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Final Lalitpur Sub Metropolitan City Draft ESMF PPURP Clean Final
Final Lalitpur Sub Metropolitan City Draft ESMF PPURP Clean Final
LIST OF ACRONYMS BP CBO CBS DDC DPR EA EIA EMP EPA/EPR ESMF GoN IEE ILO IP-VCDF IP-VCDP LSMC NGO OP PAP PMT PSC PPURP RAP VDC VDCP Bank Procedure Community Based Organization Central Bureau of Statistics District Development Committee Detail Project Report Environmental Assessment Environmental Impact Assessment Environmental Management Plan Environmental Protection Act/Environmental Protection Regulations Environmental and Social Management Framework Government of Nepal Initial Environmental Examination International Labor Organization Indigenous Peoples-Vulnerable Community Development Framework Indigenous Peoples-Vulnerable Community Development Plan Lalitpur Sub metropolitan City Non-Government Organization Operational Policies Project Affected Person Project Management Team Project Support Consultant Pro Poor Urban Regeneration Pilot Resettlement Action Plan Village Development Committee Vulnerable Community Development Plan
TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION .....................................................................................................................1 1.1 1.2 1.3 BACKGROUND ......................................................................................................................................................1 SECTORAL AND INSTITUTIONAL CONTEXT ........................................................................................................2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ......................................................................................................................................3
1.3.1 Broader Project Objectives .................................................................................................... 3 1.3.2 Project Development Objectives (PDO) ................................................................................. 3 1.3.3 Project Beneficiaries .............................................................................................................. 3 1.3.4 Project Components .............................................................................................................. 3 1.3.4.1 Component 1: Participatory Action Plan for Pro-poor Urban Regeneration ...................... 3 1.3.4.2 Component 2: Grant Facility for Pro-poor Urban Regeneration........................................ 4 1.3.4.3 Component 3: Community Awareness and Local Capacity Building for Pro-poor Urban Regeneration. ................................................................................................................. 5 1.3.4.4 Component 4: Participatory Monitoring & Evaluation and Knowledge Dissemination, Project Management and Administration ......................................................................... 6 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 PROJECT INSTITUTIONAL AND IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENT .................................................................6 TYPE AND NATURE OF CIVIL WORKS SUPPORTED UNDER PPURP.............................................................7 ACTIVITIES EXCLUDED FROM PPURP..............................................................................................................7 NEED FOR ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK ...........................................................7 PROCESS ADOPTED FOR PREPARING THE ESMF ........................................................................................10 PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE ESMF ...................................................................................................10
1.10 REVISION/MODIFICATION OF THE ESMF ........................................................................................................11 1.11 LIMITATIONS OF THE ESMF .............................................................................................................................11 CHAPTER II: OVERVIEW OF THE PROJECT AREA ..............................................................................12 2.1 GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION ..............................................................................................................................12
2.1.1 Geographical Boundaries .................................................................................................... 12 2.1.2 Population ........................................................................................................................... 12 2.1.2.1 Population Distribution .................................................................................................... 12 2.1.2.2 Ward Wise Population of LSMC ...................................................................................... 13 2.1.3 Literacy................................................................................................................................ 13 2.1.4 Employment ........................................................................................................................ 13 2.1.5 Settlement Pattern ............................................................................................................... 13 2.1.6 Income ................................................................................................................................ 14 2.1.7 Economy ............................................................................................................................. 14 2.1.8 Infrastructures ..................................................................................................................... 14 2.1.8.1 Water Supply and Sanitation ......................................................................................... 14 2.1.8.2 Housing Pattern ............................................................................................................ 15 2.1.8.3 Cultural and Architecturally Important Places in Project Wards ...................................... 15 CHAPTER III: REGULATORY AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK ...................................................................17 Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan City A
3.1
KEY APPLICABLE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS......................................... 17 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF NEPAL, 1993(2050 BS) ................................................................. 18
KEY APPLICABLE NATIONAL SOCIAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS ..................................................................19 APPLICABLE W ORLD BANK POLICIES .............................................................................................................21 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (OP/BP 4.01) .............................................................................................21 PHYSICAL CULTURAL RESOURCES (OP/BP 4.11) ........................................................................................22 INDIGENOUS PEOPLE (OP/BP 4.10)...............................................................................................................22 INVOLUNTARY RESETTLEMENT (OP/BP 4.12) ..............................................................................................23
CHAPTER IV: POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS AND THEIR MANAGEMENT .....................................................................................................................................................................24 4.1 4.2 LIKELY BENEFICIAL IMPACTS ...........................................................................................................................24 LIKELY ADVERSE IMPACTS ...............................................................................................................................24
4.2.1 Environmental ..................................................................................................................... 24 4.2.2 Social .................................................................................................................................. 25 4.3 GENERIC MITIGATION MEASURES FOR EACH IDENTIFIED POTENTIAL IMPACTS ........................................25
4.3.1 Physical Environment .......................................................................................................... 25 4.3.2 Biological Environment ........................................................................................................ 26 4.3.3 Socio-economic,Cultural, and Archaeological Environment.................................................. 26 CHAPTER V: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL SCREENING AND MANAGEMENT...........................28 5.1 5.2 5.2.2 5.2.3 ENVIRONMENTAL& SOCIAL SCREENING .........................................................................................................28 Safeguard Categorization of Municipal Investments and Sub-grants .................................... 28 Category II municipal investments and sub-grant interventions .......................................... 30 Category III municipal investments and sub-grant interventions .......................................... 30
5.2.4 The Roles and Responsibilities of the World Bank ............................................................... 31 5.3 MANAGEMENT OF SOCIAL SAFEGUARDS........................................................................................................31
5.3.1 Social Screening (Including Resettlement Policy Framework, Indigenous People (IP) and Vulnerable Community Development Plan, and Gender Development Plan) ....................... 32 5.3.2 Indigenous Peoples and Vulnerable Communities Development Framework(IP-VCDF) ....... 33 5.3.2.1 Relevant Policies on Indigenous People and other Vulnerable Communities ................. 33 5.3.2.2 Screening and Categorization of Impacts on IPs and VCs ............................................. 34 5.3.2.3 Specific Measures to be followed while dealing with Vulnerable Groups ........................ 35 5.3.2.4 Framework for Developing Gender Action Plan ............................................................. 36 5.3.2.4.1 Gender Development Plan ...................................................................................... 36 5.4 PROCESS FOR MANAGING ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS ...........................................................37
CHAPTER VI: INFORMATION AND CONSULTATION FRAMEWORK ..................................................40 6.1 INFORMATION AND CONSULTATION FRAMEWORK FOR MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS AND SUB-GRANTS OF PPURP ..............................................................................................................................................................40 Identify and Analyze Potential Stakeholders to Understand their Interest and Needs .......... 40
6.1.1
6.1.2 Engage Stakeholders Systematically Throughout the Design and Implementation Stages ... 40 6.1.3 Inform Stakeholders and Accountability Mechanism ............................................................ 41 Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan City B
6.2
6.2.1 Consultations during Prefeasibility Study and Preparation of ESMF ..................................... 41 6.2.2 Modes of Future Consultations ............................................................................................ 41 6.3 INFORMATION DISCLOSURE AND DISSEMINATION .........................................................................................42
CHAPTER VII: GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM ...........................................................................43 CHAPTER VIII: MONITORING AND EVALUATION .................................................................................44 8.1 MONITORING AND EVALUATION .......................................................................................................................44
9.1.1 For Environment and Social Officer of LSMC ....................................................................... 45 9.1.2 For Municipal Staff ............................................................................................................... 45 9.2 TRAINING ON PREPARING COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES ...........................................................................46
ANNEXES:
Annex Annex Annex Annex Annex Annex Annex 1: 2: 3: 4: 5: Project institutional and implementation arrangement IEE Flow Diagram EMP format Social Screening Format including RAP a.IP-VCDP Impact Categorization b. Outline structure of IP/VDCP 6: Action Points for Preparation of Gender Action Plan 7: Pictorial highlights of ward level interactions.
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
Nepal is among the poorest countries in the world, with per capita GDP of US$619 (2011 prices) and an estimated 25 percent of Nepalese falling below the international poverty line (US$1.25 per day). The country is caught in a cycle of political instability, poverty and economic stagnation, which has resulted in a mass exodus of the Nepalese productive workforce out of the country. Nepal is also one of the fastest urbanizing countries in South Asia. The Kathmandu Valley metropolitan region, with a population growth of about 4 percent per year, is the largest gravity center for migration in Nepal. Increasing numbers of people are moving to the Kathmandu Valley where economic opportunities are greatest. The sustainable development and management of the Kathmandu Valley is of strategic importance to unlock economic growth and reduce poverty in Nepal. The Kathmandu Valley is the most important heritage destination and the gateway for tourism in Nepal. The countrys most widely recognized cultural asset is the UNESCO Kathmandu Valley World Heritage site, which is composed of seven Protected Monument Zones, including the Durbar Squares1 situated in the historic cores of the three main cities of the Kathmandu Valley (Lalitpur, Bhaktapur and Kathmandu). Lalitpur City2, popularly known as Patan, is one of the main centers of cultural heritage and craft production in Nepal, and the second largest municipality in the Kathmandu Valley, with a population of about 227,000 according to the 2011 population census data. Lalitpur City is the oldest of the three main cities in the valley. Its Durbar Square consists of an extensive palace, temples, shrines, monuments and daily activities that are a draw for tourists. In 2009-10, 125,000 tourists, equivalent to 21 percent of Nepals international tourists, visited the Durbar Square in Lalitpur City. 3 The citys living culture and handicrafts are also primary elements of Nepals national pride and identity. Throughout the city there are craft workshops and businesses that have been passed down through many generations along with the master-level skills that give Lalitpur its reputation as the City of Arts. Nineteen percent o f Lalitpur Citys residents report that they work in crafts and related trades. 4 The city is especially known for over 100 residence-based workshops of metal workers in the neighborhood of Woku Bahal. They produce silver jewelry, bronze and copper statues of Hindu and Buddhist deities and architectural details for traditional buildings.5 In addition, Lalitpur City is famous for its traditional music, dance, drama and festivals with their colorful costumes, decorated chariots, special foods and blessing ceremonies. Rapid urbanization, combined with inadequate development control and management, have led to a deterioration of the urban fabric in the Kathmandu Valley, which is manifested in low rates of job creation, social segregation and a tangible erosion of cultural identity; increased vulnerability to natural disastersandan increase in slums and squatter settlements. With the notable exception of Bhaktapur municipality, the public cultural and historic assets of the Kathmandu Valley have suffered considerable damage and are losing cultural value, religious significance, and tourism potential. Lalitpur City has not been spared from these challenges, although its historic core is better maintained than the historic core of Kathmandu City. Many of the housing units in Lalitpur City now bear a dilapidated look, and the
1 2
Durbar Squares are the plazas opposite old royal palaces in Nepal. Lalitpur Sub-metropolitan City is the legal name of the municipality. 3 Estimate based on revenue section of the municipality. 4 This is the second largest occupational group in the city, surpassed only by service and sales workers, accounting for 22 percent of local jobs, based on 2001 population census data. 5 See StrengtheningPatan as a Crafts Town. Planning Studio III.Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, IOE, Pulchowk Campus. 2012.
