E4283 v1 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project ity (A World Bank Funded Project) Environment Management Framework August 27, 2013 (Draft Version) Public Works Department Government of Rajasthan Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework Preface The Environment and Social Management Framework (ESMF) and the Environmental Codes of Practice (ECoP), were first prepared for the Rural Roads Project , covering four participating states, namely Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. The project, funded by the World Bank was closed in 2012. The same tools were also used/ adapted for the ADB-funded rural road project in other states of the country. Based on the experiences from the implementation of the project and feedback from the users of these instruments, the ESMF/ECoPs from the first Rural Roads project were revised and are currently being applied and implemented in the on-going World Bank funded project, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) – Rural Roads Project II. The project is under implementation in seven states, namely, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. The documents are available in the public domain in line with Bank’s Disclosure Policy. The Environment Management Framework and the Codes of Practice have been revised for their application and implementation in the proposed Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project (RRCP). The bulk of the civil works proposed under the project are very similar to the works being carried out under the PMGSY in terms of specifications and standards/ norms except for the fact that they serve a population in the range of 250 to 499, which is presently not covered by the PMGSY programme norms (for non-tribal areas). Learning from the experiences of the last ten years in executing similar works in Rajasthan particularly, the Environment Management Framework and the Codes of Practice have been updated/revised to address the “requirements� that are relevant to the environmental and social conditions in the state. For dealing with the social aspects/issues, a stand-alone document called Resettlement Policy Framework Additionally, the EMF addresses aspects pertaining to the two new components under this project, namely the Road Sector Moderniz ation and Performance Enhancement and Road Safety Management. Page 1 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework Table of Contents Page 2 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework List of Acronyms BOD Biological Oxygen Demand CGWB Central Ground Water Board CO Carbon Mono-oxide COD Chemical Oxygen Demand CoI Corridor of Impact CPCB Central Pollution Control Board CSR Corporate Social Responsibility CWW Chief Wildlife Warden dB(A) Decibel (A) DPR Detailed Project Report EA Environmental Assessment EC Environmental Clearance E-coli Escherichia coli EHS Environmental, Health and Safety EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMF Environment Management Framework EMP Environment Management Plan EO Environmental Officer ESR Environmental Screening Report GI Galvanized Iron GoI Government of India GoR Government of Rajasthan IA Implementing Agency IAHE Indian Academy of Highway Engineers IS Indian Standards K Potassium Km Kilometer m Meter MDR Major District Road MoEF Ministry of Environment and Forests Page 3 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework MT Metric Ton N Nitrogen NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards NGO Non-Governmental Organization NH National Highways NO Nodal Officer NOC No Objection Certificate NO x Oxides of Nitrogen OP Operational Policies ODR Other District Road P Phosphorous PAP Project Affected Person Pb Lead PCU Passenger Car Unit PIC Project-In-Charge PIU Project Implementation Unit PM 10 Particulate Matter 10 PM 2.5 Particulate Matter 2.5 PMC Project Management Cell PWD Public Works Department RAP Resettlement Action Plan RoW Right of Way RR Rural Road SBD Standard Bidding Document SH State Highway SIA Social Impact Assessment SO 2 Sulfur Dioxide SPCB State Pollution Control Board TA Technical Assistance ToR Terms of Reference WB The World Bank Page 4 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework Section I : Introduction 1 . 1 Ba ck gr o und Rajasthan 1 is one of the low income states of India. The per capita income (USD 943) in the state is about 20 percent lower than the national average (USD 1185). It is also lagging in many key socio-economic indicators and stands at 17 th place among the 29 states of the country in terms of the Human Development Index. About 75 percent of the state’s population is rural and mainly depends on agriculture for its livelihood. The state has a good potential for growth in agriculture 2 and agro- based industries, mining and minerals processing3, tourism, handicrafts and cottage industries. However, this potential remains underutilized due to inadequate road infrastructure and market linkages. In recent years, the Government of Rajasthan (GoR) has taken several reform initiatives including adopting an Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy, 2010 which focuses on exploiting the growth potential and attracting mega investments in the state. The policy recognizes the need for high quality road infrastructure in order to achieve its objectives. Under the Eleventh Five Year Plan period too, a number of innovative policy measures were taken to accelerate economic growth and facilitate socio-economic development in the state. Some of the achievements under the Plan included widening of state highways on Bulid-Operate-Transfer (BOT)/Annuity basis, work on 16 mega highway projects for upgrading secondary corridors, and increase in village connectivity to 81 percent. The Twelfth Five Year Plan proposes to carry forward the achievements of the E leventh Plan, taking up further works for widening of state highways, proposing completion of the 16 mega-highway projects, and targeting connectivity of all revenue villages with a population 250 and above. The approach under this Plan emphasizes developm ent of good road infrastructure in the state, specifically focusing on: (i) connecting all villages with population 250 and above; (ii) strengthening and renovation of all highways and district roads to all-weather roads; and (iii) building missing links to connect villages 4. Accordingly, the target for economic growth as per the Twelfth Five Year Plan has been revised to 7.7 percent (compared to 6.54 percent in the Eleventh Five Year Plan), of which growth in agriculture is targeted at 3.5 percent, and that in industry and services is targeted at 8 percent and 9.5 percent respectively. One of the means 1 Area wise (342,239 sq km) the biggest state; population 68.6 million. 2 The state accounts for 10% of the milk, 35% of the wool and 10% of the meat produced in the country; it is the largest producer of wool and the 2 nd largest producer of milk in the country 3 Rajasthan has about 65 varieties of minerals and accounts for more than 70% of India’s total mineral production 4 The proposed outlay for the transport sector under the Twelfth Five Year Plan is Rs. 105,182 million, a substantial increase (of ~125%) compared to its outlay under the Eleventh Five Year Plan of Rs. 40,330 million Page 41 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework through which this is hoped to be achieved is through creation of sustainable infrastructure, including roads. Further, about 46 percent of the influence area of the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) falls in Rajasthan 5. DMIC will offer unique development opportunities to the state, provided an adequate road network within its area of influence exists. In the area of governance, the state has enacted a “Rajasthan Guaranteed Delivery of Public Services Act 2011� to ensure time bound rendering of 108 services in 15 departments and launched an online citizen’s grievance handling mechanism (Sugam – http://sugamrpg.raj.nic.in). 1. 2 R oad N et w or k i n Raj as tha n - S ec tor al Co nt e xt Rajasthan has a state road network of 124,097 km 6, including 10,815 km of State Highways (SH), 9,198 km of Major District Roads (MDRs), and 104,084 km of Rural Roads. Road density in Rajasthan is 55 km per 100 sq. km, compared to the national average of 110. In recent years, Rajasthan has made remarkable progress with developing its rural roads under the flagship program of the Government of India ’s Prime Minister Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) providing road connectivity to about 81 percent of its habitations 7 above 500 people and to habitations above 250 people in desert and tribal areas of the state. Over-all, about 98 percent of PWD’s existing village road network now has bitumen surfacing compared with 76 percent in 2003. However, about 7,357 villages with population 8 below 500 in the remaining areas of the state are not covered 9 under PMGSY. Providing all-weather road access to these villages has been stated as a priority of Government of Rajasthan in the state’s Twelfth Five Year Plan. The local governments are already undertaking some earthwork and gravelling works on the tracks serving these habitations under MGNREGA 10. The per capita road development cost in the state is very high due to the widely dispersed population. The estimated cost of periodic maintenance and ordinary repairs needed to keep this extensive network in good operating condition is approximately INR 1,200 crores (USD 219 million) in 2012-13 alone. However, due to years of under-investment and inadequate maintenance, many of the State Highways (SHs) and Major District Roads (MDRs) are in poor condition in terms of riding quality, geometry, pavement strength, drainage, and safety standards, and disjointed due to missing links and dilapidated bridges. Only about 11 percent of SHs and MDRs are double lane. 5 The DMIC is being managed by DMIC Development Corporation (DMICDC) 6 Excluding National Highways 6,576 km and 61,000 km other roads in border areas 7 While at the beginning of the Eleventh Five Year Plan about 26,581 villages were connected by road, by the end a total of 32,277 villages had been connected. About 4,588 of these additional villages were connected under PMGSY. 8 In terms of habitations the number is 72,624. Several habitations make a village. 9 The project will improve connectivity to about 1,300 of these villages. 10 Mahatama Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act – a centrally funded program ensuring 100 days of employment/year to each household. Page 42 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework More so, the number of vehicles registered in the State of Rajasthan has increased dramatically over the past decade. Statistics from the State Transport Department show that the state has approximately 5.8 million more vehicles registered in 2012 than in 2002. Two wheelers account for much of this growth (4.4 million more than in 2002). However, the number of cars on Rajasthan’s roads has increased at a faster rate with 14 percent compounded average year on year growth for the last ten years. Also, the road safety situation in Rajasthan is serious and deteriorating. Road accidents have killed 9,232 people in Rajasthan in 2011. Severity Index (Number of persons killed per 100 accidents) of Rajasthan roads is about 40 compared to a national average of 29. To fully realize the benefits of investments in PMGSY, to provide effective linkages from rural areas to markets and to support growing economic potential of the state, significant improvements in the highway network are required. There has been some investment in widening state highways and district roads to accommodate greater volumes of traffic, but much more is required to develop the state highway network. For this purpose, the state has identified about 7000 km of core highway network out of about 11,000 km of State Highways and proposed the highways with highest traffic for upgrading under the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) schemes. 1. 3 Raj as tha n Rur a l C on ne ct i vit y Pr oj e c t In order to develop the road sector in the state of Rajasthan, the Public Works Department (PWD) on behalf of the Government of Rajasthan is preparing the Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project (RRCP). The Project Development Objective is to improve rural connectivity, enhance road safety and strengthen road sector management capacity of the state of Rajasthan. The Bank will finance the project through a Credit from the International Development Association (IDA) as a Specific Investment Loan. The Project will be implemented over a five year period from end-2013 to end-2018. The total cost of the project is estimated at the equivalent of US$245 million. The Bank share is estimated at US$171 million. The IDA Credit will be used to finance various civil work contracts, goods and TA service up to 70 percent of the total project cost. The Public Works Department, Government of Rajasthan will be the implementing agency. 1. 4 Pr oj e ct C o mp o nen ts The project is designed to enhance the effectiveness of Bank's support through a two pronged strategy focusing on: (a) Investments: supporting poverty alleviation through improved connectivity of smaller habitations; and (b) Technical and knowledge support: facilitating gradual transformation of the PWD into a modern road agency by adopting best practice examples of sector policies, strategic planning, and project and asset management, as well as piloting some innovations to optimize cost and time of construction as well as minimize environmental foot print. Page 43 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework The project will also finance preparatory activities of follow on operations including network analysis of about 7000 km of SHs to prioritize about 700 km corridors for which detailed engineering design and project reports will be prepared. The above objective will be achieved through implementing the following components: (a) Rural Connectivity Improvement; (b) Road Sector Modernization and Performance Enhancement; and (c) Road Safety Management. The components are described below: Co mp on ent A : Rur a l Con ne ct i vit y I mpr o v em en t (USD 200 million, including IDA credit USD 140 million; civil works) This component would support construction of about 2500 km rural roads to provide connectivity to about 1,300 villages with population between 250 and 499 in t he areas of the state not covered by PMGSY and introduce good practices of cost effective low volume technologies. The roads will predominantly be built to a bitumen surface standard and will include all necessary bridges and cross drainage works to mainta in year round connectivity. Contracts for civil works worth US$ 53 million have been already been awarded and bids worth US$75 million are expected to be awarded by the early September 2013. Co mp on ent B: Ro ad Se ct or M od er ni za ti on an d P er for ma nc e E n han ce m e nt (USD 20 million including IDA credit USD 14 million; t echnical assistance and goods) This component will support implementation of a Road Sector Modernization Plan (RSMP) 11 in the following key areas: Improved policy framework: Strengthening of existing road sector policies and strategies including a robust financing framework for both road construction and maintenance, strengthening of policy framework for participation of local governments in managing road access to small communities; Modernization of Engineering Practices and Business Procedures: Will include introduction of modern project preparation and management practices, design and construction standards, new technologies specifically to promote cost-effective road construction for low trafficked roads, improved procurement procedures, and a PWD- wide procurement and contract management manual; Sustainable Asset Management: Modifying and putting to use the current MMS into a simple asset management system to prepare prioritized plans for both construction and maintenance of state roads using rational criteria for investment decisions; introduction of area-wide maintenance contract system and other forms of maintenance contracting 12. 11 RSMP is intended to establish a dynamic and regular mechanism in PWD for sector reforms not confining to the proposed project duration. It will be regularly reviewed and modified, and implemented in a Phased manner by targeting a subset of key priority activities. Its implementation will go well beyond the proposed project period. 12 By building on the initiatives underway in PMGSY Rural Roads Project. Actual maintenance works will be funded by GOR through its own maintenance funds Page 44 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework Institutional and Human Resource Development: Strengthening of PWD institutional structure, building of staff capacities 13 to keep them abreast with latest road industry practices, and computerization of PWD offices; Preparing a pipeline of feasible projects for implementation: Feasibility and DPR preparation of about 700 km of SH/MDRs ready for financing after initiation of pre- construction activities. and Enhancing Governance & Accountability in PWD: Bringing in transparency and openness in all major activities involving public procurement and financing through improved voluntary sharing of information and on demand as per the RTI. Co mp on ent C : R oa d Sa fe ty M ana ge m ent (USD 20 million including IDA credit USD 14 million; technical assistance and goods): This component will support the strengthening of road safety manag ement systems in Rajasthan with the objective of reducing the number of fatalities and serious injuries from traffic accidents in the state. This will be accomplished through:  Safe corridor demonstration program  Multi-sector road safety interventions on selected road corridors  iRAP surveys on some major state roads with high volume and high-risk  establishing a multi-sector Road Safety Strategy (incorporating safe system principles), including select policy reviews (such as crash investigation training for Police14) for the state, that could then be rolled out on all state roads,  capacity building of PWD and other agencies in road safety engineering and integration of road safety into asset and project management,  road safety education and awareness programs Some possible support to the state’s Transport/Police Departments on procurement of equipment for ongoing initiatives. 1.5 Pr oj e ct B en e fi ci ar ies The project is expected to provide all season access to economic opportunities and social services to 1,300 small habitations. The inhabitants in the area of influence of the project roads, local businesses, as well as users of the project roads will be the direct beneficiaries of the project. Those businesses and people will have improved access to markets and services through improved connectivity. Modernization of the PWD will improve road sector management and build capacity of its staff and indirectly will benefit all road users. Road users will also benefit from a safer transport system developed and implemented on the demonstration corridors. 13 Through implementation of a Human Resources Development Strategy 14 Which will complement the implementation of the Road Accident Database Management System under the proposed NHIIP of MoRTH Page 45 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework 1. 5 N ee d f or En v ir on me nt Ma nag e me n t Fr am e w or k The sub-projects, primarily rural works supported under the project are spread across different districts in the state with varying geographical, topographical an d socio- economic conditions. In addition, the proposed project also includes supporting development of other category of roads (such as State Highways) under road safety interventions. The heterogeneous characteristics at the sub-project level, in terms of locations and engineering designs, warrant a mechanism to bring a homogeneous approach in the planning, design and execution of environmental management activities for such works. This has necessitated preparation of a document that will help and guide the Implementing Agency (PWD, Govt. of Rajasthan) in selection of appropriate technique/s to carry out planning, design and implementation of environmental management activities in line with the type and nature of civil works proposed under the project. Therefore, although the general thrust and broad project interventions are well understood, the specific details pertaining to planning and design of the various sub-projects that the project envisages to support, will be completely known only later in the project cycle. In the given context, an Environmental Management Framework (EMF) serves as an appropriate tool, allowing for flexibility within the boundaries set forth by the requirements of the Bank’s operation policies and the country’s regulatory mechanisms. Some of the works proposed under the project have a potential to trigger some adverse environment and social impacts in the process, if the works are not properly planned and managed. Also, some opportunities to enhance the positive benefits of the interventions exist, which can be integrated into the planning and design process early-on, provided a clear-cut guidance is available. Other than the upgrading/ widening/strengthening of State Highway 2 (with a length of 130 km), where specific engineering interventions are known, the detailed engineering designs for the safety interventions on selected SH/MDR sections will be developed only during the course of the project implementation. Therefore, an Environmental Management Framework (EMF) for the project offers the required flexibility in guiding the process of dealing with the unwarranted impacts and would help in augmenting the positive benefits for both situations – for sub-project/s where engineering interventions are known and those roads/sections where engineering design is yet to be initiated. The framework describes the principles, objectives and approach to be followed in avoiding, minimizing and mitigating the adverse environmental impacts that are likely to arise as a result of the implementation of the various reconstruction activities under the Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project. The framework details out the various policies, guidelines and procedures that need to be integrated during the planning, design and implementation cycle of the B ank- financed project in the state of Rajasthan. It also outlines the indicative management measures required to effectively address or deal with the key issues that have been identified. The required institutional arrangements for implementing the EMF have also been outlined as a part of this framework. Page 46 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework Further, among other activities proposed under the project, the bulk of the civil works pertains to ‘rural roads .’ Typically, such roads are 2 to 5 km in length and would have a standard cross-section. For such small works, an Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) has been developed and successfully applied in the World Bank funded projects in the past. These include the Rural Roads Project (closed in 2012, covering four states, including Rajasthan) and the on-going PMGSY project, covering seven states, of which Rajasthan is also a part. These available tools/ instruments have been adapted for the purpose of this project and integrated into this document (EMF) prepared for the Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project, particularly to deal with the environmental issues pertaining to the rural roads component . 