Shonter Rattu Road
Shonter Rattu Road
Shonter Rattu Road
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The executive summary herein developed is for the project titled ―Shounter Road & Tunnel Project
Report‖. National Highway Authority (NHA), aims to Construct Shounter - Rattu (12.7km long) road
tunnel. The length of road corridors from (Kel to Shounter) and (Shounter to Gorikot) are about
26.9km and 41.5km respectively. It will traverse adjacent to town of Kel, Lower Domel, Dhakki Nakka,
Khora, Chitta katha, Upper Domel, and Chattian, Shounter in Neelum AJ&K area and Morcha Guzair,
Mirmalik, Rattu, Nasirabad, Chugam, Rehmanpur and Gorikot in Astore GB area. The project site is
approximate 65km away from Astore. The Route via Neelum Valley to Astore Valley, through
Shounter is very important socially, economically and geographically. Shounter - Rattu road tunnel
project would save the five hours‘ travelling of Gilgit Baltistan residents to Islamabad, the capital of
Pakistan via District Neelum (AJK). During field visits the people of the project area, confirmed that
this was the main route which was used by traders to travel from Astore to Islamabad in the past.
Later on, it was disconnected having no communication between the two territories. In the past people
of the region used mules and donkeys to transport goods from AJ&K area to GB area. The project
location map shown in Figure: 1.1.
It is desired by people of the project area to add this project in China Pakistan Economic Corridor
(CPEC). The National Highway Authority (NHA) under the Federal Ministry of Communications is
focusing on advanced road and tunnels facilities in Pakistan to connect the low lands of Pakistan with
project area. DOHWA Engineering Co., Ltd. In Association with Prime Engineering & Testing
Consultants (Pvt.) Ltd. has been assigned to prepare a complete feasibility of the project; including
the preparation of the EIA. The project falls under Schedule-II of the EPA regulations requiring an
extensive environmental investigation for the construction of a tunnel and access roads across in GB
and AJK. The AJ&K part EIA report is approved from competent Authority and this isGB part EIA
report.
To carry out the present EIA Study, the environmental legislation and Guidelines enforced by the
Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (PEPA) & Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection
Agency (GB-EPA) have been followed. The Prime Engineering & Testing Consultants (Pvt.) Ltd. with
the assignment of carrying out an EIA Study of the proposed tunnel and access roads project.
The Report lists the identified environmental impacts and their mitigation measures. The report
includes an Environmental Management Plan to cover the mitigation measures, monitoring
requirements and institutional responsibilities (during design, construction and operation phases of the
proposed project).
This study has been conducted using standard environmental assessment methodology, in
accordance with the environmental legislation and Guidelines enforced by the Pakistan Environmental
Protection Agency (PEPA) & Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Agency (GB-EPA). The study
evaluates the proposed project according to the environmental assessment requirements of the
Pakistan Initial Environmental Examination and Environmental Impact Assessment Review
Regulations 2000.
Assess the existing conditions in the project area and develop a baseline of its current
environmental and socioeconomic conditions;
Assess the proposed activities of the project to identify their potential impact, evaluate these
effects, and determine their significance;
To propose mitigation measures that would help the Project Proponent in conducting the
operation in an environmentally sustainable manner;
To develop an Environmental Management Plan that would assist the Project Proponent in the
effective implementation of the recommendations of the EIA.
The discussion and analysis of alternatives in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) should
consider other practicable strategies that will promote elimination of identified negative environmental
impacts. This section is a requirement of the EPA Pakistan including GB and is critical in
consideration of the ideal development with minimal environmental disturbance. This report has
identified the major environmental impacts noted by scientific experts. The findings of these impacts
were utilized to analyze possible options for the final development.
Efforts were made to develop a holistic approach to study all of the environmental, physical, socio-
economic aspects of the project region. As the project falls in GB and AJK areas.
Stakeholder consultation was carried out with the objective of involving people in the project. Local
residents, industrialists, shop keepers, vendors, hospital owners, teachers, pedestrians, businessmen
and government officials from various departments were identified as potential stakeholders for the
project. Survey and scoping sessions were held with these stakeholders to find out their perceptions
and perceived impacts about the existing road and proposed tunnel between AJK and GB. Majority of
the residents contacted, showed their satisfaction about the tunnel between both areas, and
considered the proposed project a necessary component for the betterment of the region. The
proposed project will also contribute in reducing travel time between both areas and also link the
northern part of Pakistan to the southern end more conveniently.
The potential impacts associated with the proposed project construction and operation activities
included: loss of vegetation and habitat; soil erosion due to earthwork, vehicle movement; soil
contamination; increase in water consumption, air pollution from vehicle, generator exhausts and fuel
combustion, waste generation, noise and disturbance; increased pressure on the wildlife of the area.
Defining legislative requirements, guidelines and best industry practices that apply to the project;
Defining mitigation/ monitoring plan required for avoiding or minimizing potential impacts
assessed by the EIA;
Defining roles and responsibilities of the project proponent and the contractor;
Defining the mechanism with which training will be provided to the project personnel.
The study concludes that the project does not involve any long term irreversible negative impacts.
Most of the negative impacts identified in the study are temporary and manageable through adopting
mitigation measures. Generally, the proposed project is an environmental improvement project aimed
to facilitate sustainable development of GB, and therefore the overall impacts on the environment and
the socio-economic conditions will be very much positive.
T AB LE O F CON TE N TS
List of Tables
Table 50- Management and Monitoring Plan – Construction Phase ...................................................... 124
Table 51- Management and Monitoring Plan – Operational Phase ........................................................ 133
Table 52- Environment Monitoring Plan and Budgeting ............................................................................ 139
Table 53- Environmental Budgeting and Plantation Cost .......................................................................... 144
Abbreviations
AD Assistant Director
ADB Asian Development Bank
AJ&K Azad Jammu & Kashmir
AKRSP Aga Khan Rural Support Programme
BHU Basic Health Unit
CFC Chloro-Flouro Carbons
CMS Conservation of Migratory Species
CPEC China Pakistan Economic Corridor
DD Deputy Director
EC Environmental Committee
EDO Executive Director Officer
EHS Environmental Health and Safety
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
EMMP Environmental Management Plan
EPAs Pakistan Environment Protection Agency‘s
ES Executive Summary
ESPS Emergency Standby Power System
FWO Frontier Works Organization
GB Gilgit Baltistan
GCMs Global Climate Models
GHG Greenhouse Gasses
GIIP Good International Industry Practice
GRM Grievance Redress Mechanism
ha Hectare = 10,000 m2
HBIB Habib Metro Bank
HCFC Hydro-Chloro-Flouro Carbons
HSSE Health Safety Security and Environmental Management
IEE Initial Environmental Examination
IFC International Finance Corporation
IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature
JICA Japan International Caption Authority
KKB Karakorum Bank
KKH Karakorum Highway
km Kilometer
Km Kilometer
Km2 Square Kilometer
m Meter
M Million
max Maximum
MC Monitoring Consultant
ME Monitoring Evaluation
MFB Micro Finance Bank
min Minimum
MMP Management Mitigation Plan
MP Monitoring Plan
MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet
MVEs Motor Vehicle Examiners
MVR Motor Vehicle Rules
NBP National Bank Pakistan
NCCW National Council for Conservation of Wildlife
NCS National Conservation Strategy
NEP National Environmental Policy
NEQS National Environmental Quality Standard
NFPA National Fire Protection Association
NGOs Non- Governmental Organizations
NHA National Highway Authority
NOC No-Objection Certificate
NPS Normal Power Supply
NRSPB Northern Rural Support Project Bank
NTC National Trade Corridor
O&M Operation and maintenance
ODSs Ozone depleting Substances
P&D Planning and Development
PAPs Project Affects Persons
PBL Punjab Bank Limited
PEMC Project Environmental Management Committee
PEPA Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997
PEPC Pakistan Environmental Protection Council
PEQS Pakistan Environmental Quality Stranded
PESMU Project Environmental and Social Management Unit
PGRC Project Grievance Resolution Committee
PM Particulate Matter
PMC Project Management Consultant
PMD Pakistan Meteorological Department
PNCS Pakistan National Conservation Strategy
PPE Personal Protective Equipment
PTDC Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation
RAP Resettlement Action Plan
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The executive summary herein developed is for the project titled ―Shounter Road & Tunnel Project
Report‖. National Highway Authority (NHA), aims to Construct Shounter - Rattu (12.7km long) road
tunnel. The length of road corridors from (Kel to Shounter) and (Shounter to Gorikot) are about
26.9km and 41.5km respectively. It will traverse adjacent to town of Kel, Lower Domel, Dhakki Nakka,
Khora, Chitta katha, Upper Domel, and Chattian, Shounter in Neelum AJ&K area and Morcha Guzair,
Mirmalik, Rattu, Nasirabad, Chugam, Rehmanpur and Gorikot in Astore GB area. The project site is
approximate 65km away from Astore. The Route via Neelum Valley to Astore Valley, through
Shounter is very important socially, economically and geographically. Shounter - Rattu road tunnel
project would save the five hours‘ travelling of Gilgit Baltistan residents to Islamabad, the capital of
Pakistan via District Neelum (AJK). During field visits the people of the project area, confirmed that
this was the main route which was used by traders to travel from Astore to Islamabad in the past.
Later on, it was disconnected having no communication between the two territories. In the past people
of the region used mules and donkeys to transport goods from AJ&K area to GB area. The project
location map shown in Figure: 1.1.
It is desired by people of the project area to add this project in China Pakistan Economic Corridor
(CPEC). The National Highway Authority (NHA) under the Federal Ministry of Communications is
focusing on advanced road and tunnels facilities in Pakistan to connect the low lands of Pakistan with
project area. DOHWA Engineering Co., Ltd. In Association with Prime Engineering & Testing
Consultants (Pvt.) Ltd. has been assigned to prepare a complete feasibility of the project; including
the preparation of the EIA. The project falls under Schedule-II of the EPA regulations requiring an
extensive environmental investigation for the construction of a tunnel and access roads across in GB
and AJK. The AJ&K part EIA report is approved from competent Authority and this isGB part EIA
report.
To carry out the present EIA Study, the environmental legislation and Guidelines enforced by the
Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (PEPA) & Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection
Agency (GB-EPA) have been followed. The Prime Engineering & Testing Consultants (Pvt.) Ltd. with
the assignment of carrying out an EIA Study of the proposed tunnel and access roads project.
The Report lists the identified environmental impacts and their mitigation measures. The report
includes an Environmental Management Plan to cover the mitigation measures, monitoring
requirements and institutional responsibilities (during design, construction and operation phases of the
proposed project).
This study has been conducted using standard environmental assessment methodology, in
accordance with the environmental legislation and Guidelines enforced by the Pakistan Environmental
Protection Agency (PEPA) & Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Agency (GB-EPA). The study
evaluates the proposed project according to the environmental assessment requirements of the
Pakistan Initial Environmental Examination and Environmental Impact Assessment Review
Regulations 2000.
Assess the existing conditions in the project area and develop a baseline of its current
environmental and socioeconomic conditions;
Assess the proposed activities of the project to identify their potential impact, evaluate these
effects, and determine their significance;
To propose mitigation measures that would help the Project Proponent in conducting the
operation in an environmental sustainable manner;
To develop an Environmental Management Plan that would assist the Project Proponent in the
effective implementation of the recommendations of the EIA.
The discussion and analysis of alternatives in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) should
consider other practicable strategies that will promote elimination of identified negative environmental
impacts. This section is a requirement of the EPA Pakistan including GB and is critical in
consideration of the ideal development with minimal environmental disturbance. This report has
identified the major environmental impacts noted by scientific experts. The findings of these impacts
were utilized to analyze possible options for the final development.
Efforts were made to develop a holistic approach to study all of the environmental, physical, socio-
economic aspects of the project region. As the project fall GB and AJK areas.
Stakeholder consultation was carried out with the objective of involving people in the project. Local
residents, industrialists, shop keepers, vendors, hospital owners, teachers, pedestrians, businessmen
and government officials from various departments were identified as potential stakeholders for the
project. Survey and scoping sessions were held with these stakeholders to find out their perceptions
and perceived impacts about the existing road and proposed tunnel between AJK and GB. Majority of
the residents contacted, showed their satisfaction about the tunnel between both areas, and
considered the proposed project a necessary component for the betterment of the region. The
proposed project will also contribute in reducing travel time between both areas and also link the
northern part of Pakistan to the southern end more conveniently.
The potential impacts associated with the proposed project construction and operation activities
included: loss of vegetation and habitat; soil erosion due to earthwork, vehicle movement; soil
contamination; increase in water consumption, air pollution from vehicle, generator exhausts and fuel
combustion, waste generation, noise and disturbance; increased pressure on the wildlife of the area.
Defining legislative requirements, guidelines and best industry practices that apply to the project;
Defining mitigation/ monitoring plan required for avoiding or minimizing potential impacts
assessed by the EIA;
Defining roles and responsibilities of the project proponent and the contractor;
Defining the mechanism with which training will be provided to the project personnel.
The study concludes that the project does not involve any long term irreversible negative impacts.
Most of the negative impacts identified in the study are temporary and manageable through adopting
mitigation measures. Generally, the proposed project is an environmental improvement project aimed
to facilitate sustainable development of GB, and therefore the overall impacts on the environment and
the socio-economic conditions will be very much positive.
CHAPTER-1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the data relevant to the undertaking of the Environmental Impact Assessment
(EIA) carried out by DOHWA Engineering Co., Ltd. in association with Prime Engineering & Testing
Consultants (Pvt) Ltd. The project is between Shounter and Rattu (12.7 km long) road tunnel the
length of road cooridoors from (Ke to Shounter) and (Shounter to Gorikot) are about 26.9km and
41.5km respectively. It will traverse adjacent to town of Kel, Lower Domel, Dhakki Nakka, Khora,
Chitta katha, Upper Domel, and Chattian, Shounter in Neelum AJ&K area and Morcha Guzair,
Mirmalik, Rattu, Nasirabad, Chugam, Rehmanpur and Ghorikot in Astore GB area. The AJ&K area
EIA report is approved from competent Authority and this EIA report is under juristruction of Gilgit
Balistan area. The project site is approximate 65km away from Astore.The consultants, project
rationale and the approach taken to the EIA study.
The proposed project to which this Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) relates is entitled as
“Proposed Shounter Tunnel Project”. A key map showing the location of the project area is shown in
Figure: 1.1.
The proponent of the project is ―National Highway Authority (NHA)‖; while DOHWA Engineering Co.,
Ltd. In Association with Prime Engineering & Testing Consultants (Pvt) Ltd. has been assigned to
prepare a complete feasibility of the project; including the preparation of the EIA of the said project to
be submitted by them to NHA.
1.2 CONSULTANTS
The EIA study was carried out by environmental team of Prime Engineering & Testing Consultants
(Pvt) Ltd. comprising of Environmentalist, Sociologist and Geologist with diversified experience on
local and international assignments. The project environmental team list provided in Annex: 4.
EIA is mandatory according to the Gilgit Baltistan Environmental Protection Act 2014 states that: No
proponent of a project shall commence construction or operation unless he has filed an environmental
impact assessment, and has obtained from the GB EPA approval in respect there of.
The proposed project to which this Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) relates is entitled as
“Proposed Shounter Tunnel Project”. The project is between Shounter and Rattu (12.7 km long) road
tunnel the length of road cooridoors from (Ke to Shounter) and (Shounter to Gorikot) are about
26.9km and 41.5km respectively. The project once completed will provide a good link to the towns
and villages along the alignment as well as prove to be advantageous for the freight traffic moving
goods, products and material within areas.
EIA is a systematic process to identify, predict and evaluate the environmental impacts of proposed
actions and projects. The process is applied prior to major decisions and commitments being made.
Wherever appropriate, social, cultural and health effects are considered as an integral part of EIA.
Particular attention is given to practical implementation of EIA to prevent and mitigate significant
adverse effects of proposed undertakings.
The main objective of the EIA Study is to highlight anticipated impacts of the proposed project
covering environmental and occupational health and safety issues and to suggest mitigation
measures to eliminate or reduce the foreseen negative impacts to an acceptable level. These
objectives can be further elaborated as below:
• Description of the proposed project, including an estimate of emissions, effluent and waste and
consideration of the project alternatives;
• Identify and investigate all impacts of the proposed project on the physical, biological, and
socio-economic environment;
• Evaluation of the baseline environmental conditions in the impact zone to provide a basis for
assessing the incremental impacts of the proposed project, including existing pollution levels
and nuisance conditions;
• Identification and assessment of the potential impacts on the environment during each of the
project phases;
• To propose mitigation measures that would help the Project Proponent in conducting the
operation in an environmental sustainable manner; and to develop an Environmental
Management Plan that would assist the Project Proponent in the effective implementation of the
recommendations of the EIA.
This EIA covers the construction& operational anticipated impacts of “Proposed ShounterTunnel
Project”. An approximate length of the project would be around 81.1km including access roads. The
scope of the EIA includes:
Impacts are assessed within the area of influence of the proposed project defined as:
• Direct Area of Influence: within the proposed project corridor and immediate surrounding of
Right of Way (ROW).
The EIA project passes through series of stages prior to report preparation. The EIA process and the
approach followed for the proposed project is defined below:
1.6.1 SCOPING
Scoping is an early stage of the process and is designed to ensure that the environmental studies
provide all the relevant information on:
• the impacts of the project, in particular focusing on the most important impacts;
• the alternatives to the project;
• Other environmental sensitivities to be addressed at early stage.
• The EIA process started with the scoping.
Following literature review and data collection was carried out for EIA:
• A generic description of the proposed project and its related activities was collected from the
Prime Engineering & Testing Consultants (Pvt.) Limited.
• Legislative review of the applicable laws, regulations, guidelines and standards from various
organisations and literature search.
• Baseline of the area‘s environmental and socio-economic settings was collected through
different departments and offices, literature search and field surveys.
1.6.3 BASELINE
The environmental impact is measured through a change in the environment, resulting from a
designated action or activity. In order to identify such a change, it is essential to have as complete as
practicable understanding of the nature of the existing environment, prior to its interaction with the
proposed activity.This translates into the need to characterize the existing baseline environmental
conditions, including establishing prevailing conditions for a range of environmental media, particularly
air, water, soil and groundwater, flora, fauna and the human environment. This was achieved through
a detailed review of all secondary resources (i.e. existing documentation, literature and different
departments and offices); and the undertaking of project specific baseline studies and surveys to
collect supplementary data in the following areas:
• Geology;
• Flora and fauna;
• Water quality characteristics;
• Soil quality;
• Traffic;
• Ambient air quality;
• Noise conditions;
• Socio-economic conditions.
Both the existing secondary sources, literature studies and different departments/offices were
conducted and integrated into one coherent description of baseline characteristics.
Communities within the project area were consulted during the field work to record their concerns and
suggestions.
To establish an environmentally sound preferred option for achieving the objectives of the proposed
project, different alternatives including site selection, raw material and technology alternatives were
studied in collaboration with the project proponent.
The information collected in the previous phases was used to assess the potential environmental
impacts of the proposed project activities. The impact assessment approach and methodology is
included in Chapter 7 of the report. Mitigation measures were evaluated to reduce the impacts of
project activities on environment. The issues studied during impact assessment include potential
impacts on:
This Report includes following sections, which cover all the requirements provided by EPA:
1. ―Introduction‖ briefly presents the project background, objectives and need for the EIA study.
3. ―Project Description‖ furnishes information about the location of the proposed project, cost
and size of the project, and its major components.
5. ―Baseline Data‖ establishes baseline conditions for the physical, biological and socio-
economic and cultural conditions prevalent in and around the project area.
8. ―Environmental Management Plan‖ lays out the mitigation measures for the impacts
identified, defines responsibilities of the project proponent, contractor(s) and other role
players; identifies training requirements at different levels; specifies supervision and
monitoring mechanisms and parameters; and provides budgetary requirements to ensure that
all the mitigation measures are effectively implemented during construction and operation
stages of the project.
CONTACT DETAILS
2.1 GENERAL
This section deals with the relevant policy, legal and administrative framework instituted by the
Government of Pakistan and Gilgit Baltistan for the protection of environment. All the relevant
provisions of these policy and legal frameworks have been duly considered in this EIA study and a
brief overview has been included for each regulation. In addition to this, the roles and responsibilities
of the proponent as well as the PEPA and Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Agency (GB-EPA)
have been mentioned in this section.
The Federal Ministry of Environment has been devolved under 18th amendment in the constitution of
Islamic Republic of Pakistan and similarly provinces were enabled to legislate on the subject of
environment, therefore Gilgit Baltistan assembly under schedule 4 of ―Gilgit-Baltistan (Empowerment
and Self-Governance) Order 2009‖ can make laws on the list of subjects provided in it. In that context,
Gilgit Baltistan has its own Environmental Protection Act and hence the Gilgit Baltistan Environmental
Protection Agency (GB-EPA) is the responsible authority for policy making on environmental
protection in Gilgit Baltistan. The proposed project will be financed by Govt. of Pakistan which
requires compliance to the Environmental Policy and Guidelines, so it is obligatory on the part of the
Proponent to follow these for environmental assessment.
The National Environmental Policy (2005) provides an overarching framework for addressing the
environmental issues (particularly pollution of fresh water bodies and coastal waters, air pollution, lack
of proper waste management, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, desertification etc.) confronting
Pakistan. It recognizes the goals and objectives of the Pakistan National Conservation Strategy
(PNCS, 1992), National Environmental Action Plans, and other existing environment related national
policies, strategies, and action plans. It also provides broad guidelines to the federal government,
provincial governments, federally administered territories and local governments to address their
environmental concerns and to ensure effective management of their environmental resources.
The Government of Gilgit Baltistan has promulgated laws/acts, regulations and standards for the
protection, conservation, rehabilitation and improvement of the environment. In addition to this, they
have also developed environmental assessment procedures governing developmental projects.
Following are the excerpts of these laws and procedures relevant to the proposed project.
The Act was enacted in 2014 by repealing the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act (1997). It
provides the framework for establishment of the Gilgit Baltistan Environmental Protection Council,
establishment of Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Agency, Establishment of the Gilgit-
Baltistan Sustainable Development Fund, protection and conservation of species, conservation of
renewable resources, establishment of Environmental Courts and Green Courts, Initial Environmental
Examination (IEE), and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Section 16 of the Act stresses the
need to carry out environmental assessment study prior to construction or operation of a project.
These regulations provide lists of the projects requiring IEE and EIA. They also briefly describe the
preparation and review of environmental reports.
Pakistan Environmental Assessment Procedures (1997) is, in fact, a package which contains the
following sets of information relevant to the proposed Project:
Policy and Procedures for Filing: Review and Approval of Environmental Assessment Reports It
describes environmental policy and administrative procedures to be followed for filing of
environmental assessment reports by the proponents and its review and approval by the concerned
environmental protection agency/department.
National Environmental Quality Standards, 2000: The Pakistan Environmental Protection Council
first approved these standards in 1993. They were later revised in 1995 and 2000. They furnish
information on the permissible limits for discharges of municipal and industrial effluent parameters and
industrial gaseous emissions in order to control environmental pollution.
Projects may require government procurement of privately owned land and the displacement of land
users. Land may be acquired through:
The Land Acquisition Act (1894) deals with the government acquisition of private properties for public
purposes including large development projects. There are 55 sections in this Act mainly dealing with
area notifications, surveys, acquisition, compensation, apportionment awards, disputes resolution,
penalties and exemptions.
This ordinance will be used to safeguard the interests of persons and groups involuntarily displaced
from the existing places to new resettlement areas.
This Act entails provisions for the prevention of pollution of natural or man-made water bodies.
This act is applicable to all regions of Pakistan including proposed project areas. It includes
procedures for constituting and managing various types of forests, such as reserved forests, village
forest and protected forests. There are a few shrubs, but no forests in the primary or secondary
impact zone of the Proposed Project area however, in case of any deviation from the ROW,
proponent shall intimate to the Department about the same.
A draft of the National Forest Policy was prepared in 2001 which is also applicable to the Northern
Areas. It emphasizes the sustainable use of natural resources with community participation and
recommends that timber harvesting be used for poverty alleviation. It also aims to rehabilitate the
environment.
The Northern Areas Forest Rules protected forests which are either the property of the government or
have property rights to the whole or part of the forest produce. However local people may have some
concessions and user rights. They may be able to use these forests for grazing and collection of fuel
wood and other non-timber products.
Forests in state ownership in the Northern Areas have been designated as ―protected forests‖ under
the Pakistan Forest Act (1927). The other legal category of forests here is ―private forest‖ which is
owned by the local communities. These forests are legally covered under the Gilgit Private Forests
Regulations (1970) and the rules framed thereafter.
This Act prohibits cutting or lopping of trees along roads and tunnel planted by the Forest Department,
without permission of the Forest Department.
The Northern Areas Province Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management).Act,
1975.
This Act defines rules and regulations for the protection, preservation, conservation and management
of wildlife.
In Northern Areas customary laws are also practiced besides national laws. This system provides for
at least one authority, chosen by the community either by nomination or election, with responsibility
for managing natural resources and enforcing customary laws. This customary normative framework
includes provisions for: community and individual ownership; resource use fees; and fines as
penalties for violations of these laws. Most of the occupants, who claim to be the owner, do not have
any written tenancy agreement. For such cases in the non-settled area, confirmation by the village
jirgas on land possession is accepted at community, court and local administration levels. Adoption of
current ‗Northern Areas Neuter Rule‘ (1980) envisages that the occupant of land will be treated as its
owner. All other land beyond the settlements, mostly barren, will belong to the Northern Areas
Administration. This position was also reaffirmed by the Courts of NA.
