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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA)

PAIDIPALEM NORTH PUMPED STORAGE PROJECT


(1000 MW)
(Sector 1(c); Cat “A”)

Draft Report
September, 2023

Prepared for:
New & Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh
(NREDCAP)

Prepared by:
R S Envirolink Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
QCI Certificate No. NABET/EIA/2225/RA 0274
403, BESTECH CHAMBERS,
B-BLOCK, SUSHANT LOK-I, GURGAON
Ph: +91-124-4295383: www.rstechnologies.co.in

Laboratory Baseline Data Monitoring Period


AGSS Analytical and Research Lab (P) Ltd.
An ISO-9001 : 2015 Accredited Laboratory April-June 2023
(NABL Accredited Testing Laboratory)
National Accreditation Board
for Education and Training

Certificate of Accreditation

R. S. Envirolinks Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Gurugram

402, Radisson Suites Commercial Plaza, B Block, Sushant Lok 1, Gurugram – 122009

The organization is accredited as Category-A under the QCI-NABET Scheme for Accreditation of EIA
Consultant Organization, Version 3: for preparing EIA-EMP reports in the following Sectors –

Sector (as per)


S.No Sector Description Cat.
NABET MoEFCC
1 Mining of minerals- opencast only 1 1 (a) (i) A
2 River Valley Projects 3 1(c) A
Oil & gas transportation pipeline (crude and refinery/
petrochemical products), passing through national parks/
3 27 6(a) A
sanctuaries/coral reefs /ecologically sensitive Areas including LNG
terminal
4 Jetties only 33 7(e) A
5 Highways 34 7(f) A

Note: Names of approved EIA Coordinators and Functional Area Experts are mentioned in RAAC
minutes dated Jan 10, 2023 and posted on QCI-NABET website.

The Accreditation shall remain in force subject to continued compliance to the terms and conditions mentioned in
QCI-NABET’s letter of accreditation bearing no QCI/NABET/ENV/ACO/23/2688 dated Feb 28, 2023. The
accreditation needs to be renewed before the expiry date by R. S. Envirolinks Technologies Pvt. Ltd, Gurugram
following due process of assessment.

Sr. Director, NABET Certificate No. Valid up to


Dated: Feb 28, 2023 NABET/EIA/2225/RA 0274 August 15, 2025

For the updated List of Accredited EIA Consultant Organizations with approved Sectors please refer to the QCI-NABET website.
NREDCAP EIA Report Paidipalem North PSP

Declaration by Experts contributing to the Draft EIA Report of the Paidipalem North Pumped
Storage Project (1000 MW).

I, hereby, certify that I was a part of the EIA team in the following capacity that developed the
above EIA.
EIA Coordinator: Vimal Garg
Name: Vimal Garg

Signature
Date-22/09/2023
& Date

Period of Involvement: April 2023 – September 2023


Contact Information: 0124-4295383
Functional Area Experts:
S. Functional Name of the Involvement
Signature
No. Areas expert/s (Period & Task)
• Baseline Data Review and Analysis
1 AP Vimal Garg • Impact Assessment
• Preparation of Air Management Plan
• Baseline Data Review and Analysis –
Ravinder P S Water Quality
2 WP
Bhatia • Impact Assessment and Management
Plan
• Impact Assessment
• Preparation of Waste Management Plan
Ravinder P S
3 SHW • Public Health Delivery System
Bhatia • Muck generation analysis and Dumping
Plan

Zahoor A Wani • Social Data Collection and


Interpretation
4 SE
Chandrakanta • Social Impact Assessment
Rout • Preparation of R&R Plan

• Baseline Data review and Analysis


Mr. Arun
• Impact Assessment and Mitigation
Bhaskar Plan
5 EB
Mr. Vivek • Baseline Data review and Analysis
Jhaldiyal • Impact Assessment and Mitigation
Plan

• Baseline Data Review and Analysis


6 SC Arun Bhaskar
• Impact Assessment

R S Envirolink Technologies Pvt. Ltd.


NREDCAP EIA Report Paidipalem North PSP

S. Functional Name of the Involvement


Signature
No. Areas expert/s (Period & Task)

Vivek Jhaldiyal • Sampling and Interpretation

Ravinder P S
7 AQ • Impact Assessment of Air Environment
Bhatia
• Baseline Data Review and Analysis –
Ravinder P S
8 NV Sound levels, Impact Assessment and
Bhatia Mitigation Plan

9 HG Vimal Garg • Impact Assessment

• Impact Assessment
Vimal Garg
• Data Review and Analysis

• Field Investigation and Data Collection


10 LU Dimple Razdan • Sampling and Interpretation
• Preparation of Thematic maps

Sanjeev Kumar • Field Investigation and Data Collection


Yadav • Preparation of Thematic maps

11 RH Harsh Pandya • Risk Assessment

Trilochan Singh
12 GEO • Geological & Geotechnical Investigations
Kaith

Team Member

WP • Baseline data collection, Analysis and


1 Parshant Tomar
SC Interpretation

Declaration by the Head of the Accredited Consultant Organization/ authorized person

I, Vimal Garg, hereby, confirm that the above-mentioned experts prepared the Draft EIA Report of
Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project (1000 MW). I also confirm that the consultant
organization shall be fully accountable for any mis-leading information in this statement.

Signature:
Name: Vimal Garg
Designation: Director

R S Envirolink Technologies Pvt. Ltd.


NREDCAP EIA Report Paidipalem North PSP

Name of the EIA Consult Organization: RS Envirolink Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

NABET Certificate No. & Issue Date: NABET/EIA/2225/RA 0274, 28 February 2023
Functional
S.No. Complete name of the Functional Areas
Areas
1 AP Air Pollution Prevention, Monitoring & Control
2 WP Water Pollution Prevention, Control & Prediction of Impacts
3 SHW Solid Waste and Hazardous Waste Management
4 SE Socio-Economics
5 EB Ecology and Biodiversity
6 SC Soil Conservation
7 AQ Meteorology, Air Quality Modeling & Prediction
8 NV Noise/ Vibration
9 HG Hydrology, Ground Water & Water Conservation
10 LU Land Use
11 RH Risk Assessment & Hazard Management

R S Envirolink Technologies Pvt. Ltd.


CONTENTS
Page No.
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1.1
1.1 PURPOSE OF THE REPORT 1.1
1.2 IDENTIFICATION OF PROJECT AND PROJECT PROPONENT 1.1
1.3 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF NATURE, SIZE, LOCATION OF THE PROJECT AND ITS
IMPORTANCE TO THE COUNTRY, REGION 1.1
1.3.1 Brief Description of Nature and Size of the Project 1.1
1.3.2 Sector Classification 1.2
1.3.3 Location 1.2
1.3.4 Importance to the Country, Region 1.2
1.4 SCOPE OF THE STUDY 1.3
CHAPTER 2: PROJECT DESCRIPTION 2.1
2.1 TYPE OF PROJECT 2.1
2.2 NEED FOR THE PROJECT 2.1
2.3 PROJECT LOCATION 2.1
2.4 SIZE OR MAGNITUDE OF OPERATION 2.2
2.4.1 Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir 2.5
2.5 LAND REQUIREMENT 2.8
2.5.1 Total area of the land being submerged 2.8
2.6 Manpower Requirement 2.8
2.7 PROPOSED SCHEDULE FOR APPROVAL AND IMPLEMENTATION 2.9
2.8 TECHNOLOGY AND PROCESS DESCRIPTION 2.9
2.9 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 2.9
2.9.1 Project Roads 2.9
2.9.2 Job facility Yard, Temporary Colony, Contractor facilities, & E&M Stores 2.10
2.9.3 Aggregate Processing Plants/Batching and Mixing Plant 2.10
2.9.4 Construction Material Requirement 2.10
2.9.5 Muck Disposal Areas 2.11
2.9.6 Explosive Magazine 2.12
2.9.7 Construction Power 2.12
2.9.8 Tele-Communication and Other Facilities 2.14
2.10 MITIGATION MEASURES INCORPORATED INTO THE PROJECT 2.14
2.10.1 Advantages of Pumped Storage Project 2.14
2.11 ASSESSMENT OF NEW & UNTESTED TECHNOLOGY FOR THE RISK OF
TECHNOLOGICAL FAILURE 2.15
2.12 UPSTREAM AND DOWNSTREAM DEVELOPMENTS 2.15
CHAPTER 3: DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT 3.1
3.1 STUDY AREA, PERIODS, COMPONENTS & METHODOLOGY 3.1
3.1.1 STUDY AREA 3.1
3.1.2 STUDY PERIOD 3.1
3.1.3 STUDY COMPONENTS 3.2
3.1.4 METHODOLOGY 3.4
3.1.4.1 Physical Environment 3.4
3.1.4.2 Water Environment 3.10
3.1.4.3 Biological Environment 3.13
3.2 ESTABLISHMENT OF BASELINE FOR VALUED ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENTS 3.15
3.2.1 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT 3.15
3.2.1.1 Physiography 3.15
3.2.1.2 Drainage 3.17
3.2.1.3 Geology 3.17
a. Regional Geology 3.18
b. Geology of Project Area 3.18
c. Seismicity of the Project Area 3.19
3.2.1.4 Hydrology 3.20
3.2.1.5 Catastrophic Events 3.21
3.2.1.6 Ground Water Level 3.21
3.2.1.7 Land use/ Landcover 3.22
3.2.1.8 Meteorology 3.22
3.2.1.9 Soil 3.26
3.2.1.10 Ambient Air Quality 3.31
3.2.1.11 Noise Levels 3.33
3.2.1.12 Traffic Density 3.34
3.2.2 WATER ENVIRONMENT 3.36
3.2.2.1 Surface Water Quality 3.36
3.2.2.2 Groundwater Quality 3.39
3.2.2.3 Conclusion 3.44
3.2.3 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT 3.45
3.2.3.1 Forest Types in the Study Area 3.45
3.2.3.2 Floristics 3.45
3.2.3.3 Faunal Elements 3.63
3.2.3.4 Aquatic Ecology 3.69
3.2.3.5 Protected Areas 3.69
3.2.3.6 Conclusions 3.71
3.2.4 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 3.72
3.2.4.1 District Profile 3.72
3.2.4.2 Socio-Economic Profile of the Study Area 3.73
3.2.4.3 Sample Survey Villages 3.78
3.2.4.4 Transport and Communication Facilities 3.80
3.2.4.5 Historical, Religious & Archeological Sites 3.80
3.2.4.6 Public Perception of The Project 3.81
3.2.4.7 Conclusion 3.81
3.3 BASE MAPS OF ALL ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENTS 3.82
CHAPTER 4: ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 4.1
4.1 DETAILS OF INVESTIGATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 4.1
4.1.1 Impacts on Air Quality 4.2
4.1.1.1 Construction Phase Impacts 4.2
4.1.1.2 Pollution due to fuel combustion in various equipment 4.2
4.1.1.3 Emissions from various crushers and other construction plants 4.2
4.1.1.4 Fugitive Emissions from material handling and transportation 4.2
4.1.1.5 Operation Phase Impacts 4.2
4.1.2 Impact on Noise Environment 4.3
4.1.2.1 Construction Phase Impacts 4.3
4.1.2.2 Operation Phase Impacts 4.5
4.1.3 Water Environment 4.5
4.1.3.1 Impacts of water pollution 4.5
4.1.3.2 Construction Phase Impacts 4.6
4.1.3.3 Operation Phase Impacts 4.7
4.1.4 Land Environment 4.7
4.1.4.1 Impact due to change in land-use 4.7
4.1.4.2 Impacts Due to Muck Generation 4.7
4.1.4.3 Impacts Due to Waste Generation 4.8
4.1.4.4 Impacts Due to Road Construction 4.8
4.1.5 Impacts on Forests and Forest Land 4.9
4.1.6 Flora and Fauna 4.9
4.1.6.1 Construction Phase 4.9
4.1.6.2 Operation Phase Impacts 4.11
4.1.7 Impacts on Socio-economic Environment 4.11
4.2 MEASURES FOR MINIMIZING/OFFSETTING ADVERSE IMPACTS 4.12
4.3 IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL
COMPONENTS 4.12
4.4 ASSESSMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACTS 4.13
4.5 MITIGATION MEASURES 4.16
4.5.1 Air Pollution 4.16
4.5.1.1 Impacts of Air Pollution 4.16
4.5.1.2 Control of Air Pollution 4.17
4.5.2 Noise Pollution 4.17
4.5.2.1 Impacts of Noise Pollution 4.17
4.5.2.2 Control of Noise Pollution 4.17
4.5.3 Water Pollution 4.18
4.5.3.1 Impacts of water pollution 4.18
4.5.3.2 Control of water pollution 4.18
CHAPTER 5: ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES 5.1
5.1 Alternative studies and selection of final Layout 5.1
5.1.1 Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir 5.1
5.2 Selection of Layout 5.1
5.2.1 General 5.1
5.3 Techno-Commercial Aspects 5.2
5.3.1 Alternative Studies for Upper Reservoir 5.2
5.3.2 General Layout of Upper & Lower Reservoirs 5.4
5.3.3 Alternate Alignments for Water Conduit System 5.4
CHAPTER 6: ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN 6.1
6.1 TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF MONITORING THE EFFECTIVIENESS OF MITIGATION
MEASURES 6.1
6.1.1 Water Quality 6.1
6.1.2 Air Quality 6.2
6.1.3 Noise 6.2
6.1.4 Ecological Monitoring 6.2
6.1.5 Financial Requirement 6.3
CHAPTER 7: ADDITIONAL STUDIES 7.1
7.1 REHABILITATION & RESETTLEMENT PLAN 7.2
7.1.1 Introduction 7.2
7.1.2 Resettlement & Rehabilitation Plan 7.2
7.2 LOCAL AREA DEVELOPMENT PLAN 7.3
7.2.1 INTRODUCTION 7.3
7.2.2 Affected Area for LADP Activity 7.3
7.2.3 Focus Areas for LADP Activities 7.3
7.2.4 LADP Budget 7.4

CHAPTER 8: PROJECT BEENFITS 8.1

CHAPTER 9: ENVIRONMENTAL COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS 9.1

CHAPTER 10: ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN 10.1


10.1 ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN 10.1
10.1.1 COMPONENTS OF EMP 10.2
10.2 CATCHMENT AREA TREATMENT PLAN 10.3
10.2.1 Steps Involved in CAT Plan Preparation 10.4
10.2.2 Methodology Adopted for the Study 10.4
10.2.3 Catchment Area 10.4
10.2.3.1 Defining Study Area 10.5
10.2.4 Defining Data Requirement 10.7
10.2.5 Data Acquisition and Preparation 10.7
10.2.5.1 Rainfall Erosivity (R) Factor 10.7
10.2.5.2 Soil Erodibility (K) Factor 10.8
10.2.5.3 Topographic (LS) Factor 10.8
10.2.5.4 Crop Management (C) Factor 10.10
10.2.5.5 Conservation Support Practice (P) Factor 10.10
10.2.6 Output Presentation 10.10
10.2.7 Prioritization 10.12
10.2.8 Treatment Plan 10.12
10.2.8.1 Area to be taken up for Treatment 10.12
10.2.8.2 Treatment Measures 10.12
10.2.9 OTHER COMPONENTS OF CAT PLAN 10.14
10.2.9.1 Administrative Charges 10.14
10.2.9.2 Micro Planning 10.14
10.2.9.3 Monitoring & Evaluation 10.14
10.2.9.4 Contingencies 10.15
10.2.10 COST ESTIMATE 10.15
10.3 COMPENSATORY AFFORESTATION PLAN 10.17
10.3.1 Compensatory Afforestation Programme 10.17
10.3.2 Net Present Value (NPV) 10.17
10.3.3 Abstract of Cost 10.18
10.4 BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PLAN 10.19
10.4.1 Conservation Plan for Schedule-I Species 10.20
10.4.2 Strengthening of Infrastructural Facilities of Forest Department 10.20
10.4.3 Monitoring and Evaluation 10.21
10.4.4 Locations of Proposed Intervention 10.21
10.4.5 Financial Provision 10.21
10.5 Fisheries Development Plan 10.22
10.5.1 Objective of Fisheries Management 10.22
10.5.1.1 Enrichment of Riverine Fish Fauna 10.22
10.5.1.2 Development of Fish Farms/ Fresh water Aquaculture 10.23
10.5.1.3 Upgradation of existing Govt. Fish farms 10.24
10.5.2 Locations of Proposed Intervention 10.24
10.5.3 Financial Provision 10.24
10.6 MUCK MANAGEMENT PLAN 10.25
10.6.1 Quantity of Material to be Excavated 10.25
10.6.2 Muck Disposal Site 10.27
10.6.2.1 Criteria for Selection of Dumping Site 10.27
10.6.2.2 Methodology of Dumping 10.27
10.6.3 Rehabilitation of Muck Disposal Site 10.30
10.6.3.1 Engineering Measures 10.30
10.6.3.2 Biological Measures 10.31
10.6.4 Financial Requirement 10.33
10.7 LANDSCAPING AND RESTORATION OF CONSTRUCTION SITES 10.34
10.7.1 Job Facility Sites & Project Colonies 10.34
10.7.2 Project Roads 10.34
10.7.3 Plan Implementation 10.36
10.7.4 Cost Estimates 10.36
10.8 SANITATION AND SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT 10.37
10.8.1 Management of Solid Waste 10.37
10.8.1.1 Reuse/Recycling 10.37
10.8.1.2 Storage and Segregation 10.38
10.8.1.3 Collection and Transportation 10.38
10.8.1.4 Disposal 10.38
10.8.2 Financial Requirement 10.39
10.9 PUBLIC HEALTH DELIVERY SYSTEM 10.41
10.9.1 Threats to Public Health 10.41
10.9.2 Medical Facilities 10.42
10.9.3 Health Extension Activities 10.42
10.9.4 Cost Estimates 10.44
10.10 ENERGY CONSERVATION MEASURES 10.45
10.10.1 Conservation Measures 10.45
10.10.2 Cost Estimates 10.46
10.11 LABOUR MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THEIR HEALTH AND SAFETY 10.47
10.12 GREEN BELT DEVELOPMENT PLAN 10.49
10.12.1 Roadside Plantation 10.49
10.12.2 Green belt Around Colony Area Powerhouse site and Office Complex 10.49
10.12.3 Muck Dumping Site 10.50
10.12.4 Cost Estimates 10.50
10.13 DAM BREAK MODELING AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN 10.51
10.13.1 Dam Break Phenomenon 10.51
10.13.2 Need for Dam Break Modeling 10.51
10.13.3 Present Dam Break Modeling Scenarios 10.52
10.13.4 Introduction to Dam Break Modeling 10.53
10.13.5 Hydrodynamic Modeling 10.53
10.13.6 Selection of Model 10.53
10.13.7 Mike 11 Model 10.54
10.13.8 Mike 11 Model Set-Up 10.54
10.13.8.1 River Channel Set-up 10.55
10.13.8.2 Description of Reservoir and Appurtenant Structures 10.55
10.13.8.3 Boundary Conditions for Dam Break Modeling 10.56
10.13.9 Specifications of Dam Break Structures 10.57
10.13.9.1 Breach Development 10.57
10.13.9.2 Failure Modes 10.57
10.13.10 Initial Conditions 10.58
10.13.11 Dam Break Simulations 10.58
10.13.12 Input Data Requirement 10.58
10.13.12.1 Valley Cross Sections 10.59
10.13.12.2 Reservoir and Dam 10.59
10.13.12.3 Downstream Boundary 10.60
10.13.12.4 Upstream Elevation Views 10.60
10.13.13 Selection of Dam Breach Parameters 10.63
10.13.14 Critical Conditions for Dam Break Study 10.64
10.13.15 Dam Break Simulation 10.64
10.13.16 Preparation of Inundation Map 10.67
10.13.17 Disaster Management Plan 10.69
10.13.17.1 Vulnerability Assessment 10.69
10.13.17.2 Surveillance & Monitoring 10.69
10.13.17.3 Disaster Management Plan (DMP) for Project 10.69
10.13.17.4 Disaster Response Plan 10.70
10.13.17.5 Awareness and Emergency Preparedness 10.70
10.13.17.6 Emergency Action Plan (EAP) 10.70
10.13.17.7 Emergency Alert System 10.71
10.13.17.8 Safety Procedures & Plan 10.71
10.13.17.9 Comprehensive DMP for the project 10.72
10.13.18 Cost Estimates for Disaster Management 10.72
CHAPTER 11: SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION 11.1
11.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 11.1
11.2 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT 11.1
11.2.1 Physiography 11.1
11.2.2 Drainage 11.1
11.2.3 Geology 11.2
11.2.4 Hydrology 11.2
11.2.5 Land Use/ Land Cover 11.2
11.2.6 Meteorology 11.2
11.2.7 Soil 11.3
11.2.8 Ambient Air and Noise Quality 11.3
11.2.9 Water Quality 11.3
11.2.10 Floristic Diversity 11.3
11.2.11 Faunal Diversity 11.4
11.2.12 Proximity to Protected Area 11.5
11.2.13 Social Environment 11.5
11.2.14 Historical, Religious and Archaeological Importance Places 11.6
11.3 ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 11.6
11.3.1 Ambient Air Quality 11.6
11.3.2 Noise Environment 11.6
11.3.3 Water Environment 11.6
11.3.4 Land Environment 11.7
11.3.5 Impacts on Forests and Forest Land 11.7
11.3.6 Flora and Fauna 11.7
11.3.7 Socio-Economic Environment 11.8
11.4 Mitigation Measures for Air, Water and Noise Pollution 11.9
11.5 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME 11.10
11.6 ADDITIONAL STUDIES 11.10
11.6.1 Resettlement & Rehabilitation Plan 11.10
11.6.2 Local Area Development Fund 11.10
11.7 PROJECT BENEFITS 11.10
11.8 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP) 11.11
11.8.1 Catchment Area Treatment Plan 11.11
11.8.2 Compensatory Afforestation Plan and Net Present Value 11.11
11.8.3 Biodiversity Conservation & Wildlife Management Plan 11.12
11.8.4 Fisheries Development Plan 11.12
11.8.5 Muck Management Plan 11.12
11.8.6 Landscaping and Restoration of Construction Sites 11.13
11.8.7 Sanitation and Solid Waste Management 11.13
11.8.8 Public Health Delivery System 11.13
11.8.9 Energy Conservation Measures 11.14
11.8.10 Labour Management Plan for their Health and Safety 11.14
11.8.11 Green Belt Development Plan 11.14
11.8.12 Disaster Management Plan 11.14
11.9 SUMMARY OF COST 11.14

