environmental impact assessment (eia) study seti nadi ... nadi_eia 25 mw kaski part...environmental...

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Study Seti Nadi Hydroelectric Project (25 MW)

Kaski

August, 2019

Submitted To:

G o v e r n m e n t o f N e p a l

Ministry of Forests and Environment (MoFE)

Through

Department of Electricity Development (DoED)

Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation (MoEWRI)

Proponent:

Vision Lumbini Ltd.

Butwal-8, Gurudwara Path,

Rupandehi, Nepal

Tel: +977-071-544316

Email: [email protected]

Prepared by:

Environmental and Health Services International (P) Ltd. in

JV with Nepal Rural and Advancement Committee Pvt. Ltd,

GPO Box: 10443, Bijulibazar, Kathmandu, Nepal

Tel: +977- 1 – 4491538/ 977-9823104085, E-mail: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected];mailto:[email protected];

EIA Study of Seti Nadi Hydroelectric Project (25 MW)

Proponent: Vision Lumbini. Ltd. Consultant: EHS Pvt. Ltd. JV NRAC i

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

AMSL Above Mean Sea Level

BS Bikram Sambat

CAR Catchment Area Ration

CBO Community Based Organization

CBS Central Bureau of Statistics

CC Contractors

CF Community Forest

CFU Community Forest User

CFUGs Community Forest User Groups

CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

CSP Community Support Programme

CSP Corporate Social Performance

DCC District Coordination Committee

DHM Department of Hydrology and Meteorology

DIA Direct Impact Area

DMG Department of Mine and Geology

DNPWC Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation

DoED Department of Electricity Development

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

EMP Environmental Management Plan

EPA Environment Protection Act

EPR Environment Protection Rule

ES Environmental expert

ESS Environmental and Social Section

ESSD Environmental & Social Safeguard Division

EU Environmental Unit

FDC Flow Duration Curve

FGD Focus Group Discussion

FUG Forest User Group

GHG Green House Gas

GIS Geographical Information System

GLOF Glacier Lake Outburst Floods

GMPIU Grievance Management and Public Information Unit

GoN Government of Nepal

GRC Grievance Redress Committee

ha Hectare

IBMP Issue Based Management Plans

ICIMOD International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development

IIA Indirect Impact Area

IP Indigenous People

IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature

KIS Key Informant Survey

km Kilometer


Proponent: Vision Lumbini. Ltd. Consultant: EHS Pvt. Ltd. JV NRAC ii

Kv Kilo volt

LARGMS Land Acquisition, Resettlement and Grievance Management section

LARU Land Acquisition, and Resettlement Unit

LDOF Land Slide Dammed Outburst Flood

m Meter

MBT Main Boundary Thrust

MD Managing Director

MIP Medium Irrigation Project

mm Millimeter

MoEWRI Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation

MoFE Ministry of Forests and Environment

MT Metric ton

MW Megawatt

NEA Nepal Electricity Authority

NGO Non-Governmental Organizations

NTNC National Trust for Nature Conservation

NTPFs Non-Timber Forest Products oC Degree Centigrade

OC Other Contractors

PAFs Project Affected Families

PD Project District

PHC Public Health Clinic

PHCCs Primary Health Care Centers

PMF Probable Maximum flood

PMP Probable Maximum Precipitation

PoE Panel of Experts

PRM Project’s Rural Municipality RM Rural Municipality

RRA Rapid Rural Appraisal

SD Scoping Document

SE Supervising Engineer

SNHEP Seti Nadi Hydroelectric Project

SPAF Severely Project Affected Families

SSMP Site Specific Management Plans

SU Social Unit

ToR Terms of Reference

VDC Village Development Committee

WECS Water and Energy Commission Secretariat

ZoI Zone of Influence


Proponent: Vision Lumbini. Ltd. Consultant: EHS Pvt. Ltd. JV NRAC iii

TABLE OF CONTENT

CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 PROJECT BACKGROUND .............................................................................................................................................. 1 1.2 PROPONENT AND THE INSTITUTION RESPONSIBLE FOR PREPARING THE REPORT..................................................................... 1

1.2.1 The Proponent ................................................................................................................................................. 1 1.2.2 Institution Responsible for Preparing the Document ....................................................................................... 1

1.3 RATIONALE FOR EIA STUDY ........................................................................................................................................ 2 1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE EIA STUDY .................................................................................................................................... 2 1.5 SCOPE OF THE STUDY ................................................................................................................................................. 3 1.6 RELEVANCY OF THE STUDY .......................................................................................................................................... 3

2 CHAPTER II: PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................................................... 4

2.1 ACCESSIBILITY .......................................................................................................................................................... 7 2.2 SALIENT FEATURES .................................................................................................................................................... 8

2.2.1 Descriptions of Key Project Structures ........................................................................................................... 17 2.2.1.1 Headworks Arrangement ...................................................................................................................................... 18 2.2.1.2 Under sluice .......................................................................................................................................................... 19 2.2.1.3 Intake .................................................................................................................................................................... 19 2.2.1.4 Gravel trap and gravel flushing structures ............................................................................................................ 19 2.2.1.5 Approach canal ...................................................................................................................................................... 19 2.2.1.6 Settling Basin ......................................................................................................................................................... 20 2.2.1.7 Water Conveyance System .................................................................................................................................... 20 2.2.1.8 Headrace Pipe ....................................................................................................................................................... 21 2.2.1.9 Surge Tank ............................................................................................................................................................. 21 2.2.1.10 Steel Penstock Pipe ............................................................................................................................................... 22 2.2.1.11 Powerhouse and Tailrace Canal ............................................................................................................................ 23 2.2.1.12 Power and Energy ................................................................................................................................................. 23

2.3 PROJECT REQUIREMENTS.......................................................................................................................................... 24 2.3.1 Main Access Road .......................................................................................................................................... 24 2.3.2 Internal Access Road ...................................................................................................................................... 24 2.3.3 Land Requirements ........................................................................................................................................ 27 2.3.4 Construction and Labor Camp ....................................................................................................................... 27 2.3.5 Spoil Disposal ................................................................................................................................................. 30 2.3.6 Quarries and Borrow Areas ........................................................................................................................... 31 2.3.7 Construction Method ..................................................................................................................................... 32 2.3.8 Batching Plant and Aggregate Crushing and Washing Plant [coordinates] .................................................. 33 2.3.9 Perishable Material Storage Sites .................................................................................................................. 33 2.3.10 Storage sites for Rocks, Aggregates and Sand .......................................................................................... 33 2.3.11 Construction Human Resource .................................................................................................................. 34 2.3.12 Construction Power ................................................................................................................................... 34 2.3.13 Construction Equipment ............................................................................................................................ 35 2.3.14 Project Estimated Costs ............................................................................................................................. 35 2.3.15 Construction Schedule ............................................................................................................................... 35 2.3.16 Construction Planning ............................................................................................................................... 36

3 CHAPTER III: STUDY METHODOLOGY .................................................................................................................. 38

3.1 EIA STUDY METHODOLOGY ...................................................................................................................................... 38 3.1.1 Project Impact Area Delineation .................................................................................................................... 38 3.1.2 Desk Study and Literature Review ................................................................................................................. 40 3.1.3 Field Study ..................................................................................................................................................... 40

3.1.3.1 Physical Environment ............................................................................................................................................ 40 3.1.3.2 Biological Environment ......................................................................................................................................... 40 3.1.3.3 Socio-economic Environment ............................................................................................................................... 42 3.1.3.4 Cultural Environment ............................................................................................................................................ 42

3.1.4 Baseline and Impact Analysis ........................................................................................................................ 42


Proponent: Vision Lumbini. Ltd. Consultant: EHS Pvt. Ltd. JV NRAC iv

3.1.4.1 Physical Environment ............................................................................................................................................ 42 3.1.4.2 Biological Environment ......................................................................................................................................... 43 3.1.4.3 Socio-economic Environment ............................................................................................................................... 44 3.1.4.4 Cultural Environment ............................................................................................................................................ 45 3.1.4.5 Impact Assessment................................................................................................................................................ 45

3.1.5 Public Consultation/Public Hearing and Information Disclosure ................................................................... 46

4 CHAPTER IV: DESCRIPTION OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ............................................................................. 48

4.1 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT ......................................................................................................................................... 48 4.1.1 Physiography and Topography ...................................................................................................................... 48 4.1.2 Geology and Soil ............................................................................................................................................ 48 4.1.3 Seismicity ....................................................................................................................................................... 53 4.1.4 Climate ........................................................................................................................................................... 55 4.1.5 Drainage and Hydrology ................................................................................................................................ 58 4.1.6 Sedimentation and Erosion ............................................................................................................................ 65 4.1.7 Glacial Lakes and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) ............................................................................... 66 4.1.8 Water Quality, Air Quality, and Noise Levels ................................................................................................. 66

4.2 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENTS..................................................................................................................................... 68 4.2.1 Conservation Area ......................................................................................................................................... 68 4.2.2 Vegetation and Forest ................................................................................................................................... 70 4.2.3 Wildlife, Amphibian and Reptiles (herpetofauna) ......................................................................................... 79

