HYDROPOWER PROJECT
Prepared by Independent Consultants
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT
August 2011
Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority
(WAPDA)
Contents
List of Acronyms ... xi 1 Introduction ... 1-1
1.1 Background ... 1-1 1.2 The Proposed Project ... 1-1 1.3 The Environmental and Social Assessment ... 1-3 1.4 Composition of Study Team ... 1-5
2 Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework... 2-1
2.1 General ... 2-1 2.2 Pakistan ... 2-1 2.2.1 Overview ... 2-1 2.2.2 Environmental Legislation ... 2-1 2.2.3 National Environmental Guidelines and Policies ... 2-6 2.2.4 National Environmental Quality Standards ... 2-7 2.2.5 Environment Regulatory Authorities ... 2-8 2.3 International Treaties and Conventions ... 2-9 2.4 World Bank ... 2-10 2.4.1 Overview ... 2-10 2.4.2 World Bank Environmental and Social Guidelines ... 2-10 2.4.3 Operational Policies (OPs) of the World Bank ... 2-10 2.4.4 Applicable World Bank Policies ... 2-12 2.4.5 Compliance Status with Pakistani and World Bank Policies ... 2-13
3 Project Description ... 3-1
3.1 Tarbela Dam Project Overview ... 3-1 3.2 Objectives of 4th Extension Project ... 3-1 3.3 Salient Features ... 3-1 3.4 Project Components ... 3-1 3.4.1 Intake Arrangement... 3-4 3.4.2 Penstock Connection to Tunnel 4 ... 3-6 3.4.3 Proposed Powerhouse ... 3-8 3.4.4 Mechanical and Electrical Plant ... 3-8 3.4.5 Switchyard ... 3-10 3.4.6 Transmission Lines ... 3-11 3.4.7 Tailrace ... 3-11 3.5 Other Components ... 3-11 3.5.1 Labor Camps... 3-11 3.5.2 Construction Materials ... 3-12
3.5.3 Waste Generation and Disposal ... 3-13 3.6 Program for Development... 3-14 3.6.1 Construction Method of Tunnel 4 Raised Intake ... 3-14 3.7 Summary of Project Cost ... 3-18
4 Need for Project and Analysis of Alternatives ... 4-1
4.1 Need for Project ... 4-1 4.1.1 Overview ... 4-1 4.1.2 Regional Context ... 4-1 4.1.3 National Context ... 4-2 4.1.4 Demand Trends ... 4-3 4.2 Assessment of Alternatives ... 4-9 4.2.1 Overview ... 4-9 4.2.2 Without Project Option ... 4-9 4.2.3 Site Alternatives ... 4-9 4.2.4 Alternatives for the Powerhouse ... 4-9 4.2.5 Alternatives for the Intake ... 4-15 4.2.6 Coffer Dam Option ... 4-17 4.2.7 Alternatives for the Switchyard ... 4-17 4.2.8 Alternatives for the Type of Cement... 4-18 4.2.9 Method of Excavation and Drilling ... 4-18
5 Stakeholder Consultations ... 5-1 5.1 Introduction ... 5-1 5.2 Objectives ... 5-1 5.3 Identification of Stakeholders ... 5-1 5.3.1 Primary Stakeholders ... 5-2 5.3.2 Secondary Stakeholders ... 5-2 5.4 Consultation Process... 5-2 5.4.1 Stakeholder Consultation during the Scoping Phase ... 5-3 5.4.2 Stakeholder Consultation during Detailed Assessment ... 5-3 5.4.3 Consultation with Institutional Stakeholders... 5-4 5.4.4 Consultation with Community Representatives ... 5-4 5.4.5 Grass Roots Consultation ... 5-5 5.4.6 Consultation Workshops ... 5-5 5.5 Gender Consultations ... 5-6 5.6 Consultations during Project Execution ... 5-8 5.7 Information Disclosure ... 5-8
6 Environmental and Social Baseline ... 6-1
6.2 Physical Environment ... 6-1 6.2.1 Physiography ... 6-1 6.2.2 Land Use... 6-3 6.2.3 Climate ... 6-3 6.2.4 Temperature ... 6-3 6.2.5 Rainfall ... 6-4 6.2.6 Humidity ... 6-4 6.2.7 Evaporation ... 6-5 6.2.8 Geology ... 6-5 6.2.9 Seismology ... 6-6 6.2.10 Soil ... 6-7 6.2.11 Soil Analysis ... 6-8 6.2.12 Rock Stability and Landslides ... 6-10 6.2.13 Sedimentation ... 6-10 6.2.14 Hydrology ... 6-10 6.2.15 Flooding ... 6-14 6.2.16 Surface Water Quality ... 6-14 6.2.17 Ground Water Quality ... 6-15 6.2.18 Air Quality ... 6-16 6.2.19 Noise ... 6-16 6.2.20 Traffic and Transport ... 6-17 6.3 Biological Environment ... 6-20 6.3.1 Wetlands and biodiversity ... 6-20 6.3.2 Significance of Tarbela Reservoir for Bird Migration ... 6-20 6.3.3 Significance of Ghazi-Barotha Lake ... 6-20 6.3.4 Protected Areas/ Game Reserves ... 6-21 6.3.5 Hunting and Other Threats ... 6-21 6.3.6 Nature Conservation ... 6-21 6.3.7 Terrestrial Flora ... 6-21 6.3.8 Terrestrial Fauna ... 6-23 6.3.9 Fish and Fisheries ... 6-26 6.4 Social-economic Baseline ... 6-27 6.4.1 Overview ... 6-27 6.4.2 Administrative Setup ... 6-28 6.4.3 Demography and Population ... 6-28 6.4.4 Economic Conditions ... 6-29 6.4.5 Social Infrastructure and Services ... 6-31 6.4.6 Grazing ... 6-39 6.4.7 Cultural Heritage ... 6-39 6.4.8 Tourism and Recreation ... 6-40
6.4.9 Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Social
Organizations ... 6-40 6.4.10 Poverty Status ... 6-40 6.4.11 Gender Issues in the Project Area ... 6-40 6.4.12 Tarbela Legacy ... 6-44
7 Other Relevant Non-project Related Issues ... 7-1
7.1 Risk of Earthquakes ... 7-1 7.2 Risk of Flooding ... 7-1 7.3 Climate Change ... 7-2
8 Significant Environmental Impacts of the Project and their Mitigations ... 8-1
8.1 General ... 8-1 8.2 Assessment of Effects and Significance ... 8-1 8.2.1 Magnitude ... 8-1 8.2.2 Sensitivity ... 8-2 8.2.3 Assigning Significance ... 8-3 8.2.4 Mitigation and Enhancement Measures ... 8-3 8.2.5 Uncertainty ... 8-3 8.3 Summary of Assessed Impacts ... 8-4 8.4 Impacts during Pre-construction Stage ... 8-10 8.4.1 Land Use Change ... 8-10 8.4.2 Preparation of Facilities for Contractor(s) and Labor Force ... 8-10 8.4.3 Hindrance and Damages during Mobilization and Transport of
Materials ... 8-12 8.5 Impacts during Construction Stage ... 8-12 8.5.1 Changed Topography/Land Form ... 8-12 8.5.2 Reduced Irrigation Releases due to closure of Tunnel 4
and Tunnel 3 ... 8-13 8.5.3 Reduced Power Generation ... 8-14 8.5.4 Impacts on Surface Water Quality ... 8-14 8.5.5 Impact of Noise on Workers and Residential Areas ... 8-15 8.5.6 Risk of Landslides and Collapse of Slope during Construction ... 8-16 8.5.7 Hindrance and Road Damage by Transport of Materials
over Land ... 8-17 8.5.8 Disturbance of Fauna and Quality of Habitat by Increased
Human Activities ... 8-18 8.5.9 Soil and Water Pollution by Solid and Hazardous Wastes
and Waste Effluents from Labor Camps and
Construction Yards ... 8-18 8.5.10 Impacts of Emissions of Gasses and Dust on Air Quality ... 8-19 8.5.11 Removal of Natural Vegetation ... 8-19
8.6 Impacts during Operation and Maintenance ... 8-20 8.6.1 Potential Impacts on Irrigation Water Releases ... 8-20 8.6.2 Risks of Landslides during Extreme Weather Conditions ... 8-20 8.6.3 Operational Noise from New Power Station ... 8-20 8.6.4 Bird Collision with Transmission Cables ... 8-20 8.6.5 Increased Maintenance Activities ... 8-20 8.6.6 Reduced Power Generation during Closure of Low Level