The Northern Area Strategy for Sustainable Development presents a vision and a strategic framework
for economic, social, cultural, and ecological well-being of the people of the Northern Areas. It
provides a road map to improve governance, integrated gender, environment and sustainability,
prioritized development needs, and creation of an enabling environment by improving policies and
legislation.
Regulations of Mines and Oil Fields and Mineral Development Act, 1948.
This Act provides regulatory procedures for the quarrying and mining of construction material on
public as well as private lands.
This ordinance includes provisions for the licensing and registration of vehicles and construction
equipment; maintenance of road vehicles; traffic control, offences, penalties and procedures; the
establishment of a police force for motorways and national highways charged with regulating and
controlling traffic on the national highways and keeping the highways clear of encroachments.
Motor Vehicle Rules 1969 (MVR 1969) define powers and responsibilities of Motor Vehicle Examiners
(MVEs). The establishment of MVE inspection system is one of the regulatory measures that can be
taken to tackle the ambient air quality problems associated with the vehicular emissions.
Under the Explosives Act, the project contractors are bound by regulations on licensing, handling,
transportation, storage and using explosives during quarrying, blasting, and other purposes.
This Act defines the penalties for violations concerning pollution of air, water bodies and land.
This act was promulgated for the installation of telegraph poles and lines. This Act makes provision of
installing poles and towers without acquiring any land. However, provision is also made for temporary
acquisition of land during the construction period. As such, compensation is made for the loss of
crops for a specific period.
The Gilgit Baltistan has yet to put forward the regulations for labors and laws pertaining to them
hence, till now, GB follows the labor laws of Pakistan. Labor laws in Pakistan are governed by several
legislative tools. However, the principal labor rights are provided by the constitution of Pakistan. The
following articles enforce key labor rights.
Article 11 of the constitution prohibits all forms of slavery, forced labor and child labor.
Article 17 provides for a fundamental right to exercise the freedom of association and the right
to form union.
Article 18 prescribes the right of its citizen to enter upon any lawful profession or occupation
and to conduct any lawful trade or business.
Article 25 lays down the right to equality before the law and prohibition of discrimination on
the grounds of sex alone.
Article 37 (e) makes provisions for securing just and human conditions of work, ensuring that
children and women are not employed in vacations unsuited to their age or sex, and for
maternity benefits for women employment.
In addition to constitutional rights, Act and Ordinances have been enforced for limiting working hours,
minimum working age, and conditions of employment.
This Act empowers the Government of Pakistan and provincial governments to enforce laws for land
use; conservation of natural vegetation; air, water, and land pollution; disposal of solid waste and
wastewater effluents; and public health and safety, including some provisions for environmental
protection.
The clauses relevant to the project are those which concern health, safety and welfare of workers,
disposal of solid wastes and effluents, and damage to private and public property. The Factories Act
also provides regulations for handling and disposal of toxic and hazardous materials. As construction
activity is classified as ‗industry‘, these regulations will be applicable to the project construction
contractor.
The EPA has published a set of environmental procedures and guidelines for carrying out
environmental assessments and the environmental management of different types of development
projects. The guidelines that are relevant to the Proposed Tunnel Project are listed below, followed by
comments on their relevance to the proposed project.
Policy and Procedures for Filing, Review and Approval of Environmental Assessments
These guidelines define the policy context and the administrative procedures that will govern the
environmental assessment process, from the project pre-feasibility stage to the approval of the
environmental report.
The Convention on Biological Diversity was adopted during the Earth Summit of 1992 at Rio de
Janeiro. The Convention requires parties to develop national plans for the conservation and
sustainable use of biodiversity, and to integrate these plans into national development programs and
policies. Parties are also required to identify components of biodiversity that are important for
conservation, and to develop systems to monitor the use of such components with a view to
promoting their sustainable use.
Prohibit their hunting, fishing, and capturing, harassing and deliberate killing.
Remove obstacles and minimize activities that seriously hinder their migration.
Control other factors that might endanger them, including control of introduced exotic species.
International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List
The red list is published by IUCN and includes those species that are under potential threat of
extinction. These species have been categorized as:
Endangered: species that are sent to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the
near future, reduction of 50% or more either in the last 10 years or over the last three
generations, survive only in small numbers, or have very small populations.
Vulnerable in Decline: species that are seen to be facing a risk of extinction in the wild, having
apparent reductions of 20% or more in the last 10 years or three generations.
Vulnerable: species that are seen to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild, but not
necessarily experiencing recent reductions in population size.
Lower Risk: species that are seen to be facing a risk of extinction that is lesser in extent that
for any of the above categories.
Data Deficient: species that may be at risk of extinction in the wild but at the present time
there is insufficient information available to make a firm decision about its status.
These guidelines on preparation of environmental reports address project proponents, and specify:
The need to incorporate suitable mitigation measures into every stage of project
implementation
The terms of reference for the reports are to be prepared by the project proponents
themselves. The reports must contain baseline data on the project area, a detailed
assessment thereof, and mitigation measures.
The guidelines deal with possible approaches to public consultation and techniques for designing an
effective programme of consultation that reaches out to all major stakeholders and ensures the
incorporation of their concerns in impact assessment
The guidelines identify officially notified protected areas in Pakistan, including critical ecosystems,
archaeological sites, etc., and present checklists for environmental assessment procedures to be
carried out inside or near such sites. Environmentally sensitive areas include, among others,
archaeological sites, biosphere reserves and natural parks, and wildlife sanctuaries and preserves.
The guidelines state that the approach recommended in the document should extend to areas near
such sensitive and critical sites, although the term ‗vicinity‘ is not explicitly defined. Since there are no
other sensitive areas within or near the project area, these guidelines will not apply.
This guideline identifies and explains issues that should be addressed for a sewage collection,
transportation, treatment, and disposal system. The guidelines primarily address the issues
associated with domestic sewage but are applicable to the Proposed Tunnel Project. The guidelines
should be consulted during planning and designing the disposal of sewage from the contractors‘
camps, offices and colonies at project sites.
This policy was promulgated by PEPA in collaboration with JICA in 2000, which aims to facilitate
control on waste by providing the principles of good waste management and reducing waste at
source. The guidelines should be consulted during planning and designing the disposal of solid waste
from contractors‘ camps, offices and colonies.
According to Pakistan Environment Protection Agency regulations for review of IEE and EIA highway,
road and tunnel projects fall into Schedule-II, i.e. projects requiring EIA. The environmental guidelines
of the road and Shounter Tunnel Project would fall within the category ‗C‘ projects having significant
impacts on the environment and requiring a full scale EIA.
National Highways play an important role from regional perspective as they carry transit traffic from
Pakistan to China, Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asian States and provide access to almost all parts
of the country. Under this project National Highway Authority (NHA) has planned the project tunnel
and access roads project. The project is expected to benefit both areas communities as well as
tourism in these regions. The implementation of the project is envisaged to have the following
objectives:
To open up this land of producing high quality of agriculture products and expose it to new
vistas of development, providing villages and towns along the roads and tunnel smoother,
easier and unobstructed access to larger cities and larger markets.
To provide a safe and more efficient passage across the settled areas where people are
suffering serious and acute accidents on existing narrow and broken road.
Promotion of industry and other infrastructure on either side of the road and tunnel for efficient
transport of agriculture produce from farm to markets and to industries between GB and AJK
areas requiring agriculture based inputs
Creation of job opportunities for the locals in the project area during the construction and
operational phase of the project;
To boost harmony in the country by providing efficient means of transport for the people of
this area to different parts of the country to meet one another
Connect cities of GB with AJK, Gilgit, Skardu and Islamabad etc. bringing more population in
the stream of benefits.
Reduce the rate of crime in this area. In addition, the road project will serve the following objectives:
Improve the horizontal curves, stopping and passing sight distances, steep grades and sharp
curves.
Improve the existing road as divided 2-lane road and 4-lane tunnel with median and
shoulders.
Assure Design speed as a 60km/h in level terrain, 50km/h in rolling terrain and 30km/h in
mountainous terrain. The vertical grade in tunnel section, one of the most important geometric
design conditions of this project, is a 1.5% vertical grade as an optimum condition, to improve
travelling conditions.
The proposed Shounter tunnel project is located in Shounter valley. The Proposed Project is start
from Kel to Shounter and ends at Gorikot. The project site is approximate 65km away from Astore.
The project corridors will pass through administrations of two districts Astore (GB) and Neelum
(AJ&K).
The proposed project initiates between Neelum Valley (AJ&K) and Astore Valley (GB), alignment of
this section passes entirely through mountainous terrain and crossing water channels and connecting
roads to villages. The entire stretch crosses the different streams and Nallahs. These are major
surface water body of the project area. Land use of proposed project is mostly agricultural. Dualization
and improvement include the widening way of existing road. Topography of the area is almost
mountains or hills within the project area. A detail on land/topography and socioeconomic setting of
the area is described in Chapter 5.
The existing road of section passes through deep gorges, landslide and snow avalanche susceptible
area with rather fair horizontal and vertical alignment. In winter season, this road is closed for five or
six months due to heavy snowfall. The total length of this section (Astore District) from east portal of
the tunnel to Gorikot intersection along the existing road is approximately 41.5 km. The road section is
located in mountainous terrain. The formation width of existing road varies from 4.0m to 10.0m
irregularly. Most of the road section is unpaved. Even if some section of the existing road is paved, it
is worn out and has deteriorated rapidly by a lot of potholes, rutting, and cracks. The lowlands in the
existing road pass through a river bed that will be under water in rainy season. Proper measures have
been provided in the design of access roads on both sides to counteract these negative impacts of
water to the road to be constructed. Therefore, remedial measures and/or partial realignment will be
reviewed for designing an all-weather road. The project area access road existing condition of the
road is shown in image-1.
The number of anthropogenic activities in the area is very high. The area is under cultivation, leaving
little room for natural flora. Major crops in the project area are wheat and maize. The main species
were recorded with reference to their existence in the project area like Pinus wallichiana (blue
pine/cheer), Pinus macropoda (chalghoza pine/tholesht), Betula utilis (birch/jongji), Salix tetrasperma
(willow/beyo), Ailanthus altissima (ailanthus/kikar) and Juglans rigia (walnut/khakai). At present, there
is generally a mixture of species found in the tract. The area has been used for agricultural purposes
for almost a century; the few small natural floras have been completely replaced. The detail of
vegetation is provided in Chapter 5.
The construction of the proposed project is expected to be completed within a time period of 108
months in 2027.The construction of the proposed project will be executed after receiving all relevant
approvals.
Keeping in view the environmental, social and economic aspects of the development; three locations
were considered for the proposed tunnel project. Most feasible option in the context of environment,
economic and social sustainability was considered for further development. The options that were
evaluated to achieve the required goal are provided in Chapter 4 – ―Project Alternatives‖.
The proposed tunnel project is designed as a 60km/h in level terrain, 50km/h in rolling terrain and
30km/h in mountainous terrain. The vertical grade in tunnel section, one of the most important
geometric design conditions of this project, is a 1.5% vertical grade as an optimum condition speed
facility. The project is designed for 2-lane divided roadway. The Right of Way (ROW) is 16ft for each
side. The civil works will involve construction of four lanes, fence, under passes, bridge on streams
and nallas etc. The Typical Cross Section of design is shown in Table-1 and The Salient Features of
Road Tunnel are shown in Table-2.
The project road follows the existing road and track except at bridge locations where it has been
rerouted. The plan and profile drawings for the designed access roads have been attached as
Annexure-10.
The total cost of the proposed project is estimated to be around Rs.40 billion in Pak rupees. The
project will be a 4 Lane tunnel with an approximate length of 12.7Km and 2 Lane access roads are
about 26.9km and 41.5km.
APPROACH
The project development stages of a Shounter tunnel project are subdivided into 4 different stages:
Conceptual Design
Preliminary Design
Tender Design (Detailed Design, phase 1)
Construction Design (Detailed Design, Phase 2)
The Consultants have performed the conceptual design and preliminary design in accordance with
TOR; however, the Consultants have also studied in line with tender design and construction design.
At the beginning of a project, the following basics were prepared:
For the project development of road tunnels the following additional aspects were prepared:
The following general aspects of a project were carried out before the start of design:
Site visits
Literature research
Research into published data and documentation
Research into relevant standards and guidelines.
3.12.1.1 METHODOLOGY
In general, the investigations were conducted in stages commencing with fast and simple
investigation methods and moving towards more time and cost consuming techniques. A combination
of cost constraints and the necessary information determined the most suitable investigation program.
As such, after collecting and reviewing existing geological map, aerial photos, available, references,
and the results of a preliminary site reconnaissance, surface geological mapping of rock outcrops
shall be performed by experienced engineering geologists to obtain detailed, site-specific information
on rock quality and structure, which is in compliance with the TOR. Geological mapping was done to
collect local, detailed geological data systematically, and was used to characterize and document the
condition of rock mass or outcrop for rock mass classification such as discontinuity type, discontinuity
orientation, discontinuity infilling, discontinuity spacing, discontinuity persistence, and weathering.
By interpreting and extrapolating all these data, the geologist had a better understanding of the rock
conditions likely to be present along the proposed tunnel and at the proposed portal and shaft
excavations. The collected mapping data was used in stereographic projections for statistical analysis
using appropriate computer software (e.g. DIPS). In addition, the following surface features were
observed and documented during the geological mapping program:
Landslide new and old, particularly in proposed portal and shaft areas
Faults; Rock weathering
Groundwater springs
Presence of talus or boulders
The mapping data also helped in targeting subsurface investigation borings and in-situ testing in
areas of observed variability and anomalies. The Consultant carried out the geological mapping with
aims to correlate rock mass properties with rock mass behavior through rock and project specific key
parameters during the early design.
3.12.1.1.4 APPROACHES
For very short and simple tunnel, approach road to a tunnel portal is made with a straight line joining
the portals, otherwise introduces curves to suit the approaches with varying gradients to the portal. In
general, probability of traffic accidents at portals is significantly high because of climate and
environmental changes between open road and inside of proposed tunnel. The Consultant has
designed the approach road to the proposed tunnel taking into account the traffic density and taken
efforts for the reduction of accidents due to traffic.
3.12.1.1.5 GEOLOGY
Proposed Tunnel is situated in good topographic and geologic conditions and having enough
overburden and lower ground level, considering the investigation results and measures to preserve
the surrounding environment. The tunnel portal is usually situated in a slope having small overburden.
The preferred portal position is at the edge of a mountain ridge and nearly perpendicular to the
maximum angle of slope, and in solid ground with no danger of landslides.
3.12.1.1.7 GRADIENTS
A steep gradient should not be used for road tunnel because heavy vehicles resort to use of their
lowest gears, reducing traffic capacity and increasing demand on the ventilation system. Gradient
should be limited to 2-3% in a long tunnel. Maximum effective grades in main road tunnel should not
exceed 4%. A minimum gradient should be specified (0.25%, usually) to ensure longitudinal drainage
of the roadway.
Walkways are used for inspection, maintenance, and emergency use for access to the site of an
accident and for escape. Additional space may also be necessary for ventilation ducts.
In case of longitudinal ventilation, jet-fan, at least 200mm marginal space between the bottom of jet-
fan and the construction limit should be secured. Separation distance of 0.3 Diameter of jet-fan
between the top of jet fan and the crown should be kept. In a circular tunnel, the spaces beneath the
roadway and above the clearance line are available without extra excavation, and in a horseshoe
tunnel there is normally a substantial area in the crown.
3.12.1.3 BRIDGES
Four bridges are located in this section crossing Mir Malik Gah Nallah and its tributaries. All the
bridges are a concrete girder type. The replacement is needed when an existing bridge is dangerous
or functionally obsolete, but a bridge becomes functionally obsolete, even though it is structurally
sound, due to incompliance with the adopted geometric design standards. Therefore, the replacement
or preservation of the existing bridges shall be determined during the alignment design. No drainage
system is identified on the existing road.
Proposed Thickness
Layer
(mm)
Proposed Thickness
Layer
(mm)
Asphalt Wearing Course 50
Asphalt Base Course New Layer 90 90
Aggregate Base Course Existing 100 100
WBM Existing 300 300
Sub- Base course Existing 200 200
The contractor will mobilize staff depending on the stretch of site to be constructed and package
length awarded to the contractor. The manpower required during the construction and operation of the
proposed tunnel and access road would be approximately 250- 300 during construction phase and
approximately 50-70 staff during operation phase of the project.
During construction period, the consultant has planned electrical equipment to supply steady electrical
power without excessive fluctuation of voltage. The NHA will be reasonable to installing a small
hydropower unit for environmentally friendly energy resources in the view of environmental sensitivity
of the region, where project is going to be executed on Shounter stream/Nullah for tunneling
machinery such as ventilation fans and jumbo drills, site camps and illumination, etc.
Following Table-5 shows each required electric power at each location. During construction period,
7,500 kVA would be needed, and during road sections operation period, approximately 8,850kVA
would be needed.
Stockpile sites: Stockpile areas and construction camp sites should be developed to sustain the
visual aspect of the project area. Limits of disturbance and/or clearing must be clearly
settlement/market out on the site using posts or flagging tape before any ground disturbing activity
takes place.
Side-tracks: Sidetracks may create a much greater impact than the actual construction site itself. If
sidetracks are justified, limits of disturbance must be clearly marked out on the site before any ground
disturbing activity takes place. Rehabilitation of sidetracks requires removal and disposal of fill
materials used for temporary approaches, abutments, crossings or embankments. All remaining areas
must be reshaped to blend back in with preexisting landforms.
Borrow Pits: Borrow pits are areas either in a road reserve or adjacent land holdings that have been
used to extract materials such as gravels and soils. They can vary considerably in size, depending on
the quantity of material taken and the borrow pits‘ reserve body of remaining material. The variable
size, shape and nature of borrow pits preclude very specific recommendations; however, the following
general conditions apply.
Before extraction commences, licenses and permits should be checked and limits of
disturbance and/or clearing must be clearly settlement/marked out on the site before any
ground disturbing activity takes place; and
At the completion of extraction, the former borrow pit must be made stable and safe.
This usually requires the sides of the pit to be reshaped with gentle safe grades. All disturbed areas
associated with borrow pits must be retopsoiled, seeded, fertilized and mulched (if appropriate) as
part of the restoration plan. Tunnel and Roads has been discouraging the conversion of borrow pits to
stock watering points.
Monitoring: To achieve continuous improvement and ensure the activities specified in contracts are
being adhered to, regular monitoring will be undertaken with emphasis placed on the continuity
between site characteristics and the adjacent landscapes. Restoration of sites disturbed by
construction activities is unlikely to ever mimic the original landscape. Performance of the contractor
can usually be gauged by comparing adjacent landscapes. Low continuity between these landscapes
usually indicates that no attention has been given to site stability.
Road Works
Bridge Work
Tunnel
Excavation
and Support
works
Tunnel
Concrete
Lining and
Waterproof
Tunnel
Portal Works
Tunnel
Pavement
Works
Electro-
Mechanical
Works
Operation
Building
Works
Ancillary
Works
The ―No Development‖ alternative is required to ensure the consideration of the original environment
without any development. This is necessary for the decision makers in considering all possibilities.
The development will have a minimal effect on the physical environment. In terms of the social
environment, the ―No Development‖ alternative would result in traffic density on the existing roads,
detour during floods / rains, increase travel hazard, eliminate job opportunities, higher transport costs,
higher travel time, less efficient traveling, lack of incentive for frequent longer distance travels, non-
development of the hinter-land, increase the dust nuisance created by driving on deteriorated
tunnel/road and increase the wear and tear on the vehicles. Residents of the proposed belt will keep
on suffering from degraded or lacking efficient transportation access. The No Project conditions will
result in further worsening the present environmental conditions and increased disturbance to
residents of the existing road and proposed tunnel network areas and the road users. Keeping in view
increased population, lack of vibrant and efficient economic corridor across the country, lack of job
opportunities, lack of good governance and security control, it is important that the existing road and
proposed tunnel network should be improved to cater for the increased vehicular movement carrying
the freight and passengers across the two districts; Astore (GB) and Neelum (AJK) and to provide
impetus for regional connectivity to country.
Keeping in view the environmental, social and economic aspects of the development, three locations
were considered for the proposed project. Most feasible option in the context of environment,
economic and social sustainability was considered for further development. For the tunnel corridor
route of Rattu-Shounter, three (03) alternative alignments were considered. The proposed project
consists and salient features and their differences are listed below:
2) Tunnel
The existing snowline in of the region was first done to understand and estimate the variability of snow
cover for the future.
Observed air temperature trends in Pakistan go along with the global trends. The latest observed
temperature data obtained from Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) shows that the mean
surface air temperature in Pakistan has risen at the rate of 0.099℃ per decade from 1960-2010
resulting in total change of 0.47 ℃. Drastic rise in temperature in the last decade has been observed.
The northern mountains producing the Himalayan-Karakoram-Hindukush glaciers have retained more
heat than the low elevation plains. A research (Global warming and expected snowline shift along
northern mountains of Pakistan, Proc. of 1st Symposium Yokohama, Japan.) conducted by Rasul, et
al., 2006, pointed out that snowline has risen up sharply slope by about a 1 km during the last 25
years. It is shown that snow line has been increased up to 40m per 1 year. And according to the
report (A Report on climate change and its impact in Kashmir, authored by Arjimand Hussain Talib),
the snow line in project area is predicted about 3,200~3,700m in 2016.
Based on these research reports, we can predict that snow line will be increased as below Table-6 in
the future. Among these data, the Consultant will apply the medium snowline elevation predicted.
The elevation of the existing road ranges from 2,100m to 3,300m. The snowline elevation of project
area is predicted about 3,450m. Therefore, the snowline elevation is not so important factor to
determine the final vertical alignment and the length of tunnel since the design level of tunnel portal is
lower than predicted snowline elevation at tunnel portal.
The location of tunnel portal and tunnel length on the basis of terrain conditions
Avoidance of the major landslides
Longitudinal gradient of tunnel and ventilation system
Avoidance of excessive slope cutting at tunnel portal sites
Avoidance of steep sloped area for tunnel portals due to snow avalanche
Improvement of the horizontal and vertical alignment of existing road
The existing road can be divided into two sections given engineering, terrain characteristics and
anticipated tunnel portals. Two sections divided are as follows:
i) Section 1 is from Shounter Valley Road, starting from Kel intersection at Kel village, to Upper
Domail (South portal of the tunnel). The length of this road section is about 26.1km.
ii) Section 2 is from North portal of the tunnel at Buttwash village to Astore Valley Road at
Gorikot intersection. The length of this road section is about 41.6km
Existing road plan and overall findings of each section are described below:
Kel intersection, a start of the project road, is the crossing point of Shounter Valley road and Tao Butt
road. From Kel intersection to Shounter Valley, the villages that come across are Kel, Bagnuwali,
Shounter and Upper Domail.
The existing road has steep vertical grade and tight curve on hairpin bend, causing vehicles in
dangerous circumstances. The elevation varies from 2,105m at Kel intersection to 3,150m at
anticipated west portal of the project. The road length of section 1 from Kel to west portal along the
existing road is approximately 26.1km.
Existing Road Conditions: Most of the alignment Existing Acrow Panel Bridge
conditions are badly poor and risky except some road
sections. The risks of existing road alignment are steep
vertical grades and tight hairpin curves. The formation
width of existing road varies from 4m to 10m irregularly.
Most of the existing road is unpaved. The lowlands in the
existing road pass through a river bed that will be under
water in rainy season unless proper measures put into
practice. Therefore remedial measures and/or partial
realignment will be reviewed for designing the all-
weather road.
Total three (3) bridges, crossing the tributaries of Baral Nallah, are located on the existing road i.e.
temporary wooden bridge (L=10m), Acrow panel bridge (L=21m) at Lower Domali, and Acrow panel
bridge (L=24m) at Upper Domali. The replacement is needed when an existing bridge is dangerous or
functionally obsolete, but a bridge becomes functionally obsolete, even though it is structurally sound,
due to incompliance with the adopted geometric design standards. Therefore, the replacement or
preservation of the existing bridges shall be determined during the alignment design.
i) Route corridor should avoid the major landslide and landslide prone area.
ii) The horizontal and vertical alignment of existing road will be improved considering topography
condition, construction cost, environmental and social aspects.
iii) Route corridor shall be selected after considering whether the slope reinforcement is feasible
or partial realignment is reasonable to avoid landslide areas.
The Gorikot intersection, an end of the project road, is the crossing point of Astore Valley road and
Rattu road. The existing road of section 2 passes through deep gorges, landslide and snow avalanche
area with rather fair horizontal and vertical alignment. In winter season, this road has been closed for
five or six months due to a heavy snowfall. The total length of section 2 from east portal to Gorikot
intersection along the existing road is approximately 41.6km.
Assessment of Slope: The slope is comprised of Debris Flow Prone Slope near Gorikot
mainly metamorphic and sedimentary rock. Some
section of the existing road is covered with rock
fragments due to weathering and erosion. Nevertheless,
fewer landslide prone areas are identified than section 1.
Most of landslides are mainly debris flow and rock falls
due to the geological weak formation and a steep slope.
Requirements for Bridging and Other Structures: Four bridges are located in this section crossing
Mir Malik Gah Nallah and its tributaries. All the bridges are a concrete girder type. The replacement is
needed when an existing bridge is dangerous or functionally obsolete, but a bridge becomes
functionally obsolete, even though it is structurally sound, due to incompliance with the adopted
geometric design standards. Therefore, the replacement or preservation of the existing bridges shall
be determined during the alignment design. No drainage system is identified on the existing road. The
hydrological and hydraulic investigation will be carried out for preliminary drainage design.
i) Route corridor should avoid the major landslide and landslide prone area.
ii) Preservation and widening of the existing bridges shall be considered since the existing
bridges are structurally in sound conditions.
iii) Remedial measures and/or partial realignment shall be reviewed for the flood prone area of
the existing road on the basis of high-water level.