CHPATER 12: DISCLOSURE BY THE CONSULTANT 12.1


12.1 DISCLOSURE BY THE CONSULTANT 12.1
LIST OF TABLES
Page No.
Table 2.1: Salient Features of Proposed Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project 2.4
Table 2.2: Land Requirement of Proposed Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project 2.8
Table 2.3: Land Requirement for Temporary Works of Proposed Paidipalem North PSP 2.8
Table 2.4: Quantity of muck to be generated from different project construction activities and
quantity required to be disposed-off 2.11
Table 3.1: Sampling schedule for various Environmental Parameters 3.1
Table 3.2: Soil sampling locations 3.6
Table 3.3: Sites for ambient air quality monitoring in the study area 3.6
Table 3.4: Surface water quality sampling locations 3.11
Table 3.5: Groundwater sampling locations 3.11
Table 3.6: Sampling Locations for Vegetation Sampling 3.13
Table 3.7: Area under different elevation categories 3.15
Table 3.8: Area under different slope categories 3.17
Table 3.9: Area under different land use/ landcover classes 3.22
Table 3.10: Summary of Wind Pattern in the study area 3.24
Table 3.11: Soil Taxonomic groups in the Study Area 3.26
Table 3.12: Physico-chemical Characteristics of Soil 3.27
Table 3.13: Soil Fertility Rating in the study area 3.28
Table 3.14: Ambient Air Quality in the study area (unit: μg/m3) 3.31
Table 3.15: Equivalent Noise levels (Leq dB(A) in the study area 3.34
Table 3.16: Average Daily Traffic in the study area 3.34
Table 3.17: Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Surface water 3.36
Table 3.18: Water Quality Criteria for designated Best Use by CPCB, New Delhi 3.37
Table 3.19: Classification for infiltration and permeability parameters for irrigation water
suitability 3.38
Table 3.20: Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Groundwater 3.41
Table 3.21: Forest types found in the Study Area 3.45
Table 3.22: List of Plant Species recorded during field survey 3.46
Table 3.23: Details of Species found in the Study Area 3.47
Table 3.24: Conservation Status of Plant Species 3.48
Table 3.25: List of Plant Species found in the study area used for medicinal purposes 3.50
Table 3.26: Other economically important plant species in the study area 3.52
Table 3.27: Community Structure –Trees 3.55
Table 3.28: Community Structure –Shrubs 3.55
Table 3.29: Community Structure –Herbs 3.56
Table 3.30: Density (plants per ha) of Trees 3.60
Table 3.31: IVI of Trees in the Study Area 3.61
Table 3.32: A/F ratio of tree species 3.61
Table 3.33: Species Diversity Index (H) 3.62
Table 3.34: Sorenson Similarity Index 3.62
Table 3.35: List of Mammalian Species Reported in the Study Area 3.63
Table 3.36: List of birds reported from the study area with their conservation status 3.64
Table 3.37: List of Herpetofauna species recorded from the Study Area 3.65
Table 3.38: Butterflies recorded from Study Area 3.65
Table 3.39: Fish species reported from the Study Area 3.69
Table 3.40: Demographic Profile of the Study area Districts 3.73
Table 3.41: List of Villages in the Study Area 3.74
Table 3.42: Demographic Details in Study Area 3.75
Table 3.43: Working Population in the Study Area 3.76
Table 3.44: Basic Amenities and Infrastructures in the Study Area 3.77
Table 3.45: List of Surveyed Villages 3.78
Table 4.1: Equivalent Noise Levels due to Operation of Construction Equipment 4.3
Table 4.2: Decrease in Sound Levels with Distance from Source 4.3
Table 4.3: Noise generated due to blasting 4.4
Table 4.4: Maximum Exposure Periods Specified by OSHA 4.5
Table 4.5: Impact Assessment Matrix 4.13
Table 5.1: Salient features of the Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir 5.1
Table 5.2: Upper Reservoir Optimization Table 5.3
Table 5.3: Comparison of Alternate Layout Options for Proposed Paidipalem PSP – North
1000 MW 5.5
Table 7.1: Focus Area and Nature of Local Area Development Activity 7.3
Table 10.1: EMP Implementation 10.1
Table 10.2: Description of Soil Mapping Units in the Catchment Area 10.8
Table 10.3: Area Falling Under Different Land Use/ Land Cover Classes 10.10
Table 10.4: Area falling under different Erosion Intensity Categories 10.10
Table 10.5: Estimated Cost of Catchment Area Treatment Plan Implementation 10.15
Table 10.6: Year Wise Phasing of Physical and Financial Targets 10.16
Table 10.7: Cost estimates of Compensatory Afforestation Plan 10.17
Table 10.8: Total Cost of Compensatory Afforestation and NPV 10.18
Table 10.9: Budget for Implementation Biodiversity Conservation Plan 10.19
Table 10.10: Break-up for Wildlife Management and Conservation Plan for Schedule-I
Species 10.20
Table 10.11: Total Cost of Biodiversity Conservation and Management Plan 10.21
Table 10.12: Total Fisheries Development Plan 10.24
Table 10.13: Muck to be generated from various components of the project 10.25
Table 10.14: Estimated Cost of Engineering Measures 10.31
Table 10.15: Total financial outlay for the biological measures at dumping sites 10.33
Table 10.16: Financial requirements for implementation of Muck Disposal Plan 10.33
Table 10.17: Cost estimates for engineering and biological measures for construction
areas 10.34
Table 10.18: Details of cost estimates for measures during road construction 10.35
Table 10.19: Summary of Cost estimates 10.36
Table 10.20: Cost Estimate for Solid Waste Management Plan 10.39
Table 10.21: Budgetary estimates for developing health care facilities 10.44
Table 10.22: Financial Provision for Energy Conservation Measures 10.46
Table 10.23: Budget for Labour Management Plan 10.47
Table 10.24: List of relevant BIS Standards 10.48
Table 10.25: Tree species suggested for Landscaping, Roadside and Avenue Plantation 10.50
Table 10.26: Summary of cost for different components of Green Belt Development Plan 10.50
Table 10.27: Elevation-Area Capacity Table of Upper Reservoir Paidipalem - North Upper
Reservoir 10.59
Table 10.28: Maximum discharge due to dam breach flood 10.65
Table 10.29: Maximum water level due to dam breach flood 10.66
Table 10.36: Estimated cost disaster management plan 10.72
Table 11.1: Cost for Implementing Environmental Management Plan 11.15

LIST OF FIGURES
Page No.
Figure 1.1: Location Map of Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project 1.3
Figure 2.1: Location Map of Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project 2.2
Figure 2.2: Layout map of Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project 2.6
Figure 2.3: Layout map of Paidipalem North Project along with intake pipe for initial filling 2.7
Figure 2.4: Plan showing various infrastructural works 2.13
Figure 3.1: Map Showing Study Area 3.3
Figure 3.2: FCC generated from Satellite imagery of the study area 3.5
Figure 3.3: Map showing the location of Soil (S1-S10) and Vegetation (V1-V7) and Fauna
(Tr1-Tr7) sampling sites 3.8
Figure 3.4: Map of the study area showing the location of Ambient Air, Noise and Traffic
monitoring sites 3.9
Figure 3.5: Map showing location of Surface water and Groundwater sampling sites 3.12
Figure 3.6: Digital Elevation Map of the Study Area 3.16
Figure 3.7: Relief Map of the Study Area 3.16
Figure 3.8: Slope map of the Study Area 3.17
Figure 3.9: Seismic Zone Map of India 3.20
Figure 3.10: Land Use/ Landcover map of the study area 3.22
Figure 3.11: Average Mean Monthly Maximum and Minimum Temperature 3.23
Figure 3.12: Mean Monthly Average Rainfall and Number of Rainy Days in the study area
for the Years 2013-2022 3.23
Figure 3.13: Annual Rainfall for the last decade in the study area (reference Years 2013-
2022) 3.24
Figure 3.14: Mean Monthly Average Max Wind Speed in the study area 3.24
Figure 3.15: Wind Rose diagram 3.25
Figure 3.16: Soil map of the Study Area 3.26
Figure 3.17: Map Showing Aerial Distance of Proposed Project from boundary of Rajiv
Gandhi National Park 3.70
Figure 3.18: Study Area Villages 3.74
Figure 5.1: Paidipalem North – Upper Reservoir 5.3
Figure 5.2: Location Map of Upper Reservoir 5.3
Figure 5.3: Alternative Layout 5.9
Figure 10.1: Catchment Area Map of Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project 10.6
Figure 10.2: Soil Map of Catchment Area (refer Table 10.2 for soil unit legend) 10.9
Figure 10.3: LS Factor Map of Catchment Area 10.9
Figure 10.4: Land use/ Land cover Map of Catchment Area 10.11
Figure 10.5: Erosion Intensity Map of Catchment Area 10.11
Figure 10.6: Layout Map Showing Location of Muck Disposal Sites 10.26
Figure 10.7: Cross Section of Muck Dumping Area 10.29
Figure 10.8: Cross-section of Retaining Wall 10.31
Figure 10.9: Embankments & Reservoirs – Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project 10.52
Figure 10.10 & 10.11: River set up with dam and spillway 10.55
Figure 10.12: Breach parameters for linear mode 10.57
Figure 10.13: Upstream Elevation view of dam (Upper reservoir) 10.61
Figure 10.14: Upstream Elevation view of dam (Lower reservoir) 10.62
Figure 10.15: Dam breach flood hydrograph (FRL Case of upper reservoir, south end dam) 10.65
Figure 10.16: Upper reservoir Inundation Maps superimposed over Google Earth Map 10.68

LIST OF ANNEXURES
Annexure I: Scoping clearance of Paidipalem North PSP (1000 MW) accorded by MoEF&CC
Annexure II: Compliance to TOR
Annexure IIIa: Weather Data
Annexure IIIb: Wind Rose
Annexure IV: List of plant species reported from the study area
Annexure V: Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife Management Plan
NREDCAP Draft EIA Report of Paidipalem North PSP

Chapter
INTRODUCTION
1
1.1 PURPOSE OF THE REPORT
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process is an interdisciplinary and multistep
approach to ensure that environmental risks and impacts are included in decision making
regarding project’s feasibility. EIA document is considered as a technical tool that identifies,
predicts, and analyses impacts on the physical, biological environment, as well as social,
cultural, and health impacts. It helps to identify the possible environmental impacts of a
proposed activity leading to the development of a strategy or management plan to mitigate
impacts to the extent possible.

The purpose of Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) study of Paidipalem North Pumped
Storage Project (1000 MW) has been carried out with a view to assess the impacts of project
on the surrounding area and to suggest mitigation and management measures to minimize
any such impacts. EIA study for such projects is mandatory as per EIA Notification of September
2006, which stipulates the environment clearance procedure.

1.2 IDENTIFICATION OF PROJECT AND PROJECT PROPONENT


Pumped Storage Projects (PSP) presents an optimal, economically viable & scalable solution
to supply Schedulable Power On-Demand (SPOD) with both base load and peak load
capabilities. Further, Pumped Storage Scheme provides the necessary scale (large volume of
energy storage) and have a long-life cycle resulting in lowest cost of delivered SPOD energy
over the life of the projects. These PSPs can also effectively be integrated with Wind & Solar
capacities which can provide a viable solution to the problem at hand viz. grid management,
frequency regulation and renewable energy integration solutions and also for the future
wherein large-scale addition of Renewable Energy capacities is being planned to the National
grid.

Considering the above objectives of Pumped Storage solutions, NREDCAP (New & Renewable
Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Ltd) having rich lineage and an enviable
track record for successful completion of various hydro projects has forayed into
development of Pumped Storage Projects to provide large scale energy storage solutions to
the State and to the Nation and in this process has identified a location near Paidipalem
village, of Simhadripuram Mandal in YSR District (formerly known as Kadapa District) of
Andhra Pradesh for development of this 1000 MW Pumped Storage Project (PSP). The
location of the project is shown in Figure 1.1.

1.3 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF NATURE, SIZE, LOCATION OF THE PROJECT AND ITS
IMPORTANCE TO THE COUNTRY, REGION

1.3.1 Brief Description of Nature and Size of the Project


The Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project (Paidipalem North PSP) of capacity 1000 MW
is proposed at village Paidipalem, District YSR, Andhra Pradesh by M/s New and Renewable

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Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Ltd (NREDCAP Ltd.). The proposed
project will be comprised of two reservoirs i.e., Upper reservoir and Lower reservoir (to be
constructed), water conducting system, Pressure shaft, Surge shaft, Access tunnel, surface
powerhouse and tail race system.

The Paidipalem North PSP utilizes the water in the existing Paidipalem balancing reservoir
which has a gross storage capacity of 6.00 TMC (170 MCM). The Paidipalem balancing
reservoir has been constructed under Gandikota Lift Irrigation Scheme with a total ayacut of
47,500 acre. Water from the fore shores of Gandikota reservoir is lifted to Paidipalem
balancing Reservoir. A separate lower reservoir of capacity 0.93 TMC has been proposed for
the proposed project. The upper reservoir is located on the abutting hills of Paidipalem
reservoir at an altitude of 535.0 m above mean sea level with a maximum head of 247.82 m.

1.3.2 Sector Classification


As the proposed project envisages hydroelectric power generation, therefore, it gets
covered in the Schedule of EIA Notification, 2006 at item 1(c), Category ‘A’ i.e. >100 MW
installed capacity.

1.3.3 Location
The project is located at latitude 14°43'54.44"N and longitude 78°11'10.05"E, at an altitude
of 535.0 M above mean sea level. The project comes under the Rayalaseema region of
Andhra Pradesh, well known for its minerals and high Wind and Solar potential zone in the
country. The project location comes under YSR district in Simhadripuram Mandal, Paidipalem
village. The location map of project area is shown below. The district headquarters Kadapa
is located at 70KM and is surrounded by three major towns in the area viz, Pulivendula,
Muddanuru and Tadipatri. Location map of the project is shown in Figure 1.

1.3.4 Importance to the Country, Region


Pumped Storage Projects (PSP) presents an optimal, economically viable & scalable solution
to supply Schedulable Power On-Demand (SPOD) with both base load and peak load
capabilities to the Nation. Pumped Storage solutions provide the necessary scale (large
volume of energy storage) and have a long-life cycle resulting in lowest cost of delivered
SPOD energy over the life of the projects. Further, these PSPs can be effectively integrated
with Wind & Solar capacities which can provide a viable solution to the problem at hand and
also for future wherein large RE capacities are being planned to be added to National grid.

The most reliable option for energy storage is development of Pumped storage schemes.
Pumped hydroelectric energy storage (PHES), is a type of hydroelectric energy storage used
by electric power systems for load balancing. The method stores energy in the form of
gravitational potential energy of water, pumped from a lower elevation reservoir to a higher
elevation. Low-cost surplus off-peak electric power is typically used to run the pumps. During
periods of high electrical demand, the stored water is released through turbines to produce
electric power. Although the losses of the pumping process make the plant a net consumer
of energy overall, the system increases revenue by selling more electricity during periods of
peak demand, when electricity prices are highest.

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Figure 1.1: Location Map of Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project

Pumped-storage hydroelectricity allows energy from intermittent sources (such as solar,


wind) and other renewables, or excess electricity from continuous base-load sources (such
as coal or nuclear) to be saved for periods of higher demand. The reservoirs used with
pumped storage are quite small when compared to conventional hydroelectric dams of
similar power capacity, and generating periods are often less than half a day. Along with
energy management, pumped storage systems are also helpful in controlling electrical
network frequency and provide reserve energy.

1.4 SCOPE OF THE STUDY


Scoping clearance of Paidipalem North PSP (1000 MW) for EIA studies was accorded by
Ministry of Environment Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of vide letter
no. J-12011/06/2023-IA-I dated 17th April 2023, for 1000 MW installed capacity. (Refer
Annexure I).

Since, proposed Paidipalem North project is a closed loop PSP, as per latest specific TOR for
PSPs issued through OM dated 14th Aug 2023 by MoEF&CC, EIA is based on one season data
(other than monsoon). To ensure compliance with the EAC’s recommendations, baseline
data was collected on physio-chemical and biological parameters covering pre-monsoon
season. The EIA study report has been prepared, in compliance with the scoping clearance
issued by MoEF&CC. The compliance of TOR with references is given in Annexure II.

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Chapter
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2
2.1 TYPE OF PROJECT
Paidipalem North Project is a pumped storage project consisting of hydro-power
generation. As per the amendment to EIA notification dated 20th April, 2022, all
hydropower projects more than 100 MW of installed capacity are category A projects,
hence the project is a Category ‘A1’ project, listed in item 1(c) in Schedule of EIA
Notification, 2006 and require an EIA study to be undertaken for environment clearance.

2.2 NEED FOR THE PROJECT


As per the Annual Report of CEA of Year 2020-21, all India energy requirement was
1,275,534MU against which 1,270,663MU was met. The deficit was 4,871MU. The peak
demand in the year was 190,198MW against which 189,395MW was met with the deficit of
802MW.

As far as power scenario of the state of Andhra Pradesh is concerned, in the year 2020-21
energy requirement was 62,080 MU and the supplied energy was 62,076MU. The Peak
demand of the year was 11,193 MW. These are likely to increase to MU of energy 147,599
& 24,633 MW of peak demand by FY 2028-29. The available plant capacities by FY2028-29
is 21,299 MW. Thus, the energy deficit for FY 2028-29 is 3,334 MW or 59,229 MU.

It is also seen that during the period of April to June 2022, there is power and energy deficit
of 8,657 MW and 4,107MU in the country and 874 MW and 403 MU in the state of Andhra
Pradesh which is likely to increase in coming years.

Also, it is prudent to mention here that the entire projected installed capacity may not be
available all the time to meet the peak demand owing to various reasons. Hence, new
schemes need to be pursued to meet the system’s requirement.

It is also seen that, in the state peak demand occurs typically for a duration of seven hours
during daytime and in night 5 to 6 hours. As the available hydroelectric potential in Andhra
Pradesh has almost been harnessed, the pumped storage schemes need to be pursued for
meeting the system peak. These schemes are amenable for quick start, reliable and render
operation flexibility in the system besides providing economic source for meeting peaking
capacity requirement. In this connection, this Paidipalem North PSP has potential to
develop pumped storage project to cater to the peak demand of 6 hours during the
daytime. Surplus wind/solar/thermal power will be used for pumping of water during off-
peak time.

2.3 PROJECT LOCATION


The project is located close to Paidipalem Village in the Simhadripuram Mandal of YSR
District in Andhra Pradesh. The project site is easily accessible by NH67 (Bellary to
Krishnapatnam Port). The project is located towards North of Existing Paidipalem Balancing
Reservoir with upper reservoir at geographical co-ordinate 14°43'54.44"N and
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NREDCAP Draft EIA Report Paidipalem North PSP

78°11'10.05"E and lower reservoir at geographical co-ordinate 14°42'34.16"N and


78°12'42.00"E.

