Surface Water Treatment Plant Project

Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

Draft Report

Submitted by

Bureau of Research, Testing and Consultation (BRTC)

Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET)

August 2015
 Table of Contents

Executive Summary E-1

1 Introduction 1-1
1.1 Background 1-1
1.2 Objectives of the ESIA 1-3
1.3 Methodology 1-4
1.4 The Structure of the ESIA Report 1-5
2 Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework 2-1
2.1 National Environmental Policies, Laws and Regulations 2-1
2.2 National Social Policies, Laws and Regulations 2-9
2.3 Institutional Arrangements At National And Sub-National Levels 2-10
2.4 National Policies And Laws Related To Power Generation 2-11
2.5 Implications of National Policies on The Proposed Project 2-12
3 Project Description 3-1
3.1 Introduction 3-1
3.2 Water Source 3-1
3.3 Raw Water Intake 3-2
3.4 Water Treatment Plant 3-6
3.5 Treated Water Transmission Main 3-10
3.6 The Booster Pump Station 3-10
3.7 Water Distribution Network 3-12
3.8 Project Activities during Construction Phase 3-14
3.9 Project Activities during Operation Phase 3-15
4 Physico-chemical Environment 4-1
4.1 Introduction 4-1
4.2 Physical Features of the study area 4-1
4.2.1 Physical features of the project area 4-1
4.2.2 Land Acquisition 4-11
4.2.3 Places of Archaeological Interest 4-11
4.2.4 Water Supply 4-12
4.2.5 Sanitation System 4-14
4.2.6 Drainage System in Rajshahi 4-14
4.2.7 Municipal Solid Waste Management 4-14
4.2.8 Transport System 4-15
4.3 Physico-chemical Environment 4-15
4.3.1 Climate 4-15
4.3.2 Geology and Seismicity 4-18
4.3.3 Flood-prone areas 4-20
4.3.4 Soil Quality 4-21
4.3.5 Water Quality 4-22
4.3.6 Ambient Noise level 4-31
4.3.7 Air Quality 4-32
4.3.8 Water Resources 4-34
5 Ecological Environment 5-1
5.1 Introduction 5-1
 5.2 Approach and Methodology 5-1
5.3 Ecological Perspective of the Study Areas 5-2
5.4 Ecological Aspects 5-5
5.4.1 Floral Diversity 5-5
5.4.2 Faunal Diversity 5-11
5.5 Threatened Flora and Fauna 5-18
5.6 Ecologically Important Areas 5-19
6 Socio-economic Environment 6-1
6.1 Introduction 6-1
6.2 Approach and Methodology 6-1
6.3 Socio-Economic Perspective of the Study Area 6-2
6.4 Social Aspects 6-4
6.4.1 Socio-economic background 6-4
6.4.2 Access to basic services 6-5
6.4.3 Education, religious and social establishments 6-7
6.4.4 Economic condition 6-9
7 Public Consultation 7-
7.1 Introduction 7-2
7.2 Methodology 7-2
7.3 Findings of FGDs and Meetings 7-3
7.4 Key Informant Interviews 7-5
8 Impact Evaluation 8-1
8.1 Introduction 8-1
8.2 Environmental Impacts during Construction Phase 8-1
8.2.1 Ecological Impacts 8-2
8.2.2 Evaluation of Ecological Impacts 8-4
8.2.3 Risk Assessment 8-4
8.2.4 Physico-chemical impacts 8-6
8.3 Environmental Impacts during Operation Phase 8-7
8.4 Socio-economic Impacts 8-8
8.4.1 Evaluation of Socio-economic Impacts 8-10
8.4.2 Risk Assessment 8-10
9 Analysis of Alternatives 9-1
9.1 Introduction 9-1
9.2 Alternative Intake Location 9-1
9.2.1 Options for Intake Locations 9-1
9.2.2 Morphological Study of the Ganges- Mohananda System 9-3
9.2.3 Comparison among Different Intake Options 9-6
9.2.4 Comparison among Different Intake Options 9-7
9.2.5 Options to Address Uncertainty and Risk 9-8
9.3 Selection of Type of Intake Structure 9-8
9.3.1 Simple Submerged Intake 9-8
9.3.2 Intake Tower 9-9
9.3.3 River Bank Intake 9-11
9.3.4 Comparison among Different Intake Structures 9-11
9.3.5 Preferred Intake Structures 9-12
9.4 Selection Of SWTP Location 9-12
9.4.1 General Considerations for Location of SWTP 9-12
 9.4.2 Options for SWTP Locations 9-12
9.4.3 Comparison among Different options for SWTP location 9-13
9.4.4 Preferred Location for SWTP 9-14
9.5 Selection of alignment of water transmission main 9-14
9.5.1 Options for Alignment of Transmission Main 9-14
9.5.2 Preferred Alignment of Transmission Main 9-14
9.6 Selecting location for booster pump station 9-15
9.7 No Project Scenario 9-15
10 Environmental Management Plan 10-1
10.1 Introduction 10-1
10.2 Mitigation Measures 10-1
10.2.1 Construction Phase 10-1
10.2.2 Operation Phase 10-4
10.3 Environmental Management Plan 10-5
10.3.1 Scope of EMP 10-5
10.3.2 Work Plans and Schedules 10-6
10.4 Environmental Monitoring Plan 10-7
10.4.1 Monitoring during Construction Phase 10-7
10.4.2 Monitoring during Operational Phase 10-8
10.4.3 Cost of Environmental Monitoring 10-10
11 Conclusion and Recommendation 11-1
11.1 Conclusions 11-1
11.2 Recommendations 11-1

References
Annex A: Approved ToR for EIA in favour of Surface Water Treatment Plant of
RWASA
Annex B: List of Participants for the Focus Group Discussions related to EIA study
Annex C: Social Survey Questionnaire
 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

BBS Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics

BIWTA Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority
BOD Biological Oxygen Demand
BMD Bangladesh Meteorological Department
BUET Bangladesh University of Engineering &
Technology
BWDB Bangladesh Water Development Board
COD Chemical Oxygen Demand
DEM Digital Elevation Model
DO Dissolved Oxygen
DoE Department of Environment
ECR Environmental Conservation Rules
EMP Environmental Management Plan
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
FGD Focus Group Discussion
IWM Institute of Water Modeling
LWL Low Water Level
MLD Million Liter Per Day
NTU Nephelometric Turbidity Units
PRV Pressure Reducing Valve
PWD Public Works Department
RCC Rajshahi City Corporation
RDA Rajshahi Development Authority
RHD Roads and Highways Department
RoW Right of Way
RWASA Rajshahi Water Supply And Sewerage Authority
SHWL Static High Water Level
SLWL Static Low Water Level
SWTP Surface Water Treatment Plant
TCLP Toxicity Characteristics Leaching Procedure
WTP Water Treatment Plant
 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
___________________________________________________________________________

Background
Rajshahi city has been expanding and demand for drinking water to the increased population
is on the rise. Currently the city is receiving most of the drinking water from underground
source. The quality of water contains iron level much above the allowable limit. Common
process of iron removal from such a higher level is seen as quite costly. RWASA and its
predecessor DPHE has thought of supplying treated surface water of the Ganges to the city.
One such initiative based on insufficient scientific study was a surface water treatment plant
at Shyampur having a capacity of 27 MLD. This treatment plant failed to operate round the
year due to shifting of deep water channel far away from the bank. RWASA is therefore
considering to carry out a feasibility study to locate suitable intake to withdraw surface water
of the Ganges to meet the water demand of entire city. The tentative new intake location is at
Godagari near the confluence of the Ganges and Mohananda river. The raw water from the
intake will be treated and will pass through a 34-km long water transmission main to the
Rajshahi city. Treated water will be distributed by pipelines to the city inhabitants by
secondary and tertiary connections. A map outlining all these features of the water collection,
treatment and transmission system is shown in Figure E-1.

The proposed Rajshahi WASA surface water treatment plant project will add about 225 MLD
water to the supply system by the year 2020 withdrawing raw water from the Ganges River.

The major activities associated with the implementation of the RWASA WTP project will be:
 Detailed design and construction (Design-Build) of intake and intake pump station,
200 MLD capacity conventional surface water treatment plant (clean water output
excluding water demands at the treatment plant) possibly comprising pre-chlorination,
flocculation, clarifying, filtration, post-chlorination, clear water storage, clear water
pumping etc. The treatment plant must be able to treat raw water to meet WHO
guidelines Bangladesh Standards for Drinking Water Quality.
 Design and construction of facilities such as administration building, laboratory,
control room, workshop, chemical store, generator building and staff residence etc.
 Design and construction of about 26.5 km treated water transmission mains and about
47 km primary & secondary distribution main (1400mm to 400mm) to cover the
command areas.
 Detailed design and construction of a 187 MLD booster pumping station (13 MLD
water will be supplied to Godagari pourashava from proposed SWTP). The pump
station will consists of treated water reservoir, post chlorination, and pumping
facilities along with ancillary structures.
 Detailed design and rehabilitation/expansion of 400 km distribution network within
city corporation area, proposed urban area and Naohata pourashava. The work shall
include service connection and development of flow measuring system at consumer
level.

E-1
The project would require acquisition of 20 ha land covering intake, intake pump station,
SWTP and booster pump station. Provision has been kept for future land requirement to meet
the demand up to 2035. Preliminary cost of the project has estimated to be about 359 Million
USD including 3 years O&M cost.

Figure E-1: Base map showing different components of the RWASA WTP Project

As a part of the feasibility study, a full scale Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the
proposed project has been carried out. As per the Environmental Conservation Rules 1997
(GoB, 1997) of the GoB, the proposed project involving construction of water transmission
line, water treatment plant, and water distribution network, falls under “RED category” which
makes it mandatory to conduct a full-scale EIA study.

Project Activities and Objectives of EIA

The major activities to be carried out during the construction phase include: (i) Acquisition of
required land; (ii) Construction of intake structure, preliminary sedimentation basin, raw
water pumping station, and raw water transmission line; (iii) Construction of water treatment
plant (WTP) including all treatment units and ancillary facilities (e.g., pre-chlorination unit,
clarification units, rapid sand filter units, clear water reservoir, clear water pumping facilities,
sludge treatment facilities, administrative building, workshop building, generator room, guard
room); (iv) Installation of water transmission line on land and (v) Installation of water
transmission lines across water bodies; (vi) Construction and installation of booster pump
station; (vii) Rehabilitation of distribution network in Rajshahi City Corporation area,

E-2
proposed urban area and Noahata pouroshava.The important issues to be addressed during the
operational phase include: (i) Stability of river bank and intake structure; (ii) Availability of
raw water; (iii) Raw water quality; (iv) Treated water quality; (v) Proper operation of
treatment plant and booster pump station; (vi) Public health and RWASA service facilities;
(vii) Sludge treatment and disposal; (viii) Safety of water distribution network; (ix) Disposal
of additional volumes of wastewater that will be generated due to increased water supply in
Rajshahi city after completion of the project; and (x) Navigation in the khals through which
water transmission line has crossed.

The overall objectives of the EIA of the proposed project were to identify potential
significant environmental and social impacts, both positive and negative, during construction
and operational phases of the project, recommend mitigation measures to avoid or reduce
adverse environmental impacts and to enhance positive impacts, and to develop a
comprehensive environmental management plan (EMP), including monitoring requirements,
for both construction and operational phases of the project.

Baseline Environment
An environmental baseline survey has been carried out in areas surrounding the proposed
locations of the proposed intake and WTP as well as along the route of the proposed water
transmission line. The specific objectives of the baseline study were to gather information on
the existing physical environment of the areas within and around the project sites, and to
assess peoples’ perception on different aspects of the proposed project.

Physico-chemical environment
As a part of the baseline survey, a topographic survey was carried out along the route of the
proposed transmission line from the proposed intake and WTP location at Godagari to
Booster pump station at Kashiadanga as well as around the proposed water distribution
network in Rajshahi city area. Locations of various features in the project areas, such as
roads, drainage channels, water bodies, rivers, filling stations, electric poles, human
settlement, and other permanent structures were identified. Relevant data on climate, geology
and soils, air quality, noise level, and water quality (surface water and groundwater) were
collected through field investigation as well as secondary sources.

Ecological environment
Ecological information in and around the WTP project areas have been collected through
field research, consultation with local people, and literature review. The baseline ecological
survey primarily focused on identifying floral and faunal diversity and their distribution and
abundance as well as their biological status in Bangladesh (e.g. threatened flora and fauna).
No protected areas, wildlife sanctuaries, game reserves and ecologically critical areas have
been identified.

Socio-economic environment
Social information in and around the WTP project areas have been collected through field
research, questionnaire survey, formal and informal interviews with local people, and also by

E-3
literature reviews. Efforts were made to identify the socio-economic attributes that may be
impacted due to the proposed project activities by conducting field study, questionnaire
survey, formal and informal interviews.

Environmental Impacts
Environmental impacts of the specific project activities on different ecological, physico-
chemical and human interest related parameters, both during the construction phase and the
operation phase, have been identified and assessed.

Ecological Impacts
Construction activities associated with RWASA WTP are likely to have some adverse impact
on aquatic environment, especially on aquatic flora, fauna, fish and water quality. Table E-1
summarizes the impacts on terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna resulting from different
project activities in the form of a compatibility matrix. It shows that most of the evaluated
impacts are of low and are short-term in nature. No long-term adverse impacts to the floral
species as well as to the populations of the mammals, reptiles, amphibian, birds and fishes are
expected.

Table E-1: Summary of Ecological Risk Assessment Matrix

Ecological Potential Impact Consequence Impact Risk
Aspects (Consequence) severity likelihood rating
ranking rating
Minor impact to flora may occur during the installation of Low Possible Low
treated water transmission and distribution pipelines.
Flora Construction of water treatment plant and booster pump
station may displace or remove few aquatic floral species;
Removal of flora due to soil / trench excavation (for
pipeline installation) may be replaced by plantation
programme; hence no major effects are expected.
Minor impacts (temporary displacement) to all types of Low Possible Low
fauna may occur during installation of water transmission
and distribution pipelines. Soil / trench excavation and
Fauna construction of WTP and BPS have negative impacts (e.g.
habitat loss). Since the activities are temporary in nature
and similar type of habitat available in the nearby areas,
hence, no major or long-term effects are anticipated, except
loss of some habitat for WTP and BPS.
Fish communities could potentially be impacted from soil Low Possible Low
deposition in aquatic habitat, fish pass, noise, water
Fish pollution, etc. The majority of impacts would be temporary
in nature; fish may avoid the impacted areas during
construction period, but return when it ceases. No impact
on fish is expected for drawn of raw water for the mighty
Parma river.

Physico-chemical Impacts
Major physico-chemical parameters considered for assessment of environmental impacts of
project due to construction and operation activities include drainage congestion, air and noise
pollution, sanitation and solid waste, water pollution, soil pollution and erosion. Although all
the impacts were found to be low to moderate in nature, some of the activities (e.g.
soild/hazardous waste generation) have the potential to generate long-term adverse impacts

E-4
on different environmental compartments if proper mitigation measures are not taken. (Table
E-2)

Table E-2: Physico-chemical from activities associated with the construction and operation
of RWASA WTP
Physico – chemical Impacts

Surface Water

Groundwater

Soil Erosion

Soil quality
Air quality
Noise level
congestion
Drainage
Project Activities

quality

quality
Labor camp setting and its
0 -1S 0 -1S -1S 0 0
operation
Access road construction -1S -1S -1S -1S 0 -1S 0
During Construction

Land clearing -1S 0 0 0 0 -2S 0

Soil excavation -2S -2S -2S -1S 0 -1S -1S
Piling work 0 -2S -1S -1S -1S 0 0
Concreting work 0 -2S -1S 0 0 0 0
Water body crossing work
-1S -1S -1S -1S 0 0 0
(pipeline laying)
Provision for safe water
and sanitation facilities for 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
workers
Solid waste and
0 0 0 -1L -1L 0 -1L
wastewater generation
Operation
During

Access to safe water

0 0 0 0 +2L 0 0
supply
Accidental chemical oil
0 0 0 -1S 0 0 -1S
leaks, spills on land/ water
[+3 = High Positive Impact, +2 = Moderate positive impact, +1 = Low Positive Impact, 0 = No impact, -1 =
Low Negative Impact, -2 = Moderate Negative Impact, -3 = High Negative Impact S = Short term impact, L =
Long term impact]

Socio-economic Impacts
Major social parameters considered for assessment of social impacts of the proposed project
include loss of land, loss of income, traffic congestion and safety, public health, effect on
archeological sites, impact on topsoil, employment and commercial activities. Although the
project may have some negative impacts related to loss of land and income, significant
beneficial impacts are associated with employment and commercial activities as well as
access to safe water supply to the people under its service.

Table E-3: Social Risk Assessment Matrix

Social Aspects Potential Impact Consequence Impact Risk rating
(Consequence) severity likelihood
ranking rating
Permitting Acceptance of project and cooperation / Low Possible Low
participation from communities and
government.
Mobilization to site Increase in usage of roads with Low Unlikely Moderate
possibilities of accidents
Increase in usage and resultant damage to Minor Unlikely Low

E-5
 Social Aspects Potential Impact Consequence Impact Risk rating
(Consequence) severity likelihood
ranking rating
existing roads
Recruitment of workers Creation of opportunities for employment Low Likely Moderate
and / or local contractors Third party agitation over contracts, Minor Unlikely Low
employment issues, community benefits,
waste disposal, degradation of water,
pressure on water and food.
Accommodation of Opportunities for contracting, supply of Minor Likely Moderate
workers food and other supplies
Land utilization for base Reduction of access to the utilized land Low Likely Moderate
camp; Site Preparation / and its resources
clearing for base camp, Destruction of vegetation Low Unlikely Low
WTP & BPS and (medicinal, economic and food)
associated activities
And Attack of workers and community Low Rare Low
Construction of base members by snakes, bees, scorpions,
camp and WTP and BPS spiders / other wildlife and contact with
And thorn / poisonous plants.
Material storage or Pressure on available water for domestic Low Unlikely Low
placement and other uses

WTP and BPS  Generation of high intensity welding Moderate Unlikely Moderate
construction (e.g. flash and noise.
structure, rod binding,  Burns and injuries from welding
welding, etc.) sparks / injuries from other
And Repairs and maintenance activities
maintenance: (Welding, Contamination of surface soil with used Moderate Unlikely Moderate
motor vehicle repairs, lubricant, if any
maintenance of facilities
and servicing in
workshop)
Vehicle movement  Probability of accident during Moderate Unlikely Moderate
transportation of goods through road
 Nuisance noise, dust, emissions,
lighting, etc.
Water quality Water contamination due to project related Low Unlikely Low
activities (e.g. waste discharge to the
nearby pond / canal)
Exhaust from generators Disturbance to local community especially Minor Unlikely Low
to the school student and road side moving
people.
Spills (oil / Chemical) on Soil or water contamination / disturbance Minor Unlikely Low
land or water to local community
Waste generation:  Impairment of the health of local Moderate Unlikely Moderate
(Solids/liquid/gaseous) community
(e.g. cement  Increase in disease conditions like
bags, exhaust from diarrhea / respiratory tract diseases.
cranes/ heavy equipment, Increased level of disease vectors Minor Unlikely Low
domestic waste) (mosquitoes, rats, flies, etc.)
Water and soil contamination due to Minor Unlikely Low
sewage discharge ( e.g. increase in water
borne diseases)
Decommissioning Increased opportunity for employment and Minor Possible Low
 Repair of damaged contracting resulting in increased income
roads level.
 Removal of structures

E-6
 Social Aspects Potential Impact Consequence Impact Risk rating
(Consequence) severity likelihood
ranking rating
 Restoration of site, etc.

Public Consultation
Three Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were carried out at 3 different locations during these
field visits, in order to document and record opinions of a wide range of stakeholders on
different aspects of the proposed project. These three locations were selected to represent the
viewpoints of the general people residing near the intake location (at Godagari), the water
transmission route (along Chapai Nababgonj-Rajshahi Highway), and the distribution
network within Rajshahi City corporation, respectively. In the FGDs, an effort was made to
invite a wide range of stakeholders including farmers, businessmen, land owners, house
owners, laborers, teachers and students. In addition to the FGDs, a number of formal /
informal meetings with stakeholders were carried out in the project areas; the study team
interacted with more than 30 people during these meetings. A total of 68 people participated
in the FGDs. The participants expressed their opinions regarding different issues including
their knowledge about the proposed project, socio-economic condition of people in their
localities, possible impact of the proposed project on the environment and in their localities,
and mitigation measures to address adverse impacts.

Analysis of Alternatives
An assessment of alternative sites for the location of the intake and WTP, alternate intake
type, alternate sites for the booster pump station and alternate raw water transmission routes
for RWASA WTP project were made. For completeness, the “no project” scenario has also
been discussed.

Mitigation Measures
Tables E-4 and E-5 show the mitigation measures corresponding to specific adverse impacts
during construction and operation phase respectively, along with assignment of
responsibilities for their implementation. The measures presented in Tables E-4 and E-5 are
aimed at minimizing the effects of the possible adverse impacts and enhancing the positive
impacts. The tables show that most of the adverse impacts could be minimized or even
removed if appropriate mitigation measures are taken.

Table E-4: Environmental impact during construction phase and mitigation measures
Activity/Issues Potential Impacts Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Measures Responsible
Parties
Land acquisition  Loss of land /  Raise awareness of Project Affected Persons RWASA,
property (PAPs) through public consultation process prior District Lands
to actual land acquisition. Office
 Serve land acquisition notices to actual land
owners.
 Provide adequate (considering present market
value), fair, and quick compensation to real land
owners, in accordance with applicable laws of

E-7
 Activity/Issues Potential Impacts Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Measures Responsible
Parties
GoB.
 Provide appropriate and quick compensation for
loss of property on acquired land.
 Involve local people and peoples’ representatives
in settling social tension related to land acquisition
and those that may develop during the progress of
work from the very beginning of project
implementation.

 Tree cutting  Provide adequate, quick and fair compensation to RWASA

along RoW owners
 Plantation/afforestation program for tree
replacement , especially the mango trees,
(plantation of at least two trees of similar species
for each cut tree)
 Not removing undergrowth fully where possible,
so that they may re-grow naturally after the
project activity.
Construction and  Generation of  Construction of sanitary latrine and septic tank Contractor
operation of labor sewage and solid system (Monitoring
shed for workers by RWASA)
waste  Erection of “no litter” sign, provision of waste
bins/cans, where appropriate
 Waste minimization, recycle and reuse principles
to be followed
 Proper disposal of solid waste
 Workers awareness
 Health of  Clean bill of health a prerequisite for employment
workers  Construction of tubewells with acceptable water
quality
 Raising awareness about hygiene practices among
workers
 Regular medical monitoring of workers
Construction of  Air pollution  Ensure that all project vehicles are in good Contractor
water transmission operating condition (Monitoring
pipeline and water by RWASA)
 Spray water on dry surfaces/ unpaved roads
treatment plant
regularly reduce dust generation
 Pave access roads
 Maintain adequate moisture content of soil during
transportation, compaction and handling
 Sprinkle and cover stockpiles of loose materials
(e.g., fine aggregates).
 Not using equipment such as stone crushers at site,
which produce significant amount of particulate
matter

E-8
 Activity/Issues Potential Impacts Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Measures Responsible
Parties
 Traffic  Schedule deliveries of material/ equipment during
congestion, non-school hours and after regular working hours
communication  Arrangement of alternative communication routes
problems during laying of pipeline across roads.

 Noise pollution  Use of noise suppressors and mufflers in heavy

construction equipment.
 Avoid using of construction equipment producing
excessive noise during school hours and also at
night
 Avoid prolonged exposure to noise (produced by
equipment) by workers./ give protective gears
 Regulate use of horns and avoiding use of
hydraulic horns in project vehicles.
Construction of  Disruption of  Provide adequate diversion channel, if required
water transmission local drainage  Provide facilities for pumping of congested water,
pipeline, water if needed
treatment plant
and booster station  Ensure adequate monitoring of drainage effects,
especially if construction works are carried out
during the wet season.
 Water and soil  Forbid discharge of fuel, lubricants, chemicals,
pollution and wastes into surface waters or on land.
 Adopt proper disposal techniques for any
hazardous waste
 Install sediment basins to trap sediments in storm
water prior to discharge to surface water.
 Replant vegetation when soils have been exposed
or disturbed.

 Destruction of  Forbid discharge of fuel, lubricants, chemicals,

aquatic habitat and wastes into surface waters.
and reduction of  Preservation of aquatic habitats by restricting
fisheries, aquatic movement of people/ equipment into them, and
fauna preventing entry of sediments into these water
bodies.
 Restrict activities within the RoW during laying of
water pipeline across a water body, keep rest of
the water body undisturbed.
 Keep noise level (e.g., from equipment) to a
minimum level, as certain fauna are very sensitive
to loud noise.
 Special care for protection of threatened species
that have been identified in the project areas
 Reduction/  Provide proper compensation if there is any
damage to destruction of trees outside RoW.
plants/ floral  Control intensive movement of heavy construction
habitat vehicles.
 Accidents  Following standard safety protocol while digging

E-9
Activity/Issues Potential Impacts Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Measures Responsible
Parties
trenches and laying pipes
 Environmental health and safety briefing
 Provision of protective gear

 Spills and leaks  Good house keeping

oil, toxic  Proper handling of lubricating oil and fuel
chemicals  Collection, proper treatment, and disposal of spills.

 Employment of  Employ local people in the project activities as

work/ labor much as possible.
force/ economy  Promote supply from local suppliers
of the area

Table E-5: Environmental impact during operation phase and mitigation measures
Activity/Issues Potential Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Responsible
Impacts Measures Parties
Pumping operation Screening waste  Screening waste needs to be removed RWASA
at the intake accumulation regularly from the coarse screens. Local labor
may be employed for such operations.
 Proper disposal of screening wastes, floating
debris (to be treated as a solid waste):
formulate disposal management plan and
provide adequate facilities to carry it out

Accidental  Forbid discharge of fuel, lubricants,

Spillage of fuel chemicals, and wastes into surface waters or
(to run on land.
generators)
 Adopt proper disposal techniques for any
hazardous waste: hazardous waste
management plan and provide adequate
facilities to carry it out
Presence of silt,  Design of intake structure in order not to
oil and grease in collect water from the surface to avoid oil and
raw water grease.
 Design of intake structure in order to avoid
collecting water very close to the river bed to
prevent excess silt from entering.
 Facilities at intake for removing silt, oil and
grease entering accidentally the system
Treatment plant  Accidental  Good house keeping RWASA
operation Spills and  Proper handling of lubricating oil and fuel
leaks oil,  Collection, proper treatment, and disposal of
toxic spills.
chemicals  Formulate an accident management plan
involving emergency response team.

E-10
 Activity/Issues Potential Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Responsible
Impacts Measures Parties
 Generation of  Assessment of characteristics of sludge
sludge dry through Toxicity characteristic leaching
cakes after procedure (TCLP) test to confirm that the
sludge material is not hazardous
dewatering  Exploring beneficial options for dewatered
operation sludge disposal (e.g. land application, co-
disposal with sewage sludge, selling to brick
factory)
 If beneficial options are not available,
consider landfilling in a suitable land/location.
 If lands are not available, make arrangements
with Rajshahi City Corporation/Rajshahi
district administration to dispose the sludge
dry cakes in one of their designated landfills.
 Poor raw  Seeking the help of the Department of RWASA and
water quality Environment (DoE) for preventing discharge DoE
in the Padma of untreated industrial and domestic
river wastewater into the Padma River and thereby
ensuring its water quality. Also it is
recommended to restrict development
activities both upstream and downstream of
the intake point, especially those activities that
could affect the water quality and hydrology
at the intake location.

Environmental Management Plan

It is recommended that the Project Director (PD) for this specific project takes the overall
responsibility of environmental management and monitoring. The PD will form a team with
required manpower and expertise to ensure proper environmental monitoring, and to take
appropriate measures (as outlined in Tables E-4 and E-5) to mitigate any adverse impact and
to enhance beneficial impacts, resulting from the project activities. An environmental
monitoring plan during construction and operation phase has also been developed.

Environmental monitoring during Construction Phase

Specific monitoring requirements for the environmental issues listed in Table E-4 are
presented in Table E-6. Table E-7 shows the frequency of monitoring activities during
construction phase.

Table E-6: Monitoring issues/ requirements during construction phase of the project
Environmental Issue Monitoring requirements/issues
Air pollution  Construction materials should be properly covered while hauled and
stored, roads properly cleaned and water sprayed in order to minimize
concentration of dust in air.
 Use of equipment like stone crushers, which produce excessive noise as
well as generate particulate matter must not be used close to human
settlement.
 Concentration of particulate matter within and around the project site

E-11
 Environmental Issue Monitoring requirements/issues
should be measured, at least once every three months, and air quality
management plan should be revised, if needed.
Noise pollution  Equipment producing excessive noise should not be operated after dark.
 Use of equipment like stone crushers, which produce excessive noise as
well as particulate matter must not be used at the site.
 Vehicle movement to and from the site should be properly managed in
order to ensure that this causes minimum disturbance to the people living
in the surrounding areas.
Traffic congestion  Hauling of materials and equipment to and from project sites should
preferably be done after the regular working hours, so that it causes
minimum disturbances to the regular traffic in and around the project site.
 Contractor should take responsibility of proper traffic flow and
management within the immediate vicinity of the project site.
Drainage congestion  Appropriate measures should be taken to avoid temporary drainage
congestion during construction activities (e.g., keeping existing drains
clear, building alternative drainage line/ network, where an existing
drainage canal has been filled up).
Disposal of construction  Waste/ wastewater (e.g., human waste from labor camps, fuel and wash-
waste water from equipment/ material sheds) should be appropriately disposed,
so that they do not find their way into adjacent water bodies.
 Solid waste and wastewater should be disposed of in proper fashion.
Wastewater should be disposed of by constructing septic tanks. Solid
waste, including construction debris, should be regularly collected and
transported away from the site for disposal in a designated municipal
dump site. Excavated materials from the existing sludge drying beds
should be tested for toxicity before disposal.
Employment of workforce  Local people should be employed in the project activities as much as
possible.
Commercial activities  Efforts should be made to ensure that local communities are benefited
from the increased commercial activities during the construction phase of
the project (e.g., by ensuring their participation in the activities).
 Care should be taken to avoid haphazard development of commercial
activities (e.g., shops) in and around the project sites, which would
adversely affect the local environment.

Table E-7: Monitoring of air quality and noise level during construction phase Monitoring of
air quality and noise level during construction phase
Parameters Monitoring Frequency Resource Required and Comment
Responsibility
Particulate Matter Once every 3 months, and PM10 and PM2.5 measuring Results to be
(PM10, PM2.5) as directed by the PD equipment; verified by a
Contractor’s responsibility monitoring team,
Noise Level Once every month, and as Noise level meter; lead by the PD
directed by the PD Contractor’s responsibility
Note: Actual monitoring time and location will be decided by the Project Director (PD)

Environmental monitoring during Operation Phase

Specific monitoring requirements for the environmental issues listed in Table E-5 are
presented in Table E-8. Table E-9 shows the frequency of monitoring activities during
operation phase.

E-12
 Table E-8: Monitoring issues/ requirements during operation phase of the project
Environmental Monitoring requirements/issues Responsibility
Issue
Disposal of  Regular (once every three months) assessment of the  RWASA
treatment waste characteristics of sludge through TCLP test to ensure that it is
not hazardous.
 Monitoring of discharge parameters of liquid residuals from
sludge drying operations.
 Studies to explore the possibility beneficial sludge disposal
options (e.g., land application), and in designated landfills
(coordinating with the Rajshahi City Corporation)
Treated water  Regular monitoring of treated water quality (as part of the  RWASA
quality ongoing regular plant operation) to ensure that it is safe for
public consumption.
 Modification of treatment process (e.g., increase/decrease alum
dose of chlorine dose), if needed.
Raw water quality  Regular monitoring of raw water quality, as part of ongoing  RWASA
regular plant operation.
 In association with the Department of Environment (DoE),
developing of a long-term management plan for the protection
of raw water quality in the Ganges River (including restriction
on establishment of industries producing liquid effluent within
certain reaches upstream and downstream of the intake point).
Generation of  This issue should be taken into consideration in the ongoing  RWASA
additional volume planning and implementation activities of RWASA aimed at
of wastewater as expanding sewerage network and treatment facilities in
treated water supply
Rajshahi city. This would obviously necessitate additional
increases
sewage treatment plant at appropriate locations.
Safety of water  Monitoring and detection of leaks and expansion and up-  RWASA
distribution network gradation of water distribution network of, as part of RWASA’s
regular monitoring and expansion works.

Table E-9: Monitoring of water quality and sludge during operational phase of proposed
SWTP
Monitoring Water Quality / Other Monitoring Responsibility
Parameters Frequency
Raw water pH, Color, Turbidity, Ammonia, Daily RWASA
Nitrate, Phosphate, Sulfate, TC, FC
Lead, Chromium, Mercury, Cadmium, Once a month RWASA
Total Suspended Solids, COD, BOD5,
Oil & grease
Treated water pH, Color, Turbidity, Ammonia, Daily RWASA
Nitrate, Residual Chlorine, TC, FC
BOD5, COD, Aluminum, Total Once every two RWASA
Dissolved Solids months
Dewatered sludge TCLP test and determination of Al, Pb, Once every three RWASA
Cr, Cd in TCLP extract months
Liquid residuals from pH, Ammonia-N, BOD5, COD, Cd, Cr, Once a month RWASA
dewatering operation Mercury, Chloride, Total Dissolved
Solids, Total Suspended Solids,
Nitrate, Sulfide

E-13
Table E-10 and E-11 show preliminary cost estimates for monitoring activities during
construction and operation phases respectively.

Table E-10: Preliminary cost estimates for monitoring and other mitigation activities during
construction phase
Parameter/Activity Frequency of Preliminary cost estimate Preliminary cost for 1
activity year activity period
Particulate Matter Once every 3 Tk. 30,000/- per each set of Tk. 1,20,000/-
(PM10, PM2.5) months PM10 and PM2.5 measurement
Noise Level Once every Tk. 25,000/- Tk. 3,30,000/-
month (per set of measurement)
(day and night)
Water spraying for dust At least twice a Tk. 10,000/- per site per month Tk. 1,20,000/-
control day
Total annual cost for monitoring during construction phase Tk. 5,70,000/-

Table E-11: Preliminary cost estimates for monitoring and other mitigation activities during
operational phase
Parameter/Activity Frequency of Preliminary cost estimate Preliminary cost for 1
activity year activity period
Raw water: pH, Color, Turbidity, Daily Tk. 6,000/- Tk. 21,90,000/-
Ammonia, Nitrate, Phosphate, per set of measurement
Sulfate
Raw water: Lead, Chromium, Once a month Tk. 15,000/- Tk. 1,80,000/-
Mercury, Cadmium, Total Suspended per set of measurement
Solids, COD, BOD5, Oil & grease
Treated water: pH, Color, Turbidity, Daily Tk. 5,500/- Tk. 20,07,500/-
Ammonia, Nitrate, Residual per set of measurement
Chlorine, TC, FC
Treated water: BOD5, COD, Once every Tk. 8,500/- Tk. 51,000/-
Aluminum, Total Dissolved Solids two months per set of measurement
Sludge from Clarifiers: TCLP test Once every Tk. 14,000/- Tk. 56,000/-
and determination of Al, Pb, Cr, Cd three months per set of measurement
in TCLP extract
Total annual cost for monitoring during operation phase Tk. 44,84,500/-

The treated water quality parameters must be checked against the Bangladesh drinking water
quality standard (ECR 1997). In addition to the above, alum dose should also be checked on a
regular basis. The parameters of the liquid residuals should be checked against the standards
for disposal of wastewater/effluent from industrial units or project waste as per ECR, 1997
Schedule-10.

Conclusion and Recommendations

It has been found that for the RWASA WTP project, most of the adverse impacts during
construction phase could be minimized or even removed if appropriated mitigation measures
are taken. Possible adverse impacts during operational phase are found to be insignificant.
However, a monitoring program needs to be put in place to assess any unexpected adverse
impacts on the environment. The EMP should be carried out as an integral part of the project
planning and execution. It has also been pointed out that for long-term sustainability of the
water treatment plant, the source water quality and quantity must be ensured to meet the
requirements of the treatment plant and water demand. The Department of Environment

E-14
(DE), RWASA and BIWTA should take proactive measures so that the source water quality
is protected against pollution and the riverbanks remain free from illegal landgrabbing in
future. Besides this, heavy silt loads during the monsoon season may cause siltation near the
intake structure. To prevent future siltation regular dredging is recommended. High
meandering nature may threaten the intake structure and the raw water intake lines.
Therefore, bank protection measures may be required to protect the bank and the intake
structures. The RWASA may seek assistance from BDWB in this regard.

E-15
 Chapter 1: Introduction

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND

Rajshahi Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (RWASA) is entrusted with the
responsibility to supply potable water to Rajshahi Metropolitan City and adjacent area. The
present population of the city is living within an area of about 104 Sq Km. Rajshahi city has
been expanding and demand for drinking water to the increased population is on the rise.
Currently the city is receiving most of the drinking water from underground source. The
quality of water contains iron level much above the allowable limit. Common process of iron
removal from such a higher level is seen as quite costly. RWASA and its predecessor DPHE
has thought of supplying treated surface water of the Ganges to the city. One such initiative
based on insufficient scientific study was a surface water treatment plant at Shyampur having
a capacity of 27 MLD. This treatment plant failed to operate round the year due to shifting of
deep water channel far away from the bank. RWASA is therefore considering to carry out a
feasibility study to locate suitable intake to withdraw surface water of the Ganges to meet the
water demand of entire city.

Any intake location on the Ganges River may be affected by the frequent changing tendency
of its course. In the Master plan study by South Korea on 2012, a suitable location of new
intake at around 34 km upstream of the city was suggested. The tentative new intake location
is at Godagari near the confluence of the Ganges and Mohananda river. The raw water from
the intake will be treated and will pass through a 34-km long water transmission main to the
Rajshahi city. Treated water will be distributed by pipelines to the city inhabitants by
secondary and tertiary connections. A map outlining all these features of the water collection,
treatment and transmission system is shown in Figure 1-1.