4.3 SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT ........................................................................................................ 83 4.3.1 Water Uses and Rights .................................................................................................................................. 95

5 CHAPTER V: ALTERNATIVE ANALYSIS .................................................................................................................. 97

5.1 ALTERNATIVE ENERGY PROJECTS ................................................................................................................................ 97 5.2 HYDROPOWER ENERGY ALTERNATIVES ...................................................................................................................... 100 5.3 PROJECT BEYOND CONSERVATION AREA ................................................................................................................... 101 5.4 STUDY OF ALTERNATIVES ........................................................................................................................................ 101

5.4.1 Alternatives Project Layouts ........................................................................................................................ 101 5.4.2 Access Road Alternatives ............................................................................................................................. 101 5.4.3 No Project Alternative ................................................................................................................................. 101 5.4.4 Project Structure .......................................................................................................................................... 102 5.4.5 No/Less Forest Alternative........................................................................................................................... 105

5.5 TIME AND SCHEDULE ............................................................................................................................................. 105

6 CHAPTER VI: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ......................................................................................................... 106

6.1 BENEFICIAL IMPACTS .............................................................................................................................................. 106 6.1.1 Construction Phase ....................................................................................................................................... 106

6.1.1.1 Income generation and employment opportunity ................................................................................................. 106 6.1.1.2 Skill Development ................................................................................................................................................ 106 6.1.1.3 Increase in local business ...................................................................................................................................... 107 6.1.1.4 Increase in land value ........................................................................................................................................... 107 6.1.1.5 Community Support Program ............................................................................................................................. 107 6.1.1.6 Provision of share to local people ....................................................................................................................... 109

6.1.2 Operation Phase ........................................................................................................................................... 109 6.1.2.1 Employment opportunity ..................................................................................................................................... 109 6.1.2.2 Generation of Royalty ............................................................................................................................................ 109 6.1.2.3 Enhancement of National expertise, skills and transfer of technology ...................................................................... 109 6.1.2.4 Enhancement of National supply............................................................................................................................ 110 6.1.2.5 Enhancement of Local area development ............................................................................................................... 110

6.2 ADVERSE IMPACTS ................................................................................................................................................ 113 6.2.1 Physical and Chemical Environment .............................................................................................................. 113

6.2.1.1 Construction phase ............................................................................................................................................... 113 6.2.2 Biological Environment ................................................................................................................................ 117

6.3 SCIO-ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT ........................................................................................................... 120 6.3.1 Construction Phase ....................................................................................................................................... 120

6.3.1.1 Loss of private land ............................................................................................................................................... 120 6.3.1.2 Loss of Agricultural productivity and standing crops .......................................................................................... 121 6.3.1.3 Land loss of Project affected families (PAFs) ....................................................................................................... 121 6.3.1.4 Occupational health and safety ........................................................................................................................... 121 6.3.1.5 Pressure on Public utilities .................................................................................................................................. 121


Proponent: Vision Lumbini. Ltd. Consultant: EHS Pvt. Ltd. JV NRAC v

6.3.1.6 Social conflict due to influx of work force ........................................................................................................... 121 6.3.1.7 Health and Sanitation .......................................................................................................................................... 121 6.3.1.8 Increment on Goods price ................................................................................................................................... 122 6.3.1.9 Increase in women’s and children’s workload .................................................................................................... 122 6.3.1.10 Gender Biasness .................................................................................................................................................. 122 6.3.1.11 Increase in anti-social activities ........................................................................................................................... 122 6.3.1.12 Impact on existing water use right ...................................................................................................................... 122

6.3.2 Operation Phase ........................................................................................................................................... 122 6.3.2.1 Withdrawal of economic activities ...................................................................................................................... 122 6.3.2.2 Impact due to sudden release of water in to downstream ................................................................................. 123 6.3.2.3 Impact on cremation site due to reduced water flow ......................................................................................... 123 6.3.2.4 Burden to the women ......................................................................................................................................... 123 6.3.2.5 Risks of Accident to the Local people .................................................................................................................. 123

7 CHAPTER VII: ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION AND ENHANCEMENT ................................................................. 129

8 CHAPTER VIII: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ................................................................ 163

8.1.1 Level 1 EMP.................................................................................................................................................. 175 8.1.1.1 Environmental/Social Mitigation Management Framework ............................................................................... 175 8.1.1.2 Environmental and Social Monitoring Management Framework ....................................................................... 176 8.1.1.3 Supervision Framework ....................................................................................................................................... 190 8.1.1.4 Environmental Audit Framework ........................................................................................................................ 192

8.1.2 Construction Phase ...................................................................................................................................... 192 8.1.3 Operation Phase .......................................................................................................................................... 192

8.1.3.1 Record Keeping and Reporting ............................................................................................................................ 193 8.1.4 Issue Based Management Plans (IBMP) ...................................................................................................... 194 8.1.5 Site Specific Management Plans (SSMP) ..................................................................................................... 197 8.1.6 Social Action Plan ........................................................................................................................................ 198

8.2 GRIEVANCE REDRESS ............................................................................................................................................. 198 8.3 CAPACITY BUILDING AND TRAINING .......................................................................................................................... 201

8.3.1 Project Management and ESSD ................................................................................................................... 201 8.3.2 Contractors (CC) and Other Contractors (OC) .............................................................................................. 202

8.4 ESMP MONITORING REVIEW ................................................................................................................................. 202 8.4.1 Review of the ESMP ..................................................................................................................................... 202 8.4.2 Control and Update of the EMP ................................................................................................................... 203

8.5 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR ESMP..................................................................................................................... 203 8.5.1 Additional Baseline Monitoring ................................................................................................................... 204 8.5.2 Other Additional Studies .............................................................................................................................. 204 8.5.3 Official Field Verification of the Affected Land Plots and Affected Households .......................................... 204 8.5.4 Cumulative Impact Assessment ................................................................................................................... 204

8.6 ESMP IMPLEMENTATION PLAN SCHEDULE ................................................................................................................ 205

9 CHAPTER IX: ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES, GUIDELINES AND LEGISLATIONS ...................................................... 209

10 CHAPTER X: PROJECT BENEFIT AND COSTS ........................................................................................................ 224

10.1 PROJECT COST ...................................................................................................................................................... 224 10.2 PROJECT BENEFIT .................................................................................................................................................. 224

10.2.1 Direct Revenue Generation ..................................................................................................................... 224 10.2.2 Local Government’s Benefit from the Hydropower Revenue Sharing ..................................................... 224 10.2.3 Other Local Area Benefits ........................................................................................................................ 224

10.3 PROJECT LOSSES ................................................................................................................................................... 225 10.4 ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION, MONITORING, AUDIT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENHANCEMENT COSTS. ................................... 225

11 CHAPTER XI: CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................................ 227

12 REFERENCES ...................................................................................................................................................... 228

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 2-1 Project Site with Machhapuchre Rural Municipality Area (Source: site visit 2019) ............ 4

Figure 2-2 The project area (source: field visit 2019 Department of Survey and MoFALD) ................. 5


Proponent: Vision Lumbini. Ltd. Consultant: EHS Pvt. Ltd. JV NRAC vi

Figure 2-3 Access Road to the Project site (field survey 2019) ............................................................. 7

Figure 2-4 Google map of the accessibility (source: Google map 2019) ............................................... 7

Figure 2-5 Site for Head work near Bharabhari (source: field visit 2019) ........................................... 18

Figure 2-6 Site of Weir Area (field survey 2017) ................................................................................. 18

Figure 2-7 Settling Basin Area (source: site visit 2017) ....................................................................... 20

Figure 2-8 One of the site for Headrace Pipe near Sardi Khola (source: site visit 2019) .................... 21

Figure 2-9 Site for Primary Surge Tank (field survey 2019) ................................................................. 22

Figure 2-10 Site for the power house and tailrace (field survey) ........................................................ 23

Figure 2-11 Main road Bhurjung Khola (Site visit) ............................................................................... 24

Figure 2-12 Proposed Construction Camp area in Bhurjung Khola (source: site visit) ....................... 27

Figure 2-13 Project Support failities (source: Goggle Earth 2019) ...................................................... 30

Figure 2-14 Existing Quarry site in right bank of Seti Nadi near the power house (source: site visit

2019) .................................................................................................................................................... 31

Figure 3-1 DIA and IIA of the Project (source: Field visit 2017) ........................................................... 38

Figure 4-1 Physiography of Nepal (DIVA GIS and Department of Survey ) ......................................... 48

Figure 4-2 Geological Map of Nepal (Source: Department of Mines and Geology, Nepal) ................ 49

Figure 4-3 Geological Map (map not on scale) of the Project area showing major rock discontinuities

(after DMG) .......................................................................................................................................... 51

Figure 4-4 Seti nadi at Headworks area (source: site visit) ................................................................. 52

Figure 4-5 Epicenter Map of Nepal (source: National Seismological Center, Nepal).......................... 54

Figure 4-6 Sesmic Hazard Map of Nepal (source: National Seismological Center, Nepal).................. 54

Figure 4-7 Rainfall during the site visit ................................................................................................ 55

Figure 4-8 Distribution of Rainfall stations in the basin (Updated Feasibility Report 2019)............... 58