The nearest rail head is Mangapatnam which is about 15 Km from the Project site and with
loading and unloading facility. The Mumbai–Chennai line, one of the busiest lines in the
southern region, passes through Mangapatnam railway station. It is one of the “B”
category railway stations in Southern Railway zone under Guntakal railway division. The
nearest airport is Kadapa, which is 70 km (approx.) from the project site. The nearest
seaport is Krishnapatnam Port and is about 220 km from the project site. The project site
lies in Simhadripuram Mandal, located in the Pulivendula Revenue division of the Kadapa
District of Andhra Pradesh. It is well connected with the NH 67 which connects
Krishnapatnam Port, Andhra Pradesh in the North to Panjim, Goa in the West. Location
map of the project is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 2.1: Location Map of Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project

2.4 SIZE OR MAGNITUDE OF OPERATION


Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project is envisaged with a proposed installed capacity of
1000 MW (5 x 200 MW) located in the YSR Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh. The project is
a standalone pumped storage scheme to meet the power requirements during the peaking
time and to maintain grid stability. The scheme is proposed with one upper and one lower
reservoir. The scheme envisages drawl of water from existing Paidipalem Balancing reservoir
for initial filling into the proposed lower reservoir through a pipeline arrangement. Both the
reservoirs are planned to be interconnected through water conductor system and the

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reversible generator pump turbine would be installed in the open pit type powerhouse. The
scheme is envisaged to meet the peak demand of about 6 hours with an estimated annual
energy generation of 1922.76 MU. Off-peak pumping hours are estimated as 6.53 hours with
annual pumping energy of 2407.53 MU. The cycle efficiency of the project is 79.86%.

The Feasibility Study Report of the proposed Paidipalem North PSP (5 x 200 MW) envisages
construction of following civil structures:

1. Upper Reservoir & Dam (Rockfill Dam): The upper reservoir is a composite pit and
rockfill dam type and proposed to utilize the excavated boulders for the compact layer of
rockfill dam.
2. Upper Intake: Total number of intake structures located in the upper reservoir is 5. Each
Upper Intake structure consists of 3 bays, each of 4.65 m width to accommodate 6
numbers of trash rack panel of size 4.65m x 5.65m, at the mouth of the each intake.
3. Head Race Tunnel (HRT): 5 Nos, concrete HRT of 6.6 m diameter for a length of 120 m is
provided under the reservoir bund.
4. Penstocks: The proposed project envisages above ground steel lined penstocks with 4.60
m diameter and 957.0 m long. And steel lined penstocks Tunnel having a length of 500.0
m with 4.60 m diameter.
5. Open pit type Powerhouse & Transformer Yard: The overall dimension of the
Powerhouse is 142m (L) x 24m (W) x 60m (H). Transformer Cavern size is 100.0 m (L) x 20
m (W) x 30 m (H).
5. Tailrace Pool and Tailrace Channel: A tail race pool having a length of 200 m is proposed
which will act as a forebay for pump mode of operation. Tailrace channel having a length
of about 1485 m is envisaged to carry water from powerhouse to lower reservoir and
vice versa.
6. Lower Reservoir & Dam (Rockfill Dam): The Lower reservoir is located in the natural
depression area having potential to create sufficient pondage by providing Rockfill dam
on one side of depression area for creating the reservoir. The maximum height of Rockfill
Dam is 37.85m.
7. Intake cum Jack well pump house and HDPE Pipeline: 0.45 m diameter,4.5 km long HDPE
pipeline is proposed from the jack well pump house (located near the existing Paidipalem
Balancing reservoir) to the lower reservoir for initial filling.
8. Pothead Yard: Considering five numbers of outgoing feeders, 400kV pothead with
tentative area of 140m x 60m has been proposed.

The upper reservoir, about 15% of lower reservoir, penstock and approach road to upper
reservoir falls under administrative control of Andhra Pradesh State Forest Department and
159.84 ha of forest land is required for Project Construction. Diversion of forest land for non-
forest purposes will be involved for construction of upper reservoir of Paidipalem North
project. Therefore, Forest Clearance to be obtained under Forest Conservation Act. The
remaining project components are falls in revenue land i.e., 128.34 ha.

All the project components are proposed outside the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ). Thus, Wildlife
Protection Act is not applicable for this project.

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The proposed Paidipalem North Project is envisaged as a pumped storage scheme with
traditional fixed speed synchronous motor/generator design. The following configuration for
the Turbine generator units has been adopted for the Project:

Description Paidipalem North PSP


Generating Capacity 1000 MW (5 x 200 MW)
Turbine Type Francis, Vertical Shaft
Generator Type Vertical shaft, Synchronous generator, Suspended type
Rated Gross Head 260 m
Capital Cost (Incl. IDC) Rs. 5398.38 Crores
The salient features of the Project are as shown in Table 2.1 below.

Table 2.1: Salient Features of Proposed Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project
S. No. Description Value
i. Full Reservoir Level (FRL) of Upper Reservoir EL 540.0 m
ii. Minimum Drawdown Level (MDDL) of Upper EL 518.0 m
Reservoir
iii. Full Reservoir Level (FRL) of Lower Reservoir EL 308.0 m
Minimum Drawdown Level (MDDL) of Lower
iv. Reservoir EL 280.0 m
v. Installed Capacity of Plant 1000 MW
vi. Number of Units 5 Units
vii. Capacity of each unit 200 MW
viii. Continuous Overload 10%
ix. Type of Power House Pump storage Hydro Plant Surface
x. Gross Head
a Max. Gross Head 260.0 m
b Min. Gross Head 210.0 m
c Rated gross head 235.0 m
xi. Head Loss
A in generation mode 9.5 m
B in Pumping mode 7.5 m
xii. Generating Mode
a Max Net Head 250.50 m
b Min Net Head 202.88 m
c Rated Net Head 221.26 m
d Design Head 221.26 m
xiii. Pumping Mode
a Max Net Head 253.03 m
b Min Net Head 219.31 m
c Rated Net Head 235.83 m
d Design Head 235.83 m
xiv. Total Design Discharge For 5 Units
a Generating Mode 509.59 m3/s
b Pumping Mode 443.53 m3/s
xv. Centre line of generating unit EL 240.0 m
Francis, Reversible Pump Turbine,
xvi. Turbine Type Vertical Shaft, fixed speed
xvii. Generator Type Vertical shaft, Synchronous generator,
Suspended type
xviii. Turbine Efficiency (Generation) 90.5%
xix. Turbine Efficiency (Pumping) 93%

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S. No. Description Value


xx. Generator Efficiency 98.50%
xxi. Synchronous Speed 250 rpm
xxii. Generator Voltage 18 kV
xxiii. Transmission Voltage 400 kV
xxiv. Generator Step up Transformer 100 MVA, 1 Phase, 18 kV/400 kV
xxv. Switchyard 400kV GIS + 400kV Pothead Yard
xxvi. Service Bay Level EL 254.00 m
xxvii. Crane Beam Level EL 278.00 m

2.4.1 Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir


The Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir is part of Gandikota Lift Irrigation Scheme which draws
6.0 TMC of water from the foreshore of Gandikota Reservoir. Gandikota Reservoir
constructed on the Penna River feeds the water required for the Paidipalem balancing
reservoir. The paidipalem Balancing reservoir is located near the Paidipalem Village,
Simhadripuram Madal, YSR Kadapa District of Andhra Pradesh.

The Paidipalem Balancing reservoir Project envisages storage of 6.00 TMC of water at F.R.L.
+281.00 M. The contemplated ayacut under the project is about 50,000 acres in YSR
Kadapa District. The Paidipalem balancing reservoir has been constructed under Gandikota
Lift Irrigation Scheme.

The proposed upper reservoir will have a gross storage capacity of 11.63 MCM with dead
storage of 1.17 MCM. The proposed lower reservoir will have a gross storage capacity of
26.38 MCM with a dead storage of 0.83 MCM. Higher capacity of the lower reservoir is
proposed to cater the needs of another proposed pumped storage scheme on the
northeast side of the Paidipalem balancing reservoir i.e, Paidipalem East 1200 MW PSP.

First time filling of the lower reservoir will be met from the existing Paidipalem balancing
reservoir by constructing an intake well and by laying one line of HDPE pipes of size 450
mm for a length of 4.5 km. Two numbers of 200 HP motors are considered for pumping the
water. The same pipeline can also be used for meeting evaporation losses in the upper and
lower reservoirs.

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Figure 2.2: Layout map of Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project

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Figure 2.3: Layout map of Paidipalem North Project along with intake pipe for initial filling

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2.5 LAND REQUIREMENT


Land would be acquired for two main purposes viz:
• For construction of infrastructural facilities for the project, and
• For construction of the permanent components of the project.

Out of the total area of land to be acquired, major part would be acquired permanently
while some would be obtained on lease basis for the construction period of the project.
Infrastructure facilities like contractors’ colonies, workshops, stores, etc. would be located
on land acquired on lease basis. And such land will be restored to its original status as far as
possible before returning it to the owners.

The total land requirement for Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project works out to
approximately 288.18 ha. Out of which, 159.84 ha of land is forest land. The details of the
land to be acquired is reproduced below in Table 2.2, while the details of land required on
temporary basis is discussed below in Table 2.3.

Table 2.2: Land Requirement of Proposed Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project
S. No. Description Land requirement (ha)
Forest Land
1 Upper reservoir and road area 102.51
2 Penstock and road area 20.23
3 Lower reservoir (Appropriate share with another project) 37.10
Revenue Land
1 Lower Reservoir (Appropriate share with another project) 69.59
3 Powerhouse, TRP, TRC, Penstock 17.74
4 Main Access Tunnel 2.10
5 HDPE Pipeline 6.09
6 Road 12.46
7 Muck disposal site 12.28
8 Township & Office 8.09
Total 288.18

Table 2.3: Land Requirement for Temporary Works of Proposed Paidipalem North PSP
S. No. Description Land requirement (ha)
1 Crushing Plant 1 0.25
2 Batching Plant 1 0.25
3 Crushing Plant 2 0.25
4 Batching Plant 2 0.25
Total 1.00

2.5.1 Total area of the land being submerged


The area under Full Reservoir Level has been considered as a submerged area. The
submerged area for Lower Reservoir is 106.69 ha and that for upper reservoir is 102.51 ha.
The total area of the land being submerged is 209.20 ha.

A total of 288.18 hectares of land will be acquired for construction of various components
of the project. A total of 209.20 ha of land is submerged under water and there is no
habitation coming in the submergence area. As such no population is affected by the
submergence.

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2.6 Manpower Requirement


About 1000 workers (labour and staff) would be engaged during the peak construction
period, out of which 250 persons will be engaged permanently and about 750 will be
temporary labour for the construction work. It is expected that 70% of the total workforce
shall be available from the State of Andhra Pradesh. After completion of the project only a
staff of about 200 technical persons shall be required for the operation of the project.

2.7 PROPOSED SCHEDULE FOR APPROVAL AND IMPLEMENTATION


The construction methodology proposed for the Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project
is based on the desk study, site visit, geological features revealed after surface mapping,
topography of the area, project features and the various activities involved. The
construction will involve concurrent working on all the Civil, HM & EM works for various
components. Construction of Reservoirs and Powerhouse are the most critical activities of
the project. Overall Construction duration have been workout under two major heads i.e.
Pre-Construction stage and Main Construction stage activities. Activities pertain to Hydro
mechanical works and electromechanical works are covered in the schedule under relevant
heading of civil component.

The proposed project is planned to be completed within the time duration of 42 Calendar
months (excluding pre-construction activities) after award of works. The work of tendering,
evaluation & award will be carried out expeditiously so that the contractor mobilizes by the
start of working period.

2.8 TECHNOLOGY AND PROCESS DESCRIPTION


Pumped Hydroelectric Energy Storage (PHES) is a type of hydroelectric energy storage used
by electric power systems for load balancing. This method stores energy in the form of
gravitational potential energy of water, pumped from a lower elevation reservoir to a
higher elevation. Low-cost surplus off-peak electric power is typically used to run the
pumps. During periods of high electrical demand, the stored water is released through
turbines to produce hydroelectric power. Although the losses of the pumping process make
the plant a net consumer of energy, overall, the system increases revenue by selling more
electricity during periods of peak demand, when electricity prices are highest.

2.9 PROJECT DESCRIPTION


Project description has already been covered in detail in section 2.4. Other related
infrastructure works is discussed in following sections.

2.9.1 Project Roads


Project roads have been planned from the existing village road and internal project road
network is planned to connect various project component, work shop area, facility area, etc.
A total of 17238.0 m length of roads will be constructed as per the details given below:

Description
Length (m)
From To
Existing village road Lower reservoir dam 7800
Approach Road Lower reservoir dam 1365
Junction 1 Muck Disposal Area 299
Junction 2 Penstocks 433

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Description
Length (m)
From To
Junction 3 Penstocks 995
Lower Reservoir Upper Reservoir 6346
Total length (m) 17238.00

2.9.2 Job facility Yard, Temporary Colony, Contractor facilities, & E&M Stores
OWNER’S COLONY
The owner’s colony would provide for residential as well as office accommodation to its
staff, both for pre and post construction stages. In addition to residential purposes, the
colony would also have facilities for medical aid, firefighting, fuel dispensing outlet,
material testing laboratory, etc. A small workshop or auto shop for upkeep of automobiles
in the post construction period would also be located in the colony.

The planning of the owner’s colony will be carried out by professional town planners and
architects to provide for all amenities in accordance with established norms and practices
in respect of town planning and building architecture. Proper arrangements would be made
for water supply and sanitation of the colony.

CONTRACTORS’ COLONIES
Two separate colonies for the contractor are planned: one for the upper reservoir area and
the other for the lower reservoir and powerhouse area. The colonies would have
permanent and temporary buildings and would provide for residences and offices.

STORAGE FACILITIES
Adequate material supply is the backbone of any job. The storage of material and spares
required for various activities of the project would be efficiently managed. To achieve this,
sufficient storage facilities will be created. A Central Warehouse would be established with
open and covered sheds along with indoor storage facilities near the Powerhouse complex
which would receive all incoming supplies. Cement, reinforcement steel, explosives, and
other job specific items of material could also be sent directly to the respective sites as per
their demand. The warehouse would stock electrical items separately.

2.9.3 Aggregate Processing Plants/Batching and Mixing Plant


Based on the construction planning, methodology & schedule the peak requirement of
concrete and raw aggregates has been estimated to decide the plant capacities for
Aggregate Processing (APP) and Batching & Mixing (BM). A total of 655,415 cum concrete is
required for construction of various project components. The capacities of aggregate
processing and concrete batching & mixing plants are given in Table 2.4.

Table 2.4: Size and location of aggregate processing and batching plants
S. No. Site Nos. Capacity
1 Aggregate Processing Plant (APP) 02 250 TPH
2 Batching & Mixing (BM) Plant 02 90 m3/hr.

All these Plant & Machinery will be located within the Job facility area.

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2.9.4 Construction Material Requirement


A total of 655,415 cum concrete is required for construction of various project
components. Construction material requirement includes coarse aggregate and sand;
quantities of which has been worked out as below:
• Rockfill material required for construction of upper reservoir rockfill embankment:
39,00,000 Cum.
• Rockfill material required for construction of Lower reservoir rockfill dam: 7,00,000 Cum
(50 % sharing with another project).
• Coarse Aggregate: Excavated Rock from the underground & Surface works will be used
as aggregates; Quantity: 9,55,000 Cum
• Sand: The sand deposits of Chitravathi & Penna Rivers shall be utilized as fine
aggregates. Quantity: 5,25,000 Cum.

2.9.5 Muck Disposal Areas


The soil from various construction sites would be disposed off to designated areas in a
controlled manner to protect the environment. Suitable muck which may use for aggregate
is proposed to be carried to the aggregate processing plants for aggregate production. The
balance quantity or the one not fit for processing would be directed to the designated
disposal sites.

The toes of the disposal piles would be retained and protected by providing suitably
designed gabion walls erected over concrete bases. Gabion walls would be preferred over
conventional masonry or concrete toe walls because of various reasons. They are easy to
build with locally available stones/boulders from the muck itself. They do not require any
setting/strengthening time as in the case of concrete/masonry walls. Not much technical skill
is required for making gabion walls. Prefabricated gabion boxes of different dimensions
could be used for obtaining better quality and durability.

Table 2.5: Quantity of muck to be generated from different project construction activities
and quantity required to be disposed off
Extra
Usage for Balance
S. Required rock
Project Component Excavation construction of Quantity of
No. fill material
rockfill embankment Muck
Quantity
1 Upper Reservoir 2,900,000.00 2,900,000.00 1,000,000.00 -
2 Lower Reservoir 300,000.00 700,000.00 400,000.00 -
3 Power Intake 65,200.00 65,200.00 - -
4 HRT 30,100.00 - - 30,100.00
5 Penstock Tunnel 64,600.00 - - 64,600.00
6 Powerhouse 644,200.00 644,200.00 - -
7 Draft tube tunnel 23,700.00 - - 23,700.00
8 MAT & ADIT 111,600.00 - - 111,600.00
9 TRP 1,341,000.00 650,400.00 690,600.00
10 TRC 3,153,800.00 - - 3,153,800.00
Total 4,074,400.00
Quantity of Muck disposal 4,074,400.00
Swell Factor 0.8
Total Quantity of Muck
5,093,000.00
disposal

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Extra
Usage for Balance
S. Required rock
Project Component Excavation construction of Quantity of
No. fill material
rockfill embankment Muck
Quantity
Rock available for aggregates
3,157,660.00
considering 38% losses
Total quantity of Muck to be
1,935,340.00
dumped

One dumping site has been identified over an area of 12.28 ha area with a total capacity of
1,940,000 cum muck to be accommodated.

2.9.6 Explosive Magazine


Explosive magazine of adequate capacity would be constructed to store the explosives
required for the construction of the project components. It has been assessed that one
magazine of 20 MT capacities would be sufficient to meet the requirement of the project. A
mobile explosive van shall be deployed to carry explosive at the site of use at upper and
lower dam area. Movement of van should be done with armed guards and proper
documentation recommended by PESO.

As laid down in the Explosive Rules of 1983, a safe distance of 300 m is required to be
maintained from public roads, etc. The area around the magazines would be fenced and a
strong gate would be provided which would be locked always except for the time to store
or issue explosives.

MAGAZINE STRUCTURE
The buildings of the magazines would be constructed as per provisions of e Explosives
Rules, 2008 and its amendment thereof, after getting the building plans approved from the
Petroleum & Explosives Safety Organization (PESO), Hyderabad Circle office. All
requirements for maintaining the safety distances would be met with. Lightening arresting
system as laid out in IS 2309 would be installed, tested and maintained.

2.9.7 Construction Power


The power requirement for construction activities is estimated to be about 5.0 MVA taking
into consideration the capacity of electric driven equipment which are to work during the
construction period and lighting. The likely peak requirement is 4 MW.
Power requirement with 0.8 load factor = 5.0 MVA.

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Figure 2.4: Plan showing various infrastructural works

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2.9.8 Tele-Communication and Other Facilities


The different work sites of the Project, offices, stores, laboratories, workshops and
residence etc. will be connected through a telecommunication network. The
telecommunication facilities will also be provided between the project area and the
outside. An internal automatic telephone exchange (EPABX) with 100 lines capacity will be
provided for the communication within and outside the project. All-important sites of
work, offices and residences of senior officers will be connected by telephone.

The powerhouse and permanent colonies will also be provided with a CHF wireless link to
keep contact with other power stations and sub-stations in the grid. Presently, cellular
networks with 4G connectivity are available in the project area.

2.10 MITIGATION MEASURES INCORPORATED INTO THE PROJECT


Pumped-storage hydroelectricity allows energy from intermittent sources (such as solar, wind)
and other renewables, or excess electricity from continuous base-load sources (such as coal or
nuclear) to be saved for periods of higher demand. The reservoirs used with pumped storage
are quite small when compared to conventional hydroelectric dams of similar power capacity,
and generating periods are often less than half a day. Along with energy management,
pumped storage systems are also helpful in controlling electrical network frequency and
provide reserve energy.

Many of the impacts of conventional hydropower projects, such as reduced flow in river and
impact on natural fish habitats, are not there in standalone schemes, which are not on any
river/stream. In addition, during the project design, land requirement has been assessed and
optimized to ensure minimum R&R issues and forest land diversion.

2.10.1 Advantages of Pumped Storage Project


Thermal plants are less able to respond to sudden changes in demand and may result in
frequency and voltage instability. The coal or nuclear based thermal power generation
cannot steeply rise or fall matching the load demand. The thermal power generators
cannot normally be shut-off in the night and brought online in the morning to match
system loads. If the thermal power stations are to share base and peak loads, then the
power system will be subjected to frequency excursions. Moreover, the thermal plants in
such conditions have to run at low loads for prolonged periods needing fuel oil support
thereby increasing the cost of generation, which is not desirable and not recommended. In
case of renewable energy sources like Wind and Solar power stations, it is essential to note
that generation from Wind power varies from hour to hour and from season to season,
often increasing after evening hours, particularly during monsoon season. Similarly,
generation from Solar power is available only during daytime, but also varies hourly and by
season. The power generated from these sources at a certain hour on a future date of a
year is uncertain.

The most reliable option for energy storage is development of pumped storage scheme,
which utilizes the surplus power available during Off-peak period to pump up the water for
storage and meet the On-peak demand by utilizing the stored water during peak demand.
Along with balancing On-peak and Off-peak demands, a pumped storage scheme also helps
in controlling electrical network frequency and stabilizing the operation of grid.

