S B POWER LIMITED

45 MW RUPIN HYDRO ELECTRIC PROJECT TEHSIL DODRA KWAR,

DISTRICT SHIMLA, HIMACHAL PRADESH

Final Environmental Impact Assessment Report

Asian Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi

September, 2014
The Environmental Co-ordinator (EC) and Functional Area Experts (FAEs) Involved in the
Preparation of EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric Power Project, Shimla District,
Himachal Pradesh

Environmental Co-ordinator:

Dr. Suparnaa Mullick -

Functional Area Experts:

Mr. Abhaye Mahajan (AP/AQ/NV) -

Dr. Suparnaa Mullick (EB/WP/SW) -

Dr. P. G. Shanware (LU) -

Mr. Aneesh Vijayan (SE) -

Dr. P. G. Shanware (Geo &SC) -

Dr. S. K. Sharma (HG) -

P. K. Srivastava (RH) -

The above mentioned EC and FAEs were involved in the preparation of EIA report titled
EIA for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric Power Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

Suparnaa Mullick (Dr.)

Chairperson
Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

CHAPTER-1: INTRODUCTION

1.0 Hydropower Potential in River Rupin, Himachal Pradesh................................................... 1-1

1.1 Rupin Hydro Electric Project (HEP)..................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Project Proponent.................................................................................................................. 1-2
1.3 DPR Consultants.................................................................................................................... 1-2
1.4 EIA Consultants..................................................................................................................... 1-2
1.5 Purpose of EIA Study............................................................................................................ 1-2
1.6 Policy & Legal Framework.................................................................................................... 1-2
1.7 Scope of EIA Study............................................................................................................... 1-3
1.8 Approach & Methodology of EIA Study .............................................................................. 1-9
1.8.1 Approach of the EIA Study...................................................................................... 1-9
1.8.2 Establishment of Baseline Environmental Status..................................................... 1-9
1.8.3 Field Study/Monitoring for Generation of Primary Data......................................... 1-10
1.8.4 Environmental Impact Assessment........................................................................... 1-12
1.8.5 Preparation of Environmental Management Plan .................................................... 1-12
1.9 Structure of the EIA Report................................................................................................... 1-12
1.10 Compliance Report................................................................................................................ 1-13

CHAPTER-2: PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.0 Project Overview................................................................................................................... 2-1

2.1 Justification for Location and Execution of the Project in Relation to Diversion Structure. 2-2
2.2 Salient Features of Rupin Hydro Power Project.................................................................... 2-2
2.3 Project Description................................................................................................................. 2-9
2.4 Rupin HEP - Project Costs..................................................................................................... 2-10
2.5 Civil Engineering Structures.................................................................................................. 2-10
2.5.1 Brief Description of Civil Engineering Components............................................... 2-11
2.5.1.1 Diversion Structure at River Nargani.......................................................... ..... 2-11
2.5.1.2 Intake and Feeder Tunnel at Nargani Site......................................................... 2-11
2.5.1.3 Trench Weir at River Rupin........................................................................ ..... 2-11
2.5.1.4 Intake and Feeder Channel to Desilting Basin cum Storage Tank.................... 2-11
2.5.1.5 Desilting Basin cum Storage Tank.................................................................... 2-11
2.5.1.6 Tunnel Intake..................................................................................................... 2-12
2.5.1.7 Head Race Tunnel (HRT).................................................................................. 2-12
2.5.1.8 Surge Shaft........................................................................................................ 2-12
2.5.1.9 Pressure Shaft/ Penstock.................................................................................... 2-12
2.5.1.10 Power House..................................................................................................... 2-12
2.5.1.11 Race Channel..................................................................................................... 2-12
2.5.1.12 Switch Yard....................................................................................................... 2-13
2.5.1.13 Transmission System......................................................................................... 2-13
2.5.1.14 Power Benefits................................................................................................... 2-13
2.6 Electro- Mechanical Works................................................................................................... 2-13
2.6.1 Turbine ..................................................................................................................... 2-13
2.6.2 Generator.................................................................................................................. 2-13
2.6.3 Electrical Scheme..................................................................................................... 2-14
2.6.4 Control and Monitoring System............................................................................... 2-14
2.6.5 Segregated Phase Bus Ducts.................................................................................... 2-14
2.6.6 Generator Transformers & Other Transformers....................................................... 2-14

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2.6.7 132 kV Switchyard and 11 kV Switchgear.............................................................. 2-14

2.6.8 Relay & Protection System...................................................................................... 2-15
2.6.9 Common Station Auxiliary System.......................................................................... 2-15
2.6.10 Station Service & Unit Auxiliary Supply................................................................. 2-15
2.6.11 Station D.C. System.................................................................................................. 2-15
2.6.12 Power Control & Instrumentation Cables & Cable Trays etc.................................. 2-15
2.6.13 E.O.T Cranes............................................................................................................ 2-16
2.6.14 Plant Communication System.................................................................................. 2-16
2.6.15 Power Line Carrier Communication (PLCC) Equipment........................................ 2-16
2.6.16 Earthing System........................................................................................................ 2-16
2.6.17 Diesel Generating Set............................................................................................... 2-16
2.6.18 Workshop Equipment............................................................................................... 2-16
2.6.19 Testing and Laboratory Equipment.......................................................................... 2-16
2.6.20 Power Evacuation Arrangement............................................................................... 2-16
2.7 Infrastructure Facilities.......................................................................................................... 2-18
2.7.1 Access Roads............................................................................................................ 2-18
2.7.2 Buildings................................................................................................................... 2-19
2.7.3 Construction Power.................................................................................................. 2-20
2.8 Land Acquisition.................................................................................................................... 2-20
2.9 Construction Materials........................................................................................................... 2-21
2.10 Muck Generation and Disposal.............................................................................................. 2-21
2.11 Construction Schedule........................................................................................................... 2-22
2.12 Summary of Total Project Costs............................................................................................ 2-24

CHAPTER-3: THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

3.0 Introduction............................................................................................................................ 3-1

3.0.1 Study Area................................................................................................................ 3-1
3.0.2 Sampling Locations.................................................................................................. 3-1
3.0.3 Catchment Area........................................................................................................ 3-3
3.1 Land Environment.................................................................................................................. 3-4
3.1.1 Geography and Physiography................................................................................... 3-4
3.1.2 Regional Geology..................................................................................................... 3-5
3.1.3 Seismicity.................................................................................................................. 3-7
3.1.4 Landslide Zonation................................................................................................... 3-8
3.1.5 Natural Springs........................................................................................................ 3-9
3.1.6 Soil Characterization (Physico-Chemical)................................................................ 3-12
3.1.7 Land Use................................................................................................................... 3-13
3.1.7.1 Landuse/Land Cover Study.............................................................................. 3-13
3.2 Climate and Meteorology....................................................................................................... 3-16
3.2.1 Climate...................................................................................................................... 3-16
3.3 Air Environment..................................................................................................................... 3-17
3.3.1 Ambient Air Quality................................................................................................. 3-17
3.3.1.1 Ambient Air Monitoring.................................................................................. 3-17
3.3.1.2 Air Monitoring Results.................................................................................... 3-17
3.3.2 Traffic Density.......................................................................................................... 3-19
3.4 Noise Environment................................................................................................................. 3-19
3.5 Water Environment................................................................................................................ 3-20
3.5.1 Drainage Systems..................................................................................................... 3-20
3.5.2 Substrate type................................................................................................... 3-21
3.5.3 Project Stretch Habitat..................................................................................... 3-22
3.5.4 Precipitation Characteristics........................................................................... 3-22
3.6 Water Environment.............................................................................................................. 3-23

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3.6.1 Surface Water Bodies............................................................................................... 3-23

3.6.2 Water Quality Monitoring........................................................................................ 3-23
3.6.2.1 Surface Water Quality...................................................................................... 3-24
3.6.2.2 Drinking Water Quality................................................................................... 3-27
3.7 Biotic Environment................................................................................................................ 3-27
3.7.1 Terrestrial Ecology................................................................................................... 3-27
3.7.1.1 Flora................................................................................................................. 3-27
3.7.1.2 Fauna................................................................................................................ 3-42
3.7.1.3 Eco sensitive area............................................................................................. 3-45
3.7.2 Aquatic Ecology....................................................................................................... 3-47
3.7.2.1 Fish Fauna........................................................................................................ 3-47
3.7.2.2 Fish Food Organisms: Planktons and Benthos................................................ 3-48
3.8 Socio-Economic Aspects....................................................................................................... 3-52
3.8.1 Demographic Profile................................................................................................ 3-51
3.8.2 Agricultural Practices............................................................................................... 3-52
3.8.3 Cultural and Aesthetic Sites..................................................................................... 3-53
3.8.4 Infrastructural Facilities............................................................................................ 3-54

CHAPTER-4: ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS

4.0 Assessment of Impacts on the Environment.......................................................................... 4-1
4.1 Identification of Interactions.................................................................................................. 4-2
4.2 The Major Activities that may have Impacts on Environment.............................................. 4-3
4.3 Impacts on Land Environment............................................................................................... 4-3
4.4 Impacts on Ecology................................................................................................................ 4-8
4.4.1 Terrestrial Flora........................................................................................................ 4-8
4.4.1.1 Loss of Green Cover........................................................................................ 4-8
4.4.1.2 Increased Human Interferences........................................................................ 4-10
4.4.2 Terrestrial Fauna....................................................................................................... 4-10
4.4.2.1 Disturbance to Wildlife.................................................................................... 4-10
4.4.3 Aquatic Ecology............................................................................................. 4-11
4.5 Noise and Vibration............................................................................................................... 4-12
4.6 Air Environment..................................................................................................................... 4-13
4.7 Water Environment................................................................................................................ 4-14
4.8 Socio-economic Environment................................................................................................ 4-15
4.9 Impacts on Natural Spring.................................................................................................... 4-16

CHAPTER-5: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

5.0 Purpose and Objectives of the Environmental Management Plan......................................... 5-1
5.0.1 Responsibilities of the Contractor............................................................................ 5-1
5.0.2 Institutional Setup..................................................................................................... 5-1
5.1 Environmental Management Action for Rupin HEP............................................................. 5-2
5.2 Biodiversity Management and Conservation Plan................................................................. 5-3
5.3 Public Health Delivery System.............................................................................................. 5-7
5.4 Environment Management in Labour Camps........................................................................ 5-12
5.5 Muck Disposal Plan............................................................................................................... 5-16
5.6 Reservoir Rim Treatment Plan............................................................................................... 5-26
5.7 Fisheries Conservation and Management Plan...................................................................... 5-28
5.8 Mitigation of Impacts – Construction Phase.......................................................................... 5-32
5.8.1 Landslide Treatment................................................................................................. 5-32
5.8.2 Erosion and Sediment Control.................................................................................. 5-33
5.8.3 Quarry and Borrow Area Management.................................................................... 5-35
5.8.4 Water Quality Monitoring........................................................................................ 5-36
5.8.5 Emergency Measures for Hazardous Materials........................................................ 5-37

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5.8.6 Emissions and Dust Control..................................................................................... 5-37

5.8.7 Noise Control Mitigation Plan.................................................................................. 5-38
5.8.8 Enhancement and Conservation of Physical Cultural Properties............................. 5-40
5.8.9 Landscaping and Re-Vegetation............................................................................... 5-42
5.8.10 Logging and Removal of Waste Forestry Products.................................................. 5-44
5.8.11 Mitigation for Impacts from Construction of Roads................................................ 5-45
5.8.12 Mitigation for Impacts from Construction of Power Evacuation System................ 5-46
5.8.13 Environmental Training for Construction Workers................................................. 5-46
5.8.14 On-Site Traffic and Access Management................................................................ 5-47
5.9 Rehabilitation and Resettlement Plan.................................................................................... 5-47
5.9.1 Introduction.............................................................................................................. 5-47
5.9.2 Livelihood Restoration of vulnerable groups within the project area...................... 5-47
5.9.3 Implementation Procedure....................................................................................... 5-48
5.9.4 General Activities..................................................................................................... 5-48
5.9.5 Specific Activities.................................................................................................... 5-49
5.9.6 Payment of Compensation...................................................................................... 5-49
5.9.7 Grievance Redressal Mechanisms........................................................................... 5-49
5.9.8 The RAP Budget...................................................................................................... 5-50
5.10 Energy Conservation Measures............................................................................................. 5-60
5.11 Budget for Environment Management Plan.......................................................................... 5-60

CHAPTER-6: ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN

6.0 Environmental Monitoring Plan............................................................................................. 6-1

6.1 Water Quality......................................................................................................................... 6-1
6.2 Ambient Air Quality and Meteorology.................................................................................. 6-2
6.3 Noise...................................................................................................................................... 6-2
6.4 Ecology.................................................................................................................................. 6-2
6.5 Incidence of Water-Related Diseases.................................................................................... 6-3
6.6 Land Use.............................................................. ................................................................. 6-3
6.7 Adaptive Environmental Management Requirements........................................................... 6-4
6.8 River Water Quality............................................................................................................... 6-4
6.9 Silt Load and Grain Size Distribution.................................................................................... 6-4
6.10 Indoor Air Quality at Power House Area............................................................................... 6-5
6.11 Erosion and Landslide............................................................................................................ 6-5
6.12 Changes in Flow of the Natural Water Source....................................................................... 6-5
6.13 Fish Management................................................................................................................... 6-5
6.14 Budget.................................................................................................................................... 6-5

CHAPTER-7: CATCHMENT AREA TREATMENT PLAN

7.0 Introduction............................................................................................................................ 7-1

7.1 Rupin HEP, Shimla District Himachal Pradesh..................................................................... 7-1
7.2 Rupin HEP............................................................................................................................. 7-1
7.3 Catchment Area Treatment Plan (CATP).............................................................................. 7-1
7.3.1 The main objectives of the CAT Plan are................................................................ 7-1
7.3.2 Sediment Yield Index Methodology........................................................................ 7-2
7.3.3 Rupin Catchment Characteristics............................................................................. 7-2
7.4 Rupin HEP Catchment Erosion Intensity Mapping Units..................................................... 7-22
7.5 Results of Prioritization of Micro Watersheds...................................................................... 7-23
7.6 Review of Soil Conservation Works..................................................................................... 7-26
7.6.1 Sensitivity Analysis of Soil Conservation Measures................................................ 7-27
7.6.2 Efficacy of Mechanical Measures of Soil Conservation.......................................... 7-27

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7.6.3 Proposed Soil Conservation Measures..................................................................... 7-27

7.7 Assessment of Treatment Needs............................................................................................ 7-34
7.8 Proposal Budget for Catchment Area Treatment Plan........................................................... 7-35
7.9 Joint Forest Management and Micro Planning...................................................................... 7-37
7.9.1 Activities to be undertaken....................................................................................... 7-37
7.9.2 Soil Conservation Measures..................................................................................... 7-40

CHAPTER-8: PUBLIC HEARING

8.0 Public Hearing........................................................................................................................ 8-1

LIST OF TABLES

1.1 Applicable Acts and Guidelines.............................................................................................. 1-3

1.2 Adherence to the contents of TOR in the EIA study............................................................. 1-13
2.1 Distances of Identified Sites................................................................................................... 2-9
2.2 Details of the Proposed Road Network to the Project Components....................................... 2-18
2.3 Details of Land Requirement for the Project.......................................................................... 2-20
2.4 Approximate Quantities of Major Construction Material....................................................... 2-21
2.5 Working Schedule for Construction....................................................................................... 2-22
2.6 Summary of Costs for Rupin HEP.......................................................................................... 2-24
3.1 History of Past Earthquakes in Himachal Pradesh................................................................. 3-8
3.2 Recent Earthquakes in Himachal Pradesh.............................................................................. 3-8
3.3 Landslide Prone Areas Details................................................................................................ 3-8
3.4 Locations and Utility of Natural springs................................................................................ 3-10
3.5 Location of the Soil Sampling................................................................................................ 3-12
3.6 Landuse Details of Tehsil Dodra Kawar................................................................................. 3-13
3.7 LULC of Submergence Area.................................................................................................. 3-15
3.8 Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station................................................................................ 3-17
3.9 Location of the Noise Monitoring Stations............................................................................. 3-19
3.10 Summary of Ambient Noise Levels........................................................................................ 3-19
3.11 Tributaries in the Drainage System of the Study Area........................................................... 3-21
3.12 Average Annual Rainfall Data from various RG Stations ..................................................... 3-23
3.13 Sampling Locations for Surface Water Quality Monitoring................................................... 3-24
3.14 Surface Water Quality Results................................................................................................ 3-26
3.15 Bacteriological Quality of Drinking Water as per IS 10500: 1991........................................ 3-27
3.16 Ecological Sampling Locations and Elevation for Power House and Diversion Site I & II.. 3-27
3.17 Comprehensive List of Plant Species in the Study Area........................................................ 3-30
3.18 List of Plant Species having Medicinal Importance............................................................... 3-37
3.19 List of Species Reported from Study Area and their Conservation Status............................. 3-42
3.20 List of Wild Fauna in the Project Area of Rupin HEP........................................................... 3-44
3.21 List of Fish Fauna Found in the Study Area........................................................................... 3-47
3.22 Sampling Locations Planktons and Benthos........................................................................... 3-48
3.23 Village-wise Details of Population Covered under the Study Area....................................... 3-52
3.24 Cropping Season of Different Crops....................................................................................... 3-52
3.25 Productivity and Annual Income of Different Crops.............................................................. 3-53
3.26 List of Schools in the Study Area........................................................................................... 3-54
4.1 Interactions between Project Operations and Environmental Sensitivities............................ 4-2
4.2 Phase-wise Manpower Requirement for Project..................................................................... 4-3
4.3 Estimation of Migrant Population & Service Providers......................................................... 4-4
4.4(a) Details of Private Land Required for the Project................................................................... 4-6
4.4(b) Details of Forest Land Required for the Project..................................................................... 4-7
4.5 Details of Trees Identified to Cut............................................................................................ 4-8

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4.6 Different Project Area from where the Trees are Identified to be Cut................................... 4-10
5.1 Compensatory Afforestation scheme in respect of diversion of land for construction of 5-4
Rupin HEP..............................................................................................................................
5.2 Biodiversity Management and Conservation Budget............................................................. 5-7
5.3 Budget for Public Health Delivery System............................................................................ 5-11
5.4 Estimated Budget for Sanitation and Drinking Water Facilities............................................ 5-13
5.5 Cost Estimates for Solid Waste Management......................................................................... 5-14
5.6 Budget for Environmental Management in Labour Camps.................................................... 5-15
5.7 Total Area Dumping Site....................................................................................................... 5-17
5.8 Rupin HEP Muck Management Plan – Dumping Area Details............................................. 5-19
5.9 Pitting for Plantation of Saplings............................................................................................ 5-25
5.10 Budget for Muck Disposal Plan.............................................................................................. 5-26
5.11 Budgetary Provision of Engineering Works.......................................................................... 5-27
5.12 Budget for Fisheries Conservation and Management............................................................. 5-30
5.13 Noise Levels of Construction Equipments............................................................................. 5-39
5.14 Maximum Exposure Periods Specified by OSHAS............................................................... 5-39
5.15 Preliminary Social Costs Details............................................................................................ 5-50
5.16 Summary of Anticipated Impacts and Proposed Management Plan...................................... 5-50
5.17 Budget for Implementing EMP.............................................................................................. 5-60
6.1 Environmental Monitoring (Construction Phase)................................................................... 6-3
6.2 Environmental Monitoring (Operation Phase)....................................................................... 6-3
7.1 Abstract of Percentage Distribution of Altitudinal Zone in Rupin HEP Catchment.............. 7-3
7.2 Abstract of Percentage Distribution of Extent under Different Slope Class in Rupin HEP
Catchment............................................................................................................................... 7-5
7.3 Micro Watershed Name along with their Description............................................................ 7-9
7.4 Percentage Distribution of Sub Watershed-wise Land Use Statistics.................................... 7-10
7.5 Physico-Chemical Analysis of Surface Soil Samples from Rupin HEP Catchment.............. 7-12
7.6 Distribution of Plant Species and their Medicinal Properties................................................. 7-15
7.7 Broad Land Use Statistics of Rupin HEP Catchment, Himachal Pradesh............................. 7-19
7.8 Sub Watershed and Altitudinal Zone-Wise Broad Land Use Percentage Statistics of Rupin
HEP Catchment, Himachal Pradesh....................................................................................... 7-20
7.9 Rupin HEP Catchment Erosion Intensity Mapping Units (EIMU)........................................ 7-22
7.10 Abstract of Prioritization of Micro-Watersheds in Rupin HEP Catchment, H.P................... 7-24
7.11 List of Prioritization of Micro Watershed in Rupin HEP Catchment, Shimla, Himachal
Pradesh................................................................................................................................... 7-25
7.12 Slope Groups and Proposed Treatment Measures.................................................................. 7-27
7.13 Rehabilitation Strategies......................................................................................................... 7-33
7.14 General Characteristics of Sea Buck Thorn Found in India................................................... 7-34
7.15 Proposed Budget for CAT Plan.............................................................................................. 7-35
7.16 Detailed Split Up of the Proposed Budget for CAT Plan....................................................... 7-36

LIST OF FIGURES

2.1 Project Location Map........................................................................................................... 2-3

2.2 Project Layout Plan.............................................................................................................. 2-10
2.3 Proposed Power Transmission Line Network..................................................................... 2-17
2.4 Proposed Road Network to Project Component.................................................................. 2-19
3.1 Rupin Hydro Power Project Study Area Map (10 Km Radius)........................................... 3-2
3.2 Sampling Locations Maps for Various Parameters.............................................................. 3-3
3.3 LULC Map of Catchment Area............................................................................................ 3-3
3.4 Relief Map of Study Area..................................................................................................... 3-4
3.5 Slope Map of Study Area..................................................................................................... 3-5
3.6 Geology Map of the Study Area........................................................................................... 3-6

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3.7 Seismic Map of North India (IS 1893 - Part 1: 2002).......................................................... 3-7
3.8 Google Satellite Image (2011) showing Landslide Prone Areas around the Proposed
Project Site......................................................................................................................... 3-9
3.9 Natural Springs between Power House and HRT................................................................ 3-11
3.10 Ruupin HEP Downstream Project........................................................................................ 3-12
3.11 False Colour Composite LISS III image (October 2007)..................................................... 3-14
3.12 Land Use / Land Cover Map of the Study Area................................................................... 3-15
3.13 Land Use / Land Cover Map of the Submergence Area...................................................... 3-16
3.14 Baseline Ambient Air Quality........................................................................................... 3-18
3.15 Traffic Status of the Study Area........................................................................................... 3-19
3.16 Drainage Map of Study Area................................................................................................ 3-22
3.17 Annual rainfall at different rain gauges in the study region................................................. 3-23
3.18 Surface Water Sampling Locations...................................................................................... 3-24
3.19 Ecological Sampling Locations in the Study Area............................................................... 3-28
3.20 Variation of Species Diversity Index (SDI) of the Study Area............................................ 3-41
3.21 Species Richness (Margalef Index) of the Study Area......................................................... 3-42
3.22 Google Satellite Image (2011) Showing Govind Pashu Vihar w.r.t the Study Area............ 3-45
3.23 Project Location with respect to Govind Pashu Vihar (Core and Buffer)............................ 3-46
3.24 Plankton & Benthos Sampling Locations............................................................................. 3-49
3.25 Density & Diversity Index of Phytoplankton in the Study Area.......................................... 3-51
3.26 Density & Diversity Index of Benthos in the Study Area.................................................... 3-51
4.1 Methodology for Environmental Impact Assessment.......................................................... 4-1
5.1 Institutional Setup of Environmental Cell............................................................................ 5-2
5.2 Retaining Wall Cross Section............................................................................................... 5-24
5.3 Fish Ladder........................................................................................................................... 5-29
7.1 Location Map of Rupin HEP Catchment.............................................................................. 7-3
7.2 Micro Watershed-Wise Area under Different Altitudinal Zones in Rupin HEP
Catchment........................................................................................................................... 7-4
7.3 Graph Showing the Total Geographical Coverage Under Each Zone.................................. 7-5
7.4 Graph Showing % Slope of Areas in the Overall Catchment.............................................. 7-6
7.5 Slope Map of Rupin HEP Catchment................................................................................... 7-7
7.6 Drainage Map of Rupin Catchment...................................................................................... 7-8
7.7 Sub-watershed and Micro-watershed delineated in Rupin HEP Catchment........................ 7-9
7.8 Sub Watershed-wise Land Use Statistics............................................................................. 7-11
7.9 Map Showing Soil Sample Sites.......................................................................................... 7-14
7.10(a) Satellite Imagery of March 2010 for Rupin HEP Catchment.............................................. 7-21
7.10(b) Satellite Imagery of March 2010 for Rupin HEP Catchment.............................................. 7-21
7.11 Rupin HEP Catchment Map Showing Very High and High Priority Micro Watershed...... 7-24
7.12 Percentage Coverage of Very High and High Priority Areas in Rupin and Nargani Sub
Watersheds. Indicates Extent and Task for Soil and Water Conservation Programmes...... 7-25
7.13 Percentage Coverage of Priorities in Rupin HEP Catchment.............................................. 7-26
7.14 Locations of Treatment Measures that will be undertaken for Rupin HEP Catchment....... 7-38

ANNEXURES

Annexure I Soil Sample Analysis Results

Annexure II Ambient Air Monitoring Results
Annexure III Traffic Survey Results
Annexure IV Phytosociological Attributes of Floral Species
Annexure V Plankton & Benthos Density and Diversity Index
Annexure VI Sediment Yield Index
Annexure VII Fisheries Notification
Annexure VIII LADF Notification

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Annexure IX Minimum Environmental Notification

Annexure X National Rehabilitation & Resettlement Policy 2007
Annexure XI Study Report on Drying of Natural Springs Due to Tunneling
Annexure XII TOR Extension Letter from MoEF

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EX E C U TI V E
SU M M A R Y
Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1. Introduction

M/s Shri Bajrang Power and Ispat Limited (SBPIL) propose to develop the Rupin Hydro Power
Project in the Dodra-Kwar Tehsil of Shimla district in Himachal Pradesh for harnessing the combined
power potential of rivers Rupin and Nargani. Goel Group (Independent Power Producer) the parent
company of Shri Bajrang Power and Ispat Limited (SBPIL) is a leading IPP (Independent Power
Producer) with a 20 years proven track record of growth and performance.

The promoters of the project are Goel Group from Chattisgarh with a 20 years proven track record of
growth of performance in the field of Steel & Power. The group is presently manufacturing about 7.38
lac tons of finished and unfinished steel and has about 42 MW of power plants under operation in the
state of Chattisgarh at Raipur. The company has many expansion plans in the state of Orissa, Madhya
Pradesh & Chattisgarh. The company diversified in to hydro power sector in the year 2007 with
allotment of two hydro projects in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The other project called Chanju-I
HEP (36 MW) in district Chamba is at an advance stage of execution.

The Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared by Hydro Tasmania Consulting India Pvt. Ltd.
now renamed Entura. It is a Government business enterprise owned by the State of Tasmania,
Australia.

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been carried out by Asian Consulting Engineers
Pvt. Ltd. (ACE), New Delhi, is an ISO 9001:2008 certified and QCI accredited consulting company
working in the field of water and environment.

2. Scope of EIA Study

The scope of the EIA study includes detailed characterization of the existing status of the land, water,
air, biological and socio-economic environment in the project study area and catchment area for three
seasons i.e. Pre-monsoon (May 2010), Post-monsoon (October-November 2010) and Winter (
February-March 2011). It also includes identification of the potential environmental impacts of the
project and formulation of an effective Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to prevent, control &
mitigate the adverse environmental impacts acknowledging the rules and regulations being laid down
by the State and Central governing bodies and help maintain good environmental conditions.

The report has been organized in seven chapters as below:

Chapter 1: Introduction - provides a background of the project, the project proponent and the process
of environmental impact assessment.

Chapter 2: The Project Description - describes the characteristics of the barrage, tunnel, other
underground structures like surge shaft, pressure shaft and power house and operations associated
with construction, and after commissioning of project.

Chapter 3: The Existing Environment - describes the background environmental characteristics and
the other economic activities in the area.

Chapter 4: Assessment of Impacts - identifies the potential impacts from the project
Chapter 5: Environmental Management Plan - the environmental management plan provides a set of
measures for amelioration of anticipated adverse impacts likely to accrue as a result of the proposed

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project. The approach for formulation of an EMP is to maximize the positive environmental effects
and minimize the negatives ones.

Chapter 6: Environmental Monitoring Program - describes the mechanism to address the adverse
environmental impacts during different phases of the project (construction and operational phases).

Chapter 7: Catchment Area Treatment Plan – The CAT plan is based as per the prioritization of sub-
watersheds using the Silt Yield Index (SYI) as per AISLUS methodology.

The structure of executive summary is set out under the following sub-headings:

a) Introduction
b) Salient Feature
c) Project Location
d) Project Description
e) Baseline Environmental Status
f) Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan
g) Environmental Monitoring Plan
h) Environmental Management Budget

3. Salient Feature

The proposed Rupin Hydro Electric Project has been conceived for harnessing the power potential of
river Rupin, in Dodra-Kawar Tehsil of District Shimla in Himachal Pradesh. It is a run-of-the-river
scheme with a barrage on river Nargani as a diversion structure to increase the flow of the river Rupin
and in turn increase the output of the electricity generation unit.

The project is a medium head scheme with rated design head of 266.50 meters. It has Full Reservoir
Level and Minimum Draw Down Level (MDDL) as 2206 meters and 2202 meters above mean sea
level, respectively. The design discharge has been adopted as 19.46 cumecs for generation of power.
Accordingly, a 45 MW hydro power project has been conceptualized on the right bank of river Rupin.
The project layout consists of a barrage at Nargani site, about 2.51 km long feeder tunnel, trench weir
at Rupin site near village Jiskhun, underground desilting chamber, 6.009 km long water conductor
system and a 45 MW (2 x 22.5 MW) surface power house near village Gosangu. Tail water is
proposed to be discharged back into river Rupin. A 132 kV surface Switchyard is proposed in the near
vicinity of the power house.

The Salient Features of the project are as identified below:

a. Project Location
State Himachal Pradesh
District Shimla
Tehsil Dodra-Kawar
River Rupin & Nargani
Nearest Village Gosangu, Jishukun, Dhandarwari
Latitude of barrage site
 Nargani Division 31°15‟21‟‟N
 Rupin Division 31°15‟17‟‟N
Longitude of barrage site
 Nargani Division 78°7‟8‟‟E
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a. Project Location
 Rupin Division 78°5‟45”E
Latitude of power house 31°12‟15‟‟N
Longitude of power house 78°4‟26”E
Altitude +/- 1910 m to +/- 2220 m
Nearest Railway Station Kalka – 300 km*
Nearest Airport Shimla– 210 km*
* The distance is corresponding to the power house site.

b. Hydrology
Catchment area
1. River Nargani km2 168
2. River Rupin km2 65
Snow fed catchment area
1. River Nargani km2 31.5
2. River Rupin km2 8.4
Average lean season flow m3/s 5.47
Average net lean season flow m3/s 4.65
Minimum lean season flow m3/s 4.92
Minimum net lean season flow m3/s 4.1
3
Environmental flow m /s 1.073
Design discharge m3/s 19.46
Average Annual Rainfall (Rohru) mm 958
Source of Run-off Rain, snow and glacier melt
3
50-year Design Flood at Nargani Diversion Site m /s 1500
500-year Design Flood at Nargani Diversion m3/s 2150
Site
50-year Design Flood at Rupin Diversion Site m3/s 700

c. Diversion Structure at Nargani site

Type Gated weir (Barrage)
Average River Bed Level m El. 2194
Crest Level of Barrage Bays m El. 2200
Bridge Deck Level m El. 2208

Barrage Bays
No. of bays 6
Width of each bay m 11
Thickness of Piers m 2.5
Clear width of barrage bays m 66
Type and height of gate m Vertical lift gate, 6.25

Under Sluice Bays

No. of under sluice bays 2
Width of each bay m 5

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c. Diversion Structure at Nargani site

Thickness of piers m 2
Crest level of under sluice bays m El. 2194
Clear width of under sluice portion m 10
Type and height of gate m Vertical lift gate, 4 m high

Reservoir
Full Reservoir Level (FRL) m El. 2206
Minimum Draw Down Level (MDDL) m El. 2202
Live storage m3 85,200

Energy Dissipation System

Type Hydraulic jump type silting
basin
Length of basin from toe of sloping glacis m 33 (barrage bays); 51(Under
sluice bays)
Width of basin m 78.5 (barrage bays); 14
(Under sluice bays)
D/s floor level m El. 2185

Feeder Tunnel Intake

Type Side Intake
Size of intake 2 bays; 5.5mX3m
Invert level of intake m El. 2199
Trash rack type Mechanical Cleaning
Size of trash rack 2 nos. 5.5mX3m
Intake Stoplog 1 No, Vertical lift gate
(3.2mX3m high)
Intake gates 1 No, Vertical lift gate
(3.2mX3m high)
Design discharge including 20% for sediment m3/s 16.81
flushing

Feeder Tunnel from Nargani to Desilting

basin cum Storage Tank at Rupin
Type D shaped (3.2mX3.2m)
Length km 2.5
Inlet invert level m 2199
Outlet invert level m 2198

d. Diversion structure at Rupin site

Type Trench weir
El. Of C/l of trench weir crest m El. 2207.16

Trench Weir
Length m 23
Width m 2.5

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d. Diversion structure at Rupin site

Design discharge including flushing discharge m3/s 7.85

Shingle Excluder Duct

Type Rectangular duct
Length 37
Size 1.2mX1.5m
Bed slope 1 in 20

Feeder Channel
Design discharge in Feeder Channel m3/s 6.5
Type Rectangular Channel
Length m 63
Size 2.5mX2m

e. Desilting Basin cum Storage Tank

Type Surface, hopper type
Size of particles to be removed mm 0.2 and above
Number of chambers 1 Nos.
Size m Width= 35; Depth= 8
(Vertical) & 3 (Hopper);
Length= 42
Side slope of Hopper 1H: 1V
Design discharge for Basin 110% of Design Discharge
Average Discharge m3/s 23.55
Average flow-through velocity m/s 0.082
Flushing arrangement A flushing trench has been
provided at the bottom of each
hopper which is connected to
the main trench discharging at
the downstream end of the
desilting basin cum reservoir.
Flushing velocity m/s >3
Storage Tank
Live storage m3 30,000
Full Supply Level (FSL) m 2206
Minimum Draw Down Level (MDDL) m 2198

f. Intake
Size of Intake 3.2mX3.2m bell mouthed at
top
Invert level of Intake m El. 2191.5
Top Lip Level m El. 2196.5
Trash rack type Mechanical cleaning
Size of trash rack 3.2mX15m
Intake gate Vertical Lift Gate

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f. Intake
(3.2mX3.2m high)

g. Head Race Tunnel

Type D-shaped
Size 3.2mX3.2m (A=9.27m2)
Total Length m 6008.72
Slope 1V: 200H
Design Discharge m3/s 19.46
Velocity m/s 2.10

Adits
Size D shaped, 3.6mX3.6m
Length
Adit-1 at RD 165 m 95
Adit-2 at RD 2600 m 125
Adit-3 at RD 5075 m 90
Adit-4 at RD 5993 m 75

h. Surge Shaft
Type Restricted orifice
Size m 8 diameter circular
Orifice type Two rectangular openings
each 1.85X0.5m
Top level m El. 2230.00
Maximum Up Surge level m El. 2226.40
Minimum Down Surge level m El. 2144.40
Level at junction of HRT and Surge Shaft m El. 2161.40

i. Pressure Shaft/Penstock
Type Combined pressure shaft and
surface penstock, fabricated
from Mild Steel plate
conforming to ASTM 516
Grade 70
Nos. 2 starting from surge shaft
Thickness Varies from 8mm to 20 mm
Diameter Circular diameter 1.55 m
each
Length (Pressure Shaft) 108 m each
Length (Penstock) 455.5 m each
Velocity m/s 5.20
Anchors and Saddle Supports Anchor block at each
vertical & horizontal bend,
and supported on saddle
support

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j. Power house
HFL (10,000 year return period) m El. 1917.20
C/l of penstock m El. 1920.70
Gross head m 285.30
Design head m 266.50
Design discharge m3/s 19.46
Installed capacity MW 2X22.5
Type Surface
Size (including service bay) m L= 47.5; W= 19.5; H= 38.16
Service Bay Level m El. 1930.10
Machine Hall Level m El. 1930.10
Generator Floor level m El. 1925.10
Turbine Floor level m El. 1921.10
Centre line of Machine m El. 1920.70
Power House crane 80/10 T EOT

k. l. E & M Equipment
Turbines
Type Vertical axis pelton
No. & Capacity kW 2 X 23,100
Rated head m 266.50
Speed rpm 300
Overloading % 10

Generators
Type Vertical shaft alternating
current synchronous type
No. & Capacity kW 2 X 22,500
Power factor 0.9
Overloading % 10

Transformer
Type and numbers Six numbers Single-phase
9.5 MVA, 11/132/√3 kV
step up transformer of
ONAF/ONAN type

l. Tail race
Shape Rectangular
Size 6m wide X 4m deep
Length m 20

m. Switchyard
Location Adjacent to power house on
right bank of Rupin u/s of
the confluence of Rupin and
Saru rivers
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m. Switchyard
Size 60.5m X 37.2
Voltage kV 132

n.
Voltage kV 132
Length km 22 (approximately)
Feeding point into grid kV 220 pooling station at
SundaThrough 132 kV double
circuit line to be constructed
by the HPPTCL

o. Power Generation
Installed capacity MW 45
Design energy (in 90% dependable year GWh
180.40
with 95% M/c availability)
Annual energy (in 50% dependable year GWh
262.78
with 95% M/c availability)

p. Estimated cost
Civil work Crores 209.05
E & M and Transmission Works Crores 88.82

q. Estimated Cost-For Tariff Calculations

Escalations Crores 37.56
Interest during construction Crores 47.26
Financing charges & LADA Crores 9.92
Project cost Including escalation, IDC & Crores 392.61
FC

r. Financial Aspects
Levellized Tariff (12% Discounting) Rs. 3.92 kWh
Levellized Tariff (14% Discounting) Rs. 4.00 kWh
Average Tariff for block of forty years Rs. 3.35kWh

s. Construction Period years 4

4. Project Location

The proposed Rupin Hydro Electric Project of 45 MW capacity is located on rivers Rupin and
Nargani in the Dodra-Kawar Tehsil of Shimla District in Himachal Pradesh. It is the first recently
Hydro Electric Project proposed on river Rupin (a main tributary of river Tons). The proposed project
location is shown in Figure 1. The nearest railway station is Kalka about 300 km away and the
nearest airport is Shimla about 210 km from the project site. The nearest district headquarter is in
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Three villages namely, Gosangu, Jishkun, Dhandarwari fall in the near
vicinity of project components. The project site is proposed at an altitude of +/- 1910 m to +/- 2220 m
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with geographical coordinates ranging between 31°12‟N to 31°16‟N and 78°4‟E to 78°7.5‟E. The
study area map of Rupin HEP is given in Figure 2.

Figure 1: Project Location

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Figure 2- Study Area Map of Rupin HEP

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5. Infrastructure Facilities

Following infrastructure will be required for the construction of the project:

a) Access roads for main access to the project and project components
b) Residential and non-residential buildings during both construction and operation phase
c) Construction power

6. Baseline Environmental Status

A comprehensive database on the baseline environmental status/conditions of the study area has been
established through review, compilation & analysis of

a. Existing published secondary data/literature/information , and

b. Primary data generated/collected through field study, surveys and monitoring.viz,
pre-monsoon (May 2010), Post-monsoon (September-October 2010), and winter
(February-March 2011). The field monitoring has been carried out as per the
guidelines of CPCB and requirement of the MoEF.

6.1 Geography & Physiography

The project site is located in the zone of Lesser Himalayas, which is 65 to 80 km wide and the altitude
of the zone hardly exceeds 3000 m. It is generally a thickly vegetated subdivision of Himachal
Himalaya. The study area has high ranges in the northern and eastern corner moving south the ranges
drop in height. The topography of the area shows that all project sites are present in valleys and are
surrounded by the hills, elevation ranging from 2500 to 3000 m.

River Nargani, at the proposed weir location, is 100 m wide at the river bed El. 2194 m and is filled
up with Riverine deposits. The left bank at this location is covered with debris and dense vegetation
whereas river Rupin, at the proposed weir location is about 25 m wide at EL. 2207.16 m and is in a
„V‟ shaped valley.

Due to location of the project sites in the high mountain area, the bed slope of both rivers Rupin and
Nargani is very high. The equivalent slope of both Rupin and Nargani from their origin to the
proposed diversion sites is 139.28 m/km and 97.83 m/km respectively, which indicates that river
Rupin, is relatively steep as compared to Nargani. The equivalent slope of river Nargani upto the
confluence is 84.16 m/km.

6.2 Geology

a) Regional Geology

The Lesser Himalayan terrain, where the project site is located, exposes the rocks of Proterozoic ages
comprising of meta sediments, carbonate rocks, pssamite and pellites. The Proterozoic rocks are
subdivided into various groups, of which early and middle Proterozoic rocks occur in the study area.
Rocks of Jutogh group of middle Proterozoic age comprising carbonaceous schists/lime stones, mica
schisits and the quartzites and schists encompasses the project area. Theses rocks are highly jointed
and fractured at places, some of these joints and cleavages are so closely spaced that they give a
shattered appearance to the rock. Intercalation of carbonaceous layers and thick schist bands are quite
common. Thickness of such layers varies between 15 m to 60 m.

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b) Project Site Geology

Nargani Diversion Site: The right bank of river Nargani upto the confluence with river Rupin is
characterized by steep cliffs exposure of schistose quartzite belonging to the Jutogh Group. The
schistose quartzite is fine to medium grained with minor areas of moderately jointed rocks where it
appears to be of blocky nature. The strike of foliation in the schistose quartzite varies between N5°W
– S 5°E and N10° W – S 10°E with dip amount varying between 20° and 30°.

Rupin diversion site: Bed rock exposures not observed at weir site, but bed rock is exposed at
downstream on right bank where the proposed intake site is envisaged.

Power House Site: A wide terrace of the place, where the power house would be situated, is
characterized by presence of in-situ bedrock on the hill slope adjacent to this site indicated suitable for
a surface power house.

6.3 Seismicity

The proposed project falls under the Seismic Zone IV, susceptible to major earthquakes as per the
seismic zone map of India (IS 1893 - Part I: 2002. Epicenters of the past seismic events are
concentrated in the northwestern Himachal Pradesh, adjoining Jammu & Kashmir region,
southeastern Himachal Pradesh (NE of Shimla) and adjoining Uttrakhand Himalayas.
Seismotectonically, the area surrounding the Rupin project basin is surrounded by a number of
regional lineaments, such as, Main Central Thrust (MCT) in the north, Main Boundary Fault (MBF)
in the south and Drang Thrust in the west. Besides, there are other thrusts, such as, Krol, Giri, Jutogh,
Nahan etc. which lie slightly away from the project area.

6.4 Climate

The climate of the district varies from temperate to sub-tropical depending upon the variation in the
altitude. Hot and sub-humid tropical climate is observed at the southern low tracts while temperate
climate prevails in the northern and eastern high mountain ranges. Climatologically there are four
seasons viz. summer (pre-monsoon), monsoon, post-monsoon and winter in the region.

Summer: April, May, June

Monsoon: July, August, September
Post-monsoon: October, November
Winter: December, January, February, March

The area receives precipitation in the form of snow and rain. During monsoon season, the area
receives good rains, however, little rain is observed in the winter season which is in the form of snow.
Winter precipitation occurs due to the western disturbances that pass over the north-west part of the
country during the months of December till February.

The climate of the study area is generally temperate that is warm in summer, humid during monsoon
and cold in winter. Based on the regional trend of temperatures of the study area, it is found that the
temperature would be in the range from sub zero to 35° C at the proposed diversion sites. Relative
humidity is high in the monsoon season, over 80%, which reduces from post monsoon to winter to
summer season which is the driest part of the year.

6.5 Land Environment

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Land cover of the 10 km radius study area with reference to the diversion site, barrage site and power
house site is derived using latest satellite imageries. The satellite imagery used for the study is
procured from Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) Satellite 1D/P6, LISS III sensor from National Remote
Sensing Agency for October (2007) and March (2010). The imagery from LISS III sensor is of 23.5m
resolution. The accuracy of the interpretation of the satellite imagery is enhanced using reference data
from ground truthing. Land cover is categorized based on the density of the vegetation and snow
cover in the area. Detail of land cover of the study area indicates that approximately 49% is covered
by vegetation of various densities; i.e about 17.02% is moderately dense while 31.46% of the area is
covered by very dense vegetation. The other four important land covers are rock out crop (29.21%),
snow (12.20%), barren land (9.42%) and agriculture (0.33%), there is very little settlement in the
study area.
6.6 Landslides
Detailed investigations were carried out along the periphery of the proposed barrage in order to
delineate the active and potential landslide areas. Two landslide areas have been identified in the
project site, which are at the right bank of River Nargani after the confluence and left bank of River
Rupin both before and after the confluence.
6.7 Natural Springs
Six natural springs are found between the diversion site and Tail Race Tunnel outlet, the dry stretch of
the Rupin HEP Project. Local villagers depend on these springs for drinking and other household
purposes to some extent. But the dependencies on natural springs gradually decreased since
government supply water schemes have started in this area. These springs are generally perennial and
will increase flow of the downstream stretch of diversion site by adding their discharge throughout the
year.
6.8 Ambient Noise, Air, and Traffic Density
6.8.1 Noise Environment
Noise level monitoring has been conducted for three seasons. The noise levels were monitored at
hourly equivalent for day time (6 AM-10 PM) and night time (10 PM-6 AM), at each location. The
locations selected for the study area are Gaon Pujarli, TRT Site (Gosangu), Rupin diversion Site,
Nargani Site, and Confluence. The population density in these areas, where the monitoring has been
done is very thin and mostly covered by Mixed Dense Forests. The values of noise level during post
monsoon season are observed between 34.7-59.8 dB (A) at day time and 31.2- 51.2 dB (A) at night
time. The values of noise level during winter season are observed between 34.9 – 54.1 dB (A) at day
time and 29.9- 50.3 dB (A) at night time. During the pre – monsoon season the noise values as
observed for day time is between 34.4 -57.8 dB (A) and during the night it is between 29.4- 49.8 dB
(A). The noise levels at the confluence point is above its limit, this high noise is pertaining to the fact
that the natural flow of the river is very strong and creates the noise which will be same, both during
the day and the night time.
6.8.2 Air Environment
The proposed Rupin HEP on river Rupin and Nargani lies in a clean area free from harmful air
pollutants as not a single industry or factory is operating near the proposed project site. Moreover,
most of the area under the 10 km radius of the project is covered with forests that results in absorption
of any pollutant resulting due to human interferences/activities. In order to assess the existing status of
air quality, the ambient air quality is monitored at three different locations for the three seasons (pre
monsoon, post monsoon, and winter). The PM10, PM2.5 SOx, and NOx are between 50.20 -57.14 μg/m3,
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10.6 -11.46 μg/m3, 5.71 -7.08 μg/m3, and 8.65 -11.77 μg/m3, respectively. The ambient air quality
throughout the study area is found to be below the permissible limits as per the CPCB 2009 norms.
6.8.3 Traffic Density
The traffic data was collected on hourly basis for various types of vehicles at village Dodra and power
house site during the pre-monsoon (May, 2010) and winter season (October 2010). No traffic studies
are conducted in the post monsoon season. As per the traffic survey done at these sites it is found the
densities of 2-wheelers were more at Dodra Site while low motor vehicles were higher in density at
the power house site.
6.9 Water Environment
6.9.1 Drainage Systems
River Rupin, one of the main tributary of river Tons, arises from a glacier at the head of the famous
Har-ki-Dun valley in the northeastern part of the Tons catchment. The river flows in the southeasterly
direction through Dodra-Kawar area of district Shimla, enters Uttrakhand and joins river Tons at
Naitwar. The upper part of Rupin basin is glaciated and has waterfall, terminal and lateral moraines.
The melt water from the side valleys containing snow and glacier fields drain into the river at various
locations. River Rupin has a deep, V-shaped gorge on its middle and lower course and has river
terraces on both side slopes. River Nargani, a left bank tributary of river Rupin, joins it near the
village Jikshun. This river flows in southwesterly direction upto the confluence with river Rupin.

The catchment areas for rivers Rupin and Nargani upto the proposed diversion sites have been
determined as 65.0 km2 and 168.0 km2 respectively. As mentioned, both the basins are covered by
glaciers. The permanent snow covered area for Rupin and Nargani basins has been computed as 8.4
km2 and 31.5 km2, respectively, which represents about 13% and 19% area of the basins. The
catchment area upto the confluence of rivers Rupin and Nargani is 245 km2, out of which 40 km2
(16%) area is permanently snow covered.

6.9.2 Precipitation Characteristics

The average annual rainfall in the study region is computed as 1073 mm, on the basis of rainfall data
for 4 rain gauge station available in the near vicinity of the study area. There is difficulty in assessing
the snow contribution because of non- availability of records on snow precipitation, however, the
elevation range of the basin (2000-6000 m) evidently shows that the major part of the basin
experiences moderate to heavy snow fall during winters.

6.9.3 Surface Water Bodies

The area is mainly drained by the rivers Nargani, Rupin and several tributary streams of these two
rivers. River Rupin flows in south-easterly direction while Nargani flows in south-westerly direction
upto the confluence with river Rupin. River Rupin, river Nargani and the tributaries constitute the
main water bodies in the study area.

6.9.4 Water Quality

The water quality analysis is conducted for three different seasons pre-monsoon, winters and post-
monsoon season. The water quality assessment is carried out for surface and drinking water for the
study area. The surface water samples are collected from six different locations TRT Site, downstream
of TRT Saro Gad and Harli Gad, Barrage Site (Nargani), Diversion Site (Rupin), Confluence Site.

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The absence of industries within and upstream of the study area has left the water in its natural flow as
it is devoid of any industrial pollutants or chemicals. The dissolved oxygen in the river is very high
(ranging between 15.6 mg/l – 19.8 mg/l), which is adequate for the sustenance of aquatic life residing
in Himalayan streams, as it is above the desirable limit i.e 4 mg/l. The pH lies in the range of 6.72 –
7.14 and not much variation is seen in pH at different locations. Level of total dissolved solids is
observed to be much higher in the post monsoon season as compared to other seasons because of the
inflow of various inorganic constituents in the river due to weathering of rocks and organic matter
caused by runoff flow during rainy seasons. Likewise, the alkalinity is observed higher in the post
monsoon and winter season. The level of alkalinity fluctuates depending upon the nature of deposits
in the river, rainfall in the region and autotrophy of water. The alkalinity monitored at different
location in the study area is of the order of 310 mg/l during post monsoon seasons and 250 mg/l
during winter season

For assessing the suitability of drinking water a single sample was further analysed for bacteriology
quality. It is observed that all the physico-chemical parameters are well within the desirable limit and
acceptable for drinking as per IS: 10500 standards. The drinking water source for the study region is
natural streams and springs.

6.10 Biotic Environment

The study area falls under Dodra – Kawar Forest range of Rohru Division. The topography of the area
is mostly mountainous a greater part of which falls within the higher mountain zone. Development of
terraces was observed along the river course on both the banks. In general both the banks of the river
are mostly covered with rocks (especially the right bank). Approximately, 45% of the area is covered
by the forests. The study was carried out within the 10 km radius of major project components.

6.10.1 Terrestrial Ecology

6.10.1.1Flora

The power house site is covered with sparse vegetation mostly are grasses. Moderately thick
vegetation is present near the waterside areas and hill tops are mostly barren. These patches of forests
harbour mixed vegetation of coniferous and broad leaf species of trees. The type of vegetation varies
depending on the altitude. The altitude varies from 1910 m. to 3347 m. The forests can be categorized
as „Moist Deodar Forests (Cedrus deodara)‟ is an important type and is found at elevation between
1800-2450 mtrs., ‘Western Mixed Coniferous Forest‟ lies between 2000- 3050 mtrs above MSL
above Deodar zone, and „Birch Rhododendron Scrub Forest‟ is found above the upper parts of the
coniferous forests. The canopy is formed both by coniferous and broad leaf tree species.

In the diversion Site –I, the vegetation type is ‘Western Mixed Coniferous Forest‟ lies between 2000-
3050 mtrs above MSL and „Moist temperate deciduous forests‟ type found in the tract between 1600-
2500 meters above the MSL.

Around the diversion Site –II, the vegetation cover may be categorized as, ‘Western Mixed
Coniferous Forest‟ lies between 2000- 3050 mtrs above MSL and „Moist temperate deciduous forests‟
type found in the tract between 1600-2500 meters above the MSL. Ground cover is much dense
as compared to power house sites. During the field survey some dense patches of vegetation are
observed. Above the Jakha village snow cover is observed during the survey.

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Apart from the above, Bryophytic and Pteridophytic plants as well as parasitic, angiosperms are also
observed growing on the trunks of trees. Also, around 33 species of medicinal herbs, shrubs and trees
are also found in the study area.

6.10.1.2Fauna

The information of the wild fauna, which are present in and around the project area is gathered from
various sources like forest officials, local villagers and trekking guides and as well as by detail survey
of these area by EIA study team along with forests guard. During the field survey wild animals were
recorded by direct observation as well as indirect evidences such as calls, nests, burrows, droppings,
scats, tracks etc., which confirms the presence of these wild animals in the area. A comprehensive list
of wild animals and their conservation status as per „Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and amendments
thereto‟ is prepared from various secondary sources as well as direct and indirect evidences by EIA
team.

During the course of field study, Langur, Monkey, Kasmiri Rock Agama, Lizard, Himalayan pit
viper, Hill pigeon, Rock pigeon, Snow pigeon, Jungle Crow and Himalayan Vulture were sited.
However, sign of Himalayan Black Bear was also observed near Jakha village, which confirms the
presence of it.

Data of the wild animals present in the study area are prepared on the basis of the information
collected from different sources and is mentioned as follows:

Mammals: Important mammals of the study area were Blue sheep, Barking deer, Brown bear,
common house rat, East Himalayan Tahr, Goral, Hill Jackal, Himalayan Black bear, Indian Fox,
Kasturi mrig, Langur, Leopard, Monkey, Porcupine, Snow Leopard and Wild boar.

Reptiles: Most common reptiles found in the study area were Lizard, Kasmiri Rock Agama, and
Himalayan pit viper.

Avifauna: Most common avifauna which, observed in the study area were Hill pigeon, Rock pigeon,
Snow pigeon, Jungle crow and Himalayan Vulture.

Amphibians: Amongst the amphibians Bufo sp. was reported from the study area.

Total 39 species of wild animals are listed, in which 24 are mammals, 11 species are of birds, one
species of Amphibians and three species of reptiles. In these, five each are categorized under
scheduled- I species, scheduled- II, and under vulnerable, two each are categorized under schedule III
and Schedule –V, 18 species under least concern, two species are not evaluated. The WPA status of
the species reported from the study area is tabulated below in Table 1.

Table 1: List of Species Reported from Study Area and their Conservation Status

WPA Schedule No.

Total
Species Least Not Data
No. I II III IV V Vulnerable
Concerned Evaluated defecient
Mammals 24 5 5 2 0 2 3 7 0 0
Reptiles 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1
Amphibians 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
Avifauna 11 0 0 0 0 0 1 10 0 0

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WPA Schedule No.

Total
Species Least Not Data
No. I II III IV V Vulnerable
Concerned Evaluated defecient
Total 39 5 5 2 0 2 5 18 1 1
Source: Primary Data collected & compiled from Working plan Rohru and Jubbal Forest
Division, Range Office Dodra-Kawar, )

6.10.2 Aquatic Ecology

6.10.2.1Fish Fauna

Information on fish and fisheries of the project stretch and its immediate up and down stream are
collected through primary survey conducted and recorded by the EIA team and from secondary
sources. Sample netting is made in the project stretch in all approachable points in different seasons
(pre monsoon, post monsoon and winter of 2010). During pre monsoon, post monsoon and winter
Schyzetherax richardsonii was caught.

The information on the availability of fish species and presence of breeding or feeding ground in 10
km radius of the stretch is obtained from the Department of Fisheries, Himachal Pradesh, which is
also verified from the local villagers. Two fish species of two families namely – Cyprinidae and
Salmonidae are reported from the river Rupin. The snow trouts like Schizothorax richardisonni
(Gugli) are reported and caught from the project stretch, which are most common fishes in the river
Rupin. Investigation revealed that these species travel upstream mainly for breeding purposes,
however, no breeding grounds are found in the project stretch.

6.10.2.2Fish Food Organisms- Planktons & Benthos

The sampling of planktons and benthos is carried out in three different seasons – winter, pre monsoon
and post- monsoon. The dominant species of phytoplanktons as observed are Navicula radiosa,
Anabaena sp., Synedra sp., Oscilatoria sp , Stigeoclonium sp., Ulothrix sp. etc. The dominant species
of benthic organisms are Ephemeroptera, Tricoptera, Tricoptera, Diptera, Plecoptera and Odonata.
There is no zooplankton observed in the study stretch.

6.11 Socio Economic Environment

6.11.1 Demographic Profile

As per the Census 2001, following data (Table 2) has been acquired; about 991 households
with the total population of 5574 are covered under the study area.

Table 2 : Village-wise Details of Population Covered under the Study Area

Town/ Village No. of

S. No. Persons Males Females
Name Households
1. Dhandarwari 190 1284 640 644
2. Dodra 216 1108 572 536
3. Jakha 123 737 377 360
4. Jiskun 159 817 426 391
5. Kiterwari 277 1493 782 711

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Town/ Village No. of

S. No. Persons Males Females
Name Households
6. Pandar 26 135 68 67
Total 991 5574 2865 2709
* Source: Secondary Data Census 2001
6.11.2 Agricultural Practices

Cultivation is mainly done of Cholai, Kuttu (Local name „ugla‟; Common name: Buck wheat), Chitra
Rajma a special kind of rajma (Red kidney beans) that can withstand temperature variations easily,
golden apple (Spondias dulcis) and apple (Malus pumila). Walnut; local name „Jungli Akhrot‟
(Juglans regia) and rice (Oryza sativa) may also be seen.

7. Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan

Various impacts on environmental components are assessed in two different phases- constructional
phase and operational phase. The impact and their mitigation measures are given in Table 3 below.

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Table 3: Project Associated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures

Sl.
Environmental Nature of Magnitude
No. Potential Impacts Mitigation Plan Project Phase
Attribute Impact of Impacts
A. PHYSICAL RESOURCES
1. Topography Change in surface Direct irreversible Medium Plantation surrounding the submergence Construction
features and present impact, restricted area to improve aesthetics.
aesthetics due to only in the site of
construction at above ground
various project sites structures.
2. Climate Change in the micro Localised but Low Compensatory afforestation and plantation Construction
climate due to direct impact around the project structures, access roads and
removal of trees for certain extent and colonies. Operation
construction site / irreversible
RoW of roads etc.
3. Hydrology Operation of head Direct/ Local/ Medium Construction of trench type weir, Operation
work Irreversible conventional gated weir
Ground water No significant No specific measures are suggested. Operation
impact
Reduction of flow due Impact is direct, Medium The studies for minimum environmental Operation
to stream diversion localised but discharge are going on and the
and ponding at irreversible. More recommended discharge will be released.
diversion. prominent during
lean period.
Change in land use by 2.71 ha of land, Low Compensatory plantation around the Operation
submergence of land which is at submergence area, colonies and side of the
due to the present having access roads are suggested to mitigate loss
construction of vegetation cover of green cover
impoundment at will be lost
diversion permanently.
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Environmental Nature of Magnitude
No. Potential Impacts Mitigation Plan Project Phase
Attribute Impact of Impacts
Daily fluctuation in Variation in flow Low The proposed project is on run of river Operation
peaking water flow volume and scheme.
situation at Barrage quality of water
Riverine Ecology Reduction of flow Medium Minimum Environmental flow will be Operation
will bring change maintained for sustenance of ecological
in the existing setup in the project stretch. For the Rupin
ecosystem HEP project 0.68 cumecs environmental
flow on Nargani and 0.393 cumecs
environmental flows on Rupin side from
the diversion site will be maintained so
that habitat of the aquatic fauna in the
stretch is not affected.
To facilitate „to and fro‟ fish migration,
fish pass will be constructed
Sedimentation Increase in silt Low Effective management of desilting basin Operation
load during during high monsoon period.
flushing period
Infestation of pests No significant Low Fish can be stocked in the reservoir to Operation
and weeds impact is mitigate pests and weed propagation in
envisaged pondage area.
B. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES
1. Air quality Project will have Impact is direct, Low and Watering at construction site, limited bare Construction
marginal impact on air localized and reversible soils, covering the materials during
quality during the temporary; transportation and storing, maintenance of
construction period restricted only project vehicles etc.
due to fugitive dust during
emission construction

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Environmental Nature of Magnitude
No. Potential Impacts Mitigation Plan Project Phase
Attribute Impact of Impacts
phase.
Due to crushers Impact is direct, Low Install wet crusher to control the dust. Construction
activities localized and Covering and stacking the fine aggregates
temporary, till the time they are utilised
restricted only Spray regularly the stacks with water to
during ensure the entrainment of fugitive
construction emissions such as dusts.
phase.
2. Noise Due to general Impact is direct, Low Restriction on noise generating activities at Construction
construction activities localized and night time (10 pm – 6 am) and use of
and vehicular temporary, personal protective equipment like ear
movements restricted only plugs, mufflers etc.
and reversible Avoid the noisy construction in the
also during barrage site, which is near to forests
construction patches.
phase. Implement good working practices to
minimize noise.
Noise arising from of Impact is Direct, Low Noise from tail race tunnel will remain. Operation
operation of tail race Localised and Switchyard will be located away from
tunnel, switchyard etc. will remain settlement area.
at the powerhouse site Permanent
Noise arising from Impact is direct Medium Timetable for blasting to be maintained Construction
blasting activities. and temporary, during convenient hours.
restricted only Proper design of blast hole to be
during developed.
construction Use of noiseless trunk delays to minimize
phase for 2 years the noise due to air blast.

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Environmental Nature of Magnitude
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Attribute Impact of Impacts
Use of non-electric system of blasting for
true bottom-hole initiation.
Use of muffling mats to arrest the dust and
fly rock
3. Surface water Run off from the Impact is direct Low Setting up of vehicles garages, away from Construction
quality construction site and Reversible slope. Construction of oil traps.
leading to increase in Turfing on the slopes along the access
COD, BOD, oil & road, wherever possible to prevent spread
grease etc. if mixed of contaminated flushing.
with any water body.
Leakage of waste Construction of garland drain around the
from muck disposal bottom of the muck disposal site and
sites may lead to settling pit.
increase in turbidity
Domestic wastewater Low Portable septic tanks both at the Construction
from construction construction labour camp site and and Operation
sites and during construction site will be installed.
operation leading to Sewage Treatment Plan will be made for
increase in COD, project colony
BOD, oil & grease
etc.
Oil spillage and oil Impact is indirect, Low Oil interceptor will be provided for vehicle Construction
contamination during localised but parking and refuelling areas. and Operation
maintenance. reversible Field oil storage will be in proper bounded
areas
Oily wastes will be disposed off to the
approved disposal sites. All spills and

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Environmental Nature of Magnitude
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Attribute Impact of Impacts
waste petroleum products will be disposed
off in accordance with SPCB/ CPCB
Guidelines.
Oil contamination Impact is indirect, Low Oil trap installation for separation of oil Operation
during maintenance localised but from water
reversible.
4. Soils and Soils erosion, loss of Impact is indirect, Low Avoiding sites which are prone to soil
Geology productive top soil. localised but erosion & landslides. During and
reversible. Levelling of construction site. Use of few after the
access road/ power evacuation lines. construction
Preserving the topsoil from all the activities
construction sites, wherever land will be
used for construction i.e roads, materials
storing vehicles and construction
equipment garages etc in stockpile at the
edge of the site to use it to the extent
possible for site restoration later.
Improper debris Impact is indirect, Medium All the debris removed from tunnel, Pre-
removal/ localised but powerhouse to be stored temporarily to construction
accumulation reversible. use it in other site preparation/levelling/for and
site reclamation/ concrete production. construction
Excess material will be disposed in the
muck dumping sites and will be suitably
stabilized.
Damage due to Impact is indirect, Low to high Design and site selection for the entire Before the
seismic activity localised but depending project component will be made construction
reversible. on seismic considering local geology and seismic activity

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Environmental Nature of Magnitude
No. Potential Impacts Mitigation Plan Project Phase
Attribute Impact of Impacts
intensity condition.
C. ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES
1. Terrestrial Loss of vegetation Impact is indirect, Medium Following precautionary measures will be Pre
Ecology localised but taken to avoid any unwanted tree cutting: construction
reversible. Selecting minimum corridor width for and
power evacuation line, access roads etc. construction
Marking out road & site boundaries. phase
Identify the trees need to be cut and
marking them before hand.
Plantation of indigenous species around
the constructed site, wherever possible
will be made and compensatory
afforestation will be implmented.
Training will be given to all bulldozer
operators and other manual labourers
involved in road and site preparation to
strictly confine to their work within the
defined site boundaries.
Punitive measures will be enforced for tree
cutting and damage to natural resources.
2. Terrestrial Fauna Disturbance to the Impact is indirect, Low Animal movement corridors will be During pre
local fauna during localized but identified with the help of local forest construction
construction and reversible. officials and all work will be carried out and operation
operation activities away from the same. phase
All construction work and transportation
of construction material to the site of
barrage and power house, which are close

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Environmental Nature of Magnitude
No. Potential Impacts Mitigation Plan Project Phase
Attribute Impact of Impacts
to forest path will be restricted between
daytime and close it before sunset to avoid
disturbance to the wild animals in the
project area.
The project areas located close to animal
movement corridor will be adequately
fenced with security guard to discourage
animals coming close to the project
location/ workers entering into the forests.
Guard will be appointed to monitor the
power evacuation lines especially for birds
strikes during the operation.
Punitive measures will be adopted in case
of killing of wild animals even the small
one and birds by the workers by DFO
(wild life) of the district.
3. Aquatic Ecology Disturbance to fish Impact is indirect, Medium Minimum flow will be maintained; in the During
during construction of localised but river even during lean period, hence construction/
barrage, tunnel as well reversible. aquatic life will have no significant operation
as operation impact. phase
powerhouse Fish pass will be made to facilitate „to and
fro‟ movement of fishes.
Proper briefing will be made to the labour
force. So that unauthorised fishing does
not take place. To ensure this, punitive
measures will be adopted and guard will
be appointed to keep vigil on such

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Environmental Nature of Magnitude
No. Potential Impacts Mitigation Plan Project Phase
Attribute Impact of Impacts
activities by workers
D. HUMAN ENVIRONMENT
1. Land Acquisition Total 26.63 ha of land Impact is direct, Low All the land owners will get compensation Pre -
will be acquired for local and as per the protocols (NRRP 2007) Construction
the project, in this 15 irreversible It will be ensured that appropriate legal
ha area is of private requirements are met with regard to land
land and rest area is occupancy, land ownership or usage
government land. rights, notice and compensation prior to
legal transfer.
Proper land agreement will be made with
owners, users and state authorities (Forest
Department). Prior to that boundaries of
the property will be marked and all
transactions will be clearly documented
following the legal process.
All necessary approvals from State
Authorities will be acquired prior to all
transactions.
2. Socio-Economics Job opportunities Impact is positive, High Overall industrial and economic growth of During
during construction direct and the region. operational
phase regional Undertake social welfare projects for the phase and
local communities through well thought construction
out CSR strategy
Keep a record of all jobs and provide
monthly feedback on jobs provided to Construction
locals and others with clear reporting on
each job profile.

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Environmental Nature of Magnitude
No. Potential Impacts Mitigation Plan Project Phase
Attribute Impact of Impacts
All manual labour and other jobs for
which local skills are available are
recruited from local people
3. Resettlement & No family will be Nil Nil Compensation of the land and employment Construction
Rehabilitation displaced for this opportunities to the locals and Operation
project; Hence, no phase
resettlement is
envisaged in this
regard.
OTHER GENERAL ISSUES
1. Cultural sites No archaeological, Nil Nil No mitigation measures required. Operation
historical or cultural In case any fossils, coins, articles of value Phase
important sites are of antiquity, structure and other remains or
present in the study things of geological or archaeological
area. interests discovered on the site will be the
property of the government and will be
dealt with as per the provisions of the
relevant legislation.
2. Traffic and Traffic congestion Impact is direct, Low Before taking up construction on near to During
transportation due to movement of localised and any existing lanes, a traffic control plan construction
construction vehicle reversible will be devised. phase
All the necessary measures for the safety
of traffic during construction will be taken
such as barricades, including signs,
marking and flags, will be installed for the
information and protection of traffic
approaching or passing through the section

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Environmental Nature of Magnitude
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Attribute Impact of Impacts
of any existing cross roads.
Before taking up of construction on any
section of the existing lanes of highways, a
traffic management plan to be devised to
avoid any traffic congestion.
3. Oily Waste Probability of surface Impact is indirect, Low The oil sludge will be separately stored in During
generation and ground water localised and the containers. construction
pollution reversible Used oil to be collected and reclaimed by and operation
contractors through the Office of Stores phase
and Purchase.
Separated oily waste and scrap will be
collected and disposed of in compliance
with the Environmental Protection Act,
1986, and applicable regulations and rules
there under.
4. Solid Wastes Contamination of land Impact is indirect, Low A secured landfill site will be developed in Construction
and water localised and a suitable location within the project
reversible acquired land.
Garbage bins will be provided in the
labour camps and also in the construction
site, which will be regularly emptied and
disposed off a hygienic manner.
Degradable and non degradable solid
wastes will be separated.
5. Labour Camp Living conditions of Impact is direct, Low Labour camps will be constructed at least Construction
workers local and 1 km away from existing settlement and phase
reversible from any water body etc.

