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27 FinalEnvironmentImpactAssessment Patna RFD
27 FinalEnvironmentImpactAssessment Patna RFD
Submitted To
Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited
February 2014
Submitted By
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Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................................... iii
1. INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................. 1
1.1 PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS UNDER NGRBA ................................................................................... 2
1.2 PATNA RIVER FRONT DEVELOPMENT .................................................................................................. 2
1.2.1 Proposed Developments in Patna RFD ............................................................................................... 3
1.3 PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF EIA ............................................................................................................... 3
1.4 PROPOJECT PROPONENT ...................................................................................................................... 4
1.5 TECHNICAL CONSULTANT AND ARCHITECT ........................................................................................ 4
1.6 EIA CONSULTANT .................................................................................................................................... 4
1.7 STRUCTURE OF EIA ................................................................................................................................. 4
2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................................................. 6
2.1 EXISTING GHAT CONDITIONS ................................................................................................................ 7
2.2 NEED FOR PATNA RFD .......................................................................................................................... 12
2.3 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS ............................................................................................................... 13
2.3.1 Development of Ghats ....................................................................................................................... 13
2.3.2 Promenades including kiosks (connecting some of the ghats together) ............................................ 14
2.3.3 Community cum cultural centres ....................................................................................................... 17
2.3.4 Landscape work at Precinct Zones:................................................................................................... 18
2.3.5 City level parks: ................................................................................................................................. 19
2.3.6 Improvement of approach roads to the precincts .............................................................................. 19
2.3.7 Development of Electric Crematoria at Gulbi Ghat ............................................................................ 21
2.3.8 Development of Toilet Complex ........................................................................................................ 21
2.3.9 Development of Interceptor Drain ...................................................................................................... 21
2.3.10 Environmental Awareness ............................................................................................................... 21
2.4 PROJECT LOCATION.............................................................................................................................. 21
2.5 ADDITIONAL BENEFIT ............................................................................................................................ 24
2.6 PROJECT COST ...................................................................................................................................... 24
3. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK......................................... 25
3.1 POLICIES AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK OF GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (GOI) ........................... 25
3.2 Environment and Social Management Framework (ESMF) of NGRBA .................................................... 30
4. DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENT ........................................................................................................... 35
4.1 PROJECT INFLUENCE AREA ................................................................................................................. 35
4.2 ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIAL SCREENING: ......................................................................................... 37
4.3 Project Area .............................................................................................................................................. 40
4.4 Baseline Environmental Profile ................................................................................................................. 40
4.4.1 Meteorological environment .............................................................................................................. 40
4.4.2 Physical environment ........................................................................................................................ 42
4.4.3 ECOLOGY AND BIODIVERSITY ...................................................................................................... 55
4.4.4 CULTURAL RESOURCES ................................................................................................................ 74
4.4.5 SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS ............................................................................................................. 79
4.5 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................................ 80
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List of Tables
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List of Figures
Figure 1.1: The Ganga and its spirituality ...................................................................................................... 1
Figure 2.1: Artists view of Golaghar Patna .................................................................................................... 6
Figure 2.2: Sanitation issues along the ghats ................................................................................................ 8
Figure 2.3: Slums at edge of river Ganga...................................................................................................... 9
Figure 2.4:Gandhi Ghat (the only developed ghat at moment) ........................................................................ 9
Figure 2.5:Adalat Ghat Edge Condition Analysis (Boulder pitching at the edges) ............................................ 10
Figure 2.6:Edge condition Analysis in Krishna Ghat ..................................................................................... 11
Figure 2.7 Potential of ghat as a public Space ............................................................................................. 14
Figure 2.8: Urban Precincts proposed ........................................................................................................ 15
Figure 2.9: Design of Urban Precinct (3D-View) .......................................................................................... 16
Figure 2.10:View of ghats after the proposed development of urban precinct ................................................. 16
Figure 2.11:Proposed Community cum Eco-centre at Gai ghat ..................................................................... 17
Figure 2.12: Restoring the riparian edge and landscaping ............................................................................ 19
Figure 2.13:Proposed approach road development of Gai ghat ..................................................................... 20
Figure 2.14: Project Location ..................................................................................................................... 22
Figure 2.15: Landuse along project ghats ................................................................................................... 23
Figure 4.1:Direct Project Influence Area (DPIA) ........................................................................................... 35
Figure 4.2: Colour coded aspect map for direction of the terrain along the RFD, Patna ................................... 43
Figure 4.3: DEM Map along the project section in Ganga ghat section in Patna .............................................. 44
Figure 4.4: Land Use along the stretch of river bank to be developed under RFD project in Patna .................... 45
Figure 4.5: Physiographic map of Bihar along the river Ganga ...................................................................... 46
Figure 4.6: Seismic Hazard Map showing the Project Area (Ganga Ghats) .................................................... 47
Figure 4.7: Seismic Zonation Map of India ................................................................................................. 47
Figure 4.8: Sub-Basin maps of Ganga Basin ............................................................................................. 48
Figure 4.9: Discharge of Raw Sewage in Ganga river from Anta Ghat (left) and Krishna Ghat (Right) ............. 55
Figure 4.10: Forest cover map of Bihar ....................................................................................................... 56
Figure 4.11: Photograph of Flora reported in Riparian Habitat....................................................................... 59
Figure 4.12: Photographs of Trees Reported at Ghat Area ........................................................................... 62
Figure 4.13: Photograph of Animal Reported in study area ........................................................................... 65
Figure 4.14: Dolphins Movement in Project Study Area ................................................................................ 68
Figure 4.15: Location were Dolphins are reported........................................................................................ 70
Figure 4.16: Location of Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphins Sanctuary with respect to project site ......................... 71
Figure 4.17: Photographs of Species of Fishes reported during primary survey .............................................. 73
Figure 4.18: Locations of Heritage/Important Buildings within DPIA and IPIA ................................................. 77
Figure 4.19: Locations of Indigenous Buildings within Project Ghats .............................................................. 78
Figure 7.1: Dolphins Movement ............................................................................................................... 118
Figure 7.2: Open disposal of Solid Waste near to Ganga Ghats .................................................................. 121
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List of Annexure
Annexure 1.5: Professor Sinha‟s Report on Gangetic Dolphin in Context of Patna RFD
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ACRONYMS
NP National Park
OP Operational Policy
SC Supervision Consultant
WB World Bank
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND
River Ganga has a significant economic, environmental and cultural value in India. Rising in the
Himalayas and flowing into the Bay of Bengal, the river traverses through a course of more than
2500km in the plains of north and eastern India. Increasing population in the basin and haphazard
urbanization and industrial growth has significantly impacted the water quality of river Ganga,
particularly during the dry season. The primary sources of pollution are untreated sewage and
industrial wastewater, also non-point pollution sources from agriculture and livestock, religious
activities and poor solid waste management also contribute significantly to the pollution.
The previous attempts to clean the river, such as Ganga Action Plan (GAP) launched in 1985 have
provided some gains in arresting rate of water quality degradation, but lot more needs to be done.
As a major first step in this direction, Government of India (GoI) has established the National Ganga
River Basin Authority (NGRBA) for comprehensive management of the river.
The NGRBA program will adopt a river basin approach and has been given multi-sectoral mandate to
address both water quantity and quality aspects. To achieve this objective, NGRBA is implementing a
project with financial assistance from The World Bank. The portfolio of investments supported by
NGRBA under this project includes the following:
These investments in the first phase of the program are spread across several cities / towns within
Ganga main stem states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal.
Government of Bihar through Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (BUIDCo) intends
to implement improvements to the Ganga River Front in Patna through NGRBA Program.
The River Ganga in Patna is an intrinsic part of life of Patna. Some of the most important Hindu
festivals and religious congregations are celebrated on the banks of the river Ganga such as the
Kumbh Mela and the Chhathh puja and large numbers of devotees gather during these festivals.
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At present the existing facilities at the Ghats for these activities are poor. The Ghats are neither big
enough to accommodate thousands of devotees during Chhath festival nor there is any facility like
changing rooms.
River water fronts have potential to become the recreational and cultural hubs of city and have
emerged as lively urban face. River water front development also has potential to create
Environmental Awareness for cleanliness of river and generating Ecological Awareness and
tourism for the river edge and thus prevent disposal of untreated sewage into the river,
Considering these aspects, the proposed Patna RFD project, proposes the following improvements.
The total cost of the project is INR 24327.00 Lakhs. The cost break up is shown in table1.
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The following laws and regulations are applicable to the proposed activities of Patna RFD:
The Project is seeking financing from World Bank and hence their environmental and social
safeguards are also applicable to this Project.
Since, the total built up area of the project is about 2700sq.m which is less than 20,000 sq.m and the
total construction area is about 69,500 which is less than 1,50,000 sq.m, the project does not attract
requirement of Environmental Clearance requirements of EIA Notification, 2006 of GoI.
Similarly, the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 is not applicable to the project, despite the presence of
Gangetic Dolphin in the river, as the project area is not located within 10 km radius of a wildlife
sanctuary area.
The The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and Water Prevention and Control
of (Pollution) act, 1974 will be applicable;
The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 will be applicable;
The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, as the project
area is located however some old building are there along the ghats which will be protected;
In addition to the above regulations, NGRBA has developed an ESMF to address various
environmental and social issues related to investments. According to this framework, any project
supported by NGRBA shall carry out an Environment and Social Screening to understand magnitude
of impacts. In general, based on screening exercise, projects are categorized either as High Impact or
Low Impact category in which high impact projects require detailed ESIA study along with preparation
of an EMP. The Patna RFD has been categorized as High impact category due to presence of
schedule-I animal, i.e. Dolphin and resettlement requirement of 229 Project Affected Families (PAFs).
Therefore a detailed EIA and EMP study has been carried out.
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In general 200 m lateral distance from the right bank side has been considered as Direct Project
Influence Area (DPIA) and 500 m lateral distance from the right bank side has been considered as
Indirect Project Influence Area (IPIA) to access the baseline environmental conditions around the
project area.
The area within this DPIA and IPIA mostly consists of built up area which also includes some old and
important buildings. Very few open spaces are present within the IPIA, the prominent one being
Gandhi maidan. No sensitive areas like wildlife sanctuary, national park, etc. are observed within the
DPIA or IPIA. However institutions such as Patna Medical College, Patna College, B.N. College,
Patna Law College, temples along the ghats, some old buildings and few schools are located in the
IPIA.
Meteorology: The climate in Patna is characterized by quite hot summers to moderately cold winters.
In the Ganga basin the mean maximum and mean minimum temperature as recorded in Patna is
respectively 31.9°C and 20.8°C. The relative humidity ranges between 80-93%. The mean annual
rainfall is 1003.4mm. The maximum Wind speed is 177 km/h while the average wind speed during the
year is 5 km/h. The wind direction near the river area varies from NE during the summer season to
SW during the winter season.
Topography: .The topography near the Ganga Ghats in Patna City is like a saucer and city has
drainage issues during monsoon season. This core area of Ganga Ghats in Patna faces problems of
over crowding (e.g. Collectorate ghat, Anta ghat, B.N College ghat, Gulbi ghat etc.) which has lead to
enormous pressure on the physical infrastructure and traffic congestion.
Geology: Ganga ghats are part of the Indo-Gangetic alluvium, one of the three main physiographic
divisions of India, which separates Extra-Peninsular regions on the north from the peninsular region
on the south. The quaternary sediments are deposited unconformable on the Achaean basement.
Physiography and Soil: The project area of Patna RFD falls under active alluvial plain and the soil of
the Patna river basin area is characterized by Calcareous alluvial (UstochreptsHaplaquepts) i.e. it is
slightly alkaline. This shows that the alluvium deposit in this region is old alluvium deposit.
Seismicity: The DPIA and IPIA fall under Seismic Zone-IV i.e. in low hazard zone.
Drainage: The project area falls under the river basin of Ganga and sub basins of Punpun, Gandhak
and Burhi-Gandak-Bagmati river basins. As per the local observation, Ganga river near the project
Ghats are meandering to the left and during the summer season, lean flow is observed between
Collectorate Ghat to Adalat Ghat at the right bank of river Ganga.
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Air Quality: Baseline Ambient air quality was monitored during September 2012 at 3 locations to
understand the air quality of the DPIA for 24 hours in each location as per CPCB standards for the
parameters like PM10, PM2.5, SOx, NOx, HC and CO. The air quality data are given in table 2.
Table 2: Ambient Air Quality within study area
Noise Quality: Noise quality monitoring has been undertaken for the duration of 24 hrs. at 3 selected
locations. The monitoring data is given in table 3.
Soil Quality: The soil quality has been carried out in 3 locations and it has been observed that the
soil quality is slightly alkaline which also support the presence of Calcareous Alluvium. The texture of
soil is mostly silty loam and loamy.
Water Quality: Water quality samples were collected from 7 locations including upstream and
downstream of Ganga at Anta Ghat where a major sewage outfall has been seen. In general the DO
content of water is quite good ranging more than 7mg/l. The BOD content at the downstream of Anta
ghat shows the impact of Sewage on Ganga as the noted BOD was observed as 12.9 mg/l. In other
locations the BOD content has been seen in the range of 2-3.3 mg/l. Overall the water quality of
Ganga at the project locations are still well within the bathing water quality.
Flora and Fauna: The proposed project partly comprises of Riparian Habitat and partly terrestrial
Habitat. The floristic survey of the proposed site witnesses scattered growth of grasses (mainly
weeds), rooted hydrophytes, emerging hydrophytes and shrubs. Commonly reported weeds species
are Congress grass (Partheniumhysterophorus), Lantana (Lantana Camara), Eipatoriumtrilpineve,
Solanumxanthiocarpum and Datura (Dathurastromonium). The species of grasses reported along the
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The fauna reported in the area are mainly avifauna (highest diversity) followed by mammals and
reptiles. The commonly reported avifauna in the study area are Common crow, Myna, Eagle,
Sparrow, Babbler, Pigeon, Cattle Egrets, Red Vented bulbul, Drongo, Sparrow, Indian Roller etc.
Aquatic mammals like Gangetic Dolphins (PlatanistaGangeticagangetica) have been reported in the
study area.
The fish species reported in the project area include Mrigal (Cirrhinamrigala), Catla (CatlaCatla), Rohu
(Labeorohita), Calbasu (Labeocalbasu), Bata (Labeobata), Kalabans (Labeodero), Tengara
(Mystustengara), Singhi (Heyeropneustusfossilis), Palwa (Mystuscavasius), Pothia (Puntiussophore),
Phasia (Setipinnabrevifilis).
Cultural and Heritage Resources: A detailed survey of cultural and heritage buildings in and around
the project area was carried out by INTACH as part of preparation of Cultural Impact Assessment
(CIA) Report and has identified 26 structures in the DPIA. While none of them physically affected,
care shall be taken during construction to avoid damages to these structures. These structures are
not included either in the list of Archeological Survey of India or Government of Bihar.
The anticipated environmental impact both during the construction and operation sages are
summarized in table 4.
Table 4: Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures
S.No Potential Environmental Impacts Mitigation Measures
Design and Pre-Construction Stage
1 Vegetation Clearance and Tree Cutting Trees are required to be saved as per the designs and
drawings of promenade and ghat development. Vegetation
are to be removed before commencement of construction
2 Resettlement of PAP Nearly 229 PAFs are to be resettled as per the RAP report
and summary given in Annexure 1.3.
3 Procumbent of plant and machinery Specifications to comply with the relevant national standard
norms of emission control.
4 Set up of construction camp (For 25-30 The construction camps will be located at least 200 m away
Peoples) from Ganga ghats and there must be basic living standard as
per the guidelines given in Annexure 1.2.
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Septic Tank and soak pit shall be provided for the sewage;
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PUBLIC CONSULTATION
Local people were extensively consulted while carrying out the EA study. A total of 8 FGDs were
conducted in the project area in the project influence area. Further, municipal ward councilors, MLAs
rd
were consulted on 3 August 2013. In addition to the above, a city level public consultation was
th
carried out on 30 August 2013 to obtain the views of local people. While most of the people
welcomed the project and views and suggestion are incorporated in the project and EMP, wherever
applicable.
EMP BUDGET
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River Ganga has a significant economic, environmental and cultural value in India. Rising from the
Himalayas and flowing into the Bay of Bengal, the river traverses through a course of more than 2500
km in the plains of north and eastern India. Increasing population in the basin and haphazard
urbanization and industrial growth has significantly impacted the water quality of river Ganga,
particularly during the dry season. The primary sources of pollution are untreated sewage and
industrial wastewater, also non-point pollution sources from agriculture and livestock, religious
activities and poor solid waste management also contribute significantly to the pollution.
The previous attempts to clean the river, such as Ganga Action Plan (GAP) launched in 1985 have
provided some gains in arresting rate of water quality degradation, but lot more needs to be done.
As a major first step in this direction, the Government of India (GoI) has established the National
Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) for comprehensive management of the river. The NGRBA
program will adopt a river basin approach and has been given multi-sectoral mandate to address both
water quantity and quality aspects.
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The NGRBA program will adopt a river basin approach and has been given multi-sectoral mandate to
address both water quantity and quality aspects. To achieve this objective, NGRBA is implementing a
project with financial assistance from The World Bank. The portfolio of investments supported by
NGRBA under this project includes the following:
These investments in the first phase of the program is spread across several cities and/or towns
within Ganga main stem states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal.
At present the existing facilities at the Ghats are quite poor. There is no change room or toilet facility
on the Ghats. The Ghats are neither big enough to accommodate thousands of Devotees during
Chhath festival nor there is any facility like changing rooms. There is hardly any Ghat where Visitors
of Patna can go for an enjoyable glimpse of river Ganges. The entire river bank is hard surface, they
are either Ghats or stone pitched and there is virtually very little landscaping or soft surface along the
river edge. There are also no city level parks.
River water fronts have potential to become the recreational and cultural hubs of city and have
emerged as lively urban face. This can transform the water front areas from marginal use and connect
to the main stream; public activity etc. The great potential of river front development eluded the people
of Patna.
River water front development also has potential to create Environmental Awareness for cleanliness
of river and generating Ecological Awareness and tourism for the river edge and thus prevent
disposal of untreated sewage into the river, and also prevent solid waste dumping on the river banks.
1
The history of Patna spans three millennia and has the distinction of being associated with two most ancient
religions of the world, namely Buddhism and Jainism. Patna was originally known as Patliputra in the Mauryan
empire. The mighty river Ganges is an intrinsic part of life of Patna.
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Now with this decision of Govt. of Bihar to develop the Ganga river front, a great opportunity for urban
transformation of city has emerged. The proposed Patna RFD will be developed under the portfolio of
investment under NGRBA.
The proposed Patna river front development project is spread over 6.6 km from Collectorate Ghat to
Naujar Ghat and would involve the following activities:
Development of 20 ghats (from Collectorate ghat to Naujar ghat including change room);
Promenades including kiosks (connecting some of the ghats together);
Community cum cultural centers;
Landscape work in the precinct zones;
City level parks;
Improvement of approach roads to the precincts
Development of Crematoria in Gulbi ghat with provision of electric crematoria
Development of interceptor drain;
Toilet Complex
Details of the developments are presented in Chapter-2. The total project cost proposed for Patna
RFD is INR 24327.00 Lakhs.
The present Patna RFD project will be implemented under NGRBA program being implemented with
the financial assistance from the World Bank. As per the Environmental and Social Management
Framework of NGRBA, the project has been screened (given in details in chapter-4) for its impacts
and has been identified as high impact category and hence an EIA study has been carried along with
specific EMP.
The scope of the EIA study has been finalized based upon the project screening and categorization
and is given below:
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M/s Sen and Lall Consultants Pvt. Ltd. is the technical consultant for this project and M/s NilaA
Architecture and Urban Design is the architect consultant for this project for the proposed river front
development in Patna including development of 20 ghats, promenade including kiosks, community
cum cultural centre, landscape work in the precinct zones, city level parks and development of
approach road to the ghats.
M/s Voyants Solutions Pvt. Ltd. is the EIA consultant for the project.
Chapter- 1 Introduction
This chapter describes briefly describes the project, NGRBA
Portfolios of Investments, the ESMF and need of EIA study.
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2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
A detailed project report on riverfront revitalization has been prepared to enhance the potential of
Patna‟s river edge infrastructure and future decade. This is an unprecedented opportunity to create
new public realm facing towards the river that is strongly connected to the city‟s urban fabric. The
report outlines a set of urban strategies that form the larger civic vision to the water front in the city
and illustrates the detail proposal in ghat precincts.
The main aim of the project is to attempt with a proposal that works collaboratively with Architecture
and Engineering, Urban design and Ecology and Landscape Design. The project area is spread over
a length of 6.6 km of the water front starting at Collectorate ghat and down the river till Ganga Setu
and beyond upto Naujar ghat.
The history of Patna spans three millennia and has the distinction of being associated with two most
ancient religions of the world, namely, Buddhism and Jainism. The state has seen the rise and fall of
mighty empires of the Mauryas and the Guptas. The Patna was originally known as Patliputra in the
Mauryan empire. From this city the famed emperor Chandragupta ruled a vast empire from Bay of
Bengal to Afghanistan.
This state has also produced several eminent world class scholars namely:
Aryabhatt-Famous mathematician and astronomers
Chanakya-Master of State Craft and Guru of Chandragupta Maurya
It is believed that Patliputra was among the largest cities of the world between 300 and 195B.C.
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The mighty river Ganges is an intrinsic part of life of Patna. This being an historical city, the
settlements started right after river‟sbank edge and consequently the river‟sedge remain unattended. The
great potential of riverfront development eluded the people of Patna.
The famous Chhathh Puja of Eastern India is celebrated in Patna with great gaiety on river Ganga‟s
banks. More than five lakhs devotees offer Puja to Sun God on the occasion of Chhathh Puja in the
month of October. On this occasion lakhs of people trek to Ganges and after holy dip in the Ganges
worship Sun God.
Recently Ganga Aarti has started at 2 nos. ghats, namely Gandhi ghat and Bhadra ghat. The Tourism
Department conducts these activities on weekly basis and this already has emerged an attractive
weekly event of city. Such programs can create enormous awareness for cleanliness of river Ganges.
Now with the decision of Bihar Govt. to develop the Ganga river front, a great opportunity for Urban
transformation of city has emerged.
The spread of Patna along river Ganga The spread of Patna city in and around Gandhi
Maidan
During the visit of the project team of the environmental consultants to assess the existing conditions of
the ghats the following point emerges:
Sanitation: At present the existing facilities at the ghats are quite poor. Practically there is no
infrastructure in the ghats. Disposal of raw sewage from settlement and slums is very common
including open defecation along the edge. Further there are dairy units along the ghat the
waste is directly disposed to river Ganga (Refer Figure 2.2).
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Disposal of sewage from building lines along Domesticated animal and dairy units along ghat,
ghat to river ganga disposal of animal waste to river Ganga
Open Defecation along edges of river Ganga Direct disposal of solid waste from the
slum/colonies along the river bank into river Ganga
Figure 2.2: Sanitation issues along the ghats
Festivals and Safety: The ghats are neither big enough to accommodate thousands of
Devotees during Chhath festival. There are high chances of accident if any mishap happens
with the devotees.
Encroachments: Illegal colonies, slums and encroachment are observed along the ghat
especially at Bhadra ghat high density of slum observed. The colonies are developed so close
to the bank that during monsoon, there are chances of drowning and unsafe conditions. (Refer
figure 2.3).
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Safety issues during Night time: There is no lighting along the ghats making it really unsafe
to women and general public as well. On the contrary at Gandhi Ghat has been developed well
for recreational purposes.
Edge Restoration:. Stone pitching has been observed along the river bank. This is a practice
being done to protect the banks from erosion but this does not sustain for more than 2-3
years and every time such types of edge restoration work is done without any kind of
landscaping or green area, reduces the ecological activities in the river edges and impacts the
food chain (Figure 2.5).
Unsafe Ghats-No clear entry exit route: At present the ghats are very narrow and the steps
are very steep especially at Mishri ghat. Almost all the ghats have some temple and devotees
go for puja and making it difficult for children, women and aged persons.
Further, there is no demarked entry or exit route to the ghats from the banks which also
creates unsafe conditions during mass gatherings like Chhatth festival etc.
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Figure 2.5:Adalat Ghat Edge Condition Analysis (Boulder pitching at the edges)
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At present the existing facilities at the Ghats are quite poor. There is no change room or toilet facility
on the Ghats. The Ghats are neither big enough to accommodate thousands of Devotees during
Chhath festival nor there is any facility like changing rooms. There is hardly any Ghat where Visitors
of Patna can go for an enjoyable glimpse of river Ganges. The entire river bank is hard surface, there
are either Ghats or stone pitched or there is virtually very little landscaping or soft surface along the
river edge. There are also no city level parks.
River water fronts have potential to become the recreational and cultural hubs of city and have
emerged as lively urban face. This can transform the water front areas from marginal use and connect
to the main stream, public activity etc. The great potential of river front development eluded the people
of Patna.
River water front development also has potential to create Environmental Awareness for cleanliness
of river and generating Ecological Awareness and tourism for the river edge and thus prevent disposal
of untreated sewage into the river, and also prevent solid waste dumping on the river banks.
Now with this decision of Bihar Govt. to develop the Ganga river front, a great opportunity for urban
transformation of city has emerged. The proposed Patna RFD will be developed under the portfolio of
investment under NGRBA.
After several discussions with the government agencies and NGRBA the need for the river front
development in Patna along river Ganga was taken in to consideration mainly for the following
reasons:
Upgradation of Ghats:
At present the existing facilities at the ghats are quite poor. Practically there is no change room or
toilet facility in the ghats. The ghats are also not big enough to accommodate thousands of Devotees
during Chhath festival. There is hardly any ghat where Visitors to Patna can go for an enjoyable
glimpse of river Ganges.
2
The history of Patna spans three millennia and has the distinction of being associated with two most ancient
religions of the world, namely Buddhism and Jainism. Patna was originally known as Patliputra in the Mauryan
Empire. The mighty river Ganges is an intrinsic part of life of Patna.
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Environmental Awareness:
The proposed river front development has potential to become one of the recreational and cultural
hubs of the city and can emerge as lively urban face. This can transform the water front areas from
marginal use and connect to main stream, public activity etc. Once such public place is being
developed then the necessary environmental awareness and citizen‟s responsibility towards the
cleanliness of river Ganga is expected to be developed along with increase of tourism. It is expected
that the proposed river front development in Patna would enhance the environmental awareness
specifically addressing (i) sanitation issues, (ii) prevent disposal of untreated sewage from the houses
adjoin the ghats, (iii) prevent uncontrolled disposal of solid waste in the river, (iv) ecological
awareness among people and among the fishermen specifically regarding Ganga Dolphin and (v)
Open Defecation. The Project also expected to generate awareness among the pilgrims as well as
with the line department regarding the health, safety and environmental issues during mass gathering
of people during famous chhath festival and “Ganga Aarti” along Ganga ghats.
Ghat Landscaping:
At present only stone pitching work has been observed along the banks which are generally need to
be repeated for every 2-3 years of time. This generally reduces the ecological activities along the
banks.
The proposed project is proposed with ecological edge restoration work along the banks.
The proposed Patna river front development project would involve the following projects:
Development of 20ghats (from Collectorate ghat to Naujar ghat including change room);
Promenades including kiosks (connecting some of the ghats together);
Community cum cultural centres;
Landscape work in the precinct zones;
City level parks; and,
Improvement of approach roads to the precincts
Development of Crematoria in Gulbi Ghat to an electric crematoria
Development of interceptor drains (total 8 nos.)
Toilet Complex
The proposed 20 ghats considered to be developed under this project given in table 2.1 and shown in
figure 2.8 respectively.
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The proposed development of promenades are given below and shown in figure 2.8 and 2.9:
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After the development of the urban precincts the view of a ghat is shown in figure 2.10.
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Three number of community cum culture centres are proposed as given below and shown in figure
2.11.
Community cum Eco Centre at Collectorate ghat: This centre is facilitated with community
landscape court with sit out, eco-centre cum meeting hall, café sitting in the second floor. The
total built up area would be 2014 sq.m.
Community cum cultural Centre at Bhadra ghat: This centre will be facilitated with food
court and community hall and children centre, multi purpose hall for dance and performance
and a promenade view café. The total built up area would be 1273 sq.m.
Dolphin Information Centre at Gai ghat: The total built up area would be 950 sq.m
Café at Patna College: This centre will be facilitated with café in the ground floor, Reading
st nd
room and kids reading area in the 1 floor and Amphitheatre and viewing deck in the 2 floor.