The Consultants confirmed three alternative routes through desk study and site reconnaissance.
Overall findings concerning control points for selection of route corridor as mentioned earlier can
be summarized as follow;
i) The primary objective of project road is the provision of basic all-weather access even in
winter season to satisfy a proven demand.
ii) Route corridor should balance the socio-economy and transport requirements, given the
challenge in meeting basic access needs is deriving standards which can deliver the
minimum level of services necessary to promote and sustain the development of rural
community.
iii) Route corridor should avoid the major landslide and landslide prone area. Major landslide is
neither possible, nor feasible, nor even desirable to prevent.
iv) Realignment of some sections where the sharp u-turn on hairpin curves exist, is essential for
all-weather access. Tunnel route corridor should cover this problem.
v) Minimum length of tunnel, wherever possible, should be provided in accordance with basic
access road concept, since a tunnel is an expensive option.
Focusing above mentioned key issues/control points for route corridor selection, the Consultant
proposed three (3) candidate routes, which is compliance with the terms of reference (TOR).
DESCRIPTION OF ALIGNMENT
The length of alignment No.1 is almost 81.13km (west access road 26.93km + tunnel 12.68km + east
access road 41.52km=81.13km). It starts from Kel village and culminates at near Gorikot village. The
west portal of Alignment No.1 is located at a road distance of approximately 26.93km from Kel village.
The Alignment 1 can avoid the potential problematic zone.
A few houses are located near the west tunnel. Control of noise, vibration and stability of existing
building is required timely because the inhabitant moves here and lives in the village in only farming
season but there is no inhabitant in the village in winter season.
Reinforcement of steel pipe with grouting which is umbrella arch method type must be applied to
guarantee the tunnel stability because tunnel portal will be constructed in frequently changing ground.
With respect to the tunnel portal structure, application of retaining-wall-type tunnel portal, which can
shorten the open cut tunnel length, may be required to avoid interference between tunnel portal
construction and abutment construction of the bridge overpassing Baral Nallah to be constructed.
There is no house near the west tunnel to consider hazards due to tunnel blasting, but it is necessary
to give careful attention to the tunnel blasting while some livestock such as horses and sheep passes
by tunnel construction area.
Reinforcement of steel pipe with grouting which is umbrella arch method type must be applied to
guarantee the tunnel stability because tunnel portal will be constructed in unsymmetrical topography.
With respect to the tunnel portal structure, application of retaining-wall-type tunnel portal, which can
shorten the open cut tunnel length, may be required to avoid interference between tunnel portal
construction and abutment construction of the bridge overpassing Mir Malik Gah Nallah to be
constructed.
GEOLOGICAL CONDITION
Main rock type along the alternative 1 (tunnel length L=12.68km) is Meta volcanic, metasediment,
metaigneous, amphibolite. Geological characteristics of Alternative 1 are that strike direction of joint
and tunnel axis are about 34° to the tunnel axis within tunnel section. According to RMT distribution
designated in Tunnel Profile of Excavation Class, Alternative 1 has more competent ground conditions
than ones of Alternative 2. Thus, Alternative 1 is quite better condition for tunneling than Alternative 2.
Furthermore Alternative 1 has challenging condition for tunneling because 12 faults are crossing the
tunnel route. However the numbers of faults are fewer than ones of Alternative 2.
DESCRIPTION OF ALIGNMENT
The length of alignment No.2 is almost 81.05km long (west access road 26.88km + tunnel 12.72km +
east access road 41.45km=81.05km). It starts from Kel village and culminates at near Gorikot village
likewise alignment 1. The west portal of Alignment No.2 is located at a road distance of approximately
26.88km from Kel village. The tunnel portal is located near the valley.
The intersection angle of tunnel axis and the slope face is about 69° and portal condition is rather
unfavorable than one of Alignment 1. The horizontal curve is required to align access road to tunnel
portal, so that it is not recommended in view of road safety.
A few houses are located near the west portal but farther than the west portal of alignment 1. Thus
concern about tunnel blasting affection may be not considered.
Reinforcement of steel pipe with grouting which is umbrella arch method type must be applied to
guarantee the tunnel stability because tunnel portal will be constructed in unsymmetrical terrain and
frequently changing ground. With respect to the tunnel portal structure, application of retaining-wall-
type tunnel portal like one of alignment 1 may be required to avoid interference between tunnel portal
and abutment of the bridge overpassing Baral Nallah.
There is no house near the east tunnel to consider hazards due to tunnel blasting, but it is necessary
to give careful attention to the tunnel blasting while some livestock such as horses and sheep passes
by tunnel construction area.
Reinforcement of steel pipe with grouting which is umbrella arch method type must be applied to
guarantee the tunnel stability because tunnel portal will be constructed in unsymmetrical topography.
With respect to the tunnel portal structure, application of retaining-wall-type tunnel portal, which can
shorten the open cut tunnel length, may be required to avoid interference between tunnel portal
construction and abutment construction of the bridge overpassing Mir Malik Gah Nallah to be
constructed.
GEOLOGICAL CONDITION
Main rock type along the alternative 2 (tunnel length L=12.72km) is metaigneous, quartz, amphibolite,
metasediment, paragneiss and granite. Geological characteristics of Alternative 2 are that strike
direction of joint and tunnel axis are about 35° to the tunnel axis within tunnel section and water
ingression would be similar to Alternative 1. According to RMT distribution designated in Tunnel
Profile of Excavation Class, Alternative 2 has unfavorable ground conditions comparing with ones of
Alternative 1 which are RMT 8 and 11. Thus, Alt.2 has worse condition for tunneling than Alternative
1. In addition to RMT distribution, Alternative 2 has unfavorable conditions for tunneling because 13
faults are crossing the tunnel route.
There is a wooden bridge at the beginning point and two acrow panel bridges in the middle of the
route, which are required to be replaced by reinforced concrete bridges with the length of 25m. On the
access road to Shounter portal, a new bridge with a length of 420m is required to align the approach
road to Shounter tunnel portal. On the access road to Rattu portal, there are four concrete girder
bridges which are planned to be widened by the road alignment design.
DESCRIPTION OF ALIGNMENT
The length of alignment No.3 is almost 81.60km long (west access road 26.98km + tunnel 7.51km +
east access road km=47.11km). It starts from Kel village and culminates at near Gorikot village
likewise alignment 1 and 2. The west portal of Alignment No.3 is located at a road distance of
approximately 26.98km from Kel village. The Alignment 3 has minimum length of tunnel among the
alternative routes. However, the existing access road condition of near north portal is very dangerous
due to tight hairpin curve, steep vertical grade, and narrow road width.
Also, the condition of horizontal alignment is relatively worse in comparison with alignment No. 1 and
No. 2.
GEOLOGICAL CONDITION
Main rock type along the alternative 3 (tunnel length L=7.51km) is metaigneous and metasediment
such as mica schist and gneiss. Geological characteristics of Alternative 3 are that strike direction of
joint and tunnel axis are about 20° to the tunnel axis within tunnel section and water ingression would
be less than one of Alternative 1 and 2. According to RMT distribution designated in Tunnel Profile of
Excavation Class, Alternative 1 has similar geological conditions comparing with alternative 1
because its tunnel route corridor goes with similar path until valley of Shounter Pass. According to
RMT distribution designated in Tunnel Profile of Excavation Class, Alternative 3 has relatively
competent ground conditions for tunneling than Alternative 2. However, the east portal is located in
unsymmetrical terrain so that the portal to about 300m of NATM would be affected by unbalanced
earth pressure and much of quantities of tunnel reinforcement would be required against tunnel
deformation.
The Alignments Corridor Comparison and Selection are shown in the Table-7.
Figure 3- Alignment Drawings Options of Proposed Tunnel Project and Access Road
The sites were evaluated for the proposed project in order to control and mitigate the environmental
and socioeconomic impacts at an early stage. The evaluation of sites was based on following
criterion:
The shortest route must be selected to reduce the travelling time and construction cost.
No any cutting of the trees within ROW and any other site of project activities.
It is better management control and to achieve lower construction and operational cost.
Recognizing that the proposed development may have adverse impacts on surrounding environment,
site selection exercise was carried out in close consultation with the Divisional Forest Officer and
others at Astore, Prime Engineering Design team and environmental team. Option-1 was decided as
an appropriate option to achieve a balance between the area to be used for the construction and
resources required maintaining the operations. The routes of all the options are presented in figure-2
and 3 above.
The alternative transport mode includes using railway and air transport. Air access is not found
feasible on financial grounds. The road transport service currently working in the area is insufficient to
meet the requirement of transportation and trade.
The terrain through which the project road passes through is very steep and as such is not suitable for
the development of a railway track. The gradient is too steep. Thus this alternative was dropped.
The tunnel alternatives from Gorikot to Morcha Guzair- Shounter were developed, in order to explore
the best and most efficient alignment/route that meets the project goals such as time saving, minimum
travel time, straighter route, cost efficient etc. Out three alignments developed, Option-1 was selected
as the final alignment for the tunnel Option 1 is 12.7Km approx. in length and opted due to the
following reasons:
Physical Environment
Biological Environment
Socioeconomic Environment
The description provided in this section is acquired from primary and secondary data collection
approach based on followings:
This part examines the physical resources such as physical features, topography, geography, soil &
geology, climate, air & noise quality, surface & ground water resources quality which is not only
limited to the project area but also related the project surrounding to assess whether the project under
assessment can or does have any impacts on any of these parameters. The description of physical
environment is presented in the following sub sections.
5.1.1 GEOGRAPHY
The proposed tunnel project site is mostly fall in tehsil Shounter and district Astore. Astore is located
at 35-22-0 N;-74.51-0 E. with elevation from 2,646 meters (8,500feet).The project site is approximate
65km away from Astore. The proposed project construction of the 12.7 km long tunnel and access
roads is about 26.9km and 41.5km (from Kel to Shounter and Shounter to Gorikot).The project
traverses through two districts Astore (GB) and Neelum (AJK). Proposed project aims are to connect
the major towns of Shounter, Morcha Guzair, Mirmalik, Rattu, Nasirabad, Chugam, Rehmanpur and
Gorikot. The proposed location areas shown in Table-8 and the proposed project location map are
attached as figure-4.
5.1.2 TOPOGRAPHY
The project area is mostly fall in tehsil Shounter and district Astore, The project is in the region of
three mountain ranges: the Himalayas, the Karakoram, and the Hindu Kush. Most mountain
elevations in the region are at least 2,648 m above sea level, with more than half the area above
3,500 m. Three of the world‘s highest peaks, K2; Nanga Parbat; and Rakaposhi, are located in the
region of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), and Hari Parbat also located in the project area. The area is
surrounded by steep mountains with little or no vegetative cover. The topography effectively cuts off
the entire province from Pakistan‘s mainland and, therefore, creates geographical barriers that affect
economic and administrative processes in GB. The area generally consists of rugged and precipitous
terrain classified as alpine scrub zone and is characterized by heavy snowfall at higher altitudes in
winter.
5.1.3 GEOLOGY
Based on the physical environment and geology, the project area falls in the Himalaya range is a
series of several parallel or converging ranges. The geological features have been observed, during
geological reconnaissance and geotechnical mapping. Fault zones exist on most of the project area.
The Geology Conditions specific to proposed tunnel site is as under:
Main rock type along the proposed tunnel site (tunnel length L=12.68km) is Meta volcanic,
metasediment, metaigneous, amphibolite. Geological characteristics of the project area are that
strike direction of joint and tunnel axis are about 34° to the tunnel axis within tunnel section.
According to RMT distribution designated in Tunnel Profile of Excavation Class, proposed site has
more competent ground conditions than ones of other areas. Thus, proposed site is quite better
condition for tunneling than other areas. Furthermore proposed site has challenging condition for
tunneling because 12 faults are crossing the tunnel route. However the numbers of faults are
fewer than ones of other areas.
5.1.4 SEISMOLOGY
The project area lies near the edges of Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. The plate boundary is
considered as part of a seismically active zone. In the past, epicenters of a large number of
earthquakes have been located in this region. In October 2005 an earthquake of very high intensity
(7.8) hit the area near Muzaffarabad and disturbed the ground to a significant extent in that area. The
geological, tectonic and geodynamic conditions of the project area has been assessed and detailed
mapping of the ground surface has been done to define the geology and tectonic features of the area.
According to the seismic zone map of Pakistan, the Project Area lies in Zone 3 of Modified Mercalli
(M.M.) intensity scale, i.e. negligible damage zone as given in map-2.
In the project area, the Astore river flows in a deep gorge making it difficult to use the water for
drinking, agricultural and other purposes. All the settlements are on the banks of perennial streams
(nullahs) and on both sides of the river and some settlements away from river bank. The people use
the water from nullahs for drinking, household and agriculture purposes. Generally, there is shortage
of potable water in the project area as it is very difficult to fetch the river water due to the very steep
slopes. People generally use water from streams, nullahs and springs for drinking, washing and other
domestic purposes. Some streams and Nullahs falling in the project area are like mirmalik, parsheen,
kalapani, rattu, bulkanand and shounter etc. During the socio-cultural survey of the project area, none
of the respondents from any of the villages falling in the project area reported any waterborne
disease. Tapped water supply is considered to be the most hygienic source of drinking water which is
available in the project area. In project area there is a water supply system which has been built by
local people with the help of AKRSP. Water supply is partially available in Astore, Gorikot, Rattu and
Shounter valleys.
5.1.6 CLIMATE
The climatic parameters that influence the climate of an area include temperature, precipitation,
humidity and evaporation. In general, two seasons prevail in the project area:
The climate of the area during summer is moderate and in winters receives 6 inches to 3 feet snow in
the area. June, July and August are dry and hot months whereas December, January and February
are coldest months. During consultation with metrological officer informed the temperature in Astore
may become -9°C in January, 2019 higher than the present level by the end of the 21st century. The
Astore is with global warming. River flow due to varying climates can be highly variable and pose
threats to the stability of landscape especially in the vicinity of streams. Future temperature
projections by Global Climate Models (GCMs). The mean monthly rainfall at selected stations is
graphically shown in graph-1.
45
40
35
30
rainfall (mm)
Astore
25 Bunji
20 Gilgit
Skardu
15
10
0
r
ry
ne
ry
ch
ly
r
ril
er
r
st
ay
be
be
be
Ju
Ap
ua
a
gu
ob
Ju
ar
m
nu
m
em
M
br
Au
ct
ve
ce
Ja
Fe
O
pt
No
De
Se
5.1.6.1 TEMPERATURES
Air temperature is one of the most important factors of climate of any area. In the river, flows are
mostly due to the snow and glacier melt which entirely depend on the air temperature. The
temperature data of some sites close to the project area has been collated and presented in Table-9
and graph-2. The summer season is generally dry and precipitation during the winter season is in the
form of snow fall. The data shows that hottest month is July with average maximum and minimum
temperature of 27.1 °C and 14.5 °C respectively. January is the coldest month with average maximum
and minimum temperature of 2.4°C and -7.5°C respectively. The months of June to September are
the hot and mean maximum temperature ranges between 23.5°C to 27.1 °C respectively. November
to February is very cold and means minimum temperature varies between - 0.7°C to -7.5°C
respectively.
Station Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
O
Maximum Temperature ( C)
Bunji 9.6 12.5 17.9 24 28 33.7 36.2 35.7 32.5 25.7 18.5 11.8
Gilgit 9.2 12.3 17.7 23.7 28 33.9 36.1 35.4 31.9 25.3 18 11.21
Skardu 2.6 5.4 11.7 18.3 22.5 28.2 31.5 31.2 27.2 20 12.7 6
Astore 2.4 4 8.4 14.6 19.2 24.5 27.1 27 23.5 17.2 11.1 5
O
Minimum Temperature ( C)
Bunji -0.1 2.7 7.6 12.1 15.2 19.6 23.4 22.8 18.1 11.3 5.2 1.4
Gilgit -2.5 0.6 5.7 9.4 11.9 15 18.5 17.9 13 6.8 0.8 -1.9
Skardu -8.2 -5 1.5 6.5 9.6 13.5 16.6 16.2 12 4.7 -1.6 -5.4
Astore -7.5 -5.7 -1.1 3.5 7.1 11 14.5 14.6 10.5 4.4 -0.7 -4.5
Mean Temperature
Bunji 4.9 7.6 12.7 18 21.6 26.7 29.8 29.2 25.1 18.3 11.7 6.5
Gilgit 3.3 6.4 11.7 16.6 20 24.4 27.3 26.6 22.5 16 9.4 4.7
Skardu -2.8 0.2 6.6 12.4 16.1 20.8 24.1 23.7 19.6 12.3 5.5 0.3
Astore -2.5 -0.8 3.6 9 13.1 17.7 20.8 20.8 17 10.8 5.2 0.2
O
Mean Temperature Ranges between Minimum and Maximum ( C)
Bunji 9.5 9.8 10.3 11.9 12.8 14.1 12.8 12.9 14.4 14.4 13.3 10.4
Gilgit 11.7 11.7 12 14.3 16.2 18.9 17.6 17.5 18.9 18.4 17.1 13.1
Skardu 10.8 10.3 10.2 11.8 12.9 14.8 14.9 14.9 15.2 15.3 14.4 11.4
Astore 10 9.8 9.5 11.1 12.1 13.5 12.7 12.4 13 12.8 11.8 9.6
35
30
25
Temperature 0C
20
Bunji
Gilgit
15
Skardu
Astore
10
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
-5
Months
Maximum
Mean wind
Station Calm N NE E SE S SW W NW observed
speed
Speed
Astore 50% 17% 1% 0 0 29% 1% 0 1% 3.0 knots 29.0 knots
Gilgit 74% 0 1% 4% 7% 1% 1% 9% 2% 2.0 knots 28.0 knots
Skardu 80% 0 2% 2% 0 9% 5% 3% 0 2.9 knots 69.0 knots
To assess the environmental conditions of the project area, following environmental parameters were
monitored;
1. Ambient air quality monitoring,
2. Water sampling and analysis
3. Noise level monitoring
Environmental baseline monitoring was conducted at project area. The details of the sampling/
monitoring locations along with discussions on results are given in the subsequent sections.
Photographic record of environmental monitoring for ambient air Quality, water and noise levels is
given in Annexture- 9 and Monitoring results are attached in Annexure-10 of report.
There is no significant source of air pollution in the project site. The project area is rural, and
cultivation is the main occupational activity. The potential existing sources of air pollution in the
project area are road traffic, farm machines, agricultural and domestic activities.
Major air pollutants including CO, SO2, NO2, NO, NOX, Particulate Matter (PM10) and Suspened
Particulate Matter (SPM) were monitored during field visit at 04 points of the proposed project site.
The results of all ambient air quality monitoring were observed below the standards.
Results of ambient air monitoring are presented in Table 11.
TABLE 11- RESULTS OF AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING AT PROPSED PROJECT AREA
Number of water nallahas and springs are present in the vicinity of the proposed project area. The
local community mostly used these sources for domestic as well as agricultural purposes.
During site visit, water samples have been collected at five different locations along the project
alignment.
The samples were analyzed for 20 parameters. The analysis results for the water samples are
provided in following Table 12.
No./100
E. Coli APHA 9222-D 0 0 2 0 Nil 0
mL
Lovibond
Aluminum Eriochrome mg/L ≤0.2 0.01 0.02 0.05 0.02 0.09
Cyanine R
Antimony APHA 3111 B mg/L <0.005 0.0017 0.001 0.002 0.001 0.0024
Lovibond
Turbidity Attenuated NTU <5 <5 <5 <5 19 <5
Radiation Method
Lovibond 1,5-
Chromium diphenyl- mg/L ≤0.05 0.03 0.036 0.026 0.04 0.016
Carbohydrazide
Method
Lovibond Pyridine
Cyanide Barbituric Acid mg/L ≤0.05 <0.02 <0.02 <0.01 <0.02 <0.02
Method
Lovibond
Fluoride SPADNS Reagent mg/L ≤1.5 0.31 0.61 0.21 0.45 0.28
Method
Lovobond
Manganese Formaldoxime mg/L ≤0.5 0.08 0.1 0.18 0.1 0.31
Method
Nitrate Lovibond mg/L ≤50 15 12 7 5 19
chromotropic acid
Nitrite APHA 4500-B mg/L ≤3 0.20 0.14 0.6 0.11 0.8
Barium ASTM D-4382 mg/L ≤0.7 0.05 0.09 0.1 0.04 0.13
There is no industry and any other source of noise pollution in the project area and only source of
noise within the project area is associated with vehicular traffic. Traffic vehicles moving in the area are
also very low. Noise level exceeding 75 dB is harmful to the human health. The noise levels in the
project area are shown in the Table-13.
TABLE 13- NOISES LEVEL RESULTS WITHIN THE PROPSED PROJECT AREA
1 GoriKot dB 54.9 75
2 Rattu dB 53.2 75
5.2.4 SOIL
Soils provide moisture, nutrients and a foothold to plants. The soils of the project area are the most
unstable and subject to active water erosion. The intensity, however, depends upon the vegetation
cover and the slope gradient. The mountains on both sides of the river have steep slopes and hold
very little vegetation. Alluvial fan deposits are created as a result of glaciated materials carried by
stream flows or where these streams create space due to meandering within the valley. The fertile
lands in the project area are located in the fans and the terraces close to streams and Nullahs. All the
farmlands and orchards are irrigated by streams as rainfall in the area is very meagre. Soils are well
drained and medium texture. The soil fertility of the area is low for the crop production as it contains a
low quantity of organic matter. A variety of crops and vegetables could be grown in such soils subject
to water availability and the use of fertilizers. There is very thin cover of soil on the mountainous
terrain and it supports sparse shrubs and trees.
Greenhouse gases are those gases (Co2, CH4, O3, CFCs and NO) which contribute to global
warming. The main sources of these gases are industries and vehicles using fossil fuel as fuel. At
present there is no industry in the project area that emits greenhouse gasses and vehicles intensity is
also very low. The main sources of carbon and nitrogen oxide emissions are the automobiles being
operated in the project area. The traffic count data (Table-11) shows that the greenhouse emissions
from these vehicles may not be in a quantity to have a significant contribution to global warming.
Similarly, there is no volume of stagnant water body in the project area which could trap significant
amounts of organic matter that could cause emissions of methane or other greenhouse gases.
The slope is comprised of mainly metamorphic and sedimentary rock. Some section of the existing
road is covered with rock fragments due to weathering and erosion. Nevertheless, fewer landslide
prone areas are identified in the project area. Most of landslides are mainly debris flow and rock falls
due to the geological weak formation and a steep slope. A section from Gorikot to Rattu needs to
clear slope surface where rock falls are ongoing sporadically. After Rattu village, sweeping away due
to rainfall /snow melting is the same problematic issue of debris-flow within the project area, but the
existing route passes apart from the unstable slope at a distance. The landslides are very common
features in the project area because of the high steep terrain image-2. Erosion and sediment input to
the river is a function of landslides and riparian erosion processes. There are frequent talus
accumulations along the side slopes of the river and road. These are typically in a state of stable
equilibrium at their current slope angle and environment, but become unstable when the equilibrium is
disturbed. Excess water and earthquake shakings often triggers landslides are in the project area.
A few human settlements exist on alluvial fans and terraces on either side of the Astore and its
tributaries where water is available for human consumption and agriculture. The Mountains on both
sides of the project area have steep slopes and many streams and nullahs join the river in the area.
The nullahs span out near the project road, forming some cultivable land masses. The alluvial fans
contain clay silt layer with an undulated topography over hard bedrock. The available flat land is used
for residential purposes as well as for agriculture, orchards and grazing for cattle, goats and sheep
etc. Summary of land use in the Gilgit Baltistan and District Astore is shown in Table-12 and Table-13
respectively.
Astore and its surrounding valleys are highly susceptible to natural disasters such as landslides, flash
floods and avalanches, which affect civic life in the town and areas within its vicinity. According to the
Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Astore is located in a seismically active zone with a
shake potential equivalent to an earthquake of magnitude 6 to 7 on the Richter scale. A recent
example of the types of natural hazards facing region is the Ata Abad Lake, which formed due to a
massive landslide in 2010 and dammed the Hunza River. The unstable lake poses a threat to the
downstream populations of region More than 90% of inhabitants engaged in agriculture and 70% in
livestock are likely to be highly affected by natural disasters there. With agriculture making up 23% of
the source of livelihood for region inhabitants, the economy of the area is at a significant risk of being
adversely affected by natural disasters.
In this section, the baseline environmental conditions pertaining to biological environment have been
described on the basis of primary and the secondary data. These conditions have subsequently been
used to identify the potential impacts on the biological environment that are likely to arise from the
project activities.
Based upon observations during the field visit; many species of plants were directly observed in the
project area. The vegetation of the region has also been grouped as trees, shrubs, herbs, grasses
and fruit trees shown in the Annex 2.
spp., Sambucus ebulus, Lotus comiculatus, Medicago spp., Plantago lanceolata, Lathyrus spp.,
Thgmus serphyllum,Nepata spicata, Viola spp.,Taraxicum officinalis, Ferns, etc. The fruit species are
Apricot, Apple, Grapes, Pears, Peaches, Pomegranate, Cherry, Mulberry, Walnut and Almond etc.
The agriculture cropes are Wheat, Maize, Potato and also vegetables grown in the project area. Area
under Protected forests (Conifers) in Astore is 184,454 ha but further classification into private or
protected forests is not reported. The Distribution of forests is shown in the Table-15.
