SFG1014 v7 INITIAL ENVIRONMENT ASSESSMENT REPORT(IEAR) FOR T & D NETWORK IN EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS UNDER NERPSIP TRANCHE-1, MEGHALAYA Prepared By ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT POWER GRID CORPORATION OF INDIA LTD (A GOVERNMENT OF INDIA ENTERPRISE ) For MEGHALAYA POWER TRANSMISSION CORPORATION LTD. & MEGHALAYA POWER DISTRIBUTION CORPORATION LTD. (A GOVERNMENT OF MEGHALAYA ENTERPRISE) MEGHALAYA/IEAR/TRANCHE-1/2015 MAY’2015 CONTENTS Section Description Page No. Section - I : Project Description - 1-4 - Background - 1 - Benefits of the Project - 2 - Project Justification - 2 - Project Highlights - 3 - Project Scope & Present Study - 3 Section - II : Base Line Data - 5-10 - Meghalaya - 5 Section- III : Policy, Legal & Regulatory Framework - 11-16 - Environmental - 11 - Social - 15 Section- IV : Approach For Route/Site Selection - 17 -25 - Route Selection - 17 - Study of Alternatives - 17 - Evaluation of Alternative Route Alignment for Kiling (Byrnihat) - 18 - Mawngap - New Shillong 220 kV D/C line Evaluation of Alternative Route Alignment for 2 x 33 kV line 21 from 33/11 kV Mawryngkneng substation (New) - 220/132/33 kV New Shillong substation(New) - Substation - 23 Section - V : Potential Environmental Impacts, Their Evaluation & - 26-35 Management - Impact Due To Project Location & Design - 26 - Environmental Problem Due To Design - 29 - Environmental Problems During Construction Phase - 31 - Environmental Problems Resulting From Operation - 33 - Critical Environmental Review Criteria - 33 - Public Consultation - 34 - Conclusion - 35 Section- VI : Project Implementation Arrangement & Monitoring - 36-55 - Administrative Arrangement For Project Implementation - 36 - Review Of Project Implementation Progress - 36 - Environmental Monitoring In Utility - 37 - Grievance Redressal Mechanism (GRM) - 38 - Environment Review - 39 LIST OF ENCLOSURES Sr. No. Title/Name Description Annexure 1 Annexure -1 Tree / crop/ tower footing compensation process 2 Annexure- 2 Safety Plan 3 Annexure -3 Safety Conditions in Contract Document 4 Annexure -4 Health & Safety Checklist 5 Annexure -5 Details of Public Consultation 6 Annexure -6 Contents of FEAR 7 Annexure -7 Estimated Budget Exhibit 8 Exhibit -1 Power Map of Meghalaya 9 Exhibit -2 Schematic Map Showing Proposed Transmission & Distribution Network 10 Exhibit -3 MePTCL/MePDCL’s Organization Support Structure Figure 11 Figure -1 132 kV line Depicting actual position along with RoW and extent of damage 12 Figure- 1a 132 kV Tower base showing impact on agricultural land and crop 13 Figure -2 33 KV lines (Single & H pole) depicting base area impact 14 Figure -3 Typical Plan of Transmission line Tower footing indicating the above position and extent of damage 15 Figure -3a Schematic Diagram indicating area of influence/impact for 132 kV D/C transmission line Map 16 Map -1 Forest Cover Map of Meghalaya 17 Map- 2 Alternatives Route Alignment for Kiling (Byrnihat) - Mawngap - New Shillong 220 kV D/C line 18 Map-3 Distance from route alignment of Kiling (Byrnihat) - Mawngap - New Shillong 220 kV D/C line in respect to Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary boundary. 19 Map-4 Alternatives Route Alignment for 2 x 33 kV line from 33/11 kV Mawryngkneng substation (New) - 220/132/33 kV New Shillong substation(New) Plate 20 Plate-1 Proposed substations location SECTION – I : PROJECT DESCRIPTION 1.0 BACKGROUND: The North Eastern Region (NER) in India is endowed with rich energy resources but faces significant bottlenecks in electricity access and availability levels. The per capita power consumption in NER is one-third of the national average. No significant generation capacity has been added between 2004 and 2011 as a result of which inadequate power supply remains a critical constraint to sustainable and inclusive growth, and to scaling up private investment and economic competitiveness in the NER. The road-map for development of power sector specifying the need for strengthening of overall Transmission, Sub-transmission and Distribution system of NER and Sikkim was brought out in the “Pasighat Proclamation on Power” released during the first Sectoral Summit of North Eastern Council at Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh in January 2007. Pursuant to recommendations of Pasighat summit, a Sub-Group was constituted under the Chairmanship of Member (Power System), Central Electricity Authority (CEA) on Transmission, Sub-transmission and Distribution related issues in North Eastern Region. The sub-group submitted its report in December, 2007 wherein a comprehensive scheme for strengthening of transmission, sub-transmission and distribution system was evolved by CEA in consultation with POWERGRID and states of North Eastern Region and Sikkim. Subsequently, a number of meetings took place regarding methodology for execution and funding of the scheme. In a meeting taken by the Member, Planning Commission on February 24, 2009 and meeting of Committee of PIB chaired by the Secretary, Department of Expenditure on March 24, 2009, it was decided that DPRs of the scheme comprising transmission, sub-transmission and distribution system upto 33kV should be prepared by POWERGRID. Accordingly, DPRs for strengthening of transmission, sub- transmission and distribution system in Meghalaya were prepared and submitted to Ministry of DONER / Ministry of Power / Government of Meghalaya by POWERGRID. Among the NER States and Sikkim, the project in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim is proposed to be funded by Govt. of India. Implementation of the scheme in other 6 states in NER viz. Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur & Nagaland is proposed through funding from World Bank / Govt. of India. The scheme is proposed to be funded by World Bank in three tranches. Accordingly, priority transmission, sub-transmission and distribution schemes to be taken up under tranche-1 of the World Bank fund has been finalized by CEA in consultation with the concerned states and POWERGRID. Ministry of Power (MoP), GoI has appointed POWERGRID as Design cum Implementation Supervision Consultant (i.e. Project Management Consultant-PMC) and now redesignated as Implementing Agency (IA) to six North Eastern States for the said project. However, the ownership of the assets shall be with the respective State government or State Utilities, which upon progressive commissioning shall be handed over to them for taking care of Operation and Maintenance of assets. IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 1 1.1 BENEFITS OF THE PROJECT: The proposed transmission and distribution schemes not only improve overall power supply situation but also improve reliability, quality, security and enhancement of power supply in the State. 1.2 PROJECT JUSTIFICATION The state of Meghalaya is spread over an area of about 22429 sq. km with a population of more than 29 Lakhs. The present per capita energy consumption is of the order of 675 units (kWh) against the regional per capita consumption of about 258 units and national per capita consumption of about 779 units. The state meets its power requirement through about 392 MW of self-generation and about 163 MW of power allocation from various central sector generation projects of NHPC and NEEPCO. The present demand (met) is of the order of 285 MW whereas the un-restricted demand is about 296 MW. As most of the generation projects in the north eastern region are hydro in nature, the state faces shortage of power during low-hydro generation condition. Presently, the state draws its share of power from central sector generating stations through following inter-state transmission system (ISTS):  Badarpur (POWERGRID) – Khliehriat (POWERGRID) 132kV S/C  Khandong HEP (NEEPCO) – Khliehriat (POWERGRID) 132kV D/C  Khliehriat (POWERGRID) – Khliehriat (Meghalaya) 132kV D/C (one circuit is owned by POWERGRID and the other by Meghalaya)  Silchar (POWERGRID) – Byrnihat (Meghalaya) 400kV D/C  Misa(POWERGRID) – Byrnihat (Meghalaya) 220kV D/C  Sarusajai(Assam) – Umtru (Meghalaya) 132kV D/C  Kahilipara(Assam) – Umtru (Meghalaya) 132kV D/C As per the 18th Electric Power Survey of CEA, the future demand of the state is expected to grow to about 445 MW by year 2016-17 and 596 MW by year 2021-22. This shall be met through various hydro and thermal projects coming up in the north-eastern region in near future, which are as follows:  Pallatana GBPP : 726 MW  Bongaigaon TPS : 750 MW  Kameng HEP : 600 MW  Lower Subansiri HEP : 2000 MW The State has a share of about 196 MW from these future generation schemes. With this, the total share of the state from central sector generating stations shall be about 359 MW. Following transmission lines have been planned to transfer power from these future generation schemes to the state of Meghalaya:  Byrnihat (Meghalaya) – Bongaigaon (POWERGRID) 400kV D/C line: The Silchar – Byrnihat and Byrnihat-Bongaigaon D/c lines would be operated as Silchar- Bongaigaon 400kV D/c line, one circuit via Byrnihat. The present intra-state transmission system of the state is quite old & weak and is unable to cater to the growing power requirements of the state. Although the present IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 2 T&D system covers many areas of the state, it is inadequate in its reach and due to non-availability of redundant T&D system, outage of any transmission system element results in long term power shortages making the system highly unreliable. Besides, some of the network elements have undergone long term outage due to break-down. Therefore, it has become essential to address the above situation through remedial measures in the transmission and distribution system. Accordingly, phase-wise strengthening of transmission & sub-transmission system has been proposed. The transmission schemes proposed under this report are priority schemes under Tranche-1 of the World Bank Fund and are essential for improving the power supply situation in the state. Implementation of these schemes will improve quantity, reliability, quality, security of the power supply in the state. 1.3 PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS a) Project Name : NER Power System Improvement Project (NERSPIP) – Tranche- I, Meghalaya b) Location : Different parts of Meghalaya State c) Beneficiary States/UT : Meghalaya d) Project Cost : Rs.733.56 Crores e) Commissioning Schedule : 2019 1.4 PROJECT SCOPE & PRESENT STUDY The present Initial Environment Assessment Report (IEAR) is a document developed to identify possible environmental and social issues related to 220/132 kV transmission lines and associated 220/132/33 kV substations & 33 kV distribution lines and associated 33/11 kV substations in Ri-Bhoi and East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya State covered under “NER Power System Improvement Project”. The IEAR provides insight on possible environment & social issues and also describe management measures to minimize/mitigate it based on MePTCL/MePDCL’s Environment and Social Policy & Procedures Framework (ESPPF). The scope of IEAR covers the following subprojects; S. N. Name of the Line New / Existing Substation A. Transmission Scheme 1. Kiling (Byrnihat) - Mawngap - New Establishment of 2x160 MVA, 220/132 Shillong 220 kV D/C line- 115.5 km kV + 2 x 50 MVA, 132/33 kV GIS substation (New) at New Shillong Upgradation of under construction 132 kV substation to 2x160 MVA, 220/132 kV GIS substation at Mawngap. Extension of 220 KV Byrnihat B. Distribution Scheme substation IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 3 1. 2 x 33 kV line from 33 /11kV Establishment of 2x10 MVA, 33 /11kV Mawpat (New) - 220/132/33 kV new substation at Mawpat New Shillong (New) substation (6 km and extending up to existing SE Falls 33/11 kV substation - 5 km 2. 33 kV line from 33/11 kV New Establishment of 2x10 MVA ,33/11 kV Shillong (New) substation - new substation at New Shillong 220/132/33 kV New Shillong substation - 4 km 3. 2 x 33 kV line from 33/11 kV Establishment of 2x7.5 MVA, 33/11 kV Mawryngkneng substation (New) - new substation at Mawryngkneng 220/132/33 kV New Shillong substation(New) – 16.6 km 3. LILO of existing 33 KV Jowai - Landnongkrem line at New Mawrynkneng - 3.8 km 4. 33 kV line from 33/11 kV Establishment of 2x5 MVA, 33/11 kV Mawkynrew substation(New)- 33/11 new substation at Mawkynrew kV Jongksha substation (Existing) - 7.5 km The project activities include the survey for finalizing the route alignment and installation of transmission/distribution lines and construction of substations (civil and electrical installation). Lattice towers/ poles are then erected on designated places using normal excavation and foundations thereafter conductors are strung across these using manual/stringing machines. The construction of substations is regular civil works for small buildings. The electrical installations consist of the transformers, breakers, capacitors etc. and other protection/controlling devices to ensure required power flow. A power map showing the transmission grid of Meghalaya highlighting the above lines and other new projects placed as Exhibit - I. Schematic map showing the various subprojects covered under the subject IEAR is placed in Exhibit – II. IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 4 SECTION – II: BASELINE DATA 2.0 The proposed subprojects comprising of both transmission and associated distribution networks are located East Khasi Hills & Ribhoi, district in the State of Meghalaya. The basic environmental settings of the State and subproject district is given below: 2.1 MEGHALAYA: Meghalaya has a geographic area of 2.24 million ha, which constitutes 6.82% of the country’s total area. It is situated between latitude 24°58' N to 26°07' N and longitude 89° 48' E to 92° 51’E. The state has most of its land covered by hills interspersed with gorges and small valleys with elevation ranging between 150 m to 1,950 m. In terms of tribal composition, the state has three distinct regions, namely, Garo Hills, Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills. The general land use pattern of the state is given in Table 2.1. Table-2.1 Land use Pattern Land Use Area in ‘000 ha Percentage Total geographical area 2,243 Reporting area for land utilization 2,243 100.00 Forests 946 42.21 Not available for cultivation 239 10.66 Permanent pastures and other grazing lands 00 00 Land under misc. tree crops & groves 164 7.31 Culturable wasteland 391 17.44 Fallow lands other than current fallows 155 6.91 Current Fallows 60 2.67 Net area sown 285 12.71 Source: Land use statistics, Ministry of Agriculture, GOI, 2011-12 East Khasi Hills District forms a central part of Meghalaya and covers a total geographical area of 2,748 km2. It lies approximately between 25°07” & 25°41” N Latitude and 91°21” & 92°09” E Longitude. Ri Bhoi District is one of the youngest districts of Meghalaya which came into existence and assumed the hierarchical status of the district on the 4th June 1992 by upgrading the former Civil Sub-Division. The District was carved out from the erstwhile East Khasi Hills District and covers an area of 2448 km². It lies between 90°55’15 to 91°16’ latitude and 25°40’ to 25°21’ longitude. Climate: The State enjoys a temperate climate. It is directly influenced by the South-West Monsoon and the northeast winter wind. The climate varies with altitude. The four seasons of Meghalaya are: Spring - March and April, Summer & Monsoon - May to September, Autumn -October and November and Winter - December to February. The Jaintia Hills district enjoys a remarkable pleasant climate, influenced by South West IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 5 Monsoon. The climate of the East Khasi Hills district ranges from temperate in the plateau region to the warmer tropical and sub-tropical pockets on the Northern and Southern regions. The whole of the district is influenced by the south-west monsoon which begins generally from May and continues till September. The weather is humid for the major portion of the year except for the relatively dry spell usually between December and March. Ri Bhoi district experiences different types of climate ranging from tropical climate in the areas bordering Assam to the temperate climate adjoining the East Khasi Hills District. Rainfall: The Monsoon usually starts by the third week of May and continues right to the end of September and sometimes well into the middle of October. There is a great variation of rainfall over central and southern Meghalaya. Mawsynram platform, receives the heaviest rainfall in the world. At Sohra (Cherrapunjee), the average annual rainfall is as high as 12000 millimetres, but Shillong located at a distance of about fifty kilometers from Sohra receives an average of 2200 mm of rainfall annually. The average annual rainfall of sub project area districts is around 2935 mm. Temperature: The temperature in summer (April to October) is usually 15°C minimum to 23°C maximum and in winter (November to March) it is 3°C minimum to 15°C maximum. The temperature of subproject districts ranges from 10°C in December to 30°C in the month of July and August as recorded in Umsning Station, whereas in Byrnihat station. Normally January and August record minimum (12.3°C) and maximum (35.2°C) temperatures respectively. Minerals: Meghalaya with its wealth of mineral deposits has tremendous industrial potential. There are extensive deposits of coal, limestone, granite, clay and other minerals. Coal deposits are available in all districts and particularly in the southern slopes of the state. The coal bears low ash content and its calorific value ranges between 6500 to 7500 K.Cal/Kg. The total estimated reserve of coal in the region is of the order of 640 million tonnes. The coal is mainly of sub-bituminous type and can be utilized in varied industries ranging from power, fertilizer, cement and textile to paper, rubber, brick burning and also pottery based industries. The coal that is found in the State can also be converted into coke to recover value added chemicals like light, medium and heavy oil, phenol and producer gas. Limestone is another mineral that occurs in an extensive belt (approx. 200 km. long) along the Southern border of Meghalaya. The quality of limestone found here varies from cement grade to chemical grade having three brands as well. Total inferred reserve limestone within the State is about 5,000 million tonnes. The quality of limestone in the state has CaO content of 53% and can be of use in steel, fertilizer and chemical industries. Granite of excellent quality is at present being mined in the East and West districts of Khasi hills. Sizeable deposits are estimated and can be found in various shades and colours. Clay of various types such as Kaolin (China clay), white clay, and fire clay are found in various parts of the states. These clays are suitable for the ceramic, paper, rubber and refractory industries. It has been estimated that there IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 6 are a few hundred million tonnes of clay reserved in the state. Beside the above, other economically viable minerals like gypsum, phosphorite, glass-sand, base metals, quartz and feldspar can be located in various parts of the state. The State is also credited with having one of the most valuable sillimanite deposits in the world. The East Khasi Hills district is rich in mineral deposits like limestone and therefore many Cement factories have been set up in the district. Ri bhoi district is stores 50.0 million m3 of granite reserves. Soils: The soils of the hills are derived from gneissic complex parent materials; they are dark brown to dark reddish-brown in colour, varying in depth from 50-200 cm. The texture of soils varies from loamy to fine loamy. The soils of the alluvial plains adjacent to the northwest and southern plateau are very deep, dark brown to reddish-brown in colour and sandy-loam to silty-clay in texture. Meghalaya soils are rich in organic carbon, which is a measure of nitrogen supplying potential of the soil, deficient in available phosphorous and medium to low in available potassium. The reaction of the soils varies from acidic (pH 5.0 to 6.0) to strongly acidic (pH 4.5 to 5.0). Most of the soils occurring on higher altitudes under high rainfall belt are strongly acidic due to intense leaching. Base saturation of these soils is less than 35 %. These soils are not suitable for intensive crop production. There is not much difference in fertility classes of the soils of the State. Four soils fertility classes, namely, High Low Medium (HLM), High Medium Medium (HMM), Medium Medium Low (MML), Medium Low Medium (MLM) have been established from the soil test data so far compiled in the Soil Testing Laboratory of the State. A study conducted by the Indian council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Complex, Shillong revealed that about 40% of the soils of the state contain micronutrients below the critical level. Soil in Ri Bhoi district may broadly classified into hill and plain soils. It can be found out patches of black loamy soil and lime silt constitutes the major portion. This soil is much suitable for growing both local and improved varieties of crops. East Khasi hills have deep, excessively drained, fine soils on moderately sloping side-slopes of hills having loamy surface with moderate erosion hazard and moderately deep, excessively drained, coarse-loamy soils on gently sloping hill tops with very severe erosion hazard and strong stoniness. Water Resources: River System : The river system of Meghalaya comprises mainly of rivers draining to the Brahmaputra Basin in the north and the Meghna Basin in the South. Brahmaputra Basin comprises of sub-basin of Dilni, Ganol, Jinjiram, Ringgi, Ghagua, Didak, Damring, Krishnai, Dudhnoi, Ronggre, Umsiang, Umkhri, Umiam, Umiew, Myntang, Umlarem and Meghna Basin comprises of sub- Basin of Kangra, Simsang, Dareng, Darong, RongIk, Kynshi, Umngi, Myntdu, Lubha. Meghalya is dominated by the Brahmaputra river (length: 2900 km). Its drainage area is roughly 935,500 sq. km. IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 7 Surface Water: The availability of surface water has been roughly estimated at 63.204BCM by referring to data from various sources. Ground Water : The ground water resources of the state have been assessed by the Central Ground Water Board and the Annual replenish able ground water is 1.15BCM. The important rivers flowing subproject districts are Umtrew, Umiam, Um Khen, Um Song, Umngot, Umngi, Um Sohryngkew, Um Krem etc. However, the project activity is not going to impact these water bodies in any way as the route alignment of proposed transmission lines are quite far from these rivers. Ecological Resources: The recorded forest area is 9,496 sq. km which constitutes 42.34% of the geographic area of the state. According to legal status, Reserved Forests constitute 11.72 % and Un-classed Forest 88.15% of the total forest area. Forest Map of Meghalaya is enclosed as Map-1. The state has eight forest types as per Champion & Seth Classification system (1968), belonging to five forest type groups, viz. Tropical Wet Evergreen, Tropical Semi Evergreen, Tropical Moist Deciduous, Subtropical Broadleaved Hill and Subtropical Pine Forests . Apart from normal tree sp. of Bamboo, cane, banana, orchid, betel nut, broomgrass, packing leaf other major species of forest comprises of Tectona grandis, Shorea robusta, Terminalia myricarpa, Gmelina arborea, Pinus khasiana, Michelia champaca, Toona ciliata, Acrocarpus froxinifolius, Bischofia javanica, Dillenia indica, D. pentagyna, Dysoxylum binectariferum, Elaecarpus floribunda, Alcimandra cathcartii, Betula alnoides, Castanopsis sp., Lithocarpus elegans, Manglietia insignis, Talauma phellocarpa, Elaeocarpus prunifolius, Ficus nemorlis, Lithocarpus fenestratus, Myrica esculenta etc. The proposed transmission lines shall pass through East Khasi Hills & Ribhoi district having forest cover of 64.40 % and 88.22% respectively. The details of forest resources available in the project area are as follows: District Geographic 2013 Assessment (In sq.km) % Forest area Very Dense Mod Dense Open Total cover forest forest forest Ribhoi 2376 162 1144 790 2096 88.22 East Khasi Hills 2820 0 1079 737 1816 64.40 Source: Indian State of Forest Report, 2013 Protected Areas: There are 2 National Parks and 3 Wildlife Sanctuaries in the State, covering an area of 304 sq km which constitutes 1.36% of the total geographic area of the State. Details of the protected areas are given below: Table 2.3: Details of Protected Areas S.N National Park/ Wildlife Sanctuary Districts 1. Balpakram National Park South Garo Hills 2. Nokrek National Park East Garo Hills, South Garo Hills and West Garo Hills 3. Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary Ri-Bhoi IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 8 4. Siju Wildlife Sanctuary South Garo Hills 5. Baghmara Pitcher Plant Sanctuary South Garo Hills Meghalaya is amongst the states having the highest density of elephants and there are 6 elephant corridors in the state. Besides, the State also has 09 Important Bird Areas (IBA) sites. The important faunal species reported from reserve forest and protected areas are Tiger (Panthera tigris), clouded leopard (Pardofelis nebulosa), Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), wild dog (Cuon alpinus), Malayan sun bear (Ursus malayanus), sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata), large Indian civet (Viverra zibetha), Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata), Assamese macaque (Macaca assamensis), bear macaque (Macaca arctoides), capped leaf monkey (Semnopithecus pileatus) and hoolock gibbon (Hylobates hoolock). This may contain many threatened and endemic species. The important avian fauna of the state includes Rufous-necked hornbill (Aceros nipalensis), white-winged duck (Cairina scutulata), ferruginous pochard (Aythya nyroca), Pallas's fish-eagle (Haliaeetus leucoryphus), marsh babbler (Pellorneum palustre), tawny-breasted wren-babbler (Spelaeornis longicaudatus), Manipur bush-quail (Perdicula manipurensis), bristled grassbird (Chaetornis striatus), Blyth's kingfisher (Alcedo hercules), greater spotted eagle (Aquila clanga), black-breasted parrotbill (Paradoxornis flavirostris), dark-rumped swift (Apus acuticauda), and beautiful nuthatch (Sitta formosa). The proposed transmission and distribution lines don’t pass through any protected area like national parks, sanctuaries, elephant reserves/corridors and biosphere reserves etc. as all such areas have been completely avoided through careful route selection. However, some portion of Kiling (Byrnihat) - Mawngap -New Shillong 220 kV D/C transmission line is passing at a distance ranging from 1.3 - 1.65 km from Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary boundary. The route of proposed line is running parallel to NH-40 and opposite to wildlife sanctuary (Map-2 & 2a). It may be noted that the said line is passing close to existing busy road NH- 40 and wildlife of area is already adjusted to such disturbances hence no new impact/disturbance to wildlife is envisaged by routing of line. Wetlands: The state of Meghalaya has 259 wetlands including small wetlands, covering an area of 29987 Ha, constituting 1.25% of Geographic Area of the state. None of the wetlands are part of Ramsar Convention. Umiam Reservoir also called Barapani spread across 10.24 sq km formed by damming of Umiam river for Hydro-electric project is situated in Ri Bhoi district which is also a major tourist attraction. The proposed route alignment in respect of Barapani Reservoir and Road (NH-40) is placed as Map-2b and with Mawlyndep-Umbir state highway as Map-2c.. However, none of the wetlands are getting involved/impacted in routing/RoW of proposed lines and locating substations. Human and Economic Development: Meghalaya is predominantly an agrarian economy. Agriculture and allied activities engage nearly two-thirds of the total work force in Meghalaya. However, the contribution of this sector to the State's NSDP is only about one-third. Agriculture in the state is characterized by low productivity and unsustainable farm practices. Despite the large IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 9 percentage of population engaged in agriculture, the state imports food from other Indian states. The service sector is made up of real estate and insurance companies. Infrastructural constraints have also prevented the economy of the state from creating high income jobs at a pace commensurate with that of the rest of India. Meghalaya's gross state domestic product for 2012 was estimated at Rs. 16173 crore (US$2.6 billion) in current prices.