Prepared for: ITC Limited - environmentclearance.nic.inenvironmentclearance.nic.in/writereaddata/FormB/TOR/Proposed_TOR...Prepared for: ITC Limited 37, J.L. Nehru Road, Kolkata-700

Prepared for:

ITC Limited 37, J.L. Nehru Road, Kolkata-700 071

Prepared by:

December 2015

PROPOSED TERMS OF REFERENCE

FOR

MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT AT

RAJARHAT

Proposed Terms of Reference for Mixed Use Development Project at Rajarhat

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Table of Contents

1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................4

1.1 Objectives of the EIA Study .......................................................................................... 4

1.2 Structure of The ToR ..................................................................................................... 5

2 Project Overview ...........................................................................................................6

2.1 Scope of Environment Impact Assessment ................................................................... 6

2.2 Overview of the Project ................................................................................................. 6

3 Environmental & Social Baseline Studies .....................................................................7

3.1 Understanding of Project area ........................................................................................ 7

3.2 Study Area ..................................................................................................................... 7

3.3 Primary Monitoring ....................................................................................................... 8

3.4 Targeted Surveys and Studies ...................................................................................... 11

3.4.1 Ecological Survey .............................................................................................. 11

3.4.2 Socioeconomic Analysis .................................................................................... 11

4 Impact Assessment.......................................................................................................12

4.1 Impact Identification .................................................................................................... 12

4.2 Impact Prediction ......................................................................................................... 12

4.3 Impact Evaluation ........................................................................................................ 12

5 Environment Safeguards ..............................................................................................13

5.1 Environmental Management Plan (EMP) .................................................................... 13

5.2 Environmental Monitoring Strategy ............................................................................ 13

6 EIA Reporting ..............................................................................................................14


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List of Tables

Table 3-1: Details of Monitoring Program for Environmental Components .............................8

List of Figures

Figure 3-1: Study Area for Mixed Use Area Development Project ...........................................8

Figure 3-2: Proposed Monitoring Stations ...............................................................................10


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1 Introduction

ITC owns a land property at Rajarhat, New Town, Kolkata. The area is being developed by

HIDCO, New Town Kolkata and segmented into three action areas namely Action Area-I, II

and III. The land parcel is in the category of Action Area IIIG/4 and is dedicated for IT industry

development. The above land parcel is governed by Kolkata Gazette, New Town Kolkata

Development Authority Act, bye laws for property development.

ITC has planned for a mixed use development in the land parcel consisting of a hotel, 2nos. IT

and 3 nos. non-IT offices and 2nos. residential building. The development is proposed

primarily in two phases, with a possible expansion in 3rd phase in order to maximize the

utilization of permissible FAR increase with the time.

The project attracts requirement of obtaining Environmental Clearances as per EIA

Notification, 2006 dated 14th September and is listed as Category B1 Project of the schedule

of EIA Notification, as it is having a built up area of 238746 Sq. m. The project will be

appraised by State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA).

ITC has appointed SENES Consultants India Pvt. Ltd. to undertake the environmental analysis

and documenting the same in the form of a formal Environment Impact Assessment (EIA)

report so that it can help in obtaining necessary environmental clearance from regulatory

authorities in India. This draft Term of Reference (ToR) intends to set the scope of the EIA

study as per the new EC process.

The intention of the proposed EIA is to support the project for obtaining of necessary

environmental clearance from the SEIAA. In this perspective, SENES would strive to fulfill

the project objectives delineated in the section below

1.1 OBJECTIVES OF THE EIA STUDY

The overall objectives of the EIA study will be as follows:

Establish the prevailing baseline environmental and socioeconomic condition of the

project site and its surroundings

Assess environmental, socioeconomic and health impacts arising out of the construction

and operation of proposed mixed area development project.

Recommend appropriate preventive and mitigation measures to minimize pollution,

environmental and social disturbances during the life-cycle of the project;

Integrate mitigative measures with existing program of project proponent so that they

can be implemented, monitored and suitable corrective action can be taken in case of

deviations;

Identify residual and cumulative impacts that may arise from the project and suggest

suitable measures to minimize them.


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1.2 STRUCTURE OF THE TOR

This ToR has been prepared to assist in undertaking the EIA study within the ambit of an

established and agreed upon scope and in a systematic and structured manner. The draft ToR

after acceptance by ITC would be submitted to SEIAA for approval of the scope for the EIA

study. The other key purpose of the ToR is to identify the key issues for the Environmental

Baseline Monitoring, Impact Assessment Methodologies and developing Mitigation Measures

at a later stage.