neighborhoods surrounding the Durbar Square lack basic physical facilities, including water supply and sanitation. Lalitpurs residents face the threat of natural disasters, due to their locat ion in a high-risk seismic zone. The seismic risk is amplified given the Lalitpur Citys social, economic, and political characteristics that increase its vulnerability, particularly the rapid and uncontrolled development. The building code is illenforced, public and private construction takes place without consideration of seismic risk, and technical information about earthquake risk in the Valley is incomplete, difficult to understand, and dispersed. Institutional arrangements and basic regulatory frameworks for construction supervision lack both transparency and clear roles and responsibilities among government agencies at the national and municipal levels. A dearth of investment in understanding and mitigating the risk continues to worsen the situation. As in the Kathmandu Valley as a whole, poverty is multidimensional in Lalitpur City and includes social segregation, discrimination, lack of voice, vulnerability to shocks and poor access to basic infrastructure and services, such as water and sanitation, health care and education. The poor and vulnerable include not only the income poor but also low caste and some indigenous communities, ethnic minorities, the disabled, and women, especially those who are single heads of households. These dimensions of poverty reinforce disempowerment and exclusion from income generating opportunities. Cultural industries, such as tourism and handicrafts, still provide significant, but diminishing, livelihood opportunities in the valley through, e.g., accommodations and handicraft sales. Many of the poorest are involved in the production of handicrafts and artisans face serious challenges in sustaining their livelihoods.
1.2
Reversing the decline of distressed neighborhoods in the historic city cores of the Kathmandu Valley would require an integrated approach to urban regeneration that involves support for people, places, businesses and institutions. In the Kathmandu Valley, new development needs to be combined with the regeneration of the historic city cores to upgrade physical facilities, improve housing and living conditions, and promote economic revitalization in distressed neighborhoods, while protecting the urban fabric of historic, cultural and architectural elements. A sustainable urban regeneration approach would be based on these four pillars: (a) community strengthening and mobilization (people), (b) infrastructure upgrading, cultural heritage conservation and disaster risk management (places), (c) job creation and income generation opportunities (businesses), and (d) a successful partnership between the communities, the local government and the private sector (institutions). The project would pilot a pro-poor, community-driven approach for the urban regeneration of part of the historic core of Lalitpur City based on a proper understanding of the local population, social dynamics and economic conditions. The grant would support pro-poor regeneration activities in distressed neighborhoods in the historic core of Lalitpur City aiming at: (a) empowering the poorest and most vulnerable communities, community-based organizations (CBOs) such as the guthis and local NGOs through community-driven activities; (c) upgrading local infrastructure, conserving the local heritage and reducing vulnerability to disasters; (d) creating jobs for the poor through cultural industries, and (d) improving the lines of communication between the municipal government and the poorest and most vulnerable communities, building local capacity and raising community awareness. To pilot the new approach, the project would fund a grant facility to improve local services and public spaces, promote local heritage and develop income-generating activities linked to cultural industries in Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan City 2
distressed neighborhoods of the historic core of Lalitpur City. The pilot project has significant potential for renewal and the challenges in terms of infrastructure, services and housing are not as severe as those affecting the historic core of Kathmandu City. Lalitpurs city administration has demonstrated a strong commitment to poverty alleviation and to the preservation of the citys built and living heritage. Lalitpur was the first city in Nepal to undertake a comprehensive poverty profile in 1999 as part of UN-Habitats Urban Management Program. The poverty profile led to the creation of an Urban Poverty Fund, into which the city has contributed through a budgetary allocation. The city collects entrance fees to the Durbar Square, which are used for its maintenance and offers monetary incentives to encourage the rehabilitation of private heritage buildings. The city has also supported crafts and living culture through the development of a heritage trail to draw tourists into the neighborhoods and special crafts markets to eliminate the middlemen between producers and buyers. However, a lack of city capacity and resources has limited these activities and their impact on poverty.
1.3
Project Description
This component would support the preparation of a participatory action plan for pro-poor urban regeneration in selected wards in the historic core of Lalitpur City. Activities would include: (i) Social assessment. The social assessment would include a baseline livelihood and needs assessment to understand the livelihood strategies of households belonging to different income, gender, social, and ethnicity and caste groups in the project area. The assessment would inform the identification of the target beneficiaries for the urban regeneration activities. It would also identify stakeholders, interests, and potential for conflict so as to better ensure the success of the project. Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan City 3
(ii) Market assessment. The market analysis would (a) examine the current state of cultural industry (handicraft and cultural tourism) clusters in Lalitpur City; (b) identify potential demand and market niches for different cultural heritage sites restoration and related cultural tourism services and handicrafts; (c) identify gaps and necessary measures for improving local handicrafts products and cultural tourism services; (d) develop a marketing strategy to increase visibility of the project site (including possible innovation, such as ICT-based tools, for site interpretation); and (e) propose a series of practical measures to enhance the flow of benefits to the poor and vulnerable. (iii) Site management framework. Activities for the preparation of the site management framework would include: (a) mapping and inventory of all physical cultural heritage assets and notable intangible heritage (e.g., festivals, handicraft production), and stocktaking of past projects and activities in the project area; (b) review of the existing management plan for the Durbar Square/buffer zone and municipal plans; (c) stakeholder analysis and clarification of the mandates, roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders for the maintenance of the heritage assets. (iv) Participatory action plan for pro-poor urban regeneration. The participatory action plan would build on the results of the social and market assessments and site management framework to (a) develop a shared vision for the urban regeneration of the project area; (b) identify the priorities for the urban regeneration activities and the broad areas for which specific calls for proposals would be issued, including possible earmarking of funds for specific activities (e.g., promotion of intangible heritage) which may otherwise be neglected; (c) define eligibility criteria for proposals under the grant facility as well as possible target criteria for specific vulnerable groups (e.g., disabled people, dalits). The participatory action plan, and subsequent annual updates, will be jointly endorsed by the municipality and ward representatives. The participatory planning would aim at empowering local communities and building coalitions of stakeholders (e.g., municipal agencies, NGOs, small businesses) and organize them into a cohesive group for the implementation of the urban regeneration activities. Emphasis would be paid to establishing and strengthening representation and voice mechanisms for the poor and vulnerable to facilitate their participation in decision-making.
1.3.4.2 Component 2: Grant Facility for Pro-poor Urban Regeneration
This component would fund a demand-driven, competitive matching grant facility for pro-poor urban regeneration activities in the project area with the following three windows: Pro-poor Municipal Investments and Initiatives Grant Window, Pro-poor Community-based Initiatives Grant Window and Propoor Business Development Grant Window. The implementation arrangements of the facility-funded activities have been formalized through an Operational Manual. (i) Pro-poor Municipal Investments and Initiatives Grant Window. The objective of the grant window is to support small works implemented by the municipality, such as improvements in local infrastructure and basic services and heritage conservation, to enhance the living conditions of the poorest and most vulnerable communities in the project area. The municipality would be required to provide matching contributions of at least 10 percent. Possible initiatives include stone paving and improvements in solid waste collection, renovation of traditional water sources known as hitis(stone spouts) and the maintenance and upgrading of public spaces within a community. All civil works financed under this window will be constructed with seismic resilience and criteria for site selection will take into consideration flood risk. Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan City 4
(ii) Pro-poor Community-based Initiatives Grant Window. The objective of the grant window is to support community-driven initiatives for heritage conservation and the enhancement of cultural identity, social cohesion and acceptance of cultural diversity. As is standard procedure throughout Nepal, community groups would contribute a minimum of 10 percent of project costs in cash or in kind. The grant facility could fund community-driven initiatives that engage neighborhood groups in protecting their own heritage through participatory inventories of their local assets; facilitate community-based maintenance and conservation initiatives (e.g., communal courtyards and local shrines); support revitalization of disappearing celebrations and ceremonies; and create signage and interpret traditional festival routes paying particular attention to benefits for poor neighborhoods along the route. Given the high disaster risk in the built environment, a seismic risk awareness campaign will be incorporated into the community-driven initiatives. (iii) Pro-poor Business Development Grant Window: The objective of the grant window is to support initiatives by eligible small businesses, NGOs, cooperatives and community-based organizations aimed at involving the poorest and most vulnerable in the development of traditional handicrafts and cultural tourism related products and services. The grantees would be required to provide matching contributions of at least10 percent. The grant facility could fund sub grants that, e.g.,: provide training and skill development for poor artisans to improve technical know-how and the use of time-saving tools and techniques; establish a handicraft exhibition and sales promotion facility accessible to poor craftsmen to eliminate middlemen; develop a cultural tour of artisan workshops that includes poor handicraft producers; develop new fee-based cultural activities that can be provided by poor residents (e.g., storytelling, traditional cuisine and special interest tours such as neighborhood temples and celebrations); provide vocational training for youth for innovative site interpretation. The community-based and business development activities would be selected competitively and based on demand in accordance with grant selection and eligibility criteria defined as part of the participatory planning process to maximize the impact in terms of community development and poverty reduction. The proposals would be selected based on demonstrated direct benefits to the target poor and vulnerable groups and alignment with the priorities identified as part of the participatory planning process. The call for proposals will specify the eligibility criteria for the submission of the proposals.
