & Hill Environment

University Of Delhi(CISMHE) Delhi

136 DHI India Water & Environment Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi

137 Shiva Test House Patna

138 Clean Technologies Bangalore

139 Metro Enviro-Chem Associates Ahmedabad

140 SECON Private limited Bangalore

141 SEAMAK HITECH PRODUCTS Bangalore

142 Min Mec Consultancy Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi

143 Mitra S. K. Private Limited Kolkata

144 CTRAN Consulting Private Limited Bhubaneswar

145 M/S Indus Technical and Financial Consultants Ltd. Raipur

146 International Testing Centre Panchkula

147 Vasantdada Sugar Institute. Pune

148 Team Institute of Science & Technology Pvt. Ltd. Jaipur

S.N. Name of Applicant Organizations State

149 LEA Associates South Asia Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi

150 Octagon Consultancy Services Kolkata

151 Gadark Lab Pvt. Ltd. Mumbai

152 Chilworth Technology Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi

153 Ace Engineers & Consultants Patiala

154 Fine Envirotech Engineers Mumbai

155 Jain Mining and Technical Consultants Udaipur

156 Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research Dhanbad

157 Eco Laboratories and Consultants Mohali

158 SMS Envocare Ltd. Pune

159 Krishna Gangaa Enviro System Pvt. Ltd. Nagpur

160 Shivalik Solid Waste Management Limited Solan

161 Ramji Mine Envirotech Jaipur

162 Environ India Kolkata

163 IRG Systems South Asia Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi

164 N. K. Buildcon Pvt. Ltd. Jaipur

165 Greentech Environmental Engineer and Consultants Guwahati

166 S G M Corporate Consultants Pvt. Ltd. Pune

167 Terracon Ecotech Private Limited Mumbai

168 Trio-Chem Techno- Legal Services Pvt. Ltd. Pune

169 Chaitanya Projects Consultancy Pvt. Ltd Ghaziabad

170 Mahabal Enviro Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Thane

171 Energy Infratech Pvt. Ltd. Gurgaon

172 Hydro ChemTech Chennai

173 D.Y. Patil College of Engineering Pune

174 Science and Technology Park Pune

175 Sophisticated Industrial Materials analytic Labs Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi

176 Earthcare Labs Private Limited Nagpur

177 Saitech Research & Development Organization Kolhapur

178 Prakruti Environmental Engineers Vadodara

179 Centre For Sustainable Development Hooghly

180 KKB Envirocare Consultants PVT. LTD. Hyderabad

181 Aquagreen Engineering Management Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi

182 Spectro Analytical Labs Limited New Delhi

183 Pacific Scientific Consultancy Pvt. Ltd. Kolkata

184 MNEC Consultants Pvt. Ltd. Nagpur

185 Madhya Pradesh State Forest Research Institute Jabalpur

186 Lotus Environments Pune

187 School of Water Resources Engineering, Jadavpur University Kolkata

S.N. Name of Applicant Organizations State

188 Consafe Science India Hyderabad

189 Wilbur Smith Associates Private Limited Bangalore

190 Building Environment (INDIA) Pvt. Ltd. Navi Mumbai

191 SA Infrastructure Consultants Pvt. Ltd Ghaziabad

192 Sky Lab Analytical Laboratory Thane

193 Integrated Techno-Legal Consultants Mumbai

194 Oasis Environmental Foundation Pune

195 Crystal Consultants Ranchi

196 Aquatech Enviro Engineers Bangalore

197 Century Consulting Engineers Chandigarh

198 Gherzi Eastern Limited New Delhi

199 Egis India Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Faridabad

200 Environmental System Consultants & Ambiente Lab Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Chennai

201 Precitech Laboratories Vapi

202 Remedy Environmental Consultants Bellary

203 Eco Services India Private Limited Chennai

204 Mechatronics Systems Pvt. Ltd. Pune

205 Action for Ecology, Environment, Energy and Management Rishikesh

206 India Glycols Limited Kashipur,

Uttarakhand

JULY 2010

207 Enpro Technosolutions Chennai

208 LION Engineering Consultants Bhopal

209 Vogue Construction and Consultancy Services Private Limited New Delhi

210 Amba Recycler Private Limited Chennai

211 Richardson & Cruddas Chennai

212 ASCENSO Management and Consulting Services Private Limited New Delhi

213 Environmental Research and Services (India) Pvt. Ltd. Bhubaneswar

214 Zomah Engineers Consultants Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi

215 M/S Gondwana Geotech Services Pvt. Ltd. Ranchi

216 Ind Tech House Consult Delhi

217 Central Road Research Institute(CRRI) New Delhi

218 Enviroaid Consultants Gwalior

219 CPTL Envirotech Designers & Pollution Control Consultants Chandigarh

220 Waste Encare (India) Pvt. Ltd. Thane

221 Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Delhi

222 Environment & Power Technologies Private Limited Bangalore

S.N. Name of Applicant Organizations State

223 Tetra Tech India Limited New Delhi

224 Epsilon Projects Pvt. Ltd. Lucknow

225 Akshar Consultants Gujarat

226 JB Enviro Consultants Pvt. Ltd. Kolkata

227 K. R. S Enterprises Bangalore

228 A & N Technologies Bangalore

229 SOWiL Limited Noida

230 Thriveni Consultancy Services Keonjhar,

Odisha

231 S Pradhan Bhubaneswar

232 C.P. Consultants Private Limited New Delhi

AUGUST 2010

233 Vasudev Associates Ahmedabad

234 Galaxy Envirotech Pvt. Ltd. Delhi

235 Engineering & Technological Services Delhi

236 Brigade Enterprises Limited Bangalore

237 AECOM India Private Limited Gurgaon

238 AET Infrastructure Environmental Services New Delhi

239 SD Engineering Services Pvt. Ltd. Aurangabad

240 SEE Tech Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Nagpur

241 Eco Care Engineering Pvt. Ltd. Chennai

242 Techno Analytical Kolkata

243 National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science & Technology (NIIST) Thiruvananthapura

m

244 Rightsource Industrial Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Hyderabad

245 MSV International Inc. Gurgaon

246 Ecotech Services Inc. Faridabad

247 Excel Enviro Tech Ahmedabad

248 Enviro Care Engineers & Consultant Surat

249 Centre for Climate change & Environmental Advisory Services Hyderabad

250 S. N.Hirpara Surat

251 Royal Environment Auditing & Consultancy Services Rajkot

252 GLOBAL Environment & Mining Services Hospet, Karnataka

253 C. E. Testing company Pvt. Ltd. Kolkata

254 Aarvee Associates Architects Engineers & Consultants Pvt. Ltd. Hyderabad

SEPTEMBER 2010

S.N. Name of Applicant Organizations State

255 Betterworld Enviro Consultants Faridabad

256 Centre for Environment Health & Safety, Annamalai University Tamil Nadu

257 Gujarat Mineral Research & Industrial Consultancy Society (GMRICS) Ahmedabad

258 Sadekar Enviro Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Goa

259 Pollution and Project Consultants Kolkata

260 Vison Labs Hyderabad

261 Bombay Natural history Society Mumbai

262 N H Consulting Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi

263 V R Enviro Engineers Chennai

264 SPAN Consultants Pvt. Ltd. Noida

265

Re Pragathi Labs & Consultants Pvt. Ltd. Hyderabad

CONTENTS

Page No.

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 HYDROELECTRIC POWER POTENTIAL IN HIMACHAL PRADESH 1 1.2 THE STATE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH 3 1.3 THE CONCERNED DISTRICTS 4 1.4 PHYSIOGRAPHY 6 1.5 WATER RESOURCE IN HIMACHAL PRADESH 8 1.6 ENVIRONMENT IN RELATION TO HIMACHAL PRADESH 10 1.7 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 12 1.7.1 Need for the Project 12 1.7.2 Luhri Hydroelectric Project 13 1.7.3 Project Land Requirements 17 1.7.4 Construction Material 18 1.7.5 Construction Schedule 18 1.8 ANALYSIS OF PROJECT DESIGN ALTERNATIVES 19 1.8.1 Different Proposals of Dam 19 1.8.2 Different Proposals of HRT 23 1.8.3 Different proposals for HRT alignment considerations 25 1.8.4 Different Proposals for Locating Power House 27 1.8.5 Different Proposals of Project under Stage-I and Stage-II Schemes 27 1.9 SELECTION OF PROJECT PROPOSAL 30 1.10 POLICY, LEGAL & ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK 30 1.10.1 Constitutional Provision 32 1.10.2 Policy Framework 32 1.10.3 Legal Framework 33 1.10.4 Administrative Framework 34 1.11 SCOPE OF STUDY 34 CHAPTER 2 METHODOLOGY 2.1 INTRODUCTION 36 2.1.1 Complexity and Constraints of EIA 37 2.1.2 Identification of Impacts 38 2.1.3 Proactive Approach 39 2.1.4 Critical Resources 39 2.1.5 Hydro-power Projects in Himalayan Rivers 41 2.2 METHODOLOGY 42