Figure 4-9 Seti Nadi near Tatopani (field survey 2019) ....................................................................... 59

Figure 4-10 Catchment Area of Seti Nadi at Headworks Location (source: Updated Feasibility Study

Report and Department of Survey) ..................................................................................................... 60

Figure 4-11 Flow Duration Curve plot for adopted design discharge (at Q44.85) at Intake of Seti Nadi

HPP (Source: Updated Feasibility Report 2019) .................................................................................. 63

Figure 4-12 Land Slide near Tatopani (site visit 2019) ........................................................................ 65

Figure 4-13 Protected Areas of Nepal (source: Department of Survey, DNPWC, MoFSC) ................. 68

Figure 4-14 Annapurna Conservation Area and Project Site, (source: Department of Survey, DNPWC,

MoFSC) ................................................................................................................................................. 69


Proponent: Vision Lumbini. Ltd. Consultant: EHS Pvt. Ltd. JV NRAC vii

Figure 4-15 ACA office at Lewang (photo top left), team with ACA staff and Check point of the ACAP

in Bhujung Khola (field survey). ........................................................................................................... 70

Figure 4-16 Ecological zone of Nepal (Lillesø et al. 2005) ................................................................... 71

Figure 4-17 Vegetation and Settlement in the Sardi Khola ( field visit) .............................................. 75

Figure 4-18 Pine forest just before Tatopani (field survey) ................................................................. 77

Figure 4-19 Some of the selected plants ( field visit) .......................................................................... 77

Figure 4-20 Some vegetables (field survey) ........................................................................................ 78

Figure 4-21 Some fauna (field study) .................................................................................................. 82

Figure 4-22 Fishes from the Seti Nadi (field survey) ........................................................................... 83

Figure 4-23 Land use types in Machhapuchre Rural Municpality (source: site visit) .......................... 84

Figure 4-24 View of Macchapurcre Rural Municipality from Sarangkot, Pokhara (source: site visit) 84

Figure 4-25 Local Residants of Macchapuchre Rural Municipality (source: site visit) ........................ 85

Figure 4-26 Religious sites (source: site visit) ...................................................................................... 86

Figure 4-27 Schools in Sardi Khola and Machhapuchre VDCs field survey ......................................... 90

Figure 4-28 Farming and Agriculture (field survey 2019) .................................................................... 90

Figure 4-29 Irrigation canal passing from Sardi Khola to Puranchor (field survey 2019) .................... 91

Figure 4-30 Woman working at home to dry crop (field survey 2019) ............................................... 93

Figure 4-31 Man fishing at Sardi Khola (field survey 2019) ................................................................. 93

Figure 4-32 Man preparing DOKO with Nigalo (field survey) .............................................................. 94

Figure 4-33 Health Post near Bhurjung Nadi village (source: field visit 2017) .................................... 94

Figure 4-34 Tatopani near the project area (Tatopani) (source: field visit 2019) .............................. 95

Figure 4-35 Water uses as Irrigation Canal of Puranchour and Fishing at Sardi Khola (source: site

visit) ...................................................................................................................................................... 96

Figure 4-36 Salte making small factory at Bhurjung Nadi followed by Saw Mill (source: site visit) ... 96

Figure 5-1 Topo map of project (Updated feasibility report 2019) ................................................... 104

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1.1 Experts Involved in the EIA Study of Seti Nadi Hydroelectric Project ................................... 2

Table 2.1 Camps and Tentative areas .................................................................................................. 27

Table 2.2 Land Requirement ................................................................................................................ 28

Table 2.3 Site of Stock pile ................................................................................................................... 33

Table 3.1 Details of the project sites and surroundings ...................................................................... 39


Proponent: Vision Lumbini. Ltd. Consultant: EHS Pvt. Ltd. JV NRAC viii

Table 4.1 Information of Precipitation Stations around Project Basin................................................ 56

Table 4.2 Average Precipitation by different methods ....................................................................... 57

Table 4.3 Gauging Stations Nearby the Project ................................................................................... 59

Table 4.4 Mean Monthly Discharge of Seti River at Ghachowk(Station No:427) .............................. 60

Table 4.5 Mean Monthly Discharge at Intake Site from different Methods ....................................... 61

Table 4.6 Adopted Mean Monthly Flow (m3/s) at Intake Site in BS ................................................... 62

Table 4.7 Time Exceedance of Flows at Intake site ............................................................................. 62

Table 4.8 Summary of flood (m3/s) analysis for intake ...................................................................... 64

Table 4.9 Summary of flood (m3/s) for powerhouse .......................................................................... 64

Table 4.10 Estimated Floods for River Diversion ................................................................................. 64

Table 4.11 Air Quality Monitoring ....................................................................................................... 67

Table 4.12 List of Trees in Different Project Components .................................................................. 71

Table 4.13 List of the Herbs common to Powerhouse and Headworks area ...................................... 76

Table 4.14 List of Shrubs common to the Powerhoise and Headworks area ..................................... 76

Table 4.15 Mammals in the Project Area ............................................................................................ 80

Table 4.16 Land Use Pattern in Kaski District ...................................................................................... 83

Table 4.17 Households, population and average household size. ..................................................... 86

Table 4.18 Population aged 5 years and above by literacy status and sex ......................................... 87

Table 4.19 Ethnic condition in the former VDCs ................................................................................. 88

Table 4.20 List of School ...................................................................................................................... 89

Table 4.21 Households by usual source of lighting ............................................................................. 92

Table 4.22 Households by source of drinking water ........................................................................... 92

Table 5.1 Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Technical Power Plant Alternatives in the

Context of Nepal .................................................................................................................................. 97

Table 5.2 Comparison of Alternative Surge Tank ............................................................................. 105

Table 6.1 Community Support Program ............................................................................................ 108

Table 6.2 Impact Matrix ..................................................................................................................... 111

Table 6.3 Forest Loss Due to the Implementation of Project............................................................ 117

Table 6.4 Forest Trees/Poles Due to the Implementation of Project ............................................... 117

Table 6.5 Impact matrix ..................................................................................................................... 124

Table 7.1 Environment Flow .............................................................................................................. 138

Table 7.2 Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Measures Matrix ....................................... 144