Intake Tunnel 3 and 4 ... 8-21
9 Potential Social Impacts and their Mitigations ... 9-1
9.1 General ... 9-1 9.2 Summary of Assessed Impacts ... 9-1 9.3 Impacts during Pre-Construction Stage ... 9-4 9.3.1 Land Impacts ... 9-4 9.4 Impacts and Opportunities during Construction Stage ... 9-4 9.4.1 Employment Opportunities during Construction ... 9-4 9.4.2 Construction Workers’ Rights ... 9-5 9.4.3 Prevention of Social Conflicts and Environmental Degradation:
Development of Workers’ Code of Conduct ... 9-6 9.4.4 Increased Health and Safety Risks ... 9-7 9.4.5 Construction Disturbances and Possible Conflicts with Local
Population ... 9-8 9.5 Social Assistance Program ... 9-9 9.5.1 Community Development Assistance ... 9-9 9.5.2 Addressing the Social Legacy of Previous Projects ... 9-10
10 Cumulative and Induced Impacts ... 10-1
10.1 Cumulative Impact of Investments in the Indus Basin Water System ... 10-1 10.2 Plans for Storage Reservoirs ... 10-1 10.3 Impact Downstream and on Delta and Coastal Zone ... 10-2 10.4 Preparation of a Master Plan for the Left Bank of Indus,
Delta and Coastal Zone ... 10-2 10.5 Sediment Management Plan for the Basin and Tarbela ... 10-3 10.6 Improving Irrigation Efficiencies ... 10-3 10.7 Role of Project in Cumulative Impacts ... 10-3 10.8 Possible Induced Impact ... 10-4
11 Environmental and Social Management Plan ... 11-1
11.1 Introduction ... 11-1 11.2 Objectives of ESMP ... 11-1 11.3 Institutional Arrangements ... 11-1
11.3.1 Inclusion of ESMP in Contract Documents ... 11-1 11.3.2 Implementation Responsibility ... 11-2 11.3.3 Construction: Establishment of Environmental and Social
Management Unit ... 11-2 11.3.4 Operation: The WAPDA Environment Cell ... 11-3 11.3.5 Consultant’s Environment and Social Monitor ... 11-4 11.3.6 Contractor’s Environment and Social Supervisor(s) ... 11-4 11.4 Capacity Building and Institutional Strengthening ... 11-4 11.4.1 Training and Awareness ... 11-4 11.4.2 Strengthening of WEC ... 11-5 11.4.3 Additional Capacity Building ... 11-6 11.5 Panel of Experts ... 11-6 11.6 Communication ... 11-6 11.7 Management and Monitoring Activities ... 11-7 11.7.1 Structure of the Mitigation Plans ... 11-7 11.7.2 Compliance Monitoring ... 11-23 11.7.3 Monitoring Predicted Effects... 11-23 11.7.4 Internal Audits ... 11-27 11.7.5 External Audits (Third Party Validation) ... 11-27 11.7.6 Management Reviews ... 11-27 11.8 Record Keeping ... 11-27 11.8.1 Monitoring Records ... 11-27 11.8.2 Complaints Records ... 11-28 11.8.3 Information Sources ... 11-28 11.8.4 Non-Compliance Report ... 11-29 11.8.5 Monthly Internal Reports ... 11-29 11.9 Grievance Mechanism ... 11-29 11.9.1 Grievance Logging ... 11-30 11.10 Adequacy of Environmental and Social Management ... 11-31 11.11 Cost Estimates for Environmental Management and Monitoring ... 11-35
Annexes
Annex A: Consultation Details Annex B: List of Flora and Fauna
Annex C: Environmental Code of Practice Annex D: IFC/WBG EHS Guidelines
List of Table
Table 2.1: Triggering the World Bank Policies ... 2-12 Table 2.2: Compliance of Project with GoP Legislation and WB
Safeguard Policies ... 2-13 Table 3.1: Salient Features of the Project ... 3-3 Table 3.2: Estimated Cost of the Project ... 3-19 Table 4.1: Predicted Growth in Electrical Demand (DISCO-WISE
Load Forecast (MW)) ... 4-4 Table 4.2: Existing Installed Capacity of PEPCO System as of 30 June 2010 ... 4-6 Table 4.3: Current Generating Capacity and Shortfall in Pakistan ... 4-9 Table 4.4: Criteria of the Alternative Site Locations ... 4-12 Table 5.1: Main Activities during Consultation Process ... 5-2 Table 5.2: Summary of Stakeholders’ Concerns/Recommendations ... 5-7 Table 6.1: Average Monthly Relative Humidity (%) ... 6-5 Table 6.2: Soil Analysis of Project Area ... 6-9 Table 6.3: Mean Monthly Flow Releases from Tarbela Reservoir (Mm3) ... 6-11 Table 6.4: Historical Irrigation Releases from Tunnel 4 (Mm3) ... 6-12 Table 6.5: Historical Irrigation Releases from Tunnel 5 (Mm3) ... 6-13 Table 6.6: Surface Water Quality of Project Area ... 6-15 Table 6.7: Standards Adopted by WAPDA... 6-15 Table 6.8: Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Results ... 6-16 Table 6.9: Baseline Noise Monitoring Results ... 6-17 Table 6.10: Average Daily Traffic in the Project Area ... 6-19 Table 6.11: Game Reserves in Haripur district ... 6-21 Table 6.12: Ghazi Area Forest Statement ... 6-22 Table 6.13: Faunal Species at the Various Project Areas Surveyed ... 6-25 Table 6.14: Tarbela Dam Reservoir Characteristics ... 6-26 Table 6.15: Estimated Numbers of Households and Population in
Project Area ... 6-28 Table 6.16: Livestock in the Swabi and Haripur district ... 6-30 Table 6.17: Health Facilities in the Swabi and Haripur Districts ... 6-34 Table 6.18: Availability of Health Facilities in the Project Area ... 6-34 Table 6.19: Educational Facilities in the Swabi and Haripur Districts... 6-35 Table 6.20: Education Facilities available in the Project Area ... 6-36 Table 6.21: Source of Drinking Water by Locality (%) ... 6-37
Table 6.22: Level of Formal Education of Literate Female Respondents ... 6-41 Table 6.23: Occupational Status of Women Respondents ... 6-42 Table 6.24: Health Facilities Availed by Women in Last Year ... 6-42 Table 6.25: Most Common Diseases Prevailing in the Project Area ... 6-43 Table 6.26: Pressing Needs of Women ... 6-43 Table 6.27: Women’s Preference for Skill Development ... 6-44 Table 8.1: Parameters for Determining Magnitude... 8-2 Table 8.2: Criteria for Determining Sensitivity ... 8-2 Table 8.3: Assessment of Impact Significance... 8-3 Table 8.4: Significance of Environmental Impacts ... 8-5 Table 9.1: Significance of Social Impacts ... 9-2 Table 11.1: Environmental and Social Trainings ... 11-5 Table 11.2: Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan – Construction
(and Decommissioning) ... 11-8 Table 11.3: Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan – Operation ... 11-22 Table 11.4: Monitoring of Predicted Effects ... 11-25 Table 11.5: Grievance Classification Criteria ... 11-30 Table 11.6: Stakeholders’ Concerns/Recommendations and their Redressal .... 11-31 Table 11.7: Cost Estimates for Management and Monitoring Activities ... 11-35
List of Figures