(Byer/Kail) Pinus wallichiana, (Chinar) Platanus orientalis, (Ratanjot) Potentilla nepalensis, (papler)
Populus alba, (Falchoa) Populus nigra, (Badiyane khatai) Prangos pabularia, (Mori bayao) Salix
willow and (Byao) Salix tetrasperma. (Source: Medicinal Plants of the NA of Pakistan by Ghulam
Rasool)
Customary rights of
Name of valley Name of vcc Name of major villages
communities
Gaiynike, Dingoat, Domosur,
Gariki, Duedas, Kutaan, Shring-
Fuel
Darr, Sargale, Ahmadabad,
wood,timber,medicinal
Hillbich, Majini, Kamarote,
Gorikot/Bulashbar Gorikot plants, tophy hunting,
Sakaliat, Peridot,
ecotourism and
Gotomo,Jail,Dangaat, Trezay
grazing
Pakoroye, Daryaal bala, Kinidas,
Daryaal Paeen, and Pariot.
Fuel wood, tourism,
Gudai, Shikaang, Khuma,
Gudai Gudai construction wood and
Karbay, Bomray and Booban
grazing
Fuel wood, tourism,
Kharbey, Bumurai, Yagham,
Bubin Bubin construction wood and
Bubin and Muraat
grazing
Gishat paeen,Pishwari 1,
Fuel wood, grass
Pishwari-2,Gishat bala,
collection,
Nasirabad, Naigon 1, Naigon 2,
timber,medicinal
Qamri/Zian Qamri Darban-1, Darban-2, Darban-3,
plants, tophy hunting,
Qamri khas, Thail paeen, Thail
ecotourism and
bala,Gorikot,Banglaban,
grazing
Dodakhas and Zian etc.
Kolalot, Salehabad,Rattu Fuel
Rattu - khas,Dado jail,Nasirabad, and wood,timber,medicinal
Saahabad etc. plants and grazing
Fuel wood, grass
collection,
Mirmalik Mirmalik Mirmalik and Foffon
timber,medicinal plants
and grazing
Customary rights of
Name of valley Name of vcc Name of major villages
communities
Fuel wood, tourism,
Chorit Chorit Chorit, Naakay and Gagay etc. construction wood and
grazing
Minimarq-1, Minimarg-2,
Fuel wood,medicinal
Minimarg/Domail - Minimarg -3, Nagai, Mapno -1,
plants and grazing
Mapno -2 and Mapno-3
Chorit, Chaeen, Facirtct, Gomat Fuel wood,timber and
Kalapani -
and Mamrai etc. grazing
Fuel wood,
Makial, Naugaam, Nagaam,
construction
Pakora/Nogam Pakora Pakora, Kushunat Zial,
wood,grass collection
Komaydas and Khomay
and grazing
Abbas town, Aliabad, Eilldar,
Finna Finna Centeral finna, Gromain, Maja- Fuel wood and grazing
fuchung and Gorichi fuchung
Fuel wood,
Bullan Bullan Bulan paeen and Bulan bala timber,grass collection
and grazing
Fuel wood,
Chomguam paeen, Chogaam
construction
Choguam Choguam bala, Pari het, bulan paeen and
wood,grass collection
Bulan bala
and grazing
Fuel wood, timber,
Dadsheri het Hussini het, construction
Rehmanpur/Zaipur Rehmanpur/Zaipur
Sulemani het and Shamtti het wood,grass collection
and grazing
Majini het, Numberdar mohalla,
Thinging Thinging darri mohalla, Thooko mohla, Fuel wood and grazing
Tarishing bala and Rupal
Khiram, Khiram Dddri, kakan,
Fuel wood,timber
Das peen, Das bala, Parinaat,
Chilim/Khiram Chilim grass collection and
Dairlay, Chilim, Chillim das and
grazing
Sherqulli
Source: Forest Department District Astore (GB)
Name of
Cattle Goat Sheep Yak Zoh/Zmoh Horse Donkey Mule Poultry T. Population
Villages/Dispensary
Astore 7717 5314 6050 103 546 14 210 0 7985 28439
Gorikot 3013 4150 2262 2 266 8 432 9 2454 12596
Name of
Cattle Goat Sheep Yak Zoh/Zmoh Horse Donkey Mule Poultry T. Population
Villages/Dispensary
Chorit 4190 1884 6576 49 1426 289 1141 0 2407 17971
Chugam 2171 1959 1550 0 290 0 48 0 1235 7253
Rattu 2720 2536 255 0 497 0 94 0 2380 8482
Mirmalik 1459 1518 2875 4 526 420 148 0 677 7627
Dirlah 1097 1430 3533 0 543 5 227 0 1099 7934
Shankergarh 919 2219 3619 4 610 2220 343 7 873 10814
Gudai 2214 3229 3989 3 599 0 142 0 3268 13444
Bobin 298 1283 721 9 415 0 625 0 578 3929
Daskhrum 1009 752 2272 0 513 63 133 0 1536 6278
Minimarg 1228 2389 2304 270 406 296 15 30 2275 9213
Qamri 3371 4185 4388 15 941 80 13 26 3335 16354
Kilishi 659 837 2265 0 0 42 80 73 1996 5952
Total 32065 33685 42659 459 7578 3437 3651 145 32098 156286
Source: Department of Livestock & DD Astore 2012
The district Astore falls under Himalayan Highlands where a large variation in climatic factors results
into variation of fauna and flora. The diversity in large mammal‘s species include Markhor, Himalayan
Ibex, Ladakh Urial, Musk Deer, Snow Leopard, Brown and Black Bear. The project area is not very
rich in natural fauna because of hilly, bare, dry and hard climatic conditions but some very special
type of wildlife is found on the tops of the hills. Wildlife and other fauna generally consist of mammals,
reptiles, amphibians, insects, butterflies, vectors, livestock and poultry, freshwater fish, birds and
fowls. The biodiversity of the GB is believed to include some 230 species of birds, 54 species of
mammals, 20 species of freshwater fish, 23 species of reptiles and 6 species of amphibians. The
common fauna of the project area is discussed as under:
5.2.2.3 INSECTS
The GB is rich in biodiversity of insects including butterflies found in the project area, particularly
during the humid months of July and August. In addition, caterpillars, bugs, beetles, black bees,
weevils, mosquitoes, ants, green aphids, codling moths, leaf miners, mitts, fruit flies, woody aphids,
stray grass hoppers, leaf hoppers, mealy and woolly bugs, peach leaf curling aphids, scale insects,
walnut weevils, blister mites, and dusky veined aphides are all found in the Gilgit Baltistan including
the project sites.
Category Species
Astore Markhor (Capra flconeri)
Snow leopard (Unica unica)
Endangered Species
Ladakh urial (Ovis vignei)
Woolly flying squirrel (Eupegaurus cinereus)
Musk deer (Moschus chrusogaster)
Threatened Species
Marmot (Matmota caudate)
Black bear (Ursus thibetanus)
Vulnerable Species
Brown bear (Ursus srctos)
Source: Wildlife Department District Astore (GB)
A protected area is an area of land dedicated to the protection and maintenance of biological diversity
of natural and associated cultural resources managed through legal or other effective means. Under
Pakistan‘s current provincial and territorial legislation, three categories of protected areas have been
established: Wildlife Sanctuaries, National Parks, and Game Reserves. In this area, one protected
area has been declared so for, the Gorikot/Tarashing CCHA. The protected area is planned to be
managed with the local communities‘ active participation and spread over 151sq.km area but no land
exists within the project area.
5.2.4 WETLANDS
Wetlands are vital part of ecosystem and having global importance as these are source of many
ecosystem services like regulation of water, support biodiversity, provide livelihoods, produce food
and possess potential for tourism. From social and economic aspects these resources have direct
impact upon agriculture, industry, power generation and tourism but no important wetlands exist within
project area. Some valley wise wetlands are shown in the Table-23.
Name of Area Glaciear Area (ha) Water Bodies (ha) Name of Wetlands
Gorikot/ Two lakes, Domosar glacierand Stream,
4.82 0.46
Bulashbar three ponds and bulashbar glacier
Gudai nullah, Shikan lakes-2 and glacier
Gudai 8.19 0.65
and Thoika glacier
Kalapani 6.96 28.31 Riaat lake
Domail lake, Minimerg stream and sattar
Minimarg 0.39 13.24
nullaha
Name of Area Glaciear Area (ha) Water Bodies (ha) Name of Wetlands
Mirmalik 30 12.9 Main stream water
Pakroa/Nogam 4.39 0.97 Naugaam nullaha
Kachali harayo glacier, rangdano glacier,
Parishing 62.57 38.44
kino wal glacier and parishing nullaha
Qamri 0.01 7.8 Gaagai nullaha glacier,
Rattu 2.11 0.44 Snowmelt water and main rattu nullaha
Rehmanpur 32.03 9.43 Cheecha nullaha
Tarishing glacier, Rupal top glacier and
Tarishing 125.17 9.57
top nullaha
Chugam 0.31 0.07 Chugam Nallaha/Stream
Chorit N/A N/A Somaill Glacier
Bubin 18.15 43.67 Bubin Glacier and Stream
Bullan 0.53 0.09 Bullan Nallaha and Glacier
Source: Forestry Master Plan Astore District
The aquatic ecology of the Astore River and its tributaries within the project area has been studied to
assess the prevailing aquatic ecology. The survey has shown that the diversity and composition of
aquatic life vary throughout the system. The prominent aquatic life include fish, phytoplanktons
(spirogyra) and zooplanktons (Paramecium), benthic insects, larvae of mayfly, caddis flies, mosquito
larvae, stone fly and water mite.
5.2.5.1 FISHERIES
The GB possess large cold-water resources with a variety of habitat ranging from shallow torrent and
deep gorged rivers to gently flowing streams and then from semi to completely stagnant perennial
waters in lakes and reservoirs. The common fish species found in the Gilgit Baltistan are given in
Table-24. Clear water is suitable for trout and turbid water is suitable for local fish. Since the stream
waters are fed by snowmelt, only cold-water fish are found in the area.
There is no commercial fishing in the project area. A trout fish hatchery under the Pakistan
Agricultural Research Council is functioning at Sai Nullah near Jaglot town. Sport fishing is a popular
and dominant feature of the project area. The market price of fish is about PKR 300 per kg for local
fish and PKR 1000 per kg for trout; while the price of trout in big cities of Pakistan is in the range PKR
1500 to 1800 per kg. Fishermen also reported the presence of masher and rainbow trout in the River
Astore. Fish caught by the local people is usually consumed in the household, but it is also offered for
sale in the market at Astore. It is not a regular part of food for the local people. Only rod and line are
permitted for trout fishing by the Fisheries Department. However, cast netting is also allowed in main
rivers.
5.3.1 METHODOLOGY
This section describes the key socioeconomic features of the study area, including the administrative
setup, population, education, health, infrastructure, occupations, and cultural resources. Primary and
secondary data sources were used to develop the socioeconomic baseline of the area. Secondary
data was collected using published data in the form of literature, research journals and internet.
Primary data was collected through community meetings. Stakeholder consultation was carried out
with local community and Government departments. There were two basic aims of the study; first to
inform and consult with the local communities about what is the proposed project and what would be
the likely impacts and second to carry out an in-depth socio-economic survey of the villages/towns
falling in the project area. To this end, a detailed study of the area was conducted. Focused group
discussion and field survey was carried out to arrive at community needs and their concerns regarding
the proposed activities. The socio-economic survey questionnaires for data collection from project
area is include as Annexure: 3.
5.3.3 DEMOGRAPHICS
5.3.3.1 POPULATION
During field visit approximately 65km distance was covered along the proposed project alignment.
Population at and near vicinity of the proposed project area was consulted in order to get
socioeconomic profile of the area. The average household size of the consulted population was found
9.13 persons per household in tehsil Shounter District Astore.
The Proposed Project is located in two districts: Neelum (AJK) and Astore (GB) and the mostly area
fall in Astore district. There are some villages (Gorikot, Chorit, Chugam, Rattu, Mirmalik, Dirlah,
Shankergarh, Gudai, Bobin, Daskhrum, Minimarg, Qamri, Morcha Guzair, Shounter and Kilishi) in the
project area which are expected to be affected directly or indirectly by the implementation of the
project. The actual population of these settlements for the year 1998 and the estimated population for
the year 2012 are given in Table-25.
5.3.3.2 HOUSING
All villages in the project area have mostly Kacha and some semi-pakka houses were observed but
majority of the families live in Kacha houses. About 70% of Kaccha and 30% of semi-pakka, houses
were found are in the project area. The total area of housing units varied from 5 marlas to 20 marlas
with an average of 10marlas. The area reported included both covered and uncovered areas. The
average age of housing units was 15 years and varied from 8 to 18 years. During the social survey it
was observed that all respondents were living in self owned houses. The total cost including the cost
of land and construction of housing units varied between PKR 375,000 to PKR 533,000 per house.
The approximate value of a house according to the respondents was higher in Gorikot (PKR 533,000)
and lowest at Morcha Guzair (PKR 375,000). The housing characteristics of project area are given in
Table-26.
areas like Gilgit, Muzaffarabad (AJK), Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi etc. Table-28 shows the
number of schools in the project area.
Non-Formal /
Government Schools
Private Dine
Village Primary Middle High Co-education Maddresa
Boys Girls Boys Girls Boys Girls High Primary
Astore 1 1 - 2 2 7 9 1
Gorikot 1 1 1 - - - - 1 1
Rattu 1 1 - 1 1 - 2 2 1
Mirmalik 1 - - - - - - 1
Morcha Guzair 1 - - - - 1
Parort 1 - - - 1 1
Source: Consultant Environmental team of SRT
5.3.3.7 LANGUAGE
Shina is the main spoken language (a local language) in the project area followed by Urdu, Hindko
and Pashto in Table-29 shows ethnic groups, affiliation and language spoken in the project area.
TABLE 30- ETHNIC GROUPS, RELIGION AND SPOKEN LANGUAGE IN THE PROJECT AREA
Spoken Language by
Village Ethnic Groups Affiliation
the Majority
Sheen, Yashkoon Kashmiri,
Astore Seha, Sunni Shina
Pathan, Syed. Raja and Derked
Gorikot Sheen Sunni Shina
Rehmanabad Sheen Sunni Shina
In all villages, the majority of the people belong to Sheen tribes who are relatives to each other with
the same origin and language. In Tehsil shounter, some people belong to other tribes, who have
migrated from other parts of the country. Efforts on community-based projects such as irrigation
channels, tracks and roads, education and conservation of nature are made jointly. Important issues
and disputes are solved by the heads of families and village elders. However, there is no major role of
women in the decision-making process.
The joint family system is very much prevalent in the project area which is traditional and considered
to be Islamic. The eldest male member is the head of the family, male members dominate in decision
making in most of family matters, whereas women have no or little role in the decision-making
process. The members in a family include parents, their children and grandchildren. From the
household survey, the average family size in the project area is about 10 members.
The vulnerable groups identified in the project area are disabled person (person who depend on other
family members because of loss of any body part), widows and some landless people. 61 disabled
people were identified in the social survey of the project area in Table-31. There were 8 widows in
Rattu area; therefore, these widows will require special attention. They are most vulnerable and will
require appropriate rehabilitation. Sheen and Yashkun are generally local and are big landowners
while landless people belong to non-local tribes. The under-privileged position and many social
conflicts are basically the outcome of uncertain ownership of land and other immoveable properties.
The local tribes (Sheen Yashkun) represent the majority of the population in the project area and
claim to be the original owners of the land. The poorest groups are therefore those non-local people,
who are not owners of any land, but are working as tenants or only as agricultural workers.
Total 35
Source: Consultant Environmental team of SRT
Sheen and Yashkoon are the main ethnic groups residing in the project area. The whole population of
project area belongs to the Yashkoon tribe. In Astore, Gorikot, Nasirabad Rattu and Mirmalik the
majority of the people belong to Sheen and some are Yashkoon tribes. Kashmiris, Syeds, Rajajpoot,
Derked and Pathans reside in project addition to the Yaskoon and Sheen groups. All the peoples are
in the project area belong to religion of Islam. However, affiliations vary from village to village and the
whole population of the project area is Muslim. The people have lived in ethnically mixed populations
for hundreds of years and have very close relations with each other. They observe all the festivals and
customs together.
5.3.8 SAFETY
The project area is located in the settled parts of the country that are controlled by the local
governments. The provision of security to the people in the project area rests with the administration
of each district. The police posts established in the area provide security to the people as well as to
the public property. The present crime rate is very low and the records show that no murder case has
been registered at Gorikot police station since 1998. Travelling in the area is secure and safe as the
people are peaceful and helpful.
The project areas are located in narrow valleys and space for extensive recreational facilities is not
available. Small patches in the settlements are present which are used mainly for playing cricket and
volleyball. There are no cinemas or clubs in the entire project area. As mostly people are religiously
minded, the use of television, radio and music is very limited. Polo is a popular sport in Astore and GB
but it is not being played in the project area because of poor socio-economic conditions.
The GB of Pakistan possesses one of the most rugged landscapes on earth. For centuries, this
mountainous landscape made the GB one of the most remote and inaccessible regions of the sub-
continent. At the time of independence, the GB had only nine pony tracks, 13 suspension bridges and
a small airport. The existing infrastructure facilities in the project area are given in Table-32.
Electricity is available at throughout the Project area. The whole project area is short of power
supplies. The communities of the area totally depend on fuel wood. The project area villagers are lack
of Natural Gas facility.
Tapped water supply is considered to be the most hygienic source of drinking water which is available
in the project area. In project area there is a water supply system which has been built by local
people with the help of AKRSP. Water supply is partially available in Astore, Gorikot, Rattu and
Shounter valleys.
5.3.13 TELECOMMUNICATION
The telecommunication services in the Throughout the GB are provided by the Special
Communication Organization which is a wireless and satellite telephone company. This organization
is managed by the Signals Corps of the Pakistan Army. Telephone facilities in the project area are
available at Project area. The mobile service of S.com is also available within the project area.
5.3.14 TRANSPORTATION
Northern Areas Transport Corporation provides transport services from Rawalpindi to Gilgit, Astore
and Skardu. The KKH is an all-season road which was built by FWO, Pakistan Army and China from
1966 to 1978. In addition, several other private transport companies provide services in the Gilgit,
Skardu and Astore areas. The transport service between Astore and other villages of the project
areas are usually by private taxi, jeeps, coster and vans etc.
Postal facilities in the project area are very poor. There is one Sub-post office at Astore which
provides services to the residents of Astore and adjoining areas. Postal service is also available at
project areas only one person is deputed here for collection and distribution of letters and parcels.
5.3.16 BANKING
Banking services are available in District Astore where there are branches of NBP, ZTB, MFB,
NRSPB, PBL, KKB and HMB etc. The residents of project area go to Astore, Gorikot, Gilgit and
Skardu for banking services.
5.3.17 INDUSTRIES
There is no important industry in the project area. However, a number of flour mills have been
running for the past six to seven years in Project area and also Jaglot on the opposite bank of the
Indus from the link road of Astore. Few water power operated wheat grinding machines (flour mills)
have been installed in the past in some villages but presently some are in operation. These mills
have been gradually converted to electricity and are milling wheat and maize. The farmers deliver the
grain to the mills and pay the charge in kind at the rate of 4 kg flour per 40 kg grain. The mills can
grind on average about 40 kg of grain per hour.
The majority of the farmers in the area are owner operators; only 3% are owner cum tenants. In tehsil
shounter, most of the respondents do not cultivate their land which is being cultivated by tenants on a
⅓ share basis. The average land holding in the project area is 20 kanal with the maximum in tehsil
shounter 30 kanal and the minimum in Morcha Guzair 10 kanal.
The average price of land in the project area is PKR 350,000 per kanal. In Gorikot the land price is
PKR 400,000 per kanal. In Shounter valley average price of land is PKR 300,000 per kanal.
Wheat, maize, potato is the staple food of people in the project area. However, wheat produced in the
area is not sufficient and does not meet the demand of local population. Wheat is provided to the
people at subsidized rates through the Food Supply Department of the GB. The Food Supply
Department purchases wheat from which some is given to flour mills and the remainder is distributed
among people in the GB through the Sales Depot Network. The wheat quota is fixed for each
household at 200 kg per month. The Government of Pakistan gives a 50% subsidy on the purchase of
wheat for the GB. The Food Supply Department has an established sale depot for wheat and small
utility stores in the area.
The socio-economic survey shows that agriculture is the main source of income for 60% of the
respondents and for the remaining the main source of income was employment and services. Other
sources of income include small scale businesses, village shops and roadside hotels, mining, labor
and private services in Table-33. About 05% households have an income below PKR 10,000 monthly,
30% between PKR 10,000 and 15,000 per month, however, a small portion of respondents (05%)
have a monthly income equal or more than PKR 50,000. It can be concluded that the monthly
earnings of majority of population in the project area are less than PKR 15,000. Residents of tehsil
shounter are mainly involved in government jobs as at least one person from each family is engaged
in government service, mostly people in the army and education sectors.
The total monthly expenditures reported by households are summarized in Table-34 which shows that
about 40 % of the respondents spend up to PKR 10,000 per month, whereas monthly expenditure of
23.48 % and 13.91 % of the respondents was between PKR 10,001 to 15,000 and PKR 15,001 to
PKR 20,000 respectively. About 14.78 % of the respondents were spending monthly PKR 20,001 to
PKR 30,000. The remaining 7.84 % spend more than PKR 30,000. The average monthly expenditure
in project area was about PKR 16,756.
About 53.91 % of the respondents in the project area spend up to PKR 6,000 on food items, whereas
the kitchen expenditure of 20% and 11.3 % of the households was between PKR 6,001 to PKR 9,000
and PKR 9,001 to PKR 12,000 per month respectively. While 7.83 % of respondents are spending
PKR 12,001 to PKR 15,000 on food items, the remaining 6.96 % are spending more than PKR 15,000
per month as kitchen expenses. The average monthly expenditure on food items was estimated as
PKR 7,822 in the project area. The proportion of expenditures on food items is about 46 % of total
monthly expenditure of a family.
5.3.23 POVERTY
The Project area communities are particularly susceptible to the shocks and stresses created by
economic, governance, social and environmental causes, which make the poor especially vulnerable.
Major issues related to poverty in the project area are identified as under:
Lack of improved physical infrastructures i.e. roads, communication, irrigation and drainage and
delivery of utility services.
Absence of a social security system for the effective coverage of vulnerable populations and the
poor.
Unequal employment and access to economic resources for rural women folk.
Credit practices are a regular part of the lives of poor families. The main sources of loans are
shopkeepers, relatives and well-off families in the village. Debts are mainly used for the domestic
expenditures such as marriages, deaths and education. The institutional credit is very limited in the
project area mainly due to lack of banking services and secondly due to the high interest rates
charged by the banks.
Social organizations refer to group dynamics, role playing and conflict resolution mechanisms in a
given social situation aiming at making functional networks and linkage prevail in a given community.
Essentially, the tribal system in the project area is the guiding force in social interaction processes,
group dynamics, institutional arrangements and economic activities at village level. Tribal and village
elders command respect and hold higher status compared to an ordinary village inhabitant. His
opinion and wish is considered final in development activities in the area.
The GB has been at the center of the NGO movement in Pakistan. The NGO Sector has made an
enormous contribution to sustainable development in the GB. About 500 NGOs have been registered
under the voluntary Social Welfare Agencies (Registration and Control) Ordinance 1961. The Aga
Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP), in particular stands out for its contribution to physical
infrastructure, poverty alleviation, agricultural production and development of women. In addition to
these NGOs, many local support organizations and women organizations are working under the
supervision and guidance of AKRSP in the project area.
5.3.26 TOURISM
The scenic beauty and adventurous terrain of the GB attract a variety of tourists throughout the year.
However, tourist activities in project area are limited. After the completion of the proposed tunnel
project the tourist visit this area. The only tourist spot in this region is at the junction of the three
highest mountain ranges, i.e. Hindukush, Himalayas and Karakoram near Partab Bridge at KKH. A
large number of local and foreign tourists visit this site every year. The Gilgit to Skardu and also
Astore road is used by tourists to visit most of the peaks in the Himalayan region. The Pakistan
Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) has constructed a motel at different areas of GB.
The GB of Pakistan has a long and turbulent history. The history of the earliest inhabitants of this area
can be traced back to about the 5th millennium BC. The locals could be termed as ―People of Rock
Art‖, as they started the tradition of ―rock engraving‖ in the GB. The GB has special characteristics in
cultural and historical construction. The forts at Hunza, Nagar and Baltistan especially Baltit, Altit and
Ganish have a cultural heritage of international importance. The historical buildings and houses
designed by the people of the area belong to Tibet and Central Asia. The GB has a number of cultural
heritage and archaeological sites. All the artefacts, petrography, monuments and buildings of
historical importance are part of archaeological heritage. No other historical or archaeological site is
located in the project area.
The community consultation process conducted in the project area and the outcome of the social
survey findings both revealed that there was a complete consensus on implementation of the
Proposed Project. There were no over-intra- or inter-group rivalries, hostilities, disputes or tensions on
the execution of the proposed project.
An independent ―Gender survey‖ was conducted through applying the random sampling technique as
used for the socio-economic household survey. A total of 50 women representing of households
covering Gorikot, Rehmanpur, Chugam, Nasirabad, Rattu, Mirmalik and Morcha Guzair and Shounter,
were selected for the interviews. The survey was conducted through a female numerator by using a
separately developed questionnaire. Almost all the respondent women were mature between the
ages of 20 and 50 years and 82% of them were married. A general observation during the survey was
that the women of the project are being contacted for the first time in connection with shounter project.
Therefore, before commencing the interview, they were briefed about the project components in
detail. The outcome of this survey is given in subsequent sections.
5.3.30 OFFSPRING
Among the married women, the average number of children per respondent woman comes to 5.0,
which was minimum at Morcha Guzair (3.4) and maximum at Gorikot (8.7). 3.19% of the respondents
did not have any child and 12.77 % had 1 or 2 children, 24.47 % had 3 or 4 children, 27.66 % had 5 or
6 children, 21.27 % had 7 or 8 children while the remaining 10.64 % had more than 8 or 10 children.
