SECTION - 3

1 DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENT
Various environmental characters of the project area are described hereunder in
detail:

1.1 PHYSICAL RESOURCES

1.1.1 Topography and Geology

The area around the project site is flat. The surface is 215 meters above the
mean sea level. The gradient range is 20 - 40 cm per km. Slope of the land is
towards east of the project site, allowing storm and sewerage water of the area to
flow in that direction.

1.1.2 Soils
Topsoil of the project area is of water logged and generally not suitable for
agriculture. The area around is covered with the industries or is reserved for the
industries to be installed in the SIE. The area is of Chung Formation, which is
loess clay with silty and sandy deposits. It comprises earthy brown to brown silt,
clay and sand. The silt beds are largely hard, laminated and sandy with interbeds
of clay and layers or lenses of sand.

1.1.3 Climate
Seasonal climatic conditions must be considered for the design and execution of
Project. The climate including air, temperature, precipitation, humidity, and
evaporation is an influencing factor, affecting the construction of the plant and
other engineering structures. However, to determine the overall effect of the
climatic stresses, daily and seasonal temperature changes, site altitude, direct
solar radiation, and precipitation must be considered. The Project Area has
extreme climate: it has hot summer and cold winters. The summer starts from
April and lasts till September. May, June, and July are the hottest months. The
mean maximum and minimum temperature ranges from 40.4 ºC and 27.3 ºC
respectively for these months.
 The winter seasons lasts from November to March. December, January, and
February are the coldest months. The mean maximum and mean minimum
temperature ranges from 19.8ºC to 5.9ºC in January. Temperatures in the Project
Area vary from 5.9 ºC to 40.4 ºC.

Table 3.1: Meteorological and Climatic Features

Classification of Climate Tropical (hot/humid)
Predominant Wind Direction East/Northeast
Wind intensity Weak to moderate
Average annual precipitation >650 mm
Rainy season July to September
Dry season October to June
Average annual temperature 19-20 C
Average summer temperature 36-38 C
Average winter temperature 6.5-10.5 C

Table 3.2: Average Monthly Temperature, Precipitation and Relative Humidity

(2016)
Mean Temperature Relative Relative
Precipitation Humidity At Humidity At
Month Maximu Minimu
(mm) 0500 HRS 2000 HRS
m m
(%) (%)
January 19.8 5.9 28.92 80.4 51.9
February 22.0 8.9 37.14 79.0 52.4
March 27.1 14.0 34.3 68.6 42.2
April 33.9 19.6 44.32 50.2 25.3
May 38.6 23.7 24.38 45.7 27.2
June 40.4 27.3 91.62 59.1 40.9
July 36.1 26.8 150.52 76.7 60
August 35.0 26.4 161.42 78.8 65.9
 Mean Temperature Relative Relative
Precipitation Humidity At Humidity At
Month Maximu Minimu
(mm) 0500 HRS 2000 HRS
m m
(%) (%)
September 35.0 24.4 67.28 74.4 56.4
October 32.9 18.2 11.74 70.6 44.2
November 27.4 11.6 4.44 77.1 48.8
December 21.6 6.8 9.94 82.9 53.73
Annual 30.8 17.8 666 70.34 47.4

Table 3.3: Rainfall Data of the Area

Precipitation
Month
(Millimeters)
January 23
February 28.5
March 41.2
April 19.7
May 22.4
June 36.3
July 202.1
August 163.9
September 61.1
October 12.4
November 4.2
December 13.9
Annual 628.7
Based on climatic elements, five seasons are recognized

1.1.3.1 Pre-monsoon Season

Pre-monsoon refers to the period from April to June prior to the setting in of the
 monsoon. This is the hottest and the driest season, with persistent dry and hot
winds. Daytime temperature rises to 40.40 C. The flows in the river begin to rise
simultaneously due to snow-melt water in the high mountains. The water table
falls to the maximum depth

1.1.3.1.1 Monsoon Season

Monsoon is the main rainy period, which starts at the beginning of July, reaches
its climax in August and gradually, subsides in September. High-intensity
Rainfall causes soil erosion which is a function of erosivity and erodibility. The
cool monsoon winds followed by heavy showers lower the temperature to great
extent. The part of rain percolates into the soil and is conserved in the subsoil
and part adds to the groundwater. The conserved moisture in the soils is
generally sufficient to rejuvenate the vegetation. All plants grow rapidly and
mature towards the end of the season. With the start of monsoon season, the
rivers flow at their peak level. The groundwater level is improved toward the end
of the season in September and October.

