project management unit west bengal inland water transport...

Project Management Unit

West Bengal Inland Water Transport, Logistics and

Spatial Development Project

Draft Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and Environmental &

Social Management Plan (ESMP)

for

First Year Investments

February 8, 2020

West Bengal Inland Water Transport, Logistics and Spatial Development Project Draft ESIA and ESMP Report for First Year Investments

Table of Contents Page i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Executive Summary ......................................................................................................................... 1

Proposed Development Objective(s).................................................................................... 1 First Year Investments......................................................................................................... 1 Jetty Locations .................................................................................................................... 2 Development Schedule ....................................................................................................... 4 Purpose of the Report ......................................................................................................... 5 Methodology Applied ........................................................................................................... 5 National Policy and Legal Framework .................................................................................. 6 Other Requirements - World Bank Safeguard Policies ......................................................... 6 Baseline Environment.......................................................................................................... 6 Project Opportunities/Enhancement Measures .................................................................... 7 Stakeholder Consultations ................................................................................................... 7 Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures .......................................................................... 8 Environmental and Social Management Plan ......................................................................11 Environmental Monitoring Program .....................................................................................12 Project Management Unit (PMU) ........................................................................................12 Conclusions .......................................................................................................................13

1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................14

1.1 Proposed Development Objective(s)...................................................................................14 1.2 Overall Project Description/Components.............................................................................14

1.2.1 Component A: Strengthening IWT Institutional Capacity (USD 20 Million) .................15 1.2.2 Component B: Technical Assistance for Planning and Investment Prioritization (USD 8 Million) ...............................................................................................................................15 1.2.3 Component C: Infrastructure Investments to Improve Water Transport (USD 115 Million) ...............................................................................................................................16 1.2.4 Component D: Support to Implementation (estimated cost USD 7 Million) .................17

1.3 Project Beneficiaries ...........................................................................................................17 1.4 Project Investments under First Year Investments ..............................................................18 1.5 Purpose of the Report ........................................................................................................18 1.6 Details of Project Proponent ...............................................................................................18 1.7 Methodology Applied ..........................................................................................................19

1.7.1 Project Study Area....................................................................................................19 1.7.2 Project Influence Area ..............................................................................................20

1.8 Structure of the Report .......................................................................................................20 1.8.1 Executive Summary ..................................................................................................20 1.8.2 Introduction ..............................................................................................................20 1.8.3 Policy and Legal Framework .....................................................................................21 1.8.4 Description of First Year Investments........................................................................21 1.8.5 Baseline Scenario ....................................................................................................21 1.8.6 Analysis of Alternatives.............................................................................................21 1.8.7 Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures ...............................................................21 1.8.8 Stakeholder Consultations & Information Disclosure .................................................21 1.8.9 Environmental and Social Management Plan ............................................................21 1.8.10 Conclusions & Recommendations ............................................................................21

2 Policy and Legal Framework ...................................................................................................22

2.1 EIA Notification...................................................................................................................22 2.2 CRZ Notification .................................................................................................................22 2.3 Forest and Wild Life Acts ....................................................................................................22 2.4 The Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 .....................................................22 2.5 The Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 ..........................................................23 2.6 Noise Pollution Act/Rules ...................................................................................................23 2.7 Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 .23 2.8 The Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 ..............................................................................................23 2.9 Chemical Accidents (Emergency Planning, Preparedness and Response) Rules, 1996 ......23 2.10 Public Liability and Insurance Act 1991 ...............................................................................24 2.11 Kolkata Port Trust Guidelines .............................................................................................24


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2.12 Environmental Legislations ................................................................................................. 24 2.13 Inland Waterways Regulations/Guidelines .......................................................................... 27

2.13.1 The National Waterway Act, 2016............................................................................. 27 2.13.2 Prevention of Collision on National Waterways Regulations, 2002 ............................ 27 2.13.3 National Waterways, Safety of Navigation and Shipping Regulations, 2002 .............. 27 2.13.4 National Disaster Management Guidelines on Boat Safety, September 2017 ............ 27

2.14 Land Acquisition/R&R ........................................................................................................ 28 2.15 Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 ............................................................................................................. 28 2.16 Memorandum - Direct Land Purchase from Land Owners ................................................... 28 2.17 The Right to Information Act, 2005 ..................................................................................... 28 2.18 Kolkata Gazette – Multiplication Factor ............................................................................... 29 2.19 The West Bengal Inland Fisheries Act, 1984 ...................................................................... 29 2.20 West Bengal Minimum Wages Rules, 1951 ........................................................................ 29 2.21 World Bank Safeguard Policies and Guidelines .................................................................. 29

2.21.1 Environmental Assessment (OP/BP 4.01) ................................................................. 30 2.21.2 Natural Habitats (OP 4.04) ....................................................................................... 30 2.21.3 Physical Cultural Resources (OP/BP 4.11) ............................................................... 30 2.21.4 Involuntary Resettlement (OP/BP 4.12) .................................................................... 30 2.21.5 Projects on International Waterways (OP/BP 7.50) ................................................... 31 2.21.6 World Bank’s EHS Guidelines .................................................................................. 31

3 Description of First Year Investments .................................................................................... 33

3.1 First-Year Investments ....................................................................................................... 33 3.1.1 Gangways and Pontoons ......................................................................................... 33 3.1.2 Waterside Construction Works ................................................................................. 34 3.1.3 New Vessels ............................................................................................................ 34 3.1.4 Turnstile Gates ......................................................................................................... 35

3.2 Jetty Locations ................................................................................................................... 35 3.3 Schedule and Cost ............................................................................................................. 41

3.3.1 Estimated Cost ......................................................................................................... 41

4 Baseline Scenario.................................................................................................................... 42

4.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 42 4.2 Hooghly River .................................................................................................................... 42 4.3 District Profiles ................................................................................................................... 43

4.3.1 Hooghly.................................................................................................................... 43 4.3.2 Howrah .................................................................................................................... 43 4.3.3 East Medinipur ......................................................................................................... 44 4.3.4 North 24 Parganas ................................................................................................... 44 4.3.5 Kolkata ..................................................................................................................... 44 4.3.6 South 24 Parganas................................................................................................... 44 4.3.7 Population Summary ................................................................................................ 45

4.4 Climatic Conditions ............................................................................................................ 45 4.4.1 Hooghly.................................................................................................................... 45 4.4.2 Howrah .................................................................................................................... 45 4.4.3 East Medinipur ......................................................................................................... 45 4.4.4 North 24 Parganas ................................................................................................... 46 4.4.5 South 24 Parganas................................................................................................... 46 4.4.6 Kolkata ..................................................................................................................... 46

4.5 Social Profile ...................................................................................................................... 46 4.5.1 Hooghly.................................................................................................................... 46 4.5.2 Howrah .................................................................................................................... 47 4.5.3 East Medinipur ......................................................................................................... 47 4.5.4 North 24 Parganas ................................................................................................... 47 4.5.5 South 24 Parganas................................................................................................... 48 4.5.6 Kolkata ..................................................................................................................... 48

4.6 Baseline Environment ........................................................................................................ 48 4.6.1 Ambient Air Quality................................................................................................... 49 4.6.2 Noise Environment ................................................................................................... 50


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4.6.3 Water Environment ...................................................................................................51 4.6.4 Land Environment-Soil Quality..................................................................................55 4.6.5 Biological Environment .............................................................................................56

5 Analysis of Alternatives ..........................................................................................................64

5.1 No Project v/s With Project Alternative ................................................................................64 5.1.1 Telinipara Jetty Accident ...........................................................................................64

5.2 Technical Design Alternatives.............................................................................................65

6 Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures ...........................................................................67

6.1 Project Activities .................................................................................................................67 6.1.1 Gangways and Pontoons ..........................................................................................67 6.1.2 Waterside Construction Works..................................................................................68 6.1.3 New Vessels ............................................................................................................68 6.1.4 Turnstile Gates .........................................................................................................70

6.2 General Impact Matrix ........................................................................................................70 6.3 Vessel/Pontoon/Gangways Manufacturing ..........................................................................71

6.3.1 Vessel Building Process ...........................................................................................72 6.4 Waterside Construction Works ...........................................................................................76

6.4.1 Construction Works ..................................................................................................76 6.5 Operation Stage (Vessel Movement) ..................................................................................81

6.5.1 Vessel Movement .....................................................................................................81 6.6 Impacts Screening Matrix ...................................................................................................84 6.7 Indirect impacts ..................................................................................................................86 6.8 Cumulative impacts ............................................................................................................86 6.9 Environmental Monitoring ...................................................................................................86

7 Stakeholder Consultations & Information Disclosure ...........................................................88

7.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................88 7.1.1 Modes of Stakeholder Consultations .........................................................................88

7.2 Stakeholder Consultation Findings .....................................................................................88 7.3 Planned Information Disclosure ..........................................................................................92

7.3.1 At State Level ...........................................................................................................92 7.3.2 On World Bank’s External website ............................................................................92

8 Environmental and Social Management Plan .........................................................................93

8.1 Components of ESMP ........................................................................................................93 8.2 Environmental and Social Management Plan Matrix ...........................................................93

8.2.1 ESMP Integration to Bid Document .........................................................................107 8.3 Environmental Monitoring Program ...................................................................................107 8.4 Implementation Arrangements and Responsibilities ..........................................................111

8.4.1 Institutional Set-up for the Project ...........................................................................111 8.4.2 Institutional Strengthening and Business Planning (ISBP) .......................................111 8.4.3 Project Management Unit (PMU) ............................................................................112 8.4.4 Project Management Consultants ...........................................................................112 8.4.5 Audits and Inspections............................................................................................113 8.4.6 Contractors.............................................................................................................113 8.4.7 Grievance Redress Mechanism ..............................................................................113

8.5 Capacity Building Requirements .......................................................................................116 8.6 ESMP Budget ..................................................................................................................117

9 Conclusions ...........................................................................................................................119

LIST OF APPENDIXES ..................................................................................................................120

Appendix 1: Environmental and Social Screening Forms ..........................................................121

Appendix 2: List of Projects or Activities Requiring Prior Environmental Clearance ...............146

Appendix 3: Chance Find Procedure ...........................................................................................155

Appendix 4: CPCB’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards, GoI ............................................156

Appendix 5: Noise Quality Standards, GoI ..................................................................................158


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Appendix 6: Water Quality Standards, GoI .................................................................................. 159

Appendix 7: Soil Quality Standards, GoI ..................................................................................... 165

Appendix 8: Stakeholder Consultations ...................................................................................... 166

Stakeholder Consultations - their views / perspectives ............................................................. 166 The Vessel Operator ........................................................................................................ 166 The Jetty Operators ......................................................................................................... 166 The Passengers ............................................................................................................... 166 The local Governing bodies .............................................................................................. 172 The shop owners ............................................................................................................. 172 Other beneficiaries ........................................................................................................... 172

Appendix 9: Draft Format for Monitoring of Grievances ............................................................. 184

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Jetty Locations ...................................................................................................................... 2 Figure 2: PMU's Institutional Set Up .................................................................................................. 13 Figure 3-1 Jetty Locations ................................................................................................................. 37 Figure 4-1 Dolphin Population ........................................................................................................... 57 Figure 6-1 Schematic Flow of Activities, Impacts & Mitigation Measures ............................................ 71 Figure 8-1: Overall Institutional Framework for WBTIDCL ................................................................ 111 Figure 8-2: PMU's Institutional Set Up ............................................................................................. 112

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1 Estimated Cost (First Year Investments) ................................................................................. 4 Table 2 Potential Impacts of First Year Activities ................................................................................. 9 Table 3 Potential Impacts Screening Matrix ....................................................................................... 10 Table 2-1: Relevant Environmental Laws & Regulations .................................................................... 24 Table 2-2: Regulations Applicable for Inland Waterways ................................................................... 27 Table 3-1 List of Selected Jetties (First Year Investments)................................................................. 36 Table 3-2 Estimated Cost (First Year Investments) ............................................................................ 41 Table 4-1 Population Summary ......................................................................................................... 45 Table 4-2 Social Profile – Hooghly District ......................................................................................... 46 Table 4-3 Social Profile – Howrah District .......................................................................................... 47 Table 4-4 Social Profile – East Medinipur District .............................................................................. 47 Table 4-5 Social Profile – North 24 Parganas District ........................................................................ 47 Table 4-6 Social Profile – South 24 Parganas District ........................................................................ 48 Table 4-7 Social Profile – Kolkata District .......................................................................................... 48 Table 4-8 Ambient Air Monitoring Stations ......................................................................................... 49 Table 4-9: Summary of Air Quality Parameters .................................................................................. 49 Table 4-10: Ambient Noise Quality Monitoring Stations ..................................................................... 50 Table 4-11: Noise Levels during Study Period ................................................................................... 50 Table 4-12: Noise Levels at Geonkhali Jetty Location ........................................................................ 50 Table 4-13: Water Sampling Locations .............................................................................................. 52 Table 4-14: Ground Water Quality ..................................................................................................... 52 Table 4-15: Surface Water Quality .................................................................................................... 53 Table 4-16: Soil Sampling Locations ................................................................................................. 55 Table 4-17: Soil Quality Results ........................................................................................................ 55 Table 4-18 Sightings of Ganges River Dolphin .................................................................................. 59 Table 6-1 Potential Impacts of First Year Activities ............................................................................ 70 Table 6-2 Potential Impacts Screening Matrix .................................................................................... 85 Table 7-1 Stakeholder Suggestions and Design Considerations ........................................................ 91 Table 8-1 Environmental and Social Management Plan Matrix .......................................................... 94 Table 8-2 Environmental Parameter Monitoring Program during Construction Stage ....................... 109 Table 8-3 Details of Grievance Redressed Committee Members .......... Error! Bookmark not defined. Table 8-4: Training Type, Target Groups, Purpose and Frequency .................................................. 116 Table 8-5: Estimated EMP Budget .................................................................................................. 117


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Table 8-6: Estimated Budget ...........................................................................................................117


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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

AAQ Ambient Air Quality

BOT Build, Operate and Transfer

CO Carbon Monoxide

CPCB Central Pollution Control Board

CRZ Coastal Regulation Zone

CTE Consent to Establish

CTO Consent to Operate

CZMA Coastal Zone Management Authority

CZMP Coastal Zone Management Plan

DG Diesel Generator

EHS Environment, Health & Safety

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

EMP Environmental Monitoring Program

ESIA Environmental & Social Impact Assessment

ESMF Environmental & Social Management Framework

ESMP Environmental and Social Management Plan

GoI Government of India

GoWB Government of West Bengal

GRC Grievance Redressal Committee

GRM Grievance Redressal Mechanism

HAPs Hazardous Air Pollutants

HTL High Tide Line

ISBP Institutional Strengthening and Business Planning

IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature

IWT Inland Water Transport

KMA Kolkata Metropolitan Authority

KMC Kolkata Municipal Corporation

KoPT Kolkata Port Trust

L&TIEL L&T Infrastructure Engineering Limited

LA Land Acquisition

LARR Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act

LTL Low Tide Line

MPT Major Port Trusts

MoEF&CC Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

NGT National Green Tribunal

NOx Oxides of Nitrogen

OP Operational Policies

PAPs Project Affected Persons

PDOs Project Development Objectives

PIC Public Information Center

PM10 Particulate Matter <10 micron size

PM2.5 Particulate Matter <2.5 micron size

PMC Project Management Consulting

PMU Project Management Unit

PPE Personal Protective Equipment

PUC Pollution Under Control

PWD Public Works Department

RFCTLARR Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and


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Resettlement Act

SO2 Sulphur Dioxide

SOP Standard Operating Procedures

SPCB State Pollution Control Board

TOIP Traffic Operation and Improvement Program

VOCs Volatile Organic Compounds

WBTC West Bengal Transport Corporation

WBPCB West Bengal State Pollution Control Board

WBTIDCL West Bengal Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited

WBIWTLSDP West Bengal Inland Water Transport, Logistics and Spatial Development Project


Executive Summary Page 1

Executive Summary

Government of West Bengal (GoWB) is promoting Inland Waterways Transportation through

its network of rivers and canals. In this backdrop, GoWB, through Government of India has

applied for financing from the World Bank for financial assistance for improvement/

development of the inland water transport system in the state. Under the investments

requested for the First Year, the proposed developments will include upgradation of selected

existing jetties that would have improved facilities and amenities for passenger movement.

As per the World Bank Guidelines, prior to investing into such development projects, the

Environmental and Social Impact Assessment is to be carried out. In this regard, West

Bengal Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (WBTIDCL), the

implementing agency under GoWB has appointed L&T Infrastructure Engineering Limited

(L&TIEL), for providing necessary “Consulting Services for Environmental & Social

Management Framework (ESMF) and Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for

West Bengal Inland Water Transport, Logistics and Spatial Development Project”.

As part of the overall consultancy services this report, the “Draft Environmental and Social

Impact Assessment (ESIA) including the Environmental and Social Management Plan

(ESMP)”, has been prepared.

Prior to conduct/preparation of this ESIA, specific Environmental and Social Management

Framework (ESMF) was prepared for the entire project. The ESMF provides a basis for

conducting ESIA studies and preparing the ESMPs for all investments under the Project.

Therefore, this ESIA/ESMP, which is solely for the First Year Investments, are consistent

with the ESMF.

Further, during the first year, an integrated spatial development plan will be prepared. This

will determine the rest of the investments to be facilitated during the rest of the project period.

The CIA and the required ESIA/ESMPs will be as part of this plan.

Proposed Development Objective(s)

The Project Development Objectives (PDO) as defined for the proposed development are:

(i) to improve the efficiency and safety of passenger and freight movement across the Hooghly River; and (ii) establish a spatial planning framework to enhance accessibility within Kolkata Metropolitan Area (KMA).

First Year Investments

30% of the overall project budget is proposed to be taken up under First Year of Investments

(~USD 45 Million). Under the investments requested for the First Year, the proposed

developments will include upgradation of existing jetties that would have improved facilities

and amenities for both passenger movement. Subprojects that will be supported as a part of

the First-Year investments are:

Improving the capacity of selected jetties by adding pontoons and gangways

Implementing minor waterside construction works to install gangways and pontoons

Adding new vessels with enhanced designs to existing fleet

Installing turnstile gates in selected jetties



Jetty Locations

A total of 30 Ghats (jetty locations) are included to be taken up in the proposed

developments under the First Year investments. The jetty locations are on either side of the

Hooghly River, some on the Kolkata side and some on the Howrah side. A map showing the

locations is presented as Figure 1.

Figure 1 Jetty Locations



Gangways and Pontoons

Pontoons and Gangways are proposed to be added at selected jetties to improve the

capacity of the jetties. Gangways and Pontoons are proposed to be added at 30 selected

jetty locations. Pontoons and gangways are added to existing ones in these locations to

improve the capacity and safety of passengers. When there is a need to remove existing

pontoons and/or gangways, they will be taken out and re-used at another existing or new

jetty location under WBTC within the project influence areas. Those that cannot be reused,

will be sold to local companies in the market who are specialized in recycling the material.

Typical (existing) gangways and pontoons are as shown as Exhibit 1 and Exhibit 2.

Exhibit 1 Typical Gangway (Existing)

Exhibit 2 Pontoon Structure (Existing)

Waterside Construction Works

Proposed developments activities will include minor waterside construction works mainly needed to put in place the new pontoons and gangways. In general, and because of the tidal nature of the Hooghly river, pontoons are designed to be floating and cannot be pinned to the ground. Gangways are supported by the pontoons on one side and linked to the existing jetty on the landside in a manner that allows vertical and horizontal movement caused by the high river waves. As such, dredging is very minimal and impact from sediments is not significant.

New Vessels

Project first Year investments will include modernizing the fleet through the introduction of

new vessels with enhanced designs. New vessels will be an addition to the existing fleet.

Investments will include addition of Twenty (20) cross movement vessels of 100

passenger capacity and Two (02) longitudinal movement vessels also of 100

passenger capacity. Cross movement and longitudinal movement vessels have the same

features; however, the engine power and dimensions differ. An existing vessel and an image

of a new vessel are shown as Exhibit 3 and Exhibit 4, respectively. The new passenger

ferries will be built based on enhanced design that is inclusive with improved safety

standards, fuel efficiency, and solid and liquid waste management facility.



Exhibit 3 Existing Vessels

.

Exhibit 4 Image of New Vessel

Turnstile Gates

Installation of Turnstile Gates at 40 selected jetty locations are proposed to be taken up

under the First Year investments. Existing Turnstile Gates at Howrah jetty location is as

shown in Exhibit 5.

Exhibit 5 Turnstile Gate (Howrah Jetty)

Development Schedule

Proposed developments discussed above are to be taken up in the First Year of investments.

As such, the schedule for this development shall be for a period of one year.

Estimated Cost

The estimated costs for proposed developments under First Year of investments are as

provided in Table 1.

Table 1 Estimated Cost (First Year Investments)

S.

No. Activity

Unit Cost (INR

in Crores)

No. of

Units

Total Cost (INR

in Crores)

Total Cost

(US$ Million)

1. Works at the Jetties (includes Pontoon,

Gangway and the necessary Civil Works) ~ 4.33 30 130.00 18.60

2. 100 Passenger Size Vessels ~ 2.80 20 56.00 8.00

3. Longitudinal Vessels (100 Passenger Size) ~ 4.5 2 9.00 1.28

4. Turnstile Gates (4 nos. at each of the 40

selected jetty locations) ~ 1.00 40 40.00 5.80

First Year Investments Estimated Total 235.30 33.68



Jetty Locations

The Project area is one of the most populous areas in India, stretching for more than 120 km

along the Hooghly river from Tribeni, to the north of Kolkata, to Roychak, to the south. A total

of 30 Ghats within the Project area are included to be taken up in the proposed

developments under the First Year investments. The jetty locations are on either side of the

Hooghly River, some on the Kolkata side and some on the Howrah side.

Purpose of the report

This ESIA is carried out as part of the process of compliance with the World Bank Safeguard

Policies in relation to the proposed development activities. The ESIA studies the existing

environmental and social conditions and provides an understanding of the likely impacts

(adverse as well as positive) to the environmental and social conditions at the project area.

The ESIA suggests measures needed to be put in place to prevent/minimise the likely

environmental and social impacts due to the proposed project development activities. Also,

the ESIA helps formulate and provide a project specific Environmental and Social

Management Plan (ESMP). This ESMP will form a part of project developments tender/bid

document and will form the basis for the selected contractor(s) to prepare the Operational

ESMP to be implemented during project execution stage.

Methodology Applied

The methodology is based on the requirements of the applicable National Policies, World

Bank Safeguard Policies as well as the ToR for the ESIA study provided by the client

(WBTIDCL). Also, the methodology adopted for the study, builds on the consultants overall

experience in carrying out such studies. Accordingly, the methodology involved in this study

included:

Site Reconnaissance

Preliminary Environmental and Social Screening

Review of Applicable Legislation,

World Bank’s Safeguard requirements

Other available/relevant secondary data, information resources, including other ESIA studies available as reference (Data collection is carried out within the defined Project Study Area)

Analysis of alternatives wherever feasible

Stakeholder Consultations

Data Collection

Identification of Potential Impacts and suggestion of Mitigation Measures (Considering

the small scale of activities to be taken up under the First Year of Investments, the

Potential Impacts are assessed within the defined Project Influence Area)

The ESIA study has been carried out considering the Design, Construction and Operational

stages of the project. In each stage, anticipated impacts due to proposed development on

the environment and social components have been assessed and appropriate mitigation

measures have been suggested and formulated in the ESMP. The site assessments, data

collection, stakeholder consultations, etc. as part of the ESIA study have been carried out

between October 2019 and January 2020.



National Policy and Legal Framework

India has a well-defined institutional and legislative framework covering various parameters

including the Environmental and Social components. The applicability of the regulations has

been reviewed as part of the study. The regulations include:

EIA Notification: the proposed development activity does not fall under the purview of the

EIA Notification needing an Environmental Clearance

CRZ Notification: project development area is beyond the CRZ limits and hence CRZ

Notification will not be applicable for proposed development needing the CRZ Clearance

Forest and Wild Life Acts: proposed development will not involve diversion of Forest

Land/Wild Life areas and hence will not need the Forest Clearance/Wild Life Clearance.

The Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974: proposed development will need

to obtain the necessary CTE and CTO from WBPCB

The Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981: proposed development will need to

obtain the necessary CTE and CTO from WBPCB

Kolkata Port Trust Guidelines: necessary permissions/approvals will need to be obtained

from KoPT

Land Acquisition/R&R: proposed development will not involve Land Acquisition

Other Requirements - World Bank Safeguard Policies

World Bank’s Operational Policies (OPs) and Requirements on environmental and social

safeguards have been reviewed and found the following OPs are be triggered under the

project:

o OP/BP 4.01: Environmental Assessment

o OP/BP 4.04: Natural Habitats

o OP/BP 4.11: Physical Cultural Resources

o OP/BP 4.12: Involuntary Resettlement

o OP/BP 7.50: Projects on International Waterways

Baseline Environment

The proposed project will be implemented in Hooghly River, a part of the Ganga River. The

project influence areas stretch from Tribeni to Roychak (Figure 1). The baseline

environmental quality represents the background environmental scenario of various

components such as air, noise, water, soil quality status in the study area. The baseline

assessment is presented based on secondary data as referred from the EIA study recently

carried out (March 2019 – May 2019) for the Proposed Construction of Gangway-Pontoon

Jetty with Link platform on river Hooghly at Geonkhali, District, East/ Purba Medinipur. The

location of this study is within the overall study area of the present jetty improvement project.

As such, data from the Geonkhali study is considered as relevant to the current study area

as well. The monitoring data has been referenced from EIA Report prepared for the above

project and titled “Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment & EMP Report for Proposed

Construction of Gangway-Pontoon Jetty with Link platform on River jetty Hooghly at

Geonkhali, Dist.-Purba Medinipur, W.B for Passenger Ferry service of WBTIDCL (Geonkhali

Jetty EIA Report). The baseline data suggests that environmental parameters of ambient air

quality, noise levels, water quality and soil are in general within permissible limits/standards.

Dolphins in the Hoogly River

The Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of Nepal, India and Bangladesh are home to Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista gangetica). Report on the distribution of Gangetic Dolphin (GD) in the project stretch/influence area is mixed and reported sightings



ranged from 11-50. Sangita Mitra & Mahua Roy Chowdhury (2018) studied the stretch in Hooghly River during the period of 2012–2016 and reported a total of 13 sightings of GD1. A reconnaissance survey conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India reported sightings 21 and 50 during Pre and post -monsoons of 2018 and 20192. Due to these sightings, the stretch was classified as a medium priority area for conservation. WWF-INDIA has conducted a visual survey in 2016 with sightings of an estimated 11 individuals.

No information is available on the pattern of GD distribution in the project stretch. According

to experts view from WWF, GD are found dispersed in the stretch with more concentration at

the confluences of the rivers where the water current is strong. The experts also explained

the biggest threat for dolphins comes from fishing activities because dolphins are wrongly

trapped and drowned to death. The threat from vessel movement is because of noise. GD is

sensitive to sound and it is unlikely that it will be hit by running vessels.

Project Opportunities/Enhancement Measures

The proposed development will provide opportunities for various technical related

alternatives to be implemented. Such alternatives include:

Introduction of newer/better efficient vessels with reduced emissions

Vessels/Gangways/Pontoons can have additional safety features

Better performance engines and lighter vessels, can help in reduced fuel consumptions

Vessels/Gangways can be provided with solar components for lighting purpose which will

help reduce energy costs

Vessels with latest applicable best management practices/technology can be built and

introduced

Project vessels being operated in an aquatic environment with relatively rich aquatic life,

mechanisms like sound emitting devices in the waters can be adopted which will alert

fishes of the approaching vessels

Vessels shall have necessary oil spill control/collection systems

Jetty locations can be provided with appropriate oil spill control/collection equipment’s

Vessels can be fitted with sewage/waste collection systems; similarly sewage/waste

collection facilities can be provided at the terminals which can collect sewage/waste from

the vessels and dispose it appropriately

Various enhancements at the jetty locations can be provided (provision of signages,

information systems, easy access for elderly/disabled commuters, etc.)

Jetty location aesthetic improvements can be taken up (landscaping, planting of trees,

etc.)

Improved facilities at the vessel/gangway/pontoon manufacturing units in terms of

environmental and social aspects


Stakeholder Consultations form an important part of the ESIA process and is essential in

achieving the overarching objectives of any project implementation to help ensure

sustainable development. This consultation process is a major tool for information

dissemination to the direct and indirect impacted due to the project. The stakeholder

1 Chowdhury, M.R., S. Mitra & S. Sen (2016). On the Behaviour, abundance, habitat use and potential threats of the Gangetic Dolphin Platanista gangetica in southern West Bengal, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 8(9): 9131–9137; https://doi.org/10.11609/ jott.1752.8.9.9131-9137 2 Wildlife Institute of India, Conserving Gangetic Dolphin, Smart Strategy Implementation and Adaptive Management for the Ganga River (WII – GACMC, 2019)

https://doi.org/10.11609/



consultation process helps in reducing the public resistance to change and enable the

participation of the local people in the decision-making process.

For proposed development project, informal stakeholder consultations have been conducted

at several jetty locations. Consultations included discussions with PMU team, ferry

commuters/operators, locals in immediate vicinity of jetty locations (e.g. small shop operators

just outside jetty area, daily-wage workers, rickshaw (auto, cycle, toto) operators, etc.) In

addition, a formal Stakeholder Conference was also held at the WBTIDCL office location on

October 31, 2019.

Stakeholder Consultation Findings

In general, the participants were enthusiastic and appreciated the proposed project and gave

valuable inputs over the development aspect, localized needs and suggestions for the

design/construction of the project. They appreciated the fact that this project will help provide

improved facilities at the jetty locations and provide added convenience to the commuters.

Following is a brief summary of the consultation inputs from the Stakeholder Consultations:

Need for widening of the gangway with a separate entry and exit points

Barricading on Pontoons and Gangway

Provision of roof on gangway/concrete ramps to Pontoon

Provision of better facilities at jetty area (waiting area, toilets, seating arrangements, fans,

drinking water, etc.)

Request by workers on the pontoon for provision of rain/sun shade and seating facility on

the Pontoons

Need for automatic ticket punching system

Proper displays and announcements at the jetty locations is essential

Increase frequency of ferries during peak hours would be beneficial

Provide facilities for handicap/elderly commuters (like wheel chair)

Regular maintenance of the jetty infrastructure shall be ensured; stakeholder

consultations reveal that several commuters fear maintenance works are far lacking at

the jetty locations (includes vessels, gangways, etc.)

Is understood that vessels get overcrowded during the peak hours

Some commuters try and get on and off board while the vessel is in motion which is a

major safety concern

Adequate safety measures to be provided at all jetty locations

Vessel operators find it difficult to control the commuters during peak hours and it gets

difficult to check if all commuters have paid for the commute or not

Bigger capacity vessel with better facilities shall be provided at locations with larger

passenger movements

Passengers expressed willingness in temporary inconveniences to be faced during the

construction period of the works

Suggestions given by stakeholders have been looked into and whatever is found to be

feasible will be incorporated into the design/planning and implementation of the project. Such

suggestions included: widening of the gangway, barricading on pontoons and gangways,

provision of better facilities at jetty locations (toilets, drinking water, etc.), proper displays and

announcements at the jetty locations, etc. The stakeholder suggestions and its considerations are elaborated further in Section Error! Reference source not found..

Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures

Proposed activities are limited to minor construction works at the jetty locations which will

involve installation of the pontoon and gangways and minimal civil works on the link platform



(concrete structure). In addition, the major activity under the First Year Investments is the

manufacturing of the vessels, pontoons and gangways which will be done at the

manufacturing yards of the selected contractors. Proposed development activities will have

more positive impacts than negative impacts on the environmental/social conditions.

Proposed development will involve three stages, namely: Design/Build, Construction and

Operation stage. These stages are likely to have varying levels of environmental and social

impacts. Table 2 presents a brief summary of activities and likely impacts it could have.

Table 2 Potential Impacts of First Year Activities

No. Description of

Project Investments Likely Impacts

1 Gangways and

Pontoons

Mostly limited to the manufacturing facility:

Generation of Solid Waste, Wastewater, Air Pollution, Noise Pollution, Worker

Safety and Labour / Worker Camps

2 Waterside

Construction Works

At the Jetty Locations:

Construction Waste/Debris, Wastewater, Air Pollution, Noise Pollution, Water

Pollution, Worker Safety, Community Safety and Temporary Community

Disturbances

3 New Vessels

Mostly limited to the Vessel Building Yard:



4 Turnstile Gates

None to Minor environmental and social issues envisaged and limited to

production facility. Being a bought-out item, it is beyond purview of this ESIA

study

Based on the above matrix, the likely impacts from the activities of vessel manufacturing,

pontoon and gangways manufacturing are similar. As such the impacts and mitigation

measures for these activities are discussed in common. Impacts and mitigation measures

from the waterside construction works activities are discussed separately. Further, Turnstile

Gates being a bought out item, any impacts associated with this activity (although none to

minimal envisaged).

The assessment covered various likely impacts on environmental/social parameters as

follows:

Impacts on Air Quality

Impacts on Noise Levels/Quality

Impacts on Water Quality

Impacts Due to Solid Waste

Impacts on Soil Quality

Impacts on Land Acquisition/Land use

Impacts on Flora and Fauna

Impacts on Socio-Economic Environment

Impacts during Operation Stage (Vessel Movement)

Impacts on Health & Safety

Based on the nature of activities to be carried out under the First Year investments, it is

envisaged that there will be minimal environmental/social impacts. The minimal impacts that

could be there are in general temporary in nature, localised and reversible. Mitigation

measures to avoid/minimize the likely impacts have been suggested. Impacts can be

minimized/ avoided by implementation of the suggested mitigation measures.



Impacts Screening Matrix

Based on the ESIA, an impacts screening matrix is prepared and presented as Table 3. The

matrix presents a summary of potential impacts due to various project activities and indicates

its level of significance viz. Insignificant, -significant, Small, Moderate and Major. The

different levels of significances can be rated as follows:

Insignificant – none to extremely minimal impacts; impact can be easily absorbed without

requiring much efforts

Small – minimal impacts mostly short term; impact can be absorbed with minimal

mitigation measures/efforts

Moderate – beyond minimal but mostly reversible; impact to be absorbed with higher

level of mitigation measures/efforts and resources

Major – irreversible impacts, likely long term; impacts require extremely high level of

mitigation measures/effort and resources to be in place to be handled

Table 3 Potential Impacts Screening Matrix

Project Activities Concerns

Significance

Insi

gn

ific

ant

Sm

all

Mo

der

ate

Maj

or

Manufacturing Works

Vessel, Pontoon,

Gangways

Manufacturing

Air Pollution, Water Pollution, Noise Levels,

Soil Contamination, Solid Waste ●

Workers health & safety ●


Site surveys &

investigations Destruction of vegetation/landscape ●

Land Acquisition &

Resettlement

Displacement of population Not Applicable

Loss of livelihood (squatters, vendors – non

title holders) ●

Displacement of structures and disruption to

services (during construction) ●

Loss cultural heritage Not Applicable

Construction Site

Clearance

Loss of Top soil and change in characteristics Not Applicable

Loss of trees & vegetable cover Not Applicable

Noise, vibration and dust nuisance from site

clearance activity ●

Demolition, removal of existing infrastructure ●

Construction camp

establishment &

operation

Friction between construction personnel and

local population ●

Water pollution from sanitary and other

wastes ●

Mobilization of heavy

machinery

Overloading of road structures & damage to

pavement (will have movement on waterways

as much as possible)

●

Inducement of traffic congestion & road safety

hazards ●




Significance

Insi

gn

ific

ant

Sm

all

Mo

der

ate

Maj

or

Construction of

structures

Disturbance of sediments / deterioration in

water quality, when construction activities

carried along/in water bodies

●


Soil Contamination, Solid Waste issues due

to construction activities

●

Construction works


Disturbance to aquatic fauna (including

Dolphins) ●

Operation Phase

Operation

Pollution from oil spills from vessels ●


Dolphins) ●


Impact on Gangetic Dolphin First year investments is expected to have no impacts on dolphins as most of the activities are

conducted at the water fronts and vessel manufacturing yards. However, the Project ESMF and ESIA

provided specific mitigation measures to protect Gangetic Dolphins during construction and operation phases.

Beyond protecting dolphins from impacts associated with the proposed project activities, it is

envisaged to work closely with WWF INDIA to create awareness to fishermen operating at the project stretch to help minimize impacts on GD from fishing, as they are causing the highest threat to

dolphins. Further, the Project will collaborate with Assam Inland Water Transport Project (P157929)

to exchange best practices in protecting GD during vessel operations, and seek for financial resources for conducting an in-depth study on distribution patterns and behavior of GD. The outcome of such a

study will provide not only practical mitigation measures (by indicating areas where more care is

needed) but also will be used to generate additional funds for a larger project for conservation of dolphins and other endangered aquatic fauna.

Indirect Environmental Impacts

The likely sources of indirect impacts include (i) increased vessel and human traffic; and (ii) replacement of old gangways and pontoons. Increase in vessel numbers will improve the currently

congested water way transportation system. The daily volume of passengers using the existing vessels,

pontoons and gangways is 200,000. The 22 new vessels which will be added as part of first year investment will absorb 10 percent of the daily volume of passengers. As such, increase vessel

numbers will improve passengers’ safety with no indirect impacts. Given the shortage of vessels there

is no plan to replace vessels in the first-year investments. Regarding replacement of gangways and

pontoons, most of the gangways and pontoons may not be replaced as the plan is expand some of them for providing safety to passengers. Those that will be replaced will be transferred to recycling facilities

Environmental and Social Management Plan

Based on the identified likely impacts and suggested mitigation measures, the ESMP has

been prepared. Following specific environmental/social management aspects are discussed

under the ESMP:



Summary of project activities, associated impacts and mitigation measures

Administrative and Technical Setup for Environmental/Social Management

Institutional Mechanism for Implementation of Mitigation Measures

Audits and Inspections

Grievance Redress Mechanism

Capacity Building Requirements

Environmental Monitoring Program

Environmental monitoring is one of the important components of the ESMP. The main aim of

the monitoring is to establish the existing scenario to make informed decisions to ascertain

the proper implementation. The main objectives of the environmental monitoring are:

To ensure the effective implementation of ESMP

To comply with all relevant environmental/social regulations

To modify the mitigation measures and implementation arrangements, if found necessary

Nature of activities to be taken up under First Year investments is not envisaged to have

significant sources of environmental pollution. As such, a minimal monitoring program is

suggested and implementation of suggested mitigation measures is to be ensured.