2.2.1 Introduction 42 2.2.2 Study Area 42 2.2.3 Surveys 43 2.2.4 Physiography 44 2.2.5 Geo-physical Aspects 46 2.2.6 Hydro-meteorology 46 2.2.7 Land use and Land cover 46 2.2.8 Forest Types and Forest Cover 48 2.2.9 Vegetation Structure/ Floristics 48 2.2.10 Faunal Elements 49 2.2.11 Soil 49 2.2.12 Water Quality and Aquatic Biology 49 2.2.13 Fish & Fisheries 52 2.2.14 Air Quality and Noise level 52 2.2.15 Socio-Economic Surveys 53 2.2.16 Impact Prediction 53 CHAPTER 3 PHYSIOGRAPHY 3.1 INTRODUCTION 56 3.2 TOPOGRAPHY, MOUNTAIN RANGES AND PEAKS 56 3.2.1 Trans-Himalaya 57 3.2.2 Great Himalaya 57 3.2.3 Lesser Himalaya 57 3.3 SATLUJ DRAINAGE SYSTEM 58 3.3.1 Catchment Area 58 3.3.2 Project Influence Zone 63 3.3.3 Project directly Affected Area 71 3.3.4 Gradient Profile 71 3.4 RELIEF 72 3.5 SLOPE 72 3.6 ASPECT 73 3.7 CONCLUSION 73 CHAPTER 4 HYDRO-METEOROLOGY 4.1 INTRODUCTION 74 4.2 RAINFALL 74 4.3 TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY 77 4.4 WIND SPEED & DIRECTION 78 4.5 WATER DISCHARGE AND AVAILABILITY 78

4.5.1 Data Availability 78 4.5.2 Water Flow Pattern 79 4.6 FLOOD SITUATION IN SATLUJ 81 4.7 SEDIMENTATION 82 4.8 CONCLUSION 84 CHAPTER 5 SOIL 5.1 INTRODUCTION 86 5.2 SOIL RESOURCES MAPPING 87 5.2.1 Soil Classification 87 5.3 SOIL CHARACTERISTICS 90 5.3.1 Physical Characteristics 90 5.3.2 Chemical Characteristics` 91 5.4 CONCLUSION 94 CHAPTER 6 GEOLOGY AND SEISMOTECTONICS 6.1 INTRODUCTION 95 6.2 REGIONAL GEOLOGY 95 6.2.1 Jeori-Wangtu Granitoid Gneiss 95 6.2.2 Sundernagar Group 96 6.2.3 Shali/Larji Group 97 6.2.4 Rampur Group 97 6.2.5 Shimla Group 97 6.2.6 Jutogh/Kullu Group 98 6.2.7 Subathu (Khakra) Group 99 6.2.8 Older and Newer Alluvium 99 6.3 STRUCTURES 99 6.3.1 Folds 99 6.3.2 Faults/Thrusts 100 6.4 GEOLOGY OF THE PROJECT AREA 101 6.4.1 Dam Site 101 6.4.2 Headrace Tunnel 101 6.4.3 Powerhouse Site 102 6.5 HOT SPRINGS IN THE SATLUJ VALLEY 102 6.6 MINERAL DEPOSITS 103 6.7 SEISMOTECTONICS AND SEISMICITY 103 6.7.1 Regional Seismo-tectonic Environment 103 6.7.2 Seismic History 104 6.7.3 Seismic Zoning 106

6.8 GEOTECHNICAL AND GEOENVIRONMENTAL 110 IMPLICATIONS CHAPTER 7 LAND USE/ LAND COVER 7.1 INTRODUCTION 111 7.2 STUDY AREA 112 7.3 DATABASE 112 7.4 METHODOLOGY 113 7.5 CLASSIFICATION SCHEME 114 7.6 LAND USE/ LAND COVER IN THE CATCHMENT AREA 115 7.7 LAND USE/ LAND COVER IN THE INFLUENCE ZONE 116 7.8 LAND USE IN THE SUBMERGENCE AREA 118 7.9 LAND USE PATTERN IN AFFECTED VILLAGES 118 7.10 CONCLUSION 119 CHAPTER 8 FOREST TYPES & FLORISTICS 8.1 INTRODUCTION 121 8.2 FOREST TYPES 121 8.2.1 5B/C2 Northern dry mixed deciduous forest 122 8.2.2 9C1b Himalayan chir pine forest 122 8.2.3 12 Himalayan Moist Temperate Forests 123 8.2.4 13 Himalayan Dry Temperate Forests 125 8.3 VEGETATION PROFILE IN THE INFLUENCE ZONE 127 8.3.1 Area between Marola and Nirath 128 8.3.2 Area beyond Sainj up to Narkanda 129 8.3.3 Area between Nirath and Rampur 130 8.3.4 Jhakri, Kotla, Bhawnagar, Zeuri, Sarahn, and the area between Karchham and Powari 130 8.4 ECOLOGY OF INFLUENCE ZONE 131 8.4.1 Tropical zone 132 8.4.2 Sub-tropical Zone 132 8.4.3 Temperate Zone 132 8.5 FLORISTICS OF PROJECT AREA 133 8.5.1 Vegetation in Submergence Area 133 8.5.2 Vegetation at Power House Site 135 8.5.3 Vegetation at Adit and Dumping Sites 136 8.5.4 Community Structure in the Project Area 139 8.6 CONCLUSION 157

CHAPTER 9 FAUNAL ELEMENTS 9.1 INTRODUCTION 159 9.2 BIOGEOGRAPHIC AFFINITIES 159 9.3 PROTECTED AREAS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH 160 9.4 FAUNAL SURVEY 161 9.4.1 Methodology 161 9.5 ZOOGEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION 162 9.5.1 Catchment Area 162 9.5.2 Project Influence Area 164 9.5.3 Project Directly Affected Areas 171 9.6 CONSERVATION STATUS 174 9.6.1 Mammal 174 9.6.2 Avifauna 175 9.6.3 Herpetofauna 176 9.7 CONCLUSION 181

CHAPTER 10 AQUATIC ECOLOGY AND WATER QUALITY 10.1 INTRODUCTION 183 10.2 CATCHMENT AREA 183 10.2.1 Physical and Chemical Characteristics 183 10.2.2 Biological characteristics 186 10.3 PROJECT DIRECTLY AFFECTED AREA AND PROJECT INFLUENCE ZONE 188 10.3.1 Surface Water 188 10.4 GROUND WATER 199 10.4.1 Chemical Characteristics 200 10.5 SPRING WATERS 204 10.6 WATER QUALITY 205 10.7 CONCLUSION 206 CHAPTER 11 FISH AND FISHERIES 11.1 INTRODUCTION 208 11.2 STATUS OF FISH IN HIMACHAL PRADESH 209 11.3 FISH: SATLUJ RIVER SYSTEM 212 11.3.1 Fish Composition in Catchment 212 11.3.2 Fish Composition in Influence Zone and Project Directly Affected Areas 212 11.3.3 Conservation Status of Fish in Influence Zone and Project Directly Affected Areas 215

11.4 FISH MIGRATION 216 11.5 FISHERIES 217 11.6 LIKELY IMPACTS 220 11.7 CONCLUSION 220 CHAPTER 12 AIR ENVIRONMENT 12.1 INTRODUCTION 222 12.2 DATA COLLECTION 223 12.3 TRAFFIC DENSITY, NOISE AND AIR POLLUTION 224 12.3.1 Catchment area 224 12.3.2 Project Influence Area and Project Areas 225 12.3.3 Air Pollution 226 12.3.4 Noise Levels 229 12.4 CHANGES IN AIR AND NOISE DUE TO PROJECT ACTIVITIES 230 12.5 CONCLUSION 231 CHAPTER 13 SOCIO-ECONOMIC & CULTURAL ASPECTS 13.1 INTRODUCTION 233 13.2 BRIEF HISTORY OF HIMACHAL PRADESH 233 13.3 CULTURAL HISTORY OF THE PROJECT AREA 234 13.4 LUHRI H.E. PROJECT 235 13.5 DISTRICTS AND TEHSILS 235 13.6 VILLAGES LOCATED WITHIN 10 KM RADIUS 238 13.6.1 Demographic Profile 238 13.6.2 Educational Profile 239 13.6.3 Cropping and Occupation Patterns 240 13.6.4 Land use pattern 241 13.6.5 Health Facilities 241 13.6.6 Other Amenities 241 13.7 PROJECT AFFECTED VILLAGES 242 13.7.1 Demographic Profile 242 13.7.2 Educational Profile 243 13.7.3 Occupation and Cropping Pattern 244 13.7.4 Land use pattern 245 13.7.5 Other Amenities 247 13.8 AFFECTED FAMILIES 247 13.8.1 Demographic Profile 247 13.8.2 Educational Profile 248 13.8.3 Occupation and Cropping Patterns 249

13.8.4 Livestock Population 250 13.9 PUBLIC PERCEPTION 252 13.10 QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE AFFECTED VILLAGES 253 CHAPTER 14 IMPACT ASSSESSMENT AND EVALUATION 14.1 INTRODUCTION 254 14.2 IDENTIFICATION OF IMPACTS 254 14.2.1 Land Environment 255 14.2.2 Aquatic Environment 256 14.2.3 Air & Noise Environment 256 14.2.4 Human and Social Environment 257 14.2.5 Downstream Environment 257 14.2.6 Geophysical Environment 257 14.3 IMPACT IDENTIFICATION IN DIFFERENT PHASES 258 14.3.1 Impact Identification during Construction Phase 258 14.3.2 Impact Identification during Operation Phase 259 14.4 IMPACT PREDICTION 260 14.4.1 Terrestrial Ecosystems 260 14.4.2 Anthropogenic Pressures 265 14.4.3 Aquatic Ecosystem 266 14.4.4 Human Ecosystem 268 14.4.5 Air Environment 269 14.4.6 Geophysical Impacts 270 14.4.7 Downstream Impacts 271 14.4.8 Socio-economic Environment 277 14.5 ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS 278 BIBLIOGRAPHY 284-291 ANNEXURES : I,II,III,V : SOCIO-ECONOMIC SURVEY ANNEXURES : IV : ANNUAL TOTAL INFLOW ANNEXURES : VI : CO-RELATION OF TORS WITH ACTUAL PAGES OF EIA/EMP REPORT APPENDIX : I