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The benefits to the state by setting up of Paidipalem North PSP is summarized below:
a. Peak Power Shortage: The development of Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project
would address peak power shortage to the extent of 5.74 GWh per day per cycle and
help in giving an impetus to Andhra Pradesh with 24x7 power supply.
b. Cheap solar/wind tariff during off-peak time: Andhra Pradesh has emerged as a front
runner in the country’s renewable energy sector with 2,591 GW of solar power and
4,057 GW of wind power capacity installed as of September 2018. Owing to rich
resource availability, the state has the potential to develop 38 GW of solar and 44 GW
of wind power. With these potential it is expected that the state will have cheap
solar/wind tariff which will be used for pumping of water during off-peak time.
c. Stabilizing the Grid: The National Solar Mission would induct large quantum of
renewable energy to the grid in the years to come and the Solar power would go off the
grid by the end of the day. The pumped storage project (PSP) will be required for
stabilizing the grid and in turn supporting the National Solar Mission and facilitate
induction of renewable energy into the grid.
d. Long Term Asset to the State: The state will own a state-of-the-art Pump storage facility
after the end of concession period of 40 years. The state will benefit from investment of
the money and save its precious resources.
e. Time of Day Tariff and Smart Metering: The Time-of-Day Tariff with smart metering
would be a reality in the next few years. The Pump Storage Scheme would give the
option of maximizing revenue to the state, since it can bring in additional power online
at very short notice anywhere in the grid.
f. Employment and Local Area Development: The setting up of a 1000 MW PSP project
would provide employment to hundred plus technical staff and provide job opportunity
to thousands during the construction phase.
g. The flexibility of Southern Regional grid would also be enhanced by the addition of
1000 MW Paidipalem North PSP and the power system efficiency of the state as well as
Southern Region would increase. Surplus wind/solar/thermal power will be used for
pumping of water. The water thus stored in the upper reservoir during power surplus
periods will be used for meeting peak demand. Hence, Paidipalem North Pumped
Storage Project of 1000 MW capacity in the Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh is
justified.

2.11 ASSESSMENT OF NEW & UNTESTED TECHNOLOGY FOR THE RISK OF


TECHNOLOGICAL FAILURE
Pumped storage projects are based on tested technology and there is no risk of technology
failure in this project.

2.12 UPSTREAM AND DOWNSTREAM DEVELOPMENTS


Since, Paidipalem North PSP is a standalone scheme with two new greenfield reservoirs
and utilizes storage of existing Paidipalem Balancing reservoir for initial filling of lower
reservoir, there will not be any effect of upstream and downstream development.

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Chapter
DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT
3
The baseline data presented in this chapter has been prepared from primary data collected
during field studies which were then supplemented with data/information gathered during
interaction with concerned persons of various government departments and available
literature and reports published by various institutions and organizations.

Study area has been described and delineated in next paragraph of this chapter. It needs to
be mentioned that two projects namely Paidipalem North and Paidipalem East have been
conceived having one common lower reservoir and two separate upper reservoirs one each
for Paidipalem North and Paidipalem East PSPs. Hence, the project area or the direct
impact area within a 10 km radius of the main project components like Existing
Paidipalem Balancing reservoir, proposed Powerhouse, proposed upper and lower
reservoirs and approach roads, etc is common for both the projects and hence,
description of environmental baseline data remains common and same for both the
projects.

3.1 STUDY AREA, PERIODS, COMPONENTS & METHODOLOGY

3.1.1 Study Area


The study area for the environmental study has been delineated as the project area or the
direct impact area within a 10 km radius of the main project components like Existing
Paidipalem Balancing reservoir, proposed Powerhouse, proposed upper and lower
reservoirs and approach roads, etc. A map of the study area prepared based on the above
criteria is given in Figure 3.1.

3.1.2 Study Period


Since, proposed Paidipalem North project is a closed loop PSP, as per latest specific TOR for
PSPs issued through OM dated 14th Aug 2023 by MoEF&CC, EIA would be based on one
season data (other than monsoon). Accordingly, the field surveys for the collection of
primary data carried out in April-June 2023 has been used covering pre-monsoon/summer
season data/ information on terrestrial ecology, physical environment parameters and
interaction with local communities and socio-economic survey in the study area. The
details of the sampling are given in Table 3.1.

Field surveys in the study area were also conducted for ground-truthing and augmenting
the remote sensing data. For this purpose, various attributes such as land features, rivers,
forests, and vegetation types were recorded on the ground.

Table 3.1: Sampling schedule for various Environmental Parameters


Parameters Summer/ Pre-Monsoon
Soil April-May 2023
Air Environment April-May-June 2023
Noise & Traffic April-May 2023

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Parameters Summer/ Pre-Monsoon


Water Quality April-May 2023
Vegetation April-May 2023
Fauna surveys April-May 2023
Socio-economic survey of Project affected
April-May 2023
and study area villages

3.1.3 Study Components


Environmental Impact Assessment defines and assesses the potential physical, biological,
and socio-economic impact of the proposed project in a manner that allows for a logical
and rational decision to be made about the proposed action. Environmental baseline data
is the basic requirement to define, understand and assess the potential impacts of a project
on the physical, biological, and social environment near the project as well as in the area
around the project and its components. The descriptions on baseline status includes:

• Physical Environment: It covers land, air, and water environment. It includes a


description of physiography, geomorphology, drainage, geology, land use/ land cover,
meteorology, soil, ambient air quality, noise/ sound levels and average daily traffic, and
water quality (surface as well as groundwater).

• Biological Environment: It covers both floral and faunal components, terrestrial and
aquatic. It describes forest type, floristics as well as faunal diversity, the occurrence of
RET species if any, and the presence of sensitive ecosystems like any notified Protected
Areas in the vicinity of the proposed project.

• Socio-economic Environment: It provides the overall socio-economic profile of the


villages located in the study area and the district/s in which the project is located. It also
describes the socio-economic status of project affected villages. It covers aspects like
demography, social structure, literacy, working population, infrastructure, amenities,
educational and health facilities, presence of any archaeological and/or religious sites, etc.

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Figure 3.1: Map Showing Study Area

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3.1.4 Methodology
While most of the baseline data were collected during the field studies conducted in pre-
monsoon/summer season, it, however, was supplemented with secondary
data/information gathered during interaction with concerned persons of various
government departments and available literature, research articles, and reports published
by various institutions and organizations.

Sources and data so collected are mentioned below:


• Soil map has been digitized and produced using soil resource map prepared by the
Andhra Pradesh Space Application Centre, ITE&C Department, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh.
Data was downloaded from https://apsac.ap.gov.in/gisserver/rest/services from which
map of the study was extracted to prepare the soil map.

• The data on meteorology on parameters like Temperature, Relative Humidity, Rainfall,


Wind Speed, and Wind Direction were downloaded from https://www.worldweather
online.com for the last 10 years (the reference year 2013-2022).

• For the preparation of land use/ land cover map of the study area, digital data on land
use/land cover thematic maps prepared by National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC),
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) of Dept. of Space with Andhra Pradesh State
Remote Sensing Centre as partner institute was used. The raster data was processed in a
GIS environment for further refinement using bands 5, 4 and 3 of Landsat 9 satellite
data of Path 144 Row 50 dated 01.04.2023, ground truth collected during field surveys,
and the latest imagery of the study area on Google Earth Pro.

• The description of the Geology of the area was sourced from Pre-Feasibility Studies of
the proposed project prepared by the project proponent.

• For information on forests, vegetation, and faunal elements in the area Forest Working
Plan of Kadapa Forest Division, Andhra Pradesh Forest Department was consulted.

• For forest type classification of the forests in the study area, ‘A Revised Survey of the
Forest Types of India’ by Champion and Seth (1968) was followed.

• For assessing the conservation status of plant species as well as faunal species by IUCN
Red List of Threatened Species Version 2022-2, The Indian RED List of Plant Species and
Indian Wildlife Protection (Act) 1972 were consulted.

• To report the plant species along with their uses, published literature was consulted and
cited at the relevant place in the document.

• For describing the socio-economic profile of the study area and available infrastructure
in the area, Village and Town Directory, District Census Handbook, Kadapa, Series -29,
Part-XIIA and Village and Town wise Primary Census Abstracts (PCA) Directory, District
Census Handbook, Kadapa, Series -29, Part-XIIB published by Census of India
Demographic profile of the study area from Census of India 2011, Directorate of Census
Operations, Andhra Pradesh were consulted.

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The methodology for the collection of primary/field data on various environmental


components is described in the succeeding sections.

3.1.4.1 Physical Environment


a) Land use /Landcover
Land use /land cover map of any area forms the basis of planning any activity or analysis in
that region. It also serves as a basis for planning field surveys for various physical and
biological environmental parameters like soil, water quality, vegetation mapping, faunal
elements, etc. It also helps in the assessment of the impacts of proposed activities on all
valued environmental components.

For the preparation of land use/ land cover map of the study area, digital data on land
use/land cover thematic maps prepared by National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Indian
Space Research Organisation (ISRO) of Dept. of Space with Andhra Pradesh State Remote
Sensing Centre as partner institute was used. The raster data was processed in a GIS
environment for further refinement using information from Landsat 9 data, ground truth
collected during field surveys, and the latest imagery of the study area on Google Earth
Pro. The Landsat 9 satellite data of Path 144 Row 50 dated 01.04.2023 was downloaded
from https://earthexplorer.usgs.gov/. From this Landsat 9 data False Color Composite (FCC)
of the study area was generated using bands 3, 4, and 5 (Figure 3.2).

Figure 3.2: FCC generated from Satellite imagery of the study area

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b) Soil
To assess the soil fertility at different locations in the study area, soil samples were
collected from 10 locations (refer to Table 3.2 and Figure 3.3). Out of ten sample 5 were
taken from core zone comprised of area considered as direct impact zone of the proposed
project activities and 5 sites were selected in buffer zone i.e. area around the project area
within 10 km radius. These soil samples were analyzed for physical and chemical
characteristics. The sampling site locations on the map are given later in the chapter under
the section on soil describing soil characteristics. Soil samples were taken from the land
under forest, scrubland, and abandoned crop fields and were collected with help of Khurpi
from a depth of 15cm from the surface after removing the grasses and litter, foreign
material like roots, stones, pebbles, and gravel. Samples were collected in a polythene bag
and were brought to the laboratory for analysis. The soil analysis was carried out at the
AGSS Analytical and Research Lab Pvt. Ltd., Delhi (NABL accredited Lab.).

Table 3.2: Soil sampling locations


Site Sampling Location Land Use Latitude Longitude
Code
Core Zone
S1 Proposed Paidipalem Lower Reservoir Scrub Land 14°42'34" 78°12'46"
S2 Muck Disposal Area Scrub Land 14°41'46" 78°12'30"
S4 Proposed Paidipalem East Upper Scrub Forest 14°41'36" 78°13'21"
Reservoir
Near Pumping Location Paidipalem
S6 Balancing Reservoir Scrub Land 14°42'6" 78°10'20"
Proposed Paidipalem North Upper
S8 Reservoir Scrub Forest 14°44'3" 78°11'14"
Buffer Zone
S3 Near Maddulapaya Village Agriculture Land 14°39'21" 78°14'19"
S5 Near Paidipalem Village Agriculture Land 14°40'57" 78°10'25"
S7 Near Lavanuru Village Scrub Land 14°42'14" 78°8'60"
S9 Near Kibili Raghavapuram Village Agriculture Land 14°44'43" 78°13'5"
S10 Near Mangapatnam Village Agriculture Land 14°43'33" 78°16'4"
S11 Near S. Timmapuram Reservoir Scrub Forest 14°44'53" 78°7'47"

The following parameters were analysed for soil.


Texture - Sand (%), Slit (%) and Clay (%) Calcium (mg/kg) Potassium (kg/ha)
Porosity (%) Magnesium (mg/kg) Phosphorus (kg/ha)
Bulk Density (g/cc) Alkalinity (mg/l) Nitrogen (kg/ha)
Water Holding Capacity (%) Chloride Content (mg/kg) Salinity (ppt)
pH Organic Carbon (%) Sodium (mg/kg)
Electrical Conductivity (µS/cm) Alkalinity (mg/l) Potassium (kg/ha)

c) Air Environment
The ambient air quality monitoring was carried out at 10 locations in the study area by the
RSET team with the help of a team of NABL accredited laboratory (refer Table 3.3 and
Figure 3.4). The monitoring sites were selected considering sources those might have an
impact on the air quality as well as the prominent wind direction during the monitoring
period in the study area.

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Ambient air quality monitoring was carried out for Sulphur Dioxides (SO2), Nitrogen
Dioxides (NO2), PM10, and PM2.5. Air quality monitoring was carried out conforming to the
National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Industrial Residential, Rural & Other Areas, and
Ecologically Sensitive Areas. The location of the monitoring station was finalized keeping in
view the proposed construction area, wind direction, and villages in the vicinity.

Table 3.3: Sites for ambient air quality monitoring in the study area
Site Code Monitoring Location Remarks Latitude Longitude
Core Zone
AQ2 Near Jangamreddipalle Village Residential area 14°40'4" 78°12'1"
AQ3 Near Paidipalem Village Residential area 14°40'5" 78°10'34"
AQ7 Near Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir Residential area 14°41'49" 78°12'35"
Buffer Zone
AQ1 Near Obulapuram Village Residential area 14°43'57" 78°14'38"
AQ4 Near Lavanuru Village Residential area 14°42'20" 78° 9'10"
AQ5 Near S. Timmapuram Village Residential area 14°44'53" 78° 9'3"
AQ6 Near Kondapuram Village Commercial area 14°46'7" 78°11'46"
AQ8 Near Sunkesula Village Residential area 14°39'12" 78°12'41"
AQ9 Nandyalampalle Village Residential area 14°39'40" 78°10'23"
AQ10 Near Bhanukota Temple Residential area 14°41'2" 78°14'60"

d) Noise & Traffic Monitoring


Noise/ Sound levels were monitored during the studies at various locations in the study area.
Monitoring locations were selected keeping in view the project activity area along the
roadside and the location of receptors. The monitoring was carried out during Day time (7.00
am to 10.00 pm) and Night-time (from 10.00 pm to 12.00 am and from 5 am to 7 am). The
exercise was carried out for 6h to 8h in the said time frame of day and night. All the
monitoring sites are located along the roads and names of monitoring sites are given in the
table below.

Monitoring location Remarks Latitude Longitude


Site Code
Core Zone
NT1 Near Jangamreddipalle Village Residential Area 14°40'35" 78°11'49"
Near Paidipalem Balancing
NT9 Residential Area 14°41'47" 78°12'38"
Reservoir
Buffer Zone
NT2 Near Maddulapaya Village Residential Area 14°39'35" 78°14'26"
NT3 Near Ravulakolanu Village Residential Area 14°37'51" 78°13'56"
NT4 Near Paidipalem Village Residential Area 14°40'56" 78°10'26"
NT5 Near Lavanuru Village Residential Area 14°42'15" 78°9'0"
NT6 Near Chitravathi River Bridge Commercial Area 14°46'14" 78°8'38"
NT7 Near Kondapuram Village Commercial Area 14°46'8" 78°11'58"
NT8 Near Obulapuram Village Commercial Area 14°44'42" 78°13'8"
NT10 Near Bhanukota Temple Residential Area 14°40'57" 78°14'60"

Traffic volume data was recorded by physically counting the number of different types of
vehicles passing through a point in a fixed time interval. In some major villages along the
road, towns were considered as nodes for monitoring the movement of traffic. The analysis
of traffic counts provides an estimate of Average Daily Traffic (ADT). To convert recorded
vehicles into a common scale, the Passenger Car Units (PCUs) equivalent factor as per IRC:
64 -1990 was adopted.

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Figure 3.3: Map showing the location of Soil (S1-S10) and Vegetation (V1-V7) and Fauna (Tr1-Tr7) sampling sites

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Figure 3.4: Map of the study area showing the location of Ambient Air, Noise and Traffic monitoring sites

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3.1.4.2 Water Environment


The data on water quality has been collected to:
• Assess the water quality at the Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir, Maddulapaya Pond,
Timmapuram Reservoir and Chiravathi River in the study area.
• Assess the Groundwater quality in the study area.

a) Surface Water Quality


Surface Water: Surface water samples were collected from 4 different locations in the
study area. The names of water sampling sites are given in table below and their location is
marked on map given at Figure 3.5 and names of locations are given in Table 3.4.

Water quality parameters were covered as per the standard TOR. The water temperature
was measured with the help of a tester (Hanna instrument). The hydrogen ion
concentration (pH), electrical conductivity, and total dissolved solids were recorded with
the help of pH, EC, and TDS probes of Hanna instruments (Model HI 98130) in the field. For
the analysis of the rest of the parameters, the water samples were collected in
polypropylene bottles from the sampling sites and brought to the laboratory for further
analysis. Parameters analysed were salinity, total alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, total
hardness, chloride, sulphate, nitrogen, phosphate, silicates were analysed at the
AGSS Analytical and Research Lab Pvt Ltd., Delhi (NABL accredited Lab). These parameters
were analysed as per the standard procedures given by Adoni (1980) and APHA (1992) and
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS): IS 3025 (Indian Standard: methods of sampling and test
(physical and chemical) for water used in industry).

Table 3.4: Surface water quality sampling locations


Site Code Sampling Location Latitude Longitude
Core Zone
SW1 Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir 14°42'25" 78°12'51"
Buffer Zone
SW2 Pond: Maddulapaya Pond 14°40'19" 78°14'49"
SW3 Near Timmapuram reservoir 14°44'51" 78°7'48"
SW4 Chitravathi river near Penjuvvi Village 14°46'18" 78°8'38"

b) Groundwater Quality
For assessing Groundwater samples were collected from 10 locations i.e., from hand
pumps and Borewells in the study area. The location of the sampling points is given in
Table 3.5 & Figure 3.5.

Table 3.5: Groundwater sampling locations


Site Code Sampling Location Source Latitude Longitude
Core Zone
GW1 Jangamreddipalle Village Borewell 14°40'46" 78°12'5"
GW4 Devathapuram Village Borewell 14°41'10" 78°11'44"
GW5 Paidipalem Village Borewell 14°40'52" 78°10'30"
Buffer Zone
GW2 Sunkesula Village Borewell 14°39'2" 78°12'43"
GW3 Maddulapaya Village Borewell 14°39'45" 78°14'32"
GW6 Lavanuru Village Handpump 14°42'11" 78°9'7"
GW7 S. Timmapuram Village Borewell 14°44'58" 78°9'3"
GW8 Kondapuram Village Borewell 14°46'14" 78°11'30"
GW9 Kibili Raghavapuram Village Handpump 14°45'4" 78°12'43"
GW10 Obulapuram Village Borewell 14°44'42" 78°13'5"

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Figure 3.5: Map showing location of Surface water and Groundwater sampling sites

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3.1.4.3 Biological Environment


Even though the majority of the study area is characterized by agricultural crop fields there
are scattered patches of forests covering small hillocks in the area and scrub forests around
agricultural fields and abandoned/ fallow land. Therefore, natural vegetation is found
mainly at those locations. The sampling was carried out around these areas covering
vegetation as well as faunal elements. For vegetation, traditional quadrat sampling was
used and for mammals and birds transect surveys were conducted.

a) Phyto-sociological Studies
Phyto-sociological studies were undertaken to understand the community structure i.e.
species composition, their density, abundance, dominance, and diversity at different
locations in the study area.

i. Sampling Site Selection


The study has been conducted covering the locations of proposed project components.
Vegetation sampling was done to cover different land use/ land cover categories like
Scrubland near agricultural fields, Scrub Forest, fallow/abandoned land, and vegetation
along the bank of Rivers, etc. Phytosociological surveys of the vegetation were conducted
at 7 sampling locations. A list of sampling locations is given in Table 3.6.

Table 3.6: Sampling Locations for Vegetation Sampling


Site Code Sampling Location Land use
Core Zone
V1/ Tr1 At Proposed Upper Reservoir Paidipalem North Scrub Forest
V2/ Tr2 At Proposed Lower Reservoir Scrub Land
V7/ Tr7 At Proposed Upper Reservoir Paidipalem East Scrub Forest
Buffer Zone
V3/ Tr3 Near Maddulapaya Pond Scrub Forest
V4/ Tr4 Near Pottipadu Village Scrub Forest/ Scrub Land
V5/ Tr5 Near Exisiting Gandikota Reservoir Scrub Forest / Scrub Land
V6/ Tr6 Near Kottapalle Village Agriculture / Scrub Land

i. Sampling Methodology
Standard methods of vegetation sampling were used for quantitative analysis of
community structure. For these quadrats (a sampling unit) of different sizes were used
depending upon the habit.

For sampling of trees, sites located in the deciduous forest area, Scrub Forest, Scrub land as
well as degraded areas near agricultural fields, quadrat size of 10m x 10m was used, and at
each sampling location minimum 10 quadrats were studied for trees. In the case of shrubs,
quadrats of 5m x 5m were laid while for herbs quadrat size of 1m x 1m was used. For
shrubs and herbs, minimum 10 quadrats were laid at each sampling site. At each site, an
area was demarcated where the quadrats were laid randomly to ensure maximum possible
representative coverage of the vegetation of the area. In each quadrat studied for trees,
shrubs, and herbs, the number of individuals of each plant species present was counted.

