SFG1014 v8 INITIAL ENVIRONMENT ASSESSMENT REPORT (IEAR) FOR T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICT UNDER NERPSIP TRANCHE-1, ASSAM Prepared By ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT POWER GRID CORPORATION OF INDIA LTD (A GOVERNMENT OF INDIA ENTERPRISE ) For ASSAM ELECTICITY GRID CORPORATION LIMITED (AEGCL) & ASSAM POWER DISTRIBUTION COMPANY LIMITED (APDCL) (A GOVERNMENT OF ASSAM ENTERPRISE) ASSAM/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 : Baseline Data - 5-9 - Assam - 5 Section- III : Policy, Legal & Regulatory Framework - 10-15 - Environmental - 10 - Social - 14 Section- IV : Approach For Route/Site Selection - 16 -24 - Route Selection - 16 - Study of Alternatives - 16 - Route Alignment of Rupai–Chapakhowa 132 kV S/C on D/C line - 17 - Route Alignment of Tinsukia–Behiating (New Dibrugarh) 220 kV D/C - 19 line - Route Alignment of 33 kV line from 132/33kV (Existing) Dibrugarh to 21 33/11kV Romai (New) substation - Substation - 23 Section - V : Potential Environmental Impacts, Their Evaluation & - 25-34 Management - Impact Due To Project Location & Design - 25 - Environmental Problem Due To Design - 28 - Environmental Problems During Construction Phase - 30 - Environmental Problems Resulting From Operation - 32 - Critical Environmental Review Criteria - 33 - Public Consultation - 33 - Conclusion - 34 Section- VI : Project Implementation Arrangement & Monitoring - 35-48 - Administrative Arrangement For Project Implementation - 35 - Review Of Project Implementation Progress - 35 - Environmental Monitoring In Utility - 36 - Grievance Redressal Mechanism (GRM) - 37 - Environment Review - 38 LIST OF ENCLOSURES S. No. Title/Name Description Annexure 1 Annexure -1 National Park and Wildlife Sanctuaries in Assam 2 Annexure- 2 Elephant Reserves & Elephant Corridors in Assam 3 Annexure -3 Tree / crop/ tower footing compensation process 4 Annexure -4 Safety Plan 5 Annexure -5 Safety Conditions in Contract Document 6 Annexure -6 Health & Safety Checklist 7 Annexure -7 Details of Public Consultation 8 Annexure -8 Contents of FEAR 9 Annexure -9 Estimated Budget Exhibit 10 Exhibit -1 Power map of Assam 11 Exhibit -2 Schematic Map Showing Proposed Transmission & Distribution Network 12 Exhibit -3 AEGCL/APDCL’s Organization Support Structure Figure 13 Figure -1 132 kV line Depicting actual position along with RoW and extent of damage 14 Figure- 1a 132 kV Tower base showing impact on agricultural land and crop 15 Figure -2 Typical Plan of Transmission line Tower footing indicating the above position and extent of damage 16 Figure -3 33 KV lines (Single & H pole) depicting base area impact 17 Figure -3a Schematic Diagram indicating area of influence/impact for 132 kV D/C transmission line Map 18 Map -1 Forest Cover Map of Assam 19 Map- 2 Alternatives Route Alignment for Rupai–Chapakhowa 132 kV S/C on D/C line 20 Map -3 Alternatives Route Alignment for Tinsukia–Behiating (New Dibrugarh) 220 kV D/C line & 33 kV line from 132/33kV (Existing) Dibrugarh to 33/11kV Romai (New) substation Plate 21 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 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 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 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 the meeting taken by Member, Planning Commission on February 24, 2009 and meeting of Committee of PIB chaired by Secretary, Department of Expenditure on March 24, 2009, it was decided that DPRs of the scheme comprising transmission, sub-transmission system should be prepared by POWERGRID. Accordingly, DPRs for strengthening of transmission, distribution system in Assam were prepared and submitted to Ministry of DONER / Ministry of Power / Govt. of Assam 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, 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 re-designated as Implementing Agency (IA) to the six (6) North Eastern States for the said project. However, the ownership of the assets shall remain 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 ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 1 The present report deals with Initial Environment Assessment for part of priority works of strengthening of transmission & distribution system in Assam under Tranche-1 of the World Bank Fund. 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 Assam is endowed with rich energy resources but faces significant bottlenecks in electricity access and availability levels. The present per capita energy consumption is of the order of 205 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 460 MW of self- generation and about 600MW of power allocation from various central sector generation projects of NHPC and NEEPCO. The present demand (met) is of the order of 1150 MW whereas the un-restricted demand is about 1300 MW. As most of the generation projects in the north eastern region are hydro in nature, the State faces acute shortage of power during low-hydro generation condition. Presently, the State draws its share of power from central sector generating stations through various intra-state lines connected to the following substations of inter-state transmission system: • Misa 400/220 kV substation (2x315 MVA) • Balipara 400/220 kV substation (315 MVA) • Bongaigaon 400/220 substation (315 MVA) • Silchar 400/132 substation (2x200 MVA) • Salakati 220/132 kV substation (2x50 MVA) • Haflong 132/33 kV substation (2x5 MVA) • Badarpur Switching Station Besides this, the State draws power from 220/132 kV Mariani substation of AEGCL, wherein the one circuit of Kathalguri-Misa 400 kV D/C line (operated at 220 kV level) has been looped-in and looped-out and from 132 kV Gohpur substation of AEGCL which is connected to 132 kV Itanagar (Nirjuli) substation of POWERGRID. Another 220 kV substation namely New Mariani has recently been commissioned in the State by POWERGRID. AEGCL is also constructing a 2x315 MVA, 400/220 kV substation at Azara by looping in and looping out Silchar-Bongaigaon 400 kV D/C line (one ckt via Byrnihat). This will further enhance the interconnection of transmission system of Assam with the inter-state transmission network. As per the 18th Electric Power Survey of CEA, the future demand of the State is expected to grow to about 1817 MW by year 2016-17 and 2534 MW by year IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 2 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 894 MW from these future generation schemes. With this, the total share of the State from central sector generating stations shall be about 1500 MW. 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 Transmission & Distribution (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, breakdown 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 & distribution schemes proposed under this report are priority schemes under Tranche-1 and are essential for improving the power supply situation in the State. Implementation of these schemes will improve quality, reliability, security and enhancement of the power supply in the State. 1.3 PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS a) Project Name : NER Power System Improvement Project (NERSPIP) – Tranche- I, Assam b) Location : Different parts of Assam State c) Beneficiary States/UT : Assam d) Project Cost : Rs 1473.80 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 associated with the construction of 220 kV & 132 kV transmission lines and associated 220/132 kV, 132/33 kV substations in Tinsukia & Dibrugarh districts of Assam, covered under “NER Power System Improvement Project, Tranche-1”. It also includes the associated 33 kV lines and 33/11 kV substations which are envisaged for strengthening of the existing distribution network of the State. The IEAR provides insight on possible environment & social issues and also describe management measures to minimize/mitigate it IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 3 based on AEGCL/APDCL’s Environment and Social Policy & Procedures Framework (ESPPF). The scope of IEAR covers the following subprojects; Sl. Name of the Line Name of the New / Existing Substation No. A. Transmission Scheme 1. Rupai – Chapakhowa 132 kV S/C Establishment of 4 x 8.33 MVA, 132/33 on D/C line - 41.7 km kV new substation at Chapakhowa Extension of 132/33 kV substation at Rupai (Existing). 2. Tinsukia–Behiating (New Establishment of 2x100 MVA, 220/132 kV Dibrugarh) 220 kV D/C line- new substation at Behiating (New 49.61 km Dibrugarh) Extension of 132/33 kV substation at Tinsukia (Existing) B. Distribution Scheme 1. 33 kV line from 132/33 kV Strengthening of 33/11 kV Chhapakhowa Chapakhowa (New) to 33/11kV (Existing) substation Chapakhowa (Existing) substation-6.97 km 2. 33 kV line from 132/33kV Establishment of 2x10 MVA, 33/11 kV (Existing) Dibrugarh to 33/11kV new substation at Romai. Romai (New) substation- 20.9 km 3. 33kV line from 220/132kV Establishment of 2x5 MVA, 33/11 kV new Behiating (New) to 33/11kV substation at Bogibil Bogibil (New) substation- 9.2 km 4. 33kV line from 220/132kV Establishment of 2x 10 MVA, 33/11 kV Behiating (New) to 33/11kV new substation at Dibrugarh Electrical Dibrugarh (New) substation - 8.2 SD-3 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 Assam 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 – 2. IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 4 SECTION – II: BASELINE DATA 2.0 The proposed subprojects comprising of both transmission and associated distribution networks are scattered in two (2) districts namely Tinsukia & Dibrugarh in the State of Assam. The basic environmental settings of the State and sub-project area districts are given below: 2.2 ASSAM: Assam has a geographic area of 7.84 million ha, which constitutes 2.39% of the country’s total area. It is situated between latitude 24°07' to 28°00' N and longitude 89° 42' to 96° 02’E. Topographically, the State can be divided into three parts, viz. the Brahmaputra valley, the Surma valley and the Assam range. The first two parts are plain areas, while the Assam range is a mountainous region. 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 7,844 Reporting area for land utilization 7,850 100.00 Forests 1,853 23.60 Not available for cultivation 2,620 33.37 Permanent pastures and other grazing lands 160 2.04 Land under misc. tree crops & groves 196 2.49 Culturable wasteland 78 0.99 Fallow lands other than current fallows 52 0.66 Current Fallows 81 1.03 Net area sown 2,811 35.80 Source: Land use statistics, Ministry of Agriculture, GOI, 2011-12 Tinsukia district occupies an area of 3790 sq. km. The district extends from 27°23’ N to 27° 48' N and 95°22’ E to 95°38'E. It is located in the upper region of Assam and is bounded by Arunachal Pradesh in east-south, by Dibrugarh District in south-west and by Dhemaji District in the north, which is separated from Tinsukia District by Brahmaputra River Dibrugarh district occupies an area of 3,381 sq.km. The district extends from 27°5' 38" N to 27° 42' 30" N and 94°33'46"E to 95°29'8"E . It is located in the north eastern corner of the Upper Brahamputra valley and bounded by Dhemaji district on the North, Tinsukia district on the East, Tirap district of Arunachal district on the South-East and Sibsagar district on the North and South-West with an altitude ranging between 99 and 474 meters. Climate: Assam has four well defined seasons in a year viz. summer, monsoon, winter and spring. Climate of Assam is sub-tropical. October to April offer a mild and moderate climate. Assam is never extremely cold or hot. IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 5 Rainfall, one of the highest in the world (between 178 and 305 cm), is concentrated in 4 months, June to September. The State experiences floods and droughts. Annual rainfall varying from 1,500 mm to 3,750 mm. The average temperature in January ranges from 10°C to 23° C and in July it ranges from 26° C to 32° C. The climate of the present sub-project areas districts are more or less similar with the climate of the State. The climate of Tinsukia is mild, and generally warm and temperate. The rainfall in Tinsukia is significant, with precipitation even during the driest month. The annual average temperature and rainfall of the district is 23.1 °C and 2679 mm respectively. Dibrugarh district experiences subtropical monsoon climate with mild winter, warm and humid summer. The annual average temperature and rainfall of the district is 23.9 °C and 2560 mm respectively. Minerals: Coal, petroleum and natural gas, limestone and minor minerals are produced in Assam. Coal occurs in Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, North Cachar Hills, Sivasagar and Lakhimpur districts. Assam coal is friable in nature and has high sulphur content Deposits of banded magnetic quartzite occurs in Kamrup and Goalpara districts, Limestone occurs in Lakhimpur, North Cachar Hills, Karbi Anglong, Nagaon and Sivasagar districts. Kaolin is found in Karbi Anglong and Lakhimpur district. The Digboy oil fields in Lakhimpur district and Moran and Rudrasagar oil fields in Sivasagar district are the major source of oil and gas. Hydrocarbons are struck in Borsilla, Changmaigaon, Kurgaon and Rajgarh in the past. Sillimanite bearing rocks occur in Karbi Anglong district. Assam continued to be the 3 rd largest producer of Petroleum (crude) and natural gas in the country accounting for 16% and 8% respectively of the total production of this mineral in the country. Soil : Mainly three types of soil found in Assam State viz. Alluvial, Red Loam, and Lateritic Soil. Alluvial Soil covers entire Darrang, Kamrup, Lakhinpur, Goalpara, Sibsagar and part of Garo Hills. Red Loam Soil is found in Garo Hills, Mizo Hills, Khasi-Jaintia Hills and part of Cachar & Sibsagar district. Lateritic Soil found in part of Shibsagar, Jaintia Hills, Khasi Hills, Cachar, Nowgaon area. The most typical characteristics of Assam soil is acidity, where pH of the soils generally ranges between 4.2 to 5.8. The soil found in the subproject area is mostly alluvial type. Water Resources: Brahmaputra Basin comprises of sub-basin of Subansiri, Jia Bharali, Badeng- Pubnoi, Dhansiri, Anas, Champamati, Dholai, Buridihing, Disang, Kopili, Kalang and Meghna Basin comprises of sub- Basin of Barak River. Assam is dominated by the Brahmaputra river (length: 2900 km). Its drainage area is roughly 935,500 sq. km. The major rivers flowing through sub-projects area districts are Brahmaputra River, Lohit River, Buri Dehing River and Dibru River. In the instant scheme, one of the line i.e. 132 kV Rupai - Chapakhowa line has to cross Lohit river near the Dhola bridge. However, all possible efforts shall be made to avoid placing of tower in the river bed while