LIST OF TABLES Table 1.1 Major river basins in Himachal Pradesh and their energy potential Table 1.2 Major river basins in Himachal Pradesh and their energy potential Table 1.3 Himachal Pradesh at a glance Table 1.4 Comparative data of the three districts Shimla, Kullu and Mandi of Himachal Pradesh Table 1.5 Salient Features of the Project Table 1.6 Land requirement for different components in the Luhri H.E project in Himachal

Pradesh Table 1.7 Estimated Quantities of Cement and Aggregate Table 1.8 Summary analysis of alternative project design based on environmental and social

aspects Table 2.1 Periodic sampling of various environmental parameters conducted in the proposed

Luhri H.E. project Table 3.1 Tributaries of Satluj in the stretch between Shipkila and Tail water outfall of Nathpa

HE Project Table 3.2 Physiographic characters of important tributary streams of Nogli Gad Table 3.3 Physiographic characters of important tributary streams of Kurpan Gad Table 3.4 Physiographic characters of important tributary streams of Machhad Gad Table 3.5 Streams joining Satluj in the downstream of the proposed damsite and upstream of

tailrace outfall Table 4.1 Annual Rainfall in Satluj Basin in the stretch between Bilaspur to Purbani Table 4.2 Meteorological data for Rampur and Karcham Table 4.3 Month-wise rainfall at Rampur for the period 1999 to 2004 Table 4.4 Gauge and Discharge sites Table 4.5 Design Floods for Nirath Diversion Dam Table 4.6 Upstream suspended sediment fractions in Satluj and Spiti rivers Table 5.1 Soil series and their descriptions in the project area of Luhri H.E. project Table 5.2 Physical and chemical characteristics of soil from different sites in the project area Table 5.3 Physical and chemical characteristics of soil from different villages located in the

vicinity Table 5.4 Physical and chemical characteristics of soil from dumping and adit areas Table 6.1 Regional stratigraphic framework of Lesser Himalayan rocks of Satluj valley Table 6.2 Lithology along the HRT from Damsite to Powerhouse site Table 6.3 Some earthquakes of magnitude >4.5 and their effects Table 6.4 Seismic zones of India with corresponding PGA values Table 6.5 Frequency Distribution of Earthquakes Table 6.6 Focal Mechanism Solutions Table 7.1 Database used for land use/ land cover mapping of Satluj river catchment

Table 7.2 Area (ha) of different land use/ land cover categories in the catchment area of Luhri H.E. project

Table 7.3 Area (ha) of different land use/ land cover categories in the influence zone of the proposed Luhri H.E. project

Table 7.4 Area (ha) under different categories of land use/ land cover at the right bank of Satluj river in the influence zone of Luhri H.E. project

Table 7.5 Area (ha) under different categories of land use/ land cover at the left bank of Satluj river in the influence zone of Luhri H.E. project

Table 7.6 Area (ha) of different land use/ land cover categories in the submergence area of the proposed Luhri H.E. project

Table 7.7 Land use pattern in the villages affected due to Luhri H.E. project Table 8.1 List of plant species recorded in the submergence area under Luhri H.E. project Table 8.2 List of plant species recorded in the proposed powerhouse site under Luhri H.E.

Project Table 8.3 List of Plant species recorded in the Adit sites (Gharaina, Moin, Bai, Sush and Balh

Adits, right bank of Satluj) of Luhri H.E. project Table 8.4 List of Plant species recorded in the Dumping sites Table 8.5 The characteristic features of the sampling sites in the Luhri H.E. project area. These

area come under 5B/C2 Northern dry mixed deciduous forest as per Champion & Seth (1968)

Table 8.6 Various ecological attributes of trees & shrubs at different sites in the Luhri H.E. Project

Table 8.7 Various ecological attributes of herbaceous vegetation in the Luhri H.E. project area Table 8.8 Species Diversity Indices (H) for different vegetation components at different sampling

sites in Luhri HE project Table 8.9 Number of herb species observed on project sites in different seasons Table 8.10 Rare and threatened or endangered flowering plants of Himachal Pradesh Table 8.11 Economically important plant species in the Luhri project area Table 8.12 Plants with miscellaneous uses in the Luhri H.E. project/catchment area Table 9.1 Wildlife sanctuaries and National parks in Himachal Pradesh Table 9.2 Mammalian fauna, their conservation status in the project influence zone of Luhri H.E.

project Table 9.3 Avifaunal composition distribution and pattern in the Catchment area and Project

Influence Area of Luhri H.E. project Table 9.4 Birds species recorded from various project component sites of Luhri H.E. project Table 9.5 Status of threatened and schedule avifauna of the catchment area & project influence

zone of proposed Luhri H.E. project Table 9.6 Distribution of faunal elements within Catchment Area, Project Influence Zone &

Project directly affected area of proposed Luhri H.E. project

Table 10.1 Physical and chemical characteristics of Satluj river in middle stretch of the catchment Table 10.2 Physical and chemical characteristics of water in lower catcment of proposed project Table 10.3 Annual range of physical and chemical characteristics of Satluj river water, its

tributaries, springs and ground Table 10.4 Composition of biotic communities in the catchment and influence zone of Luhri H.E.

project Table 10.5 Physical and chemical characteristics of Satluj river water Table 10.6 Physical and chemical characteristics of important tributaries of Satluj river Table 10.7 Densities of different biotic communities of Satluj river Table 10.8 Densities of different biotic communities in the tributaries of Satluj river Table 10.9 Species composition in planktonic and benthic diatoms in the river Satluj and its

tributaries Table 10.10 Macro-invertebrates taxa in Satluj river Table 10.11 Macro-invertebrates taxa in the tributaries of Satluj river Table 10.12 Ground water quality at different sites in the vicinity of proposed project sites Table 10.13 Physical and chemical characteristics of ground waters from upper region of the

influence area Table 10.14 Physical and chemical characteristics of ground waters collected from the project

directly affected area and lower region of the project influence zone Table 10.15 Physical and chemical characteristics of spring water retrieved from the project

influence zone and catchment areas Table 10.16 Driking water quality standars as per IS:10500 Table 11.1 List of fish species found in Himachal Pradesh and Satluj river system Table 11.2 Fish Species reported historically by the Fisheries Department in the upper reaches of

Satluj River Table 11.3 Fish species composition, disribution and status, in Satluj river and tributaries Table 11.4 Fish catch in Satluj river and its tributaries in project areas Table 11.5 Fish species landed by fishermen in influence area of proposed project Table 12.1 Concentration of air pollutants in the catchment area of Luhri H.E. project Table 12.2 Noise level (dB) in the catchment area of Luhri H.E. project Table 12.3 Traffic density for three season in the Luhri H.E. Project area Table 12.4 Air Quality in the proposed Luhri H. E. project area Table 12.5 National ambient air quality standards approved by Ministry of Environment & Forests Table 12.6 Observed sound level (in dB) around the project area during pre-monsoon and

monsoon season Table 12.7 Sound/Noise level standards as per CPCB Table 12.8 Sound level produced by different instruments while in operation Table 12.9 Sound level at different distance from the source Table 13.1 Population structure of different tehsils located in the vicinity of proposed project

Table 13.2 Education profile of the tehsils located in the project area Table 13.3 Health status and infrastructure facilities (in number) in the tehsils located in the

project area Table 13.4 Demographic profile of the villages located in 10 km radius of Luhri H.E. Project Table 13.5 Educational profile of villages located in 10 km radius of Luhri H.E. Project Table 13.6 Occupational pattern in the villages located in 10 km radius of Luhri H.E. Project Table 13.7 Land use pattern in the villages located in 10 km radius of Luhri H.E. Project Table 13.8 Population structure of directly affected villages of Luhri H.E. project area Population

Structure Table 13.9 Educational profile of the villages affected due to Luhri H.E. project area Table 13.10 Work force of different categories in the villages affected due to Luhri H.E. Project Table 13.11 Land use pattern in the villages affected due to Luhri H.E. project Table 13.12 Population Structure of the Project Affected Families of proposed Luhri H.E. project in

Himachal Pradesh Table 13.13 Educational status of Project Affected Families of proposed Luhri H.E. project Table 13.14 Occupation and cropping patterns in the project affected families of Luhri H.E. project Table 13.15 Livestock population of project affected families of Luhri H.E. project Table 14.1 Envisaged impacts during construction phase of proposed Luhri HE project Table 14.2 Envisaged impacts of Luhri HE project during operation phase Table 14.3 Discharge measured on Behna Khad upstream of its confluence with Satluj river for the

year 2008 Table 14.4 Discharge of Streams joining Satluj river in the downstream of the proposed dam site

and upstream of tailrace outfall Table 14.5 Villages and their population located in the downstream vicinity of the Satluj river Table 14.6 Environmental Impact Summary Matrix of Luhri Hydro Power Project (775 MW) Table 14.7 Summary of Leopold Matrix for impact assessment of Luhri H.E. project

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1.1 Location map of Luhri H.E. project Figure 1.2 Layout map of the Luhri H.E. project area showing project features Figure 2.1 Sampling Sites map of the Luhri H.E. project area Figure 2.2 Map showing sampling sites of ground and spring water in Satluj basin of the Luhri

H.E. project Figure 2.3 A simplified model for assessing environmental impacts of water resource projects Figure 3.1 Drainage map of Satluj river basin up to proposed dam site of Luhri H.E. project Figure 3.2 Drainage map of Sutlej river of the Luhri H.E. project area Figure 3.3 Gradient profile of Satluj river and its tributaries up to powerhouse site Figure 3.4 Relief map of the proposed Luhri H.E. project area Figure 3.5 Slope map of the proposed Luhri H.E. project area Figure 3.6 Aspect map of the proposed Luhri H.E. project area Figure 4.1 Month-wise rainfall pattern in Satluj basin: a) at Rampur and Karcham; b) at Rampur

for the period 1999 to 2004, the green line with blue dot shows the changing pattern of mean rainfall

Figure 4.2 Month-wise variation pattern of temperature and relative humidity in Satluj river valley

Figure 4.3 The variation of 10-daily discharge in Satluj at Rampur (a), Sunni (b) and Kasol (c) sites. The black dots represent average 10-daily flows for 43 years (1963-2006).