The data thus obtained was compiled in tabular form and analysed for different attributes
like density, frequency, and basal cover (basal area).

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The density was calculated as follows:

Density = Total no. of individuals of a plant species recorded from all quadrats
Total number of quadrats studied

Abundance = Total no. of individuals of a plant species recorded from all quadrats
Total number of quadrats of occurrence of a species

Frequency (%) = Number of quadrats of occurrence of a species x 100


Total number of quadrats studied

A/F Ratio was calculated to understand the dispersion pattern of tree species in the area as
suggested by Cottam and Curtis (1956). A/F ratio <0.025 indicates regular distribution,
between 0.025 and 0.05 indicates random distribution while >0.05 indicates clumped or
contagious distribution.

Calculation of Dominance & Diversity Indices


Dominance: For calculation of dominance Basal area/cover of trees was calculated by
measuring the ‘CBH’ (Circumference at Breast Height) of each individual tree belonging to
different species, which was then converted into the basal area using the formula as
follows:

The data on density and basal cover obtained above was then converted into per ha.

Species diversity of the vegetation were calculated by using the Shannon-Wiener Diversity
Index (1963).

The index of diversity was computed by using Shannon Wiener Diversity Index (Shannon
Wiener, 1963) as: H = - Σ (ni/n) x ln (ni/n)
Where, ni is individual density of a species and n is total density of all the species.

The Importance Value Index (IVI) for trees was determined as the sum of relative density,
relative frequency, and relative dominance as per Curtis, 1959.

Sorenson Similarity Index (Cs)


It calculates a quotient of similarity for two communities based on the number of species in
each community and the number of species in common. It is calculated as follows:

Cs =

where c is no. of species common with two communities/ S1 is no. of species in community
1 + S2 is no. of species in community 2.

b) Faunal Surveys
The faunal survey was carried out for the species of Mammals, Birds, Herpetofauna, and
butterflies. The study area was divided into different strata based on topography and

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vegetation cover. Sampling for habitat and animals was done in different strata. The
normal systematic transects for mammals and birds were laid down on same locations
selected for vegetation sampling.

ii. Sampling Methodology


A systematic field visit was carried out in the study area during day hours in the same
transects selected for vegetation sampling. The survey of wild animals was conducted by
using 10x50 prismatic field binocular and handheld GPS72. The presence of wildlife was
also ascertained by interactions and interviews with the local inhabitants and forest
officials. For the preparation of the checklist of animals, the Forest Working Plan of the
Kadapa Forest Division was also consulted. In addition to these, secondary sources mainly
literature was also referred to for preparing checklists and other analysis in the study of
animals and wildlife in the region.

3.2 ESTABLISHMENT OF BASELINE FOR VALUED ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENTS


The description of baseline data for various valued environmental components has been
given under Physical, Biological, and Social Environment headings separately.

Most of the descriptions of different environmental components are based upon primary
data collected during field studies as described under methodology sections earlier. This
primary data was validated and supplemented with secondary data collected /information
gathered during interaction with concerned persons of various government departments -
and available literature and reports published by various institutions and organizations.

3.2.1 Physical Environment

3.2.1.1 Physiography
To understand the topography of the study are, Digital Elevation Map, Relief map, and
Slope map were prepared from the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of Shuttle Radar
Topography Mission (SRTM) 1 Arc-Second Global Digital Terrain Elevation Data (DTED).
Data was downloaded from https://earthexplorer.usgs.gov/ from which mask of the study
was extracted to prepare above mentioned thematic maps. These maps are given in
Figures 3.6, 3.7 & 3.8.

Accordingly, Digital Elevation Model (DEM) was generated from SRTM data and the same is
given in Figure 3.6 and according to it, the study area lies between 195 m to 556 m
elevation. From the DEM, then relief map of the study area was prepared and according to
it, about 83% of the project study area lies in 200 m to 300 m elevation band (refer Figure
3.7 and Table 3.7) and about 10% of the study area lies in 300 m to 400 m elevation band.

Table 3.7: Area under different elevation categories


S. No. Elevation Range (m) Area (sq km) Area (%)
1 Upto 200 1.04 0.22
2 200 - 300 384.05 82.81
3 300 - 400 47.64 10.27
4 400 - 500 23.13 4.99
5 Above 500 7.91 1.71
Total 463.77 100.00

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Figure 3.6: Digital Elevation Map of the Study Area

Figure 3.7: Relief Map of the Study Area

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A slope map of the study area and data are given in Figure 3.8 and Table 3.8, it shows that
most of the area is gently sloping to moderately sloping as about 85% of the area is falling in
this category.

Table 3.8: Area under different slope categories


S. No. Slope Category (Degree) Area (sq km) Area (%)
1 Gently Sloping (Upto 2) 226.49 48.84
2 Moderately Sloping (2 – 8) 171.08 36.89
3 Strongly Sloping (8 - 15) 35.59 7.67
4 Moderately Steep (15 - 30) 28.90 6.23
5 Steep (30 – 45) 1.69 0.37
6 Very Steep (45 – 60) 0.01 0.00
Total 463.77 100.00

Figure 3.8: Slope map of the Study Area

3.2.1.2 Drainage
The Paidipalem North PSP is an Off Stream Closed Loop Pumping Storage Project, which
will comprise two reservoirs that are to be constructed newly. Water from the fore shores
of Gandikota reservoir, which is constructed on Pennar River, will be lifted to Paidipalem
balancing Reservoir. The proposed Pumped Storage project utilises water from the existing
Paidipalem Balancing reservoir. A separate lower reservoir is envisaged towards North of
Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir. Chtravathi river is the tributary of Pennar River.

3.2.1.3 Geology
Understanding geology is of prime importance for any environmental or natural hazard
protection and for minimizing/managing the adverse impacts of the project. The Stability of
the engineering structures depends on the basement rocks and active geological processes
of the region where the project is being developed. The description of Geology is based

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upon PFR prepared by the project proponent. The description of Geology is based upon
Pre-Feasibility studies of the project proponent. The brief of the geological aspects is
discussed below in the following paragraphs.

a. Regional Geology
Regional Geology gives a broad spectrum of geological set up in and around the project
site, which includes lithological assemblages/variations, stratigraphy and structural
features. Knowledge of Regional geological set up is necessary in order to correlate and
establish proper stratigraphic sequence of the area, to interpreting the subsurface
exploratory data and geophysical data, if any, and to assess suitability of the proposed
structures in the given geological framework, select suitable alignments and provide
accurate geological baseline data helpful to the designer to come out with judicious,
innovative geological friendly and most economic designs.

The YSR District (Kadapa) is underlain by various rock types that belong to the Late
Archaean or Early Proterozoic era which are succeeded by rocks of the Darwinian Age, and
both are traversed by dolerite dykes. The older rocks are overlain by rocks of the Cuddapah
Supergroup and Kurnool Group belonging to the Middle and Upper Proterozoic Age. The
Cuddapah Sedimentary Basin, which is a huge depression formed over the denuded
surfaces of older rocks extending into neighbouring districts occupies a major part of the
district. The major rock types are quartzites, shales, limestones, phyllites, granites,
granodiorites, and granite gneiss. The Archaean comprises the Peninsular Gneissic
Complex, represented by granite, granodiorite, granite-gneiss and migmatite. These rock
types occur in the Southwestern part of the district. Both the Archaean and Dharwad are
traversed by dolerite dykes and quartz reefs.

b. Geology of Project Area


Paidipalem reservoir is surrounded by high altitude hilly ranges covered by thorny bushes
and shrubs with medium-sized trees. The top of the hill ranges run with dykes of large
blocks of hard rocks. They are in-situ in some places and exposed as sheet rock in other
locations. Streams and streamlets are formed, and they are draining into the reservoir. The
subject area belongs to the Kadapa Super Group of Formations. Quartzite dykes are
extending on the hill tops, consisting of very huge blocks of hard rock followed by hard
layered formations of Shales, Limestones, and Sandstones with large-size boulders in some
places and semi-weathered rocks in other locations. Sills and Dolerite dykes have intruded
on the above structures. Sill is a tubular sheet intrusion, that has intruded between the
older layers of sedimentary rocks, beds of volcanic Lava or tuff or along the direction of
foliation in metamorphic rock. In contrast, a dyke is a disordinate intrusive sheet that does
cut across the older rocks. Sills are fed by dykes.

i. Upper Reservoir
The upper reservoir area has been classified under the Quartzite of Paniam formation in
the Kurnool group.

ii. Geology of Intake


The project envisages five penstocks. Hence five separate intakes of size 38 M x 7 M have
been proposed. To maintain the minimum submergence level of the HRT, the bed level is

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further excavated for a depth of 14.3 m. Quartzite rock is expected to encounter at the
intake structure area.

iii. Geology of HRT, Penstocks & TRC


The proposed Paidipalem 1000 MW Pumped storage project envisages above ground
penstocks from HRT near upper reservoir to the tunnel portion for a length of 1040 M. The
HRT is circular tunnel of length 50 m & 5.8 m diameter with concrete lined from Upper
Intake. From there onwards, the 5.8 m concrete circular tunnel has been transits to 4.2 m
steel lined tunnel upto a length of 270 m. The penstocks will go vertical down for about
80.0 M and takes horizontal position for about 190.0 M before entry into the powerhouse.
At 80 M depth below GL, the strata will be good for tunnel formation for penstocks. The
tailrace pool and tail race channel also planned open channels. Hence much geological
issues are not envisaged. However detailed geological or geo technical investigations will
be carried out at DPR stage for finalisation of designs. Physical inspection of site at TRP,
TRC as seen from the district resource map for geology and minerals in YSR district, mainly
quartz will be present along the water conducting system.

iv. Powerhouse & Transformer Yard


It is proposed to have an open pit type Powerhouse, which will be open to sky. Necessary
side slopes will be maintained for stability of the slopes as per the soil or rock formation.
The transformer yard is proposed to be executed on NGL. The depth of excavation at
powerhouse location is up to 90 M. Study of physical inspection of the area shows that the
area has Shale formation.

v. Geology of Lower Reservoir


The lower reservoir is proposed on upstream side of the Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir
towards North. During the site visit, it is observed that the lower reservoir area has been
excavated during the construction of existing Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir for
construction material. It is observed that right from the surface area, hard rock has been
encountered. The tail race channel will have to be excavated for a maximum depth of 53
m. Site photo of the lower reservoir are shown below.

Lower Reservoir Area – Rock formation at surface level

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c. Seismicity of the Project Area


The Proposed site is in YSR District which comes under Zone – II of earthquake classified by
Bureau of Indian Standards, IS: 1893 -2016. Zone II is a low intensity and low risk
earthquake zone. (Figure 3.9) and, hence, may be considered a favourable situation in this
respect particularly when the project envisages creating reservoirs on ridge tops.
Regionally, the area has witnessed large magnitude earthquakes like the M7.6 Kutch (Bhuj)
Earthquake of 2001, the M6.2 Latur Earthquake of 1993, and the M6.0 Koimbatore
Earthquake of 1900. However, the project area falls in low intensity zones of these
earthquakes and is considered a low seismicity area.

Project Area

Figure 3.9: Seismic Zone Map of India

3.2.1.4 Hydrology
The proposed pumped storage project has envisaged new lower and upper reservoirs with
a gross storage capacity of 0.93 TMC and 0.46 TMC respectively. The same new lower
reservoir is considered for another Pumped Storage project (Paidipalem East 1200 MW
PSP) in the vicinity, hence higher storage capacity has been considered. The details of
upper reservoirs of both the PSPs and the proposed lower reservoir for the PSPs are given
below:

Upper Reservoir Paidipalem North 1000 MW


FRL 540 M
MDDL 518 M
Reservoir Bed Level 516 M
Gross storage capacity 11.63 MCM (0.41 TMC)
Live storage capacity 10.47 MCM (0.37 TMC)

Upper Reservoir Paidipalem East 1200 MW


FRL 570 M
MDDL 540 M
Reservoir Bed Level 538 M
Gross storage capacity 13.0 MCM (0.46 TMC)
Live storage capacity 12.08 MCM (0.43 TMC)

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Proposed Lower Reservoir (Common for Paidipalem East & North PSPs)
FRL 308 M
MDDL 280 M
Reservoir Bed Level 270 M
Gross storage capacity 26.38 MCM (0.93 TMC)
Live storage capacity 25.55 MCM (0.9 TMC)

The upper reservoir has no self-catchment area and for the lower reservoir it is about 6.5
Sq. Km. Water will be drawn from the Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir for the first-time and
the replenishment of water also sourced from the same reservoir. The Paidipalem
Balancing Reservoir has a nominal ayacut of 50,000 acre against its storage capacity of 6
TMC. There are no ongoing or proposed irrigation or water supply schemes at present. The
Govt. of AP will be requested to allocate one time filling of water as well as replenishment
water from Paidipalem balancing reservoir or Gandikota reservoir. Allotment from State
Government for water required for one time filling of lower reservoir from Paidipalem
Balancing Reservoir as well as for annual recoupment of evaporation losses in both
reservoir has been issued.

The self-catchment area of the proposed new lower reservoir for the Paidipalem East and
North Projects is 6.5 sq. km. The Peak discharge for the self-catchment area of lower
reservoir has been worked out as 62.2 cumec. The annual yield into the reservoir is worked
out as 1.0 MCM. The total evaporation losses in the upper and lower reservoirs are
estimated as 2.0 MCM. The water required for the evaporation losses can be met from
annual rainfall yield and remaining the evaporation losses will be met from either
Paidipalem Balancing reservoir.

The study of daily reservoir levels of Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir and as gathered from
the concerned department officials, the water levels in the Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir
since its commencement in 2019 has not gone below 5 TMC.

Since the water utilisation for the project is on a non-consumptive basis, it can be
concluded that the project has sufficient water throughout its life cycle.

3.2.1.5 Catastrophic Events


As per the District Disaster Management Plan of YSR district, the drought situation prevails
most frequently in the district. YSR (Kadapa) District experience 19 droughts years during
the past 23 years. Floods due to heavy Rains occurred in the district during 2001, 2005,
2009, 2010 and 2015. During summer, heat waves occur frequently in the district

3.2.1.6 Ground Water Level


Ground water levels are monitored from a network of 29 hydrograph stations in the district
which are being monitored by Central Water Commission four times in a year i.e. in the
months of January, May, August and November. The depth to water level during pre-
monsoon (2012) range from 3.13 m to 17.35 m bgl. The shallow water levels of 2 to 5 m are
observed in northeast and northwestern part of the district. The depth to water levels
between 5-10 m are observed in majority of the area. Deeper water levels of more than 10
m bgl are observed in the northwestern and southeastern parts of the district. The depth
to Water level range from 0.85 to 12.27 m bgl during the post monsoon period (2012). The
shallow water levels of less than 5 m are observed in northern and southern part of the
district. The depth to water levels between 5-10 m are observed in major part of the area.
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The depth to water levels 10 -20 m is observed in north-western and south-eastern part of
the district.

3.2.1.7 Land use/ Landcover


The land use/landcover classes were followed as per the NRSC classification. The land use/
land cover map of the study area is shown in Figure 3.10. In the study area of Paidipalem
North PSP, agriculture land and Scrub land constitute a major part of the study area
accounting for 42.08% and 15.74%, respectively, of the area. Majority of forest area is
comprised of scrub forest which cover 10.95% of the study area. (See Figure 3.10 & Table
3.9).

Table 3.9: Area under different land use/ landcover classes


Landuse/ Landcover Class Area (sq km) Area (%)
Deciduous Forest 0.02 0.01
Scrub Forest 50.80 10.95
Scrub Land 72.99 15.74
Barren Land 0.85 0.18
Barren Rocky Land 19.49 4.20
Agricultural Land 195.14 42.08
Fallow Land 22.75 4.91
Mining Area 6.97 1.50
Settlement 3.59 0.77
Waterbody 91.16 19.66
TOTAL 463.77 100

Figure 3.10: Land Use/ Landcover map of the study area

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3.2.1.8 Meteorology
The study area of the project lies in the YSR (Kadapa) District, which experiences mostly hot
summer and dry climate except in the monsoon season. The south-west monsoon rainfall
occurs from June to September in the study area with maximum rainfall occurring between
these months. The temperature in the command area starts rising in February and attains its
maximum value in May and then decreases. May and January are the hottest and coldest
months of the year, respectively. In summer, though day temperature remains high, nights are
colder and pleasant. The meteorological data for Kondapuram location of YSR (Kadapa) District
were downloaded from the online weather portal https://www.worldweatheronline.in/.
Monthly averages of data on temperature, rainfall, relative humidity, and wind speed for the
last 10 years 2013-2022 are given in Annexure-IIIa. A brief account of different meteorological
attributes is given in the succeeding paragraphs.

a) Temperature
The temperature of the study area recorded monthly data for the year from 2013 to 2022.
In the study area, the average maximum temperature of 39.2°C was recorded during April.
The average minimum temperature of 19.5°C was recorded during January (the reference
year 2013-2022). The monthly variation of average maximum and minimum temperatures
is shown in Figure 3.11.

b) Relative Humidity
The relative humidity is generally low throughout the year, except during post monsoon
month when the average humidity in the study area is close to 68% in December. The
summer months are generally the dry months of the year with average humidity as low as
32% in the study area (the reference year 2013-2022). The average monthly variation in
humidity is given in Figure 3.11.

Figure 3.11: Average Mean Monthly Maximum and Minimum Temperature


in the study area for the Years 2013-2022

c) Rainfall
The area receives maximum rainfall during the south-west monsoon i.e. between June and
October (Figure 3.12) when about 65.3% of the annual average rainfall is received and
34.7% of the annual average rainfall occurs between October and November post-
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monsoon or retreating monsoon season. The mean annual average rainfall of Kondapuram
tehsil of YSR (Kadapa) District was recorded as 890.9 mm. Maximum Rainfall in the area
was recorded in 2020 with an annual rainfall of 1366.89 mm with 71 rainy days. Minimum
annual rainfall was recorded in the year 2014 with an annual average of 506.49 mm (see
Figure 3.13).

Figure 3.12: Mean Monthly Average Rainfall and Number of Rainy Days in the study area for the
Years 2013-2022

Figure 3.13: Annual Rainfall for the last decade in the study area (reference Years 2013-2022)

d) Wind Speed
The wind speed is higher during the monsoon period as compared to the post-monsoon
period. The average maximum wind speed of 7.49 m/s is observed during July. Monthly
variation in wind speed during reference years 2013-2022 is given in Figure 3.14.

Wind speed and direction data is useful in identifying the influence of meteorology on the
air quality of the area. Based on the world weather online meteorological data, wind-rose
diagrams i.e. the diagrammatic representation of wind speed and wind direction were
generated for April 2023 to June 2023. Wind-rose diagrams of the study are given in Figure
3.15 and a summary of the same is given in Table 3.10. Detailed hourly and daily month-
wise data on wind direction is given in Annexure-IIIb.

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Figure 3.14: Mean Monthly Average Max Wind Speed in the study area

The predominant maximum wind speed is (51.66%) and wind blow from North direction,
followed by second predominant wind direction from North North-east (20.42%) during
June 2023 and minimum wind speed is (20.97%) and wind blow from the North direction,
followed by second predominant wind direction North-east (15.33%) during May 2023.

Table 3.10: Summary of Wind Pattern in the study area


First Predominant wind Second Predominant
Months Calm
Direction Wind direction
April-23 SW (26.67%) SSW (15.42%) 0.83%
May-23 North (20.97%) NE (15.33%) 1.21%
Jun-23 North (51.66%) NNE (20.42 %) 0.0 %

April 2023

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May 2023

June 2023
Figure 3.15: Wind Rose diagram

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3.2.1.9 Soil
In general, Soils in the study area of two types i.e., Red Ferruginous and Black Soils. Black
Clay is the most superior soil in the district, which occupies 23.7% area in the district.

a) Soil Taxonomic Classification


Soil map has been digitized and produced using soil resource map prepared by the Andhra
Pradesh Space Application Centre, ITE&C Department, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh. Data was
downloaded from https://apsac.ap.gov.in/gisserver/rest/services from which mask of the
study was extracted to prepare the soil map. The soil map prepared from this data is given
in Figure 3.16.

As seen from Table 3.11 and Figure 3.16, the majority of the study area including the area
around the upper and lower reservoir fall under Soil unit 9 (36.74%) characterized as Very
Fine Montmorillonitic, Hyperthermic Typic Haplusterts comprised of very dark greyish
brown soil.

