EIA & EMP REPORT - AECEN

Environmental Assessment Report 

Environmental Impact Assessment 

Project Number: 37139-02 

January 2010 

IND: Uttaranchal Power Sector Investment Program – 

Subproject 1 

Prepared by Water Resources Development & Management for the Asian Development 

Bank (ADB). 

The environmental impact assessment is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not 

necessarily represent those of ADB’s Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in 

nature.

EIA & EMP REPORT 

FOR 

PROPOSED SOBLA-I SMALL HYDRO POWER PROJECT 

ON 

SOBLA GAD 

A PROJECT OF 

UTTARANCHAL JAL VIDUT NIGAM LTD. 

Maharani Bagh, GMS Road, Dehradun 

DISTRICT DEHRADUN – 248 001 (U.K.) 

Prepared by : 

Water Resources Development & Management 

Indian Institute of Technology, 

ROORKEE. Ph : 01332-285774 Fax : 271073 

Draft Report

CONTENTS 

Sl. No. Contents 

Page No. 

1. Introduction 1-9 

2. Description of the Project 10-17 

3. Description of the Present Environment 18-66 

4. Alternatives 67-69 

5. Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures 70-82 

6. Economic Assessment 83-89 

7. Environment Management Plan 90-110 

8. Disaster Management Plan 111-122 

9. EMP Implementation and Monitoring 123-124 

10. Conclusion* - 

Remark 

*Conclusion will be submitted final report

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 

We are grateful to the Management of UJVNL, Dehradun, U. K. for appointing 

us as a Consultant for EIA/EMP study for proposed Small Hydel Power Project 

at Sobla, Distt. Pithoragrah, Uttarakhand. 

We are happy to convey our deep sense of gratitude, appreciation and 

thankfulness for the unstinted co-operation continuously extended to us by 

Chairman UJVNL Sri Yogendra Prasad and the Managing Director Sri. R.P. 

Thapliyal. 

We also express our thanks, to Mr. S.K. Rastogi former G.M. S.H.P., Mr. Arvind 

Kumar G.M. S.H.P., Mr. S.C. Baluni D.G.M. ADB Project and other staff 

members of UJVNL, Dehradun and Dharchula, for the unstinted co-operation 

continuously extended to us by them. 

We also express our thanks to villagers, census department, Forest 

Department, PHED, Irrigation department, Statistical department, Wild Life of 

India, and Indian Meteorological Department for providing us necessary 

information and congenial atmosphere during study. 

It is my pleasant duty to thank our Team of experts from the Deptt. of Water 

Resources Development Management (WRDM) Indian Institute of Technology, 

Roorkee: Mr. Pradeep Nagrath, Er. A.K. Kakkar, Dr. S.C. Sharma and Dr. 

Nripendra Kumar Singh, Mr. Shrikant Singh who have assisted in preparing 

this report. We are also thankful to the supporting staff especially Mohd. 

Nadeem, Jagdish Bhatt, Ravi Kumar whose contribution is significant. 

Devadutta Das 

Date : 

Place : 

WRDM, IIT 

ROORKEE

List of Tables 

Table No. Particulars Page No. 

1.1 Installed capacity of power 2 

1.2 Percentage of hydro share in total installed capacity 3 

1.3 Region wise hydro power capacity 3 

1.4 Sector wise hydro power capacity 3 

1.5 Plan of UJVNL in Uttarakhand 4 

1.6 Litho tectonic sucession of Kumaun Himalya 7 

2.1 Classification of Hydro Power Station 11 

3.1 Likely impacts of the project 19-20 

3.2 Environmental attributes and frequency of monitoring 20 

3.3 Altitude wise prevailing climate 22 

3.4 Prevailing wind direction and average cloud cover 23 

3.5 Average Temperature, Humidity, Wind Speed & Predominant 

wind direction during April-May 09 

3.6 Mean monthly temperature (in 0 C) at Dharchula (1972-78) 24 

3.7 Mean monthly rainfall (in cm) at Dharchula (1972-78) 24 

3.8 Details of Ambient Air Sampling Locations 25 

3.9 Ambient Air Sampling Schedule 26 

3.10 Summarized Air Quality Data 26 

3.11 National Ambient Air Quality Standard 27 

3.12 Ground Water Sampling Location with distance & direction 

from Sobla 

3.13 Surface Water Sampling Location with distance & direction 

from Sobla 

3.14-3.18 Results of underground water analysis 29-33 

319-3.21 Results of surface water analysis 34-36 

3.22 Water Quality Criteria as per CPCB Guidelines for aquatic 

Resources 

3.23 Ambient Noise Monitoring Location 38 

3.24 Summarized Noise Level (dB) data of various locations 38 

3.25 Ambient Quality norms in respect of noise 38 

3.26 Soil sampling locations 39 

3.27 Physical properties of soil 39 

3.28 Chemical properties of soil 40 

23 

28 

28 

37

3.29 Available Nutrients in Soil 40 

3.30 Rating of soil 41 

3.31 Exchangeable Cations 41 

3.32 Available Micronutrients in Soil 41 

3.33 Critical Limits 42 

3.34 Land Use Pattern of Pithoragarh district 42 

3.35 Land use pattern of Dharchula block 43 

3.36 Land requirement for the project 43 

3.37 Geographical indicators 44 

3.38 Size of block and No. of family 45 

3.39 Population details of Pithoragarh district 45 

3.40 Population statistics of Dharchula block 46 

3.41 Literacy rate of the state district wise (2001 census) 46 

3.42 Literacy rate of Pithoragarh district 47 

3.43 Literacy rate of Dharchula (2001 census) 47 

3.44 School and college available in Dharchula block 48 

3.45 Population wise no. of villages in Dharchula block & 

48 

Pithoragarh distt. 

3.46 Economical distribution of population 48 

3.47 Health facilities available in Dharchula block & Pithoragarh 49 

distt. 

3.48 Details of electrified villages and available roads in 

49 

Dharchula block & Pithoragarh distt. 

3.49 Other facilities like Post Office, Telegraph Office, PCO and 49 

Telephone available in Dharchula block & Pithoragarh distt. 

3.50 Population Statistics of surveyed villages 50 

3.51 Size of Holding 50 

3.52 Occupational Pattern of Selected Households. 50 

3.53 Cooking Fuel Used 51 

3.54 Animal available in Dharchula block & Pithoragarh district 51 

3.55 Disease and their proportion found in surveyed villages 52 

3.56 Family Budgets 53 

3.57 Irrigation facilities in Dharchula block and Pithoragarh 

district 

54

3.58 Irrigated land area in Dharchula block & Pithoragarh district 54 

3.59 Size of Land Holding 54 

3.60 Use of Agricultural tools, fertilizer and No. of wear house for 55 

seed & fertilizer storage 

3.61 Area under important crops in Dharchula block and 55 

Pithoragarh district 

3.62 Area under important crops in Dharchula block and 56 


3.63 Average productivity of important crops Pithoragarh district 56 

3.64 Productivity of important crops Pithoragarh district 57 

3.65 Van Panchayat Status in Uttarakhand 58 

3.66 Habitat and other species associated meadow vegetation 62 

3.67 List of flora found in study area 63-64 

3.68 List of Fauna found in study area 65 

3.69 Fish dwelling in rivers of project surrounding area 66 

5.0 Emission level from Coal Fired Power Plants (tons/Yr.) 70 

5.1 Extent of tree removal 72 

5.2 Ambient status Impact wise mg/m 3 73 

5.3 Expected Noise Emissions 74 

5.4 Water quality standards for fresh water classification 75 

5.5 Effluent Discharge stands (Inland surface water) 76 

6.1 Cost Estimate (Reconstruction of Sobla SHP) 83-84 

6.2 Cost estimate for the implementation of EMP 85 

6.3 Cost estimated for catchment area treatment work 85 

6.4 Cost estimates for the implementation of DMP 86 

6.5 Direct Employment and Income Generation during 

87 

construction period 

6.6 Direct Employment and Income generation during operation 88 

period 

7.1 Magnitude of anticipated impacts and proposed Environment 92-95 

Management Plan 

7.2 Proposed management plan (phase wise) 96-101 

8.1 Important Telephone no. of Govt. Officials 122 

9.1 Monitoring/Analytical Equipment/required for Project 124

List of Figures 

(At the end of Report) 

Fig. No. 

Particulars 

1.1 Political Map of Pithoragarh 

1.2 Proposed site marked in trekking map of Kumaun Hills 

1.2(A) The proposed site and location of Askot Sanctuary and Nanda Devi Bio Sphere 

Reserve and Ecological resources of Pithoragarh Distt. 

1.3 The physiographic-lithotectonic domains separated by intracrustal boundary 

thrusts of regional simension most of these thrust faults are active. 

1.4 Simplified Geological map of the Lesser Kumaun Himalaya (After Valdiya, 

1980b) 

1.5 Occurrence of various mineral deposit in Kumaun in the context of Geological 

formations. 

1.6 Relief Map of Uttarakhand 

1.7 Drainage network of Kumaun showing different hydrographic regimes and their 

typical drainage basins. 

1.8 Forest Map of Uttrakhand State 

1.9 Seismic zoning map of India 

2.1 General Layout Plan of Sobla – I Small HEP 

5.1 Impact Identification Matrix for proposed Small Hydro Power Project of UJVNL 

on Sobla Gad at Saobla, Pithoragarh 

8.1 Emergency Management Organization Chart

List of Plates 

(At the end of Report) 

Plate No. 

Plate 1 

Plates details 

(A) A view of land sliding at Chautuldhar 

(B) Water sampling on Sobla Gad 

Plate 2 

(A) Surface water sampling on Dhauli Ganga 

(B) Water sampling at village Dar 

Plate 3 

(A) Ambient Noise Monitoring in village Dar 

(B) Ambient Noise Monitoring at diversion site 

Plate 4 

(A) Soil sampling at village Khairi Gaon 

(B) Soil sampling at village Dar 

Plate 5 

(A) Socio economic survey work at Sobla 

(A) Socio economic survey at site

Abbreviations 

Sl. No. Abbreviation Full Form 

1. AAQMS Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station 

2. AE Assistant Engineer 

3. ADB Asian Development Bank 

4. BOD Biological Oxygen Demand 

5. BPL Below Poverty Line 

6. CIC Chief Incident Controller 

7. CO Carbon Monoxide 

8. CPCB Central Pollution Control Board 

9. CFC Chlro floro Carbon 

10. CEC Chief Emergency, Co-ordinator 

11. CFC Chloro Fluoro Carbon 

12. CAT Catchment Area Treatment 

13. DB Decibel Audible 

14. DMP Disaster Management Plant 

15. DO Dissolved Oxygen 

16. EE Executive Engineer 

17. EAG Environment Action Group 

18. EPG Environment Planning Group 

19. ECC Emergency Control Centre 

20. ECO Emergency Co-ordinator Officer 

21. EIA Environmental Impact Assessment 

22. EIU Environmental Impact Unit 

23. EMP Environment Management Plant 

24. EPO Emergency Planning Officer 

25. EQ Environmental Quality 

26. EPG Emergency Planning Group 

27. EAG Emergency Action Group 

28. EMD Environment Management Department 

29. FD Forest Division 

30. GOI Government of India

31. HFL High Flood Level 

32. IA Implementing Agency 

33. IED Integrated Education Development 

34. IIT Indian Institute of Technology 

35. IMD Indian Metrological Department 

36. IS Indian Standard 

37. MBT Main Boundary Thrust 

38. MCT Main Central Thrust 

39. MoEF Ministry of Environment & Forest 

40. MoP Ministry of Power 

41. MSL Mean Sea Level 

42. NOx Oxides of Nitrogen 

43. NDBR Nanda Devi Bio-sphere Reserve 

44. O&M Operation & Maintenance 

45. PIU Parameter Importance Unit 

46. PFR Preliminary Feasibility Report 

47. PTCUL Power Transmission Corporation of Uttaranchal Limited 

48. RoW Right of Way 

49. RMU Rehabilitation and Modernization 

50. RSPM Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter 

51. SHP Small Hydel Project 

52. SO 2 Sulphur Dioxide 

53. SC Schedule Cast 

54. ST Schedule Tribe 

55. SPCB State Pollution Control Board 

56. SPM Suspended Particulate Matter 

57. TLV Threshhold Limit Value 

58. UEPPCB Uttaranchal Environment Protection & Pollution Control Board 

59. UJVNL Uttaranchal Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd. 

60. UPCL Uttaranchal Power Corporation Limited

EIA/EMP Report of Sobla – I SHP 

A Project of UJVNL 

CHAPTER – 1 

1.0 Introduction 

1.1 General 

The new state of Uttrakhand came into being on 9th November 2000, in accordance to the Uttar 

Pradesh reorganization Act, 2000. The new state of Uttrakhand has been formed out of the 

existing twelve hill districts of Garhwal and Kumaon division. In addition one more district of 

Haridwar has been included in new state of Uttrakhand. The state borders with Nepal and Tibet 

on the east, Central Himalayas on the north, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh on the west and 

northwest respectively. The region in conspicuously different from the plains of Uttar Pradesh 

due to its topography, soil, climate, relief, vegetation, language, culture and historical 

background. 

Geophysically the state has four Mountain Zones namely Foot hills, Lesser Himalayas, Greater 

Himalayas and Trans-Himalayas. The mountains are covered with perpetual snow and glaciers 

and have gifted the north India a perennial river system of the Ganga and its tributaries. The 

tributaries of Ganga, namely Alaknanda, Bhagirathi, Yamuna and Sarda originate from the 

foothills of snow capped peaks and glaciers in the Central Himalayas and incise their respective 

courses through the rugged terrain, splash and surge the steep gradients and most of the stream 

offer excellent potential for Hydro power development. 

The state is divided into Kumaon and Garhwal Divisions with 13 districts, 42 tehsils, 95 blocks 

and 15689 inhabited villages and 73 towns. The State has a geographical area of 53119 sq. km 

which is 1.62% of the total area of the country and supports 84.8 lakh populations which is 

0.83% the total population of India. The percentage of villages having population more than 500 

is about 11.4% (1991 Census). The existing majority smaller settlements of Uttarakhand pose a 

serious challenge for economic infrastructure and lack of services to the far flung places in the 

hilly terrain makes Uttarakhand as one of the extremely backward states of India. 

It has 76.1% electrified villages as compared to 75.3% of villages of U.P. The average per capita 

consumption of electricity is 245.57 kwh, whereas Mukteshwar and Nainital consume 480.81 

and 447.33 kwh respectively with a minimum consumption of 43.7 kwh in Uttarkashi. 

The hill region of districts are less developed in terms of infrastructure i.e. electricity, roads and 

irrigation. The inter district inequality in infrastructure leads to increasing disparity in terms of 

1



income and livelihood between the hills and the plain. Low levels of income not only result in 

low levels of consumption and material derivation, but also constrain human potential by 

restricting access to education and health facilities thereby creating a vicious cycle of poverty. 

1.2 Power Scenario in India 

India, currently generates about 83% of its electricity from conventional thermal power plants 

and about 14% from hydroelectric plants (mainly located in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and 

the northeast). GOI has launched a 50,000 MW hydroelectric initiative. In Uttarakhand, 

approximately $4 billion will be invested over the near term in transmission and distribution 

systems, new power plant development, and hydropower rehabilitation and modernization 

(RMU). 

Uttarakhand has little or no fossil fuel resources. It is focusing on developing hydropower and 

associated transmission systems for evacuation and export. Currently a net importer of electric 

power, the state plans to be a net exporter by 2010. Hydropower potential is approximately 

20,000 MW, of which 16,500 MW is well defined and technically viable operating at 1,160 MW 

and about 5,525 MW is under construction. 

1.3 Hydro Power Share 

At present the hydro power share in the total installed capacity in the country accounts for 26%. 

The total installed capacity of the country is 1,26,839 MW presented in table 1.1. 

Table 1.1 Installed Capacity of power 

Sl.No. Fuel Capacity (MW) % 

1. Total Thermal 83,772 66 

(i) Coal 68,988 54.4 

(ii) Gas 13,582 10.7 

(iii) Oil 1,202 0.09 

2. Hydro 32,976 26.0 

3. Nuclear 3,900 3.1 

4. Renewable 6,191 4.9 

Total 1,26,839 

The position of hydro share in the total installed capacity over successive plan periods is 

presented in table 1.2. 

2



Table 1.2 Percentage of Hydro Share in total installed capacity 

Hydro Share % of the 

total installed Capacity 

1956 65 - 66 78 - 79 89 - 90 As on 31 st July 06 

36.78 45.68 40.60 28.77 26.0 

Presently total hydro power capacity of India is 32,976 MW. Region and sector wise installed 

hydro power capacity in India are presented in table 1.3 and 1.4. 

Table 1.3 - Region wise Hydro Power capacity (as on 31.07.2006) 

Sl. No. Region Capacity (MW) 

1. Northern 11520.3 

2. Western 6798.8 

3. Southern 11004.35 

4. Eastern 2429.35 

5. North Eastern 1094.7 

Total 32847.5 

Table 1.4 - Sector wise Hydro Power capacity (as on 31.07.2006) 

Sl. No. Region Capacity (MW) 

1. Central 9256.7 

2. State 22445.35 

3. Private 1136.45 

Total 32847.5 

Three government units serve as leading agencies: Uttaranchal Power Corporation Limited 

(UPCL) is responsible for distribution at 33 kilovolts (kv) and lower. PTCUL develops and 

operates high voltage transmission lines and substations from 132–400 kv, and UJVNL is 

responsible for hydropower generation assets, including management of private sector 

participation. 

1.4 Hydro Power Development in Uttrakhand 

1.4.1 Hydro and Thermal Power Ratio 

The main resources for generating electricity are by utilising the hydro potential available along 

the river drops, besides the use of fossil fuel. Presently the ratio of thermal generation and 

3



Hydro-electric generation in Uttarakhand Power grid is quite disproportionate. With the 

diminishing coal resources and difficult oil position all over the world, it is necessary that 

electric generation be aimed to achieve the economic balance of 40:60 between the hydro and 

thermal generation of power, as against the existing 25:75 ratio. 

1.4.2 Small Hydro Power Generation: UK Scenario 

The requirement of power in Uttarakhand is very fluctuating because of many seasonal and other 

similar demands of industries. To improve the share of hydro-power generation it is essential to 

develop the hydroelectric power potential of state. 

Uttaranchal Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (UJVNL) was incorporated as a Company by the 

Government of Uttarakhand on 14th February 2001, under the Companies Act 1956. UJVNL 

manages hydropower generation at existing power stations, organizes development and 

promotion of new hydropower projects with the purpose of harnessing already identified and yet 

to be identified hydro power resources of the State of Uttarakhand. UJVNL is among of the large 

hydropower companies of the country operating more than 34 power stations of different sizes 

ranging from 0.2 MW to 304 MW with a combined capacity of 1305.9 MW and of different 

vintages up to 100 years. Currently, UJVNL is in the process of developing 14 new large 

hydropower projects and 16 new small hydropower projects. 

The existing installed generating capacity in the State is about 3140 MW which is contributed by 

hydro generation. There is no thermal power station in the state. 

1.4.3 Power plan 

In Uttarakhand the estimated potential of small hydro projects is app. 1478 MW. Out of which 

UJVNL is operating nearly 53.75 MW. The plan of UJVNL is detailed in table 1.5. 

Table 1.5 – Plan of UJVNL in Uttarakhand 

Sl.No. Status No. of Projects Capacity (MW) 

1. Under Operation 34 1305.90 

2. Under Construction 7 39.5 

3. Under Development 7 39.1 

4. Under RMU 5 992.3 

5. Project under Rehabilitation 1 8.0 

Total Capacity 2384.8 

4



Before separation from Uttar Pradesh, 32 small hydro projects of a total capacity about 182 MW 

were allocated to private developers by the UP Government. These projects are in various stages 

of development and some of them will be commissioned soon. Uttarakhand Govt. has allocated 8 

small hydro projects of a total capacity of 85MW to 57 private developers. Apart from these, 35 

nos. of small hydro projects (capacity ranging from 0.4 MW to 25 MW) of a total capacity 175 

MW are still available for allocation to private developers. 

1.5 Present Studies 

With a view to among the large number of identified schemes harness vast untapped hydro 

resources in the order of their attractiveness for implementation, ranking studies were carried out 

by UJVNL. The GOI with ADB financial assistance directed for the process development of new 

hydro power projects of which Sobla hydel project is a part is covered under rehabilitation in the 

state of Uttarakhand. The project will support not only increased generation of power but also 

strength an the economic development. 

In order to achieve the above objective the UJVNL has entrusted WRDM, IIT, Roorkee to 

carryout an EIA/EMP study for Sobla – I SHP on Sobla Gad located at Sobla in Dharchula tehsil 

of Pithoragarh Distt., as detailed in the subsequent Chapters. 

1.6 About Pithoragarh 

Pithoragarh is the eastern-west Himalayan district in the state of Uttrakhand. It is a natural 

landscape with high Himalayan mountains, snow capped peaks, passes, valleys, alpine meadows, 

forests, waterfalls, Perennial rivers, glaciers and springs. The flora and funna of this area is rich 

in ecological diversity. The geographical area of the district is 7169 km 2 , with a total population 

of the district is 4,62,149 the total literacy rate is 76.48 percent Pithoragarh town, which is 

located in Sour. Figure 1.1 shows the proposed site. 

1.7 The Project Area 

The Sobla - I SHP is located on the Sobla Gad river at Sobla which is a tributary of Dhauli 

Ganga River originating at Panchachulli Glacier at an attitude of 4260 mtr. and meeting with 

Kali river before Tawaghat. The Kali is the largest river of Kumaun and forms a natural boundry 

between Kumaun and Nepal. Encompassing the largest drainage area, the Kali has two 

headwaters (a) the Kalapani originating on the slope of Indo-Tibetan waterdivide near Lipulekh 

Pass at an elevation of about 4,266 m, and (b) the kuti on the west, which carries water three 

5



times greater in volume than the Kalapani. The Kuti originates from a small glacier at the base of 

the Lampia Pass south through Garbyang to Tanakpur. Figure 1.2 and 1.2 (A) indicates proposed 

site and location of Askot Sanctuary and Nanda Devi Bio Sphere Reserve and Ecological 

resources of site of Pithoragarh Distt. 

In fact Sobla is the entrance point of Darma valley of Dharchulla tehsil of Kumaon region. It lies 

at the borders area of Tibet in the north and Nepal in the east. The entire valley lies at an altitude 

between 7500 and 14000 ft. The valley extend to about 100 km. from Sobla to Dhave beyond the 

last inhabited village Tidang near Tibet border. The entire valley has rich plant bio-diversity. 

1.8 Down Stream Projects Detail 

There are two main in down stream projects which detail are as follows. 

1. Dhauliganga stage I HEP – 280 MW 

Project under operation and EIA clearance given by GOI. 

2. Dhualiganga stage II HEP – 120 M 

Project and & study is under investigation 

1.9 Geology and Mineral Resources of Kumaun 

Kumaun Himalya comprises all the four latitudnal zones identified on the basis of varied 

geotectonic and physiographic feaures. These lithotectonic zones are seprated by the tectonically 

active boundry thrusts. Physiographic lithotectonic division is presented in figure 1.3 at the end 

of report. 

The Sub-Himalayan Zone north of the Ganga Plains is demarcated in the north by the Main 

Boundary Thrust (MBT). This subprovince of the Siwalik is autochthonous in nature comprising 

mainly sandstones, shales and conglomerates. The homoclinal unit shows Jura-Type folding and 

thrusting with intervening synclines filled with subrecent gravels giving rise to the intermontance 

flat plains or 'duns' in southwestern (Kotabagh-Patkot) part. 

The Lesser Himalaya subprovince comprising predominantly unfossiliferous sedimentary rocks 

of Precambrian to early Palacozoic age is delimited by the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) in the 

south and the Main Central Thrust (MCT) in the north. The larger part of Kumaun is made up of 

Lesser Himalayan sedimentary formations. The vast, imbricately thrust succession of 

metamorphics of the Ramgarh and Almora Group divide the Lesser Himalaya into two domains. 

The outer Lesser Himalaya is predominantly made of the sedimentary succession of the Krol 

6



Belt which is thrust over imbricately by Ramgarh and Almora rocks. The rock-formations of the 

inner Lesser Himalaya comprise the succession Rautgara-Gangolihat-Sor Slate-Thalkedar 

Limestone and Berinag Quartzite of the Precambrian age. This sedimentary succession is thrust 

over by the Baijnath-Askot crystallines, occurring in the form of klippen (which were once parts 

of the huge Almora Group). Geological map of the lesser Kumaun Himalya (after valdiya, 1980) 

is presented in figure 1.4. 

The Great Himalaya is delimited at the base by the Vaikrita Thrust (Main Central Thrust) in the 

south and the Malari Fault in the north. This hue tectonic slab of the granite-injected katazonal 

metamorphics of early Precambrain age exhibits homoclinal structures, plastic deformation and 

superimposed folding. The Tethys Himalaya comprises sedimentary rocks ranging in age form 

Precambrian to Cretaceous. This complexly deformed zone is demarcated against the Great 

Himalaya by the steep-dipping Malari Fault. Lithotectonic succession of Kumaun Himalyais 


Table 1.6 Lithotectonic Succession of Kumaun Himalya 

Northern Belt 

Southern Belt 

Jungbwa Ultrabasics 

----------- Jungbwa T ----------- 

Kiogarh Ophiolitic Melange 

--------- Kiogarh T --------- 

(Precambrian) 

----------Main Central (Vaikrita)T-------- 

Munsiari formation 

(Early Precambrian) 

----------Munsiari T------------- 

(Schuppen Zone) 

------------------T------------------ 

Berinag Formation 

(Precambrian) 

---------Berinag T---------------- 

Damtha- Tejam Group 

(Precambrian) 

(Base not exposed) 

Almora group 

(with 550 + 50 m.y. granite) 

-----------Almora T------------- 

Ramgarh Group 

(With 1900 + 100 m.y. porphyroids) 

----------Ramgarh T----------- 

Krol Succession 

(Late Precambrian – Lower Cambrian) 

-----Krol or Main boundry T------ 

Siwalik Group 

(late Tertiary) 

-------Himalyan front Fault----------- 

Ganga Plain with Bhabhar Fan 

(quaternary-Recent) 

Occurrence of various mineral deposits in Kumaun is presented in figure 1.5. 

1.10 Climate 

The elevation of the district ranges from 500 mtr. Above sea level in the valleys in the south to 

over 7000 mtr. In the snow bound Himalyas in the north and North West. The climate therefore 

largely depends on altitude and varies according to aspect and elevation. Although tropical beat 

7



may be experienced in the southern valleys during the summer, the winters are severe. As most 

of the district is situated on the southern slopes of the Himalayas, monsoon currents penetrate 

through the deep valleys and rainfall is at the maximum in the monsoon season (June to 

September) particularly in the southern half of the district. The northern half of the district also 

gets considerable rain during the winter season which lasts from mid November to March. 

1.11 Soils 

Soils of the study area have been formed either through pedogenetic processes or are transported 

soils. The pedogenetic soils are the one which have been formed by long duration of exposure to 

atmospheric agencies, physical and chemical weathering and rock slides. Such types of soils are 

derived from granite gneiss, schist and phyllite rocks. These soils obtained high percentage of 

silica from their parent body, while the soils formed from the limestone are rich in calcium 

carbonate. The transported soils are carried and deposited by the streams. Their parent body and 

source rocks lie at far away places. Some of these soils have mixed origin of glacial and fluvioglacial 

origin. These soils of takus, fans and terraces are silt to clayey loam and are very fertile. 

The brown forest soils contain very high percentage of organic matter. The katil soils are stony, 

immature and extremely poor. Soils of Upraon are gravelly and sandy Loams. The Talaon soils 

are brown in colour with clayey texture. The stony texture provides higher rate of erosion. 

1.12 Topograophy 

o 0 

The study area is situated around longitude 30 3” N to 80 35” E. The bordering districts of 

Pithoragarh are in Tibet & NNE, in E and SE Nepal, in South & SW Chamoli distt., in SW 

Almora, Bageshwar in west. This district can be divided into three parts according to 

geographical features: 

(i) Higher mountain region (ii) Lower mountain region (iii) valley Maximum part of Dharchula 

tehsil falls in higher mountain region & some of its part remains snow covered. It's highest 

mountain peak is Nandakote (6861 M). The high altitute regions of lower mountains area & 

steep lands are heavily covered with forest. Where there is gentle slope there are terraced fields 

in which different sort of crops are grown while too steep areas are covered with grass which is 

used as fodder. The situation caused by the different rivers & their tributaries on the river banks 

are popularly known as 'seras'. These fields are more fertile than the terraced fields due to 

irrigations facilities.The main rivers of the district are Saryu, Gomti, Pindar, Lahur, Pungar & 

Eastern Ramganga in eastern border. Relief Map of Uttrakhand is presented as figure 1.6 at the 

end of report. 

8



1.13 Drainage Pattern of Kumaun 

The eastern Dhauli orginates from the glaciers near Dawe (5000m) and flows in a southeastern 

course. Below the confluence with the Lissar River, the Dhauli is called the Darma River. Kali 

River is the major river system within the territory of the district and Dhauli Ganga is one of the 

major tributes of Kali. There are many other streams which bring quite good quantum of water 

to drain in this river. Drainage network of Kumaun showing different hydrographic regimes and 

their typical drainage basins is presented in figure 1.7 at the end of report. 