Figure 4.4 (a) Ten-daily discharge pattern in Satluj river at Nirath site. The 43 (1963-2006) year data series are plotted. The green line with dots show the men discharge for each 10-daily window; (b) Monthly discharge pattern in Satluj river at Nirath site for 2005-2006 water year.

Figure 4.5 The variation pattern of total annual inflow at Nirath site over a period of 43 years from 1963 to 2006. The red dot corresponds to total inflow in the 50% dependable year (1995-96) and 90% dependable year (1965-66)

Figure 4.6 Comparison of ten-daily discharge pattern in Satluj river at Nirath site for 90% and 50% water years

Figure 5.1 Soil map of Luhri H.E. project area Figure 6.1 Regional Geological map of the Himachal Pradesh Figure 6.2 Geological map of the Luhri H.E. project area Figure 6.3 Geological map around proposed dam site of Luhri H.E. project Figure 6.4 Geological map around powerhouse site of Luhri H.E. project Figure 6.5 Seismotectonic map of the project and adjoining areas Figure 6.6 Seismic Zoning map of India Figure 6.7 Spatial disposition of the Luhri H.E. project area on the Iso-seismal map of major

earthquakes with tectonic elements in the region

Figure 6.8 Microseismicity map of the Himachal Pradesh, Western Himalaya. The earthquakes were recorded by MEQ networks during 1986-1989. Triangles indicate temporary MEQ station. Two major NNE-SSW lineaments are shown by broken lines

Figure 7.1 False Colour Composite (FCC) of Sutlej river catchment up to the Luhri H.E. project site

Figure 7.2 False Colour Composition (FCC) of the Luhri H.E. project area generated from the LANDSAT ETM+ scene

Figure 7.3 Flow diagram for Land use/ land cover classification Figure 7.4 Land use/ land cover map of the Catchment area of the Luhri H.E. project up to the

dam axis Figure 7.5 Land use/ land cover map of the Influence zone of the Luhri H.E. project up to the

dam axis Figure 7.6 Land use/ land cover map of the submergence area of the Luhri H.E. project Figure 10.1 Physical and chemical characteristics of Satluj river water and its tributaries Figure 10.2 Physical and chemical characteristics of Satluj river water and its tributaries Figure 10.3 Water quality index (WQI) of Satluj river and its tributaries Figure 10.4 Densities of different biotic communities: (a) Zooplankton (b) Phytoplankton, (c)

Phytobenthos (d) Macro-invertebrates Figure 10.5 Diversity index for the different biotic communities in the Satluj river and its

tributaries Figure 13.1 Demographic profile of districts with the vicinity of proposed Luhri H.E. project Figure 14.1 Flow diagram for impact prediction Figure 14.2 Water discharge in Satluj river likely for the downstream stretch of Luhri H.E. project

dam site in the post-impoundment stage Figure 14.3 A Flow diagram showing likely changes in the different physical and biological

characteristics of water in downstream stretch of river Satluj.

PLATES

Chapter 1 IIINNNTTTRRROOODDDUUUCCCTTTIIIOOONNN

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1 IIINNNTTTRRROOODDDUUUCCCTTTIIIOOONNN

The global energy requirement (more than 5 x 1020 J annually) is still being met by burning

of fossil fuels which is the single most important source of air pollution and also the global

warming. More than 86 per cent of the world energy comes from oil (38%), gas (23%) and coal

(26%) (Kumar, 2008). The share of hydro-electric energy is just 6 per cent of the total energy

consumed by the humans. Hydroelectric energy is relatively speaking, a renewable, non-polluting

and environmentally benign source of energy. India ranks eighth in total energy production after

Canada, United States, Brazil, China, Russia, Norway and Japan, but the per capita consumption of

energy in India is just 6.7 per cent of that of the United States (Kumar, 2008). In India most of this

energy (70 to 80%) is produced from fossil fuels (mainly coal) and the installed capacity of hydro-

electricity has been hovering around 25 per cent for a long time. The potential of hydroelectric

energy in India is reportedly more than 100,000 MW (Kumar, 2008), particularly in the Himalayan

states, of which Himachal Pradesh constitutes an important part.

1.1 HYDROELECTRIC POWER POTENTIAL IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

The main source of power production in Himachal Pradesh is hydroelectric and the

present installed capacity in the state is around 3935 MW. The state has rich water resources and

a high gradient profile, which makes it suitable to generate hydro-power with relatively lesser

environmental impacts. The rich water resources of the state include five major river basins,

Yamuna, Satluj, Beas, Chenab and Ravi, which have numerous streams and rivers. The state is

reported to have the generating potential of more than 20,463 MW of hydroelectric energy (Table

1.1). Satluj basin has the maximum potential of 9728 MW and the proposed project, Luhri HE of

775 MW is one such project proposed on the Satluj river. The proposed project including its

ancillary activities are located in Shimla-Kullu-Mandi districts of Himachal Pradesh. Nearly 35

hydro-electric projects in different stages are being developed in the Satluj basin. Table 1.2 gives

a list of hydro-electric projects and their status in Satluj basin.

Table 1.1 Major river basins in Himachal Pradesh and their energy potential S.No River Basin Identified potential MW 1. Satluj 9728 2. Beas 4293 3. Ravi 2181

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4. Chenab 3301 5. Yamuna 960 Total 20463 Source : Cumulative EIA, Rampur H.E. Project

Table 1.2 Major river basins in Himachal Pradesh and their energy potential S. No Name Installed Capacity (MW) Status 1. Bhakra dam 1325.00 Under Operation 2. Chaba 1.75 -do- 3. Nigli Stage I 2.50 -do- 4. Ganwi stage I 22.50 -do- 5. Sanjay vidyut Pariyogna 120.00 -do- 6. Rukti HEP 1.50 -do- 7. Rongtong 2.00 -do- 8. Baspa II 300.00 -do- 9. Nathpa Jhakri 1500.00 -do- Sub Total 3275.25 10. Bhaba 4.50 Under Construction 11. Ganwi II 10.00 -do- 12. Kashang 66.00 -do- 13. Kol dam 800.00 -do- 14. Karcham Wangtoo 1000.00 -do- 15. Rampur 412.00 -do- Sub Total 2292.50 16. Shongtong Karcham 402.00 DPR prepared Sub Total 402.00 17. Kashang II 60.00 Under Investigation 18. Kashang III 132.00 -do- 19. Sorang 60.00 -do- 20. Luhri 700.00 -do- 21. Khab 636.00 -do- Sub Total 1588.00 22. Yangthang Khab 261.00 PFRs prepared 23. Jang Thopan 480.00 -do- 24. Thopan Powari 480.00 -do- 25. Tidong I 60.00 -do- 26. Tidong II 70.00 -do- Sub Total 1351.00 27. Kuling Lara 40.00 Projects yet to be studied 28. Lara 60.00 -do- 29. Mane Nadang 70.00 -do- 30. Lare Sumita 104.00 -do- 31. Sumta Kathang 130.00 -do- 32. Chango Yangthang 140.00 -do- 33. Ropa 60.00 -do-

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34. Baspa-I 210.00 -do- 35. Bharari 5.50 -do- Sub Total 819.50 Grand Total 9738.25 MW Source : Cumulative EIA, Rampur H.E. Project

1.2 THE STATE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

Himachal Pradesh abode of snow gained statehood on January 25, 1971. The State is

bound between 3022 to 3312 N latitude and 7547 to 7904 E longitude. To the east and the

northeast the state forms India's border with Tibet, to the north and northwest lies the state of

Jammu & Kashmir, in the south-east lies Uttaranchal, Haryana lies in the south and Punjab in the

west and southwest. It is a mountainous state, starting from the Siwaliks and spreading up to the

trans-Himalayan heights of Zanskar range with altitudes varying from 350 m to 7000 m above the

mean sea level. There is a general increase in elevation from the west to east (higher mountain

peaks are on eastern side) and from the south to north. The total geographical area of Himachal

Pradesh is 55,673 sq km. Lahul and Spiti is the largest district of the State with a total land area of

13,835 sq km area. Total population of the State is 60, 77,900 (Census, 2001) with an average

population density of 109 per sq km (Census, 2001). Kangra is the most populous district in the

State with a population density of 233 persons per sq km (Census, 2001). For administrative

purposes the State has been divided into 12 districts, 75 tehsils and 34 sub-tehsils (Table 1.3). The

proposed Luhri HE project is spread over the three districts, Shimla, Kullu and Mandi of Himachal

Pradesh (Fig.1.1). Shimla is the capital of the state located at 100 km south of the project area.