The proposed Rajshahi WASA surface water treatment plant project will add about 225 MLD
water to the supply system by the year 2020 withdrawing raw water from the Ganges River.
The specific activities associated with the implementation of the project will be the
following:
 Detailed design and construction (Design-Build) of intake and intake pump station,
200 MLD capacity conventional surface water treatment plant (clean water output
excluding water demands at the treatment plant) possibly comprising pre-chlorination,
flocculation, clarifying, filtration, post-chlorination, clear water storage, clear water
pumping etc. The treatment plant must be able to treat raw water to meet WHO
guidelines Bangladesh Standards for Drinking Water Quality.
 Design and construction of facilities such as administration building, laboratory,
control room, workshop, chemical store, generator building and staff residence etc.

| 1-1 |
 Chapter 1: Introduction

 Design and construction of about 26.5 km treated water transmission mains and about
47 km primary & secondary distribution main (1400mm to 400mm) to cover the
command areas.
 Detailed design and construction of a 187 MLD booster pumping station (13 MLD
water will be supplied to Godagari pourashava from proposed SWTP). The pump
station will consists of treated water reservoir, post chlorination, and pumping
facilities along with ancillary structures.
 Detailed design and rehabilitation/expansion of 400 km distribution network within
city corporation area, proposed urban area and Naohata pourashava. The work shall
include service connection and development of flow measuring system at consumer
level.

The project would require acquisition of 20 ha land covering the areas for intake structure
and pumping station, Water treatment plant and the booster pump station. Provision has been
kept for future land requirement to meet the demand up to 2035. Preliminary cost of the
project has estimated to be about 359 Million USD including 3 years O&M cost.

Figure 1-1: Base map showing different components of the RWASA WTP Project

A feasibility study funded by GoB to address Rajshahi WASA water treatment plant project
has been carried out by Institute of Water Modeling (IWM) of Bangladesh. The Chinese

| 1-2 |
 Chapter 1: Introduction

EXIM Bank has shown their interest to provide fund for the design and construction of
treatment plant along with proposed treated water supply distribution networks and
accordingly the memorandum of understanding has been signed between the Government of
Bangladesh and Chinese EXIM Bank.

As a part of the feasibility study, a full scale environmental impact assessment of the
proposed project has been carried out. As per the Environmental Conservation Rules 1997
(GoB, 1997) of the GoB, the proposed project involving construction of raw water
transmission line, water treatment plant, and treated water transmission line, falls under
“RED category”. Though construction of intake structure is not specifically mentioned in the
ECR 1997, an intake structure is a major part of a surface water transmission and treatment
plant, and preliminary assessment suggests that construction and operation of such an intake
structure (including construction of raw water transmission line) may result in significant
environmental impacts. Therefore, carrying out an Environmental and Social Impact
Assessment (ESIA) in accordance with the Environment Conservation Act 1995 and the
Environment Conservation Rules 1997 is mandatory.

The environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) of the proposed project has been
presented in this report. The ESIA has been carried out following the guidelines (GoB, 1997;
GoB, 1997a) of the Department of Environment (DoE).

1.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE ESIA

The overall objectives of the ESIA of the proposed project were to identify potential
significant environmental and social impacts, both positive and negative, during construction
and operational phases of the project, recommend mitigation measures to avoid or reduce
adverse environmental impacts and to enhance positive impacts, and to develop a
comprehensive environmental management plan (EMP), including monitoring requirements,
for both construction and operational phases of the project. The specific objectives of the
ESIA are:
(i) to assess the existing environmental conditions surrounding the proposed locations of
intake structure, treatment plant, and along the proposed routes of the treated water
transmission line and treated water distribution network in order to establish a baseline
framework, against which potential environmental impacts due to the implementation of the
project would be compared.
(ii) to identify and evaluate environmental impacts resulting from the project activities
during both construction and operational phases of the project, and to suggest appropriate
mitigation measures.
(iii) to carry out focus group discussions (FGDs) and public consultations in order to get
views and concerns of local people and peoples’ representatives regarding different aspects of
the proposed project, and to address those in the ESIA; and

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 Chapter 1: Introduction

(iv) to develop a comprehensive environmental management plan (EMP), including

monitoring plans, for both construction and operational phases of the proposed project.

1.3 OUTLINE OF METHODOLOGY

This study has used various data collection techniques to obtain primary and secondary
information for conducting the environmental assessment. Relevant secondary information
about the project areas and their surroundings were gathered from published literature. In
addition, data and information were also collected from different government and non-
government organizations. Climatic data of the project area was collected from the
Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).

Field visits were carried out by the study team to obtain first hand information on the
surrounding environment of the intake structure, water treatment plant, and routes of the raw
water transmission lines. During these field visits, informal discussions were carried out with
people living in and around the project areas. A detailed reconnaissance survey was
conducted to gather route specific information. In addition, a detailed route survey has been
carried out along the proposed routes of treated water transmission lines, covering the right
of way (RoW) along the line.

An environmental baseline survey (including physical and ecological survey) and a social
survey have been carried out to gather information on the existing physical, biological, and
socio-economic environment of areas surrounding the proposed locations of intake structure,
water treatment plant and the routes of water transmission lines. Subsequently, the possible
environmental impacts of the project activities have been evaluated against these baseline
environmental conditions. In addition, a number of focus group discussions (FGDs) and
public consultations have been carried out to get feedback from local people regarding
different aspects of the proposed project.

For identification of potential environmental and social impacts of the project, the specific
project activities to be carried out have been identified. The activities have been identified
separately for construction phase and operational phase of the project. Impacts of these
activities on the existing physical, ecological and social environments at the project sites and
along the entire route of water transmission line have been assessed, both for construction
and operational phases of the project. This exercise was followed by prediction and
evaluation of the most significant impacts.

After detailed evaluation of impacts, mitigation measures have been devised for all potential
adverse impacts that could result from the proposed project activities. Mitigation measures
have been developed separately for adverse impacts during construction and operational
phases. Finally, an environmental management plan has been developed, incorporating the
mitigation measures and monitoring requirements.

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 Chapter 1: Introduction

1.4 THE STRUCTURE OF THE ESIA REPORT

The ESIA report has been prepared and presented following the structure suggested by the
Department of Environment (DoE, 1997) with some modifications to suit the needs of the
present study. The first Chapter of this ESIA report describes the background and objectives
of the project. It also presents an outline of the methodology followed for carrying out the
ESIA. Chapter 2 describes the policy, legal and administrative framework relevant to the
current study. Chapter 3 describes the specific project activities to be carried out during both
construction and operation phases of the project. Chapters 4, 5 and 6 describe the existing
baseline physical environment, the ecological environment, and the socio-economic
environment, respectively, in and around the project sites (intake and WTP areas, along the
route of the transmission line and its surrounding areas, inside Rajshahi city). Chapter 7
presents the outcome of the public consultations carried out as a part of the social and
environmental assessment. Chapter 8 presents analysis of alternatives, which includes
analysis of both alternative sites (intake point, treatment plant), alternative routes and
alternative technologies.Chapter 9 presents an assessment of the potential social and
environmental impacts of the proposed project, during both construction and operation
phases. This Chapter also presents an evaluation of the possible impacts and suggests
mitigation measures for enhancement of positive impact and for reducing or eliminating the
negative impacts. Chapter 10 presents the environmental management plan (EMP), including
the monitoring plans, for both construction and operational phases. The final Chapter
(Chapter 11) of the ESIA report presents the conclusions of the environmental study and
recommendations based on the study.

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 Chapter 2: Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework

CHAPTER 2

POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK

The proposed Water Treatment Plant by RWASA will be implemented in compliance with
applicable environmental laws and regulations. Bangladesh has a wide range of laws and
regulations related to environmental protection, natural resources conservation as well as
social issues, which are mostly cross-sectoral and would be applicable to the proposed
project. This Section presents an overview of the major national environmental and social
laws, policies and regulations that are relevant and may apply to activities supported by the
project.

2.1 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES, LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Industrial Policy 1991

The Industrial Policy of 1991 sets 16 objectives towards achieving high industrial growth as
well as protecting the environment. The policy describes "to take appropriate measures for
preventing environmental pollution and maintaining ecological balance". One of the
32strategies of the policy relates to environment pollution control. It states that "effective
measures will be taken for controlling environmental pollution and maintaining ecological
balance".

National Environmental Policy 1992

The concept of environmental protection through national efforts was first recognized and
declared in Bangladesh with the adoption of the Environment Policy, 1992 and the
Environment Action Plan, 1992. The major objectives of Environmental policy are to i)
maintain ecological balance and overall development through protection and improvement of
the environment; ii) protect country against natural disaster; iii) identify and regulate
activities, which pollute and degrade the environment; iv) ensure environmentally sound
development in all sectors; v) ensure sustainable, long term and environmentally sound base
of natural resources; and vi) actively remain associate with all international environmental
initiatives to the maximum possible extent.

National Energy Policy 1995

The National Energy Policy (1995) addresses both energy conservation and environmental
issues. The national Energy policy suggest utilization of energy for sustainable economic
growth, supply to different zones of the country, development of the indigenous energy
sources and ensure environmentally sound and sustainable energy development programs
causing minimum damage to the environment. The Environment Policy and the Energy
Policy have seven recommendations; three of these are relevant to the proposed project:
• Environmental Impact Assessment should be made mandatory and should constitute
an integral part of any new energy development project.
• Use of economically viable environment friendly technology is to be promoted.
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 Chapter 2: Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework

• Popular awareness to be promoted regarding environmental conservation.

National Environment Management Action Plan (NEMAP), 1995

The National Environmental Management Action Plan (NEMAP) is a wide-ranging and
multi-faceted plan, which builds on and extends the statements set out in the National
Environmental Policy. NEMAP was developed to address issues and management
requirements during the period 1995 to 2005, and sets out the framework through which
various decisions, plans, legislative measures, rules and regulations toward safeguarding the
environment and natural resources including those of biological diversities are to be
implemented. NEMAP was developed based on the following broad objectives:
• Identification of key environmental issues affecting Bangladesh;
• Identification of actions necessary to halt or reduce the rate of environmental
degradation;
• Improvement of the natural environment;
• Conservation of habitats and bio-diversity;
• Promotion of sustainable development; and
• Improvement of the quality of life of the people.
To this end, it has grouped all the relevant necessary actions under four headings:
institutional, sectoral, location-specific and long-term issues. The institutional aspects reflect
the need for inter-sectoral cooperation to tackle environmental problems that need new and
appropriate institutional mechanisms at national and local levels. The sectoral aspects reflect
the way the Ministries and agencies are organized and make it easier to identify the agency to
carry out the recommended actions. The location-specific aspect focuses on particularly acute
environmental problems at local levels that need to be addressed on a priority basis. The
long-term issues include environmental degradation of such degree that it might become
more serious and threatening than they seem to be if their cognizance is not immediately
taken. According to the NEMAP, the GoB environmental policy makes specific statements
on energy and fuel, including the aim to “Reduce and discourage the use of those fuels that
pollute the environment and encourage the use of fuels that are environmentally sound and
less harmful.”

Bangladesh Environmental Conservation Act (ECA), 1995 amended 2002

This umbrella Act includes laws for conservation of the environment, improvement of
environmental standards, and control and mitigation of environmental pollution. It is
currently the main legislative framework document relating to environmental protection in
Bangladesh, which repealed the earlier Environment Pollution Control ordinance of 1977.
The main provisions of the Act can be summarized as:
• Declaration of ecologically critical areas, and restrictions on the operations and
processes, which can be carried or cannot be initiated in the ecologically critical area;
• Regulation in respect of vehicles emitting smoke harmful for the environment.
• Environmental Clearance;
• Regulation of industries and other development activities with regards to discharge
permits;

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 Chapter 2: Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework

• Promulgation of standards for quality of air, water, noises and soils for different areas
for different purposes;
• Promulgation of standard limits for discharging and emitting waste; and
• Formulation and declaration of environmental guidelines;
The first sets of rules to implement the provisions of the Act were promulgated in 1997 (see
below: “Environmental Conservation Rules 1997”). The Department of Environment (DoE)
implements the Act. DoE is headed by a Director General (DG). The DG has complete
control over the DoE and the main power of DG, as given in the Act, may be outlined as
follows:
• Identification of different types and causes of environmental degradation and
pollution;
• Instigating investigation and research regarding environmental conservation,
development and pollution.
• Power to close down the activities considered harmful to human life or the
environment.
• Power to declare an area affected by pollution as an Ecologically Critical Area. Under
the Act, operators of industries/projects must inform the Director General of any
pollution incident. In the event of an accidental pollution, the Director General may
take control of an operation and the respective operator is bound to help. The operator
is responsible for the costs incurred and possible payments for compensation.

The ECA amendments in 2010 provided clarification of defining wetlands as well as

Ecologically Critical Areas and included many important environmental concerns such as
conservation of wetlands, hill cutting, ship breaking, and hazardous waste disposal. This
amendment empowered the government to enforce more penalties than before. Moreover,
affected persons were given provision for putting objections or taking legal actions against
the polluters or any entity creating nuisance to affected person.

Environment Conservation Rules (ECR) 1997 amended 2005

The Environment Conservation Rules 1997 (ECR-97) was promulgated under ECA-95 to
operationalize the enforcement of the Act. The Rules is further amended in 2002 (February
and August) and 2010. The ECR-97 provides (i) the National Environmental Quality
Standards for ambient air, various types of water, industrial effluent, emission, noise,
vehicular exhaust etc., (ii) requirement for and procedures to obtain Environmental
Clearance, and (iii) requirements for IEE/EIA according to categories of industrial and other
development interventions.

The environmental standards in operation in Bangladesh are promulgated under the ECR-97.
The Bangladesh standards intend to impose restrictions on the volume and concentrations of
wastewater/solid waste/ gaseous emission etc. discharged into the environment. In addition a
number of surrogate pollution parameters like Biochemical Oxygen Demand, or Chemical
Oxygen Demand; Total Suspended Solids, etc. are specified in terms of concentration and/or
total allowable quality discharged in case of waste water/solid waste. Additionally specific

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 Chapter 2: Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework

parameters depending on the manufacturing process are specified such as phenol, cyanide,
copper, zinc, chromium etc. Air emission quality standards refer mostly to concentration of
mass emission of various types of particulate, sulfur dioxide, and oxides of nitrogen and in
some cases volatile organic compounds and other substances.

Presently, "EIA Guidelines for Industries" published by the Department of Environment and
the "Environment Conservation Rules 1997”are the formal documents providing guidance for
conducting Environmental Assessment. Any proponent planning to set up or operate an
industrial project is required to obtain an "Environmental Clearance Certificate" from the
Department of Environment (DoE), under the Environment Conservation Act 1995 amended
in 2002.

The Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) is mandatory for the existing industries as
per clause 7(3) of the ECA-95 and the ECR-97 and proposed projects as per Rule 7 and
schedule 1 of ECR-97. All existing industrial units and projects and proposed industrial units
and projects, that are considered to be low polluting are categorized under "Green" and
shall be granted Environmental Clearance. For proposed industrial units and projects falling
in the Orange-A, Orange-B and Red Categories, firstly a site clearance certificate and
thereafter an environmental clearance certificate will be required. However, the rules
provide the Director General (DG, the head of DoE) a discretionary authority to grant
‘Environmental Clearance' to an applicant, exempting the requirement of site/location
clearance, provided the DG considers it to be appropriate.
Any person or organization wishing to establish an industrial unit or project must obtain ECC
from the Director General. The application for such certificate must be in the prescribed form
together with the prescribed fees laid down in Schedule 13, through the deposit of a Treasury
Challan in favor of the Director General. The fees for clearance certificates have been revised
in 2010.
The DOE authority reserves the right to request additional information, supporting
documents, or other additional materials for the proposed project. Under the conditions
specified in the ECR-97, the DoE divisional authority must issue environmental Location
Clearance Certificates (LCC) within 60 working days from the date of submitting the
application, or the refusal letter with appropriate reasons for such refusal. The LCC issued
remains valid for a one-year period and is required to be renewed 30 days prior to its expiry
date.
Rule 8 prescribes the duration of validity of environment clearance certificate (three years for
green category and one year for other categories) and compulsory requirement for renewal of
certificate at least 30 days before expiry of its validity.
Green category industries are considered relatively pollution-free and therefore ECC is issued
to all existing and proposed industrial units and projects, falling in the Green Category
without undergoing EIA.

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 Chapter 2: Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework

Application for Environmental Clearance Certificate

Green Orange-A Orange-B Red

• General • General • Feasibility report • Feasibility study

information information • IEE report report
• Description of raw • Description of raw • EMP report • IEE report
materials and materials and • NoC from local • EMP
finished products finished products authority • NoC from local
• NoC from local • NoC from local • Emergency plan authority
authority authority • Emergency plan
• Pollution
• Process flow minimization plan • Pollution
diagram minimization plan
• Outline of
• Layout plan relocation, • Outline of
• Effluent discharge rehabilitation plan relocation,
arrangement rehabilitation plan
• Outline of
relocation,
rehabilitation plan

Location Clearance Certificate issued by DoE

Applying Environmental Clearance

Applying Environmental Clearance (submit documents as required

including EIA report for red Category industries)

Environmental Clearance Certificate granted for operation of project

Figure 2-1 : Process for obtaining EC Certificate form DoE

Orange category industries fall into two categories. Category Orange-A Industries are
required to submit general information, a feasibility report, a process flow diagram and
schematic diagrams of waste treatment facilities along with their application for obtaining
ECC. Category Orange-B industries are required to submit an Initial Environmental
Examination (IEE) report, along with their application and the information and papers
specified for Category Orange-A industries.

Apart from general requirement, for every Red category proposed industrial unit or project,
the application must be accompanied with feasibility report, Initial Environmental
Examination (IEE), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) based on approved ToR by
DoE, Environmental Management Plan (EMP). As per ECR-97 all existing
industries/projects in Orange B and Red category require an Environmental Management
Plan (EMP) to be prepared and submitted along with necessary other papers while applying
for environmental clearance.

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 Chapter 2: Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework

The process for obtaining Environmental Clearance in Bangladesh is given in Figure 2.1.

National Land-use Policy, 2001

The Government of Bangladesh has adopted national Land use Policy, 2001. The salient
features of the policy objectives relevant to the proposed are as follows:
• To prevent the current tendency of gradual and consistent decrease of cultivable land
for the production of food to meet the demand of expanding population;
• To ensure that land use is in harmony with natural environment;
• To use land resources in the best possible way and to play supplementary role in
controlling the consistent increase in the number of land less people towards the
elimination of poverty and the increase of employment;
• To protect natural forest areas, prevent river erosion and destruction of hills;
• To prevent land pollution; and
• To ensure the minimal use of land for construction of both government and

Environment Court Act, 2000

The aim and objective of the Act is to materialize the Environmental Conservation Act, 1995
through judicial activities. This Act established Environmental Courts (one or more in every
division), set the jurisdiction of the courts, and outlined the procedure of activities and power
of the courts, right of entry for judicial inspection and for appeal as well as the constitution of
Appeal Court.

Bangladesh Labor Act, 2006 (Amended 2013)

The Act consolidated and amended previous laws relating to employment of workers,
relationship between workers and employers, determination of minimum wages, payment of
wages, compensation for injuries arising out of and in the course of employment, formation
of trade unions, raising and resolving industrial dispute, health, safety, welfare and
environment of employment of workers and apprentice and related issues. The Act is built
more or less on the basis of the Factories Act, 1965 and Factories Rules, 1979 but applies to a
wider number of establishments beyond factories. The health, safety and welfare duties and
obligations that were contained in the old Factories Act, 1965, have now been transposed to
chapters 5 (health and hygiene), 6 (safety), 7 (special provisions with regard to health and
safety, and 8 (Welfare measures).

In the past criminal prosecutions for offences contained in the Factories Act took place in the
magistrate court. Now all prosecutions for offences must take place in the Labour Court using
the Code of Criminal Procedure. There are new criminal offences relating to violations of the
code that cause, death or injury (section 309) with significantly higher sentences available to
the courts. In the past only factory inspectors could prosecute criminal cases against industrial
organizations. Now, this right has been extended to a wider category of people.

The Bangladesh Labour Act 2006 was amended in the wake of global attention after the
collapse of the Rana Plaza and several other accidents, mostly in the RMG sector. The

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amendments adopted on July 15, 2013 focus on fundamental rights to freedom of association
and collective bargaining and addresses steps to improve occupational safety and health.
Bangladesh has ratified ILO Conventions 87 and 98 on freedom of association and collective
bargaining and is obliged to abide by its provisions. Under the new provisions Unions need
not be approved by factory owners anymore; they can be authorized directly by the Labor
Directorate; different administrative wings of factories can have their own trade unions.Any
factory with 20 percent female workforce must have a female representative in the trade
unions.

The Bangladesh Labour Act as amended and adopted on July 15, 2013 will be applicable to
the firms/sub-projects to be financed under the project. This contains provisions Several
provisions to improve workplace safety have been included in the law, such as establishment
of safety committees in factories with 50 workers or more; a greater role for the labor
inspectorate to inspect safety and health conditions of workplaces and conduct on-the-spot
inspections; personal safety equipment will now be required. Workplace Health Centers must
be established in workplaces with over 5000 employees and safety welfare officers must be in
place in workplaces with more than 500. Inspection of factories is now mandatory at the time
of giving license or its renewal. No changes can take place regarding factory layout plans
without permission of factory inspectors. Legal and financial grievances between labor and
factory owners can be handled through arbitration, failing which they can be settled at the
Labor Court. Provisions for worker related deaths, welfare funds in export oriented funds (5
percent of profits with various welfare and provident funds), support for occupational
diseases, are provided in the law.

Public Procurement Rule (PPR), 2008

The rule includes the adequate measure regarding the “Safety, Security and Protection of the
Environment” in the construction works. This clause includes mainly, the contractor shall
take all reasonable steps to (i) safeguard the health and safety of all workers working on the
Site and other persons entitled to be on it, and to keep the Site in an orderly state and (ii)
protect the environment on and off the Site and to avoid damage or nuisance to persons or to
property of the public or others resulting from pollution, noise or other causes arising as a
consequence of the Contractors methods of operation.

Bangladesh National Building Code

The basic purpose of this code is to establish minimum standards for design, construction,
quality of materials, use and occupancy, location and maintenance of all buildings within
Bangladesh in order to safeguard, within achievable limits, life, limb, health, property and
public welfare. The installation and use of certain equipment, services and appurtenances
related, connected or attached to such buildings are also regulated herein to achieve the same
purpose.

Part-7, Chapter-3 of the Code has clarified the issue of safety of workmen during
construction and with relation to this, set out the details about the different safety tools of
specified standard. In relation with the health hazards of the workers during construction, this

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chapter describes the nature of the different health hazards that normally occur in the site
during construction and at the same time specifies the specific measures to be taken to
prevent such health hazards. According to this chapter, exhaust ventilation, use of protective
devices, medical checkups etc. are the measures to be taken by the particular employer to
ensure a healthy workplace for the workers.

Section 1.4.1 of chapter-1, part-7 of the BNBC, states the general duties of the employer to
the public as well as workers. According to this section, “All equipment and safeguards
required for the construction work such as temporary stair, ladder, ramp, scaffold, hoist, run
way, barricade, chute, lift etc. shall be substantially constructed and erected so as not to
create any unsafe situation for the workmen using them or the workmen and general public
passing under, on or near them”.

Part-7, Chapter -1 of the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) clearly sets out the
constructional responsibilities according to which the relevant authority of a particular
construction site shall adopt some precautionary measures to ensure the safety of the
workmen. According to section 1.2.1 of chapter 1 of part 7, “in a construction or demolition
work, the terms of contract between the owner and the contractor and between a consultant
and the owner shall be clearly defined and put in writing. These however will not absolve the
owner from any of his responsibilities under the various provisions of this Code and other
applicable regulations and bye-laws. The terms of contract between the owner and the
contractor will determine the responsibilities and liabilities of either party in the concerned
matters, within the provisions of the relevant Acts and Codes (e.g.) the Employers' Liability
Act, 1938, the Factories Act 1965, the Fatal Accident Act, 1955 and Workmen's
Compensation Act 1923”. (After the introduction of the Bangladesh Labor Act, 2006, these
Acts have been repealed). To prevent workers falling from heights, the Code in section 3.7.1
to 3.7.6 of chapter 3 of part 7 sets out the detailed requirements on the formation and use of
scaffolding.

Constitution of Bangladesh
Article 24 of the constitution of Bangladesh says that the state shall adopt measures for the
protection against disfigurement, damage or removal of all monuments, objects or places of
special artistic or historic importance or interest.

Antiquities Act, 1968

This Act provides the modes of protection and preservation of things which are part of our
national history and heritage. Article 24 states that if the Government is of the opinion that
for the purpose of protecting or preserving any immovable antiquity it is necessary so to do, it
may, by notification in the official Gazette, prohibit or restrict, within such area as may be
specified therein, mining, quarrying, excavating, blasting and other operations of a like
nature, or the movement of heavy vehicles, except under and in accordance with the terms of
a license granted and rules, if any, made in this behalf.

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Water Act, 2013

The Water Act 2013 has been promulgated with an aim to preserve and protect water
resources as well as to exert control on water use in Bangladesh. Through different provisions
under this Act, restrictions have been imposed in attempting to alter the natural flow in water
by landfilling and other activities. The other issues that are addressed in this Act involve
protection of potable water sources and management, provision for declaration of water stress
areas, provision for declaration of flood control zone and its management, restrictions on
storing natural water in artificial or natural reservoirs, restriction on abstraction of total water
from any water source, water pollution control etc. Any violation of compliance or protection
order will result in an offence, which would be punishable in various degrees including fines,
compensation and imprisonment.

2.2 NATIONAL SOCIAL POLICIES, LAWS AND REGULATIONS

There is no national policy in Bangladesh governing social effects of infrastructure

development projects on the project area communities. However, the Constitution of
Bangladesh provides some rights to the affected persons, communities and groups those are
not upheld in the Ordinance II of 1982, which is the instrument, followed for land acquisition.
The active instruments under the legislative and regulatory framework in Bangladesh are
discussed below:

Constitution of Bangladesh
The fundamental rights under the Constitution indicate the general guidelines for a policy on
resettlement/rehabilitation of citizens adversely affected (whatever be the mechanism) due to
any activity of the State. Article 40 of the constitution states categorically that every citizen
has the right to practice any lawful occupation which implies that anything impeding such
right (a) should not be done or (b) there should be supplementary measures to make good the
losses incurred by the citizen. Resettlement and rehabilitation of adversely affected people
due to infrastructure projects very clearly falls within this requirement for supplementary
measures. However, as per Article 42, sub-clause 2, no law with provision of compensation
for acquisition of land can be challenged in a court on the ground that such compensation has
been inadequate.

The Acquisition and Requisition of Immovable Property Ordinance, 1982

The principal legal instrument governing land acquisition in Bangladesh is the Acquisition
and Requisition of Immovable Property Ordinance, 1982 (Ordinance II of 1982 with
amendments up to 1994) and other land laws and administrative manuals relevant to land
administration in Bangladesh. According to the Ordinance, whenever it appears to the
Government of Bangladesh that any property in any locality is needed or is likely to be
needed for any public purpose or in the public interest, the Government can acquire the land
provided that no property used by the public for the purpose of religious worship, graveyard
and cremation ground. The 1982 Ordinance requires that compensation be paid for (i) land
and assets permanently acquired (including standing crops, trees, houses); and (ii) any other
damages caused by such acquisition. The Deputy Commissioner (DC) determines (a) market

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value of acquired assets on the date of notice of acquisition (based on the registered value of
similar property bought and/or sold in the area over the preceding 12 months), and (b) 50%
premium on the assessed value (other than crops) due to compulsory acquisition. The 1994
amendment made provisions for payment of crop compensation to tenant cultivators. The law
specifies methods for calculation of market value of property based on recorded prices
obtained from relevant Government departments such as Registrar (land), Public Works
Department (structures), Department of Forest (trees), Department of Agriculture (crops) and
Department of Fisheries (fish stock). Given that people devalue land during title transfer to
minimize tax payment, compensation for land paid by DC including premium largely remains
less than the actual market price.

The Ministry of Land (MoL) is authorized to deal with land acquisition. The MoL delegates
some of its authority to the Commissioner at Divisional level and to the Deputy
Commissioner at the District level. The Deputy Commissioners (DCs) are empowered by the
MOL to process land acquisition under the Ordinance and pay compensation to the legal
owners of the acquired property. Khas (government owned land) lands should be acquired
first when a project requires both khas and private land. If a project requires only khas land,
the land will be transferred through an inter-ministerial meeting following the acquisition
proposal submitted to DC or MoL as the case may be. The DC is empowered to acquire a
maximum of 50 standard bigha (6.75 ha) of land without any litigation where the Divisional
Commissioner is involved for approval. Acquisition of land more than 50 standard bigha is
approved from the central land allocation committee (CLAC) headed by the chief executive
of the Government of Bangladesh proposed by the MOL.

The landowner needs to establish ownership by producing record-of-rights in order to be

eligible for compensation under the law. The record of rights prepared under Section 143 or
144 of the State Acquisition and Tenancy Act 1950 (revised 1994) are not always updated
and as a result legal land owners have faced difficulties trying to “prove” ownership. The
affected person (AP) has also to produce rent receipt or receipt of land development tax, but
this does not assist in some situations as a person is exempted from payment of rent if the
area of land is less than 25 bighas (3.37 ha).

2.3 INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS AT NATIONAL AND SUB-NATIONAL

LEVELS

As outlined in the National Environment Policy (1992) and National Forest Policy (1994), the
Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) acts as the guide and custodian for the
conservation and development of the environment and, in the pursuit of that goal, to ensure
through appropriate laws and regulations that natural resources, including land, air, water and
forests, are exploited and managed in an environmentally sustainable manner. The
Department of Environment (DoE), formed in 1989 with a mandate for environmental
management later formalized under the Environment Conservation Act, 1995 (ECA’95), acts
as the technical arm of the Ministry and is responsible for environmental planning,
management, monitoring and enforcement. A Director General heads the DoE, with

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Divisional offices in Dhaka, Chittagong, Bogra, Khulna, Barisal and Sylhet. The
Environment Conservation Rules (1997) provide the Director General a discretionary
authority to grant ‘Environmental Clearance' to an applicant, exempting the requirement of
site/location clearance, provided the DG considers it to be appropriate.

The mandate of the Department has expanded over time, evolving from an exclusive focus on
pollution control to include natural resources and environmental management, now covering:
• monitoring environmental quality;
• promoting environmental awareness through public information programs;
• controlling and monitoring industrial pollution;
• reviewing environmental impact assessments and managing the environmental
clearance process; and,
• establishing regulations and guidelines for activities affecting the environment

Thus, the GoB has well-defined legal/regulatory systems for safeguarding environment issues
through the Ministry of Environment and Forest in the policy level and the Department of
Environment in the implementation level. Although the environmental legal framework is
relatively modern and is in an advanced state in connection with the environmental
assessment, the main limitations are in the capabilities of the regulatory agencies to enforce
and promulgate these legal tools. The existing resources (manpower, technical tools etc.) of
regulatory agencies are deemed largely inadequate to monitor compliance with existing rules.

The environmental management system in Bangladesh constitutes an extremely centralized

and partially de-concentrated model of environmental management. At the divisional level,
there is a Divisional Environmental Advisory Committee headed by the Divisional
Commissioner with representation from various government agencies. The DoE does not
have any representation below this level. An important gap in existing formal rules (the
Constitution and other laws) is that the divisions, districts, upazilas, unions do not have a
clearly defined role to play in environmental management. Lack of an appropriate mandate
and institutional arrangements below the divisional level is a key factor contributing to
difficulties in implementing environmental policies and regulations.

2.4 NATIONAL POLICIES AND LAWS RELATED TO WATER SUPPLY AND

SANITATION

National Policy for Safe Water Supply and Sanitation (1998)

The National Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Policy (1998) goal is accessibility to all
of water and sanitation services within the shortest possible time at a price that is affordable
to all. The Policy will be achieved through strategies formulated at various levels in
consultation with the Ministry of Planning. Policy objectives are (i) to improve the standard
of public health and (ii) to ensure an improved environment. Policies for rural and urban
areas are presented separately as they differ in institutional aspects, content, and magnitude.

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National Policy for Arsenic Mitigation (2004)

The National Policy for Arsenic Mitigation (2004) provides a guideline for mitigating the
effect of arsenic on people and environment in a realistic and sustainable way. It supplements
the National Water Policy (1998) and the National Policy for Safe Water Supply and
Sanitation (1998) in fulfilling national goals related to poverty alleviation, public health, and
food security.The Policy states that access to safe water for drinking and cooking shall be
ensured through implementation of alternative water supply options in all arsenic-affected
areas. Arsenic mitigation activities under the Policy will focus on public awareness,
alternative arsenic safe water supply, diagnoses and management of patients and capacity
building. The national arsenic program is to encourage and promote research and
development on the impact of arsenic on water supplies, health, food, and agriculture.

Besides these, the Water Supply and Sanitation Act (1996) regulates the management and
control of water supply and sanitation in urban areas and the Ground Water Management
Ordinance (1985) describes the management of ground water resources and licensing of tube
wells.

2.5 IMPLICATIONS OF NATIONAL POLICIES ON THE PROPOSED PROJECT

The Environmental Conservation Rules (ECR) 1997 (DoE, 1997) classifies projects into four
categories according to potential environmental impacts: (1) Green; (2) Orange A; (3) Orange
B; and (4) Red. Green category projects are those with mostly positive environmental impacts
or negligible negative impacts; Orange A category projects are those with minor and mostly
temporary environmental impacts for which there are standard mitigation measures; Orange
B category project are those with moderately significant environmental impacts; while Red
category projects are those with significant adverse environmental impacts. As per the
Environmental Conservation Rules 1997 (GoB, 1997) of the GoB, the proposed project
involving construction of water transmission line, water treatment plant, and treated water
distribution line, falls under “RED category”. Though construction of intake structure is not
specifically mentioned in the ECR 1997, an intake structure is a major part of a surface water
transmission and treatment plant, and preliminary assessment suggests that construction and
operation of such an intake structure (including construction of raw water transmission line)
may result in significant environmental impacts. Therefore, carrying out an Environmental
and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) in accordance with the Environment Conservation Act
1995 and the Environment Conservation Rules 1997 is mandatory.

The environmental classifications for industrial projects in Bangladesh are based on

"inclusion lists" given in the ECR97. Water Treatment Plant is listed in the ‘Red Category’ in
ECR97 (i.e., serial no.6 in the ECR97 Red list in Schedule-1.). Therefore a full-scale EIA
would be necessary to obtain environmental clearance for the proposed WTP by RWASA
from the DoE. In detail, the procedure for obtaining Environmental Clearance Certificate for
“RED” category projects are outlined below:

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Application for site clearance

Application should enclose:
1. Prescribed application form
2. Application fee
3. IEE report of the proposed project (including ToR for EIA)
4. Location map/ layout plan, etc.
5. No Objection Certificate (NOC) from local government authority
6. Preliminary Feasibility Study Report/ DPP of the proposed project, if available

Site visit by DOE and applicant

agency, if required

Obtaining Site Clearance and approved ToR for EIA

Applicant agency will conduct EIA study

for the proposed project

Application for Environmental Clearance

Application should enclose:
1. Prescribed application form
2. EIA report of the proposed project including EMP
3. Outline of relocation, rehabilitation plan, if applicable
4. Feasibility Study Report of the proposed project, if available
Presentation on the EIA and EMP
by the applicant agency to DOE

Obtaining Environmental Clearance

Renewal of the clearance after each one-year period

Figure 2-2: Procedure for obtaining ECC for the proposed WTP Project by RWASA

The BNBC, PPR 2008, Bangladesh Labor Act 2006 outlines guidelines for ensuring worker’s
health and safety during construction works which would have direct implications in the
proposed project. It would be the responsibilities of the contractors to make sure that these
guidelines are followed in the workplace environment.

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CHAPTER 3

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

3.1 INTRODUCTION

As mentioned earlier in Chapter 1, the project consists of following works:

 Detailed design and construction (Design-Build) of intake and intake pump station,
200 MLD capacity conventional surface water treatment plant (clean water output
excluding water demands at the treatment plant) possibly comprising pre-chlorination,
flocculation, clarifying, filtration, post-chlorination, clear water storage, clear water
pumping etc. The treatment plant must be able to treat raw water to meet WHO
guidelines Bangladesh Standards for Drinking Water Quality.
 Design and construction of facilities such as administration building, laboratory,
control room, workshop, chemical store, generator building and staff residence etc.
 Design and construction of about 26.5 km treated water transmission mains and about
47 km primary & secondary distribution main (1400mm to 400mm) to cover the
command areas.
 Detailed design and construction of a 187 MLD booster pumping station (13 MLD
water will be supplied to Godagari pourashava from proposed SWTP). The pump
station will consists of treated water reservoir, post chlorination, and pumping
facilities along with ancillary structures.
 Detailed design and rehabilitation/expansion of 400 km distribution network within
city corporation area, proposed urban area and Naohata pourashava. The work shall
include service connection and development of flow measuring system at consumer
level.

The project would require acquisition of 20 ha land covering intake, intake pump station,
SWTP and booster pump station. Provision has been kept for future land requirement to meet
the demand up to 2035. Preliminary cost of the project has estimated to be about 359 Million
USD including 3 years O&M cost.

This chapter presents the salient features of the different components of the project.

3.2 WATER SOURCE

The proposed WTP by RWASA will withdraw water from Padma river through at Godagari.
Preliminary analysis of dry and wet season water quality of Padma river at Godagari shows
that the water quality is somewhat better than other downstream locations being considered
(one of the reasons for choosing Godagari as an intake point). Process model studies have
shown that this water can be successfully treated to drinking water standards using
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 Chapter 3: Project Description

conventional methods. An analysis of the dry season dependable flows at near the proposed
intake site at Godagari shows that the maximum possible withdrawal (i.e. 378 MLD) amounts
to about 0.51% of the 80% dependable flow. Since the environmental requirement is 40% of
the 80% dependable flow, sufficient quantity of water would be available for extraction. The
details for process model study are available in the Draft Feasibility Report.

3.3 RAW WATER INTAKE

The intake structure will be located and designed in a way to help in safely withdrawing raw
water from the Ganges River and to transfer it through a transmission system until it reaches
treatment facilities. The water is expected to flow by gravity from the intake to the pump
sumps from where it will be pumped to the water treatment plant. The raw water intake
structure and various facilities to be provided will be designed to cater for the 100 year flood
and dry season low levels in the Ganges watercourse. Taking into consideration prevailing
conditions in Godagari area, the submerged intake (Pipe) solution appears to be the most
attractive not only in cost but also in control and maintenance. This recommendation is also
based on the study conducted on morphological consequences at the selected point.

The simple submerged intake, at the bottom of the watercourse, would consist of a simple
concrete block of suitable size supporting the starting end of the withdrawal pipe. For safety
and for more flexibility in operation, multiple pipes in parallel of identical size can be
envisaged for the required flow. Each pipe will be sized to cater for 50% of the optimum flow
at least. The intake opening will be covered by a safety screen mesh to prevent entry of fishes
and debris into the conduit. The intake opening will be kept at not less than 1.00m below the
lowest level in the watercourse. For Ganges at Godagari the estimated historical lower water
level is about 9.00 mPWD and highest water level is about 22.4 mPWD. Thus the intake
pipes will be laid at 7.00 mPWD (2 m below the lowest water level).

