Initial Environment Examination of Kathmandu-Bhaktapur Road Upgrading Project

Project Description

The proposed Kathmandu – Bhaktapur Road Upgrading project, with a total of 10.5 Km starts at Tinkune of Kathmandu and ends at Jagati in Bhkatapur district, is one of the projects which the Government of Japan is keen in extending its assistance to the Government of Nepal. This study has been conducted to fulfill the requirements under EPA – 2053 and to comply the JICA’s requirements on IEE Study.

The Kathmandu – Bhaktapur road is a part of Arniko Highway, which has its Right-of-way (ROW) as 25m at both sides of the center line. Presently the road is only 2 lanes but the traffic volume was estimated to be 10,695 and is expected to grow to 43,185 by year 2025. Thus the widening of this road has been necessary. Prior to the actual design and widening of the road, an Initial Environmental Examination has been conducted to investigate the impacts of road widening with respect to the physical, biological and socio-economic aspects including cultural aspects. The Study has dealt with these aspects in detail and proposed mitigative plans for adverse impacts. An EMAP has also been prepared and conclusion and further works to be conducted has been recommended.

Assignment Description

Conduct detail survey and investigation of the present physical, biological and socio-economic condition of the road corridor. • Analyze environmental implications / impacts of road widening • Identification of affected peoples with details including compensation and resettlement • Find out the positive or negative impacts on various environmental resources due to natural phenomenon and road-induced human activities during and after construction road project • Identify and recommend measures for minimizing environmental impacts from proposed construction by employing principles of avoidance, mitigation, and controls • Socio-economic survey through FGD and Household survey • Identify the major issues that may result due to proposed works on the natural, physical and socio-economic and cultural and religious environment of the project area. • Recommend whether the proposed road should go for full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or the Initial Environmental Examination is sufficient to address the environmental issues that may result due to proposed works on this road and its environment.