Proponent: Vision Lumbini. Ltd. Consultant: EHS Pvt. Ltd. JV NRAC ix

LIST OF FIGURES

ANNEXES

Annex 1 Pictorial Highlights

Annex 2 License, EIA Permission

Annex 3 Public Hearing

Annex 4 Water Quality Reports

Annex 5 Recommendations

Annex 6 Forest Loss and Vegetation

Annex 7 List of People for Land Acquisition

Approved ToR


Proponent: Vision Lumbini. Ltd. Consultant: EHS Pvt. Ltd. JV NRAC x

sfo{sf/L ;f/f+z !=) cfof]hgfsf] k|:tfjs lehg n'lDjgL ln= o; ;]tL gbL hnljB't cfof]hgf -@% d]=jf=_sf] k|:tfjs xf] . k|:tfjssf] 7]ufgf lgDg adf]lhd /x]sf] 5 . lehg n'lDjgL ln= j'6jn, ?kGb]xL, g]kfn kmf]g g+M )&!–%%)^$) O{ d]n: [email protected] cfof]hgfsf] ;+lIfKt ljj/0f u08sL k|b]zsf] sf:sL lhNnf df5fk'R5«] ufpFkflnsf eO{ axg] ;]tL gbLdf df5fk'R5«] ufpFkflnsf j8f g+ @ sf] e/fe/Ldf ;fdfGo afFw (Weir) lgdf{0f u/L ;f]xL lhNnfsf] ;f]xL ufpFkflnsfdf ljB't u[x /xg] u/L ;]tL gbL hnljB't cfof]hgf k|:tfj ul/Psf] 5. of] cfof]hgf æ/g ckm b l/e/Æ k|s[ltsf] xf] h;sf] hl8t Ifdtf @% d]=jf /xg]5 eg] aflif{s pmhf{ !$%=^^ luufjf6 306f /xg]5 . of] cfof]hgfsf] cjl:ylt @*) !*’ $)” b]vL @*) @@’ !@” pQ/L cIff+; / *#) %&’ !%” b]vL *#) %*’ #)” k:jL{ b]zfGt/ ljr /x]sf] 5 . o; cfof]hgsf ;Dk"0f{ ;+/rgfx? gbLsf] afofF t6df /xg]5g\ . o; cfof]hgfsf] ;fdfGo afFw (Weir) sf:sL lhNnf df5fk'R5«] ufpFkflnsf j8f g+ @ eO{ axg] ;]tL gbLtk{m nueu #* ld6/ nfdf] / ;d'Gb| ;tx b]lv !@*! ld6/ prfO{df #* ld6/ nfdf] /xg]5 . ;]tL gbLsf] kfgL s/La ^@)& ld6/ nfdf] x]8/]; kfOk dfk{mt ;d'Gb| ;tx b]lv !)() ld6/ prfO{df df5fk'R5«] ufpFkflnsf j8f g+ @ df /xg] ljB't u[xdf nlug] 5 . ljB'tu[xaf6 lg:s]sf] kfgLnfO{ k'gM;]tL gbLdf ld;fOg] 5 . cfof]hgfsf d'Vo ;+/rgfx?df ;fdfGo afFw (Weir), jfn'jf lyu|ofpg] kf]v/L, kfgL k|jfx ug]{ x ]8/]; kfOk, k]g:6s kfOk, ljB't u[x / kfgL lgsf; ug]{ s'nf] /xg]5g . cfof]hgfsf] cGo ;xfos ;+/rgfdf kx'r dfu{ ,sd{rf/L cfjfz, 9'+uf, lu6\6L afn"jf ;ªsng ug]{ 7fpF, lgdf{0f ;fdfu|L e08f/0f ug]{ 7fpF, df6f] y'kfg]{ 7fpF, e08f/0f :yn /xg]5g\ . of] cfof]hgfsf] u|; x]8 !*&=% dL / g]6 x]8 !^%=#% dL /xg]5 . @=) gLlt tyf sfg'gL k|fjwfg jftfj/0f ;+/If0f lgodfjnL @)%$ sf] cg';"rL–@, sf] lgod cM -#_ adf]lhd s'g} k|:tfj /fli6«o lgs'~h, jGohGt' cf/If, ;Ld;f/ / ;+/If0f If]qdf sfof{Gjog ug'{ kg]{ ePdf jftfj/0fLo k|efj d"Nof+sg ug'{kg]{ x'G5 . k|:tfljt ;]tL gbL hnljB't cfof]hgf -@% d]=jf=_ cGgk'0f{ ;+/If0f If]qdf kb{5, ;f]xL cg'?k k|:tfljt cfof]hgfsf] jftfj/0fLo k|efj d"Nof+sg k|ltj]bg t}of/ ug{'kb{5 . g]kfn ;/sf/n] hf/L u/]sf] jftfj/0f ;+/If0f lgodfjnL @)%$ sf] k|fjwfg cg'?k cfof]hgf lgdf{0f ug' { cufj} jftfj/0fLo k|efj d"Nofs+g k|ltj]bg :jLs[t ug'{kb{5 . g]kfn ;/sf/n] hf/L u/]sf] jftfj/0fLo sfg'gsf cnfjf ljleGg If]q, cGt/-If]qLo sfg'g, dfkb08 tyf u'0f:t/x? klg cfof]hgf ljsf;df cfslif{t x'G5g\ ;fy} g]kfn ;/sf/n] x:tfIf/ u/]sf] cGt//fli6«o ;lGw tyf ;Demf}tfx? klg cfslif{t x'G5g\ . of] jftfj/0fLo k|efj d"Nofs+g k|ltj]bgn] dfly pNn]lvt gLlt, sfg'g, dfkb08 tyf u'0f:t/x?sf] k"0f{ ?kdf kfngf u/]sf] 5 . #=) cWoogsf] d'Vo pB]Zo o; jftfj/0fLo k|efj d"NofÍg k|ltj]bgsf] d'Vo p2]Zo o; cfof]hgfn] jftfj/0fdf kfg{ ;Sg] gsf/fTds / ;sf/fTds c;/x?sf] klxrfg u/L gsf/fTds c;/x?sf] Go'lgs/0f / ;sf/fTds c;/x?nfO{ k|f]T;fxg ug{sf] nflu cfjZos ;'emfj k|bfg ug'{ /xsf] 5 .


Proponent: Vision Lumbini. Ltd. Consultant: EHS Pvt. Ltd. JV NRAC xi

$=) ljsNk ljZn]if0f k|:tfljt cfof]hgf lg0f{o lng' cufj} jftfj/0fLo tyf ;fdflhs ;'/Iffsf] b[li6sf]0faf6 ljleGg pknAw ljsNkx?sf] ljZn]if0f ul/Psf] lyof] . jftfj/0fLo cWoogsf] lznlznfdf cfof]hgf l:yltsf] ljsNk, l8hfO{g, k|fljlws kIf, lgdf{0f tl/sf, lgdf{0f ;do, lgdf{0f ;fdu|L, jftfj/0fLo Joj:yfkg, sd jgh+unsf] pkof]u, cfof]hgfjf6 kg{ ;Sg] vt/f tyf c;/x?sf] ;d]t j}slNks ljZn]if0f ul/Psf] lyof] . pknAw ljleGg pkfox?sf] ljZn]if0f u/L cfof]hgfsf] ;+/rgfx? agfOFbf jftfj/0fLo ;'/Iffsf] b[li6sf]0fdf sd;]sd yf/} h+un If]qsf] 5fF6sfF6 tyf e"Ifo / e":vngsf] sd hf]lvd ePsf] If]qnfO{ pRrtd ljsNksf] ?kdf /x]sf] kfO{of]. %=) jftfj/0fLo k|efj o; cfof]hgf If]q g]kfnsf] kxf8L If]qdf kb{5 . pQm cfof]hgfsf] afFw gbLdf / kfj/xfp; gbL lsgf/df /xg] 5 . o; If]qsf] glhs} /x]sf] kxf8 ljz]ift lkmnfO{6 tyf Sjfhf{O{6 h:tf vlghn] ag]sf] 5 . kfj/xfp; If]qdf Pn'lePn df6f] /x]sf] 5 anf}6] df6f]sf] ?kdf /x]sf] 5 . k|:tfljt cfof]hgf pkf]i0f xfjfkfgL kfO{g] If]qdf kb{5 . o; If]qdf cf};t clwstd tfkqmd dlxgfdf -##) ;]=_ / cf};t Go"gtd tfkqmd hgj/L dlxgfdf -#) ;]=_ /]s8{ ul/Psf] 5 . e' pkof]u sf] cfwf/df h+unL If]q, afemf] hldg, s[lif of]Uo hldg tyf jl:tx? kfO{Psf 5g\ . o; If]qdf pkf]i0f k|sf/sf] h+un kfO{G5 . jg:kltdf lrnfpg], lv/f]{, lgufnf], plQ;, ;Nnf /x]sf 5g . cfof]hgf :yn j/k/ kfO{g] jGohGt'x?df :tgwf/L, r/fx?, df5f 5g . cfof]hgfsf] lgdf{0f tyf ;+rfng cjlwnfO{ v/f] ?kdf ljBdfg jftfj/0fLo l:ylt tyf cfof]hgfsf] lj:t[t gd'gf cWoog u/L jftfj/0fLo tyf ;fdflhs k|efjx?sf] klxrfg tyf k"jf{g'dfg ul/g] 5. cfof]hgfsf] k|ToIf k|efljt If]qdf lgdf{0fsf s|ddf x'g] k|efjx?df e"–pkof]u kl/jt{g, e"Ifo tyf e"–l:y/tfsf] hf]lvd / lgdf{0f s|ddf x'g] WjgL k|b"if0f /x]sf 5g\. ;+rfng cjlwdf eg] ;'Vvf If]qdf x'g] gbLsf] jxfj kl/jt{g tyf gbLsf] :j?k kl/jt{g d'Vo rf;f]sf] ljifo /x]sf 5g\\. cfof]hgf lgdf{0f r/0fdf kg{ ;Sg] /f;folgs k|efjx?df yf]/}} ;dosf nflu xfjf tyf hn k|b"if0fx? x'g\ h'g Go"g b]lv dWood dxTjsf /x]sf 5g\ . cfof]hgf :yn gfh's tyf hf]lvdo'Qm h}ljs jftfj/0f eGbf aflx/ /x]sf] 5 . cfof]hgfsf ;+/rgfx?n] *=^@ x]S6/ h+unnfO{ c;/ kfg]{ b]lvG5 . cfof]hgf lgdf{0f ubf{ @#=@^ x]S6/ e"–pkof]u ePsf hldgsf] cfj:ostf kg]{ b]lvG5 ((=#! x]S6/ lglh / !#=(% cGgk'0f{ ;+/If0f If]qsf] hldg) . cfof]hgfsf] k|efljt If]qdf ljleGg jg:klt tyf jGohGtsf k|hfltx? /x]sf 5g\ . jg If]q Iflt, jGohGt' tyf ltgsf jf;:yfgdf x'g] k|efj /x]sf] b]lvG5. lgdf{0f cjlwdf afx\o sfdbf/x?sf] cfudgn] ubf{ u}/sfg'gL tj/af6 ?v s6fg, jGohGt'sf] l;sf/ cflb d'Vo jftfj/0fLo ;'/Iffsf] rf;f]sf] ljifo /x]sf] b]lvG5 . ;fdflhs ;'/Iffsf] b[li6sf]0faf6 cfof]hgfn] dflg;sf] cfly{s tyf ef}lts :yfgfGt/ x'g] b]lvb}g . cfof]hgf lgdf{0f cjlwdf d'Vo rf;f]sf] ljifo eg]sf] k]zfut :jf:Yy tyf ;'/Iffdf c;/, b}lgs pkef]Uo j:t'dfly rfk, ;dfhdf j9g ;Sg] c;dflhs ljs[lt, :jf:Yy tyf ;/;kmfO{df c;/ /x]sf 5g\.


