61118124212125IDUKEIA Report T1&T2Ver-1

Detailed Design Consultancy of all structures including
Tunnels, Bridge/Viaduct, Yard and associated works and

Construction Supervision of Tunnels (T-1 and T-2) &
Bridges (Br. 2 & Br. 3) between Km -0.386 to Km 6.113 in
connection with Construction of Sivok (West Bengal) to
Rangpo (Sikkim) New Single Line BG Railway Line Project .
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ASSESSMENT REPORT
Version 1 Delhi, September 2016
Detailed Design Consultancy of all structures including Tunnels,
Bridge/Viaduct, Yard and associated works and Construction Supervision of
Tunnels (T-1 & T-2) & Bridges (Br. 2 & Br. 3) between Km -0.386 to Km 6.113
in connection with Construction of Sivok (West Bengal) to Rangpo (Sikkim)
New Single BG Railway Line Project.
EIA- Report
Contents
Chapter-1 ............................................................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Introduction............................................................................................................................ 5
1.2 Objective: ............................................................................................................................... 5
1.3 Project Area........................................................................................................................... 5
1.4 Environmental Impact Assessment ................................................................................... 7
1.5 Structure of the EIA Report................................................................................................. 7
1.6 Contact Details: .................................................................................................................... 8
Chapter-2 ............................................................................................................................................. 10
2.1 Introduction:......................................................................................................................... 10
2.2 Environmental Impacts ...................................................................................................... 10
2.3 Noise and Vibration ............................................................................................................ 10
2.4 Surface Water Quality ....................................................................................................... 11
2.5 Air Quality ............................................................................................................................ 12
2.6 Muck Generation ................................................................................................................ 12
2.7 Project Site Overview: ....................................................................................................... 12
Chapter-3 ............................................................................................................................................. 15
3.0 Introduction.......................................................................................................................... 15
3.1 Environment Protection Act, 1986 ............................................................................... 17
3.2 EIA Notification, 2006 and Amendments .................................................................... 17
3.3 Indian Forest Act, 1927 ................................................................................................. 18
3.4 Forest Conservation Act, 1980 and Amendments .................................................... 18
3.5 Forest Conservation Rules, 2003 and Amendments ................................................ 19
3.6 Forest (Conservation) Amendment Rules, 2004 ....................................................... 19
3.7 Railways (Amendment) Act 2008 ................................................................................ 20
3.8 Biological Diversity Act, 2002 ....................................................................................... 20
3.9 The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 ................................................................................. 20
3.10 Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2013 ............................................................. 21
3.11 Land Acquisition Act 1984 and its amendment ......................................................... 21
3.12 The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition,: ............ 21
3.13 The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, ............. 22
3.14 Scheduled Tribes and Other Forest Dwelling ............................................................ 22
3.15 Noise Pollution Regulation and Control Rules ........................................................... 22
3.16 Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 .................................................. 23
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3. 17 Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974......................................... 23

3.18 Other relevant Acts ............................................................................................................ 23
3.18.1 Ancient Monuments & Archaeological Sites & Remains Act, 1958................... 23
3.18.2 Cultural Environment Related Act, 1958 ............................................................... 24
3.18.3 The Labour Laws of India ........................................................................................ 24
3.18.4 Factories Act, 1948 and its Amendment in 1987 ................................................. 24
3.18.5 Public Liability Insurance Act (PLIA), 1991 ........................................................... 25
3.18.6 Regulation/Act governing Vibration ........................................................................ 25
3.18.7 Hazardous Wastes Management Rules, 1989 ..................................................... 25
3.18.8 The National Environment Tribunal Act, 1995 ...................................................... 25
3.18.9 Restrictions for mining in ecologically fragile areas ............................................. 25
3.18.9 Mining Act 1952 and the Mineral Concession Rules 1960 ................................. 26
3.18.11 Ministry of Environment and Forest Eco-sensitive Notifications .................... 26
3.18.12 National Environmental Policy 2006 .................................................................. 26
3.18.13 National Forest Policies........................................................................................ 27
3.18.14 National Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy 2007 ................................... 27
3.19 State Specific Acts ............................................................................................................. 27
3.19.1 Bengal Trees (Protection and Conservation in Non-Forest Areas) Act, 2006 . 27
3.19.2 West Bengal Ground Water Resources (Management, Control and
Regulation) Act 2005 ................................................................................................................. 28
3.20 International Agreements .................................................................................................. 28
3.20.1 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) 1973 ..... 28
3.20.2 Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer 1987 ............ 28
3.20.3 Basel Convention on Trans boundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes, 1989
29
3.20.4 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), 1992 .................. 29
3.20.5 Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992 .............................................................. 29
3.20.6 UN Convention on Desertification, 1994 ............................................................... 30
3.20.7 International Tropical Timber Agreement 1983, 1994 ......................................... 30
3.20.8 Permissions/Approvals/Clearances........................................................................ 30
Chapter-4 ............................................................................................................................................. 32
4.0 Introduction:......................................................................................................................... 32
4.1 Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary ........................................................................................ 32
4.2 Forests ............................................................................................................................. 33
4.0 Baseline Environmental Quality ....................................................................................... 34
4.1 Air Quality Monitoring: ................................................................................................... 34
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.............................................................................................................................................................. 41
Water Quality Monitoring:.......................................................................................................... 43
Table 4.8 Locations of the Baseline Environmental Monitoring Stations ........................ 52
4.7 Geology............................................................................................................................ 52
4.8 Minerals ........................................................................................................................... 52
4.9 People of Darjeeling District ......................................................................................... 52
4.10 Soils .................................................................................................................................. 54
4.11 Land Use ......................................................................................................................... 54
4.12 Geography ....................................................................................................................... 54
4.13 Climate ............................................................................................................................. 55
4.14 Drainage .......................................................................................................................... 56
4.15 Economy of Darjeeling District ..................................................................................... 56
4.16 Tourism of Darjeeling District ....................................................................................... 56
Chapter-5 ............................................................................................................................................. 58
5.0 Introduction:......................................................................................................................... 58
5.1 Impacts on the Wildlife: ..................................................................................................... 58
Disturbance to Wildlife ............................................................................................................... 58
5.1.1 Mitigation Measures ................................................................................................... 59
5.2 Impacts due to Operation of Construction Plant and Equipment ................................ 60
5.3 Impacts due to Approach Road Construction ................................................................ 61
5.4 Impacts due to Muck Disposal ......................................................................................... 61
5.5 Impacts on Water Quality .................................................................................................. 62
5.6 Sewage from Construction worker Camps ..................................................................... 62
5.7 Effluent from Construction Plants and Workshops ....................................................... 63
5.8 Impact on Noise Environment .......................................................................................... 63
5.8.1 Noise due to Construction Equipment .................................................................... 63
5.8.2 Noise Generated due to Drilling: .............................................................................. 63
5.8.3 Noise Generated due to Blasting ............................................................................. 63
5.8.4 Noise Mitigation Measures........................................................................................ 63
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5.9 Impacts due to Ground Vibrations: .................................................................................. 64

5.9.1 Mitigation Measures for Vibration ............................................................................ 64
5.10 Impact on Air Quality ......................................................................................................... 64
5.11 Impacts due to Quarrying Operations ............................................................................. 65
5.12 Impact on Socio‐economic Environment ........................................................................ 65
5.12.1 Negative Impacts on Socio‐Economic Environment ............................................. 66
5.13 Soil ........................................................................................................................................ 66
5.13.1 Impacts along with Mitigation Measures ................................................................. 66
5.14 Drainage .............................................................................................................................. 66
5.15 Labour Issues ..................................................................................................................... 67
5.15.1 Mitigation measures ................................................................................................... 67
5.16 Hazardous Materials & Waste Management ................................................................. 68
5.17 Erosion and Silt Runoff ...................................................................................................... 68
5.17.1 Environmental Mitigation Measures ........................................................................ 69
5.18 Workforce training .............................................................................................................. 78
5.19 Bridge Construction ........................................................................................................... 79
5.20.1 Protection Measures .................................................................................................. 79
5.21 Station Yard......................................................................................................................... 79
5.21.1 Air Quality .................................................................................................................... 79
5.21.2 Water Pollution ........................................................................................................... 80
5.21.3 Solid Waste ................................................................................................................. 80
5.21.4 Noise and Vibrations .................................................................................................. 81
5.21.5 Soil Erosion ................................................................................................................. 81
5.21.6 Public Health and Safety ........................................................................................... 81
Chapter-6............................................................................................................................................. 82
Chapter-7 ............................................................................................................................................. 84
Annexure-1-Baseline Environmental Data ..................................................................................... 85
Noise Level Data ................................................................................................................................ 96
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Chapter-1
1.1 Introduction
Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has begun construction of the North Bengal-Sikkim Railway Link, a
52.7km stretch of track that will connect Sivok, North Bengal, to Rangpo, Sikkim. The line will be
broad gauge (5ft 6in) and has a proposed 100km/hr. speed limit. Once operational, it will be for the
first time that Sikkim will be connected to the main Indian rail network, and it is expected to boost local
tourism and the region's economy. The rail link will pass through the steep terrain of the
Kanchenjunga mountain range foothills and the Tiesta river valley; in addition 85% of the route will
pass through tunnels.
The consultancy work was awarded to D2- PEMS(JV) for a total length of the proposed alignment is
about 6.113 km, which includes two tunnels (T-1 and T-2), Sivok Yard, three bridges and adits/
escape tunnels. Total length of the two tunnels is 5.070 km, which shall be constructed with NATM
technology and also 2 Bridges (single spans ranging from 18m to 125m) and Sivok Station Yard.
The proposed tunnel T-1 and T-2 starts from the boundary of Mahananda Wildlife sanctuary and
caves through the wildlife sanctuary. The land for the portals, tunnels, access roads, muck disposal
area has already been acquired by the Client. The Client approached National Wildlife for getting the
necessary wildlife clearance. The Sivok station will be further developed with a new platforms, station
building and proposed over bridge for pedestrians.
1.2 Objective:
The main objective of the consultancy services is the “Detailed Design Consultancy of all structures
including Tunnels, bridge/viaduct, and associated works and Construction Supervision of Tunnels (T-
1 & T-2) &Bridges (Br. 2 & Br. 3) between Km -0.386 to Km 6.113 in connection with Construction of
Sivok (West Bengal) to Rangpo (Sikkim) New Single line BG Railway Line Project.” As a part and
parcel of the study an Environmental Impact Assessment Study was carried out for the proposed
activities along with Environmental Management Plan has been formulated for the project to
implement the project in a more environmental friendly manner.
1.3 Project Area
The proposed project railway line passes through the foothills of Kanchenjunga ranges of Himalayas
running close to river Teesta. It passes approximately 100 to 600 m away from the National Highway
NH-31A connecting from Rangpo to Gangtok via Kalijhora – Durbin Dara, through the reserve forest
areas in the Darjeeling District of West Bengal and East Sikkim District of Sikkim. The topography is
hilly and falls in seismic zone – IV. The locality receives heavy to very heavy rainfall; the average
rainfall is in the order of 2500mm per year and monsoon period extend from May to October.
The locations of the portals of tunnel T-1 is approximately defined by chainage Km 0+371 for south
portal and Km 4+574 for north portal, for Tunnel T-2 Km 4+831 for south portal and Km 5+698 for
north portal. The ruling gradient of Tunnel T-1 is from 1.050% for the first 295.8 m behind the south
portal and then changes to 1.205% till the north portal. The ruling gradient of Tunnel T-2 is 1.237% for
the whole Tunnel. The whole alignment is with curve compensation.. The design speed of the new
section is 100 kmph for mixed traction; the ruling gradient is 1 in 80 with curve compensation. The
project area map is given below in the figure.1
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Figure 1
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Project stretch starts from the Sivok Railway Station and end before the portal-1 of the tunnel 3. The
project proponent acquired land for the tunnel construction from the forest department. The client is
perusing the forest and wild life clearance procedures. There will be tree cutting at the tunnel portal
area which will be compensated by afforestation program by the Department of Forests. The Sivok
station will comprise of a new railway platform, proposed over bridge and a station yard. In addition to
the above Muck disposal areas were also identified by the client.
The entire tunnel passes under Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is
located on the foothills of the Himalayas, between the Teesta and Mahananda rivers. Situated in
the Darjeeling District of West Bengal, India; it falls under Darjeeling Wildlife division. Sukna is the
entry point to the sanctuary and it is only 13 km from Siliguri.
1.4 Environmental Impact Assessment
The purpose of the assessment is to ensure that decision makers consider the environmental impacts
while deciding whether or not to proceed with a project. The International Association for Impact
Assessment (IAIA) defines an environmental impact assessment as "the process of identifying,
predicting, evaluating and mitigating the physical, biological social, and other relevant effects of
development proposals prior to major decisions being taken and commitments made. EIAs are
unique in that they do not require adherence to a predetermined environmental outcome, but rather
they require decision makers to account for environmental values in their decisions and to justify
those decisions in light of detailed environmental studies and public comments on the potential
environmental impacts.
EIA thus ensures that the potential problems are foreseen and addressed at an early stage in project
planning and design. Creation of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) system is vital to confirm
socio-economic development projects to environmental safety and thereby ensure sustainable
economic development. In view of the fact that development is an ever-growing process, its impact on
the environment is also ever increasing, leading to rapid deterioration in environmental conditions. As
such environmental assessment provides a rational approach to sustainable development. It also
enables us in carrying out environmental cost-benefit analysis of projects at an initial stage.
The Environmental Regulations integrate Environmental Impact Assessment procedures into this
framework and should only apply to those projects which are likely to have significant effects on the
environment. Every anthropogenic activity has some impact on the environment. More often it is harmful
to the environment than benign. However, mankind as it is developed today cannot live without taking
up these activities for his food, security and other needs. Consequently, there is a need to harmonise
developmental activities with the environmental concerns. Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is
one of the tools available with the planners to achieve the above-mentioned goal. The EIA study is
broadly divided into different chapters, which is discussed in the succeeding paragraphs.
1.5 Structure of the EIA Report
The Environmental Impact Assessment is broadly divided in to following chapters:
Chapter 1:
Introduction details more on the project objective and the activities involved along the project stretch.
A brief on the location also mentioned in this chapter.
Chapter 2:
Envisages the importance of the primary data and the secondary information from the project area
and how the data plays a significant role in the prediction of the impacts.
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Chapter 3:
The existing environmental legislation and the clearances procedures will be discussed in this section
for successful implementation of the project.
Chapter 4:
This section of the Report will focus on the collection of the primary data and the secondary
information collection from various secondary sources. Thus collected data will be systematically
used for framing of this chapter.
Chapter 5:
This section of the report will list out the likely impacts caused due to the project implementation and
the suggested remedial measures will be given in a detailed way.
Chapter 6:
Throws a brief light on the environmental management plan to be adopted for the project will be
detailed in this section. A detailed management plan will be produced as a separate report for better
implementation of the mitigation measures.
Chapter 7:
This section of the report would focus on the conclusion drawn by the consultant team on the
proposed project after the site inspections, investigations and referring to the secondary information.
1.6 Contact Details:
The Project Proponent Contact Details are given below:
Mr. A.K. Goyal,

Executive Director Projects
IRCON International Limited,
Ministry of Railways,
C-4, District Centre, Saket,
New Delhi-110017
Phone: 29565666
Mr. Surrender Singh,

CPM, Railway Projects
New Delhi-110017
Phone: 29565666
Mr. M.K. Poddar

Deputy General Manager
New Delhi-110017
Phone: 29565666
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Mr. Padam Singh,

Deputy Manager (Civil)
New Delhi-110017
Phone: 29565666
Mobile: 9560595225
Mr.Prasenjit Purkayastha
Joint General Manager,
IRCON International Limited
(Ministry of Railways),
Sivoke-Rangopo Railway Line Project,
SUKRITI, Jyoti Nagar, Sivoke Road,
P.S. Bhakti Nagar, Siliguri-734001.
(T) 0353-2541011
(M) 08016000605
Mr. Sumit Jain,

Deputy Manager (Civil)
New Delhi-110017
Phone: 29565666
Mobile: 9560595351
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Chapter-2
2.1 Introduction:
Economic, social and environmental change is inherent to development. While development aims to
bring about positive change it can lead to conflicts. In the past, the promotion of economic growth as
the motor vehicles use for increased well-being was the main development thrust with little sensitivity
to adverse social or environmental impacts. The need to avoid adverse impacts and to ensure long
term benefits led to the concept of sustainability. This has become accepted as an essential feature of
development, if the aim of increased well-being and greater equity in fulfilling basic needs is to be met
for this and future generations. In order to predict environmental impacts of any development activity
and to provide an opportunity to mitigate against negative impacts and enhance positive impacts, the
environmental impact assessment (EIA) procedure was developed in developing and the developed
World.
Environmental assessment is taken up in this exercise as a rapid assessment technique for

determining the current status of the environment and identifying impact of critical activities on
environmental parameters. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies need a significant
amount of primary and secondary environmental data. Primary data are those collected in the field to
define the status of the environment (like air quality data, water quality data etc.). Secondary data are
those collected over the years that can be used to understand the existing environmental scenario of
the study area. The environmental impact assessment (EIA) studies are conducted over a short
period of time and therefore the understanding of the environmental trends, based on a few months of
primary data, has limitations. Ideally, the primary data must be considered along with the secondary
data for complete understanding of the existing environmental status of the area. The succeeding
section will throw some light on the Impacts caused due to the tunnelling projects. The environmental
data collection is show in a schematic diagram.2.1.1
2.2 Environmental Impacts
Creating new paths to access the tunnel face, destroy the landscape and existing environmental
conditions. Construction of rail access is an inevitable intervention in the environment that causes
significant impacts by removal of trees, earth excavation and embankment. In general,
geomorphologic alteration, changes in working surface, ground water level, potential increase of
erosion phenomena, destruction natural inhabitants of animals and plants, increase of dust
concentration in the atmosphere. The positive impact will be considerable reduction of air pollution
during the operation stage of the tunnels and the socio-economic status of the local population will be
improved over a period of time.
One of the most significant undesirable impacts on the environment is disposing of excavated
materials during the tunnel excavation. Disposal of waste materials in the construction of the tunnel is
a type of effects that can create detrimental effects on environment such as water pollution, soil
contamination and pollution of natural ecosystems.
Primary data was generated on baseline air quality, noise levels and surface water quality and
secondary information was collected from various secondary sources.
2.3 Noise and Vibration
Important environmental issues are noise and vibration. Noise levels can arise during the phase of
construction causing environmental hazards, because a high noise level is often generated. In
addition, high volumes of vehicular movement during construction can generate higher noise levels,
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which may be above permitted levels. Increased noise levels tend to be problem adjacent areas
where there is human habitation.
The major sources of noise in the tunnel during construction include:
 Noise from blasting for excavation tunnels