1.6 Pur p os e and O b j ec ti v es o f En v ir o nm ent M ana ge m ent Fr a me w or k Good environmental management practices are essential and integral element s of sound project preparation and implementation. More specifically, the EMF seeks to:  Establish clear procedures and methodologies for environmental planning, review, approval and implementation of sub-projects to be financed under the Project.  To provide practical guidance for planning, designing and implementing the environmental management measures.  Specify appropriate roles and responsibilities, and outline the necessary reporting procedures, for managing and monitoring environmental and related social concerns of the sub-projects and;  Determine the institutional arrangements, including those related to training, capacity building and technical assistance (if required) needed to successfully implement the provisions of the EMF. The application and implementation of the EMF therefore, will:  Support the integration of environmental aspects into the decision making process of all stages related to planning, design, execution, operation and maintenance of sub-projects, by identifying, avoiding and/or minimizing adverse environmental and social impacts early-on in the project cycle.  Enhance the positive/sustainable environmental and social outcomes through improved/ sensitive planning, design and implementation of sub-activities.  Minimize environmental degradation as a result of either individual sub-projects or through their indirect, induced and cumulative effects, as much as possible.  Protect human health and  Minimize impacts on cultural property. The use / implementation of the EMF will also support the achievement of compliance with applicable laws and regulations as well as with the requirements of relevant Bank policies on environmental safeguard aspects. 1. 7 Ke y C ont en ts o f th e E n vir on me nt Ma nag em en t Fr a me w or k The EMF has been prepared in accordance to : Page 47 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework (1) Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Guidance Manual for Highways prepared by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India; (2) Safeguard documents/instruments of the RRP I and PMGSY – Rural Roads Project funded by the World bank (3) Rajasthan State Environment Policy, 2010 and (4) Applicable Operational Policies (OPs) of the Bank. The EMF addresses environmental concerns through the appropriate application of process requirements, allocation of resources, assignment of responsibility and on- going evaluation of practices/procedures and focuses on continual improvement of the system. The framework describes the principles, objectives and approach to be followed for selecting, avoiding, minimizing and/or mitigating the adverse environmental impacts that are likely to arise due to the project. The framework details out the various policies, guidelines and procedures that need to be integrated during the planning, design and implementation cycle of the Bank-funded project. It also outlines the indicative management measures required to effectively address or deal with the key issues that have been identified. The required institutional arrangements for effective environment management have also been outlined as a part of this framework. The instrument provides a framework for managing environmental responsibilities efficiently in a way that the various requirements can be mainstreamed into the over-all operations. It helps in the management of environmental activities in a planned/systematic, compr ehensive manner with appropriate documentation, as needed. Specifically, the Environmental Management Framework includes the following:  Information on GoI’s environmental legislations, standards ; World Bank ’s safeguard policies and other international conventions/policies that is relevant in the over-all project context.  Process to be followed for environmental screening to guide decision-making about proposed sub-projects.  Steps and process to be followed for conducting environmental impact assessment and preparation of Environmental Management Plans for selected sub- projects  Preliminary assessment of anticipated environmental impacts in the context of broad/known project interventions.  Generic environment management measures to avoid, minimize and mitigate anticipated impacts  Institutional arrangements for environment management, including monitoring and reporting. 1. 8 Ap pli ca ti on o f th e EM F This Environmental Management Framework has been prepared to guide the Public Works Department, Govt. of Rajasthan in sub-project selection, screening and categorization, environmental assessment, and preparation and implementation, monitoring, and preparation of environmental assessments/management plans for Page 48 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework project roads to facilitate compliance with the requirements specified in the World Bank Operational Policies and government rules and laws. This framework shall be applicable to all project components proposed to be taken-up under RRSMP. The EMF needs to be integrated into the preparation and implementation stages of the various project components. It is an essential ingredient aligned with the project/sub-project activities and is to be followed through the entire project cycle from planning, including site identification; design; implementation and operation/ maintenance to attain the above outlined purpose and objectives. Specific steps that need to be followed to ensure proper environmental management has been explained been in detail in Section V of this document. Further, the Govt. of Rajasthan is cognizant to the need to mitigate the negative environmental and social impacts resulting from road projects in its portfolio and has has shown a keen interest to ‘adopt’ the framework, developed under the RRSMP under Bank’s close guidance, for the over -all road sector in Rajasthan. The Bank ’s task team will be working closely with the Public Works Department, Govt. of Rajasthan as part of this operation to make this possible. 1 . 9 Re v is i on /M odi fi c ati on o f th e E MF The EMF will be an ‘up -to-date’ or a ‘live document’ enabling revision, when and where necessary. Unexpected situations and/or changes in the project or sub- component design would therefore be assessed and appropriate management measures will be incorporated by updating the Environment Management Framewor k. Such revisions will also cover and update any changes/modifications introduced in the legal/regulatory regime of the country/ state. Also, based on the experience of application and implementation of this framework, the provisions and procedures would be updated, as appropriate in consultation with the implementing agencies/ departments and with approval of the World Bank. 1 . 1 0 L im ita ti ons o f th e E M F This Environment and Social Management Framework has been developed in line with applicable World Bank’s Operational Policies (OPs) and is based on the national and state laws and regulations, as applicable at the time of preparation of this document. Any proposed modifications in the laws, regulations or guidelines that were notified as ‘draft’ at the time of preparation of this document have not been considered. Page 49 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework Section II : Environmental Profile The proposed project will be implemented in the state of Rajasthan , a state situated in the north-western part of India. It lies between 23°30' and 30°11' north latitude and 69°29' and 78°17' east longitude. Rajasthan , meaning "the land of kings", is the largest state of the Republic of India in terms of geographical area. This north-western state is the largest Indian state with an area of 3,42,239 sq. km. comprising 11 percent of the total geographical area of the country. The state comprises most of the area of the large, inhospitable Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert , which parallels the Sutlej-Indus river valley along its border with Pakistan to the west. It is bordered by the states of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana in the north and north-east. The state of Madhya Pradesh lies in the south-east and Gujarat in the south-west. The state shares its north-western and western boundary with the Indo- Pakistan international border that extends about 1,070 km in length and borders major districts of Barmer, Bikaner, Ganganagar and Jaisalmer. The state stretches length-wise 869 km. from west to east and 826 km. from north to south. The Tropic of Cancer passes through its southern tip in Figure 2.1 : Location of Rajasthan in India Banswara district. 2.1 Key Environmental Features A brief description of key environmental features in the state of Rajasthan is discussed in this sub-section. This over-view would help in understanding the over-all setting within which the proposed project interventions would be implemented. 2 . 1. 1 T op ogr a ph y Rajasthan has varying topographic features though a major part of the state is dominated by parched and dry region. The extensive topography includes rocky Page 50 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework terrain, rolling sand dunes, some wetlands, barren tracts or land filled with thorny scrubs, river-drained plains, plateaus, ravines and wooded regions. The Mount Abu is the only hill station of the state and houses the Guru Shikhar Peak that is the highest peak of the Aravali range with an elevation of 1,722 m. The oldest chain of Fold Mountains in the world - the Aravalli Range splits the state into two geographical zones - desert at one side and forest belt on the other. The Aravalli Range forms a line across the state running roughly from Guru Peak (about 5,650 feet or 1,722 metres), near the town of Abu (Mount Abu) in the south-west, to the town of Khetri in the north-east. About three-fifths of the state lies northwes t of this line, leaving two- fifths in the south-east. These are the two Figure 2.2 : Great Indian Desert (Thar Desert) natural divisions of Rajasthan. The north- western tract is generally arid and unproductive, although its character shifts gradually from desert in the far west and north-west to comparatively fertile and habitable land toward the east. The huge portion of the state of Rajasthan is desiccated and houses the biggest Indian desert - the Thar Desert known as the 'Maru-kantar'. The Thar Desert or the Great Indian Desert encompasses about 70 percent of total landmass of Rajasthan and hence it is identified as the "Desert State of India". The Thar Desert is the biggest desert in India and encompasses the districts of Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner and Jodhpur. The desert becomes very hot during the summer and the nights are cold. It experiences extreme climate with an average annual rainfall less than 25 cm. While the Aravali hills provide the much-needed relief to this arid land, the wide spread sand dunes of the desert and arid region make it one of the toughest terrains in the world. Jodhpur (the second biggest city of the state) is the edge of the dry and shifting desert land. Moreover, the rocky range of Amber, hilly range of Mewar, river basin of Bharatpur and fertile Aravali range lend to the topography of the state a unique mix. The state also has the largest chunk of wastelands, which is about 20 percent of the total wastelands of the country. 2 . 1. 2 Cl im at e Like its varying topography, Rajasthan has varying climate. The climate of the Rajasthan can be broadly classified into four distinct seasons. They are - pre-monsoon, which is the hot season preceding the monsoon and extends from April to June; the monsoon that occurs in the month of June in the eastern region and mid-July in the western arid regions; the post-monsoon that commences from mid-September and continues till November and the winter that extends from December to March with January being the coldest month of the year. The average tempe rature in winter ranges from 8° to 28° C (46° to 82° F) and in summer the average temperature range from 25° to 46° C (77° to 115° F). Page 51 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework The average rainfall varies throughout the state. The western part that consists of the desert receives an annual rainfall of 100 mm (about 4 inches). The south-eastern part of Rajasthan receives annually 650 mm (26 inches). Like most parts of India, the state receives a maximum rainfall during the monsoon season during the months of July to September. 2 . 1. 3 R i ver s The main rivers in Rajasthan are Ahar, Banas, Berach, Chambal, Gambhir, Ghaggar- Hakra, Gomati, Kali Sindh, Lavanavari, Luni, Mahi, Parbati, Sarasvati, Sukri and West Banas. 2 . 1. 4 S oi l Ty pes The soil types in Rajasthan alter with its wide-ranging topography and the availability of water. The varied kind of soils available in Rajasthan are mostly sandy, saline, alkaline and chalky (calcareous). Clay, loamy, black lava soil and nitrogenous soils are also found. 2 . 1. 5 Fl or a Rajasthan is the abode of certain flora that are particularly endemic to arid regions and are specially adapted biologically to survive in the dry/water deficient regions of the state. Due to vast size and altitudinal variations (some areas are 1,700 m above the sea level), there is variation in the vegetation types found in the state. The state has semi-green forests (Mount Abu) to dry grasslands of the desert. It also has dry deciduous thorn forest (Aravali) and wetlands (Bharatpur). Kejri (prosopis cineraria) is the most prolific and an all-purpose tree of the desert arid zone. The other pre-dominant tree species found in the state are varied species of acacia and Azadirachta indica (Neem). Trees found in the hilly area of Mount Abu include Salar (Bowellia seriata), Bamboo (Dendor calamus strictus), Dhav (Anogeisrus pendula), Mango and Jamun (Syzygium cumini). Vegetation in the desert region is limited to very slow growing stunted trees, thorny shrubs and some grasses. The forest vegetation is pre-dominantly deciduous in nature. It primarily consists of thorny bushes, shrubs and xerophilious grass. Perennial grasses of the arid zone such as sewan (lasiurus sindicus), dhaman (cenhrus cikaris), boor (cenchrus jwarancusa) and bharut (cenchrus catharficus) not only help to bind the soil but also are good fodder for the livestock. The other natural vegetation type in Rajasthan is ephemeral, occurring only during the monsoon season. Some National Parks also house numerous species of herbs and plants that have medicinal values. 2 . 1. 6 Fau na Owing to the varied topography, there is also a variation in the fauna (including avifauna) found in the state. The desolate lands of Rajasthan with absolutely no vegetation may be poor but is of great worth to the wildlife as it is rich in animal habitat. Page 52 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework The faunal wealth of the Rajasthan presents a vivid spectrum ranging from mammals and reptiles to bird life. Antelopes and gazelles are found in most of the regions of Rajasthan. Black buck primarily inhabits the Jodhpur (western) region and the small herds of Indian gazelle are found in the sandy deserts. The Blue bull is spotted frequently on open plains and in the foot hills of the Aravalis. The four-horned antelope lives in the hilly regions. Of the deer family, Sambar and the Spotted Deer are found in forests interspersed with patchy open meadows. The best known of the cat family in Rajasthan is the Tiger. An endangered species, tigers are now in the protection of national parks in Ranthambhore and Sariska. Another of the threatened species is leopard found in the rocky outcrops in the Aravalis and open arid countryside in Jodhpur area. Others include Jungle Cat and the Caracal. The prominent members of the dog family once quite prolific in Rajasthan are the Jackal, the Wolf and the Desert Fox. Civet, Hyena, M onitor Lizard, Porcupine, and Wild Boar are also found in the state. The avian world is also well represented with Peafowl, Grey Partridge, Bush Quail, Sand Grouse, Tree Pie, Great Indian Bustard, Imperial Sand Grouse, Siberian Crane, Coot and Pelican Golden backed Woodpecker, Demoiselle Cranes crested Serpent Eagle and the Great Indian Horned Owl. There are about 450 species of avifauna including various migratory birds. Ghariyal, a large aquatic predator is also found in some rivers of the state. 2 . 1. 7 For es ts Forests mostly confined to the east of the Aravali range constitute just about 9 percent of the total area of the state. The extent of natural forests in Rajasthan is not only one of the lowest in the country but also lowest in terms of productivity. With the western half a desert terrain, most of the area under forests is restricted to eastern and southern parts of the state. The forests are unevenly distributed in the various districts. Most of the forests are over the hilly areas i.e. in Udaipur, Rajasamand, Kota, Baran Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Sirohi, Bundi, Alwar, Jhalawar and Banswara districts, which make up for about 50 percent of the forests of the state. Dense natural forests are in protected patches, mostly confined to various national parks and wild-life sanctuaries. 2 . 1. 8 N ati on al Par ks an d Sa nc tuar ies Rajasthan is known to have a number of wild life sanctuaries and national parks in India. Some of the important protected areas in the state include the Desert National Park, Rathambore National Park, Sariska National Park, Bharatpur Wild life Sanctuary, Darrah National Park and Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary. 2.2 Key Socio-economic Features Rajasthan is one of the low income states of India. With a population of 68.6 million, Rajasthan is lagging in many key socio-economic indicators and stands at 17th place (out of 29) in terms of the Human Development Index. Its per capita income (USD 943) is about 20 percent lower than the national average (USD 1185). A brief description of key socio-economic features in the state of Rajasthan is discussed in this sub-section. Page 53 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework 2 . 2. 1 Agr i cu ltur e About 75 percent of the state’s population lives in rural areas. The agricultural sector is the mainstay of Rajasthan’s economy, employing about two -thirds of the state’s working population. Despite scant and scattered rainfall, nearly all types of crops are grown, including pearl millet in the desert area, sorghum around Kota, and mainly corn (maize) around Udaipur. Wheat and barley are fairly well distributed (except in the desert area), as are pulses (such as peas, beans, and lentils), sugarcane, and oilseeds. Among oil seeds, rape and mustard are the two important varieties. Rice is grown in the irrigated areas of both the south-east and the north-west. Cotton and tobacco are important cash crops. Owing to the limited rainfall, food crops are grown in the plains that are drained by the rivers and streams owing to the alluvial and clay soil deposits. There are mainly two crop seasons. The major crops sown during the months of June-July and harvested in September-October are bajra, jowar, pulses, maize and groundnut. Main Rabi crops for which sowing operations start during October-November and harvested in March- April include wheat, barley, pulses, gram and oil seeds. Fruits and vegetables are also sown throughout the state depending on the suitability of the soil. Fruit trees grown include orange, lemon, pomegranate , guava and mango. The hilly tracts of the Aravali are characterized by the black, lava soils that sustain the growth of cotton and sugarcane. The main source of irrigation is wells and tanks. Rajasthan has a large livestock population too. The state accounts for 10 percent of the milk, 35 percent of the wool and 10 percent of the meat produced in the country - it is the largest producer of wool and the 2 nd largest producer of milk in the country. 2 . 2. 2 Mi ner als an d I ndus tr ies Rajasthan has about 65 varieties of minerals and accounts for more than 70 percent of India’s total mineral production. There are a large number of small -scale industrial units in Rajasthan. There are large deposits of zinc and copper and these are being exploited for the development of industries dependent on these metals. The state also has large deposits of gypsum and lignite and mica. It has a large production of cotton and the textile industries. Among the other industries, cement, ball bearings, sugar, caustic soda and other chemicals operate in the state. The state has good potential for growth in agriculture and agro-based industries, mining and minerals processing, tourism, handicrafts and cottage industries, but this potential is underutilized due to inadequate road infrastructure and market linkages. 2 . 2. 3 Ar c ha eo lo gi ca l H er it ag e Archaeological evidence indicates that early humans lived along the banks of the Banas River and its tributaries some 100,000 years ago. The Indus (Harappan) and post-Indus civilizations (3 rd– 2nd millennium BC ) are traceable at Kalibangan in northern Rajasthan, as well as at Ahar and Gilund, both near the city of Udaipur in the south. Pottery fragments at Kalibangan date to 2700 BC . The discovery near Bairat (in north- central Rajasthan) of two rock inscriptions from the 3 rd century BC indicate that the Page 54 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework area was at that time under the rule of Ashoka, the last great emperor of the Mauryan dynasty. Rajasthan is also famous for the majestic forts, intricately carved temples, decorated havelis and forts. Jaipur, the capital city, is noted for the ancient houses made of a type of sand stone dominated by a pink hue and is known as the ‘Pink City’. The state is home of the valiant Rajputs known for their bravery and chivalry. The history of Rajasthan is about 5000 years old. Archaeological excavations establish a connection with the Harappan culture, which dates to about 1000 BC. 2 . 2. 4 Ar ts an d Cr a fts The state is a classic blend of beauty and historicity, known for its traditional and colorful art. Rajasthan is famous for textile, semi-precious stones and handicrafts. The block prints, tie and die prints, Bagaru prints, Sanganer prints, zari embroi dery are major export products from Rajasthan. Items like wooden furniture, handicrafts, carpets and blue pottery are also famous. 