1.1.3.2 Post-monsoon Season

Post monsoon season refers to autumn (October-November). The temperature

starts falling but the extreme aridity prevents plants to flower early and sets seed
toward mid-seasons. Groundwater level rises as a result of infiltration from
rainfall.

1.1.3.3 Winter Season

Winter refers to the period from December to January. The lowest temperatures
(< 20C) and cold winds characterize this season. The plants become dormant
and most of them dry out. Most of the trees shed their leaves and few remain
green or partly green. Sometimes this season becomes severe due to cold
Siberian winds. Groundwater level declines in this season due to low flows in
the rivers and no or little rains which usually fall in light showers causing little
soil erosion.
1.1.3.4 Spring Season

Spring refers to the period from February to March. Temperatures become

pleasant. The mean maximum temperature is 27oC with the highest
precipitation of 41.2 mm and relative humidity of 57.6 percent. Some light
showers of rain may also fall without generating runoff. The vegetation sprouts
again because of conserved moisture from winter and spring rains, if any. The
water table starts falling.

1.1.4 Seismology

Pakistan Building Code distributes the country into 4-zones, fig. The project site
falls in Moderate damage Zone, as such structural design of buildings and others
will follow the applicable criteria for the zone.
 Seismic details are a very important consideration for any planning activity. As it
directly lays impact on the construction of the site.

Fig-3.4: Seismic Zoning Map of Pakistan

1.1.5 Dust Storm

Storms rarely occur in the project area.

1.1.6 Water in Project Area

Water is the basic need of all living things and more so of human beings. Its
quality is equally important especially for human beings. Sub-standard quantity of
water results in a number of water borne diseases like jaundice, dysentery,
diarrhea, skin irritation and so on.

- Underground water
Underground water in the city of Lahore and so also in the project area starts
at depth of around 120-150 feet in some parts of the city. Water supply to the
entire city of Lahore and so also to the project site is made by WASA through
 its extensive water supply network. Under ground water is used for all
purposes. The underground is sweet and it is available in large quantity.
- Surface Water/Wet Lands in Project Area
The Lahore Canal and the river Ravi are the two important surface water
bodies with regard to the city of Lahore and the project site. Due to Indus
Water treaty between Pakistan and India, virtually all water from the river Ravi
is consumed by India. Only very small quantity of water flows into the river.
During rainy season India discharges flood water into the river which
sometimes causes flooding of the area in Pakistan downstream from Lahore.
Most of the untreated sewage is discharged into the river Ravi and the Lahore
Canal. So also untreated effluents from small scale industrial units (over 4000
in number) operating in the city of Lahore, containing highly toxic and
hazardous chemicals including heavy and toxic metals, mineral acids like
especially, oils and greases, suspended and dissolved solids and other
pollutants; are discharged into this river and the canal. Highly toxic “Cutting
Oils” from vendors workshops and oil, greases and clay from auto service
stations are also discharged into these two water bodies. The river is now
virtually an “Industrial Sewer”. Downstream the river at Balloki, the fish is
contaminated and the same contaminated fish finds its way to the market of
Lahore. The ill-health impacts due to consumption of this contaminated fish
yet remain to be determined. The water from the canal is used for irrigation of
vegetables also. The adverse impacts of this contaminated water on these
vegetables are again a question yet to be answered. Even villagers drink this
water and animals too. The ill effects of this state of affairs are yet to be
determined.