 Noise from drilling machines, instruments, loading, etc.
 Noise from traffic and transportation around the tunnel
 Noise from loading and haulage
 Noise from fans for tunnel ventilation
Noise Pollution (Regulation & Control) rules 2000. As a result of considering the deleterious and
psychological effects of the noise pollution on the human well-being, MOEF & CC (Ministry of
Environment, Forests and Climate Change) has drawn up the above rules, which have come to force
with effect from February 14, 2000. According to the provisions of the rules notified, a person might
make a complaint to the designated ‘Authority’ in the event that the actual noise levels exceed the
ambient noise standards by 10dB(A) or more as compared to the prescribed standards. The
designated authority will take action against the violator in accordance with the provisions of these
rules or other law in force. Executing Agency (EA) shall identify all 'industrial', 'commercial',
'residential' and 'silent' zones within the project study area. EA shall assess if the levels of noise
generated by the project in any area exceeded the ambient air quality standards in respect of noise as
specified in the Schedule of the Rules. EA shall describe noise level control measures to achieve
compliance with the ambient air quality standards in respect of noise.
With this objective of the baseline noise level survey was carried out to grasp current noise level and
of the existing project area. Primary and secondary data also collected for the noise levels and come
out with implementable noise level control measures will be suggested in the report.
2.4 Surface Water Quality
The surface water quality gets affected during the life cycle of an infrastructure such as a tunnel.
Detailed investigation of surface and subsurface hydrology should take place before and during
construction. The least damaging route and structural elements should be chosen to get minimum
interruption and alteration of hydrology patterns and processes. Drying up caused by the manner of
building infrastructure is a topic which is becoming more and more important. Several studies can be
carried out, which give insight into the effects of infrastructure on the hydrology of areas in the
surroundings of tunnel and how to mitigate these effects. Water pollution caused by the leakage of
construction materials during worksites can be reduced using containers that are designed to exclude
leakage.
Surface water run-off also carries other pollutants from the site, such as diesel and oil, toxic
chemicals, and building materials like cement. When these substances get into waterways they
poison water life and any animal that drinks from them. Pollutants on construction sites can also soak
into the groundwater, a source of human drinking water. Once contaminated, groundwater is much
more difficult to treat than surface water.
Water quality is of prime concern not only for drinking and irrigation purposes but also for
maintenance of ecology, aquatic life, other consumption, aesthetic uses and sustainability. Water
quality analysis at bridge construction sites along proposed alignment is one of the important tasks for
collecting the baseline information. It is in view of the assumption that during construction impact due
to heavy machines, construction material, digging and human interference will increase. All these
aspects will have impact on the water quality as well as natural environment along the river. The river
Tista flows parallel to the tunnel alignment, Kali Jhora and Andheri Jhora are the rivers flowing in the
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project area. The baseline quality of the river water will be assessed by measuring the following
parameters.
Present study is to provide baseline information of the physico-chemical characteristics of the Tista
river water along the tunnel route will be collected. Baseline parameters selected for the study are:
temp, pH, conductivity, turbidity, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, hardness, dissolved
oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, chloride, sulphates, ammonia,
nitrate, calcium, magnesium, fluoride, oil & grease, total coli, fecal coli, copper, iron, zinc, manganese
and flow rate. Based on the baseline quality mitigation measures will be suggested during the
construction stage of the project.
2.5 Air Quality
The Air (Prevention and control of Pollution) Act, 1981 This Act provides for the prevention, control
and abatement of air pollution. It is triggered by air polluting activity in an air pollution control area or
when emissions of any air pollutant into the atmosphere exceed the standards set by the Central and
State Pollution Control Boards. EA shall identify air pollution control areas. Document shall identify
all air polluting activities and sources associated with the project. EA confirms that consent will be
obtained for air pollution control area. Environmental report describes mechanisms requested for the
operation of industrial equipment and to notify the State Board of an unforeseen release of air
pollutants exceeding the standards. Remedial measures proposed to mitigate air pollution in air
pollution control areas are to be described.
Construction activities that contribute to air pollution include: land clearing, operation of diesel
engines, demolition, burning, and working with toxic materials. All construction sites generate high
levels of dust (typically from concrete, cement, wood, stone, silica) and this can carry for large
distances over a long period of time. Diesel is also responsible for emissions of carbon monoxide,
hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide. Noxious vapours from oils, glues, thinners, paints,
treated woods, plastics, cleaners and other hazardous chemicals that are widely used on construction
sites, also contribute to air pollution.
Air pollutants are emitted through the machines used for construction activities and the vehicles used
for transportation etc. the major air pollutants emitted are the suspended particulate matter, carbon
dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, sulphur dioxide and respirable particulate matter.
The objective of air quality monitoring is to assess the air quality levels before, during and after
construction and conclude how the project affected the local air quality and suggest and implement
the mitigation measures to curtail the air pollution levels.
2.6 Muck Generation
Muck is generated in large quantities in a tunneling project. Thus generated muck should be properly
disposed not to contaminate adjacent water bodies and not to contaminate ground water.
Precautionary measures will be suggested for proper handling of Muck. Muck disposal practices will
be discussed in the environmental management plan, which will be submitted separately. At present
the project is at the design stage, so it is difficult predict the quantum of muck generated.
2.7 Project Site Overview:
The construction of new single broad gauge railway line, connecting Sivok in West Bengal near
Siliguri to Rangpo in Sikkim, has been entrusted to IRCON International. Purpose of this project is
mainly to cater the rail connectivity to the North Eastern states by North East Frontier Railway. The
funding of the project is by Ministry of Railways, Govt. of India. The main area of concern is that the
line is passing through dense forest and will require acquisition of forest land.
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The project railway line passes through the foothills of Kunchanjangha ranges of Himalayas running
close to river Teesta. It passes approximately 100 to 600 m away from the National Highway NH-31A
connecting from Rangpo to Gangtok via Kalijhora – Durbin Dara, through the reserve forest areas in
Darjeeling district of West Bengal and East Sikkim District of Sikkim.
The topography is hilly and falls in seismic zone – IV. The locality has heavy to very heavy rainfall; the
average rainfall is in the order of 2500mm per year and monsoon period extend from May to October.
Latest Cost of the project is Rs. 1339 Cr. Target completion is 50 months after award of Letter of
Award to the DDC, i.e. February, 2020.
The awarded project stretch entails construction of rail embankments including two tunnels between
Km -0.386 to Km 6.113, namely tunnels T-1 (4203 m) and T-2 (867 m), two bridges (Br. 2 and Br. 3)
with spans ranging from 18.3 m to 125 m and station Sivok yard.
The locations of the portals of tunnel T-1 is approximately defined by chainage Km 0+371 for south
portal and Km 4+574 for north portal, for Tunnel T-2 Km 4+831 for south portal and Km 5+698 for
north portal. The ruling gradient of Tunnel T-1 is from 1.050% for the first 295.8 m behind the south
portal and then changes to 1.205% till the north portal. The ruling gradient of Tunnel T-2 is 1.237% for
the whole Tunnel. The whole alignment is with curve compensation. ). The design speed of the new
section is 100 kmph for mixed traction; the ruling gradient is 1 in 80 with curve compensation.
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2.1.1 Environmental Data Collection
Water Quality
Noise levels
Air Quality EIA- Study
Secondary Information
1. Land use
2. Agriculture Secondary Sources
3. Forest Cover 1. Client (IRCON)
4. Population 2. DM’s Office
Meteorology
5. Geography 3. Forest Department
6. Geology 4. Pollution Control Boards
7. Soils 5. Ministry of Environment
8. Tourism and Forests
9. Rivers of the District 6. North Bengal University
10. Climate 7. District Statistics Office
8. Department of Tourism
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Chapter-3
3.0 Introduction
Extensive network on environmental legislation has grown in this country since 1970. The
Environmental Legislation helps to plug in gaps and protect environment while developing various
projects associated with the development of the country. The laws implementation will help in
sustainable development and protects the human health and property as well. The Ministry of
Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India and the State and Central Pollution
Control Boards together formed as the regulatory and administrative core sector. In addition to the
above, the Constitution of India clearly states that it is the duty of the states to protect and improve
environment and to safeguard the forests and wild life of the country.
Environmental protection has always been a part and parcel of Indian Culture as evidenced by the
stipulated responsibilities of the State as well as Citizens for the nature and living being in the
Constitutions of India under Article 48A and 51A (g). Article 48A depicts that” The State shall
endeavor to protect and improve the environment and safeguard the forests and wildlife of the
country; and Article 51A (g) envisages that the “Fundamental duty of every citizen to protect and
improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife and to have compassion
for living creatures. In India, MOEF& CC is a multi-disciplinary regulatory body for the environmental
protection and conservation in the country. Environmental laws of unprecedented scope and impact
have been passed by the Government of India in order to protect and improve the environment. The
Department of Environment was established in 1980 and later became Ministry of Environment,
Forests and Climate Change, Government of India.
There is legislation which must be considered before the execution of the project, in terms of getting
clearances from the statutory bodies for the implementation of the project. There are also laws to be
followed at the time of implementation of the project. The table given below gives a brief out look of
the environmental legislation which is to be followed for the project execution and the details of the
legislation are given in the succeeding paragraphs.
Table 3.1 Environmental Legislations

.
Sr. Applicable Laws Purpose of the Applicability to the Statutory bodies Legal
No Law Proposed Project involved in the Procedures
process of applicable at
clearance for the various levels of
project the project.
implementation
1 Environmental To protect and The project Ministry of The Railway
Protection Act- improve overall activities should Environment and Project does not
1986 environment maintain strict Forest. require any
emission Government of environmental
standards during India, Department clearance
the construction of Environment,
period. State Government,
Central Pollution
Control Board and
State Pollution
Control Board.
2 Environmental To provide The present Ministry of No
Impact environmental railway tunnelling Environment, Environmental
Assessment clearance to new project does not Forests and Clearance is
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Notification14th development require any Climate Change,, required

Sep-2006 and its activities following environmental Government of
amendment till environmental clearance India.
2009 impact
assessment
3 Air (Prevention To control air To control air West Bengal. State This would be
and Control of pollution pollution by Pollution Control applicable at the
Pollution) Act, controlling Board time of the
1981 emission and air execution of the
pollutants project
according to
prescribed
standards
4 Water Prevention To control water Various West Bengal State This would be
and Control of pollution by parameters in Pollution Control applicable at the
Pollution) ACT controlling Effluents from Board time of the
1974 discharge of construction sites execution of the
pollutants as per and workshops project
the prescribed are to be kept
standards below the
prescribed
standards
5 Noise Pollution The standards for Diesel Generators West Bengal State This would be
(Regulation and noise for day and sets at Pollution Control applicable at the
Control Act) 1990 night have been construction sites Board time of the
promulgated by and workshops execution of the
the Ministry of should be project
Environment, provided with
Forests and acoustics
Climate Change, enclosures.
for various land
uses
6 The Forest To check Forest clearance State Forest The clearance
(Conservation) deforestation by is a must for this Department. should be
Act 1927 The restricting project Ministry of obtained at the
Forest conversion of implementation Environment, time of design
(Conservation) forested areas Forest and Climate stage. At
Act. 1980 The into non- forested Change present the
Forest areas client is working
(Conversion) on the Forest
Rules 1981 clearance
7 Wild Life To protect wildlife As the proposed Chief Conservator The clearance
Protection Act through certain of tunnel passes Wildlife, Wildlife should be
1972 and National Parks through the Wing, Forest obtained at the
Amendment in and Sanctuaries Mahananda Department, time of design
1991 Sanctuary Government State stage. At
requires Wildlife Wildlife present the
Clearance from Department, Client is
the Wild life Ministry of perusing the
Warden. Environment, clearance.
Forests and
Climate Change.
8 Explosive Act Safe Explosives used Chief Controller of The clearance
1984 transportation, for blasting Explosives should be
storage and use purpose as it is obtained at the
of explosive being an tunnel time of design
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material project stage

9 Central Motor To check All vehicles in Use Road Transport This would be
Vehicle Act 1988 vehicular air and shall obtain Authority of West applicable at the
and Central noise pollution. Pollution Control Bengal. time of the
Motor Vehicle Check certificates execution of the
Rules1989 project
10 The Land Set out rule for The requirement State Revenue The clearance
Acquisition Act acquisition of land of land will be Authorities, Forest should be
1894, 1989 by Government. there in the forest officials and District obtained at the
areas. Officials. time of design
stage
11 Biological disclosure of The area is rich in National The clearance
Diversity Act species survey or biodiversity Biodiversity should be
2000 collection Authority obtained at the
activities to the time of design
stage
12 Ancient Conservation of If case of State Department This would be
Monuments and Cultural and archaeological for Archaeology applicable at the
Archaeological Historical remains and historical time of the
sites & Remains found in India monument is execution of the
Act 1958 traced out in the project
area
13 Public liability Assessment of Shall be taken as West Bengal State This would be
insurance Act hazardous per requirements Pollution Control applicable at the
1991 materials and Board time of the
accident hazards design stage of
the project
Even though the railway projects do not require any environmental clearance but while
executing the project the following legislation are to be followed. The details of the
legislation are given in detail.
3.1 Environment Protection Act, 1986
The Environmental Protection Act (1986) was enacted under the article 253 of the Indian Constitution
to protect and improve the environmental quality and reduce pollution from all sources. Section 15 of
the Environmental Protection Act also deals with the provisions of penalty if a person fails to comply
any provision or any direction issued under this act, then he shall be punished for each failure. This
Act is designed to provide a framework for the co-ordination of central and state authorities
established under the Water (Prevention and Control) Act, 1974 and Air (Prevention and Control) Act,
1981. Under this Act, the Central government is empowered to take necessary measures to protect
and improve the quality of the environment by setting up standards for emissions and discharges;
regulating the location of industries; management of hazardous wastes, and protection of public
health and welfare. From time to time the central government issues notifications under the EPA for
the protection of ecologically-sensitive areas or issues guidelines for matters which come under the
EPA. The railway projects do not require any environmental clearance.
3.2 EIA Notification, 2006 and Amendments
Environmental Impact Assessment guidelines framed out by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and
Climate Change, Government of India is governing all of the developmental interventions that are
taking place inside the country. EIA notification was issued by Ministry of Environment, Forests and
Climate Change, in 1994 and later amended in 2002. Purpose of this amendment was to impose
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restrictions and prohibitions on the expansion and modernization of any activity or proposing a new
project, as specified in Schedule 1 in any part of India, unless environmental clearance has been
accorded by the Central Government or State Government in accordance with the procedure
specified in the notification. The EIA notification was once again revised and notified on September
14, 2006 in order to make the EIA process more transparent and effective.
According to the gazette notification, there are two categories of projects viz. category A and
Category B. Category A will be cleared by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change,
Government of India by an Expert Appraisal Committee constituted by the Ministry. The category B
project will be cleared by the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority constituted by State
Environment Ministry at State Government. If there is no State level authority constituted by the
Government then all the categories of projects spelt out in Schedule 1 would be dealt at Central
Ministry. At present Railway Tunnel project does not require any clearance by the Ministry of
Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India as on date.
The major objectives of the notification are to formulate a transparent, decentralized and efficient
regulatory mechanism, details are given below:
• Incorporate necessary environmental safeguards at planning stage

• Involve stakeholders in the public consultation process
• Identify developmental projects based on impact potential instead of the investment
Criteria
3.3 Indian Forest Act, 1927
The Indian Forest Act 1927 was enacted after repealing the Indian Forest Act, 1878 for the purpose of
consolidating the law relating to forests, the transit of forest produce and the duty applicable on timber
and other forest produce. The Act is an important piece of the Central Legislation and various state
enactments have made amendments to suit their local requirements and some states enacted their
own full scale Forest Acts.
The Indian Forest Act was enacted to preserve and safeguard the forests generally in India. The act
makes various provisions for such conservation of forests and in the scheme it provides for a state
government to constitute any forest lands or waste lands, which are property of Government or which
the governments have proprietary rights, a reserved forests.
All though the Indian Forest Act specifically speaks with (i) reserved forests (ii) village forests and (iii)
protected forests. The preamble and other provisions of the Forest Act are wide enough to cover all
categories of forests.
3.4 Forest Conservation Act, 1980 and Amendments
This Act was adopted to protect and conserve forests. The Act restricts the powers of the state in
respect of de-reservation of forests and use of forestland for non-forest purposes (the term ‘non-forest
purpose’ includes clearing any forestland for cultivation of cash crops, plantation crops, horticulture or
any purpose other than re-afforestation). This Act is applicable for the forest area along the corridor.
The procedure for the forest clearance is given down below for the readers.
Forest Clearance: The location of the project is done by using the forest atlas and Survey of India
maps. During fixing the alignment, all possible efforts -shall be made to avoid national parks and
sanctuaries. In unavoidable circumstances like the geography of the terrain or the cost implication or
non-availability of alternatives may lead for the acquisition of forest land. The following criteria should
be considered while making the proposal for acquisition of forest land. The proposal shall avoid
cultural or historical importance, tribal community dwellings, public utility things, and sanctuaries, bio
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reserves and eco sensitive zones. The selection of the forest land should be made in consultation
with the forest department and the revenue department. Prescribed forestry Performa should be
submitted to the Nodal Officer of the District Forest Office which shall be forwarded to the Divisional
Forest Officer or Conservator of Forest for formulation of the forest proposal for processing for
clearance under the Forest (Conservation) Act. 1980. The DFO then surveys the relevant forest area
required for the construction of project under the possible alternatives. Forest authorities conduct a
cost benefit analysis to assess the loss of forest produce, loss to environment vis-à-vis benefits of
project. Compensatory A forestation (CA) scheme is prepared to compensate loss of vegetation and
is the most important and integral part of the proposal. The forest authorities will identify the degraded
forestland of twice the area of the affected land to develop compensatory forest. The Chief Wildlife
Warden also gets a detailed assessment report prepared including measures to protect the wildlife,
which is submitted with the proposal. Thus submitted proposal will be forwarded to the Principal Chief
Conservator of forests and to State Secretariat. The State Government recommends the proposal for
further processing and approval to concerned Regional Offices of the Ministry of Environment,
Forests and Climate Change, if the area involved is less than 40 hectares or less or it will be referred
to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, if the area is more than 40 hectares for
approval process.
3.5 Forest Conservation Rules, 2003 and Amendments
Forest conservation rules provided power to the committee, which is composed of the following
members: - Director General of Forests, Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, –
Chairperson Additional Director General of Forests, Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate
Change,- Member, Additional Commissioner (Soil Conservation), and Ministry of Agriculture- Member.
Three eminent experts from forestry and allied disciplines (non-officials) Members, Inspector General
of Forests (Forest Conservation), Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, is the
Member Secretary. The Committee shall have due regard to all or any of the following matters while
tendering its advice on the proposals referred to it under sub-rule (1), such as:-
• Whether the forests land proposed to be used for non-forest purpose forms part of a nature
reserve, national park wildlife sanctuary, biosphere reserve or forms part of the habitat or any
endangered or threatened species of flora and fauna or of an area lying in severely eroded
catchment
• Whether the use of any forest land is for agricultural purposes or for the rehabilitation of persons
displaced from their residences by reason of any river valley or hydro-electric project.
• Whether the State Government or the other authority has certified that it has considered all other
alternatives and that no other alternatives in the circumstances are feasible and that the required
area is the minimum needed for the purpose; and Whether the State Government or the other
authority undertakes to provide at its cost for the acquisition of land of an equivalent area and a
forestation thereof.
3.6 Forest (Conservation) Amendment Rules, 2004
Amendment in the Forest (Conservation) Rules,2003 rule is for the exercise of the powers conferred
by Sub-section (1) of Section 4 of the Forest (Conservation) Act,1980 (69 of 1980). Every User
Agency who want to use any forest land for non- forestry purpose, shall make a proposal in the
relevant Form appended to these rules, i.e. Form’ A’ for proposal seeking renewal of lease, where
approval under the Act, and Form ‘B’ for proposal seeking renewal of lease, where approval of the
Central Government under the Act had already been obtained, to the Nodal Officer of the concerned
State Government or the Union Territory Administration, as the case may be, along with requisite
information and documents complete in all respects.
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3.7 Railways (Amendment) Act 2008
The Railways Act, 1989, an Act to consolidate and amend the law relating to Railways was amended
in 2008. This Act is may be called the Railways (Amendment) Act, 2008 (RAA 2008). The RAA 2008
has been prepared for the execution of a special railway project, which means a project, notified as
such by the Central Government from time to time, for providing national infrastructure for a public
purpose in a specified time-frame, covering one or more states or the Union territories. The RAA 2008
provides land acquisition process and procedures for the special railway project such as Sivok-
Rangopo project, including valuation method of land compensation.
The amendments include insertion of following clauses:
7A (competent authority) - means any person authorized by the central Government by notification,
to perform the functions of the competent authority for such area as may be specified in the
notification;
29A (person interested) – (i) all persons claiming an interest in compensation to be made on
account of the acquisition of land under this Act; (ii) tribe’s and other traditional forest dwellers, who
have lost any traditional rights recognized under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest
Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006; (iii) a person interested in an easement affecting
the land; and (iv) persons having tenancy rights under the relevant State laws;
37A (special railway project) – means a project, notified as such by the Central Government from
time to time, for providing national infrastructure for a public purpose in a specified timeframe,
covering one or more States or the Union territories;
3.8 Biological Diversity Act, 2002
The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, has enacted the Biological Diversity Act,
2002 under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity signed at Rio de Janeiro on the 5th
day of June, 1992 of which India is also a party. This Act is to “provide for the conservation of
biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair and equitable sharing of the benefits
arising out of the sued of biological resources, knowledge and for matters connected therewith or
incidental thereto.” As per the provision of the act, certain areas which are rich in biodiversity and
encompass unique and representative ecosystems are identified and designated as biosphere
reserve to facilitate its conservation. All restrictions applicable to protected areas like National Park &
Sanctuaries are also applicable to the reserves.
3.9 The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
The Government of India enacted Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972 with the objective of effectively
protecting the wild life of this country and to control poaching, smuggling and illegal trade in wildlife
and its derivatives. The Act was amended in January 2003 and punishment and penalty for offences
under the Act have been made more stringent. The Ministry has proposed further amendments in the
law by introducing more rigid measures to strengthen the Act. The objective is to provide protection to
the listed endangered flora and fauna and ecologically important protected areas.
The WPA (Wildlife Protection Act), 1972, provides for protection to listed species of flora and fauna
and establishes a network of ecologically-important protected areas. The WPA empowers the central
and state governments to declare any area a wildlife sanctuary, national park or closed area. There is
a blanket ban on carrying out any industrial activity inside these protected areas. It provides for
authorities to administer and implement the Act; regulate the hunting of wild animals; protect specified
plants, sanctuaries, national parks and closed areas; restrict trade or commerce in wild animals or
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animal articles; and miscellaneous matters. The Act prohibits hunting of animals except with
permission of authorized officer when an animal has become dangerous to human life or property or
as disabled or diseased as to be beyond recovery (WWF-India, 1999). The near-total prohibition on
hunting was made more effective by the Amendment Act of 1991. This particular act is applicable for
the wild life areas falling under the project area in West Bengal.
3.10 Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2013
This Act provides for the protection and conservation of wild animals, birds and plants. It also covers
the management of their habitats and regulation and control of trade or commerce linked to wild life.
According to the government, India is a party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and amendments to the Act are necessary for India to fulfil
its obligations under the CITES. The key amendments made by the Bill are:
• The manufacture, sale, transport or use of animal traps except for educational and scientific
purposes (with permission) is prohibited Under the Act, destruction, exploitation or removal of
any wildlife including forest produce from a sanctuary is not permitted, except with a permit.
The amendment allows certain activities such as grazing or movement of livestock, bona fide
use of drinking and household water by local communities, and hunting under a permit.
• Provisions to regulate international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora as per
the CITES have been inserted. A schedule listing out flora and fauna for purposes of
regulation of international trade under CITES has been added.
• The Tiger and Other Endangered Species Crime Control Bureau has been changed to the
Wild life Crime Control Bureau.
• The term of punishment and fines for commission of offences under the Act have been
increased.
3.11 Land Acquisition Act 1984 and its amendment
In India land is acquired by the Government for a public purpose under the principles of eminent
domain, that is, the Government has the first right to land. Land is acquired by Government most
commonly under the Land Acquisition (LA) Act of 1894 modified in 1984. The amendment of 1984
extended the scope of the definition of public purpose and some of its norms related to time, amount
and procedures of compensation were liberalized. However, the Act in essence remains unchanged.
The Act is applicable to the whole of country except the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The land
needed for the Sivoke-Rangopo Railway project will be acquired under the LA Act of 1894 and
compensated as per the provisions of Act unless decided otherwise by the Government. Land
acquisition under the Act on an average takes two to three years’ time period. However, there is a
provision of emergency clause under the LA Act but, in general; this clause is not invoked to acquire
land. The compensation as per LA Act includes the award amount, 30% solatium and interest @ of
12% from the date of U/s 4A. The valuation of trees and other immovable properties on the land is
based as per the rates decided by the competent authority in consultation with concerned
departments for the purpose of payment of compensation.
3.12 The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation
and Resettlement Act, 2013 (also Land Acquisition Act, 2013):
An Act of Indian Parliament that regulates land acquisition and lays down the procedure and rules for
granting compensation, rehabilitation and resettlement to the affected persons in India. The Act has
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provisions to provide fair compensation to those, whose land is taken away, brings transparency to
the process of acquisition of land to set up factories or buildings, infrastructural projects and assures
rehabilitation of those affected. The Act establishes regulations for land acquisition as a part of India's
massive industrialization drive, driven by public-private partnership. The Act replaced the Land
Acquisition Act, 1894, a nearly 120-year-old law enacted during British rule.
3.13 The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation
and Resettlement (Amendment) Bill, 2015:
This bill popularly known as Land bill was adopted by the Lok Sabha. There are the six important
facts, such as:
• The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and
Resettlement (Amendment) Bill, 2015 seeks to Amend the Act of 2013 (LARR Act, 2013).
• The Bill creates five special categories of land use: 1. defense, 2. rural infrastructure, 3.
affordable housing, 4. industrial corridors, and 5. infrastructure projects including Public
Private Partnership (PPP) projects where the central government owns the land
• The Bill exempts the five categories from provisions of the LARR Act, 2013 which requires
the consent of 80 per cent of land owners to be obtained for private projects and that of 70
per cent of land owners for PPP projects.
• The Bill allows exemption for projects in these five categories from requiring Social Impact
Assessment are done to identify those affected and from the restrictions on the acquisition of
irrigated multi-cropped land imposed by LARR Act 2013.
• The Bill brings provisions for compensation, rehabilitation, and resettlement under other
related Acts such as the National Highways Act and the Railways Act in consonance with the
LARR Act.
• The Bill changes acquisition of land for private companies mentioned in LARR Act, 2013 to
acquisition for ‘private entities’. A private entity could include companies, corporations and
nonprofit organizations.
Following are some of the salient features of the new bill.
3.14 Scheduled Tribes and Other Forest Dwelling Communities (Recognition of Forest
Rights) Act 2006 and its Rules
This act recognizes forest rights and occupation in forest land in forest dwelling Scheduled Tribes and
other traditional forest dwellers who have been residing in such forests for generations but whose
rights could not be recorded; to provide for a framework for recording the forest rights so vested and
the nature of evidence required for such recognition and vesting in respect of forest land. This act has
provided authority to Gram Sabha to initiate the process for determining the nature and extent of
individual or community forest rights or both that may be given to the forest dwelling scheduled tribes
and other traditional forest dwellers within the local limits of its jurisdiction under this Act by receiving
claims, consolidating and verifying them and preparing a map delineating the area of each
recommended claim in such manner as may be prescribed for exercise of such rights and the Gram
Sabha shall, then, pass a resolution to that effect and thereafter forward a copy of the same to the
sub-divisional level committee.
3.15 Noise Pollution Regulation and Control Rules
As a result of considering the deleterious and psychological effects of the noise pollution on the
human wellbeing, Ministry of Environment and Forest has drawn up the above rules, which have
come to force with effect from February 14 2000. According to the provisions of the Rules notified, a
person could make a complaint to the designated Authority in the event that the actual noise levels
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exceed the ambient noise standards by 10 dBA(A) or more as compared to the standards prescribed
in the Schedule of the Rules. The designated authority will take action against violator in accordance
with the provisions of these rules or other laws in force. The above law is applicable at the time of the
execution of the project. The equipment used during the construction should have acoustic enclosure.
The above air and the water laws are applicable at the time of construction for letting off the
wastewater or emissions from varied source.
3.16 Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
To counter the problems associated with air pollution, ambient air quality standards were established,
under the 1981 Act. The Act provides means for the control and abatement of air pollution. The Act
seeks to combat air pollution by prohibiting the use of polluting fuels and substances, as well as by
regulating appliances that give rise to air pollution. Under the Act establishing or operating of any
industrial plant in the pollution control area requires consent from state boards. The boards are also
expected to test the air in air pollution control areas, inspect pollution control equipment, and
manufacturing processes.
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for major pollutants were notified by the Central
Pollution Control Board in April 1994. These are deemed to be levels of air quality necessary with an
adequate margin of safety, to protect public health, vegetation and property.
The NAAQS prescribe specific standards for industrial, residential, rural and other sensitive areas.
Industry-specific emission standards have also been developed for various industries. To empower
the central and state pollution control boards to meet grave emergencies, the Air (Prevention and
Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 1987, was enacted. The boards were authorized to take
immediate action to tackle such emergencies and recover the expenses incurred from the offenders.
The power to cancel consent for non-fulfillment of the conditions prescribed has also been
emphasized in the Air Act Amendment.
In 1988, the Motor Vehicles Act was enacted to regulate vehicular traffic, besides ensuring proper
packaging, labeling and transportation of the hazardous wastes. Various aspects of vehicular pollution
have also been notified under the EPA of 1986. Mass emission standards were notified in 1990,
which were made more stringent in 1996. In 2000 these standards were revised yet again and for the
first time separate obligations for vehicle owners, manufacturers and enforcing agencies were
stipulated.
3. 17 Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
This Act represented India’s first attempts to comprehensively deal with environmental issues. The
Act prohibits the discharge of pollutants into water bodies beyond a given standard, and lays down
penalties for non-compliance. The Act was amended in 1988 to conform closely to the provisions of
the EPA, 1986. It set up the CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) which lays down standards for
the prevention and control of water pollution. At the State level, the State Pollution Control Boards
(SPCB) functions under the direction of the Central Pollution Control Board and the state
Government.
3.18 Other relevant Acts
3.18.1 Ancient Monuments & Archaeological Sites & Remains Act, 1958
The ASI administers the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
According to this act, areas within radii of 100 m and 300 m from the “protected property” are
designated as “protected” and “controlled” respectively. No development activity is permitted in the
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protected area, without prior permission of the GOI. Similarly, certain developmental works likely to
damage the protected properties and those activities require prior permission from Government of
India. Conservation for the designated protected monuments/sites/remains is addressed by the
existing legislation. However, there are several railway side cultural properties that are not
“protected”, but are of significant cultural or religious value to the community. No procedure exists at
present for conservation of these “smaller” cultural properties
3.18.2 Cultural Environment Related Act, 1958
As a result of growing interest in cultural heritage in the nation, both government agencies and NGOs
concerned with the preservation and conservation of this heritage have been established. The
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is the organization working on the protection and conservation of
monuments and archaeological sites. It is supported in its endeavors by the state Directorate of
Archaeology. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), under the Ministry of Culture, is the Premier
organization for the archaeological researches and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation.
Maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance is
the prime concern of the ASI. Besides it regulate all archaeological activities in the country as per the
provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. It also
regulates Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972.
3.18.3 The Labour Laws of India
India has a number of laws which deals with issues concerning Labour administration, labour welfare,
and management and the workers. The Factories Act of 1948 provides for the health, safety and
welfare of the workers. The Employment of Children Act, 1938 and prohibits the employment of young
children below the age of 15 years in certain risky and unhealthy occupations. The payment of wages
Act, 1936, regulates the timely payment of wages without any unauthorized deductions by the
employers. The Minimum Wages Act, 1948, ensures the fixation and revision of minimum rates of
wages in respect of certain scheduled industries involving hard labour. The Workmen’s Compensation
Act, 1923, provides for compensation to injured workmen of certain categories and in the case of fatal
accidents to their dependents if the accidents arose out of and in the course of their employment. It
also provides for payment of compensation in the case of certain occupational diseases. The
Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948, provides for sickness benefit, maternity benefit, disablement
benefit and medical benefit. The Employees’ Provident Fund Act, 1952, seeks to make a provision for
the future of industrial worker after he retires or in case he is retrenched, or for his dependents in case
of his early death. Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986, In India, there are a number of
Acts which prohibit the employment of children below the age of14 years and 15 years in certain
specified employments. These labour laws are applicable at the time of construction
3.18.4 Factories Act, 1948 and its Amendment in 1987
The Factories Act, 1948 was a post-independence statute that explicitly shown concern for the
environment. The primary aim of the 1948 Act has been to ensure the welfare of workers not only in
their working conditions in the factories but also their employment benefits. While ensuring the safety
and health of the workers, the Act contributes to environmental protection. The Act contains a
comprehensive list of 29 categories of industries involving hazardous processes, which are defined as
a process or activity where unless special care is taken, raw materials used therein or the
intermediate or the finished products, by-products, wastes or effluents would:
• Cause material impairment to health of the persons engaged