Proponent: Vision Lumbini. Ltd. Consultant: EHS Pvt. Ltd. JV NRAC xii

^=) jftfj/0fLo k|efj Go"lgs/0f tyf clea[l4s/0fsf pkfox? cg'dflgt jftfj/0fLo k|efjx?nfO[{ ;se/ TofUg]], sd ug]{ tyf Ifltk"tL{nfO{ d'cfAhf lbg] ta/df qmda4 tl/sfn] /flvg]] 5 . kl/of]hgf l8hfO{g ubf{ ;+efljt pkfox?nfO{ ;dfj]z ul/g] 5 . tL pkfox?df kl/of]hgfsf ;+/rgf tyf ;xfos ;+/rgf, kl/of]hgf kx'Fr ;8s lgdf{0f ubf{ ?v s6fg / ;+efljt e"–:vng hf]lvd If]qnfO{ ;se/ TofUg] /x]sf 5g\ . ;Dk"0f{ ;dfwfg ;+jf]wg ug{ g;lsg] k|efjx?nfO{ Go"gLs/0f ug{ Ifltk"lt{sf] Joj:yf ul/Psf] 5 . ef}lts tyf /f;folgs jftfj/0fsf] ;'/Iff ug{ tyf k|efj Go"gLs/0f ug{ tn pNn]lvt pkfox? cjnDag ul/g] 5 . 9'‹f, lu§L tyf afn'jf pTvgg \ ubf{ k|fs[lts e'jgf]6 sfod ul/g] 5 ;fy} qm;/ tyf a]lrª

KnfG6 k|d'v jl:taf6 6f9f /flvg] 5 .

kx'Fr ;8s lsgf/fdf 8«]gx? lgdf{0f ul/g] 5g . pTvgg If]q tyf kmf]xf]/ y'kfl/Psf] If]qnfO{ e"–:vng af6 ;+/If0f ug{ l;len sfo{ tyf h}jLs

k|ljlwsf] ljsf; ug]{ .

oftfoft tyf pks/0fx?sf] lgoldt /]vb]v ug]{ . w'nf] p8\g] 7fpFdf kfgL 5s{g]. lgdf{0fdf k|of]u x'g] /;fognfO{ plrt 7fFpdf Joj:yf ug]{ . lgdf{0f SofDkdf 7f]; tyf t/n kmf]xf]/nfO{ Joj:yfkg ug]{ . k]6«f]lnod kbfy{sf] r'xfj6nfO{ Joj:yfkg ug]{ . sfdbf/x?sf nflu k]zfut ;'/Iffsf pks/0fx? h:t} x]Nd]6, df:s, a'6 cflb k|bfg ul/g] 5 . lgdf{0f ;fdu|Lx? lglZrt 7fpFdf 9fs]/ /flvg] 5g\. kmf]xf]/d}nfsf] plrt Aoj:yfkg ul/g] 5 . h}ljs jftfj/0f ;'/Iffsf nflu k|efj sd ug{ lgDg pkfox?sf] cjnDag ul/g]5 . ?v s6fg k"j{ ;+s]t tyf ;+Vof olsg ug]{ . ! ?vsf] ;§fdf @% j6f lj?jf /f]k0f ul/g] 5 . To:tf] sfo{ ubf{ % jif{ ;Ddsf] a]gf{ nufpg],

Joj:yfkg ug]{ vr{ Joxf]l/g] 5 .

bfp/fsf] ;§f a}slNks phf{ h:t} dl§t]n, Uof; cflb k|of]u ug]{ . lgdf{0f sfdbf/x?nfO{ h+undf l5/L ?v sf6\g tyf jGohGt' l;sf/ ug{ /f]s nufpg] . /ftsf] ;dodf WjgL pT;h{g x'g] sfd aGb ug]{ . ;fdflhs jftfj/0f

k|efljt df5fk'R5«] ufpFkflnsfsf] ;fdflhs tyf cfly{s l:ylt clea[l4sf nflu lgDg pNn]lvt pkfox? cjnDag ul/g] 5 . :yfgLonfO{ /f]huf/sf] cj;/ . :yfgLo z}lIfs tyf :jf:Yo ;+:yfnfO{ ;xof]u . lhljsf]kfh{gsf nflu Ifdtf clea[l4 tflnd. dlxnf ljsf; sfo{s|d.


Proponent: Vision Lumbini. Ltd. Consultant: EHS Pvt. Ltd. JV NRAC xiii

s[lif tyf afujfgL lj:tf/ sfo{qmd. clwu|x0f ugkg]{ hUuf tyf s[lif pkhsf] Ifltk'lt lbO{g] 5. sfdbf/x?sf nflu 5'§} vfg]kfgL tyf ;f}rfnosf] Aoj:yf ul/g] 5 . sfdbf/x?sf]nflu lglZrt lgod dfkb08 nfu' ul/g] 5 . ;Defljt b'3{6gfaf6 hf]lug k'j{ ;fjwflgsf pkfox? nfu' ul/g] 5g\ . &=) jftfj/0fLo Joj:yfkg of]hgf ;]tL gbL hnljB't cfof]hgfsf] jftfj/0fLo Joj:yfkg of]hgfn] cfof]hgfsf] jftfj/0fLo Joj:yfkgsf pkfox? tyf sfo{k4tLnfO{ kl/eflift ug{]5. cfof]hgfsf] jftfj/0fLo Joj:yfkg of]hgfn] kl/of]hgf ljsf; qmddf b]vfkg]{ ;fdflhs tyf jftfj/0fLo ;'/Iffsf d'4fx?nfO{ s;/L lgb{]lzt ug]{ eGg] s'/fnfO{ cfof]hgfsf] b[9tfnfO{ /flvg] 5. jftfj/0fLo Joj:yfkg of]hgfn] jftfj/0fLo Joj:yfkgsf] ;+u7lgs :j?k / ToxFf ;dfj]z x'g] ;/f]sf/jfnfx?sf] e"ldsf tyf bfloTjx?sf] plrt j0f{g ug{]5. jftfj/0fLo tyf ;fdflhs ;'/Iffsf pkfox?nfO{ ;do kl/lw leq cjnDagsf] ;'lglZrt ug{ plrt ;'kl/j]If0f, cg'udg tyf n]vffkl/Ifsf] nflu ;"rgf tyf clen]v k|0ffnLsf] ljsf; ul/g] 5. *=) cfof]hgf nfut tyf kmfO{bf k|:tfljt cfof]hgfaf6 /fHonfO{ k|ToIf ?kdf /fh:j :j?k ?= ! c/a, & s/f]8, ^@ nfv :j?k dxTjk"0f{ kmfO{bf k'Ug] b]lvG5 . ;fy ;fy} lgdf{0f tyf ;+rfng r/0fdf l;h{gf x'g] /f]huf/sf] cj;/ -bIf –*), cw{bIf – !)), cbIf –@@)_ tyf :yfgLo j:t'sf] laqmLaf6 k|ToIf ?kdf kmfO{bf k'Ug] b]lvG5 . cfof]hgfsf] lgdf{0f vr{ ?= $ c/a, ^& s/f]8, (# nfv cg'dflgt ul/Psf] 5 . cfof]hgfsf] k|lt d]=jf= vr{ ?= !*,&!,& #,$((_ cg'dflgt ul/Psf] 5 . cfof]hgfsf nflu jftfj/0fLo Go"gLs/0f, cg'udg tyf clea[l4s/0fsf] vr{ @$ s/f]8, ^! nfv 5'6\ofOPsf] 5 . cfof]hgfsf] lgdf{0f sfo{ #) dlxgfdf ;lsg] /x]sf] 5 .

(=) ;fd'bflos ;xof]u sfo{qmd cfof]hgfn] :yflgo ;d'bfosf] nflu ;fd'bflos ;xof]u sfo{qmd cGt{ut cof]hgfsf] s"n nfut dWo] )=&*Ü jh]6 vr{ ug]{5 . ;fd'bflos ;xof]u sfo{qmd cGt{ut cfof]hgfn] ljBdfg cj:yfdf /x]sf ;8sx?sf] :t/pGglt ug]{, k|efljt If]qsf ljBfnonfO{ ;xof]u ug]{ tyf h}ljs ljljwtf ;DalGw hgr]tgf d'ns tflnd k|bfg ug]{, lhljsf]kfh{gsf nflu Ifdtf clea[l4 tflnd, cfdf ;d'xsf] dlxnf ljsf; sfo{s|dnfO{ ;xof]u ug]{, s[lif tyf afujfgL lj:tf/ sfo{qmd, o'jf ;d'xsf] nflu Ifdtf clea[l4 tflnd h:tf sfo{qmdx? ;+rfng ul/g] 5 . !)=) lgisif{ ;]tL gbL hnljB't cfof]hgf 5f]6f] lgdf{0f cjlw tyf l;ldt ;~rfng cjlwsf c;/x?n] ubf{ jftfj/0fLo tyf ;fdflhs c;/x? klg l;ldt /x]sf 5g\ . cfof]hgfn] ubf{ :yfgLo ;d'bfo tyf /fli6«o :t/df k'Ug] kmfO{bfnfO{ dWogh/ ub}{ jftfj/0fLo cg'dtL lng cfj:os /x]sf] 5 . ;fy} cfof]hgfn] jftfj/0f k|efj d"NofÍsg k|ltj]bgdf pNn]v x'g] ;sf/fTds k|efjx?nfO{ a9f]Q/L ug]{ / gsf/fTds k|efjx?nfO{ Go"lgs/0f Pj+ lg/fs/0f ug]{ u/L jftfj/0f k|efj d"NofÍsg k|ltj]bg t}of/ u/L jftfj/0fLo k|efj d"Nof+sg k|ltj]bgdf pNN]fv eP jdf]lhd lgdf{0f tyf ;+rfng r/0fdf k|:tfljt sfo{x?sf] kfngf ug]{5 .


