Integrated Social and Environmental Assessment Study for the Proposed Irrigation and Water Resources Management Project (IWRMP) (IDA Credit-3293-NEP)

Project Description

The IWRMP has been proposed by the DOI with support from the WB which will involve a combination of investments and institutional/policy reforms. The project will improve integrated management of water resources, development and rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructures of FMIS and improving the management of AMIS. The objectives of the proposed project are to (i) improve irrigation service delivery; and (ii) enhance sustainability and productivity of selected irrigation systems in Nepal to be done through (a) irrigating infrastructure development and improvement; (b) completion and consolidation of irrigation management transfer reforms; and (c) institutional and policy support for better water management and productivity. The overall objective of the ISEA is to identify, develop and incorporate social and environmental considerations and measures into project planning, preparation, implementation and monitoring as a means of capturing direct and indirect social and environmental outcomes through all aspects of project execution.

Assignment Description

Reviewed existing documents and secondary data, desk study and consultation with DOI and the WB • Prepared questionnaires for FMIS and AMIS and surface irrigation and ground water irrigation systems. • Conducted household survey/beneficiary assessment and PRA and collected necessary data on environmental, social, agricultural, technical and information communication aspects. • Conducted vigorous stakeholder's participatory consultation at primary, co-primary, secondary and tertiary level. • Collected baseline information on environmental and technical aspects • Conducted data entry, analysis and interpretation • Identified and evaluated beneficial and adverse social and environmental impacts and suggested appropriate augmentation and mitigation measures. • Identified implementing agencies for the mitigating measures • Prepared monitoring indicators and processes for the social and environmental impacts and identified monitoring agency. • Identified institutional gaps both from the review of institutions and the field study and suggested appropriate reform • Identified the gaps in policy and legal framework and suggested appropriate reform • Identified gaps in information dissemination and communication and developed Information Education and Communication strategy • Developed gender and indigenous, vulnerable and disadvantaged groups development strategy • Prepared Resettlement Policy Framework and Resettlement Action Plan • Assessed agricultural practices and developed Integrated Pest and Nutrient Management Strategy • Developed Social and Environmental Screening Criteria to be incorporated into Social and Environmental Framework • Developed Social and Environmental Plan for the first year sub-projects • Prepared and submitted final report along with the sub-projects report