IEER Thul-keg 07-10-13 Draft

8/10/2019 IEER Thul-keg 07-10-13 Draft

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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE

Executive Summary

Background:

This power transmission project proposed by Long-term Transmission Development Plan of CEB falls under

categorization of prescribed project as per National Environment Act. Upon the environmental approval requestfrom CEB, as the project approving authority, Central Environmental Authority has delegated approval process toKegalle Regional Office. After the site visit of the proposed transmission line route by the Environmental Scoping

Committee, the Terms of Reference (TOR) has been issued by CEA for the preparation of Initial Environmental

Examination Report (IEER) for the project. This IEER has been prepared as per the said TOR.

This IEER covers the construction and operation of above project, consists of following components.

Construction of 132/33 kV GSS at Kegalle.

Installation of 15 MVAr (3x5 MVAr) capacitor banks including 33 KV BSC bays at Kegalle 33 kV Bus

Bar to control load PF.

Construction of 132 kV 22.5 km, double circuit (Zebra) Thulhiriya to Kegalle transmission line.

Augmentation of Thulhiriya GSS with 2 nos. of 132 kV line bays.

Under Clean Energy and Network Efficiency Improvement Project, Asian Development Bank has extended

financial support for power transmission infrastructure development in Sri Lanka, which includes the proposed132kV transmission line from Thulhiriya to Kegalle.

Justification of the Project:

Currently Kegalle and surrounding area is supplied by Kiribathkumbura GSS which is predicted to be overloadedby 2015 and Thulhiriya GSS which is predicted to be overloaded by 2018. With the increasing demand Kegalle,

Mawanella, Polgahawela and Rambukkana areas will suffer voltage drop and frequent failures. Also lengthy


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Existing Environment:

22.5km long proposed transmission line originates from existing Thulhiriya GSS and traverse through 9.16 km ofpaddy fields and 11.6 km on home gardens and rubber estates approximately. Lands in the project area havebeen used mainly for the purposes of residents, cultivation of paddy, commercial and other crops. This line routefollows undulating mountainous terrain for most of its length varying from 60m~210m. Total project area lieswithin wet zone which receives annual rainfall around 2500mm.

Thulhirikanda and Hunuwala kanda forest reserves and Kegalle sanctuary are in close proximity of the line routebut proposed alignment is well away from any such environmentally sensitive areas.

Home gardens exhibit the maximum floral bio diversity while faunal diversity is almost same in all land uses. Mostresidential lands are cultivated and have single story houses. People who are living in the project area have mixattitude towards the project and majority are willing to accept as this development is having national importance.

Proposed Northern expressway is the most important infrastructure development take place in this region which isimplemented by Road Development Authority. CEB will work with RDA in close coordination to avoid any conflictsand come up with most environmentally, technically and financially sound solution for both projects.

Anticipated Environmental Impacts:

Generally, the environmental impacts from the transmission lines are minimal compared to many development

projects of similar scale. The main impacts anticipated from this project are removal/pruning of trees along thetransmission line corridor of30m width (especially in the rubber cultivations and home gardens). Erosion due totower foundations and temporary access roads located in steep terrain is also a potential impact to a lesser

magnitude. Obstruction to the natural waterways and disturbance to the natural ecosystems caused by location offoundations and access roads in wetlands is a possibility.

Main social impact is the disturbance caused by location of tower footings within home gardens and thedisturbance and constraints caused by the conductors spanning over houses and/or home gardens. Temporarydisruption of farming activities and disturbance of crops (especially in the paddy fields) during foundation work isanother potential impact. Most of the environment and social impacts mentioned above have been avoided or


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minimized by construction of earth retaining structures and/or turfing wherever necessary. In case new accessroads were absolutely necessary, they would be maximum 3-4m wide, and completely removed after the

completion of project work.

CEB has obtained a landslide investigation report on the proposed project from National Building Research

Organization (NBRO), which is attached. The report gives a detailed description of the landslide prone areas,and the mitigation measures required to be adopted for the tower foundations located on such areas. Theserecommendations will be strictly adhered during the construction of the project.


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ABBREVIATIONS

CEA - Central Environmental Authority

CEB - Ceylon Electricity Board

DoF - Department of Forest

DS - Divisional Secretary

DSD - Divisional Secretaries Division

DWLC - Department of Wild Life Conservation

EMoP - Environmental monitoring plan

EMP - Environmental management plan

GoSL - Government of Sri Lanka

GSS - Grid Substation

ha - hectare (=10,000 square meters)

IEE - Initial environmental examination

IDSL - Irrigation Department of Sri Lanka

km - kilometer

kV - kilovolt

m - Meter

MoPE - Ministry of Power and Energy


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INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION REPORT ON THE

PROPOSED 132 kV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM THULHIRIYA TOKEGALLE

1. Introduction 06

2. Description of the proposed project and reasonable alternatives 09

3. Description of existing environment 19

4. Description of the anticipated environmental impacts 39

5. Proposed mitigatory measures 58

6. Monitoring program 65

7. Conclusion and recommendation 70

Annexes


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1.

Introduction1.1.

Background of the project

Ceylon Electricity Board has identified a list of projects, based on the Long-term Transmission

Development Plan 2011-2020, which are critical for the overall development of the power system.

Considering the requirements of Sri Lankas power system with medium to long term, it has been

decided to implement transmission projects required for network efficiency improvement and loss

reduction including proposed 132kV transmission line from Thulhiriya to Kegalle.


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1.2.

Objective of the proposed project and justification of the projectSummarize the need or problem being addressed by the project and how the proposed

project is expected to resolve the problem or the issue.

Due to the fast emerging energy demand of the area, there is a distinct necessity for strengthening and

expanding the transmission network. Under the adopted standards, the forecast loading of each Grid

Sub Station (GSS) is compared with the firm capacity and the necessary transformer augmentations as

well as construction of new substations. According to the analysis done by CEB, it is evident that

Kiribathkumbura GSS will get overloaded by the year 2015 and Thulhiriya GSS will get overloaded by

the year 2018. With the increasing demand Kegalle, Mawanella, Polgahawela and Rambukkana areas

will suffer voltage drop and frequent failures.

This sub-project will meet the demand growth in Kegalle, Mawanella, Polgahawela and Rambukkana

areas and thereby relieve loading of Thulhiriya and Kiribathkumbura Grid Substations. Proposed GSS

will also improve the voltage profile of 33 kV distribution systems and reduce distribution losses hence

this project will improve operational efficiency and quality of power, reliability of the system and at the

same time will reduce losses. This improvement of transmission infrastructure will permit the

electrification of rural areas which are inaccessible with the present situation.

1.3.Objective of the IEE report

Specify the objectives of the assessment and the relationship of the results to project design

and implementation.

This report intends to identify environmental, social and economical impacts of the proposed projectdevelopment and suggest adequate mitigation measures. The initial environmental examination (IEE)

report comprises baseline data on the existing condition of physical, ecological, economical and social

information together with anticipated environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures IEER


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1.5.

Methodologies adopted in report preparation

Secondary information was gathered from publication of government and other research groups in the

preliminary stage. Two study teams were deployed for ecological and sociological surveys on 100m

wide strip on either side from the center of the proposed transmission line by walking. With the aid of

field study, baseline data on existing physical, ecological, economic, and social conditions were

established.

Field personnel walked along transects along the proposed route mostly during the day to record

plants and animals. Species were then listed separately for each of the different taxonomic groups. Theconservation status of the species i.e. endemism, rarity and threatened status, was also determined.

A questionnaire survey has been carried out to collect more quantitative data from affected parties.

Respondents were selected from residents live in the vicinity of the line route. Data collected through

questionnaire were analyzed to get information on demography, land ownership, nature of affected

group and positive/ negative attitude towards the project and used for the final report.

1.6.The approval needed for the proposed development from state agencies

Department of Agrarian Develompent

National Building Research Organization

1.7.

Any conditions laid down by state agencies in granting preliminary clearance for the project

Request letter to the Dept. of Agrarian Development is attached as annex 6.1. Landslide Investigation


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2. Description of the proposed project and reasonable alternatives

Description of the project

2.1.

Aim and scope of the project

State the projects main objectives, main beneficiaries and the expected social economic

effects.