Figure 3.16: Soil map of the Study Area

Table 3.11: Soil Taxonomic groups in the Study Area


Soil Area Area
Soil Description General Description
Unit (sq km) (%)
Dark reddish brown moderately well
Loamy Skeletal Mixed Hyperthermic
S1 drained shallow to moderately deep 96.86 20.89
Udic Ustochrepts
gravelly loamy soils.
Very dark grayish brown moderately well
Fine Montmorillonitic Hyperthermic
S2 drained shallow to moderately deep 68.41 14.75
Vertic Ustropepts
cracking clayey soils.
S3 Very Fine Montmorillonitic Very dark grayish brown moderately well 17.96 3.87

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Soil Area Area


Soil Description General Description
Unit (sq km) (%)
Hyperthermic Typic Haplusterts drained deep cracking clayey soils with
high clay content.
Dark brown moderately well drained
Clayey Skeletal Mixed Hyperthermic
S4 moderately deep gravelly clayey soils 1.70 0.37
Ustic Haplocambids
occurring in arid and semi-arid regions.
Dark brown moderately well drained
Clayey Skeletal Mixed Hyperthermic moderately deep gravelly clayey soils
S5 1.39 0.30
Lithic Ustic Torriorthents occurring in arid and semi-arid regions
with bed rock in shallow depth(<50cm).
Dark brown moderately well drained
Clayey Skeletal Mixed Hyperthermic
S6 moderately deep gravelly clayey soils 8.91 1.92
Lithic Ustropepts
with bed rock at shallow depth(<50cm).
Dark reddish brown moderately well
Loamy Skeletal Mixed Hyperthermic
S7 drained shallow gravelly soils with bed 21.39 4.61
Lithic Ustorthents
rock at shallow depth(<50cm).
Dark reddish brown moderately well
Loamy Skeletal Mixed
S8 drained shallow gravelly soils with bed 76.78 16.56
Isohyperthermic Lithic Ustrothents
rock at shallow depth(<50cm).
Very dark grayish brown moderately well
Very Fine Montmorillonitic
S9 drained deep cracking clayey soils with 170.37 36.74
Hyperthermic Typic Haplusterts
high clay content.
463.77 100.00

a) Physico-chemical Properties of Soil


The location of sampling sites for the soil on the map is given in Figure 3.3 and results of
soil physico-chemical analysis are given in Table 3.12.

Bulk density reflects the soil’s ability to function for structural support, water and solute
movement, and soil aeration. Most of the soils in the study area are Clay Laon, Loam and
Sandy Loam soil. On an average bulk density of soil is Medium due to presence of sand
content and varied from 1.08 to 1.85 (g/cc). Porosity and water holding capacity is
generally medium in the area thereby affecting the permeability of the soil as porosity
varied between 32% and 49% while water holding capacity varied between 36% and 56%.
Soil in the study area has moderately alkaline to neutral soil. Electrical conductivity varied
between 120 µS/cm and 340 µS/cm which is measure of soluble salts i.e., salinity. EC of soil
up to 2000 µS/cm is considered non-saline soil (see Table 3.12).

Table 3.12: Physico-chemical Characteristics of Soil


S.
Test Parameter S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11
No.
1 Texture
I Sand (%) 68 69 63 67 56 60 54 65 49 55 56
II Silt (%) 10 11 12 12 14 12 12 9 13 12 10
III Clay (%) 22 20 25 21 30 28 34 26 38 33 34
2 Bulk Density (g/cc) 1.75 1.85 1.67 1.78 1.42 1.46 1.12 1.54 1.08 1.35 1.24
3 Water Holding Capacity (%) 40 36 43 38 50 46 54 45 56 51 53
4 Porosity (%) 37 32 38 35 41 40 48 40 49 45 46
5 Alkalinity (mg/l) 130 120 110 109 102 134 150 120 142 110 120
6 pH 8.14 8.12 7.8 7.5 7.6 7.9 7.7 8.1 7.9 7.6 7.3
7 Electrical Conductivity (µs/cm) 329 340 152 160 120 160 210 190 150 120 290
8 Calcium (mg/kg) 210 132 240 321 190 317 250 245 190 156 315
9 Magnesium (mg/kg) 97 46 45 105 30 47 101 105 106 65 76
10 Sodium (Na) (mg/kg) 116 210 216 316 190 140 210 220 130 230 160

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S.
Test Parameter S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11
No.
11 Chloride Content (mg/kg) 96 93 132 102 190 140 98 89 109 119 110
12 Organic Carbon (%) 0.54 0.69 0.49 0.45 0.45 0.46 0.4 0.45 0.56 0.65 0.54
13 SAR 1.7 4.0 3.4 3.9 3.4 1.9 2.8 3.0 1.9 3.9 2.1
14 Available Phosphorus (kg/ha) 12 19 21 26 28 30 27 12 27 29 26
15 Available Nitrogen (kg/ha) 136 130 146 146 210 190 190 180 230 180 145
16 Available Potassium (kg/ha) 280 240 320 310 290 220 320 240 340 310 260
17 Salinity (ppt) <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01

Soil fertility status of the area was assessed based upon soil test results and based upon
Soil Fertility Rating given in the table below.

Soil Fertility Rating as per Soil Fertility Book*


Soil Parameter Low Medium High
Organic Carbon (%) <0.5 0.5 to 0.75 >0.75
Available Nitrogen (kg/ha) <280 280 to 560 >560
Available Phosphorus (kg/ha) <10 10 to 25 >25
Available Potassium (kg/ha) <108 108 to 280 >280
*Source: Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India (2011)

Organic carbon an important indicator of soil health is in the ‘Low’ to ‘Medium’ range
throughout the study area (see Table 3.13). The soil fertility rating in terms of nitrogen was
observed in the ‘Low’ range. Phosphorus and potassium observed in the ‘Medium’ to ‘High’
range in the study area.

Table 3.13: Soil Fertility Rating in the study area


Parameter/Site
Sampling
Organic Available Available Available
Locations
Carbon (%) Nitrogen (kg/ha) Phosphorus (kg/ha) Potassium (kg/ha)
S1 Medium Low Medium Medium
S2 Medium Low Medium Medium
S3 Low Low Medium High
S4 Low Low High High
S5 Low Low High High
S6 Low Low High Medium
S7 Low Low High High
S8 Low Low Medium Medium
S9 Medium Low High High
S10 Medium Low High High
S11 Medium Low High Medium

b) Soil Nutrient Index


Based upon Soil Fertility rating overall Nutrient Index (NI) of soils in the study area vis-à-vis
NPK was calculated as follows:

(Percent samples falling in Low category x 1) + (Percent samples falling in ‘Medium’


category x 2) + (Percent samples falling in High category x 3)/100. Based upon above
Nutrient Index Soil Fertility is assessed as follows:
< 1.67 : Low
1.67 – 2.33 : Medium
> 2.33 : High

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The soil fertility in the study area, in general, is based upon Nutrient Index in terms of NPK
as above in the case of Nitrogen is ‘Low’, whereas Phosphorus and Potassium are ‘High’
Nutrient Index.

Parameter Nutrient Index Fertility Rating


Nitrogen (kg/ha) Low 1.0
Phosphorus (kg/ha) High 2.6
Potassium (kg/ha) High 2.5

c) Conclusions
• Soil in the YSR (Kadapa) District is characterized as Red Ferruginous and Black Soils.
Black Clay is the most superior soil in the district.
• Soil of the study area is Clay Laon, Loam and Sandy Loam Soil.
• In general, all the physical and chemical soil quality indicators reflect the good quality
of the soil.
• The soil fertility based upon Nutrient Index in terms of NPK shows that Potassium and
Phosphorus are in the ‘High’ range but the Nitrogen fertility status of the soil is ‘Low’.

SOIL SAMPLING SITES PHOTOGRAPHS

S1: Proposed Paidipalem Lower Reservoir S2: Muck Disposal Area

S3: Near Maddulapaya Village S4: Proposed Paidipalem East Upper Reservoir

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S6: Near Pumping location Existing Paidipalem


S5: Near Paidipalem Village
Reservoir

S8: Upper reservoir near Proposed Paidipalem


S7: Near Lavanuru Village
North

S9: Near Kibili Raghavapuram Village S10: Near Mangapatnam Village

S11: Near S. Timmapuram Reservoir

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3.2.1.10 Ambient Air Quality


The baseline status concerning ambient air quality of the study area and superimposition of
potential releases of air pollutants during the project’s construction and operation phase
helps in impact assessment and preparation of mitigation and management measures. As
the study area is mainly a rural area with no industrial establishment and medium traffic
movement, the ambient air in the study area, in general, is free from any pollution source
and is in a clean category. This is evident from the results of ambient air quality monitoring
data which is given in Table 3.14.

a) PM2.5 levels
PM2.5 levels were maximum at monitoring site AQ6 located near Kondapuram Village with
45.5 g/m3 and minimum levels of PM2.5 was recorded at site AQ7 near Paidipalem
Balancing Reservoir where levels were 13.4 g/m3 in the study area (Table 3.14).

b) PM10 levels
PM2.5 levels were maximum at monitoring site AQ6 located near Kondapuram Village with
76.7 g/m3 and minimum levels of PM2.5 was recorded at site AQ7 near Paidipalem
Balancing Reservoir where levels were 34.7 g/m3 in the study area (Table 3.14).

c) SO2 levels and NO2 levels


The SO2 and NO2 levels observed during the study were much lower than the permissible
limit of 80 g/m3 at most of the locations (see Table 8). SO2 were maximum at site AQ6
near Kondapuram Village with 11.1 g/m3 and minimum levels of SO2 recorded at AQ7 near
Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir was 3.9 g/m3(Table 3.14).

Similarly, NO2 were maximum at site AQ6 near Kondapuram Village with 15.1 g/m3 and
minimum levels of NO2 recorded at site AQ7 near Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir was 5.0
g/m3 (Table 3.14).

Table 3.14: Ambient Air Quality in the study area (unit: μg/m3)
Pre-monsoon Season
Sampling Parameters (μg/m3)
Monitoring Location Monitoring Schedule
Code PM2.5 PM10 SO2 NO2
24-04-2023 to 25-04-2023 36.8 66.5 7.7 9.8
27-04-2023 to 28-04-2023 35.8 65.6 7.6 10.1
01-05-2023 to 02-05-2023 40.2 56.5 7.8 10.2
04-05-2023 to 05-05-2023 37.4 60.1 7.6 10.1
08-05-2023 to 09-05-2023 40.2 58.9 7.5 11.2
AQ1 Near Obulapuram Village 11-05-2023 to 12-05-2023 40.2 58.7 7.7 10.9
15-05-2023 to 16-05-2023 37.1 57.8 7.8 10.3
18-05-2023 to 19-05-2023 38.8 59.8 7.5 10.6
Min 35.8 56.5 7.5 9.8
Max 40.2 66.5 7.8 11.2
Average 38.3 60.5 7.7 10.4
25-04-2023 to 26-04-2023 16.7 40.5 4.5 5.5
28-04-2023 to 29-04-2023 16.7 40.3 4.8 5.3
02-05-2023 to 03-05-2023 17.6 43.3 4.6 5.5
05-05-2023 to 06-05-2023 15.6 42.3 4.8 5.2
09-05-2023 to 10-05-2023 17.6 40.8 4.6 5.6
AQ2 Near Jangamreddipalle Village
12-05-2023 to 13-05-2023 15.6 41.5 4.9 5.3
16-05-2023 to 17-05-2023 17.6 44.2 4.9 5.4
19-05-2023 to 20-05-2023 17.6 42.5 4.5 5.5
Min 15.6 40.3 4.5 5.2
Max 17.6 44.2 4.9 5.6
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Sampling Parameters (μg/m3)


Monitoring Location Monitoring Schedule
Code PM2.5 PM10 SO2 NO2
Average 16.9 41.9 4.7 5.4
26-04-2023 to 27-04-2023 20.2 50.3 5.5 6.6
29-04-2023 to 30-04-2023 22.2 52.2 5.1 6.5
03-05-2023 to 04-05-2023 21.2 48.9 5.1 6.1
06-05-2023 to 07-05-2023 22.3 49.7 5.1 6.7
10-05-2023 to 11-05-2023 21.2 50.2 5.2 6.6
AQ3 Near Paidipalem Village 13-05-2023 to 14-05-2023 23.2 51.5 5.2 6.8
17-05-2023 to 18-05-2023 21.2 52.4 5.3 6.6
20-05-2023 to 21-05-2023 20.5 49.9 5.1 6.9
Min 20.2 48.9 5.1 6.1
Max 23.2 52.4 5.5 6.9
Average 21.5 50.6 5.2 6.6
24-04-2023 to 25-04-2023 21.2 52.8 5.8 6.9
27-04-2023 to 28-04-2023 23.3 54.8 5.4 6.8
01-05-2023 to 02-05-2023 22.3 51.3 5.4 6.4
04-05-2023 to 05-05-2023 23.4 52.2 5.4 7.0
08-05-2023 to 09-05-2023 22.3 52.7 5.5 6.9
AQ4 Near Lavanuru Village 11-05-2023 to 12-05-2023 24.4 54.1 5.5 7.1
15-05-2023 to 16-05-2023 22.3 55.0 5.6 6.9
18-05-2023 to 19-05-2023 21.5 52.4 5.4 7.2
Min 21.2 51.3 5.4 6.4
Max 24.4 55.0 5.8 7.2
Average 22.6 53.2 5.5 6.9
25-04-2023 to 26-04-2023 27.8 51.5 5.1 7.4
28-04-2023 to 29-04-2023 24.5 53.3 5.1 7.6
02-05-2023 to 03-05-2023 27 51.1 5.5 7.4
05-05-2023 to 06-05-2023 26.7 50.8 5.5 7.6
09-05-2023 to 10-05-2023 28.7 53.4 5.2 7.8
AQ5 Near S. Timmapuram Village 12-05-2023 to 13-05-2023 26.6 52.3 5.5 7.4
16-05-2023 to 17-05-2023 27 51.6 5.2 7.6
19-05-2023 to 20-05-2023 26.7 54.3 5.5 7.2
Min 24.5 50.8 5.1 7.2
Max 28.7 54.3 5.5 7.8
Average 26.9 52.3 5.3 7.5
26-04-2023 to 27-04-2023 41.4 71.6 10.5 14.1
29-04-2023 to 30-04-2023 40.4 76.6 9.9 12.2
03-05-2023 to 04-05-2023 41.1 73.4 9.8 15.1
06-05-2023 to 07-05-2023 43.4 74.5 10.1 14.2
10-05-2023 to 11-05-2023 43.3 75.1 11.1 14.4
AQ6 Near Kondapuram Village 13-05-2023 to 14-05-2023 44.4 76.6 10.9 12.3
17-05-2023 to 18-05-2023 42.4 74.6 9.8 13.1
20-05-2023 to 21-05-2023 45.5 76.7 10.1 13.2
Min 40.4 71.6 9.8 12.2
Max 45.5 76.7 11.1 15.1
Average 42.7 74.9 10.3 13.6
24-05-2023 to 25-05-2023 14.4 34.8 3.9 5.3
27-05-2023 to 28-05-2023 14.4 34.7 3.9 5.1
31-05-2023 to 01-06-2023 15.1 37.2 4.2 5.3
03-06-2023 to 04-06-2023 13.4 36.4 4.2 5.0
07-06-2023 to 08-06-2023 15.1 35.1 4.0 5.4
Near Paidipalem Balancing
AQ7 10-06-2023 to 11-06-2023 13.4 35.7 4.2 5.1
Reservoir
14-06-2023 to 15-06-2023 15.1 38.0 4.0 5.2
17-06-2023 to 18-06-2023 15.1 36.6 4.2 5.3
Min 13.4 34.7 3.9 5.0
Max 15.1 38.0 4.2 5.4
Average 14.5 36.1 4.1 5.2
25-05-2023 to 26-05-2023 22.2 41.2 4.1 5.9
AQ8 Near Sunkesula Village
28-05-2023 to 29-05-2023 19.6 42.6 4.1 6.1
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Sampling Parameters (μg/m3)


Monitoring Location Monitoring Schedule
Code PM2.5 PM10 SO2 NO2
01-06-2023 to 02-06-2023 21.6 40.9 4.4 5.9
04-06-2023 to 05-06-2023 21.4 40.6 4.4 6.1
08-06-2023 to 09-06-2023 23.0 42.7 4.2 6.2
11-06-2023 to 12-06-2023 21.3 41.8 4.4 5.9
15-06-2023 to 16-06-2023 21.6 41.3 4.2 6.1
18-06-2023 to 19-06-2023 21.4 43.4 4.4 5.8
Min 19.6 40.6 4.1 5.8
Max 23.0 43.4 4.4 6.2
Average 21.5 41.8 4.3 6.0
24-05-2023 to 25-05-2023 21.4 39.6 4.3 5.7
27-05-2023 to 28-05-2023 18.8 40.9 4.6 5.8
31-05-2023 to 01-06-2023 20.7 39.2 4.4 5.7
03-06-2023 to 04-06-2023 20.5 39.0 4.6 5.8
07-06-2023 to 08-06-2023 22.0 41.0 4.4 6.0
AQ9 Nandyalampalle Village 10-06-2023 to 11-06-2023 20.4 40.2 4.7 5.7
14-06-2023 to 15-06-2023 20.7 39.6 4.7 5.8
17-06-2023 to 18-06-2023 20.5 41.7 4.3 5.5
Min 18.8 39.0 4.3 5.5
Max 22.0 41.7 4.7 6.0
Average 20.6 40.2 4.5 5.8
25-05-2023 to 26-05-2023 15.4 37.3 4.6 5.6
28-05-2023 to 29-05-2023 15.4 37.1 4.9 5.4
01-06-2023 to 02-06-2023 16.2 39.8 4.7 5.6
04-06-2023 to 05-06-2023 14.4 38.9 4.9 5.3
08-06-2023 to 09-06-2023 16.2 37.5 4.7 5.8
AQ10 Near Bhanukota Temple 11-06-2023 to 12-06-2023 14.4 38.2 5.0 5.4
15-06-2023 to 16-06-2023 16.2 40.7 5.0 5.5
18-06-2023 to 19-06-2023 16.2 39.1 4.6 5.6
Min 14.4 37.1 4.6 5.3
Max 16.2 40.7 5.0 5.8
Average 15.5 38.6 4.8 5.6
Permissible Limit 24 h NAAQS 2009 60 100 80 80

The results of monitoring show that PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and NO2 levels at all the sites are well
within the Residential & Rural area permissible limits prescribed by National Ambient Air
Quality Standard 2009 notified by CPCB. Air quality was also assessed using 24h averages of
PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and NO2 levels in the AQI calculator of CPCB and calculated AQI values
given in the table below. These also show the AQ1, AQ3, AQ4, AQ5 and AQ6 site is fall
under ‘Satisfactory’ category and rest of the sampling locations fall under ‘Good’ category
in the study area.

Air Quality Index (AQI)


AQ1 AQ2 AQ3 AQ4 AQ5 AQ6 AQ7 AQ8 AQ9 AQ10
60 42 51 53 52 75 36 42 40 39
Air Quality = Good (0-50), Satisfactory (50-100), Moderate (100-200), Poor (200-300), Very Poor
(300-400) and Severe (>400).

3.2.1.11 Noise Levels


The results of sound levels monitoring i.e. equivalent Noise levels (Leq dB(A) in the study
area at given in Table 3.15. Levels were compared with the Ambient Air Quality Standard in
respect of Noise, given in Schedule as part of The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control)
Rules, 2000 (amended to date). From the recorded values, day-time equivalent levels were
calculated. From the data on sound pressure levels equivalent levels (Leq) for day-time,

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night time, as well as day-night average, were calculated. Maximum noise level recoded at
NT7/Near Kondapuram Village and minimum at NT9/Near Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir
in the study area.

Table 3.15: Equivalent Noise levels (Leq dB(A) in the study area
CPCB Limits
Leq Leq Leq Day
Site Category of Day Night
Monitoring Location Day Night and Night
Code Area/Zone Time Time
dB(A) dB(A) dB(A)
dB(A) dB(A)
NT1 Near Jangamreddipalle Village Residential Area 47.3 36.5 47.0 55 45
NT2 Near Maddulapaya Village Residential Area 45.8 35.3 45.6 55 45
NT3 Near Ravulakolanu Village Residential Area 48.8 37.7 48.4 55 45
NT4 Near Paidipalem Village Residential Area 47.8 36.9 47.5 55 45
NT5 Near Lavanuru Village Residential Area 50.4 38.9 49.9 55 45
NT6 Near Chitravathi River Bridge Commercial Area 59.2 45.6 58.1 65 55
NT7 Near Kondapuram Village Commercial Area 60.2 46.4 59.1 65 55
NT8 Near Obulapuram Village Commercial Area 59.7 46.0 58.6 65 55
NT9 Near Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir Residential Area 45.4 35.0 45.2 55 45
NT10 Near Bhanukota Temple Residential Area 48.3 37.2 47.9 55 45

As seen from Table 3.15 equivalent sound levels during daytime as well as night-time were
within prescribed standards of CPCB. This is because the area is away from any major noise
source, little traffic movement and the only activity is contributing to noise is the running
of agricultural equipment, running of tube wells, movement of people, etc.

