Development of Economic Corridors, Inter Corridors, Feeder Routes to improve the efficiency of freight movement

in India under Bharatmala Pariyojana - Lot 3/ Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, GOA & Kerala /Package 1 – Chittoor –
Thatchur Road (NH-716B)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER-0 : EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................ 0-

1
0.1 INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................... 0-1
0.2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION...................................................................................................... 0-1
0.3 POLICY LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK ..................................................... 0-3
0.4 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES ............................................................................................ 0-4
0.5 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA.................................................................................... 0-5
0.6 IMPACTS MITIGATION AND ENHANCEMENT MEASURES ............................................... 0-9
0.7 IMPACT MITIGATION AND ENHANCEMENT ..................................................................... 0-14
0.8 PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS ................................................................................................. 0-14
0.9 BENEFITS OF THE PROJECT ............................................................................................ 0-15
0.10 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME ............................................................. 0-16
0.11 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP) .............................................................. 0-16

LIST OF TABLES
Table 0.1: Salient features of the proposed project road .....................................................................0-2
Table 0.2: Comparison between 'With' and 'Without Project' Scenarios .............................................0-4
Table 0.3: Brief Description of the Environment ..................................................................................0-5
Table 0.4: General Impacts on Natural Environment...........................................................................0-9
Table 0.5: General Impacts on Social and Cultural Environment ......................................................0-11
Table 0.6: Peoples’ Perception about Environment and Social issues .............................................0-14

Draft Environmental Impact Assessment 0-i

Development of Economic Corridors, Inter Corridors, Feeder Routes to improve the efficiency of freight movement
in India under Bharatmala Pariyojana - Lot 3/ Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, GOA & Kerala /Package 1 – Chittoor –
Thatchur Road (NH-716B)

CHAPTER-0: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

0.1 INTRODUCTION

The Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways (MORTH), Government of India through National
Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is implementing “Bharatmala Pariyojana”, an umbrella program for
the highways sector. This focuses on optimizing efficiency of freight and passenger movement across
the country by bridging critical infrastructure gaps through effective solutions like development of
economic corridors, inter-corridor, national corridors efficiency improvement, border & international
connectivity roads, coastal & port connectivity roads and expressways.

The Letter of Acceptance communicated vide NHAI letter NHAI/Planning/ EC/2016/DPR/Lot 3/ Ap. Knt.
Goa &KL/Package 1/98598 dated 21/04/2017. The contract agreement signed on 11/5/2017 vide letter
NHAI/planning/EC/2016/DPR/Lot 3/AP, Karnataka, Goa &KL, / Package 1/99575 dated 11/05/2017 with
immediate commencement date

The proposed Chennai – Kurnool economic corridor starts from Chennai, terminates in Kurnool, and
pass through Puttur, Renigunta, Kadapa and Nandyal. It noted that the section from Nagari to
Renigunta has been develop under NHDP. Therefore, if Nagari- Chennai (Thatchur) with a spur to
Chittoor section developed as part of Chennai – Kurnool corridor, it would offer alternative connectivity
between Chennai and Bangalore/Chittoor. Further the container traffic originating from Bangalore and
bound towards the ports of Kamarajar and Kattuppalli currently passes through the congested Chennai
bypass and the Tamil Nadu state is developing the northern port access road from Thatchur to
Kamarajar (Ennore) and Kattuppalli ports. Therefore Chittoor – Thatchur Greenfield alignment will
provide direct port connectivity to Bangalore and Chittoor

A meeting held with NHAI on 28/12/2017 regarding optimizing the project road stretches and it
deliberated to alter the start & end to Chittoor – Thatchur. The proposed finalised alignment jointly
inspected with PD/PIU/Chennai on 07/01/2018 &11/01/2018. Further, a meeting was held in
MORTH for optimizing the Bharatmala economic corridors and it was intimated to us that Chittoor
– Thatchur Greenfield alignment will be consider (copy enclosed) contrary to Puttur - Janappanchatram
section (AP SH 4421 & TN SH 51). Eventually the Puttur stretch dropped from our scope of work.
A presentation made to Chittoor – Thatchur stretch with Secretary MORTH and other NHAI official on
19/2/2018 for alignment consideration and approval. A presentation also made by consultant during the
meeting with Union Minister MORTH, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, other state ministers and officials.
The alignment was agree in principle during the above meeting. The detailed presentation also made
to RO/NHAI/Chennai on 23/03/2018. Based on this NHAI HQs had conveyed its approval on alignment
on 06/06/2018. Further, a detailed presentation with all provisions made discussed with NHAI and
CGM/NHAI on 30/10/2018 in Regional office Chennai. The alignment notified as NH 716B in Gazette.