Monitoring shall include air quality, water quality, noise levels, etc. Monitoring will aim to keep

track of construction/operation related air emissions, spills/leaks in the water body, etc. and

check its compliance with the relevant standards. The ESMP in Section 8.3 discusses the

monitoring program and implementation/supervising responsibilities.

Project Management Unit (PMU)

The WBTIDCL is the overall PMU unit operating under the West Bengal Transport

Corporation (WBTC). It serves as a dedicated Engineering Wing for taking up development

works for WBTC. WBTIDCL will be the PMU for the proposed development works as well.

The Project Director (PD) will have the overall responsibility whereas dedicated

Environmental Specialist and Social Development Specialists will have day-to-day

implementation responsibilities. In the current institutional arrangement, the Environmental

Specialist will also coordinate the safety management functions. Thus, the position under the

PMU will be Environmental and Safety Specialist. The PMU under the WBTIDCL will be

responsible for ensuring that this ESIA/ESMP is adhered during the project implementation.

In addition, a PMC unit will be in place under the ISBP component. The PMC consultant

under the ISBP will work/coordinate with the PMU/WBTIDCL for the day-to-day

implementation aspects and associated safeguards compliance. The PMU shall be as shown

in Figure 2.



Figure 2: PMU's Institutional Set Up

Conclusions

The proposed development activities seek to address urgent enhancement needs of the

existing jetty infrastructure requirements. The activities under First Year investments will be

limited to building/manufacturing of 22 new Vessels, addition of new Gangways and

Pontoons at 30 selected jetty locations, installation of Turnstile Gates at 40 jetty locations

and minor Waterside Construction Works at the 30 selected jetty locations. The activities

under First Year investments will not involve Land Acquisition. Also, the activities are not

envisaged to pose environmental and social impacts. However, as any development project,

there will likely be some minimal impacts which have been identified in this report. These

impacts are short term/localized and reversible impacts. Mitigation measures to avoid/

minimize the likely impacts have been suggested.

The implementation arrangements needed to ensure implementation and effectiveness of the

mitigation measures will be carried out through the PMU. Details of the arrangements have

been discussed in this report.

Proposed development activities will help enhance the existing jetty infrastructure and will

have overall positive impacts to the community as well as environment and without adversely

affecting the environmental and social conditions/quality in the project area.

Project Director

PMC/ISBP Consultant

Social Development

Specialist

Environmental & Safety Specialist

Procurement Specialist


Introduction Page 14

1 Introduction

Government of West Bengal (GoWB) is keen to promote Inland Waterways Transportation

through its network of rivers and canals. In this backdrop, GoWB, through Government of

India has applied for financing from the World Bank for financial assistance for improvement/

development of the inland water transport system in the state. Under the investments

requested for the First Year, the proposed developments will include upgradation of existing

jetties that would have improved facilities and amenities for passenger movement.

Such developmental projects are likely to trigger set of environmental and social impacts

which forms a critical part of decision making. Significant benefits occur due to such

development projects while adverse impacts may arise in terms of environment and social

aspects. Impacts can be minimized/avoided with help of appropriate mitigation measures.

Proposed development activities must adhere to the best standards meeting sustainable

environment, social acceptability and economic viability.

As per the World Bank Guidelines, prior to investing into such development projects the

Environmental and Social Impact Assessment is to be carried out. In this regard, West

Bengal Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (WBTIDCL), the

implementing agency under GoWB has appointed L&T Infrastructure Engineering Limited

(L&TIEL), for providing necessary “Consulting Services for Environmental & Social

Management Framework (ESMF) and Environment & Social Assessment (ESIA) for West

Bengal Inland Water Transport, Logistics and Spatial Development Project”.

As part of the overall consultancy services this report, the “Draft Environmental and Social

Impact Assessment (ESIA) including the Environmental and Social Management Plan

(ESMP)”, has been prepared.

Prior to conduct/preparation of this ESIA, specific Environmental and Social Management

Framework (ESMF) was prepared for the entire project. The ESMF provides a basis for

conducting ESIA studies and preparing the ESMPs for all investments under the Project.

Therefore, this ESIA/ESMP, which is solely for the First Year Investments, are consistent

with the ESMF.

1.1 Proposed Development Objective(s)

The Project Development Objectives (PDO) as defined for the proposed development

objectives are to:

(i) improve the efficiency and safety of passenger and freight movement across the

Hooghly River; and

(ii) establish a spatial planning framework to enhance accessibility within Kolkata

Metropolitan Area.

1.2 Overall Project Description/Components

In the above context, the WBTIDCL (undertaking of the GoWB) with loan assistance from

World Bank is planning to improve the waterways system for optimized usage for the overall

development of the Kolkata Metropolitan Area in particular and the state in general. The

project comprises four components.



1.2.1 Component A: Strengthening IWT Institutional Capacity (USD 20 Million)

This component will support institutional capacity enhancements for the GoWB’s

Departments of Transport. This component is intended to provide West Bengal Transport

Department with the required assistance to:

i. Assess, identify and develop the scope for sector planning, regulatory and

institutional reforms review of governance structures, business and financial planning,

safety management and capacity enhancement for key agencies operating within the

West Bengal IWT sector, including private sector operators.

It includes the following two subcomponents:

Subcomponent A.1 (USD 8 Million)

Support for institutional capacity enhancement to regulate, manage, and maintain river transport systems

This subcomponent will finance the preparation of the Institutional Strengthening and

Business Plan (ISBP), which will comprehensively map the institutional structure, business

processes, and human resource management and identify opportunities for improvement

and consolidation. As part of preparing the ISBP, a Training Needs Assessment (TNA) of

Transport Department and its key subsidiaries will be conducted to support a full training

program implemented under the project. Interventions under this subcomponent will aim to

increase the percentage of women in technical and non-technical job roles in the IWT

Department as well as with the ferry operators.

Subcomponent A.2 (USD 12 Million)

Safety management: river navigation aids, night navigation technology on some routes, and emergency response system

The subcomponent will draw on national and international experience in assessing

appropriate aids to navigation, their procurement and deployment to allow 24-hour

services/night navigation on the most hazardous and/or trafficked routes and crossing points

of the Hooghly River. Beginning with pilots at two-three crucial locations, deployment of

navigation aids will be scaled up based on the investment strategy for the sector. The

subcomponent will finance hardware and software for the navigation system and emergency

response system. The proposed Project will finance an assessment of the existing River

Information System (RIS) and the implementation of a system update.

1.2.2 Component B: Technical Assistance for Planning and Investment Prioritization

(USD 8 Million)

With a large coverage area and multiple institutions, the proposed Project will finance a

spatial development strategy (SDS), logistics master plan (LMP) and a comprehensive

mobility plan (CMP) to ensure improved accessibility to the IWT network and identify ways to

create wider economic development opportunities around the Project’s investments. This will

complement the institutional capacity strengthening efforts and tackle the structural elements

that form the basis for the Project’s main challenge: constrained accessibility. Accordingly,

this component will focus on the medium and long-term spatial, mobility and logistics

planning to improve the livelihood and mobility within the city and the linkages to the port. As

a result of the intervention, the GoWB will prepare a broad roadmap for future transport

investments that promotes a more balanced modal mix, improved modal integration,

mainstreaming of IWT, better climate adaptability/resilience, and emissions reduction. The

roadmap will include provisions to attract and gradually promote the participation of the



private sector in the financing and operation of transport infrastructure. The component will

be implemented through the following two subcomponents.

Subcomponent B.1 (USD 5 Million)

Spatial Development Strategy and Logistics Master Planning

The subcomponent will finance preparation of (a) a Spatial Development Strategy and (b)

Logistics Master Plan. Focus will be on strengthening the capacity to support investments, as

well as an effective linkage between planning, implementation capacity and coordination, and

the budget process for the KMA. The LMP will include technical support to be provided to a

high-level council on logistics recently created by GoWB.

Subcomponent B.2: (USD 3 Million)

Prioritizing investments in IWT and linkages to transport network

This subcomponent will prioritize investments in IWT in the short and medium-term and

provide a long-term vision for mobility within the KMA. The analytical work under this sub-

component includes the Integrated Strategic Development Plan and the Comprehensive

Mobility Plan.

1.2.3 Component C: Infrastructure Investments to Improve Water Transport (USD

115 Million)

This Component will provide infrastructure investments to improve passenger urban mobility

and freight movement. It will be implemented in two phases addressing short and long-term

solutions to the critical needs of the current IWT system. The first phase (subcomponent

C.1) provides investments that are urgently needed to support the IWT system. The second

phase (subcomponents C.2 and C.3) deals with long-term improvements to the efficiency

and safety of IWT through infrastructure investments.

Subcomponent C.1 USD 40 Million

Improve infrastructure capacity of the existing network

Activities under this subcomponent are intended to support the capacity of the existing

system including, inter alia:

a. Pontoons, gangways and turnstile gates to enhance the capacity existing jetties. 26

sites have been selected, and the expected value of this investment is USD 18.64

million;

b. 22 new passenger ferries will be built based on the design with improved safety

standards and fuel efficiency at an expected cost of USD 9.28 million; And

c. Electronic smart ticketing gates at 40 jetties at an expected cost of USD 8.85 million.


Enhancing Passenger Movement

This subcomponent includes long-term investments to be identified in the ISDP including

inter alia:

a. terminals jetties, road access and ancillary infrastructure in addition to other

investments required to ensure navigable fairways;

b. improved design of inland water transport vessels and solutions to modernize the

fleet; and

c. System management (e.g. river information systems integrated with the national river

information system and the port information system).The exact number of jetties and



their locations will be determined after analysis of economic benefits, access,

intermodal connectivity, and social and environmental impacts.

The ISDP will offer a phased approach to private sector solutions to vessel financing, and

this subcomponent will create a pilot project demonstrating the solutions.


Improving Infrastructure Capacity for Freight Movement

These investments will provide an alternative for truck movement, focusing on decongesting

vehicular movement by facilitating access across the Hooghly River. Investments will include,

inter alia:

a. roll on-roll off (ro-ro) jetties, terminals, and road access;

b. design and financing solutions for private participation in ro-ro vessels, and

c. system management.

Locations where connectivity across the river can be effectively utilized to enhance cargo

movement have been identified based on preliminary assessment and demand. The exact

number of jetties and their locations will be determined after analysis of economic benefits,

access, intermodal connectivity, and social and environmental impacts through the ISDP.

While there are no ro-ro vessels currently operating, market demand studies indicate the

potential for a private sector solution. This component will aim to create a pilot project to

increase the number of ro-ro vessels in operation as part of the private sector solution.

1.2.4 Component D: Support to Implementation (estimated cost USD 7 Million)

This component will finance technical assistance and advisory services to the PMU and the

Steering Committee (SC), including project management and coordination costs associated

with project implementation, consultancy services for feasibility, conceptual, and detailed

designs, safeguards instruments for subprojects, and the preparation of follow-on operations.

It will provide for mobilization of expertise, exchange of international experience, and

advisory services to support the SC (and the Logistics Council once established) in preparing

and adopting a shared vision focused on improving logistics and developing a coordinated

roadmap of future investments and key policy reforms needed to realize that vision. This

component will include capacity development and policy support on climate mitigation and

adaptation through specific consultancies, knowledge events, and staff training.

1.3 Project Beneficiaries

The four main beneficiary groups of the proposed Project are:

i. the users of passenger ferry services;

ii. private vessel owners and operators through fleet modernization and upgrading of

facilities;

iii. government employees in the institutions of the sector who will be trained to fulfil

more effective and focused roles in the new institutions in industry;

iv. shippers of goods to/from West Bengal to its adjacent states (Jharkhand, Bihar, and

Uttar Pradesh) and countries (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan).



1.4 Project Investments under First Year Investments

Of the overall project scope, activities covering 30% of the project budget is to be taken up

under the First Year Investments (~USD 45 Million). Following are subprojects to be

supported as a part of the First Year Investments:

1. Improving the capacity of selected jetties by adding pontoons and gangways;

2. Implementing minor waterside construction works to install gangways & pontoons;

3. Adding new vessels with enhanced designs to existing fleet;

4. Installing turnstile gates in selected jetties.

The projects to be taken up under First Year Investments are further discussed in Chapter 3.

1.5 Purpose of the Report

This ESIA is carried out as part of the process of compliance with the World Bank Safeguard

Policies in relation to the proposed development activities. The ESIA studies the existing

environmental and social conditions and provides an understanding of the likely impacts

(adverse as well as positive) to the environmental and social conditions at the project area.

The ESIA suggests measures needed to be put in place to prevent/minimise the likely

environmental and social impacts due to the proposed project development activities. Also,

the ESIA helps formulate and provide a suggested Environmental and Social Management

Plan (ESMP). This ESMP will form a part of the project developments tender/bid documents

and will form the basis for the selected contractor(s) to prepare the Operational ESMP to be

implemented during project execution stage.

The scope/objective of this study is to carry out the Environmental and Social Impact

Assessment (ESIA) and prepare the ESMP for the proposed development involving

“Construction of new jetties and upgradation of existing jetties with improved facilities and

amenities”. The study is carried out in line with applicable World Bank, National and West

Bengal State Government Policies/Regulations on Environmental, Social, Health and Safety

Management.

1.6 Details of Project Proponent

West Bengal Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (WBTIDCL) is the

implementing agency of the proposed development project. WBTIDCL is a fully owned

GoWB company/agency and administered by the Transport Department, GoWB. WBTIDCL

has been set up with the aim of making it a dedicated Engineering Wing for taking up

development works in the Transport Department. Main activities of WBTIDCL are classified

into following broad categories:

Execution of Schemes under Transport Department

o Traffic Operation and Improvement Program (TOIP)

o Road Safety Schemes

o Inland Water Transport Development Schemes

Execution of Centrally Sponsored Schemes in Transport Sector

Execution of Projects of other departments of State Government as Deposit Works

Implementation of Transport Infrastructure Project through following modes:-

o With Loan Assistance from Bank/Financial institutions

o Through Joint Venture with Private Developers

o Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis



Participation in Joint Venture Companies for developing transport infrastructure and other

real estate projects in the State of West Bengal

To provide consultancy services to other Government organizations and also to other

public or private bodies for development of transport infrastructure projects, real estate

etc. in the matter of preparing project reports, techno-economic feasibility studies,

procurement and project management, etc.

1.7 Methodology Applied

The methodology is based on the requirements of the applicable National Policies, World

Bank Safeguard Policies as well as the ToR for the ESIA study provided by the client

(WBTIDCL) has been considered in the methodology for the study. Also, the methodology

adopted for the study uses the consultants overall experience in carrying out such studies.

Accordingly, the methodology involved in this study included:

Site Reconnaissance

Preliminary Environmental and Social Screening

o The Environmental and Social Screening forms are provided as Appendix 1.

Review of Applicable Legislation

Other available/relevant secondary data, information resources, including other ESIA studies available as reference (Data collection is carried out within the defined Project

Study Area (Section 1.7.1))

Analysis of alternatives wherever feasible


Data Collection

Identification of Potential Impacts and suggestion of Mitigation Measures (Considering

the small scale of activities to be taken up under the First Year of Investments, the

Potential Impacts are assessed within the defined Project Influence Area (Section Error! R

eference source not found.))

The ESIA study has been carried out considering the Design, Construction and Operational

stages of the project. In each stage, anticipated impacts due to proposed development on

the environment and social components have been assessed and appropriate mitigation

measures have been suggested and formulated in the ESMP. The site assessments, data

collection, stakeholder consultations, etc. as part of the ESIA study have been carried out

between October 2019 and January 2020.

1.7.1 Project Study Area

Proposed development is to be carried out at selected jetty locations along the Hooghly River

banks. The study area considered while carrying out the ESIA along the North-South

direction is between Roychak and Tribeni. Noorpur (5km to the west of Roychak) is the last

jetty location on the South and is near the confluence of the Rupnarayan River which flows

into the Hooghly River near Gadiara (jetty location on opposite bank across Noorpur). The

last jetty location in the North under the current ESIA study for First Year investments is at

Bansberia and Tribeni is more than 100 kms beyond this location. However, the overall study

area is considered up to Tribeni.

Proposed development can technically be seen as a linear project, although developments

are not to be taken up throughout the linear length. As per the MoEF&CC guidelines for

Highway projects, secondary data should be collected within 15 km aerial distance of the



project area3. Considering the significantly small scale of activities to be taken up under the

First Year Investments, the study area on the east-west direction has looked into major

ecologically sensitive areas present within about 10 kms on either side of the bank.

The study area, although not anticipated to be influence by impacts of prosed development, if

any, has been looked into to get an overall understanding of the project area and its

surroundings.

1.7.2 Project Influence Area

Proposed development involved infrastructural enhancement works at identified jetty

locations along the Hooghly River (see figure 1). Works at the jetty locations under the First

Year of investments will be limited to minor waterside construction works to install the

gangways and pontoons. As such the Project Influence Area will be limited to the actual area

of the works and its immediate surroundings where, impacts if any, would likely occur.

Similarly, in the case of the vessels, pontoons and gangways, which would be manufactured

at yards, the Project Influence Area also would be limited to the actual yard area and its

immediate surroundings where, impacts if any would likely occur.

1.8 Structure of the Report

The ESIA Report is structured as follows:

Executive Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 2: Policy and Legal Framework

Chapter 3: Description of First Year Investments

Chapter 4: Baseline Scenario

Chapter 5: Analysis of Alternatives

Chapter 6: Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures

Chapter 7: Stakeholder Consultations & Information Disclosure

Chapter 8: Environmental and Social Management Plan

Chapter 9: Conclusions

1.8.1 Executive Summary

This chapter will provide the overall Executive Summary of the ESIA Report. This chapter will

subsequently be translated to the local language (Bengali) which will be used for project

disclosure purpose as per the World Bank requirements.

1.8.2 Introduction

The project introduction, purpose of this study, project proponent details are provided in this

chapter / Chapter 1.

3 Environmental Impact Assessment Guidance Manual for HIGHWAYS, prepared by Administrative Staff College of India, February 2010



1.8.3 Policy and Legal Framework

The applicable World Bank, National and West Bengal State Government

policies/regulations on Environmental, Social, Health and Safety Management are discussed

in Chapter 2.

1.8.4 Description of First Year Investments

The description of the project activities to be taken up under the First Year of Investments is

discussed in Chapter 3.

1.8.5 Baseline Scenario

The baseline environmental status of the project area based on site reconnaissance and

available secondary data has been reviewed and presented. The baseline environmental and

social conditions are discussed in Chapter 4.

1.8.6 Analysis of Alternatives

To ensure sustainable development under the given conditions, the analysis of alternatives

considered for the proposed development is discussed and presented in Chapter 5.

1.8.7 Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures

The environmental and social impacts which are likely to arise due to the proposed

development during the design, construction and operation stages have been assessed.

Appropriate mitigation measures to prevent/minimize the likely environmental and social

impacts due to the proposed project development activities have been suggested. The likely

impacts and mitigation measures are discussed and presented in Chapter 6.

1.8.8 Stakeholder Consultations & Information Disclosure

The methodology adopted in the study included carrying out stakeholder consultations.

Details of stakeholder consultations are presented in Chapter 7.

1.8.9 Environmental and Social Management Plan

Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for design, construction and operation

phases of the project has been formulated based on the identified likely impacts and

suggested mitigation measures. The ESMP is discussed and presented in Chapter 8. The

ESMP also includes the Environmental Monitoring Program.

1.8.10 Conclusions & Recommendations

Based on the ESIA study, the conclusions as per the consultants understanding is presented in Chapter 9.


Policy and Legal Framework Page 22

2 Policy and Legal Framework

India has a well-defined institutional and legislative framework covering various parameters

including the Environmental and Social components. Similarly, World Bank also has defined

its Environmental and Social Safeguard Operational Policies. This section discusses

applicability of some policies/frameworks that will be relevant to this proposed development.

2.1 EIA Notification

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change’s (MoEF&CC) through its EIA

Notification, 2006 (as amended), provides a list of projects or activities which require prior

Environmental Clearance. These projects/activities also include River Valley Projects, Ports,

Harbours, Highways, Building and Construction Projects (built-up area >20,000 sq. mtrs), in

addition to few other projects/activities. The list of projects/activities that require prior

Environmental Clearance is provided as Appendix 2.

Proposed development is construction/establishment of a jetty structure only along with the

gangway, floating pontoon, link, and associated facilities like toilets, ticket counters and

passenger waiting area. Total area of development in terms of square meters will be very

minimal. As such, the proposed development activity does not fall under the purview of the

EIA Notification needing an Environmental Clearance.

2.2 CRZ Notification

Through the CRZ Notification, the Ministry of Environment and Forests & Climate Change

(MoEF&CC), Government of India imposed certain restrictions on setting up and expansion

of industries, operations or processes, etc. in the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ). The CRZ

is area influenced by tidal action (in the landward side) up to 500 metres from the High Tide

Line (HTL) and the land between the Low Tide Line (LTL) and the High Tide Line (HTL).

Based on available Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) of West Bengal, dated 27 th

September 1996, the proposed development is falling beyond demarcated CRZ limits. Also,

based on secondary data information, the project development area is beyond the CRZ

limits. As such the CRZ Notification will not be applicable for the proposed development

needing the CRZ Clearance.

2.3 Forest and Wild Life Acts

As per assessment of the project locations and information seen on Google Imageries, there

are no identified Reserve Forests/Wild Life Protected Areas at the jetty location as well as

along proposed development corridor. As such, diversion of Forest Land/Wild Life areas will

not be applicable for proposed development requiring Forest Clearance/Wild Life Clearance.

2.4 The Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974

This act provides for prevention and control of water pollution and maintaining and restoring

of wholesomeness of water. The Act seeks to have in place certain measures/

responsibilities which include managing water quality and effluent standards, as well as

monitoring water quality, prosecuting offenders and issuing licenses for construction and

operation of various facilities. Proposed development will involve activities at for



manufacturing of vessels, gangways and pontoons. In addition there would be minor civil

works at jetty locations as well. As such, proposed development project will need to obtain

the necessary Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) from West Bengal

State Pollution Control Board prior to commencement of project activities on site.

2.5 The Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981

This act provides for prevention, control and abatement of air pollution. The SPCB is

empowered to set air quality standards and monitor and prosecute offenders under The Air

(Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. As proposed development will involve

activities for manufacturing of vessels, gangways and pontoons as well as minor civil works

at jetty locations, it will be needed to obtain the necessary Consent to Establish (CTE) and

Consent to Operate (CTO) from West Bengal State Pollution Control Board prior to

commencement of project activities on site.

2.6 Noise Pollution Act/Rules

The Noise Pollution (Regulation And Control) Act, 1990, Noise Pollution (Regulation and

Control) Rules 2000 Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) (Amendment) Rules 2010 aim

at control/regulation of noise pollution.

Proposed development will involve several activities which will generate noise. As such,

consent required for not causing noise pollution during project design/construction and its

operation will need to be obtained for the proposed development.

2.7 Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary

Movement) Rules, 2016

The Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules,

2016 aims to protect the general public against improper handling and disposal of hazardous

wastes.

The proposed development will likely involve management of hazardous wastes. As such,

the provisions of the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary

Movement) Rules, 2016 will be applicable to the proposed development.

2.8 The Motor Vehicle Act, 1988

The Motor Vehicle Act, 1998, empowers State Transport Authority to enforce standards for

vehicular pollution. From August 1997 the "Pollution Under Control” Certificate is issued to

reduce vehicular emissions.

Proposed development activities will engage several vehicles (transport of materials, worker

movements, etc.). As such, provision of The Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 will be applicable for

the proposed project development.

2.9 Chemical Accidents (Emergency Planning, Preparedness and

Response) Rules, 1996

The Chemical Accidents (Emergency Planning, Preparedness and Response) Rules, 1996

provides protection against chemical accidents while handling hazardous chemicals.



Proposed development will involve handling of hazardous (flammable, toxic and explosive)

chemicals during the project manufacturing/construction activities. As such, provisions of this

Act will be applicable for the proposed development.

2.10 Public Liability and Insurance Act 1991

The Public Liability and Insurance Act has been enacted for the purpose of providing

immediate relief to persons affected by accidents while handling hazardous substances and

other incidents.

The project is being carried out in mainly urban areas where there are already existing vessel

movements as well as several other human activities at the jetty locations (vendors, locals

moving around, etc.). Protection to general public from the accidents due to hazardous

material (especially if any used at the vessel yards, gangway/pontoon manufacturing units) is

essential. As such, provisions of this Act shall be applicable for the proposed development.

2.11 Kolkata Port Trust Guidelines

A National Green Tribunal (NGT) order dated 13.09.2017, has directed Kolkata Port Trust

(KoPT) to ensure Environmental and Social Impact Assessments are done for all

investments in the KoPT jurisdiction of Hooghly River. Accordingly, an order has been

formulated under the Major Port Trusts (MPT) Act. “Under Section 46(1) of the MPT Act, prior

permission of KoPT Board is required for making erecting or fixing within the port limits or

port approaches any wharf, dock, quay, stage, jetty, pier, erection or mooring or undertaking

any reclamation of foreshore within the said limit”.

The stretch of proposed development corridor falls in the waters of Hooghly River which is

within the jurisdiction of the Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT). As per KoPT guidelines, the “Port

Limit is that part of River Hooghly and shores thereof as are within 45.7 mtrs of High Water

Mark at Spring Tide”. This portion of the Port Limits is leased to other agencies for the

development of public purpose projects. As such, development in these areas will need

necessary approvals/clearances from KoPT.

As part of the current study, based on the requirement of KoPT, necessary documents will be

submitted to KoPT (EIA/EMP report) for the approval process.

2.12 Environmental Legislations

Government of India has formulated various policy guidelines, acts and regulations aimed at

protection and enhancement of environmental resources as discussed in above section.

Table 2-1 provides a summary of the relevant/applicable legislations (as discussed above)

pertaining to the project that will have varying degrees of applicability.

Table 2-1: Relevant Environmental Laws & Regulations

S.

No.

Law / Regulation /

Guidelines Relevance

Reason for

Application

Implementing /

Responsible

Agency

1 The Environmental

(Protection) Act. 1986,

and the Environmental

(Protection) Rules,

1987-2002 (various

Umbrella Act. Protection

and Improvement of the

environment.

All environmental

notifications, rules and

schedules are issued

under the act

(proposed

MoEF&CC, State

Department of

Environment &

Forest, CPCB and

SPCB



S.

No.

Law / Regulation /


Reason for

Application

Implementing /

Responsible

Agency

amendments) development under

Fist Year investments

does not need

Environmental

Clearance)

2 Coastal Regulation

Zone (CRZ)

Notification, 2011

To restrict development

activities and act as primary

regulation for conservation

and protection of India's

coastline and protection of

coastal livelihoods

Obtaining CRZ

Clearance for projects

within CRZ limits

(proposed

development under

Fist Year investments

are beyond CRZ limits

and do not need CRZ

Clearance)

State Coastal Zone

Management

Authority/CZMA,

MoEF&CC

3 The Water (Prevention

& Control of Pollution)

Act,1974

Central and State Pollution

Control Board to establish/

enforce water quality and

effluent standards, monitor

water quality, prosecute

offenders, issue licenses for

construction/operation of

certain facilities.

Consent required for

not polluting ground

and surface water

during project

design/construction

and its operation (will

need to confirm to

applicable standards)

State Pollution

Control Board

4 Air (Prevention and

Control of Pollution)

Act, 1981 & 1987

(amendment)

To control air pollution by

controlling emission and air

pollutants according to

prescribed standards


not causing air

pollution during project

design/construction


need to confirm to


State Pollution

Control Board

5 Noise Pollution

(Regulation And

Control) Act, 1990

Noise Pollution

(Regulation and

Control) Rules 2000

Noise Pollution

(Regulation and

Control) (Amendment)

Rules 2010

Noise pollution regulation

and controls


not causing noise

pollution during project

design/construction


need to confirm to


State Pollution

Control Board

6 Forest (Conservation)

Act, 1980

Conservation and definition

of forest areas. Diversion of

forest land follows the

process as laid by the act

Diversion of forest

land is not envisaged

in proposed

development

State Forest

Department/

MoEF&CC

7 Hazardous and Other

Wastes (Management

and Transboundary

Protection to the general

public against improper

handling and disposal of

Proposed

development will likely

involve management

State Pollution

Control Board



S.

No.

Law / Regulation /


Reason for

Application

Implementing /

Responsible

Agency

Movement) Rules,

2016

hazardous wastes of hazardous wastes

8 The Motor Vehicle Act.

1988

Empowers State Transport

Authority to enforce

standards for vehicular

pollution. From August 1997

the "Pollution Under Control

Certificate is issued to

reduce vehicular emissions.

All vehicles used for

proposed development

activities will need to

comply with the

provisions of this act.

State Motor

Vehicles

Department

9 Chemical Accidents

(Emergency Planning,

Preparedness and

Response) Rules,

1996

Protection against chemical

accident while handling

hazardous chemicals

Handling of hazardous

(flammable, toxic and

explosive) chemicals

during project

design/construction

and operation

District & Local

Crisis Group

headed by the DM

and SDM

10 Public Liability and

Insurance Act 1991

This Act has been enacted

for the purpose of providing

immediate relief to persons

affected by accidents while

handling hazardous

substances and other

incidents.

Protection to general

public from the

accidents due to

hazardous material

(especially if any used

at the vessel yards,

gangway/pontoon

manufacturing units)

District Collector

11 National Green

Tribunal (NGT) Orders

NGT has been established

under the NGT Act 2010 for

effective and expeditious

disposal of cases relating to

environmental protection

and conservation of forests

and other natural resources.

Proposed

development activities

at the jetty locations

are in the KoPT

jurisdiction of Hooghly

River; hence NGT

requirements will have

to be met as per KoPT

guidelines.

NGT has ordered

KoPT to ensure

Environmental

and Social Impact

Assessments are

done for all

investments in the

KoPT jurisdiction

of Hooghly River

KoPT



2.13 Inland Waterways Regulations/Guidelines

2.13.1 The National Waterway Act, 2016

The National Waterway Act, 2016 is an Act to make provisions for existing national

waterways and to provide for declaration of certain inland waterways to be national

waterways and also provide for regulation and development of said waterways for purposes

of shipping and navigation and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

Proposed development is along the waters of the stretch of NW-1. As such, The National

Waterway Act, 2016 will be applicable to the development.

2.13.2 Prevention of Collision on National Waterways Regulations, 2002

The Prevention of Collision on National Waterways Regulations, 2002 shall apply to all

vessels plying on the National Waterways. All vessels plying in the National Waterways shall

adhere to these rules having regard to precautions required by the ordinary practice of

Seamen and limitations of the vessel.

Proposed development is along the waters of the stretch of NW-1. As such, the Prevention of

Collision on National Waterways Regulations, 2002 will be applicable to the development.

2.13.3 National Waterways, Safety of Navigation and Shipping Regulations, 2002

The National Waterways, Safety of Navigation and Shipping Regulations, 2002 is aimed to

ensuring safety during navigation on the national waterways. Proposed development is along

the waters of the stretch of NW-1. As such, the National Waterways, Safety of Navigation

and Shipping Regulations, 2002 will be applicable to the development.

2.13.4 National Disaster Management Guidelines on Boat Safety, September 2017

The National Disaster Management Guidelines on Boat Safety is a guideline provided by the

National Disaster Management Authority Government of India.

The guidelines addresses all facets of boat safety such as weather forecasting & early

warning system, safety standards & specifications, regulatory & legal issues, search &

rescue, capacity development and do’s & don’ts for boat safety has been elaborated in

details in the guidelines.

The regulations/guidelines applicable for Vessels plying in Inland Waterways are listed in

Table 2-2.

Table 2-2: Regulations Applicable for Inland Waterways

Name Key Requirements Applicability

The National Waterway Act, 2016 Regulation and development of rivers

for navigation

Applicable for all vessels

plying in IWT

Prevention of Collision on National

Waterways Regulations, 2002

Precautions required for vessels and

crew members

National Waterways, Safety of Navigation

and Shipping Regulations, 2002

Ensuring safety during navigation on

the national waterways

National Disaster Management

Guidelines on Boat Safety, September

2017

Guidelines help in improving Boat

Navigation Safety whether mechanized

or non-mechanized



2.14 Land Acquisition/R&R

Proposed development activities under the First Year investments are to be taken up within

lands belonging to the government. No private land will be involved. Proposed project will not

involve Land Acquisition.

However, at some jetty locations, the presence of vendors/squatters at the jetties was

noticed. The need for any R&R related to temporary displacement of such vendors,

squatters, encroachers, etc. is being assessed. These will be assessed and addressed

accordingly as per applicable Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (LARR) Act,

2013 and applicable World Bank Safeguard Policies.

2.15 Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition,

Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013

The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and

Resettlement Act (RFCTLARR) extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and

Kashmir. The act provides for a transparent process and fair compensation in land

acquisition for public purpose and provides for rehabilitation and resettlement of land owners

and those affected by land acquisition. It comprises four schedules that provide the minimum

applicable norms for compensation based on market value, multiplier and solatium;

Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) entitlements to land owners and livelihood losers;

and facilities at resettlement sites for displaced persons, besides providing flexibility to states

and implementing agencies to provide higher norms for compensation and R&R.

2.16 Memorandum - Direct Land Purchase from Land Owners

State Government and also the Central Government department(s) or its organisation (s)

based on merit of its project to go in for the direct purchase of land for public purpose mainly

involving the early commissioning of infrastructure projects like roads, railways, bridges, food

godowns, drinking water, flood protection works and other similar projects, as the

Government may consider, in rural and / or urban areas through Zilla Parishad/

Municipality/Municipal Corporation/other Government bodies and parastatals, as the case

may be, by adopting, the following given procedures.

Land required for the project (development of access road to ro-ro service locations, and

others, if any in subsequent years of investment) may be directly purchased from land

owners as per the provisions of this memorandum, “Memorandum: No. 756-LP/1A-03/14(Pt-

II) Date: 25.02.2016 - direct land purchase from land owners, Land and Land Reforms

Department, Govt. of West Bengal”. Although direct purchase is part of the LARR Act 2014,

this State Government memorandum has expanded the provisions, state specific and made

it more workable.

2.17 The Right to Information Act, 2005

The Act provides for setting out the practical regime of right to information for citizens to

secure access to information under the control of public authorities, in order to promote

transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority, the constitution of a

Central Information Commission and State Information Commissions and for matters

connected therewith or incidental thereto.



2.18 Kolkata Gazette – Multiplication Factor

The Kolkata Gazette No. 2083LA/3M-49/14, dated 30.07.2014, provides for Multiplication

Factor notified by the State Governments in compliance to Sr. No. 2 of the First Schedule to

the RFCTLARR Act, 2013 in the State of West Bengal.

2.19 The West Bengal Inland Fisheries Act, 1984

The West Bengal Inland Fisheries Act, 1984, is an Act which provides conservation,

development propagation, protection, exploitation and disposal of inland fish and fisheries in

West Bengal and for matters connected therewith and thereto.

2.20 West Bengal Minimum Wages Rules, 1951

The West Bengal Minimum Wages Rules, 1951 provides the scope of employment and

defines the minimum wage of the employee.

2.21 World Bank Safeguard Policies and Guidelines

The physical components of the proposed development project will be limited to

establishment of the jetty structure, gangway/link platform and floating pontoon. For the

structure there would be need of concrete piles/pillars. There will most likely be some

dismantling of existing structures as well. Proposed development is envisaged to be carried

out within lands belonging to the government. No land acquisition is envisaged. Temporary

impacts to vendors/squatters at some of the locations could be likely during construction

/redevelopment of the facilities. This will be assessed and addressed accordingly. In addition,

proposed activities will involve vessel manufacturing at the vessel yards as well as

manufacturing/fabrication of the gangways and pontoons.

The below mentioned World Bank’s Operational Policies (OP’s) and Requirements on

environmental and social safeguards have been reviewed during the screening stage. The

applicability of the OP’s is discussed in this report. Subsequent stages of the study will be

carried out meeting requirements of the identified OP’s and appropriate measures will be

framed and included in the ESMF for proposed development.

OP/BP 4.01: Environmental Assessment

OP/BP 4.04: Natural Habitats

OP/BP 4.36: Forests

OP/ 4.09: Pest Management

OP/BP 4.11: Physical Cultural Resources

OP/BP 4.10: Indigenous Peoples

OP/BP 4.12: Involuntary Resettlement

OP/BP 4.37: Safety of Dams

OP/BP 7.50: Projects on International Waterways

OP/BP 7.60: Projects in Disputed Areas

Of the above mentioned Operational Policies, the triggered safeguard policies for this project

are discussed below:



2.21.1 Environmental Assessment (OP/BP 4.01)

Environmental Assessment is used in the World Bank to identify, avoid, and mitigate the

potential negative environmental and social impacts associated with Bank’s lending

operations early on in the project cycle. This policy is triggered if a project is likely to have

potential adverse environmental and social risks and impacts in its area of influence.

The environmental and social issues are likely to arise both during construction and

operation stages of this project. The likely impacts would include air pollution, water pollution,

increase in noise levels, etc. during construction activities as well as manufacturing/

fabrication of the vessels, gangways and pontoons. The ESMP will meet the requirements of

this OP.

2.21.2 Natural Habitats (OP 4.04)

Any project with the potential to cause significant conversion (loss) or degradation of natural

habitats, whether directly or indirectly would trigger this OP. The Gangetic River Dolphin

(GRD), or the Platanista gangetica, is an endangered species according to the International

Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) which is found in the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna

and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of Nepal, India and Bangladesh. The Hooghly River is a

distributary system of the overall Ganga River system and also has presence of the GRD. As

jetty locations of the proposed development are within the Hooghly River, the OP on Natural

Habitats is triggered. The ESMP as a whole will contribute to the natural habitat conservation

which will include mitigation measures to address likely impacts to Dolphins.