• Result in the pollution of the general environment
The other Labour Acts which are applicable at the time of construction are given down below.
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3.18.5 Public Liability Insurance Act (PLIA), 1991
The Act covers accidents involving hazardous substances and insurance coverage for
these. W here death or injur y results from an accident, this Act makes the owner liable
to provide relief as is specified in the Schedule of the Act. The PLIA was amended in
1992, and the Central Government was authorized to establish the Environm ental
Relief Fund, for making relief payments.
3.18.6 Regulation/Act governing Vibration
There is no prevailing regulation/standard in India governing train induced ground vibrations.

Regulations/standards prevailing in other countries such as USA, Japan, and Sweden etc. have been
reviewed and compared with the findings of vibration monitoring in their respective chapter. Vibration
Regulation Law in Japan issued by Ministry of the Environment, Government of Japan stipulates to
preserve living environment and contribute to protection of the people’s health by regulating vibration.
As per this law, standards for vibration emitted from specified construction works and limits for motor
vehicle vibration have been provided for different land use pattern. As per USA Federal Transit
Administration, the criteria for environment impact from ground-borne vibration are based on the
maximum root-mean- square (rms) vibration levels for repeated events from same source. Experience
based on international standards provides a good foundation for predicting and controlling annoyance
from ground-borne vibrations in residential areas as well as interference with vibration- sensitive
activities. This particular regulation applies during the construction stage of the project.
3.18.7 Hazardous Wastes Management Rules, 1989
• Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 1989, which brought out a guide for
manufacture, storage and import of hazardous chemicals and for management of hazardous
wastes.
• Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) Amendment Rules, 2000, a recent
notification issued with the view to provide guidelines for the import and export of hazardous
waste in the country.
• Biomedical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998, were formulated along parallel
lines, for proper disposal, segregation, transport etc. of infectious wastes.
• Municipal Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 2000, whose aim was to enable
municipalities to dispose municipal solid waste in a scientific manner.
3.18.8 The National Environment Tribunal Act, 1995
The National Environment Tribunal Act, 1995 is enacted to setup legal institution across the country to
provide for strict liability for damages arising out of accidents occurring during handling of hazardous
substances and for establishment of National Environment Tribunal for effective and expunction
disposal of cases arising from such accidents, with a view to giving relief and compensation for
damages to person, property and the environment.
3.18.9 Restrictions for mining in ecologically fragile areas
Restrictions have also been imposed for mining operations in wildlife, sanctuaries, national parks,
near the national monuments, areas of cultural heritage, ecological fragile areas rich in biological
diversity, gene pool etc. Prior environmental clearance is required in respect of any project to be
located within 10 Km. of the boundary of reserve forests or a designated ecologically sensitive area or
within 25 Km. of the boundary of national park or sanctuary (MOEF, 1994).
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3.18.9 Mining Act 1952 and the Mineral Concession Rules 1960
The mining act deals with the necessary permission required for opening of the quarry and the mines
act further explains about the safety aspects of the mining operation and transporting the material etc.
Mineral Concession Rules explain the extension of rules for the existing quarry.
Supreme Court Ruling on Mining Activities April 2012
The Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006, as amended, requires mining
projects (new projects, expansion or modernization of existing projects as also at the stage of
renewal of mine lease) with lease area of 5 ha and above, irrespective of the mineral (major or
minor} to obtain prior environment clearance under the provisions thereof. Mining projects with
lease area of 5 ha and above and less than 50 ha are categorized as category 'B' whereas
projects with lease area of 50 ha and above are categorized as category 'A'. The category 'A'
projects are considered at the central level in the Ministry of Environment & Forests while category 'B'
projects are considered by the respective State/UT Level Environment Impact Assessment
Authority, notified by MoEF under the EIA Notification, 2006. 3. In order to ensure compliance of
the above referred order of the Hon'ble Supreme Court dated 27.2.2012, it has now been
decided that all mining projects of minor minerals including their renewal, irrespective of the
size~ of the lease would henceforth require prior environment clearance. Mining projects with
lease area up to less than 50 ha including projects of minor mineral with lease area less than 5 ha
would be treated as category 'B' as defined in the EIA Notification, 2006 and will be
considered by the respective SEIAAs notified by
MoEF and following the procedure prescribed under EIA Notification, 2006. 4. Further, the Hon'ble
Supreme Court in its order dated 16.4.2012 in the above mentioned matter stated "All the
same, liberty is granted to the applicants before us to approach the Ministry of Environment,
Forests and Climate Change, for permission to carry on mining below five hectares and in the
event of which Ministry will dispose of all the applications within ten days from the date of
receipt of the applications in accordance with law," 4 -2- accordingly.
The respective SEIAAs in dealing with the applications of the applicants referred to in the
above mentioned order shall ensure that the directions of the Hon'ble Supreme Court are
effectively complied with and the applications of such applicants are disposed of within the
time limit prescribed by the Hon'ble Court in accordance with law.
3.18.11 Ministry of Environment and Forest Eco-sensitive Notifications
Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India brought out a Notification
on Eco sensitive zones dated 27th January 2010. The notification clearly mentions the prohibitive/
restricted activities and the minimum distance to be maintained for any sort of activities. These
include non-establishment of any industrial unit adjacent to the eco-sensitive zone, no construction
activities will be entertained in the vicinity and quarrying and mining will be strictly prohibited.In
addition to the above activities tree felling, ground water extraction, increased noise levels, discharge
of effluent and solid waste disposal are also strictly restricted activities in the eco-sensitive areas. This
notification is viable at the places where corridor passes nearer to eco sensitive zone
3.18.12 National Environmental Policy 2006
The intensive agriculture, rapid industrialization, unplanned urbanization and poverty are leading for
the environmental degradation. The environmental deterioration manifested in several dimension like
the deterioration of air and water quality and land degradation. Over exploitation of natural resources
also damaged ecosystem to a considerable extent. Several objectives were conceived in the
Environmental Policy and they are conservation of critical environmental resources, lively hood
security for the poor, inter-generational equity, integration of environmental concern in economic and
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social development, environmental governance, efficiency in environmental resource use and

enhancement of resources for environmental conservation. Strategic interventions, besides
legislations and evaluation of legal doctrine are required for achieving these objectives. The
regulatory regime for environmental conservation comprises a legislative framework and set of
regulatory institutions. It is possible to achieve the sustainable development by implementing the
environmental legislations.
3.18.13 National Forest Policies
Ministry of Food and Agriculture formulated National Forest Policy to be followed in the management
of State Forests in the country long time back in 1952. However, forests in the country have seriously
degraded over a period of time. Forest Policy was revised in 1988 to review the situation and to
evolve a new strategy of forest conservation. The principal aim of new Forest Policy is to ensure
environmental stability and maintenance of ecological balance including atmospheric equilibrium
which is vital for sustenance of all life forms, human, animal and plant. The derivation of direct
economic impact must be subordinated to this principal aim. The policy envisages in enhancing the
forest coverage of the country to 33% of total geographical area of the country.
3.18.14 National Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy 2007
As per Section 200 of the Railways (Amendment) Act, 2008, the National Rehabilitation and
Resettlement Policy, 2007 (NRRP 2007) is adopted for the DFC Project. The National Rehabilitation
& Resettlement Policy, 2007 for Project Affected Families (PAFs) have been prepared by the
Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development, and Government of India. The policy
stipulates the minimum benefits to be ensured for persons displaced due to acquisition of land for
public purposes. The objectives of the Policy are:
• To minimize displacement and to identify the non-displacing or least-displacing alternatives;

• To plan the Resettlement and Rehabilitation of project affected families (PAFs), or project
affected households (PAHs), including tribal and vulnerable households;
• To provide improved standard of living to PAFs or PAHs; and
• To facilitate a harmonious relationship between DFCCIL/CA and PAFs
The Policy is applicable to projects displacing 400 or more families en masse in plain areas, or 200 or
more families of tribal or hilly areas, Desert Development Program (DDP) blocks, areas mentioned in
Schedule V and Schedule VI of the Constitution of India. However, the basic principles of policy can
be applied to rehabilitation and resettlement of PAFs regardless of the number of PAFs. The policy
provides specific measures for vulnerable and poor groups. As of now there is no law on rehabilitation
and resettlement in the country. The Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill 2007 (Bill No. 98 of 2007)
has been introduced in Lok Sabha (parliament of Indian government).
3.19 State Specific Acts
3.19.1 Bengal Trees (Protection and Conservation in Non-Forest Areas) Act, 2006
The West Bengal Legislative Assembly passed the West Bengal Trees (Protection and Conservation
in Non-Forest Areas) Act, 2006. The Act was passed “to encourage and promote plantation of trees,
and to protect and conserve trees, particularly those looked upon as sacred groves, or identified as
belonging to an endangered species or given the status of heritage, bearing in mind that trees have
great environmental value and are a renewable resource”. In a nutshell, the Bill envisages:
• To regulate indiscriminate felling of trees in non-forest areas;

• To provide for undertaking plantation of trees obligatory in lieu of felling of each tree; and
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• To protect and conserve trees, particularly those looked upon as sacred groves or identified
as belonging to an endangered species or given the status of heritage.
The Act states that those who want to fell trees will have to obtain permission from the municipality or
any other local body. Violators (means whoever fells or causes to be felled any tree or cuts, uproots
or otherwise disposes of any fallen tree or contravenes the permission granted) shall be punished
with imprisonment up to one year or with fine of Rs.5000/- or both. Also, until plantation of requisite
number of trees is undertaken, the violators would be fined for each day of default of Rs.50/-. In
addition, promoters/developers will have to submit a ‘tree plantation plan’ while they seek approval for
a residential/commercial/industrial project. In case the development agency or entrepreneur fails to
implement the plantation plan, the defaulter might have to face an imprisonment up to two years or
fine that may extend to Rs.10, 000/- or with both.
3.19.2 West Bengal Ground Water Resources (Management, Control and Regulation)
Act 2005
On August 31, 2005, the Government of West Bengal passed the West Bengal Ground Water
Resources (Management, Control and Regulation) Act 2005 'to manage, control and regulate
indiscriminate extraction or use of groundwater in West Bengal, and to provide matters connected
therewith or incidental thereto'. The Government has constituted separate 'Ground Water Resources
Development Authorities' at three levels: State, District and Corporation levels. The 19-member West
Bengal State Level Ground Water Resources Development Authority is chaired by the Director, State
Water Investigation Directorate and comprises of officers of the relevant departments of the
government; Director, All-India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health and Regional Director, Central
Ground Water Board (Eastern Region). The Superintendent Geologist of the State Water
Investigation Directorate is the Member Secretary of the State Level Authority. The District Level
Authority has 14 members (that could be limited to a maximum of 20) and is chaired by the District
Magistrate. The Corporation Level Authority has 12 members and the Municipal Commissioner is the
Chairman of the Authority.
3.20 International Agreements
India is signatory to a number of multilateral environment agreements (MEA) and conventions. An

overview of some of the major multilateral environment agreements and India’s obligations under
these is presented below. These are discussed in the following paragraphs.
3.20.1 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) 1973
The aim of CITES is to control or prevent international commercial trade in endangered species or
products derived from them. CITES does not seek to directly protect endangered species or curtail
development practices that destroy their habitats. Rather, it seeks to reduce the economic incentive to
poach endangered species and destroy their habitat by closing off the international market. India
became a party to the CITES in 1976.
3.20.2 Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer 1987
The Montreal Protocol to the Vienna Convention on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer came
into force in 1989. The protocol set targets for reducing the consumption and production of a range of
ozone depleting substances (ODS). In a major innovation the Protocol recognized that all nations
should not be treated equally. The agreement acknowledges that certain countries have contributed
to ozone depletion more than others. It also recognizes that a nation’s obligation to reduce current
emissions should reflect its technological and financial ability to do so. Because of this, the agreement
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sets more stringent standards and accelerated phase-out timetables to countries that have
contributed most to ozone depletion. India acceded to the Montreal Protocol along with its London
Amendment in September 1992. The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change,,
Government of India has established an Ozone Cell and a steering committee on the Montreal
Protocol to facilitate implementation of the India Country Program, for phasing out ODS production by
2010. To meet India’s commitments under the Montreal Protocol, the Government of India has also
taken certain policy decisions.
• Goods required to implement ODS phase-out projects funded by the Multilateral Fund are
fully exempt from duties. This benefit has been also extended to new investments with non-
ODS technologies.
• Commercial banks are prohibited from financing or refinancing investments with ODS
technologies.
The Gazette of India on 19 July 2000 notified rules for regulation of ODS phase-out called the Ozone
Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000. They were notified under the
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. These rules were drafted by the Ministry of Environment, Forests
and Climate Change, Government of India following consultations with industries and related
government departments.
3.20.3 Basel Convention on Trans boundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes, 1989
Basel Convention, which entered into force in 1992, has three key objectives:
• To reduce trans- boundar y movements of hazardous wastes;