1.14 Ecology 

The natural vegetation is influenced by climate and elevation. Tropical, moist deciduous forest at 

one time covered all of the Sub-Himalayan area. With few exceptions most of this forest has 

been cut for commercial lumber or agricultural land. In the Middle Himalayas at elevations 

between 1520 and 3660 m (between 5000 and 12,000 ft) natural vegetation consists of many 

species of pine, oak, rhododendron, poplar, walnut, and larch. Most of this area has been 

deforested; forest cover remains only in inaccessible areas and on steep slopes. Below the timber 

line the Great Himalayas contains valuable forests of spruce, fir, cypress, juniper, and birch. 

Alpine vegetation occupies higher parts of the Great Himalayas just below the snow line and 

includes shrubs, rhododendrons, mosses, lichens, and wildflowers such as blue poppies and 

edelweiss. These areas are used for grazing in summer by the highland people of the Great 

Himalayas. Forest Map of Uttrakhand state is presented as figure 1.8. 

1.15 Sesmicity 

Seismically, the area constitutes one of the most active domains of the Himalayas. Within a 

period of 183 years from 1816 to 1999 a total of 298 seismic events have been recorded. Out of 

these, 32 events are of M > 5.5 frequency. Area wise seismicity is quite high in Main Himalayan 

Belt subdued within Tibetan Plateau and a few events located over Indo-Gangetic Plains. Several 

damaging earthquakes have been recorded in the area of which largest was that of 28th August, 

1916 which caused heavy damage in Dharchula. Uttarkashi Earthquake of 19th October, 1991 

caused extensive structural damage and maximum intensity of IX on MM scale was observed. 

Chamoli Earthquake (M-6.8) occurred on 29th March, 1999. Other events include Kinnaur 

Earthquake (January, 1975). Keeping in view the seismicity set up and active nature of 

seismicity, the area has been kept in zone IV as per Map Showing Seismic zone of India 

[IS:1893 (part-I) : 2002] presented as figure 1.9. 

9



CHAPTER – 2 

2.1 Description of the project 

Hydropower or hydroelectricity is a source of energy produced by the fall of water turning the 

blades of a turbine. The turbine is connected to a generator that converts the energy into electricity. 

The greater the flow and the head, the more electricity produced. Some hydropower facilities 

include dams to increase the head of a waterfall or to control the flow of water, and reservoirs to 

store the water for future energy use (storage dam), while others produce electricity by 

immediately using a river's water flow (run-of-river). Some hydropower plants also use pumped 

storage systems, which store the water for reuse in the production of electricity during periods of 

high demand. 

Sobla-I SHP, is a run of the river scheme, offers a sustainable power generation system within 

the overall scenario of the entire state. Though the state of Uttarakhand has been gifted 

generously by Mother Nature in terms of water and forest resources, the area remains backward 

due to lack of any comprehensive policy in the past combining the harnessing of its potential 

together with socio-economic development. Since the proposed scheme is of the magnitude of 

8.0 MW installed capacity, it is proposed that it will primarily cater to the need for quality power 

to meet local requirements. However the local demand in the area at the time being is not 

substantial and therefore it is proposed that, the surplus power would eventually be put in the 

state grid. Also the tourist route to Kailash Mansarovar and local infrastructure in terms of small 

scale industries, irrigation facilities for terrace cultivation, tourist centers like top class hotels, 

clubs, water sports complexes, ropeways and facilities for trekking and skiing etc could be 

developed. This will lead to an overall increase in per capita local income which would in turn 

increase local electricity demand and bring about an increase in socio-economic activities. Thus 

the impetus provided by the project in developing the area, both in short and long term would be 

immense. 

It is understood from local enquiry that on 6 th June, 2000, the river brought down huge boulders 

along its course and deposited it along the river bed. The water channel guided by the disposition 

of the boulder deposits on the right bank changed its course. The river took a right angle turn 

towards NNE and directly hit the powerhouse terrace on the left bank. As a result the terrace 

materials got washed away from the base. The powerhouse structure and column foundation 

collapsed partly leaving the structure overhanging. Out of two generators, one of 3 MW was 

salvaged from the river bed but this machine could not be used for this project, due to very bad 

condition. It is proposed two units each of 4 MW capacity will be installed in the new proposed 

10



Power House. The switchyard site is also damaged and eroded from base. Half of the steel girder 

bridge connecting Power House with right bank approach road has also been washed away 

during this flood. The adjacent terrace on which colony is located has also been affected. 

However the colony as a whole is not damaged. The river after hitting the powerhouse takes a 

turn towards East and flows through a rocky gorge till its confluence with Dhauliganga. 

Necessary provision has been made for required repairs of existing structures & reconstruction of 

the power house building as well as supply & erection of all the electro-mechanical equipments 

& machines of the power house. 

The scope of the project is to reinstall a new powerhouse at location, which is preferable from 

safety point of view and is technically and economically feasible. The scope of the project also 

includes the study of possible augmentation of the Installed Capacity beyond 6 MW, which was 

being produced before the flood on June 6 th 2000. 

2.2 Small-scale Hydro 

A small-scale hydroelectric facility requires that a sizable flow of water and an adequate head of 

water is available without building elaborate and expensive facilities. Small hydroelectric plants 

can be developed at existing dams and have been constructed in connection with water level 

control of rivers, lakes and irrigation schemes. By using existing structures, only minor new 

civil engineering works are required, which reduces the cost of this component of a 

development. 

In other, more rugged regions of the country, it is possible to develop relatively higher heads 

without elaborate or expensive civil engineering works so that relatively smaller flows are 

required to develop the desired power. In these cases, it may be possible to construct a relatively 

simple diversion structure and obtain the highest drop by diverting flows at the top of a waterfall 

or steeply falling watercourse. 

2.3 Examples of small-scale developments 

Small-scale hydroelectric facilities have become more popular over the past two decades. Many 

new sites have been created and older, existing sites have been refurbished. 

SHP (small hydro power) technology was introduced in India shortly after the commissioning of 

the world's first hydroelectric installation at Appleton, USA in 1882. The 130 Kw plant at 

Darjeeling in the year 1897 was the first SHP installation in the country. A few other power 

11



houses belonging to that period such as Shivasundaram in Mysore (5 MW, 1902), Galogi in 

Mussoorie (3 MW, 1907), and Chaba (1.75 MW, 1914) and Jubbal (50 KW, 1930) near Shimla. 

The above stations have since been uprated and refurbished. 

2.4 Types of small-scale hydropower developments 

Small-scale hydro stations are classified in three types and presented in table 2.1. 

Table 2.1 Classification of Hydro Power Station 

Sl. Size of 

Power Out put 

No. Hydropower 

1. Micro 100 kW or less – For one or two houses. 

2. Mini 100 kW to 2 MW – For a small factory or isolated community. 

3. Small 2 MW to 25 MW – For supply to a regional or provincial power grid. 

In large facilities, custom design detailed engineering is required. Small-scale hydroelectric 

developments have to be approached quite differently to achieve economical feasibility. 

Over the last twenty-five years, efforts have been made to reduce development costs by improving 

all phases of project development. Some of the innovations produced by these efforts are: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Improved methodologies for hydro resource assessment and project identification. 

Improved methods of hydrologic assessment. 

Standardized designs of turbines and generators. 

Standardized requirements for connection to grid. 

New contracting methods – turnkey. 

Improvements in computational technology. 

Standardized civil designs and partial development. 

2.5 Environmental benefits of small hydroelectric energy 

Small-scale hydroelectric developments do not take up much space and they rarely cause 

significant shoreline flooding or required river diversions. Large-scale projects, however, can 

create adverse environmental impacts such as shoreline flooding. Most of the negative 

environmental impacts of small-scale hydroelectric developments can be avoided in part or in 

whole by a good design and appropriate construction and operating practices. In general the 

environmental impacts of a small hydro power station is negligible if not totally non-existent. 

2.5.1 Reducing risk of transporting fuel supplies (fossil fuel generation) 

Fuel supplies must be transported over long distances. The risk of fuel spills is significant, 

especially in remote areas of Northern India where the roads can be ice covered and the 

environment is ecologically fragile. In urban India, the risks to public safety from collisions or 

12



derailments in crowded road or rail corridors are also significant. Hence increased use of 

electricity from small hydro power plants can reduce the consumption of fuel oil and thereby 

reduce the adverse impact of fuel oil on the environment appreciably. 

2.5.2 Socio-economic benefits 

The most obvious social benefit of small hydroelectric projects is the supply of reliable low-cost 

electric energy to provide the comforts of modern living. Small-scale hydroelectric projects 

provide a competitive source of reliable and inflation- proof energy. Small-scale hydroelectric 

energy is an especially attractive alternative to traditional high-cost diesel generation that 

currently provides electric energy in remote communities across India. Compared with diesel 

generation, small-scale hydroelectric developments offer other interesting advantages such as: 

Used as a local resource and therefore produce electricity at a stable price that is not subject 

to the fluctuations of the international oil market 

It provides more economic benefits to the region by way of employment during construction 

and operation and use of local services, 10% accounting upto 25% of capital cost. 

It provides greater opportunities for local residents to learn and upgrade their construction skills. 

It provides an opportunity for wealth creation. 

2.5.3 Drinking Water and Irrigation facilities 

In certain cases projects are helpful in providing drinking water and irrigation facilities in 

addition to power benefits. 

2.5.4 Business benefits 

Most small hydro projects in Himalayan region are being developed in remote and backward 

areas where substantial support for economic development is actually needed. The Indian smallhydro 

project includes more than 20 equipment manufacturers and about 70 engineering firms 

employing more than 2,000 people. Over the last decade, the small-scale hydroelectric project 

has contributed about $150M per year to the Indian economy in manufacturing and services and 

added about 100 to 150 MW yearly to India’s power supply. India’s small hydroelectric 

manufacturers and service providers, such as consultants and financiers, also export to overseas 

customers. 

2.5.5 Fish protection 

At sites where fish migration is a concern, small hydroelectric developers may have to provide 

measures for fish passage or habitat compensation. 

2.5.6 Institutional 

13



Management of small-scale hydroelectric project sell the output of their plants to regional or 

provincial grids. 

Detail of project is presented in DPR here only salient feature of project is presented. A General 

layout plan of Sobla – I small HEP is presented as figure 2.1 

14



SALIENT FEATURES 

1. Location 

i) State Uttarakhand 

ii) District Pithoragarh 

iii) Taluka Dharchula 

iv) Village New Sobla 

v) Nearest Rail Head Tanakpur (282 km.) 

vi) Geographical Co-ordinates 

Latitude 30 0 -3’ 

Longitude 80 0 -35’ 

2. River Catchments 

i) Catchmetns Soblagad 

ii) River Dhauliganga 

iii) Tributary Soblagad 

3. Hydrology 

i) Catchments area of the stream/nallah 87.0 Sq.Km. 

ii) Catchment area at the diversion site 80.00 Sq. Km. 

iii) Precipitations : 

Annual 

iv) Climate data 

2000 mm 

Normal Maximum Minimum 

Atmospheric 

Temerature(C) 20 0 c 35 0 c 0 0 c 

Humidity(Percent) 70 to 90% 

Wind (Km/Hr) average 5.67 

15



v) Floods 

Historical 

Maximum discharge (Cumecs) 91.00 

Maximum discharge observed (Cumecs) 24.00 

Date of occurrence July 1981 

Design Flood (Cumecs) 

434.68 cumecs 

Months of NIL flow 0 

4. Diversion Works 

a) Diversion Structure 

i) Type of structure Trench Weir 

ii) Length(m) 15.00 m 

Over-flow section 

15.00 m 

Non-overflow section 

N.A. 

iii) Maximum discharging capacity 5.55 Cumecs for two units 

iv) Intake 5200X5000 

iv) Gates of Intake Structure 

Number of gates 2 

Types of gates Sluice Valve 600 for flushing, 2 

Nos. Vertical lift, Mechanical 

operated gates one for Trench Weir 

& other for Power Duct 

Operation 

b) Desilting Basin 

i) Settling length(m) 51.00 m 

ii) Width (m) 14.63 m 

iii) Depth required 1.10 m 

iv) Design discharge 4.62 cumecs 

16



c) Water Conductor System 

i) Length (m) 1200 m 

ii) Shape Rectangular open channel 

iii) Size (w x h) in m 2.7 x 1.3 

iv) Full supply depth (m) 1.3 including freeboard 

v) Thickness of lining (mm) Base 200 thick (1:2:4 cc) 

vi) Design Discharge (Cumecs) 4.62 for two machines 

v) Free flow 1.0 

d) Forebay 

i) Size of Forebay (1 x b x d) in m 43 x 8 x 5 

ii) Water level at Forebay (masl) 1941.2 

iii) Number of off-takes One (another opening provided 

for future provision) 

- Size (m) 1.2 m dia 

- Capacity 4.62 cumecs for two m/c (7.00 for 

three m/cs for future extension if 

possible). 

iv) Maximum discharging capacity 

(Cumecs) 4.62 

v) Diurnal storage (cubic m) 723.6 

vi) Penstocks 

a. Number 1 (provision for 2 nd penstock is kept 

in Forebay for future Extension if 

possible) 

b. Diameter(m) and thickness (mm) 1.2 and 16 mm thick for main 

penstock 0.84m for additional 

penstock 

c. Length 475.0 m 

d. Size of valve 650 mm dia. Main Inlet valve 

e. Bifurcations if any at lower end One provided 

f. Design discharge (Cumecs) 4.62 

17



5. Power House 

i) Type Surface 

ii) Head (m) 

Design 209.66 

iii) Size of power House 

a) Length (m) 36.5 

b) Width (m) 9.50 

c) Height (m) 9.60 

d) Machine hall floor level (EL m) 1732.825 

iv) Installed Capacity (KW) 8000 KW 

Turbines 

- Type Francis 

- Number 1+1 

- Capacity (KW) 8000 KW (2 x 4000) 

v) Type of generator 

a) Excitation system Static/Brushless excitation 

b) Regulation system AVR 

c) Power house crane/lifting tackle 18 tonnes (Electric operated) 

6. Tail Race 

i) Shape Rectangular channel 

ii) Size 2.0m x 1.1m 

iii) Length (m) 50.00 

iv) Water level (EL m) 

- average 1735.00 

7. Power 

i) Installed Capacity (4000 + 4000) KW 

a. Firm power (KW)-Load factor in 

percent 8000 KW – 48.52% 

b. Seasonal (max) Power (KW) 8000 KW 

c. Annual energy (KWh) 28,910 kWH 

18



8. Switchyard 

i) Voltage level/basic insulation level 170 KV 

ii) No. of bays 2 (Two) incoming & 2 (Two) 

out going feeders Indoor type 

iii) 

Size 

Length 

Width 

40 m 

15 m 

9. Estimate of Cost 

i) Total cost (Rs. Lakhs) 3542 without IDC 

3626.11 with IDC 

ii) Cost per MW installed (Rs. Lakhs) 442.75 without IDC 

iii) Cost of generation per kWH (Rs.) 2.03 without CDM benefits 

in First 10 years 

1.64 with CDM benefits 

19



CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE 

Taking into account the volume of work involved and the constraints imposed due to heavy 

rainfall and severe weather conditions, an innovative work schedule has been evolved to 

ensure project completion within 24 months period. The constraints are: 

 

 

Heavy monsoon rains and extremely cold climate during winter months. 

Deployment of heavy construction machinery, not possible at all sites. 

The main civil work in the project will be the construction of powerhouse, tailrace and 

switchyard, extensive repair of weir, damaged water conductor system, laying of penstock in 

remaining length and transmission lines to the proposed substation. These shall be 

constructed using appropriate machinery and predominantly using labour force. 

20

EIA/EMP Report of Sobla – I SHP A Project of UJVNL 

Sl. 

ACTIVITY 

CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME‐ BAR CHART OF 2X4000 kW Sobla‐I SHP 

No. 

M 1 

M 

2 

M 

3 

M 

4 

M 

5 

M 

6 

M 

7 

M 

8 

M 

9 

M 

10 

M 

11 

M 

12 

M 

13 

M 

14 

M 

15 

M 

16 

M 

17 

M 

18 

M 

19 

M 

20 

M 

21 

M 

22 

M 

23 

M 

24 

1 

Site development – 

construction of approach 

roads, site office and stores 

Not Required, Already 

Existing 

2 

Finalization of designs / 

drawings and issue of 

construction drawings 

3 Setting up reference points 

and marking detailed layout 

of Power House 

4 

Site mobilization by civil 

works contractor 

5 Earthwork excavation for 

trench weir, power channel, 

desilting tank, forebay, 

saddles and anchors 

Not Required as the structures already exist, only repairs required. 

6 Stone masonry and RCC 

works in trench weir, intake, 

desilting tank, forebay, 

saddles and anchors for 

repair purpose only 

1

EIA/EMP Report of Sobla – I SHP A Project of UJVNL 

7 Excavation leveling for 

power house building, 

layout of raft and erection 

of columns, superstructure 

8 Erection of penstock pipe in 

remaining 200m length 

9 Receipt of electromechanical 

equipment 

10 Erection of electromechanical 

equipment 

11 Erection of control and relay 

panels 

12 Laying of control and power 

cables 

13 Erection of switchyard 

equipment 

14 Testing & commissioning of 

plant 

2



CHAPTER - 3 

3.0 Description of Present Environment 

3.1 General 

The objective of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is to ascertain the baseline 

environmental conditions and then assess the impacts as a result of the proposed hydel project 

during different phases of project. A scoping matrix has been formulated to identify the attributes 

likely to be affected due to project. The likely impact for Sobla SHP is presented in table 3.1., 

while anticipated environmental impact is presented with help of identification matrix in chapter 

5. The environmental baseline includes inventory of physical, ecological and socio economic 

parameters. The data has been compiled for: 

1. Air Environment (Air quality); 

2. Water Environment (Water resources, water use, water quality, hydrology); 

3. Noise Environment (Noise levels); 

4. Land Environment (Land use, geology, seismology and soils); 

5. Ecological Environment (Terrestrial and Aquatic ecology); and 

6. Socio-Economic Environment (Demography, Socio-economic, public health etc.) 

Based on environment scoping matrix and project setting the attributes likely to be affected are 

identified for baseline data generation. The information presented in this chapter has been 

collected from various sources. Majority of the data has been generated and collected from field 

studies. WRDM have carried out field studies to generate data on air, water, noise, soil, ecology 

and socio-economics in and around the project site during April-June 2009. Surveys were 

conducted for assessing the ecological status of the project area. In addition, data has been 

compiled from literature, books, maps and reports. Discussions held with local people residing in 

the project area, and local government/non-government organizations during field survey have 

provided very useful information. The methodology and frequency adopted for data collection is 

highlighted wherever necessary. Likely impacts from a hydro electric project is presented in table 3.1 

while a general environmental attributes and frequency of monitoring for data collection is summarized 

in table 3.2. 

This Chapter deals with the description of Present environmental scenario in the study area as 

per the guidelines for water resource projects. Negative and positive impacts have been 

quantified wherever possible and presented in Chapter-5. The description and findings of present 

socio-economic status are given in same Chapter-3 while detail Environmental Management 

Plan (EMP) with magnitude of impacts is presented in Chapter-7. 

18



Table 3.1 - Likely Impacts of the Project 

Aspect of Environment 

Likely Impacts 

A. Air Pollution 

Construction Phase - Impacts due to emissions generated by crushers and 

other equipment. 

- Impacts due to increased vehicular movement. 

- Fugitive emissions from various sources. 

B. Water Resources & Water Quality 

Construction Phase - increase in turbidity of nearby receiving water 

bodies. 

- Degradation of water quality due to disposal of 

wastes from labour colony and construction sites. 

C. Noise Pollution 

Construction Phase - Noise due to operation of various equipment. 

- Noise due to increased vehicular movement. 

D. Land Environment 

Construction Phase - Increase in soil erosion. 

- Pollution by construction spoils. 

- Use of land for labour colonies. 

- Problems due to muck disposal. 

- Solid waste from labour camps. 

- Acquisition of land for various project appurtenances. 

E. Aquatic Ecology 

Construction Phase - Increased pressure on aquatic ecology as a result of 

indiscrimate fishing. 

- Reduced productivity due to increase in turbidity. 

Operation Phase - Impacts on migratory fish species. 

- Impacts on spawning and breeding grounds. 

- Degradation of riverine ecology. 

- Increased potential for reservoir fisheries. 

F. Terrestrial Ecology 

Construction Phase - Increased pressure on nearby forests due to labour 

force to meet their fuel wood and timber requirements. 

- Adverse impacts due to migration of labour population. 

- Loss of forest. 

- Impacts on natured reserves due to various project 

appurtenances. 

- Impacts on wildlife movement. 

- Impacts on wildlife habitats. 

- Impacts on diversity and productivity of flora. 

- Impacts on economically/genetically/biologically 

important plant species. 

G. Socio – Economics 

Construction Phase - Acquisition of land and private properties. 

- Impacts on mineral reserves. 

- Improved employment potential during project 

construction phase. 

- Development of allied sectors leading to greater 

employment. 

19



- Pressure on existing infrastructure facilities. 

- Friction between guest and host community. 

Operation Phase - Increased revenue from power generation. 

H. Public Health 

Construction Phase - Increased incidence of water related diseases. 

- Transmission of disease by immigrant labour 

population. 

Operation Phase - Increased incidences of vector borne diseases. 

Table 3.2 - Environmental attributes and frequency of monitoring 

Sl. Attribute Parameter Frequency Source 

No. 

Air Environment 

1. Meteorology Wind speed wind direction --- IMD data 

Temperature, Relative 

humidity 

2. Ambient Air SPM, RSPM, SO 2 and One Season Field Studies and data 

Quality NOx 

generation. 

Water Environment 

3 Water Resources Flow, Design/Design --- DPR 

Flood Hydrograph 

4 Water Quality Physical, Chemical and 

Biological parameters 

Noise Environment 

5 Ambient Noise Weighted sound 

Monitoring Pressure level 

20 

One Season 

For 24 hrs 

on 1 hr. 

interval 

Field studies and lab 

analysis. 

Field studies with data 

generation. 

Land Envrironment 

1 Land Use Land Use pattern --- SOI Toposheets & 

Ground Truth Studies. 

Geology Geological history --- Survey of India 

Toposheets & Ground 

Truth Studies. 

Soil Soil Types One 

seasons 

secondary 

sources and 

soil sample 

analysis 

Field studies and Lab 

analysis. 

Ecology Environment 

Noise Noise levels in dB (A) One Season Field monitoring. 

Ecology Flora & Fauna Diversity One Season Survey and book 

literature review. 

Aquatic Ecology 

Socio-Economic 

Socio-economic 

aspects 

Density & diversity of 

aquatic species 

Socio economic characteristic 

of the 10 km. approx radius of 

proposal file. 

One Season 

Socioeconomic 

Field study, Fisheries 

Department, Literature 

review 

Field Studies, Literature 

review, Statistical book.



3.2 Location of the Site 

A small hydroelectric power project of 8 MW is proposed at Sobla location on Sobla river. 

Proposed Sobla SHP is situated nearby Sobla in Dharchula tehsil of Pithoragarh district. It is 

about 660 km. (approx.) from Dehradun capital of Uttrakhand state and 900 km. approx from 

New Delhi. The area is connected with roads, and railways (Up to Tanakpur). 

3.3 Site Topography 

The topography of whole district (Pithoragarh) is by and large rugged, the entire region is 

mountainous. This district can be divided into three parts according to geographical features: 

(i) Higher mountain region 

(ii) Lower mountain region 

(iii) Valley 

3.4 Existing Industries and Pollutants load in Study Area 

No industries are situated inside Sobla Gad basin. 

3.5 Site Environmental Monitoring 

Site Environmental monitoring was carried out for one season as per guidelines for summer 

season. The purpose of the environmental monitoring was just to know about the background 

load of the area. Based on pre dominant wind direction/speed all monitoring location was 

selected. Results of baseline studies are summarized further in this chapter. 

3.6 Existing Environmental Status 

The existing Environmental status of surrounding of the proposed Sobla SHP up to an area of 10 

km radius has been studied covering the following parameters: 

1. Meteorology 

2. Air Quality 

3. Water Quality 

4. Noise 

5. Soil 

6. Land Environment 

7. Socio-economic aspects 

8. Ecology 

21



3.6.1 Meteorology 

Variation in the altitude range of the Sobla basin from 1000 mtr. Above mean sea level to over 

7000 mtr., along with slope aspect give rise to considerable variations of microclimates and 

weather patterns. Altitude wise the prevail climates is presented in table 3.3. 

Table 3.3 - Altitude wise prevail climate 

Sl. No. Altitudes Prevail climate 

1. Up to 1200 Mtr. Sub Tropical 

2. 1200- 1800 mtr. Warm Temperate 

3. 1800 – 2400 mtr. Cool Temperate 

4. 2400 – 3000 mtr. Cold Temperate 

5. Higher Altitudes 3000 + The climate tends tp become Polar 

Though deep inside the Himalya the broad climate and weather patterns that influence much of 

northern India prevail here also. The south east monsoons, dominates in maximum part of the 

year. Most of the valley, excepting the higher parts (the Trans Himalyan region), receives 2600 

mm of rainfall in the SW monsoons. This contributes to as much as 80% of the rainfall of the 

valley. The North West monsoons, originating from over central Asia and traveling the length of 

the Himalya brings the winter snows and rains. Snow in the higher reaches could be many feet 

deep and the winter snow line comes down to around 3500 mtrs. msl. The lower parts of the 

valley do not receive snow. Temperature, influenced by altitude, aspect and season range from 

extremes, touching 40 0 C in the lower parts of the valley to many places below zero in the higher 

altitude. 

The study area is situated near Askot. So meteorological data of Askot have been considered for 

site selection. 

3.6.1.1 Wind and Cloud 

The wind directions during different months with average cloud cover at near by IMD location 

of study area are given in table 3.4. 

22



Table 3.4 - Prevailing wind direction and average cloud cover 

Sl. 

Wind 

Cloud 

No. Months 

Prevailing Wind Directions No. of days with cloud amount 

Main Followed by 

(All Clouds) 

OKTAS 

0 T-2 3-5 6-7 8 

1. January W NE 16 2 4 3 6 

2. February NE W 12 3 4 4 5 

3. March NE E 15 3 5 4 4 

4. April NE E 11 3 5 6 5 

5. May NE E 13 3 5 5 5 

6. June NE E 5 4 6 7 8 

7. July NE W 2 1 5 8 15 

8. August NE SW 1 1 6 7 16 

9. September SW NE 4 4 8 5 9 

10. October NE E 16 6 4 3 2 

11. November E NE 20 4 2 2 2 

12. December SW W 21 3 3 2 2 

Prevailing wind speed and direction during April & May month of nearest IMD location is also 

presented in table 3.5. Maximum temperature was found 25 in middle of May month while 

average wind speed during April and May was 1.8 to 2.0 km/hr. In May month rain fall is 

observed. 

Table 3.5 - Temperature, Humidity, Average Wind speed and Predominant wind direction 

during (April-May 09) 

Week 

Temperature 

(Avg.) 

Humidity 

(Avg.) 

Avg. Wind 

Velocity (km/hr) 

Pre dominant 

wind Direction 

Max. Min. Max. Min. 

Main 

April 09 23.5 12 79 36 1.8 NE 

May 09 25 16 - - 2.0 SE 

3.6.1.2 Temperature 

The details of temperature recorded at the meteorological observatories in the district show that 

the highest temperature was 27 0 C and lowest 6 0 C. January is the coldest month after which the 

temperature begin to rise till June or July. Temperature varies with elevation. During the winter 

cold waves in the wake of western disturbances may cause temperature to fall appreciably. Mean 

monthly temp. at Dharchula of year 1972-78 is presented in table 3.6. 

23



Table 3.6 - Mean Monthly Temp. (In 0 C) at Dharchula (1972-78) 

Sl. No. Month Temperature 

1. January 8.3 

2. February 13.0 

3. March 18.1 

4. April 19.0 

5. May 22.5 

6. June 23.8 

7. July 24.4 

8. August 25.3 

9. September 24.4 

10. October 19.4 

11. November 15.6 

12. December 10.6 

After Joshi et. al., 1983 

3.6.1.3 Relative Humidity 

The relative humidity is high during monsoon season, generally exceeding 77% on the average. 

The driest part of the year is the pre monsoon period when the humidity may drop to 35% during the 

afternoon. During the winter months humidity increases toward the afternoon at certain high station. 

3.6.1.4 Rain Fall 

Most of the rainfall occurs during the period June to September when 70 to 80 percent of the 

annual precipitation is accounted for in the southern half of the district and 55 to 65 percent in 

the northern half. The effectiveness of the rains is among others, related to low temperature 

which means less evapo-transpiration and forest or vegetation cover. However, the effectiveness 

is neither uniform nor even positive in areas where either the vegetational cover is poor or has 

steep slope or the soils have been so denuded that their moisture absorption capacity has become 

marginal. The average rainfall during July is 701 mm and in August is 692 mm. Mean monthly 

rainfall at Dharchula of year 1972-78 is presented in table 3.7. 