1.3.4.3 Component 3: Community Awareness and Local Capacity Building for Pro-poor Urban Regeneration.
This component would fund community awareness-raising initiatives and local capacity building to support the effective implementation of the urban regeneration activities and the sustainability of the outcomes. Programs would include: community awareness and strengthening and municipal capacity building. (i) Community Awareness and Strengthening. This subcomponent would fund communication programs, workshops, and training to: (a) sensitize poor and vulnerable residents on the value of their heritage and its relevance to their wellbeing, including opportunities for sustainable pro-poor revenue generating activities; (b) raise community awareness and preparedness for disaster risk management in order to help residents understand the risk and take ex-ante measures to increase their resilience; (c) provide specialized technical support and expertise (in areas such as tourism promotion, product development and marketing, cultural heritage renovation) to grant proponents as required for the implementation of initiatives under the Grant Windows.
(ii) Municipal Capacity Building. This subcomponent would include training, seminars, workshops, knowledge exchanges and technical assistance to enhance the capacity of municipal staff to: (a) conserve, manage and promote the citys cultural heritage as an asset for pro -poor economic development; (b) effectively work with community groups, especially those representing the poor and vulnerable, on urban regeneration activities; and(c) directly foster access of the poor and vulnerable to the socio-economic benefits of cultural industries; (d) engage in disaster resilient development and construction techniques to protect future income streams, and (e) institutionalize the integrated urban regeneration approach to ensure continuity of the activities after project closure. A needs assessment would be carried our during project preparation to map ongoing municipal capacity building activities and identify gaps which would be filled by the project.
1.3.4.4 Component 4: Participatory Monitoring & Evaluation and Knowledge Dissemination, Project Management and Administration
This component would support technical assistance and training for Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E), knowledge dissemination, project management and administration. (i) Participatory M&E and Knowledge Dissemination. This subcomponent would support: (a) the development of a Management Information System (MIS) for the grant facility, and a program of participatory community-based M&E to enable the tracking of socio-economic benefits accruing to the local residents and the target poor and vulnerable groups from the project activities and assess the performance of the grant facility in meeting its objectives and adhering to its targeting and funding criteria; (b) household and community surveys at project start and completion to collect data for the grants monitoring system, including PDO indicators data and disaggregated data on target beneficiaries; and (c) the dissemination of lessons learned from the implementation of the grant to promote the scaling up of the pilot through similar city-level initiatives (through workshops, media/social media events). (ii) Project Management and Administration. This subcomponent would cover the incremental operating costs and the costs of strengthening the project management capacity of municipal staff and local communities6
1.4
A Steering Committee will be established to oversee implementation of the pilot, and support the municipality in coordinating the activities with central agencies and the private sector. The structure of the Steering Committee is provided in the Operation Manual. A Project Management Team (PMT) will be established in the municipality for the implementation of the project activities. The PMT with support from the Project Support Consultants (PSC) will have overall responsibility for the project implementation as per the procedures specified in the Operational Manual. The PMT with support from the PSC will assist in the screening of the sub-grants as per ESMF and also be responsible for implementation of the municipal investments under the Pro-poor Municipal Investments and Initiatives Grant Window. The details of project institutional and implementation arrangement are included in annex 1.
1.5
This project will fund small civil works in wards of 16, 18, 21, and 22 of LSMC. Such small civil works will support the regeneration of the project area. In this context, some of the activities proposed by the participants during ward level and LSMC level consultations are as follows; Maintenance and renovation of communal courtyards and local shrines Construction of small pavements in some areas of recipient wards Stone paving in inner roads, in places of cultural and archeological importance Improvements in solid waste collection system Conservation of heritage homes Renovation of community buildings Rehabilitation of stone spouts Renovation and rehabilitation of wells Greenery improvements Own heritage through participatory inventories of their local assets Facilitate community based installation of solar street lights Construction and maintenance of public toilets Improvement of traditional festival routes paying particular attention to benefits for poor neighborhoods along the routes Rehabilitation of ponds Small infrastructure works that enable socio-economic benefits to accrue to the local residents and target poor and vulnerable groups.
The maximum allocation for works under PPURP is USD 825,000 over a period of four years. The above list is indicative of the possible civil works that could be carried out under PPURP based on the outcomes of initial stakeholder consultations. Given that the activities are demand-driven, the works will be identified through the planning process for the municipal investments under the Pro-poor Municipal Investments and Initiatives Grant Window and through the competitive selection process for the investments under the Pro-poor Community-based Initiatives and Business Development Grant Windows.
1.6
The following lists the municipal investments and sub-grant activities that cannot be supported under the PPURP. Any municipal investment and sub-grant activity lying within the protected area/UNESCO declared heritage site; Any municipal investment and sub-grant requiring Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) which will be known after screening; Any municipal investment and sub-grant activity that requires the permanent relocation of households or involuntary acquisition of land and property Hazardous materials used in manufacturing handicraft items, like use of toxic chemicals in metal products
1.7
Although the general thrust and broad project interventions are well understood as outlined above, the specific project activities are yet to be defined and therefore the nature and scale of their impacts will be Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan City 7
known only later. The project area would include selected neighborhoods in the buffer zone that surrounds the Durbar Square Protected Monument Zone. The project area covers 4 wards (wards 16, 18, 21, and 22) located in the buffer zone of Patan Durbar Square (cf. map below). In this context, a safeguard framework document is needed to guide the planning, design and construction elements of the project activities. Such a guidance document or a framework would help in integrating and harmonizing the environment and social management principles at the various stages of project preparation and execution. In this context, this Environment and Social Management Framework (ESMF) has been prepared for the PPURP.
This ESMF forms part of the comprehensive environmental and social management approach that has been adopted for addressing the potential environmental and social impacts from PPURP, even when these are considered minor in nature. Since specific demand-driven urban regeneration activities will only be identified in the course of project implementation, a mechanism for screening and assessing possible adverse short-term environmental and social impacts during the municipal investments and sub-grant preparation is required. This ESMF defines (a) the approach for identifying the environmental and social issues associated with the PURPP activities, (b) the requirements for conducting environmental and social screening and environment and social assessment studies, and (c) measures to prevent, mitigate and manage adverse impacts and enhance positive ones. This ESMF includes an exclusion list and a simplified screening checklist, which will be used to determine what types of environmental and social assessment are required for the proposed initiatives. Environmental Management Plans/Social Action Plans (EMP/SAP) for specific initiatives will be prepared if required. This ESMF includes a resettlement policy framework describing Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan City 9
mechanisms for addressing the possible temporary disruption of informal sources of income (e.g., temporary displacement of informal vendors), and temporary restrictions on access to facilities while the construction work is ongoing in the project area. The ESMF includes a vulnerable community development plan, a gender development framework, and capacity building measures and a monitoring mechanism. This ESMF specifies norms and procedures for the conservation and restoration of historic buildings and for dealing with chance finds during small works.
1.8
The process adopted for the preparation of this ESMF includes: review of relevant environmental and social policies, acts, regulations and guidelines of GON, safeguard policies of World Bank, and interactions and consultations with all concerned stakeholders. Therefore, this ESMF is primarily based on the reviews of available relevant literatures and consultations with municipal level and project level stakeholders.
1.9
2. 3. 4. 5.
6. 7.
Establish clear procedures and methodologies for screening, reviewing and managing environmental and social safeguards for the municipal investments and sub-grants to be financed under the Project. Consolidate and facilitate understanding of all essential policies and regulations of the GoN as well as the World Banks environmental and social safeguards regime that are applicable to the Project Provide practical guidance on the implementation of the environmental and social management measures. Specify norms and procedures for the conservation and restoration of historic buildings and for dealing with chance finds during small works. Specify institutional arrangements, including appropriate roles and responsibilities for managing, reporting and monitoring environmental and social concerns of the municipal investments and subgrants. Provide a framework for consultation and information disclosure. Determine the other institutional requirements, including those related to training and capacity building, needed to successfully implement the provisions of the ESMF.
2. 3. 4. 5.
Support the integration of environmental aspects into the decision making process of all stages related to planning, design, execution, operation and maintenance of sub-grants, by identifying, avoiding and/or minimizing adverse environmental impacts early-on in the project cycle. Minimize environmental degradation to the extent possible resulting from either individual sub grants or through indirect, induced and cumulative effects of project activities. Enhance the positive/sustainable environmental and social outcomes through improved/appropriate planning, design and implementation of sub-activities/sub-components. Consider the level of environmental and social risk of each type of investments in allocating time and resources to be dedicated for stakeholder consultation. Build the capacity of the LSMC to take-up and coordinate responsibilities related to the application and implementation of the ESMF, including the preparation of the sub-grant specific Environmental Assessment and Management Plans (if required). 10
6.
Provide guidelines and procedures for further consultations during project implementation, in particular in defining and designing sub-grants and specific works. 7. Provide a systematic guidance to address potential risks and to enhance quality, targeting, and benefits to the wards/communities. 8. Ensure that those stakeholders, irrespective of whether they benefit from or are adversely affected by the project interventions, are well informed and are able participate in the decision-making process. 9. Support compliance with applicable legal/regulatory requirements of GoN as well as with the requirements set forth in the relevant Bank policies. 10. Protect human health. 11. Minimize adverse impacts on cultural property.
1.10
The ESMF will be an up-to-date or live document enabling revision, when and where necessary. Unexpected situations and/or changes in the project or components design would therefore be assessed and appropriate management measures will be incorporated by updating this ESMF. Such revisions will also cover and update any change/modification introduced in the legal/regulatory regime of the country. Also, based on the experience of application and implementation of this framework, the provisions and procedures would be updated, as appropriate, in agreement with the World Bank and the PMT
1.11
This ESMF has been developed in line with World Banks Operational Policies (OPs) and is based on GoN laws and regulations, as applicable at the time of preparation of this document. Any proposed modifications in the laws, regulations or guidelines that were notified as draft at the time of preparation of this document have not been considered.