2.21.3 Physical Cultural Resources (OP/BP 4.11)

For purposes of this policy, “Physical Cultural Resources” are defined as movable or

immovable objects, sites, structures, groups of structures, natural features and landscapes

that have archaeological, paleontological, historical, architectural, religious, aesthetic, or

other cultural significance. This policy assists to avoid or mitigate adverse impacts of

development projects on Physical Cultural Resources.

Several jetty locations have religious structures (mostly temples) at the project location.

Designs for the proposed development will take this into consideration. Accordingly, this OP

on “Physical Cultural Resources” is triggered. A Chance Find Procedure to meet the

requirements of this OP is included as Appendix 3.

2.21.4 Involuntary Resettlement (OP/BP 4.12)

This policy is triggered if the project will involve involuntary taking of land and involuntary

restrictions of access to property, protected areas, etc. The policy aims to avoid involuntary

resettlement to the extent feasible, or to minimize and mitigate its adverse social and

economic impacts.

Proposed development will not involve land acquisition under the First Year investments.

However there will be minimal temporary resettlements involved with squatters/ vendors

operating at some of the jetty locations. As such this OP has been triggered. A project

specific RPF has been prepared to address issues under the OP.



2.21.5 Projects on International Waterways (OP/BP 7.50)

The project and its influence area is located within the Ganga basin - a basin shared by

riparian countries of China, Nepal and Bangladesh. As per the requirements of OP/BP 7.50,

the riparians have been notified of the due proposed development.

2.21.6 World Bank’s EHS Guidelines

Though not an Operational Policy, the World Bank’s Environment, Health & Safety (EHS)

guidelines are relevant to the manufacture of the vessels, pontoons and gangways as well as

the civil works to be done under the proposed development. During subproject assessments,

these guidelines will be used to ensure effective EHS management under the project.

The World Bank Groups EHS Guidelines are technical reference documents with general

and industry specific examples of Good International Industry Practice. World Bank has a

General EHS Guidelines document as well as Industry specific EHS guidelines. The General

EHS guidelines provide guidance to users on common EHS issues potentially applicable to

all industry sectors. The industry specific EHS guidelines are designed to be used together

with the General EHS Guidelines.

The EHS Guidelines contain the performance levels and measures that are generally

considered to be achievable in new facilities by existing technology at reasonable costs. The

applicability of the EHS Guidelines should be tailored to the hazards and risks established for

each project on the basis of the results of an environmental assessment. When host country

regulations differ from the levels and measures presented in the EHS Guidelines, projects

are expected to achieve whichever is more stringent.

2.21.6.1 General EHS Guidelines

The General EHS Guidelines4 contain the following information:

1. Environmental

1.1 Air Emissions and Ambient Air Quality

1.2 Energy Conservation

1.3 Wastewater and Ambient Water Quality

1.4 Water Conservation

1.5 Hazardous Materials Management

1.6 Waste Management

1.7 Noise

1.8 Contaminated Land

2. Occupational Health and Safety

2.1 General Facility Design and Operation

2.2 Communication and Training

2.3 Physical Hazards

2.4 Chemical Hazards

2.5 Biological Hazards

2.6 Radiological Hazards

2.7 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

2.8 Special Hazard Environments

2.9 Monitoring

3. Community Health and Safety

3.1 Water Quality and Availability

3.2 Structural Safety of Project Infrastructure

3.3 Life and Fire Safety (L&FS)

3.4 Traffic Safety

3.5 Transport of Hazardous Materials

3.6 Disease Prevention

3.7 Emergency Preparedness and Response

4. Construction and Decommissioning

4.1 Environment

4.2 Occupational Health and Safety

4.3 Community Health and Safety

4 General: https://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/29f5137d-6e17-4660-b1f9-02bf561935e5/Final%2B-%2BGeneral%2BEHS%2BGuidelines.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID=jOWim3p

https://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/29f5137d-6e17-4660-b1f9-02bf561935e5/Final%2B-%2BGeneral%2BEHS%2BGuidelines.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID=jOWim3p

https://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/29f5137d-6e17-4660-b1f9-02bf561935e5/Final%2B-%2BGeneral%2BEHS%2BGuidelines.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID=jOWim3p



2.21.6.2 Industry Specific EHS Guidelines

The proposed development project is construction/redevelopment of jetties. As such, the EHS Guidelines for Ports, Harbors, and Terminals5 are applicable to this project.

5 Ports, Harbors and Terminals: https://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/ddfac751-6220-48e1-9f1b-465654445c18/20170201-FINAL_EHS+Guidelines+for+Ports+Harbors+and+Terminals.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID=lD.CzO9

https://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/ddfac751-6220-48e1-9f1b-465654445c18/20170201-FINAL_EHS+Guidelines+for+Ports+Harbors+and+Terminals.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID=lD.CzO9




Description of First Year Investments Page 33

3 Description of First Year Investments

Government of West Bengal (GoWB) is promoting Inland Waterways Transportation through

its network of rivers and canals. GoWB, through Government of India has applied for

financing from the World Bank for financial assistance for improvement/ development of the

inland water transport system in the state.

Of the entire project budget, 30% of the budget (~USD 45 Million) is proposed to be taken up

under First Year of Investments. Details of First Year Investment are discussed below.

3.1 First-Year Investments

30% of the overall project budget is proposed to be taken up under First Year of Investments.

Under the investments requested for the First Year, the proposed developments will include

“Construction of new jetties and upgradation of existing jetties that would have improved

facilities and amenities for both passenger and goods movements”. The subprojects that will

be supported as a part of the First-Year investments are:





3.1.1 Gangways and Pontoons


capacity of the jetties. Gangways and Pontoons are proposed to be added at 30 selected

jetty locations. The Pontoons and Gangways will be manufactured/fabricated at the

selected contractors manufacturing/fabricating unit(s). Subsequently, these will be brought to

the respective jetty locations and installed at the site. Pontoons and gangways are added to

existing ones in these locations to improve the capacity and safety of passengers. When

there is a need to remove existing pontoons and/or gangways, they will be taken out and re-

used at another existing or new jetty location under WBTC (not part of the proposed

development activities). Those that cannot be reused, will be sold to local companies in the

market who are specialized in reusing the material.

The Pontoons will be of uniform dimensions across all selected jetties. The size of the

Pontoons shall be 30 m length x 9 m width. Similarly, all gangways shall be of uniform size

of (30 m length, 3.5 m width and 2.9 m height).



Exhibit 3-1 Typical Gangway (Existing)

Exhibit 3-2 Pontoon Structure (Existing)

3.1.2 Waterside Construction Works

Proposed developments activities will include minor waterside construction works mainly

needed to put in place the new pontoons and gangways. In general, and because of the tidal

nature of the Hooghly river, pontoons are designed to be floating and cannot be pinned to the

ground. Gangways are supported by the pontoons on one side and linked to the existing jetty

on the landside in a manner that allows vertical and horizontal movement caused by the high

river waves. Depending on the length of the gangway, very small number of piles might be

added to provide support.

3.1.3 New Vessels

First Year project investments will include modernizing the fleet through the introduction of

new vessels with enhanced designs. New vessels will be an addition to the existing fleet.

Investments will include addition of Twenty (20) cross movement vessels of 100

passenger capacity and Two (02) longitudinal movement vessels also of 100

passenger capacity. Cross movement and longitudinal movement vessels have the same

features; however the engine power and dimensions differ. The vessels shall be of twin

screw self-propelled steel hull configuration with twin engines. The will be built based on

enhanced design that is inclusive with improved safety standards and fuel efficiency. The

vessels will be built at selected contractor’s vessel building yard(s). Subsequently, vessels

will be deployed at respective jetty locations for operation.



Exhibit 3-3 New Vessel

3.1.4 Turnstile Gates


under the First Year of investments. These are standard turnstile gates that are in use in a

range of transport terminals, particularly seen in city metro stations. The turnstile gates will

be built at the selected supplier’s production unit(s). These will essentially be the same

across all jetties and produced at the production facility in as many numbers as per the

requirement. Subsequently, these would be brought onto the jetty locations for its installation.

Exhibit 3-4 Turnstile Gates (at Howrah)

Exhibit 3-5 Smart Chip For Gate Access

3.2 Jetty Locations

A total of 30 Ghats within the Project area are identified to be taken up in the proposed

developments under the First Year investments. The Project area is one of the most

populous areas in India, stretching for more than 120 km along the Hooghly river from

Tribeni, to the north of Kolkata, to Roychak, to the south. The jetty locations are on either

side of the Hooghly River, some on the Kolkata side and some on the Howrah side. The list

of jetties included (list arranged from North to South) and a map showing the locations is

presented as Table 3-1 and Figure 3-1, respectively. Exhibit 3-6 shows some existing

features at some jetty locations. Google images of some of the jetty locations are shown as

Exhibit 3-7 to Exhibit 3-11.



Table 3-1 List of Selected Jetties (First Year Investments)

Kolkata Side

1. Rashmoni Ghat (K1)

2. Halisahar (K2)

3. Naihati (K3)

4. Debitala (K4)

5. Manirampur (K5)

6. Barrackpore/Dhobighat (K6)

7. Titagarh (K7)

8. Khardah (K8)

9. Panihati (K9)

10. Kashipur (K10)

11. Ratan Babu (K11)

12. Barahnagar (K12)

13. Shovabazar (K13)

14. Ahiritala (K14)

15. Armenian Ghat (K15)

16. Chandpal –I (K16)

17. Chandpal – II (K17)

18. Outram Jetty (K18)

19. Noorpur (K19)

Howrah Side

1. Bansberia (H1)

2. Chinsura (H2)

3. Gourhati (H3)

4. Sheoraphuli (H4)

5. Shrirampur (H5)

6. Konnagar (H6)

7. Howrah – I (H7)

8. Howrah – II (H8)

9. Howrah – III (H9)

10. Fulleswar (H10)

11. Gadiara (H11)



Figure 3-1 Jetty Locations



Outram Ghat (Used by Kolkata River Police)

Chandpal Ferry Ghat

Concrete Piers for Link Platform at Kardah Jetty

Access Road – Barrackpore/Dhobighat Jetty

Link Platform Submerged (Barrackpore Jetty)

Small Temple, Banyan Tree at Barrackpore Jetty



People Waiting on Pontoon – Shibpur Ghat

Panihati Jetty (Gates Closed once Vessel Leaves)

Manirampur Jetty (Pontoon Width is Inadequate)

Vessel Completely Full

Different types of Passenger Vessels/Boats Plying across the River

Exhibit 3-6 Existing Jetty Locations



Exhibit 3-7 Konnagar Ferry Ghat

Exhibit 3-8 Chandpal Ghat – II

Exhibit 3-9 Bansberia Jetty



Exhibit 3-10 Ahiritola Ghat

Exhibit 3-11 Manirampur Jetty

3.3 Schedule and Cost

Proposed developments discussed above are to be taken up in the First Year of investments.

As such, the schedule for this development shall be for a period of one year.

3.3.1 Estimated Cost

The estimated costs for proposed developments under First Year of investments are as

provided in Table 3-2.

Table 3-2 Estimated Cost (First Year Investments)

S.

No. Activity

Unit Cost (INR

in Crores)

No. of

Units

Total Cost (INR

in Crores)

Total Cost

(US$ Million)

1. Works at the Jetties (includes Pontoon,

Gangway and the necessary Civil Works) ~ 4.00 30 120.00 17.15

2. 100 Passenger Size Vessels ~ 2.00 20 40.00 5.71

3. Longitudinal Vessels (100 Passenger Size) ~ 2.65 2 5.30 0.75

4. Turnstile Gates (4 nos. at each of the 40

selected jetty locations) ~ 3.50 40 140.00 20.00

First Year Investments Estimated Total 305.30 43.61


Baseline Scenario Page 42

4 Baseline Scenario

4.1 Introduction

The baseline/existing environmental and social conditions at the project area are established

based on reconnaissance survey, investigations and review of relevant secondary data. This

chapter details the profile of the overall project area(s), existing features, climatic conditions,

environmental/social aspects, etc. The baseline environmental studies also included analysis

of secondary data collected for terrestrial environmental parameters. Terrestrial data

presented included the following parameters:

Ambient Air Quality

o Particulate Matter <10 micron size (PM10)

o Particulate Matter <2.5 micron size (PM2.5)

o Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)

o Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx)

o Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Ambient Noise

o Day equivalent noise

o Night equivalent noise levels

Inland Water Quality

o Groundwater Quality

o Surface Water Quality

Soil Quality

4.2 Hooghly River

The Hooghly River traditionally called ‘Kati-Ganga’, is approximately 260 km long (160 mi)

distributary of the Ganges River in West Bengal. The Ganges splits into the Padma and the

Hooghly near Giria, Murshidabad.

Course: The vast majority of the water that flows into the Hooghly River is provided by the

man-made Farakka Feeder Canal. The Farakka Barrage is a dam that diverts water from the

Ganges into the Hooghly River. In 1974, the Farakka Barrage began diverting water into the

Hooghly during the dry season so as to reduce the silting difficulties at Kolkata's Port.

Farakka Feeder Canal is located near the town of Tildanga in Murshidabad district.

History: The Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system is an essential lifeline for the people of West

Bengal. It was through this river that the East India Company sailed into Bengal and

established their trade settlement, Calcutta, the capital of British India. People from other

countries such as the French, Dutch, Portuguese, etc. all had their trade settlements by the

banks of this river.

Economics: The river provides a perennial supply of water to the plain of West Bengal for

irrigation and human & industry consumption. The river is navigable and a major transport

system in the region with a large traffic flow. For a long time, the Calcutta Port was the

biggest port of India. The modern container port of Haldia, on the intersection of lower

Hooghly and Haldi River, now carries much of the region's maritime trade.

Present Scenario: The Hooghly- Bhagirathi River is affected due to abstraction of large

amount of water for industrial uses. Sewer outlets and drainages, which open into the river



directly, cause resource deterioration6. Water Hardness varied from 90-490 mg/l, the high

value of hardness indicates the high pollution load of sewage7.

Kolkata Metropolitan Area (KMA) is the major urban agglomeration in the West Bengal. The

River Hooghly, the lower most stretch of the river Ganga, forms the principal drainage line for

the KMA8. While flowing through this state, the river is receiving both the industrial effluents

and domestic effluents from municipal towns located on both banks of the river. The river

water is used for various purposes like bathing, washing, fishing, industrial cooling, etc.

The river stretch of 100 km between Kalyani and Birlapur in eastern bank and Tribeni and

Uluberia in western bank receives maximum wastewater from approximately 250 outfalls3.

Water Quality Index (WQI) values confirmed the prevailing 'bad' condition, detrimental for

sustenance of aquatic biota, Wide variations in turbidity, total dissolved solids and fecal

coliform exceeded the permissible BIS drinking water level limit9.

Fauna: The Gangetic River Dolphin (GRD), an endangered species according to the

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), can be found in the Ganga-

Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of Nepal, India and Bangladesh.

Hooghly River, being a distributary of the main Ganges river system, also has GRD’s in it.

Sightings of GRD have been reported in the project corridor along the Hooghly River.

4.3 District Profiles10

Proposed development project falls in Six (06) districts of West Bengal, namely: Hooghly,

Howrah, East Medinipur, North and South 24 Parganas and Kolkata. A brief profile of each of

the districts is presented below.

4.3.1 Hooghly

Hooghly district has its headquarters at Chinsura (Chuchura). The district has four

subdivisions: Chinsura Sadar, Serampore, Chandannagar, and Arambag. The district is flat,

with no place having an elevation of more than 200 meters. Hooghly is one of the most

economically developed districts in West Bengal. It is the main jute cultivation, jute industry,

and jute trade hub in the state. The railway communication of the district, especially at the

suburban area, is very developed. According to the 2011 census Hooghly district has a

population of 5,520,389. This gives it a ranking of 16 th in India (out of a total of 640). The

district has a population density of 1,753 inhabitants per square kilometre (4,540/sq mi).

4.3.2 Howrah

Howrah district has its headquarters in the City of Howrah. Howrah District is split into the

Howrah Sadar subdivision and the Uluberia subdivision. The Howrah Sadar subdivision has

1 municipal corporation and 5 community development (CD) blocks. The Uluberia

6 Bhuban Mohan Majhi, Ashim Kumar Nath, Chiranjeeb Dey, Ayan Mondal and Nimai Chandra Saha. 2018. Ecological Assessment of Hooghly - Bhagirathi River System through the Study of Diversity of Bivalves and Gastropods in Relation to Physico-chemical Parameters Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci. 7(07): 2700-2715.

doi: https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2018.707.317 7 Sharma, K.D., Lal, N. and Pathak, P.D. 1981. Water quality of sewage drains entering Yamuna at Agra. Indian J. Environ. Hlfh., 23: 118 – 122. 8 Dipak Chakraborty (2003),Rapid Estimation of Major Wastewater Discharges to River Hooghly between the stretch of Palta to DhanKheti Khal, West Bengal Pollution Control Board. 9 Mitra S et. al. 2018, Water quality assessment of the ecologically stressed Hooghly River Estuary, India: A multivariate

approach. Mar Pollut Bull. 2018 Jan;126:592-599. DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.09.053 10 Source: Wikipedia (viewed on date October 28, 2019)

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.09.053



subdivision has 1 municipality and 9 CD blocks. Howrah district is one of the highly

urbanized areas of West Bengal. The urbanized sectors gradually increase the slum

populations. Howrah is the second largest city and second smallest district after Kolkata.

According to the 2011 census Howrah district has a population of 4,841,638. This gives it a

ranking of 23rd in India (out of a total of 640). The district has a population density of 3,300

inhabitants per square kilometre (8,500/sq mi).

4.3.3 East Medinipur

East Medinipur has its headquarters at Tamluk. East Medinipur district is divided into the

administrative subdivisions of Tamluk, Haldia, Egra and Contai. In 2006 the Ministry of

Panchayati Raj named Purba/East Medinipur one of the country's 250 most backward

districts (out of a total of 640). It is one of the 11 districts in West Bengal receiving funds from

the Backward Regions Grant Fund Program (BRGF). According to the 2011 census

Purba/East Medinipur district has a population of 5,094,238. This gives it a ranking of 20 th in

India (out of a total of 640). The district has a population density of 1,076 inhabitants per

square kilometre (2,790/sq mi).

4.3.4 North 24 Parganas

North 24 Parganas has its headquarters located at Barasat. District comprises 5

subdivisions: Barrackpore, Barasat Sadar, Basirhat, Bangaon and Bidhannagar. The

electrified suburban rail network of ER is extensive and penetrates far and deep into the

neighbouring districts of Kolkata, South 24 Parganas, Nadia, Howrah, Hooghly etc. Metro rail

is also transport medium of this district's people. Two stations of Kolkata Metro Line 1 are

located here, Dum Dum metro station at Dum Dum and Noapara station at Noapara. Netaji

Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, at Dum Dum is also in North 24 Parganas. This

is the only airport serving the city Kolkata. According to the 2011 census North 24 Parganas

district has a population of 10,082,852. This gave it a ranking of 2nd in India (out of a total of

640) and 1st in its state. However, in 2014 the Thane district (in Maharashtra), which had

been ranked 1st in India in 2011, was divided into two, thus promoting North 24 Parganas

District to 1st in India. It is the tenth-largest district in the State by area. The district has a

population density of 2,463 inhabitants per square kilometre (6,380/sq mi).

4.3.5 Kolkata

Kolkata city is the headquarters of the district. In terms of area, it is the smallest amongst all

the districts of West Bengal but has the highest density of population. It is only district in the

state with cent percent urban population. According to the 2011 census Kolkata district has a

population of 4,486,679. This gives it a ranking of 35 th in India (out of a total of 640). The

district has a population density of 24,252 inhabitants per square kilometre (62,810/sq mi).

4.3.6 South 24 Parganas

South 24 Parganas has its headquarters located at Alipore. The district comprises five

subdivisions: Alipore Sadar, Baruipur, Diamond Harbour, Canning and Kakdwip. Agriculture,

Industry and Pisciculture are all at their peak in the district. On the west side of the district is

the Falta Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which houses various types of industry. In 2006, the

Ministry of Panchayati Raj named South 24 Parganas one of the country's 250 most

backward districts. It is the largest district of West Bengal state by area and second largest

by population. On one side is the urban fringe of Kolkata and on the other, the remote



riverine villages in the Sundarbans. In 1984, South 24 Parganas district became home to

Sundarbans National Park, which has an area of 1,330 km2 (513.5 sq mi). It shares the park

with North 24 Parganas district and is also home to four wildlife sanctuaries: Haliday Island,

Lothian Island, Narendrapur, and Sajnekhali. According to the 2011 census of India, South

24 Parganas district had a total population of 8,153,176. This made in the 6th most populous

district in India out of a total of 640. The district had a population density of 819 inhabitants

per square kilometre (2,120/sq mi).

4.3.7 Population Summary

The population summary (based on 2011 census) in regards with the density at each of the

six districts is presented in Table 4-1.

Table 4-1 Population Summary

S. No. District Total Population Density (inhabitants/km2)

1 Hooghly 5,520,389 1,753

2 Howrah 4,841,638 3,300

3 East Medinipur 5,094,238 1,076

4 North 24 Parganas 10,082,852 2,463

5 Kolkata 4,486,679 24,252

6 South 24 Parganas 8,153,176 819

4.4 Climatic Conditions

4.4.1 Hooghly

An oppressive summer season, profuse rains and high humidity all through the year are the

main characteristic of the climate of the district. The hot season begins with strong Westerly

winds from the middle of March and continues up to the middle of May. The weather is

oppressively hot. Thunder storm commonly occurs in the afternoon in association with heavy

rains with hails. The Kal Baisakhi or the North-Western storms are often violent and cause

sharp drop in temperature. The post Monsoon season usually starts from middle of October

and continues till the end of February with January being the coldest month.

4.4.2 Howrah

A moderate climatic condition prevails due to influences of the sea on the district’s climate

under the impact of the branch of the monsoon brought by Bay of Bengal. Three

conventional seasons viz. the cold dry season, hot dry season and the rainy season earmark

the climatic condition of the district.

The period falling between November to February is the cold season, January being the

coldest month. The summer season falls during the period from March to the middle of June

when the weather remains hot dry, May being the hottest month. The spell of monsoon starts

from the middle of June ranging upto October. July and August are the months with the

heaviest rain. Mean daily temperature varies between 10ºC in winter to 39ºC in the summer.


The climate of East Medinipur district is tropical in nature. There are four marked seasons (a)

Cold, dry weather from December to February (b) Hot, dry weather from March to May (c)



Monsoon period lasts from June to September, and (d) Post monsoon period prevail in

October and November. The district receives almost over 70% of its annual rainfall between

June to September. Average temperature in the district varies from 25.50C to 38.60C.


Hot humid summer, a characteristic of the tropical climatic region, prevails all over the

district. The monsoon mainly occurs during the months of July, August and September.

During this period almost two-third of the normal annual rainfall occurs which leads to sultry

weather, flood and water logging in low areas. The maximum and minimum temperatures

recorded in the district have been about 420C and 80C respectively.


The normal climate of the district is hot and humid throughout the year with well distributed

rainfall during the monsoon season. The maximum temperature as recorded at Diamond

Harbour is 370C and the minimum is 90C during the year 2011. Winds are generally stronger

in Sundarbans and its surroundings. North-Western rains from March to May and the Bay

cyclones during the monsoon ravage the land every year.

4.4.6 Kolkata

Summer is hot and humid and during dry spells the maximum temperature often touches

400C during May and June. Winter tends to last for only about two and a half months, with

seasonal lows dipping almost to 100C between December and January. Often during early

summer, dusty squalls followed by spells of thunderstorm and heavy rains lash the city,

bringing relief from the humid heat. This thunderstorm is convective in nature, and is locally

known as Kal Baisakhi.

4.5 Social Profile

Proposed development activities fall in Six (06) districts of West Bengal, namely: Hooghly,

Howrah, East Medinipur, North and South 24 Parganas and Kolkata. These six districts also

form six of the eight districts that constitute the Kolkata Metropolitan Area (KMA). Brief social

profiles of the six districts are provided in Table 4-2 to Table 4-7.

4.5.1 Hooghly

Table 4-2 Social Profile – Hooghly District

Description 2011 2001

Population (Nos) 5,519,145 5,041,976

Male (Nos) 2,814,653 2,589,625

Female (Nos) 2,704,492 2,452,351

Population Growth (%) 9.46 15.77

Area (Sq. Km) 3,149 3,149

Density/km2 (Nos) 1,753 1,601

Sex Ratio (Per 1000) 961 947

Average Literacy (%) 81.80 75.11

Male Literacy (%) 87.03 82.59

Female Literacy (%) 76.36 67.21



Source: Population Census, 2011

4.5.2 Howrah

Table 4-3 Social Profile – Howrah District


Population (Nos) 4,850,029 4,273,099

Male (Nos) 2,500,819 2,241,898

Female (Nos) 2,349,210 2,031,201


Area (Sq. Km) 1,467 1,467


Sex Ratio (Per 1000) 939 906






Table 4-4 Social Profile – East Medinipur District


Population (Nos) 5,095,875 4,417,377

Male (Nos) 2,629,834 2,268,322

Female (Nos) 2,466,041 2,149,055


Area (Sq. Km) 4,713 4,713

Density/km2 (Nos) 1,081 933

Sex Ratio (Per 1000) 938 947






Table 4-5 Social Profile – North 24 Parganas District


Population (Nos) 10,009,781 8,934,286

Male (Nos) 5,119,389 4,638,756

Female (Nos) 4,890,392 4,295,530


Area (Sq. Km) 4,094 4,094


Sex Ratio (Per 1000) 955 926








Table 4-6 Social Profile – South 24 Parganas District


Population (Nos) 8,161,961 6,906,689

Male (Nos) 4,173,778 3,564,993

Female (Nos) 3,988,183 3,341,696


Area (Sq. Km) 9,960 9,960

Density/km2 (Nos) 819 693

Sex Ratio (Per 1000) 956 937





4.5.6 Kolkata

Table 4-7 Social Profile – Kolkata District

Description Total Male Female

Population (Nos) 4,496,694 2,356,766 2,139,928

Literates (Nos) 3,588,137 1,926,915 1,661,222

Children (0-6) (Nos) 339,323 175,564 163,759

Average Literacy (%) 86.31 88.34 84.06

Sex Ratio (Nos) 908 -

Child Sex Ratio (Nos) 933 -


4.6 Baseline Environment

The baseline environmental quality represents the background environmental scenario of

various environmental components such as air, noise, water, soil quality status in the study

area. The baseline assessment is presented based on secondary data as referred from the

EIA study recently carried out (March 2019 – May 2019) for the Proposed Construction of

Gangway-Pontoon Jetty with Link platform on river Hooghly at Geonkhali, District, East/

Purba Medinipur. The location of this study is within the overall study area of the present jetty

improvement project. As such, data from the Geonkhali study is considered as relevant to the

current study area as well. The monitoring data has been referenced from EIA Report

prepared for the above project and titled “Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment & EMP

Report for Proposed Construction of Gangway-Pontoon Jetty with Link platform on River

Hooghly at Geonkhali, Dist.-Purba Medinipur, W.B for Passenger Ferry service of WBTIDCL

(Geonkhali Jetty EIA Report)”.

Proposed activities are limited to minor construction works at the jetty locations which will

involve installation of the pontoon and gangways and minimal civil works on the link platform

(concrete structure). In addition, the major activity under the First Year investments is the

manufacturing of the vessels, pontoons and gangways which will be done at the

manufacturing yards of the selected contractors. Proposed development activities are not



envisaged to have significant sources of adverse environmental/social impacts. Also, the

development activities are not envisaged to alter the baseline environmental conditions.

4.6.1 Ambient Air Quality

As per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) monitoring guidelines monitoring of

Particulate Matter size less than 10 microns (PM10) and Particulate Matter size less than 2.5

microns (PM2.5), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) were monitored on 24

hourly basis and Carbon Monoxide (CO) monitored on eight hourly basis. Details of the AAQ

locations are given in Table 4-8.

Table 4-8 Ambient Air Monitoring Stations

S. No. Code Location

1. AAQ-1 Project Site

2. AAQ-2 Gadiara

3. AAQ-3 Noorpur

4. AAQ-4 Jambari

5. AAQ-5 Mahishadal

4.6.1.1 Observations

Statistical parameters like Arithmetic Mean and 98th Percentiles have been computed from

the observed raw data for all sampling stations. Minimum and Maximum levels recorded are

also calculated from the data. The summary of baseline data values minimum, maximum

along with 98th percentile value for PM10, PM2.5, SO2 and NOx are presented in Table 4-9.

Table 4-9: Summary of Air Quality Parameters

Location Name AAQ-1 AAQ-2 AAQ-3 AAQ-4 AAQ-5

PM10

Maximum (µg/m3) 125.09 152.17 129 97.6 121.84

Minimum (µg/m3) 25.88 33.6 50.59 19.57 33.03

Average (µg/m3) 66.3 83.2 90.7 53.8 58.5

98th Percentile (µg/m3) 117.7 142.7 128.7 91.2 109.7

CPCB Standard (µg/m3) 100

PM2.5

Maximum (µg/m3) 46.13 57.08 64.2 43.77 44.85

Minimum (µg/m3) 10.08 15.23 24 9.5 11.57

Average (µg/m3) 25.1 34.1 42.4 25.8 28.5



SO2

Maximum (µg/m3) 17.19 20.72 10.2 18.83 21.29

Minimum (µg/m3) 9.99 4.85 2 10.02 8.32

Average (µg/m3) 13.1 11.0 6.7 13.1 13.7



NOx

Maximum (µg/m3) 36.33 37.87 49.05 32.97 35.4

Minimum (µg/m3) 6.8 15.68 29 8.04 8.8

Average (µg/m3) 26.9 26.7 36.9 24.6 23.5



Location Name AAQ-1 AAQ-2 AAQ-3 AAQ-4 AAQ-5



CO

Maximum (µg/m3) <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5

Minimum (µg/m3) <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5

Average (µg/m3) <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5

98th Percentile (µg/m3) <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5


Analysis of ambient air quality data for three months consequently indicates average PM10 as

well as PM2.5 is within prescribed limits. SO2 and NOx levels are well below the prescribed

limits. Hence overall scenario as far as ambient air is concerned is positive. Ambient Air

Quality standards are provided as Appendix 4.

4.6.2 Noise Environment

Observed baseline ambient noise levels are as referenced from the above mentioned

Geonkhali Jetty EIA Report. The noise recording stations are mentioned in Table 4-10 and

the summary of the minimum, maximum day-equivalent, night equivalent and day-night

equivalent values computed for various locations in the study area is presented in Table

4-11. Ambient noise monitoring results at the project location is presented as Table 4-12.

Table 4-10: Ambient Noise Quality Monitoring Stations

Code Location

ANQ-1 Project Site

ANQ-2 Gadiara

ANQ-3 Noorpur

ANQ-4 Jambari

ANQ-5 Mahishadal

Table 4-11: Noise Levels during Study Period

Equivalent Noise Levels ANQ-1 ANQ-2 ANQ-3 ANQ-4 ANQ-5

Ld 54.1 52.1 51.5 50.0 53.0

Ln 51.3 43.2 41.5 41.5 42.3

CPCB Ld 55 dB(A)

Ln 45 dB(A)

Ld: Day Equivalent; Ln: Night Equivalent

Table 4-12: Noise Levels at Geonkhali Jetty Location

Ambient Noise Monitoring Results

Time Noise Level Location: Geonkhali

Jetty Location Leq. dB(A)

6.00-9.00

Maximum 62.8

Minimum 52.4

Leq. 58.5

9.00-12.00

Maximum 63.1

Minimum 57.2

Leq. 60.5

12.00-15.00 Maximum 63.8



Ambient Noise Monitoring Results

Time Noise Level Location: Geonkhali

Jetty Location Leq. dB(A)

Minimum 56.1

Leq. 61.7

15.00-18.00

Maximum 62.9

Minimum 54.8

Leq. 59.5

18.00-21.00

Maximum 57.3

Minimum 47.5

Leq. 54.5

21.00-00.00

Maximum 51.9

Minimum 44.2

Leq. 47.8

00.00-3.00

Maximum 45.2

Minimum 42.1

Leq. 43.6

3.00-6.00

Maximum 47.5

Minimum 42.4

Leq. 45


It is observed that the noise values obtained were within the prescribed Ambient Air Quality

Standards with respect to Noise. The maximum and minimum day time value monitored at

the Geonkhali Jetty Location was 63.8 dB(A) and 52.4 dB(A), respectively. Noise level

standards are provided as Appendix 5.

4.6.3 Water Environment

Baseline surface water quality is referenced from the Geonkhali Jetty EIA Report. Data on

baseline condition of water environment in study area was collected with following objectives:

Qualitative assessment of water sources of the area.

To judge the temporal changes in water quality of different sources.

To predict the Impact of Power Plant over water environment of the area.

To judge the water environment of the area, both the sources of water (surface & ground)

were given due consideration. Water samples were collected and analyzed for various

parameters. Based on the analysis of different parameters, results were checked up against

the limits set up to statuary authorities. Reconnaissance survey of the area was made for the

selection of sampling location for surface and ground water analysis. Stations were selected

keeping the objectives in mind. The monitoring locations of surface and ground water are

presented in Table 4-13.

Assessment of baseline data on water environment included:

1. Identification of surface water sources

2. Identification of ground water sources

3. Collection of water samples

4. Analyzing water samples collected for physico-chemical and biological parameters



Samples were collected and analysed as per standard methods and frequency of sampling

was as per norms. Assessment of water quality in the study area was carried out as per the

Indian Standard IS 10500:2012 (Drinking Water Standard).

The analysis results of the Ground Water collected from sampling stations are presented in

Table 4-14 and the analysis results of the Surface Water collected are presented in Table

4-15. Standards/criteria for water quality are provided as Appendix 6.

Table 4-13: Water Sampling Locations

Code Location

GWQ-1 Project Site

GWQ-2 Gadiara

GWQ-3 Noorpur

GWQ-4 Jambari

GWQ-5 Mahishadal

SWQ-1 Up Stream

SWQ-2 Downstream

Table 4-14: Ground Water Quality

S.

No Parameter Unit

Concentration Acceptable

Limit as per

IS10500:2012

Permissible

Limit as per

IS10500:2012

GWQ

1

GWQ

2

GWQ

3

GWQ

4

GWQ

5

1. Turbidity NTU 0.1 1.2 1.7 1.4 1.3 1 5

2. pH - 6.8 7.22 7.14 7.11 7.15 6.5-8.5 No Relaxation

3. T. Hardness

(as CaCO3) mg/l 239 140 473 136 380 200 600

4. Iron (as Fe) mg/l 0.16 0.15 0.16 0.01 0.14 0.3 No Relaxation

5. Chloride (as

Cl) mg/l 114 65 55 48 52 250 1000

6. Free Residual

Chlorine* mg/l

<MR

L <MRL <MRL <MRL <MRL 0.2 1.0

7. Fluoride (as F) mg/l <MR

L <MRL <MRL <MRL <MRL 1 1.5

8.

Total

Dissolved

Solids (TDS)

mg/l 840 650 434 563 445 500 2000

9. Calcium (as

Ca) mg/l 56 58 48 33 57 75 200

10. Magnesium

(as Mg) mg/l 24 25 26 33 46 30 100

11. Copper (as

Cu) mg/l

<MR


12. Sulphate (as

SO4) mg/l 35 32 36 28 23 200 400

13. Nitrate (NO3

-

N) mg/l 0.08 0.13 0.3 0.08 0.15 45 No relaxation

14.

Phenolic

Compound (as

C6H5OH)

mg/l <MR

L <MRL <MRL <MRL <MRL 0.001 0.002

15. Cadmium (as mg/l <MR <MRL <MRL <MRL <MRL 0.003 No relaxation



S.

No Parameter Unit

Concentration Acceptable

Limit as per

IS10500:2012

Permissible

Limit as per

IS10500:2012

GWQ

1

GWQ

2

GWQ

3

GWQ

4

GWQ

5

Cd) L

16. Arsenic (as

As) mg/l

<MR


17. Lead (as Pb) mg/l <MR

L <MRL <MRL <MRL <MRL 0.01 No relaxation

18. Zinc (as Zn) mg/l 0.1 0.3 0.2 0.4 0.1 5 15

19.

Total

Chromium (as

Cr)

mg/l <MR

L <MRL <MRL <MRL <MRL 0.05 No relaxation

20. Total Alkalinity

(as CaCO3) mg/l 156 355 351 102 146 200 600

21. Total Coliform* MPN/

100 ml >23 <1.3 <1.5 <1.1 <1.2

Shall not be detectable in any

100 ml sample 22.

Faecal

Coliform*

MPN/

100 ml 5.1 8.5 6.2 5.3 7.6

NTU: Nephelometric Turbidity Unit; MRL: Maximum Residue Levels; MPN: Most Probable Number

Table 4-15: Surface Water Quality

S. No. Parameter Unit

Result/Concentration Tolerance Limits

for Inland

Surface Waters,

Class – C

SWQ-1

(Upstream

Hooghly River)

SWQ-2

(Downstream

Hooghly River)

1. pH - 7.2 7.1 6.5 to 8.5

2. Dissolved

Oxygen mg/l 6.8 6.7 4.0

3. BOD mg/l 2.5 3.6 3.0

4. Total Coliform MPN/100ml 39039 54687 5000

5. Faecal

Coliform MPN/100ml 12956 14706 -

6. Total Hardness

(as CaCO3) mg/l 180 219 -

7. Calcium (as

Ca) mg/l 47 55 -

8. Magnesium

(as Mg) mg/l 15 20 -

9. Fluoride (as F) mg/l 0.21 0.24 1.5

10. Cadmium (as

Cd) mg/l <MRL <MRL 0.01

11. Chloride (as

Cl) mg/l 68 77 600

12.