[ As of 2012, according to the Reserve Bank of India, about 12% of total state population is below poverty line with 12.5% of the rural Meghalaya population is below the poverty line; while in urban areas, 9.3% are below the poverty line. The economic status of the district is primarily driven by agriculture and assistance schemes of Central and local government. Agriculture remains the main profession/source of livelihood for the local community. Poultry, Dairy Farming and Beekeeping are also practiced. Due to the abundance of limestone, many Cement factories have been set up in these districts. Additional/detailed information regarding the environmental and social features along the alignment is provided in Section- IV. IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 10 SECTION - III : POLICY, LEGAL & REGULATORY FRAMEWORK 3.0 Power transmission and distribution project activities by their inherent nature and flexibility have negligible impacts on environmental and social attributes. Indian laws relating to environmental and social issues have been strengthened in the last decade both due to local needs and international commitments. MePTCL/MePDCL undertakes its activities within the purview of Indian and State specific laws keeping in mind appropriate international obligations and directives and guidelines with respect to environmental and social considerations of Funding Agencies. 3.1 ENVIRONMENTAL 3.1.1 CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS Subsequent to the first United Nations Conference on Human Environment at Stockholm in June, 1972, which emphasized the need to preserve and protect the natural environment, the Constitution of India was amended through the historical 42nd Amendment Act, 1976 by inserting Article 48-A and 51-A (g) for protection and promotion of the environment under the Directive Principles of State Policy and the Fundamental Duties respectively. The amendment, inter alia provides: "The State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country". (New Article 48A) "It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures”. [New Article 51 A(g)] Article 21 of the constitution provides, “no person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law”. Article 21 is the heart of the fundamental rights and has received expanded meaning from time to time after the decision of the Supreme Court in 1978. The Article 21 guarantees fundamental right to life – a life of dignity to be lived in a proper environment, free of danger of disease and infection. Recently, Supreme Court has broadly and liberally interpreted the Article 21, transgressing into the area of protection of environment, and held that the citizen’s right to live in an eco-friendly atmosphere to be interpreted as the basic right guaranteed under Article 21. Thus the Indian Constitution has now two fold provision: (a) On the one hand, it gives directive to the State for the protection and improvement of environment. (b) On the other hand the citizens owe a constitutional duty to protect and improve natural environment. IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 11 Sixth Schedule In Meghalaya, special provisions also have been extended to the Tribal Areas under the 6th Schedule [Articles 244(2) and 275(1) of the constitution] in addition to basic fundamental rights. The Sixth Schedule provides for administration of tribal areas as autonomous entities. The administration of an autonomous district is vested in a District Council and of an autonomous region, in a Regional Council. These Councils are endowed with legislative, judicial, executive and financial powers. These institutions are expected to integrate these areas with the modern system of administration while preserving the traditional autonomy and local self-governing institutes of the tribal people. There are three Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) in Meghalaya viz. a) Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council b) Jantia Hills Autonomous District Council c) Garo Hills Autonomous District Council 3.1.2 MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS (NATIONAL/STATE)  GoMe order/sanction under The Electricity Act, 2003: Sanction of GoMe is a mandatory requirement for taking up any new transmission/ distribution project under the section 68(1) of The Electricity Act, 2003. The sanction authorizes MePTCL/MePDCL to plan and coordinate activities to commission the new project. Electricity act does not explicitly deal with environmental implications of activities related to power transmission, distribution and construction of substation. However, MePTCL/MePDCL integrates environmental protection in its project activities.  Forest Clearance under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980: When transmission projects pass through forest land, clearance has to be obtained from relevant authorities under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. This Act was enacted to prevent rapid deforestation and environmental degradation. As per the Act, State governments cannot de-reserve any forest land or authorize its use for any non-forest purposes without approval from the Central government. MePTCL/MePDCL projects, when involving forest areas, undergo detailed review and approval procedures to obtain Forest Clearance from MoEF, Government of India before starting any construction activity in designated forest area.  Environmental Clearances under Environment (Protection) Act,1986: Since transmission & distribution line projects are environmentally clean and do not involve any disposal of solid waste, effluents and hazardous substances in land, air and water they are kept out of the purview of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. However, amendment in the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 on 7 th May’ 1992 made it necessary to obtain clearance from MoEF for power transmission projects in three districts in the Aravalis (viz., Alwar in Rajasthan and Gurgaon & Mewat in Haryana). The Aravali range, in these areas, is heavily degraded; hence, any industrial activity there becomes critical. Environment Impact Notification, 1994 & 2006 lays down specific project categories that require clearance from MoEF. Power transmission and distribution projects are not included in this list. IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 12  Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 : MoEF vide its notification dated 17th July, 2000 under the section of 6, 8 and 25 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 has notified rules for regulation /control of Ozone Depleting Substances under Montreal Protocol adopted on 16th September 1987. As per the notification certain controls and regulations have been imposed on manufacturing, import, export and use of these compounds. MePTCL/MePDCL shall follow provisions of notification and phase out all equipments which use these substances and planning to become CFC free organization in near future.  Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules, 2001: MoEF vide its notification dated 16th May, 2001 under the section of 6, 8 and 25 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 has put certain restriction on disposal of used batteries and its handling. As per the notification it is the responsibility of bulk consumer (MePTCL/MePDCL) to ensure that used batteries are not disposed of, in any manner, other than by depositing with the dealer/manufacturer/registered recycler/importer/ reconditioner or at the designated collection centres and to file half yearly return in prescribed form to the concerned State Pollution Control Board.  Hazardous Wastes (Management, Handling and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2008 : Vide notification dated 24th September, 2008 under the EPA, 1986, MoEF notified rules for environmentally sound management of hazardous wastes to ensure that the hazardous wastes are managed in a manner which shall protect health and the environment against the adverse affects that may result from such waste. The used transformer oil has been declared as hazardous wastes vide this notification. MePTCL/MePDCL, being a bulk user of transformer oil shall comply with the provisions of the said rules (MoEF notification dated 24th September 2008) if the practice of storing of used oil is maintained. In case it is decided to outsource the process of recycle of used oil to registered recycler as per the provisions of notification then MePTCL/MePDCL shall submit the desired return in prescribed form to concerned State Pollution Control Board at the time of disposal of used oil.  E-waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011: Vide notification dated 12th May 2011 under the EPA, 1986, MoEF notified rules for environmentally sound management of e-waste to ensure that e-waste are managed in a manner which shall protect health and the environment against the adverse effects that may result from hazardous substance contained in such wastes. Thus, it is the responsibility of the bulk consumer (MePTCL/MePDCL) to ensure that e-waste generated is channelized to authorized collection center(s) or registered dismantler(s) or recycler(s) or is returned to the pick-up of take back services provided by the producer. MePTCL/MePDCL, being a bulk consumer of electrical and electronics equipments shall maintain the record as per Form-2 for scrutiny by State Pollution Control Board.  The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 : Under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity signed at Rio de Janeiro on the 5th June, 1992 of which India is also a party, MoEF has enacted the Biological IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 13 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 the Act, certain areas which are rich in biodiversity and encompass unique and representative ecosystems are identified and designated as Biosphere Reserve to facilitate their conservation. All restrictions applicable to protected areas like National Park & Sanctuaries are also applicable to these reserves. MePTCL/MePDCL will abide by the provisions of the act, wherever applicable and will try to totally avoid these biosphere reserves while finalizing the route alignment.  The Scheduled Tribes & Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 This act recognizes and vests the forest rights and occupation in forest land to forest dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers who have been residing in such forests for generations but whose rights could not be recognized. The definitions of forest dwelling schedule tribes, forestland, forest rights, forest villages, etc. have been included in Section 2 of the Act. The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) is the nodal agency for implementation of the Act, while field implementation is the responsibility of the government agencies. Its implementation has also been linked with forest clearance process under Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 w.e.f. August 2009 by MoEF. MePTCL/MePDCL shall abide by the provisions of the act if any portion of the transmission line is passing through forest land, in occupation of the forest dwelling scheduled tribes and other traditional forest dwellers. However, for linear projects including transmission lines, obtaining NoC from the Gram sabha (Village Council) has been exempted for the requirement of FRA compliance as per MoEF circular dated 5 th February 2013 & 15th January 2014.  Meghalaya Tree (Preservation) Act, 1976 The Meghalaya Tree Preservation Act 1976 deals with felling of trees outside forest areas within 10 Km radius of the municipal areas of Shillong and Shillong Cantonment area. MePTCL/MePDCL would take necessary permission under this act wherever necessary. 3.1.3 FUNDING AGENCY: For MePTCL/MePDCL, mandatory environment requirements with respect to WB Operational Policies are as follows:  World Bank (WB) OP 4.01: Environmental Assessment The policy objective is to ensure the environmental and social soundness and sustainability of investment projects and support integration of environmental and social aspects of projects in the decision-making process. MePTCL/MePDCL takes remedial measures to prevent, minimize, mitigate, or compensate for adverse impact and improve environmental performance. Environment Assessment will take into account the natural environment, human health and safety, and social aspects and trans- boundary and global environmental aspects. During EA IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 14 process public is also informed at every stage of project execution and their views are considered during decision-making process.  World Bank OP 4.04: Natural Habitats The policy objective is to promote sustainable development by supporting the protection, conservation, maintenance, and rehabilitation of natural habitats and their functions.  World Bank OP 4.11: Physical Cultural Resources The policy objective is to preserve PCR and in avoiding their destruction or damage. PCR includes resources of archeological, paleontological, historical, architectural, and religious (including graveyards and burial sites), aesthetic, or other cultural significance.  World Bank OP 4.36: Forests The objective of this policy is to realize the potential of forests to reduce poverty in a sustainable manner, integrate forests effectively into sustainable economic development, and protect the vital local and global environmental services and values of forests. 3.2. SOCIAL 3.2.1 CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS Constitutional provisions in regard to social safeguards are well enshrined in the preamble such as JUSTICE, social, economic and political; LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation. Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles guarantee the right to life and liberty. Health, safety and livelihood have been interpreted as part of this larger right. Social safeguards provisions are dealt in detail in different Article such as Article-14, 15 17, 23, 24, 25, 46, 330, 332 etc. MePTCL / MePDCL shall implement the said constitutional provision in true sprit to fulfill its environmental and social obligations and responsibilities. 3.2.2 MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS (NATIONAL/STATE)  The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (RFCTLARRA) : Govt. of India replaced the old Land Acquisition Act, 1894 and notified the new RFCTLARRA, 2013 which came into force from 1 st January 2014. This act ensures appropriate identification of the affected families/households, fair compensation and rehabilitation of titleholders and non-titleholders. However, the new act i.e. RFCTLARRA, 2013 authorizes State Govt. (i.e. GoMe) or its authorized Government agency to complete the whole process of acquisition of private land including Social Impact Assessment (SIA), Action Plan for R&R (i.e. Rehabilitation and Resettlement) & its implementation and the MePTCL/MePDCL responsibility is limited to identification and selection of suitable land based on technical requirement and ensuring budget allocation. IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 15  Rights of Way and Compensation under The Electricity Act, 2003: The Electricity Act, 2003 has a provision for notifying transmission company under section 164 (B) to avail benefits of eminent domain provided under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885. Under this section, MePTCL / MePDCL may seek for GoMe authorization to exercise all the powers that the Telegraph authority possesses and can spot, construct and erect towers without acquiring the land. Moreover, all damages due to its activity shall be compensated at market rate. In case of agricultural or private land the provisions of section- 67 and or section-68 (5 & 6) of the Electricity Act, 2003 and section-10 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 are followed for assessment and payment of compensation towards such damages. 3.2.3 FUNDING AGENCY For MePTCL/MePDCL, mandatory social requirements with respect to WB Operational Policies are as follows:  World Bank OP 4.12: Involuntary Resettlement This policy covers direct economic and social impacts both resulting from Bank-assisted investment projects, and are caused by the involuntary taking of land. To avoid or minimize involuntary resettlement and, where this is not feasible, assist displaced persons in improving or at least restoring their livelihoods and standards of living in real terms relative to pre-displacement levels or to levels prevailing prior to the beginning of project implementation, whichever is higher.  World Bank OP 4.10: Indigenous People (IP) This policy contributes to the Bank's mission of poverty reduction and sustainable development by ensuring that the development process fully respects the dignity, human rights, economies, and cultures of Indigenous Peoples. The objective is to design and implement projects in a way that fosters full respect for indigenous peoples‟ so that they receive culturally compatible social and economic benefits, and do not suffer adverse effects during the development process. The project shall ascertain broad community support for the project based on social assessment and free prior and informed consultation with the affected Tribal community, if any. IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 16 SECTION - IV: APPROACH FOR ROUTE/SITE SELECTION 4.0 ROUTE SELECTION - (ASSESSMENT & MANAGEMENT PROCESS) At the system planning stage itself one of the factors that govern the evolution of system is the possible infringement with the forest. Wherever such infringements are substantial, different alternative options are considered. The route/ site selection criteria followed is detailed below: While identifying the transmission and distribution system, preliminary route selection is done by MePTCL/MePDCL based on the Survey of India Topo sheets, Forest Atlas (Govt. of India's Publication) and Google Maps etc. During route alignment all possible efforts are made to avoid the forest area involvement completely or to keep it to the barest minimum, whenever it becomes unavoidable due to the geography of terrain or heavy cost involved in avoiding it. Presence of important/protected natural habitats (IUCN category I - IV) is verified by superimposing the proposed alternative alignment on the Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT) map1. 4.1. STUDY OF ALTERNATIVES 4.1.1 Environmental Criteria for Route selection For selection of optimum route, the following points are taken into consideration: (i) The route of the proposed transmission & distribution lines does not involve any human rehabilitation. (ii) Any monument of cultural or historical importance is not affected by the route of the transmission & distribution line. (iii) The proposed route of transmission & distribution line does not create any threat to the survival of any community with special reference to Tribal Community. (iv) The proposed route of transmission line does not affect any public utility services like playgrounds, schools, other establishments etc.. (v) The line route does not pass through any Sanctuaries, National Park etc. (vi) The line route does not infringe with area of natural resources. In order to achieve this, MePTCL/MePDCL undertakes route selection for individual transmission and distribution lines in close consultation with representatives of concerned Forest Department and the Department of Revenue. Although under the law, MePTCL / MePDCL has right of eminent domain yet alternative alignments are considered keeping in mind the above-mentioned factors during site selection, with minor alterations often added to avoid environmentally sensitive areas and settlements at execution stage. 1 IBAT is a very informative decision-making tool to address possible infringement with potential biodiversity important areas and has been developed through a partnership of global conservation leaders including Bird Life International, Conservation International (CI), the United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for conservation/protection of such areas. IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 17  As a rule, alignments are generally cited away from major towns, whenever possible, to account for future urban expansion.  Similarly, forests are avoided to the extent possible, and when it is not possible, a route is selected in consultation with the local Divisional Forest Officer, that causes minimum damage to existing forest resources.  Alignments are selected to avoid wetlands and unstable areas for both financial and environmental reasons. In addition, care is also taken to avoid National parks, Sanctuaries, Eco-sensitive zones, Tiger reserves, Biosphere reserves, Elephant corridors and IBA sites etc. Keeping above in mind the routes of proposed lines under the project have been so aligned that it takes care of above factors. As such different alternatives for transmission lines were studied with the help of Govt. published data like Forest atlas, Survey of India etc. and Google Maps to arrive at most optimum route which can be taken up for detailed survey and assessment of environmental & social impacts for their proper management. 4.1.2 EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVES ROUTE ALIGNMENT FOR 220 KV D/C KILLING (BYRNIHAT)- MAWNGAP-NEW-SHILLONG T/L Three (3) different alignments ( Map-3) were studied with the help of Google Maps and walkover survey to arrive at most optimum route for detailed survey. The comparative details of these three alternatives in respect of proposed line are as follows: S.N Description Alternative-I Alternative-II Alternative-III 1. Route particulars i. Route Length (km) 115.5 116.20 120.34 ii. Terrain Hilly 100% 100% 100% Plain Nil Nil Nil 2. Environmental details i. Name of District Ri-Bhoi and East Ri-Bhoi and East Ri-Bhoi and East through which the Khasi Hills Khasi Hills Khasi Hills line passes ii. Town in alignment No towns are Nearby towns are Nearby towns are encountered along Byrnihat, Mawngap Byrnihat, Mawngap the corridor. & Shillong, & Shillong, However, nearby towns along the route are Byrnihat, Mawngap & Shillong iii. House within Shall be Shall be Shall be ROW ascertained after ascertained after ascertained after detailed survey detailed survey detailed survey iv. Forest involvement in Nil 26.00ha./ 7.43 Km 45.15 ha./12.9 km Ha/Km IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 18 S.N Description Alternative-I Alternative-II Alternative-III v. Type of Forest Nil Reserved Forest Reserved Forest (RF/PF/Wildlife Area/Elephant (Passes through (Passes through corridor/Biodiversity Nongkhyllem Nongkhyllem Hotspots/Biosphere Wildlife Sanctuary) Wildlife Sanctuary) Reserve/Wetlands or any other environmentally sensitive area. vi. Density of Forests N.A. Dense Dense vii. Type of flora Arcea Nut (Areca Teak(Tectona Teak(Tectona catechu), Teak grandis), Almond grandis), Almond (Tectona grandis), (Terminalia (Terminalia Sal (Shorea myricarpa), Sal myricarpa), Sal robusta), Bamboo (Shorea robusta), (Shorea robusta), (Bambusa Beechwood Beechwood vulgaris), Banana (Gmelina arborea), (Gmelina arborea), (Musa acuminate), Pine (Pinus Pine (Pinus Pineapple khasiana), Red khasiana), Red (Ananas Cedar (Toona Cedar (Toona comosus), Rubber ciliate) Champak ciliate) Champak plant (Ficus (Michelia (Michelia elastica) etc champaca), Pink champaca), Pink Cedar (Acrocarpus Cedar (Acrocarpus froxinifolius), froxinifolius), Elephant Apple Elephant Apple (Dillenia indica), (Dillenia indica), and Bamboo, cane, and Bamboo, cane, orchid, broomgrass orchid, broomgrass etc etc viii. Type of fauna Monitor Lizard Tiger (Panthera Tiger (Panthera (Veranus tigris), Clouded tigris), Clouded benghalensis), leopard (Pardofelis leopard (Pardofelis Sparrow (Passer nebulosa), Asian nebulosa), Asian domesticus), Boar Elephants (Elephas Elephants (Elephas (Sus scrofa maximus), Wild dog maximus), Wild dog cristatus), Jungle (Cuon alpinus), (Cuon alpinus), Cat (Felis chaus), Himalayan Black Himalayan Black Assamese Bear (Ursus thibetan Bear (Ursus thibetan Macaque (Macaca us) Sloth bear us) Sloth bear assamensis), etc (Melursus ursinus), (Melursus ursinus), Assamese macaque Assamese macaque (Macaca (Macaca assamensis), assamensis), Manipur bush-quail Manipur bush-quail (Perdicula (Perdicula manipurensis), manipurensis), Hoolock Hoolock Gibbon (Hylobates Gibbon (Hylobates Hoolock), Slow Hoolock), Slow Loris (Nycticebus Loris (Nycticebus coucang) coucang) IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 19 S.N Description Alternative-I Alternative-II Alternative-III ix. Endangered Nil Various species of Various species of species, if any orchids and orchids and endangered endangered species present in species present in reserved reserved forest/wildlife forest//wildlife sanctuary sanctuary x. Historical/cultural Nil Nil Nil monuments xi. Line is passing Any other relevant A portion of the A portion of the information mostly through line is passing line is passing Jhum cultivated through Hilly through Hilly areas and medium Reserved Reserved dense private Forest/ Forest / forest areas Nongkhyllem Nongkhyllem controlled by Wildlife Wildlife Village Council. Sanctuary area Sanctuary area Alignment is more (4.5 Km (6.0 Km or less parallel to approx.) approx) the existing road (NH-40) 3 Compensation Cost (in Lakhs) i. Crop (Non Forest) Estimated as Estimated as Estimated as Rs.577.5 lakhs @ Rs.543.85 lakhs @ Rs.537.20 lakhs @ Rs.5 Lakhs per Km Rs.5 Lakhs per Km Rs.5 Lakhs per Km ii. Forest (CA+NPV) N.A. Estimated as Estimated as Rs.520.00 lakhs @ Rs.903.00 lakhs @ Rs.20 Lakhs per ha. Rs.20 Lakhs per ha 4. No. of Crossings (Nos.) i. Highway 3 (NH) 2 4 (National/State) ii. Power line 4 2 1 iii. Railway line Nil Nil Nil iv. River crossing 3 3 3 5. Overall Remarks Preferred route as Relatively more Most difficult due to it avoids protected difficult due to longer line length area , easier involvement of involving access due to Nongkhyllem Nongkhyllem proximity to wildlife sanctuary wildlife sanctuary existing road and areas, poor areas, poor also involve less approach roads as approach roads as tree felling it and also involve it and also involve more tree felling more tree felling From the comparative analysis of three alternatives route alignments studied, it is observed that the alternative-I is shorter in length avoiding protected area such as Nongkhyllem wildlife sanctuary/ reserve forest area and mostly pass over the agriculture area/pvt.forest and revenue lands. However, alternative II & III are passing through the Nongkhyllem wildlife sanctuary which may adversely impact wild life in the sanctuary and also involve huge compensation cost and cumbersome environment clearances involved. Although, Alternative-1 passes near to Nongkhyllem Wild life sanctuary at a distance of 1.3-1.6 km from boundary, this section of line is routed parallel to existing IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 20 road i.e. NH- 40 and opposite to wildlife sanctuary which has already undergone disturbance and therefore negligible additional environmental impact is anticipated. Hence, Alternative - I is considered as the most optimized route and recommended for detailed survey. 4.1.3 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES FOR DISTRIBUTION LINES Following distribution lines are proposed under subject schemes; S. N. Name of the Distribution Line Line length (In km) 1 2 x 33 kV line from 33 /11kV Mawpat(New) substation - 6.0 220/132/33 kV New Shillong(New) substation 2 2 x 33 kV line from 33 /11kV Mawpat (New) - 33/11 kV 5.0 SE Falls(existing) substation 3 33 kV line from 33/11 kV New Shillong (New) substation 4.0 - 220/132/33 kV New Shillong(New) substation 4 2 x 33 kV line from 33/11 kV Mawryngkneng (New) 16.6 substation - 220/132/33 kV New Shillong substation(New) 5 LILO of existing 33 kV Jowai - Landnongkrem line at New 3.8 Mawrynkneng 6 33 kV line from 33/11 kV Mawkynrew substation(New)- 7.5 33/11 kV Jongksha substation(Existing) All the distribution lines except at sl no. 4 connect two substations in close vicinity with their line length not exceeding 10 kms and are intended for providing power supply to the predestined areas, thus, having negligible environmental and social impacts. Hence an alternative analysis study is not required. However, for distribution lines at sl. no. 4 having line length of 16.6 kms, details of alternative route alignment study is discussed below. 