Figure 1.1: Tarbela Location Map ... 1-2 Figure 1.2: Project Area and Location of Main Project Components ... 1-4 Figure 2.1: Pakistan EIA Process ... 2-3 Figure 3.1: Satellite View of Tarbela Dam ... 3-2 Figure 3.2: Hydro Scheme Schematic ... 3-4 Figure 3.3: Option 2 Section (a) ... 3-5 Figure 3.4: Geologic Section along Centre-line of Tunnel 4... 3-6 Figure 3.5: Penstock Connection and Powerhouse Location ... 3-7 Figure 3.6: Alternate Powerhouse Locations ... 3-8 Figure 3.7: Transversal Section View of Powerhouse through Unit Axis ... 3-9 Figure 3.8: Longitudinal Section View of Powerhouse with Three
450 MW Units ... 3-9 Figure 3.9: Excavation Sequence for Tunnel 4 Raised Intake ... 3-15 Figure 3.10: Construction Program of Intake Option 2 ... 3-16
Figure 3.11: Tentative Construction Program (Downstream Area) ... 3-17 Figure 4.1: Breakdown of Hydropower Projects Within the Indus River Basin ... 4-1 Figure 4.2: Pakistan Energy Consumption per Capita ... 4-2 Figure 4.3: Predicted Increase in System demand and Generating Capability ... 4-7 Figure 4.4: Powerhouse Locations Considered ... 4-10 Figure 4.5: Powerhouse Locations Considered ... 4-11 Figure 4.6: Plan View of Intake Excavation Area for Tunnel 4 and
Possible Location for Tunnel 3 Intake ... 4-16 Figure 4.7: Coffer Dam Plan ... 4-17 Figure 6.1: The Project Area and Sampling / Survey Locations ... 6-2 Figure 6.2: 5 Year Average Monthly Temperatures (oC) in the Project
Area (2006-10) ... 6-4 Figure 6.3: Mean Monthly Rainfall (2006-2010) in the Project Area ... 6-4 Figure 6.4: Mean Monthly Evaporation in the Project Area (cm) ... 6-5 Figure 6.5: Mean Monthly Flow Releases (2006-2010) from Tarbela
Reservoir (Mm3) ... 6-11 Figure 6.6: Releases from Tarbela Reservoir (Mm3) ... 6-12 Figure 6.7: Location Map of Traffic Count Stations ... 6-18 Figure 6.8: Social Survey Villages ... 6-32 Figure 6.9: Social Infrastructure of the Project Area ... 6-33 Figure 8.1: Project Construction Facilities ... 8-11
List of Acronyms
AC Alternating Current
AIS Air Insulated Substation
asl Above sea level
ASR Alkali Silica Reaction
BCM Billion cubic meters
BOD Biological Oxygen Demand
BP Bank Procedures (World Bank)
CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
CLO Community Liaison Officer
cm Centimeter
DC Direct Current
DCO District Coordination Officer
DISCOs Distribution companies
EA Environmental Assessment
ECA Employment of Child Act
ECP Environmental Code of Practice
EHS Environment, Health, and Safety
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
EMP Environmental Management Plan
EPA Environment Protection Agency
EPD Environmental Protection Department
ERP Emergency Response Plan
ES Environment Specialist
ESA Environmental and Social Assessment
ESM Environment and Social Monitor
ESMP Environmental and Social Management Plan
ESMU Environmental and Social Management Unit
ESS Environment and Social Supervisor
FOS Factor of Safety
GBHPP Ghazi Barotha HydroPower Project
GBTI Ghazi Barotha Taraqiati Idara
GENCOs Thermal power generation companies
GEPCO Gujranwala Electric Power Company
GIKIEST Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering, Science and Technology
GIS Gas Insulated Substation
GoP Government of Pakistan
GT Road Grand Trunk Road
Ha Hectare
HESCO Hyderabad Electric Supply Company
HLSZ Hazara Lower Seismic Zone
HSE Health Safety and Environment
HSES Health Safety, Environment and Social
IEE Initial Environmental Examination
IESCO Islamabad Electric Supply Company
IFC International Finance Corporation
IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature
KESC Karachi Electric Supply Company
Km Kilometer
KPI Key Performance Indicator
KP Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
LESCO Lahore Electric Supply Company
LOS Law of Seas (UN Convention)
m Meter
MAF Million acre feet
MCT Main Central Thrust
MEA Multilateral Environmental Agreements
MEPCO Multan Electric Power Company
Mm3 Million cubic meters
MMP Mott MacDonald Pakistan
MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet
MW Megawatt
NCS National Conservation Strategy
NEQS National Environmental Quality Standards
NGO Non-Governmental Organization
NTDC National Transmission and Dispatch Company
OPs (World Bank) Operational Policies
OPC Ordinary Portland Cement
Pak-EPA Pakistan Environment Protection Agency
PAPs Project Affected Persons
PEPA Pakistan Environmental Protection Act
PEPC Pakistan Environmental Protection Council
PEPCO Pakistan Electric Power Company
PEPO Pakistan Environmental Protection Ordinance
PKR Pakistan Rupees
POPs Persistent Organic Pollutants
PPE Personal protective equipment
PPIB Private Power and Infrastructure Board
ppm parts per million
QESCO Quetta Electric Supply Company
RAP Resettlement Action Plan
RBC Reinforced Brick Concrete
RCC Reinforced Cement Concrete
Rpm Rotations per minute
RSA Rapid Social Appraisal
SA Social Assessment
SCARP Salinity Control and Reclamation Project
SMO Soil Monitoring Section
SS Social Scientist
TDP Tarbela Dam Project
TESCO Tribal Electric Supply Company
TJV Tarbela Joint Venture
TMP Traffic Management Plan
T4CJV Tarbela 4th Extension Joint Venture
T4HP Tarbela 4th Extension Hydropower Project
UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
VCC Village Conservation Committees
WAPDA Water and Power Development Authority
WB World Bank
WBG World Bank Group
WEC WAPDA Environmental Cell
WHO World Health Organization
1 Introduction
1.1
Background
The Tarbela Dam is one of the largest earth-fill dam constructions in the world. The dam is situated on the Indus River in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) at a distance of about 70 kilometers (km) NW of Islamabad and about 50 km upstream of the city of Attock (see Figure 1.1). The reservoir behind the dam is almost 100 km long and measures 260 km² when completely filled. The live storage capacity of the reservoir was initially 11.9 billion m³, but this has been reduced due to siltation during 35 years of operation to 6.8 billion m³. The Tarbela Dam is 2,743 m long, 143 m high above the river bed and has two spillways cutting through the left bank and discharging into a side valley. At the right bank there are four tunnels, each of about 900 m length as bypass for irrigation releases and/or power generation. Tunnel 5 used for irrigation releases is situated at the left bank. In three of the four tunnels on the right bank the water can be used for both irrigation and for power generation. Tunnel 4 is exclusively designed for irrigation supply.