2.3 Administ rative Set-up The state of Rajasthan is divided into 33 districts for administrative purposes. The responsibilities of district management are carried out by a number of All-India officials (from the Indian Administrative Service) and a number of state-appointed officials (from State Services). The All-India officials in each district are a Deputy Commissioner or district Magistrate, a Superintendent of Police (from the Indian Police Service) and a Deputy Conservator of Forests (from the Indian Forest Service), each of which is assisted Figure 2.3: Districts of Rajasthan by officers of various Rajasthan state services. The state-appointed officials are responsible for matters such as health, education, and agriculture in each district. Table 2.1: Rajasthan – An Over-view Established 1 November 1956 Capital Jaipur Area 342,239 sq.km (132,139 sq.mile) Area rank 1st Population (2011) 68,621,012 Rank 8th Density 201 persons/km 2 (520 persons/sq.mile) Districts 33 Literacy 68% (20th) Largest city Jaipur Official language Hindi Website rajasthan.gov.in Page 55 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework Table 2.2 : Districts of Rajasthan – Area and Population District Headquarters Area (km²) Population (2011) Division Ajmer Ajmer 8,481 2,584,913 Ajmer Alwar Alwar 8,380 3,671,999 Jaipur Banswara Banswara 5,037 1,798,194 Udaipur Baran Baran 6,955 1,223,921 Kota Barmer Barmer 28,387 2,604,453 Jodhpur Bharatpur Bharatpur 5,066 2,549,121 Bharatpur Bhilwara Bhilwara 10,455 2,410,459 Ajmer Bikaner Bikaner 27,244 2,367,745 Bikaner Bundi Bundi 5,550 1,113,725 Kota Chittorgarh Chittorgarh 10,856 1,544,392 Udaipur Churu Churu 16,830 2,041,172 Bikaner Dausa Dausa 3,432 1,637,226 Jaipur Dholpur Dholpur 3,033 1,207,293 Bharatpur Dungarpur Dungarpur 3,770 1,388,906 Udaipur Hanumangarh Hanumangarh 12,645 1,779,650 Bikaner Jaipur Jaipur 14,068 6,663,971 Jaipur Jaisalmer Jaisalmer 38,401 672,008 Jodhpur Jalor Jalore 10,640 1,830,151 Jodhpur Jhalawar Jhalawar 6,219 1,411,327 Kota Jhunjhunu Jhunjhunu 5,928 2,139,658 Jaipur Jodhpur Jodhpur 22,850 3,685,681 Jodhpur Karauli Karauli 5530 1,458,459 Bharatpur Kota Kota 5,446 1,950,491 Kota Nagaur Nagaur 17,718 3,309,234 Ajmer Pali Pali 12,387 2,038,533 Jodhpur Pratapgarh [1] Pratapgarh 4,117 868,231 Udaipur Rajsamand Rajsamand 4,768 1,158,283 Udaipur Sawai Madhopur Sawai Madhopur 10,527 1,338,114 Bharatpur Sikar Sikar 7,732 2,677,737 Jaipur Sirohi Sirohi 5,136 1,037,185 Jodhpur Sri Ganganagar Sri Ganganagar 7,984 1,969,520 Bikaner Tonk Tonk 7,194 1,421,711 Ajmer Udaipur Udaipur 13,883 3,067,549 Udaipur Rajasthan Jaipur 342,239 68,621,012 - Page 56 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework Section III : Policy and Regulatory Framework This section is provided as a reminder that all activities under the proposed project must be consistent with all applicable laws, regulations, notifications that are relevant in the context of the proposed project interventions. It is the responsibility of the Project Implementing Agency to ensure that proposed activities are consistent with the regulatory/legal framework, whether international, national, state or municipal/ local. Additionally, it is also to be ensured that activities are consistent with World Bank’s operational policies and guide lines. This section is not a legal opinion on the applicability of the law but serves as guidance in the application of the law to the current project context. A. State Highway Works (including Road Safety Interventions and project preparation for 700 kms o f road corridors) K ey Ap pli ca bl e L a ws /R eg ula ti on s – Pr oj ec t Pr epar ati on Sta ge The following paragraphs highlight some salient features of selected laws, which have a particularly important bearing on the design and implementation of the proposed project. A summary of such applicable rules and regulation is furnished in the table below: Summary of Environmental Legislation Applicable to the Proposed Project Responsible Act Year Objective Institution To protect and improve the Environment (Protection) Act. 1986 MoEF, CPCB overall environment Notification on Environment To provide environmental Impact Assessment of 2006 clearance to new Development projects (and 2009 development activities MoEF, CPCB amendments) (referred to as the 2010 following environmental Notification on Environmental impact assessment. Clearance) To protect wild animals and birds through the creation of Wildlife Protection Act 1972 MoEF National Parks and Sanctuaries To provide for the prevention Water (Prevention and Control of and control of water pollution Pollution) Act (and subsequent 1974 and the maintaining or CPCB amendments) restoring of wholesomeness of water. To provide for the prevention, Air (Prevention and Control of control and abatement of air CPCB and Pollution) Act (and subsequent 1981 pollution, and for the Road amendments) establishment of Boards to Authorities carry out these purposes. Page 57 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework Responsible Act Year Objective Institution To protect and manage Forest (Conservation) Act 1980 MoEF forests To control vehicular air and Central Motor Vehicle Act 1988 noise pollution. To regulate development of the transport State Transport sector, check and control Department Central Motor Vehicle Rules 1989 vehicular air and noise pollution. Ancient Monuments and Conservation of Cultural and Archaeological Archaeological Sites and 1958 historical remains found in Dept. GOI Remains Act India. Mandates use of fly ash in Fly Ash Notification 2009 MOEF road construction. En vir on m ent ( Pr ot ec t ion) A ct , 1 9 8 6 a nd E I A No ti fi cat io n, 2 0 0 6 The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 was introduced as an umbrella legislation that provides a holistic framework for the protection and improvement to the environment. In terms of responsibilities, the Act and the associated Rules requires environmental clearances to be sought for specific types of new/expansion projects (addressed under Environmental Impact Assessment Notification) and for submission of an environmental statement to the State Pollution Control Board annually. As per section 3 of EIA Notification S.O. 1533 dated 14 th September 2006, the Central Government forms a State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA). All projects and activities are broadly categorized into two categories as Category A and B. All projects or activities included as Category ‘A’ in the Schedule, including expansion and modernization of existing projects or activities and change in product mix, shall require prior environmental clearance from the Central Government in the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) on the recommendations of an Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) to be constituted by the Central Government for the purposes of this notification All projects or activities included as Category ‘B’ in the Schedule, including expansion and modernization of existing projects or activities as specified in sub paragraph (ii) of paragraph 2, or change in product mix as specified in sub paragraph (iii) of paragraph 2, but excluding those which fulfill the General Conditions (GC) stipulated in the Schedule, will require prior environmental clearance from the State/Union territory Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA). The SEIAA shall base its decision on the recommendations of a State or Union territory level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) as to be constituted for in this notification. In the absence of a duly constituted SEIAA or SEAC, a Category ‘B’ project shall be treated as a Category ‘A’ project. Page 58 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework For es t ( C ons er vat io n ) Ac t, 1 9 8 0 Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 pertains to the cases of diversion of forest area an d felling of roadside plantation. Depending on the size of the tract to be cleared, clearances are applied for at the following levels of government:  If the area of forests to be cleared or diverted exceeds 20 Ha (or, 10 Ha in hilly area) then prior permission of Central Government is required.  If the area of forest to be cleared or diverted is between 5 to 20 Ha, the Regional Office of Chief Conservator of Forests is empowered to approve.  If the area of forest to be cleared or diverted is below or equal to 5 HA, the State Government can give permission.  If the area to be clear-felled has a forest density of more than 40 percent, permission to undertake any work is needed from the Central Government, irrespective of the area to be cleared. Restrictions and clearance procedure proposed in the Forest (Conservation) Act applies wholly to the natural forest areas, even in case the protected/designated forest area does not have any vegetation cover. For es t Cl ear an ce Pr o ce dur e According to the Forest Conservation Amendment Rules, 2004, proposal for diversion of forest land (protected and reserve forest) up to 5 hac. is processed at the state level and more than that is processed at the MoEF level. The proposal with requisite information and documents is sent to the Nodal officer of the State Government, or the Union Territory Administration (UTA). The State Government or UTA submits the proposal to the Chief Conservator of Forests or the Conservator of Forests. This is further processed by the concerned Regional Office of MoEF, where decision is made within a period of 45 days for proposed forest diversion of up to 5 ha c. For diversion of 5 hac upto 40 hac. of forest land, proposal is forwarded with recommendations from the state/regional office to the central MoEF for decision-making. Overall, the Forest Clearance process may take up to one year. Wild li fe Pr ot ec ti on A ct , 1 9 7 2 The Wildlife Protection Act, (1972) is the first comprehensive act enacted to protect the wild animals and their habitats. It will improve protection measures of the existing National Parks and Sanctuaries and strengthen the Protected Areas (PA). The objectives of the act include to protect the rapidly declining wild animal and birds of the country, control trade in wildlife products, streamline and strengthen wildlife setup at Central and State level and establishment of Wildlife Advisory Board. In the extensive amendment in 1991, endangered wild plants have also been included within the protective umbrella of this Act. In order to facilitate and guide the individual/project proponents on the various steps that need to be followed for taking up non-forestry activities in wildlife habitats, MoEF vide circular No. F.No. 6-10/2011 WL, dated 15 th March 2011 has circulated guidance document for reference and necessary action taking into account: i. Activities inside Wildlife Sanctuary Page 59 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework ii. Activities inside National Parks iii. Activities inside Conservation Reserves iv. Activities within 10 km from boundaries of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries v. Proposal for survey work to be carried out inside National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries Wat er and Air ( Pr e ve nti on an d Co ntr ol o f P oll uti on) A cts Water Act and Air Acts provide for the prevention and control of water and air pollution respectively. These acts empower the Pollution Control Boards to collect effluent and emission samples, entry to industrial units for inspection, power to prohibit on use of any water bodies for waste disposal and creation of new discharge outlets, provide consent to set up and operate certain facilities likely to create air and water pollution including power to give directions and prosecuting offenders. The Air and Water Act are particularly applicable to all civil works activities. All construction work contractors need to obtain the consent-to-establish and consent- to-operate for plants i.e. concrete batching, stone crushing and hot mix plants and other machinery that they may be required for the purpose of construction. The NOC certificates need to be obtained from the regional offices of the SPCB. Wherein the existing plants are used, the contractor shall ensure that all applicable consents are obtained for operating the plant/equipment. Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Rules, 1959 As per the Act, area within a radius of 100m and 300m from the “protected property� are designated as “protected area� and “controlled area� respectively. No development activity (including mining operations and construction) is permitted in the “protected area� and all development a ctivities likely to damage the protected property are not permitted in the “controlled area� without prior permission of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Protected property entails the site/remains/ monuments are protected by ASI or the State Department of Archaeology. Activities in, then the PMU/implementing agency/line department needs to undertake the protected areas should not be undertaken. If activities are to be done in the controlled area of protected properties necessary clearances from ASI. Key Statutory Clearance Requirements – Construction Stage During the construction stage, some of the key statutory requirements that need to be obtained by the Contractor as part of mobilization (pre-construction) have been listed in the table given below. Page 60 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework Key Statutory Clearances to be Obtained by the Contractor Statute under which S.No. Clearance Required for Statutory Authority clearance is required Air (Prevention and Control of Hot mix plants, Crushers Pollution) Act, 1981 and Noise State Pollution 1 and Batch Mix Plants Pollution (Regulation and Control Board Control) Rules, 2000 Hazardous Waste (Management Storage, handling and and Handling) Rules, 1989 and State Pollution 2 transport of hazardous Manufacturing, Storage and Control Board materials Import of Hazardous Chemicals Rules, 1989 Location/ layout of Environment Protection Act, 1986 workers camp, and Manufacturing, Storage and State Pollution 3 equipment and storage Import of Hazardous Chemicals Control Board yards Rules, 1989 Dept. of Mining; Quarries (in case of 4 Environment Protection Act, 1986 Concerned District opening of new quarries) Administration Discharges from Labor Water (Prevention and Control of State Pollution 5 Camp Pollution) Act, 1974 Control Board Permission for withdrawal State Ground Water 6 of groundwater for Environment Protection Act, 1986 Board construction Irrigation Permission for sand Department; 7 Environment Protection Act, 1986 mining from river bed Concerned District Administration Disposal of bituminous Hazardous Waste (Management As per state norm/ 8 wastes and Handling) Rules, 1989 Local Civic Body World Bank Policies The World Bank's environmental and social safeguard policies (ten of them) are a cornerstone of its support to sustainable poverty reduction. The objective of these policies is to prevent and mitigate undue harm to people and the environment in the development process. These policies provide guidelines for the identification, preparation, and implementation of programs and projects. The following operational policies are relevant in context of the Project from an environmental viewpoint: Page 61 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework Applicable Safeguards Policies of the World Bank World Bank Measures to be Description Applicability Policy incorporated Environmental This policy is triggered if a The project Application of EMF in Assessment project is likely to have may have project planning, DPR significant adverse impacts on the preparation and OP 4.01 environmental impacts in environmental project its area of influence. For components implementation. category A projects, a such as on Integration of EHS comprehensive EIA is water bodies, requirements in required with emphasis trees, and hill standard bidding on integrating slopes. documents will environmental measures provide enabling in project planning, mechanism for design, implementation required and operation. enforcement. Natural This policy supports the Some projects Development of Habitats protection, maintenance are likely to be environmental OP 4.04 and rehabilitation of in close screening tool and natural habitats. The Bank proximity to conduction of the doesn’t finance projects sensitive said exercise to that involve the natural determine the nature conversion of designated habitats. and magnitude of critical Natural habitats. impacts on sensitive and ecologically critical areas. Appropriate measures to deal with such findings, including exclusion of some project roads, as may be necessary. Forests Policy covers all projects Some projects Avoidance and/or OP 4.36 that affect natural or may be in minimization of forest planted forests, whether close proximity uptake by positively or negatively. to or traverse appropriate methods forest areas in the engineering and may need design; Forest forest land Clearances prior to diversion. award of works; Use of ESMF to address impacts as necessary; Compensatory Afforestation. Page 62 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework World Bank Measures to be Description Applicability Policy incorporated Consultation The policy requires the For each sub- Feasibility/DPR and Disclosure borrower to consult project road, consultants to carry Requirements Project Affected People comprehensiv out consultations (BP 17.50) and local NGOs through e consultations during the screening the various phases of the will be required exercises. Another project: before EIA TORs during the important dimension are finalized and when design, of the consultations is the draft EIA is available. planning and with seeking It requires that groups implementatio consensus on road being consulted be n stages: to engineering designs provided on-time, determine the where realignments comprehensible and baseline and bypasses are easily accessible conditions/ concerned. information before issues; locally consultations. The policy viable also requires that the mitigation borrower to make the EA measures for summary available in the addressing state (in a local environmental language) and a public impacts; places to all the consensus on stakeholders prior to engineering appraisal. designs especially where realignments and bypasses are concerned; community involvement/ support for supervising and monitoring project implementatio n. Environmental Assessment (OP 4.01) Environmental Assessment is used in the World Bank to identify, avoid, and mitigate the potential negative environmental impact s associated with Bank’s lending operations early-on in the project cycle. The policy states that Environment Assessment (EA) and mitigation plans are required for all projects having significant adverse environmental impacts or involuntary resettlement. Assessment should include Page 63 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework analysis of alternative designs and sites, or consideration of “no option� and require public participation and information disclosure before the Bank approves the project. In World Bank operations, the purpose of Environmental Assessment is to improve decision making, to ensure that project options under consideration are sound and sustainable, and that potentially affected people have been properly consulted and their concerns addressed. The World Bank's environmental assessment policy and recommended processing are described in Operational Policy (OP)/Bank Procedure (BP) 4.01: Environmental Assessment. Natural Habitat (OP 4.04) The policy implementation ensures that Bank-supported development projects give proper consideration to the conservation of natural habitats, in order to safeguard their unique biodiversity and ensure the sustainability of the environmental services and products which natural habitats provide to human society. This policy is applicable when a project (including any subproject under a sector investment or financial intermediary loan) with the potential to cause significant conversion (loss) or degradation of natural habitats, whether directly (through construction) or indirectly (through human activities induced by the project). Forest Policy (OP 4.36) The implementation of the policy ensures that envisaged forest sector activities and other Bank sponsored interventions which have the potential to impact significantly upon forested areas: (a) Do not encroach upon significant natural forest areas that serve important social, environmental or local economic purposes. (b) Do not compromise the rights of local communities to continue their traditional use of forests in a sustainable fashion. (c) Do not finance commercial logging operations, in the case of primary tropical moist forest, nor any purchase of equipment for this purpose. Cultural Property (OP 4.11) The World Bank Policy OP/BP 4.11 defines physical cultural resources as movable or immovable objects, sites, structures, groups of structures, natural features and landscapes that have archaeological, paleontological, historical, architectural, religious, aesthetic, or other cultural significance. Physical cultural resources may be located in urban or rural settings, and may be above or below ground, or under water. Their cultural interest may be at the local, provincial or national level, or within the international community. The Bank assists countries to avoid or mitigate adverse impacts on physical cultural resources from development projects that it finances. The impacts on physical cultural resources resulting from project activities, including mitigating measures, may not contravene either the borrower’s national legislation, or its obligations under r elevant international environmental treaties and agreements. Page 64 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework The borrower addresses impacts on physical cultural resources in projects proposed for Bank financing, as an integral part of the environmental assessment (EA) process. MoRTH and IRC Specifications All road works in India are to be in accordance with the MoRTH specifications for Road and Bridge works and guidelines of Indian Roads Congress (IRC). The MoRTH specifications have special provisions towards protection of environment under Clause 501, Annexure A and the contractor is to satisfy the provisions. Apart from the Annexure A to clause 501, there are provisions for control of erosion, drainage, dust suppression, borrow area and haul road management under relevant sections. Provisions of clause 501 Annexure A, cover the environmental aspects as: General The contractor shall take all necessary measures and precautions to carry out the work in conformity with the statutory and regulatory environmental requirements. The contractor shall take all measures and precautions to avoid nuisance or disturbance from the work. It shall be precautionary measures than abatement measures taken after generation of nuisance. In the event of any spoil, debris, waste or any deleterious material from site being deposited on adjacent land, the same shall be removed and affected area shall be restored to its original state. Air The contractor to devise and arrange methods to control dust, gaseous or other airborne emissions in such a way that adverse impacts on air quality are minimized. Dust shall be minimized from stored material and stockpiles by spraying water. Covering of material likely to generate dust during transportation is to be covered with tarpaulin. Spraying of water on haul roads, if found necessary. Water The contractor shall prevent any interference with supply/abstraction of water resources. Water used for dust suppression shall be reused after settlement of material in collected water. Liquid waste products to be disposed off such that it does not cause pollution. No debris is to be deposited or disposed into/adjacent to water courses. Control of No uncontrolled disposal of wastes shall be permitted. The contractor wastes shall make specific provisions for disposal of all forms of fuel and engine oil, all types of bitumen, cement, surplus aggregate, gravels, bituminous mixtures etc. conforming to local regulations and acceptance of the Page 65 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework engineer Noise The contractor shall use all necessary measures to reduce noise from construction