The majority of the women (52.13 %) had between 6 and 7 children shown in Table-35. Out of the
total number of living children reported by the respondents, 55 % were boys and 45 % were girls. The
overall sex ratio of the project area comes to 107 males per 100 females which is nearly equal to the
sex ratio of Pakistan.
5.3.31 OCCUPATION
The majority of the respondent women (75 %) were housewives. A small portion (about 15 %) was
engaged in different occupations while 10% were students. Table-36 shows the occupations of the
respondent women in the project area.
Village Morcha
Mirmalik Rattu Paroit Nasirabad Astore Gorikot
Occupation Guzair
Housewife 100% 100% 85.71% 83.33% 62.96% 70.21% 74.78%
Teacher - - 7.14% 5.56% 7.41% 10.64% 7.83%
Voluntary Teacher - - - - - 6.38% 2.61%
Tailor - - - - - 4.26% 1.74%
Shopkeeper - - - - - 2.13% 0.87%
Shepherd - - - - - 2.13% 0.87%
Student - - 7.14% 5.56% 29.63% 4.26% 1.30%
Source: Consultant Environmental team of SRT
About 15 % of respondent women in the sample villages enjoy a healthy life in good environmental
conditions. The majority of the respondents (about 65%) feel better health with minor and occasional
illness. However, the remaining 20% of respondents were suffering from different diseases. In case of
illness, the majority of the respondent women (72%) take medical treatment from hospitals at Astore
and Gorikot, while the remaining 28% take treatment from dispensaries at Rattu and Mirmalik. About
half (55%) of respondents go with their husbands for treatment, 30% respondents get treatment with
their fathers or brothers while the remaining 17 % women go for treatment with their sons or any other
relative. A trained child birth attendant is available in Astore and Gorikot only. The most common
diseases reported among women are gastric problems, headache, ulcer, joint pains (in elder women
only) and asthma. The most common diseases among children are reported to be simple fever,
cough, flu, diarrhea, dysentery and pneumonia. The health status, place of treatment and who
accompanies women for treatment are presented in Table-37.
Villages Father
Good Better Bad Hospital Dispensary Husband or Other
brother
Astore 17.70% 66.60% 17.70% 66.70% 33.30% 50.00% 16.70% 33.30%
Gorikot - 33.30% 66.70% 100.00% - - 33.30% 66.70%
Rattu - 100% - 100.00% - 78.60% 14.30% 7.10%
Mirmalik 11.10% 55.60% 33.30% 50.00% 50.00% 72.20% 11.10% 16.70%
Paroit 18.50% 37.00% 40.70% 25.90% 74.10% 48.10% 33.30% 18.50%
Rehmanpur 17.60% 76.60% 6.40% 97.90% 2.10% 46.80% 42.60% 10.60%
Morcha
13.90% 65.20% 20.90% 72.20% 27.80% 53.90% 30.40% 15.70%
Guzair
Source: Consultant Environmental team of SRT
According to the survey, the majority of the respondents (60%) have no role in decision making
process except at Gorikot where 50 % of respondents have expressed their views that they have
some role in decision making process in the family. However, final decisions are taken by the male
members of the family, either by the husband or by the family head. In the project area about 15 %
respondent women have ownership and rights of selling the property. About 75% of the respondents
reported that they have some sort of skill. The most common skills were embroidery and knitting.
However, none of the respondents reported about the use of these skills for income generation.
Women are interested in obtaining training in knitting, embroidery, woolen fabrics and modern
agricultural techniques for sowing of vegetables.
The respondents tried to identify the pressing needs of the women and their village or community.
Table-38 shows the pressing needs most frequently mentioned by the respondents. According to
these results, the most important need (32%) was to improve the education and health facilities in the
area, followed by a well-equipped girl‘s school or college (20%), agriculture training center for
vegetable growing techniques (20%) and water supply (17%).
5.3.35 ACTIVITIES
In rural areas of Pakistan, the majority of the women work in the fields along with their male family
members. This pattern was also prevalent in the project area. Almost all the respondents said that
they work in their fields except at Rattu valley where about 20% of respondents replied that their
routine activities are usually limited to indoor activities. Women are engaged in looking after the fields,
hoeing the vegetables and watering them. However, their participation was also reported in the
seasonal activities of picking of vegetables, fruits and harvesting of wheat and maize. The majority of
the respondents (80%) participate in income generating activities by selling poultry products,
vegetables and livestock. Among these women about 10% of respondents are engaged in off-farm
activities such as teaching, shop keeping, and tailoring.
Almost all the respondent women were aware of the fact that proposed tunnel project is likely to be
constructed in their area. It was observed during the survey that the women had come to know about
the project from the male members of their families and relatives. Respondent women were asked
about the foreseeable effects of the project on their community and life. The majority of the
respondents (about 90%) were of the view that project has both positive and negative effects.
However, about 10% of the respondents were of the view that project has no negative affects; on the
contrary, they considered that it will be very beneficial for the whole country in general and for the
project area and GB of Pakistan in particular.
According to the perception of the women the impacts of the project would be:
Stakeholder consultation was also carried out with Government departments. The following
Government departments were visited in the Project Area.
The participation of project stakeholders in project planning, design and implementation is now
universally recognized as an integral part of environmental assessment. During the discussion, the
brief project description and details were communicated with the concerned departments and their
comments and suggestions were noted. None of the government official expressed any serious issue
regarding the implementation of the proposed project. In general, all of the officials welcomed the
project as it will bring development in the area and betterment for the community. Detailed on
Secondary stakeholder consultation is presented in Chapter-6 of the report.
6.1 GENERAL
This section describes the outcome of the impact assessment survey and public consultation sessions
held with different stakeholder groups that may be impacted by the project. The consultation process
was carried out in accordance with the guidelines laid by EPA. The objectives of this process were to:
Share information with stakeholders on proposed project and expected impacts on the physical,
biological, and socio-economic environment of the project area,
Understand stakeholder concerns regarding various aspects of the project and the likely impact of
construction and operation related activities,
Identify the weaknesses and problems of the projects; Find out valuable suggestions by the
stakeholders to improve the project area,
Understand the perceptions, assessment of social impacts and concerns of the communities of
the project area; and find out the awareness level and situation of acceptability to identify any
issues for the implementation of the proposed project.
To invite people to express their views about the positive / negative impacts on their life styles /
environment of the villages by the project area.
This report includes all the comments, which were taken into account in preparing the definitive
development concept for the tunnel and access road project.
There are two types of stakeholders related to the project i.e. primary and secondary stakeholders.
Primary stakeholders are those which are directly affected by the Project activities and secondary
stakeholders are those which are affected indirectly. The proposed project does not have direct
impacts on any individual; therefore, no primary stakeholders are identified. Secondary stakeholders
are institutional stakeholders, which includes local Government representatives, Government Officials
of the relevant departments, NGO, general public, local residents, shop keepers, vendors, hospital
owners/staff, teachers, pedestrians, and businessmen/traders of the area. All those stakeholders have
different types of stakes according to their involvements in various aspects of the project. The
consultant tried to contact all the stakeholders and shared their views and concerns and also
interacted with the community-based organizations that can support the community.
In the consultation process for EIA, following key stakeholders were consulted:
Meetings with stakeholders consisted of community consultation meetings, focus of the meetings, the
process followed, and the outcomes are discussed in this section. The list of respondents, participants
of socio-economic survey and list of the Government of Gilgit Baltistan Departments/Line Agencies,
NGOs visited and persons Contacted are included as Annexure: 1.
The findings of the Community consultations are given as follow. All these have been addressed in
various sections of the EIA, and the mitigation plans have been incorporated into the EMP. There is
no any primary stakeholder identified.
The community consultations demonstrated that goodwill towards the project proponents indeed
exists; approval for project activities by the communities was evident. The consultations were
considered a good gesture and appreciated, especially by the men and village elders. The poverty
level is such that communities are looking to any project proponent to improve their financial well-
being to a great extent. Project proponent recognizes that benefits from the project should be
distributed judiciously and equitably especially among local community of the project area, and will
continue to ensure that this principle is followed in its projects and community development program.
Communities in the project area emphasized that local villagers should be given priority when
employing people for various project-related works and activities according to their skills.
Non-Local work force coming in the project area that will not be aware of the local customs and norms
may result in conflicts with the local community. Most of the project area people welcomed the project
idea and showed their comfort-ability in case of non-local work force. The local communities are in
favor of proposed project. They said this proposed project will have positive impacts on their life.
The secondary stakeholder consultation was conducted in order to provide details about the proposed
project and get suggestions if any about the proposed project and its activities. Some of the main
offices are mentioned as follow:
Meetings were held with all above mentioned stakeholders. Brief detail about the project was provided
to all available officers. All the stakeholders welcomed the idea of proposed tunnel and access road
project.
A meeting was held with EPA officers: Mr. Shehzad Hasan Shigri (Director) and Mr. Manwar Hussain
Shah (AD). Both were pointed out due to the construction of tunnel and access road may be the slope
failure and should be mitigate the measure through bioengineering approach and methodology, also
Proper EMP should be followed during construction.
A detail meeting was held with Divisional Forest Officer, Astore: Mr. Jabran Haider (DFO): During the
construction of proposed project, the contractor should be avoiding no cutting of trees from any area
of construction activities within the project. The DFO was pointed out that after the completion of
proposed tunnel and access road project proponent, plantation should be carried out along the access
road and other areas where space available in the area.
A meeting was held with Divisional Forest Officer Wildlife, Astore: Mr. Zahid highlighted no hunting
rule and said that hunting shall not be allowed in the project area and its vicinity.
A meeting was held with Livestock Office, Astore: Mr. Altaf Hussain welcomed the idea of proposed
project and suggested that proponent should do some welfare work for local communities. He added.
Further he said this project will have need of this region. Further he gave positive view regarding
proposed project. Also, he asks generally, all of the secondary stakeholders were in favor of proposed
project. Further, the proposed project should be executed with appropriate mitigation measures to
reduce the environmental and social impacts. The Photographs of consultations are included as
Annexure: 6.
In the first step, potential impacts of the project are identified by desktop screening exercise, using
checklist during field visits for collection of baseline data, professional judgment, published literature
on environmental impact of similar projects and standard environmental guidelines. A critical step in
identifying potential impacts is discussion with project proponent, consultation with stakeholders and
communities to identify their concern. Public consultation was carried out to identify the concerns of
primary and secondary stakeholders. The main aspects associated with potential impacts are as
follow;
Geomorphology, soil
Water resources
Ambient air quality
Waste discharges
Noise pollution
Greenhouse gases emissions
Ozone depleting substance
Protected areas
Ecology of the area, including flora and fauna
Vehicle movement
Socio-economic conditions; and
Archaeology
The potential impacts are classified according to the type of potential receptors. The following
receptor categories were used:
Community (people, their social and cultural values, aspirations and archaeological sensitivity)
Land and soil (land resources, soil resources)
Air quality (ambient air quality, GHG emissions, Ozone depletion)
Water resources
Ecosystem (vegetation, wildlife, and biodiversity).
The impacts have been assessed following standard international guidelines and best available
practices. The method defines three levels of consequence (or severity) and likelihood (or probability
of occurrence) - High, Medium or Low - of an impact. A standard risk-based approach has been used
in which;
The significance of an impact is determined on the basis of the level of consequence and likelihood of
the impact e.g. an impact of medium severity is assigned a low significance if the likelihood of
occurrence of the impact is low and high significance if the likelihood of occurrence is high or almost
certain. The definition of consequence and likelihood is illustrated in Table-39 and impact significant
matrix is provided in Table-40.
Items Likelihood
Consequence High Medium Low
High High High Medium
Medium High Medium Low
Low Medium Low Low
The prediction of impacts also include the duration of impacts (in terms of long-medium and short-
term), nature of impact, geographical location of the impact and reversibility of the impact. Impact
assessment criteria for the above mention parameters are illustrated in Table-42.
Impact
Categories
Characteristics
Direct: The environmental parameter is directly changed by the project.
Nature of the
Indirect: The environmental parameter changes as a result of change in
Impact
another parameter.
Short term: Lasting only till the duration of the project such as noise from
the construction activities.
Medium term: Lasting for a period of few months to a year after the project
before naturally reverting to the original condition such as contamination of
Duration of the impact
soil or water by fuels or oil.
Long term: Lasting for a period much greater than medium term impacts
before naturally reverting to the original condition such as loss of soil due to
soil erosion.
Local: Within the area of project i.e. operation site, tunnel and access road.
Geographical Location
Regional: Within the boundaries of the project area.
of the impact
National: Within the boundaries of the country.
Defined as
Reversibility of the
Reversible: When a receptor resumes its pre-project condition.
impact
Irreversible: When a receptor cannot resume its pre-project condition.
Identification of the mitigation measures: If it is determined that the predicted impact is significant,
suitable mitigation measures are identified. There is a range of mitigation measures that can be
applied to reduce impacts. This is discussed in following sections.
Evaluation of the residual impact: Incorporation of the suggested mitigation measures reduces the
adverse impact of the project and brings it within the acceptable limit. This step refers to the
identification of the anticipated remaining impacts after mitigation measures have been applied the
residual impacts. This is discussed in following sections.
Identification of the monitoring requirements: The last step in the assessment Process is the
identification of the monitoring requirements. The scope and frequency of the monitoring depends on
the residual impacts. The purpose of monitoring is to confirm that the impact is within the predicted
limits and to provide timely information if unacceptable impact is taking place. An environmental
management plan (EMP) will be developed with identification of monitoring requirements. This is
discussed in next chapter.
7.5.1 TOPOGRAPHY
The topography along the project area will change to some extent because of construction of project
related structures such as embankments, culverts etc. Visual changes to the topography will be of
permanent and minor in nature and do not require any mitigation measures, except that the project
design should consider aesthetic concerns.
7.5.2 LANDSCAPE
The proposed project of Shounter Tunnel and access road passes through two Districts, Astore of
Gilgit Baltistan and Neelum of Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K). The project area consists mainly of
hilly terrain with steep slopes. The interventions of the Shounter tunnel project are not likely to impact
the topography of the area on a large scale except for those areas where the physical activities of
excavation, and movement of heavy machinery will take place. Similarly, areas where excavated
material from tunnel will be disposed, dumped or stored will be negatively affected. The proposed
Shounter tunnel and the access road is existing road.
However, after the construction of proposed project, the landscape of the project area will be changed
in terms of better road infrastructure, construction of bridges and planned plantation of trees along the
RoW and will have a positive impact in terms of socio-economic development of the project area.
There are many methods to increase the stability of a slope and to stabilize a failed slope. These
methods may be adopted singly or in combination. In general, common adopted remedial measures
can be grouped into three main categories.
A. Geometrical method
This method is usually simple and cost effective. By changing the slope geometry from a steep slope
to a gentler slope, the stability of the slope can be increased. This method can be done by cutting the
slope and removal of any external load on top of the slope or to backfill the toe of the slope. However,
this method can only be adopted if there is sufficient space.
B. Drainage method
One of the slope failure factors is saturation and pore water pressure building up in the subsoil. If
drainage system is to be provided, the chances of building up pore water pressure and saturation of
subsoil can be minimized. This method can be very effective. However, the drainage system must be
maintained in order to perform effectively. It is easy to maintain the surface drains, but it is difficult to
maintain the subsoil drains. In general, this method is used in combination with other methods.
This method is generally more costly. However, due to its flexibility in a constrained site, it is always
the most commonly adopted method. The principle of this method is to use a retaining structure to
resist the downward forces of the soil mass. The retaining structures include gravity types of retaining
wall, cantilever wall, contiguous bored piles, caisson, steel sheet piles etc. Ground anchors or other
tie back system may be used together with the retaining structures if the driving forces are too large to
resist.
Slides or Plane failure are those in which dressing, surface and subsurface drainage and
the moving material slides along a more provision of retaining structures (gabion wall,
or less planar surface. These occur on breast wall).Use of live plants (vegetative turfing) ,
surfaces of weaknesses, such as faults jute coir & netting are used to control this slide. In
and bedding planes or at the contact special cases, soil nailing followed by shotcreting
between firm rock and overlying loose and stone pitching is in use. Shotcreting of the
soils. Plane failure may creep slowly or slope surface is recommended to protect the slope
move large distances rather suddenly. from infiltration of rainwater as well as from direct
The shallow deposit above the bed rock impact of the intense rainfall and runoff to prevent
slips down due to the loss of interface excessive erosion. However shot-creting is
shear strength. expensive, hence its use is limited to big projects.
Debris Flow: It is a common landslide in
the project area. It is usually associated
Management of surface and sub-surface water
with the high intensity of rainfall. Debris
comes under the first priority to control all type of
Flows (also called debris torrents) are
landslides. Gabion Check dams at suitable
movements in which loose soils, rocks
locations are usually built to control debris flows.
5 and organic matter combine with
Sometimes concrete check-dams are also built,
entrained water to form slurries that flow
especially when there is excessive quantity of
rapidly downslope or within a stream
debris flow with big boulders.
channel. Generally in steep slopes, they
become more powerful and dangerous as
they move down further.
Bio-engineering Mitigation Measure: The use of living plants either alone or in combination
with small scale civil engineering structures (gabion wall, check dams, surface drains, retaining
walls, etc.) or non-living plant material for reducing the shallow seated instability and controlling
erosion on slope is called bio-engineering. It is cost effective and involves no high tech. The
6 main advantage in bio-engineering technique is that civil engineering structures (gabion wall,
retaining wall, check dams) function very well for the first few years. Then their strength slowly
decreases with time, while live plants gain strength with time and they perform very well in the
end when civil engineering structures become almost functionless with time. Thus the
combination of these two makes a perfect solution for long-term slope stabilization.
Reinforced Earth Retaining Walls using Geogrids: Use of Geoogrid Retaining Walls is
7
illustrated with the following Pictures
Diagram
The formation width in built-up areas may result in creating hindrance to market opportunities, loading
and vending activities for the locals. This impact is temporary and minor negative in nature. The
impact of formation width on built-up area with respect to effects as discussed above may be in the
area where the alignment is passing through major areas are Muzaffarabad to Neelum valley Azad
Kashmir and Astore to Gilgit Baltistan which are the hub of economic activities. The mitigation
measures will include:
After construction and during the operation phase, some positive changes in land use are expected as
areas under construction camps and other auxiliary services will revert to their pre-project use.
The proposed tunnel project and access road are not passing through any forest. Hence no loss of
forest is anticipated. The few shrubs are getting affected along alignment, and at other activity areas.
There are no mature trees observed along the alignment and at other proposed project construction
activity areas.
The increased vehicular traffic and speed on the road may result in road safety issues like traffic
accidents. The accidents may also be due to tiredness of the drivers. This impact will be major and
negative in nature. The mitigation measures include:
These impacts will be mitigated by providing traffic signs to facilitate road users about speed limits
for light and heavy vehicles.
All lanes and sharp bends will be reflectorized to facilitate travelers at night.
Phone numbers to be contacted in an emergency shall be displayed at intervals.
Necessary road safety features have been incorporated in design to address safety issues.
There is no any public utilities will be affected creating disruption of public services and inconvenience
to the local residents Due to the proposed project.
In this section the environmental and socioeconomic impacts associated with the proposed project construction activities are discussed. Construction
activities here mean construction of camp site, road, tunnel, and associated activities. The identified impacts assessment is detailed in the below Table-47.
Environmental Project
Potential Impact Description CSR LF NOI GLOI DOI ROI SOI
Aspects Phase
Tunnelconstru Proper spoil disposal C To the extent possible reuse spoils as embankment /sub grade or Medium Low Direct Local Short Reversi High
ction other facilities of the railway Consultation with local government and term ble
community as to reuse spoils for urban or community infrastructure
construction
Tunnel Fossil finds may be C Finding of mineralized zones & fossil finds along the tunnel alignment Medium Low Direct Local Short Reversi High
excavations: disturbed Disturbance of will be brought to the notice of the Department of Geology and Mining term ble
Blasting rock formation, rock of the State Government for directions from their end Procurement of
operationsExtr movements and boulders from authorized suppliers
action of fragmentation
materials
Earth-stone Loss of vegetation C Woodland take will be conducted in compliance with relevant laws. Medium Low Direct Local Short Reversi High
excavation, Soil erosion issues Top soil to be reserved for future reclamation. Temporary drainage term ble
borrowing system will be built during dumping operation. Cutting/filling slopes will
be timely protected with engineering or green education on
environmental protection and identification of key Slopes, borrow /
disposal sites, stations and green belt along the alignment. Protected
plants will be provided to construction personnel. Education on
environmental protection and identificationof key.
Geology and Soil erosion, soil C The construction activity will involve clearing of land for the purpose of Medium Low Direct Local Short Reversi High
Soils contamination by the construction of proposed Tunnel and Road. No any other land will be term ble
spillage of fuel, oil and acquired. During construction, there is a potential for spills of fuel,
chemicals lubricating oils and chemicals that could lead to soil contamination.
Environmental Project
Potential Impact Description CSR LF NOI GLOI DOI ROI SOI
Aspects Phase
Slope Clearing and levelling for C The existing route passes apart from The unstable slope at a distance Medium Low Direct Local Short Reversi High
Failure/Landsli tunnel and road in the area. The landslides are very common features in the project term ble
de construction, Physical area because of the high steep terrain. Erosion and sediment input to
scarring of the the river is a function of landslides and riparian erosion processes.
landscape, Accelerated There are frequent talus accumulations along the side slopes of the
soil erosion, Disturbance river. These are typically in a state of stable equilibrium at their current
caused by the slope angle and environment, but become unstable when the
earthquake and equilibrium is disturbed. Excess water and earthquake shakings often
aftershocks, triggers landslides are in the project area. This issue is temporary
Reconstruction and within the area.
rehabilitation activities
and Aggravated the
landslides etc.
Water C During Construction activity surface water resources are used so there Medium Medium Direct Local Short Irreversi Medium
Resources is no chance of over exploitation or depletion of water resources in the term ble
project area. Groundwater source in the proposed project area is
stream/Nullahs used by locals, so proposed project activities will not
impact on local water resources. The main water resources are
springs, streams and Nullahs within the project area. so no major
issue will be raised due to water resources.
Air Quality C Construction activities can generate locally exhaust emission and dust Medium Medium Direct Local Short Irreversi Medium
during activities such as ‘earthmoving’ operations by using tower term ble
cranes, bulldozers etc. and other pollutants emission from heated
asphalt, generators and vehicles.
C The main source for GHG asphalt, generators and emissions will be Low Low Indirect National Long Irreversi Low
heated term ble
C HCFC and CFC’s if any of them used during project activities, can Low Low Indirect National Long Irreversi Low
deplete ozone layer. term ble
Noise Impacts at nearest C There is a potential of disturbance to nearby community due to noise. Medium Medium Direct Local Short Reversi Medium
community, Disturbance There is also potential of wildlife temporary relocation because of term ble
to the wildlife noise.
Waste Liquid waste: Risk of C The proposed project activity would generate liquid waste from Medium Low Direct Local Short Reversi Low
liquid waste campsite. term ble
contaminating aquifer, or
surface water
Environmental Project
Potential Impact Description CSR LF NOI GLOI DOI ROI SOI
Aspects Phase
Solid Waste (Non- C The proposed project works will result in the generation of a range of Low Low Direct Regiona Short Reversi Low
hazardous): Aesthetic non- hazardous solid wastes. l term ble
issues
Hazardous waste: soil, C Hazardous waste such as waste oil / asphalt, batteries, chemicals and Medium Medium Direct Local Short Reversi Medium
surface and aquifer clinical waste generated during construction and fabrication activities. term ble
contamination
Traffic Disturbance to local C During the project activities, the traffic movement on the linked/nearby Medium Medium Direct Local Short Reversi Medium
community roads and project site will increase. These roads are having term ble
appropriate movement, so no major issue will be raised due to
movement of vehicles.
Wildlife and Direct habitat loss and C The operation under consideration can result in short term Medium Low Direct Low Short Reversi Low
Habitat migration of wildlife, displacement of wildlife species along work areas corridors. There is term ble
Temporary Disturbance also potential of habitat loss because of clearing of area during
to Fauna, Hunting, construction activities.
Accidental killing of
wildlife
Natural Clearing of vegetation C There are no any mature trees cut and uprooted within the corridor. If Medium Low Direct Local Short Reversi Low
Vegetation the any plants cut and uprooted from the alignment. Every single tree term ble
being cut for road construction will be replaced by 10 trees
Socio- Local Procurement of C Local Procurement of Goods and Services will be Procured from local Positive Positive
economic Goods and Services and market, so it is benefit for locals. Due to Proposed Project activities Impact Impact
Environment Local Employment there will be employment opportunities for locals. Almost 250 to 300
personal will be required during construction activities unskilled jobs
which will generate work opportunities for locals
Disturbance to C The project area located near the existing road of Shounter to Astore, Low Low No Local Short Reversi Low
communities from there will be low medium traffic on average so there will be no major impact term ble
material and equipment issue for disturbance for local due project.
transport
Employment of Conflicts C The Potential employment related issue includes dissatisfaction
among local communities over the number of job offered to them,
disagreement of on definition of local and also on distribution of jobs
with the local communities.
Project and Communities C Intra-cultural differences between project staff and other areas and the Low Low No No No No Low
interference local communities can result in frictions. Impact impact impact impact
Consequence Severity Rating (CSR) Likelihood/Frequency (LF) Nature of Impact (NOI) Geographical Location of Impact (GLOI) Duration of Impact (DOI) Reversibility of Impact (ROI)
Significance of Impact (SOI)
The potential impacts of the proposed project have been discussed in the following sections. Where
appropriate, mitigation measures have also been included to reduce the unacceptable impacts. This
section includes a priority list of the most important measures that the project proponent should adopt
to ensure a practical, cost-effective and sufficient approach to impact mitigation. Information is
included as to how the recommended mitigation measures should be incorporated into detailed
project design and in the contract documents. Broadly, these measures can be classified into
following categories:
Avoiding the impact altogether by not taking certain proposed activity or parts of an activity, for
example, using Halon, HCFC and CFC-free equipment to avoid impact on ozone layer.