The Tarbela Dam Project (TDP) was developed during the seventies of the last century in the framework of the Indus Basin Water Master Plan. Initially the main purpose of TDP was to supply irrigation water to the densely populated agricultural areas in Punjab and Sindh. Then, starting in the mid-eighties power generation capacity was added in three subsequent hydro-electrical project extensions, installing a total of 3,478 mega watts (MW) generating capacity on respectively Tunnel 1 (four turbines), Tunnel 2 (six turbines) and Tunnel 3 (four turbines). So far there is no allowance for power generation on Tunnel 4, which is exclusively used for irrigation. For the project 120 villages along the Indus were submerged and a total of 96,000 persons had to be resettled and 33,200 hectares (ha) of land acquired.
The Ghazi Barotha HydroPower Project (GBHPP) is a run-of-river project situated downstream and not far from Tarbela on the Indus. Near Ghazi town, which is situated seven kilometers downstream of Tarbela, water is diverted through a 52 km long canal to Barotha village (near Attock) where the power complex is located with a generating capacity of 1,450 MW of electricity. After passing through the powerhouse, the diverted water is returned to the Indus. The construction started in 1995 and the project was completed in 2003. With the construction of GHBP the water level in the Indus below the Tarbela dam has been raised and hence areas along the river have been flooded. A total of 4,770 ha of land were acquired for the construction of this project.
1.2
The Proposed Project
The Tarbela 4th Extension Hydropower Project (T4HP) has been proposed to add generating capacity on Tunnel 4. The demand for power in the country is rapidly increasing with eight percent per year and there are frequent periods with load shedding all over the country. Currently there is an estimated shortfall of 7,311 MW in winter and 3,347 MW in summer.
The construction of a new hydropower plant at Tarbela with 1,410 MW additional generating capacity would enable maximum utilization of the available power potential and make an important contribution to the overall power supply in the country.
The project is considered to be very attractive and a “low risk- high reward” operation aimed at providing over 3,871 GWh annually of least-cost low-carbon renewable energy. This is so attractive because the dam, storage reservoir and tunnel are already constructed and water supply is assured.
Another important advantage in development of T4HP is that it will be free of resettlement and litigation problems, which are often major causes of delay in hydro-electric projects. Environmental and social issues are relatively minor, since most of the infrastructure is already in place. Basic infrastructure and other facilities like offices, labor camps and residential accommodation are largely available and only have to be renovated and possibly expanded against modest cost. The installation of additional generating capacity will not influence the irrigation release capacity of the dam.
1.3
The Environmental and Social Assessment
Potential adverse effects of the T4HP project are described in the present Environmental and Social Assessment (ESA) report. Possible mitigating measures to offset, reduce or compensate these impacts are included in the Environmental and Social Management Plan. The project will be implemented on the right bank of the Indus River in a limited area concentrated around the inlet and outlet of tunnel 4 of the Tarbela Dam. Direct and indirect impacts of the project will mainly occur in the immediate surrounding (few km) with the exception of some borrow areas and quarries for construction materials situated at larger distance. For safety reasons an area of 5 km upstream and 10 km downstream of the dam has been studied during the ESA (see Figure 1.2 for the Project Area and location of various Project components). Most negative environmental and social impacts of the project will be experienced during the period of construction, and will mostly be temporary and reversible in nature.
Negative impacts during operation and maintenance of the project will be very limited. Cumulative and induced impacts of the project are not expected since the water regime of the Indus downstream of Tarbela will not change. Generally, during operation the environmental and economic benefits will be very substantial through the production of clean and cheap low-carbon hydro power. This is especially true when compared with alternative means of generating electricity through thermal power stations (coal, oil, gas fired). The direct adverse social impacts of the project are also expected to be relatively minor. Most of these impacts will occur during construction and are associated with the contractors operations and the interaction of the work force with the local communities. The previous Tarbela project (1968-1976) and the Ghazi Barotha project (1995-2003) involved huge land acquisition and resettlement operations. In a number of cases the compensation and resettlement of affected families has not been solved for a variety of reasons. The Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has indicated that the current project offers an opportunity to address the so-called resettlement legacy from the previous projects.
1.4
Composition of Study Team
WAPDA engaged a team of two independent consultants - Mr. Reitse Koopmans and Mr. Mohammad Omar Khalid – to assess the environmental as well as social impacts of the project, to prepare the environmental and social management plan, and to compile the main ESA report as well as the present Summary ESA report.
The baseline data collection, project description compilation, stakeholder consultations, and initial impact assessment was carried out by a team from the Design Consultants, led by Mr. Azmat Beg (environment) and Dr. Ashraf Bodla (environment, ecology) supported by Ms. Marina Maxwell (environment), Mr. Rana Mohammad Saleem (sociology), Mr. Abdul Hafiz (sociology), Ms. Yasmeen Taher (gender), Mr. Zafar Iqbal (economist), Mr. Omer Rasheed (environment), Mr. Mohammad Dawood Khan (environment), Ms. Afia Hussain (environment), Ms. Ujala Saleem (environment), Dr. Muhammad Aleem Chaudhry (wildlife), Mr. Waseem Ahmed Khan (wildlife), Dr. Zaheer-ud-Din Khan (flora), Mr. Muhammad Ajaib (flora), Dr. Mohammad Sharif Mughal (fisheries), and Mr. Tahir Omer (fisheries). The resettlement legacy has been studied by a team composed of Mr. Zafar Iqbal, Mr. Omer Rasheed, Mr. Asif Iqbal, Mr. Rana Mohammad Saleem, Dr. Ashraf Bodla, and Mr. M. Chaudhry and supported by Ms. Marielle Rowan.
2 Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework
2.1
General
This Chapter provides an overview of the legislative structure and environmental assessment process in Pakistan as well as a list of key environmental legislation applicable to hydro power projects. It also provides an overview of World Bank and other relevant international requirements including identification of applicable World Bank Operational Policies and applicable World Bank Group Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines.
2.2
Pakistan
2.2.1 Overview
The enactment of comprehensive legislation on the environment, covering multiple areas of concern is an ongoing phenomenon in Pakistan. The basic policy and legislative framework for the protection of the environment and overall biodiversity in the country is now in place. The legislation contains many laws in the form of Acts and Ordinances which have a direct or indirect relevance in the layout, design, construction and operation of the Tarbela 4th Extension Hydropower Project.
This summary of relevant Pakistan legislation is structured as follows: Environmental Regulatory Authorities;
Environmental Legislation;
National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS); and National Environmental Guidelines and Policies.
In accordance with the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act (PEPA) 1997 and the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) IEE/EIA Regulations 2000, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required for hydroelectric power projects exceeding a generation capacity of 50 MW and with transmission lines with a capacity of more than 11 kV. The Project will generate 1,350 MW, therefore an EIA for this project is mandatory.
2.2.2 Environmental Legislation
Environmental Protection Act, 1997
PEPA 1997 is the basic legislative tool empowering the government to frame regulations for the protection of the environment. The Act is applicable to almost all environmental parameters pertaining to air, water, soil and noise pollution, and handling of hazardous wastes, as well as to the social and socioeconomic aspects.