The project envisages construction of

Construction of 132 kV 22.5 km, double circuit (Zebra) Thulhiriya to Kegalle transmission line.

Construction of 132/33 kV GSS at Kegalle.

Augmentation of Thulhiriya GSS with 2 nos. of 132 kV line bays.

Currently areas surrounding Kegalle experience poor service levels of electricity supply due to voltage

drops and frequent interruptions. The proposed project will improve operational efficiency quality andreliability of power supply to the consumers in Kegalle and surroundings (Mawanella, Galigamuwa,

Rambukkana, Aranayake etc.). At the same time, it will enhance the reliability of the system and will

reduce system losses. Main beneficiaries would include the community in Kegalle and suburbs including

small and large scale domestic/commercial consumers in Kegalle, Polgahawela, Mawanella,

Galigamuwa, Aranayake and Rambukkana.

Supply of power to both the local areas and regions will boost economic development of the area by

strengthening the power transmission infrastructure. Surrounding areas will benefit from improved levelof service and more rural households will get connected to the grid.

2.2. Justification of the project


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i. Pradeshiya Sabha:

Warakapola

Kegalle

Galigamuwa

Rambukkana

ii. Divisional Secretariat

Warakapola

Kegalle

Galigamuwa

Rambukkana

ii. Provincial Council

Sabaragamuwa

2.3.4.

Proposed timing and schedule including phased development (if any)

Proposed timing and schedule is attached as annex 5.4.

2.3.5.

Applicable laws, regulations, standards and requirements covering the proposed

project

National Environmental Act N 47 of 1980, amendment N 56 of 1988, and other

amendments

Electricity Act No. 20 of 2009

Agrarian Services Act (N 58 of 1979)

Agrarian Development Act N 46 of 2000


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estimate to (SLRDCC) for above consultancy work, and their report and consent of Department of

Agrarian is expected within 01st

week of October.

In addition, considering the landslide hazards (if any) in the hilly areas encountered along certain parts

of line route, CEB has obtained a report from National Building Research Organization regarding above

(including their recommendations and proposed remedial measures). NBRO report is attached as annex

6.2.

2.3.7.

Provide a location map indicating the project site, surrounding development and

infrastructure within 100 m of the site (at appropriate scale)

Location map is attached as annex 5.1.

2.3.8.

Give details of the project characteristics including its principal features; project

related permanent structures, project related temporary structures. (Including route and

length of the transmission line design of transmission towers, switch yard, grid

substation etc. and indicate same on a plan)

The project consists of the following components:

Construction of 132kV 22.5km, double circuit (Zebra) Thulhiriya to Kegalle transmission line

having approximately 82 Nos. Lattice towers

Construction of 132/33kV Grid Substation at Kegalle

1 Nos. 31.5MVA, 132/33kV transformers

132kV single Busbar arrangement including bus section

33kV single Busbar arrangement including bus section


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for angles from 100to 300and have foundation of 3500x3500x3000mm. For angles from 30 0to 600, TD6

towers are used and it has foundation size of 3800x3800x3500mm. Terminal towers from the ends of

line routes where they connect to grid substations and has the largest base of 4000x4000x3500mm.Typically 132kV transmission towers have heights of 27~28m.

2.3.9.

Type of transformers to be installed and their capacity details should also include the

location extent and type of grid substation/s

This project envisages the construction of Kegalle GSS in Molagoda, 5km from Kegalle on Kandy road.

One 31.5MVA, 132/33kV transformer will be installed in it along with other components stated inSection 2.3.8.

Breaker Switched Capacitor (BSC) banks will be installed at the Kegalle GSS which are used for voltage

support and reactive power compensation in grid substations. By doing so it helps to reduce the losses

in power transformers and transmission lines, and to release the capacity constraints in transformers

and lines. Other than that, they are installed to control the load power factor at the Grid Substation level

(33kV).

2.3.10.

Drawing showing the project layout plan especially in relation to grid substations,

switch yards etc.

Layout plan for proposed Kegalle GSS is attached as annex 5.3 and proposed route for the 132kV

transmission line is attached as annex 5.1.

2.4.

Methodology of construction

2.4.1.

State the proposed time schedule for construction


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leveled. Substation site will be filled to a height of 1.2 m above the Kandy road. Since the part of the

land is a paddy field, the clearance for filling and development of the land is requested from the

Dept. of Agrarian Development. In order to maintain uninterrupted drainage of the area due tofilling, a drainage plan is requested from the Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development

Corporation (SLLRDC), which will be incorporated into the filling plan.

This plot of land will accommodate control building, main transformer foundation, other equipment

foundations and gantry structures to support conductors. Depth of excavation is very unlikely to

exceed 2.5m in good soils which are found in selected land for GSS.

After few months of construction, vegetative cover will reinstate for some extent and in case ofhome gardens certain species of trees can be grown while in paddy fields, same land use may

continue with some restriction on harvesting machinery. There is no natural forest or cultivations in

selected land for GSS, therefore ecological impact is minimal.

2.4.3.

Nature and type of any structures

There are two main types of towers in transmission lines which are steel lattice structures.

Suspension towers- These structures are designed only to carry the weight of conductors in straight-

line position of transmission line. Therefore, all conductors have been attached to tower cross arms

with glass insulators and continuously run through these towers.

Tension towers- These towers are used in angle points where transmission line deviates from its

route. Since these towers are designed to withstand both conductor tension and weight, they are

stronger and having a wider base, compared to suspension towers. The continuity of the electrical

power transmission will be provided by a separate jumper loop. There are several types of tensiontowers to accommodate different angles of deviation as mentioned in section 2.3.8. Tension towers

are also used as section towers in longer straight sections of the transmission line. Special type of

tension tower is used at the termination point of transmission line at GSS which is called as terminal


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The erection of structures needs some skilled personnel and supervisory staff. Although many

different tower erection methods practiced and, the selection of an erection method depends on

various parameters such as the adaptability of selected methods to each site conditions, time andthe cost, etc.

Conductor stringing is a specialized process, which needs highly skilled linemen, tools and

machineries. The earth wires and line conductors are strung at a tension using pilot wires,

tensioners, pullers and pulleys. Adequate number of linemen and proper communication facility has

to be available during the stringing process.

2.4.5.

Infrastructure facilities required / provided

Separate parking and storage spaces should be allocated to construction vehicles, equipments,

material storage yards, disposal sites, and labour camps for human resource during mobilization

stage to avoid any environmental impact and public inconvenience. Selected sites must comply with

the local laws and regulations and need approval from authorities to utilize these facilities.

All construction sites and labor camps are to be provided with electricity either via temporary

connection from national grid or onsite generator. Selecting accessible sites will eliminate the needof access road construction. Also it is important that selection of temporary lands is done reasonably

away from highly populated areas, water bodies, natural flow paths, agricultural lands, important

ecological habitats and residential areas.

2.4.6.

Details of any access roads to be built, improved (existing condition and anticipated

improvement)

Although the line construction will rely on many existing roads, new access roads/tracks may be

built to reach certain tower locations without vehicular access, if it is absolutely necessary. In such

locations, maximum efforts will be made to manually transport equipment in knocked-down state to


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2.5.

Work force

Labor requirements, availability of labor in the area, employment of local people,

occupational health and safety facilities required / provided.

As the proposed project is a major construction, the CEB will call for tenders and award the

construction to a contractor. It will be either a national or international contractor, and they will

employ the relevant workforce. For skilled labor, it is highly likely that personals from outside the

locality will be employed while in unskilled labor, personnel from within the locality are utilized.

Nature of the works in construction activities has a high incidence of occupational ill health. In

awarding the tenders, the CEB will also ensure that occupational health and safety of the workers arelooked after properly by the contractor. Health and safety impacts will be in terms of risk of accidents.

Necessary training regarding the safety aspects of the personnel working on the line will be provided by

the contractor. Contractors are obliged to maintain occupational health and safety facilities that

comply with national labor rules and standards, in order to assure safe work environment. CEB will

exercise necessary care and supervision over contractors execution of work and take suitable steps as

are practicable in the circumstances to avoid a foreseeable risk of death or injury.

2.6.