3.2.1.12 Traffic Density


The data on Average Daily Traffic collected during field surveys were compiled and is given
in Table 3.16. The traffic data reveals that Average Daily Traffic was highest at NT7/Near
Kadirinaidu Palli Village (SH57) and minimum was recorded NT2/Near Brahmanapalli
Village in the study area.

Table 3.16: Average Daily Traffic in the study area


Traffic Density
Monitoring No. of Vehicles/
Monitoring Location HMV LMV TW
Code PCUs/Day
3 1.5 0.5
No. of vehicles/day 4 8 17
NT1 Near Jangamreddipalle Village
No. of PCUs/day 12 12 8.5
No. of vehicles/day 12 25 35
NT2 Near Maddulapaya Village
No. of PCUs/day 36 37.5 17.5
No. of vehicles/day 15 43 52
NT3 Near Ravulakolanu Village
No. of PCUs/day 45 64.5 26
No. of vehicles/day 13 40 54
NT4 Near Paidipalem Village
No. of PCUs/day 39 60 27
No. of vehicles/day 17 49 60
NT5 Near Lavanuru Village
No. of PCUs/day 51 73.5 30
No. of vehicles/day 110 320 89
NT6 Near Chitravathi River Bridge
No. of PCUs/day 330 480 44.5
No. of vehicles/day 130 440 120
NT7 Near Kondapuram Village
No. of PCUs/day 390 660 60
No. of vehicles/day 128 432 128
NT8 Near Obulapuram Village
No. of PCUs/day 384 648 64
Near Paidipalem Balancing No. of vehicles/day 0 0 5
NT9
Reservoir No. of PCUs/day 0 0 2.5
No. of vehicles/day 1 12 22
NT10 Near Bhanukota Temple
No. of PCUs/day 3 18 11
HMV= Heavy Motor Vehicle; LMV= Light Motor Vehicle; TW= Two Wheelers

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Conclusion
As seen from the results of ambient air quality monitoring the air quality is good and
satisfactory in the study area and noise levels are also well within permissible limits as per
CPCB standards. This is mainly due to the absence of major industrial establishments and a
low volume of traffic in the study area.

NOISE AND TRAFFIC MONITOIRING PHOTOGRAPHS

NT1: Near Jangamreddipalle Village NT2: Near Maddulapaya Village

NT3: Near Ravulakolanu Village NT4: Near Paidipalem Village

NT5: Near Lavanuru Village NT6: Near Chitravathi River Bridge

NT7: Near Kondapuram Village NT8: Near Obulapuram Village

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3.2.2 Water Environment

3.2.2.1 Surface Water Quality


Analytical results of water quality at all 4 sampling locations during pre-monsoon season
are given in Table 3.17 and their location in the map is given in Figure 3.4. The pH varied
from 7.8 to 8.8 during the monitoring studies. Dissolved oxygen ranged from 6.0 to 7.7
mg/l at all sampling locations. All the heavy metals were below detectable limits. Biological
oxygen demand levels ranged from 3.2 to 4.5 mg/l at all sampling locations. Chemical
oxygen demand levels ranged from 9.8 to 14.2 mg/l in samples collected in the study area.
The total coliform count was quite high i.e., between 350 to 650 MPN/100 ml at all
sampling sites.

Table 3.17: Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Surface water


S. No. Parameters SW1 SW2 SW3 SW4
1 Temperature (0C) 30.2 30.8 31.3 29.8
2 pH 8.8 8.7 8.4 7.8
3 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 6.1 6.2 6 7.7
4 Electrical Conductivity, (µs/cm) 554 560 760 620
5 Total Dissolved Solids, mg/L 360 364 494 403
6 Turbidity (NTU) 4.5 5.0 12.0 22.0
7 Total Suspended Solids (mg/l) 11.3 12.5 30.0 55.0
8 Chloride (as Cl), mg/L 105 102 80 75
9 Total Alkalinity (as CaCO3), mg/L 178 176 210 124
10 Total Hardness (as CaCO3), mg/L 188.5 189.2 180.2 149.0
11 Calcium (as Ca), mg/L 55.4 53.2 50.1 43.2
12 Magnesium (as Mg), mg/L 12.2 13.7 13.4 10
13 Sulphate (as SO4), mg/L 25.8 27.4 24.4 16
14 Nitrate (as NO3), mg/L 6.9 6 7.2 4
15 Nitrite (NO2), (mg/l) BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1)
16 Phosphates, (PO4) mg/L BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1)
17 Sodium, mg/L 73.1 71.2 80.6 47.6
18 Potassium, mg/L 3.9 4.1 4.4 2.89
19 Sodium Adsorption Ratio 2.3 2.3 2.6 1.7
20 Silica, (mg/l) 5 7 6.0 8.0
21 Iron, mg/l 0.37 0.33 0.2 0.12
22 Fluoride, mg/l 0.3 0.32 0.4 0.2
23 Phenolic Compound, mg/L BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1)
24 Oil and Grease, mg/L BLQ (1.0) BLQ (1.0) BLQ (1.0) BLQ (1.0)
25 Cadmium (Cd), mg/l BLQ (0.001) BLQ (0.001) BLQ (0.001) BLQ (0.001)
26 Arsenic (As), mg/l BLQ (0.005) BLQ (0.005) BLQ (0.005) BLQ (0.005)
27 Mercury (Hg), mg/l BLQ (0.001) BLQ (0.001) BLQ (0.001) BLQ (0.001)
28 Copper (Cu), mg/l BLQ (0.005) BLQ (0.005) BLQ (0.005) BLQ (0.005)
29 Zinc (Zn), mg/l BLQ (0.01) BLQ (0.01) BLQ (0.01) BLQ (0.01)
30 Total Chromium (Cr), mg/l BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1)
31 Chromium 6 (Cr+6), mg/l BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1)
32 Manganese (Mn), mg/l 0.061 0.063 BLQ (0.005) 0.006
33 Lead (Pb), mg/l BLQ (0.005) BLQ (0.005) BLQ (0.005) BLQ (0.005)
34 Biological Oxygen Demand, (mg/l) 3.4 3.2 4.3 4.5
35 Chemical Oxygen Demand, (mg/l) 10.2 9.8 12.2 14.2
36 Total Coliforms, (MPN/100 ml) 350 360 440 650

The Permissible limit for Total Hardness (as CaCO3) concentration as per Drinking Water
Standards IS 10500: 2012 is 200 (mg/l). Based upon the Total Hardness concentration in
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water samples collected from different locations, the water is under the ‘Hard’ water to
‘Very hard’ water category as per the standards given in the table below.

Total Hardness (as CaCO3) (mg/l)


Indication
Scale
0-60 Soft water
61-120 Moderately Hard Water
121-180 Hard water
>180 Very Hard Water

Surface water samples were collected from Existing Paidipalem reservoir, Maddulapaya
Pond, Timmapuram reservoir and Chiravathi River in the study area. Results of surface
water quality analysis (Table 3.17) was compared with the Water Quality Criteria of Central
Pollution Control Board (http://www.cpcb.nic.in /WaterQuality Criteria.php) (Table 3.18).
All the samples collected from study area do not fall under Class ‘A’, ‘B’ or ‘C’. The surface
water in the study area at all the locations fall under Class ‘D’ i.e. designated best use of
Propagation of Wildlife and Fisheries according to CPCB, Water Quality Criteria (see
highlighted row). This is because of higher Biochemical Oxygen Demand i.e. >3mg/l even
though count of total coliform is less than 500 MPN/100 ml, pH is between 6.5 and 8.5 and
Dissolved oxygen is more than 5 mg/l (Table 3.18).

Table 3.18: Water Quality Criteria for designated Best Use by CPCB, New Delhi
Designated-Best-Use Class of water Criteria
Drinking-Water Source Total Coliforms Organism MPN/100ml shall be 50 or less
without conventional pH between 6.5 and 8.5
A
treatment but after Dissolved Oxygen 6mg/l or more
disinfection Biochemical Oxygen Demand 5 days 200C 2mg/l or less
Total Coliforms Organism MPN/100ml shall be 500 or less,
Outdoor bathing (Organised) B pH between 6.5 and 8.5, Dissolved Oxygen 5mg/l or more
Biochemical Oxygen Demand 5 days 200C 3mg/l or less
Drinking water source after Total Coliforms Organism MPN/100ml shall be 5000 or
conventional treatment and C less, pH between 6 and 9, Dissolved Oxygen 4mg/l or more
disinfection Biochemical Oxygen Demand 5 days 200C 3mg/l or less
Propagation of Wildlife and pH between 6.5 to 8.5, Dissolved Oxygen 4mg/l or more
D
Fisheries Free Ammonia (as N) 1.2 mg/l or less
Irrigation, Industrial Cooling, pH between 6.0 and 8.5
Controlled Waste disposal Electrical Conductivity at 250C micromhos/cm Max.2250
E
Sodium Absorption Ratio Max. 26
Boron Max. 2mg/l
Below-E Not Meeting A, B, C, D & E Criteria

a) Irrigation Water Quality


Irrigation Water Quality is mainly assessed as a function of the level of certain quality
parameters. The two most common water quality factors that influence the normal rate of
infiltration of water are the salinity of water and the relative concentrations of sodium,
magnesium, and calcium ions in water that is also known as the sodium adsorption ratio
(SAR). The irrigation water quality rating index was developed by Simsek and Gunduz
(2007) and Spandana et al. (2013) based upon parameters that can hurt soil quality and
crop yield (see Table 3.19).

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Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) is an irrigation water quality parameter used in the
management of sodium-affected soils. It is calculated using Sodium, Calcium, and
Magnesium concentrations expressed in meq/L. At a given SAR, the infiltration rate
increases as salinity increases or the other way around. Therefore, SAR and EC are used in
combination to evaluate potential problems.

In the present study, Electrical conductivity values varied between 50 µS/cm and 1080
µS/cm while SAR varied from 1.7 to 2.6 (see Table 3.17). All the samples from the study
area have SAR below 10.

Table 3.19: Classification for infiltration and permeability parameters for irrigation water
suitability
SAR
Rating Suitability
<3 3–6 6 – 12 12– 20 >20
>700 >1200 >1900 >2900 >5000 3 High
EC (µS/cm) 700-200 1200-300 1900-500 2900-1300 5000 -2900 2 Medium
<200 <300 <500 <1300 <2900 1 Low
(Source: Simsek and Gunduz, 2007; Spandana et al. 2013)

Based upon the classification of Irrigation water suitability given in the table above (Table
3.19) and SAR and EC values highlighted in Table 3.17 the suitability of water for irrigation
is High.

b) Drinking-Water Quality Index


A commonly-used water quality index (WQI) developed by the National Sanitation
Foundation (NSF) in 1970 by Brown Oram (https://water-research.net/index.php/water-
treatment/water-monitoring/monitoring-the-quality-of-surfacewaters) and Washington
State Department of Ecology, Environmental Assessment Programme was used for
assessing the surface water quality. The NSF WQI was developed to provide a standardized
method for comparing the water quality of various bodies of water. The water quality
index is a 100-point scale that summarizes results from a total of 9 different parameters
listed below in the table.

pH Delta Temperature Change (0C) Total Phosphates (mg/L)


Dissolved Oxygen
Total Coliforms (MPN/100ml) Nitrates (mg/L)
(DO) Saturation (%)
Turbidity (NTU) Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) (mg/L) Total Suspended Solids (TSS) (mg/L)

The analysis of water quality, therefore, is based upon 9 parameters as defined for WQI
above and based upon the score at each sampling site water quality has been designated
as Excellent, Good, Medium, etc. as per the range defined in the table below.

Water Quality Index


Range Quality
90-100 Excellent
70-90 Good
50-70 Medium
25-50 Bad
0-25 Very bad

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The water quality index based upon the above parameters is given in the table below.
SW1 SW2 SW3 SW4
WQI
67.0 68.27 65.7 68.5

According to WQI values obtained for pre-monsoon season surface water quality, in
general, is in the ‘Medium’ category in all the sampling locations in the study area.

3.2.2.2 Groundwater Quality


Analytical results of Groundwater quality at different sampling sites are given in Table 3.20
and their location on the map is given in Figure 3.5. The pH of Groundwater samples
collected varied from 7.4 to 8.1. Electrical Conductivity varied from low of 740 to highest of
3000 (µS/cm). Total dissolved solids varied from 481 to 1950 mg/l. All the heavy metals
were below detectable in the study area. The concentrations of Nitrate varied from 3.4
mg/l to 6.9 mg/l.

Analytical results of Groundwater samples were compared with drinking water standards
IS-10500:2012 to assess the status of Groundwater taken from tube wells and hand pumps
as this water is used for drinking purposes in villages. All the samples were found within
permissible limits as per drinking water standards prescribed by CPCB.

a) Drinking-Water Quality Index (DWQI)


Drinking water quality index was computed to assess the suitability of groundwater quality
for drinking purpose, which is a mathematical tool to provide a comprehensive model of
groundwater quality into a single number (Ramakrishnaiah et al., 2009; Varol and Davraz,
2015; Narsimha et al., 2018; Ramyapriya and Elango, 2018). The following five steps were
involved in the calculation of the drinking water quality index for the examination of
individual chemical parameters (pH, TDS, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Bicarbonate, Cl, Sulphate, and
Nitrates). The steps are: i) assignment of weight to each chemical parameter, ii)
computation of relative weight, iii) calculation of water quality rating scale, iv) computation
of water quality sub-indices for each chemical parameter and v) estimation of drinking
water quality index.

Based upon DWQI range calculated based formula using parameters they have categorized
the Groundwater into different groups as follows:

DWQI range Water Quality


<50 Excellent
50-100 Good
100-200 Poor
200-300 Very poor
>300 Water unsuitable for drinking purpose

The DWQI calculated for Groundwater samples collected from different locations in the
study area is given in the table below. According to DWQI tabulated in the table below all
the samples of groundwater fall in ‘Excellent’ water quality class. In general, Groundwater
is under the Very Hard category as stated in the next paragraph, water from hand pumps
or bore wells can be fit for drinking after conventional treatment.

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Drinking-Water Quality Index


Sampling Code DWQI
GW1 43.8
GW2 51.0
GW3 47.1
GW4 91.5
GW5 37.1
GW6 85.5
GW7 91.2
GW8 28.1
GW9 36.0
GW10 27.4

Even though Total Hardness (as CaCO3) concentration in the Groundwater samples from
study area as per Drinking Water Standards IS 10500: 2012 is within permissible limits i.e.
<600 (mg/l), based upon the Total Hardness concentration in water samples collected from
different locations/sources, the Groundwater is under ‘Very Hard water’ category as per
the standards given in the table below.

Total Hardness (as CaCO3) (mg/l) Scale Indication


0-60 Soft water
61-120 Moderately Hard Water
121-180 Hard water
>180 Very Hard Water

The results of Groundwater Quality in the present compare very well with the earlier
studies undertaken in ‘Ground Water Year Book 2021-22 Andhra Pradesh’ by Central
Groundwater Board, Southern Region, Ministry of Water Resources, River Development
and Ganga Rejuvenation, Government of India (2021-22). In that also it was concluded that
groundwater in the study area belongs to the ‘Good’ water quality category.

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Table 3.20: Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Groundwater


Sampling Sites Permissibl
e Limit
S.
Parameters (IS-
No. GW1 GW2 GW3 GW4 GW5 GW6 GW7 GW8 GW9 GW10 10500:201
2)
1 Temperature (̊C) 29.3 28.9 34.5 33.0 32.2 31.1 33.2 32.3 33.0 33.0
2 pH 7.9 8.1 7.5 7.4 7.6 7.9 7.6 7.6 7.5 7.5 6.5-8.5
Electrical Conductivity
3 2223 2600 2364 2990 1530 2780 3000 780 1120 740 --
(µS/cm)
Total Dissolved Solids
4 1445 1690 1537 1944 995 1807 1950 507 728 481 2000
(mg/l)
5 Turbidity (NTU) <2 <2 <2 <2 <2 <2 <2 <2 <2 <2 5
Total Suspended Solids
6 4.5 3.2 3.8 4.8 3.1 3.4 4.3 3.2 2.8 3.0 --
(mg/l)
7 Chloride (as Cl) (mg/l) 210 240 224 714 210 680 735 125 238 129 1000
8 Total Alkalinity (mg/l) 259 335 281 579 268 456 562 292 292 302 400
Total Hardness (as CaCO3)
9 247 270 262 398 208 389 445 310 207 318 600
(mg/l)
10 Calcium (as Ca) (mg/l) 35.4 40.5 38.9 59.9 30.2 57.5 66.2 56.2 28.2 58.1 600
11 Magnesium (as Mg) (mg/l) 38.7 41.2 40.1 60.6 32.3 59.8 68.1 41.4 33.3 42.1 200
12 Sulphate (SO4) (mg/l) 90 110 122 316 22 290 290 18 19 17 100
13 Nitrate (NO3) (mg/l) 1.8 2.0 1.7 1.2 1.8 1.2 2.2 1.9 1.1 0.9 45
14 Nitrite (NO2) (mg/l) 1.8 2.0 1.7 1.2 1.8 1.2 2.2 1.9 1.1 0.9 --
15 Phosphate (as PO4) (mg/l) BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1) --
16 Sodium (mg/l) 190 256 220 686 190 610 666 80 204 79 --
17 Potassium (mg/l) 3.2 2.3 4.7 2.4 2.1 2.2 2.1 1.4 2.1 1.2 --
18 Sodium Adsorption Ratio 5.25 6.77 5.91 14.93 5.72 13.44 13.71 1.98 6.17 1.92 --
BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ
19 Silica (mg/l) --
(0.01) (0.01) (0.01) (0.01) (0.01) (0.01) (0.01) (0.01) (0.01) (0.01)
20 Fluoride (mg/l) 0.32 0.34 0.43 0.50 0.43 0.56 0.43 0.32 0.43 0.23 --
21 Iron (Fe) (mg/l) 0.12 0.20 0.40 0.22 0.20 0.10 0.12 0.15 0.13 0.09 1.5
22 Phenolic Compounds (mg/l) BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1) 0.30

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Sampling Sites Permissibl


e Limit
S.
Parameters (IS-
No. GW1 GW2 GW3 GW4 GW5 GW6 GW7 GW8 GW9 GW10 10500:201
2)
23 Oil & Grease (mg/l) BLQ(1.0) BLQ(1.0) BLQ(1.0) BLQ(1.0) BLQ(1.0) BLQ(1.0) BLQ(1.0) BLQ(1.0) BLQ(1.0) BLQ(1.0) 0.001
24 Residual Sodium Carbonate 0.15 1.15 0.31 3.51 1.13 1.19 2.22 -0.45 1.63 -0.38 --
BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ
25 Cadmium (Cd) (mg/l) 0.003
(0.001) (0.001) (0.001) (0.001) (0.001) (0.001) (0.001) (0.001) (0.001) (0.001)
BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ
26 Arsenic (As) (mg/l) 0.05
(0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005)
BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ
27 Mercury (Hg) (mg/l) 0.001
(0.001) (0.001) (0.001) (0.001) (0.001) (0.001) (0.001) (0.001) (0.001) (0.001)
BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ
28 Copper (Cu) (mg/l) 1.5
(0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005)
BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ
29 Zinc (Zn) (mg/l) 15.0
(0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005)
BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ
30 Total Chromium (Cr) (mg/l) 0.05
(0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005)
31 Chromium-6 (Cr-6) (mg/l) BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1) BLQ (0.1) --
BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ
32 Lead (Pb) (mg/l) 0.05
(0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005)
BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ
33 Manganese (Mn) (mg/l) 0.057 0.053 0.051 --
(0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005)
Biological Oxygen Demand
34 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 --
(mg/l)
Chemical Oxygen Demand
35 <6.0 <6.0 <6.0 <6.0 <6.0 <6.0 <6.0 <6.0 <6.0 <6.0 --
(mg/l)
Total Coliform
36 <2 <2 <2 <2 <2 <2 <2 <2 <2 <2 --
(MPN/100ml)

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WATER SAMPLING SITES PHOTOGRAPHS

SW1: Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir SW2: Pond: Maddulapaya Pond

SW3: Near Timmapuram reservoir SW4: Chitravathi river near Penjuvvi Village

GW1: Jangamreddipalle Village GW2: Sunkesula Village

GW3: Maddulapaya Village GW4: Devathapuram Village

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GW5: Paidipalem Village GW6: Lavanuru Village

GW7: S. Timmapuram Village GW8: Kondapuram Village

GW9: Kibili Raghavapuram Village GW10: Obulapuram Village

3.2.2.3 Conclusion
Surface water
• All the samples collected from study area do not fall under Class ‘A’, ‘B’ or ‘C’. The surface
water in the study area at all the locations fall under Class ‘D’ i.e. designated best use of
Propagation of Wildlife and Fisheries according to CPCB, Water Quality Criteria
• Based upon CPCB guidelines as well the WQI calculated above the water in the study area
lies in ‘Medium’ category.

Groundwater
• According to BIS standards for Drinking Water (2012) all the Groundwater samples
collected from the study area fall within permissible limits of the same.
• According to DWQI all the samples of groundwater fall in ‘Excellent’ water quality class.
• In general, Groundwater is under the ‘Very Hard’ category, water from hand pumps or bore
wells can be fit for drinking after conventional treatment.