1.2 ECOLOGICAL RESOURCE

1.2.1 Fishery & Aquatic Biology of Project Area

The water in the river Ravi at Balloki Head Works contains fish which is mostly
sold in the fish market in Lahore. There is no other aquatic life in the river Ravi or
the Lahore Canal.
1.2.2 Biodiversity in Project Area
The project site is situated in the city. There is no question of any biodiversity.
However, the Lahore Zoo and the Safari Park are rich in a variety of birds and
animals. These are recreation spot not only for the residents of Lahore but also
for the public from outside the city. Among many others, a few major animals in
the Lahore zoo include lions, cheetah, tiger, elephant, camel, zebra, Chinkara,
Cats, foxes, monkeys, hippopotamus, nealgai, ostrich, tortoise, hares and turtles.
Likewise, of the many birds present in the zoo some are ducks, sparrows from
various countries, pigeons, parrots of various creeds, cranes, peacocks etc.
Among reptiles include snakes of various kinds, alligator, crocodile etc.

1.2.3 Flora, Forestry and Fauna in Project Area

The project area is classified as barren land but there are few scattered perennial
trees namely Eucalyptus. The City District Government Lahore has reserved
forests and linear plantation along the roads. The area under the reserved forest
is 691 ha inclusive of Jallo (152 ha) and Shahdara (539 ha). The forest area
occupied after the independence of Pakistan under Section 38 is about 91 ha.
The linear plantation is about 1001 km in length. Terrestrial fauna of the area
includes cats, jackals, and dogs. Domestic animals are also found in the area.
The bird community found in the area includes a variety of residential birds such
as sparrows, crows, parrots etc. Small squirrels, rats and snakes are also found
in the area.

1.3 Existing Socio- Economic Conditions in Project Area

1.3.1 Population and communities

The project site is situated in thickly populated and industrial area of Chung. The
estimated population of Lahore is 8.9 million. The community reflects rural
culture. The rural community has its own norms and values. Females are not
exposed to males and exercise veil on their faces while going out of their houses.
The women do all household work by themselves and their daughters help them.
Both Christian and Muslim communities have their own traditions and customs.
The Christian community constitutes 25 per cent of the total population. They
 have their own church and graveyard in the village. There are 2 mosques and 1
graveyard for Muslims. The families, who cannot afford education, send their
boys to work at an early age to earn money to meet their daily household
expenses.

1.3.2 Industries
Many industries like Pharmaceutical industries, Iron Cast Industries etc exist in
the vicinity of the project site. There are a number of industries in the immediate
surroundings of the project site particularly on the Raiwind-Manga Road,
Raiwind-Manga Link Road and the road along the Nullah Drain. METRO is
about seven kilometer from the project site. Some petrol pumps and CNG
stations are also working along the main road. Some vendors’ workshops are
also functioning in this area.

1.3.3 Land Use Planning

The entire land use planning is carried out according to the provincial laws.
Under the present Government system, the District Government is responsible
for all land use planning. The Sundar Industrial Estate (SIE) on the Sundar-
Raiwind Road, 25 km south of Lahore. The area, comprising 540 ha, has been
reserved for a number of industrial sectors such as textile (knitting, stitching,
dyeing, finishing, weaving), pharmaceutical, pesticides, equipment, light
engineering, mechanical, electrical, electronics, plastics, food and beverages like
frozen food, juices, bakery and edible oil. The planned infrastructure facilities at
the SIE include roads, telecommunication, sewerage, electricity, water supply,
gas, petrol-pumps, health safety and environment support etc.

1.3.4 Power Sources and Transmission

Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) network operates in the area.
Transmission of power is through overhead electric transmission lines. National
grid is the source of all power in the area. Lahore Electric Supply Corporation
(LESCO) supplies electricity to the whole project area.
1.3.5 Agricultural and Mineral Development
Land holdings are very small. Agriculture mainly depends upon rain and tube well
water. Underground water form shallow depth is also used for agriculture but due
to cost factor this is unaffordable by many people. Agriculture alone cannot
sustain life of the people.

1.3.6 Public Health of the Project Area

The health of the project area is very much sound, private and government
medical facilities are available within the project area.