Maintenance procedureState the standard practice and any deviation required

The CEB does monitoring and supervision of the Project during the construction of the project as well

as operational phase. Once the project is handed over to the CEB, it ensures that the transmission line

is maintained properly and in good condition.

The lifetime of a transmission line is more than 50 years, during which maintenance works are

comparatively less, and limited to following.

(i)

Removal of rust and re-painting (old galvanizing) of any tower steel members with

i


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(i)

Filtering/changing of topping up transformer oils

(ii)

Removal and replacement of equipment

Since no transformers, circuit breakers or any other equipment containing PCB would be installed in the

GSS under this project there will be no environmental or social impacts anticipated die above activities.

During construction of grid substations, CEB will not use PCB or asbestos for any new transformers, and

disposal of none of those substances from old transformers are involved in this project. Construction of

project components will not generally result in hazardous or electronic waste. In case of such event, CEB

will proceed according to the CEA guidelines of hazardous waste disposal.

2.7.

Evaluation of alternatives

Describe reasonable alternative considered and the basic environmental engineering and

economic parameters used in their investigation and evaluation. Compare alternatives in

terms of potential environmental impacts, mitigation measures, capital and operating costs,

reliability, suitability under local conditions and monitoring requirements.

The following alternatives could be considered:

2.7.1.

The no action alternative (i.e. one based on current practices without approval of

the project)

"No-action" would mean the proposed activity would not take place, and the resulting

environmental effects from taking no action would be compared with the effects of permitting the

proposed activity or an alternative activity to go forward. The no-action alternative is developed

for two reasons. It is almost always a viable choice in the range of reasonable alternatives, and itsets a baseline of existing impact continued into the future against which to compare impacts of

action alternatives. This is important context information in determining the relative magnitude

and intensity of impacts.


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down of trees in rich plantations of rubber, temporary impacts to the paddy fields during

construction of tower foundations, and prompting of soil erosion in the hilly terrain. However,

most of the social impacts could be properly compensated as explained in later chapters, whilethe environmental impacts involved are easily mitigable, except cutting down of trees, which do

not involve protected areas or those with high biodiversity, but mostly trees of commercial value.

So when compared, positive benefits adequately justify the implementation of the project.

Therefore no-action alternative is not acceptable.

2.7.2.

Alternative routes, design and technology selection, construction techniques, and

maintenance procedures etc.

Alternatives considered as bellow

The No action alternative

Option 1

Option 2

Option 3

The other alternatives are shown against 1:50,000 topographical map and attached as

annex 5.2. These were evaluated based on the impact on the land and socioeconomic

condition, the cost effectiveness of the transmission line etc. The Alternative I which

traverses along more or less straight line is cost effective as there are less angle towers

required. Evaluation of alternative is summarized in section 7.1.


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3. Description of the existing environmentSTUDY AREA

Grid Substation (s) / Switchyards

The project sites and 100m from the boundaries of the project site (include Gongan Ela

levels, GSS contour levels and reservation demarcated in a map of Kegalle)

Transmission line

Transmission line route and 50m on either side of the center line of proposed line routes or

the area of maximum risk.

3.1.

Physical Environment

3.1.1.

Topology

Recent Topographical data clearly indicating reserve areas, marshy areas, water bodies,

canals, streams, drainage, channels

Kegalle is the capital city of the district which is one of the two districts of

Sabaragamuwa province the other being Ratnapura district. The elevation of the

district of Kegalle varies from 30-170m from the MSL. The highest elevation is towards

the South-East of the district. The landform features vary from plateaus to steep

escarpments with medium to high elevations: and from broad valleys to steep gullies.

The district of Kegalle exhibits complex topographical features consist of hills and ridges,

broad valleys, gorges and plateaus.

Proposed line traverse through northern part of the district, which is also a hilly terrain.

Highest peak along the line route was observed in Puwakdeniya area while


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considered as the coldest months while April to June as the hottest months. Humidity

of the district increases with the altitude and also varies from the wet zone to dry zone.

The average humidity varies between 70-80% during the day time and between 88-94%during the night. Highest monthly rainfall receives in October as 302.7mm and lowest

rainfall recorded in January as 33.6mm. About 60%-75% of the district receives rainfall

over 3,000 mm per year.

3.1.3.

Geology & soil

General geology of the area, soil types and distribution

The district of Kegalle lies within the southern part of Vanni Complex as per litho-

tectonic classification of the island. This project area is made up of Charnockite, Garnet-

biotite gneiss and Quartzite. Main soil types encountered in this rolling, hilly and steeply

dissected terrain are Red-Yellow Podzolic soils with Low Humic Gley soils. These soil

characteristics and weather makes desirable conditions for commercial crops such as

tea, rubber and coconut which occupy vast area of the district.

3.2.Ecological Resources

3.2.1.

Existing natural and man-made habitats in and around the project site and,

distribution and density of fauna and flora of them.

Following table shows the details of the habitats that will be intercepted by the

transmission line and their extents in the total corridor.

Table 3.2.1 1 Land use of the line corridor including the types of habitats and their extents (ha)

No Total Line Length 21 5 km


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The full list of flora and fauna species encountered in the Project affected areas is shown

in annex 7.

Flora

Table 3.2.1 2 Summary of the distribution of flora according to the habitats in the project area

Habitats The

extent inthe

corridor

(30m) %

No. of

speciesin the

habitat

types

Biodiversity

% in theecosystem

Endemic

species

% Nationally

Threatened species

% Vulnerable

species

%

Paddy lands 42.64 22 14.86486 1 4 1 4 0 0

Home gardens 31.3 96 64.86486 2 2 2 2 1 1

Rubber 18.79 19 12.83784 0 0 0 0 0 0

Scrublands 6.4 11 7.432432 1 9 0 0

Total 148 2 2 0

Fauna

Table 3.2.1 3 Summary of the fauna in the different habitats in the Project area

Habitats Theextent

in the

id

%biodiver

sity

Categoryof fauna

No ofspeci

es

b

Endemic

specie

% Endangered

species

% Vulnerable

species

% NearThre

aten

d

%


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Mammals 2 1 1 NA

RubberPlantati

ons

10 23.6842

Butterflies 8

4.4

4

2.

22

1 2.22

2.22Dragonflies 1 NA

Amphibian

0 NA

Reptiles 4 NA

Birds 29 1 NA

Mammals 3 1 1 NA

Open

Scrub

lands

5 25.7894

Butterflies 13

6.1

2

2.

04

1 1 2.04

Dragonflies 0 NA

Amphibian

0 NA

Reptiles 4 1 NA

Birds 29 1 NA

Mammals 3 1 1 NA

3.2.2.

Rare threatened and endemic species

Table 3.2.2 1 The distribution of endemic, threatened and vulnerable flora in the

Project areashows the distribution of endemic, threatened and vulnerable flora in the

Project area.

Flora

Table 3.2.2 1 The distribution of endemic, threatened and vulnerable flora in the Project area

Family Scientific Common Habitat Species Conservation PA HG R OS


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Fauna

Table 3.2.2 2 The distribution of endemic, threatened and vulnerable fauna in the Project area

Family Scientific

name

Common

name

Species

category

Species

Status

Conservation

Status

PA HG R OS

Nymphalidae Euploea

sylvester

Double

Banded

Butterfly Native Near

Threatened

* *

Hesperiidae Notocrypta

paralysos

Common

Banded

Butterfly Native Vulnerable * *

Coenagrionidae Onychargia

atrocyana

Marsh

Dancer

Dragonfly Native Vulnerable *

Libellulidae Orthetrum

luzonicum

Marsh

Skimmer

Dragonfly Native Near

Threatened

*

Dicroglossidae Fejervarya

kirtisinghei

Kirtisinghe's

Frog

Amphibians Endemic Vulnerable *

Ranidae Hylarana

gracilis

Sri Lanka

wood frog

Amphibians Endemic LC *

Agamidae Otocryptiswiegmanni Sri Lankankangaroo Reptiles Endemic LC *

Phasianidae Gallus lafayetii Sri Lanka

Jungle fowl

Birds Endemic LC * * * *


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The origin of this forest reserve had been a Mahogany mono-cultural plantation established by

the Forest Department about 25 years ago. However, with time due to dearth of management

this area had become naturalized. The predominant vegetation is Mahogany ( Swieteniamacrophylla) trees and their seedlings while others like Halmilla (Berrya cordifolia) , Puwak

(Areca catechu), Kitul (Caryota urens) , Alstonia Lunimidella (Melia dubia),, Kaduru (Cerbera

manghas), Gadumba (Trema orientalis), Bowitiya (Melastoma malabathricum), Hik (Lannea

coramandelica), Ginisapu (Michelia champaca) also prevail.