The proposed built up area is 381 sq.m
Audio-Visual theatre at Gandhi ghat: This centre is facilitated with café in the ground floor,
st nd
audio-visual hall in the 1 floor, amphitheater and viewing deck in the 2 floor. Total built up
area 381 sq.m.
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The proposal has also put forward a framework to integrate landscape in to the existing river edge
design. The landscape design has listed criteria like edge restoration, bio-diversity for wildlife,
methods for carbon reduction , providing Larger open space for people for rituals, activity and
exercise, walks, workshops, seminars, shade areas for people, concepts of bio-degradable garbage,
flood control through landscape engineering and environmental education.
The development on the river edge has to be of a kind that doesn‟t harm the river ecology. The design
solution is a sustainable process. Steps have been taken to put in place on the promenade network of
waste disposal. The textures and use of material be such that it would be green and environment
friendly.
Landscape work has been proposed in four (4) number of precinct zones as given below and shown
in figure 2.12:
The proposal under the landscape works at the precinct zones will include the following aspects:
Riparian edge restoration, planting long edge for biodiversity of wild life, carbon reduction,
nutrient exchange along edge
Large open space to facilitate people for rituals, activity and exercise, walks, workshops,
seminars, shade areas for people
Flood control through landscape engineering permanent and temporary
Environmental education
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Two (2) city level parks are proposed respectively at Patna College ghat and Gai ghat
A schematic view of proposed development of approach road is given in figure 2.13. The length and
width of access roads to the project ghats are listed in Table: 2-2. As part of the DPR it has been
proposed that Govt. may suitably take up clear pathways along these access roads along with street
lighting.
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Government has planned to improve these access roads through providing clear pathways and street
lighting as suggested in the DPR.
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At present the present crematoria uses wood as burning material. This electric crematorium will help
in reducing the wood consumption and next it would give more burning facilities. These electric
crematoria would help in burning 30 dead bodies in a day.
Toilet complexes are proposed at 3 locations as part of the project namely at Collectorate Ghat, Anta
Ghat and Bhadra Ghat. Nearly 600 people are expected to use each of these toilets in a day.
The project also envisages towards improving interceptor drains to capture the sewage getting
directly disposed to Ganga from the building along the ghat and run-off and then finally disposing
them off at a main drain line. A total of 8 such interceptor drains are being proposed.
The proposed river front development has potential to become one of the recreational and cultural
hubs of the city and can emerge as lively urban face. This can transform the water front areas from
marginal use and connect to main stream, public activity etc. Once such public place is being
developed then the necessary environmental awareness and citizen‟s responsibility towards the
cleanliness of river Ganga is expected to be developed along with increase of tourism. It is expected
that the proposed river front development in Patna would enhance the environmental awareness
specifically addressing (i) sanitation issues, (ii) prevent disposal of untreated sewage from the houses
adjoining the ghats, (iii) prevent uncontrolled disposal of solid waste in the river, (iv) ecological
awareness among people and among the fishermen specifically regarding Ganga Dolphin and (v)
Open Defecation. The Project also expected to generate awareness among the pilgrims along with
various line department health, safety and environmental issues during festivals like “Chatth Puja”
and “Ganga Aarti”.
The proposed project site is located along the river Ganga starting from Collectorate ghat and spread
beyond the Ganga setu. Few of the ghats are proposed to be connected through promenade and
would also involve landscape work.
The location map of the proposed project site is provided in Figure 2.14 and existing landuse along
the ghats is presented in Figure 2.15.
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„Chhathh Festival‟ is the most important festival of Bihar. Millions of devotees congregate on bank of river
Ganga for taking a dip and also undertake other religious rituals. The celebration of Chhath festival would
become much more comfortable to these devotees by construction of walkway and the socio-cultural
centres. This will also help in developing tourist attraction as Ganga Aarti can be organized on regular
basis at 2 – 3 ghats as is done in other religious cities like Varanasi, Haridwar etc. This will also help
develop ecological awareness to prevent the pollution of the river.
The Promenades will provide an alternative passage for people to travel from one ghat to the other
directly without getting on to the main road. This will greatly reduce traffic on main road and reduce
misery of people in traffic, particularly during festival times. The Promenades will reduce the distance to
be travelled and time required for going from one ghat to the other substantially. The Promenades will
also provide a panoramic view of the river banks and ghats to the visitors.
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The policies, regulations and administrative framework within which the project is to be implemented with
respect to environmental management and protection are reviewed in this section. The review includes
the sector-specific Environmental and Policies and Regulations of the Government of India, National
policies regarding socio-economic issues and the Administrative framework of various agencies, such as
the Ministry of Environment and Forest, the Pollution Control Boards and other bodies associated with the
implementation of the proposed project.
The following laws and regulations are application to the environment and social aspects of the proposed
ghat development program:
The Project is seeking financing from World Bank and hence their environmental and social safeguards
are also applicable to this Project. The categorization of the project as per World Bank guideline is
detailed in Chapter-4.
Constitutional Provisions
The Constitution of India, in Article 48, of Directive Principles of the State, states that “the state shall
endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard forests and wildlife of the country”.
Further Article 51-A (g), of fundamental duties, emphasizes that, “It shall be the duty of every citizen of
India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife and to
have compassion for living creatures”. These two provisions of the constitution are the guiding principles
for the environmental legislation in India.
The Government of India has laid down various policy guidelines, regulations, acts and legislations
pertaining to sustainability and protection of the environment and its various components. The statutory
requirements for the proposed project are discussed briefly in the following paragraphs.
The Environment (Protection) Act, popularly known as EP Act, is an umbrella legislation that supplements
existing environmental regulations. Empowered by the EP Act, the Ministry of Environment and Forests
(MoEF), the Government of India has issued the following notifications regulating the siting of industry
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and operations, procuring clearance to establish industries and development of projects with appropriate
Environmental Impact studies, coastal zone regulations and many other aspects of environment through
notifications. One of the important notifications under this Act is EIA notification which discusses a gamut
of projects under various sectors and requirement of Prior Environmental Clearance for a particular
project as per the notification. The applicability of EIA notification for the Patna RFD and requirement of
Prior Environmental Clearance, if any is discussed below.
th
EIA Notification 14 September 2006 and its applicability for Patna RFD:
Patna RFD is a river front development which does not fall under any project category of the EIA
th
notification 14 September 2006. However, it has mix used development including construction of large
area, buildings, road carpet improvement etc. The total construction area for the Patna RFD project is
given in table 3-1.
The total built up area as part of the building construction is 2700 sq.m; which is less than 20,000 sq.m
and the total construction area is 69,500 which is less than 1, 50,000 sq.m. Thus the project does not fall
under schedule of activities 8(a) (Building and Construction Projects) or 8(b) (Area Development Projects
and Townships) of EIA notification 2006 and its recent amendments and does not attract requirement of
any Prior Environmental Clearance.
The key environmental laws and related regulations are given in table 3.2. The key environmental
regulations can also be accessed at www.MoEF.nic.in/rules-and-regulations.
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(Yes/No)
Wildlife (Protection)
1 The Wildlife Protection Act, No This act is not applicable as Chief Conservator
Act 1972
1972 has been formulated no any sanctuary / national Wildlife, Wildlife
in order to protect the wild park exists within 10 km wing, state forest
life in sanctuaries and radius of project site. department, MoEF,
National Park. GoI
The Vikramshila Gangetic
Dolphin Sanctuary is more
than 160km from project
site
However, schedule-I
animal, Dolphin have been
observed in the left bank of
Ganga for which suitable
monitoring and mitigation
measure have been
suggested.
2 Land Acquisition Sets out rule for acquisition No No private land acquisition Revenue
Act, 1894 (As of land by govt. is involved. However, the Department, State
amended) social assessment study Government
has identified about 229
projects affected Families,
residing along the bank of
the river. Suitable RAP for
these PAPs has been
developed as part of the
project.
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(Yes/No)
3 The Air (Prevention To control air pollution by Yes This act will be applicable SPCB
and Control of controlling emission of air during the construction
Pollution) Act, 1981 pollutants as per the stage
prescribed standards.
4 Water Prevention To control water pollution Yes This act is applicable for SPCB
and Control of by controlling discharge of the construction stage of
(Pollution) act, pollutants as per the the project.
1974 prescribed standards
5 The Noise Pollution The standards for noise for Yes This act will be applicable SPCB
(Regulation and day and night have been for all construction
Control) Rules, promulgated by the MoEF equipments deployed at
2000 for various land uses. worksite
6 Municipal Solid To manage collection, Yes This rule is applicable both Moe, CPCB, SPCB
Wastes transportation, segregation, during the construction
(Management and treatment and disposal of stage (from generation of
Handling) Rules, municipal solid waste waste from labour camp)
2000 and generation of waste
from ghat users during
operation stage.
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(Yes/No)
8 Public Liability Act This act details out the No Largely no such hazardous SPCB
and Insurance act requirement of protection waste is being expected
1991 from hazardous materials from ghat development
and accidents and sets the project hence this act is not
guideline how to store the applicable. Contractor need
hazardous materials. to abide by this act if they
store hazardous
substances such as
petroleum products, etc.
Other applicable acts and rules mostly related to the construction activities are given below:
Engagement of labour and basic facility to be provided and labour licence to be obtained.
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The employer is supposed to pay not less than the minimum wages fixed by appropriate government as
per provisions of the act.
The building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions
of Service) Act 1996 ad the Cess Act of 1996
All the establishments who carry on any building or other construction work employ 10 or more workers
are covered under this Act; the employer of the establishment is required to provide safety measures at
the building or construction work and other welfare measures, such as canteens, first-aid facilities,
ambulance, housing accommodation for workers near the workplace etc.)
Whereas it is expedient to prohibit engagement of child in factory, mining and similar other risky work and
to make necessary provision for health. Child‟s safety and services and facilities while engaging them in
other work.
This act will be applicable to make sure not to engage any child labour.
An ESMF has been developed for all the NGRBA portfolios of investments. The Investments aims at
preventing discharge of untreated sewage into River Ganga and thus aiding abatement of river water
pollution and improvement in water quality. Consequently, this also contributes to the improvement in the
status of environment health and sanitation for the citizens of the concerned cities and towns. The
Investments, to be implemented, have its own beneficial as well as adverse impacts.
Ensure that all investments adhere to the national, state and local regulatory requirements during
the design, implementation and operation stage;
Ensure that best environmental and social practices are mainstreamed/integrated during design,
implementation and operation of the investments;
Strive to enhance environmental conditions wherever feasible;
Undertake to develop communication strategy, capacity building and training initiative for all
stakeholders such as the SPMGs, EAs, ULBs, NGOs and common citizen.
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The Riverfront Management Investments involve river front development schemes, beautification of river
banks, construction of bathing ghats along rivers, lakes and water body improvements, redevelopment of
cremation ground among others.
As part of river front investments, there will not be any permanent adverse or negative impacts due to
these investments, if there are no major interferences in the river flow channel hydraulics, which can
trigger erosion and siltation issues either in situ or elsewhere along the course of the river. Impacts due to
such investments could be minimized or mitigated by appropriate interventions and engineering designs.
The environmental issues that may arise due to investments like river front development schemes are:
However in Patna RFD, the project has been envisaged to take care of the issues in the design stage
itself. For example the ecological edge restoration work, development of land scape actually helps in
improving the present situation of drainage pattern. The project also envisaged to provide management of
solid and liquid waste expected to generate from the project and thereby improving the river water quality.
The project also provides various benefits due to such river front development such as:
Ensuring more safe environment for bathing for children and older people with the implementation
of life guard and guard rails;
Opportunities for employment for people who will operate kiosks and other informal economic
activities due to development of the ghats as an open public place to the people of Patna;
More efficient management of solid waste and sewerage generated along project ghats; and,
Improvement of safety measures with deployment of efficient exit routes during religious
gatherings along the project ghats.
As regards to the Social Impacts, the requirement of land for all these investments is rather small.
However, wherever there is displacement of titleholders/ non-titleholders, it may involve resettlement
issues and may result in temporary loss of access to private and common properties during construction.
The ESMF of NGRBA advices to adhere to the following rules and regulations related to Environment:
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The applicability of these rules and regulations pertaining to Environment largely depends upon the type
of project. On a generic note each project under NGRBA need to check the applicability of following rules
and regulations:
The ESMF of NGRBA advices to adhere to the following rules and regulations related to Social:
As part of the ESMF, each project are required to be scrutinized as to its location, scale and sensitivity
and magnitude of its potential environmental impacts.The extent of assessment required to identify and
mitigate the impacts largely depends upon the complexities of project activities. The scrutiny and
screening will be based on a detailed environmental and social screening exercise.
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The level of impact (high/low) will be decided based upon the overall assessment of the Environmental
and Social Screening exercise.
High Impact Category: A proposed investment will be classified as High impact category, if it is likely to
impact (adverse or moderate) the environmental and social aspects of the investments. The High
Category investments will also include all those investments which require the mandatory environmental
clearance as per the EIA 93 notification S.O 1533 (E) dated Sept 2006, published by Ministry of
Environment and Forests.
The investments categorized as “High” would require conducting an Environmental and Social
Assessment (ESA) by an independent agency (other than the agency designing the project) and the
scope of the assessment will be decided based on the nature of the investment and the environmental
and social sensitivity of the area.
The ESA report may include (a) Detailed description of the Environmental and Social condition of the
project area; (b) an assessment of the potential impacts; (c) formulation of mitigation measures; (d)
preparation of environmental and social management plan
The project categorization of Patna RFD has been detailed in Chapter-4 after project screening.
Conclusion:
The total construction area of the project is 69,500 and is thus less than the threshold construction
area (1,50,000) which attracts obtaining prior environmental clearance under schedule 8(b) of
projects (large construction and township) as per EIA notification 2006 and its subsequent
amendments;
Further the total built up are of the project is 2700 sq.m which is less than the threshold limit of built
up area (20,000 sq. m) which requires prior environmental clearance under schedule 8(a) of projects
as per EIA notification 2006 and its subsequent amendments;
The project area does not require any clearance under Forest (Conservation) Act 1980 with
amendments made in 1988 (for details please refer section 4.4.3 of EIA report);
Project area also does not fall under any protected area declared under Wildlife protection act 1972
also is not within 10km boundary of any protected area declared under Wildlife protection act 1972
(please refer section 4.4.3 for details);
Contractor also needs to take necessary permission and NOC‟s (if required) for setting up of their
plant and machineries as prescribed in table 3-2;
Contractor also need to abide by various provisions of construction related acts like Contract Labour
(Regulation & Abolition) Act, 1970, Minimum Wages Act, 1948, The building and Other Construction
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Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act 1996 ad the Cess Act of 1996,
Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 2000;
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4. DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENT
In Patna River Front Development (RFD) all the development work are associated with the right bank of
river Ganga. Hence the right bank and the ghat sections have been considered as the influence area for
the EIA study. In general 200 m lateral distance from the right bank side has been considered as Direct
Project Influence Area (DPIA) and 500 m lateral distance from the right bank side has been considered as
Indirect Project Influence Area (IPIA).
The DPIA and IPIA, mostly consists of built up area which also includes some old and important
buildings. There are very few open spaces in the IPIA, the only prominent one being Gandhi maidan.
There is no natural sensitive area observed within the DPIA or IPIA such as wildlife sanctuary, national
park, protected areas, conservation reserve, tiger reserve, protected lake, etc. However man made
sensitive locations like Patna Medical College, Patna College, B.N. College, Patna Law College, temples
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along the ghats, some old buildings and few schools are observed falling within the DPIA and IPIA. The
lists of such man-made sensitive areas are listed below:
There are some important old buildings observed within the DPIA and IPIA, which include:
Commissioner‟ Office;
St. Xavier‟s School;
Old Police Lines;
Collectorate Building;
Bankipore Club;
Graham‟s House;
B.N.College;
Victoria Jubilee Club;
St. Joseph‟s Cathedral;
Patna Medical College;
Anjuman Islamia Hall;
Darbhanga House;
Patna College;
Khuda Baksh Library;
Wheeler Senate Hall;
Patna Science College;
NIT Patna;
Rani Ghat;
Pathar Ki Masjid;
Tekari House;
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However none of these buildings are listed as archeologically important sites protected under The Ancient
Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
The details of environment and social screening details are shown in table 4.1 as given below:
Table 4-1 : Environment and Social Screening for River Front Development
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After overall assessment of the project, this project can be considered high impact on Environment and
Socio-economic environment. Hence as per the NGRBA framework (page 92, section 4.4.1 of NGRBA
framework) the project has been categorized as high impact category.
The proposed project is river front development of Ganga Ghats in Patna, comprising development of 20
ghats (total length of 6.60 km), promenade including kiosks, community cum cultural centre, landscape
work in the precinct zones, city level parks and development of approach road to the ghats. The detail of
ghats along River Ganga is provided in the Table 4-2.
Table 4-2: Proposed Ghats for Developments along river Ganga in Ganga Ghats
Ghat Names
Anta ghat B.N. College ghat
Adalat ghat Mishri ghat
T.N. Banerjee ghat Krishna ghat
Baharwa ghat Rani ghat
Ghagha ghat Raushan ghat
Choudharytola ghat Pathri ghat
Alamgaunj ghat Naurwa ghat
Hanuman ghat Raja ghat
Gai ghat Bhadra ghat
Mahavir ghat Naujar ghat
Source: Feasibility Study
The baseline environmental setting has been studied using secondary data as well as primary data to
understand the present environmental scenario of the proposed location. Primary data has been collected
at site during post monsoon season in the month of September, 2012 by an NABL approved laboratory.
Climate
The climate of Patna is characterized by quite hot summers to moderately cold winters. The day
temperature generally ranges from 21.1ºC (Avg.) in January to 38.7ºC (Avg.) in May and night
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temperature from 7.3ºC (Avg.) in December to 27.7ºC in May/June (Avg.). The summer begins in April
and peaks in June/July with the temperature soaring up to 43°C (Max) till the moisture laden monsoon
wind bring some much-needed relief to the parched fields. The rains last through August /September and
continue into early October.
Relative Humidity
The weather in the Ganga Ghats in Patna is characterized by a distinct wet season during the period of
south west monsoon (June to September). The air temperature starts falling with the onset of the
monsoon from June onwards, making the weather more humid and equable. The diurnal range between
the daily mean minimum and the daily mean maximum temperature reduces progressively as the
monsoon advances. Eventually, the lowest diurnal range of temperature occurs at the peak of the
monsoon, which is usually in August, though sometimes in July. As soon as the monsoon is over, the
diurnal range of temperature starts increasing rapidly to a maximum attained during the month of
November. The rainfall and temperature detail in Patna is given in Table 4-3.
Table 4-3: Rainfall and Temperature at Patna in Ganga Basin
0
S.No Station Mean Water surplus Rainfall as Mean Temp in C
and Year Annual in wet months; expressed in Maximum Minimum
Rainfall Jul-Sep (mm) percentage of
(mm) annual rainfall
from Jul-Sep
1 Patna 1003.4 807.1 80.4 31.9 20.8
(1951-
1980)
Source: Indian Meteorological Department
Wind Speed
The maximum wind speed is 177 km/h while the average wind speed during the year is 5 km/h
Wind Direction
By the Indian Metrological data (IMD) the wind direction near the river area varies from NE during the
summer season and SW during the winter season.
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Topography
Patna district can be sub-divided into two prominent natural features comprising:
A narrow strip of somewhat high land about 8 km in width along the Southern bank of the Ganges
having very fertile soil & alluvial fertile plains in the remaining portions. Patna does not contain
any hilly region. It has an entirely alluvial and flat region;
Patna is located on the south bank of the Ganga River. The town is situated at an altitude of 48 -
51 m above mean sea level. A characteristic of the geography of Patna is its confluence of five
rivers in its vicinity. The Ganga River being the largest and the other being Ghaghara, Gandak,
Punpun and Sone. Patna is unique in having.
The land in the district is highly fertile. The district is devoid of any forest wealth of consequences. The
alluvial text of land yields rice, sugarcane and other food grains.
The topography near the Ganga Ghats in Patna City is like a saucer and city has drainage issues during
monsoon season. This core area of Ganga Ghats in Patna faces problems of over crowding (e.g.
Collectorate ghat, Anta ghat, B.N College ghat, Gulbi ghat etc.) which has lead to enormous pressure on
the physical infrastructure and traffic congestion. The newer development areas lying in the central and
western part of Ganga Ghats comprise of both plotted developments and apartment houses.
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Geology
Ganga ghats are part of the Indo-Gangetic alluvium, one of the three main physiographic divisions of
India, which separates Extra-Peninsular regions on the north from the peninsular region on the south. The
level plain is known to be the outcome of a granular filling of a great depression with alluvial sediments
since Middle Pleistocene times. This forming a part of the flood plains of the Ganga has a monotonously
flat relief. The area under study is underlain by alluvial sediments of quaternary age. The quaternary
sediments are deposited unconformable on the Achaean basement.
Land use
During the baseline study the existing land use pattern with other geomorphological features around the
Patna RFD project and its surrounding area has been conducted as presented here in Figure 4.2 Figure
4-3 and Figure 4-4 respectively.
In Figure 4.2 the colour coded aspect map is representing the cardinal direction, which is based on
sunlight striking on the surface of the terrain along the River Ganga whioch shows the flow pattern of river
Ganga.
Figure 4.2: Colour coded aspect map for direction of the terrain along the RFD, Patna
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Figure 4.3: DEM Map along the project section in Ganga ghat section in Patna
This digital elevation model (Figure 4.3) along the Patna RFD project site clearly shows the elevation
pattern with direction and magnitude. This elevation map is helpful to understand the course pattern of
River Ganga within our project site including water catchment area.
Further, the existing land use within the DPIA and IPIA is observed from Figure 4.4. This land uses as
observed within the IPIA include mainly built up areas, major roads, vegetation, open spaces and water
bodies. The maps also indicate that the DPIA and IPIA are consisting of highly dense building lines.
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Figure 4.4: Land Use along the stretch of river bank to be developed under RFD project in
Patna
Physiographically, India is divided into seven major divisions: (1) Northern Mountains, (2) Great Plains (3)
Central Highlands (4) Peninsular Plateaus, (5) East Coast, (6) West Coast and (7) Islands.
The Ganga basin falls entirely within the first three divisions. The peninsular plateau of the Gangetic
trough (with an elevation of less than 300 meters) is filled with older (Pleistocene) and recent alluvial,
forming nearly 4,000,000 Sq.Km in the states of Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal as
shown in Fig: 4.5. The project area of Patna RFD falls under active alluvial plain i.e. landform created by
deposition of sediment over a long period of time by river coming from highland regions.
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Soil: The Ganga basin is characterized by a wide variety of soils. The soils of the high Himalayas in the
north are subject to continued erosion and the Gangetic trough provides a huge receptacle into which
thousands of meters of thick sediment layers are deposited to form a wide valley plain.
Among the soil types within Ganga basin, the alluvial soil covers more than 52 per cent of the basin. The
alluvial deposits of the basin not only cover the great Gangetic trough, but also extend over a sizable
portion of the peninsular foreland in the form of a layer less than 3 metres thick. The entire alluvial
formation is endowed with rich soil nutrients.
The Patna river basin area is characterized by Calcareous alluvial (Ustochrepts Haplaquepts) i.e. it is
slightly alkaline. This shows that the alluvium deposit in this region is old alluvium deposit. In general the
Calcareous Alluvium has higher potential of binding of molecules than the newer alluvium or acidic
alluvium and hence the chance of erosion in Calcareous alluvium is comparatively lesser than acidic
alluvium.
Seismicity
According to Global Seismic Hazard Assessment Program (GSHAP), the state of Bihar lies in a region
with moderate to low to high seismic hazard, though the project site (Ganga Ghats) lies in Low Hazard
Zone (refer Figure 4-6). As per the 2002 Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) map, this state also falls in
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Zones III, IV & V. The project site (Ganga Ghats) falls under Zone IV (as per IS 1893 (Part-I): 2002), refer
Figure 4-7 which indicates that it is situated in moderately stable zone.
Figure 4.6: Seismic Hazard Map showing the Project Area (Ganga Ghats)
Project Area
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The project area falls under the Ganga river basin. The River Map of Bihar is provided in Figure 4-8.
The major tributaries of Ganga in India include Yamuna, Ghaghara, Gandak and Kosi.Chambal is one of
the major tributaries of Yamua, which merges with Ganga at Prayag (Allahabad). These tributaries and
their watershed form the 16 major sub-basins of the Ganga basin. Hoogly diverts from Ganga before
Ganga enters Bangladesh.
Patna river front development is situated at the right bank of river Ganga just after the confluence of
Ganga and Gandhak River. The project area mostly falls under the river basin of Ganga and sub basins
of Punpun, Gandhak and Burhi-Gandak-Bagmati river basins. As per the local observation, Ganga river
near the project Ghats is meandering to the left and during the summer season, limited flow is observed
between Collectorate Ghat to Adalat Ghat at the right bank of river Ganga.
The major sub-basin of Ganga in project area, Gandak- Burhi Gandak contributes mean annual flow
58.967 BCM which is about 11.23 % of total tributaries.
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Soil Quality
Soil samples have been collected from 3 Ghat areas during the environmental monitoring in the month of
September 2012. The location of soil samples were selected based upon following criteria:
Gulbi Ghat: It is well known for the cremation ground and hence is unique from the other ghats.
Possibilities of soil contamination could be highest at this site, so this site was selected;
Collectorate Ghat: The start point and open defecation was seen common and hence soil quality
monitoring was selected;
T.N Banerjee Ghat: Dairy units are found here and animal waste get mixed with water and soil,
so selected
Characterizations of soil samples was performed by adopting methods prescribed under relevant parts of
IS: 2720, “Indian Standard Methods of Test for Soils”. The soil analysis results are given in Table 4-4.
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The soil quality as observed shows alkaline content which supports the presence of Calcareous alluvium
(as referred from secondary literature as well).
Ambient Air Quality
The monitoring of the ambient air quality (AAQ) in the project site has been carried out for a regular
period of 48 hrs. at 3 ghats, by M/s Mitra S. K. Pvt. Ltd., recognised by NABL and MoEF. Sampling at
each location and analysis has been carried out as per guidelines of Central Pollution Control Board and
as per the requirements of MoEF.The total no of stations have been distributed throughout the project
influence area so as to get representative baseline of the study area. The selection of the locations was
made due to following reason:
Collectorate ghat: The road between Collectorate ghat to Anta ghat is quite congested and thus requires
an air quality sample;
T. N. Banerjee ghat: Being selected as a control as being seen as one of the dust free ghat by the ESIA
team members.
Gulbi Ghat: Cremation ground and hence chances of air pollution could be higher; so being selected for
an air quality sample
The ambient air quality monitoring results along with locations are given in Table 4-5.
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The PM10 and PM2.5 level near the Collectorate Ghat is found in the higher range possibly due to the
market activities and associated dust generation. However, all the parameters of ambient air quality are
found well within prescribed limit.
Noise Levels
Locations for noise monitoring along the corridor are identified based on the following criteria:
Gulbi Ghat: Crematorium ground and hence accumulation of people along with various rituals and thus
possibilities sensitivies of noise generation during project construction / operation, hence been chosen for
one of the noise monitoring site;
Collectorate Ghat: Government offices and gathering of many people in this area, also presence of
market between Collectorate ghat to Anta ghat, hence selected as a noise monitoring location.
T.N. Banerjee Ghat: Used as a control point since it has been seen as one of calm ghat
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The noise quality is well within the permissible limit. The discussion with the locals indicated that the
noise level goes high intermittently due to movement of water boats and other human activities. Overall,
the noise quality in the project area is within the permissible limits.
Water Quality
Water quality has been analysed for Surface water of Ganga River by Mitra S. K. Pvt. Ltd., recognised by
NABL and MoEF. Six representative water samples were collected in September, 2012, based on the
present usage and pollution load. The physical and chemical parameters of the collected samples were
tested as per established standard methods and procedures of CPCB. The selection of the stations was
based on the fact that the almost all the ghats are being covered. Further, water quality at the upstream
and downstream of Ganga River at Anta ghat has also been carried out to know the water quality in
Ganga River at Anta Ghat. The results of water quality samples are given in Table 4-7.