0.2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The proposed alignment passes through the states of Andhra Predesh and Tamil Nadu in the districts
of Chittoor and Thiruvallur respectively. The salient features of the proposed project given below:

Draft Environmental Impact Assessment 0-1

Development of Economic Corridors, Inter Corridors, Feeder Routes to improve the efficiency of freight movement
in India under Bharatmala Pariyojana - Lot 3/ Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, GOA & Kerala /Package 1 – Chittoor –
Thatchur Road (NH-716B)

Table 0.1: Salient features of the proposed project road

S No Particulars Proposed (Design)

Technical Features
1 State and District Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh and Thiruvallur
district of Tamil Nadu
2 Length 126.550km
3 Total Area of Land Acquisition About 884.26hectares for main alignment except for
interchanges and other project facilities

4 Seismic Zone Zone 2

5 Proposed Carriageway 6-lane divided carriageway configuration
6 Proposed ROW 70m
7 Design Speed 100kmph
8 Embankment About 2m to 3m on existing ground generally
9 Tunnels (length, seepage, Not applicable. No tunnel involved in the project
emergency exit, drilling/blasting,
10 Junctions/ Fly Over/Interchange One trumpet, two cloverleaf and five viaduct
interchanges

11 Vehicular Underpasses
VUP 10no, LVUP 38no and SVUP 8no
12 ROB 2no
13 RUB Nil
14 Major Bridges 4no
15 Minor Bridges 20no
16 Culverts 200no
17 Service Roads/Slip Roads Slip roads provided in all interchange locations for
converging and diverging traffic

18 CBR adopted for pavement design 8% as per IRC standards

19 Median 5m
20 Service Road Wherever required
21 Slope protection Turf/ stone pitching
22 Safety Measure Crash Barriers provided
23 Lighting Lighting in all proposed Interchanges and toll plaza
etc.
24 Horticulture and landscaping Throughout
Environmental Features
Whether passing through Wildlife No
25
area/Protected area/CRZ
26 Protected Monuments & structures No

Draft Environmental Impact Assessment 0-2

Development of Economic Corridors, Inter Corridors, Feeder Routes to improve the efficiency of freight movement
in India under Bharatmala Pariyojana - Lot 3/ Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, GOA & Kerala /Package 1 – Chittoor –
Thatchur Road (NH-716B)

S No Particulars Proposed (Design)

Technical Features
Land use within 10km buffer from either side of
project roads:
 Vegetation/agricultural :76%
27 Land Use Pattern  Settlement : 1%
 Barren/fallow land : 6%
 Forest land : 12%
 Water bodies : 5%

28 Forest Land Diversion Yes

29 Tree 19,581
30 River crossings/Stream crossing 24no
31 Ponds 21no
32 Terrain Mix of Plain and rolling
As per IRC SP 21:2009 /MORTH Code/Guidelines
33 Green belt development and Green corridor’s terms of reference for
plantation by GHD/NHAI
34 Mangroves, sand dunes etc. N/A
Environmental Management Cost INR 55.64crores
35 including Corporate Environmental
Responsibility Cost
36 No. of social structures Affected Marginal due to Greenfield

0.3 POLICY LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK

The proposed road development project of NH 716B is a New National Highway with Right of Way
(ROW) requirement of 70m. Hence, as per EIA notification 2006, the proposed project falls under
“Category A” and attracts the conditions of obtaining prior Environmental Clearance from Ministry of
Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC).

Draft Environmental Impact Assessment 0-3

Development of Economic Corridors, Inter Corridors, Feeder Routes to improve the efficiency of freight movement
in India under Bharatmala Pariyojana - Lot 3/ Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, GOA & Kerala /Package 1 – Chittoor –
Thatchur Road (NH-716B)

0.4 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES

Table 0.2: Comparison between 'With' and 'Without Project' Scenarios

Component “With” Project Scenario “Without” Project Scenario

Carriageway The carriageway will be construct to 6- The Freight traffic will traverse
lane configuration with paved and through Chennai City area and
earthen shoulders on either side. This further lead to traffic congestion.
will ensure seamless traffic flow

Traffic Congestion The new road will be capable of The heavy traffic will continue to
ensuring uninterrupted free flow traffic. move through the city thereby
This will ensure the Chennai city free mixing with the city traffic and
from long route trucks that do not need increase the traffic congestion in
to enter just for passage. Chennai city
The environment parameters of the
region will significantly improve besides
saving in vehicle operating cost.