3.3.Socio economic considerations

3.3.1.

Present land use pattern

As shown in the Table 3.3.1 1 Land Use Data, lands in the project area have been used

mainly for the purposes of residents, cultivation of paddy, commercial and other crops.

The total line length is 21.4 km. and 42.64% of it traverses over paddy land whereas

37.37% and 18.79% run over home gardens and Rubber Cultivations respectively. There

were 52 families residing in or in the vicinity of line route and only 34% of them had

cultivated their home gardens (Table 3.3.1.2.). As the public roads are concerned the

proposed line crosses over two points of major roads.

Table 3.3.1 1 Land Use Data

No Land Use Data

Total Line Length 21.4 km

Land UsagePercentage of

total line length

(%)

Corridor width

(m)

Total affected

Area (ha)

i) Open scrubland 6.4 30 -

) bb


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3.3.2.

Population characteristics

The proposed transmission line traverses through four divisional secretarys divisions

such as Rmbukkana, Kegalle, Galigamuwa and Warakapola in the District of Kegalle.

According to the census year 2001, the total population of Kegalle District remained at

785,524, accounting for 4.2% of the total population of the country. As estimated by the

Department of Census in 2011 that number had increased up to 837,179. However the

District percentage of the total population of the country still remains the same. The

four Divisional Secretarys Divisions under consideration of this study have a populationof 359,392 accounting for 43% of the total population of the District of Kegalle. The

distribution of population in the four Divisions is as shown in the Table 3.3.2.1. The

highest number of population (31.3%) is recorded from the Warakapola Division. Ethnic

composition of the population of those four Divisions is evident from the Table. 3.3.2.2.

Being the majority, Sinhalese accounts for 34.4%, whereas the Tamil and Muslim people

represents 2.8% and 2.6% respectively. Religious information of the people in the four

divisions is given in the Table.3.3.2.3. Accordingly 92.7% are Buddhists and the rest

belongs to other religions such as Hinduism, Islam, Catholic and Christian.

Table 3.3.2.1 1 Population by Divisional Secretarys Divisions

DivisionsPopulation

No %

Rambukkana 82,373 23

Kegalle 90,494 25.2

Galigamuwa 73,942 20.5

Warakapola 112 583 31 3


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Division Buddhists Hindu Islam Roman

Catholic

Other

Christian

Other Total

Rambukkana 75093 799 2817 1282 2368 14 82373

Kegalle 85209 1985 1235 1488 561 16 90494

Galigamuwa 69712 2241 1263 451 267 8 73942

Warakapola 103316 2773 5731 536 246 17 112583

Total

333330

(92.7% )

7798

(2.2%)

11046

(3.1%)

3757

(1.0%)

3442

(1.0%)

55

(0.01%)

359392

(100%)

Source : Department of census and statistics 2011

3.3.3.

Socio Economic status

Housing

Quality and quantity of housing units reveal socio-economic status of people in any

society. As the Divisions under consideration are concerned, majority of people live in

permanent housing units. As the Table 3.3.3 1 Distribution of Housing Units byDivisional Secretarys Divisions indicates, 91.1% of the housing units is single storied

and only 5.6%is two storied. Line-rooms and shanty units account for only 1.2% and

0.4% of the shelters respectively. Quality of the housing units could be understood by

analyzing the principle material used for the construction of walls and roof. The Table

3.3.3 2 Distribution of Housing Units by the Principle Material of Constructionprovides

data on the type of material used for building houses. There are 92,172 housing units in

the four Divisions and 67.5% of them have been constructed with bricks and another

23.8% with cement blocks and stones. The housing units that had been made of

materials such as mud cadjans and planks account for 7% of the total number of


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Total 85834

91.1%

5606

5.6%

342

0.4%

244

0.3%

25

0.02%

163

0.2%

1475

1.2%

414

0.4%

69

0.07%

94172


Table 3.3.3 2 Distribution of Housing Units by the Principle Material of Construction

Divisional

Secretarys

Division

Brick

Cement

block

stones

Cabook Pressed

soil

bricks

Mud Cadjan Plank Other Total

Rambukkana 18088 2021 72 331 1178 67 175 24 21956

Kegalle 15774 5473 88 608 1184 15 178 22 21342

Galigamuwa 12893 4899 125 487 1134 86 86 19 19729

Warakapola 15448 9570 226 1517 2029 78 209 68 29145

Total 62203

(67.5%)

21963

(23.8%)

511

(0.6%)

2943

(3.2%)

5525

(6.0%)

246

(0.3%)

734

(0.8%)

133

(0.1%)

92172

(100%)


Table 3.3.3 3 Distribution of Housing Units by the Principle Material of Construction

Divisional

Secretary's

Division

Tile Asbestos Concrete Zink,

Aluminum

sheet

Metal

sheet

Cadjan Other Total

Rambukkana 15037 4060 672 196 1765 200 26 21956

Kegalle 13661 6293 900 174 2167 120 27 23342

Galigamuwa 13359 3676 383 204 1953 133 21 19729

Warakapola 21244 4461 668 288 2170 252 62 29145


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Kegalle 13563 6672 1245 23407

Galigamuwa 16606 707 1491 19760

Warakapola 25451 938 1226 29188


Table 3.3.3 5 Households by the Principle Type of Lightingprovides data pertaining to

the principle type of energy used for illuminating the households. The national grid of

electricity serves 31.7% of households for lighting their houses, where as kerosene oil is

used in 8.2% of the households in the four Divisions. The percentage of households

depending on solar power, biogas and other source of energy remains below one for the

whole area.

A household survey was conducted with reference to the families residing in or in the

vicinity of the proposed transmission line route. The following Tables reveal the socio-

economic and other relevant information of families in the range of the project, as the

line traverses over their home gardens and other cultivations.

Table 3.3.3 5 Households by the Principle Type of Lighting

Division Electricity

from national

grid

Kerosene Solar

power

Bio gas Other Total

Rambukkana 20370 1622 21 11 10 22034

Kegalle 21732 1654 13 - 08 23407

Galigamuwa 17993 1742 19 1 6 19761Warakapola 26350 2773 48 8 9 29188

Total 86445

(91 6%)

7791

(8 2%)

101

(0 1%)

20

(0 02%)

33

0 03%)

94390

(100%)


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31/115


Graph for table 3.3.3 7

As shown in the Table 3.3.3 8 Distribution of the Families by the Number of Family

Membersthere are 190 members in the 52 families. Families with four or more

members account for 57% of total families. Female population represents 51.1% (Table

3.3.3 9 Distribution of population of families by gender). As the age of the household

members is concerned nearly 59% is below the age of 18 years and over 60% is in

between 19 and 55 years. Only 3.2% is over the age of 65. (Table 3.3.3 10 Distribution

of population of families by Age), According to the Table 3.3.3 11 Distribution of

0

5

10

15

20

25

No. of Families by GN Division


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Table 3.3.3 9 Distribution of population of families by gender

Gender No. of People %

Male 93 48.9

female 97 51.1

Total 190 100.0

Table 3.3.3 10 Distribution of population of families by Age

Age category No. of People %Below 18 years 55 28.9

19-30years 37 19.5

31-55years 78 41.1

56-65years 14 7.4

Above 65 years 6 3.2

Total 190 100.0

Table 3.3.3 11 Distribution of members of families by work or Education

work or Education Number %

Employed 62 32.6

School children 43 22.6

Pre- school 11 5.8

Total 190 100.0


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above e0.25 to 0.5 acre 11 21.2

above 1 to 2 acre 6 11.5

above 5 acre 1 1.9Total 52 100.0

Table 3.3.3 13 Distribution of families by the nature of land Ownership

Land ownership frequency %

Private lands 45 86.5

Lease lands 2 3.8

Other(No Deeds/No Permits) 5 9.6Total 52 100.0

Residence of people

As the residence is concerned, 94.2% of families have been in their lands as permanent

residents and only 3 families (5.8%) live as temporary residents. (TABLE 3.3.3 14 Distribution

of families by the residence). The period of residence is, over for 10 years for 67.3% familiesand between 6 and 10 years for 7.7% of families. The rest has been there for less than 5 years (

TABLE 3.3.3 15 DISTRIBUTION OF FAMILIES BY THE PERIOD OF RESIDENCE).Except one

family living in a wattle and daub house, all the families possess permanent houses but with

limited space (TABLE 3.3.3 16 DISTRIBUTION OF FAMILIES BY THE CONDITION OF THE

HOUSE). The floor area of houses of 77% of families ranged between 500 and 1000 square feet.