Total

Chromium (as

Cr)

mg/l <MRL 0.7 -

13.

Total

Dissolved

Solids

mg/l 750 810 1500



S. No. Parameter Unit

Result/Concentration Tolerance Limits

for Inland

Surface Waters,

Class – C

SWQ-1

(Upstream

Hooghly River)

SWQ-2

(Downstream

Hooghly River)

14. Sulphate (as

SO4) mg/l 19 20 400

15. Lead (as Pb) mg/l <MRL <MRL 0.1

16. Copper (as

Cu) mg/l <MRL <MRL 1.5

17. Arsenic (as As) mg/l <MRL <MRL 0.2

18. Iron (as Fe) mg/l 0.37 0.42 50.0

19.

Phenolic

Compound (as

C6H5OH)

mg/l <MRL 0.42 0.005

20. Zinc(as Zn) mg/l 0.1 0.42 15

21. Nitrates(as

NO3-N) mg/l 0.30 0.32 50.0

22. Ammonia(as

NH3-N) mg/l <MRL 0.12 -

23. Electrical

Conductivity µS/cm 1112 1184 -


Groundwater:

pH in ground water sample was observed to be in the range 6.8 to 7.22. The value of

alkalinity and hardness were observed in the range of 102-355 mg/l and 140 to 473 mg/I

respectively. It can be inferred that all above reported parameters for groundwater are within

the Permissible Limits specified as per Drinking Water Quality Standards (IS 10500:2012)

except Coliforms (likely result of large scale sewage being discharge into the river system).

Surface Water:

pH in surface water sample was observed to be in the range 7.1 to 7.2. The value of

hardness was observed in the range of 180 to 219 mg/l. All reported parameters are well

within the limits specified for Class C, Drinking Water source with conventional treatment

followed by disinfection (ISI-IS: 2296-1982) except Coliforms (likely result of large scale

sewage discharge into the water bodies).

4.6.3.2 Namami Gange

The Ganga (Ganges) emanates from Gangotri Glacier at Gaumukh at an elevation of 3,892

m (12,770 feet). Many small streams comprise the headwaters of Ganga. It traverses a

course of ~2,525 km before flowing into the Bay of Bengal. It has a large number of

tributaries joining it during this journey. In addition there are also distributaries which are

formed from the Ganges system. One such distributary is the Hooghly River in West Bengal

forming part of the Ganges system. The Hooghly River is an approximately 260 km long

distributary of the Ganges River.



'Namami Gange Program', is an Integrated Conservation Mission, approved as 'Flagship

Program' by the Union Government of India in June 2014 to accomplish the objectives of

effective abatement of pollution, conservation and rejuvenation of the National River Ganga.

As part of this program, clean-up measures have been observed within the current project

corridor as well. The clean-up is carried out by means of a specifically designed vessel which

plies along the river and collects debris flowing in the river. The clean-up vessel(s) operate

on daily basis at different locations in the river. The waste material is collected onto the

vessel which is then transferred to receiving stations at various jetty terminals. The waste/

debris from the terminals are then carried away and disposed by the Municipality authorities.

Exhibit 4-1 shows pictures taken of the river clean-up works under Namami Gange at

Shibpur Jetty.

River Clean-Up Works at Shibpur Jetty Location

Exhibit 4-1 River Clean-up Works 'Namami Gange’

4.6.4 Land Environment-Soil Quality

Baseline soil quality data was also referenced from the Geonkhali Jetty EIA Report. The soil

samples were collected from five sampling locations within an area of 10 km radius around

the proposed project for analysis of the physico-chemical characteristics of the soil quality.

The locations of soil sampling stations are given Table 4-16. The soil quality analysis/results

are presented as Table 4-17. Soil quality standards are provided as Appendix 7.

Table 4-16: Soil Sampling Locations

Code Location

SQ-1 Project Site

SQ-2 Gadiara

SQ-3 Noorpur

SQ-4 Jambari

SQ-5 Mahishadal

Table 4-17: Soil Quality Results

S. No Parameter Unit Concentration

SQ1 SQ2 SQ3 SQ4 SQ5

1. Color --- Brown Blackish Brown Brown Blackish

2. Texture --- Clay

Loam

Sandy

Loam

Sandy

Loam

Sandy

Loam

Sandy

Loam

3. Bulk Density gm/cm3 1.12 1.44 1.32 1.58 1.35



S. No Parameter Unit Concentration

SQ1 SQ2 SQ3 SQ4 SQ5

4. Moisture % 19.8 31.6 42.4 56.5 28.5

5. Ph --- 8.0 7.5 6.7 7.1 6.9

6. Conductivity (1:2.5) at 250C µS/cm 305 253 4.6 355 345

7. Organic Carbon % .0 1.2 1.3 1.15 1.33

8. Organic Matter % 2.29 1.5 1.7 1.9 1.6

9. Available Nitrogen mg/gm 0.23 0.31 0.26 0.32 0.25

10. Available Phosphorous mg/gm 0.71 0.52 0.49 0.44 0.49

11. Available Potassium mg/gm 5.13 3.23 2.62 4.33 5.53

12. Calcium mg/gm 1.13 2.32 1.5 2.9 3.3

13. Magnesium mg/gm 0.42 0.38 1.6 0.27 1.51

14. Sodium mg/gm 2.0 2.4 3.6 2.8 2.2

15. Iron mg/kg 0.38 0.62 1.6 2.7 0.3

16. Copper mg/kg 0.03 0.88 0.72 0.82 0.75

17. Zinc mg/kg 0.06 0.11 1.1 0.9 1.2

4.6.5 Biological Environment

4.6.5.1 Endemic and Endangered Species

The project activities under the First Year investments will be limited mainly to the waterside

at existing jetty locations. There are no known endemic and endangered species at the jetty

locations. However, the Gangetic River Dolphin or Gangetic Dolphin or the Platanista

gangetica, an endangered species according to the International Union for Conservation of

Nature (IUCN), can be found in the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu

river systems of Nepal, India and Bangladesh (Exhibit 4-2). The Hooghly River being a

distributary of the overall Ganga River system, the presence of the Gangetic dolphin in the

project stretch was examined. The overall project corridor from Tribeni to Noorpur has

presence of the Gangetic dolphins, as seen from several sighting reports as well as seen

during the field observations (especially at the confluence areas near Noorpur). Although

there are reportedly dolphins in the Hooghly River, they are dispersed in the river and are

found concentrated more at the confluences of the rivers where the water current is strong.

However, sightings (rare) are reported throughout the corridor.

Exhibit 4-2 Gangetic River Dolphin



11Anderson (1879) estimated that about 10,000 Gangetic dolphins were present in the Ganga

River and its tributaries during the late 19th Century. In recent past, Sinha and Kannan (2014)

estimated 3526 individuals during the early 2000s. A recent review of literature estimate

about 3,200 individuals in the Ganga basin. Recognizing the ecological role of the species in

river ecosystems and its need for protection, the Gangetic Dolphin was listed in the Schedule

I of Wild Life ACT 1972 and was designated as the National Aquatic Animal in 2009.

Gangetic Dolphin is also considered as an endangered species by the International Union for

Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The distribution range has reduced in the Ganga River as well as its tributaries (Sinha et al.,

2000). The population trend of the dolphin in the Ganga River basin over the years is shown

in Figure 4-1.

Figure 4-1 Dolphin Population

According to Ravindra Kumar Sinha, Patna University and recipient of a Padma Shri for his

work on the conservation of Gangetic dolphins, dolphins prefer deep water with adjoining

shallow water. They live in a zone where there is little or no current that helps them save

energy. If they sense danger, they can go into the deep waters," he said. The dolphins swim

from the no-current zone to the edges to hunt for fish and return. The Ganges dolphins have

been reported to be avoiding the river stretch with heavy traffic in the Hooghly River,

preferring relatively undisturbed areas where a lower number of mechanized vessels ply12.

Freshwater dolphins and their natural habitats are under threat. One of the causes is the

large scale discharge of municipal waste, siltation and the countless brick kilns that have

sprung up along the riverbanks. Brick kilns discharge hot water while civic waste pollutes the

water and alters its character. The unfavourable conditions are mainly due to increase in

salinity levels and sedimentation due to reduced discharges from upstream barrages.

Siltation reduces the depth of the river. Too much vessel movement, mechanized

boats/trawlers, also drive away aquatic animals.

Over the past several years, there have been reported incidents of deaths as well as some

stranding of Dolphins in Hooghly River system. These incidents typically happen as result of

Dolphins getting trapped in fishing nets, getting stranded in canals with vegetation’s as well

as very rare or occasional deaths due to vessel collisions (Times of India, Nov.16, 2019;

11 Wildlife Institute of India, Conserving Gangetic Dolphin, Smart Strategy Implementation and Adaptive Management for the

Ganga River (WII – GACMC, 2019) 12 The Conservation Action Plan for the Ganges River Dolphin, 2010-2020, National Ganga River Basin Authority, Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India, https://iucn-csg.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/DolphinCAP_27092010_editSS1.pdf

https://iucn-csg.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/DolphinCAP_27092010_editSS1.pdf

https://iucn-csg.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/DolphinCAP_27092010_editSS1.pdf



Mitra, S. & M.R. Chowdhury (2018)). Also, vessel collisions are a likely cause of impacts on

dolphins that stray outside their habitats into the navigation areas of the river. The reports of

deaths/injuries to dolphins due to vessel movements are understood to be significantly less

as compared to the other threats faced by the dolphins. Vessel movements (motorized

boats) are known to be source of impacts to the Dolphins – not necessarily due to collisions

but due to the disturbances the vessel movements cause in the ecosystem (pollution, vessel

vibrations, noise, etc.) leading to the dolphins behavioral changes, stress, alteration in prey-

base, etc. The threats to dolphins can be from water development projects (e.g., barrages,

high dams, levies or embankments and withdrawal of surface water), which often isolate

subpopulations, alter the ecological features which characterize dolphin habitat, reduce water

discharge to a level where the river can no longer sustain aquatic megafauna, and block the

spawning migrations of dolphin prey; Overexploitation of dolphin prey; Incidental catches,

most often occurring in monofilament gill nets; Direct exploitation, generally for dolphin oil

which is used mainly as a fish attractant and also for medicinal purposes; Increasing levels of

organic and inorganic pollution. The risk categories13 of the threats faced by dolphins are as

shown in Exhibit 4-3.

Exhibit 4-3 Dolphins Risk Categories

Finally, it is to be noted that the jetty operations (waterways) in the area have been an

ongoing activity for several decades and are not known to have been a cause for adverse

impacts to the dolphins (Ref: stakeholder consultations). Proposed development will also not

involve activities that are likely to threaten the dolphins. Threats to dolphins, if any, would be

mainly due to the vessel operations, not necessarily due to collisions but due to the

disturbances the vessel movements cause in the ecosystem (pollution, vessel vibrations,

13 Wildlife Institute of India, Conserving Gangetic Dolphin, Smart Strategy Implementation and Adaptive Management for the Ganga River (WII – GACMC, 2019)

Very High Risks

• Reduced Depths

• Fishing

High Risks

• Motorised Boats

• Riverbed Agriculture

• Drain

Medium Risk

• Sand Mining

• Solid Waste

• Open Cremation

Low Risk

• Cultural Offering

• Mass Bathing



noise, etc.) leading to behavioral changes, stress, alteration in prey-base, etc. However, it is

also to be noted that this is the navigational route for large cargo ships as well which are

several times bigger than the passenger vessels to be operated under the proposed

development. As such, proposed development activities are not envisaged to cause adverse

impacts to the dolphins; nevertheless, as the Hooghly River system has presence of dolphins

and some of the dolphins could be present in the core areas of operation (navigation areas,

though rare), which mitigation measures as suggested in Sections 6.4.1.13 and 6.5.1.3 shall

be put in place which will help avoid impacts to dolphins, if any.

Sighting records of Gangetic River Dolphin

As mentioned above, the Hooghly River has reported sightings of the GRD. Several studies

have been carried out along the Hooghly River to understand more about the GRD (its

numbers, areas where seen more, etc.). Also, several awareness campaigns have also been

carried out by organizations like the WWF. Three such studies are discussed below:

Study by Chowdhury, M.R., S. Mitra & S. Sen (2016)

The Platanista gangetica (Ganges River Dolphin GRD) subpopulation occurring downstream

of Farakka Barrage in the river Ganges and its tributaries in West Bengal was studied by

Chowdhury et al. (2016)14. The study was carried out in the Hooghly River from the point

where the Ganges meets with the river Jalangi at Nabadwip until it reaches the Bay of

Bengal. The present corridor of development falls within this study area and as such is

relevant to the project area.

Sangita Mitra & Mahua Roy Chowdhury (2018)15 studied the stretch in Hooghly River during

the period of 2012–2016. The waterways were scanned in all the seasons to confirm the

presence or absence of dolphins and to avoid any information gap due to seasonal

differences. During the survey period from 2012 to 2016 a total of 13 sightings of Ganges

River Dolphins were recorded. An average sighting of Ganges River Dolphin in the Hooghly

Rivers along the stretch is 0.30 per year. The major congregations of GRD or sighting points

were in the lower stretch of the Hooghly as shown in Table 4-18.

Table 4-18 Sightings of Ganges River Dolphin

Land

Reference District River

Boat-based

(B)/ Land-

based (L)

Survey

Geographic

Coordinates Year

Budge budge

river side

South 24

Paraganas Hooghly B, L

22.4830N &

88.1830E 2015

Bata nagar South 24

Paraganas Hooghly L

22.5000N &

88.2000E 2015–16

Pujali South 24

Paraganas Hooghly L

22.4660N &

88.1500E 2015

Millenium

park Kolkata Hooghly B

22.5500N &

88.0310E 2014–15

Diamond South 24 Hooghly B, L 22.1600N & 2015

14 Chowdhury, M.R., S. Mitra & S. Sen (2016). On the Behaviour, abundance, habitat use and potential threats of the Gangetic Dolphin Platanista gangetica in southern West Bengal, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 8(9): 9131–9137; https://doi.org/10.11609/ jott.1752.8.9.9131-9137 15 Mitra, S. & M.R. Chowdhury (2018). Possible range decline of Ganges River Dolphin Platanista gangetica (Mammalia: Cetartiodactyla: Platanistidae) in Indian Sundarban. Journal of Threatened Taxa 10(13): 12738–12748; https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.2493.10.13.12738-12748

https://doi.org/10.11609/



Land

Reference District River

Boat-based

(B)/ Land-

based (L)

Survey

Geographic

Coordinates Year

Harbour Paraganas 88.0170E

Kachuberia South 24

Paraganas Muriganga B, L

21.8500N &

88.1330E 2015–16

Namkhana South 24

Paraganas

Confluence of River

Muriganga and

Hatania- Doania

B 21.7500N &

88.2100E 2015–16

Gadiara Howrah

Confluence of

Rupnarayan and

Hooghly

B, L 22.2160N &

88.0330E 2012–15

Haldia South 24

Paraganas

Confluence of Haldi

and Hooghly L

22.0000N &

88.0500E 2012

Garchumuk Howrah Confluence of

Damodar and Hooghly L

22.3330N &

88.0800E 2012–2015

Bakshi Howrah

Confluence of

Rupnarayan, Damodar

and Mundeshwari

L 22.5100N &

88.0160E 2014–15

Kolaghat East

Midnapur Rupnarayan B, L

22.4160N & 87.8830E

2011–15

Belur Howrah Hooghly L 22.6160N & 88.3500E

2015

Study by WWF INDIA

To overview the threats to the river dolphins in West Bengal and minimizing those threats,

WWF INDIA, WBSO in collaboration with HSBC has been working for the conservation of

river dolphin through several activities like campaign, workshop, awareness, interaction with

suitable stakeholders, placing display boards at different locations, river watch and survey

along the river stretch. Details of one such study published in the WWF’s Annual Report

2015-2016 titled “Conserving the aquatic resource diversity including the National Aquatic

Animal through capacity building, community education and developing a better

understanding for sustainable use of resources”, is discussed in this section. Some important

literature from the report is quoted below:

“Its global population is declining. The current global population of the species is hardly

1200 individuals (Smith & Braulik 2012)”.

“The rapid declination of the global population of this endangered creature is due to

accidental killing through fishing net entanglement, unsustainable fishing practices in and

around dolphin habitats through the use of destructive fishing gear as well as illegal

fishing during closed fishing season, water development projects, habitat degradation

with increasing pollution and siltation”.

“So, illegal harvesting of fishes caused loss of many species which were identified as like

dolphin’s major foods like Rhinomugil corsula (Mitra et al. 2015). The above factors

confined this species in isolated pockets and restricted their range in southern West

Bengal”.

WWF INDIA has conducted a visual survey for assessment of the Gangetic River Dolphin

population in the lower stretch of River Ganga on 17th February, 2016. During the survey, it



had been observed that very small populations of dolphins were present in this riverine

stretch. In the study the best estimates of river dolphin were recorded at 11 individuals.

Study by Wildlife Institute of India

The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has taken up the task of conservation of the

Ganga River. Under this program, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehra Dun, has been

entrusted with the Biodiversity Conservation and Ganga Rejuvenation project which focuses

on science based species restoration. As part of the project, surveys of aquatic species of

conservation significance has been carried out between Devprayag in Uttarakhand and

Noorpur in West Bengal resulting in additional information of the GRD in the Ganga River.

This information will provide vital information of identification of dolphin hot spots and risk

prone stretches. The results will aim to be used to formulate a Gangetic Dolphin

Conservation Action Plan and concurrently prioritize the river stretches for conservation of

Gangetic dolphins and their habitat. Details of this study are presented in the WII’s report,

Conserving Gangetic Dolphin, Smart Strategy Implementation and Adaptive Management for

the Ganga River (WII – GACMC, 2019).

WII has conducted surveys during the pre and post monsoons of 2018 and pre-monsoon

period of 2019. The entire stretch of the river from Devprayag to Noorpur was divided into 24

basis survey units (BSUs). The BSUs included the stretch from Bandel to Noorpur/Nurpur.

The proposed development corridor from Tribeni to Noorpur falls in this BSU. In pre-

monsoon 2018, in the stretch from Bandel to Noorpur 42 sightings have been recorded. In

post -monsoon 2018, the same stretch had 50 sightings that were recorded. Similarly, during

the survey carried out in pre-monsoon 2019, 21 sightings have been recorded in the same

stretch.

Based on a modelling exercise that was carried out, the BSU/stretch of concern (Bandel to

Noorpur) has been classified as a “Medium Priority Area”. A medium priority area is where:

40% to 60% probability of occurrence of Gangetic dolphins across seasons

Stretch act as seasonal dispersal route

Can act as buffer to the high priority areas and existing Protected Areas

Conservation intervention is needed for protection of the species and its habitat

The sightings per km in this stretch is estimated between 0.19 – 0.45. The major pressures

on habitats and species in this stretch are reportedly fishing, deliberate killing and vessel

traffic.

Assessment



Anderson (1879) estimated that about 10,000 Gangetic dolphins were present

in the Ganga River and its tributaries during the late 19th Century. In recent

past, Sinha and Kannan (2014) estimated 3526 individuals during the early

2000s. A recent review of literature estimate 3294 individuals in the Ganga

basin. The distribution range has reduced in the Ganga River as well as its

tributaries (Sinha et al., 2000)

Based on several secondary data we understand that in the earlier days (likely

prior to 1975 when the Farakka Dam began operating), the Hooghly River

stretch also likely had much more numbers of dolphins as it has currently. The

numbers have decreased significantly over the years as the dolphin’s habitat

has been disturbed mainly due to manmade reasons such as development

works, increased pollution, shallow waters, etc. conditions which are not suitable

for dolphins to flourish. As such, there remain only very few dolphins which are

sighted in this stretch (published information on exact dolphin distribution and its

numbers are limited). To avoid/minimse impacts to the dolphins, if any, in the

project area due to prosed development activities, mitigation measures shall be

put in place.

“The Ganges River dolphin ranges into most of the large tributaries in the

Ganges Basin: the Ramganga, Yamuna, Gomti, Ghaghara, Rapti, Son, Gandak

and Kosi besides the main channel of the Ganga”

“While there were occasional reports of dolphin sightings in some of the smaller

tributaries of the Ganga during the 1980s, it is now likely that dolphins have

been completely extirpated from these rivers due to insufficient and inconsistent

water supplies”.

“Dolphins in the main channel of the Ganga were split into two subpopulations in

1975 when the Farakka Barrage was commissioned. The Lower Ganga Barrage

at Narora (1966) and the Middle Ganga Barrage at Bijnor (1984) further

fragmented the Ganga main stem population into four subpopulations. Dolphins

have now been extirpated above the Middle Ganga Barrage at Bijnor. Today

they occur in three subpopulations bounded by the Bijnor, Narora and Farakka

Barrages”.

Bijnor and Narora are located in state of Uttar Pradesh; Farakka

Barrage, is in West Bengal, but ~ 150 kms north of Tribeni



In addition, as proposed development works are to be carried out in areas where

Gangetic dolphins are present (reportedly dispersed in the Hooghly River), it is of

utmost importance that WBTIDCL plays a role in conservation activities of the

dolphins. WBTIDCL shall support agencies involved in conservation works (such

as WWF) to create awareness and obtain additional/updated information on the

dolphins especially in the project corridor from Tribeni to Noorpur. A budgetary

provision for this activity has been made and presented in the ESMP budget in

Section 8.6.


Analysis of Alternatives Page 64

5 Analysis of Alternatives

5.1 No Project v/s With Project Alternative

The “No Project” option will entail retaining the existing conditions of the jetty facilities and

vessels or status quo of the proposed project. Hence, if this option is preferred it will mean

that no enhancements/upgradation of existing jetties would be taken up and commuters

would not have any improved facilities and amenities.

The “With Project Alternative” will provide commuters with the much needed upgradation of

existing facilities with improved facilities and amenities. As such, the alternative with

proposed development is to be taken up for overall benefits of the commuters. This will have

significant overall positive impacts to the entire ferry operating services.

Further, the key argument for the project is to encourage the shift from road transport to water transport, which provides a cleaner form of transportation from an environmental perspective.

5.1.1 Telinipara Jetty Accident

Exhibit 5-1 News Clipping of Telinipara Jetty Accident



In the morning hours of April 26, 2017, the bamboo structured jetty structure/link platform to

the boat at Telinipara Ferry Ghat collapsed under the impact of high tide on the river. Several

people were on the jetty structure awaiting the boat when the structure collapsed leading to

the tragic loss of lives. Following this incident, the West Bengal Transport Corporation

(WBTC) has put in place Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the jetty operations.

However, even with the SOP’s in place the jetty infrastructure and operations still are found

lacking in various aspects of safety, infrastructure facilities, etc. As such, this proposed

development activities alternative is even more essential for enhancing the facilities at the

jetty locations. In addition, the First Year investments are not envisaged to have

environmental and social impacts as well.

5.2 Technical Design Alternatives

Proposed development under the First Year of investments are planned to be carried out at

the existing jetty locations itself where necessary improvements to the facilities are to be

made. As such, the project will not have an alternative in terms of location.

In terms of the technical designs, various alternatives were considered for the vehicle design

and the jetty layout / infrastructure provisions. Based on the analysis of alternatives, the

following environmentally positive features (in italics) were included in the technical designs.

These include:

Introduction of newer/better efficient vessels with reduced emissions

Vessels/Gangways/Pontoons can have additional safety features

Better performance engines and lighter vessels, can help in reduced fuel consumptions

Vessels/Gangways can be provided with solar components for lighting purpose which will

help reduce energy costs

Vessels with latest applicable best management practices/technology will be built and

introduced for more enhanced operational efficiency.

Project vessels being operated in an aquatic environment with relatively rich aquatic life,

mechanisms like sound-emitting devices in the waters will be adopted as that will alert

fishes of the approaching vessels

Vessels shall have necessary oil spill control/collection systems

Jetty locations will be provided with appropriate oil spill control/collection equipment

Vessels will be fitted with sewage/waste collection systems; similarly sewage/waste

collection facilities will be provided at the terminals which can collect sewage/waste from

the vessels and dispose it appropriately

Various enhancements at the jetty locations will be provided (provision of signage’s,

information systems, easy access for elderly/disabled commuters, etc.)

Jetty location aesthetic improvements will be taken up (landscaping, planting of trees,

etc.) wherever feasible

Improved facilities at the vessel/gangway/pontoon manufacturing units to make effective

management of environmental and social issues.

Hence proposed technical design alternative provides opportunities for environmental

enhancement measures that have been integrated.

Also, it is to be noted that the major activities under the First Year Investments will include

manufacturing of the vessels, pontoons and gangways. Although the tender for bidding for

the project works will be nationwide, it is envisaged that most of the bidders would be from

the Hooghly River area. Manufacturing of the vessels, pontoons and gangways items outside

of the Hooghly River area and then bringing it in to the Hooghly River area will be too



expensive and will likely require several clearances from various regulatory authorities.

These manufacturing activities anticipated to be taken up in the project area itself will help in

providing several employment opportunities to the locals which will in turn contribute towards

the local economy.


Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures Page 67

6 Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures

The waterways mode of transportation is an operationally cheaper, fuel efficient and

environmentally friendly mode of transport, especially for handling bulk cargo/commodities.

This mode has the potential to be developed in a big way and serve as an alternate/

supplementary mode of transportation. The waterways mode of transport has several

benefits which include16:

Less fuel consumption (1 litre fuel moves 24 t-km on road, 85 t-km on rail, 105 t-km on

waterways)

Lower energy/fuel requirement but can produce higher output (i.e. 1 HP can move 150 kg

on road, 500 kg on rail and 4000 kg on water)

Significantly helps to reduce burden on road and rail networks, helps reduce congestion

and accidents on road

Cost of developing waterways is much lower than rail & road

CO2 emissions are almost 50% of emissions from trucks

Very minimal land requirements (direct savings in land acquisition and R&R costs)

Safer mode for transport of hazardous and over dimensional cargo

Identifying importance and need of this transport mode, GoWB is taking up several initiatives

for improvement/sustainable development of its waterways. Such initiation has led to the

present proposed project of “Construction of new jetties and upgradation of existing jetties

that would have improved facilities and amenities”.

Proposed development activities to be undertaken under the First Year of investments will

involve “Construction of new jetties and upgradation of existing jetties that would have

improved facilities and amenities”. From the above-mentioned advantages of the water mode

of transport, the proposed development will likely have significantly more positive impacts

than negative impacts on the environmental/social conditions.

This section of the ESIA report details the projects potential impacts and proposes mitigation

measures to limit/minimise negative impacts identified.

6.1 Project Activities

The subprojects that will be supported under the First Year investments are:





6.1.1 Gangways and Pontoons


capacity of the jetties. The Pontoons and Gangways will be manufactured/fabricated at the

selected contractors manufacturing/fabricating unit(s). Subsequently, these will be brought to

the respective jetty locations and installed at the site. As such, any environmental impacts

are likely limited to the area of the manufacturing unit(s). These are minor, reversible impacts

that can be addressed through appropriate management measures. During the operation

16 Press Information Bureau, Government of India, Ministry of Shipping, dated 26.03.2015



phase, these Gangways and Pontoons are not likely to cause any environmental/social

impacts in the river or on the landside/riverbanks.

6.1.2 Waterside Construction Works

Proposed developments activities will include minor waterside construction works mainly

needed to put in place the new pontoons and gangways as well as some civil works at the

link platform (concrete structure). The existing pontoons and gangways will be taken out and

re-used at another existing or new jetty location under the WBTC (not part of the proposed

development activities). The construction works at the jetty locations could cause some

environmental/social impacts. These are minor, temporary and reversible impacts that can

be addressed through appropriate management measures.

6.1.3 New Vessels

First Year project investments will include modernizing the fleet through introduction of new

vessels with enhanced designs. The vessels will be built at selected contractor’s vessel

building yard(s). Subsequently, vessels will be deployed at respective jetty locations for its

operation. In the manufacturing of these vessels, there would be minor, reversible

environmental and social impacts. Further, during the operation of these vessels, there are

environmental issues such as air pollution from the engines using diesel as fuel, noise

pollution due to vessel operations, sewage/sullage generation and disposal, oil spills, etc.

The impacts can be addressed through appropriate management measures.

6.1.3.1 Vessel Building Yard

During the ESIA study, consultants have visited vessel building yards in the project area. In

general, most of the facilities available and activities being carried out at vessel yards are

similar to each other. Also, as the pontoons and gangways would also be manufactured at

similar yards, the facilities and activities remain the same. Exhibit 6-1 shows existing

features at one of the vessel building yards in the project area. Some of the environmental/

social/health & safety related concerns at the vessel yard are mentioned below. These

concerns need to be addressed by implementation of appropriate mitigation measures by the

contractors to be selected for manufacturing operations in this project.

View of the Vessel Yard

Gas Cylinders in the Open



Large Quantities of Oils/Paints in the Open

Welding works without proper PPE

Paint Storage in Enclosed Area (Good Practice)

Gas Cylinders in the Open

Waste Materials Accumulated at the Site

Oil/Fluids Stored in the Open on Soil



First Aid Kit at the Yard (inadequate)

Fire Extinguisher at the Site

Exhibit 6-1 Features at a Vessel Building Yard

6.1.3.2 Vessel Yard Observations

Environmental/Social/Health & Safety related observations made at the vessel yard include:

Oils/fluids/lubricants seen stored in containers in the open areas

Several items stored at the facility – no labeling of the areas/items seen

No training program/new employee induction program in place

No programs in place for skill development

No process of worker safety/working conditions audits/inspections in place

Gas cylinders left in the open and can be exposed to extreme temperatures especially

during summer seasons or rains during the monsoon

Several workers are not using the appropriate PPE; no program in place to ensure that

workers are using the appropriate PPE while carrying out the works at the yards

Large quantities of waste materials seen at the site

First aid available at site is highly inadequate and not easily accessible

Fire safety equipment’s (like hydrants) are inadequate at the overall yard area

Lighting in the open yard working areas appears to be inadequate

The overall yard area needs to be organized in better way

6.1.4 Turnstile Gates


under the First Year of investments. The turnstile gates will be built at the selected supplier’s

production unit(s). Subsequently, these would be brought onto the jetty locations for its

installation. As these are standard items that are manufactured under controlled operational

facilities, minor environmental impacts could be envisaged which will be limited to the

production unit(s) itself. Minor impacts could be due to activities such as metal cutting and

painting in the supplier’s production unit.

6.2 General Impact Matrix

Proposed development will involve three stages, namely: Design/Build, Construction and

Operation stage. These stages are likely to have varying levels of environmental and social

impacts. Table 6-1 presents a brief summary of the activities and likely impacts it could have.

Table 6-1 Potential Impacts of First Year Activities



No. Description of

Project Investments Likely Impacts

1 Gangways and

Pontoons

Mostly limited to the manufacturing facility:



2 Waterside

Construction Works

At the Jetty Locations:

Construction Waste/Debris, Wastewater, Air Pollution, Noise Pollution, Water

Pollution, Worker Safety, Community Safety and Temporary Community

Disturbances

3 New Vessels

Mostly limited to the Vessel Building Yard:



4 Turnstile Gates

None to Minor environmental and social issues envisaged and limited to

production facility. Being a bought-out item, it is beyond purview of this ESIA

study

Based on the above matrix, the likely impacts from the activities of vessel manufacturing,

pontoon and gangways manufacturing are similar. As such the impacts and mitigation

measures for these activities will be discussed in common. Impacts and mitigation measures

from the waterside construction works activities will be discussed separately. Further,

Turnstile Gates being a bought out item, any impacts associated with this activity (although

none to minimal envisaged).

Accordingly, a schematic flow of the proposed development’s activities, its likely impacts and

suggested mitigation measures are shown as Figure 6-1.

Figure 6-1 Schematic Flow of Activities, Impacts & Mitigation Measures

6.3 Vessel/Pontoon/Gangways Manufacturing

A typical vessel/pontoon/gangway manufacturing facility engages in various activities such

as blasting, painting, metal plating, surface finishing, machining, metal working/welding,

solvent cleaning, degreasing, etc. All these activities have potential to cause adverse impacts

to air quality, water quality, soil, noise levels and also generation of solid wastes. Appropriate

mitigation measures shall need to be in place to avoid/minimize likely impacts from these

Activities

Gangway

Manufacturing

Pontoon

Manufacturing

Vessel

Manufacturing

Waterside

Construction Works

Likely

Impacts

Mitigation

Measures

Likely

Impacts

Mitigation

Measures

Manufacturing/

Construction Stage

Operation

Stage

Vessel

Movement

Likely

Impacts

Mitigation

Measures



activities. The impacts anticipated during design, construction/manufacturing stage of the

project and suggested mitigation measures are discussed below.

6.3.1 Vessel Building Process

The manufacturing/building of a vessel is a highly technical activity which involves various

activities and need for many skilled trades. The initial step is design of the vessel as per the

specifications provided by the client. The basic component of a vessel building is steel plate.

The plates are cut, shaped, bent or otherwise manufactured to the desired configuration

specified by the design. Typically the plates are cut by an automatic flame cutting process to

various shapes.

The plates are then sent to fabrication units, where they are joined into various units and

subassemblies to form the necessary structural members. At this juncture, piping, electrical

and other utility systems are assembled and integrated into the units. The units are

assembled using automatic or manual welding or a combination of the two. Several types of

welding processes are employed (e.g. stick welding, inert gas shielded arcs, etc.).

The units or subassemblies are usually then transferred to an open-air platen or lay down

area where erection, or joining of assemblies, occurs to form even larger units or blocks. At

this stage the units are abrasive blasted to ensure proper profiling, and painted. Paint may be

applied by brush, roller or spray gun.

The completed larger units are then moved to the final assembly area. Here, the larger units

are joined together to form the vessel. Again, welding and fitting is involved. Once the hull is

structurally complete and watertight, the vessel is launched. This may involve sliding it into

the water from the shipway on which it was constructed, flooding of the dock in which it was

constructed or lowering the vessel into the water.

After the ship is launched, it enters the outfitting phase. A large amount of time and

equipment are required. The work includes the fitting of cabling and piping, furnishing,

insulation works, installation of electronic equipment, installation of propulsion and ancillary

machinery, etc. After completion of the outfitting phase, the vessel undergoes trials, during

which the entire vessel’s systems are checked for proposer functioning and operations.

Finally, after all testing and associated repair work is performed, the vessel is delivered to the

customer for its operations.

6.3.1.1 Typical Pollutant Outputs at Vessel Yards

Primary raw material inputs to vessel building activity are steel and other metals, paints and

solvents, blasting abrasives, machine and cutting oils. Pollutants and wastes typically

generated include VOCs, particulates, waste solvents, oils and resins, metal bearing sludge

and wastewater, waste paint, waste paint chips, spent abrasives, etc. Major vessel building

activities that generate wastes/pollutants include welding, surface preparation and painting.

Welding: is a source of air pollution. The main emission potentials from welding are

Particulate Matter (PM). The impact of PM emitted from welding operations is localized and

no impacts on the surrounding areas are envisaged.

Pontoons and Gangways also in general go through similar stages for its

manufacturing



Surface Preparation: this activity includes high pressure blasting works and is also a source

of pollution. Material inputs used for preparing surfaces include: abrasive materials such as

steel shot or grit, and cleaning water, detergents, etc. Air emissions from surface preparation

operations include particulate emissions of blasting abrasives and paint chips. Particulates

emissions can be blown off-site during high wind conditions. The primary residual waste

generated will be a mixture of paint chips and used abrasives. In general impact generated

due to the surface preparation activities will be localized at the vessel yard and impacts are

not envisaged on surrounding areas.

Painting: material inputs for painting are primarily paints and solvents. VOCs and HAPs from

painting solvents are one of the most important sources of pollutant outputs from painting

works. Water is also used for equipment cleaning when water-based paints are used. In

addition, painting activities also are a source of residual solid wastes which include leftover

paint, waste paint containers, spent equipment, rags and other materials contaminated with

paint, spent solvents, etc.

6.3.1.2 Impacts on Air Quality

As discussed above, the sources of air emissions at the vessel/pontoon/gangway building

facilities include activities such as blasting, painting, metal plating, surface finishing,

machining, metal working/welding, solvent cleaning, degreasing, etc. Based on the mitigation

measures proposed/implemented, the buildup of air pollutants is not expected to result in

adverse impacts on neighbouring habitations.

6.3.1.3 Mitigation Measures

Store and handle the welding gas, paints and other chemicals according to applicable

guidelines

Check gas cylinders regularly to avoid leakage

Use vacuum floor cleaners for abrasive material recovery

Dispose waste paint in the designated waste disposal facility

Use airless or high volume low pressure spray guns to reduce overspray

Use only Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) free paints

Use airless high pressure equipment for drying metal plates to control fugitive emissions

from surfaces

Use of water soluble fluids instead of oil-based fluids shall be practiced within the

manufacturing facility

Ensure that surface preparation works are controlled; indoors if possible or by

surrounding the work area with steel/plastic/fabric to help minimize dispersion of dust and

grit during surface preparation works

Provide basic training/awareness on air pollution management to the workforce

Provide workers exposed to emissions with proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Ensure that Diesel Generator (DG) set, if to be used, has adequate stack height and

acoustic enclosures

Emissions from the vessel/pontoon/gangway manufacturing activities (welding, blasting,

painting, etc.) will mostly be restricted to the particular area of activities; hence impacts

would be confined to the area of the manufacturing activities. As such, major concerns of

air pollution from the vessel/pontoon/gangway manufacturing activities are not envisaged.



6.3.1.4 Impacts on Noise Levels/Quality

Typical noise generating sources at the vessel/pontoon/gangway manufacturing facilities are

abrasive blasting, chemical/mechanical paint removals, metal working/welding, equipment

handling, vehicular movement, etc. The impact of the noise generated on the human

settlements in the vicinity of the yards will be insignificant. Noise anticipated from the

proposed project shall be confined only within the yard boundary and more precisely within

the source area.


Design the major noise generating equipment such that 85 dB(A) is the cumulative noise

at a distance of 1 m

Maintain occupational noise exposure to the workers in the form of 8 hourly time

weighted average within the prescribed OSHA standard limits

Provide for abatement of noise arising from equipment/ machineries, acoustic

enclosures/silencers, etc.