Road Safety There will be a decrease in the number Mix of city traffic with through
of road accidents after development of commercial traffic lead to traffic
the new highway, as there will be congestion in all arterial roads.
adequate space for plying vehicles to This leads to many road
cross and overtake. accidents. As per the community
consultation, many accidents are
The city traffic will be separate with
taking place on the existing road
through commercial traffic and thereby
stretches due to mix traffic. With
ensure adequate safety to light city
increase in traffic, the situation
vehicles.
may worsen.

Environmental The free flow of traffic on the new Environmental quality will further
Quality highway will improve the environmental deteriorate due to pollution and
quality, as the emissions from the plying high emission from slow traffic
vehicles will reduce due to seamless movement and congestions.
flow. With increase in traffic, the pace
of degradation of environment
There will be temporary increase in dust
will only hasten.
and emissions during the construction
phase only and is reversible.

Transportation Free flow interchanges, VUPs/LVUPs, Bad travel quality.

Facilities and truck lay byes proposed along the
project road for convenience of people.
Thus, the travel quality will drastically
improve on the road conditions.

Draft Environmental Impact Assessment 0-4

Development of Economic Corridors, Inter Corridors, Feeder Routes to improve the efficiency of freight movement
in India under Bharatmala Pariyojana - Lot 3/ Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, GOA & Kerala /Package 1 – Chittoor –
Thatchur Road (NH-716B)

Component “With” Project Scenario “Without” Project Scenario

Economic Economic activities will automatically The economic activity will remain
Development improve once the new road developed static and local and will improve
around the Bangalore city. It will also only at a laggard pace.
benefit farmers, as they will be able to
sell their produce in distant markets due
to improved transportation.

Employment The proposed construction and No such opportunity

Opportunities improvement of project roads will
require around 50 technical staff, 100
skilled labours and 200 non-skilled
labours during construction phase.

Development There will be higher potential for Development activity will greatly
Potential development in this area due to hampered due to inadequate
improvement in access and consequent connectivity.
increase in economic activity. Essential
community infrastructures like drainage
system, water supply, electricity,
transportation etc. will come as
consequence of current development.

It can be concluded that “With” project scenario having positive/ beneficial impacts will significantly
enhance social & economic development of the region when compared to the “Without” project
scenario. Hence, the “With” project scenario with some reversible impacts is a preferred and acceptable
option rather than the “Without” project scenario. The implementation of the project, therefore, will
definitely be beneficial for overall socio-economic environment of the impacted region.

0.5 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA

The brief description of the environment given as follows:

Table 0.3: Brief Description of the Environment

S. PARAMETER DESCRIPTION
No.

1. Physical Environment

(i) Topography and The project road section of Chittoor – Thatchur road, newly declared
Geography NH 716B passes mainly through Plain/rolling terrain. The alignment
passes through Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh and Thiruvallur
district of Tamil Nadu.

(ii) Geology and The Chittoor district forms a part of the Mysore plateau with many hill
Seismicity ranges and undulating plains

Draft Environmental Impact Assessment 0-5

Development of Economic Corridors, Inter Corridors, Feeder Routes to improve the efficiency of freight movement
in India under Bharatmala Pariyojana - Lot 3/ Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, GOA & Kerala /Package 1 – Chittoor –
Thatchur Road (NH-716B)

S. PARAMETER DESCRIPTION
No.

The soil of the Thiruvallur district is mostly sandy, mixed with soda or
other alkali or stony. Rocks found in and near the surface are in
detached masses. Hence, the soil cannot be termed as very fertile
The project influence area falls under Zone II

(iii) Soils The soils in the Chittoor district constitute red loamy 57%, red sandy
34% and the remaining 9% is covered by black clay black loamy,
black sandy and red clay
The soil of the Thiruvallur district is mostly sandy, mixed with soda or
other alkali or stony. Rocks found in and near the surface are in
detached masses

(iv) Borrow Areas Total 13 borrow areas have been identified for the project.