4.1.4 EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVE ROUTE ALIGNMENT FOR 33 KV LINE FROM 33/11 KV MAWRYNGKNENG (NEW) SUBSTATION TO 220/132/33 KV NEW SHILLONG (NEW) SUBSTATION Three (3) different alignments ( Map-4) were studied with the help of published data and walkover survey/Google imagery to arrive at the most optimum route for detailed survey. The comparative details of these three alternatives in respect of the above mentioned distribution lines are as follows: S.N Description Alternative-I Alternative-II Alternative-III 1. Route particulars i. Route Length (km) 16.6 18.46 19.7 ii. Terrain Hilly 90% 90% 90% Plain 10% 10% 10% 2. Environmental details i. Name of District East Khasi Hills East Khasi Hills East Khasi Hills through which the line passes IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 21 S.N Description Alternative-I Alternative-II Alternative-III ii. Town in No major towns. The route touches The route touches alignment However it touches Umsawli, Madan Umsawli, Madan some villages & Saisiej, Lumkseh, Saisiej, Lumkseh, semi urban areas. Ryngksaw and Sohalaper and Umsawli, Thangshlai Mawryngkneng Mawryngkneng Umroh, Mawpdang, Mawryngkneng, Tynring, iii. House within Shall be ascertained Shall be ascertained Shall be ascertained ROW after detailed survey after detailed survey after detailed survey iv. Forest involvement Nil Nil Nil in Ha/km v. Type of Forest N.A. N.A. N.A. (RF/PF/ Wildlife Area/Elephant corridor/Biodiversity Hotspots/Biosphere Reserve/Wetlands or any other environmentally sensitive area. vi. Density of Forests N.A. N.A. N.A. vii. Type of flora Arcea Nut (Areca Arcea Nut (Areca Arcea Nut (Areca catechu), Teak catechu), Teak catechu), Teak (Tectona grandis), (Tectona grandis), (Tectona grandis), Sal (Shorea Sal (Shorea Sal (Shorea robusta), Bamboo robusta), Bamboo robusta), Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris), (Bambusa (Bambusa Banana (Musa vulgaris), Banana vulgaris), Banana acuminate), (Musa acuminate), (Musa acuminate), Pineapple ( Ananas Pineapple ( Pineapple ( comosus) etc Ananas comosus) Ananas comosus) etc etc viii. Type of fauna Monitor Lizard Monitor Lizard Monitor Lizard (Veranus (Veranus (Veranus benghalensis), benghalensis), benghalensis), Sparrow (Passer Sparrow (Passer Sparrow (Passer domesticus), Boar domesticus), Boar domesticus), Boar (Sus scrofa cristatus), (Sus scrofa (Sus scrofa Assamese Macaque cristatus), cristatus), (Macaca Assamese Macaque Assamese Macaque assamensis), Grey (Macaca (Macaca Peacock Pheasant assamensis), Grey assamensis), Grey (Polyplectron Peacock Pheasant Peacock Pheasant bicalcaratum) etc (Polyplectron (Polyplectron bicalcaratum) etc bicalcaratum) etc ix. Endangered Nil Nil Nil species, if any x. Historical/cultural Nil Nil Nil monuments IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 22 S.N Description Alternative-I Alternative-II Alternative-III xi. Any Line other is mostly A portion of the line A portion of the line relevant passing through is passing through is passing through information agricultural land plantation area plantation area having medium having medium tree cover tree cover 3 Compensation Cost (in Lakhs) iii. Crop (Non Forest) Estimated Rs. 8.3 Estimated Rs. 9.23 Estimated Rs. 9.85 lakhs @ 0.5 Lakhs lakhs @ 0.5 Lakhs lakhs @ 0.5 Lakhs per Km per Km per Km iv. Forest (CA+NPV) N.A. N.A. N.A. 4. No. of Crossings (Nos.) v. Highway 3 1 Nil (National/State) vi. Power line Nil Nil Nil vii. Railway line Nil Nil Nil viii. River crossing Nil Nil Nil 5. Overall Remarks Shortest line length Line is mostly Longest in line and easy passing through length and difficult approachability as areas having some accessibility due to the route is parallel plantation and thus non-availability of to existing road. It involve tree felling existing road/path also involve less tree and approachability and also involve felling as the line is is difficult due to more tree felling as passing through non-availability of the route passing agricultural land existing road/path through plantation area From the above comparative analysis of three alternative route alignments, it is observed that Alternative-I is shorter in length than Alternative-II and Alternative-III, mostly passing over agriculture/ revenue land and is well approachable from the existing roads. Since, the route is passing over agriculture / revenue land, it is likely to have minimum tree felling and fewer RoW problems. Alternative - I is considered as the most optimized route and recommended for detailed survey. 4.1.5 SUBSTATION: For substation site selection also analysis of 2-3 alternatives sites is usually carried out based on environment and social aspects and technical requirement. Such analysis considers various site specific parameters that include availability of infrastructure facilities such as access roads, water, distance from railheads, type of land (Government/ revenue/private land); social impacts such as number of families getting affected; Common Property Resources (CPR) including feasibility of acquisition. The finalization of substation land is done based on above analysis and site visit/verification. The social aspects are provided due weightage after technical requirement in decision making for selection/finalization of land for substation. It may be noted that in the instant case land for all the proposed substations are already identified for purchase on willing seller–willing buyer basis and therefore, the said exercise is not of much relevance for proposed project as the consent of owner is major criteria in addition to technical feasibility. As per the provisions of ESPPF, all land IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 23 donations2 and direct purchases will be subject to a review/ approval by a broad based committee comprising representatives of different sections including those from the IA and Govt. of Meghalaya (GoMe). Table 4.1: Status of land availability for proposed Substations S. Name of Area Location Surrounding Accessibility Land Status N. Substation (acre) 1. 220/132/3 10.0 The proposed land Clear land with The location is just Land 3 kV GIS (owned is located adjacent few shrubs. No adjacent to the identified. substation by 3 to the road towards habitations/ road towards Rate (New) at persons) NEIGRIHMS, IIM structure in the NEIGRIHMS, IIM. finalized New which bifurcates immediate Accessibility to site with the Shillong from the Shillong surroundings. is available from landowners by pass road at a However sparse two side and hence for private distance of 5 km. habitation found no new approach purchase Proposed location south western road/access road is having gentle side is required slope with elevation of 1380 Meter. Co-ordinates: 25º36’47.90”N, 91 º56’38.85” E 2. Upgradati NA Existing Mawngap NA NA Land is in on of substation possession 220/132 of MePTCL kV GIS Co-ordinates: substation 25º27’46.42”N, at 91 º45’38.89” E Mawngap 3. Extension NA Existing Byrnihat NA NA Land is in of 220 kV substation possession substation Co-ordinates: of MePTCL at 26º04’49.48”N, Byrnihat 91 º50’40.34” E 4. 33/11kV 1.0 The land is located No immediate Location is just Purchase of (New) acre adjacent to habitation adjacent Shillong- land on substation {Land Shillong-Umsawli nearby Umsawli road. Lease basis at belongs road and is Surrounding by However, access under Mawpat to New opposite to National road of 30 m. may progress Shillong National Institute of Institute of be required. with NSTDA Township Fashion Fashion Dev. Technology which Technology one Agency is part of New side on one side (NSTDA)} Shillong Townsip and a stream on Co-ordinates: the other side 25º36’40.27”N, 91º57’08.12”E 5. 33/11 kV 1.0 acre The land is located No immediate Location is near to Purchase of (New) {Land near Makawsiang habitation/ Makawsiang – land on substation belongs village along structure nearby Umroh road and Lease basis at New to New Makawsiang – accessible through under 2 Not applicable in the instant case IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 24 Shillong Shillong Umroh which is a Kacha road, progress Township part of New However, its with NSTDA Dev. Shillong Township strengthening. Agency Co-ordinates: may be required. (NSTDA)} 25º36’18.72”N, 91º58’03.84”E 6. 33/11 kV 0.61 The land is located Some sparse Location is close to Land (New) acres outskirt of habitation along NH-44 and the identified. substation (owned Mawryngkneng NH and proposed site is Rate at by one and just adjacent to campus of Block accessible through finalized Mawryng person NH-44 Development a Kacha road, with the kneng only) Co-ordinates: Office However, its landowners 25º33’01.98”N, strengthening. for private 92º02’52.19”E may be required. purchase 7. 33/11 kV 1.17 The land is located No habitations Proposed site is Land (New) acres outskirt of Umtong in the immediate accessible through identified. substation (owned village and along surroundings. a Kacha road from Rate at by one the Jongksha- However sparse Jongksha-Shillong finalized Mawkynr person Shillong road habitation found road , However, its with the ew only) Co-ordinates: North eastern strengthening. landowners 25º25’09.11”N, side may be required for private 92º00’03.36”E purchase Further Details about proposed substation land have been provided in Section –5.0 (i). IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 25 SECTION – V: POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS, THEIR EVALUATION AND MANAGEMENT 5.0 IMPACT DUE TO PROJECT LOCATION AND DESIGN Environmental impacts of Transmission & Distribution (T & D) projects are not far reaching and are mostly localized to RoW (refer Table- 5.1). Actual 132 KV line including tower on ground along with RoW and extent of impact on land/vegetation is placed as Fig.-1 & 1a while Fig.2 depicts the base of 33 kV distribution line (Single & H pole). However, T & D projects have some effects on natural and socio-culture resources. These impacts can be minimized by careful route selection. In order to get latest information and further optimization of route, modern survey techniques/tools like GIS, GPS aerial photography are also applied. Introduction of GIS and GPS in route selection results in access to updated/latest information, through satellite images and further optimization of route having minimal environmental impact. Moreover, availability of various details, constraints like topographical and geotechnical details, forest and environmental details etc. help in planning the effective mitigative measures including engineering variations depending upon the site situation/location. In the instant scheme also these techniques are used and detail survey using GIS/GPS is under progress. Although, all possible measures have been taken during the finalization of route alignment for the proposed transmission and distribution line but due to peculiarity of terrain and demography of the area where project is being implemented, some environmental impacts may be there. The explanations in brief with regard to specific environment review criteria based on preliminary survey are as follows: Table- 5.1: RoW Width & Clearance between Conductors and Trees Transmission Voltage Max. RoW (In Meters) Min. Clearance (in Meters) between conductor & Trees 220 kV 35 4.6 132 kV 27 4.0 33 kV 15 2.8 As per IS:5613 and MoEF guidelines finalized in consultation with CEA (i) Resettlement Land is required for a) construction of substations and b) erection of transmission lines. In general requirement of land area for substation varies from 0.3 acres (for 33 kV) to 10 acres (220 kV) depending upon voltage levels and no. of bays. In the instant scheme additional land for upgradation of 220/132 kV GIS substation at Mawngap and 220kV substation at Byrnihat is already available with MePTCL. However, fresh land is only required for establishment of one new 220/132/33 kV substation at New Shillong and four new 33/11 kV substations at Mawpat, New Shillong, Mawryngkneng & Mawkynrew for which MePTCL/MePDCL has already identified/surveyed the land and rate negotiation with landowners for purchase on willing-buyer willing-share basis on market/negotiated rate is underway. As all land being acquired through private purchase with owner consent and on negotiated rate, R & R will not be an issue in the instant subprojects. Photograph showing proposed substations land & its location is placed at Plate-1. IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 26 In respect of (b), no permanent acquisition is envisaged. Land for tower and right of way is not acquired as agricultural activities can continue. A Typical plan of transmission line tower footing indicating the above position with extent of damage and area of influence are depicted in Fig.-3 & 3a respectively. As described earlier all measures are undertaken by MePTCL/MePDCL at the line routing stage itself to avoid settlements such as cities, villages etc. It may be seen from the above description of proposed route alignments and also keeping in mind that no permanent acquisition of land is involved for tower foundation as per existing law, these subprojects don’t require any resettlement of villagers. However, some temporary damages/ disturbances can happen. Same will be compensated by the project under Compensation Plan for Temporary Damage (CPTD) to minimize the damages and provide compensation for temporary damages in consultation with the state government and affected persons and/ or community. The project is being implemented in the tribal areas governed by Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) as per the provisions of Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. It may be noted that all social issues shall be dealt separately in accordance with the provisions of Social Management Framework3 (SMF, A-C), placed in the ESPPF of MePTCL/MePDCL. (ii) Land value depreciation Based on past experience land prices are generally expected to rise in the areas receiving power. Generally transmission lines pass through uninhabited area, agriculture fields and forests, where the land-use is not going to change in foreseeable future. Therefore, the value of land will not be adversely affected to a significant degree. However, distribution lines are primarily intended to provide power supply to populated area which will boost the economic status as well as land price of the area, thus, outweighing possible negative impacts, if any. (iii) Historical/cultural monuments/value As per the policy of route selection, only that route alignment is finalized which avoids all the historical and cultural monuments. As per the preliminary assessment carried out during finalization of route alignment in consultation with State revenue authorities and ASI, no such monuments are coming in the proposed route alignments. Utmost care shall be taken during detailed survey to avoid such areas. However, during excavation, if any treasure, archaeological artifacts are found the same shall be intimated in writing to Collector/Archaeology department as per the provisions of Section-4 of “Indian Treasure Trove Act, 1878 as amended in 1949”. The Collector shall initiate further action for its safe custody or its shifting to Treasury/ Secure place. The construction activity may be suspended temporarily during this process. (iv) Lines into precious ecological areas As already explained all precautions have been taken to avoid routing of line through forest and protected areas like national park/sanctuaries. In the instant scheme, Forest 3 SMF has 3 main elements: One, RAP for involuntary land acquisitions; Two, CPTD for poles/ towers; and Three, Tribal People Development Framework IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 27 area covered under Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 has been completely avoided with careful selection of route alignment. However, certain areas having vegetation under control of community/village councils prevalent in Meghalaya state may be encountered. As specified in EMP4 (refer clause- 9) suitable mitigation measures like minimizing RoW requirement, use of existing tower, use of tall or extended tower etc, wherever feasible, will be undertaken to minimize the loss of vegetation. Further, protected area like wildlife sanctuary, national parks, biosphere reserves etc. have also been avoided completely. However, reference in EMP is maintained to address the issues in case of any eventuality and shall be appropriately addressed during Final Environment Assessment Report (FEAR). (v) Lines into other valuable lands Impacts on agricultural land will be restricted to the construction phase and when large- scale maintenance measures are required. The proposed transmission line will pass mostly through agricultural fields. As per existing law, land for tower/pole and right of way is not acquired and agricultural activities are allowed to continue after construction activity and MePTCL / MePDCL pays compensation for all damages including cost of land below tower to its owner. In areas where transmission lines will traverse through agricultural land, compensation will be paid to owners for any crop damage incurred as a result of construction activities. MePTCL / MePDCL field staff will consult affected villagers and local revenue dept. and apprise them about the project and tower location, which shall be erected in the agricultural land, for compensation. Revenue dept. after evaluating the land loss due to construction activity and crop damages based on productivity of land arrives at the compensation cost which is paid to farmer. Agricultural activities will be allowed to continue following the construction period. If bunds or other on-farm works are disturbed during construction or maintenance, they will be restored to the owner's satisfaction following cessation of construction or maintenance activities. In the event that private trees are felled during construction or maintenance operations, compensation will be paid to the owner in an amount determined by the estimated loss of products from the tree over an eight year period (for fruit bearing trees). Agricultural lands under private ownership will be identified, and compensation will be paid to the affected villagers as per the entitlement matrix of CPTD as described in Annexure -3 (B) of the ESPPF. The procedure for providing compensation is described in Annexure-1. Budgetary provision of Rs. 598.95 lakhs is made in the cost estimate to meet these expenses. (vi) Interference with other utilities and traffic As per regulations enacted by Government of India, it is mandatory for MePTCL / MePDCL to seek clearance prior to construction from department of Railways, Telecommunications and wherever necessary from aviation authorities that are likely to be affected by the construction of transmission lines. The transmission lines affect nearby telecommunication circuits by causing electrical interference. A standing committee -- Power Telecom Co-ordination Committee (P.T.C.C.) has been constituted by Government of India to plan and implement the mitigating measures for the induced voltage which may occur to nearby telecom circuit and suggest necessary protection measures to be adopted. The committee suggests measures like rerouting of the 4 Environment Management Plan (EMP) is placed at Table -6.1 IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 28 telecom circuits, conversion of overhead telecom circuits into cables etc. to minimize the interference. The cost of such measures is determined by the Committee on the basis of prevailing norms and guidelines. Though the exact cost to mitigate the impacts of induction in neighboring telecom circuits would vary from case to case, the cost on an average works out to be Rs.50000/- per km. Provision to meet these expenses has been made in the cost estimate for transmission lines proposed under the instant scheme. The major connectivity to subproject districts is NH-40 which is the main lifeline of State as it occupies a very strategic position, serving the development needs of surrounding areas, while linking it with other parts of the country. Considering the high traffic load , NHAI has recently undertaken the widening/upgradation work of for safe and smooth movement of traffic in this stretch. The main approach road for accessing the construction sites including five substations is directly through NH or by connecting district roads/ village roads as all proposed substation sites are situated just close to NH (within a distance of 50 m -15km). Though the traffic density is little high due it strategic position, we don’t foresee any steep rise in volume of traffic due to mobilization for said projects. Wherever transmission & distribution line crosses the railways, clearance is taken from that department. In general, the system is planned and executed in such a way that adequate clearance is maintained between transmission lines on the one hand, and railways, civil aviation and defense installations on the other. Wherever the transmission lines pass by the airports the towers beyond specified height are painted in alternate orange and white stripes for easy visibility and warning lights are placed atop these towers. (vii) Interference with drainage pattern As the transmission & distribution lines are constructed aerially and the blockage of ground surface is limited to area of tower footings, which is very small, there is little possibility of affecting drainage pattern. Moreover, the transmission lines proposed under the subject scheme don’t not involve any tower to be placed in river beds for river crossing. However, management measures as specified in EMP (refer clause - 5 & 12) like appropriate siting of towers shall be undertaken during detailed alignment survey and design to avoid any incidence of flooding hazards of loss of agricultural production due to interference with drainage patterns or irrigation channels. In the infrequent instances where the natural flow/drainage is affected, flow will be trained and guided to safe zones. In case of substations, all drainage channels along or inside substations shall be trained and connected to main or existing drainage to avoid any erosion due to uncontrolled flow of water. 5.1 ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS DUE TO DESIGN (i) Escape of polluting materials The equipments installed on lines and substations are static in nature and do not generate any fumes or waste materials. However, detailed specification with respect to equipment design and substation sewage design has been included in tender document to avoid any incidence of land and water contamination. Apart from this, solid waste like IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 29 packing materials, cables, aluminum conductor, sand, aggregate material, cements and steel generated during construction is carefully handled and removed from site. (ii) Explosion/fire hazards During the survey and site selection for transmission lines, and substations, it has been ensured that these are kept away from oil/gas pipelines and other sites with potential for creating explosions or fires. Fires due to flashover from lines can be a more serious problem in forest. However, adequate safety measures shall be taken to avoid such incidence and have been included in EMP (refer clause – 15, 23 & 52). Besides this, forest authorities also incorporate measures like making fire lines to prevent spreading of fire in the affected forest area. Apart from this, states of art safety instruments are installed in the substations at both the ends, so that, the line gets tripped within milliseconds in case of any fault. (iii) Erosion hazards due to inadequate provision for resurfacing of exposed area Construction of 220 kV/132kV line involves only small scale excavation of area i.e. 3m L x 3m W x 3m H for tower footing that may result in generation of 108 m3 of excavated material from each tower. In case of 220/132/33 kV substation foundation, excavation of soil to the tune of 7500 m3 is required depending on site condition. Similarly, in case of 33 KV line, soil excavation is limited to 0.72 m3 for each pole, and for 33/11 KV sub- station, excavation of around 2000 m3 is required. It is estimated that a total of approx. 57928 m3 ( 390 x 108 + 7500X1 + 429 x 0.72 + 4X2000) of excavated materials will be generated for construction of 108 nos of tower, 1 no of 220/132/33 KV substation, 360 nos of poles and 4 nos of 33/11 KV sub-stations proposed under present scheme. However, most of these excavated materials (about 80-90%) will be used for re-filling after construction work is over and remaining materials will be disposed properly as detailed out in EMP(refer clause - 25, 26 & 28). Moreover, the topsoil disturbed during the development of sites will be stored properly and used to restore the top surface of the platform. Left over infertile and rocky material will be dumped at carefully selected dumping areas and used as fill for foundations and leveling. Excavation in the hilly areas is avoided in rainy days. In hill slopes and erosion prone soils, internationally accepted engineering practices including bio-engineering techniques, wherever, feasible shall be undertaken to prevent soil erosion thereby reducing the possibility of any erosion of exposed area due to construction activity. (iv) Environmental aesthetics Since spacing between the towers/poles in case of 220/132 kV transmission & 33 kV distribution lines is approx. 300 meters and 100 respectively, these will not affect the visual aesthetics of the localities particularly when it is ensured to route the lines as far away from the localities as possible. MePTCL / MePDCL takes up plantation of trees to buffer the visual effect around its substations and to provide better living conditions. Wherever MePTCL/ MePDCL feels it appropriate, discussions will be held with local Forest Department officials to determine feasibility of planting trees along roads running parallel to transmission/distribution lines to buffer visual effect in these areas. In addition, towers may be painted grey or green to merge with the background. (v) Noise/vibration nuisances IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 30 The equipment installed at substation are mostly static and are so designed that the noise level always remains within permissible limits i.e. 85 dB as per Indian standards. The noise levels reported during normal operating conditions are about 60 to 70 dB at 2 m. distance from the equipment. To contain the noise level within the permissible limits whenever noise level increases beyond permissible limits, measures like providing sound and vibration dampers and rectification of equipment are undertaken. In addition, plantations of sound absorbing species like Casuarinas, Tamarind, and Neem are raised at the substations that reduce the sound level appreciably. (vi) Blockage of Wildlife passage The proposed transmission & distribution lines are passing mostly through agricultural land, wasteland etc. Since there are no protected areas, migration path of wildlife like elephant corridors exist in the proposed route alignment, possibility of any disturbance to wild life is not anticipated. Another phenomenon reported in some places viz. Bird hit/electrocution by electric lines during landing and takeoff near the water bodies, fly path of birds is also not envisaged in the instant case due to routing of line away from such areas. 5.2 ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS DURING CONSTRUCTION PHASE (i) Uncontrolled silt runoff As already explained, during construction limited quantity of excavated material will be generated from tower/pole foundations and substation foundation. However, adequate measures shall be taken to store excavated materials properly for refilling after construction is over. In hill slopes and erosion prone soils, internationally accepted engineering practices including bio-engineering techniques, wherever, feasible shall be undertaken to prevent soil erosion. Moreover, excavation in the hilly areas is avoided in rainy days. Hence, uncontrolled silt run off is not anticipated. (ii) Nuisance to nearby properties As already described in preceding paras, during site selection due care is taken to keep the lines and substations away from settlements. Further, all the construction activities will be undertaken through the use of small mechanical devices e.g. tractors and manual labour, therefore nuisance to the nearby properties if any, is not expected. Since all construction related activities for new substations shall be confined to existing substations which are already inaccessible for general public due to its separation/demarcation by the boundary wall. Moreover, such areas are declared as prohibited for general public as per the provisions of Electricity Act. Hence, any adverse impact arising during the construction of these substations will be temporary and limited to the boundaries of existing substations only and will neither impact nearby habitat/property nor health & safety of neighboring community (iii) Interference with utilities and traffic and blockage of access way Since all the locations of subprojects are not well connected through rail link, transportation of construction materials will be mostly through road network. Access to the site will be along existing roads or village paths; minor improvements to paths may be made where necessary, but no major construction of roads will be necessary either during construction or as a part of maintenance procedures. In case, access road is not IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 31 available at some places, existing field/path may be utilized and compensation for any damage to crop or field is paid to the owner. As and when a transmission & distribution line crosses any road/ railways line, adequate care/caution is taken so as not to cause any hindrance to the movement of traffic. Stringing at the construction stage is carried out during lean traffic period in consultation with the concerned authorities and angle towers are planted to facilitate execution of work in different stages. Apart from this, safety precaution like barricading of work area and placement of visible signage shall be undertaken to avoid any unforeseen incident. (iv) Inadequate resurfacing for erosion control Since, the towers/poles for the proposed transmission and distribution lines are to be constructed mostly in hilly area due care will be taken to control erosion. If due to terrain at some points towers/poles may be placed on slopes and erosion prone soils, internationally accepted engineering practices including bio-engineering techniques, wherever, feasible shall be undertaken to prevent soil erosion. This will include cutting and filling slopes wherever necessary. The back cut slopes and downhill slopes will be treated with revetments. As explained above adequate steps shall be taken to resurface the area after construction. Wherever sites are affected by active erosion or landslides, both biological and engineering treatment will be carried out, e.g. provision of breast walls and retaining walls, and sowing soil binding grasses around the site. Further, construction is generally undertaken in dry/non-monsoon period. (v) Inadequate disposition of borrow area As mentioned earlier the tower/pole foundations involve excavations on small scale basis and the excavated soil is utilized for back filling. In case of substations, generally the sites are selected in such a manner that the volume of cutting is equal to volume of filling avoiding borrowing of the area. As such acquisition/opening of borrow area is not needed. (vi) Protection of Worker's health/safety All health and safety issues and its management aspects are integral part of project/contract specific safety plan ( Annexure-2) which is also part of contract condition. Various aspects such as work and safety regulations, workmen's compensation, insurance are adequately covered under the General Conditions of Contract (GCC), a part of bidding documents. Project is executed as per the approved plan and is regularly monitored by dedicated Safety personnel. Moreover, for strict compliance of safety standard/plan a special provision as a deterrent has been added in the contract which provides for a heavy penalty of Rs.10 lakhs for each accidental death and Rs1.0 lakh/each for any injury and is deducted from the contractor’s payment and paid to the deceased/affected family (Annexure – 3). MePTCL/MePDCL maintain safety as a top priority and have framed guidelines/checklist for workers’ safety as its personnel are exposed to live EHV apparatus and transmission/distribution lines. These guidelines/checklists include work permits and safety precautions for work on the transmission and distribution lines both during construction and operation (Annexure-4) and are regularly monitored by site in- IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 32 charge. In addition training is imparted to the workers in fire fighting and safety measures. Standard safety tools like helmet, safety belt, gloves etc. are provided to them in accordance to the provisions of Safety Rules. First aid facilities will be made available with the labour gangs, and doctors called in from nearby towns when necessary. The number of outside (skilled) labourers will be quite small, of the order of 25-30 people per group and remaining workforce of unskilled labourers will be comprised of mostly local people. As per policy/norms preference shall be given to the eligible local labor having required skills a specific clause has been incorporated in contract conditions (refer clause- 22.2.1 of GCC) for compliance of same by Contractor. Workers are also covered by the statutory Workmen (Compensation) Act. Regular health checkups are conducted for construction workers. The construction sites and construction workers’ houses will be disinfected regularly if required. In order to minimize/checking of spread of socially transmitted diseases e.g. HIV/AIDS etc. MePTCL / MePDCL will conduct awareness building programs on such issues for the construction workers. 