Table 3.7 - Mean Monthly Rainfall (In cm) at Dharchula (1972-78) 

Sl. No. Month Rainfall 

1. January 0.9 

2. February 8.7 

3. March 2.3 

4. April 12.3 

5. May 11.1 

6. June 38.0 

7. July 5.8 

8. August 51.9 

9. September 18.2 

10. October 5.7 

11. November 3.0 

12. December 2.5 

13. Annual 150.4 

After Joshi et. al., 1983 

24



3.6.2 Air Quality 

3.6.2.1 Ambient Air Quality 

The first step to assess the impact on air quality due to proposed project not directly but 

indirectly as well as its construction activity is to evaluate the existing air quality so as to 

determine the respective assimilative capacity of the ambient air in the surrounding area of the 

project. In view of this, monitoring of ambient air was done , 

in the months of April - May 2009 

at two locations whose detail is a given in table 3.8. 

3.6.2.2 Monitoring Station Location 

As such whole study area is virgin and remote area of Himalyan zone, so ambient air monitoring 

in surrounding area is very difficult. To assess the ambient air quality 2 (two) monitoring stations 

have been setup. Table 3.8 gives the locations of the ambient air quality monitoring stations. 

Table 3.8 - Details of Ambient Air Sampling Locations 

Sl. Locations Station No. Distance from Sobla Direction from Sobla 

No. 

(In Km.) 

1. Sobla Village AAQMS – 1 - - 

2. Nyu Village AAQMS – 2 1.5 SSE 

In the entire study area (within 10 km. from Sobla) as there is no polluting activity, so it will be 

generally assumed that ambient air quality may be affected due to increase of population load, 

traffic density etc. 

The ambient air quality is expected to be affected in and around the proposed SHP site or colony 

site up to a limited distance. Keeping this in view, neighborhood SHP diversion site was planned 

to be monitored. 

The site selection process begins with acquisition of the necessary background material. Three 

basic kind of information are required i.e. geographical, emissions and climatological. The 

geographical material is used to determine the distribution of natural features – forests, rivers, 

lakes and the work of human being. Useful sources of such information may include road and 

topographical maps, and other geographical map etc. The climatological summarises of greatest 

use are the frequency distribution of wind speed and direction. This information is sually taken 

from IMD centre of concerned area. Emission inventories will be most useful for identifying the 

source of SPM and gas. On the basis of above discussed information and also guidelines for 

25



Ambient Air Quality Monitoring of CPCB all AAQMS was setup and subsequently monitoring 

has been done. 

3.6.2.3 Sampling Schedule 

Air samples were collected with the help of Respirable Dust Air Sampler. The sampling schedule 

is given in table 3.9. 

Sl. Particulars 

No. 

1. Measurement 

Method 

Table 3.9 - Ambient Air Sampling Schedule 

Parameters 

SPM RSPM SO 2 NOx 

Gravimetric EPA Modified 

High Volume West & Gaeke 

with Cyclone method 

Gravimetric 

High Volume 

2. Flow Rate 1.2 + 0.2 

m 3 /min 

3. Duration of 24 

Sampling hours 

4. Number of 

Samples taken 

April ‘09 

6 

May 09 

6 

3.6.2.4 Sampled and Analysed Parameter 

1.2 + 0.2 

m 3 /min 

24 

hours 

6 

6 

0.5 + 0.1 

LPM 

24 

hours 

6 

6 

Arsenite modified 

Jacob & Hochheiser 

0.5 + 0.1 

LPM 

24 

hours 

The following parameters were monitored in surrounding area of proposed site near Pithoragarh 

as per EIA Guidelines : 

* Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) 

* Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) 

* Sulphur Dioxide (SO 2 

) 

* Oxides of Nitrogen (NO x ) 

Table 3.10 - Sumarised Air Quality Data 

3 NO in 

Location Code Location Name SPM in g/m 3 RSPM in 

g/m 3 SO 2 in g/m x 

3 

g/m 

AAQMS - 1 Sobla 114 – 54 

(76) 

39 – 28 

(36) 



Table 3.11 - National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) 

Pollutant 

SPM 

RSPM 

Sulphur Dioxide 

Oxides of Nitrogen 

Time weighted 

Concentration of Ambient Air 

Average Industrial Area Residential Sensitive 

Annual Average 360 g/m 3 140 g/m 3 70 g/m 3 

24 hors 500 g/m 3 200 g/m 3 100 g/m 3 


24 hors 150 g/m 3 100 g/m 3 75 g/m 3 


24 hors 120 g/m 3 80 g/m 3 30 g/m 3 


24 hors 120g/m 3 80 g/m 3 30 g/m 3 

3.6.2.5 Traffic Density 

The mix and growth in motor vehicle population in any city determines the contribution of auto 

emissions to the overall air pollution in that city. As the pollution load attributable to auto 

exhausts depends on the vehicle kilometers traveled and the growth with time therein, for 

assessing the need for improvement in the vehicular emissions and fuel quality to contain 

pollution from auto exhaust, it is necessary to study the growth trends of motor vehicles and the 

changes in the air quality. 

All villages with scattered houses are situated in remote hill area. Mostly people of these areas 

coalk on foot. Maximum load was found only in day time. Assessment of additional traffic load 

near project site was quite impossible because road was blocked due to land slide. Tendency and 

flow of tourist is not similar in hills. Tourist for Mansrovar Yatra are also using this 

road. In last one decade it has been seen that tourist visiting the hill has increased many fold. 

Incremental tendency of load by tourist, due to the proposed activity of SHP especially by 

transport facilities is very little. 

Presently there is no other potential source of NO x generation in study area except domestic or 

agricultural activity. Thus it is assumed that SO 2 and NO x levels may be slightly increased 

throughout the study area, which may be due to rapid urbanization and increasing growth of 

population and their activities. 

3.6.3 Water Sources and Quality 

The proposed project is located in a remote area of upper middle Himalya of Pithoragarh district. 

There are some settlements in the surrounding area of the project site. The catchment area 

intercepted at the diversion structure site has also some settlements. There are no industries in the 

area. Likewise, use of agrochemicals is negligible in the catchment area. Thus, in absence of 

pollution sources, water quality of this area is satisfactory. The D.O. level in such water bodies is 

close to saturation level. The other parameters are also well within permissible limit. 

27



Contamination can enter the water bodies through one or more of the following ways: 

Direct point sources: Transfer of pollutants from municipal industrial liquid waste disposal 

sites and from municipal and household hazardous waste and refuse disposal sites. 

Diffuse agricultural sources: Wash off and soil erosion from agricultural lands carrying 

materials applied during agricultural use, mainly fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides. 

Diffuse urban sources: Run off from city streets, from horticultural, gardening and 

commercial activities in the urban environment and from industrial sites and storage areas. 

At present, the source of water in study area is spring water from natural source. People’s of area 

using spring water for drinking purposes. 

Water quality monitoring was carried out in order to gather baseline data on existing water 

quality, which can be used to predict the impacts of the project on water quality. Ground and 

surface water sampling location with the distance and direction are presented in table 3.12 and 

3.13. Result of ground and surface water analysis report is presented in table 3.14 to 3.21. 

Table 3.12 - Ground Water Sampling Location with distance & direction from Sobla 

Sl. Locations Station No. Distance from Direction from Type 

No. 

Sobla (In km.) Sobla 

1. Sobla GW - 1 - - 

Spring Water 

2. Dar GW – 2 2 ENE Spring Water 

3. Khairi Gaon GW – 3 1.0 E Hot Spring 

4. Khairi Gaon GW – 4 1.0 E Spring Water 

5. Nyu Gaon GW - 5 1.5 S Spring Water 

Table 3.13 - Surface Water Sampling Location with distance & direction from Sobla 

Sl. 

No. 

Locations Situation Station No. Distance from 

Sobla 

Direction 

from Sobla 

(In km.) 

1. Sobla Gad On Sobla River SW - 1 - - 

2. Dhauli Ganga On Dhauli Ganga SW – 2 0.5 E 

3. Kali River On Kali River SW – 3 8.0 S 

28



Location : Sobla Village 

Location Code : GW - 1 

Date of Monitoring : Summer 

Table 3.14 - Results of Underground Water Analysis 

Sl. 

Parameters 

Norms as per 

Result 

No 

IS : 10500 

1* 2* 

Essential Characteristics 

1. Colour, Hazen Units 5 25



Location : Dar Village 




Sl. 

Parameters 

Norms as per 

Result 

No 

IS : 10500 

1* 2* 





Location : Khairi Gaon 




Sl. 

Parameters 

Norms as per 

Result 

No 

IS : 10500 

1* 2* 





Location : Khairi Gaon 




Sl. 

Parameters 

Norms as per 

Result 

No 

IS : 10500 

1* 2* 





Location : Nyu Gaon 




Sl. 

Parameters 

Norms as per 

Result 

No 

IS : 10500 

1* 2* 





Table 3.19 - Results of Surface Water Analysis 

Location 

: Sobla Gad River (Near Sobla Bazar) 

Location Code : SW – 1 

Season 

: summer 

Sl. 

No. 

Parameters 

Results 

1. Colour, Hazen Units




Location 

: Dhauli Ganga River 


Season 

: summer 

Sl. Parameters 

No. 

Results 





Location 

: Kali River (Near Tawa Ghat) 


Season 

Sl. 

No. 

Parameters 

: summer 

Results 




Table 3.22- Water Quality Criteria as per CPCB Guidelines for Aquatic Resources 

Designated-Best-Use 

Drinking water Source without 

conventional treatment but after 

disinfection. 

Class of 

water 

A 

Criteria 

1. Total Coliforms Organism MPN/100ml shall be 50 or 

less 

2. pH between 6.5 and 8.5 

3. Dissolve Oxygen 6mg/l or more 

4. Biochemical Oxygen Demand 5 Days 20 0 C 

2 mg/l or less 

Outdoor Bathing (organised) B 1. Total Coliforms Organism MPN/100ml shall be 500 

or less 

2. pH between 6.5 and 8.5 




Drinking water Source after 

conventional treatment disinfection. 

Propagation of wildlife and 

fisheries. 

Irrigation Industrial Cooling 

Controlled Waste Disposal. 

C 

1. Total Coliforms Organism MPN/100ml shall 

be 5000 or less 

2. pH between 6 and 9 




D 1. pH between 6.5 and 8.5 


3. Free Ammonia (as N) 1.2 mg/l or less 

E 1. pH between 6.0 and 8.5 

2. Electrivity conductivity at 25 0 C micro 

mhos/cm Max. 2250. 

3. Sodium absorption Ratio Max. 26 

4. Boron Max. 2 mg/l 

Below E 

Not meeting A, B, C, D & E Criteria 

Table 3.22 above gives water quality criteria as per CPCB guidelines for Aquatic resources. 

37



3.6.4 Ambient Noise Level 

3.6.4.1 Location Details 

For the measurement of noise levels 3 nos. of locations in the surrounding area of proposed SHP 

are selected as per description given in table 3.23. 

Table 3.23 - Ambient Noise Monitoring Location 

Sl.No. Location Details Location Code Direction from the Sobla 

1. Sobla Village ANQS - 1 - 

2. Nyu Village ANQS - 2 S 

3. Near Diversion Site ANQS - 3 N 

3.6.4.2 Noise Monitoring Frequency 

Noise measurements have been carried out once in the season at all the three monitoring stations. 

At each monitoring station, Leq. Noise level has been recorded at hourly intervals for 8 hours 

continuously by operating the noise recording instrument for five minutes during each hour. 

3.6.4.3 Results and Discussions 

Summarised results have been presented in table 3.24 and compared with the standard specified 

in schedule III, Rule 3 of Environmental Protection Rules given in table 3.25. 

Table 3.24 - Summarised Noise Level (dB) data of various locations 

Location Location 

Day Time 

Code Max. Min. Avg. 

Sobla Village ANQS - 1 44.4 37 .2 41.6 

Nyu Village ANQS – 2 48.1 38.1 42.8 

Near Diversion Site ANQS – 3 47.2 38.9 43.2 

All Values in dB (A). 

Table 3.25 - Ambient Quality norms in respect of noise 

(As per Schedule III, Rule 3 of Environment Protection Rules) 

Type of Area Day (06.00 – 21.00 hrs.) Night (21.00 – 6.00 hrs.) 

Industrial Area 75 70 

Commercial Area 65 55 

Residential Area 55 45 

Silence Zone 50 40 

All Values in dB (A) 

38



All the noise-monitoring stations are falling in “Residential Areas” and Silence area. The result 

satisfies the prescribed norms, in general. 

3.6.5 Soil Characteristics 

Thickness of topsoil in the study area varies from 0.5 to 1 m (approx), the average being 0.7m. 

Area is hilly so thickness of top soil layer is not very high. To assess the quality of soil in and 

around the study area, soil samples were collected from four locations for physico chemical 

analysis. Table 3.26 lists the soil sampling locations. 

Table 3.26 - Soil sampling locations 

Sample No. Location Distance Direction from Type of land 

Proposed site (Sobla village) 

SS – 1 Sobla Village - Agriculture Land 

SS – 2 Dar Village 2.0 ENE Agricultural Land 

SS – 3 Khairi Village 1.0 E Agricultural Land 

SS - 4 Nyu Gaon 1.5 S Agricultural Land 

3.6.5.1 Soil Analysis Discussion 

The soil texture analysis consists of determination of the percentage of the particles of different 

sizes (i.e. sand, silt and clay), as they exist in soil. The soil textures have a profound influence on 

tree and plant growth because of moisture retention, nutrient supplies, aeration and root 

development. The soils having a clay and sandy clay texture get easily eroded and washed during 

rains. Physical properties of soil are presented in table 3.27. 

Table 3.27 - Physical properties of Soil 

Parameters SS – 1 SS – 2 SS – 3 SS - 4 

Texture Sandy Sandy Sandy Sandy 

Color Blackish grey Blackish grey Greyish Black Greyish Black 

Bulk Density (g/cc) 1.17 1.15 1.24 1.21 

Water Holding Capacity % 40.6 34.2 35.4 27.8 

The pH value is more important because it determines the soils for growth of plants, availability 

of nutrients, bacterial activity and the physical condition. Soil microbial activity is also 

dependent on pH. The soil may be termed as suitable for plant growth if its pH value ranges 

between 6 - 8. While afforestation is necessary to keep the pH in limits by growing suitable tree 

species. The pH value is ranging from 7.11 to 8.37 which indicate that the soil is suitable for 

plant growth. Chemical properties of soil are presented in table 3.28 

39



Table 3.28 - Chemical properties of Soil 

Parameters 

Location Code 

SS – 1 SS - 2 SS - 3 SS -4 

pH 7.53 8.37 7.11 7.82 

Electrical Conductivity (ms/cm) 0.262 0.247 0.094 0.068 

Electrical conductivity is a measure of the soluble salts and ionic activity in the soil. In the 

collected soil samples the conductivity ranged from 0.068 to 0.262 ms/cm. Salt concentration is 

directly proportional to the osmotic pressure which governs the process of osmosis in the soil 

plant system. Since the salt concentration in the study area soil, is slightly good. 

The organic matter is related to soil genesis and soil fertility. It includes altered and rather 

resistant organic residues of plants, animals and micro organisms at various stages of 

decomposition (sometimes termed as ‘humus’) and little altered organic residues of plants, 

animals and living & dead micro-organism subject to rather rapid decomposition in the soils. The 

percentage of organic matter in the forest dominated hills area varies between 0.31-3.0% 

whereas in the study area it is varying between 1.47 to 3.32 %, thus indicating that the soil are 

rich in mineral constitutes. Available Nuterients present in soil are mention in table 3.29. 

Table 3.29 - Available Nutrients in Soil 

Parameters 

Location Code 

SS - 1 SS - 2 SS - 3 SS - 4 

Organic carbon (%) 1.65 1.08 0.62 0.81 

Organic matter 3.32 2.29 1.47 1.81 

Available Nitrogen (kg/ha) 630 785 905 1061 

Available Phosphorous (kg/ha) 9.3 13.1 11 19.7 

Available Potassium (kg/ha) 118 210 78 38 

Organic Carbon values are in high range. Input on minimum doses compost & Nitrogen manure 

or bio-manures are desirable to bring the status of these elements to a satisfactory level or to 

expect good crop yields. 

Phosphorous and nitrogen are limiting nutrients. In the tested soil samples nitrogen and 

phosphorous was available in low & medium quantities. This indicates small quantity of 

nitrogenous fertilizer to improve crop productivity. Potassium levels are also found in lower to 

medium land. Rating of soil are presented in table 3.30. 

40



Table 3.30 - Rating of soil 

Low Medium High 

Organic Carbon % < 0.5 0.5 – 0.75 > 0.75 

Available Nitrogen < 280 280 - 560 > 560 

Available Phosphorus < 10 10 – 25 >25 

Available Potassium < 120 120 - 280 > 280 

Values of available Ca & Mg are in high range, which indicate that the soil processes have good 

exchange capacity and will respond satisfactorily when properly fertilized & manured. 

Exchangeable cations and these ratings are shown in table 3.31. 

Table 3.31 - Exchangable Cations 

Parameters 

Location Code 

SS - 1 SS - 2 SS - 3 SS - 4 

Calcium (meq/100gm) 0.3 

(45.32) 

0.53 

(46.74) 

0.024 

(31.57) 

0.216 

(59.67) 

Magnesium (meq/100gm) 0.32 

(48.33) 

0.51 

(45.15) 

0.024 

(31.58) 

0.072 

(19.89) 

Sodium (meq/100gm) 0.015 

(2.27) 

0.044 

(3.88) 

0.01 

(13.16) 

0.01 

(2.76) 

Potassium (meq/100gm) 0.027 

(4.08) 

0.048 

(4.23) 

0.018 

(23.68) 

0.064 

(17.68) 

Total Bases (meq/100 gm) 0.662 

(100) 

1.134 

(100) 

0.076 

(100) 

0.362 

(100) 

Figures in parenthesis gives the % contribution of the respective cation of the total Cations. 

Heavy metals are integrated components of the biosphere and thus occur naturally in soils and 

plants. Out of seventeen essential elements known to be essential for plant growth, eight are 

required in such small quantity that they are called micronutrients or trace elements. These are 

iron, manganese, Zinc, copper, boron, molybdenum, cobalt and chlorine. Other element such as 

silicon, vanadium and sodium appear to be helpful for the growth of certain species. Available 

micronutrients and there critical limit present in soil sample are presented in table 3.32 and 3.33. 

Table 3.32 – Available Micronutrients in Soil 

Parameters 

Location Code 

SS - 1 SS - 2 SS - 3 SS - 4 

Copper 0.37 0.34 0.32 0.18 

Zinc 2.28 5.64 0.70 0.84 

Iron 14.88 2.80 9.2 2.64 

Manganese 2.43 2.0 0.95 0.60 

(Values in mg/kg) 

41



Table 3.33 - Critical limits (mg/kg) 

1. Iron - 4.5 – 6.0 

2. Copper - 0.20 – 0.66 

3. Zinc - 0.50 – 0.65 

In this region soils are alkaline in nature derived from the sub aerial weathering under climatic 

condition of alternate wet and dry season with high rainfall. Excess phosphate may encourage a 

deficiency of zinc, iron and copper in any area. Phosphorus in study area is found medium level. 

Also heavy nitrogen fertilization intensifies copper deficiencies. In this area both nutrients are 

found in low to medium range. 

3.6.6 Land Environment 

The project is situated in district Pithoragarh of Uttarakhand state. The dam site lies about 0.75 

approx. km NW of Sobla village, at a height of about 2000 m above MSL. Parameters involved 

in land environment are physiography, geology, minerals, soils, land use pattern and seismicity. 

These are already discussed in chapter 1. 

3.6.6.1 Land Use Pattern 

Land use and land cover patterns are important in environment impact assessment study. The 

land use describes its use such as agriculture, settlement, etc and land cover, describes the 

material on it such as forest, vegetation, rocks or building etc. The land use pattern of 

Pithoragarh distt. and Dharchula block are presented in table 3.34 and 3.35. Forest are spread 

over 50.0% in the district area, Agriculture waste land area occupies 9.9% and Barren and 

uncultivable land are 5.1%. 

Table 3.34 - Land Use Pattern of Pithoragarh District 

Sl.No. Land Use Area in Hectare 

1. Total Land Area 410640 

2. Land under Forest 205239 

3. Agricultural waste land 40899 

4. Present waste land 1359 

5. Other waste land 6174 

6. Land not fit for agriculture purposes 20679 

7. Land utilized for than agriculture 9999 

8. Pasture land 53156 

9. Land used for trees, orchards etc. 27451 

10. Carsent fallow land 45774 

11. More than one time fallow land 38260 

12. Total area sown 84034 

Source Statistical book Pithoragarh, 02-03 

42



The proposed SHP dam site is located near Sobla Village of Dharchula block of Pithoragarh 

distt. Land required for different works of project and its use is presented in table 3.35. The area 

of submergence is very small due to steep slopes of the river valley. 

The proposed project is falling under Dharchula block of Pithoragarh. The study depicts that 

more than 54.1% of the area is covered by mixed jungle forest and about 8% is barren with rocky 

outcrops. About 10% is under cultivation, 1% in water bodies and less than 1% in 

settlement/roads. 

Table 3.35 - Land Use Pattern of Dharchula Block 

Sl. 

Land use 

Area in Hectare 

No. 

1. Total Land Area 70139 

2. Land under Forest 37940 

3. Agricultural waste land 6502 

4. Present waste land 2 

5. Other waste land 2315 

6. Land not fit for agriculture purposes 3258 

7. Land utilized for Other purposes except agriculture 437 

8. Pasture land 11492 

9. Land used for trees, orchards etc. 4560 

10. Carsent fallow land 3633 

11. More than one time fallow land 3312 

12. Total area sown 6945 

Source Statistical book Pithoragarh, 02-03 

It is observed that neither any agricultural land nor any house/structure is coming under 

submergence. The project is under rehabilitation, so new construction works will be minimum. 

Most of the existing establishment will be used by UJVNL. Detailed of land required as per 

UJVNL is presented in table 3.36. 

Table 3.36 - Land Requirement for the Project 

Existing land (in acre) Forest Van Panchayat Civil Benap Nap land Total 

- 0.078 HA 0.3 ha 0.043 ha 0.421 ha 

Sl. 

Description 

Land Requirements (HA) 

No. 

Forest Private Total 

Proposed land 

1. Diversion Site: 

Desilting tank, Channel 

2. Power house 

3. Power Sub Station 

4. Official Building 

5. Staff colony 

Total 0.276 0.058 0.334 

43



3.6.7 Socio-Economic Status 

In the process of planning, the study of socio-economic profile of any region or an area holds an 

important place. For it helps in accessing the potentialities and weakness of the region, helps in 

understanding the dynamic of forces operating within the region and suggests possible areas of 

interventions. The success of any project/programme, therefore, depends to a large extent, upon 

the potentialities and resources the region offers, and their judicious exploitation. This socio 

economic study is based on survey/interview of local people and Govt. Statistical data reference 

paper. 

The state of Uttrakhand encompasses a geographical area of 53483 sq.km. which accounts for 

only 1.63 percent of India’s area. The state contains about 4.53 percent of India’s forest area and 

about 3.1 percent of India’s agriculture area. 43.6 percent of the agricultural area is under 

irrigation as against the national average of 40.3 percent and average rainfall is also above the 

national average. The ratio of irrigated area in the hills and plains is 10.1: 88 in Uttrakhand. Some facts 

about district with contest of state and India is presented in table 3.37 as geographical indicators. 

Table 3.37 - Geographical Indicators 

Sl.No. Indicators India Uttrakhand Pithoragarh 

1. Total Geographical Area (Sq. Km.) 3287240 53483(1.63 %) 7090 (0.22%) 

2. Area Under forest (Sq. Km.) 765210 34651(4.53%) 3544 (0.46%) 

3. Area Under Agriculture (ha) 183016000 5671704 1450 

4. Area Under irrigation (%) 40.3 43.6 (7709 ha) 1.9 

5. Average annual rain fall (mm) 1432 1547 1408 

Source: Indiastat and Uttrakhand at a Glance 2006-07 

Figure in parenthesis are the % of India. 

Uttarakhand is sparsely populated, which has total 13 districts, 40 Tehsils, 95 Community 

Development Blocks and 16414 villages. However, the total population of the state according to 

2001 census is 84,79,562 comprising of 43,16,401 males and 41,63,161 females which 

accounted for 0.83% of the country’s population. The sex ratio is 964 females as per 1000 males. 

The literacy rate is 72.28 percent with 84.01% for males and 60.26% for females. 

3.6.7.1 Economy 

The economy of the Uttarakhand state is mainly agriculture based. Tea cultivation mainly takes 

place in maximum area of Kumaon and Garhwal regions between Himalaya and Shiwalik 

ranges. However, the total forest area in state is 63 percent of the total area but the cultivate area 

is 12.5 percent only. The total irrigated area in the state is about 11.5 lakh hectare. 

44



Besides agriculture tourism and hydroelectric power projects the main industrial sector which is 

backbone of economy of Uttarakhand. Nevertheless in recent a rapid growth of industries sector 

in some place of Uttarakhand has been done and as a result of scientific and technological 

developments is the result of human activities and thus, the whole human race is concerned with 

the associated negative impact due to technological, physiological, psychological, environmental 

and socio-economic factors. These industrial growths ultimately affect in many fold of 

concerned area of Uttarakhand. 

The study area is the gateway of Darma valley. The valley is inhabited by Bhotias who are 

locally known as Darmani. The villagers migrate to the lower location situated at or above 3500 

ft. between Dharchulla and Jauljibi during Month of October and November to spend winter in 

relatively warmer areas. They return to Darma valley in March April. 

3.6.7.2 Area, Population and Family No. 

As per 2001 census, the total population of the Pithoragarh district is 4,62,289 with male 

population of 2,27,615 and female population of 2,34,674. There is an increase of 10.95% in 

population in comparison of 1991 census. The population was 3,35,172 in 1981 and 2,86,550 in 

1991. The district is not densely populated. The population density per sq. km.is 65 in 2001. 

Study area is mainly falling under Dharchula block which area, No. of villages and existing 

family no. is presented in table 3.38 whereas population details of Pithoragarh district and 

Dharchula block is presented in table 3.39 and 3.40. 

Table 3.38 - Size of block, No. of villages and No. of family in Dharchula block & 


Name of block Area in sq.km. No. of Villages No. of family 

Dharchula 2884 72 9795 

Pithoragarh Distt. 7090 1579 98510 

Table 3.39 - Population details of Pithoragarh district 

Year Total Population S.C Population S.T. Population 

1981 Male 180241 48599 8760 

Female 184961 46546 8577 

Total 365202 95145 17337 

1991 Male 209177 46613 9081 

Female 207470 44845 9071 

Total 416647 91458 18152 

2001 Male 227615 53501 9422 

Female 234674 52948 9857 

Total 462289 106449 19279 

(Source :- District Statistical handbook year 2005) 

45



Table 3.40 - Population statistics of Dharchula block 

Year Total Population S.C Population S.T. Population 

Dharchula Male 25734 4282 3271 

Female 25292 4391 3301 

Total 51026 8674 6572 

The majority of the population lives in villages as indicated by the rural population of 402456. 

The sex ratio in the district is 1031 females per 1000 males. The total population in Pithoragarh 

distt.of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes is 1,06,449 and 19279 which is 27.2% of total 

population. The religion wise populations are as 4,56,277 (98.70%) Hindu, 4031 (0.87%) Muslims, 

1215 (0.26%) Partian, 437 (0.09%) Sikhs, 17 (0.004 %) Jain, 206 (0.0041 %) Budha and 98 (0.02%) has 

not mention their religion. 

3.6.7.3 Educational Level 

Despite a generous fund flow from the Central Government for the SARVA SHIKHSHA 

ABHIYAN (Project-Education for all) during the past five years, the state government does not 

seem to have achieved the target. The Govt. has also initiated in the 13 district of the state, 

various education scheme for the physically and mentally challenged children under the schemes 

like education guarantee scheme (EGS), integrated education development (IED), girl child 

education and alternative education and so on. The important aim of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan 

(SSA) is to make the primary education available to the age group of 6-14. They are 

compulsorily to be educated up to standard five by 2007 and standard eight up to 2010. 

Population and literacy rate of all thirteen district of State are presented in table 3.41. 

Table 3.41 - Litracy rate of the State: district-wise (2001 Census) 

Sl. No. District 

Literacy Rate (Percent) 

Total Male Female 

1. Udham Singh Nagar 64.9 75.2 53.4 

2. Pithoragarh - Garhwal 77.5 90.9 65.7 

3. Hardwar 63.8 73.8 52.1 

4. Dehradun 79.0 85.9 71.2 

5. Nainital 78.4 86.3 69.6 

6. Almora 74.0 89.0 61.0 

7. Tehri-Garhwal 66.7 85.3 49.4 

8. Pithoragarh 76.0 90.1 62.6 

9. Pithoragarh 75.4 89.7 61.6 

10. Uttarkashi 65.7 83.6 46.7 

11. Bageshwar 71.3 87.7 57.0 

12. Rudra Prayag 73.7 89.8 59.6 

13. Champawat 70.4 87.3 54.2 

14. Uttrakhand 71.6 83.3 59.6 

15. India 64.8 75.3 53.7 

46



While large populations certainly inhibit development, the lack of key social infrastructural like 

education, female literacy, female health services boost population growth. The country has 

dramatically improved literacy from an average of 12 percent in 1947 to 65.4 percent in 2001 but 

still the country is woefully behind even countries like Vietnam (1991, 92 percent), Malaysia 

(1995, 84 percent), Indonesia (1995, 84 percent), and Myanmar (1995, 74 percent). Literacy rate 

of Pithoragarh district is shown in table 3.42 while Dharchula block is presented in table 3.34. School 

and Colleges available in Dharchula block and Pithoragarh district are presented in table 3.44. 