Minimizing impacts by limiting the degree or magnitude of the activity, for example, minimizing dust
emission by using water sprinkler.
The project proponent plays a vital role in developing the mitigation plan by identifying possible
mitigation measures and assessing the feasibility of proposed measures.
This section provides a summary of the residual effects that are likely to be present following
implementation of the mitigation measures.
Impacts on tunnel and road may arise from the following project activities:
Contamination of soil due to spillage of fuels, oils, asphalt or chemicals. Likely impacts of these
activities can include:
Soil contamination,
Potential Impacts
Ground water contamination can take place only if chemical substances get leached by
precipitation of water resources.
This is not the case with the present project, as the activity does not use any harmful ingredients,
which could leach down to water resources.
The tunneling is to be done in hard strata by Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), which is widely used
throughout the world. The tunneling underground portion of proposed project alignment will be done
through hard strata hence no major impact on flow of water resources.
The physical scarring caused by clearing and levelling during construction activities.
The total area affected would include approximately 12.7km of tunnel and 41.5km of access road, it
is expected that the project crew will use existing roads and tunnel for transportation of goods.
Construction should follow good industry practices to avoid unnecessary clearing outside of the
work corridors and likelihood of soil erosion along or across natural drainage paths.
Loss of topsoil may take place along the alignment of the proposed project.
The spillage and leakage of fuels, oils, asphalt and other chemicals may lead to soil contamination.
Possible contaminant sources include fuel, lubricant oil, asphalt and chemical storage areas at
sites, and all project vehicles.
The mitigation measures listed in following section of the report are adhered with.
Mitigation Measures
The extent possible reuse spoils as embankment /sub grade or other facilities of the tunnel and
road Consultation with local government and community as to reuse spoils for community
infrastructure construction and proper disposal of remain spoils in the identified spoils sites.
Geological advanced probe boring and prediction will be adopted.
Grouting will used to seal the leakage, and water discharge will limit.
Sedimentation and filtration ponds will be adopted at tunnel construction sites to treat wastewater
before discharged to nearby irrigation ditches strictly follow blast operation and safety codes.
Prior notice will be announcement to local community Prior safety inspection of nearby buildings for
determination of blasting method and dosage.
Presplitting blasting, perimeter Blasting and millisecond blasting technique will be used for tunnels
in sensitive areas to minimize blasting impact on wildlife Blast time arranged in daytime to minimize
disturbance on wildlife.
Finding of mineralized zones & fossil finds along the tunnel alignment will be brought to the notice
of the Department of Geology and Mining of the State Government for directions from their end
Procurement of boulders from authorized suppliers Woodland take will be conducted in compliance
with relevant laws.
The top soil is also to be reserved for future reclamation. Temporary drainage system will be built
during dumping operation. Cutting/filling slopes will be timely protected with engineering or green
education on environmental protection and identification of key Slopes, borrow / disposal sites,
stations and green belt along the alignment.
Education on environmental protection and identification of key Crushers and Batching Plants
should be sited sufficiently away from settlements and agricultural operations or any commercial
establishments.
Such plants will be located at maximum distance away from the nearest village/settlement
preferably in the downwind direction. The Contractor shall submit a detailed lay-out plan for all such
sites and approval of Environmental Expert of Site Engineer shall be necessary prior to their
establishment.
Arrangements to control dust pollution through provision of windscreens, sprinklers, and dust
encapsulation will have to be provided at all such sites.
Specifications of crushers and batching plants will comply with the requirements of the relevant
current emission control legislations for all such plants shall be submitted to the Site Engineer and
NHA.
The Contractor shall not initiate plant/s operation till the required legal clearances are obtained and
submitted.
Residual Impact
The land use will change as a result of construction of the tunnel and road project. The nature of
impact is direct and its duration is short term in nature but takes time to rehabilitate the natural
environment of the area, so the overall significance of impact is high. If the mitigation measures are
effectively implemented, the residual impact of the proposed activities on the area‘s geophysical
environment is expected to be reduced in significance.
Impacts on geomorphology and soils may arise from the following project activities:
The physical scarring caused by clearing and levelling during construction activities could lead to
alteration of soil quality by removal of topsoil, losses of plant cover and limited soil erosion induced by
disturbance to native soil.
The total area affected would include approximately 12.7km of tunnel and 41.5km of access road, it
is expected that the project crew will use existing roads and tunnel for transportation of goods.
Construction should follow good industry practices to avoid unnecessary clearing outside of the
work corridors and likelihood of soil erosion along or across natural drainage paths.
Loss of topsoil may take place along the alignment of the proposed project. The spillage and
leakage of fuels, oils, asphalt and other chemicals may lead to soil contamination. Possible
contaminant sources include fuel, lubricant oil, asphalt and chemical storage areas at sites, and all
project vehicles. A spill prevention plan will be developed and implemented. The mitigation
Mitigation Measures
The proposed mitigation measures to reduce the impacts on geology, topography, and soil during the
proposed construction activities are:
Unnecessary clearing of vegetation and offset clearing shall be strictly prohibited; Vehicle speeds
shall be regulated and monitored to avoid excessive dust emissions;
Off-road travel should be avoided and observance of this should be monitored during the operation;
Vehicles and equipment would not be repaired in the field. If unavoidable, impervious sheathing /
drip trays will be used to avoid soil and water contamination.
Waste oils should be collected in drums and disposed-off through recycling / waste contractors.
Regular inspections would be carried out to detect leakages in construction vehicles and
equipment.
Fuels, lubricants, and chemicals will be stored in covered and with bunded walls, underlain with
impervious lining.
Appropriate arrangements for spill control, including shovels, plastic bags and absorbent materials,
will be available near fuel and oil storage areas.
Residual Impact
The land use will change as a result of construction of the tunnel and road project. The nature of
impact is direct and its duration is short term in nature but takes time to rehabilitate the natural
environment of the area, so the overall significance of impact is high. If the mitigation measures are
effectively implemented, the residual impact of the proposed activities on the area‘s geophysical
environment is expected to be reduced in significance.
Impacts on slope failure may arise from the following project activities:
The slope is comprised of mainly metamorphic and sedimentary rock. Some section of the existing
road is covered with rock fragments due to weathering and erosion. Nevertheless, fewer landslide
prone areas are identified in the project area. Most of landslides are mainly debris flow and rock falls
due to the geological weak formation and a steep slope. A section from Gorikot to Rattu needs to
clear slope surface where rock falls are ongoing sporadically. After Rattu village, sweeping away due
to rainfall /snow melting is the same problematic issue of debris-flow within the project area, but the
existing route passes apart from the unstable slope at a distance. The landslides are very common
features in the project area because of the high steep terrain. Erosion and sediment input to the river
is a function of landslides and riparian erosion processes. There are frequent talus accumulations
along the side slopes of the river. These are typically in a state of stable equilibrium at their current
slope angle and environment, but become unstable when the equilibrium is disturbed. Excess water
and earthquake shakings often trigger landslides are in the project area.
Mitigation Measures
The following proposed mitigation measures to reduce the impacts on during the proposed
construction activities are:
Hard Engineering (Protection wall, Check drawing, Diversion channels, Breast walls, Surface drains
and Retaining walls
Soil Cover (Vegetative cover by synthetic materials, Reforestation and Green grid with plantation,
Residual Impact
The nature of impact is direct and its duration is short term in nature but takes time to rehabilitate the
natural environment of the area, so the overall significance of impact is high. If the mitigation
measures are effectively implemented, the residual impact of the proposed activities on the area‘s
geophysical environment is expected to be reduced in significance.
Proposed activities could affect the area‘s water resources in two ways:
Estimate demand in water resources to meet the requirements would be fulfilled from Sperings and
Streams/Nullahas within the project area. The main source of water is Gorikot, Rehmanpur, Chugam,
Nasirabad, Rattu, Mirmalik and Morcha Guzair and Shounter, and top nullahas and streams and
springs of the project area. The surface water resource of the project area is snow melt and
streams/nullaha. Groundwater is also available in the majority of the area springs and streams/nullahs
etc.Tapped water supply is considered to be the most hygienic source of drinking water which is
available in the project area. In project area there is a water supply system which has been built by
local people with the help of AKRSP. Water supply is partially available in Astore, Gorikot, Rattu and
Shounter valleys.
Water will be required during construction activities. Water will be procured from both ground and
surface water resources. Water conservation practices will be utilized to reduce the overall water
consumption during proposed project activities. The water is fit for construction process while ground
water resources will be utilized at camp sites. Surface or groundwater quality may deteriorate if
pollutants are mixed with surface runoff during rain and snowmelt carried to water resources in the
vicinity, or seeped in the ground. Potential sources of pollution in such cases may include:
Sewage from the camp should go into an impermeable septic tank. The impermeable septic tank will
prevent untreated sewage from polluting surface water.
Mitigation Measures
The mitigation measures described below will ensure that the project area‘s surface and aquifer
resources are not significantly affected by project activities.
A water management plan will be developed. The plan will also include strategies to minimize water
use (and therefore volume of discharge) and maintain reserves;
Follow good housekeeping practices with all machinery that may potentially discharge wastewater;
Effluents from the camp offices and the residential camps will be treated in the septic tank before its
disposal. The treated water (if confirming to NEQS) will be used for tree plantation or will be
disposed-off through waste contractor (if effluent does not confirm to NEQS). The septic tank will be
completely covered, so that surface runoff may not come in contact with the effluent.
Fuels, lubricants, and chemicals will be stored in covered and with bund walls, underlain with
impervious lining.
Residual Impact
Water is available along the entire alignment of proposed project. Some locations surface water will
be used and some locations ground water will be used. The main sources of the project area are
springs and stream/nullas. The streams and Nullahs are main source of irrigation system in the
project area. Further, proper implementation of the required mitigation and monitoring techniques will
prevent any adverse water quality impacts. Residual impacts are foreseen to be negligible / low in this
case.
Combustion products (nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and
volatile organic compounds) from generators;
The sources of emissions during construction activities will not be significantly enough to alter the
ambient air quality at a regional level. The emissions will disperse quickly with the prevalent wind
currents. All generators, vehicles, equipment and machinery will be properly maintained during the
operation to minimize emissions. Other factors that support the insignificant nature of the impact are:
Dust Emissions: Dust emissions during construction can be an issue. Potential sources of dust
emission during construction activities include earthworks (dirt or debris pushing and grading),
exposed surfaces, exposed storage piles, truck dumping, hauling, vehicle movement, blasting, and
concrete mixing and batching. Dust emitted during construction activities can result in deterioration of
ambient air quality in the vicinity of the source, and be a nuisance to the communities, bad for
agriculture fields and construction workers itself. Dust clouds also reduce road visibility, creating a
traffic hazard.
Vehicle and Equipment Exhaust Emissions: Combustion processes in generators and other
construction equipment result in exhaust gases that can affects the ambient air quality locally.
Emissions produced by vehicles and equipment will be in terms of the resulting pollutants (SO2, NOX,
PM, etc.). However, the environmental issue can be avoided by using properly maintained equipment.
Emissions from Heated Asphalt: Raw asphalt may be heated at site (open burning) during the road
asphalting process. This process is results in exhaust gases that can affect the ambient air quality
locally. Emissions produced by open burning will be in terms of the resulting pollutants (SO2, NOX,
CO2, etc.). However, the environmental issue can be avoided by using prepared heated asphalt.
Mitigation Measures
The mitigation measures given below will further reduce their impact, and ensure that they remain
within acceptable limits.
Water will be sprinkled daily or when there is an obvious dust problem on all exposed surfaces to
suppress emission of dust. Frequency of sprinkling will be kept such that the dust remains under
control, particularly when wind is blowing towards the receptors.
All equipment, generators, and vehicles used during the project will be properly tuned and
maintained in good working condition in order to minimize exhaust emissions;
Construction materials that are susceptible to dust formation will be transported only in securely
covered trucks to prevent dust emission during transportation.
All project vehicles will be checked regularly to ensure that engines are in sound working condition
and are not emitting smoke;
Residual Impact
Implementation of the proposed mitigation measures is likely to leave no long-term residual impact on
the ambient air.
The main source for GHG emissions will be generator and vehicle emissions and emission from the
preheated asphalt during the project activity. The overall rating given to impact is low because the
GHG emissions generated will be less and to minimize the impact all vehicles, generators and other
equipment used during the construction will be properly tuned and maintained in good working
condition. By implementing the mitigation measures. Ambient Air Quality, the residual impact of the
proposed activities is expected to be insignificant.
The proposed project will not use any source of ozone depleting compounds such as Halon, CFC,
HCFC or any other source which deplete the ozone layer, so the overall assessment of the impact is
significantly low.
Potential sources of noise pollution will include operation of generators, machinery, construction
equipment, and vehicles during the project activities. The potential noise related issues during
construction activities would disturb workers and the surrounding communities of proposed ROW
Project.
The potential sources of significant noise during the construction period include the construction
machinery, generators at camps and construction related traffic. There is no continuous major source
of noise in the communities. Intermittent sources of noise found during the field survey included farm
tractors and road traffic. Increased noise levels during construction activities can be a source of
nuisance for locals and a source of disturbance to wildlife. The main exposure of noise pollution will
be on crew members. To minimize exposure to noise, personal protective equipment (PPE) will be
used by the workers.
Construction noise levels at the nearest receptor in the nearby village, located from the proposed
alignment, would fluctuate depending on the type, number, distance from receptor, and duration of
use of various construction equipment. In this analysis, the noise level due to each equipment likely to
be used in the construction of the tunnel and access road, would initially be calculated. The noise
level results would be compared with National Environmental Quality Standards for Noise to meet the
permissible limits.
There is also a potential of temporary wildlife relocation because of noise, so to reduce this impact,
night work will be minimized thus reducing the disturbance to wildlife. The overall impact level is
medium in significance as the likelihood of occurrence is medium.
Mitigation Measures
All on-site personnel will use required PPEs in high noise areas that will be clearly marked.
Proper engineering control will be applied to noise producing sources like generator.
It will be ensured that generators, vehicles and other potentially noisy equipment used are in good
condition. Noise from generators, vehicles, other equipment and machinery will be kept to the
minimum through regular maintenance.
The strategy to minimize the noise in the community to within acceptable limits will be based on the
following:
Residual Impact
By implementing the above mitigation measures the overall impact will be significantly low. Residual
noise impact is expected to be low from the construction activities of the proposed project corridor.
The expected waste generated during construction activities and their proposed methods of disposal
are discussed below Table-48.
Likely impacts from Hazardous and non- hazardous waste generated by construction activities (if
disposed-off improperly) can include:
All the waste generated during construction activities will be disposed-off through implementation of
an effective waste management plan. By proper implementation of a waste management plan, the
overall potential risk/impact will be significantly low.
Domestic Wastes: Domestic wastes generated during construction activities will include sewage or
black water, grey water (from kitchen, laundry, and showers), kitchen wastes, and recyclable wastes.
Sewage or black water will be treated and disposed by means of a septic tank and will be reused for
plantation. Grey water will also be collected for reuse in garden or plantation. Organic waste or
compostable material including vegetation waste, food waste and leaves of trees will be utilized for bin
composting. Compost would be used as soil conditioner or fertilizer for plants. Recyclable materials
such as paper, card board, textiles, plastics, tin and aluminum cans will be hauled away by contractor
for recycling.
Oil Stains and Spills: Fuel or oil stains, leakage or spill during construction operations can result in
contamination of soil and water. Consequently, spill containment will be used for all fuel and lubricant
storage. All spills to ground will be remediated as soon as reasonably practical. The waste
management plan will be developed to include this.
Mitigation Measures
A waste management plan will be developed before the start of the project activities. Key elements of
the waste management system will be the following:
On-site handling
Waste bins will be placed inside the boundary. All waste removed from the site will be under license
and handled by an approved contractor. All hazardous waste will be separated from other waste.
Audits
On-site audits of the waste management will be undertaken on a regular basis during the project
activity;
Audits of the waste disposal contractors and waste disposal facilities will be undertaken on a
regular basis to ensure the implementation of waste handling and disposal procedures.
Records
Records of all waste generated during the project activity period will be maintained. Quantities of
waste disposed, recycled, or reused will be logged on a waste tracking register.
Disposal
All non-hazardous waste material that cannot be recycled or reused will be disposed of as per
waste management plan;
Depending on the nature and quantity of the hazardous waste, it will be disposed of by licensed
hazardous waste contractors as per the waste management plan;
Training will be provided to personnel for identification, segregation, and management of waste;
An emergency response plan will be developed for the hazardous waste (and substances)
Equipment and material containing asbestos, poly-chlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and ozone
depleting substances (ODSs) will not be used.
Residual Impact
Even after implementation of the above measures, it is possible that some littering may take place.
Monitoring will be undertaken to minimize the residual impact.
7.7.10 TRAFFIC
Potential Impacts
The nearest community settlement is located along the assess road and also 05km from the proposed
tunnel project at various locations. The proposed project final alignment option is to use existing road
along the respective stretches of the road, so all the proposed project related traffic will use existing
road and thus ensuring that the community will be least influenced by the construction vehicle
movement.
Mitigation Measures
Residual Impacts
By implementing the above mitigation measures the overall impact will be significantly low, so the
residual impact is low.
There is no any landuse will be affected due to the proposed project. The construction of the
proposed project, better transport facilities and opportunities will be available to the local communities
and tourism industries.
During the construction activities, there will be possible disturbance to wildlife which will be due to
disturbance and loss of habitat, clearing and levelling of construction site. Wildlife may also be
disturbed due to sensory disturbance from earthwork, blasting, construction; movement of vehicles
and crew personnel. This can possibly result in changes in distribution and abundance.
To minimize the impact, vegetation loss will be kept to an absolute minimum. Cutting of trees will be
avoided. No-hunting and no-trapping policy will be strictly enforced, unless human life is under threat.
Most of the animals in the region are common to the area. Birds are least susceptible to the long-term
impact of temporary activities, as they are highly mobile and tend to avoid areas of project activity.
There are some endangered or vulnerable species are observed in the proposed project area. So, the
overall significant impact but this is temporary nature.
Mitigation Measures
The following mitigation measures will reduce the adverse impact on the wildlife of the project area:
Vegetation loss will be kept to an absolute minimum. Cutting of large trees will be avoided;
Compensatory planting for ten trees against each fallen tree of similar floral function will be
followed;
Compensation for the loss of trees owned by the affected people will be provided;
Introduction of invasive/ exotic species and native species will be recommended for plantation;
Animal corridors for the free movement of faunal species, especially, near the wildlife protected
areas, grazing lands, and water bodies will be arranged. Care will also be taken for provision of
crossings for the free movement and access to streams/nullas in the area of influence of the project
during different seasons;
‗no-hunting, no-trapping, no-harassing‘ policy will be strictly enforced, unless threatening to human
life.
Uncontrolled discharge of waste of any kind shall be controlled in the area; discharging firearms will
be explicitly prohibited;
General awareness of the crew will be enhanced regarding the wildlife, through environmental
training, notice board postings, tool box talks etc.;
The project staff will be educated and instructed to avoid killing. Feeding or harassment of wildlife
will not be allowed;
Physical disturbance to areas outside the work corridors will be avoided; The total duration of
All mitigation measures to minimize noise levels, dust emissions, air emissions, and waste
management required by the EIA will be adhered to;
Movement of all project personnel will be restricted to work areas and day time;
The proper pathway will be provided at major water bodies for the movement of both terrestrial and
aquatic species in the proposed alignment of ROW project.
Residual Impact
Once the mitigation measures given above are implemented, it is expected that the project will have
lesser significant impacts on the area‘s wildlife.
Clearing of or damage to vegetation due to camp road construction activities will occur due to:
For the establishment of proposed tunnel, road and camps; different areas will be cleared, there are
no any mature trees within the project activity area but few small plants are observed. No rare,
sensitive or vulnerable species are recorded or reported in the study area. To minimize the impact;
camp sites and access routes will be constructed on those areas where vegetation loss may be
avoided and unnecessary damage to vegetation will be avoided. Moreover, the small vegetation will
be removed only in the alignment of tunnel construction while area along the road side will be avoided
for any extra cutting of trees. After the completion the project tree species will be planted as per
ecological conditions of the respective project area. The significance of the impact is reduced and any
loss of vegetation is reversible.
Mitigation Measures
The following mitigation measures will reduce any adverse impact on vegetation:
Small vegetation clearing from tunnel, road site and camp sites will be kept to a minimum;
When developing new access roads, and tunnel routes that minimize vegetation loss will be
chosen, avoiding unnecessary damage to vegetation;
Potential sources of positive and meditative impacts on local communities can include:
Safety and Security: The operations may affect the safety and security of the inhabitants of the areas
in the following ways: conflicts between residents and the construction contractors, carriage of fire
arms on the site will be banned. Community sensitive project planning and implementation as
prescribed through the recommended mitigation measures will minimize the occurrence of any such
impacts. Further project vehicles will use the existing road to extent possible and there will be least
road safety issues.
Mobility and Transportation: The project activities may affect mobility of local women. Project
personnel will be given gender sensitization briefings and will be instructed to respect local norms, the
local culture, particularly in relation to the women folk of the area. Moreover, arrangement of the
workers from the local communities will also help to follow the local norms in better way.
Project and Community Interface: Inter-cultural differences between the project staff from other areas
and the local community could result in frictions.
To mitigate these issues locals will preferred for unskilled jobs. Also with proper management of the
workforce, it is possible to avoid any complaints.
Cultural and Religious Opportunities: Cultural sites in the form of mosques and graveyards etc.;
exist in the proximity of proposed project area. It will be assured to avoid such places in order to
maintain respect for such places.
Local Economy: There will be positive impact on local economy due to project activities:
Increased turnover of local businesses and shops due to an increased demand from project
contractors and their employees. During the proposed project activities such as construction,
material such as the gravel, aggregate, steel, cement, sand for site construction will be procured
from local market. General supplies which include camp supplies (food, etc.), fuels and oils etc. will
also be procured from nearest urban areas.
An increase in the income of locals may occur due to employment in the project.
Local Employment
Distribution of employment opportunities during construction activities. Local people will be hired for
unskilled jobs. When hiring local people, preference will be given to people living within the close
proximity of project site, as they will be the most directly influenced by the project.
Mitigation Measures
Limit the social interaction between the workforce and the local communities;
All vehicle drivers will be trained in community safety aspects. Drivers will be trained in responsible
and safe driving practices; safe speed limits for vehicles will be followed;
The construction crew‘s interaction with the local population will be minimized.
The project proponent and the contractor will maintain liaison with the local community. The
communities will be informed of the construction activities well in advance.
The company will maintain a social complaint register at the site to document all complaints
received from local communities. The register will also record the measures taken to mitigate these
concerns.
Awareness and cultural inductions to educate the contractor workforce on the requirement of
minimizing social interaction with local communities;
The non-local project staff will be sensitized to local culture and norms.
Unnecessary interaction of local population with the non-local project staff will be avoided.
Residents of the area will be informed at least two weeks before project activities commence.
Maximum number of unskilled and semi-skilled jobs will be reserved for the local communities.
In this section, the environmental and socioeconomic impacts associated with the proposed project
operation activities are discussed. The impacts that are discussed are as follows:
Environmental Impacts
Air Emissions
Water Resources
Green House Gas Emissions
Hazardous Material
Ozone Depletion
Noise
Wastewater
Waste Management
Occupational Health and Safety
Impacts on local air quality may arise from the following project activities:
Particulate matter emissions results from unburned carbon and impurities in fuels Likely impacts of
these activities can include:
Global Warming (Increase in CO2 and NOx in the atmosphere can cause global warming)
Acid Precipitation (impact on aquatic ecosystem of surface water and ground water through
acidification)
Road activities can have a major impact on the local and regional air quality. The pollutants can
seriously impair human health and ecological environment and other materials. The emissions include
sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and particulates (which may
contain trace metals). The emission levels depend on the type and size of facility, the type and quality
of fuel and the manner in which it is burned.
A significant impact will be interpreted if the concentration of pollutants in the ambient air exceeds
the NEQS or recognized international guidelines for ambient air quality such as World Bank and
World Health Organization (WHO) ambient air quality guidelines.
The impact will also be considered significant if the pollutants emission level as well as the ground
level concentration exceed the values as set out by GB- EPA.
It is obvious that the transport will be shifted from nearby roads to proposed Project. Still there will
be an increase in transportation. This distribution of traffic will share the air pollution load which will
result in a slight change in existing air quality scenario in proposed project area.
Mitigation Measures
The proposed mitigation measures to reduce the impacts on air quality during the proposed operation
activities are:
Monitoring of Ambient air parameters (CO, PM10, SO2, and NOx etc.) should be carried out on
annual basis.
Residual Impact
If the mitigation measures are effectively implemented, the residual impact of the proposed activities
on the area‘s air quality is expected to be low in significance.
Proposed activities could affect the area‘s water resources in two ways:
The surface water bodies may get polluted due to uncontrolled release of contaminated storm
water/road runoff from road surfaces
Surface water quality may deteriorate if pollutants are mixed with surface runoff during rain and
carried to water resources in the vicinity. The pollutants associated with the road-runoff include:
Hydrocarbons such as fuel and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from wear and tear of the road
surface, tires, lubricants leaking from vehicles and from unburnt fuels
Mitigation Measures
The mitigation measures described below will ensure that the project area‘s aquifer resources are not
significantly affected by project activities.
