National Highway Authority Pre–Feasibility Study and Feasibility Study of Shounter (Neelum Valley AJ&K) – Rattu (Astor Valley G&B) Road Tunnel Environmental Impact Assessment Report April 2017 Dohwa Engineering Co., Ltd. Republic of Korea in association with Prime Engineering & Testing Consultants (Pvt) Ltd. Pakistan Environmental Impact Assessment Report TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................................ 1 REVIEW OF IEE & EIA REGULATIONS, AZAD JAMMU & KASHMIR .............................................. 2 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY ....................................................................................................... 2 PROJECT LOCATION ...................................................................................................................... 3 PROPOSED PROJECT ACTIVITIES.................................................................................................... 3 PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE STUDY ............................................................................................. 3 THE SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES OF THIS EIA ARE TO: ............................................................................ 4 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES ............................................................................................................... 4 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMICAL BASELINE STUDIES ................................................. 4 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT SEISMICITY .......................................................................... 5 WATER RESOURCES ...................................................................................................................... 5 CLIMATE ....................................................................................................................................... 5 FLORAL ATTRIBUTES OF THE PROJECT AREA ................................................................................ 5 FAUNAL ATTRIBUTES OF THE PROJECT AREA ............................................................................... 6 REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS .......................................................................................................... 6 INSECTS, BUTTERFLIES AND VECTORS .......................................................................................... 6 BIRDS AND FOWL (AVIFAUNA) COMMUNITIES .............................................................................. 6 AQUATIC ECOLOGY ...................................................................................................................... 6 SOCIOECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT .................................................................................................. 7 POPULATION ................................................................................................................................. 7 ECONOMY ..................................................................................................................................... 7 LIVESTOCK.................................................................................................................................... 7 POTENTIAL PROJECT IMPACT AND MITIGATION ............................................................................ 7 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP) .......................................................................... 11 CHAPTER-1 INTRODUCTION: .................................................................................................. 12 1.1 PROJECT TITLE AND PROJECT PROPONENTS .......................................................................... 12 1.1.1 Project Title ................................................................................................................... 12 1.1.2 Project Proponent .......................................................................................................... 12 1.2 EIA CONSULTANTS ............................................................................................................... 12 1.3 THE AJK ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 2000 ............................................................ 13 1.4 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROCESS ................................................................ 13 1.4.1 Overview of EIA ........................................................................................................... 13 1.4.2 Objective of EIA ........................................................................................................... 13 1.4.3 Scope of EIA ................................................................................................................. 13 Pre-Feasibility Study and Feasibility Study of Shounter - Rattu Road Tunnel i Environmental Impact Assessment Report 1.4.4 Spatial Scope ................................................................................................................. 14 1.5 EIA METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................................. 14 1.5.1 Defining Project Scope: ................................................................................................ 14 1.5.2 Data Collection: ............................................................................................................ 14 1.5.3 Baseline Data Collation: ............................................................................................... 14 1.5.4 Stakeholder Consultation .............................................................................................. 15 1.5.5 Evaluation of Alternatives ............................................................................................ 15 1.5.6 Impact Assessment and Mitigation ............................................................................... 15 1.6 ORGANIZATION OF THE REPORT ............................................................................................ 17 1.7 CONTACT DETAILS ................................................................................................................ 17 CHAPTER 2 LEGAL FRAMEWORK ......................................................................................... 18 2.1 CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISION ................................................................................................ 18 2.2 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY, 2005 .......................................................................... 18 2.2.1. National Conservation Strategy ................................................................................... 19 2.3 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION .......................................................................... 19 2.3.1. Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997 .............................................................. 19 2.3.2. Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency Review of IEE and EIA Regulations, 2000 .................................................................................................. 