Construction of Sessions Division (East & West)

in Mauve Area, Sector G-11/4, Islamabad

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

(Final Report)
 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
(Final Report)

SECTION - 1: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.1 INTRODUCTION
A reasonable and unbiassed judiciary is critical, however access to the judicial
organization is as dynamic as the presence of the system itself. The Government of
Pakistan has always been motivated towards increasing access to the judicial system
in the country, as well as growing its efficiency in administrating Justice to the citizens
of the country.
In light of this vision, to revamp and invigorate the judicial system in Pakistan, a new
merged institution has been anticipated for the significant Session and District courts
in the Capital of Pakistan. The Session and District courts are currently situated in
private rented/ crowded commercial buildings at sector F-8 Islamabad, where there
is an acute concern for public access and security. The building is inadequate for
housing the staff nor fulfilling the requirements of these courts provided by the Client
Department vide there.
Keeping in view the urgency of above-mentioned problem statement, Ministry of Law
and justice (MOLJ) aims to establish construction of sessions division (east & west) in
mauve area, sector g-11/4, Islamabad, to address the future challenges and to
facilitate people.
The estimated cost of the Project is approximately 8,000 Million Rupees and will be
completed in 3 years.
The major objectives of the project are as under:
To facilitate the accessibility of the judicial system.
To tackle the concerns of unimpeded public access, efficiency and
coherence of the Justice system.
To provide facilities and amenities to the staff and public under one judicial
complex.
To facilitate people considering age, gender, disability, health and security
and access.
Numerous other non-quantifiable benefits.
The Project site is geographically located at 33 39 54.2 N, 73 00 26.3 E.

1.2 PURPOSE OF REPORT

The purpose of the EIA study is to identify the possible beneficial and adverse
environmental impacts of the project as presently envisaged and propose the
applicable mitigation measures to be implemented during the construction and
operational stages of the project in order to minimize the negative impacts and

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 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
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preparation of Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to obtain No Objection

Certificate (NOC) from EPA-Pakistan.
This EIA report has been prepared keeping in view the following regulations and
guidelines:
a) Pakistan Environmental Protection Act (PEPA), 1997
b) Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency Regulations, 2000 for review of IEE
and EIA.
c) Pakistan Environmental Impact Assessment procedures, 2000.
d) Guidelines for Preparation and Review of Environmental Reports

1.2.1 Need of Environmental Assessment

The preparation and submission of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report
for any development project is a statutory obligation under Pakistan Environmental
Protection Act, 1997 (PEPA, 1997) in terms of Section 12 of the Act which states as
under: No proponent of a project shall commence construction or operation unless
he has filed with the Federal Agency, an initial environmental examination or where
the project is likely to cause an adverse environmental effect, an environmental
impact assessment, and has obtained from the Provincial Agency approval in respect
thereof.

The current Project falls under Schedule- II, Section H, Sub section 1 (Land use studies
and urban plans in large cities) and above of IEE/EIA Regulation as per section 12 of
Environmental Protection Act and thus requires Environmental Impact Assessment
(EIA).

1.3 IDENTIFICATION OF PROJECT AND PROPONENT

The proposed Project consists of the design and construction of Session divisions/
Judicial complex with project and proponent detail is given as under-:
1. Name of proponent Mr. Zafar Iqbal
Executive Engineer,
Central Civil Division-IV, Pak P.W.D, Islamabad
Tel: 051-9219971
2. Name of project Construction of Sessions Division (East & West).
3. Location/ Address of the site Mauve area, Sector G-11/4, Islamabad
4. Nature/ Feature of the project Judicial complex
5. Major process during construction Excavations, Concrete, Finishing
6. Estimated cost of project PKR 8,000 Million
7. Plot area of the project Total project area is 180,150 Sq. Ft m2. There will be
2 basements, ground floor and 9 floors above with
approximate height 150 Ft. approximately. The
building consists of 93 courtrooms, I session court 1

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Session Court on the Ground Floor, 4 Session and