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Sr. No. Parameter Unit Kali Krish Collec Gandhi Anta ghat Anta ghat Gulbi Desirable Desirable
ghat na torate ghat (upstrea (downstrea ghat Standard Standard
ghat ghat m) m) (Bathing): (Propagation of
CPCB Wilidlife and
Fisheries):
CPCB
1 pH 7.52 at 7.36 7.31at 7.65 at 7.49 at 7.6 at 28⁰C 7.45 at 6.5-8.5 6.5-8.5
28⁰C at 28⁰C 28⁰C 28⁰C 28⁰C
28⁰C
2 TDS mg/l 127.4 257 141.5 130.5 128.4 402 136.4
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14 BOD mg/l 3.3 3.21 3.11 <2.0 3.21 12.9 2.1 <3
15 COD mg/l 19.48 15.58 19.48 7.79 19.48 48.4 7.79
16 Total mg/l 105.08 184.6 99.4 110.76 110.76 187.2 107.92
Alkalinity
17 Total cfu/10 30 110 50 170 280 280 23 <500
Coliform 0ml
18 Faecal cfu/10 13 21 13 17 22 22 13
Coliform 0ml
Source: Laboratory Analysis
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Results & Analysis: Analysis of water quality indicates that the water is suitable for bathing and
propagation of aquatic species. Further, the BOD as observed in almost all the measurement locations is
more than 3mg/L, as against the CPCB standard of 3 mg/l (for bathing). However, the total coliform count
in all the water quality monitoring station was observed less than 500 MPN per 100 ml (as per CPCB
standards for bathing water quality). During the site visits, the consultants, at two locations (Anta Ghat
and Krishna Ghat) noticed discharge of storm water mixed with sewage into Ganga, including many
open sewer lines (Refer figure 4-9). This demands suitable measures to avoid direct disposal of untreated
sewage in Ganga.
Figure 4.9:Discharge of Raw Sewage in Ganga river from Anta Ghat (left) and Krishna Ghat (Right)
Forest Resources
Bihar is situated in the eastern part of India bordering Nepal and has a geographical area of 94,163 km².
It is part of gangetic plains and is drained by two major rivers, the Ganga and the Gandhak. Annual
rainfall in the state varies from 1000mm to 2000 mm.
The recorded forest area of the state is 6473 km² which is 6.87% of the geographical area. Reserve forest
constitutes 10.70%, Protected Forest 89.28% and unclassed Forest, which is about 0.02% of the total
forest area.
The proposed project falls in 7 – Gangetic plane as per the Biogeographic Classification of India and 7B
Lower Gangetic Plane Province of India.
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Forest Description
Patna district has deciduous type of forest. The district has 3202 km² of Geographical area comprising 13
km² of Moderately Dense forest, 3 km² open forest and absence of Very Dense forest. Thus the forest
cover of the district is 0.50% of total Geographic Area. (Source: State Forest Report – 2009). The Forest
map of Bihar is given in Figure 4.10.
The proposed ghat development area does not encounter with any kind of forest types like Reserve
Forest, Protected forest or un- classed Forest (declared Protected under “ The Indian Forest Act,
1927”) and “Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 with Amendments Made in 1988”. (Source: Forest
Department Patna).
Further no tree cutting is involved in the project and with a landscape design approach all the trees will be
saved as part of this project.
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One Wildlife National Park (Valmiki National Park) and twelve Wildlife Sanctuaries are located in Bihar.
However, no National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is reported within 10 km from project boundary. The
Nearest wildlife sanctuary is Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin WLS which is more than 50 km in District
Bhagalpur.
Therefore clearance under “The Wildlife (Protection) Act – 1972” is not required for the proposed Ghat
development project.
During primary survey Schedule – I mammals as per WPA – 1972, like fresh water Dolphin (Platanista
gangetica gangetica) was seen in river Ganga stretch in Patna city.
Wetland:
No wetland notified under “The Ramsar Convention – 1971” or listed under“the National wetland
Conservation Programme – 2009” is reported within 10 km from project boundary. The nearest Wetland
notified under National Wetland Conservation Programme – 2009 are:
Terrestrial Ecology
The core zone comprises of Riparian Habitat (transition zone between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem).
A riparian zone or riparian area is the interface between land and a river or stream. Plant habitats and
communities along the river margins and banks are called riparian vegetation, characterized by
hydrophilic plants.
Riparian zones may be natural or engineered for soil stabilization or restoration. These zones are
important natural bio-filters, protecting aquatic environments from excessive sedimentation, polluted
surface runoff and erosion. They supply shelter and food for many aquatic animals and shade that is an
important part of stream temperature regulation.
The proposed project (Ghat Development) is partly comprises of Riparian Habitat and partly terrestrial
Habitat. During primary survey it has been noticed that the existing habitat along the banks of Ganga is
manmade type. Daily thousands of people visit the Ghat to take bath in Ganga as religious rituals.
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The floristic survey of the proposed site witnesses scattered growth of grasses (mainly weeds), rooted
hydrophytes, emerging hydrophytes, shrubs in undisturbed area where human movement is absent and
trees leaning over river water.
Among herbs species, weed are commonly reported on the river bank. Commonly reported weeds
species are Congress grass (Parthenium hysterophorus), Lantana (Lantana Camara), Eipatorium
trilpineve, Solanum xanthiocarpum and Datura (Dathura stromonium). This is mainly due to better survival
rate, higher seed production and fast growing in comparison to other herbs.
The species of grasses reported along the banks are Cyanodon dactylon,Achyranthes aspera,
Saccharum arundinaceum, Vetiveria zizanoides, Ludwigia parviflora, Rungia repens, etc. These are
mainly reported above the water level, in an undisturbed area.
Rooted hydrophytes are reported along the banks, where water level is less than a foot or water has
recedes after flooding. The commonly reported hydrophytes are Ipomoea carnea, Argeratum
conyzoides,Azolla pinnata, Eichhornia crassipes,Lemna perpusilla,Spirodela polyrhiza, etc. Ipomoea
aquatic,etc. Photograph of flora reported in riparian Habitat are given in Fig: 4.11.
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Riparian Habitat Reprived of grass cover Extensive growth of herbs Anthropogenic activity along banks
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The phytosociological study of the core zone (terrestrial habitat) beyond the riparian habitat
comprises of manmade ecosystem. Trees plantation in form of landscaping was noticed due to
nearby residential area, government offices, hospitals, university, parks and market places. The
species of trees reported are mainly planted, except few species which are naturally growing. These
trees are fruit, flower and seed bearing and attract avifauna, small mammals and reptiles. Nesting
was commonly reported. Species of trees reported during primary survey are given in Table (4.8)
below.
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Terrestrial Fauna
To study the diversity of fauna, various survey methods were adopted. The survey was mainly carried
out at dawn and at dusk to study animal behavior and habitat. This study period is mainly selected as
animals are most active.
Secondary data was collected from the forest department and interaction with the local was also
conducted to establish baseline study for distribution of wild animals in the study area. No wild
mammals are reported in the study area, due to anthropogenic activity and urbanized habitat.
Domestic mammals are reported in the study area.
Avifauna:
3
The fauna reported in the inner buffer zone are mainly avifauna (highest diversity) followed by
mammals and reptiles. The commonly reported avifauna in the study area during primary survey, with
higher diversity are Common crow, Myna, Eagle, Sparrow, Babbler, Pigeon, Cattle Egrets, Red
Vented bulbul, Drongo, Sparrow, Indian Roller etc. During site visit higher frequency of birds recorded
in the project affected. This is mainly due to availability of nesting habitat, discarded foods from rituals
ceremony and fruits bearing trees. Table 4.9 gives the list of avifauna reported in the core zone and
inner buffer zone.
3
The core zone for the present project is considered witin 500 m distance from the project site and the areas beyond this limit is
considered as buffer zone.
4
Schedule IV of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, predominantly enumerated the species of common occurance, which needs lesser
attentation in terms of conservation and management. Further, these species are conisedred as “Least Concern” under the Red List
Category & Criteria of IUCN.
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4
S.No Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Distribution WLPA
8. Common Babbler Turdoides caudate Trees & Shrubs Common IV
9. Green Bee eater Merops orientalis Trees Rare IV
10. House sparrow Passer domesticus Trees & Common IV
Settlements
11. Drongo Dicrurus bracteatus Trees Common IV
12. Egret Casmerodium albus Grass land Common IV
&shrubs
13. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Grass land & Common IV
shrubs
14. Rose ringed parakeet Psittacula Krameri Trees Sporadic IV
15 Spotted dove Spilopelia chinensis Grass land & Common IV
trees
16 Bank Myna` Acridotheres ginginianus Trees Sporodic IV
Mammals:
During primary survey no wild mammals are reported in the study area. Based on secondary information
like interaction with the local, wild mammals like Indian mongoose and five stripped squirrel are reported.
Domesticated mammals like goat, sheep, dog, cow, ox, donkey etc. are reported. These animals are
domesticated for milk and other commercial purposed.
Reptiles:
Based on forest working Plan and interaction with people dwelling nearby ghat areas, it has been
confirmed that the study area witness poor reptilian distributions. Reptile like Rat Snakes (Ptyas
mucosus), Common Kraits (Bungarus caerulens), Indian cobra (Naja Naja) etc. has been reported. House
Geiko and Garden Lizard are directly sighted during primary visit.
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Goat Buffalo
Figure 4.13: Photograph of Animal Reported in study area
Aquatic Ecology
The proposed project is located on the bank of Ganga River, which is fresh water and Lotic in nature. The
proposed project is located partly on the river bank (riparian Habitat) and partly on the river bed.
During primary survey of the site, it has been noticed that no well-established riparian habitat exists. This
is mainly due to urban development and other anthropogenic activity. Annually lakhs of people visit the
Ghat area for ritual baths and prayers. This part of the banks also received storm and sewer water drains
from Patna city. As a whole, the existing environment is not suitable for existence of any type of habitat.
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During lean period except monsoon, the depth of water available is less than one meter and maximum is
1.5 meter at few areas where ghat has been proposed. This depth is not suitable for the existence of
breeding, nesting and feeding habit for large aquatic mammals and reptiles.
The Aquatic faunal survey was carried out at early morning and in the evening. Fish net were used to
study the distribution of aquatic fauna in the project affected area. During primary survey no aquatic fauna
are captured in the net. Fixed net were also installed and left over night to study night time movement of
fishes and aquatic mammals.
Hydrophytes grow in habitats where water is in excessive supply. They may be free floating, submerge
floating, submerged and rooted, emergent and rooted, etc.
In the proposed project area free floating hydrophytes reported during primary survey are Eichhornia
crassipes and Pistia sp,
The rooted emergent hydrophytes reported along the river banks are Ipomoea aquatic, Ipomoea fistulosa
and Saccharum spontaneum,
Rooted submerged hydrophytes reported in the project affected area during primary survey are
Potamogeton crispes and Vallisnaria.
Some plants like Phragmites Karkar, Arundo donax, Typha sp, etc. are on the river bed during survey.
They grow around water bodies with the water currents touching them occasionally; they also can survive
dry periods.
Aquatic Fauna:
Along its course (2500 km) river Ganga support rich faunal habitat. Numerous species of fishes, reptiles
and aquatic mammals has been reported.
The stretch from Haridwar to Gangasagar is primarily known for the presence of Ganga River Dolphins.
The population of which had been tremendously decline due to pollution caused by effluents discharge
from major city, mining of sand on river bed, construction of dam, over fishing, and poaching of dolphins
for using in fishing net and for meat.
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Extensive survey for the distribution of aquatic fauna in the study area was carried at dawn and at dusk.
Primary survey along the river bed with fisher men were carried out to establish the presence of dolphin‟s
habitat in the project affected area. Secondary information was collected from Zoological Survey of India
and from forest department for faunal distribution.
Different faunal group like mammals, reptiles, fishes and aquatic avifauna are recorded from the study
area based on primary and secondary survey.
Aquatic mammals:
Aquatic mammals like Gangetic Dolphins (Platanista Gangetica gangetica) have been reported in the
study area. The behavior and ecology is as follows:
Gangetica Dolphins is Scheduled – I animals as per “The Wildlife (Protection) Act – 1972”. This animal is
declared endangered by the IUCN Red List Category - 2012 and need conservation to safe guard the
population.
To establish the existence of Dolphins habitat in the proposed ghat development area, extensive survey
was carried out at dawn, afternoon and at dusk to have rough ideas whether their distribution is driven by
circadian rhythm. Secondary information was collected based on the interaction with boat men, fishermen
and people dwelling near the ghat. ZSI and forested department were also consulted regarding the
presence of Wildlife sanctuary and dolphins breeding site.
In addition, renowned Gangetic Dophin expert, Prof.R.K.Sinha, has reviewed the project proposals and
according to his preliminary report, the entire stretch of the river along the city of Patna is a good habitat
for the Gangetic Dolphin. The report further indicates that, the Gangetic Dolphin prefers deep zone with
eddy counter currents and complex hydro-geomorphological formation in the river. Such habitats were
formed along the left bank of the river at Patna. When the flow of Ganga was from Pahleza ghat to Digha
ghat, i.e. North to South, the river used to flow very close to the city of Patna from Digha Ghat to
Deedarganj.
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In last two decades the course of Ganga has shifted away from the city of Patna from Digha to
Collectorate Ghat. Thus currently the Dolphin habitat close to the river front is from Collectorate Ghat
downward only.
The left bank of the river at Patna was protected by brick and boulder pitching since long back as this
bank used to be the erosion side of the river. The boulder and bricks along the river bank have been
found to be good habitat for many of the invertebrates and breeding sites of some of the important fish
species. The Dolphin feeds on small size (usually about 10 cm long or less) fish as its gullet is very small.
Occasionally it also feeds on mud-dweller small fishes groveling in the bottom of the mud.
The Gangetic Dolphin have been observed near the cremation ghats, ferry ghats, bathing and washing
ghats. In areas with human activities like bathing and washing ghats, ferry ghats and cremation ghats
people tend to throw some edible items which could attract the fishes and ultimately Dolphin.
Dolphin Movement
Ghat Development
Sand Deposit
No feeding habitat is reported in the project area due to low water depth, island formation due to sand
deposition and frequent movement of motor driven boats, effluent discharge pollution the water towards
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right banks and other anthropogenic activity has deprive the right bank (ghat development area) from
dolphins movement.
Based on secondary information, discussion with ZSI and Forest department, higher frequency of
dolphins movement is reported at three location in the study area (within 10 km from project boundary).
They are
Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary is located near Bhagalpur, between Sultangaunj and Kahalgaon
(Source: Conservation and Biomonitoring in the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary, Bihar, India) more than 160 km
(aerial distance) downstream of project site of Patna RFD.
The sanctuary is a 50 km stretch of the Ganges River from Sultangaunj to Kahalgaon. Designated in
1991, this sanctuary is earmarked for conservation of Dolphins. Figure 4.16 gives the location of
Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphins Sanctuary with respect to project site.
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Vikramshila WildlifeSanctuary
Ghat Development
Figure 4.16: Location of Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphins Sanctuary with respect to project site
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Fishes
Ganga River is adobe for variety of fishes. To have an idea about the fishes distribution netting were
carried out along the proposed Ghat, sand deposited area within the river and on left banks. The
number of fishes caught is less in the right bank (proposed project area) in comparison to the left
bank. Highest catch of fishes were reported near the sand island on course of river. Secondary
information about fishes distribution was collected from fishery department and from the fisher men.
The species of fishes reported during primary visit are Rohu, Catla, Hilsa, Mystus sp, Cirrhinus Sp,
etc. Species of fishes reported in the study area is given in table 4.10.
The species of fishes given in Table 4.10 are commonly reported in the fresh water bodies like river,
streams, lakes, pond and estuaries. They are cosmopolitan in distribution and are reported all over
India and Indian Sub continents. These species of fishes are commonly used in aqua culture practice
and had good commercial importance.
Ecologically these species are primary and secondary consumer in the freshwater ecosystem mainly
in rivers. They are primary food for secondary consumers like fresh water dolphins (Platanista
Gangetica gangetica), gharials, crocodiles, turtles, etc. They do not have fix breeding and nesting site
and mainly spawn during monsoon season when the water is diluted, laden with silt and current of
water is high to keep their spawn (egg) floating for hatching of eggs. Hence they breed all over river,
streams, lakes, etc. during favorable conditions.
Therefore the species of fishes reported in table are not confined to project site only but are reported
all over Ganges courses.
S.No Common Scientific Name Categories Category as per IUCN –Red List
Name
1. Mrigal Cirrhina mrigala Indian Major Not Included
carps
2. Catla Catla Catla Do Not Included
3. Rohu Labeo rohita Do Least Concern ( as per Ver. 3.1)
4. Calbasu Labeo calbasu Do Least Concern ( as per Ver. 3.1)
5. Bata Labeo Bata Indian Minor Least Concern ( as per Ver. 3.1)
Carp
6. Kalabans Labeo dero Least Concern ( as per Ver. 3.1)
7 Wallaga attu Not Included
8. Rita rita Least Concern ( as per Ver. 3.1)
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S.No Common Scientific Name Categories Category as per IUCN –Red List
Name
9. Cyprinus carpio Other fishes Vulnerable A2ce (As per Ver 3.1)
10. Channa punctate Not included
11. Channa marulias Least Concern ( as per Ver. 3.1)
12. Tengara Mystus Tengara Least Concern ( as per Ver. 3.1)
13 Ponthia Puntius sophore Least Concern ( as per Ver. 3.1)
14 Puntius ticto Not Included
15 Singhi Heyeropneustus fossilis Non Included
16 Palwa Mystus cavasius Least Concern ( as per Ver. 3.1)
17 Phasia Setipinna brevifilis Non Included
(Source: Primary data & Fishery department, Patna)
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Hence it has been observed that most of the fish species observed in the project stretch are either not
included in the IUCN-Red List or under “Least Concern” category except Cyprinus carpio which is
categorized as “Vulnerable”. Suitable measure shall be given in EMP so that the existing population of
this species is not destroyed from the project.
Although the DPIA and IPIA do not counter with any kind of archeologically important building/site
conserved listed under Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, some
heritage buildings were observed along with many indigenous cultural resources like temples within the
IPIA. The lists of such important heritage as well as indigenous buildings within DPIA and IPIA are
given in table 4.11 and 4.13 respectively.
For the assessment of the values of cultural heritage the grade scale proposed in the cultural impact
assessment (CIA) report by Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage ( INTACH ) is based on
International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS‟) guideline on heritage impact assessments
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of Cultural World Heritage Properties. According to it the value of the asset may be defined using the
following grade scale:
As the cultural heritages referred in the CIA report are not Cultural World Heritage Properties, the very
high was eliminated from this list. Also negotiable and unknown potential were not considered in the
CIA report as the selection was already made for heritage. The detail of the meaning of grades is
given in table 4.12.
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The impact of this development project in stretch of 6.6 kilometres were identified through a series of exercises
including social screening during early project preparation stage and detailed social impact assessment and
public consultation in the project area. In addition to various positive project impacts perceived due to the
proposed project intervention, some negative social impacts in terms of loss of structures/housings are also
envisaged from the project.
Since the project does not involve any private land acquisition hence, there will not be any impacts on
titleholders land or structures. As revealed from the social survey, a total of 229 residential structures all belong
to non-titleholder i.e. squatters are likely to be affected by the project. The project impacts are due to mainly ghat
development component. Out of 229 affected families, 194 will be affected due to ghat development and rest of
the 35 will be affected due to construction of approach road. The social impact due to different activities of
different project component is summarised here in Table- 4.14
Number of
Sl. No. Project Components Affected Families
PAPs
1 Development of Ghats 194 943
2 Construction of Promenades 0 0
3 Community cum cultural centers. 0 0
4 Landscape work in the precinct zones 0 0
5 City level parks 0 0
6 Construction of Approach Roads* 35 160
Total 229 1103
* Only at Mahendru Ghat (Source: Primary Data, RAP)
However, in all non-titleholders affected structure 84.72 % are semi-permanent and rest included under
temporary structures.
The total PAFs (229) contributes an average family size of 4-8. Their composition was slightly tilted in the
favors of males at 54.31% as compared to 45.69% females. All affected people falls under Hindu religion in
which 42.79 % included under Schedule Caste category while 52.14% comes under Other Backward Caste
and rest are General Category. Most of the persons in this project affected area are illiterate (51.95 %) and
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married (86.03 %). For employment they are engaged in daily wage labour (165 out of total) hence, 62.45 %
of PAFs limited to an income category of 3000-5000 per month. The possession of durable consumer items
by the PAFs is shown in Table-4.15
3 TV 27 11.79
4 Cycles 2 0.87
5 Rickshaw 1 0.44
6 Thela 2 0.87
7 Boat 5 2.18
Out of total 229 numbers of PAFs identified during the survey in which 24 female headed household will be
affected by the project. Women‟s status in illiteracy, work force participation rate, general health conditions
etc. are found to very backward in project area. In PAFs, 39 females contribute their hand in income of their
family through different employment. However, out of 39 women, 32 are engaged in daily wage labour job,
five (5) are sweeper and one woman is contributing service and cattle rearing.
4.5 Conclusion
The base line environmental profile of the project influence area indicates that the air, water and noise
quality of the project area is good and is within the permissible limits of the regulatory authorities. The
aquatic and terrestrial ecology of the project area also does not present any sensitive species. However,
presence of Gangetic Dolphins in the river, number of heritage structures along the river banks, residential
structures and cattle sheds on the banks of the river, makes the sensitive from environmental and social
impact point of view.
In addition, a few drainage and waste water channels also discharge into the river and could create conflicts
with the construction and operation of the River Front Development Project. These aspects, requires
particular attention in the assessment of impacts and development of mitigation measures for the project.
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5. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES
Analysis of alternatives involves a thorough study of the possible future conditions in the project study area
of the possible future conditions in the project area in response to a set of alternatives without the project or
status quo condition. The development of ghats and promenade is proposed with a noble intention to
provide:
A comprehensive public place for the citizen of Patna a public spanning the entire city length, which at
present is not available;
Enhance the safety during local festivals and minimizing water related pollution
Enhance the environment awareness among local people and to create a sense of pride of their city‟s
river edge.
Existing condition
The River edge is a discontinuous 6.6 km stretch of 28 Ghats-isolated and unconnected at the river edge.
Some of the Ghats are very well connected with city and are actively used and some of them are only used
at a local level due to their poor accessibility and connectivity to city but are well knitted and forms an
important part of community structure as recreational space.
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City boundary
Ghat Ghat Ghat
TRADITIONAL APPROACH
City boundary
Ghat Ghat Ghat
River
Wide Ghats with bigger space for gathering and recreation, but still
limited use because of individual access
The detailed strategies and overall design proposal can be understood from DPR chapter 4. In brief, the
strategies followed to address the issues mentioned above are:
Keeping in view the site conditions and the scope of development of the area, the „with‟ and „without‟ project
scenarios have been compared as shown in Table 5.1. By looking at the table it can be concluded that “with”
project scenario with positive/beneficial impacts will vastly improve the environment and enhance social and
economic development of the region compared to the “without” project scenario, which will further deteriorate
the present environmental setup and quality of life. Hence the “with” project scenario with minor reversible
impacts is an acceptable option than the “without” project scenario
Limited impacts on vegetation are expected during construction. Little air and water pollution is expected
from the proposed construction activities; however these are localized impacts and can be minimized with
proper construction schedule and enclosing harmful construction within the ghat area. The possible storage
of any kind of hazardous materials may need to be used carefully as the same has the potential to put risk
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on water quality. As part of the project, however no tree cutting is involved as revealed during the discussion
with the project proponent.
A public Place for The proposed project would minimize the Without the project such
Patna requirement of public place in Patna and opportunity of creating a public
would enhance tourism potential and place would not have been
attract tourists. achieved and other associated
improvements like good
approach road to ghats, green
parks and gardens,
promenades would not have
been considered.
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The promenade has been designed after Without the project, there is no
careful consideration of public usage. The connection between ghats
facilities along the promenade provide along the river.
comfortable walking stretches along with
kiosks. In case of overcrowding in one
Promenade ghat, the devotees are able to move to
nearby ghats through the connection
provided by promenade, thus providing a
safer environment to large crowd
gatherings along with recreational
facilities. (DPR chapter 6)
Environment These chances for awareness
Education The development of the project with generation on Dolphins and
Dolphin awareness centre will enhance environmental education will be
the chances of minimizing the impact on very minimum without the
river dolphins and aid in its conservation project.
through creation of more awareness.
.
Public Awareness With the proposed development the This opportunity is lost without
chances of enhancing public awareness the development and the
increases towards minimizing the river disposal of wastewater will
pollution and disposal untreated waste continue.
Environment These opportunities would be
With the project environment friendly
Friendly lost and flash flood and erosion
embankment development like riparian
embankment would continue.
edge restoration, , control of flood through
development (DPR
landscape along the banks are possible
chapter 7)
Public Facilities With the project there will be facilities like These facilities and
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Accessibility
At present, ghats have disconnected access mostly encroached and narrow to commute. In the proposal,
existing access to ghats are widened and enhanced for easy movement of the people. During festival times,
emergency evacuation routes have been proposed leading away from each ghat with provision for
ambulance parking and movement being directions one way, forming a loop system. Existing access roads
identifies and enhanced, thus limiting the construction cost more economical.
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The project would instill a sense of pride in the citizens, thus creating awareness, causing behavior change
and protecting the river and its ecology. The constant monitoring and usage would prevent unethical
activities and illegal fishing.
River Edge
Currently the river banks are prone to erosion and suffer from garbage dumping. The riparian edge
restoration proposed in-between the ghats protect the erosion and retain the local flora and fauna preserving
the existing environment. The presence of promenade and solid waste disposal system discourages tourists
to discard garbage into river.
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Riparian within loose boulders, Gabions with grass, plants with native shrubs to control soil erosion and
planting along the river edge.
To protect the littoral zone which provides the vital area for symbiotic exchange between the river and land,
no new species of landscaping are proposed in the areas between the ghats. The existing flora and fauna
are encouraged to remain and grow.
Construction techniques
The construction techniques proposed are familiar to local workers; materials used are locally available thus
preventing large transit of materials. Environmentally friendly materials (non-lead based paints etc.) are
proposed in construction, finishes with natural stones are proposed for durability and aesthetically pleasing.
Periodic inspection and supervision during construction ensures good practice.
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Solid waste
At present garbage dumps are present along the river edge. The ghats and in between edges suffer from
strewn garbage and lack of toilets leads to unhygienic conditions. Adequate solid waste collection bins and
pick up and disposal locations are proposed along the promenade. Adequate public toilets are also proposed
along each ghat location which is currently absent.
Heritage buildings
Currently, buildings of heritage value remain neglected without proper use. The proposal incorporates the
existing heritage and indigenous buildings in the development. This protects dilapidated buildings from
further deterioration. Indigenous temples already popular amongst locals are identified and developed
integrating current practices, with proposed activities. This enhances the local potential with minimum
constructed intervention.
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Trees
The river edge has number trees. In the proposal, Existing trees along the river edge have been marked,
avoiding any construction around the tree. The promenade design meanders around the existing clusters,
maximizing shade. Stilt construction provides flexibility to avoid roots of the trees to prevent damage to trees.
The design of the promenade meanders around existing tree clusters minimizing tree cutting as shown below
Currently except for the functioning ghats, there are no street lights or general lighting present. The proposal
includes LED lights conserving energy. Architectural features are highlighted, adequate street and post lights are
proposed providing security and access in evenings. All kiosks and toilets are provided with water supply to
facilitate the visitors.
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With the proposed development there will environment friendly embankment development which is
intended towards the following:
Riparian edge restoration, planting long edge for biodiversity for wildlife, carbon reduction,
nutrient exchange along edge;
Control of flood and overflowing through landscape along the banks and engineering
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6.1 Introduction
Consultation is a process in the project cycle in which an attempt is made to involve the public as
stakeholders in project preparation through consultation and focus group discussion meetings.
Stakeholders‟ participation and consultation have been viewed as a continual course of action, which
promote public understanding and help eradicate hurdles in the way of the project. Consultation
during project preparation as an integral part of the social assessment process not only minimizes the
risks and unwanted propaganda against the project but also removes the gap between the community
and the project formulators, which leads to timely completion of the project and making the project
people friendly.
Keeping in mind the objective of minimizing adverse impact and the need of the stakeholders‟
participation for the smooth implementation of the project, consultation with the members of different
sections of society, the affected people, identified vulnerable groups including women headed
households, slum dwellers regular Ghat visitors, venders, boatman, vegetable seller, tourist and
students of the project area were carried out. The consultation with vulnerable people was made with
the aim of building awareness among them so that likely potential adverse impacts of the project on
the target vulnerable population may be minimized. In this regard several meetings were organized at
various locations, as detailed in this chapter. Consultations were carried at different level (Table 7.1)
to elicit required information (their view & opinions).