5.3 ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS RESULTING FROM OPERATION (i) O&M Staff/Skills less than acceptable resulting in variety of adverse effects The O& M program is normally implemented by substation personnel for both the lines as well as substations. Monitoring measures employed include patrolling and thermo- vision scanning. The supervisors and managers entrusted with O&M responsibilities are intensively trained for necessary skills and expertise for handling these aspects. A monthly preventive maintenance program will be carried out to disclose problems related to cooling oil, gaskets, circuit breakers, vibration measurements, contact resistance, con- densers, air handling units, electrical panels and compressors. Any sign of soil erosion is also reported and rectified. Monitoring results are published monthly, including a report of corrective action taken and a schedule for future action. MePTCL / MePDCL following the best international practices while designing its system to maintain acceptable prescribed EMF level. The approved international standards and design, which The ICNIRP guideline for the general public (up to 24 hours a day) is a maximum exposure level of 1,000 mG or 100 T. Further, because of issues relating to need to ensure health and safety relating to the line such as fire safety, safe voltages on metallic parts of buildings, and safety clearances to avoid flashover, the transmission lines will not pass directly over any residential properties and as such the potential for EMF effects to occur will be further diminished. As regard control of SF6 leak it may be noted that present standard of SF6 gas leakage from GIS substation is 0.5% per year. This aspect has been adequately addressed in tender document under Clause 4.9 of Technical Specification Part-I: “The maximum SF6 gas leakage shall not exceed 0.5% (half percent) per year for the whole equipment and for any individual gas compartment separately. The SF6 gas leakage should not exceed 0.5% per year and the leakage rate shall be guaranteed for at least 10 years”. Apart from this, SF6 management is also incorporated in EMP (refer clause - 45) IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 33 Poly Chlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) due to its high heat capacity, low flammability and low electrical conductivity was extensively used as insulating material in capacitors and transformers. But after the finding that these PCBs are non-biodegradable and has carcinogenic tendency, its use in electrical equipments as insulating medium has been banned all over the world long back. However, it has been reported in some studies that chances of contamination of oil with PCB is possible. Keeping that in mind, MePTCL / MePDCL has discontinued procurement electrical equipments containing PCB more than 2 mg/kg and specification (as per IEC 61619 or ASTM D4059) is being stated in the tender document. Moreover, the subject scheme doesn’t involve replacement of any PCB containing equipment, hence no disposal of such equipment is anticipated. 5.4 CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW CRITERIA (i) Loss of irreplaceable resources The T & D projects do not involve any large scale excavation. In transmission line land is affected to the extent 144 sq. m below the tower base for which compensation is paid to land owner. However, loss of land is insignificant due to erection of pole for distribution line. Moreover, the subject transmission and distribution lines are not passing through any forest area, hence the problem of losing natural resources is not envisaged. (ii) Accelerated use of resources for short-term gains The subprojects will not be making use of any natural resources occurring in the area during construction as well as maintenance phases. The construction material such as tower parts, cement etc shall come from factories while the excavated soil shall be used for backfilling to restore the surface. During construction of transmission/distribution line, very small quantity of water is required which is met from nearby existing source or through takers. However, for substation water requirement is met mostly by ground water derived by digging a borewell during construction as well as for operational stage. Moreover, provision of rain water harvesting in all new proposed substations under the present scheme has been made to conserve precious water resources and enhance the ground water level. Hence, it may be seen that the activities associated with implementation of subject project shall not cause any accelerated use of resources for short term gain. (iii) Endangering of species As described earlier, no endangered species of flora and fauna exist in the subprojects area is getting affected thus there is no possibility of endangering/ causing extinction of any species. (iv) Promoting undesirable rural-to urban migration The subprojects will not cause any submergence or loss of land holdings that normally trigger migration. It also does not involve acquisition of any private land holdings. Hence, there is no possibility of any migration. 5.5 PUBLIC CONSULTATION : Public consultation/information is an integral part of the project implementation. Public is informed about the project at every stage of execution. During survey also MePTCL / IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 34 MePDCL site officials meet people and inform them about the routing of transmission lines. During the construction, every individual, on whose land tower is erected and people affected by RoW, are consulted. Apart from this, Public consultation using different technique like Public Meetings, Small Group Meetings, Informal Meetings are also carried out during different activities of project cycle. During such consultation the public are informed about the project in general and in particular about the following:  Complete project plan (i.e. its route and terminating point and substations, if any, in between);  Design standards in relation to approved international standards;  Health impacts in relation to EMF;  Measures taken to avoid public utilities such as school, hospitals, etc.;  Other impacts associated with transmission lines and MePTCL/MePDCL approach to minimizing and solving them;  Compensation process for trees and crop damages. In the instant project many group meetings were organized (informally and formally) in different villages where the interventions are likely to happen. Village women folk have actively participated in these meetings. Of the total participants, women constitute around 30%. Such consultation culminated in Public meeting organized at Byrnihat and Umium on 12th Sept.’14 & 19th Sept.’14 respectively for proposed transmission & distribution lines under the scheme in the first phase. During the Public consultation the details of line and its importance were explained to the villagers by the officials of MePTCL/MePDCL and POWERGRID. The consultation was arranged in interactive way and queries routing of line avoiding heavily populated area/houses, crop/tree compensation engagement of local people in construction activity etc were replied. The initiative was appreciated by the villagers and they assured to extend their cooperation for construction of the said subprojects. The process of such consultation shall continue during project implementation and even during O&M stage. Details of above public consultation including photographs of the meeting and minutes of meeting are enclosed as Annexure-5. 5.6 CONCLUSIONS: As it is clear from the above discussion that though the region is rich in natural resources, by careful route selection following the principle of avoidance, ecologically sensitive areas like National Park / Wildlife Sanctuaries as well as forests have been avoided completely. Since, the subject project area experiences acute shortage of power, the project will directly benefit the locals in meeting their energy needs. The infrastructural constraints are very real and pose a limiting factor on the development of the area. The availability of power will also strengthen the basic infrastructure in the area, which is essential for development of the area. Thus the project in long run will bring much needed development in the area and significantly improve living standard of the locals. The above facts while on the one hand underline the need for implementation of the subject scheme for overall development of the area and on other hand suggests that a detailed EIA may not be necessary as per the provisions of existing regulations. Further, a detailed Final Environmental Assessment Report (FEAR) listing action/measures adopted for mitigation of possible environmental impacts, details of IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 35 environment/forest clearance (if required), EMP implementation, monitoring details etc. shall be compiled and submitted to Bank (refer Annexure- 6 for content of FEAR). SECTION – VI: PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENT & MONITORING 6.0 ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENT FOR PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION Ministry of Power (MoP), GoI has appointed POWERGRID as Design cum Implementation Supervision Consultant (i.e. Project Management Consultant-PMC) and now redesignated as Implementing Agency (IA). However, the ownership of the assets shall be with respective State government or State Utilities, which upon progressive commissioning shall be handed over to them for taking care of Operation and Maintenance of assets. The arrangement for monitoring and reviewing of project from the perspective of environment and social management will form part of overall arrangements for project management and implementation environment. Following implementation arrangement has been proposed at different levels for smooth implementation of this project; Central Project Implementation Unit (CPIU) - A body responsible for coordinating the preparation and implementation of the project and shall be housed within the IA’s offices at Guwahati. The “Project-In-Charge” of IA & Head of each of the SPCU shall be a member of CPIU. State Project Coordination Unit (SPCU) – A body formed by the Utility and responsible for coordinating with IA in preparing and implementing the project at the State level. It consist of experts across different areas from the Utility and shall be headed by an officer of the rank not below Chief Engineer, from the Utility. Project Implementation Unit (PIU) – A body formed by the IA, including members of Utility on deputation, and responsible for implementing the Project across the State, with its personnel being distributed over work site & working in close association with the SPCU/ CPIU. PIU report to State level “Project Manager” nominated by the Project-in- Charge of IA. The IA will have a Core team stationed at the CPIU on permanent basis and other IA officers (with required skills) will visit as and when required by this core team. This team shall represent IA and shall be responsible for all coordination with SPCU, PIU, within IA and MoP, GoI. CPIU shall also assist MoP, GoI in monitoring project progress and in its coordination with The Bank. 6.1 REVIEW OF PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION PROGRESS To enable timely implementation of the project/subprojects, following committee has been setup to review the progress; A. Joint Co-ordination Committee (JCC): IA and SPCU nominate their representatives in a body called JCC to review the project. IA shall specify quarterly IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 36 milestones or targets, which shall be reviewed by JCC through a formal monthly review meeting. This meeting forum shall be called as Joint Co-ordination Committee Meeting (JCCM).The IA shall convene & keep a record of every meeting. MoP, GoI and The Bank may join as and when needed. Minutes of the meeting will be shared with all concerned and if required, with GoI and The Bank. B. High Power Committee (HPC): The Utility in consultation with its State Government shall arrange to constitute a High Power Committee (HPC) consisting of high level officials from the Utility, State/ District Administration, Law enforcement agencies, Forest Department. etc. so that various permission/ approvals/ consents/ clearances etc. are processed expeditiously so as to reach the benefits of the Project to the end consumers. HPC shall meet on bimonthly basis or earlier, as per requirement. This forum shall be called as High Power Committee Meeting (HPCM) and the SPCU shall keep a record of every meeting. Minutes of the meeting will be shared with all concerned and if required, with GoI and The Bank. C. Contractor’s Review Meeting (CRM): Periodic Review Meeting will be held by officials of PIU with Contractors at field offices, State Head Quarters (PIU location) and if required with core team of IA at Guwahati. These shall be called “Contractor’s Review Meeting” (CRM). PIU shall keep a record of all CRMs, which shall be shared with all concerned and if required, with GoI and The Bank. D. A review will be held among MoP, GoI, The Bank, State Government., Utility and IA, at four (4) months interval or earlier if needed, primarily to maintain oversight at the top level and also to debottleneck issues that require intervention at GoI/ State Government level. Minutes of the meeting shall be prepared by IA and shared with all concerned. 6.2 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING IN UTILITY: Monitoring is a continuous process for MePTCL/MePDCL projects at all the stages, be it the site selection, construction or maintenance. The success of MePTCL/MePDCL lies in its strong monitoring systems. Apart from the Field In-Charge reviewing the progress on daily basis regular project review meetings are held at least on monthly basis at corporate level wherein apart from construction issues the environmental aspects of the projects are discussed and remedial measures taken wherever required. The exceptions of these meetings are submitted to the Directors and Chairman and Managing Director of the Corporation. The progress of various on-going projects is also informed to the Board of Directors. MePTCL/MePDCL has formed a separate cell at the Circle office level namely Environment and Social Management Unit (ESMU) headed by Chief Engineer (Transmission/Distribution) for proper implementation and monitoring of environmental & social management measures. MePTCL/MePDCL organization support structure is depicted in Exhibit - 3. Key responsibilities of the ESMU are follows:  Coordinating environmental and social commitments and initiatives with various multilateral agencies, GoMe and MoEF. IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 37  Coordination of all environmental activities related to a project from conceptualization to operation and maintenance stage.  Advising and coordinating /Site office to carry out environmental and social surveys and route alignment for new projects.  Advising site offices to follow-up with the state forest offices and other state departments for expediting forest clearances and other E & S issues of various projects.  Providing a focal point for interaction with the MoEF for expediting forest clearances  Training of Circle and Site officials on E & S issues arising out of Transmission/ Distribution projects and their management plan.  Training of other departments to familiarize them with the ESPP document. As regards monitoring of impacts on ecological resources particularly in Forest, Sanctuary or National Park, it is generally done by the concerned Divisional Forest Officer, Chief Wildlife Warden and their staff as a part of their normal duties. As no forest area is involved in the instant project such monitoring/provision shall not be applicable to proposed project. A detailed Environment Management Plan (EMP) including monitoring plan for all possible environmental and social impacts and their proper management has been drawn ( Table- 6.1) and will be implemented during various stages of project execution. Since many provisions of EMP are to be implemented by contractor, hence, for proper monitoring EMP has been included in the contract document. A budget estimate towards tree/crop/tower base compensation and EMP implementation is prepared and is placed at Annexure-7. A summary of the same is presented below: Sr. No. Budgetary Head Amount (Rs. Lakhs) 1 Forest compensation Nil 2 Tree & Crop Compensation 598.95 3 Land Compensation for Tower Footing 39.00 4 Implementation Monitoring & Audit 20.85 Total 658.80 Any other measures like provision of bird guards, spike guards, barbed wire fencing or any other arrangement for addressing the issues like bird hit/animal/elephant scratching etc. shall be finalized only after detailed/ check survey and finalization of route alignment. Since the detailed/ check survey is part of main package requirement of such measures, its extent and estimated cost shall be incorporated in the revised cost estimate proposal which is normally prepared for all projects as there is a considerable time gap between planning and actual implementation. However, as per the preliminary assessment such additional measures may not be required in the instant scheme as no such impact are envisaged due to routing of lines far away from such sensitive areas. 6.3 GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL MECHANISM (GRM) Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) is an integral and important mechanism for addressing/resolving the concern and grievances in a transparent and swift manner. Many minor concerns of peoples are addressed during public consultation process initiated at the beginning of the project and broadly outlined in Annexure-23 of ESPPF. For handling grievance, MePTCL/MePDCL has already a framework in place. To IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 38 ensure its implementation, Grievance Redress Committee (GRC) will be established at two places, one at the project/scheme level and another at Corporate/HQ level. The GRCs shall include members from MePTCL/MePDCL, Local Administration, Village Council/Panchayat Members, Affected Persons representative and reputed persons from the society and representative from the autonomous districts council in case of tribal districts selected/decided on nomination basis under the chairmanship of project head. The composition of GRC shall be disclosed in villages/their council office and concerned district headquarter for wider coverage. The complainant will also be allowed to submit its complaint to local project official who will pass it to GRC immediately but not more than 5 days of receiving such complaint. The first meeting of GRC will be organized within 15 days of its constitution/disclosure to formulate procedure and frequency of meeting. However, GRC meeting shall be convened within 15 days of receiving a grievance for its solution. GRC endeavor will be to pronounce its decision/ may also refer it to corporate GRC for solution within 30-45 days of receiving grievances. In case complainant/appellant is not satisfied with the decision of GRC they can approach MePTCL/MePDCL Corporate level Committee /District Collector or Court of law for solution. The corporate level GRC shall function under the chairmanship of Director (Transmission) who will nominate other members of GRC including one representative from corporate ESMC who is conversant with the environment & social issues. The meeting of Corporate GRC shall be convened within 7-10 days of receiving the reference from project GRC or complainant directly and pronounce its decision within next 15 days. 6.4 ENVIRONMENT REVIEW Periodic review by higher management including review by Heads of SPCU and CPIU for all environmental and social issues will be undertaken to ensure that EMP and other measures are implemented at site for compliance of agreed policy and management plan. IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 39 Table- 6.1: ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN5 Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation measures Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact monitored frequency responsibility schedule Pre-construction 1 Location of Exposure to Setback of dwellings to overhead Tower location and Setback distances Implementing Part of overhead overhead line safety related line route designed in accordance overhead/ underground to nearest houses Agency (IA) lines tower/poles/ towers/ poles/ risks with permitted level of power alignment selection – once laying of underground frequency and the regulation of with respect to nearest underground distribution supervision at sites. dwellings cable sitting lines and survey and alignment & detailed design alignment survey and design 2 Equipment Release of PCBs not used in substation Transformer design Exclusion of IA Part of tender specifications chemicals transformers or other project PCBs in specifications for and design and gases in facilities or equipment. transformers the equipment parameters receptors stated in tender (air, water, specification - land) once Processes, equipment and Process, equipment Exclusion of CFCs IA Part of tender systems not to use and system design stated in tender specifications for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), specification -once the equipment including halon, and their use, if any, in existing processes and Phase out Part of equipment systems should be phased out schedule to be and process and to be disposed of in a manner prepared in case design consistent with the requirements still in use – once of the Government 5 Compliance of these measures with quantity etc. shall be provided in the Final Environment Assessment Report (FEAR) to be prepared after obtaining all statutory clearances and execution of project” IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 40 Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation measures Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact monitored frequency responsibility schedule 3 Transmission/ Exposure to Line design to comply with the Electromagnetic field Line design IA Part of design Distribution electromagne limits of electromagnetic strength for proposed compliance with parameters line design tic interference from overhead power line design relevant interference lines standards – once 4 Substation Exposure to Design of plant enclosures to Expected noise Compliance with IA Part of detailed location and noise comply with noise regulations. emissions based on regulations - once siting survey and design substation design design Social Careful selection of site to avoid Selection of substation Consultation with Part of detailed inequities encroachment of socially, location (distance to local authorities/ siting survey and culturally and archaeological sensitive area). autonomous design sensitive areas (i.g. sacred councils -once groves, graveyard, religious worship place, monuments etc.) 5 Location of Impact on Avoidance of such water bodies Tower/pole location Consultation with IA Part of tower/pole overhead line water bodies to the extent possible. and overhead/ local authorities– sitting survey and towers/poles/ underground line once detailed laying of Avoidance of placement of tower alignment selection underground underground inside water bodies to the extent (distance to water /overhead line distribution line of possible bodies) alignment survey & alignment and design and design Social Careful route selection to avoid Tower/pole location and Consultation with IA Part of detailed inequities existing settlements and sensitive overhead/ underground local authorities/ tower/pole sitting locations line alignment selection autonomous and (distance to nearest councils and land overhead/undergro dwellings or social owners – once und alignment institutions) survey and design Minimise impact on agricultural Tower location and Consultation with land overhead/ underground local authorities/ line alignment selection autonomous (distance to agricultural councils and land land) owners – once IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 41 Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation measures Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact monitored frequency responsibility schedule Careful selection of site and route Tower/pole location Consultation with alignment to avoid encroachment and overhead/ local authorities/ of socially, culturally and underground line autonomous archaeological sensitive areas (i. alignment selection councils -once g. sacred groves, graveyard, (distance to sensitive religious worship place, area) monuments etc.) 6 Securing lands Loss of land/ In the case of Involuntary Compensation and As per provisions State Govt. Prior to for income Acquisitions, Compensation and monetary R&R laid out in the act award/start of substations. change in R&R measures are extended as amounts/ facilities substation social status per provision of RFCTLARRA, extended before construction. etc. 20136 possession of land. 7 Encroachment Loss of Avoid encroachment into such Tower/pole location and Consultation with IA Part of detailed into protected precious areas by careful site and overhead/ underground local forest siting and area/ precious ecological alignment selection (National line alignment selection authorities - once alignment survey ecological area values/ Parks, Wildlife Sanctuary, (distance to nearest /design damage to Biosphere Reserves/ Biodiversity designated ecological precious Hotspots) protected/ sensitive species areas) Minimize the need by using RoW Tower/pole location Consultation with IA Part of detailed wherever possible and overhead/ local authorities sitting and underground line and design alignment survey alignment selection engineers - once /design 6 In the instant case no involuntary acquisition of land (permanent) is involved, hence this clause shall not be applicable. IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 42 Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation measures Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact monitored frequency responsibility schedule 8 Line through Damage to Study of earmarked elephant Tower/pole location Consultation with IA Part of detailed identified the Wildlife/ corridors to avoid such corridors, and overhead/ local forest sitting and Elephant Birds and Adequate ground clearance, Fault underground line authorities – alignment survey corridor / also to line clearing by Circuit Breaker, alignment selection. once. /design and Migratory bird Barbed wire wrapping on towers, Operation reduced spans etc., if applicable Minimum/maximum ground clearance Monitoring – quarterly basis Avoidance of established/ Tower/pole location Consultation with IA Part of detailed identified migration path (Birds & and overhead/ local forest sitting and Bats). Provision of flight diverter/ underground line authorities - once alignment survey reflectors, bird guard, elevated alignment selection /design and perches, insulating jumper loops, Operation obstructive perch deterrents, raptor hoods etc.7, if applicable 9 Line through Deforestation Avoid encroachment by careful Tower/pole location Consultation with IA Part of detailed forestland and loss of site and alignment selection and overhead/ local authorities – sitting and biodiversity Minimise the need by using underground line once alignment edge effect existing towers, tall towers and alignment selection Consultation with survey/design RoW, wherever possible (distance to nearest local authorities protected or reserved and design forest) engineers – once Measures to avoid invasion of Intrusion of invasive Consultation with alien species species local forest authorities - once Obtain statutory clearances from Statutory approvals Compliance with the Government from Government regulations – once for each subproject 7 As per International/National best practices and in consultation with concerned forest/wildlife authority IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 43 Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation measures Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact monitored frequency responsibility schedule Consultation with autonomous Permission/ NOC from Consultation with councils wherever required autonomous councils autonomous councils – once during tower placement 10 Lines through Loss of Use existing tower or footings Tower/pole location Consultation with IA Part of detailed farmland agricultural wherever possible and overhead/ local authorities alignment survey production/ underground line and design and design change in alignment selection engineers – once cropping Avoid sitting new towers on Tower/pole location Consultation with Part of detailed pattern farmland wherever feasible and overhead/ local authorities sitting and underground line and design alignment survey alignment selection engineers – once /design 11 Noise related Nuisance to Substations sited and designed to Noise levels Noise levels to be IA Part of detailed neighbouring ensure noise will not be a specified in tender equipment design properties nuisance documents – once 12 Interference Flooding Appropriate sitting of towers to Tower/pole location Consultation with IA Part of detailed with drainage hazards/ loss avoid channel interference and overhead/ local authorities alignment survey patterns/ of agricultural underground line and design and design irrigation production alignment selection engineers – once channels (distance to nearest flood zone) 13 Escape of Environment Transformers designed with oil Equipment Tender document IA Part of detailed polluting al pollution spill containment systems, and specifications with to mention equipment design materials purpose-built oil, lubricant and respect to potential specifications – /drawings fuel storage system, complete pollutants once with spill cleanup equipment. Substations to include drainage Substation sewage Tender document IA Part of detailed and sewage disposal systems to design to mention substation layout avoid offsite land and water detailed and design pollution. specifications – /drawings once IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 44 Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation measures Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact monitored frequency responsibility schedule 14 Equipments Contaminatio Substations constructed above Substation design to Base height as IA Part of detailed submerged n of the high flood level(HFL) by account for HFL per flood design- substation layout under flood receptors raising the foundation pad (elevation with respect once and design to HFL elevation) /drawings 15 Explosions Hazards to Design of substations to include Substation design Tender document IA Part of detailed /Fire life modern fire fighting equipment compliance with fire to mention substation layout prevention and control detailed and design Provision of fire fighting codes specifications – /drawings equipment to be located close to once transformers Construction 16 Equipment Noise and Construction techniques and Construction Construction IA Construction layout and vibrations machinery selection seeking to techniques and techniques and (Contractor period installation minimize ground disturbance. machinery machinery through creating minimal contract ground provisions) disturbance- once at the start of each construction phase 17 Physical Disturbed Construction activities on Timing of start of Crop disturbance IA Construction construction farming cropping land timed to avoid construction –Post harvest as (Contractor period activity disturbance of field crops (within soon as possible through one month of harvest wherever but before next contract possible). crop – once per provisions) site 18 Mechanized Noise, Construction equipment to be well Construction equipment Complaints IA Construction construction vibration and maintained. – estimated noise received by local (Contractor period operator emissions authorities – every through safety, 2 weeks contract efficient provisions) operation IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 45 Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation measures Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact monitored frequency responsibility schedule Noise, Turning off plant not in use. Construction equipment Complaints IA Construction vibration, – estimated noise received by local (Contractor period equipment emissions and authorities – every through wear and operating schedules 2 weeks contract tear provisions) 19 Construction of Increase in Existing roads and tracks used for Access roads, routes Use of IA Construction roads for airborne dust construction and maintenance (length and width of established roads (Contractor period accessibility particles access to the line wherever new access roads to be wherever possible through possible. constructed) – every 2 weeks contract provisions) Increased New access ways restricted to a Access width (meters) Access restricted IA Construction land single carriageway width within to single carriage (Contractor period requirement the RoW. –way width within through for temporary RoW – every 2 contract accessibility weeks provisions) 20 Construction Safety of Coordination with local Periodic and regular No. of incidents- IA Construction activities local villagers communities for construction reporting /supervision once every week (Contractor period schedules, Barricading the of safety arrangement through construction area and spreading contract awareness among locals provisions) Local traffic Coordination with local authority/ Traffic flow (Interruption Frequency (time IA Construction obstruction requisite permission for smooth of traffic) span)- on daily (Contractor period flow of traffic basis through contract provisions) 21 Temporary Overflows, Measure in place to avoid Temporary fill Absence of fill in IA Construction blockage of reduced dumping of fill materials in placement (m3) sensitive drainage (Contractor period utilities discharge sensitive drainage area areas – every 4 through weeks contract provisions) 22 Site clearance Vegetation Marking of vegetation to be Vegetation marking and Clearance strictly IA Construction removed prior to clearance, and clearance control (area limited to target (Contractor period IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 46 Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation measures Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact monitored frequency responsibility schedule 2 strict control on clearing activities in m ) vegetation – every through to ensure minimal clearance. 2 weeks contract No use of herbicides and provisions) pesticides 23 Trimming Fire hazards Trees allowed growing up to a Species-specific tree Presence of target IA Construction /cutting of trees height within the RoW by retention as approved by species in RoW (Contractor period within RoW maintaining adequate clearance statutory authorities following through between the top of tree and the (average and max. tree vegetation contract conductor as per the regulations. height at maturity,in clearance – once provisions) meters) per site Loss of Trees that can survive pruning to Species-specific tree Presence of target IA Construction vegetation comply should be pruned instead retention as approved species in RoW (Contractor period and of cleared. by statutory authorities following through deforestation vegetation contract clearance - once provisions) per site Felled trees and other cleared or Disposal of cleared Use or intended IA Construction pruned vegetation to be disposed vegetation as approved use of vegetation (Contractor period of as authorized by the statutory by the statutory as approved by the through bodies. authorities (area statutory contract cleared in m2) authorities – once provisions) per site 24 Wood/ Loss of Construction workers prohibited Illegal wood /vegetation Complaints by IA Construction vegetation vegetation from harvesting wood in the harvesting (area in m2, local people or (Contractor period harvesting and project area during their number of incidents other evidence of through deforestation employment, (apart from locally reported) illegal harvesting contract employed staff continuing current – every 2 weeks provisions) legal activities) 25 Surplus Runoff to Soil excavated from tower Soil disposal locations Acceptable soil IA Construction earthwork/soil cause water footings/ substation foundation and volume (m3) disposal sites – (Contractor period pollution, disposed of by placement along every 2 weeks through solid waste roadsides, or at nearby house contract IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 47 Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation measures Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact monitored frequency responsibility schedule disposal blocks if requested by landowners provisions) 26 Substation Loss of soil Loss of soil is not a major issue Borrow area sitting Acceptable soil IA Construction construction as excavated soil will be mostly (area of site in m2 and borrow areas that (Contractor period reused for filling. However, in estimated volume in provide a benefit through case of requirement of excess soil m3) - every 2 weeks contract the same will be met from existing provisions) quarry or through deep excavation of existing pond or other nearby barren land with agreement of local communities Water Construction activities involving Seasonal start and Timing of major IA Construction pollution significant ground disturbance finish of major disturbance (Contractor period (i.e. substation land forming) not earthworks(PH , BOD/ activities –prior to through undertaken during the monsoon COD, Suspended start of contract season solids, others ) construction provisions) activities 27 Site clearance Vegetation Tree clearances for easement Ground disturbance Amount of ground IA Construction establishment to only involve during vegetation disturbance – (Contractor period cutting trees off at ground level or clearance (area, m2) every 2 weeks through pruning as appropriate, with tree Statutory approvals Statutory contract stumps and roots left in place and approvals for tree provisions) ground cover left undisturbed clearances – once for each site 28 Substation Waste Excess fill from substation/tower Location and amount Appropriate fill IA Construction foundation/Tow disposal foundation excavation disposed of (m3)of fill disposal disposal locations (Contractor period er erection next to roads or around houses, – every 2 weeks through disposal of in agreement with the local contract surplus community or landowner. provisions) earthwork/fill 29 Storage of Contaminatio Fuel and other hazardous Location of hazardous Fuel storage in IA Construction chemicals and n of materials securely stored above material storage; spill appropriate (Contractor period materials receptors high flood level. reports (type of material locations and through (land, water, spilled, amount (kg or receptacles – contract IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 48 Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation measures Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact monitored frequency responsibility schedule 3 air) m ) and action taken to every 2 weeks provisions) control and clean up spill) 30 Construction Noise Construction activities only Timing of construction Daytime IA Construction schedules nuisance to undertaken during the day and (noise emissions, construction only (Contractor period neighbouring local communities informed of the [dB(A)] – every 2 weeks through properties construction schedule. contract provisions) 31 Provision of Contaminatio Construction workforce facilities Amenities for Presence of IA Construction facilities for n of to include proper sanitation, water Workforce facilities proper sanitation, (Contractor period construction receptors supply and waste disposal water supply and through workers (land, water, facilities. waste disposal contract air) facilities – once provisions) each new facility 32 Influx of Conflict with Using local workers for Avoidance/reduction of Observation & IA Construction migratory local appropriate asks conflict through supervision–on (Contractor period workers population to enhancement/ weekly basis through share local augmentation of contract resources resource requirements provisions) 33 Lines through Loss of Use existing access roads Usage of existing Complaints IA Construction farmland agricultural wherever possible utilities received by local (Contractor period productivity Ensure existing irrigation facilities Status of existing people /authorities through are maintained in working facilities - every 4 weeks contract condition provisions) Protect /preserve topsoil and Status of facilities reinstate after construction (earthwork in m3) completed Repair /reinstate damaged bunds Status of facilities etc after construction completed (earthwork in m3) IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 49 Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation measures Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact monitored frequency responsibility schedule Social Land owners/ farmers Process of Crop/tree Consultation with IA During inequities compensated for any temporary compensation in affected land construction loss of productive land as per consultation with forest owner prior to existing regulation. dept.(for timber yielding implementation tree) and Horticulture and during deptt.(for fruit bearing execution. tree) 34 Uncontrolled Soil loss, Need for access tracks Design basis and Incorporating IA Construction erosion/silt downstream minimised, use of existing roads. construction good design and (Contractor period runoff siltation Limit site clearing to work areas procedures (suspended construction through Regeneration of vegetation to solids in receiving management contract stabilise works areas onwaters; area re- practices – once provisions) completion (where applicable) vegetated in m2; for each site Avoidance of excavation in wet amount of bunds season constructed [length in Water courses protected from meter, area in m2, or siltation through use of bunds and volume in m3]) sediment ponds 35 Nuisance to Losses to Contract clauses specifying Contract clauses Incorporating IA Construction nearby neighbouring careful construction practices. good construction (Contractor period properties land uses/ As much as possible existing Design basis and management Incorporating through values access ways will be used layout good design contract engineering with provisions) Productive land will be reinstated Reinstatement of land Consultation following completion of status (area affected, affected parties – construction m2) twice- immediately after completion of construction and after the first harvest IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 50 Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation measures Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact monitored frequency responsibility schedule Social Compensation will be paid for Implementation of Consultation with IA Prior to inequities loss of production, if any. Tree/Crop affected parties – construction compensation (amount once in a quarter paid) 36 Flooding Flooding and Avoid natural drainage pattern/ Contract clauses (e.g. Incorporating IA Construction hazards due to loss of soils, facilities being disturbed/blocked/ suspended solids and good construction (Contractor period construction contaminatio diverted by ongoing construction BOD/COD in receiving management through impediments of n of activities water) practices-once for contract natural receptors each site provisions) drainage (land, water) 37 Equipment Contaminatio Equipment stored at secure place Store room level to be Store room level IA Construction submerged n of above the high flood level(HFL) above HFL (elevation as per flood period under flood receptors difference in meters) design-once (land, water) 38 Inadequate Loss of land Existing borrow sites will be used Contract clauses Incorporating IA Construction siting of borrow values to source aggregates, therefore, good construction (Contractor period areas (quarry no need to develop new sources management through areas) of aggregates practices – once contract for each site provisions) 39 Health and Injury and Safety equipment’s (PPEs) for Contract clauses Contract clauses IA Construction safety sickness of construction workers (number of incidents compliance – (Contractor period workers and Contract provisions specifying and total lost-work days once every through members of minimum requirements for caused by injuries and quarter contract the public construction camps sickness) provisions) Contractor to prepare and implement a health and safety plan. Contractor to arrange for health and safety training sessions IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 51 Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation measures Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact monitored frequency responsibility schedule 40 Inadequate Likely to Training of environmental Training schedules Number of IA Routinely construction maximise monitoring personnel programs throughout stage damages attended by each construction monitoring person – once a period year Implementation of effective Respective contract Submission of environmental monitoring and checklists and remedial duly completed reporting system using checklist actions taken thereof. checklists of all of all contractual environmental contracts for each requirements site - once Appropriate contact clauses to Compliance report Submission of ensure satisfactory related to duly completed implementation of contractual environmental aspects compliance report environmental mitigation for the contract for each contract measures. – once Operation and Maintenance 41 Location of line Exposure to Setback of dwellings to overhead Compliance with Setback distances MePTCL/ During operations towers/poles safety related line route designed in accordance setback distances (“as- to nearest houses MePDCL and overhead/ risks with permitted level of power built” diagrams) – once in quarter under-ground frequency and the regulation of line alignment & supervision at sites. design 42 Line through Injury/ Avoidance of Regular monitoring for No. of incidents- MePTCL/ Part of detailed identified bird mortality to established/identified migration any incident of once every month MePDCL siting and flyways, birds, bats path (Birds & Bats). Provision of injury/mortality alignment survey migratory path etc due to flight diverter/ reflectors, elevated /design and collision and perches, insulating jumper loops, Operation electrocution obstructive perch deterrents, raptor hoods etc., if applicable 43 Equipment Contaminatio Equipment installed above the Substation design to Base height as MePTCL/ During operations submerged n of high flood level (HFL) by raising account for HFL (“as- per flood design – MePDCL under flood receptors the foundation pad. built” diagrams) once (land, water) IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 52 Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation measures Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact monitored frequency responsibility schedule 44 Oil spillage Contaminatio Substation transformers located Substation bunding Bunding (Oil MePTCL/ During operations n of within secure and impervious (Oil sump) (“as-built” sump) capacity MePDCL land/nearby sump areas with a storage diagrams) and permeability - water bodies capacity of at least 100% of the once capacity of oil in transformers and associated reserve tanks. 45 SF6 Emission of Reduction of SF6 emission Leakage and gas Continuous MePTCL/ During management most potent through awareness, replacement density/level monitoring MePDCL Operations GHG causing of old seals, proper handling & climate storage by controlled inventory change and use, enhance recovery and applying new technologies to reduce leakage 46 Inadequate Injury and Careful design using appropriate Usage of appropriate Preparedness MePTCL/ Design and provision of sickness of technologies to minimise hazards technologies (lost work level for using MePDCL operation staff/workers staff /workers days due to illness andthese health and injuries) technologies in safety during crisis – once each operations year Safety awareness raising for staff. Training/awareness Number of Preparation of fire emergency programs and mock programs and action plan and training given to drills percent of staff staff on implementing emergency /workers covered action plan – once each year Provide adequate sanitation and Provision of facilities Complaints water supply facilities received from staff /workers every 2 weeks 47 Electric Shock Injury/ Careful design using appropriate Usage of appropriate Preparedness MePTCL/ Design and Hazards mortality to technologies to minimise hazards technologies (number of level for using MePDCL Operation staff and injury incidents, lost these technology public work days) in crisis – once a month IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 53 Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation measures Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact monitored frequency responsibility schedule Security fences around Maintenance of fences Report on substations maintenance – Barriers to prevent climbing on/ Maintenance of barriers every 2 weeks dismantling of transmission towers Appropriate warning signs on Maintenance of facilities warning signs Electricity safety awareness Training /awareness Number of raising in project areas programs and mock programs and drills for all concerned percent of total parties persons covered –once each year 48 Operations and Unnecessary Adequate training in O&M to all Training/awareness Number of MePTCL/ Operation maintenance environmenta relevant staff of substations & programs and mock programs and MePDCL staff skills less l losses of transmission/ distribution line drills for all relevant percent of staff than various types maintenance crews. staff covered – once acceptable Preparation and training in the each year use of O&M manuals and standard operating practices 49 Inadequate Diminished Staff to receive training in Training/awareness Number of MePTCL/ Operation periodic ecological environmental monitoring of programs and mock programs and MePDCL environmental and social project operations and drills for all relevant percent of staff monitoring. values. maintenance activities. staff covered – once each year 50 Equipment Release of Processes, equipment and Process, equipment Phase out MePTCL/ Operations specifications chemicals systems using cholofluorocarbons and system design schedule to be MePDCL and design and gases in (CFCs), including halon, should prepared in case parameters receptors be phased out and to be disposed still in use – once (air, water, of in a manner consistent with the in a quarter land) requirements of the Govt. 51 Transmission/ Exposure to Transmission/ distribution line Required ground Ground clearance MePTCL/ Operations distribution electromagne design to comply with the limits of clearance (meters) -once MePDCL line tic electromagnetic interference from IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 54 Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation measures Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact monitored frequency responsibility schedule maintenance interference overhead power lines 52 Uncontrolled Fire hazard Periodic pruning of vegetation to Requisite clearance Assessment in MePTCL/ Operations growth of due to growth maintain requisite electrical (meters) consultation with MePDCL vegetation of tree/shrub clearance. forest authorities - /bamboo once a year(pre- along RoW No use of herbicides/ pesticides monsoon/post- monsoon 53 Noise related Nuisance to Substations sited and designed to Noise levels {dB(A)} Noise levels at MePTCL/ Operations neighbouring ensure noise will not be a boundary nearest MePDCL properties nuisance. to properties and consultation with affected parties if any - once IEAR NERPSIP – MEGHALAYA: EAST KHASI HILLS & RI-BHOI DISTRICTS 55 ANNEXURE – 1 TREE / CROP/ TOWER FOOTING COMPENSATION PROCESS TREE / CROP/ TOWER FOOTING COMPENSATION PROCESS (OTHER THAN FOREST LAND COMPENSATION) As per the provisions of Electricity Act, 2003 and Indian Telegraph Act1885, land for tower and right of way is not acquired and agricultural activities are allowed to continue. However, the acts also stipulate that licensee shall pay full compensation to all interested for any damages sustained during the execution of said work. Accordingly, MePTCL/MePDCL pays compensation to land owners towards damages if any during implementation of transmission project as well as during operation and maintenance phase. MePTCL/MePDCL follows the principle of avoidance, minimization and mitigation in the construction of line in agricultural field having crop due to inherent flexibility in phasing the construction activity and tries to defer construction in cropped area to facilitate crop harvesting. However, if it is unavoidable and is likely to affect project schedule, compensation is given at market rate for standing crops. All efforts are also taken to minimize the crop damage to the extent possible in such cases. As regards trees coming in the Right of Way (RoW) following procedure is adopted for enumeration: All the trees which are coming within the clearance belt of ROW on either side of the center line are identified and marked/numbered from one AP (Affected Person) to the other and documented. Type, Girth (Measured 1 m. above ground level), approximate height o the tree is also noted for each tree. Trees belonging to Govt., Forest, Highways and other local bodies may be separately noted down or timely follow up with the concerned authorities for inspection and removal. Cashew, Guava, Lemon and other hybrid trees which are not of tall growing nature are not marked for cutting since these trees can be crossed using standard tower extensions if required. MePTCL/MePDCL also pay compensation to affected land owners for utilization of their land for tower footing. A notice under Electricity Act, 2003/ Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 is served to the landowners informing that the proposed transmission line is being routed through the property of the individual concerned. The notice shall contain the particulars of the land, ownership details and the details of the trees/crops/land inevitability likely to be damaged during the course of the construction of the proposed transmission line and acknowledgement received from land owners. A copy of said notice is further issued to the Revenue Officer/SDM, who has been authorized by the Meghalaya Govt. for the purpose of assessment/valuation and disbursement of compensation to the affected parties. The revenue officer shall further issue a notice of intimation to the concerned land owner and inspect the site to verify the documents related to the proof of ownership and a detailed Mouja list is prepared for the identified trees/ crops/ land for tower footing inevitability damaged during the course of the construction. For assessing the true value of timber yielding trees help of forest officials is taken and for fruit bearing trees help of Horticulture department is taken. The Mouja list shall contain the land owner details including extent land area utilization for tower footing, type of tree/crop, its present age, variety, yielding pattern etc. and the same is prepared at site in the presence of the land owner. These Mouja lists are further compiled and a random verification is conducted by the concerned DC or his authorized representative in order to ascertain the assessment carried out by the revenue office is genuine and correct. After this process the District Collector/ a tree cutting permit to MePTCL/MePDCL to enable removal / damage to the standing tree/crop identified in the line corridor. Similarly on the basis of enquiry report received from concerned Tehsildar, SDM issue land valuation certificate to MePTCL/MePDCL for payment of compensation to land owner. Once the tree/crop is removed / damaged, MePTCL/MePDCL shall issue a tree cutting/crop damaged notice to the land owner with a copy to the Revenue Officer to process the compensation payment. Based on the above the compensation payment is generated by means of a computerized programme developed by the National Informatics Center exclusively for this purpose. The detailed Valuation statement thus generated using this programme is verified at various levels and approval of payment of compensation is accorded by the concerned District Collectors. On approval of compensation, the revenue officer shall further intimate the amount payable to the different landowners and MePTCL/MePDCL arranges the payment by way of Demand Draft to the affected parties. The payment is further disbursed at the local village office after due verification of the documents in presence of other witnesses. TREE / CROP/TOWER FOOTING COMPENSATION PROCESS Walk over / preliminary survey of route alignment Detailed / Check Survey of final route alignment to fix the angle point and tower spotting If the line passing through private cultivable/Jote land/areas. As per land document/Khaitan produced by Land owner, compensation notice served to land Owner with copies to SDM & Tahasildar of said-Mouja for verification Preparation of Mouja list by Revenue official at site in presence of landowner, MePTCL/MePDCL and two witnesses. Inspection/verification of plot by SDM/DC or his authorized representative to assess the plot being affected & its rate etc. Issue of tree cutting permit, if any by DC Cutting of trees by MePTCL/MePDCL and issue of cutting certificate to land owner and revenue official by MePTCL/MePDCL Input: Govt. /Local rate Grievance Procedure APs may represent if not Preparation of checklist and valuation satisfied with assessment Association of Forest / statement by revenue official Horticulture Deptt. for to revenue to SDM/DC assessment of value of for revision/review. timber and fruit bearing If he/she Despite land Approval of valuation statement by SDM/DC is still not compensation, either individual or group basis satisfied, if owner doesn’t they may allow move to installation of Disbursement of compensation of Court. tower MePTCL Crops/trees/land to affected farmers/owner /MePDCL shall and acknowledgement approach Local SDM/DC for Court resolution. ANNEXURE – 2 SAFETY PLAN Section IX. Contract Forms 9-149 Annexure- 2 13. FORM OF SAFETY PLAN TO BE SUBMITTED BY THE CONTRACTOR WITHIN SIXTY DAYS OF AWARD OF CONTRACT [TO BE EXECUTED ON A NON JUDICIAL STAMP PAPER WORTH RS. TWENTY ONLY] SAFETY PLAN THIS SAFETY PLAN is made this ……….