20 2.3.3. Review of IEE & EIA Regulations, Azad Jammu & Kashmir .................................... 20 2.3.4. The National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) ............................................ 20 2.3.5. Land Acquisition Act, 1894 ......................................................................................... 22 2.3.6. Canal and Drainage Act, 1873 ..................................................................................... 22 2.3.7. The Forest Act 1927 ..................................................................................................... 22 2.3.8. Cutting of Trees (Prohibition) Act, 1975 ..................................................................... 22 2.3.9. Antiquities Act 1975 .................................................................................................... 22 2.3.10. Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 ......................................................................................... 23 2.3.11. Highways Safety Ordinance, 2000 ............................................................................. 23 2.3.12. Motor Vehicle Rules, 1969 ........................................................................................ 23 2.4 FRAMEWORK OF ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE INSTITUTION IN PAKISTAN AND AZAD JAMMU AND KASHMIR ................................................................................................ 23 2.5 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL GUIDELINES ............................................................................ 24 2.5.1 The Pakistan Environmental Assessment Procedures, 1997 ........................................ 24 2.6 INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS & TREATIES ........................................................................ 24 2.6.1 Convention on Biological Diversity ............................................................................. 24 2.6.2 The Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, 1979 ......... 25 2.6.3 The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, Ramsar 1971 ................... 25 2.6.4 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) ......................................................................................................................... 25 Pre-Feasibility Study and Feasibility Study of Shounter - Rattu Road Tunnel ii Environmental Impact Assessment Report 2.6.5 International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List ......................................................................................................................... 26 2.7 INTERNATIONAL GUIDELINES ................................................................................................ 26 2.7.1 World Bank Guidelines on Environment ...................................................................... 26 2.8 INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION ORGANIZATIONS.. 27 2.8.1 International and National NGOs ................................................................................. 27 2.9 PROJECT ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK .............................................................................. 27 2.9.1 Environmental Protection Agencies, EPA Azad Jammu and Kashmir ........................ 27 2.9.2 Forest Departments of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K) ......................................... 28 2.9.3 Wildlife Department of Azad Jammu and Kashmir & Gilgit and Baltistan (G&B) ..... 28 CHAPTER 3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ..................................................................................... 29 3.1 NEED ASSESSMENT OF THE PROJECT: .................................................................................... 29 3.2 PROJECT LOCATION............................................................................................................... 29 3.3 PROJECT OBJECTIVE: ............................................................................................................. 29 3.4 PROJECT ADMINISTRATIVE JURISDICTION ............................................................................. 30 3.5 PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION AND COST.................................................................................. 30 3.6 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS ................................................................................................. 30 3.6.1 Borrow Soil for Embankment ....................................................................................... 30 3.6.2 Borrow Material for Sub Base ...................................................................................... 30 3.6.3 Crushed Aggregate ........................................................................................................ 31 3.6.4 Fine Aggregate (sand) ................................................................................................... 31 3.6.5 Sub-grade Material ........................................................................................................ 31 3.6.6 Water ............................................................................................................................. 31 3.7 CONSTRUCTION CAMPS AND FACILITIES ............................................................................... 31 3.7.1 Source of Power ............................................................................................................ 31 3.7.2 Manpower Requirements .............................................................................................. 32 3.8 CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT ..................................................................... 33 3.9 TUNNEL DESIGN .................................................................................................................... 33 CHAPTER 4 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES ................................................................................ 35 4.1 ALTERNATIVE-I NO DEVELOPMENT OPTION ....................................................................... 35 4.2 ALTERNATIVE-II OTHER TRANSPORT MODES ..................................................................... 35 4.3 ALTERNATIVE-III CONSTRUCTION OF HIGHWAY ................................................................. 35 4.4 COMPARISON ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES ......................................................................... 36 CHAPTER 5 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC BASELINES ...................... 38 5.1 TOPOGRAPHY ........................................................................................................................ 38 5.2 BASELINE FOR SEISMICITY .................................................................................................... 38 Pre-Feasibility Study and Feasibility Study of Shounter - Rattu Road Tunnel iii Environmental Impact Assessment Report 5.3 BASELINE FOR WATER RESOURCES ....................................................................................... 