(vi) Fly Ash Fly ash available from the Ennore Thermal Power Plant, North
Chennai Thermal Power Station Sri Damodaram Sanjeevaiah
Thermal Power Station and Rayalseema Thermal Power Plant and
APPDC Thermal Power Plant will used for construction purposes.

(vii) Land Use Pattern In project influence area (within 10km from roads), the predominant
land use is agriculture (76%), barren land/fallow land (6%), forestland
(12%), water body (5%) and settlements (1%).

2. Meteorology Chittoor district receives an annual rainfall of 918.1 mm. The South
West Monsoon and North East Monsoon are the major sources of
rainfall for the district. On average the district receives 438.0 mm of
rainfall through the South West Monsoon (From June to September)
and 396.0 mm from North East Monsoon (From October to
December)
The summer temperatures touches 46 °C in the eastern parts
whereas in the western parts it ranges around 36° to 38 °C. Similarly
the winter temperatures of the western parts are relatively low ranging
around 12 °C to 14 °C and in eastern parts it is 16 °C to 18 °C
The average normal rainfall of Thiruvallur District is 1104 mm. Out of
which 52% has received during North East Monsoon period and 41%
has received during South West Monsoon period

3. Air Ambient Air Quality data collected during the month of June 2018
from nine locations along the project road. The parameters monitored
were Particulate Matter (<PM10); Particulate Matter (<PM2.5); Sulphur dioxide
(SO2), Nitrogen oxide (NOx) and Carbon monoxide (CO).The monitoring
results reveal that Ambient Air Quality parameters are found to be
below the prescribed permissible limits of CPCB.

Draft Environmental Impact Assessment 0-6

Development of Economic Corridors, Inter Corridors, Feeder Routes to improve the efficiency of freight movement
in India under Bharatmala Pariyojana - Lot 3/ Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, GOA & Kerala /Package 1 – Chittoor –
Thatchur Road (NH-716B)

S. PARAMETER DESCRIPTION
No.

4. Water

(i) Water resources Surface Water Resources

Provision of bridges will be considered for 24 streams lying along the
project alignment. 21 ponds are lying along the proposed alignment
which will be enhanced with proper mitigation measures.
Ground Water Resources
Locals use dug wells, hand pumps, bore well and wells at some places
in the alignment for various purposes. The water requirements at
these locations are met either thorough surface water sources or
through various mini water supply schemes or from ground water
resources. Rainwater harvesting will be proposed at various location
along the project alignment nearby the natural drains and nearby the
settlement areas for the groundwater recharging to balance the water
consumption during construction period. The Locations will be
identified by NHAI/IE.

(ii) Water Quality Surface Water Quality

The surface water sample collected from five locations. The physio-
chemical analysis of water samples revealed that the water quality
criteria of study area fall in the range of Class B-E water prescribed
by CPCB (as per the overall result) and hence recommended for
Irrigation, Industrial cooling, Controlled waste Disposal
The parameters is found to be well within the IS 2296 limits at all
monitoring locations of surface water except pH value of SWQ-1 and
TDS value of SWQ-2.
Ground Water Quality
Ground water quality assessed along the project area in 5 locations.
It is observed that the ground water is suitable for drinking, after
necessary disinfection in general
The deep ground water is generally alkaline. The deep waters are
generally suitable for agricultural and irrigation purposes

5. Noise Ambient Noise levels taken during the month of June 2018 from nine
locations from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm (Day) and from 10:00 pm to 6:00
am (Night). Daytime noise levels are in the range of 60.73 dBA to
73.03 dBA and the nighttime noise levels are in the range of 63.6 dBA
to 50.67 dBA.

6. Biological Environment

Draft Environmental Impact Assessment 0-7

Development of Economic Corridors, Inter Corridors, Feeder Routes to improve the efficiency of freight movement
in India under Bharatmala Pariyojana - Lot 3/ Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, GOA & Kerala /Package 1 – Chittoor –
Thatchur Road (NH-716B)

S. PARAMETER DESCRIPTION
No.

(i) Forest Alignment passes through Pulikondram reserve forest from km 86.800
to 87.500 (700m)

(ii) Flora Predominant tree species found along the project road. Total number
of trees falling within 70m PROW of project roads is 19,581no.
Plantation along the highway shall take up as per Green plantation
strategy (as per IRC: SP-21:2009). Shrubs will planted on the
medians.