The Act provides the framework for: protection and conservation of species, wildlife habitats and biodiversity; conservation of renewable resources; establishment of standards for the quality of the ambient air, water and land; establishment of Environmental Tribunals; appointment of Environmental Magistrates; and Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) and EIA approval. Penalties have been prescribed for those who contravene the Act. The key features of the Act have a direct bearing on the proposed project requirement for an IEE and EIA for development projects. The Pak-EPA has delegated the power of review and approval of environmental assessments to the
provincial EPAs. The following are the key features of the Act that have a direct bearing on the Project area:
Section 11 (Prohibition of Certain Discharges or Emissions) states that “Subject to the provisions of this Act and the rules and regulations made there under, no person shall discharge or emit, or allow the discharge or emission of, any effluent or waste or air pollutant or noise in an amount, concentration or level which is in excess of the NEQS”.
Section 12-I (IEE and EIA) requires that “No proponent of a project shall commence construction or operation unless he has filed with the Federal Agency an IEE or, where the project is likely to cause an adverse environmental effect, an EIA, and has obtained from the Federal Agency approval in respect thereof.”
Section 12-2b (Review of IEE and EIA). The Federal Agency shall review the EIA report and accord its approval subject to such conditions as it may deem fit to impose, or require that the EIA be re-submitted after such modifications as may be stipulated or rejected, the project as being contrary to environmental objectives. Section 14 (Handling of Hazardous Substances) requires that “Subject to the
provisions of this Act, no person shall generate, collect, consign, transport, treat, dispose off, store, handle, or import any hazardous substance except (a) under a license issued by the Federal Agency and in such manner as may be prescribed; or (b) in accordance with the provisions of any other law for the time being in force, or of any international treaty, convention, protocol, code, standard, agreement, or other Instrument to which Pakistan is a party.” Enforcement of this clause requires the EPA to issue regulations regarding licensing procedures and to define ‘hazardous substance.’
Section 15 (Regulation of Motor Vehicles). Subject to provision of this clause of the Act and the rules and regulations made there under, no person shall operate a motor vehicle from which air pollutants or noise are being emitted in an amount, concentration or level which is in excess of the NEQS, or where the applicable standards established under clause (g) of subsection (1) of Section-6 of the Act. Section 17 (Penalties). Whoever contravenes or fails to comply with the provisions
of section 11, 12, 13, or section 16 or any order issued there under shall be punishable with fine which may extend to one million rupees, and in the case of a continuing contravention or failure, with an additional fine which may extend to one hundred thousand rupees for every day during which such contravention or failure continues: Provided that if contravention of the provisions of section 11 also constitutes contravention of the provisions of section 15, such contravention shall be punishable under sub-section (2) only.
Section 18 (Offences by Bodies Corporate). Where any contravention of this Act has been committed by a body corporate, and it is proved that such offence has been committed with the consent or connivance or is attributed to any negligence on the part of any director, partner, manager, secretary or other officer of the body corporate, such director, partner, manager, secretary or other officer of the body corporate, shall be deemed guilty of such contravention along with the body corporate and shall be punished accordingly.
PAK-EPA, IEE and EIA Regulations, 2000
The EPA prepared the regulations during 2000 for “Review of IEE and EIA” under the powers conferred upon it by the PEPA. These Regulations categorize development projects for IEE and EIA into two schedules: Schedules I and II. Projects are classified on the basis of the expected degree and magnitude of environmental impacts. The projects listed in Schedule-I include those where the range of environmental issues is comparatively narrow and the issues can be understood and managed through less extensive analysis in the form of an IEE, whereas the projects listed in Schedule-II are those which are likely to cause significant adverse impacts and hence require extensive analysis in the form of an EIA. Figure 2.1 below provides an outline of the EIA process in Pakistan.
Figure 2.1: Pakistan EIA Process
EIA displayed in Public Place Where to view EIA EIA circulated in Government Public Hearing Location & time (min 30 days hence) PEPA confirms
acceptability of EIA
PEPA publicises EIA in national press
PEPA requests specified additional
information
PEPA requests revision of EIA Listing further studies and discussion
required 10 Days
PEPA collate tabulate & consider all comments
Proponent submits revised EIA or additional information
DG’s Expert Committee Sector Advisory Committee Site Inspection Committee
PEPA Review of EIA
PEPA Decision on EIA (Schedule VI) Proponent acceptance Of decision conditions (Schedule VI) Approval with further conditions Approval as per EIA Rejected No objection certificate Construction (under EIA conditions)
Prepare EMMP and request Compliance Certificate
PEPA inspection
and CC The EIA with PEPA (Reg.8 (2Xa) Schedule IV Application Form with receipt 30,000Rs)
Operation (under EIA Conditions and EMMP)
Day 1 Day 10 >Day 40 <Day 100 30 months EIA displayed in Public Place Where to view EIA EIA circulated in Government Public Hearing Location & time (min 30 days hence) PEPA confirms
acceptability of EIA
PEPA publicises EIA in national press
PEPA requests specified additional
information
PEPA requests revision of EIA Listing further studies and discussion
required 10 Days
PEPA collate tabulate & consider all comments PEPA collate tabulate &
consider all comments
Proponent submits revised EIA or additional information
DG’s Expert Committee Sector Advisory Committee Site Inspection Committee
PEPA Review of EIA
PEPA Decision on EIA (Schedule VI) DG’s Expert Committee Sector Advisory Committee Site Inspection Committee
PEPA Review of EIA
PEPA Decision on EIA (Schedule VI) Proponent acceptance Of decision conditions (Schedule VI) Approval with further conditions Approval as per EIA Rejected No objection certificate Construction (under EIA conditions)
Prepare EMMP and request Compliance Certificate
PEPA inspection
and CC The EIA with PEPA (Reg.8 (2Xa) Schedule IV Application Form with receipt 30,000Rs)
Operation (under EIA Conditions and EMMP)
Day 1
Day 10
>Day 40
<Day 100
30 months
Schedule-I projects require an IEE to be conducted, rather than a full-fledged EIA, provided that the project is not located in an environmentally sensitive area. The projects listed in Schedule-II are generally major projects and have the potential to affect a large number of people in addition to significant adverse environmental impacts. For the Schedule II projects, conducting an EIA is necessary. Dams and reservoirs with a maximum storage volume greater than 50 million m3 (Mm3) or a surface area greater than 8 km2, in addition to hydroelectric power generation projects over 50 MW, fall under Schedule-II of the IEE-EIA Regulations, 2000.
Pakistan Penal Code, 1860
The Pakistan Penal Code deals with offences where public or private property and/or human lives are affected due to the intentional or accidental misconduct of an individual or body of people. In the context of the environment, the Penal Code empowers local authorities to control noise, toxic emissions and disposal of effluents.
Pakistan Explosives Act, 1884
This Act provides regulations for the handling, transportation and use of explosives during quarrying, blasting and other purposes. The construction of the new power house may require blasting at rocky areas making these regulations applicable for this project. Land Acquisition Act, 1894
This Act is the primary law for acquisition of land and built-up properties for public interest in Pakistan and also sets out the procedure and rules for acquisition and compensating the land owners, including for any damage caused to their properties, crops and trees by a project, however it lacks the mechanism to address the complex issues of resettlement. The Act comprises 55 sections dealing with area notifications, surveys, acquisition, compensation, appointment awards, disputes resolution, penalties and exemptions. For the T4HP, ownership of the land required for project execution belongs to the client (WAPDA), hence no land acquisition is likely to take place.
Forest Act, 1927
This Act authorizes provincial forest department to establish forest reserves and protected forests. The Act prohibits any person from: setting fires in the forest; quarrying stone; removal of any forest produce; or causing any damage to the forest by cutting trees or clearing areas for cultivation or any other purpose.