39 5.3.1 Surface Water ................................................................................................................ 39 5.3.2 Groundwater Aquifer .................................................................................................... 39 5.3.3 Water Balance ............................................................................................................... 40 5.4 BASELINE FOR CLIMATE ........................................................................................................ 42 5.4.1 Precipitation: ................................................................................................................. 42 5.4.2 Mean Annual Precipitation at Muzaffarabad and Neelum AJ&K. ............................... 42 5.5 CLIMATE PATTERNS AND CLIMATIC DIVISIONS .................................................................... 43 5.5.1 Soil Quality ................................................................................................................... 44 5.6 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT ................................................................................................. 44 5.6.1 Agriculture & Forestry .................................................................................................. 44 5.6.2 Flora: ............................................................................................................................. 44 5.6.3 Fauna ............................................................................................................................. 45 5.6.3.1 Mammals .................................................................................................................... 45 5.6.3.2 Reptiles and Amphibians: .......................................................................................... 45 5.6.3.3 Insects, Butterflies and Vectors ................................................................................. 45 5.6.3.4 Birds and Fowl (Avifauna) Communities .................................................................. 46 5.6.3.4 Aquatic Ecology ......................................................................................................... 46 5.7 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT ......................................................................................... 46 5.7.1 The Population .............................................................................................................. 46 5.7.2 Economy ....................................................................................................................... 46 5.7.3 Livestock: ...................................................................................................................... 47 5.7.4.1 Roads .......................................................................................................................... 47 5.7.4.2 Airports ...................................................................................................................... 47 5.7.4.3 Power ......................................................................................................................... 47 5.7.4.4 Piped Water Supply ................................................................................................... 48 5.7.5 Social Infrastructure ..................................................................................................... 48 5.7.5.1 Health Facilities: ........................................................................................................ 48 5.7.5.2 Education ................................................................................................................... 50 5.7.5.3 Investment Opportunities in Azad Kashmir ............................................................... 51 5.7.5.4 Industrial Investment .................................................................................................. 51 5.7.5.5 Development of Cottage Industry and Kashmiri Handicrafts. ................................... 51 5.7.5.6 Hydro Power Generation ........................................................................................... 51 5.8 RESOURCE REQUIREMENT AND SOURCES OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ............................. 51 5.8.1 Site Evaluation: Resource Requirements and Impact Sources ..................................... 51 5.8.2 Construction: Resource Requirements and Impact Sources ......................................... 52 5.9 CONSULTATION PROCESS ..................................................................................................... 53 5.10 IMPACT PREDICTION, EVALUATION AND MITIGATION MEASURES ...................................... 53 5.10.1 Identification of Potential Impacts .............................................................................. 54 Pre-Feasibility Study and Feasibility Study of Shounter - Rattu Road Tunnel iv Environmental Impact Assessment Report 5.10.2 Impact Classification ................................................................................................... 54 5.10.3 Impact Scoping Criteria .............................................................................................. 55 5.10.4 Impact Assessment Methodology ............................................................................... 55 5.10.5 Impacts Associated with Construction Activities ....................................................... 57 CHAPTER 6 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS ................................................................. 59 6.1 Stakeholders Consulted .................................................................................................... 59 6.1.2 Primary Stakeholder ...................................................................................................... 59 6.1.3 Secondary Stakeholders Consultation ........................................................................... 59 CHAPTER 7 DISCUSSION ON KEY ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS, MITIGATION MEASURES AND RESIDUAL IMPACTS........................................................... 61 7.1 PROTECTED AREAS ............................................................................................................... 61 7.2 GEOMORPHOLOGY AND SOILS: .............................................................................................. 61 7.2.1 POTENTIAL IMPACTS .......................................................................................................... 61 7.2.2 ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS ................................................................................ 61 7.2.3 Residual Impact ............................................................................................................. 62 7.2.4 Mitigation Measures ..................................................................................................... 62 7.3 WATER RESOURCES .............................................................................................................. 62 7.3.1 Potential Impacts ........................................................................................................... 