• To minimize the creation of such wastes; and
• To prohibit their shipment to countries lacking the capacity to dispose hazardous wastes in an
environmentally sound manner.
India ratified the Basel Convention in 1992, shortly after it came into force. The Indian Hazardous
Wastes Management Rules Act 1989 encompasses some of the Basel provisions related to the
notification of import and export of hazardous waste, illegal traffic, and liability.
3.20.4 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), 1992
The primary goals of the UNFCCC were to stabilize greenhouse gas emissions at levels that would
prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the global climate. The convention embraced the
principle of common but differentiated responsibilities which has guided the adoption of a regulatory
structure. India signed the agreement in June 1992, which was ratified in November 1993. As per the
convention the reduction/limitation requirements apply only to developed countries. The only reporting
obligation for developing countries relates to the construction of a GHG inventory. India has initiated
the preparation of its First National Communication (base year 1994) that includes an inventory of
GHG sources and sinks, potential vulnerability to climate change, adaptation measures and other
steps being taken in the country to address climate change. The further details on UNFCC and the
Kyoto Protocol are provided in Atmosphere and climate chapter.
3.20.5 Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a legally binding, framework treaty that has been
ratified until now by 180 countries. The CBD has three main thrust areas: conservation of biodiversity,
sustainable use of biological resources and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their sustainable
use. The Convention on Biological Diversity came into force in 1993. Many biodiversity issues are
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addressed in the convention, including habitat preservation, intellectual property rights, bio-safety,
and indigenous peoples’ rights. India’s initiatives under the Convention are detailed in the chapter on
Biodiversity. These include the promulgation of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, amended in
1991; and participation in several international conventions such as CITES.
3.20.6 UN Convention on Desertification, 1994
Delegates to the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development recommended

establishment of an intergovernmental negotiating committee for the elaboration of an international
convention to combat desertification in countries experiencing serious drought and/or desertification.
The UN General Assembly established such a committee in 1992 that later helped formulation of
Convention on Desertification in 1994. The convention is distinctive as it endorses and employs a
bottom-up approach to international environmental cooperation. Under the terms of the convention,
activities related to the control and alleviation of desertification and its effects are to be closely linked
to the needs and participation of local land-users and non-governmental organizations. Seven
countries in the South Asian region are signatories to the Convention, which aims at tackling
desertification through national, regional and sub-regional action programs. The Regional Action
Program has six Thematic Program Networks for the Asian region, each headed by a country task
manager. India hosts the network on agro-forestry and soil conservation.
3.20.7 International Tropical Timber Agreement 1983, 1994
The ITTO established by the International Tropical Timber Agreement (ITTA), 1983, came into force
in 1985 and became operational in 1987 [3]. The ITTO facilitates discussion, consultation and
international cooperation on issues relating to the international trade and utilization of tropical timber
and the sustainable management of its resource base. The successor agreement to the ITTA (1983)
was negotiated in 1994, and came into force on 1st January 1997. The organization has 57 member
countries. India ratified the ITTA in 1996.
3.20.8 Permissions/Approvals/Clearances
There are several legislations govern at the time of implementation of the any developmental project,
but for a railway tunnel the following permissions/approvals/clearances to be obtained from the various
statutory agencies like the State Pollution Control Board, State Department of Labour, Department of
irrigation etc. However the table given below will throw light on the various environmental legislations
at the level of State,
Table.3.2 Environmental Clearances required at the time Project Implementation
Environmental The Civil Works Contractor Date of obtaining of

Clearances/Permits/Approvals has to Comply with the Clearance/Permission/
obtained by the Civil Works following clearances while Approval/ Monitoring
Contractor implementing the project Agency
Installation of the Crusher Approval from Civil Works Contractor Supervision Consultant &
the WBPCB IRCON International Limited
Operation of the Crusher- Approval from Civil Works Contractor Supervision Consultant &
the WBPCB IRCON International Limited
Installation of the WMM Plant Approval Civil Works Contractor Supervision Consultant &
from the WBPCB IRCON International Limited
Operation of the WMM Plant Approval Civil Works Contractor Supervision Consultant &
from the WBPCB IRCON International Limited
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Quarry Licenses From State Civil Works Contractor Supervision Consultant &
Environmental Impact Assessment IRCON International Limited
Authority and Department of Mines.
Extraction of water from Surface water Civil Works Contractor Supervision Consultant &
body Department of Irrigation, IRCON International Limited
Government of West Bengal
Extraction of water from ground water Civil Works Contractor Supervision Consultant &
sources From State Ground Water IRCON International Limited
Authority.
Permission for fuel- From the State Civil Works Contractor Supervision Consultant &
Pollution Control Board IRCON International Limited
Blasting Permissions. From the Civil Works Contractor Supervision Consultant &
Department of Explosives. IRCON International Limited
Labour Licenses-Department of Labour, Civil Works Contractor Supervision Consultant &
Government of West Bengal. IRCON International Limited
PUC for Equipment and for Vehicles are Civil Works Contractor Supervision Consultant &
obtained from the State Pollution Control IRCON International Limited
Board.
Permission for Borrowing From State Civil Works Contractor Supervision Consultant &
Environmental Impact Assessment IRCON International Limited
Authority and Department of Mines
Construction waste disposal From State Civil Works Contractor Supervision Consultant &
Pollution Control Board. IRCON International Limited
Labour Camp arrangements from State Civil Works Contractor Supervision Consultant &
labour Department and the State IRCON International Limited
Pollution Control Board
Installation & Operation of Generators Civil Works Contractor Supervision Consultant &
from State Pollution Control Board IRCON International Limited
The above were formulated based on the existing environmental legislation. The supervision
consultant should monitor the contractor’s compliance along with the Client for the entire period of the
contract. There should be regular renewals of the permissions given by the statutory agencies.
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Chapter-4
4.0 Introduction:
The present chapter major emphasis is on the forest and Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, as the
proposed tunneling work and bridge construction will be carried out in the Mahananda Wildlife
Sanctuary. The area is ecologically sensitive area, so the present chapter focuses on the Mahananda
Wildlife Sanctuary. Ecological aspects are covered in the first few pages.
4.1 Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary located at the foothills of eastern Himalayas, the majority of the West
Bengal states network of the protected areas located in a narrow strip extending between Nepal and
Bhutan. These forests harbor a rich diversity of plant and animal species, including several endemic
and threatened species. The Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the southern part of the
Darjeeling District of the West Bengal.
Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is a very beautiful and crazy forest in North Bengal is located on the
foothills of the Himalayas and in between the Teesta and the Mahananda rivers. The Sanctuary name
Mahananda comes from the River Mahananda. Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the bank
of the river Mahananda in Darjeeling District of West Bengal. It is covered little more than 158 Square
Kilometer forest area and in 1958, it was declared as the Sanctuary to protect Royal Bengal Tiger and
Gaur (Indian Bison). Both animals are facing the threat of extinction. The sanctuary is spread over
varying elevations and across 158 sq. km of forest area. The altitude varies from 500ft. at the
southern area near Sukna and rising up to 4,300ft towards the northern area near a place called
Latpanchar. The forest type in Mahananda sanctuary varies from riverine forests like Khayer-Sisoo to
dense mixed-wet forest in the higher elevation in 'Latpanchar' area of Kurseong hills.
With Mahananda River flowing through it the Sanctuary is bounded by Tista River in the East and Hill
Cart Road leading to Darjeeling in the West. The sanctuary reaches up to a high elevation at
Latpanchar in Kurseong hill. In the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, mainly three seasons are
available, summer, winter and monsoon. In winter, temperature comes below to 3°C where in summer
its goes more than 39°C. But the average temperature ranges from 10°C to 30°C. Mahananda Wildlife
Sanctuary belongs in heavy rainfall zone. Where May to October known as rainy session. Average
annual rainfall is 300 cm.
The Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary has a versatile type of forests. It varies mainly from riverine
forests to dense mixed-wet forest due to the difference altitude. The variation in altitude and forest
types helps the existence of a large number of species of mammals, birds and reptiles. Mainly Sal,
Shisu, Teak, Jarul forests are available here.
The sanctuary is located along the foothills Himalayas, with mixed ever green and deciduous forest
cover on the step northern side, sloping down to gentle almost flat stretches of the Tarai dominated by
Shorea Robusta and grassy alluvial plains. The forest habitat within the sanctuary harbor rich diversity
of flora and fauna, and forms the largest compact block of forest at the western end of the elephant
migration route in this region. Substantial portion of the park, especially in the riverine plains and
foothills, were maintained for commercial timber extraction until early 1990, although the core area
and hilly slopes were protected from timber extraction.
The sanctuary is surrounded by tea garden settlements and villages on all sides except in the
northern boundary. The non-tea garden settlements, mostly located towards south western and
western parts of the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, are primarily agricultural; depend on forest fuel
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wood, timber and cattle grazing. The main entry point into the sanctuary is from Sukna, a small village
located at the south western end of the sanctuary. Baikunthpur Reserve Forest another government
protected forest area is located on the southern side of the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. This area
originally extensively covered by sal dominated forests, but large plantation of teak and sal were
raised in the early 1960s by the forest department.
West Bengal owing to its strategic location in terms of biodiversity, act as an inter-state and inter
country elephant corridors at several points, both at South Bengal and North Bengal. The northern
districts of West Bengal provide a suitable habitat for elephants in the region extending from the
Sankosh River in the east to the Mechi River in the west. North Bengal houses a great assemblage of
biological resources in the protected and reserve forests lying at the Himalayan foot hills. The forests
in North Bengal and adjoining territory in Eastern Nepal, Sikkim, Western Bhutan and Assam display
a rich biodiversity in its diverse ecosystem.
Elephant habitat in West Bengal extends over 4200 sq. Km. there are two elephant reserves in West
Bengal viz. East Duars ER and Mayurajharna ER and about 650 elephants occur in West Bengal over
two distinct regions. North Bengal (Jalpaiguri & Darjeeling) has 529 elephants and South Bengal
(west Midnapur, Bankura and Purulia) comprise of 118 elephants. Elephants being animals with wide
range of movement have biological requirement of migration from one forest to another.one of the
main corridor passes through Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. Couple of migratory passes of the
elephant also passes through Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary.
The variation in altitude and forest types helps the existence of a large number of species of
mammals, birds and reptiles. The elevation is varying from 500 feet at the southern range of Sukna
forest to the elevation up to 4,500 feet at Latkothi. There are 36 different species of mammals exist in
this sanctuary including tigers, elephants, Himalayan black bear, leopards, rare mountain goats
(Serow), porcupines, golden cats, sambar, spotted & barking deer, Indian bison (gaur), wild boars,
monkeys including black capped languor etc.
There are 330 different types of plantations that have been recorded in the sanctuary. Amongst forest
plantation you will see Khair, sisoo, simul and tropical sal forests. Other major plantations include
teak, udal, champ, lali, jarul, gamar, mandane, bamboos, ferns, orchids, sidha etc. There are large
grassy areas as well.
The bird life is very rich in Mahananda as the Park is at the crossroads of two biomes i.e. Sino-
Himalayan Subtropical Forest and Indo-Chinese Tropical Moist Forests, with a small portion of Indo-
Gangetic Plain. The higher reaches of the Park harbour elements of Sino-Himalayan Temperate
Forest. The checklist has 316 species, while in the Calcutta Gazetteer, 300 birds have been listed.
The site lies in the Eastern Himalayas Endemic Bird Area (EBA 130) in which have listed 21 species
found in India. Interestingly, another rare and endemic bird found here is the Black-breasted Parrotbill
Paradox ornis flavirostris, belonging to Assam Plains Endemic Bird Area (EBA 131) where only three
species are considered restricted range, and Parrotbill is one of them. This bird is confined to tall, wet
grasslands and reed beds. There are unconfirmed reports of occurrence of Bengal Florican
Houbaropsis bengalensis in the grasslands on the riverbanks. There is grassland called Ghoramora
and on the River Teesta, about 1 km from Ghoramora there is some big grass-covered islands which
could have some florican. Another globally threatened species occurring here is the Rufous necked
Hornbill Aceros nipalensis. It is also reported in two more IBAs in West Bengal, Buxa and Lava-
Neora. Mahananda WLS also has five Near Threatened species. Two biomes occur in Mahananda:
Biome-8 (Sino Himalayan Subtropical Forest) from c. 1,000 to 1,800 meters, and Biome-9 (Indo-
Chinese Tropical Moist Forests) found below 1,000 meters. Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis is
also seen sometimes, especially in the higher reaches of Mahananda.
4.2 Forests
The forests in and around Darjeeling have delightful flora and fauna. It is a plant lover’s paradise.
Four thousand species of flowering plants, three hundred varieties of ferns, including tree fern and
countless types of flowerless plants, mosses, algae, fungi, birches, and of course, the prize orchids,
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wild and cultivated. There are oaks, chestnuts, cherry, maple, birch, alder-all fine and large trees of
excellent growth. In the upper hills areas and the alpine zone are the magnolias, buck-landias, pyrus
and conifers such as Webb, Himalayan firs, English yews, Sikkim spruces, larch, which is the only
deciduous conifer, weeping tsuga brunoniana and junipers ivy is common.
The fauna is similarly varied-monkeys, wild cats, tigers, leopards, civets, jackals and foxes, wild dogs,
bears, otters, martons, weasels, squirrels(including the Himalayan flying and Assam giant varieties),
porcupines, hares, barking deer,sambhurs, chitals and the very rare pangolin. In the foothills and the
teria forests, in the sanctuaries (Jaldhapara and Gorumara in the neighboring Jalpaiguri) can be seen
the gaur or Bison, elephants and the single horned rhinoceros.
Darjeeling is the home of six hundred varieties of beautiful birds like flycatchers, fairy bluebirds,
orioles, finches, sunbirds, long-tailed broadbills, woodpeckers, rufous piculets, emerald cuckoos,
three-toed kingfishers, long-legged falcons, Hoogson's imperial pigeons, emerald doves, besides a
large number of seasonal migratory birds on their way to the plains.
4.0 Baseline Environmental Quality
4.1 Air Quality Monitoring:
Air quality monitoring at four locations along the tunnel alignment, the air quality monitoring stations
are Sivok Town, Muck Disposal area, Sivok Kali Mandir Area, and Kalijhora. The air quality
parameters considered are suspended particulate matter, respirable particulate matter, oxides of
nitrogen, and sulphur dioxide.
The air quality monitoring is being carried out by using a high volume sampler; the respirable
particulate matter is collected using a respirable dust sampler. The particulates are collected on a
glass fiber filter paper and analyzed by gravimetrically. The gaseous pollutants are collected using
suitable absorbing media and thus collected samples are analyzed calorimetrically.
Table 4.1 Air Quality Monitoring at Sivok Town
Date of
Sl. No. LOCATION Monitoring SPM PM 10 SO2 NO2
1. 06.04.2016 103 56 6.4 22.8
2 08.04.2016 97 32 5.8 21.4
3 11.04.2016 110 63 7 30.1
4 13.04.2016 135 74 7.6 32.8
5 SIVOK 18.04.2016 89 28 5.7 19.8
6 TOWN 20.04.2016 124 68 6.3 31.1
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135
140 124
120 110
103
97
100 89
74
80 63 68
56
60
32 30.1 32.8 28 31.1
40 22.8 21.4 19.8
20 6.4 5.8 7 7.6 5.7 6.3
0
1 2 3 4 5 6
SPM PM 10 SO2 NO2
Figure 2 Air Quality Results at Sivok
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Table 4.2 Air Quality Monitoring at Muck Disposal Area
Date of
1. 06.04.2016 96 44 5.2 20.0
2 08.04.2016 90 30 5.5 21.4
3 11.04.2016 105 52 5.8 22.8
4 MUCK 13.04.2016 110 60 6.1 25.7
5 DISPOSAL 18.04.2016 94 33 5.4 21.2
6 AREA 20.04.2016 102 54 5.7 22.6
120
96 105 110
100 90 102
94
80 20
44 21.4
52 22.860 25.7
60 21.2 5422.6
5.2 30 5.5
40 5.8 6.1 33
5.4 5.7
20 NO2
0 SO2
PM 10
1
2
3 SPM
4
5
6
SPM PM 10 SO2 NO2
Figure 3 Air Quality Results at Muck Disposal Area
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Table 4.3 Air Quality Monitoring at Sivok Kali Mandir
Date of
1. 07.04.2016 108 50 6.4 31.4
2 09.04.2016 122 66 6.7 35.7
3 12.04.2016 116 62 6.1 28.5
4 14.04.2016 98 40 5.5 30.4
5 Sivok Kali 19.04.2016 105 43 6.3 31.1
6 Mandir 21.04.2016 100 38 6.0 28.3
140
122
116
120 108 105
98 100
100
80
66 62
60 50
40 43
35.7 38
40 31.4 28.5 30.4 31.1 28.3
20 6.7
6.4 6.1 5.5 6.3 6
0
1 2 3 4 5 6
SPM PM 10 SO2 NO2
Figure 4 Air Quality data from the Kali Mandir
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Table 4.4 Air Quality Monitoring at Kalijhora
Date of
1. 07.04.2016 111 54 5.8 24.3
2 09.04.2016 107 49 6.1 25.7
3 12.04.2016 92 44 6.4 24.3
4 14.04.2016 104 46 5.5 22.8
5 KALI 19.04.2016 96 37 5.7 26.9
6 JHORA 21.04.2016 98 40 6.0 22.6
200
24.3
180 5.8 25.7
22.8
160 6.1 24.3 5.5 26.9 22.6
54 6.4 5.7 6
140 49 46
120 44 37 40
100
80
60 111 107 104 98
92 96
40
20
0
1 2 3 4 5 6
SPM PM 10 SO2 NO2
Figure 5 Air Quality data from Kali Khola
The results clearly indicate that the air quality parameters are very much in the prescribed limits
suggested by the Central Pollution Control Board. The monitoring methodology adopted is given in
the tabular form given below:
Table 4.5 Monitoring and Testing of Air Quality Parameters
Particular Testing Method to be Followed

Ambient Air Monitoring Parameter
A SPM Respirable Dust Sampler method
Suspended (IS : 5182 P 23 - 1994)
Particulate Matter
B RSPM Fine Particulate Sampler method
Respirable (IS : 5182 P 23 - 2006)
Particulate Matter
C SO2 (Sulphur IS 5182 (Part – II) 2001, with Improved West & Geake Method
Dioxide)
D NO2 (Nitrogen Modified Jacobs – Hochheiser Method/ Arsenite Method
Dioxide)
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Table4.6 Noise Level Data
LOCATION Date of monitoring

12.04.2016
(Leq in dBA)
Day Time Night Time
Sivok Town 63.2 54.5
Sivok Kali Temple 60.4 53.6
NHPC, Kalijhora 63.1 48.3
120
100 54.5 53.6 48.3

80
60
40 63.2 60.4 63.1
20
0
Sivok Town Sivok Kali Temple NHPC, Kalijhora
Day Time Night Time
Figure 6 Noise level Monitoring
Instant sound level meter is used for the collection of data related to noise at an interval of one hour
per reading. Noise level for 24 hours was conducted. The details of the instrument used for the
sampling is mentioned in the separate annexure under the heading of Details of instruments &
Apparatus. The instrument details are given below.
Instrument Make Model No. Instrument Detection Limit