Provide workers exposed to excessive noise with appropriate PPE including ear plugs,

muffs, etc.

Ensure Diesel Generator (DG) set, if used, have adequate stack height and acoustic

enclosures to minimise noise levels

6.3.1.6 Impacts on Water Quality

The water requirement for the manufacturing operations being carried out in open yard is

almost nil except washing and cleaning. The manufacturing process does not require water.

As such there shall be no effluent discharged from the vessel/pontoon/gangway

manufacturing yards and hence no impact on surface water quality is envisaged. The

manufacturing yards will have water requirement for workers consumption (drinking, bathing,

toilets, etc.). This water requirement will be procured by the yard operators from municipality

source and will not be a cause for conflict with local reserves.

Typical activities to be carried out include abrasive blasting, chemical/mechanical paint

removals, metal working/welding, equipment handling, vehicular movement, etc. The

activities are in general carried out in open yard areas. The runoff from the yards containing

manufacturing materials, waste/debris, oil/grease/lubricants, paints, etc. may have adverse

impacts on the water environment if these are drained into it. This is especially so as the

yards are in general located in the immediate vicinity of the Hooghly River banks. However,

in general, manufacturing operations are temporarily suspended during the monsoon period;

as such runoff from the yards should not be a significant source of water quality impacts.

Hence, it can be said that the proposed development activities under First Year of

investments does not have the potential of impacting the ground water quality in a significant

manner in the long term and no significant impact on water quality is expected.


Do not permit vehicle entry into water bodies

Avoid/Minimize spillage of pollutants like oils, fuels and grease etc. into the water body

Ensure that oil spill control/collection equipment is available at vessel yards

Clean up any spills in the yard area immediately to avoid runoff into the water body

Store contaminated soils, if any, properly in a covered area at the site before disposing it

off-site through authorised vendors



Avoid indiscriminate dumping of wastes

Do not dump manufacturing wastes/debris into the water body, or in areas which can

affect the flow of water or even cause reduction in width of the river

Do not store oils / fuels near the water body

Ensure that sites for disposal of manufacturing wastes/debris are identified and approved

by authorized representatives prior to commencement of the manufacturing activities

6.3.1.8 Impacts Due to Solid Waste

Significant amount of solid wastes are generated from the vessel/pontoon/gangway

manufacturing facilities. These includes steel plates/scrap, glass wool, empty containers,

paint chips, used abrasives, rags, leftover paints, Oil and grease, inorganic salts, metals, etc.

These need proper handling, transportation and disposal. Solid waste not handled properly

at the yards will be a concern and lead to pollution issues.


Ensure proper disposal of solid wastes so that it does not pose hazards to water, soil as

well as health & safety issues

Store all hazardous materials (including paints & solvents), chemicals, etc. appropriately

in designated areas

Handle with care all vessel insulation materials like glass wool as these are potentially

hazardous substances

Ensure that solid waste generated shall be collected and stored in an organised manner

at the site

Make necessary arrangements to dispose accumulated solid waste from the site in an

appropriate manner through authorized vendors

Ensure that collection, storage and disposal of solid/hazardous waste shall be carried out

as per applicable rules

Separate areas for storage of hazardous and non-hazardous solid wastes shall be

provided at the facility

6.3.1.10 Impacts on Soil Quality

The activities can have impacts on soil quality in case of improper handling of items used in

the manufacturing process such as steel plates, glass wool, empty containers, paint chips,

used abrasives, rags, leftover paints, Oil and grease, inorganic salts, metals, etc. These

need proper handling, transportation and disposal. Under ordinary and safe operating

conditions, adverse impacts to the land/soil are not envisaged.


Make available oil spill control/collection equipment at vessel yards; any spills at yard

area shall be cleaned up immediately to avoid likely contamination of the soil

Store contaminated soils, if any, properly at the site before disposing it off-site through

authorised vendors

Ensure there is no indiscriminate dumping of wastes

Do not dump or leave manufacturing wastes/debris unattended in the open yard areas

Store and place oils/fuels in designated areas to avoid spills onto the soil

Store hazardous wastes like used oil in HDPE containers and on paved surfaces in

isolated location to prevent its spillage and contamination of soil



Ensure no deviations from the hazardous waste management rules

Provide waste collection facilities at the work areas

6.4 Waterside Construction Works

The impacts & mitigation measures related to the waterside construction works is only limited

to the construction stage. This will not be an operational activity.

6.4.1 Construction Works

Proposed development activities under the First Year Investments will involve minimal

waterside construction works. The works will be for installation of the pontoons and

gangways, repairs at the jetty locations, civil works at the concrete link platforms, dismantling

of existing structures, if any, and construction of new jetties (not to be taken up in First Year

of investments) & renovation of existing jetties.

6.4.1.1 Impacts on Land Acquisition/Land use

Typical construction activities involve alterations in the local physiographic and drainage

patterns, especially when activities are near water bodies. The impacts on physiographic

may include destabilization of slopes due to cut and fill operations. However, the proposed

development being limited to minor construction works for installation of the factory made

gangways and pontoons, such impacts are not bound to occur. Also, the proposed

development is not envisaged to result in loss of productive land.

Proposed development under the First Year of investments will be carried out within existing

jetty locations and will not involve additional land requirements. As such, proposed

development will not result in Land Acquisition (LA). Hence there are no impacts of the

project on Land Acquisition.


Proposed development will not involve LA; however, there are likely temporary impacts to

some squatters/vendors operating at the jetty locations. Appropriate compensation/

assistance as per provisions mentioned in the RPF shall be provided, i.e. The kiosks and

vendors affected by way of moving out their business temporarily for project works will be

provided with one financial assistance . A minimum wage of Rs.8,177/- per month to each

affected commercial structure for the number of days it loses its livelihood, provided that

there should be loss of livelihood more than 10 days. However, for losses less than 10 days,

the wage would be calculated on a pro-rata basis.

6.4.1.3 Impacts Causing Soil Contamination

Soil contamination can take place due to solid waste contamination from construction

activities, possible labor camps set up at project location, oil leaks from vehicles, construction

equipment’s, concrete mixers, etc. Contamination of soil can be a major long-term residual

negative impact if appropriate mitigation measures are not in place.

Development activities are to be carried out along the waterside. The soils at the river banks

will be exposed to contamination from the construction works at the jetty locations.

Construction debris is also a likely cause for soil contamination if not handled appropriately.

The debris arising out of construction activities can have impacts to alterations in the local



physiographic and drainage patterns, especially when activities are near water bodies. The

impacts on physiographic may include destabilization of slopes due to cut and fill operations.

However, the proposed development being limited to minor construction works for installation

of the factory made gangways and pontoons, such impacts will be minimal and mitigation

measures are not warranted.


The scale of construction activities at the jetty locations being very minimal, the project

will not involve setting up labour camps at the project area; as such any impacts from

labour camps will not be applicable

Should not dispose construction waste debris, if any, at the river banks and should not be

left unmanaged at the project site

Enforce hazardous waste management rules

Clean up oil spills, if any, on river banks during construction immediately; Dispose

contaminated soils appropriately

Make sure that good practices for solid waste management shall be in place

Give general awareness to workforce not to dispose any waste materials onto river banks

Provide waste collection facilities at jetty locations

6.4.1.5 Impacts on Air Quality

Development activities are limited to minor construction works at the site for installation of the

factory made gangways and pontoons. As such, the activities are not envisaged to cause

significant air quality impacts. The impacts, if any, will be short term in nature.

Site activities would likely involve minimal site clearance works. There will be activities such

as vehicular movements to bring in the construction materials/workers, use of concrete

mixers on site, etc. Some amount of dust could be generated from these activities. Also, use

of construction equipment’s, construction works vehicles, could have generation of some

exhaust gases. In typical construction works, emissions from construction machinery are one

of the major sources of ambient air pollution during construction stage. Continuous use of

concrete mixers, generators, trucks, etc. give rise to the ambient air quality parameters (like

NOx, SOx, etc.) to levels which may exceed the permissible concentration limits. High levels

of SOx, HC, are likely from concrete mixer operations. However, considering scale of this

development being relatively very small, such emissions related impacts are not envisaged.


Conduct a baseline study to assess the condition of anticipated components to be

affected (water quality, noise levels, soil quality, river bed sediments, aquatic ecology,

river morphology) for ascertaining impacts on air quality, water quality, noise and debris

as a result of dredging (not envisaged for works under First Year investments) and

project activities

Regulate or control movement of construction materials and workers to the project site by

using water transport mode (ferries/boats)

Movement of material shall be mostly during non-peak hours and shall be regulated

during peak hours

Provide dust covers (tarpaulins, etc.) for trucks/vehicles, as well as boats/vessels, used

for transporting materials to minimize dust emissions

Periodically wash to remove all accumulated dirt/waste from construction equipment and

transport vehicles



Regularly clear all construction debris from the site

Ensure that (contractor) concrete mixer plants, if operating at the sites, are away from

residential areas

Provide Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate for Contractors equipment’s and

machinery as per prevalent norms during construction period

Do not permit idling of construction vehicles/equipment when they are being

loaded/unloaded or not in active use

Use low emission construction vehicles/equipment’s for all activities

Grow native species of plantation at river banks as a long term approach

6.4.1.7 Impacts on Noise Levels/Quality

Typically the activities that have an impact on air quality will also tend to have an impact on

noise levels. During the construction stage, major sources of noise pollution would be from

movement of vehicles transporting the construction material/workers, pile driving activities (at

locations where concrete piling is needed) and the various constructions related activities.

These impacts will be spread throughout the construction period. However, the impacts

during construction are short-term in nature and will cease on completion of the construction.


Use well-maintained construction equipment, which meets regulatory standards for

source noise levels

Orient equipment emitting high noise, wherever possible, so that the noise is directed

away from sensitive receptors and provide noise shields (like a physical barrier, etc.)

Shall not use machineries for extensive period of time during night hours

Restrict all construction activities that will generate disturbing sounds to normal working

hours

Provide noise shields around stationary noise producing sources such as generator sets

Provide noise protection personal protection equipment (earplugs, earmuffs etc.) to those

working very close to the noise generating machinery

6.4.1.9 Impacts on Water Quality/Resources

During construction phase of the proposed development use of water for construction

purposes and disposal of construction waste into the water bodies may affect the quality of

water in the project area. The main activities at site would mostly be installation of the factory

made pontoons and gangways. As such need for water for construction works would be very

minimal. Also, the works under the First Year investments are not envisaged to involve

dredging. Dredging will be avoided to the maximum possible by adopting measures such as

increasing the length of the link platform to get to deeper water areas rather than dredging in

the shallower areas nearer to the bank, if such a case exists. Also, use of rail piles will be

preferred over concrete piles which will help reduce piling works and minimize disturbance to

the river beds. Hence the construction works at the jetty locations are not envisaged to have

impacts on the water resources of the area.

Impacts on water quality during the construction works could be due to disposal of

construction debris into the water body, debris from dismantling of existing structures, if any,

contamination by fuel and oil from construction vehicles/equipment’s, accidental spillage of

construction material such as bentonite clay, concrete mix, etc. Impacts can also be

envisaged during construction activities while erecting the piers at the jetty locations which



will include this in its development. Impacts could mainly be due to disturbance to the

sediments, spills into the water, increased turbidity, etc. However, in general, the proposed

project is not expected to alter the existing water quality on a permanent basis.

6.4.1.9.1 Design Considerations

With regard to the likely impacts on flow of water in the Hooghly River due to construction of

piers for the link platform at selected jetty locations, necessary design considerations have to

be taken to address this likelihood. Use of Rail Piles shall be preferred in cases of longer link

platforms. In other cases, circular shapes of piers shall be used, which will help minimize

obstruction of water flow in the river as compared to rectangular/square shaped piers.


No vehicle entry to water body will be permitted

Use PUC certified vehicles only

Restrict total number of vehicles to minimum

Ensure good practices and take precautions to minimize the risks of spillage of pollutants

like oils, fuels, grease, etc. into the water body

Ensure Oil spill control/collection equipment’s are available at the project sites

Operate all activities on an impermeable Cement Concrete (CC) platform and collection

and disposal of POL waste thus precipitated to the local PCB approved vendors

Indiscriminate dumping of wastes will not be permitted under any circumstance’s

Do not dump Construction debris into the water body, or dumped in areas which can

affect the flow of water or even cause reduction in width of the river

No unauthorized clearing of vegetation will be permitted

Do not establish/locate construction mixers or other heavy machinery near water bodies

Identify and approve sites for disposal of construction and demolition wastes by

authorized representatives prior to commencement of construction activities

Construction works of piers, where applicable, shall be taken up during lean flow periods

to minimize impacts

Recirculate/Reuse bentonite clay and adopt better construction techniques to minimise

spillage into water bodies Conduct necessary training(s) to provide instruction for workers

working in water areas to prevent/minimise issues of contamination

6.4.1.11 Impacts on Flora and Fauna

Proposed development activities are to be taken up in the waterside areas of the jetty

locations falling in the Hooghly River. The river is known to be in an ecologically stressed

condition. Also, the development is to be taken up at the existing operational facilities itself.

The project areas being operational jetty locations, there is considerable traffic and human

activity at the locations. As such, no new impacts are likely to be introduced. As discussed in

the baseline Sections Error! Reference source not found. and Error! Reference source not fo

und., we see the project locations do not have any known endangered floral or faunal

species. In general it can be concluded that proposed development is not envisaged to

cause impacts to Flora and Fauna at the project locations.

6.4.1.12 Impacts to Aquatic Environment

Proposed development being on the waterside of the jetty locations in the Hooghly River will

have some construction activities to be carried out in the aquatic environment. Construction



of piers17 will be needed at selected jetty locations where construction would be directly in the

water body.

Construction of link platforms involves excavation of riverbed and banks for the construction

of the foundations and piers. If the residual spoil is not properly disposed off, increased

sedimentation downstream of the jetty location is likely. Movement of the sand of bottom of

the river during erection of the piers will cause disturbance to the sediments and most likely

produce muddy water, although temporarily. Increased turbidity, oil spills, construction

material/debris getting into the water body, spillage of other residues, obstruction of drainage

patterns/flow of water due to inappropriate dumping of debris, etc. are some other likely

impacts during construction works in riverine/aquatic environment. Also, construction

activities like manoeuvring at the jetty locations, construction of piers/jetty structures,

dismantling of existing structures, if any, have potential to impact aquatic ecology of the area,

which includes the dolphins.


The construction/widening of the link platform if to be taken up will likely involve piling

activity. Piling is proposed to be carried out by use of bored cast-in-situ concrete piles by use

of a permanent liner by rotary drilling. The liner will ensure stability of the borehole as the

liner is lowered into the riverbed. As the liner is lowered, soil material from within will be

flushed out and deposited back in the surrounding area of the pile. Thereby the soil will mix

and settle back into its same origins. Concrete will be poured into the liner through

mechanized systems ensuring complete control on the concreting activities. This will help

avoid any discharge of concrete slurry into the water body.

This method of piling will help to avoid the use of bentonite slurry as a medium used in some

other piling methods to stabilize sides of the boreholes. As such, proposed method will avoid

impacts caused due to use of bentonite slurry. Turbidity due to the piling works is possible.

Since rotary drilling is proposed to be adopted the period of turbidity will be drastically

reduced when compared to conventional piling. Also, a cast-in-situ pile eliminates/reduces

need for pile driving machinery, thereby reducing noise/vibration impacts and also turbidity.

As a behavioral response, instinctively animals at the first encounter avoid approaching the

site of unknown object. As such, it would be most likely those aquatic animals, if any at the

site of construction works would move away from the area as soon as they sense unknown

objects/activities in the area. Additionally, these construction works are to be taken up at

areas where jetty movements are already in place as a result of which presence of aquatic

animals at the location would be minimal to begin with. Nevertheless, certain mitigation

measures shall be in place to ensure no impacts to the aquatic animals, particularly the

Gangetic Dolphins, during the construction works. Such measures include:

For carrying out the piling works, carefully determine drop sites before anchor placement

to ensure aquatic animals (dolphins and fish communities) that could be present in the

area move away and are not impacted

Before starting piling allow some time for the aquatic fauna, if any, to move away from the

works area. Measures such as bubble curtains shall be put in place to displace the

aquatic fauna prior to piling works/construction activities

Piling works must be carried out in shortest possible timeframe

17 Pier is an upright support for a structure or superstructure such as bridge, arch (link platform in the present scenario).



Debris generated from the construction works should be disposed away from the water

body/banks

Noise reducing devices like mufflers, enclosures shall be fitted with the equipment

wherever feasible

Piling/construction works in the water area should be stopped immediately if any dolphin

is sighted in the activity area or its immediate vicinity

All construction equipment’s shall be maintained in good condition to prevent/minimise

noise, leaks or spills of materials like hydraulic fluid, diesel, gasoline, etc.

6.4.1.14 Impacts on Socio-Economic Environment

Proposed development activities under the First Year of investments will not involve any

Land Acquisition. In addition, impacts due to resettlement & rehabilitation are also not

envisaged. There are likely minor temporary resettlements of some vendors/squatters at few

jetty locations that could be needed. Appropriate measures will be in place to ensure their

livelihood is not affected. As such, proposed development activities under First Year

investments will not have adverse social impacts.

The development will however have several positive impacts to the social environment in the

project area. The development will provide employment opportunities to several people at the

vessel/pontoon/gangway manufacturing yards as well as the jetty locations for civil works.

Although the workforce requirement will be temporary in nature, it will be met from the local

populace as far as possible hence there will be positive impact in terms of local resource

utilization. There will be opportunities for several material suppliers and its associated

activities (like transportation, etc.). Demands generated from the project works for basic

facilities will increase the local business activity of the area. Any development, either

temporary or permanent will be beneficial to the socio-economic environment

The adverse impacts of the project activities will be almost none whereas several positive

impacts can be envisaged. Hence, in addition to enhancing the existing jetty facilities, the

project development activities will also provide several temporary/short-term benefits. As

such proposed development activities will have an overall positive impact to the socio-

economic environment.

6.5 Operation Stage (Vessel Movement)

The operational activity per se amongst the vessel/gangway/pontoon manufacturing and

minor waterside construction works is the vessel movements. As such impacts would be

associated with the vessel operations as discussed below.

6.5.1 Vessel Movement

In the current scope of development, the operational activity would be the vessel movements

itself. Proposed development is taken up with the intent to enhance the existing operations.

New vessels will be introduced having significantly better facilities (e.g. better noise control

measures, newer engines with lesser emissions, better facilities for oil storage, toilet

facilities, etc.) than many of the existing vessels. As such, the enhanced facilities/vessels will

be envisaged to have more positive impacts than adverse impacts.

6.5.1.1 Impacts due to Vessel Movement

Anticipated impacts due to the vessel operations include:



Excessive noise from vessel engine operations

Emissions from vessel engine operations

On-board storage of fuel, oils, etc. could cause impacts (spill into the waters, safety

hazards, etc.) if not stored/handled appropriately

Bilge water from the vessels can be a source of pollution if not handled appropriately

Oil/fuel spills from vessel operations also during fuelling

Human safety and property loss could happen due to fire accidents caused by hazardous

material handling, vessel grounding

Sewage disposal into the river from the vessels

Sewage disposal from toilet facilities at the jetty locations

Although, vessel movement is an existing activity in the project area and aquatic life is

not as such impacted, there could be rare occurrences of impacts on the aquatic life

(which includes Dolphins); dolphins typically are understood to keep themselves away

from the navigational areas; however, it can happen that a dolphin strays into the

navigational areas and can be subjected to impacts due to vessel movements (vessel

collision, propeller related injuries, etc.)

Dolphins could be subject to impacts of disturbances caused due to vibrations in the

vessels, pollution from the vessel movements, etc.

Waste dumping into the water body by commuters/ferry operators

There could be likely instances when commuters dispose of waste materials onto the

river banks. This, over a period of time, depending on the type of waste material (paper,

food wastes, etc.) and if kept on accumulating could cause concerns on soil

contamination

Uncontrolled movement of commuters/locals at the jetty area, Pontoons, Gangways are

likely

Over loading of the vessels is likely to happen if not controlled properly


Ensure vessels have facilities for Bilge Water Holding and are supported with necessary

pump system to pump it to the receiving facility at the terminals; bilge water from vessels

shall not be discharged into the water body

Ensure the terminals have adequate provisions for receipt of the bilge water from the

vessels which shall then be disposed off-site appropriately

Vessels shall be fitted with Bio Toilet facilities.

Provide Sewage/waste collection facilities at terminals which can collect sewage/waste

from vessels and dispose it appropriately

Conduct periodic maintenance works for the engines and overall vessels as per the

requirements to ensure efficient operations and control/minimise of pollution from engine

emissions

Provide appropriate sound proofing for vessel engine room so that the engine noise is

curbed

Appropriate facilities shall be provided on board the vessels for safe storage/handling of

fuels, oils, any other hazardous materials

Provide all safety provisions in the Vessels as per navigational requirements (life buoys,

safety vests, etc.)

Vessel operators shall be well trained and have necessary certifications/licenses to

operate the vessels

Fueling for vessels shall be done with proper care to avoid spills



Vessels shall have necessary oil spill control/collection systems; spill kits shall also be

made available at fuelling locations.

Provide appropriate oil spill control/collection equipment’s at Jetty locations

Ensure controlled /disciplined entry/exit from/to the vessels

Waiting on pontoons/gangways shall not be permitted

Once vessel leaves, commuters for next vessel shall stand behind a gate at jetty; gate

shall be opened only after a vessel arrives and commuters from it have alighted and left

the jetty

Over loading of the vessels shall not be allowed

6.5.1.3 Mitigation Measures (specific to aquatic life/dolphins)

Food items shall not be thrown into the river (especially by the ferry commuters) as it will

attract the fishes including Dolphins towards it

Awareness on the importance/sensitivity of the dolphins should be created; all

staff/operators should be given instructions that no dolphin or any other endangered

species should be harmed due to any reason; signboards displaying the importance of

the dolphin species in particular should be placed to create more awareness amongst the

commuters/general public

Project vessels being operated in an aquatic environment, mechanisms like sound

emitting devices/dolphin deterrent devices18 in the waters can be adopted which will alert

the aquatic species of approaching vessels

Vessels should be fitted with propeller guards, aquatic deflectors to minimize impacts to

aquatic fauna (especially if a dolphin which might drift into project corridor stretch)

The vessels will have in place design considerations to minimize vibrational effects

Vessel operators shall be vigilant while operating the vessels and shall look out for signs

of aquatic life (especially dolphins) along their route of operation

If any aquatic mammal/dolphin is spotted, then measures to push it away should be taken

up (through use of sirens/signals, creating noise signals); the operator should

communicate to other operators in the area about the presence of a dolphin in the area;

vessel movement operations should be immediately suspended until it is confirmed that

the dolphin has moved away from the area of vessel operations

Vessel operators shall be instructed to immediately report to the terminal authority in

case of any accidents involving aquatic fauna especially Dolphins

The enhanced vessels and other facilities at the jetties proposed under this development

will avoid/minimize several pollution, vibration related issues and as such the

development in itself will be an overall positive mitigation measure especially to the

aquatic life in the area, including the Dolphins.

6.5.1.4 Impacts on Health & Safety

There is several health and safety related issues concerning manufacturing of vessels/

pontoons/gangways at the yards as well as waterside construction activities. The health and

safety concerns as understood from visit of a vessel yard are discussed under Section

6.1.3.1.

18 Dolphin deterrent devises are a mechanical audio signal generating instrument which can generate ultrasonic signals to keep dolphins away from the activity area




The mitigation measures are essentially best management practices that need to be in place

and ensured these are followed at the workplace/yards.

Create awareness on OHS during site meetings

Provide safety gadgets for all workers engaged in places of work hazards with

appropriate PPE (protective footwear, helmets, gloves, earplugs, safety belt when

working at higher platforms, face masks, etc.)

Ensure facility management to the PPE used at all times as per the work situation

Make available facilities like first aid; it shall be well stocked and easily accessible to all

Comply with all site rules and regulations

Ensure suitable transport facility to take any injured/sick worker to nearest hospital

immediately

Ensure facilities for safe potable water supply to the workers on site; adequate sanitation

facilities shall be made available at the workplace/yards

Ensure transportation, handling and storage of hazardous materials are handled safely

by experienced/trained personnel

Post safety signs at facility as per the need

Provide adequate facility and adequate provisions of fire safety equipment’s/measures

spread throughout the facility

Make sure that entry and exit points are always kept clear of materials/ equipment’s/

debris, etc.

Maintain all work areas clean; areas shall be provided with optimum lighting

Conduct regular training sessions at the workplace to ensure all workers are aware of

general safety measures, awareness on safe working practices, explaining clear

procedures, etc.

Provide Workforce facilities such as health check-ups

Strictly follow the provisions of statutory Child Labor Act by the yard/site management

Conform to the relevant Indian Standard Code for All machines/equipment’s to be used at

the manufacturing facilities; machines/equipment’s shall be kept in good working

condition, be regularly inspected and properly maintained as per IS provision; Ensure

safety features of equipment and machines are functional

Demarcate construction work zones and maintain strict adherence so that no community

members are exposed to construction hazards and risks

Report and investigate any near misses, accidents and injuries and record remediation

actions to avoid future occurrences

Apply sanctions where safety procedures are not adhered to

Monitor all parameters that include the conduct safety awareness sessions, the

upkeep/condition of the on board safety provisions, the occurrence of near miss and

safety incidents, and preventive and corrective actions taken

6.6 Impacts Screening Matrix

Based on the ESIA, an impacts screening matrix is prepared and presented as



Table 6-2. The matrix presents a summary of potential impacts due to various project

activities and indicates its level of significance viz. Insignificant, Small, Moderate and Major.

The different levels of significances can be rated as follows:

Insignificant – none to extremely minimal impacts; impact can be easily absorbed without

requiring much efforts

Small – minimal impacts mostly short term; impact can be absorbed with minimal

mitigation measures/efforts

Moderate – beyond minimal but mostly reversible; impact to be absorbed with higher

level of mitigation measures/efforts and resources

Major – irreversible impacts, likely long term; impacts require extremely high level of

mitigation measures/effort and resources to be in place to be handled

Table 6-2 Potential Impacts Screening Matrix


Significance

Insi

gn

ific

ant

Sm

all

Mo

der

ate

Maj

or

Manufacturing Works

Vessel, Pontoon,

Gangways

Manufacturing


Soil Contamination, Solid Waste ●



Site surveys &

investigations Destruction of vegetation/landscape ●

Land Acquisition &

Resettlement

Displacement of population Not Applicable

Loss of livelihood (squatters, vendors – non

title holders) ●

Displacement of structures and disruption to

services (during construction) ●

Loss cultural heritage Not Applicable

Construction Site

Clearance

Loss of Top soil and change in characteristics Not Applicable

Loss of trees & vegetable cover Not Applicable

Noise, vibration and dust nuisance from site

clearance activity ●

Demolition, removal of existing infrastructure ●

Construction camp

establishment &

operation

Friction between construction personnel and

local population ●

Water pollution from sanitary and other

wastes ●

Mobilization of heavy

machinery

Overloading of road structures & damage to

pavement (will have movement on waterways

as much as possible)

●




Significance

Insi

gn

ific

ant

Sm

all

Mo

der

ate

Maj

or

Inducement of traffic congestion & road safety

hazards ●

Construction of

structures

Disturbance of sediments / deterioration in

water quality, when construction activities

carried along/in water bodies

●


Soil Contamination, Solid Waste issues due

to construction activities

●

Construction works



Dolphins) ●

Operation Phase

Operation

Pollution from oil spills from vessels ●


Dolphins) ●


6.7 Indirect impacts

The likely sources of indirect impacts include (i) increased vessel and human traffic; and (ii)

replacement of old gangways and pontoons. Increase in vessel numbers will improve the currently congested water way transportation system. The daily volume of passengers using the existing vessels,

pontoons and gangways is 200,000. The 22 new vessels which will be added as part of first year

investment will absorb 10 percent of the daily volume of passengers. As such, increase vessel

numbers will improve passengers’ safety with no indirect impacts. Given the shortage of vessels there is no plan to replace vessels in the first-year investments. Regarding replacement of gangways and

pontoons, most of the gangways and pontoons may not be replaced as the plan is expand some of them

for providing safety to passengers. Those that will be replaced will be transferred to recycling facilities

6.8 Cumulative Impact Assessment

As described above, the first year investments are minor waterfront investments As such, they

do not cause significant impacts on the Valued Ecosystem Components (VECs) in the project

influence areas. Thus, no stand alone cumulative impact assessment is prepared for the first

year investments. However, the project’s subsequent investments, particularly the land-based

activities, have the potential to cause significant impacts on project influence areas and

beyond. Therefore, a Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) will be prepared along with the

Integrated Spatial Development Plan which will be finalized after the first year of the project.

This Plan will determine not only subsequent investments that will be made under the project

but also provide a road-map for future infrastructure investments.

Environmental Monitoring

Environmental monitoring is one of the important components of the Environmental and Social

Management Plan (ESMP). The monitoring will help identify the effectiveness of implemented



mitigation measures. Any changes/additions that need to be made can be subsequently taken up based

on the monitoring results/assessments. The suggested environmental monitoring is discussed

elaborately in Section 8.3.


Stakeholder Consultations & Information Disclosure Page 88

7 Stakeholder Consultations & Information Disclosure

7.1 Introduction

Stakeholder Consultations forms an important part of the ESIA process and is essential in

achieving the overarching objectives of any project implementation to help ensure

sustainable development. This consultation process is a major tool for information

dissemination to the direct and indirect impacted due to the project. The stakeholder

consultation process helps in reducing the public resistance to change and enable the

participation of the local people in the decision making process. These consultations help to

acknowledge the Project Affected Persons (PAPs), if any, about the project. Relevant

information is exchanged, remarks, suggestions given by the people are noted. Such

discussions benefit the overall design prospective as well. Stakeholder Consultations are

continuous process which should be conducted throughout the project lifecycle. Stakeholder

consultations can involve any direct or indirect impacted persons associated or affected.

Stakeholder Consultation objectives are summarised as follows:

To create general public awareness and understanding of the project, and ensure its

acceptance

To develop and maintain avenues of communication between the project proponent,

stakeholders and PAPs in order to ensure that their views and concerns are incorporated

into project design and implementation with the objectives of reducing, mitigating or

offsetting negative impacts and enhancing benefits from the project

To inform and discuss about nature and scale of adverse impacts and to identify and

prioritize mitigation measures for the impacts in a more transparent and direct manner

To document concerns raised by stakeholders and PAPs so that their views and

proposals are mainstreamed to formulate mitigation and benefit enhancement measures

To sensitize other agencies/local authorities about the project and solicit their views and

discuss their share of responsibility for smooth functioning of overall project operations

7.1.1 Modes of Stakeholder Consultations

The various stakeholder consultations of the following order were conducted:

Informal consultations- Informal consultations are part of all site visits. This

gathered maximum information from public.

Formal consultations-This part is taken up with formal communications and and

identified stakeholders

Stakeholder workshop – This is a major stakeholder workshop inviting all important

stakeholder’s.

7.2 Stakeholder Consultation Findings

Informal stakeholder consultations have been conducted at several jetty locations.

Consultations included discussions with PMU team, ferry commuters/operators, locals in

immediate vicinity of jetty locations (e.g. small shop operators just outside jetty area, daily-

wage workers, rickshaw (auto, cycle, toto) operators, etc. The consultations were carried out

by ESIA consultants in month of October 2019. In addition, a formal Stakeholder Conference

was also held at the WBTIDCL office location on October 31, 2019. Few pictures taken



during consultations process is shown as Exhibit 7-1. Additional details of the stakeholder

conference are attached as Appendix 8.

Inland water passengers ((men,

women, students, elderly persons,

people with disabilities, people of

different faiths, etc.)

Vessel operators

Jetty operators

Vessel suppliers

Vessel building yard workers

Workers in the jetties

Workers in the Vessels

Small scale unorganized illegal

fishermen

Kolkata Municipal corporation (KMC)

Kolkata Port trust (KoPT)

WB Transport Infrastructure

Development corporation

State pollution control board

State environmental department

Passengers (commuters)

Tourists

Shop keepers

Encroachers

Squatters

Consultations with PMU Team

Consultations with Vendor

Consultations with Ticket Checker

Consultations with Small Shop Operators



Consultations with Ferry Operators

Consultations with Ferry Commuter

Consultations with Locals

Stakeholder Conference at WBTIDCL

Exhibit 7-1 Stakeholder Consultations

In general, the participants were enthusiastic and appreciated the proposed project and gave

valuable inputs over the development aspect, localized needs and suggestions for the

design/construction of the project. They appreciated the fact that this project will help provide

improved facilities at the jetty locations and provide added convenience to the commuters.

Also, the non-commuters around the jetty locations (shop operators, rickshaw operators,

etc.) also feel that improved jetty facilities would indirectly be beneficial to them as well (as

more commuters could use the services, better arrangements at the jetty locations could



minimise congestions outside the jetty areas, especially during peak hours, etc.). Following is

a brief summary of the consultation inputs from the Stakeholder Consultations:

Need for widening of the gangway with a separate entry and exit points

Barricading on Pontoons and Gangway

Provision of roof on gangway/concrete ramps to Pontoon

Provision of better facilities at jetty area (waiting area, toilets, seating arrangements, fans,

drinking water, etc.)

Request by workers on the pontoon for provision of rain/sun shade and seating facility on

the Pontoons

Need for automatic ticket punching system

Proper displays and announcements at the jetty locations is essential

Increase frequency of ferries during peak hours would be beneficial

Provide facilities for handicap/elderly commuters (like wheel chair)

Regular maintenance of the jetty infrastructure shall be ensured; stakeholder

consultations reveal that several commuters fear maintenance works are far lacking at

the jetty locations (includes vessels, gangways, etc.)

Is understood that vessels get overcrowded during the peak hours

Some commuters try and get on and off board while the vessel is in motion which is a

major safety concern

Adequate safety measures to be provided at all jetty locations

Vessel operators find it difficult to control the commuters during peak hours and it gets

difficult to check if all commuters have paid for the commute or not

Bigger capacity vessel with better facilities shall be provided at locations with larger

passenger movements

Passengers expressed willingness in temporary inconveniences to be faced during the

construction period of the works

Suggestions given by stakeholders have been looked into and whatever is found to be

feasible will be incorporated into the design/planning and implementation of the project.

Details of the stakeholder suggestions and its considerations are presented in Table 7-1.

Table 7-1 Stakeholder Suggestions and Design Considerations

S. No. Key Findings/Project Considerations Design/Implementation Inclusions

1. Widening of the gangway Gangways will be wider than existing gangways

2. Barricading on Pontoons and Gangway Barricading on the Pontoons is understood to

be not feasible from the operational point of

view; hence cannot be taken up

Gangway design will include railings/protection

3. Provision of roof on gangway/concrete ramps

to Pontoon

Provision of roof on gangway/concrete ramp (link

platform) is understood to be not feasible from the

design/loading point of view; hence cannot be

taken up

4. Provision of better facilities at jetty area

(toilets, drinking water, etc.)

Design for the enhanced jetty locations will include

enhancement of the toilet facilities as well

5. Need for automatic ticket punching system This will be taken up under current scope of

development

6. Proper displays and announcements at the

jetty locations is essential

Design considerations will include display of

signboards at the jetty locations

7. Provide facilities for handicap/elderly

commuters (like wheel chair)

These facilities are considered in the current

scope of development



S. No. Key Findings/Project Considerations Design/Implementation Inclusions

8. Bigger capacity vessel with better facilities

shall be provided at locations with larger

passenger movements

Proposed development will introduce 22 new 100

PAX size vessels replacing several of the smaller/

outdated vessels/boats

7.3 Planned Information Disclosure

The PMU will ensure that relevant information about environmental and social safeguard

issues are made available in a timely manner, in an accessible place, and in a form and

language(s) understandable to the public and other stakeholders. The purpose of such

disclosure is that the public can provide meaningful inputs into project/subproject design and

implementation.

7.3.1 At State Level

This ESIA/ESMP will be disclosed at the state level in the project website. Print copies will be

made available upon request at the PMU/WBTIDCL. Further, the executive summary of this

ESIA will be available in English and translated to the local language, Bengali. This will also

be available as an easy-to-download document in the project website. The website

disclosure will be kept up-to-date throughout project implementation.

In addition, the ESIA/ESMP (in hard copy) will be made available for public access at the

local body authority offices of each of the jetty locations, and also at the jetty location itself.

Also, the documents will be circulated to all stakeholder departments (like Irrigation and

Waterways, KoPT, PCB, UDMA, Fisheries and IWAI).

7.3.2 On World Bank’s External website

This ESIA/ESMP will be disclosed at the World Bank’s external website. This disclosure will be constantly updated as the project implementation progresses.


Environmental and Social Management Plan Page 93

8 Environmental and Social Management Plan

The main objectives of an Environmental and Social Management (ESMP) are to:

Identify key environmental/social issues envisaged to be encountered during design,

construction and operation phases of the project

Provide guidelines for appropriate mitigation measures

Establish systems and procedures for implementing mitigation measures

Ensure that the mitigation measures are being implemented

Monitor the effectiveness of mitigation measures

Take necessary prompt action when unforeseen impacts occur

Develop an institutional framework which shall include/address the responsibilities for

environment/social management and implementation of the measures

The ESMP will be included as part of the bid/contract documents inviting bids for proposed

development activities. The responsibility for the implementation and compliance of the

ESMP thus would be binding upon the prospective contractor. The supervision will be

responsibility of the PMU / WBTIDCL.

8.1 Components of ESMP

Anticipated environmental/social impacts and mitigation/avoidance measures for likely

impacts have been discussed in respective sections in Chapter 6. The Environmental

Monitoring Program (EMP) will be component of ESMP and is discussed in this chapter.