KP Wildlife Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management Act, 1975 (NWFP Act No. V of 1975)
This law was enacted to protect the province’s wildlife resources directly and other natural resources indirectly. It classifies wildlife by degree of protection, i.e., animals that may be hunted on a permit or special license, and species that are protected and cannot be hunted under any circumstances. The Act specifies restrictions on hunting and trade in animals, trophies, or meat. The Act also defines various categories of wildlife protected areas, i.e., National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Game Reserve. The project activities will have to be carried out in accordance with this Act. In particular, no activities will be carried out inside any protected areas defined under the Act.
Factories Act, 1934
The clauses relevant to the project are those which concern health, safety and welfare of workers, disposal of solid wastes and effluents, and damage to private and public
property. The Factories Act also provides regulations for handling and disposal of toxic and hazardous materials. As construction activity is classified as ‘industry’, these regulations will be applicable to the project construction contractors.
Protection of Trees Act, 1949
This Act prohibits cutting or lopping of trees along roads and canals planted by the Forest Department, without permission of the Forest Department.
Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority Act, 1958
The Act provides for the unified and coordinated development of the water and power resources of Pakistan. This Act authorizes WAPDA to develop water and power resources in the country through construction and operation of water storages and power houses and erecting electrical transmission lines. WAPDA also has the powers and obligations of a licensee under the Telegraphy Act of 1910. This Act also establishes policy for land acquisition and compensation, as well as the degree of liability of WAPDA for damages sustained to landowners or others.
Motor Vehicle Ordinance, 1965
The Ordinance deals with the powers of the Motor Vehicle Licensing Authorities and empowers other related agencies to regulate traffic rules, vehicle speed and weight limits, vehicle use, to erect traffic signs, and to prescribe special duties for drivers in the case of accidents. It also prescribes powers to police officers to check and penalize traffic offenders. At the same time, the Ordinance empowers the regional transport authority to operate as a quasi-judicial body at district level to monitor road transport, licensing requirements, and compensations for deaths or injuries to passengers on public carriers. Antiquity Act, 1975
The Antiquity Act of 1975 ensures the protection of cultural resources in Pakistan. This Act is designed to protect antiquities from destruction, theft, negligence, unlawful excavation, trade and export. Antiquities have been defined in this Act as “Ancient products of human activity, historical sites, sites of anthropological or cultural interest and national monuments etc”.
The law prohibits new construction in the proximity of a protected antiquity and empowers the government of Pakistan to prohibit excavation in any area that may contain articles of archaeological significance.
Under this Act, the proponents are obligated to:
Ensure that no activity is under taken in the proximity of a protected antiquity, and Report any archaeological discovery made during the course of the project to the
Department of Archaeology, Government of Pakistan. Labor Laws
Labor laws in Pakistan are governed by several legislative tools. However, the principal labor rights are provided by the constitution of Pakistan. In addition to constitutional rights, Acts and Ordinances have been enforced for limiting working hours, minimum working age and conditions of employment. The laws will be applicable to the project construction contractors.
Employment of Child Act, 1977
Article 11(3) of the Constitution of Pakistan prohibits employment of children below the age of 14 years in any factory, mines or any other hazardous employment. In accordance with this Article, the Employment of Child Act (ECA) 1991 disallows the child labor in the country. The ECA defines a child to mean a person who has not completed his/her fourteenth years of age. The ECA states that no child shall be employed or permitted to work in any of the occupation set forth in the ECA (such as transport sector, railways, construction, and ports) or in any workshop wherein any of the processes defined in the Act is carried out. The processes defined in the Act include carpet weaving, biri (kind of a cigarette) making, cement manufacturing, textile, construction and others).
Highway Safety Ordinance, 2000
This Ordinance includes provisions for licensing and registration of vehicles and construction equipment; maintenance of road vehicles; traffic control offences, penalties and procedures; and the establishment of a police force for motorways and national highways to regulate and control the traffic as well as keep the highways clear of encroachments. This Ordinance will have an impact on the road network leading to the Project area during the construction phase of the project.
Local Government Ordinance, 2001
This Act empowers the Government of Pakistan and provincial governments to enforce laws for land use; conservation of natural vegetation; air, water, and land pollution; disposal of solid waste and wastewater effluents; and public health and safety, including some provisions for environmental protection. Section 93 of this Ordinance pertains to environmental pollution, under which the local councils are authorized to restrict causing pollution to air, water or land.
2.2.3 National Environmental Guidelines and Policies
National Conservation Strategy (NCS) 1992
The Pakistan NCS is the principal policy document for environmental issues in the country, which was developed and approved by the Government of Pakistan on 1 March 1992. The NCS works on a ten-year planning and implementation cycle. It deals with fourteen core areas, as follows:
Maintaining soils in cropland; Increasing irrigation efficiency; Protecting watersheds;
Supporting forestry and plantations;
Restoring rangelands and improving livestock; Protecting water bodies and sustaining fisheries; Conserving biodiversity;
Increasing energy efficiency;
Developing and deploying material and energy renewable; Preventing and abating pollution;
Supporting institutions for common resources;
Integrating population and environmental programs; and Preserving the cultural heritage.
National Environment Policy
This policy was implemented in 2005 to provide an overarching framework for addressing the environmental issues facing Pakistan. It gives directions for addressing sectoral issues and provides means for promoting conservation and environmental protection in water, air and waste management, forestry, and transport. The policy aims to promote protection of the environment, the honoring of international obligations, sustainable management of resources and economic growth.
Guidelines for the Preparation and Review of Environmental Reports, 1997 These guidelines on the preparation of environmental reports address project proponents, and specify the:
Nature of the information to be included in environmental reports; Minimum qualifications of the EIA consultant;
Need to incorporate suitable mitigation measures into every stage of project implementation;
Need to specify monitoring procedures; and the
Terms of reference for the reports are to be prepared by the project proponents themselves. The reports must contain baseline data on the Project area, a detailed assessment thereof, and mitigation measures.
Policy and Procedures for Filing, Review and Approval of Environmental Assessments, 2000
These policies and procedures define the policy context and the administrative procedures that govern the environmental assessment process, from the project pre-feasibility stage to the approval of the environmental report.
Guidelines for Public Consultation, 1997
The guidelines deal with approaches to public consultation and techniques for designing an effective program of consultation that reaches out to all major stakeholders and ensures the incorporation of their concerns in impact assessment.
Guidelines for Sensitive and Critical Areas, 1997
The guidelines identify officially notified protected areas in Pakistan, including critical ecosystems, archaeological sites, etc., and present checklists for environmental assessment procedures to be carried out within or near to such sites. Environmentally sensitive areas include, among others, archaeological sites, biosphere reserves and natural parks, and wildlife sanctuaries and preserves, none of which are relevant to the Project area.
2.2.4 National Environmental Quality Standards
The NEQS promulgated under the PEPA 1997, specify the following standards:
Maximum allowable concentration of pollutants in gaseous emissions from industrial sources;
Maximum allowable concentration of pollutants in municipal and liquid industrial effluents discharged to inland waters, sewage treatment and sea (three separate set of numbers);
Maximum allowable emissions from motor vehicles; Ambient air quality standards;
Drinking water standards; and Noise standards.
The following NEQS will be relevant to the environmental aspects of the Tarbela 4th Extension Project1:
• Industrial and Municipal Effluents; • Waste Effluents;
• Ambient Air;
• Motor Vehicle Exhaust and Noise; • Noise; and
• Drinking Water Quality Standards.