This type of intake is economically acceptable and can be envisaged in a place where it will
not affect navigation. Nevertheless, it has the disadvantage to keep installations not easily
accessible for cleaning and repairing all over the year. A typical arrangement of simple
submerged intake is shown in Figure 3-1.

Three large safety screens with 10 cm mesh will be installed adjacent to the 3 inlet sluice
gates, in order to prevent the intrusion of large items floating or submerged in to the system.
These screens may be checked on regular basis and hand raked if needed. Bar screens shall
be fabricated of stainless steel, with stainless steel guides. Coarse screens of 40 mm mesh
will be installed between the inlet pipes and the settling tank.

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 Chapter 3: Project Description

Figure 3-1: Site layout plan of intake pump station

The submerged intake will have three transmission pipelines, the pipe inlets will be followed
by two de-silting basins of 3500m3 capacities for each. The desilting basins will discharge
water (after settling) into the pumping station sump after a detention period of not less than
15 minutes. The de-silting basin bottom will be at 5.25m PWD and the finished ground level

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 Chapter 3: Project Description

will be fixed at 23.00m PWD. De-silting basins will be of conical shape, top width and depth
of the basins will be 9.m and 17.75 m respectively. Size of the de-silting basins has been
computed considering flow velocity of maximum 0.25 m/sec
A battery of six fine screens in parallel will separate each settling tank from the pumping
station sump, so a total of 10 rake automatic bar screens will be installed to provide fine
Figure 3-2: Plan and Section of Intake Pumping Station for RWASA WTP

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 Chapter 3: Project Description

screening (10 mm) of the inlet raw water. These self-cleansing screens shall be located at the
inlet of each of the 10 pump sumps. At design flow these screens shall be capable of
removing any additional detritus from the flow. The head loss through the screens should not,
under normal operating conditions lead to risk of cavitations in the pumps.

Collected grits and mud will be lifted, from time to time, by a pump to be installed on a
mobile bridge moving on the top of the two adjacent channels. The shape of the parallel de-
silting/de-gritting chambers allows the use of a single moving bridge. Grit extraction shall be
done automatically by suction pump or air lift set up on the moving bridge. The pumped silt
will be returned back to the River where it will be disposed of to the downstream side of the
intake. Silt can also be discharged into trucks alongside the channel and disposed of away
from the site.

The capacity of the intake pump station will be 210 MLD including 5% losses due to removal
of impurities and backwashing. Number of pumps for intake pump station will be 6
(provision will be kept for installation of another 4 pumps in future), each having a capacity
of 0.62 m3/sec. Four pumps will be in operation, one will be for maintenance and the other
one will be kept as standby. The total area needed for the intake structure, intake pump
station and settling tanks is maximum 2 ha. The pump station will have the following
facilities:
 Pump sump
 Pumps
 Control panels
 Electrical facilities
The station compound furthermore includes the following facilities:
 Electrical sub-station and Transformers
 Standby generators
 Operators building with residence facilities
 Storage facility

Preliminary layout of the intake and intake pumping station is shown Figures 3-1 and 3-2.
Bank protection works in the form of revetment will be required along a stretch of one
kilometer reach at both U/S & D/S of the intake and intake pumping station. A typical bank
protection design is presented in Figure 3-3.

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 Chapter 3: Project Description

Figure 3-3: A typical bank protection detail for the raw water intake structure of WTP

3.4 WATER TREATMENT PLANT

The proposed site (shown in Figure 3-4) is located near Godagari Degree College at
Godagari. Sufficient land is available at this site and the cost of land will be comparatively
than other options considered (see Chapter 8: Analysis of Alternatives for details).

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 Chapter 3: Project Description

The process model study of water treatment process is in progress. However, by analyzing
the wet season water quality of the Padma river at the Godagari intake location, it can be seen
that turbidity, suspended solids, color, fecal coliform and total coliform are the parameters
which needs to be removed from raw water to make it suitable for drinking. It is suggested
that a coagulation-flocculation-sedimentation followed by rapid filtration and chlorination
would be sufficient to bring the water quality to drinking water standards.

Figure 3-4: Map of the proposed Intake and WTP site at Godagari

The following ancillary structures will be required in the treatment plant site for smooth
running of the treatment Unit.
a. Administrative Building with Laboratory
b. Workshops
c. One Office Quarter for AE and SAE
d. One staff quarter for 20 employees
f. Boundary wall and fencing
g. Power House Building, 20m X 20m
h. Substation HT, Switch Gear and Transformer Room
i. Standby Generator room
Preliminary layout of different components of surface water treatment plant are shown in
Figure 3-5

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 Chapter 3: Project Description

Figure 3-5:layout of different components of surface water treatment plant

Disposal of Waste from Water Treatment Plant

Waste comprises of sludge from sedimentation of particulate matter in raw water, flocculated
and precipitated materials resulting from chemical coagulation. It also includes waste from
rinsing and backwashing of filter media containing debris, plankton and residuals of excess
chemical doses.
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 Chapter 3: Project Description

Figure 3-6: Wastewater Disposal pipeline layout from the WTP

In continuous sludge removal, the possibility of discharging of water treatment plant sludge
to nearby drainage should be considered.
 Sludge from clarification units using iron and aluminum coagulants can be dewatered
by vacuum filtration using lime as the co-ordination to a cake that can be conveniently
be trucked for land fill.
 Sludge drying beds are an acceptable method for dewatering certain types of sludge
from clarifier for further disposal to the landfill.
 Simple lagooning of sludge does bring about a reduction in the bulk sludge to be
handled and further disposal as landfill, if necessary.
 Back wash water from filter can some time be recycled back to the plant inlet when
can possibly improve settling and filtration.
 Location of water treatment plant if selected in the neighborhood of the intake point at
Padma river possibility of draining out of the sludge in the downstream of the intake
point would be examined.

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 Chapter 3: Project Description

3.5 TREATED WATER TRANSMISSION MAIN

Treated water will be transmitted from the treatment plant at Godagari through a transmission
main (diameter 1400 mm) of about 26.5 km by following Rajshahi-ChapaiNawabganj
Highway. No land acquisition would be required as the pipe will be laid within the existing
right of way of the highway owned by Roads and Highways Department. 200 MLD treated
water will be carried from the WTP, on the way 13 MLD water will be distributed to the
Godagari Pourashava and remaining 187 MLD will be carried to the booster pumping station.
Initial head of the transmission main at the proposed SWTP will be 4.5 bar to ensure 0.5 bar
pressure at the booster pump station. A cross-sectional diagram of the treated water
transmission main along ChapaiNawabganj-Rajshahi is shown in the Figure 3-7.Transmission
main will be laid at northern side of the highway while proceeding towards Rajshahi city
from Godagari. From the booster pumping station 187 MLD water will be distributed to
water supply network (both existing and future) of Rajshahi city. As per existing field
condition, the transmission main will cross khals and culverts. These crossings should be
made by maintaining gentle slope and using small angled bents. Pipe jacking construction
method will be proposed for such crossings if necessary. Diameter of the jacking pipe should
be sufficient so that the transmission main can pass through the jacking pipes smoothly.

3.6 THE BOOSTER PUMP STATION

To carry the treated water through the transmission main it will need sufficient head from the
treated water pumping station. Moreover to ensure for injecting treated water in the primary
distribution, post chlorination is necessary before injection. Considering above, a booster
pumping station will be constructed near Kasiadanga. Design flow for booster pumping
station has been considered 187 MLD as 13 MLD water will be distributed to Godagari
Purashava on the way from SWTP to booster pump station. Location of the booster pumping
station at 1 km upward of the Kasiadanga Morh has found most suitable since it is almost free
from settlements and by the side of the ChapaiNawabganj-Rajshahi highway.

The following provisions will need to be provided in the booster pumping station.
 A clear water reservoir with a capacity of 20000 m3 will be required. The size of the
reservoir is equal to the size of the treated water reservoir of the treatment plant. The
arrangement of chlorine contact zone for post chlorination will be provided in the
clear water reservoir.
 A pumping station of 187 MLD capacity will be required leading to installation of Six
(6) pumps (4 fixed head and 2 variable head) each of capacity 0.6 m3/sec. Out of six
(6) pumps four (4) will be in operation and two (2) will be kept as standby. Initial
head for the pump station will be 3.5 bar to ensure at least 1 bar pressure at the
furthest node.
A layout diagram of the booster pump station is provided in Figure 3-8.

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Chapter 3: Project Description

Figure 3-7: Cross-section of the treated water transmission pipeline parallel to Nawabgonj-Rajshahi Highway
 Chapter 3: Project Description

Figure 3-8: Layout of the Booster Pump Station

3.7 WATER DISTRIBUTION NETWORK

A dedicated primary and secondary distribution network will be developed to distribute 187
MLD water to Rajshahi city. Also, the 27MLD water produced from the existing Shyampur
WTP will have to be accommodated in the revised distribution network. The outline design
of primary and secondary distribution system has been initiated in an integrated way taking
account production from both proposed SWTP and existing WTP at Shyampur. Considering
all the facts mentioned above an integrated primary and secondary distribution network
(varying from 1400 mm to 300 mm) of about 49 km length has been proposed to enable
adequate supply up to 2025 with adequate pressure. The command area is about 195 km2 (for
planning horizon up to 2025) covering the whole area of Rajshahi City Corporation (104
km2), the future extended urban area (51 km2) proposed in the master plan prepared by
Rajshahi Development Authority (RDA) and Naohata Pourashava (40 km2) . The Rajshahi
city corporation area is consists of 4 thanas namely Rajpara, Boalia, Matihar and Shah
Makhdum. The extended urban area is consists of areas from Baragacchi, Parila, Damkur,
Haragram, Harian and Yousufpur Union along with Katakhali Pourashava area.
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 Chapter 3: Project Description

Figure 3-9: Proposed Primary and Secondary Distribution Network

Ductile Iron pipes are considered for design of transmission main and primary & secondary
distribution network as these pipes are semi rigid pipes, characteristically strong and tough
and able to withstand earth and live loads with little support from soils. On the other hand,
GRP and steel pipes are both flexible pipes and rely heavily on soil support and are therefore
not recommended for the project. In case of cannel/culvert crossings steel pipes may be used.

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 Chapter 3: Project Description

Auxiliary facilities of the pipeline mainly include washout valve, isolating valves, air valves
etc. Washout valves will be fitted on the primary & secondary lines for cleaning the pipe line.
These washout valves can be used at 6 points of the pipelines where pipe will cross khals.
Isolating valves on the primary Main will be of the butterfly type and will only be proposed
at strategic locations. This will be limited because of the high cost. Air valve will be used at
each high point in the transmission main specially at crossing of khals. Pressure Reducing
Check Valves (PRV) will be used in its distribution nodes along with the isolating valve &
flow meter.

Details of the proposed routes of primary and secondary distribution network are described
below (see Figure 3-9):
 From Booster pump station, located near the city (1 km backward of Kasiadanga
morh) a 1400mm diameter pipe will follow the Chapai-Rajshahi road up to
Kasiadanga circle. The primary main will then be divided into three mains, one
towards the old Chapai-Rajshahi road, another towards the Rajshahi city bypass and
the remaining one towards Rajshahi bypass with 800 mm, 1000 mm and 800 mm
respectively.
 First pipe with diameter 800mm will follow the old Rajshahi city road and goes up to
Fire Brigade morh. Then the diameter will reduce to 600 mm and reach to
Alupottimorh. From Alupottimorh the pipe diameter will gradually reduce to 400 mm
and distribute water up to Talaimari area.
 The second pipe of diameter 1000mm from Kasiadanga circle will follow Rajshahi
city bypass up to Bornali morh where the diameter will reduce to 800 mm. The pipe
of 800 mm will go through greater road up to Vodra circle. In the way at Siroil
railgate a branch pipe of 500 mm from 800 mm pipe will follow Raishai-Naogaon
road up to Naodapara, gradually reducing to 400 mm. At Vodra circle the 800 mm
pipe will reduce to 600 and goes up to Rajshahi University main gate passing
Talaimari circle. At Rajshahi University main gate pipe diameter will reduce to 400
and goes up to Chowddopaimorh following Rajshahi-Natore road. From
Chowddopaimorh to Katakhali another pipe of 400 mm will be laid along Rajshahi-
Natore road to distribute supply from the existing Shyampur WTP.
 The third main of 800 mm diameter pipe will follow Rajshahi bypass and reaches
"AamChattor" where the pipe diameter will reduce to 600 mm. From "AamChattor"
the 600 mm pipe will go further along Rajshahi bypass up to BaroBangram. At this
location the pipe diameter will reduce to 500 mm and goes further up to Mallikpur.
Also a pipe of 600 mm will diverge from

3.8 PROJECT ACTIVITIES DURING CONSTRUCTION PHASE

The major project activities during construction phase include the following:

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 Chapter 3: Project Description

 Acquisition of required land and getting permission from relevant organizations (e.g.,
RHD) for laying water transmission pipeline on land owned by them. The project
would require acquisition of 20 ha land covering intake, intake pump station, SWTP
and booster pump station.
 Construction of intake channel, intake structure and associated facilities, and raw
water pumping station.
 Construction of water treatment plant (WTP) including all treatment units and
ancillary facilities (e.g., pre-chlorination unit, clarification units, rapid sand filter
units, clear water reservoir, clear water pumping facilities, administrative building,
workshop building, generator room, guard room).
 Construction of about 26.5 km treated water transmission mains (1400 mm dia) and
about 47 km primary & secondary distribution main (1400mm to 400mm) to cover
the command areas. Pipe jacking method has been proposed for the installation of
water transmission lines across canals.
 Construction of a 187 MLD booster pumping station. The pump station will consists
of treated water reservoir, post chlorination, and pumping facilities along with
ancillary structures.
 Rehabilitation/expansion of 400 km distribution network within city corporation area,
proposed urban area and Naohata pourashava. The work shall include service
connection and development of flow measuring system at consumer level.

3.9 PROJECT ACTIVITIES DURING OPERATIONAL PHASE

During the operational phase, RWASA will be responsible for the operation and maintenance
of intake channel, intake structure, water treatment plant and the water transmission lines.
The important issues to be addressed during the operational phase include the following:
 Stability of river bank and intake channel;
 Availability of raw water and raw water quality;
 Treated water quality;
 Proper operation of treatment plant, intake pumping station and booster pumping
station;
 Public health and RWASA service facilities;
 Disposal of sludge from WTP;
 Safety of water distribution network;
 Disposal of additional volumes of wastewater that will be generated due to increased
water supply in Rajshahi city after completion of the project.

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 Chapter 4: Physico-chemical Environment

CHAPTER 4

PHYSICO-CHEMICAL ENVIRONMENT

4.1 INTRODUCTION

The proposed project (Surface Water Treatment Plant for Rajshahi WASA) involves
construction of a 250 MLD capacity water treatment plant, including an intake channel, an
intake structure including raw water pump station and associated facilities for drawing raw
water from Padma river, and about 28 km of treated water transmission main line consisting
of 1400 mm diameter pipeline. As a part of the environmental assessment of the proposed
project an environmental baseline survey has been carried out in areas surrounding the
proposed locations of intake and water treatment plant, and along the route of the proposed
water transmission line.

The specific objectives of the baseline study were:

 To document the existing condition of physical and biological environment and
prevailing socio-economic condition of the study area;
 To identify the significant environmental and social aspects that are likely to be
affected by the proposed development activities; and
 Setting of baseline parameters in order to identify possible adverse and beneficial
impacts due to the proposed project activities.

This Chapter briefly summarizes the major findings from the baseline surveys. The
descriptions of baseline ecological environment and baseline socio-economic environment
have been presented in Chapter 5 and Chapter 6, respectively.

4.2 PHYSICAL FEATURES OF THE STUDY AREA

4.2.1 Physical Features of the project area

As noted earlier, The intake and treatment plant, the entire route of the proposed 28 km
Treated Water Transmission main pipeline along Rajshahi - Nawabganj highway from
Godagari to Proposed Booster Pump station at Balia as well as the water distribution network
in the Rajshahi city corporation area, falls under the Rajshahi district. A baseline survey
along the designated route of the proposed treated water transmission pipeline was conducted
during the period between 23rd April and 27th April, 2015. The survey was aimed at
developing a database of the existing condition of the physical environment around the
project area. In addition to this, a detailed topographic survey was conducted over several
months by Institute of Water Modeling, the details of which are available in the Feasibility
Report.

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 Chapter 4: Physico-chemical Environment

Figure 4-1: Google Map view showing relative locations of proposed Water Treatment Plant,
Intake point, Treated Water Transmission Main line and Booster Pump for Rajshahi WASA
WTP Project

Figure 4-2:DifferentPhysical features of the proposed site for Intake channel at Godagari

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 Chapter 4: Physico-chemical Environment

Physical environment of Intake and WTP location at Godagari

Figure 4-2 shows the existing physical features of the proposed intake location for the
proposed Surface Water Treatment Plant for Rajshahi WASA. This site is situated at the
bank of Padma River and approximately 400 meters away from the Rajshahi – Nawabganj
highway. Several mango trees and an abandoned brick kiln are present in this location.
Besides a mosque namely gosail jame mosjid (established in 2008) is situated at the east side
of proposed intake location and a homestead present close to this site.

Different physical features of the proposed WTP at Godagari is shown by the figure 4-3.
From this figure it can be seen that the selected location for WTP is mainly paddy land.
Several mango gardens are adjacent to this location. This site is apart around 200 meters from
the Rajshahi - nawabganj highway.

Figure 4-3: Physical features of the proposed site for WTP at Godagari

The number of physical features that would be directly impacted as a result of the
construction of intake, WTP and access roads to intake and WTP are shown in Table 4-1. A
total of 18.15 hectare land will need to be acquired in order to construct the intake, WTP and
the access roads. (See Table 4-3 for details)

Table 4-1: Number of physical features that would be impacted due to construction of intake,
WTP and access roads

Sl. Item Within Within the within the proposed within the proposed
No the intake proposed approach road (15m approach road (15m
site WTP site strip) for intake site strip) for WTP site
1 Brick Field 1 - - -
2 Tree 59 88 12 27
3 Electrical Pole 1 - 1 1
4 Semi Pucca 3 - - -
Building
5 Building 2 - 2 -

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 Chapter 4: Physico-chemical Environment

Sl. Item Within Within the within the proposed within the proposed
No the intake proposed approach road (15m approach road (15m
site WTP site strip) for intake site strip) for WTP site
6 Septic Tank - - 2 -
Physical environment of Booster Pump Location
Figure 4-4 shows a pictorial overview of the proposed location for Booster pump. This
location is mainly agricultural land and it is very close to Rajshahi – Nawabganj highway. A
homestead is situated in close proximity of the booster pump station area. A total of 3.12
hectare land would need to be acquired to construct the booster pump station and associated
facilities (see Table 4-3) and a total of 13 trees will be required to be uprooted due to
construction of this facility.

Figure 4-4: Physical features of the proposed site for Booster pump at Balia under Paba
upazila.

Physical environment along the proposed treated water transmission pipeline

The proposed treated water transmission pipeline passes through Godagari and Paba upazilas
under Rajshahi district. This pipeline passes along the Rajshahi – Nawabganj highway. Since
the construction of the pipeline will be within the right of way of this highway owned by
Roads and Highways Department, no land acquisition would be required. The Rajshahi –
Nawabganj highway primarily passes beside agricultural land where rice, corn and vegetables
are cultivated. In addition there are mango, litchi and few banana plantations adjacent to this
highway. Number of each physical features within the proposed treated water transmission
route alongside Chapai-Rajshahi highway from WTP at Godagari to Kasiadangamor (along
RHD land) is provided in Table 4-2. It can be seen that a total of 356 trees, 118 houses and
several commercial installations would be directly or indirectly impacted due to construction
of the transmission pipeline.

Table 4-2: Different physical features that would be impacted due to construction of the
transmission pipeline.

Sl. No Item Number

1 Tree 356
2 Katcha House 8

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 Chapter 4: Physico-chemical Environment

Sl. No Item Number

3 Semi Pucca Building 68
4 1 Storied Building 19
5 2 Storied Building 1
6 3 Storied Building 1
7 Homestead 21
8 Factory 2
9 Shop 20
10 Market 1
11 Petrol Pump 1

A pictorial overview of different important physical features of Godagari and Paba upazillas
are given in Figures 4-5 to 4-21.

Important physical features of Godagari Upazila

Figure 5-5: Snapshot of the Godagari College (left) and a 5-storey building (right) adjacent
to proposed treated water transmission pipeline. Godagari College was established in 1984.

Figure 4-6: A view of World vision Bangladesh (left) and electrical sub - station of REB
(right). World vision Bangladesh is an NGO (integrated community development project)at
Vagobantopur, Godagari, Rajshahi.

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Figure 4-7: An image shows filling station with the tower of BTCL (left) and a view of
networking tower of a private mobile operator (right).

Figure 4-8: Snapshot of a building of BRAC office (left) and Railgate jamemosjid (right)
which was established in 1996. BRAC is a Non- government organization.

Figure 4-9: a view of s brick kiln (left) and Matikata Adorsha Degree College (right) which
was established in 1994.

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Figure 4-10: Snapshot of Jamuna Edible Oil Industries Limited (left) which constructed in
2013 and M/S kamala auto rice mill that was established in 2011. Approximately 150
employees are working in this mill.

Figure 4-11: View of local artificial breeding laboratory (left) and Divisional nurture of grass
cultivation at Rajabari (right) which are contiguous to proposed pipeline.

Figure 4-12: Snapshot of a local chicken farm (left) and Rajshahi dairy farm (right).

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Figure 4-13: Snapshot of Godagari fire service and defense station (left) which was
constructed in 1992 and a water body namely Sharoilpukor which is primarily used for fish
cultivation.

Figure 4-14: View of a training institute for youth (left) which was established in 1979, and
Baitossalam jame mosjid (right) which constructed in 2011.

Figure 4-15: Snapshot of a temple (left) and Rajabari Degree College (right) which was
established in 1995.

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Important physical features of Paba Upazila

Figure 4-16: View of homestead building under Paba upazila which are adjacent to proposed
treated water transmission pipeline along the Rajshahi – Nawabganj highway.

Figure 4-17: Snapshot of uttom mesh palokergirja (left) which was established in 2001 and
mango tree garden which is close to the proposed pipeline (right).

Figure 4-18:A snapshot of Kashiadhanga College (left) at rajabari which was established in
1993 and border gate of Rajshahi city corporation area (right).

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Figure 4-19: View of Masers Rahaman& Kong filling station which was constructed in 1998
and Horipur union porishad that was founded in 1949 at Paba upazila.

Important physical features under Rajshahi city corporation area

Figure 4-20:A snapshot of Rajshahi rail station (left) which was constructed in 2003 and
Rajshahi College (right) which established in 1873, shaheb bazaar, Rajshahi.

Figure 4-21: A view of Ammchottor (left) and Nagar babhan (right) which was established
in 2011

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4.2.2 Land Acquisition

A total of 23 hectares of land need to be acquired in order to implement the RWASA WTP
project, the details of which are provided in Table 4-3.

Table 4-3:Proposed Land for Acquisition Plan for Rajshahi WASA WTP Project

Sl. No Item Required Land Required

(Hectares) Land (Acres)
1 Intake at Godagari (200m×100m) 2.00 4.94
2 Approach road for Intake (210m×15m) 0.32 0.79
3 WTP at Godagari (600m×250m) 15.0 37.07
4 Approach road (RWT) for WTP 0.54 1.33
(360m×15m)
5 Approach road (TWT) for WTP 0.29 0.72
(190m×15m)
6 Booster Pump Station at Balia 3.00 7.41
(200m×150m)
7 Approach road (in) for Booster (55m×10m) 0.06 0.15
8 Approach road (out) for Booster (60m×10m) 0.06 0.15
Sub Total 21.27 52.56
9 Resettlement 1.73 4.27
Total 23.00 56.83

4.2.3 Places of Archaeological Interest

According to Department of Archaeology of Bangladesh 23 archaeological sites are present
in the Rajshahi District and three archaeological sites are present at the Godagari upazila in
Rajshahi district. No archaeological sites listed under the Department of Archaeology of
Bangladesh for Rajshahi district were found in the immediate vicinity of the proposed project
site. The three archaeological sites are present at the Godagari upazila may be considered the
closest archaeological sites to the proposed WTP project of RWASA.

Table 4-4: List of archeological sites around the site of the proposed Surface Water
Treatment Plant for Rajshahi WASA.
Name of Archaeological Site District Thana/Upazila
Bagha Mosque Rajshahi Bagha
Kismat Maria Mosque and BibirGhar Rajshahi Durgapur
Bara Anhik Temple Rajshahi Puthia
HawaKhana Rajshahi Puthia
PuthiaRajbari & adjacent Anhik Temple Rajshahi Puthia
Baro Gopal Temple Rajshahi Puthia
ChotoAnhik Temple Rajshahi Puthia
Boro Siva Temple Rajshahi Puthia
Choto Gopal Temple Rajshahi Puthia
Jagaddhatri Temple Rajshahi Puthia

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Name of Archaeological Site District Thana/Upazila

Gopal Temple Rajshahi Puthia
Choto Siva Temple (Krishnapur) Rajshahi Puthia
KeshthaKhepar Math Rajshahi Puthia
Rath Temple Rajshahi Puthia
Dol Temple Rajshahi Puthia
Govinda Temple Rajshahi Puthia
Siva Temple Rajshahi Puthia
Biharail Mound Rajshahi Tanore
Dhanora Mound Rajshahi Tanore
Mounds at Uparbari&Mokarama Rajshahi Godagari
Dewpara tank & Embankment Rajshahi Godagari
Kumarpur Mound (Ali Kuli Beg) Rajshahi Godagari
Ancient tank Rajshahi Deoapara

Figure 4-22: Location of existing production wells and water distribution network of
RWASA

4.2.4 Water Supply

The Rajshahi water supply system was installed in 1937 by the water supply section of the
Ministry of Works, Calcutta, India. The system had more than 100 street water reservoirs
(locally called Dhopekal), each with a capacity of 470 gallons. The Dhopekals were
connected to a centrally built iron and hardness removal plant and an elevated service
reservoir through reticulated distribution pipes of cast iron of diameter 3” to 6”. The

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reticulation system covered an area of about 4 square kilometers and was designed to serve a
population of about 20,000 people. The treatment plant, the Hatem Khan Water works, had a
capacity of 700 m3 water per day but was abandoned in 1965. The elevated service reservoir
is also not now used. However, many of the Dhopekals are still in use by the Water Supply
Authority in the town. In Rajshahi City there are 1750 community water stand-posts, 85 on-
street water stands, 47 communal reservoirs and 4 water treatment works. Presently RWASA
have 88 production wells to maintain water supply to the city dwellers. The production wells
are operating for 9 hours a day and the duration generally increases up to 12-14 hours during
dry season. Average depth of the wells is about 240 to 260 feet. Figure 4-22shows the
location of existing production wells under RWASA. In addition to these wells Rajshahi
University, Rajshahi Medical College, RDA and some other organizations have their own
water supplies. Currently 70% of the population have access to pipe water and 30% by tube
wells with hand pumps. RWASA have 4 iron removal plants which were constructed by
DPHE. These are located at Hatem Kha, RWASA office compound, Srirampur and
Ramchandrapur. All the IRPs are not in operation at present.

Figure 4-23: Location of Existing IRP and Overhead Tanks of RWASA

The distribution subsystem is that part of the water supply system which receives the water
from the pumping station or from treatment plant and delivers it throughout the desired area
to be served. It includes reservoirs for purposes of storage, equalizing pressures and
subsequent distribution, together with pipes, valves, hydrants and other appurtenance for
carrying water, service pipe and meters etc. In Rajshahi city area, the method of distribution

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system is a system with pumping and storage or direct-indirect or dual system. In this system,
when the demand rate exceeds the rate of pumping, the flow rate into the distribution system
is both from the pumping station as well as the elevated reservoir. When, however, the
reserve conditions exist i.e., pumping is more than the demand, the excess of water is stored
in the reservoir. RWASA have 5 overhead reservoirs at Hatem Kha, RWASA office
compound, DPHE office compound, Upashahar Water tank Pump and Ramchandrapur; none
of these are functioning at present. Among these 4 overhead tanks were constructed by DPHE
and the remaining 1 was constructed by housing authority. Figure 4-23 shows the location of
existing IRP and overhead tanks under RWASA.

4.2.5 Sanitation System

Access to improved sanitation in urban areas is much higher than that of rural areas with just
over 67% of urban households having sanitary facilities in 2001 compared to just 28% of
rural households (BBS 2005a). UNICEF estimated that access to sanitation facilities in
Rajshahi Division was lower than in any other division in Bangladesh at just 43%. National
statistics suggest that this is even lower in Rajshahi District where approximately 30% of
households had sanitary facilities at the time of the 2001 Census. The deterioration of the
infrastructure due to poor maintenance leads to open-air defecation and water supplies being
inundated with contaminated water. In the city area the RCC reported in 2004 that about 50%
of households have sanitary facilities: 30% have latrines with soak-away pits and 20% have
latrines without soak away pits. Water sealed pit latrines are used by 30% of the households
and simple pit latrines by 10%. The remaining 10% of the households do not have any
sanitation facilities and defecate in the open.

4.2.6 Drainage System in Rajshahi

Drainage system plays the main role to remove waste, water logging and maintains sanitation
of a city. The city dwellers have to suffer a lot if the drainage system is not well and
sufficient. In Rajshahi city area it has found that around 65% area of the city has drains,
~14% area has no drain, and in ~20% area, the drains are under construction. The level of
waste expulsion depends on the drain type. In this area, most of the drains are not cleaned
regularly. A research found that 21.32% of drains are cleaned regularly, 39.09% of drains are
cleaned occasionally, 27.92% drains are cleaned only a few times and 11.67% drains are not
cleaned at all.

4.2.7 Municipal Solid Waste management

People living in RCC produce approximately 400 ton waste/day. Solid wastes are produced
from different sources such as residential, medical, industrial, construction and demolition,
agricultural, institutional and municipal. Among the wards less than 50% wards are covered
by ‘door to door waste collection’ facilities however RCC is trying to provide this service to
all the wards in the near future. There is one dumping site of 3.5 feet deep with an area of
15.98 acre at ‘Nawdapara’ and 35 secondary collection points. Of the total, 280 metric
ton/day wastes are collected and disposed-off in the waste disposal area and rest 120 metric
ton/day wastes are collected by public for the purpose of producing compost in order to use in
the agricultural works. The waste spreads all over the disposal site that produces unpleasant

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odor and air pollution due to improper land filling. Therefore, solid disposal is becoming the
major problem for the city authority. For management of solid wastes in RCC area, 14
trucks/tractors, 210 vans and 150 wheel bars are used to collect wastes from different point of
the city. RCC provides 1,073 waste management personnel to collect wastes from
households. Recently, RCC is implementing four pilot projects for solid waste management
and has started to collect medical solid waste. Two of these are in ward 14, one in ward 6
(Laxmipur) and another one in ward 20, 21 and 23. Among the 8 hospitals, 47 clinics and 22
diagnostic centers only 3 hospitals, all clinics and diagnostic centers are covered by RCC
collection system.

4.2.8 Transport system

Rajshahi is well connected to the rest of country through roads, air and rail. There are plenty
of rickshaw and autorickshaw available to travel within the city and adjacent areas. Public
buses and taxis are also available, though not plenty. Horse driven cart was a popular mode of
transportation in this city once upon a time and a heritage, which is a rare sight nowadays.
There are two intercity bus terminals in the city. It takes about 5 to 6 hours by road to reach
the capital. A number of bus services, including air-conditioned and non-air conditioned
buses, are available to and from Dhaka. Bus services to other major cities and district
headquarter are also available from Rajshahi. Bangladesh Railway’s western zone head office
is located in this city. Three Inter-City train services are operated by Bangladesh Railway,
named "Silk City Express" "Padma Express" and "Dhumketu Express" between Dhaka and
Rajshahi regularly. There are other inter-city, mail and local trains which are operated from
here to Khulna city and other part of the country. Shah Makhdum Airport is the primary
airport serving the city and is situated a short distance away from Rajshahi city. Domestic
flights from Dhaka and Saidpur are available

4.3 PHYSICO-CHEMICAL ENVIRONMENT

4.3.1 Climate
Bangladesh is located at the central part within the Asiatic monsoon region where the climate
is tropical. Relatively small size of the country and generally low-lying area cause moderate
spatial variation of temperature, precipitation, relative humidity, wind speeds and other
climatic variables. However, the climate of Bangladesh exhibits pronounced temporal
variability. This is because of the moisture-laden monsoon winds flowing predominantly
from the south-west during summer and the comparatively dry and colder north-western
winds during winter.

Three seasons are generally recognized: a hot, muggy summer from March to June; a hot,
humid and rainy monsoon season from June to November during which more than 85% of
the total annual rainfall occurs; and a moderately cold, dry winter from December to
February. The beginning of the rainy season vary from year to year; heavy rains may
commence anywhere between mid-April and early June and may end anywhere between the
end of September and mid-November. Usually winter season is dry with occasional rains.

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 Chapter 4: Physico-chemical Environment

The early summer season is considered from March-April. During summer, the air becomes
hot with very low humidity. Early summer is also dominated by Baishakhi cyclone and rains.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department monitors different climatic variables from 35

stations in Bangladesh. Among them, the Rajshahi city station appears to be the closest to the
project site and therefore, the meteorological parameters recorded at this station can be used
to represent the general climate of the study area. Table 4-5 summarizes the different
meteorological parameters monitored during the period 2001-2013.

Rajshahi
Rajshahi

Figure 4-24: The location of the study area on the rainfall and climatic sub-region maps of
Bangladesh (map source: www.banglapedia.org)

Table 4-5: Monthly averages of climatic variables at the Rajshahi BMD Station, 2001-2013
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Rainfall (mm) 5.8 6.0 24.7 48.2 144.6 243.5 262.9 228.2 220 130.6 10.3 3.5
Mean Temp (°C) 16.1 19.8 25.8 29.2 29.5 29.9 29.3 29.1 28.8 26.6 22.2 17.7

Max Temp (°C) 26.6 32.8 38.2 39.7 39.8 39 36.1 36.2 37 35.3 31.5 28.7

Min Temp (°C) 8.1 10.6 15.5 21.3 22.9 24.7 25.7 25.7 25.3 20 14.8 10.3
Humidity (%) 75 70 62 67.7 76 82.3 84.7 86.3 85.3 82.7 75 77
Avg. Wind
2.2 2.2 2.4 2.7 2.6 2.5 2.6 2.5 2.4 2.1 2.1 2.1
speed(knots)
Max Wind
4.6 4.4 5.1 4.9 6.0 6.3 5.5 5.5 6.5 5.2 4.2 3.6
Speed(knots)

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 Chapter 4: Physico-chemical Environment

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Sunshine (Hours) 5.9 8.0 8.2 8.0 6.0 5.0 5.5 4.8 5.8 6.5 6.7 5.9
Evaporation
2.2 3.1 4.6 5.4 5.0 4.2 3.7 3.7 3.5 3.2 2.9 2.3
(mm/D)
Source: Bangladesh Meteorological Department

Precipitation
The general pattern of precipitation (which consists entirely of rain) follows the monsoon
pattern with the cooler, drier months of November to March, increasing rains in April and
May, and highest rainfall in the summer months of June to September when the prevailing
wind direction from the southwest brings moisture-laden air from the Bay of Bengal. The
winter period (November to February) is dry with very little rainfall. Even though the
temporal pattern of rainfall is pretty much similar throughout the country, there is pronounced
spatial variation of rainfall over the country with the northeastern and southeastern part of the
country receiving relatively higher amount of rainfall compared to the western part. The
project area receives around 2000 mm rainfall annually (Figure 4-25), which is slightly less
than the annual average rainfall of the country (2400 mm).

Figure 4-25: Average monthly rainfall and relative humidity pattern during 2001-2013

Relative Humidity
As would be expected, humidity during the wet season is significantly higher, as shown in
Table 4-5 (and Fig. 4-25) than those occurring at other times of the year. Maximum average
relative humidity for the project area is found as 86.3% in the month of August, whereas
minimum relative humidity is 62% in the month of March.

Ambient Air Temperature

The temperature of the country is related to the period of rainfall. In general, cool seasons
coincide with the period of lowest rainfall. Table 3 shows the monthly average mean,
maximum and minimum temperature of the project area. Maximum average temperature of
39.8°C was observed in May and minimum average temperature was 8.1°C in January. Figure
4-26 shows monthly average mean temperature, minimum temperature and maximum
temperature for the project area.

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 Chapter 4: Physico-chemical Environment

Figure 4-26: Monthly Average maximum, minimum and average temperature of the project
site during 2001-2013

Figure 4-27: Average monthly sunshine hours and evaporation during 2001-2013

Sunshine and Evaporation

The average sunshine hour is comparatively higher during the period between February to
April than the other months of the year. Consequently the amount of evaporation is also
higher during that period (Figure 4-27). The opposite phenomenon is observed during May
and June and may be due to higher solar radiation.

Wind Speeds and Direction

The predominant wind directions at the project site are from the West, south and North. From
November to February the wind directions are from north to east and from March to October
it is from east to south. It can be observed from Table 4-5 that the maximum wind speed
prevails during the month of May which is 6.5 knots and it also observed that during May to
September wind speed is relatively higher compare to other months.

4.3.2 Geology and Seismicity

Geology of Bangladesh is generally dominated by poorly consolidated sediments deposit
over the past 10,000 to 15,000 years (Holocene age). It is mostly characterized by the rapid
subsidence and filling of a basin in which a huge thickness of deltaic sediments were

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 Chapter 4: Physico-chemical Environment

deposited as a mega-delta outbuilt and progressed towards the south. The delta building is
still continuing in the present Bay of Bengal and a broad fluvial front of the Ganges-
Brahmaputra-Meghna river system gradually follows it from behind.