1.3.7 Sources of Income in Project Area

Most of the people have adopted multiple sources of income to sustain their
lives. Local people have huge employment opportunities during construction
phase but for operational phase companies don’t appoint local people due to
some unknown reason. Government and private services, petty business and
transport are the other sources of income of the people.

1.3.8 Basic Facilities Available in the Study Area

Basic facilities including electricity, water, gas, telephone, roads and transport
are available to every pocket of the Lahore. Cellular/mobile telephones are
available with a large number of the people. Sewage facilities are also available
in the entire project area.

1.4 QUALITY OF LIFE

1.4.1 Demographic Characteristics of the Project Area

The total population of Lahore District was 6,318,745 as enumerated in March
1998 with an intercensal percentage increase of 78.3 since March 1981 when it
was 3,544,942 souls. The average annual growth rate of population in the district
during intercensal period 1981-1998 was 3.5 percent. The total area of the
district is 1772 square kilometers, which gives population density of 3,566
persons per square kilometer as against 2000 persons observed in 1981
indicating a fast growth rate of the district. The table gives population, its
intercensal increase and average annual growth rate since 1951 of Lahore
 district.

Table 3.4: Intercensal Demographic Survey

Description 1951 1961 1972 1981 1998

Population 1,13 1,626 2,588 3,545 6,319

(in 000’s) 5
Intercenal 43.3 59.2 37.0 78.3 -
Increase (%)
Average 3.7 4.1 3.8 3.5 -
Annual
Growth Rate
(%)

1.4.2 Rural and Urban Distributions

The urban population was 5,209,088 or 82.4 percent of the total population of the
Lahore district, which grew at an average rate of 3.3 percent during 1981-98. The
growth decreased from 3.7 percent, which was observed during 1972-81. There
are one Metropolitan Corporation, two Town Committees and one Cantonment in
the District.

There were 261 Mauzas (the smallest revenue unit) in 1998. Of these 61 had a
population over 5 thousand, another 61 had 2 to 5 thousand, 64 had one to two
thousand, and 74 had under one thousand persons while one was uninhibited.

1.4.3 Religion
The population of the district is predominantly Muslims i.e. 93.9 percent. The next
higher percentage is of Christians with 5.8 points followed by Ahmadis 0.2
percent. While other minorities like Hindu etc. are very small in number.

1.4.4 Ethnic Structure

The main castes and groups of the Lahore district are Arain, Jat, Rajput, Malik,
Pathan, Mughal, Sheikh, Komboh and Gujjar. Besides, there are also village
 artisans, which include Lohars (blacksmiths), Tarkhan (carpenter), Kumhars
(potters), Mochis (cobblers), Machhis (water-carrier), barbers and weavers etc.

1.4.5 Mother Tongue

The mother tongue refers to the language used for communication between
parents and their children in any household. Punjabi is the predominant language
being spoken by the majority (86.2 percent) of the population of the district
followed by Urdu, Pushto, and Siraiki being spoken by 10.2, 1.9, and 0.4 percent.
Sindhi is spoken by 0.1 percent.

1.4.6 Institutions
Lahore is the metropolitan city and a hub of various educational, academic and
flourishing government institutes. In the vicinity of the project, there are many
educational institutions like Home Economics College in Gulberg

1.4.7 Transportation
The city of Lahore is one of the most accessible cities of the Punjab Province. In
addition to the historic Grand Trunk Road (G.T. Road), a motorway (M- 2) was
completed in 1997 from Lahore to Islamabad. The government has built
underpasses to ease congestion and prevent traffic jams, and according to
official figures, Lahore transportation services have improved to accommodate
the growing number of visitors to the city. It is well connected by air to other
countries as well as all major cities of Pakistan. Buses, trains, taxis, and
rickshaws are the other means of transport available in Lahore.