crossing the river. IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 6 Ecological Resources: Forest: The recorded forest area is 26,832 sq. km which constitutes 34.21% of the geographic area of the State. According to legal status, Reserved Forests constitute 66.58 % and Un-classed Forest 33.42% of the total forest area. Forest Map of Assam is enclosed as Map-1. Forest types occurring in the State are Tropical Wet Evergreen, Tropical Semi-Evergreen, Tropical Moist Deciduous, Sub Tropical Broad Leaved Hill, Sub Tropical Pine and Littoral and Swamp Forests. Based on interpretation of satellite data, total forest cover is 27, 671 sq. km which is 35.28% of State’s geographical area. In terms of forest canopy density classes, the State has 1, 444 sq. km very dense forest, 11,345 sq. km moderately dense forest and 14,882 sq. km is open forest. The proposed transmission and distribution subprojects shall pass through 2 districts namely Dibrugarh and Tinsukia of Assam.. However, by adopting careful route selection technique, forest involvements along routes of all transmission and distribution lines under the subject scheme have been completely avoided thereby minimizing ecological disturbance. The details of forest resources available in the subproject area district are as follows: District Geographic ( Area in Sq. km) % Forest area Very Dense Mod. Dense Open Total cover forest forest forest Dibrugarh 3381 29 165 561 755 22.33 Tinsukia 3790 106 698 730 1534 40.47 Source: Indian State of Forest Report 2013 Protected Areas: There are 5 National Parks and 18 Wildlife Sanctuaries in the State (List of protected areas enclosed as Annexure-1). Total protected area is 0.40 million ha. which constitutes 4.98% of the total geographic area of the State. The State has three Tiger Reserves namely Kaziranga, Manas and Nameri. Manas Tiger Reserves has also been declared as a Biosphere Reserve. Kaziranga National Park and Manas Wildlife Sanctuary are also included in the World Heritage sites. Besides, the State also 1 Ramsar Site & 46 Important Bird Areas (IBA). The State is famous for One Horned Rhino & Elephant. There are five Elephant Reserves and Eight Elephant Corridors (List enclosed as Annexure-2) connecting these Elephant Reserves, Protected Forest and nearby forests locating in the neighboring states (viz. Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya). Some of these corridors are 0.5 km wide and are proximity to or on the major settlement. Moreover these corridors also recorded man-elephant conflict due to forest degradation and encroachment of corridor land by settlement and agricultural land. The protected area found in the subproject districts are Dibru-Saikhowa National Park which is also a Biosphere reserve, Bherjan-Borajan-Padumoni & Dihing-Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary and Dihing Patkai Elephant Reserve, However, the proposed transmission and distribution network doesn’t pass through any protected area like national parks, sanctuaries, elephant reserves/corridors and biosphere reserves etc. In the instant scheme all such areas are completely avoided through careful route selection. It is also observed that there is no ecologically sensitive area within a radius of 10 Km from the transmission and distribution lines proposed under IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 7 this scheme. The nearest protected area is “Dibru-Saikhowa National Park which is located approx.16 km away from one of the subproject namely 132 kV Rupai- Chapakhowa transmission line alignment. (Map-2). Wetlands In Assam, the total wetland area estimated is 764372 Ha. which is around 9.74% of the total geographical area of Assam. Natural wetlands dominate the State. The major wetland types are River stream accounting for 84% of the wetlands (637164 Ha.), lake/ponds (51247 Ha.), waterlogged (47141 Ha.) Ox-bow lake (14173 Ha.). Wetlands occupy as high as 21.43% of geographical area (Dibrugarh district) and as low as 1.35% (North Cachar district).The Deepor Beel Bird Sanctuary of Assam is also covered under International Convention (Ramsar Convention on wet land) by MoEF. The districts where the present subprojects are envisaged have the wetland coverage as below:- District Geographic Wetland % of total wetland % of district area (sq.km.) area (Ha) area (Ha) geographic area Tinsukia 3790 40626 5.31 10.72 Dibrugarh 3381 72461 9.48 21.43 Source: National Wetland Atlas However, none of these wetlands are getting involved/impacted in the sub- projects which are envisaged in the above districts of Assam. Human and Economic Development Assam is a state rich in natural resources like natural oil, natural gas, coal, rubber, tea and some minerals like granite, limestone and kaolin. The present state is much smaller than what it was forty years ago. It is still the largest economy in the North East. Although it is more industrially developed than the other North Eastern states, it is primarily an agrian economy with 63% of its population engaged in agriculture and allied activities. Tea is a major industry in Assam which contributes 15 % of world’s tea production and 55% of the country’s tea output. A large section of the labor force of the State is employed in the tea estates of Assam. The other agricultural produce involves rice, sugarcane, pulses, potatoes and jute. The secondary sector of the economy comprises of the industries in Assam with large and medium scale productions. Agro based industries prevail in the State coupled with the tea industry that has a major contribution to the economy of the State of Assam. Assam is first State in the country where oil was struck in 1889 at Digboy. Assam has four oil refineries located at Guwahati, Digboi, Numaligarh and Bongaigaon with a total capacity of 7 MMTPA (Million Metric Tonnes per annum).The State also earns revenue from the mining industry that produces the four important industrial minerals of coal, limestone, sillimanite and oil. Important cottage industries are handloom, sericulture, manufacture of cane and bamboo articles, carpentry, smithy and manufacture of brass utensils. Assam is also the largest producer in the world of the golden colored muga silk. IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 8 Tinsukia is an industrial district of Assam. The Oldest oil refinery in India is situated at Digboi and places like Margherita and Ledo are famous for open cast coal mining. Tinsukia is one of the premier commercial centres in Assam. It produces a sizeable amount of tea, oranges, ginger, other citrus fruits and paddy (rice). The district also has a cosmetic plant of Hindustan Unilever (HUL).Tea and oil are the major revenue earners for the district. Dibrugarh district has the world's largest area covered by tea gardens. The entire district is surrounded by tea plantations and has tea factories. Many tea gardens are more than 100 years old. The entire district has many oil and natural gas rigs owned by the Oil India Limited and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited. The headquarters of Oil India Limited is located in Duliajan, a town 50 km from Dibrugarh town. The majority of the populations are occupied in farming of rice, sugar- cane, pulses, and fish farming. Beside these many rice and oilseed mills exist. Also there are some coal mining and petroleum production industries. Major industrial units like Brahmaputra Crackers and Polymers Limited (BCPL) has also come up in the district. Additional/detailed information regarding the environmental and social features along the alignment is provided in Section- IV IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 9 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 strengthened in the last decade both due to local needs and international commitments. AEGCL/ APDCL 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 provide: "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 guarantee fundamental right to life – a life of dignity to be lived in a proper environment, free of danger of disease and infection. The right to live in a healthy environment as part of Article 21 of the Constitution. Recently, Supreme Court has broadly and liberally interpreted the Article 21, transgressed into the area of protection of environment, and held that the protection of environment and citizen’s right to live in eco-friendly atmosphere 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 ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 10 Sixth Schedule In Assam, special provisions also have been extended to the Tribal Areas under the 6th Schedule [Articles 244(2) and 244(A) 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 were 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. The three ADC viz. Bodoland Territorial Council, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, Dima Hasao Autonomous District Council in sixth schedule areas enjoy these privileges. Details of ADC in Assam are as follows; S. N. Autonomous District Council Revenue District 1. Bodoland Territorial Council Baksha, Kokrajhar, Chirang and Udalguri 2. Karbi Anglong Karbi Anglong 3. Dima Hasao Dima Hasao Source: North East India: Status of Governance in the Sixth Schedule Areas 3.1.2 MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS (NATIONAL/STATE)  GoA order/sanction under The Electricity Act, 2003: Sanction of GoA is a mandatory requirement for taking up any new transmission/ distribution project under the section 68(1) of The Electricity Act, 2003. The sanction authorize AEGCL/APDCL 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, AEGCL/APDCL integrates environmental protection within 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. State governments cannot de-reserve any forest land or authorize its use for any non-forest purposes without approval from the Central government. AEGCL/APDCL projects, when involving forest areas, undergo detailed review and approval procedures to obtain a Forest Clearance certificate 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 IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 11 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.  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 control and regulation has been imposed on manufacturing, import, export and use of these compound. AEGCL/APDCL shall follow provisions of notification and phase out all equipments which uses these substances and planning to achieve 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 (AEGCL/ APDCL) 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. AEGCL/ APDCL, 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 AEGCL/ APDCL 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 (AEGCL/APDCL) 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. AEGCL/APDCL, being a bulk consumer of electrical and electronics IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 12 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 Diversity Act, 2002 to provide for conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components and fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the use of biological resources, knowledge and for matters connected therewith. As per the provision of act certain area which are rich in biodiversity and encompasses unique and representative ecosystems are identified and designated as Biosphere Reserve to facilitate its conservation. All restrictions applicable to protected areas like National Park & Sanctuaries are also applicable to these reserves. AEGCL/APDCL will abide by the provision of act wherever applicable and 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. AEGCL/APDCL 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 for laying of transmission lines. However, for linear projects including transmission lines obtaining of NoC from the gram sabha has been exempted for the requirement of FRA compliance as per MoEF circular dated 5 th February 2013.  Assam control of Tree Felling Rules, 2002: These rules prescribe how tree plantations raised in non recorded forest areas by individuals or institutions are to be governed. They specify which plantations need to be registered, which tree species do not require felling permission, what process is to be followed in order to fell trees outside non recorded forest areas, how is the transit of timber originating from non recorded forest areas regulated and how and why timber can be confiscated to the Government. AEGCL/APDCL follows all provisions of this rule for felling of trees from non-forest land. 3.1.3 FUNDING AGENCY: For AEGCL/ APDCL, mandatory environment requirements with respect to WB Operational Policies (OP) are as follows:  World Bank (WB) OP 4.01: Environmental Assessment IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 13 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. AEGCL/APDCL 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 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. AEGCL/APDCL 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) : IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 14 Govt. of India replaced the old Land Acquisition Act, 1894 and notified the new RFCTLARRA, 2013 which came into force from 1st 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. GoA) 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 AEGCL/ APDCL responsibility is limited to identification and selection of suitable land based on technical requirement and ensuring budget allocation.  Rights of Way and Compensation under 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 AEGCL/ APDCL may seeks for GoA authorisation 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 AEGCL/ APDCL, 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 ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 15 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 system, preliminary route selection is done by AEGCL/APDCL 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 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 (IBAT1) map 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 lines does not involve any human rehabilitation (ii) Any monument of cultural or historical importance is not affected by the route of the transmission line. (iii) The proposed route of transmission 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 National Parks, Sanctuaries etc. (vi) The line route does not infringe with area of natural resources. In order to achieve this, AEGCL/APDCL 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, AEGCL/APDCL 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 ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 16  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 and Google Maps etc.to arrive at most optimum route which can be taken up for detailed survey and assessment of environmental & social impacts for their proper management. 