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To seek inputs from the stakeholders on the project design and understand the priorities /
concerns of the communities
To make affected persons aware of the project impacts and broad provisions of the R&R policy
Dissemination of information to build awareness among APs and inform them about the objective
of the project.
Discuss about the training requirements to enhance their skills & restore the livelihood.
Public consultation is a continual process and has been carried out at all stages throughout the
project period. In order to understand the issues of the potential APs, public consultations were
conducted in all Ghats. Some of the Affected Persons expressed their views about the proposed ghat
Development project. A total 8 such Focus Group discussion were conducted during the EIA
preparation period. The name of Focus group discussion is given below:
FGD3 : Slum population along river Ganga between Mishri to Dr. T.N.Banerjee ghat
FGD4 : Common ghat users coming to ghat for passing time during evening period at Gandhi
FGD5 : Relatives who gather in the funeral at the crematorium at Baikuntha Dham ghat
FGD6 : General Public discussion may be at some tourist place of the city (like Golaghar or
FGD7 : Local fishermen to understand their livelihood and possibility of any impact on them.
FGD8 : Discussion with local fishermen for discussion as part of river Dolphin, its observation
frequency, poaching provisions and use of its oil for fishing etc.
A summary of different issues discussed with the potentially affected persons are given below.
th
Date: 19 Sep, 2012 Time: 10:00 to 11:30 Place: Anta Ghat
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Name of participants:
1. Nanank Rai
2. Shambhu
3. Harinder
4. Subhas
5. Shatrughan
6. Rohit
7. Shiv Poojan
8. Virendar
9. Rajkumar
10. Nandoo
11. Asharfi Rai
12. Om Prakash
The public consultation meeting was flagged-off by Dr. Dushyant Mishra who welcomed the
participants and briefed them about the agenda of the meeting. Further the meeting was carried
forward by Mr. Y P Mishra, who presented the details about the NGRBA project, future
government plans, possible assistance by World Bank, stake-holder participation during the
project, etc. A brief summary of all the important points discussed during the meeting are
mentioned in the following points:
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th
Date: 19 Sep, 2012 Time: 12:00 to 1:30 Place: Mahendru Ghat
Attended by: Consultancy team from VOYATS
1. Dr. Dushyant Mishra
2. Mr. Y P Mishra
3. Mr. Ashok
4. Mr. Avadhesh Das
Name of participants:
1. Makhiya Devi
2. Rajan
3. Ganesh Ram
4. Amar Kumar
5. Abhishek Kumar
6. Kailash Kumar
7. Arvind Malik
8. Umesh Ram
9. Pradeep Kumar
10. Shambhu Ram
The public consultation meeting was flagged-off by Dr. Dushyant Mishra who welcomed the
participants and briefed them about the agenda of the meeting. Further the meeting was carried
forward by Mr. Y P Mishra, who presented the details about the project, future government plans,
possible assistance by World Bank, stake-holder participation during the project, etc. A brief summary
of all the important points discussed during the meeting are mentioned in the following points:
Develop approach road Problem of direct access of the Ghat for the community
Develop an approach road for the access of Ghat by the slum dwellers/Ghat users
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Improve the sanitation and basic facilities for the slum dwellers
Water logging problem in the slum
Employment Opportunity for Slum Dwellers during construction work
The meeting was concluded by Mr. Y. P. Mishra followed by vote of thanks given by Mr. Ashok
Kumar.
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The public consultation meeting was flagged-off by Dr. Dushyant Mishra who welcomed the
participants and briefed them about the agenda of the meeting. Further the meeting was carried
forward by Mr. Y P Mishra, who presented the details about the NGRBA project, future government
plans, possible assistance by World Bank, stake-holder participation during the project, etc. A brief
summary of all the important points discussed during the meeting are mentioned in the following
points:
The meeting was concluded by Mr. Y. P. Mishra followed by vote of thanks given by Mr. Ashok
Kumar.
th
Date: 21 Sep, 2012 Time: 9:30 to 11:00 Place: Mishri Ghat
Attended by: Consultancy team from VOYATS
1. Dr. Dushyant Mishra
2. Mr. Y P Mishra
3. Mr. Ashok Kumar
4. Mr. Avadhesh Das
Name of participants:
1. Uday Malik
2. Munna Ram
3. Sunil Malik
4. Sujeet Ram
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5. Kanhae Ram
6. Suraj Malik
7. Gudiya devi
8. Rinki devi
9. Manju
10. Videshwar Mahato
11. Lalan Mahato
The public consultation meeting was flagged-off by Dr. Dushyant Mishra who welcomed the
participants and briefed them about the agenda of the meeting. Further the meeting was carried
forward by Mr. Y P Mishra, who presented the details about the NGRBA project, future government
plans, possible assistance by World Bank, stake-holder participation during the project, etc. A brief
summary of all the important points discussed during the meeting are mentioned in the following
points:
Construction for community toilets and sanitary latrines for slum dwellers
Problem of water and electricity for slum dwellers
Employment problem in vulnerable groups were found
Increase employment opportunity in construction work. APs should be given priority for
getting employment.
5. Public Consultation held with Fisher Man and Boatman Community at Baharwa
Ghat, Patna
Minutes
th
Date: 21 Sep, 2012 Time: 12:00 to 1:00 Place: Baharwa Ghat
Attended by: Consultancy team from VOYATS
1. Dr. Dushyant Mishra
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2. Mr. Y P Mishra
3. Mr. Ashok Kumar
4. Mr. Avadhesh Das
Name of participants:
1. Lalan yadav
2. Bachcha ray
3. Vijay Rai
4. Gulab Prasad
5. Amir lal
6. Styanarayan
7. Bhikhan Rai
8. Ashok Chand
9. Gopal Rai
10. Sujan Rai
11. Amarjeet Rai
12. Sanjay Rai
The public consultation meeting was flagged-off by Dr. Dushyant Mishra who welcomed the
participants and briefed them about the agenda of the meeting. Further the meeting was carried
forward by Mr. Y P Mishra, who presented the details about the NGRBA project, future government
plans, possible assistance by World Bank, stake-holder participation during the project, etc. A brief
summary of all the important points discussed during the meeting are mentioned in the following
points:
Provide proper sanitation facilities along with efficient operation and maintenance system to
the Fisher man/ boatman community using Ghat and regular Ghat visitors for taking bath in
the Holy River
In the rejuvenation of Baharwa Ghat special emphasis should be given on the deepening of
Ghats and sufficient space for boats man
In order to ensure proper cleaning of the Ghats dumping of solid waste must be stopped near
river Ganga by community
Ensure participation of Fisher man/ boatman community for the maintenance of Ghat after
rejuvenation
The meeting was concluded by Mr. Y. P. Mishra followed by vote of thanks given by Mr. Ashok
Kumar.
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6. Public Consultation held with Ghat users at Gulbi Ghat (Vaikunth dham), Patna
Minutes
th
Date: 21 Sep, 2012 Time: 1:30 to 2:30 Place: Gulbi Ghat
Name of participants:
1. Naresh Thakur
2. Gulshan Thakur
3. Chotu Kumar
4. Shobhit Singh
5. Sakaldeep Singh
6. Pradip Singh
7. Ramavtar Rai
8. Maheshwar Rai
9. Janardan Pandit
10. Rampukar Rai
11. Rameshwar Singh
The public consultation meeting was flagged-off by Dr. Dushyant Mishra who welcomed the
participants and briefed them about the agenda of the meeting. Further the meeting was carried
forward by Mr. Y P Mishra, who presented the details about the NGRBA project, future government
plans, possible assistance by World Bank, stake-holder participation during the project, etc. A brief
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summary of all the important points discussed during the meeting are mentioned in the following
points:
Lack of space on the Ghat for people who comes for buried the dead bodies
Approach road is congested because of vendors sitting along the road.
Ghat should be wide and attractive.
Provision for proper sanitation facilities for the Ghat users
The meeting was concluded by Mr. Y. P. Mishra followed by vote of thanks given by Mr. Ashok
Kumar.
th
Date: 21 Sep, 2012 Time: 3:00 to 4:00 Place: Patna Collage Ghat
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6. Amit Singh
7. Aman Singh
8. Rajesh Yadav
9. Mulchand Agrawal
10. Rajveer Singh
11. Pawan Kumar
The public consultation meeting was flagged-off by Dr. Dushyant Mishra who welcomed the
participants and briefed them about the agenda of the meeting. Further the meeting was carried
forward by Mr. Y P Mishra, who presented the details about the NGRBA project, future government
plans, possible assistance by World Bank, stake-holder participation during the project, etc. A brief
summary of all the important points discussed during the meeting are mentioned in the following
points:
Approach should be improved of all the Ghats so one can reach easily with their vehicle.
Availability of Safe Drinking water facility should be ensured at each Ghat.
Fixation of Dustbins at various places and provision of modern Sanitation facility should be
provided at each Ghat
Provision of good quality canteens at major Ghats should be ensured
Disposal of sewerage system directly in to rivers must be stopped immediately..
Student should involve in Awareness campaign regarding Saving of Holy Ganga.
The meeting was concluded by Mr. Y. P. Mishra followed by vote of thanks given by Mr. Ashok
Kumar.
8. Public Consultation held with Tourists and Regular Ghat visitors at Gandhi
Ghat, Patna
Minutes
th
Date: 21 Sep, 2012 Time: 4:30 to 6:00 Place: Gandhi Ghat
Attended by: Consultancy team from VOYATS
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Public Consultation with the local people at Gandhi ghat with local tourists
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Necessary advertisements in local media and communications were issued prior to the meeting to
inform the public about the meeting. This advertisement cum invitation was published in reputed news
papers (both national and local) for the announcement of the public consultation meeting indicating
the date and venue of the meeting. The advertisement is given in photoplate below.
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Mr. Mishra, GM, BUIDCo introduced the audience about the religious and other aesthetic importance
of river Ganga and also highlighted the exiting scenario. He also appraised about the government
initiative to protect and maintain the quality of river Ganga. In this continuation, Mr. Mishra welcomed
their own Managing Director and DPR Consultant to explain more about the BUIDCo and this RFD
Project.
Managing Director explained the entire project in connection with importance of river Ganga with local
people. He also emphasized that development will be in eco sustainable manner. Finally, after
presentation of project through PPT a video was presented that presents the proposed RFD project.
Total 164 people have participated in the public consultation meeting. The participation list along with
English translation is given in Annexure 1.6. Number of suggestions and comments were later
emerged from the public during the subsequent discussions and these are summarized in Table 6.2.
th
Table 6-2: Outcome of Stakeholder Participation Meeting as Held on 30 August 2013.
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The program ended with Vote of Thanks from Mr. Mishra to all the persons present in the consultation
program. The photgraphs of the public consultation meeting is given below:
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Reply of a raised question by M.D of BUIDCo Video forcasting based on RFD project
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7.1 INTRODUCTION
This Chapter presents an anticipated impacts that are likely as a result of the project, identified based
on the analysis of project activities and the environmental elements of the project area.
During the initial site visit to the project site between During September 2012, almost all the existing
ghats were visited to identify the major Environmental and Social factors as per the guidelines of WB
and ESMF of NGRBA. The factors which were looked into include:
• Land availability/requirement;
• Loss of structures
• Loss of livelihood
• Impacts on common property resources etc.
These factors were considered while preparing the project impact and its mitigation measures during
the construction as well as operation stages of the project.
Excavation of quarries and borrow pits for obtaining rocks, soil and aggregate materials for the
construction of bathing ghats and promenades and other construction items is proposed under this
project. Also sand, cement, steel and other materials would be required as part of the project. It has
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been estimated that as part of the project around 10,000-15,000m of aggregates are required for the
construction purpose.
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Mitigation Measure:
The quarry materials shall be sourced from approved local quarries. All other construction material
shall be procured by the contractor from agencies / sites approved by the regulatory authorities, as
applicable.
All existing quarries from where the contractor obtains the material, shall comply with the Guidelines
for Existing Quarry Management of ESMP (Annexure 1.1). .
Along the ghats there are about 26 cultural resources like temples, indigenous buildings, mosques
and other old buildings (Please refer table 4.11) within the DPIA along with some other buildings
within IPIA (refer table 4.13 in Chapter-4). Though none of the buildings are of Archeological
Important Sites (except Goal Ghar which is 1 km away from site) however chances of vibration impact
to these buildings during the construction activities is high. According to INTACH‟s report on Cultural
Impact Assessment, the City of Patna has few officially protected monuments and detailed survey of
the heritage buildings at the riverfront is required as many of these building have importance being
already recognized by books, researchers and also by the population. As per the CIA report, INTACH
has given the recommendations for mitigating the potential impacts due to project activity or designed
structure. The significance of the impact on the identified heritage variable was also based on
ICOMOS‟ Guidance on Heritage Impact Assessment for Cultural World Heritage Properties;
2011.Accordingly, on the basis of impact three grades has been categorized. The Grade- I include
high impact due to project activities on exiting resource like ancient buildings, heritages or other
historic structure. Hence, the specific mitigation measure for each ghat has been suggested by
INTACH as depicted below:-
Table 7-1: Mitigation Measures for Grade- I categorized ghats
S.No. Name of Proposed Activities Impact Mitigation Measures
Ghats Categorization
1. Collectorate • Construction of a Grade-I Demolition of cultural and religious
Ghat promenade and Eco buildings should be avoided, in case it is
Center proposed in this intervention, especially
• Connection of Ghats.
those that attract a good number of
visitors / devotees.
2. Anta Ghat • Construction of Ghat Grade-I Impacts over the population living at the
(Arched Gateway encroachments will be mitigated.
design), promenade
and wall.
• Requalification to the
area.
3. Adalat Ghat • Construction of Ghat Grade-I • The construction of “Chattris” in front of
(Chathhri design) and the temple complex should be avoided.
promenade. (walls The “Chattris” located in front of the
weren‟t shown for this
Temple Complex should be moved
and all the next Ghats).
towards the sides or removed.
• In the proposals where there are
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Besides of this some general mitigation measures (as described below) has been also suggested
which should be followed during planning, construction and operation phases. (For detail see
Annexure- 1.7)
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Mitigation Measures:
Mitigate the adverse effect on Built Heritage and Historical Landscape through design
interventions that respect the historic character of the buildings and some historic areas;
Reuse of heritage structures instead of demolitions;
Avoid vibration close to buildings during construction;
Undertake ground investigations on site after excavations and removal of vegetation, before
starting the construction works;
During the construction work ensure effective monitoring of the site to safeguard any
unknown archaeological resource discovered during construction work on site;
Mitigation Measures:
Avoid/minimize visual construction of the heritage buildings through designs that will highlight the
buildings and with coherent typologies.
The report also emphasized to take care of the environmental and social and community impacts. The
related mitigation measures are already discussed in this EIA report as well as in the Resettlement
Action Plan report prepared separately for the this project and given as a summary in Annexure 1.3.
Additionally as part of the project following mitigation measures shall be taken up:
Mitigation Measure:
No major piling work to be involved. However if it is involved then the site of piling work shall
be carefully selected to avoid any vibration related impact to these temples/religious
structures etc. along the ghat. Vibration damper shall be used to minimize the impact of
5
vibration to cultural resources as felt suitable. Instead of normal piling hydraulic or vibro
hammer shall be used especially for those heritage building which are within 25 m distance
from Ghat;
Adequate diversion signs shall be displayed in the access route for the devotees towards
these cultural heritage and temples.
Warning signs shall be given if there is any large excavation, piling work and scaffolding work
involved.
Night time construction shall be avoided and proper lighting shall be given in the construction
areas as well as in the access route of the devotees during the evening/night time to avoid
any accidents.
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Hydraulic and Vibro hammer work with a core cutting technology and puts the pile all together instead of
normal piling and hammering. The advantage is that it reduces the noise of normal piling work.
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The project construction work may require clearance of 229 structures along the banks. As per the
social impact assessment identifies impacts on about 229 PAFs for rehabilitation and resettlement. .
The debris generated from the demolition of these structures shall also be managed carefully.
Mitigation Measures:
Prior to the demolition of the structures all the affected families shall be compensated as per the
requirements of NGRBA ESM and shall be relocated at a suitably (as per the plans given in the SIA
and RAP report prepared separately as part of the project. The summary of the RAP report is given in
Annexure-1.4. The RAP budget proposed under project is given table 7.2.
The debris generated from the structures shall be reused as far as possible and the left over material
shall be disposed at a suitable location with approval from the „Engineer‟ and the „Environmental
Specialist‟ on the project. In no case, no debris shall be disposed into the river Ganga.
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There would not be any crushing activities involved in the project and hence chances of fugitive
emission are negligible.
Though the project does not involve huge construction activities as such, still the following activities
have the potential for dust generation during construction stage:
Excavation work for demolishing the old stairs in the project ghats as well as demolition of
buildings and structures;
Construction of new ghats, promenade and other structures as proposed;
Movement of vehicles carrying construction materials;
Mitigation Measure:
The project involves piling work due to the construction of ghat, promenade and building which may
generate noise during the construction. The project area being surrounded by number of old and
heritage buildings and some manmade sensitive locations like schools and hospitals (refer list of
schools and hospitals in section 4.1 in Chapter-4) therefore impact from noise and vibration is a
concern. Further Dolphin‟s entire life system depends on echo-location; noise pollution in its habitat is
harmful for this species.
Mitigation Measures:
Hydraulic or Vibro pilling shall be adopted instead of normal sheet pilling. This reduces the
vibration and noise to a large extent;
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Construction activities especially the use of impact pile drivers shall be restricted during
evening and night time hours (7 p.m. to 6 a.m.)
All jackhammers and pavement breakers used on the construction site shall be fitted with
manufacturer‟s approved exhaust muffler.
Use of pneumatic impact equipment shall be restricted 100m from noise sensitive locations,
cultural resources during night time. Instead of pneumatic hammers electric, hydraulic
hammers could be used.
The local power grid shall be used to limit generator noise
Provision of ear-plugs to contractors exposed to high noise levels.
Provision of temporary noise barrier at sensitive locations (like schools and hospitals),
especially at following locations:
- B.N College;
- Darbhanga House;
- Patna College;
- Khuda Baksh Library;
- Tekari House (though not a school but a heritage building very near to Ghat);
- Badshah Nawabi Girl‟s high school;
- Patna Medical College and Hospital
The construction camp for the workers may have issues related with safe drinking water, sanitation
and solid waste generation. These if not properly managed may go to river Ganga.
Mitigation Measure:
Workers shall be provided with adequate sanitation and waste management facilities in their
construction camps. Makeshift toilets shall be prepared in the camps and waste from the toilets shall
be provided with septic tank and soak pit. The location of the construction camp shall be at least
200m away from the river bank.
Some of the possible locations where the construction camp may be established include the following:
Option-1: Area near to Gandhi setu where Gammon Construction Company used the site for
the construction of Gandhi setu
Option-2: Open area near back side of Gai Ghat;
Option-3: At the left bank of river Ganga at Hajipur site. In this case the materials and labour
are to be brought to the project site through Gandhi setu;
Waste management activities shall also be undertaken and biodegradable and non-biodegradable
wastes shall be separately collected and taken to the nearby waste collection point placed by Patna
Municipal Corporation (PMC). At every access street to the Ghat, PMC has secondary collection point
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responsible for pick up and disposal of garbage. The primary locations are along the promenade as
recycle bins at every ghat, toilet, kiosk and along the promenade.
The guideline towards establishing the construction camp is given in Annexure 1.3. and shall comply
with the Building and Other Construction Workers Rules (BOWCR) of Government of India.
As part of the project there are no utility lines (like water supply, sewer lines) in the project are and
thus chances of disturbance to such utility channels are negligible during the construction work.
However, there are two lateral drains which discharges wastewater from other parts of the city into
Ganga mainly at Anta Ghat and at Krishna Ghat. The project proposes divert these channels through
rehabilitation of the existing trunk sewer and will be connected to the existing STP at Saidpur. This
STP currently receives around 33 MLD of sewage (against the total capacity of 45 MLD) and the load
from Anta Ghat and Krishna Ghat altogether will be 6.64 MLD. There is already a trunk sewer that
connects these ghats connecting to Saidpur STP. Hence it is feasible to divert the discharge from
Anta Ghat and Krishna ghat to Saidpur STP. The existing trunk sewer line and pump house that is
closed present due to maintenance problems may be restored with suitable improvements. This
activity shall be taken up and implemented separately by BUIDCo.
As indicated in Chapter-4, at 2 locations namely Anta Ghat and Krishna Ghat Drainage channel along
with city sewage get disposed off at river Ganga. Although such impacts are not directly generated
from the present RFD project, however such discharge of sewage at places of River front may pose
aesthetic impact to the visitors and tourists. If such sewage discharge is continued then bathing at
these ghats may not be allowed during the operation stage of the RFD.
Mitigation Measure:
As indicated in section 7.3.7, these channels will be diverted to the existing trunk sewer, as a long
term measure, rehabilitation of the sewerage network and augmentation of Saidpur STP shall be
taken on priority, to ensure the wastewater from these channels is diverted permanently from the river
front. The DPR for the sewage network and STP augmentation is in the advance stage of preparation
and the approval decision for the same is expected shortly.
Clearance of vegetation, bushes is involved in the project but no tree cutting is involved. Additionally
new public parks and landscape areas shall be created in the project.
Based on the outcome of primary survey and secondary information (chapter 4) it has been reported
that Gangetic Dolphin is present in the Ganga stretches of Patna.
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Based on discussions with ZSI and Forest department, higher frequency of dolphin movement is
reported at three locations in the study area (within 10 km from project boundary). They are
Ganga – Gandhak confluence site
Danapur - Punpun Bridge
Fatwah – Trivani Ghat.
(Source: Zoological Survey of India, Patna, Bihar)
Further as part of the project, Professor Ravindra Kumar Sinha of Patna Science College (a renowned
expert on Gangetic Dolphins in India) was engaged by BUIDCo to assess the impact of the proposed
RFD project on Gangetic Dolphin:
The report identifies that in the last 2 decades the course of Ganga has shifted away from the city of
Patna from Digha to Collectorate ghat. Thus currently the dolphin habitat close to river front is from
Collectorate Ghat and upstream (away from the locations of the proposed ghats). In addition, the left
bank of the river at Patna is protected by brick and boulder pitching since long back as this bank have
found to be the erosion side of the river. The boulders and bricks along the river bank have been
found to be good habitat for many of the invertebrates and breeding sites for some of the important
fish species. The Dolphin feeds on small size (usually about 10cm long or less) fish as its gullet is
very small. Occasionally it also feeds on mud dweller small fishes, snails, insect larvae etc. while
groveling in the bottom mud. Littoral zones of rivers i.e. close to the river banks are preferred habitat
for small fishes and invertebrates. Thus the stretches close to the banks of the river are good foraging
ground for the Dolphins.
6
Zoological Survey of India, the only taxonomic organization in the country involved in the study of all kinds of animals from
Protozoa to Mammalia, occurring in all possible habitats from deepest depth of the ocean to the peaks of Himalaya, was
established on 1st July, 1916 to promote survey, exploration and research leading to the advancement in our knowledge of the
various aspects of the exceptionally rich animal life.
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Dolphins are also observed near cremation ghats, ferry ghats, bathing and washing ghats. It is
understood that in the area of human activities like bathing and washing ghats, ferry ghats and
cremation ghats, people tend to throw some edible items which could attract fishes and ultimately
Dolphin.
As the Gangetic Dolphin is „blind‟ and its entire life system depends on echo-location, noise pollution
in its habitat is dangerous for this species. Further many cases of strikes with motorized vessel have
been observed to be fatal for the dolphin in and around Patna. The preliminary report of Professor
Sinha is attached as Annexure 1.5.
Based on this report of Prof. Sinha the following mitigation measures are proposed in the
implementation of the project:
The mesh size of the iron wire to be used to fix the boulders below the steps at ghats close to
the water line or river edge should be four inches instead of eight inches. The boulders should
be in the river water even in the leanest months. The invertebrates and fishes should have
access to the boulder pitching.
No indigenous grass should be planted in the landscape terrace between two ghats as in
these spaces natural amphibious/aquatic grasses of riparian zone of the river grow which are
breeding grounds for various terrestrial and aquatic insects and provides habitats for
amphibious/aquatic invertebrates. The planted grasses will get destroyed due to deposition of
fresh mud during flood every year. Whereas the natural amphibious/aquatic grasses
germinate and grow as a natural process every year. It is advisable that landscaped terraces
should not be allowed to dump solid waste and be used as open lavatory; it should not be
allowed for cattle wallowing.
There should be minimum or no noise under water during the implementation of the project. If
nay mechanized boat is being used during the implementation of the project the same must
have propeller guard.
In addition, a Dolphin Information Centre an exhibition cum awareness generation centre for common
public is proposed at Gai Ghat.
Further to ensure, avoidance of impacts on dolphins during the operation phase of the project,
BUIDCo was working with Prof.Sinha, to carry out a detailed assessment of impacts of the project on
Gangetic Dolphins and his recommendations will be implemented appropriately. In this connection,
Prof. Sinha has submitted proposal to conduct research on the impact of River Front Development
Project on Gangetic dolphin at Patna and to recommend mitigation plan and preparation of report
thereof. The main scope of work of Prof Sinha‟s study would be to study temporal and spatial variation
in status and distribution of the Ganges River dolphin in the river in the study area during the course
of its implementation i.e. during execution and Operation & Maintenance. The study area will cover
about 30 km stretch of the River Ganga from Danapur to Punpun confluence at Fatuha during Post-
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Monsoon (November), winter (February), and summer (May). Two copies of the annual progress
report will be submitted by 31st December every year. The prelimary report of Prof Sinha as well as
the terms of reference for the detailed study for Dolphin monitoring during the project implementation
is given in Annexure 1.5. BuiDCo as an Executing Agency will work with Prof Sinha as per the ToR.
Further as part of Dolphin Conservation, Government of India has already established a Working
group as well as an advisory committee. The working group has also prepared a Conservation Action
Plan report which has been disclosed in the website of NGRBA. Further to this advisory committee,
Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) and National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) are
actively getting involved in identifying various dolphin conservation measures in critical stretches of
Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. In this regard, Centre for Environment and Education (CEE) was already
interacts with a project of community awareness for a span of 2 years (July 2010 to September 2012).
As part of the programme, CEE has established a network of 15 NGOs, 525 schools, 470 teachers
and several stakeholders. The programme components included:
Research and Documentation;
IEC material Development and Production;
Review Workshop;
Orientation of Partner Agencies;
Teachers Training Programs;
School activities;
Dolphin Fair;
Regional Dolphin Camps;
Additional initiatives
nd
Further as part of the 2 Phase CEE will also work with 700 more schools in Ganaga basin as well as
with communities and fishermen for alternative livelihood, reducing the usage of pesticides, eco-
torusim so as to minimize the threats to the National Aquatic Animal of India.
Further, Govt of India is in process of operationalize the action plan for Dolphin conservation for which
various reputed institutes like WWF, Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Vikramshila
University and forest and wildlife divisions are consulted with for making joint effort for Dolphin
conservation considering its legal, scientific and awareness requirements.
Solid waste dumps are seen all along the edge of river Ganga and during monsoon they get washed
into the Ganga. The waste is generally disposed by the local community who does not have facility for
primary collection point. These locations include:
Collectorate Ghat;
Krishna Ghat;
Bharwa Ghat;
Law College Ghat;
Rani Ghat;
Gai Ghat
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Mitigation Measures:
During the construction stage the existing waste as found accumulated in the project area shall be
taken and will be handed over to the secondary collection point of Patna Municipal Corporation.
Additionally Masonry bins are being proposed to cater to the waste generated from the communities
so that they are regularly cleaned and disposed through smaller vehicles and ultimately taken to the
larger vehicle for disposing to the disposal site of Patna Municipal Corporation. The detailed drawings
of the Solid Waste Masonry bins are given in the impact from solid waste as described in Operation
Stage.
Impact:
The proposed ghat development activities for the project involve development of existing ghats,
preparation of walkway and promenade above the banks and restoration of riparian edge. As such
there is no such change in drainage network. However a localized increase in river portion velocity is
likely when it comes in contact with the ghat section and this increase in speed may sometime create
increased drag to the open bank immediately after the project construction section.