62 7.3.2 Assessment of Potential Impacts ................................................................................... 63 7.3.3 Mitigation Measures ..................................................................................................... 63 7.3.4 Residual Impact ............................................................................................................. 63 7.4 AMBIENT AIR QUALITY......................................................................................................... 63 7.4.1 Potential Impacts ........................................................................................................... 63 7.4.2 Assessment of Potential Impacts ................................................................................... 63 7.4.2.1 Dust Emissions: .......................................................................................................... 64 7.4.2.2 Vehicle and Equipment Exhaust Emissions: ............................................................. 64 7.4.3 Mitigation Measures ..................................................................................................... 64 7.4.4 Residual Impact ............................................................................................................. 64 7.5 GHG EMISSIONS ................................................................................................................... 64 7.5.1 Ozone Depletion ........................................................................................................... 64 7.6 NOISE POLLUTION ................................................................................................................. 65 7.6.1 Potential Impacts ........................................................................................................... 65 7.6.2 Assessment of Potential Impacts ................................................................................... 65 7.6.3 Mitigation Measures ..................................................................................................... 65 7.6.4 Residual Impact ............................................................................................................. 66 7.7 WASTE DISCHARGES ............................................................................................................. 66 7.7.1 Potential Impacts ........................................................................................................... 66 7.7.2 Assessment of Potential Impacts ................................................................................... 66 Pre-Feasibility Study and Feasibility Study of Shounter - Rattu Road Tunnel v Environmental Impact Assessment Report 7.7.2.1 Domestic Wastes: ....................................................................................................... 67 7.7.2.2 Oil Stains and Spills: .................................................................................................. 67 7.7.3 Mitigation Measures ..................................................................................................... 67 7.7.4 Residual Impact ............................................................................................................. 68 7.8 TRAFFIC ................................................................................................................................ 68 7.8.1 Potential Impacts ........................................................................................................... 68 7.8.2 Assessment of Potential Impacts ................................................................................... 68 7.8.2.1 Mitigation Measures .................................................................................................. 68 7.8.2.2 Residual Impacts ........................................................................................................ 68 7.8.3 Wildlife and Habitat ...................................................................................................... 68 7.8.3.1. Potential Impacts ....................................................................................................... 68 7.8.3.2 Assessment of Potential Impacts ................................................................................ 69 7.8.3.3 Residual Impact .......................................................................................................... 69 7.8.3.4. Mitigation Measures ................................................................................................. 69 7.8.4 Natural vegetation ......................................................................................................... 70 7.8.4.1 Potential Impacts ........................................................................................................ 70 7.8.4.2 Assessment of Potential Impacts ................................................................................ 70 7.8.4.3 Mitigation Measures .................................................................................................. 71 7.8.4.4 Residual Impact .......................................................................................................... 71 7.8.5 Socio-economic Impact ................................................................................................. 71 7.8.5.1 Potential Impacts ........................................................................................................ 71 7.8.5.2 Assessment of Potential Impacts ................................................................................ 71 7.8.5.3 Mitigation Measures .................................................................................................. 72 7.8.6 Impacts Associated with Operation Activities .............................................................. 73 7.8.6.1 Land Acquisition ........................................................................................................ 73 7.8.7 Environmental and Social Benefits ............................................................................... 73 7.8.7.1 Changes in Land Value .............................................................................................. 73 7.8.7.2 Employment ............................................................................................................... 73 7.8.7.3 Plantation Plan ........................................................................................................... 73 7.8.7.4 Landscape ................................................................................................................... 74 7.8.7.5 Community Development .......................................................................................... 74 CHAPTER 8 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN..................................................... 75 8.1 PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE EMP ............................................................................... 75 8.2 COMPONENTS OF THE EMP ................................................................................................... 75 8.3 LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES ............................................................................................ 