Figure 4-28: The location of the SWTP Phase-III project area on the seismic map (left) and
soil tract map (right) of Bangladesh (map source: www.banglapedia.org)

Soil Characteristics
The soil formation in Bangladesh is remarkably homogeneous in appearance, both vertically
and laterally. It comprises layer of unconsolidated clay, about 10m thick near Dhaka, but
apparently thinner to the east and possibly much thicker in the west of the Rajshahi district.
The sand mineralogy in this area is broadly similar to that of the tertiary hill sediments.
Mineral contents of the soil are high in quartz, relatively low in feldspar and mica, and with
zircon, tourmaline, kyanite, staurolite, sillimanite, and epidote dominating the heavy mineral
fractions. The content of easily weatherable minerals ranges from 4 to 9%. The soil of
Bangladesh can broadly be classified into seven tracts: (1) Madhupur Tract or Red Soil Tract,
(2) Barind Tract, (3) Tista Silt, (4) Brahmaputra Alluvium, (5) Gangetic Alluvium, (6)
Coastal Saline Tract, and (7) Hill Tracts. Figure 4-28 showsthe location of the project area on
the soil tract map of Bangladesh

The soil formation of the project area falls under the Gangetic Alluvium. Gangetic Alluvium
Comprises the former greater districts of Jessore and Kushtia and some parts of Rajshahi,
Pabna, Faridpur, Khulna, Barisal and Dhaka. This tract occupies an area of 27,000 sq km. It
represents the riverine lands of the Gangetic plains. Soil texture varies from clay loam to

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 Chapter 4: Physico-chemical Environment

sandy loam. The pH of the soils ranges from 7.0 to 8.5. The soils are moderately fertile and
are characterized by calcium carbonate content and are well supplied with phosphate and
potassium. (source: Banglapedia)
Seismicity
In the north and northeast of Bangladesh, there are areas of high seismic activity and some of
the major earthquakes originating in these areas have affected the adjacent regions of the
country. The whole of Bangladesh is divided into three seismic zones. The northern part of
the country that includes the greater districts of Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Sylhet are in the
Zone-I where earthquake shock of maximum intensity of IX of the Modified Mercalli Scale is
posygvysible. The Zone-II includes the greater districts of Dinajpur, Bogra, Dhaka and
Chittagong and the shocks of intensity of VIII are possible. The southern part of the country,
the least active region, where the maximum intensity is not likely to exceed VII, is in the
Zone-III. The project area falls under Zone I on the earthquake zone map (Figure 4-28),
which implies that earthquakes of low to moderate intensities are expected here.

Project site for proposed RWASA

WTP

Figure 4.29: Location of the power plant project site on the flood risk map of Bangladesh
(map source: BARC)

4.3.3 Flood Prone Areas

Bangladesh is prone to flooding; the coastal flooding as well as the bursting of Bangladesh's
riverbanks is common and severely affects the landscape of the country. 75% of Bangladesh

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 Chapter 4: Physico-chemical Environment

is less than 10m above sea level and 80% is flood plain, therefore rendering Bangladesh a
nation very much at risk of further widespread damage. Flooding normally occurs during the
monsoon season from June to September during the monsoon. The convectional rainfall of
the monsoon is added to by relief rainfall caused by the Himalayas. Melt-water from the
Himalayas is also a significant input and flood every year. Figure 4-29 shows the position of
the project site over the flood risk map of Bangladesh. It can be observed that the project area
is primarily not in a flood-prone zone. Although the upper reach of the Padma river in
ChapaiNawabgonj district is prone to severe river flooding, Rajshahi city is protected by
embankments and is not prone to river flooding. Some moderate river flooding may occur
further downstream of the river. The project site for WTP at Godagari is also not a flood
prone area and the area is under the protection of several bank protection structures on the
northern bank of Padma river.

4.3.4 Soil Quality

To assess the heavy metal contents of the natural soil in the project areas, soil samples were
collected from five different locations namely, the two proposed sites for SWTP at Godagari
and Harupur Bagan para, Bashli para Mor, Nauda para and Basuri areas. Table 4-6 provides
the details of the analysis of soil samples. It appears that the natural soil is slightly acidic with
Electrical Conductivity (EC) ranging between 290 – 1180 µS/cm. The soil sample at Nauda
para hat showed the highest EC which may have resulted from the contamination of soil
through waste disposal at the rural market (Hat). The heavy metal content of the soil samples
collected at the proposed SWTP site and along the transmission route are well within the
naturally available ranges (Table 4-7)

Table 4-6: Summary characteristics of soil near the intake and along transmission line
Sampling Godagar BashliTolaM Harupur Nouda Para
Basuri
Location i or Bagan Para (near city hat)
GPS
Coordinate of N 24° 28' N 24° 24' N 24° 22' N 24° 24' N 24° 22'
Sampling 36.50" 03.90" 22.20" 26.60" 24.70"
Location
E 88° 18' E 88° 26' E 88° 32' E 88° 33'
E 88° 35' 44.90"
52.10" 28.40" 54.00" 01.20"
Date of Feb. 21, Feb. 21,
Feb. 21, 2015 Feb. 21, 2015 Feb. 21, 2015
Collection 2015 2015

Parameter Unit S1 S2 S3 S4 S5
pH -- 6 6.25 6.5 6 6
Electrical
Conductivity µS/cm 333 639 290 1180 407
Arsenic, As mg/kg 5.192 4.037 4.277 3.375 4.925
Lead, Pb mg/kg 16.5 17.6 19.4 26.4 24
Cadmium, Cd mg/kg <MDL <MDL <MDL <MDL <MDL
Chromium, Cr mg/kg 32.6 16.3 29.4 35.9 34.7
MDL = Minimum Detection Limit

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 Chapter 4: Physico-chemical Environment

Table 4-7: Heavy metal contents of natural soil

Sl # Parameter Unit Range Average
1 Cadmium, Cd mg/kg 0.1 – 0.7 0.6
2 Chromium, Cr mg/kg 1 - 1000 100
3 Mercury, Hg mg/kg 0.01 – 0.30 0.03
4 Lead, Pb mg/kg 2 - 200 10
Source: USEPA Office of Solid Waste & Emergency Response, Hazardous Wasteland
Treatment, SW-874 (April 1983, Page 273)

4.3.5 Water Quality

As a part of the baseline survey, efforts were made to collect available information on surface
water and groundwater quality at the proposed SWTP site and along the transmission line.
Six groundwater samples were collected from Godagari, BashliTolamor, Harupur Bagan
para, Nouda para, RWASA compound and near Rajshahi Cadet College. Table 4-8 shows
results of groundwater quality analysis. Of the six groundwater samples two (at
BashliTolaMor and Harupur Bagan para) showed high level of iron. Arsenic concentrations
in all the samples were below the Bangladesh EQS. It is interesting to note that two wells
showed bacteriological contamination. This may have been caused by the improper use,
priming with contaminated water, proximity to the latrines or leakage at well base.

Source water quality of Padma River is periodically being assessed as part of the feasibility
study and for the purpose of treatment process model studies. It has been planned that three
sets of samples in each of the dry and wet seasons would be collected to assess the source
water quality during these two seasons. So far five batches of water samples have been
collected from the Padma River at the proposed intake point near Godagari and at an
alternative intake location at Harupur Bagan para. Three dry season water samples have been
collected in the third weeks of February, March and April, 2015. Two more samples have
been collected in the third week of May and first week of July, representing the wet season.
The samples collected in February and March were used for batch experiments in the
laboratory for development of treatment processes. The water quality characteristics of all of
these samples provide the baseline water quality at the intake point of the proposed SWTP
during the dry and wet seasons. Sampling location was about 50 – 60m from the river bank
water line. Sampling was done from about one meter below the water surface to avoid the
presence of floating impurities. Separate sampling bottles and containers were used for water
samples for physical and chemical water quality analysis, bacteriological water quality
analysis, metal analysis (acidified sample using HNO3 acid), and process model studies.
During each sampling, in-situ measurements were done for the dissolved oxygen, pH,
temperature and turbidity of the water sample. Detailed laboratory analysis has been
conducted on these collected water samples to determine the water quality. The results of the
in-situ and laboratory analysis of the three samples collected in the dry and wet seasons are
presented in Tables 4-9 and 4-10.

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 Chapter 4: Physico-chemical Environment

Table 4-8: Summary characteristics of groundwater near the project area

Near Bangladesh
Nouda Para WHO Guide
Sampling BashliTolaMor Harupur RWASA Rajshahi Standard for
Godagari (near city line values
Location ; Razabari Hat Bagan Para compound Cadet Drinking Water
hat) 2004
College (ECR’97)

GPS Coordinates N 24° 28' N 24° 22' N 24° 24' N 24° 23' N 24° 18'
N 24° 24' 13.30"
of Sampling 36.40" 35.60" 25.90" 18.70" 20.60"
Location E 88° 18' E 88° 32' E 88° 35' E 88° 36' E 88° 43'
E 88° 26' 18.10"
56.00" 57.70" 42.10" 27.80" 16.40"
Feb. 21, Feb. 21, Feb. 21,
Date of Collection Feb. 21, 2015 Feb. 21, 2015 Feb. 21, 2015
2015 2015 2015

Parameter Unit GW 1 GW 2 GW 3 GW 4 GW 5 GW 6
pH -- 6.78 6.63 6.75 6.94 6.84 6.85 6.5 - 8.5 6.5 - 8.5
Turbidity NTU 0.7 28.8 117 0.65 4.28 0.81 5 10
Color Pt-Co 6 38 22 10 15 18 15 15
Total Dissolved
mg/L 360 582 721 517 583 518 1000 1000
Solids, TDS
Electrical
µS/cm 567 898 1094 876 996 877 -- --
Conductivity, EC
mg/L as
Total Hardness 278 290 442 392 466 382 500 200 – 500
CaCO3
Chloride, Cl mg/L 15 100 140 44 33 15 250 150 – 600

Manganese, Mn mg/L 0.062 0.141 0.576 4.312 1.1 2.492 0.3 0.3 - 1.0

Total Iron, Fe mg/L 0.18 6 9.2 0.15 0.45 0.12 0.3 0.3 - 1.0

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 Chapter 4: Physico-chemical Environment

Near Bangladesh
Nouda Para WHO Guide
Sampling BashliTolaMor Harupur RWASA Rajshahi Standard for
Godagari (near city line values
Location ; Razabari Hat Bagan Para compound Cadet Drinking Water
hat) 2004
College (ECR’97)

GPS Coordinates N 24° 28' N 24° 22' N 24° 24' N 24° 23' N 24° 18'
N 24° 24' 13.30"
of Sampling 36.40" 35.60" 25.90" 18.70" 20.60"
Location E 88° 18' E 88° 32' E 88° 35' E 88° 36' E 88° 43'
E 88° 26' 18.10"
56.00" 57.70" 42.10" 27.80" 16.40"
Feb. 21, Feb. 21, Feb. 21,
Date of Collection Feb. 21, 2015 Feb. 21, 2015 Feb. 21, 2015
2015 2015 2015

Parameter Unit GW 1 GW 2 GW 3 GW 4 GW 5 GW 6
Arsenic, As mg/L 0.006 0.005 0.018 0.001 0.011 <0.001 0.5 0.1
# per
Total Coliform, TC 6 0 4 4 0 0 00 TC / 100 ml 00 TC / 100 ml
100mL
# per
Fecal Coliform, TC 2 0 2 2 0 0 00 FC / 100 ml 00 FC / 100 ml
100mL

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 Chapter 4: Physico-chemical Environment

Table 4-9: Water Quality Test Results from Padma River during dry season
Harupur Near Harupur Harupur
Godagari Godagari Godagari
Bagan Para Rajshahi Bagan Para Bagan Para
Sampling Location proposed proposed proposed
proposed Cadet proposed proposed
intake site intake site intake site
intake site College intake site intake site
N 24° 28' N 24° 22' N 24° 18' N 24° 28' N 24° 22' N 24° 28' N 24° 22'
GPS Coordinates of Sampling
32.40" 20.30" 15.30" 31.20" 03.00" 32.20" 13.40"
Location
E 88° 18' E 88° 32' E 88° 43' E 88° 18' E 88° 33' E 88° 18' E 88° 33'
49.80" 55.60" 09.30" 49.38" 06.30" 48.10" 11.20"
Date of Collection 02/21/15 02/21/15 02/21/15 03/21/15 03/21/15 04/20/15 04/20/15

Parameter Unit RW 1 RW 2 RW 3 RW 1 RW 2 RW 1 RW 2
pH -- 8.32 8.32 8.45 8.64 8.65 8.57 8.82
Turbidity NTU 11.7 16.1 12.7 5.84 5.82 7.35 6.62
Color (Apparent) Pt-Co 91 102 106 48 47 58 38
Color (True) Pt-Co 34 40 41 24 24 14 14
Total Solids, TS mg/L 224 220 217 184 188 209 213
TDS mg/L 209 200 192 171 177 190 188
TSS mg/L 15 20 25 13 11 19 25
Temperature, T °C 22.1 23.3 23.1 24.9 25.9 27.7 28.6
Electrical Conductivity, EC µS/cm 341 339 342 320 316 298 306
Dissolved Oxygen, DO mg/L 9.5 8.07 9.72 8.78 8.29 6.12 7.2
Ammonia-Nitrogen, NH3-N mg/L 0.083 0.127 0.089 1.001 0.887 0.102 0.075
COD mg/L 3 8 11 19 21 5 7
BOD5 mg/L 1 1.4 1.8 2 2.8 1 1.4
#/100
Total Coliform, TC 198 42 58 42 26 106 98
mL
Fecal Coliform, FC #/100 106 20 34 22 18 68 50

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 Chapter 4: Physico-chemical Environment

Harupur Near Harupur Harupur

Godagari Godagari Godagari
Bagan Para Rajshahi Bagan Para Bagan Para
Sampling Location proposed proposed proposed
proposed Cadet proposed proposed
intake site intake site intake site
intake site College intake site intake site
N 24° 28' N 24° 22' N 24° 18' N 24° 28' N 24° 22' N 24° 28' N 24° 22'
GPS Coordinates of Sampling
32.40" 20.30" 15.30" 31.20" 03.00" 32.20" 13.40"
Location
E 88° 18' E 88° 32' E 88° 43' E 88° 18' E 88° 33' E 88° 18' E 88° 33'
49.80" 55.60" 09.30" 49.38" 06.30" 48.10" 11.20"
Date of Collection 02/21/15 02/21/15 02/21/15 03/21/15 03/21/15 04/20/15 04/20/15

Parameter Unit RW 1 RW 2 RW 3 RW 1 RW 2 RW 1 RW 2
mL
Chlorophyll_a µg/L 26.1 23.4 21.5 7.9 6.2 10 17.7
Algae µg/L 1751 1570 1443 530 416 671 1188
Total Iron, Fe mg/L 0.04 0.28 0.22 0.16 0.18 0.15 0.15
Lead, Pb mg/L --- --- --- --- --- 0.012 0.012
Cadmium, Cd mg/L --- --- --- --- --- <0.01 <0.01
Chromium, Cr mg/L --- --- --- --- --- <0.01 <0.01
Zinc, Zn mg/L --- --- --- --- --- 0.028 0.033
Mercury, Hg µg/L --- --- --- --- --- <0.001 <0.001

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 Chapter 4: Physico-chemical Environment

Table 4-10: Water Quality Test Results from Padma River during wet season
Harupur Harupur
Godagari Harupur Bagan Godagari Godagari
Bagan Para Bagan Para
Sampling Location proposed intake Para proposed proposed proposed
proposed proposed
site intake site intake site intake site
intake site intake site

GPS Coordinates of Sampling Location N 24° 28' 31.72" N 24° 22' 12.60"

E 88° 18' 48.80" E 88° 33' 10.90"

Date of Collection 06/11/15 06/11/15

Parameter Unit RW 1 RW 2 RW 1 RW 2 RW 1 RW 2
pH -- 7.81 7.57
Turbidity NTU 19.2 20.3
Color (Apparent) Pt-Co 60 30
Color (True) Pt-Co 20 18
Total Solids, TS mg/L 137 20.3
TDS mg/L 114 138
TSS mg/L 23 117
Temperature, T °C 30.9 30.3
Electrical Conductivity, EC µS/cm 220 222
Dissolved Oxygen, DO mg/L 6.42 7.66
Ammonia-Nitrogen, NH3-N mg/L 0.234 0.283
COD mg/L 4 3
BOD5 mg/L 0.4 0.4
Total Coliform, TC #/100mL 144 122
Fecal Coliform, FC #/100mL 120 78
Chlorophyll_a µg/L 0.3 2.2
Algae µg/L 20.1 147.6

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 Chapter 4: Physico-chemical Environment

Harupur Harupur
Godagari Harupur Bagan Godagari Godagari
Bagan Para Bagan Para
Sampling Location proposed intake Para proposed proposed proposed
proposed proposed
site intake site intake site intake site
intake site intake site

GPS Coordinates of Sampling Location N 24° 28' 31.72" N 24° 22' 12.60"

E 88° 18' 48.80" E 88° 33' 10.90"

Date of Collection 06/11/15 06/11/15

Parameter Unit RW 1 RW 2 RW 1 RW 2 RW 1 RW 2
Total Iron, Fe mg/L 0.55 0.56
Lead, Pb mg/L 0.001 0.003
Cadmium, Cd mg/L <MDL <MDL
Chromium, Cr mg/L <MDL <MDL
Zinc, Zn mg/L 0.013 0.014
Mercury, Hg µg/L <MDL <MDL

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 Chapter 4: Physico-chemical Environment

Comparison with the Bangladesh Drinking water standard and Inland water quality standard
(Table 4-11) shows that the suspended sediment load at both the proposed sites is not
exceedingly high. However, there is evidence of bacteriological contamination at both the
locations of the Padma River, thus will require disinfection during treatment. No heavy metal
contamination was detected in any of the water samples collected during the sampling
campaign. Pesticide analysis of raw water sample from Padma river showed that there are no
pesticides at detectable levels in the river water.

Table 4-11: Drinking water and Inland Water Quality Standards of Bangladesh
Bangladesh Drinking Inland Water
Water Quality
Unit Water Standard Quality Standard
Parameter
(ECR’ 97) (ECR’ 97)
1 pH - 6.5-8.5 6.5-8.5
2 Color (Apparent) Pt-Co 15 --
3 Color (True) Pt-Co 15 --
4 Turbidity NTU 10 --
5 Total Hardness mg/L as CaCO3 200-500 --
6 Chloride (Cl-) mg/L 150-600 --
Total Dissolved Solids
7 mg/L 1000 --
(TDS)
8 Iron (Fe) mg/L 0.3-1.0 --
≤ 50a,
≤ 200b,
9 Total Coliform (TC) CFU/100 mL 0
≤ 1000f,
≤ 5000c, e
10 Fecal Coliform (FC) CFU/100 mL 0 --
Electrical Conductivity
11 µS/cm -- --
(EC) at 25oC
≥ 5b, d, e, f,
12 Dissolved Oxygen (DO) mg/L 6
≥ 6a, c
13 Alkalinity mg/L as CaCO3 -- --
14 Nitrate (NO3-N) mg/L 10 --
15 Ammonium (NH4-N) mg/L 0.5 --
16 Ammonia (NH3-N) mg/L -- --
17 Phosphate (PO4) mg/L 6 --
18 Sulfate (SO4) mg/L 400 --
Total Suspended Solids
19 mg/L 10 --
(TSS)
o
20 Temperature C 20-30 --
21 Chemical Oxygen Demand mg/L 4 --

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 Chapter 4: Physico-chemical Environment

Bangladesh Drinking Inland Water

Water Quality
Unit Water Standard Quality Standard
Parameter
(ECR’ 97) (ECR’ 97)
(COD)
Biochemical Oxygen ≤ 2a, ≤ 3b,
22 mg/L 0.2
Demand (BOD5) ≤ 6c, d, ≤ 10e, f
23 Chlorophyll-a µg/L -- --
24 Lead (Pb) mg/L 0.05 --
25 Cadmium (Cd) mg/L 0.005 --
26 Chromium (Cr) mg/L 0.05 --
27 Zinc (Zn) mg/L 5 --
28 Mercury (Hg) mg/L 0.001 --
a: to be usable as a source of water supply only after disinfection; b: to be usable for recreational activity
c: to be usable as a source of water supply after conventional treatment; d: to be usable for fisheries
e: to be usable for various process and cooling industries; f: to be usable for irrigation

Table 4-12: Pesticides contents of rawwater sample collected from Padma River

Bangladesh Test method

Concentration
Sl. Drinking Water
Pesticide Unit Present
No. Standard
(ECR1997)
1 α-BHC µg/L Non-detectable -
2 ϒ-BHC µg/L Non-detectable -
3 β-BHC µg/L Non-detectable -
4 Heptachlor µg/L Non-detectable -
5 Aldrin µg/L Non-detectable -
Heptachlor
6 µg/L Non-detectable -
Epoxide Isomer Gas
7 Dieldrin µg/L Non-detectable - Chromatography
8 4,4’-DDE µg/L Non-detectable -
9 Endrin µg/L Non-detectable -
10 2-4-DDD µg/L Non-detectable -
11 4,4’-DDT µg/L Non-detectable -
12 4,4’-DDD µg/L Non-detectable -
13 2,4’-DDT µg/L Non-detectable -

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 Chapter 4: Physico-chemical Environment

4.3.6 Ambient Noise Level

As a part of the baseline study of the proposed SWTP for RWASA, noise level measurements
were carried out at different project locations (Near the project location, along the proposed
treated water main transmission line, proposed intake site and within city area) using a
datalogging noise level meter (Extech HD600). Noise level measurements were carried out at
different locations on 20 and 21 March 2015 (Friday and Saturday) during daytime. Three-
minute continuous noise level measurements were carried out at the selected locations, and
the equivalent noise levels (Leq) as well as the maximum noise levels (Lmax) and minimum
noise levels (Lmin) were determined. Noise level measurements carried out at different
locations on 20 and 21 March 2015. Table 4-13 shows the DoE noise level standards during
daytime and nighttime for various types of areas.

Table 4-14 shows that the experienced noise levels along the proposed treated water main
transmission line and within city area are quite high; the maximum sound levels in those
areas being 102.9 dBA and 93.7 dBA, respectively. This is due to noise associated with
vehicular movement and activities associated with dense gathering of people. On the other
hand, in the absence of vehicular movement and due to relatively quite Padma river bank site,
noise levels at the proposed intake site was significantly low.

Table 4-13: Bangladesh standards for sound level (GoB, 2006)

Locations Noise level (dBA) Noise level (dBA)
at day at night
Silent zone 50 40
Residential area 55 45
Mixed area 60 50
Commercial area 70 60
Industrial area 75 70
[Note: Noise Levels are defined as 1 minute Leq]

Table 4-14: Summary of daytime noise level measurement in the project area

Noise Level (dBA)

SI. Measurement GPS Co-
Location 3 min- Remarks
No date &Time ordinate LMAX LMIN
Leq
20/03/15 N 24o 22’84’’ Near Booster Pump station
01 Baliamor 87.3 56.1 72.1
4:05 PM E 88o 32’ 22’’ site
20/03/15 N 24o 22’99’’ Along proposed treated water
02 Kasiadanga 81.1 60.0 71.7
4:42 PM E 88o 32’ 66’’ main transmission line
03 20/03/15 Supra N 24o 23’32’’ 87.1 54.6 71.7 Rajshahi WASA Baban

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 Chapter 4: Physico-chemical Environment

Noise Level (dBA)

SI. Measurement GPS Co-
Location 3 min- Remarks
No date &Time ordinate LMAX LMIN
Leq
5:00 PM E 88o 36’ 48’’
20/03/15 N 24o24’49’’ Along proposed treated water
04 Ammchattar 85.3 61.6 69.8
5:27 PM E 88o 36’ 51’’ main transmission line
20/03/15 N 24o 21’92’’
05 Saheb Bazar 88.2 69.3 78.5 Within City area
5:42 PM E 88o 36’ 01’’
20/03/15 N 24o 22’49’’
06 Vodrarmor 93.7 63.5 78.2 Within City area
5:57 PM E 88o 37’ 31’’
21/03/15 N 24o 28’53’’ Proposed Intake site (option-
07 Godagari 72.2 54.2 62.9
8:35 AM E 88o 18’ 92’’ 1)
21/03/15 N 24o 28’32’’
08 Godagari 87.9 56.6 75.0 Near proposed WTP site
9:30 AM E 88o 19’ 57’’
21/03/15 N 24o 24’05’’ Along proposed treated water
09 Bashlitola 102.9 48.0 81.1
10:45 AM E 88o 26’ 25’’ main transmission line
21/03/15 N 24o 23’39’’ Along proposed treated water
10 Razabarihaat 79.6 65.7 72.1
10:55 AM E 88o 27’ 13’’ main transmission line
21/03/15 Harupor N 24o 22’23’’ Proposed Intake site (option-
11 70.2 51.7 59.8
11:33 AM Bagan Para E 88o 32’ 53’’ 2)
[Note: The equivalent level is the level (Leq) of a hypothetical steady sound that would have the same energy (i.e., the same
time-averaged mean square sound pressure) as the actual fluctuating sound observed. The equivalent level represents the
time average of the fluctuating sound pressure and is close to the maximum level observed during the measurement period.
For the fluctuating noise scenario the equivalent noise level (Leq) is generally used for more complete noise sample and is
calculated as follows:
n 
Leq  10 log 10  Pi 10 Li / 10 
 i 1 
where Pi is the probability of the noise level lying in the i-th measurement interval and Li is the mid-point of that interval.]

4.3.7 Air Quality

The Clean Air and Sustainable Environment (CASE) Project, under the Ministry of
Environment and Forest, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, monitors
different ambient air quality parameters from 11 fixed continuous air monitoring stations
(CAMS) at 8 major cities (Namely, Dhaka, Narayangonj, Gazipur, Chittagong, Rajshahi,
Khulna, Barisal and Sylhet) of Bangladesh. Among these stations, the CAMS located at
Rajshahi (CAMS-10 at Sopura, Rajshahi metropolitan city N 24° 38' 36”E 88° 61' 00”) can
represent the air quality of the project site. The monitored concentrations of criteria pollutants
such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulfur dioxide, PM10 and PM2.5 during the
period during the period January 2013 - December 2013 are presented in Table 4-15. The air
quality monitoring data is compared with the Bangladesh Ambient Air Quality Standards (as

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 Chapter 4: Physico-chemical Environment

adopted in 2005) for assessing the overall situation of the ambient air quality. Table 4-16
outlines the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Bangladesh

Table 4-15: Summary Air Quality data measured from January 2013 to December 2013 at
CAMS 10 (Rajshahi) operated under DoE

Parameter Unit Jan- Feb- Mar- Apr- May- Jun- Jul- Aug- Sep- Oct- Nov- Dec-
13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
SO2 – 24hr ppb 9.51 16.1 20.8 16.9 2.51 2.26 DNA DNA DNA 0.28 0.41 0.45
NO2 –24hr ppb 44.3 38.2 32.1 16.1 51.7 51.2 47.0 49.8 54.8 56.3 54.8 65.8
CO-1hr ppm 1.67 1.32 1.28 0.91 0.66 0.52 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.51 0.51
CO-8hr ppm 1.65 1.33 1.27 0.91 0.69 0.52 0.49 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.51 0.51
O3 -1hr ppb 20.4 24 29.1 25.3 13.6 11.2 6.6 3.64 3.89 4.30 12.5 14.7
O3 -8hr ppb 20.8 23.3 29.5 25.7 12.7 11 7.1 3.51 3.91 4.36 12.8 14.6
PM2.5- µg/m3 175 101 103 76 35 31 23 27 16 38 84 113
24hr
PM10-24hr µg/m3 330 DNA 213 DNA DNA 136 DNA 61 84 DNA DNA DNA
DNA = Data Not Available

Table 4-16: National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Bangladesh.

Pollutant Objective Average

CO 10 mg/m3 (9 ppm) 8 hours

40 mg/m3 (35 ppm) 1 hour
NOx 100 μg/m3 (0.053 ppm) Annual
SO2 80 μg/m3 (0.03 ppm) Annual
365 μg/m3 (0.14 ppm) 24 hours
O3 235 μg/m3 (0.12 ppm) 1 hour
157 μg/m3 (0.08 ppm) 8 hours
PM2.5 15 μg/m3 Annual
65 μg/m3 24 hours
PM10 50 μg/m3 Annual
150 μg/m3 24 hours

Available data from the CAMS show that air quality in Rajshahi is characterized by a very
strong seasonal variation, with high concentrations of air pollutants (especially PM10 and
PM2.5) during dry season (November to March) and relative lower concentrations during the
rainy season (June to September). Concentrations of PM10, PM2.5 and NO2 exceed the
corresponding air quality standards (see Table 4-15) by a wide margin during the dry season;

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 Chapter 4: Physico-chemical Environment

concentrations of the rest of the parameters typically remain below the corresponding
standards.

4.3.8 Water Resources

River Discharge and Water Level

Historical discharge of Ganges River at Hardinge bridge and water level data at Sardah has
been collected from Bangladesh Water Development Board. Yearly maximum, minimum and
average values of these water levels and discharge data have been plotted in Figure 4-
30which delineates the hydrology of Ganges River. Records of maximum flow have been
used for frequency analysis, results of which have ultimately been used as boundary
condition for the model to assess sustainability of the Intake structure; whereas minimum
flow records have been used to assess the water availability at the intake locations (for
details, see the Feasibility Report). It can be seen from the figure that the maximum and
minimum flow of the Ganges is 79,059 m3/s and 139 m3/s, respectively, and the periods of
occurrence are 1998 and 2011, respectively.

Figure 4-30: Yearly Maximum, Average and Minimum Flow Data of the Ganges (Station
Harding Bridge)

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 Chapter 4: Physico-chemical Environment

With a view to assessing the range of water level of the Ganges river at Godagari from design
perspective, standard high and low water levels have been estimated from the observed water
levels and are presented in Figure 4-31. It is seen from the figure, SHWL for Godagari is
21.27mPWD, indicating that 95% time of the year, water levels are below from this level
whereas standard low water level for this location indicate that 95% time of the year, water
level remains higher than 9.35mPWD. Determination of SHWL and SLWL has been done
taking the data of Godagari station from 1945 to 1982. BWDB does not maintain this station
anymore. So, these parameters do not take into account of recent hydraulic phenomena of the
Ganges. Moreover, these parameters might have associated with the influence of pre- and
post Farakka situation. Considering these issue, SLWL has been estimated taking data of
Hardinge Bridge which covers a time period from 1998 to 2014. In this case, extrapolation of
water level from Hardinge Bridge to Godagari has been done. Results show that 95%
dependable minimum water level at Godagari is about 9 mPWD. 1-D model simulated for the
Ganges Barrage study indicates that the maximum water level for a return period of 1 in 100
year is 22.4 mPWD at Godagari.

Figure 4-31: Standard High and Low Water Levels for Godagari

Groundwater
Water aquifers are present beneath the vast majority of Bangladesh, which are being
recharged by the major river systems and by infiltration of rainwater. The groundwater level
fluctuates seasonally, approaching the ground surface at some places of the country during
the months July to September. However, the deep aquifer which is used for supplying water
within and around Dhaka lies at a much greater depth (up to about 200m).Strong declining
trends (0.5–1 metre/year) in dry-period groundwater levels are observed in the central part of
the country surrounding the Dhaka city. Excess extraction has caused the groundwater level
to decline at a rate of more than 2.0 m inside the city of Dhaka and more than 1.0 m near
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 Chapter 4: Physico-chemical Environment

Buriganga river. Groundwater is replenished each year during the monsoon season when rain
and flood water finds its way into the aquifer slowly percolating down through overlying
soils and sediments. The rate of recharge varies depending on the property of soil and
geology of the area. Figure 4-32 shows the location of the project site on the groundwater
zoning map of Bangladesh. It can be seen from the map that groundwater is available at the
project site around 10-15 m below the ground surface. Water from this level is not extractable
using hand tubewells, rather Deep tubewells would be required. The huge extraction of
groundwater for irrigation in the Barind and surrounding areas has caused a depletion of
groundwater resources. Therefore availability of groundwater in sufficient quantity is an
issue. During field visits it was found out that scattered homesteads in the vicinity of the site
and also the residents of Rajshahi city used deep tube wells to meet their domestic demand
and there were specific concerns
regarding Project site for proposed RWASA WTP the non-availability of
groundwater.

Figure 4-32: Location of the project site on the Groundwater table map of Bangladesh (map
source: geodesh.weebly.com)

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 Chapter 5: Ecological Environment

CHAPTER 5

ECOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

5.1 INTRODUCTION

An environmental ecological baseline study has been carried out in and around the proposed
water treatment plant (WTP) project sites of Rajshahi Water Supply and Sewerage Authority
(RWASA). The major components of the proposed project are (a) construction of water
intake reservoir at intake point beside mighty Padma River at Godagari upazila, (b)
construction of surface water treatment plant (WTP) at Godagari upazila, (c) construction of
water transmission pipe line from WTP to Booster Pump Station (BPS) (near Rajshahi
City)via Godagari and Paba upazilas, and finally, (d) construction of water transmission and
distribution pipeline from BPS to Rajshahi City. The environmental ecological study covers
all sites of the proposed project both in terms of floral and faunal species including fish. This
baseline information has been used in the relevant section of this report to identify and assess
impact of the proposed project on the existing ecological resources, and finally, to suggest
mitigation measures.

5.2 APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY

For the RWASA WTP project, the main purpose of the rapid ecological study were (i) to
enlist the floral and faunal species with their national and international status, (ii) to enlist
keystone, rare and threatened floral and faunal species, (iii) to investigate the distribution and
abundance of floral and faunal species, and (iv) to make an assessment of the impacts for the
proposed surface water treatment plant project activities on this ecological environment.
Floral & faunal diversity (Figure 5-1) fluctuate seasonally due to environmental causes.
Seasonal survey (spanning over a year) could provide detailed information on ecological
diversity for the proposed water treatment plant project study areas.

A survey was conducted between April and May 2015 to collect first hand data on floral and
faunal diversity. The study was conducted primarily in day time and to some extent, at night.
Herpeto-faunal and mammalian survey was done through visual search, through discussion
with local people and literature review. Aural and visual searching was the main survey
method for ornithological survey. Information on fish and fisheries was collected through
interviewing fishermen as well as survey of local fish market. Rapid field survey and
discussion with local people was the main method for floral survey. Informal interviews with
local people were also conducted as a part of this study to keep records of seasonal ecological
features. The collected data were cross-checked through literature review.

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 Chapter 5: Ecological Environment

(a) (b)

(c) (d)
Figure 5-1: Floral and faunal diversity in the proposed RWASA water treatment plant
project study areas. (a) unripe date in a date palm tree, a planted terrestrial flora, observed in
the project study areas, (b) unripe mango, a planted terrestrial flora, observed in a converted
agricultural land of the project study areas, (c) Chestnut headed bee eater, a terrestrial bird,
observed in the proposed study areas, and (d) freshwater shrimp, a native fish species of
Padma river, observed in a hand of a local fisherman.

5.3 ECOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE OF THE STUDY AREAS

Bio-ecologically the project site partly falls under the Ganges Floodplain (Godagari intake
and WTP) and partly under the Teesta floodplain (Rajshahi city area) (see Figure 5-2), and
agro-ecologically it falls under the High Ganges River Floodplains (BARC/UNDP/ FAO,
1995). The soil characteristics of these areas are calcareous dark grey floodplain soil and
calcareous brown floodplain soil (for Ganges floodplain area) and non-calcareous gray
floodplain soils (for Teesta floodplain area).As noted earlier, the proposed project have four
major components viz. construction of (a) water intake reservoir and water treatment plant,
(c)treated water transmission main, and (d) water transmission and distribution networks in
Godagari and Rajshahi.The ecological characteristics of water intake location, routes of
transmission and distribution pipelines and treatment plant differ from each other and brief
description of these are given below:

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 Chapter 5: Ecological Environment

Intake/WTP at Godagari

Rajshahi City

1: Himalayan Piedmont Plain, 2: Barind Tract, 3: Madhupur Sal Tract; 4a: Teesta
floodplain, 4b: Ganges floodplain, 4c: Brahmaputra-Jamuna floodplain, 5b: Chalan Beel

Figure 5-2: Location of the Project sites on the bio-ecological zone map of Bangladesh (Map
source: IUCN, 2002)

The water intake reservoir is located beside the Padma River at Godagari upazila of Rajshahi
district. This area has some villages with planted vegetation that provides supportive habitat
for certain type of fauna (Figure 5-2).Land filling activities via sand have been observed in
the area. Construction of new brick houses were also observed in the existing planted flora-
occupied areas that are used by certain type of fauna. The Padma River is the primary source
of many aquatic fauna including native fish. River siltation has great influence on its local
biodiversity. However, the existing ecological features of the project intake reservoir area are
changing gradually. Apart from anthropogenic influence, the ecological features generally
fluctuate seasonally due to environmental reasons.

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 Chapter 5: Ecological Environment

(a) (b)

(c) (d)
Figure 5-3: Ecological Characteristics of the proposed surface WTP project of RWASA. (a)
raw water (from Padma River) intake reservoir site have few floral species, (b) unripe paddy
observed in the proposed WTP site, (c) terrestrial flora observed beside the roads of proposed
water transmission lines, and (d) a mango tree, a terrestrial flora, observed in the backside of
a mosque.

Ecological features of the proposed WTP project site have similarity with the nearby areas.
The proposed site is used as a paddy field (Figure 5-3). Both ripe and unripe paddy is used by
certain type of fauna like rat, birds etc. Nearby paddy field is being altered into a mango
garden. Hence, land use pattern is changing day by day that ultimately have impact on its
dependent fauna. Nearby villages have floral diversity which provide habitat for various
types of fauna.

Ecological features along the route of the raw water transmission lines and distribution lines
have already changed by previous development activities (e.g. road construction, other
infrastructure development, etc), and a new ecosystem has evolved there to support local
adaptive biodiversity. The route of the proposed water transmission pipeline runs along the
intake point through the village areas, fallow lands and agricultural lands that support diverse
floral and faunal species. The routes of the water transmission and distribution lines will pass
beside the Godagari to Rajshahi highways as well as the roads of Rajshahi city that have
planted floras with faunal diversity (Figure 5-4).

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 Chapter 5: Ecological Environment

The changes in the physical characteristics of land (project site and its surrounding areas)
have direct impacts on its dependent flora and fauna. Therefore, the ecological characteristics
of the proposed project study areas have also been altered due to natural factors such as river
erosion, climatic effects, natural calamities, etc. The study area seems to be less to moderate
disturbed area by the above mentioned natural factors.

(a) (b)

(c) (d)
Figure 5-4: Terrestrial birds observed in the proposed WTP project areas (a) Bank Myna, (b)
House Sparrow, (c) Pied Myna, and (d) Common Myna.