2.2.5 Environment Regulatory Authorities
The development of statutory and other instruments for environmental protection has steadily gained priority in Pakistan since the late 1970’s. The Pakistan Environmental Protection Ordinance (PEPO) 1983 was the first legislation in Pakistan designed specifically for the protection of the environment. The promulgation of this Ordinance was followed in 1984 by the creation of Pakistan Environmental Protection Council (PEPC).
Pakistan Environmental Protection Council
The PEPC is the highest inter-ministerial statutory body in the country headed by the Chief Executive and is responsible for:
Formulating national environmental policy; Enforcing PEPA 1997;
Approval of the NEQS;
Incorporation of environmental considerations into national development plans and policies; and
Provision of guidelines for the protection and conservation of biodiversity in general as well as conservation of renewable and non-renewable resources.
Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (PAK-EPA)
The PAK-EPA is headed by a Director General and has wide ranging functions as set out in PEPA 1997. These include preparation and co-ordination of national environmental policy for approval by PEPC, administering and implementing PEPA 1997 and preparation, revision or establishment of NEQS. The PAK-EPA has issued regulations
regarding the environmental assessment procedures known as Review of Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) and EIA Regulations, 2000, these provide a firm legal status to the IEEs and EIAs. The jurisdiction of the EPA is applicable to the following projects:
On federal land; Military projects;
Involving trans-country impacts; and Bearing trans-province impacts.
Provincial/Regional Environment Protection Agencies
The four provinces, and two regions - Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan - have their own Environmental Protection Department (EPD) and/or EPAs which are the provincial/regional level counterparts of the PAK-EPA. The provincial/regional EPAs are formed by the respective provincial/regional governments headed by a Director General who exercises powers delegated to him by the concerned provincial government. The IEE and EIA reports pertaining to projects falling within the different provincial/regional boundaries are submitted to the relevant provincial/regional EPA for approval. For the proposed Project, KP-EPA is the relevant agency for the approval of the EIA.
2.3
International Treaties and Conventions
Pakistan is a signatory to a number of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). These MEAs impose requirements and restrictions of varying degrees upon the member countries, in order to meet the objectives of these agreements. However, the implementation mechanism for most of these MEAs is weak in Pakistan and institutional setup mostly nonexistent. The following are the relevant international treaties and conventions that have been ratified by Pakistan, where relevant these will be discussed in further detail within relevant chapters:
Basel Convention,
Convention on Biological Diversity, Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar), Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Kyoto Protocol,
Montreal Protocol,
UN Convention to Combat Desertification, UN Convention on the Law of Seas (LOS),
Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs),
Convention concerning the Protection of World Culture and Natural Heritage (World Heritage Convention), 1972; and
2.4
World Bank
2.4.1 Overview
The World Bank (WB) categorizes development projects according to the type, location, sensitivity, and scale of the project, as well as the nature and magnitude of its potential adverse social and environmental impacts.
The environmental impacts of the original Tarbela dam were not separately assessed at the time of preparation of that project (1965-1970). However, the resettlement issues were assessed and a Resettlement program developed to resolve the resettlement and compensation of the Project Affected Persons. There remain some resettlement issues of the project pending in the courts, which will be addressed under the present project. The Project has been categorized as “Category A” requiring a detailed environmental and social assessment (ESA) and development and implementation of an environmental and social management plan (ESMP) and a Social Impact Management Framework (SIMF). For category ‘A’ projects borrowers must consult with project-affected groups and local non-governmental organizations about the project’s environmental aspects and take their views into account. Borrowers must (a) initiate consultations as early as possible; (b) consult groups at least twice (before terms of reference for the assessment are finalized and once a draft assessment report is prepared); and (c) consult affected groups throughout project implementation as necessary to address related issues.
2.4.2 World Bank Environmental and Social Guidelines
The principal World Bank publications that contain environmental and social guidelines are listed below;
Pollution Prevention and Abatement Handbook 1998: Towards Cleaner Production; Environmental Assessment Sourcebook, Volume I: Policies, Procedures, and
Cross-Sectoral Issues; and
Social Analysis Sourcebook.
2.4.3 Operational Policies (OPs) of the World Bank
Developers seeking financing from the World Bank are required to comply with the applicable environmental and social safeguards, OPs and Bank Procedures (BPs). A summary of the key objectives of the relevant safeguards policies considered for the Project is provided below:
OP 4.01 (Environmental Assessment): provides the framework for World Bank environmental safeguard policies and describes project screening and categorization to determine the level of environmental assessment required. For category A and B projects the policy requires public consultation and disclosure to be undertaken as part of the Environmental Assessment process. If indigenous people are found to be affected, in addition to consultation it is necessary to prepare a plan to avoid or mitigate adverse impacts on such groups and ensure that they have access to project benefits to the extent that they wish to. Finally the policy sets out requirement to comply and report on implementation of any environmental management plans (i.e. mitigation measures, monitoring program etc.
OP 4.04 (Natural Habitats): outlines the World Bank policy on biodiversity conservation taking into account ecosystem services and natural resource management
and use by project affected people. Projects must assess potential impacts on biodiversity and the policy strictly limits circumstances under which conversion or degradation of natural habitats can occur as well as prohibiting projects which are likely to result in significant loss of critical natural habitats.
OP 4.09 (Pest Management): rural development and health sector projects have to avoid using harmful pesticides. Other pesticides can be used, but only as an element of an Integrated Pest Management Plan that emphasizes environmental and biological controls. The policy encourages the use of Integrated Pest Management in the whole of the sectors concerned.
OP 4.10 (Indigenous Peoples): recognizes that indigenous peoples may be exposed to different types of risks and impacts from development projects. The policy requires projects to identify whether indigenous peoples are affected by the project and, if so, to undertake specific consultation activities and to avoid or mitigate impacts on this potentially vulnerable group.
OP 4.11 (Physical Cultural Resources): sets out the World Bank requirement to avoid or mitigate adverse impacts resulting from project developments on cultural resources. There are no cultural or archaeological resources in the vicinity of the Project; hence this OP will not trigger.
OP 4.12 (Involuntary Resettlement): the World Bank aims to avoid involuntary resettlement where possible. Where necessary or acquisition of land or other assets is necessary, the policy sets out requirements for participation in resettlement planning, mandates compensation for assets at replacement cost, and expects the borrower to see that incomes and standards of living of affected persons are improved or at least restored to what they were prior to displacement. The document also identifies the need for a Resettlement Plan, an abbreviated Resettlement Plan or otherwise.
OP 4.36 (Forests): this policy recognizes the need to reduce deforestation and promote sustainable forest conservation and management in reducing poverty.
OP 4.37 (Safety on Dams): this policy requires that experienced and competent professionals design and supervise construction, and that the borrower adopts and implements dam safety measures through the project cycle. It recommends, where appropriate, that Bank staff discuss with the borrowers any measures necessary to strengthen the institutional, legislative, and regulatory frameworks for dam safety programs in those countries. For large dams, the borrower must engage an independent Dam Safety Panel.
OP 7.50 (Projects on International Waterways): Projects on International Waterways - may affect the relations between the World Bank and its borrowers, and between riparian states. Therefore, the Bank attaches great importance to the riparian making appropriate agreements or arrangements for the entire waterway, or parts thereof, and stands ready to assist in this regard. A borrower must notify other riparian of planned projects that could affect water quality or quantity, sufficiently far in advance to allow them to review the plans and raise any concerns or objections.
OP 7.60 (Projects in Disputed Areas): similarly, such projects may affect the relations between the Bank and its borrowers, and between the claimants to the disputed area. Therefore, the Bank will only finance projects in disputed areas when either there is no objection from the other claimant to the disputed area, or when the special circumstances of the case support Bank financing, notwithstanding the objection.