The ToR is structured as follows

Section 2: Project Overview

Section 3: Environmental and Social Baseline Studies

Section 4: Impact Assessment

Section 5: Environment Safeguards

Section 6: EIA Reporting


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2 Project Overview

2.1 SCOPE OF ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT

The EIA report shall be prepared in accordance with the following Terms of Reference based

on the EIA Notification (14th September 2006) and any other legislation and notification which

may apply to the Project. The EIA report will:

a) Assist the public and government in understanding the environmental and socio-

economic consequences of the Project’s development, operation and reclamation plans,

will assist M/s ITC Ltd. in the decision-making process;

b) Address:

i. Project impacts;

ii. Mitigation options; and

iii. Residual effects relevant to the assessment of the project

2.2 OVERVIEW OF THE PROJECT

This section of the EIA report will provide an overview of the project in terms of:

Regional Setting

Project Accessibility and Transport Linkage

Project Area

Water requirement & sourcing.

Solid waste generation and its management procedure

Source of Power Supply

A map of the project area highlighting location of the project will be provided in the EIA

Report.


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3 Environmental & Social Baseline Studies

3.1 UNDERSTANDING OF PROJECT AREA

To provide an understanding of the project area the EIA study will involve reconnaissance

visits and compilation of secondary information present as following.

Location of the project site

Location of settlements in the vicinity

Location of sensitive environmental receptors in the project area

Land use of the area and its vicinity

Location of the sensitive ecosystem and wildlife habitat

Drainage network of the area and its vicinity

Existing transport infrastructure (e.g., roads/ railways)

3.2 STUDY AREA

Primary baseline data collection will be conducted within the study area i.e. area with a radius

of about 10 km around the proposed site which may be impacted by the operation of the

development activity (Fig. 3.1). This delineation has been done based on the nature of the

project and also after gaining understanding of the surrounding areas through the initial

reconnaissance surveys. During the course of the study, if the need is felt, a flexible approach

will be taken to expand the study area further. The following features will be considered within

the study area:

Present Land use of project site and in the study area (delineated forest area, agricultural

land, grazing land, wildlife sanctuary, national park, human settlement, etc)

Topography in the study area

Sensitive Environmental Resources: Sensitive Natural Habitats

Surface water resources and drainage network in the project site and study area

Ground water resources in the project site and study area

Details of the physical and socio-economic features along with manmade structures

Road Network

Proneness to Natural Disasters

Sensitive Social Resources: Human habitats, Public Utilities, Valuable Common

Property Resources.


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The sites and the surrounding study areas would be depicted on GIS maps through satellite

imagery to help understanding the status of environment and impacts. The following section

details out the Sampling Plan for the study.

FIGURE 3-1: STUDY AREA FOR MIXED USE AREA DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

3.3 PRIMARY MONITORING

The sampling plan for primary monitoring has been drawn up based on the findings of the

reconnaissance survey and the understanding of the proposed project activities. The sampling

plan will also take into consideration of receptor locations that could potentially be affected by

the proposed activities. The monitoring stations and sampling locations for each environmental

component along with the parameters to be monitored, frequency and number of samples to be

taken are presented in the environmental matrix given in Table 3.1.

TABLE 3-1: DETAILS OF MONITORING PROGRAM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENTS

Component Air Quality

No. of Stations 4 Stations

Frequency & Duration 24hrs / 8 hrs, once in a week for 4 weeks ( excluding monsoon)

Parameters PM 10, SO2, NOx, and HC

Locations ITC Project Site, Hatishala, Akandakeshari and Kathalberia


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Component Ground water and Surface water Quality

No. of Stations 5 samples (From Open Wells, lake/pond/River, Dug Wells & Tube

Wells as per avilabaility)

Frequency & Duration Grab sample – One time

Parameters

Color, Odor, Taste, pH, Turbidity, Total hardness, Iron, Chloride,

Residual free chlorine, Dissolved solids, Nitrates, Fluoride, Cadmium,

Lead, Arsenic

Locations Akandakeshari, Hatishala, Kulberia, Bhagabanpur etc

Component Ambient Noise

No. of Stations 5 Stations (Sensitive receptors around the proposed site, residential,

commercial and industrial zones)

Frequency & Duration 24 Hours ( Day and Night time) - Once

Parameters Equivalent sound level in dB (A) – Leq and Lmax

Locations ITC Project Site, Hatisala Crossing, Akandakeshari village, Kathalberia,

Unitech Crossing

Proposed Monitoring Location Map is enclosed in Figure. 3.2.


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FIGURE 3-2: PROPOSED MONITORING STATIONS


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3.4 TARGETED SURVEYS AND STUDIES

3.4.1 Ecological Survey

There is no natural forest within the areas surrounding the project site. Mainly semi evergreen

type of vegetation is observed at areas surrounding the project site. No protected area is located

within the study area. East Kolkata Wetland, designated as wetland of international importance

under Ramsar Convention on August 19, 2002, is located about 3 km from the project site.

The ecological profile of the area would be drawn up based on secondary data review and

primary field surveys. Secondary data will be obtained from Forest Department and local

people. The primary data relating to flora, fauna, livestock and agricultural diversity of the area

will be generated by visiting the site area and its surroundings. The study area will be delineated

as the Core Zone (proposed project site) and Buffer Zone (area with 10 Km. radius around the

proposed site). The baseline surveys will be carried out to determine the existing environmental

conditions and to facilitate an adequate assessment of the Project’s impacts upon ecology and

the development of appropriate mitigation measures. Efforts will also be made to find

protected species in the area which can be of conservation importance.