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Mitigation Measure:
The chances of increase of river flow speed with the development of ghat and localized erosion will be
minimum as immediately after the ghat there will be riparian edge restoration and embankment
protection with gabion structure will persist. This will reduce the localized water speed and thereby
would minimize the chances of in-situ erosion.
Further at the bottom there will be boulder pitching throughout which will maintain the speed of the
water and localized increase of speed is not envisaged.
It is envisaged that with the development of the project there would be increase in all sorts of
population along the ghats and promenades and hence chances of pollution to river water is expected
(mainly solid waste and sanitation issues). Further during the various Hindu rituals and festive season
various pious refuse are also disposed which when biodegrade pollute the river body.
7
Mitigation Measure :
The number of existing visitors at each ghat at present is around 100. However, after completion of
the project the expected population coming to each ghat would be around 400-500. The total
population expected at a time for all the 20 ghats is about 8000-10,000.
Hence the total sewage generation considering 60% of visitor will use toilet at least once the quantum
of sewage generation would be:
As part of the project 24 toilets are being proposed in the project and toilets shall be proposed in the
promenade with a septic tank and soak pit arrangement. During the special events like Chaath, Govt.
PMC provides makeshift toilets like mobile toilets to take care of the situation. The waste water will be
disposed by the PMC and will be treated in the STPs. Further to cater the run-off from the promenade
and pathways interceptor drain is being proposed which will be connected to existing drainage lines
along the access road. The interceptor drain drawings are given along with DPR in the following DPR
drawings in section A:
PROM/PH-01.1
PROM/PH-01.2
PROM/PH-01.3
PROM/PH-01.4
The drawing of toilets is given figure 7.4 and 7.5 may also be referred as DPR drawing number TB/A-
01.
7
This compliance mitigation measure is given on the basis of observation received from NMCG and World Bank on draft ESIA
report.
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Small mesh barrier are proposed to screen the pious refuse. Once screened these pious refuse may
be taken by safai karmachari to be disposed off to dustbins.
The mesh barrier shall be given at each ghat. The mesh barrier will be constructed at the downstream
of the ghat with extension into the river around 20m perpendicular to the direction of flow and then a
bend against the direction of the flow for 2m.
rd
The height of the mesh should be approximately 2/3 of the stair height (measured from the lowest
levels of the stairs). The mesh shall be iron mesh with sizes of 1”x1” mesh size (Mesh code A25)
During festive season makeshift toilet arrangement shall be made in addition to the toilets proposed in
the project.
8
7.4.3 Solid Waste Generation :
Impacts:
The projected population in each ghat after the completion of the project is expected to be
around 400. The quantum of waste generation could be around 200gm/capita. Hence the total
waste generation from 20 ghats would be around = 400*20*200/1000=1600 kg (400 is the
maximum expected population);
Chances of little generation is there along the promenade and pathways;
During festive season and when huge numbers of pilgrims gather at various ghats, additional
waste collection bin facility is generally provided by urban local body. Additionally, as part of
the project few such bins are proposed so that no direct waste disposal is being made to the
river body;
Huge vegetable waste being seen dumped at Anta Ghat vegetable market area which leads
to unhygienic condition; and,
Community near the area used to put solid waste in the bank of river Ganga which ultimately
goes to Ganga through inundation during monsoon.
Also no regular waste collection.
Mitigation Measures:
To take care of this quantum of waste 4 dustbins will be provided in each ghat and each
dustbin will have capacity of 20 kg. Hence capacity of waste collection= 4*20*20=1600 kg;
In additional along the promenades for a total length of 5000m a total of 254 number of litter
bins (i.e. 1 liter bin per 20 m length) shall be provided with capacity of 1 kg each. This when
used in full capacity can take care of 254 kg of solid waste;
8
This compliance mitigation measure is given on the basis of observation received from NMCG and World Bank on draft ESIA
report..
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In Anta ghat area, for the fresh vegetable market 2 big dustbins of 4.5m capacity has been
proposed so that the waste generated from the market can be taken care.
To avoid open disposal of solid waste by the communities at 6 identified location as
mentioned in section 7.3.11, masonry bins shall be provided.
Since the waste collection in Ganga ghat area has been observed quite regular Waste
Collection vehicles are proposed to be procured. Since the access roads will be on an
average 4m wide therefore smaller tippers may be proposed which may ultimately dispose
the waste to bigger tipper truck to dispose the waste to the disposal site of Patna Municipal
Corporation.
The drawing of masonry waste collection point is shown in Figure 7.5.
The generated waste will be collected everyday by the maintenance staff and the collected
waste will be disposed to the secondary collection points to the nearby areas provided by
PMC.
Apart from these identified projects, as part of the EMP a detailed environmental awareness
program has been proposed with the involvement of local schools. The awareness program
can be in the forms of waste cleaning, road play along the promenades.
The budget for the proposed solid waste management is given in table 7.3 below:
S.No Description of Item No. Of Units Unit Cost Total Cost Coverage
(INR Rupees) (INR Rupees)
1 4 dustbins at each ghat 80 10000 8,00,000 Civil Cost
with 20 kg capacity
2 Litterbins with 1 kg 254 6000 15,24,000 Civil Cost
capacity
3 Compactor dustbins at 2 70000 140000 O&M Cost
Anta Ghat with capacity 4.5
3
m
4 Masonry dustbins 6 60000 350000 O&M Cost
5 Hydraulic Dumper Placer 1 600000 574000 O&M Cost
6 Auto tipper 2 700000 1400000 O&M Cost
7 Hooper with front end 1 800000 800000 O&M Cost
loader
Total Cost of SWM 5588000
Total Civil Cost 2324000 Civil Cost
Total O&M Cost 3264000 O&M Cost
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As part of the project risk assessment and safety measures, carrying capacity approach has been
taken to understand the withstand capacity of the ghats as well as promenade for the maximum
number of population. Various tailor made safety measures are accordingly being proposed in the
project:
The aspect of carrying capacity is related to the carrying capacity of the Ghats as well as the
promenades in which during the festive season generally large number of people gathers.
One of the good aspects of the project is that it will provide a large space to the devotees instead of
conglomeration of large density of people in one ghat. Project ghats and associated promenade will
facilitate to spread the devotees so that the concentration of large number of people at one place is
reduced.
The proposed Ghats are of the configuration of 60mx20-30m with a depth ranging between 24-30m.
The total area of a ghat approximately varies between 60x20=1200 sq.m to 60x30=1800 sq.m.
For example in anta ghat the area is 1800 sq. m where nearly 2-3 persons per Sq.m can be allowed
and thus it becomes around 5000 persons in Anta ghat that can be allowed at a time.
The load calculations are based upon IS code with a reference of 6 kilo Newton/sq.m.
It is estimated that overall around 1, 00,000 people can be allowed with the proposed design of the
Ghats at a time within the 6.5 km of proposed project areas. The list of people allowable in each ghat
is given in table 7.4.
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Health and Safety Measures: In addition to carrying capacity the project will also undertake following
general health and safety measures are given below:
Safety measures towards the access to the promenade from Collectorate ghat to Rani Ghat:
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The existing access road for different ghats (as refered in Table 2.2) need to be upgraded for safe
access of visitors to the ghats. This activity shall be taken up and implemented separately by BUIDCo.
However as part of the present ptoject access to the promenade has been increased by proposed
pedestrian streets connecting the existing streets network to the promenade
The crowd management is an important aspect for minimizing the safety hazards and risks related to
it. In Patna the crowd management during the festivals is the responsibility of District Magistrate and
his team. Generally it is like they depute number of police personnel in each of the Ghats with
separate access route for ongoing and outgoing visitors.
In this regard recently a District level Disaster Management Plan has been prepared and the draft
report is under the approval stage. The draft management plan includes the arrangement for following
aspects:
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Adequate crowd management through limiting the time of stay of persons in the ghats;
The suggested measures adopted in the project can also be shared with the DM so that
accordingly crowd management can be made;
Separate entry and exit route to minimize any panic related hazard;
Close circuit television at strategic points as well as in the entry and exit point to monitor
traffic inflow and outflow;
Adopting the proposed access routes as suggested in the project for crowd management;
Ensure that the maximum allowable load of persons in the Ghats as suggested in the project
does not exceed at any point of time;
Adequate signage shall be provided along with public address system through media,
newspapers and Addressable by the polices;
Policing to restrict the entry of any kind of vehicles towards the ghat approach roads during
the festival season, only pedestrians are allowed along the approach roads;
Life boat and life jackets shall be provided in each ghat to provide safety during any kind of
emergency conditions;
A separate crowd modelling study is being prepared by IIT-Delhi. The detailed recommendation of the
Crowd Modelling study will be implemented in the project.
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The Environment Management Action Plan (EMP) is required to ensure sustainable development of
the proposed river front development project in Patna both during the construction as well as during
operational phases. The EMP is site and time specific including necessary responsibility matrix.
In general, the urban development department, Bihar known as Bihar Urban Infrastructure
Development Corporation Ltd. (BUIDCo) (with assistance from Contractor and Independent
Engineer/Supervision Consultant) is the responsible entity for ensuring that the mitigation measures
as suggested in the ESMP are carried out. Mitigation measures for Environment and Social impacts
are listed in Table 8-1. The list provides reference implementing organisation and responsible entity.
The role of BUIDCo in the implementation of ESMP involves the following activities:
The activities to be performed by the contractor to implement the EMP shall comprise the following:
Obtain consent to establish from state pollution control board under air and water act;
Felling of trees (if at all required) with the prior permission of Forest Department;
Finalizing the selection of material sources (quarry and borrow material, etc.) and shall follow
necessary guidelines as given in Annexure 1.1, and Annexure 1.2).
Carrying out necessary environmental monitoring of Air, Water, Noise and Soil quality during the
construction stage;
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Selection, design and layout of construction areas, labour camps etc. (Refer Annexure 1.3)
Implementation of other mitigation measures, as recommended by EIA
The Environmental Officer of the contractor should be available for the entire duration of the project
and shall be primarily responsible for compliance of EMP. The Environmental Specialist from the
Independent Engineer/ Supervision Consultant shall monitor the compliance of the EMP and all the
design drawings of various civil structures shall be implemented after his approval. The proposed
organogram for the implementation and monitoring of ESMP is presented in figure 8-1. Contractor
shall report the implementation of the EMP to the Environmental Expert of Supervision Consultant as
well as to BUIDCo through monthly reports. Further a quarterly report is required to be prepared and
to be given to NMCG for the implementation of EMP.
CGM
Team Leader
(Supervision Consultant)
Project Manager
(Contractor)
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Responsibility
Environmental 9 10 11 Cross
Mitigation Measures Location Time Frame
Impact / Aspect Implementati reference
Supervision
on
DESIGN STAGE
Issues from
Various issues raised were examined & suitably
stakeholder Along the ghats During Design Contractor BUIDCo EIA and DPR
incorporated based on merit.
Consultations
PRE-CONSTRUCTION STAGE
Tree cutting and All the trees are required to be saved. Vegetation Before
vegetation will required to be removed from the ghat section Along the ghats construction Contractor BUIDCo Forest Act
clearance before the commencement of construction. starts
Mobilisation & Site Clearance
9
Some of the mitigation measures are preventive in nature while some others include additional measures in terms of environmental conservation and involve physical and construction work.
10
Unless otherwise stated, the Project Site covers area around the ghats.
11
Time frame refers to the duration or instant of time when the mitigation measures will be taken.
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Responsibility
Environmental 9 10 11 Cross
Mitigation Measures Location Time Frame
Impact / Aspect Implementati reference
Supervision
on
accommodation and ancillary facilities per the Option2: Back side of Gai Dismantling of
guideline given in Annexure 1.2. Ghat; Such Camps.
CONSTRUCTION STAGE
Land
Quarry material shall be sourced from approved
and licensed quarries.
For new quarry if Environmental Clearance is
applicable to be obtained.
For operating new quarries, the Contractor shall Standard
Quarrying obtain materials from quarries only after consent of During Engineering
concerned authorities and only after development of Along the ghats Contractor SC, BUIDCo
Material sources construction Practices and
a comprehensive quarry‟ redevelopment plan. Annexure 1.1.
Adequate safety precautions shall be ensured
during transportation of quarry material from
quarries to the construction site. Vehicles
transporting the material shall be covered to
prevent spillage.
Oil & fuel spills from construction vehicles
equipment shall be controlled by good O&M
practices like maintaining diesel log book, and At fuel storage areas –
During Guidelines of
Contamination of regular maintenance of the heavy vehicles and and at DG set operating SC, BUIDCo,
Construction. Contractor CPCB and
soil equipments; areas. SPIU
World Bank
If there is any oil spill that must be reported to the
highest level of the working team of the contractor
and immediately the oil spill are shall be converged
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Responsibility
Environmental 9 10 11 Cross
Mitigation Measures Location Time Frame
Impact / Aspect Implementati reference
Supervision
on
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Responsibility
Environmental 9 10 11 Cross
Mitigation Measures Location Time Frame
Impact / Aspect Implementati reference
Supervision
on
Water
Discharge from
Route of these discharge point to be diverted before Whenever Will be taken
existing sewer Contractor under the
the start of ghat construction at these 2 locations; Anta Ghat and Krishna encountered up by BUIDCO
drains at Anta supervision of BUIDCo and
Route to be diverted through the existing trunk sewer Ghat during as a separate
Ghat and Krishna construction Bihar Rajya Jal Parishad
line to the existing STP at Saidpur. project
Ghat
Adequate sanitation and waste management facility to
be provided in construction camp as per Annexure 1.2
Waste Water from of EIA report and it is to be ensured that no liquid or During
solid waste get disposed into river Ganga during the Construction Camp Contractor BUIDCo Annexure 1.2.
construction camp Construction
construction period.
Monitoring of water quality during construction period
as per the monitoring plan
The debris generated from the structures shall be
reused (as a quarry material within project site) as far
as possible and the left over material shall be
disposed at a suitable location with following local
rules and regulations along with approval from the
„Engineer‟ and the „Environmental Specialist‟ on the
project. In no case, no debris shall be disposed into Refer Clause
Disposal of Debris the river Ganga. Along construction 11.8 under
During
and other wastes Further, contractor to develop a comprehensive areas and Contractor BUIDCo section VII of
Construction
into Ganga debris and solid waste management and disposal Construction Camp the bid
plan considering the local laws and approval from document.
BUIDCo.
Empty paint or emulsion containers to be disposed
off;
Solid Waste generated from construction camp shall
be disposed as per the approved waste management
plan
Physical and Cultural Resources
Impact on cultural As part of the project no heritage building/indigenous Location of Heritage Construction Contractor SC, BUIDCo Refer Figure
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Responsibility
Environmental 9 10 11 Cross
Mitigation Measures Location Time Frame
Impact / Aspect Implementati reference
Supervision
on
heritage/structure buildings/temples/mosques shall be demolished; Building near to Ghat period and 4.18 and Figure
s during Heritage building which are of Grade-I category Conservation 4.19 of EIA and
construction should be integrated with the promenade design as Consultants Annexure 1.7
per the mitigation measure proposed in the Cutural
Impact Assessment (CIA) report prepared by
INTACH as given in Annexure 1.7 and section 7.3.2
of the EIA report.
For heritage buildings within 25 m from ghat
adequate care shall be taken to minimize vibration
impact. Overall piling work to be used with Vibro
Piling rather than normal sheet piling.
During vibration muffler to be used.
A conservation architect shall be deployed to guide
the contractor on identification and on conservation
of structures in the project area ;
Demolition of any heritage structure shall be not be
done
Chance find of any heritage structure / remnants
during construction shall be immediately reported to
the authorities and shall comply with Ancient
Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains
Act, 1958.
Noise
Construction activities shall be avoided during Various plant
evening and night time hours (7 p.m. to 6 a.m.) and machinery
Noise from
All jackhammers and pavement breakers used on All the ghat section and Throughout manufacturing
Vehicles, Plants Contractor SC, BUIDCo
the construction site shall be fitted with surrounding area construction guidelines and
and Equipment
manufacturer‟s approved exhaust muffler. OSHA
Use of pneumatic impact equipment shall be guidelines
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Responsibility
Environmental 9 10 11 Cross
Mitigation Measures Location Time Frame
Impact / Aspect Implementati reference
Supervision
on
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Responsibility
Environmental 9 10 11 Cross
Mitigation Measures Location Time Frame
Impact / Aspect Implementati reference
Supervision
on
Socio-Economic Environment
The Contractor will provide, erect and maintain
barricades, including signs marking flats, lights and Ghat sections and During
Accidents Contractor SC, BUIDCo
flagmen as required by the SC along the ghat approach roads Construction
sections, approach roads etc.
Nearly 229 Families are getting affected as part of
Resettlement the project. Locations as mentioned During Appendix 1.3
BUIDCo BUIDCo and RAP
Action of People Affected population will be compensated as per in RAP report Construction
Report
entitlement framework presented in the RAP report
Nearly 25 families have cattle shelters. They will be
Resettlement of provided with necessary financial one time financial During Appendix 1.3
T.N. Banerjee Ghat Contractor BUIDCo and RAP
Cow shelters assistance like @ Rs 15,000 for each cattle shed Construction , BUIDCo
report
and ERG to cattle shed owner @ Rs 10,000.
Risk and Safety
Adequate precautions will be taken to prevent
danger from electrical equipment.
Precautions shall be made to provide proper access
Risk and Safety EHS
route to the devotees to access the cultural During
from construction Entire Project site. Contractor SC, BUIDCo guidelines of
resources/temples during the construction stage Construction
activities WB
along with adequate signage to avoid any accidents;
The safety workers shall be taken care as per the
prevailing norms and life boat and jackets shall be
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Responsibility
Environmental 9 10 11 Cross
Mitigation Measures Location Time Frame
Impact / Aspect Implementati reference
Supervision
on
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Responsibility
Environmental 9 10 11 Cross
Mitigation Measures Location Time Frame
Impact / Aspect Implementati reference
Supervision
on
boots etc.
First aid kits shall be provided at construction site for
workers to meet minor accidents during construction
The transportation of construction material
preferably can be brought to the project site during
evening hours (7-10 p.m) or during early morning (5-
8 a.m) to avoid congestion in the project area.
The collected solid waste will be transported on or
before official or academic time schedule. (10 am to
6 pm).
At every workplace, good and sufficient water supply
shall be maintained to avoid waterborne / water-
related / water-based diseases to ensure the health
and hygiene of workers.
During
Hygiene Adequate drainage, mobile toilets shall be provided All Worker‟s Camps Contractor SC, BUIDCo Appendix 1.2
construction
at workplace.
Preventive Medical care shall be provided to
workers.
An action plan shall be prepared and implemented
OPERATION STAGE
Toilet complexes along with 24 other toilets will be
provided in the project;
Sewage Approximately 30 KLD of sewage expected; Figure 7.4 and
generation from Septic Tank and soak pit shall be provided for the Toilets shall be provided During
BUIDCo BUIDCo 7.5 of EIA
Project and Water sewage; along the promenade Operation
report
Quality Water quality to be monitored as per monitoring
plan
Surface Run-off Interceptor drain has been proposed to cater surface BUIDCo BUIDCo
Along promenade from During DPR Drawings
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Responsibility
Environmental 9 10 11 Cross
Mitigation Measures Location Time Frame
Impact / Aspect Implementati reference
Supervision
on
run-off from promenade and pathways and will be Collectorate Ghat to Rani Operation PROM/PH-
ultimately be linked with the drains along access Ghat 01.1 to 01.4
roads
Increase of speed As part of the project necessary green areas along Entire Project corridor During BUIDCo BUIDCo DPR drawings
of water at Ghat the banks will be protected as well as new green bank length Operational for Ghat
section and areas in terms of city parks shall be created. This Stage section
chances of Soil will provide necessary bank stability.
Erosion
Further, riparian edge restoration program will be
undertaken to maintain natural habitat.
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Responsibility
Environmental 9 10 11 Cross
Mitigation Measures Location Time Frame
Impact / Aspect Implementati reference
Supervision
on
The mess size of the iron wire to be used to fix the BUIDCo BUIDCo
boulders below the steps at ghats close to the water
line or river edge should be four inches instead of
eight inches. The boulders should be in river water
even in the leanest month. The invertebrates and
fishes should have access to the boulder pitching.
No indigenous grasses should be planted in the
landscape terraces between two ghats as in the
spaces natural amphibious/aquatic grasses of
riparian zone of the river grow which are breeding
Along the ghats and
Dolphin During
grounds for various terrestrial and aquatic insects Ganga river stretch for
Conservation Operational
and provide habitats for amphibious/aquatic the conservation Annexure 1.5
Stage
invertebrates.
It is advisable that landscape terraces should not be
allowed to dump solid waste and be used as open
lavatory. It should not be allowed for cattle
wallowing.
There should be minimum or no noise under the
water during implementation of the project. If any
mechanized boat is used during implementation of
the project, the same may be propeller guard.
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The Environmental Monitoring Programme has been detailed out in Table 8-2. Successful
implementation of the Environmental Monitoring Program is contingent on the following:
The Supervision Consultant (SC) is to request the Contractor to commence all the
initial tests for monitoring (i.e. for Air, Water Quality and Noise Levels) early in the
Contract to establish 'base' readings (i.e. to assess the existing conditions prior to
effects from the Construction activities being felt);
Where indicated by testing results, and any other relevant on-site conditions, SC to
instruct the Concessionaire / Contractor to:
All issues related to negative environmental impacts of the Contractor's Facilities, Plant
and equipment are to be controlled through:
Other environmental impacts are to be regularly identified and noted on the monthly appraisal
inspection made to review all aspects of the Contractor's operation. The officer is to review all monthly
appraisal reports, and through the team leader is to instruct the Contractor to rectify all significant
negative environmental impacts.
Patna RFD is only one of the portfolios of investments under NGRBA towards cleaning the Ganga. In
Patna alone Patna RFD can‟t reduce the pollution load that is coming into river Ganga in the form of
raw sewage or semi-treated sewage. The city urgently needs construction of STPs and establishing
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sewerage networks to minimize the waste load to river Ganga. Considering the same the
improvement work for the sewerage network in various zones are already undertaken. However, the
sewerage network in sewerage Zone-III (Saidpur) and Zone-IVA (North) shall be taken up in priority
with augmentation of existing STP to cater to more sewage treatment. This will ultimately held in
minimizing the pollution in river Ganga. Till the construction period of the RFD (26 months) the
drainage outfall points at Anta Ghat and Krishna Ghat will be diverted through trunk sewer line to the
existing STP at Saidpur so that no discharge outfall in being made at these Ganga ghats.
The environmental budget for the various environmental management measures proposed in the
ESMP is detailed in Table 8-3. There are several other environmental issues that have been
addressed as part of good engineering practices, the costs for which have been accounted for in the
Engineering Cost. The rates adopted for the budget has been worked out on the basis of market rates
and the Schedule of rates. Various environmental aspects covered/will be covered under engineering
costs are listed below:
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3
PM10 μg /m , PM2.5 1 seasons annually
monitoring agency/Lab
Air Quality
3
μg/m , SO2, NOX, CO except monsoon
CPCB monitoring
3 Once in a year
PM10 μg /m , PM2.5
ation
Oper
st
Night) Average and At locations of Once in year for 1 BUIDCo or its SPV
BUIDCo
Peak values baseline monitoring 5 years
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Env.
Stage Institutional Responsibilities
Component
Parameter Standards Locations Frequency Implementation Supervision
Physical Parameter: Near Construction
Texture, Grain Size, sites along the ghat
Construction
Physical : Texture,
Grain Size, Gravel,
Sand, Silt, Clay;
Operation
Chemical Parameter:
Once in a year for BUIDCo or its SPV
pH, BUIDCo
first 5 years,
Conductivity, Calcium,
Magnesium, Sodium,
Nitrogen, Absorption
Ratio
Construction and Operation
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Health Check-up (including HIV and AIDs) No. 150 3000 450000 4.5
Soil Erosion restoration work like retaining wall, edge restoration work, turfing and
1.2 Soil Covered in Engineering Cost (BOQ item for 2.1.3 for ghat section)
vegetative cover,
Health and Establishing of Construction Camp including facilities for drinking water, waste water
1.3 Covered in Engineering Cost as incidental cost
Hygiene treatment and solid waste disposal facilities
Solid Waste covered in Engineering Cost as incidental cost
1.4 Facilities towards solid waste management for the project (Civil Cost from Table 7.2)
Management
Solid Waste Procurement of Vehicles for solid waste management and 2 dumper bins (O&M
1.5 32.64
Management Cost from Table 7.2)
Small mesh barrier to screen the pious refuse to be provided at each ghat. The mesh
barrier will be constructed at the downstream of the ghat with extension into the river
around 20m perpendicular to the direction of flow and then a bend against the
1.6 Water Quality direction of the flow for 2m. M. 1800 450.00 8,10,000.00 8.1
rd
The height of the mesh should be approximately 2/3 of the stair height (measured
from the lowest levels of the stairs). The mesh shall be iron mesh with sizes of 1”x1”
mesh size (Mesh code A25)
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* This cost will be borned by State Government/BUIDCo considering the Proposal of Prof. Sinha to monitor the impact of River Front Development Project on Gangetic dolphin at Patna during the project
implementation and Operation and Maintenace for a period of 3 years. BUIDCo need to appoint Prof Sinha in this regard and fund for the study may be allocated from present project or may form it as a separate
project.The Terms of Reference (ToR) of the proposal is given in Annexure-1.5 of the EIA report.
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Reporting system for the suggested monitoring program operates at two levels as:
Contractor and Engineer (Supervision Consultant) operate the reporting system for environmental
condition and environmental management indicators (except tree cutting). The Environmental
Management Unit of SPV/BUIDCo will operate the reporting system for environmental management
indicator and operation performance indicators. The PIU will set the targets for each activity
envisaged in the EMP beforehand and all reports will be against these targets. Contractor will report
to the Engineer on the progress of the implementation of environmental conditions and management
measures as per the EMP. The Engineer will in turn report to the SPV/BUIDCo on a quarterly basis. A
copy of the report shall also be sent to NMCG for monitoring. Reporting formats have been prepared,
which will form the basis of monitoring, by the Engineer as required.
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In addition to these formats, to ensure that the environmental provisions are included at every activity
of the implementation by the contractor, it is suggested that the approval of the environmental
personnel of the engineer is required in the request for application to proceed or other similar
reporting formats used by the contractor. These will not only ensure that the environmental provisions
are addressed but also link the satisfactory compliance to environmental procedures prior to approval
of the Interim Payment Certificate (IPC) by the Engineer. The activities by the contractor that can
impact the environment will be identified based on discussions between BUIDCo and its SPV, team
leader of the Engineer (Supervision Consultant) and the Environment Health and Safety (EHS)
personnel of the Engineer. The decisions will be communicated to the contractor prior to the start of
the construction activities.
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(Site Layout of Construction camp and working drawings of dwelling units with allied facilities to be attached with
format)
Format to be submitted before target date (decided by BUIDCo or its SPV) of establishing camps
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Certified that the furnished information is correct the quality of work is as per god practice and all relevant
information as required is attached.
Contractor
Engineer – In –Charge
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S. Non Corrective
Safety Issues Yes No Penalty Remarks
No. compliance Action
Safety during Construction Stage
1 Appointment of qualified Environment Health
and Safety Officer
2 Approval for Construction safety
Management plan by the Engineer
3 Provision of flags and warning lights
4 Provision of adequate staging, form work and
access (ladders with handrail) for works at a
height of more than 3.0 m
5 Demarcations(fencing, guarding and watching
) at construction sites
6 Provision for sufficient lighting especially for
night time work
7 Arrangements for controlled access and entry
to construction Zones
8 Safety arrangements for Road
users/Pedestrians
9 Arrangements for derouting devotees to
temples
10 Construction Workers safety-Provision of
personnel protective equipments
11 A. Helmets
B. safety Shoe
C. Dust masks
D. Hand Gloves
E. Safety Belts
F. Reflective Jackets
G. Earplugs for labour
12 Work employed on bituminous works,stone
crushers, concrete batching plants
etc.providied with protective goggles
,gumboots etc.