5.4 ECOLOGICAL ASPECTS

Ecological aspects vary from place to place and also from time to time. The macro-ecological
aspects of the WTP project study area primarily consists of floral and faunal diversity
including fish species. Descriptions of these ecological aspects are presented below:

5.4.1 Floral Diversity

Diversified floral species exists in the proposed Rajshahi WTP project study areas. It plays
vital ecological and socio-economic roles for a particular type of habitat or ecosystem.
Therefore, some flora develop adaptive features to survive in particular type of habitat. Some
are habituated with only soil, some are with only water and remaining are with both soil and
water for their normal growth and development. On the basis of habitat, the floral species are
divided into two major categories viz. (a) terrestrial flora, and (b) aquatic flora. Description

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 Chapter 5: Ecological Environment

of the floral diversity of proposed WTP project study areas are given below:

Terrestrial flora
Proposed Rajshahi WTP project study areas have a variety of terrestrial flora. Most of these
are planted and have commercial value to the human society. The terrestrial plant species
make a complex ecosystem in which wildlife has direct relationship through their ecological
niche. Commercial fruit garden primarily Mango (Mangifera indica) wereobserved
throughout the study areas. Other common terrestrial flora are Date palm / Khejur (Phoenix
sylvestris), Jarul (Lagerstroemia speciosa), Babla (Acacia nilotica), Neem (Azadirachta
indica), Krishnachura (Delomix regia), Rain tree (Samanea saman),Betelnut (Areca catechu),
Coconut (Cocos nucifera), etc. Both continuous and scattered terrestrial floralline with
different plant species were observed beside the Rajshahi to Godagari highway, and a few
terrestrial flora were observed in the city of Rajshahi.

(a) (b)

(c) (d)
Figure 5-5: Terrestrial flora in the RWASA WTP project study areas: (a) fig, a naturally
grown terrestrial plant species, observed beside the Rajshahi to Godagari highway that
provide food and shelter for local wildlife, (b) Palm tree with unripe palm fruit, near the
intake reservoir point beside Padma river, (c) Neem, a planted medicinal plant, observed
beside a local village, and (d) diversified terrestrial flora observed in a village near Rajshahi
city.

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 Chapter 5: Ecological Environment

Three types of terrestrial plant habit e.g. trees, shrubs and herbs exist in the project areas.
Except herbs and shrubs, few natural trees exist (naturally originated) in the project study
areas. Most of the plants particularly the trees and shrubs are planted and cultivated. A total
of 108 floral species have so far been identified in the project study areas of which 51 are tree
species, 42 are herb species and the rest are shrubs (Figure 5-5). The relative proportion of
identified terrestrial floral species is shown in Figure5-6. The complete list of identified
terrestrial floral species (belonging to 47 botanicalfamilies) is shown in Table 5-1which
indicates that the area is rich in floral diversity.

Figure5-6: Distribution of terrestrial floral habit in the RWASA WTP project study areas.

Table 5-1: Identified terrestrial flora at RWASA WTP project study areas with theirstatus
Name Habit O PR LI Status Distribution
Family Native/English Scientific C R T 1 2 3 4
Annonaceae Debdaru Polyalthia longifolia Tree Y Y
Ata Annona squamosa Tree Y Y
Anacardiaceae Am Mangifera indica Tree Y Y Y Y Y Y
Averhoaceae Kamranga Averrhoa carambala Tree Y Y
Apocynaceae Chatim Alstonia scholaris Tree Y Y Y Y
Asclepiadaceae Akonda Calotropis gigantean Tree Y Y
Amarantheacae Kantanotey Amaranthus spinosus Herb Y Y Y
Annonaceae B. heart / Sharifa Annona reticulate Tree Y Y Y
Araceae Onion / Peeaj Allium cepa Herb Y Y Y
Katchu Colocasia esculenta Herb Y Y Y Y Y
Bombacaceae Simul Bombix cliba Tree Y Y
Boraginaceae Hatisur Heliotropium Herb Y Y
indicum
Basellaceae Pui Shak Basella rubra Shrub Y Y Y Y Y
Casuarinaceae Jhau Casuarinas Tree Y Y
equisetifolie
Compositae Assamlata Mikania cordata Shrub Y Y Y

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 Chapter 5: Ecological Environment

Name Habit O PR LI Status Distribution

Family Native/English Scientific C R T 1 2 3 4
Sheyalmutra Blumea lacera Herb Y Y Y Y
Convolvulaceae Dholkalmi Ipomoea fistulosa Herb Y Y Y
Combretaceae Arjun Terminalia arjuna Tree Y Y
Kath badam Terminalia catapa Tree Y Y Y
Cucurbitaceae Telakucha Coccinia indica Herb Y Y Y
Lau Lagenaria vulgaris Herb Y Y Y
Dhundul Luffa aegypticea Shrub Y Y Y
Sweet kumra Cucurbita maxima Shrub Y Y Y
Jhinga Luffa acutangula Shrub Y Y Y
Potol Trichosanthes Shrub Y Y Y
anguina
Korolla Momordica charantia Shrub Y Y Y
Cruciferae Full copi B .oleracea var. Herb Y Y
botrytis
Badha copi B. oleracea var. Herb Y Y
capitata
Cenopodiaceae Palongshak Spinacea aleracea Shrub Y Y
Caricaceae Papaya /pepe Carica papaya Herb Y Y Y Y Y Y
Euphorbiaceae Chitki Phyllanthus Shrub Y Y
reticulates
Reri, venna Ricinus communis Shrub Y Y Y
Amloki Embelica officinalis Tree Y Y
Orboroi Cicca acida Tree Y Y
Patabahar Codiaeum vareigatum Tree Y Y Y
Gramineae Paddy / Dhan Oryza sativa Herb Y Y Y Y
Chore kata Chrysopogon Herb Y Y Y
aciculate
Durbaghas Cynodon dactylon Herb Y Y Y
Kash Saccharum Herb Y Y Y Y
officinarum
Bamboo/Bansh Bambusa spp Herb Y Y Y Y
Bamboo/ Molocanna Herb Y Y Y Y
Muli bansh bambusoides
Shon grass / Patila Phragmites sp. Herb Y Y
Nol-khagra Phragmites korka Herb Y Y
Turfgrass Axonopus compresus Herb Y Y
Hydrocotyleacea Thankuni Mimosa invisa Herb Y Y Y
e
Labiatae Tulsi Ocimum sanctum Herb Y Y
Lecythidaceae Jarul Lagerstroemia Tree Y Y Y
speciosa
Leguminosae Koroi Albizia procera Tree Y Y
Akashmoni Acacia auriculiformis Tree Y Y Y
Sisu Dalbergia sissoo Tree Y Y
Acacia/Mangium Acacia mangium Tree Y Y Y
Mangium Acacia mangium Tree Y Y Y
Mandar Erythrina variegate Tree Y Y
Tamarind/Tetul Tamarindus indica Tree Y Y
Rendi Samanea saman Tree Y Y

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 Chapter 5: Ecological Environment

Name Habit O PR LI Status Distribution

Family Native/English Scientific C R T 1 2 3 4
Krishnachura Delomix regia Tree Y Y Y
Mash coli Phaseolus mungo Herb Y Y
Koromcha Pongamia piñnata Herb Y Y Y
Liliaceae Onion Allium cepa Herb Y Y Y
Malvaceae Derosh Abelmoschus Herb Y Y Y
esculentus
Musaceae Banana / Kola Musa paradisiacal Herb Y Y Y Y
Banana / Kola Musa sapientum Herb Y Y Y Y
Myrtaceae Eucalyptus Eucalyptus citriodora Tree Y Y Y
Mimosoidae Lazzaboti Mimosa pudica Shrub Y Y
Meliaceae Mehagini Swietenia mahagoni Tree Y Y Y
Neem Azadirachta indica Tree Y Y Y Y Y
Moraceae Jackfruit /Kathal Artocarpus Tree Y Y
heterophyllus
Jagadumur Ficus glomoreta Tree Y Y Y Y
Kakdumur Ficus hispida Tree Y Y
Sheora Sireblus asper Tree Y Y
Fig /Bot Ficus benghalensis Tree Y Y Y Y Y Y
Chaplash Artocarpus Tree Y Y Y
heterophyla
Dewa Artocarpus lakoocha Tree Y Y
Myrtaceae Guava tree/Payara Psidium guayava Tree Y Y Y
Black berry/Jam Syzygium cumini Tree Y Y
Wax Jambu / Syzygium Tree Y Y
Jamrul samarengense
Eucalyptus Eucalyptus citriodora Tree Y Y Y
Nyctaginaeae Bagan bilash Bouganvillea Herb Y Y
speciailis
Palmae Tal Borassus fiabellifer Tree Y Y Y Y
Coconut / Narikel Coccos nucifera Tree Y Y Y Y Y
Date palm/Khejur Phoenix sylvestris Tree Y Y Y Y
Betelnut/Supari Areca catechu Tree Y Y
Papillonaceae Sim Lablab niger Shrub Y Y
Polygonaceae Bishkatali Polygonum Herb Y Y
hydropiper
Pontederiaceae Sarkachu Monochoria vaginalis Herb Y Y Y
Pteridophytes Fern Drynaria quercifolia Herb Y Y
Dhekishak Pteris vittatai Herb Y Y Y
Rhamnaceae Boroi, Kul Zizyphus mauritiana Tree Y Y Y
Rubiaceae Kadam Anthocephalus Tree Y Y Y
chinensis
Rangon (red) Ixora coccinea Herb Y Y
Rutaceae Bel Aegle marmelos Tree Y Y Y
Jambura Citrus grandis Tree Y Y Y
Kamini Murraya exotica Tree Y Y
Lemon /Lebu Citrus limmon Tree Y Y Y Y
Solanaceae Titbegun Solanum indicum Shrub Y Y
Phutibegun Solanum nigrum Herb Y Y
Egg plant / Begun Solanum melongena Herb Y Y Y

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 Chapter 5: Ecological Environment

Name Habit O PR LI Status Distribution

Family Native/English Scientific C R T 1 2 3 4
Tomato Lycopersicon Herb Y Y
esculentum
Piper /Morich Capsicum frutescens Herb Y Y Y
Dhutra Datura metol Herb Y Y Y Y
Sopindaceae Lichee Litchi chinensis Tree Y Y
Umbelliferae Dhonia Coriandrum savitum Herb Y Y
Verbinaceae Vat Clerodendrum Herb Y Y Y
viscosum
Teak / Segun Tectona grandis Tree Y Y Y
Mehedi Duranta repens Herb Y Y

Legend: O = Observed, PR = Previous Record, LI = Local Information, C = Common, R = Rare, T = Threatened, Y = Yes, 1
= Raw water intake point and adjacent site beside Padma river, 2 =Proposed WTP and adjacent site at Godagari, 3 = Water
transmission line and adjacent site beside Godagari & Rajshahi highway, and 4 = Water transmission and distribution line
and adjacent site of Rajshahi city.

Aquatic flora
The project area has few low lands / seasonal wetlands with a variety of aquatic flora. The
aquatic flora is divided into three major types, viz. tree, shrub and herb. These floral species
grow in ponds, canals, ditches, river, seasonal wetland and low lying agricultural lands as
submerged, free-floating, or rooted-floating states. The common aquatic floral species in the
project area include Kachuripana (Eichhornia crassipes), Khudipana (Lemna perpusilla),
Helencha (Enhydra flactuans)etc. A total of 11 aqautic foral species have been identified of
which 10 are herbs and the rest are shrubs. The relative proportion of identified aquatic floral
species is shown in Figure 5-8. The complete list of identified aquatic floral species
(belonging to 8 botanical families) is shown in Table 5-2.

(a) (b)
Figure 5-7:Aquatic flora in the RWASA WTP project study areas: (a) Kalmi, a naturally
grown aquatic plant species, observed in a canal at Godagari, and (b) Water hyacinth, an
aquatic flora, observed in a pond at Paba.

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 Chapter 5: Ecological Environment

Figure 5-8: Distribution of aquatic floral habit in the RWASA WTP project study areas.

Table 5-2: Identified aquatic flora at RWASA WTP project study areas with their status.

Name Habit O PR LI Status Distribution

Family Native/Engl Scientific C R T 1 2 3 4
ish
Amaranthaceae Helencha Alternanthera Herb Y Y Y Y
philoxeroides
Helencha Philoxeroides sp Herb Y Y Y Y
Haicha Alternanthera sesilis Herb Y Y Y Y
Aponogetonaceae Ghenchu Aponogeton natans Herb Y Y
Araceae Topapana Pistia strateotes Herb Y Y Y
Ceratophyttaceae Jhanjhi Ceratophyllum Herb Y Y
dumersum
Convolvulaceae Kalmi Ipomoea aquatic Shrub Y Y Y
Gramineae Phutki Hygroryza aristata Herb Y Y
Janglidhan
Limnaceae Khudipana Lemna perpusilla Herb Y Y Y Y
Pontederiaceae Sarkachu Monochoria Herb Y Y Y
vaginalis
Kachuripana Eichhornia Herb Y Y Y
crassipes
Legend: O = Observed, PR = Previous Record, LI = Local Information, C = Common, R = Rare, T = Threatened, Y = Yes, 1
= raw water intake point and adjacent site beside Padma river, 2 = Proposed WTP and adjacent site at Godagari, 3 = water
transmission line and adjacent site beside Godagari & Rajshahi highway, and 4 = water transmission and distribution line
and adjacent site at Rajshahi city.

5.4.2 Faunal Diversity

Various assemblages of animal communities are present in the proposed RWASA WTP
project study areas. Some species use the areas as permanent habitats while others as
temporary / migratory habitats. On the basis of habitats, the faunal species found in the

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 Chapter 5: Ecological Environment

project areas have been divided into two major categories viz. (a) terrestrial fauna, and (b)
aquatic fauna. Descriptions of these are given below:

Terrestrial fauna
Terrestrial environment dependent wildlife is known as terrestrial fauna. They fully or
partially depend on terrestrial environment to live or to get food, shelter, nest, breed, and
produce offspring. Several species of amphibia, reptiles, birds and mammals are the main
component of terrestrial fauna. The project areas have different types of lands, e.g.
agricultural dry land, seasonal wetland, homestead land, fallow land, roadside land, as well as
rivers, ponds, ditches, which provide dynamic environment for terrestrial species. Terrestrial
wildlife is divided into 4 major groups viz. mammal, bird, reptile and amphibia. A total of 54
faunal species have so far been identified from the project study areas (Figure 5-9). Relative
proportion of terrestrial faunal species is shown in Figure5-10. The complete list of identified
terrestrial faunal species is shown in Table 5-3.

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

Figure 5-9: Terrestrial fauna observed in the RWASA WTP project study areas: (a)a
common toad observed in a room at Godagari, (b)a common house lizard observed in a
concrete wall at Rajshahi city, and (c) a spotted dove taking rest on an electric wire at
Godagari and (d) a pied wagtail searching food on the bank of Padma River.

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 Chapter 5: Ecological Environment

Figure 5-10: Distribution of terrestrial fauna in the RWASA WTP project study areas.

Table5-3: Identified terrestrial fauna in the RWASA WTP project study areas with their
status.

Name O PR LI Status Distribution

Class Family English Scientific C R T 1 2 3 4

Bufonidae Common Toad Bufo melanostictus Y Y Y Y Y Y

Bull frog Hoplobatrachus Y Y Y Y Y
Amphibia Ranidae tigerinus
Cricket frog Limnonectes Y Y Y Y
limnocharis
Rhacophoridae Maculated Tree Polypedates Y Y Y
frog maculatus
Reptilia Agamidae Common Garden Calotes versicolor Y Y Y
Lizard
Colubridae Rat Snake Coluber mucosus Y Y
Dipsadidae Common Wolf Lycodon aulicus Y Y Y
Snake
Gekkonidae Common House Hemidactylus Y Y Y Y Y
Lizard flaviviridis
Scincidae Common Skink Mabuya carinata Y Y
Varanidae Grey Monitor Varanus Y Y Y
Lizard bengalensis
Aves Accipitridae Brahminy Kite Haliastur Indus Y Y Y
Alcedinidae Common Alcedo atthis Y Y Y
Kingfisher
White-throated Halcyon Y Y Y
Kingfisher smyrnensis
Apodidae Asian Palm Swift Cypsiurus Y Y Y Y Y

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 Chapter 5: Ecological Environment

Name O PR LI Status Distribution

Class Family English Scientific C R T 1 2 3 4

balasiensis
Ardeidae Indian Pond heron Ardeola grayii Y Y Y
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Y Y Y
Little Egret Egretta garzetta Y Y Y
Centropodidae Indian Cuckoo Cuculus Y Y Y
micropterus
Columbidae Spotted Dove Streptopelia Y Y Y
chinensis
Rock Pigeon Columba livia Y Y Y Y
Corvidae House crow Corvus splendens Y Y Y
Jungle crow C. macrorhynchus Y Y Y
Rufous Tree Pie Dendrocitta Y Y
vagabunda
Dicruridae Black Drongo Dicrurus Y Y Y Y
macrocercus
Dendrocygnid Brown Crake Amaurornis akool Y Y
ae
Irenidae Common Iora Aegithina tiphia Y Y
Laniidae Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus Y Y Y
Laridae Common Tern Sterna hirunda Y Y
Meropidae Green Bee Eater Merops orientalis Y Y
Chestnut headed Y Y Y
bee eater
Megalaimidae Lineated Barbet Megalaima lineata Y Y
Motacillidae White-browed Motacilla alba Y Y Y
Wagtail
Muscicapidae Oriental Magpie Copsychus saularis Y Y Y
Robin
Oriolidae Black-headed Oriolus xanthornus Y Y
Oriole
Passeridae House Sparrow Passer domisticus Y Y Y
Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus Y Y Y
Paddy field Pipit Anthus rufulus Y Y Y
Psittacidae Rose ringed Psittacula krameri Y Y
Parakeet
Pycnonotidae Red-vented Pycnonotus cafer Y Y Y Y
Bulbul
Rostratulidae Greater Painted- Rostratula Y Y
Snipe bengalensis
Scolopacidae Fantail Snipe Gallinago Y Y
gallinago
Sulviidae Striated Grassbird Megaurus palustris Y Y Y
Common Orthotomus Y Y Y Y
Tailorbird sutorius
Common Babbler Turdoides caudatus Y Y Y
Sturnidae Asian Pied Sturnus contra Y Y Y
Starling
Common Myna Acridotheres tristis Y Y Y Y

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 Chapter 5: Ecological Environment

Name O PR LI Status Distribution

Class Family English Scientific C R T 1 2 3 4

Mammalia Herpestidae Small Indian Hervested Y Y Y

Mongoose auropunctatus
Muridae House Mouse Mus musculus Y Y Y
Common House Rattus rattus Y Y Y Y
Rat
Indian Field Mus booduga Y Y Y Y Y
Mouse
Indian mole Rat Bendicota Y Y Y
bengalensis
Pteropodidae Flying Fox Pteropus gigantius Y Y Y
Soricidae Grey Musk Shrew Suncus murinus Y Y Y
Vespertilionid Indian Pipistrelle Pipistrellus Y Y Y Y
ae coromandra

Legend: O = Observed, PR = Previous Record, LI = Local Information, C = Common, R = Rare, T = Threatened, Y = Yes, 1
= Raw water intake reservoir point and adjacent site beside Padma river, 2 = Proposed WTP and adjacent site at Godagari, 3
= Water transmission line and adjacent site beside Godagari & Rajshahi highway, and 4 = Water transmission and
distribution line and adjacent site at Rajshahi city.

Aquatic fauna
Some species of amphibia, reptile, bird, mammal and fish are the main components of the
aquatic fauna. The reproduction, breeding and multiplication of aquatic fauna is finely tuned
and adjusted to the rhythm and amplitude of monsoon flooding. A total of 40aquatic faunal
species have so far been identified from the project study areas. The relative proportion of
aquatic faunal species is shown in Figure 5-11 and a complete list of identified terrestrial
faunal species is shown in Table 5-4.

Figure 11: Distribution of aquatic fauna in the RWASA WTP project study areas.

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 Chapter 5: Ecological Environment

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

(e) (f)
Figure 5-12:Aquatic faunal species observed in the RWASA WTP project study areas: (a)
Large Egret searching food in a mud flood of Padma River, (b) Little cormorant searching
fish in a local pond, (c) Local fisherman catching fish in the Padma river by local fishing
gear, (d) Local fish market with varieties of fish, (e) Cultured fish catching in a local pond,
and (f) Local fisherman with a cultured fish.

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 Chapter 5: Ecological Environment

Table 5-4:Identified aquatic fauna in the RWASA project study areas with their status.

Name O PR LI Status Distribution

Class Family English Scientific C R T 1 2 3 4

Amphibia Ranidae Skipper frog Euphlyctis Y Y Y Y Y Y

cyanophlyctis
Reptilia Bataguridae Indian Roofed Kachuga tecta Y Y
Turtle
Homalopsidae Common Smooth Enhydris Y Y
Water Snake enhydris
Natricidae Checkered Xenochrophis Y Y Y
Keelback piscator
Gavialidae Gharial Gavialis Y Y Y
gangeticus
Aves Anhingidae Darter Anhinga Y Y
melanogaster
Ardeidae Large Egret Ardea alba Y Y
Dendrocygnidae White-breasted Amaurornis Y Y
Waterhen phoenicurus
River tern Sterna Y Y
albiforms
Jacanidae Bronze-winged Metopidius Y Y Y
Jacana indicus
Phalacrocoracidae Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax Y Y
niger
Mammalia Platanistidae Ganges River Platanista Y Y Y
Dolphin gangetica
Osteichthyes Ariidae Gagora catfish Arius gagora Y Y Y
/ Fresh Soldier Catfish Osteogeneiosus Y Y Y
water Fish militaris
Anabantidae Climbing Perch Anabas Y Y
testudineus
Belontiidae Sunset Gourami Colisa sota Y Y Y
Bagridae Tengra Mystus Mystus tengara Y Y Y
Long-whiskered Aorichthys aor Y Y Y Y
Catfish
Claridae Magur Clarius Y Y Y
batrachus
Clupeidae Hilsa Tenualosa Y Y
ilisha*
Indian River Shad Gudusia chapra Y Y
Channidae Asiatic Snakehead Channa Y Y Y Y Y Y
orientalis
Spotted Channa Y Y Y
Snakehead punctatus
Cyprinidae Catla Catla catla Y Y Y
Rohu Labeo rohita Y Y Y
Mrigal Cirrhinus Y Y Y
mrigala
Ticto / Firefin Puntius ticto Y Y Y Y

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 Chapter 5: Ecological Environment

Name O PR LI Status Distribution

Class Family English Scientific C R T 1 2 3 4

Barb
Swamp/ Chola Puntius chola Y Y Y
Barb
Cyprnidae Indian carplet Ambhypharyngo Y Y
don microlepis
Gobiidae Tank Goby Glossogobius Y Y Y
giuris
Bumblebee Goby Brachygobius Y Y Y
nunas
Heteropneustidae Stinging Catfish Heteropneustes Y Y Y
fossilis
Mastacembelidae Tire-trak Spinyeel Mastacembelus Y Y Y
armatus
One-stripe Macrognathus Y Y Y
Spinyeel aculeatus
Nanidae Mottled Nandus Nandus nandus Y Y Y
Notopteridae Grey Featerback Notopterus Y Y Y
notopterus
Pangasidae Pungus (cultured) Pangasius Y Y
pangasius
Polynemidae Indian Threadfish Polydactylus Y Y
indicus
Polynemidae Indian Threadfish Polydactylus Y Y
indicus
Synbranchidae Gangetic mudeel Monopterus Y Y Y Y
cuchia

Legend: O = Observed, PR = Previous Record, LI = Local Information, C = Common, R = Rare, T = Threatened, Y = Yes, 1
= Raw water intake reservoir point and adjacent site beside Padma river, 2 = Proposed WTP and adjacent site at Godagari, 3
= Water transmission line and adjacent site beside Godagari & Rajshahi highway, and 4 = Water transmission and
distribution line and adjacent site at Rajshahi city.

5.5 THREATENED FLORA AND FAUNA

Floral or faunal species that exist in threatened condition are generally known as threatened
species. Some specific scientific criteria are followed to declare a species as threatened
(critically endangered, endangered etc). It is generally declared by the World Conservation
Union (IUCN) for each country. Currently 147 wildlife and 54 freshwater fish species are
threatened in Bangladesh; 40 plant species are also threatened in Bangladesh. No threatened
floral species have been identified from the RWASA WTP project study areas. However, a
few wildlife and fish species have been identified in the project areas (Table5-5)which are
considered threatened throughout the country(Figure 5-13). A systematic research work in
different seasons of the year will provide a complete and more accurate status of the
threatened wildlife and fish fauna of the study areas.

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 Chapter 5: Ecological Environment

Figure 5-13: Gharial, a critically endangered animal, released by the local people at Padma
River in March, 2015.

Table5-5: List of Critically Endangered, Endangered and Vulnerable wildlife and fish fauna
in the RWASA WTP project study areas.

Biological English name Scientific name CE E V CT T DD

Class
Grey Monitor Lizard Varanus bengalensis Y
Reptilia Common Wolf Snake Lycodon aulicus Y
Gharial Gavialis gangeticus Y
Mammalia Ganges River Dolphin Platanista gangetica Y
Mottled Nandus Nandus nandus Y Y
Asiatic Snakehead Channa orientalis Y Y
Ticto / Firefin Barb Puntius ticto Y Y
Osteichthyes Tire-trak Spinyeel Mastacembelus armatus Y Y
One-stripe Spinyeel Macrognathus aculeatus Y Y
Long-whiskered Catfish Aorichthys aor Y Y
Gangetic mudeel (V) Monopterus cuchia Y Y

Legend: CE = Critically Endangered, E = Endangered, V = Vulnerable, CT = Commercially T = Threatened, DD = Data

Deficient, Y = Yes.

5.6 ECOLOGICALLY IMPORTANT AREAS

National Park (NP)

A National Park (NP) is a reserve land, usually declared and owned by a national
government, protected from most human development activities and pollution. No NP exists
at or near the proposed RWASA WTP project sites.

Game reserve (GR)

A Game Reserve (GR) is an area of land set aside for maintenance of wildlife for tourism or
hunting purposes. No GR exists at or near the proposed RWASA WTP project sites.

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 Chapter 5: Ecological Environment

Wildlife Sanctuary (WS)

A Wildlife Sanctuary (WS) is an area that assures the natural conditions necessary to protect
nationally significant species, groups of species, biotic communities, or physical features of
the environment where these require specific human manipulation for their perpetuation. No
WS exists at or near the proposed RWASA WTP project sites.

Protected area (PA)

An area of land and/or ocean especially dedicated to the protection and maintenance of
biological diversity, and of natural and associated cultural resources, and managed through
legal or other effective means is referred to as “Protected Area (PA)”. Such an area is
predominantly a natural area established and managed in perpetuity, through legal or
customary regimes, primarily to conserve their natural resources. No PA exists near any of
the proposed RWASA WTP project sites.

Ecologically Critical Area (ECA)

It is an environmental protection zone, defined by the Government of Bangladesh under the
Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, 1995, where ecosystem is considered to be
threatened. No ECA exists near any of the proposed RWASA WTP project sites.

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 Chapter 6: Socio-economic Environment

CHAPTER 6

SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

6.1 INTRODUCTION

An environmental social baseline study has been carried out in and around the proposed
water treatment plant (WTP) project sites of Rajshahi Water Supply and Sewerage Authority
(RWASA). The proposed project has some major components such as (a) construction of
water intake reservoir beside mighty Padma River at Godagari upazila, (b) construction of
surface water treatment plant (WTP) at Godagari upazila, (c) construction of water
transmission pipe line from WTP to Booster Pump Station (BPS) (near Rajshahi City) via
Godagari and Paba upazilas, and finally, (d) construction of water transmission and
distribution pipeline from BPS to Rajshahi City. The socio-economic study covers all sites of
the proposed project both in terms of social and economic aspects. This baseline information
has been used in the relevant section of this report to identify and assess impact of the
proposed project on the existing social environment, and finally, to suggest mitigation
measures.

6.2 APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY

A social baseline study has been conducted to gather information on the existing social
environment surrounding the proposed WTP project sites. Efforts were made to identify the
socio-economic aspects that may be impacted by the proposed WTP project activities. The
main purposes of the baseline socio-economic study were to understand:
(a) people’s socio-economic condition;
(b) extent of people’s access to basic services; and
(c) people’s perception regarding the proposed project.

The proposed project will run over the Godagari, Paba, and Rajshahi city of Rajshahi district.
Some basic features of the social environment of these areas are available in the Population
and Housing Census 2011 of Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS, 2013). Besides this, a
socio-economic survey has been conducted in May 2015 to collect first hand information on
socio-economic attributes.The members of survey team visited the project sites (Figure 5-1),
conducted field study and more than 200 questionnaire surveys (Annex A). The questionnaire
used for the socio-economic survey covered five major themes. These included respondents:
(a) Socio-economic background
(b) Access to basic services
(c) Education level and educational institutions
(d) Economic situation, and
(e) Attitude toward the proposed project.
This chapter summarizes the basic socio-economic attributes ((a) - (d)) while the respondents'
attitude towards the project (e) is presented in Chapter 7 (Public Consultation)

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 Chapter 6: Socio-economic Environment

(a) (b)

(c) (d)
Figure 6-1: Surveyors filling out questionnaire sheets by interviewing local people in the
WTP project study areas.

6.3 SOCIO-ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVE OF THE STUDY AREAS

As noted earlier, the proposed WTP project will run over the Godagari, Paba and Rajshahi
city corporation of Rajshahi District. The basic socio-economic aspects of these areas are
available in the Rajshahi district statistics 2013 report of Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics
(BBS).Some important aspects are summarized below in Table 6-1:

Table 6-1: Summary of some basic social aspects of the project study areas (BBS 2013).

Project Sites Total Total Population Literacy

Area Household Rate
(sq.km) ( %)
M F Total
Godagari 475 72186 166260 164664 330924 46.3
Paba 340 76622 159452 154744 314196 50.3
Rajshahi City 97 93545 232974 216782 449756 74.1
Corporation

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 Chapter 6: Socio-economic Environment

Agro-ecologically the proposed WTP project site falls under High Ganges River Floodplains
(BARC / UNDP / FAO, 1995). Human settlement began here more than several hundred
years back. The area has both calcareous dark grey floodplain and calcareous brown
floodplain soil which provides suitable environment for growing essential foods for human
consumption especially the fruits namely Mango, lychee etc. The Rajshahi city has full urban
social setting with most of the urban services. It has dynamic urban environment with all
sorts of economic activities (Figure 6-2). Except Rajshahi city, entire areas of the proposed
WTP have rural social settings (Figure 6-3). Most of the people depend on agriculture as well
as small business and trade via nearby Indian border. The main crops of these areas are
sugarcane, mustard, wheat, potato, vegetable, etc. Some amount of land of the proposed WTP
areas are now being converted into commercial fruit garden (e.g. mango, lychee). Highlands
are used for vegetables cultivation, cattle rearing, poultry farming, and the products are traded
in the local markets as well as in the Rajshahi city. Local fishermen catch fish from nearby
Padma river throughput the year. Fish culture in the pond has also contributed in the local
economy. Agricultural products, cattle and river fish are some of the prime economic assets
to the local people. Apart from these, few small industries were also observed in the area.

(a) (b)

(c) (d)
Figure 6-2: Social Aspects in the project study areas: (a) a busy road in the Rajshahi city
with different transport facilities, (b) City people prefer for marketing at night in the city, (c)
an under construction rice bran edible oil mill at Paba, and (d) a modern rice mill at Paba.

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 Chapter 6: Socio-economic Environment

(a) (b)

(c) (d)
Figure 6-3: Social aspects in the WTP project study areas: (a) brick made house indicates the
gradual growth of local economy, (b) family members of a village enjoying bath in the
Padma river, (c) people prefer to rear domestic animal in their house premises, and (d) paddy
cultivation is common in the agricultural field of the proposed project study areas.

6.4 SOCIAL ASPECTS

Social aspects inside the WTP project study areas vary from place to place. The macro social
aspects of the project study areas are considered that primarily consists of social and
economic aspects. Based on sample questionnaire survey result, the descriptions of these
aspects are presented below under several thematic areas:

6.4.1 Socio-economic background

The parameters considered under socio-economic conditions included respondents gender,
age, marital status, family size, occupation, and duration of living in the area. These
parameters provide an understanding of people’s background in areas surrounding the project
sites and their lives and livelihood.

Most of the respondents (90%) of the questionnaire are male; this is primarily due to their
availability, willingness and social custom to participate in the exercise. All respondents are

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 Chapter 6: Socio-economic Environment

Bengali, no tribal respondent found in the project areas. Muslims (98%) dominate the study
area followed by Hindus. Almost half of the respondents’ (49%) ages are in between 25 to 44
years. More than two third (82%) of the respondents were married with family size varying
from 1 to 3, which indicates that the family planning program is well accepted by the local
community.

Two third of total respondents are living in the study areas for a very long time, exceeding 20
years. As majority of the respondents are staying in the area for a long period of time, it
means that they have most likely developed many kinds of social and economic ties with
other people living in that area. Therefore, any displacement would affect not only their
income but also other social and economic relationships. However, it should be noted that no
land acquisition would be required for laying of water transmission and distribution pipeline
along the highway as well as in the Rajshahi city. This is because the water transmission line
would be constructed within the right of way of Nababganj-Rajshahi highway which is
owned by Roads and Highways Department (RHD) and the distribution network within
Rajshahi city will be along the roads which is owned by the Rajshahi City Corporation. To
set up the raw water Intake reservoir, WTP and BPS, some land acquisition would be
required for Paba and Godagari upalizas.

Most of the respondents (93%) were non migrant, which means that they are living here over
generations. Migrant respondents were found both in city and rural areas where they have
married and secureda life with better income. Almost one third (31%) respondents were
engaged in small business followed by farmers. The occupation of the people based on
questionnaire surveyis given in Table 6-2. According to the respondents, the overall
environment in the WTP project study areas is good in terms of comfort of living. The area is
prone to natural disasters. Most respondents (87%) reported experiencing of at least one earth
quake during their lifetime. During natural calamities (e.g. flood, cyclones etc), most
respondents (99%) prefer to stay at homes.

Table 6-2: Respondent’s occupation with percentages

Occupation % Occupation %
Small Business 31.4 Govt. Service Holder 2.9
Farmer 11.6 Teacher 2.9
Student 8.7 House Owner 1.4
Driver 7.2 Rickshaw Puller 1.4
House Wife 7.2 Large Business 1.0
Medium Business 5.8 Imam (Mosque) 1.0
Privet Service Holder 4.3 Medical Doctor 0.5
Daily Labor 3.4 Others 5.3
Fisherman 3.9

6.4.2 Access to Basic Services

The parameters considered under “basic services” included access to use of transport,

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 Chapter 6: Socio-economic Environment

electricity, fuel for cooking, water, sanitation / sewerage system, and health services.

All respondent have access to use the well established road networks for their movements and
most of them (87%) believed that the conditions of roads are satisfactory. Some village roads
needed carpeting. All sorts of vehicles are available. People are happy for good road
communication system, and use transport to carry their goods from one place to another
(Figure 6-4).

(a) (b)

(c) (d)
Figure 6-4: Some basic services in the project study areas: (a) Nosimon, a locally made
transport frequently use to carry goods from one place to another place at a cheap rate, (b)
stockpile of cow dung stick ready for sale for cooking purposes, (c) fuel wood is a common
item to cook food, and (d) handheld tube well and slab latrine observed in a rural houses.

The project study areas are covered by the national grid, and most respondents (88%) have
access of supplied electricity, though they suffer from frequent load shedding, especially
during the summer. At that time, most electricity-dependent activities are hampered seriously.
Students suffer a lot during examination.

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 Chapter 6: Socio-economic Environment

Almost all respondents (97%) have no access to the natural gas for cooking or other type of
uses; 82% respondents use cow-dung / wood for everyday cooking (Figure 6-4). Natural gas
supply is available only in the city areas.

Almost all respondents (98%) have access to tube wells. Some respondents (14%) have piped
supplied water, primarily in the city areas. More than half respondents (55%) reported that
tube wells water have high iron (Fe) contamination. The groundwater analysis presented in
Chapter 4 showed that the study area is not an arsenic-contaminated area.

All respondents have knowledge about the importance of sanitation issues. More than half of
the respondents (57%) use modern toilet and others (40%) use slab latrine (Figure 6-4). The
use of modern toilet or slab latrine indicates that respondents are habituated with the modern
sanitation system. Poor people also use pit latrine. However, occasionally it has been
observed that the tubewell has been installed very close to the latrine (Figure 6-4) indicating a
high potential of bacteriological contamination in the tubewells. Most respondents (93%)
have no sewerage system. More than half of the respondents (64%) are not satisfied with the
current sewerage facility that they use. Negligence of authority (44%) as well as no
maintenance (33%) is the main reasons for it.

Almost half respondents (42%) or their immediate family members have suffered from
common diseases (e.g. fever) within the last six months (Table 6-3). Access to pure drinking
water, good health and hygiene practice, ability to avail better treatment has significant
implications for the overall health. During health problems, most respondents (45%) prefer to
go to the nearby pharmacy; others (28%) went to the Government hospital. In case of
emergency, most respondents prefer to go to the nearby reputed government hospital of
Rajshahi city. Most respondents (97%) or their immediate family members did not suffer any
accidents in the last six months.

Table 6-3:Disease occurrence pattern among the respondents (shown as percentages).

Disease % Disease %
Cold-fever 51 Throat problem 2
Physical illness 13 Blood pressure 2
Diabetic 9 Heart Diseases 2
Diarrhea 5 Typhoid 1
Gastric 3 Dysentery 1
Asthma (hapani) 3 Others 5
Eye problem 2

6.4.3 Education, religious and social establishments

The parameters considered under this theme included respondents’ education, educational
facilities / institutions, religious establishments and social organizations. Areas surrounding
the project sites have schools, madrasas and colleges. Most respondents were quite happy

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 Chapter 6: Socio-economic Environment

with the overall quality of educational facilities available in their localities. Education level
varies among the respondents (Table 6-4). More than one third of all respondents (35%)
reported completing secondary level education. All respondents who have children reported
that their children are admitted into the local schools (Figure 6-5).

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

(e)
Figure 6-5: Educational, religious and historical establishment: (a) local school with modern
building, (b) local mosque with modern architecture, (c) modern church with beautiful
design, (d) A Hindu religious establishment for prayer, (e) graveyard gate of Hazrat Shah
Sultan, who died in 1703.

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 Chapter 6: Socio-economic Environment

There are mosques, temple, pagoda, church and few clubs are available in the project study
areas (Figure 6-5). Few playing fields have been identified in the study area and children
usually use those to play games. A couple of archaeological heritage and relics have been
identified namely Bagdhani Mosque at Paba upazila and tomb of Hazrat Shah Sultan at
Godagari upazila.

Table 6-4:Education level of respondents (shown as percentages)

Education % Education %
Secondary (Class 6~ class 10) 35.3 Graduate 3.4
Primary (class 1~ class 5) 24.2 Madrasha 1.0
HSC (Class 11~ Class 12) 15.0 Polytechnic 0.5
UnderGraduate 7.7 Illiterate 13.0

6.4.4 Economic Condition

The parameters considered under this theme included income and associated issues. In
general, economic condition of the respondents appears to be relatively moderate.
Respondents have a mixed income range (Table 6-5). More than one third respondents (41%)
reported income in between Taka five to ten thousand.

