By Naba Bhattacharjee
The reflection of a boat in the crystal-clear waters of Umngot has become a legend world over, highlighting with clarity the pristine status of Umngot river. Rivers are basic natural resources supporting ecosystems and human societies, and the health of rivers is crucial to the Earth’s sustainable development. Climate change and human activities, have induced great changes in the motion and development of rivers, including their utilisation. Evolution of rivers, the shaping of biodiversity, and the cultivation of human civilization are intricately linked. It is no different for the Khasi-Pnar community settled on the banks of this river. In this context, achieving an effective balance between river protection and human development is necessary.
In order to understand the issue of the denigration of Umngot, plausible cause attributed to the clear waters turning murky, is the ongoing construction work involving expansion of Shillong-Dawki stretch of NH-40. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which is funding the project, like all other interventions, are very particular before sanctioning any project. In this regard, decision of funding was finally approved after intensive appraisal of all respective JICA conducted feasibility studies, like EIA, SIA, IPP etc, with this writer associated as Environment Safeguard Adviser to JICA in the year 2016 and 2017. All these are in addition to studies carried out by the project proponent NHIDCL. Application of JICA‟s Guidelines for Environment and Social Considerations (ESCs) are required if a project funded by it shows a significantly adverse impact on the environment or society. The project proponent then is required to assess the environmental and social impacts at the earliest possible stage of planning, and implement measures in accordance with the guidelines. If the negative impact of the project cannot be avoided or mitigated to an acceptable level, JICA does not support such projects.
The proposed road alignment passes through hilly terrain, with major stretches through reaches with either full cutting or part cutting and filling. Due to high cut and fill, natural stability of the hill slopes is disturbed. High rainfall and watercourses along the slopes cause erosion affecting road stability. The major shortcoming of the project has been the non-application of Environment Clearance for the project under EIA Notification, 2006, which ensures comprehensive environment safeguard measures, particularly overburden management and disposal etc., which appears to be one of the major causes affecting Umngot. Environmental Clearance (EC) was not required for this project as per MoEF&CC notification, dated August 22, 2013, which clearly states “… expansion of National Highway greater than 100 kms involving additional right of way or land acquisition greater than 40 m on existing alignments and 60 m on re-alignment or by-passes” require EC. In this case, altitude of the project is below 1000m, road length of around 85 kms and additional right of way on an average not exceeding 25 m. The need to formulate separate parameters for the hilly region, particularly the eastern Himalayas are imperative. This aspect requires a separate write-up, highlighting all relevant details. However, forest clearance was applicable as alignment passes through forest area from 3rd mile to 5th mile in Upper Shillong. The clearance was duly granted by MoEF&CC after extensive study of all parameters.
Although a National Act may not be applicable in a particular JICA funded project, JICA ESC guidelines and related recommendations in EIA, SIA, IPP etc are applicable on mandatory basis. In this project, the change in topography from the existing is envisaged at various places along the entire length of the road while developing double and above-lane standards. The slope protection is to be established / strengthened regularly through plantation and civil structures. The surface area of erodible earth material exposed by clearing and grubbing, excavation, borrow and fill material operations shall be limited to the extent practicable. The contractor will provide immediate permanent erosion control measures to prevent soil erosion that will adversely affect construction operations, contamination of nearby streams or other watercourses, etc. Further, green belt is mandated to be developed simultaneously along with construction activities to control the erosion process. In addition, gabion and apron concrete will be installed at the outlet of culverts to avoid soil erosion due to water runoff.
To avoid contamination of the various water bodies and drainage channels, construction work close to the watercourses or other water bodies is to be avoided, especially during monsoon period. All wastes arising from the project will be disposed of, as per the State Pollution Control Board/Central Pollution Control Board norms. The wastes are to be collected, stored and taken to approved disposal, over burden storage sites. In addition, the provision of proper risk management with respect to construction activities such as accidental spillage is critical at this stage to avoid damage to flora and fauna, agricultural land and sensitive water resources. This will be most crucial and active stage for the Environmental Management Plan (EMP)
The detailed measures to be adopted during different stages of the project to mitigate negative impacts and enhance positive aspects are subject to strict monitoring. The responsibility for implementation and supervision of EMPs are vested with three agencies, namely, Contractors, PIU, and Supervision Consultants (SC). All prescriptions are on paper which requires implementation in letter and spirit on the ground. The question is whether such recommendations have been complied with under the scrutiny of monitoring agencies and if in the positive, to what extent?
(The views expressed by the author are personal, by virtue of technical association with JICA during feasibility study of the project)