11
LSMC is situated in the southeast part of the Kathmandu valley which is located between the latitudes 27o 32' 13" and 27o 49' 10" North and longitudes 85o 11' 31" and 85o 31' 38" East. The valley lies at a mean elevation of about 1350 m. above sea level. The city spreads over an area of 15.43 sq.km and is divided into 22 wards. Of the 22 wards, area wise ward no. 15 is the largest, with an area of 2.43 sq.km and, with an area of 0.09 sq.km, ward no. 21 is the smallest. The city is located over a plateau like area with its outer edges fanning out with gentle slopes towards the rivers that form its boundaries. This is in consonance with the traditional settlement planning philosophy where the settlements were located on relatively higher ground preserving the relatively fertile agricultural land that surrounded it. This planning effort assured the optimization of the use of urban space and the farmlands that carried economical as well as environmental significance to the urban residents. The altitude of the city varies from a minimum of 1266 m. to a maximum of 1366 m. above sea level, which shows the relative flatness of the ground on which the city is located.
LSMC lies within the warm temperate climate zone of the Kathmandu valley, with a typical monsoonal two-season year. The yearly average temperature in the city is 15-20o Celsius and the yearly average rainfall is 2000-2400 mm.
2.1.2 Population
2.1.2.1 Population Distribution
The male population exceeds the female population in all age groups except for the 75 years and above. The dependent ratio is satisfactory as those in age below 10 and above 65are less than the working age population. In the old age group above 65, the female population is high in line with the national average.
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2.1.3 Literacy
The literacy rate of LSMC is 80.9 percent, which is higher than the national urban literacy rate of 71.55 percent and much higher than the national literacy rate of 54.1 percent. Among the literate population 56.6 percent are male and 43.4 percent female. The female literacy rate in LSMC too is higher than the national (39.67 %) and national urban (41.71 %) female literacy rate.
2.1.4 Employment
In LSMC, 5.2 percent of the people are unemployed. This is less than the national average for the urban population. It shows that unemployment is less compared to other urban regions in the country, though it is slightly more than the overall national unemployment rate of 4.9 percent. (LSMC Base Line survey 1999).
7 8
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group, at one particular location in city, and the benefit they got from being at that particular location in relation to their work and activity, suggests some sort of zoning in early days. In other words the city was zoned by caste or Jaat. The project area wards, namely 16, 18, 21, 22, lie outside of the Durbar Square area. As per the zoning by the Kathmandu Valley Town Development Committee, the project wards fall into two sub-zones of the core city area:the conservation sub zone and the mixed old residential sub-zone. The conservation subzone consists of houses, buildings, and temples etc. of traditional style and reflecting age old urban character with various stages of historical development. The buildings typically surround courtyards with interconnecting pedestrian passage ways. The mixed old residential sub-zone includes that part of the core area not covered by the protected monuments sub-area and conservation-sub area. It retains many traditional buildings but also more recently constructed buildings.
2.1.6 Income
If we categorize the population according to the income per annum, most of the households in LSMC (57.6%) belong to the lower medium category, and 25.6 percent of the households belong to the medium category. The number of poor households is 12.6 percent and a very small segment (4.2 percent) is the upper medium and rich. LSMC is not particularly poor, with only 12.6 percent of households being defined as income poor. However, neither is it wealthy as more than 70 percent of the people belong to the poor and lower medium categories. In Lalitpur, poverty is multidimensional and includes social segregation, discrimination, lack of voice, vulnerability to shocks and poor access to public infrastructure and services (e.g., water and sanitation, health care and education). These dimensions of poverty reinforce disempowerment and exclusion from income generating opportunities.
2.1.7 Economy
Since historic times, LSMC has been known for its sound economics, which depended largely upon agriculture, trade and commerce, particularly in agricultural products from the fertile land on its fringes and artistic products of wood, bronze and copper. With its once fertile agricultural land being transformed for urban use, today agriculture forms only a small part of its economy. The business and service sector is now the largest contributor to its economy. LSMC being one of destinations for tourists visiting Nepal, the business related to tourism has developed significantly. Many tourists visiting Nepal visit LSMC at least once. Known for its art and craftsmanship, the business related to traditional handicrafts has seen a boom with huge orders being received from several foreign countries. The city has become a trade center for these traditional products.
2.1.8 Infrastructures
2.1.8.1 Water Supply and Sanitation
The historical city was established over 2000 years ago. The Kirat regime constructed rain-fed ponds and springs. Later the Lichhavi kings linked the ponds to stone spouts and dug wells to provide water to the city. These structures were expanded during the Malla regime, when elaborate networks of canals, ponds, and water conduits were constructed. The historical system was neglected after the introduction of piped water system to Lalitpur about a century ago. The stone spouts have been further affected by the recent uncontrolled exploitation of ground water and the destruction of former rainwater collection ponds and recharge areas. In the summer season most of the stone water spouts provide water for three to four months regularly but the flow decreases during other remaining months, in many cases drying up completely. A study conducted by the culture and archeology unit of LSMC revealed that out of 61 total Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan City 14
stone spouts, 44 spouts are working properly, 10 have dried up, and 7 are out of order. The stone spouts of the project area wards are as follows.
S.N 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Name of spout Naga BahalHiti NabahiHiti Tapa Hiti A Tapa Hiti B AlakoHiti SithaHiti AmritHiti DathuHiti WasaHiti KontiPukhuHiti MishaHiti KontiHiti Saithu Ganesh Hiti Number of taps 3 3 3 5 1 2 1 2 1 7 5 1 Ward no 16 16 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 Name of tole Naga Bahal Nabahil Nayatole Nayatole Ikhachen Kumbeshwor Kumbeshwor Kumbeshwor Kumbeshwor Kumbeshwor Kumbeshwor Kumbeshwor Kumbeshwor
9
Site Settlement area Settlement area Settlement area Settlement area Settlement area Open area Settlement area Open area Open area Settlement area Settlement area Settlement area Settlement area
Many households in the project wards are dependent on stone spouts for water. Regardless of whether or not a household has a water supply connection, many residents of LSMC including those living in the four project wards are desperate for water most of the year. Most of those with water supply connection receive intermittent service of an hour or so a day or even on alternate days in many areas, at very low pressure. Households not connected to the official water supply network rely on a variety of sources, including shallow tube wells of uncertain quality, and on the stone spouts. Due to the inadequate availability of water, sanitation conditionsare also po or in the project wards. Deprivation is apparent in the pervasiveness of poor nutrition and sanitation for most families.
2.1.8.2 Housing Pattern
The quality of housing is very poor in the project wards. Traditional houses often have suffered from serious neglect and/or have been damaged by inappropriate additions (such as adding floors above traditional houses, thereby undermining the structural soundness of the houses). New houses typically have been built without consideration for building by-laws and thus are at risk of collapse when there will be an earthquake. Houses are clustered around courtyards connected to each other and the streets through narrow passage ways that pose a serious disaster risk collapse of such passageways would leave the inhabitants trapped inside the courtyards.
2.1.8.3 Cultural and Architecturally Important Places in Project Wards
Lalitpur city was planned around Vihars and Bahils10. Out of the 295 Vihars and Bahils of the valley 56% are in Patan.Water conduits, stone spouts, artistic gate ways, Hindu temples and Buddhist Vihars adorn the city. In the project wards, there are several artistic gate ways, Hindu Temples and Buddhist Vihars. The LSMC has maintained a culture of craft work even in the face of rapid urbanization and many social and political upheavals. Some of the famous archeological and cultural places within the project area
10
15
include: Krishna Mandir (Gabahal), Ganesh Pati (Gabahal), Nakabihar, RatnakarMahabihar, BalkhaPati, TilingeshworMahadev (Balkha), Balkha Math, SaraswotiMandir, BishwokarmaMandir, KayonaniChaitya, VishwokarmaAvtar, HastinagarMahavihar, Swotha Narayan Mandir, Uma MaheshworMandir, Hari Shankar Mandir to name a few.
11
11
A pati is a shaded resting area, which may be incorporated into a building or be self standing, open on one or more sides.
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3.1
This section highlights the salient features of selected laws that may have a bearing on the design and implementation of the project. A summary of such applicable rules and regulations is furnished in the table below: Applicable Environmental Policies, Acts, and Regulations
Act/Regulation Environmental Protection Act, 2053 BS (1997) Key Requirement/s or Salient Features Any development project, before implementation, to pass through environmental assessment, which may be either IEE or an EIA depending upon the location, type and size of the project. Applicability May apply. Depending on the location, type and size, a sub-grant may require an IEE or an EIA. But for PPURP activities requiring EIA are excluded. Yes. This would apply to individual sub-grants as well as the overall operation. Yes. Applies to civil works related to the construction/ improvement of facilities/ infrastructure in the project area. May apply depends on type of waste generated during construction and operation of facilities supported by the project. Yes.
Environmental Protection Rule, 2054 BS (1997; Amendment, 1999) National Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines, 2050 BS (1993)
Obliges the proponent to inform the public on the contents of the proposal in order to ensure the participation of stakeholders.
The guidelines provide guidance to project proponents on integrating environmental mitigation measures, particularly on the management of quarries, borrow pits, stockpiling of materials and spoil disposal, operation of the work camps, earthworks and slope stabilization, location of stone crushing plants, etc. Solid Waste Management Act aims to manage solid waste and mobilize resources related thereto and ensure the health convenience of the common people by controlling the adverse impact on pollution from solid waste. The commercial or industrial establishments should adhere to the clauses mentioned in the act during the construction and operation phases of the projects. It is deemed necessary to conserve, maintain and renovate the private ancient monuments of importance from national and international views, by the Department of Archeology. The DoA may conserve, maintain and renovate such ancient monuments. Regulates the working environment and deals with occupational health and safety aspects. Empowers the local bodies for conservation of soil, forest and other natural resources. Sections 28 and 43 of the Act provide the municipality, District Development Committees (DDCs), and Village Development Committee (VDCs) a legal mandate to formulate and implement programs related to
Ancient Monument Preservation Act, 2013 BS (1956) The Labor Act, 2048 BS (1992) Local Self Governance Act, 2055 BS (1999)
Yes. Yes.