equipment and maintain all silencing equipment in good condition. Emergency The contractor shall plan and provide for remedial measures in case of Response occurrence of emergencies as spillages of oil, bitumen or chemicals. In addition to the above conditions, avoidance measures and control of activities having potential for generation of environmental impacts are devised. These include: Section 111 Precautions for safeguarding the environment Clause 201.2 Preservation of Property/Amenities during clearing and grubbi ng Clause 301.3.2 Stripping and storing of topsoil for reuse during excavation for roadway and drains Clause 302.4 Restriction on timings for blasting operations Clause 304.3.6 Public safety near towns/villages where excavation is carried out Clause 305.2.2.2 Locations of borrowing and relevant regulations Clause 305.3.3 Stripping and storing of topsoil at borrow locations Section 306 Soil erosion and sedimentation control Clause 407.4.2 Provisions for turfing on median and islands Section 517 Recycling of bituminous pavement and excavated material Clause 701.2.1 Use of geo-textiles for control of soil erosion Section 810 Use of Metal beam crash barriers for safety, relevant regulations and specifications Clause 2501 Precautions during river training works Other Applicable Laws Environmental issues during road construction stage generally involve equity, safety and public health issues. The road construction agencies require complying with laws of the land, which include inter alia, the following: Workmen's Compensation Act 1923 : The Act provides for compensation in case of injury by accident arising out of and during the course of employment; Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970 : The Act provides for certain welfare measures to be provided by the contractor to contract labour; Minimum Wages Act, 1948 : The employer is supposed to pay not less than the Minimum Wages fixed by appropriate Government as per provisions of the Act; Page 66 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework Payment of Wages Act, 1936 : It lays down as to by what date the wages are to be paid, when it will' be paid and what deductions can be made from the wages of the workers; Equal Remuneration Act, 1979 : The Act provides for payment of equal wages for work of equal nature to Male and Female workers and not for making discrimination against Female employees; Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 : The Act prohibits employment of children below 14 years of age in certain occupations and processes and provides for regulation of employment of children in all other occupations and processes. Employment of child labour is prohibited in Building and Construction Industry; Inter- State Migrant Workmen’s (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979 : The inter-state migrant workers, in an establishment to which this Act becomes applicable, are required to be provided certain facilities such as housing, medical aid, travelling expenses from home to the establishment and back, etc.; The Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996 and the Cess Act of 1996 : All the establishments who carry on any building or other construction work and employs 10 or more workers are covered under this Act; the employer of the establishment is required to provide safety measures at the building or construction work and other welfare measures, such as canteens, first-aid facilities, ambulance, housing accommodation for Workers near the workplace, etc.; The Factories Act, 1948 : The Act lays down the procedure for approval of plans before setting up a factory, health and safety provisions, welfare provisions, working hours and rendering information-regarding accidents or dangerous occurrences to designated authorities; Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 1989 : Occupiers generating hazardous wastes given in the list shall take all practical steps to ensure that such wastes are properly handled, i.e. collection, reception, treatment, storage, and disposed of without any adverse effects to human health and environment (Rule 4 Such occupier shall apply for authorization in prescribed format to the State Pollution Control Board) Chemical Accidents (Emergency Planning, Preparedness and Response) Rules, 1996 : The Rules provide for mandatory preparation of On-Site Emergency Plans by the industry and Off-Site Plans by the district collector and the constitution of four tier crisis groups at the centre, district, and local levels for the management of chemical disaster. B. Rural Connectivity Works The Legislations of Government of India (GoI) applicable for rural road works regarding environmental aspects and applicable safeguard policies for are summarized in the following sections. Page 67 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework i) Environmental Clearance In September 2006, a notification was issued by MoEF amending EIA Notification, 1994 that lists projects requiring Environmental Clearance and process of securing the clearance. Rural Roads are not included in this notification. However, roads traversing ecologically sensitive areas such as National Parks, Sanctuaries, Tiger Reserve, and Reserve Forests etc. would require Environmental and/or forest clearance, as may be applicable Applicability: As a rule, all sub-projects are exempted from environmental clearance except the roads passing through ecologically sensitive areas. ii) Forest Clearances The Forest (Conservation) Act 1980, (as amended 1998) pertains to the cases of diversion of forest area and felling of roadside plantation. Applicability: Restrictions and clearance procedure proposed in the Forest (Conservation) Act applies wholly to the sub-projects requiring diversion of natural forest areas, even in case the protected/designated forest area does not have any vegetation cover. iii) The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 The Wildlife (Protection) Act Provi des for the protection of wild animals’ birds and plants and for matters connected therewith. Applicability: Restrictions/protection measures and clearance procedures proposed in the Wildlife (Protection) Act applies to the sub-projects passing through identified/notified wildlife protection areas, including sanctuaries. iv) Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974, as amended 1988. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974 is enacted to prevent pollution of water sources through the industrial or any other construction activity and for maintaining or restoring of wholesomeness of water. Applicability: Project includes setting up of worker's camp and other construction equipment. The Contractor needs to take consent for setting up and also consent for operation of the equipment/worker's camp. V) Air (prevention and control of pollution) Act as amended in 1987 The Air (prevention and control of pollution) Act is enacted to prevent and control air pollution. The Emission and air pollutants standards are prescribed under this Act. Applicability: Project includes setting up of Hot-mix plants, aggregate crushing plants and other construction vehicles and equipment. The Contractor needs to take consent for setting up HMP and crushing sites. The Vehicles and equipment to confirm to emission standards. Page 68 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework vi) Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) rules are promulgated under Environmental (protection) Act, 1986. Applicability: The referred rules will be applicable for meeting noise pollution standards during construction activities at different type of land uses. vii) Ancient Monuments and Archaeological sites & Remains Act, 1958 Provisions of the Act include Conservation of Cultural and Historical remains found in the project area. Applicability: The provisions of the Act need to be considered during sub -project planning and designing to ensure that any ancient monuments and archeological sites of importance are not affected due to the proposed project road. In addition, all the construction related activities shall necessarily avoid such sites. viii) Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 This Act relate to public access to information under the control of public authorities. Act has provisions access to information held by or under the control of any public authority and includes: (i) the right to: Inspection of work, documents, records; (ii) taking notes, extracts or certified copies of documents or records; (iii) taking certified samples of material'; (iv) obtaining information in the form of diskettes, floppies, tapes, video cassettes or in any other electronic mode or through printouts where such information is stored in a computer or in any other device. Applicability: It empowers people to obtain information on the project. To facilitate project stakeholders obtain requisite project information. PMGSY provides for dissemination of information and procedures, entitlements, project costs, selection criteria for contractor etc. In addition, the state and central agencies involved in implementing RRP-II shall be open to provide information on public demand Applicable World Bank Safeguard Policies The World Bank’s safeguard policies applicable to the project, are detailed below. Table 2-1: Applicable World Bank Environmental Safeguard Policies World Bank How Project Address Policy S. No Applicability due to Policy Requirements? Project is likely to have impacts on environmental and social Preparation and application of Environmental components such as on water Environmental Codes of 1. Assessment bodies, existing slopes in case of Practice for addressing OP 4.01 hilly areas and trees along the environmental issues. road Natural Some sub-projects (about 1 Avoidance measures, including 2. Habitats OP percent) are likely to be in/close to non-inclusion of such sub- 4.04 sensitive natural habitats projects in the project. Page 69 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework World Bank How Project Address Policy S. No Applicability due to Policy Requirements? Preparation of a management Some sub-projects are likely to be plan to address impacts, if any in/close to forest areas and may 3. Forest OP 4.36 and avoidance/minimization of need forest land diversion, construction and allied particularly in the hill states activities in forest areas. Provisions made for relocation Cultural The project entail risk/damage to of cultural properties and 4. Properties cultural properties and has protection of the same through OP4.11 likelihood of chance-finds. design modifications and other measures. Apart from compliance to the above policies, the project will comply with the bank procedure, BP17.50. Disclosure shall be carried out at all stages of the project as at planning stage, prioritization stage, project preparation stage and implementation stages. The core network shall be displayed at the project planning stage and project information brochure shall be distributed at the prioritization and project preparation stages. Consultations shall be conducted with the community and the PRI at project preparation and implementation stages. Applicability of Regulations/Policies The applicability of any of the national/state level regulation and World Bank safeguard policy needs to be ascertained separately for each sub -project/road considered under RRSMP as each law/rule/regulation has its own legal implication and process for compliance. The regulatory framework as described in this EMF serves as a guiding document and a quick point of reference on the applicable regulatory framework. Each of the proposed candidate roads identified till date for inclusion in the project has already been screened from this perspective. The precise applicability of the regulations will ultimately depend on the location , proposed engineering intervention and detailed design of the sub-project and this will be determined during the detailed (sub-project specific) environmental assessment exercise. Should there be any changes in the provisions in the various acts rules or notifications enacted by the Government of India/concerned state Government during the course of implementation of the project, then compliance to the amended rules and regulations as applicable on the sub-projects will become mandatory. Other Relevant Technical Guidance Materials The guidelines endorsed by MoEF for the application of Environmental Protection Act, 1986 for highway projects (including the Environmental Impact Assessment Guidance Manual for Highways, February 2010) and World Bank’s operational policies on environment shall be adopted/followed for the environment screening, conducting EIA and preparing/implementing the EMP. In addition, the methods of measuring air pollution should be in conformance with IS: 5182-1977 and in case of noise pollution, IS: 3028-1980 for measurement of noise Page 70 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework emitted by moving road vehicles; IS: 4758-1968 for measurement of noise emitted by machines; IS: 10399-1982 for measurement of noise emitted by stationary road vehicles are to be followed. As regards Highway aesthetics, use of provisions made in IRC: SP: 21-1979 - Manual on Landscaping of roads and its subsequent revised versions are to be followed. Some other references include the International Roads Congress (IRC) Guidance note on Highways, May 2011 and Roads and the Environment Handbook, World Bank, 1997. Page 71 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework Section IV : Key Environmental Issues The proposed project will contribute to positive economic growth both locally in the project area and at the regional level by removing barriers to connectivity. Local businesses and inhabitants in the area of influence of the project roads as well as the road users are expected to be direct beneficiaries of the project. These people will have improved access to higher service level of roads/highways and transport services. Benefit will also accrue from the savings in travel time and transportation costs. Other expected positive outcomes of the project include improved access to a larger number of economic opportunities, better health services, facilities and higher levels of education, and improved road safety. While socio-economic benefits are likely to accrue due to the rural road works and road safety improvement works proposed under the project, some adverse cumulative impacts on natural, physical and social environment are also likely to occur. Environmental Issues Project activities, if not properly managed and mitigated, could have some local level adverse environmental impacts. The rural road works and road safety interventions on selected road corridors are likely to create some adverse environmental impacts, particularly during the construction stage. While the adverse impacts are likely to be fairly limited in the local context, the exact nature and magnitude of impacts will vary in accordance to the location and type of engineering intervention. The typical likely impacts from the proposed operation would include: 1. felling of some limited number of roadside trees; 2. adverse impacts on water resources, including from silt flow during execution of works; 3. impairment to or worsening of the local/regional drainage; 4. construction phase impacts, including those related to camp site operation, dust generation, and pollution from plants, machinery, and vehicles and disposal of debris/other construction wastes; 5. impact on environmentally sensitive receptors (such as schools and health facilities) located along the road corridors (carrying high traffic volume) from increased noise and air pollution during the construction and operation stages; 6. appropriate management of materials (such as aggregates, sand, water, earth); 7. safety concerns during construction works and due to increased traffic speeds during operation; 8. improper management and disposal of debris and other wastes arising due to complete removal of old road pavement, dismantling of bridges and other structures; and; Page 72 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework 9. the potential for poorly planned or managed development induced by the improved roads. The provision and maintenance of all-season access to rural communities undoubtedly creates an easier access to economic opportunities and social services. In this context, “empowering� rural areas through strategic provision of all-season road access has emerged as one of the key priorities for the Government of Rajasthan (GoR). However, the cumulative direct, indirect and induced adverse impacts resulting from the development of rural roads network can cause significant dama ge to environment, if not addressed appropriately. Deficiencies in planning and design of sub-projects can lead to insufficient arrangements to conserve natural drainage pattern leading to impairment to or worsening of the local/regional drainage and inadequate/improper slope stabilization provisions (in Aravalli hill area). Diversion of some forest land may also be required for widening/spot improvement in case of sub-projects involving safety interventions. This includes the plantation along avenue decl ared as ‘protected forest’ that may be affected due to cutting of trees for road expansion in selected stretches or at spots requiring geometric improvements. Also, as part of Component B (Road Sector Modernization and Performance Enhancement), various sector level initiatives would be supported under the project. These include improving policy framework, strengthening of existing road sector policies and strategies, modernization of engineering practices and business procedures and creating asset management system to prepare prioritized plans for both construction and maintenance of state roads using rational criteria for investment decisions. While no civil works will be financed under the project on roads passing through designated protected areas/wilderness areas, the larger institutional development plan for the road sector in Rajasthan would need to address the issues of biodiversity management in the interest of road user safety, environmental sustainability and tourism related reasons. Appropriate strategies and mechanisms will have to be built into the institutional systems to ensure that the over-all network planning/development and road selection/construction takes into account such factors. Page 73 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework Section V : Environmental Management Process The project would support design and construction of roads covering: (a) about 2,500 km rural roads to provide connectivity to about 1,300 villages; (b) safety demonstration corridors and; (c) preparatory studies for rehabilitation/ improvement of about 700 km priority sections of State Highways. The rural road works mostly involve improving existing earth and gravel roads developed under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to thin bituminous surfaced standard by providing suitable sub-base and base layers underneath. The road safety works would mainly involve curve flattening, junction improvement, widening/ repair of narrow/weak bridges, provision of truck - bye and other measures, as appropriate. The sub-project preparation for pipeline projects involving Feasibility study, prioritization and DPR preparation, covering about 700 km of state highways/road corridors may involve widening to two-lane standards and improvements within and outside the existing right-of-way, including road safety engineering measures to remove safety hazards. The environment management process and tools for the project have been designed keeping in mind this varied scope of work. Accordingly, to effectively plan, design and integrate environmental dimensions into the over-all project preparation and implementation, an Environment Management Framework (EMF) has been prepared. Further, the environment management strategy for the project involves: (i) a screening exercise to identify key issues including those related to forests/biodiversity/wildlife and consider those in the selection and design of sub-projects; (ii) revision/modification of the Environmental Codes of Practice (ECoPs) currently in -use for Bank-funded PMGSY - Rural Roads Project in the state for application to the rural road works and; (iii) preparation of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIAs) along with preparation of corridor-specific Environment Management Plans (EMPs) for state highways that would be prepared under Component B of the project (civil works will not be funded under this project but may become a part of a follow -on project). The EMF has been prepared to guide the over-all sub-project preparation and implementation process and covers aspects such as screening methodology (including on biodiversity/wildlife issues); process and structure for preparing EIAs and corridor specific EMPs; institutional arrangements; supervision, monitoring and reporting requirements to facilitate compliance with the requirements specified in the World Bank Operational Policies and those required under Govt. of India and State Government regulations. The framework will help in addressing environmental issues and risks in a structured and systematic manner. The EMF has been informed by: (a) the results of an environment screening exercise that was conducted for both the rural roads and on selected higher order roads (State Highways/ Major District Roads); (b) experiences from the Bank-funded road projects in the state, particularly the completed Rural Roads Project I and the on- going PMGSY – Rural Roads Project; and (c) experiences from similar state road projects implemented/being implemented elsewhere in the country. As the 2500 km of the proposed works are dispersed over a large geographic area consisting of several small works (typically with a length of 2 to 5 km), a framework Page 74 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework approach clearly specifying the selection, planning, design, construction and monitoring requirements is more effective as a management tool. The EMF has two specific sections. One that will apply to the Rural Connectivity Component (adapted from RRP I and PMGSY – Rural Roads Project) and the second that would guide the preparation of Feasibility, DPR and environment safeguard studies for the selected 700 km of State Highway/Major District road corridors. The latter will also guide the preparation and execution of road safety works/interventions on selected road corridors. The nature and scale of civil works proposed under the Rural Connectivity Improvement component of this project are essentially the same as that being executed under the on-going PMGSY – Rural Roads project. Therefore, the environment safeguard instruments currently under use in Rajasthan have been/are being used for this project as well. Following the application of the already developed and disclosed instruments for the PMGSY – Rural Roads project, bids for civil works worth US$ 53 million have been already been awarded and bids worth US$75 million are expected to be awarded by the end of September 2013. An a udit will confirm the application and implementation of agreed systems and procedures prior to the disbursement of expenditure for such works. For effective implementation of the rural road works, the requirements et forth in the EMF and more specifically the ECoPs will be appropriately integrated and cross- referenced in the Detailed