13 Workers engaged in welding work shall be
provided with welder protective shields
14 All vehicles are provided with reverse horns.
15 All scaffolds, ladders and other safety devices
shall be maintained in as safe and sound
condition
16 Regular health checkup for
labour/contractor‟s personnel
17 Ensuring the sanitary conditions and all waste
disposal procedures & methods in the camps
18 The contractor shall provide adequate circuit
for traffic flow around construction areas,
control speed of construction vehicles
through road safety and training of drivers,
provide adequate signage, barriers and flag
persons for traffic control
19 Provision for insurance coverage to the
contractor‟s personnel
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S.No. Location Details of Duration of Instruments Method Completion Target Reasons for
Location monitoring Used Used Target Date of Delay, if any
Date Completion
if task
completed
Air Monitoring
1
2
3
4
5
Water Monitoring
1
2
3
4
5
Noise Monitoring
1
2
3
4
5
Soil Quality Monitoring
1
2
3
4
5
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S.No. Location Details of Duration of Instruments Method Completion Target Reasons for
Location monitoring Used Used Target Date of Delay, if any
Date Completion
if task
completed
Air Monitoring
1
2
3
4
5
Water Monitoring
1
2
3
4
5
Noise Monitoring
1
2
3
4
5
Soil Quality Monitoring
1
2
3
4
5
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Overall as part of the Environmental and Social screening study the project is placed in Category-I
due to presence of schedule-I animal, i.e. Dolphin and resettlement requirement of 229 Project
Affected Families (PAFs). The project DPR has already taken many environmental measures which
were being suggested during the screening study like (i) Providing toilet with connection to city sewer;
(ii) escape route for the pilgrim during rush hour; (iii) solid waste management in an around ghats and
promenade (iv) parking for the boats at the anta ghat; (v) Riparian edge restoration. The project as
such does not involve any such hazardous activity and hence have moderate-low impact.
The ghat development work does not require environmental clearance as the covered built up
area is approximately 65,000 sq.m which is less than 1,50,000 sq.m and thus does not fall in
schedule 8 (b) of EIA notification 2006. The total built up area is also less than 20,000 sq.m
and hence it does not fall under schedule 8(a) also.
Reserve Forest (RF) diversion, wild life clearance, protected forest clearance are not
applicable;
Project area does not cover National Park, Wildlife Sanctuary, etc. within 10 km radius
boundary.
CRZ clearance zones are not triggered as the project area is not within a coastal zone
Ganga River Dolphin, the schedule-I animal is reported in the stretch. Though concentrated
within the left bank and the construction work will mostly be in the right bank of the river, still a
3 year Dolphin monitoring programme has been drafted with Prof R.K.Sinha to monitor the
impact of the project on Ganga river Dolphin for a study area of 30 km stretch of Ganga.
8 number of Focus group discussion and one public consultation with stakeholders was
conducted;;
Plan for riparian edge restoration has been proposed with saving of all the trees along the
Ghats;
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Separate Crowd modeling study is being undertaken and accordingly necessary safety
measures shall be taken;
Necessary refuge access routes are proposed to minimize risks;
Access roads to the ghats shall be upgraded by BUIDCo through a separate project.
A total 229 project affected families will be resettled.
Overall the project proposes very minor impact which can be taken proposed care with
proposed implementation of ESMP.
Recommendation:
The project as such not going have any severe impact on river Ganga as the project itself is taking
necessary environmental care. However, still raw sewage disposal has been noticed at various
section of the river Ganga along with disposal of solid waste near ghat area along with open
defecation. It is expected that as part of the proposed development of the project and measures as
proposed under EMP and DPR scheme if implemented properly then the objective of the project will
be successful. The recommendation as given in the preliminary report of Professor Sinha (Refer
Annexure 1.5) for Dolphin Conservation and CIA report of INTACH (Refer Annexure 1.7) for Cultural
heritage conservation may be referred during the construction for conservation and protection of
Dolphin and Cultural resources.
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ANNEXURES
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The Contractor will finalise the locations from the list given by Consultant's for procuring materials.
The Contractor shall establish a new quarry only with the prior consent of the Supervision Consultant
(SC) only in cases when: (i) Lead from existing quarries is uneconomical and (ii) Alternative material
sources are not available. The Contractor shall prepare a Redevelopment Plan for the quarry site and
get it approved by the SC.
The construction schedule and operations plans to be submitted to the SC prior to commencement of
work shall contain a detailed work plan for procuring materials that includes procurement,
transportation and storage of quarry materials.
CONSTRUCTION STAGE
Development of site: To minimise the adverse impact during excavation of material following
measures are need to be undertaken:
i) Adequate drainage system shall be provided to prevent the flooding of the excavated area
ii) At the stockpiling locations, the Contractor shall construct sediment barriers to prevent the
erosion of excavated material due to runoff
iii) Construction of offices, laboratory, workshop and rest places shall be done in the up-wind of
the plant to minimize the adverse impact due to dust and noise.
i) The access road to the plant shall be constructed taking into consideration location of units
and also slope of the ground to regulate the vehicle movement within the plant.
iv) In case of storage of blasting material, all precautions shall be taken as per The Explosive
Rules, 1983.
Remarks
SI.
Item Unit Details by IE, if
No.
any
1. Name / identity of the location
2. Nearest project road Chainage.
3. Name of the owner
4. Area involved
Arrangement with the owner (agreement with the third party /
contractor should be attached as an Annexure and should
5. necessarily require the adaptation of good quarry management Cum
practices - a description of the requirements should be
included)
Quantity of material to be withdrawn vis-à-vis the material
6.
available
8. Machinery & equipment to be used Cum
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Remarks
SI.
Item Unit Details by IE, if
No.
any
9. Drainage plans
10. Top soil management
11. Description of the operating practices
12. Health facilities
Safety provisions made including fire protection systems and
13.
the availability of different personal protective equipment
Conditions laid down in the clearances / licenses and plans to
14.
ensure compliance
15. Monitoring plans for air quality
i) During excavation, slopes shall be flatter than 20 degrees to prevent their sliding. In cases
where quarry strata are good and where chances of sliding are less this restriction can be
ignored.
ii) In case of blasting, procedure and safety measures shall be taken as per The Explosive
Rules, 1983
iii) The contractor shall ensure that all workers related safety measures shall be dune as per
guidelines for Workers and Safety.
Topsoil will be excavated and preserved during transportation of the material measures shall be taken
to minimize the generation of dust and prevent accidents.
The SC shall review the quarry site for the management measures during quarry operation, including
the compliance to pollution norms.
The Contractor shall restore all haul roads constructed for transporting the material from the
quarries to construction site to their original state.
The IE shall be entrusted the responsibility of reviewing the quarry site for the progress of
implementation of Redevelopment Plan.
The redevelopment of exhaust quarry shall be the responsibility of the agency providing the
permit to ensure the implementation of Redevelopment Plan.
For existing quarry managed directly by a third party / contractor from whom the contractor is sourcing
the materials, the plan should contain the following:
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Attach Photograph of Proposed Site, Location Map, consents, licenses and Agreement with land
owner.
REMARKS
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(A) SITING
The contractor based on the following guidelines shall identify the location of the construction site.
The construction site shall be located:
The construction camps will be located at least 200 m away from Ganga Ghats at
identified sites. The living accommodation and ancillary facilities for labour shall be
erected and maintained to standards and scales approved by the resident engineer.
All sites used for camps must be adequately drained. They must not be subject to
periodic flooding, nor located within 300 feet of pools, sink holes or other surface
collections of water unless such water surface can be subjected to mosquito control
measures.
The camps must be located such that the drainage from and through the camps will
not endanger any domestic or public water supply.
All sites must be graded, ditched and rendered free from depressions such that water
may get stagnant and become a nuisance.
(B) LAYOUT
The Contractor during the progress of work will provide, erect and maintain necessary (temporary)
living accommodation and ancillary facilities for labour to standards and scales approved by the
engineer. All temporary accommodation must be constructed and maintained in such a fashion that
uncontaminated water is available for drinking, cooking and washing. Safe drinking water should be
provided to the dwellers of the construction camps. Adequate washing and bathing places shall be
provided, and kept in clean and drained condition. Construction camps are to be sited away from
vulnerable people and adequate health care is to be provided for the work force.
Sanitation Facilities: Construction camps shall be provided sanitary latrines and urinals. Sewerage
drains should be provided for the flow of used water outside the camp. Drains and ditches should be
treated with bleaching powder on a regular basis. The sewage system for the camp must be properly
designed, built and operated so that no health hazard occurs and no pollution to the air, ground or
adjacent watercourses takes place. Compliance with the relevant legislation must be strictly adhered
to. Garbage bins must be provided in the camp and regularly emptied and the garbage disposed off in
a hygienic manner
Shelter at Workplace: At every workplace, there shall be provided free of cost, four suitable shelters,
two for meals and two others for rest, separately for use of men and women labourers. The height of
shelter shall not be less than 3m from floor level to lowest part of the roof. Sheds shall be kept clean
2
and the space provided shall be on the basis of at least 0.5m per head.
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Canteen Facilities: A cooked food canteen on a moderate scale shall be provided for the benefit of
workers wherever it is considered necessary. The contractor shall conform generally to sanitary
requirements of local medical, health and municipal authorities and at all times adopt such
precautions as may be necessary to prevent soil pollution of the site.
First aid facilities: At every workplace, a readily available first-aid unit including an adequate supply
of sterilized dressing materials and appliances will be provided as per the Factory Rules. Workplaces
remote and far away from regular hospitals will have indoor health units with one bed for every 250
workers. Suitable transport will be provided to facilitate taking injured and ill persons to the nearest
hospital. At every workplace an ambulance room containing the prescribed equipment and nursing
staff will be provided.
Health Care Facilities: Health problems of the workers should be taken care of by providing basic
health care facilities through health centres temporarily set up for the construction camp. The health
centre should have at least a doctor, nurses, duty staff, medicines and minimum medical facilities to
tackle first-aid requirements or minor accidental cases, linkage with nearest higher order hospital to
refer patients of major illnesses or critical cases.
The health centre should have MCW (Mother and Child Welfare) units for treating mothers and
children in the camp. Apart from this, the health centre should provide with regular vaccinations
required for children.
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This entitlement matrix has been developed in accordance with the basic principles adopted in the
RPF and analysis of initial identification of project impacts.
In case where a State Government through any Act or Gazette Notification or as approved by any
authority of State Government (duly authorized for the purpose) as per their approved procedure has
fixed a rate for compensation of land and is higher than the provisions under the project, the same
may be adopted by the Competent Authority in determining the compensation for land.
Similarly, in case where a State Government through any Act or Gazette Notification or as approved
by any authority of State Government (duly authorized for the purpose) as per their approved
procedure has fixed a rate for resettlement and rehabilitation assistance and is higher than the
provisions under the project, the same may be adopted by the Executing Authority.
Table1: Entitlement Matrix for PAFs along Ganga River Front at Patna
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As per the R&R Policy of the project capacity-building efforts will be made for PAFs, which aim at skill
up gradation through various income generation training programmes and schemes. The R&R policy
has the provision of mitigating loss of income through cash compensation and capacity building for
self-employment.
One of the strategies for economic sustenance of the PAPs is to help them improve their production
level or to impart new skills/upgrade skills through training. The project will have to conduct training
need assessment (TNA) of PAFs. For PAPs who intend to diversify their economic activity, suitable
income restoration schemes will be identified on individual basis and training need would be
assessed. Besides training in scheme specific skills, general entrepreneurship development will also
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form part of the training programme, mainly to improve the management capabilities of EP. The
Training will be organized in the plan period itself. The NGO contracted for the implementation of RAP
will be assigned this task. Besides, training programs organized by other government agencies will
also be availed. The past experiences have shown that roughly three-fourth of the PAPs require
training. It will be the responsibility of the project to ensure that PAPs receives, training in desired
trade. The NGO contracted will act as a facilitator and training will be imparted either by the
government agencies or a professional and competent outside agency.
For Income restoration it is important that available skills with the PAPs is identified and further
upgraded. During verification survey, NGO should specifically ask about the skill possessed other
than the one related to their current occupation. NGO contracted for implementation should also
conduct a survey among the PAPs with options of various skills related to the resource base of the
area and available market (with proper forward and backward linkages) and accordingly selected
trades for training. Based on the training, NGO will identify income-generating activities for
sustainable economic opportunities. NGOs in consultation with the PAPs, project staff, district
administration and other stakeholders in institutional financing and marketing federations will prepare
micro-plans for IR activities.
In case of creation of alternative livelihood schemes, felt needs of the target group population will be
prioritized through people‟s participation. Further, these options will be tested for their viability against
availability of skills, resource base of the area and available appropriate technology. Suitable
alternative livelihood schemes will be chosen finally, where training on skill upgradation, capital
assistance, and assistance in the form of backward-forward linkages can be provided for making
these pursuits sustainable for the beneficiaries or the target groups.
A comprehensive support system to the PAPs will ensure income security. The project will work as a
facilitator to the people in the enterprise (but will not act as providers for each and every livelihood
opportunity). The PAPs are required to participate in developing feasible long- term income
generating schemes. The long- term options are expected to be developed during the implementation
of the RAP and also supported by the government assistance.
Short term IR activities mean restoring PAPs‟ income during periods immediately before and after
relocation. Such activities will focus on the following:
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Petty Traders
Under this scheme, the availbility options are grocery shop, vegetable & fruit shop, stationary, cloth,
tea & snacks, ready-made garments, beetle shop etc. PAPs those who are already in the trade and
business are suitable for these activities. Implementing NGO will have to decide on type of shops to
be established as per demand.
The options available under this scheme are tailoring, carpentry, masonry, mobile repair, computer
operator, beautician, motor winding, cycle/motor cycle/auto repair, driving (auto/Matador/etc.),
Television/Tape records/Watch repairing, Pottery, Leather works, etc. PAPs those who are in such
trades can undergo training for skill upgradation to supplement their annual income. Industrial
Training Institutes imparts training in such trades. Training can also be imparted through professional
and competent outside agency especially hired for the purpose. The implementation of above-
mentioned activities requires organization of credit camps. Extending financial credit support is an
important component of IR schemes. It requires organization of credit camps for EPs. Local
government officials, NGOs and PAP representatives apart from project officials, will attend these
camps. The purpose of the camps would be to allow local financial institutions to inform participants of
credit options and how to avoid procedural delays. All formalities related to processing of applications
for credit assistance will be completed at these camps. For these kinds of camps project staff along
with NGO, will have to coordinate closely with the Lead Bank managers and other commercial banks
operating in the district.
Monitoring of IR Schemes
The monitoring of IR schemes will be carried out along with the monitoring of other components of
RAP by an outside agency contracted for the purpose. The contract will specifically provide for regular
(every six months) monitoring of income restoration of PAPs. The monitoring will be carried out based
on economic indicators. Vulnerable PAPs who lose their livelihood due to the project will be assisted
in alternative economic rehabilitation schemes and vocational training for skill up gradation as per the
requirement of suggested economic scheme.
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Distribution of project affected households is mentioned in below table. There are 164 vulnerable
households as per the Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) out of 229 that may be impacted due to
this project. Vulnerability of project affected households has been identified based on social and
economic criteria. As per vulnerability criteria 164 HHs are socially vulnerable. Socially vulnerable
households are woman headed households, Schedule Castes.
Table: Vulnerability Status of PAFs
1 WHH 24
2 SC 73
3 BPL 67
Total 164
Income restoration
Measures for income restoration are one of the most crucial and vital components of resettlement
planning and implementation. They are integrated with the development project involving involuntary
resettlements. The World Bank policy states that the loss of the livelihoods in the projects with
involuntary resettlement can severely affect people especially those from the vulnerable groups and
other disadvantaged section of the society leading to impoverishment.
Women Involvement in Development Process
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It is imperative that the NGRBA ensures that the women are consulted and invited to
participate in group-based activities, to gain access and control over the resource as a part
of the RAP
The NGOs should make sure that women are actually taking part in LA&R&R processes
such as issuance of identity cards, opening accounts in the bank, receiving compensation
amounts through cheque in their name or not, etc. This will further widen the perspective of
participation by the women in the project implementation.
Under the entitlement framework there are a number of provisions kept for compensation
and assistances towards the losses incurred upon the impacted women headed
households by the project.
The assistances to be provided to women as a vulnerable group should create alternative
livelihood for them to ensure their sustainable socio-economic upliftment.
The implementing agencies should provide trainings for upgrading the skill in the
alternative livelihoods and assist throughout till the beneficiaries start up with production
and business.
Women's participation should be initiated through Self-Help Group formation in each of the
wards affected by the project. These groups should then be linked to special development
schemes of the Government, like SGSY.
Women's participation should be ensured for monitoring and evaluation activities.
Monitoring of project inputs concerning benefit to women should invite their participation
that will make the process more transparent to them. Women should be encouraged to
evaluate the project outputs from their point of view and their useful suggestions should be
noted for taking necessary actions for further modifications in the project creating better
and congenial situation for increasing participation from women.
Involvement of Women in Construction Activities
The labour force required for the construction activities will be mostly of high-skill nature since a lot
of machine work will be involved in the construction of the project. But there will be
requirement of unskilled labour where women may likely to involve in such work. Women as
family members of the skilled and semi-skilled labourers will also stay in the construction
camps and will be indirectly involved during the construction phase. The families of labourer will
include their children also. The construction contractors are expected to bring along their labour force.
Thus, in most cases the labourers, both male and female, will be migratory labourers. But, the
involvement of local labour force, especially for unskilled activities cannot be fully ruled out. There will
be involvement of local women also in the local labour force. Foreseeing the involvement of women
both directly and indirectly in the construction activities, certain measures are required to be
token towards welfare and well-being of women and children in-particular during the
construction phase.
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All the affected families falling under the vulnerable category including the poor will be assisted to
uplift their economic status irrespective of their ownership status. Whether they possess or do not
possess legal title to the lands/assets, whether they are tenants or encroachers or squatters, they will
be assisted in restoring their livelihoods as per the entitlement matrix.
The Environment and Social Management Unit proposed as part of the project are required to
maintain the social support network for women headed households as far as possible so that they
remain closer to their locations and /or provide special services at the new sites. Special assistance
would consist of the following:
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R&R Budget:
2 Assistance for Cattle Cattle Shed 25@ Rs 15000 per cattle 375000
Shed shed
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Preliminary Report Regarding the Impact of the River Front Development Project on Dolphin
Habitat in River Ganga at Patna
Under the River Front Development project, approved by the Ministry of Environment and Forests,
Government of India between Collectorate ghat and Naujar ghat (6.6 K.M.), twenty ghats and a
promenade (6 m wide) to connect to the different ghats, are proposed to be constructed. Besides,
some buildings will also get constructed for various purposes. There are some already constructed
ghats like Mahendru ghat, Kali ghat, Gandhi ghat, Law college ghat, etc. in same stretch. The space
in between consecutive ghats has been proposed as landscaped terraces. The terraces through
series of steps would gradually lead to the river edge and would be landscaped with indigenous
species which would protect the river edge during the rain from erosion. The landscaped edges could
be used during the suitable seasons according to the lies in open of the stepped terraces by the
continuous ascending and resending water of the river. It is required to conduct a study about impact
of project on Gangetic dolphins in Ganga River during implementation of the project. As during
months of July and September the river is flooded, no such study is possible. But due to
administrative exigencies, BUIDCo is requesting me to submit a preliminary report based on my
earlier study and vast experience of working on Gangetic dolphins. After discussion with the
concerned technical experts of BUIDCo and their consultant; and going through Detailed Project
Report following is my preliminary report which may be help to the BUIDCo.
I visited most of the proposed and existing Ghats which were accessible by road in the month of
August 2013. The river Ganga was heavily flooded. Almost all the existing Ghats and the sites of the
proposed Ghats were completely inundated.
The entire stretch of river along the city of Patna has been a good habitat for the gangetic dolphin.
The Gangetic dolphins prefers deep zone with eddy counter currents and complex hydro
geomorphological formation in the river. Such habitats were formed along the left bank of the river at
Patna. When the flow of Ganga was from Pahleza ghat to Digha ghat, i.e. North to South, the river
used to flow very close to the city of Patna from Digha to Deedarganj. The city of Patna used to have
a long (About 20 km) river front about two decades ago. Currently, half of the river front has been lost
as Ganga shifted away from the city as its flow changed from North South to East-West, i.e. from
Maner to Danapur. There are several reasons for this change, including the enhanced sand mining at
the confluence of river Son and Ganga near Maner and many brick kilns close to Ganga at Digha
ghat. The confluence of Gandak has been a very good habitat for round the year. In the last ten years,
the confluence of Gandak has also shifted about 4-5 KM from Gulbi ghat to Khajekalan ghat.
In the last two decades the course of Ganga has shifted away from the city of Patna from Digha to
Collectorate ghat. Thus currently the Dolphin habitat close to river front is from Collectorate ghat
downward only. The left bank of the river at Patna was protected by brick and boulder pitching since
long back as this bank used to be the erosion side of the river. The boulders and bricks along the river
bank have been found to be good habitat for many of the invertebrates and breeding sites for some of
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the important fish species. The dolphins feed on small size (usually about 10 cm long or less) fish as
its gullet is very small. Occasionally it also feeds on mud-dweller small fishes, snails, insect larvae etc.
while groveling in the bottom mud. Littoral zones of river i.e. close to river banks are proffered habitat
for small fishes and invertebrates. Thus the stretches close to the bank of rivers are good foraging
ground for the dolphins.
The Gangetic dolphins have been observed near cremation ghats, ferry ghats, bathing and washing
ghats. We understand that in the area of human activities like bathing and washing ghats, ferry ghats
and cremation ghats people tend to throw some edible items which could attract the fishes and
ultimately the dolphins.
As the Gangetic dolphin is „blind‟ and its entire life system depends on echo-location, noise pollution
in its habitat is dangerous for this species. Many cases of strike with motorized vessels have been
observed to be fatal for the dolphin in and around Patna.
I was informed that under the proposed RFD project below the steps of the Ghats near water line/
river edge would be boulders fixed with meshed iron wire. The size of the mess would be eight inches.
The space in between two consecutive ghats has been proposed as land scape terraces. The
terraces through series of steps would gradually lead to the river edge and should be landscaped with
indigenous species of grasses which would protect the river edge during the rains from erosion.
Buildings at different ghats are proposed for various purposes including one Dolphin Research Centre
at Gai ghat.
I understand that there will be not much impact of the RFD Project on dolphin habitat in the Ganga at
Patna. Nevertheless, I would like to make following recommendations to be taken into account during
the implementation of the project:
1. The mess size of the iron wire to be used to fix the boulders below the steps at ghats close to
the water line or river edge should be four inches instead of eight inches. The boulders should
be in river water even in the leanest month. The invertebrates and fishes should have access
to the boulder pitching.
2. No indigenous grasses should be planted in the landscape terraces between two ghats as in
the spaces natural amphibious/aquatic grasses of riparian zone of the river grow which are
breeding grounds for various terrestrial and aquatic insects and provide habitats for
amphibious/aquatic invertebrates. The planted grasses will get destroyed due to deposition of
fresh mud during flood every year; whereas the natural amphibious/aquatic grasses
germinate and grow as a natural process every year. It is advisable that landscape terraces
should not be allowed to dump solid waste and be used as open lavatory. It should not be
allowed for cattle wallowing.
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3. It may be noted that already fund for a National Dolphin Research Centre has been available
to the Government of Bihar by the Planning Commission of India. Various administrative
decisions have been taken by the Government of Bihar regarding location, administration,
future funding etc. for this centre. It is not advisable to construct another Dolphin Research
Centre at Gai ghat under the RFD project. Moreover, it is not clear who will manage this
center on long term. Under the situation, I would like to suggest that fund available for Dolphin
Research Center under the RFD project be merged and made available to the National
Dolphin Research Center.
4. There should be minimum or no noise under the water during implementation of the project. If
any mechanized boat is used during implementation of the project, the same may be propeller
guard.
I understand this preliminary report with some recommendations will allow BUIDCo to proceed with
the tendering process of the project. Detailed research on the impact of the RFD project on dolphin
habitat may be concluded in due course of time.
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Proposal to conduct research on the impact of River Front Development Project on Gangetic
dolphin at Patna and to recommend mitigation plan and preparation of report to be submitted
to Bihar Urban Development Corporation Ltd. (BUIDCo), Patna
Introduction
Under the River Front Development (RFD) Project at Patna, approved by the Ministry of Environment
and Forests, Government of India, between Collectorate Ghat and Naujar Ghat (6.6 km), twenty ghats
and a promenade (6m wide) to connect the different ghats, are proposed to be constructed in the
River Ganga by the Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (BUIDCO). Besides, some
buildings will also be constructed for various purposes. Already there are some existing ghats like
Mahendru Ghat, Kali Ghat, Gandhi Ghat, Law College Ghat, etc in the same stretch of the river. The
space between the consecutive ghats has been proposed as landscaped terraces. The terraces
through series of steps would gradually lead to the river edge and would be landscaped with
indigenous floral species which would protect the river edge from erosion during the rains. The
landscaped edges could be used during the suitable seasons according to what lies in open of the
stepped terraces by the continuous ascending and receding waters of the river.
An endangered but mega-charismatic fauna, the Ganges River dolphin, is found in the River Ganga at
Patna in the same stretch and can be frequently sighted between Danapur and Fatuha (confluence of
the River Punpun and Ganga). The dolphin is not only a Schedule 1 animal under the Wildlife
(Protection) Act 1972, but our National Aquatic Animal. It is required to conduct a study on impact of
the RFD Project on the dolphin and its habitat in the construction areas especially during the
implementation of the project.
The Managing Director of the BUIDCO wrote a letter No. BUIDCo/40-24/10 (Part-2)/ - 1432 dated
3.7.13 requesting to submit a proposal for the study under consultancy mode. As the river remains
swollen due to high flood during July to September, it was very difficult to conduct such study during
July to September. However, due to administrative exigencies, BUIDCO wrote another letter No. 1748
dated 8.8.13 requesting for a preliminary report based on our earlier studies and vast experiences of
working on Ganges River dolphins. After detailed discussion with the concerned technical experts of
BUIDCO and their consultants in several meetings; and going through the detailed project report and
visiting all the sites in August 2013 we submitted a Preliminary Report free of cost to help the
BUIDCO. Now BUIDCO representative approached us for the project proposal including details of the
consultancy fees and other terms & conditions along with tentative time frame for completion of the
scope of work which is as follow:
1.0 The River Ganga near Patna is known to support Gangetic dolphins (Platanista gangetica
gangetica) categorized as an Endangered species by IUCN (International Union for
Conservation of Nature). It is included in the Schedule 1 of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act
1972. The species was declared as National Aquatic Animal of India by Hon‟ble Prime
th th
Minister, Dr. Man Mohan Singh on 5 October, 2009; a formal notification was issued on 10
May, 2010. The stretch of the Ganga where the proposed project is to be implemented has
been a good habitat for the Ganges River dolphin. In order to understand the impact of the
project on the dolphin and its habitat in and around Patna, a study is proposed to be
undertaken.
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2.1 The study area will cover about 30 km stretch of the River Ganga from Danapur to
Punpun confluence at Fatuha during Post-Monsoon (November), winter (February),
and summer (May).
2.2 To study temporal and spatial variation in status and distribution of the Ganges River
dolphin in the river in the study area during the course of its implementation i.e.
during execution and Operation & Maintenance.
2.3 To study the variables affecting the dolphin in the river system in the study area.
2.4 To study faunal assemblage with special reference to higher vertebrates.
2.5 To study human activities along the banks of the Ganga and understand its
interaction with the river system.
2.6 To recommend a mitigation plan and preparation of relevant report in case there is
any adverse effects of the project on Ganges River dolphin in the area under study.
2.7 Necessary site visit as and when required for the project or requested by the BUIDCO
3.0 METHODOLOGY TO BE ADOPTED
Internationally and Nationally accepted methods will be followed for all the studies including,
physico-chemical, biological including dolphin sightings etc.
4.0 ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT SUBMISSION
Annual progress report after completion of the seasonal studies and a final technical report
will be submitted after completion of the studies. The report will contain methods
followed/adopted and findings of the study. The report will include recommendation of
mitigation plan.
5.0 DELIVERABLES
Two copies of the annual progress report will be submitted by 31st December every year.
Five copies of the final report will be submitted in soft and hard copy after six months of
completion of the study.
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Participation list of the public consultation with stakeholders in Krishna Memorial Hall, Patna on
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dated 30 August 2013 for RFD, Patna Project
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Cultural Impact Assessment Report
Riverfront Development at Patna Project Phase I
Sponsored by
BUIDCo
Prepared by
Architectural Heritage Division
Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage
INTACH
DEDICATED TO CONSERVATION
February 2014
Head Office
71, Lodi Estate, New Delhi – 110003
Tel: 24641304, 24692774. Fax: 24611290
www.intach.org
Cultural Impact Assessment – Riverfront Development at Patna February 2014
Project Credits
Commissioning Authority
Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd.