3.4.2 Socioeconomic Analysis

The social assessment was primarily based on the analysis of the secondary data and

Community consultations.

Secondary Data Analysis

To evaluate socio-economic environment in the study area, secondary information from

the 2011 Census handbook has been referred to and details pertaining to habitations in

the study area have been extracted and assessed.

Stakeholder Identification

Stakeholder identification is an important aspect for collection of socioeconomic

baseline information. Local villagers, Panchayat, school authority, health department,

Public health engineering department, ITC, NKDA are the main stakeholder of this

project.

Initial Stakeholder Consultation

Consultations with stakeholder are a continuous process that would be continued during

the construction and operation phases of the project. Initial stakeholder consultation has

been conducted with the local villagers. Consultation with other identified stakeholder

will be carried out in the latter stage of the study.


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4 Impact Assessment

The EIA study will aim to identify, characterize and evaluate potential impacts arising out of

the project and prioritize them so that they can be effectively addressed through Environment

Management Plans and Project designing and planning.

4.1 IMPACT IDENTIFICATION

The preliminary identification of the potential impacts will be carried out based on the

understanding of the project gained during the scoping exercise and field visit, consultation

with representatives of the project proponent and professional judgment of the SENES team.

4.2 IMPACT PREDICTION

Environmental and socioeconomic impacts would be predicted based on baseline conditions

on site, professional judgment, and by using network methodology. The quantitative prediction

would be carried out for air and noise quality status.

Short-term impact on ambient air quality due to air emissions from multiple sources (from

moving source) such as aircrafts, surface vehicles and point sources such as DG Sets will be

predicted using relevant models. The model input data will include the emissions from aircrafts

calculated on the basis of ICAO data, emissions from vehicles and emissions from DG Stack.

Noise during operational phase is generated by aircrafts, DG Sets and vehicular traffic.

However, the latter two are localised while the aircraft noise is significant due to its movement

over wide area. Suitable model will be chosen for predicting the increase in noise levels. The

model will calculate changes in noise impact resulting from the new runways, new traffic

demand and fleet mix and other operational procedures. Noise contours showing the areas and

the number of dwellings exposed to various aircraft noise levels will be shown clearly.

Impacts resulting from ground water cutting and depletion will be assessed. Surface runoff

from the proposed site and its impact on surface water resources and adjacent agricultural land

will be undertaken. Also socioeconomic surveys of stakeholders will be carried out to predict

socio-economic and health impacts.

4.3 IMPACT EVALUATION

An environmental matrix will be developed to formally present an overview of the predicted

impacts. The matrix structure will take into account the environmental issues as well as the

concerns of the community.

The first step in the elaboration of the matrix will consist of defining the main activities or

aspects of the project that possibly can generate negative or positive impacts through extensive

consultations with representatives of the project proponent. The second steps will aim at

establishing a list of environmental elements (biophysical and human) found in the project area.

Potential interrelations between the impact sources and these elements will be established to

identify the impact.


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5 Environment Safeguards

The EIA study would prepare guidelines for mitigating any adverse impact identified due to

the proposed project. The site specific mitigation plan will specifically address impacts that

would be generated as a result of the proposed project.

5.1 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP)

The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) will recommend specific, structured and targeted

management plans to mitigate the significant impacts and bring them to a level that would be

acceptable to both the regulatory authorities and the community. The EMP will be formulated

in close cooperation with the client team to delineate action plans that are economically

feasible. The EMP would be laid down in a manner that the plans can be integrated with the

proponent’s existing environment management measures. The EMP would also include

recommendations for necessary pollution prevention, control as well as conservation and

compensatory measures. In addition, a systematic environmental monitoring plan for assessing

the adequacy of the mitigation measures and for understanding changes in environmental

quality due to the proposed project would also be part of the EMP.

5.2 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING STRATEGY

To measure the effectiveness of the implementation of the EMP a monitoring strategy (Plan)

for activities during construction phase and also during the post construction phase will be

prepared. The Plan must include the monitoring activities and corresponding schedules.


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6 EIA Reporting

Reporting on all activities conducted during the project will be prepared, collated and submitted

in the form of an EIA Report. The report will include supporting documents as necessary, a list

of findings, impacts and proposed mitigation measures. Following would be the structure of

the report as per the guideline set by the EIA 2006 Notification:

Executive Summary

Introduction

Description of Project

Description of Environment

Impact Assessment

Environmental Management Plan & Framework

Environmental Monitoring Program

Disclosure of Consultants

The draft EIA report would be further finalized by incorporating comments and views obtained

from different stakeholders during the public hearing and through letters/ representations

before being submitted to the appraisal committee. Annexed to the report, there would also be

the notes and proceedings of the public hearing, list of references and other relevant documents,

photographs etc.

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