(iii) Fauna The fauna in the project vicinity reported to be not rich. No habitat
fragmentation is likely to take place because of the proposed project.

7. Socio-economic 74 (43 in Chittoor & 31 in Thiruvallur) villages lie along the NH-716B.
environment Most of the people in affected villages depend on agriculture for their
livelihood. The major agricultural crops in the district are grown Paddy
and sugarcane People will be employ in constructions, government
jobs, and agriculture including household activities.

Draft Environmental Impact Assessment 0-8

Development of Economic Corridors, Inter Corridors, Feeder Routes to improve the efficiency of freight movement in India under Bharatmala Pariyojana - Lot 3/ Andhra
Pradesh, Karnataka, GOA & Kerala /Package 1 – Chittoor – Thatchur Road (NH-716B)

0.6 IMPACTS MITIGATION AND ENHANCEMENT MEASURES

Table 0.4: General Impacts on Natural Environment

Project Planning Pre-construction Phase Construction Phase Road Operation Indirect

and De- effects of
Activity sign operation or
Phase Induced
development

Env. Land Removal of Removal of Earth works Laying of Vehicle & Asphalt & Sanitation Movement of
Sensitive trees and Machine crusher & Waste Vehicle
component acquisition including
Receptors pavement plants (labour
vegetation operation &
Affected camps)
maintenance
quarrying

Air Dust Reduced Dust generation Asphalt Dust and Soot, odour, Odour / Dust and other pollution
buffering of air odour Pollution dust and smoke Pollution
generation
and noise pollution
during pollution, Hotter,
dis- drier
mantling microclimate

Land Loss of Generation Erosion and loss Erosion, loss of Pressure on Contamination Contamina- Contami- Spill due to Change in
productivity of debris of top soil top soil and Base Area by fuel and tion nation cropping
accidents Depo-
of Land natural fertility lubricants from pattern
Compaction sition of lead
Compaction wastes
of soil

Draft Environmental Impact Assessment 0-9

Development of Economic Corridors, Inter Corridors, Feeder Routes to improve the efficiency of freight movement in India under Bharatmala Pariyojana - Lot 3/ Andhra
Pradesh, Karnataka, GOA & Kerala /Package 1 – Chittoor – Thatchur Road (NH-716B)

Project Planning Pre-construction Phase Construction Phase Road Operation Indirect

and De- effects of
Activity sign operation or
Phase Induced
development

Water Loss of Siltation Siltation due to Alteration of Affecting Degradation of Contamina- Contami- Spill Contami- Increased
water due to loose earth drainage available available water tion by as- nation nation by contamination
sources loose earth Break in conti- groundwater sources nearby phalt from fuel, of ground
nuity of ditches source and the wastes lubricants and water
leakage or
Siltation, Reduction of construction Overuse washing of
fuel
Stagnant water ground zone and
vehicles
pools in quarries. water Contamination
by fuel and
recharg
e area lubricants

Noise Noise Noise Noise Generation Low Level Noise Noise Noise Noise
Generation noise due to Generation Generation
Pollution due to Generation due to Pollution
working of
due to due to due to Vehicle
machinery work running
movement
machinery work equipment machiner machiner
y work y work

Flora Loss of Loss of Natural Removal of Removal of Lower Felling Lowered

affection Vegetation vegetation trees for
Biomass productivity Productivity due
Lowered fuel
Use as Toxicity to
productivity fuel wood vegetation.
Loss of ground
for vegetation

Draft Environmental Impact Assessment 0-10

Development of Economic Corridors, Inter Corridors, Feeder Routes to improve the efficiency of freight movement in India under Bharatmala Pariyojana - Lot 3/ Andhra
Pradesh, Karnataka, GOA & Kerala /Package 1 – Chittoor – Thatchur Road (NH-716B)

Project Planning Pre-construction Phase Construction Phase Road Operation Indirect

and De- effects of
Activity sign operation or
Phase Induced
development

Fauna Disturbance Disturbance Disturbance Disturbance Poaching Collision with Distorted

traffic and habitat
Habitat/Wildlife
chances of
loss
accidents

Table 0.5: General Impacts on Social and Cultural Environment

Operation
Project Planning and Indirect
Pre-construction Phase Construction Phase Direct Induced
Design
Activity Phase development