Project Consultant
Architectural Heritage Division
INTACH NEW DELHI
INTACH TEAM
1. Mr. Divay Gupta
Principal Director
Architectural Heritage Division, INTACH
2. Mrs. A. Vijaya
Dir. Programme
Architectural Heritage Division, INTACH
3. Mrs. Aline de Carvalho Luther
Conservation Architect
Architectural Heritage Division, INTACH
4. Mrs. Shweta Jaiswal
Conservation Architect
Architectural Heritage Division, INTACH
CIA Cultural Impact Assessment Figures 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 - Designs of Ghats.
Figures 16, 17 and 18 - Location of elements at the promenade and
DPR Detailed Project Report design of Art Terrace and Shelter.
ICH Intangible Cultural Heritage Figures 19, 20 and 21 - Design of Hawking Zones, Kiosks and Toilets.
ICOMOS International Council on Monuments and Sites Figure 22 - Part of the City of Patna, on the River Ganges; by
Thomas Daniell, 1795.
INTACH Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage
Figure 23 - View of the opium bungalow and encampment at
NGBRA National Ganga River Basin Authority Gulzarbagh, near Patna City, a road coming down to
NRCP National River Conservation Plan the river. 19 November 1824.
Figure 24 - View from the terrace of the Patna Custom House looking
PMCH Patna Medical College and Hospital
along the Ganges towards Gulzarbagh and Bankipur. 24
RDF Riverfront Development October 1824.
Figure 25 - View of road and houses near Patri Ghat in the Western
suburbs of Patna City. 31 October 1824.
Figure 26 - View of Raja Shitab Rai’s Ghat in the W. suburbs of
Photographs by Architectural Heritage Division and sourced by the Patna City taken from the river.
Detailed Project Report unless otherwise mentioned. Figure 27 - Collectorate Ghat.
Figure 28 - Collectorate Ghat, Temples and Collectorate buildings. Figure 52- Gandhi Ghat.
Figures 29 and 30 - Entrance to Collectorate Ghat and Collectorate Figure 53 - Law College Ghat.
Buildings.
Figure 54- Law College’s hostel block - facade towards the riverfront.
Figure 31 - View towards the River Ganges from Bankipore Club.
Figure 55 - Law College’s hostel block - main facade, perpendicular
Figures 32 and 33 - Anta Ghat. to the river.
Figure 34 - Entrance to B.N. College Ghat through the College. Figures 56 and 57 - Entrance to Temple Complex and Temples at
Rani Ghat.
Figure 35 - Railway Reservation Center and Mahendru Ghat (after
intervention). Figure 58 - Rani Ghat and Temple Complex seen from the River
Ganges.
Figure 36 - Adalat Ghat, Temple Complex and provisory bridge
(probably for the Chhat Festival). Figure 59 - Temple Complex at Rani Ghat.
Figure 37 - Adalat Ghat and Temple Complex. Figure 60 - Crematorium at Gulbi Ghat.
Figure 38 - Civil Court between Mahendru and Adalat Ghats. Figures 61 and 62 - Entrance to Ghagha Ghat, Temple and steps.
Figures 39, 40 and 41 - Temple Complex at Mishri Ghat. Figure 63 - Remnants of Tekari House at Raushan Ghat.
Figures 42 and 43 - Administrative block of PMCH Complex. Figures 64 and 65 - Remnants of Tekari House and Raushan Ghat.
Figure 44 - Darbhanga House at Kali Ghat. Figures 66, 67 and 68 - Tekari Ghat and Temple Complex.
Figures 45 and 46 - Darbanga House and Kali Ghat seen from the Figures 69 and 70 - Chaudhary Tola Ghat and Temple Complex.
pathway and from the River Ganges.
Figure 71 - Babu Hira Sinha building at Chaudhary Tola Ghat.
Figure 47 - Batheja Mandap at Patna College Ghat.
Figures 72, 73, 74 and 75 - Ruins of Haveli Mir Ashraf, small temples
Figures 48, 49 and 50 - Krishna Ghat and Temple Complex. behind the walkway, bathrooms in front
the walkway and BNR College Ghat at
Figure 51 - Ganga Aarti at Gandhi Ghat. the other side.
Figure 91 - Bird’s eye view from above the Opium Godown at Patna; Map 8 - Existing Land Use.
a watercolor by Seeta Ram, 1814-15; from ‘Views by
Seeta Ram from Patna to Benares Vol. II’ produced for List of Tables
Lord Moira, afterwards the Marquess of Hastings, by
Sita Ram between 1814-15, to illustrate his journey from Table 1 – Summary of Proposal per Ghat.
Calcutta to Delhi between 1814-15. Table 2 – Assessment of Values.
Figure 92 - Chait festival on the banks of the Ganges at Patna- a Table 3 – Assessment of Scale of Impact or Severity of Changes.
watercolor (1795-1800). Table 4 – Assessment of Impact Value / Significance of Impact.
Figure 93 - View of the French Factory, Patna City, seen from the Table 5 – Vibration Source Levels for Construction Equipment.
river on 19th November 1824. Table 6 – Impact and Mitigation Measures per Ghat
1. Introduction aims to create a pleasant riverfront area, attracting tourists and the
local population. Cultural buildings, distributed along the riverfront,
1.1. Brief and Objectives and promenades, connecting the ghats, with several facilities were
proposed.
Patna is the capital of the State of Bihar and is located on the banks
of the River Ganga. The present urban growth faces away the river The total number of Ghats in this area is 27 and 20 of them are under
and its riverfront lost the importance acquired when the river was this development plan. Three Ghats are proposed to be maintained
the main mode for transportation. the way they are (Gandhi Ghat, Law College Ghat and Gulbi Ghat)
and other four (Collectorate Ghat, Mahendru Ghat, Kali Ghat and
With the objective of developing and integrating the riverfront Patna College Ghat) had or are going to have interventions carried
to the city, BUIDCo (Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development out by the Department of Tourism - Government of Bihar; some of
Corporation Limited) prepared a large project comprehending the the interventions are proved to be well succeeded by the intense use
area from Collectorate Ghat to Naujar Ghat, in a length of 6.6 km. by the local population. Sen & Lall Consultants Pvt. Ltd and Nila A
The proposal on the form of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Architecture & Urban Design are consultants for the project.
Riverfront Development (RFD) at Patna, presented in May 2013,
Map 1 - POTENTIAL - Civic and Heritage buildings on Ghats. Identification of buildings from the DPR for the RDF at Patna.
Map 2 - Proposed Urban Framework. Map from the DPR for the RDF at Patna.
The Third Chapter presents a comprehensive understanding of present below the surface or in areas of dense vegetation on the sites,
Patna’s Riverfront and Ghats, their significance, authenticity the client is bound by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological
and integrity, condition, context and inter-relationships with its Sites and Remains Act (AMASR Act), which requires that the
surrounding areas. This includes identification of cultural heritage developer cease all work immediately and notify the Archaeological
assets situated at the ghats and nearby and their significance. Survey of India (ASI) should any heritage resources, as defined in
the Act, be discovered during the course of the development works.
The Fourth Chapter of the report identifies the range of impacts
arising from the proposed development of the Patna Riverfront and
an objective evaluation of those impacts (beneficial and adverse) on 1.4. Methodology
the Ghats and surroundings and in particular on the site’s significance,
integrity and authenticity, safety, security, preservation, access, i. Site Visit
visual impact and archaeological impact. The report would conclude A Team from INTACH inspected during the period of 3rd to
with clear guidelines and recommendations to mitigate or avoid 6 September 2013 several ghats along the Ganges River, especially
th
potential impact of the development project for Patna Riverfront the ones that received a final grade one and two in the Evaluation of
and its surroundings during and after completion of the proposed Heritage Buildings of Patna River Front at the World Bank’s Final
project. Report – Consultancy Services for INDIA: National Ganga River
Basin Project (P119085), prepared previously by LEA Associates
South Asia Pvt. Ltd. and INTACH. A visual survey was conducted
1.3. Assumption and Limitations to identify any potential heritage resources on the sites. Site visits
helped assess the condition, authenticity and integrity, sensitive
The CIA draws its assessment of the proposed RFD at Patna Project viewpoints of the Ghats and so on with respect to the proposed
based on the reports and architectural drawings provided by Sen & development project to help predict impacts in cultural assets.
Lall Consultants Pvt. Ltd and Nila A Architecture & Urban Design, ii. Desktop Research
commissioned by the Urban Development Department, Bihar, and
therefore assume that they are accurate in their description of the Preliminary information on the sites was obtained from existing
proposed project. databases in the form of INTACH’s listing of Patna, 1990, and World
Bank’s Final Report – Consultancy Services for INDIA: National
No public consultation process has been undertaken as part of the Ganga River Basin Project, 2011. The objective of ‘baseline data’
cultural impact assessment. No subsurface investigation (including collection was to enable the heritage attributes to be quantified and
excavations or sampling) were undertaken. The soil surfaces of the characterized and thereby allow their vulnerability to proposed
existing open areas were visually inspected. If heritage resources are changes to be established.
iii. Assessment Significance impacts result from activities not directly associated with actual
project actions but is attributed to modification the environment.
The Cultural resources identified in the areas of the ghats have been
assessed to determine their cultural significance. This is a crucial
After project impacts are identified, it is necessary to determine their
component for assessing the proposed development project’s impact
individual level-of-effect on the ghats and the heritage resources in
on the cultural environment. The significance of the cultural heritage
their areas and surroundings. This assessment is aimed at establishing
derived on the basis of aesthetic, historic, social, cultural, economic,
the degree to which the resources will be adversely affected by the
educational values, etc.
proposed project. This methodology for assessing the values of
heritage assets and the system for assessing/evaluating magnitude
of impact has been based on ICOMOS ‘Guidance on heritage Impact
iv. Impact Identification and Assessment Assessments for Cultural World Properties’.
Impact on the ghats and/or any other potential cultural resources
identified which may be perceived as the changes to the sites
authenticity and integrity that may be incurred as a result of the v. Impact Management / Mitigation Recommendations
proposed development project. These changes may be either beneficial
or adverse. If the proposed development actively protects, preserves, Where unavoidable negative impacts are identified between heritage
enhances and promotes the heritage resource or the environment in a resources and the proposed development work, the management
sustainable manner then it would be regarded as beneficial impacts. of unavoidable and unanticipated adverse impacts on the heritage
resources will be taken into consideration through the implementation
Adverse impact however would be considered as direct or indirect. of mitigation and monitoring measures. Mitigation strategies
Direct effects would be the result of abrupt negative results of a proposed comprise of measures that would need to be taken to reduce
project which can be attributed to the particular environmental negative effects of project construction, operation and maintenance
modifying action. They are directly caused by a project or its on the ghats areas. Mitigation measures are proposed under Design
ancillary facilities and occur at the same time and place. Indirect Interventions, Prevention Measures and Investigation/Studies.
2. Description of Project Mahendru Ghat and Kali Ghat, already had interventions carried by
the Tourism Department.
2.1. Project Background
According to the Evaluation of Heritage Buildings of Patna River
The city of Patna is situated on the southern bank of the Ganges, Front at the World Bank’s Final Report there are around 200 built
the major river of the Indian subcontinent, which besides its physical heritage in Patna and many of these are along the riverfront and
resource value enjoys a cultural and spiritual significance that needs to be conserved. The report also pointed the threads that these
transcends the boundaries of the basin. For several years Patna’s heritage buildings are suffering due to lack of maintenance, leading
urban growth has been developing towards the interior of the city. to further deterioration and complete loss of the heritage properties,
In this process, Patna’s Riverfront towards the Ganga River went and by real estate pressures to replace all old heritage properties with
through a process of abandonment and underutilisation. newer and commercially profitable developments.
The small roads that lead to the Ghats make the connection between
the city and the river and just few of them have been properly utilized
by the population. Their use is mainly religious and some of them
get are very crowded during religious festivals, as the famous Chhat
Puja. Patna attracts around 2.5 million tourists every year, mainly
for religious purposes. Apart from that, they are not very attractive
for regular tourists. The existing facilities at the Ghats are also quite
poor and the Ghats are not easily connected at the riverfront area.
Another problem faced by Patna’s Riverfront and Ghats is related
to safety. In 2011 Patna District Administration declared 23 ghats
as unsafe for Chhath Puja. Several accidents already took place at
Patna’s Ghats during religious festivals due to the unsafeness of
the areas. As the city isn’t facing the Ganga River and the Ghats
majority of the area is uninhabited most of the times and crimes
also take place.
The Department of Tourism - Government of Bihar focuses on the
Ganges Ghats in Patna as a major touristic attraction. There are
a number of old forts and ruins and pilgrimages situated on the
bank of the Ganges in Patna. Some Ghats, like Collectorate Ghat, Figure 2 - Chhath festival on the banks of the Ganges at Patna. Source: World Web.
There are several issues with regard to the situation of the riverfront at 2.2. Project Description
Patna. The shifting river course is one critical factor to be considered
in the riverfront interventions, as the water course has been shifting The project has interesting proposals for the riverfront of the Ganga
over the years. The connection between the city and the river is River in Patna. The RFD at Patna listed 27 ghats for the project,
required, as the present urban growth practically faces away from having proposals of new designs for 20 of them in the development
the river and the ghats are the only places where the city meets the plan. All the Ghats were studied individually for the project, and
river. This lack of connection with the city and consequently lack in the Chapter 3 of the DPR access, connections, activity nodes,
of river edge’s usage made this area vulnerable to encroachment, landmarks, activity mapping and edge condition were analysed.
present in several of the Ghat’s access roads. The project comprehends the area from Collectorate Ghat to Naujar
At present there is virtually very less landscaping along the river Ghat, in a length of 6.6 km and aims to connect areas of the riverfront
edges. Also there are no city level parks in the area. These are some by promenades, also including the ghats that have already received
of the reasons that the Bihar Government has decided to take up an intervention by the Tourism Department. The connection of
Ganga riverfront development project. several ghats by promenades, called precincts at the project, is a
proposal that really facilitates the use and view of the riverfront,
Map 4 - STRATEGY VII - Multi use public space onto the river. The division of the precints and promenades can be observed in this drawing.
creating a leisure area. The precincts were created based on nature of and community buildings on the riverfront. It has one precinct,
land use of immediate, possibilities for infrastructure, availability of Precinct 3A, from Gulvi Ghat to Gai Ghat.
land, extent of public use and geographic possibilities.
The Zone C starts at the point between new and old Patna, also
The riverfront area was divided in three zones and four precincts for characterized mainly by dense residential areas. This Zone contains
the project. The Zone A that mainly comprises government offices, Precinct 4, between Bhadra Ghat and Naujar Ghat.
institutional and public buildings is divided in Precinct 1, from
Collectorate Ghat to Mahendru Ghat, Precinct 2, from Adalat Ghat The promenades have been placed over the high tide level, allowing
to Gandhi Ghat and Precinct 3, from Gandhi Ghat to Rani Ghat. its use throughout the year, being 6 meters wide. At the promenade
level there are proposals for several facilities as parking, multi-
The Zone B starts where the institutional area ends and the dense purpose kiosks, art terraces, seating, hawker zones, toilets, changing
residential area starts, being also an area with important religious rooms, lifeguards stations and other services. The construction of
new buildings for the Collectorate and for leisure and culture along Some of the principles followed for the proposed riverfront
the Riverfront are proposed, creating new points of interest at the development are:
Riverfront area. • A holistic development of the river edge with its interface to
The proposed Ghats have been designed based on analysis of Ghats the city rather than an edge beautification measure.
in traditional cities and the architecture of the Ghats has been • Promote a more walkable, pedestrian friendly edge thus
prototyped, having seven options of design. promoting healthy city.
There is a concern about the river ecology in the project. The • Creation of open space in space crunched city. The only
development of the river edges is proposed to avoid harm to the possible open spaces in the dense residential areas are the
natural environment, aiming the edge restoration, biodiversity for areas from the riverfront. An effort is made to give most of
wild life, methods for carbon reduction, etc. the riverfront as public spaces to the city.
Map 5 - STRATEGY VIII - Public Architecture - Civic Identity. Design and location of the proposed buildings for the riverfront.
Figures 16, 17 and 18 - Location of elements at the promenade and design of Art Terrace and Shelter.
Map 7 - Location of the area for the intervention at Patna’s riverfront. Source: Google Earth (23/10/2013).
Figure 22 - Part of the City of Patna, on the River Ganges. Drawing made by Thom- Figure 23 - View of the opium bungalow and encampment at Gulzarbagh, near Patna City,
as Daniell in 1795. Source: http://www.columbia.edu a road coming down to the river. 19th November 1824. Source: http://www.columbia.edu
of the most important commercial and trading centers of the East from the change in means of communication, were the abandonment
India, preceded only by Kolkata (WIKIPEDIA, 2013). The British of the Company’s trade in the early years of the nineteenth century,
built several buildings in Patna, many of them for educational and in the late years the abandonment of the opium trade which had
institutions or government offices, as can be seen until the present for centuries flourished in Patna.” (O’MALLEY, 1924, p. 165 – 166).
days. Credit for designing the massive and majestic buildings of Nevertheless its importance as an educational and administrative
colonial Patna goes to the architect, I. F. Munnings (FIRMINGER, centre was not diminishing and in 1912 Patna was restored to its old
1909). station of a Provincial Capital of the new Province of Bihar and
Orissa.
“In the early nineteenth century Patna was of great commercial
The importance of the River Ganges, otherwise, was extremely
importance as the centre of trade between upper India and Bengal;
affected by the presence of the railway in Patna. The city started to
but since the coming of the East Indian Railway the city has been
grow towards the south (opposite to the riverfront) and the buildings
injuriously affected by the decline of the river-borne traffic. […] Other
at the riverfront started facing the same direction, creating the
causes for the decline of the commercial importance of the city, apart
current situation found in Patna.
Figure 24 - View from the terrace of the Patna Custom House looking along the Ganges Figure 25 - View of road and houses near Patri Ghat in the Western suburbs of
towards Gulzarbagh and Bankipur. 24th October 1824. Source: http://www.columbia.edu Patna City. 31st October 1824. Source: http://www.columbia.edu
3.1.3. Identification of Cultural Heritage related to Architectural, Archaeological, Technological and Cultural
Resources Values.
Either along the Riverfront and areas of the Ghats there are Patna being a city with a long history of human settlement, several
no buildings protected by ASI or by the State Archaeological remains can still be seen in the city of this history and many of them
Department of Bihar. However, most of the ghats have high cultural are possibly hidden between layers of construction. Archaeological
significance, especially temples that are also important landmarks of sites have earlier been discovered at Patna’s Riverfront.
the riverfront. A table with the Evaluation of Heritage Buildings of
Patna River Front, from the World Bank’s Final Report (Annexe I), The significance of the heritage found at Patna’s Riverfront permeates
shows the importance of the Ghats, according to different criteria, the architectonic, cultural and religious aspects. Several Temples are
found at the riverfront, not all with elaborate architectural qualities,
but definitely with cultural, religious, social or even archaeological
significance. The intangible cultural heritage, such as oral traditions,
performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events, knowledge
and practices concerning nature and the universe or the knowledge
and skills to produce traditional crafts, is abundant in this area.
Following the Ghats listed for the project, the heritage buildings were
listed as follows:
i) Collectorate Ghat:
At the Collectorate Ghat two temples are found, one on each side of
the Ghat, and one ashram, Shri Swami Vasudeva Ashram (1946).
The Temple towards west is the Ancient Shri Lakshmi Narayan
Temple and the temple towards east is the Surya Temple. The
Temples and Ashram don’t have elaborated architectural qualities
but the intense use indicates their association value with the local
population. Interventions at the ghat were carried out by the Tourism
Department.
The surrounding areas are also being intensely used by the local
Figure 26 - View of Raja Shitab Rai’s Ghat in the W. suburbs of Patna City taken people. There are interesting colonial buildings in its surroundings,
from the river. 19th November 1824. Source: http://www.columbia.edu
where the Collector’s office and other government offices are located,
before reaching the ghat itself. The Collectorate occupied the actual
Collectorate buildings in 1857. Before the buildings were occupied by
the old Court of Appeal. “The portion which faces the river preserves
the outward appearance of the old Court Appeal, built by William
Augustus Brooke in 1787, where Bishop Heber preached in 1824; but
its interior arrangements have been considerably altered.” (O’Malley,
1924, p. 176). Probably the whole complex was built around 1787.
The record room of the Collectorate is a Dutch building of European
architectural design and was previously used by the Judges Court.
It was earlier used as the saltpetre godown by the English for a long
time.
Figures 29 and 30 - Entrance to Collectorate Ghat and Collectorate Buildings. Figures 32 and 33 - Anta Ghat.
Figure 34 - Entrance to B.N. College Ghat through the College. Figure 35 - Railway Reservation Center and Mahendru Ghat (after intervention).
v) Adalat Ghat
This Ghat is located close to the Civil Court. There is a Temple
Complex with a residential area at this Ghat and some old buildings
behind (with some parts almost in ruins) and at the side of the
temple, including an old curved wall. The residential area is located
at the other side of the temple and there is an old wall with arches
at its entrance. The unfortunate incident that happened in Patna
in 2012 took place at Adalat Ghat, where 18 people died during the
Chhat Festival.
Figure 36 - Adalat Ghat, Temple Complex and provisory bridge (probably for the
Chhat Festival). Source: World Web. Figure 38 - Civil Court between Mahendru and Adalat Ghats. Source: World Web
Figures 39, 40 and 41 - Temple Complex at Mishri Ghat. Figures 42 and 43 - Administrative block of PMCH Complex. Source: World Web.
Figures 45 and 46 - Darbanga House and Kali Ghat seen from the pathway and
Figure 44- Darbhanga House at Kali Ghat.
from the River Ganges. Source: World Web.
Figure 47- Batheja Mandap at Patna College Ghat. Figures 48, 49 and 50 - Krishna Ghat and Temple Complex.
Figure 53 - Law College Ghat. Figure 55- Law College’s hostel block - main facade, perpendicular to the river.
Figures 56 and 57 - Entrance to Temple Complex and Temples at Rani Ghat. Figure 59 - Temple Complex at Rani Ghat.
Figure 60 - Crematorium at Gulbi Ghat. Source: World Web. Figures 61 and 62 - Entrance to Ghagha Ghat, Temple and steps.
Figure 63 - Remnants of Tekari House at Raushan Ghat. Figures 64 and 65 - Remnants of Tekari House and Raushan Ghat.
Figure 66, 67 and 68 - Tekari Ghat and Temple Complex. Figure 71 - Babu Hira Sinha building at Chaudhary Tola Ghat.
Figures 72, 73, 74 and 75 - Ruins of Haveli Mir Ashraf, small temples behind the walkway, and bathrooms in front the walkway and BNR College Ghat at the other side.
Figures 82 and 83 - New ghat at the front and Gai Ghat at the back. Small temple
at the riverfront.
xxvii) Naujar Ghat Most of the Ghats have elements of interest, of both tangible and
intangible values. The buildings of interest located at the above
There are two Temple Complexes on this Ghat. The most famous mentioned Ghats were listed for further analysis of their values, as
one is Aadi Chitragupta Mandir, located on a higher level, and was follows:
surrounded by a new and bigger structure. A touchstone idol of • Collectorate Buildings and Temples at Collectorate Ghat;
Chitragupta was installed at the site in 1766 and later a temple was
constructed there (SINGH, 2008). A staircase leads to the Mandir • Bankipore Club – building at the riverfront close to Anta Ghat;
and no ghat was found. • B.N. College building towards the riverfront at B.N. College Ghat;
• Railway Reservation Center at Mahendru Ghat;
• Temple Complex at Adalat Ghat (excluding the Residential Area);
• Temple Complex at Mishri Ghat;
• PMCH Buildings at T.N. Banerjee Ghat;
• Darbanga House at Kali Ghat;
• Batheja Mandap at Patna College Ghat;
• Temple Complex at Krishna Ghat;
• “Ganga Aarti” at Gandhi Ghat and Bihar Naval Unit towards
the riverfront close to Gandhi Ghat;
• Law College’s hostel block and small structures at Law College
Ghat;
• Temples and Ghat at Rani Ghat;
• Temples and Ghat at Ghagha Ghat;
• Remains of Tekari House at Raushan Ghat;
• Existing Tekari Ghat, Temple Complexes at Chaudhary Tola
Ghat;
• Ruins of Haveli Mir Ashraf and BNR College Ghat’s wall at
Pathri Ghat;
• Mosque at Alamganj Ghat;
• Temple Complexes and fortification at Raja Ghat;
Figures 84, 85, 86, 87 and 88 - Temple Complex, entrance to the Ghat, interior of a • Temple Complexes at Naujar Ghat.
Temple and Aadi Chitragupta Mandir,
3.1.4. Assessment of Values of Cultural • Historic Value – this is the root of the very notion of heritage.
Heritage The capacity of a site to convey, embody, or stimulate a relation
or reaction to the past is part of the fundamental nature and
For the assessment of values of Cultural Heritage the grade scale meaning of heritage objects. The associations of the area with
proposed is based on ICOMOS’ Guidance on heritage impact numerous notable people related to art, literature, aristocracy
assessments for Cultural World Heritage Properties. According it the and royalty and politics that have enriched the history and
value of the asset may be defined using the following grading scale: development of Patna city have immense historic value. Such
• Grade I – equivalent to High associations need to be identified and preserved.
• Grade II – equivalent to Medium • Architectural Value - mainly refers to the visual aspects and
design qualities of the architectural heritage. The many
• Grade III – equivalent to Low
interpretations of beauty, sublime, ruins, and quality of
As the cultural heritages referred in this report are not Cultural formal relationships considered more broadly have long been
World Heritage Properties, the Very High was eliminated from this among the most important criteria for labelling things and
list. Also Negligible and Unknown potential were not considered, places as heritage. The design and evolution of a building can
as the selection was already made for the heritage. For a better be another source of architectural value. It is also valid for
understanding of the meaning of each grade, ICOMOS’ Value Table the cases where the architectural sample presents a different
can be found at the Annexe II. regional style typology of architecture or design or unusual
structural properties. It as well represents the specimens that
The values are the reasons why an object or place is meaningful. Values are characterized as a landmark or possessing qualities that
in this case is used in reference to the qualities and characteristics require preservation as a group. In Patna the historic areas
seen in things, in particular the positive characteristics (actual and have high quality spaces that provide a unique experience.
potential). The study of values is a useful way of understanding The riverfront area is largely vernacular in character with
the contexts and sociocultural aspects of heritage conservation. Late Mughal and Colonial architectural features, materials and
The values attributed to the sites are given according the following building technology adapted into it.
criteria:
• Social Value - associated with places that people perceive as
• Archaeological Value - the potential of a place to yield a source of identity, distinctiveness, social interaction and
evidence about past human activity. Some idols, sculptures, coherence. Some may be comparatively modest, acquiring
ruins and inscriptions surviving across the historic area of the communal significance through the passage of time as a result
riverfront from different time periods are of rare archaeological of a collective memory of stories linked to them. Social value
significance. also includes the “place attachment” aspects of heritage value.
Place attachment refers to the social cohesion, community values can emanate from the beliefs and teachings of organized
identity, or other feelings of affiliation that social groups religion, but they can also encompass secular experiences of
(whether very small and local, or national in scale) derive from wonder, awe, and so on, which can be provoked by visiting
the specific heritage and environment characteristics of their heritage places.
“home” territory. In this value are also included the ideas of
cultural, associational, educational and economic (use value
In the Receptor Archaeology the expression “None identified”
– market value given by the society). Patna’s riverfront is a
doesn’t mean that there are no archaeological assets. It means that
great learning resource for the future generations. Its heritage
they are unknown, being classified as unknown potential. Extensive
is related to several groups, identities, memories and present
research about previous excavations in Patna and new excavations
values related to the current uses and possibilities.
can determine the presence of archaeological assets at the sites. It is
• Spiritual Value - heritage sites are sometimes associated or known that the city of Pataliputra and other periods of the city of
imbued with religious or other sacred meaning. These spiritual Patna were located along Riverfront.
Receptors
Receptors
S.No Description Built Heritage Intangible Assessment of Value Grading
Historic Urban
Archaeology or Historic Cultural Heritage
Landscape
Landscape or Associations
Worshiping and Medium Archaeological
intensive use Value
Landscape with related to religious
Temples at Buildings of modest local interest due to practices by the Low Historic Value
None
2 Collectorate architectural the characteristics regional population. Medium Architectural II
identified.