Only 11% of families responded to have floor areas over 1000 square feet (TABLE 3.3.3 17

DISTRIBUTION OF FAMILIES BY THE QUANTITY OF FLOOR AREA). Additional building is

available only for 32% of families in their residential lands. (TABLE 3.3.3 18 AVAILABILITY

OF THE OTHER BUILDINGS SITUATED IN THE HOUSEHOLD LANDS)

Table 3 3 3 14 Distribution of families by the residence


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Table 3.3.3 16 Distribution of families by the condition of the House

Condition of the house frequency %

Permanent Building in Good Condition 51 98

Wattle and daub house 1 2

Total 52 100

Table 3.3.3 17 Distribution of families by the quantity of floor area

Square Feats of the floor Frequency %

2001 1 1.9

NR 6 11.5

Total 16 100.0

Table 3.3.3 18 Availability of the other buildings situated in the household lands

Building frequency %

No any other building 35 67.3

Other buildings(Toilets/Store/Ect) 17 32.7

Total 52 100

Use of mass media and IT


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Table 3.3.3 19 Distribution of families by the use of television sets

Response frequency %

yes 48 92.3

No 4 7.7

Total 52 100

Table 3.3.3 20 Distribution of families by the use of radio


yes 43 82.7No 9 17.3

Total 52 100

Table 3.3.3 21 Distribution of families by the use of antenna


yes 40 76.9

No 12 23.1

Total 52 100

Table 3.3.3 22 Distribution of families by the place where the antenna is fixed

Place frequency %

Inside the house 2 5

Fixed on roof 9 22.5Fixed outside 29 72.5

Total 40 100


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yes 7 13.5

No 45 86.5

Total 52 100.0

Domestic industries

As the domestic industries are concerned, only 15.4% of families reported to have such

industries (TABLE 3.3.3 26 DISTRIBUTION OF FAMILIES BY THE AVAILABILITY OF

DOMESTIC INDUSTRIES).

Table 3.3.3 26 Distribution of families by the availability of domestic industries


yes 8 15.4

No 44 84.6

Total 52 100.0

Occupation of householders

The information given in the TABLE 3.3.3 27DISTRIBUTION OF FAMILIES BY THE

OCCUPATION OF HOUSEHOLDER show the types of occupation and the number of

householders involved in them. State sector permanent employees represent only 15.4

of householders, whereas permanent employees in the private sector represent 5.8%.

Over 15% are employed in temporary capacities in the private sector. Self employment

accounts for 46.2% of householders. Over 13% has not directly revealed their means of

living. (TABLE 3.3.3 28 DISTRIBUTION OF FAMILIES BY THE OCCUPATIONCATEGORY OF HOUSEHOLDER)

T bl 3 3 3 27 Di t ib ti f f ili b th ti f h h ld


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Income of the family is a good indicator of the economic status of people. The level of

income as revealed by the respondents is shown in the TABLE 3.3.3 28 DISTRIBUTION

OF FAMILIES BY THE OCCUPATION CATEGORY OF HOUSEHOLDER. For over 36% offamilies the monthly income ranged between Rs. 5000 and 25000. Over 25% of families

enjoy an income that ranged between Rs. 25000 and 50000 per month. As income is a

sensitive factor for people, some refrained from revealing it. In the present study 17

families (32.7%) remained silent without responding to the question of their monthly

income.

Table 3.3.3 28 Distribution of families by the occupation category of householder

Occupation category Frequency %

Permanent Government Job 8 15.4

Permanent Privet sector job 3 5.8

Temporary privet sector 8 15.4

Self Employment 24 46.2

Retired 2 3.8

Not mentioned 7 13.5Total 52 100

Table 3.3.3 29 Distribution of families by the level of monthly income

Income range Frequency %

Rs 5000-15000 8 15.4

Rs15001-25000 11 21.2Rs25001-50000 13 25

Above Rs.50000 3 5.8

N R 17 32 7


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Yes 5 9.6

No 47 90.4

Total 52 100.0

Table 3.3.3 31 Type of Construction

construction Frequency %

House/Reconstructions 3 60

Building for Business 2 40

Total 5 100

Table 3.3.3 32 Distribution of families by preference for the proposed power line

Response Frequency %

Yes 23 44.2

No 23 44.2

No response 6 11.5Total 52 100.0

Peoples opinion on the project

The survey focused its attention to learn about peoples opinion on the proposed power

project and it reveals mixed responses. Whereas, 44.2% of families expressed their

opposition to it a similar number accepts the project. Six families (15.5%) are on thefence being unable to have a proper calculation of the project. (TABLE 3.3.3 32

DISTRIBUTION OF FAMILIES BY PREFERENCE FOR THE PROPOSED POWER LINE)


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their current income. (Table 3.3.3 34 Distributions of families by unwilling to accept the

proposed power line by reason)

Table 3.3.3 33 Distributions of families by willing to accept the proposed power line by reason

Reason Frequency %

Necessary for 15 65.2

Because of Compensation 2 8.7

Because it is Compulsory 2 8.7

No response 4 17.4Total 23 100

Table 3.3.3 34 Distributions of families by unwilling to accept the proposed power line by reason

Reason Frequency %

No response 2 8.7

Loss of value of lands 7 30.4Risk/Unsafe 9 39.1

Loss of trees 2 8.7

Not Trusted on 1 4.3

Loss of Income source 2 8.7

Total 23 100

Table 3.3.3 35 Distribution of families willing to accept a reasonable compensation and allow theuprooting of Trees


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suspicion over getting a reasonable compensation and loss of valuable cultivation

(TABLE 3.3.3 37 DISTRIBUTION OF FAMILIES BY REASONS GIVEN FOR THE

UNWILLING TO ACCEPT COMPENSATION AND ALLOW THE UPROOTING OF TREES) Thoseaccepting the compensation reiterated the same reason given for their positive stand

towards the project (TABLE 3.3.3 36 DISTRIBUTION OF FAMILIES BY REASONS GIVEN

FOR THE WILLINGNESS TO ACCEPT COMPENSATION AND ALLOW THE UPROOTING OF

TREES).

Table 3.3.3 36 Distribution of families by reasons given for the willingness to accept compensation

and allow the uprooting of trees

Reasons Frequency %

No response 8 29.6

Development of the country 5 18.5

Because of Compensation 8 29.6

Because it is Compulsory 6 22.2

Total 27 100

Table 3.3.3 37 Distribution of families by reasons given for the unwilling to accept compensation and

allow the uprooting of trees

Reasons Frequency %

No Response 3 18.8

Loss of value of the land 4 25

Loss of trees 4 25

Because it is compulsory 4 25

No trust on Compensation 1 6 3


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4. ENVIRONMENTEL IMPACTS

4.1.

Construction Impacts State Briefly the following

4.1.1.

Physical Resources

4.1.1.1.

Impacts on surface water quality due to soil erosion and silting

Construction and operation of power transmission lines have minimal impact on surface

or ground water quality. Water bodies may contaminate due to spilling of construction

materials and surface runoff from construction site. If the surface runoff meets the river,

there may be temporary increase in turbidity level of the river. When the soil is

excavated to erect towers, they should be levelled so that this would not disrupt the

movement of water and drainage. During the construction of foundations in paddy

fields, the soil excavated will be generally utilized for backfilling, except in rare

connections where excavated soil is not suitable for backfilling. In such cases, theexcavated soil would not be left in the paddy field, but will be carried away and dumped

in a suitable place. Considering the relatively small amount of excess soil, in most of the

cases these are given to the neighbouring landowners, upon their request. If such

places are not readily available, a proper place/s for dumping excess soil would be

located in consultation with relevant DS, and levelled properly.