………...... day of ….……..... 20...... by ………….………………… a Company registered under the Companies Act, 1956/Partnership firm/proprietary concern having its Registered Office at ………….................[ to be modified suitably for JV Contractor] (hereinafter called as ‘Contractor' which expression shall include its successors and permitted assigns) for approval of ......(insert name of the Employer)........, a company incorporated under the Companies Act, 1956 having its Registered Office at ......(insert registered address of the Employer)........ for its Contract for .……………….…...... ......(insert package name, project name alongwith Specification number of the Contract)......... WHEREAS ......(abbreviated name of the Employer)........ has awarded to the Contractor the aforesaid Contract vide its Notification of Award/Contract No. ……..……….... dated ....…………..and Amendment No. ..................... (applicable when amendments have been issued) (hereinafter called the "Contract") in terms of which the Contractor is required to submit ‘Safety Plan’ along with certain documents to the Engineer In-Charge/Project Manager of the Employer within Sixty (60) days of Notification of Award for its approval. NOW THEREFORE, the Contractor undertakes to execute the Contract as per the safety plan as follows: 1. THAT the Contractor shall execute the works as per provisions of Bidding Documents including those in regard to Safety Precautions / provisions as per statutory requirements. 2. THAT the Contractor shall execute the works in a well planned manner from the commencement of Contract as per agreed mile stones of work completion schedule so that planning and execution of construction works goes smoothly and consistently through out the contract duration without handling pressure in last quarter of the financial year/last months of the Contract and the shall be finalized in association with EMPLOYER Engineer In-charge/Project Manager from time to time as required. 3. THAT the Contractor has prepared the safe work procedure for each activity i.e. foundation works including civil works, erection, stringing (as applicable), testing & commissioning, disposal of materials at site / store etc. to be executed at site, which is enclosed at Annexure – 1A (SP) for acceptance and approval of Engineer In- charge/Project Manager. The Contractor shall ensure that on approval of the same from Engineer In-charge/Project Manager , the approved copies will be circulated to Employer’s personnel at site [Supervisor(s)/Executive(s)] and Contractor’s personnel at site [Gang leader, supervisor(s) etc.] in their local language / language understood by gang. Section IX. Contract Forms 9-150 THAT the Contractor has prepared minimum manpower deployment plan, activity wise as stated above, which is enclosed at Annexure – 1B (SP) for approval of Engineer In- charge/Project Manager. 4. THAT the Contractor shall ensure while executing works that they will deploy minimum 25% of their own experienced work force who are on the permanent roll of the company and balance 75% can be a suitable mixed with the hired gangs / local workers / casual workers if required. The above balance 75% work force should be provided with at least 10 days training by the construction agencies at sites and shall be issued with a certificate. No worker shall be engaged without a valid certificate. Hired gang workers shall also follow safe working procedures and safety norms as is being followed by company’s workmen. It should also be ensured by the contractor that certified fitters who are climbing towers / doing stringing operations can be easily identifiable with a system like issue of Badge / Identification cards (ID cards) etc. Colour identification batches should be worn by the workers. Contractor has to ensure that inexperience workers / unskilled workers should not be deployed for skilled job. 5. THAT the Contractor’s Gang leader / Supervisor / Senior most member available at every construction site shall brief to each worker daily before start of work about safety requirement and warn about imminent dangers and precautions to be taken against the imminent dangers (Daily Safety Drill). This is to be ensured without fail by Contractor and maintain record of each gang about daily safety instructions issued to workers and put up to EMPLOYER site In-charge for his review and record. 6. THAT the Contractor shall ensure that working Gangs at site should not be left at the discretion of their Gang Leaders who are generally hired and having little knowledge about safety. Gang leader should be experienced and well versed with the safe working procedures applicable for transmission line/ Sub Station works. In case gang is having Gang leader not on permanent roll of the company then additional Supervisor from company’s own roll having thorough knowledge about the works would be deployed so as to percolate safety instructions up to the grass root level in healthy spirits. Contractor has to ensure close supervision while executing critical locations of transmission lines / sub stations and ensures that all safety instructions are in place and are being followed. 7. THAT the Contractor shall maintain in healthy and working condition all kind of Equipments / Machineries / Lifting tools / Lifting tackles / Lifting gears / All kind of Ropes including wire ropes / Polypropylene ropes etc. used for Lifting purpose during execution of the project and get them periodically examined and load tested for safe working load in accordance with relevant provisions and requirement of Building & other construction workers Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Services Act and Central Rule 1998, Factories Act 1948, Indian Electricity Act 2003 before start of the project. A register of such examinations and tests shall be properly maintained by the contractor and will be promptly produced as and when desired by the Engineer In-charge/Project Manager or by the person authorised by him. The Contractor has to ensure to give special attention on the formation / condition of eye splices of wire rope slings as per requirement of IS 2762 Specification for wire rope slings and sling legs. THAT the Contractor has prepared a list of all Lifting machines, lifting Tools / Lifting Tackles / Lifting Gears etc. / All types of ropes and Slings which are subject to safe Section IX. Contract Forms 9-151 working load is enclosed at Annexure – 2 (SP) for review and approval of Engineer In- charge/Project Manager. 8. THAT the Contractor has to procure sufficient quantity of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)conforming to Indian / International standards and provide these equipment to every workman at site as per need and to the satisfaction of Engineer-in-charge/Project Manager of EMPLOYER. The Contractor’s Site Supervisor/ Project Manager has to ensure that all workmen must use Personal Protective Equipment at site. The Contractor shall also ensure that Industrial Safety helmets are being used by all workmen at site irrespective of their working (at height or on ground). The Contractor shall further ensure use of safety shoes by all ground level workers and canvas shoes for all workers working at height, Rubber Gum Boots for workers working in rainy season and concreting job, Use of Twin Lanyard Full body Safety Harness with attachment of light weight such as aluminium alloy etc. and having features of automatic locking arrangement of snap hook, by all workers working at height for more than three meters and also for horizontal movement on tower shall be ensured by contractor. The Contractor shall not use ordinary half body safety harness at site. The Contractor has to ensure use of Retractable type fall arrestors by workers for ascending / descending on suspension insulator string and other similar works etc., Use of Mobile fall arrestor for ascending / descending from tower by all workers. The contractor has to provide cotton / leather hand gloves as per requirement, Electrical Resistance Hand gloves for operating electrical installations / switches, Face shield for protecting eyes while doing welding works and Dust masks to workers as per requirement. The Contractor will have to take action against the workers not using Personal Protective Equipment at site and those workers shall be asked to rest for that day and also their Salary be deducted for that day. EMPLOYER may issue warning letter to Project Manager of contractor in violation of above norms. THAT the Contractor shall prepare a detailed list of PPEs, activity wise, to commensurate with manpower deployed, which is enclosed at Annexure – 3 (SP) for review and approval of Engineer In-charge/Project Manager. It shall also be ensured that the sample of these equipment shall be got approved from EMPLOYER supervisory staff before being distributed to workers. The contractor shall submit relevant test certificates as per IS / International Standard as applicable to PPEs used during execution of work. All the PPE’s to be distributed to the workers shall be checked by EMPLOYER supervisory staff before its usage. The Contractor also agrees for addition / modification to the list of PPE, if any, as advised by Engineer In-Charge/Project Manager. 9. THAT the Contractor shall procure, if required sufficient quantity of Earthing Equipment / Earthing Devices complying with requirements of relevant IEC standards (Generally IECs standards for Earthing Equipments / Earthing Devices are – 855, 1230, 1235 etc.) and to the satisfaction of Engineer In-Charge/ Project Manager and contractor to ensures to maintained them in healthy condition. THAT the Contractor has prepared / worked out minimum number of healthy Earthing Equipments with Earthing lead confirming to relevant IS / European standards per gang wise during stringing activity/as per requirement, which is enclosed herewith at Annexure Section IX. Contract Forms 9-152 – 4 (SP) for review and acceptance of Engineer In-Charge/ Project Manager prior to execution of work. 10. THAT the Contractor shall provide communication facilities i.e. Walky – Talkie / Mobile Phone, Display of Flags / whistles for easy communication among workers during Tower erection / stringing activity, as per requirement. 11. THAT the Contractor undertakes to deploy qualified safety personnel responsible for safety as per requirements of Employer/Statutory Authorities. THAT the Contractor employing more than 250 workmen whether temporary, casual, probationer, regular or permanent or on contract, shall employ at least one full time officer exclusively as qualified safety officer having diploma in safety to supervise safety aspects of the equipment and workmen who will coordinate with Engineer In-charge /Project Manager/Safety Coordinator of the Employer. In case of work being carried out through sub contractors the sub – contractor’s workmen / employees will also be considered as the contractor’s employees / workmen for the above purpose. If the number of workers are less than 250 then one qualified safety officer is to be deployed for each contract. He will report directly to his head of organization and not the Project Manager of contractor He shall also not be assigned any other work except assigning the work of safety. The curriculum vitae of such person shall be got cleared from EMPLOYER Project Manager / Construction staff. The name and address of such safety officers of contractor will be promptly informed in writing to Engineer In-charge with a copy to safety officer - In-charge before start of work or immediately after any change of the incumbent is made during the currency of the contract. The list is enclosed at Annexure – 5A (SP). THAT the Contractor has also prepared a list including details of Explosive Operator (if required), Safety officer / Safety supervisor / nominated person for safety for each erection / stringing gang, list of personnel trained in First Aid Techniques as well as copy of organisation structure of the Contractor in regard to safety. The list is enclosed at Annexure – 5B (SP). 12. The Project Manager shall have the right at his sole discretion to stop the work, if in his opinion the work is being carried out in such a way that it may cause accidents and endanger the safety of the persons and/or property, and/or equipment. In such cases, the Contractor shall be informed in writing about the nature of hazards and possible injury/accident and he shall comply to remove shortcomings promptly. The Contractor after stopping the specific work can, if felt necessary, appeal against the order of stoppage of work to the Project Manager within 3 days of such stoppage of work and decision of the Project Manager in this respect shall be conclusive and binding on the Contractor. 13. THAT, if, any Employer’s Engineer/ supervisor at site observes that the Contractor is failing to provide safe working environment at site as per agreed Safety Plan / EMPLOYER Safety Rule/ Safety Instructions / Statutory safety requirement and creates hazardous conditions at site and there is possibility of an accident to workmen or workmen of the other contractor or public or the work is being carried out in an un safe manner or he continues to work even after being instructed to stop the work by Engineer / Supervisor Section IX. Contract Forms 9-153 at site / RHQ / Corp. Centre, the Contractor shall be bound to pay a penalty of Rs. 10,000/ - per incident per day till the instructions are complied and as certified by Engineer / Supervisor of Employer at site. The work will remain suspended and no activity will take place without compliance and obtaining clearance / certification of the Site Engineer / Supervisor of the Employer to start the work. 14. THAT, if the investigation committee of Employer observes any accident or the Engineer In-charge/Project Manager of the Employer based on the report of the Engineer/Supervisor of the Employer at site observes any failure on the Contractor’s part to comply with safety requirement / safety rules/ safety standards/ safety instruction as prescribed by the Employer or as prescribed under the applicable law for the safety of the equipment, plant and personnel and the Contractor does not take adequate steps to prevent hazardous conditions which may cause injury to its own Contractor’s employees or employee of any other Contractors or Employer or any other person at site or adjacent thereto, or public involvement because of the Contractor’s negligence of safety norms, the Contractor shall be liable to pay a compensation of Rs. 10,00,000/- (Rupees Ten Lakh only) per person affected causing death and Rs. 1,00,000/- (Rupees One Lakh only) per person for serious injuries / 25% or more permanent disability to the Employer for further disbursement to the deceased family/ Injured persons. The permanent disability has the same meaning as indicated in Workmen’s Compensation Act 1923. The above stipulations is in addition to all other compensation payable to sufferer as per workmen compensation Act / Rules THAT as per the Employer’s instructions, the Contractor agrees that this amount shall be deducted from their running bill(s) immediately after the accident, That the Contractor understands that this amount shall be over and above the compensation amount liable to be paid as per the Workmen’s Compensation Act /other statutory requirement/ provisions of the Bidding Documents. 15. THAT the Contractor shall submit Near-Miss-Accident report along with action plan for avoidance such incidence /accidents to Engineer – In-charge/ Project Manager. Contractor shall also submit Monthly Safety Activities report to Engineer – In-charge/ Project Manager and copy of the Monthly Safety Activities report also to be sent to Safety In-charge at RHQ of the Employer for his review record and instructions. 16. THAT the Contractor is submitting a copy of Safety Policy/ Safety Documents of its Company which is enclosed at Annexure – 6 (SP) and ensure that the safety Policy and safety documents are implemented in healthy spirit. 17. THAT the Contractor shall make available of First Aid Box [Contents of which shall be as per Building & other construction workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Services Act and Central Rule 1998 / EMPLOYER Guidelines)] to the satisfaction of Engineer In-Charge/ Project Manager with each gang at site and not at camp and ensures that trained persons in First Aid Techniques with each gang before execution of work. 18. THAT the Contractor shall submit an ‘Emergency Preparedness Plan’ for different incidences i.e. Fall from height, Electrocution, Sun Stroke, Collapse of pit, Collapse of Tower, Snake bite, Fire in camp / Store, Flood, Storm, Earthquake, Militancy etc. while carrying out different activities under execution i.e. foundation works including civil works, Section IX. Contract Forms 9-154 erection, stringing (as applicable), testing & commissioning, disposal of materials at site / store etc. which is enclosed at Annexure – 7 (SP) for approval of the Engineer In-Charge/ Project Manager before start of work. 19. THAT the Contractor shall organise Safety Training Programs on Safety, Health and Environment and for safe execution of different activities of works i.e. foundation works including civil works, erection, stringing (as applicable), testing & commissioning, disposal of materials at site / store etc. for their own employees including sub contractor workers on regular basis. The Contractor, therefore, submits copy of the module of training program, enclosed at Annexure – 9 (SP), to Engineer In-charge/Project Manager for its acceptance and approval and records maintained. 20. THAT the Contractor shall conduct safety audit, as per Safety Audit Check Lists enclosed at Annexure – 8 (SP), by his Safety Officer(s) every month during construction of Transmission Lines / Sub Stations / any other work and copy of the safety audit report will be forwarded to the Employer’s Engineer In-charge / Site In-charge/Project Manager for his comments and feedback. During safety audit, healthiness of all Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) shall be checked individually by safety officer of contractor and issue a certificate of its healthiness or rejection of faulty PPEs and contractor has to ensure that all faulty PPEs and all faulty lifting tools and tackles should be destroyed in the presence of EMPLOYER construction staff. Contractor has to ensure that each gang be safety audited at least once in two months. During safety audit by the contractor, Safety officer’s feedback from EMPLOYER concerned shall be taken and recorded. The Employer’s site officials shall also conduct safety audit at their own from time to time when construction activities are under progress. Apart from above, the Employer may also conduct surveillance safety audits. The Employer may take action against the person / persons as deemed fit under various statutory acts/provisions under the Contract for any violation of safety norms / safety standards. 21. THAT the Contractor shall develop and display Safety Posters of construction activity at site and also at camp where workers are generally residing. 22. THAT the Contractor shall ensure to provide potable and safe drinking water for workers at site / at camp. 23. THAT the Contractor shall do health check up of all workers from competent agencies and reports will be submitted to Engineer In-Charge within fifteen (15) days of health check up of workers as per statutory requirement. 24. THAT the Contractor shall submit information along with documentary evidences in regard to compliance to various statutory requirements as applicable which are enclosed at Annexure – 10A (SP). The Contractor shall also submit details of Insurance Policies taken by the Contractor for insurance coverage against accident for all employees are enclosed at Annexure – 10B (SP). Section IX. Contract Forms 9-155 25. THAT a check-list in respect of aforesaid enclosures along with the Contractor’s remarks, wherever required, is attached as Annexure – Check List herewith. THE CONTRACTOR shall incorporate modifications/changes in this ‘Safety Plan’ necessitated on the basis of review/comments of the Engineer In-Charge/Project Manager within fourteen (14) days of receipt of review/comments and on final approval of the Engineer In-Charge/Project Manager of this ‘Safety Plan’, the Contractor shall execute the works under the Contract as per approved ‘Safety Plan’. Further, the Contractor has also noted that the first progressive payment towards Services Contract shall be made on submission of ‘Safety Plan’ along with all requisite documents and approval of the same by the Engineer In-Charge/Project Manager. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Contractor has hereunto set its hand through its authorised representative under the common seal of the Company, the day, month and year first above mentioned. For and on behalf of M/s..........………........................ WITNESS 1. Signature........................ Signature........................ Name............................... Name............................... Address........................... Address........................... 2. Signature........................ Authorised representative Name............................... (Common Seal) Address........................... (In case of Company) Note: All the annexure referred to in this “Safety Plan“ are required to be enclosed by the contractor as per the attached “Check List “ 1. Safety Plan is to be executed by the authorised person and (i) in case of contracting Company under common seal of the Company or (ii) having the power of attorney issued under common seal of the company with authority to execute such contract documents etc., (iii) In case of (ii), the original Power of Attorney if it is specifically for this Contract or a Photostat copy of the Power of Attorney if it is General Power of Attorney and such documents should be attached to this Safety Plan. 2. For all safety monitoring/ documentation, Engineer In-charge / Regional In-charge of safety at RHQ will be the nodal Officers for communication. Section IX. Contract Forms 9-156 CHECK LIST FOR SEFETY PLAN S. N. Details of Enclosure Status Remarks of Submission of information/ documents 1. Annexure – 1A (SP) Yes/No Safe work procedure for each activity i.e. foundation works including civil works, erection, stringing (as applicable), testing & commissioning, disposal of materials at site / store etc. to be executed at site. 2. Annexure – 1B (SP) Yes/No Manpower deployment plan, activity wise foundation works including civil works, erection, stringing (as applicable), testing & commissioning, disposal of materials at site / store etc. 3. Annexure – 2 (SP) Yes/No List of Lifting Machines i.e. Crane, Hoist, Triffor, Chain Pulley Blocks etc. and Lifting Tools and Tackles i.e. D shackle, Pulleys, come along clamps, wire rope slings etc. and all types of ropes i.e. Wire ropes, Poly propylene Rope etc. used for lifting purposes along with test certificates. 4. Annexure – 3 (SP) Yes/No List of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), activity wise including the following along with test certificate of each as applicable: 1. Industrial Safety Helmet to all workmen at site. (EN 397 / IS 2925) with chin strap and back stay arrangement. 2. Safety shoes without steel toe to all ground level workers and canvas shoes for workers working on tower. 3. Rubber Gum Boot to workers working in rainy season / concreting job. 4. Twin lanyard Full Body Safety harness with shock absorber and leg strap arrangement for all workers working at height for more than three meters. Safety Harness should be with attachments of light weight such as of aluminium alloy etc. and having a feature of Section IX. Contract Forms 9-157 S. N. Details of Enclosure Status Remarks of Submission of information/ documents automatic locking arrangement of snap hook and comply with EN 361 / IS 3521 standards. 5. Mobile fall arrestors for safety of workers during their ascending / descending from tower / on tower. EN 353 -2 (Guided type fall arresters on a flexible anchorage line.) 6. Retractable type fall arrestor (EN360: 2002) for ascending / descending on suspension insulator string etc. 7. Providing of good quality cotton hand gloves / leather hand gloves for workers engaged in handling of tower parts or as per requirement at site. 8. Electrical Resistance hand gloves to workers for handling electrical equipment / Electrical connections. IS : 4770 9. Dust masks to workers handling cement as per requirement. 10. Face shield for welder and Grinders. IS : 1179 / IS : 2553 11. Other PPEs, if any, as per requirement etc. 5. Annexure – 4 (SP) Yes/No List of Earthing Equipment / Earthing devices with Earthing lead conforming to IECs for earthing equipments are – (855, 1230, 1235 etc.) gang wise for stringing activity/as per requirement 6. Annexure – 5A (SP) Yes/No List of Qualified Safety Officer(s) along with their contact details 7. Annexure – 5B (SP) Yes/No Details of Explosive Operator (if required), Safety officer / Safety supervisor for every erection / stinging gang, any other person nominated for safety, list of personnel trained in First Aid as well as brief information about safety set up by the Contractor alongwith copy of organisation of the Contractor in regard to safety 8. Annexure – 6 (SP) Copy of Safety Policy/ Safety Document of the Yes/No Contractor’s company 9. Annexure – 7 (SP) Yes/No Section IX. Contract Forms 9-158 S. N. Details of Enclosure Status Remarks of Submission of information/ documents ‘Emergency Preparedness Plan’ for different incidences i.e. Fall from height, Electrocution, Sun Stroke, Collapse of pit, Collapse of Tower, Snake bite, Fire in camp / Store, Flood, Storm, Earthquake, Militancy etc. while carrying out different activities under execution i.e. foundation works including civil works, erection, stringing (as applicable), testing & commissioning, disposal of materials at site / store etc. 10. Annexure – 8 (SP) Yes/No Safety Audit Check Lists ( Formats to be enclosed) 11. Annexure – 9 (SP) Yes/No Copy of the module of Safety Training Programs on Safety, Health and Environment, safe execution of different activities of works for Contractor’s own employees on regular basis and sub contractor employees. 