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Environmental Nature of Magnitude
No. Potential Impacts Mitigation Plan Project Phase
Attribute Impact of Impacts
Necessary (temporary) living
accommodation facilities, i.e,
uncontaminated water supply for drinking,
cooking and washing, Latrines and urinals
in an accessible places/ distance will be
provided and maintained.
Adequate vaccination and immunization
facilities will be provided for workers at
construction site.
Public awareness programmes for increase
knowledge about various diseases and
actions will be taken in case of outbreak of
any epidemic.
Periodic free health check up camp will be
organised for the entire family of the
worker.
Diseases due to Low Precaution will be taken to prevent
contamination of temporary pondage of water. Disinfectants
water bodies and like bleaching powder etc will be regularly
pondage of water sprinkled around the drain or garbage
disposal area and temporary toilet areas in
the construction site.
Issue due to water Impact is direct Low Appropriate water supply sources will be Pre
supply localised and identified. Construction
reversible Appropriate infrastructure for storage and and
disinfections (chlorination facilities etc.) Construction
will be provided.

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Environmental Nature of Magnitude
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Attribute Impact of Impacts
Drinking water will be regularly tested for
:
Orthotolodine tests for chlorine
Lead Acetate Paper test for bacterial
infection
Sewage Treatment Impact is direct Medium Sewage from toilets will be treated in
and Maintenance of local and septic tanks. Construction
drinking water quality reversible Effluent from septic tanks will be disposed
off through absorption trenches.
Drinking water facilities and sewage
disposal site will be located far away from
each other to avoid contamination of
water,
Issue of free fuel for Impact is direct, Low A mandatory clause will be put in the Pre
workers localised and contract of every contractor involved in construction
reversible project construction to provide supply of and
fuel to their labourers so that trees are not Construction
cut for meeting their fuel demands.
6. Health and Safety Exposure to Impact is direct, Low Alignment for route power evacuation Operation
Electromagnetic Localized and lines situated away from the settlement.
Fields persisting No house will be allowed to build near
power house.
7. Positive Impact Project will be Positive direct High Implementation of the following During
on socio- beneficial for the area impact on the enhancement measures: Construction
economy of regional economy and Operation
project area Power Supply to the surrounding areas phase.
from the power generated in the project.

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Environmental Nature of Magnitude
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Attribute Impact of Impacts
Facilities for higher education, training,
skill development.
Employment for local people
Improvement in accessibility
Improvement in tele-communication
system
Improved health care facilities.

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7.1 Catchment Area Treatment Plan

According to Watershed Atlas of India (1992), the Rupin catchment form part of the 2C6D4
watershed. The 2C6D covers Tons-Yamuna which implies that Rupin is the tributary of Tons river
which in turn joins Yamuna River. The Rupin catchment/ watershed are subdivided into 4 sub
watersheds and 24 micro watersheds.

The entire catchment is characterised by mountains of complex topography with three distinct
altitudinal zones, namely: i) Higher altitudinal zone (4000-6000m at msl), ii) Middle
altitudinal (2700-4000m above msl), and iii) Lower altitudinal Zone (1500 to 2700m above
msl). The minimum altitude in this Catchment is 2162 m above msl and maximum altitude
reaches to 5381m above msl. Terrain slopes are important as they govern soil formation,
runoff generation and resultant less of precious soils, freedom of movement, communication
and so on. As such 5 such classes have been mapped in the Rupin catchment viz i) <15%; ii)
15-25%; iii) 25-35%; iv) 35-50%; and v) above 50%. The slope analysis statistics reveals that
both extreme slopes of 10-15% and > 50% almost cover identical areas of about 11.6% and 11%
respectively under the Rupin HEP catchment. Slopes between 25 to 50% almost occupy 52% of the
catchment area. Whereas 15-25% slopes class covers about 20.6% area.

The catchment area is composed of migmatite and limesilic crystalline complex of early and middle
proterozoic rock belonging to Jutogh group comprising carbonaceous schist/limestone, mica schist
and the schistose quartzite. As per the seismic zone map, the project area falls under Seismic Zone IV
which implies susceptibility to major earthquakes. These rocks are highly jointed and fractured at
places. Soils of this catchment are a mix of arid ecosystem of Western Himalayas having shallow
skeletal soils with limited growing season. They are mostly Lithic Cryorthents and Typic Cryorthents.
These soils are mostly associated with high elevations above 4000 m an msl. With decrease in
elevation soils become moderately deeper with sandy skeletal Typic Udorthents having udic moisture
regime. These soils also occur as a mix in rocky lands. Catchment also witnessed some fluvial
deposits belonging to Typic Udifluvents mostly associated with river terraces.

In order to assess the most eroding micro watersheds, 25 composite erosion intensity
mapping units have been formed after the visual image interpretation of the IRS P6, LISS-III
satellite data of March and October 2007. Further subdivision has been done on the basis of
permanently snow covered and seasonally snow covered area to get an idea about the run off
donor areas.

The Sediment Yield Index model is based on mapping Erosion Intensity Mapping Units (EIMU)
which is a composite expression of physiography, land use, soil, erosion and conservation practices
adopted. The EIMUs are assigned varying weightages from 11-18 or so implying the sediment
detachment potential. Higher the weightage, higher will be the detachment potential. It is further
subjected to a delivery ratio and is important to convey as to how much of the detached sediment is
likely to reach to the reservoir site.

Many factors like proximity to the reservoirs/ stream, texture of the eroded material, type of erosion,
relief length ratio, etc. are important to fix the delivery ratio. This is further subjected to 2-3 stage
system of nalla or rivers, entrapments through tanks or reservoirs call for reduction of the delivery
ratios. The computation of the Sediment Yield Index (SYI) is done by using the following formula:

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SYI = ∑ W * A * DR *100
∑ A (MWS)
∑ = Summation
W = Weightage of the EIMU
A = Area
DR = Delivery Ratio
A (MWS) = Area of micro watershed

Once the micro watershed wise SYI are computed they are arranged in decreasing order of SYI i.e.
highest silt yield index micro watershed will have the first priority number followed by arranging the
rest of MWS in decreasing order of SYI. Prioritization into very high, high, medium, low and very
low is done based on the frequency distribution of the SYI.
Prioritisation
The critical study on this distribution of very high and high micro watersheds reveals that nearly 31%
of the total Rupin HEP Catchment area falls under very high and high priority and needs soil and
water conservation treatment for arresting sedimentation at the diversion dam sites on Rupin and
Nargani streams. Interestingly, observations point out that out of 10 very high and high priority micro
watersheds 6 micro watersheds (j1, j2, j3, j4, j5, and j6) covering 4361 ha falls under Rupin sub
watershed in which nearly 66.1% of its area appears to be highly eroding and needs proper catchment
area treatment plan. Second observation picks up that of the 3 sub watersheds of Nargani, the very
high and high priority areas fall in only m and n sub watersheds covering 3 micro watersheds namely,
m1, m5, and m2 covering 2158 ha area forming 47.1% of m sub watershed area and about 13.3% of n
sub watershed area. The observations discussed above concludes that relatively Rupin sub watershed
has 6 problematic micro watersheds out of 8 micro watersheds whereas, Nargani has only 4
problematic micro watersheds out of 16 micro watersheds which implies that Nargani sub watersheds
are relatively less problematic/eroding.
7.2 Biodiversity Conservation and Management Plan
Rupin HEP project is not dealing with any forest product or is involved in any trade or research of
biological resources or exchange of information related to biological resources; therefore, the project
does not attract „Biodiversity Conservation Act 2002‟. But to make the project an environmentally
benign development, a biodiversity management plan is prepared.
To prevent illegal cutting of trees adequate security measures will be taken, in additions to this, public
awareness campaigns against illegal felling of trees are suggested. As part of biodiversity
management, Compensatory Afforestation, Catchment Area treatment will be implemented.
Moreover, the animal movement corridors will be identified with the help of local officials and all
works will be carried out away from the same. As per the provisions of Forest Conservation Act,
1980, Compensatory Afforestation is not applicable for activity carried out in the forests land below
three meter depth. In this project the total forest land proposed for the diversion is 24.9286 ha. Thus,
compensatory afforestation will be done in 50 ha of nearby degraded forest land.
Various other biodiversity enhancement measures suggested are summarized below:
i. Wildlife Protection Measures
a) Regulating movement of floating population and settlement of camps away from forests area
(wildlife habitat).
b) Controlling grazing activity, poaching, encroachment and illicit felling of timbers.

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c) Patrolling and Surveillance by Forest Guards and Range officer

d) Appointing „Watch and Wards‟ for special threatened animals.
e) Strengthening and creation of wireless communication network.
f) Arranging campaign against illicit tree cutting, poaching of wild animals and birds, nature
education and awareness programmes.
g) Organising activity like Eco-development through community participation.
h) Recovery and improvement of wildlife habitat by plantation and fencing
i) Improvement of existing waterholes and springs
j) Control and management of forest fires
k) Special Conservation of habitat vulnerable species and identification of decimating factors
l) Enforcement of Law
m) Recruitment of Field Staff
n) Trans-location of displaced wildlife with the help of forests department.

ii. Noise Mitigation and Management

a) No construction work near the forest patch after sunset
b) Restriction of blasting work in day time
c) Use of silencers and dumping equipments for reducing noise levels
iii. Quarry/ Muck Disposal Area Redevelopment Plan
This will include re-establishment of vegetation, restoration of natural resources, avoidance of
flooding of the excavated area wherever possible, achievement of stable slopes, and avoidance of
features which will otherwise constitute a risk to health and safety or a source of environmental
pollution. Where the excavated quarry and borrow areas cannot be reasonably drained, the contractor
will minimize their number and consult with the local population for location preferences for reuse or
other community purposes. Quarry faces and excavations will be made safe and buildings, plant
equipment, debris and miscellaneous stockpiles of material will be removed from the areas. Materials,
other than waste materials, extracted from quarrying operations will be used exclusively for the
construction work.

7.3 Fisheries Conservation and Management Plan

a) Maintaining Environmental Flow: The minimum environmental flow needed to sustain the
existing ecological setup in the project affected stretch will be maintained throughout the year.
However, perennial nallas are joining in the downstream of barrage in the project stretch,
which also will supplement the discharge to certain extent and minimize the adverse impact.

b) Construction of Fish Ladder: Pool and weir type fish ladder is suggested along the end pier
of right bank to facilitate the to and fro movement across the barrage.

7.4 Landslide Treatment

The proposed project area is influenced by several landslide prone areas, therefore it becomes
imperative to adopt certain engineering measures to avoid any landslides during operational phase of
the project. Some of the mitigation measures involved are soil mulching, contour bunding, contour
trenching, channel terrace, bench terracing methods and bally benching.

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7.5 Muck Disposal Plan

The total muck likely to be generated from the project is estimated 5.44 lacs cubic meters with 45
percent swelling factor from both upstream work, which includes pondage area, barrage, river
diversion, intake, desanders, leveling of roads, associated muck dumping areas and other facilities and
downstream work, which includes power house complex, tunnel, related muck dumping areas, access
roads, surge shaft, pressure shaft, colony and facilities of surface and underground. Out of 5.44 lacs
cubic meters of muck 1.39 lacs cubic meters will be utilized for construction activities and the left
4.05 lacs cubic meters of muck will be dumped at 14 sites identified.

Engineering & Biological Measures for Rehabilitation of Muck Disposal Areas:

a) Individual plans and cross sections of disposal areas, including protection measures such
as seven meter high retaining wall made up of RR Masonary and Dry Masonary with weep
holes of 15cm x 15cm @1.5 m centre to centre staggered is proposed for preventing sliding
of spoil material/ dumped materials.
b) Formulation of appropriate blends of organic wastes and soil depending upon the quality
of mucks to enhance the nutrient status of rhizosphere.
c) Evaluation of spoil tips for their physical and chemical properties to ensure supportive and
nutritive capacity.
d) Screening and isolation of specialized strains of mycorrhizal fungi, rhizobium, azotobacter
and phosphate solubizers (biofertilizer inoculum) in accordance with suitability for the spoil
tips at the site.
e) Mass culture of plant specific biofertilizer and mycorrhizal fungi. This will be procured
from different institutions/organizations, which are engaged in phyto remediation activity of
degraded areas.
f) Plantation of spoil tips under flat areas using identified blend and biofertilizer inoculum.
g) Sowing and broadcasting of moss inoculums to make a carpet in soil.

7.6 Landscaping and Re-Vegetation Working Areas

The contractor will prepare a Landscaping and Re-Vegetation Plan that includes measures for
restoration of cleared areas, quarries which are no longer in use, spoil areas, haulage roads,
construction camp areas, borrow areas, stockpile areas, working platforms and any other areas
temporarily occupied during construction. The measures will include landscaping, provision of
adequate drainage and re-vegetation.

All areas disturbed by construction activity, including temporary access roads and tracks, will be
landscaped to reflect natural contours, restore suitable drainage paths and encourage the
reestablishment of vegetation.

The construction of approach roads, project colony, labour camps etc. will hamper the existing
aesthetic view of the area and will also cause disturbance to the area due to increase in population and
traffic movement. The landscaping and re-vegetation of the areas will be done; so that the natural
surroundings and the aesthetic look of the area are restituted. The restoration will depend on the
topography of the area, type of construction activities and their detrimental effects on the terrain and
the natural habitats. For this the following enhancement measures are suggested:
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 Drainage system for diversion of run-off: An effective drainage system will be

provided for avoiding infiltration of run-off water into quarry sites and also to avoid
its erosion in future.
 Filling up of Depressions: The existing quarry sites will result in formation of
craters/depressions due to different construction work. These depressions will be
filled up by the dumping materials comprising of rocks, boulders, gravels and soil
from nearby project sites.
 Creation of Scenic Observatory: Certain locations will be developed as a scenic
beauty observatory spots, which will compensate the disturbance caused due to the
construction of project components. Location, for example, Jiskun village, Pander
Village or any other site from where scenic view can be observed. These spot will
have a slab type extension /above ground reinforced structure along with ladder and
shed. This will be guarded by iron fencing and decorated with potted plants, i.e.,
orchids, ferns and creepers and flowering herbs.
 Landscaping: Appropriate sites along the access road, Muck dumping area, and
quarry area will be stabilized by constructing a series of benches. The wall to be
developed for providing the adequate slope will be embedded with local stones to
integrate and enhance the aesthetic look of the area. The area will be enhanced with
plantation of trees, shrubs, herbs and creepers found in surrounding.
Spoil heaps and excavated slopes will be re-profiled to stable batters and grassed to prevent erosion.
Topsoil stripped from the areas occupied by the spoil heaps will be used for landscaping work. Re-
establishment of vegetation will commence at the earliest possible opportunity. Appropriate local
species of vegetation will be used.
Local depressions created by construction activities will be either backfilled or drained to prevent
ponding possible. Where the local depressions cannot be reasonably drained, the contractor will
minimize their number and consult with the local populations as to that population's preference for
their location for reuse for fish farming or other community purposes.
All hazardous materials and waste will be removed from site and safely disposed of in an
environmentally acceptable manner. Reusable construction materials will be either removed from site
or, with the approval of the SBPIL, left in a secure manner such that they do not constitute a risk to
health and safety or a source of environmental damage. Watercourses, if any, which are temporarily
diverted by the construction activities, will be restored to their original flow paths.
7.7 Reservoir Rim Treatment
The plan is formulated to protect the reservoir and check the sedimentation in the reservoir caused by
the loose debris on critical slopes, landslides etc. A generalized scheme of Reservoir Rim is adopted
accordingly, a green belt is suggested, which will be kept in the immediate vicinity of the Reservoir
Rim; wherever feasible taking into account the geomorphology, physiographic features, land use/land
cover and other related aspects. In addition to the suitable plantation as proposed in the CAT Plan, the
mixed plantation with soil binding trees may be planted in the Reservoir Rim.
7.8 Public Health Delivery System
The proposed project will implement a public health and hygiene programme in the project affected
area as an environmental enhancement measure for ensuring the safety of overall population against
any kind of epidemic spread of various kinds of diseases. Public health delivery system as proposed
for this project is listed below:

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a) Imparting awareness among the workers and labourers on general health issues.
b) Additional malaria control measures in the area.
c) Awareness against HIV/AIDS spread and its preventive measures.
d) Arrangement of fully equipped ambulance with all kinds of medicinal facilities.
e) Implementation of programme for communicable diseases.
f) Awareness and vaccination campaigns like pulse polio programme, Hepatitis B vaccination
programme, nutrition and dietetics programme in the area for improving overall health and
hygiene of the project affected people.
7.9 Resettlement and Rehabilitation

The project requires approximately 30.7183 ha (which comprises of 24.92 ha forest land and 5.79 ha
private land to be acquired). There will be no structures (Household) which are going to be affected
due to the project. The affected persons will be compensated for the loss of nominal land only.
Efficient implementation of Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) prior to handing over the site for civil
construction work is a prerequisite. Implementation of RAP is designed and the entitlements for the
project affected persons are estimated as per the guidelines of National Rehabilitation and
Resettlement Policy, 2007. This will expedite the overall implementation of the project and will also
provide adequate support to the population affected/displaced due to the proposed project.
8. Environmental Monitoring Plan
An environmental monitoring plan provides a delivery mechanism to address the adverse
environmental impacts of a project during its execution, to enhance project benefits, and to introduce
standards of good practice to be adopted for all project works. For satisfactory inspection of the
proposed environmental monitoring activities as stated above an arrangement of vehicle for Himachal
Pradesh Pollution Control Board is recommended. The Environmental Monitoring Plan for the
proposed project is delineated in Table 4 for construction and operation phase, respectively.
Table 4: Environmental Monitoring Plan

Item Parameters Frequency Location

Constructional Phase
Effluent from PH, BOD, COD, TSS, TDS Once every month After treatment for
septic tanks each septic tank.
Noise Equivalent noise level Once in a week At major construction
sites.
Air quality SPM, RPM, SO2 and NOx, Once every season At major construction
for four weeks then sites (total 3 stations)
twice a week.
Meteorological Wind direction and velocity, Continuous At one of the ambient
aspects temperature, humidity, rain air quality sampling
sites.
Flora and Fauna Qualitative and quantitative Once every year for -
assessment of flora and the entire
fauna. construction period

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Item Parameters Frequency Location

Constructional Phase
Animal movement corridors
and man/animal conflicts
will be identified
Aquatic Ecology Qualitative and quantitative Once every year for -
assessment of flora and the entire
fauna construction period
Operational Phase
Water pH, temperature, EC, Thrice a year 1 km up-stream of
turbidity, total dissolved intake site
solids, calcium, magnesium, 3km downstream of
total hardness, chlorides, the confluence of the
sulphates, nitrates, DO, tail race discharge,
COD, BOD, Iron, Zinc and with the river.
Manganese.
Treated Effluent pH, BOD, COD, TSS, TDS Once every week Before and after
from STP treatment from STP
Erosion & Soil erosion rates, stability Twice a year -
Siltation of bank, embankment etc.
Ecology Status of afforestation Once in two years -
programs of green belt
development
Aquatic Ecology Phytoplankton, Thrice a year 1 km up-stream of
zooplanktons, benthic life, intake site
fish composition 3 km downstream of
the confluence of the
tail race discharge with
the river.
Land Use Land use pattern using Once in a year Catchment area.
satellite data
Soil pH, EC, texture, organic Once in a year Catchment area.
matter

9. Environmental Management Budget

A total amount of INR 2469.5 Lakh has been allotted for the implementation of environmental
management/enhancement measures, compliance monitoring and catchment area treatment of the
project. The detailed break up is presented in Table 5 below.

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Table 5: Environmental Management Budget.

Capital Working Total

Description Cost Costs Costs
INR Lakh INR Lakh INR Lakh
Biodiversity Conservation Plan. 37.0 27.68 64.68
Catchment Area Treatment 981.52
Plan.*
Fisheries Conservation and 35.00 69.31 104.31
Management Plan.
Public Health Delivery System. 40.50 60.00 100.50
Environment Management in 101.50 19.54 121.04
Labour Camps.
Stabilization of Muck Disposal 28.50 13.05 41.55
Sites.
Bio Engineering Measures 70.0 - 70.0
Reservoir Rim Treatment Plan 60.00 - 60.00
Resettlement & Rehabilitation 235.12 - 235.12
Plan
Compliance of Environmental 19.68 - 19.68
Monitoring Programme
during construction phase.
Compliance of Environmental - 7.00 7.00
Monitoring Programme
during operation phase.
Community Development under 580 - 580
LADA Scheme
Repair and Maintenance of 25 - 25.00
Temples
Purchase of Inspection Vehicle 8.00 - 8.00
Purchase of Noise meters etc. 1.00 0.1 1.1
CSR activities. - 50.00 50.00
Total EMP Budget 1241.3 246.68 2469.5

10. Public Hearing

As per the notification of Government of India in the Ministry of Environment and Forest, S.O. 1533
dated 14th September 2006 issued under Environment Protection Act 1986, the State Pollution Control
Board conducted public hearing on dated 27.6.13 in the interest of public for preparing
recommendations based on the technical assessment of documents and data furnished by the project
authorities. The statement of issues raised and replies given by the proponent is tabulated in chapter-3.

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 1
IN TR O D U C TIO N
Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

1 1. INTRODUCTION

1.0 Hydropower Potential on River Rupin, Himachal Pradesh

Electricity has a vital and significant role to play in the economic development of any state. In fact the
growth of any country is dependent on the availability of power. Hydropower is perhaps the cleanest
source of energy with bulk of its potential yet to be harnessed in many developing countries. In India,
hydropower potential is largely available in Himalayan states viz, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand,
Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. The state of Himachal Pradesh (where the proposed project is planned
to be located), with its five major rivers flowing through it, namely Satluj, Ravi, Beas, Chenab and
Tons (Yamuna), is endowed with approximately 21337 MW of hydroelectric potential in its five river
basins, out of which only 6153 MW has been developed so far and 3912 MW is presently under
execution. The first hydropower project in Himachal Pradesh was laid in 1912 at Chabba near Shimla.
The proposed hydropower project Rupin (45 MW), utilizes the water of rivers Rupin and Nargani for
its development.

Hydel potential of Yamuna basin in Himachal Pradesh has been identified as 1019.02 MW. Out of
this potential about 21% has been exploited so far. Rupin is a major tributary of river Tons in Yamuna
basin. It rises from a glacier at the head of the famous Har-ki-Dun valley in the northeastern part of
the Tons catchment. River Nargani, a left bank tributary of river Rupin joins it near the village
Jiskhun.

1.1 Rupin Hydro Electric Project (HEP)

The proposed Rupin Hydro Electric Project has been conceived for harnessing the power potential of
river Rupin, in Dodra-Kawar Tehsil of District Shimla in Himachal Pradesh. It is a run-of-the-river
scheme with a barrage on river Nargani as a diversion structure to increase the flow of the river Rupin
and in turn increase the output of the electricity generation unit. The Memorandum of Understanding
for the implementation of Rupin HEP was signed between, Shri Bajrang Power and Ispat Ltd. and
Government of Himachal Pradesh on 20th December, 2007.

The project is a medium head scheme with rated design head of 266.50 meters. It has Full Reservoir
Level and Minimum Draw Down Level (MDDL) as 2206 meters and 2202 meters above mean sea
level, respectively. The design discharge has been adopted as 19.46 cumecs for generation of power.
Accordingly, a 45 MW hydro power project has been conceptualized on the right bank of river Rupin.
The project layout consists of a barrage at Nargani site, about 2.51 km long feeder tunnel, trench weir
at Rupin site near village Jiskhun, underground desilting chamber, 6.009 km long water conductor
system and a 45 MW (2 x 22.5 MW) surface power house near village Gosangu. Tail water is
proposed to be discharged back into river Rupin. A 132 kV surface Switchyard is proposed in the near
vicinity of the power house.

The project will have only power benefits, as the scope for irrigation is not much in the region. The
proposed plan of evacuation of power from Rupin HEP envisages transmission of power from Rupin
Switchyard to Sunda Substation, which is about 22 km from Rupin HEP.

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1.2 Project Proponent

A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) in the name of S B Power has been formed to develop the Rupin
Hydro Power Project in the Dodra-Kwar Tehsil of Shimla district in Himachal Pradesh for harnessing
the combined power potential of rivers Rupin and Nargani.

The promoters of the project are Goel Group from Chattisgarh with a 20 years proven track record of
growth of performance in the field of Steel & Power. The group is presently manufacturing about one
million ton of finished and unfinished steel per annum and has about 42 MW of power plants under
operation in the state of Chattisgarh at Raipur. The company has many expansion plans in the state of
Orissa, Madhya Pradesh & Chattisgarh. The company diversified in to hydro power sector in the year
2007 with allotment of two hydro projects in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The other project called
Chanju-I HEP (36 MW) in district Chamba is at an advance stage of execution.

1.3 DPR Consultants

The Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared by Hydro Tasmania Consulting India Pvt. Ltd.
now renamed Entura. It is a Government business enterprise owned by the State of Tasmania,
Australia. It is the largest producer of renewable energy in Australia, 10,000 GWh from 26 hydro
power stations. The fully owned subsidiary Hydro Tasmania Consulting India Pvt. Ltd. is based in
New Delhi and provides niche consulting expertise in Hydro Power Engineering & Water
Management to private and public sector organizations.

1.4 EIA Consultants

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been carried out by Asian Consulting Engineers
Pvt. Ltd. (ACE), New Delhi. This is an ISO 9001:2008 certified and QCI accredited (Certificate No.
NABET/EIA/1013/012) consulting company working in the field of water and environment. ACE
provides consulting services and sustainable solutions for the infrastructure projects, industrial
projects and the social development projects.

1.5 Purpose of EIA Study

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a systematic process to identify, predict and evaluate the
environmental effects of proposed actions and projects. The purpose of EIA study is to provide
information for decision-making on the environmental consequences of proposed actions and promote
environmentally sound and sustainable development through the identification of appropriate
enhancement and mitigation measures. The EMP (Environmental Management Plan) provides a plan
meant for reducing the adverse impacts of the project. It also helps in identifying alternatives that will
ensure minimal environmental degradation. This may be via modification in project design,
implementation of project alternative(s), environmental protection measures and other solutions which
will help in reducing the severity & magnitude of impacts.

1.6 Policy & Legal Framework

The project proponent, S B Power will ensure that it conforms to all National and International
legislations, regulations, and conventions, relating to various aspects of hydro power development in
India. Though the project size is less than 50 MW, S B Power has applied for environmental clearance
to Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF) Delhi, since the inter-state boundary of Himachal
Pradesh and Uttarakhand falls within 10 km radius of the proposed project and also, Govind Pashu
Vihar National Park is present in vicinity of the project. S B Power will follow established national
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standards and practices for environmental protection in this regard. Every endeavor will be made to
bring the proposed project in compliance with relevant legislation. A list of applicable Acts and Rules
is described in Table 1.1.

Table 1.1: Applicable Acts and Guidelines

Issues Applicable Legislation

Water 1) The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and
amendments thereafter.
2) Water Cess Act, 1977 and amendments thereafter.
Air 3) The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and amendments
thereafter.
Hazardous Substances and 4) Hazardous Wastes (Management, Handling and Trans boundary
Wastes Movement) Rules, 2008.
5) Manufacture Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemicals, 1989 and
amendments thereafter.
Other Issues under the 6) The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991 and Rules 1991
Environment (Protection)
Act, 1986, and Rules 7) The National Environment Tribunal Act, 1995
Noise 8) The Environment (Protection) Second Amendment Rules, 2002 (Noise
Limits for New Generator Sets)
9) The Noise (Regulation & Control) Rules, 2000
Forest 10) Forest Conservation Act 1980 and amendments thereafter
Flora & Fauna 11) Wild life Protection Act 1972 and amendments thereafter
12) Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992 and amendments thereafter
13) Biological Diversity Act 2002 and Rules 2004
14) The Indian Fisheries Act, 1897 and amendments thereafter
Ancient Monuments 15) Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958
Other Acts 16) River Boards Act, 1956
17) The Central Motor Vehicles Act, 1938, amended in 1988 and Rules, 1989
Resettlement and 18) National Rehabilitation & Resettlement Policy (NRRP – 2007)
Rehabilitation
Fisheries 19) Policy/Norms in respect of fisheries department for issuance of NOC for
setting up of Power Projects. ( May 2008)
Local Area Development 20) Revised Guidelines for Management of Local Area Development Fund in
respect of HEP, 2009
Minimum flow of Water 21) Notification to maintain minimum flow of water immediately
downstream of the project, 2005

The project is also designed so as to abide by the guidelines and notifications set out by the Central
and State Pollution Control Board (PCB) and Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF) on various
aspects of environmental management time to time.

1.7 Scope of EIA Study

The scope of the EIA study includes detailed characterization of the existing status of the land, water,
air, biological and socio-economic environment in the project study area and catchment area. It also
includes identification of the potential environmental impacts of the project and formulation of an
effective Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to prevent, control & mitigate the adverse

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environmental impacts acknowledging the rules and regulations being laid down by the State and
Central governing bodies and help maintain good environmental conditions.

The scope of this EIA is according to the TORs (Terms of References) approved by the MoEF (Letter
No. J-12011/23/2010-I.A.I dated 13.09.2010). The EIA study includes:

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1.8 Approach & Methodology of EIA Study

1.8.1 Approach of the EIA Study

The EIA study includes establishment of the baseline environmental scenario in the catchment area
and project area. EIA report consists of study of the specific activities related to the project and
evaluation of the probable environmental impacts, thus, leading to the recommendations of necessary
environmental control measures. The entire EIA study has been carried out on the basis of the
applicable environmental legislation, regulations and guidelines of the MoEF.

1.8.2 Establishment of Baseline Environmental Status

A comprehensive database on the baseline environmental status/conditions of the study area has been
established through review, compilation & analysis of

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i) Existing published secondary data/literature/information , and

ii) Primary data generated/collected through field study, surveys and monitoring.

A summary of environmental attributes, related parameters and source of information is

given in table below:

S.No. Attribute Parameter Source

Primary Data Secondary Data
1 Land Use Land use pattern GIS based Indian Remote Sensing
information (IRS) Satellite; National
Remote Sensing Agency
2 Soil Soil Field studies, Soil Indian Remote Sensing
Characteristics monitoring GIS (IRS) Satellite; National
Soil based information Remote Sensing Agency
erosion in
catchment area
3 Hydrology Drainage area and GIS based Literature Review
pattern information Hydrology of Rupin &
Nargani River
4 Water Physical, Chemical Field studies , -
Quality and Surface Water
Biological Monitoring
parameters
5 Air Quality Particulate Field studies -
Matters, SO2, NO2
6 Noise Leq day, Leq night Field studies -
Quality
7 Terrestrial Flora & Fauna Field Studies Information from Forest
Ecology department and Literature
Study
8 Aquatic Density & Field Studies Fisheries Department
Ecology diversity of aquatic website, Literature
species (Plankton review
& Benthos, Fish
Fauna)

9. Socio- Population Details, Field Studies Census data, Bee

economic Cropping season, Keeping station
productivity, (Horticulture
educational Department), Dodra
facilities, medical Kawar, District Shimla,
facilities Block Elementry
Education office Dodra
Kawar, District Shimla.

1.8.3 Field Study/Monitoring for Generation of Primary Data

The collected secondary data has been supplemented and validated by conducting the necessary
primary data generation/collection through field study/monitoring in three seasons study period viz,

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pre-monsoon (May 2010), Post-monsoon (September-October 2010), and winter (February-March

2011). The field monitoring has been carried out as per the guidelines of CPCB and requirement of
the MoEF. Field study/monitoring has been conducted on:

1. Soil Monitoring: To study the soil characteristics in the study area, four locations were selected
wherefrom the soil samples were collected and analyzed for important relevant physical &
chemical parameters.

2. Water Quality Monitoring: The existing data on water quality has been collected to evaluate
surface water quality on upstream and downstream of the project site. The water quality
samples were collected in three seasons and analyzed for physico-chemical parameters.

3. Ambient Air Quality Monitoring: For drawing up the baseline status of ambient air quality in
the study area, ambient air quality monitoring in respect of SPM, RSPM, SOx, NOx were
conducted at four locations in the study area adopting a 24-hours sampling schedule.

4. Noise Monitoring: To establish the ambient noise scenario in the study area, monitoring of
ambient noise level was carried out at representative locations in the study area using a suitable
portable sound level meter over a period of twenty-four hours.

5. Geology : The regional geology around the project area highlighting feature were based on the
existing information on these aspects as covered in DPR was collected and suitably
incorporated in the CEIA Report.

6. Hydrology: Hydrological data for rivers Rupin and Nargani as available in the Detailed Project
Report (DPR) was collected and suitably incorporated in the comprehensive EIA study.

7. Land Use Pattern: Study of land use pattern in the study area was carried out by ground truth
verification and interpretation of satellite data. For this purpose digital satellite data was
procured from National Remote Sensing Agency, Hyderabad and processed using appropriate
software to arrive at land use land cover pattern of the study area.

8. Ecological Aspects: The Ecological aspects of the proposed project have been considered
under terrestrial and aquatic ecology which are given below:

i. Terrestrial Ecology: The primary survey for this component was carried out using
quadrant method for sampling. The primary data on fauna was collected using pug marks,
spotting of animals, and locating of the habitats. Secondary data on terrestrial ecology was
collected from forest department and department of wild life, Government of Himachal
Pradesh, local NGO working on the Forests issues, and local people.

ii. Aquatic Ecology and Fisheries: Sampling for planktons, benthos was carried out at
intake/barrage site, power house site and at a location between the barrage and power house
site of the river. The analysed data of planktons was used to calculate Shannon Wiener
diversity index. Investigation for fish fauna in the project stretch was conducted by using
hook and line and through sample netting. In addition to this secondary data on fish species
and fisheries was collected from department of fisheries, Government of Himachal Pradesh.

9. Socio- Economic Aspects: Socio-economic survey of villages in the project area was carried
out using predesigned questionnaire. This was done to understand people‟s aspiration and
concerns about the project. Data on demography of the area was collected from census

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Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
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department and through primary surveys. This data was analysed to prepare socio-economic
impact component of the project.

1.8.4 Environmental Impact Assessment

The environmental assessment has been conducted in accordance with the norms and guidelines of the
Government of India. The project data has been analyzed & linked with the existing baseline
environmental conditions in order to list out the affected environmental parameters and assess the
likely impacts on such parameters. Wherever practical, quantitative analysis has been performed.
Suitable computer models, wherever applicable, have been used. Compliance of the project with
national standards has been duly checked.

1.8.5 Preparation of Environmental Management Plan

Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is the key to ensure a safe and clean environment. The
desired results from the environmental mitigation measures proposed in the project may not be
obtained without a management plan in order to assure its proper implementation & functioning. The
EMP envisages plans for the proper implementation of mitigation measures to reduce the adverse
impacts arising out of the project activities. EMP has been prepared to address issues such as:

 Details of Management Plans (muck disposal, restoration of construction sites, soil

conservation, CAT)
 Pollution control/mitigation measures for abatement of the undesirable impacts caused
during construction and operational activities (air pollution, noise pollution, solid waste
management plan)
 Maintenance of water resources and water quality
 Institutional set up identified/recommended for Implementation of the EMP
 Post project Environmental Monitoring Programme.

1.9 Structure of the EIA Report

The report has been organized in seven chapters as below:

Chapter 1: Introduction - provides a background of the project, the project proponent and the process
of environmental impact assessment.

Chapter 2: The Project Description - describes the characteristics of the barrage, tunnel, other
underground structures like surge shaft, pressure shaft and power house and operations associated
with construction, and after commissioning of project.

Chapter 3: The Existing Environment - describes the background environmental characteristics and
the other economic activities in the area.

Chapter 4: Assessment of Impacts - identifies the potential impacts from the project

Chapter 5: Environmental Management Plan - the environmental management plan provides a set of
measures for amelioration of anticipated adverse impacts likely to accrue as a result of the proposed
project. The approach for formulation of an EMP is to maximize the positive environmental effects
and minimize the negatives ones.

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Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
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Chapter 6: Environmental Monitoring Program - describes the mechanism to address the adverse
environmental impacts during different phases of the project (construction and operational phases).

Chapter 7: Catchment Area Treatment Plan – The CAT plan is based as per the prioritization of sub-
watersheds using the Silt Yield Index (SYI) as per AISLUS methodology.

1.10 Compliance Report

Table 1.2: Adherence to the contents of TOR in the EIA study

S.No. Point of TOR Location in CEIA Page No.

Chapter Section
Study Area
1. Catchment Area 3 3.0.3 Pg- 3-3
2. Submergence Area 3 3.1.7 Pg- 3-15
3. Project area to be acquired for various 2 2.8 Pg- 2-20
appurtenant works area within 10 km
from main project components
4. Cascading effect 3 3.1.5 (a) Pg-3-11
Baseline Data
Geological and Geophysical Aspects
5. Geography and Physiography of the 3 3.1.1 Pg- 3-4
project area
6. Regional Geology & structure of 3 3.1.2 Pg- 3-5
catchment
7. Seismicity, tectonics & history of past 3 3.1.3 Pg- 3-7
earthquakes in the study area
8. Critical Review of the geological 3 3.1.2 Pg- 3-5
features around the project area
9. Impact of project on the geological 5 Table 5.16 Pg- 5.50
environment
10. Justification of location and execution 2 2.1 Pg- 2-2
of the project in relation structural
components
Hydrology
11. Hydro-meteorology & drainage 3 3.2.1, 3.5.1 Pg- 3-16, 3-20
systems
12. Catastrophic Events (cloud bursts & 3 3.15 (b) Pg-3-11
flash floods)
13. Water Availability and aquatic fauna 3 3.6.1, 3.7.2 Pg- 3-23, 3-47
14. Design flood and its recurrence interval 3
15. Study on drying up of natural springs 3,4 3.1.5, 4.9 Pg- 3-9, Pg-4-16
while Tunneling.
16. Environmental flow release to be based 3 3.5.3 Pg- 3-19
on a site specific study considering the
depth and velocity of the four
consecutive leanest months of the 90%
dependable year
Biological Resources
17. Flora 3 3.7.1.1 Pg-3-27
18. Fauna 3 3.7.1.2 Pg- 3-42
19. Avifauna 3 3.7.1.2 Pg- 3-42
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S.No. Point of TOR Location in CEIA Page No.

Chapter Section
20. Aquatic Ecology 3 3.7.2 Pg- 3-47
21. Fish and Fisheries 5 5.7 Pg- 5-28
22. Conservation areas and status of 3 3.7.1.2 Pg- 3-44
threatened/endangered taxa Table 3.20
Remote sensing and GIS studies
23. Delineation of critically degraded areas 7 Section Pg- 7-1 to 7-11
in directly draining catchment on basis 7.3,7.3.2
of Silt Yielding Index as per AISLUS Table 7.1,
7.2, 7.3,
methodology
Figure 7.2,
7.3, 7.6, 7.7
24. Landuse/land cover mapping 3 3.1.7, Pg- 3-13, 3-15
Figure
3.11, 3.12
25. Drainage mapping 3,7 Section Pg- 3-20, 3-22,
3.5.1 Figure Pg- 7-2,7-8
3.16 Section
7.3.3 Figure
7.6
26. Soil mapping 7 Table 7.5 Pg- 7-12, 7-14
Figure 7.9
27. Geophysical features, slope and relief 3 3.1, Figure Pg- 3-4 to 3-6
maps 3.4, Figure
3.5, Figure
3.6
Socio-economic aspects
28. Land details 3 3.1.7 Pg- 3-13
29. Demographic profile 3 3.8.1 Pg-3-52
30. Agricultural practices 3 3.8.2 Pg-3-52
31. Cultural and aesthetics sites 3 3.8.3 Pg-3-53
32. Infrastructure facilities: education, land 3 3.8.4 Pg-3-54
holdings, other properties, occupation
etc.
33. Impact on socio-cultural and 4 4.4.1.2 Pg-4-10
ethnographic aspects due to barrage
building report
Data collection pertaining to water, air and noise 3 3.1.6, 3.3.1, Pg-3-12, 3-17, 3-19,
environment & impacts during construction and post 3.4 3.6.2 3-23
construction periods.
Air Environment
34. Baseline information on ambient air 3 3.3.1 Pg-3-17
quality in the project area covering
aspects like SPM, RSPM, SOx, NOx
35. Noise Environment 3 3.4 Pg-3-19
36. Traffic density in the project area 3 3.3.2 Pg-3-19
Construction methodology and schedule 2 2.11 Pg-2-22 to 2-24
Impact Prediction
Air
37. Change in ambient levels and ground 4 4.6 Pg-4-13
level concentrations due to total
emissions from point, line and area
sources
38. Effect on soils, material, vegetation 4 4.1, Table Pg-4-2
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S.No. Point of TOR Location in CEIA Page No.

Chapter Section
and human health 4.1
39. Impact of emissions from DG sets used 4 4.6 Pg-4-13
for construction power, if any
Noise
40. Changes in ambient noise due to noise 4 4.5 Pg-4-12
generated from equipment, blasting
operations and movement of vehicles
41. Effect on fauna and human health 4 4.4.2 Pg-4-10
Water
42. Change in quality 4 4.7 Pg-4-14
43. Sedimentation of reservoir 4 4.7 Pg-4-14
44. Impact on fish fauna 4 4.4.3 Pg-4-11
45. Impact on sewage disposal 4 4.7 Pg-4-14
Land
46. Changes in Land use and drainage 4 4.3 Pg-4-3 to 4-5
pattern
47. Changes in land quality including 4 4.3 Pg-4-5 to 4-6
effects of waste disposal
48. Impact due to submergence 4 Table 4.1 Pg-4-2
Biological
49. Impact on flora and fauna (including 4 4.4.3 Pg-4-11 to 4-12
aquatic species if any) due to decreased
flow of water
50. Impact on rare and endangered species, 3 3.7.1, 3.7.2 Pg-3-27, 3-47
endemic species and migratory
path/route of animals
51. Impact on breeding and nesting 4 4.4.3 Pg-4-11
grounds
52. Impact on animal distribution, 4 4.4.3 Pg-4-11
migratory routes, habitat fragmentation
and destruction due to project activity
Socio-economic aspects
53. Impact on local community including 4 4.4.1.2, 4.8 Pg- 4-10, Pg 4-15
demographic changes
54. Impact on economic status 4 Table 4.1 Pg-4-2 Pg 4-15 to 4-16,
Section 4.8
55. Impact on human health 4 4.8 Pg 4-15 to 4-16,
56. Impact on increase traffic 5 5.8.14 Pg-5-47
Downstream impact on water, land and human 3, 4 3.5.3, 4.4.3 Pg-3-22, Pg-4-11
environment due to drying up of the river in the
stretch between diversion structure site and power
house site.
Positive and negative impacts likely to be accrued 4 4.4.2 Pg-4-10 to 4-11
due to the project
Environmental Management Plan (EMP)
57. Catchment Area Treatment Plan using 7 7.3, 7.3.2 Pg-7-2
SYI
58. Biodiversity conservation and wildlife 5 5.2 Table Pg-5-3, Pg-5-4
management plan for conservation and 5.1
preservation of endemic, rare and
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S.No. Point of TOR Location in CEIA Page No.

Chapter Section
endangered species of flora and fauna.
59. Reservoir fisheries development for 5 5.7 Pg-5-28
conservation/management of fishes
60. Resettlement and rehabilitation plan 5 5.9 Pg-5-47
61. Muck disposal plan 5 5.5 Pg-5-16 to 5-26
62. Energy conservation measures 5 5.10 Pg- 5-60
63. Restoration and landscaping of 5 5.8.9 Pg-5-42
working areas
64. Public health delivery system 5 5.3 Pg- 5-7 to 5-12
65. Sanitation and solid waste management 5 5.4 Pg- 5-12, Pg-5-13
plan
66. Water and air quality and noise 5 5.4, Pg- 5-12, Pg-5-13
environment management for domestic
waste from colonies and labour camps
etc.
67. Water, air quality and noise 5 5.8.4, 5.8.6, Pg- 5-36, Pg-5-37, Pg-
environment management during 5.8.7 5-38
construction and post construction
periods
68. Reservoir rim treatment plan 5 5.6 Pg-5-26 to 5-28
69. Environmental monitoring programme 6 6.14 Pg- 6-5 to 6-7
with physical and financial details
covering all the aspects from EMP

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 2
PR O J EC T
D ES C R IP TIO N
 Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

2 2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.0 Project Overview

The proposed Rupin Hydro Electric Project of 45 MW capacity is located on rivers Rupin and
Nargani in the Dodra-Kawar Tehsil of Shimla District in Himachal Pradesh. It is the first Hydro
Electric Project proposed on river Rupin (a main tributary of river Tons). Recently one 4MW
project has been proposed downstream of the confluence of Saru Khad with Rupin on the main
course of Rupin.

The proposed project location is shown in Figure 2.1. The nearest railway station Kalka is about 300
km away and the nearest airport Shimla is about 210 km from the project site. The district headquarter
is at Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Three villages namely, Gosangu, Jishkun, Dhandarwari fall in the
near vicinity of project components. The project site is proposed at an altitude of +/- 1920 m to +/-
2220 m with geographical coordinates ranging between 31°12‟N to 31°16‟N and 78°4‟E to 78°7.5‟E.

Photo Plate 1: Rupin HEP -Nargani Barrage Site

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 Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
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Photo Plate 2: Rupin HEP- Power House Site

2.1 Justification for Location and Execution of the Project in Relation to Diversion
Structure

The project proponent' technical consultant analyzed seven options prior to selection of the final
proposal. These options were checked with respect to economy, environment, costing, water
availability, head/location of diversion structures, peaking power, cost of structures and infrastructure
works etc. and finally the proposal which gives best cost benefit ratio was selected.

As a result of the comparative study of the draft options, the alternative that envisages the
construction of a dam on river Rupin just downstream of its confluence with river Nargani gives the
maximum returns in terms of energy generation, higher load factor with lowest cost, therefore was
considered to be the best option.

2.2 Salient Features of Rupin Hydro Power Project

The Salient Features of the project are summarized below:

a. Project Location
State Himachal Pradesh
District Shimla
Tehsil Dodra-Kawar
River Rupin & Nargani
Nearest Village Gosangu, Jishukun, Dhandarwari
Latitude of Diversion sites
 Nargani Division 31°15‟21‟‟N
 Rupin Division 31°15‟17‟‟N
Longitude of Diversion sites
 Nargani Division 78°7‟8‟‟E
 Rupin Division 78°5‟45”E
Latitude of power house 31°12‟15‟‟N
Longitude of power house 78°4‟26”E
Altitude +/- 1920 m to +/- 2220 m
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 Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
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a. Project Location
Nearest Railway Station Kalka – 300 km*
Nearest Airport Shimla– 210 km*
* The distance is corresponding to the power house site.

Figure 2.1: Project Location Map

b. Hydrology
Catchment area
1. River Nargani km2 168
2. River Rupin km2 65
Snow fed catchment area
1. River Nargani km2 31.5
2. River Rupin km2 8.4
Average lean season flow m3/s 5.47
Average net lean season flow m3/s 4.65
Minimum lean season flow m3/s 4.92
Minimum net lean season flow m3/s 4.1
3
Environmental flow m /s 0.82* As per DPR
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 Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
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b. Hydrology
Design discharge m3/s 19.46
Average Annual Rainfall (Rohru) mm 958
Source of Run-off Rain, snow and glacier melt
3
50-year Design Flood at Nargani Diversion Site m /s 1500
500-year Design Flood at Nargani Diversion Site m3/s 2150

50-year Design Flood at Rupin Diversion Site m3/s 700

c. Diversion Structure at Nargani site

Type Gated weir (Barrage)
Average River Bed Level m El. 2194
Crest Level of Barrage Bays m El. 2200
Bridge Deck Level m El. 2208

Barrage Bays
No. of bays 6
Width of each bay m 11
Thickness of Piers m 2.5
Clear width of barrage bays m 66
Type and height of gate m Vertical lift gate, 6.25

Under Sluice Bays

No. of under sluice bays 2
Width of each bay m 5
Thickness of piers m 2
Crest level of under sluice bays m El. 2194
Clear width of under sluice portion m 10
Type and height of gate m Vertical lift gate, 4 m high

Reservoir
Full Reservoir Level (FRL) m El. 2206
Minimum Draw Down Level (MDDL) m El. 2202
Live storage m3 85,200

Energy Dissipation System

Type Hydraulic jump type silting
basin
Length of basin from toe of sloping glacis m 33 (barrage bays); 51(Under
sluice bays)
Width of basin m 78.5 (barrage bays); 14 (Under
sluice bays)
D/s floor level m El. 2185

Feeder Tunnel Intake

Type Side Intake

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 Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
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c. Diversion Structure at Nargani site

Size of intake 2 bays; 5.5mX3m
Invert level of intake m El. 2199
Trash rack type Mechanical Cleaning
Size of trash rack 2 nos. 5.5mX3m
Intake stoplog 1 No, Vertical lift gate
(3.2mX3m high)
Intake gates 1 No, Vertical lift gate
(3.2mX3m high)
Design discharge including 20% for sediment m3/s 16.81
flushing

Feeder Tunnel from Nargani to Desilting basin

cum Storage Tank at Rupin
Type D shaped (3.2mX3.2m)
Length km 2.5
Inlet invert level m 2199
Outlet invert level m 2198

d. Diversion structure at Rupin site

Type Trench weir
El. Of C/l of trench weir crest m El. 2207.16

Trench Weir
Length m 23
Width m 2.5
Design discharge including flushing discharge m3/s 7.85

Shingle Excluder Duct

Type Rectangular duct
Length m 37
Size 1.2mX1.5m
Bed slope 1 in 20

Feeder Channel
Design discharge in Feeder Channel m3/s 6.5
Type Rectangular Channel
Length m 63
Size 2.5mX2m

e. Desilting Basin cum Storage Tank

Type Surface, hopper type
Size of particles to be removed mm 0.2 and above
Number of chambers 1 Nos.
Size m Width= 35; Depth= 8 (Vertical)
& 3 (Hopper); Length= 42

Side slope of Hopper 1H: 1V

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 Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
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e. Desilting Basin cum Storage Tank

Design discharge for Basin 110% of Design Discharge
3
Average Discharge m /s 23.55
Average flow-through velocity m/s 0.082
Flushing arrangement A flushing trench has been
provided at the bottom of each
hopper which is connected to
the main trench discharging at
the downstream end of the
desilting basin cum reservoir.
Flushing velocity m/s >3

Storage Tank
Live storage m3 30,000
Full Supply Level (FSL) m 2206
Minimum Draw Down Level (MDDL) m 2198

f. Intake
Size of Intake 3.2mX3.2m bell mouthed at top
Invert level of Intake m El. 2191.5
Top Lip Level m El. 2196.5
Trash rack type Mechanical cleaning
Size of trash rack 3.2mX15m
Intake gate Vertical Lift Gate (3.2mX3.2m
high)

g. Head Race Tunnel

Type D-shaped
Size 3.2mX3.2m (A=9.27m2)
Total Length m 6008.72
Slope 1V: 200H
Design Discharge m3/s 19.46
Velocity m/s 2.10

Adits
Size D shaped, 3.6mX3.6m
Length
Adit-1 at RD 165 m 95
Adit-2 at RD 2600 m 125
Adit-3 at RD 5075 m 90
Adit-4 at RD 5993 m 75

h. Surge Shaft
Type Restricted orifice
Size m 8 diameter circular
Orifice type Two rectangular openings each
1.85X0.5m
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h. Surge Shaft
Top level m El. 2230
Maximum Up Surge level m El. 2226.40
Minimum Down Surge level m El. 2144.40
Level at junction of HRT and Surge Shaft m El. 2161.40

i. Pressure Shaft/Penstock
Type Combined pressure shaft and
surface penstock, fabricated
from Mild Steel plate
conforming to ASTM 516
Grade 70
Nos. 2 starting from surge shaft
Thickness mm Varies from 8mm to 20 mm
Diameter m Circular diameter 1.55 m each

Length (Pressure Shaft) m 108 m each

Length (Penstock) m 455.5 m each
Velocity m/s 5.20
Anchors and Saddle Supports Anchor block at each vertical &
horizontal bend, and supported
on saddle support

j. Power house
HFL (10,000 year return period) m El. 1917.20
C/l of penstock m El. 1920.70
Gross head m 285.30
Design head m 266.50
Design discharge m3/s 19.46
Installed capacity MW 2X22.5
Type Surface
Size (including service bay) m L= 47.5; W= 19.5; H= 38.16
Service Bay Level m El. 1930.10
Machine Hall Level m El. 1930.10
Generator Floor level m El. 1925.10
Turbine Floor level m El. 1921.1
Centre line of Machine m El. 1920.70
Power House crane 80/10 T EOT

k. l. E & M Equipment
Turbines
Type Vertical axis pelton
No. & Capacity kW 2 X 23,100
Rated head m 266.50
Speed rpm 300
Overloading % 10

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k. l. E & M Equipment
Generators
Type Vertical shaft alternating
current synchronous type
No. & Capacity kW 2 X 22,500
Power factor 0.9
Overloading % 10

Transformer
Type and numbers Six numbers Single-phase 9.5
MVA, 11/132/√3 kV step up
transformer of ONAF/ONAN
type

l. Tail race
Shape Rectangular
Size 6m wide X 4m deep
Length m 20

m. Switchyard
Location Adjacent to power house on
right bank of Rupin u/s of the
confluence of Rupin and Saru
rivers
Size 60.5m X 37.2
Voltage kV 132

n. Evacuation of Power
Voltage kV 132
Length km 22 (approximately)
Feeding point into grid kV 220 pooling station at
SundaThrough 132 kV double
circuit line Initially only one
circuit shall be laid to be
constructed by the HPPTCL
o. Power Generation
Installed capacity MW 45
Design energy (in 90% dependable year with GWh
95% M/c availability) 180.40
Annual energy (in 50% dependable year with GWh
262.78
95% M/c availability)

p. Estimated cost
Civil work Crores 209.05
E & M and Transmission Works Crores 88.82

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p. Estimated cost

q. Estimated Cost-For Tariff Calculations

Escalations Crores 37.56
Interest during construction Crores 47.26
Financing charges & LADA Crores 9.92
Project cost Including escalation, IDC & FC Crores 392.61

r. Financial Aspects
Levellized Tariff (12% Discounting) Rs. 3.90 kWh
Levellized Tariff (14% Discounting) Rs. 4.00 kWh
Average Tariff for block of forty years Rs. 3.35 kWh

s. Construction Period years 4

2.3 Project Description

Rupin HEP will harness the head available between the proposed barrage location with FRL of
elevation 2206 m and the proposed power house at right bank of Rupin. The tail race is located on the
right bank of the river with the tail water level at the elevation of 1915.50 m. The diversion structure
and power house location w.r.t. confluence of Nargani with Rupin River has been given in Table 2.1.
The project layout map is shown in Figure 2.2.

Table 2.1: Distances of Identified Sites

S. Distance
Site From
No (Km)
Upstream from the confluence of rivers Rupin
1. Barrage across river Nargani 2.3
and Nargani
Upstream from the confluence of rivers Rupin
1.9
2. Trench Weir at river Rupin and Nargani
6.0
3. Power House Site 5.9 Downstream of confluence of Rupin &
Nargani

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Figure 2.2: Project Layout Plan.

2.4 Rupin HEP - Project Costs

The project shall be completed in a period of 4 years excluding preconstruction activities, after
obtaining all clearances and financial closure. The average cost of generation for first five years after
construction is Rs. 4.58/kWh. The completed project cost has been assessed at Rs. 392.61Crores.

2.5 Civil Engineering Structures

Civil engineering structures are planned based on natural features and topography/geological
condition at site to optimize the power potential of rivers Rupin and Nargani. The following major
components / structures are proposed:

 Diversion Structure at River Nargani

 Intake and Feeder Tunnel at Nargani site
 Trench Weir at River Rupin
 Intake and Feeder channel to desilting basin cum storage tank
 Desilting Basin cum storage tank
 Tunnel Intake
 Headrace Tunnel
 Surge Shaft
 Pressure Shaft/ Surface Penstock
 Surface Powerhouse
 Tailrace Channel
 Switchyard
 Transmission
 Energy Benefit

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2.5.1 Brief Description of Civil Engineering Components

2.5.1.1 Diversion Structure at River Nargani

A 98.5 m wide gated weir comprising six barrage bays of 11 m width each provided with 6.25 m high
vertical gates and 2 bays of scouring sluices of 5 m width each adjacent to the side intake on the right
bank of river Nargani has been proposed. The final location of the gated weir is 2300 m upstream
from the confluence of rivers Nargani and Rupin. The River Bed Level at this location is at El. 2194
m.

2.5.1.2 Intake and Feeder Tunnel at Nargani Site

A side intake comprising of single segment has been proposed on the right bank and is located about
6.00 m upstream of the axis of the gated weir. The invert level of the intake has been kept at El. 2199
m, 5 m higher than the river bed level. The entrance of the intake is bed mouthed with its top lip at El.
2202 m. The intake has been aligned at an angle of 100° with the weir axis so as to deflect the
sediment bed load away from it. Provision has been made for trash rack at the intake. Service gate as
well as emergency gate has been provided at the entrance of feeder tunnel.

2.5.1.3 Trench Weir at River Rupin

A drop type trench weir has been proposed as diversion structure on river Rupin at elevation 2207 m
and it is located at 1600 m upstream from the confluence of rivers Nargani and Rupin. The
corresponding H.F.L. at the trench is 2210.25 m for 50 years return flood. A 23 m long and 2.5 m
wide trench weir has been found adequate to draw a maximum discharge of 7.85 m3/s including single
excluder and silt flushing discharge. A trash rack has been kept at elevation of 2207.33 m. the trash
rack shall consist of 40 mm clear spacing so that pebbles above 40 mm may roll down the weir. A bed
slope of 1:15 has been kept in the trench bed to enable the remaining pebbles/ sediments to roll into
the collection basin. On upstream and downstream side of the trench weir, 4.5 m and 7.5 m long
floors of concrete blocks (Size 1.5 m X 2 m X 2 m) with toe walls at the ends have been proposed,
respectively. Beyond the concrete floor, boulder protection of 7.2 m and 10.2 m length respectively on
upstream and downstream sides with toe walls at the ends has been provided.

2.5.1.4 Intake and Feeder Channel to Desilting Basin cum Storage Tank

An intake has been proposed on the right bank of trench weir to collect the diverted flow from the
trench weir. Top of the intake has been kept above the HFL at 2211.5 m. The level of the intake has
been kept at El. 2205.0 m, 1.8 m higher than the invert level of the collection basin. Emergency gate
and service gate have been provided at the entrance of the feeder channel. A single flushing
rectangular duct 1.2 m X 1.5 m, 37 m long takes off from the collection basin to discharge
pebbles/stones back into the river Rupin. The water from intake is taken to desilting basin cum storage
tank through rectangular channel 2.5 m X 2.5 m.

2.5.1.5 Desilting Basin cum Storage Tank

The combined water of rivers Nargani and Rupin will be routed through surface desilting basin cum
storage tank (2 hrs peaking storage for Rupin water which works out to 29,880 m3 [(5.45-1.3) X 3600
X 2]) to the headrace tunnel of approx. 6009 m length and 3.2 m diameter. Desilting basin is designed
to exclude sediment particles of 0.2 mm and higher and to cater for 110% of the power station design
discharge. Desilting basin has six hoppers aligned in transverse direction, each 35 m long, 7 m wide
and 11 m deep including 3 m deep hopper. A flushing drain has been provided at the bottom of each
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 Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

hopper which is connected to the main drain discharging at the downstream end of the desilting basin
cum storage tank.

The MDDL of Rupin desilting basin cum storage tank is El. 2198 m and the MDDL at Nargani has
been kept at El. 2202 m. The required proportionate storage capacity for 2 hour peak generation
works out to 76,752 m3 [(14.01-3.35) X 3600 X 2]. This is available between El. 2206 m and 2202 m.
Hence, FRL is kept at El. 2206 m which is same as FRL at Rupin desilting basin cum storage tank.
The maximum water level corresponding to the design flood m3/s works out to El. 2176 m same as
FRL.

2.5.1.6 Tunnel Intake

A tunnel has been proposed downstream of the hoppers in the desilting basin cum storage tank. The
invert level of the intake has been kept at El. 2191.5 m, 6.5 m lower than the MDDL. The intake
entrance is bell mouthed with its top lip at El. 2196.5 Provision has been made for the trash rack at
the intake. A gate has been provided at the entrance of tunnel.

2.5.1.7 Head Race Tunnel (HRT)

With a view to reduce the length, the head race tunnel has been aligned as close as possible to the
river Rupin keeping in view, inter alia, geological formation, adequate rock cover and inhabited areas.
A pressure flow tunnel section of 3.2 m X 3.2 m D-shape has been found in the optimum size. The
length of the tunnel from the desilting basin cum storage tank, upto the surge shaft works out to be
6009 m. Two intermediate construction adits have been proposed. Besides, there are two construction
adits near the upstream and downstream ends of the tunnel. The maximum length of the tunnel from
any of the construction face is 1345 m.

2.5.1.8 Surge Shaft

An 8 m diameter circular shaped restricted orifice type surge shaft has been provided at the end of
HRT. Top of surge shaft has been kept at El. 2230 m and level at junction of HRT and surge shaft is
at El. 2161.4 m. Two pressure shafts/penstocks take off from the surge shaft. There are two
rectangular gate grooves in surge shaft for gate operation for each pressure shaft, which have been
considered as orifices.

2.5.1.9 Pressure Shaft/ Penstock

Two pressure shafts each 108 m long and two penstocks, each 455 m long and 1.55 m diameter will
connect the head race tunnel to the power house. These pressure shafts/ penstocks take off from the
surge shaft to feed two generating units of 2.5 MW each. A gate has been proposed at the upstream
end of each pressure shaft and an inlet valve at the downstream end of each penstock.

2.5.1.10 Power House

A surface power house is proposed to be located on the right bank just upstream of the confluence of
Saru nallha with Rupin River to house two vertical axis Pelton units each of 22.5 MW.

2.5.1.11 Race Channel

The two tail race channel will discharge into a common tail race the width of which varies from 4 m
to 6 m along the flow. The 6 m wide tail race channel discharges into the river.

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 Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

2.5.1.12 Switch Yard

A conventional surface switchyard, 11050 size will be located near the power house on right bank of
Rupin u/s of the confluence of rivers Rupin and Saru adjoining to power house. The switchyard
control room shall house all the control including tariff metering panels, D.G. sets etc.

2.5.1.13 Transmission System

Power shall be evacuated from Hydro Electric Power Switchyard/Pooling station through 132 kV
double circuit line (Initially only one circuit shall be laid) to be constructed by Himachal Pradesh
Power Transmission Corporation to 220 kV proposed substation at Sunda.

2.5.1.14 Power Benefits

The annual energy generation and load factor for Rupin HEP in a 90% dependable year with 95%
machine availability is 180.40 GWh and 45.76 % respectively. For a 50 % dependable year, the same
values are 262.78 GWh and 66.66% respectively.

2.6 Electro- Mechanical Works

The Electro Mechanical Works will comprise of 2 units each of 22.5 MW, vertical shaft Pelton
turbine, inlet valve, generator, segregated phase bus duct, transformers, 11 kV/132 kV switchyard,
132kV switchgear, and auxiliary equipments.

2.6.1 Turbine

Some of the main features of the vertical shaft Pelton Type Turbine are as under:

a. Rated Speed 300 rpm.

b. Turbine shall capable to match the generator output of 22.5 MW at rated head conditions plus
10% continuous overload at rated head. The turbine shall be capable of producing higher
output at higher heads than the rated head.
c. The rated and design net head is 266.5 meters
d. Rated discharge is 9.7 Cumecs per unit.
e. PID electronic governor for its control

2.6.2 Generator

The main features of the generator are as described below:-

a. The generator will be vertical shaft pelton turbine driven synchronous generator with
maximum continuous output at rated head of 27.5 MVA, having rotational speed of 300 rpm
& conforming to IS: 4722 or IEC 60034.
b. Will have a stator and rotor winding with epoxy insulation of Class F type.
c. The generator ventilation system will be of water cooled type and will be provided with a
cooling system based on closed circuit water/ air circulation principle.
d. Ancillary items like lubrication oil system, heaters, jacking/ braking, brake dust collection
system, Carbon Dioxide fire extinguishing system, etc. will be provided.

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 Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

2.6.3 Electrical Scheme

It is proposed to adopt unit scheme for connection of electrical equipment. With this scheme, each
generator shall be connected to its dedicated step up generator transformer which shall step up
generation voltage of 11 kV to 132 kV. Single line scheme with utilized arrangement as proposed for
the station is enclosed.

2.6.4 Control and Monitoring System

SCADA System comprising of Distributed Digital Control, Monitoring and Information System for
the entire power plant & associated electro mechanical services covering the total functional
requirements of control, protection, monitoring, sequence, supervision, interlocks, & data logging and
associated equipment protection, feedbacks, system disturbance recording etc. has been adopted for
the plant

The control system should be configured in mainly three control levels. The first level shall be station
control level which comprises a number of functional systems for supervisory control and man-
machine communication. The second level shall be the local control level which comprises a number
of functional groups such as units, switchyard, station service etc. The third level shall be the
equipment control level which can control equipments directly and manually such as governor, AVR
etc. cooling water and other accessories and mainly used for testing and adjustments.

2.6.5 Segregated Phase Bus Ducts

Segregated Phase bus ducts rated for 11 kV, 1600 A conforming to IS: 8084 shall have single
enclosures with barriers between conductors of different phases. The connections between generator
phase terminal and 11 kV side of the generator transformer shall be through segregated phase bus
ducts. As the generator transformers are single phase, the delta connections of transformers shall be
created by bus ducts external to transformers. The connection between generator neutral end terminals
and neutral grounding transformer shall also be through segregated phase bus ducts.

2.6.6 Generator Transformers & Other Transformers

Due to road transportation limit, generator transformers shall be single phase instead of three phase
transformers. 7 Nos. 9.5 MVA, 11/132/√3 kV +/- 5%, type, Generator Transformers shall have off load
tap changer and shall be installed in power house on draft tube deck for stepping up of generation
voltage to 132 kV level for synchronization and connection with the grid. 6 Nos. transformers shall be
connected to form two banks of three phase transformers of 28.5 MVA rating with Ynd11 connections.
Seventh transformer shall act as a spare transformer for the two banks. The delta connection on 11 kV
sides of transformer shall be made external to transformer through delta connected 11 kV bus ducts.
The star connection on 132 kV side shall also be created external to transformer by copper conductors
mounted on the tank body of each transformer through insulators.

2.6.7 132 kV Switchyard and 11 kV Switchgear

Generated power at 11 kV shall be stepped-up to 132 kV through generator step-up transformers and
shall be controlled through 132 kV outdoor switchgear comprising of circuit breakers, isolators,
current transformers, post insulators, potential transformers and lightening arrestors etc. the
switchyard is located 300 m adjoining to power house on the right bank of river Rupin while looking
towards downstream side. The space requirement for 132 kV switchyard is assessed to be 110 m X 50
m.
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 Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

11 kV switchgear of indoor type with one incoming feeder from 132/11 kV step down transformer
shall be located in power house. Two no. outgoing feeders shall be run to barrage to meet power
requirements of barrage site. One no. outgoing feeder from switchgear will run to colony to meet
power requirements of colony.

2.6.8 Relay & Protection System

The electrical protection system for generators, generator transformer, 132 kV bus bars and 132 kV
feeders shall be provided with numeric type integrated protection relays, with 100% redundancy.

2.6.9 Common Station Auxiliary System

a. Cooling Water System: Twin Circuit Cooling Water system shall be provided for Generator
Air Coolers, Bearing Coolers & Generator Transformer Oil Coolers with raw water (open
loop) pumped directly from the tail pool through cooling water pumps, while the secondary
water circulation shall be with clear water. The system shall be complete with pump-motor
sets, strainers, heat exchanger, valves & associated piping etc.
b. Compressed Air System: HP compressed Air System (common to two units) comprising of
main & standby compressors along with the HP & LP receivers shall be provided for
generator jacking oil system &for all units brakes. Governor air system shall be by N2 bladder
system.
c. Drainage System: Gravity drainage arrangement shall be provided in the power house.
d. Fire Protection System: Water type fire protection system shall comprise of Automatic High
Velocity Water Spray System for generator and station Transformers, and low/medium
pressure fire hydrant system shall be provided for power station.
e. Ventilation & Air Conditioning System: It is proposed to provide induced air ventilation
through exhaust fans installed on B & D walls.
f. Station Illumination System: Illumination at all important locations will be provided in the
power house.