8. Electricity connection capacity
09. Project start
10. Project completion duration
District courts on the First/Upper Ground floor.
Facilities and amenities such as Bakhshi Khana,
Cafeteria, Facilitation Centre, Dispensary, Banks,
Library, Conference rooms, Prayer Areas etc.
2890 KW
1 month after getting NOC from all relevant
departments
3 years

A) Details of Consultants
Consultant M/s Meinhardt (Pakistan) Pvt Ltd is providing their services to conduct
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the project. Firm has vast experience and
expertise in this field. The team of experts is given as under-:

Sr. Name Position Assigned Task Assigned

Responsible for leading Environmental

1 Aleem Butt EIA Team Leader
Impact Assessment (EIA)
Dr. Sidra Responsible for analyzing and compiling
2 Environmental Specialist
Waheed data
Support for Baseline Monitoring, Data
Noman Ashraf Environmental Specialist
Interpretation & Mitigation Measures
Responsible for Baseline Monitoring,
Muhammad Air & Noise Quality
3 Data Interpretation & Mitigation
Mansoor Khan Expert
Measures
Responsible of OHS Risk Assessment &
3 Noman Aahraf HSE Advisor Data Interpretation & Mitigation
Measures
Responsible of Ecological Risk
Dr. Rashid
4 Ecologist Assessment& Data Interpretation &
Mahmood
Mitigation Measures
Support for Baseline Socioeconomic
6 Jahanzaib Malik Enumerator-02 Surveys Data Interpretation & Mitigation
Measures
Computer / Autocad
7 Shahzaib Data Control and Management
Expert

The contact details of Consultant M/s Meinhardt (Pakistan) Pvt Ltd are given as under:
Mr. Aleem Butt
Tel: +92 42 35450914-5 | Fax: +92 42 35450916 | Mobile: +92 03214271101
E-mail: aleem.butt@hotmail.com
Address: Meinhardt (Pakistan) Pvt Ltd

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B) Regulatory Framework for EIA

The project will comply with all the national legislations relating to the environment as
specified in Pakistan Environmental Protection Act (PEPA), 1997. The national
legislations relating to the environment in Pakistan in order to obtain the required
regulatory clearances are listed below:
The National Conservation Strategy, 1992
Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997
The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency Regulations, 2000,
The National Environment Policy, 2005
The National Forest Policy, 2001
National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) 2000
The Forest Act of 1930
The Provincial Wildlife Act 1975
Capital Development Authority Act
The other provincial and departmental applicable laws and regulations include
Pakistan Explosives Act. 1884, Pakistan Penal Code, 1860, etc.
C) Project Description
A new composite establishment is proposed for the prestigious Session and District
courts in the Capital of Pakistan to revamp and revitalize the judicial system in
Pakistan. Total project area is (180,150 Sq. Ft.). The proposed configuration of the
building comprises of 2 Basements, Ground Floor and 9 Floors above. The building is
planned as one consolidated structure, incorporating both the East and West Session
Divisions, with a common Ground Floor, and bifurcating the two divisions on either side
of the building in the subsequent floors. The building is designed to house a total
number of 93 courtrooms; 1 Session Court on the Ground Floor, 4 Session and District
courts on the First/Upper Ground floor, with a provision of 88 lower courtrooms
distributed on the subsequent 8 floors above. Facilities and amenities such as Bakhshi
Khana, Cafeteria, Facilitation Centre, Dispensary, Banks, Library, Conference rooms,
Prayer Areas etc. have been incorporated in the design, accessible to staff and visitors
alike, to cater all the future requirements of the Courts. Bar Room (Males/Females),
offices, meeting rooms and allied facilities have also been provided to cater the
requirements of Lawyers. The two basements are planned to accommodate a total
of 667 Nos. of vehicles, specifically reserved for the use of Judges and their staff
members only. An additional car parking of approximately 50 Nos. of cars has been
allocated inside the vicinity of the plot on the Ground level.

