Environmental & Social Management Framework - About ...

Environmental and Social Management Framework4.2.3 Increase in Land ValuesRoad construction leads to appreciation of land values in many places,particularly along the road corridor, which directly contributes to increasedproperty value of the households. The value of land increases sharply as soon asthe road link is developed ensuring reliable transportation. Road also contributesto rapid commercialization of agriculture which is also a major factor to raise theland value as a result of which many villagers are in a position to initiate modernfarming and diversify their production. Increased land values also enhancefarmers’ capability for borrowing loans on collaterals. High value lands are easilyacceptable to banks and micro-finance institutions to provide loans. Local farmfamilies in particular are benefited due to increased value of land after theconstruction of road and this will have significant ramifications in addressingpoverty of many poor families living along the road corridor.In the context of increasing land values it needs to be considered that this willalso have negative aspects for some groups. This refers to a common trend thatpoor locals are pressurized to sell their lands to the wealthy and influentialpeople, often outsiders, and would eventually be displaced from their home area.4.2.4 Enhancement in Technical Skills and Know-HowThe underlying policy of the DoR to propose maximum use of local people forconstruction works lies in the unique chances for the transfer of skills andtechnical know-how in construction and related technical sectors. Considerablenumber employed work forces will convert themselves into fully skilled labourersin works such as masonry, gabion wires weaving, construction of dry andfoundation walls, slope cutting and stabilization, rock cutting, bio-engineeringworks etc. These skills will not only benefit the locals by providing long-termemployment opportunity but also contribute to local human resource developmentin regions that otherwise have restricted opportunities.4.2.5 Easement of Former Environmental ProblemsOne of the major problems of the gravel and earthen road is dust which directlyaffects the health of the people living in the vicinity. As applicable andincorporated in the project design, sealed gravel standard or bituminous surfaceroad will substantially reduce the dust nuisance. It will also make easy for vehiclemovement thereby reducing amounts of unborn carbon, oxides of sulphur andnitrogen. This impact has beneficial implications on human health. Schoolchildren, health posts, market areas along the road pedestrians etc. will relievedfrom dust nuisance.One of the major activities of the road works in the envisaged program is tostabilize slopes through proper drainage management, retaining structures andbio-engineering. The project will treat rill and sheet erosion. Similarly, slopefailures and landslides will be stabilized. This is a direct and identified beneficialimpact as potential landslide and erosion areas will be stabilized and protected byconstruction and maintenance of road.4.2.6 Improved Access to Services and Decrease in Transportation CostRoads, especially paved roads will provide all weather transportation service tothe local people and others. Quick access to, for example health posts may becrucial in everyday life. In addition, the overall vehicle operating cost will bereduced and thereby transportation cost will be decreased. The journey will becomfortable and travel time will be saved. Similarly, the wear and tear of thevehicles will be less; and fuel consumption of the vehicles will also be lessresulting into saving in the hard currency for the import of these commodities.Chapter 4-4 April 2007