Identification
Integrated HTC SL-1352 SME/SUD/VL/DSLM- Lo 30-80dB
Sound Level 25/2012 08.06.2012 Hi 80-130dB
Measurement
Instrument
Standard
Accessories
Water Quality Monitoring:
The surface water samples were collected at the Nandi Khola, Andheri Jhora, Kali Jhora and River
Tista at two locations viz. one at the upstream at NHPC Reservoir and the other sample is collected at
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the Sivok Railway Bridge. Thus collected samples were analyzed for physical, chemical and biological
parameters.
The other water sample will be collected from the rivulet in between T-9 and T-10 and the third
sample will be collected in between T-10-T11 and two more samples will be collected from the Tiesta
river at the identified locations for muck disposal. Thus collected water samples will be analyzed for
the physical, chemical and biological parameters. The analysis report is given down below in the
tabular format.
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Table 4.7 Water Quality Analysis
Sl. Parameters Specification, Standard Nandi River River Teesta at Andheri Kalijhora
No. Methods Khola Teesta Kalijhora Jhora.
1 Colour, Hazen Units APHA 22nd Edition, 2120 B. <5 <5 <5 <5 <5
2 Turbidity, NTU, Max APHA 22nd Edition, 2130 B. <1 <1 <1 <1 <1
3 pH (at 250C) APHA 22nd Edition, 4500-H B 7.00 6.96 6.98 8.02 9.95
4 Conductivity (µmho/cm ) APHA 22nd h Edition, 2510-B 185.4 130.8 179.1 160.5 151.8
5 Total Hardness (asCaCO3)mg/l APHA 22nd Edition, 2340 C 116.6 64.3 87.5 60.3 67.4
6 Iron (as Fe), mg/l APHA 22nd h Edition, 3500 Fe 0.13 0.27 0.43 0.21 0.10
B
7 Chloride (as Cl), mg/l APHA 22nd Edition,4500 Cl-B 2.71 < 2.0 2.46 3.2 2.22
8 Residual free chlorine, mg/l APHA 22nd Edition, 4500- Cl-B < 0.1 <0. 1 <1 <1 <1
9 Fluoride, (as F), mg/l APHA 22nd Edition, 4500 F- B <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5
10 Total Dissolved Solid , mg/l APHA 22nd Edition, 2540 C 168.0 119.5 162 145.0 138.0
11 Calcium (as Ca) ,mg/l APHA 22nd Edition, 3500 Ca B 41.5 21.8 29.8 18.1 19.4
12 Magnesium (as Mg) , mg/l APHA 22nd Edition, 3500-Mg- 3.12 2.4 3.14 3.62 4.58
B
13 Sulphates (as SO4) ,mg/l APHA 22nd Edition, 4500-SO4- 11.1 15.9 13.7 12.2 10.8
E
14 Nitrate (as NO3) , mg/l APHA 22nd Edition, 4500 NO3 1.64 2.45 2.67 1.84 1.45
E
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15 Alkalinity (as CaCO3), mg/l APHA 22nd Edition, 2320 B 116.4 52.7 81.6 64.7 67.7
16 Phenolic Compounds mg/l, APHA 22nd Edition, 5530- < 0.01 < 0.01 < 0.01 < 0.01 < 0.01
henols-D
17 Arsenic (as As) mg/l, APHA 22nd Edition, 3500As-B <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
18 Sodium(as Na) mg/l, APHA 22nd Edition, 3500 Na-B 32.6 9.05 20.5 14.5 15.1
19 Potassium(as K) mg./l, APHA 22nd Edition, 3500 K-B 2.67 0.53 4.11 2.82 1.96
20 Chromium as Cr +6 mg/l, APHA 22nd Edition, 3500 Cr-B < 0.05 < 0.05 < 0.05 < 0.05 < 0.05
21 Total Suspended Solids (mg/l) APHA 22nd
Edition, 2540D < 10.0 < 10.0 < 10.0 < 10.0 < 10.0
22 Biological Oxygen Demand 3 days at IS:3025,Part-44,2003 2.8 2.3 2.2 2.9 2.3
27°C (mg/l)
23 Chemical Oxygen Demand (mg/l) APHA 22nd Edition, 5220B 19.7 9.8 8.4 10.3 9.8
24 Dissolved Oxygen APHA 22nd Edition-4500-0-C 6.2 7.6 8.0 5.8 7.8
25 Total Kjeldahal Nitrogen as TKN (mg/l) APHA 22nd Edition, 4500- 2.6 <1.0 <1 1.4 <1.0
Norg-B
26 Phosphate as PO4 (mg/l ) APHA 22nd Edition, 4500-P-D < 0.15 < 0.15 < 0.15 < 0.15 < 0.15
27 Manganese as Mn (mg/l ) APHA 22nd Edition, 3500, Mn- <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1
D
28 Silica as SiO2 (mg/l) APHA 22nd Edition, 4500, 1.14 1.83 1.04 1.16 <1
SiO2-C
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29 Zinc as Zn APHA 22nd Edition, 3500-Zn-B <0.25 <0.25 <0.25 <0.25 <0.25
30 Aluminum as Al (mg/l) APHA 22nd Edition, 3500-Al-B <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 <0.03
31 Boron as B (mg/l) APHA 22nd Edition, 4500-B-C <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5
32 Oil & Grease (mg/l) APHA 22nd Edition, 5520-B <2 <2 <2 <2 <2
33 Copper as Cu (mg/l) APHA 22nd Edition, 3500-Cu-B <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05
34 Total Coliform Count, MPN/100ml IS: 1622-1981 345 79 70 278 63
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Tunnels (T-1 & T-2) & Bridges (Br. 2 & Br. 3) between Km-0.386 to Km 6.113
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Table 4.8 Locations of the Baseline Environmental Monitoring Stations
Distance between Tunnel alignment and Environmental Monitoring/Water sampling

Locations of T-1 and T-2
Surface Water Sampling:-
Location Distance From Tunnel alignment
Nandi Khola at Sivok 350 m
River Teesta at Sivok, Near Railway Bridge 500m
River Teesta at Kalijhora, Near NHPC 290 m
Andheri Jhora 225 m
Kalijhora 210 m
Air Quality Monitoring station Locations:-
Sivok Town 140 m
Muck Disposal Area 550 m
Sivok Kali Mandir Area 180 m
Kalijhora, NHPC 280 m
Noise Level Data Monitoring Stations:-
Sivok Town 140 m
Sivok Kali Mandir Area 180 m
Kalijhora, NHPC 280 m
4.7 Geology
The rocks of Darjeeling district were sub-divided by Mr. Mallet into five groups, viz, Gneiss, the Daling
Series Gondwana and the Tertiary system.
The geology of Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is extremely complex. There are four distinct orders of
rock formations, they are recent to sub recent and Pleistocene, Miocene (Shivalik), Permian (Daling
series and Darjeeling Gneiss). The Shivalik rock formations comprising of micaceous and arkosic
sand stone, bluish and greyish siltstone, conglomeration and pebble beds are prevalent in the project
area.
4.8 Minerals
The metamorphic rocks of Darjeeling and Daling series contain deposits of copper, nickel, iron and
precious stones. Lying south of the metamorphic occur the Gondwana belt passing through Tindharia.
4.9 People of Darjeeling District
The original inhabitants of Darjeeling and Sikkim were Lepchas but they constitute a minority of the
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population in present Darjeeling. In contemporary Darjeeling, Nepali Gurkhas constitute the majority
of the population. They hail from different castes and dialect groups like the Gurung, Mangar, Limbu,
Tamang, Newar, Rai, Sherpa and Thami communities. The Tibetan community is a comparatively a
recent addition to the population of Darjeeling district. Their sect formed when thousands of Tibetan
refugees settled across Darjeeling district in 1950 when China captured Tibet. The rest of the
population is a blend of people who are from the plains of India like the Bengalis, Biharis and
Marwaris.
Darjeeling District
Total Area 3,149 Sq. KM
Population Statistics 2001 2011

Total Population 16,09,172 18,42,034
Male Population 8,30,644 9,34,796
Female Population 7,78,528 9,07,238
Decennial Growth Rate % 23.79 14.47
Population Density Per Sq. KM 511 585
Sex Ratio No of Females per 1000 Males 937 971
Total 0-6 Population - 1,80,170
Male 0-6 Population - 92,728
Female 0-6 Population - 87,442
0-6 Population % Compared to Total Population 12.72 9.78
Literacy Statistics 2001 2011

Total Literacy Rate (excluding 0-6 population) 71.79 79.92
Male Literacy Rate (excluding 0-6 population) 80.05 85.94
Female Literacy Rate (excluding 0-6 population) 62.94 73.74
Literacy Rate in Urban Areas 83.34 87.48
Male Literacy Rate in Urban Areas 87.66 91.23
Female Literacy Rate in Urban Areas 78.52 83.65
Literacy Rate in Rural Areas 66 74.97
Male Literacy Rate in Rural Areas 76.12 82.5
Female Literacy Rate in Rural Areas 55.39 67.2
Population pressures have increased in Darjeeling area over the time. The Siliguri urban
agglomeration (the urban agglomeration closest to Mahananda) has experienced much higher growth
rates during last ten years. Siliguri and its surrounding areas have turned into a major regional trade
Centre in the recent times following large scale migration into this region from the north-eastern Indian
states and from neighboring countries. Despite regular patrolling by Forest Department guards armed
with guns, and a network of electric fences, illegal harvesting of timber continues in this area. 11
villages belonging to forest villages, Revenue villages or Eco development community are present in
and around the protected area. The local population lives on agriculture, tea plantation and cutting the
timber.
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4.10 Soils
The soil of the upland is usually red and gritty while that of the plains is dark and more fertile. Red and
Yellow soils have developed on the gneisses and schists in the higher slopes of the Darjeeling
Himalaya. The soil everywhere is residual, i.e., derived by the weathering of the underlying rocks.
Major Soils in the District Column1

Soils Area (‘000 ha)-Percentage
Medium deep to very deep fine loamy soils (hill-brown forest soils) 110.48 (35%)
Sandy loam soils (medium lands to foot hills) 109.31 (34.7%))
Shallow to medium deep loamy soils (Plains) 30 (30%)
The soils over these rocks are sandy and poorly developed. The soils are coarse and are pale yellow
in sand rock areas to fine and red in sand stone areas. These soils support gregarious growth of Sal.
This is a brief on the soils at the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary.
4.11 Land Use
The overall land use pattern in the state of West Bengal depends mostly on the physiographic
condition of the area. Total geographical area of the state is divided into two major classes i.e. (a)
arable land, that includes net sown area and fallow land (b) non-arable land, which includes forest,
area not available for cultivation and other uncultivable land excluding current fallow. The percentage
of arable land is about 66.8 % and about 33% land is under non-arable category, which includes
forest area to the tune of 13.38% of total geographical area. Agricultural activities are mostly restricted
to the Gangetic plains having fertile cultivable land. High percentage of forest cover exists in the
Districts having hills and mountain ranges and also in the coastal areas. The maximum area under
forest (44.68 %) is found in Darjeeling district.
Land use Pattern of Darjeeling District

Area Area ('000 Ha)
Geographical Area 325.46

Cultivable Area 160.14
Forest Area 124.5
Land under Agriculture use 37.2
Permanent Pastures 1
Cultivable wasteland 1.8
Land under Misc. trees crops and groves 2
Barren and un-cultivable land 2.49
Current fallows 13.34
Other Fallows 3.8
4.12 Geography
The Darjeeling district with a geographical area of 3149 sq.kms is an irregular triangle in shape. The
Northern boundary commences on the west at the peak of Phalut nearly 3657.6 meters high, the
junction of the boundaries of Nepal and Sikkim. This boundary runs east from Phalut along a ridge
descending to the Ramam River. From there, the boundary follows the course of that river until it joins
the Rangit and then follows the great Rangit until it reaches the Tista. Proceeding east of that
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junction, the boundary follows the Tista upstream until its junction with the Rangpochu then it
proceeds first up the Rangpochu and then up the Rushattchu, thence the Rushattachu and Sikkim
and Bhutan boundary as marked by pillars to the Nechu to its junction with the Dochu or Jaldhaka,
then in that river southward until the Jalpaiguri district is reached in the Khumani forest.
On the west, the district is bounded by Nepal. From Phalut, the western boundary follows the
southward ridge until it joins the Mechi River which continues as the boundary right up to the plains,
then by the boundary of Nepal the south-western corner of the district. On the south lies the district of
Purnea and West Dinajpur intercepted by the Mahananda River and on the east, the district is
bounded by Bangladesh and the Jalpaiguri district. The natural features consist of a portion of the
outlying hills of lower Himalayas and a stretch of territory lying along the base of the hills known as
the Tarai. The Tarai is only 91 meters high above the sea level, but there are parts of the district in the
hills which are nearly 3657.6meters high. The hill portion of the district is like a labyrinth of ridge and
narrow valleys. There are no open valleys or plains or lakes. Most of the ridges are forest clad and in
the lower slopes, tea plantation and crop cultivation are done.
4.13 Climate
In general, the climate of West Bengal varies from sub humid to per humid with uniformity of
temperature. The tropic of cancer runs across the middle of Nadia, Burdwan, northern parts of
Bankura and Purulia districts. In spite of its position in equatorial zone, the Himalayan Mountains in
the north, Bay of Bengal in the south and extensive network of rivers, canals, tank etc. do not allow
extreme climatic conditions to prevail in the state. Heavy rainfall occurs in the northern part of West
Bengal and gradually decreases towards south forming an area of moderate rainfall zone around
central part of West Bengal. The annual rainfall is maximum (>3000 mm) at the foothill region on the
north (sub-Himalayan West Bengal).
The average annual rainfall in the state is about 1,900 mm of which 1,600 mm occurs during
monsoon months.
Rainfall in Darjeeling District

Monsoon Normal Rainfall (mm) Normal Rainy days
South west monsoon (June- September) 1220 32
Northeast monsoon (October-December) 100 15
Winter (January-February) 130 2
Summer (March- May) 225
Annual 1675 49
In the Northern part of the state that includes the mountain region (Himalayas), temperature ranges
from freezing point to 10°C in winter. It hovers around 12°C to 18°C in the plains. January is the
coldest month and winter starts from the end of November and extends to February.
Darjeeling has a normal mean temperature ranging from 5.8°C to 17.0°C where snowfall also occurs
occasionally. Rest of the area has mean winter temperature ranging from 90C to 14°C. The summer
season begins from the month of March and temperature starts rising up to June. May is the hottest
month. The summer temperatures will about 20°C in Darjeeling district.
With Mahananda River flowing through it the Sanctuary is bounded by Tista River in the East and Hill
Cart Road leading to Darjeeling in the West. The sanctuary reaches up to a high elevation at
Latpanchar in Kurseong hill. In the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, mainly three seasons are
available, summer, winter and monsoon. In winter, temperature comes below to 3°C where in summer
its goes more than 39°C, but the average temperature ranges from 10°C to 30°C. Mahananda Wildlife
Sanctuary belongs in heavy rainfall zone. Where May to October known as rainy season. Average
annual rainfall is 300 cm.
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4.14 Drainage
Tista tributaries rising on its northern face to flow northwards and others flow east or west before
joining the main river. The rivers of the district are, Tista which rises in glacier, in North Sikkim, 21
000ft above sea level, Great Rangit, Jaldhaka, Mahanadi, Balason and Mechi.
4.15 Economy of Darjeeling District
Tourism and the tea industry are the two most significant contributors to Darjeeling`s economy.
Darjeeling tea is considered to be one of the best of black teas and is widely popular, especially in the
UK and the countries comprising the former British Empire. The tea industry has confronted
competition in recent years from tea produced in other parts of India as well as other countries like
Nepal. Several tea estates are being run on a workers` cooperative model, while others are being
planned for transformation into tourist resorts. More than 60% of workers in the tea gardens are
women. The compensation of workers are usually half in cash and half in other benefits like
accommodation, free medical benefits, rations and so on.
The continual growth of population has harmfully affected Darjeeling district`s forests and other
natural wealth. The post-independence era has seen extensive advancement in the spheres of
education, communication and agriculture. The agricultural scenario includes the production of
diverse cash crops like potato, cardamom, ginger, and oranges. Farming on terraced slopes is the
prime source of livelihood for the rural people around the town and it supplies the town with fruits and
vegetables. Darjeeling is a popular filming destination for Bollywood and Bengali cinema. Summer
and spring seasons are most popular with tourists, thus fetching the majority of district`s income.
Many residents work in hotel and restaurants. Many people also earn a living working for tourism
companies and as guides. Small contributions to the economy come from the sale of traditional arts
and crafts of Sikkim and Tibet.
Darjeeling district is famous for its beautiful hill stations, Darjeeling tea and its aroma. Kalimpong,
Kurseong and Siliguri are the three other major towns in the district, besides the proper Darjeeling
town. The entire district is a marvelous destination for holidaying round the year.
4.16 Tourism of Darjeeling District
Darjeeling in India offers unlimited places of tourist interest. The tourists prefer to visit the magnificent
Ghoom monastery on the very first day. This monastery lies 6 km away from the main town. The
hillock features the famous Yiga Choeling Monastery which has 15 images of the Maitreya Buddha.
Belonging to the yellow hat sect, the monastery contains many antique palm leaf and paper
manuscripts in Tibetan script. The Museum of Natural History is where one can see a fine collection
of Himalayan animals, reptiles, birds and insects. The tourists can also enjoy the flora collection of
Darjeeling in the Llyod Botanical Garden, which has a marvelous collection of alpine flora and orchids.
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling is the only center in India for the breeding of
the rare snow leopard. Tenzing Norgay was its first Director and Advisor till his unfortunate death. A
kilometer from the zoo is the Darjeeling-Rangit Valley ropeway. Excellent Tibetan crafts like carpets,
wood and leather work. Established in 1959 after the Dalai Lama and his followers fled Tibet,
Darjeeling district is a haven for ethnic Tibetan art and many cottage houses work on these crafts for
income.
Darjeeling in India was the first hill region where organized trekking was first conducted during the
1840s. The breathtaking panoramic views of Everest and Kanchenjunga have been fascinating
thousands of nature lovers from different parts of the world since then. The most popular of treks in
Darjeeling district are in the areas across the Singalila range in Darjeeling, at Maneybhanjang (2134
m), goes to Meghma (2900 m), Toughu (3070 m), Gairibas (2621 m), Sandakphu (3636 m), and
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Phalut (3600m). The fourth and last day is the return trek to Darjeeling that may be taken along the
along the same route or across Ramman, Rimbick and Bijanbari.
Kampong, across the River Teesta, opens up to an unexpected panorama. The first sight to greet the
eye is the steeple of the Mac Farlane Church; however there are also many more tourist attractions in
this picturesque place of the district. Mirik is set in idyllic surroundings and is the ideal place for
seekers of peace and tranquility. At an altitude of 1967 meters, the climate of Mirik is cool and
temperate. The Sumendu Lake at the bottom of Mirik Spur is the most fascinating feature reflecting
the splendor of the eastern Himalayas. The lake is 1.2 kilometers long and is fed by the perennial
streams. Riding on the colorful boats or crossing the lake over a beautiful bridge, leads one to a
charming path through forests on the other side. Fishing is a popular past time in Mirik.
Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is a reserved forest area that initially started as a game sanctuary
where children took rides. The entrance to the sanctuary is located in Sukna which is about two & half
hours’ drive from Darjeeling. If you are coming from New Jalpaiguri (NJP), it takes about 45 minutes
to reach the gate.
The sanctuary is spread over varying elevations and across 158 sq. km of forest area. The altitude
varies from 500ft. at the southern area near Sukna and rising up to 4,300ft towards the northern area
near a place called Latpanchar.
On the east the sanctuary is bounded by the river Teesta and on the west by the Mahanadi river and
Hill Cart Road. The sanctuary is managed by the Darjeeling Wildlife Division of Government of West
Bengal. It is considered as the most important sanctuary of North Bengal. There are several forest
areas that comprise the sanctuary including Kalijhora, Latpanchor, Punding, Sukna, Gulma, Toribari,
Sevoke, Seventh Mile and Latlong. However the main entrance to the sanctuary is from Sukna (the
gate is located near the Sukna toy train station and about 30 minutes from Siliguri). This sanctuary
attracts number of tourists from all over India.
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Chapter-5
5.0 Introduction:
The proposed railway project would start from Sivok, would be passing through the Mahananda Wild
life Sanctuary, which is considered to be an ecologically sensitive area located in Darjeeling District of
West Bengal and finally ends up at Rangpo. The proposed railway line would pass through tunnels
across the sanctuary. There are three bridges proposed in between the alignment. Every
developmental activity for construction and construction work would lead for some adverse impacts
during the project execution. Even though the impacts are not permanent, it leaves a scar on the
environment.
The implementation of the timely mitigation measures would reduce the impacts to certain extent.
Development is not possible without disturbing the environment. The players who are involved in the
execution of the project should have concern to protect our pristine environment while executing the
project.
The degradation of the mountain environment is a wide spread problem in all over the World and
there is an urgent need to maintain the ecological balance of such environment is of critical concern.
Degradation leads to the development of geological hazards such as debris flows and landslides
associated with development of soil erosion. Newly built railway projects in the mountain areas are
bound to lead to changes in geomorphic features, destruction of vegetation and arbitrary placing of
immense quantities spoils. These impacts will aggravate the degradation of the mountain environment
if appropriate treatment counter measures are not introduced.
Manmade linear infrastructure roads and highways and railway lines now widely recognized to have
many highly detrimental ecological effects in both terrestrial and aquatic natural ecosystems. The
linear intrusions into ecologically sensitive areas cause habitat loss and fragmentation, spread of
invasive alien species, desiccation, wind throw, fires, animal injury and mortality, changes in animal
behavior, increased developmental, tourist and hunting pressures, increase in pollution, garbage, and
various disturbances.
5.1 Impacts on the Wildlife:
Disturbance to Wildlife
The wildlife population often decline due to the cumulative impacts of the linear projects. The impacts
are quite substantial are severe and more detrimental. The major impacts are listed below:
• Wildlife mortality
• Habitat loss and degradation
• Causes habitat fragmentation
• Landslides and soil erosion.
• Effect on arboreal animals
• Impact on the flora and fauna
• Impacts on aquatic ecosystem.
• Change in animal behavior
• Pollution from construction activity and due to construction equipment.
There is a direct loss of habitat during establishment and maintenance of linear project. This may
happen due to clearing of vegetation, dumping of excavated earth and material movement of heavy
vehicles and earth movers, creation of labour camps etc. the effect of these disturbances may persist
in the landscape for years to decades. The effect of infrastructure on bird populations extended over
distances up to 1 km and for mammal’s population up to about 5 km. Mammals and birds seemed to
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avoid infrastructure in open areas over larger distances compared to forested areas.The construction
work gives raise to landslides and other forms of erosion in steep forested landscapes.
During the construction period, large number of machinery and construction workers shall be
mobilized, which may create disturbance to wildlife population in the vicinity of project area. The
operation of equipment will generate significant noise, especially during blasting which will have
adverse impact on fauna of the area. The noise may scare the fauna and force them to migrate to
other areas. Likewise siting of construction plants, workshops, stores, labour camps etc. could also
lead to adverse impact on the fauna of the area. During the construction phase, accessibility to area
will lead to influx of workers and the people associated with the allied activities from outside will also
increase. Increase in human interference could have an impact on terrestrial ecosystem. The other
major impact could be the blasting to be carried out during construction phase. This impact needs to
be mitigated by adopting controlled blasting and strict surveillance regime and the same is proposed
to be used in the project. This will reduce the noise level and vibrations due to blasting to a great
extent. The impacts caused by the construction activity can be easily mitigated.
5.1.1 Mitigation Measures
• Scheduling construction activities to avoid disturbances to bird populations during feeding

and reproduction periods;
• Keeping an inventory of all large trees to be removed in order to identify bird eggs and nests and
minimize impacts;
• The contractors to establish environmental units and implement public awareness programs
during construction regarding the impacts caused by the construction activity.
• All wood building material for workers’ housing should be brought from outside the project area
it should not be procured from the same project site.
• Workers should be supplied with non-wood fuels such as kerosene or liquefied petroleum gas
for the duration of the contract
• All contract equipment and plants should be cleaned to the satisfaction of the project engineer
prior to their relocation to project sites.
• During site clearance, care should be taken to ensure that the minimum area of vegetation area
is affected
• The water sprinkling of trucks used, as construction vehicles should be properly and regularly
undertaken, so that dust deposition problem on vegetation is minimised.
• Clearing only necessary amount of vegetation from the forest area.
• Project staff and workers should not be allowed to have fire-arms and animal traps etc.
• Employment agreements should specify heavy penalties for illegal hunting, trapping and wildlife
trading – all other ancillary works should also agree not to participate in such activities;
• If any of the hunting activity is observed then the worker will be removed from the employment
with immediate effect.
• There should be speed limit for the material carrying trucks/dumpers while traversing through
the forest areas if at all. It is always better not to travel in the forest areas that would disturb the
animal behavior.
• Honking should be strictly prohibited in the forest area by the trucks and dumper used for the
construction activity.
• No construction yard will be established at the forest area.
• No disposal of construction waste in the forest premises
• No earthen material or water from the springs present in the forest area will be used for the
construction activity.
• Hunting will be strictly prohibited for the workers.
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5.2 Impacts due to Operation of Construction Plant and Equipment
A construction site varies in size and has different activities that occur on them. They include the
following types of works:
 Clearing of land and related excavation and compaction activities.