Following specific environmental/social management aspects are discussed in this Chapter:

Summary of project activities, associated impacts and mitigation measures

Administrative and Technical Setup for Environmental/Social Management

Institutional Mechanism for Implementation of Mitigation Measures

Audits and Inspections

Grievance Redress Mechanism

Capacity Building Requirements

8.2 Environmental and Social Management Plan Matrix

This ESMP chapter presents summary of various project activities associated environmental/

social impacts and proposed mitigation measures as given in Table 8-1.



Table 8-1 Environmental and Social Management Plan Matrix

Type of Activity Impacts Mitigation Measures Monitoring

Measures

Responsible Agency

for Implementation

and Monitoring

Vessel / Ferries

Pontoon /

Gangway

manufacturing

Air pollution

Welding, Surface

Preparation, Painting,

etc. causing air

emissions

Yard works causing

dust emissions

Diesel Generator (DG)

sets causing emissions

Store and handle the welding gas, paints and other chemicals

according to applicable guidelines

Check gas cylinders regularly to avoid leakage

Use vacuum floor cleaners for abrasive material recovery

Dispose waste paint in the designated waste disposal facility

Use airless or high volume low pressure spray guns to reduce

overspray

Use only Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) free paints

Use airless high pressure equipment for drying metal plates to

control fugitive emissions from surfaces

Use of water soluble fluids instead of oil-based fluids shall be

practiced within the manufacturing facility

Ensure that surface preparation works are controlled; indoors if

possible or by surrounding the work area with steel/plastic/fabric

to help minimize dispersion of dust and grit during surface

preparation works

Provide basic training/awareness on air pollution management

to the workforce

Provide workers exposed to emissions with proper Personal

Protective Equipment (PPE)

Ensure that Diesel Generator (DG) set, if to be used, has

adequate stack height and acoustic enclosures

Parameters to monitor

include regular

monitoring of air quality

for all 12 air quality

parameters as specified

in the ESIA Appendix 4

to gauge air pollution

from regular sources

(DG), fugitive sources

and occupational health

arising from air

pollutants (VOCs).

Manufacturing

Contractor

PMU – monitoring of

the activities

Noise levels

Noise emissions from

manufacturing related

activities

Noise due to activities

Design the major noise generating equipment such that 85

dB(A) is the cumulative noise at a distance of 1 m

Maintain occupational noise exposure to the workers in the form

of 8 hourly time weighted average within the prescribed OSHA

standard limits


include noise levels

within the premises and

occupational health

arising from exposure to

Manufacturing

Contractor


the activities




Measures

Responsible Agency

for Implementation

and Monitoring

like loading/unloading

of steel plates and

other materials at the

building yards

Noise emissions from

DG sets, if to be used

Provide for abatement of noise arising from equipment/

machineries, acoustic enclosures/silencers, etc.

Provide workers exposed to excessive noise with appropriate

PPE including ear plugs, muffs, etc.

Ensure Diesel Generator (DG) set, if used, have adequate stack

height and acoustic enclosures to minimise noise levels

noise (regular and

impact noise) for all four

categories of noise

zones as specified in

Appendix 5 for Noise

pollution.

Water Quality

Water pollution

resulting from

manufacturing related

activities (mainly in

case of any runoff from

the yards, oil spills into

the water body, etc.)

Increase in turbidity

Change in water quality

due to aqueous

discharges

Do not permit vehicle entry to water bodies

Avoid/Minimize spillage of pollutants like oils, fuels and grease

etc. into the water body

Ensure that oil spill control/collection equipment is available at

vessel yards

Clean up any spills in the yard area immediately to avoid runoff

into the water body

Store contaminated soils, if any, properly in a covered area at

the site before disposing it off-site through authorised vendors

Avoid indiscriminate dumping of wastes

Do not dump manufacturing wastes/debris into the water body,

or in areas which can affect the flow of water or even cause

reduction in width of the river

Do not store oils / fuels near the water body

Ensure that sites for disposal of manufacturing wastes/debris

are identified and approved by authorized representatives prior

to commencement of the manufacturing activities

All water quality

parameters provided in

Appendix 6 to be

monitored. This

includes river water

quality in the immediate

precincts and effluent

discharge quality into

the drains or river for all

class of water.

Manufacturing

Contractor


the activities

Impacts Due to Solid Waste

Waste generation due

to manufacturing

activities

Solid waste not

handled properly at the

Ensure proper disposal of solid wastes so that it does not pose

hazards to water, soil as well as health & safety issues

Store all hazardous materials (including paints & solvents),

chemicals, etc. appropriately in designated areas

Handle with care all vessel insulation materials like glass wool

as these are potentially hazardous substances


include handling,

storage and disposal of

hazardous waste and

ensuring no waste is

disposed in to the

Manufacturing

Contractor


the activities




Measures

Responsible Agency

for Implementation

and Monitoring

yards will be a concern

and lead to pollution

issues (water pollution,

soil contamination,

health & safety issues,

etc.)

Ensure that solid waste generated shall be collected and stored

in an organised manner at the site

Make necessary arrangements to dispose accumulated solid

waste from the site in an appropriate manner through authorized

vendors

Ensure that collection, storage and disposal of solid/hazardous

waste shall be carried out as per applicable rules19

Separate areas for storage of hazardous and non-hazardous

solid wastes shall be provided at the facility

drains or river.

Soil Quality

Likely soil

contamination resulting

from manufacturing

related activities

(mainly in case of oil

spills onto the soil, river

banks, etc.)

Impacts due to disposal

of solid waste

Make available oil spill control/collection equipment at vessel

yards; any spills at yard area shall be cleaned up immediately to

avoid likely contamination of the soil

Store contaminated soils, if any, properly at the site before

disposing it off-site through authorised vendors

Ensure there is no indiscriminate dumping of wastes

Do not dump or leave manufacturing wastes/debris unattended

in the open yard areas

Store and place oils/fuels in designated areas to avoid spills

onto the soil

Store hazardous wastes like used oil in HDPE containers and

on paved surfaces in isolated location to prevent its spillage and

contamination of soil

Ensure no deviations from the hazardous waste management

rules

Provide waste collection facilities at the work areas

All parameters to

monitor evidence of soil/

land contamination (e.g.

oil/waste spillages) in

the premises as per

standard soil quality

standards provided in

Appendix 7.

Manufacturing

Contractor


the activities

Minor works for Debris waste Minimise (or dispose off), debris arising out of construction Parameters to monitor Construction Contractor

19 Hazardous Waste Management & Handling Rules, 2016




Measures

Responsible Agency

for Implementation

and Monitoring

installation of the

pontoons and

gangways

Repairs at the jetty

locations

Civil works at the

concrete link

platforms

Dismantling of

existing structures,

if any

Construction of

new jetties &

renovation of

existing jetties

activities involving alterations in the local physiographic and

drainage patterns, especially when activities are near water

bodies. The impacts on physiographic may include

destabilization of slopes due to cut and fill operations. However,

the proposed development being limited to minor construction

works for installation of the factory-made gangways and

pontoons, such impacts will be minimal. In such cases no

specific mitigation measures are warranted.

include evidence of

debris waste in the

river.


the activities

Soil Quality

Soil contamination due

to construction works

Oil leaks from vehicles,

construction

equipment’s, concrete

mixers, etc.

Should not dispose construction waste debris, if any, at the river

banks and should not be left unmanaged at the project site

Enforce hazardous waste management rules

Clean up oil spills, if any, on river banks during construction

immediately; Dispose contaminated soils appropriately

Make sure that good practices for solid waste management shall

be in place

Give general awareness to workforce not to dispose any waste

materials onto river banks

Provide waste collection facilities at jetty locations


include evidence of

soil/land contamination

(e.g. oil/waste spillages)

in the premises.

Construction Contractor


the activities

Air Quality

Emissions / dust due to

site clearance works,

vehicular movements,

transport of materials,

use of concrete mixers,

etc.

Conduct a baseline study to assess the condition of anticipated

components to be affected (water quality, noise levels, soil

quality, river bed sediments, aquatic ecology, river morphology)

for ascertaining impacts on air quality, water quality, noise and

debris as a result of dredging and project activities

Regulate or control movement of construction materials and

workers to the project site by using water transport mode

(ferries/boats)

Movement of material shall be mostly during non-peak hours

and shall be regulated during peak hours

Provide dust covers (tarpaulins, etc.) for trucks/vehicles, as well

All 12 Parameters to be

monitored (see

Appendix 4) include air

pollution from regular

sources - Diesel

Generator (DG), fugitive

sources and

occupational health

arising from air

pollutants such as

Volatile Organic



the activities




Measures

Responsible Agency

for Implementation

and Monitoring

as boats/vessels, used for transporting materials to minimize

dust emissions

Periodically wash to remove all accumulated dirt/waste from

construction equipment and transport vehicles

Regularly clear all construction debris from the site

Ensure that (contractor) concrete mixer plants, if operating at

the sites, are away from residential areas

Provide Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate for Contractors

equipment’s and machinery as per prevalent norms during

construction period

Do not permit idling of construction vehicles/equipment when

they are being loaded/unloaded or not in active use

Use low emission construction vehicles/equipment’s for all

activities

Grow native species of plantation at river banks as a long-term

approach

Compounds (VOCs).

Noise Levels/Quality

Increased noise levels

due to movement of

vehicles, pile driving

activities (at locations

where concrete piling is

needed), other

construction and

installation works

Use well-maintained construction equipment, which meets

regulatory standards for source noise levels

Orient equipment emitting high noise, wherever possible, so that

the noise is directed away from sensitive receptors and provide

noise shields (like a physical barrier, etc.)

Shall not use machineries for extensive period of time during

night hours

Restrict all construction activities that will generate disturbing

sounds to normal working hours

Provide noise shields around stationary noise producing

sources such as generator sets

Provide noise protection personal protection equipment

(earplugs, ear muffs etc.) to those working very close to the


include noise levels for

all four category/or

zones provided in

Appendix 5 within the

premises and

occupational health

arising from exposure to

noise (regular and

impact noise).



the activities




Measures

Responsible Agency

for Implementation

and Monitoring

noise generating machinery

Water Quality/Resources

Change in water quality

due to aqueous

discharges

Increase in turbidity

Spill of Bentonite Clay

during pile driving

No vehicle entry to water body will be permitted

Use PUC certified vehicles only

Restrict total number of vehicles to minimum

Ensure good practices and take precautions to minimize the

risks of spillage of pollutants like oils, fuels, grease, etc. into the

water body

Ensure Oil spill control/collection equipment’s are available at

the project sites

Operate all activities on an impermeable Cement Concrete (CC)

platform and collection and disposal of POL waste thus

precipitated to the local PCB approved vendors

Indiscriminate dumping of wastes will not be permitted under

any circumstance’s

Do not dump Construction debris into the water body, or

dumped in areas which can affect the flow of water or even

cause reduction in width of the river

No unauthorized clearing of vegetation will be permitted

Do not establish/locate construction mixers or other heavy

machinery near water bodies

Identify and approve sites for disposal of construction and

demolition wastes by authorized representatives prior to

commencement of construction activities

Construction works of piers, where applicable, shall be taken up

during lean flow periods to minimize impacts

Recirculate/Reuse bentonite clay and adopt better construction

techniques to minimize spillage into water bodies Conduct

necessary training(s) to provide instruction for workers working

in water areas to prevent/minimize issues of contamination


include river water

quality (as per

Appendix 6) in the

immediate precincts

and ensure no

additional effluent

discharges into the river

due to construction

activities.



the activities




Measures

Responsible Agency

for Implementation

and Monitoring

Impacts to aquatic

environment (fishes,

dolphins, etc.)

Disturbance/dangers to

any fishes/dolphins at

the construction areas

or its immediate vicinity

For carrying out the piling works, carefully determine drop sites

before anchor placement to ensure aquatic animals (dolphins

and fish communities) that could be present in the area move

away and are not impacted

Before starting piling allow some time for the aquatic fauna, if

any, to move away from the works area. Measures such as

bubble curtains shall be put in place to displace the aquatic

fauna prior to piling works/construction activities

Piling works must be carried out in shortest possible timeframe

Debris generated from the construction works should be

disposed away from the water body/banks

Noise reducing devices like mufflers, enclosures shall be fitted

with the equipment wherever feasible

Piling/construction works in the water area should be stopped

immediately if any dolphin is sighted in the activity area or its

immediate vicinity

All construction equipment’s shall be maintained in good

condition to prevent/minimize noise, leaks or spills of materials

like hydraulic fluid, diesel, gasoline, etc.

Land Acquisition,

displacement and other

social impacts

Development needing

Land Acquisition

Temporary impacts to

vendors/squatters

during construction

activities at the jetty

locations

No Land Acquisition is involved under development works in the

First Year Investments; hence no compensations for land is

involved

Proposed development will have temporary impacts to about 13

petty vendors (combined total of all jetties); appropriate

compensations as per provisions mentioned in the RPF shall be

provided

No impacts to cultural properties or other social impacts are

involved under development works in First Year Investments;

hence no mitigation measures for this is warranted

As discussed in the

RPF

PMU (Social

Development

Specialist)




Measures

Responsible Agency

for Implementation

and Monitoring

Cultural property

impacts and other

social impacts

Felling of trees No felling of trees will be involved under development works in

First Year Investments; hence no mitigation measures for this is

warranted at this stage

Parameters to include

evidence of tree-felling

that is not permitted/

required



the activities

Turnstile Gates,

Electronic Smart

Ticketing Gates at

40 jetty locations

No onsite impacts; Waste

and debris generation

impacts in the supplier’s

manufacturing facility

Ensure proper E&HS management at their manufacturing facility

by necessary provisions built into the goods procurement

contract

Nil Supplier

PMU

All activities Health & Safety –

Construction worker and

community

Create awareness on OHS during site meetings

Provide safety gadgets for all workers engaged in places of

work hazards with appropriate PPE (protective foot wear,

helmets, gloves, earplugs, safety belt when working at higher

platforms, face masks, etc.)

Ensure facility management to the PPE used at all times as per

the work situation

Make available facilities like first aid; it shall be well stocked and

easily accessible to all

Comply with all site rules and regulations

Ensure suitable transport facility to take any injured/sick worker

to nearest hospital immediately

Ensure facilities for safe potable water supply to the workers on

site; adequate sanitation facilities shall be made available at the

work place/yards

Ensure transportation, handling and storage of hazardous

materials are handled safely by experienced/trained personnel

Post safety signs at facility as per the need

Parameters include H &

S records of site

meetings, near miss

and accident reports



the activities




Measures

Responsible Agency

for Implementation

and Monitoring

Provide adequate facility and adequate provisions of fire safety

equipment’s/measures spread throughout the facility

Make sure that entry and exit points are always kept clear of

materials/equipment’s/debris, etc.

Maintain all work areas clean; areas shall be provided with

optimum lighting

Conduct regular training sessions at the workplace to ensure all

workers are aware of general safety measures, awareness on

safe working practices, explaining clear procedures, etc.

Provide Workforce facilities such as health check-ups

Strictly follow the provisions of statutory Child Labor Act by the

yard/site management

Conform to the relevant Indian Standard Code for All

machines/equipment’s to be used at the manufacturing facilities;

machines/equipment’s shall be kept in good working condition,

be regularly inspected and properly maintained as per IS

provision; Ensure safety features of equipment and machines

are functional

Demarcate construction work zones and maintain strict

adherence so that no community members are exposed to

construction hazards and risks

Report and investigate any near misses, accidents and injuries

and record remediation actions to avoid future occurrences

Apply sanctions where safety procedures are not adhered to

Monitor all parameters that include the conduct safety

awareness sessions, the upkeep/condition of the on board

safety provisions, the occurrence of near miss and safety

incidents, and preventive and corrective actions taken

Public Safety and Security Complete works on exposed trenches and earth materials Parameters include Contractors




Measures

Responsible Agency

for Implementation

and Monitoring

before new earth is dug and trenches are created

Avoid inquisitive trespassers especially children by adequately

hoarding off work areas

Post warning signs around work areas to discourage

trespassers and inform the public of the hazard

Maintain adequate security at construction sites to avoid

pilfering or vandalising of property

Ensure visibility in the night time by providing adequate lighting

Equip vehicles with reflectors and adequate signaling during

works

Ensure safety features of equipment and vehicles are functional

Discuss works procedures to be designed with workers before

works commence each day to minimize accidents with

communities

community H & S

records of site

meetings, near miss

and accident reports

PMU

Limited dredging impacts

when works are carried out

alongside the river

Test any river sediment material generated at all the dredging

sites to ensure there is no contamination

If the dredged material is not contaminated, it will be used for

rising of the terminal sites. Fill sediments in bunded areas to

avoid sediment laden runoff

If suitable and there is a demand, the excess dredged material,

if any, will be used for other beneficial purposes such as rising

of public lands and selling to the willing buyers after an end user

agreement/declaration

If dredged material is contaminated, then it will be collected,

stored and disposed in accordance with hazardous waste

management requirements with advice/knowledge of local PCB

Parameters include

instances of dredging,

quantity of dredged

material and quality of

dredged material. The

quality of dredged

material will be

ascertained by chemical

tests for heavy metals

and pesticide content.



the activities

Managing Labour Influx Main contractor will maintain separate registers for migrant

labour as per the Migrant Labour Act on all aspects

Compile information like place of origin, contact details, next of


include Labour influx

Local labourer


PMU




Measures

Responsible Agency

for Implementation

and Monitoring

kin details, etc.

Ensure a labour code of conduct is signed by main contractor

and all the sub-contractors

Treat all migrant labour in line / consistent with the other labour

including access to the GRM established for labour

Address threats either to the migrant labour or from migrant

labour due to cultural differences in an amicable manner

Ensure no gender based violence in relation to all dealings with

the migrant labour

Migrant labour

Code of conduct

Grievance

redressal

Cultural Heritage impacts Apply chance find procedures in consultation with relevant

authorities (as described in Appendix 3).

Consult with local community and provide for any cultural use as

per the community practices in the river

NA Contractors

PMU

Impacts in the contractor

camps

Provide adequate sanitation facilities in line with government

regulations

Ensure proper housekeeping

Provide first aid boxes with required items

NA Contractors

PMU

Operational Stage

Vessel Operation Potential impacts on air,

noise, water, soil

environment, aquatic life

(rarely envisaged), safety

aspects, etc.

Excessive noise from

vessel engine

operations

Emissions from vessel

engine operations

Oil/fuel spills including

Ensure vessels have facilities for Bilge Water Holding and are

supported with necessary pump system to pump it to the

receiving facility at the terminals

Ensure the terminals have adequate provisions for receipt of the

bilge water from the vessels which shall then be disposed off-

site appropriately

Vessels shall be fitted with Bio Toilet facilities.

Provide Sewage/waste collection facilities at terminals which can

collect sewage/waste from vessels and dispose it appropriately

Conduct periodic maintenance works for the engines and overall

vessels as per the requirements to ensure efficient operations

Air/noise/water quality

monitoring shall be

carried out periodically


include fuel use &

efficiency levels, air

emissions from the

vessels, noise level of

the engines, solid waste

storage & disposal,

Ferry Operators

PMU




Measures

Responsible Agency

for Implementation

and Monitoring

during fueling, fire

accidents, vessel

grounding

Bilge water from the

vessels if not handled

appropriately

Sewage disposal into

water body from

vessels

Sewage disposal from

toilet facilities at jetty

locations

Impacts to aquatic life

(rarely envisaged)

Waste dumping into the

water body by

commuters/ferry

operators

Safety issues if there is

uncontrolled movement

of commuters/locals at

Jetties, Pontoons,

Gangways

Over loading of vessels

and control/minimise of pollution from engine emissions

Provide appropriate sound proofing for vessel engine room so

that the engine noise is curbed

Appropriate facilities shall be provided on board the vessels for

safe storage/handling of fuels, oils, any other hazardous

materials

Provide all safety provisions in the Vessels as per navigational

requirements (life buoys, safety vests, etc.)

Vessel operators shall be well trained and have necessary

certifications/licenses to operate the vessels

Vessels are suggested to have mechanisms like sound emitting

devices in waters which will alert fishes/aquatic life of

approaching vessels

Fueling for vessels shall be done with proper care to avoid spills

Vessels shall have necessary oil spill control/collection systems;

spill kits shall also be made available at fuelling locations.

Provide appropriate oil spill control/collection equipment’s at

Jetty locations

Ensure controlled /disciplined entry/exit from/to the vessels

Waiting on pontoons/gangways shall not be permitted

Once vessel leaves, commuters for next vessel shall stand

behind a gate at jetty; gate shall be opened only after a vessel

arrives and commuters from it have alighted and left the jetty

Over loading of the vessels shall not be allowed

toilet gray and black

water storage &

disposal, bilge disposal

Impacts/disturbance to

aquatic life including

dolphins due to vessel

movements

Food items shall not be thrown into the river (especially by the

ferry commuters) as it will attract the fishes including Dolphins

towards it

Awareness on the importance/sensitivity of the dolphins should

be created; all staff/operators should be given instructions that

NA Ferry Operators

PMU




Measures

Responsible Agency

for Implementation

and Monitoring

no dolphin or any other endangered species should be harmed

due to any reason; signboards displaying the importance of the

dolphin species in particular should be placed to create more

awareness amongst the commuters/general public

Project vessels being operated in an aquatic environment,

mechanisms like sound emitting devices/dolphin deterrent

devices in the waters can be adopted which will alert the aquatic

species of approaching vessels

Vessels should be fitted with propeller guards, aquatic deflectors

to minimize impacts to aquatic fauna (especially if a dolphin

which might drift into project corridor stretch)

Vessel operators shall be vigilant while operating the vessels

and shall look out for signs of aquatic life (especially dolphins)

along their route of operation

If any aquatic mammal/dolphin is spotted, then measures to

push it away should be taken up (through use of sirens/signals,

creating noise signals); the operator should communicate to

other operators in the area about the presence of a dolphin in

the area; vessel movement operations should be immediately

suspended until it is confirmed that the dolphin has moved away

from the area of vessel operations

Vessel operators shall be instructed to immediately report to the

terminal authority in case of any accidents involving aquatic

fauna especially Dolphins



8.2.1 ESMP Integration to Bid Document

The proposed development is to be taken up as a design/build contract. This ESMP will be

included into the overall bid document. The ESMP will be added as an Appendix in the

Construction Schedule section of the bid document. The Appendix section will have the

technical Proposal Forms to be submitted which will include the Code of Conduct -

Environmental, Social, Health and Safety (ESHS) and ESHS Management Strategies and

Implementation Plans (MSIP). The ESMP will serve as a guidance document. The selected

contractor shall prepare an Operational ESMP based on this ESMP which will form the

MSIP; the MSIP which shall be approved by the PMU/PMC as well as the World Bank prior

to its implementation at the project site by the contractor.

As part of the bid document, the contractor will need to submit the following information:

Code of Conduct - Environmental, Social, Health and Safety (ESHS): The selected bidder

shall submit its Code of Conduct that will apply to its employees and subcontractors, to

ensure compliance with its Environmental, Social, Health and Safety (ESHS) obligations

under the contract. In addition, the Bidder shall detail how this Code of Conduct will be

implemented. This will include: how it will be introduced into conditions of

employment/engagement, what training will be provided, how it will be monitored and

how the Contractor proposes to deal with any breaches. The Contractor shall be required

to implement the agreed Code of Conduct.

ESHS Management Strategies and Implementation Plans (MSIP): The operational ESMP

mentioned above shall be the MSIP. The selected bidder shall submit the MSIP to

manage the following key Environmental, Social, Health and Safety (ESHS) risks.

o Traffic Management Plan to ensure safety of local communities from construction

traffic as well as Vessel movements bringing in the newly built Gangways /

Pontoons to jetty locations for installation;

o Water Resource Protection Plan to prevent contamination in waters of Hooghly

River;

o Strategy for obtaining Consents/Permits prior to the start of relevant works;

o Waste Management Plan (include measures for handling/disposal of waste/debris

generated at workplace due to construction/manufacturing activities);

o Plan for Storage/Handling of Oils/Fuels to address any spills;

o Workforce Engagement Plan (including staff benefits, insurance, emergency

responses in case of accidents, training, communication etc.);

o Standard Operating Procedures (all the above may be covered under a Standard

Operating Procedure including specific Health & Safety measures to be

implemented at the work site).

The successful Bidder shall also be required to submit an Environmental, Social, Health

and Safety (ESHS) Performance Security

ISO 14001 certificate, if available

8.3 Environmental Monitoring Program

Environmental monitoring is one of the important components of the Environmental and

Social Management Plan (ESMP). The main aim of the monitoring is to establish the existing

scenario to make informed decisions to ascertain the proper implementation. The main

objectives of the environmental monitoring are:

To ensure the effective implementation of ESMP



To comply with all relevant environmental/social regulations

To modify the mitigation measures and implementation arrangements, if found necessary

Nature of activities to be taken up under First Year investments is not envisaged to have

significant sources of environmental pollution. As such, a minimal monitoring program is

suggested and implementation of suggested mitigation measures is to be ensured. The

Environmental Monitoring Program mentions the monitoring plan, specifies the parameters to

be monitored, location, frequency and duration of monitoring as well as implementation and

supervising responsibilities. The monitoring covering the First Year of investments (i.e. period

of One Year) for environmental condition indicators during construction/manufacturing stage

and operation stage (considered for Four Years period) of the project are presented in Table

8-2.



Table 8-2 Environmental Parameter Monitoring Program during Construction Stage

Attribute Monitoring Measures Frequency Location Implementation Supervision

Manufacturing/ Construction Works

Air

Parameters to monitor include

regular monitoring of air quality

for all 12 air quality parameters

as specified in the ESIA

Appendix 4 to gauge air

pollution from regular sources

(DG), fugitive sources and

occupational health arising from

air pollutants (VOCs).

Once in a quarter during

construction stage

Vessel/Pontoon/Gangway manufacturing

yards

Immediate vicinity of the yards

At jetty locations of waterside areas of

construction works

Manufacturing

Contractor/


PMU

Noise

Parameters to monitor include

noise levels within the premises

and occupational health arising

from exposure to noise (regular

and impact noise) for all four

categories of noise zones as

specified in Appendix 5 for

Noise pollution.


construction stage


yards

Immediate vicinity of the yards


construction works

Manufacturing

Contractor/


PMU

Water

Quality

All water quality parameters

provided in Appendix 6 to be

monitored. This includes river

water quality in the immediate

precincts and effluent discharge

quality into the drains or river for

all class of water.


construction stage

Water body in the vicinity of the vessel/

pontoon/ gangway manufacturing yards

Water body at jetty locations at

waterside areas of construction works

Manufacturing

Contractor/


PMU

Soil

All parameters to monitor

evidence of soil/ land

contamination (e.g. oil/waste

spillages) in the premises as per


construction stage


yards


construction works

Manufacturing

Contractor/


PMU



Attribute Monitoring Measures Frequency Location Implementation Supervision

standard soil quality standards

provided in Appendix 7.

Operation Stage (Vessel Movements)

Air Parameters as mentioned under

Construction stage above At least twice a year Vessels/Jetty Locations Vessel Operator PMU

Noise Parameters as mentioned under

Construction stage above At least twice a year Vessels/Jetty Locations Vessel Operator PMU

Water

Quality

Parameters as mentioned under

Construction stage above At least twice a year

Jetty locations

Water body along the route of the vessel

In the upstream/downstream of river

from route of vessel operation

Vessel Operator PMU



8.4 Implementation Arrangements and Responsibilities

A high-level Project Steering Committee headed by Chief Secretary will be the apex body.

The West Bengal Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (WBTIDCL) will

be the Project Management Unit (PMU). The Department of Industries, Commerce &

Enterprises will lead the development of Logistics Master Plan and other related

developments. The Urban Development Department shall lead for planning initiatives,

including the spatial development strategy and the comprehensive mobility plan.

8.4.1 Institutional Set-up for the Project

The overall institutional Framework for the WBTIDCL is provided in Figure 8-1. A project

development specific Project Management Unit (PMU) will be in place under the overall

framework. The PMU will consist of the Project Director, the Environmental & Safety

Specialist, Social Specialist, Procurement Specialist and the PMC/ISBP consultant. PMU is

discussed in Section 8.4.3.

Figure 8-1: Overall Institutional Framework for WBTIDCL

8.4.2 Institutional Strengthening and Business Planning (ISBP)

This will include strengthening the planning process, improving inter-agency decision-making

and supporting the modernization of the IWT system. The nodal agency for this activity will

be the Transport Department. Shortly an agency will be entrusted to look after this work for a

period of three years. The ISBP agency will have a Project Management Consulting (PMC)

unit with a dedicated Environmental/Social Expert to look after the Institutional Strengthening

part of the Waterways Sector.



8.4.3 Project Management Unit (PMU)

The WBTIDCL is the overall PMU unit operating under the West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC). It serves as a dedicated Engineering Wing for taking up development works for WBTC. WBTIDCL will be the PMU for the proposed development works as well. The Project Director (PD) will have the overall responsibility whereas a dedicated Environmental Specialist and Social Development Specialist will have day-to-day implementation responsibilities. In the current institutional arrangement, the Environmental Specialist will also coordinate the safety management functions. Thus the position under the PMU will be Environmental and Safety Specialist. The PMU under the WBTIDCL will be responsible for ensuring that this ESIA/ESMP is adhered during the project implementation. In addition, a PMC unit will be in place under the ISBP component. The PMC under the ISBP will work/coordinate with the PMU/WBTIDCL for the day-to-day implementation aspects and associated safeguards compliance. The PMU shall be as shown in Figure 8-2.

Figure 8-2: PMU's Institutional Set Up

This should be detailed to meet all institutional aspects of the WBIWTLSDP. The team will

work/coordinate with the technical and procurement officers of the PMU as well as the

contractors and consultants for the day-to-day implementation aspects and associated

safeguards compliance. They will monitor the portfolio of subprojects financed under the

projects on safeguards. They will ensure compliance to both the national and state policy

requirements, as well as the World Bank requirements. They will prepare a quarterly

progress report wherein they will report project progress as well as safeguards

implementation/compliance.

The specialists will also arrange to conduct training and capacity-building initiatives to build

awareness, knowledge and skills of PMU, consultants and contractors on an on-going basis.

Here again, the specialists will engage external environmental and social consultants on a

need basis to support the capacity building efforts.

8.4.4 Project Management Consultants

In addition to the PMU, a PMC consultant will be in place under the ISBP component. The

PMC/ISBP consultant will work/coordinate with the PMU/WBTIDCL for the day-to-day

implementation aspects and associated safeguards compliance. The PMU/PMC will oversee

the contractor’s activities. The PMC consultant will have in place an environmental and social

specialist to oversee the day-to-day implementation of the ESMP measures in different

Project Director

PMC/ISBP Consultant

Social Development

Specialist

Environmental & Safety Specialist

Procurement Specialist



subprojects. Lapses in implementation will be brought to the notice of the PMU, which is to

take necessary corrective and preventive action in consultation with the respective

contractor.

8.4.5 Audits and Inspections

In addition, the department shall be responsible for implementing Compliance Assurance

activities, namely environmental and social audits. Third party audits and reviews of

environmental and social procedures shall be conducted annually. During these audits any

change to the environment or social conditions wholly or partially is identified, evaluated and

equally corrective actions are taken to better the environmental/social performance.

A vital part of EHS practice is to learn from experience, using it as basis to improve the

system. To this effect, periodic inspections and record keeping provides a measure of how

effective programs are and facilitates identification of areas where improvement will be

necessary. Environmental inspections consist of examining all activities and documenting

those actions that are carried out as various compliance requirements, specifications relating

to environmental protection, and mitigation plans approved.

8.4.6 Contractors

The contractors will be responsible for ensuring the effective implementation of the ESMP

requirements at the subproject level. These will be a part of the contract documents to which

they will have to adhere. As required, the contractor will assign adequate/qualified staff in

each subproject to ensure that ESHS requirements are met on a day-to-day basis. The

contractor shall have the qualified staff either in-house (on the contractor’s pay-roles) or

engage an external agency/consultant for this role. The assigned staff will work/coordinate

with the PMU/WBTIDCL specialists on day-to-day/ monthly basis as required and confirm

compliance to the safeguard requirements.

8.4.7 Grievance Redress Mechanism

Grievance Redressal Mechanism is an integral part of the institutional arrangement in relation to social safeguard issues. At present, there is no established grievance redressal mechanism in PMU. Grievances related to employees and others are dealt on a case to case basis depending upon the nature of grievances. Social safeguards related grievances are expected from affected persons and other interested groups during the project implementation and therefore, it is important to set up a GRM at PMU level for resolution of such grievances. Anticipated grievances could be:

Environmental (e.g. air, noise and water pollution) and social (e.g. labour and community

safety) issues arising from the project activities

Non-payment of Resettlement and Rehabilitation assistance

Name of affected persons missing

Affected persons missed out/ not enumerated during the survey

Social category and vulnerability incorrect

Difference in land area acquired/purchased and measured at site

Type and use of land acquired/purchased not considered correctly

Wrong measurement of structure/building affected

Wrong valuation of structure/building

Damage to adjoining property

Construction activities at the site, quality of works, safety, etc.



In view of the above, a Grievance Redressal Committee (GRC) will be constituted by the Project Authority with the aim to resolve as many grievances as possible related to resettlement and rehabilitation and land acquisition/purchase through consultations and negotiation. The GRC will comprise seven (8) members. The committee will comprise the following officials:

i. Project Director, PMU, WBTIDCL – Chairperson

ii. Representative of MD, WBTC-Member

iii. Representative of Chairman, KoPT- Member

iv. Representative of UD & MA Department-Member

v. Social Development Expert (SDE), PMU, WBTIDCL – Convener-Member

vi. DG/Executive Engineer or his/her representative (from the concerned department -

PWD/Irrigation, Municipal Engineering Directorate/KMC, District Engineer- Zilla

Parishad) – Member

vii. Municipal Corporator/Councilor or Representative of Gram Panchayat of the

concerned area – Member

viii. Representative of Project Affected Population

Complaint boxes will be placed at every ferry locations which would be collected once a week by PMU. Grievances received through other modes (postal, email, or over the phone) will be compiled. A dedicated email and toll free phone number will be provided for receiving grievances/complaints through these methods. Toll free phone number, email, and address of PMU shall also be suitably displayed at entry and exit gates of ferry locations. Additionally, PMU will provide support to illiterate, physically challenged and other vulnerable PAPs to record their grievances. The various modes of registering grievances by the vulnerable are depicted in tabular format in Table - xx.

Table - xx Tabular Format for Modes of Registering Grievances

S. No.

Category of Person

Modes of Registering Grievances

Toll free Phone

Mobile Letter Email Physically Authorized Person

Others

1. Poor and BPL*

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

2. SC,ST or WHH

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

3. Illiterate Yes Yes Yes Yes

4. Senior Citizen

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

5. Differently Able (Blind)

Yes Yes Yes Yes

6. Differently Able (Deaf and/or Dumb)

Yes Yes Yes Yes

7. Differently Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes



S. No.

Category of Person

Modes of Registering Grievances

Toll free Phone

Mobile Letter Email Physically Authorized Person

Others

Able (Others)

Note: BPL is the person enumerated by Government of India as living Below the Poverty

Line and possessing a BPL Card given by the Government.

At the PMU level the Social Development Expert will act as the Convener of the GRC as well as will be responsible for the day to day management of the GRM. He would also take the major responsibility to register complaints of the illiterate, physically challenged and other vulnerable PAPs. Grievances received by the PMU would be acknowledged by the PMU within seven days from the date of receipt of grievances. The GRC meeting will be convened once in a month or as per the requirements. Aggrieved persons will be duly intimated about the scheduled GRC meeting in sufficient advance time. On the day of GRC meeting, aggrieved persons will be given an opportunity to present his/her case before the committee in a free and fair manner. The decision of GRC will be intimated to the aggrieved person within 21 days from the date of the GRC meeting. In case the decision of the GRC is not acceptable to the aggrieved person in such case he/she may approach the court of law, if he/she so desires. Broad functions of GRC are as under:

document all grievances received through different modes,

undertake site visit (if required), ask for further information from aggrieved persons,

co-ordinate and collect relevant information/data from concerned

department/agencies (e.g. District Magistrate, DL& LRO, KPT, KMC, PWD, Zilla

Parishad, etc.) area,

fix a time frame for next hearing in case additional information is required from

aggrieved persons and other agencies,

inform EPs about the status of their case and the decision of GRC

The GRC will be constituted within a month before the implementation of activities during the first year of investment starts.

Besides, a field level grievance redressal mechanism will be established to resolve grievances/complaints received mainly during the implementation of project activities. It is expected that majority of grievances will be related to the following:

indirect impact of project activities on adjoining structure/building,

project execution area not suitably barricaded, inadequate safety arrangements and

signage in the project area,

closure to access/street roads,

loss of business,

non-availability of project information board,

un-certainty regarding timeline for resuming the ferry operation, etc.

Majority of the site-specific grievances/complaints can be resolved by the site engineer through the contractor as per the provisions of the contract. In case the damage to the structure/building is caused due to the negligence of the contractor, then the contractor will be responsible for reinstating/ repairing the damaged structure/building otherwise, it will be resolved as per the provisions of the RPF.



A field-level GRC comprising SDE/JE (designated as Site Engineer), Social Development Expert, PMU and representative of Contractor shall be constituted for redressal of grievances/complaints at the site itself. One employee of the Jetty will be assigned to register the grievances and he/she will be responsible for the daily work of the GRC at the field level. This person at field level will provide support to illiterate, physically challenged and other vulnerable PAPs to record their grievances. The Committee will meet twice a week at the project site office at a fixed time so that aggrieved persons from surrounding areas can approach and lodge their complaints. A compliant box shall be placed at the project site for the collection of complaints/grievances. Wide publicity of GRM (at field level and PMU level) shall be made in the surrounding areas by adopting suitable publicity methods. Grievances/complaints not resolved at the site shall be escalated to the PMU level for redressal. A draft format for monitoring of grievances (received, type of grievances, grievances redressed, time required for resolving the grievances, etc.) has been provided as Appendix 9.