1.4.8 Health Facilities

Ample medical and health facilities are available in the Lahore Metropolitan
Corporation area and its suburbs. Shaukat Khanam Hospital is the latest addition
to the medical care facilities in Lahore for the most dangerous disease in the
country. i.e. Cancer. There are also other hospitals of voluntary organizations
which provide health coverage to the general public. Among the prominent
hospitals are General Hospital, Lady Willington Hospital, Mayo Hospital, Fatima
Jinnah Hospital, The Children Hospital, Services Hospital, and Ganga Ram
 Hospital etc. Besides, a number of private medical practitioners, Hakims, and
homeopathic doctors are also practicing in the city. Services Hospital is the
nearest health care facility that is present in the vicinity of the project.

1.5 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING DATA

1.5.1 Air Quality

Motor vehicle emissions are composed of the by-products that come out of the
exhaust systems or other emissions such as gasoline evaporation. These
emissions contribute to air pollution and are a major ingredient in the creation of
smog in some large cities. A study by MIT indicates that 53,000 early deaths
occur per year in the United States alone because of vehicle emissions

The main source of air pollution in the Project area is traffic congestion that
occurs off and on in the Project Area. Traffic load has increased manifold due to
the rapid growth of the City. Ambient air is being polluted due to the emission of
fuel gases like Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) and Sulphur Oxide
(SOx) due to the vehicle exhaust. Untreated fuel from rickshaws also contains
trace amount of Lead (Pb) in it.

TABLE 3.5: Ambient Air Monitoring Data

SO2 NO2 CO
Lev Reference Point (µg/m3) (µg/m3) (mg/m3)
el
Main Road 60 55 1.23
oEm
North Side of the Project 62 57 1.15
issio
South Side of the Project 59 54 1.12
n is
East Side of the Project 61.6 53.7 1.20
incr
easi PEQS Limiting Values 120.0 80.0 10.00

ng over the period, implies with without project, the vehicles’ speed is reducing
and these are producing more emissions; and
Cars and Pick-ups are more producers of carbon monoxide whereas Rickshaws
and Motorcycles produce more hydrocarbons and heavier traffic produces more
 nitrogen oxides.

1.5.2 Noise
The project area falls under an urban environment and presently, the noise level
is within the permissible limits of 85 db.

1.5.3 Water Quality

Water quality refers to the chemical, physical, biological, and radiological
characteristics of water. It is a measure of the condition of water relative to the
requirements of one or more biotic species and or to any human need or
purpose. It is commonly compared with a set of standards against which
compliance can be assessed. The water resource in the study area includes
groundwater. The secondary data and the information collected during the field
survey, the groundwater table depth varied from site to site. The groundwater is
extracted by means of wells, hand pumps, and electric motors.

Table 3.7: Laboratory Analysis Report of Ground Water Sample

Sr. No. Parameters Units PEQS Results Remarks

pH – 6.5–8.5 7.9
1.
Non Non
2. Taste & Odor – Objection Objectiona
able ble
3. Color TCU <15 2
4. Turbidity NTU <5 1.5
0
Number/10
5. Total Coliform Number/1 0
0 mL
00 mL In–
0 Number Complian
Number /
6. E–Coli / 0 ce
100 mL
100 mL
Sr. No. Parameters Units PEQS Results Remarks
Total
7. Dissolved mg/L <1000 515
Solids (TDS)
Total
8. mg/L <500 287
Hardness

9. Nitrate mg/L ≤50 2.1

10. Nitrite mg/L ≤3 0.007

11. Ammonia mg/L – N.D
12. Arsenic mg/L <0.05 N.D.
13. Antimony mg/L <0.005 N.D.
14. Barium mg/L 0.7 N.D.
15. Chloride mg/L 250 115
16. Fluoride mg/L <1.5 0.3
17. Aluminum mg/L ≤0.2 N.D.
18. Manganese mg/L ≤0.5 N.D.
19. Mercury mg/L 0.001 N.D.
20. Iodine mg/L – 0.023
21. Zinc mg/L 5 0.16
22. Boron mg/L 0.3 N.D.
23. Chromium mg/L ≤0.05 N.D.
24. Selenium mg/L ≤0.5 N.D.