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D) Analysis of Alternatives
No project option will mean that the project is necessary and there is no other option.
The Plot for the Construction of Session and District courts was acquired from the CDA
in 2014 measuring 05 Acres (24,200 Sq. Yards approximately). This project is situated
at designated commercial site in Mauve Area, Sector G-11/4, Islamabad. The building
is planned as one consolidated structure, incorporating both the East and West
Session Divisions, with a common Ground Floor. So, the session court building is being
built at this place in order to facilitate the accessibility of the judicial system.
E) Description of Environment
In order to work out the impacts and related mitigation measures, it is most important
to prepare a data base of Study Areas well as Project Area. Detail is given as below:
1. Physical environment
Topography: the project site is located in Islamabad. Islamabad is located
at 33.6844 N 73.0479 E at the edge of the Pothohar Plateau at the foot of
the Margalla Hills in Islamabad Capital Territory. Its elevation is 507 meters
(1,663 ft). The soils existing at the site belong to alluvial deposits. The subsoils
present at the site predominantly consist of Lean Clay/ Silty Clay (CL/ CL-ML)
and Silty Sand (SM).
Geology: The area in and around Islamabad has a complex geological
history of mountain formation, alluvial-loessic deposition and erosion cycles.
In the west of the Potohar Uplands, the main depositions of loess are from the
Pleistocene period. Streams and ravines cut the loess plain, affected by gully
erosion and steep slopes. This type of land is unsuitable for cultivation. The
areas are composed of either alluvium (clay or silt) or of gravel caps. The
plains are formed of alluvial deposits laid by undulating and at various places
it is badly dissected by gullies and ravines. A large part of the stream has been
dammed at a place named Rawal to the Rawal Lake and another built on
Soan River to form The Simly Lake.
Seismology: The project site falls in the Islamabad plain which shows low to
moderate level of seismicity. The project region has also been subjected to
severe shaking in the past due to earthquakes in the Himalayas. This region
falls in Zone 2B.
Climate: The climate of the project area is classified as sub-humid to sub-
tropical continental, receiving rainfall from both monsoon and western
disturbances. The project area has hot summer and cold winters. The coldest
month is January when the mean maximum temperature is 17.7 o C and the
mean minimum temperature is 2.6 o C. June is the hottest month with mean
maximum temperature around 40o C and mean minimum temperature 24 o
C.

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Ambient Air Quality: At present, major sources of air pollution are mobile
sources and construction activities. Ambient air quality was monitored for the
purpose of this study for at purposed site for the period of 24 hours. The results
find out the quality of ambient air at site is quite good with all parameters in
compliance of National Environmental Quality Standards excluding PM2.5.
Noise Level: Major sources of noise generation are operations due to
vehicular traffic & neighboring construction activities. The baseline noise level
ranges 60.7 to 71.8 dBA
Ground water Quality: To determine the existing quality of groundwater, one
sample from neighborhood site were collected for laboratory analysis. Based
on the laboratory test results, it was found that the groundwater was unfit for
drinking purposes as the chemical and biological parameters does not in
compliance with the WHO standards. However, the groundwater can be
used for bathing, washing, general purpose activities.
Solid waste: In the Study Area, mostly good solid waste collection and
transportation system is in practice, the solid waste from house units has been
collected door to door by sweepers and transferred to the containers nearby.
The CDA s Waste Management staff finally transferred the waste containers
to the landfill site.
2. Ecological
Flora: The project very site has a number of tree species including Dalberjia
sisso (Sheesham); Morus nigra (Paper Mulberry); Acacia modesta (Keekar);
Celtis sinensis (Celtis); Ricinus communis. Broussonetia papyrifera; ziziphus
mauritiana; Xanthium strumarium (Cockleburs);
In shrubs, Lantana camara is commonly present there while in herbs
Parthenium histarophorous and Cannabis sativa (Marijuana), Silybum
marianum (Variegated Thistle). Taraxacum (Dandelion), Rumex dentatus
were present.
There is Kashmir highway in the south of project site harboring a green belt
containing tree species Amaltas (Casia fistula); Alstonia scholaris (Devil tree);
Gul Nishter (Erithrina indica), Silver Oak (Grevilea robusta) Arjun, Ficus Pelicon
(Ficus pelican), Sukh Chain, Dhak (Butea frondosa).
In the north site there are residential blocks (5 to 7 stories high residential flats)
the flora present there is usually ornamental nature (rose, jasmine, lemon).
Fauna: Dogs, Feral cats, Pigs sharing or crossing the land scape, Porcupine,
Jackals sharing or crossing the landscape, Snakes, Rats, Mongoose Indian,
Lizards, Frogs, Common insects.
In birds there are Sparrows, Kites, Pigeons, Black sparrows, Woodie, Crows,
Partridges quite often, Quails etc. Vultures quite often sharing the same land.