 Operation of heavy machinery and related equipment for earthmoving and construction.
Purposes (excavators, bulldozers, cranes, etc.) and the engines associated with such
machines.
 Erection of structures using steel, concrete, brick, glass, timber, and other materials.
 Mechanical activities including grinding, hammering, drilling, grit blasting and demolition.
 Metal joining and finishing including welding, brazing, soldering and other techniques.
 Generation of solid wastes and debris, their stockpiling and transfer through chutes and
loading onto trucks or into skips.
 Transport of building materials and supplies onto the site, and transport of wastes off site.
 Movement of vehicles along roadways and paths, in and out of the site and within the site,
together with any establishment and maintenance of the roadways (e.g. grading).
 Application of surface coatings and finishes using paints and adhesives.
During the construction phase, various types of equipment will be brought to the site and construction
plants and repair workshops will be set up. The sitting of this construction equipment’s would require
significant amount of space. In addition, it may also be necessary to temporarily acquire land, i.e. for
the duration of project construction; for storage of the quarried material before crushing, crushed
material, cement, rubble, etc.
During construction phase, there will be increased vehicular movement for transportation of various
construction materials to the project site. Large quantity of dust is likely to be generated due to
movement of trucks and other heavy vehicles on unpaved road. Additionally, loose construction
material loaded on trucks in open condition also adds to air pollution in the area. Movement of
vehicles also generates noise. As the construction phase is large, substantial increase in traffic in
otherwise calm area will have serious impacts on air and noise environment. Therefore, sufficient
mitigation measures would be required to be implemented to minimize the impact on health of the
people living in the vicinity and labourers working in the project area.
 Placing of dust arresters surrounding the crusher and the construction yards will prevent the
dispersion of the dust to a great extent.
 Spray water on the stones while unloading from the truck/dumper.
 Spray water at the primary crusher feeder chute.
 Spray water at the transfer points from one belt conveyor to another.
 Payload area of trucks will be covered by tarpaulins when transporting crush to prevent fall
out of fines and emissions of dust
 Facility for regular cleaning and wetting of the ground should be provided.
 Trees of native species should be planted to develop a green belt within and along the
boundary of the premises of construction yards and the labour camps.
 Impacts due to Movement of Vehicles :
 Sprinkle water on the road surface in settled areas when dust levels rise, particularly in the
dry season.
 Maintain all construction vehicles to minimize toxic vehicle emissions.
 Set and enforce speed limits, especially near schools and populated areas.
 Install appropriate signs warning drivers to slow down in settlement areas.
 Arrange flagmen to control the traffic at the muck disposal areas.
 Proper training imparted to the workers involved in the construction activity.
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 The wind breaks well and fully maintained
5.3 Impacts due to Approach Road Construction
The topography of the project area has steep slopes, which descend rapidly into valleys. The
conditions can give rise to erosion hazards due to downhill movement of soil aggregates. The project
construction would entail significant vehicular movement for transportation of construction material
and heavy construction equipment. Most of the approach roads to the Mille yard in the project area
would require a new road proposed to be constructed for this project.
The major impacts likely to accrue as a result of construction of the roads are:
• Loss of forest and vegetation by cutting of trees

• Geological disturbance due to blasting, excavation, etc.
• Soil erosion as the slope cutting operation disturbs the natural slope and leads to land slips and
landslides.
• Interruption of drainage and change in drainage pattern
• Disturbance of water resources with blasting and discriminate disposal of fuel and lubricants from
road construction machinery
• Effect on flora and fauna
• Air pollution due to dust from debris, road construction machinery, etc.
• Avoid accidental spills through good practice.

• Install and maintain mufflers on equipment and vehicles.
• Provide drainage to reduce risk of flooding.
• Provision of drains to reduce stagnation of water.
• Installation of culverts, bridges, etc. as needed according to the hydrological surveys conducted.
• Adequate development of green belt to composite the tree cutting
5.4 Impacts due to Muck Disposal
Waste will be generated due to construction of tunnel and Mille yard and approach roads to the yard.
Waste generated by excavation and by the tunnelling activity can be used for construction purpose.
The unused muck which is left behind is proposed to be dumped at pre‐identified locations nearer to
the River Teesta. There are several measures suggested to prevent polluting the Teesta River
waters.
• The waste material generated during the excavation of rock will be reused during the site
development to some extent. The material will be used after testing its quality.
• Construction debris will be disposed of in suitable pre identified dumping location, suggested by
the Pollution Control Board. A prior approval from the statutory agencies will be required before
disposal of muck.
• Construction labour camp should be more organized with adequate facilities and should be away
from the muck disposal yard.
• Required a regular inspection for the debris disposal site.
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• A waste disposal site should be away from human settlement, to prevent incidence of health
hazards.
• Generally barren lands are preferable for this purpose as there is in adequacy of space the bank
of River Tista.
• Ideally speaking a disposal site should be away from water streams. Due to the non-availability
land the muck generated is disposed of adjacent to the River Teesta.
• The disposal site should be away from any archaeological and historical monuments
• It should be easily accessible from the main roads.
• No dumping allowed on private property without written consent of the owner.
• No dumping should be allowed on wetlands, forest areas, and other ecologically sensitive areas.
• The truck and dumpers used should be spill proof as they move through settlements.
• There should be direction showing boards to the disposal site
• The disposal site should not be very near to burial grounds, religious places and archeological
important sites.
• The disposal sites should be provided with a proper drainage system.
• The disposal waste material should be properly compacted.
• All the workers working at the disposal yard should be provided with safety attire.
• The waste carrying trucks should be properly covered by tarpaulin.
• The worker working at this area should be given proper training regarding the health hazards
associated with the work.
5.5 Impacts on Water Quality

The major sources of water pollution during project construction phase are as follows:
• Sewage from Construction work camps/colonies
• Effluent from Construction Plants and Workshops
• Disposal of solid waste
• The sewage will be treated appropriately.

• The effluents will be suitably treated before letting out
• No disposal of cut spoils into gullies or watercourses.
• A waste disposal site should be away from human settlement, because of incidence of health
hazards. Generally barren lands are preferable for this purpose.
• A disposal site should be away from water streams and river Teesta.
5.6 Sewage from Construction worker Camps
The project construction is likely to last for a period of 2-3 years. Most of the employees/workers
during construction phase are likely to be employed from outside the project area. The construction
phase, also leads to mushrooming of various allied activities to meet the demand of immigrant
Construction Worker population in the project area. Additionally drivers and labour associated with
transportation of material will also stay in the area on temporary basis. There will be increased
quantum of wastewater and sewage is generated, which requires immediate treatment.
The construction wastewater and kitchen waste water will be sent out to two settling pits and once
settled the water will be used for watering surrounding plantations. The settled material will be either
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used as fertilizer (from kitchen waste) or disposed to disposal sites approved by local authorities.
Accumulated construction waste from the settling pit would comprise mainly of inert materials like silt.
5.7 Effluent from Construction Plants and Workshops
As discussed earlier, two major construction plants viz. aggregate processing and concrete mixing
and major repair workshops will be established, apart from minor workshops and other construction
equipment. Water is used and in these construction plants and wastewater generated contains
suspended solids. Similarly from workshops, major pollutant will be oil and grease. Discharge of
untreated wastewater will have serious impact on water quality of receiving water body. Turbidity and
oil & grease levels will increase substantially in small tributaries, especially, in lean season.
• Treatment in settling tanks before discharge to any water body or for land application.
5.8 Impact on Noise Environment
Sources of noise will be the vehicles and equipment for excavation and stationary equipment,
including concrete batch plant located at the construction sites. Other sources of noise will be the use
of explosives for blasting purposes for construction activities, drilling machines and quarrying and
crushing activities.
5.8.1 Noise due to Construction Equipment
Under the worst case scenario, considered for prediction of noise levels during construction phase, it
has been assumed that all these equipment generate noise from a common point. The increase in
noise levels due to operation of the different construction equipment has been worked out. However,
such noise levels will only affect the operators and construction workers who will be in the vicinity of
the noise generating equipment and they should always be using PPEs to ward off any negative
impact due to exposure to high noise levels. As the distance from the source increases the noise
levels decrease considerably. By erecting a noise barrier would additionally reduce the noise level as
the sound wave passes through a barrier.
5.8.2 Noise Generated due to Drilling:
After the adoption of the norms of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for
construction phase of the proposed project the increased noise levels due to drilling are not expected
to adversely affect the workers operating the drill or involved in other mining activities closely.
5.8.3 Noise Generated due to Blasting
It is expected that noise level due to blasting operations are expected to be of the order of 75‐86 dB
(A). As the blasting is likely to last for 4 to 5 seconds depending on the charge, noise levels over this
time would be instantaneous and short in duration. Considering attenuation due to various sources,
even the instantaneous increase in noise level is not expected to be more than 60 dB (A). Hence,
noise level due to blasting is not expected to cause any significant adverse impact.
5.8.4 Noise Mitigation Measures

• Schedule blasting activities so as not to disturb local people and notify them prior to
undertaking such activity.
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• Site the quarries away from communities and livestock grazing areas.
• Inform people of the possible vibration before using Vibrating Rollers near settled areas.
• Machinery and vehicles will be maintained regularly, with particular attention paid to silencers
and mufflers, to keep construction noise levels to minimum.
• Construction yards will be located away from settlement areas. Aggregate crushing plants
shall be located on the down wind direction of sensitive areas such as schools, hospitals or
human settlement etc. In unavoidable circumstances, the time of the operation of the plant
shall be limited. The necessary permission should be obtained from the local government
officials.
• A vegetative barrier will be suitably less expensive for a construction yard. The native species
is always preferable.
• Protection devices (ear plugs or ear muffs) will be provided to the workers while operating in
the vicinity of high noise generating machines.
• Operations will be scheduled to coincide with period when people would least likely to be
affected. Construction activities will be strictly prohibited between 10 P.M. and 6 A.M. in the
residential areas.
• Noise barriers should be erected at appropriate locations like the residential areas and
sensitive areas like the schools which are adjacent to the Tunnel Project
5.9 Impacts due to Ground Vibrations:
The explosive energy generated during blasting sets up a seismic wave within the surface, which may
affect the structures and cause discomfort to human population. When an explosive charge is fired in
a hole, stress waves traverse in various directions, causing the rock particles to oscillate. Blasting
also generates ground vibrations and instantaneous noise.
Noise in and around the construction site will likely affect the wildlife and residents in the nearby
areas. Wildlife in the area will likely to move away from the noise and eventually return to the area
when construction is complete. Take necessary precautionary measures during the construction.
5.9.1 Mitigation Measures for Vibration
• The vibrations can be reduced considerably by ensuring and keeping correct track geometry by
advanced measurement.
• Effective maintenance programs are essential for controlling ground borne vibrations.
• Controlling noise vibrations at the source.
• Proper maintenance of tunnel excavation equipment’s
5.10 Impact on Air Quality
Vehicles and stationary equipment will impact air quality at the construction site through emissions
from the engines and equipment, fugitive emissions due to material handling, etc. Additionally quarry
site activities including operation of crushers, concrete batch plants, construction work and movement
of vehicles along unpaved road will generate dust & gaseous emission and impact air quality. The
burning of waste will also affect air quality. In absence of proper fuel, construction workers at the
project site may use wood for fuel burning.
Emissions from construction sites include those generated from the diesel engines operating
vehicles and machinery. Diesel-fired engines emit particulate matter (soot) and gaseous emissions
such as carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides and organic compounds including
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—the latter
being associated with the odor of diesel emissions.
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The major air emission expected from construction activities is dust, that is, particulates. Health
studies have established a relationship between fine particulates and respiratory problems,
especially for people within 'high-risk' groups such as children, asthmatics and the elderly.
The following impacts are envisaged on air quality:
• Pollution due to fuel combustion in various equipment’s

• Emissions from various crushers and other construction plants
• Fugitive Emissions from material handling and transportation
• Maintain all construction vehicles to minimize toxic vehicle emissions.

• Placing of dust arresters surrounding the crusher and the construction yards will prevent the
dispersion of the dust to a great extent.
• Spray water on the stones while unloading from the truck/dumper.
• Spray water at the primary crusher feeder chute.
• Spray water at the transfer points from one belt conveyor to another.
• Payload area of trucks will be covered by tarpaulins when transporting crush to prevent fall out of
fines and emissions of dust
• Facility for regular cleaning and wetting of the ground should be provided.
• Trees of native species should be planted to develop a green belt within and along the boundary
of the premises of construction yards and the labor camps
• Vegetation of the pile is an excellent option whenever soil is likely to be exposed for a long
period of time (greater than four weeks), or whenever works are completed in an area. Note
there is also a requirement by the Department of Planning for dust control measures to be left
in place until at least 70% vegetative cover has been established1.
• Alternatively mulched green wastes can be temporarily laid over the stockpile and removed
when required, and retained for later landscaping purposes.
5.11 Impacts due to Quarrying Operations
Opening of the quarries will cause visual impacts. Other impacts will be the noise generated during
crushing activity, which could affect wildlife in the area, dust produced during the crushing operation
to get the aggregates to the appropriate size and transport of the aggregates, and transport of
materials. The quarry sites would lead to disturbance to forest area and rural areas surrounding the
project site.
• Paving road surfaces within the quarry site to prevent the dust emissions.
• Water spraying of conveyors/conveyor transfer points, stockpiles and roads, appropriate
maintenance of vehicles and machinery; landscaped mounds on the periphery of the site and
around storage areas. The quarries should be sited away from the sensitive locations like the
schools and health Centers.
• The quarries should not be very near to human settlements; at least 500 meters away from the
human settlement.
5.12 Impact on Socio‐economic Environment

A project would give both positive as well as negative impacts on the socio‐cultural fabric of area.
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Positive Impacts on Socio‐Economic Environment
The following positive impacts are anticipated on the socio‐economic environment of the local people
of villages of project area during the project construction and operation phases:
A number of marginal activities and jobs would be available to the locals in the project improves the
job opportunities during construction phase. Developer bringing large scale investment to the area will
also invest in local area development and benefit will be reaped by locals. Education, medical,
transportation, road network and other infrastructure will improve. The project will increase the
number of tourists from other districts. Develop eco‐tourism, which could earn additional revenue.
5.12.1 Negative Impacts on Socio‐Economic Environment
There are certain negative impacts due to influx of outside population. Workforce will reside in that
area and also there will be large influx of drivers and other workers on temporary basis. This influx of
people in other- isolated area may lead to various social and cultural conflicts during the construction
stage. There may be incidence of new disease pattern in the area.
5.13 Soil
The construction of the access roads to the Sivok Yard will require excavation and compaction to
provide a suitable base for the track. Environmental impacts that could occur during the preparation
of the access road and laying the railway track which leads to the contamination resulting from spills
or disposal of oil, lubricants or other chemicals. The likely impacts envisaged on the soil due to the
proposed project are listed out long with the mitigation measures.
5.13.1 Impacts along with Mitigation Measures
• Loosing of fertile soil and vegetative cover due to excavation and back filling
• There will be considerable increase in soil erosion,
• Soil contamination due to oil and lubricants by the construction works
• Adequate measures like provision of adequate drainage facilities, embankment consolidation and
slope stabilization will be carried out along the proposed access road.
• Top soil of 15 cm of the borrow pit sites will be conserved and restored after the construction.
• All hazardous wastes and hazardous materials, lubricating oil, solvents and fuels, will be stored
within a bounded area that has the capacity of at least 110% of the largest container in the
storage area.
• Oil spill clean-up materials (sorbent pads, loose sorbent material, etc.) will be made available. Any
spill or leak shall be addressed immediately and the contaminated soil and material be disposed
appropriately.
• The material carrying trucks or dumpers should carry on the haulage corridors provided for
material transport.
• Unlicensed quarries and construction yards having potential significant environmental impacts to
the neighboring areas will be closed by the statutory authority if the respective quarries and plants
are not obtaining relevant permissions
5.14 Drainage
There are several impacts listed out for the drainage issues:
• Change in drainage pattern due to the obstruction of water course due to the construction activity.
• Incidence of flood due to the obstruction of natural drainage.
• Accidental filling up of the existing drainage channel during the earth fills and construction activity.
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• Adequate longitudinal drainage facility shall be provided along the proposed Tunnel Project.
• Adequate cross drainage channels will be provided for the smooth passage of the surface run-off.
• The existing drainage channels will be kept open without filling them.
• Provision of suitable drainage channels at the construction site to avoid any water stagnation, soil
erosion and mosquito breeding.
• Provision of additional culvers where ever it is required.
5.15 Labour Issues
The labour problem arises with bringing external labour force for work and likely impacts caused due
to the new work force at the site. This was given in the following paragraphs
The use of local labour during the construction will increase benefits to the local community by
providing employment opportunities and economic benefits. Increased traffic during construction will
be managed through coordination between the contractor, and various authorities. Contractors will
communicate to the public through community consultation regarding the scope and schedule of
construction, as well as certain activities which causing disruptions or access restrictions.
The siting of construction camps has the potential to cause conflict with the local population if done
without consideration for local tradition and customs. The influx of a large number of outside workers
into small villages may lead to conflict. The employment of local labour on the project will go some
way to decreasing the risks but there will still need to a sizable proportion of the workforce recruited
from outside the area. Construction camps must therefore be sited well away from local communities
so to minimize interactions between the workforce and the local populations.
The construction sites are likely to have limited public health impacts due to their isolated location.
However, contractors will ensure that no wastewater is discharged to local water bodies and that no
site-specific landfills will be established at the construction camps. There will be a potential for
diseases to be transmitted, exacerbated by inadequate health and safety practices. Each contractor
will therefore be required to recruit an environmental, health and safety manager to address such
concerns in the work sites and liaise/work with the labourers. Some of the mitigation measures
suggested are listed below:
5.15.1 Mitigation measures
• Provision of adequate healthcare facilities (first aid) within construction sites;

• Training of all construction workers in basic sanitation and healthcare issues, general health and
safety matters, and on the specific hazards of their work;
• Personal protection equipment for workers, such as safety boots, helmets, gloves, protective
clothing, goggles and ear protection;
• Clean drinking water facility to all workers;
• Adequate protection to the general public, including safety barriers and marking of hazardous
areas;
• Safe access across the construction site;
• Adequate drainage throughout the camp to ensure that disease vectors such as stagnant water
bodies and puddles do not form.
• Septic tank and garbage bins will be set up in construction site, which will be periodically cleared
by the contractors to prevent outbreak of diseases.
• Where feasible the contractor will arrange the temporary integration of waste collection from work
sites into existing waste collection systems and disposal facilities of nearby communities.
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5.16 Hazardous Materials & Waste Management
During the construction period a wide range and substantial volumes of waste may be generated
including gravel; concrete; miscellaneous structures such as culverts, poles and cables; steel; organic
material, such as cleared vegetation, timber; and soil. In addition there will be oils, fuel, grease (POL
Products) and chemicals from plant, equipment and vehicle servicing. Any hazardous materials that
are used will also need to be stored and handled correctly to prevent spills and pollution. The
following hazardous materials and waste management measures will be implemented during
construction:
• All areas designated for the storage of fuels, oils, chemicals or other hazardous liquids shall have
a compacted base and be surrounded by a bund to contain any spillage. These areas shall be
covered by a roof structure to minimize the potential for infiltration and contamination of rainwater.
Alternatively ventilated containers and individual spill pallets could be used, dependent on the
volume of hazardous materials
• Areas designed for the storage of hazardous materials are to be clearly designated and storage of
such materials outside these areas strictly prohibited.
• An Emergency Spills Contingency Plan shall be prepared as part of the Contractors
Environmental Management Plan.
• Apply any waste minimization and management strategies as nominated;
• Dispose of waste to nominated project disposal sites;
• Ensure that the waste management measures are implemented on the project site;
• Prepare and implement a hazardous waste management plan for the disposal of waste oil,
batteries and other hazardous materials;
• Ensure that topsoil is stockpiled for used in post construction landscaping;
• Chip and mulch vegetation cleared and reuse it as an organic base for re-vegetation; ensure that
materials, which may cause land/water contamination or create odour problems, are not disposed
of on the site;
• Keep work areas tidy
• Ensure that there is the adequate provision of correctly marked waste containers made available
at convenient locations for the disposal of wastes
• Ensure adequate toilet and ablution facilities are provided for the duration of the contract.
Domestic sewage and sullage from these facilities shall be subject to suitable treatment prior to
discharge in to environment. Under no circumstances untreated wastes shall be discharged into
the environment.
5.17 Erosion and Silt Runoff