Small businessmen were primarily involved with day to day business in their shops. Almost
half of the respondents (48%) are involved in agriculture and the preferred crops grown by
these people are shown in Table 6-6 which indicates that main agro product is paddy. More
than two third respondents (82%) were also involved with fruit gardening. Among the people
who are involved with fruit gardening, more than half (58%) grew mango garden while a
significant part (26%) grew lychee.

Cattle rearing and poultry farming is a good source of income for local people. Cattle rearing
are carried out within the house premises for both domestic and commercial purposes; the
milk produced is primarily sold in Rajshahi city. Rearing of domestic fowl and duck is a
common practice in the study areas. The egg and meat of these animals supply nutrition to
the local community.

Table 6-5: Respondents’ income pattern.

Income (Taka) % Income (Taka) %

1000~5000 10 20001~30000 6
5001~10000 41 30001~40000 3
10001~15000 23 40001~50000 2
15001~20000 10 50001~more 5

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 Chapter 6: Socio-economic Environment

Table 6-6: Respondents preference for agro products for cultivation

Agro product % Agro product %

Paddy 86 Suger Cane 4
Jute 3 Vegetables 1
Potato 4 Mustard 2

(a) (b)

(c) (d)
Figure 6-6: Economic activities in the project study areas: (a) sheep and goat rearing in front
of a house, (b) duck rearing in the house premises, (c) chicken rearing is a common
phenomenon, and (d) pigeon rearing observed in some villages.

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 Chapter 7: Public Consultation

CHAPTER 7

PUBLIC CONSULTATION

7.1 INTRODUCTION

A couple of Focus Group Discussions (FGD), some key informant interview (KII) and public
consultations were carried out for the proposed water treatment plant (WTP) project by
Rajshahi WASA (RWASA). The FGDs were conducted involving major stakeholders. The
public consultations in the form of interviews were carried out in public places within the
project study areas for documenting views, opinions and concerns of the local people. This
Chapter presents the major findings from the FGDs, KIIs and public consultations.

7.2 METHODOLOGY

Two FGDs have been organized and conducted at Godagari High School and College at
Godagari upazila of Rajshahi district and Haripur union office of Paba upazila of Rajshahi
district. The locations have been selected to represent the viewpoints of the general people
residing near the proposed WTP and transmission and distribution pipelines. A wide range of
stakeholders including farmers, businessmen, land owners, house owners, laborers, teachers,
students etc are invited to attend the discussion. Members of the EIA team lead by a socio-
economist, and representatives from RWASA and IWMconducted and participated in the
FGDs. More than 62 people participated in the FGDs (Figure 7-2 and Figure 7-3) (see Table
7-1 for details and Annex A for the list of participants).The participants’ sex ratio is shown in
Figure 7-1. In addition to FGDs, some KII sessions and informal discussions were carried
out; the study team interacted with more than 40 people during these information discussions
(Figure 7-4). Besides this, the questionnaire survey which was conducted over 200 persons to
gather socio-economic baseline information (see Chapter 6) also documented the people’s
perception regarding the project and its anticipated environmental and social impacts as well
as their mitigation measures.

Figure 7-1: Participants’ sex ratio of FGDs for the proposed WTP project of RWASA at
Godagari and Paba upazilas of Rajshahi district.

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 Chapter 7: Public Consultation

Table 7-1: Locations and other details of FGDs for the proposed WTP of RWASA.

FGD Location Date Time No. of People

No. Invited Attended
1 Godagari High School 26 / 04 / 2015 11.00 a.m. to 32 26
and College, Godagari, 12.00 p.m.
Rajshahi
2 Haripur Union 26 / 04 / 2015 04.00 pm to 33 36
Parishad Office, Paba, 05.00 p.m.
Rajshahi
Total 65 62

Figure 7-2: FGD at Godagari High School and College of Gogagari upazila of Rajshahi
district. Representatives from RWASA, IWM and local people from various occupations
participated in the discussion session and provided valuable opinions.

Figure 7-3: FGD at Haripur Union Parishad office premise of Paba upazila of Rajshahi
district. Representatives from RWASA, IWM and local people from various occupations
participated in the discussion session and provided valuable opinions.

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 Chapter 7: Public Consultation

Figure 7-4: Discussion on proposed RWASA WTP project related environmental aspects
with local people: meeting in an open place at Godagari upazila (left), and meeting in an open
place at Paba upazila(right) under Rajshahi district.

7.3 FINDINGS OF FGDS AND MEETINGS

Highest attention have been made in both FGDs to get feedback from participants on the
nature of environmental impacts, and their suggestions about ways to mitigate the adverse
impacts and enhance beneficial impacts for the proposed WTP of RWASA. People who
participated in the public consultations were found enthusiastic in sharing their views. The
participants expressed their opinions regarding different issues including their knowledge
about the proposed WTP project, socio-economic condition of people in their localities,
possible impact of the proposed project on the existing environment and in their localities,
and mitigation measures to address and offset the adverse impacts. The major findings of
FGDs and public consultation are summarized below.

General Opinion regarding the project:

• One fourth of the participants know about the current initiatives of WTP of RWASA
in their locality.
• Most participants were happy with the fact that the people of Godagari will be
supplied water as well as the residents of Rajshahi city.
• WTP project cost benefit analysis should be done before taking initiative to
implementation.
• No pollution is likely to occur by the WTP; industries cause more damage to the
environment.
• Some participant believed that no impact will occur to the existing environment and
water for installation of WTP except the damage to the road by heavy vehicles.
• Only a few development activities have occurred in those areas; this megaproject may
create opportunitiesby increase of more development activities in the area.
• Some believed that the local economy will become strong as a result of the WTP.
• Some participants wanted to know the project details such asvarious modes of water
supply, pipeline distance from main road etc. WTP project will be welcomed if it does
not require any agricultural land for use.
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 Chapter 7: Public Consultation

• Project engineers informed the participant that the project will use only a very small
fraction of water that is available in the Padma river. Some participant opined that
water info in document is not always correct.

General opinion regarding possible impacts of the project

• Most participants believed that both positive and negative impact will occur due to the
proposed WTP at their locality; but few participants opined that they have no
knowledge about the environmental impact of WTP.
• Some participants believed that WTP project of RWASA is a dangerous project; it
will reduce the ground water, and no biodiversity will survive.
• Some participants believed that no adverse environmental impact will occur due to the
WTP; they will get pure drinking water which is a positive impact for them.But others
believed that the areas have shortage of pure drinking water especially in the winter
season. Most tube well have iron and arsenic in water and disease are being caused
due to contaminated water.Current initiative of WTP will enhance the issues due to
the low level of ground water.
• Some opined that the proposed WTP will create water logging for their areas.
• Some participants are concern about water shortage for use in their agricultural field. .
• Organic wastes for WTP, if generated, will be a big concern for their locality.
• Participants advised to use the RHD land beside the road. Availability of spare land is
very limited to be uses for the WTP Project.
• Participants want to know the WTP project routes and quantity of land to be acquired.
Proper compensation for land acquisition is a big concern for them. They requested to
disseminate proper information to them.
• Local electricity is not enough, WTP may create negative impact in this regard.
• Brickfields in the area have already damaged trees. Some trees may be cut which will
alter the ecological environment and enhance the desertification process.Therefore a
long term plantation program may be initiated in the WTP project.
• Fish in the river is not available now; the project may have great impact on it.
• Some fauna already reduce their population due to non availability of water and
indiscrimination use of pesticide. WTP may enhance the process by reducing water.
• Proposed WTP will create negative impact on the income from fisheries.
• Local educational institutions beside WTP will be impacted by various ways such as
sound pollution.

Expectation of people from the Project

• Ensure involvement of nearby village people through employment in the proposed
WTP project as per their qualification. Also ensure local peoples employment in the
WTP.
• Ensure local people’s benefit from this project e.g. water supply, employment etc
• Ensure improvement of local environment, local area as well as local business by
providing opportunity to supply materials.
• Demand for free of cost water for drinking purposes. Bottle water with cheap rate
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 Chapter 7: Public Consultation

may be introduced from this project which may help getting drinking water easily to
the local community.
• Demand for installation of a new water pipeline for the both Godagari and Paba
upazilas.
• Padma river water should be used for agricultural purposes first and then used for
drinking purposes.
• This WTP water may used for Barind track area via a parallel project
• Many homeless people live here due to crisis of own land. Proposed WTP may do
something for them such as provide opportunity for employment or other similar type
of income generating job.
• Some participants opined that a waste water treatment plant could be established
beside the WTP.

7.4 KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEWS

A total of four Key Informant Interview (KII) sessions with local stakeholders have been
organized for this water treatment plant project of Rajshahi WASA (Figure 7-5). Most
participants expressed their opinion regarding the proposed project, their involvement,
suggestion etc based on similar type of project experience by them. Summary of these
interviews are given below.

 Md. Khalid Hossain, UpazilaNirbahi Officer (UNO), Godagari Upazila, Rajshahi

• Ensure local people involvement with various activities of this project. It will
ultimately create opportunity for the project personnel for smooth implementation of
the project.
• Agriculture land should be acquired for this project which will ultimately help to
reduce the project cost on land issue; Agricultural land is available here and also
cheap. Peoples anger on high land acquisition issue will also be reduced.
• Agricultural production will be hampered to some extent but will not create that
muchimpact to the gross production of this region.
• Implementation of this project will create opportunities to improve some of these
areas (such as construction of access road to the WTP that will also be used by the
local resident, if needed)
• No damage will be occurring here for the proposed WTP, and also the local
biodiversity will not be disturbed.

 Md. Enamul Haque, Principal, Godagari High School and College

• Have not heard about the current initiative of WTP project of RWASA
• No opportunity for direct involvement of the local people. In future, power plant
official could sent the children in this school for education
• Traffic in the road will be increased due to more vehicle movement in the road.
• Accommodation problem will occur for the water treatment plant workers.

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 Chapter 7: Public Consultation

• Ensure local people employment in the WTP project both in construction and
operation phases.
• There will be minor impact on fish population of Padma River but it will not create
overall reduction of fish diversity. River dredging may help to improve the situation.
• Ensure timely delivery of all assignments for the WTP project

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

Figure 7-5: Key Informant Interview (KII) sessions with local stakeholders: (a) Md. Khalid
Hossain, UpazilaNirbahi Officer (UNO), Godagari Upazila, Rajshahi, (b) Md. EnamulHaque,
Principal, Godagari High School and College, (c) Md. Aminul Islam, Mayor, Godagari
Upazila Porishad, and (d) Md. Aynal Haque, Assistant Engineer, Bangladesh Power
Development Board (BPDB), Godagari.

 Md. Aminul Islam, Mayor, Godagari Upazila Porishad

• For smooth implementation of WTP, project official should coordinate with mayor
office, because water related one project funded by JICA is already running here.
• Ensure local people involvement in all stages of the project.
• Use of local engineering knowledge may help to solve some critical problems if they
arise.

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 Chapter 7: Public Consultation

• WTP should be coherent with the current city master plan of this area to avoid future
complication.
• Ensure current market price for WTP acquired land.
• Ensure river flow and river connection with Mahananda River and its branches or
canals for availability water throughout the year.
• Ensure water supply for local people from this project.

 Md. Aynal Haque, Assistant Engineer, BPDB, Godagari

• On power related issues, BPDB will collaborate with WTP of RWASA.
• WTP site selection should be in proper way and also in a cost effective way.
• Land should be acquired from open field to avoid local people’s interference.
• Raw water should be collected from deep river area that ultimately reduces the project
cost.
• Water behind Godagari General 31 bed hospital will be the easiest site for water
collection that make the project successful.

7.5 OUTCOME FROM QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEYS

Knowledge about the proposed WTP project, population trend, people’s perception regarding
the environmental impacts on existing environment, and reasons for supporting the WTP
project in their locality have been considered in the questionnaire survey which was
administered among 200 respondents in and around the project site. According to the
respondents, current local population is increasing slowly due to the slow growth of local
economy.

More than two third respondents (74%) do not hear about the initiatives of the proposed WTP
project in their locality which indicate that dissemination of project information have notbeen
adequate before the interaction of this social field team.

Regarding environmental impacts for the proposed WTP project, more than two third
responded that no impact will occur on air and water environment, fish, fisheries and land;
while some (13%) answered that land price will be increased. More than two third (78%)
respondentssaid that there will be no noise impact due to the project, but the rest think that
noise pollution will occur during construction period during which students and sick people
will be affected. Almost half (49%) responded that no tree will be affected, but others (48%)
answered that tree will be uprooted for the proposed project. Almost two third (67%)
responded that no wildlife will be impacted, but others answered that it will occur and animal
will leave their habitat and also their population will be decreased. Almost all (99%)
responded that local people will get benefit for the proposed project; reason behind this is
water availability for them in future. More than half (52%) responded that the existing road
will be damaged and road traffic will be increased. Almost all (94%) responded that local
business will be improved due to this project. Two third (66%) responded that no impact will
be occurring on river water and water dependent aquatic wildlife including fish, and

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 Chapter 7: Public Consultation

fishermen income will not be reduced. Almost all (95%) responded that water born diseases
will be reduced significantly for the current initiative due to availability of safe water.

Almost all respondents (98%) expressed their supportive attitude for the proposed WTP
project if it does not bring any harm to them. The primarily reasons for their supportive
attitude is because of the current crisis of drinking water problem in their locality as well as
the Rajshahi city which will be solved, and people will get sufficient water. Only a small
fraction (2%) did not support the project citing the reason that water will not be available for
agro production during summer.

Most respondents (92%) also expressed their support for land acquisition for the proposed
WTP project, but emphasized that the compensation should be provided according to current
market price.

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 Chapter 8: Impact Evaluation

CHAPTER 8

IMPACT EVALUATION

8.1 INTRODUCTION

As a part of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), environmental impacts of the
specific project activities on different ecological, physico-chemical and human interest related
parameters, both during the construction phase and the operation phase, have been identified and
assessed. As noted earlier in Chapter 3, the major activities to be carried out during the construction
phase include: (i) Acquisition of required land; (ii) Construction of intake structure, preliminary
sedimentation basin, raw water pumping station, and raw water transmission line; (iii) Construction of
water treatment plant (WTP) including all treatment units and ancillary facilities (e.g., pre-
chlorination unit, clarification units, rapid sand filter units, clear water reservoir, clear water pumping
facilities, sludge treatment facilities, administrative building, workshop building, generator room,
guard room); (iv) Installation of water transmission line on land and (v) Installation of water
transmission lines across water bodies; (vi) Construction and installation of booster pump station; (vii)
Rehabilitation of distribution network in Rajshahi City Corporation area, proposed urban area and
Noahata pouroshava.The important issues to be addressed during the operational phase include: (i)
Stability of river bank and intake structure; (ii) Availability of raw water; (iii) Raw water quality; (iv)
Treated water quality; (v) Proper operation of treatment plant and booster pump station; (vi) Public
health and RWASA service facilities; (vii) Sludge treatment and disposal; (viii) Safety of water
distribution network; (ix) Disposal of additional volumes of wastewater that will be generated due to
increased water supply in Rajshahi city after completion of the project; and (x) Navigation in the
khals through which water transmission line has crossed.

The environmental impacts of the specific project activities listed above have been assessed separately
for both construction and operational phases of the project, with special emphasis on the issues that
could generate significant adverse impacts, such as:
(i) Land acquisition (about 20 ha) and related social impacts,
(ii) Ecological impacts affecting water bodies, and
(iii) Possible disruption to road communication and navigation during the construction phase.
This Chapter provides an assessment of the potential environmental impacts of the proposed project,
especially focusing on these issues.

8.2 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DURING CONSTRUCTION PHASE

Based on the preliminary analysis of major activities during construction phase, a set of
parameters/indicators have been selected for assessment of environmental impacts of the proposed
project:
 Ecological: aquatic environment (flora and fauna); fisheries; species diversity; trees and
bushes.
 Physico-chemical: water pollution, air and noise pollution; drainage; sanitation and solid
waste.
 Socio-economic: loss of property/land; loss of income; communication and traffic congestion;
employment and commercial activities.

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 Chapter 8: Impact Evaluation

8.2.1 Ecological Impacts

The proposed RWASA WTP project activities, including construction of water treatment plant
(WTP), booster pump station (BPS), raw water reservoir at intake point and installation of water
transmission and distributionpipelines have some potential impacts (direct and indirect) on the
existing ecological environment. During construction phase, important project activities include land
clearing and alteration, movement of people and vehicle, materials placement, excavation, accident
(e.g. spills, leaks of chemicals), road and water body crossing of water transmission line, etc.
Construction activities associated with crossing of water bodies by water transmission line are likely
to have some adverse impact on aquatic environment, especially on aquatic flora, fauna, fish and
water quality. On the other hand, construction activities beside highway / road and inside agricultural
land have some adverse impacts on terrestrial environment, especially on terrestrial flora and fauna.
During operational phase, ecological impacts may result from improper disposal of dewatered sludge
in the environment. For the proposed project, potential ecological impacts could be divided into two
broad category viz. (a) direct impact and (b) indirect impact. This Section describes both impacts on
flora, fauna and fish diversity of the proposed RWASA WTP project study areas.

Potential Impact on Flora

Activities related to construction of WTP & BPS and installations of water transmission and
distribution pipelines have some potential impacts (direct and indirect; positive or negative) on the
existing ecological environment. Magnitude / intensity of these impacts may vary from place to place
and also time to time; some could easily be identified while others require long-term study /
monitoring. Potential impacts of the proposed WTP project on flora are described below.

Potential Impact on Aquatic Flora

The area in and around the project components (sites of WTP, BPS, intake reservoir, and transmission
& distribution lines) consists of few number of seasonal freshwater wetlands, including permanent
water bodies (e.g. ditch, pond, river, etc.). A few freshwater aquatic habitat exists there to support less
than a dozen aquatic floral species; however, none of them are threatened in Bangladesh. Due to
proposed project activities (e.g. those associated with installation of pipelines through water bodies),
some aquatic flora may face potential adverse impacts. If project activities run over an aquatic floral
habitat, partial or entire aquatic flora may be damaged or destroyed. People, vehicle and material
movement over the aquatic floral habitat may cause damage or uproot them from the ground. For
example, one ditch exists on the land to be acquired for water transmission route from intake point to
WTP at Godagari. This ditch with their aquatic flora will cease as these will probably be filled up.

Potential Impact on Terrestrial Flora

Except for the site of the proposed WTP, most project areas have moderate number of terrestrial
habitat to support more than 108 terrestrial floral species, though none of them are threatened in
Bangladesh. Most of the floral species are planted by the Local Government (roadside plantation) and
local people (village plantation) for their livelihood, which are quite common throughout the project
areas. Potential impact on terrestrial flora is likely to be moderate. During construction phase, some
trees may be uprooted from its original habitat. It is also imperative to note that a number of mongo
trees have been planted along the road embankment, some of which may have to be cut during the
construction period. These trees are commercially important to the local people. In addition, some of
road side trees, Godagari to Rajshahi highway, will be uprooted for construction of treated water
transmission and distribution lines. Since these are used as habitat or nesting ground by birds /
animals, clearing of the trees will generate adverse impacts. Therefore, terrestrial undergrowth has

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 Chapter 8: Impact Evaluation

great contribution to the existing ecosystem, and clearing or removal of the undergrowth would also
have some adverse impacts to its dependent fauna.

Potential Impact on Fauna including Fish

Construction activities related to the proposed WTP project could have potential impacts (direct and
indirect) on the existing aquatic and terrestrial fauna due to their highly sensitive and reactive
behavior in response to disturbance that may occur at or near their habitat. Faunal species that are
sensitive to direct (human activity and traffic) or indirect disturbance (noise) would be impacted most.
Habitat disturbance would reduce habitat availability and effectiveness for a certain period for
mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and their predators. There are also some possibilities of direct
mortality and displacement of amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals from the use of vehicle or
machineries over terrestrial or aquatic faunal habitats. Quantification of these losses is difficult;
however, the impact is expected to be low and short-term in nature.

Actions near fish habitats may also have some potential impact on fish e.g. mortality, disturbance of
fish passage during monsoon, deposition of excavated soil on fish habitat, contamination of water,
destruction of shallow fish habitat or saturated ground by movement of project vehicles, etc. Impacts
on fish could be quite difficult to assess immediately, but availability of some indicative fish species
could be monitored by which impacts could be evaluated.

Potential Impact on Amphibians

Five aquatic and terrestrial amphibian species have been identified at or near the all the project sites.
Amphibians are more sensitive to the environmental changes due to their permeable skin and other
biological features. Amphibians use both aquatic and terrestrial habitat for their survival and changes
in characteristics of habitat have a great impacts for their survival. Some of the project activities could
have some impacts on existing amphibians such as (i) undergrowth or vegetation may be cleared for
construction works, affecting amphibian habitat, (ii) project vehicle and materials may enter into the
shallow / deep freshwater bodies or saturated ground affecting habitat, (iii) increased sediment load or
contamination of water due to various project activities, also affecting habitat. These activities may
cause temporary or permanent disturbance of amphibian habitat. Impacts on amphibian population
could be evaluated by monitoring the changes of species composition and richness and their relative
abundance.

Potential Impact on Reptiles

Nine aquatic and terrestrial reptiles have been identified at or near the all project sites and 3 of them
are nationally threatened. These are Grey Monitor Lizard (Varanusbengalensis), Common Wolf
Snake (Lycodonaulicus) and Gharial (Gavialisgangeticus). Reptiles are sensitive animal and
sometimes used as indicative species for bio-environmental assessment. Burrowing reptiles are bio-
sensitive and respond quickly to any man-made or natural activities/calamities. Special care should be
taken before conducting any activity in and around the habitats of these animals. If the project
activities are conducted during pre or post breeding season of the burrowing reptiles, the entire
community could be affected seriously or their life cycle could be jeopardized. To evaluate impacts
on reptilian species, relative abundance and changes in species composition could be used as
indicators.

Potential Impact on Birds

Forty two aquatic and terrestrial bird species are available at or near the all project sites, and none of
them are threatened in Bangladesh. Potential impacts of project activities on birds include disturbance

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 Chapter 8: Impact Evaluation

due to project related actions and excessive human presence during bird’s foraging, resting and
nesting time that might result in reproductive disturbance / failure. Removal of floral (tree, herb and
shrub) species for the proposed project would affect some bird habitat from where they collect food
(insects), take rest and also build nests. Potential impacts for those bird species includes (i) habitat
destruction, (ii) temporary displacement due to increased human disturbance and vehicle movement,
and (iii) nest abandonment and/or reproductive failure caused by project related disturbance. To
evaluate impacts on bird species, relative abundance and changes in species composition could be
used as indicators.

Potential Impact on Mammals

Ten aquatic and terrestrial mammalian species are available at or near the all project sites, of which
one aquatic mammalian species, Ganges River Dolphin (Platanistagangetica), is nationally
threatened. Some mammalian species may be disturbed and displaced from their habitat for some
hours, days or months due to the project activities. They are likely to return to their habitat soon after
the disturbance has ceased. Some mammalian species also utilize village vegetation throughout the
year or seasonally as permanent or temporary habitat. Project activities, e.g. movement of vehicle and
people could displace potential prey species for some mammal within the project areas. However,
disturbances associated with the proposed project works are too small to have any measurable effect
on the prey for mammals. Effects are expected to be temporary, incidental and minimal. To evaluate
impacts on mammalian species, relative abundance and changes in species composition could be used
as indicators.

Potential Impact on Fish

Twenty eight fish species are available at or near the all project areas, of which seven are nationally
threatened. These threatened fishes are commercially important to the local community. In order to
prevent habitat destruction, measures are needed for protection of water quantity, quality and fish
passage/access to habitat during flow periods. Freshwater native fish may encounter some potential
impacts due to project activities, such as mortality, disturbance of fish passage, sediment deposition
on fish habitat, contamination of water, destruction of shallow fish habitat due to intrusion of project
vehicles, dewatering of water bodies, etc. To evaluate impacts on fish species, relative abundance and
changes in species composition could be used as indicators.

8.2.2 Evaluation of Ecological Impact

To evaluate the ecological impact for the proposed WTP project and related activities, a simple semi-
quantitative descriptive checklist method has been applied. Firstly, the activities during construction
and operation have been identified and listed in the impact table. Then the corresponding impacts on
the specific ecological components (terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna, fish) have been evaluated
based on the baseline scenario and an assessment of the typical ecological interactions with proposed
WTP project activities. Assessments have been made as to whether the impacts were positive
(beneficial) or negative (harmful), short-term (short recovery time) or long-term (extended recovery
time); and of high or low/moderate intensity.

8.2.3 Risk Assessment

A typical environmental risk assessment matrix has been developed for flora, fauna and fish species
within the proposed RWASA WTP project areas. Table 8.1 shows the consequence severity ranking
(from low to critical); Table 8.2 shows the likelihood ranking (from “almost certain” to “rare”),
along with frequency level for each ranking. Table 8.3 shows the risk assessment matrix, which is

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 Chapter 8: Impact Evaluation

based on consequence severity and likelihood/frequency of occurrence of an event; risk has been
classified from “low” to “extreme”.

Table 8.1: Consequence (Impact) Severity Ranking (Project Site Level)

Environmental effects
Low Minor Moderate Major Critical
No lasting Minor effects on Moderate effects on Serious Very serious
effect. Low- biological biological environmental effects environmental effects
level impacts on environment. environment but not with some with impairment of
biological Minor short- affecting ecosystem impairment of ecosystem function.
environment. medium term function. Moderate ecosystem function Long-term, widespread
Limited damage damage to small short-medium term (e.g. displacement of effects on significant
to minimal area area of limited widespread impacts species). Relative environment (e.g.
of low significance (e.g. oil spill) widespread medium unique habitat, national
significance –long term impacts. park)

In Table 8.4, the potential impacts of the proposed WTP project activities on the flora, fauna and fish
species have been ranked on the basis of consequence severity ranking (Table 8.1),
likelihood/frequency ranking (Table 8.2), and risk rating (Table 8.3). Both the “consequence
severity” and “risk” of the possible impacts have been categorized as “low”, while likelihood /
frequency” has been categorized as “possible”. Thus, the proposed project is not likely to have any
significant adverse impact on the existing ecological environment, if appropriate mitigation measures
are adopted (see details in Chapter 10).

Table 8.2: Likelihood ranking table

Likelihood Description Frequency Description
Almost certain Consequence expected to occur in High frequency of occurrence – occur more
most circumstances than once per month
Likely Consequence will probably occur in Regular frequency. Event likely to occur at
most circumstances least once per year
Possible Consequence should occur at some Occurs once every 1 – 10 years
time
Unlikely Consequence could occur at some Unlikely to occur during life of operations –
time occurs once every 10 – 100 years
Rare Consequence may occur under Highly unlikely to occur during life of the
exceptional circumstances operation. Occurs less than once every 100
years.

Table 8.3: Risk assessment matrix

Likelihood / Consequence Severity

Frequency Low Minor Moderate Major Critical
Almost certain High High Extreme Extreme Extreme
Likely Moderate High High Extreme Extreme
Possible Low Moderate High Extreme Extreme
Unlikely Low Low Moderate High Extreme
Rare Low Low Moderate High High

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Table 8.4: Summary of Ecological Risk Assessment Matrix

Ecological Potential Impact Consequence Impact Risk
Aspects (Consequence) severity likelihood rating
ranking rating
Minor impact to flora may occur during the installation of treated Low Possible Low
water transmission and distribution pipelines. Construction of
Flora water treatment plant and booster pump station may displace or
remove few aquatic floral species; Removal of flora due to soil /
trench excavation (for pipeline installation) may be replaced by
plantation programme; hence no major effects are expected.
Minor impacts (temporary displacement) to all types of fauna Low Possible Low
may occur during installation of water transmission and
distribution pipelines. Soil / trench excavation and construction
Fauna of WTP and BPS have negative impacts (e.g. habitat loss). Since
the activities are temporary in nature and similar type of habitat
available in the nearby areas, hence, no major or long-term
effects are anticipated, except loss of some habitat for WTP and
BPS.
Fish communities could potentially be impacted from soil Low Possible Low
deposition in aquatic habitat, fish pass, noise, water pollution,
Fish etc. The majority of impacts would be temporary in nature; fish
may avoid the impacted areas during construction period, but
return when it ceases. No impact on fish is expected for drawn of
raw water for the mighty Parma river.

8.2.4 Physico-chemical Impacts

Major physico-chemical parameters considered for assessment of environmental impacts of project
activities include drainage congestion, air and noise pollution, sanitation and solid waste, water
pollution. The effects of the project activities during construction phase on these parameters have
been assessed.

Water Quality
The alignment of the proposed water transmission line passes through a few canals/water bodies,
ponds, and lowlands. These water bodies are susceptible to pollution from construction related
activities, e.g., accidental spills of chemicals (e.g. oil/grease), materials and contamination by
discharge of wastes from workforce (e.g. from labor sheds) during the construction phase. Care
should be taken to avoid such contamination, especially because many of these water bodies are
important for fisheries, which could be adversely affected by water pollution.

Noise and Air Pollution

Some noise and air pollution could result from excavation and other construction activities. Noise
generated by construction activities will typically be for a short duration with minor adverse impact.
Air pollution from construction activities is also likely to be localized close to the actual construction
sites with minor impact. Increased movement of vehicles carrying construction material to and from
the project sites could also increase noise and air pollution.

Sanitation and Solid Waste

Problems related to sanitation and solid waste may result from improper/inappropriate facilities at the
labor sheds. Lack of proper sanitation facilities for project people, including the labor/construction

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worker and absence of proper solid waste (e.g., food waste, construction debris) disposal facilities
may create an unhealthy environment within and around the project sites.

Drainage Congestion
Drainage congestion may result from possible obstruction to natural flow of drainage water due to the
storage of materials, digging/back-filling of water transmission line trenches. Therefore, care should
be taken to avoid any drainage congestion during the construction of the proposed intake structure,
water treatment plant and water transmission line.

8.3 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DURING OPERATIONAL PHASE

The most important benefit of the proposed water treatment plant project would be expansion of
service facilities of RWASA, through addition of 200 MLD of water supply to Rajshahi city.
Improvement in water supply situation would alleviate sufferings of many people in different areas of
the city, who go through tremendous hardships to collect potable water, especially during the dry
season when many deep tubewells become inoperative. This in turn would have significant benefit on
public health. Also, with the added capacity of water supply from surface water sources, the
dependence on groundwater is expected to be reduced which will allow for limited abstraction from
the RWASA deep tubewells and eventually reduce the pressure on groundwater resources. This will
have a positive effect on groundwater quantity and quality. Other beneficial effects during the
operation phase include employment of people for the operation and maintenance of the treatment
plant. This in turn would induce a positive impact on some other parameters including commercial
activities in the project area.

Increased water supply also means increased generation of domestic wastewater in Rajshahi city. The
wastewater disposal situation in Rajshahi city is not adequate. The RWASA needs to take up
appropriate steps for expanding the sewerage network and sewage treatment system, especially in
areas where water supply would be significantly increased due to the proposed project. Otherwise, it
may cause long-term adverse impact on water quality. For maintaining proper quality of treated water,
the raw and treated water quality should be regularly monitored; provisions should be there for
adjusting treatment process (e.g., alum dose) depending of water quality.

At the WTP, sludge will be produced from two major sources: (i) de-sludging of the Clarifiers, and
(ii) wash water from filter back wash. Unsanitary dumping of aluminum-rich dried sludge may cause
leaching of metals and cause soil contamination the impact of which can be long-term. Proper
disposal of dried sludge has to be ensured to protect the environment. Accidental chemical oil leaks,
spills on land/ water from equipment /parts of the treatment plant or pumping station may cause
negative impacts on surface water and soil quality and may adversely affect public health; therefore
appropriate mitigation plan should be devised for such occurrences.

Stability of riverbank at the location of intake and protection of water transmission line from possible
damage are important issues during the operational phase. Adequate protection measures are to be
taken in this regard. Since the water transmission line would cross a number of water bodies, proper
management can only ensure against any damage to transmission lines.

Protection of Ganges River against pollution from untreated domestic and industrial wastewater is a
very important consideration during operational phase of the project. Although there is no industry in
areas close to the intake location at the moment, possible future land development may threaten the

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quality of water near the intake. It is important to develop a long-term management plan for the
protection of water quality in Ganges River, including restriction on establishment of industries
producing liquid effluent within certain reaches upstream and downstream of the intake point;
discharge of untreated domestic sewage into the river should also be strictly controlled.

The results of the assessment of impacts of different project activities during the construction and
operational phases on the physic-chemical parameters of the environment (described earlier) have
been summarized in Table 8.5. As before, the impacts on the environmental compartments (air, water,
soil quality, noise level, etc.) and human-use factors (loss of land, income, traffic congestion, safety,
etc.) were evaluated depending on their typical interaction with project activities. Assessments were
made as to whether the impacts were positive (beneficial) or negative (harmful), short-term (short
recovery time) or long-term (extended recovery time) and of high or low/moderate intensity.

Table 8.5: Physico-chemical from activities associated with the construction and operation of
Rajshahi Water Treatment Plant
Physico – chemical Impacts

Surface Water

Groundwater

Soil Erosion

Soil quality
Air quality
Noise level
congestion
Drainage

Project Activities

quality

quality
Labor camp setting and its
0 -1S 0 -1S -1S 0 0
operation
Access road construction -1S -1S -1S -1S 0 -1S 0
During Construction

Land clearing -1S 0 0 0 0 -2S 0

Soil excavation -2S -2S -2S -1S 0 -1S -1S
Piling work 0 -2S -1S -1S -1S 0 0
Concreting work 0 -2S -1S 0 0 0 0
Water body crossing work
-1S -1S -1S -1S 0 0 0
(pipeline laying)
Provision for safe water
and sanitation facilities for 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
workers
Solid waste and
0 0 0 -1L -1L 0 -1L
wastewater generation
Operation
During

Access to safe water

0 0 0 0 +2L 0 0
supply
Accidental chemical oil
0 0 0 -1S 0 0 -1S
leaks, spills on land/ water
[+3 = High Positive Impact, +2 = Moderate positive impact, +1 = Low Positive Impact, 0 = No impact, -1 =
Low Negative Impact, -2 = Moderate Negative Impact, -3 = High Negative Impact S = Short term impact, L =
Long term impact]

8.4 SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS

The socio-economic impact assessment procedure involves social impact identification and evaluation
processes. Impacts are identified through interactions between the proposed WTP project activities
and environmental sensitivities, while impacts are evaluated on the strengths of the likelihood of

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occurrence as well as the rating of their magnitude and significance. However, major social
parameters considered for assessment of social impacts of the proposed WTP project include loss of
land, loss of income, traffic congestion and safety, employment and commercial activities. Details of
these are described below:

Loss of Land
For the proposed project, land acquisition will be required for: (i) intake channel, intake structure,
preliminary settling basin and associated facilities near the Ganges River; (ii) raw water transmission
lines from intake structure to WTP, (iii) construction of WTP, and (iv) construction of BPS. No land
acquisition is anticipated for the installation of transmission and distribution lines from WTP to BPS
to Rajshahi City. In most part of the project, RHD / GoB owned land will be used to lay the water
transmission and distribution lines. However, land acquisition has significant adverse social impacts,
and therefore, care should be taken to minimize land acquisition. Adequate compensation should be
provided against land acquisition as per Government regulations, and relevant resettlement policy
framework of RWASA, if any. Care should be taken to ensure that the affected people get the
compensation without delay.

Loss of Income
Loss of income may result from inability to use a particular piece of land / establishment (e.g.
agricultural land or industry, road-side shops) during the construction phase for income generation
activities. Efforts should be made to keep such loss to a minimum (e.g. scheduling construction
keeping in mind for agricultural / fishing practices in the area) and provide proper compensation for
any loss of income.

Crossing of Roads
The proposed water transmission and distribution lines will cross the local roads and national highway
(Rajshahi to Godagari highway and Rajshahi City). Temporary disruption of communication is
expected during pipeline laying in these locations. Especial care should be taken to minimize
disruption of vehicular traffic and public safety during construction works. Possible traffic congestion
resulting from movement of vehicles (especially on busy highway and city) carrying material and
equipment should be addressed with proper traffic management, and avoiding stockpiling of materials
in a way that could hamper traffic movement.

Utility Services
Shifting or relocation of some utility lines (e.g. power, gas, water supply lines) may be required,
especially during installation of transmission and distribution lines within the city areas. Such shifting
often requires considerable time, and cause sufferings to people. Especial care should be taken during
finalization of alignment of water lines and also during detail design to minimize or avoid such
shifting / relocation. If shifting and/or relocation are unavoidable, especial care should be taken, in
association with respective service providers, to arrange for alternative services during the shifting /
relocation. Safety issues should be given utmost importance during shifting / relocation, especially of
power lines.

Safety Issues
Safety (including occupational safety) is an important issue during construction of water treatment
plant, booster pump station, water transmission and distribution lines. Construction activities in
densely populated areas and along narrow roads (e.g. during installation of distribution lines within
city areas) could increase risks to pedestrian and vehicular movement. Scheduling of construction

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 Chapter 8: Impact Evaluation

works and delivery of construction materials and proper management of traffic are very important to
minimize such impacts. Safety issues (particularly occupational health and safety) are also important
for general construction activities, which should be addressed as part of occupational health and safety
plan.

Safety / stability of structures (buildings, walls) located very close to the alignment of transmission /
distribution lines could be an important issue, especially during construction of water distribution
lines along narrow roads. Vulnerable structures should identify before commencement of construction
works, and especial care should be taken during excavation of trenches and also during construction
period to avoid damage to any structure.

Beneficial Impacts, Employment and Commercial Activities

The major beneficial impact of the project would certainly be on public health and indirectly on the
national economy. The project will contribute to resolve the water supply problem in Rajshahi city
(and partly Pabaupazila) of Rajshahi district. Some beneficial impact at local level would come in the
form of employment. This in turn would induce some positive impacts on some other parameters
including commercial activities in the project area.

8.4.1 Evaluation of Socio-economic Impacts

To evaluate the socio-economic impact for the proposed WTP project and related activities, a simple
semi-quantitative descriptive checklist method has been applied. Firstly, the activities during
construction and operation phases were identified and listed in the impact table. Then the
corresponding impacts on the social aspects (loss of land, income, traffic congestion, safety, etc.) have
been evaluated depending on their typical interaction with project activities. Assessments have been
made as to whether the impacts be positive (beneficial) or negative (harmful), short-term (short
recovery time) or long-term (extended recovery time) and of high or low / moderate intensity. The
results of the assessment are summarized in Tables 8.6, which show that most of the evaluated
impacts are of low or moderate (minor impact) intensity and are short-term in nature. No long-term
adverse impacts to the overall social environment are expected.