2.6.10 Station Service & Unit Auxiliary Supply

Two numbers station service transformers, each of 800 kVA, 11/0.433 kV shall be provided to feed
station auxiliaries as well as unit auxiliaries during start up of generating unit. These transformers
shall be fed from 11 kV bus of indoor switchgear which shall be fed from 3.15 MVA, 132/11 kV step
down station transformers. Two numbers unit auxiliary transformers (one for each generating unit),
each of 400 kVA, 11/0.433 kV, shall be provided to feed unit own auxiliaries.

2.6.11 Station D.C. System

Installation of 2 sets 110 V, 300 AH capacity batteries to meet the D.C. power requirements for
control, protection & emergency lighting in the power house has been made. The battery will be of
valve regulated lead-acid type conforming to IS: 1651.

2.6.12 Power Control & Instrumentation Cables & Cable Trays etc.

1100 V Grade PVC insulated un-armored Aluminum Power Cables shall be used inside the power
house for auxiliary power supply, while for control cables 1.1 kV Grade PVC insulated un-armored
copper cables conforming to IS: 1554 shall be employed.
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 Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

2.6.13 E.O.T Cranes

1 No. of E.O.T Crane of 80/10 Tonnes capacity is proposed to be installed in the power house for
erection and maintenance purpose of the units. The crane span will be 18 m.

2.6.14 Plant Communication System

Communication system for power house complex, switchyard area and power intake sites will consist
of internal telephone system and paging system. Paging system shall further consist of public address
system and Visual Display Unit (VDU) equipments. Surveillance system through closed circuit TV
network shall also be provided for strategic locations.

2.6.15 Power Line Carrier Communication (PLCC) Equipment

The PLCC equipment shall compromise of wave trap, coupling capacitor, carrier frequency
transmitter-receiver set etc. for proper matching similar equipment will have to be installed at both the
ends. PLCC panels shall be installed in power house.

2.6.16 Earthing System

The earth mat system shall comprise of closed mess of M S conductor grid of steel flats laid under the
excavated surface of power house and shall be extend to the penstock/tailrace area, if required.
Separate ground shall be laid for switchyard.

2.6.17 Diesel Generating Set

1 no. of diesel generating set capable of continuously delivering net output of at least 400 KVA under
site conditions at 0.8 lagging power factor, 415 V, 3 phase, 50 Hz shall be installed in the power
station to meet the emergency load in the event of failure of station auxiliary A.C. supply.

2.6.18 Workshop Equipment

A limited workshop facility shall be provided in the power house for carrying out the normal O&M of
various electro-mechanical equipments. The workshop shall be equipped with following machine
tools: Lathe machine, Welding sets, Grinding sets, Power Hacksaw, Drilling machine etc.

2.6.19 Testing and Laboratory Equipment

A testing laboratory shall be maintained in the power house for testing of various electrical &
mechanical equipment and complete installations. The laboratory shall be equipped with testing &
measuring instruments like, Megger, HV test kit, Kelvin bridges current injection set, oil testing kit
etc.

2.6.20 Power Evacuation Arrangement

Evacuation of all the power at Rupin switchyard shall be through one nos. 132 kV single circuit line erected
on double circuit tower. Other line shall be added at latter date if required to evacuate the power of entire
Dodra-Kawar valley. These feeders are proposed to be connected to 220 kV pooling station at Sunda
through 132/220 kV, 60 MVA step up interconnecting transformer, where power of Rupin, Dhamwari
Sunda, Tangnu Romai, Andhra Power House, Chirgaon, Majhgaon, Paudital Lassa will also be pooled up
for on ward transfer of power as per grid requirements through this substation. The power transmission
detail is depicted in figure 2.3
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 Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

Figure: 2.3 Proposed Power Transmission Line Network.

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 Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

2.7 Infrastructure Facilities

2.7.1 Access Roads

The proposed Rupin HEP is located at a distance of about 210 km from Shimla on Shimla-Rohru-
Chirgaon-Chanshal pass road leading to Dodra-Kawar valley. This road remains open only for about
eight months and remain closed during winters. However, the project area and Dodra-Kawar valley is
accessible during winters from Uttrakhand through a 16 km foot track from Dhaula, is approachable
through a jeepable road from Naitwar/Tiuni in Uttrakhand. The Power house is located at village
Gosangu on Chanshal-Kawar road.

a) Main Access to Project

Main access to the other project components is proposed through under construction PMGSY
(Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna) road leading to Jakha village. For access to different project
components, access roads coming off the PMGSY road have been planned. The existing PWD
road and under construction PMGSY road, bridges, and culverts will be strengthened, as required
to facilitate the movement of plant, equipment and machinery.

b) Access Roads for Project Components

The total of 7.67 km access road is proposed for construction. The site office, project colony,
workshops, stockyard, fabrication yard and the dumping areas are all located on the under
construction PMGSY road. The detail of the proposed road network to project components is
tabulated under the table: 2.2 and diagrammatically represented in figure: 2.3

Table 2.2: Details of the Proposed Road Network to the Project Components
S.No. Description Length Unit Remarks
Road B: Access to Rupin 5 m wide, coming off from proposed
1. 1.0 km
diversion site PMGSY road to Jakha
Coming off from the existing PMGSY
2. Road C: Access to Adit-2 1.17 km
road d/s of Phutodhar village
Coming off from PMGSY road 1190
3. Road D: Access to Adit-3 1.21 km
m u/s of power house
Road E: Access to the tunnel, Diverted from PMGSY road to Kawar
4. Surge Shaft, outlet portal and 1.79 km
adit-4
Road F: Access to Dam Site, 2.50 km 5m wide, coming from PMGSY road
5.
Nargani to Jakha

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 Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

Figure: 2.4 Proposed Road Network to Project Components

2.7.2 Buildings

It is proposed to construct residential as well as non-residential buildings for the project. To meet the
peak requirement of residential and non-residential buildings it is proposed to hire accommodation

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 Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

from the villages, namely Pujarli, Phutodahar, and Kawar. Workshops and offices are also proposed
to be located at both the powerhouse and barrage sites. To facilitate the construction works, labor
sheds are also proposed near the powerhouse and barrage sites.

a) Details of Buildings to be constructed

i. Permanent residential and non-residential buildings with a total plinth area of 15071 m2
and 2355 m2 respectively are proposed near powerhouse and Bhauta village near weir site
for accommodating post commissioning manpower of the company.
ii. Temporary residential and non-residential buildings with a total plinth area of 500 m2 and
1000 m2respectively are proposed near diversion site and power house site.
iii. For the accommodation of the staff from other agencies, the responsibility is with the
contractor who will hire some temporary accommodation at nearby villages as per the
requirement.
iv. One explosive magazine store has been proposed in the project area during the
construction period only extending over four years. Portable magazines shall be kept at
the sites of work for day-to-day requirements.

b) Utilization of Surplus Buildings

i. The proposed permanent residential and non-residential building will be fully utilized by
the operation and maintenance staff after the commissioning of the project.
ii. The temporary labor sheds will be dismantled after the completion of the project.

2.7.3 Construction Power

The required construction power will be obtained from the existing transmission network in the area/
D G set provided to the power requirement in case failures of HPSEBL supply. In the project cost
estimate, adequate provision for distribution lines has been made for the project area and colony.

2.8 Land Acquisition

Rupin HEP (45 MW), spreads over a length of about 9 km along the banks of river Rupin, starting
from the power house site to diversion structures at rivers Rupin and Nargani. Land acquisition is of
two kinds, i.e. permanent and temporary. Land required for construction of structures, roads, project
colonies, stores, workshops etc. shall be acquired on permanent basis while temporary use of the land
shall be for work areas of the contractors, their camps and other facilities. The total land to be
acquired for the proposed project is around 30.7183 ha. Details of land requirement for different
components are summarized below in Table 2.3.

Table 2.3: Details of Land Requirement for the Project

S.No. Name of Component Area (m2)
1. Diversion & Associated Open Structures 40982
2. Tunnels, Adits & Surge Shaft 46373
3. Penstock 8816
4. Powerhouse, Tail Race and Switchyards 9769
5. Project Roads / Rope way 72122

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 Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
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S.No. Name of Component Area (m2)

6. Dumping Areas 61356
7. Permanent Job Facilities 30000
8. Temporary Job Facilities 20339
9. Project Colony 17426
2
Total Land Area (in m ) 307183
Total Land Area (in ha) 30.7183

2.9 Construction Materials

Sufficient river borne material (as shown in Photo Plate 3) is available near the power house area and
near the confluence of rivers Rupin and Nargani, which has been tested suitable for using as
aggregate. The quantity of construction material required for the project activity is given in Table 2.4.

Table 2.4: Approximate Quantities of Major Construction Material

Construction Materials Quantity Unit

Coarse aggregate 1,02,000 m3
Fine aggregate 55,500 m3
Cement 9,89,000 bags
Steel Reinforcement 3000 MT
Structural Steel 400 MT
Steel Liner 760 MT

Photo Plate 3: River-borne Material near the Confluence of Rivers Nargani and Rupin.

2.10 Muck Generation and Disposal

A large quantity of muck is expected to be generated as a result of construction of diversion barrage,

desilting tank construction tunnel, power house and road construction etc. A total of 6.02 lacs m3
muck is likely to be generated with 45% swell factor. After consumptive use, a total of 4.21 lacs m3
dumping capacity will be required for which sufficient suitable lands are available at right bank of
river Rupin after the confluence and right side of power house, have been identified for this purpose.

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 Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

The nearest muck disposal site has been kept at a significant distance of 20 m from the course of river
Rupin. One of the proposed muck disposal sites is shown in Photo Plate 4.

Both the proposed muck disposal sites are away from any nearby natural water body or vegetation
and, are proposed in view of the frequent landslides. The muck or debris that will be generated due to
excavation and construction work will also be utilized for filling up the gaps created by landslides.

Photo Plate 4: Proposed Muck Disposal Site.

2.11 Construction Schedule

Table 2.5: Working Schedule for Construction

Task Name Date of Start Date of Completion

Preconstruction Activities
Infrastructure Facilities 24 weeks before
construction activities
Land Acquisition 19.5.13 19.5.13
Apply for Permanent Storage Fuel Tank 31.12.12 31.12.12
Approval for Permanent Storage Fuel 1.8.13 1.8.13
Tank
Infrastructure Development 1.6.13 30.11.13
Award for Tender Design Work 15.5.13 15.5.13
Award of Work 16.1.14 16.1.14
Apply for Explosive Magazines 31.12.12 31.12.12
Approval of Explosive Magazines 1.8.13 1.8.13
Construction Activities
Nargani Diversion Barrage
 Coffer Dam 1.12.13 31.1.14
 Excavation of sluice bays and intake 1.2.14 2.6.14

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 Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

Task Name Date of Start Date of Completion

 River Diversion
 Excavation of Barrage Bays 3.12.15 1.1.16
2.1.16 3.5.16
Feeder Tunnel
 Excavation of feeder tunnel shall be 3.3.14 3.7.14
taken up from Nargani side & Rupin 18.4.15 17.11.15
side simultaneously.
 Concrete lining and grouting
2.7.17 4.11.17
Desilting Basin cum Storage Tank
 Excavation of desilting basin cum 1.12.13 18.4.14
storage tank
 Concreting hill side wall and tunnel 16.12.13 18.6.14
intake
 Concreting raft and hopper 16.12.13 15.7.14
 Concreting Riverside Wall 31.12.13 15.8.14
 Hydro –Mechanical Works 16.3.14 15.10.14
 Diversion of River through desilting
basin 16.3.15 30.3.15
Rupin Trench Weir and River Protection
work
 Coffer Dam 2.12.14 1.1.15
 Excavation right bank 2.1.15 19.5.15
 Concreting on right side 1.2.15 4.7.15
 Boulder protection on right bank 1.2.15 4.7.15
 Excavation left bank 2.12.15 17.4.16
 Boulder protection on left bank 1.6.16 31.5.16
31.5.16
 Concreting on left side 1.6.16
Headrace Tunnel and Adits
 Construction of access Adit-1 1.12.13 31.1.14
 Construction of access Adit-2 1.12.13 15.2.14
 Construction of access Adit-3 1.12.13 31.1.14
1.2.14 31.1.14
 Construction of access Adit-4
Pressure Shaft/ Penstock
 Excavation for pressure shaft 2.12.14 19.3.15
 Fabrication of steel liner for pressure
shaft 2.3.15 4.7.15
 Erection & Concreting, grouting of
steel liner 2.12.15 3.7.16
 Excavation for penstock 2.12.15 18.4.16
18.5.16
 Fabrication of steel liner for penstock 2.12.15
 First stage Concreting of anchor 2.4.16
1.1.16
blocks
 Erection of penstock liner 1.2.16 3.7.16
 Second stage Concreting of anchor
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 Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

Task Name Date of Start Date of Completion

blocks 18.3.16
1.12.16
Power House and Tail Race Channel 2.11.1
 Excavation for powerhouse 1.12.13 18.4.14
 Substructure concreting 20.1.14 3.7.14
 Superstructure 2.12.14 3.3.15
 Truss erection and roof cladding etc. 4.3.15 3.5.15
 Sidewalls of Superstructure 4.5.15 4.7.15
 Second stage concreting 3.7.16
2.12.15
 Tailrace channel and finishing work
1.12.16 3.7.17
Switchyard
 Excavation of switchyard 2.12.15 18.3.16
 Concreting works (First Stage) 18.1.16 3.7.16
 Concreting works (Second Stage) 1.12.16 3.7.17
 Erection of electrical and mechanical
equipments 1.12.16 3.7.17
 Testing and Commissioning 4.7.17 18.8.17
Transmission System 2.11.2
 Ordering, manufacturing, and 2.2.15 2.2.15
transportation
 Erection of transmission line 3.2.16 1.11.17
Testing and Commissioning 2.11.3
 Filling of WCS 2.1.18 1.2.18
 Commercial running of both the units 13.4.18 15.4.18
 Commissioning of 1st unit 2.2.18 8.3.18
 Commissioning of 2nd unit 9.2.18 12.4.18

2.12 Summary of Total Project Costs

The summary of the total project cost for Rupin HEP project is presented in Table 2.6.
Table 2.6: Summary of Costs for Rupin HEP.

Works Costs (INR Crores)

Total cost of civil works 209.05
Electro-mechanical & Transmission Works 88.82
Escalation 37.56
Interest During Construction 47.26
Financial Charges 4.12
LADA 5.80
Total Project Cost 392.61

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B A SELIN E
EN V I R O N M EN T
Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

3 3. EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

3.0 Introduction

Clear understanding of both, physical and biological characteristics of present local environment are
essential in planning of any developmental scheme. Therefore, a study is conducted to enumerate the
status of 10 km radius of existing environment around the diversion, dam site and power house site
for Rupin HEP project.

3.0.1 Study Area

Study area is delineated for baseline environmental conditions as:

a) Direct impact study area within 10 km radius of diversion sites and power house.
b) Catchment area up to the diversion sites.

A map of the study area is presented in Figure 3.1. The information was gathered from both primary
and secondary sources, field surveys were conducted in different seasons of the year, i.e., pre-
monsoon (May 2010), Post-monsoon (September-October 2010) and winter (Februay-March 2011) to
collect data/ information on flora, fauna, forest types and ecological parameters as well as social
aspects.

3.0.2 Sampling Locations

To assess the anticipated impacts on the surrounding environment due to the proposed project,
sampling was conducted for ambient air, soil, surface water and ambient noise levels. The sampling
locations of various parameters are presented in Figure 3.2, where S1 to S6 represents the sampling
sites for surface water, soil, plankton, benthos, dissolved oxygen, temperature water and air, and pH
samples (only the S2 and S3 does not include the soil samples).

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Figure 3.1: Rupin Hydro Power Project Study Area Map (10 Km Radius)

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Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
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Figure 3.2: Sampling Locations Maps for Various Parameters

3.0.3 Catchment Area

The catchment areas (Figure 3.3) for rivers Rupin and Nargani upto the proposed diversion sites have
been determined from Survey of India topo-sheets as 65 km2 and 168 km2, respectively. The upper
part of Rupin and Nargani basins is covered with glaciers. The permanent snow covered area for the
Rupin and Nargani basins has been computed as 8.4 km2 and 31.5 km2, respectively, which represents
about 13% and 19% area of these basins. The catchment area upto the confluence of river Rupin and
Nargani is 240 km2, out of which 40 km2 (16%) area is permanently snow covered. The elevation of
these basins varies from about 2000 m to 6000 m. Almost 18% of the catchment area is covered with
the forests. However, there is little agricultural practices taking place in the area. The precipitation in
the basin takes place in the form of snow and rain. The contribution from different sources (rainfall,
snow melt/glacier melt) and their temporal distribution makes these rivers perennial in nature.

Figure 3.3: LULC Map of Catchment Area

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3.1 Land Environment

3.1.1 Geography and Physiography

The project site is located in the zone of Lesser Himalayas, which is 65 to 80 km wide and the altitude
of the zone hardly exceeds 3000 m. It is generally a thickly vegetated subdivision of Himachal
Himalaya. The study area has high ranges in the northern and eastern corner moving south the ranges
drop in height. The topography of the area shows that all project sites are present in valleys and are
surrounded by the hills, elevation ranging from 2500 to 3000 m. Figure 3.4 shows the Relief map of
the study area.

River Nargani, at the proposed weir location, is 100 m wide at the river bed El. 2194 m and is filled
up with riverine deposits. The left bank at this location is covered with debris and dense vegetation
whereas river Rupin, at the proposed weir location is about 25 m wide at EL. 2207.16 m and is in a
„V‟ shaped valley.

Due to location of the project sites in the high mountain area, the bed slope of both rivers Rupin and
Nargani is very high. The equivalent slope of both Rupin and Nargani from their origin to the
proposed diversion sites is 139.28 m/km and 97.83 m/km respectively, which indicates that river
Rupin, is relatively steep as compared to Nargani. The equivalent slope of river Nargani upto the
confluence is 84.16 m/km. Figure 3.5 shows the slope map of the study area.

Figure 3.4: Relief Map of Study Area

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Figure 3.5: Slope Map of Study Area

3.1.2 Regional Geology

The Lesser Himalayan terrain, where the project site is located, exposes the rocks of Proterozoic ages
comprising of metasediments, carbonate rocks, pssamite and pellites. The Proterozoic rocks are
subdivided into various groups, of which early and middle Proterozoic rocks occur in the study area.
Rocks of Jutogh group of middle Proterozoic age comprising carbonaceous schists/lime stones, mica
schisits and the quartzites and schists encompasses the project area. Theses rocks are highly jointed
and fractured at places, some of these joints and cleavages are so closely spaced that they give a
shattered appearance to the rock. Intercalation of carbonaceous layers and thick schist bands are quite
common. Thickness of such layers varies between 15 m to 60 m. Geology map of the study area is
depicted in the Figure 3.6

Nargani Diversion Site

The right bank of river Nargani upto the confluence with river Rupin is characterized by steep cliffs
exposure of schistose quartzite belonging to the Jutogh Group. The schistose quartzite is fine to
medium grained with minor areas of moderately jointed rocks where it appears to be of blocky nature.
The strike of foliation in the schistose quartzite varies between N5°W – S 5°E and N10° W – S 10°E
with dip amount varying between 20° and 30°.

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Figure 3.6: Geology Map of the Study Area

Intake and Feeder Tunnel

The proposed intake and feeder tunnel is located on the right bank of river Nargani. Fresh and
compact schistose quartzites are exposed at the proposed location of the intake. The strike of the
schistose quartzites foliation varies between N5°W – S 5°E and N10° W – S 10°E with dip amount
varying between 20° to 30°. Joints are moderately developed here with a random spacing of 1-2 m.
The site is a suitable location for the intake structures. Surface geological mapping indicated that
similar rock type will be encountered all along the feeder tunnel alignment, in majority of its stretch.
The proposed feeder tunnel is expected to pass through fine to medium grained schistose quartzites,
with foliation dip direction varying between N 80° E to N 85° E, with dip amount varying between
20°-30°.

Rupin Diversion Site

Bed rock exposures not observed at weir site, but bed rock is exposed at downstream on right bank
where the proposed intake site is envisaged.

Intake and Desilting Basin cum Storage Tank

The right bank at this site is favorably characterized with a long and wide flat terrace. The site is
suitable for a surface desilting basin cum storage tank along with the storage facility. Isolated
outcrops of schistose quartzites are present on right bank in this area.

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Headrace Tunnel

Head Race Tunnel will mainly encounter schistose quartzites, with schist bands and carbonaceous
layers at limited stretches. These rocks are intruded by quartz veins. At places these quartz veins are
discontinuous and present as eyes or lenticules.

Surge Shaft

The surge shaft top location is suitably located on a gentler part of the hill slope and characterized by
presence of bed rock around the shaft length as well as on the top.

Penstock

The surface penstock is aligned N-S on a moderate hill slope. Bed rock comprising hard and compact
quartzose schist inter-bedded with schist bands are exposed at considerable portions of this hill slope.
The depth of overburden cover along the hill slope following the proposed penstock alignment is 3-6
m.

Power House

A wide terrace of the place, where the power house would be situated, is characterized by presence of
insitu bedrock on the hill slope adjacent to this site indicated suitable for a surface power house.

3.1.3 Seismicity

The proposed project falls under the Seismic Zone IV, susceptible to major earthquakes as per the
seismic zone map of India (IS 1893 - Part I: 2002), presented in Figure 3.7. Epicenters of the past
seismic events are concentrated in the northwestern Himachal Pradesh, adjoining Jammu & Kashmir
region, southeastern Himachal Pradesh (NE of Shimla) and adjoining Uttrakhand Himalayas.
Seismotectonically, the area surrounding the Rupin project basin is surrounded by a number of
regional lineaments, such as, Main Central Thrust (MCT) in the north, Main Boundary Fault (MBF)
in the south and Drang Thrust in the west. Besides, there are other thrusts, such as, Krol, Giri, Jutogh,
Nahan etc. which lie slightly away from the project area.

Figure 3.7: Seismic Map of North India (IS 1893 - Part 1: 2002)

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History of Past Earthquakes

Table 3.1 and 3.2 depicts the significant past earthquakes and the earthquakes that occurred in
recent past in Himachal Pradesh, respectively.

Table 3.1: History of Past Earthquakes in Himachal Pradesh

S. Location
Magnitude Date District
No. Latitude Longitude
1. 32.30 N 76.30 E 8.0 04 Apr 1905 Kangra
2. 32.22 N 76.32 E 5.4 14 Jun 1978 Near Dharamshala
3. 32.38 N 78.49 E 6.2 19 Jan 1975 Kinnaur
4. 32.22 N 76.32 E 5.7 26 Apr 1986 Near Dharamshala
Source: Secondary Data

Table 3.2: Recent Earthquakes in Himachal Pradesh

S. Location
Magnitude Date District
No. Latitude Longitude
1. 31.4 N 77.7 E 3.4 13 Aug 2010 Shimla
2. 32.3 N 76.1 E 3.7 17 Aug 2009 Chamba
3. 31.5 N 77.5 E 3.5 18 Apr 2009 Kullu
4. 31.7 N 78.4 E 3.8 9 Jan 2009 Kinnaur
5. 31.7 N 78.4 E 3.0 9 Jan 2009 Kinnaur
6. 32.5 N 76.0 E 3.8 04 Oct 2007 Chamba
7. 31.4 N 77.6 E 3.6 21 Feb 2007 Shimla
8. 31.5 N 76.7 E 3.5 10 Dec 2006 Mandi
9. 31.7 N 78.2 E 3.5 20 Jul 2006 Kinnaur
Source: Secondary Data

3.1.4 Landslide Zonation

Detailed investigations were carried out along the periphery of the proposed barrage in order to
delineate the active and potential landslide areas. Two landslide areas have been identified in the
project site, whose details are mentioned in Table 3.3 while they are depicted in Figure 3.8 and
Photo Plate 1 shows the landslide prone area (L2) at the left bank of river Rupin near village Kawar.

Table 3.3: Landslide Prone Areas Details

Land
Longitude/
slide L/R Bank of the river Aerial Distance
Latitude
No.
L1 Right bank of river Nargani and 78° 06‟ 34.12” E 1.02 km from Nargani diversion site;
left bank of river Rupin before 31° 15‟ 03.53” N 1.33 km from Rupin barrage site
the confluence
L2 Left bank of river Rupin after the 78° 05‟ 05.26” E 1.78 km from Power house site
confluence 31° 12‟ 53.06” N
Source: Primary Data

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Phot Plate 1: Landslide Prone Area within the Study Area

Figure 3.8: Google Satellite Image (2011) showing Landslide Prone Areas around the Proposed
Project Site

3.1.5 Natural Springs

Natural Springs that are found within the Rupin HEP Project Stretch as tabulated in Table: 3.4 and
Figure: 3.9 They are important to the local habitants as villages to some extent depends on these

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springs for drinking and other household dwelling purpose. But over the years since government
water supply schemes are becoming active in these areas so the direct dependencies on these natural
springs have decreased.These springs are generally perennial and have positive impacts on the
volumetric flow of the river by adding its discharge into the river all through the year. The discharge
data for the springs, khad and nallah is tabulated below:

Name Discharge Data

Basru Khad 0.89 Cumes

Rai Khad 0.22 Cumes

Spring I 0.00017 Cumes

Spring II 0.00022 Cumes

Spring III 0.00024 Cumes

Spring IV 0.00015 Cumes

Spring V 0.00025 Cumes

Spring VI 0.0020 Cumes

Katol Nallah 0.13 Cumes

Pujarli Nallah 0.14 Cumes

Chaidar Nallah 0.11 Cumes

Source: Secondary Data from SBPIL

Table: 3.4 Locations and Utility of Natural springs
Elevation No.of
Springs Locations Populations Remarks
in metres families
Spring I At Pata 2601 19 90 This spring is random used for
Dobu consumptive use as there is Government
Village water supply scheme in this village.
Spring II At Bhauta 2271 65 300 These springs rarely used for drinking
Village purpose because there is enough water
Spring III At Bhauta 2301 suppliesby Government departments in
Village this village.

Spring IV At Bhauta 2277

Village
Spring V At Bhauta 2305
Village
Spring VI Near Adit- 2140 0 0 Earlier this spring was used for drinking
III purpose by trackers & locals when they
moved along the mule track. However,
now the road has been constructed along
the mule track, so utility of this spring has
quite decreased.
Total 84 390
Source: Secondary Data from SBPIL

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Note: Three springs have been dropped as they were reported to be seasonal Location of
natural spring identified in the project area along the proposed head race tunnel alignment as
shown in the survey drawing and also marked in the L-section along proposed head race
tunnel. The length of the dry stretch from diversion site to the TRT is 11.5 km. The detail
Study Report on Drying of Natural Springs Due to Tunneling is in Annexure-XI

Source: Secondary Data from SBPIL

Figure: 3.9 Natural Springs between Power House and HRT

a) Cascading Effect

The only downstream HEP from the Rupin HEP Power House is the 4.8 MW Kawar SHEP.
The minimum distance between the Power House of Rupin HEP and weir site of Kawar HEP
is 470.7 meter in aerial. The diversion of river water from the main channel and
compounding at Nargani will undoubtedly change the environmental flow of the Rupin River
which will have an impact on downstream project as well as affect the species composition,
water quality, fish and fisheries and overall loss of habitat.
About 9.48 km of the river stretch would undergo scarcity of water. But in the dry stretch from
Nargani Dam site to Rupin Power House site there are altogether six springs and five Khads along
both left and right bank of the river. The water discharge from these springs and Khads will add
1.49303 cumecs quantity of water to the main Rupin River which will reduce the cascading effect on
downstream Kawar HEP but adverse impact cannot be denied. Also a minimum environmental flow
of at least 15% of lean season flow has to be maintained in both the rivers Rupin and Nargani and
downstream of the confluence to overcome any such impact (for detail refer to chapter 4).Below
Figure: 3.10 shows the downstream proposed project of Rupin HEP.

b) Catastrophic Events

In the recent past (last 10 years) in the project study area there is no occurance of cloud burst or flash
flood.

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Figure: 3.10 Rupin HEP Downstream Project

3.1.6 Soil Characterization (Physico-Chemical)

As a part of field studies, soil samples from various locations in the study area are collected and
analyzed for pre-monsoon, post monsoon and winter seasons. Soil sampling locations are described in
Table 3.5 and shown in Figure 3.2 (refer to page no. 3) . The results of the analysis of soil samples
are given in Annexure-I.

Table 3.5: Location of the Soil Sampling

Station Location of Soil Sampling Elevation (m)

SS1 TRT Power House Site 1410 m
SS2 Barrage Site Nargani 2165 m
SS3 Diversion Site Rupin 2202 m
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Station Location of Soil Sampling Elevation (m)

SS4 Alternate Diversion Site Confluence 2068 m
CAT 1 Rupin Upstream (Jakha) 2673 m
CAT 2 Jishkun 1790 m
CAT 3 Nargani Upstream (Pandara) 2225 m

Source: Primary Data

Observations:

a) There is not much variation in characteristic of soil sample collected in different seasons
except moisture content. The moisture content for the seven samples is between 0.56 %
and 6.20 %.
b) The soil samples are Brown to Brackish Brown and Grey to Black in colour.
c) Soil pH varied in the range of 6.64 to 6.88 with an average value of 6.82, which indicates
neutral nature of it.
d) The value of percent organiccarbon is found in the range of 0.14 to 1.45 and percentage of
organic carbon is in the range of 0.08 to 5.69
e) Minimum TKN percentage is found 0.0028 while maximum is observed 0.0076. This
indicates moderate productivity of the soil.
f) Phosphorus, Chloride, Potassium, Sodium, Calcium and Magnesium contents are varied
within the range of 1.28-24.09 mg/100g, 4.99-15.02 mg/100gm, 2.09- 26.80 mg/100gm,
3.14-34.30 mg/100gm, 14.43-1035.67 mg/100gm and 6.13-235.90 mg/100gm,
respectively. Source: Primary Data

3.1.7 Land Use

3.1.7.1 Landuse/Land Cover Study

Table 3.6: Landuse Details of Tehsil Dodra Kawar

Area Area Percentage
S.No. Classes
(Hectares) (Sq.Km) (%)
1. Forest Land 3697 36.97 10.09
2. Barren Land 26 0.26 0.07
3. Uncultivable Land 380 3.80 1.04
4. Pasture Land 31401 314.10 85.77
5. Banjar Kasht 87 0.87 0.24
6. Cultivable Area 1020 10.20 2.79
Total Geographical Land 36611 366.11 100

Source: Primary Data

Land cover of the 10 km radius study area with reference to the diversion site, barrage site and power
house site is derived using latest satellite imageries. The satellite imagery used for the study is
procured from Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) Satellite 1D/P6, LISS III sensor from National Remote
Sensing Agency for October (2007) and March (2010). The imagery from LISS III sensor is of 23.5m
resolution. The accuracy of the interpretation of the satellite imagery is enhanced using reference data
from ground truthing. Land cover is categorized based on the density of the vegetation and snow
cover in the area. Land use/ Land cover map of the study area, as derived from the satellite imagery is

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depicted in Figure 3.12 whereas the satellite imagery of this area is presented as Figure 3.11.Detail of
land cover of the study area indicates that approximately 49% is covered by vegetation of various
densities; i.e about 17.02% is moderately dense while 31.46% of the area is covered by very dense
vegetation. The other four important land covers are rock out crop (29.21%), snow (12.20%), barren
land (9.42%) and agriculture (0.33%), there is very little settlement in the study area.

Source: Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) Satellite 1D/P6, LISS III sensor from National Remote Sensing
Agency for October (2007) and March (2010).

Figure: 3.11 False Colour Composite LISS III Image/October 2007.

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Figure 3.12: Land Use / Land Cover Map of the Study Area.

Submergence Area Landuse Land Cover

The total submergence area for the project at the Nargani Dam site is 2.71 hectare out of which nearly
more than 9 percent is the vegetation cover which will be lost permanently. The detail LULC of the
submergence area is given in the Table 3.7 and depicted in Figure 3.13

Table 3.7: Landuse LandCover of Submergence Area

Area Area Percentage
S.No. Classes
(Hectares) (Sq.Km) (%)
1. River 0.223344 8.34975165 0.002233
2. Vegetation Cover 0.231774 8.66490857 0.002317
3. River Bed 2.21974 82.98533978 0.022198
(Sand & Pebbles)
Total Geographical Land 2.674858 100.00 0.026748
Source: Primary Data

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Figure: 3.13 Land Use Land Cover Map of Submergence Area.

3.2 Climate and Meteorology

3.2.1 Climate

The climate of the district varies from temperate to sub-tropical depending upon the variation in the
altitude. Hot and sub-humid tropical climate is observed at the southern low tracts while temperate
climate prevails in the northern and eastern high mountain ranges. Climatologically there are four
seasons viz. summer (pre-monsoon), monsoon, post-monsoon and winter in the region.

Summer : April, May, June

Monsoon : July, August, September
Post-monsoon : October, November
Winter : December, January, February, March

The area receives precipitation in the form of snow and rain. During monsoon season, the area
receives good rains, however, little rain is observed in the winter season which is in the form of snow.
Winter precipitation occurs due to the western disturbances that pass over the north-west part of the
country during the months of December till February.

The climate of the study area is generally temperate that is warm in summer, humid during monsoon
and cold in winter. Based on the regional trend of temperatures of the study area, it is found that the
temperature would be in the range from sub zero to 35° C at the proposed diversion sites. Relative
humidity is high in the monsoon season, over 80%, which reduces from post monsoon to winter to
summer season which is the driest part of the year.

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3.3 Air Environment

3.3.1 Ambient Air Quality

The proposed Rupin HEP on river Rupin and Nargani lies in a clean area free from harmful air
pollutants as not a single industry or factory is operating near the proposed project site. Moreover,
most of the area under the 10 km radius of the project is covered with forests that results in absorption
of any pollutant resulting due to human interferences/activities.

3.3.1.1 Ambient Air Monitoring

In hydro projects, impacts on air quality are not direct but indirect due to cutting/ felling of trees for
locating civil structures or due to muck disposal. Fugitive emissions are marginal and limited to
construction phase only. In order to assess the existing status of air quality, the ambient air quality is
monitored at three different locations for the three seasons (pre monsoon i.e.May 2010, post monsoon
i.e.September- October 2010 , and winter i.e. February- March 2011). The locations of ambient air
quality monitoring stations are given in Table 3.8 and Photo Plate 2 shows the installation of High
Volume Sampler machine.

Table 3.8: Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations

S.No. Location Code Monitoring Stations
1. AQ 1 Gaon Pujarli
2. AQ 2 Jiskun
3. AQ 3 Gosungu
Source: Primary Data

3.3.1.2 Air Monitoring Results

The exisiting air quality status is represented in Figure 3.14, computed on the basis of the ambient air
monitoring results. The Seasonal Monitoring results are given in Annexure-II. The only source of air
pollution in the area is due to burning of wood for various household activities.

Observations:

Particulate Matter (PM10)

The 24 hours average PM10levels recorded during pre monsoon,post monsoon and winter seasons at
AQ1 are 55.57, 53.78 and 57.14 μg/m3, respectively; at AQ2 are 54.07, 50.20 and 55.64 μg/m3,
respectively; and at AQ3 are 55.35, 53.22 and 56.92 μg/m3, respectively. The PM10 levels recorded
are below the stipulated standards (100 μg/m3) for eco-sensitive areas as well as industrial, rural and
residential areas as prescribed by CPCB in the year 2009.

Particulate Matter (PM2.5)

The 24 hours average PM2.5 levels recorded during pre-monsoon, post monsoon and winter seasons at
AQ1 are11.11, 10.75 and 11.42 μg/m3, respectively; at AQ2 are 10.99, 10.6 and 11.17 μg/m3
respectively; and at AQ 3 are 11.24, 10.75 and 11.46 μg/m3. The PM2.5 levels recorded are below the
stipulated standards (60 μg/m3) for eco-sensitive areas as well as industrial, rural and residential areas
as prescribed by CPCB in the year 2009.

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Oxides of Sulphur (SO2)

The 24 hours average SO2 levels recorded

during pre monsoon, post monsoon and
winter seasons at AQ1 are 6.07, 5.71 and
6.66 μg/m3; at AQ2 are 6.07, 5.74 and 6.52
μg/m3, and at AQ3 are 6.27, 5.98 and 7.08
μg/m3 respectively. The SO2 levels recorded
are below the stipulated standards (80 μg/m3)
for eco-sensitive areas as well as industrial,
rural and residential areas as prescribed by
CPCB in the year 2009.
Photo Plate 2: Ambient Air Quality Monitoring

Oxides of Nitrogen (NO2)

The 24 hours average NO2 levels recorded during pre-monsoon, post monsoon and winter seasons at
AQ1 are 9.86, 8.65 and 11.1 μg/m3 at AQ2 are 10.7, 9.72 and 11.72 μg/m3 respectively; and at AQ3
are 11.17, 10.3 and 11.77 μg/m3, respectively. The NO2 levels recorded are below the stipulated
standards (80 μg/m3) for eco-sensitive areas as well as industrial, rural and residential areas as
prescribed by CPCB in the year 2009.

Source: Primary Data

Figure 3.14: Baseline Ambient Air Quality

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3.3.2 Traffic Density

The traffic data was collected on hourly basis for various types of vehicles at village Dodra and power
house site during the pre-monsoon (May, 2010) and winter season (October 2010). No traffic studies
are conducted in the post monsoon season. The traffic densities observed at the two locations are
given in Figure 3.15. The detailed traffic survey is given in Annexure-III.

Source: Primary Data

Figure 3.15: Traffic Status of the Study Area

3.4 Noise Environment

Noise level monitoring has been conducted for three seasons. The noise levels were monitored at
hourly equivalent for day time (6 AM-10 PM) and night time (10 PM-6 AM), at two locations Gao
Pujarli and TRT Site (Gosungo) and at other locations such as diversion sites and confluence only day
time monitoring was done as accessibility at night time was not there. The locations selected for the
study area are given in Table 3.9.The summary results of ambient noise level monitoring during the
field survey in pre-monsoon (May 2010), post-monsoon (October 2010) and winter (February-March
2011) and for the study area are presented in Table 3.10.

Table 3.9: Location of the Noise Monitoring Stations.

S. Name of the Location
Monitoring Site
No. Location code
1. Gaon Pujarli N1
2. TRT Site (Gosangu) At a 500 m distance from the proposed power house site N2
3. Rupin diversion Site At a 100 m distance from the left bank of the river at 200 m N3
upstream from the confluence point
4. Nargani Site 150 m from the left bank of River Nargani at 1 km N4
upstream from the confluence point
5. Confluence Approx. 150 m away from the confluence point on the left N5
bank of river Rupin
Source: Primary Data
Table 3.10: Summary of Ambient Noise Levels
Day Night
Code Station Location
Lmin Lmax Leq Limit Lmin Lmax Leq Limit
Post Monsoon Season – October 2010
N1 Gaon Pujarli 34.7 47.3 41.8 55 31.2 39.7 37.3 45
N2 TRT Site (Gosangu) 42.6 54.4 49.6 55 40.1 51.2 47.9 45

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Day Night
Code Station Location
Lmin Lmax Leq Limit Lmin Lmax Leq Limit
N3 Rupin Diversion Site 44.6 55.9 49.9 55 - - - -
N4 Nargani Barrage Site 41.2 49.9 44.3 55 - - - -
N5 Confluence 43.2 59.8 53.6 55 - - - -
Winter Season- February-March 2010
N1 Gaon Pujarli 34.9 45.8 40.6 55 29.9 34.2 32.5 45
N2 TRT Site (Gosangu) 41.4 51.9 49.1 55 40.1 50.3 47.1 45
N3 Rupin Diversion Site 42.1 47.8 46.5 55 - - - -
N4 Nargani Barrage Site 35.4 48.9 43.7 55 - - - -
N5 Confluence 40.1 54.1 48.8 55 - - - -
Pre Monsoon Season- May 2010
N1 Gaon Pujarli 34.4 48.9 42.3 55 29.4 34.9 32.6 45
N2 TRT Site (Gosangu) 39.3 52.9 48.7 55 38.3 49.8 46.1 45
N3 Rupin Diversion Site 42.1 49.9 47.0 55 - - - -
N4 Nargani Barrage Site 35.4 48.9 43.5 55 - - - -
N5 Confluence 42.3 57.8 50.9 55 - - - -
Source: Primary Data

The population density in these areas, where the monitoring has been done is very thin and mostly
covered by Mixed Dense Forests. The values of noise level during post monsoon season are observed
between 34.7-59.8 dB (A) at day time and 31.2- 51.2 dB (A) at night time. The values of noise level
during winter season are observed between 34.9 – 54.1 dB (A) at day time and 29.9- 50.3 dB (A) at
night time. During the pre monsoon season the noise values as observed for day time is between 34.4
-57.8 dB (A) and during the night it is between 29.4- 49.8 dB (A). The noise levels at the confluence
site is slightly above the limit, this high noise is pertaining to the fact that the natural flow of the river
is very strong and creates the noise which is expected to be same both during the day and the night
time as there is no anthroprogenic activity within the vicinity.

3.5 Water Environment

3.5.1 Drainage Systems

River Rupin, one of the main tributary of river Tons, arises from a glacier at the head of the famous
Har-ki-Dun valley in the northeastern part of the Tons catchment. The river flows in the southeasterly
direction through Dodra-Kawar area of District Shimla, enters Uttrakhand and joins river Tons at
Naitwar. The upper part of Rupin basin is glaciated and has waterfall, terminal and lateral moraines.
The melt water from the side valleys containing snow and glacier fields drain into the river at various
locations. River Rupin has a deep, V-shaped gorge on its middle and lower course and has river
terraces on both side slopes. River Nargani, a left bank tributary of river Rupin, joins it near the
village Jikshun. This river flows in southwesterly direction upto the confluence with river Rupin. The
map showing the drainage system in the study area is mentioned in Table 3.11 and given in Figure
3.16.

The catchment areas for rivers Rupin and Nargani upto the proposed diversion sites have been
determined as 65.0 km2 and 168.0 km2 respectively. As mentioned, both the basins are covered by
glaciers. The permanent snow covered area for Rupin and Nargani basins has been computed as 8.4

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km2 and 31.5 km2, respectively, which represents about 13% and 19% area of the basins. The
catchment area upto the confluence of rivers Rupin and Nargani is 245 km2, out of which 40 km2
(16%) area is permanently snow covered.

3.5.2 Substrate Type

Mainly two types of substrate are observed in the project stretch such as boulders and cobbles and
pebbles.

Table 3.11: Tributaries in the Drainage System of the Study Area

S.No. Right Bank Tributaries Left Bank Tributaries
River Rupin
1. Tela Khad Basru Gad
2. Rai Gad Manji Gad
3. Saru Gad Katol
4. Dodra Pujarli
5. Horli
River Nargani
6. Miyan Gad Warana Khad
7. Devrari Khad
8. Pishtra Khad
Source: Primary Data

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Figure 3.16: Drainage Map of Study Area

3.5.3 Project Stretch Habitat

Two different types of habitats were observed between barrage and powerhouse i.e. Rapids and
riffles. However, riffles are the major habitat types present between barrage and power house. Riffles
are characterised by low turbulence and low depth with high percentage of cobbles and pebbles. The
riffles consist of cobbles (60%) followed by pebbles (20%), gravels (10%) and rock/boulder (10%)
The depth of water varied from 0.10 to 0.40 m during winters and from 0.10 to 0.41 m in monsoon.
The velocity varied from 0.29 to 0.41 ms-1 in winters and 0.4 to 0.99 m/s in monsoon. The rapids are
characterised by high turbulence and more depth with large substrate type (boulder and rock). The
rapids consist of rock (>60%) followed by boulders and pebbles. Depth of water varied from 0.50 cm
to 1.5 m and velocity approx. 0.78-0.87 ms-1. (Source: Environmental Flow Assessment Report by R S
Envirolink Technologies Pvt. Ltd., July 2012)

3.5.4 Precipitation Characteristics

The average annual rainfall in the study region is computed as 1073 mm, on the basis of rainfall data
for 4 rain gauge station available in the near vicinity of the study area. Due to non availability of
rainfall, snowfall, and temperature data for Rupin basin the rain gauge stations mentioned in Table
3.12 with their locations have been chosen. Estimation of the catchment precipitation in the
mountainous basins is made on the basis of rainfall observations made in the valley. This is due to the
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fact that in the mountainous regions most of the rain gauges rely on manual readings and are situated
next to villages on the valley floor. Moreover, very few rain gauges are located on the mountain
ridges where access is difficult.

There is difficulty in assessing the snow contribution because of non- availability of records on snow
precipitation, however, the elevation range of the basin (2000-6000 m) evidently shows that the major
part of the basin experiences moderate to heavy snow fall during winters.

Table 3.12: Average Annual Rainfall Data from various RG Stations

S. No. Rain Gauge Stations Elevation Avg. Annual Rainfall
1. Tiuni 1080m 853mm
2. Naitwar 1400m 1288mm
3. Rohru 1525m 958mm
4. Jubbal 2020m 1191mm
Source: Secondary Data from DPR

The rainfall data is obtained from 1971 – 2004 for the four locations and it is observed that the highest
rainfall (approximately 1600 mm) is observed in Naitwar, 1995, while the lowest rainfall
(approximately 500 mm) is observed in Rohru, 1987 and Tiuni, 2000. The rainfall pattern as shown in
the Figure 3.17 depicts that the intensity of rainfall increased from the year 1971-1988 and thereafter
it remained the same till 1995 but then after 1995 the intensity of the rainfall depleted considerably.

Source: Secondary Data from DPR

Figure 3.17: Annual Rainfall at Different Rain Gauges in the Study Region

3.6 Water Environment

3.6.1 Surface Water Bodies

The area is mainly drained by the rivers Nargani, Rupin and several tributary streams of these
two rivers. River Rupin flows in southeasterly direction while Nargani flows in southwesterly
direction upto the confluence with river Rupin. River Rupin, river Nargani and the tributaries
(Table 3.11) constitute the main water bodies in the study area.

3.6.2 Water Quality Monitoring

The existing status of rivers Nargani and Rupin are found by determining the physico-chemical
status of the seasonal samples collected from these rivers. As there is no source of groundwater
in the study area, only the samples for surface water are collected. The locations of the sampling

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sites for surface water are given in the Table 3.13 and marked in Figure 3.18 while drinking
water is collected from a running tap in Gaon Pujarli.

Table 3.13: Sampling Locations for Surface Water Quality Monitoring

S.No. Location Code Location of Sampling Sites
1 SW1 TRT Site
2 SW2 D/S TRT Saro Gad
3 SW3 D/S TRT Harli Gad
4 SW4 Barrage Site(Nargani)
5 SW5 Diversion Site( Rupin)
6 SW6 Confluence Site
Source: Primary Data

Figure: 3.18 Surface Water Sampling Locations

3.6.2.1 Surface Water Quality

The Surface Water Quality results of different project sites for three different seasons are given in
Table 3.14. The parameters analyzed are – pH, Dissolved Oxygen, Chloride, Total Dissolved

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Solids (TDS), Calcium and Magnesium Salts, Total Hardness, Alkalinity, Nitrate, Potassium,
Sodium, Sulphate and Fluoride.

The absence of industries within and upstream of the study area has left the water in its natural
flow as it is devoid of any industrial pollutants or chemicals. The dissolved oxygen in the river is
very high (ranging between 15.6 mg/l – 19.8 mg/l), which is adequate for the sustenance of
aquatic life residing in Himalayan streams, as it is above the desirable limit i.e 4 mg/l. The pH lies
in the range of 6.72 – 7.14 and not much variation is seen in pH at different locations. Level of
total dissolved solids is observed to be much higher in the post monsoon season as compared to
other seasons because of the inflow of various inorganic constituents in the river due to
weathering of rocks and organic matter caused by runoff flow during rainy seasons. Likewise, the
alkalinity is observed higher in the post monsoon and winter season. The level of alkalinity
fluctuates depending upon the nature of deposits in the river, rainfall in the region and autotrophy
of water. The alkalinity monitored at different location in the study area is of the range of (310-
326) mg/l during post monsoon seasons and (200-250) mg/l during winter season.

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Table 3.14: Surface Water Quality Results

Sl.
Parameters SW1 SW2 SW3 SW4 SW5 SW6
No.
Seasons PR PM W PR PM W PR PM W PR PM W PR PM W PR PM W

1 pH 6.75 6.74 7.14 6.89 6.79 7.1 6.81 6.82 7.06 6.77 6.85 7.03 6.83 6.72 7.02 6.91 6.74 7.06
Dissolved
2 18.9 17.1 18.3 19.1 17 18.5 19.3 16.8 18.1 19.4 15.6 18.2 19.8 16.3 18.2 19.4 16.7 18
Oxygen (mg/l)

3 Chloride (mg/l) 12.9 67.98 15.39 11.91 65.89 16.2 15.88 65.98 16.5 13.9 67.5 15.8 14.9 68.49 15.9 15.8 67.5 15.6

4 TDS (mg/l) 98 890 450 102 892 425 192 900 568 184 904 64.1 186 892 412 178 910 435

5 Calcium (mg/l) 15.61 80.96 61.2 14.01 82.56 59.8 21.5 83.37 54.2 4.81 80.96 66.2 10.03 80.96 67.1 7.01 78.56 54.9
Magnesium
6 4.61 32.56 8.91 5.82 32.56 9.2 6.41 32.08 9.5 2.55 32.08 10.5 9.71 32.08 11.8 2.43 32.56 12.7
(mg/l)
Total Hardness
7 21 330 88 17.5 340 96 36 340 72 22.5 334 88 24 336 98.2 27.5 330 76.2
(mg/l)
8 Alkalinity (mg/l) 27.5 310 232 22 316 215 32 318 258 28 316 211 30 310 200 32.5 326 213

9 Nitrate (mg/l) 0.67 0.92 0.72 0.58 0.83 0.69 0.62 0.88 0.59 0.6 0.89 0.46 0.65 0.86 0.39 0.72 0.84 0.38

10 Potassium (mg/l) 5.8 11.3 9.2 6.1 10.8 8.6 8.9 14.21 11.2 7.5 15.7 10.7 6.5 10.2 7.1 7.2 13.9 8.7

11 Sodium (mg/l) 8.9 34.6 14.3 9.7 32.45 15.6 12.6 36.4 16.7 11.3 39.6 14.8 9.1 32.7 17.7 10.9 36.5 18.5

12 Sulphate (mg/l) 18.31 72.4 39.8 17.68 71.94 38.5 19.2 70.56 41.2 18.1 73.17 44.5 18.7 71.94 42.2 19.7 69.33 43

13 Fluoride (mg/l) BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL
Source: Primary Data

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3.6.2.2 Drinking Water Quality

For assessing the suitability of drinking water sample DW1 was further analysed for bacteriology
quality. The analysis is given in Table 3.15: It is observed that all the physico-chemical parameters
are well within the desirable limit and acceptable for drinking as per IS: 10500 standards. The
drinking water source for the study region is natural streams and springs.

Table 3.15: Bacteriological Quality of Drinking Water as per IS 10500: 1991

Parameters DW1 IS 10500 Norms

M PM Desirable Limit Permissible Limit
Total Coliform (MPN/100ml 4 4 < 10 organism/100ml --
Fecal Coliform (MPN/100ml 2 1 0 --
Source: Primary Data

3.7 Biotic Environment

3.7.1 Terrestrial Ecology

3.7.1.1 Flora

General Setting

The study area falls under Dodra – Kawar Forest range of Rohru Division. The topography of the area
is mostly mountainous a greater part of which falls within the higher mountain zone. Development of
terraces was observed along the river course on both the banks. In general both the banks of the river
are mostly covered with rocks (especially the right bank). Approximately, 45% of the area is covered
by the forests (Photo Plate- 3).

The study was carried out within the 10 km radius of major project components. The co-ordinates and
elevations of the power house, and diversion sites I and II, are given in the Table 3.16 and shown in
Figure 3.19.

Table 3.16: Ecological Sampling Locations and Elevation for Power House and Diversion Site I
& II

S. No. Site Name Co-ordinates Elevation (m)

1. Power House N 31°11‟15.2” N 31°13‟52.0”
1913-3347
E 78°00‟26.4” E 78°05‟56.2”
2. Diversion Site-I (Nargani) N 31°11‟42.1” N 31°15‟39.1"
1937-2504
E 78°04‟02.2” E 78°07‟45.3”
3. Diversion Site-II (Rupin) N 31°11‟41.5” N 31°15‟47.1”
2078-2654
E 78°03‟38.6” E 78°06‟54.1”
Source: Primary Data

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Figure 3.19: Ecological Sampling Locations in the Study Area

Vegetation Cover

Power House Site

This area covered with sparse vegetation mostly is grasses (Photo Plate 4). Moderately thick
vegetation is present near the waterside areas and hill tops are mostly barren. These patches of forests
harbour mixed vegetation of coniferous and broad leaf species of trees. The type of vegetation varies
depending on the altitude. The altitude varies from 1910 m. to 3347 m. The forests can be categorized
as „Moist Deodar Forests (Cedrus deodara)‟ is an important type and is found at elevation between
1800-2450 mtrs., ‘Western Mixed Coniferous Forest‟ lies between 2000- 3050 mtrs above MSL
above Deodar zone, and „Birch Rhododendron Scrub Forest‟ is found above the upper parts of the
coniferous forests. The canopy is formed both by coniferous and broad leaf tree species. During the
floral investigation, the tree species observed in the top canopy are Acer acuminatum, Acer pictum,
Aesculus indica, Colebr thunb, Betula utilis, Roxb, Ailanthus altissima, Cerdus deodara loud, Morus
himaliana, Morus serrata, Pinus roxbughii, Pinus smithiana (Wall) Boiss, Quercus dilatate lindl,
Quercus lecotrichophora, Robinia pseudacacia, Salix wallichiana Adhera, Salix depenoides Villars.
Under story consists of shrubs species. Major shrubs species observed are Berberis aristata DC,
Caesalpinia bondue Linn., Cotoneaster bacillaris Wall, Prinsepia utilis Royle. Rhododendron
arboreum Smith, Rhus pujabensis. Dominated herbaceous ground cover species present all over the
study area are Aconitum heterophyllum, Berginia ciliate, Bromus sp., Canabis sativa Linn., Cenchrus
echinatus, Cynodon dactylic, Dactylis glomerata, Datura stamonium Linn., Anaphalis sp., Lolium
perenne, Narkha, Oxalis corniculata, Phleum pretense, Plantago lanceolata, Porophylum japonicum,
Trifolium pratens, Urlica ardens, Girardiana hererophylla. Dioscorea deltoidea Wall, an endangered
climber also grow with the under growth in the moist shady parts of study area.

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Diversion Site –I (Nargani)

In the diversion Site –I, the vegetation type is ‘Western Mixed Coniferous Forest‟ lies between 2000-
3050 mtrs above MSL and „Moist temperate deciduous forests‟ type found in the tract between 1600-
2500 meters above the MSL (Photo Plate 5). Top canopy comprises the tree species like Abes
pindrow Royle, Abes spectabils (D. Don) Speach, Aesculus indica Colebr, Betula alnoides, Cerdus
deodara loud, Cornus macrophylla Wall, Juglans regina Linn, Khaduk, Litsaea sp., Pinus roxbughii
sergeant, Pinus smithiana (Wall) Boiss, Robinia pseudacacia. Under growth is contributed by shrubs
species Caesalpinia bondue (Linn) Roxb, Berberis chitria Lindl, Rhododendron arboreum Smith,
Rhododendron companulatum Wall. Myrsine africana Linn. Ground cover comprising of dominant
herb species like Berginia ciliate, Bromus sp., Cenchrus echinatus, Chrysopogon zizanioda, Dactylis
glomarata, Festula rubra rubra, Lolium perenne, Narkha, Oxalis corniculata, Phleum pretense,
Salvia panata Roxb, Urlica ardens, Girardiana hererophylla, Valcriane jatamansi De. Above the
Pander village, sparse vegetation is present as in this area snow fall is heavy (Photo Plate 6).

Photo Plate 3- Forests Cover (Near Kawar) Photo Plate 4- Grass land (Near Gaon Pujarli)

Photo Plate 5- Forests Cover (Near Pander) Photo Plate 6- Sparse Vegetation followed by Snow
Cover above the Pander Village

Diversion Site –II (Rupin)

Around the diversion Site –II, the vegetation cover may be categorized as, ‘Western Mixed
Coniferous Forest‟ lies between 2000- 3050 mtrs above MSL and „Moist temperate deciduous forests‟
type found in the tract between 1600-2500 meters above the MSL. Ground cover is much dense
as compared to power house sites (Photo Plate 7). During the field survey some dense patches of
vegetation are observed. Above the Jakha village snow cover is observed during the survey (Photo
Plate 8). The dominant tree species observed as the crown canopy are Abes spectabils (D. Don)
Speach, Aesculus indica Colebr, Ailanthus altissima, Juglans regina Linn, Morus himaliana, Morus
serrata Roxb., Pinus roxbughii sergeant, Pinus smithiana (Wall) Boiss, Pinus wallichiana A. B.

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Jackson, Prunus armanica Linn., Quercus dilatate lindl, Salix depenoides Villars. Major shrubs
observed during survey as the prominent under growth are Rhododendron companulatum Wall,
Berberis chitria lindl, Rhus pujabensis. Myrsine africana Linn. Bromus sp., Achyranthes bidentata
Blume, Lolium perenne, Rosa macrophylla lindl. Herbaceous plant species which forms the ground
cover of this part of the study area are Urlica ardens, Dactylis glomarata, Urlica s, Arundinari falcata
Nees, Phleum pretense.

Photo Plate 7- Forests Cover (Near Jakha) Photo Plate 8- Forests Cover (Near Jiskhun)

Apart from the above, Bryophytic and Pteridophytic plants as well as parasitic, angiosperms are also
observed growing on the trunks of trees. Most of the important fern species found in the study area are
Adiantum pedatum, Adiantum lunulatum, Adiantum caudatum Linn, Cheilanthes alabamensis,
Cheilanthes subvillosa Hook. Equsitum telmateia telmateia, and Sellagenella wallacea, are also
observed at Photadhar and Nargani diversion site. During the survey Morchella sp. (Guchhi) and
wood rotting fungus are also noticed. Crustose and foliose lichens are seen on rocks, tree trunk and
fallen log. Some of the common flowering plant species found in the study area are shown in Photo
Plate 9&10.

A comprehensive list of plant species found within the 10km radius of the Rupin HEP is presented in
Table 3.17.

Photo Plate 9 - Rhododendron sp. Photo Plate 10- Achyranthes aspera

Table 3.17: Comprehensive List of Plant Species in the Study Area

Scientific Name Local Name Family
Altitude: Above 3050 m
Tree
Abes spectabils (D. Don) Speach Tosh Coniferae

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Scientific Name Local Name Family

Betula utilis Bhuj patra Betulaceae
Quercus lecotrichophora Ban Cupuliferae (Fagaceae)
Taxus baccata Thuna Taxaceae
Shrubs
Berberis aristata DC. Kashmol Berberidaceae
Cotoneaster bacillaris Wall Raush Rosaceae
Rhododendron companulatum Wall Samrat Ericaceae
Herbs
Gentina kurroo Nilkanthi Gentianeceae
Polygonum sp. Meda Liliaceae
Prunala vulgaris Tharu Lamiaceae
Altitude: 2000 m to 3050 m
Tree
Abes pindrow Royle Tosh Coniferae
Abes spectabils (D. Don) Speach Tosh Coniferae
Acer acuminatum Kunjla Sapindaceae
Aesculus indica Colebr Khanor/ wall nut Sapindaceae
Alnus nepalensis Bam Betulaceae
Betula alnoides KatBhuj patra Betulaceae
Cerdus deodara loud Diar, Kolo Coniferae
Cletis austrilis Kharak Uriticaceae
Cornus macrophylla Wall. Kakshi Cornaceae
Corylus colurna Shroli Fagaceae
Juglans regina Linn. Akrot Juglandaceae
Litsaea sp. Morat/Morad Lauraceae
Pinus smithiana (Wall) Boiss Rai Coniferae
Pinus wallichiana A. B. jackson Kail Coniferae
Prunus armanica Linn. Chuli Rosaceae
Quercus dilatate lindl Moru Cupuliferae (Fagaceae)
Quercus lecotrichophora (Q. incana Roxb.) Ban Cupuliferae (Fagaceae)
Salix depenoides Villars Basal Salicaceae
Salix wallichiana Adhera Bashur Salicaceae
Ulnus wallichiana Maran Uriticaceae
Shrubs
Berberis aristata DC. Kashmol Berberidaceae
Berberis chitria Lindl Kashmol Berberidaceae
Myrsine africana Linn. Biswan/Bawan Myrsinaceae
Rhododendron arboreum Smith. Brass Ericaceae
Rhododendron companulatum Wall Samrat Ericaceae
Herb
Achyranthus aspera Apamar Amaranthaceae

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Scientific Name Local Name Family

Aconitum heterophyllum Wall. Atish Rananculaceae
Allium consanguineurm Faran Alliaceae
Allium humile Ladu Alliaceae
Allium prattii Pangri Alliaceae
Anaphalis sp. - Asteraceae
Arundinari falcata Nees Nirgal Gramineae
Asparagus recemosus Musli Aspidiaceae
Berginia ciliata Silla Saxifragaceae
Bromus sp Ghass Poaceae
Canabis sativa Linn. Bhang Uriticaceae
Cenchrus echinatus Ghass Poaceae
Dactylis glomarata Ghass Poaceae
Festula rubra rubra - Poaceae
Gentina kurroo Nilkanthi Gentianeceae
Girardiana hererophylla Burkarla/ Bichhu-buti Urticaceae
Hippophea rhamnoides Amlich Alanginaceae
Lolium perenne Ghass Poaceae
Orignum vulgare Ban tulsi Lamiaceae
Oxalis corniculata - Oxalidaceae
Polygonum sp. Meda Liliaceae
Porophylum japonicum Berala Asteraceae
Prunala vulgaris Tharu Lamiaceae
Rhodiola wallichiana Vanpasa Boraginaceae
Rosa macrophylla lindl Pahari gulab Rosaceae
Urlica ardens Karla/ Bichhu-buti Urticaceae
Valerana hardwicki(jatamansi) Sameva Valeceae
Viola biflora Kailashi Mirga Violaceae
Viola conescence Kailashi Mirga Violaceae
Viola pilosa Kailashi Mirga Violaceae
Climber
Dioscorea deltoidea Wall Kandara Dioscoreaceae
Cissus rependa --- Vitaceae
Altitude: 1800 m to 2450 m
Tree
Abes pindrow Royle Tosh Coniferae
Abes spectabils (D. Don) Speach Tosh Coniferae
Aesculus indica Colebr Khanor/ wall nut Sapindaceae
Ailanthus altissima Alenthus Simaroubaceae
Alnus nepalensis Bam Betulaceae
Betula alnoides KatBhuj patra Betulaceae
Cerdus deodara loud Diar, Kolo Coniferae

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Scientific Name Local Name Family

Juglans regina Linn. Akrot Juglandaceae
Lyonia ovalifolia Khaduk Ericaceae
Morus himaliana Linn. Kimu Uriticaceae
Morus serrata Roxb Thutat Uriticaceae
Pinus roxbughii sargent Chil Coniferae
Pinus smithiana (Wall) Boiss Rai Coniferae
Pinus wallichiana A. B. jackson Kail Coniferae
Prunus armanica Linn. Chuli Rosaceae
Pyrus pashia Han. Sagul Rosaceace
Quercus dilatate lindl Moru Cupuliferae (Fagaceae)
Robinia pseudacacia Pahri Kikar/ Robinia Papilionaceae
Salix depenoides Villars Basal Salicaceae
Salix wallichiana Adhera Bashur Salicaceae
Ulnus wallichiana Maran Uriticaceae
Shrub
Berberis aristata DC. Kashmol Berberidaceae
Berberis chitria Lindl Kashmol Berberidaceae
Caesalpinia bondue (Linn) Roxb. Narik Caesalpinaceae
Cotoneaster bacillaris Wall Raush Rosaceae
Myrsine africana Linn. Biswan/Bawan Myrsinaceae
Prinsepia utilis Royle Bhekul Rosaceae
Rhododendron arboreum Smith. Brass Ericaceae
Herbs
Achyranthus aspera Apamar Amaranthaceae
Aconitum heterophyllum Wall. Atish Rananculaceae
Allium consanguineurm Faran Alliaceae
Allium humile Ladu Alliaceae
Allium prattii Pangri Alliaceae
Anaphalis sp. - Asteraceae
Asparagus recemosus Musli Aspidiaceae
Berginia ciliata Silla Saxifragaceae
Bistorta macrophylla Kukdi Polvgoaceae
Bromus sp Ghass Poaceae
Canabis sativa Linn. Bhang Uriticaceae
Cenchrus echinatus Ghass Poaceae
Chrysopogon zizanioda - Poaceae
Cynodon dactylis Ghass Poaceae
Dactylis glomarata Ghass Poaceae
Dactylorhiza halagirea Hattajodi Archidaceae
Datura stamonium Linn. Datura Solanaceae
Doronicum royelii Kaunl Compositae

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Scientific Name Local Name Family

Elophia clabia Sali misri Archidaceae
Festula rubra rubra - Poaceae
Girardiana hererophylla Burkarla/ Bichhu-buti Urticaceae
Hippophea rhamnoides Amlich Alanginaceae
Lolium perenne Ghass Poaceae
Orignum vulgare Ban tulsi Lamiaceae
Oxalis corniculata - Oxalidaceae
Paris polyphylla Badra Satuwa Liliaceae
Phleum pratense Ghass Poaceae
Physalis agulata Taukari Solanaceae
Plantago lanceolata Ugal Plantaginaceae
Polygonum sp. Meda Liliaceae
Porophylum japonicum Berala Asteraceae
Prunala vulgaris Tharu Lamiaceae
Rhodiola wallichiana Vanpasa Boraginaceae
Rosa macrophylla lindl Pahari gulab Rosaceae
Salvia panata Roxb. Chhichhri Labiateae
Solanum nigram Linn. Makoch Solanaceae
Swartia chirata Chirata Gentianeceae
Taddalia asiatica Jungli kalimirch Rutaceae
Taraxacum officinale Dugdhfeni Compositae
Tarracetiem longifolium Guggul Asteraceae
Thymus linearis Ajwain Lamiaceae
Trifolium pratens - Fabaceae
Trillichium govania Chuta Satuwa Liliaceae
Urlica ardens Karla/ Bichhu-buti Urticaceae
Valcriane jatamansi De Malla/ Musk bala Valerianaceae
Valerana hardwicki(jatamansi) Sameva Valeceae
Viola biflora Kailashi Mirga Violaceae
Viola conescence Kailashi Mirga Violaceae
Viola pilosa Kailashi Mirga Violaceae
Withenia somnifera Ashwagandtha Solanaceae
Litsaea umbrosa Narkha Lauraceae
Climber
Dioscorea deltoidea Wall Kandara Dioscoreaceae
Cissampelos parroriaLinn. ---- Marnisperaceae
Altitude: 1600 m to 2500 m
Tree
Abes pindrow Royle Tosh Coniferae
Acer acuminatum Kunjla Sapindaceae
Acer pictum Thunb Kuinju Sapindaceae

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Scientific Name Local Name Family

Aesculus indica Colebr Khanor/ wall nut Sapindaceae
Ailanthus altissima Alenthus Simaroubaceae
Betula alnoides KatBhuj patra Betulaceae
Cerdus deodara loud Diar, Kolo Coniferae
Cletis austrilis Kharak Uriticaceae
Cornus macrophylla Wall. Kakshi Cornaceae
Corylus colurna Shroli Fagaceae
Juglans regina Linn. Akrot Juglandaceae
Litsaea sp. Morat/Morad Lauraceae
Lyonia ovalifolia Khaduk Ericaceae
Morus himaliana Linn. Kimu Uriticaceae
Morus serrata Roxb Thutat Uriticaceae
Pinus roxbughii sargent Chil Coniferae
Pinus smithiana (Wall) Boiss Rai Coniferae
Pinus wallichiana A. B. jackson Kail Coniferae
Prunus armanica Linn. Chuli Rosaceae
Pyrus pashia Han. Sagul Rosaceace
Quercus dilatate lindl Moru Cupuliferae (Fagaceae)
Quercus lecotrichophora (Q. incana Roxb.) Ban Cupuliferae (Fagaceae)
Robinia pseudacacia Pahri Kikar/ Robinia Papilionaceae
Salix depenoides Villars Basal Salicaceae
Salix wallichiana Adhera Bashur Salicaceae
Ulnus wallichiana Maran Uriticaceae
Shurbs
Berberis aristata DC. Kashmol Berberidaceae
Berberis chitria Lindl Kashmol Berberidaceae
Caesalpinia bondue (Linn) Roxb. Narik Caesalpinaceae
Cotoneaster bacillaris Wall Raush Rosaceae
Myrsine africana Linn. Biswan/Bawan Myrsinaceae
Prinsepia utilis Royle Bhekul Rosaceae
Rhododendron arboreum Smith. Brass Ericaceae
Rhododendron companulatum Wall Samrat Ericaceae
Rhus pujabensis Guptiwarh Anacardaceae
Herbs
Achyranthus aspera Apamar Amaranthaceae
Aconitum heterophyllum Wall. Atish Rananculaceae
Allium consanguineurm Faran Alliaceae
Allium humile Ladu Alliaceae
Allium prattii Pangri Alliaceae
Anaphalis sp. - Asteraceae
Asparagus recemosus Musli Aspidiaceae

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Scientific Name Local Name Family

Berginia ciliata Silla Saxifragaceae
Bistorta macrophylla Kukdi Polvgoaceae
Bromus sp Ghass Poaceae
Canabis sativa Linn. Bhang Uriticaceae
Cenchrus echinatus Ghass Poaceae
Chrysopogon zizanioda - Poaceae
Cynodon dactylis Ghass Poaceae
Dactylis glomarata Ghass Poaceae
Dactylorhiza halagirea Hattajodi Archidaceae
Datura stamonium Linn. Datura Solanaceae
Doronicum royelii Kaunl Compositae
Elophia clabia Sali misri Archidaceae
Festula rubra rubra - Poaceae
Gentina kurroo Nilkanthi Gentianeceae
Girardiana hererophylla Burkarla/ Bichhu-buti Urticaceae
Hippophea rhamnoides Amlich Alanginaceae
Lolium perenne Ghass Poaceae
Orignum vulgare Ban tulsi Lamiaceae
Oxalis corniculata - Oxalidaceae
Paris polyphylla Badra Satuwa Liliaceae
Phleum pratense Ghass Poaceae
Physalis agulata Taukari Solanaceae
Plantago lanceolata Ugal Plantaginaceae
Polygonum sp. Meda Liliaceae
Porophylum japonicum Berala Asteraceae
Prunala vulgaris Tharu Lamiaceae
Rhodiola wallichiana Vanpasa Boraginaceae
Rosa macrophylla lindl Pahari gulab Rosaceae
Salvia panata Roxb. Chhichhri Labiateae
Solanum nigram Linn. Makoch Solanaceae
Swartia chirata Chirata Gentianeceae
Taddalia asiatica Jungli kalimirch Rutaceae
Taraxacum officinale Dugdhfeni Compositae
Tarracetiem longifolium Guggul Asteraceae
Thymus linearis Ajwain Lamiaceae
Trifolium pratens - Fabaceae
Trillichium govania Chuta Satuwa Liliaceae
Urlica ardens Karla/ Bichhu-buti Urticaceae
Valcriane jatamansi De Malla/ Musk bala Valerianaceae
Valerana hardwicki(jatamansi) Sameva Valeceae
Viola biflora Kailashi Mirga Violaceae

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Scientific Name Local Name Family

Viola conescence Kailashi Mirga Violaceae
Viola pilosa Kailashi Mirga Violaceae
Withenia somnifera Ashwagandtha Solanaceae
Litsaea umbrosa Narkha Lauraceae
Climber
Dioscorea deltoidea Wall Kandara Dioscoreaceae
Peuraria thunbergiana ---- Papilionaceae
Cissus rependa --- Vitaceae
(Source: Working plan Rohru and Jubbal Forest Division, Range Office Dodra-Kawar,
Local Enquiry & Field Investigation)

Threatened and Endangered Plant Species

During the course of survey a critically endangered plant species Aconitum heterophyllum,
endangered plant Betula utilis, Dioscorea deltoidea and vulnerable plant Rhododendron
companulatum are also recorded from the study area.