BP 17.50 (Public Disclosure of Information): This BP deals with the World Bank policy on disclosure of information. It is a mandatory procedure to be followed by the borrower and Bank and supports public access to information on environmental and social aspects of projects.
2.4.4 Applicable World Bank Policies
The status of the environmental and social safeguard policies of the World Bank are provided below in Table 2.1.
Table 2.1: Triggering the World Bank Policies
Directive Policy Triggered Not
Triggered
Comments
Environmental Assessment
OP/BP/GP 4.01 As the Project falls into Category A, a full assessment has to be carried out. It is the basis of this ESA
Natural Habitats OP/BP 4.04 Not triggered as the Project will not adversely impact natural habitats or protected areas. Totalai Game Reserve, located 20-25 km from Tarbela, is the nearest protected area.
Pest Management
OP 4.09 Not triggered as the Project will not use or promote the use of pesticides. Indigenous
Peoples
OP 4.20/OP 4.10 Not triggered as no Indigenous People or ethnic minorities will be affected by the Project.
Physical Cultural Resources
OP 4.11 No known areas of cultural heritage will be impacted by the Project. Procedures will be in place to deal appropriately with any chance finds.
Involuntary Resettlement
OP/BP 4.12 No involuntary resettlement will take place because of the Project
development. All project components and temporary facilities will be located on land already owned by WAPDA. However, to prepare for the very unlikely situations where off-site activities may result in land acquisition or lease, a Social Impact Management Framework is developed in line with relevant Pakistani laws and World Bank OP 4.12 to guide the planning and implementation of necessary compensatory measures. Forests OP/BP 4.36 There will be no disruption to forests
associated with the Project works. Safety of Dams OP/BP 4.37 The dam safety policy is triggered since
the construction works are implemented on a large dam including associated infrastructure situated upstream of a densely populated area. Regular inspections and assessments of the Tarbela Dam show that the Dam and its associated structures are safe. Dam instrumentation and monitoring system is in remarkably good conditions compared to similar dams of the same age. In bi-annual meetings, an independent panel of experts reviews the design and the operational and maintenance aspects of the project, particularly the safety and early warning systems. The project includes a component that would
Directive Policy Triggered Not
Triggered Comments
upgrade the monitoring system of the Dam, the monitoring of the movement of sediment delta in the reservoir, and associated early warning system. Projects in
International Waterways
OP/BP/GP 7.50 The Project is located on an international waterway. However, the project essentially involves the extension of power generating facilities on an existing dam and it does not involve works and activities that would exceed the original purpose of the scheme, change its nature, or interfere with international water distribution treaty between the riparian states.
Projects in Disputed Areas
OP/BP/GP 7.60 The Project is not located in or near any disputed area.
Public Disclosure of Information
BP 17.50 Formal Public Hearing held. ESA and its Urdu Summary would be made available to public, and would be available on WAPDA website. ESA and its Summary would be sent to WB InfoShop.
2.4.5 Compliance Status with Pakistani and World Bank Policies
The present compliance status of the project with Pakistani legislation and World Bank safeguard policies is indicated in Table 2.2.
Table 2.2: Compliance of Project with GoP Legislation and WB Safeguard Policies Legislation /
Policy Actions Taken to Comply
Government of Pakistan (GoP) Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997
WAPDA submitted application for ESA along with ESA report to KP-EPA. KP EPA accorded its formal approval of the ESA on 22 July 2011.
Disclosure of ESA to general public and public hearing organized
EIA guidelines for Power Projects
Provide safety measures and information on emergency preparedness
International treaties
Verification of protected sites, Red List and protection of vulnerable habitats
Disclosure of projects
Information to general public and notice for public hearing.
World Bank Early screening and Scoping
Scoping sessions held
Participatory approach
Workshops, consultation meetings and focus group discussions held in Ghazi, Topi, Islamabad and Peshawar Integrate
environmental
Natural environment, human health, social aspects, physical cultural resources are integrated in planning
Legislation /
Policy Actions Taken to Comply
assessment (EA) and social assessment (SA)
documents
Risk assessment Labor, health and safety risks determined
Environmental Code of Practices (occupational health, labor) in tender documents contractor
Emergency Response Plan will be prepared by contractor before commencing the construction activities.
Climate Change and floods
Impact of increased snow-melt and climate change and effect on Indus floods studied. Regional and Strategic cumulative impacts determined
Alternatives Without project alternative studied 5 different sites of powerhouse studied
4 different alternatives for tunnel design studied 2 alternatives for inlet structures studied
Pollution Baseline survey of environmental quality carried out Stricter Environmental standards applied and Environmental Code of Practices (ECPs) included in contract documents
Physical and Cultural Resources
Verification with Department of Archaeology implemented
Chance find procedure included in contract documents Gender Gender consultations carried out during ESA.
Public Health Public Health aspects addressed in mitigation measures.
Consultation and Information Disclosure
Early consultations and participation of local communities. Disclosure of ESA summary in Urdu and English
Stakeholder consultation meetings, focus group discussions and formal public consultations held.
Formal Public Hearing held. ESA would be sent to WB InfoShop.
3 Project Description
3.1
Tarbela Dam Project Overview
The Tarbela Dam is located on the Indus River in the KP Province of Pakistan at a distance of about 70 km from the capital Islamabad. Figure 3.1 shows a satellite photograph from the Dam and the Project area. The construction of the dam was completed in 1976. It has a reservoir area of approximately 260 km2 and approximately 33,200 ha of land was acquired for its construction. The main objectives of the Tarbela Dam Project were to provide: regulated water supply for irrigation; substantial supplies of hydroelectric power, and a measure of flood control by storing snowmelt and monsoon flows of the Indus River. Releases from the Tarbela Reservoir are made primarily in response to irrigation demand with power generation being a secondary benefit.
The 124 m high and approximately 2.4 km long dam was designed to impound 13,700 Mm3 of water and provide 11,500 Mm3 of live storage. Two spillways were provided at the left abutment, with capacities sufficient to handle double the largest flood volume on record. Four tunnels, each 13.73 m in diameter at the upstream end, were excavated in the right abutment to divert the flow of the river. Three of these tunnels were intended to serve as power intakes, each to serve a separate generating unit. The fourth tunnel was to serve as a permanent irrigation outlet. Tunnel 5 was excavated between the left abutment and the auxiliary dam as a further irrigation tunnel. The three generating units presently have total installed capacity of 3,478 MW comprising 10 turbines of 175 MW each and four turbines of 432 MW each.
3.2
Objectives of 4th Extension Project
The main objective of the Project is to utilize the existing irrigation Tunnel 4 of the Tarbela Dam Project to supply water to a new power station to augment the power supply to the country. A main requirement of the Project is that the new scheme does not affect the ability of the Tarbela Dam Project to provide water for irrigation or other purposes. The subsequent sections present an overview of the key project elements, followed by a description of the key project components and their associated activities. The project description concludes with the project program.
3.3
Salient Features
The salient features of the Project are as detailed below in Table 3.1.
3.4
Project Components
In the following sub sections an overview is provided of the key components of the Project including: (i) Intake Arrangements; (ii) Penstock Connection; (iii) Powerhouse; (iv) Mechanical and Electrical Plant; (v) Switchyard; (vi) Transmission Lines; and (vii) Tailrace. In Figure 3.2 a simple schematic of a hydro scheme is given to demonstrate how each of the Project components fit together.
Figure 3.1: Satellite View of Tarbela Dam