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Act/Regulation
Key Requirement/s or Salient Features protection/conservation of environment during the formulation and implementation of a district level plan. The Act also governs the participatory process for works relating to participatory planning, autonomy of local governments, community mobilization, community monitoring, measures for marginalized groups, including women, etc. It has provisions of rights regarding environment and health. Every person shall have the right to live in a clean environment; every citizen shall have the right to get basic environmental services free of cost from the State as provided for in the law. The legislation mainly focuses on managing the impacts of increasing population pressure and unplanned urbanization in the valley. The legislation also aims to mitigate the impacts of haphazard construction activities in the valley. The standards imposed to develop apartment building residences include FAR should be 3.5 Front part setback should be minimum 6 m. The minimum width of road adjacent to co-owned apartment building residence or roads connected to adjacent roads should be at least 8 m. Other directives will be as per the Residential Ownership Act, 1997 There are 23 different title-wise volumes of building code, which form a single national building code of Nepal, 1993. The National Building Code was prepared in 1993 by then Ministry of Housing and Physical Planning (now MoUD). This code emphasizes the need for changes and improvement in the current building construction design and methods. The publication represents a standard of good practice. The National Urban Policy 2007 aims to promote a healthy, livable, safe, and economically vibrant urban environment though planned provision of infrastructure services, facilities and amenities that ensure improved quality of life of urban people. Other aspects of the policy include: - Importance of environment conservation while carrying out urban development works and natural resource utilization. - Promoting development of compact city/towns/settlements. - Preparation and implementation of Disaster Management Plan by local government agencies to cope with the loss of lives and properties resulting from natural disasters. Addresses the issues of climate adaption and disaster risk reduction. Forecasting water-induced disasters, reducing vulnerabilities and providing early warning information for disaster management are some of the key points of the policy. The policy provides some guidelines to address the issues of vulnerable infrastructure in the context of reducing their risk to climate related disasters. Requires that all projects be formulated and implemented based on methods that optimally utilize local skills and resources and generate employment opportunities. In the building, residents and urban development section the plan clearly set its long-term vision of managing haphazard urbanization through physical planning. Public and private buildings will be constructed by using local technology and raw materials as far as possible. To meet the long
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes.
Yes.
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Act/Regulation
Key Requirement/s or Salient Features term vision, an objective has been set for the construction of new buildings which is secured, resistant and environmental friendly. This project will utilize the local technology and materials as far as possible to make the project environmentally sound. The plan also requires that the social concerns relating to equity, community participation are taken into account in project planning and implementation.
In 2007, the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was adopted by the General Assembly. Nepal ratified ILO Convention No. 169 on September 14, 2007 (BS 2064/05/28). Article 1 of the convention provides a definition of tribal and indigenous peoples. Article 6 requires consultation with the peoples concerned through appropriate procedures and, in particular, through their representative institutions, whenever consideration is being given to legislative or administrative measures which may affect them directly. In Article 15, it states that indigenous and tribal peoples shall, wherever possible, participate in the benefits of natural resource utilization activities and shall receive fair compensation for any damages which they may sustain as a result of such activities. Article 16(2) clearly mentions that where the relocation of these peoples is considered necessary, such exceptional measures and such relocation shall take place only with their free and informed consent. Where their consent cannot be obtained, such relocation shall take place only following appropriate procedures established by national laws and regulations, including public inquiries where appropriate, which provide the opportunity for effective representation of the peoples concerned. Article 16(3) mentions that, whenever possible, these peoples shall have the right to return to their traditional land as soon as the grounds for relocation cease to exist. Article 16(5) specifies the persons thus relocated shall be fully compensated for any resulting loss or injury. The policy has developed long-term requirements for information and communication.
Yes. IAs indigenous peoples are present in the sub- project area, the convention requirements are applicable to the proposed project.
Yes.
3.2
There are a several laws addressing social issues in Nepal. The policies relevant to the project are briefly explained below.
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Yes. The act is mandatory and directly relevant to implementation of the proposed project activities. It provides for the mode of appointment, working hours, control of child labor, equal remuneration and other labor requirements. Yes
Yes
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Act / Regulation
Salient Feature/s to conduct its functions openly and transparently, to provide appropriate training and orientation to its staffs, Public Bodies may use different national languages and mass media while publishing, broadcasting or making information public. A Public Body shall arrange for an Information Officer for the purpose of disseminating information held in its office. The clause 7 of the act prescribes the Procedures of Acquiring Information. It states that a Nepali Citizen, who is interested to obtain any information under this Act, shall submit an application before a concerned Information Officer by stating the reason to receive such information.
3.3
The World Bank's environmental and social safeguard policies (ten of them) are a cornerstone of its support to sustainable poverty reduction. The objective of these policies is to prevent and mitigate undue harm to people and the environment in the development process. These policies provide guidelines for the identification, preparation, and implementation of programs and projects. The following operational policies of the World Bank are relevant for PPURP from an environmental and social viewpoint: Safeguard Policies Triggered in PPURP
Safeguard Policies Triggered by the PPURP Environmental Assessment OP/BP 4.01 Natural Habitats OP/BP 4.04 Forests OP/BP 4.36 Pest Management OP 4.09 Physical Cultural Resources OP/BP 4.11 Indigenous Peoples OP/BP 4.10 Involuntary Resettlement OP/BP 4.12 Safety of Dams OP/BP 4.37 Projects on International Waters OP/BP 7.50 Projects in Disputed Areas OP/BP 7.60 X X X X X X Yes X X X X No
3.4
OP/BP 4.01 is triggered because the activities/interventions proposed under PPURP may have low impacts on the natural environment and human health. Environmental Assessment is used by the World Bank to identify, avoid, and mitigate the potential negative environmental impacts associated with the Banks operations early on in the project cycle. The policy states that Environment Assessment (EA) and mitigation plans are required for all projects having significant adverse environmental impacts or involuntary resettlement. Assessment should include Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan City 21
analysis of alternative designs and sites, including the no project option and require public participation and information disclosure before the Bank approves the project. In World Bank-funded operations, the purpose of Environmental Assessment is to improve decision making, to ensure that project options under consideration are sound and sustainable, and that potentially affected people have been properly consulted and their concerns addressed. The World Bank's environmental assessment policy and recommended processing are described in Operational Policy (OP)/Bank Procedure (BP) 4.01: Environmental Assessment.
3.5
Physical Cultural Resources (OP/BP 4.11) is triggered because there are cultural sites in the project area. The World Bank Policy OP/BP 4.11 defines physical cultural resources as movable or immovable objects, sites, structures, groups of structures, natural features and landscapes that have archaeological, paleontological, historical, architectural, religious, aesthetic, or other cultural significance. Physical cultural resources may be located in urban or rural settings, and may be above or below ground, or under water. Their cultural interest may be at the local, provincial or national level, or within the international community. The Bank assists countries to avoid or mitigate adverse impacts on physical cultural resources from the development projects that it finances. The impacts on physical cultural resources resulting from project activities, including mitigating measures, may not contravene either the borrowers national legislation, or its obligations under relevant international environmental treaties and agreements. The borrower addresses impacts on physical cultural resources in projects proposed for Bank financing, as an integral part of the environmental assessment (EA) process. The World Bank will also follow compliance with Nepals chance find policy. Norms and procedures for the conservation and restoration of historic buildings and for dealing with chance finds during small works will be specified. The conservation and restoration of historic buildings will use traditional materials and construction techniques as per the specifications of the Department of Archeology. A protocol for use by the construction contractors and/or local communities in conducting any excavation work will be developed, to ensure that any chance finds are recognized and measures are taken for their protection and conservation. As per the agreed protocol, all excavation work at the site would need to stop when there are chance finds of archaeological material until the Department of Archeology determines if the site needs to be documented or scientifically excavated. The protocols and protective measures will be included in the EMPs that will be prepared for specific initiatives, with a focus on consultations and participation of the local stakeholders. (See section 4.3.3)
3.6
Indigenous People (OP/BP 4.12) is triggered because of the presence of janajati in the project area. The traditional population of LSMC is Newar and even with migration the proportion of Newar in the city remains high. Although many Newar are relatively well off, by law Newars are considered to be janajatis.The Newar retain collective attachment to Lalitpur, returning to the historical area for many cultural and religious activities. Hence the triggering of this safeguard policy. Dalits and other vulnerable groups are also present in the project area.
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This policy states that any development process under World Bank financing should fully respect the dignity, human rights, economies, and cultures of Indigenous Peoples (IPs). The project should engage in a process of free, prior, and informed consultation with IPs that should result in broad community support to the project by the affected Indigenous Peoples. Projects should include measures to avoid potentially adverse effects on the IPs communities or when avoidance is not feasible, minimize, mitigate, or compensate for such effects. They should ensure that the IPs receive social and economic benefits that are culturally appropriate and gender and intergenerationally inclusive.
3.7
As per World Bank policy, Involuntary Resettlement (OP/BP 4.12) is triggered in case disruption of informal sources of income happens due to project interventions. The project interventions however, dont involve any involuntary land taking. OP/BP 4.12 recognizes that involuntary land-taking resulting in loss of shelter, assets or access and income or sources of income should be addressed by World Bank-financed projects. Displaced persons should be meaningfully consulted, given opportunities to participate in planning and implementing resettlement programs and assisted in their efforts to improve their livelihoods and standards of living. Absence of legal title to land should not be a bar for compensation, resettlement, and rehabilitation assistance. Vulnerable groups such as IPs, women-headed households, and senior citizens should be entitled to special benefit packages in addition to compensation and resettlement. The Operational Policy is applicable whenever there is involuntary land taking resulting in displacement of people and / or loss of livelihood or source of livelihood. In this project there will be no involuntary land taking although there could be temporary business disruptions, and obstruction to access resulting in loss of income.