8.4.2 Risk Assessment

A typical environmental risk assessment matrix has been developed for socio-economic aspects
within the proposed WTP project areas. Table 8.6 shows the consequence severity ranking (from low
to critical); Table 8.7 shows the likelihood ranking (from “almost certain” to “rare”), along with
frequency level for each ranking. Table 8.8 shows the risk assessment matrix, which is based on
consequence severity and likelihood / frequency of occurrence of an event; risk has been classified
from “low” to “extreme”.

Table 8.6: Consequence (Impact) Severity Ranking (Project Site Level)

Environmental effects
Low Minor Moderate Major Critical
 Possible nuisance to  Limited impact  Modest impact on  Major impact on  Emergency situation
human health and on human health human health and human health with harmful
wellbeing (e.g. and well-being well-being (e.g. (e.g. serious consequences to
occasional unpleasant (e.g. occasional noise, light, odor, injury). human health (e.g.
odors). dust, odors, dust, injuries to  Significant fatalities).
 Very limited disruption traffic, noise). individuals). impact on the  Disastrous
caused to those earning  Some impact on  Moderate impact livelihoods of consequences on the

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 Chapter 8: Impact Evaluation

Environmental effects
Low Minor Moderate Major Critical
their livings (e.g. no the livelihoods of on individual individuals (i.e. livelihoods of
noticeable impact on individuals (e.g. livelihoods (e.g. access to income individuals (e.g.
herding operations). isolated incidents restricted access source restricted curtailment of
 Inconvenience related to cultural to income source). over lengthy access to primary
experienced in tensions and  Medium impact periods of time). income source).
accessing community some restriction on access to  Serious impact  Calamitous
facilities and utilities on access to community on access to consequences on
[e.g. electricity supply income source). facilities and community those seeking to
disruption for short  Some impact on utilities [e.g. facilities and access community
period of time (e.g. access to access to utilities utilities [e.g. facilities and
hours)]. community restricted for long resettlement of utilities [e.g.
 Very limited impact on facilities and periods (weeks) of large numbers of resettlement of large
the wider economy at a utilities (e.g. time]. households (10 - numbers of
local, regional and / or access to cultural  Average impact 100+)]. households (1000+)]
national scale (e.g. no centers restricted on the wider  Notable  Disastrous
discernable indirect to a limited economy, at a consequence on consequences on the
and induced extent, i.e. (days) local, regional the economy, at a economy (e.g. all
development). and/or national local, regional employment and
 Sparse impact on scale (e.g. only and / or national supplier sourcing
the wider moderate levels of level (e.g. out with
economy, at a employment and virtually no local Bangladesh).
local, regional supplies sourced sourcing of  Breach of company
and national level within supplies or / contractor social
(e.g. limited Bangladesh). personnel). policy and / or
procurement).  Potential breach  Breach of legislation.
of company / company /
contractor social contractor social
policy and / or policy and / or
legislation. legislation.

Table 8.7: Likelihood ranking table

Likelihood Description Frequency Description
Almost certain The activity will occur under normal Very Frequent
operating conditions. (High frequency of occurrence – occur more
than one per month)
Likely The activity is very likely to occur Frequent
under normal operational (Regular frequency. Event likely to occur at
conditions. least once per year)
Possible The activity is likely to occur at Occasional
some time under normal operating (Occurs once every 1 – 10 years)
conditions.
Unlikely The activity is unlikely to but may Few
occur at some time under normal (Unlikely to occur during life of operations –
operating conditions. occurs once every 10 – 100 years)
Rare The activity is very unlikely to Rare
occur under normal operating (Highly unlikely to occur during life of the
conditions but may occur in operation. Occurs less than once every 100
exceptional circumstances. years).

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 Chapter 8: Impact Evaluation

Table 8.8: Risk assessment matrix

Likelih Consequence Severity
ood / Low Minor Moderate Major Critical
Frequency
Almost certain High High Extreme Extreme Extreme
Likely Moderate High High Extreme Extreme
Possible Low Moderate High Extreme Extreme
Unlikely Low Low Moderate High Extreme
Rare Low Low Moderate High High

In Table 8.9, the potential impacts of the proposed WTP project activities on the Social aspects have
been ranked on the basis of consequence severity ranking (Table 8.6), likelihood / frequency ranking
(Table 8.7), and risk rating (Table 8.8). Both the “consequence severity” and “risk” of the possible
impacts have been categorized as “low”, while likelihood / frequency” has been categorized as
“possible”. Thus, the proposed project is not likely to have any significant adverse impact on the
existing social environment, if appropriate mitigation measures are adopted (see details in Chapter
10).

Table 8.9: Summary of Social Risk Assessment Matrix

Social Aspects Potential Impact Consequence Impact Risk rating
(Consequence) severity likelihood
ranking rating
Permitting Acceptance of project and cooperation / Low Possible Low
participation from communities and
government.
Mobilization to site Increase in usage of roads with Low Unlikely Moderate
possibilities of accidents
Increase in usage and resultant damage to Minor Unlikely Low
existing roads
Recruitment of workers Creation of opportunities for employment Low Likely Moderate
and / or local contractors Third party agitation over contracts, Minor Unlikely Low
employment issues, community benefits,
waste disposal, degradation of water,
pressure on water and food.
Accommodation of Opportunities for contracting, supply of Minor Likely Moderate
workers food and other supplies
Land utilization for base Reduction of access to the utilized land Low Likely Moderate
camp; Site Preparation / and its resources
clearing for base camp,
WTP & BPS and Destruction of vegetation Low Unlikely Low
associated activities (medicinal, economic and food)
And
Construction of base Attack of workers and community Low Rare Low
camp and WTP and BPS members by snakes, bees, scorpions,
And spiders / other wildlife and contact with
Material storage or thorn / poisonous plants.
placement
Pressure on available water for domestic Low Unlikely Low
and other uses

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 Chapter 8: Impact Evaluation

Social Aspects Potential Impact Consequence Impact Risk rating

(Consequence) severity likelihood
ranking rating
WTP and BPS  Generation of high intensity welding Moderate Unlikely Moderate
construction (e.g. flash and noise.
structure, rod binding,  Burns and injuries from welding
welding, etc.) sparks / injuries from other
And Repairs and maintenance activities
maintenance: (Welding, Contamination of surface soil with used Moderate Unlikely Moderate
motor vehicle repairs, lubricant, if any
maintenance of facilities
and servicing in
workshop)

Vehicle movement  Probability of accident during Moderate Unlikely Moderate

transportation of goods through road
 Nuisance noise, dust, emissions,
lighting, etc.
Water quality Water contamination due to project related Low Unlikely Low
activities (e.g. waste discharge to the
nearby pond / canal)
Exhaust from generators Disturbance to local community especially Minor Unlikely Low
to the school student and road side moving
people.
Spills (oil / Chemical) on Soil or water contamination / disturbance Minor Unlikely Low
land or water to local community
Waste generation:  Impairment of the health of local Moderate Unlikely Moderate
(Solids/liquid/gaseous) community
(e.g. cement  Increase in disease conditions like
bags, exhaust from diarrhea / respiratory tract diseases.
cranes/ heavy equipment, Increased level of disease vectors Minor Unlikely Low
domestic waste) (mosquitoes, rats, flies, etc.)
Water and soil contamination due to Minor Unlikely Low
sewage discharge ( e.g. increase in water
borne diseases)

Decommissioning Increased opportunity for employment and Minor Possible Low

 Repair of damaged contracting resulting in increased income
roads level.
 Removal of structures
 Restoration of site, etc.

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 Chapter 9: Analysis of Alternatives

CHAPTER 9

ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES

9.1 INTRODUCTION

The Chapter provides an assessment of alternative sites for the location of the intake and
alternate raw water transmission routes for the Surface Water Treatment Plant (SWTP)
project of RWASA. For completeness, the “no project” scenario has also been discussed in
this Chapter. This Chapter also presents a discussion on alternative technology options for
crossing of rivers by raw water transmission pipelines.

9.2 ALTERNATE INTAKE LOCATION

Several reconnaissance visits were conducted to ascertain location of the intake sites at
different points of the Ganges River. The following locations were visited to gain firsthand
information and knowledge:
 Godagari, about 2.5km downstream of the confluence of the Mahananda and the
Ganges River.
 Godagari, near confluence of the Mahananda and the Ganges River.
 Yusufpur, at 1 Km upstream of Yusufpur BGB Camp
 Harupur, Baganpara at 2.5 km upstream of Rajshahi Police Line

During the visits in-depth discussions were also held with the community to gather
information viz. river bank erosion, cost of land, and economic condition of the people and
effects of land acquisition for proposed intake point. During discussion number of issues
were identified that will need to be incorporated for successful outcomes of this project.
Detailed overview of the possible intake locations is given in the following sections. The
location of the possible intakes along the Ganges is shown in following map.

9.2.1 Options for Intake Locations

Option 1: Intake Point at Sarengpur, Godagari, about 2.5km downstream of the

confluence of the Mahananda and the Ganges River

This location of the intake was proposed in the Master Plan prepared by Korea
Environmental Industry & Technology Institute. During field visits proposed intake location
was found reliable but it needed to be finalized only after water quality analysis and
morphological study. The intake is located about 33km away from the Rajshahi city.

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 Chapter 9: Analysis of Alternatives

Figure 9-1: Base map of the project area with proposed intake locations

Morphological studies have been performed to assess the suitability of this location along
with other options. However, the salient relevant features of that study are presented later part
of this section. Depending on the suitability of this site as the intake point there may be need
for a primary sedimentation basin near the intake pumping station because of the higher
sediment load in the Ganges. However, the process design study conducted for determining
the unit processes will ascertain the need.

Option 2: Intake Point at Sultanganj, Godagari, near confluence of the Mahananda and
the Ganges River

The site is located at Sultanganj near the confluence of the river Ganges and Mohananda.
Discussions were made with the local people regarding availability of water throughout the
year at the confluence. A water level gauge was found near the confluence. Following
discussion with the gauge reader it became evident that the gauge needs to be moved further
across the river during dry season. Confluence of Ganges and Mohananda may be considered
as a potential location for the intake. However, it needs to be compared with the intake
location as proposed in the Master Plan prepared by Korea Environmental Industry &

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 Chapter 9: Analysis of Alternatives

Technology Institute. The proposed location is located about 35.5km away from the Rajshahi
city. Either the raw water or the treated water will have to be transported by a closed conduit
to the Rajshahi city. This option is very similar to the option 1, thus as an alternative solution
the treatment plant may be constructed at Godagari and the treated water may be transmitted
and distributed by a booster pumping station to the city. However, the process design study
conducted for determining the unit processes will ascertain the need.

Option 3: Intake at Yusufpur, at 1 km upstream of Yusufpur BGB Camp

The proposed site at Yusufpur is located at 1 km upstream of Yusufpur BGB Camp. It is

learnt from the discussion with the local people and the officials of Bangladesh Water
Development Board that the flow of the river Ganges at this point has never changed for a
long time. One of the problems of this location is that a large part of Ganges River upstream
of this site lies in India which may pose complexity in getting consent of the Government of
India to conduct river survey and/or the construction of the proposed SWTP. It is likely that
the Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute wanted to avoid future
complications and did not consider this location as an intake option. It may be noted here that
if this intake point were selected, requirement of raw water for the existing Kamruzzaman
Water Treatment Plant could be assured. Major disadvantage of this location is that river
water quality may deteriorate in future as the location lies at the downstream of the Rajshahi
City.

Option 4: Intake Near Harupur, Baganpara at 2.5 km upstream of Rajshahi Police Line

This proposed intake point is located at 2.5 km upstream of the Rajshahi Police line near
Harupur, Baganpara. There are groyens at both the upstream and downstream of this location
to protect Rajshahi city from river erosion. As the site is at upstream of the main city,
comparative to other options transmission line will be less than those would be required for
other options and the treatment plant may be constructed in the city without any primary
settling basin. But main concern for this location is the shifting of water course and
development of shoals and char lands. Based on the analysis of historical satellite imageries it
has been found that river at this location very recently developed as primary channel. Even in
2012 the channel at this location was secondary and the main channel was flowing 1 km
away from it. Also there are possibilities of frequent erosion and deposition as there are two
groyens, located at both upstream and downstream of the proposed intake. Moreover, to
protect the city protective measures of various shapes may be needed by relevant agencies
including RWASA, which may cause conflict with the intake structure. The location also
falls within the proposed RDA master plan area. Therefore, there is a possibility that in the
future urbanization will take place around this location and as a consequence water quality
problem may arise.

9.2.2 Morphological Study of the Ganges- Mohananda System

A study by Institute of Water Modeling (IWM) was conducted to perform preliminary
assessment of the existing and probable bank and bed erosion situation, expected changes to

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 Chapter 9: Analysis of Alternatives

channel planform, flow concentration etc. at the proposed intake location at Godagari. In this
connection, two dimensional morphological model of the Ganges has been developed
covering a stretch of nearly 70 km long from 8 km upstream of the Ganges-Mohanonda
confluence to 10 km downstream of Sardah.

However, a small section of the long model covering about 20 kilometers from 8 km
upstream of the Mohanonda-Ganges confluence to 12 km downstream was isolated to address
the morphological conditions at Godagari. Figure 9.2 shows the long model of the Ganges
and the short model focusing only at Godagari.

Figure 9-2: long model of the Ganges and the short model focusing only at Godagari.

Results of the model simulations performed under autonomous development conditions as

well as different options have been analyzed and interpreted with reference to the historical
behavior of the river as can be seen from the available historical data including satellite
images. It involves:
 assessment of the channel migration probability near proposed intake location;
 assessment of the thalweg movement probability;
 evaluation of near bank velocity;
 evaluation of near bank velocity; and
 extent of scour, vertically and spatially, at the proposed intake location.

Historical yearly maximum and minimum discharge of Ganges River at Hardinge bridge and
water level data at Sardah collected by BDWB have been used for frequency analysis for
setting the boundary condition to assess the sustainability of the Intake structure and the
minimum data have been used to assess the availability of water at the proposed location.
Statistical analysis performed on the Ganges River data at Hardinge Bridge from 1998 to
2014, extrapolated to Godagari (as there is no gauging station at this location), showed a
Standard Low Water Level of +9.0mPWD for 95% of time. A 1-D model simulated for the
Ganges Barrage study indicated a maximum water level of 22.4 mPWD at Godagari for a
return period of 1 in 100 years. Satellite images from 1976 – 2014 (Fig. 9.3) have plotted to
delineate the bankline (Fig. 9.4). It is evident that the bankline is almost fixed along the left
bank near Godagari intake location for the last four decades, besides, a man made structure

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 Chapter 9: Analysis of Alternatives

(revetment) is also present along that location. On the contrary, at the upstream bend of
Godagari location, severe shifting of bankline has been observed from 1976 to 1989.
However, during the period from 2001 to 2014 the bankline shifting has reduced to about
60m. Thus, after analyzing the last 40 years satellite images, it may be concluded that a single
channel is always present near Godagari location.

Figure 9-3: Satellite images of the Ganges River stretch from 1976 – 2014

A two-dimensional model has been developed by the IWM to simulate the change in
bathymetry under extreme flow conditions. The model calibrated using 2014 data was
applied for bankfull flow condition (statistically similar to that of hydrological year of 2002)
and extreme flow condition (statistically similar to that of hydrological year of 1998).

Focusing on the 20km stretch of the Ganges River near the proposed intake point at
Godagari, it is evident that the thalweg is deeper and closer at the left bank during highest
morphological activity period of the year from June to November (Fig. 9.5)

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 Chapter 9: Analysis of Alternatives

Figure 9.4: Planform delineating banklines of Ganges River near Godagari

Figure 9-5: Simulated Channel cross-section near Godagari intake under extreme flow
conditions

9.2.3 Comparison among Different Intake Options

A summarized comparison of the four options for intake location has been presented in Table
9.1.

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 Chapter 9: Analysis of Alternatives

Table 9-1: Comparison of advantages and disadvantages of different options for intake
location
Intake Options Advantage Disadvantage
Option 1  River bank is stable  Far from Rajshahi city
Sarengpur,  Remains morphologically active  May require pre-sedimentation basin
Godagari  Water quality is acceptable for at Godagari
treatment by conventional method  May require booster station if SWTP
 Adequate land is available for intake is constructed at Godagari
and treatment plant
 Likely to have less social disturbance
Option 2  Water quality is acceptable for  Far from Rajshahi city
Sultanganj treatment by conventional method  May require pre-sedimentation basin
Near Godagari  Available land for intake and at Godagari if SWTP is constructed
treatment plant at Rajshahi city
 Water edge shifts a long distance
away from the river bank during dry
season. Length of intake pipe will be
significantly long.
 Uncertainty exists due to location at
confluence of Mohananda and
Ganges
Option 3  River bank is stable  Complexity for the river survey as
Yusufpur  Present water quality is acceptable for the river upstream of the location is
treatment by conventional method in India
 Adequate land is available for intake  Possibility of poor water quality in
and treatment plant future as located at downstream of
 Nearer to the city, thus will require the city
lesser transmission pipe  Existence of submerged char at 2.5
km upstream
Option 4  Nearer to the city, so construction of  Likely to have higher social
Harupur, treatment plant at the city may be cost disturbance
Baganpara effective  Possibility of construction of
 Available land for intake and embankment by the concerned
treatment plant agencies to protect the city
 Will require lesser transmission pipe  Intermediate point between two
Groyens, thus, availability of
adequate quantity of water may be
uncertain
 Main channel has developed near
bank very recently (about 2 years ago
the main channel was 1 km apart
from the bank), thus, stability of the
channel is questionable

9.2.4 Comparison among Different Intake Options

Considering the above mentioned facts and based on the results of morphological study
Option 1, Sarengpur at Godagari, seems to be the most appropriate intake location. Although
morphological study and historical analysis provides evidence about the suitability of this
location, considering the unpredictable nature of the Ganges dredging arrangement should be

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 Chapter 9: Analysis of Alternatives

present to ensure adequate flow through the channel to address the need for water availability
at intake throughout the design life of the treatment plant.

9.2.5 Options to Address Uncertainty and Risk

The planform of the major rivers in Bangladesh vary widely from year to year and these are
predominant during major floods. Huge flood flow in a quarter of a year; having large
difference between flood and lean season flows, highly erodible bed and bank may cause
shoal formation, bank erosion and development of branches. Thus, fluctuation of flow occurs
at the banks. Desertification of channels has occurred at some places. Under such conditions
it is difficult to predict if a channel flowing for a number of years will maintain the same
planform/flow in the future. Example of such condition of an intake is seen at the GK project
downstream of the Hardinge Bridge on the Ganges River. The RWASA SWTP
Kamruzzzaman has been suffering the similar consequence as water at this intake point is
available for only three months in a year. Therefore, there are always risks of water-front
moving away from the vicinity of the intake. Usually, in such a situation, dredging is
considered to be the most preferable option to ensure availability of at water for an intake to
remain operational. Thus, in the event an intake structure constructed at Godagari face such
problem dredging would be the most viable solution. However, before deployment of
dredger, RWASA with assistance from BWDB (if needed), will have to monitor the river
situation to identify the possibility of siltation at the leading channel.

9.3 SELECTION OF TYPE OF INTAKE STRUCTURE

The intake structure needs to be located and designed in a way to help in safe withdrawal of
raw water from the Ganges River and to transfer it through a transmission system until it
reaches treatment facilities. It is likely that the conveyance of water will be through gravity
and a booster pump station will be set up at an intermediary distance to induce energy for
transmission of water to the Rajshahi City. The raw water intake structure, bank protection
structure and other necessary facilities to be provided will be designed to cater for the 100
year flood and dry season low levels in the Ganges watercourse.

There are three possible alternatives for the type of intakes to be envisaged for such flow to
be withdrawn from a quite large and navigable watercourse:
i. Simple Submerged Intake
ii. Intake Tower
iii. Side Intake along the river bank

9.3.1 Simple Submerged Intake

The simple submerged intake, at the bottom of the watercourse, would consist of a concrete
block of suitable size supporting the starting end of the withdrawal pipe. For safety and for
more flexibility in operation, multiple pipes of identical size in parallel can be installed for
the required flow. Each pipe will be sized to cater for 50% of the optimum flow at least.

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 Chapter 9: Analysis of Alternatives

The intake opening will be covered by a safety screen mesh to protect humans and to prevent
entrees of fishes and debris into the conduit. The intake opening will be kept at not less than
1.00m below the lowest level in the watercourse. For Ganges at Godagari estimated historical
lower water level is about +9.00 mPWD and highest water level is about +22.4 mPWD. Thus
the intake pipes will be laid at +7.00 mPWD (2m below the lowest water level).

This type of intake is economically acceptable and can be envisaged in a place where it will
not affect navigation. Nevertheless, it has the disadvantage of keeping installations not easily
accessible for cleaning and repairing all over the year. A typical arrangement of simple
submerged intake is shown in Figure 9.6.

Figure 9-6: Simple Submerged Intake

9.3.2 Intake Tower

Tower intake is generally used for large flow to be drawn from rivers and reservoirs having
large change in water level, which is the case of the Ganges River. Gate control openings or
ports are provided at various elevations of the tower which generally consists of a reinforced
concrete structure built in water. Ports which are always submerged do not show clogging
problems by debris and any other floating matters as course screens are placed in front of the
ports.

Two types of tower intake namely, wet intake tower and dry intake tower, is possible. Wet
Intake Tower (Fig. 9.7) would consist of a reinforced concrete circular structure filled with
water up to the water level in the River. They have a concentric concrete shaft inside which is
connected to the withdrawal pipes. The withdrawal pipes may lie over the bed of the River or
may be provided in the form of tunnels to be built under the River bed. Openings are
provided in both the outer and in the inner tower in order to receive the necessary flow. Wall
gates are usually placed on inner tower openings for flow control.

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 Chapter 9: Analysis of Alternatives

In Dry Intake Tower (Fig. 9.8) water is directly drawn into the withdrawal conduit through
openings or entry ports provided with wall gates. The inside of the tower is expected to
remain dry if gates are closed while the structure will be subjected to additional buoyant
forces. Therefore, the reinforced concrete structure to be provided is supposed to be thicker
and heavier than the structure of the wet intake tower. Gates are very useful since water can
be withdrawn from any selected level of water in the River by opening the port at that level.
The Dry intake tower solution is not recommended in watercourses used for navigation as it
may constitute a threat for ships during limited visibility conditions such as darkness, bad
weather, etc.

Figure 9-7: Components of Wet Intake

Figure 9-8: Components of Dry Intake Tower

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 Chapter 9: Analysis of Alternatives

9.3.3 River Bank Intake

With such solution, a side intake (Fig. 9.9) will be provided starting from the River bank.
Flows will be admitted into horizontal intake pipes through protection mesh followed by
coarse screens before reaching by gravity to settling basins or settling channels. Automatic
fine screens will also be provided between the channels outlet and pumps sump.

The side intake alternative has the advantage to be simple and requiring little maintenance as
compared to the two other preceding ones. However, necessary protective measures against
erosion along the River bank where it will be installed should be provided. Moreover, results
of morphologic study should also validate the location of the intake along the river bank for
this kind of intake. Protection measures recommended by the morphology study should also
be adopted. It is worth noting that the intake bottom should always remain under the lowest
water level and enough water depth should remain above the top of the intake in order to
secure the flow of the required raw water quantities into the settling basins and pump sumps
by gravity.

Figure 9-9: Components of River Bank Intake

9.3.4 Comparison among Different Intake Structures

A summarized comparison among the three above mentioned alternatives is given in Table
9.2.

Table 9-2: Comparative advantages and disadvantages of different Intake structures

Intake Options Advantage Disadvantage

Option 1  Avoids large structure on the  Cleaning arrangements for the pipes
Submerged Intake river/river bank will be necessary but with the
 Less capital investment and relatively provision of higher velocity this may

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 Chapter 9: Analysis of Alternatives

Intake Options Advantage Disadvantage

lower maintenance cost be avoided.
 Able to avoid navigation problems
Option 2  Less sediment deposition  Initial capital cost is very high
Intake Tower  Economy in pipe size  May cause navigation problem
 High operation and maintenance cost

Option 3  Simple structure  Large sized structure on river bank

River Bank Intake  Relatively easier to maintain  Possibility of sedimentation and /or
scouring

9.3.5 Preferred Intake Structures

Taking into consideration prevailing conditions in Godagari area, the submerged intake
(Pipe) solution appears to be the most attractive not only in cost but also for ease of control
and maintenance. This recommendation is supported by the study conducted on
morphological consequences at the probable intake location.

9.4 SELECTION OF SWTP LOCATION

9.4.1 General Considerations for Location of SWTP

Selection of potential site for a new water treatment plant depends on a number of factors.
Some of the major ones are:
 Proximity of plant site to the intake and to customers being served
 Consideration of water transmission requirements to interconnect the plant to the
intake and the water distribution system
 Proximity of plant site to sludge disposal location
 Environmental and land use concerns
 Subsurface and geotechnical considerations
 Land availability, cost, and zoning
 Compatibility with surrounding, existing and planned developments
 Potential for flooding and storm water handling requirements
 Availability of utilities (power, natural gas, sewer, telephone etc.)
 Site topography and accessibility
 Vulnerability to security risks and natural disasters

Water supply source, treatment, and treated water transmission facilities must function as a
complete system to provide a safe, reliable source of drinking water to the water distribution
system.

9.4.2 Options for SWTP Locations

Several field visits were conducted to identify the proper location of the surface water
treatment Plant (SWTP). The following locations were visited to gain firsthand information
and knowledge:
 Sarengpur, Godagari, near Godagari Degree College

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 Chapter 9: Analysis of Alternatives

 Choto Bongram, at the outskirts of Rajshahi City

During the field visits in-depth discussions were held with the community to gather
information about land availability, cost of land, and economic condition of the people and
effects of land acquisition for the proposed SWTP.

Option 1: Sarengpur, Godagari, near Godagari Degree College

The proposed site is located near Godagari Degree College at Sarenpur, Godagari. Sufficient
land is available at this site and the cost of land will be comparatively lower than option 1.
Pre-sedimentation basin may not be required and raw water conveyance main will be only
about 1 km long will be necessary, which is unlikely to suffer sedimentation within raw water
pipes. In this case, instead of 33 km long raw water transmission main 26.5 km of treated
water transmission main will be required along with booster pumping station near the city.

Option 2: Choto Bongram at the outskirts of Rajshahi City

The proposed site is located at Choto-Bongram Mouza at the outskirts of Rajshahi City
Corporation area, adjacent to the Rajshahi-Chapai Nawabganj bypass. Sufficient land is
available at this site and the length of primary and secondary distribution mains for
distributing treated water to the different parts of the city will be comparatively less.
Operation and maintenance including safety and security of the plant will be comparatively
easier. Major disadvantage is that raw water transmission main of about 33 km along with
pre-sedimentation basin at Godagari will be required. Sedimentation in the pipes may occur
and periodic flushing of raw water transmission pipe will be necessary which is technically
complex, requires continuous supervision associated with high maintenance cost.

9.4.3 Comparison among Different options for SWTP location

A summarized table comparing the advantages and disadvantages of siting the SWTP is
given below (Table 9-3).

Table 9.3: Comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of locations for the SWTP

Intake Options Advantage Disadvantage

Option 1  Comparatively lower land cost  Far from the city
Sarengpur,  Pre-sedimentation basin will not be  Need to construct permanent residence
Godagari required and ancillary structures for the O&M
 Treated water will be transported to staffs
the city instead of raw water, thus  Booster pumping station will be
cleaning of transmission main will be required nearer to the city
much easier and of less frequency.
 Supplying water to Godagari people
will be possible
Option 2  Near the city, thus, offers more  Expensive land
At Choto Bongram opportunity for better service  Pre-sedimentation basin at Godagari is
 Length of primary and secondary necessary for which additional land
distribution main will be (equivalent to land for construction of
comparatively less SWTP) will be required

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 Chapter 9: Analysis of Alternatives

Intake Options Advantage Disadvantage

 Easy to inspect and maintain both  Difficulties due to periodic washing
from safety and security point of view and flushing of raw water transmission
mains
 Very high maintenance cost of
transmission pipes
 Booster pumping station will be
required after pre-sedimentation
 Demand at Godagari cannot be met

9.4.4 Preferred Location for SWTP

Based on the above mentioned facts, Option 1 is likely to be the most reliable and cost
effective. It will help in avoiding continuous maintenance of the raw water transmission
main. As raw water will be withdrawn from Godagari, therefore, it is logical to supply treated
water to the nearby locality. This is a prime fact which can only be addressed if the treatment
plant is constructed at Godagari.

Though this location is outside the city area road network coverage of the Godagari is very
good, thus, communication to and from Rajshahi city is not time consuming. However,
permanent residence will have to be provided in the vicinity of treatment plant for the staffs
who will be involved in the operation and maintenance. Thus possible negative issues like
enjoying city facilities, spending time with family may not be of much concern.

9.5 SELECTION OF ALIGNMENT OF WATER TRANSMISSION MAIN

Among the potential SWTP locations, proposed site near Godagari Degree College seems to
be the most appropriate. Treated water from the SWTP can be transported to the city along
existing highways. A booster pumping station will necessary to provide impetus to the treated
water and should be constructed near the city. In the following sub-sections potential routes
of the transmission main have been discussed.

9.5.1 Options for Alignment of Transmission Main

Option 1: Transmission main along Rajshahi- ChapaiNawabganj Highway

Treated water can be transmitted from the treatment plant at Godagari through a transmission
main of about 26.5 km by following Rajshahi-Chapai Nawabganj Highway. Transmission
main can be laid at northern side of the highway while proceeding towards Rajshahi city from
Godagari. The alignment is straight and presence of local traffic will be less during and after
project implementation. Thus, operation and maintenance of transmission main will be easier.
Land acquisition can be avoided if the transmission main is laid in the Right of Way which is
owned by the Roads and Highways. However, some temporary structures and illegally
occupied entities may exist within the Right of Way near the Rajshahi City.

Option 2: Transmission main along Rajshahi-Chapai Nawabganj Old Highway

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 Chapter 9: Analysis of Alternatives

The other option is to construct a part of the transmission main (13 km, from Matikata
Railgate to Bijoynagar Mor) following Rajshahi- Chapainawabganj old highway. In this case
length of raw water transmission main will be increased to 28 km instead of 26.5 km. The
road is not straight and wide enough which will lead to higher head loss compared to the
option 1 and power requirement will be increased. Moreover, due to higher intensity of local
traffic future maintenance will be difficult and due to higher concentration of settlement on
both sides of the road, resettlement may become a serious deterrent.

9.5.2 Preferred Alignment of Transmission Main

Considering all the prevailing favorable and unfavorable conditions stated above, option 1
i.e., Transmission main along Rajshahi-Chapai Nawabganj Highway seems to be the most
suitable for laying of transmission main from treatment plant. As mentioned earlier the
transmission main should be laid within the right of way of the highway without disturbing
the vehicular movement.

9.6 SELECTING LOCATION FOR BOOSTER PUMP STATION

There are two possible options for selecting the location of booster pump station; one is at or
near Kasiadanga Mor and the other is within the city. Location of the booster pumping station
at 1 km upward of the Kasiadanga Morh has been found to be most suitable due to the
following reasons:
 Kasiadanga Mor is almost free from settlements and adjacent to the Chapai
Nawabganj-Rajshahi highway,
 There are three main roads namely, Old Rajshah road, Rajshahi bypass road and
Rajshahi city bypass road at this Mor. Thus, water can be easily distributed to the city
and adjacent areas through these three main roads, which will facilitate water
distribution with comparatively lesser diameter of pipes. If the booster pumping
station is constructed within the city this advantage will be lost.
 Traffic management plan will be comparatively easier (due to lesser diameter of
pipes) during installation of primary and secondary distribution network.
 Cost of primary & secondary distribution network will be comparatively less.

9.7 NO PROJECT SCENARIO

Under the no project scenario, there will be no negative impacts associated with the project
activities. However, numerous positive impacts related to socio-economic conditions and
ensuring public health and safety would not be realized. The SWTP of RWASA will not only
add 200 MLD treated water to Rajshahi City and Godagari area’s water supply, but is will
also help in keeping the Kamruzzaman SWTP operational for a longer period instead of mere
three months in a year. Under the no project scenario, the 200 MLD water from surface water
sources will not be added to the city’s water supply, the dependence on groundwater to meet
the city’s water demand of the future will continue, which will cause further deplete the
groundwater source further lowering the groundwater table.

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 Chapter 10: Environmental Management Plan

CHAPTER 10

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

10.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter summarizes the mitigation and abatement measures both during construction
and operation phases of the project. It also presents an environment management plan (EMP),
including a monitoring program with a preliminary cost estimate.

10.2 MITIGATION MEASURES

10.2.1 Construction Phase

The proposed project involves construction of a water treatment plant at Godagari, which will
draw raw water from the Ganges River. It also involves construction of intake channel, intake
structure, surface water treatment plant, booster station and treated water transmission
pipeline up to the two branched distribution network of the Rajshahi CIty. The project will be
implemented by Rajshahi Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (RWASA). The significant
environmental impacts of project activities during construction and operational phases have
been presented in Chapter 8. Table 10.1 shows the mitigation measures corresponding to
specific adverse impacts during construction phase, along with assignment of responsibilities
for their implementation. The measures presented in Table 10.1 are aimed at minimizing the
effects of the possible adverse impacts and enhancing the positive impacts. The table shows
that most of the adverse impacts could be minimized or even removed if appropriate
mitigation measures are taken. However, a post-project monitoring program needs to be put
in place to ascertain that the potential impacts have been predicted adequately and that
suggested mitigation measures are effective in minimizing adverse impacts on the
environment.

Table 10.1: Environmental impact during construction phase and mitigation measures

Activity/Issues Potential Impacts Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Measures Responsible

Parties
Land acquisition  Loss of land /  Raise awareness of Project Affected Persons RWASA,
property (PAPs) through public consultation process prior District Lands
to actual land acquisition. Office
 Serve land acquisition notices to actual land
owners.
 Provide adequate (considering present market
value), fair, and quick compensation to real land
owners, in accordance with applicable laws of
GoB.
 Provide appropriate and quick compensation for
loss of property on acquired land.

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 Chapter 10: Environmental Management Plan

Activity/Issues Potential Impacts Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Measures Responsible

Parties
 Involve local people and peoples’ representatives
in settling social tension related to land acquisition
and those that may develop during the progress of
work from the very beginning of project
implementation.

 Tree cutting  Provide adequate, quick and fair compensation to RWASA

along RoW owners
 Plantation/afforestation program for tree
replacement , especially the mango trees,
(plantation of at least two trees of similar species
for each cut tree)
 Not removing undergrowth fully where possible,
so that they may re-grow naturally after the
project activity.
Construction and  Generation of  Construction of sanitary latrine and septic tank Contractor
operation of labor sewage and solid system (Monitoring
shed for workers waste  Erection of “no litter” sign, provision of waste by RWASA)
bins/cans, where appropriate
 Waste minimization, recycle and reuse principles
to be followed
 Proper disposal of solid waste
 Workers awareness
 Health of  Clean bill of health a prerequisite for employment
workers  Construction of tubewells with acceptable water
quality
 Raising awareness about hygiene practices among
workers
 Regular medical monitoring of workers
Construction of  Air pollution  Ensure that all project vehicles are in good Contractor
water transmission operating condition (Monitoring
pipeline and water  Spray water on dry surfaces/ unpaved roads by RWASA)
treatment plant regularly reduce dust generation
 Pave access roads
 Maintain adequate moisture content of soil during
transportation, compaction and handling
 Sprinkle and cover stockpiles of loose materials
(e.g., fine aggregates).
 Not using equipment such as stone crushers at site,
which produce significant amount of particulate
matter
 Traffic  Schedule deliveries of material/ equipment during
congestion, non-school hours and after regular working hours
communication  Arrangement of alternative communication routes
problems during laying of pipeline across roads.

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 Chapter 10: Environmental Management Plan

Activity/Issues Potential Impacts Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Measures Responsible

Parties
 Noise pollution  Use of noise suppressors and mufflers in heavy
construction equipment.
 Avoid using of construction equipment producing
excessive noise during school hours and also at
night
 Avoid prolonged exposure to noise (produced by
equipment) by workers./ give protective gears
 Regulate use of horns and avoiding use of
hydraulic horns in project vehicles.
Construction of  Disruption of  Provide adequate diversion channel, if required
water transmission local drainage  Provide facilities for pumping of congested water,
pipeline, water if needed
treatment plant  Ensure adequate monitoring of drainage effects,
and booster station especially if construction works are carried out
during the wet season.
 Water and soil  Forbid discharge of fuel, lubricants, chemicals,
pollution and wastes into surface waters or on land.
 Adopt proper disposal techniques for any
hazardous waste
 Install sediment basins to trap sediments in storm
water prior to discharge to surface water.
 Replant vegetation when soils have been exposed
or disturbed.

 Destruction of  Forbid discharge of fuel, lubricants, chemicals,

aquatic habitat and wastes into surface waters.
and reduction of  Preservation of aquatic habitats by restricting
fisheries, aquatic movement of people/ equipment into them, and
fauna preventing entry of sediments into these water
bodies.
 Restrict activities within the RoW during laying of
water pipeline across a water body, keep rest of
the water body undisturbed.
 Keep noise level (e.g., from equipment) to a
minimum level, as certain fauna are very sensitive
to loud noise.
 Special care for protection of threatened species
that have been identified in the project areas
 Reduction/  Provide proper compensation if there is any
damage to destruction of trees outside RoW.
plants/ floral  Control intensive movement of heavy construction
habitat vehicles.
 Accidents  Following standard safety protocol while digging
trenches and laying pipes
 Environmental health and safety briefing
 Provision of protective gear

 Spills and leaks  Good house keeping

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 Chapter 10: Environmental Management Plan

Activity/Issues Potential Impacts Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Measures Responsible

Parties
oil, toxic  Proper handling of lubricating oil and fuel
chemicals  Collection, proper treatment, and disposal of spills.

 Employment of  Employ local people in the project activities as

work/ labor much as possible.
force/ economy  Promote supply from local suppliers
of the area

10.2.2 Operational Phase

At the operational phase, RWASA will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of
the water treatment plant, intake structures, water transmission line, booster station and the
ancillary facilities. No significant air and noise pollution is expected from the operation of the
plant. The important issues to be addressed during operational phase include proper disposal
of screening wastes at the intake and SWTP, disposal of oil, grease and sand from raw water
at the intakes and SWTP, disposal of laboratory wastes at SWTP and proper disposal of dried
sludge and liquid effluent from sludge drying operations. Aluminum-rich sludge from
clarifiers and wash water from filter back wash will be generated, this disposal of which is
the most important issue during the operational phase. Table 10.2 lists the mitigation and
enhancement measuresfor the operational phase, including measures for ensuring proper
disposal of treatment waste.

