Environmental Impact Assessment of Tokha-Jhor-Chhahare Road Project

Project Description

The proposed road is located in Kathmandu and Nuwakot district of Bagmati Zone in Central Development Region. This Kathmandu and Nuwakot district link road originates from Chakrapath (Samakhusi) and passes through Tokha, Jhor, Shivapuri National Park, Gurjebhanjyang and ends at Chhahare of Nuwakot district. The length of proposed road is about 31 km. The length about 1.8 km lies in Shivapuri National Park Area.

The main objective of this Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study is to assess and predict the impacts of project activities on physical, biological, socio-economic and cultural resource; examine the significance of the environmental implication; recommend preventive and curative measures, including benefits augmentation measures and environmental management plan; and provide information for decision-makers abut the environmental implication of the proposed project and associated costs.

Assignment Description

The services provided by the Consultant included, among others, the following: • Collection, examination, review and analysis of existing Reports, Maps and Data • Evaluation and Identification of Existing socio-economic and environmental constraints and issues and finding development constraints and potentials • Formulation of Study Plan • Scoping Exercise along the road carrying out social awareness and social sensitization regarding the road, its modalities, benefits to local people, and learning from them what are important physical, biological and socio- economic environmental issues that should be considered with priority. Complete walkthrough survey was carried out assessing important and sensitive environmental issues to be considered in the EIA Study. In every 9 Village Development Communities, community discussion and Scoping Meeting was conducted. • Preparation of EIA Scoping Document and Terms of Reference and received approval from MoPE • Field Survey and Investigation for collecting baseline data regarding physical, biological and socio-economic and cultural environment. • Detailed physical, biological and socio-economic and cultural environmental data were collected including social assessment, acquisition and resettlement. • Household survey was carried out to document wide range of socio-economic and demographic data of the area. • Data were analyzed, positive and negative impacts identified and predicted, appropriate site-specific mitigation measures developed. • Alternative analysis was done based on the detailed assessment on the technical feasibility, economic and environmentally viability. • Prepared environment monitoring and management plan for implementation. • Draft EIA Report prepared and submitted to the Client • Received comments from Client and prepared Draft Final EIA Report and submitted to MoPE