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CHAPTER IV: POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS AND THEIR MANAGEMENT
4.1 Likely Beneficial Impacts
The beneficial impacts of the proposed project are discussed below. The proposed project aims to improve local services and public spaces, promote local heritage and develop income-generating activities linked to cultural industries in selected distressed neighborhoods of the historic core of Lalitpur City. The pilot would contribute to improving living conditions and enhancing cultural identity and awareness, and the value and acceptance of cultural diversity in the project area. The pilot would also provide economic opportunities to the poorest members of the communities through income-generating activities linked to cultural industries (handicrafts and tourism) and small works. From a poverty reduction perspective, cultural industries such as handicrafts and tourism development have many comparative advantages over other sectors, when they are properly managed. Handicrafts development has: (a) high employment potential and the ability to provide an alternative source of income that allows part-time and/or home-based work for women and disadvantaged groups; (b) low capital investment requirements with significant potential for value added products; and (c) ability to sustain and capitalize on high levels of skill and artistry. Sustainable tourism development: (a) contributes to diversifying local economies, especially in poor areas with few other export and diversification options; (b) offers labor-intensive and small-scale employment opportunities, employing a high proportion of women and young entrepreneurs; (c) values cultural aspects and natural resources that may be among the very few assets belonging to the poor; and (d) provides opportunities for local communities to sell goods and services by bringing the consumer to the destination. At this stage only the generic interventions are known. Exact project interventions will be identified during implementation. After knowing the exact type and nature of interventions, detailed assessment would be done in the context of beneficial impacts, its extent, and type and nature of beneficiaries as well as per the rules specified in this ESMF.
4.2
4.2.1 Environmental
The specific interventions planned for PPURP may have some limited adverse environmental impacts in the short term. The adverse or negative impacts related environmental issues are elaborated below: Potential construction period impacts or temporary impacts to residents, government facilities and businesses in the project areas of the participating wards of LSMC Issues related to noise, air, and water pollution during construction. These issues are prominent during the construction activities of civil works like construction of pavements, repair of roads and sidewalks, renovation of ponds, stone spouts etc. Issues related to temporary disruption to basic services (water supply, electricity, telephones) Issues related to impacts on recharge areas/acquirers due to construction of structures, storage of materials, encroachment etc. During construction, motorists and pedestrians in the project area may experience some delays and detouring. Some streets would be closed during construction and others would be subject to periodic lane closures. Further delays would occur as construction trucks and equipment use local streets. 24
Possible short-term concerns such as environmental health hazards from crafts activities, use of inappropriate/ hazardous materials in rehabilitation works, risks to the traditional/ cultural structures, and increased dust, noise and construction debris from the construction of small-scale infrastructure works, issues related to storage of construction materials in road and disturbance to traffic, issues related to occupational health and safety of workers, and issues related to disaster risks. Degradation of cultural sites Risks related to not reporting of chance find during the excavation, cultural and archeological issues during the construction and renovation of structures. Obstruction to tourists and visitors to temples, architectural places during the construction period of civil works.
4.2.2 Social
The specific interventions planned for PPURP may lead to some temporary loss of livelihood/trade/occupation. Implementation of PPURP may adversely affect commercial, industrial or institutional activities in the project area on a temporary basis. This includes temporary disruption of informal sources of income (e.g, temporary displacement of informal vendors): Loss of access to common resources and facilities. During the implementation of PPURP, the households may have limited or no access to civic amenities for short periods of time (during construction/repair of certain urban amenities). Risks associated with inadequate and lacks of public consultations and information disseminations and its impact on PPURP planning and implementation. Risks associated with non identification of vulnerable communities, lack of gender sensitive planning, and non consideration of disruption of informal sources of income due to project interventions.
4.3
The possible generic construction phase impacts of PPURP interventions and suggested mitigation measures are elaborated below:
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Identified Impacts disturbances to tourists visiting historical and cultural sites Impacts related to wastes during construction and operation phases of the project Impacts to recharge areas/aquifer. Physical damages and other Impacts due to use of heavy equipment in inner core areas of recipient ward
Suggested Mitigation Measures tourist to visit such places shall be arranged during the construction phases. Proper management of waste during construction and operation phases of the project. Prohibition of littering and illegal dumping of waste in premises and their surroundings. Such activities would be excluded. Use of heavy equipment will be avoided as far as possible
Obstruction to worshippers/pilgrims/visitors for entering temple premises during renovation of temple, shrines, stupa (semi hemispherical structure containing Buddhist relics) Issues related to chance finds during excavations or other works as well as other cultural issues encountered during works on physical cultural resources
The new construction in any means shall not deteriorate the authentic nature of the temple/shrines/or any structure of archeological importance.. Department of Archeology (DoA) norms for materials, size/shape, shall be followed. Encourage representatives from DoA to be present during the excavation period. The LSMC shall follow the Ancient Monument Preservation Act, 1956 of GoN in addition to the following requirements. (i) The municipality shall develop a protocol for use by construction contractors in conducting any excavation work, to ensure that any chance finds are recognized and measures are taken to ensure they are protected and conserved. Part of this protocol will be that when chance finds of archaeological material occur, all excavation work at the site shall stop until the DoA can determine if the site needs to be documented or scientifically excavated before work continues. All materials used in the repair and restoration of historical buildings and their surroundings (plinths, walls, stairs, paving etc.) shall be of traditional materials (e.g., lime mortar instead of cement, Jhingati roof tiles, dachi brick, etc.) and be of high quality. The DoA will provide
(ii)
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S.N
Identified Impacts
Suggested Mitigation Measures specifications for such materials as wood (for columns, rafters, struts), brick or stone (for paving, stairs, walls, plinths), lime mortar, and roof tiles that shall be followed. Materials shall be checked at pre-shipment and at delivery for compliance with specifications. (iii) The construction techniques (joints, fasteners, etc.) shall be consistent with the original temple construction techniques. While the design of parts that must be replaced (e.g., struts, column bases) should be consistent with and match the existing temple in scale, design, level of detail, best practice would be to clearly indicate the difference between old and new elements. (iv) The materials and construction techniques shall be of such quality that they shall not require major repairs or refurbishment and should be sustainable over time with little beyond routine maintenance. (v) Craftsmen with knowledge and skills applicable to the style and age of the temple design shall be employed to do the traditional repair and restoration activities (e.g., woodcarving, mortar preparation, 12 replacement of joists, etc.) There should be no need to close shops and retail outlets for longer period. However, the resettlement policy makes provision for compensation for temporary business losses during construction.
12
As per Ancient Monument Preservation Act, 1956 of GoN, the chance find shall be reported to DoA. The DoA will treat
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5.1
Every municipal investment and sub-grant proposal to be funded under the PPURP will be subject to an environmental and social screening process before it is selected for inclusion in the project. The screening process establishes the level of environmental and social assessment required and will apply the exclusion criteria presented in Section 1.6. The screening process intends to identify relevant possible environmental and social concerns as well as suggest any further investigation and assessment as necessary. The sub-grant applicants will fill in a screening form with assistance from the PMT for activities funded under the Pro-poor Community-based Initiatives Grant Window and the Pro-poor Business Development Grant Window. The PMT will carry out the environmental and social screening for the municipal investments implemented under the Pro-poor Municipal Investments and Initiatives Grant Window.
5.2
Primarily, the environmental and social screening exercise will be undertaken to determine the key environmental and social issues/concerns and the nature and magnitude of the potential impacts that are likely to arise on account of the proposed municipal investments and sub-grant interventions. The major or key environmental and social issues to be identified will be determined by the type, location, sensitivity and scale of the municipal investment and sub-grant intervention. The results/findings from this exercise are/will be used to determine: the need for detailed assessment extent and type of Environmental Assessment (EA) required the possibility of exclusion
The screening result will also be an important input for analyzing the feasibility of the municipal investments and sub-grant interventions along with engineering/economics and social criteria. Screening of the municipal investments and sub-grant interventions will be done based on the prevailing legal requirements to determine whether the activities are subject to, with respect to environmental issues,(a) GoN's IEE (Initial Environmental Examination), (b) EIA (Environmental Impact Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan City 28
Assessment),(c) No-EA (Environmental Assessment) processes, or require (d) only EMP or the code of practices and, with respect to social issues, to determine the need for conducting SIA (Social Impact Assessment) or preparing a RAP (Resettlement Action Plan). Screening also determines whether municipal investments and sub-grant proposals should not be included at all for funding under PPURP should they be found to fall under the negative list or exclusion criteria set forth in this ESMF. Flow of Safeguard Categorization for PPURP Activities Screening of Municipal Investments and Sub-grants Interventions
The Environmental Protection Act (EPA)/Environmental Protection Regulations EPR), 1997 of Government of Nepal defines the projects which falls under IEE and EIA category as per annex 1, and annex 2 of EPA
The Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) shall be approved by the concerned ministry, i.e the project related to energy is approved by the ministry of energy, and project related to urban development is approved through the Ministry of Urban Development.
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formed at LSMC will be responsible to ensure that safeguard requirements are met. The process for conducting IEE is shown in a flow diagram (Annex2). For municipal investments and sub-grants requiring IEEs, construction work will start only after the approval of IEE by the concerned ministry.
5.2.2
Municipal investments and sub-grants which dont require IEE, but may have some minor to moderate degree of environmental and social issues. Such municipal investments and sub-grants require EMP. The format and table of content for preparing EMP is included in Annex 3. The following process will be followed to prepare the EMP: Phase I: Preparation of EMP. The EMP is an overall plan, which addresses the minor to moderate safeguard issues arising from implementation of the municipal investments and sub-grants and suggests a strategy and action plan to mitigate the adverse environmental and social impacts and enhance the beneficial impacts of the interventions. The EMP for a municipal investment or a sub-grant consists of the set of mitigation, monitoring, and institutional measures to be taken during implementation and operation to eliminate adverse environmental and social impacts, offset them, or reduce them to acceptable levels. The plan also includes the actions needed to implement these measures. An EMP is required for all category II municipal investments and sub-grants interventions under PPURP. The EMP includes: Site Specific EMP Activity Schedule, including cost for implementation of mitigation measures. Site Specific EMP Monitoring Schedule, including monitoring responsibility delineation. Cost Estimate for EMP Monitoring. This can include cost required for capacity building and training activities basis as required.