In order to discharge rapid removal of storm-water/road runoff, cross slopes and longitudinal
drainage will be provided in the design. Well-designed cross drainage structures limit ponding
across embankments
Retention basins with reed beds provided in the design will improve the quality of polluted storm-
water/road runoff;
The surface water quality monitoring will also be carried out at defined intervals
Residual Impact
Water resources may get polluted due to contaminated road runoff on earthen shoulders and
embankments planted with grasses. However, the areas in the immediate vicinity of the proposed
project will be avoided for vegetation due to the risk of contamination. Water quality monitoring will be
carried out as per schedule suggested in the Environmental Monitoring Plan.
Greenhouse gases are released as a result of combustion process. The increase in greenhouse gas
emissions in the atmosphere due to human activities such as combustion and land use change
contributes to the global warming.
The Kyoto Protocol is an amendment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC) an international treaty on global warming. Ratifying developed countries commit
to reduce their combined greenhouse gas levels. Islamic Republic of Pakistan ratified the United
Nations Framework on climate change in January 1994 and is a party to other international
agreements concerning climate change. Developing countries including Pakistan have no obligation
beyond monitoring and reporting emissions.
Mitigation Measures
There are no generally accepted methods for the mitigation of CO2, emissions. However, one
possible mitigation strategies will be given consideration. This includes;
Residual Impacts
CO2 emissions contributes to the global warming however, CO2 emissions from the proposed project
will be considerably less as it is expected that there will be shifting of traffic from the nearby roads
towards proposed Road so overall emissions will be with limited increase.
Although, there will be no use of hazardous material during the operational phase except for cleaning
agent; still oil leakages from the vehicles are expected. Moreover, oil storage at rest areas might be
expected for generators etc. These chemicals have a potential to harm human health and
contaminate soil, surface and groundwater if not handled correctly.
A significant impact will be interpreted if the hazardous materials are not handled properly. These
chemicals and hazardous materials will be handled following the mitigation measures described
below:
Mitigation Measures
A chemical and hazardous material handling procedure will be prepared that will contain:
Storage areas for fuels and liquid chemicals will be designed with secondary containment to
prevent spills and contamination of soil and groundwater.
Labeling will be placed on all storage containers as appropriate to national and international
standards. The labeling will clearly identify the stored materials.
Supporting information such as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) will be available for all
hazardous materials.
Residual Impacts
Implementation of the proposed mitigation measures is not likely to leave any significant impact.
7.7.15.4 NOISE
Potential Issues
The proposed ROW project may result in increase in noise. The increased noise may be a source of
disturbance to nearby communities.
Noise sources in the community are mostly intermittent in nature including road traffic specifically
during day times. The NEQS for noise require that the sound level in residential areas should not
exceed 65 dB (A) during the day and 55 dB (A) during the night.
Mitigation Measures
The following mitigation measure will be undertaken in order to further reduce the noise levels.
The noise producing vehicles will not be allowed to enter in the areas.
Tree plantation to reduce the effect of noise pollution.
Residual Impacts
Implementation of the mitigation measure proposed above will result in negligible / no residual impact
due to noise on surrounding environment.
The solid waste generated during the operational phase of proposed project can pose a health
hazard, pollute soil, surface and ground water if not managed properly.
A significant impact will be interpreted if the waste management is not carried out properly;
which may affect the health of nearby communities, pollution of soil, surface or groundwater:
The operation of the proposed project will generate a relatively minor volume of solid wastes. This
solid waste will be domestic in nature.
Domestic waste from the Tunnel and Road activities which will include, waste from kitchen and
general rubbish, recyclable waste such as empty containers, paper, plastics bottles etc.
All wastes generated from the project will be properly managed by proposed controls discussed in
the following section. The environmental impacts will be minimum after the implementation of the
proposed mitigations.
Mitigation Measures
Recyclable material will be separated at source. The recyclable waste will be sold to waste
contractors for recycling.
No waste will be dumped at any location outside the proposed project boundary.
Records of all waste generated will be maintained. Quantities of waste disposed, recycled, or
reused will be logged on a Waste Tracking Register.
Training will be provided to personnel for identification, segregation, and management of waste.
Residual Impacts
Proper implementation of the mitigation measures will ensure that the residual impact from waste is
minimum.
Mitigation Measures
Providing basic medical training, road safety training to specified work staff and basic medical
service during operations
Firefighting equipment, safe storage of hazardous material, first aid, security, fencing, and
contingency measures in case of accidents
Provision of adequate sanitation, washing, cooking and dormitory facilities including light up to
satisfaction;
Adequate signage, safety cones, lightning devices, barriers, yellow tape and persons with flags
during operations to manage traffic;
There should be proper spill control for Oil spillage / leakage of vehicle;
Efforts will be made to create awareness about road safety among the drivers;
Seeking cooperation with local educational facilities (school teachers) for road safety campaigns;
Provision of proper safety and diversion signage, particularly at urban areas and at
sensitive/accident-prone spots;
The proposed project is expected to appreciate the current land values of associated villages, towns
and cities. Land owners will have an opportunity to sell their land on increased prices and start new
businesses. This impact will be major positive in nature.
Employment
The project will generate directly hundreds of jobs during the construction phase of the project. The
project operational phase will also generate new jobs. Most of these vacancies will be filled by
Pakistani nationals as well as locals.
Similarly, the construction and operation of the project will create far greater number of indirect
income resources for example income resource for transporters for the transportation of the
materials, procurement of goods from local market etc.
Overall the proposed project will have a very positive impact on the employment opportunities in
Pakistan.
Plantation Plan
The two plantation plans have been recommended as ―Minimum Requirement‖ with 1 row of plants on
each side of the road, and, ―Desirable Requirement‖ with 2 rows of plants on each side of the road.
Details of both the plans are given below:
Minimum Requirement
Two rows of plants (one row on each side) will be raised of the proposed Tunnel and access road.
Plant to plant distance will be kept as 2 meters, so there will be 500 plants in one row of one Km
length. Total road stretch is approximately 41.5km in length; therefore, number of plants to be raised
on both sides (one row on each side) will be 41,500.
Desirable requirement
Four rows of plants (two rows on each side) will be raised of the proposed Tunnel and access road.
Therefore, the number of plants, which can be raised along the entire length of the Tunnel and access
road are (41,500 x 2) 83,000.
1) These plants are to be planted along the access road and within the loops. Native species would
be planted and no invasive/ exotic species would be introduced.
2) As per recommendation of District Forest officer (Astore), he wants to introduce native species
related to the area on the row.
3) The cost of raising one-kilometer (1000 meter) length of plantation, with 500 plants in one row,
has been estimated as Rs. 71,920/- including price of plants, earthwork, procurement of manures,
continued supply of water to young plants throughout the year and its maintenance one (1) year.
4) Based on estimated costing for minimum requirement the total cost would be Rs. 5,969,360/- and
for desirable requirement the total cost would be Rs. 11,938,720/- for 41.5km long access road
(from shounter to Gorikot).
Landscape
The proposed project of Shounter Tunnel and access road passes through two Districts, Astore of
Gilgit Baltistan and Neelum of Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K). The project area consists mainly of
hilly terrain with steep slopes having some patches and strips of flat land being used for settlements
and agriculture. Some residents have converted the gentle slopes into terraces, where crops are
grown and orchards are raised. The interventions of the shounter tunnel project are not likely to
impact the topography of the area on a large scale except for those areas which will be submerged in
the tunnel and where the physical activities of excavation, digging and movement of heavy machinery
will take place. Similarly, areas where excavated material from tunnels will be disposed, dumped or
stored will be negatively affected. The proposed shounter tunnel access road is existing road.
However, after the construction of proposed project, the landscape of the project area will be changed
in terms of better road infrastructure, construction of bridges and planned plantation of trees along the
RoW. This will temporarily change the landscape of the project area due to loss of little agricultural
land and some small shrubs but at the same time will have a positive impact in terms of socio-
economic development of the project area.
Community Development
Improved community infrastructure will promote new business opportunities. In addition, such an
activity will also increase the land value that will benefit the local residents. This impact will be
permanent and major positive in nature.
The EMP is a tool that serves as to manage environmental impacts and specifically focuses on
implementation of mitigation measures in its true sense against likely environmental impacts.
Define legislative requirements, guidelines and best practices that apply to the project;
Define a monitoring mechanism and identify monitoring parameters in order to: Ensure the
complete implementation of all mitigation measures.
Provide a mechanism for taking timely action in the face of unanticipated environmental situations;
Environmental monitoring
Training programme
The EIA has discussed national and international legislation and guidelines that are relevant to the
project; proponent will ensure that the project is conducted in conformance to the project proponent
corporate environmental policy, national legislation and relevant international conventions and that
guidance is sought from national and international guidelines. Project proponent will also ensure that
its key project management staff and all its assigned contractors are aware of these legislation and
guidelines prior to the start of project activities. The details on national and international legislation
and guidelines are given in Chapter 2 of the report.
This section provides an organizational structure for environmental management during the proposed
project operation and defines the roles and responsibilities of the various players for the duration of
the project. The proposed project includes the following organizations: NHA as the project proponent
and owners of the EMP;
Project construction contractor(s) as executors of the EMP during construction phase of the project;
Operation & Maintenance (O&M) team as executor of the EMP during the operational phase of the
project.
These organizations will have the following roles and responsibilities during the project.
National Highway Authority (NHA) as project proponent will be responsible for ensuring the
implementation of the EMP. NHA will be responsible for the overall environmental performance of the
project. Project proponent will monitor the environmental performance of the project to ensure that the
project is carried out in accordance with governing legislation, project proponent corporate policies
and recommendations of this EIA. Details of specific NHA personnel involved in the project are given
below:
Project Director: Project Director will be responsible for the successful implementation of the Project.
He will be assisted by the Supervision Consultants. Project Director will have a Deputy Director for the
said project.
Director (Environment, Social and Land/Resettlement): The Director (Environment) will be the overall
Incharge for handling NHA‘s obligations with respect to the EMP. The Director (Environment) will
depute one Deputy Director (Environment) for the Project, who will be responsible for ensuring that
the provisions of the EMP and Site-Specific Environmental Management Plan (SSEMP) are
implemented. Deputy Director (Environment) will be assisted by Assistant Director (Environment) for
the execution of Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the Project. Deputy Director (Social and
Land/Resettlement) will be responsible for the land acquisition and resettlement related issues.
To coordinate with regulatory agencies including EPA, EIA consultant, local NGOs, that could
assist the NHA in independent reviews of environmental and social compliance;
To supervise environmental and social assessment reports, and provide substantial inputs and
guidance to the EIA consultant;
Supervise Project design consultant to get the approval of EIA from the EPA Gilgit Baltistan;
To ensure that the design consultant has incorporated all the mitigation measures proposed for the
design phase in the design and included in the contract documents;
NHA will appoint design consultants, supervision consultants, construction contractor(s) for the
construction, testing and commissioning of the proposed project including the auxiliary facilities.
Design Consultant: Design consultant will ensure that all the mitigation measures designated for the
design phase are incorporated in the design and included in the contract documents.
Supervision Consultants: Supervision consultants appointed by the Project Director (NHA) will be
headed by a ―Project Manager‖. Supervision consultant along with his team will supervise the Project
contractors to ensure quality of work and fulfilment of contractual obligations. The Supervision
Consultant (SC) will provide one Environmental Specialist/ Monitoring Consultant (MC) who will:
Ensure that all the environmental and social parameters/provisions comply with the applicable
standards;
Ensure that day-to-day construction activities are carried out in an environmentally sound and
sustainable manner;
Organize periodic environmental training programs and workshops for the Contractors‘ staff and
NHA site staff in consultation with the NHA; and
Develop ―good practices‖ construction guidelines to assist the Contractors and NHA staff in
implementing the EMP;
Construction Contractor: EMP will be made a part of the contract agreement and the contractor will
ensure that all Project activities are in compliance with the EMP and NEQS.
Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Contractor: Similarly, Operations and Maintenance (O&M)
team will be appointed during operational phase of the project. These contractors will be responsible
for implementation of, or adherence to, all provisions of the EMP and with any environmental and
other codes of conduct required by project proponent. Overall responsibility for environmental
performance of the operation will be the liability of the senior management of the contractors. Site
managers of the contractors will be responsible for the effective implementation of the EMP.
Contractual Provisions: Adherence to the requirements of the EIA, EMP and GBEPA provided NOC
in terms of environmental mitigation will be required from all project contractors and suppliers and
thus EMP will form part of their contracts with project proponent.
Design and operations of the proposed project have been described in Chapter 3 of the EIA report.
Following approval of the EIA, if any aspect of the operations or requirements of the EIA need to be
changed, project proponent will categorize that change in accordance with the Change Management
Plan provided in following sections of this EMP and take appropriate measures thereon.
Approvals
Obtaining No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Gilgit Baltistan Environment Protection Agency
(GBEPA) will not relieve the proponent or its appointed contractors or suppliers of any other legal
obligations and hence the proponent and its contractors and suppliers will obtain all other relevant
clearances and necessary approvals required by the Government of Gilgit Baltistan prior to
commencing the respective operations. The Deputy Director (Environment) will sustain a working
partnership among the NHA, EPA Gilgit, Forest and Wildlife Dept. and other organizations.
Project proponent will ensure that co-ordination required with the project stakeholders on
environmental and social matters as required by the EMP is maintained throughout the operation.
Project proponent and the contractors will ensure that the mitigation measures mentioned in the EIA
are adhered to and organizational Environmental Management Systems are implemented during the
proposed project. The contractors will abide by the relevant contractual provisions relating to the
environment.
Monitoring
The EPA will be overall monitoring of the project activities. Project proponent and its contractors will
ensure that monitoring of the project activities is carried out according to the monitoring programme
given in the EMP.
Change Management
The EIA recognizes that changes in the operation or the EMP may be required during the construction
& operation activities and therefore provides a Change Management Plan (incorporated in next
sections) to manage such changes.
Emergency Procedures
Project proponent and its contractor will prepare and maintain contingency plans to deal with any
emergency situation that may arise during the construction or operation phase e.g. fire, major oil
spills, and medical evacuation and communicate these to the regulatory agencies if and when
required by these agencies. Emergency plans will be in accordance to project proponent internal
procedures.
Approvals
The project contractors will be responsible for obtaining all relevant approvals from project proponent
such as approvals for waste contractors and others as specified in the environmental management
and monitoring plan.
Training
Project proponent and its contractors and suppliers will be responsible for the selection and training of
their staff which shall be capable of completing the project activities in an environmentally safe
manner. Project proponent and its contractors and suppliers will be responsible for providing induction
to their staff members on the EIA, the EMP and their implementation provided in the EMP. The
contractors will be responsible for providing awareness training on potential environmental issues of
the project to all personnel at site. In addition, trainings on medical evaluation, emergency
preparedness and implementation of EMP will also be covered during the training.
For effective monitoring, management and documentation of the environmental performance during
the construction and operational phase of the project, environmental matters will be discussed during
meetings held on-site. Environmental concerns raised during the meetings will be mitigated after
discussions between project proponent and the contractors. Any issues that require attention of
project proponent higher management will be communicated to them for action. Project proponent
and its contractors will ensure that the communication and documentation requirements specified in
the EMP are fulfilled during the project.
Restoration
Project proponent will ensure that the restoration of the site after the end of construction activities and
after the useful life of proposed project is carried out according to the requirements of the EIA and
EMP.
Audits
Project proponent and its contractors and sub-contractors will carry out periodic audits/inspections of
all project activities regarding their effects on the surrounding environment. The contractors will take
account of any recommendations relating to the activity/operation arising during the monitoring, with
the prior consent of the proponent.
The Environmental Management Plan (EMMP) will be used as a management and monitoring tool for
implementation of the mitigation measure identified by the EIA. The purpose of monitoring is to ensure
that the impact is within the predicted limits and to provide timely information if unacceptable impact is
taking place. The scope and frequency of the monitoring depends on the residual impacts identified in
Chapter 7 of the report. To address the mitigation measure and monitoring requirement identified in
EIA, a management plan is developed. It ensures that the project is designed, constructed,
maintained and implemented in the manner described in the EIA. A detailed monitoring plan is
discussed in following tables. These tables list all the impacts of project components and their
associated mitigation measures identified in the EIA. For each component, the following information is
presented in the plan:
The person/organization directly responsible for adhering to or executing the required mitigation
measures.
The parameters which will be monitored to ensure compliance with the mitigation measures.
Project proponent will hold primary and overall responsibility for ensuring full implementation of the
EMP. The Environmental Management Plan has been provided separately for pre-construction,
construction and operations phase of the proposed project activities in Table-49, Table-50 and Table-
51 respectively.
An effective mechanism for storing and communicating environmental information during the project is
an essential requirement of an EMP. The key features of such mechanism are:
Precise recording and maintenance of all information generated during the monitoring
Providing information and answering queries on monitoring originating from various researchers
and stakeholders.
The purpose of the meetings will be to present the environmental management plan to the senior
staff of the project team, contractors and stakeholders and discuss its implementation.
Meetings will be held to discuss the environmental conditions of the operation, non-compliances
noted by the field supervision consultant (Environmental Engineer), and their remedial measures.
Minutes of the meeting will be recorded in the form of action tracking register.
The purpose of the meeting will be to review the weekly or monthly performance of the project
activities by reviewing the number of non-conformances and the environmental incidents that
occurred during the week/month.
Weekly and monthly reports will be communicated to the project proponent management and
senior members of the contractors.
A report to be submitted should generally contain details incorporating the following salient:
It includes the environmental incidents (if any) e.g. spills, accidents etc.
Progress of any environmental initiative taken e.g. energy savings, recycling etc.
The project proponent Field Environmental Representative will maintain a register of complaints
regarding environmental issues received from local communities and measures taken to mitigate
these concerns.
All changes to the EMP or the project will be handled through the Change Management Plan provided
in Section 8.13 of the EMP. These changes will be registered in a Change Record Register.
Project proponent will maintain a photographic record of all areas to be used during the project. As a
minimum the photographic record will include the photographs of project areas prior to and after
activities (restoration). Project proponent will ensure that a photographic record including the following
is maintained.
All areas used by the project activities; before use, during use and after restoration
Key non-compliances
Project proponent will hire independent firm for auditing. Funding Agency and EPA Gilgit Baltistan can
also condut audit as independent party from proponent.
Environmental monitoring can be categorized into two types; 1) - compliance monitoring and 2) -
effects monitoring. The environmental monitoring programme is summarized in table-51 which
identifies the roles and responsibilities of project monitoring, further described in detail in following
section.
Compliance monitoring will be carried out to ensure compliance with the requirements of the EIA. The
objectives of the EIA compliance monitoring will be to:
Systematically observe the activities undertaken by the contractors or any other person associated
with the project.
Verify that the activities are undertaken in compliance with the EIA and other conditions identified
by project proponent.
Document and communicate the observations to the concerned person(s) at project proponent so
that any corrective measures, if required, can be taken timely.
Maintain a record of all incidents of environmental significance and related actions and corrective
measures.
Compliance monitoring will be the responsibility of all teams involved in the project activities i.e.
Project proponent and the contractors. Project proponent staff and contractors will carry out the
inspections on a set frequency.
To monitor actual impacts of the project on selected sensitive receptors so that impacts not
anticipated in the EIA or impacts which exceed the levels anticipated in the EIA can be identified and
appropriate mitigation measures can be adopted in time. This objective will be achieved through
effects monitoring.
Considering the environmental conditions of the project area and the assessment of potential
impacts of the project made in the EIA, the following environmental parameters will be monitored at
locations identified during the construction phase (e.g. location of asphalt plants, construction
camps etc.).
Considering the receptors with less environmental impact, the proposed location is tentative and
based on current field survey finding, situation may vary at the time of construction.
Air Quality Monitoring – Air quality monitoring will be done during the construction and operation
phase of the project at the representative locations. Ambient air quality parameters will include:
NOX, SOX, CO, PM10, and Smoke.
Water Quality Monitoring – Ground and surface water quality monitoring will be done during the
construction and operation phase of the project at the representative locations.
Groundwater Quality Parameters: Total Coliforms, Total Colonial Count, Fiscal Enterococci, pH,
TDS, Total Hardness, Nitrate, Chloride, Sodium.
Wastewater Quality Parameters: pH, DO, TSS, Alkalinity, BOD5, COD, Turbidity.
Noise Monitoring - The monitoring will be carried out at key locations covering all receptors.
Funding Agency and EPA Gilgit Baltistan will be overall monitoring as per EMP. The project staff
engaged in social and environmental monitoring is listed below, followed by descriptions of the
monitoring responsibilities specific to each post:
Supervision Consultants
Monitoring Plan has been provided separately for pre-construction, construction and operations phase
of the proposed project activities in Table-50 and Table-51 respectively.
The Deputy Director (Environment) will be responsible for Environmental Monitoring and Evaluation
(M&E). This includes the following:
Contracting out external monitoring to independent firms and ensuring that periodic environmental
audits are carried out;
Supervise and ensure preparation of periodic monitoring reports and disseminating these among
the management and appropriate staff members;
Ensuring the availability of human and material resources required for environmental monitoring;
Carrying out visits to the construction sites to review the environmental performance of the
contractors
Supervision Consultant
Supervision Consultant will involve the Environmental Specialist/ Monitoring Consultant and Resident
Engineer for compliance and effect monitoring described above. The Resident Engineer will overlook
the performance of contractor to make sure that the contractor is carrying out the work in accordance
with EMP. The Environmental Specialist will prepare bi-annual environmental monitoring reports The
Monitoring Consultant (MC) on the other hand will carry out the environmental monitoring and report
to DD (Environment) for adequacy of the monitoring program as specified in EMP. The MC will also
induct a Technical Training Consultant to educate the Contractor‘s and NHA‘s staff.
Total 17,318,000/-
To minimize the negative impacts arising due to increased vehicular activity on the proposed ROW
and to enhance the landscape of the project area, the mitigation measures would include; plantation
along the whole stretch of the proposed project as a noise barrier. Following plantation plan would be
followed:
Minimum Requirement
Two rows of plants (two rows on each side) will be raised of the proposed Tunnel and access road.
Plant to plant distance will be kept as 2 meters, so there will be 500 plants in one row of one Km
length. Total road stretch is approximately 41.5km in length; therefore, number of plants to be raised
on both sides (one row on each side) will be (41,500 x 2) 83,000.
Desirable requirement
Four rows of plants (two rows on each side) will be raised of the proposed project. Therefore, the
number of plants, which can be raised along the entire length of the proposed tunnel and access road
project are (41,500 x 2) 83,000
These plants are to be planted along the side roads and within the loops. Native species would be
planted and no invasive/ exotic species would be introduced. The number of tress affected during The
cost of raising one kilometer (1000 meter) length of plantation, with 500 plants in one row, has been
estimated as Rs. 71,920/- including price of plants, earthwork, procurement of manures, continued
supply of water to young plants throughout the year and its maintenance one (1) year. Based on
estimated costing for minimum requirement the total cost would be Rs. 5,969,360/- and for desirable
requirement the total cost would be Rs. 11,938,720/- for 41.5km long access road (from shounter to
Gorikot).
Environmental training will help to ensure that the requirements of the EIA and EMP are clearly
understood and followed by all project personnel throughout the project period. Environmental training
will form part of the environmental management system. The training will be directed towards all
personnel for general environmental awareness.
The key objective of training programme is to ensure that the requirements of the EMP are clearly
understood and followed throughout the project. The trainings to the staff will help in communicating
environmental related controls specified in the EIA and EMP.
Project proponent Field Environmental Representative and the contractor‘s Environmental Engineer
will primarily be responsible for providing training to all project personnel on potential environmental
issues of the project. Contractor will prepare a project specific training manual for this purpose.
Contractors on their part will be required to provide induction training/ briefing to all their staff before
the start of any activity in the project area.
The training modules will include air, noise and water pollution monitoring, social awareness,
Environmental Laws, Environmental Quality Standards usage of personal protection equipment‘s, and
health and safety related issues on the construction site.
The contractor will train all construction workers in basic sanitation and health care issues (e.g., how
to avoid malaria etc.) and in general health and safety matters, and on the specific hazards of their
work. Training should also consist of basic hazard awareness, site specific hazards, safe work
practices, and emergency procedures for fire, evacuation.
In order to receive and facilitate the resolution of project affected people‘s (PAP‘s) concerns,
complaints and grievances about the Project‘s environmental performance, a Grievance Redress
Mechanism (GRM) will be established by NHA for this Project.The GRM will address the PAPs‘
concerns and complaints proactively and promptly, using an understandable and transparent process
that is gender responsive, culturally appropriate, and readily accessible to all segments of the PAPs at
no costs and without retribution. The GRM will be coordinated by the designated NHA, the DD –
Environment as focal person of GRM Committee the Project Director to Chairmen is also focal person
of GRM Committee with portfolio for environmental matters in liaison with the public representative at
the district level. The mechanism will not impede access to the country‘s judicial or administrative
remedies. The PAPs will be fully informed of their rights and of the procedures for addressing
complaints verbally and in writing during consultations. A mechanism will be established to address /
resolve the PAPs concerns or grievances due to project related social and environmental issues.
Under this GRM, a Grievance Redressal Committee (GRC) / Environmental Committee (EC) will be
constituted and established at each areas GB and AJK, which will review all the grievance cases. The
GRC will be composed of the DD-Environment of NHA, supervision consultants and PAP
representatives.
The Pakistan EPA, under Regulation 6 of the IEE-EIA Regulations 2000, has issued a set of
guidelines of general applicability and sectoral guidelines indicating specific assessment
requirements. Under the regulations and guidelines, no specific requirements are laid out for
developing a grievance redress mechanism for projects. However, under its Guidelines for Public
Consultation, 1997, the proponent is required to consult stakeholders during the implementation
phase of the project. In this regard, it is stated that the representatives of local community partake in
the monitoring process to promote a stable relationship between the project management and the
community.