Medicinal Plants

The ethno-botanical utility of various trees, shrubs, herbs, climbers and grass species observed and
reported from the study area and its surroundings are given in Table 3.18. Around 33 numbers of
medicinal plants are listed from this area.

Table 3.18: List of Plant Species having Medicinal Importance

S. Vernicular
Scientific Name Family Uses
No. name
1 Aconitum Atish Rananculaceae Improve digestion, used as anti-
heterophyllum Wall. vomiting, worm killer.
2 Achyranthus aspera Apamar Amaranthaceae Good digester, Urinary disorder, anti
musculoskeletal disorder,
3 Actaea acuminata Mameri Renanculaceae Goiter, insecticide.
4 Allium Faran Alliaceae Heart inflammation and as spice.
consanguineurm
5 Allium humile Ladu Alliaceae Heart inflammation and as spice.
6 Allium prattii Pangri Alliaceae Heart inflammation and as spice.
7 Asparagus recemosus Musli Aspidiaceae Sperm enhancer, breast enhan cer,
healthy food, blood stone remover,
8 Berberis aristata Kingod/ Kashmol Berberidaceae Eye disorder, extreme fever, blood
purifier, urinary disorder.
9 Berberis chitria Kingod/ Kashmol Berberidaceae Eye disorder, extreme fever, blood
purifier, urinary disorder.
10 Berberis kumaunensis Kingod/ Kashmol Berberidaceae Eye disorder, extreme fever, blood
purifier, urinary disorder.
11 Bistorta macrophylla Kukdi/ Ninai Polvgoaceae Breathing problem, fever, heart
disorder & bronchitis

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S. Vernicular
Scientific Name Family Uses
No. name
12 Dactylorhiza halagirea Hattajodi Archidaceae Sperm enhancer.
13 Doronicum royelii Kaunl Compositae Root paste is used against snake bite,
cough & cold, liver disorder and
dysentery
14 Elophia clabia Sali misri Archidaceae Strength provider and sperm
enhancer.
15 Gentina kurroo Nilkanthi Gentianeceae Old age disorder, enhances
digestion, liver problems, mild fever,
urinary disorder
16 Geranium Ratanjot Gireneceae Paste is used in injury.
wallichinium
17 Girardiana Bichhu- buti / Urticaceae Musculo-skeletal disorder
hererophylla Kandali/ Burkarla
18 Hedychium Kapar kachli Zingiberaceae Liver tonic, lung and respiratory
acaminatum enhancer, mouth freshner.
19 Hippophea Amlich Alanginaceae Heart disease, ulcer, stomach
rhamnoides disorder, cough remover,
20 Orignum vulgare Ban tulsi Lamiaceae Stimulator, cough remover,
breathing disorder, used as paste on
wounds
21 Paris polyphylla Badra Satuwa Liliaceae Heart and breathing disorder.
22 Physalis agulata Taukari Solanaceae Anti musculo-skeletal disorder,
urinary disorder, breath improver,
extract is mixed with rice water as
soup for milk enhancer.
23 Polygonatum sp. Meda Liliaceae Healthy food, sperm enhancer,
bawasir-tumour
24 Picrorhizia kurroo Kutki Scrophulariaceae Liver tonic, digestive enhancer.
25 Prunala vulgaris Tharu Lamiaceae Musculo-skeletal disorder, paralysis,
anti-microbes
26 Rhodiola wallichiana Vanpasa Boraginaceae Blood purifier, cough expectorant,
mouth and throat diseases.
27 Rubia manoithea Manjit Rubaceae Liver purifier, sweat gland srinker,
stomach cooler.
28 Solanum nigram Linn. Makoch Solanaceae Urinary disorder, liver disorder.
29 Stephanis globra Gendaru Menispermaceae Pneumonia, cancer and respiratory
disorder.
30 Swartia chirata Chirata Gentianeceae For various fever, appetite increaser,
31 Taddalia asiatica Jungli kalimirch Rutaceae Stimulator, anti- musculo-skeletal
disorder, fever prevention.
32 Taraxacum officinale Dugdhfeni Compositae Urinary disorder, heart beat
enhancer, anti cough, blood purifier.

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S. Vernicular
Scientific Name Family Uses
No. name
33 Tarracetiem Guggul Asteraceae Worm killer, stimulator, arthritis and
longifolium insect killer.
34 Thymus linearis Ajwain Lamiaceae Dry cough, bronchitis, breathing and
digestive disorders
35 Trillichium govania Chuta Satuwa Liliaceae Heart and breathing disorder.
36 Tricus caspidotee Indrayan Cucurbitaceae Jaundice, leprosy.
37 Urgenia indica Konkanda Liliaceae Heart stimulator, cough expectorant.
38 Urlica ardens Bichhu- buti/ Urticaceae Musculo-skeletal disorder
Kandali/ Karla
39 Valerana Sameva Valeceae Provide calmness, paralysis.
hardwicki(jatamansi)
40 Viola biflora Kailashi Mirga Violaceae Stone problems and antiseptic.
41 Viola conescence Kailashi Mirga Violaceae Stone problems and antiseptic.
42 Viola pilosa Kailashi Mirga Violaceae Stone problems and antiseptic.
43 Withenia somnifera Ashwagandtha Solanaceae Arthritis, joint swelling, cough.
44 Xanthoxylum sp. Timer Rutaceae Improve digestion, pain killer, heart
disorder, brain disorder.
(Source: Forest officials of Dodra- Kawar Range, Local Enquiry and Ethno Botanical field
investigation)

Ecological Sampling

Community Structure: The structure of the community was studied by taking a number of
characters viz. analytical and synthetic. One of the methods of analytical characteristics of a
community is quadrat method.

During the course of survey, quadrat study was done for tree, shrub and herb species for studying the
community structure of the vegetation following Oosting 1958 method. Belt transects of 10 m X 10 m
for tree, 5m X 5m for shrub and 1m X 1m for herb were carried out in the line transect as per this
method, which is shown in the Photo Plate 11&12. Details are given in Annexure IV.

Density
It is expressed as a numerical strength of a species. Though, density is an indicator of the abundance
of the species, it does not indicate the distribution of species with regard to space. It helps to identify
the dominant and rare species and is also an indicator of the standing biomass and productivity of the
region (Ambasht & Ambasht, 2002)

Total no. of individuals of a species in all quadrats

Density = --------------------------------------------------------------------
Total number of quadrats studied

Abundance

It is the number of species occurring in a particular site. It doesn't give a total picture of the numerical
strength of a species in an area because only quadrats of occurrence were taken into consideration
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(Ambasht & Ambasht, 2002). Abundance was analyzed to get an idea of distribution pattern of the
species.

No. of individuals of the species in all quadrats

Abundance = ----------------------------------------------------------------
Number of quadrats in which the species occur

Percentage Frequency

It is defined as the chance of finding a species in a particular area in particular trial sample. Thus, a
higher frequency value shows a greater uniformity of its spread or dispersion (Ambasht and Ambasht,
2002) introduced by Raunkiaer (1934).

No. of quadrats in which the species occur

Frequency = ------------------------------------------------------------- x 100
Total number of quadrats studied

Relative Values

The relative values of frequency, density and dominance were also calculated to understand the
ecological importance of the species within the community (Phillips, 1959; Mishra 1968).

Frequency of a species
Relative Frequency = ------------------------------------- x 100
Total frequency of all species

No. of individuals of the species

Relative Density = ----------------------------------------------- x 100
No of individuals of all the species

Total basal area of the species

Relative dominance= ------------------------------------------------- X 100
Total basal area of all the species

Photo Plate 11 – Quadrat Sampling Photo Plate 12 – Quadrat Sampling (Near Jiskhun)
(Near Gaon Pujarli)

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Species Diversity Index (SDI)

The index of diversity was computed by using Shannon-Wiener information index (Shannon- Wiener,
1963) as:
H = -฀ Pi (lnPi) where Pi is the proportion of each species in the sample.

It is observed that maximum species diversity index of tree species is at power house site followed by
herbs and shrubs. At diversion site- I, species diversity index is maximum for the herb species
followed by trees and shrubs, where as diversity of tree species at diversion site- II is higher than
herbs and shrubs. Variation of species diversity in tree, shrub and herb is given in the Figure 3.20 &
Annexure IV.

2.5

1.5

0.5

0
S DI S DI S DI
P ower Tree S hrub Herb Divers i Tree S hrub Herb Divers i Tree S hrub Herb
Hous e on on S ite-
S eries 1 2.2215 1.4845 2.0799 1.9431 1.5211 2.1199 2.0444 1.3364 1.3992

Source: Primary Data

Figure 3.20: Variation of Species Diversity Index (SDI) of the Study Area

Species Richness (Margalef Index) of the Study Area

Species richness (Margalef Index) is calculated using a formula given by Margalef (1958) as:

SR = (S-1) /log n

Where, S is the number of species and n is the number of individuals.

In general, it is observed that the maximum species richness (SR) is highest at the power house site
followed by diversion site- I and diversion site- II. At the power house site Margalef Index for Tree
Species Richness is highest followed by herbs and shrubs. The same trend is followed for Diversion
site- I and Diversion site-II. Variation of Margalef Index in tree, shrub and herb is given in the Figure
3.21 (Annexure IV).

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3.5

2.5

1.5

0.5

0
P ower
Hous e Tree S hrub Herb Divers ion Tree S hrub Herb Divers ion Tree S hrub Herb
S ite S ite-I S ite-II
S eries 1 3.094488 0.976957 2.374537 2.113756 1.107752 2.027506 2.254364 0.766867 1.260361

Source: Primary Data

Figure 3.21: Species Richness (Margalef Index) of the Study Area.

3.7.1.2 Fauna

The information of the wild fauna, which are present in and around the project area is gathered from
various sources like forest officials, local villagers and trekking guides and as well as by detail survey
of these area by EIA study team along with forests guard. During the field survey wild animals were
recorded by direct observation as well as indirect evidences such as calls, nests, burrows, droppings,
scats, tracks etc., which confirms the presence of these wild animals in the area. A comprehensive list
of wild animals and their conservation status as per „Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and amendments
thereto‟ is prepared from various secondary sources as well as direct and indirect evidences by EIA
team.

Total 39 species of wild animals are listed, in which 24 are mammals, 11 species are of birds, one
species of Amphibians and three species of reptiles. In these, five each are categorized under
scheduled- I species, scheduled- II, and under vulnerable, two each are categorized under schedule
III and Schedule –V, 18 species under least concern, two species are not evaluated. The WPA status
of the species reported from the study area is tabulated below in Table 3.19. Some of the commonly
occurring fauna of the study area are depicted in Photo Plate 13, 14, 15 &16.

Table 3.19: List of Species Reported from Study Area and their Conservation Status
WPA Schedule No.
Total
Species Least Not Data
No. I II III IV V Vulnerable
Concerned Evaluated defficient
Mammals 24 5 5 2 0 2 3 7 0 0
Reptiles 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1
Amphibians 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
Avifauna 11 0 0 0 0 0 1 10 0 0
Total 39 5 5 2 0 2 5 18 1 1
Source: Primary Data collected & compiled from Working plan Rohru and Jubbal Forest
Division, Range Office Dodra-Kawar,)

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During the course of field study, Langur, Monkey, Kasmiri Rock Agama, Lizard, Himalayan pit
viper, Hill pigeon, Rock pigeon, Snow pigeon, Jungle Crow and Himalayan Vulture were sited.
However, sign of Himalayan Black Bear was also observed near Jakha village, which confirms the
presence of it.

Data of the wild animals present in the study area are prepared on the basis of the information
collected from different sources and is mentioned as follows:

Mammals: Important mammals of the study area are Blue sheep, Barking deer, Brown bear, common
house rat, East Himalayan Tahr, Goral, Hill Jackal, Himalayan Black bear, Indian Fox, Kasturi mrig,
Langur, Leopard, Monkey, Porcupine, Snow Leopard and Wild boar.

Reptiles: Most common reptiles found in the study area are Lizard, Kasmiri Rock Agama, and
Himalayan Pit Viper.

Avifauna: Most common avifauna, which observed in the study area are Hill pigeon, Rock pigeon,
Snow pigeon, Jungle crow and Himalayan vulture.

Amphibians: Amongst the amphibians Bufo sp. was reported from the study area.

Photo Plate 13- Kasmiri Rock Agama Photo plate 14- Himalayan Pit Viper Killed by
Stranger

Photo Plate 15 - Himalayan Vulture Photo Plate 16-Feeding sign of Himalayan Black
Bear

The comprehensive list as per IUCN & WPA is prepared from various secondary sources as well as
direct and indirect evidences seen by EIA team are given in the Table 3.20.
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Table 3.20: List of Wild Fauna in the Project Area of Rupin HEP
Sl. Vernacular Status/WPA Schedule
Common name Scientific name
No. name No.
Mammals
1 Barking Deer Kakkar Muntiacus muntjak vaginalis Endangered, II (1991)
2 Blue sheep or Bharal Bharal Pseudois rayaur rayaur Endangered, I (1991)
3 Brown bear Lal Bhalu Ursus arctes Least Concerned
4 Brown Flying Squirrel Een Petaurista philippensis Least Concerned
5 Brown Fox Lombri Canus vulpis montena Least Concerned
6 Common Hare Khargush Lupus migricollis Least Concerned
7 Common House Rat Musaa Rattus rattus brunneusculus Endangered, V (1991)
8 Common Palm Civet/ Gothu Paradoxurus hermaphroditus Least Concerned
Toddycat
9 East Himalayan Tahr Thar Hemitragus/ Jamlabica Endangered, I (1991
maschiola memire
10 Emu/ Serow Sarao Capricornus sumatranus Vulnerable
11 Fulvous Fruit Bat Chamgadar Rousettus giganteus Least Concerned
12 Goral or Deer Ghoral Nemorhaedus goral hodgsonii Endangered, III (1991)
13 Hill Jackal Gidar Canis lupus Vulnerable
14 Himalayan Black Bear Bhalu Selenarcto thibetanus laniger Endangered, II (1991)
15 Indian Fox Kolni aala Vulpes bengalensis Endangered, II (1991)
16 Langur Hanuman Presbytis entellus entellus Endangered, II (1991)
Bander
17 Leopard Thewda or Panthera pardus Endangered, I (1991)
Bagh
18 Monkey Bander Macacus mulatta mulatta Endangered, II (1991)
19 Musk deer Kasturi mrig Moschus mochiferus Endangered, I (1991)
20 Musked Plam Civet Musked Billi Peguma larvata Least Concerned
21 Indian Crested Shaoo Hystrix sp. Endangered,V(1991)
Porcupine
22 Samber (Migratory) Samber Cervus unicolor Vulnerable
23 Snow Leopard Barfani Bagh Unica unica Endangered, I (1991)
24 Wild boar Suar Sus scrofa Endangered, III (1991)
Reptiles
1 Himalayan pit viper Snap Agkistrodon sp. Data deficient
2 Kasmiri Rock Agama Oeilor Laudakia stellio Not Evaluated
3 Wall Lizard Chiber Podarcis sp. Least concern
Amphibians
1 Frog Manu Bufo sp. Vulnerable
Avifauna
1 Black Partidge Kala Titar Francolinus francolinus Least concern
2 Chakor Chakor Aletrois graceca Least concern
3 Hill Pigeon Kabutar Columba rupestris Least concern
4 Himalayan Vulture Gid Gyps Himalayansis Least concern

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Sl. Vernacular Status/WPA Schedule

Common name Scientific name
No. name No.
5 Jungle Crow Kauwa Corvus brachyrhynchos Least concern
6 Koklash Pheasant Jangli Murga Wallichi tragopan Vulnerable
7 Monal Pheasant Monal Lephophorus impejenus Least concern
8 Partidge hill Partidge Scolopax rustricola Least concern
9 Rock Pigeon Kabutar Columba livia Least concern
10 Snow Cock Ram Chakor Tetragarus himalayansis Least concern
11 Snow Pigeon Barfani kabutar Columba leuconota Least concern
(Source: Forests working plan Rohru and Jubbal Forest Division, Range Office Dodra-Kawar,
Local Enquiry and field investigation)

3.7.1.3 Eco sensitive areas

The study area falls within the boundary of Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary. Govind Pashu
Vihar WLS is located at 30°55/ to 31°18/ latitude and 77°45/ E to 78°37/ E longitude and cover 481 sq.
km of area (Source: WII 2008 and WWF 2010 Report). The Nargani and Rupin diversion of the
proposed HEP are located 5.75 km. and 7.00 km. (Aerial Distance) from the Govind Pashu WLS
respectively. The project location with respect to Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary is given in
the Figure 3.22 and 3.23.

Figure 3.22: Google Satellite Image (2011) Showing Govind Pashu Vihar w.r.t the Study Area

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Figure 3.23: Project Location with espect to Govind Pashu Vihar (Core and Buffer)

Govind Pashu Vihar WLS is notified on March 1, 1995 covering an area of 957 sq. kms. There are
about 15 species of mammals and 150 species of birds existing in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. The
most significant of these animals are Himalayan Snow leopard, Himalayan Black bear, Brown bear,
Musk deer, Bharal, HimalayanTahr, Serow and Common leopard. There is a large variety of
endangered birds found in Govind Wild Life Sanctuary. This list includes the Golden Eagle, Monal
Pheasant, Koklas Pheasant, Steppe Eagle and Western Tragopan, Bearded Vulture, Black Eagle
and Himalayan Snow Cock. Some other varieties include the Minivets, Owls, Pigeons, Parakeets,
Thrushes, Tits, Warblers, Buntings, Bulbuls, Cuckoos and Finches. The Snow Leopard inhabits the
inner Himalayas above the altitude of 3500 m. With the onslaught on the habitat by man its number
has dwindled considerably making it a highly endangered species. In the Eighth Plan, the Govt. of

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India launched the Snow Leopard Project for the long term conservation of this elusive cat. An expert
team identified sites throughout the Himalayas to implement this project and Govind Wildlife
Sanctuary was identified as one of such sites. To further improve the protection of this rare animal,
the upper reaches (the Snow Leopard habitat) of the sanctuary were intentionally notified as a
National Park, which covers an area of 472.08 sq. km. As in other areas of Himalayas, owing to low
density and rugged terrain, the animal sightings are poor.

The sanctuary contains western Himalyan broadleaf forests at its lowest elevations, transitioning to
western Himalayan subalpine conifer forests and western Himalayan alpine shrubs and meadows at its
highest elevations.
(Source: Retrieved from “http//en. Wikipedia.org/wiki/Govind_ Pashu_ Vihar_ Wildlife_Sanctury”)

3.7.2 Aquatic Ecology

3.7.2.1 Fish Fauna
Information on fish and fisheries of the project stretch and its immediate up and down stream
are collected through primary survey conducted and recorded by the EIA team and from
secondary sources. Sample netting is made in the project stretch in all approachable points in
different seasons (pre monsoon, post monsoon and winter of 2010). During pre monsoon,
post monsoon and winter Schyzetherax richardsonii was caught.

The information on the availability of fish species and presence of breeding or feeding ground in 10
km stretch is obtained from the Department of Fisheries, Himachal Pradesh, which is also verified
from the local villagers. List of the fish are tabulated in the Table 3.21.

Two fish species of two families namely – Cyprinidae and Salmonidae are reported from the river
Rupin. The snow trouts like Schizothorax richardisonni (Gugli) are reported and caught from the
project stretch, which are most common fishes in the river Rupin, Photo Plate 17. Investigation
revealed that these species travel upstream mainly for breeding purposes, however, no breeding
grounds are found in the project stretch. The habit and habitat requirement for these fish species is
given below in Table 3.21.

Table 3.21: List of Fish Fauna Found in the Study Area

Scientific Local Indigenous or
Family Feeding Habits Breeding Habits
Name Name Migratory
Schyzetherax Gugli Cyprinidiae Migratory in Herbivorous Winter when the
richardsoni. Stream feeding mainly algae, temperature in the
aquatic plants and Greater Himalayan
detritus waters reaches the
near-freezing point.
Spawning
temperatures: 18-
21.5°C
Salmo trutta Brown Salmonidae Indigenous Feed on benthic From November to
fario Trout invertebrates, insect January.
larvae, aerial insects (in Water temperatures:
rivers) and algae. In 5-12°C
addition, adults
Spawning under
consume fish and frogs.
gravels
(Source: State Fisheries Depatment, Local Enquiry and field investigation)
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Photo Plate 17- Schyzetherax richardsoni.

The sample netting is done in the study stretch. It is observed and also verified from local people
and fisheries department that no commercial fishing activities are being practiced in this stretch
except for domestic purpose. Moreover, no spawning/feeding ground is recorded from this stretch
or it‟s immediate up stream and down stream. No family is dependent on fishing for earning its
livelihood.

3.7.2.2 Fish Food Organisms: Planktons and Benthos

The sampling of planktons and benthos is carried out in three different seasons – winter, pre
monsoon and post- monsoon. The sampling for planktons and benthos is carried out at various
locations that are given in Table 3.22. and Figure 3.24. Photo Plate 18 shows sampling of
Plankton at confluence site. The density and diversity index of planktons and benthos as observed
from the study area are given in Annexure V.

Table 3.22: Sampling Locations Planktons and Benthos

S. No. Station Code Latitude Longitude Location
1. P1 E 78° 04‟ 28.56” N 31° 12‟ 20.23” TRT Site
2. P2 E 78° 04‟ 07.29” N 31° 12‟ 12.14” D/S TRT Saro Gad
3. P3 E 78° 04‟ 10.79” N 31° 11‟ 16.94” D/S TRT Harli Gad
4. P4 E 78° 06‟ 30.52” N 31° 15‟ 01.09” Barrage Site(Nargani)
5. P5 E 78° 06‟ 09.50” N 31° 14‟ 37.05” Diversion Site (Rupin)
6. P6 E 78° 06‟ 13.70” N 31° 14‟ 32.04” Alternative Site Confluence
Source: Primary Data

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Photo Plate-18 Plankton Sampling at Confluence Site

Figure: 3.24 Plankton and Benthos Sampling Locations

For plankton, 50 litres composite water samples are collected from the river surface about 50-60
cm. depth and are filtered through a 20 μm net and concentrated in a 200 ml bottle and preserved
in 4 % formalin solution. Samples are brought for laboratory analysis and further concentrated to
20 ml. The qualitative and quantitative analysis is done using one drop of sample under a light
microscope following the APHA et.al. (1998).

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P =A x 1/v x n/N
The total number of planktons present in a liter of water sample is calculated using the following
formula:

Where, P = Av. no of plankton present /lt; A= average no of organism per drop; V=volume of drop
(ml)

N=volume of water filtered (l); n=total no of concentrated sample (ml).

Analytical Results:

The dominant species of phytoplanktons as observed are Navicula radiosa, Anabaena sp.,
Synedra sp., Oscilatoria sp , Stigeoclonium sp., Ulothrix sp. etc. The dominant species of benthic
organisms are Ephemeroptera, Tricoptera, Tricoptera, Diptera, Plecoptera and Odonata. There is
no zooplankton observed in the study stretch. The season wise and altitudinal variation is found in
the diversity index of phytoplanktons and benthos (Figure 3.25 & 3.26).

The Density of Phytoplanktons varied widely from upper to lower stretches, with the onset of
monsoon season. The phytoplankton‟s density increased in the lower stretches is due to low water
current and turbidity. The peak density of phytoplankton‟s is observed during pre-monsoon
seasons, as the spring season sets it flourishes the growth of phytoplanktons, also the optimum
level of alkalinity in water tends to support high productivity for aquatic life.

The phytoplanktons diversity as observed in the river stretch increased from upper to lower
stretches in post-monsoon, winter and pre monsoon seasons. However, different trend is observed
in monsoon season due to variation in physical and chemical characteristics of river like water
current, velocity and turbidity, which increased during monsoon because of runoff resulting into
siltation and weathering of rocks from steep slopes from both the banks.

The Density of benthos varied widely from upper to lower stretches, with the onset of monsoon
season. The benthos density increased in the lower stretches is due to low water current and
turbidity.

The peak density of benthos is observed in the lower stretches during pre-monsoon seasons as the
spring season sets it flourishes the growth of benthos, also the optimum level of alkalinity in water
tends to support high productivity for aquatic fauna.

The benthic diversity as observed in the river stretch increased gradually from upper to lower
stretches in post-monsoon, winter and pre monsoon seasons. However, different trend is observed
in monsoon season due to variation in physical and chemical characteristics of river like water
current velocity and turbidity, which increased during monsoon because of runoff resulting into
siltation and weathering of rocks from steep slopes from both the banks.

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Source: Primary Data

Figure 3.25: Density & Diversity Index of Phytoplankton in the Study Area

Source: Primary Data

Figure 3.26: Density & Diversity Index of Benthos in the Study Area
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3.8 Socio-Economic Aspects

3.8.1 Demographic Profile

As per the Census 2001, following data (Table 3.23) has been acquired; about 991 households with
the total population of 5574 are covered under the study area.

Table 3.23: Village-wise Details of Population Covered under the Study Area
Town/ Village No. of
S. No. Persons Males Females
Name Households
1. Dhandarwari 190 1284 640 644
2. Dodra 216 1108 572 536
3. Jakha 123 737 377 360
4. Jiskun 159 817 426 391
5. Kiterwari 277 1493 782 711
6. Pandar 26 135 68 67
Total 991 5574 2865 2709
Source: Census 2001

3.8.2 Agricultural Practices

Cultivation is mainly done of Cholai, Kuttu (Local name „ugla‟; Common name: Buck wheat), Chitra
Rajma a special kind of rajma (Red kidney beans) that can withstand temperature variations easily,
golden apple (Spondias dulcis) and apple (Malus pumila). Walnut; local name „Jungli Akhrot‟
(Juglans regia) and rice (Oryza sativa) may also be seen. Cropping seasons of different crops is
showin in Table: 3.24

 Cropping Season

Table 3.24: Cropping Season of Different Crops.

S. No. Crop Name Harvesting Season
Horticulture Crops
1. Apple August to November
2. Plum May to June
3. Chuli (Wild Apricot) July to August
4. Pear August to September
Agricultural Crops
1. Cholai April to October
2. Ogla (Buck Wheat) July to October
3. Koda March to September
4. Wheat November to June
5. Rice March to October
6. Cabbage March to May
November to March
7. Fapra April to August
July to October

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S. No. Crop Name Harvesting Season

8. Maize April to September
9. Bean April to August
10. Potato March to September
Source: Incharge Bee Keeping station (Horticulture Department)
Dodra Kawar, District Shimla
Out of the several crops mentioned in the above table, apple, cholai, koda, ogla and beans
come under the category of cash crops.

 Cropping Pattern

In tehsil Dodra-Kawar, mixed cropping takes place and the following pattern is used for
cropping:

- Maize & Beans

- Apple & Potato
- Cholai & Beans

 Productivity and Annual Income

Table 3.25 Depicts the total productivity and annual income from different crops.

Table 3.25: Productivity and Annual Income from Different Crops

S. No. Name of Crop Productivity Annual Income (INR)
1. Apple 200 kg/ bigha 2000
2. Wheat 2 quintal/bigha 1600
3. Cholai 2 quintal/bigha 8000
4. Ogla 2 quintal/bigha 12000
5. Bean 1.5 quintal/bigha 6000
Source: Incharge Bee Keeping station Dodra Kawar, District Shimla
 Amount of Fertilizer Used

Farm yard manure is mostly used by the farmers in their field for cultivation at 10 quintal/
bigha. Till date no chemical fertilizer has been used in this area for cultivation.

 Source of Water

Source of water is mostly rain water, about 80% water used for agriculture comes from rain
water and the remaining 20 % comes from ponds or storage tanks.

3.8.3 Cultural and Aesthetic Sites

There is a presence of small temples in each of the villages present in the study area; however it is
only in village Kawar (Photo Plate – 19) that there is an existence of a big temple. S B Power has
kept an amount of Rs. 25 Lakhs for repair and maintenanace of the temples in the area.

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Photo Plate 19: A Temple at Village Kawar

3.8.4 Infrastructural Facilities

 Educational Facilities

Table 3.26: List of Schools in the Study Area

S.No. Name of School Name of Village
Primary School
1. Govt. Centre Primary School Kittarwari
2. Govt. Primary School (Dhandarwari I) Dhandarwari
3. Govt. Primary School (Dhandarwari II) Dhandarwari
4. Govt. Primary School (Dodra) Dodra
5. Govt. Primary School (Gaon Pujarli) Gaon Pujarli
6. Govt. Primary School (Jishkun) Jishkun
7. Govt. Primary School (Jakha) Jakha
8. Govt. Primary School (Pandar) Pandar
Middle School
9. Govt. Middle School (Kittarwari) Kittarwari
10. Govt. Middle School (Jakha) Jakha
11. Govt. Middle School (Pandar) Pandar
High School
12. Govt. High School (Jishkun) Jishkun
Sr. Secondary School
13. Govt. Sr. Secondary School (Kawar) Kawar
14. Govt. Sr. Secondary School (Dodra) Dodra
Source: Block Elementry Education office Dodra Kawar, District Shimla
As per the survey done at Government Senior Secondary School at Kawar (Photo Plate- 20),
it is found that a total of 444 students (from VI to XII standard) are studying in the school
with a total staff of 20, which comprises of teaching and non teaching staff, 12 and 8 in
number, respectively. Details of educational facilites in the project study area is given in the
above Table: 3.26

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Photo Plate 20: Government Senior Secondary Photo Plate 21: Community Health Centre at
School at Village Kwar Dodra-Kwar

 Medicinal Facilities

Tehsil Dodra-Kawar has a well established Community Health Center (Photo Plate-21)
for providing medical facilties in case of emergencies and epidemics. The health centre
has three sub-centres at different village locations mentioned as follows: Source:
Community Health Centre Kawar District, Shimla

- Health subcentre at village Pandar.

- Health subcentre at village Jakha.
- Health subcentre at village Gaon Pujarli (Dodra).

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Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

4 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS

4.0 Assessment of Impacts on the Environment

The methodology used for environmental impact assessment follows the sequence summarized in
Figure 4.1.

Construction and
Operation Programme Environmental
Design Description

Hazard Hazard Environmental

Identification Characterisation Sensitivities

Identification of Project/
Environment Interactions

Environmental Impact
Assessment

Mitigation/Control
Identification

Figure 4.1: Methodology for Environmental Impact Assessment

The main supporting information required for an assessment includes a description of both the project
(Chapter 2) and the environment in which it is proposed (Chapter 3). The information presented in
these two chapters allows identification of the interactions between the planned construction and
operation phase with the environment.

In this section, the interactions between the project and the environment are identified, impacts on
environmental components due to project activities are assessed and key mitigation measures are
suggested.

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4.1 Identification of Interactions

Matrix methodology is adopted for the impact assessment. In this process, impacting activities and
their likely environmental impacts are listed as horizontal and vertical axes, respectively in the matrix.
Thereafter, the cause-effect relationships between specific activities and impacts are identified. Table
4.1 summarizes the interactions between the proposed activities and the sensitivities of the local and
regional environment.

Table 4.1: Interactions between Project Operations and Environmental Sensitivities

Environmental Sensitivities
Physical Biological Socio-Economic
Impacts due to Project

Living conditions of local

Personnel/support crews
Activities
Soil and sediment

Tourism/Leisure
Water Quality

Archaeology
Air Quality

Land Use
Economy
people
Fauna
Noise

Flora

1.Construction Phase:
Immigration of labour X X X X X X X
Clearing Ground Cover X X X X X X X X
Hauling / Quarrying for X X X X X X X
construction material
Operation of construction X X X X X X
equipment
Soil Erosion / Siltation X X X X X
Road Construction X X X X X X X X X X
Muck Disposal X X X X X
Sewage X X
Noise and Vibration X X X X X X
Atmospheric Air Emissions X X X
Waste Water Generation X X X X
Solid /Hazardous Waste X X X X X X
Disposal
Fuel Combustion X X
Socio-economic Impacts X X
Water related diseases X X X X
2. Operation Phase:
Reservoir submergence X X X X
Change in hydrological X X X X X
regime
Water related diseases X X X X
Sewage X X X

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4.2 The Major Activities that may have Impacts on Environment

Physical Presence: The project involves construction of Barrage, Feeder tunnel, Head Race Tunnel,
Surge Shaft, Power House and other supporting infrastructures. These are permanent structures.

Atmospheric Emissions: Atmospheric Emissions is mainly during construction phase due to

construction activities, by use of construction equipment due to fuel combustion.

Noise and Vibration: Noise and vibration is expected to be generated during construction phase.

Reduced Water Flow: The river length of about 9.48 km is likely to be affected by the project
activities.

Waste Water Generation: Waste water is expected to be generated from the construction activity
and labour colonies during construction phase and from project colonies throughout the operation
phase.

Quarrying Operation: Collection of boulders from river bed may result in movement of silt from
the project area and moving it to downstream of river.

4.3 Impacts on Land Environment

a) Construction Phase

During the construction period, topography of construction area will change due to erection of
buildings, fills and cuts for construction of Intake components of powerhouse, penstock and other
associated structures. The most prominent impact on the surface topography will be the impoundment
upstream of the barrage. Construction of access road and widening of existing roads will also change
the topography. Mainly the following activities are liable for the changes in existing topography:

i) Immigration of construction labour.

ii) Quarrying of construction materials.
iii) Movement and operation of construction machinery.
iv) Runoff from construction site / increased siltation.
v) Muck disposal.
vi) Construction/widening of access roads.

Influx of Immigrant Population during Construction Phase

The involvement of large labour population and technical staff is likely to put significant pressure as a
result of increase in discharge of sewage, quantity of solid wastes generated and other pollutants. The
construction activity will engage different categories of manpower like officials, service providers,
technical and non-technical workers. The phase-wise manpower required by the project is given in
Table 4.2.

Table 4.2: Phase-wise Manpower Requirement for Project

Mechanical Electrical
Phases (of 6 Civil (25% skilled/
(25% skilled/ (25% skilled/
months) supervision category)
supervision category) supervision category)
Construction Phase
Ist 195 - -

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Mechanical Electrical
Phases (of 6 Civil (25% skilled/
(25% skilled/ (25% skilled/
months) supervision category)
supervision category) supervision category)
IInd 350 - 20
IIIrd 350 75 75
IVth 350 75 75
Vth 350 75 75
VIth 350 75 75
VIIth 350 75 75
VIIth 350 75 75
Operation Phase
16 16 16

Source: Primary Data

During the peak construction phase, the total population is estimated around 500 workers some of
them will be from nearby villages, out of which assuming 25 % (125) are categorised under skilled
workers and remaining 75% under unskilled workers (375). Keeping in view, that no provision is
made for the families of unskilled migrating workers, following estimation of the migrant population
stress (Table 4.3) during the peak construction phase is given in Table 4.3.

Table 4.3: Estimation of Migrant Population & Service Providers

S. No. Workers Population

I. Migrant Workers
a) Number of Workers 375
b) 10% of total workers for the visiting families 38
413
Total of I (375 + 38)
= (~415)
II. Migrant Technical Staff
a) Married Families (25 % of 125) 31
b) Single (75 % of 125) 94
249
Total of II (31 x 5 + 94)
= (~250)
III. Service Providers
a) 2 % of Total Population (665) 13
b) No. of service providers with families (50 % of 13) 7
Total of III 20
Peak Migrant Population ( I + II + III ) 685
Source: Primary Data

During peak construction phase, a population of about 685 has been estimated to interfere based on
the above assumptions. This additional population is likely to affect the existing infrastructure. Thus
adequate provisions will be made to maintain and improve the quality of life in labour camps as well
as the people residing in the nearby areas.

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The major impacts of labour immigration at the project site are increase in demand of resources like
potable water, fuel, food materials and other daily commodities, deterioration of air quality, increase
in noise level due to increased vehicular movement, generation of waste water and solid wastes, threat
on illegal tree cutting and poaching, vulnerability of disease outbreak and social conflicts between
outsider and locals.

Quarrying of Construction Materials

A total of 1.57 lacs m3 of construction material is required for the construction activities. This
requirement of the construction materials for the project is envisaged through the river borne material
available near the power house site and the confluence site.

Major impact of quarrying from the project area is increased siltation of the river water. At the time of
quarrying from these river bed area sand and other fine particles are likely to enter the river water and
increase its turbidity which may also affect the primary productivity of the river by reducing sunlight
penetration. However, this impact will be limited to quarrying activities. The turbidity is likely to
return to its original level after cessation of sandy materials‟ excavation. The depression so created
will be filled up by the sediments/silts brought down by the two rivers. Therefore, no specific
management measures are suggested for stabilization of borrow sites.

Movement and Operation of Construction Machinery

Various types of equipment, i.e., batching plants, mixing plants, crushers, earth movers, bulldozers,
rollers etc. will be brought to the site during construction phase. The placing of these construction
equipments will require some amount of space additionally; space will be required for the storage of
the construction materials. For this purpose, land will be temporarily acquired on lease basis for the
construction phase (4 years).

The site for storage of construction material and equipment will be so selected that causes minimum
adverse impacts on surrounding environment.

Runoff from Construction Site / Increased Siltation

The runoff from the various construction sites will have a natural tendency to flow towards the natural
drainage. The construction effluent with high turbidity from the barrage site during construction phase
will flow towards Rupin and Nargani. This will increase turbidity level of these river waters.
Increased turbidity will reduce light penetration thus hampering the photosynthetic activity, which
may result in reduction of primary productivity of the river water especially in winter season (October
to March) when the discharge of Rupin and Nargani is low.

Muck Disposal

The total quantity of muck generated due to the project construction is 6.02 lacs m3 with 45% swell
factor, however, after using the muck generated for the project activities, the total remaining muck
that has to be dumped is the order of 4.15 lacs m3. This muck is supposed to be dumped at different
sites selected on the right bank of river Rupin. The site identified for muck disposal is at a significant
distance (minimum 30 m) from the river, therefore, it does not have direct impacts on the quality of
the river water and there is no scope of muck getting transported into the river.

The increased vehicular movements near muck disposal sites may have adverse impacts on ambient
air quality; however, the impact is not significant to cause major change in air quality of the area.

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Moreover, all the muck disposal sites are surrounded by vegetation cover, which will work as sink of
vehicular emissions.

A detailed muck disposal plan is recommended for amelioration of above referred impacts and
presented in chapter 5 (Environmental Management Plan).

Construction/Widening of Access Roads

The construction of new access roads or widening of existing roads can lead to the following impacts:

 Landslides, induced due to toe cutting in loose soil and re-working of the slopes in the
immediate vicinity of the roads. With the removal of vegetal cover, erosive action of
water gets pronounced that accelerates the process of soil erosion and formation of
deep gullies.
 Soil and water contamination by oil, grease, fuel, etc. in equipment yards and
workshops.
 Air pollution by construction equipment.
 Destruction of vegetation to make way for road construction.
 Contamination of the area due to unorganized disposal of construction wastes and
solid wastes generated by construction worker.

Appropriate management measures for amelioration of adverse impacts are outlined in Chapter 5 of
this report.

b) Operation Phase

The Operation phase, is likely to envisage impacts on the land use pattern due to diversion of forest
land for non – forest purposes i.e., for construction and widening of roads, installation of surface
components both upstream and downstream stretch of the river.

Diversion of Land/Change in Land Use Pattern

The project area will lead to permanent change in the land use pattern. The total land requirement for
this project has been finalized to be 30.7183 ha in which 24.9286 ha is forest land and 5.7897 ha is
private land. The details of various category of land required are given below in Table 4.4 (a) and 4.4
(b).

Table 4.4 (a): Details of Private Land Required for the Project

Muhal Banjar Kadim Bakhal Abbal Bakhal

Karali (Land Ghasni Total
S. (Land not fit (Highly Doyam
(Revenue newly prepared (Grazing Area
No for Cultivated (Cultivated
Village) for cultivation) land) (ha)
agriculture) land) land)
1. Dodra - - 0.6246 0.7730 - 1.3976
Abbal
2. Jishkun - 0.0207 0.4208 0.1766 - 0.6181
3. Dhandrwari 2.1221 - 0.1095 0.1334 0.7021 3.0671
4. Ashanda - 0.1845 - 0.5224 0.7069
Total 2.1221 0.0207 1.3394 1.0830 1.2245 5.7897
Source: Secondary Data from SBPIL

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Table 4.4 (b): Details of Forest Land Required for the Project

S. Under DPF DPF Dhar Dodra Total Area

Type of Land Jiskun Dhandwari Ashanda
No. ground Pandhar Jakha Chanshal Abbal (Ha)
1 Charagah drakhtan (Forest grazing land with trees) - - - 5.9646 0.8797 1.3221 - - 8.1664
2 Charagah billa drakhtan (Forest grazing land without tree) - - - - - 0.7067 - - 0.7067
3 Gair Mumkin Khad (River/stream) - 2.8245 0.7344 0.7512 0.0095 0.6690 - - 4.9886
4 DPF (Demarked Protected Forest) - 0.8276 2.5198 - - - - - 3.3474
5 Bakhal Doyam (Cultivated land) - - - 0.2508 - 0.0717 - - 0.3225
6 Karali (Land newly prepared for cultivation) - - - - 0.2400 - - 0.2400
7 Dhar (Forest Land without trees/ Edge of peak) - - - - - - 3.0000 - 3.0000
8 Banjar Kadeem (Land not fit for agriculture) - - - - 0.3482 - - - 0.3482
9 Gair Mumkin Rasta (Foot track) - - - - - 0.0152 - - 0.0152
10 Underground 3.7936 - - - - - - - 3.7936
Total 3.7936 3.6521 3.2542 8.7001 1.4774 2.7847 3.0000 0.0 24.9286
Source: Secondary Data from SBPIL

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4.4 Impacts on Ecology

The impacts on the biodiversity of the area will be very low as it is "Run-of- River" scheme. The
ecological setup in the project affected stretch between feeder tunnel, barrage and TRT site will be
getting impacted. The environmental flow of at least 15% of lean season flow has to be maintained in
both the rivers Rupin and Nargani and downstream of the confluence. To further reduce the impacts, a
fish ladder is proposed to facilitate to and fro movement of fish through the barrage stretch.

An environmental study was carried out in the project stretch extending between barrage at
Nargani diversion and TRT site to understand the ecological sustenance of the existing
aquatic species in the stretch. It was revealed from the study that for satisfying requirement
of water depth and velocity of the stretch a minimal volumetric flow to be maintained
throughout the year. Based on the study and analysis of water demand for various
requirements it can be recommended that a minimum environmental flow of 0.68 cumec for
Nargani diversion structure and 0.393 cumec for the Rupin diversion structure is sufficient.
For Rupin HEP, a minimum depth of 0.3 to 0.4 m and velocity of 0.40 m/s would be
sufficient for the habitat of the predominant fish species in the area ( Source: Environmental
Flow Assessment report for Rupin HEP by R S Envirolink Technologies Pvt. Ltd., July 2012.)

Only 2.30 ha of forest land will be inundated because of impoundment, which will have negligible
loss of floral diversity or habitat of the wild animal of the area as entire area harbours similar kind of
vegetation cover and provide habitat for the wild animals. These features of the project pose minimum
threat to the biodiversity of the area.

Direct negative impacts will be mainly due to the construction site clearance/gradation or levelling of
the site, excavation and blasting. Indirect impacts envisage due to influx of population and improved
access.

4.4.1 Terrestrial Flora

4.4.1.1 Loss of Green Cover

The construction of the project facilities for the barrage site, access roads, submergence area and the
construction of power house, colony etc. involves felling of trees. A total of 224 trees are identified to
be cut from the project site. Details of the trees required to cut are presented in Table 4.5 and the
different project area from where the trees are identified to be cut are given in Table 4.6 with their
respective purpose.

Table 4.5: Details of Trees Identified to Cut

II II
V IV III IA IB IC ID IE
A B
S.
Species Remark 9- 20- 30- 40- 50- 60- 70- 80- 90- 100 Total
No.
19 29 39 49 59 69 79 89 99 and
above
Celtis
Green
1 australis 1 5 6 6 1 2 21
Standing
(Kharak)
Juglans regia Green
2 5 3 5 1 2 16
(Walnut) Standing

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II II
V IV III IA IB IC ID IE
A B
S.
Species Remark 9- 20- 30- 40- 50- 60- 70- 80- 90- 100 Total
No.
19 29 39 49 59 69 79 89 99 and
above
Acer pictum Green
3 1 5 2 2 1 11
(Mapple) Standing
Aesculus
Green
4 indica 1 2 2 1 1 7
Standing
(Khanoor)
Rhus
Green
5 punjabensis 7 3 1 11
Standing
(Titari)
Pinus
Green
6 wallichiana 32 19 4 1 2 58
Standing
(Kail)
Alnus
Green
7 nepaleoisis 1 1 2
Standing
(Kunish)
Populus
Green
8 ciliate 1 2 3
Standing
(Popular)
Abies
Green
9 pindrow 1 1 1 3
Standing
(Tosh)
Corylus
Green
10 colurna 1 4 6 2 1 14
Standing
(Sheroli)
Salix
Green
11 dephnoides 1 1
Standing
(Bashule)
Arundinarid
Green
12 falcate 1 1 2
Standing
(Nelgu)
Picea
Green
13 smithiana 7 3 1 1 3 15
Standing
(Rai)
Cedrus
Green
14 deodara 1 1 2
Standing
(Deodar)
Betula
Green
15 alnoides 1 1
Standing
(Shivered)
Litsea
Green
16 lanuginose 1 2 3
Standing
(Mored)
Prunus
Green
17 persica 16 11 1 28
Standing
(Bemi)
Corylus
Green
18 colurna (Ban 1 1 2
Standing
Sheroli)

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Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
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II II
V IV III IA IB IC ID IE
A B
S.
Species Remark 9- 20- 30- 40- 50- 60- 70- 80- 90- 100 Total
No.
19 29 39 49 59 69 79 89 99 and
above
Green
19 Narkhu 1 3 4
Standing
Total Trees 67 53 31 21 17 4 6 3 1 1 204
In addition to this 24 number saplings are required to be cut.
Source: Secondary Data from SBPIL

Table 4.6: Different Project Area from where the Trees are Identified to be Cut
S.No. Region Purpose
1. Jakha  Dumping Yard-3,4 & Stock Yard
(Dodhu)  Road & Job Facilities
2. Jakha  Rope way Road
(Raigad)  Dumping Yard-Adit-II
3. Pandar  Dumping Yard at Nargani Barrage Site
 U/S of Barrage Axis & Open Intake Structure
 Dumping Yard-2 at Nargani Feeder Tunnel Outlet on Left Bank
of Rupin River
4. Manji Ban  U/S of Dam Axia on Left Bank of Nargani River
 Job Facility & Batching Plant
 Stock Yard & Mechenical Workshop
Source: Secondary Data from SBPIL

4.4.1.2 Increased Human Interferences

The direct impact of construction activity will be limited only in the vicinity of the construction sites.
Approximately, 685 people including technical staff, workers and service providers are likely to
congregate in the area during peak construction phase of the project. Such influx may have pressure
on forests mainly for fuel wood. Viewing the economic status of the people of Himachal Pradesh, it
can be assumed that the technical staff (approx. 125 no.) along with the construction workers will be
using the LPG cylinders. However, in absence of alternative source of fuel, labour population may
resort to cutting of trees and vegetation in areas close to various construction sites. Hence, to
minimize such impacts, construction contractor will ensure alternate fuel (kerosene / LPG) to the
construction workers. The cost estimates for the fuel provision are also covered in Environmental
Management Plan outlined in Chapter -5. To check this the tenders are designed in such a way that the
contractors will be responsible to provide LPG cylinders for cooking food in the labour & other
messes.

The other major impact on the surrounding vegetation will be increased level of human interferences
which may result in damage to forests. Hence, it is necessary to implement adequate surveillance to
ameliorate the adverse impacts on surrounding forests during project construction phase.

4.4.2 Terrestrial Fauna

4.4.2.1 Disturbance to Wildlife

The project may have following positive and negative impacts on wildlife:
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Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
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Positive Impacts

1. Habitat improvement through afforestation/regeneration.

2. Development of infrastructure & communication for their protection and conservation
activities.
3. Development and improvement of water bodies.
4. Building of awareness amongst general public; local communities and government staff.
5. Development and improvement of watch towers, trekking trails and wildlife trails.
6. Effective control on illegal activities like poaching, illicit felling etc.

Negative Impacts

1. Felling of the trees.

2. Disturbance to wildlife habitat.
3. Change in hydrological regime of rivers Nargani and Rupin.
4. Fugitive emission from various sources like batching plant, crushers etc. (though for limited
period)
5. Impact of increased vehicle movement (for construction period only).
6. Soil erosion from construction sites (for construction period only).

During construction phase, a large number of machinery and construction labour will be active in the
construction sites which will generate significant noise in the area. The noise may scare the wild
animals of nearby forest patches and force them to migrate to other areas. For ensuring the safety of
wild animals and birds, a comprehensive Biodiversity Conservation and Management Plan is
presented in Chapter 5.

4.4.3 Aquatic Ecology

a) Construction Phase

The extraction of boulders from the river bed at site located in proximity to the project area may cause
some damage to aquatic life by destabilizing the sub-stratum, increasing the turbidity of water, silting
of the channel bottom and modifying the flow. These alterations may change the composition and
balance of existing aquatic system of the immediate downstream of selected quarrying area. The
stones and pebbles at the river substratum, which are now serving as anchorage and habitat to the
invertebrates will get disturbed, thus, the ecology of the river may get affected.

b) Operation Phase

Construction of barrage and diversion of river water through feeder tunnel at Nargani and Head Race
tunnel at Rupin up to the TRT outlet will lead to modification in the immediate downstream of
barrage. Following are some of the likely impacts, which are envisaged to alter the habitat:

General Impact on Habitat:

- Reduction in river flow for about 9.48 km long project stretch will eventually change the
hydrological regime of the stretch.
- Frequent water level fluctuations and reduced flow may change the physical, chemical and
biological characteristics of the river water.

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- The Dissolved Oxygen (DO) levels may deplete in the immediate downstream of TRT, due to
diversion of river water through tunnels, which may have stress on aquatic ecosystem. The
DO level of project stretch is observed around 15.6 mg/l -19.8 mg/l, which is very high,
therefore, it is expected that river water will regain the DO level within a small run and have
minimum impact.
- Increase in turbidity and the reduction of flow in the project stretch may increase
sedimentation, which may alter characteristic of river bottom and its nutrient cycle. This may
lead to change in prevailing habitat condition.
- The change in habitat conditions may alter the food chain organism specifically the benthic
community, which are the main food component of the fish species reported from the project
stretch.

Creation of Additional Habitat for Aquatic Life and Birds

The construction of barrage, and consequently the formation of impoundments increases the area
covered with water surface. This will create additional habitat for aquatic life, especially for water
birds. Receding water outlines will create drying mudflats that provide suitable feeding sites for
migratory birds and resident species, which will enhance the biodiversity of the area.

Impacts on Fishes

Construction Phase:

Schyzetherax richardsoni, and Salmo trutta fario are the two fish species found within in the study
stretch. Though no major impact is envisaged on these fisheries, and if any impact occurs that will be
temporary. To further reduce the impacts on fishes, a fish ladder is proposed to be installed and
environmental flow will be maintained in the river.

1. No major impacts are anticipated on fish fauna of the river by restriction to and fro movement
across the barrage structure and reduction of flow in its immediate downstream till TRT. To
minimize the hindrances, a „pool and riffle‟ kind fish ladder is proposed to be installed.
Moreover, an environmental flow of 15% of lean season is to maintain throughout the year in
the project stretch. For Rupin HEP, a minimum depth of 0.3 to 0.4 m and velocity of 0.40 m/s
would be sufficient for the habitat of snow trout which is the predominant fish species in the
area which can be maintained by the 0.68 cumecs environmental flow on Nargani and 0.393
cumecs environmental flows on Rupin side from the diversion site. Therefore, it can be
concluded that there will be no significant impact on the habitat of the aquatic fauna in the
stretch under changed scenario. Details are given in Chapter – 5.

2. No major fishes are present in this stretch of river. Whatever aquatic life is present in this
stretch of river are not localized in any certain point. It is expected that during the
construction period the fish fauna will be migrated to other undisturbed stretches. Therefore,
impact will not be significant.

The mitigation measures of fish and fisheries are delineated separately in Chapter 5 under Fisheries
Conservation and Management Plan.

4.5 Noise and Vibration

Source and Types of Impacts

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Sources of noise are movement and operation of construction vehicles and equipments mainly. Other
sources of noise will be the blasting, quarrying and crushing activities. Details are described below.

Impacts Due to Ground Vibrations

The impact due to construction noise will be restricted only in the noisy construction phase of the
project (about two and half years). Activities like blasting will generate vibrations and instantaneous
noise, the explosive energy generated during these process sets up a seismic wave within the surface,
which may affect the structures and cause discomfort to local inhabitants. When an explosive is fired
in a hole, stress waves traverse in various directions causes the rock particles to oscillate. Such noise
and vibration will have likely effects on the wildlife and nearby human population. However, such
impact will not be severe and will be restricted to in and around the construction site only. It is
expected that wildlife of the nearby forests patches will move to a distance from the source of noise
and eventually will return to their habitat post construction. Moreover, due care has been taken while
locating the project components and fixing the layout such that they are located to cause minimum
adverse affect to existing houses.

Impacts on Labour:

The high noise levels may have an adverse impact on the operating personnel /and whoever is in
direct exposure. They may also develop hearing problem because of such noise levels (it is known
that a continuous exposure to high noise levels above 90dB (A) affects the hearing acuity of the
workers/operators). To prevent these effects, the exposure period of affected persons will be limited
as per the recommendation of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHAS). Detail
management plan for controlling noise pollution during construction phase is offered in Chapter 5.
Moreover, the labourers & supervising staff are provided with ear protection to reduce the noise level
during working hours especially during blasting.

4.6 Air Environment

a) Construction Phase

The major sources of air pollution during construction phase are:

1. Pollution due to fuel combustion in construction equipment.

2. Emission from stone crushers.
3. Fugitive emissions from other miscellaneous sources.

Pollution due to Fuel Combustion

Combustion of fuel, mainly diesel, is the pre-requisite for the operation of various construction
equipments. The major pollutants, which gets emitted as a result of diesel combustion is SO2, NOx
however, SPM (Suspended Particulate Matter) emissions are minimal due to low ash content in diesel.

Emissions from Crushers

For the utilization of the river borne material for construction purposes crushers will be required
whose operation is likely to generate fugitive emissions, which can move even up to one kilometre in
predominant wind direction. No major adverse impacts on this account are anticipated since, there are
no major settlements close to the confluence and power house site (from where the construction
material is supposed to be obtained) Though there is presence of some villages (like Jakha, Jishkun at
an aerial distance of 3 km and 1.4 km, respectively from the confluence and Gaon Pujarli, Dhadarwari
at an aerial distance of 1.5 km and 2.5 km, respectively from the power house site) but least impact is

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Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
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expected as these villages are at a distance from the crushing sites. However, care will be taken to
ensure that the labour camp and project colonies are located on the leeward direction and outside the
impact zone (say about two kilometres on the wind direction) of crushers, during the layout design.
To further minimize fugitive dust emissions wet crushers will be used instead of dry ones.

Fugitive Emissions from Various Sources

Vehicular movement is likely to increase during construction phase. Moreover, construction materials
like sand, fine aggregate etc. also will be stored at various sites. Due to winds, especially during dry
months, some of the stored material can get entrained in the atmosphere. However, such impacts are
visible in and around the storage sites only. The impacts on this account are generally, insignificant
and temporary in nature.

b) Operation Phase

Since the project does not involve any air emissions during operation phase, therefore, it will not have
any negative impact on the air quality of the region.

4.7 Water Environment

a) Construction Phase

Effluent from Project Colony

The major sources of water pollution during project construction are the sewage generated from the
labour camps/colonies. The project construction is likely to last for a period of four years (48 months).
As mentioned earlier, about 500 workers during the peak construction phase will be required for
construction work.

The peak water requirement during the construction phase of the project is estimated to be 92.5 KLD,
taking 135 lpcd (as per CPHEEO norms for piped water supply) into account for 685, the peak
population. It is assumed that about 80 % of the water supplied will be generated as sewage, thus the
sewage generated is about 74 KLD i.e. 80 % of 92.5 KLD. The disposal of sewage without treatment
may lead to adverse impacts on the receiving water bodies or on land (in case of land disposal).
Moreover, such project construction also leads to mushrooming of various allied activities to meet the
demands of the immigrant labour population in the project area, which is also a cause for waste water
generation.

Therefore, it is recommended to treat the sewage prior to disposal in the river. Normally, during
construction phase, large-scale secondary treatment facilities are not commissioned, because they are
rendered useless post construction. In the present project, it is proposed to commission adequate
number of potable tanks for treatment of sewage. The details are covered in Chapter 5 of this Report.

Impacts due to Runoff from Construction Sites

Substantial quantities of water will be used for the construction activities. With respect to water
quality, waste water from construction activities will mostly contain suspended impurities. Hence,
adequate measures will be adopted to remove the suspended solids from the wastewater before
discharging it into water body.

Similarly, effluents from washing of vehicle parking area, workshop, etc. will have high concentration
of oil and grease. Though the effluent quality is too small to cause any adverse impact however, it is
still recommended to treat the effluent from these units/areas by oil and separator units so as to
ameliorate even the marginal adverse impacts likely to accrue on this account.
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b) Operation Phase

Effluent from Project Colony

During operation phase, only source of liquid waste is sewage, generated from staff colony and office
premises. The number of project staff expected during the phase is 50. The peak water demand is
estimated to be 4000 litres per day (i.e., 50 persons x 80 lpcd). The total sewage produced will be 80
percent of 4000 litres per day, which is 3200 litres per day. The disposal of sewage without treatment
may lead to adverse impacts on the receiving water bodies or land. Thus, it is recommended to treat
the sewage prior to disposal and therefore, a sewage treatment plant is proposed to be installed.

Impacts Due to Change in Hydrological Regime

The project stretch will be affecting the 9.48 km length of river flow, and is likely to have an impact
on the hydrology of the river like, flow quantity, quality, minimum flow of the river, flood peak etc.
In such a condition it becomes imperative to maintain the environmental flow regime of the river,
which will allow preserving the healthy state of the river.

Water from rivers Nargani and Rupin are least used for irrigation and drinking water purposes, but in
the downstream, for the population of tehsil Dodra Kawar, natural streams are the only source of
drinking water; therefore, in the project stretch the river is not having any direct impact on the people
but the people living in the downstream will be impacting. This impact would be there only for the
construction period, because during this phase water will be polluted due run-off from construction
sites during rains, waste water discharges etc. However, during the operation phase, there would not
be any occurrence of water pollution as very few people will be residing the project area at that time.

4.8 Socio-economic Environment

a) Construction Phase

The construction phase will last about four years. Main adverse impact due to congregation of about
685 people during the construction phase is detailed in various sections of this report, the basic
problem relates to manage this large population. However, the construction phase is a temporary
phase. The benefits of the project outrages temporary discomfort. However, the project will lead to
jobs opportunities for the local population; it will provide and improve facilities of basic amenities,
infrastructures like Tele-communication, accessibility, education and health facilities.

The availability of infrastructure is generally a problem during the initial construction phase. Though
the construction workers can be subsidized by providing health, education etc. The facilities of
desired quality are often not made available in the initial stage. Therefore, adequate measures will be
taken at the very start of the project to provide basic amenities like water supply, sewage treatment,
housing, fuel, medical and educational facilities etc.

Increased Incidence of Water-Related Diseases

There is a close relationship between water and public health. The commissioning of project can have
both beneficial and adverse impacts on the health of the people in and around the project area.

The negative impacts foreseen are increase of certain vector-borne diseases like malaria. The
following factors are rendered responsible for vector-borne diseases:

a) Aggregation of labour population.

b) Excavations and water accumulation.

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Aggregation of Labour Population

During the construction phase, new groups come and go constantly keeping the human population in a
flux. These people, if housed in temporary dwelling without proper sanitary conditions and water
supply may pose health hazard, if precautions are not taken the vector-borne disease epidemiology
may show sudden or long lasting change. Many of the immigrant population may be the carrier and
reservoir of infection for various communicable diseases. Once they settle in labour camps/colonies,
increased incidence of various diseases may occur. The overcrowding may lead to increased incidence
of respiratory infection and tuberculosis. The scarcity of water in the houses and the absence of
sanitary facilities in labour camps may be responsible for increased prevalence of gastro-enteritis and
other diarrhoeal diseases. This aspect needs to be looked into with precaution, and effort must be
made to ensure that a thorough check up of the labour population congregating in the area is
conducted. Those affected by any ailments need to be properly quarantined depending on the aliment
with which they are suffering.

Excavations

The excavation of earth from burrow pits etc. is one of the major factors for the increase in prevalence
of malaria. After the excavation of sand/earth the burrow areas if left without treatment, water will be
collected. These pools of water then will serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. However, area
having cold climatic condition does not help much on this account. However, the burrow areas are
mainly in the river bed, in close proximity to the barrage site. These depressions are likely to be filled
up during the subsequent floods. But, these borrow sites may not serve as a potential breeding habitats
for mosquitoes as the water will always be running/flowing through the pits.

b) Operation Phase

The proposed project is for development of a reliable power network; therefore, all communities of
the society rural and urban will be benefited. Beneficial impacts of the project are envision on socio-
economic conditions are rural and urban electrification. Industrial development may take place, which
will trigger the economic growth in this backward region of the state. These industrial activities will
create employment for local people, boosting their economic status. However, health and safety
impacts such as accidents due to electrocution, fires, and explosions, as well as exposure to
electromagnetic fields along the power evacuation line alignment and at the power house, may occur,
which need to be taken proper care during execution.

4.9 Impacts on Natural springs

a) Construction Phase

Based on geological & geo-morphological studies and field results collected during the planning and
investigating phase of the “Rupin Hydro Electric Project” in district Shimla, Himachal Pradesh it is
found that hydro geological conditions of drying up of Natural springs induced by tunnel construction
phase will be very minimal. The following conclusions can be drawn based on the geological and
hydrological studies.

 The project area is underlain by hard rock formation and these rocks are devoid of any
primary porosity. Thus, due to poor potentialities in hilly hard rock areas and hilly sloppy
terrain, groundwater development is very low.

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 It is worth to mention here that the proposed smaller diameter head race tunnel aligned mostly
at lower elevation i.e. El- 2100m in view of existing springs at higher elevation varies
between elevations 2150m to 2600m.
 In view of secondary porosity, the impact on springs is always negligible due to tunnel
construction. The proposed HRT with about 3.2 m diameter of impervious concrete tunnel
deep inside the mountains will never affect the flow of springs because these springs are quite
far from the tunnel alignment both horizontally and vertically. There is usually some drainage
of water from the ceiling of tunnel through crown and joints during its construction but there
are standard methods to tackle these during the construction.
 In the project area, secondary porosity (fracture & fissure in the rock mass) in these rocks,
topographical set up coupled with precipitation in the form of rain and snow, mainly govern
occurrence and movement of ground water.

b) Operation Phase

During operational period only a temporary phase after commencement of the project the tunnelling
portion will be filled by water which will further helps in recharging the slopes. Also even if these
springs get affected S B Power will take full responsibility for restoring water supply in these regions
artificially at their own costs.

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 5
EN V I R O N M EN TA L
M A N A G EM EN T
PLA N
Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

5 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
PLAN

5.0 Purpose and Objectives of the Environmental Management Plan

An EMP provides a delivery mechanism to address the adverse environmental impact s of a

project during its execution, to enhance project benefits, and to introduce standards of good
practice to be adopted for all project related work. The primary objectives of the EMP are to:

a) Facilitate the implementation of the mitigation measures for the identified adverse
impacts.
b) Define the responsibilities of the project proponents and contractors in order to
ensure the implementation of the Environmental Management Plan.
c) Define a monitoring mechanism and identify monitoring parameters in order to:
i) Ensure the complete implementation of all the mitigation measures.
ii) Ensure the effectiveness of the mitigation measures.
iii) Provide a mechanism for taking timely action in the face of unanticipated
environmental situations.

5.0.1 Responsibilities of the Contractor

The contractor will be responsible for implementation of measures to avoid or minimize

environmental impacts during construction. These will include protection measures relating to:

a) Proper setting of the construction work camps;

b) Development of supporting infrastructures;
c) Meeting effluent standards and water quality requirements for discharges into surface
water or land from workers camp;
d) Managing onsite solid wastes;
e) Controlling soil erosion and sedimentation;
f) Controlling noise emissions, fugitive dust and other air pollution;
g) Protection of local flora and fauna;
h) Managing onsite traffic;
i) Implementing health programs for everyone engaged in construction work;
j) Managing, preventing and developing emergency plans for incidents or accidents;
k) Providing physical, cultural protection and relocation to the labour population as
necessary.

5.0.2 Institutional Setup

Shri Bajrang Power (S B Power) will be solely responsible to implement the EMP. S B Power will
ensure that Contractors engaged in the construction work or any other purposes will follow the EMP.
The institutional set up suggested for implementation of EMP is delineated in Figure 5.1.

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Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
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Institutional Setup

S B Power DFO HP Pollution Control

Board

Environmental Officer Environmental Advisor Environmental Engineer

Figure 5.1 – Institutional Setup of Environmental Cell

The provisions in the contract with the construction contractor will include clear descriptions of the
Contractor's obligations for undertaking measures to minimize and/or to mitigate impacts on the
existing environment and social situation. The primary reference document for this will be the
Construction Contractor's Environment Management and Monitoring Plan (CCEMMP). The
CCEMMP will cover all the protection measures listed above and will be required to contain an over
view of the project impacts that the contractor's work will have on the physical, biological and social
environment, which will include:

a) Details of the Environmental Management Plan, to be implemented;

b) Statutory requirements including approvals and licenses;
c) Location and timing of environmental control activities;
d) Assignment of responsibility to implement, maintain, assess and monitor each
environmental control;
e) Procedures and instructions to implement, maintain, assess and monitor each
environmental control;
f) Reporting and Emergency procedures;
g) Corrective action requirement and verification.