The PMT will prepare the EMP for category II municipal investments and sub-grants. Sub-grant applicants will be responsible for preparing the EMP with support from PMT and PSC. PMT will be responsible for preparing the EMP for category II municipal investments with support from PSC. Phase II: Approval of site specific EMP and Inclusion of site specific EMP Provisions in Designs/Estimates After preparation of the EMP report, it has to be endorsed by PMT (subject to review and clearance from the World Bank as described in Section 5.2.4). After its approval the provisions of the EMP need to be included in the municipal investments and sub grant interventions designs and estimates before final approval.. Phase III: EMP Implementation Phase. After approval, EMP provisions along with the municipal investments and sub grant interventions designs/estimates shall be implemented along with construction works. The responsibility of overall EMP implementation as well monitoring implementation for the category 2 sub-grant interventions shall lie with PMT.
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Environmental codes of practices provide technically specified solutions illustrating the general principles of environmentally sound and sustainable planning, design and construction. This will help to enhance positive impacts and to avoid or lessen adverse or negative impacts. This environmental code of practices should be applied in conjunction with the standard technical standards for preparation of designs of civil works. There are generic and project specific best practices as well. The generic environmental best practices to be followed for PPURP municipal investments and sub-grant interventions are elaborated below: Solid Waste Management should be based on Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (3R) principles: Generation of solid, semi-solid and liquid waste requires proper on site management and scientific disposal. As there are settlements around the project area, no or few nuisances to the community should be produced. Examples: use of less noisy equipment and no work during night hours as well as adoption of Environmentally Sound Technologies (energy efficient system design, selection of less polluting technology) in civil construction. Health and Safety Standards (e.g., use of personal protective equipment, use of safety signs) should be adopted in construction activities, and in activities related to manufacturing and promotion of handicrafts. Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) related orientation and job specific training should be provided to employees Adherence to GoN Rules, Regulations, Policies and World Bank policies, and compliance with formats and checklists developed by ministries Correction of shortcomings, periodic review meetings, clear assignment of roles and responsibilities There should be no or limited impact on local natural resources. In case of impacts, proper mitigation measures should be devised to address it. Water and energy management strategies should be in place while selecting activities under PPURP. Environmentally friendly technologies and environmental conservation measures like tree plantation, awareness raising in environmental (including cultural and archeological) should be promoted. Information dissemination and public consultations should be an integral part of all activities under PPURP.
The generic Environmental Codes of Best Practice can be adapted to certain types of Category III sub grants. The Codes of Best Practice will be included in the clauses of the contractual agreements. These will be modified and improved and revisions will be made during project implementation phase as needed.
5.3
The key steps are the same as for dealing with the environmental issues screening, assessment and preparation of mitigation plans. These steps are necessary to identify and address the potential social Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan City 31
concerns or impacts of a project right from the planning stage to its implementation and postimplementation operations.
5.3.1 Social Screening (Including Resettlement Policy Framework, Indigenous People (IP) and Vulnerable Community Development Plan, and Gender Development Plan)
The envisaged activities and scope of PPURP are not expected to require SIA (Social Impact Assessment) or RAP (Resettlement Action Plan). However, there may be short-term impact on livelihood and access to facilities and properties of households. Such impacts (if any) shall be well documented. Since the municipal investments and sub-grants under PPURP might create temporary business disruption, the following types of losses, policy/entitlement frameworks are applicable and hence discussed below. Entitlement Matrix Showing Possible Losses in PPURP and Approach to Deal in Such Circumstances
Types of Loss Temporary land acquisition (e.g. for storage or access to a drain or sewer) Entitled Persons/family The users of the facility or community or group Policy/ Entitlement Reconstruction to leave such facilities in an equal or better condition than they were before, or Cash compensation to the legal/community custodians at full replacement cost without depreciation of deduction for salvaged material; or Negotiated relocation in consultation with the community For permanent businesses, full closure of the shops during construction is not expected, although road closures restricting vehicle access may be expected in some places. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times. As a result, only partial disruption to some businesses is expected. The resettlement policy makes provision for compensation for business losses during construction.
Permanent business
Ambulatory vendors
For ambulatory vendors, the business is very small and generally can easily be temporarily moved from one location to another. Usually, there are several alternative areas along the existing roads where they could be relocated. The vendors losses are therefore considered as minimal. Ambulatory vendors shall be provided relocation assistance. If ambulatory vendors are o be displaced permanently, they shall be provided for the loss of business and displacement allowances. .
As a reference, the World Banks social screening criteria, RAP, and process for preparation of RAP are included in annex 4.
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The National Foundation for the Upliftment of Adivasi/Janajatis Act, 2058 (2002), the National Human Rights Action Plan 2005, the Environmental Act 1997, and the Forest Act 1993 have emphasized protection and promotion of vulnerable groups in general, IPs knowledge, and cultural heritage in particular. In 1999, the Local Self-Governance Act was amended to give more power to the local political bodies, including authority to promote, preserve, and protect the IPs language, religion, culture, and their welfare.
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The World Bank policy on indigenous peoples emphasizes the need to design and implement projects in a way that fosters full respect for indigenous peoples dignity, human rights, and cultural uniqueness and so that they: receive culturally compatible social and economic benefits, and do not suffer adverse effects during the development process.
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The IP-VCDP Impact Categorization Form is presented in Annex5 (a). Based on the categorization for screening impact, sub-grant specific and municipal investment specific IP-VCDPs will be prepared as per the guidelines and sample IP-VCDP provided in Annex 5(b).In case of significant impacts (falling in categories A and B) on IPs and VCs, the PMT will submit the IP-VCDP to the World Bank for clearance. Short IP-VCDPs prepared as a part of less impact or no impact category will be internally evaluated. The World Bank will periodically review and do random review of these documents.
15The impacts on IP/ Vulnerable Group will be considered significant or Category A if the sub grant positively or negatively:
a) b) c) d) e) affects their customary rights of use and access to land and natural resources, changes their socio-economic status, affects their cultural and communal integrity, affects their health, education, livelihood, and social security status, and/or alters or undermines the recognition of indigenous knowledge.
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Gender sensitization to all stakeholders including PMT. Ensure Womens participation during meetings, project implementation and monitoring.
Disparity in Wages
Carry out meetings and interaction program with and orientation to women in the project area. Ensure representation of women in the grievance redress committee. Prepare clause to be included in civil work contract documents to prevent discrimination in employment on the basis of sex, caste, religion and ethnicity. Conduct leadership training for women members of commodity groups in the project area. Accord priority employment to Inform women groups regarding proposed women in construction activities construction works. Identify women interested to under the project. work; assess their skills and involve them as per Promote equal wages for equal their capabilities. work Monitor women s wage rate and do the needful to ensure wage equality for similar type of construction works. Inclusion of the above elements in the contractors documents.
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5.4
This ESMF proposes measures to minimize and mitigate environment and social impacts of the project activities. Proper integration of the findings from the safeguard studies and public consultations into the planning/decision-making process and engineering outputs (design and bidding documents) will be essential to avoid/reduce the environmental and social issues that may arise due to the project. To ensure that sub-grants do not cause any significant adverse impacts, a safeguard screening process will be established. In case significant impacts are likely to occur, the subgrant/s will require environmental and social assessment and preparation of mitigation/management plans. The key steps for managing any potential adverse impacts are outlined in the table below a) for civil works carried out under the Propoor Municipal Investments and Initiatives Window; and (b) for civil works carried out under the Community-based and the Pro-poor Business Development initiatives. Table: Key Steps for Managing Environmental and Social Issues (Pro-poor Municipal Investments and Initiatives Window)
Stages in Sub-grant Cycle Sub-project Identification Steps in the Assessment Process
Project Design (for works that require detailed assessment, i.e IEE) Since works requiring EIA are included in the exclusion criteria for PPURP, EIA details are not mentioned here .
PMT/PSC to carry out Environmental and Social Screening to determine key potential safeguard issues. PMT/PSC to carry out field verification to determine whether exclusion criteria have been adhered to. PMT/PSC to consult with key stakeholders PMT/PSC to prepare Environment Management Plan for sub-projects not requiring detailed assessment (Category II projects)in parallel with detailed engineering design phase PMT/PSC to ensure integration of the EMP into the Bidding Documents (if works are carried out by contractors) PMT/PSC to prepare ToR to carry out Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)to determine level and scope of EA. PMT/PSC will do it. ToR for IEE and IEE should be approved by relevant line ministry (MoUD). Preparation of IEE to include steps listed below Baseline Data Collection : Identification of environmental and socio-economic conditions. Environmental Impact Prediction/Assessment : Assessment of impacts in terms of characteristics such as magnitude, extent, duration and significance in quantitative terms as far as possible; describing all reasonable alternatives, including preferred and no project options. Mitigation Measures Design : Design to avoid, reduce and minimize adverse environmental impacts and enhance beneficial impacts Public Consultation and Participation : At various stages in the assessment process to ensure quality, comprehensiveness and effectiveness of the stakeholders participation and to adequately reflect/address their concerns. Preparation of Environmental Management Plan (EMP): Determination of specific actions to be taken during engineering design and construction stages to minimize or mitigate negative impacts and enhance the positive impacts. Report Preparation : Summary of all information obtained, analyzed and interpreted in a report form; also include a non-technical summary including methods used, results, interpretations and conclusions made. IEE should incorporate physical, chemical, biological, social, economic and cultural aspects/environment. PMT/PSC to review and approve Technical and Safeguard Report/s (for IEE review and approval will be through MoUD; IEEs also need to be submitted to the Bank for
Sub-project approval
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Implementation
Post-Construction
No Objection). The Review of report/s to assess whether potential issues have been adequately addressed to facilitate the decision-making process- decides if project should proceed, or if further-alternatives must be examined or totally abandoned. Integrate EMP or IEE into engineering design and bidding documents if works are to be carried out by contractors. PMT/PSC to orient / train the Contractor/Users Committee and other field staff on EMP/IEE requirements. PMT/PSC to supervise, monitor EMP and IEE compliance (if contractor is used, environmental and social clauses should be part of bidding document s. Monitoring by the supervising engineer/or LSMC/or by other related entity should be mentioned) PMT/PSC to take corrective actions, as and if necessary LSMC staff to carry out post-construction operations and maintenance in line with EMP/IEE the concerned department of municipality
Similarly, the key steps for managing any potential adverse environmental and social impacts for subgrants projects related to community based initiatives and pro-poor business development initiatives windows applicable only for works) are outlined in the table below: Table: Key Steps for Managing Environmental and Social Issues (for works under the community based initiatives and business development grant window)
Project Design (for sub-project that do not require detailed assessment, i.e. only require EMP)
Sub-grant applicant to carry out environmental and social screening to determine key issues and appropriate selection of site with support from the PMT/PSC; the screening will be integral part of the sub-grant application. PMT/PSC to carry out field verification in collaboration with the sub-grant applicant to determine whether exclusion criteria have been adhered to. Grantee to carry out consultations with key stakeholders Grantee responsible for carrying out Environment Management Plan for sub-projects not requiring detailed assessment (Category II projects) following approval of the proposal and before the signing of the grant agreement. The PMT/PSC will provide technical and financial support to the grantee with the preparation of the EMP. Integration of the EMP into sub-grant agreement between the municipality and the grantee. The grantee will be responsible for delivering the IEE following approval of the proposal and before the signing of the grant agreement with LSMC to determine level and scope of EA. The PMT/PSC will provide technical and financial support to the grantee with the preparation of the IEE. ToR for IEE and IEE should be approved by relevant line ministry (MoUD). Preparation of IEE to include steps listed below Baseline Data Collection : Identification of environmental and socio-economic conditions. Environmental Impact Prediction/Assessment : Assessment of impacts in terms of characteristics such as magnitude, extent, duration and significance in quantitative terms as far as possible; describe all reasonable alternatives, including preferred and no project options. Mitigation Measures Design : Design to avoid, reduce and minimize adverse
Project Design (for sub-grant that require detailed assessment), i.e for IEE Since projects requiring EIA are included in the exclusion criteria for PPURP, EIA details are not mentioned here.