Project Reports, contract conditions and Bills of Quantities. However, the nature and scale of civil works envisaged for the State Highway sub - component (covering preparation of Feasibility, DPR and Safeguard Studies for 700 km of State Highways) is much larger than the scope of civil works under the rural road component. Thereby, corridor-specific EIAs and EMPs will be used as instruments for dealing with environmental issues of roads that will be prepared as part of this operation. While the EIA would cover an assessment of baseline conditions, analysis of alternative options, assessment of potential impacts and identification of mitigation measures, the EMP will detail out the environmental management and supervision arrangements, mitigation measures, training plan, monitoring parameters and budget estimates. The supervision requirements along with reporting formats will be included in the corridor - specific Environment Management Plans (EMPs). For effective implementation, the environmental management plan will be appropriately integrated and cross- referenced in the design drawings, contract conditions and Bills of Quantities. For example, avoidance or minimization of negative impacts on trees, land parcels, water bodies, religious properties, community utilities and road-side communities will be addressed through design alterations, incorporation of safety provisions and proper junction treatments. Further, biodiversity protection and management also forms the core of the over-all environment management approach in the project. Following this approach, it has been ensured that no road traversing through or located along a designated protected area is included in the project. This will apply to both rural and non-rural works proposed under the project. More so, with huge quantities of quarry wastes that could be used in road construction, the project will explore the opportunities for piloting new technologies/materials for cost-effective road construction. The project Page 75 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework will support innovative technologies demonstrating the use of environment friendly design and techniques and in developing appropriate mechanisms as part of asset management and road prioritization sub-component to deal with biodiversity/wildlife issues in the larger context of the road sector development in the state. Monitoring and Evaluation: The environment management instruments provide monitoring and evaluation parameters and describe the institutional arrange ments to facilitate the ‘process’ and ‘progress’ monitoring. The application and implementation of environment management instruments, EMF (already prepared) and corridor specific EMPs (when these will be prepared during the course of the project) will be closely monitored using parameters prescribed in the EMPs by qualified specialists (including those on the Construction Supervision Consultant’s team) who will report on a regular basis. A third party audit/review agency will also be selected by PMU to evaluate the level of compliance with environment, health, and safety requirements and will share its report once in every six months. A comprehensive assessment report on environmental performance will be prepared by the Project Authority at mid-term and end-term. Application of Environmental Management Framework A. State Highways (including road safety interventions and preparation of Feasibility, DPR and Safeguard studies for about 700 km of road corridors) These types of roads improvements have greater impact on physical, biological and social environment of the project areas. A clear process needs to be adopted for assessing the impact at various stage of the project right from planning, construction and operation is needed. Though Major District Road and Other District Roads does not comes under the ambit of EIA notification, 2006, but given the site condition of proposed project adopting assessment process as in EIA notification has been adopted. The Environmental Assessment will start parallel along with DPR preparation and will involve following steps. 1. Preliminary Environmental Screening 2. Detailed Environmental Screening 3. Environmental Impact Assessment 4. Environmental Management Plans 5. Environmental Monitoring (including Audits) and Reporting The Environment Management tools aim to support at the early stages of planning and decision-making and selection of environmental measures including mitigation/technologies based on the nature and scale of identified potential impacts. 1. Preliminary Environmental Screening This step will involve an initial desk review of the available information about the road and the sub-project area. A preliminary environment and social screening format would be filled-up using such available information and field visits would be Page 76 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework undertaken to understand the general overview in context of the scope of the proposed operation. The exercise will help in identifying the key/significant potential environmental impacts and in determining the project specific context and the focus required for carrying out the detailed environmental screening exercise. Without narrowing the focus of the detailed field investigations/assessments, having this knowledge provides an early sense on the spatial and temporal dimension about the likely issues on-hand. 2. Detailed Environmental Screening Detailed screening exercise is the second step in the EMF process. The purpose of environmental screening is to get an overview of the nature, scale and magnitude of the issues in order to determine the project feasibility and further if findings permit, it allows for proper scoping of the detailed EIA and SIA that would be subsequently carried out. After identifying key issues, the applicability of the Bank’s environment safeguard policies is to be established along with Government of India’s / State Government’s regulatory requirements. Based on this, boundaries and focus areas for the EIA and SIA along with the use of specific instruments would be determined. The key sub-steps involved in the screening process are outlined below:  Ascertain presence of any environmentally sensitive areas (as detailed in screening checklist) through primary/secondary information.  Confirm applicability of regulations and policies in context of broad sub- project interventions.  Conduct reconnaissance site visits for ground truthing and incorporate required/ additional information in the screening format (see annex).  Obtain details about land availability and broad categories of ownership (forest/govt./private)  Preparation of a screening report as per the structure provided in Annex. The outcome of the screening process will help select and/or prioritize the various investments and where required, start the clearance process in a timely manner. Safeguards screening usually consist of checking and identifying environmental risks, impacts and opportunities and the requisite measures that are applicable within the local context for addressing them. Findings from the screening will be used to determine ecological and as well as economic viability of the sub-projects. Particular focus will be required for proposed realignments and bypasses. To ensure well targeted field assessment during the screening process, the World Bank has prepared a Guidance Note for use by the Consultants and the respective state executing agencies that outlines the steps and key data that is to be collected for determining the feasibility of the sub-project from an environmental stand point. The note provides detailed guidelines for collecting information on environment al, natural, biological, and physical and socio economic conditions without which it becomes cumbersome to determine the likely potential impacts that may result from the project interventions. The process enables proper targeting of issues requiring furth er technical research and in-depth assessments during the EIA and SIA preparation. Without the proper screening, deficient planning and engineering design of sub -projects using Page 77 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework unreliable information can result in weak arrangements to conserve critical nat ural ecosystems and may result in creating adverse environmental impacts. Key outputs of the detailed environmental screening would include: determination (with a degree of confidence), of all national and state and local regulations and policies that will apply to the sub-projects preliminary judgment on the sub-project category per the MoEF EIA Notification, 2006 (including recent amendments) decision on the environmental categorization (A, B, or C) 15 in line with World Bank’s safeguards policies; and process, timeframe and responsibilities for securing the requisite clearances and permissions per GoI guidelines. It is critical at this stage for Consultants to review the list of applicable legislations or polices and regulations with the project proponent and the World Bank first to diffuse inconsistencies in understanding and second, to mobilize assistance both at the central and state levels to facilitate applications process. Experience with preparing the F1 applications for Environmental Clearance s shows that Nodal Officers and Regional Officers play an essential role and involving them early on in the process is critical. Based on the screening results, a decision can be made on whether the sub-project road would require further field assessments and studies or not. The Guidance note also gives an outline for presenting data with necessary explanation for recording likely environmental impacts. The screening process enhances implementation by screening out or enhancing acceptability of sub-project proposals on the basis of environmental criteria. Apart from the screening of sub-projects for proposed inclusion in the project, the results/findings from this exercise would be used to determine the scope of Environmental (Impact) Assessment requirement. 3. Environmental Impact Assessment An EIA consists of a comprehensive study that involves thorough documentation of existing conditions, and identification of impacts with a comparison of alternative project design options including without the project option. If implemented early, the EIA can be an excellent “preventative tool� 16. Usually, EIA has three objectives: assist decision makers in getting a clear picture of the potential impact on the overall environmental quality; provision of impact prevention and enhancement of benefits and minimization of impacts in the long term; and provide a forum that allows direct input from stakeholders in the managements of the project. Towards this end, the MoEF has developed an EIA Guidance Manual for Highways, which w ill be used along with WB’s operational policy notes. 15 World Bank safeguards policies 16 Roads and Environment Handbook, The World Bank, 1997 Page 78 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework Figure Error! No text of specified style in document. -1: Environmental Assessment Process- Flow Chart Page 79 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework Page 80 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework Possible Impacts on Physical Environment Planning Indirect effects Project and of operation or Pre-construction Phase Construction Phase Operation Activity Design Induced Phase development Vehicle & Environmental Earthworks Sanitation & Land Removal of Removal of Tress Laying of Machine Concrete & Project Component including Waste (labour Acquisition Structures & Vegetation Pavement Operation & Crusher Plants Operation Affected Quarrying campus) Maintenance Reduced Dust buffering of air Noise, soot, generation and noise Noise, dust Noise, dust Air Dust Generation Asphalt odour odour, dust Odour, smoke Other pollution during pollution, hotter, pollution pollution pollution dismantle drier microclimate Contamination Spill from Loss of Contamination Change in Generation Erosion and loss Erosion and loss Contamination by fuel and Contaminatio accidents, Land Productive compaction of cropping of debris of top soil of top soil of soil lubricants n from wastes Deposition of Land soil pattern compaction lead Alteration of Siltation drainage, Break Spill Loss of Reduction of Contamination Contamination Contaminatio Increased due to Siltation due to in continuity of contamination Water water ground water by fuel and by leakage of n from wastes contamination loose of loose of earth ditches, Siltation, by fuel, resources recharge area lubricants fuel overuse of ground water earth Stagnant water lubricants pools in quarries Noise Noise Noise pollution Noise pollution Noise Pollution Noise pollution Noise pollution Noise pollution Noise pollution pollution Impact of pollution on Lowered Lower vegetation, Loss of productivity, Loss Removal of Felling trees Flora productivity, Use Lowered biomass of ground for vegetation for fuel as fuel wood productivity, vegetation Toxicity of vegetation Disturbance, Collision with Distorted Fauna Disturbance Disturbance Disturbance Poaching Habitat loss traffic habitat Page 80 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework Possible Impacts on Social and Cultural Environment Planning and Design Project Activity Pre-construction Phase Construction Phase Operation Phase Vehicle & Environmental Design decisions & Removal of Earthworks Land Removal of Laying of Machine Asphalt and Labour Project Component Implementation Tress & including - Acquisition Structures Pavement Operation & crusher plants Camps Operation Affected policies Vegetation Quarrying Maintenance Dust on Loss of Agricultural Change in Loss of land Loss of agricultural land, Conversion of productive - - - - Land land prices economic value standing crops reduce agricultural land land productivity Loss of structures, Noise, Noise, Dust accumulation Change in Building & Built debris vibration vibration may Vibration & - - - - on building & - building use & Structures generation, may damage damage to noise structures characteristics noise & air to structures structures pollution Displacement of Loss of shade & Noise & air people, community pollution, Community Noise Air & noise People & Anxiety & fear psychological trees, loss of Noise & air Odour & collision with clashes with pollution, - pollution and Induced pollution Community among community impact on fuel wood & pollution dust pedestrians, migrant risk of discomfort people, loss of fodder, loss of livestock & labours accident livelihood income vehicles Noise, Damage Displacement, vibration Damage from from Loss of sacred Cultural Assets - - loss of structure may cause - vibration & air Dust accumulation - vibration & - trees from RoW damage to pollution air structure pollution Damage to Pressure on Utilities and Interruption in Dust accumulation - - - - - utilities & exiting - - Amenities supply on water bodies amenities amenities Increase of Collisions with Asphalt Impact on health Increase in Collision of Labour’s Health stagnant vehicles, - - - - odour and due to inhale of communicabl pedestrians - & Safety water & pedestrians & dust dust e diseases & livestock disease livestock Page 81 of 83 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework Determining degree of impact Once all project environmental aspects will be identified, the level of impact that may result from each of the activity-receptor interactions will be assessed. In assessing the level of impact that an activity may cause, two key elements are considered namely:  Consequence : the resultant effect (positive or negative) of an activity’s interaction with the legal, natural and/or socio-economic environments; the categorization for consequence is presented in the table below. Consequence categories and rankings Consequence Category Addressed Catastrophic Most Severe, Alternative will be proposed Major Severe, alternative/avoidance will be proposed Moderate Less Severe, measures will be proposed to minimize impact Minor Lesser Severe, mitigation measures will be proposed Least Severe, mitigation and enhancement measures will Negligible be prepared. None No impact, enhancement measures will be proposed. Positive Positive Impact  Likelihood: the likelihood that an activity will occur. The categorization for likelihood is presented in Table 5.5 below. Likelihood categories and rankings Likelihood Category Definition The activity is very likely to occur under normal operating Very Likely condition The activity is likely to occur at some time under normal Likely operating condition The activity is unlikely to occur but may occur at some time Unlikely under normal operating conditions The activity is very unlikely to occur under normal operating Very unlikely conditions but may occur in exceptional circumstances. Page 82 of 118 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework Ideally, an EIA will have:  A general information on highway project, requisite environmental clearance process and a gist of the project component  the location of the road corridor, map and topographical sheets including the potential benefits and need for the project, description of alignment options, implementation schedule and the projected costs for the project  characterize the relevant features of the current (“baseline�) state of the receiving environment biological, physical and socioeconomic description of the corridor and the region  description of the potential interactions between the intervention and the baseline environment  analysis of alternatives with particular reference to location of project corridor and the applicable engineering technologies  management measures to avoid, mitigate, compensate and monitor any potentially significant adverse impacts and cost of management measures in an environmental management plan  summarize significant concerns and recommend needed actions to address each concern  Conclusion – stating that either (a) the EIA is the completed environmental assessment for the intervention or (b) further assessment work is required and will be incorporated in a revised EIA. For example, project roads that would need follow up biodiversity assessments to track changes will be stated in the EIA  Disclosure of the Consultants that prepared the EIA The GoI EIA Guidance Manual for Highways clearly outlines the contents and comprehensive description of the chapters in an EIA. The note also provides sample ToRs for EIAs, international best practice on road construction and management, codes of practices as advocated by the International Road Congress , India (IRC). Key steps will include the following:  Define the scope of the EIA: In this case, the scope of the EIA study will be shaped by the findings from the environmental screening exercise and the TORs prepared by the MORTH. Where relevant, the Worl d Bank OP’s will supplement/guide the information to be added and process to be followed.  Characterize the project interventions (type of project, location, need for the project, alignments, utilities to be shifted, activities, schedules, estimated budget, etc.),  Building on findings from screening exercise, identify likely interactions between the project and the environment especially where project roads are abutted by critical forest and river ecosystems  Establish an effective stakeholder participation program Page 83 of 118 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework  Identify key environmental issues and assess range and potential severity of impacts on the existing environment (adverse; and beneficial, direct and indirect) by (i) project phase; (ii) engineering technologies and other non -built infrastructure mechanisms to be used and (ii) by ecological component, community and other sub-units of the study area  Assess the risks and implications of improper operation, failures, disasters and other (lower probability) events  Consider the implication of project alternatives with and without the interventions with respect to both location and technologies. Where realignments and bypasses are being considered, assess the feasible design options with inputs from the potential project affected people incorporated  Prepare an EMP, which is implementable program of measures to avoid, mitigate, manage and monitor adverse impacts and enhance benefits.  Assess the residual impacts remaining after implementation of EMP measures The following is the recommended table of contents of EIA: - Executive summary - Policy, legal and institutional framework - Project description - Status of the environment (baseline data) - Environmental impacts - Analysis of alternatives - Additional studies (if applicable) - Project Benefits - Environmental Management Plan - Stakeholder consultations - Summary and recommendations - Conclusions - Annexes The model outline does not explicitly provide section/subsection headings for many of EIA activities. Therefore DPR/feasibility consultants will create their own customized outline from this model that provides sections/subsections for EIA activity undertaken for the sub-project road under consideration. 