5.1 Environmental Management Action for Rupin HEP

The most reliable way to ensure implementation of the management plan is to integrate the
management measures in the overall project planning, design, construction and operation work. In
Rupin HEP, the environmental management actions will be integrated into the civil work contracts
and other project planning and design activities. The EMP measures include mitigation or
enhancement measures as appropriate to the nature of impacts, and are explained in the following
sections. These include:

a) Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife Management Plan

b) Public Health Delivery System
c) Muck Disposal Plan
d) Reservoir Rim Treatment Plan
e) Reservoir Fisheries Development for conservation/ management of fishes
f) Energy Conservation Measures
g) Restoration and landscaping of working areas
h) Environmental Management during road construction and widening
i) Sanitation and Solid Waste Management Plan
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j) Water and Air Quality Management Plan.

k) Noise Management Plan.
l) Local Area Development.
m) Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) Plan.
n) Catchment Area Treatment Plan. (dealt in Chapter 7)

5.2 Biodiversity Management and Conservation Plan

Introduction

Rupin HEP project is not dealing with any forest product or is involved in any trade or research of
biological resources or exchange of information related to biological resources; therefore, the project
does not attract „Biodiversity Conservation Act 2002‟. But to make the project an environmentally
benign development, a biodiversity management plan is prepared.

The main purpose of biodiversity management and conservation plan is to protect the biodiversity of
the surrounding area from adverse environmental and social impacts of the project by implementation
of various mitigation and enhancement measures. Significant adverse impacts on land and biological
environment are anticipated due to road construction, blasting, excavation for tunnels, quarrying,
dumping of excavated materials and influx of human population. In view of the foreseen disturbance
and degradation of natural ecosystems, a biodiversity conservation and management plan (BMP) is
proposed herewith. This plan applies to an area within 10 km radius of the project site. Responsibility
of implementation and monitoring of this BMP in the project influenced area will lie with State Forest
Department of Himachal Pradesh. Local people will be involved by the forest department on its
discretion, for encouraging community participation.

Biodiversity Management Action Plans suggested for Project's Immediate Influence Area (PIIA) and
the Directly Affected Area are outlined below:

Surveillance and Campaign against Illegal Felling of Trees

To prevent illegal cutting of trees adequate security measures will be taken, in additions to this, public
awareness campaigns against illegal felling of trees are suggested. The construction activity of civil
works is envisaged through well organised contractors who are controllably bound to establish the
labour & other measure during the construction period and provide the ample supply of kerosene and
LPG gas so as not to use any fire wood for either cooking or heating purpose.

Compensatory Afforestation Plan

As per the Indian Forest Conservation Act, 2003, if the Forest Department agrees to divert the forest
land for non forest purpose, a Compensatory Afforestation Plan need to be prepared and implemented
as per the guidelines and forest protection measures stipulated in the act.

As per this act,

i) Compensatory forest plantation is to be made over an area equivalent to the affected or

lost forest area, in non-forest land.
ii) If non-forest land is not available, compensatory forest plantations are to be established
on degraded forest land, to the extent twice the forest area affected or lost.

As per the provisions of Forest Conservation Act, 1980, Compensatory Afforestation is not applicable
for activity carried out in the forests land below three meter depth. In this project the total forest land
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proposed for the diversion is 24.9286 ha. Thus, compensatory afforestation will be done in 50 ha of
nearby degraded forest land. The locations for Compensatory Afforestation of District in Himachal
Pradesh, namely, Dodra Kawar are selected by the State Forest Department. They have allotted a total
of 50 ha of land out of which 20 ha of Unreserved Forest Rohal panoo (Dodra Beat) and another 30 ha
at Kawar Panoo (Kawar Beat). The plantation activities will be carried out in aforesaid area. The cost
of afforestation of this 50 ha of forests land is Rs 52.68 lakh (@1500 seedlings/ ha). Compensatory
Afforestation Scheme in respect of diversion of land for construction of Rupin HEP is presented in the
table below:

Table: 5.1 Compensatory Afforestation Scheme in respect of diversion of land for construction
of Rupin HEP

Area Proposed for Compensatory Afforestation 50 Ha.

Name of Proposed plantation area UF Rohal Panoo 20 Ha, UF Kawar Panoo 30 Ha

No. of Plants to be Planted per Ha 1500 Plants per Ha

Total no. of Plants to be Planted 75000

Species to be Planted Ban/broad leaved plants

Particulars of Work Unit Cost at Total Amount

wage structure
for 2012-2013

Initial cost for raising 54,000 per Ha 2,700,000.00

compensatory afforestation
over an area of 50 Ha

1st year maintenance 9100 455,000.00

2nd year maintenance 5700 285,000.00

3rd year maintenance 3600 180,000.00

4th year maintenance 3400 170,000.00

5th year maintenance 3200 160,000.00

6th year maintenance 3200 160,000.00

7th year maintenance 3200 160,000.00

Total 4,270,000.00

Contingency @ Rs.5 % 4270000 x 5% 213,500.00

Total 4,483,500.00

Departmental Charges @ 784,612.50

Rs. 17.5%

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Total 5,268,112.50 Or say INR 52,68,113

Source: Secondary Data from SBPIL

The implementation strategies of the Compensatory Afforestation are described below:

Strategies adopted for Compensatory Afforestation:

An integrated approach will be adopted for taking up the plantation with soil enhancement measures,
details are described below:

a) The plantation will be done during (July-August) season. Planting pits of 30 cm x 30 cm

x 30 cm will be dug at 2.5 m spacing in a triangular pattern. About 1500 seedlings will be
planted on per hectare basis.
b) The seedlings will be procured from the existing nearby forest nursery on payment basis
as per norms, or if required a new nursery may be created or a suitable existing nursery of
the State Forest Department may be adopted.
c) Site specific species of mixed indigenous nature like Ban/Broad Leave. will be planted in
the upper and middle hill forests and species like Ailanthus altissima, Pinus, Morus, etc.
will be planted in the lower hill forests as block plantation.
d) Soil enhancement measures will be taken up @ 25 % of the entire plantation areas
supported by appropriate engineering and vegetation measures.
e) The block plantation will be fenced with stone wall fencing of the required dimension to
protect from wildlife interference. In addition to this, required number of watch and ward
will also be engaged for protection of the plantation to ensure better establishment of the
plantation.
f) Maintenance of block plantation for a period of seven followed by annual monitoring and
evaluation by forest department officials will be taken care.

Wildlife Management Plan:

The wildlife in the area is likely to move away from the area because of increased human activity due
to presence of large number of labour population and noise during construction phase. But eventually
will return to the area once construction is completed. However, construction work will be done with
appropriate due diligence for minimising the noise levels and human interference to non project areas.
To protect wildlife surrounding forests patches following protection and conservation measures will
be adopted:

a) Regulating movement of floating population and settlement of camps away from forests
area (wildlife habitat).
b) Controlling grazing activity, poaching, encroachment and illicit felling of timbers.
c) Patrolling and Surveillance by Forest Guards and Range officer.
d) Appointing „Watch and Wards‟ for special threatened animals.
e) Strengthening and creation of wireless communication network.
f) Arranging campaign against illicit tree cutting, poaching of wild animals and birds,
nature education and awareness programmes.
g) Organising activity like Eco-development through community participation.
h) Recovery and improvement of wildlife habitat by plantation and fencing

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i) Improvement of existing waterholes and springs

j) Control and management of forest fires
k) Special Conservation of habitat vulnerable species and identification of decimating
factors
l) Enforcement of Law
m) Recruitment of Field Staff
n) Trans-location of displaced wildlife with the help of forests department.

SB Power has made a provision of Rs. 49.08 Lakh for Wildlife conservation activities in the CAT
Plan. S B Power also agreed to earmark additional 2 to 5% of the approved CAT plan costs for
wildlife conservation activities in Govind Pashu Vihar WLS of Uttarakhand state.

Biodiversity Enhancement Measures:

Following are the biodiversity enhancement measures to be adopted by SB Power:

a) Boundary Demarcation :

This is one of the imperative tasks to be done before carrying out any constructional activity;
boundary pillars need to be fixed all along the boundary of the acquired forest land for the project
after conducting proper survey. The concrete pillar along with iron angel to give distinct identification
and strong foundation, which cannot be uprooted or displaced easily.

b) Habitat Improvement Work:

The habitat improvement measures will primarily aim to restoring the habitat and food base for all the
wild animal species. For this the measures like development of pasture land in the open forests and
aided natural regeneration in degraded forest areas, grassland maintenance, and soil and moisture
conservation will be adopted.

c) Control of Grazing, Poaching, Encroachment and Illicit Felling of Timber:

Under these measures activities like building up of a protection network, development of

infrastructure facilities for better implementation of the rules and regulations, building up of
information network and social fencing around the park through eco-development activities are
suggested.

d) Extensive Patrolling and Surveillance:

Regular patrolling and maintaining constant vigil during construction phase of the project is suggested
for prevention of poaching and illicit felling of timber from nearby forests. For this, block level
forests officer will be responsible for daily patrolling and surveillance of protected forest areas. The
irregular patrolling in criss-crossing the lower reaches and also in the higher reaches at least once in a
week is suggested. While patrolling, the staff will look for any visible sign of unfamiliar scenes or
movement and also try to locate any sign of carcass, suspicious looking mounds of earth/ salt licks,
unauthorised activities inside forests.

e) Maintenance of Special Habitats:

The maintenance of special habitats is proposed as follows:

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Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
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i) Retention of a number of hollow, top broken, top dried partially dead, or fully dead
(snag) standing trees particularly trees >20 cm GBH and >5m height. Such trees are
used by variety of wild species, particularly wood pecker, barbets, nuthatches and
smaller mammals.
ii) Retention and preservation of fallen trees and logs of any diameter and allow them to
decompose “as is where is basis”, so that the decomposed trees and logs serve as
habitat/ niches used by different organisms ranging from soil bacteria to fungi,
mollusca, anthropods, amphibians and small mammals.
iii) Retention and plantation of fruit and seed bearing trees, as these trees provide food for
different animals including birds, butterflies, bees, moths etc.
iv) Retention of trees with deeply twisted boles, furrowed barks or peeling bark, with
natural cavities because bats, shrews, snakes etc. often use such natural crevices and
cavities as hiding, resting and nesting sites. These trees will be identified and preserved
carefully.
v) A garden for native medicinal and other rear-endangered plant species is proposed to
establish in consultation with forests department.
vi) Programme for identification of invasive and susceptible species will be initiated to
ensure the conservation of the native species.
vii) Peoples Biodiversity Register (PBR) will be created and maintained.
viii) Existing Nature Interpretation Centre will be strengthened for awareness generation for
conservation of nature among the local inhabitant as well as visiting population.
ix) There is no proper bird inventory available in the area. Therefore, it is proposed to
initiate preparation of scientific bird inventory, which will include all the resident and
seasonal visitor birds of the area.

For effective implementation of afforestation as well as biodiversity conservation and wild life
protection/management plan, an amount of INR Rs. 64.68 Lakh) is earmarked in the project cost.
The breakup of costs is delineated in Table 5.2 below:

Table 5.2: Biodiversity Management and Conservation Budget

Capital Cost (INR) in Working Cost (INR)
Particulars
Lakh in Lakh
Compensatory Afforestation 27.00 25.68
(0.54/hectare)
Wildlife Management 10 2
Total Cost 37.00 27.68
Total Budget for Biodiversity Management & Conservation 64.68

5.3 Public Health Delivery System

During construction the labour population will be concentrated at two to three sites.Workers will be
vulnerable to be affected by diseases associated with the local conditions and camp/ temporary living
conditions. There will be chance of infectious diseases out break particularly communicable diseases
like tuberculosis, stomach infection, Malaria, Dengue, Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS etc. among the local
communities. SB POWER will strive to ensure that the health of the construction workforce is

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maintained, and that the local communities are not exposed to increased health risks, or increased
HIV/AIDS risks due to the presence of the large number of migrant workforce.

The skeletal health services, which are present in the area are the well established health sub-centres
at villages Pandar, Jakha and Gaon Pujarli but due to their distance from the construction sites they
will render insufficient for catering to such an influx of outside labour in this area. Therefore, the
project authorities and the contractors will ensure that all the labourers including their family
members are registered, quarantined, and vaccinated against common ailments like Malaria, T.B. etc.
The project authorities will hold screening camps for the labourers and blood tests will be conducted
for diseases like AIDS, T.B., malaria etc. Only after valid certification, a labour or his family
members will be registered with a contractor. SB POWER will ensure that the contractors follow this
strict quarantine procedure and the contract terms will include the clause. Sufficient medical facilities
will be provided by SB POWER who will also ensure that disease control measures are implemented
by the contractor at the time the construction camps are built and during the construction period while
the camps are inhabited. As the Rupin Hydro Electric project is a run-of-the-river scheme, it will not
inundate vast area but the problem of vector born diseases will be aggravated due to submergence.
The small reservoir will be cleared and prepared prior to filling so that it does not provide mosquito
breeding sites. In addition, adequate precautionary arrangements will be made in public health
delivery system to control vector born diseases. The contractors will establish all required linkages
with the State AIDS Control Society (SACS), and will implement all measures including referral
system advised by the SACS. The contractor will be responsible for these activities. SB POWER will
monitor the contractor's activities and compliance. The contractor will prepare and enforce the Staff
Health Program in respect to matters regarding the health and safety of the construction workforce as
a part of the contractor's Health and Safety Plan. The contractor's „Staff Health Program‟ will also
provide some assistance to nearby communities for emergency matters, if space and resources become
intermittently available. Similarly, the contractors can coordinate, as an additional facility but not
replacing its own obligations under this EMP, with all other functioning medical facilities in the
locality.

This is a small pond, with no habitation and climate is cold and the storage is just sufficient to
morning & evening peaking. So it is not be a place for mosquito breeding or vector from diseases.

Contractor will take the following measures:

At Construction Camps:

a) In general, preventive measures of water borne diseases following current accepted

practice will be instituted at camp sites and facilities established for early diagnosis and
treatment of patients with the diseases.
b) Disease control measures are to be implemented by the contractors at the time of camps
development.
c) Decisions regarding sitting of camps will be made with regard to good drainage, water
supply, sewage disposal and disease transmission potential, especially malaria, dengue
etc.
d) Mosquito nets will be provided to the workers‟ families.

For Overall Workforce:

With regard to providing high quality health services to the contractor's employees, the program will
include:
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a) Appropriate measures to address mosquito control, including malaria and dengue fever
control.
b) A medical centre will be sited at the main construction camps for the diagnosis and
treatment of communicable diseases, attending general medical complaints and also
handling the medical emergencies and accidents. It will have adequate number of doctors,
trained nurses and other associated staff. Subsidiary treatment or first aid posts will be
present at each construction camps, which will be headed by either a trained nurse or
locally trained personnel.
c) Suitable workers will be selected from the workforce and additional training will be given
in occupational health and first aid. Thus a team of two or three personnel will be
deployed at each work site. They will do this as part of their normal work and will be
under the supervision of the person responsible for occupation health and of the medical
officer.
d) One ambulance will also be stationed at a suitable place to provide emergency medical
facilities in the project area and carry patients to the nearby hospital, in case of
emergency. It is also proposed to extend these facilities to the local public.
e) For the control of communicable diseases and other public health issues, contractors will
employ services of a sanitation supervisor and a disease control supervisor.
f) Provision will be made for periodical health checks of employees, including checking
will be done for drug abuse and sexually transmittable diseases in accordance with Indian
Labours Laws resolutions, recommendations, guidelines for construction workers where
ever required,.
g) The contractor will deploy a team for sanitation management and control, whose
responsibility will be to (i) control vector borne and other diseases, (ii) ensure the
continued safe disposal of all solid wastes and sewage, (iii) implement fly and other
insect control in the project area, specifically at the construction camp sites and its
surrounding area, (iv) implement and monitor the sanitation management measures
throughout the project area including construction camps and spontaneous resettlement
areas, (v) provide appropriate information and education to the workforce on prevention
of diseases, including malaria, diarrhoea, STD and HIV/AIDS, and (vi) investigate and
document diseases outbreaks within the contractor's workforce.

For Construction sites

First aid posts will be provided at each construction site to attend the workers on immediate basis in
case of an injury or accident. This first-aid post will have the following facilities:

a) First aid box with essential medicines including ORS packets.

b) First aid appliances-splints and dressing materials.
c) Stretcher, wheel chair, etc.

The first aid post will be housed in temporarily erected structure and managed by one Health
Assistant and one attendant. The doctor from the medical centre established by SB POWER may visit
the first aid centre once daily at fixed time. The first aid centers will have adequate communication
facility to link with the nearest health centre/hospital in case of an emergency.

Baseline Health Status of the Project Study Area

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A health survey was done for one month to know the common diseases prevalent among the locals.
For the purpose of throwing light on the state of public health, the local medical officer was
interviewed who had provided detailed information from his experience. An assessment of the state of
public health in a village is based on information relating to three classes of people varied
distinctively according to their age groups. After obtaining feedback of the survey, it was found that
Anaemia, Dysentery or dehydration, Worm Infestation, Dental & ENT disease are pervasive in the
general population. People less than 18 years of age group are mostly reported to have ENT diseases
and Dysentery. Tuberculosis, Eye and Respiratory diseases are commonly found in the greater than 18
years of age groups. In some cases hypertension is also being found in the age group greater than 45
years. The table below showing the scrutinized data related to relevant diseases is as under:

Prevalence of common diseases in Dodra Kwar (Based on data for One month of Local
Community Health Centre)

Sl. No. Type of Diseases No. of Cases

< 18 Years 18-45 Years > 45 Years

1 Hypertension 0 4 16

2 Tuberculosis 3 28 65

3 Eye Disease 14 61 90

4 ENT Disease 46 31 67

5 Dental 42 89 125

6 Dysentery 56 45 48

7 Worm Infestation 39 21 24

8 Anaemia 37 20 57

9 Respiratory Disease 4 23 71

a) COPD - - -

b) Bronchitis - - -

c) Asthama - - -

Total 241 322 563

Source: Secondary Data from SBPIL

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Additional Vector Related Diseases (Especially Mosquito) Control Measures:

To reduce the risks of workers contracting mosquito related diseases like Malaria, Chikengunia,
Dengue etc., the following measures will be taken for mosquito control at construction site:

a) Educating the workers about problems and preventive measures.

b) Provide protective clothing.
c) Provide mosquito repellents.
d) Minimize presence of open containers with water.
e) Removal of discarded items that may contain water.
f) Keeping storm water drains and burrows pits free of vegetation.
g) Insecticide control in all probable locations of mosquito breeding.

HIV/AIDS Prevention Measures:

To effectively address the HIV/AIDS issues and the associated risks, the contractors will associate
with the State Aid Control Society (SACS) fully and without any failure or excuse. SB POWER will
insist that the contractors implement all advice from the SACS. In addition, the contractors will be
obliged to implement regular and periodical awareness campaign on HIV/AIDS, provide for all
awareness materials and their dissemination, including erecting large signage in prominent areas; and
to provide for and maintain condom vending machines in all work areas including construction
camps, public toilet booths, and work sites.

Budget on First Aid

The capital costs estimated for development of first-aid posts is estimated as INR.40.50 Lakh. The
working costs estimated as INR 60 Lakh. The details are given below in Table 5.3.

Table 5.3: Budget for Public Health Delivery System

Working Costs
Monthly Annual Expenditure
Particulars No.
Emoluments (INR) (INR)
A) EXPENDITURE ON SALARIES
i) Doctor 30,000 / - 1 3,60,000 / -
ii) Nurses 15,000 / - 2 3,60,000 /-
iii) Attendants 8,000 / - 1 96,000 /-
v) Driver 6,000 / - 1 72,000 /-
SUB – TOTAL A) 8,88,000 / -
B) MATERIAL AND SUPPLIES
i) Medicines and - - 3,00,000 / -
Drugs
ii) Contingencies - - 1,00,000 / -
SUB – TOTAL B) 4,00,000 / -
TOTAL EXPENDITURE ( A + B ) 12,88,000 /-
Total Expenditure for 3 years ( @ 10 % Escalation per
year)
2nd Year 14,16,800 /-
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3rd Year 15,58,480 /-

th
4 Year 17,14,328 /-
Total Costs after escalation @ 10 %
59,77,608 /- (or say 60 Lakh)
Capital Costs
S.No. Particulars Amount (INR)
1. Infrastructural Facilities
a) Medical Camp for Construction Camps 10,00,000 /-
b) Setting up of First Aid centers 2,00,000 /-
2. Materials & Supplies
a) Furniture 1,50,000 /-
b) Clinical Equipments 3,00,000 /-
c) One Ambulance & One Additional Vehicle 24,00,000 /-
Total Estimated Cost (1 + 2) 40 ,50,000 /-

5.4 Environment Management in Labour Camps

The involvement of large labour population and technical staff is likely to put significant pressure on
the surrounding environment as a result of increase in discharge of sewage, quantity of solid wastes
generated and other pollutants. The construction activity will engage different categories of manpower
like officials, service providers, technical and non-technical workers. Total population estimated are
to be about 685 during peak construction phase.

The environmental management in the labour as well as officers camp mainly will be focused on

 Sewage Treatment and Sanitation facilities

 Solid waste management
 Free Fuel

Sewage Treatment and Sanitation Facilities

Potable water requirements for the construction camps and the labourer‟s camps will be met from
nearby streams or natural springs, strictly without affecting any existing community sources of water.
A complete water treatment system with chemical dosing, pressure filter will be installed by the
project proponent to treat the raw water before using for drinking and domestic uses. The water can be
transported to the point of consumption under gravitational flow. However, it is recommended that
bacteriological analysis of water will be done on regular basis for avoiding spread of water borne
diseases like typhoid, dysentery, cholera, diarrhoea etc. due to bacteriological contamination. Also,
the chlorine dose will be fixed so that there is adequate residual chlorine available in water that is
being consumed. There will be proper and stable water supply for domestic uses for all the inhabitants
of the colony.

Common toilets will be provided in the camp sites including all work sites through contractor. Total
thirty toilets will be provided in different strategic locations including work places and camp site.
These sanitary facilities will be of standard municipal design as per the requirements. The wastewater
generated from the colonies will not be allowed to flow into the rivers Nargani and Rupin or any other
natural drainage system of the area. The wastewater will be collected safely and disposed off in

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specifically designed portable septic tank. It is estimated that about thirty toilets will be constructed in
different locations and approximately 74 KLD of waste water will be generated in the peak phase of
construction. The estimated budget for sanitation and drinking water supply system is presented in
Table 5.4

Table 5.4: Estimated Budget for Sanitation and Drinking Water Facilities
Unit No. Unit cost (Rs.) Total cost (Rs.)
Community toilets 30 15,000 4,50,000
Portable Septic tanks 6 5,00,000 30,00,000
(one for each site)
Drinking water supply system 1 15,00,000 15,00,000
Sewage treatment plant (Primary & secondary 2 10,00,000 20,00,000
settling tank including sewerage system)
Total Costs 69,50,000

Solid Waste Management Plan

The wastes would be generated in two forms as solid wastes from labour camps and residential area
and biomedical wastes from dispensaries. The wastes will be disposed off as warranted under the
Municipal Solid Wastes (Management & Handling) Rules 2000. Approximately 425 grams of solid
waste is generated per capita per day on an average therefore, it is estimated that during peak
construction phase 106.26 tonnes (0.425 X 685 X 365) of solid waste is generated. In addition
considerable quantity of construction wastes will also be generated. The project developer will ensure
proper management of solid waste generated by project activities.

a) A secured land fill site will be developed in a suitable location within the project acquired
land following the protocol in absence of municipal solid wastes dumping ground in
Dodra-Kawar or Gaon Pujarli or any other nearby places preferable near to project
colony.
b) Easy to use garbage bins will be provided in the labour camps and also at the construction
sites, which will be regularly emptied and disposed off in a hygienic manner.
c) Segregation of degradable solid wastes from non degradable ones.
d) Common container will be taken to the dumping ground, which will be developed for the
project.
e) Biodegradable solid wastes will be covered with soil on daily basis to avoid any odour
nuisance due to putrefaction and to check any contact with flies or insects. The
biodegradable wastes will be stabilized by composting, vermin composting and anaerobic
digestion.
f) Non biodegradable wastes will be segregated and saleable material will be sold through
the project office to authorized vendor, non saleable wastes will be dumped in the secured
land filling site.
g) Incineration units will also be installed at the project construction site.

The waste generated from the hospitals or dispensaries is known as biomedical wastes. These wastes
are hazardous, thus it has to be disposed off carefully such that they are not reused. Special type of

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collection container and incinerator will be placed near the hospital which is a legal requirement for
hospital wastes.

The disposal site will be identified and developed by the project proponent through contractor in
coordination with local authority and Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board. The disposal site
will be lined with impervious materials so as to ensure that leachate does not lead to soil and water
pollution. An incineration facility will be installed at a location where maximum garbage is dumped.

When parts of the waste disposal sites are full, wastes will be covered by a depth of 1.5 m of soil, and
then re-vegetated according to relevant requirements included in the landscaping and re-vegetation
plan or as per the requirements of the Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board (HPPCB). The cost
estimated for solid wastes management is given in Table 5.5.

Table 5.5: Cost Estimates for Solid Waste Management

Cost
Items
(INR Lakh)
Preparation for Landfill site (lumpsum) 5.00
Landfill site (Running & Maintenance) 2.00
Lumpsum @ Rs 50,000/- per year for 4 years
Salaries of two workers @ Rs 6000/month for 4 years @10% escalation per 6.70
year
Construction of Vats and Waste collection (Handcarts and Bins) equipments 2.00
Vehicle (Pickup) for conveying solid wastes to site (one) 15.00
Running & Maintenance Cost of truck for 4 years @ Rs. 1.50 Lakh per annum 6.00
Salaries of drivers @Rs 6000/month for 4 years escalation @ 10% per year 3.34
One incinerator 10.00
TOTAL 50.04

A separate collection and storage procedure will be developed for hazardous or toxic wastes, such as
unused blasting materials, batteries, unused paint thinners and hydrocarbons, disused electronic
equipment, etc. These wastes will be stockpiled in accordance with the requirement of the applicable
laws and subsequently transported to special solid wastes treatment plant capable of proper disposal
of such hazardous or toxic wastes as approved by Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board
(HPPCB).

Provision of Free Fuel for Workers

As a part of EMP, the project developer will ensure that no illegal cutting of trees will be done, for
this adequate supply of fuel will be provided in the labour and other messes and to the skilled
workers. Owing to the standard of living of people in Himachal Pradesh, the project developer will
provide LPG cylinders to the workers through contractors, the provision will also include
establishment of LPG godowns within the project area for providing LPG cylinder to run community
kitchens. For estimating the free fuel provision, it is assumed that one cylinder/month will suffice the
need of five labours. And for skilled workers it is assumed that about annual demand of one cylinder
per family per month @ Rs 415/ cylinder during construction and operation phase. The cost for
establishment of LPG depot and security for cylinders will be beard by the contractors.

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The Budget for Environmental Management in Labour Camps including fuel provisions is given in
Table 5.6

Table 5.6: Budget for Environmental Management in Labour Camps

Particulars Non- Recurring Recurring

(Lakh) (Lakh)
A – Sewage Treatment / Water Supply System in Labour Camps

Non Recurring Cost

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Components No. Unit Cost Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

a) Community Toilets 30 Rs. 15,000 /- = Rs. 4,50,000 / -

b) Portable Tanks 6 Rs. 5,00, 000 /- = Rs. 30,00,000 /
c) Drinking water supply 1 Rs. 15,00,000 /- = Rs. 15,00,000 /-
system
d) STP construction 2 Rs.10,00,000 / - = Rs.20,00,000/
(Primary & Secondary settling tanks
including sewerage system)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Cost = Rs. 69,50,000 / 69.50
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Recurring Cost

Maintenance and Operation of STP & Water Supply System

@ Rs.1,50,000 / - per year
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Cost = Rs. 1,50,000 per year 1.50
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

B - Solid Waste Management Plan

Non – Recurring Cost

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Components Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Preparation for Landfill site = Rs. 5,00,000/-

One incinerator = Rs. 10,00,000/-

Waste collection (Handcarts and Bins) = Rs. 2,00,000/-

Truck for conveying solid waste to site (one) = Rs. 15,00,000/-

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
32.00
Total Cost = Rs. 32,00,000 / -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Recurring Cost
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Components Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Landfill site (Running & Maintainence)

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Particulars Non- Recurring Recurring

(Lakh) (Lakh)
Lumpsum @ Rs 50,000/- per year for 4 years = Rs. 2,00,000/-

Salaries of two workers @ Rs 6000/month = Rs. 6,70,000/-

For 4 years @10% escalation per year

Running & Maintainence Cost of truck = Rs. 6,00,000/-

For 4 years @ Rs. 1.50 Lakh per annum

Salaries of drivers @Rs 6000/month = Rs.3,34,000

For 4 years escalation @ 10% per year
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18.04
Total Cost = Rs. 18,04,000 /-
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C - Free Fuel Provision

Recurring Cost
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fuel Total Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
a) Cylinders for technical staff and labour (included in contractor
(During Construction Phase) cost)
b) Cylinders for technical staff and
(During Operation Phase)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Cost = 19.54
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Costs (A+B+C) 101.50 19.54
TOTAL BUDGETED COST ~ INR 121.04 Lacs

5.5 Muck Disposal Plan

Introduction

In this project muck will be excavated from the Head Race tunnel. In addition to this, the construction
of de-silting basin, intake structure, surge shaft, access adits as well as the excavation for the barrage
will also generate a large amount of muck. With an aim to protect the disposal areas from further soil
erosion, and develop these areas in harmony with the environment the muck disposal plan is
formulated. The muck disposal plan detailed in this report gives the quantification of muck, identifies
locations and activities, where muck is generated (excavation and blasting operation), quantifies the
muck generated from various sources with relevance to the disposal plan.

The disposal locations/sites of muck is done in conjunction with various factors such as landscape,
proximity to source of generation, obstruction in flow of surface water, relief and scope of
afforestation, erosion control/sediment arrest and cost effectiveness. The plan identifies the
landscaping measures for disposal of muck, modes of transportation for muck disposal and species
selection for use of bio-fertilizer method for vegetative growth of muck spreads, delineates the muck
disposal options for each site, manpower requirements, and feasibility of implementation and
development of landscape.

Quantity of Muck and Disposal Areas:

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Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

The total muck likely to be generated from the project is estimated 6.02 Lakh cubic meters with 45
percent swelling factor from both open and underground works, which includes pondage area,
barrage, river diversion, intake, desanders, leveling of roads, associated muck dumping areas and
other facilities and downstream work, which includes power house complex, tunnel, related muck
dumping areas, access roads, surge shaft, pressure shaft, colony and facilities of surface and
underground. Out of 6.02 Lakh cubic meters of muck 1.80 Lakh cubic meters will be utilized for
construction activities and the left 4.21 Lakh cubic meters of muck will be dumped at 13 sites
identified.

Present calculation foresees to utilize about 1.8 lakh cubic metre of muck as consumptive use.
However, during course of the construction this consumptive use will be tried to be increased by
developing public utility areas by company if requested by and allowed to do so by respective
panchayats. Other way and means will also be explored to effectively increase the consumptive use of
muck in the project area for the benefit of all.

The site identified for muck disposal is on the right bank of river Rupin and a total of 6.1356 ha of
land will be required for this purpose. The muck disposal sites are shown in Photo Plate 1 and their
details are mentioned in Table 5.7.

Table 5.7 Total Area of Dumping Sites

S.
Dumping Site Location Area For muck from
No.
Lat.: 31°15'24.73"N 220m x
1. Dumping Site 1 Nargani diversion site
Long.: 78° 6'59.90"E 60m
Lat.: 31°15'13.33"N 123m x 90 Rupin Diversion Site
2. Dumping Site 2
Long.: 78° 5'34.88"E m &Desilting Tank
Lat.: 31°15'8.02"N
3. Dumping Site 3 90m x 40m Feeder Tunnel outlet at Rupin
Long.: 78° 5'41.55"E
Lat.: 31°13'28.48"N 152m x
4. Dumping Site 4
Long.: 78° 5'38.73"E 20m
Lat.: 31°13'27.55"N 120m x
5. Dumping Site 5 For Tunnel muck from Adit-II
Long.: 78° 5'38.68"E 20m
Lat.: 31°13'43.20"N 100m x
6. Dumping Site 6
Long.: 78° 5'49.73"E 20m
Lat.: 31°12'44.77"N
7. Dumping Site 7 90m x 20m
Long.: 78° 4'34.10"E For Tunnel muck from Adit-
Lat.: 31°12'47.15"N III
8. Dumping Site 8 60m x 40m
Long.: 78° 4'44.44"E
Lat.: 31°12'28.44"N
9. Dumping Site 9 60m x 58m Surge Shaft
Long.: 78° 4'19.33"E
Lat.: 31°12'24.31"N 100m x
10. Dumping Site 10
Long.: 78° 4'17.36"E 34m
Adit- IV & Outlet Portal
Lat.: 31°12'21.47"N
11. Dumping Site 11 50m x 26m
Long.: 78° 4'12.76"E
Lat.: 31°12'9.47"N 100m x
12. Dumping Site 12 Power House & Switch Yard
Long.: 78° 4'15.54"E 66m

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Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
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S.
Dumping Site Location Area For muck from
No.
Lat.: 31°12'7.43"N 100m x
13. Dumping Site 13
Long.: 78° 4'14.15"E 31m
Source: Secondary Data from SBPIL

Details of Muck disposal Area is presented in the below Table: 5.8 Muck Management Plan-
Dumping Area Details.

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Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

Table: 5.8 Rupin HEP Muck Management Plan –Dumping area Details.

Project Quantity of Additional Total Quantity Estimated Estimated Name of the Capacity of the
Component muck/debris Quantity of of muck/debris Quantity of Quantity of dumping site as dumping site
generated (m3) muck due to 45 including swell muck/debris muck/debris shown in plan 3
(m )
% swell factor factor (m3) proposed to be proposed to be (m3)
(m3) utilized (m3) dumped (m3)
1 2 3 4=(2+3) 5 6=(4-5) 7 8
Barrage 82000 36900
Nargani Diversion
Intake Structure 3800 1710
151960 45588 106372 Complex 110000.0
Feeder tunnel 19000 8550
Dumping Site-I
50%
Nargani feeder 16750 7537.5
tunnel 50%
Trench Weir 22900 10305
Trench Weir 1000 450
intake
Rupin feeder 6000 2700
channel to
Trench weir
desilting basin
cum reservior 172349.9 51704.97 120644.93 complex 120960.00
Dumping II, III
Desilting basin 42000 18900
cum storage tank
Tunnel intake 3800 1710
Adit-I 2489 1120.05
HRT 19617 8827.65
Project road 4306 1937.7
(trench weir area)
Adit-II 1591 715.95 61669.95 18500.985 43168.965 HRT Dumping 44640.00
HRT 32964 14833.8 IV, V & VI
Project road 6976 3139.2
(Adit-II area)
1 2 3 4=(2+3) 5 6=(4-5) 7 8
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Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

Project Quantity of Additional Total Quantity Estimated Estimated Name of the Capacity of the
Component muck/debris Quantity of of muck/debris Quantity of Quantity of dumping site as dumping site
generated (m3) muck due to 45 including swell muck/debris muck/debris shown in plan (m3)
% swell factor factor (m3) proposed to be proposed to be (m3)
(m3) utilized (m3) dumped (m3)
Project road 1000 450
(Road way)
Adit III 1145 515.25
HRT 22512 10130.4
Project road to 13793 6206.85 HRT Dumping
54302.5 16290.75 38011.75 38400.00
adit III, Surge VII & VIII
Shaft & outlet
portal 50 %
Adit IV 2235 1005.75
Surge Shaft 8500 3825
HRT 7557 3400.65
Pressure 18100 8145
HRT Dumping
Shaft/Pen stock 72768.25 21830.475 50937.775 53860.00
IX, X, XI
Project road to 13793 6206.85
adit III, Surge
Shaft & outlet
portal 50 %
Power House, 61000 27450 88450.00 26535.00 61915.00 Power House 77600.00
TRT,switch yard Dumping XII &
XIII
Total 414828 186672.6 601500.6 180450.18 421050.42 445460.00
Source: Secondary Data from SBPIL

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Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
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Dumping Site 1Near Nargani Dam Site Dumping Site 2

Dumping Site 3 Dumping Site 4 Rupin Weir Site

Dumping Site 5 Dumping Site 6

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Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
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Dumping Site 7 Dumping Site 8 at Adit No. 3

Dumping Site 9 Near Surge Shaft Dumping Site 10 Near Surge Shaft

Dumping Site 11 Near Surge Shaft Dumping Site 13 Near Power House

Photo Plate: 1 Muck Disposal Sites Identified for the Rupin HEP

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Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

Restoration of Muck Disposal Sites

The unused material will be piled at an angle of repose not exceeding 26 degree at the proposed
dumping sites. For stabilization of spoil/dumped materials various engineering and biological
measures are being proposed in the management plan. This will be done to provide stability to the
slopes and also to provide ample space for planting of trees, which will further help in holding and
consolidating the material stacked at different sites. The efforts will be made to relocate and
rehabilitate the material within short distances from sites of its generation. Proposed engineering and
biological measures are described below:

a) Engineering Measures
Individual plans and cross sections of disposal areas, including protection measures such as maximum
seven meter high retaining wall made up of RR Masonary and Dry Masonary with weep holes of
15cm x 15cm @1.5 m centre to centre staggered is proposed for preventing sliding of spoil material/
dumped materials. Cross section of the retaining wall is shown in Figure 5.2.

Also at possible strategic locations, prior retaining structure will be constructed to stop slippage of
muck in the valley side while constructing the roads. In dumping areas prior retaining structure will be
constructed before starting dumping in that area. These retaining structures will be timely raised such
that no muck spills over these structures at any point of time.

b) Biological Measures :
The work plan formulated for re-vegetation of the muck disposal areas through various available
biological measures, include:

a) Formulation of appropriate blends of organic wastes and soil depending upon the quality of
mucks to enhance the nutrient status of rhizosphere.
b) Evaluation of spoil tips for their physical and chemical properties to ensure supportive and
nutritive capacity.
c) Screening and isolation of specialized strains of mycorrhizal fungi, rhizobium, azotobacter
and phosphate solubizers (biofertilizer inoculum) in accordance with suitability for the spoil
tips at the site.
d) Mass culture of plant specific biofertilizer and mycorrhizal fungi. This will be procured
from different institutions/organizations, which are engaged in phyto remediation activity of
degraded areas.
e) Plantation of spoil tips under flat areas using identified blend and biofertilizer inoculum.
f) Sowing and broadcasting of moss inoculums to make a carpet in soil.

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Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
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Figure 5.2: Retaining Wall Cross Section

Proper dumping will be done in the designated dumping sites. The waste material dumped at spoil tips
will comprise mainly of loose rock fragments that will be mechanically compacted and properly
leveled with suitable safe slopes and retaining walls/crate walls will be constructed so that in no case
the dumped material is washed away into the river. Construction material like stones, sand, etc.
required for the construction of road will be obtained mostly from the excavated material to minimize
the environmental damage. The efforts will be made to utilize maximum dumped material for the
project activities and backfilling. In the streams, box culverts will be provided to prevent the erosion
of stream bed.

a. Revegetation of Spoil tips: After proper dumping of the muck the dumping site will be
rejuvenated using bio-technological approach. The area will be restored through plantation
and turfing on the slope.

b. Soil Work and Plantation Technique : Isolation and screening of specialized strains of
Mycorrhizal fungi, Rhizobia, Azotobacter and phosphate solubilizers (biofertilizer inoculum)
in accordance with the suitability for the spoil tips will be done at site, based on following:

(i) Periodical evaluation of rhizosphere development for physical, chemical and

microbiological parameters.
(ii) Inoculation of plants with specific biofertilizer and mycorrhizal strains.
(iii) Monitoring of growth response in different plant species periodically and
identification of corrective measures, if necessary.

Mass culture of plant specific bio-fertilizers and mycorrhizal fungi will be done. Plantation of
saplings will be carried out in pits in plain area of spoil tips, using identified blend and
biofertilizer inoculum. The pitting details are delineated in Table 5.9 below:

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Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

Table 5.9: Pitting for Plantation of Saplings

Total No of pits 1600 per hectare
Size of each pit 60 cm x 60 cm x 60 cm
Spacing between pits 250 cm x 200 cm

The excavated material from the pits will be mixed with external soil, vegetable peels and
farmyard manure, and some vermi-compost. The pit will be refilled with the mixture;
mycorrhizal inoculum near the root system will be added. After this, plant saplings already
inoculated with biofertilizer (Rhizobium and Azotobacter bacteria) will be planted and
refilling will be done to cover the entire plant root system. Turfing (sodding) and suitable
shrubs will be grown at slopes. About 6 cm of thick layer external soil will be spread on the
slope area. Sod patches (40 cm x 20 cm) will be grown per square meter. Before sowing, the
area will be properly amended with the manure.

c. Species for Plantation:

Afforestation with suitable plant species of high ecological and economic value and adaptable
to local conditions will be undertaken at the rate of 1100 per hectare in accordance with
canopy cover requirement. It is proposed that:

a) Two percent of the total plant population will comprise horticulture plants and
b) One site will be kept for other plantations depending upon its suitability.
c) Development of Nursery: The Company due to its past experience will either
develop its own nursery at site or buy saplings from locals. The company will buy
seeds for the locals and encourage them for collection of seeds for benefit of both

The vegetative measures will be used for redevelopment of muck disposal areas. Plantation
will be done extensively for slope stabilization. Plantation of grass species along with plants
of Cedrus deodara, Betula sp., Rhododendron sp., Quercus, Pinus, Juglans regia Ailanthus
altissima, Morus, etc.

d. Irrigation Facilities

Generally, afforestation programme in the vicinity of forests is not supplemented with any
irrigation methods and depends on rains. Trenches will be dug for facilitating irrigation.

e. Fencing

All the sites will be properly fenced to protect the area from human and animal interference.
A total of about 1975 m fence will be required for all the sites.

f. Watch and Wards

It is proposed that two guards will be deployed for protection and maintenance of the sites for
three years. The duties will include replacement of casualties, weeding, watering, repair of
fence line etc. For smooth implementation of Muck Disposal Plan following measures will be
adopted:

a) Selection of species having faster growth, and helpful in stabilizing the dump sites.

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Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
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b) Project authorities will ensure frequent meetings with the project team to enable smooth
implementation of the Plan.

S B Power will take full responsibility for the preparation of the proposed 13 muck disposal sites
before commencement of any project construction work in and around the different project
components all along the critical stretch of the river.

Budget for Implementation of Muck Disposal Plan:

The costs for the proposed scheme comprise capital investments, annual recurring and maintenance
costs. Annual recurring costs include purchase of seed, manure, salary, wages, and miscellaneous
expenditure. The unit costs are used to determine total cost. Recurring costs are determined based on
annual basis. The details of estimated cost are given in Table 5.10 below:

Table 5.10: Budget for Muck Disposal Plan

Capital Working Costs
S. No. Particulars
(INR Lakh) (INR Lakh)
Muck Disposal Measures
a) Plantation on spoil tips including biofertilizers 8.00 -
b) Turfing on slopes @ Rs.25, 000 per ha taking 0.50 -
into account 40 % of the total area of muck
disposal i.e. 5.56 ha (40 % = 2.22 ha) to be
earmarked for turfing.
c) Cost of Nursery Creation 5.00 -
d) Fencing Costs for 1975 m (@ Rs. 250 /- per
running meter 5.00 -

e) Construction of Retaining Walls 10.00 -

f) Maintenance for 5 years @ Rs. 100000 /- per year - 5.00
SUB – TOTAL 28.50 5.00
Salaries of Watch n Wards
g) Watch & Wards - 5.50
h) Contingencies @ 10 % costs of muck disposal
- 2.55
measures
Total Costs 28.50 13.05
Total Budgeted Costs - INR 41.55 Lakh

Therefore, total estimated costs for implementation of Muck Disposal Plan are Rs. 41.55 Lakh.

5.6 Reservoir Rim Treatment Plan

The construction of the barrage will result in creation of a small reservoir upstream of barrage. An
area of about 2.30 ha will be submerged. The effects on the barrage and reservoir area due to geo-
environment, impoundment, and other project related activities is assessed keeping in view the
physiography, drainage pattern, slope aspect, land use/ land cover etc. in and around the reservoir.
The plan is formulated to protect the reservoir and check the sedimentation in the reservoir caused by
the loose debris on critical slopes, landslides etc. A generalized scheme of Reservoir Rim is adopted
accordingly, a green belt is suggested, which will be kept in the immediate vicinity of the Reservoir
Rim; wherever feasible taking into account the geomorphology, physiographic features, land-
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Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

use/land-cover and other related aspects. The average width of the green belt will be minimum 40 m
varying from 15 m to 120 m depending upon the physiography and land features. The main objectives
of Reservoir Rim Treatment Plan are:

a) Prevent land degradation / soil erosion.

b) Prevent the structure from subsidence and to provide stability.
c) Augment the life on the reservoir by reducing siltation, and
d) Stabilize the landslides and landslip zones around the reservoir.

Remedial Measures

Development of a green belt around the reservoir periphery is suggested as remedial measures natural
processes and anthropogenic activities envisaged during and after the project construction around the
barrage site, The following measures are proposed for the green belt and related constructive activities

a) Stabilization of old landslide prone areas.

b) Stabilization of slopes adjoining the crushed zones
c) River Training work of nallahs joining the reservoir at the tail end.

Following bioengineering and biological measures are suggested on the basis of topography,
vegetation, soil types, climate and requirement of protection for the slides, structures:

a) Bioengineering measures:

a) Retaining Walls
b) Bunds with boulder crates
c) Nallah Treatment/ Training Work
d) R.R Masonary

All these bioengineering work are to be followed as per need at the specific sites and budgetary
provisions of 70 Lakh has been kept for the purpose in Table 5.11 below

Table: 5.11 Budgetary Provision of Engineering Works

Engineering Unit Rate Quantity Cost

Structure (INR) (Lakh)

a. Wire Net m3 800 5000 40.0

b. Retaining Wall m3 3000 1000 30.0

Total 70.0 Lakh

Source: Secondary Data from SBPIL

b) Biological measures

Development of green belt of indigenous tree species is suggested under this measure. Other plant
species, suitable for the area may also be planted as suggested in the CAT Plan. In addition to the
suitable plantation as proposed in the CAT Plan, the mixed plantation with soil binding trees may be
planted in the Reservoir Rim as given below:

a) Plantation of Creepers/ Orchids/Ornamental Plants.

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Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
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b) Flowering Plants.
c) Sowing and broadcasting of seeds.

The green belt will start from the barrage and extend along rim of the reservoir through to the lip of
the reservoir. There will be three layers of plantation, the water loving species like, Alnus, Salix etc.
Ailanthus, Morus etc. will be in the vicinity of the rim and the species like, Pinus, Juglans etc. will
occupy the middle portion of the green belt.

Protection Measures:

Fencing

For protection of plants from human interference and grazing by cattle, it is proposed to fence all the
open areas around the Reservoir Rim.

Budgetary Provisions for Reservoir Rim Treatment

The costs of reservoir rim treatment including biological measures and bio engineering measures will
costs about INR 60 Lakh.

5.7 Fisheries Conservation and Management Plan

Introduction

The construction of barrage across the Nargani River will reduce the flow, which may lead to
modification in natural habitat and obstruction in the way of fish movement. This necessitates
development of a suitable fisheries management and conservation plan. The fish management
program will be prepared by the Fisheries Department, Government of Himachal Pradesh, which have
been provided with a consolidated amount of Rs 28.6 Lakh by the project proponent.

Mitigation measures suggested focusing on the fact that fish species like snow trouts i.e., Schizothorax
richardisonni (trout), Salmo trutta fario (Brown Trout) are reported from the project stretch, which
are most common fishes in the river Rupin. Investigation revealed that Schizothorax richardisonni
(Dothay Asala) travel upstream mainly for breeding purposes; however, no breeding grounds are
found in the project stretch. Catch of Schizothorax richardisonni (Snow Trout) is common in
downstream near Goan Pujarli village, but no fishing point is reported from project stretch.

Suggested Mitigation Measures are:

Construction Phase:

i) Avoiding the contamination of water of the rivers Nargani and Rupin, by disposing the
construction debris at a site away from the river course.
ii) To prevent soil erosion, which can lead to increased turbidity in the rivers silt fencing will be
constructed at the base of the embankment/ construction area near to the two rivers or river
channel, specifically at barrage site and access road construction road adjacent to the river /nalla.
The fencing will be such that it prevents the advent of any construction material from the stand
around the stockpiles at the construction sites to prevent the soil erosion thereby increase in
turbidity and its adverse affect. The fencing will be provided prior to commencement of
earthwork and continue till the stabilization of the embankment slopes, on the particular stretch
particularly during the construction of access road to the barrage.

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Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
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iii) Any construction materials containing fine particles will be stored in an enclosure and away from
water channel so that sediment-laden water does not drain into joining water bodies, this will
prevent localized turbidity.
iv) Sedimentation cum grease traps will be constructed at the outer mouth of the drains of
construction vehicle garage/ stop near the barrage, power house and any other construction site
near river or any natural Nalla and will be provided with a lead channel minimum 1.5 m before it
enters into main water channels.

Operation Phase:

a) Maintaining Environmental Flow: The minimum environmental flow of 0.68 cumecs on

Nargani and 0.393 cumecs on Rupin from diversion site needed to sustain the existing ecological
setup in the project affected stretch will be maintained throughout the year. However, perennial
nallas are joining in the downstream of barrage in the project stretch, which also will supplement
the discharge to certain extent and minimize the adverse impact.

b) Construction of Fish Ladder

Pool and weir type fish ladder is suggested along the end pier of right bank to facilitate the to and
fro movement across the barrage. Details are described below:

i) The fish ladder is of pool and weir type, a slot (1m X 1m) is also foreseen in each of
baffle wall. The pool size is considered as 1.5(W) X 3.0(L), the baffle wall is of
2.00m height.
ii) The ladder starts from downstream end of peir from EL 1550.50 m a.s.l will have two
landing at EL 1557.00m a.s.l and 1563.50m a.s.l.
iii) The inlet of fish passage will be in front of intake as water will always be in motion at
front of intake.
iv) The inlet will have a size of 1.0m (H) X 1.5m (W) the flow will be controlled by gate.
v) The trash rack at intake will be guarded with fish screens.

The design of fish ladder is shown in Figure 5.3.

Figure 5.3: Fish Ladder

Enhancement/ Conservation Measures

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Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
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The main objective of fisheries management is conservation of indigenous and threatened species as
well as generation of employment opportunities for locals. Species reported from the project stretch
are Schizothorax richardsonni (Snow Trout), and Salmo trutta fario are common native species of
Himalayan region, but these species are highly stressed. These species are prevailing in the lower
temperature and comparatively fast current condition. These species are found in Rupin waters in
further downstream stretches (Near Gaon Pujarli village). Hence, keeping in view of the above
factors, the conservation measures for such indigenous species and sustenance of fishery following
enhancement measures are suggested:

1. Development of Fish Farm including Trout Hatchery.

2. Fish Stocking in Pondage area.

1. Development of Fish Farm including Trout Hatchery:

The construction of barrage across the river may have adverse impact even on downstream fish fauna.
To supplement the natural fish stock in the river, supplementary stocking of trout in the up and down
stream of project stretch is suggested. To have continuous supply of fish seed for this purpose a trout
hatchery is proposed, which can be developed as hatchery cum production farm. This may be
constructed and developed in Goan Pujarli or Kawar village. The proposed farm will have a hatchery
unit consisting hatching channel, each channel will have 4-5 hatching trays; cemented nursery tanks,
cemented rearing tanks, cemented stock race ways, storage tanks and other associated infrastructures
like, office room, lab room, material storage rooms, generator, water pump and accessories like
dragnet, hand net, happa, bucket, food trays, and trays for handling of fish seeds.

A hatchery of indigenous species of snow trout Schizothorax richardsonni and the exotic trout Salmo
trouta fario (Brown trout, as it is successfully reared, breed and stocked in upper reaches of many
Himalyan rivers and reservoirs) are suggested to develop for stocking in pondage area and for river
ranching.

2. Fish Stocking in Pondage Area and River Ranching :

Construction of barrage area will inundate 2.30 ha of area; this pondage area may be stocked with
fish. The fingerlings produced in the proposed hatchery thus will provide continuous supply for such
stock. It is proposed to stock the fingerling size fish (above 30 mm size) @ 1000 -2000 /ha both
indigenous and exotic spp. in the pondage area. Beside this, it is also suggested to release fingerling
size (above 30 mm) fish mainly indigenous sp. @ 1000- 1500 /ha in the downstream stretches of the
river. The excess seed produced in house in the hatchery may be reared in rearing tanks of proposed
farm/ hatchery and can be sold to the locals for their consumptions and also can be supplied to
outside. This will also help in revenue generation for self sufficiency of the proposed hatchery-farm.

Budget for Fisheries Conservation:

The budgetary provisions for Fisheries Conservation and Management Plan are delineated in Table
5.12 below:

Table 5.12: Budget for Fisheries Conservation and Management

Amount
S. No Particulars Quantity
(INR Lakh)
A) Capital Costs
1. Nursery Tanks 5 1,50,000 /-

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Amount
S. No Particulars Quantity
(INR Lakh)
@ size : 3m x 0.75m x 0.5 m
2. Rearing Tanks 5 3,00,000 /-
@ size : 10m x 1.5m x 1 m
3. Hatching Trenches 10 1,50,000 /-
2m x 0.5m x 5 m x 4 trays
4. Race Ways (Stocking Tanks) 2 3,00,000 /-
@ size : 30m x 6m x 1.5 m
5. Storage Tanks 2 1,50,000 /-
@ size : 4m x 4m
6. Other miscellaneous accessories i.e - 2,00,000 /-
happa, casnet, trays,buckets,mug etc.

7. Infrastructure for Office and Storage - 4,00,000 /-

Room
8. Pumps 2 1,00,000 /-
9. Vehicle 2 7,50,000 /-
10. Generators 2 10,00,000 /-
Total Capital Cost 35,00,000 /-
B) Working Costs
1. Salary & Wages
Fisheries Inspector 1 2,40,000 / -
@ Rs. 20,000 /- per month
Fisheries Assistant 1 1,44,000 /-
@ Rs. 12,000 /- per month
Fisheries Attendant 1 1,00,000 /-
@ Rs. 10,000 /- per month
Fisheries Guard 1 60,000 / -
@ Rs. 5,000 /- per month
2. Brooder Fish 200 Kg 4,00,000 / -
3. Fish Food Lumpsum 1,50,000 /-
4. Fertilizer, manure, lime and medicine Lumpsum 2,00,000 /-

5. Electricity and other maintenance Lumpsum 1,00,000 / -

charges including vehicle
maintenance and running costs
6. Training to fisheries staff Lumpsum 50,000 /-
7. Contingency Measures Lumpsum 50,000 /-
Total Annual Costs 14,94,000 / -
Total Annual Cost @ 10 % escalation for 4 years
1 year 14,94,000/-
2 year 16,43,000/-
3 year 18,07,000 /-
4 year 19,87,000 /-
Total Working Cost after escalation @ 10 % 69,31,000 /-
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The total capital costs for fisheries conservation and management plan is estimated as INR 35.00
Lakh and the working cost is estimated as INR 69.31 Lakh for four years. The total budget cost of
INR 104.31 Lakh is earmarked for fisheries conservation and management. The construction and
maintenance costs for fish ladder are included in civil costs.

5.8 Mitigation of Impacts – Construction Phase

The mitigation measures aimed to mitigate and manage the construction induced impacts are
categorized in following headings and each of these groups of actions is described in the following
sub-sections:

a) Landslide Treatment
b) Erosion and sediment control measures
c) Quality management measures
d) Water quality management and monitoring measures
e) Spillage management measures
f) Emissions and dust control measures
g) Noise control measures
h) Enhancement measures for physical cultural resources
i) Landscaping and re-vegetation measures
j) Vegetation clearing measures
k) Environmental training for construction workers
l) On-site traffic and access management measures
m) Site hygiene measures for construction work camps and resettlement areas

5.8.1 Landslide Treatment

The project area has some landslide prone areas, therefore it becomes imperative to adopt certain
engineering measures to avoid any landslides during operational phase of the project. Following
practices are suggested for the client SB Power to adopt for treatment of potential landslide prone area
falling in the project area:

a) Construction of retaining walls structure using boulders with a steel wire along the landslides
dominant areas.
b) Soil mulching method, which includes covering the surface layer of soil with mulches of
leaves, stubbles, straw etc. this prevents the organic top layer being washed away by rainfall.
Mulches decay afterwards due to the microbial activities, which enhance the organic content
of soil and also help in the retention of moisture in the soil.
c) Contour bunding, also called as level terraces, absorption type terrace or ridge type terrace,
which includes construction of earthern embankments at intervals across the slope and along
the contour lines of the landslide areas. Such bunds are useful in dividing the area into strips
and act as barrier to the flow of water. As a result, the amount and velocity of run-off are
reduced, resulting in reduced soil erosion. This will be done wherever the soil is fairly
permeable and slope is not too steep.
d) Contour trenching - constructing series of deep pits (two feet wide and one foot deep) or
trenches across the slope at convenient distance within the landslide prone area. The
excavated soil will be deposited on the lower edges of the trenches where forest trees are
planted.
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e) Channel terrace - construction of wide but willow channels across the slopes of the landslides
either exactly on contour line or with a slight grade. The excavated soil will be deposited on
the lower edges of the trenches where forest trees are planted.
f) Bench terracing method to cover and level relatively steep land running across the slopes. The
soil material that are excavated from the upper part of the terrace are used in filling the lower
part and a small bund is also raised along the outer edge of the terrace to check the downward
flow of rainwater and also soil erosion.
g) Bally benching: The landslides and mass movement of earth at some places are common
features, bally benching in a staggered manner across the slopes will control the sliding soil
and stone. The bally will be of Zanthoxylum, Morus, bamboo rhizomes(Nirgal) etc. which
will grow from bally itself and resultant area will have green cover within 2 -3 years. Further,
the space left in between the bally benching can be used for the plantation of soil binding
species of fodder trees like Morus sp., Xanthoxylum sp. etc.

5.8.2 Erosion and Sediment Control

There is the possibility of site erosion and sedimentation of downstream waterways, if the site
activities are not carefully managed. Erosion and sedimentation will be controlled during the
construction of the work. Areas of the site not disturbed by the construction activities will be
maintained in their existing condition. A principal effort at the construction areas will be management
of erosion of excavated surfaces especially during the wet season when the volume of the runoff is
expected to be high. SB Power will prepare an Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan that
will include environmental management and pollution control techniques for all these areas of activity
including drainage measures for underground work.

SB Power will prepare an erosion and sediment control plan in conjunction with the contractor's
Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan which will be prepared in accordance with the
Landscaping and Re-vegetation Plan. It will detail all site-specific measures the contractor will
implement during the construction phase to prevent an increase in pollution loads being exported from
the site. It will cover site drainage, especially related to storm water management. In particular it will
include:

a) An assessment of the potential for water pollutants to be generated.

b) Measures to be taken to collect, store and treat storm water prior to any discharges from
the site, (considering options for water re-use on site)
c) Management of material storage areas, including raw materials, chemicals, fuels, and oils;
d) Measures to prevent litter entering water courses and details of permanent pollutant
treatment measures or other water pollution control devices proposed for the operational
stage
e) Identification of any significant effects on hydrological condition and appropriate
hydrological studies;
f) An inspection and maintenance program to maintain the effectiveness of erosion and
sediment control measures

Examples of activities, requirements, and practices that will be included in the contractor's
Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan include the following:

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a) Maintenance of areas within the construction areas not disturbed by construction

activities in their existing conditions.
b) Soil erosion and sediment control practices, which will be implemented prior to any
major soil disturbance, or in their proper sequence, and maintained until permanent
protection is established. Only approved areas due for construction activity according to
the programme will be cleared of vegetation and topsoil in accordance with sub-section
on vegetation clearance
c) Prior to wet season, implementation of appropriate measures by the contractor to ensure
that erosion is minimized from work where the permanent drainage and erosion control
measures, if any, are completed.
d) Disposal of materials excavated by the contractor from open and underground excavation,
which are unsuitable for incorporation into the permanent work or are surplus to such
requirements, as spoil dumps in the spoil disposal areas. Materials suitable for roads,
saddle damage, slope protection, resettlement area fills etc. will be stockpiled separately
from spoil disposal areas, at agreed locations for later use.
e) Separate stockpiling of the soil excavated during construction. These soils will be used
for landscaping and restoration of work areas. All stockpiles and spoil dumps will be
constructed and stabilized, including provision of drainage and erosion control measures
in accordance with the Landscaping and Re-vegetation Plan. The height of stockpiles and
spoil dumps in spoil disposal areas will be limited to 3 m. for topsoil and materials for
future use. The height of spoil dumps will be determined by the locations occupied, but
generally will be not more than 6m, with a 2m berm at 3m. Topsoil stockpiles will be
deep ripped to provide for moisture retention and re-growth. Drainage and erosion from
the stockpiles will be controlled by locating them in areas away from drainage lines. The
erosion of the base of the dump will be prevented by providing a silt fence to contain any
sediment in any runoff resulting from stockpile or spoil dump
f) Stockpiles and spoil disposal areas will not be located on drainage lines or in floodway
zones or other areas important for the conveyance of floodwaters during major floods.
Flooded area behind spoil disposal areas will be allowed to drain to the downstream
channel.
g) Plans for water management during construction in accordance with the best practices,
and include development of drainage work, sediment traps, diversion, culverts and other
structures designed to treat water to the water quality requirements of this Sub Section
and Water Quality Management Plan before discharge into natural watercourses. All
these structure will be constructed progressively prior to commencement of construction
work and areas will be directed to the sediment settling areas.
h) Regular inspection of damage caused by scouring, sediment deposition, channel
obstruction, and loss of vegetation cover as the drainage work may direct site runoff to
established watercourses. Establishing non-erodible segments along the slope lengths.
These outlets will be located along the natural drainage lines.
i) Control of sedimentation, which will be implemented in the form of silt trap fences and
sedimentation ponds, wherever appropriate, depending upon the size of the catchment,
and other physical and environmental constraints. The silt trap fences will control flows
along minor drainage lines, whereas the sedimentation ponds will be utilized for
removing sediment-laden runoff from the construction areas. These will be built prior to
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the start of the activity and will be maintained until the completion of that activity. The
ponds will be designed in accordance with the best practices.

5.8.3 Quarry and Borrow Area Management

According to the DPR, coarse aggregate and stones will be quarried from the areas near riverbed of
Nargani and Rupin, by crushing available boulder. Also, a part of the sand will be quarried from the
riverbed. Therefore, during construction there is potential for noise, dust and sedimentation of
waterways, and increased traffic hazards, if the development and operation are not carefully managed.
Suitable mitigation and closure measures will be adopted for management of these sites. The
requirements of considerations and specifications for the use of quarry and borrow areas will be
incorporated into the construction contracts. The contractor will be responsible for use of the quarries
and borrow areas in accordance with the provisions of the EMP. SB POWER will ensure that the
specifications are incorporated into the construction contracts. SB POWER will develop a monitoring
program to ensure that the operations are in accordance with the requirements of quarry management.
The contractor will have the right to quarry construction materials such as soil, stone, sand, gravel and
any other materials from the quarry areas subject to the requirements of the EMP and the conditions
of the contract. The contractor will prepare an overall Quarry Management Plan for the total work in
conjunction with the contractor's Environmental and Management Plan.

At least three months prior to commencing of any activity in a particular quarry area, the contractor
will submit a separate Quarry Management Plan to SB POWER‟S for no-objection for the proposed
quarrying activities. The Plans will include the following consideration:

a) An assessment of the following impacts at all quarry sites will be identified and assessed for
their magnitude and importance:
(i) Erosion and sedimentation
(ii) Road damage
(iii) Spoil and other wastes generation
(iv) Noise and dust generation.
b) A plan showing the extent of the area to be developed.
c) A system methodology defining the proposed working method.
d) The proposed access and haulage routes between the quarry and the destination for the
extracted material.
e) A justification for the quantities of material to be extracted, an estimate of the waste
materials to be generated and disposal details for such waste materials.
f) Details of the measures taken to minimize the quarry area and its visual impact on the
surrounding area.
g) Measures recommended for minimizing the significance of each identified impact.

The plan will also describe details of the measures to be taken for the long-term rehabilitation of the
quarry and borrow workings. These will include re-establishment of vegetation, restoration of natural
resources, avoidance of flooding of the excavated area wherever possible, achievement of stable
slopes, and avoidance of features which will otherwise constitute a risk to health and safety or a
source of environmental pollution. Where the excavated quarry and borrow areas cannot be
reasonably drained, the contractor will minimize their number and consult with the local population
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for location preferences for reuse or other community purposes. Quarry faces and excavations will be
made safe and buildings, plant equipment, debris and miscellaneous stockpiles of material will be
removed from the areas. Materials, other than waste materials, extracted from quarrying operations
will be used exclusively for the construction work.

5.8.4 Water Quality Monitoring

Construction activities may impact water quality in areas downstream of the construction activity. SB
POWER will monitor water quality in Rupin, and some of the tributaries. SB POWER's water quality
program will start before the main civil work contract is initiated to determine baseline conditions in
Rupin and Nargani. The information obtained during this period will be used to improve the water
quality modelling and to compare water quality conditions during construction and operation of the
project. The monitoring program will assess whether SB POWER is fulfilling its goal of beneficial
use of water within the project area.

SB POWER will be responsible for implementing the water quality monitoring program from the pre-
construction phase through construction and the operation period. SB POWER will prepare a Water
Quality Monitoring Plan which will be designed to monitor the effects of surface runoff from areas
disturbed by all construction related activities. The plan will include the following:

a) Detailed plans regarding monitoring the effects of surface runoff from all construction areas,
including cleared land, roads, construction camps, quarry areas, which may affect water
quality in natural waterways. The plans will include the locations of the sampling water in
waterways upstream and downstream of the entry points of the surface water runoff from the
construction areas. The frequency and method of testing will be in accordance with
internationally recognized standards.
b) The contractor will ensure that the construction related activities will not pollute waterways
and the water quality monitoring plan will include the applicable standards for water quality
parameters.
c) The water quality monitoring program will also monitor the quality of potable water supplied
to the construction work camps, work sites.

As and when any water quality impact is identified, SB POWER will take immediate actions to
control contamination of water, including provision of all corrective measures at site.

Management of Water Quality, Chemical Disaster and Spillage

During construction phase there will be possibilities of contamination of adjacent habitat areas and
downstream waterways, if the site activities are not carefully managed. SB POWER will strive to
reduce the potential impacts to surface water and ground water within the vicinity of the construction
areas. This includes waste water management and discharges from the construction areas.

Construction camps will be equipped with waste water treatment facilities to prevent adverse impacts
to the surrounding water bodies. To ensure that the waste water treatment facilities at each camp are
effective, SB POWER will implement a water quality monitoring programme, as described in the
above sub-section.

It will be the responsibility of construction contractor for providing waste water treatment facilities at
the construction camps. Thus, the contractor will prepare a Chemical Waste/Spillage Management

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Plan. The plan will include proposed actions for the following situations, and any other situations that
could involve similar products:

a) All refuelling of heavy equipment and machinery will be undertaken with appropriate
safeguards and protection measures to prevent any spillage or contamination by fuel
spillage or maintenance oils, lubricants etc.

b) All the storages for fuel and hazardous material will be adequately bund walled to prevent
any spillage problems

c) Water runoff from open workshop servicing, repair areas and bund storage areas will be
collected and treated before discharge to drains or waterways

d) Suitable sanitary sewage and solid waste disposal facilities or systems will be provided at
all long term work sites, workshops stores and offices; all the hazardous material will be
transported, stored and handled in accordance with Hazardous Wastes (Management,
Handling and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2008, good design engineering, and
construction practice. The contractor will provide details of proposed storage and security
arrangements.

5.8.5 Emergency Measures for Hazardous Materials

During construction there will be potential for the pollution of adjacent habitat areas and downstream
waterways if site activities are not carefully managed, and there is uncontrolled disposal and/or
leaching of hazardous chemicals. SB POWER will minimize the potential for impacts associated with
chemical wastes and spills of oil, diesel and grease from the construction area.

The contractor will be responsible for the preparation of the chemical waste and spillage management
plan which will be approved and monitored by SB POWER. This plan will incorporate measures and
processes to handle situations resulting from accidental spills of hazardous materials, including
chemicals and hydrocarbons or other similar incidents.

SB POWER will be informed immediately of any accidental spill or incident in accordance with the
plan and the contractor will immediately initiate remedial action. This plan will be coordinated with
the Disaster Management Plan, and will include provision of trained personnel, specialized plant and
equipment, defined and approved treatment and disposal methods for the known range of hazardous
materials. The contractor will subsequently provide a report detailing the reason for the spill or
incident, remedial action taken, consequences/ damage from the spill, and proposed corrective
actions. The Emergency Plan for hazardous materials will be subsequently updated and submitted to
SB POWER for no objection, every time such an accidental spill occurs.

5.8.6 Emissions and Dust Control

Fugitive dust from the site disturbances and emissions from the vehicles and plant have the potential
to negatively affect air quality in the vicinity of the construction sites and access roads.

SB POWER will minimize emissions from vehicles and equipment used for construction activities
and minimizes fugitive dust from construction areas and from unpaved roads within the construction
areas.

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Responsibility for incorporating specifications for regular maintenance of vehicles and equipment
used will be with construction contractor. SB POWER will review the contracts to ensure that these
specifications are incorporated. The contractor will also prepare an Emissions and Dust Control Plan.
SB POWER will develop a monitoring program to ensure that specifications within the construction
contracts are respected.