76 8.4 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND RESPONSIBILITIES ........................................................ 76 8.5 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES .............................................................................................. 76 8.5.1 Planning and Design of the Operation .......................................................................... 76 Pre-Feasibility Study and Feasibility Study of Shounter - Rattu Road Tunnel vi Environmental Impact Assessment Report 8.6 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING PLAN .................................................. 77 8.6.1 Solid Waste Disposal .................................................................................................... 91 8.6.2 Liquid Waste Treatment ................................................................................................ 92 8.7 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND REPORTING ................................................................. 93 8.7.1 Compliance Monitoring ................................................................................................ 93 8.7.2 Effects Monitoring ........................................................................................................ 93 8.8 COMMUNICATION AND DOCUMENTATION ............................................................................ 94 8.8.1 Meetings and Reports .................................................................................................... 94 8.8.2 Social Complaints Register ........................................................................................... 95 8.8.3 Change Record Register ................................................................................................ 95 8.8.4 Photographic Record ..................................................................................................... 95 8.8.5 Audit Reports ................................................................................................................ 95 8.9 ENVIRONMENTAL TRAINING ................................................................................................. 95 8.9.1 Objectives of the Training Programme ......................................................................... 95 8.9.2 Roles and Responsibilities ............................................................................................ 95 8.9.3 Training log ................................................................................................................... 95 8.9.4 Training Needs Assessment .......................................................................................... 96 8.9.5 Change Management Plan ............................................................................................ 96 8.9.6 Changes to the EMP ...................................................................................................... 96 CHAPTER – 9 CONCLUSION ...................................................................................................... 97 REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................. 98 APPENDICES APPENDIX 1 PROJECT TEAM APPENDIX 2 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING RESULTS APPENDIX 3 PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS APPENDIX 4 PHOTOGRAPHS APPENDIX 5 TUNNEL DESIGN Pre-Feasibility Study and Feasibility Study of Shounter - Rattu Road Tunnel vii Environmental Impact Assessment Report Executive Summary The project proponent agency, National Highway Authority (NHA), aimed to Construct Shounter to Rattu (12.68km long) road tunnel. Village Shounter is boundary between Neelum Valley, AJ&K and Rattu, District Astore, Gilgit-Baltistan. The link road starts from Kel and ends at Shounter top. It will traverse adjacent to town of Kel, Lower Domail, Dhakki Nakka, Khora, Chitta katha, Upper Domail, and Chattian, west portal of Shounter. Approximate length of this road is about 26 km. The Route via Shounter, Neelum Valley to Gilgit-Baltistan is very important socially, economically and geographically. Shounter-Rattu road tunnel saves the five hours’ travelling of Gilgit-Baltistan residents to approach the Islamabad, capital of Pakistan. During field visits the peoples of both sides, Neelum Valley (AJ&K) and Astore Valley (G&B), said this was the main route which was used by the traders from Gilgit to Islamabad in the past. Later on, it was disconnected having no communication between the two territories. This route was the shortest way peoples used by the mules and donkeys to transport the goods in the past. It is desired by people of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir to add this project in China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The growth cannot be sustained without commitment of making efforts not only to expand the present facilities but also to modernize and keep with the growing needs of the economy. The National Highway Authority (NHA) under the Federal Ministry of Communications is responsible for the 7,000 km long National Highway Network, which carries 75% to 80% of the total commercial traffic. Provincial highway departments are responsible for about 80,000 km of provincial road networks. The remaining network comprises of municipal and district roads. The NHA is focusing on new and the advanced road facilities in Pakistan to connect the southern and northern areas. This EIA report has been prepared to conform to the requirements of the Environmental Impact Assessment or Initial Environmental Examination (EIA & IEE), which is a Legal Requirement of any project as per Azad Jammu & Kashmir Environmental Protection Act, 2000 (herein referred as ‘Act’) promulgated in 2000. This Act is to provide for the protection, conservation, rehabilitation and improvement of environment, control of pollution and promotion of ‘sustainable development” in the AJ&K (herein referred to as a State). To ensure that every developmental activity is environmentally and socio-economically sustainable in the State, the Section 11 of the Act enunciates that; “No proponent of a project shall commence construction or operation unless he has filed with the Agency, an Initial Environmental Examination or where the project is likely to cause an adverse environmental effect, an environmental impact assessment, which have obtained from the Federal Agency approval in respect thereof” In pursuance to above-mentioned Section of the Act, the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (herein referred as ‘Pak-EPA’) issued an Umbrella Procedure, applicable to all provinces, for the purpose of carrying out Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) or Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Though the said guidelines seem to mainly focus on carrying out Environmental Impact Assessment, environmental examination study for any project should also be best done in the light of these guidelines. The said procedure consists of a set of the following five guidelines. • Policy and Procedures for filing, review and approval of environmental assessments. Pre-Feasibility Study and Feasibility Study of Shounter - Rattu Road Tunnel 1