Table 1.3 provides a birds eye view of Himachal Pradesh state in terms of basic statistics. Table 1.3 Himachal Pradesh at a glance

Geographic area 55,673 sq km

Population 60,70,305; Males = 50.75 % Females = 49.25 %

Sex Ratio 976 (Females per 1000 male) Growth 17.49 % (1991 - 2001) Density 109 (per sq km) Literacy rate 77.13 % (2001) Capital Shimla No. of districts 12 No. of Sub-Divisions 52 No. of Tehsils 75 No. of Sub-Tehsils 34 No. of Development Blocks 75

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Towns 57 Panchayats 3,037 Panchayat Smities 75 Zila Parishad 12 Urban Local Bodies 53 Census Villages 20,118 Inhabited Villages 16,807 Health Institutions 3,820 Educational Institutions 13,861 Motorable Roads 22,650 km. Villages Connected with Roads 7,897 Bridges 1,148 No. of National Highways 8 Identified Hydroelectric Potential 20,376 MW in five rivers Potential harnessed 3,945 MW Irrigation facility available 1.95 lakh ha (CCA Created) Food grain production 17.47 lakh tonnes Vegetable production 5.80 lakh tonnes Area under Vegetable production 34,000 ha Fruit Production 5.10 lakh tonnes Milk Production 7.60 lakh tonnes Per Capita Income Rs. 18,920 (Quick Estimate) Principle Languages Hindi and Pahari Source: The Himalayan State by Devendra. K. Pirta

1.3 THE CONCERNED DISTRICTS

Shimla

Shimla is the south-western district of Himachal Pradesh with a total geographic area of

5131 sq km. Shimla is the state capital and the district is further divided into 12 tehsils and five

sub-tehsils. The total human population of the district is around 7,22,502, which constitutes 11.89

per cent of the total population of the state and is the third highest in the state. However, the

population density of this district is 141 (persons per sq km), which is higher than the state

average (109 persons per sq km) and is the eighth highest district in the state (Census 2001). The

literacy rate in the district is marginally higher (79.68 %) than the state average (77.13 %). The

project area falls in the three tehsils of the district, namely Rampur, Kumarsain and Sunni. The

dam site of the project is located in Rampur, Tehsil. The total human population of the catchment

area (the area taken for catchment area treatment in the proposed project) falling within the

geographic boundaries of Shimla district is 1,47,198 with 32,232 number of households. The

population living in this part of the catchment area constitutes 20.39 per cent of the total

population of Shimla district.

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Kullu

Kullu district lies in the north-east of Shimla district. The geographic area of the district is

around 5503 sq km with a total human population of 3,81,571 which constitutes 6.28 per cent of

the total population of the state. The human population density of the district is comparatively

lower (69 persons per sq km) than the state average (109 persons per sq km). Administratively,

the district is divided into four Tehsils and two sub-tehsils. The project area, particularly the dam

site and the head race tunnel are located in Nermand and Ani tehsils of Kullu district. The project

components fall along the 36 revenue villages. The population of these villages is around 47,016,

which constitutes 12.37 per cent of the total population of Kullu district. The total number of

households in the 36 villages is around 9,725. More than 56.46 per cent of this population

constitutes working force (see Table 1.4).

Mandi

This district is located at the right bank of Satluj of the state and is bounded in the east by Kullu

district, in the west by Hamirpur and Bilaspur districts, in the north by Kangra district and in the south

by Shimla district (see Fig.1.1). The total geographic area of the district is around 3950 sq km, which is

7.1 per cent of the total area of the state. The district is divided into nine tehsils and seven sub-tehsils.

Total human population of Mandi district is nearly 9,01,344 which is 14.83 per cent of the total

population of the state (Table 1.4). This district is the second largest (after Kangra) in terms of

population in Himachal Pradesh. However, the population density of 228 persons per sq km of this

district though higher than the state average (109 persons per sq km) is ranked sixth in the state. The

powerhouse site and some part of head race tunnel of the proposed Luhri HE project fall in 89 villages

of this district. The total human population of these villages is 22,431 which live in 4,424 households.

The population living in the villages of the project area constitutes only 2.49 per cent of the total

population of Mandi district. The powerhouse of the project is located in Karsog tehsil.

1.4 PHYSIOGRAPHY Himachal Pradesh is divided into four distinctly identifiable physiographic zones, namely

Shiwalik Hills, Lesser Himalaya, Greater Himalaya and Trans Himalaya.

Shiwalik Hills

Shiwalik Hills, also known as Outer or Sub-Himalayan zone, stretches for 70 km in

Himachal Pradesh, from east to west with an average elevation of 1000 m. This zone separates

Himachal Pradesh from the Punjab plains. Shiwalik range is the youngest of the Himalayan ranges

and is made up of tertiary sediments consisting of sand, clay and boulder conglomerates brought

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down by the rivers from the main Himalayan ranges. The valleys sandwiched between the

Shiwaliks and the Lesser Himalayan zone are called duns. These valleys are fertile owing to the

deposition of sediment by streams and rivers in this region. Kangra Valley, Chaki Dun Valley and

Poanta Valley constitute some of the important duns in the region. There are a number of low lying

hill ranges in the Shiwaliks like Dhog Dhar in Sirmaur, Ramgarh Dhar in Una, Chaumukhi range,

Dharti Dhar and Naina Devi Dhar in Hamirpur and Bilaspur district and Panchmunda hills in Solan

district. Many seasonal streams called chos flow through these valleys and periodically cause flash

floods during rainy season. Markanda and Ghagar rivers have their origins in this zone.

Lesser Himalaya

Lesser Himalaya constitutes the central part of Himachal Pradesh. After Shiwaliks this

zone extends for 65 to 85 m. The average elevation in the region is around 3300 m and the

elevation ranges from 1000 m to 4000 m. Geologically, the Lesser Himalaya lie between the

Main Boundary Fault and the Main Central Thrust. Most of this zone consists of granite, other

crystalline rocks and unfossiliferous sediments. Lesser Himalaya consists of many well known

ranges, namely Pir Panjal, Churdhar, Shimla range and Dhauladhar range, which are the main

ranges in the zone. Pir Panjal range constitutes the water divide between Chenab river basin on

the west and northwest and Ravi and Beas in the east. Dhauladhar is a majestic snow clad range

criss-crossed by rivers like Ravi, Beas and Satluj. Giri and Gambhar rivers have their origins in

this zone. The northern mountain slopes are steeper and bare while the southern slopes are

gentler and covered with dense vegetation. The proposed project area falls in the Lesser

Himalayan zone.

Greater Himalaya

Greater Himalaya or Inner Himalaya are the highest mountain ranges that run along the

northeastern border of Himachal Pradesh, passing through Lahaul and Spiti and Kinnaur districts.

The Great Himalayan range in Himachal Pradsh forms the eastern extension of these ranges

starting from Nanga Parvat in the west. The mean elevation in this range is around 5500 m with

several peaks rising over 6000 m. The prominent peaks in the region are Shilla (7025m), Leo

Pargial (6791 m), Shipki La (6608), Kinnar-Kailash (6500 m) in Kinnaur, Manerang (6597 m),

Mulki La (6520 m), Gyephang (6400 m), Pawarang (6349 m) in Lahaul and Spiti and Dibibokri

Pyramid (6400 m) in Kullu. There are a number of passes in this zones which facilitate crossing

over these mountains and mountain ranges. The Great Himalayan range is snow covered

throughout the year because of the high altitude. The region forms a hydrological estate and

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constitutes the source of many rivers like Chandra, Bhaga, Baspa, Spiti, etc. that originate from

here. The important glaciers of the region are Bara Shigri (feeds Chandra river), Dudhau and

Parvati (feed Parvati river), Mulikila glacier (feed Bhaga river) and Miyar glacier in Lahul (feeds

Miyar river). The Great Himalaya act as a climate barrier and prevent crossing over of monsoon

clouds into Kinnaur and Lahaul & Spiti districts, but ensure torrential rainfall in the southern

Himalaya and the adjacent Indian plains.

Trans Himalaya

Beyond the inaccessible snow-covered Greater Himalayan ranges lies Trans Himalaya (also

referred to as Tethys Himalaya in geological literature), the cold arid region of Kinnaur and Lahaul

and Spiti of Himachal Pradesh. The region is composed of continuous series of highly fossiliferous

marine sedimentary rocks, ranging in age from the earliest Palaeozoic to the Eocene age. The

average elevation of Trans Himalayan region is around 3000 m. The region is cold and arid

because the cloud-bearing monsoon winds cannot reach the region due to lofty Great Himalayan

range. Zanskar range is the most prominent range of the Trans Himalaya that separates Spiti and

Kinnaur from Tibet. It is the first range cut by Satluj river when it enters India at Shipki La. The

Trans Himalayan range has an appearance of a desert and lacks vegetation.

1.5 WATER RESOURCE IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

The hydrological estate of Himachal Pradesh consists of vast and rich water resources,

such as glaciers, rivers and lakes. The high altitude areas in the Lesser Himalaya and the Greater

Himalaya are covered with glaciers and snowfields. These areas constitute the origins of a

number of perennial rivers. The annual precipitation, particularly in the form of monsoonal rains,

in the Shiwalik hills and the Lesser Himalayan regions significantly contribute to the water yield

in the rivers in Himachal Pradesh.