The contractor's Emissions and Dust Control Plan will include the following:

a) Proposed methods and action to control dust resulting from construction related activities,
including quarry sites, crushing and concrete batching plants, earthwork including road
construction, embankments and channel construction, haulage of materials and construction
work camps. As a minimum, dust will be controlled by water spraying or any other similar
measures. These are to be applied as necessary to reduce to the spread of dust from
unsealed construction roads and public roads when construction equipments are active, in
areas of major earth excavation, and any other areas, which produces dust.
b) The exhaust gases from the construction machinery and vehicles are accepted will be
accepted within limits only. However the engines will be inspected and adjusted as required
to minimize pollution levels.
c) The emission and dust control plan will include an Indian Ambient Air Quality Standards,
2009 which will be applied to designing, monitoring and controlling air quality/ pollution in
the underground work.

For all underground work, for all activities and for type of material excavated, the contractor will
install mechanical/ forced ventilation systems which will provide fresh, free air and comply with the
requirements of the ambient air quality standard included in this sub plan. When internal combustion
engines are operated in the underground work only diesel engines will be used. The burning of waste
and/or garbage will be done in designated areas at a distance of at least two kilometres downwind
from the nearby villages and in accordance with applicable law and the contractor's Environmental
Monitoring and Management Plan. Burning of any material which produces toxic gases will not be
allowed.

5.8.7 Noise Control Mitigation Plan

Noise Pollution can be mitigated at source itself. In this particular project most of the construction
sites are away from habituated localities. The ambient noise levels expected to increase gradually upto
1000 m. from the major construction sites. During construction, major sources of noise pollution will
be movement of vehicles, blasting and drilling operations, concreting and mixing. Construction
activities are expected to produce noise levels in the range of 80 – 130 dB (A), which will decrease
gradually with increase in distance from source. During excavation, cutting of rocks, crushing,
loading and transportation activities, the noise generated will be in the range of 90 – 130 dB (A), if all
the above activities are carried out simultaneously. The expected noise levels during operation of
construction machinery at site are presented in Table 5.13 Humans can tolerate noise levels upto 60 –
65 dB (A) without any hearing damages. The silence zone noise levels are 10 – 40 dB(A) in addition
to the baseline noise. Higher noise levels in the range of 100 dB(A) and above are susceptible to cause
high risks of heart attacks, annoyance, anxiety, high blood pressure and hearing loss. However,
studies reveal that harmful effects of noise levels on wild animals and birds are very few. Since, the
project area is surrounded by forest; vegetation cover will act as a potential noise absorber to some
extent. During the blasting activities, the noise levels may exceed above the critical limits, however,
the activity is proposed to be regulated and scheduled considering the potential impact on animal
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behaviour. Also, the noise generated due to blasting activities can be reduced to some extent using
electronic detonators and by adopting controlled blasting regime under strict and constant surveillance
conditions.

Table 5.13: Noise levels of construction equipments

S.No. Machine Noise Level in dB(A)
1. Drilling Machine 120 – 130
2. Motor Scraper 85 – 95
3. Face Shovel 80 – 90
4. Dumping Trucks 80 – 90
5. Compactors 81 – 85
6. Dozers 80 – 85
7. DG set 80 – 110
8. Pumps 80 – 100
9. Grouting machine 100 – 120
Source: Secondary Data
The other measures to control noise will be as follows:
a) Regular maintenance of equipments and machineries to keep the noise generation at the
reduced/ designed level.
b) High noise generating machines will be equipped/ fitted with silencers to reduce the noise
levels.
c) The equipments that need to be placed still like generators will be kept in acoustic enclosures
to reduce noise levels.
d) Heavy equipments like rotating or impacting machines‟ noise will be damped by mounting
them on anti-vibrations mountings.
e) Only well maintained and new equipments that produce lesser noise than the old one will be
installed at work sites.
f) During the vegetation clearing process, the SB POWER will ensure that the working areas
will be covered with sufficient layers of trees around the periphery of working site, as these
will act as effective noise absorbers.
g) Effective traffic management will be undertaken to avoid significant delays and accumulation
of noise levels in and around the project area. Necessary training/ orientation will be provided
to the traffic operators/ drivers to make them aware of the environmental aspects of the traffic
movement in the forest areas. Sounding of loud horns, etc. in the forested areas will be
banned.
h) It will be responsibility of SB POWER to monitor the noise at critical sites from time to time
under the Environmental Monitoring Programme. The maximum exposure period specified
by OSHAS is tabulated in Table 5.14 The budget for noise monitoring is given in Chapter 6 –
Environmental Monitoring Programme.

Table 5.14: Maximum Exposure Periods Specified by OSHAS

Maximum Equivalent Unprotected Exposure Period Per Day
Continuous Noise level db (A) for hrs/ day and 5 days/ week

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Maximum Equivalent Unprotected Exposure Period Per Day

Continuous Noise level db (A) for hrs/ day and 5 days/ week
90 8
95 4
100 2
110 ½
120 ¼
No exposure permitted at or above this
level
Source: Secondary Data
5.8.8 Enhancement and Conservation of Physical Cultural Properties

There is no physical cultural resource, including items having archaeological, historical, religious, and
sacred and or unique nature values such monument or structure is present near the actual project site.
Prior to commencement of work by the contractor in any portion of the construction areas, SB
POWER will have:

a) Completed a physical cultural resources survey for the particular portion of the construction
area.
b) Informed the contractor of any known objects and sites of physical cultural resources within
the particular portion of the construction area.
c) In accordance with conditions of the contract, required actions to be implemented by the
contractor for any such known objects and sites of physical cultural resources.

To ensure the proper management action following management plan is suggested.

1. The contractor will prepare a physical cultural resources conservation plan for dealing with any
found objects and sites of physical cultural resources notified by SB POWER or encountered by
the contractor within the construction area in construction period. Such physical cultural resources
plan will include proposed methodologies for:

a. Documentation and identification of any location of any objects or sites of physical

cultural resources notified by SB POWER or encountered by the contractor within the
construction areas.
b. Notification to the construction workforce of the need to be vigilant in the detection and
reporting of, and the prevention of disturbance and damage to, objects and sites of
physical cultural resources.
c. Notifications to SB POWER of any objects or sites of physical cultural resources
encountered by the contractor within the construction areas.

2. Stopping work and securing the area adjacent to the objects and sites of physical cultural
resources to prevent damage to such objects and sites.

3. SB POWER in coordination and consultations with Government Authorities, will be responsible

for the appropriate overall management, protection and preservation of all objects and sites of
archaeological, cultural and religious significance lying within the construction area and will, in
accordance with the conditions of contract, instruct the contractor on the actions to be taken by

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the contractor in relation to avoiding or minimizing disturbance and damage to such objects and
sites, including:
a. Protection and preservation measures are to be taken by the contractor
b. Additional mitigation, management, notification and reporting measures are to be taken
by the contractor to enable the construction activities to proceed
c. Changes to the work plan and the construction methods, if any, required to be taken by
the contractor.

4. Additionally, SB POWER will retain the support of the Archaeological Survey of India, Himachal
Pradesh office to periodically inspect the site, and the physical cultural properties identified by the
survey, to verify that these properties are not damaged, and are being protected adequately. The
experts from the Archaeological Survey of India, Himachal Pradesh office will also advise on the
enhancement and protection measures that might be required from time to time.

Archaeological Chance Found Procedure:

Sites and properties that are buried or not identified by the survey undertaken by SB POWER may be
discovered during project implementation, especially in the course of construction or excavation.
Such unanticipated discoveries of remains of an archaeological and/or historical nature are termed
archaeological chance finds. Most often they are concentrations of pottery, worked stone, and human
and animal bones, without commercial value, but of significance to archaeologists, historians,
anthropologists, and palaeontologists.

The following archaeological chance find procedures will be adopted in project design and
construction contracts:

a) The responsibility for preservation, maintenance and assessment of historical and cultural
monuments rests with the Department of Archaeology, Government of Himachal Pradesh,
and in specific cases, with the Archaeological Survey of India.
b) Whenever chance finds of cultural or historical artefacts (moveable and immovable) are
made the Department of Archaeology, Government of Himachal Pradesh, and the
Archaeological Survey of India will be informed. Should the continuation of work endanger
the historical and cultural artefacts, the project work will be suspended until a solution is
found for the preservation of these artefacts, or advice from the Archaeological Survey of
India is obtained.
c) Contractors, employees of the contractors and all project employees will be responsible
for informing the project director immediately after discovery of the chance find, without
any judgment on their own on the value of the chance find. The project director will be
responsible to inform the Department of Archaeology, Government of Himachal Pradesh,
and the Archaeological Survey of India, Shimla office, within 48 hours of such discovery.
d) The Project Director will request for a representative of the Department of Archaeology,
Government of Himachal Pradesh, and/or the Archaeological Survey of India, Shimla
office to make a site inspection.
e) Project Director will order cessation of work in the vicinity of the chance find until the
visit of a representative (usually required within 48-72 hours of notification); and follow the
advice by the Department of Archaeology, Government of Himachal Pradesh, and/or the

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Archaeological Survey of India on possible salvage or excavation (usually required within

48-72 hours of notification).
f) Failure to report a chance find within the 48 hours of discovery, is a punishable offence
under the relevant Indian legislation. Similarly, (intentional) damage to historical or cultural
artefacts is a punishable offence.

SB POWER will also seek the support of the Archaeological Survey of India, Shimla Office to
periodically inspect the sites of construction, excavation and muck disposal to detect any chance
finds.

5.8.9 Landscaping and Re-Vegetation

The contractor will prepare a Landscaping and Re-Vegetation Plan that includes measures for
restoration of cleared areas, quarries which are no longer in use, spoil areas, haulage roads,
construction camp areas, borrow areas, stockpile areas, working platforms and any other areas
temporarily occupied during construction. The measures will include landscaping, provision of
adequate drainage and re-vegetation.

All areas disturbed by construction activity, including temporary access roads and tracks, will be
landscaped to reflect natural contours, restore suitable drainage paths and encourage the
reestablishment of vegetation.

The construction of approach roads, project colony, labour camps etc. will hamper the existing
aesthetic view of the area and will also cause disturbance to the area due to increase in population and
traffic movement. The landscaping and re-vegetation of the areas will be done; so that the natural
surroundings and the aesthetic look of the area are restituted. The restoration will depend on the
topography of the area, type of construction activities and their detrimental effects on the terrain and
the natural habitats.. For this the following enhancement measures are suggested:

a) Drainage system for diversion of run-off: An effective drainage system will be provided
for avoiding infiltration of run-off water into quarry sites and also to avoid its erosion in
future.
b) Filling up of Depressions: The existing quarry sites will result in formation of
craters/depressions due to different construction work. These depressions will be filled up
by the dumping materials comprising of rocks, boulders, gravels and soil from nearby
project sites.
c) Creation of Scenic Observatory: Certain locations will be developed as a bird‟s eye view
points, which will compensate the disturbance caused due to the construction of project
components. Location, for example, Jiskun village, Pander Village or any other site from
where scenic view can be observed. These spot will have a slab type extension /above
ground reinforced structure along with ladder and shed. This will be guarded by iron
fencing and decorated with potted plants, i.e., orchids, ferns and creepers and flowering
herbs.
d) Landscaping: Appropriate sites along the access road, Muck dumping area, and quarry
area will be stabilized by constructing a series of benches. The wall to be developed for
providing the adequate slope will be embedded with local stones to integrate and enhance
the aesthetic look of the area. The area will be enhanced with plantation of trees, shrubs,
herbs and creepers found in surrounding.

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Spoil heaps and excavated slopes will be re-profiled to stable batters and grassed to prevent erosion.
Topsoil stripped from the areas occupied by the spoil heaps will be used for landscaping work. Re-
establishment of vegetation will commence at the earliest possible opportunity. Appropriate local
species of vegetation will be used.

Local depressions created by construction activities will be either backfilled or drained to prevent
ponding possible. Where the local depressions cannot be reasonably drained, the contractor will
minimize their number and consult with the local populations as to that population's preference for
their location for reuse for fish farming or other community purposes.

All hazardous materials and waste will be removed from site and safely disposed of in an
environmentally acceptable manner. Reusable construction materials will be either removed from site
or, with the approval of the SB POWER, left in a secure manner such that they do not constitute a risk
to health and safety or a source of environmental damage.

Watercourses, if any, which are temporarily diverted by the construction activities, will be restored to
their original flow paths.

Vegetation Clearing

During construction there will be a potential for areas to be cleared in excess of real requirements, and
insufficient consideration given to retaining vegetation. SB POWER will minimize vegetation
clearing for construction activities and control erosion and sedimentation from the disturbed areas. All
such additional clearance will be subject to the approval of the State Forest Department, if the land is
designated as forest land, or if the land supports forests.

All land and forest vegetation clearing activities will be carried out according to a site plan, which
enforces the minimization of vegetation disturbance. Additionally, specification for control of erosion
of sediments will be detailed in the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan.

The contractor will include specifications for the removal of vegetation from the construction areas
and specifications for management of runoff from the disturbed areas during the construction phase.
These specifications will be incorporated into the construction contracts. SB POWER will be
responsible for ensuring the compliance of the construction contractors. SB POWER will also inspect
the construction areas at the end of the construction phase to ensure that the areas are stabilized before
the construction contractor can vacate the area.

At the end of the construction period, the disturbed areas will be inspected to ensure that the areas are
re-graded to conform to the natural topography and that appropriate grasses and shrubs are planted to
start the re-vegetation process. The construction contractor will be responsible for the stabilization of
construction areas before they are allowed to vacate the construction areas. Areas proposed for
clearing will be submitted to and agreed by SB POWER, and only those proposed areas will be
cleared. SB POWER will reasonably consider the existing usage of the project land to allow its
existing usage to continue as long as is practicable, without interference with the contractor's
activities. The design of roads, including temporary and permanent access roads, will avoid crop areas
to the extent reasonable and practical. The application of chemicals for vegetation clearing will be
minimized to the greatest extent reasonable and practical. Chemicals, if any, will be selected on the
basis of being non-residual impact and with regard to human health. Herbicides used in the project
will have negligible adverse human health effects; be shown to be effective against the target
vegetation species; have minimal effect on the natural environment; and be demonstrated to be safe

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for inhabitants and domestic animals in the treated areas, as well as, for personnel applying them.
Herbicides will be appropriately packaged, labelled, handled, stored, and applied according to
international standards as proposed by the contractor for the SB POWER's non objection. Persons
applying herbicides will be provided with appropriate training, equipment, and facilities to handle,
store, and apply these products properly. All herbicides will have labels in both English and local
languages to allow those handling the herbicides to comprehend the labelling fully.

Clearing will be carried out in accordance with the following requirements, 'Logging and Removal of
Waste Forestry Products' given below, which describes the contractor's responsibilities, which will be
referred to in the conditions of the contract.

5.8.10 Logging and Removal of Waste Forestry Products

Prior to commencement of construction, SB POWER will have the right, but not obligation, to
remove or arrange for the removal of commercial and non-commercial timber as well as other forestry
products from the designated construction areas. After commencement of construction the contractor
will have the right to log and remove forestry products remaining as required to clear areas to carry
out the construction of the work, as necessary. However, in either case, the ownership and any value
accruing remains with the State Forest Department.

The contractor will submit plans for removal of the remaining timber and other forestry products in
the areas permitted under this clause to SB POWER at least three months in advance of any work
being executed by the contractor. The plan will be in accordance with the contractor's obligations of
the contract requirements, including in particular, the following items:

a) Erosion and sedimentation control and mitigation

a) Vegetation clearing
b) Air quality
c) Noise pollution.

The contractor's plan will provide detailed information regarding the proposed logging and clearing
work, including the following:

a) Clear identification and justification of the areas to be logged and cleared

b) Name of the company or organization to do the logging and clearing work
b) Schedule for logging and clearing to be undertaken
c) Clear identification of disposal sites for the timber and forestry products

If SB POWER elects to log and clear the areas nominated in the contractor's plan as areas which SB
POWER may log and clear, it will have the right to do so within the period specified by the contractor
consistent with the obligation referred in contract. All work involving the logging and removal of
timber and other forestry products after commencement of construction work must be carried out in
accordance with the contractor's non-objected Vegetation Clearance Plan.

Other than the contractor's right to use timber obtained from the areas permitted under this clause for
construction or for the temporary work necessary for that construction and other than the sale rights
described in contract, the contractor must not sell, use or obtain any other benefit from the
commercial timber or forestry products from the construction areas.

The contractor, with explicit permission from the State Forest Department, will dispose of any timber
or forestry products resulting from the clearing not used in the construction work and which are not
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sold, in a manner selected by the contractor including leaving the timber and forestry products at the
perimeter of the cleared construction areas or areas selected by the contractor within the cleared
construction areas for collection by SB POWER.

For timber and forestry products discarded by the contractor and left at the perimeter of the cleared
construction area or at areas selected by the contractor within the cleared construction area, SB
POWER will have the right to arrange for the removal of such discarded timber and forestry products.

5.8.11 Mitigation for Impacts from Construction of Roads

SB POWER will strive to minimize impacts during the construction and upgrading of roads. The
major mitigation measures is the minimization of new road alignments in favour of upgrading existing
roads and for new roads, seeking an alignment that minimizes damage to vegetation.

The contractor will be responsible for constructing and/or strengthening the access roads, the haulage
roads, or any other roads within the project area in accordance with the EMP. SB POWER will be
responsible for ensuring that contractor's environment management plan adequately covers the
environmental impact mitigation measures for the road construction activities. It will also be
responsible for monitoring compliance.

The approach roads will have to be constructed as a part of the access to the construction site. In a
hilly environment, construction of roads sometime disturbs the scenic beauty of the area. In addition,
landslides are often triggered due to road construction because of the loosening of rocks by water
trickling from various streams.

Road construction is expected generates significant quantity of wastes (muck) due to the stripping of
the rocks. The stripped muck is generally cleared by dumping the material along the slopes. These
dumped materials finally flow down to the valleys and ultimately finds its way in to the river. In the
Rupin HEP, this will be prohibited. The stripped material will be collected and dumped in the
designated muck disposal areas, which will be managed and protected as described in a subsection
above.

After disposal operation is complete at the dump site, dump site will be reinstated, contoured and
vegetated. Various other aspects to be integrated while constructing the project roads are described
below.

a) Where erosion is likely to be a problem, clearing and grubbing operations will be so

scheduled and performed that grading operations and permanent erosion control of features
can follow immediately thereafter, if the project conditions permit; otherwise temporary
erosion control measures will be provided between successive construction stages. Under
no circumstances, however, very large surface area of erodible earth material will be
exposed at any one time due to clearing and grubbing.
b) The method of balanced cut and fill formation will be adopted to avoid large difference in
cut and fill quantities.
c) Where rock blasting is involved, controlled blasting techniques are to be adopted to avoid
over shattering of hill faces.
d) Excavated material will not be thrown haphazardly but dumped, duly dressed up in a
suitable form at appropriate places where it cannot get easily washed away by rain, and
such spoil deposits may be duly turfed or provided with some vegetative cover.

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e) Drainage of the water from hill slopes and road surface is very important. All artificial
drains will be linked with the existing natural drainage system.
f) Surface drains will have gentle slopes. Where falls in levels are to be negotiated, check
dams with silting basins will be constructed so that soil is not eroded and carried away by
high velocity flows.
g) Location and alignment of culverts will also be so chosen as to avoid severe erosion at
outlets and siltation at inlets.
h) Tree felling for road construction/work will be kept bare minimum and strict control must
be exercised in consultation with the Forest Department. Equivalent amount of new trees
will be planted as integral part of the project within the available land and if necessary,
separate additional land may be acquired for this purpose.
i) Depending on the availability of land and other resources, afforestation of roadside land
will be carried out to a sufficient distance on either side of the road.

5.8.12 Mitigation for Impacts from Construction of Power Evacuation System

The contractor will mitigate the impacts of vegetation and habitat loss, disturbance from construction,
possible soil toxicity from the application of chemicals used in vegetation clearance, and possible
health risks associated with electric and magnetic fields generated by transmission lines. Additional
measures to mitigate against impacts includes avoidance of felling of trees as much as possible,
implementation of proper logging techniques where vegetation clearing is unavoidable, avoidance of
application of chemicals, prohibition of dwellings, and businesses in the easements along the
transmission lines. The contractor will be responsible for these activities. SB POWER will report on
the adequacy of the environment management by the contractor.

5.8.13 Environmental Training for Construction Workers

During construction there will be a potential for workers to damage the forests and waterways
adjacent to camps and work areas. The contractor will prepare a training plan for all construction
workers. The training will be needed to ensure that all employees of the contractor are aware about
their duties, responsibilities, liabilities and consequences of non-compliance.

All employees of the contractor will be required to comply with environmental protection procedures
and they will be able to provide evidence that they have attended the training sessions detailed in the
plan.

The goal of the "Environmental Training for Construction Workers" program will be to educate all
construction workers on the following issue: traffic regulations, illegal logging and collection of non
timber forestry products (particularly in the resettlement areas), hunting and fishing restrictions,
sanitation practices, waste management, erosion control, general health issues including the
information and education, specific health issues related to HIV/AIDS, safety issues and general
information on the environment in which they will be working and living.

Training will also include awareness generation that (personal, not related to work) use of explosives
and chemicals is not permitted; or hunting and fishing is not permitted. Contractors will establish
rules and penalties for violation.

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These training sessions will be organized by the contractor, and will include formal training sessions,
posters, signage in construction and camp areas, and tool box meeting. These will be in addition to the
training program organized by SB POWER. However, both training program will be coordinated.

5.8.14 On-Site Traffic and Access Management

During construction there will be a potential for use of large numbers of vehicles of various sizes and
purposes, leading to hazardous conditions on public roads, camps, project roads and work areas. To
address the potential hazardous conditions, the contractor will prepare and implement an On Site
Traffic and Access Management Plan. The plan will address the following:

a) Details regarding expected road quality, maximum permissible vehicular speed on each
section of road, establishment of safe sight distance including within the construction areas
and construction camp site.
b) Detailed plans for signage around the construction area to facilitate traffic movement.
c) Estimated maximum concentrations of traffic and effects on existing traffic patterns for
different times of day, and at individual locations within the construction area.
d) Adequate off-road parking of all construction related vehicles.
e) Plans to be followed while moving special loads, such as hazardous material, odd size
material or heavy loads.
f) Plans for controlling site access, including both construction areas and construction camp
areas.
g) Monitoring and methods of enforcing the requirements of the traffic management plan.

Construction traffic, including heavy loads, must not damage public roads. Personnel authorized to
the construction areas will be briefed on traffic regulations applicable to the construction area. At no
time will construction vehicles be parked in a manner which may restrict movement of traffic on
public roads. All signage will be both in English and local language and will be made as per the
Indian Standards.

5.9 Rehabilitation and Resettlement Plan

5.9.1 Introduction

The project requires approximately 30.7183 ha (which comprises of 24.9286 ha forest land and
5.7897 ha private land to be acquired). There will be no structures (Household) which are going to be
affected due to the project. The affected persons will be compensated for the loss of nominal land
only.

5.9.2 Livelihood Restoration of vulnerable groups within the project area

Since the project will be implemented on a commercial format, there are no inherent funds devoted to
restoration of livelihoods of non-title holder occupants within the Project area/RoW, who will be
evicted due to the project. However, the Consultants feel that since there will be substantial losses to
livelihoods due to such eviction, it will be worthwhile on the part of the project authorities to integrate
at least the vulnerable and the PAPs in various development / welfare programmes of the State and
Central Governments.

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To this end, the Consultants suggest in the following a range of Government aided programmes
undertaken through the District Rural Development Authority (DRDA) in the State Government in
which vulnerable groups and the PAPs losing livelihoods may be integrated with:

a) Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)

b) Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY)
c) Sampoorna Gramin Rozgar Yojana (SGRY)
d) Indira Awas Yojana
e) Credit-cum-Subsidy Scheme for Rural Housing
f) Innovative Stream for Rural Housing and Habitat Development
g) Rural building Centres
h) Samagra Awas Yojana
i) National Social Assistance Programme
j) Council for advancement of People‟s Action and Rural Technology
k) Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission
l) Centrally sponsored Rural Sanitation Programme
m) Drought Prone Area Programme
n) Wastelands Development

5.9.3 Implementation Procedure

The RAP is implemented through the following five stages:

a) Issue of legal notification for land acquisition and the cut-off date;
b) Verification of Eligible Persons (EPs) and estimation of their types and category of
losses;
c) Preparation of Photo Identity Card, issue and distribution to EPs;
d) Disbursing Compensation Money;
e) Monitoring Physical and Financial Progress of Resettlement Action Plan.

5.9.4 General Activities

In order to carry out the above activities, the Authority has to carry out institutional strengthening and
certain administrative responsibilities in terms of:

a) Contracting of NGOs;
b) Setting up of District Level Committees (DLC) and the Grievance Redressal Cell
(GRC);
c) Verification of Eps;
d) Updating of the census data to include the disputed cases or left out cases to be included
in the list of PAPs;
e) Distribution of Identity Cards (see at the end of the chapter, a format for ID Card);
f) Opening of joint accounts in the name of the EPs, representatives of the NGOs and
RRO;
g) Special emphasis on the vulnerable groups for helping enroll the PAPs from this group
in Governmental welfare schemes operating in the region;

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h) Monitoring physical and financial progress; and Prepare monthly reports of the progress
made.

5.9.5 Specific Activities

Permanent Land Acquisition: The following steps will have to be carried out for land acquisition:

a) Appointment of the competent authority;

b) Identification of Villages Along the Project Corridor;
c) Preparing land plans for acquisition with details about the total land holdings and the
area affected;
d) Issue of notices;
e) Announcement of compensation awards;
f) Issue of cheques in public places prior to taking of possessions.

5.9.6 Payment of Compensation

a) Ensure the amount of compensation is appropriate to PAPs;

b) Verification of EPs for compensation;
c) Ensure the receipt of cheques by owner of the affected unit;
d) Ensure that cheques are issued in public during meetings;
e) Inform about acquisition or transfer of land to other authorities whose land is being
taken (Forest; Defense etc).

5.9.7 Grievance Redressal Mechanisms

The objective of the mechanism is to provide a platform to the affected people to address their
grievance that are sought by meaningful solutions. Thus, reflecting continued participation and
justification to design, economic returns and the PAPs themselves. The grievances addressed in this
manner have community approval and the redressal is appropriated through stakeholders‟
participation. The committee thus formed for this purpose will continue to function for the benefit of
the PAPs during the entire life of the project so that the PAPs grievances are redressed at the right
time. The GRC will have to be formed at every District Head Quarter consisting of the following
members.

i) The Project Director;

ii) RRO;
iii) District Collector;
iv) NGO; and
v) Monitoring Implementation of Resettlement Action Plan.

It is important to consider setting up an early system for monitoring project objectives and social
accountability. Monitoring involves tracking the progress of process and implementation (as
measured by indicators on inputs, outputs and outcomes) associated with the project. This is done to
ensure that the desired targets are achieved.

i) Indicators for monitoring will be designed to capture physical and financial progress of
the project.
ii) Promote Social Accountability: Monitoring and evaluation system can also be implemented
to promote social accountability during the process of implementation of the project leading

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to sustainability. Participatory public review and perception surveys will be used for social
accountability in the monitoring and evaluation process.

5.9.8 RAP Budget

The RAP budget includes the cost of land, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Assistance in the project.
The details are listed in the Table 5.15

Table 5.15: Preliminary Social Costs Details

Sl. No. Details of Affected Area in Ha./ Unit Rate Amount (Rs.)
Structures No. of PAF
1. Proposed Affected Land 5.7897 ha 39,00,000 225,79,830
for Acquisition
(Himachal Pradesh Govt
has fixed the Market Rates
for Land @ Rs.
39,00,000/- per Ha)
A. Total (Land Acquisition Cost)
2. Compensation to Ghasni 1.2245 5,00,000 61,2250
Owners
3. Agricultural/Horticulture 3.2051 1,00,000 320510
Development
B Total (Rehabilitation And Resettlement Assistance) 9,32,760
Total Cost (A+B) 2,35,12,590

The budgeted cost of INR 235.12 Lakh is earmarked for Resettlement and Rehabilitation Assistance
including the Land Acquisition cost.

A summary of the EMP is given below in Table 5.16: for each environmental attribute the
following information is presented in the plan:

i) Potential impacts.
ii) Nature of impact.
iii) Magnitude of impact.
iv) Mitigation plan.
v) Project phase.

Table 5.16: Summary of Anticipated Impacts and Proposed Management Plan

S. Environmental Potential Nature of Magnitude Project
Mitigation Plan
No. Attribute Impacts Impact of Impacts Phase
A. PHYSICAL RESOURCES
1. Topography Change in Direct irreversible Medium Plantation surrounding Construction
surface features impact, restricted the submergence area to
and present only in the site of improve aesthetics.
aesthetics due above ground
to construction structures.
at various
project sites
2. Climate Change in the Localized but Low Compensatory Construction
micro climate direct impact afforestation and and
due to removal certain extent plantation around the Operation
of trees for irreversible project structures, access
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S. Environmental Potential Nature of Magnitude Project

Mitigation Plan
No. Attribute Impacts Impact of Impacts Phase
construction roads and colonies.
site / RoW of
roads etc.
3. Hydrology Operation of Direct/ Local/ Medium Construction of trench Operation
head work Irreversible type weir, conventional
gated weir
Ground water No significant No specific measures are Operation
impact suggested.
Reduction of Impact is direct, Medium The studies for minimum Operation
flow due to localized but environmental discharge
stream irreversible. More are going on and the
diversion and prominent during recommended discharge
ponding at lean period. will be released.
diversion.
Change in land 2.71 ha of land, Low Compensatory plantation Operation
use by about 10 % of around the submergence
submergence of which is at present area, colonies and side of
land due to the having vegetation the access roads are
construction of cover will be lost suggested to mitigate loss
impoundment at permanently. of green cover
diversion
Daily Variation in flow Low The proposed project is Operation
fluctuation in volume and quality on run of river scheme.
peaking water of water
flow situation at
Barrage
Riverine Reduction of flow Medium Minimum Environmental Operation
Ecology will bring change flow will be maintained
in the existing for sustenance of
ecosystem ecological setup in the
project stretch.
To facilitate „to and
fro‟ fish migration, fish
pass will be constructed
Sedimentation Increase in silt load Low Effective management of Operation
during flushing desilting basin during
period high monsoon period.
Infestation of No significant Low Fish can be stocked in Operation
pests and weeds impact is the reservoir to mitigate
envisaged pests and weed
propagation in pondage
area.
B. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES

1. Air quality Project will Impact is direct, Low and Watering at construction Construction
have marginal localized and reversible site, limited bare soils,
impact on air temporary; covering the materials
quality during restricted only during transportation
the construction during construction and storing, maintenance
period due to phase. of project vehicles etc.
fugitive dust
emission
Due to crushers Impact is direct, Low Install wet crusher to Construction

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S. Environmental Potential Nature of Magnitude Project

Mitigation Plan
No. Attribute Impacts Impact of Impacts Phase
activities localized and control the dust.
temporary, Covering and stacking
restricted only the fine aggregates till
during construction the time they are utilized
phase. Spray regularly the
stacks with water to
ensure the entrainment of
fugitive emissions such
as dusts.
2. Noise Due to general Impact is direct, Low Restriction on noise Construction
construction localized and generating activities at
activities temporary, night time (10 pm – 6
and vehicular restricted only and am) and use of personal
movements reversible also protective equipment like
during construction ear plugs, mufflers etc.
phase. Avoid the noisy
construction in the
barrage site, which is
near to forests patches.
Implement good working
practices to minimize
noise.
Noise arising Impact is Direct, Low Noise from tail race Operation
from operation Localized and will tunnel will remain.
of tail race remain Permanent Switchyard will be
tunnel, located away from
switchyard etc. settlement area.
at the
powerhouse site
Noise arising Impact is direct Medium Timetable for blasting to Construction
from blasting and temporary, be maintained during
activities. restricted only convenient hours.
during construction Proper design of blast
phase for 2 years hole to be developed.
Use of noiseless trunk
delays to minimize the
noise due to air blast.
Use of non-electric
system of blasting for
true bottom-hole
initiation.
Use of muffling mats to
arrest the dust and fly
rock
3. Surface water Run off from Impact is direct Low Setting up of vehicles Construction
quality the construction and Reversible garages, away from
site leading to slope. Construction of oil
increase in traps.
COD, BOD, oil Turfing on the slopes
& grease etc. if along the access road,
mixed with any wherever possible to
water body. prevent spread of
contaminated flushing.

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S. Environmental Potential Nature of Magnitude Project

Mitigation Plan
No. Attribute Impacts Impact of Impacts Phase
Leakage of Construction of garland
waste from drain around the bottom
muck disposal of the muck disposal site
sites may lead and settling pit.
to increase in
turbidity
Domestic Low Portable septic tanks both Construction
wastewater at the construction labour and
from camp site and Operation
construction construction site will be
sites and during installed.
operation Sewage Treatment Plan
leading to will be made for project
increase in colony
COD, BOD, oil
& grease etc.
Oil spillage and Impact is indirect, Low Oil interceptor will be Construction
oil localized but provided for vehicle and
contamination reversible parking and refuelling Operation
during areas.
maintenance. Field oil storage will be
in proper bounded areas
Oily wastes will be
disposed off to the
approved disposal sites.
All spills and waste
petroleum products will
be disposed off in
accordance with SPCB/
CPCB Guidelines.
Oil Impact is indirect, Low Oil trap installation for Operation
contamination localized but separation of oil from
during reversible. water
maintenance
4. Soils and Soils erosion, Impact is indirect, Low Avoiding sites which are
Geology loss of localized but prone to soil erosion & During and
productive top reversible. landslides. after the
soil. Levelling of construction construction
site. Use of few access activities
road/ power evacuation
lines.
Preserving the topsoil
from all the construction
sites, wherever land will
be used for construction
i.e roads, materials
storing vehicles and
construction equipment
garages etc in stockpile at
the edge of the site to use
it to the extent possible
for site restoration later.
Improper debris Impact is indirect, Medium All the debris removed Pre-
removal/ localized but from tunnel, powerhouse construction
to be stored temporarily and
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S. Environmental Potential Nature of Magnitude Project

Mitigation Plan
No. Attribute Impacts Impact of Impacts Phase
accumulation reversible. to use it in other site construction
preparation/levelling/for
site reclamation/ concrete
production. Excess
material will be disposed
in the muck dumping
sites and will be suitably
stabilized.
Damage due to Impact is indirect, Low to Design and site selection Before the
seismic activity localized but high for the entire project construction
reversible. depending component will be made activity
on seismic considering local
intensity geology and seismic
condition.
C. ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES
1. Terrestrial Loss of Impact is indirect, Medium Following precautionary Pre
Ecology vegetation localized but measures will be taken to construction
reversible. avoid any unwanted tree and
cutting: construction
Selecting minimum phase
corridor width for power
evacuation line, access
roads etc.
Marking out road & site
boundaries.
Identify the trees need to
be cut and marking them
before hand.
Plantation of indigenous
species around the
constructed site,
wherever possible will be
made and compensatory
afforestation will be
implemented.
Training will be given to
all bulldozer operators
and other manual
labourers involved in
road and site preparation
to strictly confine to their
work within the defined
site boundaries.
Punitive measures will be
enforced for tree cutting
and damage to natural
resources.
2. Terrestrial Disturbance to Impact is indirect, Low Animal movement During pre
Fauna the local fauna localized but corridors will be construction
during reversible. identified with the help and
construction of local forest officials operation
and operation and all work will be phase
activities carried out away from the
same.
All construction work
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S. Environmental Potential Nature of Magnitude Project

Mitigation Plan
No. Attribute Impacts Impact of Impacts Phase
and transportation of
construction material to
the site of barrage and
power house, which are
close to forest path will
be restricted between
daytime and close it
before sunset to avoid
disturbance to the wild
animals in the project
area.
The project areas located
close to animal
movement corridor will
be adequately fenced
with security guard to
discourage animals
coming close to the
project location/ workers
entering into the forests.
Guard will be appointed
to monitor the power
evacuation lines
especially for birds
strikes during the
operation.
Punitive measures will be
adopted incase of killing
of wild animals even the
small one and birds by
the workers by DFO
(wild life) of the district.
3. Aquatic Disturbance to Impact is indirect, Medium Minimum flow will be During
Ecology fish during localized but maintained; in the river construction/
construction of reversible. even during lean period, operation
barrage, tunnel hence aquatic life will phase
as well as have no significant
operation impact.
powerhouse Fish pass will be made to
facilitate „to and fro‟
movement of fishes.
Proper briefing will be
made to the labour force.
So that unauthorised
fishing does not take
place. To ensure this,
punitive measures will be
adopted and guard will
be appointed to keep
vigil on such activities by
workers

D. HUMAN ENVIRONMENT
1. Land Total 30.7183 Impact is direct, Low All the land owners will Pre -
Acquisition ha of land will local and get compensation as per Construction

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S. Environmental Potential Nature of Magnitude Project

Mitigation Plan
No. Attribute Impacts Impact of Impacts Phase
be acquired for irreversible the protocols (NRRP
the project, in 2007)
this 5.7897 ha It will be ensured that
area is of appropriate legal
private land and requirements are met
rest area is with regard to land
government occupancy, land
land. ownership or usage
rights, notice and
compensation prior to
legal transfer.
Proper land agreement
will be made with
owners, users and state
authorities (Forest
Department). Prior to
that boundaries of the
property will be marked
and all transactions will
be clearly documented
following the legal
process.
All necessary approvals
from State Authorities
will be acquired prior to
all transactions.
2. Socio- Job Impact is positive, High Overall industrial and During
Economics opportunities direct and regional economic growth of the operational
during region. phase and
construction Undertake social welfare construction
phase projects for the local
communities through
well thought out CSR
strategy
Keep a record of all jobs
and provide monthly Construction
feedback on jobs
provided to locals and
others with clear
reporting on each job
profile.
All manual
labor and other jobs for
which local skills are
available are recruited
from local people.
3. Resettlement No family will Nil Nil Compensation of the land Construction
& be displaced for and employment and
Rehabilitation this project; opportunities to the Operation
Hence, no locals. phase
resettlement is
envisaged in
this regard.
OTHER GENERAL ISSUES

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S. Environmental Potential Nature of Magnitude Project

Mitigation Plan
No. Attribute Impacts Impact of Impacts Phase
1. Cultural sites No Nil Nil No mitigation measures Operation
archaeological, required. Phase
historical or In case any fossils, coins,
cultural articles of value of
important sites antiquity, structure and
are present in other remains or things
the study area. of geological or
archaeological interests
discovered on the site
will be the property of
the government and will
be dealt with as per the
provisions of the relevant
legislation.
2. Traffic and Traffic Impact is direct, Low Before taking up During
transportation congestion due localized and construction on near to construction
to movement of reversible any existing lanes, a phase
construction traffic control plan will
vehicle be devised.
All the necessary
measures for the safety of
traffic during
construction will be
taken such as barricades,
including signs, marking
and flags, will be
installed for the
information and
protection of traffic
approaching or passing
through the section of
any existing cross roads.
Before taking up of
construction on any
section of the existing
lanes of highways, a
traffic management plan
to be devised to avoid
any traffic congestion.
3. Oily Waste Probability of Impact is indirect, Low The oil sludge will be
generation surface and localized and separately stored in the During
ground water reversible containers. construction
pollution Used oil to be collected and
and reclaimed by operation
contractors through the phase
Office of Stores and
Purchase.
Separated oily waste and
scrap will be collected
and disposed of in
compliance with the
Environmental Protection
Act, 1986, and applicable
regulations and rules
there under.

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S. Environmental Potential Nature of Magnitude Project

Mitigation Plan
No. Attribute Impacts Impact of Impacts Phase
4. Solid Wastes Contamination Impact is indirect, Low A secured landfill site Construction
of land and localized and will be developed in a
water reversible suitable location within
the project acquired land.
Garbage bins will be
provided in the labour
camps and also in the
construction site, which
will be regularly emptied
and disposed off a
hygienic manner.
Degradable and non
degradable solid wastes
will be separated.
5. Labour Camp Living Impact is direct, Low Labour camps will be Construction
conditions of local and reversible constructed at least 1 km phase
workers away from existing
settlement and from any
water body etc.
Necessary (temporary)
living accommodation
facilities, i.e,
uncontaminated water
supply for drinking,
cooking and washing,
Latrines and urinals in an
accessible places/
distance will be provided
and maintained.
Adequate vaccination
and immunization
facilities will be provided
for workers at
construction site.
Public awareness
programmes for increase
knowledge about various
diseases and actions will
be taken in case of out
break of any epidemic.
Periodic free health
check up camp will be
organised for the entire
family of the worker.

Diseases due to Low Precaution will be taken

contamination to prevent temporary
of water bodies pondage of water.
and pondage of Disinfectants like
water bleaching powder etc
will be regularly
sprinkled around the
drain or garbage disposal
area and temporary toilet
areas in the construction

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S. Environmental Potential Nature of Magnitude Project

Mitigation Plan
No. Attribute Impacts Impact of Impacts Phase
site.
Issue due to Impact is direct Low Appropriate water supply Pre
water supply localized and sources will be Construction
reversible identified. and
Appropriate Construction
infrastructure for storage
and disinfections
(chlorination facilities
etc.) will be provided.
Drinking water will be
regularly tested for :
Orthotolodine tests for
chlorine
Lead Acetate Paper test
for bacterial infection
Sewage Impact is direct Medium Sewage from toilets will
Treatment and local and reversible be treated in septic tanks. Construction
Maintenance of Effluent from septic
drinking water tanks will be disposed off
quality through absorption
trenches.
Drinking water facilities
and sewage disposal site
will be located far away
from each other to avoid
contamination of water,
Issue of free Impact is direct, Low A mandatory clause will Pre
fuel for workers localized and be put in the contract of construction
reversible every contractor involved and
in project construction to Construction
provide supply of fuel to
their labourers so that
trees are not cut for
meeting their fuel
demands.
6. Health and Exposure to Impact is direct, Low Alignment for route Operation
Safety Electromagnetic Localized and power evacuation lines
Fields persisting situated away from the
settlement.
No house will be allowed
to build near power
house.
7. Positive Impact Project will be Positive direct High Implementation of the During
on socio- beneficial for impact on the following enhancement Construction
economy of the area regional economy measures: and
project area Operation
Quality Power Supply to phase.
the surrounding areas
from the power generated
in the project.
Facilities for higher
education, training, skill
development.

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S. Environmental Potential Nature of Magnitude Project

Mitigation Plan
No. Attribute Impacts Impact of Impacts Phase
Employment for local
people
Improvement in
accessibility
Improvement in tele-
communication system,
Improved health care
facilities.

5.10 Energy Conservation Measures

The energy conservation measures for the proposed HEP are given as below:

 Proper and regular maintenance with adequate lubrication of all the machineries,
transformer and transmission lines so that undue loss of energy be avoided during
operation of the Plant.
 Plant to be operated at optimal condition only.

5.11 Budget for Environment Management Plan

The detailed break-up is given in Table 5.17 below.

Table 5.17: Budget for Implementing EMP

Capital Cost Working Costs Total Costs
Description
INR Lakh INR Lakh INR Lakh
Biodiversity Conservation Plan. 37.0 27.68 64.68
Catchment Area Treatment Plan.* 981.52
Fisheries Conservation and 35.00 69.31 104.31
Management Plan.
Public Health Delivery System. 40.50 60.00 100.50
Environment Management in Labour 101.50 19.54 121.04
Camps.
Stabilization of Muck Disposal Sites. 28.50 13.05 41.55
Bio Engineering Measures 70.0 - 70.0
Reservoir Rim Treatment Plan 60.00 - 60.00
Resettlement & Rehabilitation Plan 235.12 - 235.12
Compliance of Environmental 19.68 - 19.68
Monitoring Programme during
construction phase.
Compliance of Environmental - 7.00 7.00
Monitoring Programme during
operation phase.
Community Development under 580 - 580
LADA Scheme
Repair and Maintenance of Temples 25 - 25.00
Purchase of Inspection Vehicle 8.00 - 8.00
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Capital Cost Working Costs Total Costs

Description
INR Lakh INR Lakh INR Lakh
Purchase of Noise meters etc. 1.00 0.1 1.1
CSR activities. - 50.00 50.00
Total EMP Budget 1241.3 246.68 2469.5

* Detail budget of the CAT Plan is given in chapter 7.

A total amount of INR 2469.5 Lakh has been allotted for the implementation of environmental
management/enhancement measures, compliance monitoring and catchment area treatment of the
project.

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EN V I R O N M EN TA L
M O N ITO R IN G PLA N
Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

6 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING
PLAN

6.0 Environmental Monitoring Plan

An environmental monitoring plan provides a delivery mechanism to address the adverse

environmental impacts of a project during its execution, to enhance project benefits, and to introduce
standards of good practice to be adopted for all project works. An environmental monitoring program
is important as it provides useful information and helps to:

a) Assist in detecting the development of any unwanted environmental situation, and thus,
provides opportunities for adopting appropriate control measures.
b) Define the responsibilities of the project proponents, contractors and environmental monitors
and provides means of effective communication of environmental issues among them.
c) Define monitoring mechanism and identify monitoring parameters.
d) Evaluate the performance and effectiveness of mitigation measures proposed in the
Environment Management Plan (EMP) and suggest improvements in management plan, if
required.

From the monitoring point of view, the important parameters are water quality, river bank landscape,
induced impacts, etc. The suggested monitoring details are outlined in the following sections.

6.1 Water Quality

Construction Phase:

It is proposed to monitor the effluent after treatment from portable septic tanks. The frequency of
monitoring will be quarterly. The parameters to be monitored include pH, Bio-chemical Oxygen
Demand, Total Suspended Solids and Total Dissolved Solids. The analysis work will be done by a
laboratory recognized by the State Pollution Control Board.

Operation Phase:

The surface water quality of river Rupin and Nargani needs to be monitored thrice a year. The
proposed parameters to be monitored include pH, temperature, Electrical Conductivity (EC), turbidity,
total dissolved solids, calcium, magnesium, total hardness, chlorides, sulphates, nitrates, DO
(Dissolved Oxygen), COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand), BOD, Iron, Zinc and Manganese.

The sampling sites will be:

a) 0.5 km upstream of the barrage site, and 1.5 km downstream of the confluence of the tail race
discharge point.
b) The analysis will be done throughout the life of the project. The analysis work will be
conducted by a reputed external agency recognized by Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control
Board.

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During project operation phase, a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) is proposed to be set up to treat the
effluent from the project colony. It is envisaged to analyse a sample quarterly, before and after
treatment from the STP. The parameters to be analysed include pH, Biochemical Oxygen Demand,
Chemical Oxygen Demand, Total Suspended Solids and Total Dissolved Solids. The analysis work
will be conducted by a reputed external agency recognized by Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control
Board.

6.2 Ambient Air Quality and Meteorology

Construction Phase:

The ambient air quality monitoring during construction phase will be carried out by an external
agency, approved by State Pollution Control Board at three major construction sites. Every year
monitoring is to be done for three seasons namely, winter, summer and post monsoon. The frequency
of monitoring will be twice a week for four consecutive weeks at each station for each season. The
parameters to be monitored are Particulate Matters (PM10 & PM2.5), Sulphur dioxide (SO2) and
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx). Every year, ambient air quality is to be monitored for (3 stations* twice a
week* four weeks*three seasons) 72 days.

A meteorological laboratory will be set up at one of the ambient air quality monitoring stations.
Automatic recording for temperature, wind speed and direction, humidity, rainfall will be carried out
at the site. This will be a permanent monitoring station and will continue throughout the life of the
project.

6.3 Noise

Construction Phase:

Noise emissions from vehicular movement, operation of the construction equipment will be monitored
during construction phase at major construction sites. The frequency of monitoring will be once every
three months. For monitoring of noise, Integrating Noise Level Meter will be required.

6.4 Ecology

Construction Phase:

A detailed ecological survey covering forestry, fisheries, wildlife is recommended during the entire
construction phase. The survey will be conducted once every year for the entire construction period.
The various aspects to be covered include qualitative and quantitative assessment of flora & fauna and
monitoring of restoration of muck disposal area.

Moreover, animal movement corridors and man/animal conflicts will be identified with the help of
local forest officials and local community.

Operation Phase:

Monitoring of aquatic ecology will be essential to achieve sustainable yield of fish. Some of the
parameters to be monitored are phytoplankton, zooplanktons, benthic life and fish composition, etc.
Status of greenbelt development, changes in migration patterns of the aquatic and terrestrial fauna
species will be studied. The monitoring work will be conducted by an independent agency.

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6.5 Incidence of Water-Related Diseases

Construction Phase

Identification of water-related diseases, adequacy of local vector control and curative measures, status
of public health are some of the parameters which will be closely monitored three times a year with
the help of data maintained in the government dispensaries/hospitals. The monitoring will be done by
Public Health Department and other infrastructure, e.g. hospitals and dispensaries near the project site.

Operation Phase

Increased prevalence of various vector borne diseases and adequacy of local vector control and
curative measures need to be monitored. The monitoring will be done three times in a year. The
monitoring will be done by Public Health Department or reputed hospitals engaged by the project
proponents.

6.6 Land Use

Operation Phase:

During project operation phase, it is proposed to monitor land use pattern once every year using
satellite data as procured by National Remote Sensing Agency, Hyderabad. A summary of the
Environmental Monitoring Plan for construction and operation phase is given in Table 6.1 and 6.2
below.

Table 6.1: Environmental Monitoring (Construction Phase)

Item Parameters Frequency Location

Effluent from pH, BOD, COD, TSS, TDS Monthly. After treatment for each
septic tanks septic tank.
Noise Equivalent noise level Once in a week. At major construction sites
Air quality PM10, PM2.5, SO2 and NOx, Once every season for four At major construction
weeks then twice a week. sites (total 3 stations).
Meteorological Wind direction and velocity, Continuous. At one of the ambient air
aspects temperature, humidity, rain quality sampling sites.
Flora and Qualitative and quantitative Once every year for the -
Fauna assessment of flora and fauna. entire construction period.
Animal movement corridors
and man/animal conflicts will be
identified
Aquatic Qualitative and quantitative Once every year for the -
Ecology assessment of flora and fauna entire construction period.

Table 6.2: Environmental Monitoring (Operation Phase)

Items Parameters Frequency Location
Water pH, temperature, EC, turbidity, total Thrice a 1 km up-stream of intake site
dissolved solids, calcium, magnesium, total year 3km downstream of the
hardness, chlorides, sulphates, nitrates, DO, confluence of the tail race
COD, BOD, Iron, Zinc and Manganese. discharge, with the river
Treated Effluent pH, BOD, COD, TSS, TDS Monthly Before and after treatment

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Items Parameters Frequency Location

from STP from STP

Erosion & Soil erosion rates, stability of bank, Once a -

Siltation embankment etc. year
Ecology Status of afforestation programs of green Once in -
belt development two years
Aquatic Phytoplankton, zooplanktons, benthic life, Thrice a 1 km up-stream of intake site
Ecology fish composition year 3 km downstream of the
confluence of the tail race
discharge with the river
Land Use Land use pattern using satellite data Once in a Catchment area
year
Soil pH, EC, texture, organic matter Once in a Catchment area
year
Indoor Air SPM and RSPM Twice a Power House Complex
Quality year

6.7 Adaptive Environmental Management Requirements

The concept of adaptive management has become a foundation of effective environmental

management for initiatives characterized by high levels of ecological uncertainty. Adaptive
environmental management is based upon the premise that managed ecosystems are complex and
inherently unpredictable. Adaptive management accepts the uncertainty that exists in the real world
rather than ignoring it. Consequently adaptive management views management actions as
experiments rather than solutions. Generally, adaptive management of environmental issues involve
the monitoring and evaluation of the environmental performance of a particular program or activity
and responding to that evaluation with appropriate changes to the program or activity. This is an
iterative process, repeated for as long as it takes for an environmental system to stabilize after an
impact.

Changes are to be made to the methods used to address and implement the impact management and
monitoring objectives determined for the project. An Adaptive Management approach will therefore
be adopted for environmental and social management components. Adaptive management will be
applied to following project related impacts for at least five years irrespective of changes to these
over five years period. If any impact does not show uncertainty within five years then that
component will be assumed to have stabilized for environmental complexity point of view:

6.8 River Water Quality

S B Power will continuously monitor river quality for three seasons every year at three locations
viz. at Rupin Hydropower Project intake structure, upstream of tailrace and downstream of tailrace.
The monitored results will be utilized for adaptive management of environmental and ecological
issues generated from managed flow.

6.9 Silt Load and Grain Size Distribution

Siltation is common phenomenon in Himalayan Rivers. Floods, landslides and other natural
disasters often dump large amount of silt in the river causing heavy load on power generating units
downstream. For Rupin Hydropower Project, measurement of silt load and grain size distribution

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every year in the river will be undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of CAT plan and further
mitigation/improvement measures required if any. State of the art tools and latest models will be
used for this study.

6.10 Indoor Air Quality at Power House Area

This is an important parameter for measuring occupational health of the operators in the power
house. Indoor air quality will be monitored twice a year for internationally established indoor air
quality parameters. The results will be utilized for designing effective air quality management in the
area and continuous improvement of the same.

6.11 Erosion and Landslide

Erosion and landslides will be monitored through photographic analysis of pre selected areas of
rock and land strata at six monthly intervals. S B Power team will undertake survey of the potential
areas, mark and photograph them on visible scale of clarity. Exercise will be repeated every six
month and comparative analysis will be made of photograph to identify changes, if any in the rock,
vegetation, and strata locations. A record will be maintained of changes occurring in the character
of the land strata and /or rock. Evaluation will be used for advance warning of possible erosion and
landslide possibility.

6.12 Changes in Flow of the Natural Water Source

Natural water resources will be monitored every year by S B Power physically to establish their
conditions and for maintaining record so that preventive measures for asset loss if any as established
during project preparation stage will be implemented effectively. This will be in addition to the
system where local people have access to project information system for notifying their complaints,
etc on the water resources status of the area.

6.13 Fish Management

Fish management approved by state fishery department will be implemented and evaluated for
progress every year. Adaptive management principles will be implemented in case the progress is
not found satisfactory.

6.14 Budget

The monitoring and evaluation process will require additional and at times, extensive surveys and
primary data collection, either to establish a base line or to measure changes. In order to respond to
evolving management needs, a contingency budget will be required-especially where response will
require capital works. Remaining requirement of contingency budget if any will be committed by S
B Power under performance commitment.

Construction Phase (4 Years)

Monitoring cost
Total cost in
Attribute Location & frequency Parameters per year in Rs.
Rs. (A x 4)
(A)
Air Quality Three locations (Gaon Pujarli, SO2, NOx, PM10, 12 samples @ 1,20,000
Phutadhar, Power House Site) PM2.5 Rs 2500 =
30,000 / -
River Water Three locations (up-stream of As per BIS 18 samples @ 2,88,000

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Monitoring cost
Total cost in
Attribute Location & frequency Parameters per year in Rs.
Rs. (A x 4)
(A)
intake site, downstream of power standard Rs. 4000/- =
house site, one in between the 72,000/-
project stretch); bimonthly
sampling
Septic tank Five locations; monthly sampling pH, BOD, COD, 60 samples @ 3,60,000 /-
effluent TSS, TDS, O&G Rs. 1500/- =
90,000/-
Erosion & Throughout the project stretch Soil erosion, 1,00,000/- 4,00,000 /-
Siltation (visual observation by experts stability of bank,
hired – yearly embankment etc.
Terrestrial The project stretch and immediate Status of 50,000/- 2,00,000 /-
Ecology surroundings including afforestation
afforestation programme (visual programs & green
observation by experts hired - belt development
yearly)
Aquatic Three locations along the project Phytoplankton, 12 sampling 4,80,000 /-
Ecology stretch - zooplanktons, @10,000/- =
(sampling – Quarterly) benthic life, fish 1,20,000/-
species
Soil Six locations in the project area – Physico-chemical 6 sampling 1,20,000 /-
once in a year parameters @5000/- =
30,000/-
Total Cost 4,92,000/- 19,68,000 /-

Operation Phase

Monitoring cost Total Cost in

Attribute Location & frequency Parameters
per year in Rs. Rs.
River Water Two locations (up-stream of As per BIS 6 samples @ Rs. Rs. 24,000/-
intake site, downstream of standard 4000/- =
confluence of the tail race 24,000/-
discharge with the river);
Three times/ year
STP Before and after treatment pH, BOD, COD, 24 samples @ Rs. 36,000/-
effluent from STP - monthly TSS, TDS, O&G Rs. 1500/- =
sampling 36,000/-
Erosion & Throughout the project Soil erosion, 1,00,000/- Rs. 1,00,000 /-
Siltation stretch (visual observation stability of bank,
by experts hired – yearly embankment etc.
Terrestrial The project stretch and Status of 50,000/- Rs. 50,000/-
Ecology immediate surroundings afforestation
including afforestation programs & green
programme (visual belt development
observation by experts hired
- yearly)
Aquatic Two locations along the Phytoplankton, 6 sampling Rs. 60,000 /-
Ecology project stretch – Three zooplanktons, @10,000/- =
times/ year benthic life, fish 60,000/-
species

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Monitoring cost Total Cost in

Attribute Location & frequency Parameters
per year in Rs. Rs.
Land Use Catchment area - yearly Land use pattern 4,00,000/- Rs. 4,00,000 /-
using satellite
data
Soil Six locations in the project Physico-chemical 6 sampling Rs. 30,000 /-
area – once in a year parameters @5000/- =
30,000/-
Total Cost Rs. 7,00,000/-

A total amount of INR 19.68 lacs is allotted for the compliance monitoring of environmental
quality during construction phase and 7.00 lacs /year during operational phase of the project.

For satisfactory inspection of the proposed environmental monitoring activities as stated above an
arrangement of vehicle for Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board is recommended. A total
amount of INR 8.00 Lacs is allotted for the budget of the Vehicle.

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C A TC H M EN T A R EA
TR E A TM EN T PLA N
Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

7 7. CATCHMENT AREA
TREATMENT PLAN

7.0 Introduction

Catchment Area treatment plan has become mandatory and an essential component of all the Hydro
Electric Power Development in India and abroad. In past all HEP were concerned only for river
inflow, river morphology, site geology and so on at the project site but these days catchment
characteristics in terms of physiography, geomorphology, climate, land use, soil, denudation
processes and conservational activities gained much importance to find out stress areas yielding
higher sediments on micro-watershed basis. This entire process is called as “Prioritization of Micro-
watersheds” into very high, high, medium, low, etc. sediment yielding categories for presenting a
watershed development plan. For this purpose, Sediment Yield Index Model developed by Soil and
Land Use Survey of India, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India was utilized in the preparation of
CAT plan for the Rupin Hydro Electric Project and relevant information has been given below.

7.1 Rupin HEP, Shimla District Himachal Pradesh

The state of Himachal Pradesh is located in the northern belt of the country and covers 55673 sq.km
geographical areas. For administrative purpose, Himachal Pradesh has 12 districts, 75 Tehsils and 52
sub-divisions. The major river systems are Chandra Bhaga (Chenab), Ravi, Sutlej and Yamuna. These
perennial rivers are snow and rain fed. The state is bounded by Tibet in the east, Jammu and Kashmir
in the north and Punjab in the north. The entire state is mountainous with an altitude ranging from 350
to 7000m above the mean sea level. There is general increase in elevation from the west to east and
from south to north. Steep fall in slopes even in smaller Perennial River flows make Himachal
Pradesh rank high in generating Hydro-electric Power. In this pursuit Rupin HEP has been proposed
on River Rupin, a major tributary of River Tons and Yamuna.

7.2 Rupin HEP

This project has been conceived to generate 45MW of electricity by exploiting water resources of
Rupin and Nargani River in the Dodra- Kawar Tehsil of Shimla district at an elevation of 1910 to
2250m above the mean sea level in lesser Himalayas. The diversion structure is located across river
Rupin at 310 15’ 17’’ N Latitude and 780 5’ 45’’ E Longitude and on river Nargani 310 15’ 21’’ N
Latitude and 780 7’ 8’’ E Longitude. It has been planned to divert Nargani water to Rupin and then to
power house at a longitude of 780 4’ 26’’ E and 310 12’15’’ N Latitude. The nearest railway station is
Kalka-300 Km and nearest airport is Shimla at a distance of 210 Km from the Power house.

7.3 Catchment Area Treatment Plan (CATP)

7.3.1 The main objectives of the CAT Plan are:

 Conservation of soil and water in the Rupin HEP and ensure the longevity of the Hydel
power project.
 Suggest Neo Silvi-pastoral-agrarian industrial ventures to promote the concept of Bio-
industrial watershed.
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 Promote peoples participation in project concept, execution and management to provide

employment to the local people and to attain socio-economical development.
 Suggest ecological rehabitational measures for physical and biological disturbances during
the project execution.

7.3.2 Sediment Yield Index Methodology:

The Sediment Yield Index model is based on mapping Erosion Intensity Mapping Units (EIMU)
which is a composite expression of physiography, land use, soil, erosion and conservation practices
adopted. The EIMUs are assigned varying weightages from 11-18 or so implying the sediment
detachment potential. Higher the weightage, higher will be the detachment potential. It is further
subjected to a delivery ratio and is important to convey as to how much of the detached sediment is
likely to reach to the reservoir site.

Many factors like proximity to the reservoirs/ stream, texture of the eroded material, type of erosion,
relief length ratio, etc. are important to fix the delivery ratio. This is further subjected to 2-3 stage
system of nalla or rivers, entrapments through tanks or reservoirs call for reduction of the delivery
ratios. The computation of the Sediment Yield Index (SYI) is done by using the following formula:

SYI = ∑ W * A * DR *100
∑ A (MWS)
∑ = Summation
W = Weightage of the EIMU
A = Area
DR = Delivery Ratio
A (MWS) = Area of micro watershed

Once the micro watershed wise SYI are computed they are arranged in decreasing order of SYI i.e.
highest silt yield index micro watershed will have the first priority number followed by arranging the
rest of MWS in decreasing order of SYI. Prioritization into very high, high, medium, low and very
low is done based on the frequency distribution of the SYI.

As per guidelines from the Central Water Commission, the very high and high priority MWS areas
around the Diversion dam periphery and directly draining very high/ high areas in the close
contributing zone are then selected for soil and water conservation planning.

7.3.3 Rupin Catchment Characteristics

a. Location and Extent

The Rupin HEP Catchment area falls under Dodra- Kawar Tehsil of Shimla district of
Himachal Pradesh. It is located in extreme eastern part of Shimla district and is about 100 Km
away from Shimla via Theog, Halkeli, Chirgaon, and the site. It is spread over 310 13’ 08’’ and
310 22’ E longitude and 780 2’ 56’’ and 780 18’ 51’’ N latitude. Relatively, it is thinly populated
area with few villages namely Jiskon, Jakha, Dhargaon, Sari, Bhkhrimar, Pondary,
Ghankhuwat and Surwari. The nearest dispensary is at Kawar and Dodra. The communication
system and transport network could not be developed due to hostile terrain. Since the
population is sparse, this project will have to import both technical and non technical work
force from outside the area. Figure 7.1 display the location in the Shimla district Himachal
Pradesh.

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Figure 7.1: Location Map of Rupin HEP Catchment

b. Physiography

The entire catchment is characterised by mountains of complex topography with three distinct
altitudinal zones, namely: i) Higher altitudinal zone (4000-6000m at msl), ii) Middle
altitudinal (2700-4000m above msl), and iii) Lower altitudinal Zone (1500 to 2700m above
msl). The minimum altitude in this Catchment is 2162 m above msl and maximum altitude
reaches to 5381m above msl. The micro watershed-wise altitudinal zone areas have been
computed and presented in Table 7.1. An abstract of percentage distribution of different
altitudinal zones in Rupin HEP Catchment is given below and presented in Figure 7.2.

Table 7.1: Abstract of Percentage Distribution of Altitudinal Zone in Rupin HEP

Catchment (Source: Primary Data)
Rupin SWS Nargani SWS Total
Altitudinal Zone
Area (ha) % Area (ha) Total % Area (ha) %
j1-j8 n m k
I (1500-2700) 384 5.8 0 415 420 835 4.8 1219 5
II (2700- 4000) 3505 53.3 1614 2839 3154 7607 43.6 11112 46.3
III (4000-6000) 2688 40.9 5395 1331 2276 9002 51.6 11690 48.7
Total 6577 100 7009 4585 5850 17444 100 24091 100
Percentage 27.3 - 72.7

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 The above altitudinal zone statistics reveals that the Rupin sub water comprising of 8
micro watersheds covering only 27.3% of the total catchment area; whereas the
Nargani sub watersheds namely n, m, k together covers a maximum area of 72.7% of
the total Rupin HEP Catchment.
 By and large, the higher altitudinal zone (AZ-III) from 4000-6000 is the dominant
landscape followed by AZ II from 2700-4000m above msl. The lower AZ I below
2700m above msl covers only 5% of the total catchment area.
 In Rupin sub watershed AZ II is a dominant landscape covering 53.3% area followed
by AZ III (40.9%) with 5.8% under AZ I.
 In contrast, the Nargani watershed namely n, m, k shows clear dominance of AZ III
(4000-6000m above msl) followed by AZ II (43.6%) and lowest4.8% is covered
under AZ I. Within the Nargani sub watersheds n sub watershed has the dominance
AZ III; whereas in m and k sub watersheds AZ II, (2700-4000 above msl)
predominates with relative low share by AZ II. AZ I is almost absent in n sub
watershed. All this statistics is relevant to understand the predominance of erosion
intensity mapping units in terms of water donor and sediment contributing areas.

Figure 7.2: Micro Watershed-Wise Area under Different Altitudinal Zones in Rupin HEP
Catchment

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46.30% 48.70%
50%

45%

40%

35%

30%
1500-2700
25% 2700-4000

4000-6000
20%

15%

10% 5%

5%

0%
1500-2700 2700-4000 4000-6000

Figure 7.3: Graph Showing the Total Geographical Coverage under Each Zone

c. Slope Analysis

Terrain slopes are important as they govern soil formation, runoff generation and resultant
less of precious soils, freedom of movement, communication and so on. As such 5 such
classes have been mapped in the Rupin catchment viz i) <15%; ii) 15-25%; iii) 25-35%; iv)
35-50%; and v) above 50%. The extent under each slope class has been presented on the
micro watershed basis in Table 7.2. An abstract of percentage distribution of different slope
classes in Rupin Hep catchment is given below and presented in Figure 7.5.

Table 7.2: Abstract of Percentage Distribution of Extent under Different Slope Class in
Rupin HEP Catchment (Source: Primary Data)

Rupin Nargani SWS

Slope SWS Total
j n m k Total
Class
Area % Area % Area % Area % Area % Area %
10-15 779 11.8 1282 18.3 230 5.0 636 10.9 2045 11.7 2784 11.6
15-25 1168 17.8 2038 29.1 642 14.0 1360 23.0 3832 22.0 4941 20.6
25-35 1945 29.6 1936 27.6 1373 19.6 1782 30.4 4789 27.5 6636 27.6
35-50 1962 29.8 1373 19.6 1486 32.4 1310 22.4 3965 22.7 5828 24.4
>50 723 11.0 380 5.4 914 20.0 776 13.3 1969 11.3 2656 11.0
Total 6577 100 7009 100 4585 100 5850 100 17444 100 24021 100
% 27.3 72.7

The slope analysis statistics reveals that both extreme slopes of 10-15% and > 50% almost
cover identical areas of about 11.6% and 11% respectively under the Rupin HEP catchment.
Slopes between 25 to 50% almost occupy 52% of the catchment area. Whereas 15-25% slopes
class covers about 20.6% area.
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Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

In Rupin and Nargani sub watersheds there are considerable variations in slope class
percentages. Some of the important observations are:

Extent under 25- 50% slope classes in Rupin sub-watershed is much higher (59.4%) than in
Nargani sub-watershed (m, n & k = 50 - 2.1)
Extent under 15-25% slope class in Nargani sub watershed is much higher (22%) than Rupin
sub watershed (J-17.2%)
The above observation concludes that Nargani sub watershed terrain is relatively milder than
Rupin sub watershed.
Within the Nargani sub watersheds, the n sub watershed has relatively highest percentage
under slope classes between 10-25% (29.1%) followed by K sub watershed (23.0%)
Relatively, extent under > 50% slope class is highest under m sub watershed of Nargani
tributary (20%)

All this information can be utilized while preparing the catchment area treatment plan.

30.0

25.0

20.0
0-15%

15-25%
15.0
25-35%

35-50%
10.0 >50%

5.0

0.0
0-15% 15-25% 25-35% 35-50% >50%

Figure 7.4: Graph Showing % Slope of Areas in the Overall Catchment.

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Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

Figure 7.5: Slope Map of Rupin HEP Catchment

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Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

d. River System

The Rupin River and its tributaries are mostly snow fed. It originates from the Rupin pass or
Pobang from a height of about 5583m above the mean sea level. It flows in a south westerly
direction. Its run in the catchment is about 15 km. A Tela Gad stream joins Rupin on its right
bank. The Nargani River joins Rupin near village Jishkun. The run of Nargani River is larger
than Rupin and covers the stretch of 23 km. It originates from a height of about 5420 m above
the mean sea level from Honia glacier or Shinka Pass. The Nargani has large number of
prominent tributaries namely:

Right Bank: Dodu Gad, Kunool Gad, Miyan Gad and Devrari Khad
Left Bank: Guglar Khad, Mordhala Gad and Warada Khad

The Warada Khad has the longest run of 11.5 km amongst all the tributaries of Nargani.
Relatively the Nargani River valley is U-shaped and its left bank is broad and has milder
terrain as compared to its right bank. Figure 7.6 shows the drainage map of the Rupin HEP
catchment.