4. Environmental Management Plan EMP is the next step in the EIA process after identifying potential impacts. It involves the identification and development of measures aimed at avoiding, mitigating, offsetting and/or reducing impacts to levels that are environmentally acceptable during implementation and operation of the project road. EMPs provide an essential Page 84 of 118 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework link between the impacts predicted and mitigation measures specified within the EIA and implementation and operation activities. Certain activities/interventions will have an impact on the natural environment, the scale of which would depend on the existing baseline conditions along the corridor and thus would require a specific plan to institute and monitor mitigation measures and take desired actions in a timely manner. An EMP must be sub-project specific, clearly describing adverse impacts and mitigation actions to be taken. The magnitude and temporal scale of the sub-project road will determine the contents/coverage of the EMP. Depending on extent of issues that are to be avoided, minimized and/or mitigated, the EMP will have concrete/specific mitigation actions, timelines a nd responsible persons. For each sub-project road, an EMP should address the following:  Mitigation, enhancement, protection and compensation measures for each phase including design pre-construction, construction, operation and maintenance  Mitigation performance monitoring (i.e. monitoring the operation and maintenance of mitigation measures and their targeted impacts)  PAP participation arrangements by project development phase  Disaster management contingency plan where applicable especially in areas with potential flooding, earthquake zones  Institutional arrangements for implementation, monitoring and reporting  Cost estimates for all EMP activities  Standard construction environmental safeguards clauses for engineering and civil works For developing the EMP, DPR consultants will consider findings from the stakeholder/ public consultation process, including suggestions from domain experts and Project Affected People (PAP) and vulnerable people. For all SH’s, MDR’s and ODR’s sub - project roads under the project, a standalone EMP will be needed for a sub-project. For Category A projects, World Bank guidelines require detailed EMPs. EMPs for the respective roads projects would be prepared using guidelines provided in the Annex C of OP 4.01 of the World Bank safeguards. Below are the proposed elements of an EMP: Identified Impacts and Description of Mitigation Measures : Under this sub-heading, the EMP will describe the identified impacts that may result from the project interventions. With reference to each impact, it will describe feasible and cost effective measures to minimize impacts to acceptable levels. This section will also provide details on the conditions under which the mitigatory measures will be implemented whether as a routine or in the event of contingencies. The EMP will also distinguish between type of solution proposed (structural & non structural) and the phase in which it should become operable. Measures that can be taken to avoid, minimize or mitigate the extent of environmental damage have been detailed out in the annex. Enhancement Plans: Positive impacts or opportunities arising out of the project will be identified during the EA process. Some of these opportunities can be further Page 85 of 118 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework developed to draw environmental benefits to local communities within the project road corridor and the sub-region. The EMP will identify such opportunities and develop a plan to systematically harness any such benefit. Monitoring Plan : In order to ensure that the proposed mitigatory measures have the intended results and comply with GoI and World Bank requirements, an environmental performance monitoring program will be included in the EMP with the following suggested details:  Monitoring indicators to be measured for evaluating the performance of each mitigatory measure. Indicators should include principles adopted for alignments, applicable GoI engineering standards for road widening, etc)  Monitoring mechanisms and methodologies  Monitoring frequency  Monitoring locations  Expected cost of monitoring  Responsibility Institutional Arrangements: Institutions/parties responsible for implementing mitigatory measures and for monitoring their performances will be clearly identified along with any legal instruments that define their obligations. Where necessary, mechanisms for institutional co-ordination will be identified as often monitoring tends to involve more than one institution. Implementation Schedules: Timing, frequency and duration of mitigation measures with links to overall implementation schedule of the project will be specified. Reporting Procedures: Feedback mechanisms to inform the relevant parties on the progress and effectiveness of the mitigatory measures and monitoring itself will be specified. Guidelines on the type of information wanted and the presentation of feedback information will also be highlighted. Cost Estimates: Implementation of mitigatory measures mentioned in the EMP will involve an initial investment cost as well as recurrent costs. The EMP should include costs estimates for each measure and also identify sources of funding. Consultation and Disclosure Requirements Consultation with affected people, subject/domain experts and NGOs in preparing the EIA/EMP is critical for Category A projects. For all Category A projects/sub -pojects, the project proponent is expected to consult project-affected groups and local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) about the project's environmental aspects and take their views into account. The project proponent should initiate such consultations at each stage of the project cycle. The disclosure of documents shall be as per requirements of GoI and WB procedures. Integration of EMP in Bidding Document Sections relevant for the construction stage will be integrated into the Bid Documents. More guidance has been provided in Annex. Contract documents will need to be incorporated with clauses directly linked to the implementation of environmental Page 86 of 118 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework management measures. Mechanisms such as linking the payment schedules to implementation of the said clauses need to be explored and implemented, as appropriate. B. Rural Connectivity Works Options to address the various environmental issues identified have been worked out based on review of good practices and compliance to the legal provisions. The identification and assessment of issues carried out under RRP II has been used as a basis for framing/modifying management measures. Inputs from the key stakeholders, including the executing agencies and the line agencies were also used for the said purpose. Screening of Sub-projects A screening and review process for identification of sensitive sub-projects with respect to environmental issues has been worked out. The screening exercise shall be carried out by the PIUs prior to initiation of the DPR activities. The screening exercise shall be a useful tool to identify the environmental issues, and thereby integrate them into the project preparation, and not as an exclusion criterion for avoiding environmental impacts. The screening criteria include factors/aspects such as:  Sensitive areas, natural habitats, protected areas  Felling of trees outside the protected areas  Clearance of vegetative cover  Loss of productive agricultural land  Cuts across perennial streams or surface water bodies  Vulnerability to natural hazards, land slides/slips and,  Environmental features as marshy areas, sand dunes etc The screening shall enable categorization of sub-projects based on their environmental sensitivity as follows: (i) Sub-projects, wherein no significant adverse environmental impacts are expected:  The environmental impacts will be of the type normally associated with standard rural road construction.  The measures suggested in the ECoP shall be adequate to address the general environmental issues likely in these sub-projects. (ii) Sub-projects, wherein there is a potential for significant adverse environmental impacts: There is a likelihood of adverse impacts requiring specific interventions such as roads passing through forests, sanctuaries and thereby requiring additional environmental analysis. In such cases:  Sub-projects traversing through sensitive natural habitats will be identified and assessed in terms of their impacts. Sub-project/s where adverse impacts are anticipated, will not be included under the project  If the sub-project assessment in cases located close to sensitive habitats reveals that impacts can be avoided/mitigated, a management plan will be prepared in line with ECoP 19.  Vulnerability to natural hazards, land slides/slips will be assessed and relevant ECoPs will be applied. Page 87 of 118 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework  In addition to the application of ECoPs, the PIU shall undertake the particular road improvement work in compliance with the statutory/regulatory provisions, as applicable. Environmental Codes of Practice (ECoP) The ECoPs have been developed to guide the planning, design, construction and maintenance stages of PMGSY in terms of avoidance or mitigation of the adverse environmental impacts that may result from the projects. The codes define methods and procedures to be followed by the Executing Agencies, Contractors an d other agencies involved in the three project states. The list of ECoPs prepared and their coverage is presented in Table 3-1. Checklist for checking the DPR preparation and for identifying issues to be addressed in pre-construction, construction and post- construction stages will be as per the ECoPs. Implementation of environmental measures shall be monitored through the environmental audit procedures provided in ECoPs. This includes format for reporting the addressal of issues in various stages of the project. Environmental Codes of Practice and their coverage ECoP Title Key Issues Addressed  Incorporation of environmental concerns in project preparation to avoid impacts in construction and operation stages Project Planning &  Avoidance of roads through sensitive areas as ECoP 1.0 reserved forests/sanctuaries/wetlands etc Design  Compliance with legal requirements  Devising enhancement measures into project design  Relocation of utilities, common property ECoP 2.0 Site Preparation resources and cultural properties  Avoidance of affect on roadside vegetation  Avoidance of sensitive areas for location of Construction construction camps ECoP 3.0 Camps  Infrastructure arrangements for workers and construction equipment Alternate Materials  Use of fly ash as per MoEF Notification ECoP 4.0 for Construction  Minimizing earth requirement  Avoidance of agriculture lands ECoP 5.0 Borrow Areas  Redevelopment of borrow areas Page 88 of 118 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework ECoP Title Key Issues Addressed  Topsoil removal from areas temporarily/permanently used for construction Topsoil Salvage,  Storage of topsoil in stockpiles and protection ECoP 6.0 Storage & from erosion Replacement  Reuse of topsoil at areas to be revegetated and in agriculture lands Quarry  Redevelopment of quarries in case new quarries ECoP 7.0 Management are setup for the project  Extraction of water in water scarce areas with consent of community ECoP 8.0 Water Costruction  Scheduling construction activities as per water availability  Slope stability along hill roads  Protection of land on hill side from stability loss Slope Stability and due to cutting ECoP 9.0 Erosion Control  Protection of lands on valley side from debris due to construction  Adequacy of drainage for erosion control Waste  Reuse of cut material in hill roads ECoP 10.0 Management  Safe disposal of wastes  Avoidance from cutting due to alignment  Protection of embankment slopes in case of ECoP 11.0 Water Bodies alignment on embankments  Rehabilitation of water body  Conduct of hydrological investigations during project preparation ECoP 12.0 Drainage  Provision of longitudinal and cross drainage as per requirements  Proper location of drainage outfall  Compliance of construction plants and Construction Plants equipment with emission standards of Central ECoP 13.0 & Equipment Pollution Control Board Management  Maintenance of machinery and equipment to avoid pollution Page 89 of 118 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework ECoP Title Key Issues Addressed  Provision of Personal Protective Equipment to workers Public and Worker's Provision of basic necessities to workers ECoP 14.0  Health & Safety  Public safety while travel along construction sites  Public safety during operation of the road  Avoidance of impacts due to project  Protection of precincts from impacts due to ECoP 15.0 Cultural Properties construction  Relocation in case impacts are unavoidable  Avoidance of impact on trees ECoP 16.0 Tree Plantation  Plantation of trees on roadside  Restricting ribbon development at junctions and Managing Induced bus stops ECoP 17.0 Development  Earmarking areas for commercial activities and other amenities  Monitoring of environmental and social Environmental ECoP 18.0 parameters during project planning, Audit construction and implementation  Identification of natural habitats Biodiversity  Management measures for roads passing ECoP 19.0 Management Plan through natural habitats  Structure of management plan  Aspects for consultation Consultation ECoP 20.0  Stage wise consultations Framework  Consultation schedule and responsibilities Page 90 of 118 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework Section VI : Environmental Monitoring The environmental monitoring programme will be devised to ensure that the envisaged purpose of the project is achieved and results in the desired benefit to the target population. To ensure the effective implementation of the EMP, it is essential that an effective environmental monitoring programme be designed and carried out. Broad objectives of the monitoring programme will be: To evaluate the performance of mitigation measures proposed in the EMP  To suggest improvements in the management plans, if required  To satisfy the statutory and community obligations The monitoring programme contains monitoring plan for all performance indicators, reporting formats and necessary budgetary provisions. Monitoring plan for performance indicators and reporting system is presented in the following sections. Monitoring Parameters and Standards The Environmental monitoring of the parameters involved and the threshold limits specified are discussed below: Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (AAQM) The air quality parameters viz: Sulphur Dioxide (SO 2 ), Oxides of Nitrogen (NO X ), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Hydro-Carbons (HC), Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM), Respirable Particulate Matter (RPM) , Ammonia (NH 3 ), Ozone (O 3 ), Lead (Pb), Benzo (a) pyrene (BaP), Arsenic (As) and Nickel (Ni)shall be regularly monitored at identified locations from the start of the construction activity. The air quality parameters shall be monitored in accordance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards as given in Table given below: Ambient Air Quality Standards (National) Concentration in Ambient Air Time S. Industrial, Ecologically Pollutant Weighted No Residential, Sensitive Area Methods of Average Rural and (notified by Central Measurement Other Area Government) -Improved West and Sulphur Dioxide Annual* 50 20 Gaeke 1 3 (SO 2 ), µg/m 24 hours** 80 10 -Ultraviolet fluorescence -Modified Jacob Nitrogen Annual* 40 30 &Hochhieser (Na- 2 Dioxide Arsenite) 3 24 hours** 80 80 (NO 2), µg/m -Chemiluminescence Page 91 of 118 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework Concentration in Ambient Air Time S. Industrial, Ecologically Pollutant Weighted No Residential, Sensitive Area Methods of Average Rural and (notified by Central Measurement Other Area Government) Particulate Matter -Gravemetric Annual* 60 60 3 (size less than -TOEM 24 hours** 100 100 10µm) or PM 10 -Beta attenuation 3 µg/m Particulate Matter -Gravemetric Annual* 40 40 4 (size less than -TOEM 24 hours** 60 60 2.5µm) or -Beta attenuation 3 PM 25 µg/m -UV photometric Ozone (o 2 ) 8 hours* 100 100 5 3 -Chemiluminescence µg/m 1 hours** 180 180 -Chemical Method -AAS/ICP method after sampling on EMP 2000 3 Annual* 0.50 0.50 or equivalent filter 6 Lead (Pb) µg/m paper 24 hours** 1.0 1.0 -ED-XRF using Tefloa filter Carbon 8 hours* 02 02 -Non Dispersive Infra 7 Monoxide (CO) Red µg/m 3 1 hours** 04 04 (NDIR)spectroscopy -Chemiluminescence Ammonia (NH 3 ) Annual* 100 100 8 3 -Indophenol blue µg/m 24 hours** 400 400 method -Gas chromatography based continuous Benzene (C 6H 6 ) Annual* analyser 9 3 05 05 µg/m -Adsorption and Desorption followed byGC analysis Page 92 of 118 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework Concentration in Ambient Air Time S. Industrial, Ecologically Pollutant Weighted No Residential, Sensitive Area Methods of Average Rural and (notified by Central Measurement Other Area Government) Benzo(a)Pyrene (BaP) Annual* -Solvent extraction 10 particulate 01 01 followed by HPLC/GC phase only, analysis 3 ng/m -AAS/ICP method after Arsenic (As) sampling on EMP 2000 11 3 Annual* 06 06 ng/m or equivalent filter paper -AAS/ICP method after Nickel (Ni) sampling on EMP 2000 12 3 Annual* 20 20 ng/m or equivalent filter paper *Annual arithmetic mean of minimum 104 measurements in a year at a particular site taken twice a week 24 hourly at uniform intervals **24 hourly or (8 hourly or 01 hourly monitored values, as applicable, shall be complied with 98% of the time in a year. 2% of the time, they may exceed the limits but not on two consecutive days of monitoring. Noise Quality Monitoring The noise levels shall be monitored at already designated locations in accordance with the Ambient Noise Quality standards given in Table given below: Ambient Noise Quality Standards (National) Limits of Leq in dB(A) Area Code Category of Zones Night* Day* A Industrial 75 70 B Commercial 65 55 C Residential 55 45 D Silence Zone ** 50 40 * Daytime shall mean from 6.00am to 10.00 pm and Night shall mean from 10.00 pm to 6.00 am Page 93 of 118 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework **Silence zone is defined as area up to 100 meters around premises of hospitals, educational institutions and courts. Use of vehicles horns, loud speakers and bursting of cracking are banned in these zones. Water Quality Monitoring Water quality parameters such as pH, BOD, COD, DO,Coliform count, total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, Iron, etc. shall be monitored at all identified locations during the construction stage as per standards prescribed by Central Pollution Control Board and Indian Standard Drinking water specifications IS 10500, 1991, presented in Table given below: National Standard of Water IS:2296 Sr. No Parameters Method to be Adopted (Class C) 1 pH 6.5-8.5 pH meter DO- Azide modification of Wrinkler’s 2 BOD (3 days 27 0 C) 3.0 method 3 Temperature (0 C) NS Thermometer 4 Dissolved oxygen 4 Azide Modification of Wrinkler’s met hod 5 Color (Hazen) 300 Visual Comparison method 6 Fluorides (F) 1.5 SPANDS method 7 Chlorides (Cl) 600 Argentometric Titration 8 Total Dissolved Solids 1500 Gravimetric Analysis 9 Sulphates (SO4) 400 Barium Chloride method 10 Iron (Fe) 50 Phenanthrolin method 11 Oil and Grease 0.1 Partition – Gravimetric method 12 Nitrates 50 Chromotropic acid 13 Chromium (Cr6+) 0.05 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry 14 Cadmium (Cd) 0.01 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry 15 Lead (Pb) 0.1 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry 16 Copper (Cu) 1.5 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry 17 Cyanide (CN) 0.05 Chloramine-T-method 18 Selenium (Se) 0.05 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry 19 Arsenic (As) 0.2 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry Page 94 of 118 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework IS:2296 Sr. No Parameters Method to be Adopted (Class C) 20 Phenols 0.005 Spectrophotometer 21 Detergents 1.0 Spectrophotometer 22 DDT Absent Spectrophotometer Total Coliform (MPN/100 23 5000 Multiple Tube Fermentation Technique ml) NS: Not specified; Brackets ([ ]) indicates extended limits. All the values in mg/l if otherwise mentioned Water Quality Criteria Class of Designated-Best-Use Criteria water  Total Coliforms Organism MPN/100ml shall be Drinking Water Source 50 or less without conventional  pH between 6.5 and 8.5 A treatment but after  Dissolved Oxygen 6mg/l or more disinfection  Biochemical Oxygen Demand 5 days 20oC 2mg/l or less  Total Coliforms Organism MPN/100ml shall be 500 or less Outdoor bathing  pH between 6.5 and 8.5 B (Organised)  Dissolved Oxygen 5mg/l or more  Biochemical Oxygen Demand 5 days 20oC 3mg/l or less  Total Coliforms Organism MPN/100ml shall be Drinking water source 5000 or less after conventional  pH between 6 to 9 C treatment and  Dissolved Oxygen 4mg/l or more disinfection  Biochemical Oxygen Demand 5 days 20oC 3mg/l or less  pH between 6.5 to 8.5 Propagation of Wild D  Dissolved Oxygen 4mg/l or more life and Fisheries  Free Ammonia (as N) 1.2 mg/l or less  pH between 6.0 to 8.5 Irrigation, Industrial  Electrical Conductivity at 25oC micro Cooling, Controlled E mhos/cm Max.2250 Waste disposal  Sodium absorption Ratio Max. 26  Boron Max. 2mg/l - Below-E Not Meeting A, B, C, D & E Criteria Page 95 of 118 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework Monitoring Plans For each of the environmental components, the monitoring plan would specify the parameters to be monitored; location of the monitoring sites and duration of monitoring. The monitoring plan would also specify the applicable standards, implementation and supervising responsibilities. The monitoring plan for the various environmental condition indicators of the project in construction and operation stages is presented in the table given below. Monitoring plan does not include the requirement of arising out of Regulation Provision such as obtaining NOC/ consent for plant site operation. Environmental Monitoring Plan Attribute Parameter Special Guidance Standards Duration Air SO2, NOx, RPM, High volume sampler to be Air (prevention 24 hours SPM, O3,Pb, located 50 m from the plant and Control of Sampling CO, NH3, C6H6, in the downwind direction. Pollution) Rules, BaP, As and Ni Use method specified by CPCB, 2009 CPCB for analysis Water All essential Grab sample collected from Indian Standards Grab characteristics source and analyse as per for Inland Surface Sampling and some of Standard Methods for Waters (IS: 2296, desirable Examination of Water and 1982) characteristics Wastewater as decided by the Environmental Specialist Noise Noise levels on Equivalent noise levels using MoEF Noise Rules, Leq in dB (A) scale an integrated noise level 2000 dB(A) of meter kept at a distance of day time 15 from edge of pavement and night Equivalent noise levels using time an integrated noise level meter kept at a distance of 15 from edge of pavement Soil Monitoring of Sample of soil collected to Threshold for Grab Pb, SAR and Oil acidified and analysed using each Sampling & Grease absorption contaminant set spectrophotometer by IRIS database of USEPA until national standards are promulgated Monitoring Locations In addition of the critical locations selected during design stage, the environmental monitoring will also be done at the construction camp site and any other plant site Page 96 of 118 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework during construction stage. List of critical locations for caring out monitoring should be presented in EIA report. Monitoring during Construction Construction monitoring, including field inspections and surveys, should be carried out by an environmental expert (to be hired by PWD on regular or contractual basis) to ensure that environmental protection requirements are being met. It is important to plan and budget for environmental construction monitoring as part of the project. If construction is to be contracted out, PWD to reconfirm that specific environmental requirements during construction (as already specified) are built into construction bidding documents and contracts to ensure, they are met (e.g. requirements for local hiring, penalty for not adhering to environment management requirements). Page 97 of 118 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework Section VI : Institutional Arrangements The project will be implemented by PWD, using its existing structures to the extent possible through support from other departments within Government of Rajasthan, including transport, police, health, revenue, forest, and district collectors and local offices. An adequately staffed Chief Engineer (CE) (PMGSY) office has been functional in the state to implement various Bank funded projects, including the Rural Roads Project I and the on-going PMGSY project. The Chief Engineer’s office will be responsible for implementing the project under the overall guidance of the Principal Secretary, PW D and a High Level Project Steering Committee. The Chief Engineer’s office has designated units for engineering designs, procurement, contract management, environment and social management, financial management, computerization, institutional development, governance and accountability, and road safety. To implement the safeguard management plans, institutional capacity is being developed through creation of an Environment and Social Management Cell within the PWD (as part of the Chief Engineer’s office). The cell would: (a) adequately maintain the