Proponent: Vision Lumbini. Ltd. Consultant: EHS Pvt. Ltd. JV NRAC xiv

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.0 Proponent of The Project

The proponent of the proposed project Seti Nadi Hydroelectric (SNHEP) is Vision Lumbini Ltd. The

address of the proponent is as under:

Vision Lumbini Ltd.

Butwal-8, Gurudwara Path

Rupandehi, Nepal

Phone: (977-071) 544316; 549494


Brief Description of the Project

The project is located in Machhapuhre Rural Municipality ward 2 of Kaski District of Gandaki

Pradesh. The Weir is located at Machhapuchre Rural Municipality ward 2, Bharabhari while the

powerhouse is located in the same rural municipality. The project is a run-off river scheme which is

located at about middle stretch of Seti Nadi. Seti Nadi originates from Annapurna Himalayan Range.

The Seti Nadi is one of the major tributary of Sapta Gandaki River. The project is located at about 20

km NW of Lamachor (Pokhara). The Project area covers the longitudes from 83 0 57'15” E to 83 0 58’30” E and latitudes from 28 0 18’40” N to 28 0 22’12” N. Weir site is located at Near Bharabhari village (Machhapuchre Rural Municipality Ward 2) on the left bank and Misra Village

(Machhapuchre Rural Municipality Ward 2) on the right bank. About 6300 m long Pipeline

Alignment (HPA) was designed to pass through the left bank hill slope of the Seti Nadi. The Pipeline

alignment was passed through various terrains, streams and gullies (wet to dry). It will generate Dry

Season Energy: 45.48 GWh, Wet Season energy: 100.18 GWh and Total Energy: 145.66 GWh.

2.0 Legislative Framework

Seti Nadi Hydroelectric Project (SNHEP) lies in Annapurna Conservation Area, therefore, EIA

report need to be prepared for this project. The environmental screening criteria enshrined in the

Environment Protection Regulation 1997 of the Government of Nepal (GoN) mandates

Environmental Impact Assessment studies for the project development approval. Apart from GoN

umbrella environmental legislations, a number of GoN sectorial and cross-sectorial policies, legislations, guidelines and standards are attracted for the project development apart from the

commitments of the GoN pertaining to international conventions and treaties. This EIA report is

prepared in compliance to the above policies, legislations, guidelines, and standards.

3.0 Main Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this Environmental Impact Assessment study is to identify negative impacts as

well as beneficial impacts. It will also propose the measures to reduce the negative impacts and

suggest the measures to enhance the beneficial impacts.

4.0 Alternative Analysis

The proposed project is analyzed from environmental and social safeguard perspectives from among

the various alternatives available. Among various energy alternatives to supplement of energy

requirements, hydroelectricity based on the available water resources is evaluated as the best. For the

construction of the project structures and facilities, the option minimizing forest land clearance and

low risk of erosion and land instability is selected as the best option from the environmental

safeguard perspective. The areas for the construction of project structures has been selected based on

low risk situation of the sites.

5.0 Environmental Impacts

The key physical environmental impacts related to project in the Direct Impact Zone during the

construction period is the land use change and the risk of land erosion and land instability apart from

the short term construction noises. In the operation phase, change in the river hydrology and the

mailto:[email protected]


Proponent: Vision Lumbini. Ltd. Consultant: EHS Pvt. Ltd. JV NRAC xv

river morphology in the dewatered stretch is of concern. The chemical environmental impact in the

construction phase relates to the construction activities such as short term air and water pollution of

low to moderate significance. The envisaged impacts, however, could be mitigated with the proven

mitigation measures.

The total land required during the construction of the project is 23.26 ha. About 8.62 ha of the forest

will be affected by the project. Out of total land, about 9.31 ha land belong to the private while 13.95

belong to Annapurna Conservation Area land. The affected area of the project consists of different

vegetation and wildlife species. Cutting down of trees during the construction period may lead to the

migration of wildlife species and destruction of their habitat. Influx of the construction workforce

and their activities (illegal felling of trees, poaching of wildlife etc) is of concern from the

environmental safeguard perspective during construction period.

From the social safeguard perspective, the project is not envisaged to exert economic or physical

displacement of people. During the construction of the project the major issues are concerned with

water resources, soil erosion, pressure on local resources, employment for the local, trainings,

Community health and security, Occupational health and security etc.

6.0 Environmental Mitigation and Enhancement Measures

To mitigate the envisaged impacts, measures to avoid, minimize and compensate the impacts have

been employed in the hierarchical order. The project design has included all the possible avoidance

measures; these measures include selection of sites for project structural locations and ancillary

facility placement and internal access road alignments which have avoided loss of forest land,

standing vegetation and erosion prone areas. For the unavoidable impacts minimization and

compensatory measures have been applied.

The measures to be followed for safety of physical and chemical environment and reducing the

effects are mentioned below:

Control on excavation Civil and bio-engineering protection of erosion prone excavated sites and spoil deposition

sites

Regular maintenance of equipments and vehicles Effluent treatment facilities for the discharges from , batching plant, aggregate washing plant

and camps

Restriction on the haphazard disposal of spent oils and lubricants Storage facilities for the hazardous chemicals and waste

The minimization measures for the biological environmental safeguards are as follows:

Limiting vegetation clearance through prior pegging and numbering Replacing firewood by alternative fuel (kerosene /LPG) in the camps Restriction on the movement of workforce in the wilderness, punitive actions against tree

felling and wildlife poaching by construction workers

Re-plantation of Trees lost

Measures such as awareness programs on community health and safety, occupational health and

safety; provisioning of personnel protective equipment to workers, control and vehicular speed,

roadside parking, entry to active construction sites etc are some of the measures to safeguard social

impacts. For the enhancement of the socio economic condition of the project affected villages, the

measures to be employed are mentioned below:

Employment Opportunity for the locals. Assistance to local educational and health facilities. Livelihood skill training


Proponent: Vision Lumbini. Ltd. Consultant: EHS Pvt. Ltd. JV NRAC xvi

Women/Youth development programs Agricultural and horticulture extension programs Tourism promotion programs etc

7.0 Environmental Management Plan

Environmental Management Plan (EMP) prepared for the Seti Nadi Hydroelectric Project (SNHEP)

defines project environmental management measures and procedures. The EMP outlines the

organizational structure, and describes the main roles and responsibilities of the parties involved in

project environmental management to safeguard the natural and social environments during the

project development and operation. It set out the key guiding principles and procedures. To handle

the grievance of the local people and other stakeholders a robust grievance handling mechanism is

inbuilt with the EMP. To ensure that the environmental and social measures are implemented in time

bound fashion a protocol for supervision, monitoring and auditing has been established with an

inbuilt recording and reporting system.

8.0 Cost and Benefit of Project

The proposed project generates a significant economic benefit to the country through direct revenue

from energy royalty (about NRs. 1,762,000,000). Besides, during the construction and operation the

project it will have a number of direct benefits from the employment generated (skilled 80, semi-

skilled 100 and unskilled 220) and expenditures to local items. The construction cost of the project is

presently estimated to be around NPR. 4,679,337,475 and per MW cost is estimated to be NRs.

187,173,499. Environmental mitigation, monitoring and environmental enhancement cost is

246,110,000 has also been separated for the project. The construction work of the project will be

completed in 30 months.

9.0 Community Support Program

The community support program by the proponent has separated 0.78 % of total project cost for the

same. This will be spent for various programs as given in the report. This CSP will be used for rural

access road enhancement, support to school, biodiversity conservation trainings, skilled based

trainings, support to mothers group, agricultural support program, skill training for the youths as

given in the report.

`

10.0 Conclusion

Given the short duration of the project construction, its small footprint and easy accessibility along

with the relatively limited effects during the operational phase, there are in fact limited significant

environmental/social impacts associated with the project. The project will incorporate of mitigation

measures and environmental monitoring plan which has been proposed in this report during the

construction and operation phase.


Proponent: Vision Lumbini. Ltd. Consultant: EHS Pvt. Ltd. JV NRAC 1

CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Project Background

Seti Nadi Hydroelectric Project (SNHEP) is a run-off-river type project with installed capacity of

25000 KW that will generates 145.66 GWh energy annually. The project is located in Kaski District

Machhapuchhre Gaunpalika in the Gandaki State of Nepal. The proponent of this proposal has an

objective to develop the hydropower sector in Nepal in order to assist the government of Nepal in

meeting challenges of energy crisis and contribute to the socio-economic development of the

country. With the construction of this project, the local people will benefit due job and other

opportunities and local development. Similarly, at national level, this project will add to the total

energy and will be useful to minimize the power crisis.