World Bank GRS: Communities and individuals who believe that they are adversely affected by a World Bank (WB) supported project may submit complaints to existing project-level grievance redress mechanisms or the WB’s Grievance Redress Service (GRS). The GRS ensures that complaints received are promptly reviewed in order to address project-related concerns. Project affected communities and individuals may submit their complaint to the WB’s independent Inspection Panel which determines whether harm occurred, or could occur, as a result of WB non-compliance with its policies and procedures. Complaints may be submitted at any time after concerns have been brought directly to the World Bank's attention, and Bank Management has been given an opportunity to respond. For information on how to submit complaints to the World Bank’s corporate Grievance Redress Service (GRS), please visit

http://www.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/products-and-services/grievance-

redress-service.

For information on how to submit complaints to the World Bank Inspection Panel,

please visit www.inspectionpanel.org.

8.5 Capacity Building Requirements

To ensure successful ESMP implementation, series of orientation, capacity building and

training activities will be undertaken by PMU with contractors, consultants and other

stakeholders who are directly implementing or indirectly involved with the project. Table 8-3

provides different types of training and capacity-building that will be carried out.

Table 8-3: Training Type, Target Groups, Purpose and Frequency

S. No. Training Required and Target

Group Purpose Frequency

1.

Environmental and social general

awareness and appreciation

workshop for senior management

To inform senior management about

importance and know how to recognize

impacts that various activities may have

½ day workshop

every 6 months

2.

ESMP implementation workshop

for subproject contractors and

subproject consultants

To ensure that all stakeholders are

informed about requirements of ESMP and

know how to minimize environmental &

social impacts that various activities may

have during implementation

½ day workshop

every 6 months

3.

Subproject specific environmental

and social management training for

subproject beneficiaries,

To ensure that all stakeholders are

informed about the particular

environmental and social impacts of their

Immediately after

the award of the

contract and prior

http://www.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/products-and-services/grievance-redress-service

http://www.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/products-and-services/grievance-redress-service

http://www.inspectionpanel.org/



S. No. Training Required and Target

Group Purpose Frequency

contractors and consultants based

on the ESIA & ESMP

sub-projects and how these should be

mitigated.

to initiating

construction

Training programs will be practical and will include work with realistic case studies based on

type of subprojects supported under the project. Training will cover following issues:

a. (GOI) National and World Bank requirements for environmental/social assessment

b. Screening and scoping procedures

c. Main provisions of ESMPs for proposed subprojects, including mitigation and

monitoring requirements

Such training will enable these target groups to recognize and assess the potential negative

environmental and social impacts and set of measures to mitigate them.

8.6 ESMP Budget

The ESMP budget will have provisions for the EMP as presented in Table 8-4. The overall

estimated budget for proposed capacity building activities, training, logistic support expenses

for implementation of the project activities under the First Year of investments is presented in

Table 8-5. This will include the budget towards the Gangetic Dolphin conservation efforts. In

addition, the EMP provides an estimate for monitoring during the operational period

considered for a four years. This is co-related to the remaining period of the five year

investments period. The cost of hiring consultants for any aspects of the work is not reflected

in this budget and is to be determined as per the need.

Table 8-4: Estimated EMP Budget

S. No.

Component Description Unit Quantity Unit Cost

(INR) Total Cost INR in

Crores

Construction/Manufacturing Stage (One Year)

1 Air Quality


Nos. 80* 6000 0.048

2 Noise Nos. 80 1500 0.012

3 Water Quality Nos. 80 6000 0.048

4 Soil Nos. 80 6000 0.048

Operation Stage (Four Years)

5 Air Quality


Nos. 160* 6000 0.096

6 Noise Nos. 160 1500 0.024

7 Water Quality Nos. 160 6000 0.096

8 Soil Nos. 160 6000 0.096

Sub Total 0.468

Contingency (Cost Escalations/Inflation, etc.) @ 10% 0.047

Grand Total of Anticipated Budget for EMP 0.515

Amount in US$ (rounded) 75,000

* Assumed monitoring to be conducted at 20 different locations

Table 8-5: Estimated Budget

S. No. Description

Amount

(US$)

Amount

(INR Million)

Amount

(US$)

Amount

(INR Million)

First Year 2nd to 5th Years

1 Monitoring and Reporting 40,000 2.80 50,000 3.5

2 Training & Capacity Building 60,000 4.20 - -

3 Logistics Support (includes PMU, 125,000 8.75 - -



PMC, Audit/Inspection costs)

4 Dolphin Conservation Efforts ~7,500 0.5 ~30,000 2.0

Total 232,500 16.25 80,000 5.5

Total Estimate for Five Years Investment Period US$ 312,500

INR Million 21.75

Further, this does not include the cost of environment (including health and safety) and social

costs to be met by the contractor as these are necessary to meet the general requirements

of the contract.


Conclusions Page 119

9 Conclusions

The proposed development activities seek to address urgent enhancement needs of the

existing jetty infrastructure requirements. The activities under First Year investments will be

limited to building/manufacturing of 22 new Vessels, addition of new Gangways and

Pontoons at 30 selected jetty locations, installation of Turnstile Gates at 40 jetty locations

and minor Waterside Construction Works at the 30 selected jetty locations. The activities

under First Year investments will not involve Land Acquisition. Also, the activities are not

envisaged to pose environmental and social impacts. However, as any development project,

there will likely be some minimal impacts which have been identified in this report. These

impacts are short term/localized and reversible impacts. Mitigation measures to avoid/

minimize the likely impacts will be implemented.

The implementation arrangements needed to ensure implementation and effectiveness of the

mitigation measures will be carried out through the PMU. Details of the arrangements have

been presented in this report.

Proposed development activities will help enhance the existing jetty infrastructure and will

have overall positive impacts to the community as well as environment and without adversely

affecting the environmental and social conditions/quality in the project area.


List of Appendixes Page 120

LIST OF APPENDIXES Appendix 1: Environmental and Social Screening Forms ................................................................. 121 Appendix 2: List of Projects or Activities Requiring Prior Environmental Clearance .......................... 146 Appendix 3: Chance Find Procedure ............................................................................................... 155 Appendix 4: CPCB’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards, GoI ................................................... 156 Appendix 5: Noise Quality Standards, GoI ....................................................................................... 158 Appendix 6: Water Quality Standards, GoI ...................................................................................... 159 Appendix 7: Soil Quality Standards, GoI .......................................................................................... 165 Appendix 8: Stakeholder Consultations ........................................................................................... 166 Appendix 9: Draft Format for Monitoring of Grievances.................................................................... 184


Appendix 1: Environmental and Social Screening Forms Page 121

Appendix 1: Environmental and Social Screening Forms

1. Jetty Location: Rashmoni Ghat, North 24 Parganas District (Kolkata/Howrah side)

Responsible Organization: Operated by Titagarh Municipality

Type of Activity Proposed: Enhancing jetty facilities, provision of new gangway, pontoons

Regulatory Clearances:

MoEF&CC/SEIAA Environmental Clearance NA

Forest and Wild Life Clearance NA

Existing Site Features: Located away from core urban areas (more of a semi-rural environment). Currently

this ghat is not operational (closed since April 2018).

Technical Features

Jetty Timings -

No. of Pontoons -

Length of Gangway -

Length of Link -

Estimated Passengers/day -

Presence of Concrete

Structures

-

Environmental Features

Air quality (any pollution issues) Jetty located away from core urban areas (more of a semi-rural

environment); no indications of prevailing air pollution issues

Water quality (any pollution issues) Jetty located away from core urban areas (more of a semi-rural

environment); no indications of prevailing water pollution issues

Sewage discharge, if any Not noticed

Noise level (any anticipated issues) Jetty located away from core urban areas (more of a semi-rural

environment); no indications of prevailing noise pollution issues

Solid Waste No disposal of solid waste seen at jetty location

Land Contamination, Oil Spillages/Leakages

at Jetty, if any

None observed

Presence of Natural Vegetation/ trees None specifically at jetty location; however the overall area has

natural vegetation

Increased soil erosion and/or sedimentation? None observed

Social Features:

Temples/Mosques/Places of Worship, if

any

No

Fishing Activities, if any No

Record of Past Community Accidents, if

any

No

Toilet Facilities (Operational?) Currently jetty is not operational

Drinking Water Facility

Specific community issues, if any Locals are eagerly awaiting resumption of jetty services



2. Jetty Location: Halisahar Ghat, North 24 Parganas District (Kolkata/Howrah side)

Responsible Organization: Operated by Halisahar Municipality





Existing Site Features: Located away from core urban areas (more of a semi-rural environment)

Technical Features

Jetty Timings 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM

No. of Pontoons No pontoons at the location; vessels berth along the gangway for passengers

to enter/exit

Length of Gangway

Length of Link

Estimated Passengers/day ~700


Structures

Link platform, jetty entrance area on landside


Air quality (any pollution issues) Jetty located away from core urban areas (more of a

semi-rural environment); no indications of prevailing air

pollution issues

Water quality (any pollution issues) Jetty located away from core urban areas (more of a

semi-rural environment); no indications of prevailing

water pollution issues


Noise level (any anticipated issues) Jetty located away from core urban areas (more of a


noise pollution issues


Land Contamination, Oil Spillages/Leakages at Jetty,

if any

None observed

Presence of Natural Vegetation/ trees Some landscaping at jetty entrance area


Social Features:


any

No



any

No

Toilet Facilities (Operational?) Toilet facilities need to be significantly improved

Drinking Water Facility Drinking water facility needed at the jetty location

Specific community issues, if any Lack of pontoon is a safety concern; need better vessels and a

pontoon



3. Jetty Location: Naihati Ghat, North 24 Parganas District (Kolkata/Howrah side)

Responsible Organization: Operated by Naihati Municipality





Existing Site Features: Located in a semi-urban area

Technical Features


No. of Pontoons 1

Length of Gangway 30 m

Length of Link ~40 m

Estimated Passengers/day ~14,000


Structures

Link platform is a concrete structure; needs immediate repairs


Air quality (any pollution issues) Although the jetty is located in a semi-urban area, no

much indications of prevailing air pollution issues; also

no specific air pollution issues at the jetty location as

such

Water quality (any pollution issues) Although the jetty is located in a semi-urban area, no

much indications of prevailing water pollution issues;

also no specific water pollution issues at the jetty

location as such


Noise level (any anticipated issues) Although the jetty is located in a semi-urban area, no

much indications of prevailing noise pollution issues;

also no specific noise pollution issues at the jetty

location as such



if any

None observed

Presence of Natural Vegetation/ trees Some vegetation seen at the river bank


Social Features:


any

No

Fishing Activities, if any Small fishing boats seen at the jetty area; vendors seen on the

gangway/link platform


any

No

Toilet Facilities (Operational?) Toilet facilities need to be significantly improved

Drinking Water Facility Drinking water facility needed at the jetty location

Specific community issues, if any No



4. Jetty Location: Debitala Ghat, North 24 Parganas District (Kolkata/Howrah side)

Responsible Organization: Operated by Debitala Municipality





Existing Site Features: Located away from core urban areas (more of a semi-rural environment). Currently the

jetty services is not operational; the operations were shut down following the Telinipara Ghat (about 6 kms away)

mishap where the wooden gangway had collapsed leading to fatalities.

Technical Features

Jetty Timings -

No. of Pontoons -

Length of Gangway -

Length of Link -



Structures

-










Land Contamination, Oil

Spillages/Leakages at Jetty, if any

None observed

Presence of Natural Vegetation/ trees Natural vegetation seen at the river bank; also the overall

surrounding areas have natural vegetation

Increased soil erosion and/or

sedimentation?

None observed

Social Features:


any No



any No



Specific community issues, if any Locals face hardship due to closure of the jetty; they prefer

commuting via the water mode to avoid heavy congestions on the

roads. Currently they have to travel 2-3 kms to get to another jetty

location and are eagerly awaiting resumption of jetty services



5. Jetty Location: Monirampur Ghat, North 24 Parganas District (Kolkata/Howrah side)

Responsible Organization: Operated by North Barrackpore Municipality





Existing Site Features: Located in a semi-urban area; has parking facility outside the jetty area (mainly for bi-

cycles and 2-wheelers)

Technical Features


No. of Pontoons 1





Structures

Link platform is a concrete structure





such




location as such





location as such



if any

None observed

Presence of Natural Vegetation/ trees Some vegetation seen at the river bank


Social Features:


any

A small temple along the approach road to the jetty; none at the

jetty area

Fishing Activities, if any Small fishing boats seen operating in the jetty area


any

No

Toilet Facilities (Operational?) Need improved facilities

Drinking Water Facility Need facilities for drinking water




6. Jetty Location: Barackpore/Dhobhighat Jetty, North 24 Parganas District (Kolkata/Howrah side)

Responsible Organization: Operated by Barrackpore Municipality





Existing Site Features: Located in a semi-urban area; the location is in an army cantonment area. Small boats

(BhutBhuti) operating at the location.

Technical Features


No. of Pontoons None

Length of Gangway None

Length of Link ~ 50 m


Presence of Concrete Structures None other than the jetty entrance areas


Air quality (any pollution issues) Although the jetty is located in a semi-urban area, no much

indications of prevailing air pollution issues; also no specific air

pollution issues at the jetty location as such

Water quality (any pollution issues) Although the jetty is located in a semi-urban area, no much

indications of prevailing water pollution issues; also no specific

water pollution issues at the jetty location as such


Noise level (any anticipated issues) Although the jetty is located in a semi-urban area, no much

indications of prevailing noise pollution issues; also no specific

noise pollution issues at the jetty location as such




None observed

Presence of Natural Vegetation/ trees Plantation/vegetation seen at river bank. Big banyan tree at

entrance to ghat; this is of religious significance (small temple also

located there)


sedimentation?

None observed

Social Features:

Temples/Mosques/Places of Worship, if any Small temple located at entrance area of the jetty location

Fishing Activities, if any Small fishing boats seen at the jetty area

Record of Past Community Accidents, if any No



Specific community issues, if any Safety concerns due to lack of pontoons, proper gangway and

bigger vessels; during high tide portion of the wooden link

platform submerges. Need overall enhancement of the facilities.



7. Jetty Location: Titagarh Jetty, North 24 Parganas District (Kolkata/Howrah side)

Responsible Organization: Operated by Titagarh Municipality





Existing Site Features: Located in a semi-urban area; location has several industrial activities (jute, paper

mills, glassmaking, textile, etc.). Small boats (BhutBhuti) operating at the location.

Technical Features



Length of Gangway No gangway




Structures

The link platform is a concrete structure


Air quality (any pollution issues) Although the jetty is located in a semi-urban area, no much

indications of prevailing air pollution issues; also no specific air

pollution issues at the jetty location as such

Water quality (any pollution issues) Due to open sewage discharge into the water body, prevailing

water quality at the area appears to be polluted

Sewage discharge, if any Open sewage discharge into the river is seen at the location

Noise level (any anticipated issues) Although the jetty is located in a semi-urban area, no much

indications of prevailing noise pollution issues; also no specific

noise pollution issues at the jetty location as such



at Jetty, if any

None observed

Presence of Natural Vegetation/ trees Plantation/vegetation seen at the river banks


Social Features:


any

No

Fishing Activities, if any Not seen at the jetty location


any

No


Drinking Water Facility No drinking water facility at the location


bigger vessels; during high tide portion of the link platform

submerges. Need overall enhancement of the facilities.



8. Jetty Location: Khardah Jetty, North 24 Parganas District (Kolkata/Howrah side)

Responsible Organization: Operated by Rishra Municipality





Existing Site Features: Located away from core urban areas (more of a semi-rural environment). Several

small shops, auto-rickshaw stand outside the jetty entrance area. This screening was conducted on October 21,

2019. Subsequently due to damage to the gangway as a result of heavy rains/cyclone the jetty services have

been suspended since end of October 2019.

Technical Features

Jetty Timings 5:30 AM – 10:45 PM (during operational period)

No. of Pontoons 1



Estimated Passengers/day ~ 2,000


Structures





pollution issues










if any

None observed

Presence of Natural Vegetation/ trees Natural vegetation seen at the river bank; also the

overall surrounding areas have natural vegetation

Increased soil erosion and/or sedimentation? As per locals, this jetty location is prone to heavy

sedimentation.

Social Features:

Temples/Mosques/Places of Worship, if any No

Fishing Activities, if any Not seen at jetty location







9. Jetty Location: Panihati Ghat, North 24 Parganas District (Kolkata/Howrah side)

Responsible Organization: Operated by Konnagar Municipality





Existing Site Features: Located in semi-urban area

Technical Features


No. of Pontoons 1





Structures






such




location as such





location as such



if any

None observed

Presence of Natural Vegetation/ trees Landscaping done at jetty entrance area


Social Features:


any

No

Fishing Activities, if any Small fishing boats seen at the jetty location


any

No






10. Jetty Location: Sovabazar Ghat, Kolkata District (Kolkata/Howrah side)

Responsible Organization: Operated by Hooghly Nadi Jalpath Paribahan Samabay Samity Ltd.

(HNJPSS)





Existing Site Features: Located in semi-urban area; densely populated area

Technical Features


No. of Pontoons 1





Structures






such




location as such





location as such



if any

None observed

Presence of Natural Vegetation/ trees Vegetation seen at the river banks


Social Features:


any

No

Fishing Activities, if any Not seen at the jetty area


any

No

Toilet Facilities (Operational?) No toilet facilities available; need toilet facilities at the jetty location





11. Jetty Location: Ahiritola Ghat, Kolkata District (Kolkata/Howrah side)

Responsible Organization: Operated by Indo Swiss Trading Company





Existing Site Features: Located in urban area; densely populated

Technical Features

Jetty Timings 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM: Howrah to Bagbazar via Ahiritola

5:30 AM to 9:30 PM: Ahiritola to Bandha Ghat

No. of Pontoons 2 (for different routes)





Structures



Air quality (any pollution issues) Jetty located in congested urban area having prevailing

air pollution issues mainly due to large number of

vehicular movements; no specific air pollution issues at

the jetty location as such

Water quality (any pollution issues) Jetty being located in a core urban area has its

associated impacts on the water quality (mainly due to

wastewater/ sewage discharges into the water body); no

specific water quality issues at the jetty location as such


Noise level (any anticipated issues) Jetty located in congested urban area having prevailing

high noise levels mainly due to large number of vehicular

movements; no specific noise pollution issues at jetty

location as such



if any

None observed

Presence of Natural Vegetation/ trees Vegetation is seen at the river banks


Social Features:


any

None at the jetty location; adjacent to the ghat area there is another

ghat built for undertaking religious activities

Fishing Activities, if any Not seen at the jetty location


any

No

Toilet Facilities (Operational?) Need improved toilet facilities





12. Jetty Location: Armenian Ghat, Kolkata District (Kolkata/Howrah side)


(HNJPSS)





Existing Site Features: Located in urban area; densely populated. Is a busy commercial area with lot of

traders (wholesale markets of stationeries, cosmetic, electronics, medicine, plastic toys, etc.).

Technical Features


No. of Pontoons 1





Structures

The link platform/jetty entrance area is a concrete structure








wastewater/sewage discharges into the water body).

The jetty is a fueling station for vessels as such oil/fuel

spills is likely water pollution issue at the jetty location




movements and commercial activities; no specific noise

pollution issues at jetty location as such



if any

None observed

Presence of Natural Vegetation/ trees Some plantation seen at the river bank


Social Features:









13. Jetty Location: Chandpal Ghat 1, Kolkata District (Kolkata/Howrah side)


(HNJPSS)





Existing Site Features: Located in urban area alongside busy streets; densely populated area

Technical Features


No. of Pontoons 1


Length of Link Directly connected to jetty entrance area; no separate link platform



Structures

Jetty entrance area













movements also railway line just outside the ghat area;

no specific noise pollution issues at jetty location as such



if any

None observed

Presence of Natural Vegetation/ trees Vegetation seen at the river bank


Social Features:


any

No



any

No






14. Jetty Location: Chandpal Ghat 2, Kolkata District (Kolkata/Howrah side)


(HNJPSS)





Existing Site Features: Located in urban area alongside busy streets; densely populated area

Technical Features

Jetty Timings 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM – to Howrah

7:30 AM to 8:15 PM – to Shibpur

No. of Pontoons 1





Structures

Jetty entrance area













movements also railway line just outside the ghat area;

no specific noise pollution issues at jetty location as such



if any

None observed



Social Features:









15. Jetty Location: Outram Jetty, Kolkata District (Kolkata/Howrah side)

Responsible Organization: Jetty used/operated by Kolkata River Police and Customs





Existing Site Features: Located in urban area alongside busy streets

Technical Features

Jetty Timings 24 hours

No. of Pontoons 3



Estimated Passengers/day Used only by Police and Customs personnel; not available for general public


Structures

Jetty entrance area













movements; no specific noise pollution issues at jetty

location as such



if any

None observed

Presence of Natural Vegetation/ trees Plantation/vegetation seen along the gangway, at river

bank


Social Features:


any

No



any

No

Toilet Facilities (Operational?) Jetty used by Police and Customs; they have their offices/stations

at the jetty with adequate toilet and drinking water facilities Drinking Water Facility




16. Jetty Location: Noorpur Ghat, South 24 Parganas District (Kolkata/Howrah side)

Responsible Organization: Operated by United Transport Company





Existing Site Features: Located away from core urban areas (more of a semi-rural environment). Jetty is

located at the confluence of Roopnarayani and Hooghly Rivers and is in close proximity to the Bay of Bengal.

Gangetic River Dolphins reported to be rarely sighted at this area.

Technical Features



Length of Gangway No gangway

Length of Link Wooden link platform structure ~ 30 m



Structures

None other than main jetty entrance area




pollution issues










if any

None observed



Social Features:


Fishing Activities, if any Not seen at jetty location; however this jetty being close to the

confluence of Rivers and in close proximity to the Bay of

Bengal fishing activities are prevalent in the overall area.





bigger vessels; during high tide portion of the link platform

submerges. Need overall enhancement of the facilities.



17. Jetty Location: Bansberia Ghat, Hooghly District (Kolkata/Howrah side)

Responsible Organization: Operated by Bansberia Municipality





Existing Site Features: Located away from core urban areas (more of a semi-rural environment)

Technical Features



Length of Gangway No gangway; only wooden link platform


Estimated Passengers/day ~700


Structures

No concrete structures other than the main entrance area to the jetty




pollution issues

Water quality (any pollution issues) Due to open wastewater discharge into the water body,

prevailing water quality at the area appears to be

polluted

Sewage discharge, if any Wastewater discharge into the river is seen at the

location






if any

None observed



Social Features:


any

No



any

No


Drinking Water Facility Need improved facilities for drinking water




18. Jetty Location: Chinsurah Ghat, Hooghly District (Kolkata/Howrah side)

Responsible Organization: Operated by Hooghly-Chinsura Municipality





Existing Site Features: Located in a semi-urban area

Technical Features


No. of Pontoons 1





Structures






such




location as such





location as such



if any

None observed

Presence of Natural Vegetation/ trees Slight vegetation seen at the river bank


Social Features:


any

No



any

No






19. Jetty Location: Gourhati Ghat, Hooghly District (Kolkata/Howrah side)

Responsible Organization: Operated by Champdani Municipality





Existing Site Features: Located away from core urban areas (more of a semi-rural environment). Currently the

jetty services is not operational; the operations were shut down following the Telinipara Ghat (about 4 kms away)

mishap where the wooden gangway had collapsed leading to fatalities.

Technical Features

Jetty Timings -

No. of Pontoons -

Length of Gangway -

Length of Link -


Presence of Concrete Structures -












None observed

Presence of Natural Vegetation/ trees Natural vegetation seen at the river bank; also at the ghat location

there are at least couple of trees of relegiouis significance (a

Peepal and Champa tree20); the overall surrounding areas have

natural vegetation


sedimentation?

None observed

Social Features:

Temples/Mosques/Places of Worship, if any Small temple at ghat entrance





Specific community issues, if any Locals face hardship due to closure of the jetty. Currently they

have to travel 2-3 kms to get to another jetty location and are

eagerly awaiting resumption of jetty services

20 Scientific Names: Ficus religiosa and Plumeria alba, respectively



20. Jetty Location: Sheoraphuli Ghat, Hooghly District (Kolkata/Howrah side)

Responsible Organization: Operated by Baidyabati Municipality





Existing Site Features: Located in a semi-urban area; very busy commercial/market area

Technical Features


No. of Pontoons 1


Length of Link No link platform; gangway directly connected to entrance area



Structures

Entrance area of the ghat





such




location as such


Noise level (any anticipated issues) The ghat is located in a crowded commercial/market

area having prevailing high noise levels mainly due to

large number of vehicular movements and commercial

activities; no specific noise pollution issues at jetty

location as such



if any

None observed

Presence of Natural Vegetation/ trees Vegetation present at the river bank


Social Features:


any

No



any

No






21. Jetty Location: Konnagar Ghat, Hooghly District (Kolkata/Howrah side)

Responsible Organization: Operated by Konnagar Municipality





Existing Site Features: Located in away from core urban areas (more of a semi-rural environment)

Technical Features


No. of Pontoons 1

Length of Gangway 30




Structures





pollution issues










if any

None observed

Presence of Natural Vegetation/ trees Vegetation/plantation seen at river bank, jetty entrance

area


Social Features:


any

No

Fishing Activities, if any Small fishing boats seen at jetty location


any

No






22. Jetty Location: Howrah Jetty – 1, Howrah District (Kolkata/Howrah side)


(HNJPSS)





Existing Site Features: Located in urban area; within walking distance of the very busy Howrah Railway

Station

Technical Features


No. of Pontoons 1




Presence of Concrete Structures Main jetty area


Air quality (any pollution issues) Jetty located in congested urban area having prevailing air pollution

issues mainly due to large number of vehicular movements; no

specific air pollution issues at the jetty location as such

Water quality (any pollution issues) Jetty being located in a core urban area has its associated impacts

on the water quality (mainly due to wastewater/sewage discharges

into the water body); no specific air water quality issues at the jetty

location as such


Noise level (any anticipated issues) Jetty located in congested urban area having prevailing high noise

levels mainly due to large number of vehicular movements; no

specific noise pollution issues at jetty location as such




None observed



sedimentation?

None observed

Social Features:











(HNJPSS)






Station

Technical Features


No. of Pontoons 1




Presence of Concrete Structures Main jetty entrance area


Air quality (any pollution issues) Jetty located in congested urban area having prevailing air pollution

issues mainly due to large number of vehicular movements; no

specific air pollution issues at the jetty location as such

Water quality (any pollution issues) Jetty being located in a core urban area has its associated impacts

on the water quality (mainly due to wastewater/sewage discharges

into the water body); no specific air water quality issues at the jetty

location as such


Noise level (any anticipated issues) Jetty located in congested urban area having prevailing high noise

levels mainly due to large number of vehicular movements; no

specific noise pollution issues at jetty location as such




None observed



sedimentation?

None observed

Social Features:










Responsible Organization: Operated by WBTC






Station

Technical Features


No. of Pontoons 2




Presence of Concrete Structures Main jetty entrance area on landside


Air quality (any pollution issues) Jetty located in congested urban area having prevailing air

pollution issues mainly due to large number of vehicular

movements; no specific air pollution issues at the jetty location

as such

Water quality (any pollution issues) Jetty being located in a core urban area has its associated

impacts on the water quality (mainly due to wastewater/sewage

discharges into the water body); no specific air water quality

issues at the jetty location as such


Noise level (any anticipated issues) Jetty located in congested urban area having prevailing high

noise levels mainly due to large number of vehicular

movements; no specific noise pollution issues at jetty location

as such



at Jetty, if any

None observed



Social Features:


Fishing Activities, if any Small fishing boats seen at the jetty location; squatters seen

selling fish on pontoon







25. Jetty Location: Fuleswar Ghat, Howrah District (Kolkata/Howrah side)

Responsible Organization: Operated by Fuleswar Municipality





Existing Site Features: Located away from core urban areas (more of a semi-rural environment); this is a

proposed development location. Currently there are no jetty services at the location.

Technical Features

Jetty Timings -

No. of Pontoons -

Length of Gangway -

Length of Link -


Presence of Concrete Structures -











at Jetty, if any

None observed



sedimentation?

None observed

Social Features:


Fishing Activities, if any Small fishing boats seen at jetty location


Toilet Facilities (Operational?) To be developed

Drinking Water Facility To be provided

Specific community issues, if any Locals currently have to travel 2-3 kms to get to another jetty

location and are eagerly awaiting jetty service at this location


Appendix 2: List of Projects or Activities Requiring Prior Environmental Clearance Page 146

Appendix 2: List of Projects or Activities Requiring Prior Environmental Clearance

SCHEDULE

List of Projects or Activities Requiring Prior Environmental Clearance as per MoEF&CC Notification, S.O. 1533; Dated: August, 2015

Project or Activity Category with threshold limit

Conditions if any A B

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

1 Mining, extraction of natural resources and power generation (for a specified production capacity)

1(a)

(i)Mining of minerals

(ii)Slurry pipelines (coal, lignite

and other ores) passing

through national parks /

sanctuaries / coral reefs,

ecologically sensitive areas.

≥ 50 ha. of mining lease

area in respect of non-

coal mine lease.

≥150 ha of mining lease

area in respect of coal

mine lease

Asbestos mining

irrespective of mining

area

All projects.

≤50 ha of mining lease

area in respect of non-

coal mine lease.

≤150 ha of mining lease

area in respect of coal

mine lease.

General Condition shall apply except for project or activity of less than 5 ha

of mining lease area:

Provided that the above exception shall not apply for project or activity if

the sum total of the mining lease area of the said project or activity and

that of existing operating mines and mining projects which were accorded

environment clearance and are located within 500 meters from the

periphery of such project or activity equals or exceeds 5 ha.

Note

(i)Prior environmental clearance is required at the stage of renewal of mine

lease for which an application shall be made up to two years prior to the

date due for renewal.

Provided that no fresh environmental clearance shall be required for a

mining project or activity at the time of renewal of mining lease, which has

already obtained environmental clearance, under this Notification.

(ii) Mineral prospecting is exempted.

1(b) Offshore and onshore oil and

gas exploration, development & All projects

Note:

Seismic surveys which are part of Exploration surveys are exempted





(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

production provided the concession areas have got previous clearance for physical

survey

1(c) (i)River Valley projects

(ii)Irrigation projects

(i) ≥ 50 MW hydroelectric

power generation;

(ii) ≥ 10,000 ha. of

culturable command area

(i) < 50 MW ≥ 25 MW

hydroelectric power

generation;

(ii) < 10,000 ha. > 2000

ha. of culturable

command area

General Condition shall apply

Note: Irrigation projects not involving submergence or inter-state domain

shall be appraised by the SEIAA as Category ‘B’ Projects.

Category ‘B’ river valley projects falling in more than one state shall be

appraised at the central Government Level.

1(d) Thermal Power Plants

≥ 500 MW

(coal/lignite/naptha & gas

based);

≥ 50 MW (all other fuels

except biomass).

≥ 20 MW (using

municipal solid non-

hazardous waste, as

fuel).

>50 MW < 500 MW

(coal/lignite/ naptha & gas

based);

<50 MW ≥ 5MW (all other

fuels except biomass and


hazardous waste);

<20 MW ≥15 MW (using


hazardous waste, as

fuel).

≥15 MW plants based on

biomass fuel.

General Condition shall apply.

Note:

(i)Thermal Power Plants up to 15 MW based on biomass or non-

hazardous municipal solid waste using auxiliary fuel such as coal, lignite /

petroleum products up to 15% are exempt.

(ii)Thermal Power plants using waste heat boilers without any auxiliary fuel

are exempt.

1(e) Nuclear power projects and

processing of nuclear fuel All projects - -

2 Primary Processing





(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

2(a) Coal washeries ≥ 1 million ton/annum

throughput of coal

<1million ton/annum

throughput of coal


(If located within mining area the proposal shall be appraised together with

the mining proposal)

2(b) Mineral beneficiation ≥ 0.5 million TPA

throughput

< 0.5 million TPA

throughput


(Mining proposal with Mineral beneficiation shall be appraised together for

grant of clearance).

3 Materials Production

3(a) Metallurgical industries (ferrous

& non-ferrous)

a)Primary metallurgical

industry

All projects

b) Sponge iron

manufacturing ≥ 200TPD

c)Secondary metallurgical

processing industry

All toxic and heavy metal

producing units ≥ 20,000

tonnes /annum

Sponge iron

manufacturing <200TPD

Secondary metallurgical

processing industry

i.)All toxic and heavy

metal producing units

<20,000 tonnes /annum

ii.)All other non –toxic

secondary metallurgical

processing industries

>5000 tonnes/annum


Note:

(i)The recycling industrial units registered under the HSM Rules are

exempt. (ii)In case of secondary metallurgical processing industrial units,

those projects involving operation of furnaces only such as induction and

electric arc furnace, and cupola with capacity more than 30000 tonnes per

annum (TPA) would require environmental clearance. (iii)Plant / units other

than power plants (given against entry no. 1(d) of the schedule), based on

municipal solid waste (non-hazardous) are exempted.

3(b) Cement plants

≥ 1.0 million

tonnes/annum production

capacity

<1.0 million

tonnes/annum production

capacity. All Stand-alone

grinding units






(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

4 Materials Processing

4(a) Petroleum refining industry All projects - -

4(b) (i)Coke oven plants

(ii) Coaltar processing units ≥2,50,000 tonnes/annum

<2,50,000 &

≥25,000 tonnes/annum

All projects

General conditions shall apply

4(c) Chlor-alkali industry

≥300 TPD production

capacity if a unit located

outside the notified

industrial area/ estate

(i)All projects irrespective

of the size, if it is located

in a Notified Industrial

Area / Estate.

<300 tonnes per day

(TPD) and located outside

a Notified Industrial Area /

Estate.

General as well as specific conditions shall apply

No new Mercury Cell based plants will be permitted and existing units

converting to membrane cell technology are exempted from the

Notification.

4(e) Soda ash Industry All projects - -

4(f) Skin/hide processing including

tanning industry

New projects outside the

industrial area or

expansion of existing

units outside the industrial

area

All new or expansion of

projects located within a

notified industrial area/

estate


5 Manufacturing/Fabrication

5(a) Chemical fertilizers All projects including all

Single Super Phosphate

All Single Super

Phosphate without H2SO4

General condition shall apply. Granulation of single super phosphate

powder is exempt.





(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

with H2SO4 production

except granulation of

chemical fertilizers.

production and

granulation of chemical

fertilizers

5(b)

Pesticides industry and

pesticide specific intermediates

(excluding formulations)

All units producing

technical grade pesticides - -

5(c)

Petro-chemical complexes

(industries based on processing

of petroleum fractions & natural

gas and/or reforming to

aromatics)

All projects - -

5(d) Manmade fibres manufacturing Rayon Others General Condition shall apply

5(e)

Petrochemical products and

petrochemical based

processing such as production

of carbon black and electrode

grade graphite (processes

other than cracking &

reformation and not covered

under the complexes).

Located outside the


estate

Located in a notified

industrial area/ estate

General as well as specific conditions shall apply.

Note:

Manufacturing of products from polymer granules is exempt.

5(f)

Synthetic organic chemicals

industry (dyes & dye

intermediates; bulk drugs and

intermediates excluding drug

Located outside the


estate except small units

as defined in column (5)

(i)Located in a notified

industrial area/ estate.

(ii)Small units as defined

General as well as specific conditions shall apply.

Small units: with water consumption <25 cu mt per day, fuel consumption

<25 TPD and not covered in the category of MAH units as per the





(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

formulations; synthetic rubbers;

basic organic chemicals, other

synthetic organic chemicals

and chemical intermediates)

in column (5) Management, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules, 1989.

5(g) Distilleries

(i)All Molasses based

distilleries

(ii) Non-molasses based

distilleries 60 KLD

Non-molasses based

distilleries –

<60 KLD


5(h) Integrated paint industry - All projects General Condition shall apply

5(i) Pulp & paper industry

Pulp manufacturing and

Pulp & Paper

manufacturing industry

except from waste paper

Pulp manufacturing from

waste paper and paper

manufacturing from waste

paper pulp and other

ready pulp


Note:

Paper manufacturing from waste paper pulp and ready pulp without

deinking, bleaching and colouring is exempt.

5(j) Sugar Industry - ≥ 5000 tcd cane crushing

capacity General Condition shall apply

6 Service Sectors

6(a)

Oil & gas transportation pipe

line (crude and refinery/

petrochemical products),

passing through national parks

/sanctuaries/coral reefs

/ecologically sensitive areas

All projects - -





(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

including LNG Terminal

6(b)

Isolated storage & handling of

hazardous chemicals (As per

threshold planning quantity

indicated in column 3 of

schedule 2 & 3 of MSIHC Rules

1989 amended 2000)

- All projects General Condition shall apply

7 Physical Infrastructure including Environmental Services

7(a) Air ports

All projects including

airstrips, which are for

commercial use

- Air strips which do not involve bunkering / refueling facility and or Air

Traffic Control, are exempted.

7(b) All ship breaking yards

including ship breaking units All projects - -

7(c)

Industrial estates/ parks/

complexes/ areas, export

processing Zones (EPZs),

Special Economic Zones

(SEZs), Biotech Parks, Leather

Complexes.

If at least one industry in

the proposed industrial

estate falls under the

Category A, entire

industrial area shall be

treated as Category A,

irrespective of the area.

Industrial estates with

area greater than 500 ha.

and housing at least one

Category B industry.

Industrial estates housing

at least one Category B

industry and area <500

ha.

Industrial estates of area>

500 ha. and not housing

any industry belonging to

Category A or B.


Note:

1. Industrial Estate of area below 500 ha. and not housing any industry of

category A or B does not require clearance.

2. If the area is less than 500 ha. But contains building and construction

projects > 20000 sq. mtr. and or development area more than 50 ha it will

be treated as activity listed at serial no. 8(a) or 8(b) in the Schedule, as the

case may be.