Glaciers

There are more than 2500 glaciers in the state located mostly above 4000 m elevation in

Pir Panjal, Greater Himalaya, Dhauladhar and Zanskar ranges. Majority of these glaciers are

small in size with accumulation zone of 2 to 4 sq km. These are linear in form, varying in length

from 2 to 25 km. Bara Shigri (29 km), Samudra (18 km), Mulkila (13.25 km), Miyar (25 km),

Sara Umga (17.5 km) are some of the major glaciers in Himachal Pradesh. In addition, there are

many smaller glaciers in Ravi basin, Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal mountain ranges. In Satluj basin

there are more than 200 glaciers.

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Table 1.4 Comparative data of the three districts Shimla, Kullu and Mandi of Himachal Pradesh (Source: Census, 2001)

STATE DISTRICT DISTRICT DISTRICT HIMACHAL PRADESH SHIMLA KULLU MANDI Total Rural Urban Total Rural Urban Total Rural Urban Total Rural Urban Total Geographical Area 55673 Sq km

5131 sq km

5503 sq km

3950 sq km

Total Population 6077900 5482319 595581 722502 555269 167233 381571 351478 30093 901344 840362 60982 Male 3,087,940 2756073 331867 380996 285305 95691 198016 181131 16885 447872 415676 32196 Female 2989960 2726246 263714 341506 269964 71542 183555 170347 13208 453472 424686 28786 Total Pop. (0-6) 793137 730628 62509 85089 69146 15943 52820 49661 3159 119949 113933 6016 Schedule Cast Total Population 1502170 1403050 99120 188787 162494 26293 107897 103418 4479 261233 249142 12091 Male 763,333 710166 53167 97178 82523 14655 55346 52961 2385 131083 124799 6284 Female 738,837 692884 45953 91609 79971 11638 52551 50457 2094 130150 124343 5807 Schedule Tribe Total Population 244,587 237060 7527 4112 2057 2055 11351 9344 2007 10564 10149 415 Male 122,549 118388 4161 2312 1141 1171 5664 4644 1020 5307 5055 252 Female 122,038 1187672 3366 1800 916 884 5687 4700 987 5257 5094 163 Total Literates 4,041,621 3567456 474165 504330 365518 138812 239649 215951 23698 587884 538135 49749 Male 2,278,386 2004134 274252 293745 212129 81616 143655 129718 13937 331171 304022 27149 Female 1,763,235 1563322 199913 210585 153389 57196 95994 86233 9761 256713 234113 22600 Sex Ratio T. Pop. 968 989 795 896 946 748 927 940 782 1013 1022 894 Sex Ratio (0-6 yrs) 896 900 844 929 953 832 960 967 855 918 922 840 Sex Ratio SC 968 976 864 943 969 794 949 953 878 993 996 924 Sex Ratio ST 996 1002 809 779 803 755 1004 1012 968 991 1008 647 Percentage of SC 24.7 25.6 16.6 26.1 29.3 15.7 28.3 29.4 14.9 29 29.6 19.8 Percentage of ST 4 4.3 1.3 0.6 0.4 1.2 3 2.7 6.7 1.2 1.2 0.7 Number of HH 1,221,589 1079797 141792 154693 110603 44090 76902 69483 7419 182378 168021 14357 Total Working Pop. 2,992,461 2772351 220110 370223 305882 64341 216513 204659 11854 454292 433628 20664 Total Marginal W. 1,028,579 1013479 15100 64514 62543 1971 49798 48997 801 185216 182749 2467 Non Workers 3,085,439 2709968 375471 352279 249387 102892 165058 146819 18239 447052 406734 40318

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River Systems

Himachal Pradesh is drained by nine major river systems, namely Beas (drains 25% of the total

geographic area of the state), Chenab (drains 14.2% of the total geographic area of the state), Satluj

(about 37% of total geographic area of state), Ravi (9.9%), Yamuna (10.6%), Indus (2.6 %), Markanda

(0.6 %), Ganga (0.6%) Ghaggar (0.5%). There are a number of smaller perennial rivers and streams

which originate from glaciers and snow-fields bring water in these catchments. Chenab, Ravi, Beas,

Satluj, Yamuna, Markanda, etc. are the main rivers of Himachal Pradesh which originate in Lesser

Himalaya and Greater Himalaya. Besides, there are seasonal rivers in the state like Ghaggar, Soan,

Ghambar, etc. which originate from Shiwalik hills. The water from Himachal Pradesh goes to Indus as

well as to Ganga basin. The water from Yamuna catchment is drained in Ganga and from other

catchments the water is drained to Indus basin.

Satluj River

Satluj, derived from Sanskrit word Shatardu/Satadru/Sutudri in Rigveda, is one of the largest

rivers in Himachal Pradesh. Other important rivers in the State are Ravi, Chenab, Beas and Yamuna.

The Satluj river rises in the Kailash-Mansarovar region in Tibet with its origin in the Rakshastal as

Longchhen Khabab (Xianquan). Some of the important glaciers feeding river Satluj in its initial

stretches are Ganglung Gaungi glaciers and the glaciers of Riwa Phargul. Sindhu (Indus) and

Brahamaputra are the two other rivers of Indian sub-continent which also originate in Kailash-

Mansarovar region. The river Satluj merges with Sindhu at Mithankot in Pakistan after covering a

distance of about 1500 km from its origin. The geological evidence indicates that prior to 1700 B.C.

Satluj was an important tributary of Saraswati river rather than Sindhu river (Valdiya, 2002). It is

suggested that the tectonic activity brought about elevational changes which redirected the flow of

Satluj from the southeast to the southwest. The mighty Saraswati, which is mostly referred to as a

mythical river, began to dry up during 3900 year BP (Before Present), causing desertification of

Cholistan and the eastern part of the Sindh state. The desertification resulted in the abandonment of

numerous ancient human settlements along the banks of Saraswati.

The Satluj river enters India near Shipkila (2880 m) in Himachal Pradesh and leaves the State

at Bhakra. The river up to this point covers a distance of about 640 km from its origin and within

Himachal Pradesh it travels a distance of 320 km. In Punjab it is joined by Beas and in Pakistan

Chenab meets it at Uch (Bhawalpur). The first major tributary of Satluj within Indian territory is

Spiti river which joins it at Khab. Ropa, Taiti, Kashang, Mulgaon, Yula, Wanger, Throng and Rupi

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are its other right bank tributaries. The major left bank tributaries of Satluj are Gayathing, Baspa,

Duling and Soldang. The major settlements along the Satluj river within Himachal Pradesh are

Namgia, Kalpa, Rampur, Tattapani, Suni and Bilaspur. The river Satluj passes through Tibetan

plateau into the Himalayan ranges and the Siwalik ranges and finally flows along the plains of

Punjab. It crosses Dhauladhar ranges at Rampur and Naina Devi range at Bhakra gorge.

1.6 ENVIRONMENT IN RELATION TO HIMACHAL PRADESH Climate

The climate of Himachal Pradesh is influenced by great difference in relief, variation in

elevation and the slope aspect. Geographically the state is located at 30N latitude in the warm

temperate zone. The high mountain ranges and the southwest monsoon modify the climate of

Himachal Pradesh into a cold temperate one in the middle region, humid in the southern region and

cold desert in the Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti region. In the proposed project area, the climate

generally is mild temperate type. Maximum temperature in the state goes up to 35C in June (in

Mandi) and minimum around -5C during January in Manali. The rainfall in the state is uneven. In

the Shiwalik hills the average annual rainfall is more than 2000 mm, whereas in the Trans-

Himalayan region the average annual rainfall is less than 500 mm. In the Satluj valley between

Rampur to Sunni the average annual rainfall ranges from 813 to 1280 mm. At the higher altitudes the

precipitation occurs as snow during December to January.

Flora and Fauna

Despite the extensive loss of forest cover due to expansion of agricultural lands and human

settlements, there are pockets of rich biodiversity in Himachal Pradesh. This biodiversity is

contained mostly in the surviving forests. The State has a 26.35% forest cover and around 26 per

cent of the geographic area has low human population density (Kinnaur and Lahaul & Spiti districts,

population density of 13 and 2 persons per sq km, respectively and their total area is 26.38% of the

Himachal Pradesh), which makes it possible for the biodiversity to thrive in these pockets (FSI, 2003

& 2009, Census, 2003). The altitudinal variation from 250 m to more than 6000 m and the varied

precipitation profile is also responsible for rich biodiversity in the region. A number of river valleys

in the State, which induce varying microhabitat conditions and ecological isolation, greatly

contribute to the biodiversity of the State. The State is home to a large variety of plant and animal

species, which have migrated from the far off regions like Mediterranean, Tibetan region of Trans-

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Himalaya, The Indo-Malayan, Caucasia, Northeast Asia and the Eastern Himalayan region. There is

a considerably high degree of endemism in the plant species of the State. The vast variations in the

altitude, edaphic conditions and precipitation in the State offer diverse microclimatic conditions

resulting in multiplicity of habitats and ecological niches for different plant species. There are

reports of 3120 species of flowering plants from Himachal Pradesh. Asteraceae is the largest family

with records of more than 328 species, followed by Poaceae with 321 species. Many of the plant

species like Agropyron dentatum, A. repens and Arabidopsis, ruseelliana are endemic to the State

(around 80 species of Angiosperms are reported to be endemic to the State). The higher altitudes are

known for a large variety of plant species, which have medicinal properties.