Project activities including excavation, cut and fill operations, removal of trees and

green cover vegetation etc., will enhance the soil erosion during the rainy season. The

impact on soils will be due to the soil erosion at the tower construction site and along

the access routes. Excavation activity and land clearance in the erosion prone areas


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mitigation measures to minimize anticipated impact due to obstruction of natural flow

paths and existing drainage are listed in the following chapter.

Proposed land for Kegalle GSS is adjacent to Gongan Ela and its development activities

will include filling of the existing land above 1.2m from Kandy road level. Since the filling

will be carried out totally outside the reservation of Gongan Ela, no impact will be

caused to the hydrological pattern of it. All filling activities will be carried out under

guidelines of SLLRDC with minimum hindrance to local drainage patterns.

4.1.1.3. Impacts on fauna and flora or on existing habitats due to changing land use

patterns

Proposed route alignment does not cross any protected forest or wildlife areas or

ecologically sensitive wetland. As mentioned earlier on section 2.3.2 about present land

use, this line does not traverse any natural forest areas or forest plantations. No land

use change take place when power line follows paddy fields which is the highest

percentage of land use type (42.64%) traversed by the transmission line. Paddy

cultivation can be continuing even under the tower itself. Rubber and home gardens arethe secondly most affected by transmission line. Since all the trees growing above 3m

height will have to be removed/ pruned along 30m corridor along the transmission line

route, number of trees removed would be high in rubber plantations, and home gardens

with high-grown trees. Rubber plantations and home gardens are generally considered

as degraded habitats. Hence impacts in such areas are also relatively lesser.

Ecological impacts related to flora and fauna on existing habitats is addressed underchapter 5.

4 1 1 4 Impacts on canals other irrigation structure and water bodies


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4.1.1.5.

Impacts on other proposed or planned government / private sector /

development activities in the vicinity

As per regulations enacted by GoSL, it is mandatory for CEB to seek clearance prior to

construction from highways, railways, telecommunications and wherever necessary

from aviation authorities that are likely to be affected by construction of lines. In case

of any interference of utilities, CEB wishes to follow best practice guidelines.

Northern expressway

Accordingly CEB has written to Road Development Authority to provide RoW ofNorthern Expressway in Devalegama area. Any line crossing with road corridor will be

constructed with adherence to technical specifications and RDA guidelines.

Road Development Authority has planned a new highway from Enderamulla to

Habarana to be constructed in four stages. Stage 3 of this new road has been proposed

to build from Ambepussa to Katugastota. According to the preliminary layout made

available to CEB by RDA, several sections of this road corridor and transmission lineshare same right of way, particularly in Devalegama area.

RDA is currently in the process of optimizing the ROW. CEB will work in close

coordination with RDA during the project implementation period to come up with most

cost effective, technically and environmentally sound solution beneficial to the country.

4.1.2.

Human and socio - economic impacts

4.1.2.1.

Public safety / potential relocation of people etc.

Safety


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As highvoltage lines are having an arc across an air gap they may have a lethal impact on

people working or moving very close to such transmission lines even without any physical

contact. As the transmission line runs over home gardens and paddy fields, people living andworking in those areas have to take precautionary measures to protect themselves keeping the

maximum distance over 15-17 feet between themselves/ objects in their hands or physical

contact and the power line. In particular, farmers using modern harvesting and other

equipments have to be ever conscious about the precautionary measures.

Fallen lines

With all the technical and other safety measures taken by the project, still one cannot hundred

percent assure the smooth functioning of the systems as unexpected natural or anthropogenic

incidence might cause severe damage to towers, lines and grid stations.

Peoples fear of transmission lines

People in the area expressed their views and attitudes towards transmission line with special

emphasis on the negative impact on their physical well-being. They believed that high tensionpower lines cause disabilities and diseases in human beings living in the close vicinity of such

lines. Cancer and skin diseases were cited as dangerous impacts of power lines.

Another strong belief among people was that transmission lines and towers connected to them

attract thunder strikes and thereby endanger the lives of people. They also had the fear of

spreading the fire emanating from the thunder caused ignition in transmission lines.

Potential Relocation of People

As the transmission line has been designed with special emphasis on minimum impact on


45/115


(with same width of the existing road) along the boundary of the land to be purchased. The

people of the village are also prepared to accept such an alternative within the land area of the

project.

4.1.2.2.

Impact on the agriculture / plantation sector and land use of the area

Impact on the land use pattern

As shown in the Table 4.1.2.2 1, lands in the project area have been used mainly for the

purposes of residents, cultivation of paddy, commercial and other crops. The total line length is

21.5 km. and 42.64% of it traverses over paddy land whereas 37.37% and 18.79% run over

home gardens and Rubber Cultivations respectively. There were 52 families residing in or in the

vicinity of line route and only 34% of them had cultivated their home gardens (Table 4. 2.), as

the public roads are concerned the proposed line crosses over two points of major roads.

Table 4.1.2.2 1 Land Use in the line route

No Land Use Data

Total Line Length 21.5 km

Land UsagePercentage of total

line length (%)

Corridor width

(m)

Total affected

Area (ha)

i) Coconut - 30 -

ii) Rubber 18.79 30 12.1

iii) Home Garden 37.37 30 24.2

iv) Paddy 42.64 30 27.4

No of Crossing

i) Railway -ii) Major (A ,B type )road crossing 2

iii) River Crossing -


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reduction of paddy lands available for cultivation as farmers could cultivate the area under the

towers leaving only the tower bases.

The construction phase of the power line over the paddy field definitely keep the line route,

access roads and tower bases out of cultivation and the construction activities may also

disturbs the irrigation system leaving the adjacent paddy land out of cultivation for a

considerable period of time depending on the completion of the project. Any disturbance to

the irrigation system may cause inundation over a vast area of paddy lands causing damage to

cultivations. Existing access roads and newly constructed access roads for the transportation of

materials are needed to be turned back to their original condition so that they may not causeunanticipated negative impacts.

Rubber cultivations

As mentioned earlier Rubber cultivations are subjected to 18.8% of the total length of the

power line and that length with its due width is to be cleared removing all the high grown trees.

This requirement would cause a considerable lost to the owners of the lands of those

cultivations. Furthermore, the conditions imposed preventing the cultivation of high grown

trees would compel the owners to change their pattern of land use. The impact of land

clearance for the construction and maintenance of the power line, results in reducing the

income that people earn from their home gardens, and other cultivations. It should not be

taken for granted as most of people economically depend on the income of their home

gardens, paddy and other cultivations for meeting the basic needs. Over 35% of the 52

households under consideration earn Rs. 25000 or less than per month.

Home gardens


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The people of the affected area are highly concerned about the traversing of power line over

their buildings and the inevitable ceiling on the height of constructions imposed by the project.

Nearly 10% of the households have future plans of construction. However all expressed theirapprehension about the negative impact of the power line on their safety and future use of

their lands for constructions. Construction of tower bases in small plots of lands will further

reduce the quantity of land area available human use if such lands are selected.

Degrading of land and property values

People in the areas to be affected by the project were dissatisfied with an anticipated impact of

decreasing land and property values as a result of the restrictions accompanied by the project.

They anticipated a considerable decrease in land price after project implementation.

The symbolic value of lands, properties, and cultivations are higher than their real value as

people assign various cultural meanings to them on the ground of inheritance, memories, and

emotional attachments. Any negative impacts on such properties are deeply felt by the owners

as their lives are interwoven with them.

Quality improvement of electricity supply

With new substation to be built in Kegalle, number of current issues in electricity supply to

surrounding areas to be resolved. New substation will eliminate lengthy 33kV lines which

currently supply Kegalle, Mawanella, Polgahawela and Rambukkana areas from

Kiribathkumbura and Thulhiriya GSSs. This will respond to low voltage problems encountered

and improve the reliability of electricity supply to consumers of the said areas. On the otherhand, this project will reduce distribution losses and improve overall efficiency of the network.


48/115


encountered in home gardens. Therefore when taken as a summary for the flora, the

percentage endemism and species with high conservation status was highest in home

gardens (71.42%) followed by paddy lands (28.57%) and then open scrublands (14.28%).However, when the project area is taken overall, the level of endemism of flora is 3.37%

while the percentage of nationally threatened species is 2% and the percentage of

vulnerable species is 0.67%.