Literacy picked up and as people become educated, they looked for better jobs elsewhere in the 

plains. Due to increase level of awareness about education literacy rate in Darma valley 

according to the 2001 census report ranges from 64.03 to 93%. 

Table3.42 - Literacy Rate of Pithoragarh district 

Literate Person 

% of Literacy 

Male Female Total Male Female Total 

1991 137574 72504 210078 80.31 42.41 61.38 

2001 170872 125490 296362 90.06 62.59 75.95 

On social indicators Uttrakhand fares quite well with a literacy rate of 71.6 % against the 

national figure of 64.8 %. Some hill districts have a literacy rate above the state average. 

As expected the literacy rate for females is lower than that for males; more than 80 % of 

the males are literate and the female literacy rate varies across districts. However, the 

unexpected part is that these numbers are much higher than the national average. This can 

be considered a unique feature and the main reason for rapid growth. 

Table 3.43 - Literacy rate of Dharchula block wise (2001 Census) 

Literate Person 

% of Literacy 

Male Female Total Male Female Total 

Dharchula 17612 10263 27875 83.8 49.07 66.48 

In terms of basic education, the number of school/colleges in the state in 2003-04 was 19700, 

which accounted for 1.7 % of the national figure. Figure for 08-09 shows that there were 

1,22,838 students in the Pithoragarh distt. compared to Uttarakhand state 2302066 in around 

5.3%. The number of student in the hills is 53.5 % of the state total whereas students in the plains 

make up 46.5 %. As per September 2008 statistics total working teacher in primary school of 

Pithoragarh distt. are 1596 and upper primary school are 817 while vacant post of both category 

are 618 which account 7.2% of state total vacant post in both category. 

47



Table 3.44 - School and Colleges in Dharchula block and Pithoragah distt. 

Jr. Basic 

School 

Sr. Basic School Hr. Secondary 

School 

Degree College PG College 

Total Girls Total Girls Total Girls Total Girls 

Dharchula 174 34 8 13 - 1 - - - 

Pithoragarh Distt. 1252 300 60 137 13 4 - 2 - 

Year – 04-05 

3.6.7.4 Village Status 

Pithoragarh district have 1579 villages of different size. Population wise existing village status of 

Dharchula are presented in table 3.45. 

Table 3.45 - Population wise Nos. of villages in Dharchula block & Pithoragarh distt. 

Less than 

200 - 499 500 - 999 1000 -1499 1500 - 1999 2000 - 4999 More than 

Total 

200 

Dharchula 27 17 9 7 6 3 1 70 

Pithoragarh 930 457 142 32 9 8 1 1579 

Distt. 

As per 2001 

3.6.7.5 Occupational Pattern 

The study of distribution of work force, among different sectors and occupation, assumes a 

significant place in the process of planning as it enables the planners to understand the pattern of 

their utilization, on one hand, and the important role each sector plays within their respective 

regional economics. As per census 2001 block wise economical distribution of population are 


Table 3.46 - Economical distribution of population 

Farmer Faring 

worker 

Domestic Marginal 

worker 

other Total 

worker 

Dharchula 7995 169 1030 9281 5200 23675 

Pithoragarh 

Distt 

74361 615 4415 74647 124062 198709 

As per year 2001 

Percentage of cultivators and people in Govt. service is indicative of changed lifestyles in the 

valley. Locals now began to give up the traditional way of living for a modern and relatively 

easier and physically less demanding way of living. This changes the demography of the area 

completely. Now only few peoples (25-30 % approx) of the area engage themselves in the 

traditional way of living. Local inhabitants now come to their villages only to perform traditional 

pujas (worship) and for customary celebrations, thus keeping the link their roots intact. 

5000 

48



3.6.7.6 Health 

Health facilities available in Dharchula block and Pithoragarh distt. are presented in table 3.47. 

Name of 

Block 

Table 3.47 - Health facilities available in Dharchula block & Pithoragarh distt. 

Allopathic 

Hospital 

Primary 

health 

Centre 

No. 

of 

bed 

Total Staff Ayurvedic Homeopathic 

Doctor Paramedical Other Hospital Doctor Hospital Doctor 

Dharchula 7 1 32 5 39 22 7 4 - - 

Pithoragarh 46 18 610 54 319 220 52 29 6 5 

Distt* 

As per year 2004-05 

3.6.7.7 Basic Facilities available in study area 

The primary purpose of social sector schemes has been to provide basic minimum needs to as 

many focus group households, as possible, so that their socio economic level and status be 

uplifted and they be brought back into the main stream of development to enable them to benefit 

from other development programmes that are in vogue. An attempt has also been made to study 

the available amenities in the study area which is presented in table 3.48 and 3.49. 

Table 3.48 - Details of electrified Villages and available roads in Dharchula block & 


Sl. No. Name of Block Total Electrified Length of Road (inKm.) 

Villages Villages Total PWD 

1. Dharchula 72 42 134 95 

2. Pithoragarh Distt* 1672 1369 1160 818 


Table 3.49 - Other facilities like Post Office, Telegraph Office, PCO and Telephone 

available in Dharchula block & Pithoragarh district 

Sl.No. Name of Block Post Telegraph PCO Telephone Bus Stop 

Office 

1. Dharchula 54 - 23 733 37 

2. Pithoragarh Distt* 318 9 509 14699 685 


3.6.7.7 Methodology for Socio economic survey 

A random sample of villagers/respondents of study area from Dharchula block of 50 households 

was drawn and for collection of necessary data pre tested questionnaire (a formate of 

questionnaire attach as Annexure at the end of report) were adopted for collection of socioeconomic 

data with the emphasis of family size, main occupation, income source, health of 

people, diseases, cooking fuel used etc. from the total 8 villages spread in surrounding of Sobla 

consisting from Dharchula block have been randomly selected. Further, 50 house holds were 

randomly selected after villages listing of households. Of these, 27 households are marginal, 11 

49



small, 8 medium and farmers 1 are large. However, 3 are either landless or employed with 

service/traders. Before collection of primary data from selected villagers, a rapid survey i.e. an 

interaction with villagers helped study the perception, behaviour and attitude of the villagers. 

Population statistics of near by Villages are presented in table 3.50. 

Sl. 

No. 

Village 

Name 

Table 3.50 - Population Statistics of surveyed villages 

No of 

House 

hold 

Total 

Populat 

ion 

Male Female Sex 

Ratio 

Literacy 

Rate 

Male 

Literacy 

Rate 

Female 

Literacy 

Rate 

1. Sobla 29 155 73 82 1123 52.67 81.35 20.75 

2. Baram 198 904 490 414 845 71.68 86.70 54.05 

3. Suwa 100 648 336 312 929 62.14 81.71 42.20 

4. Syankuri 243 1384 719 665 925 73.18 92.17 53.51 

5. Umachiya 64 344 184 160 870 67.13 90.54 41.48 

6. Watan 13 75 43 32 744 52.83 67.85 36.0 

7. Dar 102 544 299 245 819 46.96 64.31 25.60 

8. Nyu 50 231 125 106 848 71.50 86.45 54.21 

3.6.7.7.1 Occupational Status 

The occupation (main and subsidiary) of surveyed households has also been studied. The 

analyzed data shows that a majority of studied households (i.e. 72%) have farming as the main 

occupations followed by farming and dairying. However, a smaller numbers of households have 

dairying or poultry as a subsidiary occupation. The collected information about size of holding 

and occupational pattern is presented in table 3.51 and 3.52. 

Sl. No. 

Table 3.51 - Size of Holding 

Size of Holding 

1. Marginal (less than 0.5 ha) 27 

2. Small (0.50 to 1.00 ha) 11 

3. Medium (1.00 to 2.00 ha) 8 

4. Large (2 to 4) 1 

5. Above 4 Nil 

Table 3.52 - Occupational Pattern of Selected Households 

Sl. 

Occupation 

No. Agriculture Dairying Business Service Others Total 

1. 20 10 6 8 6 50 

Traditionally, the main occupation of the villagers in the region had been trading, sheeps rearing 

and cultivation of mainly wheat/rice and potatoes during summer months between June and 

October. 

50



In the present study, the main occupation considered is the one which earns more than 50% of 

their annual in come. But, an occupation which earns them less than 50% annual income to the 

selected farmers is considered to be subsidiary occupation. In the present case, some farmers are 

also observed to be depending on the subsidiary occupation. The subsidiary occupations are 

mainly poultry farming, dairying, business, service it include retired person etc, which generally 

supplements the farmer’s income. 

3.6.7.7.2 Cooking Fuel 

The selected households spread over study area falling under Dharchula block. Villagers were 

interviewed and data related to their fuel use were collected. Due to availability of LPG gas 

Suppliers in Dharchula and subsidiary to BPL people some villagers are using gas for cooking 

purposes. Villagers are also interested to take gas connection but due to distance and blockage of 

road due to land sliding it was very difficult to supply daily needs including LPG cylindar. Three 

reasons are main obstacle to take a connection i.e. easy availability of wood, minimum income 

source and and Road blockage due to land sliding. The analyzed data presented in table 3.53. 

Table 3.53 - Cooking Fuel Used 

Source of Cooking Fuel 

Number of 

Sl. 

Fire wood, 

families 

Fire wood Biomass and 

No. 

dung cake & 

Kerosene Oil LPG Electricity 

studied 

& biomass dung cakes 

biomass 

1. 50 22 8 9 1 10 - 

However, 20 families used firewood, dung cakes and biomass. The size of holding of a large 

number of marginal and small farmers in particular is very small; therefore the availability of 

bio-mass to these families dependent on farm is insufficient. Hence, these families depend 

mainly on fire wood, collected from nearby forest. Thus, the forest area is decreasing year after 

year, which is a matter of serious concern because of increasing depletion of forest and 

consequently environment pollution. 

A large quantity of animal dung is available annually in the village area of Dharchula block, 

which is generally wasted by burning the dry dung cakes for cooking purposes. Details of animal 

available in Dharchula block is presented in table 3.54 

Table 3.54 Animal available in Dharchula block & Pithoragarh district 

Cow Buffalo Sheep Goat Horse Pig Others Total 

Dharchula 35973 7405 16512 17995 564 39 3274 81762 

Pithoragarh Distt 240748 86877 32804 145173 1043 138 18781 525577 

As per 2003 

51



It is, in fact, a heavy cost to the society, that the fresh dung could have 'been used for producing 

bio-gas to replace kerosene oil and fire wood used in the surveyed villages. Apart from this biogas 

slurry might have been used as organic manure to replace fertilizer application. 

3.6.7.3 Health and Health Care 

The households were also interviewed for collecting the data pertaining to health and health care. 

The data of different households and different villages revealed that of the total 50 households 

studied, 20 percent suffered from several diseases during the last five years i.e. 2003 to 2008 

approx. The collected information is presented in table 3.55. 

Table 3.55 - Disease and their proportion found in surveyed villages 

Disease Name 

Percent 

Fever/typhoid 14 

Respiratory diseases 07 

Dysentery& Diarrhea 12 

Tuberculosis 02 

Lever ailment 02 

Other diseases 08 

Reporting no diseases 05 

Effective curative and preventive measures, such as the implementation of vaccination and 

inoculation scheme, improvement of environmental sanitation and provision of better medical 

facilities will minimize disease. 

3.6.7.4 Family Budgets 

The information/ data pertaining to consumption and expenditure on different items of meet their 

requirement is also collected from randomly selected households of different villages. 

The analysis reveals that most of the families are non-vegetarian. However, vegetarian are also in 

large numbers. But, non-vegetarians are generally, medium and large farmers or families of 

services/ business occupation. Further, wheat and rice are the staple food of all the families and 

milk, curd is a preferred diet in common. The average family budget are presented in table 3.56 

52



Table 3.56 - Family Budgets 

Sl. 

No. 

Particulars 

Average Expenditure 

(Percent) 

1. Fooding 65 

2. Clothing and health care 10 

3. Health care 8 

4. Education 50 

5. Recreation 2.0 

6. Religious discourse 1.0 

7. Transportation 4.0 

8. Others 5.0 

Total 100 

53 

Remarks ( if any) 

Average size of rural family = 4 

The average family expenditure is a function of total annual income of the families which varies 

according to the level of income earned annually. In brief, the families expenditure is directly 

linked with the level of Income. 

Most of the people in study area are generally vegetarian. They consume wheat, rice mandua, 

jower, komi and madira. Total cereal consumption is high than the normally required. Hard work 

and cold climate necessitate greater consumption of cereals. Generally soyabean, black gram and 

lentil are used as pulses but its consumption is very low. Milk and curd are consumed in every 

family. Food diet are usually inadequate in animal protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. 

The perception of local residents shows that the area needs a marked improvement in facilities 

like irrigation, agriculture, production, wage rates whereas determination was also observed on 

areas like infrastructural i.e. road, electricity, education and health facilities, natural disaster is 

also responsible for development of any programme or project in this area. 

The foregoing facts reveal that the level of income determines the living status i.e. living 

standard is directly influenced by level of income. Further, it is also observed that most of 

marginal and small farmers depended on their small size of holdings and thus, their income is 

quite meagre. Also several families have unemployed youths. 

3.6.7.8 Agriculture 

3.6.7.8.1 Irrigation Facilities 

Assured means of irrigation ensure better prospects for agricultural development. The study of 

sources of irrigation helps in evaluating and even predicting the future prospects for agricultural 

operations. The study of distribution of irrigation sources in study area shows that agriculture is 

mainly dependent on rainfed, canals and Gul in the whole district. Table 3.57 shows irrigation 

facilities available while table 3.58 shows irrigated land by different facilities in Dharchula block 

& Pithoragarh distt.



Table 3.57 - Irrigation facilities in Dharchula block and Pithoragarh district 

Length 

of Canal 

(in Km.) 

Govt. 

Bore Well 

Private 

Well 

(Pucca) 

Hauz. 

(No.) 

Gul 

(Km.) 

Hydrum 

Dharchula 51 - - - 232 118 - 

Pithoragarh 404 - - - 2705 982 159 


(No.) 

Table 3.58 - Irrigated Land area in Dharchula block & Pithoragarh district (In hectare) 

Canal 

Govt. 

Bore Well 

Private 

Well Pond Other Total 

Dharchula 157 - - - - 301 458 

Pithoragarh 1594 - - - - 2479 4673 


3.6.7.8.2 Land Holding 

The development of agriculture also depends, to a large extent, upon the pattern of land 

distribution in the region besides other factors like the use of improved seeds, fertilizers, 

irrigation facilities etc. if the distribution of land is highly skewed, scientific cultivation could not 

be implemented beyond a certain extent which limits the scope of agricultural development. 

Therefore, analysis of distributor of land into various sizes of holdings assumes significance. 

Land holding size in Dharchula block & Pithoragarh Distt. is presented in table 3.59. 

Less than 

0.5 hect. 

Dharchula 5989 

(1384) 

Pithoragarh 53974 

Distt. 

(12576) 

Table 3.59 - Size of Land Holding 

0.5 to 

1.0 hect. 

2360 

(1626) 

21282 

(14844) 

Results in parenthesis shows area in hectare 

Land Holding size in Hectare 

2.0 to 4.0 4.0 to 

hect. 10.0 hect. 

1.0 to 2.0 

hect. 

1231 

(1655) 

9663 

(12947) 

254 

(662) 

1898 

(4839) 

24 

(120) 

164 

(856) 

More than 

10.0 

3 

(84) 

14 

(276) 

Total land 

Holding size and 

area 

9864 

(5331) 

86995 

(46338) 

The study and distribution pattern shows that land distribution in hill area is more acute or 

skewed. It could be seen that 60.7% of the cultivators has less than 0.5 hectare of land holding. 

3.6.7.8.3 Use of Agriculture tools & Fertilizer 

The improvement in the performance of agriculture sector, over the last few decades, has only 

been possible on account of consistent changes, brought about from time to time, in various facts 

of agricultural operation. The regions, that have marched ahead, over the others have largely 

54



been an account of the fact that they have discarded traditional mode of cultivation and have 

shifted to modern and scientific methods tool and inputs. Traditional plough was being taken all 

over the district. Use of Agricultural tools & fertilizer consumption is presented on table 3.60. 

Table 3.60 - Use of Agricultural tools, fertilizer and No. of wear house for 

seed & fertilizer storage 

Plough Advance Thracing Tractor Fertilizer Distribution (M.Tonne) 

Seed & 

Wood Iron Cultivator Machine 

Nitrogen Phosphorous Potash Total Fertilizer 

Weir 

House 

Dharchula 6196 196 322 - 181 43.71 13.31 0.34 57.16 10 

Pithoragarh 

Distt. 

47513 261 261 1 181 220.97 101.71 5.7 328.38 102 

3.6.7.8.4 Cropping Pattern 

The crops grown by the farmers in Dharchula block are also studied. The analyzed data revealed 

that the socio-economic conditions of the farmers is influenced by the pricing policy, climatic 

conditions and profitability of competing enterprises which in turn influenced the volume of 

production. The area under different crops and productivity itself vouched this. In fact, area and 

productivity of crops have changed from year to year during the last several years. 

The important crops grown in the kharif season in the area are paddy, and maize whereas the rabi 

crops are wheat, barley and mustard is also grown as a cash crop. But, the comparative analysis 

reveals that the farmers cultivated only those crops which utilized more irrigation water, 

fertilizers and human labour. The area under important crop is presented in table 3.61 and 3.62 

while avg. productivity of important and productivity crops is given in table 3.63 and 3.64. 

Table 3.61 - Area under important crops in Dharchula block and 

Pithoragarh district (hectare) 

Rice Kharif Total Rice Wheat Barley Total Pulse 

Block Total Irrigated Total Irrigated Total Irrigated Total Irrigated Total Irrigated 

Dharchula 1474 250 1474 250 2993 421 289 - 88 1 

Pithoragarh 23911 4012 23911 4012 27462 3553 3518 19 5254 14 

Distt. 


55



Table 3.62 - Area Under important crops in Dharchula block and 

Pithoragarh district (hectare) Year 2002-2003 

Block Total Maize Total Paddy grains Total Telhan Potato 

Total Irrigated Total Irrigated Total Irrigated Total Irrigated 

Dharchula 580 5 6060 676 185 - 325 - 

Pithoragarh 

Distt. 

3290 25 68207 7609 1861 - 953 16 


The study of land utilization pattern under different crops presents some what similar trend in 

each year of the whole area. The perusal of table 3.61 and 3.62 shows that rice, wheat, barley is 

the main crops sown in kharif season with rice accounting for over 32.5 percent and wheat 

37.4% of total swon area of district. Almost same tendency have seen in crop production in 

Dharchula block. Wheat account for 48.7 follows by rice and maize with 24 & 9.4%. 

3.6.7.8.5 Crop Productivity 

The analysis of productivity of different crops reveals that the productivity of some crops has 

decreased in year 99-2000 from the year of 98-99 and in some other like telhan, the productivity 

has marginally increased. Although, there are several reasons for decrease in the productivity, yet 

it is partly due to untimely rains and inadequate irrigation facilities in the study area. 

Further, the productivity of maize, paddy and wheat increase in 2002-2003 as compared to 1998- 

99 partly due to due even distribution of rains and favorable climatic condition. 

Table 3.63 - Average productivity of important crops : Pithoragarh district (Qt. per hect.) 

Year Total wheat Barley Total Total Total Total Total Patato Tobacco 

Rice 

Maize paddy 

grains 

Pulse crops Telhan 

1998-99 12.72 11.21 9.98 10.37 12.39 6.57 11.75 5.33 228.17 70.58 

1999-2000 10.54 13.92 10.50 12.80 12.63 7.44 12.26 7.99 225.36 76.73 

2002-2003 12.24 13.42 15.73 9.84 12.86 4.19 12.24 5.73 186.50 0.0 

56



Table 3.64 - Productivity of important crops : Pithoragarh district (Metric Ton) 

Year Total wheat Barley Total Total Total Total Total Potato Tobacco 

Rice 

Maize paddy 

grains 

Pulse crops Telhan 

1998-99 25496 24774 3739 3083 71874 4681 76555 1141 59416 367 

1999-2000 29709 36663 3715 3430 94489 4203 98692 1527 27156 399 

2002-2003 29266 36862 5535 3237 87771 2202 89933 1066 17773 - 

3.6.7.8.6 Forest Management 

Forests are also ecological entities directly and indirectly supporting and sustaining life in varied 

forms, including humans. In India a large number of indigenous communities live in densely 

forested areas and depend on them for their life and livelihood. Their dependence on forest is 

such and association so long that forest has been imbibed in their life and culture. For the same 

reason they seem to have deep understanding of even the complex ecological issues and have 

developed indigenous methods of protecting and utilizing the forest in a sustainable manner. 

3.6.7.8.6.1 Van Panchayat in Uttarakhand 

Van Panchayats are a unique institution, characteristic of the state of Uttarakhand, for organized 

utilization and protection of forests and related natural resources by local communities that are 

dependent on them. They are locally elected bodies or voluntary groups of local people that 

govern the local forests with a view to fulfill the needs of local people for forest produce, in a 

sustainable and equitable manner. Thus Van Panchayats in a way are a form of Local 

Government. Formally as an institution, Van Panchayats have been in existence now for a little 

over 75 years. However, the association of people of Uttarakhand with forests and their history 

of protecting it is much longer and eventful. At present there are 6,777 van Panchayats in 

Uttarakhand covering an area of 5,241.08 square kilometres (Forest Department, Uttarakhand, 

May 2001). Forming about 12% of the total forest area of the state. 

Geographically Van Panchayats cover a small portion of the forest area of the state, though in 

some districts namely Almora and Pithoragarh they cover significant; nearly 30% of the total 

forest area. Practically, Van Panchayats are the only areas of direct involvement of the local 

communities in managing forests. In the state people have a long history of a strong association 

with the forests. Thus it is necessary that local people should equally and strongly involved in 

managing and administering the forest area, especially, in the changing scenario over the last 

decade. Table-3.65 shows some basic statistics of the Van Panchayats in the state. 

57



District 

District 

Area 

(Sq. 

km.) 

Table 3.65 - Van Panchayat Status in Uttarakhand 

Population 

(1991) 

Area under 

Van 

Panchayats 

(Sq. km.) 

Total 

Forest 

Area (Sq. 

Km.) 

Forest 

Area (Ha) 

per 

Person 

Panchayat 

Forest 

Area (Ha) 

per 

Person 

Number of 

Van 

Panchayats 

Area (Ha) 

Per Van 

39.90Panc 

ha79.03yat 

Pauri Garhwal 5440 683000 651.53 4507.14 0.660 0.095 1633 39.90 

Chamoli & 

Rudraprayag 

9125 455000 618.02 5210.40 1.145 0.136 782 79.03 

Uttarkashi 8016 240000 77.80 6948.30 2.895 0.032 68 114.41 

Tihri Garhwal 4421 580000 16.38 4058.90 0.700 0.003 85 19.27 

Dehradun 3088 1026000 98.28 2276.89 0.222 0.010 159 61.81 

Haridwar 2360 1124000 0.00 375.19 0.033 0.000 0 

Garhwal 32450 4108000 1462.01 23376.82 0.57 0.04 2727 53.61 

Almora & 

Bageshwar 

Pithoragarh & 

Champawat 

5385 837000 1204.75 3944.26 0.471 0.144 1898 63.47 

8856 566000 1092.98 3302.43 0.583 0.193 1657 65.96 

Nainital 6794 1540000 286.84 3026.90 0.262 0.019 495 57.96 

Udhamsingh 

0.00 1011.11 0 

Nagar 

Kumaon 21036 2943000 2584.57 11284.70 0.38 53.61 53.61 53.61 

Grand Total 53485 7051000 4046.58 34661.52 0.49 53.61 53.61 53.61 

Source : Uttaranchal State Forest Statistics (2000), Forest Department Nainital 

Van Panchayat is a democratically elected village level institution set up in Uttarakhand for the 

management of forests. It is responsible for the management of grazing, collection of full wood, 

fodder and timber, and protection of community forests. A Van Panchayat can be formed if one 

third of the inhabitants of a village resolve to form one. At the village level, it is teh sole 

arbitrator for the management of the Van Panchayat forests. It has linkages with the forest 

Department for technical assistance and for the preparation of development plans. So without 

discussion on forest and Van Panchayat Socio-economic study will not completed specially in 

hill area. There is an urgent need to management of any upcoming project in hilly area to work 

together with Van Panchayat for Socio, eco and enviro development. 

58



3.6.8 Ecological Status 

Ecological situation of Sobla micro hydel site is in the transitional area, out side the buffer zone 

of the NDBR which is covering some parts of districts Chamoli, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh. 

The transitional area falls under orobiome – ecotonal zone. This area is as important as the 

NDBR it self. Ecologically it maintains the high biological diversity and harbours the mix of 

species, which are found on other side of the ecotonal zone. Ecologically this area not to be safe 

guarded for the continuity of the species diversity and orobian ecosystem of the NDBR. The 

Geographical characteristic as well as geological characteristic has been given else where in the 

report. The ecological climate of the area is temperate sub alpine and alpine. In the following 

times the vegetation of the zone has been given as per the altitude. 

3.6.8.1 Himalayan Moist Temperate Forests 

These forests have the following subtypes 

(i) 'Bank oak (Quercus leucotrichophora) forests occupy the altitudinal zone of 1800 to 2100m 

and descending to 1500 m on northern slopes or even to 1100 m in deep valleys and ravines. 

Incidently, the zone of its occurrence overlaps the most populated zone of Kumaun. Banj' occurs 

mostly pure with its chief associates of 'burans', 'ayar' 'kaphal', 'garpipal (Populus ciliata), 'rianj' 

(Quercus lanuginosa) and 'phaniyat' (Q. glauca), etc. the undergrowth is dense with Viburnum 

spp., Rubus spp., Berberis asiatica. Desmodium, Indigofera, Rosa moschata, ringal etc. 

(ii) 'Tilonj' Oak (Q. dilatata) forests occur between 2000 to 2600 m. being more mesophytic than 

'banj' it is being replaced by 'banj' on dry ridges. It also forms almost pure crops with associates 

like 'burans', 'kaula', Iles chamkharik, (Carpinus viminea) etc. the undergrowth is dense, consisting 

of Rubus, Spirea, Indigofera Viburnum, Deutzia corymbosa, Strobilanthus, Rosa moschata, etc. 

(iii) 'Kharsu' Oak (Q. semecarpifolia) forests grow above the 'tilonj' zone, extending upto tthe 

tree line. The ground cover may consist of Viburnum species, Strobilanthus, 'ruins' (Cotoneaster 

acuminata), Rosa moschata, etc. 

The three types of oak forests mentioned above constitute the bulk of the broad-leaved forests of 

the Himalayan zone with 'chir' representing the main conifer species. The oak forests have nearly 

lost their capacity of regeneration due to overgrazing and heavy lopping. There are ten types of 

forests in this zone. 

The Moist Deodar (Cedrus deodara) Forests occur mostly in small patches, known as 'bain' 

which appear to have been planted as temple-groves. The bulk of these forests are confined to 

59



the Pithoragarh District. In Almora district the main ones are Jageshwar and Dhauladevi. The 

natural regeneration of 'deodar' comes adequately if protection is afforded. 

The moist Temperate Deciduous Forests occur on deeper and moist soils, and have a rich variety 

of species, such as Aesculus indica, Juglans regia, Carpinus viminea, Fraxinus micrantha, Ulmus 

waltichiana. Betula alnoides, Acer sp. etc. with equally large number of species as the undergrowth. 

The Low-level Blue (Pinus wallichiana) is found mixed with 'banj and 'kharsu' in small patches 

between 1800 and 3000m. some good planted patches are also seen on the Nain ridge in the 

Nainital Forest Division. 

The West Himalayan Upper Oak Fir Forests are found between 2600 and 3400m, with silver fir 

(Abies pindrow) and rare Picea smithiana (rare). 

The western district of East Himalayan Mixed Confiferous 'tansen (Tsuga dumosa), forests with 

a large number of broad leaf species are confined to 2400-3100 m in the upper reaches of the 

valleys in the Pithoragarh district along with silver fir (Abies pindrow), blnepine (Pinus 

wallichiana), and Taxus baccata. 

The Montane Bamboo (Ringal) Brakes are commonly seen as undergrowth in high altitude 

forests above 1500m. The species include 'deoringal' (Thamnocalamus falconeri), 'tham' 

(Thamnocalamus spathiflorus) and 'jumra' (Arundinaria jaunsarensis) in higher altitude and 

Arundinaria falcata in the 'bank' forests. 