Vision Lumbini Ltd. wish to develop Seti Nadi Hydroelectric Project (25 MW, Kaski). On 2074/01/08

to 2076/01/07 survey license was issued by DoED for 30 MW. While it was amended by DoED from

30 MW to 25 MW on 2075/10/20. Recently Vision Lumbini Ltd. has applied in DOED for survey

license time extension and one-year extension has been done. MoFE gave permission for EIA study

on 2075/05/03. This study for the project is based on the design components of the feasibility study

and covers all the project components and ancillary facilities required for the project. But, the

report doesn't cover the Transmission Line for the project.

1.2 Proponent and the Institution Responsible for Preparing the Report

1.2.1 The Proponent

The proponent of the proposed project Seti Nadi Hydroelectric (SNHEP) is Vision Lumbini Ltd. The

address of the proponent is as under:

Vision Lumbini Ltd.

Butwal-8, Gurudwara Path

Rupandehi, Nepal

Phone: (977-071) 544316; 549494


1.2.2 Institution Responsible for Preparing the Document

This document has been prepared by Environmental and Health Services International Pvt. Ltd./JV

Nepal Rural and Advancement Committee P. Ltd. for and on behalf of the proponent as per the

legal requirements of GoN. The address of consultancy is as follows:

Environmental and Health Services International Pvt. Ltd.

Post Box No. 10443

Bijulibazar, Kathmandu, Nepal

Phone: (977-1-) 4491538, 977-9823104085


A multidisciplinary team of experts with expertise and experience in the respective fields were

involved in the EIA study. The following experts were involved in study are shown in Table 1.1:

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]



Table 1.1 Experts Involved in the EIA Study of Seti Nadi Hydroelectric Project

S.N. Expertise/ Capacity Expert Name Qualification

1 Team Leader

/Environmentalist Dr. Akhanda Raj Uprety

PhD in Environment Science

2 Biodiversity Expert Dr. Jyoti Prasad Gajurel M.Sc. in Botany and PhD in

Conservation Biology

3 Sr. Hydropower/Design

Engineer

Er. Buddha Krishna

Manandhar

BE in Civil Engineering,

Masters in Water Resources

4 Sociology and Resettlement

Expert Mr. Prakash Ghimire

MA in Sociology

5 Local Liaison / EHSI

Coordination Mr Lal Bahadur Dhami

MBA

6 Wildlife/Aquatic Expert Mr. Ravi Prasad Devkota M.Sc. in Zoology

7 Forester Mr. Sandesh Lamichanne B.Sc. in Forestry

Apart from the above mentioned key experts, other consultants of different background were

involved during the EIA study and report preparation.

1.3 Rationale for EIA Study

The GoN statuary legal requirements for the environmental studies are stipulated in the EPA’97 and EPR’97. The environmental screening criteria stipulated in the amended EPR such as i) Forest area coverage, ii) installed capacity, iii) project locations in historical/archeological sites, or protected

areas (national parks, wild life reserves, conservation areas, wet lands). Because of the following

project characteristics, project require EIA study:

Protected Area – Annapurna Conservation Area (attracts EPR Schedule 2, अ-३, pertaining to Rule 3 “Implementation of any Project in National Parks, Wetlands, Wildlife Reserve and Conservation Area”).

The forest area is 8.62 ha, which is greater than 5 ha, and need EIA to be done for the project.

For the projects screened for EIA study, the EPR provisions stipulates preparation of Environmental

Scoping Document (SD) and Terms of Reference (ToR) by the proponent and their approval from

the Ministry of Forests and Environment (MoFE) as an initial step for the Environmental Impact

Assessment (EIA) study. In compliance to the EPR provisions, the Scoping Document and Terms of

Reference (ToR) have been prepared and submitted to the MoFE for provision. The MoFE

subsequently approved the SD and ToR. This EIA report is prepared in compliance with the

provisions of EPA and EPR inclusive of the cross-sector legislative framework of Nepal and

International Treaties and Conventions where Nepal is a signatory.

1.4 Objectives of the EIA Study

The objective of the EIA study is to come up with the comprehensive environmental assessment of

the identified issues to ensure sustainable development by avoiding or minimizing environmental

impacts of the proposal development and operation in the proposal influence areas. The EIA study,



as per EPA (1997) has undertaken following activities to prepare a comprehensive EIA study report

to facilitate objective decision making by the concerned authorities:

Documentation of physical, chemical, biological and socio-economic and cultural baseline

environmental conditions of the proposal development areas from primary and secondary

sources;

Identification and adequate assessment of potential adverse and beneficial environmental

impacts due to proposal development and operation in different alternative scenarios of

proposal development and recommend different alternative development options on

environmental ground;

Elucidation of environmental issues stipulated in the ToR and predict impacts and their

significance in terms of nature, extent, duration, and magnitude for the selected development

option;

Proposed appropriate, practical, cost effective and site specific mitigation measures for the

identified environmental impacts to avoid or minimize or compensate adverse impacts and

capitalize maximum positive impacts for the selected alternative;

Prepared a comprehensive environmental management plan comprising of mitigation,

monitoring and auditing plans associated with proposal development and operation;

Presented the study findings to the concerned stakeholders of the proposal development area

in a public hearing meeting and taken their concerns and suggestions with regard to the

proposal development;

Prepared a comprehensive EIA report as per the format stipulated in the EPR incorporating all

the relevant concerns and suggestions of the concerned stakeholders to facilitate objective

decision making by the concerned decision makers of the Government of Nepal (GoN).

1.5 Scope of the Study

The scope of the work does not include the Transmission line. A separate EIA will be done for the

Transmission Line. The scope includes all project components, internal access road, trees to be fell

down along with their root, crusher plant, batching plant, aggregating plant, quarry sites.

1.6 Relevancy of the Study

Concert and concentrated efforts from all sectors on hydropower development can ensure access

to clean energy in the industrial and domestic sectors, reduce dependence on bio-fuels and provide

export revenues from surplus energy thus enhancing Nepal’s energy security and helping create favorable balance of payments. Realizing this challenge vis a vis opportunity, the proponent of this

proposal has an objective to develop the hydropower sector in Nepal in order to assist the

government of Nepal in meeting challenges of energy crisis and contribute to the socio-economic

development of the country. The project has been design and it has selected the alignment having

minimum impacts to the social and environmental aspects of adjoining areas during construction

and operation phase.



2 CHAPTER II: PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Seti Nadi Hydroelectric Project (SNHEP) is project located at Kaski District. The project is a run-off

river scheme, which is located at about middle stretch of Seti Nadi.

Seti Nadi originates from Annapurna Himalayan Range. The Seti Nadi is one of the major tributary

of Sapta Gandaki River. The project is located at about 20 km NW of Lamachor (Pokhara).

The Project area covers the longitudes from 83 0 57'15” E to 83 0 58’30” E and latitudes from 28 0 18’40” N to 28 0 22’12” N. The Project site is located on the Topo Sheet No. 2883-12 (GHANDRUK).

Figure 2-1 Project Site with Machhapuchre Rural Municipality Area (Source: site visit 2019)



Figure 2-2 The project area (source: field visit 2019 Department of Survey and MoFALD)

The Project layout is provided in the Figure 2.2.



Figure 2.2 Topo Map with Project Layout (Source: Updated Feasibility Report, 2019)



2.1 Accessibility

The project is accessible from Lamachaur-Ghachowk black top road and is about 20 km and

Ghachowk to Headworks is about 6 km. The project is accessible from Kathmandu by

Kathmandu-Pokhara Prithvi Highway, which is about 200 km in distance.

Figure 2-3 Access Road to the Project site (field survey 2019)

Figure 2-4 Google map of the accessibility (source: Google map 2019)



2.2 Salient Features

The Seti Nadi Hydroelectric project is a RoR project with 25 MW installed capacity located in

Kaski district under Annapurna Conservation Area. Salient features of the project are

presented in Table 2.1.

Table 2.1 Salient Feature of Seti Nadi Hydroelectric Project

S.No. Descriptions ToR EIA Remarks

1. General

Name of Project Seti Nadi Hydroelectric

Project

Seti Nadi

Hydroelectric Project

Name of the

River

Seti Nadi Seti Nadi

Type of the River Perennial Perennial

Project Layout Left Bank of Seti Nadi Left Bank of Seti Nadi

Type of Project Run of River (RoR) Run of River (RoR)

Province Gandaki (Province 4) Gandaki (Province 4)

District Kaski Kaski

Existing Road Lamachour-

Machhapuchhre

Regional road, Blacktop

& Earthen Road (20 Km

up to Weir)

Lamachour-

Machhapuchhre

Regional road,

Blacktop & Earthen

Road (20 Km up to

Weir)

Rural

Municipality

Machhapuchre Rural

Municipality, wards 1, 2

and 3 (Machhapuchre,

Sardi Khola, Ghachok);

Pokhara metropolitan

(former Puranchour)

ward 19.

