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WESTERN REGION TRANSMISSION (MAHARASHTRA)
PRIVATE LIMITED
ENVIRONMENTAL DUE
DILIGENCE REPORT
December 2010
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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
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 2
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
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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
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 4
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.
Reliance Infra WRTMPL
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
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 5
S.No. Scope of Work Primary Responsibility
Secondary Responsibility
4 Fabrication and supply of all types of towers, tower
accessories and line materials.
Reliance Infra WRTMPL
5 Selecting different types of foundations for different
towers and casting for foundation for tower footings
including river crossing towers.
Reliance Infra WRTMPL
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.
Reliance Infra WRTMPL
7 Testing and commissioning of respective transmission lines.
Reliance Infra WRTMPL
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
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 6
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
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 7
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.
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 8
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
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 10
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.
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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);
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 12
• 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
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 13
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.
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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
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 15
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.
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 16
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
The project corridor
does not pass
through any
National Park and
Wild life sanctuary.
The selected route
in this section has
been planned at
about 15km away
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.
The selected
route in this
section has
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 17
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
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
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
Manjara.
The project area in
this section is criss-
crossed by some
small streams
including rivers like
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
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 18
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
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).
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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;
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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
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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.
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Table 4.3: Alternative Assessment for 400KV D/C Parli-Sholapur section
S.No. Parameters Features Along Alternative1 Features along Alternative 2 Alternative Selection
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.
13 Crossing of transmission lines
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
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Table 4.4: Alternative Assessment for 400KV D/C Sholapur-Kolhapur section
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 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
8 National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries within 10km radius
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.
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 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.
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 project corridor the selected alignment route is away from the settlement areas.
13 Crossing of transmission lines
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.
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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.
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Table 4.6: Alternative Assessment for LILO of Sholapur-Karad 400kV S/C section
S.No. Parameters Features Along Alternative1 Features along Alternative 2 Alternative Selection
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
8 National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries within 10km radius
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.
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
Bhog.
The project area in this section is criss
crossed by some small streams
including rivers like Bhog.
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 passes through away from settlement areas.
13 Crossing of transmission lines
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
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 26
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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.
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 27
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.
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 28
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.
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 29
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.
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 30
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.
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 31
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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.
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 32
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
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 33
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.
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 34
Project Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Responsibility Parameters for
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*
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 35
Project Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Responsibility Parameters for
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
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 36
Project Activity Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Responsibility Parameters for
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.
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 37
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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.
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 38
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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
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 39
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.
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 40
Aurangabad
Pune
Parli
Sholapur
Kolhapur
Karad
Appendix-1.1: Location Map WRTMPL
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 41
Appendix-5.1: Communication relating to Forest Clearance
Solapur (SOLAPUR-KARAD LINE)
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 42
Appendix-5.1: Communication relating to Forest Clearance OSMANABAD (SOLAPUR-KARAD LINE)
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 43
Appendix-5.1: Communication relating to Forest Clearance
AURANGABAD (PUNE-AURANGABAD LINE)
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 44
Appendix-5.1: Communication relating to Forest Clearance KOLHAPUR (SOLAPUR-KOLHAPUR LINE)
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 45
Appendix-5.1: Communication relating to Forest Clearance BIJAPUR (KARNATAKA) FOR SOLAPUR-KOLHAPUR LINE
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 46
Appendix-5.1: Communication relating to Forest Clearance SOLAPUR (SOLAPUR-PARLI LINE)
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 47
Appendix-5.1: Communication relating to Forest Clearance OSMANABAD (SOLAPUR-PARLI LINE)
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 48
Appendix-5.1: Communication relating to Forest Clearance OSMANABAD (SOLAPUR-PARLI LINE)
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 49
Appendix-5.1: Communication relating to Forest Clearance BEED (SOLAPUR-PARLI LINE)
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 50
Appendix-5.1: Communication relating to Forest Clearance AHMEDNAGAR (PUNE-PARLI LINE)
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited Page 51
Appendix-5.1: Communication relating to Forest Clearance BEED (PUNE-PARLI LINE)
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Appendix 7.1: Formal Public Consultation Details
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Appendix 7.2: License Under Section 164 of Electricity Act 2003
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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)
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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
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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.
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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
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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.