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3. Socio-economic
Neighborhood: The land use of selected site for construction of Session
Divisions is the commercial.

NAB Trial Court; Office of the inspector general of

Public sector police NH & MP; Chief Commissioner office, Islamabad;
Federal Government Employees Housing Society.
Cricket ground G11/4; Jamia Masjid Imam Tirmizi Ahle
Private Sector; Hadees
Masjid Qutbe Madena; G11 Itwar Bazar Parking
Alzain Traders; West End Plaza; Woods Furniture Grocery
Commercial Facilities Store; Darbar Hotel; Swat motors, Artisan vapor
Pakistan, Royal Travels.

Archeologist and Historical Treasures: There is no archeology or historical

building near purposed project area
Quality of Life: The project area has all the facilities like hospitals, schools,
metaled roads, sewerage, public transport, water supply, commercial area
shops etc. Residents belong to middle and upper class. The profession in
society includes, bankers, politicians, Government servants, educationists,
medical professionals, scientists, business communities and real estate
business owners. There is a rising trend in the society to change their traditional
socioeconomic pattern of life. Print and electronic media are playing key role
in bringing tangible change in the old pattern of life. There is another
community living in temporary tents mostly Afghans.
Education and Literacy: The community lived near the project site are mostly
educated. The private education schools exist near the project site.
Public health: There are many hospitals and dispensaries available near
project area.
Socio-economic environment of the project area was studied in detail for
developing the baseline information about the affected people of the
project.
Socio-economic survey of the settlements around the project area was
carried out by team of experts. The respondents were selected by using the
Random Sampling technique and data was collected through
questionnaires. Socio-economic features of project area that mainly focus on
demography, occupation, education, housing characteristics, family
income, basic amenities, resettlement concerns, archaeology and mosques
are presented in socio-economic chapter.
Population statistics of Islamabad, according to District Census Report (DCR)
is estimated as 2,001,579. The field surveys conducted in the project area

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indicates that there was neither land acquisition nor resettlement issue in the
project area. Also, it was identified that there was no archaeological site or
graveyard, nor any other structure of cultural importance is going to be
demolished due to the execution of the proposed project. According to the
survey it was identified that there was no vulnerable social group (e.g., widow
and women headed household) exists in the proposed project. Furthermore,
it was identified that many shrines and mosques were present in Islamabad,
but no shrine was present in the vicinity of project site.
It was also identified that the food of the inhabitants is very simple. Meat
products, sea food, rice and wheat products are eaten in the project area.
The people of project area belong to high-income and middle-income socio-
economic class.
During the survey, it was identified that the most common widely spoken
primary language in project area is Urdu Punjabi and Pothwari and variety of
castes were identified.
The detailed survey of the project area indicates that main occupation of the
respondents located in the vicinity of the project site was business and service
in government and private sector.
During the survey, it was identified that Chief commissioner office (CMO) was
located about 1 km away from the proposed project site while few
government and private sector offices were also present in Islamabad and
many educational institutions were also present there.
The detailed surveys indicate that majority of women of the study area have
the power to make decisions in many activities.
During the survey it was identified that all the respondents had electricity in
their homes, but many respondents in the vicinity of project site had disrupted
facility of Sui Gas. However, Sui Gas is available in Islamabad. PTCL service
was also available in the vicinity of project site and majority of the
respondents had mobile phones. Proper drainage system was present in the
study area.
The respondents also showed their concerns about the proposed project. All
the respondents had positive thinking and they were in favor of the project
due to its importance.
F) Impacts and Mitigation Measures
1. Pre-construction
In order to ensure the most economical and efficient use of space along with
due consideration given to economy, comfort and serviceability. The design
conforms to all CDA bylaws, and international building codes and standards.
Moreover, it has been designed to minimize environmental impact and