4.2 TRANSMISSION LINE 4.2.1 EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVES ROUTE ALIGNMENT FOR 132 KV S/C (on D/C line) RUPAI-CHAPAKHOWA TRANSMISSION LINE Three 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 the proposed line are as follows: S.N Description Alternative-I Alternative-II Alternative-III 1. Route particulars i. Route Length (km) 41.7 44 56 ii. Terrain Hilly Nil Nil Nil Plain 100% 100% 100% 2. Environmental impact i. Name of District Tinsukia Tinsukia Tinsukia through which the line passes ii. Town in alignment Rupai & Rupai & Rupai & Chapakhowa Chapakhowa Chapakhowa iii. House within RoW Shall be Shall be Shall be ascertained after ascertained after ascertained after detailed survey detailed survey detailed survey iv. Forest involvement (km) Nil Nil Nil v. Type of Forest Nil Nil Nil (RF/PF/Mangrove)and whether part of Wildlife Area/ Elephant corridor/ Biodiversity Hotspots/ Biosphere Reserve/ Wetlands or any other environmentally sensitive area, if any IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 17 S.N Description Alternative-I Alternative-II Alternative-III vi. Density of Forest NA NA NA vii. Type of flora Tea( Camellia Tea( Camellia Tea( Camellia sinensis), Bamboo sinensis), Bamboo sinensis), Bamboo (Bambusa balcooa), (Bambusa vulgaris), (Bambusa vulgaris), Paddy(Oryza Paddy(Oryza Paddy(Oryza sativa) Banana sativa) Banana sativa) Banana (Musa acuminate), (Musa acuminate), (Musa acuminate), Pineapple (Ananas Pineapple (Ananas Pineapple (Ananas comosus), & Betel comosus), & Betel comosus), & Betel nut (Areca catechu) nut (Areca catechu) nut (Areca catechu) viii. Type of fauna Assamese Assamese Assamese Macaque (Macaca Macaque (Macaca Macaque (Macaca assamensis), Grey assamensis), Grey assamensis), Grey Peacock Pheasant Peacock Pheasant Peacock Pheasant (Polyplectron (Polyplectron (Polyplectron bicalcaratum), bicalcaratum), bicalcaratum), Asian Toad(Bufo Asian Toad(Bufo Asian Toad(Bufo melanostictus) and melanostictus) and melanostictus) and common fauna like common fauna like common fauna like Fox, Monkey also Fox, Monkey also Fox, Monkey also found found found ix. Endangered species, if Nil Nil Nil any x. Historical/cultural Nil Nil Nil Monuments, if any xi. Others relevant Line is mostly A portion of the A portion of the information passing through line (Approx. 3.5 line (Apprx. 3.5 paddy and tea km) is passing km) is passing garden area in through Govt. through Govt. some portion. land having land having medium dense medium dense tree cover. tree cover. 3 Compensation Cost i. Crop (Non Forest) Provision of 5 Provision of 5 Provision of 5 Lakhs/km kept in Lakhs/km kept in Lakhs/km kept in the budget the budget the budget ii. Forest (CA+NPV) N.A. N.A. N.A. 4. Major Crossings: i. Highway (NH/SH) 2 2 2 ii. Power Line (Nos.) Nil Nil Nil iii. Railway Line (Nos.) Nil Nil Nil iv. River Crossing (Nos.) 1 3 3 5. Overall remarks Shortest in line Line length is Line length is length and easier more and longest and access as it is difficulty in involves more routed along NH- accessibility in tree felling. 37 having with comparison to Access is very minimum tree Alt-1. It also difficult as the felling involve more no. route is not easily of river crossing & accessible and more tree felling away from roads IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 18 From the above comparison of the three (3) different alternatives, it is evident that although there is no forest involvement in all the three routes, Alternative- I is found to be shortest route and is easily accessible due to its proximity to existing National Highway- 37 as compared to other two (2) alternatives. Hence, lesser degree of environmental impacts as well as construction and O&M problems are anticipated. Also, since route is shorter in length, it will involve minimum tree felling. Hence, Alternative - I is considered as the most optimized route and recommended for detailed survey. 4.2.2 EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVES ROUTE ALIGNMENT FOR 220 KV D/C TINSUKIA- BEHIATING (NEW DIBRUGARH) TRANSMISSION LINE. Three different alignments (Map-4) 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 the proposed line are as follows: S.N Description Alternative-I Alternative-II Alternative-III 1. Route particulars i. Route Length (km) 49.615 49.87 50.27 ii. Terrain Hilly Nil Nil Nil Plain 100% 100% 100% 2. Environmental impact i. Name of District Tinsukia & Tinsukia & Tinsukia & through which the line Dibrugarh Dibrugarh Dibrugarh passes ii. Town in alignment Tinsukia & Tinsukia & Tinsukia & Dibrugarh Dibrugarh Dibrugarh iii. House within RoW Shall be Shall be Shall be ascertained after ascertained after ascertained after detailed survey detailed survey detailed survey iv. Forest involvement (km) Nil Nil Nil v. Type of Forest Nil Nil Nil (RF/PF/Mangrove)and whether part of Wildlife Area/ Elephant corridor/ Biodiversity Hotspots/ Biosphere Reserve/ Wetlands or any other environmentally sensitive area, if any vi. Density of Forest NA NA NA vii. Type of flora Tea( Camellia Tea( Camellia Tea( Camellia sinensis), Bamboo sinensis), Bamboo sinensis), Bamboo (Bambusa balcooa), (Bambusa vulgaris), (Bambusa vulgaris), Paddy(Oryza Paddy(Oryza Paddy(Oryza sativa) Banana sativa) Banana sativa) Banana (Musa acuminate), (Musa acuminate), (Musa acuminate), Pineapple (Ananas Pineapple (Ananas Pineapple (Ananas comosus), & Betel comosus), & Betel comosus), & Betel nut (Areca catechu) nut (Areca catechu) nut (Areca catechu) IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 19 S.N Description Alternative-I Alternative-II Alternative-III viii. Type of fauna Assamese Assamese Assamese Macaque (Macaca Macaque (Macaca Macaque (Macaca assamensis), Grey assamensis), Grey assamensis), Grey Peacock Pheasant Peacock Pheasant Peacock Pheasant (Polyplectron (Polyplectron (Polyplectron bicalcaratum), bicalcaratum), bicalcaratum), Asian Toad(Bufo Asian Toad(Bufo Asian Toad(Bufo melanostictus) and melanostictus) and melanostictus) and common fauna like common fauna like common fauna like Fox, Monkey also Fox, Monkey also Fox, Monkey also found found found ix. Endangered species, if Nil Nil Nil any x. Historical/cultural Nil Nil Nil Monuments, if any xi. Others relevant The line is information passing mostly through agricultural land and small tea gardens. No major tree cover is encountered along the route. 3 Compensation Cost iii. Crop (Non Forest) Provision of 5 Provision of 5 Provision of 5 Lakhs/km kept in Lakhs/km kept in Lakhs/km kept in the budget the budget the budget iv. Forest (CA+NPV) N.A. N.A. N.A. 4. Major Crossings: v. Highway (NH/SH) 1 1 1 vi. Power Line (Nos.) Nil Nil Nil vii. Railway Line (Nos.) 1 1 1 viii. River Crossing (Nos.) Nil Nil Nil 5. Overall remarks Shorter in length Line length is Access is very and easier more in difficult due to access as it is comparison to non-existing routed along Alt-1 and also roads and paths existing road difficulty in up to the route accessibility. and line length is highest From the above comparison of the three different alternatives, it is evident that although there is no forest involvement in all the three routes, Alternative- I is found to be shortest route and is easily accessible due to its proximity to existing approach roads as compared to other two alternatives. Hence, lesser degree of construction and O&M problems are anticipated. Also, since route is shorter in length, it will involve minimum tree felling. Hence, Alternative - I is considered as the most optimized route and recommended for detailed survey. IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 20 4.3. DISTRIBUTION LINE 4.3.1 EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVES ROUTE ALIGNMENT FOR 33 KV LINE FROM 132/33 KV (EXISTING) DIBRUGARH SUBSTATION TO 33/11 KV ROMAI (NEW) SUBSTATION Three (3) different alignments (Map- 4) 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 the proposed line are as follows: S.N Description Alternative-I Alternative-II Alternative-III 1. Route particulars iii. Route Length (km) 20.9 21.8 22 iv. Terrain Hilly Nil Nil Nil Plain 100% 100% 100% 2. Environmental impact xii. Name of District Dibrugarh Dibrugarh Dibrugarh through which the line passes xiii. Town in alignment Dibrugarh Dibrugarh Dibrugarh xiv. House within RoW Shall be Shall be Shall be ascertained after ascertained after ascertained after detailed survey detailed survey detailed survey xv. Forest involvement (km) Nil Nil Nil xvi. Type of Forest Nil Nil Nil (RF/PF/Mangrove)and whether part of Wildlife Area/ Elephant corridor/ Biodiversity Hotspots/ Biosphere Reserve/ Wetlands or any other environmentally sensitive area, if any xvii. Density of Forest NA NA NA xviii. Type of flora Tea( Camellia Tea( Camellia Tea( Camellia sinensis), Bamboo sinensis), Bamboo sinensis), Bamboo (Bambusa balcooa), (Bambusa vulgaris), (Bambusa vulgaris), Paddy(Oryza Paddy(Oryza Paddy(Oryza sativa) Banana sativa) Banana sativa) Banana (Musa acuminate), (Musa acuminate), (Musa acuminate), Pineapple (Ananas Pineapple (Ananas Pineapple (Ananas comosus), & Betel comosus), & Betel comosus), & Betel nut (Areca catechu) nut (Areca catechu) nut (Areca catechu) IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 21 S.N Description Alternative-I Alternative-II Alternative-III xix. Type of fauna Assamese Assamese Assamese Macaque (Macaca Macaque (Macaca Macaque (Macaca assamensis), Grey assamensis), Grey assamensis), Grey Peacock Pheasant Peacock Pheasant Peacock Pheasant (Polyplectron (Polyplectron (Polyplectron bicalcaratum), bicalcaratum), bicalcaratum), Asian Toad(Bufo Asian Toad(Bufo Asian Toad(Bufo melanostictus) and melanostictus) and melanostictus) and common fauna like common fauna like common fauna like Fox, Monkey also Fox, Monkey also Fox, Monkey also found found found xx. Endangered species, if Nil Nil Nil any xxi. Historical/cultural Nil Nil Nil Monuments, if any xxii. Others relevant Route is mostly Some portion of Some portion of information passing along with the line is passing the line is passing the state/ village through govt. land through govt. land roads and also having medium having mediun some portion dense tree cover. dense tree cover. through agriculture /paddy fields to avoid heavily populated area 3 Compensation Cost v. Crop (Non Forest) Provision of 0.5 Provision of 0.5 Provision of 0.5 Lakhs/km kept in Lakhs/km kept in Lakhs/km kept in the budget the budget the budget vi. Forest (CA+NPV) N.A. N.A. N.A. 4. Major Crossings: ix. Highway (NH/SH) Nil Nil Nil x. Power Line (Nos.) Nil Nil Nil xi. Railway Line (Nos.) Nil Nil Nil xii. River Crossing (Nos.) Nil 2 2 5. Overall remarks Shorter in length Line length is Highest in line and easier more in length and access as it is comparison to Access is very routed along Alt-1 and also difficult due to existing village/ involve more no. route is little away state road of river crossing & existing roads. It more tree felling also involve more no. of river crossing & more tree felling From the above comparison of the three different alternatives, it is evident that although there is no forest involvement in all the three routes, Alternative- I is found to be shortest route involving minimum tree felling and is easily accessible due to its proximity to existing village/state roads as compared to other two alternatives. As lesser degree of environmental impacts as well as construction and O&M problems is IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 22 anticipated, Alternative-I is considered as the most optimized route and recommended for detailed survey. 4.4 SUBSTATION: For substation site selection also analysis of 2-3 alternatives sites is 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 either in possession AEGCL/APDCL or identified for purchase on willing seller– willing buyer basis and therefore, the said exercise is not of so relevant for proposed project as the consent of owner is major criterion in addition to technical feasibility. As per the provisions of ESPPF, all land donations 2 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 GoA. Table 4.1: Status of land availability for proposed Substations S. Name of Area Location Surrounding Accessibility Land Status N Substation (acre) 1 132/33 kV 7.26 The proposed The land use Location is just Acquisition of (New) land is located surrounding adjacent to NH- land under substation at adjacent to the proposed 32. However, progress Chapakhowa NH-32 and substation approx. 50 through appx. 5 km site is mostly meter approach willing buyer- from agriculture road may be willing seller Chapakhowa field. required basis. town. However, some sparse Co-ordinates: habitation is 27º52’54.32”N, found on the 95º44’47.13”E SW side. 2 Augmentation NA Existing Rupai NA NA Land in of 132/33kV substation. possession substation at of AEGCL. Rupai 3 220/132 KV 6.12 Existing NA NA Land in (New) (Total Behiating possession substation at area is substation of of AEGCL. Behiating 16.83 AEGCL acre) Co-ordinates: 27º25’17.7”N, 94º55’12.66”E 2 Not applicable in the instant case IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 23 4 Augmentation NA Existing NA NA Land in of 132/33kV Tinsukia possession substation at substation of AEGCL. Tinsukia 5 33/11kV 0.662 The proposed The land use Location is just Acquisition of (New) acre land is located surrounding adjacent to the land under at Romai the proposed Dibrugarh progress substation at village near substation (Lahoal) - through Romai Ghoramara site is mostly Duliajan PWD willing buyer- which is 20 km agriculture road. However, willing seller from Dibrugarh field. approx. 50 basis. town. The However meter approach adjacent area some sparse road may be is a newly habitation is required developed found on the industrial area. NW side and Lahoal Tea Co-ordinates: estate is on 27º26’25.02”N, the SW side. 95º02’17.51”E 6 33/11 kV 0.662 The proposed The land use Location is just Acquisition of (New) acre land is located surrounding adjacent to NH- land under adjacent to the proposed 52-B However, progress substation at NH-52-B near substation approx. 50 through Bogibil the Jamirah site is mostly meter approach willing buyer- Tea Estate. private Tea road may be willing seller Appx. 12 km Garden. NH required basis. from Dibrugarh 52-B is on town. the Northern side of the Co-ordinates: proposed 27º24’38.43”N, site. 94º50’1.80”E 7 33/11 kV 0.662 The proposed The land use Location is just Acquisition of (New) acre land is located surrounding adjacent to the land under at the heart of the proposed approach road progress substation at Dibrugarh substation which meets the through Dibrugarh Town in West site is mostly NH 37 at willing buyer- Electrical Milan Nagar habitated approx. 