12. Annexure – 10A (SP) Information along with documentary evidences in regard to the Contractor’s compliance to various statutory requirements including the following: (i) Electricity Act 2003 Yes/No _______________________________________ [Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance] (ii) Factories Act 1948 Yes/No _______________________________________ [Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance] (iii) Building & other construction workers (Regulation Yes/No of Employment and Conditions of Services Act and Central Act 1996) and Welfare Cess Act 1996 with Rules. _______________________________________ [Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance] (iv) Workmen Compensation Act 1923 and Rules. Yes/No _______________________________________ [Name of Documentary evidence in support of Section IX. Contract Forms 9-159 S. N. Details of Enclosure Status Remarks of Submission of information/ documents compliance] (v) Public Insurance Liabilities Act 1991 and Rules. Yes/No _______________________________________ [Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance] (vi) Indian Explosive Act 1948 and Rules. Yes/No _______________________________________ [Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance] (vii) Indian Petroleum Act 1934 and Rules. Yes/No _______________________________________ [Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance] (viii) License under the contract Labour (Regulation & Yes/No Abolition) Act 1970 and Rules. _______________________________________ [Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance] (ix) Indian Electricity Rule 1956 and amendments if Yes/No any, from time to time. _______________________________________ [Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance] (x) The Environment (Protection) Act 1986 and Yes/No Rules. _______________________________________ [Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance] (xi) Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act 1986. Yes/No _______________________________________ [Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance] (xii) National Building Code of India 2005 (NBC 2005). Yes/No _______________________________________ [Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance] (xiii) Indian standards for construction of Low/ Medium/ Yes/No High/ Extra High Voltage Transmission Line _______________________________________ [Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance] (iv) Any other statutory requirement(s) Yes/No [please specify] Section IX. Contract Forms 9-160 S. N. Details of Enclosure Status Remarks of Submission of information/ documents _______________________________________ [Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance] 13. Annexure – 10B (SP) Details of Insurance Policies alongwith documentary evidences taken by the Contractor for the insurance coverage against accident for all employees as below: (i) Under Workmen Compensation Act 1923 and Yes/No Rules. _______________________________________ [Name of Documentary evidence in support of insurance taken] (ii) Public Insurance Liabilities Act 1991 Yes/No _______________________________________ [Name of Documentary evidence in support of insurance taken] (iii) Any Other Insurance Policies Yes/No _______________________________________ [Name of Documentary evidence in support of insurance taken] ____ EMPLOYER ANNEXURE – 3 SAFETY CONDITIONS IN CONTRACT DOCUMENT ANNEXURE – 4 HEALTH & SAFETY CHECKLIST ANNEXURE -4 HEALTH AND SAFETY CHECKLIST SAFETY RELATED CHECK LIST DURING CONSTRUCTION OF TRANSMISSION LINES/DISTRIBUTION LINES Region: ........................................... Date of Safety Audit:......................................................... Name of Transmission/Distribution Line: Loc. No: ...............................………………………………………Voltage Level: ....................... Name of Contractor: ..........................................................................................................………. Contractor License / Registration No.:……………….............................Validity...............……..... Name of Sub Contractor : .................................................................................................……… Sub-Contractor License / Registration No.:……………….............................Validity...............……..... I. DURING TOWER FOUNDATION : SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks i) Excavation : 1. Dumping of Excavated soil. (Minimum 1.5 Mts. or half the Yes / No. depth of the pit which ever is more) 2. Whether angle of repose of soil as per design in the Yes / No. foundation is maintained or not. 3. De watering arrangement is available ( If necessary) Yes / No. 4. Working area has been protected properly to avoid Yes / No. against fall of passerby or animal in the excavated pit. 5 Shoring & Shuttering to protect the loose rock / soil Yes / No. against fall exists. 6 Arrangement of illumination at construction site is Yes / No. available. (if required ) 7 Check proper/adequate arrangement is made for extension of electric supply. (Proper size of cable, Use of Yes / No. fuse, No loose connection for De-watering Pumps/ Illumination / Electric compressors etc. if applicable). 8 Check for damage / Uneven settlement of foundation. Yes / No. 9 Ensure Life saver arrangements have been made during construction of well foundation in river bed. (Where Yes / No. necessary) 10 Check that the adequate arrangement is made for the Yes / No. storage of blasting material at safe place. (if required) 11 Check that the blasting materials is handled with due Yes / No. care at site. ( If required ) 12 Check that during blasting operation, Labour / Workmen / Passerby are at safe places and arrangement is made to Yes / No. inform public by caution markings (Red Flag) / Public Notices. 13 Check that the Blaster is holding the proper license issued by the appropriate authority. as per the Indian Yes / No. Explosive Act. SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 14 Check that the length of the fuse wire used during Yes / No. blasting operation is adequate. 15 Ensure Laying of temporary cable used for operation of Machines used during construction should not cause any Yes / No. danger for electrocution of workmen. 16 Check that PPEs i.e. Safety helmets, Safety Shoes, is Yes / No. used by blaster and their gang members during blasting. 17 Ensure that Shuttering and timbering has been made as Yes / No. detailed in I:S: 3764. 18 Ensure that before undertaking excavation, the soil has been tested and in case of availability of any explosive / Yes / No. dangerous gas, necessary arrangement must be made to remove / dilute such gases. 19 The positions of underground installations such as sewers, water pipes and electrical cables have been Yes / No. verified and in case of their existence, they must be isolated. 20 Arrangement shall be made to prevent external vibrations Yes / No. due to rail / road traffic (If required). 21 Safety is ensured during the construction of Tr. Lines for buildings, structures etc. which are coming in the vicinity Yes / No. of the excavated area from collapse. ( If required ) 22 Check that sufficient strong ladder of suitable length is Yes / No. available for ingress / outgress of persons in the pit 23 Lone worker should not be allowed to work in the Yes / No. excavated area beyond shoulder level. 24 Check for any possibility of seepage of water from nearby pond / river should be estimated and taken care Yes / No. of. 25 After excavation the work has been completed speedily Yes / No. and back filling done at the earliest. ii) Casting of Foundation / Concreting : 1 Check construction materials are stacked at safe place and also does not cause any danger. (Away from pit by Yes / No. 1.5 Mtrs. Or half the depth of pit, which ever is more. ) 2 Check arrangement of illumination at Construction Site. Yes / No. (If required). 3 Ensure life saver arrangements have been made during Yes / No. construction of Well foundation in River Bed. 4 Check that the Concreting Mixer machine is placed at a Yes / No. safe place. (Not very near to pit.) 5 Check proper / adequate arrangement is made for extension of electric supply. (Proper size of cable, Use of Yes / No. fuse, No loose connection for De watering Pumps / Illumination / Electric compressors etc. if applicable). 6 Check that laying of temporary cables used during construction activities should not cause any danger for Yes / No. electrocution to workmen. SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 7 Inspection of excavations shall be made by a Competent Person every day. In case, possible cave in or slide is apparent, all working in the excavation shall be seized Yes / No. until the necessary precautions have been taken to safeguard the possible cave in or slide. 8 Jacks and vertical supports shall be positioned in such a manner that the vertical loads are distributed equally and Yes / No. do not exceed the capacity of the jacks and the jacks are placed away from pit edge etc. 9 Proper Jacking arrangement is made to take the entire Yes / No. load of template. 10 In case of long template in stub setting, more jacks have been provided and check that the Jacks are placed on Yes / No. levelled and hard surface to avoid the unbalancing and fallen. 11 Wire mesh rolls shall be secured in order to prevent Yes / No. dangerous recoiling action. 12 Lone worker should not be allowed to work in the Yes / No. excavated area. 13 Check that sufficient strong ladder of suitable length is Yes / No. available for ingress / outgress of persons in the pit II. TOWER ERECTION : SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 1 Check proper communication facility is available at site Yes / No. during Tower erection. (If required) 2. Check damages or uneven settlement of foundation. Yes / No. 3. Ensure the derrick used before tower erection has Yes / No. been checked for adequate strength/ size. Ensure for copy of test certificate for all the lifting machines and tackles. 4. Ensure that the pulleys used before tower erection has Yes / No. been checked for adequate strength / proper size (diameter). Also in case of open type pulleys proper locking arrangements like providing of Safety Pin is made. Ensure for copy of test certificate for all the lifting machines and tackles. 5. Ensure that the ropes used before tower erection has Yes / No. been checked for adequate strength / physical condition (Free from break of strands and knots etc. 6. Check that the lifting tools and tackles i.e. Winch Yes / No. Machine, Chain Pulley Block, Trifor, D - Shackle etc. are in healthy condition and has been tested periodically. (Attach copy of test certificate). 7. Ensure that permission has been obtained from Yes / No. Aviation Authority for erection of special towers. (Where necessary). SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 8. Ensure that permission has been obtained form Yes / No. Aviation Authority for erection of towers which comes in the vicinity of flying zone. (Where necessary) 9. Check that the safety measures has been taken Yes / No. before undertaking for the Road / Rail / River Xing jobs involving like wise stretches. 10. For rail or road crossing check whether written working Yes / No. plan is available at site with specific reference to safety e.g. local earthing, skilled & experience manpower, proper T&P, strength and height of scaffolding to maintain the required clearance etc. 11. Ensure that all the members and proper size of Nuts Yes / No. and Bolts of lower section are fitted properly before erection of the upper section of tower is taken up. 12. Check that the anti climbing devices are provided in Yes / No. the tower after erection job. 13. Check that the danger plates have been provided. Yes / No. 14. Check that only erection team members are allowed to Yes / No. stand near the tower while erection is in process and should wear the safety helmet / Safety Shoes. 15. Working area of the tower has been demarcated Yes / No. during erection. 16 Check that proper guying arrangement has been Yes / No. made. And also to see that proper size of the crow bars has been used which has been fixed at hard surface in case of sandy soil or loose soil. 17 Check that proper arrangement is made while lifting Yes / No. the tower members and fixing them at height i.e. Proper size and strength of the hook used for lifting the tower members. 18 Check sufficient numbers of guys are made while Yes / No. lifting the assembled cross arm and also avoiding use of single sheeve pulleys while lifting the assembled cross arm / heavy load. III. CONDUCTOR STRINGING: SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 1. All drivers and plant operators are holding the valid Yes / No. driving license. 2. Check that the permit has been obtained from the Yes / No. Competent Authority for stringing of conductor while crossing through Road / Rail / River / Venerable areas etc. ( Where necessary ) 3. Check that required painting has been made on tower Yes / No. falling in the vicinity of aviation zones. (Where necessary.) SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 4. Check that all safety measures have been taken Yes / No. during stringing of conductor crossing the EHV / HV / LT lines (Earthing of existing lines etc.) 5. Ensure that proper size of Nuts and Bolts is rigidly Yes / No. tightened and punching / tacking / tack welding is done in towers before undertaking stringing job. 6. Ensure that proper scaffolding arrangements made Yes / No. during stringing of conductor ( While Road Xing / Power Line Xing etc. 7. Ensure that all members are fitted in tower before Yes / No. undertaking conductor stringing work. 8. Check that the back filling of the foundation has been done as per specification. Yes / No. 9. Ensure that the discharge rod is electrically tested Yes / No. before use. 10. Stringing Machine / Tension pullor Machine are Yes / No. properly earthed. 11. Check the brake arrangement of the TSE Machines is Yes / No. working. 12. Ensure that the pulleys used before conductor Yes / No. stringing has been checked for adequate strength / proper size (diameter), also in case of open type pulleys proper locking arrangements like providing of Safety Pin is made Ensure for copy of test certificate for all the lifting machines and tackles. 13. Ensure the ropes used before conductor stringing has Yes / No. been checked for adequate strength / physical condition (Free from break of strands and knots etc. 14. Check that the lifting tools and tackles i.e. Winch Yes / No. Machine, Chain Pulley Block, Trifor, D - Shackle etc. are in healthy condition and has been tested periodically. (Attach copy of test certificate). 15. Check for the brake arrangement of the Drum reel of Yes / No. conductor during laying / paying out of conductor. 16. Check that proper communication facility is available at Yes / No. site during of stringing of conductor ( If required ) 17. Whether the tower has been permanently earthed. Yes / No. 18. Check that Sag Board is provided at two locations. Yes / No. 19. Check that the Sag Board arrangement is made by the Yes / No. experienced / trained persons. 20. Check approved Sag tension chart is available and Yes / No. followed at site. 21. While clamping of conductor / EW to be done, check Yes / No. for earthing. 22. Ensure sending signal to puller to stop when last layer Yes / No. of conductor / EW being pulled. SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 23. Check tension applied on the dynamo meter dial and Yes / No. check values with approved data. 24. Before stringing starts check that the villagers do not Yes / No. come underneath the job of the concerned section. 25. Only nylon or polypropylene ropes should be used Yes / No. during conductor stringing in vicinity of live overhead lines. 26. Ensure that PTW has been taken from the concerned Yes / No. authority. 27. Ensure that Winch, Pulleys etc. are properly earthed. Yes / No. 28. For LT lines, whether special persons are posted at Yes / No. each point of isolation till return of permit (PTW). 29. Whether the network of LT lines has been thoroughly Yes / No. checked and precautions taken Against inadvertent charging. 30. Check that proper arrangement is made / available for Yes / No. development and use of a Portable Earthing and Short – Circuiting Devices which can be engaged and disengaged to and from the LT lines, keeping away from the LT lines, until all operations on the same are completed and all men and materials are removed from LT lines. 31. Check the provision and proper positioning for the Yes / No. guying and back staying (Where necessary). 32. Check demarcation of feeder is done for D/c Line. Yes / No. 33. Ensure that all the insulator strings are thoroughly Yes / No. checked for availability and proper fixing of cotter / split pins before hoisting the same. General Points common for all activities during Excavation, Casting of Foundation I. ERECTION OF TOWER AND STRINGING OF CONDUCTOR : SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 1. Check whether the contractor had procured required Yes / No. quantity of PPEs considering maximum numbers of erection gangs deployed at one time. 2. Supervisors/ Workmen have been provided with Yes / No. required healthy PPEs, like Safety helmet / Safety Belts / Safety Shoes / Gum Boot etc. as applicable. 3. Availability of First Aid Box with required medicines at Yes / No. site. 4. Instruction register is available at site. Yes / No. 5. Ensure that Supervisor / Gang Leader always issues Yes / No. instruction to the Workmen before start of work. 6. Ensure that supervisory staff from Power Grid is available at site during construction. Yes / No. 7. All driver and plant operators are holding valid driving Yes / No. license. 8. Check the vehicle for rescue is available at site. Yes / No. 9. Ensure engaged labour are aware of the job. Yes / No. 10. Check that the unskilled labourers are not engaged in Yes / No. skilled job. 11. Ensure that supervisor / workmen engaged in the field Yes / No. are aware of First Aid Techniques ( Such as in case of Electric Shock, Fall from the height, Snake bite and the person rescued from buried under the debris etc. 12. Check for nearby Hospital / Doctor in case of Yes / No. emergencies arises. 13. While transporting heavy consignment of conductor / Yes / No. EW drums from central store to site by the use of Cranes, Truck, and Tractor. The safety aspect for construction and failure of brake system of moving machinery is to be checked. 14. At least one dry powder type of portable fire Yes / No. extinguisher shall be provided especially where explosive or blasting agents are used for excavation. 15. Check the competence (Qualification / Experience) of Yes / No. supervisor / gang leader of contractor. Signature Signature Signature Name : Name : Name : Designation : Designation: Designation: Representative of Contractor MePTCL/MePDCL Rep. from MePTCL/MePDCL Rep. Site. from Circle Office. Safety Related Check List during Construction of Sub - Station Region: ..........…............................... Date of Safety Audit:......................................................... Name of Sub Stn. / Switching Stn.: .......................................................................................…… Name of Contractor: ..........................................................................................................………. Contractor License / Registration No.:……………….............................Validity...............……..... Name of Sub Contractor : ................................................................................................………. Sub-Contractor License / Registration No.:……………….............................Validity...............……..... I. SUB STATION CIVIL WORKS : Feed SN Description of Activity Remarks back i): Safety during Excavation : 1. Check Sub station area has been protected by Yes / No. constructing boundary wall all around the sub station to avoid entry of passerby / unauthorized person or animal in the sub station. 2. De watering arrangement is available ( If necessary ) Yes / No. 3. Check proper / adequate arrangement is made for Yes / No. extension of electric supply. (Proper size of cable, Use of fuse, No loose connection and no naked wire connection to Pumps / Illumination / Electric compressors etc. if applicable). 4. Check arrangement of illumination at construction site is Yes / No. available. 5. Check dumping of Excavated soil (Minimum 1.5 Mts. Or Yes / No. half the depth of the pit which ever is more from the edge of the pit.) 6. Check Shoring & Shuttering to protect the loose rock / Yes / No. soil against fall. (if required). 7. Check lone worker is not be allowed to work in the Yes / No. excavated area. 8. Ensure Laying of temporary cables used for operation of Yes / No. Machines used during construction should not cause any danger for electrocution of persons / animals. 9. Ensure that before undertaking excavation, the soil has Yes / No. been tested and in case of availability of any explosive / dangerous gas, necessary arrangement must be made to remove / dilute such gases. 10. The positions of underground installations such as Yes / No. sewers, water pipes and electrical cables has been verified and in case of their existence, they must be isolated before further excavation works to ensure Human Safety. 11. Check that the scaffolds are not overloaded in any case. Yes / No. Scaffolds are to be erected and supported properly. 12. Stability of the soil of the excavated pit for safe working Yes / is to be checked and certified by a competent person No. Feed SN Description of Activity Remarks back daily before start of work. A register at site is maintained where competent person can certify accordingly. No manhole should remain uncovered during night & off days. 13. Check the provision of sufficient strong ladder of suitable Yes / length is available near the working place during No. excavation. 14. Check if any permission is required from local statutory Yes / body before excavation. No. 15. Check for No undercutting / toe cutting in soil. Yes / No. 16. Check after excavation the work should be speedily Yes / completed without delay and back filling done at the No. earliest. 17. Check for any possibility of seepage of water from Yes / No nearby pond / river has been estimated and taken care of. 18. Check to avoid slide / collaps of side walls of excavated Yes / No. pit, the excavation is to be done in trapezoidal cross – section. ii): Safety precaution during Storage, Handling and Use of Blasting Material: 1 Check that the adequate arrangement is made for the storage of blasting material at safe place. (Temporary Yes / No. Magazine is to be installed observing all norms) as per Indian Explosive Act. 2. Check that the blasting materials is handled by licensed Yes / No. blaster with due care at site. (If applicable) 3. Check smoking is prohibited in the vehicle carrying Yes / No. explosives. 4. Check that the Blaster is holding proper license issued Yes / No. by the appropriate authority. As per Indian Explosive Act. 5. Check that the length of the fuse wire used during Yes / No. blasting operation is adequate. 6. Check while transportation, no unauthorized person is Yes / No. allowed in vehicle carrying explosives. 7. Check that the loading and unloading of explosives is Yes / No. being done carefully. 8. Check explosives and detonators or blasting caps is not Yes / No. being transported in the same vehicle. 9. Check while transportation the detonators and Yes / No. explosives are not carried loose or mixed with other materials. 10 Check surplus explosives shall not be stacked near Yes / No. working area during loading / unloading. 11. Check explosives shall not be held in hands when Yes / No. lightening the fuse. 12. Check that blasting in the open has been carried out Yes / No. during the fixed hours every day or on fixed days in the week so that the public at large should know about this. 13. Check that arrangement has been made to display Yes / No. sufficient warnings / sign board to enable the people to get out of the blasting area to get off the danger zone Feed SN Description of Activity Remarks back 14. Check that the danger zone has been suitably cordoned Yes / No. off. 15. Check during blasting operations begin / after the firing of explosives shall follow the loud siren. Yes / No. 16. Check that during blasting operation, Labour / Workmen / Passerby are at safe places and arrangement is made Yes / No. to inform public by caution markings ( Red Flag ) / Public Notices etc. 17. Check that PPEs i.e. Safety helmets, Safety Shoes, is used by blaster and their gang members during blasting Yes / No. and also the persons supervising the blasting operations. 18. For covered blasting ensure placement of cover plates of proper thickness and sufficient numbers of sand filled Yes / No. bags. 19. Ensure that permission for blasting has been obtained from the appropriate authority. Yes / No. iii) Safety during casting of Foundation / Concreting : 1. Check construction materials are stacked at safe place and also does not cause any danger. (Away from pit) i.e. Yes / No. 1.5 Mtrs. or half the depth of the pit which ever is more.) 2. Check proper arrangement of illumination at Construction Site of Sub station is available. Yes / No. 3. Check that the Concreting Mixer/ Vibrator machines etc are placed at a safe place (Not very near to any pit at Yes / No. least 1.5 Mtr. from the edge of the pit) to avoid transfer of vibrations and should be operated by skilled persons. 4. Check proper / adequate arrangement is made for extension of electric supply. (Proper size of cable, Use of Yes / No. fuse, No loose connection for De watering Pumps / Illumination / Electric compressors etc. if applicable). 5. Check for laying of temporary cables used during construction activities should not cause any danger for Yes / No. electrocution to persons / animals. 6. All bracing, struts and shuttering in excavations shall be adequately secured so as to prevent their accidental Yes / No. displacement. 7. Ensure Shuttering and timbering has been made as detailed in I:S: 3764 for protecting the loose rock / soil Yes / No. against fall. 8. Check for proper placing of Hydraulic jacks with stability and constant watch of these instruments (which are Yes / No. continuously loaded) to avoid any danger of displacement causing sever accident. II. SAFETY DURING STRUCTURE, EQUIPMENT ERECTION & CABLE LAYING ETC. : N Description of Activity Feedback Remarks 1. Check Back filling done prior to erection activity. Yes / No. 2. Check the derrick used before structure erection has Test certificate is been checked for adequate strength / size and no joints Yes / No. required apart from are permitted. visual inspection. N Description of Activity Feedback Remarks 3. Check that the pulleys used before structure erection / Yes / No. Test certificate is Equipment Erection has been checked for adequate required apart from strength / proper size (diameter), also in case of open visual inspection. type pulleys proper locking arrangements like providing of Safety Pin is made Safe working load should be punched. 4. Check the ropes used before structure erection / Yes / No. Test certificate is Equipment Erection has been checked for adequate required apart from strength / physical condition (free from break of strands visual inspection. and knots etc. 5. Check that the lifting tools and tackles are in healthy Yes / No. Test certificate is condition and has been tested periodically. required apart from visual inspection. 6. Check permission has been obtained from Aviation Yes / No. Authority for erection of Lightning Mast which comes in the vicinity of flying zone. (Where necessary ) 7. Check that all Nuts and Bolts are fitted in the structure Yes / No. before undertaking the job of other section of the structure and are tightened. 8. Check area has been cordoned off to prevent injuries to unauthorized persons from hitting against structural Yes / No. component or falling in the excavated pits. 9. Check that danger plates are available on all the equipment & structures in the switchyard. Yes / No. 10. Check demarcation of feeder is done for Double Circuit Yes / No. Line. 11. Check only erection team members are allowed to stand near the structure / Equipment while erection is in Yes / No. process and should wear the safety helmet / Safety Shoes. 12. Check proper guying arrangement has been made while lifting structure / Equipment, if necessary. Yes / No. 13. Check that proper arrangement is made while lifting the structure members and fixing them at height i.e. Proper Yes / No. size and strength of the hook used for lifting the structure members. 