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produce an Eco-friendly edifice. The structure ensures serviceability to the

highest degree, designed to accommodate the profound number of staff
and daily visitors, allow convenient approach/access to all utilities and
amenities, also taking into account the accessibility for people with special
needs and other logistic requirements of the building. A due consideration to
energy using Solar paneling, efficient water supply using OH and UG water
tanks.
The proposed configuration of the building comprises of 2 Basements,
Ground Floor and 9 Floors above. The building is planned as one
consolidated structure, incorporating both the East and West Session
Divisions, with a common Ground Floor, and bifurcating the two divisions on
either side of the building in the subsequent floors. The building is designed to
house a total number of 93 courtrooms; 1 Session Court on the Ground Floor,
4 Session and District courts on the First/Upper Ground floor, with a provision
of 88 lower courtrooms distributed on the subsequent 8 floors above. Facilities
and amenities such as Bakhshi Khana, Cafeteria, Facilitation Centre,
Dispensary, Banks, Library, Conference rooms, Prayer Areas etc. have been
incorporated in the design, accessible to staff and visitors alike, to cater all
the future requirements of the Courts. Bar Room (Males/Females), offices,
meeting rooms and allied facilities have also been provided to cater the
requirements of Lawyers. The two basements are planned to accommodate
a total of 667 Nos. of vehicles, specifically reserved for the use of Judges and
their staff members only. An additional car parking of approximately 50 Nos.
of cars has been allocated inside the vicinity of the plot on the Ground level.
Total project area is180,150 Sq. Ft.
The design of the building has not affected the adjacent areas and it will
have no negative impacts directly on the population of the nearby
community. This 9-floor building is to be designed in a way that it guarantees
all out compliance with the National Environmental Quality Standards
(NEQS).
Mitigation
As in the case of project location and design, there are no negative impacts
on the environment, so no mitigation measures will be required.
2. During construction
Impacts
Soil Construction activities such as excavation, filling and disposal of
materials (both solid and liquid) will affect the existing soil conditions in
the Project Site and in its nearby surroundings. Spillage from the
generator or from moving vehicle will cause contamination of soil at
construction sites.

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Sewage and sanitary waste water generated from the construction site
may contaminate groundwater, if not disposed of properly. There is no
surface water present near the project site so there will be no impact on
surface water.
Due to the construction activities like excavation, clearing, leveling and
compaction with the use of machinery like batching plants, excavators,
dump truck and other transport vehicles etc. Most of these are using
diesel engines that generate noise and exhaust emissions.
During the implementation of the project a large amount of equipment
and construction machinery will be utilized for construction.
During construction phase of the Project, large quantity of construction
waste will produce, the disposal of which, if not managed properly
could have negative impacts on the site and surrounding areas.
Insecurity problems may arise for the local population due to the
Contractor s workers during the construction phase

Construction activities, particularly excavation and movement of haul

trucks and machinery may prove dangerous for the safety of the workers
as well as for local residents
Mitigations
Soil contamination can be curtailed by reducing the oil spill at project
construction areas by well maintaining the construction vehicles as well
as generators.
Construction site effluent drainage should be established in areas with
adequate natural drainage channels in order to facilitate flow of the
effluents.
Tuning of vehicles should be made mandatory to reduce the emissions
of NOx, SOx, CO and PM10.
Equipment and vehicles powered with diesel should be well maintained
to minimize particulate emissions.
For the construction machinery generating noise level in excess of that
prescribed in NEQS and WHO limits, Contractor will make arrangements
to bring the noise level within applicable limits (including proper tuning
of vehicles and mufflers/silencers).
A site waste management plan should be made the responsibility of the
construction contractor to provide for the designation of appropriate
waste storage area on the site and a schedule for the timely collection
and removal of construction debris to an approved dump site.