1.4 KM. willing seller SD-3 on the back area. Additional basis. side of the However, the approach road District Library. immediate of 50 meter surrounding approx. may be is a low lying required Co-ordinates: barren land 27º27’49.21”N, except the 94º54’20.65”E Eastern part, which is densely habitated. Further details about proposed substation land have been provided in Section –5.0 (i). IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 24 SECTION – V: POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT, 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 respectively 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 are also applied. Introduction of GIS and GPS in route selection result 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 lines but due to peculiarity of terrain and demography of the area where subprojects are 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 Min. Clearance (in Meters) Transmission Voltage Max. RoW (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 (132 kV) depending upon voltage levels and no. of bays. In the instant scheme, land for proposed new 220/132 kV substation at Behiating (within the campus of existing Behiating substation), augmentation of 220/132 kV at Tinsukia & augmentation of 132/33 kV substation at Rupai are already in possession with the AEGCL. However, fresh land will be required for establishment of one (1) new 132/33 kV substations at Chapakhowa and three nos. of 33/11 kV substations at Romai, Bogibil and Dibrugarh Electrical SD-3 for which required land has already been identified by AEGCL/APDCL and negotiation process is presently underway with land owners for procurement of land on “willing buyer willing seller” basis on market/negotiated rate. Hence, R & R will not be an issue in the instant subprojects. Location details showing approach to site of proposed substations are enclosed as Plate- 1. IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 25 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 along with extent of damage and area of influence are depicted in Fig.-3 & 3a respectively. As described earlier all measures are undertaken by AEGCL 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 plan for temporary damages in consultation with the state government and affected persons and/ or community. The project is implemented in the Tinsukia and Dibrugarh district which is not part of areas covered under sixth schedule (refer para-20 of ESPPF). 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 AEGCL/APDCL. (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 Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), no such monuments are coming in the proposed route alignments. Moreover, utmost care shall be taken during detailed survey to avoid such areas. (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 the route of the lines have been selected in such a way that there is no forest area involvement along the corridors. Moreover, suitable management measures as specified in EMP4 (refer clause- 9) 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. 3 SMF has 3 main elements: One, RAP for involuntary land acquisitions; Two, CPTD for poles/ towers; and Three, Tribal People Development Framework 4 Environment Management Plan (EMP) is placed at Table -6.1 IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 26 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 AEGCL/APDCL pays compensation for all damages including cost of land below tower to its owner. In areas where transmission lines will traverse through agricultural land, compen- sation will be paid to owners for any crop damage incurred as a result of construction activities. AEGCL/APDCL 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 (Part-B) of the ESPPF. The procedure for providing compensation is described in Annexure-3. Budgetary provision of Rs. 467.00 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 AEGCL/ APDCL 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 & distribution lines. The transmission & distribution 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 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 IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 27 has been made in the cost estimate for the same for transmission line proposed under the instant scheme. The main approach road for accessing the construction sites including four new substations are through National Highway (NH)–32, NH-37, NH-52-B and other State Roads bifurcating from the National Highway as these are situated just adjacent to NH and other PWD/State Roads (within a distance of 50-100m). The volume of traffic on these roads found to be medium. Therefore, 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 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. 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 the instant scheme, one of the line i.e. 132 kV Rupai - Chapakhowa line has to cross Lohit river near the Dhola bridge. All possible efforts shall be made to avoid placing of tower in the river bed while crossing the river. In case complete avoidance is not possible, due precaution to minimize impact on river ecology shall be undertaken. We don’t foresee any major impact on river ecology and on aquatic flora & flora as the construction phase of such activity shall be limited to some days. Apart from these measures like construction during lean period, dredging by using anti-turbidity technology, driven precast pile technique etc shall be used to reduce all possible impact on aquatic flora and fauna. Since all proposed substations are located in plane terrain, no affect on drainage of the area is envisaged particularly with adequate arrangement of drainage built in all substation design. 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 packing materials, cables, aluminium conductor, sand, aggregate material, cements and steel generated during construction is carefully handled and removed from site. IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 28 (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 has 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 on both the ends so that 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 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 substation, excavation of around 2000 m3 is required. It is estimated that a total of approx. 74016 m3 (304X118 + 7500 X4 + 200 x 0.72 + 4 X 2000) of excavated materials will be generated for construction of 118 nos of tower, 1 no of 132/33 KV substation, 18 nos of poles and 1 nos of 33/11 KV substations 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. Further, 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 meters 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. AEGCL/APDCL takes up plantation of trees to buffer the visual effect around its substations and to provide better living conditions. Wherever AEGCL/APDCL feels it appropriate, discussions will be held with local Forest Department officials to determine feasibility of planting trees along roads running parallel to transmission 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 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 IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 29 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 near the subproject project locations, 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 IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 30 road is not 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 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/distribution lines are to be constructed in plain areas, soil erosion will not be a major issue. If due to terrain at some points towers 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 -4) 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 – 5). AEGCL/APDCL maintains safety as a top priority and has framed guidelines/checklist for workers’ safety as its personnel are exposed to live EHV apparatus and transmission/distribution lines. This guidelines/checklists include work permits and safety precautions for work on the transmission/distribution lines both IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 31 during construction and operation (Annexure - 6) and is regularly monitored by site in-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. AEGCL 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, condensers, 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. AEGCL/APDCL follows 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. Poly Chlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) due to their high heat capacity, low flammability and low electrical conductivity were extensively used as insulating material in capacitors and transformers. But after the finding that these PCBs are non-biodegradable and have 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, AEGCL/APDCL 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 IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 32 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 members, cement etc. shall come from factories while the excavated soil shall be used for backfilling to restore the surface. During construction of 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 proposed new 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. 5.6 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 AEGCL/ APDCL site officials meet people and inform them about the routing of transmission and distribution 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 Meeting, Small Group Meeting, informal Meeting shall also be carried out during different activities of IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 33 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 & distribution lines and AEGCL/ APDCL approach to minimizing and solving them;  Trees and crop compensation process. 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 Rupai and Tinsukia on 17th June, 2014 and 14th Oct’14 respectively for proposed transmission & distribution lines in the first phase. During the Public consultation the details of line and its importance were explained to the villagers by the officials of AEGCL/APDCL and POWERGRID. The consultation was arranged in interactive way and queries like tree/crop 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 -7. 5.7 CONCLUSIONS: 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, forests as well as ecologically sensitive areas like National Park / Wildlife Sanctuaries 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 impact, details of environment/forest clearance(if applicable), EMP implementation, monitoring details etc. shall be compiled and submitted to Bank (refer Annexure- 8 for content of FEAR). IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 34 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 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 IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 35 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 AEGCL/APDCL projects at all the stages, be it the site selection, construction or maintenance. The success of AEGCL/APDCL 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 Managing Director of the Corporation. The progress of various on-going projects is also informed to the Board of Directors. AEGCL/APDCL has formed a separate cell at the corporate office level namely Environment and Social Management Cell (ESMC) headed by Director PMU for proper implementation and monitoring of environmental & social management measures. AEGCL/APDCL organization support structure with arrangement for ESPPF implementation is depicted in Exhibit-3. Key responsibilities of the ESMC are follows:  Coordinating environmental and social commitments and initiatives with various multilateral agencies, GoA and MoEF.  Coordination of all environmental activities related to a project from conceptualization to operation and maintenance stage. IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 36  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 impact and its proper management has been drawn (Table- 6.1) and will be implemented during various stage of project execution. Since many provisions of EMP are to be implemented by contractor hence for proper monitoring EMP has included in the contract document. A budget estimate towards tree/crop/tower base compensation and EMP implementation is prepared and is placed at Annexure-9. A summary of the same is presented below: Sr. No. Budgetary Head Amount (Rs. Lakhs) 1 Forest compensation Nil 2 Tree & Crop Compensation 467.00 3 Land Compensation for Tower Footing 30.40 4 Implementation Monitoring & Audit 16.20 Total 513.60 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. For handling grievance, AEGCL/APDCL has already a framework in place. To ensure its implementation, Grievance Redress Committee (GRC) will be established at two IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 37 places, one at the project/scheme level and another at Corporate/HQ level. The GRCs shall include members from AEGCL/APDCL, 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 Panchayat/Village council offices 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 AEGCL/APDCL Corporate level Committee /District Collector or Court of law for solution. The corporate level GRC shall function under the chairmanship of Director (PMU) 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 ENVIRONMENTAL 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 ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 38 Table- 6.1: ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN5 Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule Pre-construction 1 Location of Exposure to Setback of dwellings to Tower location and Setback distances to Implementing Part of overhead line safety related overhead line route overhead/ underground nearest houses – once Agency (IA) overhead lines towers/ poles/ risks designed in accordance alignment selection with tower/ poles/ underground with permitted level of respect to nearest laying of distribution lines power frequency and the dwellings underground and alignment & regulation of supervision at cable sitting design sites. survey and detailed alignment survey and design 2 Equipment Release of PCBs not used in Transformer design Exclusion of PCBs in IA Part of tender specifications chemicals substation transformers or transformers stated in specifications and design and gases in other project facilities