The Project will involve number of construction activities such as excavation, construction of a tunnel
at project site and number of other construction related activities. Project will cause major erosion and
silt runoff due to the above activities. However by implementing the timely mitigation measures during
the construction phase, there might not be erosion and silt runoff stemming from activities. The
following mitigation measures are suggested below:
• Minimize major earthworks during the rainy season, to the extent feasible.
• At the end of the construction phase, re-vegetate cut slopes where ever is feasible.
• Provision of a vegetative cover to protect the soil from eroding.
• Intercepting ditches at the top and at the bottom of the slopes. Gutters and spillways are used to
control the flow of the water down a slope
• Riprap, or rock material embedded in a slope face, sometimes combined with plantation.
• Retaining structures such as gabions, cribs grids of wood or concrete beams filled with earth or
rock), or other types of wooden barricades and grid works, usually battered back against the
slope.
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• Retaining walls are more substantial structure able to resist bending and with a footing designed
to with stand pressure at the base of the slope.
• Reinforced earth embankment walls built up as the earth fill is placed, with anchors compacted
into the fill material.
• Cutoff drains to catch water before it reaches critical areas, and diverging drains, which avoids
excessive concentration of flow.
• Settlement basins, which allow silt, pollutants and Tunnel Project rubbish to settle out of runoff
water before it flows into downstream water courses.
• Native varieties will be selected, according to the soil type, climate, future possibility of
maintenance will be used for plantation purpose.
• Right season should be preferred for planting the saplings.
• Geo textiles, generally more expensive options with specific applications.
• These are some of the engineering options and other options which can be adopted based on the
site condition for erosion control.
5.17.1 Environmental Mitigation Measures
Implementation Responsibilities: the implementation of the project is mainly based on the client and
the contractor. The details of the implementation agencies are further elaborated in the environmental
management plan which forms a part of the EIA. The present section envisages about the likely
impacts caused by the project and the mitigation measures are proposed. The environmental impacts
along with the mitigation measures are given in a tabular form.
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Table 5.1 Environmental Impacts Matrix
Activities Environmental impacts Mitigation Measures

Design Stage
Design Erosion and instability of cut Design cut slope to minimize instability
faces and borrow pits Use structural stabilization measures such as retaining
walls and gabions in the design.
Use adequate design, sitting, and sizes of drainage
structures.
Erosion of Lands Site drainage structures so as to avoid a cascade
effect and to ensure that runoff is conveyed into
natural drainage lines with controlled velocities
Line the receiving areas with stones or concrete to
protect soils at outflow areas
Incorporate sufficient number of drainage outlets such
that flow from any individual outlet is not excessive.
Impacts on wildlife through Tunnel Project will be sited and designed with utmost
interruption of migratory routes care so as not to disturb the forest vegetation or will
and other habitat disturbances. not affect any forest migratory routes will not be
affected.
Encroachment on water supply Surveys carried out as part of the project will identify
systems from water supply systems
Culverts will be incorporated into Tunnel Project
design where water systems are planned.
Detailed design will include plans for avoidance of
damage to water systems and replacement/repair of
water systems where avoidance is not possible.
Coordination with the Water Supply department is
necessary.
Encroachment on Sacred and Design of the tunnel alignment to avoid Sacred Trees
old Trees or old trees. The relocation of the trees is also
possible. Local populations may consider some of the
trees to be auspicious.
Construction Stage
Mobilization of Accident risks from mobilizing To the extent possible, avoid the mobilization of heavy
equipment’s and construction equipment equipment’s at night.
workforces Over-width and over-length vehicles should display
adequate warnings such as flashing lights, signs, and
flags on extending parts of equipment as it is a hilly
terrain.
Construction Diesel Emissions Proper maintenance and tuning of engines
Equipment
Catalytic converters and exhaust filters (if available)
Correct fuel specification
Limiting idling time
Avoiding overloading
Appropriate height of discharge above ground level
Earth moving equipment and Water sprays and dust suppression surfactants
excavation
Unpaved access roads and Water sprays and dust suppression surfactants
pathways, and the clearing of Revegetation
access roads
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Wind breaks (temporary cyclone fence with fine shade

cloth attached)
Masonry activities (preparation Avoiding cement dust emissions
of concrete, cement and mortar Managing stockpiles (sand, gravel) by using water
mixes; cutting stone, bricks or sprays(when emptying cement bags into mixer).
pavers)
Wet cutting and drilling techniques.
Crushing or screening Suitable extraction procedure

aggregate materials, stockpiled Water sprays
material. Limiting size of stockpiles
Vertical barriers (or covering the pile if it is small)
Dust suppression curtain (hessian, shade cloth)
Impact on health Negative impact on the health Conduct special briefing or on-site training on
and Social Well- and social well-being of local environmental, occupational safety and health
being of Local population due to the requirements of the project workers.
population. introduction of workforce from Strictly supervise workers not to interfere with local
other places affairs or quarrel with local people.
In case of complaints from local people on the issues
caused by workers and complains will be solved as
soon as possible, under collaboration of
Environmental Consultant of the Project Management
Consultant and Supervision Consultant.
Impacts on Local Wildlife by Carry out awareness-raising campaigns on wildlife
Workforce value for workers
Any worker conduct haunting, or buy wildlife from local
people, will be dismissed from job
Supply workers with sufficient foods from outside the
Project area.
Accident risk from mobilizing The followings for safety will be provided to workers.
Warning and/or Precaution Signs on safety.
Helmets.
Instruction on health and safety.
Establishment of all relevant safety measures required
by law and good engineering practices.
Provision of first aid facilities at the construction sites.
Outbreak of disease The Contractor will have all his workers undergo a
regular medical check on their arrival on Site.
Necessary vaccinations should be given to the
workers.
Site construction camps at least 100 m away from
rivers and as far as possible from local communities.
Provide enough water supplies for workers, and
ensure sufficient sanitation for the camp: the proper
drainage systems, and the proper location for solid
waste disposal.
Make medical treatment available for workers. Provide
workers mosquito nets and malaria-prevention
medication.
Depletion of natural resources Do not harvest wood resources within project area.
through demand for building Where local materials must be used, make
materials, fuel, and food for agreements with local communities about the areas or
workers the volume that can be harvested without significant
impact.
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Support community development by paying an

adequate price for any local resources used.
All supplies for building camps will be brought from
outside the area.
Do not allow construction camps to become
permanent settlements.
Camps will be removed and the area brought back to
pre-construction condition prior to Project completion.
Upon completion of construction, consideration will be
given for transferring camp structures to local people
for community or government use.
Conduct awareness-raising campaigns on tree
conservation to workers.
Earthworks and Erosion and instability of cut No contour will be permitted in areas with steep
operating of faces and borrow pits slopes.
quarries and Minimize major earthworks during the rainy season, to
borrow pits the extent feasible.
Pile top soil from digging of borrows pits carefully to
one side, where it can be later used for reclamation.
During construction, employ erosion prevention
measures such as the use of hay bales.
At the end of the construction phase, re-contour
borrow pit walls, replace topsoil, and re-vegetate.
At the end of the construction phase, grow vegetation
in cut slopes where ever it is feasible.
Provide vegetative cover on erosion-prone areas.
Install intercepting ditches at the top and at the bottom
of slopes. Use gutters and spillways to control the flow
of the water down slopes.
Provide retaining structures such as gabions, riprap,
or rock material embedded in a slope face, in
combination with vegetation measures, as
appropriate.
. Reinforce earth embankment walls as the earth fill is
placed, with anchors compacted into the fill material.
. Provide cut off drains to catch water before it reaches
critical areas, and diverging drains, which avoids
excessive concentration of flow.
. Install settlement basins, which allow silt, pollutants
and rubbish to settle out of runoff water before it flows
into downstream water courses.
. For re-vegetation purposes, use native varieties
according to the soil type, climate and ease of
maintenance. Saplings shall be planted to coincide
with appropriate season to ensure survival.
Erosion from disposal of cut Where spoil disposal in vegetated sites cannot be
spoil. avoided, select areas with scrub, bamboo, or
herbaceous growth over areas of healthy forest.
No disposal into gullies or watercourses.
No disposal in or adjacent to cultivated areas (unless
such areas lie within the Tunnel Project reserved
width, in which case owners will be compensated
under the Resettlement Plan.
No disposal by direct tipping of spoil down slope.
Plantation will be developed on spoil dumps to
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maintain the soil stability.

Loss of vegetation due to Remove and store the top soil of any important
haulage routes and detours detours and it should be used for rehabilitation and re-
vegetation of the area after Tunnel Project
construction
Improper disposal of solid Segregation of wastes shall be observed.
waste Organic (bio degradable) shall be collected and
disposed of on site by composting (no burning on
site).
Recyclables shall be recovered and sold to recyclers.
Residual and hazardous wastes shall be disposed of
in disposal sites approved by local authorities.
Pollution due to use and Hydrocarbon, toxic material and (explosives --- if
storage of hazardous blasting will be involved) will be stored in adequately
substance protected sites to prevent soil and water contamination
while vehicle maintenance and re-fueling will be
confined to areas in construction sites designed to
contain spilled lubricants and fuels.
Fuel depot shall be provided with impervious flooring
and bund/containment wall to keep spilled
fuel/lubricant within the depot;
Used oil and other toxic and hazardous materials shall
be disposed of in an authorized facility off-site.
Spill waste will be disposed at disposal sites approved
by local authorities.
Adequate precaution will be taken to prevent
oil/lubricant/ hydrocarbon contamination of channel
beds. Spillage, if any, will be immediately cleared with
utmost caution to leave no traces
All areas intended for storage of hazardous materials
will be quarantined and provided with adequate
facilities to combat emergency situations complying all
the applicable statutory stipulation
The personnel in-charge of these sites will be properly
trained and these areas will be access controlled and
entry will be allowed only under authorization
Occupational health and safety Workers shall be provided with appropriate personal
protective equipment (PPE) such as safety shoes,
hard hats, safety glasses, ear plugs, gloves, etc.
The contractor shall orient workers on health and
safety issues related to their activities as well as on
the proper use of PPE.
Where worker exposure to traffic cannot be completely
eliminated, protective barriers shall be provided to
shield workers from construction vehicles. Another
measure is to install channelling devices (e.g., traffic
cones and barrels) to delineate the work zone. This
applies for the construction areas.
Workers shall be provided with potable water supply.
Provision of distinguishing clothing or reflective
devices or otherwise conspicuously visible material
when there is regular exposure of workers to danger
from moving vehicles.
Monitoring and control of the working environment and
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planning of safety and health precautions should be

performed as prescribed by national laws
(Government of India) and regulations.
Construction camps shall be provided with adequate
drainage to avoid accumulation of stagnant water.
HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention program shall be
implemented under the Project.
The following facilities shall be provided at the
workers' camps:
. Washing facilities or showers shall be provided at the
workers' camps.
Toilets/sanitation facilities with proper flushing
provisions in accordance with local regulations to
prevent any hazard to public health or contamination
of land, surface or groundwater. These facilities shall
be well maintained to allow effective operation.
Accommodation for taking meals and for shelters
during interruption of work due to adverse weather
conditions.
First aid room or station under the charge of the
qualified first aid personnel or a nurse should be
provided at a readily accessible place for treatment of
minor injuries and as a rest place for seriously sick or
injured workers.
. Construction equipment shall be operated by workers
who have received appropriate training in accordance
with national laws and regulations.
. The drivers and operators of vehicles and materials
handling equipment shall be medically fit, trained and
tested and of a prescribed minimum age as required
by the government rules and regulation.
. Safety provisions shall be brought to the notice of all
concerned by displaying on notice board at a
prominent place at the work locations.
. The contractor shall be responsible for observance, by
his sub-contractors, of all health and safety provisions.
. The contractor should take adequate measures for the
control of malaria.
. All vehicles used in the construction yard should have
reverse horns
. There should be proper demarcation of work areas
with sign boards showing the work areas. The
signboards should be in local language also.
. Suitable warning should be displayed at all places
where contact with or proximity to electrical equipment
can cause danger.
. Persons having to operate electrical equipment should
be fully instructed as to any possible danger of the
equipment concerned.
. All the electrical equipment should be inspected
before it is taken into use to ensure that it is suitable
for its purpose.
. Water transport tanks, storage tanks and dispensing
container should be designed, used, cleaned and
disinfected at suitable intervals in a manner approved
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by the competent authority.

. Water that is unfit to drink should be conspicuously
indicated by notices prohibiting workers from drinking
it.
. Secure storage areas should be provided for
flammable liquids, solids and gases such as liquefied
petroleum gas cylinder, paints and other such
materials in order to deter trespassers.
. Smoking should be strictly prohibited and no smoking
notices be predominantly displayed in all places
containing readily combustible or flammable materials
. Only suitably protected electrical installations and
equipment, including portable lamps, should be used.
. Oil rags, waste and clothes or other substances liable
to spontaneous ignition should be removed without
delay to a safe place.
. Fire-extinguishing equipment should be provided at
construction camps, asphalt plants, storage areas for
combustible materials and other areas where fire
hazards are found. Such equipment shall be properly
maintained and inspected at suitable intervals by a
competent person.
Public health and safety risks Barriers (e.g., temporary fence), shall be installed at
construction areas to deter pedestrian access to the
Tunnel Project except at designated crossing points.
The general public/local residents shall not be allowed
in high-risk areas, e.g., excavation sites and areas
where heavy equipment is in operation.
Speed restrictions shall be imposed on Project
vehicles and equipment when traversing areas with
sensitive receptors (residential, schools, temples,
etc.).
Loss of vegetation and habitat Utmost care will be observed to avoid unnecessary
at the quarries and borrow pits damage to vegetation.
There will be no new quarries within provincial and
district protected areas.
Do not cut trees outside of the construction zone.
In case of new quarries operation, the quarries will be
approved by the Environmental monitoring Authorities.
Impacts on wildlife through Strict monitoring in this area will be used to prevent
interruption of migratory routes tree cutting and hunting.
and other habitat disturbances
Encroachment on water supply Contractors will pay a fee to villagers for damage to
systems water systems, perhaps based on number of days
without water until the system is re fixed.
Dust/air pollution Maintain all construction vehicles to minimize toxic
vehicle emission.
Sprinkle water on the haulage routes to prevent dust
emission at residential areas.
Concrete batching plant and rock crushers shall be
located at least 500 m from settlements, schools, and
other sensitive receptors.
Creation of stagnant water Incorporate adequate drainage and fill in borrow pits
bodies in borrow pits, quarries and quarries. Before doing this activity the local
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concern should be considered. The village authorities

should also be consulted.
Maintain borrow pits and quarries by landscaping
them after operation by growing the native species.
Noise and vibration All construction vehicles will have working mufflers
and they will be properly maintained.
Blasting activities should not disrupt the local
population activities.
People should be well informed about the activity of
Tunnel Project surfacing before using the rollers near
to the settlement area.
Time blasting activities so as not to disturb local
people and notify them prior to undertaking such
activity.
Site quarries away from communities and livestock
grazing areas.
Inform people of the possible vibration before using
vibrating rollers near settled areas.
Construction yards shall be located away from
settlement areas. Concrete Batching and aggregate
crushing plants shall be located on the down wind
direction of sensitive areas such as schools, hospitals
or human settlement etc. In unavoidable
circumstances, the time of the operation of the plant
shall be limited. The necessary permission should be
obtained from the local government officials.
Activities that will generate high noise levels will be
scheduled to coincide with period when people are
least likely to be affected. Construction activities will
be strictly prohibited between 10 P.M. and 6 A.M. in
the residential areas.
Traffic disruption during Employ “flag men” to regulate the traffic flow at every
construction construction area mainly at the passage for the local
population.
There will be traffic disruption at the village road
crossings. The provision of flagmen should be there to
regulate the traffic on the village roads crossing.
Traffic movement at the For controlling dust from traffic movements,
construction site suppression using water-based surfactants is more
effective than suppression using water alone. The
surfactant causes agglomeration of fine particles,
making it more difficult for the resultant larger particles
to become windborne when the water evaporates.
Washing vehicles' wheels before they leave the
premises can also help to control dust.
Visual impact of spoil disposal, Where feasible, quarries will be sited away from the
borrow pits, and quarries Tunnel Project. Blasting and construction of crushing
plants will be done away from the Tunnel Project. The
plants will not be placed very near to the human
settlement.
In sites where quarries must be close to the Tunnel
Project, trees and other vegetation will be left between
the quarry/crushing plant sites and the Tunnel Project.
Screens will be provided to prevent the dust
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emissions.
Ground and water Collect, store and dispose of POL materials in
contamination by oil, grease, accordance with local law or standard acceptable
fuel, etc. practice.
Construction/traffic related dust Limit construction works between 6 am and 10.p.m in
and noise impacts in villages or near villages
areas Avoid use of vehicles with excessive exhaust or noise
emission, install and maintain equipment silencers
Regularly sprinkle water on haulage routes in village
areas during dry season, maintain the speed of the
vehicles and maintain construction vehicles, cover
haulage trucks with tarpaulins to prevent spillage.
The speed regulations should be strictly observed at
the schools and at the settlement areas.
Environmental and Social Hire as many local people as possible and train them
disruption from construction Site construction camp should minimize adverse
Camp impacts by better management practices.
Implement malaria control, HIV/AIDS education
Plan and carry out post construction site clean-up.
Water quality impacts Work in rivers will be scheduled during dry season and
work duration shall be as short as possible during the
monsoon months...
Immediate stabilization of bare slopes shall be
undertaken.
Construction storage/stockpiles shall be provided with
bunds to prevent silted run-off.
Stockpile areas and storage areas for hazardous
substances shall be located away from water bodies.
Washing of machinery and vehicles in surface waters
shall be prohibited.
Operation of Solid waste from the Provide garbage tanks and sanitary facilities for
construction construction camps workers. Waste in the specific tanks should be cleared
camps regularly so that vector borne infections can be
prevented.
The waste water from the construction camps should
be settled and treated prior letting it out. The
wastewater should not be let down into nearby surface
waters.
Garbage will be collected in a tank and be disposed of
periodically.
Special attention will be paid to the sanitary condition
of camps.
Impact from extraction of Balance cut and fill quantities as far as possible
construction materials Re-contour walls of borrow pits, reduce depth or fill in
if required, spread with topsoil and re-vegetate with
native species or return it to productive use,
alternatively pits may be reshaped and left flooded for
water storage or fishponds. Conversion borrow pits to
fish ponds should be done in concurrence with the
local population.
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Increased Accidental risk of toxic Incorporate plans for safe storage of all toxic and
vehicular traffic materials spills from increased potentially toxic material into traffic planning.
vehicular traffic Regulate transport of toxic materials.
Set and enforce speed limits, especially near schools
and settlement areas.
Accidental Risk of Injury or Install appropriate signs warning drivers to slow down
Loss of Life to People and in settled and livestock areas.
Livestock from Increased
Traffic Volume and Speed from
the construction vehicles
Tunnel Project The excavation and the digging Dust control through frequent water spraying.
activity for the proposed tunnel Proper maintenance of the construction equipment
would generate a lot of dust and material transportation trucks.
and muck generation, Proper dust and noise barriers at the construction yard
wastewater, solid waste and and at construction camp.
noise and vibration. Provision of adequate personal protective equipment
for the worker for safeguarding their occupational
safety.
The wastewater generated from the construction yard
and labour camps will be adequately treated before
releasing it or reusing the same for some other
activities like the green belt development.
The solid waste generated during the construction
process will be utilized as per the regulation of the
local government (State Government)
Advance notice of construction
activities to neighbors. - Provision of enough
distance between construction yards and
residential areas.
Development of a green belt. - Provision of noise
barriers at sensitive areas, if necessary.
Operation Stage
The operation of Tunnel The environmental pollution would come down
Project have positive impacts considerable extent.
on the environment The movement of goods would be much faster by the
Tunnel Project.
There will be job potential during construction stage for
the local population by executing this project.
There may be increase in employment chances for the
local population at the time of the operation.
There may be increased number of tourists and
pilgrims.
5.18 Workforce training

Training the construction workforce in awareness of air emissions can be carried out at all levels
(workers, foremen, managers) and can be included in site induction courses. For example, workers
can be trained to limit the surface area of an activity to reduce the scale of emissions e.g. dust or
fumes from construction activities. Training could encourage workers to consider the timing of
activities in relation to prevailing wind conditions, especially activities such as spray painting or sand
blasting. Precaution to be taken at the wild life areas will also be considered.
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5.19 Bridge Construction
Bridge construction in mountain areas leads to wide spread environmental problems. It is clear that
engineering works associated with the subgrades, bridges, and tunnels are the main factors
influencing the degradation of the mountain environment. The critical areas are the geological
hazards such as debris flows and slides are also associated with the soil erosion. Newly built railways
in the mountain areas are bound to lead to changes in the geomorphic features, destruction of
vegetation and the arbitrary placing of immense quantities of spoils. These impacts will aggravate the
degradation of the mountain environment if appropriate treatment measures are not introduced.
The mitigation measures are discussed below:
5.20.1 Protection Measures
During the design and construction stage of the railways the following measures should be taken to
avoid damage to the mountain environment:
 Investigations of the distribution of landslides, debris flows etc. in the immediate area and
their stage of development
 Studies of engineering control measures
 Use of environmental protection measures during cutting and refilling of the subgrade and
during the bridge and tunnel construction. At the same time, the ecological balance should be
protected to prevent the deterioration of the mountain environment through measures such as
planting vegetation, restoration of runoff areas, gullies and rivers, and the treatment of the
large areas of spoil.
 Poor geological conditions such as landslides and debris flows etc. should be avoided, if
impossible, all feasible control measures, both technical and economic should be
implemented to maintain or restore the ecological balance.
 Damage to the mountain environment shall be reduced as far as possible during the cutting
and filling of subgrade engineering works and control measures should be introduced to
maintain the stability of unstable cutting slopes. Slope cutting at tunnel portals should be
avoided as far as possible.
 Programme designed to avoid degradation of the mountain environment should be developed
and control measures to maintain and restore the vegetation should be implemented.
 Bridges rather than culvers should be used as far as possible in areas subject to debris flows.
The line itself should not pass through the debris flow zone and ideally should pass through
the safety zone far away from the alluvial fan.
The environmental impacts associated with the construction of railway bridge in the mountain areas
are envisaged in the above paragraphs with appropriate mitigation measures.
5.21 Station Yard
Impacts related to construction of Sivok station yard are mostly of short-term nature and are
reversible. Long-term irreversible impacts result mainly from acquisition of land for the right of way.
Impacts, mitigation measures, and proposed projects are discussed in the following paragraphs.
5.21.1 Air Quality
• During the construction phase, the air pollution sources include airborne dust from
earthworks, and tail gases from construction equipment and vehicles. The dust will settle
on trees and crops, and can cause respiratory problems for local residents. Experience
has shown that frequent spraying of water in construction sites and on exposed earth
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surfaces, covering of transportation vehicles with tarpaulins, and training of equipment

operators and drivers in fuel efficiency and anti-idling can effectively reduce the air
emissions. With the adoption of these mitigation measures for this Project, the
residual atmospheric impact is anticipated to be temporary and minimal.
• The local air quality gets affected due to the movement of railways. At present the number of
trains is of less in number, but once the project is finished the number of trains and motor
vehicles will increase at Sivok.
• The air pollution would lead for air borne diseases like asthma and bronchial infections in the in the local
population.
5.21.1.1 Mitigation Measures:
• Stricter monitoring of the air quality of the area.