personnel and resources required to supervise, monitor and implement the safeguard instruments such as EMF, SMF, ECoPs and RPF; (b) acquire land in a timely fashion, if identified for a specific sub-project during DPR preparation; (c) obtain and comply with the provisions of regulatory clearances, if and as applicable and any other necessary government clearances/permissions such as from Irrigation, Ground Water and State Pollution Control Board; (d) ensure the satisfactory implementation of the environmental and social protection measures stipulated in the EMF, SMF, ECoPs and RPF; (e) furnish to the Bank quarterly environmental supervision and monitoring reports and; (f) commission external consultants to evaluat e the implementation of EMF, SMF, ECoPs and RPF. The Public Works Department in Rajasthan is already familiar with Bank’s safeguard requirements through implementation of Rural Roads Project (RRP I) and the on -going PMGSY - Rural Roads Project. Even though there has been some staff turn-over, over- all there has been an exposure on the application of safeguard instruments during sub-project preparation and their subsequent implementation during project execution. The same institutional set-up, headed by Chief Engineer at the state headquarter and with Project Implementation Units (PIUs) at field level, will be involved in the preparation and implementation of this project. However, there are some capacity issues on dealing with safeguard issues for larger sub-projects (such as preparatory studies for State Highway Improvement sub - component), where specific environment and social assessments are required and corridor-specific plans have to be prepared and implemented in a systematic and time-bound manner. More so, given that there are some environmental issues that are important and relevant in the state and sector context (such as water availability issues; mining of materials for road construction; road safety; need for exploring alternative/low cost material and technological solutions; presence/crossing of wildlife and the resultant accidents etc.), the PWD as part of its modernization and improvement plans would need to broaden its current thinking and approach (on environment and social management issues) to more holistic and sustainable solutions. This would require Page 98 of 118 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework setting-up of a dedicated unit/cell (long term basis, not just for the project) as part of the over-all institutional operations and its proper use and integration in day-to-day working of the department. Strengthening staff capacity by deputing dedicated officials and providing them adequate orientation/exposure/training is necessary. The staff in the field divisions would also need orientation and sensitization as there is a strong linkage be tween engineering, environment and social dimensions of road planning, execution and operation. Implementation Arrangements for Environmental Management Specifically for environment management, the staffing arrangements in the project would be as follows: A. At the headquarters, an Environment Management Cell will be created to handle all matters pertaining to environmental management in road projects, including all activities related to project planning and preparation, supervision, monitoring, evaluation, reporting, documentation, training and over-all co-ordination with concerned agencies on environment management. The staffing of this cell will be as follows: (i) A Nodal Environment Officer (Assistant Engineer level) who will deal with matters pertaining to integration of environmental aspects into project design/contract documents; preparation/integrating environmental aspects in the ToRs for various studies; integrating environmental aspects in the modernization plan and other institutional studies; co-ordination with various departments/agencies of Govt. of Rajasthan and other units involved in project implementation and will be responsible for over-all monitoring and supervision of environmental activities in the project. The Nodal EO will deal with matters pertaining to regulatory clearances; planning, preparation and execution of plantation works including compensatory afforestation and; co-ordination with Department of Forests and Wildlife Wing. The Nodal EO will also deal with matters pertaining to supervision and monitoring of environmental aspects related to construction management during project implementation and assist the Chief Engineer in supervision, reporting documentation and data management. (ii) An independent expert hired from the market to guide, support and assist the activities of the environmental cell of the PWD. (iii) Data and Documentation Assistant: The EMU officials will be supported by a Data and Documentation Assistant B. At the division level, an Assistant Engineer from the PWD division will be designated as the Environment Officer, whose main responsibilities will include regular supervision, monitoring and co-ordination of environmental aspects related to pre-construction, construction and operation stages of the project. The Environmental Officer shall also be responsible for data collation and selected verification at the field level. Capacity Building for Environmental Management The project may result in improving PWD’s exposure and over -all capacity in managing environment issues. A training plan has been prepared incorporating the Page 99 of 118 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework project needs as well as the short and longer term capacity building needs of the PWD. The plan consists of a number of training modules specific to various target groups. The training will cover basic principles and methods of environmental assessment; mitigation plan/s; implementation techniques; monitoring and reporting requirements; regulatory requirements and; other relevant environmental management methods and tools. Training Strategy A key concept in training programmes for PWD /any organization is to provide training through a combination of formal in-house training and practical on-the-job sessions. Training Methods The most effective way of addressing such training needs is by carrying out the training in an environment which to the extent possible resembles the real situation in which the trainees will eventually operate.  In-house sessions although training needs to focus on practical skills, which are best taught in the field, there is always a demand for a certain theoretical foundation on which the practical skills are placed. For example, experience shows that it is useful to review basic methodology and regulations, which in turn is explained in the context of environmental management system in road works. Also for technical subjects such as impact categorisation, selection of mitigation measures, EMP as part of bidding document and others, there is a demand for an introduction to the subjects in a class-room environment, during which (i) the theory is reviewed, and (ii) a general briefing of the field exercises is conducted, before the field sessions commence. After the initial in-house training and skills development sessions, further practical training should be carried out in a full-scale demonstration situation. This includes establishing training/demonstration sites fully equipped with the same type of tools and equipment that contractors will be using.  On-the-job Training It has been proved over the years in a number of state road projects that on-the-job training is the most effective method of training most categories of government staff. This involves the extensive use of practical demonstrations and skill training at full-scale training sites. This approach is very effective for the training of managers, engineers and supervisors with the on - site training being supported by in-house components tailored for the various categories of staff.  Short Courses and Workshops Intensive refresher courses for periods of one to three days are useful for addressing specific problem areas. Such courses or workshops are organised to supplement on-the-job training for some of the technical and administrative staff. Short courses can either be arranged through the provision of technical assistance, an in-house training facility, or by contracting other training institutions within the country.  Seminars are useful as a means for disseminating data and information, in particular for senior government officials, as well as representatives of other government agencies. Seminars can be an effective platform for policy makers, planners and administrators to review the importance of an Environmental Management System. Equally important, this type of seminar is Page 100 of 118 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework important in terms of creating awareness of the potential of utilising new organisational arrangements, work methods, and involvement of the private sector, beyond the boundaries of a particular programme. Training Module Details A comprehensive training programme should be planned for the project by Project Implementation Unit (PIU) i.e. PWD, intended to address all components of the project. Developing a comprehensive idea about the environmental requirements, PWD/PIU will fix the role/responsibility to effectively manage the environment components involved. As discussed earlier PWD/PIU may or may not take the services of external agency. In general the training programme is proposed by planning/design/EIA consultant, during the design stage of project. The programme is intended for all Contractors, Construction Supervision Consultants and the Package Unit - ASRP. As and when found necessary PIU (PWD) will select appropriate modules for the training of contractors and for the training of engineers responsible for supervision and maintenance work. List of appropriate training modules and their time frames is discussed in subsequent paragraphs. Typical modules that would be present for the training session are as follows  Principles and policies for (natural and social) environmental mitigation in development projects;  Legal and institutional aspects; project mandates;  Probable (natural and social) environmental impacts and losses in road strengthening and widening projects;  The EMP consisting of o the construction stage environmental concerns; o the environmental designs and implementation plans; o the project entitlement framework; o types and aspects of vulnerability of the EPs; o counselling and grievance redressal methods and mechanisms and o financial control mechanisms;  Monitoring, evaluation and reporting methods and mechanisms and,  Inter-sectorial and inter-agency collaboration, etc. Page 101 of 118 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework Annexure 1 GENERIC ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (for State Highway Works) S. Environmental Management Measures No. Issue/Aspect The Contractor shall not cut or damage trees except that are required to be felled for construction of traffic E.1 Tree Cutting diversion works and facilities, after obtaining necessary permission for felling of the same from the authorities. The Engineer and the Contractor will organize and carry out joint field verification to ascertain the possibility of saving environmental and community resources. The complaints/suggestions together with the observations and expert opinion of the joint verification team containing the Joint Field E.2 need for additional protection measures or changes in Verification design/scale/nature of protection/management measures shall be well documented with other requisite details such as date, time, place and signature of the individuals involved. Approval will be accorded by the Engineer in consultation with the Project Authority. All plants (hot-mix, crushers, batching plant, WMM or any other) shall be located at least 1000 mts. away from habitations, forests and wildlife movement areas, preferably in the downwind direction. The Contractor shall submit the proposed location plan (including survey number/s of the land parcel/s under consideration, area, land-use and surrounding features) and seek prior approval of the Engineer before entering Location and into any formal agreement with land owner/s for setting-up installation of such construction facilities. The Contractor will formalize E.3 Crushers, Hot- agreement with land owner/s only after a written approval mix Plants and has been accorded by the Engineer. Batching Plants The ‘installation’ of the plant/s shall commence after the contractor has obtained ‘consent to establish’ from the Orissa State Pollution Control Board. The ‘operation’ of the plant/s shall be permitted by the Engineer after the ‘consent to operate’ has been obtained from the SPCB. A copy of the application submitted to the SPCB and the consent/s received must be submitted to the Engineer, based on which the approvals will be accorded. Action/s by the Engineer against any non-compliance on this count Page 102 of 118 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework S. Environmental Management Measures No. Issue/Aspect shall be borne by the Contractor at his own risk and cost. No construction camps, including material stack yards and storage facility will not be proposed within 500 mts . from a. a settlement/habitation b. water source and c. reserved or protected forest limits to avoid conflicts and stress on the local infrastructure facilities and natural resources. In case the contractor proposes setting-up of plant/s within a construction camp, clause P.3 will apply. The Contractor shall submit the proposed location plan Construction (including survey number/s of the land parcel/s under Camp/s – E.4 consideration, area, land-use and surrounding features) Selection, Design and seek prior approval of the Engineer before entering and Lay-out into any formal agreement with land owner/s for setting-up construction camps. The Contractor will formalize agreement with land owner/s only after a written approval has been accorded by the Engineer. Complete details about the pre-dominant wind direction and design of facilities, including circulation area, parking, material storage, kitchen/mess, sanitation, waste collection and disposal, drainage, electrical utility placement and water supply shall be provided by the Contractor as part of the documentation seeking approval of the Engineer on this count. All vehicles, equipment and machinery to be procured for construction shall confirm to the relevant Bureau of India Standard (BIS) norms. The Contractor shall ensure that all vehicles, equipment and machinery used for construction are regularly maintained and confirm to the emission Construction standards specified by the CPCB. Certification issued for Vehicles, such contrivances by the designated/approved authorities E.5 Equipment and shall be submitted to the Engineer. Machinery The Contractor shall maintain a proper record of Pollution Under Control Certificates for all vehicles and machinery used for works under the contract. Copies of such records shall be kept at the site office and shall be made available to the Engineer when sought. Page 103 of 118 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework S. Environmental Management Measures No. Issue/Aspect The Contractor shall submit the proposed location plan (including site details, survey number/s of the land parcel/s under consideration, area and quantum of material proposed for extraction, land-use and surrounding features) and seek prior approval of the Engineer before entering into any formal agreement with land owner/s for opening borrow areas. The Contractor will formalize agreement with land owner/s only after a written approval has been accorded by the Engineer. The Engineer will be required to inspect every proposed borrow area location and evaluate (parallel with technical examination) such proposals in accordance to environmental requirements as laid down in the EMP prior to issuing the ‘approval’ for use of such sites. No borrow areas shall be opened within 500 mts. from wildlife movement zones and forest areas. The borrow areas shall be at least 250 mts. from schools, human habitations (residential and commercial establishments), village access roads, state highways and other roads. Identification, No borrow area will be opened/operated without the Operation and written permission of the Engineer. The location, shape and E.6 Rehabilitation of size of the designated borrow areas will be as approved by Borrow Areas the Engineer and in accordance to the IRC recommended practice for borrow pits for road embankments (IRC 10: 1961). The ‘format’ for seeking Engineer’s approval on environmental considerations will be as per the template provided in this EMP and will include a reference/location map; area, existing land use and haul road details; photograph of the site; and the proposed rehabilitation plan. The Contractor will not start borrowing earth from the approved borrow area/s until an agreement is signed between land owner/s and Contractor and a copy of this agreement is submitted to the Engineer. In borrow pits, the depth shall be regulated so that the sides of the excavation should not be steeper than 1:2, from the edge. All borrow areas whether in private, community or govt. land shall be restored as per the approved rehabilitation plan immediately after completion of the use of such a source. The Contractor shall plan and ensure rehabilitation work in such a manner that it is completed prior to the rainy season. Page 104 of 118 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework S. Environmental Management Measures No. Issue/Aspect ‘Substantial completion’ or ‘completion’ certificates for the civil work shall not be issued unless restoration and rehabilitation works have been completed by the Contractor and the same has been accorded a written approval by the Engineer. The Contractor shall submit the proposed location plan (including site details, survey number/s of the land parcel/s under consideration, area and quantum of material proposed to be used, land-use, photograph/s of the site and surrounding features within 500 mts.) and seek prior approval of the Engineer before entering into any formal agreement with land owner/s in case of a new quarry site or with the owner/operator in case use of an Identification, existing quarry is proposed. Operation and E.7 No quarry and/or crusher units shall be ‘selected’ or Rehabilitation of ‘used’, which is within 1000 mts. from a human habitation, Stone Quarry forest boundary and wildlife habitats/movement areas. The Contractor shall obtain necessary legal permission/s from Department of Mines, Govt. of Orissa and the District Administration, SPCB and local Tehsildar and submit a copy of the same to the Engineer. All quarry operations, including procurement, storage and use of blasting material/s will be undertaken within the rules and regulations in vogue. The Contractor shall submit the proposed location plan (including details of the site/s under consideration, proposed quantum of material extraction and surrounding features) and seek prior approval of the Engineer. No sand quarry shall be opened within 500 mts. from wildlife movement zones and forest areas. In the event of selection of a new site for sand Identification, quarrying, the Contractor shall obtain prior approval and E.8 and Operation of concurrence from Competent District Authority, the local Sand Quarry Tehsildar and the Engineer keeping in view the objections and convenience of the local population. Where the supplier of sand is another party, the authentic copy of lease agreement that has been executed between the local Tehsildar and the supplier has to be submitted to the Engineer before any procurement of material is made from such a site. The procurement of material shall be allowed only from those sand quarry sites that are permitted by the Page 105 of 118 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework S. Environmental Management Measures No. Issue/Aspect local Tehsildar with the concurrence of the District Collector with due regard to Orissa Miner Mineral Concession Rules, 2004. The Contractor shall submit the proposed location plan (including site details; type of the source under consideration; its usage by other consumers; proposed quantum of water extraction) and seek prior approval of the Engineer. To avoid disruption/disturbance to other water users, the Contractor will extract water only from the approved locations and shall seek a written approval of the Engineer before finalizing and using any such water source – whether ground or at surface. Arrangement for Use of ground water facility shall be subject to the E.9 Construction local legislation; ground water availability in the area and Water the granting of necessary permission by the Competent Authority. The Contractor shall pay the royalty for use of such water as decided under the relevant norms. A copy of the permission obtained from the Competent Authority shall be submitted to the Engineer prior to the use of any such source. The possibility/ permission for sinking of bore wells adjacent to nalas and streams may be examined, such that while the water requirement for the road construction activity is met and these structures when abandoned can help in ground water recharge after suitable modification. All works shall be carried out by the Contractor in a manner such that the damage or disruption to flora is Clearing and E.10 minimal. Only ground cover/shrubs that impinge directly Grubbing on the permanent works or necessary temporary works will be removed with prior approval from Engineer. The top soil from all sites including road side widening and working area, cutting areas, quarry sites, borrows areas, construction camps, haul roads in agricultural fields (if any) and areas to be permanently Stripping, covered shall be stripped to a specified depth of 150mm stacking and and stored in stockpiles for re-use. A portion of the E.11 preservation of temporarily acquired area (along the boundaries in a top soil construction camp, borrow areas etc.) and along the road at the Right of Way edge will be earmarked for storing top soil. The locations for stacking will be pre-identified in consultation and with approval of the Engineer. The following precautionary measures will be taken by the Page 106 of 118 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework S. Environmental Management Measures No. Issue/Aspect Contractor to preserve the stockpiles till they are re-used: (a) Stockpile will be such that the slope does not exceed 1:2 (vertical to horizontal), and height is restricted to 2 m. (b) To retain soil and to allow percolation of water, the edges of the pile will be protected by silt fence. (c) Multiple handling kept to a minimum to ensure that no compaction occurs. (d) Such stockpiles shall be covered with empty gunny bags or will be planted with grasses to prevent loss during rains. Such stockpiled topsoil will be utilized for -  Covering reclamation sites or other disturbed areas including borrow areas (other than those in barren areas)  Top dressing of road embankment and fill slopes  Filling up of tree pits and  In the agricultural fields of farmers, acquired temporarily that need to be restored. Residual topsoil, if there is any, will be utilized for the plantation works along the road corridor. The utilization as far as possible shall be in the same area/close to the same area from where the top soil was removed. The stripping, preservation and reuse shall be closely supervised and properly recorded by the Engineer. E.12 Labour Camp Management Prior to setting- up such a labour/worker’s f acility, the location, lay-out and basic provision of facilities to be provided at each labour camp site shall be submitted to 12.1 Accommodation the Engineer for approval. The construction or hiring of such facilities shall commence only after the written approval from the Engineer has been received by the Contractor. The Contractor shall ensure the fulfillment of the following conditions: 12.2 Potable Water a) Supply of sufficient quantity of potable water within the precincts of every workplace in a cool and shaded area. Such facilities shall be regularly maintained from health and hygiene point of view. Page 107 of 118 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework S. Environmental Management Measures No. Issue/Aspect b) All open wells will be entirely covered and will be provided with a trap door to prevent accidental fall and contamination from dust, litter etc. A reliable pump will be fitted to each covered well. The Engineer is required to inspect the labour camp once in a week to ensure compliance to the health and hygienic standards prescribed in the Labour Regulations and in the EMP. The Contractor shall ensure that - c) The provision of toilets and sewage system for the camp is to be designed, built and operated in such a fashion that no health hazard occurs and no pollution to the air, surrounding agricultural fields, ground water or adjacent water courses takes place. d) Separate toilets and bathrooms for women workers wherever required, screened from those of men, are provided with markings in vernacular language. e) All such facilities must have adequate water supply Sanitation and with proper drainage and disposal facility. 