(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

7(d)

Common hazardous waste

treatment, storage and disposal

facilities (TSDFs)

All integrated facilities

having incineration &

landfill or incineration

alone

All facilities having land fill

only General Condition shall apply

7(da) Bio-Medical Waste Treatment

Facilities - All projects -

7(e) Ports, harbors, break waters,

dredging

≥ 5 million TPA of cargo

handling capacity

(excluding fishing

harbours)

< 5 million TPA of cargo

handling capacity and/or

ports/ harbours 10,000

TPA of fish handling

capacity

General Condition shall apply Note: 1.Capital dredging inside and outside

the ports or harbors and channels are included; 2.Maintenance dredging is

exempt provided it formed part of the original proposal for which

Environment Management Plan (EMP) was prepared and environmental

clearance obtained.

7(f) Highways

i) New National High

ways; and

ii) Expansion of National

High ways greater than

100 km involving

additional right of way or

land acquisition greater

than 40m on existing

alignment and 60 m on

re-alignment or by-passes

i) All New State Highway

Projects;

ii) State Highway

expansion projects in hilly

terrain (above 1000 m

AMSL) and or ecologically

sensitive areas.


Note:

Highways include expressways.

7(g) Aerial ropeways

(i)All projects located at

altitude of 1000 mtr. and

above;

All projects except those

covered in column (3). General Condition shall apply





(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

(ii)All projects located in

notified ecologically

sensitive areas.

7(h) Common Effluent Treatment

Plants (CETPs) - All projects General Condition shall apply

7(i)

Common Municipal Solid

Waste Management Facility

(CMSWMF)

- All projects General Condition shall apply

8 Building or Construction projects or Area Development projects and Townships

8(a) Building and Construction

projects

≥20000 sq.mtrs and

<1,50,000 sq.mtrs. of built

up area

The term “built up area” for the purpose of this Notification the built up or

covered area on all the floors put together including its basement and

other service areas, which are proposed in the building or construction

projects.

Note 1 - The projects or activities shall not include industrial shed, school,

college, hostel for educational institution, but such buildings shall ensure

sustainable environmental management, solid and liquid waste

management, rain water harvesting and may use recycled materials such

as fly ash bricks.

Note 2 - “General Conditions” shall not apply.

8(b) Townships and Area

Development projects.

Covering an area of > 50

ha and or built up area >

1,50,000 sq .mtrs

A project of Township and Area Development Projects covered under this

item shall require an Environment Assessment report and be apprised as

Category ‘B1’ Project.

Note :

“General Conditions” shall not apply.


Appendix 3: Chance Find Procedure Page 155

Appendix 3: Chance Find Procedure

Contracts for civil works shall incorporate procedures for dealing with situations in which

buried Cultural Property Resources (CPRs) are unexpectedly exposed.

Recognition of unknown CPRs – This is the most difficult aspect to cover, especially if the

contractor is not full-time accompanied by a specialist. Upon discovery of such material

during project implementation work, the following should be carried out:

Immediately stop construction activities

With the approval of the Resident Engineer delineate the discovered site area

Secure the site to prevent any damage or loss of removable objects. In case of

removable antiquities or sensitive remains, a night guard should be present until the

responsible authority takes over

Through the Resident Engineer, notify the responsible authorities, the Department of

Archaeology and local authorities within 24 hours

Submit a brief Chance Find Report, within a specified time period, with date and time of

discovery, location of discovery, description of finding, estimated weight and dimension of

CPR and temporary protection implemented

Responsible authorities would be in charge of protecting and preserving the site before

deciding on the proper procedures to be carried out

An evaluation of finding will be performed by Department of Archaeology who may decide

to remove the CPR deemed to be of significance, further excavate within a specified

distance of the discovery point and conserve on-site, and/or extend/reduce the areas

demarcated by the contractor etc. This should ideally take place within about 7 days

Construction work could resume only when permission is given from the Department of

Archaeology after the decision concerning the safeguard of the heritage is fully executed


Appendix 4: CPCB’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards, GoI Page 156

Appendix 4: CPCB’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards, GoI


Appendix 4: CPCB’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards, GoI Page 157


Appendix 5: Noise Quality Standards, GoI Page 158

Appendix 5: Noise Quality Standards, GoI


Appendix 6: Water Quality Standards, GoI Page 159

Appendix 6: Water Quality Standards, GoI

Tolerance and Classification

As per ISI-IS: 2296-1982, the tolerance limits of parameters are specified as per classified

use of water (Table 1,2,3,4,5 below) depending on various uses of water. The following

classifications have been adopted in India.

Class of Water

Classification Type of use

Class A Drinking water source without conventional treatment but after disinfection

Class B Outdoor bathing

Class C Drinking water source with conventional treatment followed by disinfection.

Class D Fish culture and wild life propagation

Class E Irrigation, industrial cooling or controlled waste disposal

TOLERANCE LIMITS

TABLE-1: TOLERANCE LIMITS FOR INLAND SURFACE WATERS, CLASS – A

S. No. Characteristic Tolerance

(1) (2) (3)

(i) pH 6.5 to 8.5

(ii) Dissolved Oxygen, mg/l, 6.0

(iii) Bio-chemical Oxygen Demand 2.0

(iv) Total Coliform Organisms, MPN/100 ml, Max 50

(v) Colour, Hazen units, Max 10

(vi) Odour unobjectionable

(vii) Taste Agreeable taste

(viii) Total Dissolved Solids, mg/l, Max 500

(ix) Total Hardness (as CaCO3), mg/l ,Max 300

(x) Calcium Hardness (as CaCO3), mg/l, Max 200

(xi) Magnesium (as CaCO3), mg/1,Max 100

(xii) Copper (as Cu), mg/l, Max 1.5

(xiii) Iron (as Fe), mg/l,Max 0.3

(xiv) Manganese (as Mn), mg/1,Max 0.5

(xv) Chlorides (as Cl), mg/l,Max 250

(xvi) Sulphate (as SO4), mg/l ,Max 400

(xvii) Nitrates (as NO2), mg/1,Max 20

(xviii) Fluorides (as F,) mg/l,Max 1.5

(xix) Phenolic compounds(as C6H5OH), mg/l,Max 0.002

(xx) Mercury (as Hg), mg/l ,Max 0.001

(xxi) Cadmium (as Cd), mg/1,Max 0.01

(xxii) Selenium (as Se), mg/l ,Max 0.01

(xxiii) Arsenic (as As), mg/1,Max 0.05

(xxiv) Cyanides (as CN), mg/l, Max 0.05

(xxv) Lead (as Pb), mg/l, Max 0.1

(xxvi) Zinc (as Zn), mg/l, Max 15

(xxvii) Chromium (asCr6+ ), mg/l,Max 0.05

(xxviii) Anionic detergents, (as MBAS), mg/l ,Max . 0.2



S. No. Characteristic Tolerance

(1) (2) (3)

(xxix) Poly-nuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), 0.2

(xxx) Mineral oil, mg/l ,Max 0.01

(xxxi) Barium (as Ba), mg/l ,Max 1.0

(xxxii) Silver (as Ag), mg/l Max 0.05

(xxxiii) Pesticides Absent

(xxxiv) Alpha emitters, μc/ml, Max 10-9

(xxxv) Beta emitters, μc/ml, Max 10-8

TABLE- 2: TOLERANCE LIMITS FOR INLAND SURFACE WATERS, CLASS – B

S. No Characteristic Tolerance Limit

(1) (2) (3)

(i) pH Value 6.5 to 8.5

(ii) Dissolved Oxygen, mg/1,Max 5.0

(iii) Biochemical Oxygen Demand (5 days at 20 °C), Max 3.0

(iv) Total Coliform Organisms, MPN/100 ml, Max 500

(v) Fluorides (as F)<mg/l, Max 1.5

(vi) Colour, Hazen units, Max 300

(vii) Cyanides (as CN), mg/l, Max 0.05

(viii) Arsenic (as As), mg/l, Max 0.2

(ix) Phenolic Compounds (as C6H5OH) mg/l, Max 0.005

(x) Chromium (as Cr6+), mg/l, Max 1.0

(xi) Anionic detergents (as MBAS), mg/l, Max 1.0

(xii) Alpha emitters, μc/ml, Max 10-8

TABLE - 3: TOLERANCE LIMITS FOR INLAND SURFACE WATERS, CLASS – C

S.No. Characteristic Tolerance Limit

(1) (2) (3)

(i) pH Value 6.5 to 8.5

(ii) Dissolved Oxygen, mg/l Minimum 4.0

(iii) Biochemical Oxygen Demand 3.0

(iv) Total coliform organisms, MPN/100 ml, Max 5000

(v) Colour, Hazen units, Max 300

(vi) Fluorides (as F), mg/l ,Max 1.5

(vii) Cadmium (as Cd), mg/l, Max 0.01

(viii) Chlorides (as Cl), mg/l, Max 600

(ix) Chromium (as Cr6+), mg/l, Max 0.05

(x) Cyanides (as CN), mg/l, Max 0.05

(xi) Total Dissolved Solids, mg/l, Max 1500

(xii) Selenium (as Se), mg/l, Max 0.05

(xiii) Sulphates (as SO4), mg/l, Max 400

(xiv) Lead (as Pb), mg/l, Max 0.1

(xv) Copper (as Cu),mg/l,Max 1.5

(xvi) Arsenic (as As), mg/l, Max 0.2

(xvii) Iron (as Fe), mg/l, Max 50

(xviii) Phenolic compounds (as C6H5OH), mg/l, Max 0.005

(xix) Zinc (as Zn), mg/l, Max 15




(1) (2) (3)

(xx) Insecticides, mg/l, Max Absent

(xxi) Anionic detergents (as MBAS), mg/l, Max 1.0

(xxii) Oils and grease, mg/l, Max 0.1

(xxiii) Nitrates (as NO3), mg/1,Max 50

(xxiv) Alpha emititers, μc/mg, Max 10-9

(xxv) Beta emitters, μc/ml, Max 10-8

TABLE- 4: TEOLERANCE LIMITS FOR INLAND SURFACE WATERS, CALSS – D


(1) (2) (3)

(i) pH value 6.5 to 8.5

(ii) Dissolved Oxygen, mg/l, Min. 4.0

(iii) Free Ammonia (as N), mg/l, Max. 1.2

(iv) Electrical Conductance at 25 °C, μS, Max 1000

(v) Free Carbon Dioxide (as C02),mg/1, Max 6.0

(vi) Oils and Grease, mg/l, Max 0.1

(vii) Alpha emitters, μc/ml, Max 10-9

(viii) Beta emitters, μc/ml, Max 10-8

TABLE- 5: TOLERANCE LIMITS FOR INLAND SURFACE WATERS, CLASS – E


(1) (2) (3)

(i) pH value 6.0 to 8.5

(ii) Electrical Conductance at 25°C, μS, Max 2250

(iii) Sodium Adsorption Ratio, Max 26

(iv) Boron (as B), mg/l, Max 2.0

(v) Total Dissolved Solids, (inorganic), mg/l, Max 2100

(vi) Sulphates (as SO4), mg/l, Max 1000

(vii) Chlorides (as Cl), Mg/l, Max 600

(viii) Sodium Percentage, Max 60

(ix) Alpha emitters, μc/ml, Max 10-9

(x) Beta emitters, μc/ml, Max 10-8



Appendix 6 (Contd): Drinking Water Specification (IS 10500:2012)

S.

No. Parameter Unit

Requirement

(Acceptable

Limit)

Permissible

Limit in

Absence of

Alternate

Source

Method of

Test, Ref

to Part of

IS 3025

Remarks

1 Colour (Max) Hazen 5 15 Part 4

Extended to 15 only, if

toxic substances are not

suspected in absence of

alternate sources

2 Odour -- Agreeable Agreeable Part 5

a) Test cold and when

heated

b) Test at several

dilutions

3 Taste -- Agreeable Agreeable Parts 7

and 8

Test to be conducted

only after safety has

been established

4 Turbidity (Max) NTU 1 5 Part 10 --

5 pH -- 6.5 to 8.5 No Relaxation Part 2 --

6 Temperature OC -- -- -- --

7 Electrical

conductivity

µ

mhos/cm -- -- -- --

8 Salinity ppt -- -- -- --

9 Total solids

mg/l

-- -- -- --

10

Total Hardness

as CaCO3

(Max)

200 600 Part 21 --

11

Total Alkalinity

as Calcium

Carbonate

(Max)

200 600 Part 23 --

12 Iron as Fe

(Max) 0.3 No Relaxation Part 53

Total concentration of

manganese (as Mn) and

iron (as Fe) shall not

exceed 0.3 mg/l

13 Chlorides as Cl

(Max) 250 1000 Part 32

14 Free Residual

Chlorine (Min) 0.2 1 Part 26

To be applicable only

when water is

chlorinated. Tested at

consumer end. When

protection against viral

infection is required, it

should be minimum 0.5

mg/l

15 Total dissolved

solids (Max) 500 2000 Part 16 --

16 Calcium as Ca 75 200 Part 40 --



S.

No. Parameter Unit

Requirement

(Acceptable

Limit)

Permissible

Limit in

Absence of

Alternate

Source

Method of

Test, Ref

to Part of

IS 3025

Remarks

(Max)

17 Magnesium as

Mg (Max) 30 100 Part 46 --

18 Copper as Cu

(Max) 0.05 1.5 Part 42 --

19 Manganese as

Mn (Max) 0.1 0.3 Part 59

Total concentration of

manganese (as Mn) and

iron (as Fe) shall not

exceed 0.3 mg/l

20 Sulphate as

SO4 (Max) 200 400 Part 24

May be extended to 400

provided that Magnesium

does not exceed 30

21 Nitrate as NO3

(Max)

mg/l

45 No Relaxation Part 34 --

22 Fluorides as F

(Max) 1 1.5 Part 60 --

23 Sodium as Na -- -- -- --

24 Potassium as

K -- -- -- --

25 Total Nitrogen -- -- -- --

26 Total

phosphorous -- -- -- --

27 Free Ammonia

as NH4 -- -- -- --

28

Phenolic

compounds as

C6H5OH (Max)

0.001 0.002 Part 43 --

29

Biochemical

oxygen

demand

-- -- -- --

30

Chemical

oxygen

demand

-- -- -- --

31 Dissolved

oxygen -- -- -- --

32 Mercury as Hg

(Max) 0.001 No Relaxation

Part 48(1)

Mercury

analyser

--

33 Cadmium as

Cd (Max) 0.003 No Relaxation Part 4 (I) --

34 Selenium as

Se (Max) 0.01 No Relaxation

IS 3025

(Part 56)

or

IS 15303*

In case of dispute, the

method indicated by ,*,

shall be the referee

method



S.

No. Parameter Unit

Requirement

(Acceptable

Limit)

Permissible

Limit in

Absence of

Alternate

Source

Method of

Test, Ref

to Part of

IS 3025

Remarks

35 Arsenic as As

(Max) 0.01 0.05 Part 37 --

36 Cyanides as

CN (Max) 0.05 No Relaxation Part 27 --

37 Lead as Pb

(Max) 0.01 No Relaxation Part 47 --

38 Zinc as Zn

(Max) 5 15 Part 49 --

39

Anionic

detergent as

MBAS (Max)

0.2 1 Annex K of

IS 13428 --

40 Chromium as

Cr6+ (Max) 0.05 No Relaxation Part 52 --

41 Total coli forms MPN/100

ml

Shall not be Detectable in any

100 ml sample IS 1622

--

42 Faucal coli

forms --

It is recommended that the acceptable limit is to be implemented. Values in excess of those mentioned under

'acceptable' render the water not suitable, but still may be tolerated in the absence of an alternative source but up

to the limits indicated under 'permissible limit in the absence of alternate source' in col 5, above which the

sources will have to be rejected


Appendix 7: Soil Quality Standards, GoI Page 165

Appendix 7: Soil Quality Standards, GoI

STANDARD SOIL CLASSIFCATION

Sl. No Soil Tests Classification

1 pH

<4.50 extremely acidic

4.51 -5.00 very strongly acidic

5.01 – 5.50 Strongly acidic

5.51 – 6.00 moderately acidic

6.01 – 6.50 Slightly acidic

6.51 – 7.30 neutral

7.31 – 7.80 Slightly alkaline

7.81 – 8.50 moderately alkaline

8.51 – 9.00 Strongly alkaline

9.01 Very strongly alkaline

2

Salinity Electrical Conductivity

(mmhos/cm)

(1 mmho/cm = 640 ppm)

Upto 100 average

101 – 200 harmful to germination

201 – 300 harmful to crops (Sensitive to salts)

3 Organic Carbon

Upto 0.2 : Very less

0.21 – 0.4 : less

0.41 – 0.5 : medium

0.51 – 0.8 : On an average sufficient

0.81 – 1.0 : Sufficient

> 1.0 : More than sufficient

4 Nitrogen (kg/ha)

Upto 59 very less

51 – 100 less

101 – 150 good

151 – 300 better

Above 300 sufficient

5 Phosphorus (kg/ha)

Upto 15 very less

16 – 30 less

31 – 50 medium

51 – 65 on an average sufficient

66 – 80 Sufficient

Above 80 more than sufficient

6 Potassium (kg/ha)

0 – 120 very less

120 – 180 less

181 – 240 medium

241 – 300 average

301 – 360 better

Above 360 more than sufficient

Source: Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi


Appendix 8: Stakeholder Consultations Page 166

Appendix 8: Stakeholder Consultations

Stakeholder Consultations - their views / perspectives

As a part of the project several consultative meetings were held at site. Details of this are provided from Table 1 to 3. This section also provides the different stakeholders and

beneficiaries. The specific details of the outcome of the meeting are tabulated and provided.

The Vessel Operator

The vessel operator is responsible for the vessel operation, vessel maintenance, managing the ticketing system and managing the daily commuters. They pointed out some difficulties that they faced while operating. The vessels get overcrowded during the peak hours, some commuters try and get on and off board while the vessel is in motion, which causes some accidents and becomes unsafe for the commuters. Also they pointed out during peak hours it becomes almost impossible to check whether all commuters have paid for tickets or not.

The Jetty Operators

Jetty operators are responsible for operation of the jetty as a whole. This includes cleanliness of the area around the jetty, managing the crowd, handling the crisis situations, and also looking after the safety and security of the travelers. In most of the cases the vessel operator and the jetty operator are the same organization. Sometimes, more than one operator is operating in a jetty, in which case, the jetty operator may be any one of the vessel operator.

Consultation with Jalsathy (Safety man) at Howrah Jetty

There are specially appointed Jalsathy (Safety Man) personal in most of the crowded Jetties both in Kolkata and Hooghly sides.

The Passengers

The passengers or the daily commuters are the major stakeholders. They pointed out some problems that they faced and these problems were of similar types irrespective of the location of the jetties. Some of the issues that they pointed out are listed as below:

a. The jetties and vessels needs up gradation

b. The vessels are too high to climb for especially for the old and women commuters

c. Travelling, getting on and off and walking on the gangway is a challenge for the

physically challenged people, insisted for some handrails, and space for wheelchairs

d. Washrooms on the vessels are in poor condition

e. Washrooms in and around the jetty are not in usable condition

f. There are no proper rest area in and around the jetty



g. Putting up of shade on the pontoon

h. Widening of the gangway

i. Electronic display of vessel timing and route

j. Announcements of the arrival and departure of the vessel.

The details of Consultation meetings at the jetties (commuters & Jetty workers) are provided in Table 3.



Table 1: Consultation meetings with stakeholders (Vessel Suppliers)

Name of the Organization

Location Types of Business

Environmental Concerns Mitigation measures required

A.C. Roy &Co (Total 2 Units)

Shibpur & Ghusuri(Howrah)

Building & Repair of Ship, Vessel, Vessel, Pontoons, Gangway etc.

Located on the banks of the river Hooghly No proper sign boards at the site workers are not very much aware of the safety & precautions required to be taken while working No proper storage area for storing of paints, spirit, oil

Site needs some monitoring and rearrangements. There should be proper markings on the areas where the people are working. Markings like ‘hazardous materials’, ‘store’, ‘waste disposal’ etc. should be clearly indicated. Scraps are regularly auctioned and sold away after a particular order is complete Paints, spirit, oil and other liquids are bought as much required and so there are no leftovers and wastes

Patra & Sons Shibpur (Howrah)

Building & Repair of Ship, Boat, Vessel, Pontoons, Gangway etc.

Located on the banks of the river Hooghly No proper sign boards at the site Workers are not very much aware of the safety & precautions required to be taken while working

Site needs some monitoring and rearrangements. There should be proper markings on the areas where the people are working. Markings like ‘hazardous materials’, ‘store’, Waste disposal’ etc. should be clearly indicated.

Table 2: Consultation meetings for stakeholders (Vessel Operators)

Sl. No.

Name and Designation

Department Concerns Raised Mitigation measures required

1 Rajat Bose Joint Managing Director

WBTC

Safety norms

Oil Spill

Vessel Operation

Vessel emission

Waste management

Vessel Design & capacity

Passenger safety

No of vessel operation

Relevant Documents delivered by the respective officer



Sl. No.



Regular survey

2 Arup Dutta, Chief Engineer (Marine)

WBTC

No of vessel Operation

Fuel efficiency

Disposal of abandoned vessel

Passenger safety

Disposal of emission in water

Design of vessel

Relevant Documents delivered by the respective officer

3 Capt. Srivastava Deputy Director-1

KoPT

Construction on river side it has to be approved by Board of Trustee of KoPT

KoPT looks after conservation of river Hooghly and keep it navigable

Regular Hydrological survey is carried out on the entire river

Whether CRZ clearance is required for this project

CRZ clearance is not required for the stretch of river Hooghly under the scope of the project. The area is not CRZ zone that can be classified as CRZ 1 ,II , III or IV as it does not satisfy the requirement of CRZ.

4

Dr. Subhashis Chatterjee Director General (Solid Waste Management)

KMC

Separate three bins for waste disposal

Dry waste - Blue, Wet - Green, Hazardous - Black

Green bin waste is composted, Blue bin is waste recycle

Waste collected from vessels at some ghats is manually collected

Taking up public awareness programme

Design of various placard for awareness

Putting coloured bins at various sites.

5 Md. Salim Ansari, KMC Mechanism of land Formation of committee for taking the decision



Sl. No.



Chief MunicipalLaw Officer

acquisition

Legal Framework of Land acquisition

According to court it is done by direct purchase by the client

Value of purchase land is decided according to rate of market.

6

Biswajit Dutta Commissioner

WBTC

Grievances received from CM's office is addressed within Seven (7) days

Whether any specific timeframe to address the issues

Grievance redressal mechanism

Nature of grievance for water transport

No separate wings of grievance cell

Only 2 people are there to look after the issues

No such mechanism developed by the authority

Whatever grievances are received, it only from ferry passengers

7

Sidaharta Roy Senior Environment Officer

WBPCB

Requirement CRZ clearance

PCB clearance

Oil spill mitigation Plan

Project area is beyond of requirement of CRZ Clearance. This is not under CRZ category

Checking whether clearance of Pollution Control Board is required or not from PCB office

Oil spill mitigation plan need to be submitted at the time of starting of the project

8 Ujjal Kumar Mukhopadhay Chief Scientist

WBPCB

PCB clearance for construction on river front & operating vessels.

Kolkata Port Trust is the final authority for any clearance of construction on river front &operating vessels.

Table 3: Consultation meetings at the Jetties (Commuters & Jetty workers)

Sl. No.

Stakeholder Type

Concerns Raised Response and Mitigation measures suggested

1 Regular Commuters

Gangway needs to be widened

To provide shade on the gangway

The height difference of the ferry and the pontoon to be reduced

Separate corridor for elderly and physically challenged

New structures/ are proposed to have wider gangway

Construction of new and proper washrooms and drinking water facility are also proposed

Special design of the gangway to cater to the



travelers

Proper signboards regarding the route of the ferry

Proper announcement system

Electronic display system at the terminals

Proper washroom facility on the jetty

elderly and the physically challenged people

Electronic display system is also being proposed at the sites

2 Occasional Commuters




Proper washroom facility on the jetty

Washroom facility on the vessels

New structures/ are proposed to have wider gangway


Special design of the gangway to cater to the elderly and the physically challenged people


3 Shopkeepers

Proper space for the shops and washroom to be properly maintained

If the jetty services are upgraded, it will be a better place for them to run business as the jetties will attract more commuters


Temporary relocation plans to be discussed and disclosed

4 Site Workers

Proper sitting arrangements for the on-site workers

Proper washrooms

Automatic ticketing system





Proper sitting arrangements will be taken care of




The local Governing bodies

The major governing bodies in this case are Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA), West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) and Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT). After consultation with the concerned authorities, the various issues like waste disposal (solid and liquid wastes) and the contingency plan was discussed.

KMC collects the solid waste from the vessels daily from designated places along the

35 ghats located along the Hooghly River.

The liquid waste was disposed directly into the river without any treatment.

Festive seasons; they also mentioned that they have taken initiative to clean up the

river after the idol immersion during the festive season. This is a routine religious

happening every year not related to project (Prevailing issue to resolve). Since larger

community issues (beyond the size and scope of the project) are involved this is not

in the purview of the project.

The shop owners

There were a few shops around the jetty area.

The shop owners earn their livelihood by selling goods there.

They also complained of the rush hour pressure at the entrance of the jetties.

They wanted the sites to be more developed so that more commuters could be

accommodated which will mean higher income for them as well.

Other beneficiaries

Other beneficiaries include the local people, who will be benefitted due to the development. The local transport system include in to auto rickshaw, cycle rickshaw, etc., who will carry passengers from the jetty terminals to the main road in many of the cases. Overall by this development everyone in the locality will be benefitted.

Jetty Beggars: As the government and various agencies are working for the welfare of

people, it is necessary to rehabilitate the permanently occupied Land side beggars by giving

suitable livelihood opportunities in the waterways sector for a descent earning.



A Report on Stakeholder Consultative Work Shop for West Bengal Inland Water

Transport, Logistics and Spatial Development Project

Project: West Bengal Inland Water Transport, Logistics and Spatial Development Project

with World Bank Loan assistance.

Date of workshop – October 31, 2019

Time: 10.30 to 1.30pm

Venue of Workshop- Conference Hall, PMU’s office at Paribahan Bhaban – II (CSTC

Complex – Ground Floor), Kolkata, West Bengal

As per the guidelines of the World Bank a Stakeholder’s consultation and disclosure meeting

was held at the Conference Hall, PMU’s office at Paribahan Bhaban – II (CSTC Complex –

Ground Floor), Kolkata,, West Bengal on October 31, 2019. Before the meeting the PMU has

invited the primary and secondary stakeholders’ at least seven days before the meeting. The

invitation letter is also enclosed.

Introduction and Welcome Speech by Project Director (PD)

The workshop was chaired by the Project Director (PD) Mr Amitabh Sengupta. Meeting

started with an opening welcome note by the Project Director, Mr. Amitabha Sengupta.

The PD welcomed all the attendees including representative of different Government and

quasi government departments, members of the civil society, vessels and ferry operators,

vessels, pontoons and gangway manufacture and representatives from various Jetties. In

addition from World Bank side the Environmental safe guard specialist Mr. Vaideeswaran

and Social safe guard specialist Mr. Neeraj Singh also attended the meeting as observers.

Presentation on the proposed Project by Project Director

Following which the PD has given a power point presentation on overall background/

introduction to the proposed development project. Subsequently the ESMF/ESIA consultant

has preceded with a presentation on the study findings up to this point and overall

assessment of the project development was discussed.

The Project Director narrated the necessity of the proposed project in context of the present

transport crisis and environment. The PD also presented the brief outline of the Multi-

modular Transport System for the near future. The presentation depicts a brief roadmap of

the future transport in the state of West Bengal. The PD in his presentation conclude that the

proposed First year project will improve cross-river passenger ferry infrastructure and

services and freight movement along the Hooghly River between Triveni to Nurpur. The

project has been proposed for financing by the World Bank as “West Bengal Inland Water

Transport, Logistics and Spatial Development Project”.

Environmental and Social management Framework

The Team Leader of the ESMF/ESIA consultant L&TIEL, Mr. CV Sundara Rajan, introduced

the team and initiated the Power point presentations.

The presentations were divided into following components:

Overall Main Environmental/Social Assessment – presented by Mr. Reji Varghese,

Environmental Engineer , L&TIEL

Details of the Resettlement Policy Framework – presented by Mr. Suman Sarkar,

Social Expert L&TIEL



Generic Environmental & Social Impact Management Mitigation Plan – presented by

Mr. CV Sundara Rajan, Team Leader , L&T IEL project team

Presentations on Good and Bad/Poor Practices seen at the jetties – Mr. C V Sundara

Rajan, Team leader, Social and environmental Assessment

Introduction of Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF)

The Team Leader of the ESMF team had a brief description of the basis and requirements of

the Environmental and Social Management Framework and make path for the subsequent

presentation of the Environment and Social presentation. He has giver an abstract of who is

going to present what in the subsequent session of the workshop

Environment presentation

The Environmental Expert of the ESMF Team presented the Environmental Requirements of

the State, National and the safeguard policy of the World Bank.

Social and Resettlement Policy Framework (RFP)

The Social Expert made the presentation of the Social Assessment and RPF. Social

Assessment comprised: (i) Consultations with ferry users, (ii) Stakeholder Analysis, (iii)

Institutional Analysis; and (iv) Impact Assessment. A Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF)

has been prepared which will guide (i) for conducting Social Screening, (ii) Social Impact

Assessment (SIA) based on the outcome of social screening, and (iii) preparation of

Abbreviated Resettlement Action Plan (ARAP) or Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) depending

upon the magnitude of impacts. The participants were interested about the Entitlements of

the affected persons due to the project impact. As the First year project does not propose

any impacts on the land side thus there might be negligible resettlement and rehabilitation

impact explained by the Social Expert and supported by the PD.

Environmental impacts and mitigation

The most interactive session was the Environmental impacts and mitigation plan presented

by the ESMF Team Leader. The participants were more interested regarding the Oil spill

management, requirements of toilets, provide dolphin deterrent devices for river dolphin, etc.

Good practices

The Team Leader also presented the Good Practice followed by the jetties which include the

presence of Jaal Sathi, latest Gate system at some jetties, availability of Safety Jacket, etc.

Bad practices

The working hours of the Jaal Sathi and other contract staff, Safety issue of the Pontoon, oil

spillage, pressure on the pontoons during rush hours, spillage of the used tickets etc were

discussed.

Important Points discussed

1. Bally Ghat: will not be taken up under this proposed development. During the site

consultations locals mentioned that the Bally Bridge provides convenient access across

the river, as such having a jetty here would not provide added value. In addition, PD has

mentioned that from the environmental point of view, there is a banyan tree at the access

to the jetty location which is understood to be more than 100 years old. Also there is a

Temple at the location. Further, there is a Water Treatment Plant located just adjacent to

the ghat location. It would not be technically possible to construct the jetty at the present

ghat location. To construct the jetty here would need Land Acquisition as jetty would



need to be constructed at a new location. Considering the above factors, development of

a jetty at Bally Ghat is decided not to be taken up under this present scope.

2. CRZ Clearance:

An official from the Dept. of Environment, asked for clarity on the project location as the

presentation mentioned that proposed development falls beyond CRZ limits and CRZ

Clearance will not be applicable. It was mentioned that CRZ limits are upto the Diamond

Harbour area and as the proposed development is to be taken up beyond that point

(Nurrpur onwards), the CRZ Notification would not apply.

3. Vessel Operation:

Concerns of grounding of vessels, oil spills were raised. Need for having an Oil Spill

Contingency Plan was suggested

With regard to the disturbance to aquatic life in the waterways, it was suggested to have

the vessels fitted with dolphin deterrent devices. This will help provide a warning to the

fishes as the boat/vessel approaches

4. Sewage issues: direct disposal into the water body

STP is too costly and not practical

Official from IWAI suggested use of a sewage storage tank on the vessel and a collection

tank at each terminal location; this is being practiced in Andaman & Nicobar Islands

5. Fuel Filling Station:

Has a diesel filling station near Chandpal Ghat

Suggestion for having floating filling stations

Filling stations should ensure to have provisions for oil spill recovery

6. Fresh Water Source at Jetties:

Lack of fresh water source at most of the jetties was highlighted

Provisions need to be made for supply of fresh water to all jetty locations

Suggested that fresh water could be supplied through barges carrying the water

7. Pontoon Operations:

a. Need for barricading on the pontoon and gangway was discussed in detail

b. Few were not in favour of this as amongst one of the major adverse impacts could

be that small boats could use this as place to tie their boats

c. Also, need for having roof top over the gangway and link structure was discussed

d. The technical feasibility of this was discussed

e. It was mentioned that in most foreign countries roof top covering is provided on

the gangway and link structures

f. Also, an IWAI official mentioned that all such structures in Andaman & Nicobar

Islands have been provided with the roof top covering

8. Need for Bigger Vessels:

An official from WBTC, enquired about feasibility of having bigger vessels with

capacity of 300-400 PAX. PD mentioned that this enquiry will be looked into.



9. Vessel Building:

An official from a Ship Building Manufacturer mentioned that GoI is providing

incentives for building vessels over 24 m length.

PD has requested that circular/guidelines in this regard be shared with the PMU

and this will be looked into.

10. Jetty limits and Terminal building

In order to manage most of the issues a terminal building and Jetty limits were

discussed.

Closing remarks by Project director PD

After the presentation there was an open session of for discussion and information from the

participants pop up. It was learnt that the there is an incentive from the Central Government

for ships beyond 24 m in length, there is specification requirement of sun shade or rain

shade in the link way, there is a requirement of waiting hall, there should be more fueling

centres, the Jaal Sathi working hours may be considered etc. The meeting ended with a vote

of thanks to all from the PD.

The Photographic Record of the Meeting



LIST OF ATTENDEES



List of other consultations

Consultations with Stakeholders

Sl.

No

Name of the

Office

Name of the

Official Designation

Date of

Visit Contract No Issues discussed

Response on

proposed

project

1

West Bengal

Transport

Corporation

Mr. Rajat Bose Jt. Managing

Director

19-09-

19 8697733273

Safety norms, Oil Spill, Vessel Operation, Vessel emission,

Waste management, Vessel Design & capacity, Passenger

safety, No of vessel in operation, etc.

High Support

2

West Bengal

Transport

Corporation

Mr. Arup Dutta Chief Engineer

(Marine)

24-09-

19 9051617695

No of vessel Operation, Fuel efficiency, Disposal of

abandoned vessel, Passenger safety, Disposal of emission

in water, Design of vessel

-do-

3

Transport

Department,

West Bengal

Transport

Corporation

Mr. Biswajit

Dutta Commissioner

19-09-

19

9647657740/

9831035329

Existing grievances redressal mechanism. No established

grievance mechanism exists at present. It is dealt on a

case to case basis. Grievances received from CM's office

are attended on priority basis. Broadly,

complaints/grievances received from CM's office are

resolved in seven days. Occasionally complaints are

received from ferry users.

-do-

4 Kolkata Port

Trust Capt. Srivastava

Deputy Director -

1 (Marine)

25-09-

19

Construction on river side requires approval from Board of

Trustee of KoPT, KoPT looks after conservation of river

Hooghly and keeps it navigable, Regular Hydrological

survey is carried out on the entire river, and CRZ clearance

is not required for the stretch of Hooghly River under the

scope of the project.

-do-

5 Kolkata Municipal

Corporation

Dr. Subhashis

Chatterjee

Director General,

Solid Waste

Management

20-09-

19 9836536419

Waste from vessel are collected at some ghats, Three

bins for waste disposal has been started, Green bin waste

is composted, Blue bin is waste recycle, public awareness

program is being organized

-do-

6 Kolkata Municipal

Corporation

Md. Salim

Ansari, Law

Department

Chief Municipal

Law Officer

20-09-

19

Land acquisition and resettlement and rehabilitation, Rules

not framed for land acquisition under RFCTLARR Act

2013, Land required for projects purchased as per Direct

-do-



Consultations with Stakeholders

Sl.

No

Name of the

Office

Name of the

Official Designation

Date of

Visit Contract No Issues discussed

Response on

proposed

project

land purchase from land owners through mutual consent,

no provision of resettlement and rehabilitation in direct land

purchase system.

7

West Bengal

State Pollution

Control Board

Mr. Sidaharta

Roy

Senior

Environment

Officer

24-09-

19 9432136744

Requirement CRZ clearance - Project area is beyond of

requirement of CRZ Clearance. This is not under CRZ

category. Requirement of clearance from Pollution Control

Board for the proposed project needs further verification,

Oil spill mitigation plan needs to be submitted at the time of

starting of the project activities.

-do-

8

West Bengal

State Pollution

Control Board

Mr. Ujjal Kumar

Mukhopadhay Chief Scientist

25-09-

19

9830063508/ 033-

2335-2813, email:

[email protected]

Kolkata Port Trust is the final authority for any clearance of

construction on river front & operating vessels, Permission

is not required from PCB in this regard.

-do-



LETTER OF INVITATION


Appendix 9: Draft Format for Monitoring of Grievances Page 184

Appendix 9: Draft Format for Monitoring of Grievances

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT ON GREIVANCE MANAGEMENT

Name of Activities

1 2

3 4 5 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Sl.

No

.

Nam

e o

f co

mp

lain

ant

Ad

dre

ss

Ph

on

e/ M

ob

. &

emai

l

Dat

e o

f re

ceip

t o

f co

mp

lain

t (d

d/m

m/y

yyy)

Mo

de

of

com

pla

int

(exa

mp

le:

Co

mp

lain

t B

ox/

P

ho

ne/

Em

ail/

etc)

Ack

no

wle

dg

eme

nt

of

com

pla

int

(d

d/m

m/y

yyy)

Cla

ssif

icat

ion

(Q

uer

y,

Su

gg

esti

on

, C

om

pla

int)

Su

mm

ary

of

com

pla

int

GR

C M

eeti

ng

co

nve

ned

on

(d

d/m

m/y

yyy)

F

urt

her

in

form

atio

n/

dat

a re

qu

ired

fo

r re

solv

ing

co

mp

lain

ts (

Yes

/

No

)

Sta

tus

(Res

olv

ed/P

end

in

g)

Rem

arks

, C

on

stra

ints

in

re

solv

ing

Res

olv

ed w

ith

in

stip

ula

ted

tim

e (Y

es/N

o)


Appendix 9: Draft Format for Monitoring of Grievances Page 185