Social Design de- Removal Earth Vehicle &

cisions & Land of trees & Asphalt and
Removal of Laying of machine op- Labour Vehicle
Component vegetation works crusher -
Implemen- acquisition Structures eration & operation
plants
Affected tation policies including pavement maintenance Camps

quarrying

Dust on
Agricultural Loss of land Loss of Loss of Loose agricultural Conversion
Change in land
- economic standing productive top - land reduce - - of Agricultural
land type and
value crops land soil the Land
prices
fertility productivity

Draft Environmental Impact Assessment 0-11

Development of Economic Corridors, Inter Corridors, Feeder Routes to improve the efficiency of freight movement in India under Bharatmala Pariyojana - Lot 3/ Andhra
Pradesh, Karnataka, GOA & Kerala /Package 1 – Chittoor – Thatchur Road (NH-716B)

Operation
Project Planning and Indirect
Pre-construction Phase Construction Phase Direct Induced
Design
Activity Phase development

Loss of
structures, Noise, vi- Noise, vi-
Dust accu- Change in
Buildings and bration bration may
Change in land Debris mulation on Vibration building use
built-up - - may cause - cause -
type and building and and and
structures generation, damage dam- age
prices structure noise charac-
Noise and Air to to
teristics
pollution structures structures

Loss of
Displacement
shade &
of people Noise and Commu-
community Air and
Anxiety and Air pollution, nity Noise
Psychological trees, Noise and noise
People and fear among Odour Collision with clashes pollution, Induced
- impact on Loss of Air pollution
community and dust pedestrians with mi- Risk of
people fuel wood pollution and
Community livestock and grant la- accident pollution
and discomfort
loss of liveli- vehicles bour
fodder,
hood
Loss of
income

Noise, vi- Damage

Displacement Damage
bration from vi-
Cultural loss of Loss of sa- from vibra- Dust accu-
- - may cause - - bration & -
Assets structure cred trees. tion & air mulation
damage air pollu-
within ROW pollution
to tion
structure

Draft Environmental Impact Assessment 0-12

Development of Economic Corridors, Inter Corridors, Feeder Routes to improve the efficiency of freight movement in India under Bharatmala Pariyojana - Lot 3/ Andhra
Pradesh, Karnataka, GOA & Kerala /Package 1 – Chittoor – Thatchur Road (NH-716B)

Operation
Project Planning and Indirect
Pre-construction Phase Construction Phase Direct Induced
Design
Activity Phase development

Pressure
Dust accu-
Damage to on exist-
Utilities and Interruption in mulation on
- - - - - utility and ing -
Amenities supply water
amenities nearby
bodies
amenities

Increase Collisions Increase

Impact on Collisions
Labour’s of Asphalt with vehi- in com-
health pedestri-
Health - - - - stagnant odour and cles, pedes- munica- -
due to ans &
& water and dust trians & ble dis-
dust livestock
Safety disease livestock eases
generation

Draft Environmental Impact Assessment 0-13

Development of Economic Corridors, Inter Corridors, Feeder Routes to improve the efficiency of freight movement
in India under Bharatmala Pariyojana - Lot 3/ Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, GOA & Kerala /Package 1 – Chittoor –
Thatchur Road (NH-716B)

7. IMPACT MITIGATION AND ENHANCEMENT

Prevention or avoidance of impact is better than mitigation of impact. Hence, avoidance and reduction
of adverse impacts approaches adopted during the design stage through continued interaction between
the design and environmental teams. This reflected in the designs of the horizontal & vertical
alignment, cross sections adopted, construction methods and construction materials. In-depth site
investigations have carried out so that sensitive environmental resources are effectively avoid leading
to the environmentally best-fit alignment option.

8. PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS

Informal and formal consultations with communities as well as affected households have been/are
carried out during various stages of the project.
Peoples’ Perception about Environment and Social issues gathered during the informal and formal
consultations given below.
Table 0.6: Peoples’ Perception about Environment and Social issues

S. No. Environmental Response Suggestions Findings of the public

Issue discussed Received given by consultation
participants

1 Air quality of the area Public are of the Adequate Air quality is not an
view that air vegetation cover issue of concern in the
quality is not an on either side of project area. With the
issue in the area the project road proposed development
as the settlement would reduce there will be no impact
area are located pollutants migrating on the air quality in the
away from to village areas area as majority of the
industrial units settlements are located
and air pollution away from the main
due to vehicular road. It is anticipate that
traffic will be a the proposed avenue
concern during plantation would be
operational helpful in checking
stage. pollutants
being disperse to
settlements.