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During the construction phase traffic control measurement will be

implemented. All raw materials will be transported to the site at night
time due to at night time traffic flow very low in the project area.
Contractor should select specific timings for heavy machinery operation
so as to cause least disturbance to the population considering their
peak movement hours.
Effective construction controls may be made by the Contractor to avoid
inconvenience to the population due to noise, smoke and fugitive dust.
Contractor will ensure the provision of medicines, first aid kits,
emergency vehicles, etc. at the work place. Compliance with the safety
precautions for construction workers as per International Labour
Organization (ILO) Convention No. 62 will be ensured by the Contractor.
3. During Operation
Impacts
About 200,000 Gallons per day will be used during Operation. It is
calculated for 75,000 people per day. This may impact the ground water
resource which may reduce with passage of time
Air Emission is emitted from the stacks of generators. Stack emissions of
generators will produce gasses like NOx, SOx, CO2, PM and CO. These
gasses will cause air pollution if not properly managed or mitigated.
There will be noise of generators during the operation.
Daily solid waste generation during operational phase will be 0.5
ton/day consisted of municipal as well as food waste. Daily waste water
generation during operational phase will be 2,000,000 Gallons per day
during Construction & 200,000 Gallons per day during Operation of
session division (E & W) Mauve area, Islamabad.
There is need for vigilant security presence in and around the building
round the clock on a permanent basis to guard against theft and
terrorist activities. The security concerns will have to be addressed
adequately. Any threat to the security should be dealt with as a major
challenge.
Mitigation
Rainwater harvesting should be done on the roof top of the building.
Rainwater harvesting helps increase the water table, improve the
quantity of groundwater and reduce tube well pumping costs.
The water conservation will be adopted in washrooms that will be
installed water saving gadgets and eco-devices

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Generators should be maintained properly and tuned up in respect of

air to fuel ratio in order to have these pollutants within the NEQS limit.
To mitigate the noise, impact the generator will be put in separate
closed room or at the roof top with proper canopy.
The large waste bins will be placed at suitable places at all visitor areas.
The waste will be collected from court rooms and offices and from the
bins placed by the workers of waste management team. Waste
Management team will transfer the waste to designated landfill site
designated by CDA.
The wastewater will be the municipal in nature and will be passed from
septic tank before the final disposal in drainage system
In order to mitigate the traffic impact, a Traffic Management Plan is
under process by the Client (session divisions mauve area g11/4,
Islamabad) in collaboration with Islamabad Traffic Police and the
Capital Development Authority.
G) Environmental Management Plan (EMP)
A comprehensive, Environmental Management Plan (EMP) has been developed for
the Project. An environmental Mitigation Management Matrix (MMM) has been
prepared considering impacts on different components of physical, ecological and
socio-cultural environment. In addition, a comprehensive monitoring program has
been proposed. The EMP include Review of regulatory requirements and applicable
standards, MMM Institutional Arrangements for Implementation of EMP, Roles and
Responsibilities of different agencies, Environmental Monitoring Plan, Training Program
and Environmental Management and Monitoring Cost.
H) Conclusion
The project aims in construction of Session courts divisions, Islamabad. According to
the Review of Initial Environmental Examination and Environmental Impact
Assessment Regulations, 2000 the project falls in schedule I. Accordingly, this EIA has
been prepared for issuance of NOC/EA by the EPA, Government of the Pakistan
before initiation of the project on ground.
Based on the EIA report, it can be concluded that the project will result in the
improvement of the site, enhance in environmental features, gives job opportunities
for local and outsider that comes to Islamabad for livelihood. Further, the
implementation of the environmental mitigation measures, proper monitoring and
compliance of the environmental standards/legislations will make the Project
environmentally more sustainable.
On the basis of the facts summarized as above, the project merits for issuing
Environmental Approval by the Environmental Protection Agency, Government of
Pakistan.

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