With regards to fauna, the habitats exhibited a relatively high biodiversity. Paddy lands and

open scrublands exhibited the highest (26.84% and 25.79% respectively) followed by home

gardens and rubber plantations (23.68% and 23.0% respectively). There were two endemicamphibians and one endemic bird found in the paddy lands. Percentage endemism was

highest in open scrublands (6.12%) followed by paddy lands (5.9%), home gardens (4.4%)

and rubber plantations (4.44%). With regards to the species with high conservation status,

the percentage of endangered species was 2.22% in all the habitats except in paddy lands.

Percentage vulnerable species was highest in paddy lands (4.44%) followed by rubber

plantations. Paddy lands recorded the highest near threatened species percentage (4%)

followed by rubber plantations (2.22%) and open scrublands (2.04%).

When the species diversity was considered, highest was recorded in birds (33.73%) followed

by butterflies (26.50%), reptiles (10.84%), dragonflies (8.41%) and mammals (4.81%).

Despite the fact that there was a high biodiversity in birds they were rather common in

almost all the habitats. However, dragonflies were more prevalent in paddy lands.

Amphibians were seen in paddy lands as well as wet areas in open scrublands. While

reptiles were common to all the habitats mammals were seen mostly in other habitatsexcept in paddy lands.

I t f th j t th h bit t


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In order to ascertain the significance of the impact of the project on the habitats and their

function, a scoring system was developed (Impact Score) using the following criteria.

The extent of the habitat affected

Present status of disturbance

% Biodiversity

% Endemism

Percentage occurrence of species with high conservation status (CR, EN, NT, VU)

Marks were given from 1-5, the 1 being the least affected while 5 being the most affected.The results are shown below;

Table 4.1.3.2 1 Rating of habitats for their importance in biodiversity, endemism and

conservation status

Habitat

type

Extent

affected

%

Level of

disturba

nce

Biodiversity

%

Endemism

%

CR

%

EN % NT % VU % Total

score

Paddy 42.64 (3) 2 20.85 (2) 5.22 (4) 0 4.27 (2) 2 14

Home 31.3 (3) 3 44.27 (3) 3.24 (3) 2.22 (3) 2.08 (2) 2.52 (1) 18

Rubber 18.79 (2) 2 18.25 (2) 2.22 (2) 2.22 (3) 1.1 (2) 1.11 (1) 14

Open 6.4 (1) 1 16.605 (2) 7.6 (4) 2.04 (3) 1.2 (2) 1.02 (1) 14

Land area affected More than 80% (5); 40-80% (4); 20-40% (3); 10-20% (2);

less than 10% (1)

Biodiversity More than 60% (5); 40-60% (4); 20-40 % (3) 10-20% (2) 0-10% (1)

Endemism More than 10% (5) 5 -10% (4); 2 5 5% (3) 1-2 5 % (2); < 1


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many birds in all these habitats, when trees are removed the trees used by birds for roosting

and nesting will be affected and in turn their continuity will be affected. However, in these

ecosystems except for Sri Lanka Jungle Fowl other birds are not endemic or with highconservation status. Due to the clearing of trees especially in the home gardens, rubber

plantations and also open scrublands, the arboreal mammal (Sri Lanka Purple Faced Langur)

and other animals like squirrels, monkeys etc. will be affected. Due to the ground clearing along

the transmission line, habitats of ground inhabiting animals like amphibians, reptiles etc. will be

affected; such openings will encourage the encroachment of these natural and naturalized

habitats reducing the habitats for wildlife further. During the construction of the towers which

are situated 300m apart, there would be lot of activity especially during the day time which

includes noises from equipment, vehicles and others which affects the fauna adversely. The

conglomeration of a large labour force located in labour camps during the construction period,

may cause intrusion into the day to day life of the area as well as cause disposal of waste both

solid and liquid to the surrounding land uses causing pollution.

Another prominent impact especially during the operational stage is the electrocution of fauna.

The types of animals which will be mostly at risk are arboreal mammals and birds. Animals

cannot understand that electrical power lines and transformers carry deadly current. Tomonkeys and other arboreal wildlife, power poles and lines look like trees and vines. When an

animal grasps a live electrical line while its feet or trail touches the parallel line beneath it, a

deadly circuit formed, and it is electrocuted. However, in the design of this high tension 220 kV

power line, about 4m is kept vertically between two parallel lines and 10m distance kept

horizontally and therefore there is a remote chance for an animal to touch two lines which is a

prerequisite for electrocution. However, at the proximal end where the lines are hanged to the

tower, there is a chance of this happening as the distance becomes small. Further, a distance of

17.5m is kept on either side of the transmission line as the buffer area so that the animals

jumping on to the transmission line from nearby trees is very remote. However, if the

transmission line is not kept clean of vegetation there is a chance of damage to wildlife from


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Construction and maintenance equipment that crosses wetlands can stir up sediments,

endangering fish and other aquatic life.

Clearing forested areas can expose the land to invasive and shrubby plants, thusremoving habitat for species in the forest interior. Vehicles and construction equipment

can introduce exotic plant species.

Any of these activities can impair or limit wetland functions. Organic soils consist of layers of

decomposed plant material that formed very slowly. Disturbed wetland soils are not easily

repaired. Severe soil disturbances may permanently alter wetland hydrology. A secondary

affect of disturbance is the opportunistic spread of invasive weedy species. These invasive

species provide little food and habitat for wildlife.

Impacts on scrub forests/forests

There are no high canopied forest areas along the transmission line route. At Thulhiriya, the

Thulhirikanda Forest Reserve is located more than 100m from the line route. However, there

are scrub lands with scattered trees in certain sections of the line route. However, the impact

on these will be less as the occurrence of trees more than 3m height occurring on the line routeis not a common occurrence.

Impact on the Project on the survival of the species with high conservation status

The following criteria was used in the development of a scoring system to assess the impact of

the Project on the survival of the species in the habitats with special reference to those who are

endemic and having high conservation status. The parameters of the criteria were;

Conservation Status


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When the distribution of a species within Sri Lanka was considered, 5 marks were given to

those who are found only in the Project area. The species found in another climatic zone were

given 4 marks while those that inhabit more than one climatic zone were given 2 marks.

When mobility of the species was considered, those who have higher mobility and could move

fast will be less affected than those who have less mobility. Species having highest mobility

were given 1 mark (birds) while those having little mobility can be given 5.

Table 4.1.3.2 2 the details of the assessment and the rating done on the floral species encountered

Species CS Global distribution Distribution in SL Overall

ratin

C

R

E

N

D

D

N

T

V

U

Endemic to

Sri Lanka

In

India

and

SL

In S.

Asi

a

In

Asia

In other

contine

nts too

Restrict

ed to

Project

area

Found

in one

climatic

zone

Found

in more

than

one

climatic

zones

Waliddaantidysenterica(Idda)

5

4 9

Garciniaquaesita(Goraka)

5 2 7

Cycas nathorstii(Madu) 1 1 4 6

Lagerstroemiaspeciosa

2 3 4 9


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Table 4.1.3.2 3 The details of the assessment and the rating done on the faunal species

encountered

Species CS Global

distribution

Distributio

n in SL

Level

ofmobi

lity

Over

allratin

g

C

R

E

N

D

D

N

T

V

U

Endemi

c to Sri

Lanka

In

India

and

In S.

Asia

In

Asia

In

other

contin

Rest

rict

ed

Foun

d in

othe

Fou

nd

on

Euploea

sylvester(Double branded

crow)

2 1 2 3 8

Notocrypta

paralysos

(Common

banded demon)

1 1 2 3 7

Onychargiaatrocyana

(Marsh dancer)

2 1 2 3 8

Orthetrum

luzonicum

(Marsh skimmer)

2 4 2 3 11

Fejervarya

kirtisinghei

1 5 () 2 4 12

H l ili 5 2 4 11


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When the probable impacts on the survival of species in different habitats were considered,

the proposed project will have moderate impacts on the survival of the following species;

Orthetrum luzonicum (Marsh skimmer)

Fejervarya kirtisinghei (Frog)

Hylarana gracilis (Sri Lanka Wood Frog)

Otocryptis wiegmanni (Sri Lanka Kangaroo Lizard)

Gallus lafayetii (Sri Lanka Jungle Fowl)

Therefore, despite the fact that the line route traverses along paddy lands major part of its

route, the impact on the trees on the borders cannot be considered as non significant.