or tender specification – for the parameters receptors equipment. once equipment (air, water, Processes, equipment and Process, equipment and Exclusion of CFCs IA Part of tender land) systems not to use system design stated in tender specifications chlorofluorocarbons specification – once for the (CFCs), including halon, equipment and their use, if any, in Phase out schedule to Part of existing processes and be prepared in case equipment and systems should be phased still in use – once process design out and to be disposed of in a manner consistent with the requirements 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 ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 39 Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule 3 Transmission/ Exposure to Line design to comply with Electromagnetic field Line design IA Part of design Distribution line electromagne the limits of electromagnetic strength for proposed compliance with parameters design tic interference from overhead line design relevant standards – interference power lines once 4 Substation Exposure to Design of plant enclosures Expected noise Compliance with IA Part of detailed location and noise to comply with noise emissions based on regulations - once siting survey design regulations. substation design and design Social Careful selection of site to Selection of substation Consultation with local Part of detailed inequities avoid encroachment of location (distance to authorities/ siting survey socially, culturally and sensitive area). autonomous councils - and design archaeological sensitive once areas (i.e. sacred groves, graveyard, religious worship place, monuments etc.) 5 Location of Impact on Avoidance of such water Tower/pole location and Consultation with local IA Part of tower/pole overhead line water bodies bodies to the extent overhead/ underground authorities– once sitting survey and towers/poles/ possible. line alignment selection detailed laying of (distance to water underground underground Avoidance of placement of bodies) /overhead line distribution line tower inside water bodies to alignment survey & alignment and the extent of possible and design design Social Careful route selection to Tower/pole location and Consultation with local IA Part of detailed inequities avoid existing settlements overhead/ underground authorities/ tower/pole sitting and sensitive locations line alignment selection autonomous councils and (distance to nearest and land owners – overhead/underg dwellings or social once round alignment institutions) survey and Minimise impact on Tower location and Consultation with local design agricultural land overhead/ underground authorities/ line alignment selection autonomous councils (distance to agricultural and land owners – land) once IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 40 Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule Careful selection of site and Tower/pole location and Consultation with local route alignment to avoid overhead/ underground authorities/ encroachment of socially, line alignment selection autonomous councils - culturally and (distance to sensitive once archaeological sensitive area) areas (i. g. sacred groves, graveyard, religious worship place, monuments etc.) 6 Securing lands Loss of land/ In the case of Involuntary Compensation and As per provisions laid State Govt. Prior to for substations. income Acquisitions, Compensation monetary R&R amounts/ out in the act award/start of change in and R&R measures are facilities extended before substation social status extended as per provision possession of land. construction. etc. of RFCTLARRA, 20136 7 Line through Loss of Avoid siting of lines through Tower/pole location and Consultation with local IA Part of detailed protected area/ precious such areas by careful site overhead/ underground forest authorities - siting and precious ecological and alignment selection line alignment selection once alignment ecological area values/ (National Parks, Wildlife (distance to nearest survey /design damage to Sanctuary, Biosphere designated ecological precious Reserves/ Biodiversity protected/ sensitive areas) species Hotspots) Minimize the need by using Tower/pole location and Consultation with local IA Part of detailed RoW wherever possible overhead/ underground authorities and design sitting and line alignment selection engineers - once alignment survey /design 8 Line through Damage to Study of earmarked Tower/pole location and Consultation with local IA Part of detailed identified the Wildlife/ elephant corridors to avoid overhead/ underground forest authorities – sitting and Elephant Birds and such corridors, Adequate line alignment selection. once. alignment corridor / also to line ground clearance, Fault survey /design Migratory bird clearing by Circuit Breaker, and Operation Barbed wire wrapping on towers, reduced spans etc., Minimum/maximum Monitoring – quarterly if applicable ground clearance basis 6 In the instant case no Involuntary acquisition of land (permanent) is involved, hence this clause shall not be applicable. IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 41 Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule Avoidance of established/ Tower/pole location and Consultation with local IA Part of detailed identified migration path overhead/ underground forest authorities - sitting and (Birds & Bats). Provision of line alignment selection once alignment flight diverter/ reflectors, survey /design bird guard, elevated and Operation perches, insulating jumper loops, obstructive perch deterrents, raptor hoods etc7., if applicable 9 Line through Deforestation Avoid locating lines in forest Tower/pole location and Consultation with local IA Part of detailed forestland and loss of land by careful site and overhead/ underground authorities – once sitting and biodiversity alignment selection line alignment selection alignment edge effect Minimise the need by using (distance to nearest survey/design existing towers, tall towers protected or reserved Consultation with local and RoW, wherever forest) authorities and design possible engineers – once Measures to avoid invasion Intrusion of invasive Consultation with local of alien species species forest authorities - once Obtain statutory clearances Statutory approvals from Compliance with from the Government Government regulations – once for each subproject Consultation with Permission/ NOC from Consultation with autonomous councils autonomous councils autonomous councils wherever required – once during tower placement 10 Lines through Loss of Use existing tower or Tower/pole location and Consultation with local IA Part of detailed farmland agricultural footings wherever possible. overhead/ underground authorities and design alignment production/ line alignment selection. engineers – once survey and change in design cropping Avoid sitting new towers on Tower/pole location and Consultation with local Part of detailed pattern farmland wherever feasible overhead/ underground authorities and design sitting and line alignment selection engineers – once alignment survey /design 7 As per International/National best practices and in consultation with concerned forest/wildlife Authority. IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 42 Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule 11 Noise related Nuisance to Substations sited and Noise levels Noise levels to be IA Part of detailed neighbouring designed to ensure noise specified in tender equipment properties will not be a nuisance documents – once design 12 Interference with Flooding Tower/pole location and Appropriate sitting of towers Consultation with local IA Part of detailed drainage hazards/ loss to avoid overhead/ underground channel authorities and design alignment patterns/ of agricultural interference line alignment selection engineers – once survey and irrigation production (distance to nearest flood design channels zone) 13 Escape of Environment Transformers designed with Equipment specifications Tender document to IA Part of detailed polluting al pollution oil spill containment with respect to potential mention specifications equipment materials systems, and purpose-built pollutants – once design oil, lubricant and fuel /drawings storage system, complete with spill clean up Substations to include Substation sewage Tender document to IA Part of detailed drainage and sewage design mention detailed substation disposal systems to avoid specifications – once layout and offsite land and water design pollution. /drawings 14 Equipments Contamination Substations constructed Substation design to Base height as per IA Part of detailed submerged of receptors above the high flood account for HFL flood design- once substation under flood level(HFL) by raising the (elevation with respect to layout and foundation pad HFL elevation) design/drawings 15 Explosions Hazards to Design of substations to Substation design Tender document to IA Part of detailed /Fire life include modern fire fighting compliance with fire mention detailed substation equipment prevention and control specifications – once layout and Provision of fire fighting codes design equipment to be located /drawings close to transformers Construction 16 Equipment Noise and Construction techniques Construction techniques Construction IA Construction layout and vibrations and machinery selection and machinery techniques and (Contractor period installation seeking to minimize ground machinery creating through disturbance. minimal ground contract disturbance- once at provisions) the start of each IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 43 Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule 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 soon (Contractor period activity disturbance of field crops as possible but before through (within one month of next crop – once per contract harvest wherever possible). site provisions) 18 Mechanized Noise, Construction equipment to Construction equipment Complaints received IA Construction construction vibration and be well maintained. – estimated noise by local authorities – (Contractor period operator emissions every 2 weeks through safety, contract efficient provisions) operation Noise, Turning off plant not in use. Construction equipment Complaints received IA Construction vibration, – estimated noise by local authorities – (Contractor period equipment emissions and operating every 2 weeks through wear and schedules contract tear provisions) 19 Construction of Increase in Existing roads and tracks Access roads, routes Use of established IA Construction roads for airborne dust used for construction and (length and width of new roads wherever (Contractor period accessibility particles maintenance access to the access roads to be possible – every 2 through line wherever possible. constructed) weeks contract provisions) Increased New access ways restricted Access width (meters) Access restricted to IA Construction land to a single carriageway single carriage –way (Contractor period requirement width within the RoW. width within RoW – through for temporary every 2 weeks contract accessibility provisions) 20 Construction Safety of Coordination with local Periodic and regular No. of incidents- once IA Construction activities local villagers communities for reporting /supervision of every week (Contractor period construction schedules, safety arrangement through Barricading the construction contract area and spreading provisions) awareness among locals IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 44 Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule Local traffic Coordination with local Traffic flow (Interruption Frequency (time IA Construction obstruction authority/ requisite of traffic) span)- on daily basis (Contractor period permission for smooth flow through of traffic contract provisions) 21 Temporary Overflows, Measure in place to avoid Temporary fill placement Absence of fill in IA Construction blockage of reduced dumping of fill materials in (m3) sensitive drainage (Contractor period utilities discharge sensitive drainage area areas – every 4 weeks through contract provisions) 22 Site clearance Vegetation Marking of vegetation to be Vegetation marking and Clearance strictly IA Construction removed prior to clearance, clearance control (area limited to target (Contractor period and strict control on clearing in m2) vegetation – every 2 through activities to ensure minimal weeks contract clearance. provisions) No use of herbicides and pesticides 23 Trimming Fire hazards Trees allowed growing up to Species-specific tree Presence of target IA Construction /cutting of trees a height within the RoW by retention as approved by species in RoW (Contractor period within RoW maintaining adequate statutory authorities following vegetation through clearance between the top (average and max. tree clearance – once per contract of tree and the conductor as height at maturity, in site provisions) per the regulations. meters) Loss of Trees that can survive Species-specific tree Presence of target IA Construction vegetation pruning to comply should be retention as approved by species in RoW (Contractor period and pruned instead of cleared. statutory authorities following vegetation through deforestation clearance - once per contract site provisions) Felled trees and other Disposal of cleared Use or intended use of IA Construction cleared or pruned vegetation as approved vegetation as (Contractor period vegetation to be disposed of by the statutory approved by the through as authorized by the authorities (area cleared statutory authorities – contract statutory bodies. in m2) once per site provisions) 24 Wood/ Loss of Construction workers Illegal wood /vegetation Complaints by local IA Construction vegetation vegetation prohibited from harvesting harvesting (area in m2, people or other (Contractor period harvesting and wood in the project area number of incidents evidence of illegal through IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 45 Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule deforestation during their employment, reported) harvesting – every 2 contract (apart from locally weeks provisions) employed staff continuing current legal activities) 25 Surplus Runoff to Soil excavated from tower Soil disposal locations Acceptable soil IA Construction earthwork/soil cause water footings/ substation and volume (m3) disposal sites – every (Contractor period pollution, foundation disposed of by 2 weeks through solid waste placement along roadsides, contract disposal or at nearby house blocks if provisions) requested by landowners 26 Substation Loss of soil Loss of soil is not a major Borrow area sitting (area Acceptable soil borrow IA Construction construction issue as excavated soil will of site in m2 and areas that provide a (Contractor period be mostly reused for filling. estimated volume in m3) benefit - every 2 through However, in case of weeks contract requirement of excess soil provisions) the same will be met from existing quarry or through deep excavation of existing pond or other nearby barren land with agreement of local communities Water Construction activities Seasonal start and finish Timing of major IA Construction pollution involving significant ground of major earthworks(PH, disturbance activities – (Contractor period disturbance (i.e. substation BOD /COD, Suspended prior to start of through land forming) not solids, others ) construction activities contract undertaken during the provisions) monsoon season 27 Site clearance Vegetation Tree clearances for Ground disturbance Amount of ground IA Construction easement establishment to during vegetation disturbance – every 2 (Contractor period only involve cutting trees off clearance (area, m2) weeks through at ground level or pruning Statutory approvals Statutory approvals contract as appropriate, with tree for tree clearances – provisions) stumps and roots left in once for each site place and ground cover left undisturbed 28 Substation Waste Excess fill from Location and amount Appropriate fill IA Construction IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 46 Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule foundation/Towe disposal substation/tower foundation (m3)of fill disposal disposal locations – (Contractor period r erection excavation disposed of next every 2 weeks through disposal of to roads or around houses, contract surplus in agreement with the local provisions) earthwork/fill community or landowner. 