Table 10.2: Environmental impact during operation phase and mitigation measures
Activity/Issues Potential Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Responsible
Impacts Measures Parties
Pumping operation Screening waste  Screening waste needs to be removed RWASA
at the intake accumulation regularly from the coarse screens. Local labor
may be employed for such operations.
 Proper disposal of screening wastes, floating
debris (to be treated as a solid waste):
formulate disposal management plan and
provide adequate facilities to carry it out

Accidental  Forbid discharge of fuel, lubricants,

Spillage of fuel chemicals, and wastes into surface waters or
(to run on land.
generators)  Adopt proper disposal techniques for any
hazardous waste: hazardous waste
management plan and provide adequate
facilities to carry it out
Presence of silt,  Design of intake structure in order not to
oil and grease in collect water from the surface to avoid oil and
raw water grease.
 Design of intake structure in order to avoid
collecting water very close to the river bed to
prevent excess silt from entering.
 Facilities at intake for removing silt, oil and

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 Chapter 10: Environmental Management Plan

Activity/Issues Potential Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Responsible

Impacts Measures Parties
grease entering accidentally the system
Treatment plant  Accidental  Good house keeping RWASA
operation Spills and  Proper handling of lubricating oil and fuel
leaks oil,  Collection, proper treatment, and disposal of
toxic spills.
chemicals  Formulate an accident management plan
involving emergency response team.

 Generation of  Assessment of characteristics of sludge

sludge dry through Toxicity characteristic leaching
cakes after procedure (TCLP) test to confirm that the
sludge material is not hazardous
dewatering  Exploring beneficial options for dewatered
operation sludge disposal (e.g. land application, co-
disposal with sewage sludge, selling to brick
factory)
 If beneficial options are not available,
consider landfilling in a suitable land/location.
 If lands are not available, make arrangements
with Rajshahi City Corporation/Rajshahi
district administration to dispose the sludge
dry cakes in one of their designated landfills.
 Poor raw  Seeking the help of the Department of RWASA and
water quality Environment (DoE) for preventing discharge DoE
in the Padma of untreated industrial and domestic
river wastewater into the Padma River and thereby
ensuring its water quality. Also it is
recommended to restrict development
activities both upstream and downstream of
the intake point, especially those activities that
could affect the water quality and hydrology
at the intake location.

It is very important that RWASA establishes its own laboratory at the proposed SWTP with
required manpower and chemicals/equipment for measurement of routine water quality
parameters. Establishment of the laboratory should be considered as an integral part of the
proposed project.

10.3 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

10.3.1 Scope of EMP

The primary objective of environmental management and monitoring is to record
environmental impacts resulting from the project activities and to ensure implementation of
the “mitigation measures” identified earlier (see Tables 10.1 and 10.2) in order to reduce
adverse impacts and enhance positive impacts from specific project activities. Besides, it
would also address any unexpected or unforeseen environmental impacts that may arise
during construction and operation phases of the project.

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 Chapter 10: Environmental Management Plan

The EMP should clearly lay out: (a) the measures to be taken during both construction and
operation phases of the project to eliminate or offset adverse environmental impacts, or
reduce them to acceptable levels; (b) the actions needed to implement these measures; and (c)
a monitoring plan to assess the effectiveness of the mitigation measures employed.
Environmental management and monitoring activities for the proposed transmission line
project could be divided into management and monitoring: (a) during construction phase, and
(b) during operation phase.

10.3.2 Work Plans and Schedules

The environmental management program should be carried out as an integrated part of the
project planning and execution. It must not be seen merely as an activity limited to
monitoring and regulating activities against a pre-determined checklist of required actions.
Rather it must interact dynamically as project implementation proceeds, dealing flexibly with
environmental impacts, both expected and unexpected.

For this purpose, it is recommended that the Project Director (PD) for this specific project
takes the overall responsibility of environmental management and monitoring. The PD will
form a team with required manpower and expertise to ensure proper environmental
monitoring, and to take appropriate measures (as outlined in Tables 10.1 and 10.2) to mitigate
any adverse impact and to enhance beneficial impacts, resulting from the project activities.
The PD through its team will make sure that the Contractor undertake and implement
appropriate measures as stipulated in the contract document, or as directed by the PD to
ensure proper environmental management of the project activities.

It should be emphasized that local communities should be involved in the management of

activities that have potential impacts on them (e.g., drainage congestion). They should be
properly consulted before taking any management decision that may affect them.
Environmental management is likely to be most successful if such decisions are taken in
consultation with the local community.

The environmental management during the construction phase should primarily be focused
on addressing the possible negative impacts arising from:
(a) Land acquisition processes (loss of land/property/crop, loss of income)
(b) Cutting/ clearing of crops/ trees/ vegetation along RoW of water transmission line,
and associated impact on terrestrial fauna
(c) Air pollution
(d) Traffic/communication problems
(e) Noise pollution
(f) Drainage congestion
(g) Water and soil pollution
(h) Destruction of aquatic habitat and reduction of fisheries, aquatic fauna
(i) Reduction of damage to plants and floral habitat
(j) Employment of labor force giving priority to local people with required skills
(k) Accidents, spills and leaks

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 Chapter 10: Environmental Management Plan

The environmental management during the operation phase should primarily be focused on
addressing the possible negative impacts arising from:
(a) Maintenance of screens and generation of solid waste
(b) Accidental spills of oils, leaks etc.
(c) Generation of sludge cakes from sludge dewatering operation
(d) Generation of liquid residuals from sludge dewatering operation
(e) Poor water quality of Ganges river
The mitigation measures for addressing the above issues are listed in Tables10.1 and 10.2. It
must be ensured that these measures are implemented in the field under the supervision of the
PD of the project.

10.4 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN

The primary objective of the environmental monitoring is to record environmental impacts

resulting from the project activities and to ensure implementation of the “mitigation
measures” identified earlier in order to reduce adverse impacts and reduce negative impacts
from specific project activities. In addition, monitoring plan should also include regular
reviews of the impacts that cannot be adequately assessed before the start of the works, or
which arise unexpectedly, along with appropriate measures to mitigate any negative impacts
and/or enhancing beneficial impacts.

10.4.1 Monitoring during Construction Phase

Specific monitoring requirements for the environmental issues during construction phase
listed in Table 10.1 are presented in Table 10.3.

Table 10.3: Monitoring issues/ requirements during construction phase of the project
Environmental Issue Monitoring requirements/issues
Air pollution  Construction materials should be properly covered while hauled and
stored, roads properly cleaned and water sprayed in order to minimize
concentration of dust in air.
 Use of equipment like stone crushers, which produce excessive noise as
well as generate particulate matter must not be used close to human
settlement.
 Concentration of particulate matter within and around the project site
should be measured, at least once every three months, and air quality
management plan should be revised, if needed.
Noise pollution  Equipment producing excessive noise should not be operated after dark.
 Use of equipment like stone crushers, which produce excessive noise as
well as particulate matter must not be used at the site.
 Vehicle movement to and from the site should be properly managed in
order to ensure that this causes minimum disturbance to the people living
in the surrounding areas.
Traffic congestion  Hauling of materials and equipment to and from project sites should
preferably be done after the regular working hours, so that it causes
minimum disturbances to the regular traffic in and around the project site.
 Contractor should take responsibility of proper traffic flow and
management within the immediate vicinity of the project site.

| 10-7 |
 Chapter 10: Environmental Management Plan

Environmental Issue Monitoring requirements/issues

Drainage congestion  Appropriate measures should be taken to avoid temporary drainage
congestion during construction activities (e.g., keeping existing drains
clear, building alternative drainage line/ network, where an existing
drainage canal has been filled up).
Disposal of construction  Waste/ wastewater (e.g., human waste from labor camps, fuel and wash-
waste water from equipment/ material sheds) should be appropriately disposed,
so that they do not find their way into adjacent water bodies.
 Solid waste and wastewater should be disposed of in proper fashion.
Wastewater should be disposed of by constructing septic tanks. Solid
waste, including construction debris, should be regularly collected and
transported away from the site for disposal in a designated municipal
dump site. Excavated materials from the existing sludge drying beds
should be tested for toxicity before disposal.
Employment of workforce  Local people should be employed in the project activities as much as
possible.
Commercial activities  Efforts should be made to ensure that local communities are benefited
from the increased commercial activities during the construction phase of
the project (e.g., by ensuring their participation in the activities).
 Care should be taken to avoid haphazard development of commercial
activities (e.g., shops) in and around the project sites, which would
adversely affect the local environment.

Table 10.4 shows monitoring plan for air quality and noise level during construction phase of
the project.

Table 10.4: Monitoring of air quality and noise level during construction phase
Parameters Monitoring Frequency Resource Required and Comment
Responsibility
Particulate Matter Once every 3 months, and PM10 and PM2.5 measuring Results to be
(PM10, PM2.5) as directed by the PD equipment; verified by a
Contractor’s responsibility monitoring team,
Noise Level Once every month, and as Noise level meter; lead by the PD
directed by the PD Contractor’s responsibility
Note: Actual monitoring time and location will be decided by the Project Director (PD)

10.4.2 Monitoring during Operational Phase

The environmental monitoring during the planning/ operation phase should primarily address
the following issues:
a. Disposal of treatment wastes (mainly sludge from sludge dewatering
operations)
b. Treated water quality
c. Raw water quality
d. Generation of additional volumes of wastewater as treated water supplies in
the city are improved
e. Safety of water distribution network

| 10-8 |
 Chapter 10: Environmental Management Plan

Specific monitoring requirements for each of the environmental issues listed above are
presented in Table 10.5. As noted earlier, the monitoring plan should also include regular
reviews of the impacts in order to address those that may arise unexpectedly during the
operation phase of the project.

Table 10.5: Monitoring issues/ requirements during operation phase of the project
Environmental Monitoring requirements/issues Responsibility
Issue
Disposal of  Regular (once every three months) assessment of the  RWASA
treatment waste characteristics of sludge through TCLP test to ensure that it is
not hazardous.
 Monitoring of discharge parameters of liquid residuals from
sludge drying operations.
 Studies to explore the possibility beneficial sludge disposal
options (e.g., land application), and in designated landfills
(coordinating with the Rajshahi City Corporation)
Treated water  Regular monitoring of treated water quality (as part of the  RWASA
quality ongoing regular plant operation) to ensure that it is safe for
public consumption.
 Modification of treatment process (e.g., increase/decrease alum
dose of chlorine dose), if needed.
Raw water quality  Regular monitoring of raw water quality, as part of ongoing  RWASA
regular plant operation.
 In association with the Department of Environment (DoE),
developing of a long-term management plan for the protection
of raw water quality in the Ganges River (including restriction
on establishment of industries producing liquid effluent within
certain reaches upstream and downstream of the intake point).
Generation of  This issue should be taken into consideration in the ongoing  RWASA
additional volume planning and implementation activities of RWASA aimed at
of wastewater as expanding sewerage network and treatment facilities in
treated water supply Rajshahi city. This would obviously necessitate additional
increases sewage treatment plant at appropriate locations.
Safety of water  Monitoring and detection of leaks and expansion and up-  RWASA
distribution network gradation of water distribution network of, as part of RWASA’s
regular monitoring and expansion works.
As noted earlier, the raw and treated water quality of the proposed SWTP should be regularly
monitored. Besides, the characteristics of sludge and liquid residuals produced at the
treatment plant should also be regularly monitored. Table 10.6 shows the monitoring plan
(parameter and frequency of measurement) for the operational phase of the proposed SWTP.

Table 10.6: Monitoring of water quality and sludge during operational phase of proposed
SWTP
Monitoring Water Quality / Other Monitoring Responsibility
Parameters Frequency
Raw water pH, Color, Turbidity, Ammonia, Daily RWASA
Nitrate, Phosphate, Sulfate, TC, FC
Lead, Chromium, Mercury, Cadmium, Once a month RWASA
Total Suspended Solids, COD, BOD5,

| 10-9 |
 Chapter 10: Environmental Management Plan

Monitoring Water Quality / Other Monitoring Responsibility

Parameters Frequency
Oil & grease
Treated water pH, Color, Turbidity, Ammonia, Daily RWASA
Nitrate, Residual Chlorine, TC, FC
BOD5, COD, Aluminum, Total Once every two RWASA
Dissolved Solids months
Dewatered sludge TCLP test and determination of Al, Pb, Once every three RWASA
Cr, Cd in TCLP extract months
Liquid residuals from pH, Ammonia-N, BOD5, COD, Cd, Cr, Once a month RWASA
dewatering operation Mercury, Chloride, Total Dissolved
Solids, Total Suspended Solids,
Nitrate, Sulfide
Notes:
(1) The parameters listed above are based on water quality measurements of Ganges River as a part of this
study. The list should be updated based on monitoring results and information on possible pollution of river
water by contaminants (e.g., from an industrial source);
(2) Actual monitoring time and location will be decided by RWASA and spelt in the operator’s contract if any
operator

10.4.3 Cost of Environmental Monitoring

Table 10.7 and 10.8 show preliminary cost estimates for monitoring activities during
construction and operation phases respectively.

Table 10.7: Preliminary cost estimates for monitoring and other mitigation activities during
construction phase
Parameter/Activity Frequency of Preliminary cost estimate Preliminary cost for 1
activity year activity period
Particulate Matter Once every 3 Tk. 30,000/- per each set of Tk. 1,20,000/-
(PM10, PM2.5) months PM10 and PM2.5 measurement
Noise Level Once every Tk. 25,000/- Tk. 3,30,000/-
month (per set of measurement)
(day and night)
Water spraying for dust At least twice a Tk. 10,000/- per site per month Tk. 1,20,000/-
control day
Total annual cost for monitoring during construction phase Tk. 5,70,000/-
Notes: (1) Actual monitoring time and location will be decided by RWASA (2) The estimated costs for particular matter
(PM) and noise level measurements are based on current rates charged by BRTC, BUET for analysis of the parameters.

Table 10.8: Preliminary cost estimates for monitoring and other mitigation activities during
operational phase
Parameter/Activity Frequency of Preliminary cost estimate Preliminary cost for 1
activity year activity period
Raw water: pH, Color, Turbidity, Daily Tk. 6,000/- Tk. 21,90,000/-
Ammonia, Nitrate, Phosphate, per set of measurement
Sulfate
Raw water: Lead, Chromium, Once a month Tk. 15,000/- Tk. 1,80,000/-
Mercury, Cadmium, Total Suspended per set of measurement
Solids, COD, BOD5, Oil & grease
Treated water: pH, Color, Turbidity, Daily Tk. 5,500/- Tk. 20,07,500/-

| 10-10 |
 Chapter 10: Environmental Management Plan

Parameter/Activity Frequency of Preliminary cost estimate Preliminary cost for 1

activity year activity period
Ammonia, Nitrate, Residual per set of measurement
Chlorine, TC, FC
Treated water: BOD5, COD, Once every Tk. 8,500/- Tk. 51,000/-
Aluminum, Total Dissolved Solids two months per set of measurement
Sludge from Clarifiers: TCLP test Once every Tk. 14,000/- Tk. 56,000/-
and determination of Al, Pb, Cr, Cd three months per set of measurement
in TCLP extract
Total annual cost for monitoring during operation phase Tk. 44,84,500/-
Notes:
(1) The parameters listed above are based on water quality measurements of Ganges River as a part of this study. The list
should be updated based on monitoring results and information on possible pollution of river water by contaminants
(e.g., from an industrial source);
(2) Actual monitoring time and location will be decided by RWASA and will be part of the operator’s contract if any
operator
(3) The estimated costs are based on current rates charged by BRTC, BUET for analysis of the parameters.

The treated water quality parameters must be checked against the Bangladesh drinking water quality
standard (ECR 1997). In addition to the above, alum dose should also be checked on a regular basis.

| 10-11 |
 Chapter 11: Conclusion and Recommendations

CHAPTER 11

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

11.1 CONCLUSIONS

In an effort to meet the increasing demand of water supply, the Rajshahi Water Supply and
Sewerage Authority (RWASA) is exploring the possibility of constructing a surface water
treatment plant, which will draw raw water from the Ganges River. A number of locations
have been explored for the purpose of installing a 225 MLD surface water treatment plant for
RWASA. Morphological study along with physico-chemical conditions of the proposed sites
along the Ganges River suggest that the most preferable site for intake structure is at
Sarengpur, Godagari. The proposed project involves construction of intake channel, intake
structure and preliminary settling basin at Sarengpur, Godagari for drawing water from the
Ganges River, a water treatment plant at Godagari, a Booster Pump Station at Kashiadanga,
26.5km of treated water transmission mains and rehabilitation of 400km distribution lines.

Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) of the proposed project have been
carried out following the guidelines (GoB, 1997) of the Department of Environment (DoE)
and other relevant operational policies and guidelines. The overall objectives of the ESIA
were to identify potential significant impacts, both positive and negative, during construction
and operation phases of the proposed project, and to recommend mitigation measures to
avoid or reduce adverse environmental impacts and to enhance positive impacts.
Environmental impacts of the specific project activities on different ecological, physico-
chemical and human interest related parameters, both during the construction phase and the
operation phase, have been identified and evaluated. Mitigation and abatement measures have
been suggested and an environmental management plan (EMP) has been developed.

It has been found that most of the adverse impacts during construction phase could be
minimized or even removed if appropriated mitigation measures are taken. However, a
monitoring program needs to be put in place to assess any adverse impacts on the
environment. Possible adverse impacts during operational phase are insignificant.

11.2 RECOMMENDATIONS

Possible environmental impacts of the proposed project have been evaluated and mitigation
and abatement measures to reduce or eliminate potential adverse impacts and to enhance
beneficial impacts have been suggested. Mitigation and abatement measures both during
construction and operation phases of the project have been explained in the report. It also
presents an environment management plan (EMP), including a monitoring program,
identifying the management responsibilities for implementation. The EMP should be carried
out as an integral part of the project planning and execution.

| 11-1 |
 Chapter 11: Conclusion and Recommendations

It is recommended that the Project Director (PD) for this specific project takes the overall
responsibility of environmental management and monitoring. The PD will form a team with
required manpower and expertise to ensure proper environmental monitoring, and to take
appropriate measures to mitigate any adverse impact and to enhance beneficial impacts,
resulting from the project activities.

The year 2025 demand of water for RCC, Rajshahi urban area, Godagari and Naohata is
about 215 MLD. About 20 hector land will be required for the SWTP and the booster pump
station with a capacity of 225 MLD (including the production capacity of Kamruzzaman
WTP) and will be constructed by year 2020. For long-term sustainability of these water
treatment plants, the source water quality and quantity of the Ganges River should be
protected for future use. The following recommendations are made to address this issue:

 Installations of polluting industries along the banks of the Ganges River will degrade
its water quality and jeopardize the operation of the treatment plants. Therefore,
restriction on installation of polluting industries need to be enforced both upstream
and downstream of the location of the intakes. According to Environment
Conservation Act (1995), the Ministry of Environment and Forest through the
Department of Environment is entrusted with the task of issuing environmental
clearance for establishment of industries and enforcement of discharge standards. All
industries have to obtain environmental clearance through the DoE before installation.
The DoE has the jurisdiction to impose restrictions on installing industrial units which
may harm or degrade the environment. The DoE must ensure water quality control of
the Ganges River using appropriate methods depending on the scenario and this may
involve restrictions on installation of polluting industries within a certain reach (both
upstream and downstream of the intake locations) of the river which may be termed as
an “Environmental Protection Zone”. Water quality model simulations under the most
critical scenario may be used to demarcate such a reach of the river. Considering the
state of rapid development (both industrial and human settlement) and considering the
sensitive nature of the water use (as raw water for WTP), the DoE should immediately
look into the issue of declaring the Ganges River (or a certain stretch of it) as
Ecologically Critical Area (ECA)

 If DoE deems that it does not possess the required manpower to carry out such
activities, it may decide to delegate its functions to RWASA for conserving the
Environmental Protection Zone for the Ganges River. A strong commitment by the
Ministry of Environment is needed in this respect to enforce strict compliance of
environmental control in the Protection Zone based on water quality monitoring by
RWASA.

 Illegal landfilling/development activities along the banks of the Ganges River will
threaten the stability of river bank, adversely affect the water quality at the intake
location, threaten the operation of the intake structure as well as affect the water

| 11-2 |
 Chapter 11: Conclusion and Recommendations

availability of the Ganges River. The BIWTA, which is mandated with the protection
of river banks, should step up its effort to prohibit such activities and take legal
actions if necessary and thereby, ensure the smooth operation of these two water
treatment plants.

 Heavy silt loads during the monsoon season may cause siltation near the intake
structure. To prevent future siltation regular dredging is recommended. The RWASA
may seek assistance from BDWB in this regard.

 High meandering nature may threaten the intake structure and the raw water intake
lines. Therefore, bank protection measures may be required to protect the bank and
the intake structures.

| 11-3 |
 REFERENCES

BBS (2014) Urban Area Report, Population & Housing Census 2011 National Volume 3,
Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, Statistics and Informatics Division, Ministry of
Planning.ISBN-978-984-519-036-7.
GoB (1995), Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act 1995, Ministry of Environment and
Forest, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Dhaka.
GoB (1997), Environmental Conservation Rules 1997, Department of Environment, Ministry
of Environment and Forest, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, June
1997.
GoB (1997a), EIA Guidelines for Industries, Department of Environment, Ministry of
Environment and Forest, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, June
1997.
GoB (2005), SRO No. 220-Rule/2005, Revision of the Environment Conservation Rules
1997, Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of the People’s Republic of
Bangladesh, Dhaka.
GoB (2006) Noise Control Rules, 2006, Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of
the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Dhaka.
IUCN Bangladesh (2002), Bio-ecological Zones of Bangladesh. The World Conservation
Union, Bangladesh Country Office, Dhaka, Bangladesh.pp. 139.
IUCN Bangladesh (2000a), Red book of Threatened Amphibians and Reptiles of Bangladesh.
IUCN-Bangladesh, House 11, Road 138, Gulshan 1, Dhaka, Bangladesh.Pp. 95.
IUCN Bangladesh (2000b), Red book of Threatened Birds of Bangladesh. IUCN-Bangladesh,
House 11, Road 138, Gulshan 1, Dhaka, Bangladesh.Pp. 116.
IUCN Bangladesh (2000c), Red book of Threatened Mammals of Bangladesh. IUCN-
Bangladesh, House 11, Road 138, Gulshan 1, Dhaka, Bangladesh.Pp. 71.
IUCN Bangladesh. 2000. Red book of Threatened Fishes of Bangladesh. IUCN-Bangladesh,
House 11, Road 138, Gulshan 1, Dhaka, Bangladesh.Pp. 116.
BARC/UNDP/FAO (1995).Utilization of agro-ecological zones database and installation
of GIS for agricultural Development, Bangladesh. BGD/95/006 Report No: FAO-AG--
BGD/95/006.
 Annex A
Approved ToR for EIA in favour of Surface Water Treatment Plant of RWASA
 Annex B
List of Participants for the Focus Group Discussions

related to the EIA Study

 Annex C
Questionnaire for the Social Survey
 ID No

ID Point

Water Treatment Plant (Proposed)

at
Rajshahi City Corporation

Section: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

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B1b
MÖnb K‡i‡Qb ? 7 KweivwR/Avqy©‡e`xK 8 ‡nvwgIc¨vw_K Wv³vi 9 K¨vbfvmvi
10 wPwKrmv †bB bvB 11 Ab¨vb¨

B2 MZ 6 gv‡mi g‡a¨ Avcwb ev Avcbvi cwiev‡ii †Kvb m`m¨ wK KL‡bv `~N©Ubvq c‡owQj ? 1 n¨vu 2 bv

1 ‡Pv‡L AvNvZ 2 ‰e`y¨wZK Kk 3 gP‡K hvIqv 4 cvwb‡Z cov

wK `~N©Ubv 6 cy‡o hvIqv 7 ‡K‡U hvIqv 8 Qywi gviv 9 nvZ-cv †f‡½ hvIqv
B2a
N‡UwQj ?
11 moK `yN©Ubv 12 nvwi‡q hvIqv 13 Ab¨vb¨

1 miKvix nvmcvZvj 2 webvg~‡j¨i/`vZe¨ nvmcvZvj 3 ‡emiKvix nvmt / wK¬wbK

†Kv_vq wPwKrmv 4 GbwRI ¯^v¯’¨†mev 5 ‡UvUKv ˆe`¨ / SvodzK 6 dv‡g©mx
B2b
MÖnb K‡i‡Qb ? 7 KweivwR/Avqy‡© e`xK 8 ‡nvwgIc¨vw_K Wv³vi 9 K¨vbfvmvi
10 wPwKrmv †bB bvB 11 Ab¨vb¨

Page 3 of 6
C: DËi`vZv/ `vÎxi Awfevmb m¤úwK©Z Z_¨ t
C1 Avcwb wK ¯’vqx Avevm (MÖvg/wbR ‡Rjv) ‡Q‡o GB GjvKvq AwfevwmZ n‡q G‡m‡Qb ? 1 n¨vu 2 bv

1 DbœZ Rxebhvc‡bi Avkvq 2 Avw_©K ¯^”QjZvi Rb¨ 3 b`xfv½‡bi Kvi‡b

Avcwb †Kb 4 Kv‡Ri Afv‡ei Kvi‡b 5 Ab¨ e¨w³‡`i Pv‡ci Kvi‡Y (Awb”Qv)
C2
Awfevmb K‡i‡Qb ?
6 ‰eevwnK Kvi‡b 7 cªvK…wZK `y‡hv©‡Mi Kvi‡b

Avcwb KZevi
C3 1 1 evi 2 2 evi 3 3 evi 4 4 evi 5 5 evi 6 eûevi
AwfevwmZ n‡q‡Qb ?

D: DËi`vZv/`vÎxi cwi‡ek m¤úwK©Z Z_¨ t

1 ‡Kvjvnjc~Y© 2 K`©gv³ 3 Kei¯’vb/kkv‡bi cv‡k
Avcbvi Pvwiw`‡Ki
D1 4 wQgQvg cwi‡ek 5 mu¨vZmu¨v‡Z 6 eb¨vKewjZ GjvKv (mvgwqK)
cwi‡ek †Kgb?
7 `y©MÜgq 8 Ab¨vb¨

D2 Avcbvi GjvKv wK cÖvK…wZK `~‡h¨©M c~b© GjvKv ? 1 nvu 2 bv

cÖvK…wZK `~‡h¨©M n‡j wKfv‡e †gvKv‡ejv K‡ib ?

D3
1 N~bx©So AvkÖq †K‡›`ª hvB 2 evox‡ZB _vwK 3 Ab¨ GjvKvq AvkÖq ‡bB

Avcbvi GjvKv wK MZ 10 eQ‡i fywgK¤ú n‡q‡Q ? 1 nvu 2 bv

1 eQ‡ii g‡a¨ 1 1 evi 2 2 evi 3 3 evi 4 4 evi 5 5 - D‡×© evi
D4
2 -3 eQ‡ii g‡a¨ 1 1 evi 2 2 evi 3 3 evi 4 4 evi 5 5 - D‡×© evi
4 - D‡×© eQ‡ii g‡a¨ 1 1 evi 2 2 evi 3 3 evi 4 4 evi 5 5 - D‡×© evi

E : GjvKvi g~j ‡mevmg~n m¤ú‡K© DËi`vZv/`vÎxi gZvgZ m¤úwK©Z Z_¨t

cwiev‡i Av‡jvi 1 ˆe`y¨wZK evwZ 2 ‡mvjvi evwZ 3 ‡Rbv‡iUi

E1
Drm wK 4 nvwi‡Kb / Kzwc/†gvgevwZ 5 e¨vUvix PvwjZ evwZ 6 Ab¨vb¨

E2 Avcbvi evmvq cvBc M¨v‡mi ms‡hvM Av‡Q wK ? 1 nvu 2 bv

hw` bv _v‡K †Kvb ai‡bi 1 jvKox 2 †K‡ivwmb 3 we`y¨Z (wnUvi)

E2a
R¡vjvbx e¨envi K‡ib ? 4 M¨vm (wmwjÛvi) 5 ev‡qvM¨vm 6 Ab¨vb¨

E3 Avcbvi evox‡Z/ GjvKvq Avi‡mwbK hy³ wUDe‡qj Av‡Q wK ? 1 n¨vu 2 bv 3 gšZe¨ bvB

E4 Avcbvi evox‡Z/ GjvKvq Avqib hy³ wUDe‡qj Av‡Q wK ? 1 n¨vu 2 bv 3 gšZe¨ bvB

E5 Avcbvi evmvq mvcøvB cvwbi ms‡hvM Av‡Q wK ? 1 nvu 2 bv

hw` bv _v‡K, LvIqvi I ivbœvi Rb¨ 1 b`x 2 cyKzi 3 Rjvkq / †Wvev

E5a
wK e¨envi K‡ib ? 4 wUDeI‡qj 5 Kzqv 6 Ab¨vb¨

E6 Avcbvi GjvKvq cqtwb¯‹vmb e¨e¯’v Av‡Q wK? (e„wó, M„n¯’jx e¨eüZ Zij c`v_©) 1 nvu 2 bv

E7 Avcbvi GjvKvi cqtwb¯‹vmb e¨e¯’v wK m‡šÍvlRbK ? 1 nvu 2 bv

†Kb m‡šÍvlRbK 1 myqv‡iR jvBb bvB 2 myq‡iR jvBb Av‡Q wKš‘ cwi¯‹vi Kiv nq bv
E7a bq e‡j Avcwb g‡b 3 myqv‡iR e¨e¯’v bó n‡q †M‡Q 4 KZ…©c‡ÿi Ae‡njv
K‡ib ? 5 Ab¨vb¨

Page 4 of 6
 Avcwb ev Avcbviv 1 AvaywbK cvqLvbv 2 KswµU / ¯ø¨ve cvqLvbv
E8 3 wcU cvqLvbv 4 ‡WªB‡bi cv‡k / †Lvjv RvqMvq
†Kgb cvqLvbv
e¨envi K‡ib ? 5 ‡Lvjv / ‡Svjv‡bv cvqLvbv 6 Ab¨vb¨

E9 Avcwb wK Rv‡bb, ¯^v¯’¨m¤§Z cvqLvbv cÖ‡qvRb wKbv? 1 nvu 2 bv

Avcbvi GjvKvi 1 Lye fvj 2 fvj

E10 †hvMv‡hvM e¨e¯’v 3 Lvivc 4 LyeB Lvivc
†Kgb ? 5 Rvwbbv 6 gšÍe¨ bvB

F: cÖ¯vÍ vweZ Water Treatment Plant Gi cÖfve m¤ú‡K© DËi`vZv/`vÎxi gZvgZ m¤úwK©Z Z_¨t
F1 Avcwb ï‡b‡Qb wK, ivRkvnx †Z GKwU Water Treatment Plant wbg©vb Kiv n‡e ? 1 n¨vu 2 bv

GLv‡b hw` Water Treatment Plant wbg©vb Kiv nq, Zvn‡j Avcwb wK Zv
F2 1 n¨vu 2 bv 3 gšZe¨ bvB
mg_©b K‡ib ?

hw` nu¨v nq, Zvn‡j wK 1 my‡cq cvwb cvIqv hv‡e 2 bZzb Kg©ms¯’vb n‡e 3 GjvKvi / ‡`‡ki Dbœqb n‡e
F2a
Kvi‡b mg_©b K‡ib ? 4 cvwbi mgm¨vi mgvavb n‡e 5 e¨emv-evwbR¨ e„w× cv‡e 6 Ab¨vb¨

hw` bv nq, Zvn‡j wK 1 cvwb / b`x `~lb n‡e 2 b`x‡Z gvQ K‡g hv‡e 3 kã `~lb n‡e 4 evqy `~lb n‡e
F2b
Kvi‡b mg_©b Ki‡eb bv? 5 km¨/dj Drcv`b Kg‡e 6 ‡jvKRb evm¯’vb nviv‡e 7 †ivM e„w× cv‡e 8 Ab¨vb¨t

GLv‡b hw` Water Treatment Plant wbg©v‡Yi Rb¨ wKQz Rwg AwaMÖnb Kiv nq,
F3 1 n¨vu 2 bv 3 gšZe¨ †bB
Avcwb wK Zv mg_©b K‡ib ?

G: GLv‡b Water Treatment Plant wbg©vb Kiv n‡j Ro cwi‡e‡ki Dci wK ai‡bi cÖfve co‡e e‡j Avcwb g‡b K‡ib?
1 ‡Kvb cÖfve co‡e bv 2 fvix wbg©vb †gwkbvix e¨env‡ii Kvi‡Y evZv‡m Kv‡jv †auvqv m„wó n‡e
G1 evZvm
3 wbgv©b mgq evZv‡m a~wj KYvi cwigvb †e‡o hv‡e 5 Ab¨vb¨t

1 ‡Kvb cÖfve co‡e bv 2 ‡ekx gvby‡li Kvi‡Y Rwg e¨env‡i cwieZ©b Avm‡e
G2 gvwU/Rwg
3 Av‡k cv‡k Rwgi g~j¨ e„w× cv‡e 4 AveRb©v/ivmvqwbK c`v‡_©i Kvi‡Y gvwU bó n‡e 5 Ab¨vb¨t

1 ‡Kvb cÖfve co‡e bv 2 b`xi RjR cwi‡ek aŸsm n‡e

G3 b`xi cvwb
3 b`xi cvwb K‡g hv‡e 4 b`xi gvQ K‡g hv‡e 5 Ab¨vb¨t

1 ‡Kvb cÖfve co‡e bv 2 wbg©v‡bi mgq kã `~lb n‡e 5 Ab¨vb¨t

G4 kã
3 covïbvi e¨vNvZ n‡e 4 Amy¯’ e¨w³i ÿwZ n‡e

H: GLv‡b Water Treatment Plant wbg©vb Kiv n‡j Rxe cwi‡e‡ki Dci wK ai‡bi cÖfve co‡e e‡j Avcwb g‡b K‡ib ?
1 ‡Kvb cÖfve co‡e bv 2 ¯’vcbv ˆZixi Rb¨ MvQ KvUv co‡e
H1 MvQ
3 cvwbi jvBb emv‡bvi mgq MvQ KvUv co‡e 4 Aw·‡R‡bi cwigvb K‡g hv‡e 5 Ab¨vb¨t

1 ‡Kvb cÖfve co‡e bv 2 cï-cvwL Avevm¯’j cwieZ©‡b eva¨ n‡e

H2 cï-cvwL
3 eb¨ cï-cvwL K‡g hv‡e 4 cï-cvwLi _vKvi RvqMv K‡g hv‡e 5 Ab¨vb¨t

1 ‡Kvb cÖfve co‡e bv 2 RjR cwi‡ek ¶wZMÖ¯’ n‡q RjR cÖvYx/grm¨ m¤ú` K‡g hv‡e
H3 gvQ/b`xi cÖvYx
3 b`x/cyKz‡i gv‡Qi esk e„w× ¶wZMÖ¯’ n‡e 4 Ab¨vb¨t

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I: GLv‡b Water Treatment Plant wbg©vb Kiv n‡j mvgvwRK cwi‡e‡ki Dci wK ai‡bi cÖfve co‡e e‡j Avcwb g‡b K‡ib ?

I1 GLv‡b Water Treatment Plant n‡j GjvKvevwm wK jvfevb n‡e e‡j Avcwb g‡b K‡ib ? 1 n¨vu 2 bv

1 GjvKvevwm KvR cv‡e 2 ¯^v¯’¨Ki cwi‡ek _vK‡e

hw` nu¨v nq, Zvn‡j wK 3 GjvKvq memgq cvwb _vK‡e 4 mvgvwRK gh©v`v evo‡e
I1a
Kvi‡Y jvfevb n‡e ?
5 GjvKvq e¨emv-evwYR¨ evo‡e 6 Ab¨vb¨t

IqvUvi wUªU‡g›U cøv›U bv n‡j GjvKvevwm mvcøvB Gi cvwb cv‡e

hw` bv nq, Zvn‡j wK 1 GjvKvi Dbœqb e¨vnZ n‡e 2
I1b bv
Kvi‡Y jvfevb n‡e bv ?
3 bZzb Kg©ms¯’vb n‡e bv 4 wk‡íi weKvk NU‡e bv 5 Ab¨vb¨t

GLv‡b Water Treatment Plant wbg©vb Kiv n‡j iv¯Zv Nv‡Ui Dci wK ai‡Yi cÖfve co‡e e‡j Avcwb g‡b K‡ib ?
I2
1 hvbRU evo‡e 2 iv¯Zv bó n‡e 3 `~N©Ubv evo‡e 4 Ab¨vb¨t

Avcwb wK g‡b K‡ib, GLv‡b Water Treatment Plant

I3 1 n¨vu 2 bv 3 gšZe¨ bvB
wbg©vb Kiv n‡j GjvKvevmx my‡cq cvwb cv‡e ?

Avcwb wK g‡b K‡ib, GLv‡b Water Treatment Plant

I4 1 n¨vu 2 bv 3 gšZe¨ bvB
wbg©vb Kiv n‡j e¨emv evwbR¨ fvj n‡e ?

Avcwb wK g‡b K‡ib, GLv‡b Water Treatment Plant

I5 1 n¨vu 2 bv 3 gšZe¨ bvB
wbg©vb Kiv n‡j b`xi cvwbi K‡g hv‡e ?

Avcwb wK g‡b K‡ib, GLv‡b Water Treatment Plant

I6 1 n¨vu 2 bv 3 gšZe¨ bvB
wbg©vb Kiv n‡j b`xi RjR cÖvYx I gvQ ÿwZim¤§ywLb n‡e ?

Avcwb wK g‡b K‡ib, GLv‡b Water Treatment Plant wbg©vb

I7 1 n¨vu 2 bv 3 gšZe¨ bvB
Kiv n‡j †R‡j‡`i Avq K‡g hv‡e (b`x‡Z gvQ bv _vKvi Kvi‡b) ?

Avcwb wK g‡b K‡ib, GLv‡b Water Treatment Plant

I8 1 n¨vu 2 bv 3 gšZe¨ bvB
wbg©vb Kiv n‡j ¯’vbxq cvwbi Pvwn`v wgU‡e ?

Avcwb wK g‡b K‡ib, GLv‡b Water Treatment Plant

I9 1 n¨vu 2 bv 3 gšZe¨ bvB
wbg©vb Kiv n‡j miKv‡ii Avq evo‡e ?

Avcwb wK g‡b K‡ib, GLv‡b Water Treatment Plant

wbg©vb Kiv n‡j GjvKvi gvby‡li cvwbNwUZ †ivMevjvB Kg 1 n¨vu 2 bv 3 gšZe¨ bvB
I10
n‡e ?

Avcwb wK g‡b K‡ib, GLv‡b Water Treatment Plant

I11 Gi Kvi‡Y eZ©gvb myqv‡iR A_ev †Wª‡bR e¨e¯’vi Dci Pvc 1 n¨vu 2 bv 3 gšZe¨ bvB
co‡e ?

ab¨ev` Rvwb‡q mv¶vZKvi †kl Kiæb |

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