• Development of green belt along the area so that it function as a vegetative sink.
• Provision of Health facilities for the local population.
5.21.2 Water Pollution
• During the construction phase, the wastewater will entail domestic sewage from
construction camps and staff quarters, and industrial wastewater from washing of
construction equipment and vehicles
• The construction contractors will be required to adopt water-saving construction practices
and conduct training of construction workers to minimize the discharge of
wastewater
• The construction sites will be located at least 100 meters away from water bodies; and
settlements
• Sewage from construction camps and from washing of vehicles should be treated before it
is discharged.
• The railway operations will produce huge amounts of waste water, including the domestic
sewage from staff living quarters and from the platforms of the stations. The wastewater will
contain pollutants like pollutants like COD, BOD, SS, and oils. A regular water quality
monitoring is suggested for the waste water effluents. The water quality standards to
be maintained as per the prescribed standards of State Pollution Control Board.
5.21.3 Solid Waste
• During the construction phase, two types of solid wastes will be generated: spoils and
domestic refuse
• The sites for disposal of unused spoils will be determined during construction stage with the
help of the local authority.
• Retaining walls and revegetation will be adopted for each disposal site to minimize erosion
and safety risks.
• Small quantities of domestic refuse from construction camps will be collected and disposed
of in the nearest landfill sites identified by the local authorities.
• In the operational phase, the domestic garbage from stations and passenger trains, and
wastes from regular working and living in the railway stations and depots includes dinner
boxes, aluminum cans, plastic bottles, paper, and fruit peels will be transported for
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centralized treatment by designated landfill sites.

• A new training and public awareness program will be implemented along with
development of the garbage collection and disposal systems as this proposed line
would enhance tourism in this region.
5.21.4 Noise and Vibrations
• The main noise sources during the construction phase will include heavy equipment,
and transportation vehicles.
• To minimize the impacts, construction sites will be planned at a safe distance from
villages, schools and health centers.
• In addition to choosing equipment of low noise and vibration,
• Construction activities with noisy equipment near schools will be scheduled to avoid school
class hours (09:00-12:00 and 13:30-15:00) and those taking place near residential
areas will avoid the use of noisy equipment at night (22:00-06:00).
• During the operational phase, the noise will come from the wheel-track friction from
passenger and freight trains, whistling of locomotives, and stations and depots.
• Residential development and other developmental activities should be avoided near the
Sivok Railway Station along the railway track.
• Noise mitigation measures proposed entail the establishment of greenbelts by planting
bushes and evergreen trees with a height of over 5 m, along the rail tracks of all sensitive
spots.
5.21.5 Soil Erosion
• The destruction of vegetation from excavation and the dumping of spoils will cause soil
erosion during construction,
• Several mitigation measures are proposed to minimize the loss of soil. These include (i)
optimizing horizontal and vertical sections of the line; (ii) maximizing the use of spoils as refill
materials; (iii) revegetating and reforesting exposed areas immediately upon completion of
the earthworks; and (iv)establishing retaining walls.
5.21.6 Public Health and Safety
• During the construction period, there is also a risk of in-coming workers spreading sexually
transmitted diseases (e.g., STD and HIV/AIDS). A mobile health team is proposed to conduct
regular health checks for the construction workers.
• It is recommended that the construction sites and construction workers' dormitories be disinfected
regularly.
• A sanitation and hygiene officer will be assigned to large sites with more than 50 workers.
• Construction safety to workers will also be an issue of concern. In order to avoid

accidents, training will be provided to workers, especially machinery operators, on safety
procedures and precautions. Helmets will be required at all construction sites. The contractors
will be required to appoint a safety officer who will conduct regular safety inspections of the
construction sites.
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Chapter-6
6. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN:
The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) document can be used throughout the project life cycle–
commissioning, mobilization and construction, operation and maintenance and decommissioning. It is
regularly updated to be aligned with the project progress from commissioning through mobilization,
construction, operation to decommissioning. EMP’s outline the environmental and social impacts, the
mitigation measures, roles and responsibilities, timescales and cost of mitigation. EMP is a practical
and achievable plan of management to ensure that any environmental impact during all the phases is
minimized and lead in the direction of sustainable development.
An EMP is developed to outline measures that are to be implemented in order to minimize adverse
environmental degradation associated with the construction and upgrading of proposed railway tunnel
project. It serves as a guide for the contractor and the workforce on their roles and responsibilities
concerning environmental management on site and it provides a framework for environmental social
monitoring throughout the development period. In this EIA Report the EMP will be briefly touched and
EMP Report throws light on the mitigation measures implemented at the site and the responsibility of
implementation.
6.1. Purpose of the EMP:
The developed EMP addresses the environmental and social impacts during the design, construction
and operational phases of the project. EMP outlines the key environmental management and
safeguards that will be initiated by the project proponent to manage the project’s key environmental
and social concerns. Environmental Social Management Plan (EMP) is the mechanism to ensure that
environmental considerations are integrated into the project survey and design, contract documents
and project supervision and monitoring. These are tools for mitigating or offsetting the potential
adverse environmental and social impacts resulting from various activities of the project. The EMP
consists mainly of mitigation measure, monitoring plan and recommendations. The EMP should
consist of cost estimates for monitoring program, equipment procurement, manpower, transportation,
office cost, studies, reporting, stationeries, etc. An Environmental Management Plan Matrix of various
activities and the responsible agency for implementing the Mitigation Measures. Separate budgeting
is not given here. A checklist will also be provided for regular monitoring of the project. The
environmental management plan format was detailed in the Detailed Environmental Management
Plan. The EMP document becomes a standalone report. Some of the management practices are
given down below:
 Encourage good management practices through planning and commitment to environmental issues
concerning any project;
 To provide rational and practical environmental guidelines that will assist in minimizing the potential
environmental impact of activities;
 Helps in minimizing disturbance to the environment (physical, biological and ecological,
socioeconomic, cultural, and archeological,)
 Combat all forms of pollution through monitoring air, noise, land, water, waste, energy and
natural resources
 Protection of sensitive and endangered flora and fauna;
 Prevent land degradation;
 Comply and adhere to all applicable laws, regulations, standards and guidelines for the protection
of the environment;
 Adopt best practicable waste management for all types of waste (liquid and solid) with objective on
prevention, minimization, recycling, treatment or disposal of wastes;
 Describe all monitoring procedures required to identify impacts on the environment;
 Train and bring awareness to employees and contractors with regard to environmental obligations
and compliance.
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 Reduce environmental risk and provide better Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E)
 Increase efficiency through minimum consumption and conservation of energy deplete-able
resources
 An EMP also provides with a plan answering - what, where, when, how and who?
 Establishing the reporting system to be undertaken during the construction of the tunnel
 The EMP also serves to highlight specific requirements that will be monitored during the
development and the environmental impacts those have not been satisfactorily prevented or
mitigated, for which corrective action have to be taken.
 The Roles and responsibilities have to be discussed in the implementation process of the
Environmental Management Plan.
 Monitoring progress of the project, on the implementation of the environmental provisions,

as
per planned schedule of activities
Supervising implementation of mitigation measures by the contractor along the tunnel project. The
detailed Environmental Management Plan is given as a separate report covering all details.
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Chapter-7
7. CONCLUSION
The proposed railway corridor between Sivok to Rangpo will improve the mobility of men and machine.
The loss of time due to the frequent traffic jams and landslides on the NH-31 A, can be avoided by the
proposed rail corridor. There are temporary negative impacts like disturbance of air quality due to the
construction works and increased noise and vibration levels due to the project execution which are
overshadowed by the positive impacts.
The existing stretch T1-T2 and the Sivok development would be a great help for the passenger
movement from Siliguri, West Bengal to Sikkim. The train movement would increase the tourist inflow
in the region. This rail link will become the life line of Sikkim and it will be the shortest route connecting
Sikkim to rest of India and a scenic hill rail journey. Moreover it is strategically important to Army
deployed to China border in Sikkim for the Indian Army troops and equipment movement to the far
flung area will be beneficial to some extent. The existing NH-31A is also very important from tourism
point of view and it links important tourist destinations like Gangtok, Changu lake, Nathula Pass,
Rumtek monastery etc. The tourist inflow would give an economic boost to the entire project area. The
tunnels will also cut the air emission for considerable extent.
The informal consultation with the local population at the Sivok area indicates that they are eagerly
waiting for the project execution and they are expecting an economic boost for the area due to the
inflow of the tourists. Freight through rail will ensure safe, voluminous of goods movement which will
boost economic. Over the entire proposed project would give a positive impact to the entire area not
limited to the two villages. The local environment will also improve and would give an economic boost.
The railway development projects serves as an important employment generator and provide huge
direct and indirect employment opportunity during construction period and operation period. The
transportation by road leads to consumption of fuel which ultimately leads to air pollution. The rail
connectivity in the Siliguri and Rangpo region will reduce the traffic load on roads, which will
reduce the air pollution in the area. The present proposed rail link will be environmental friendly option
of transport.
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Annexure-1-Baseline Environmental Data
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Report No.: W/16/079 Date of Reporting: 25.04.2016
Name of the Company & Address: PEMS Engineering Consultants

553, First Floor, Udyog Vihar,
Phase-V, Gurgaon - 122016
Description of the Sample : Surface Water.
Reference of sampling plan: Grab Sampling Procedure: APHA 22ND Edition, 1060 B (a)
Location/Source of Sampling/Sample Marked As: Nandi Khola at Sevoke.
Sample Collected/Submitted By: Our Representative (Mr. T. Ghosh).
Date of Sampling: 03.04.2016 Date of Receipt of Sample At Laboratory: 04.04.2016
Date of Start of analysis : 04.04.2016 Date of Completion of Analysis: 22.04.2016
TEST/ ANALYSIS RESULT

Sl. Parameters Specification, Standard Methods Results
N
o.
1 Colour, Hazen Units APHA 22nd Edition, 2120 B. <5
2 Turbidity, NTU, Max APHA 22nd Edition, 2130 B. <1
3 pH (at 250C) APHA 22nd Edition, 4500-H B 7.00
4 Conductivity (µmho/cm ) APHA 22nd h Edition, 2510-B 185.4
5 Total Hardness (asCaCO3)mg/l APHA 22nd Edition, 2340 C 116.6
6 Iron (as Fe), mg/l APHA 22nd h Edition, 3500 Fe B 0.13
7 Chloride (as Cl), mg/l APHA 22nd Edition,4500 Cl-B 2.71
8 Residual free chlorine, mg/l APHA 22nd Edition, 4500- Cl-B < 0.1
9 Fluoride, (as F), mg/l APHA 22nd Edition, 4500 F- B <0.5
10 Total Dissolved Solid , mg/l APHA 22nd Edition, 2540 C 168.0
11 Calcium (as Ca) ,mg/l APHA 22nd Edition, 3500 Ca B 41.5
12 Magnesium (as Mg) , mg/l APHA 22nd Edition, 3500-Mg-B 3.12
13 Sulphate (as SO4) ,mg/l APHA 22nd Edition, 4500-SO4-E 11.1
14 Nitrate (as NO3) , mg/l APHA 22nd Edition, 4500 NO3 E 1.64
15 Alkalinity (as CaCO3), mg/l APHA 22nd Edition, 2320 B 116.4
16 Phenolic Compounds mg/l, APHA 22nd Edition, 5530-henols-D < 0.01
17 Arsenic (as As) mg/l, APHA 22nd Edition, 3500As-B <0.01
18 Sodium(as Na) mg/l, APHA 22nd Edition, 3500 Na-B 32.6
19 Potassium(as K) mg./l, APHA 22nd Edition, 3500 K-B 2.67
Page 01 of 02
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Report No.: W/16/079 Date of Reporting:

25.04.2016
Sl. Parameters Specification, Standard Results

N Methods
o.
20 Chromium as Cr +6 mg/l, APHA 22nd Edition, 3500 Cr-B < 0.05

21 Total Suspended Solids (mg/l) APHA 22nd Edition, 2540D < 10.0
22 Biological Oxygen Demand 3 IS:3025,Part-44,2003 2.8
days at 27°C (mg/l)
23 Chemical Oxygen Demand APHA 22nd Edition, 5220B 19.7
(mg/l)
24 Dissolved Oxygen APHA 22nd Edition-4500-0-C 6.2
25 Total Kjeldahal Nitrogen as APHA 22nd Edition, 4500-Norg-B 2.6

TKN (mg/l)
26 Phosphate as PO4 (mg/l ) APHA 22nd Edition, 4500-P-D < 0.15
27 Manganese as Mn (mg/l ) APHA 22nd Edition, 3500, Mn-D <0.1
28 Silica as SiO2 (mg/l) APHA 22nd Edition, 4500, SiO2-C 1.14
29 Zinc as Zn APHA 22nd Edition, 3500-Zn-B <0.25
30 Alluminium as Al (mg/l) APHA 22nd Edition, 3500-Al-B <0.03
31 Boron as B (mg/l) APHA 22nd Edition, 4500-B-C <0.5
32 Oil & Grease (mg/l) APHA 22nd Edition, 5520-B <2
33 Copper as Cu (mg/l) APHA 22nd Edition, 3500-Cu-B <0.05
.
34 Total Coliform Count, IS: 1622-1981 345
. MPN/100ml
• IS 10500 (1991): Norms for drinking water, as amended on 01, January 1993
Page 02 of 02
---------------------------------------------------End of the Report--------------------------------------------------
-----
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Location/Source of Sampling/Sample Marked As: River Teesta at Sevoke, Near Railway
Bridge.

N
o.
7 Chloride (as Cl), mg/l APHA 22nd Edition,4500 Cl-B < 2.0
8 Residual free chlorine, mg/l APHA 22nd Edition, 4500- Cl-B <0. 1
Page 01 of 02
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25.04.2016

N Methods
o.

(mg/l)
25 Total Kjeldahal Nitrogen as APHA 22nd Edition, 4500-Norg-B <1.0

TKN (mg/l)
.
. MPN/100ml
Page 02 of 02
---------------------------------------------------End of the Report--------------------------------------------------
-----
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EIA-Report

Location/Source of Sampling/Sample Marked As: River Teesta at Kalijhora Near NHPC.

N
o.
8 Residual free chlorine, mg/l APHA 22nd Edition, 4500- Cl-B <1
10 Total Dissolved Solid , mg/l APHA 22nd Edition, 2540 C 162
Page 01 of 02
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EIA-Report

N Methods
o.

(mg/l)
25 Total Kjeldahal Nitrogen as APHA 22nd Edition, 4500-Norg-B <1

TKN (mg/l)
.
. MPN/100ml
Page 02 of 02
---------------------------------------------------End of the Report--------------------------------------------------
-----
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Location/Source of Sampling/Sample Marked As: Andheri Jhora.

N
o.
Page 01 of 02
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25.04.2016

N Methods
o.

(mg/l)
25 Total Kjeldahal Nitrogen as APHA 22nd Edition, 4500-Norg-B 1.4

TKN (mg/l)
.
. MPN/100ml
Page 02 of 02
---------------------------------------------------End of the Report--------------------------------------------------
-----
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Location/Source of Sampling/Sample Marked As: Kalijhora.

N
o.
Page 01 of 02
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EIA-Report

25.04.2016

N Methods
o.

(mg/l)
25 Total Kjeldahal Nitrogen as APHA 22nd Edition, 4500-Norg-B <1.0

TKN (mg/l)
28 Silica as SiO2 (mg/l) APHA 22nd Edition, 4500, SiO2-C <1
.
. MPN/100ml
Page 02 of 02
---------------------------------------------------End of the Report--------------------------------------------------
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Noise Level Data
LOCATION Date of monitoring

12.04.2016
(Leq in dBA)
Day Time Night Time
Sevok Town 63.2 54.5
Sevok Kali Temple 60.4 53.6
NHPC, Kalijhora 63.1 48.3
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EIA-Report
REPORT OF AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING

All results are in μg/M3
Date of
1 06.04.2016 103 56 6.4 22.8
2 08.04.2016 97 32 5.8 21.4
3 SEVOK TOWN 11.04.2016 110 63 7 30.1
4 13.04.2016 135 74 7.6 32.8
5 18.04.2016 89 28 5.7 19.8
6 20.04.2016 124 68 6.3 31.1
1 06.04.2016 96 44 5.2 20.0
2 08.04.2016 90 30 5.5 21.4
MUCK
3 DISPOSAL 11.04.2016 105 52 5.8 22.8
4 AREA 13.04.2016 110 60 6.1 25.7
5 18.04.2016 94 33 5.4 21.2
6 20.04.2016 102 54 5.7 22.6
1 07.04.2016 108 50 6.4 31.4
2 09.04.2016 122 66 6.7 35.7
3 SEVOK KALI 12.04.2016 116 62 6.1 28.5
4 TEMPLE 14.04.2016 98 40 5.5 30.4
5 19.04.2016 105 43 6.3 31.1
6 21.04.2016 100 38 6.0 28.3
1 07.04.2016 111 54 5.8 24.3
2 09.04.2016 107 49 6.1 25.7
3 KALI JHORA 12.04.2016 92 44 6.4 24.3
4 14.04.2016 104 46 5.5 22.8
5 19.04.2016 96 37 5.7 26.9
6 21.04.2016 98 40 6.0 22.6
97 | P a g e

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Detailed Design Consultancy of all structures including

Tunnels, Bridge/Viaduct, Yard and associated works and

3. 17 Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974......................................... 23

5.9 Impacts due to Ground Vibrations: .................................................................................. 64

1.3 Project Area

1.4 Environmental Impact Assessment

1.5 Structure of the EIA Report

The Environmental Impact Assessment is broadly divided in to following chapters:

1.6 Contact Details:

The Project Proponent Contact Details are given below:

Mr. A.K. Goyal,

Mr. Surrender Singh,

Mr. M.K. Poddar

Mr. Padam Singh,

Mr. Sumit Jain,

Environmental assessment is taken up in this exercise as a rapid assessment technique for

2.2 Environmental Impacts

2.3 Noise and Vibration

The major sources of noise in the tunnel during construction include:

 Noise from blasting for excavation tunnels

2.4 Surface Water Quality

2.5 Air Quality

2.6 Muck Generation

2.7 Project Site Overview:

2.1.1 Environmental Data Collection

Table 3.1 Environmental Legislations

Notification14th development require any Climate Change,, required

material project stage

3.1 Environment Protection Act, 1986

3.2 EIA Notification, 2006 and Amendments

• Incorporate necessary environmental safeguards at planning stage

3.3 Indian Forest Act, 1927

3.4 Forest Conservation Act, 1980 and Amendments

3.5 Forest Conservation Rules, 2003 and Amendments

3.6 Forest (Conservation) Amendment Rules, 2004

3.7 Railways (Amendment) Act 2008

The amendments include insertion of following clauses:

3.8 Biological Diversity Act, 2002

3.9 The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

3.10 Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2013

3.11 Land Acquisition Act 1984 and its amendment

Following are some of the salient features of the new bill.

3.15 Noise Pollution Regulation and Control Rules

3.16 Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981

3. 17 Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974

3.18 Other relevant Acts

3.18.2 Cultural Environment Related Act, 1958

3.18.3 The Labour Laws of India

3.18.4 Factories Act, 1948 and its Amendment in 1987

• Cause material impairment to health of the persons engaged

3.18.5 Public Liability Insurance Act (PLIA), 1991

3.18.6 Regulation/Act governing Vibration

There is no prevailing regulation/standard in India governing train induced ground vibrations.

3.18.7 Hazardous Wastes Management Rules, 1989

3.18.8 The National Environment Tribunal Act, 1995

3.18.9 Restrictions for mining in ecologically fragile areas

Supreme Court Ruling on Mining Activities April 2012

3.18.11 Ministry of Environment and Forest Eco-sensitive Notifications

3.18.12 National Environmental Policy 2006