29 Storage of Contamination Fuel and other hazardous Location of hazardous Fuel storage in IA Construction chemicals and of receptors materials securely stored material storage; spill appropriate locations (Contractor period materials (land, water, above high flood level. reports (type of material and receptacles – through air) spilled, amount (kg or every 2 weeks contract m3) and action taken to provisions) control and clean up spill) 30 Construction Noise Construction activities only Timing of construction Daytime construction IA Construction schedules nuisance to undertaken during the day (noise emissions, [dB(A)] only – every 2 weeks (Contractor period neighbouring and local communities through properties informed of the construction contract schedule. provisions) 31 Provision of Contamination Construction workforce Amenities for Workforce Presence of proper IA Construction facilities for of receptors facilities to include proper facilities sanitation, water (Contractor period construction (land, water, sanitation, water supply and supply and waste through workers air) waste disposal facilities. disposal facilities – contract once each new facility provisions) 32 Influx of Conflict with Using local workers for Avoidance/reduction of Observation & IA Construction migratory local appropriate asks conflict through supervision–on weekly (Contractor period workers population to enhancement/ basis through share local augmentation of resource contract resources requirements provisions) 33 Lines through Loss of Use existing access roads Usage of existing utilities Complaints received IA Construction farmland agricultural wherever possible by local people (Contractor period productivity Ensure existing irrigation Status of existing /authorities - every 4 through facilities are maintained in facilities weeks contract working condition provisions) Protect /preserve topsoil Status of facilities and reinstate after (earthwork in m3) construction completed IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 47 Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule Repair /reinstate damaged Status of facilities bunds etc after construction (earthwork in m3) Loss of completed Land owners/ farmers Process of Crop/tree Consultation with IA During income. compensated for any compensation in affected land owner construction temporary loss of consultation with forest prior to productive land as per dept.(for timber yielding implementation and existing regulation. tree) and Horticulture during execution. deptt.(for fruit bearing tree) 34 Uncontrolled Soil loss, Need for access tracks Design basis and Incorporating good IA Construction erosion/silt downstream minimised, use of existing construction procedures design and (Contractor period runoff siltation roads. (suspended solids in construction through Limit site clearing to work receiving waters; area management practices contract areas re-vegetated in m2; – once for each site provisions) Regeneration of vegetation amount of bunds to stabilise works areas on constructed [length in completion (where meter, area in m2, or applicable) volume in m3]) Avoidance of excavation in wet season Water courses protected from siltation through use of bunds and sediment ponds 35 Nuisance to Losses to Contract clauses specifying Contract clauses Incorporating IA Construction nearby neighbouring careful construction good construction (Contractor period properties land uses/ practices. As much as possible Design basis and layout management Incorporating practices good through values existing access ways will be design engineering contract used practices– once for provisions) Productive land will be Reinstatement of land Consultation with 2 reinstated following status (area affected, m ) affected parties – completion of construction twice – immediately Social Compensation will be paid Implementation of after completion Consultation withof IA Prior to inequities for loss of production, if any. Tree/Crop affected parties – once construction compensation (amount in a quarter paid) IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 48 Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule 36 Flooding Flooding and Avoid natural drainage Contract clauses (e.g. Incorporating good IA Construction hazards due to loss of soils, pattern/ facilities being suspended solids and construction (Contractor period construction contamination disturbed/blocked/ diverted BOD/COD in receiving management through impediments of of receptors by on-going construction water) practices-once for contract natural drainage (land, water) activities each site provisions) 37 Equipment Contamination Equipment stored at secure Store room level to be Store room level as IA Construction submerged of receptors place above the high flood above HFL (elevation per flood design-once period under flood (land, water) level(HFL) difference in meters) 38 Inadequate Loss of land Existing borrow sites will be Contract clauses Incorporating good IA Construction siting of borrow values used to source aggregates, construction (Contractor period areas (quarry therefore, no need to management practices through areas) develop new sources of – once for each site contract aggregates provisions) 39 Health and Injury and Safety equipment’s (PPEs) Contract clauses Contract clauses IA Construction safety sickness of for construction workers (number of incidents and compliance – once (Contractor period workers and Contract provisions total lost-work days every quarter through members of specifying minimum caused by injuries and contract the public requirements for sickness) provisions) construction camps Contractor to prepare and implement a health and safety plan. Contractor to arrange for health and safety training sessions 40 Inadequate Likely to Training of environmental Training schedules No. of programs IA Routinely construction maximise monitoring personnel attended by each throughout stage monitoring damages person – once a year construction Implementation of effective Respective contract Submission of duly period environmental monitoring checklists and remedial completed checklists and reporting system using actions taken thereof. of all contracts for checklist of all contractual each site - once environmental requirements IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 49 Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule Appropriate contact clauses Compliance report Submission of duly to ensure satisfactory related to environmental completed compliance implementation of aspects for the contract report for each contractual environmental contract – once mitigation measures. Operation and Maintenance 41 Location of line Exposure to Setback of dwellings to Compliance with setback Setback distances to AEGCL/ During towers/poles safety related overhead line route distances (“as-built” nearest houses – once APDCL operations and overhead/ risks designed in accordance diagrams) in quarter underground with permitted level of line alignment & power frequency and the design regulation of supervision at sites. 42 Line through Injury/ Avoidance of established/ Regular monitoring for No. of incidents- once AEGCL/ Part of detailed identified bird mortality to identified migration path any incident of every month APDCL siting and flyways, birds, bats (Birds & Bats). Provision of injury/mortality alignment migratory path etc due to flight diverter/reflectors, survey /design collision and elevated perches, insulating and Operation electrocution jumper loops, obstructive perch deterrents, raptor hoods etc., if applicable 43 Equipment Contamination Equipment installed above Substation design to Base height as per AEGCL/ During submerged of receptors the high flood level (HFL) by account for HFL (“as- flood design – once APDCL operations under flood (land, water) raising the foundation pad. built” diagrams) 44 Oil spillage Contamination Substation transformers Substation bunding (Oil Bunding (Oil sump) AEGCL/ During of land/nearby located within secure and sump) (“as-built” capacity and APDCL operations water bodies impervious sump areas with diagrams) permeability - once a storage capacity of at least 100% of the capacity of oil in transformers and associated reserve tanks. 45 SF6 Emission of Reduction of SF6 emission Leakage and gas Continuous AEGCL/ During management most potent through awareness, density/level monitoring APDCL Operations GHG causing replacement of old seals, climate proper handling & storage change by controlled inventory and IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 50 Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule use, enhance recovery and applying new technologies to reduce leakage 46 Inadequate Injury and Careful design using Usage of appropriate Preparedness level for AEGCL/ Design and provision of sickness of appropriate technologies to technologies (lost work using these APDCL operation staff/workers staff /workers minimise hazards days due to illness and technologies in crisis – health and injuries) once each year safety during Safety awareness raising Training/awareness Number of programs operations for staff. programs and mock drills and percent of staff Preparation of fire /workers covered – emergency action plan and once each year training given to staff on implementing emergency action plan Provide adequate sanitation Provision of facilities Complaints received and water supply facilities from staff /workers every 2 weeks 47 Electric Shock Injury/ Careful design using Usage of appropriate Preparedness level for AEGCL/ Design and Hazards mortality to appropriate technologies to technologies (no. of injury using these technology APDCL Operation staff and minimise hazards incidents, lost work days) in crisis- once a month public Security fences around Maintenance of fences Report on substations maintenance – every 2 Barriers to prevent climbing Maintenance of barriers weeks on/ dismantling of towers Appropriate warning signs Maintenance of warning on facilities signs Electricity safety awareness Training /awareness Number of programs raising in project areas programs and mock drills and percent of total for all concerned parties persons covered – once each year 48 Operations and Unnecessary Adequate training in O&M Training/awareness Number of programs AEGCL/ Operation maintenance environmenta to all relevant staff of programs and mock drills and percent of staff APDCL staff skills less l losses of substations & T & D line for all relevant staff covered – once each than acceptable various types maintenance crews. year IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 51 Clause Project activity/ Potential Proposed mitigation Parameter to be Measurement & Institutional Implementation No. stage impact measures monitored frequency responsibility schedule Preparation and training in the use of O&M manuals and standard operating practices 49 Inadequate Diminished Staff to receive training in Training/awareness Number of programs AEGCL/ Operation periodic ecological environmental monitoring of programs and mock drills and percent of staff APDCL environmental and social project operations and for all relevant staff covered – once each monitoring. values. maintenance activities. year 50 Equipment Release of Processes, equipment and Process, equipment and Phase out schedule to AEGCL/ Operations specifications chemicals systems using system design be prepared in case APDCL and design and gases in chlorofluorocarbons still in use – once in a parameters receptors (CFCs), including halon, quarter (air, water, should be phased out and land) to be disposed of in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Govt. 51 Transmission/ Exposure to Transmission/ distribution Required ground Ground clearance - AEGCL/ Operations distribution line electromagne line design to comply with clearance (meters) once APDCL maintenance tic the limits of electromagnetic interference interference from overhead power lines 52 Uncontrolled Fire hazard Periodic pruning of Requisite clearance Assessment in AEGCL/ Operations growth of due to growth vegetation to maintain (meters) consultation with APDCL vegetation of tree/shrub requisite electrical forest authorities - /bamboo clearance. once a year(pre- along RoW No use of herbicides/ monsoon/post- pesticides monsoon 53 Noise related Nuisance to Substations sited and Noise levels {dB(A)} Noise levels at AEGCL/ Operations neighbouring designed to ensure noise boundary nearest to APDCL properties will not be a nuisance. properties and consultation with affected parties if any - once IEAR NERPSIP ASSAM: T & D NETWORK IN TINSUKIA AND DIBRUGARH DISTRICTS UNDER TRANCHE-1 52 EXHIBIT – 1 POWER MAP OF ASSAM EXHIBIT -1 EXHIBIT – 2 SCHEMATIC MAP SHOWING PROPOSED TRANSMISSION NETWORK Exhibit -2: Transmission and Distribution Network in Tinsukia & Dibrugarh District proposed under NER Power System Improvement Project in Assam. TOWARDS 400/220 KV KOTHALGURI S/S) 132/33 KV DIBRUGARH S/S (EXISTING) 33/11 KV 220/132 KV CHAPAKHOWA TINSUKIA EXISTING 220 KV TINSUKIA –KATHALGURI T/L) S/S (EXISTING) 33 KV LINE (NEW) 132 KV LINE S/S (EXISTING) 33 KV ROMAI (EXISTING) S/S (NEW) 22 0 33 KV K V LINE LI 132 KV (NEW) N LINE 33 KV BOGIBEEL E (EXISTI S/S (NEW) ( NG) 132/33 KV 33 KV LINE (NEW) Brahmaputra River N CHAPAKHOWA S/S (NEW) 220/132 KV BEHIATING S/S (NEW) 33 KV LINE (NEW) 132 KV LINE (NEW) 33 KV DIBRUGARH S/S (NEW) 132/33 KV RUPAI S/S (EXISTING) EXISTING STATE OWNED LINE EXISTING STATE OWNED S/S NEW S/S PROPOSED UNDER NERPSIP NEW 132 KV T/L PROPOSED UNDER NERPSIP BAY ADDITION OF EXISTING S/S PROPOSED UNDER NERPSIP NEW 33 KV LINE PROPOSED UNDER NERPSIP EXHIBIT – 3 AEGCL/APDCL’S ORGANIZATION SUPPORT STRUCTURE Exhibit-3 AEGCL/APDCL’S ORGANIZATION CHART WITH ARRANGEMENT FOR ESPP IMPLEMENTATION MAP – 1 FOREST COVER MAP OF ASSAM MAP-1 : Forest Cover Map of Assam Subprojects Area MAP – 1 DISTANCE FROM PROTECTED AREAS MAP – 2 ALTERNATIVES ROUTE ALIGNMENT FOR RUPAI–CHAPAKHOWA 132 KV S/C ON D/C LINE MAP – 3 ALTERNATIVES ROUTE ALIGNMENT FOR TINSUKIA–BEHIATING (NEW DIBRUGARH) 220 KV D/C LINE & 33 KV LINE FROM 132/33KV (EXISTING) DIBRUGARH TO 33/11KV ROMAI (NEW) SUBSTATION 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 Typical Plan of Transmission line Tower footing indicating the above position and extent of damage 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 33 KV lines (Single & H pole) depicting base area impact 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 Fig.