Guglar Gad

Figure 7.6: Drainage Map of Rupin Catchment

According to Watershed Atlas of India (1992), the Rupin catchment form part of the 2C6D4
watershed. The 2C6D covers Tons-Yamuna which implies that Rupin is the tributary of Tons
river which in turn joins Yamuna River.

The Rupin catchment/ watershed are subdivided into 4 sub watersheds and 24 micro
watersheds. The names of micro watershed wherever available (Table 7.3) are given below
and shown in Figure 7.7.

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Table 7.3: Micro Watershed Name along with their Description

Watershed
Description
Name
J Rupin Sub watershed
j1 Lower Rupin
j2 Tela Gad
j3, j4, j5, j6, j7, Micro watersheds are the divisions of the Rupin V-shaped valley in an ascending
j8 order
M Sub watershed: Right Bank of Nargani River
m2 Lower Devrari Khad
m3 Upper Devrari Khad
m4 Miyan Khad
m6 Kunool Gad
K Sub watershed: Left Bank of Nargani River
k2 Lower Warada Khad
k3 Upper Warada Khad
k4 Directly draining into Nargani River
k5 Mordhala Gad
N Right Bank of Nargani River
n1 Lower Dodu Gad
n2 Upper Dodu Gad
N Left Bank of Nargani River
n1 Lower Guglar Gad
n2 Middle Guglar Gad
n3 Upper Guglar Gad
(Source: Primary Data)

Figure 7.7: Sub-watershed and Micro-watershed delineated in Rupin HEP Catchment

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A brief description of sub watershed wise (SWS), image based land use are given below and
shown in Figure 7.8.

 „J’ sub watershed: Upto confluence with Nargani

It is composed of 8 MIWS and shows the dominance of AZ-II covering 50.7% area followed
by AZ- III (40.5%) with lowest area under AZ-I (8.8%). The permanently snow covered areas
(PSCA) occupy 23.8% area; whereas seasonally snow covered areas (SSCA) exceeds PSCA
and shares 25.6% area. Rocky and barren wastelands share about 12.1% area. Interestingly,
seasonal grass & shrubs and dense forest shares 48.2% and 8.8%, respectively, of which
former group of grasses and shrubs cover the highest SWS areas in Rupin HEP catchment.

 „K’ sub watershed: Warada and Mordhala Khad

It is composed of 5 MIWS with codes from k1 to k5. Both AZ-II and AZ-III cover almost
equal areas of 44.7% and 43.1% areas, respectively with lowest of 12.2% under AZ-I. PSCA
occupies 27.8%, whereas SSCA are limited to 16.5% of the sub watershed. These SWS shares
the highest percentage of 28.9% area under rocky and barren lands. Relatively, seasonal
vegetation and dense forest cover about 18.4% and 8.4%, respectively, which is somehow the
lowest among the Rupin HEP catchment sub watershed.

 „M’ sub watershed: Devrari, Miyan and Kunool Gad

It is composed of 6 MIWS and shows the dominance of AZ-II (52.5%) followed by AZ-III
(29.9%) with lowest 17.6% under AZ-I. SSCA occupies 20.5% and exceeds PSCA of 16%.
Rocky and barren lands are spread over 10.9% area. Interestingly, this sub watershed scores
the highest area under the dense forest covering 16.4% area, whereas, additional 36.5% area
is under grassland and scrub lands.

 „N’ sub watershed: Guglar and Dodu Khad

This sub watershed is located in the extreme eastern part of the Rupin HEP catchment and is
composed of 5 MIWS coded as n1 to n5. A maximum of 79.1 % area falls under AZ-III and is
the highest occupation of percentage area under AZ-III, and remaining area falls under AZ-II.
Surprisingly, AZ-I is conspicuously absent from this sub watershed, in other words, entire sub
watershed is above the tree line.

The PSCA shares a maximum of 51%, whereas SSCA occupy 20.4% area. Rocky and barren
land areas in this sub watershed are the lowest of 6.5%. The grassland and scrub cover an area
of 30%, dense forest are almost absent from this sub watershed possibly due to climatic
limitations. Table 7.4 presents a compilation of this sub watershed-wise land use statistics
and depicted in Figure 7.6.

Table 7.4: Percentage Distribution of Sub Watershed-wise Land Use Statistics

Land use
Sub
Permanently Snow Seasonally Snow Rocky and Seasonal Dense
Watershed
Covered Area Covered Area Barren Vegetation Grass Forest
Code
(PSCA) (SSCA) Land (RBL) & Scrub (SVGS) (DF)
j 23.8 25.6 12.1 48.2 8.8
k 27.8 16.5 28.9 18.4 8.4
m 16.0 20.5 10.9 36.5 16.4

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Land use
Sub
Permanently Snow Seasonally Snow Rocky and Seasonal Dense
Watershed
Covered Area Covered Area Barren Vegetation Grass Forest
Code
(PSCA) (SSCA) Land (RBL) & Scrub (SVGS) (DF)
n 51.0 20.4 6.5 30.0 -
* percentages exceeds 100% because of some EIMU area falls under one broad category but sub category differed especially
the SSCA which remains rocky in one sub category while some areas spring up with seasonal vegetation which is counted
under seasonal vegetation as a result total exceeds 100%. This has been done to emphasize the areas requiring seasonal
vegetation management.
(Source: Primary Data)

Figure 7.8: Sub Watershed-wise Land Use Statistics

e. Agro-climate/ Ecological Regions

According to the Agro-Ecological Regions of the National Bureau of Soil Survey and
Landuse planning, Nagpur this Rupin HEP catchment area falls under Agro-Ecological
Region-14 coded as A5C (BA) 4(5) which implies Western Himalayas, warm sub humid (to
humid with inclusions of per humid) eco region with brown forest and podzolic soils having a
growing period of 180-210 days and a mix of „1’ cold arid eco-region with shallow skeletal
soils and length of growing period is less than <90 days. Study area receives less than 1000
mm. Snow may fall as early as October but usually from latter part of December and
continues till middle of March. Mean maximum temperature of Shimla is 19.23°C and mean
minimum temperature is 11.41°C but goes down much below the freezing point in higher
altitudes of the study area. The temperature regime of the higher altitude is cryic and mesic in
middle and lower altitude. The permafrost conditions prevail in some parts. Udic soil
moisture regime prevails in middle and lower parts of the catchment.

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f. Geology and Soils

The catchment area is composed of migmatite and limesilic crystalline complex of early and
middle proterozoic rock belonging to Jutogh group comprising carbonaceous
schist/limestone, mica schist and the schistose quartzite. As per the seismic zone map, the
project area falls under Seismic Zone IV which implies susceptibility to major earthquakes.
These rocks are highly jointed and fractured at places.

Soils of this catchment are a mix of arid ecosystem of Western Himalayas having shallow
skeletal soils with limited growing season. They are mostly Lithic Cryorthents and Typic
Cryorthents. These soils are mostly associated with high elevations above 4000 m an msl.
With decrease in elevation soils become moderately deeper with sandy skeletal Typic
Udorthents having udic moisture regime. These soils also occur as a mix in rocky lands.
Catchment also witnessed some fluvial deposits belonging to Typic Udifluvents mostly
associated with river terraces.

The physico-chemical analysis of surface soils are presented in Table 7.5 and comments are
given below. The soil sample sites are shown in Figure 7.9.

 The power house site soils are brown, neutral non saline loams with medium content
of organic carbon, available phosphorous and potassium. The sodium absorption ratio
is normal.

 The Nargani Barrage site soils are grey, nearly neutral, non-saline sandy clay loam and
belong to fine loamy groups of texture. The organic carbon content is very low and
available phosphorous, potassium and total nitrogen content are also low. The
bicarbonate and chloride content and SAR are not harmful.

 The soils of Rupin Barrage site are blackish brown, neutral, non-saline sandy clay and
belong to fine textural groups. The organic matter is below the detectable limits. The
available phosphorous, potassium and total nitrogen content are low. The bicarbonates
and SAR are below the harmful limits.

 The Rupin and Nargani confluence soils are brownish, neutral, non-saline gravelly
clay and belong to fine textural groups. The organic matter, available phosphorous,
potassium and total nitrogen content are low implying low soil fertility. The
bicarbonate and chloride content in these soils are normal.

Table 7.5: Physico-Chemical Analysis of Surface Soil Samples from Rupin HEP
Catchment
Location
SS1 SS2 SS3 SS4 CAT1 CAT2 CAT3
Particulars
TRT- BS- BS- BS- RUS- Village NUS-
PHS Nargani Rupin Confluence Jakha Jishkun Pandara
pH 6.8 6.64 6.73 6.82 6.73 6.84 6.82
Blackish-
Color Brown Grey Brown Black Brown Black
brown
EC (1:2
231 142 131 138 190 236 162
water) MS/cm

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Location
SS1 SS2 SS3 SS4 CAT1 CAT2 CAT3
Particulars
TRT- BS- BS- BS- RUS- Village NUS-
PHS Nargani Rupin Confluence Jakha Jishkun Pandara
Moisture % 6.20 5.90 0.56 4.20 2.60 3.20 3.40
Organic
0.70 0.08 BDL 0.32 5.69 2.60 3.47
Carbon %
P available,
24.09 6.96 9.14 11.18 18.15 6.89 4.69
mg/100gm
Total Kjehldal
0.0062 0.0035 0.0049 0.0056 0.0062 0.0076 0.012
Nitrogen %
Chloride
4.99 4.99 8.98 10.97 9.11 13.01 15.02
mg/100gm
Bicarbonate % 0.006 0.005 0.003 0.005 0.064 0.0259 0.0063
K available
2.71 2.34 2.09 2.64 26.80 18.40 18.60
mg/100gm
Na available
4.35 3.67 3.14 2.96 3.430 29.53 26.60
mg/100gm
Ca available
17.64 16.03 15.23 14.43 1035.67 86.57 607.61
mg/100gm
Mg available
9.75 8.28 8.26 7.31 235.90 24.01 184.20
mg/100gm
SAR 0.65 0.59 0.59 0.50 0.79 2.29 0.77
Particle size
<0.002 mm, 18.60 21.80 36.70 46.50 35.00 38.00 42.00
% by wt.
Particle size
0.05- 0.002 42.20 5.80 36.70 46.50 49.00 44.00 12.50
mm, % by wt.
Particle size
2.0-0.05 mm, 39.20 72.40 52.20 38.10 16.00 18.00 46.00
% by wt.
Gravels >2.0
mm (% by 10.80 12.40 7.50 20.40 15.30 17.6 11.3
wt.)
Textural Class Sandy- Gravelly Gravelly
Sandy Gravelly Sandy
Loam clay silty clay- silty clay-
clay clay clay
loam loam loam
* PHS- Power House Site; BS- Barrage Site; RUS- Rupin Upstream; NUS- Nargani Upstream
(Source: Primary Data)

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Figure 7.9: Map Showing Soil Sample Sites

 The Rupin upstream surface soil sample from Jakha Village is black, neutral, non-
saline, gravelly silty clay loam and belongs to five loamy textural groups. The organic
matter content is very high and available phosphorous is medium but available
potassium is low overall, the soil fertility is moderate. Soil’s bicarbonate and SAR are
normal. Gravels are more than 15%, hence texture is called as gravelly. The
exchangeable calcium and magnesium are high.

 The Rupin upstream soil sample from the Jishkun is similar to Jakha village sample
except that the exchangeable calcium and magnesium are relatively low.

 The Nargani upstream soil sample from Pandara village is black, neutral, non-saline
sandy clay and belongs to fine textural group. They are high in organic matter, low in
available phosphorous and moderate in potassium content. The exchangeable calcium
and magnesium are on higher side. The bicarbonate level and chloride content are
normal.

In general, soils of the lower catchment are neutral in soil reaction, non-saline, variable
organic matter, low to moderate soil fertility and have large variations in soil textures
from loam to clay and sandy clay. These fine loamy and fine soils are dispersible and
are a source of sedimentation.

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Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
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g. Natural Vegetation

In general the Rupin HEP catchment area falls under a mixed vegetation of coniferous and
braod leaf vegetation and show altitudinal stratification. The altitude varies from 2162 to
5381 m above the mean sea level (msl). The forest can be categorized as „Moist Deodar
Forests’ (Cedrus deodara) and is found between 1800 - 2450 m above mean sea level.
Whereas, the „Western Mixed Deciduous Forest’ lies between 2000 - 3050 m above mean sea
level invariably above the Devdar Zone. The Birch- Rhododendron Scrub Forest is found
above the upper parts of the coniferous zone. The vegetation types around the Rupin and the
Nargani diversion site belongs to „Western Mixed Coniferous Forest’ between 2000- -3050 m
above mean sea level and „Moist Temperate Deciduous Forest’ between 1600 – 2500 m
above mean sea level.

The tree line is reached around 3950 m above mean sea level beyond which are the
„Himalayan Meadows ’. The snow line is reached around 4600 m above mean sea level or so.
The distribution of different species follows fairly regular altitudinal stratification except
where the micro climate changes due to aspect and exposure and local changes due to rock
and soils bring the „vegetation inversion’ i.e. the vegetation which otherwise occur at higher
altitude are found projected in the lower zone and vice versa.

A comprehensive list of plant species found in 3 locations namely:

1) Above 3050 m altitude

2) 2000 m – 3050 m
3) 1800 m – 2450 m and
4) 1600 m – 2500 m above mean sea level

This floristic composition is tabulated below to grasp their altitudinal association.

Table 7.6: Distribution of Plant Species and their Medicinal Properties

2000 1800 1600
Above m to m to m to
Botanical Name Local Name Medicinal Properties
3050 m 3050 2450 2500
m m m
TREES
Abes spectabils Tosh    - -
Acer acuminatum Kunjla -    -
Aesculus indica Khanor -    -
Alnus nepalensis Bam -   - -
Betula utilis Bhuj patra  - - - -
Cerdus deodara Diar -    -
Cletis austrilis Kharal -  -  -
Cornus
Kakshi -  -  -
macrophylla
Corylus colurna Shroli -  -  -
Juglans regina
Akrot -    -
Linn.
Litsaea sp. Morat/Morad -  -  -
Pinus smithiana Rai -    -
Pinus wallichiana Kail
-    -
A.

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2000 1800 1600

Above m to m to m to
Botanical Name Local Name Medicinal Properties
3050 m 3050 2450 2500
m m m
Pinus roxburghii Chil -  -  -
Prunus armanica Chuli -    -
Quercus dilatate
Moru -    -
lindl
Quercus
Ban   - - -
lecotrichophora
Salix depenoides Basal -    -
Salix wallichiana Bashur -    -
Taxus baccata Thuna  - - - -
Ulnus wallichiana Maran -    -
Lyonia ovalifolia Khaduk - -   -
Morus himaliana Kimu - -   -
Morus serrata Thutal - -   -
SHRUBS
Berberis aristata Kashmol    
Eye disorder, extreme
Berberis chitria Kashmol - -  
fever, blood purifier,
Cotoneaster Raush urinary disorder
 -  
bacillaris
Caesalpinia Narik
- -  - -
bondue
Myrsine africana Biswan - -  - -
Prinsepia utilis Bhekul - -  - -
Rhododendron Brass
-    -
arboreum
Rhododendron Samrat
  -  -
companulatum
Rhus pujabensis Guptiwarh - -   -
HERBS
Old age disorder,
enhances digestion, liver
Gentina kurroo Nilkanthi    -
problems, mild fever,
urinary disorder
Healthy food, sperm
Polygonatum sp. Meda    - enhancer, bawasir-
tumour
Musculo-skeletal
Tharu
Prunala vulgaris    - disorder, paralysis, anti-
microbes
Blood purifier, cough
Rhodiola
Vanpasa -   - expectorant, mouth and
wallichiana
throat diseases.
Rosa macrophylla Pahari gulab
-   - -
lindl
Musculo-skeletal
Urlica ardens Karla -   -
disorder
Valerana Provide calmness,
Sameva -   -
hardwicki paralysis.
Viola spp Kailash -   - Stone problem and

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2000 1800 1600

Above m to m to m to
Botanical Name Local Name Medicinal Properties
3050 m 3050 2450 2500
m m m
antibiotic
Withenia Ashwagandtha Arthritis, joint swelling,
-   -
somnifera cough.
Good digester, Urinary
Achyranthus Apamar
-    disorder, anti
aspera
musculoskeletal disorder
Aconitum Improve digestion, used
Atish
heterophyllum -    as anti-vomiting, worm
Wall. killer.
Allium Faran Heart inflammation and
-   
consanguineurm as spice.
Alliums spp. Ladu/Pagri -   
Anaphalis spp - -    -
Arundinari
Nirgal -  - - -
falcatal
Sperm enhancer, breast
Asparagus Musli
-    enhancer, healthy food,
recemosus
blood stone remover
Berginia ciliata Silla -    -
Breathing problem,
Bistorta Kukdi/ Ninai
-    fever, heart disorder &
macrophylla
bronchitis
Canabis sativa Bhang -  -  -
Dactylorhiza Hattajodi
-    Sperm enhancer
halagirea
Datura
Datura -    -
stamonium
Root paste is used
Doronicum against snake bite, cough
Kauni -   
royelii & cold, liver disorder and
dysentery
Strength provider and
Elophia clabia Sali misri -   
sperm enhancer
Festula rubra - -  -  -
Girardiana Bichhu Musculo-skeletal
-   
hererophylla Khaduk disorder
Heart disease, ulcer,
Hippophea Amlich
-    stomach disorder, cough
rhamnoides
remover
Stimulator, cough
Ban tulsi remover, breathing
Orignum vulgare -   
disorder, used as paste on
wounds
Heart and breathing
Paris polyphylla Badra Satuwa -   
disorder
Taukari Anti musculo-skeletal
Physalis agulata -   
disorder, urinary

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2000 1800 1600

Above m to m to m to
Botanical Name Local Name Medicinal Properties
3050 m 3050 2450 2500
m m m
disorder, breath
improver, extract is
mixed with rice water as
soup for milk enhancer
Plantago
Ugal -    -
lanceolata
Porophyllum
Berala -    -
japonicum
Salvia panata Chhichhri -    -
Solanum nigram Makoch Urinary disorder, liver
-   
Linn. disorder
Chirata For various fever,
Swartia chirata -   
appetite increaser
Stimulator, anti-
Jungli
musculo-skeletal
Taddalia asiatica kalimirch -   
disorder, fever
prevention
Urinary disorder, heart
Taraxacum Dugdhfeni
-    beat enhancer, anti
officinale
cough, blood purifier
Tarracetiem Guggul Worm killer, stimulator,
-   
longifolium arthritis and insect killer
Dry cough, bronchitis,
Ajwain
Thymus linearis -    breathing and digestive
disorders
Trillichium Heart and breathing
Chuta Satuwa -   
govania disorder
GRASSES
Bromus spp. Ghass -    -
Cenchrus Ghass -
-   
echinatus
Chrysopopgan Ghass -
-   
zizanoides
Cynodon dactylis Ghass -    -
Dactylis Ghass -
-   
glomarata
Lolium perenne Ghass -    -
Phleum pratense Ghass -    -
CLIMBERS
Dioscorea Kandara
-    -
deltoideas
Peuraria
- - - -  -
thunbergiana
Cissus rependa - -  -  -
Cissampelos -
- - -  
parraria
(Source: Primary Data)

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Table 7.6 reveals that floristic diversity and an assemblage of tree, shrub, herbs, grasses and
climbers are more diverse and dense between 1600 to 3050 m above the mean sea level and
decreases drastically above this limit until the tree line as explained elsewhere in this report. This
table enlists a large number of herbs having medicinal values. Locals collect this herbal treasure;
as a result, some of them are on the verge of extinction. Name of such species have been recorded
in Chapter 3. This catchment treatment plan will also highlight this activity and shall give
emphasis on its commercial importance and care.

h. Land use and Agriculture

The Rupin HEP catchment is mountainous and hilly and forms part of the sub humid
ecosystem of Western Himalayas and also part of cold arid eco-region. The land use as
interpreted from the multi data satellite imagery of March and October has been presented in
Figure 7.10 (a) & 7.10 (b). The erosion intensity mapping unit data on land use reveals that
31.2% of the catchment area is covered under permanent snow; whereas, 20.7% area is under
seasonally snow covered area for a period of 6-months or so and can be referred as „Water
Donor Area’. Dense forest cover is spread over 4.8% area especially in the AZ-I; seasonal
vegetation cover of herbs and grassy meadows cover 26.2% area. A mixed land use consisting
of agriculture habitation and forest occupy a small area of 2.8%. Rocky and barren covers a
substantial area of 14.1% in this catchment. Table 7.7 presents a land use statistics as inferred
from the satellite data.

Sub watershed- wise land use salient features:

 Highest permanently snow covered area are in „n’ sub watershed (51.0%)
 Highest seasonally snow covered area are in „j’ sub watershed (25.6%)
 Highest rocky and barren lands are in „k’ sub watershed
 Highest coverage under seasonal vegetation, grasses and scrub, are in „j’ sub
watershed (48.2%)
 Highest coverage under the dense forest is in „m’ sub watershed (16.4%)
 Dense forest is significantly absent in „n’ sub watershed

Table: 7.7: Broad Land Use Statistics of Rupin HEP Catchment, Himachal Pradesh

S. No. Land use Area (ha) Percentage

1 Permanently Snow Covered Area 7430 31.2
2 Seasonally Snow Covered Area 4947 20.8
3 Rocky and Barren Lands 3356 14.1
4 Seasonal Vegetation on Rocky Land 6219 26.2
5 Dense Forest 1133 4.8
Mixed Land Use, Dense Forest,
6 674 2.8
Habitation, Limited Agriculture
7 Water Body 24 0.1
Total 23783 100
(Source: Primary Data)
Most significant observation from the table reveals that 20.8% of the area can be called as
„Water Donor Area’ and is spread over in the entire Rupin and Nargani sub watershed.
Incipient gains can be had from the permanently snow covered areas also. The land use
statistics of Dodra- Kwar tehsil shows that pasture land 85.77% and forest (10.09%) takes the
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large share while barren land (0.07%), uncultivable land (1.04%) Banjar Kasht (0.24%)
covers very small area. Agriculture is limited to 2.79%. The Rupin HEP catchment land
utilization statistic as generated from satellite sata, as explained earlier and presented in Table
7.8 shows departures from the tehsil statistics due to its mountainous and dominance of high
altitude.

Table 7.8: Sub Watershed and Altitudinal Zone-Wise Broad Land Use Percentage
Statistics of Rupin HEP Catchment, Himachal Pradesh
j k m n Total
Land Use AZ- AZ- AZ- AZ- AZ- AZ- AZ- AZ- AZ- AZ- AZ- AZ-
I II III I II III I II III I II III
Permanently
Snow Covered - - 23.8 - - 27.8 - - 16.0 - - 51.0 31.2
Area
Seasonally
Snow Covered - 18.7 6.9 - 5.2 11.3 - 8.5 12.0 - 2.7 17.7 20.8
Area
Rocky and
- 4.8 7.3 3.0 23.4 2.5 - 9.0 1.9 - 0.2 6.3 14.1
Barren Lands
Seasonal
Vegetation
- 44.3 3.9 0.8 16.1 1.5 1.2 35.3 - - 20.7 9.3 26.2
(Grasses &
Shrubs)
Dense Forest
includes minor
extract under 8.8 - - 8.4 - - 16.4 - - - - - 7.7
agriculture &
habitation
8.8 67.8 41.9 12.2 44.7 43.1 17.6 52.8 29.9 - 23.6 83.3 100
(Source: Primary Data)
Limited agriculture is seen in the catchment and comprises mainly of millet farming and
associated crops. Cultivation is mainly done of cholai, kuttu (local name „ugla’ & common
name Buck Wheat). Chitra rajma (red kidney beans) can withstand temperature variation.
Two types of apples namely golden apple and ordinary apple, walnut, plum, wild apricot, pear
are grown as horticultural crops. In agricultural crops- cholai, ogla, koda, wheat, rice, maize,
beans and have variable harvesting periods. Potato and cabbage are preferred in vegetable
crops. Mixed cropping of maize + beans, apple + potato, cholai + beans are commonly
adopted in the Dodra-Kwar tehsil. Rainfed farming is in vogue. Limited irrigation is from
local ponds and tanks. Crop yields are low, chemical fertilizer use is negligible. On the
contrary, only organic manures, mostly farm yard manure are used in this catchment.

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Figure 7.10 (a): Satellite Imagery of March 2010 for Rupin HEP Catchment

Figure 7.10 (b): Satellite Imagery of October 2010 for Rupin HEP Catchment

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7.4 Rupin HEP Catchment Erosion Intensity Mapping Units

In previous chapter, catchment characterization on physiography, relief, slope, drainage, geology,

soils, erosion status, landslides, and slips of the Rupin catchment have been discussed but is not
enough to locate the highly eroding site specific micro watersheds could not be identified. In order to
achieve this objective and to assess the most eroding micro watersheds, 25 composite erosion
intensity mapping units have been formed after the visual image interpretation of the IRS P6, LISS-III
satellite data of March and October 2007. Figure 7.10 (a) & 7.10 (b) shows a view of satellite
imagery of the study area to impress upon the seasonal changes. The :

1) High altitude landscape (4000-6000 m above mean sea level)

2) Medium altitude landscape (2700-4000 m above mean sea level)
3) Low altitude landscape (1500-2700 m above mean sea level)

Further subdivision has been done on the basis of permanently snow covered and seasonally snow
covered area to get an idea about the run off donor areas. EIMU distinguishes sub divisions on the
basis of intensity of rocky and barren areas and slopes especially above 50% to emphasise that such
areas should be reserved for natural regeneration. The importance of weightage and delivery ratios has
been explained in sediment yield index methodology.

Table 7.9: Rupin HEP Catchment Erosion Intensity Mapping Units (EIMU)
Delivery
Symbol Description Weightage
Ratio
High Altitude Landscape (4000-6000 m above mean sea level)
Permanently thick snow covered area underlain by rock outcrops
11 associated with shallow sandy skeletal soils, variable slopes and glacial 12 0.60
erosion
Permanently thin snow covered area underlain by rock outcrops
12 associated with shallow sandy skeletal soils, variable slopes and glacial 13 0.65
erosion
Seasonally thick snow covered area variable slopes, moderately rocky
14 13 0.70
and barren, slight erosion
15 Seasonally thin snow covered area variable slopes, rocky and barren 14 0.75
Seasonally thin snow covered area variable slopes, rocky and barren,
16 14 0.80
slight erosion
Seasonally thin snow covered area, 15-35% slopes, moderately rocky,
17 15 0.85
seasonal vegetation, grass, herbs and scrubs, moderate erosion
Rocky and barren lands, variable slopes with dominance of 35 to 50%
18 11 0.60
slopes
Rocky land with scattered seasonal vegetation, 35 to 50% slopes, cryic
19 14 0.65
medium deep to loamy skeletal soils, slight to moderate erosion
Rocky land with scattered seasonal vegetation, 50% slopes, cryic medium
191 13 0.75
deep to loamy skeletal soils, slight to moderate erosion
Moderately rocky land, variable slope with dominance of 25 to 50%
18a 13 0.65
slopes
Moderately rocky land with seasonal vegetation usually occur on 35 to
18b 15 0.70
50% and above slopes, cryic medium deep sandy soils moderate erosion
Medium Altitude Landscape (2700-4000 m above mean sea level)
Seasonally thin snow covered area underlain by rocky barren lands,
25 14 0.75
variable slopes with dominance of 25 to 50%
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Delivery
Symbol Description Weightage
Ratio
Seasonally thin snow covered area underlain by moderately rocky barren
26 15 0.80
lands, variable slopes with dominance of 35 to 50%, slight erosion
Seasonally thin snow covered area, moderately rocky with seasonal
27 vegetation, variable slopes with dominance of 35 to 50% slopes, cryic 18 0.85
medium deep loamy skeletal soils, and moderate erosion.
Seasonally thin snow covered area, moderately rocky with seasonal
271 vegetation, variable slopes with dominance of >50% slopes, cryic 18 0.90
medium deep loamy skeletal soils, and moderate erosion.
28 Rocky and barren lands 11 0.60
Moderately rocky lands with seasonal vegetation, variable slopes ranging
28b from 15 to 50% slopes, mesic loamy skeletal soils, moderate to severe 17 0.80
erosion
Rocky lands with scattered seasonal vegetation, variable 25 to 50%
29 16 0.85
slopes, mesic medium deep sandy soils and moderate erosion
Rocky lands with scattered seasonal vegetation, variable slopes more than
291 15 0.90
50%, mesic medium deep sandy soils and moderate erosion
Low Altitude Landscape (1500-2700 m above mean sea level)
31 Rocky and barren lands, variables 25 to 50% slopes and above 11 0.65
Rocky land with seasonl grasses and scrub vegetation 25 to 35% slopes,
32 mesic medium deep loam to sandy clay loam fine loamy soils, udic 14 0.70
moisture regime, slight to moderate erosion
River banks, dense vegetation, variable slopes, mesic sandy clay of fine
33 16 0.70
textural group occasionally clayey soils, slight to moderate erosion
River banks, dense vegetation, variable slopes are above 50%, mesic
331 sandy clay of fine textural group occasionally clayey soils, moderate to 15 0.75
severe erosion
River banks, mixed land use, habitation, limited agriculture and forest of
34 moderate density, variable 15 to 50% slopes, mesic loam to sandy clay 18 0.75
loam fine loamy soils, moderate erosion
River banks, mixed land use, habitation, limited agriculture and forest of
341 moderate density, variable slopes more than 50% and have coarse loamy 16 0.80
soils, moderate to severe erosion
(Source: Primary Data)
7.5 Results of Prioritization of Micro Watersheds

The computation of Sediment Yield Index (SYI) of the 24 micro watersheds within the Rupin HEP
catchment is presented in Annexure – VI. The sediment yield index ranged from 1356 to 780. Higher
the sediment yield index (SYI) higher is the priority for implementation of the soil and water
conservation measures with an aim to reduce the sedimentation at the proposed diversion dam site.
For convenience, based on SYI frequency distribution, 5 classes namely, very high, high, medium,
low and very low have been proposed as indicated in Table 7.11 whereas, Table 7.10 presents an
abstract of the prioritization study. In other words, number of micro watersheds falling in each
category along with their area and percentage to total catchment area given below. It helps to
understand the areas for which soil and water conservation treatments are most needed on priority
basis. The detailed micro watershed code, area in hectares, EIMU composition of micro watershed,
their weight ages, delivery ratio and resulting micro watershed SYI are given in Annexure – VI.

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Table 7.10: Abstract of Prioritization of Micro-Watersheds in Rupin HEP Catchment,

H.P.
Range of Sediment Area No. of micro Percentage to
Category
Yield Index (SYI) (sq. km) watersheds catchment area
Very High > 1300 17.03 2 7.1
High 1150 – 1299 57.49 8 23.9
Medium 1000 – 1149 48.58 4 20.2
Low 850 – 999 84.29 7 35.1
Very Low <850 32.95 3 13.7
Total 240.34 24 100
(Source: Primary Data)
The distribution of very high and high priority micro-watersheds in the Rupin HEP catchment is
shown in Figure 7.11. the critical study on this distribution of very high and high micro watersheds
reveals that nearly 31% of the total Rupin HEP Catchment area falls under very high and high priority
and needs soil and water conservation treatment for arresting sedimentation at the diversion dam sites
on Rupin and Nargani streams. Interestingly, observations point out that out of 10 very high and high
priority micro watersheds 6 micro watersheds (j1, j2, j3, j4, j5, and j6) covering 4361 ha falls under
Rupin sub watershed in which nearly 66.1% of its area appears to be highly eroding and needs proper
catchment area treatment plan. Second observation picks up that of the 3 sub watersheds of Nargani,
the very high and high priority areas fall in only m and n sub watersheds covering 3 micro watersheds
namely, m1, m5, and m2 covering 2158 ha area forming 47.1% of m sub watershed area and about
13.3% of n sub watershed area. The observations discussed above concludes that relatively Rupin sub
watershed has 6 problematic micro watersheds out of 8 micro watersheds whereas, Nargani has only 4
problematic micro watersheds out of 16 micro watersheds which implies that Nargani sub watersheds
are relatively less problematic/eroding.

Figure 7.11: Rupin HEP Catchment Map Showing Very High and High Priority Micro
Watershed.
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Figure 7.11 shows Rupin HEP catchment map showing very high and high priority micro watershed
to understand their spatial distribution within the catchment. Figure 7.12 shows histograms of Rupin
and Nargani sub watershed highlighting very high and high category areas as a prelude to preparation
of catchment area treatment plan. A two way table of very high and high priority micro watershed and
their EIMU composition has been prepared to assess the soil and water conservation treatment needs.

70%

60% 66.10%
47.10%
50%

40% j

30% 13.30% m

n
20%

10%

0%
j m n

Figure 7.12: Percentage Coverage of Very High and High Priority Areas in Rupin and Nargani
Sub Watersheds. Indicates Extent and Task for Soil and Water Conservation Programmes

Table 7.11: List of Prioritization of Micro Watershed in Rupin HEP Catchment, Shimla,
Himachal Pradesh. (Source: Primary Data)
S.No. Micro Watershed Code Area (ha) Sediment Yield Index (SYI) Priority Number
Very High Priority (>1300)
1. 2C6D4 j-3 552 1356 1
2. 2C6D4 j-2 1151 1321 2
1703 (7.1%)
High Priority (1150-1299)
1. 2C6D4 j-1 318 1286 3
2. 2C6D4 m-1 656 1235 4
3. 2C6D4 j-4 811 1223 5
4. 2C6D4 m-5 614 1192 6
5. 2C6D4 n-3 933 1186 7
6. 2C6D4 j-6 594 1185 8
7. 2C6D4 j-5 935 1161 9
8. 2C6D4 m-2 888 1153 10
5749 (23.9%)
Medium Priority (1000-1149)
1. 2C6D4 n-1 1690 1071 11
2. 2C6D4 m-4 980 1068 12
3. 2C6D4 m-3 535 1050 13
4. 2C6D4 k-2 1653 1011 14
4858 (20.2%)
Low Priority (850-999)

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S.No. Micro Watershed Code Area (ha) Sediment Yield Index (SYI) Priority Number
1. 2C6D4 m-6 905 997 15
2. 2C6D4 k-5 1733 940 16
3. 2C6D4 k-4 968 939 17
4. 2C6D4 n-2 1411 915 18
5. 2C6D4 j-7 1199 911 19
6. 2C6D4 n-4 1196 892 20
7. 2C6D4 k-3 1017 866 21
8429 (35.1%)
Very Low Priority (<850)
1. 2C6D4 n-5 1777 827 22
2. 2C6D4 k-1 479 795 23
3. 2C6D4 j-8 1039 780 24
3295 (13.7%)

40%
35.1%
35%

30%
23.9%
25% 20.2%

20% 13.7% Very High

15% High
7.1%
10% Medium

Low
5%
Very Low
0%
Very High High Medium Low Very Low

Figure 7.13: Percentage Coverage of Priorities in Rupin HEP Catchment

7.6 Review of Soil Conservation Works

The soil and water conservation works for arable and non-arable lands under NWDPRA schemes are:
Arable lands: Earthen loose boulder structures with vegetative support, earthen bunds, check bunds,
contour bunds, contour terrace bunds, vegetative bunds, etc. For waste/scrub lands: brush wood
checks, earthen loose boulder structures with vegetative support or gabions, water harvesting
structures and pasture development with over seeding. Vegetative filter strips, contour vegetative
hedges, tree or shrub plantation, check bund, dug out sunken structures, percolation structures and
tanks, silt retention dams, etc.

Discourage deforestation and adopt three tier slope management technique.

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7.6.1 Sensitivity Analysis of Soil Conservation Measures

For impact assessment of different soil conservation techniques considerable published

information is available. A few references pertaining to the above study are given below.

Das (1996) did critical appraisal of soil conservation measures and reported that there is
hardly any measure which can control: i) runoff, ii) soil loss, iii) organic degradation, iv)
improve Soil water storage. There are, however, number of structured measures for reducing
runoff, soil loss and improving soil water storage. Vegetative measures not only reduce
organic degradation but substantially achieve the set goals. Normally, soil tolerance unit
(STL) ranges from 7.5 to 12 t/hr/annum.

7.6.2 Efficacy of Mechanical Measures of Soil Conservation

Contour bunds – contouring reduces soil erosion up to 50% when compared with farming
along the slope. Crop rows planted across the slope along the contour increases infiltration
into the ground and reduce soil erosion. It can be spaced 10 to 20 m upto 3% slopes.

Terraces – Terraces are earthen embankments built across to reduce the slope and therefore
the velocities of the surface flows. Design of the terrace, stability, location of the outlet and
gradient of the terrace are of varied types. Terracing practices range from inward to outward
slope terraces.

Sedimentation ponds – Sedimentation ponds are constructed at selected locations along the
channel to trap the sediment, slope water and increase infiltration. They function as mini
dams to stabilize and reclaim gullies and channels subjected to severe erosion.

7.6.3 Proposed Soil Conservation Measures

i. Introduction

Conservation measures proposed for the Rupin HEP requires an integrated approach of three
disciplines, namely (1) Engineering (2) Agronomy, Table 7.12 presents treatment measures
based on broad slope groups. Agrostology, Horticulture, etc. and (3) Forestry, and involves a
coordinated effort for a comprehensive and composite programme of development and
management of watersheds.

Table 7.12: Slope Groups and Proposed Treatment Measures

Slope Group Potential Land Use Treatment Proposed
0 – 35 % Good Agricultural Agronomic Practices :
Land i. Strip Contouring
ii. Contour fencing by bunding and levelling
iii. Construction of small water storages
iv. Pasture development
v. Stone wall terracing
vi. Terracing
vii. Bunding
viii.Graded trenching
35 – 50 % Agricultural, Agro- i. Half (1/2) moon terracing.
Horticulture ii. Staggered trenching
> 50 % Not good for i. Agro-forestry
agriculture ii. Agro-horticulture
iii. Staggered Trenching

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iv. Half (1/2) moon terracing

Drainage line i. Gully Plugging
treatment ii. Grade control structures
(Arable/ Non – iii. Gabion walls
Arable, both)
Slope Group upto 35%:

In this group, slope groups from 10-15%, 15-25% and 25–35% are clubbed. This is because the
catchments have general slope ranging between 35 – 100 %.

The treatments for prevalent slope groups 1-10 % and for 10 – 35 % are however described for
the purpose of clarity.

Treatment of land under slope group 10 – 35 %: The Rupin HEP catchment has about 62.9%
areas in this slope group within this broad range 15-25% and 25-35% cover around 21% and
29.1% areas in this catchment.

Since the soil loss is proportionally to the square root of the length of the slope, doubling the
length increases the soil erosion by about 1.4 times. This means that besides the slope, length of
slope requires to be broken at suitable interval before the run off attains erosive velocity. While
contour and graded bund help in reducing the length of slope, they do not reduce slope of land.
Bench terracing on the other hand reduces both degree and length of slope. The choice of
treatment is therefore governed by parameters like length/ degree of slope, infiltration rate of soil
and the rainfall.

Based on these parameters in the Rupin HEP catchment, following mechanical measures have
been suggested:

(1) Graded stone wall

(2) Inwards slopping bench terracing
(3) Trenching - continuous and staggered

(1) Terracing: Terracing is a method of modifying the land surface for erosion control and water
conservation. Bench terracing is recommended in hilly areas with surface relief up to 35%
though they are in practice used up to 50% land slopes. For hilly areas, inward and sloping bench
terracing is used. These terraces ensure safe disposal of runoff through drain provided around the
inner side of the terrace into grassed waterway. The limiting factor, however, is soil depth, which
is in the range of 25 to 50cm in most cases. Therefore, such terracing has been restricted to areas
where the soil depth is around 100cm or without a lithic contact.

(2) Stonewall terracing: Due to constraint of shallow soil depth, in case of most of the catchment
areas stone wall terraces rather than bench terraces have been suggested. This is further
facilitated by free availability of stone boulder in the area. Stonewall terraces are small
embankments constructed with stone boulders across the slopes, which besides intercepting the
surface runoff also arrests the silt load thus helping in conserving both soil and water.

There are no rigid rules governing the spacing of stonewall. However, 10 to 30m is common
spacing provided depending on the land slope. Stone terraces generally follow a straight
alignment and depressions if any along the alignment are crossed at right angles, curves where
ever needed are to be given smooth transition. Wherever there is a deviation from the contour the
vulnerable portion of stonewalls (crossing of depressions) are buttressed with additional stones,

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as the height of wall in these reaches. Stonewalls are anchored into the ground and proper
interlocking is ensured in the wall masonry for imparting stability and strength. The soil
recovered in the foundation excavation is placed on the upstream side of the wall in the shape of
a bund, which is then fortified with vegetation.

(3) Contour trenching: Contour trenching is a practice of excavating trenches along a uniform level
across the slope of land. The excavated earth is then spread in the form of a bund on the
downward side. Contour trenches break the velocity of runoff and impound part of the runoff
which percolates into the soil mass and maintains better moisture regime. The contour trenches
are, either continuous or staggered, depending upon whether they are continuous or are broken.
In case of continuous trenches, the length varies between 10-20m, depending upon the width of
the field. The trenches have a cross section of 30x30cm to 50x50cm.

When the trenches are laid scattered with a maximum length of 2-4m with inter space between
them, then these are known as staggered trenches. In staggered trenches, the trenches are dug one
below the other, in alternate rows and in a staggered fashion. Each trench has a length of 2-3m
and spacing between the rows varies from 3-5metres.Contour trenches have been suggested in
the upper reaches of the hills for plantation of forestry/horticulture plants. The bunds are to be
fortified with fodder grass and the trees are planted on the downstream of the trenches.

ii. Lands with Surface Slope Greater than 35% but upto 50%:

In Rupin catchment, areas falling above 35% to 50% cover about 25.5% area and both
agriculture and horticulture are suggested subject to other local factors. The soil conservation
practices recommended are:

1. Staggered Trenches and

2. Half Moon Terraces

‘Staggered Trenches’ have already been discussed in previous pages and therefore only half
moon terrace is discussed below.

‘Half Moon Terraces’: Individual basins are called half moon or semi circular terraces or
small round benches for planting individual plants. The diameter of the basin is adjusted
according to the need of the crop. They are particularly useful for establishing permanent tree
crops on the steep slopes to control erosion. Half moon terraces are recommended on steep
slopes and shallow soils. The diameter of the crescent bunds generally vary between 0.75 to
1.25m and have proved very effective on hilly area for plantation of fruit yielding trees and
plantation and afforestation. The soil dug out for the half moon shaped pit is spread on
downstream side with an inward slope. These slopes are planted with grass soddings for
protection.

iii. Lands with Slope Greater than 50%:

Land sloping more than 50% covers about 11.6% of the total Rupin HEP catchment and
which are not recommended for agriculture crops. Any agriculture activities which require
ploughing of land will only loosen the top soil and make it vulnerable to erosion. These areas
constitute non-arable land and are sometimes called wastelands. Such lands require protection
measures to save them from further degradation. Providing a good vegetation cover is the best
option in this direction. But in highly degraded land establishment of vegetation cover is the
best option in direction. But in highly degraded land establishment of vegetation is difficult
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due to high degree of soil erosion resulting in very shallow soil depth, high run off with
erosive velocity which makes it difficult for the plants to establish.

Rupin HEP catchment has limited percentage of land falling in above 50% slope group.
Though agricultural crops are taken in a few cases, this has been done at the risk and cost of
severe erosion and loss of topsoil.

The conservation measures suggested in non-arable parts of the catchment are:

a) Diversion Channels
b) Contour and Staggered trenches
c) Half moon terraces
d) Horti-forestry

Diversion Channels:

Diversion channels are the channels constructed across the slopes for the purpose of
intercepting the surface runoff and guiding it to safe outlet. Generally, the diversion channel
is constructed between non-arable and arable lands. The Rupin HEP catchment has extensive
barren and cultivable waste land, in plus 50% slope group. Water gushes from high altitudes
down the steep slopes, knocking down everything enroute. It is considered necessary to
intercept the runoff at regular interval to bring the velocity within safe limits (1.5-2.0 m/s).
Diversion channels have been proposed all along the boundary of the forest above agricultural
land, which would discharge into the nearest natural drain.

The design of diversion channels comprise of determining the area of the cross-section of the
channel to carry peak run off discharge at safe velocity. Discharge is calculated for the
maximum rate of discharge for a 10-year frequency. The cross-section of the channel to pass
the discharge safely is determined using the standard formula. Wherever there is an abrupt
change in the grade, a suitable drop is provided in the bed of channel. The spoil bank of the
diversion channels should be planted with the suitable vegetation to protect and impart
stability to the embankment.

Special Purpose Treatments

The contour and staggered trenches, half moon terraces and horti-forestry have been
discussed earlier.

a) Drainage Line Treatment

Drainage lines are the natural carriers of runoff and sediment in the watershed. Drainage lines
include small channels/gullies, natural/artificial waterways, streams, rivulets or torrents. If
these drainage lines are not properly controlled, they may go on extending and damaging the
land. In the watershed treatment plan, a drainage line treatment is a significant component.
The objectives of treating the drainage lines are:

1. To control the grade in the channel bed

2. Protect the bank/side from damage
3. Check soil erosion
4. To improve moisture regime around it
5. To recharge the ground water
6. Storage of water
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For purpose of treatment of a drainage line, the course of a drainage line is marked on the
contour map and cross sections along its alignment are taken and plotted. The L-section gives
the bed slope while the cross-section gives the width and depth to estimate its carrying
capacity. On the basis of nature of slope and the area controlling run-off to the channel, the
drainage line is divided into upper (<5 ha), middle (5-20 ha) and lower (> 20 ha) reaches for
purpose of deciding the treatment activity. Depending upon the size of the drainage line,
gradient, catchment area, peak run-off and severity of the problem, appropriate type of check
dam is selected.

For Rupin HEP catchment, loose stone check dams are proposed in the upper reaches. In the
middle reach loose stone check dams (LSCD) are proposed with interspacing of gabion
structures and earth fill dams or form ponds, etc. in the entire catchment, fairly good size of
stone boulders are available which can be used to construct dry stone masonry wall or loose
stone check dam. They have been successful in checking runoff velocity in steep and broad
gullies and detaining silt while allowing water to flow down with reduced velocity.

LSCD built with stone rubbles around 23 cm size hand patched and wedged with stone chips.
About 0.3 to 1.0 m deep anchoring inside the ground is provided at the bottom and sides to
provide stability. Surplussing arrangement for smooth passage of surplus water should be
provided at the centre of the wall.

For lower middle and lower reaches where the drainage is more, gabion walls, MMS, with
interspacing of LSCDs to control silt over these stations, are proposed as check dams. Here
again, besides ease of construction, easily available stone boulders in catchment area, has
been one of the considerations, without compromising on stability and longevity of the
structure. „Gabion check dams are made with stone boulders packed closely in wire crates
made of G.I. wires of 10 gauge diameter. Gabion are preferred in soil conservation work as
they are flexible, and allow water to pass through while detaining the silt load and are strong,
stable and economical. They do not need any special skill to install. Gabion check dams
encourage good vegetation growth on the upstream bed and banks as they help maintain good
soil moisture regime without impounding water.

b) Masonry Dams for Silt detention:

A few sites can be identified for the construction of masonry dams for water harvesting
purpose. These are built of stone masonry in cement mortar with surplussing arrangement of
drop spillway. These are located in the lower reaches of the drainage line where the bed slope
is comparatively flatter.

c) Detailed Planning

Detailed planning for the treatment of selected micro watersheds was done. For this purpose,
the sub watersheds were further divided into easily manageable, smaller independent drainage
units here in called as micro watersheds (MIWS).

In view to attain satisfactory situation diversion drains have been proposed in the forest areas.
These channels would intercept the runoff at the entry and the exit of the forest land and carry
it safely to the nearest drainage line.

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Besides these drainage line which pass through the forest area, treatment in the form of grade
control structures (LSCD and Gabion wall) have been proposed so that the flow velocity is
brought within the critical limits before they leave forest zone.

d) Other Measures

Apart from the various engineering and biological measures suggested above, the following
measures are also considered necessary, considering the status of the catchment.

Pasture Controls

Hillside grazing lands are severely eroded but high altitude pastures and meadows are
relatively less affected by erosion. Human beings and animals exert great pressure on land
and results of overgrazing cause severe erosion. The grasses control water erosion through a
three tier action – i) Interception of rains, reduces runoff and grass roots bind the soil mass. A
systematic grass land development reduced water loss by 31% and soil loss by 95% (Hazra,
1995) as such is utilized in stabilization of Terrace Rivers, waterway and earthen check bunds
and other structure works. Therefore, animal and soil protection is achieved by keeping some
scrub and open forest lands under pasture development.

Rehabilitation of Mine Spoils/Quarry Areas

Mining is the world’s oldest industry, next only to agriculture. It provides important raw
materials for the economic development of the area, but unscientific mining poses a serious
threat to the environment. In the proposed Rupin HEP diversion dam, building materials will
be excavated on a large scale from the quartzite areas which will deface the landscape. During
heavy rains, mass movement of such mining spoils will pollute the rivers.

Rehabilitation of Mining Areas

In abandoned mining/quarry areas, lands remain barren because the soil material left on the
surface after mining offers poor support and plant nutrients. This fragile state causes
excessive erosion (approximately 100 times more) due to inadequate cover (U.S.
Environmental Agency, 1976). In these areas, reclamation can be done for agriculture, agro-
forestry, wildlife and recreation. The rehabilitation in such areas calls for steps like terraces to
be made with slight land levelling and shaping merging into small lake/pond, with all
precautionary measures to sustain water storage for nursery and afforestation needs. Locally
suited mixed species could be selected or opted for development of a pasture for grazing
animals.

In newer mining lease grants, many new techniques can be suggested for a well planned
mining quarry for site preparation and overburden. Top soil stripping and placement
separately is suggested as it is rich in plant nutrients and microbial population. Reclamation
options are agriculture, Horti-forestry or recreation. If around the city/townships, certain
engineering structures may be necessary, at times viz., stone walls, gabion structures. geo-
jute, netlon, excelsior, lives grass matting, etc. are a few useful new materials used in
advanced countries.

Landslide Scenario:

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The Himalayas are geologically unstable and fall under highly seismic zone. The terrain is
usually steep and high snowfalls provide mechanical weathering promoting rock, block,
detritus/debris slides consisting of stones and boulders and unconsolidated soil slides. The
causative structures are geological, hydrological, seismic, and finally the land use. The overall
scenario in the study area witnessed water seeping through disturbed slopes, toe cutting by
rivers and reservoir shores, quarrying, road making, etc. In land use, indiscriminate over
grazing, etc. are indirectly responsible for increasing the landslide proneness.

Rehabilitation for Controlling Landslides:

The rehabilitation strategies would comprise the following mechanical and biological
measures. Table: 7.13 shows the rehabilitation strategies.

Table 7.13: Rehabilitation Strategies

S.No. Type Mechanical Measures Biological Measures

1 Slide face having Contour wattling by breaking the slope
rills and gullies length into shorter portions
2 Upper reach Drop structures, stone check dams,
vertical pots, check dams, crib check
dams and proper drainage facility should
be created.
3 Middle reach Series of drop structures with adequate Chrysopogen fulvus
aprons, clear spill ways with proper
alignment and gabion wire.
4 Lower reach Gabion toe walls (60 cm deep and 60 cm Lannea grandis, Vitex negundo,
top width along the concave bank of Salix tetrasperma, Cassia fistula,
torrent) Ipomea cornea, & Pueraria
Deflecting spurs hirsuta
5 Debris cone reach Retention barrier parallel to torrent. Pennisetum purpureum, Arundo
Drop structures with shallow foundation donax
and aprons in the main torrent protect Slide faces stabilization species.
against scouring action.

Concept of Bio-industrial watershed

In the Bio-industrial watershed concept, high value medicinal and aromatic plants are
included to boost up farmers income and to make farming an attractive profession. Some of
the important medicinal plants suitable for this region are: Podophyllum hexandrum,
Picrorhiza kurrooa, Nardostachys grandiflora, Solanum dulcamar, Afrida jiyardiyana,
Colchicum luticum, Glyciryza glabra, Hippophae rhamnoides, etc. A few more are listed in
the natural vegetation section along with their medicinal properties. More exhaustive review
on this aspect, state demand is particular and buy back arrangements with the pharmaceutical
companies is an essential part of this new venture. There are number of aromatic herbs
grasses but their suitability for short growing season/period region has to be tested. There are
some naturally occurring herbs of medicinal value and need to be collected as part of services
to the mankind and as a source of income.

Sea buck thorn (Hippophae sp. L.) New Crop Opportunity for Bio-diversity in Cold and
Trans-Himalayas

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Sea buck thorn is a winter hardy, deciduous shrub with yellow or orange berries. It has been
used for centuries in Europe and Asia for food and pharmaceutical purposes. In India, it is
found along river side, in mountainous areas and in sandy and gravel ground at elevation of
2700- 5200 m above mean sea level. It is a very rich source of vitamins and important bio-
active compounds. General characteristics of sea buck thorn found in India are given in Table
7.14 Source: (Dwivedi et al. 2009).

Table 7.14: General Characteristics of Sea Buck Thorn Found in India

Growing Plant Flowering Fruit Ripening
Species Distribution
Altitude (m) Height (m) Time Time
*Hippophae September to
India, Tibet, etc. 600 – 4200 5–6 May
rhamnoides October
India, Tibet, Bhutan,
H. salicifolia 2700 – 3700 3 – 10 June October
Nepal
India, Tibet, Bhutan, August to
H. tibetana 3000 – 5200 0.8 – 1.2 May
Nepal September
*Hippophae rhamnoides:

 Distributed in Kukumsari, Lakank, Kaza, Tabo Kaza in Himachal Pradesh

 It is an effective nitrogen fixer to the extent of 180 kg N/ ha/ year and improves organic
matter status
 Once the plant is established it propagates naturally very fast thereby prevent soil
erosion and water loss. Also provides effective snow trapping during winter periods. In
mixed stands promotes the growth of poplars, pines and other tree species.
 It plays an important role in conserving wildlife by providing excellent habitat for a
number of bird species and small rodents.
 It has immense potential for environmental as well as economic benefits in promoting its
cultivation in Trans-Himalayan cold desert. When cultivated on slopes, is common,
landslides can be prevented and income can be generated from their fruits and oil
extracts from pulp and seeds (Acharya et al., 2010, “Soil and Water Conservation”, Vol.
9, No. 3, pp. 201-204)

Additional Essential Provisions

The estimates of proposed soil and water conservation treatment needs of the selected to
check soil erosion and silt load to the diversion dam site, micro-watersheds are taken up in
this report. Ancillary needs of a polyclinic, wool processing unit, agriculture implement unit,
modern distillation unit for preparation of essential oils, as well as, other medicinal plants
extracts to boost the farmers’ economy (distillation centre), are considered a complementary
need. Silt monitoring stations, upstream, above the diversion dam site are proposed for self
evaluation of the benefits of the soil conservation. Agro-forestry and agro-horticulture is
already in existence in the area but it needs more extensive services

7.7 Assessment of Treatment Needs

Ad hoc treatment needs can be worked out from the definitions of the „Erosion Intensity Mapping
Units (EIMU). Important soil and water conservation needs of each EIMU have been described
below.

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EIMUs Soil and Water Conservation Needs

High Altitude Landscape(4000-6000 m a msl)
11 Avoid warming up activities/artificial explosions etc.,
12 More susceptible to warming up activities, artificial explosion due to thin snow cover.
14 General surveillance to remove drainage blockages
15 Same as above
16 Same as above
17 Meadow management and improvement in their carrying capacity. Cryic temperature regime
18 Introduce useful fungi to rocky land.
19 Management of seasonal rocky land vegetation suitable under Cryic temperature regime.
191 Natural regeneration on extremely steep slopes.
18a Introduce adoptable flora to these strong to steep rocky slopes under Cryic temperate regime.
18b Reservation to protect seasonal vegetation under Cryic temperature regime.
Medium Altitude Landscape(2200-4000 m a msl)
25 General surveillance to avoid drainage blockages.
26 General surveillance to avoid drainage blockages.
27 Seasonal vegetation, pasture development.
271 Reservation to natural regeneration, wild life and recreation.
28b Mesic temperature regime, afforestation, contour trenching, staggered trenching, half moon
terraces, diversion channels.
29 Blanks to be afforested with suitable climatically adopted species in appropriate trenches.
291 Reservation of these extremely sloping lands to natural regeneration, wildlife and recreation.
Low Altitude Landscape (1500-2700 m a msl)
31 Introduce adoptable flora for rocky lands.
32 Pasture land management to protect seasonal flush of vegetation.
33 River banks/ drainage line treatment, afforestation in blank and open forest, introduce water
conservation and water pools.
331 Reservation of these extremely steep lands for natural regeneration, wildlife and recreation.
34 Drainage line treatment, road side slips and slides, terraced agriculture, afforestation with high
value medicinal/ aromatic plants planned habitation.
341 Extremely steep slopes, needs utmost careful management, preferably reserve for forestry,
wildlife and recreation.
(Source: Primary Data)
7.8 Proposal Budget for Catchment Area Treatment Plan

A small Environment Management Group needs to be established to look after the following activities
in the Rupin HEP catchment. Based on the revised guideline for the CAT Plan the following budget
has been prepared.

7.15: Proposed Budget for CAT Plan.

Cost Allocated
Sl. No. Activity
(Lakh)
1 Afforestation Measures (20% of the total CAT budget) 196.30
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Cost Allocated
Sl. No. Activity
(Lakh)
Soil and Water Conservation with Bio-engineering (25% of the total CAT
2 245.38
budget)
Payment for Environmental Services including Eco-Tourism (15% of the
3 147.22
total Cat budget)
4 Research, Training and Capacity Build-Up (5% of the total Cat budget) 49.08
5 Infrastructure Build-Up and forest protection (15% of total CAT Plan) 147.22
6 Wild Life Measures (5% of the total CAT Budget) 49.08
7 Monitoring and Evaluation (5% of the total CAT Budget) 49.08
8 Support for preparing site specific work plan (5% of the total CAT budget) 49.08
9 Contingencies (5% of the total CAT budget) 49.08
TOTAL 981.52

Table 7.16: Detailed Split Up of the Proposed Budget for CAT Plan

Cost Allocated
Sl. No. Activity
(Lakh)
1 Afforestation Measures (20% of the total CAT budget) 196.30
 Afforestation of 70 ha @0.5 lac/ha 35.00
 Nursery development 40.00
 Conservation and development of medicinal plants 40.00
 Replenishment planting and maintenance 70 ha @ 0.20 Lac/ha 14.00
 3
Providing wire crates 2857 m 0.014 Lacs/m 3
40.00
 Others 27.30
TOTAL (A) 196.30
Soil and Water Conservation with Bio-engineering (25% of the total CAT
2 245.38
budget)
 Collecting and planting grass 30 ha @ 0.15 Lacs/ha 4.50
 Collection of grass and hard wood and cuttings for vegetative
23.50
propagation and plantation
 Vegetation palisade construction, brush layering and fascines
30.00
3000000 @ Rs. 1 each.
 Crip wall construction 1500 R.M @ 0.01lacs/R.M. 15.00
 Nursery development 50.00
 Check Dams 35.00
 Drainage line treatment and landslide control 45.00
 Others 42.38
TOTAL (B) 245.38
Payment for Environmental Services including Eco-Tourism (15% of the
3 147.22
total Cat budget)
 Bio-Industrial Development 65.00
 Pasture development 235ha @ 0.20Lacs/ha 47.00
 Eco-tourism 35.22

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Cost Allocated
Sl. No. Activity
(Lakh)
TOTAL (C) 147.22
4 Research, Training and Capacity Build-Up (5% of the total Cat budget) 49.08
 Research and development for dominant altitudinal zone 21.10
 Training forest staff (2.5Lacs), publicity and awareness (5 Lacs) 7.50
 Activate socio-economic developmental activities viz. wool
processing, seasonal collection of medicinal plant products and
20.48
distillation sets, etc. and aromatic plants and their marketing,
handicrafts, etc.
TOTAL (D) 49.08
5 Infrastructure Build-Up and forest protection (15% of total CAT Plan) 147.22
 Construction/repairs to boundary pillars(LS) 35.00
 Diversion Channel 30.00
 3
Stream bank protection 2000m @0.014 Lacs/m 3
28.00
 Stone Masonary check dams 2000m3@ 0.0085/m3 17.00
 Vegetative check dams 4000@ 0.0065/m 3
26.00
 Others 11.22
TOTAL (E) 147.22
6 Wild Life Measures (5% of the total CAT Budget) TOTAL (F) 49.08
7 Monitoring and Evaluation (5% of the total CAT Budget) 49.08
 Silt Observation Post 10.00
 Water and soil Quality Monitoring 25.00
 Other Monitoring and Evaluation 14.08
TOTAL (G) 49.08
Support for preparing site specific work plan (5% of the total CAT budget)
8 49.08
(H)
9 Contingencies (5% of the total CAT budget) (I) 49.08
GRAND TOTAL (A+B+C+D+E+F+G+H+I) 981.52

7.9 Joint Forest Management and Micro Planning

7.9.1 Activities to be undertaken

Exhaustive presentation on soil and water conservation measures under different schemes has been
done in Section 3. Even though, suggestion have been made, specific treatment measures to be
undertaken in a particular micro watershed may require further micro-planning during the
implementation stage. Brief outlines on the proposed item-wise budget outlays are given under
section 9 and is discussed below in detail and shown symbolically on the Rupin HEP catchment map
in Figure 7.14.

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Figure 7.14: Locations of Treatment Measures that will be undertaken for Rupin HEP Catchment

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a) Infrastructure Development

The proposed environment management group should be inspired from the forestry faculty as
the Rupin catchment needs effort to promote, preserve, and prevent deterioration in the present
ecosystem due to harnessing the Hydel power. Motivating technique and ministerial staff,
office accommodation and transport facilities need to be created to execute the programme. An
outlay of 48 lacs is kept for this purpose. For operational support and a lumsum of Rs 30 lacs
has been proposed.

b) Research and Development

The Rupin catchment has two dominant altitudinal zone i.e. 2700-4000 and 4000-6000m above
the mean sea level. The cryic and mesic temperate regime have different floristic composition
as such available knowledge on such subject need to be utilised and lacunas if any may be
attempted as on pilot basis trials in the above two zones in respect of soil conservation,
introduction of medicinal, aromatic species trials, additional temperate fruit species, growing
fuel tree, shrub for locals. An outlay of 10 lacs has been kept for this purpose. Figure 7.2
shows spatial distribution of catchment area under altitudinal zone; whereas, and sub
watershed-wise distribution of physiography and land use areas as shown in Figure 7.8.

c) Training forestry staff, Publicity and Awareness

The vital information on the utility of the Rupin HEP in producing additional electricity of 45
MW and exhaustive engineering preparation needed for it is to be explained to the local
population. What are the ecological problems of the Rupin catchment? How we need to solve
them? How your participation will accelerate the implementation process? Your valuable
practical suggestions will be heard and given a chance in organizing different tasks? For this
purpose, we have to train the trainers first in forestry and horticulture, etc. as such short
effective training programme need to be organized. All these activities have to be appropriately
publicised in local newspaper, television, etc. which in turn may promote eco-tourism. Taming
this cold terrain in terms of additional socio-economic benefits, improved seasonal vegetation
and faunal assemblage, extension of roads/approaches to the interior areas, effective utilisation
and management of snow melt waters, etc. An outlay of 15.00 lacs has been kept for this
purpose.

d) Exploration and Promotion of non forest fuel

Large work force will be kept at the diversion site. Hence, besides their accommodation, fuel
requirement is to be considered on top priority basis. Otherwise, it may further consume the
locally available fuel. Subsidised solar lamps, pressure cookers and Indian Gas in the area are
to be planned. The budget for this has been incorporated into environmental management plan.

e) Activate Socio-economic Development

Besides conventional approaches of State Government schemes for socio-economic

development of this area, a Bio-industrial watershed concept is mooted in which refrigeration,
distillation of oils, scent etc; juice extraction, preservation and packing; wool processing;
collection of forest products, purification and marketing; supply of farm fresh vegetables and
fruits are promoted on modern lines using latest machinery for this purpose. A nominal budget

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of Rs. 45 lacs is kept for this purpose. Jishkun will be an appropriate location and another
approachable place in Nargani sub watershed like Bakhrimar or Pandar be promoted.

7.9.2 Soil Conservation Measures

a) Silt Monitoring Station

Tentatively a sediment monitoring station is proposed 3 km above the confluence of the major
Rupin and Nargani Khad and silt loads could be monitored on both the major Rupin and
Nargani Khads. A total outlay of Rs. 5 lacs is kept for this task.

b) Silt Retention Masonary and Vegetative Check Dams

Four Silt Retention Dams have been proposed almost on important sediment contributing with
an objective to permit the nearly filtered water to the diversion dam site. Approximate
locations are:

i. On Tela Gad, about 1 Km upstream from its confluence into Rupin.

ii. On mid Rupin Khad J5 M1WS
iii. On lower Devrari Khad, about 1 Km upstream from the Nargani confluence
iv. On lower Gulgar Khad, above the confluence with Dodu Khad

An outlay of Rs 36.50 lacs is proposed to have such masonry cum vegetative dam of suitable
type. Local availability of boulders for the preparation Gabian type of structure fortifying with
water loving vegetation on the bunds for sediment filtering purpose has been proposed.

c) Conservation of Landslides/land slips

Of the 10 very high and high priority micro watersheds, the 2C6D4 j3, m1, m2 micro-
watersheds appears to be more prone for landslides/slips. However, this landslide phenomenon
may occur in other micro watersheds also. Overall, 50 sites have been considered for their
reclamation as per proposed 3 tier method. A modest provision of Rs 40.51 lacs has been kept
for vegetation Palisade and crib wall constructional purpose.

d) Drainage line control

The drainage line treatment is the most effective soil conservation treatment, as, whatever
sediment falls in the river is carried away swiftly depending upon the gradient and hurdles like
stones, boulders, etc. About 5 micro watersheds, namely 2C6D4ji, j3, m1, m2, and n3 need this
drainage line treatment. The estimates are made on running km length basis. A total area of
5000/m3 have been tentatively estimated for stream bank protection .has been tentatively
estimated. Some recent techniques of grass mats of natural or artificial synthetic nature are
spread over the reclaimable sites in some advanced countries. A sum of Rs 70 lacs have been
kept for this activity.

e) Afforestation

The afforestation has been proposed within the micro watersheds falling in an altitude zone of
2700-4000m above msl in which there exist some potential of supporting tree species. Very
small hectarage have been proposed under the climatically adjusted tree species viz. Pinus
wallichiona – Kail, lim; P. gerardiona – Neozo, Chilagoza; Betula utilis – Bhojpatra Pad; Salix
elegans – Bhashal, shen; Salix spp.; Rhododendron companu – Latum – Kashmiri; Juniferus
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recurva – Thyly, Gugul. In the typically xeric, cold desert conditions with high fluctuation of
temperatures, very scanty rainfall and high snowfall only two species each of Willow (Salix
alba Linn.) and Salix fragilis Linn and Poplar (Populas balsamifera Linn. and Populas nigra
Linn) have adapted well to the climate of Lahul and thrive better than all other species.

S. fragilis is cultivated extensively under the indigenous agro-forestry programme around

settlements. Traditionally, propagation is done through the shoot plantation method. The trees
are Polarded during winter for fuel wood and fodder after 3-4 years. Bark of branch cuttings is
peeled off and given to cattle during winter as a substitute for green fodder.The other shrubs
and herb that would be planted are Podophyllum hexadendrum, Saussure costres, Anaphalis
margaritacea, Aster alpinus, Picrorthiza kurrooa, Polyganium polystachyum, Jurinia humilis,
Morina longifolia, Duchesnea indica, Meconopsis betonicifolia, Poa alpine, Allum stracheyi,
Stipa roylei, Lolium perenne, etc. the above list is only suggestive, however, other species of
known performance be selected. Exhaustive information about Sea buck thorn (Hippophae sp.
L.) has been provided under section 7.3 under concept of Bio-Industrial Watershed.