Impact on this on paddy lands is minimal as there are fewer trees compared with other

habitats. The impact on the open scrublands will also be small as these areas are dominated

by shrubs and the trees are seen scattered. The impact on the rubber plantations and the

home gardens are the most as these ecosystems are dominated by trees.

Impacts on agriculture/plantation sector and land use of the area

The proposed transmission line has been planned to traverse above paddy lands for about

42.64% of its path followed by 31.3% over home gardens, 18.79% over rubber lands, about

6.4 % above scrub forest areas. When it is traversing along the paddy lands it is not

expected to change the land use very much. However, when an area of 30m is cleared from

home gardens leaving only trees which are less than 3m in height, the land use of the same

will be affected. It has been estimated that an area equivalent to 12 ha of rubber

plantations in the Kegalle Districts will be removed and therefore the land use of these

areas will be changed. Since there are only scattered trees in the scrub forest areas the

impact on this is not very significant


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rivers, lagoons, or ponds even the ground water can get contaminated. Water plants and

fish can also be affected. Due to the small scale and scattered nature of construction,

intensity of such impact is very minimal. Further, even during the operational period, the

presence of towers and power lines on top will hinder the use of high tech equipment in

farming i.e. combined harvester.

Rubber cultivations

According to the land use along the transmission line, 12 ha of rubber lands will be directly

affected. About 19,200 rubber trees will be lost to the country. When an average yield of

rubber plantations is taken as 1200 kg/ha/yr the yield loss from rubber will be 14,400 kg/yr.Therefore, the loss of these trees should be compensated adequately. The advice of the

Rubber Cultivation Board should be requested with regard to designing a proper

compensation package for this.

Home gardens

About 24.2 ha of home gardens will be directly affected along the transmission line route.These gardens comprise of a mixture of trees and crops which provides multitudes of needs

to the home gardener i.e. timber, small wood, fuel wood, fruits, food and medicine. As it is

required to clear 30m width of the area from vegetation especially those which are more

than 3m in height or those which has potential to grow more than 3m the a good part of the

vegetation will be lost to the home gardener who will lose cash income as well as security

from food, timber and other essential goods. For the houses which are having small extents

of land, the area available for cultivation will be greatly limited. The loss of these valuable

crops needs to be adequately compensated. Although it is allowed to grow crops with short

statures, people do not like to work under these lines due to safety reasons.


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affected will be amphibians which inhabit the streams associated with paddy lands. There

are two endemic frogs i.e. Kirtisinghe's Frog and Sri Lanka wood frog that are also endemic.

The former is vulnerable too. As major land use affected (42.64%) is paddy the impact on

the amphibians due to the project could be high especially since they are less mobile and

would be localized.

4.2.

Safety and security

4.2.1. State briefly the structural safety of the transformers and transmission lines specially

during unpredictable operational loads

Transmission lines are designed to trip out of service (turn off), if they fall and touch

ground or contact trees. Transmission lines are not likely to fall unless encounters a severe

impact such as hit by a tornado or a truck or due to anthropogenic activity. All the tower

types are been tested for critical load combinations in state of the art laboratory facilities

in India. Therefore it can be certain that structural failure of towers is very unlikely.

4.2.2.

State briefly lightning danger from transformers and transmission lines:

Tall objects such as transmission towers, poles and trees are more likely to intercept

lightning strikes. Transmission lines are therefore usually built with a grounded shield wire

at the top of the poles. This protects the transmission line from lightning. Lightning is not

more likely to strike houses or cars near the transmission line. Shorter objects under or

very near a line may actually receive some protection from lightning.

4.2.3.

Indicate the possibility of any accidental hazards or fire hazards:

When working near high-voltage transmission lines, electrical contact can occur even if


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b.

Communities in the neighborhood:

It will be ensured that anybody working on the property is properly briefed on the

electrical infrastructure, clearance zones and plant, machinery and equipment

specifications.

c.

Surrounding environment to be taken in the event of any possible accident, fire

hazards:

Activities may create accidental damage to public and the construction workers.

Therefore, contractors should take necessary action to enhance personal safetyduring the Construction through the following measures:

Organize awareness programs relevant to the personal safety of the workers and the

public in the area. Installation of warning signs to particular locations such as

transverse points of local road network of transmission lines. Provide protective safety

belts, footwear, helmets, goggles, eye-shields, and clothes of workers depending on their

duty. Arrangement of proper first aid unit, fire fighting gear and transport facilities to

take injured people to the hospitals.

4.2.5.

Impact on visual environment, historical sites and sites of special values

No archeological, historical or cultural important sites are affected by the construction of

the line. During profile survey, it is ensured that the proposed route of transmission line

does not affect any public places like playgrounds, schools, places of worship or other

similar establishment etc,. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is the most important tourist

attraction in the area and selected line route option traverses about 4km away from it.

Proposed line does not traverse places of known archeological importance


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None of proposed 132 kV Thulhiriya to Kegalle transmission line is traverse across any railway

tracks but this transmission line cross A6 road near to Exsisting Thulhiriya Substation, B539

Nelundeniya- Alawwa Road , A19 Polgahawela- Kegalle Highway , B 199 Karandupona-

Rambukkana Road.

4.3.2.

Provide details regarding the distance from the middle of the road to the posts. The height of

the line route from the roads.

In case of road crossing, CEB will ensure to keep required safety clearance as recommended by

RDA. Clearance to the bottom conductor from the finished road level will be 6.7m as per

technical specification of CEB which is greater than RDA requirement.

4.4.

Mono cultivation land areas

Provide full details of Mono cultivation land areas in the line path

Paddy fields are the main land use type and the only farmland traversed by the transmission

lines. As explained above, 42.64% of the Thulhiriya - Kegalle line has been located over paddy

lands, in order to reduce the social impacts caused by locating the proposed transmission linealong residences and/or home gardens.

As mentioned earlier in section 4.1.2.2, rubber cultivations are encountered in 18.8% of the

total length of the power line and that length with its due width is to be cleared removing all

the high grown trees. Extent of this impact is discussed in section 4.1.3.1.

4.5. Wildlife and forest reserve areas

Provide full details

None of proposed 132 kV Thulhiriya - Kegalle line is traverse across any areas under the


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ecological survey confirm the high species diversity exist in the home gardens. Impacts to the

home gardens due to project activities are discussed in section 4.1.3.1.

4.7.

Irrigation tanks

Provide full details of irrigation tanks and related information related to the line route

a)

Names of the tanks and co-ordinates

Proposed 132 kV Thulhiriya to Kegalle line does not traverse any irrigation tanks under the

purview of Irrigation Department.

b)

Angle point A6 riverine environment near Thalgahayaya

The only riverine ecosystem along the line route can be observed in between angle point 5 and

6 related to Ragala oya in Egalla GN division in Warakapola DS division. At this location, line

route crosses the stream in perpendicular angle causing minimum damage to the vegetation

along the waterway.

4.8.

Agrarian development mattersProvide full details of agrarian related areas

Paddy fields are the main land use type and the only farmland traversed by the transmission

lines. As explained earlier, there will be no change in the land use planning due to the project

in the paddy fields, except for the safety precautions to be adopted when using the harvesting

machines with a higher reach. Paddy cultivation will be continued under the transmission line,

and even under the towers, during the operational phase of the project. However it may causesome problems for those working in the paddy lands for cultivation and harvesting of paddy, if

necessary actions are not taken to prevent such impact. In particular use of some of modern


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encountered even at a later stage, CEB will ensure to make necessary deviations, as per the

directives of Department of Archeology.

5.

Proposed Mitigatory MeasuresThis chapter should set out the proposed measures to minimize the impacts identified in Chapter

4 to acceptable levels (including conformity to gazetted Sri Lankan Standards) Mitigatory

measures should be defined in specific practical terms. Alternative methods of mitigation should

be discussed

IEER Thul-keg 07-10-13 Draft

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