Broadly, the vegetation types of the State can be divided into tropical, sub-tropical, temperate and

alpine vegetation and the vegetation of cold desert. The main forests in the State are dominated by oak,

cedar and pine and in some areas the formations are of mixed type. In the Lahaul-Spiti region the sparse

vegetation is represented by the scrubs of Ephedra, which is an important medicinal plant. In the project

area, the main forest is of pine, which is particularly restricted to upper reaches and on the ridges. In

some areas, particularly in Shimla district, there are dense forests of cedar.

Himachal Pradesh is rich in faunal elements with reports of more than 107 species of

mammals, 447 species of birds, 17 species of amphibian and 104 species of fishes. There are

carnivore species like tiger (Panthera tigris), leopard (Panthera pardus), leopard cat (Prionailurus

benghalensis), jungle cat (Felis chaus), Asiatic black bear (Ursus tibetanus) and brown bear (Ursus

arctos) in the State. Himachal Pradesh is also known for some of the unique bird species like

Himalayan monal (Lophophorus impejanus), Kaleej pheasant (Lophura leucomelanos) and red

jungle fowl (Gallus gallus). A large number of bird species were also observed in the project area.

During one of the field surveys we observed the carcass of a leopard cub, which was seemingly hit

by a vehicle. It was observed near Marola village located nearly 2 km from proposed power house.

This is a highly worrying phenomenon as the continued decrease in the forest cover will endanger

the animal populations which are already decreasing in the Himalaya.

1.7 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

1.7.1 Need for the Project

The Government of India and the State of Himachal Pradesh have identified the Satluj river

as one of the main promising future sources of hydroelectric power. Major development of the Satluj

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river was started by the Bhakra Nangal Project. Since then, further major hydroelectric projects have

been initiated along the length of the Satluj and its tributaries.

The proposed project is a run of the river scheme located on the Satluj river about 100 km

from Shimla, the State capital. The 412 MW Rampur hydroelectric project, immediately upstream of

the Luhri project site, which will directly utilize water of existing 1500 MW Nathpa-Jhakri project.

The 800 MW Kol dam hydroelectric project is downstream of the Luhri hydroelectric project which

is under construction. It is a primary objective of the Luhri project to utilise to the greatest extent

practicable the gross head of approximately 220 m between the tailwater of the Rampur scheme

upstream at 862.9 m and the headwater of the Kol dam project downstream at 642.0 m.

1.7.2 Luhri Hydroelectric Project

The proposed Luhri HE project area falls in three districts, Shimla, Kullu and Mandi of

Himachal Pradesh. The proposed diversion dam is located near Nirath village at inter district

boundary of Shimla amd Kullu. The power house site is presently not accessible, however, its

opposite bank is connected by a state highway. Proposed dam site is accessible by NH -22,

connecting Shimla to Rampur. The project envisages an 86 m high concrete gravity dam and an

underground powerhouse located around 40 km downstream near Chaba village (Marola) in Mandi

districts on the right bank of Satluj river. The water is proposed to be diverted through a 38.138 km

long head race tunnel. It involves upstream and downstream coffer dams of 12 m and 9 m height

respectively, 2 diversion tunnels, each of 10 m dia and 2680 m length and 8 intermediate adits

varying from 196 to 710 m length (Table 1.5 & Fig 1.2). The construction schedule of the project is

84 months for single tunnel option and 90 months for twin tunnel option.

Table 1.5 Salient Features of the Project (as given in the DPR) LOCATION State Himachal Pradesh Districts Kullu-Mandi-Shimla River Satluj Vicinity Dam near village Nirath on NH-22 and Powerhouse near village Chaba (Marola) on Sainj Sunni Road

HYDROLOGY

Catchment area at dam site 51600 sq km

Design Flood 8000 cumec

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Percent availability corresponding to 28% design discharge of 480 cumec

RIVER DIVERSION WORKS Diversion Tunnel Dia 10.0 m Length 2680 m (Average) No. of tunnels 2 Coffer Dams Type Rock fill with cut-off wall Upstream 12.0m high Downstream 9.0m high Cut-off for Coffer Dams Soil Cement Bentonite core walls DIVERSION DAM Type Concrete Gravity Top of dam EL 866.00 m Height from deepest foundation level 86 m Total length at top 231.5 m No. of blocks 17 Minimum river bed level at dam axis El 811.20 m Deepest foundation level El 780.00 m Full Reservoir Level (FRL) EL 862.90 m Minimum Draw Down Level (MDDL) EL 855.0 m Gross Reservoir Capacity 35 Million m3 MAIN SPILLWAY (SLUICES) Location Block nos. 5 to 11 of Dam No. of bays 7 Size of each sluice 7.5 m (W) x 10 m (H) Sluice crest elevation El. 822.00 m Thickness of intermediate piers 4 m Type of gates Radial Gates (top sealing type) Ski-jump bucket lip elevation El. 816.00 m Discharge capacity of Sluices 8000 cumec REGULATING SPILLWAY Location Block No. 4 of Dam No. of bays 1 Width of bay 11 m Crest elevation El. 860.50m Size of opening 11.0m (W) x 5.5 m (H) Maximum discharge capacity 73 cumec Ski-jump bucket lip elevation El. 816.00m INTAKE

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No. of intake bays 2 Inclination of Trash rack with 63 Horizontal Crest level El. 836.00 m Minimum Drawdown Level (MDDL) El. 855.00 m Discharge capacity of each intake bay 276 cumec (15% additional capacity) Number of intake gates 2 Size of opening 9.0 m (W) x 9.0 m (H) Size of intake tunnels 9.0 m Circular SEDIMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS Particle size to be excluded + 0.1 mm Type of arrangement Reservoir sedimentation with bye pass tunnels (diversion-cum-desilting tunnels)

Flushing discharge 500 cumces - 1500 cumecs HEADRACE TUNNELS Size & Type 9.0 m dia circular (twin tunnels) or 11.75 m dia circular (Single) Length 38.138 km Velocity through tunnel 3.77 m/s (9 m dia twin) or 4.43 m/s (11.75 m dia single) Invert of tunnel at inlet end El. 836 m Invert of tunnel at junction with El. 700 m surge shaft/tunnel Design discharge 480 cumecs Slope 1V : 281 H Adits Chainage from intake axis Length (m) (m) Intermediate adit 1 3571 623 Intermediate adit 2 7780 529 Intermediate adit 3 12368 710 Intermediate adit 4 17059 494 Intermediate adit 5 22649 637 Intermediate adit 6 27080 592 Intermediate adit 7 30928 196 Intermediate adit 8 35863 380 U/S SURGE TUNNEL Type Inclined surge tunnels with expansion galleries Diameter 9.0 m Elevation of the Invert El 819.0 m and 839.0 m Top elevation EL 900.0 m

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PRESSURE SHAFTS No. and type 4 Nos. steel lined Diameter 5.0 m Length of each penstock 173.5 m Type of steel for penstock liners Pressure vessel grade steel PENSTOCK VALVE CHAMBER Location Downstream of surge tunnel Type of valves Butterfly valves Diameter of each valve 5000 mm E.O.T. Crane 150 t POWER STATION COMPLEX POWER HOUSE / TRANSFORMER CAVITY Type Underground Installed capacity 775 MW (4 x 193.75 MW) Size of machine hall 156.4 m (L) x 23.5 m (W) x 44 m (H) Size of transformer hall 120 m (L) x 19 m (W) x 21 m (H) Main Access Tunnel to machine hall 8 m D-shaped 530 m long Average gross head 220.9 m TAIL RACE TUNNEL Size & Type 9.0m dia Circular shape Length 454m (Average) Invert level of tailrace tunnel at outfall 641.0m Maximum tail water level 642.0m Total Land requirement 290.6967 ha (around 77.99 ha land river bed is not included) Forest land 181.5369 ha Private land 109.1598 ha COST (i) Single tunnel option 4232.0 crore (ii) Twin tunnel option 4795.0 crore SCHEDULE (i) Single tunnel option 7 years (84 months) (ii) Twin tunnel option 7 years 6 months (90 months) Annual Income from the project Rs.800.00 crore

1.7.3 Construction Methodology

The construction methodology actually adopted for the construction of the works will be at

the discretion of the selected contractor. The construction methodology proposed in this chapter has

been used to determine the likely duration of construction and has been based on good practice from

projects already constructed.