The afforestation would be carried out by opening contour terracing, staggered trenches, and
half moon terraces as per requirement of the site and slope. 2-3 years old seedlings are to be
planted with the onset of snow melt during April end to May 1st week or so. These trenches
are to be mannured with booster doses of NPK. Some hedge species viz. Dodonea, Duranta,
Spiraces, etc. be seeded on the brims. Silt entrapment with clean runoff waters has been
reported. Micro watershed with erosion intensity mapping unit 33 and 34 are usually selected
for their programme. They are namely:

i. 2C6D4 j2 - 15 ha
ii. 2C6D4 j1 - 5 ha
iii. 2C6D4 m1 - 15 ha
iv. 2C6D4 m2 - 10 ha
v. 2C6D4 j3 - 15 ha
- 60 ha

Estimated cost for afforestation/ha is Rs 0.675 lacs, as such, budget outlay of Rs 40.5 lacs have
been kept for this purpose. This job could be executed through the locals and be given the
responsibility of its maintenance. A separate provision of 30 lacs has been kept for the nursery
development.

f) Assisting Natural Regeneration

The erosion intensity mapping units 191, 271, 291, 331 and 341 which are degraded forest cum
grazing lands/wastelands needs natural recoupment through known methods of cattle trenches
for reservation, heavy seeding with palatable grasses and legumes with plantation of
shrubs/herbs having fodder value. Diversion channel with grassy outlets have been proposed
with an expenditure of Rs. 2.1 Lacs. At places padocks/stone walls can be preferred over
contour trenches. Grass species viz. Agropyron longearistatum, A. semicostatum, Bromus
asper, B. japonicus, Datylis glomerata, Poa spp. And Sea buck thorn (Hippophae sp.).
Appropriate compartmentalization is done by suitable low cost measures. Two watersheds
namely:

i. 2C6D4 j3
ii. 2C6D4 m1

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Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
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g) Replenishment in Agro-forestry

This activity has been selected for an erosion intensity mapping units 34,28b which has
reasonably good seasonal vegetal cover due to emergence of grasses, herbs and shrub and
sowing of agricultural crops as discussed under agriculture. Relatively EIMU-34 can be used
for agricultural activity and 28b for agro-forestry and forestry. About 80 ha area under these
mapping units shall be selected from the following micro watersheds, namely:

i. 2C6D4 j3 - 20 ha
ii. 2C6D4 n3 - 20 ha
iii. 2C6D4 j1 - 20 ha
iv. 2C6D4 m2 - 20 ha
- 80 ha

An outlay of Rs 20.80 lacs will be reserved to take up agro-forestry and forestry over an area
of 80 ha @ Rs 0.26lacs/ha. Appropriate soil and water conservation method as proposed in
section 6.3 will be selected for this purpose of shift to agro-forestry. Local population will be
involved in this pursuit to resort to agro-forestry with minimum soil erosion.

h) Pasture Development

The climatic constraints, over grazing resulted into open scattered grassland and are mapped
under EIMU 17, 19, and 18b under cryic temperature regime, whereas, EIMU 27, 28b and 29
under mesic temperature regime cover degraded grazing lands. Both the EIMU needs scientific
pasture development by heavy seeding of palatable species of grass and legumes coupled with
booster doses of NPK and appropriate soil and water conservation methods like contour
trenches/vegetated water ways. These grasslands are managed through deferred grazing for a
period of 2 to 3 years and then rotational grazing as per the improved carrying capacity.
Temperate meadow occurs mostly in the 3rd altitudinal zone of 4000 to 6000m with specific
spp. Appropriate management be decided as per local needs. The micro watersheds involved in
temperate group are 2C6D4 j4, j5 and m5. Whereas, the sub temperate group covers micro
watersheds viz. 2C6D4 j2, m1, m5 and n3.About 400 ha area is to be undertaken from the
above micro watersheds for the pasture development programme. The micro watershed code
and area to be covered are given below:

i. 2C6D4 j4 - 60 ha
ii. 2C6D4 j5 - 60 ha
iii. 2C6D4 m5 - 60 ha
iv. 2C6D4 j2 - 80 ha
v. 2C6D4 m1 - 28 ha
vi. 2C6D4 m3 - 50 ha
vii. 2C6D4 m2 - 22 ha
viii. 2C6D4 j3 - 40 ha
- 400 ha

Approximate outlay for this programme will be Rs 80.00 Lacs worked out @ 0.20lacs/ha.

i) Regeneration of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants [Non-timber/fuel products]

As an ambitious programme to take up high value medicinal and aromatic crops have been
proposed for about 50 acres area. Names of few species have been given under natural
vegetation under section 4.3 with their medicinal properties. Important among them are:
Asian Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. 7-42
Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

Podophyllum hexandrum, Picrorhiza kurrooa, Nardostachys grandiflora, Solanum dulcamar,

Afrida jiyardiyana, Colchicum luticum, Glysiryza glabra, Hippophae rhamnoides, etc. It is
proposed to take up about 50ha area on pilot project basis in selected micro watersheds from
relatively good areas under EIMU 34 and 28b belonging micro watersheds, namely:

i. 2C6D4 j3 - 15 ha
ii. 2C6D4 j2 - 5 ha
iii. 2C6D4 j1 - 5 ha
iv. 2C6D4 m1 - 15 ha
v. 2C6D4 m2 - 10 ha
- 50 ha

An outlay of 30 lacs @0.58lacs/ha has been kept for this purpose. A distillation set has been
already proposed under socio-economic development programme in this CAT plan for suitable
extraction of the principal medicinal chemicals for earning more income.

j) Agro-Horticultural Development

The erosion intensity mapping unit 34 are favourable area for taking up agro-horticultural
developmental activities. Terracing takes care of nutrient/pest assures better production
through modern agricultural machinery viz harvesters, dusters, sprayers, sprinklers, etc. for
community uses on hire basis. Taking up new plantation for apple and other temperate fruits of
proven quality has been proposed over an area of 20 ha with an overall outlay of Rs 30 lacs
with specific allocations for the different activities mentioned above. Preferred micro
watersheds for their purpose are:

i. 2C6D4 j3 - 10 ha
ii. 2C6D4 j2 - 5 ha
iii. 2C6D4 m2 - 5 ha
- 20 ha

k) Wild life Preservation

The bio-diversity in this area is very low. However, during winter season the area is used by
the snow leopard, wild dogs, etc. This area abounds in avian species over mammalian species.
Under wildlife management, improvement of vigilance and measure to check poaching,
modern equipments for wireless communications rewards to informers about illegal trade,
some check posts/towers have been proposed for conserving the wildlife. An outlay of Rs 25
lacs have been proposed for this activity.

l) Conservation of a narrow corridor between the proposed power house to below the
diversion dam site

Site specific measures to conserve the ecosystem will be worked out for a distance of about
7km between these two sites. Surface damages during this underground layout of the pipe line
will be taken care by suitable conservation measures like vegetative cover and water disposal
outlets, preparation of anti erosion sods, afforestation with avenue flowering trees, diversion
channels, etc. Expenses on this head will be met from the over head expenses kept at the
disposal of the Environment Management Group (EMG).

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Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

The activities covered under items 8.1.1 to 8.1.16 described above will require an outlay of
about Rs 981.5 Lakh but since the construction period and duration of these activities being
spread over a period of 4 years, additional provisions for unforeseen over head expenses 10%
are added swelling the CAT Plan outlay to Rs 1079.6 Lakh. It is well known that these
biological-engineering measures are subjected to vagaries of nature, as such, will require
certain maintenance in respect of repairs to structure, gap filling in forest/pasture/agri-
horticultural developmental programmes. As such the post project maintenance cost has been
included in the total individual outlays for afforestation and pasture development. Finally, in
order to execute these activities before 6 months of execution of this project i.e. before
impounding water for the hydro-power generation, the total outlay of Rs 1079.6 Lakh should
be made available to the Environment Management Group periodically.

Asian Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. 7-44

 8
PU B LIC H EA R IN G
Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

8 PUBLIC HEARING

8.0 Public Hearing

According to the provisions of EIA notification, 2006 the Himachal Pradesh State
Pollution Control Board conducted Public Hearing on dated 27.6.2013 as per prior
notification in leading newspaper (English and Vernacular) on dated 26.5.2013 at the
ground of Jai Kwar Jakh Devta, village Kitrawari, Post office Kwar, Tehsil Dodra-
Kwar District Shimla of Himachal Pradesh for the process of environmental clearance
of 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric Power Project by S.B. Power at 11.00 am, Photo
Plate 22 & 23.

Photo Plate-22 Public Hearing at village Photo Plate-23 Public Hearing at village
Kitrawari Kitrawari

The meeting was presided by Dr. N K Lath Additional Deputy Commissioner Shimla.
The statement of issues raised by the public and project proponent comment’s are as
under.

Sl. Name & Address Issuses Raised Replies Given by Concerns

No.
1 Sh. Manoj Kr. 80% employment should be Dr. N K Lath Additional
Basu Vice Pradhan given to the villagers of Deputy Commissioner Shimla
Gram Panchayat, affected gram Panchayat and
Dhandrawari maximum amount should be Showing his satisfaction on the
given for construction of social work done in the Chanju
ground and tiling in Jai Kwar Iproject as executed in Chamba
Jakh Devta. district of HP hoped same kind
Metal Road to be provided of works to be carried by the
from Power House to company in future.
cremation place. 70% employment to skilled and

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Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

Sl. Name & Address Issuses Raised Replies Given by Concerns

No.
School, College facility for unskilled workers will be
Local Children. Financial provided to the local people as
assistance for extra ordinary per govt. guidelines.
students. In addition to it company will
Old Survey of the project conduct videography of the
should not be changed houses located in the project
Compensation of the land affected area (along the new
should be given as per new alignment of the project) to
policy of HP Govt. from the create baseline data in presence
current date. of joint committee of PWD and
Project affected roads should nominated representative of
be metalled. district administration.
Free electricity to project In case any damage occuring
affected villages. due to project activity, the
Plantation in projecy affected damage will be assessed by
villages. comparison with the baseline
data and compensation will be
worked out.
For the repair and maintenance
of the temples a provision of
Rs. 25 Lakhs has been kept.
2 Sh. Shankar Lal The public her welcomes this Dr. N K Lath Additional
Chauhan, Pradhan public hearing and Deputy Commissioner Shimla
Mandir Jai Kwar development plans to be Assured that the compensation
Jakh Devta implemented in all five gram of land will be paid at the
panchayats. increased rates prevailing at the
Compensation of land should time of negotiation as per govt
be given according to the of HP guidelines to all the
previous survey conducted in shareholders of the land.
the year 2007, rather present Note: According to S B Power
rate of land should be given rates prevailing at the time of
negotiation here means the
rates as on date 27.6.2013 will
be considered.
In what basis the rates of Sh. Swaraj Lalit, Vice
cultivated and grass lands President S B Power
will be fixed The price of private will be
fixed after mutual dialog and
negotiations with the land
owners in line with the HP
Governement guidelines about
minimum rate.
Company should sponsor Company will sponser the
students for higher education students to professional courses
having extra ordinary talent as per the merit list prepared as
and financially poor. per the guidelines issued by
drict administration.

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Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

Sl. Name & Address Issuses Raised Replies Given by Concerns

No.
3. Sh. Kavi Singh Whether there will be any ill Managing Director Sh.
Chauhan Pradhan effects on this area due to the Narendra Goel, S B Power
Gram Panchayat project activity as the terrain For community development
Jakha is rocky. under LADA scheme there is
Appropriate land provision of Rs. 5.8 crores. The
compensation should be different schemes in the area
given forcommunity developmentwill
be routed through SDM, Dodra
Kwar.There is provision of Rs.
9.8 crores under the CAT Plan
which will cover up effects due
to project activity in rocky
terrain.
Due heavy snowfall Regarding solar light the case
electricity problem is faced will be discussed with the
hence solar lighting should Director Him Urja & Other
be provided. Govt. officials to resolve the
problem
Condition of present medical A well modernized ambulance
facilities is poor, before along with paramedical staff
reaching hospital patients will be provided for serious
dies in the way. New patients. For this an amount of
Dispensary should be Rs. 22 Lakhs is kept under
opened. EMP
4. Sh. Narendra Negi, Ther is more possibilities of Dr. N K Lath Additional
Pradhan, Gram natural calamaties in this Deputy Commissioner Shimla
Panchayat, Jiskun area. During such periods
there should be provision of Clarified that the management
shifting these people to other of natural calamities is the
places and new bridges responsibilities of the
should be constructed and government.
repair of old bridges should New bridges will be
be done. constructed as per the
requirement and old bridges
will be repaired by the state
government.
No discrimination will be made
while giving employment to the
local people and jobs will be
given as per the caliber of
affected people.
5. Sh. Rajesh The project is been built for Sh. Swaraj Lalit, Vice
Nadyain, Ex- us due to which development President S B Power
Pradhan Gram of HP will take place. If the The company is already
Panchayat, Dodra company will work in the working for the repair and
interest of the local people maintenance of the local
we will always support them temples in consultation with the
otherwise we will oppose the elected representatives and
Asian Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. 8-3
Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

Sl. Name & Address Issuses Raised Replies Given by Concerns

No.
project. Besides this for the other people of the area.
development of the temples In addition to these, company
the company has made will always try to resolve other
provisions of Rs. 25 Lakhs. public problems of common
interest of the area. The
company will also consider
increase the provision for the
repair and maintenance of the
temples if required.
Provide Shed for storage of Managing Director Sh.
public distribution system Narendra Goel, S B Power
items Company will consider the
proposal for the construction of
shed for storage of public
distribution system items in
consultation with HP
government provided that land
for the construction of shed
should be provided by HP
govenement.
6. Smt. Satya Pitan, Request to give 80% Sh. Swaraj Lalit, Vice
Ex- ZilaParishad employment to the local President S B Power
& member of BJP affected villagers according The company will not only
working to their caliber. Due to execute the project with full
committee construction of the project cooperation of the local people
while allotting the work but will try to create maximum
preferences should be given employment opportunities for
to local affected people. The the local people besides
project will cause overall working for improving the
development of the area. quality of the basic facilities in
the area and participate in the
social and religious & cultural
activities in the area.

Asian Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. 8-4

Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

Annexure I Soil sampling sites For Post Monsoon Season October 2010

Sl. No. Sample code Sampling Locations

1 SQ1 TRT Site
2 SQ2 Barrage Site(Nargani)
3 SQ3 Barrage Site(Rupin)
4 SQ4 Confluence Point

Soil sampling sites For Pre Monsoon Season May 2010

Sl. No. Sample code Sampling Locations

1 SQ1 TRT Site
2 SQ2 Discharge Site
3 SQ3 Dam Site
4 SQ4 Confluence Point
5 SQ5 Forest Soil 1
6 SQ6 Forest soil 2

Soil sampling sites For Winter Season November 2010

Sl. No. Sample code Sampling Locations

1 SQ1 Rupin Upstream(Jakha) CAT Soil
2 SQ2 Jiskhun
3 SQ3 Nargani Upstream(Pandara Site) CAT
Soil

Asian Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Annexure-I

 Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

Table 1: Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Soil Samples in the Study Area (Post

Monsoon –Oct. 2010)

S.No. Parameters SQ1 SQ2 SQ3 SQ4

1 pH 6.8 6.64 6.73 6.82
2 Color Brown Grey Blackish Brown
brown
3 EC (1:2 water) MS/cm 231 142 131 138
4 Moisture content % 6.20 5.90 0.56 4.20
5 Organic Carbon % 0.70 0.08 BDL 0.32
6 P available, mg/100gm 24.09 6.96 9.14 11.18
7 Total Kjehldal Nitrogen % 0.0062 0.0035 0.0049 0.0056
8 Chloride mg/100gm 4.99 4.99 8.98 10.97
9 K available mg/100gm 2.71 2.34 2.09 2.64
10 Na available mg/100gm 4.35 3.67 3.14 2.96
11 Ca available mg/100gm 17.64 16.03 15.23 14.43
12 Mg available mg/100gm 9.75 8.28 8.28 7.31
13 Bicarbonate % 0.006 0.005 0.003 0.005
14 Na absorption ratio 0.65 0.59 0.59 0.5
15 Gravels >2.0 mm (% by wgt.) 10.80 12.40 7.50 20.40
16 a) Particle size 2.0-0.05 mm, % by wt. 39.20 72.40 52.20 38.10
17 b) Particle size 0.05- 0.002 mm, % by wt. 42.20 5.80 21.10 26.40
18 c) Particle size < 0.002 mm, % by wt. 18.60 21.8 26.70 35.50

19 Textural Class Sandy-clay

Loam Sandy clay Gravelly clay
loam

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 Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

Table 2: Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Soil Samples in Study Area (Pre-Monsoon May 2010)
S.No. Parameters SQ1 SQ2 SQ3 SQ4 SQ5 SQ6
1. pH 6.83 6.73 6.67 6.87 6.88 6.84
2. Color Brown Grey Blackish Brown Brown Light
brown Brown
3. Moisture content % 0.83 0.69 0.73 1.41 0.719 0.83
4. Organic matter % 0.65 0.52 1.45 0.82 0.35 0.56
5. P available (as P.) mg/100gm 22.27 6.34 8.96 10.98 1.32 1.28
6. Total Kjehldal Nitrogen % 0.0052 0.0032 0.0041 0.0042 0.0033 0.0028
7. Chloride mg/100gm 5.99 5.89 8.85 11.94 13.52 15.02
8. K available mg/100gm 3.74 2.46 3.16 4.32 7.26 7.68
9. Na available mg/100gm 3.38 4.37 5.39 4.86 8.69 6.98
10. Ca available mg/100gm 19.64 18.03 19.23 15.43 17.64 19.13
11. Mg available mg/100gm 8.08 7.08 9.75 6.13 9.67 10.72
12. Bicarbonate % 0.0042 0.0029 0.0046 0.0031 0.0021 0.0018
13. Organic Carbon % 0.36 0.294 0.412 0.459 0.596 0.414
14. Na absorption ratio 0.24 0.39 0.83 0.86 0.88 0.67
15. Gravels >2.0 mm (% by wgt.) 12.32 13.25 9.63 25.4 17.2 28.4
16. Particle Size 2.0-0.05 mm – 31.59 47.59 48.56 46.59 41.26 21.66
% by wt.
17. Particle Size 0.05- 0.002 mm - % by wt. 29.84 30.85 12.18 23.85 36.18 34.78
18. Particle Size < 0.002 mm - % by wt. 38.57 21.56 39.26 29.56 22.56 43.56

Asian Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Annexure-I

Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

Table: 3 Physico- Chemical Analysis of Soil Samples in Study Area (Winter – October 2010)

S.No. Parameters SQ1 SQ2 SQ3

1 pH 6.73 6.84 6.82
2 Color Black Brown Black
3 EC (1:2 water) MS/cm 190 236 162
4 Moisture content % 2.60 3.20 3.40
5 Organic Carbon % 5.69 2.60 3.47
6 P available (as P.) mg/100gm 18.15 6.89 4.69
7 Total Kjehldal Nitrogen % 0.0062 0.0076 0.012
8 Chloride mg/100gm 9.11 13.01 15.02
9 K available mg/100gm 26.80 18.40 18.60
10 Na available mg/100gm 34.30 29.53 26.60
11 Ca available mg/100gm 1035.67 86.57 607.61
12 Mg available mg/100gm 235.90 24.01 184.20
13 Bicarbonate % 0.064 0.0259 0.0063
14 Na absorption ratio 0.79 2.29 0.77
15 Gravels >2.0 mm (% by wgt.) 15.30 17.6 11.3
16 Particle Size 2.0-0.05 mm –
16.00 18.00 46.00
% by wt.
17 Particle Size 0.05- 0.002 mm - % by wt. 49.00 44.00 12.00
18 Particle Size < 0.002 mm - % by wt. 35.00 38.00 42.00
19 Textural Class Gravelly Silty Gravelly Silty
Sandy Clay
Clay- Loam Clay- Loam

Asian Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Annexure-I

Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

ANNEXURE II Ambient Air Monitoring Results

Pre Monsoon Season

Monitoring Station: AQ1 Gao Pujarli

Parameters PM 2.5 PM 10 SO2 NO2

Date
7.5.10 12.8 64 7.2 10
11.5.10 11.4 57 6.9 6.9
15.5.10 10.2 51 5 7.1
19.5.10 11 55 5.6 12
24.5.10 10.6 53 6.3 13.2
28.5.10 10 50 5 11.1
3.5.10 10.8 54 6 9
6.5.10 12 60 6.1 10.2
10.5.10 12 60 5.2 9.9
15.5.10 10.8 54 7.1 8.6
19.5.10 11 55 5.1 11
23.5.10 10.2 51 7.3 9

MIN. 10 50 5 6.9
MAX. 12.8 64 7.3 13.2
MEAN. 11.1143 55.5714 6.07857 9.86429

Monitoring Station: AQ2 – Jhiskun

Parameters PM 2.5 PM10 SO2 NO2

Date

7.5.10 12.4 62 7.8 11.2

11.5.10 11.8 59 6.1 7.1
15.5.10 10.8 49 5 6.2
19.5.10 10.6 53 5.1 13.2
24.5.10 10.2 51 6.5 14.4
28.5.10 11.2 56 6.1 12.3
3.5.10 10.6 53 6.2 10.2
6.5.10 10.2 48 6.3 11.4
10.5.10 10.3 50 5 11.1
15.5.10 11.4 57 5.7 9.8
19.5.10 11.6 58 5.3 12.2
23.5.10 10.2 51 7.1 10.2

MIN. 10.2 48 5 6.2

MAX. 12.4 62 7.8 14.4
MEAN. 10.9929 54.0714 6.07143 10.7071
Asian Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Annexure-II
Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

Monitoring Station: AQ3 – Gosungu

Parameters PM 2.5 PM10 SO2 NO2

Date

7.5.10 12 60 7 11.3
11.5.10 12.2 61 6.2 6.2
15.5.10 10.8 54 5.2 6.3
19.5.10 10.6 53 6.3 13.2
24.5.10 11 55 6.5 14.5
28.5.10 10.4 52 6.9 12.5
3.5.10 12.2 61 7.1 11.4
6.5.10 12.1 62 7.2 12.6
10.5.10 11.6 58 6.6 12.5
15.5.10 10.3 46 5.6 11.2
19.5.10 10.5 49 5.2 12.5
23.5.10 11.2 56 5.7 11.6

MIN. 10.3 46 5.2 6.2

MAX. 12.2 62 7.2 14.5
MEAN. 11.24285714 55.3571 6.27857143 11.1786

Post Monsoon Season

Monitoring Station: AQ1 Gao Pujarli

Parameters PM 2.5 PM10 SO2 NO2

Date
19.9.10 10.6 53 5.2 8.9
22.9.10 11.2 56 5.1 6
24.9.10 10 50 5.6 6
27.9.10 10.8 54 5.9 10.9
29.9.10 10.4 52 6.1 12.1
2.10.10 10 50 6.6 10
5.10.10 10.8 54 6.3 7.9
8.10.10 11.8 59 5.8 8.7
11.10.10 11.8 59 5.4 8.4
13.10.10 10.6 53 5.3 7.1
15.10.10 10.8 54 5.3 9.5
17.10.10 10 50 5.7 7.5

MIN. 10 50 5.1 6
MAX. 11.8 59 6.6 12.1
MEAN. 10.7571 53.7857 5.71429 8.65

Asian Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Annexure-II

Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

Monitoring Station: AQ2 – Jhiskun

Parameters PM 2.5 PM10 SO2 NO2

Date
19.9.10 10.48 52.4 5.2 9.9
22.9.10 10.4 52 5.3 6.5
24.9.10 11.02 55.1 6.1 7
27.9.10 11.42 57.1 6 11.9
29.9.10 10.62 53.1 6.3 12.9
2.10.10 10 47.8 5.9 11
5.10.10 10.64 43.2 5.1 8.9
8.10.10 10.7 39.9 5.6 10.2
11.10.10 10.1 47.3 5.2 9.9
13.10.10 10.46 52.3 6.1 8.6
15.10.10 10.86 54.3 6 11
17.10.10 10.26 51.3 6.2 9

MIN. 10 39.9 5.1 6.5

MAX. 11.42 57.1 6.3 12.9
MEAN. 10.6077 50.2 5.74286 9.72857

Monitoring Station: AQ3 – Gosungu

Parameters PM 2.5 PM10 SO2 NO2

Date
19.9.10 10.6 53 6.9 10.8
22.9.10 10.72 53.6 6.5 6.1
24.9.10 11.18 55.9 6.1 6.3
27.9.10 10.96 54.8 5.6 12.8
29.9.10 11.94 59.7 5.5 12.6
2.10.10 11.28 56.4 6.2 12
5.10.10 10.24 51.2 6.3 9.9
8.10.10 10.12 50.6 5.6 11.1
11.10.10 10.1 49.5 5.5 11.2
13.10.10 10 46.8 5.5 9.9
15.10.10 10.44 52.2 5.6 12.3
17.10.10 10.98 54.9 6.1 10.3

MIN. 10 46.8 5.5 6.1

MAX. 11.94 59.7 6.9 12.8
MEAN. 10.75 53.2214 5.98571 10.3

Asian Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Annexure-II

Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

Winter Season

Monitoring Station: AQ1 Gao Pujarli

Parameters PM 2.5 PM10 SO2 NO2
Date
18.2.11 13 65 8.2 11.2
22.2.11 11.6 58 7 8.1
27.2.11 10.4 52 6.1 8.3
2.3.11 11.2 56 6.7 13.2
5.3.11 10.8 54 6.4 13.9
8.3.11 10.4 52 6.1 12.3
12.3.11 11.2 56 7.1 10.2
15.3.11 12.4 62 6.7 11.7
18.3.11 12.4 62 5.8 11.4
22.3.11 11.2 56 6.1 10.1
25.3.11 11.4 57 5.7 12.5
28.3.11 10.6 53 7.5 10.5

MIN. 10.4 52 5.7 8.1

MAX. 13 65 8.2 13.9
MEAN. 11.4286 57.1429 6.66429 11.1

Monitoring Station: AQ2 – Jhiskun

Parameters PM 2.5 PM10 SO2 NO2

Date
18.2.11 12.8 64 8.3 12.3
22.2.11 12.2 61 6.9 8.2
27.2.11 10.2 51 5.8 7.3
2.3.11 11 55 5.9 14.3
5.3.11 10.6 53 6.3 14.5
8.3.11 11.6 58 6 13.4
12.3.11 11 55 7 11.3
15.3.11 10.1 49 6.7 12.5
18.3.11 10.2 51 5.4 12.2
22.3.11 11.6 58 6.1 11.2
25.3.11 11.8 59 5.7 13.6
28.3.11 10.4 52 7.5 11.6

MIN. 10.1 49 5.4 7.3

MAX. 12.8 64 8.3 14.5
MEAN. 11.1714 55.6429 6.52143 11.7286

Asian Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Annexure-II

Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

Monitoring Station: AQ3 – Gosungu

Parameters PM 2.5 PM10 SO2 NO2

Date
18.2.11 13.2 66 8.1 13.7
22.2.11 12.8 64 7.1 7.1
27.2.11 11 55 6.1 7.2
2.3.11 10.8 54 7.2 13.9
5.3.11 11.2 56 7.4 14.6
8.3.11 10.6 53 7.8 14
12.3.11 12.4 62 7.6 12.8
15.3.11 13.2 66 7.5 9
18.3.11 10 50 7.4 11.9
22.3.11 10.3 48 6.4 12.7
25.3.11 10.2 51 6 13.2
28.3.11 11.6 58 6.5 13.1

MIN. 10 48 6 7.1
MAX. 13.2 66 8.1 14.6
MEAN. 11.4642857 56.9286 7.08571 11.7786

Asian Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Annexure-II

Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

ANNEXURE III
Traffic Survey Results

LOCATION: DODRA VILLAGE

Season PRE – MONSOON SEASON WINTER SEASON

Time / 2- Cycles / 2- Cycles /
HM LM Car HM LM Car
Categor Wheeler Tricycle Wheeler Tricycle
V V s V V s
y s s s s
10:00 am 1 - - - - 1 - - - -
11:00 am 2 2 - - - - - - - -
12:00 pm - 1 - 1 - - - - - -
01:00 pm 2 3 1 - - - - - - -
02:00 pm - - - 1 - - - - - -
03:00 pm 3 - - 1 - - - - - -
04:00 pm 1 1 - 2 - - - - - -
05:00 pm 1 1 - - - - - - 1 -
06:00 pm 2 - - 2 - - - - - -
07:00 pm - 1 - - - - 1 - - -
08:00 pm - 1 - - - - - - - -
09:00 pm - - - - - - - - - -
10:00 pm - - - - - - - - - -
11:00 pm - - - - - - - - - -
12:00 am - - - - - - - - - -
01:00 am - - - - - - - - - -
02:00 am - - - - - - - - - -
03:00 am - - - - - - - - - -
04:00 am - - - - - - - - - -
05:00 am - - - - - - - - - -
06:00 am 1 - - 1 - - - - - -
07:00 am 2 2 - 1 - - - - - -
08:00 am 1 1 - 3 - - - - 1 -
09:00 am 1 1 1 1 - - - - - -
Total 17 14 2 13 - 1 1 0 2 0

Asian Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Annexure-III

Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

Traffic Survey Results

LOCATION: RUPIN (POWER HOUSE)

Season PRE – MONSOON SEASON WINTER SEASON

Time/ HMV LMV Cars 2- Cycles / HMV LMV Cars 2- Cycles/
Category Wheelers Tricycles Wheelers Tricycles
10:00 am 1 - - - - - - - - -
11:00 am - 2 - - - - - - - -
12:00 pm - 2 - 1 - - - - - -
01:00 pm 2 1 - - - - - - - -
02:00 pm - - 1 - - - - - - -
03:00 pm 2 - - 1 - - - - - -
04:00 pm 1 1 - 2 - - - - - -
05:00 pm 1 1 - - - - - - - -
06:00 pm 1 - - 2 - - 1 - - -
07:00 pm 1 - - - - - - - - -
08:00 pm - 2 - - - - - - - -
09:00 pm - - - - - - - - - -
10:00 pm - - - - - - - - - -
11:00 pm - - - - - - - - - -
12:00 am - - - - - - - - - -
01:00 am - - - - - - - - - -
02:00 am - - - - - - - - - -
03:00 am - - - - - - - - - -
04:00 am - - - - - - - - - -
05:00 am - - - - - - - - - -
06:00 am 1 - - 1 - - - - - -
07:00 am - 1 - - - - - - - -
08:00 am 1 1 - 2 - - 1 - - -
09:00 am 1 1 1 1 - - - - - -
Total 12 12 2 10 - 0 2 0 0 0

Asian Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Annexure-III

Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

ANNEXURE IV

Sampling Locations for Phytosociological Attributes of Floral Species at Power House Site

Co-ordinates Elevation
Quadrat
Latitude Longitude (m)
Tree
1 N 31012’37.3’’ E 78001’26.4’’ 3346
2 N 31012’28.7’’ E 7801’21.6’’ 3347
3 N 31011’52.7’’ E 7803’23.6’’ 2493
4 N 31011’57.3’’ E 7802’43.5’’ 2499
5 N 31011’49.1’’ E 7803’57’’ 2282
6 N 31011’ 55.4’’ E 7803’46.4’’ 2234
7 N 31013’52’’ E 7805’49.1’’ 2072
8 N 31013’29.1’’ E 7805’23.2’’ 2078
9 N 31013’9.3’’ E 7805’12.4’’ 2081
10 N 31013’51.9’’ E 7805’56.2’’ 2076
11 N 31011’46.9’’ E 7804’02.5’’ 1945
12 N 31012’13.2’’ E 7804’20.8’’ 1913
13 N 31012’22.1’’ E 7804’56.6’’ 1923
14 N 31011’58.3’’ E 7804’8.5’’ 1924
15 N 31012’10.8’’ E 7804’51.3’’ 2297
Shrub
1 N 31012’50.3’’ E 78000’26.4’’ 3346
2 N 31012’42.2’’ E 78001’6.4’’ 3345
3 N 31011’52.7’’ E 7803’23.6’’ 2493
4 N 31011’57.3’’ E 7802’43.5’’ 2499
5 N 31011’49.1’’ E 7803’57’’ 2282
6 N 31011’ 55.4’’ E 7803’46.4’’ 2234
7 N 31013’52’’ E 7805’49.1’’ 2072
8 N 31013’29.1’’ E 7805’23.2’’ 2078
9 N 31013’9.3’’ E 7805’12.4’’ 2081
10 N 31013’19.1’’ E 7805’22.3’’ 2083
11 N 31011’46.9’’ E 7804’02.5’’ 1945
12 N 31012’13.2’’ E 7804’20.8’’ 1913
13 N 31012’24.3’’ E 7804’53.6’’ 1923
14 N 31011’54.7’’ E 7804’21.5’’ 1924
15 N 31012’15.9’’ E 7804’51.8’’ 2296
Herb
1 N 31012’45.1’’ E 78001’06.2’’ 3323
2 N 31012’38.7’’ E 7801’22.5’’ 3318
3 N 31011’51.4’’ E 7803’24.3’’ 2455
4 N 31011’41.4’’ E 7803’38.8’’ 2275
5 N 31011’56.9’’ E 7803’53.9’’ 2152
6 N 31012’ 49.8’’ E 7804’40.5’’ 2015
7 N 31011’49.7’’ E 7803’48.3’’ 2266
8 N 31011’55.8’’ E 7803’52.9’’ 2152
9 N 31011’ 43.8’’ E 7803’58.3’’ 1988
10 N 31011’46.8’’ E 7804’2.3’’ 1955
11 N 31011’49.7’’ E 7804’2.8’’ 1930

Asian Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Annexure-IV

Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

Co-ordinates Elevation
Quadrat
Latitude Longitude (m)
12 N 31011’ 15.2’’ E 7804’16.2’’ 1918
13 N 31011’41.2’’ E 7803’58.5’’ 1935
14 N 31013’ 49.2’’ E 7805’40.5’’ 2073
15 N 31013’ 35.1’’ E 7804’58.7’’ 2276

Co-ordinates of Phytosociological attribute of floral species of Diversion Site- I

Co-ordinates Elevation
Quadrat
Latitude Longitude (m)
Tree
1 N 31012’27.6’’ E 7804’28’’ 2052
2 N 31015’16.2’’ E 7806’54.1’’ 2186
3 N 31015’14.2’’ E 7806’55.1’’ 2166
4 N 31015’7.8’’ E 7806’45.6’’ 2182
5 N 31013’44.6’’ E 7806’24.5’’ 2137
6 N 31014’ 36.7’’ E 7806’19.4’’ 2127
7 N 31014’6.1’’ E 7805’49.3’’ 2234
8 N 31015’27.1’’ E 7807’33.4’’ 2297
9 N 31015’34.2’’ E 7807’37.1’’ 2306
10 N 31015’39.1’’ E 7807’45.3’’ 2502
11 N 31015’30.7’’ E 7807’30.2’’ 2279
12 N 31015’25.4’’ E 7807’21.9’’ 2114
13 N 31015’25.2’’ E 7807’00.9’’ 2243
14 N 31015’24.6’’ E 7807’00.1’’ 2252
15 N 31014’25’’ E 7806’9.9’’ 2294
Shrub
1 N 31012’27.2’’ E 7804’28.5’’ 2051
2 N 31015’16’’ E 7806’54’’ 2186
3 N 31015’14.3’’ E 7806’55.3’’ 2167
4 N 31015’7.7’’ E 7806’45.5’’ 2182
5 N 31013’44.8’’ E 7806’24.6’’ 2138
6 N 31014’ 36.9’’ E 7806’19.1’’ 2127
7 N 31014’6.2’’ E 7805’49.4’’ 2235
8 N 31015’27.3’’ E 7807’33.2’’ 2297
9 N 31015’34.4’’ E 7807’37.2’’ 2305
10 N 31015’39.2’’ E 7807’45.5’’ 2502
11 N 31015’30.6’’ E 7807’30.4’’ 2279
12 N 31015’25.6’’ E 7807’21.7’’ 2115
13 N 31015’25.3’’ E 7807’00.7’’ 2243
14 N 31015’24.4’’ E 7807’00.8’’ 2253
15 N 31014’24’’ E 7806’9.2’’ 2293
Herb
1 N 31013’34.7’’ E 7805’45.2’’ 2019
2 N 31015’17.3’’ E 7806’53.4’’ 2162
3 N 31015’17.3’’ E 7806’553.2’’ 2168
4 N 31015’13.8’’ E 7806’50.5’’ 2164
5 N 31011’57.1’’ E 7804’5.1’’ 1937
6 N 31011’ 42.1’’ E 7804’2.2’’ 1948
7 N 31014’54.4’’ E 7806’23.7’’ 2059

Asian Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Annexure-IV

Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

Co-ordinates Elevation
Quadrat
Latitude Longitude (m)
8 N 31014’37.5’’ E 7806’9.5’’ 2113
9 N 31014’6.1’’ E 7805’45.3’’ 2232
10 N 31015’31.6’’ E 7807’30.8’’ 2280
11 N 31015’39.1’’ E 7807’44.4’’ 2504
12 N 31015’25.6’’ E 7807’00.9’’ 2251
13 N 31015’27.2’’ E 7807’1.9’’ 2242
14 N 31013’14.3’’ E 7805’46.1’’ 2158
15 N 31014’23’’ E 7806’9.5’’ 2293

Co-ordinates of Phytosociological attributes of floral species of Diversion site- II

Co-ordinates Elevation
Quadrat
Latitude Longitude (m)
Tree
1 N 31014’32.4’’ E 7804’13.7’’ 2078
2 N 31014’39.3’’ E 7806’54.1’’ 2157
3 N 31014’.47.2’’ E 7806’5.2’’ 2187
4 N 31014’44.3’’ E 7806’3.0’’ 2185
5 N 31013’44.6’’ E 7806’24.5’’ 2137
6 N 31011’ 41.5’’ E 7803’38.6’’ 2266
7 N 31014’31.1’’ E 7805’59.2’’ 2325
8 N 31014’38.6’’ E 7805’51.9’’ 2317
9 N 31014’38.5’’ E 7805’52’’ 2320
10 N 31015’2.3’’ E 7805’36.4’’ 2317
11 N 31015’9.5’’ E 7805’32.1’’ 2317
12 N 31015’19.6’’ E 7805’27.5’’ 2315
13 N 31015’32.4’’ E 7805’13.6’’ 2402
14 N 31015’42.3’’ E 7805’5.6’’ 2608
15 N 31015’47.1’’ E 7805’2.2’’ 2652
Shrub
1 N 31014’33.2’’ E 7804’18.8’’ 2077
2 N 31014’37.1’’ E 7806’53.4’’ 2158
3 N 31014’.46.2’’ E 7806’7.3’’ 2187
4 N 31014’45.2’’ E 7806’3.0’’ 2185
5 N 31013’45.5’’ E 7806’24.5’’ 2137
6 N 31011’ 42.5’’ E 7803’38.6’’ 2266
7 N 31014’31.2’’ E 7805’59.2’’ 2325
8 N 31014’35.6’’ E 7805’51.9’’ 2317
9 N 31014’32.4’’ E 7805’52’’ 2320
10 N 31015’2.9’’ E 7805’36.4’’ 2317
11 N 31015’9.6’’ E 7805’32.1’’ 2317
12 N 31015’19.1’’ E 7805’27.5’’ 2315
13 N 31015’32.8’’ E 7805’13.6’’ 2402
14 N 31015’41.3’’ E 7805’5.6’’ 2608
15 N 31015’46.9’’ E 7805’2.2’’ 2652
Herb
1 N 31013’59.4’’ E 7805’58.6’’ 2069
2 N 31013’59.5’’ E 7805’58.9’’ 2075
3 N 31014’50.3’’ E 7805’43.6’’ 2318

Asian Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Annexure-IV

Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

Co-ordinates Elevation
Quadrat
Latitude Longitude (m)
4 N 31014’14.3’’ E 7806’1.0’’ 2185
5 N 31015’2.3’’ E 7805’36.4’’ 2316
6 N 31015’ 9.5’’ E 7805’32.1’’ 2266
7 N 31015’25.8’’ E 7805’16.0’’ 2327
8 N 31014’7.5’’ E 7805’50.6’’ 2111
9 N 31014’ 9.3’’ E 7805’49.9’’ 2370
10 N 31015’25.5’’ E 7805’16.0’’ 2320
11 N 31015’26’’ E 7805’23.6’’ 2317
12 N 31015’19.2’’ E 7805’29.5’’ 2319
13 N 31015’30.1’’ E 7805’11.5’’ 2401
14 N 31015’40.3’’ E 7805’4.6’’ 2602
15 N 31015’42.1’’ E 7805’2.9’’ 2654

Phytosociological Attributes of Floral Species of Power House site

%
Vernacul Relative Abund Relative
Scientific Name Density Freque
ar Name Family Density ance Frequency
ncy

Tree
Acer acuminatum Kunjla Sapindaceae 1.47 12.50 22.00 6.67 2.78
Acer pictum Thunb Kuinju Sapindaceae 0.27 2.27 2.00 13.33 5.56
Khanor/
Aesculus indica Colebr Sapindaceae 0.07 0.57 1.00 6.67 2.78
wall nut
Ailanthus altissima Alenthus Simaroubaceae 0.87 7.39 6.50 13.33 5.56
Betula utilis Bhuj patra Betulaceae 0.47 3.98 3.50 13.33 5.56
Diar,
Cerdus deodara loud Coniferae 1.00 8.53 15.00 6.67 2.78
Kolo
Lyonia ovalifolia Khaduk Ericaceae 0.07 0.57 1.00 6.67 2.78
Morus himaliana Linn. Kimu Uriticaceae 0.33 2.84 5.00 6.67 2.78
Morus serrata Roxb. Thutat Uriticaceae 0.07 0.57 1.00 6.67 2.78
Pinus roxbughii
Chil Coniferae 3.60 30.66 6.75 53.33 22.22
sargent
Pinus smithiana (Wall)
Rai Coniferae 0.73 6.25 3. 67 20.00 8.33
Boiss
Pyrus pashia Han. Sagul Rosaceace 0.13 1.14 1.00 13.33 5.56
Cupuliferae
Quercus dilatate lindl Moru 0.27 2.27 4.00 6.67 2.78
(Fagaceae)
Quercus
Cupuliferae
lecotrichophora (Q Ban 1.80 15.34 4.50 40.00 16.67
(Fagaceae)
incana Roxb.)
Pahri
Robinia pseudacacia Kikar/ Papilionaceae 0.40 3.41 3.00 13.33 5.56
Robinia
Salix depenoides
Basal Salicaceae 0.07 0.57 1.00 6.67 2.78
Villars
Salix wallichiana
Bashur Salicaceae 0.13 1.14 2.00 6.67 2.78
Adhera
Total 11.73 100 82.92 240 100

Asian Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Annexure-IV

Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

%
Vernacul Relative Abund Relative
Scientific Name Density Freque
ar Name Family Density ance Frequency
ncy

Shrubs

Berberis aristata DC. Kashmol Berberidaceae 1.53 38.33 3.29 46.67 35.01
Caesalpinia bondue
- Caesalpinieae 0.67 16.67 2.50 26.67 20.01
(Linn) Roxb.
Cotoneaster bacillaris
Raush Rosaceae 0.60 15.00 2.25 26.67 20.01
Wall
Samrat/
Rhododendron
Gula ibi Ericaceae 0.80 20.00 6.00 13.33 10.00
arboreum Smith
brass
Guptiwar
Rhus pujabensis Anacardaceae 0.40 10.00 2.00 20.00 15.00
h
Total 4 100 16.04 133.33 100
Aconitum
Atish Ranunculaceae 0.80 0.93 4.00 20.00 6.52
heterophyllum
Anaphalis sp. - Asteraceae 0.467 0.54 7.00 6.67 2.17
Berginia ciliata Silla Saxifragaceae 8.53 9.95 42.67 20.00 6.52
Bromus sp. Ghass Poaceae 7.87 9.18 29.50 26.67 8.70
Canabis sativa Linn. Bhang Uriticaceae 0.07 0.08 1.00 6.67 2.17
Cenchrus echinatus Ghass Poaceae 12.00 13.99 90.00 13.33 4.35
Cynodon dactylis Ghass Poaceae 2.40 2.80 36.00 6.67 2.17
Dactylis glomerata Ghass Poaceae 2.73 3.19 13.67 20.00 6.52
Datura stamonium
Datura Solanaceae 0.07 0.07 1.00 6.67 2.17
Linn.
Burkarla/
Girardiana
Bichhu- Urticaceae 0.60 0.70 9.00 6.67 2.17
hererophylla
buti
Lolium perenne Ghass Poaceae 31.33 36.55 67.14 46.67 15.22
Oxalis corniculata - Oxalidaceae 1.67 1.94 25.00 6.67 2.17
Plantago lanceolata Ugal Plantaginaceae 1.00 1.17 5.00 20.00 6.52
Porophylum japonicum Berala Asteraceae 3.20 3.73 16.00 20.00 6.52
Trifolium pratens - Fabaceae 1.33 1.56 10.00 13.33 4.35
Karla/
Urlica ardens Bichhu- Urticaceae 0.73 0.86 5.50 13.33 4.35
buti
Phleum pratense Ghass Poaceae 9.87 11.51 29.60 33.33 10.87
Litsaea umbrosa Narkha Lauraceae 1.07 1.24 5.33 20.00 6.52
Total 85.73 100 397.41 306.67 99.99

Phytosociological Attributes of Floral Species of Diversion Site- I (Nargani)

%
Vernacul Family Relative Abund Relative
Scientific Name Density Freque
ar Name Density ance Frequency
ncy
Tree
Abes pindrow Royle Tosh Coniferae 1.73 14.29 5.20 33.33 11.11
Abes spectabils (D.
Tosh Coniferae
Don) Speach 1.53 12.64 7.67 20.00 6.67
Aesculus indica Colebr Khanor/ Sapindaceae 0.33 2.75 2.50 13.33 4.44

Asian Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Annexure-IV

Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

%
Vernacul Family Relative Abund Relative
Scientific Name Density Freque
ar Name Density ance Frequency
ncy
wall nut
KatBhuj
Betula alnoides Betulaceae
patra 0.47 3.85 1.75 26.67 8.89
Diar,
Cerdus deodara loud Coniferae
Kolo 0.80 6.59 3.00 26.67 8.89
Cornus macrophylla
Kakshi Cornaceae
Wall. 0.13 1.10 2.00 6.67 2.22
Juglans regina Linn. Akrot Juglandaceae 0.07 0.55 1.00 6.67 2.22
Morat/Mo
Litsaea sp. Lauraceae
rad 0.20 1.65 1.50 13.33 4.44
Lyonia ovalifolia Khaduk Ericaceae 0.20 1.65 3.00 6.67 2.22
Pinus roxbughii
Chil Coniferae
sargent 3.13 25.82 5.22 60.00 20.00
Pinus smithiana (Wall)
Rai Coniferae
Boiss 3.27 26.92 4.45 73.33 24.44
Pahri
Robinia pseudacacia Kikar/ Papilionaceae
Robinia 0.27 2.20 2.00 13.33 4.44
Total 12.13 100 39.29 300 100
Shrubs
Berberis chitria Lindl Kashmol Berberidaceae 0.13 5.41 1.00 13.33 9.09
Caesalpinia bondue
- Caesalpinieae
(Linn) Roxb 0.47 18.92 1.75 26.67 18.18
Biswan/B
Myrsine africana Linn Myrsinaceae
awan 0.47 18.92 1.40 33.33 22.73
Rhododendron
Brass Ericaceae
arboreum Smith 0.80 32.43 2.00 40.00 27.27
Rhododendron
Samrat Ericaceae
companulatum Wall 0.60 24.32 1.80 33.33 22.73
Total 2.47 100 7.95 146.67 100
Herb
Berginia ciliata Silla Saxifragaceae 0.40 0.99 3.00 13.33 5.56
Bromus sp. Ghass Poaceae 7.00 17.24 21.00 33.33 13.89
Cenchrus echinatus Ghass Poaceae 1.67 4.11 25.00 6.67 2.78
Chrysopogon
- Poaceae
zizanioda 2.20 5.42 33.00 6.67 2.78
Dactylis glomarata Ghass Poaceae 4.87 11.99 18.25 26.67 11.11
Festula rubra rubra - Poaceae 0.93 2.30 7.00 13.33 5.56
Burkarla/
Girardiana
Bichhu- Urticaceae
hererophylla
buti 1.87 4.60 7.00 26.67 11.11
Lolium perenne Ghass Poaceae 13.27 32.68 33.17 40.00 16.67
Oxalis corniculata - oxalidaceae 1.20 2.96 18.00 6.67 2.78
Phleum pratense Ghass Poaceae 1.67 4.11 25.00 6.67 2.78
Salvia panata Roxb. Chhichhri Labiateae 0.13 0.33 2.00 6.67 2.78
Karla/
Urlica ardens Bichhu- Articaceae
buti 1.07 2.63 5.33 20.00 8.33
Malla/
Valcriane jatamansi
Musk Valerianaceae
De
bala 0.67 1.64 5.00 13.33 5.56
Litsaea umbrosa Narkha Lauraceae 3.67 9.03 18.33 20.00 8.33
Total 40.6 100 221.08 240 100

Asian Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Annexure-IV

Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

Phytosociological Attributes of Floral Species of Diversion Site- II (Rupin)

Scientific Name Vernacul Family Densit Relative Abund % Relative

ar Name y Density ance Freque Frequency
ncy
Tree
Abes spectabils (D. Tosh Coniferae
Don) Speach 1.07 7.80 4.00 26.67 9.30
Aesculus indica Colebr Khanor/ Sapindaceae
wall nut 0.80 5.85 1.71 46.67 16.28
Ailanthus altissima Ailanthus Simaroubaceae 0.07 0.49 1.00 6.67 2.33
Alnus nepalensis Bam Betulaceae 0.53 3.90 4.00 13.33 4.65
Juglans regina Linn. Akrot Juglandaceae 0.87 6.34 4.33 20.00 6.98
Morus himaliana Linn. Kimu Uriticaceae 0.33 2.44 1.67 20.00 6.98
Morus serrata Roxb Thutat Uriticaceae 0.07 0.49 1.00 6.67 1.67
Pinus roxbughii Chil Coniferae
sargent 3.20 23.41 6.86 46.67 16.28
Pinus smithiana (Wall) Rai Coniferae
Boiss 1.07 7.80 4.00 26.67 9.30
Pinus wallichiana A. Kail Coniferae
B. jackson 3.07 22.44 9.20 33.33 11.63
Prunus armanica Linn. Chuli Rosaceae 0.07 0.49 1.00 6.67 2.33
Quercus dilatate lindl Moru Cupuliferae
(Fagaceae) 2.47 18.05 9.25 26.67 9.30
Salix depenoides Basal Salicaceae
Villars 0.07 0.49 1.00 6.67 2.33
Total 13.67 100 49.02 286.67 99.34
Shrub
Berberis chitria Lindl Kashmol Berberidaceae 0.47 14.00 2.33 20.00 15.79
Myrsine africana Linn. Biswan/B Myrsinaceae
awan 0.73 22.00 2.75 26.67 21.05
Rhododendron
Samrat Ericaceae
companulatum Wall 1.00 30.00 2.50 40.00 31.58
Rhus pujabensis Guptiwar Anacardaceae
h 1.13 34.00 2.83 40.00 31.58
Total 3.33 100 10.42 126.67 100
Herb
Achyranthus aspera Apamar Amaranthaceae 1.13 2.98 17.00 6.67 3.85
Arundinari falcata Nirgal Gramineae
Nees 1.20 3.15 9.00 13.33 7.69
Bromus sp Ghass Poaceae 11.13 29.25 33.40 33.33 19.23
Dactylis glomarata Ghass Poaceae 2.47 6.48 18.50 13.33 7.69
Girardiana Burkarla/ Urticaceae
hererophylla Bichhu-
buti 0.47 1.23 3.50 13.33 7.69
Lolium perenne Ghass Poaceae 19.00 49.91 40.71 46.67 26.92
Phleum pratense Ghass Poaceae 0.93 2.45 14.00 6.67 3.85
Rosa macrophylla lindl Pahari Rosaceae
gulab 0.20 0.53 1.50 13.33 7.69
Urlica ardens Karla/ Articaceae
Bichhu-
buti 1.53 4.03 5.75 26.67 15.38
Total 38.07 100 143.36 173.33 100

Asian Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Annexure-IV

Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

Species Diversity Index (SDI) and Species Richness (Margalef Index) of Trees, Shrubs and Herb in
the Study Area

Site Name Plant Category SDI Species

Richness
(Margalef
Index)
Tree 2.22 3.09
Power House site Shrub 1.50 0.98
Herb 2.08 2.37
Tree 1.94 2.11
Diversion Site-I (Nargani) Shrub 1.50 1.11
Herb 2.12 2.03
Tree 2.04 2.25
Diversion Site-II (Rupin) Shrub 1.34 0.77
Herb 1.40 1.26

Asian Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Annexure-IV

Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

ANNEXURE-V

Location Density Index (u/l) Diversity Index

Code W Pr. M Post M W Pre- M Post M
Phyto-planktons
P1 117.2 72 55.8 1.81674 1.76947 1.56755
P2 112.8 65.6 49.3 1.72866 2.30655 2.06175
P3 61.6 121 50.0 1.61822 1.57153 1.31982
P4 59 46 52.5 1.03356 2.04516 1.75105
P5 61.6 113 56.5 1.61822 1.78949 1.45348
P6 71.2 59 51.3 1.86085 1.37188 0.59586
Benthos
Location W Pr. M Post M W Pr. M Post M
Code
P1 59 172 44.2 1.03356 0.52394 0.49696
P2 40 60 47.1 0.78384 0.83287 0.23553
P3 38 106 51.2 0.3365 0.75991 0.74744
P4 54 36 51.6 0.26405 1.11749 0.56234
P5 46 20 51.7 0.29544 0.95027 0.68901
P6 28 10 50.2 0.25732 1.05492 0.41012

LOCATIONS PHYTOPLANKTON BENTHOS

WINTER SEASON
Cymbella sp. Ephemeroptera (Ephemerella)
Navicula radiosa Tricoptera (Hydroptilidae)
Gomphonema sp. Diptera ( Culicoides)
Stigeoclonium sp. Coleoptera ( Ptilodactylidae)
Compsopogon sp.
P1
Mougeotia sp.
Ulothrix sp.
Microcystis sp.
Anabaena sp.
Oscilatoria sp.

Navicula radiosa Ephemeroptera (Ephemerella)

Gomphonema sp. Tricoptera (Hydropsychidae)
Stigeoclonium sp. Coleoptera ( Ptilodactylidae)
Compsopogon sp.
Mougeotia sp.
P2 Phormadeum sp.
Ulothrix sp.
Microspora sp.
Anabaena sp.

Asian Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Annexure-V

Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

LOCATIONS PHYTOPLANKTON BENTHOS

Oscilatoria sp.

Navicula radiosa Ephemeroptera (Ephemerella)

Synedra sp. Diptera ( Chaoborinae)
Stigeoclonium sp.
Compsopogon sp.
P3 Mougeotia sp.
Tolypothrix sp.
Ulothrix sp.
Microcystis. sp.
Anabaena sp.
Oscilatoria sp.

Ulothrix sp. Ephemeroptera (Ephemerella)

Microcystis. sp. Tricoptera (Hydroptilidae)
Anabaena sp.
Oscilatoria sp.
P4
Synedra sp.
Stigeoclonium sp.
Compsopogon sp.
Navicula radiosa

Cymbella sp. Ephemeroptera (Ephemerella)

Diatoma sp. Coleoptera (Ptilodactylidae)
Frgillaria sp.
Gomphonema sp.
Navicula radiosa
P5
Pinnuleria sp,
Synedra sp.
Closterium sp.
Stigeoclonium sp.
Zygnema sp.

Navicula radiosa Ephemeroptera (Ephemerella)

Stigeoclonium sp. Tricoptera (Hydroptilidae)
Compsopogon sp.
P6 Ulothrix sp.
Anacysis. sp.
Anabaena sp.
Oscilatoria sp.

LOCATIONS PHYTOPLANKTON BENTHOS

PRE MONSOON
Asian Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Annexure-V
Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

LOCATIONS PHYTOPLANKTON BENTHOS

Cymbella sp. Ephemeroptera (Ephemerella)
Diatoma sp. Tricoptera (Hydroptilidae)
Frgillaria sp. Diptera ( Culicoides)
Gomphonema sp.
Navicula radiosa
Pinnuleria sp,
P1 Synedra sp.
Closterium sp.
Stigeoclonium sp.
Zygnema sp.
Anabaena sp.
Nodularia sp.
Oscilatoria sp.

Amphora sp.
Cocconies sp. Ephemeroptera (Ephemerella)
Cymbella sp. Tricoptera (Hydroptilidae)
Diatoma sp. Odonata
Frgillaria sp. Diptera (Culicoides)
Gomphonema sp. Plecoptera
Navicula radiosa
P2 Pinnuleria sp,
Synedra sp.
Cosmarium sp.
Coelastrum sp.
Mougeotia sp.
Ulothrix sp.
Zygnema sp.
Agmenellum sp.
Anabaena sp.
Oscilatoria sp.

Amphora sp. Ephemeroptera (Ephemerella)

Coconeis sp. Diptera (Culicoides)
Cymbella sp Trichoptera(Hydroptilidae)
Epithemia sp.
Frgillaria sp.
Gomphonema sp.
P3 Melosira sp.
Navicula radiosa
Pinnuleria sp,
Synedra sp.
Zygnema sp.
Asian Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Annexure-V
Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

LOCATIONS PHYTOPLANKTON BENTHOS

Agemenelleum sp.
Anabaena sp.
Oscilatoria sp.

Amphora sp. Ephemeroptera (Ephemerella)

Diatoma sp. Diptera (Culicoides)
Epithemia sp. Plecoptera
Frgillaria sp. Tricoptera (Hydroptilidae,
Hydroptila)
Gomphonema sp.
Navicula radiosa
P4 Pinnuleria sp,
Synedra sp.
Coconies sp.
Pediastrum sp.
Stigeoclonium sp.
Anabaena sp.
Lyngbya sp.
Oscilatoria sp.

Amphora sp. Ephemeroptera (Ephemerella,

Cinygmela)
Coconies sp. Coleoptera (Agabinus)
Cymbella sp Diptera (Culicoides)
Diatoma sp.
Frgillaria sp.
P5 Gomphonema sp.
Navicula radiosa
Synedra sp.
Tabellaria sp.
Odogonium sp.
Ulothrix sp.
Agemenelleum sp
Lyngbya sp.

Amphora sp. Ephemeroptera (Ephemerella)

Coconies sp. Diptera (Chaoborus))
Diatoma sp. Tricoptera (Hydroptilidae)
Frgillaria sp
Navicula radiosa
P6 Pinnuleria sp,
Synedra sp.
Stigeoclonium sp.
Asian Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Annexure-V
Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

LOCATIONS PHYTOPLANKTON BENTHOS

Spirogyra sp.
Anabaena sp.
Oscilatoria sp.
Phormedium sp.

POST MONSOON
P1 Frgillaria sp. Diptera ( Culicoides)
Gomphonema sp. Tricoptera (Hydroptilidae)
Navicula radiosa
Zygnema sp.

P2 Cymbella sp. Tricoptera (Hydroptilidae)

Navicula radiosa Ephemeroptera (Ephemerella)
Ulothrix sp. Plecoptera
Zygnema sp.

Amphora sp. Ephemeroptera (Ephemerella)

Frgillaria sp. Trichoptera(Hydroptilidae)
Navicula radiosa
Synedra sp.
Zygnema sp.
Agemenelleum sp.
P3 Oscilatoria sp.

Amphora sp. Ephemeroptera (Ephemerella)

Gomphonema sp. Tricoptera (Hydroptilidae,
Hydroptila)
Navicula radiosa
Lyngbya sp.

P4
Amphora sp. Ephemeroptera (Ephemerella,
Cinygmela)
Coconies sp. Coleoptera (Agabinus)
Frgillaria sp.
Gomphonema sp.
Navicula radiosa
P5 Synedra sp.
Agemenelleum sp

Amphora sp. Ephemeroptera (Ephemerella)

Frgillaria sp Tricoptera (Hydroptilidae)
Asian Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Annexure-V
Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

LOCATIONS PHYTOPLANKTON BENTHOS

Navicula radiosa
Spirogyra sp.
Anabaena sp.
P6

Asian Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Annexure-V

Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

ANNEXURE- VI

Computation of Sediment Yield Index of 24 Micro watershed of the proposed Rupin HEP
Catchment, Himachal Pradesh

AXW
Micro Delivery Σ8/Σ4
Area Product X DR Priority
S.No. Watershed EIMU Weightage Ratio X 100
(ha) AXW 4X5 Number
Code (DR) = SYI
X7
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 j1 27 2 18 36 0.85 31
29 127 16 2032 0.85 1727
33 44 16 704 0.70 493
34 91 18 1638 0.75 1229
291 1 15 15 0.90 14
331 53 15 795 0.75 596
318 4090 1286 3
2 j2 18b 10 15 150 0.70 105
26 125 15 1875 0.80 1500
27 239 18 4302 0.85 3657
28 50 11 550 0.60 330
28b 171 17 2907 0.80 2326
29 293 16 4688 0.85 3985
33 127 16 2032 0.70 1422
34 79 18 1422 0.75 1067
271 23 18 414 0.90 373
341 34 16 544 0.80 435
1151 15200 1321 2
3 j3 27 3 18 54 0.85 46
28b 148 17 2516 0.80 2013
29 191 16 3056 0.85 2598
34 133 18 2394 0.75 1796
291 70 15 1050 0.90 945
331 2 15 30 0.75 23
341 5 16 80 0.80 64
552 7485 1356 1
4 j4 12 22 13 286 0.65 186
18 55 11 605 0.60 363
18b 84 15 1260 0.70 882
27 185 18 3330 0.85 2831
28 101 11 1111 0.60 667
28b 281 17 4777 0.80 3822
29 45 16 720 0.85 612
34 13 18 234 0.75 176
271 17 18 306 0.90 275
291 8 15 120 0.90 108
811 9922 1223 5
5 j5 11 65 12 780 0.60 468
12 21 13 273 0.65 177
16 30 14 420 0.80 336
18 129 11 1419 0.60 851
18b 73 15 1095 0.70 767
27 308 18 5544 0.85 4712
28 99 11 1089 0.60 653
28b 196 17 3332 0.80 2666
271 14 18 252 0.90 227

Asian Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Annexure-VI

Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

AXW
Micro Delivery Σ8/Σ4
Area Product X DR Priority
S.No. Watershed EIMU Weightage Ratio X 100
(ha) AXW 4X5 Number
Code (DR) = SYI
X7
935 10857 1161 9
6 j6 11 72 12 864 0.60 518
12 13 13 169 0.65 110
16 66 14 924 0.80 739
18 28 11 308 0.60 185
27 117 18 2106 0.85 1790
28 66 11 726 0.60 436
28b 191 17 3247 0.80 2598
271 41 18 738 0.90 664
594 7040 1185 8
7 j7 11 523 12 6276 0.60 3766
12 118 13 1534 0.65 997
14 94 13 1222 0.70 855
16 5 14 70 0.80 56
17 63 15 945 0.85 803
18 168 11 1848 0.60 1109
27 113 18 2034 0.85 1729
28b 97 17 1649 0.80 1319
271 18 18 324 0.90 292
1199 10926 911 19
8 j8 11 706 12 8472 0.60 5083
12 28 13 364 0.65 237
14 28 13 364 0.70 255
15 18 14 252 0.75 189
16 118 14 1652 0.80 1322
17 29 15 435 0.85 370
18 98 11 1078 0.60 647
T 14 – – – –
1039 8103 780 24
9 k1 26 53 15 795 0.80 636
28 255 11 2805 0.60 1683
31 105 11 1155 0.65 751
33 66 16 1056 0.70 739
479 3809 795 23
10 k2 11 2 12 24 0.60 14
15 70 14 980 0.75 735
16 158 14 2212 0.80 1770
18a 12 13 156 0.65 101
19 8 14 112 0.65 73
25 251 14 3514 0.75 2636
26 192 15 2880 0.80 2304
28 399 11 4389 0.60 2633
28b 165 17 2805 0.80 2244
31 61 11 671 0.65 436
32 17 14 238 0.70 167
33 95 16 1520 0.70 1064
191 15 13 195 0.75 146
291 19 15 285 0.90 257
331 189 15 2835 0.75 2126
1653 16706 1011 14
11 k3 11 400 12 4800 0.60 2880
12 190 13 2470 0.65 1606

Asian Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Annexure-VI

Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

AXW
Micro Delivery Σ8/Σ4
Area Product X DR Priority
S.No. Watershed EIMU Weightage Ratio X 100
(ha) AXW 4X5 Number
Code (DR) = SYI
X7
15 176 14 2464 0.75 1848
16 61 14 854 0.80 683
18a 44 13 572 0.65 372
19 56 14 784 0.65 510
28 20 11 220 0.60 132
33 13 16 208 0.70 146
191 8 13 104 0.75 78
331 49 15 735 0.75 551
1017 8806 866 21
12 k4 11 2 12 24 0.60 14
25 50 14 700 0.75 525
18a 39 13 507 0.65 330
28 499 11 5489 0.60 3293
28b 297 17 5049 0.80 4039
32 17 14 238 0.70 167
33 64 16 1024 0.70 717
968 9085 939 17
13 k5 11 470 12 5640 0.60 3384
12 495 13 6435 0.65 4183
14 60 13 780 0.70 546
16 104 14 1456 0.80 1165
18 4 11 44 0.60 26
18a 39 13 507 0.65 330
28 138 11 1518 0.60 911
28b 423 17 7191 0.80 5753
1733 16298 940 16
14 m1 28b 111 17 1887 0.80 1510
29 157 16 2512 0.85 2135
32 1 14 14 0.70 10
33 254 16 4064 0.70 2845
34 16 18 288 0.75 216
291 12 15 180 0.90 162
331 77 15 1155 0.75 866
341 28 16 448 0.80 358
656 8102 1235 4
15 m2 12 19 13 247 0.65 161
25 17 14 238 0.75 179
28 180 11 1980 0.60 1188
28b 145 17 2465 0.80 1972
29 271 16 4336 0.85 3686
32 55 14 770 0.70 539
33 84 16 1344 0.70 941
34 31 18 558 0.75 419
291 82 15 1230 0.90 1107
341 4 16 64 0.80 51
888 10243 1153 10
16 m3 12 161 13 2093 0.65 1360
18 51 11 561 0.60 337
26 102 15 1530 0.80 1224
27 1 18 18 0.85 15
28 46 11 506 0.60 304
29 21 16 336 0.85 286

Asian Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Annexure-VI

Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

AXW
Micro Delivery Σ8/Σ4
Area Product X DR Priority
S.No. Watershed EIMU Weightage Ratio X 100
(ha) AXW 4X5 Number
Code (DR) = SYI
X7
271 3 18 54 0.90 49
28b 150 17 2550 0.80 2040
535 5615 1050 13
17 m4 11 62 12 744 0.60 446
12 45 13 585 0.65 380
17 124 15 1860 0.85 1581
18 19 11 209 0.60 125
25 39 14 546 0.75 410
28 184 11 2024 0.60 1214
28b 89 17 1513 0.80 1210
29 101 16 1616 0.85 1374
33 240 16 3840 0.70 2688
291 77 15 1155 0.90 1040
980 10468 1068 12
18 m5 11 111 12 1332 0.60 799
17 154 15 2310 0.85 1964
25 50 14 700 0.75 525
28b 283 17 4811 0.80 3849
33 16 16 256 0.70 179
614 7316 1192 6
19 m6 11 315 12 3780 0.60 2268
14 134 13 1742 0.70 1219
16 72 14 1008 0.80 806
17 64 15 960 0.85 816
18 15 11 165 0.60 99
25 115 14 1610 0.75 1208
27 62 18 1116 0.85 949
28b 99 17 1683 0.80 1346
271 19 18 342 0.90 308
T 10 – – – –
905 9019 997 15
20 n1 11 642 12 7704 0.60 4622
14 48 13 624 0.70 437
16 167 14 2338 0.80 1870
17 258 15 3870 0.85 3290
18b 8 15 120 0.70 84
27 72 18 1296 0.85 1102
28b 391 17 6647 0.80 5318
29 81 16 1296 0.85 1102
271 11 18 198 0.90 178
291 12 13 156 0.65 101
1690 18104 1071 11
21 n2 11 331 12 3972 0.60 2383
12 499 13 6487 0.65 4217
14 67 13 871 0.70 610
16 324 14 4536 0.80 3629
17 104 15 1560 0.85 1326
18 41 11 451 0.60 271
18b 45 15 675 0.70 473
1411 12909 915 18
22 n3 11 23 12 276 0.60 166
12 206 13 2678 0.65 1741

Asian Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Annexure-VI

Final EIA Report for 45 MW Rupin Hydro Electric
Project, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh

AXW
Micro Delivery Σ8/Σ4
Area Product X DR Priority
S.No. Watershed EIMU Weightage Ratio X 100
(ha) AXW 4X5 Number
Code (DR) = SYI
X7
14 12 13 156 0.70 109
16 22 14 308 0.80 246
18b 56 15 840 0.70 588
25 5 14 70 0.75 53
28 17 11 187 0.60 112
28b 564 17 9588 0.80 7670
29 28 16 448 0.85 381
933 11066 1186 7
23 n4 11 332 12 3984 0.60 2390
12 425 13 5525 0.65 3591
14 69 13 897 0.70 628
16 6 14 84 0.80 67
18 48 11 528 0.60 317
19 2 14 28 0.65 18
18a 23 13 299 0.65 194
18b 98 15 1470 0.70 1029
25 64 14 896 0.75 672
27 7 18 126 0.85 107
28b 122 17 2074 0.80 1659
1196 10672 892 20
24 n5 11 862 12 10344 0.60 6206
12 251 13 3263 0.65 2121
14 43 13 559 0.70 391
15 12 14 168 0.75 126
16 115 14 1610 0.80 1288
18 111 11 1221 0.60 733
18a 212 13 2756 0.65 1791
18b 10 15 150 0.70 105
19 58 14 812 0.65 528
27 24 18 432 0.85 367
28b 68 17 1156 0.80 925
191 11 13 143 0.75 107
1777 14688 827 22

Asian Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Annexure-VI