-3 a POWER GRID CORPORATION OF INDIA LIMITED (A Government Of India Enterprise) SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM FOR INDICATING AREA OF INFLUENCE/IMPACT for 132 KV D/C Transmission Line Conductor 12m 12m 4m 3m 27 m ROW 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 in 3m wide corridor/zone below each conductor is applicable in forest area only. PLATE – 1 PROPOSED SUBSTATIONS LOCATION 220/132 kV Behiating substation Access to Site Proposed Site 132/33 kV Chapakhowa substation Access to Site Proposed Site 132/33 kV Rupai Existing substation Proposed Site for Extension Work Access Road 132/33 kV Tinsukia Existing substation 33/11 KV Dibrugarh Substation Proposed site Access to site 33/11 KV Romai Substation Proposed site Approach Road 33/11 KV Bogibil Substation Proposed site Access Road need strengthening ANNEXURE – 1 NATIONAL PARK AND WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES IN ASSAM ANNEXURE 1: NATIONAL PARK AND WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES IN ASSAM National Park and Sl. Location Wildlife Main Habitat No. (District) Sanctuaries 1. Kaziranga National Golaghat, One horned Rhino, Swamp Deer, Wild Park Nagaon & Buffalo, Tiger, Elephant, Hoolock Sonitpur Gibbon, Capped Langur, Home to 25 globally threatened and 21 near threatened species of birds 2. Manas National Chirang and Rhino, Elephant, Tiger, Pygmy Hog, Park Baksa Hispid hare, Golden Langur, Assamese Macaque, Rhesus Macaque, Leopard, Golden Cat, Fishing Cat, Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat, Large Indian civet, Small Indian civet, Toddy Cat 3. Orang National Udalguri and Rhino, Tiger, Maljuria Elephants (male Park Sonitpur elephants in group), Hog Deer, Wild Pig 222 species of Birds ( Greater Adjutant Stork, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Brahminy Duck, Pintail Duck etc.) 4. Nameri National Sonitpur Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Gaur, Wild Park Pigs, Sambar, Barking Deer, Hispid hare, Slow Loris, Capped Langur, White Winged Wood duck, Palla’s fish- eagle, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Greater spotted Eagle, White ramped vulture, Longo billed vulture, Black bellied Term, Rufous–necked Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Great Pied Hornbill etc. 5. Dibru-Saikhowa Dibrugarh and Tiger, Elephant, Leopard, Jungle Cat, National Park Tinsukia Bears, Small Indian Civet, Squirrels, Gangetic Dolphin, Slow Loris, Assamese Macaque, Rhesus Macaque, Capped Langur, Hoolock Gibbon. It is an identifies Important Bird Area (IBA) 6. Bherjan-Borajan- Tinsukia Hoolock Gibbon, Capped Langur, Pig- Padumoni WLS tailed, Macaque, Macaque, Slow Loris and Rhesus Macaque 7. Panidehing WLS Sivasagar Elephants, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Greater Adjutant, Swamp Francolin, Spot-billed Pelican, White-rumped Vulture, Greater Spotted Eagle, National Park and Sl. Location Wildlife Main Habitat No. (District) Sanctuaries Slender-billed Vulture, Pallas's Fish- eagle 8. Hollongpara Jorhat 7 Primates (Hoolock Gibbon, Stump- Gibbon WLS tailed Macaque, Capped Langur, Pig- tailed Macaque, Assamese Macaque, Slow Loris and Rhesus Macaque) 9. Nambor- Golaghat Gaur, Elephants, Hoolock Gibbon Doigurung WLS 10. Garampani WLS Karbi Anglong Elephants, White-winged Duck, Lesser Adjutant Stork 11. Nambor WLS Karbi Anglong Gaur , Elephants, Hoolock Gibbon 12. East Karbi Anlong Karbi Anglong Gaur, Elephants, Tiger, Hoolock WLS Gibbon 13. Marat Longri WLS Karbi Anglong Tigers, Leopards, Gaur , Elephants, Hoolock Gibbon 14. Burhachapori WLS Sonitpur Elephants, Aquatic Birds, Tiger, Bengal Florican 15. Laokhowa WLS Nagaon Elephant, Tiger, Asiatic Wild Buffalo, Bengal Florican 16. Pabitora WLS Morigaon Rhino, Leopards, Barking Deer, Lesser Adjutant, Greater Adjutant, White- bellied Heron, Greater Spotted Eagle 17. Sonai-Rupai WLS Sonitpur White Winged wood duck, Elephant, Tiger, Gaur 18. Barnadi WLS Udalguri Hispid Hare, Pygmy Hog, Elephants, Tiger 19. Chakrasila WLS Kokrajhar Golden Langur, Gaur 20. Dihing-Patkai WLS Dibrugarh and Hoolock Gibbon, Elephants, White Tinsukia Winqed wood duck, Tiqer 21. Borail WLS Cachar Serow, Himalayan Black bear, Hoolock Gibbon 22. Amchang WLS Kamrup (Metro) Elephant, Gaur, Leopard 23. Deepor Beel Kamrup (Metro) Greater Adjutant Stork, Whistling Teal, Wildlife Sanctuary Open Billed Stork, Shoveler, Pintail, Garganey, Pheasant tail jacanas PROTECTED AREAS MAP OF ASSAM ANNEXURE – 2 ELEPHANT RESERVES & ELEPHANT CORRIDORS IN ASSAM ANNEXURE 2: ELEPHANT RESERVES AND ELEPHANT CORRIDORS IN ASSAM Elephant Reserves Sl. No Name of Elephant Reserves Area In sq. km 1 Sonitpur 1,420 2 Dehing-Patkai 937 3 Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong 3,270 4 Dhansiri-Lungding 2,740 5 Chirang-Ripu 2,600 Elephant Corridors 1. Kotha-Burhidihing: This corridor connects the Kotha Reserve Forest (Digboi Forest Division) and adjacent elephant populations of Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh with the Burhidihing Reserve Forest (Doom Dooma Forest Division) thereby maintaining the linkage with Tarai Reserve Forest, Kakojan Reserve Forest and Nalani Reserve Forest. Length of the corridor is 6 km. and width is 1 km. Major Settlements in the corridor are Monogaon and Takeli pathar. 2. Upper Dihing East-Upper Dihing West Block at Bogapani: The corridor lies between the Upper Dihing East and West blocks of forestland and passes through Bogapani tea estate and a few settlements (viz. Bogapani and Panbari). This 3 km. long and 0.5 km. wide elephant corridor constitutes of Reserve Forest and some forest land which are leased to tea gardens and patta land. 3. Upper Dihing East-Upper Dihing West Block between Golai-Pawai: This corridor is primarily of Reserve Forest and patta land, connecting Upper Dihing East and West blocks for elephant movement. This corridor has witnessed crop depredation by elephant resulting discontinuation of cultivation by the adjacent villagers in 2000-2001. Again new settlements have started coming in the 6-7 km. long and 0.5 km. wide corridor. 4. Kalapahar-Daigurung: This corridor, located about 22 km. from Silonijan (Karbi Anglong) on the Silonijan-Chokikhola road is a small patch forest located between Sotiona and Parolijan village (Parolijan River). It is encircled by two hills, namely Kalapahar and Risak on either side connecting Kaziranga National Park via Kalioni Reserve Forest. Length of the corridor is 2 km. and width is 2 km. 5. Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong at Panbari: This 1 km. long and 0.85 km. wide corridor consisted of Reserve forest and Kaziranga National Park and connects elephant habitats of Kaziranga National Park with the Karbi Anglong forest. 6. Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong at Kanchanjuri: This corridor connects the elephant habitats of Kaziranga National Park with Brahapahar and Karbi Anglong forests. Under Eastern Assam Wildlife Division this corridor area passes through tea gardens and is close to NH 37. Length of the corridor is 2km.and width is 0.5 km. consisting of Reserve forest and proposed addition (4rd addition) to Kaziranga National Park. 7. Kukurakata-Bagser at Amguri: This corridor falls under Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, connecting the elephant habitats of Kaziranga National Park and Kukurakata Reserve Forest with Bagser Reserve Forest and the forest of Karbi Anglong. Length of the corridor is 0.8 km.and width 0.5 km. Amguri is the major settlement in the corridor. 8. Charduar-Singri hill: This corridor (Sonitpur West Forest Division) passes through tea gardens and settlements of Sonitpur district and is known to have very man-animal conflict. Several major settlements (viz. Posabasi, Panchnoi, Dipabasti, Rowmari basti etc.) lay in this 30 km. long and 1.5 km wide elephant corridor. ELEPHANT RESERVE IN ASSAM Subprojects Area (Source: Department of Environment & Forests, Government of Assam) ANNEXURE – 3 TREE / CROP/ TOWER FOOTING COMPENSATION PROCESS ANNEXURE 3 : 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, AEGCL/APDCL pays compensation to land owners towards damages if any during implementation of transmission project as well as during operation and maintenance phase. AEGCL/APDCL 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. AEGCL/ APDCL also pay compensation to affected land owners for utilization of their land for tower footing. To arrive compensation rate mechanism of negotiated settlement is followed. The association of local authorities like Dy. Commissioner/Addl. Dy Commissioner (Revenue) of concerned district and concerned Circle officers is also ensured during such negotiation. The circle value for the land price fixation as per the Department of Registration for different categories of land for the villages along the transmission line corridor will be obtained from the district registrars. This guidance value will be referred to by the negotiation committee. Once the negotiated rate is finalised & consent is received from land owners, the same is approved by Dy. Commissioner of concerned district for payment of compensation to land owners by AEGCL/ APDCL. All efforts are made to release such payment before construction activities. 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 Assam 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 issue a tree cutting permit to AEGCL/ APDCL to enable removal / damage to the standing tree/crop identified in the line corridor. Similarly on the basis of enqiry report received from concerned Tehsildar, SDM issue land valuation certificate to AEGCL/ APDCL for payment of compensation to land owner. Once the tree/crop is removed / damaged, AEGCL/ APDCL 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 AEGCL/ APDCL arranges the payment by way of Demand Draft/Cheque 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, AEGCL/APDCL 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 AEGCL/APDCL and issue of cutting certificate to land owner and revenue official by AEGCL/APDCL 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 for revision/review. assessment of value of timber and fruit bearing trees respectively. If he/she Despite land Approval of valuation statement by SDM/DC is still not compensation, if either individual or group basis satisfied, owner doesn’t they may allow installation move to of tower, Disbursement of compensation of Court. AEGCL/APDCL Crops/trees/land to affected farmers/owner shall approach and acknowledgement SDM/DC for Local resolution. Court ANNEXURE – 4 SAFETY PLAN Section IX. Contract Forms 9-149 ANNEXURE- 4 : SAFETY PLAN 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 working load is enclosed at Annexure – 2 (SP) for review and approval of Engineer In- charge/Project Manager. Section IX. Contract Forms 9-151 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 – 4 (SP) for review and acceptance of Engineer In-Charge/ Project Manager prior to execution of work. Section IX. Contract Forms 9-152 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 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. Section IX. Contract Forms 9-153 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, 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 Section IX. Contract Forms 9-154 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). 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 Section IX. Contract Forms 9-155 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............................... 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 automatic locking arrangement of snap hook Section IX. Contract Forms 9-157 S. N. Details of Enclosure Status Remarks of Submission of information/ documents 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) Yes/No Copy of Safety Policy/ Safety Document of the Contractor’s company 9. Annexure – 7 (SP) Yes/No ‘Emergency Preparedness Plan’ for different incidences i.e. Fall from height, Electrocution, Sun Section IX. Contract Forms 9-158 S. N. Details of Enclosure Status Remarks of Submission of information/ documents 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 compliance] (v) Public Insurance Liabilities Act 1991 and Rules. Yes/No ___________________________________ [Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance] Section IX. Contract Forms 9-159 S. N. Details of Enclosure Status Remarks of Submission of information/ documents (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] _______________________________________ [Name of Documentary evidence in support of compliance] 13. Annexure – 10B (SP) Details of Insurance Policies alongwith Section IX. Contract Forms 9-160 S. N. Details of Enclosure Status Remarks of Submission of information/ documents 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 – 5 SAFETY CONDITIONS IN CONTRACT DOCUMENT ANNEXURE – 6 HEALTH & SAFETY CHECKLIST ANNEXURE 6: 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 foundation Yes / No. is maintained or not. 3. De watering arrangement is available ( If necessary) Yes / No. 4. Working area has been protected properly to avoid against fall Yes / No. of passerby or animal in the excavated pit. 5 Shoring & Shuttering to protect the loose rock / soil against Yes / No. fall exists. 