2 Water quality Water quality of Runoff from the Water

surface water project road should harvesting structures
bodies’ i.e. rivers be on either side of the
and canals is contained project road is a good
satisfactory. The appropriately and proposition to recharge
surface water no run off should ground as well as to
sources used find their path to the contain pollutants
mainly for bathing water resources resulting from vehicular
and washing being used by traffic.
purposes. residents
for cultivation as
well as to meet
their daily chores

Draft Environmental Impact Assessment 0-14

Development of Economic Corridors, Inter Corridors, Feeder Routes to improve the efficiency of freight movement
in India under Bharatmala Pariyojana - Lot 3/ Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, GOA & Kerala /Package 1 – Chittoor –
Thatchur Road (NH-716B)

S. No. Environmental Response Suggestions Findings of the public

Issue discussed Received given by consultation
participants
3 Noise level of the Vehicular Adequate avenue Noise is one of the
area movement is the plantation (multiple major concern to
prime cause of rows) would reduce habitations abutting the
noise generation the noise highways
spreading to
nearby
settlements

4 Drainage Water logging at Road construction Adequate measures will

few stretches of activities should be incorporate during
the alignment ensure that slope of the design stage so that
because of the road is not such flooding; waterlogging,
rivers and creeks that it results in marshy situation does
make the land flooding in the not prevail.
unsuitable for nearby settlements.
cultivation

5 Removal of Road These should be Compensatory

large number of tree projects adequately afforestation should be
development compensated with carryout to make up for
would result in the right mix of the loss incurred due to
removal of large species felling of trees for the
number of trees in proposed
of consultation with widening activity.
common the
occurrence. affected
communities and
forest department

6 Social Issues Apprehension to Adequate livelihood Design shall be

become support to the adjusted to avoid
marginalized and affected impact on built up area
jobless persons and and Payment of
rearrangements for compensation
affected at market value
families whoare
losing
residents structures

0.9 BENEFITS OF THE PROJECT

The project will give significant economic benefits to both States. Construction of the project road will
lead to better connectivity and will play a significant role in changing the socio-economic condition of
the people living in the region. The development of this corridor will decongest Chennai city traffic and
enhance Chennai city environment because:
1. The proposed greenfield alignment will provide direct connectivity to Kamarajar (Ennore)
and Kattupalli ports through Bangalore – Chennai expressway
2. The alignment will ensure seamless connectivity without mixing with Chennai city traffic

Draft Environmental Impact Assessment 0-15

Development of Economic Corridors, Inter Corridors, Feeder Routes to improve the efficiency of freight movement
in India under Bharatmala Pariyojana - Lot 3/ Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, GOA & Kerala /Package 1 – Chittoor –
Thatchur Road (NH-716B)

3. This route will decongest Chennai city from port bound heavy truck traffic
4. This corridor will provide connectivity to Ponneri Smart City and Mahindra World City
5. Improve air quality due to reduction in truck traffic through Chennai city
6. Will provide connectivity to SEZs and other industrial estates in the vicinity of port
7. Sri City will get better connectivity from Bangalore, Chittoor, Kadapa and Tirupati etc
The project will also generate direct and indirect employment to the local people of the States. The
indirect benefits include savings in vehicle operating costs, less fuel consumption and decreased cost
of passenger travel.

10. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME

The environmental monitoring programme of air quality, noise quality, water quality, soil quality and
roadside plantation during construction and operation phases has suggested in Chapter 10. The
estimated monitoring cost is INR 50 lac

11. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP)

Environmental management plan has been prepared for mitigation/ management/avoidance of the
potential adverse impacts and enhancement of various environmental components along the project
road. For each mitigation measure to carry out its location, period, implementation and overseeing/
supervising responsibilities have identified. Monitoring plan for construction and operation phase has
framed to ensure effective implementation EMP. The EMP will be part of contract document. The total
EMP budget has estimated as INR 55.64 Crores. The EMP will be implement by the contractor under
the supervision of PMC and environmental Cell of Concessionaire during construction. During operation
phase, EMP will be implemented by the concessionaire.

Draft Environmental Impact Assessment 0-16