The Cypress Forests are found on dry temperate sites confined to the steep inner ranges. To a 

limited extent the cypress is often mixed with silver fir and 'kharsu'. In the Nainital Tahsil mainly 

in the neighbourhood of Nainital, old and new plantations of cypress are quite common. 

The Alder Forests are confined to the places which have permanent water supply such as on 

ralisnewly formed shingle beds in streams and on landlips and screes. These are found 

throughout the region from 1000 to 3000 m providing greenery to steam banks. 'Utis' (Alnus 

nepalensis) occurs in strips of varying width. 'Garh pipal' (Populus ciliata), 'chamarmowa' 

(Ulmus wallichiana), 'pangar' (Aesculus indica) and 'kharak' (Celtis australis) are its common 

associates. 

The Temperate Pastures have resulted from repeated burning and continual grazing near 

habitation, where a variety of grasses such as Chrysopogon, Heteropogon, Dactylis, Agrostis 

have found footholds. 

60



The Oak Scrub Forests developed on an extensive scale, specially in the civil forests, due to 

degeneration of the oak forests as a result of constant maltreatment through overgrazing, 

repeated lopping, burning and cutting for firewood. The oaks (mainly 'banj and tilonj') today 

represented by dead stumps or shrubs are accompanied by thorny bushes of 'kilmora' (Berberis), 

'ghingaru' (Crataegus crenulata), jhatela' (Prinsipia utilis), Wikstroemia, Indigofera, 

Cotoneaster, etc. In fact all oak forests are in a state of degeneration. If this state of affairs is 

allowed to continue, the entire hill region in due course of time will become barren. Unscientific 

felling for charcoal and firewood; and clearance of areas in the name of horticultural extension 

and potato cultivation are responsible for the degeneration of once thick forests of oaks. 

The oak forests have also degenerated within the reserved forests, because of unlimited rights 

and concessions granted to and maltreatment by local villagers, and certainly not by contractors 

and foresters, as is being wrongly publicised lately. 

3.6.8.2 Himalayan Dry-Temperate Forests 

This type is represented by scrubs of Hippophae – Myricaria occuring in small patches along the 

inner Himalayan streams between 2300 to 3200m. The Hippophae salicifolia thickets include 

Salix elegans, Myricaria elegans and germenica spp., Epilobium spp. and occasional Populas 

ciliata. Higher up this type merges with Juniperous and its associates. 

3.6.8.3 Sub-Alpine Forest 

Two subtypes are discernible. The birch and fir forest growing between 300w and 3500 m 

comprise fir (Abies spectabilis), birch or 'Bhojpatra' (Betula utilis) and 'kharsu' with 

undergrowths of Rhododendron campanulatum, Cotoneaster acuminata, Rosa sericea Ribes 

rubrum, Lonicera sp., Rubus niveus, smilax vaginata, and ringal. The degeneration due to 

overgrazing in the forests has given rise to sub-alpine pastures having a variety of grasses. 

3.6.8.4 Moist Alpine Scrubs 

The scrubs are a continuation of the alpine pastures below the snow-line. They have, however, a 

longer snow-free period. Betula utilis, with thickets of Rhododendron campanulatum, 

Rhododendron anthopogon, Sorbus foliolosa, Berberis kumaonensis, Lonicera parviflora, 

Juniferous species and a number of flowering plants from the vegetal consociation of the scrubs. 

The alpine pastures occur above 3500m, the meadows bearing mostly mesophytic herbs such as 

Primula, Anemone, Iris, Gentiana and many plants of Ranunculacea, Criciferae, Compositae 

etc. 

61



Table 3.66 - Habitat and other species associated meadow vegetation 

Sunny meadow 

Alpine scree 

Shaded 

meadows 

Continuous green 

vegetation 

Dry exposed 

rocks 

Shaded slopes 

Dominated by Saussurea graminifolia. Other genera: 

Ranunculus, Delphinium, Corydalis, Draba, 

Sisymbrium, Arenaria, Impatiens, Geranium, Potentilla, 

Saxifraga, Astragalus, Pleurospermum, Gentiana and 

Swertia. Perennial mesophytic herbs are restricted to the 

edges of melting snow, e.g. Primula denticulata, P. 

macrophylla, P. munroi, Kobresia hookeri and Caltha 

palustris 

Dominated by Euphorbia stracheyi. Other species 

include: Rheum webbianum, R. australe, Saussurea 

obvallata, S. gossypiphora and Pleurospermum 

densiflorum. Outlying patches of Rhododendron 

campanulatum, R. anthopogon, Juniperus recurva, 

Lonicera myrtillus and Salix fruiticulosa in lower 

regions of alpine scrub 

Dominated by the genus Aconitum, principally A. atrox. 

Other species include Aconitum heterophyllum, A. 

violaceum, Angelica glauca, Pleurospermum 

angelicoides, Megacarpaea polyandra, Delphinium 

cashmirianum and Parnassia pusilla 

Glacial moraine - 

Alpine stony 

desert 

Virtually covered 

with 

snow, except for 

the 

two months of 

rainfall 

(June–July) 

Poor vegetation cover because of debris flows and 

avalanches. Common species are Epilobium latifolium, 

Waldheimia glabra, W. tomenosa, Sedum roseum, S. 

crassipes, Oxyria digyna, Saxifraga imbricata, Salix 

spp. and Rheum speciforme 

Highly specialized, short-lived species: Christolea 

himalayensis, Arenaria spp., Corydalis bowerii, C. 

crithimifolia, Draba spp., Pleurospermum spp., Sedum 

bouveri, S. quadrifidum, Androsace spp., 

Thylacospermum spp., Saussurea gossypiphora and 

Cremathodium nanum 

62



Table 3.67 - List of flora found in study area 

S. No. Botanical name Local name 

Trees 

1. Aesandra butyracea. Chiura 

2. Aesculus indica. Pangar 

3. Alnus nepalensis Utees 

4. Betula alnoides Saur Bhojapatra 

5. Betula utilis Bhojpatra 

6. Carpinus viminea Putli 

7. Cedrella toona Tun 

8. Celtis australis. Kharik 

9. Cinnamon tamala Dalchini, Tejpat 

10. Dalbergia sissoo Sisham 

11. Dandroclamus strictus Bans 

12. Ehretia laevis Chamror 

13. Erythriana arborescens Dhauldhak 

14. Ficus glomerata Gular 

15. Ficus hispida Totmila 

16. Ficus palmata Bedu / Anjir 

17. Ilex excelsa Gauloo 

18. Juglans regia Akhrot 

19. Litsea glutinosa Singrau/Mai da lakri 

20. Myrica esculenta Kaphal 

21. Pinus wallichiana Kail 

22. Pterocarpus marsupium Bija Sal 

23. Quercus leucotrichophora Banj 

24. Rhamnus persica Chirla 

25. Rhododendron arboreun Burans 

26. Rhus japonica Beshmeel 

27. Salix acutifolia Bhains 

28. Sapindus mukorossi Reetha 

29. Sapium insigne Khinna 

30. Sorbus aucuparia Mohli 

Shrubs 

1. Ageratum conizoides Gundrya 

2. Artemisia vulgaris Kunja 

3. Artemisia nilagirica Kunja 

4. Arundo donax Tinta 

5. Berberis aristata Kingor 

6. Berberis lycium Kingor 

7. Bistorta amplexicaulis Kutrya 

8. Boehmeria platzphylla. Khagsa 

9. Cannabis sativa Bhang 

10. Cissus rependa Pani-bel 

11. Colebrookia oppositifolia Binda 

12. Cotoneaster microphyllus Bugarchilla 

13. Callicarp arboria Kumahr 

14. Duchesnea indica Bhiun-Kaphal 

63



Herbs 

1. Anaphalis adnata Bugla 

2. Anemone vitifolia Mudeela 

3. Acorus calamus Bauj, Bach 

4. Agrostis nervosa - 

5. Apium leptophyllum - 

6. Arabidopsis thaliana. - 

7. Artemisia japonica Patee, Pamsi 

8. Bergenia ciliata Silpara 

9. Bistorta amplexicaulis Kutrya 

10. Centella asiatica Brahmibuti 

11. Clematis tibatiana - 

12. Curcuma aromatica Ban Haldi 

13. Cymbopogon flexuosus - 

14. Cymbopogon msrtinii Priya-ghas 

15. Cynodon dactylon Dubla 

16. Deyeuxia scabescens - 

17. Echinops cornigerus Kantela 

18. Eragostis poaeoides - 

19. Eulaliopsis bineta Babula 

20. Impatiens balsamina - 

3.6.8.5 Wildlife 

Ranging from area under permanent snow cover to the hot sub-tropical jungles of the foothills, 

the catchment area presents diverse habitats with significant levels of variation. This area is the 

home of a wide variety of mammals, reptiles and birds. The major part of the catchment area lies 

in the central Himalayas which has a relatively less rainfall as compared to that of eastern part of 

the Himalayas and the climate is temperate to sub-temperate with fairly heavy snowfall above 

2500 meters. It has restricted the wildlife habitat significantly. Zoo-geographically the study area 

adjoining the project can be divided into two regions: 

- Himalayan Foothills 

- Temperate region 

3.6.8.5.1 Himalayan Foot Hills 

This area has elevation upto 2000 meters. The fauna of this region is more or less similar to that 

of the Indo-Gangetic plain. This is characterised by grassy meadows and savannah vegetation. 

This region is reported to harbour various Mammalian fauna i.e. sambhar, barking deer, wild 

boar, jackal etc. This area was frequented by the famous tiger enthusiast Jim Corbett. However, 

growth of human settlement have narrowed the wildlife habitat in this area to a significant extent. 

Due to terrain characteristics, the sighting of wildlife is poor. 

64



3.6.8.5.2 Temperate region of Western Himalayas 

This region comprises the temperate areas above an elevation of 2000 meters. The climate is 

moist temperate with snowfall in the winter months. The faunal species include jackal, sambhar, 

cats, brown bear and black bear. Amongst the avi-fauna, the common species include the 

Himalayan Golden Eagle, Himalayan woodpecker, Indian Mayna,and Hill Patridges. The 

important faunal species reported in the project area and its surroundings are documented in 

Table-3.68. These information’s are based on secondary sources as well as field observations 

during the ecological survey. 

Table 3.68 - List of Fauna found in study area 

S. No. Zoological Name Local Name 

Mammals 

1. Felis bengalensis Ban Biralu 

2. Felis chaus Ban Biralu 

3. Hystrix indica Solu 

4. Lepus nigricollis Khargosh 

5. Macaca mulatto Banar 

6. Muntiacus muntjak Kakar 

7. Nemarhaedus ghural Gural 

8. Panthera pardus Bagh 

9. Selenarctos thibetanus Rikh 

10. Sus scrofacristatus suwar 

Birds 

1. Acridotheres tristis Myana 

2. Alectoris Chukar Chukor 

3. Aquila crysaetos Garud 

4. Arborophila torqueola Titar 

5. Bubo bubo bengalensis Ghughu 

6. Corvus macrorhynchos Kawwa 

7. Corvus splendens Kawwa 

8. Dendrocoposhimalayensis Kathphorwa 

Reptiles 

1. Agama tuberculata Chhipkali 

2. Argyrogena ventromaculatus Saanp 

3. Varanus bengalensis Goh 

4. Xenochrophis piscator Saanp 

5. Ptyas mucosus Saanp 

The fisheries in the project area are poorly developed due to unfavorable climate. The elevation, 

temperature, current, velocity and natural biota are the factors governing the growth of fish in the 

rivers and water bodies in the area. Most of the streams, rivers, and other aquatic body in the 

upper reaches maintain fairly low temperature which results into low primary productivity. 

65



Hence, generally small sized fish are available in upper streams. The list of major fish species 

found in study area are presented in table 3.69. 

Table 3.69 - Fish dwelling in the rivers in the surrounding area of the project 

Name of the Fish 

Family Cyprinidae 

Schizothorax sinuatus 

Schizothorax kumaonensis 

Tor tor 

Tor putitora 

Garra lamta 

Garra gotyla gotyla 

Crossocheilus latius 

Barilius bendelisis 

Barilius vagra 

Labeo dyocheilus 

Local Name 

Asala 

Asala 

Dansulu 

Dansula 

Gondal 

Gondal 

Sunhera 

Fulra 

Fulra 

Kharont 

Family Cobitidae 

Noemacheilus botia 

Noemacheilus rupicola 

Gadiyal 

Gadiyal 

Family Sisoridae 

Glyptothorax pectinopterus 

Pseudoecheneis sulcatus 

Nau 

Mungria Nau 

Since the fishing is not being practiced in the area hence the quantify of fish is found in water 

could not be estimated. 

66



4.0 Alternatives 

CHAPTER – 4 

The development of small hydropower not only in India but also around the world is on the 

increase. In maximum area of the world has huge potential to further develop hydro power 

resources. Small hydropower offers a wide range of benefits especially for rural areas and 

developing countries. The resource is environment friendly and has substantial economic 

advantage. Uttrakhand has large network of rivers and canals which provides and immense scope 

for hydro-power energy. There is an urgent need to develop this promising sector of renewable 

energy as only a fraction of available potential has been harnessed so far. 

4.1 General Information 

A. Site Information : The entire region is ecological fragile unstable and less 

rigid from the origination point. The whole area is more 

sensible and falls under the seismic prone region. The 

natural hazards both terrestrial and atmospheric can be seen 

all over Himalyan region. As such the area is restricted so 

topo sheet of study area is not presented in this report. 

B. Geographical Location 

Sl. 

No. 

Village 

Project 

Code 

Proposed 

capacity 

(MW) 

Power 

house 

site 

District Tehsil State 

1. Sobla Sobla - I 8 Sobla Pithoragarh Dharchula Uttarakhand 

C. Latitude 

30 0 03 ’ 

D. Longitude 

80 0 35 ’ 

E. Elevation above Mean Sea Level (mtr.) 

F. Total Area proposed for the 

Project (in ha.), if any 

Forest area (in ha), if any 

1950 

*Diversion site 

0.755 

0.354 

G. Nature of Terrain 

H. Technical Classification of 

Soil (loam, sandy etc./aerial 

extent (ha.) 

Hilly 

Sandy 

67


4.2 Existing land usage of the proposed project site area (in hectares) 

In Hectare 

i) Agriculture 

a) Irrigated 

- 

Total 

- 


b) Unirrigated 

- 

- 

ii) Homestead - 

- 

iii) Forest 0.354 0.354 

iv) Grazing - 

- 

v) Fallow - 

- 

vi) Water bodies - 

- 

vii) Marshes - 

- 

viii) Others(Pl. Specify) 0.401 0.401 

Total 

4.4 Alternate sites considered from the environment angle. 

Yes 

Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) Check list for hydropower sector as per ADB is 

enclosed as appendix at the end of report. 

4.4 Reason for selecting the proposed site from the environment & Engineering angle. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Narrow Gorge. 

Hard Rock. 

Approach Road available. 

Maximum discharge & head available on this location. 

Best Option for create Job opportunity in Hill area. 

Project to cause Socio Economic development in area. 

No submergence. 

Not affecting agricultural land. 

68



Without the project will be omitted because the state has power shortage and has good potential 

for hydropower and intends to develop a power surplus to faster economic growth. Figure 5.1 

shows EIU and there magnitude with project at the end of report. 

(1) Without the project the energy (mkwh) likely tobe produced shall not be produced. In that 

event the shortfall between supply and demand will continue which will impact economic 

growth of the population in the state including the local population and may lead to social 

backwardness. 

(2) With the project, the annual energy production in the state shall go up by ….mkwh and shall 

cause reduction of…….tons of CO 2 , if the same quality if energy is produced from a thermal 

power situation to meet the deficit of that amount. 

Identification matrix presented in Chapter – 5 indicate adverse and beneficial impact of a hydel 

project. Any development work/project in any area gives some adverse impact while another site 

gives beneficial impact. Increasing population it-self is main root of all problems so any 

development project especially small hydel project should not be derailed. 

Alternative were discussed while finalization of the location of different structures of the project 

initially when theproject was taken up for construction. Now as all other structures are existing 

only alternatie site were reviewed for power house. The site considered for which clearance was 

given by geologist. At this site hard rock is existing in river bank near power house & therefore 

possibility of scouring is eliminated. The detail is already presented in DPR No other feasible 

alternative is available for this site. 

4.5 Power House Selection Site 

Three alternatives has been selected choosen for selection of proposed site 

Old site 

Proposed site 

Another New Site 

Alternative - I 

Alternative - II 

Alternative – III 

1. Already this site is As per geological survey this site is situated This location is not fit for 

omitted 

with hard rock and fulfill all criteria with establishment of power 

safety angle flow to river not affected this house as per safety point 

site and fulfill all the reason mention in of view. 

point 4.4 in same chapter. A Geological 

Map indicating proposed site is enclosed as 

figure 2.1 at the end of report. 

69



5.0 Introduction 

CHAPTER – 5 

Hydropower development in the country is being given priority to improve the hydrothermal 

mix, and to optimize the efficiency of the country’s power system and usage of resources for 

sustainable power generation in an environment-friendly manner. From the operational 

perspective, hydropower projects also provide synergy for optimizing generation, result in fuel 

savings, minimize greenhouse gases, and produce power in an environment friendly manner, 

supporting sustainable development. Hydropower results in energy being generated from 

renewable resources and avoids emissions from equivalent thermal plants. Table 5.0 presents the 

emission factors from a comparable coal-fired power plant offset by ensuring power generation 

from clean hydropower. 

Table 5.0 Emission levels from Coal Fired Power Plants (tons/Yr.) 

Particular CO 2 SO 2 NOx TSPM 

1 MW @ 50% PLF, 8 

months/Yr 

14.1 0.074 0.053 0.049 

5.1 Anticipated Environmental Impacts and mitigation measures 

The first step in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is identification of all potential 

significant environmental impacts. These are then critically examined and the major impacts 

(both beneficial and adverse) are analysed in details in this EIA. 

In order to ensure comprehensiveness, the various aspects considered in impact identification of 

the project are as follows: 

Project components. 

Project phases 

Impact generating Activities. 

Types of Impacts. 

Various techniques are available for impact identification. These include checklists, matrix, 

networks, cause-effect diagrams, computer simulation models etc. For the present project, the 

matrix method has been chosen. 

70



5.2 Identification Matrix 

The impact identification matrix is shown as figure 5.1 at the end of report. The environmental 

attributes that may be affected are: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Air 

Water 

Noise 

Soil 

Flora & Fauna (Ecology) 

Aesthetics 

Land use 

Socio-economics 

Infrastructure 

Health & safety. 

The various activities have been considered under the four following groups: 

 

 

 

 

Siting 

Construction 

Operation 

Secondary Activities 

The activities have been arranged in columns and environmental attributes in rows in the matrix. 

A Preliminary scrutiny has been done and the cells which fall at the junction of "activity" and 

"attribute" that have possible interaction with each other have been crossed. 

The matrix thus identifies the environmental attributes likely to be affected and the activities 

responsible for this. The impacts may be beneficial or adverse. These will be analysed during 

evaluation of the impacts. 

5.2.1 Siting 

This is the first phase of activity in a project and involves: 

 

 

 

Construction of access roads. 

Site survey. 

Site clearing. 

Since the proposed hydroelectric power project will be set up in the vicinity of trans Himalayas 

which is an ecofragile and sensitive areas needs a special care during all phases. 

71



5.2.2 Construction 

This will involve excavation, construction, drainage, erection of structures and equipment, 

engagement of construction labour and laying of drain/pipelines & power lines green belt 

development will be taken up in the initial phases and hence is included in this phase. Air, water, 

noise and soil/land may be affected by these activities. 

Since the proposed Hydro Power will be developed in the hill area where, no industrial activity is 

in existence (except small villages) an addition of Hydro Power will also have anticipated 

negligible impacts on aesthetics and land use. Local labourers will be employed as construction 

workers and to increase their income. New businesses may develop to cater to the needs of the 

construction work force. Environmental impacts of preconstruction and construction activities on 

physical resources, ecological and human environment are as follows: 

5.2.2.1. Environmental Impact of preconstruction and Construction Activities 

Construction of power house, colony site, transmission lines will involve tree removal along the 

alignment where required, excavation for installation of towers, erection of towers, erection of 

substation equipment, civil works related to the transmission line, and line stringing. Table 5.1 

indicates the extent of tree removal required for the power house, ADM office/colony site and 

right-of-way (RoW). SHP construction will involve tree removal at the project site; excavation 

work; erection of equipment; and civil works relating to construction of the desilting chamber, 

forebay, penstock, powerhouse, and other related works. During the operation phase, most of the 

construction phase impacts will be stabilized; impacts during operation and maintenance of the 

project will be limited. As such the projects under rehabilitation plan so existing land will be 

utilized by project and removal of free is negoligable. 

Table 5.1 Extent of tree removal 

Sl. No. Site Removal of Tree Land Area 

1. Power house site Nil - 

2. Diversion site Nil Already existing structure no new 

construction required. 

3. Colony site Nil -do- 

4. Transmission lines Nil -do- 

5. Power Sub Station Nil -do- 

Total Nil -do- 

72



Environmental impacts associated with the transmission system, substations, and SHP locations 

will be studied on a case-by-case basis. The EIAs provide site selection criteria to avoid 

unnecessary problems, and to avoid ecologically sensitive areas such as reserve forest and 

wildlife sanctuaries. 

5.2.2.1 Physical Resources 

A. Impact on Topography 

During construction, the topography will change due to excavation and erection of towers’ and 

fill cuts for leveling the tower erection sites and construction powerhouse, fore bay, desilting 

chamber, and penstock. A minor change of surface features will occur because of tree removal at 

the tower erection site and along the RoW to facilitate construction. The most prominent impact 

on the surface topography will be in the hilly region along the reserve forest for both 

transmission lines and the SHPs. The impact will be local but irreversible due to the presence of 

the transmission line, substations, and SHPs. 

B. Impact on Air Quality 

During construction, activities will involve excavation for tower erection and power channel 

construction for the SHPs, movement of vehicles carrying the construction material, etc. All will 

result in the emission of dust particles thereby affecting air quality marginally at site; this will be 

transitory. Spraying of water during excavation will reduce the dust emission to a great extent. 

Overall the major impacts regarding Ambient Quality are limit to the construction period and can 

be mitigated to an acceptable level by implementing recommended measures and using the best 

engineering and environmental practices. The expected ambient air quality is presented n table 

5.2 

Table 5.2 Ambient status Impact wise mg/m 3 

Residential 

Industrial 

Pollution level SPM SO 2 & NOx SPM SO 2 & NOx 

Low (Negligible impact) 0-70 0-30 0-180 0-40 

Moderate (Significant impact) 70-140 30-60 180-360 40-80 

High (Advance impact) 140-210 60-90 360-540 80-120 

Critical < 210 < 90 > 540 > 120 

Note : Impact are manageable and can be managed existing with cost effectively with strong will 

power of management. 

73



C. Impact on Noise 

During construction the major sources of noise pollution will be movement of vehicles for 

transporting construction material and equipment to the site. Since most of the access roads are 

not motorable, nonmotorized goods will transfer the equipment, i.e. mainly using mules along a 

mule road. Rope ways are the best suited with the landscape of the area to carry 

instruments/materials, the major construction work is expected to be carried out during the day 

time. Noise produced will not have a significant impact on existing ambient noise levels. As 

noted, the predominant land use along the most part of alignment is reserve forest and 

agricultural. Faunal population in the reserve forest will be disturbed marginally due to the 

construction noise and they may move to nearby forest areas. Use of low-noise-generating 

equipment and restriction of construction activity for limited periods will minimize disturbance 

to the forest fauna. The expected noise level of construction equipment is presented in table 5.3 

Table 5.3 Expected Noise Emissions 

Sl. No. Machine Noise level dB(a) 

1. Compactor 80-85 

2. DG set 80-110 

3. Dozer 80-85 

4. Drilling Machine 120-130 

5. Dump Truck 80-90 

6. Face shovel 80-90 

7. Granting Machine 100-120 

8. Motor Scraper 85-95 

9. Pumps 80-100 

D. Impact on Surface Water Quality 

Construction will not have any major impact on surface and groundwater quality in the area. 

Contamination of water bodies may result due to spilling of construction materials and surface 

runoff from the construction site. Contamination of water levels may increase where the 

alignment crosses waterways and if the surface runoff during construction enters the river. Even 

during construction of the trench weir, turbidity, total suspended solids, and some other 

parameters are likely to be increase. This can be avoided by careful selection and work style of 

sites and access roads so that surface runoff does not enter the river. 

74



Care should be taken to locate the temporary construction worker colony away from water 

bodies. Adequate drinking water facilities, sanitary facilities, and drainage in temporary colonies 

should be provided to avoid polluting surface water. Provision of adequate washing and toilet 

facilities with septic tanks and appropriate refuse collection and disposal system should be 

obligatory. Sedimentation pits should be provided at the substation site during construction. Oilconfining 

pit or oil separation system should be provided at the substation area to avoid surface 

water pollution. Oil traps should be provided for separating oily waste. The sludge generated at 

the trap should be kept in a specified place inside the premise of substations and sold to 

authorized contractors/third parties. No sludge disposal on land will be allowed. Water quality 

standards for fresh water classification and effluent discharge standards for inland surface is 

presented in table 5.4 and 5.5. 

Table 5.4 Water quality standards for fresh water classification 

S. No. Characteristic 

Designated Use Class of Indian waters 

A B C D E 

1. pH Value 6.5-8.5 6.5-8.5 6.5-8.5 6.5-8.5 6.5-8.5 

2. Dissolved Oxygen, mg/l, min 6 5 4 4 - 

3. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (5 days at 20 0 C), 2 3 3 - - 

mg/l 

4. Total Coliform Organisms, MPN/100 ml max. 50 500 5,000 - - 

5. Color Hazen Units 10 300 300 - - 

6. Chlorides (as Cl), mg/l, max. 250 - 600 - 600 

7. Sodium Adsorption Ratio max - - - - 26 

8. Boron (as B), mg/l max - - - - 2 

9. Sulphates (as SO 4 ), max. 400 - 400 - 1000 

10. Nitrates (as NO), mg/l max. 20 - 50 - - 

11. Free ammonia (as NH 3 ), mg/l - - - 1.2 - 

12. Conductivity at 250 C hm/cm max 1000 2250 

13. Arsenic (as As), max. micro 0.05 0.2 0.2 - - 

14. Iron (as Fe), mg/l 0.3 - 50 - - 

15. Fluorides (as F), mg/l 1.5 1.5 1.5 - - 

16. Lead (as Pb), mg/l 0.1 - 0.1 - - 

17. Copper (as Cu), mg/l 1.5 - 1.5 - - 

18. Zinc (as Zn), mg/l 1.5 - 1.5 - - 

19. Manganese (as Mn) 0.5 - - - - 

20. Total Dissolved Solids, Mg/l 500 - 1,500 - 2100 

21. Total Hardness (CaCO 3 ), mg/l 300 - - - - 

22. Magnesium (as Mg), mg/l 100 - - - - 

23. Cyanides (as CN), mg/l 0.05 0.05 - - - 

A = Drinking water source without conventional treatment but after disinfections. 

B = Outdoor bathing (organized). 

C = Drinking water source with conventional treatment followed by disinfections. 

D = Propagation of wildlife and fisheries. 

E = irrigation, industrial cooling, controlled waste disposal. 

Source : Bureau of Indian Standards 

75



Table 5.5 Effluent Discharge stands (Inland Surface Water) 

S. No. Parameter Units Standards 

1. Color and Odor All efforts should be made to 

remove color and unpleasant 

odor as far as practicable. 

2. Suspended Solids, Max. Mg/l 100 

3. Particulate Size of Suspended Solids Shall pass 850 micron IS Sieve 

4. pH Value 

0 C 5.5 to 9.0 

5. Temperature, Max. Mg/l Shall not exceed 5 0 C above the 

receiving water temperature 

6. Oil and Grease, Max. Mg/l 10 

7. Total Residue Chlorine, Max Mg/l 1.0 

8. Ammonical Nitrogen (as N), Max Mg/l 50 

9. Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (as N), Max. Mg/l 100 

10. Free Ammonia as (NH 3 ), Max. Mg/l 5.0 

11. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (5 days at 20 

0 C), Max. 

Mg/l 30 

12. Chemical Oxygen Demand, Max. Mg/l 250 

13. Arsenic (as As), Max. Mg/l 0.2 

14. Mercury (as Hg), Max. Mg/l 0.01 

15. Lead (as Pb), Max. Mg/l 0.1 

16. Cadmium (as Cd), Max. Mg/l 2.0 

17. Hexavalent Chromium (as Cr +6 ), Max. Mg/l 0.1 

18. Total Chromium (as Cr), Max. Mg/l 2.0 

19. Copper (as Cu), Max. Mg/l 3.0 

20. Zinc (as Zn), Max. Mg/l 5.0 

21. Selenium (as Se), Max. Mg/l 0.05 

22. Nickel (as Ni), Max. Mg/l 3.0 

23. Cyanide (as CN), Max. Mg/l 0.2 

24. Fluoride (As F), Max. Mg/l 2.0 

25. Dissolved Phosphates (as P), Max. Mg/l 5.0 

26. Sulphides (as S), Max. Mg/l 2.0 

27. Phenolic compounds (as C 6 H 5 OH), Max. Mg/l 1.0 

28. Radioactive Materials 

(a) Alpha emitters, ml, Max. Micro curie/ml 10 -7 

(b) Beta emitters, ml, Max. Micro curie/ml 10 -6 

29. Bioassay test 90% survival of fish after 96 

hours in 100% effluent 

30. Manganese (as Mn) Mg/l 2.0 

31. Iron (as Fe) Mg/l 3.0 

32. Vanadium (as V) Mg/l 0.2 

33. Nitrate Nitrogen Mg/l 10.0 

E. Impact on Soil and Geology 

Excavation activities and land clearance may result in soil erosion at the construction site and 

along access routes. Erosion-prone areas will be avoided when siting the towers. Leveling and 

stabilization of tower construction sties will be done after completion of construction. 