6 Arrangement of illumination at construction site is available. (if Yes / No. required ) 7 Check proper/adequate arrangement is made for extension of electric supply. (Proper size of cable, Use of fuse, No loose Yes / No. 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 Yes / No. construction of well foundation in river bed. (Where necessary) 10 Check that the adequate arrangement is made for the storage Yes / No. of blasting material at safe place. (if required) 11 Check that the blasting materials is handled with due care at Yes / No. site. ( If required ) 12 Check that during blasting operation, Labour / Workmen / Passerby are at safe places and arrangement is made to inform Yes / No. public by caution markings (Red Flag) / Public Notices. SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 13 Check that the Blaster is holding the proper license issued by Yes / No. the appropriate authority. as per the Indian Explosive Act. 14 Check that the length of the fuse wire used during blasting Yes / No. 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 used by Yes / No. 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 / dangerous Yes / No. 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 verified and in case Yes / No. of their existence, they must be isolated. 20 Arrangement shall be made to prevent external vibrations due Yes / No. 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 of the Yes / No. 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 excavated Yes / No. area beyond shoulder level. 24 Check for any possibility of seepage of water from nearby Yes / No. pond / river should be estimated and taken care of. 25 After excavation the work has been completed speedily and Yes / No. 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 1.5 Mtrs. Or half Yes / No. the depth of pit, which ever is more. ) 2 Check arrangement of illumination at Construction Site. (If Yes / No. 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 safe Yes / No. place. (Not very near to pit.) 5 Check proper / adequate arrangement is made for extension of electric supply. (Proper size of cable, Use of fuse, No loose Yes / No. 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 electrocution to Yes / No. 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 until the necessary Yes / No. 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 do Yes / No. 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 load of Yes / No. template. 10 In case of long template in stub setting, more jacks have been provided and check that the Jacks are placed on levelled and Yes / No. hard surface to avoid the unbalancing and fallen. 11 Wire mesh rolls shall be secured in order to prevent dangerous Yes / No. recoiling action. 12 Lone worker should not be allowed to work in the excavated Yes / No. 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 been Yes / No. 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 been Yes / No. 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 been Yes / No. 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 Machine, Yes / No. 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 Aviation Yes / No. Authority for erection of special towers. (Where necessary). SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 8. Ensure that permission has been obtained form Aviation Yes / No. Authority for erection of towers which comes in the vicinity of flying zone. (Where necessary) 9. Check that the safety measures has been taken before Yes / No. undertaking for the Road / Rail / River Xing jobs involving like wise stretches. 10. For rail or road crossing check whether written working plan Yes / No. 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 and Yes / No. 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 the Yes / No. 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 during Yes / No. erection. 16 Check that proper guying arrangement has been made. And Yes / No. 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 the Yes / No. 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 lifting the Yes / No. 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 driving Yes / No. 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 falling Yes / No. in the vicinity of aviation zones. (Where necessary.) 4. Check that all safety measures have been taken during Yes / No. SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 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 tightened Yes / No. and punching / tacking / tack welding is done in towers before undertaking stringing job. 6. Ensure that proper scaffolding arrangements made during Yes / No. 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 before Yes / No. use. 10. Stringing Machine / Tension pullor Machine are properly Yes / No. earthed. 11. Check the brake arrangement of the TSE Machines is Yes / No. working. 12. Ensure that the pulleys used before conductor stringing 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. 13. Ensure the ropes used before conductor stringing has been Yes / No. 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 Machine, Yes / No. 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 site Yes / No. 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 followed Yes / No. at site. 21. While clamping of conductor / EW to be done, check for Yes / No. earthing. SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 22. Ensure sending signal to puller to stop when last layer of Yes / No. conductor / EW being pulled. 23. Check tension applied on the dynamo meter dial and check Yes / No. values with approved data. 24. Before stringing starts check that the villagers do not come Yes / No. underneath the job of the concerned section. 25. Only nylon or polypropylene ropes should be used during Yes / No. 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 each Yes / No. 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 guying Yes / No. 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 checked Yes / No. 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 required Yes / No. healthy PPEs, like Safety helmet / Safety Belts / Safety Shoes / Gum Boot etc. as applicable. 3. Availability of First Aid Box with required medicines at site. Yes / No. 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 skilled Yes / No. job. 11. Ensure that 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 etc. 12. Check for nearby Hospital / Doctor in case of emergencies Yes / No. arises. 13. While transporting heavy consignment of conductor / EW Yes / No. 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 extinguisher Yes / No. 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 : Designation : Name : Designation: Representative of Designation: AEGCL & APDCL. Rep. from Contractor AEGCL & APDCL Rep. from Site. Circle Office. Safety Related Check List during Construction of Substation 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 : SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks i): Safety during Excavation : 1. Check Substation area has been protected by Yes / No. constructing boundary wall all around the substation to avoid entry of passerby / unauthorized person or animal in the substation. 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 sewers, Yes / No. 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 is Yes / No. SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks to be checked and certified by a competent person 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 / No. length is available near the working place during excavation. 14. Check if any permission is required from local statutory Yes / No. body before excavation. 15. Check for No undercutting / toe cutting in soil. Yes / No. 16. Check after excavation the work should be speedily Yes / No. completed without delay and back filling done at the earliest. 17. Check for any possibility of seepage of water from nearby Yes / No 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 by Yes / No. 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 explosives Yes / No. 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 SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 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 to Yes / No. 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 and Yes / No. 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 whichever is more.) 2. Check proper arrangement of illumination at Construction Site of Substation 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 least Yes / No. 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. : SN Description of Activity Feedback Remarks 1. Check Back filling done prior to erection activity. Yes / No. SN Description of Activity Feedback Remarks 2. Check the derrick used before structure erection has been Test certificate is checked for adequate strength / size and no joints are Yes / No. required apart from permitted. visual inspection. 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 SN Description of Activity Feedback Remarks structure in the sub station building works ( if required.) Yes / No. 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 two Yes / No. 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 SN Description of Activity Feedback Remarks 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. 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. SN Description of Activity Feedback Remarks 53. All cable termination should be appropriately tightened Yes / No. to 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. 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 throughout 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 SN Description of Activity Feedback Remarks 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 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 entrance Yes / No. 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). 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 before Yes / No. use. 5. Ensure whether the structure is properly earthed. Yes / No. 6. Only nylon or polypropylene ropes should be used during Yes / No. 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 posted at Yes / No. 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 in Yes / No. 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 is Yes / No. laid 300 mm below the road or at greater depth depending upon the site conditions. SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 2. Check that while laying the Earthing conductor in outside Yes / No. area is buried at least 600 mm below the furnished ground level. 3. Check that the earthing pads have been provided for the Yes / No. apparatus / equipments at accessible position. 4. Check all steel columns, metallic stairs are connected to Yes / No. 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 has Yes / No. 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 of Yes / No. 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 continuity Yes / No. conductor. 11. Check flexible earthing connectors should be provided for Yes / No. 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, cable Yes / No. 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 2000 Yes / No. 15. 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. SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 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 medicines Yes / No. at site. 3. Check Site Instruction register is available at site. Yes / No. 4. Ensure Supervisor / Gang Leader always issues instruction Yes / No. 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 / EW Yes / No. 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 extinguisher Yes / No. 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 and Yes / No. 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 places Yes / No. 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 shall Yes / No. 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 over Yes / No. to prevent injury. 23. Check scrap, waste and rubbish has not been allowed to Yes / No. 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 quantity Yes / No. 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 being Yes / No. utilized by them always. 27. Check the worker is under constant surveillance by the Yes / No. 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 vehicles Yes / No. 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 SN Description of Activity Feed back Remarks 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 length, Yes / No. 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 and Yes / No. 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 during Yes / No. expansion of charged bays. 36. Check metal ladders are not being used in the vicinity of Yes / No. exposed live electrical equipment. 37. Check one bore well is available for water supply in case Yes / No. Municipal Construction supply is not available 38. Check charged area of a yard should be properly fenced Yes / No. off. 39. Check ladders / lengthy articles / lengthy equipments etc. Yes / No. 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 : AEGCL & APDCL Representative Rep. from Contractor Rep. from AEGCL & APDCL ANNEXURE – 7 DETAILS OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION Photographs of Public Consultation held at Tinsukia on 14th Oct’2014 Photographs of Public Consultation held at Rupai, on 17th June’2014 ANNEXURE – 8 CONTENTS OF FEAR Annexure -8: 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 – 9 ESTIMATED BUDGET Annexure – 9 : Budget Estimate Towards Forest and Crop/Tree/ Tower Footing Compensation Total 132 kV line length - 91.31 km. Total 132 kV tower locations - 304 approx. A. Compensation 1 Forest - Nil 2. Crop & Trees - Transmission Line length in Private /Revenue land - 91.31 km. - Crop/tree compensation for 132 kV line- (91.31 x 5,00,000) = Rs.456.55 lakhs - Distribution Line length in Private /Revenue land – 20.9 km. - Crop/tree compensation for 33 kV line - (20.9 x 50,000) = Rs. 10.45 lakhs 3. Land compensation for tower footings - (304 towers x 10,000) = Rs. 30.40 lakhs Sub Total A (1+2+3) - Rs. 497.40 lakhs B. Implementation Monitoring & Audit i) Man-power involved for EMP implementation & Monitoring in entire route of Transmission lines & distribution line (Rs.10, 000/-x 112 km) = Rs. 11.20 lakhs ii) Independent Audit (LS) if needed = Rs. 5.00 lakhs Sub Total (B) - Rs. 16.20 lakhs Grand Total (A+B) = Rs. 513.60 lakhs