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Sub-grantapproval
Implementation
Post-Construction
environmental impacts and enhance beneficial impacts Public Consultation and Participation : At various stages in the assessment process to ensure quality, comprehensiveness and effectiveness of the stakeholders participation and to adequately reflect/address their concerns. Preparation of Environmental Management Plan (EMP): Determination of specific actions to taken during engineering design and construction stages to minimize or mitigate negative impacts and enhance the positive impacts. Report Preparation : Summary of all information obtained, analyzed and interpreted in a report form; also include a non-technical summary including methods used, results, interpretations and conclusions made. IEE should incorporate physical, chemical, biological, social, economic and cultural aspects/environment PMT/PSC to review and approve Technical and Safeguard Report/s (for IEE review and approval will be through MoUD). The review will aim to assess whether all potential safeguard issues have been adequately addressed to facilitate the decision-making process, and decide whether the project should proceed, or if further-alternatives must be examined or totally abandoned. Grantee to integrate EMP into engineering design and bidding documents with support from PMT/PSC PMT/PSC to orient / train the grantee and other field staff on EMP/IEE requirements. Grantees to monitor and regularly report on EMP/IEE compliance with support from PMT/PSC. PMT/PSC to carry out regular field verifications and take corrective actions, as and if necessary Grantee to carry out post-construction operations and maintenance in line with EMP/IEE with support from the PMT/PSC.
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6.1
Information and Consultation Framework for Municipal Investments and Subgrants of PPURP
Effective public consultation will be needed from the earliest (planning) stages of the project. Input from relevant stakeholders will be essential especially during the identification of municipal investments, subgrant proposal preparation, and implementation phases of the municipal investments and sub-grants.
6.1.1 Identify and Analyze Potential Stakeholders to Understand their Interest and Needs
Each stakeholders group plays a distinct role in the planning and implementation of the municipal investments and sub-grants. The comprehensive participatory consultation process therefore needs to be undertaken at the start of the process to identify all potential project stakeholders, as well as their specific areas of interest and their specific needs. Stakeholders identification and analysis need to continue throughout the project cycle and remain dynamic. The relevant types of stakeholders are the following: Users and beneficiaries of the municipal investments and the sub-grants; People likely to be adversely affected by the municipal investments and sub-grants, directly or indirectly, in any way; Poor and vulnerable groups, women groups, and professional/occupational groups; Government agencies, and government officials at national, regional, and ward level National and international non-government organizations and donor agencies, community based organizations and community leaders.
6.1.2
Systematically
Throughout
the
Design
and
Communication and consultations should include, but not limited to, the identification and record of the following: Based on the stakeholder analysis, stakeholder groups to be engaged in participatory processes; Specific decisions being made through participation, and how Anticipated breadth and depth of stakeholder engagement at each stage of the project cycle; How will participation be linked to social and gender strategy, management plans, resettlement planning and other national and safeguard requirements; How will participation be used during implementation; What participation methods will be used, including timeline, sequence and roles and responsibilities for participatory activities 40
Important aspects of the communication strategy include communication objectives; challenges and obstacles to achieving these objectives; target audiences; nature of communication messages; communication channels; and aspects required for successful implementation of the strategy such as timelines, responsibilities and resources. All communication products targeting communities and their representatives including civil society groups and ward officials should be available in languages appropriate and understandable by the target audience.
6.2
The list of participants and outcomes of above consultation meetings are elaborated in annex 6 of this ESMF. Such type of consultations, workshops, and interactions shall be continued during the PPURP implementation cycle. This type of consultations will be the forum for sharing information about the projects objectives, scope, alternative design options, and stakeholders perspectives regarding PPURP.
In the local cultural and social set up women do not play an active part in decision-making regarding municipal services and their standards, although women with relatively higher awareness level (e.g., social mobilizers, GoN employees, health workers, teachers, etc.) manage to express their concerns. Ideally separate meetings will be held for women, but if it will not be possible to held separate meeting with women, women will be consulted through CBOs or NGOs, The PMT will ensure that views of APs, particularly those who are vulnerable, related to the project are looked into and addressed. The PMT will ensure that APs consulted are informed of the outcome of the decision-making process, and will confirm how their views were incorporated.
6.3
This ESMF will be made available in Nepali language to PPURP recipient wards namely 16, 18, 21, 22 of LSMC. Copies of these documents will be provided to any requester by charging the photocopy cost. The draft and final ESMF will be disclosed in the websites of LSMC and made available to wards. Information dissemination and consultation will continue throughout program implementation. For all municipal investments and sub-grants, information will be disseminated to wards at various stages. In the initial stage, the LSMC will be responsible for informing potential wards and the general public of the project about the components of the project through leaflets and publication in local media outlets and newspapers. The PMT will conduct consultations and disseminate information to all APs during these initial stages to create awareness of the project.
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The GRC needs to be established as soon as the Project is effective. The representative from project beneficiaries will be nominated by the chairman of the GRC for a period of one year. A complaint cell will be established under the PMT to collect complaints and transmit them to the GRC. The affected persons/communities can register their grievances through multiple ways including locked boxes at the project office that can only be opened by a designated person, an email address, a designated telephone number, and submission of complains at the wards etc. The affected persons can also register their grievances at the complaint cell established at LSMC. Any affected family or person can approach the GRC directly regarding issues related to environmental and social issues including temporary impacts and impacts during construction. Handouts providing details of the structure and process for redressing grievances will be distributed in the project area through the ward offices. All cases will be registered, categorized and prioritized by the complaint cell. The GRC will meet in a monthly basis to discuss the petitions submitted by the people/community. If any member (including CEO) is concerned, then the grievances will be forwarded to the Steering Committee secretariat (KVDA). The GRC will be regularly supervised by the World Bank, including reviews of documentation.
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A Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) system will be established for the project, and safeguard compliance will be integral part of the project M&E. Both an internal and periodic external monitoring is proposed to ensure ESMF implementation. Internal monitoring will be carried out by the PMT, focusing on outcomes, outputs and implementation progress for each sub-grant. The sub-grant recipients will submit to the municipality regular sub-grant progress reports during implementation. Similarly periodic external monitoring with external review using quantitative and qualitative methods shall be followed. The ESMF evaluation will be mid-term and end term and both have to be third party evaluation. The table showing indicators, methods, and responsibilities for social and environmental safeguard monitoring in PPURP is highlighted below. The frequency will be decided by PMT as needed.
Indicators Number of businesses /houses temporarily disrupted Methods Review report, on the group field verification Review of report, direct observation Review of report, field verification Responsibility PMT /PSC
Adherence to ESMF requirements Adherence to mitigation measures (social and environmental) ESMF requirements incorporated in tender and bidding documents as needed
PMT/PSC
Responsibility of Monitoring: The environmental and social expert of PMT is responsible for internal monitoring of ESMF. The mid-term and end term monitoring shall be done by external experts.
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9.1
Training
Training is an important component for developing capacities. Appropriate and timely training to the officials with regard to various issues can bring a positive change in the functioning of the staff. Apart from training in generic areas such as human resource management, information management, government functionaries require training in handling certain specialized tasks pertaining to environmental and social issues. The PMT will identify the training need assessment at LSMC and suggest the training packages including their modality of operation. Potential training areas are: Earthquake resistance design of traditional buildings Hazards of crafts works Orientations on ESMF Orientations on legal requirements Preparing EMPs and ECOPs General Introduction to EA and Management
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9.2
A well-developed communication strategy needs to be in place to realize better results in implementing the projects. The PMT will have to develop and effectively implement their own consultation and communication strategy. Successful implementation of sub grant would depend, to a large extent, on the ability to maintain close contact with the community in the sub-grant area. For this purpose the PMT needs to develop consultation plans along with the help of recipient wards. Such a communication strategy would help in better communication, clearer understanding of social problems, better service delivery, easier conflict resolution and grievance redress. Training modules may be developed to help municipalities draft and implement appropriate consultation strategies. Experts from the PSC will assist the PMT in preparing this training.
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