NHA will assist the project affected communities/villages to identify local representatives to act as
Grievance Focal Persons (GFPs). The GFPs will be responsible for i) acting as community
representatives in formal meetings between the project team and the local community he/she
represents; ii) communicating the community members‘ grievances and concerns to the contractor
during project implementation.
A pre-mobilization public consultation meeting will be convened by NHA‘s EALS Unit and attended by
the GFPs, Supervision Consultant, contractor, Project representative and other interested parties (e.g.
area level representatives, NGOs). The grievance redress committee (GRC) will be headed by the DD
(environment) – depending upon the nature of the complaint - as focal person. Besides, the GRC will
include the environment staff of the Project Management Unit/Supervision Consultants, environment
staff of the contractor and representative of the local community (preferably the relevant GFP). Under
the Project the following will be established or appointed to ensure timely and effective handling of
grievances about project environmental performance:
NHA Director will nominate one assistant director as NHA representative of the GRC and shall act
as Project Environmental Grievance Officer (PEGO)
PEGO will be approached by the community members (PAP Representatives) for their grievances
against the Project.
PEGO will review the case on merit basis and address the grievances in accordance with the
prevailing rules as per EMP
PEGO will then refer the case to GRC for final decision, whether to update and make necessary
amendments in the EMP
GRC will review and update with its decision within 30 days of registration of the case.
If the PAP‘s are not satisfied with the decision of Director (Environment), then it can be referred to
higher authorities/ relevant Government departments for its resolution. He/she may also submit the
complaint to Pak EPA. GB EPA should start a system to receive online complain relevant to project.
The GRC will operate on the principles of transparency, approachability and accountability. To
achieve these, the GRC will be required to:
Be equipped to work through all possible modes of communication, such as, emails, by-post and
face-to-face meetings at site or requiring visits; and issues of the female community members.
Maintain a log of all grievances, with record of the date and time of the complaint logged and
stakeholder information, such as, name, designation and contact details;
Provide opportunity to the stakeholder to revert with their comments on the proposed plan of action;
Obtain stakeholder consent on the mechanism proposed to redress the grievance and document
consent; and,
A grievance mechanism will be available to allow a PAP appealing any disagreeable decision,
practice or activity arising from noncompliance of EMP during project implementation. Care will
always be taken to prevent grievances rather than going through a redressal process. This can be
obtained through implementing an updated EMP or corrective action plan to address unpredicted
environmental impacts, by ensuring full participation and consultation with the PAPs and by
establishing extensive communication and coordination between the community and project office.
The flow chart of the proposed redressal mechanism is shown below in Graph-3.
The EIA recognizes that changes in the operations or the EMP may be required during the project
activities and therefore a Change Management Plan has been provided to manage such changes.
The management of changes is discussed under two separate headings, changes to the EMP and
changes to the Operation.
The EIA and the EMP have been developed based on the best possible information available at the
time of the EIA study. However, it is possible that during the construction and operation phase
some aspects of the EMP may need to be changed owing to their non-applicability in a certain
area of operation or the need for additional mitigation measures based on the findings of
environmental monitoring during the construction and operation phase. In such cases following
actions shall be taken.
A meeting will be held between project proponent and the concerned contractor. During the
meeting the proposed deviation from the EMP, planning and designing will be discussed and
agreed upon by all parties.
Based on the discussion during the meeting, a change report will be produced collectively, which
will include the original EMP clause/plan or design, the change that has been agreed upon, and the
reasons for the change.
The report will be signed by all the parties and will be filed at the site office. A copy of the report will
be sent to project proponent and contractor head offices.
First-Order Change
A first order change is one that leads to a significant departure from the project described or the
impacts assessed in the EIA and consequently require a reassessment of the environmental impacts
associated with the change. Examples of such change include change in location of the proposed
plant. In such an instance, the environmental impacts of the proposed change will be reassessed, and
the results sent to the GB-EPA for approval.
A second-order change is one that entails project activities not significantly different from those
described in the EIA, and which may result in project impacts whose overall magnitude would be
similar to the assessment made in this report. In case of such changes, the environmental impact of
the activity will be reassessed, additional mitigation measures specified if necessary, and the changes
reported to the GB-EPA.
A third-order change is one that is of little consequence to the EIA findings. This type of change does
not result in impact levels exceeding those already assessed in the EIA; rather these may be made on
site to minimize the impact of an activity. The only action required in this case will be to record the
change in the change record register.
CHAPTER-9 CONCLUSIONS
The proposed project starts from Shounter and ends at Gorikot. The planned proposed project will
largely contribute to the economic and social development of the both districts Astore (GB) and
Neelum (AJK) and adjoining areas as well surrounding regions on a larger scale. It will bring more
population into the stream of benefits, which in turn will change the economic framework of people
around this project. This link will bring about further revolution in the road transport and time saving
journey for passengers. It will also ensure smooth and efficient movement of trade, goods and traffic
in relatively shorter time.
Any residual environmental and social impacts are assessed for their significance in this report. These
requirements have been addressed in this EIA, which has covered in detail the following:
Environmental conditions of the project area; Legislative requirements related to the project;
Potential environmental effects of the proposed project activities on the physical, natural and socio-
economic receptors;
Mitigation and monitoring measures that will help in avoiding or minimizing these impacts.
After assessing the significance of potential impacts, it has been concluded that if the project activities
are carried out as described in this report, and the suggested mitigation measures are implemented,
the proposed project will not have a significant impact on the area‘s natural and socio-economic
environments. Careful implementation of the provided EMP will ensure that environmental impacts are
managed and minimized and all statutory requirements are met by the project proponent.
REFERENCES
Ali, S. I. and Qaiser M. 1995, Flora of Pakistan Fascicles
Ali, S. 1996. The Book of Indian Birds, Twelfth Edition, Natural History Society & Oxford University
Press
Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Guidelines, International Finance Corporation (IFC) World
Bank Group, 2008
Government of Pakistan. 1997a. Guidelines for Public Consultation, Draft, Pakistan Environmental
Protection Agency
Government of Pakistan. 1997c. Guidelines for Preparation and Review of Environmental Report,
Draft. Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency
Government of Pakistan. 1997d. Policy and Procedures for Filing, Review and Approval of
Environmental Assessments. Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency
IUCN. 1997. Biodiversity Action plan for Pakistan. First Draft. World Conservation Union
IUCN. 1998. Model Provincial Wildlife (Protection, Conservation and Management) Act. Draft.
World Conservation Union
Naseer, A., Khan, A., Hussain, Z., & Ali, Q. (2010). Observed Seismic Behavior of Buildings in
Northern Pakistan during the 2005 Kashmir Earthquake. Earthquake Spectra, 26(2), 425-449. doi:
10.1193/1.3383119
Astore climate: Average Temperature, weather by month, Astore weather averages - Climate-
Data.org. (2020). Retrieved 20 August 2017, from https://en.climate-data.org/asia/pakistan/gilgit-
baltistan/astore-964597/
Bunji climate: Average Temperature, weather by month, Bunji weather averages - Climate-
Data.org. (2020). Retrieved 20 August 2017, from https://en.climate-data.org/asia/pakistan/gilgit-
baltistan/astore-964597/
Gilgit climate: Average Temperature, weather by month, Gilgit weather averages - Climate-
Skardu climate: Average Temperature, weather by month, Skardu weather averages - Climate-
Data.org. (2020). Retrieved 20 August 2017, from https://en.climate-data.org/asia/pakistan/gilgit-
baltistan/astore-964597/
http://www.gilgitbaltistan.gov.pk/DownloadFiles/PDD/MICS_GB_1617.pdf
Annexures
TREES
SHRUBS
HERBS
GRASSES
FRUIT TREES
Q. 4: District: ____________________________
Q. 5: Tribes in
the Village: 1. 2.
3. 4.
Q. 6: Languages
Spoken: 1. 2.
3. 4.
3. Track 4. Others
3. Pedestrian 4. Other
(vi) Graveyards
(vii) Electricity
(viii) Telephone
(x) Others
Channel Lined
1.
2.
3.
Q. 22: Who has the ownership rights of the mountains, pastures, jungles and natural resources of the area?
1. Individual 2. Owner Tribes 3. Non-Owner Tribes
4. Other (Specify)
Q. 23: Who has the rights of selling and purchasing the agriculture land, residential and commercial property
in village?
4. Non-Owner Tribes
Q. 24: What are the preferences to sell the personal immoveable property like houses, agriculture land, shops
etc. to:
7. Other (Specify)
Q. 26: How the matters related to property, dispute about the control and consumption of the natural resources
of the area are settled?
Q. 27: Do rock carving/ historical places exit in the village or valley village?
1. Yes 2. No
Q. 29: Are there markets for grains and livestock in the village?
a. Grains 1. Yes 2. No
b. Livestock 1. Yes 2. No
Q. 30: If No, where do people sell their agricultural produce and livestock?
a. Near by
b. Juglot c. Gilgit
village
1.
2.
3.
1. Yes 2. No
c. Shifting of human live stock, live stock and the other economic assets at safe places
Q. 35: What are the prevailing of rates of the following in your area
1.
2.
3.
4.
Consultant team at Forest office Astore Consultant team at Wildlife office Gilgit
during Stackeholder consultation during Stackholder consultation
Agriculture crop observed at project area Agriculture crop observed at project area
during baseline study during baseline study
Flora specie observed at project area Flora specie observed at project area
during baseline study during baseline study
GENERAL
Disaster is an unexpected event due to sudden failure of the system, external threats, internal
disturbances, earthquakes, fire and accidents. As per the disaster management act, 2005 "disaster"
means a catastrophe, mishap, calamity or grave occurrence in any area, arising from natural or
manmade causes, or by accident or negligence which results in substantial loss of life or human
suffering or damage to, and destruction of, property, or damage to, or degradation of, environment,
and is of such a nature or magnitude as to be beyond the coping capacity of the community of the
affected area‖.
OBJECTIVES
The main objectives of the Disaster Management Measures for Shounter Tunnel and access road
project are as follows:
To ensure that all the officials who are responsible to deal with the situation are thoroughly conversant
with their duties and responsibilities in advance. It is important that these officials and workers are
adequately trained in anticipation to avoid any kind of confusion and chaos at the time of the actual
situation and to enable them to discharge their responsibilities with alertness and promptness.
The effect of any disaster spread over in operational area of shounter tunnel is likely to be substantial
as MEGA deals with many passengers daily in underground tunnels and other areas. Disaster brings
about sudden and immense misery to humanity and disrupts normal human life in its established
social and economic patterns. It has the potential to cause large scale human suffering due to loss of
life, loss of livelihood, damage to property, injury and hardship. It may also cause destruction or
damage to proposed project infrastructure, buildings and communication channels of the project area.
The contractor should be provided an efficient disaster management plan for the start of the project
activity in the collaboration of District Disaster Management Authority Astore GB.
The first step is to identify the causes which develop/ pose unexpected danger to the structural
integrity due to construction.
The most critical component of the project is the tunnel, hence a detailed tunnel design including
tunnel safety measures have been attached as Annexure-9;
The potential causes are excessive load, cracks, failure and malfunctioning of sensing instruments,
accident, etc. These need to be looked into with care.
INTRODUCTION
This plan is describes the method and management disposition of the glaciers sectors that must be
removed during the construction of the shounter tunnel and access road within ROW. During the field
visit the local community informs about glaciers. From Shounter to Gorikot reach many glaciers exist
on different locations in winter season. These all glaciers must be removed and adequately managed
to avoid the instability of slopes and environmental impacts. The thickness of the glacier sectors that
must be removed from the site areas before construction of proposed project activities.
METHODOLOGY
The controlled method permits minimizing the removal of glacier to the least necessary, according
to the advancement of the area.
The chunks of glacier removed shall be positioned similarly to their original position and basically
within the same basin, minimizing the hydrological effects.
No acid water problems are generated (or accentuated) due to the meeting of the chunks of ice
removed.
The sites for disposal of the chunks of glaciers shall comply with the following conditions:
They shall be located at a similar or slightly lower altitude than their original position.
They shall not be destined to other works, infrastructure, or project development, nor shall they
compromise the safety of these if they are located downstream of the pit.
Preference shall be made for sites of low inclination, to minimize the possibility of down slope
shifting. In the pit vicinity there is ample relative level terrain to dispose of the glacier chunks.
Not withstanding the above, retention walls (breams) shall be introduced and/or machinery shall
level the terrain at the extremes, ―downstream‖, to retain eventual ice collapse and avoid down
slope slippage.
No gorge floors shall be used or sectors that might present significant surface water flow during the
periods of ice melt.
The characteristics of the terrain or rock surface shall be similar to original sites (prioritizing the
same geological formations and geomorphologic configuration).
MANAGEMENT PLAN
The glacier area that must be removed will be determined with the necessary anticipation according
to the updated mining plan.
The mining equipment shall be employed as needed for each glacier area to be managed (basically
bulldozers and/or front loaders).
The chunks of glacier shall be removed with the mentioned machinery until the surface is clear
(principally rock).
If necessary, controlled explosives shall be used, of small size, to remove the ice.
The chunks of ice that come apart and that are removed, until the level of the terrain is reached,
shall be ―pushed‖ or transported by the same mining machinery to an adjacent area, nearby but
outside of the boundaries of the development of the pit.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The definition of the glacier area removal program shall be incorporated to the mine development
plan.
The specific Departments in addition to the Department of Health, Safety and Environment of
National Highway Authority, shall participate in the definition of the sites for glacier disposition,
which shall approve the determined sites.
The Department of Health, Safety and Environment of National Highway Authority, shall supervise
the loading, transport and final disposal of the glacier.
The monitoring of the safety conditions of the glacier shall be informed frequently to the
Management of the project and to the competent authorities.
GENERAL
The identification of muck disposal areas is done in line with the topographic and site specific
conditions. Muck is to be dumped in 04 pre-identified sites (Figure1, 2, 3 and 4). The quantity is muck
to be accommodated at each site. The Shounter-Rattu Road Tunnel will generate substantial
quantities of rock spoil while tunnel excavating. Large quantity of material would be excavated from
the road and tunnel. Muck generated from excavation of any project component is required to be
disposed in a planned manner so that it takes a least possible space and is not hazardous to the
environment. An account of the same has been given in the following paragraphs.
Based on the geological nature of the rocks and engineering properties of the soil, a part of the muck
can be used as construction material. However, the balance requires being suitably disposed. In the
proposed project, the large quantity is to be reused as backfilling material, soling, aggregate
/protection works, leveling of material storage area, workshop & stores, office, Temporary colony and
contractor colony etc. and also is to be used is to be disposed at muck disposal sites, with a total
area.
The following points were considered and followed as guidelines for finalization of the areas to be
used as dumping sites:
The dumping sites have been selected as close as possible to the project area to avoid long
distance transport of muck.
The sites are free from active landslides or creep and care has been taken that the sites do not
have a possibility of toe erosion and slope instability.
The dumping sites are either at higher level than the flood level or are away from the stream/Nullah
so that the possibility of muck falling into the stream/Nullah is avoided.
The dumping sites have been selected away from the any Glaciers.
The selection of muck disposal sites was done based upon site inspections and available best
conditions of the land availability, land stability, accessibility from the portals, sloping pattern,
minimum vegetative and tree cover, away from any ecological sensitive area, river/stream/Nullah bed
conditions and away from high flood levels and also any glaciers. After surveys four suitable sites
were identified located at up and down area of the tunnel and road which satisfy above criterion
(images - 3, 4, 5 and 6). Total capacity of muck disposal areas is more than total quantity of unused
muck to be disposed. The unused excavated material would be piled at the proposed dumping sites.
This will be done to provide stability to the slopes and also to provide ample space for planting of
trees which would further help in holding and consolidation of the material stacked at the proposed
dumping sites.
The muck that needs disposal would be piled at the proposed dumping sites. For this, the slopes
would be broken up by creating benches across the slope. This will be done to provide stability to the
slopes and also to provide ample space for planting trees, which would further help in holding and
consolidating the material stacked at different sites. The description regarding the stabilization of the
stacked material along the proposed road has been discussed in the following paragraphs.
The muck is expected to be comprised of fragmented rock mixed with soil. The options like dumping
muck in stages and allowing it to consolidate/settle through the monsoon, compacting the dumped
muck with Dozer movement, zoning the dump judiciously to ensure the stability of slope under all
superimposed conditions will be utilized.
SHOUNTER SIDE
RATTU SIDE
METHODOLOGY OF DUMPING
The main objectives of process of muck dumping and restoration of these muck disposal sites are:
To develop the muck disposal sites/ dumping yards to blend with the surrounding landscape; and
A scientific approach and methodology was followed for identification of the dumping sites. All
possible alternate sites were inspected and examined before rejecting or selecting any site. All the
dumping sites are:
The populated /settlement areas are away from the identified dump zones and therefore will be
least impact on human life.
Sites are either at higher level than the flood level from the river course to provide protection from
high flood.
Muck sites are close to the project area to avoid hazards related to transport of muck to long
distances.
DUMPING PROCESS
The generated muck will be carried in dumper trucks covered with heavy duty tarpaulin properly tied
to the vehicle in tune with international practice. All precautionary measures will be followed during the
dumping of muck. All dumpers will be well maintained to avoid any chances of loose soil from being
falling during the transportation. All routes will be periodically wetted with the help of sprinklers prior to
the movement of dump trucks. Dumping would be avoided during the high speed wind, so that
suspended particulate matters (SPM) level could be maintained. Further, the dumping will be avoided
during heavy traffic. After the dumping the surface of dumps will be sprayed with water with the help
of sprinklers and then compacted.
A retaining wall shall be constructed prior to dumping of muck. Loose muck would be compacted
layer-wise. The height of usage/ Gabion Wall is proposed to be 4.5 m on an average. The muck
brought by dumpers will be spread in layers behind the wire crate walls and then compacted by rollers
till the top level is achieved. The retaining/sausage wall shall be laid with proper berm and the muck
dumped behind it in layers and compacted by rollers. The process shall be repeated up to 50 cm level
below the desired height which shall be laid with good soil for providing grass cover. At a regular
vertical interval of 1.5 m and 3.0 m c/c masonry drains (catch water drains) shall be provided to drain
off the rain water. Proper fencing of the entire area will be done.
The muck disposal area will ultimately be covered with fertile soil and suitable plants will be planted
adopting suitable bio-technological measures. The project authorities would ensure that the dumping
yards blend with the natural landscape by developing the site with gentle slope, patches of greenery
in and around them. These sites can also be developed later as recreational parks and tourist spots
with sufficient greenery by planting trees.
The Rehabilitation plan of muck dumping sites includes engineering and biological measures. Most of
the total unused excavated muck would be placed at an angle of repose to avoid any slippage of the
muck at the proposed dumping sites. Besides, required quantity would be stacked along the roads,
which would be utilized either in widening of the road or in newly constructed roads. In the former
case slopes would be broken up by creating benches across the slope. This will be done to provide
stability to the slopes and also to provide ample space for planting of trees which would further help in
holding and consolidating the material stacked at different sites. As stated earlier, efforts will be made
to dispose the muck within short distances from sites of its generation.
The capacity/volume of the muck dumping sites is more than the volume of the muck to be disposed.
All measures would be adopted to ensure that the dumping of muck does not cause injury or
inconvenience to the people or the property around the area. The spillage of muck into the
stream/Nullah at any site would be prevented by making concrete retaining walls to retain the muck
pile. It shall be ensured that dumping is carried out at a minimum distance of 30 m away from the
active stream/Nullah bank. The top surface would be leveled and graded after the capacity of any
dumping site is exhausted. The top surface will be covered with soil and grass seeding will be
ensured to promote vegetation cover.
The project authorities would ensure that the dumping yards blend with the natural landscape to
develop the sites with gentle slopes, bunds, terraces, water ponds, and patches of greenery in and
around them. These sites can also be developed later as recreational parks and tourist spots with
sufficient greenery by planting ornamental plants. The re-vegetation of dumping yards through
‗Integrated Biotechnological Approach‘ would be undertaken. It may be necessary to inoculate the
spoil dumps for development of landscape as the soils would be poor in nutrients. This can be
developed through culture of microorganism or vermiculture practices at the nurseries developed for
this purpose. This task can be undertaken by Forest Departments, Government of AJ&K and GB. All
the spoiled areas will be developed as per the latest technology of dumping, impact of rain, time and
angle of soil setting. In addition sprinkling of water may also be resorted to, if required to avoid or
minimize dust pollution. Proper drainage system also has to be provided to ensure unobstructed flow
of runoff. Planting with suitable species of trees, shrubs and other biomass will also be initiated. The
following engineering and biological measures have been proposed for the development of spoiled
areas.
ENGINEERING MEASURES
For stacking of dumped material retaining wall is proposed to be built before dumping of any material
on to the sites. The retaining walls would be required to be built wall (Muck Dumping Areas. In
addition, leveling would also be done after dumping the material on every cycle and simultaneously
improving the drainage of the disposal site. The approach roads to various project structures will be
constructed by ESMPloying the methodology recommended by Border Roads with minimal
environmental damage. The methodology consists in developing the formation width is half cutting
and half filling, so that the materials obtained from cutting are utilized in filling. The excavation on hill
side will be done to get a stable slope for the materials encountered. At places breast wall, gabion
walls shall be done in natural slope to retain filled material, particularly where there is problem of
retaining the hill slope.
In case of steep gorge, retaining wall and gabion structure shall be constructed to retain filled
material. To minimize the environmental damage, construction material like stones, sand, etc.,
required for the construction of road will be obtained mostly from the excavated material. In the
streams, box culverts will be provided to prevent the erosion of Nullah bed. In addition, stone/concrete
work on the down area and the area will also be provided at vulnerable places to minimize erosion.
RETAINING WALLS
Total area is the dumping of muck which can accommodate whereas the estimated muck to be
disposed is less than. The total length of retaining wall proposed to be constructed along the
stream/Nullah. The height of these retaining walls including MSE wall panels will be approximately
4.5m.
Compaction is an engineering measure, which would reduce bulk density of the muck thereby
optimizing the use of muck disposal area and would make it suitable for the plantation and other
biological measures. Top surface would be levelled and graded to make the alternative use. The
muck will be spread in 50 cm thick layers. Top surface would be levelled and graded to make the
alternative use. On top a layer of soil would be spread to make the land suitable for plantation.
FENCING
Fencing is a bio-engineering measure. After rehabilitation of muck the dumping areas need protection
for some time from disturbing by human and domestic animals. For this reason fencing over the muck
deposits is required. Barbed wire strands with two diagonal strands, clamped to wooden/ concrete
posts placed at 3 m distance are proposed around the dumping piles. PESMU will establish temporary
wind barriers around 3 sides of dumps in close of settlement area.
The disposable muck is proposed to be dumped at 3 pre-identified sites up and down area of the
project area. The muck is proposed to be filled in layers properly compacted. A PCC base would be
provided for the toe wall. In addition catch water drains are also proposed to be built and leveling of
soil would also be done after dumping the material on every cycle and simultaneously improving the
drainage of the disposal site.
BIOLOGICAL MEASURES
Top surfaces and slopes of all dumping areas would be left with a total area. These areas will be
treated for the purpose of plantation. Vegetation cover controls the hydrological and mechanical
effects on soils and slopes. Therefore, biological measures to stabilize the loose slope are essential.
In order to implement the biological measures in dumping areas the following activities would be taken
into account. The biological measures include the following:
SOIL TREATMENT
Muck dumped at various sites is not considered to be nutrient rich as it is excavated from tunnels,
road and other structures. In order to make it suitable for the plantation it will be provided bio
treatment. The work plan will be formulated for re-vegetation of the dumping sites through Integrated
Biotechnological Approach.
PLANTATION
The selected species will be planted after their nurseries have been developed. The dumping areas
are very small therefore; separate nursery would not be required. The nurseries developed for the
implementation of plan can be used for the rehabilitation of dumping areas. Nearly 1-2 years old
saplings would be used for the plantation. The plantation can be carried out in lines across the slopes.
Grass and native species would be used in the inter space of tree species. They will help in providing
the continuous chain of support in retaining debris, reinforcing soil and increasing the infiltration
capacity of the area. After the process of compaction total area will be available for the plantation.
About 10,000 saplings will be planted at these dumping sites. In order to stabilize the stacked dumped
material, vegetation cover would be provided to hold dumped material over a period of time. Following
steps are envisaged:
The Plantation of suitable tree species and soil binding were using bio-fertilizer technology.
The Turfing was the exposed area and improvement of environment with ornamental species.
The work plan formulated for re-vegetation of the dumping sites through ‗Integrated Biotechnological
Approach‘ is based on following parameters:
Evaluation of dumped material for their physical and chemical properties to assess the nutrient
status to support vegetation.
Formulation of appropriate blends of organic waste and soil to enhance the nutrient status of
rhizosphere.
Isolation and screening of specialized strains of mycorrhizal fungi, rhizobium, azotobacter and
phosphate solubilizes (bio fertilizers inoculum) suitable for the dumped material.
Plantation of dumping sites using identified blend and bio fertilizer inoculum.
The afforestation with suitable plant species of high ecological and economic value which can adapt
to local habitat will be undertaken and depending upon the canopy cover required.
Muck shall be dumped from bottom in layers of 50-70 cm depending on size of boulders.
Water testing facilities shall be set up for checking quality parameter of water.
Soil samples shall be regularly collected and tested for checking the level of contamination.
All norms of Forest department, and their acts related to muck disposal shall be complied with.
Plantation shall be done on the reclaimed land and native variety of plants and trees shall be planted.
Water Sampling
Figure 3- Alignment Drawings Options of Proposed Tunnel Project and Access Road