Construction chemical, if any, must be handled properly to avoid any soil contamination. 

76



5.2.2.1.2 Ecological Resources 

A. Impact on Terrestrial Ecology 

The initial construction work along the alignment involves land clearance, cutting, filling, and 

leveling; and may cause loss of vegetation. This will be an irreversible impact. Care should be 

taken to avoid vegetation; power house, office building and colony towers should be located 

where the vegetation is thin. This will greatly minimize tree loss and compensation to be paid to 

tree owners. Compensatory afforestation has to be done in association with the state Department 

of Forests. Trimming of trees should be done in consultation with the Department of Forests. 

The removal of herbaceous vegetation and lossening of the top soil generally causes soil erosion. 

However, such impacts will be primarily confined to the project site during initial periods of 

construction and need to be minimized by adopting mitigative measures like paving, surface 

treatment, and water sprinkling. 

B. Terrestrial Fauna. During construction, the fauna in the reserved forests may be 

disturbed due to various construction activities. Care will be taken to not disturb the major 

wildlife habitat. No significant commercial fisheries will be affected by water quality impacts 

from construction. 

5.2.2.1.3 Human Environment 

A. Agriculture 

Some permanent and temporary losses of agricultural land will occur due to locating towers in 

agricultural fields, loss of crops along the access route, etc. Land will be acquired for 

construction of new substations and the SHP. As far as possible, prime agricultural land will be 

avoided for transmission lines, and construction will occur after crop harvesting. Adequate 

compensation will be given to the affected land holders. 

B. Socioeconomic 

During construction, job opportunities will be available for the local population. 

C. Resettlement 

Issue related to resettlement and rehabilitation will be short out as per Govt. ruels and regulation. 

D. Cultural Sits 

No archaeological, historical, or culturally important sites are located near the proposed power 

house site or diversion site and RoW of the alignment for transmission lines and or near 

substations or powerhouses. 

77



E. Traffic and transport 

Study area is falling in remote area so high density is not available but special attention and 

precaution will be taken during the construction phase, traffic disturbance needs to be minimized 

by avoiding high density areas, using proper traffic signs, ensuring proper access roads, and 

avoiding roads blockage. 

5.2.3 Operation 

This phase will contribute its activity after the hydropower unit starts operation. The primary 

impacts, if any, will be on air, water, noise, soil and due to discharge of domestic effluent, waste 

disposal and vehicular movement. 

The Proposed Hydro Power itself is sufficient to improve the local infrastructure i.e. Road, 

drinking water, Power etc. The proposed Hydro Power will generate a lot of opportunity for the 

local people so as to improve their socio economic status. 

5.2.3.1 Environmental Impact of Operation Activities 

5.2.3.1.1 Physical Resources 

A. Impact on Topography 

No topographical changes are envisaged during the operation phase; existing access routes will 

be utilized during operation and maintenance. 

B. Impact on Climate 

The proposed project is small project so the construction of power house transmission lines, 

substations, and colony will involve some tree removal which would not cause any significant 

impact on climate of the area. 

C. Impact on Hydrology 

The headwork for SHP consists of a trench weir for diversion of water to the powerhouse. The 

operation will not have significant impact. The Project will not have any impact on the water 

table. Some erosion will take place mainly on the terraces and soil-covered slopes. The terraces 

are glacio-fluvial in origin and soil is eroded through run-off-water. Also along the steep slopes 

and escarpment, gravity fall of fragmented rock boulders are common. 

D. Imbalances 

Tectonically, the project area has undergone three to four phases of deformation. It is located 

north of the main central thrust, a well-defined tectonic lineament. 

78



However, the entire project area is located in unstable area. In the stretch of power channel, 

leakages may cause saturation of debris material, which may result in slope failure and may 

cause land sliding. However, significant damage will be caused by project implementation. So, 

proper attention will be required. 

E. Sediments 

The project area is characterized by steeps slopes covered with soil and thick vegetation. Small 

nalas are the main source of erosion in the area, as runoff water causes flow of soil and small 

rock masses from the slopes. Sedimentation is practically insignificant as the stream has 

sufficient capacity to carry these sediments leading to erosion. During the rainy season, large 

blocks, boulders, etc. carried from the upper zones often get dumped in the river bed at lower 

reaches due to changes in gradient or broadening of the river bed. 

F. Impact on Air Quality 

The project does not generate any air emissions during operation, and will generate a net 

environmental benefit by offsetting air emissions from thermal power generation. 

G. Impact on Noise 

During project operation, noise from the substation and power house operation, and corona noise 

from the conductors will be felt only up to 15-30m. The noise generated will not be intense and 

no major settlements are within 30 m from the proposed sites. Substation area should be 

surrounded by walls with a minor sound insulation effect; total noise control will be quite 

expensive. The other alternative is proper maintenance of the equipment/machines inside the 

substations so that the ambient noise level meets the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) 

standard for residential area i.e. 55 audible decibels dB(A) during daytime and 45 dB(A) during 

nighttime at the boundary of substations. Hence the impact will not be significant. 

H Impact on Surface Water Quality 

The operation of the proposed transmission line and SHP will not have any major impact on the 

surface and groundwater quality. Transformers free of polychlorinated biphenyl will be used for 

the substations. 

I Impact on Groundwater Quality 

Ground pollution can occur if chemical substances and oily waste percolate to the water table. 

Avoiding spilling at the tower construction site and powerhouse will minimize the chances of 

79



leaching construction chemicals to the groundwater. Adequate treatment facilities at substation 

areas should be provided to avoid groundwater pollution. 

J Impact on Soil and Geology 

No impact on soil is expected during the operational phase. Geological impact are related to 

damage due to seismic conditions. The area under the Project primarily falls in zone V a high 

damage risk zone. Foundation design of the towers and powerhouses considers the probability of 

earthquake at the design stage itself. 

5.2.3.1.2 Ecological Resources 

A. Impact on Terrestrial Ecology 

During the operational phase, clearing of vegetation and trimming of trees along the alignment 

corridor will be done for maintenance purposes. This will reduce the chance of fires due to 

electric sparks. The project is under rehabilitation so minimum construction work will be 

required approximately 0.334 hectares of new forest land & Nap land will be required and no 

trees will need to be removal. This will acquire regulatory approval (forest clearance) from 

MoEF. Since the proposed sites for most of the project works are in forest-designated land, forest 

clearance will be required from the state government. The Department of Forests will receive 

compensation for the RoW from concern agency and for compensatory forestry from UJVNL; 

this will be reported to the state ministry responsible for environment and forests. 

B. Terrestrial Fauna 

During the operation phase, birds may hit the transmission lines. Deflectors will be added to 

minimize this risk. 

C. Impact on Aquatic Ecology 

The proposed transmission line will pass over rivers at several places. No significant impacts on 

aquatic ecology are envisaged as tower sites near the river. Sites will be carefully selected and 

designed to prevent excess run-off or erosion into the river. Some disturbance will occur during 

construction of diversion site/trench weir which occur significant impacts on aquatic fauna, As 

such no commercial fisheries are operating in the project area. 

5.2.3.1.3 Human Environment 

A. Health and Safety 

Health and safety impacts, such as accidents due to electro-cutting, fires and explosions, and 

exposure to electromagnetic fields along the alignment and at the substation, may occur. House 

80



will not be allowed within the project area and RoW. A safety and emergency procedures manual 

will be developed and kept at the substations. Necessary training regarding safety aspects to the 

personnel, working at the substation and line inspectors will be provided. Personal protective 

equipment like safety gloves, helmet, and noise protection will be provided during construction 

and during maintenance work. Priority will be given to maintaining hygienic conditions and 

good aesthetics at the substations and power house. Efforts should be made to run medical 

dispensary and run under a qualified doctor at site. 

B. Socioeconomic 

Rural and urban electrification is expected to have beneficial impacts on socioeconomic 

conditions. Anticipated light industrial development will trigger economic growth. 

C. Solid Waste Generation 

Solids waste may be generated, such as metal scraps, wooden packing material, and oily waste. 

Oily waste and scrap will be collected and disposed of in compliance with the Environmental 

Protection Act, 1986, and applicable regulations and rules. 

5.2.4 Secondary Activities 

The setting up of an SHP will increase urbanization, (though to a small extent only), increased 

transport and associated development. This may have a beneficial impact on the socio economic 

structure and infrastructure. It may also have certain adverse impacts. 

5.3 Screening of Impact 

The matrix identifies the possible impacts due to various activities of the project on different 

environmental attributes. Some of these impacts are insignificant and does not warrant further 

analysis. Thus our objective is now to identify those impacts, which are significant and require 

further detailed analysis to the extent necessary for decision making purposes. 

The major construction activities like excavation, construction, erection of equipment, drainage, 

laying of water pipelines etc. will all take place over a short time frame. Thus their impacts may 

be considered to be temporary. The operation of a hydropower unit and their secondary activities 

may have negligible impacts and will considered for detailed examination. 

81



5.4 Findings 

From the Matrix (attach at the end of report as figure 5.1) it is deduced that the air quality, noise 

level and vibration, surface water quality, flora and fauna, soil quality and cultural resources are 

likely to be marginally negatively affected but it will be diluted by nearby forest and plantation 

of different forest area. A special care and mitigative measures will be taken to minimize their 

negative impacts which will be done near by project area or near by proposed colony site. 

However, it is heartening to note that the overall impact of hydel project is positive, as is evident 

from the Impact Assessment Matrix. The parameters which will be positively affected are 

aesthetics, land and property value, land use pattern, employment quality of life, basic amenities, 

trade and commerce, economy and income level. 

82



6.0 Economic Assessment 

CHAPTER - 6 

The Sobla hydroelectric project envisages construction of a 15 mt. high trench weir above the 

deepest foundation level with location near village sobla on river Sobla Gad. The power house is 

located just before of the confluence of Dhauliganga with river inside the right bank hill. The 

major works of the project include intakes, an underground desilting basin, a 51 mt. long, 

penstocks and tail race works. The salient features of the project are given in the report. The 

power house will have an installed capacity of 8.0 MW. The Project estimated cost as per DPR 

prepared in 2009 is Rs. 3542.00 lacs. The abstract of cost estimate Sobla SHP of project is 


Table 6.1 - Cost Estimate (Reconstruction of Sobla SHP) 

S. No. 

AMOUNT (Rs Lacs) 

ITEM 

CIVIL E/M TOTAL 

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) 

I Works 

1. A-Preliminary 50.00 

2. B-Land (CAT+R&R) 80.00 

3. C-Works 

3.1 Repair of Head Works 71.35 71.35 

3.2 Construction of Desilting tank 88.49 88.49 

3.3 Repair of D-tank and Protection Work 26.26 26.26 

3.4 Repair of Damaged Power Channel 58.96 58.96 

3.5 Repair of Fore-bay tank 1.67 1.67 

3.6 Construction of Penstock, Thrust, Anchor and Saddle 238.68 238.68 

3.7 Power house building & Land Development Work 252.00 252.00 

3.8 Construction of Switchyard 20.51 20.51 

3.9 Protection of Power House & Penstock 25.26 25.26 

3.10 Water Supply Line(Lump Sum) 2.50 2.50 

3.11 Construction of TRC 51.13 51.13 

Total C-Works 811.55 836.81 

4. K-Building (Colony Protection + Colony Repair + Old 

Storage Repair) 22.26 22.26 

5. M-Plantation 10.00 

6. O-Miscellaneous @ 4% of Civil/E&M works 106.94 

83



7. P-Maintenance @ 1% of items I-works Less item 1,2 & 11 27.18 

8. Q-Special tools & plants 25.00 

9. R-Communication 27.63 

10. S-Power Plant & Accessories 1862.00 1862.00 

11. Y-Losses on stock @ 0.25% on item 3 to 7 & 9 to 10 2.40 

Total : I – works 833.81 1862.00 3050.22 

II ESTABLISHMENT 

1. @ 10% of I-Works 81.16 81.16 

2. @ 8% of E/M Works 148.96 148.96 

III ORDINARY TOOLS & PLANTS 

1. @ 1% of I-Works 30.50 

IV RECEIPT & RECOVERIES 

1. At the rate of 0.75% of Q-spl. T&P 0.19 

Total of Direct Charges 

V INDIRECT CHARGES 

1. Audit & Account @ 1% of I-Works 30.50 

VI TRANSMISSION SYSTEM 

1. 33 KV Line 200.00 

GRAND TOTAL 3541.53 

Say 3542.00 

(Rs.Three Thousand Five Hundred Forty Two. Lacs Only) 

The above cost does not include the cost of transmission. The estimate for civil & Hydro 

mechanical works have been prepared based on the average rates for major items of works made 

available by CWC and CEA has been followed. 

6.1 Proposed EMP, CAT and DMP Estimate 

The different activities required to carried out for EMP, CAT and DMP implementation 

are presented in table 6.2, 6.3 and 6.4. The estimated provision of fund will be allocated 

in project cost for implementation of EMP, CAT and DMP. 

84



Table 6.2 – Cost estimate for the implementation of EMP 

Sl. 

No. 

Particulars 

Amount 

(Rs. In lacs) 

1. Provision of sewage treatment 2.00 

2. Oil Sepration System 1.00 

3. Drainage system 1.00 

4. Solid Waste Sepration system 0.20 

5. Solid waste Disposal System (Safe & Scientific manner) 0.50 

6. Restoration and landscaping of construction sites 10.00 

7. Green belt development 2.50 

8. Compensatory afforestation 1.00 

9. Socio economic development work 10.00 

Total 28.20 

Running Operation & Maintenance (Yearly) 

1. Muck management plan 2.50 

2. Treatment and operation cost of STP 0.50 

3. Maintenance cost of STP 0.20 

4. House keeping cost 1.00 

5. Proper Disposal of solid waste 0.50 

6. Green belt maintenance 0.50 

7. Social : Electricity, Water, Dispensary, School, Woman welfare etc. 2.50 

Total 7.70 

Table 6.3 – Cost estimates for Catchment Area treatment Work 

Sl. 

No. 

Item 

Amount 

(Rs. In lacs) 

1. CAT office establishment and maintenance 1.00 

2. Development and maintenance of nursery 0.25 

3. Plantation in degraded forest land & maintenance for 5 years 2.00 

4. Barbed wire fencing for protection 1.00 

5. Road side plantation 0.20 

6. Maintenance of roadside plantation 0.50 

8. Providing wire crate 2.00 

9. Stream bank protection 1.00 

10. Stone masonry check dam - 

11. Vegetative check dam - 

12. Maintenance of protection works up to fifth year. 5.00 

Total 12.95 

85



Table 6.4 – Cost estimates for the implementation of DMP 

Sl. No. Particulars Amount 

(Rs. In lacs) 

1. Installation of alert systems, Setting up of Control Room 2.00 

2. Setting up of Communication System 2.00 

3. Setting up of Emergency Response Organization 1.00 

4. Public Information System 1.00 

5. Training & miscellaneous 2.00 

6. Annual Budgetary provision for implementation of DMP 2.00 

Total 10.00 

Note : EMP and DMP implementation cost may vary depending on the market value prevailing 

at that very time. 

Since the area is prone to natural disaster, suitable provision in the design of the diversion, 

desilting and power house structures should be made to withstand the fury of flood. Adequate 

provision in the shape of flood protection works should be provided to protect the power station 

building, the desilting tank and other structures lying close to the river bank. The staff of the 

power plant should be trained in disaster management related activities. 

VHF communication system shall be provided in the power station for notifying the state disaster 

management agency of the disaster. 

The cost on the above measures including table 6.2, 6.3 and 6.4 are included in the project cost. 

6.2 Impact of Hydel Project 

Any project is likely to have some beneficial or harmful impacts, which may be either beneficial 

or adverse. The likely impact of the proposed hydel project have been worked out on the basis of 

the data collected pertaining to socio-economic aspects i.e. base line survey, which has been 

discussed in the previous chapter. 

6.2.1 Impact on Agricultural Scenario 

The proposed project is expected to generate more employment for the local people, which in 

turn, will generate more income to the people. At the same time, the development of the local 

area in terms of an enlarged market economy may provide the local farmers with proper outlet 

for their agricultural products to enjoy the price incentive, which is likely to be strong enough to 

offset the expected local inflation through real-balance effect. Therefore, the impact of the 

project on the existing agricultural situation is more likely to be positive. 

86



6.2.2 Impacts on Consumption Behaviour 

There is a strong multiplier effect of the project. As it is expected, the proposed hydel project is 

going to inject huge amount of money in the area and consequently, the aforesaid multiplier 

effect may lead to an overall increase in average income of the inhabitants and consumption for 

the people of i.e. study area. Therefore, it can be ascertained that the impact of the project on the 

consumption behaviour is likely to be positive. 

6.2.3 Impact on Employment and Income 

Presently hill area is suffering from migration of people. Peoples migrated for a better job 

opportunity and good life style. The majority of the respondents have still agriculture their main 

occupation (about 74%). It is observed that about 26% of them have secondary source of 

income-like service, self-employment, business etc. discussions with the respondents revealed 

that a part of the income from secondary sources earned by them is usually ploughed back in for 

development of agriculture so that they can produce more and thereby meet their own food 

requirements and supplement their income by selling agricultural produce in the local market. 

Given this existing situation, the new investment in the proposed hydel project will have 

multidirectional impact on direct and indirect employment pattern and enhance income of the 

people in the study area. 

Increase of employment opportunities has been an important objective in the state. The present 

project has an employment generation plan and the possible impact of this plan makes it clear 

that a large part of the employment will trickle down to the local people which in turn, will 

generate income. An attempt is also made here, to estimate the direct employment and income 

effect of the project during construction and operation period is presented in table 6.5 and 6.6. In 

estimating the share of local People in direct employment of various categories, some relevant 

assumptions are made. 

Table 6.5 - Direct Employment and Income Generation during 

construction period (approx.) 

Sl. Category No. Rate Wage bill 

No. (Rs lacs/yr) (Rs lacs/yr) 

1. Executive 10 3 30.0 

2. Skilled 25 1.20 30.0 

3. Semi skilIed/ 25 1.0 25.0 

unskilled 50 0.97 48.50 

4. Non technical 50 0.97 48.50 

5. Contractors workers*. 100 0.97 97.00 

Total 260 279.00 

87



Table 6.6 - Direct Employment and Income Generation during 

operation period (approx.) 

Sl. Category No. Rate Wage bill 

No. (Rs lacs/yr) (Rs lacs/yr) 

1. Executive 03 3.6 10.80 

2. Jr. Engineer 03 2.16 6.48 

3. SkilIed 04 1.44 5.76 

4. Technical 04 0.97 3.88 

5. Non technical 08 0.97 7.76 

6. Contractors workers*. 

Total 22 34.68 

*It may be noted that ‘contractors’ workers will be employed only when required. Overall assessment of the project 

on employment and income effects indicates that it has positive impact on employment and income. 

Note : Prediction of income is quite difficult due to incomplete information it may be increased. 

An attempt is made here according to relevant information by economist. 

6.2.4 Perception of Local People 

In this context, the selected villagers/households of Dharchula blocks of project area were asked 

about their perception in relation to environment due to hydel projects. The analysed data 

revealed that 72 percent households perceived pollution of environment as a potential source of 

health problems but they did agree that the hydel project is not create any nuisance or 

environmental Problem. However, these households are mainly educated/literate. Further only 11 

percent reported that they are aware of environment, but are not aware of the implications of 

adverse effects of polluted environment, However, 17 percent do not know, what is environment 

and showed their altogether ignorance of the environment. These households are illiterate and 

below poverty line. 

6.2.5 Conclusion 

The analysis of various aspects of the present study amply revealed that the present project is 

going to create positive impact on the socio-economic conditions of the people in the study area. 

On the basis of the present study the following significant conclusions could be drawn: 

(i) 

The project is not going to cause any damage to the present traditional agriculture 

prevailing in that area but rather will give an impetus to farming. Moreover, it may 

indirectly help the’ agriculture to improve by way of generating additional income from 

subsidiary sources expected to be generated by the project. 

88



(ii) The project will have positive impact on consumption behaviour of the people of the 

study area by way of improvement in average consumption, of superior quality products 

of the people through multiplier effect. 

(iii) The project will have strong positive employment and income effects, which may 

facilitate socio-economic development of the study area. 

(iv) The project will be an incentive and speed up the growing view on importance of 

education among the people of the study area. 

(v) Peoples’ perception regarding the project is found to be neither optimistic’ nor 

pessimistic. 

(vi) The project is likely to bring about positive changes in the life style and quality of life of 

the people located in that area. 

Overall outcome of this impact assessment gets reflected through the major inter-relationships 

and inter-dependence among various aspects of the study. The Proposed hydel project will 

generate income in exchange of skilled and unskilled labour along with future job opportunities. 

Market plays the catalytic role in the process of economic development of this area with its 

influences on the overall life style of the local people. Development of social infrastructure and 

commercial activities in and around the proposed hydel project is expected to have strong 

positive impact on the socio economy of the area. Moreover, since the proposed hydel project 

would be located in an area where there is no scope of development of opportunity chances. 

Whole hill area is very peaceful an establishment of hydel project may prevent migration of 

people from hill area and chances of law and order problems are likely to be few. 

89



CHAPTER – 7 

7.0 Environment Management Plan 

The Environment Protection Act 1997 (the Act) provides for the protection of the environment 

and includes a provision in section 38 for the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to enter 

into an Environmental Protection Agreement and under section 43 for the EPA to require an 

Environmental Authorisation. To assist with assessing proposed and existing developments and 

the production of agreements and authorisations Environment Management Plans (EMP) should 

be developed by all authorised proponents. For all other proponent activities, in which the 

submission of an EMP is desirable, the structure of the submission should be consistent with 

these guidelines. 

EMPs have the purpose of protecting the environment, and are based around the objectives of the 

Act. This includes requiring persons engaging in polluting activities to prevent environmental 

degradation and adverse risks to human and ecosystem health, make progressive environmental 

improvements, achieve effective integration of environmental, economic and and social 

considerations in the decision making process, promote shared responsibility for the 

environment, and promote the principles of ecologically sustainable development. 

The primary purpose of the EMP is to provide information to the EPA on a proposed/existing 

development within the local and regional framework, with the aim of emphasising how the 

proposed/existing development may impact on the relevant environmental factors and how those 

impacts may be mitigated and managed so as to be environmentally acceptable. An EMP 

requires the proponent to: 

Describe the proposed/existing development; 

Describe the receiving environment; 

Outline the potential impacts of the proposed/existing development on factors of the 

environment; 

Identify the proposed management strategies to ensure those environmental factors are 

appropriately protected; and 

Demonstrate that the proposed/existing development should be judged by the EPA to be 

environmentally acceptable. 

90



7.1 Objectives of the Environment Management Plan 

The objectives of the EMP are: 

Place the proposed/existing development in the context of the local and regional 

environment; 

Adequately describe all components of the proposed/existing development, so that the 

EPA can consider approval of a well-defined project; 

Provide the basis of the proponent’s environment management program, which shows 

that the environmental impacts resulting from the proposed/existing development, 

including cumulative impact, can be acceptably managed; and 

Provide a document that clearly sets out the reasons why the proposed/existing 

development should be judged by the EPA to be environmentally acceptable. 

7.2 Anticipated Impacts and Management Plan 

Magnitude of anticipated impacts and their potential impacts on four categories of physical 

environment, environmental pollution, ecological resources and human environment is presented 

in table 7.1. 

91



Table 7.1 - Magnitude of anticipated impacts and proposed Management Plan 

Sl. 

No. 

Environmental 

Attribute 

A. Physical Resources 

Potential Impacts 

1. Topography Change in the surface 

features and present 

aesthetics due to the 

construction at 

different project sites. 

2. Climate Impacts on the 

climatic conditions, 

marginal removal of 

trees along alignment 

and SHPs to be done. 

3. Hydrology Operation of head 

works. 

Project 

Phase 

Operation 

phase 

Construction 

and 

Operation 

Magnitude 

of Impacts 

Management Plan 

Low Plantation surrounding the 

substation and powerhouse area to 

improve aesthetics. No other 

mitigation required. 

Low 

Compensatory afforestation. 

Operation Low Construction of trench type weir. 

Ground water Table Operation Low 

Dewatered river bed 

(during lean period) 

Operation Low During lean period flow would be 

optimum. 20% of flow will be 

due to stream 

discharge in main stream. 

diversion. 

Change in flow Operation Low During lean period flow would be 

regime (during lean 

period) due to stream 

optimum. 20% of flow will be 

discharge in main stream. 

diversion. 

Flow disruption Operation Low Since rivers are natural 

(during lean period) 

due to ponding at 

forest/Glacier fed, even during lean 

period flow would be optimum. 

diversion. 

Change in land use Operation Low Land to be submerged negligible 

by submergence of 

land due to ponding 

sediment utilized for plantation 

purposes. 

at diversion. 

Sedimentation. Operation Low Sediment will be restored and 

utilized to improved aesthetic value 

of area 

River morphology. Operation Low Large blocks boulders get dumped 

in river bed due to change of 

gradient 

Pests and weeds. 

Low 

Water leakage may 

cause land sliding. 

Operation 

Proper care should be taken during 

construction of channel 

92



B. Environmental Resources 

1 Air Quality Project will have 

marginal impact on 

air quality during the 

construction period 

due to dust emission. 

2 Noise Noise due to general 

construction and 

corona noise from 

conductors. 

3 Surface and 

Ground Water 

quality 

Noise arising from 

substation operation 

and corona noise 

from conductors. 

Change of water 

course may increase 

TDS which affect 

D.O. level 

Runoff from the 

construction site 

leading to increase in 

COD, BOD, oil & 

grease, etc. 

Domestic wastewater 

from construction 

sites and during 

substation/SHP 

operation leading to 

increase in COD, 

BOD, oil & grease, 

etc. 

Oil spillage 

Oil contamination 

during maintenance 

Construction Low Sprinkling of water at construction 

site, limited bare soils, maintenance 

of project vehicles, etc 

Construction Low Restriction of noise-generating 

activities at night and use of 

personal protective equipment like 

ear plugs, mufflers, etc. Plantation 

in surrounding of Power house and 

sub station also minimize noise. 

Operation Low Transformer location away from 

the human settlement. 

Monitoring of possible corona 

noise to identify and correct 

problems. 

Proper maintenance of 

equipment/machineries so that 

ambient noise standards will be 

achieved. Plantation will also help 

to minimize Noise. 

During 

operation 

period 

Before 

construction 

activity 

During 

construction 

and 

operation 

During 

construction 

and 

operation 

During 

operation 

Low 

medium 

Low 

Low 

Low 

Medium 

to 

New diverted water course will be 

constructed through hard rock 

available at site. Leakage of water 

will be probhited in each state. 

Careful siting of power house, sub 

station towers and access roads. 

Sedimentation ponds at the 

substations. 

Domestic waste water treatment by 

providing septic tank. If volume of 

domestic effluent will be high a 

small treatment facilities be setup. 

Containment structures, oil water 

separation, adopting good practices 

for oil handling and maintenance 

works for substation. 

Oil traps installation for separation 

of oil from water for substation or 

any location. 

93



4 Soils and 

Geology 

Soil erosion may be 

occur due to 

construction work or 

tower erecting and 

clearing of vegetation 

in the RoW and 

access roads. 

Soil erosion due to 

excavation and 

clearing of vegetation 

in the powerhouse 

and access roads. 

Improper debris 

removal/accumulatio 

n. 

Damage due to 

seismic activity. 

During and 

after the 

construction 

activity. 

During and 

after the 

construction 

activity. 

Preconstruction 

and 

construction. 

Construction 

/Operation 

phase. 

C. Ecological Resources 

1. Terrestrial Loss of vegetation. Before the 

Ecology 

construction 

phase 

2. Terrestrial 

Fauna 

3. Aquatic 

Ecology 

Disturbance to the 

local fauna during 

construction. 

Disturbance to the 

local fauna during 

operation. 

Disturbance to fish 

during construction 

of trench weir. 

No 

mitigation 

required 

During 

operation 

phase 

During 

construction 

/operation 

phase 

Low 

Low 

Medium 

Medium 

Avoiding of sites which are prone 

to soil erosion and land slide. 

Leveling of other sites and tower 

construction sites in scientific 

manner. Use of few access roads. 

Rehabilitation and stabilization of 

disturbed land. 

Avoiding of sites that are prone to 

soil erosion. Leveling of 

construction sites and tower 

construction sites in scientific 

manner. Use of few access roads. 

Rehabilitation and stabilization of 

disturbed land. 