Machhapuchre Rural

Municipality, wards 1,

2 and 3

(Machhapuchre, Sardi

Khola, Ghachok);

Pokhara metropolitan

(former Puranchour)

ward 19.

Geographical

Location

Project Boundary

Latitude :28° 18' 40" N

to 28° 22' 12" N

Longitude: 83° 57' 15" E

to 83° 58' 30" E

Project Boundary

Latitude :28° 18' 40"

N to 28° 22' 12" N

Longitude: 83° 57' 15"

E to 83° 58' 30" E

Location of

Proposed Weir

Site

Near Bharabhari village

(Machhapuchre Rural

Municipality Ward 2) on

the left bank and Mirsa

Near Bharabhari

village

(Machhapuchre Rural

Municipality Ward 2)



Village (Machhapuchre

Rural Municipality Ward

2) on the right bank at

about Elevation 1281

amsl and northeast of

Bhurjung River, Pokhara

metropolitan, ward no.

19 (former Puranchour

VDC).

on the left bank and

Mirsa Village

(Machhapuchre Rural

Municipality Ward 2)

on the right bank at

about Elevation 1281

amsl

Location of

Powerhouse

Near Pokhara

metropolitan, ward no.

19 (Puranchour) at

approximately 1090

amsl and located at

about 7 km

downstream of the

proposed intake. on the

left bank of the Seti

Nadi

Machhapuchre Rural

Municipality Ward 2,

Chinte Bagar at

approximately 1090

amsl and located at

about 7 km

downstream of the

proposed intake. on

the left bank of the

Seti Nadi

2. Internal Access

Road

About 1450 m need to

be constructed (

Earthen road with RoW

of 5 m, Total Length

1450m; For

Headworks: 350 m and

For Powerhouse:

1100m)

About 1500 m need

to be constructed (

Earthen road with

RoW of 6 m, Total

Length 1500; For

Headworks: 350 m

and For Powerhouse:

1150m)

3. Hydrology

Catchment Area

(At Intake) : 253.65 km2 : 253.65 km2

Catchment Area

(At Powerhouse) : 332.53 km2 : 332.53 km2

Design flow

discharge,

Q44.85

:18 m3/s :18 m3/s

Design Flood

Discharge at

Intake

: 745.05 m3/s (100Yr.

flood from Gumbel)

: 745.05 m3/s (100Yr.

flood from Gumbel)

Design Flood

Discharge at

Power house

: 820 m3/s (100 year

return period)

: 820 m3/s (100 year

return period)



4. Project

Structures

4.1 Headworks and

Intake Structure

Crest Elevation of

Weir

: 1281 masl : 1281 masl

Length of Weir : 38 m : 38 m

Type of Intake : Side Intake : Side Intake

Height of Weir : 5.0 m from river bed

with foundation depth

4.5m

: 5.0 m from river bed

with foundation

depth 4.5m

Bed Level of weir :1276 masl :1276 masl

Operating

Platform level

:1286.75 masl :1286.75 masl

4.2 Intake

Type : Side Intake with

Orifice

: Side Intake with

Orifice

Size : 3.5 m (W) x 2.5 m (H) : 3.5 m (W) x 2.5 m

(H)

Nos. : 3 (Three) : 3 (Three)

Invert Level :1278.00 masl :1278.00 masl

Sill Level :1280.50 masl :1280.50 masl

4.3 Trash Rack

Type : Coarse Trash Rack : Coarse Trash Rack

Rack

Dimension

: 16 mm thick bar @

100 mm c/c spacing

: 16 mm thick bar

@ 100 mm c/c

spacing

4.4 Under Sluice

No. of Bay :2 (Two) :2 (Two)

Design Discharge : 12% of flood discharge

(89.40 m³/sec)

: 12% of flood

discharge (89.40

m³/sec)

Size : 2.5 m x 2.5 m : 2.5 m x 2.5 m

Under Sluice Bed : 1276.00 masl : 1276.00 masl

4.5 Gravel Trap Accessible by Blacktop

and Earthen Road

Accessible by

Blacktop and Earthen



Road

No of Bay :2 :2

Size : 6.0 m (L) x 6.20 (B) x

3.40 m (H)

: 8.0 m (L) x 6.20 (B) x

6.35 m (H)

Bed load size to

be trapped

: Larger than 5 mm : Larger than 5 mm

Flushing system : Continuous during

monsoon

: Continuous during

monsoon

4.6 Approach Canal

Length of the

canal

: 626.67 m : 626.67 m

Size of canal : 3.0 m x 3.0 m : 3.0 m x 3.0 m

Number of Canal 1 1

Bed Slope 1 in 627 1 in 627

4.7 Spillway at

Gravel Trap

Type : Sharp Crested : Sharp Crested

Crest Elevation : 1281.30 masl : 1281.30 masl

Length : 8.75 m : 8.75 m

4.8 Settling Basin

Type : Intermittent Gravity

Flushing

: Intermittent Gravity

Flushing

No of Bays : 3 (Three) : 3 (Three)

Particle Size to

Settle

: ≥ 0.15 mm : ≥ 0.15 mm

Inlet Transition

Length

: 22.0 m : 22.0 m

Main Settling

Zone Length

: 60.0 m : 60.0 m

Width : 6.75 m each : 6.75 m each

Depth : 10.50 m – 12.0 m : 10.50 m – 12.0 m

Flushing system : Hydraulic Flushing : Hydraulic Flushing

Flushing Opening

Size

: 1.0 m x 1.8 m, RCC

Canal

: 1.0 m x 1.8 m, RCC

Canal



4.9 Head Pond

Size : 17.70 m x 22.60 m : 17.70 m x 22.60 m

Depth : 11.30 m : 11.30 m

Spillway Length : 20.85 m : 20.85 m

Spillway Crest

Level

: 1280.00 masl : 1280.00 masl

Bed Level : 1270.28 masl : 1270.28 masl

Normal Water

Level

: 1279.67 masl : 1279.67 masl

4.10 Primary Surge

Tank

Material

Specification

: IS 2062: 2011 E350 BR : IS 2062: 2011 E350

BR

Type : Surge Pipe with

Upsurge and down

surge chamber

: Surge Pipe with

Upsurge and down

surge chamber

Diameter : 4.0m dia Surge pipe

connected by 2.6 m dia

connection pipe

: 4.0m dia Surge pipe

connected by 2.6 m

dia connection pipe

Length : 272.52 m : 130.52 m Updated

design

Thickness : 14-16 mm : 14-16 mm

Upsurge chamber :4 m Dia.anf 60 m Long :4 m Dia.anf 60 m

Long

Down surge

Chamber

:4 m Dia.and 60 m Long :4 m Dia.and 60 m

Long

4.11 Connection Pipe

Material

Specification

: IS 2062: 2011 E350 BR : IS 2062: 2011 E350

BR

Diameter : 2.60 m : 2.60 m

Length : 735.27 m (From T-

Junction to surge

chamber)

: 676.77 m (From T-

Junction to Surge

pipe)

Updated

Design

Thickness : 12-22 mm : 12-22 mm

4.12 Secondary Surge



Tank

Material

Specificatioon

: IS 2062: 2011 E350 BR

Removed

Removed

due to

updated

design.

Type : Surge Pipe

Diameter : 1.0 m

Length : 162.60 m

Thickness : 8 mm

4.13 Headrace Pipe

Material : IS 2062: 2011 E350 BR : IS 2062: 2011 E350

BR

Length : 6113.15 m (Outlet of

Desender to T Juction)

: 6047.95 m (Outlet of

Desender to T Juction)

Changed due

to Updated

design

Internal Diameter : 2.60 m : 2.60 m

Shell Thickness : 10mm-25mm : 10mm-25mm

No. of Anchor

Blocks

: 85 : 86 (including T

junction)

Updated

design

4.14 Steel Penstock

Pipe

Material : IS 2062: 2011 E350 BR : IS 2062: 2011 E350

BR

Length : 228.82 m (Surge Tank

to Bifurcation)

: 354.75 m (T-

Junction to

Bifurcation)

Updated

design

Internal Diameter : 2.60 m : 2.60 m

Shell Thickness : 22 mm : 16-22 mm

No. of Anchor

Blocks

: 3 : 4 Updated

Design

4.15 Powerhouse

Type : Surface with 2 units of

turbine

: Surface with 2 units

of turbine

Size : 41.40 m x 18.40 m x

17.0 m

: 41.40 m x 18.40 m x

17.0 m

Turbine Type : Vertical Axis Francis : Vertical Axis Francis

Turbine Axis : EL. 1092.31 masl : EL. 1093.31 masl Updated



Level design

No of Units : 2 : 2

Type of

Switchyard

: Outdoor : Outdoor

4.16 Tailrace canal

Shape : Rectangular : Rectangular

Size of Tailrace

canal

: 3.60 m x 2.50 m : 3.50 m x 2.50 m Updated

design

Length of tailrace

canal

: 127.0 m : 127.0 m

Tailrace outlet : Seti Nadi : Seti Nadi

Tail Water Level : EL. 1093.50 masl : EL. 1093.50 masl

4.17 Turbine

Type : Vertical Axis Francis : Vertical Axis Francis

Number 2 2

Rated Output

Capacity per unit

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