14. Check sufficient numbers of guys are made while lifting the assembled structure / heavy loads and also avoiding Yes / No. use of single sheeve pulleys while lifting the assembled structure / heavy load. 15. Check arrangement has been made for equipment identification. Yes / No. 16. Check that required painting made on tower falling in the vicinity of aviation zones. (Where necessary.) Yes / No. 17 Check no live wires nearby. Take shut down if necessary. Yes / No. 18. Check the structure has been permanently earthed. Yes / No. 19. Check crane are preferably be used for erection of pipe structure in the sub station building works ( if required.) Yes / No. N Description of Activity Feedback Remarks 20. Check all safety procedures for erection work like use of safety helmets, Safety belts, use of guy wires, lowering / Yes / No. lifting of tools by rope etc. are strictly adhered to during structure erection works is in progress in the switchyard. 21. Check that correct size of spanner (Box or ring type) as well as DE spanners is being used. Yes / No. 22. Check working area of the structure has been demarcated during erection. Yes / No. 23. Check heavy structures are lifted with crane with proper Yes / No. safety. 24. Only polypropylene ropes are to be used to tie the aluminium tube / Bus bar since this is soft material and Yes / No. will not damage aluminium tube / Bus bar during erection. 25. Ensure that R clips in insulator caps are fixed properly to avoid disconnection of insulator discs. Yes / No. 26. Ensure that all the necessary security pins (split pins) are Yes / No. fixed. 27. Check all nuts of jumper fittings are properly tightened and live metal clearance have been maintained as per Yes / No. POWERGRID specification. 28. In case of tension fitting dead end joint dimensions before & after the compression are checked and Yes / No. recorded. 29. No damaged component of any hardware fitting should be used on works. Yes / No. 30. Length of jumpers has been measured properly to give it a parabolic shape. No sharp bend should exist. Yes / No. 31. Check surge counter erection facilitates proper reading and that earthing is done with minimum bends. Yes / No. 32. Check Surge monitor has been earthed by connecting it to main earth mat with (G I Flat 75 x 12 mm) and earth pit Yes / No. separately as per drawing. 33. Check the alignment of earth switch with isolator, earth switch of isolator is put into operation and the contacts Yes / No. are cleaned. After completion of pre commissioning checks and formats are dully filled and signed. 34. Ensure that the rubber beedings are kept in good Yes / No. condition. 35. Check CT has been placed on the support structure very Yes / No. carefully and all nuts have been tightened. Earthing is done as per drawing. 36. Ensure the lattice structure of CT has been earthed at Yes / No. two points. 37. Check the marshalling box in the switchyard has proper Yes / No. illumination arrangement. 38. Check the capacitor unit is short circuited & earthed, until Yes / No. erection and commissioning works are being done on CVT. (The capacitor get charged by the electrical fields in the vicinity and they keep these charges for a long time, which can be dangerous to human life. Hence the shorting of capacitor unit is necessary). It should be removed before tests / use. N Description of Activity Feedback Remarks 39. Check Fuses in the marshaling box are OK. Yes / No. 40. Check proper earthing of CVT tank has been done. Yes / No. 41. Check all housing accessories, mounting stools including Yes / No. bolts / Nuts for fixing Line Trap and insulators are of non magnetic material. 42. Check H.F. point of CVTs on which the coupling device is Yes / No. not mounted has been earthed. 43. Check the remaining CVTs have been earthed thro’ Yes / No. coupling device. 44. Cable drums after visual inspection should be stored Yes / No. preferably in the covered area. Cable ends should be clamped. 45. Ensure each cable and conduit run should be tagged with Yes / No. cable identity numbering as per the approved that appear in the cable and conduit schedule. 46. The tag should be of aluminium plate with ID number Yes / No. punched on it and securely attached to the cable conduit by not less than two turns. Cable tags should of rectangular shape for power cables and of circular shape for control cables. 47. Check underground cable markers should project 150 Yes / No. mm above ground and spaced at an interval of 30 Mts. They shall be located on both sides of road and drain crossing and also at every change in direction. 48. Check cable tags should be provided inside the Yes / No. switchgear, motor control centres, control and relay panels etc. wherever required for cable identification, where a number of cables enter together through a gland plate. 49. The cable (power and control) between LT stations, Yes / No. Control room, DG set building and fire fighting pump house should be laid in the buried cable trenches. In addition to the above, for lighting purpose also, buried cable trench can be used in outdoor area. (as per Technical specification of specific contract ) 50. Cable route and joint markers and RCC warning covers Yes / No. should be provided wherever required. The voltage grade of cables should be engraved on the marker. 51. Tray Identification Number on each run of trays at an Yes / No. interval of 10 Mtrs should be painted. 52. In case the outer sheath of a cable is damaged during Yes / No. handling / installation, the same should be repaired to the satisfaction of the site. In case any other part of a cable is damaged, the same should be replaced by a healthy cable. Power cables should be at the top most layers. The armor of control cable is to be earthed. 53. All cable termination should be appropriately tightened to Yes / No. ensure secure and reliable connections. All the exposed parts of cable lugs should be covered with tape, sleeve or paint. 54. Power and control cables are laid on separate cable trays Yes / No. N Description of Activity Feedback Remarks 55. Co-axial cable is laid separately from power cable. Yes / No. 56. All cable trays, racks and metallic ducts have been Yes / No. grounded by connecting each to earth / mat. ( As per Scheme ) 57. Check sections of cable trays have been bridged by Yes / No. copper jumpers/ G I to retain continuity of earthing. (As per Scheme) 58. Check earthing of panel is done by the erection Yes / No. contractor for connecting it with switchyard earth mat. ( As per Scheme ) 59. Auxiliary bus wiring for AC and DC supplies, Voltage Transformer circuits, annunciation circuits and other Yes / No. common services is provided near the top of the panels running through out the entire length of the panels. 60. All internal wiring to be connected to external equipment Yes / No. is terminated on terminal blocks, preferably vertically mounted on the side of each panel. 61. Check whether Mimic Diagram is available preferably Yes / No. made of anodized aluminium or plastic of approved fast colour material and screwed on to the panel that can be easily cleaned. 62. Check the panels all equipment mounted on front and Yes / No. rear side as well as equipment mounted inside are provided with individual name plates with equipment designated engraved. 63. Check on top of each panel on front as well as rear side, Yes / No. large and bold name plates are provided for circuit / feeder designation. 64. Check all front mounted equipments are provided at the Yes / No. rear with individual name plates engraved with tag numbers corresponding to panel internal wiring to facilitate easy tracing of the wiring. 65. Check the name plates mounted directly by the side of Yes / No. the respective equipments should not be hidden by equipment wiring. 66. Check availability of 240V single phase 50 HZ, AC socket Yes / No. with switch suitable to accept 5 Amps and !5 Amps pin round standard plug, is provided in the interior of each cubicle with ON-OFF switch for connection of hand lamps. 67. Check that panels are provided with a fluorescent lighting Yes / No. fixture rated with 240 Volts single phase, 50 Hz supply for the interior illumination of the panel during maintenance. The fittings are complete with switch fuse unit and switching of the lighting is controlled by the respective panel door switch. Adequate lighting with fuse unit is also provided for the corridor in control panels. 68. Check control panels are provided with necessary Yes / No. arrangements for receiving, distributing, isolating and fusing of DC and AC supplies for various control, signalling, lighting and space heater circuits. The incoming and sub circuits are separately with switch fuse N Description of Activity Feedback Remarks units. 69. Check panels are provided with a space heater rated for Yes / No. 240 V, single phase, 50 Hz, AC supply for the internal heating of the panel to prevent condensation of moisture. 70. Check all panels are equipped with an earth bus securely Yes / No. fixed 71. Check when several panels are mounted adjoining each Yes / No. other, the earth bus is made continuous with necessary connectors and clamps for this purpose. 72. Check provision is made for extending the earth bus bars Yes / No. to adjoining panels on either side. 73. Check provision is made on each bus bar of the end Yes / No. panels for connecting earthing grid. 74. Check all metallic cases of relays, instruments and panel Yes / No. mounted equipment including gland plates are connected to the earth bus by copper wires of specified size. 75. Check the colour code of the earthing wire is green. Yes / No. 76. Check that earthing made with equipment is with Nuts Yes / No. and Bolts i.e. For such connection lugs should be pressed and tightened to the terminals through Nuts and Bolts. 77. Check that no equipment is mounted on the panel doors. Yes / No. 78. Check each switch should bear clear inscription Yes / No. identifying its function. 79. Check those who have sufficient knowledge of steel Yes / No. structural job have been employed in steel structural works only. 80. Check necessary instruction has been communicated by Yes / No. supervisor before start of the day’s works to workmen under his control. 81. Storing of equipments is to be made properly to avoid Yes / No. any accident during handling. 82. Check all Nuts and bolts are properly raised or lowered Yes / No. preferably using closed loop pulleys and gully bags / hand bags tied at the end for carrying nuts and bolts. 83. Check that Fire resistant sheets are used before Yes / No. entrance of control cable in control room. 84. Check air compressor tubing properly tightened. Yes / No. 85. Check all carrying connectors / clamps properly Yes / No. tightened. III. CONDUCTOR LAYOUT DURING CONSTRUCTION STAGE : SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 1. Check all members are fixed in structure and ensure Yes / No. proper size of Nuts and Bolts are rigidly tightened and punching / tacking / tack welding is done in towers / structures before undertaking conductor laying job. 2. Ensure proper scaffolding arrangements made during Yes / No. laying of conductor (While Power Line crossing etc). SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 3. Ensure that all members are fitted in structure before Yes / No. undertaking conductor laying work. 4. Ensure that the discharge rod is electrically tested Yes / No. before use. 5. Ensure whether the structure is properly earthed. Yes / No. 6. Only nylon or polypropylene ropes should be used Yes / No. during conductor laying in vicinity of live overhead lines. 7. Ensure that PTW has been taken from the concerned Yes / No. authority when extension of existing substation is under execution. 8. Ensure that Winch, Pulleys etc. are properly earthed. Yes / No. 9. For LT lines, check whether special persons are Yes / No. posted at each point of isolation till return of permit (PTW) if positioning of person is not possible then it is to be seen that all the point of isolation has been kept in the locked position till the work is in progress. 10. Whether the network of LT lines has been thoroughly Yes / No. checked and precautions taken against inadvertent charging. 11. Check that proper arrangement is made / available for Yes / No. grounding LT lines coming across during conductor laying. (This can be done by way of portable earthing and short circuiting devices which cab be engaged to and disengaged from LT lines, keeping away from the LT lines until all operations on the same are completed and all man and materials are removed from the LT lines). 12. Check the provision and proper positioning for the Yes / No. guying and back staying (Where necessary). 13. Check working of hydraulic crimping machine. Yes / No. 14. Check before and after crimping, dimensional changes Yes / No. in clamps and are in accordance with the drawings and specifications. IV. SWITCHYARD EARTHING DURING CONSTRUCTION STAGE: SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 1. Check that while earthing conductor crossing the road Yes / No. is laid 300 mm below the road or at greater depth depending upon the site conditions. 2. Check that while laying the Earthing conductor in Yes / No. outside area is buried at least 600 mm below the furnished ground level. 3. Check that the earthing pads have been provided for Yes / No. the apparatus / equipments at accessible position. 4. Check all steel columns, metallic stairs are connected Yes / No. SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks to nearby earthing grid conductor by two earthing leads. 5. Check of earthing of lightening fixtures, receptacles Yes / No. switches, junction boxes lighting conduits has been done by a separate earthing conductor. 6. Check that the railway tracks within switchyard area Yes / No. has been earthed at a spacing of 30 Mts. / specified distance and also at both ends. 7. Check cable trays has been connected to earthing flat Yes / No. of 50X6 mm / specified sized earthing flat at intervals specified in approved drawing. 8. Check that this earthed flat is earthed at about 30 Mts. Yes / No. distance. 9. All accessories in transformer and reactor like radiators Yes / No. tank, cooling banks etc are connected to the earthing grid at minimum two points. 10. Check metallic conduits are not used as earth Yes / No. continuity conductor. 11. Check flexible earthing connectors should be provided Yes / No. for the moving parts. 12. Check sheath and armor of single core power cable is Yes / No. earthed at switchgear end and equipment side. 13. Check contact surface of earthing pads for jointing free Yes / No. from scale, paint, enamel, grease, rust or dust. 14. Check that light poles, junction boxes on the poles, Yes / No. cable and cable boxes / glands, lockout switches etc. are connected to the earthing conductor running along with the supply cable which intern is connected to the earthing grid conductor at a minimum two points. Check earthing conductor which is generally buried Yes / No. 15. 2000 mm outside the switchyard fence. All the gates and every alternate post of the fence are to be connected to earthing grid. 16. Check megger used for measuring soil resistivity is Yes / No. calibrated with desired accuracy. 17. The earth resistivity has been measured in dry weather Yes / No. condition. 18. Check the earthing of Transformers and Shunt reactor, Yes / No. earth pits are constructed as per relevant standard / approved drawing. Check that the measured value of combined earth Yes / No. 19. resistance should be less than 1 Ohm. Check that for earth electrode and individual earth pits, Yes / No. 20. this value should not be more than one Ohm. Check all non current carrying metal parts shall be Yes / No. 21. effectively earthed by two separate and distinct earth connections ( Indian Electricity Rule 61,67 ) 22. Check that all pylon supports in the Fire Fighting HVSW Yes / No. system has been earthed to the earthmat. V. GENERAL POINTS COMMON FOR ALL ACTIVITIES DURING EXCAVATION, CASTING OF FOUNDATION Erection of structures, laying of Conductor, storage and transportation of material: SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 1. Check Supervisors / Workmen have been provided with Yes / No. required healthy PPEs. Like ( Safety helmet / Safety Belts / Safety Shoes / Gum Boot etc. as applicable ) 2. Check availability of First Aid Box with required Yes / No. medicines at site. 3. Check Site Instruction register is available at site. Yes / No. 4. Ensure Supervisor / Gang Leader always issues Yes / No. instruction to the Workmen including contractor labour before start of work. 5. Ensure supervisory staff from Power Grid is available at Yes / No. site during construction. 6. Check all driver and plant operators are holding valid Yes / No. driving license. 7. Check the vehicle for rescue is available at site. Yes / No. 8. Ensure engaged labour are aware of the job. Yes / No 9. Ensure supervisor / workmen engaged in the field are Yes / No. aware of First Aid Techniques ( Such as in case of Electric Shock, Fall from the height, Snake bite and the person rescued from buried under the debris, rescue of person from drowning etc. 10. Check for availability and to keep a record of nearby Yes / No. Hospital / Doctor in case of emergencies arises. 11. While transporting heavy consignment of conductor / Yes / No. EW drums from central store to site by the use of Cranes, Truck, Tractor. The safety aspect for construction and failure of brake system of moving machinery is to be checked. 12. At least one dry powder type of portable fire Yes / No. extinguisher shall be provided especially where explosive or blasting agents are used for excavation. ( If applicable ) 13. Check the competence (Qualification / experience) of Yes / No. supervisor / gang leader of contractor. 14. Wire mesh rolls shall be secured in order to prevent Yes / No. dangerous recoiling action. 15. Proper unloading arrangement has been made at site Yes / No. (Preferably with crane) to unload the material. SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 16. After unloading the material visual inspection of the Yes / No. materials has been carried out along with the erection contractor to check that the material has not been damaged or not (Galvanizing is proper or not) As per approved Field Quality Plan etc. 17. While transporting the heavy laden equipment like Yes / No. transformer / Reactor by road from Rly Stn to Sub station check whether for all safety precaution taken. Like safe lifting capacity of crane, safe load on culvert / Bridge / Nala / Drain etc.and working plan is available at site with specific reference to safety e.g. local earthing, skilled & experience manpower, proper T&P, strength and LT wires / HT wires interrupting the height of equipment and the required clearance maintained etc. Permission to be obtained from concerned authority if required. “Impact recorder on the equipment like Reactor / Transformer must be installed during transportation” 18. Check that the adequate and safe means of access Yes / No. and aggress has been provided for all work places as far as reasonably practicable and is being used by the workers. 19. Check proper illumination is provided at the work Yes / No. places and their approaches including passage ways. 20. Check that the lamps have been protected by suitable Yes / No. guards where necessary to prevent danger, in case the lamp breaks. 21. Check loose materials which are not required for use Yes / No. shall not be placed or left so as dangerously to obstruct work places or passage ways. 22. Check all projected nails has been removed or bent Yes / No. over to prevent injury. 23. Check scrap, waste and rubbish has not been allowed Yes / No. to accommodate on the site or the scrap materials has been stored at the isolated place. 24. Check that the worker while working at height scaffold Yes / No. materials, waste materials and tools are not being thrown by them to cause injury to any person. 25. Check whether contractor has procured required Yes / No. quantity of PPE considering maximum number of erection gangs deployed at one time. Check the quantity of PPEs. 26. Check that the PPEs required by the workmen are Yes / No. being utilized by them always. 27. Check the worker is under constant surveillance by the Yes / No. SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks other person while working at height. 28. Check construction site has been barricaded for Yes / No. unauthorized persons / animals. 29. Check that lifting appliances and machines and Yes / No. vehicles used on the construction site is of sound material and good quality and is free from patent defects and is strong enough to with safely the load and stresses to which they will be subjected. 30. Check structures and equipment is being used only for Yes / No. the purpose for which they were intended. 31. Check equipment has been operated by the competent Yes / No. person. 32. Check portable ladders shall not exceed 9 Mts. in Yes / No. length, other wise may cause danger while climbing of person and back legs shall be equally braced. 33. Check unskilled labour are not utilized for skilled jobs Yes / No. and only experience persons are deployed for erection. 34. Check a well planed and documented procedure for the Yes / No. entire Construction works of Sub station shall be prepared by contractor and get approved from Power Grid for distribution to Contractors’ field staff and Power Grid for follow up. 35. Check no metallic measuring tapes are being used Yes / No. during expansion of charged bays. 36. Check metal ladders are not being used in the vicinity Yes / No. of exposed live electrical equipment. 37. Check one bore well is available for water supply in Yes / No. case Municipal Construction supply is not available 38. Check charged area of a yard should be properly Yes / No. fenced off. 39. Check ladders / lengthy articles / lengthy equipments Yes / No. etc. should always be carried in horizontal position. 40. Check insurance by contractor for the labour to provide Yes / No. adequate coverage for any accident etc. : Signature Signature Signature Name : Name : Name : Designation: Designation: Designation : MePTCL/MePDCL Rep. from Contractor Rep. from MePTCL/ Representative MePDCL HQ ANNEXURE – 5 DETAILS OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION Photographs of Public Consultation held on 12th Sept.’ 14 at Byrnihat Photographs of Public Consultation held on 19th Sept.’ 14 at Umiam ANNEXURE – 6 CONTENTS OF FEAR Annexure -6 Table of Content for Final Environment Assessment Report (FEAR) for Transmission and Distribution Project Section - I: Project Description: Brief description of the background, objective of the project, resultant benefit and scope of the work. Section – II: Baseline Data: Description of the relevant physical, physiographical, and socio- economic condition of the project area including description of natural resources base like forest resources or any other environment sensitive areas like National Park sanctuary etc. along with description of climatic condition, population and other demographic features of the project area. Section -III: Policy, Legal and Regulatory Framework: Description of the policy, Legal and Regulatory framework applicable to transmission project and the environmental requirement under which environment assessment has been carried out. Section – IV: Major Features of Final Route & Environment Impact: Brief description of the environmental criteria for selection of route and major features of final route alignment , details of forest involvement including number of trees and species of the trees likely to be effected. The details of forest clearance and environmental impact matrix describing in brief the extent of impact of transmission line. Section – V: Potential Environmental Impact, Evaluation and its Management: Description of the measures adopted and under implementation for identified impact due to project location, design, construction, O&M details of public consultation and its documentation, details of contractual conditions regarding safeguard issues under scope of contract for compliance and conclusion listing the category of the project based on the impact and analysis. Section – VI: Monitoring and Organization Support Structure: Description of the monitoring plan, reporting pattern/frequency, external monitoring requirement/timing for potential environment & social issues with compliance status of Environment Management Plan (EMP) and organization support structure. Enclosures: 1) Original Topo / GIS map with Final route marked 2) Public Consultation details like list of participants, photos etc. 3) Copy of Forest proposal and Compensatory Afforstation plan. 4) Forest approval letters 5) Tree, Crop & Tower footing compensation details 6) Contract conditions regarding safeguard issues. 7) Budget/Expenditure 8) Compliance details of safety checklist/measures ANNEXURE – 7 ESTIMATED BUDGET Annexure -7 BUDGET ESTIMATE TOWARDS FOREST AND CROP/TREE/ TOWER FOOTING COMPENSATION Total 132 kV T/L length (Based on WOS) - 115.5 km. Total 132 kV tower locations - 390 approx. A. Compensation 1 Forest - Nil 2. Crop & Trees  Transmission Line length in Private /Revenue land –115.5 km. - Crop/tree compensation 220 kV line- (115.5.7 x Rs 5,00,000) = Rs. 577.50 lakhs  Distribution Line length in Private /Revenue land – 42.90 km. - Crop/tree compensation33 kV line - (42.9 x Rs. 50,000) Rs. 21.45 lakhs 3. Land compensation for tower footing- (390 towers x Rs10,000) = Rs. 39.00 lakhs Sub Total A (1+2+3) - Rs. 637.95 lakhs B. Implementation Monitoring & Audit i) Man-power involved for EMP implementation & Monitoring in entire route of Transmission lines & distribution line (158.4 km x Rs.10, 000/-) = Rs. 15.84 lakhs ii) Independent Audit (LS) if needed = Rs. 5.00 lakhs Sub Total B (i + ii) - Rs. 20.85 lakhs Grand Total (A+B) = Rs. 658.8 lakhs EXHIBIT – 1 POWER MAP OF MEGHALAYA (Future) EXHIBIT – 2 SCHEMATIC MAP SHOWING PROPOSED TRANSMISSION NETWORK & DISTRIBUTION NETWORK Proposed Transmission and Distribution Network in East Khasi Hills & Ri-Bhoi Districts under NER Power System Improvement Project in Meghalaya 33/11 KV 33/11 KV NEW SHILLONG MAWRYNGKNENG S/S (NEW) S/S (NEW) LOOP-IN 33 KV 33 JO K WA V I— LI LOOP-OUT LA 33 KV LINE (NEW) N ND E NO (N NG E KR 132 KV EM MAWNGAP S/S 220/132/33 KV NEW LIN (EXISTING) E SHILLONG S/S (NEW) (EX 220 KV LINE (NEW) IST 22 IN 33 G) 0 K K V V LI LI N NE E (N (N E E W) 33/11 KV 33 KV LINE (NEW) 220/132 KV MAWPAT 33/11 KV SE FALLS S/S BYRNIHAT S/S S/S (NEW) (EXISTING) (EXISTING) NEW 220 KV T/L PROPOSED UNDER NERPSIP AUGMENTATION OF EXISTING NEW 33 KV LINE PROPOSED UNDER NERPSIP S/S PROPOSED UNDER NERPSIP EXISTING 33 KV LINE (RECONDUCTORING PROPOSED) NEW S/S PROPOSED UNDER NERPSIP EXHIBIT – 3 MePTCL/MePDCL’s ORGANIZATION SUPPORT STRUCTURE FIGURE – 1 132 KV LINE DEPICTING ACTUAL POSITION ALONG WITH ROW AND EXTENT OF DAMAGE Fig. -1 132 kV line depicting actual position along with RoW and extent of damage FIGURE – 1 a 132 KV TOWER BASE SHOWING IMPACT ON AGRICULTURAL LAND AND CROP Fig-1(a) 132 kV Tower Base showing extent of impact on agricultural land and Crop with Anti climbing device . Another 132 kV Tower Base showing extent of impact on agricultural land and Crop FIGURE – 2 33 KV lines (Single & H pole) depicting base area impact Fig. -2: 33 KV lines (Single & H pole) depicting base area impact Actual Impact of 33 kV Pole at Base Area 33 kV line inside city area of Assam 33 kV (H Pole) line inside substation FIGURE – 3 Typical Plan of Transmission line Tower footing indicating the above position and extent of damage Fig.-3 TYPICAL PLAN OF TRANSMISSION LINE TOWER FOOTINGS SHOWING ACTUAL GOUND POSITION AND EXTENT OF IMPACT X a a T R A N S M Y I S S I O N L I N E ACTUAL POSITION ON GROUND INDICATIVE MEASURES X & Y = 10-15 METERS a = 300- 450 mm FIGURE – 3 a SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM INDICATING AREA OF INFLUENCE/IMPACT FOR 132 KV D/C TRANSMISSION LINE POWER GRID CORPORATION OF INDIA LIMITED (A Government Of India Enterprise) SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM FOR INDICATING AREA OF INFLUENCE/IMPACT for 220 KV D/C Transmission Line Conductor 12m 12m 4m 35 m ROW 3m mm 45.5 Conductor swing Area 4.5m Tree Felling Zone 12m Tower Tower Felling/Pollarding/Pruning* 12 m Tree Felling Zone Conductor 4m 3m 4m Conductor swing Area Tree Felling for Foundation Area Tree Felling for Foundation Area Normal Span 400m 350 m Note : Tree felling of 3m below conductor is only applicable in forest area MAP – 1 FOREST COVER MAP OF MEGHALAYA Subprojects Area MAP – 2 DISTANCE FROM ROUTE ALIGNMENT OF KILING (BYRNIHAT) - MAWNGAP - NEW SHILLONG 220 KV D/C LINE IN RESPECT TO NONGKHYLLEM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY AND BARAPANI RESERVOIR MAP – 3 ALTERNATIVES ROUTE ALIGNMENT FOR KILING (BYRNIHAT) - MAWNGAP - NEW SHILLONG 220 KV D/C LINE (KMZ FILE) MAP – 4 ALTERNATIVES ROUTE ALIGNMENT FOR 2 X 33 KV LINE FROM 33/11 KV MAWRYNGKNENG SUBSTATION (NEW) - 220/132/33 KV NEW SHILLONG SUBSTATION(NEW) PLATE – 1 PROPOSED SUBSTATIONS LOCATION 220/132/33 kV New Shillong substation Access to Site Proposed Site 220/132 kV Mawngap Existing substation Access to Site Proposed Site for Extension work 220 kV Byrnihat Existing substation Proposed Site for Extension Work Access Road 33/11 KV Mawpat Substation Proposed Site Approach Road Proposed site Access to site 33/11 KV New Shillong Substation Approach Road Proposed Site Proposed site Approach Road 33/11 KV Mawryngkneng Substation Approach Road Proposed Site Proposed site Access Road need strengthening 33/11 KV Mawkynrew Substation Approach Road Proposed Site Proposed site Access Road need strengthening