Ghat qualities. developed for the (Intangible Cultural Value
religious practices. Heritage –ICH – Medium Social Value
activities of regional
High Religious Value
significance).
Receptors
Receptors
Related to the
Historic (unlisted) Medium Archaeological
history of Patna
buildings with Value
PMCH and of the Medical
recognized High Historic Value
Buildings at None Landscape of studies in Bihar
8 architectural II
T.N. Banerjee identified. regional value. (Associations High Architectural Value
qualities and
Ghat with particular Medium Social Value
historical
developments of
associations. Low Religious Value
regional significance).
Worshiping and
Assets of High Archaeological
intensive use
limited value, Value
related to religious
Darbanga but with Undesignated Undesignated High Historic Value
practices by the
9 House at Kali potential to structures of clear landscape of I
regional population. High Architectural Value
Ghat contribute to national importance. outstanding interest.
(Intangible Cultural High Social Value
local research
Heritage activities of
objectives. High Religious Value
regional significance).
Medium Archaeological
Value
Historic (unlisted) Association with
Batheja Landscape of Medium Historic Value
buildings with Patna College and
Mandap at None regional value, due
10 recognized high usage by Medium Architectural II
Patna College identified. to the importance of
architectural its members and Value
Ghat Patna College.
qualities. population. High Social Value
Low Religious Value
Receptors
S.No Description Built Heritage Intangible Assessment of Value Grading
Historic Urban
Archaeology or Historic Cultural Heritage
Landscape
Landscape or Associations
Medium Archaeological
Worshiping and Value
Landscape with
religious practices by Low Historic Value
Temple Buildings of modest local interest due to
None the local population.
11 Complex at architectural the characteristics Medium Architectural III
identified. (Intangible Cultural
Krishna Ghat qualities. developed for the Value
Heritage activities of
religious practices. Medium Social Value
local significance).
Medium Religious Value
Medium Archaeological
Value
Bihar Naval
Historic landscape Medium Historic Value
Unit towards Associated with the
None Historic building of with importance to
13 the riverfront Navy’s history in Medium Architectural III
identified. modest qualities. local groups (Bihar
close to Patna. Value
Naval Unit).
Gandhi Ghat Medium Social Value
Low Religious Value
Receptors
Built Heritage Intangible
S.No Description Historic Urban Assessment of Value Grading
Archaeology or Historic Cultural Heritage
Landscape
Landscape or Associations
Medium Archaeological
Law College’s
Historic (unlisted) Value
hostel block Landscape of
buildings with Association with Law High Historic Value
and small None regional value, due
14 recognized College and usage by II
structures at identified. to the importance of High Architectural Value
architectural its members.
Law College Law College. Medium Social Value
qualities.
Ghat
Low Religious Value
Sculptures
were found
during Worshiping and
High Archaeological
excavations intensive use
Value
at the site. related to religious
Temples and Undesignated Undesignated Medium Historic Value
The assets can practices by the
15 Ghat at Rani structures of clear landscape of I
contribute regional population. High Architectural Value
Ghat national importance. outstanding interest.
to researches (Intangible Cultural High Social Value
related to Heritage activities of
High Religious Value
Pataliputra, regional significance).
of national
significance.
Landscape with Worshiping and Medium Archaeological
Historic (unlisted) local interest due to religious practices Value
Temples buildings with the characteristics by the regional Low Historic Value
None
16 and Ghat at recognized developed for the population. II
identified. High Architectural Value
Ghagha Ghat architectural religious practices (Intangible Cultural
qualities. and location of the Heritage activities of Medium Social Value
temples at the Ghat. regional significance). High Religious Value
Receptors
Historical
High Archaeological
ruins located Associated with the
Value
Existing at the site. Remains with history of Patna
Undesignated High Historic Value
Tekari Ghat The assets can exceptional qualities and the elite’s life
18 landscape of I
at Chaudhary contribute and historical style (house of the High Architectural Value
outstanding interest.
Tola Ghat to regional associations. Raja) during the 19th High Social Value
research Century.
Medium Religious Value
objectives.
Receptors
Receptors
Historical
High Archaeological
ruins located
Value
at the site. Remains with
Undesignated Related to the High Historic Value
Fortification The assets can exceptional qualities
24 landscape of history of Patna I
at Raja Ghat contribute and historical High Architectural Value
outstanding interest. (unknown period).
to national associations. High Social Value
research
Low Religious Value
objectives.
* In the criteria Archaeology, the expression “None identified” doesn’t mean that there are no archaeological assets. It means that they are
unknown, being classified as unknown potential. Extensive research about previous excavations in Patna and new excavations can determine
the presence of archaeological assets at the sites. It is known that the city of Pataliputra and other periods of the city of Patna were located
at Patna’s Riverfront, evidence that brings a question related to the assets at this area. For this reason, all the riverfront was considered
of Medium Archaeological Value, except the places where the presence of archaeological assets was already identified or there is a high
probability of its presence at the site. In these cases, a High Archaeological Value was given.
Figure 91 - Bird’s eye view from above the Opium Godown at Patna; a watercolor
by Seeta Ram, 1814-15; from ‘Views by Seeta Ram from Patna to Benares Vol.
Figure 89 - View of the ruins of the Dutch Factory in the W. suburbs of Patna City II’ produced for Lord Moira, afterwards the Marquess of Hastings, by Sita Ram
showing the great revetments on the River Ganges on 17th November 1824. Source: between 1814-15, to illustrate his journey from Calcutta to Delhi between 1814-15.
http://www.columbia.edu Source: http://www.columbia.edu
the Ganges. The distant prospect of the eastern part of the city is
magnificent, though now, as a hundred years ago, the traveller may
be disappointed on a nearer approach by the common appearance
of neglect and dilapidation2. On the Bankipore side, the striking
beauty of the scenery, as the morning sun tinges the eastern face of
the temples and bungalows lying half-hidden among the great trees
which line the southern bank, owes nothing to distance or myopia.
The finest views of the Ganges from the land are to be obtained from
the lower portion of the city; and the river scenery from the Fort is
in its way unequalled.”
In the year O’Malley wrote, 1924, Patna has already started the
Figure 92 - Chait festival on the banks of the Ganges at Patna- a watercolor (1795-
process of negligence and dilapidation. The riverfront has lost its 1800) Source: http://www.columbia.edu
importance since then.
3.2.2. Present Site Description There are buildings and remains at the riverfront from several periods
of history. Archaeological remnants are found on the area.
Most of the Ghats on the riverfront have a difficult access from the
main roads. Several areas have encroachments including the access In 1990, INTACH identified and delineated The River Front Area
roads. There are no connections between the Ghats, being almost from Mahavir Ghat to Pir Damaria till Sudarshan path, proposing a
impossible to walk at the riverfront to go from one Ghat to another. Heritage zone.
The area is covered with vegetation, dense at few places (close to T.N.
Banerjee Ghat, Kali Ghat, Raja Ghat, etc.). Most of the trees are
located behind boundary walls. The posterior façade of most of the 3.4. Identification of Heritage Variable
buildings faces the riverfront. Garbage, drain outlets and other kinds
of disturbances can be seen at the riverfront. Heritage variables point to measurable change to the heritage or a
heritage site from a development project. The heritage variables that
Temples and heritage buildings are spread along the riverfront, need to be addressed for the proposed development project are as
mainly at the Ghats. As highlighted in the previous section, there are follows:
several temples and buildings of heritage value along the riverfront.
However, there is complete lack of protection and management Effect on Cultural, Historical and Archaeological Resources
mechanism for the heritage buildings. - Presence of archaeological resources
- Changes to buildings in the proposed area
3.3. Statement of Cultural Significance - Changes to historical built environment / heritage
- Effects on intangible heritage
Religious activities, as pujas and festivals are performed at the
Ghats. A festival like Chhath, the most important festival associated Structural Safety on Monument
with the River Ganges in Patna, brings devotees from several parts
- Status of existing structures on site
of the city and also from other localities to descend to the river front
during the 3 days of this annual event. In some Ghats, like Kali Ghat, - Type of constructions
Krishna Ghat and Gai Ghat daily religious activities are observed. - Use of heavy machinery
These activities are related to the culture of Patna, being part of its
Intangible Cultural Heritage. Security
- Changes on site boundaries
Bathing is another activity observed in some of the Ghats along the
Patna Riverfront. It is performed both due to religious activities as - Misuse of site
well as by the adjoining community. - Effecting site inspection
iv) Access to the Sites and partly terrestrial Habitat. Plants and communities along the
Most of the Ghats are not easily accessed by the main road closer river margins and banks are called riparian vegetation, characterized
to the riverfront (Ashok Rajpath). The roads that lead to the Ghats by hydrophilic plants. The existing habitat along the banks of
are usually small and there aren’t indications that they lead to the Ganga is mainly manmade type. There is scattered growth of grasses
ghats. Some roads have encroachments and the access is even more (mainly weeds), rooted hydrophytes, emerging hydrophytes, shrubs
difficult. in undisturbed area where human movement is absent and trees
leaning over river water.
v) Security
The trees found at the area of the project are: Peepal, Bargad, Sissoo,
The riverfront is open and disconnected from the main areas of the Jamun, Neem, Sal, Salai, Bahera, Mango, Golden shower, Bakain,
city. Boundary walls from buildings are facing the riverfront and there Jackfruit, Kadamb, Bail, Siris, Devil Tree, Royal Palm, Amla,
is no security in the area. There is no need for boundary walls closing Coconut, Umar, Gular, Palash, Gulmohar, Kala siris, Semal and Bair.
the riverfront area, but guards should be located at strategic places
at the riverfront. There are hardly any light at the Ghats making the The fauna reported at the area is mainly avifauna, followed by
area not appropriate for goers after sunset due to security reasons, mammals and reptiles. The commonly found avifauna in the study
especially women. Women are not seen at the ghats after 4 p.m. area, with higher diversity, are Common crow, Myna, Eagle, Sparrow,
Babbler, Pigeon, Cattle Egrets, Red Vented bulbul, Drongo, Sparrow,
vi) Environment Indian Roller etc. Few wild mammals are found, but not very
Patna’s riverfront is identified for the presence of the River Ganges easily, at the area like Indian mongoose and five stripped squirrel.
and the river bank, which varies its size according to the period of Domesticated mammals like goat, sheep, dog, cow, ox, donkey etc.
the year and the river’s flow. The river bank has a sloping edge which are easily found. There are poor reptilian distributions; reptiles like
is stone pitched in certain portions and green cover in others. The Rat Snakes, Common Kraits, Indian cobra, House Geiko and Garden
river edge conditions change drastically during and after monsoon Lizard can be found. Aquatic mammals (Dolphins), reptiles and
and most of the steps get submerged in various Ghats. numerous species of fishes are found at the area.
The proposed project (Ghat Development) partly comprises Riparian At the riverfront area delimited for the project the areas are mainly
Habitat (transition zone between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem) public and semi-public.
The Guidelines for preparation of reports Under National River (ii) Changing rooms for males and females;
Conservation Plan (NRCP) and National Ganga River Basin Authority
(NGRBA) also give instructions for the Riverfront Developments (iii) Toilet washroom and drinking water facilities at the ghats. It
along the Ganges. They are divided in two types, one for larger is also necessary to provide toilet facilities for the floating
stretches and other for small ghats. The instructions for each kind population assembling at such congregations. Provision of
of proposal are: mobile toilets may be one of the ways to address this problem;
Type A – Area Development Plans (ADP) would apply to sub- (iv) Adequate number of benches for sitting of people;
projects where larger river front stretches say 1-2 km long and 30-40
(v) Lighting and landscaping of area with fountains, flowerbeds etc.;
m wide are involved.
(vi) Development of approach roads, parking lots to facilitate easy
Facades of RFD works must be match with the cultural, religious access of beneficiaries;
and heritage value of the place.
(vii) Provision of commercial activities like kiosks for sale of eatables,
Given the meandering characteristic of most rivers, one of the boating etc. These facilities should operate on pay-and use/eat
essential requirements should be the availability of water along the basis and, therefore, are expected to be self-sustaining;
bank round the year.
(viii) Given the size of congregations and diversity of the people
The local bodies concerned are also to ensure that materials like assembling there suitable platforms for holding cultural and
municipal solid waste (MSW) and other wastes of any other kind recreational programmes must be considered.
are not allowed to be dumped on or near the river bank. Separate
guidelines are available for management of MSW.
Type B – Improvement of Small Ghats
Consultations with stake holders are essential to assess the needs of
the people based on which, components of ADP would be finalized. (i) Like ADP, development of small ghats should comprise
The underlying need is that an ADP should facilitate an interface components like platforms and steps, changing rooms, toilets,
between the community and the river. The following components washrooms and drinking water facilities, lighting, sitting space
must be considered for developing an ADP: and matching landscape;
(i) Provision of platforms and steps leading to the river to facilitate (ii) All these facilities should be finalized in consultation with
a safe approach; stakeholders.
At the vicinity of the riverfront there are also residential areas related 1. A detailed survey of the existing buildings is required, as
to the universities, as the quarters for the PMCH staff, hostels (New the project mentions some of the buildings but they are not
Hostel – Patna College, National Institute of Technology Hostel, located on the proposal drawings;
Law College Hostels and Hathwa Hostel) and Law College Staff
quarter. 2. If there is any kind of demolition that is going to take
place for the implementation of the project, it has to be
There are also regular residential areas, most of them very dense, mentioned and preferably represented in drawings;
composed by houses of varied sizes. Several houses are in exposed
brick and aren’t well maintained. 3. At the detailed drawings for intervention in each ghat it
Due to the presence of a good number of institutional buildings, the is importsnt to show the existing elements, that will be
area is frequented by different kinds of people. provided by the detailed survey. In sections and elevetions
the existing buildings and representative vegetation should
be represented, giving and idea of the impact of the
The magnitude of the impact of the project is discussed in the intervention over the existing elements.
following section.
4.3. Magnitude of Impact in Heritage Variables The scale or severity of the impact on the identified heritage variable
was based on ICOMOS’ Guidance on Heritage Impact Assessment
Given that for the cultural heritage located at the riverfront their for Cultural World Heritage Properties, 2011, and can be seen at the
significances comprise the sum of their component heritage receptors Annexe III. It has been ranked as follows without regard to value of
as identified in the Table 2. The assessment of the individual impact the asset as:
on each heritage receptor is valid for the purposes of this assessment;
however, consideration has been given to impacts of the proposed - No change
project upon the overall significance of the site as a whole. Therefore - Negligible change
the scale or severity of changes to the cultural heritage has been - Minor change
judged taking into account their direct and indirect effects whether
they are temporary or permanent, reversible or irreversible. It is - Moderate change
important to observe that the effects that are being considered are - Major change
not necessarily the negative ones. There may be changes that are
positive and the significance of the change will be described in the
item 4.4.
Some buildings will be affected by the presence of the structures for the new Ghats in
Changes to historical built front of them, covering their facades towards the riverfront. The construction of the
Moderate change
environment / heritage promenades will affect some buildings and environments, especially in cases where a
brigde is created due to the differences of levels.
Most of the heritage buildings detected has some relation with the religious practices.
The blockage of the view of these buildings, that might occur in few cases, will affect
Effects on intangible heritage Moderate change
the intangible character as the connection with the sacred River Ganges will be broken
by the structures at the new Ghats.
The structure for the promenades, buildings and Ghats would not have direct impact
Type of constructions No change
at the heritage buildings.
If heavy machinery is required for the constructions, especially the foundations, the
structure of existent buildings and ruins might be affected due to the vibration, as the
Use of heavy machinery Minor change
distance between the new promenades, buildings and Ghats and the existent heritage
is not much.
3. Security
Changes on site boundaries No change No changes to sites boundaries due to the proposed development.
Misuse of site No change No misuse of the riverfront sites as result of the new development work.
Effecting site inspection No change The new development will not cause any hindrance for regular site inspection.
4. Access to Site
Obstruction on approach roads The main road will not be affected due to the new proposal. New access roads will be
Moderate change
to the sites created, facilitating the approach to the riverfront.
5. Environmental Characteristics
Some green covers will be removed for the implementation of the promenades and
State of preservation of green
Negligible change in compensation green covers are proposed for the contention areas at the river edge,
cover
creating a bigger green covered area.
For the implementation of the project some of the trees probably will have to be cut,
Felling of tree Minor change
as they are located at areas where promenades and buildings will be built.
Pollution Minor change During the execution the level of pollution will be increased.
6. Spatial Characteristics
Land use pattern No change The areas will remain being mainly public and semi-public.
Zonal and Building Regulations No change The proposed DPR doesn’t refer to regulations related to the riverfront.
The project will definitely affect the visual integrity. Concerning the built heritage the
Visual integrity Moderate change change will be adverse for the few cases where the existing buildings, according to the
proposal, will have their view obstructed by the new Ghats.
7. Community Characteristic
142 families will be majorly affected by the project, as they will be removed from the
Changes in communities lives Major change
area. Mitigation measures are proposed.
Changes in community The infrastructure will change as new access roads and facilities will be introduced at
Moderate change
infrastructure the Ghat.
The safety questions might be solved with the implementation of the project, as it
Perception of risk, health and
Moderate change might give an intensive use of the riverfront and also provide appropriate lighting,
safety
safety guards, structure for bathing and rituals at the Ghats, etc.
Most of the population of Patna and tourists that visit the city will be beneficiated by
Attitude towards the project Moderate change
the implementation of the project by the new facilities.
4.4. Assessment of Impact Value for Cultural World Heritage Properties, 2011. As the changes or
impacts may be adverse or beneficial, there is a nine-point scale with
The significance of the effect of change – i.e. the overall impact – “neutral” as its center point:
is a function of the importance of the attribute (heritage receptor - Neutral
in the area) and the scale of change. This can be summarized for - Major beneficial - Negligible adverse
each attribute described using the following heritage variables. The - Moderate beneficial - Minor adverse
significance of the impact on the identified heritage variable was - Minor beneficial - Moderate adverse
also based on ICOMOS’ Guidance on Heritage Impact Assessment - Negligible beneficial - Major adverse
Table 4 – Assessment of Impact Value / Significance of Impact
Historical Built Environment The design for the Ghats and promenades should be appropriate,
considering the existing elements. In situations where the existing
The reuse of heritage structures should be aimed in this intervention. Ghat and buildings are relevant, like the case of Rani Ghat, the
For example, the Ruins of Haveli Mir Ashraf at Pathri Ghat should proposal should not interfere in the view and understanding of the
be integrated as part of the project, giving a new use to the old heritage existing elements, being submissive and integrative to the existing
building. Maintaining the historical fabric doesn’t necessarily Ghat and buildings and respecting their importance. The existing
indicates preventing development. The development process should buildings at the riverfront have a low architectural profile and the
adopt sustainable approach where the new and the old cohexist. proposed Ghats should not overcome the existing heritage, covering
their view from the riverfront.
The support of Conservation Architects, Historians and Archaeologists
in this project is fundamental for having an intervention that will
consider history, buildings and archaeological remnants from a
perspective that goes beyond the limits of architecture. Environmental Impact
It is relevant to highlight that is important to consider the existing Mapping, identification and location of the trees are recommended
heritage buildings, both protected and unprotected. Patna has few for the project phase, including the remaining trees in the detailed
officially protected monuments buildings and a detailed survey of project. It has to be ensured that the design for the new Ghats,
the heritage buildings on the riverfront is required, as many of these promenades and buildings will help retain mature trees on the site by
buildings have importance, being already recognized by scholars. incorporating them into landscape design and thereby minimizing
the need for feeling of trees and help preserve the green cover of this
Visual Impact area. The areas where there will be plantation of new trees should
also be identified.
The main problem found in the proposal is related to the connection
between the new Ghats and promenades and the existing buildings
and heritage. In some cases the elements proposed at the Ghats Community Impact
and the promenades obstruct the view of the existing cultural The impact over the affected families can’t be mitigated at the project
and religious buildings. Each case of Ghat is a unique case and the phase. Mitigation measures will be taken during execution.
proposals aren’t suitable for the sites in some situations.
4.5.2. Mitigation Measures during Table 5 – Vibration Source Levels for Construction
Construction Stage Equipment
PPV at 25 Approximate
Safeguards are of great importance during the intervention, as some Equipment
ft (in/sec) Lv † at 25 ft
of the proposals have the potential to damage the existing buildings
and other elements present in the Ghats’ areas. Measures should be Pile Driver (impact) upper range 1.518 112
followed to protect these elements during the execution phase.
typical 0.644 104
Pile Driver (sonic) upper range 0.734 105
Historical Built Environment
typical 0.170 93
Construction vibration should be assessed in cases where there is a
Clam shovel drop (slurry
significant potential for impact from construction activities. Such 0.202 94
wall)
activities include blasting, pile driving, demolition and drilling
or excavation in close proximity to sensitive structures. The use Hydromill (slurry wall) in soil 0.008 66
of equipments that cause vibration, as pile drivers, used for the
construction of foundations, and also movements of earth, as in rock 0.017 75
bulldozers, used to push large quantities of soil, sand, rubble, or Large bulldozer 0.089 87
other such material, should be avoided close to the heritage buildings
to avert structural problems. The impact can be mitigated by the Caisson drilling 0.089 87
selection of demolition methods that do not involve impact and Loaded trucks 0.076 86
vibration, as manual and non-electric equipments, where possible.
Jackhammer 0.035 79
The presence of an Archaeologist at site during the execution is Small bulldozer 0.003 58
desired. In case of discovery of heritage resources below the surface
during excavations or present in areas of dense vegetation on the † RMS velocity in decibels (VdB) re 1 µinch/second.
sites (such as pieces of pottery, sculptures, pieces of ancient walls,
PPV is the peak particle velocity and is defined as the maximum
etc.), the client is bound by the AMASR Act, which requires that instantaneous positive or negative peak of the vibration signal. PPV is
the developer cease all work immediately and notify ASI, as defined often used in monitoring of blasting vibration since it is related to the
in the Act. This is a mitigation measure for all the sites, not only for stresses that are experienced by buildings. “Lv” is the velocity level in
those were archaeological assets were already found. decibels.
In the several sites where historical elements and archaeological Study and inspect the impact on the natural drainage pattern in
remnants were already found at the riverfront, as it was already the surrounding area due to demolition and construction work is
observed at Rani Ghat, the team should be extremely attentive to required.
any element found at and under the ground, as the execution of the
project requires excavation and earth movement at the riverfront. The access roads to the sites should be maintained in good conditions,
keeping the access to the buildings located at the riverfront and
minimizing dust propagation. A shelter should be used to stock the
resources, avoiding dust particles to be carried away by the wind.
Environmental Impact
Even mapping the trees during the project phase, it is advised to Community Impact
consider them also during the execution, adjusting the project to the
real situation, planning the space for their growth and avoiding the In this phase the mitigation for the impact over the affected families
obstruction of the existing roots. should happen. The relocation of the families is already proposed.
• Construction of
T. N. Ghat (Buland
Banerjee Gateway
None None None None
(Grade II) design) and
promenade.
• Construction
of promenade,
Café and
Patna Reading Room,
College and connection None None None None
(Grade II) between
existent Ghat
and other
Ghats.
• Promenade
Gandhi connecting this
None None None None
(Grade II) Ghat to other
Ghats.
• Construction
of Ghat (Torri
Baharwa Gates design),
None None None None
(Grade III) promenade and
Audio Visual
Theatre.
• Promenade
Law College connecting this
None None None None
(Grade II) Ghat to other
Ghats.
• Construction
of Ghat (Torri
Gates design),
Ghagha separated from
None None None None
(Grade II) the existing
Ghat, and
promenade.
• Construction
of Ghat (Dome
design) and None Low None None
promenade. • The construction of the promenade
Alamganj • Promenade
• New Ghat shouldn’t affect the Mosque’s building
(Grade III) proposed in
proposed with and use.
front of the
some distance Mosque.
from the
Mosque.
The Grades for each Ghat were given according to the cultural heritage at the Ghat (see Table 2 – Assessment of Values).
The design for the new Ghats should aim to harmonize with the architecture of Patna and of the existent Ghats and buildings. Also should
be planned for each Ghat individually. The designs may be appreciated for this individual quality, but these don’t agree with the situation.
Some cases require a subtle intervention, as the existent buildings have importance and should be highlighted, as Rani Ghat and Raja Ghat,
instead of the new buildings. Large and bulky sized structures should be avoided in most of the cases.
Crucial to the CIA process is to monitor significant heritage impact - Develop a monitoring plan and delegate responsibility to
variables and measures which have been proposed in the CIA report site personnel to implement the monitoring plan. Identify
to mitigate them. Monitoring and mitigation will be the developer’s specialists, statutory and local authorities (ASI, Tree Officer,
responsibility. Monitoring means to observe take samples or measure Patna Municipal Corporation, etc.) to undertake inspection
specific heritage variables in order to track changes, measure of the site during the construction phase.
performance or compliance and/or detect problems and would
require remedial or specific management measures. It would ensure Construction Phase Monitoring
conformity with the design brief and specifications. It can also be Construction phase monitoring nay encompass the following
used to evaluate the progress of mitigation activities proposed in the activities:
Cultural Impact Assessment report. - Archaeological monitoring by the specialist archaeologist or
Monitoring to be carried out prior to the construction phase or during ASI during excavations at the sites for the new constructions.
the construction phases of a project, depending on the particular This could relate mainly to below surface remains.
risks of significant impacts identified in the CIA for these phases - Architectural interventions on the Ghats may need to be
and/or the need to monitor compliance with proposed mitigation monitored by an appropriate conservation architect.
requirements in the CIA. As standard practice, monitoring results
must be thoroughly documented in the form of a monitoring report - The competent authority would undertake site inspection for
by the developer and supplemented with maps and photographs, as ensuring adherence to conditions of approval.
applicable. Operational Monitoring
Pre-Construction Baseline Monitoring - Any substantial deviation from the set of plans which form
part of the cultural impact assessment should automatically
- The developer would require for monitoring of base line have to be subject to resubmission of an application for
condition on site relevant drawings of the existing site plan at approval by the Competent Authority prior to the project
an appropriate scale together with the location and inventory implementation / construction stage.
4.7. Findings and Recommendations During the implementation of the project there will be impacts on
the community due to the necessity of moving the encroachments
Patna’s riverfront has several heritage buildings, as observed in the from the riverfront area and access roads. Mitigation is required
course of this report, built in different periods of time, with different and a detailed study about this issue is found at the Social Impact
styles, use and character. The city faces its back to the riverfront, Assessment Study for proposed river front development of 20 Ghats
disclaiming its importance. In the surrounding areas there are mainly along river Ganga in Patna, Bihar.
institutional buildings and residential areas, and encroachments are
present in various parts of the riverfront. The riverfront areas are not Therefore based on the above findings the recommendations to
safe for bathing and for the activities of some festivals, and security mitigate the Archaeological, Built Heritage and Historic Landscape,
is lacking, especially after sunset. Visual, Environmental and Community Impact are summarized as
follows:
Facing all these issues and the need for leisure areas in Patna, the
Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. proposed Archaeological, Built Heritage and Historic Landscape Impact
the development project. Hence this study called the Cultural Impact
Assessment on the Riverfront Development at Patna is carried out - Mitigate the adverse effect on Built Heritage and Historical
by INTACH for BUIDCo to know the present condition of the area Landscape through design interventions that respect the
and to know the nature and magnitude of impact of the proposed historic character of the buildings and some historic areas.
development on the riverfront area and its heritage buildings. - Reuse of heritage structures.
It was found during the Cultural Impact Assessment that there will - Avoid vibration close to buildings during construction.
be several impacts on the area and buildings, some desirable and some
unwanted. Most of the adverse impacts presented were related to the - Undertake ground investigations on site after excavations
built heritage and can be mitigated mainly at the project planning and removal of vegetation, before starting the construction
stage, as most of the problems identified. work.
- During construction work ensure effective monitoring of
As it was already pointed, a micro detail of the project with the
the site to safeguard any unknown archaeological resource
insertion of the pre-existing elements is essential for the analyses
discovered during construction work on site.
and implementation of the project. Appropriate information of the
existing heritage buildings, existing trees and Ghats is required for
a detailed project. Environmental impact can have an adverse effect Spatial/Visual Impact
on the preservation of the trees in the area due to the design and
site construction requirements for the proposed project. Adequate - Avoid / Minimize visual obstruction of the heritage buildings
measures to mitigate this affect are being recommended. through designs that will highlight the buildings.