12.3 Sewage System f) All toilets in workplaces are to be maintained, cleaned and disinfected daily using proper disinfectants. g) Portable toilets may be brought to use and the night soil from such units has to be disposed through designated septic tanks so as to prevent pollution of the surrounding areas. h) In the main camp, no night soil or sewerage shall be disposed of at any place other than the septic tanks constructed at the site. All these facilities shall be inspected on a weekly basis by the Engineer to check the hygiene standards. The Contractor shall maintain properly (as directed by the Engineer) all roads (existing or constructed for the project), used for transporting construction materials, equipment Transportation of and machineries for the works under this contract. It shall Construction be the responsibility of the Contractor to ensure that all E.13 Materials and roads used for transportation of construction materials are Haul Road clear from any dust, sand, soil, aggregates etc. that may Management have fallen from the transporting vehicles. The Contractor will arrange for regular water sprinkling, at least three times in a day, for dust suppression of all such roads and surfaces. Page 108 of 118 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework S. Environmental Management Measures No. Issue/Aspect All vehicles delivering goods to the site shall be covered to avoid spillage of materials and air pollution. The unloading of all materials at construction sites will be limited to day time only to avoid accidents. Screens of hessian cloth, agro-net and such other barricading material are to be erected along all dumping and stockpiling sites, so that generation of the dust in the vicinity of such locations can be minimized to a great extent. E.14 Worksite Safety Management This shall be done according to the provisions of Technical 14.1 Traffic Diversions Specifications Cl. 112. This shall be done according to the provisions of Technical 14.2 Traffic Safety Specifications Cl. 112 The Contractor will make sure that during the construction work all relevant provisions of the Factories Act, 1948 and the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Services) Act, 1996 are adhered to. The Contractor will comply with all the precautions as required for ensuring the safety of the workmen as per the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention No. 62 as far as those are applicable to this contract. The Contractor shall provide and ensure enforcement with zero tolerance on the following: a) Protective footwear and protective goggles to all 14.3 Safety of Workers workers employed handling asphalt materials, cement, mortar, concrete, blasting and crusher operations. b) Welder's protective eye-shields and protective footwear to workers engaged in welding works. c) Earplugs to workers exposed to high noise levels. d) Hard hat or helmets to all workers, supervising staff and inspecting officials entering a construction site, plant area, quarry and enagaged in loading/unloading operations. e) Protective goggles and clothing to workers engaged in stone breaking activities. f) Nettings below and on the sides of overhead construction and excavation work to prevent mishaps due to accidental fall of workmen and debris. Page 109 of 118 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework S. Environmental Management Measures No. Issue/Aspect g) ‘No smoking’ and other ‘high risk’ areas are to be provided with warning signage besides strict enforcement of PPE with zero tolerance limits. All power transmission lines whether claded or sufficiently covered are potential hazards at construction sites. The Contractor shall take all required precautions to prevent danger from electrical cables, wires and equipment and ensure that – a) No material will be stacked or placed below/near power transmission lines, wires and equipment, which can be a potential danger to any road user, workman or public. b) All such electrical installations and wirings shall be barricaded in manner that ensures safety of the road users, workers, operating vehicles/equipment (such as cranes, excavators, loaders, fabricating units) and wildlife. Risk from c) Necessary fencing, illumination and proper insulation of 14.4 Electrical the electrical lines shall be ensured by the contractor Equipment(s) for safety and security of the general public, road users, workers and the wildlife. d) The contractor shall ensure proper maintenance of electrical supply lines/points. e) All such electrical operating units shall be switched off before operations are closed every day or night as the case may be. f) All electrical equipment/cables/wires to be used in the construction shall have to conform to the relevant BIS specifications/codes. g) The contractor will ensure that such equipment/cables/wires are free from patent defect, and maintained in good working order (as per the owner manual supplied by the manufacturer) through regular supervision, monitoring, maintenance and repair/ replacement from time to time. The Contractor shall arrange for -  A readily available life saving first aid kits including an adequate supply of sterilized dressing materials and 14.5 First Aid appliances as per the Factories Rules in every work zone.  Availability of suitable transport at all times to take injured or sick person(s) to the nearest hospital. Page 110 of 118 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework S. Environmental Management Measures No. Issue/Aspect  Equipment and trained nursing /paramedical staff at construction camps.  Periodic health checks for workers. The Contractor shall take all reasonable precautions to prevent danger of destruction to life and property of the public as well as the workers on account of flood, fire, explosion, accidents involving vehicles carrying hazardous materials etc. in an around work sites, camps, maintenance units, borrow areas, quarries, haul roads and in any other place associated with the project activity. The Contractor will make the required arrangements so that in case of any mishap all necessary steps can be taken for prompt on-the-spot first aid treatment. Arrangements shall be made for quick rescue operation including shifting of the injured to the nearest hospital Risk Force Fire extinguishers/fire-fighting equipment and salvaging 14.6 Majeure equipment for the recovery of hazardous chemicals on account of accidents or spillage are to be kept ready at camping sites or major construction sites to attend to such eventualities. A Construction Safety Plan to be prepared by the Contractor during the Mobilization phase shall identify all necessary actions in the event of an emergency. The actions shall include description of stand-by arrangements, rescue of workers/people and salvage of hazardous chemicals/ materials in case of such eventualities. This plan shall be prepared in accordance with the standard practice adopted under labour welfare activities and Factories Act and will be approved by the Engineer. Construction activities that affect the use of side roads and existing accesses to individual properties, whether public or private, shall not be undertaken without providing adequate provision/s approved by the Engineer. E.15 Accessibility The Contractor will provide safe and convenient passage for vehicles, pedestrians and livestock to and from road sides and property accesses connecting the project road by providing safe temporary arrangements, including a connecting road, as necessary. Disruption to While working across or close to any perennial water E.16 Other Users of bodies, the Contractor shall not obstruct/prevent the flow Water of water. Page 111 of 118 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework S. Environmental Management Measures No. Issue/Aspect Construction over and close to the non-perennial streams shall be undertaken in dry season and if such activity is likely to disrupt, constrain or impact the community use of the water body, adequate prior information (at least two weeks in advance) will be provided to such a community. Such water body may be ponds, water harvesting structures (WHS), feeder channels to pond, irrigation sources etc. If the supply of water or access to a source is being completely cut off, then the Contractor shall make necessary arrangements to provide water in the interim period. Water quality test shall be done prior to providing / supplying the water. The Contractor preferably will use labour drawn from local Labour areas to provide maximum benefit to the local community E.17 Requirements especially to the vulnerable individuals/groups living in the project area. E.18 Pollution Management The Contractor will take every precaution to reduce the level of dust (SPM and RSPM) and make arrangements to minimize dust pollution through provision of wind screens/barriers, water sprinkling/mist spray units, and encapsulation of dust source shall be made at the plant sites. Specifications of crushers, hot mix plants and batching plants shall comply with the requirements of the relevant legislations and as laid out in the ‘Consents’ issued by the OSPCB. The Contractor will provide necessary certificates 18.1 Dust Pollution to confirm that all crushers used for the works under the Contract conform to relevant dust emission control legislation. Even if the Contractor chooses to use an existing crusher (already operating in the area), basic minimum standards stipulated under the Pollution Control Legislation will have to be met and dust control devices need to be installed and operated. Copies of the required certificates and ‘consents’ of such a plant shall be procured by the Contractor and submitted to Engineer prior to the procurement of material from a unit of this nature. Siltation of Water Release of wastes (non-toxic and toxic) by the Contractor 18.2 Bodies and into water bodies and drainage systems that may Degradation of adversely impact the aquatic life both locally and in the Page 112 of 118 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework S. Environmental Management Measures No. Issue/Aspect Water Quality downstream stretches shall be viewed as serious non- compliance of EMP since these may affect the eco-flow, aquatic life and livelihoods of people dependent on such resources. The Contractor will ensure that construction and excavated materials containing fine particles are stored in an enclosure, particularly during the rainy season, such that sediment-laden water does not drain into nearby water bodies.. The Contractor shall take all precautionary measures to prevent the wastewater generated during construction from entering into streams, water bodies or the irrigation system by providing proper septic tanks and soak pits. Spills, dust fines, waste oil, wastes and debris shall be cleared and disposed off as per the guidelines provided in the EMP under the supervision of the Engineer. The Contractor will avoid continuation of construction activity close to the streams or water bodies during monsoon. Stream courses and drains will be kept free from dumping of solid wastes, excavated earth, sludge and discharge of waste water from construction camps and sites. Liquid wastes arising from construction sites are to be impounded into proper collection pits. Garage, service stations, refueling stations and equipment maintenance yards shall be so located at least 100 mts. away from kitchen, mess and drinking water facilities within the camp site. The Contractor shall ensure that all vehicles, machinery and equipment are operated (including re-fuelling) and maintained in such a fashion that any spillage (while Water Pollution working or accidental) of fuel and lubricants does not from Fuel, contaminate the land and water resources. There shall be 18.3 Lubricants and lined drains and service ramps with oil and grease Chemicals traps/oil interceptors in such areas to prevent liquid wastes from entering into soil, any aquifer, local water source, bore well, pond and other water bodies. Storage of drums (both filled and empty) and refueling shall be done on concrete platforms (impervious surface). Additionally, roofing (of any type other than asbestos) shall be provided to prevent contamination of land and water due to run-off from such sites during rains. Oil interceptors are also to be provided at vehicle parking Page 113 of 118 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework S. Environmental Management Measures No. Issue/Aspect areas. The contractor will arrange for collection, storage, reuse/disposal of spent oil, lubricants, grease, sludge, slurry, bitumen, chemicals and paints or other such material. Covered bins/drums (marked specifically regarding the contents) shall be kept separately at maintenance and refueling areas. Disposal shall be at pre-identified sites (as listed in the Waste Management Plan) as approved by the Engineer. All spills and collected petroleum products will be disposed off in accordance with the prevailing MoEF and SPCB guidelines issued for such purpose. The Engineer will certify that all arrangements comply with the guidelines of SPCB/ MoEF. The Contractor shall ensure the following: a) All plants and equipment used in construction (including those of sub-Contractors and/or suppliers such as aggregate crushing plants) shall strictly conform to the MoEF/CPCB noise standards and shall have latest noise suppression mountings. b) All vehicles and equipment used in construction will be fitted with exhaust silencers. c) Servicing of all construction vehicles and machinery will be done regularly and during routine servicing operations, the effectiveness of exhaust silencers will be checked and if found defective, these shall be replaced. d) Maintenance of equipment, machinery and vehicles 18.4 Noise Pollution (including proper lubrication, tuning, checks for muffler effectiveness) shall be regular and up to the satisfaction of the Engineer to keep noise levels under control. e) Construction activity at sites within 100m habitations and hospitals shall not be carried out during night (10:00 pm to 06:00 am). f) Construction activity at sites within 500m from wildlife movement zones, reserved and protected forest areas shall not be carried out between 06:00 pm to 06:00 am. g) Blasting operations, if any shall be carried out with full safety precautions and in compliance with measures as specified in the legal provisions. Monitoring shall be carried out by the Contractor in presence of the Engineer at the construction sites as per Page 114 of 118 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework S. Environmental Management Measures No. Issue/Aspect the Noise Monitoring Plan provided in this EMP and results shall be shared with the Engineer. The contractor will also ensure that no material (such as earth, stone, or other construction material or wastes) blocks the natural flow of water in any water course or cross drainage channel. All cross drainage and structure construction sites shall be cleared/cleaned-up prior to the rainy season. Also, prior to the monsoon season, the Drainage and E.19 Contractor will provide either permanent or temporary Flood Control drains to prevent water accumulation in residential, commercial and agricultural areas adjoining the under- construction zones of the road. Besides this, drainage shall be cleared to avoid accumulation of water within the construction sites, camp and plant sites and storage yard well in advance of the rainy season. The Contractor will provide slope protection works as per design, or as directed by the Engineer to control soil erosion and sedimentation through use of dykes, sedimentation chambers, basins, fiber mats, mulches, grasses, slope drains and other devices as required under specific local conditions. All temporary sedimentation, pollution control works and maintenance thereof will be deemed as incidental to the earth work or other items of work and as such no separate payment will be made for them. The Contractor shall ensure the following: Slope Protection a) After construction of road embankment, the side slopes of all cut and fill areas will be graded and covered with E.20 and Control of stone pitching, grass and shrub, as per design Soil Erosion specifications. b) Turfing works will be taken up as soon as possible provided the season is favorable for the establishment of grass sods. c) Other measures of slope stabilization may include mulching/netting with sowing of grass seeds and sprinkling of water on such slopes after the completion of the earth work. d) Along sections abutting water bodies, stone pitching, as laid out in the design, will be provided to protect slopes. Page 115 of 118 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework S. Environmental Management Measures No. Issue/Aspect E.21 Waste Management The Contractor will ensure that any spoils/materials unsuitable for embankment fill are not be disposed off Waste near any water course; water body; agricultural land; Management – natural habitats like grass lands, wet lands, flood plains, 21.1 Planning and forests and pastures. All proposed disposal sites for waste Identification of material shall be identified by the Contractor and a Disposal Sites Rehabilitation Plan (including details about pollution prevention and safety measures) for each such site shall be submitted to the Engineer for approval. Debris generated due to the dismantling of the existing road will be suitably re-used in the proposed construction as follows:  The dismantled scraps of bitumen will be disposed off through utilization for the paving of cross roads, access roads and paving works in construction sites and campus, temporary traffic diversions, haulage routes, parking areas along the corridor or in any other manner approved by the Engineer.  At locations identified for disposal of residual bituminous wastes, the disposal will be carried out over a 60 mm thick layer of rammed clay so as to eliminate the possibility of leaching of wastes into the ground water. Re-use and Disposal of Debris Generated from 21.2  The Contractor will suitably dispose off unutilized non- Dismantling of toxic debris either through filling up of borrows areas Structures and located in wasteland or at pre-designated disposal sites, Road Surface subject to the approval of the Engineer.  Debris generated from pile driving or other construction activities along the rivers and streams drainage channels shall be carefully disposed in such a manner that it does not flow into the water body.  Non-bituminous wastes may be dumped in borrow pits (preferably located in barren lands) where such borrow pits are not suitable to develop as a economic source like pisci-culture or a source of irrigation. Such borrow pits can be filled up with non-bitumen wastes and then covered with a minimum 30cm layer of the soil, where plantation of trees and shrubs can be taken-up. The Contractor at his own cost shall resolve any claim, Page 116 of 118 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework S. Environmental Management Measures No. Issue/Aspect arising out of waste disposal or any non-compliance that may arise on account of lack of action on his part. The Contractor will provide garbage bins in the construction camp/s and ensure that these are regularly emptied and disposed off in a hygienic manner. No incineration or burning of wastes shall be carried out by the Contractor. The disposal of kitchen waste and other Waste Disposal biodegradable matter shall be carried out in pits covered from Construction with a layer of earth within the camp site. 21.3 Camp/s and Plant Site/s Discarded plastic bags, paper and paper products, bottles, packaging material, gunny bags, hessian, metal containers, strips and scraps of metal, PVC pipes, rubber and poly urethane foam, auto mobile spares, tubes, tyres, belts, filters, waste oil, drums and other such materials shall be either reused or will be sold/given out for recycling. All fossils, coins, articles of value of antiquity, structures and Chance Found other remains or things of geological or archaeological E.22 Archaeological interest discovered on the site shall be the property of the Property Government and shall be dealt with as per provisions of the relevant legislation. The Contractor shall clear all temporary structures and dispose all garbage, night soils and POL waste as per the approved Waste Management Plan. All construction zones including river-beds, drainage channels, culverts, road-side areas, camps, hot mix plant sites, crushers, batching plant sites and any other area used/affected by the project will be rehabilitated as per the approved plans. The Engineer shall ensure that all clean-up and restoration operations are completed satisfactorily and written approval is given to the contractor before the ‘works completion certificate’ Demobilization is issued/recommended to the Client. E.23 and Decommissioning All clean-up and restoration operations, including road- side and structure construction site clean-up; borrow area rehabilitation; provision of drainage and slope protection measures and; restoration of top-soil shall be completed. All disposal pits or trenches will be filled in disinfected and effectively sealed off. Residual topsoil, if any will be distributed or spread evenly at plantation sites, on adjoining/near-by barren land or affected agricultural land adjacent to the RoW. Page 117 of 118 Rajasthan Rural Connectivity Project Environment Management Framework S. Environmental Management Measures No. Issue/Aspect The Engineer shall ensure through site inspection that the Contractor and Engineer have complied with all these provisions prior to ‘taking - over’ the milestone stretch in question. Page 118 of 118