Proper planning for debris removal 

from channel which will be reused 

in repair of existing structures, 

powerhouse, substations and for 

site reclamation. 

Safe site selection and proper civil 

work (as per norms) with tower 

foundation as per seismicity prone 

area. 

Low Location of towers and 

powerhouse at barren/waste land or 

thinly vegetated area and waste 

lands to minimize tree loss. 

Selection of few access roads. 

Compensatory afforestation. 

Minimum corridor width. 

Low Some wildlife species are reported 

to be seen in study area. Proper 

care should be taken on 

management and locale level to 

minimize any adverse impact. 

Low Monitoring of lines during the 

operation and deflectors will be 

added if required. 

Low No mitigative impact required. 

Species Since the river are forest/natural 

componia fed, even during the lean period, 

may after minimum flow will be maintained, 

due to flow hence aquatic ecology will have 

of water low impact. 

94



D. Human Environment 

1. Health and Exposure 

Safety electromagnetic 

fields. 

of 

Land slide, 

cloudburst, Fires 

and other accidents 

at 

the 

substations/power 

house. 

2. Agriculture Permanent and 

temporary loss of 

agriculture land due 

to tower erection, 

substation/powerho 

use, and due to 

access routes. 

3. Socioeconomic 

Beneficial impacts 

from rural and 

opportunities during 

construction/ 

operation phase 

4. Resettlement Resettlement of the 

house falling along 

the RoW. 

5. Cultural sites No archaeological, 

historical, or cultural 

important sites are 

affected by the 

construction of the 

project. 

6. Traffic and 

Transportation 

7. Solid Waste 

Generation 

Traffic congestion 

due to movement of 

construction 

vehicles 

Probability of 

surface and 

groundwater 

contamination. 

Construction 

/Operation 

phase. 

Construction 

/Operation 

phase 

Construction 

phase 

During 

operational 

phase. 

Construction 

phase 

During 

operation 

phase. 

Low Alignment route away from the 

settlement. No houses will be 

allowed in the RoW of the 

alignment, or near power houses 

and substations. 

High Use of personal protective equipment 

during construction and maintenance 

work. Preparation and 

implementation of safety and 

emergency manual/plan as per rule & 

regulation at power house/substation. 

Regular inspection of lines for land 

slide/faults prone area to prevent 

accidents. According DMP and off 

site emergency plan work should be 

done in crisis period. 

Low* Avoid prime agriculture land. 

Assessment of land. Assessment of 

land required and compensation will 

be given as per rules & regulation (if 

required). Construction activity will 

be start after crop harvesting and 

selection of few access routes. 

High Overall economic growth and 

infrastructure development of the 

region. 

Low 

Avoid high density areas, proper 

traffic signs at the construction site, 

ensuring proper access roads. 

- - No mitigation required 

Construction 

/Operation 

phase. 

Low 

Low 

*Already existing setup and line will be used so impact will be occurred minimum. 

Avoid high density areas, proper 

traffic signs at the construction site, 

ensuring proper access roads. 

The oil sludge should be separately 

stored in the containers, used 

transformer oil to be collected and 

reclaimed. Separated oily waste 

and scrap will be collected and 

disposed off in compliance with 

the Environmental Protection Act, 

1986, and applicable regulations 

and rules. 

95



Detail potential impacts and proposed mitigation measures (phase wise) of proposed Sobla - I 

SHP is presented in table 7.2. 

Table 7.2 - Proposed Management Plan (Phase Wise) 

Project Activity/Stage Potential Impact Proposed Mitigation measure 

(A)Preconstruction 

Civil work for power 

house, office, substation 

and colony 

Location 

of 

transmission towers and 

transmission line 

alignment and design. 

Equipment 

specifications and 

design parameters. 

Impact and air, water, 

noise, soil 

Exposure to safety 

related risks 


related risks 

Release of chemicals 

and gases in receptors 

(air, water, land) 

1. Colony already existing hence no adverse affect. 

2. Proper plantation all around colony. 

3. Drainage with De silting chamber, will be provide all around 

power house, office, sub station and colony. 

4. Solid waste storage bean system will be provided at required 

location. 

5. All buildings designed constructed as per seismic zone 

provision. 

6. Safety system will be provided at required location. 

Setback of dwellings to overhead line route designed in 

accordance with permitted level of power frequency and the 

regulation of supervision at sites. 

Not used in substation transformers or other project facilities or 

equipment by concerned agencies. 

Processes, equipment, and systems will not to use 

chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), including halon, and their use. 

Transmission line Exposure to 33 KV Transmission line will be required for the power 

design 

electromagnetic evacuation from this project which does not have 

interference 

electromagnetic interference. Additional measures by suitable 

design to comply with the limits of electromagnetic 

interference from overhead power lines. 

SHP/Substation location Exposure to noise Design of plant enclosures to comply with noise regulations. 

Location 

of Impact on water Consideration of site location where prime agricultural land not 

transmission towers and bodies and land available. 

transmission line Social inequities Carefully site selection to avoid existing settlements, 

alignment and design 

agricultural land & forest land. 

Location 

of 

No need to acquire agricultural land. 

powerhouse, head 

works. 

Involuntary resettlement 

or land acquisition. 

Social inequities Compensation paid for temporary permanent loss of productive 

land as per Govt. rules and regulation. 

Encroachment into Loss of precious Avoid encroachment by careful site and alignment selection. 

precious ecological ecological 

Minimise the need by using existing towers and RoW wherever 

areas. 

values/impacts on possible. 

precious species 

96



Transmission 

through forestland. 

Encroachment 

farmland. 

line 

into 

Deforestation and loss 

of biodiversity 

Loss of agricultural 

productivity 

Noise related Nuisance to 

neighbouring 

properties 

Interference with Flooding hazards/loss 

drainage 

of agricultural 

patterns/Irrigation production 

channels 

Escape of polluting Environmental 

materials 

pollution 

Equipment submerged 

under flood 

Ground 

subsidence/landslide 

Explosions/fire 

(B) Construction 

Civil work for power 


and colony 

Equipment layout and 

installation 

Contamination of 

receptors (land, water) 

Natural disaster 

frequently observed 

Hazards to fire 

Impact and air, water, 

noise, soil 


related risks 

Noise and vibrations 

Avoid encroachment by careful site and alignment selection. 

Minimise the need by using existing towers and RoW, 

wherever possible. 

Obtain statutory clearances from the Government. 

Use existing tower footing/towers wherever possible. 

Avoid sitting new towers on farmland wherever feasible. 

Farmers compensated for any permanent loss of productive 

land. 

Farmers/land owners compensated for significant trees that 

need to be trimmed/removed along Right-of-Way. 

Substations, powerhouse, head works designed to ensure noise 

will not be a nuisance. 

Appropriate channel alignment and siting of towers to avoid 

any hazrd. 

Transformers designed with oil spill containment systems, and 

purpose-built oil, lubricant and fuel storage system, complete 

with spill cleanup equipment. 

Powerhouses/substations to include drainage and sewage 

disposal systems to avoid offsite land and water pollution. 

Powerhouses/substations constructed above the high flood 

level (HFL) by raising the foundation pad. 

Careful site selection with appropriate civil and sitting of 

towers to avoid any hazard. 

Design of Powerhouses/substations to include modern fire 

control systems/firewalls. 

Provision of fire fighting equipment to be located close to 

transformers, power generation equipment. 

1. Small hut size colony should be developed. 





location. 


provision. 


Construction techniques and machinery selection seeking to 

minimize ground disturbance. 

97



Physical construction Disturbed farming Construction activities on cropping land time to avoid 

activity 

disturbance of field crops (with in 1 month of harvest wherever 

possible). 

Mechanized 

Noise vibration and Construction maintenance and turning of plant. 

construction 

operator safety, 

efficient operation 

Noise vibration Proper maintenance and turning of plant. 

equipment wear and 

tear 

Construction of road for 

accessibility 

Increase in airborne 

dust particles 

Existing roads and tracks used for construction and 

maintenance access to the site wherever possible. 

Increased land New access ways restricted to a single carriageway width. 

requirement for 

temporary 

accessibility 

Temporary blockage of No blockage 

Temporary placement of fill in drains/canals not permitted. 

utilities 

Site clearance Vegetation Marking of vegetation to be removed prior to clearance, and 

strict control on clearing activities to ensure minimal clearance. 

Trimming/cutting of Fire hazards 

Trees allowed growing up to a specified height within the RoW 

trees within RoW 

by maintaining adequate clearance between the top of tree and 

the conductor as per the regulations. 

Loss of vegetation Trees that can survive pruning to comply should be pruned 

and deforestation instead of cleared. 

Felled trees and other cleared or pruned vegetation to be 

disposed of as authorized by the statutory bodies. 

Wood/vegetation Loss of vegetation Construction workers prohibited from harvesting wood in the 

harvesting 

Surplus earth work/soil 

and deforestation 

Runoff to cause water 

pollution, solid waste 

disposal 

project area during their employment, (apart from locally 

employed staff continuing current legal activities). Contractor 

should arrange LPG gas for cooking of food for their workers. 

Excess fill from tower foundation excavation disposed of next 

to roads or on barren land or personal in agreement with the 

local community or land owner. 

Soil excavated from power houses will be disposed as safe & 

scientific manner by placement on barren land or along backfill 

trenchweir etc. 

Substation construction Loss of soil Fill for the substation foundation obtained by creating or 

improving local water supply ponds or drains, with the 

agreement of local communities. 

Substation construction Water pollution Construction activities involving significant ground 

disturbance (i.e., substation land forming) not undertaken 

during the monsoon season. 

Storage of chemicals Contamination of Fuel and other hazardous materials securely stored above high 

and materials 

receptors (land, water, flood level with safety measures. 

air) 

98



Construction schedules Noise nuisance Construction activities only undertaken during the day and 

local communities will be informed of the construction 

schedule. 

Provision of facilities Contamination of Construction workforce will be provided for certain facilities it 

for construction receptors (land, water, include proper sanitation, water supply and waste disposal 

workers 

air) 

facilities. 

Encroachment into Loss of agricultural Use of existing roads wherever possible. 

agricultural land productivity 

Ensure existing irrigation facilities are maintained in working 

condition. 

Protect/Preserve topsoil and reinstate after construction 

completed. 

Repair/reinstate damaged bunds, etc. after construction 

completed. 

Social inequities Compensation for temporary loss in agricultural production. 

Uncontrolled 

erosion/silt runoff 

Soil loss, downstream 

siltation; etc. 

Need for access tracks minimised, use of existing roads. 

Limit site clearing to work areas regeneration of vegetation to 

stabilize works areas on completion (where applicable). 

Avoidance of excavation in wet seasons. 

Water courses protected from siltation through use of bunds 

and sediment ponds. 

Nuisance to nearby Losses 

to Contract clauses specifying careful construction practices on 

properties. 

neighbouring land every stage. 

uses/values 

Maximum existing access ways will be used. 

Productive land will be reinstated following completion of 

construction. 

Social inequities Compensation will be paid for loss of production, if any. 

Flooding hazards due to Flooding and loss of Avoid natural drainage pattern/facilities being 

construction 

soils, contamination disturbed/blocked/diverted by ongoing construction activities. 

impediments of natural of receptors (land, 

drainage. 

water) 

Equipment submerged Contamination of Equipment stored at secure place above the high flood level 

under flood 

receptors (land, water) (HFL). 

Inadequate siting of Loss of land values Existing sites (if available) will be used, therefore, no need to 

borrow areas 

develop new sources of aggregates. 

Environment, Health Injury and sickness of Arrangement of Environment awareness programme. 

and safety 

workers and members 

of the public. 

Contract provisions specifying minimum requirements for 

construction camps. 

Preparation and implementation of health and safety plan. 

Arrangement of primary health centre with medicine and 

instrument with a knowledgeable health staff. 

Arrangement for health and safety training sessions. 

99



Inadequate construction 

stages monitoring. 

Likely to maximize 

damages 

(C) Operation and Maintenance 

Construction of power Impact and air, water, 


and colony 

noise, soil 


related risks 

Wood/vegetation 

harvesting 

Loss of vegetation 

and deforestation 

Location 

of Exposure to safety 

transmission towers, related risks 

transmission line 

alignment, and 

powerhouse. 

Equipment may Contamination of 

submerged under flood receptors (land, water) 

Oil spillage Contamination of 

land/nearby water 

bodies 

Inadequate provision of Injury and sickness of 

staff/workers health and staff/workers 

safety during operations 

Electric shock Hazards Injury/mortality to 

staff and public 

Operation and 

maintenance staff skills 

Unnecessary 

environmental losses 

Training to personal of implementing agency for 

environmental monitoring work. 

Implementation of effective environmental monitoring and 

reporting system using checklist of all contractual 

environmental requirement. 

Appropriate contact clauses to ensure satisfactory 

implementation of contractual environmental mitigation 

measures. 

1. Small hut size colony should be developed. 





location. 


provision. 


Staff working at site prohibited from harvesting wood in the 

project area during their employment, (apart from locally 

employed staff continuing current legal activities). Contractor 

should arrange LPG gas for cooking of food for their workers. 

Setback of dwellings to overhead line route designed in 

accordance with permitted level of power frequency and the 

regulation of supervision at sites. 

Equipment will be installed above the high flood level (HFL) 

by raising the foundation pad. 

Substation transformers located bunded areas with a storage 

capacity of at least 100% of the capacity of oil in transformers 

and associated reserve tanks. 

Careful design using appropriate technologies to minimize 

hazards. 

Safety awareness raising for staff. 

Preparation of emergency plan and training given to staff, for 

their implementation. 

Adequate sanitation and water supply facilities will be 

provided. 

Careful design using appropriate technologies to minimise 

hazards. 

Security fences around substations/powerhouse/head works. 

Barriers to prevent climbing on/dismantling of transmission 

towers. 

Appropriate warning sign on facilities. 

Electric safety awareness rising in project areas. 

Fire hydrant point and fire extinguisher may be placed at 

appropriate places. 

Adequate training in O&M to all relevant staff of substations 

and transmission line maintenance crews. 

100



less than acceptable of various types Preparation and training in the use of O&M manuals and 

standard operating practices. 

Inadequate periodic Diminished ecological Proper environmental monitoring of project operations and 

environmental 

and social values. maintenance activities. 

monitoring. 

Equipment periodic Release of chemicals Processes, equipment and systems using cholofluorocarbons 

environmental 

monitoring 

and gases in receptors 

(air, water, land) 

(CFCs), including halon, should not be used in any stage of 

equipment. 

Transmission line Exposure to Powerhouse design to comply with the limits of 

maintenance 

electromagnetic 

interference. 

electromagnetic interference within floor area. 

Noise related Nuisance to 

neighbouring 

properties. 

Powerhouses/substations sited and designed to ensure noise 

will not be a nuisance. 

Sobla - I small hydro project is coming under rehabilitation plan, so reinstallation of power house 

with other facilities at this location will be preferable from safety point of view which would 

make the project technically, economically and environmentally feasible. Implementation of 

EMP with strong CAT and DMP will make the project feasible. Besides the above, some 

important points on EMP aspect are detailed here in as under. 

7.3 Restoration Plan for Quarry Sites 

During construction of a hydropower project large quantities of construction materials are 

required. The quarries need to be properly stabilized after excavation of construction material is 

completed. The recommended stabilization measures are described in the following paragraphs. 

The top soil is proposed to be removed before the start of quarrying. The removed top soil will 

be kept separate and stock piled so that it could be reused subsequently for the rehabilitation of 

quarry sites after the completion of quarrying activity. The extraction of construction material 

from quarries results in formation of depressions, which are proposed to be filled up by the 

dumping waste material generated during quarrying. The dumped material shall act as initial 

ecological pioneers site that would initiate the process of succession and colonization in future 

course of time. Boulders of moderate sizes would be used to line the boundary of the path. The 

top soil removed before the start of the project activity would be used for covering the filled up 

depressions/craters at the quarry sites. Micro organisms naturally present in the top soil would 

ameliorate the plant growth and natural plant succession. 

7.4 Management of Muck Disposal 

Muck generated from excavation in any hydel project component is required to be disposed in a 

planned manner so that it takes a least possible space and will not create any hazardous nuisance 

to the environment. In the hilly area, dumping is done after creating terraces thus usable terraces 

101



are developed. The overall idea is to enhance/maintain aesthetic view in the surrounding area of 

the project in post-construction period and avoid contamination of any land or water resource 

due to muck disposal. 

Suitable retaining walls shall be constructed to develop terraces so as to support the muck on 

vertical slope and for optimum space utilization. Loose muck would be compacted layer wise. 

The muck disposal area will be developed in a series of terraces of boulder crate wall and 

masonry wall to protect the area/muck from flood water during monsoons. In-between the 

terraces, catch water drain will be provided. 

The terraces of the muck disposal area will be ultimately covered with fertile soil and suitable 

plants will be planted adopting suitable bio-technological measures. The basic aim and 

objectives of the muck management plan are to: 

Protect the areas from soil erosion. 

Develop the area for afforestration. 

Develop as parks, gardens and play ground etc. 

The maximum quantity of muck will be utilize for development of infrastructure of the 

project 

Develop the area in harmony with the landscape of the project area. 

As only part excavation will be required for penstock laying & Power house construction, a very 

small amount of muck would be generated. This muck will be used in construction of the above 

structures & repair of other existing civil structures for the project. Amount earmarked for this 

purpose is presented in chapter 6. Various activities proposed as a part of the management plan 

are given as below: 

Land acquisition for muck dumping sites. 

Civil works (construction of retaining walls, boulder crate walls etc.) 

Dumping of muck. 

Levelling of the area, terracing and implementation of various engineering control 

measures e.g., boulder, crate wall, masonry wall, catch water drain. 

Spreading of soil. 

Application of fertilizers to facilitate vegetation growth over disposal sites. 

For stabilization of muck dumping sites following measures of biological and engineering 

measures will be taken. 

102



7.4.1 Biological Measures 

Plantation of suitable tree species and soil binding species. 

Plantation of ornamental plants. 

Barbed wire fencing. 

7.4.2 Engineering Measures 

Wire crate wall 

Boulder crate wall 

R.C.C 

Catch water Drain 

7.5 Restoration and Landscaping of Project sites 

The construction of the project structures, e.g., power house, approach roads, labour camps, etc. 

would disturb the existing topography and physiography only to a little extent as the main 

component of the project as Trench weir, Desilting tank, Water conductor system, Forebay tank, 

& most of the penstock is existing at site & need petty repair. Penstock shall have to be laid in 

some length but this will not affect existing topography & physiography. Although, no major 

alteration of the area is expected as the layout has been so conceived that no major impacts on 

this account are anticipated. It is proposed to landscape the area, so that it integrates with the 

natural surroundings and the beauty of the area. Accordingly, it is proposed to develop small 

gardens at power house site and nearby area. The landscaping plan is detailed on following 

headings. 

7.5.1 Garden Complex 

A garden with local ornamentation plants/orchids and trees should be created at required 

locations. All plants will be properly labelled with scientific and/or common names. 

7.5.2 Creation of viewpoints 

Viewpoints will be created one near the powerhouse and other at suitable place. These view 

points will be slab type extension above the ground, which will be properly reinforced and 

fenced to avoid any undesirable incidence. It will be given a shed and plantation of ornamental 

plants will be done near it. 

7.5.3 Landscaping 

Various sites in the area will be stabilized by constructing a series of benches. The walls that will 

be constructed for containing the slope will be embedded with local stone to integrate with the 

103



aesthetics of the area. Provision of fund earmarked for restoration and landscaping of project 

sites is mention in chapter 6. 

7.6 Greenbelt Development 

The forest loss due to various project appurtenances has been compensated as a part of 

compensatory afforestation. However in addition to these, it is proposed to develop greenbelt 

around the periphery of various project appurtenances. The general consideration will be taken 

while developing the greenbelt are: 

Local trees growing with perennial foliage should be planted around various 

appurtenances of the proposed project. 

Plantation of trees should be undertaken in appropriate encircling rows around the project 

site. 

Fast growing trees should be planted. 

A green belt around the reservoir will be created which will not only improve the aesthetics and 

vegetal cover, but would also prevent land slides along the reservoir periphery. The creation of 

green belt on either side of the reservoir will ensure protection of the reservoir area from any 

minor slips due to fluctuation in the water level. The slopes on both the banks will be planted 

with suitable tree species for creation of a green belt around the reservoir rim. In areas with 

moderately steep slopes indigenous, economically important, soil binding tree species will be 

planted, which are able to thrive well under high humidity and flood conditions. The following 

measures are recommended: 

(i) The green belt will develop on both the banks, up to the tail of the reservoir wherever 

moderately steep slopes are available for plantation. 

(ii) The average width of the green belt will vary with the topography. A minimum of 2 layers of 

plantation will be developed. 

(iii)Water loving species, preferably Salix alba, S. acmophylla, Populus alba and P. ciliata will 

be planted in the row nearest to the reservoir rim. The soil present at this level and the air 

moisture are favourable for the survival and growth of these species. 

(iv) Species like Aesculus indica, Grevellia robusta, etc. will occupy the middle portions of the 

green belt. 

v) The outermost layer of the green belt will be composed of hardy tree species and shrubby 

mix to withstand any external influences/ pressures of grazing, browsing by cattle and sheep, 

etc. In this layer the species Grevellia robusta, Ficus spp., and Quercus sp. will be planted in 

the inner as well as outer rows. 

104



The plantation and maintenance of the plantation area should also be done by the project 

proponents in association with the state government. At least more than 33% of total area will be 

developed under greenbelt development. The species to be planted under greenbelt development 

programme shall be finalized in consultation with the Forest Department. 

7.7 Compensatory Afforestation 

The loss of vegetal cover can be compensated by compensatory afforestation. The Indian Forest 

Conservation Act (1980) stipulates: if non-forest land is not available, compensatory forest 

plantations are to be established on degraded forest lands, which must be twice the forest area 

affected or lost, and if non-forest land is available, compensatory forest are to be raised over an 

area equivalent to the forest area affected or lost as per Govt. rate. 

7.8 Wildlife Conservation Plan 

As per available information the project and its surrounding areas have wildlife. Around the 

main construction areas i.e. the trenchweir site, power house site, etc. where construction 

workers congregate, some disturbance in the wildlife population may occur. However, in view of 

the wildlife concentration in the area, the impacts due to various construction activities could be 

marginal. 

7.9 Medical Facilities 

A population of about 250 is likely to congregate during the construction phase. The labour 

population will be concentrated at one or two sites. It is recommended that necessary and 

adequate medical facilities will be developed at the project site. It is recommended that the 

dispensary should be developed during project construction phase itself and continue it during 

operation phase also, so that it can serve the labour population/staff and locale people of the area 

who is traveling a long distance for medical facilities. It also help during any casualty and disaster. 

7.9.1 Health Management 

The increase in water fringe area provides suitable habitats for the growth of vectors of various 

diseases and they are likely to increase the incidence of water-related diseases. The suggested 

measures to minimize the incidence of vector-borne diseases are given in following paragraphs: 

Site selected for labour camps should not be in the path of natural drainage. 

Adequate drainage system to dispose storm water drainage from the labour colonies 

should be provided. 

105



 

 

Adequate vaccination and immunization facilities should be provided for workers at the 

construction site. 

The labour camps and resettlement sites should be sufficiently away from a main water 

body or quarry areas. 

7.10 Landslides 

The proposed project area is located in a landslide prone area for which adequate management 

measures need to be incorporated. Unscientific land use pattern is the major cause for the present 

deteriorating situation for which appropriate land use regulation measures need to be 

implemented. Social and economic upliftment, generating new local resource based small ecofriendly 

practices on steeper slopes, etc. can be other measures which can be implemented to 

control landslide hazards. Various measures recommended for control of landslides are given in 

the following paragraphs. Discouraging new developments in hazardous areas by: 

 

 

 

 

Disclosing the hazard prone areas. 

Adopting utility and public facility service area policies. 

Informing and educating the public. 

Manning a record of hazard. 

Removing or converting existing development through: 

Acquiring or exchanging hazardous properties. 

Discontinuing non-conforming uses 

Reconstructing damaged areas after landslides. 

Removing unsafe structures. 

Clearing and redeveloping blighted areas before landslides. 

Regulating new development in hazardous areas by: 

Enacting grading ordinances. 

Adopting hill side development regulations. 

Amending landuse zoning and regulations creating hazard reduction zones and 

regulations. 

Enacting subdivision ordinances. 

Protecting existing development by: 

Controlling landslides and slumps. 

Controlling mudflows and debris flows. 

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Controlling rock falls. 

Operating monitoring, warning and equation system. 

In addition to above appropriate landslide control measures including various biological and 

engineering measures shall be implemented. These measures are as below: 

7.10.1 Biological Treatment measures 

Compensatory Afforestation 

Pasture Development 

Agro-forestry 

Contour farming 

7.10.2 Engineering Treatment measures 

Wire Crate walls 

Gabion structures 

Check dams 

Contour and Graded Trenching 

Step Drains 

Stone Masonry. 

More prominently, generation of electricity for the development of the region is inevitable. The 

construction of new motorable roads is not fit for the region. Already existing, roads along the 

streams are more prone for soil erosion, landslide and mass movement. Ropeways are best suited 

with the landscape of the basin (if required). Micro-hydropower project will supply electricity for 

the ropeways. It will definitely lead a way for transportation facilities, on the one hand and will 

reduce the ecological imbalance in this ecologically fragile mountain terrain, on the other. 

In this hilly district water source are not easily accessible hence water for drinking and irrigation 

is a problem for the local people. Agriculture is mostly rainfed. Hence new source need to be 

identified and existing sources need to be conserved and augmented. 

As such the project is under RMU so any new land acquisition and rehabilitation problem not 

occur. So any new law and order problem may not be generated. Implementing Agency will 

incurr the expenditure to implement the environment management plan as mentioned in earlier 

chapter 6. Environment management work can be executed as per environment management 

organization chart is presented as figure 7.1 at the end of report. 

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7.3 Catchment Area Treatment Plan 

7.3.1 Catchment Scenario 

The total catchment area of river Sobla Gad are 87 sq. km. No vegetation grows in the river bed 

and stony area. Any kind of treatment is neither possible nor warranted in such area. The small 

area where a kind of vegetation is available substantially denuded and deforested due to 

indiscriminate felling, repeated lopping of trees for fodder, uncontrolled excessive grazing and 

annual burning of forest. Reduction of vegetative cover in the recent times has worsened the 

ecosystem of all river valleys. 

The catchment area treatment (CAT) plan pertains to preparation of a management plan for 

treatment of erosion prone area of the catchment through biological and engineering measures; 

however, a comprehensive CAT plan should also include the social dimensions associated 

directly or indirectly with the catchment. A well-designed CAT plan should not only control the 

sedimentation of reservoir but should also provide a life support system to the local population 

through their active involvement. An effective CAT plan of a hydropower project is a key factor 

to make the project eco-friendly and sustainable. A detail separate CAT study should require in all 

over water shed of Sobla Gad basin. An out line about study with objective about CAT is sketched 

here only. 

7.3.2 Catchment Area Treatment Measures 

The treatment measures will be designed keeping in view the ecological as well as social 

dimensions of the project. The treatment measures emphasize on conservation of the catchment 

through plantation and supporting engineering works. It envisages an active participation of the 

local community. As this area is falling under restricted and sensitive zone, so a careful planning 

and their implementation will be required in every stage. 

7.3.2.1 Plantation Works in Degraded Forest Area 

It is proposed to carry out plantation in the degraded forest area. The area selected for plantation 

in each of the sub-water sheds is marked with the help of forest department. Delineation of 

plantation area from these sub watersheds is on the basis of Sediment Yield Index value and the 

total area of the sub watershed. Actual patches for plantation shall be earmarked physically by 

the CAT implementing agency accordingly at the time of execution, depending on the 

accessibility as well as treatibility of the area. The plantation would help in reducing the silting 

of reservoir in addition to the multi objective of soil conservation, water recharge and ecorestoration 

of the degraded area. 

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7.3.2.2 Road Side Plantation 

It is proposed to carry out road side plantation along of road, identifying suitable patches of 

roads in the project intervention area involving local educational institutes and local citizens and 

along the newly constructed road to project site. 

7.3.2.3 Drainage Line Treatment and Soil Conservation Works 

These would include construction of check dams and retaining walls at specific locations 

accompanied by tree and shrub planting to control erosion in gullies, eroding streams and land 

slide. The location and details of these structures shall be worked out individually, keeping in 

view the patches of plantation and site-specific design requirements. Forest department shall 

carry out these works; however, local public (through Van Panchayat) shall be involved where 

such works fall within the village boundary. 

7.3.2.4 Maintenance Support for Soil Conservation Works 

Mass movement of land, erosion, monsoon related land slides and large cloudbursts are common 

in the catchment area, since it is geologically very fragile and seismologically active. It is most 

likely that the soil conservation structures constructed get affected due to the natural 

phenomenon. The structures will therefore require annual repairs as the need arises. One time 

planning and allocation of budget in this river valley project would render insufficient to take 

care of the treatment measures in long term. Hence a long term provision of funds for 

maintenance and up gradation of old soil conservation works would become necessary. 

7.3.2.5 Ecorestoration Works 

Ecorestoration works shall be undertaken through CWC (Community Welfare Committees). 