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1.7.3.1 Headworks

1.7.3.1.1 Diversion Tunnel

The two diversion tunnels are approximately 2850 m long with a finished diameter of 10 m. It is

proposed that each diversion tunnel will be excavated from both upstream and downstream portals

and from an intermediate adit driven in both directions giving a total number of four faces available

for the excavation of each tunnel from the adit. The work will be carried out using the equipment

described in Table :

Table : Diversion Tunnel: Proposed Equipment Equipment Number

Two boom jumbo with basket boom 2 3.5 m3 loader 2 20 t dumpers 12 Wet shotcrete machine with robot arm 2 Dry shotcrete for portal 1 Rock bolter 2 Truck mounted shotcrete robot 1 Tracked backhoe (e.g. PC-200/Ex-200) 2 Backactor (e.g. JCB) 2 Compressed air (500 cfm at intake and outlet and 1500 cfm at portal) 1 Dewatering arrangement To suit site conditions Water supply arrangement To suit site conditions Concrete and shotcrete supply batching and mixing plant (40 m3 /hr capacity for excavation)

1

Transit mixers (3 no at start and 5 no during lining) 8 Hydraulic Crane (10t) 1 Dozer (e.g. D-65/D-80) for muck disposal 1 Ventilation system at each adit 10 t tippers for feeding batching plant 6 10 t truck 1 Utility camper 1 Pick up van 1 Scissor lift 1 Ambulance 1 Explosive van (common from both ends) 2 to 3 Grout pumps (during excavation) 4 Power supply at portal (diesel standby 500 KVA) of 1 MW 35 m3 concrete pumps 2 Distributor and hopper (during peak concreting at 4 faces) 4 18m., 2 no shutters with single traveller 4 sets for four faces

through one Adit Rib bending arrangement

The typical cycle time and the estimated duration of construction for the diversion tunnels is shown in Table below:

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Table : Diversion Tunnels: Typical Cycle Time

Element Duration Drilling (150 nos holes) 6 hours Charging and blasting (Nonel detonators to be used) 1 hour Defusing 0.5 to 1 hour Mucking and invert cleaning 6 hours Support (shotcrete/bolting/wire mesh 6 hours Withdrawal of shotcreting and spotting drilling equipment 1 hour Miscellaneous change of shift/breakdown etc 3 hours Total 24 hours

Table : Diversion Tunnels: Time Schedule

Element Duration Mobilisation and Infrastructure development 2 months Protection works at Inlet and Outlet 2 months Excavation of Adit Portal 1 month Excavation of Adits 4 months Excavation of Tunnels 12 months Concreting of Tunnel 2 months Grouting, Invert, cleaning 3 months Construction of Adit Plug 1 month Total 27 months

1.7.3.1.2 Cofferdams

Work on the cofferdams will take place after the monsoon once the diversion tunnel is operational.

These will be formed using tunnel spoil or material from the diversion dam or other excavations. If

a foundation cut-off is required, then it will probably by formed from a partly constructed cofferdam

using slurry trench techniques. The soil-cement-bentonite core wall in the cofferdam will be formed

in a trench as the cofferdam is raised.

1.7.3.1.3 Diversion Dam

It is proposed to carry out the excavation for the dam down to bedrock in a period of three

months after the end of the monsoon period as soon as the river is diverted through the tunnel. The

majority of the placing of the concrete foundation up to riverbed level will be carried out in a period of

up to 5 months thereafter. Two further non-monsoon seasons have been estimated for concreting of the

dam up to the top level and a period of 6 months has been provided for erection of the gates and hoists.

After the second dry season, uptil when the river diversion is through the diversion tunnel, the

diversion will be switched to through the dam site. As the diversion dam structure is built, ports may

have to be left through the structure for diversion. These will be closed at the final stage of construction.

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Construction of the dam will require a cable crane with hydraulic gravity operated concrete

buckets. A tower crane is also proposed to assist with both the concreting and the erection of

mechanical equipment for the gate structures. It is anticipated that each block making up the dam

will be raised in lifts of 1.5 to 2 m with not less than 72 hours between successive lifts of individual

blocks in order to control thermal stresses.

The proposed equipment for construction of the diversion dam is described in Table :

Table :Diversion Dam construction: Proposed Equipment

Equipment Number Cable crane with buckets of 10 t capacity 1 Tower crane with buckets, 10 t capacity (to handle Intake and part dam)

1

Batching plant of 80 m3 capacity 1 Aggregate processing plant 180 t capacity 1 Backhoe (e.g. Ex- 400/PC-200) 2 Backactor (e.g. JCB) 1 20 t dumpers 10 Air tracks/wagon drills 3 Jack hammers 12 Compressor of 1500 cfm capacity 1 Dewatering pumps To suit site conditions Dozer D-120 1 Transit mixers 6 m3 capacity 6 Concrete pumps 35 m3 capacity 2 Hydra crane, 10 t capacity and 18 t capacity 1 no each Vibration arrangements Shuttering/reinforcement detailing Programming for sluice liners Compactor for coffer dam Grouting pumps 6 10 T tippers 6 10 T truck 2 Utility camper 2 Pick up van 2 Wet shotcrete machine of 8 m3 capacity 2 Rock bolting arrangements 2 Power backup of 1.5 MW

1.7.3.1.4 Intake Structure and Intake Tunnels A period of 18 months has been provided for construction of the intake structures while a

further period of 6 months will be required for erection of equipment including gates and hoists.

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1.7.3.2 Headrace Tunnel 1.7.3.2.1 Excavation

As the construction of headrace tunnel is on the critical path, eight intermediate adits have been provided in addition to the adits at the inlet end and headrace surge tunnel end. The maximum length of headrace tunnel to be excavated from any face will be 2,796 m. All the construction adits will be 7.5 m dia. and D-shaped. The time provided for excavation of these adits is up to 9 months following mobilisation.

Around 80% of the headrace tunnel is expected to be in competent rock, where a tunnel of

9.0 m internal diameter can be driven full face. A tunnel of 11.75 m diameter would be driven as a two-stage heading and bench operation. However, a tunnel of 11.75 m dia. is unmanageably large to construct in poorer ground conditions, in particular in the squeezing rock conditions that may exist in the phyllites.

Sections of tunnel which may encounter squeezing conditions cannot be driven as single

11.75 m dia. drives. In these areas the headrace tunnel will be constructed either as twin 9 m dia. tunnels or even as four tunnels of equivalent capacity.

Even with a 9.0 m dia. tunnel, it will not be possible to drive the tunnel through squeezing

conditions with a simple top heading and bench excavation, since an unsupported invert could experience uncontrollable heave. However, it may be possible to maintain a good rate of progress by driving the tunnel full-face, with a closed invert. This will require equipment for both drilling and ground support that is capable of working a full face of this size. If this approach is not feasible, multiple headings will need to be employed, which will increase construction time.

The proposed equipment for each tunnel is a multiple-boom drilling rig, with an access

platform on an ancillary boom, together with a rock-bolting machine capable of installing support to both the face and crown of the tunnel, in bolt lengths up to 6 m, and the capability of installing longer coupled bolts if required.

Excavation can be done using medium sized loaders (e.g. Cat 966), together with normal road-going 20 t tipper trucks. However consideration could be given to using larger loaders (e.g. Cat 980 or 988) in conjunction with off-road dump-trucks. The use of this equipment for loading has the advantage that they will speed up the loading operation, and they provide a better working platform for both support installation and charging when fitted with an access cage.

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In addition to the loaders, a tracked backhoe excavator will be needed both for final clean-up in hard ground, and excavation of the face itself in poor ground. The excavator will need a hydraulic breaker attachment as well as the basic bucket.

The twin headrace tunnels of 10.20 m excavated diameter will be excavated through eight adits. Although, the most critical length will be between face 8 and face 9 constructed through adits AT4 and AT5, all faces except 0 and 1 are on the critical path. The provision of steel linings will be necessary in lengths where there is low cover:

face 8 and 9 (construction adits AT4 AT5) face 12 and 13 (construction adits AT6- AT7). face 16 and 17 (downstream construction adit from surge tunnels)

In order to maintain the schedule, special attention will require to be given to the resources

and infrastructure which support the excavation of the headrace tunnel, noting that each construction adit must have the capacity to service four advancing faces simultaneously. Appropriate facilities will be required underground, including niches to accommodate stores, office and small workshops. The provision of adequate ventilation, dewatering and communication systems will be essential to maintaining good progress.

The proposed equipment for construction of the headrace tunnel at each adit location is

described in Table :. Table : Headrace Tunnel: Proposed Equipment

Equipment Number Two boom jumbo with basket boom (assuming drilling at 2 faces and mucking at 2 faces)

3

3.5 m3 loader 3 20 t dumpers 12 Wet shotcrete machine 2 Dry shotcrete for portal 1 Rock bolter 2 Truck mounted shotcrete robot 1 Tracked backhoe (e.g PC-200/Ex-200) 2 Backactor (e.g. JCB) 2 Compressed air (500 cfm at start and 1500 cfm at peak) 1 Dewatering arrangement To suit site conditions Water supply arrangement To suit site conditions Concrete/shotcrete supply batching and mixing plant (40 m3 /hr capacity for excavation)

1

Concrete/shotcrete supply batching and mixing plant (40 m3 /hr capacity for lining)

1

Transit mixers, 6 m3 capacity (8 no at start and 8 no during lining) 16 Rubber tyred crane (10t) 1

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Dozer (e.g. D-65/D-80) for muck disposal 1 Ventilation system at each adit 10 t tippers for feeding batching plant 6 10 t truck 1 Utility camper 1 Pick up van 1 Scissor lift 2 Ambulance 1 Explosive van (common from both ends) 2 to 3 Grout Pumps (during excavation) 2 (after lining and grouting) 4 Power supply at portal (diesel standby 500 KVA) of 1 MW 35 m3 concrete pumps 1 Distributor and hopper (During peak concreting at 4 faces) 4 18m. 2 no shutters with single traveller 4 sets for four faces through

one Adit Rib bending arrangement 0.50 m3 concrete placer 2 Power supply inside tunnel with 11 kV line and transformers Crushing plant of 100T capacity 3 to 4 Diesel tanker for storage (5000 litres capacity) 1 Air receivers 4 Water tanker 1 Roadheaders (handling benching operations simultaneously in various reaches depending upon geology)

2

The typical cycle time for the headrace tunnels is shown in Table :.

Table : Headrace tunnels: Typical Cycle Time

Element Duration Drilling (150 nos holes) 6 hours Charging and blasting (N