These would include the following measures, which would help in reducing the erodibility of 

soil or the resultant silt load in the reservoir. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plantation in degraded patches of civil forestland. 

Water conservation and harvesting works. 

Soil conservation in village area. 

Animal husbandry. 

Improvement in agricultural practice. 

Horticulture and medicinal plants, 

109



 

 

 

 

Technical and financial support for harnessing alternate-solar and micro hydel projectssources 

to reduce pressure on forest for fuel wood. 

Public health support including healthcare and family welfare programs. 

Gender support through education and awareness programme of women. 

Rural technology support programs. 

7.3.2.6 Phasing of CAT works and cost estimates 

Estimated cost for the CAT work is presented in table 6.3 of chapter 6. The catchment area 

treatment works have been phased over five year duration, so as to complete them along with the 

project construction. The actual start time shall, however, depend upon the overall progress of 

the project including approvals and disbursement of funds for the CAT plan. The forest 

department, taking guidance from these targets shall prepare a detailed program and get it 

approved from the concern authority before actual implementation. 

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CHAPTER – 8 

8.0 Disaster Management Plan 

8.1 Natural Disaster 

The hill slopes are prone to land slides, landslips, rockslides and soil creep. These hazardous 

features have hampered the over all progress of the region as they obstruct the roads and flow of 

traffic, break communication, block flowing water in stream and create temporary reservoirs and 

also bring down lot of soil cover and thus add enormous silt and gravel to the streams. 

Because of the increase in the population and the constructional activities, the frequency of 

landslides and lands subsidence has increased. Heavy construction work coupled with the lack of 

planning for water outlet; increase water seepage culminating in the land slides. Huge amount of 

explosives used in construction works of road have adversely affected the ecosystem of the 

region and the stability of stabilized mountain slopes. 

The history of forest fire, socio-economic and ecological losses associated with it clearly reveals 

that it has posed major threat to Himalayan forest ecosystem and acquired the character of 

natural calamities which is responsible for crores of rupees loss annually along with various 

adverse impacts on macro-climatic structure and bio-diversity of Himalayan region. Among the 

fire accelerating effects, the local factors have been found more responsible. The dry and heated 

forest floor bio-mass (fallen leaves, mosses, lichens, dead wood etc.) becomes more susceptible 

to the spark or flames. The factors involved in primary fire outbreaks have been identified 

natural as well man-made. Among the natural phenomenon, the friction between the clumps of 

Bamboos like trees under influence of strong wind results in to spark which ignite the dry clump 

sheath, leaves and burst into fire which instantly spreads into vicinity areas. The manmade fire 

incidences are either due to negligence or due to vested interests. 

8.2 Objectives 

The Disaster Management Plan (DMP) is aimed to ensure safety of life, protection of 

environment, protection of installation, restoration of production and salvage operations in this 

same order of priorities. DMP would reflect the probable consequential severity of the undesired 

event due to deteriorating conditions or through ‘Knock on’ effects. The objective of the 

industrial DMP is to make use of the combined resources of the plant and the outside services to 

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optimize operational efficiency to rescue, rehabilitation and render medical help and to restore 

normalcy. The Project specific emergencies anticipated are Land slide and Fire. Consequence 

estimation has been made by considering two scenarios i.e. earthquake and fire. 

8.3 Disaster Management Plan 

The emergency planning for earthquake/land slide/cloudburst scenarios consists of 'hardware' 

aspects such as provision of evacuation pathways, setting up of alarms and warning systems, 

establishing communication systems besides the 'software' aspects concerning human behavior, 

procedures to be followed, roles and responsibilities, leadership, guidance and provision of 

information. Both hardware and software aspects need to be integrated into the design of 

emergency management. A proper guideline will be provided for preparing a contingency plan or 

disaster management plan during any disasters. It may be noted that this plan would serve as a 

reference documents consisting of salient information indicating the actions to be taken at the 

time of disaster, and hence, it has to be made as comprehensive as possible and it needs to be 

tested and updated periodically. The suggested format of the disaster management plan is 

outlines in this chapter. A separate detail risk assessment study will be suggested to carry out. 

8.4 Purpose of the Plan 

In order to delineate the tasks and needed response, it is essential to identify and characterize the 

vulnerable zones through inundation maps, the nature of damage potential and the characteristics 

of populations and structures on the downstream areas. Based on the characteristics of each 

hazard zone, the needed response could be delineated in the Disaster Management Plan. Hence 

the objectives of the plan could be to provide for: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Timely warnings and alerts. 

Assess the damage potential. 

Delineate emergency action and procedures. 

Delineate emergency organization and first response/action teams. 

Define roles and responsibilities. 

Delineate procedures for mitigation and control of incident. 

Delineate access routes and safe locations. 

Delineate emergency action. 

Training the personnel. 

Providing public information. 

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The project features and structures are so small that they cannot contribute to any disaster 

themselves. Hence there is no specific requirement of disaster management plan as such. 

However, to meet the exigencies on account of natural disaster arising out of cloudburst or 

earthquake induced change to the power plant and appurtenant works, the following disaster 

management plan is proposed. 

1. In the event of earthquake mother, alarm should be sounded in the power plant and the 

machines in operation should be automatically tripped. 

2. During monsoon period, patrolling of the water conductor system should be undertaken 

regularly (once a shift) to locate any leakage from the water conductor and also for any 

possible slope slippage. Appropriate measures should be taken to close the intake gate at 

the weir in case leakage of water from the water conductor is noticed to prevent damage 

to the hill slope doam under. 

3. The staff of the power station should be trained with first and practices and and made 

aware of action to be initiated following a natural disaster. 

8.5 Emergency Response Organization 

The Emergency Response Organization delineated for the plan is shown in Figure 8.1. The plan 

must have a Chief Emergency Coordinator (CEC), who will be overall in charge of planning, 

execution and coordination of all activities of Disaster Management Plan. His alternate member 

is also to be notified for coordinating the emergency response activities. Executive Engineer or 

Assistant Engineer who will be present on site during any emergency act as CEC. During 

emergency both Assistant Engineer designated and act as ECO environment, health and safety 

point of view. 

Chief Emergency Coordinator is to be assisted by an Emergency Planning Group (EPG) 

constituted for the purpose of decision making and planning the emergency effort under the plan. 

This group involves all the Heads of Departments of Irrigation, Revenue, Health, Police and 

Public Representative. To assist this group with technical information and advice, an Advisory 

Team consisting various experts on dam safety and related issues need to be constituted. Chief 

Emergency Co-ordinator also organize villagers to work in emergency as EPG and EAG 

member. 

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A local level, preferably a taluk/settlement level, Emergency Action Groups (EAGs) need to be 

constituted for pooling, mobilizing and responding to the inundation situations. These groups 

essentially should consist of a local volunteer, engineering support group, rescue/evacuation 

team, medical/health volunteer, a police representative. 

The Chief Emergency Coordinator needs to report and coordinate District Collector on the 

disaster situation and should seek any further assistance/help from District Emergency 

Authorities. Alternate persons for all the constituents of groups are necessarily be identified and 

included in the plan. 

8.6 Functions of Chief Emergency Coordinator (CEC) 

The following functions are delineated for the Chief Emergency Coordinator. He is expected to 

take various emergency decisions by convening the immediate meeting/conferencing of 

Emergency Planning Group. Together, they are responsible for the following: 

Formulation and implementation of the plan. 

Guidance/ decision on matters of basic policy. 

Activation of the emergency control centre and convening the emergency meeting. 

Declaring the emergency zones with the help of technical personnel and experts. 

Control on emergency operations. 

Review of operational preparedness of emergency machinery. 

Holding periodic mock/ training exercises to ensure optimum preparedness at operational 

levels. 

Development and updating hazard scenarios and cascading effects from time to time. 

Mobilizing organizations, financial and human resources for the plan. 

Liaison with external/Govt. agencies and assessment of whether any public assistance is 

required. 

Furnishing information on the incident to District, State and National level authorities 

and if needed competent bodies may be called for assistance. 

Liaison with press/ media, to report the emergency. 

Declaring rehabilitation centres in case of evacuation, if called for. 

Monitoring post emergency situation in terms of health care, first aid, rehabilitation etc. 

Declare all clear, once everything is normal. 

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8.7 Functions of Emergency Action Group (EAG) 

Emergency Action Group carried out frontline activities at the time of disaster. Preferably as 

many local teams as possible be formulated for the purpose. The main activities of EAG are: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rush to the emergency zone 

Make systematic assessment of hazard 

Liaise with Chief Emergency Coordinator 

Carryout evacuation, if necessary 

Carryout emergency actions 

Extend relief, first aid, human assistance 

Organize rehabilitation centres 

8.8 Emergency Response System 

The overall emergency response system needs to integrate various functional sub-systems 

essentially designed to generate speedy response action in terms of warnings, communications, 

fire fighting, medical and first aid. It is essential to delineate these systems and plan their 

locations and operating procedures, besides training the personnel well in advance before any 

emergency. Following response systems are needed for the purpose of disaster management plan. 

8.9 Emergency Control Centre (ECC) 

Emergency Control Centre will be the focal point in case of an emergency from where the 

operations to handle the emergency are directed and coordinated. The centre will have to be 

equipped with adequate resources to receive and transmit information and directions from the 

Chief Emergency Coordinator. Besides equipping the centre, prior arrangements should be made 

so as to ensure that the centre would start activating other systems immediately, once the hazard 

is declared. An existing pre identified room located at safe site (free from natural disaster) will 

converted as ECC. An emergency control centre should therefore contain a well-designed 

communication system consisting of: 

 

 

 

 

At least two external telephones (one incoming and the other one out going fitted with 

simultaneous/ selective broadcasting systems) with a EPBAX. 

Wireless / Radio equipment (VHF/ walkie talkie/ pager/mobile). 

Inundation/vulnerability maps indicating risk zones, assembly points, alternate 

evacuation routes, safe areas, rehabilitation centres, etc. 

Telephone directory of emergency response system. 

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List of all emergency equipment and personnel for evacuation, personnel protection, 

medical aid, etc., under the plan as well as with Govt. agencies in the district. 

List of ambulances, base medical facilities, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, etc. 

Reference books/ chemical dossiers 

Copies of Disaster Management Plan 

8.10 Training of the Personnel 

A Disaster Management Plan, no matter how carefully prepared, cannot be effective unless 

accompanied by training program that include periodic exercises and drills. The objectives of 

training in emergency preparedness are related to the following: 

Familiarize personnel with the content of the plan and its manner of implementation. 

Train specific response personnel and new personnel in particular duties requiring special 

skills. 

Introduce personnel to new equipment, techniques, and concepts of operation. 

Keep personnel informed of changes in the plan or procedures. 

Test the preparedness of response personnel. 

Test the validity, effectiveness, timing, and content of the plan and implementing 

procedures. 

Test emergency equipment. 

Update and modify the plan on the basis of the experience acquired through exercises and 

drills. 

Maintain cooperative capability within first response team and with other response/ 

mutual aid and agencies. 

Maintain good emergency response capability. 

8.11 Training Schemes for First Response Team 

Every member of first response team needs initial training followed by periodic refresher 

courses. Members of emergency response organization would also benefit from this training, 

improve communication procedures, and provide an opportunity for responders to become 

familiar with areas of hazards where they could be called to assist. 

8.12 Mock Drills and Demonstration Exercises 

Drills and exercise are vital to emergency preparedness. They involve enactment, under 

conditions of a mock scenario, of the implementation of the response actions performed during 

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an emergency. Development and conduct of following two types of exercises are recommended 

for implementation according to the needs: 

Tabletop drills or exercises are useful for orientation purpose, while gathered around a 

table, the emergency response organization is presented with a situation to be resolved 

Exercises are more comprehensive and test the entire response organization up to and 

including communication with all response functionaries. 

All the above type of exercises are strongly recommended to be conducted atleast once in a year, 

wherein members of first response team could actively involve. Deficiencies that may be 

discovered during an exercise of the plan and procedures should be corrected immediately. 

8.13 Public Information System 

During a crisis following an accident, the affected people, public and media representatives 

would like to know about the situation from time to time and the response of the emergency 

authority to the crisis. It is important to give timely information to the public in order to prevent 

panic and rumours. The emergency public information could be carried out in three phases. 

8.14 Before the crisis 

This will include the safety procedure to be followed during an emergency through posters, talks 

and mass media in local language. Leaflets containing do's/ dont's should be circulated to educate 

the affected population. 

8.15 During the crisis 

Dissemination of information about the nature of the incident, actions taken and instructions to 

the public about protective measures to be taken, evacuation, etc. are the important steps during 

this phase. 

8.16 After the crisis 

Attention should be focused on information concerning restoration of essential services, 

movement/restrictions, etc. Various tasks of the public information system would include: 

Quick dissemination of emergency instructions to the personnel and public. 

To receive all calls from medial public regarding emergency situations and respond 

meticulously. 

Obtain current information from the Central Control Room. 

Prepare news release. 

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Brief visitors/media. 

Maintain contact with hospitals and get information about the casualties. 

8.17 Dissemination of Public Information 

Any emergency preparedness plan, however efficiently it is outlined, cannot succeed if the 

participation of involved community is not planned. To make the local community an active 

participant, community awareness along with Emergency Preparedness has to be implemented, 

so that it can foster understanding in the people and help in controlling emergency situations. 

The target audience of warning system is personnel and public who are not trained about 

hazards, warning signals and protective actions. People tend to seek confirmation of the hazard 

from neighbourhood and the media, which takes time. For a public warning system, to be 

effective, it must serve only as a trigger to initiate preplanned protective action by the public. 

Through community awareness efforts conducted by local planning committees, the public must be 

made aware of protective options which include sheltering within their work places and evacuation. 

The community should be mainly be made aware of the following information: 

The likely hazards that can occur in their vicinity. 

The type of warning system employed to alert them, in case of a disaster. 

The protective action that should be adapted in different situations of emergency. 

Knowledge of the escape routes and assembly points, in case of evacuation from disaster. 

zones 

8.18 Safety Plan 

Safety of both men and materials during construction and operation phases is concern. The 

disaster in any hydel project especially in Himalayan zone will be due to land slide, Cloud brust 

and earthquake may collapse of structures and fire/explosion, etc. keeping in view the safety 

requirement during construction, operation and maintenance phases, safety policy with the 

following regulations needs to be adopted. In any disaster situation Emergency Officer 

immediate intimate District Disaster Management Centre. Some important telephone Nos. of 

Govt. official’s of District Pithoragarh is presented in table 8.1. 

1. To allocate sufficient resources to maintain safe and healthy conditions of work. 

2. To take steps to ensure that all known safety factors are taken into account in the design, 

construction, operation and maintenance of plants, machinery and equipment. 

3. To ensure that adequate safety instructions are given to employees. 

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4. To provide wherever necessary protective equipment safety appliances and clothing, and 

to ensure their proper use. 

5. To inform employees about materials, equipment or processes used in their work which 

are known to be potential hazardous to health or safety. 

6. To keep all operations and methods of work under regular review for making necessary 

changes from the point of view of safety in the light of experience and up to date 

knowledge. 

7. To provide appropriate facilities of First aid and promote treatment for injuries and 

illness at work. 

8. To provide appropriate instruction, training, retraining and supervision to employees in 

health and safety, first aid and to ensure that adequate publicity is given to these matters. 

9. To ensure proper implementation of fire prevention methods and an appropriate fire 

fighting service to gather with training facilities for personnel involved in this service. 

10. To organize collection, analysis and presentation of data on accident, sickness and 

incident involving personal injury or injury to health with a view of taking corrective 

remedial and preventive action. 

11. To promote through the established machinery, joint consultation in health and safety to 

matters to ensure effective participation by all employees. 

12. To publish/notify regulations, instructions and notices in the common language of 

employees. 

13. To prepare separate safety rules for each types of occupation/processes involved in a project. 

14. To ensure regular safety inspection by a competent person at suitable intervals of all 

buildings, equipment, work places and operations. 

15. To frame and implement safety guidelines in operation. 

8.19 About Area 

The entire basin in ecologically fragile, unstable and less rigid from the origination point to its 

confluence as it is also with the case of Himalyan Mountain system. The characteristics features 

of the basin in terms of fragility, are more pronouns to discuss in the way that lowering the 

environmental conditions in both, highly elevated reaches and low laying areas. The process of 

upliftment of mountain peaks and deepening of the river villages in continued due to tectonic 

forces active throughout the basin resulting instability and disturbances in the landmasses. The 

natural hazards, both terrestrial (earthquakes) and atmospheric hazards (cloudburst landslides 

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and flush floods), can be seen every where however the impact of natural hazards increases with 

increasing elevation. 

The basin is technically more sensible and falls under the severe seismic prone region. Already, 

severe earthquakes have been taken place. The situation is grim in the area and there are many 

cases in the surrounding of study area where due to landslide many villages were affected. 

During study heavy land slide has been observed at Chautuldhar plates 14 and annexure II 

indicates about land slide. 

8.19.1 Causes of land slide 

Following are the main causes of land slides in the mountain region : 

1. Instabling of terrain, because the process of deepening river valleys and uplifting of mountain 

peaks are continued. 

2. Human induced activities. 

3. Unscientific measures used for construction of roads such as blasting, cutting of fragile slope etc. 

4. Heavy down pour and repetition of cloud burst at a time and within a limited geographical 

area. 

5. Steep slope and high velocity of water. 

6. Over grazing and consequently soil erosion. 

7. Construction of settlement on the instable slopes. 

Earthquake, cloudbursts, landslides flash floods etc. are the disasters, which may not be stopped. 

But the intensity of damage due to the occurrence of these phenomena can be reduced after 

adopting several measures. These measures are: 

1. It is very difficult to predict the actual occurrence of landslides. Yet there are certain signals 

like forecasted heavy rainfall. Seismic activity combined with landslide vulnerability can 

predict the estimated time and possible consequences. The locale people to be trained to 

recognize the signals and act upon it. 

2. A warning system to relay information about landslides could be placed near the settlements 

to help quick evacuation. 

3. Public awareness programmes for people on causes and effects of landslides, climatic 

conditions that lead to landslides would be an extremely effective measure to prevent 

damages. 

4. Restrictions on building activity on the landslide areas. 

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5. The cloudburst has triggered debris slides along the tension cracks and caused casualties and 

damages on the large scale in the catchment areas should not be allowed to be obstructed and 

house construction activities in the interior of hills regulated. 

6. The whole of Himalayan region is earthquake prone area, house should be allowed to be built 

only in accordance with the earthquake resistant designs recommended by the concern 

authority. 

7. A safe distance from each side of the river/nala, according to the situation, should be left and 

no cultivated fields and house made on the said distance. 

8. All landslide affected zones should be left for natural stabilization and no human activities be 

allowed in such landslide affected weak slopes till the area are fully stabilized in due course 

of time. 

Note : A report of on site and off site emergency plan should be prepared and submitted to 

concerned department. 

DMP can be managed with participation of local people and villagers during any emergency as 

per emergency response organization chart presented as figure 8.1 at the end of report. 

8.20 Cost Estimate 

The budget for mitigation and prevention during any disaster are presented in table 6.4 in chapter 6. 

Presently Uttarakhand Govt. has establish Disaster Mitigation and Management Centre (DMMC) 

for Disaster mitigation & management in Uttrakhand. DMMC is also providing consultancy and 

training programme for Govt. & Non Govt. organization. It is advisable that UJVNL with the 

help of DMMC develop a strong regional knowledge base towards disaster policy, prevention 

mechanism, mitigation measures, preparedness and response plan. 

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Table 8.1 - Important Telephone No. of Govt. Officials 

STD Code : 05964 

Designation Office Residence & Fax No. 

District Magistrate 

225301 (Collec), 

225201 (Camp off.) 

SDM Magistrate 225950 225372 

SDM Dharchula 222207 222271 

Chief Development officer 223218 225804, 225336 (FAX) 

District Development officer 225097 

Chief Agriculture Officer 225104 

Block Development Officer Dharchula 222253 

District Horticulture Officer 225275 

General Manager Distt. Industry Centre 223574 

District Economic & Statistical Officer 225143 

District Panchayat Raj Officer 223174 

Chief Veterinary Officer 225319 

E.E. Provincial Division P.W.D. Pithoragarh 225115 225209 

E.E. E/M Division P.W.D. Pithoragarh 225429 225429(FAX) 

E.E. Irrigation Construction Division Pithoragarh 235139 225140 

E.E. Construction Division P.W.D. 238724 228730 

S.E. Nirman Mandal U.K. Peyjal Nigam Pithoragarh 225341 225492 

E.E. Nirman Shakha U.K. Peyjal Nigam Pithoragarh 225258 

E.E. 2 nd Nirman Shakha U.K. Peyjal Nigam Pithoragarh 225121 

Executive Engineer U.K. Jal Sansthan Pithoragarh 225237 

District Education Officer 225227 

Superintendent of Police 225539 225023 

Dy. Superintendent of Police 225539 225410 

Police Station 225130 

Fire Station 225314 

Police Wireless Office 225402 

Police Lines 225130 

Divisional Forest Officer 225234 225390 

Divisional Logging Manager 224187 

Chief Medical Officer 225142 225504 

District Hospital 225687 

Asst. Regional Transport Officer 228222 

District Information Officer 225549 

Commandant ITBP 225494 

Other Contact No. 

Fire Department 

Safety Department 

UEPPC, Dehradun 

Industry Department 

Note : Contact No. of Project Authority, Operating Staff and Security Staff will be included after office 

establishment at site. 

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CHAPTER – 9 

9.0 EMP Implementation and Monitoring 

A large part of the sampling and monitoring activities will be concerned with long term 

monitoring aimed at providing an early warning of any undesirable changes or trends in the 

natural environment that could be associated with industries and associated activities. This is 

essential to determine whether the changes are a response to a cycle of climatic conditions or are 

due to the industrialization and associated activities. 

In particular, a monitoring strategy is required to ensure that all environmental resources, which 

may be subjected to contamination, are kept under review. Monitoring of the individual elements 

of the environment is necessary. 

To meet the above objective an “Environmental Management Department (EMD)” will be 

formed at project site which will be responsible for implementation of EMP and post operation 

monitoring. The officers of the department will meet frequently to assess the progress and 

analysis the data collected during the preceding fortnight/month. The following items will be 

considered under the monitoring schedule. 

9.1 Meteorological Station 

It is proposed to install a meteorological station at power house SHP. The following parameters 

will be recorded regularly. Metrological equipment required are presented in table 9.1. 

Wind speed & Direction 

Rainfall 

Temperature and humidity 

9.2 Water environment 

Instrument for turbidity hardness and TDS measurement may be procured. This 

information will be useful for monitoring the erosion damage of turbine underwater parts. 

Surface water (Down stream of Sobla gad) should also be analysed once in a season and 

compared as per CPCB norms for Aquatic resources. Drinking water should be analysed as per 

IS:10500 on three month interval from different villages situated nearby Project site. 

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9.3 Socio-economic development 

The project management through environmental department will be in regular touch with 

concern authority and local surrounding villages to monitor the implementation of various socio 

economic developmental schemes. 

9.4 Monitoring/Analytical Equipment Required 

Sl. No. 

Table 9.1 - Monitoring / Analytical Equipments / required for Project 

Monitoring Equipments 

Equipments 

Meteorological monitoring 

1. Automatic Weather 

Monitoring Station 

Nos. with 

UJVNL 

Nos. 

Required 

Parameter / 

Function 

- 1* Wind speed, 

direction, Temp., 

rainfall, humidity 

*Will be procured based with commissioning of project Budget provision made 

Frequency 

Continuous 

9.5 Implementation Arrangement 

9.6 Institutional Implementation Arrangements 

UJVNL will be responsible for implementation of all the mitigation and management 

measures suggested in Environmental Monitoring Programme while PTCUL will be 

responsible for transmission line. Management of UJVNL will monitor the smooth 

implementation of Environment Management Plan. The in-charge of EMD (GM/DGM) 

will report all the environmental matters to higher management as per the reporting 

schedule on prescribed formats. The higher management will supervise the reported 

activity from time to time for smooth implementation of Environmental Mitigation and 

Management measures and will take necessary actions, if required. 

For successful implementation of the environmental management plan other agencies of the State 

may also be involved by UJVNL, if required (for regulatory requirement or technical support). 

124

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT ASSESSMENT 

Annexure - I 

Village 

Block 

Respondent 

Male Female 

Date 

i) Name of the respondent : Age 

ii) Address 

Village : 

Panchayat : 

Block /Tehsil : 

District : 

1.0 General information (Location) 

Road 

Power 

Drinking water (supply & availability) 

1.1 Family size & composition : 

Name Age Sex Occupation Level of 

education 

Head of the family 

1. 

Spouse 

1. 

Dependents 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

2.0 Caste 

3.0 Religion

4.0 Land 

Land 

a) Own land 

b) Leased out land 

c) Leased in land 

Amount (acre) 

5.0 Cropping Pattern 

Sl. Name of the 

Area (acre) 

No. crop/season Dry Irrigated 

5.1 Kharif : 

a) Paddy 

b) Maize 

c) Others, if any 

5.2 Rabi : 

a) Wheat 

b) Mustard 

c) Gram 

d) Others, if any 

5.3 Summer : 

a) Paddy 

b) Maize 

c) Others, if any 

Total 

Production 

(Qtl.) 

Value (Rs.) 

6.0 Cost of cultivation (Rs/year) : 

7.0 Family income (Total) 

Sl. No. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

Name of the earning 

members 

Total gross income 

Source of 

income 

Primary 

Family income 

(Rs./Month) 

Secondary

8.0 Household savings and consumption pattern : 

(In Rs./yr or in % of total consumption) 

Savings 

* 

Consumption* (Gross 

income – farm inputs 

- savings) 

Pattern of consumption 

Food Education Clothing Medical Others 

(* to be derived) 

9.0 Health status of family member 

10.0 Fuel used 

11.0 Peoples’ perception regarding the project 

Advantages 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

Disadvantages 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

Investigator : 

Name : 

Designation : 

Signature : 

Date :

Annexure - II

Plate – 1 

(A) A view of land sliding at Chautuldhar 

(B) Water sampling on Sobla Gad

Plate - 2 

(A) Surface water sampling on Dhauli Ganga 

(B) Water sampling at village Dar

Plate - 3 

(A) Ambient Noise Monitoring in village Dar 

(B) Ambient Noise Monitoring at diversion site

Plate - 4 

(A) Soil sampling at village Khairi Gaon 

(B) Soil sampling at village Dar

Plate - 5 

(A) Socio economic survey work at Sobla 

(B) Socio economic survey at site

Figure 1.1 – Political Map of Pithoragarh

Figure 1.2 Proposed site marked in trekking map of Kumaun Hills 

Sobla 

Proposed 

Site

Figure 1.3 The physiographic-lithotectonic domains separated by intracrustal boundary 

thrusts of regional simension most of these thrust faults are active.

Figure 1.4 Simplified Geological map of the Lesser Kumaun Himalaya (After Valdiya, 1980b)

Figure 1.5 Occurrence of various mineral deposit in Kumaun in the context of 

Geological formations.

Figure 1.6 Relief Map of Uttarakhand

Figure 1.7 Drainage network of Kumaun showing different hydrographic regimes 

and their typical drainage basins.

Figure 1.8 Forest Map of Uttrakhand State

Figure 1.9 Seismic Zoning Map of India

Figure 5.1 - Impact Identification Matrix for proposed Small Hydro Power Project of 

UJVNL on Sobla Gad at Saobla 

SITING CONSTRUCTION OPERATION FUTURE 

Parameter 

Activity 

Acquisition of Land 

Site Clearance 

Excavation 

Construction and Identification 

Movement of Vehicles for Construction 

Mateerial 

Green Belt Development 

Raw Material Storage and Transfer 

Air Quality 

 

Noise Level 

 

 

Surface Water 

Quality 

Ground Water 

Quality 

Soil Quality 

 

Agriculture 

 

Flora 

 

Fauna 

 

Forest 

 

Aesthetics 

 

Land and property 

Value 

 

Land Use 

 

Population/Habitat 

 

Basic Amenities 

 

Quality of Life 

 

Economy and 

Income Level 

 

Employment 

 

Trade and 

 

Commerce 

Historical and 

Cultural Resources 

Adverse Impact, Significant Impact, Negligable Impact 

Beneficial Impact 

 

Water Requirement 

 

Energy requirement and Generation 

Transport 

Air Pollutants 

Effluent Disposal 

 

Solid Waste Handling 

Heat Emission 

Noise Pollution 

due to Proposed hydal 

Urbanisation 

Project 

 

Transport 

Socio Economic Development

Figure 8.1 Environment Management Organization Chart 

EE (DGM (EHS) 

Assistant 

Engineer 

* En 

Assistant 

Engineer 

* H&S 

Jr. Engineer 

(Civil) 

Jr. Engineer 

(Electrical) 

Jr. Engineer 

(Mechanical) 

Jr. Engineer 

Environment 

Chemist 

Supervisor 

Security 

supervisor 

Horticulture 

officer 

Health 

supervisor 

Safety 

supervisor 

Asstt. Security 

supervisor 

Asstt. Security 

supervisor 

Gardner 

Gardner 

* Designated for environment, Health and safety work

EIA & EMP REPORT - AECEN

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