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3.2.3 Biological Environment


Biological environmental components mainly deal with floristics and the presence of
various faunal elements in the study area.

3.2.3.1 Forest Types in the Study Area


The project area falls in the Kadapa Forest Division under Kurnool Circle of Andhra Pradesh
Forest Department. As seen from the land use map of the study area, a large part of the
area is comprised of agriculture and scrub lands. The area in and around the proposed
upper reservoir is covered mainly with the scrub forest. According to the ‘A Revised Survey
of the Forest Types of India’ by Champion and Seth (1968), the forests in the study area can
be classified under Group 5 (Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest) and Group 6 (Tropical Thorn
Forest). The forest types in the study area are illustrated in the table 3.21.

Table 3.21: Forest types found in the Study Area


Group Sub-Group Forest Type
Group 5. Tropical Dry 5A. Southern Tropical Dry
5A/C3 Southern dry mixed deciduous forest
Deciduous Forest Deciduous Forests
Group 6. Tropical Thorn 6A. Southern Tropical 6A/C1 Southern Thorn Forests
Forest Thorn Forests 6A/DS1 Southern Thorn Scrub

5A/C3 Southern dry mixed deciduous forest


This type of forest is specially confined to the drier areas. The upper storey consists of
mostly dense crop. The species are deciduous and leafless for several months in the year.
These often tend to become moist deciduous forests. But such species are very few. The
most common plant species are: Anogeissus latifolia, Pterocarpus santalinus, Hardwickia
binata, Terminalia tomentosa, Pterocarpus marsupium, Chloroxylon swietenia, Dalbergia
paniculata, Albizzia amara, Boswellia serrata, Dolichandrone crispa and Sapindus
emarginatus. The ground is mostly covered with heavy grass which is annually burnt.

6A/C1 Southern Thorn Forests


This type of forest is disturbed and thus degraded by the local village people. These are
mainly distributed on the lower slopes where the sub-soil and rocky outcrops are exposed.
The common floristics of this forest are Albizia amara, Azadirachta indica, Senegalia
chundra, Vachellia horrida, Ziziphus xylopyrus, Anogeissus latifolia and Atalantia
monophylla. The species occurring in understorey consist of Senna auriculata, Carissa
hirsuta, Balanites roxburghii, Ziziphus oenoplia, Heteropogon contortus, etc.

6A/DS1 Southern Thorn Scrub


This type of forest is also degraded due to maltreatment, which results in growing of
impenetrable thorny plants and few low-canopy tree species stand out here and there.
Spiney climbers and grasses are common. The general floristics mainly consist of Euphorbia
antiquorum, Euphorbia tirucalli, Capparis sepiaria, Dodonaea viscosa, Senna auriculata,
Calotropis gigantea, Aristida hystrix, Cymbopogon coloratus, etc.

3.2.3.2 Floristics
a. Objectives: The objectives of the present floristic study were as follows:
• To prepare an inventory of various plant species found in the study area
• To assess the vegetation composition and community structure in the study area in
different land uses.

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The inventory of plant species in the study area was prepared by using data in available
published literature. The nomenclature of the plant species was followed as per
https://wfoplantlist.org/plant-list.

b. Taxonomic diversity
As per data collected from field survey, an inventory of 89 plant species of angiosperm and
1 species (Cycas beddomei) belongs to gymnosperm, has been prepared and listed below in
Table 3.22. The list includes 25 tree species, 17 Shrub, 33 species of herbs, 8 species of
climbers and 7 species of grasses.

Table 3.22: List of Plant Species recorded during field survey


S. No Family / Botanical Name Habit S. No Family / Botanical Name Habit
Acanthaceae 29 Cleome chelidonii Herb
1 Dyschoriste vagans Shrub 30 Cleome gynandra Herb
2 Eranthemum nervosum Shrub Combretaceae
Amaranthaceae 31 Anogeissus latifolia Trees
3 Achyranthes aspera Herb 32 Combretum ovalifolium Climber
4 Alternanthera sessilis Herb Commelinaceae
5 Chenopodium album Herb 33 Commelina benghalensis Herb
Anacardiaceae 34 Cyanotis axillaris Herb
6 Mangifera indica Trees Convolvulaceae
Apocynaceae 35 Evolvulus alsinoides Herb
7 Wrightia tinctoria Trees 36 Cuscuta reflexa Climber
8 Calotropis gigantea Shrub Cycadaceae
9 Carissa hirsuta Shrub 37 Cycas beddomei Trees
10 Nerium oleander Shrub Cyperaceae
11 Hemidesmus indicus Herb 38 Cyperus rotundus Trees
12 Wattakaka volubilis Climber Euphorbiaceae
Asteraceae 39 Euphorbia antiquorum Herb
13 Blumea bifoliata Herb 40 Acalypha indica Herb
14 Conyza stricta Herb 41 Euphorbia prostratam Trees
15 Emilia sonchifolia Herb Fabaceae
16 Grangea maderaspatana Herb 42 Albizia amara Trees
17 Laggera aurita Herb 43 Bauhinia racemosa Trees
18 Pulicaria wightiana Herb 44 Dichrostachys cinerea Trees
19 Xanthium strumarium Herb 45 Hardwickia binata Trees
Bignoniaceae 46 Prosopis juliflora Trees
20 Dolichandrone crispa Trees 47 Senegalia chundra Trees
21 Dolichandrone falcata Trees 48 Vachellia nilotica Shrub
Boraginaceae 49 Senna auriculata Shrub
22 Heliotropium indicum Herb 50 Vachellia horrida Herb
23 Euploca strigosa Herb 51 Crotalaria alata Herb
Burseraceae 52 Crotalaria Pusilla Herb
24 Boswellia serrata Trees 53 Senna tora Climber
Cactaceae 54 Senegalia pennata Herb
25 Opuntia dillenii Shrub Lamiaceae
Cannabaceae 55 Anisomeles malabarica Herb
26 Trema orientalis Trees 56 Mesosphaerum suaveolens Herb
Capparaceae 57 Ocimum tenuiflorum Shrub
27 Capparis sepiaria Climber Malvaceae
Celastraceae 58 Waltheria indica Herb
28 Gymnosporia montana Trees 59 Sida cordata Trees
Cleomaceae Meliaceae

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S. No Family / Botanical Name Habit S. No Family / Botanical Name Habit


60 Azadirachta indica Trees 76 Oldenlandia affinis Trees
61 Soymida febrifuga Herb Rutaceae
Menispermaceae 77 Atalantia monophylla Trees
62 Cocculus hirsutus Trees 78 Chloroxylon swietenia Trees
Molluginaceae 79 Citrus sinensis Shrub
63 Glinus oppositifolius Herb 80 Murraya koenigii Trees
Phyllanthaceae Sapindaceae
64 Phyllanthus niruri Grass 81 Sapindus emarginatus Shrub
Poaceae 82 Dodonaea viscosa Climber
65 Aristida hystrix Grass Smilacaceae
66 Arundinella bengalensis Grass 83 Smilax zeylanica Herb
67 Chrysopogon zizanioides Grass Solanaceae
68 Cymbopogon flexuosus Grass 84 Datura stramonium Herb
69 Eragrostis Unioloides Grass 85 Solanum surattense Shrub
70 Heteropogon contortus Climber Tiliaceae
Ranunculaceae 86 Grewia orbiculata Shrub
71 Clematis gouriana Climber 87 Triumfetta pentandra Shrub
Rhamnaceae Verbenaceae
72 Ziziphus xylopyrus Shrub 88 Lantana camara Trees
73 Ziziphus oenoplia Shrub Zygophyllaceae
Rubiaceae 89 Balanites roxburghii Herb
74 Catunaregam spinosa Shrub 90 Tribulus terrestris Herb
75 Ixora parviflora Herb

The detail inventory of Plant species reported from the study area has been prepared
based on primary survey and same has been supplemented with available secondary data.
An inventory of 228 species of plants belonging to angiosperms and 1 species (Cycas
beddomei) of gymnosperm, was compiled which includes plant species found in forested
areas, scrub land, near agricultural fields and settlements, abandoned land, etc. List of
flowering plant species (angiosperms) recorded from the area is given in Annexure IV. This
list includes 67 species of trees, 62 species of shrubs, 67 species of herbs, 18 species of
climbers and 14 species of grasses. Most of the vegetation is found mainly in the forest
area.

Based on the plant species reported from the study area, Fabaceae was found to be the
most dominant family with 35 plant species, which was followed by Apocynaceae (15
species), Malvaceae (12 species), Poaceae (12 species), Rubiaceae (11 species) and
Asteraceae (11 species) Details of plant species reported during the field surveys within
families are given in Table 3.23.

Table 3.23: Details of Species found in the Study Area


Group Family Genera Species
Angiosperm
Tree 29 55 67
Shrub 24 51 62
Herb 29 61 67
Climber 10 17 18
Grasses 2 14 14
Gymnosperm
Tree 1 1 1
Total 229

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c. Rare, Endangered and Threatened (RET) Species


The conservation status (Rare, Endangered, and Threatened) of all 229 species of plants
recorded from the study area was assessed by consulting Red Data Book of Indian Plants
and IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Version 2022-2.

As per the Red list of Indian Plants published by Botanical Survey of India, no Endemic or
RET species among was recorded from the study area.

The conservation status following the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Version 2022-2
downloaded from www.iucnredlist.org is listed in the table below. The majority of the
species have not been assessed yet by IUCN (2022-2). Out of 229 species reported from the
area, 84 species have been assessed. Among these species, 6 plant species viz. Borassus
flabellifer, Cycas beddomei, Pterocarpus santalinus, Tectona grandis, Syzygium
alternifolium and Isonandra villosa are listed under Endangered (EN) category, Chloroxylon
swietenia under Vulnerable (VU) category and Pterocarpus marsupium is listed under Near
Threatened (NT) category of IUCN ver. 2022-2. While other species are listed either under
the Least Concern (LC) or Data deficient (DD) category (see Table 3.24 below).

Table 3.24: Conservation Status of Plant Species


Conservation Status
S. No Family Botanical Name
IUCN 2022-2
1 Acanthaceae Justicia adhatoda LC
2 Alangiaceae Alangium salviifolium LC
3 Amaranthaceae Alternanthera sessilis LC
4 Anacardiaceae Mangifera indica DD
5 Apiaceae Centella asiatica LC
6 Apocynaceae Carissa spinarum LC
7 Apocynaceae Nerium oleander LC
8 Apocynaceae Wrightia tinctoria LC
9 Araceae Wolffia globosa LC
10 Arecaceae Borassus flabellifer EN
11 Arecaceae Phoenix loureiroi LC
12 Asteraceae Acmella paniculata LC
13 Asteraceae Grangea maderaspatana LC
14 Cactaceae Opuntia stricta LC
15 Cannabaceae Trema orientalis LC
16 Capparaceae Capparis sepiaria LC
17 Casuarinaceae Casuarina equisetifolia LC
18 Celastraceae Gymnosporia senegalensis LC
19 Clusiaceae Calophyllum inophyllum LC
20 Combretaceae Terminalia bellirica LC
21 Combretaceae Terminalia catappa LC
22 Combretaceae Terminalia chebula LC
23 Commelinaceae Commelina benghalensis LC
24 Commelinaceae Cyanotis axillaris LC
25 Convolvulaceae Cuscuta reflexa LC
26 Cycadaceae Cycas beddomei EN
27 Cyperaceae Cyperus rotundus LC
28 Cyperaceae Fimbristylis dichotoma LC
29 Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia antiquorum LC
30 Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia neriifolia LC
31 Euphorbiaceae Manihot esculenta DD
32 Fabaceae Acacia colei LC
33 Fabaceae Aeschynomene indica LC
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Conservation Status
S. No Family Botanical Name IUCN 2022-2
34 Fabaceae Albizia amara LC
35 Fabaceae Albizia lebbeck LC
36 Fabaceae Butea monosperma LC
37 Fabaceae Cassia fistula LC
38 Fabaceae Dalbergia sissoo LC
39 Fabaceae Dichrostachys cinerea LC
40 Fabaceae Gliricidia Maculata LC
41 Fabaceae Hardwickia binata LC
42 Fabaceae Mimosa pudica LC
43 Fabaceae Phyllodium pulchellum LC
44 Fabaceae Pongamia pinnata LC
45 Fabaceae Pterocarpus marsupium NT
46 Fabaceae Pterocarpus santalinus EN
47 Fabaceae Rhynchosia minima LC
48 Fabaceae Senegalia pennata LC
49 Fabaceae Senna occidentalis LC
50 Fabaceae Vachellia karroo LC
51 Fabaceae Vachellia nilotica LC
52 Lamiaceae Premna tomentosa LC
53 Lamiaceae Tectona grandis EN
54 Lythraceae Woodfordia fruticosa LC
55 Malvaceae Bombax ceiba LC
56 Malvaceae Grewia hirsuta LC
57 Malvaceae Grewia tenax LC
58 Malvaceae Urena lobata LC
59 Malvaceae Waltheria indica LC
60 Meliaceae Azadirachta indica LC
61 Molluginaceae Glinus oppositifolius LC
62 Moraceae Ficus racemosa LC
63 Moraceae Ficus religiosa LC
64 Moringaceae Moringa oleifera LC
65 Myrtaceae Eucalyptus globulus LC
66 Myrtaceae Syzygium alternifolium EN
67 Myrtaceae Syzygium cumini LC
68 Nelumbonaceae Nelumbo nucifera DD
69 Phyllanthaceae Flueggea leucopyrus LC
70 Phyllanthaceae Phyllanthus emblica LC
71 Poaceae Eragrostis Unioloides LC
72 Rhamnaceae Ziziphus jujuba LC
73 Rubiaceae Catunaregam spinosa LC
74 Rutaceae Atalantia monophylla LC
75 Rutaceae Chloroxylon swietenia VU
76 Rutaceae Murraya koenigii LC
77 Salicaceae Flacourtia indica LC
78 Sapindaceae Cardiospermum halicacabum LC
79 Sapindaceae Dodonaea viscosa LC
80 Sapotaceae Isonandra villosa EN
81 Solanaceae Physalis angulata LC
82 Verbenaceae Gmelina asiatica LC
83 Verbenaceae Vitex negundo LC
84 Zygophyllaceae Tribulus terrestris LC
IUCN Ver. 2022-2 - International Union for Conservation of Nature; DD – Data Deficient; LC - Least
Concern; VU: Vulnerable; NT: Near Threatened; EN: Endangered

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d. Economically Important Plant Species


The economy of the YSR (Kadapa) District primarily depends on agriculture. Villagers in the
district also depend on forest resources. Plants are mainly used for fuelwood, fodder, timber,
and medicinal purposes.

The Red Sander (Pterocarpus santalinus) species, endemic to Chittoor, Kadapa, Kurnool and
Nellore Districts in Andhra Pradesh. There is huge demand for its heart wood in the
international market. The wood of Red Sanders has historically been valued in Eastern part of
Asian Continent for Chinese hardwood furniture and has been used for making the bridge
and musical instrument. However, at present the felling and export of Red Sander is illegal in
India.

The other main timber species in the forest area are Terminalia elliptica, Anogeissus latifolia,
Tectona grandis, Toona ciliata, Haldina cordifolia, etc.

e. Medicinal Plant Species


Villagers in the study area largely depend on herbs for medicinal uses in the area. Traditional
healers are using these plants to cure many diseases like stomach-ache, headache,
Diarrhoea, fertility problems, skin problems, cold, fever, cough, toothache, jaundice,
wounds, diabetes, asthma, tuberculosis, bone fractures, urinary problems, piles, and
poison (snake and scorpion) bites.

During the field survey information regarding such plants was gathered from meetings with
knowledgeable and elderly persons from villages located in the study area. Besides, data and
information on these plant species were also collected through secondary sources by
consulting literature and published reports. Ethnobotanical uses of plants for medicinal
purposes by the people have been studied by Reddy et.al. (2015), Reddy and Reddy (2014),
Maheshwari et. al. (2012) and Silori et.al. (2005)

Based upon the studies quoted above and information gathered during interaction with local
people while conducting field surveys a list of important medicinal plant species used for
treating various ailments were prepared and the same is given in Table 3.25.

Table 3.25: List of Plant Species found in the study area used for medicinal purposes
S. No. Botanical Name Vernacular Name Medicinal Uses
1 Abutilon indicum Adavibenda Leaf paste applied for toothache
2 Acalypha indica Kuppi Leaf juice used as a lotion for skin eruptions
Root bark soaked in a glass of water and taken
3 Alangium salvifolium Oodaga
orally for next day morning for stomach disorders
Psoriasis: Stem barks extract given orally and past as
4 Albizia lebbeck Dirasana
application.
5 Alternanthera sessili Ponnagantiaku Tender twigs used as a curry for eye diseases
6 Argemone mexicana Bramhadandi Cough: Leaf decoction given orally.
The root decoction is used in dyspepsia and as an
7 Bauhinia racemosa Madapaku chettu
antidote to snake poison or bites.
8 Boswelia serrata Guggilapuman Snake bite: Stem bark extract given orally.
Asthma: Seed paste is taken orally along with fresh
9 Butea monosperma Moduga
cow’s milk early in the morning for 20 days.
10 Cadaba fruticosa Adamorinika Leaf paste as application on the white spots.
Calophyllum Seed paste used as an external application for body
11 Ponna chettu
inophyllum swellings
12 Capparis sepiaria Nalluppi Root, Shoot and Sap swallowed for three days.
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S. No. Botanical Name Vernacular Name Medicinal Uses


13 Cassia fistula Rela Diarrhoea: Seed powder orally.
14 Cleome gynandra Vaminta Fever: Root decoction given orally.
15 Cleome viscosa Kukkavaminta Head ache: Leaf paste as application.
16 Combretum albidum Yada teega Eye diseases: Stem juice is used for eye diseases.
Cough: Leaves boiled in water in decoction given
17 Cycas beddomei Peritha
orally.
18 Dalbergia sissoo Errasissu Gonorrhoea: Leaf decoction given orally.
Whole plant powder with water taken for mental
19 Evolvulus alsinoides Vishnukantha
disorders
Diarrhoea, Dysentery: Root powder in milk given
20 Grewia hirsuta Chittijana
orally.
21 Grewia tenax Gundukadira Root is used in the treatment of Snake bite.
22 Helictres isora Gubatada Fruit powder applied for sores
23 Hugonia mystax Kakibeera Root bark made into bolls and used as anthelmintic
Asthma: Roots are crushed with black pepper and
24 Indigofera cassioides Siralli the exact is administered in doses of two spoonful
twice a day for 5days.
25 Leucas aspera Tummi Leaf aroma inhale for headache and cold
Asthma: About 20ml of plant decoction is given with
26 Mimosa pudica Attapatti
honey twice daily for a month.
27 Morinda pubescens Togaru Leaf decoction given orally for loose motions
Cough: Leaf extract is mixed with honey is given
28 Murraya koenigii Karivepaku
5times.
Fresh leaf juice administered with 2-4 drops of
29 Ocimum tenuiiflorum Tulasi
honey for winter allergy
30 Physalis angulata Budda busara Fruits are consumed to dissolve stones in kidney
Whooping cough: dry fruits are ground and mixed
31 Pongamia pinnata Kanuga with pepper powder 10gr is given once daily with
pepper powder.
Dry leaf powder with coconut oil applied for
32 Premna latifolia Konda manga
dandruff
Stem bark & Fruit: Diarrhoea, Dysentery Cough, Skin
33 Prosopis juliflora Jammi chettu
diseases.
Pterocarpus
34 Yegi Diabetes Aqueous extract of wood given orally.
marsupium
Asthma: Fresh stem sap is sucked daily once till
35 Senegalia pennata
cure.
Leaf is used in the treatment of Skin diseases, Blood
36 Senna tora Thantipumokka
diseases.
Diabetes: root decoction mixed with the root power
37 Sida acuta Medabirusaku
of Asparagus recemosa given orally.
Leaf paste is applied on forehead to cure redness of
38 Syzygium cumini Neredu
eye.
Fruit is used in the treatment of Diarrhoea,
39 Terminalia catappa Tella karaka
diabetes, Dysentery.
Dropsy: Fruits along with those of T. chebula and
40 Terminialia bellirica Tandra Emblica officinalis dried powdered and given orally
with honey,
41 Terminialia chebula Nalla karaka Stem bark paste applied for bone fractures
Cough: Dried stem, dried zinger, black pepper and
42 Tinospora cordifolia Tippateega long pepper are powdered and taken in doses of
two spoon full of honey
43 Tridax procumbens Bellapaku Leaf decoction used for menstrual disorders
Seed and Gum Resin is used in the treatment of
44 Vachellia nilotica Nalla tumma
Ulcer, Skin disease, Diabetes.
45 Wrightia tinctoria Palavareni Bark powder used for blisters
Xanthium Leaf paste with water administered orally for
46 Marulamatangi
strumarium dysentery

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f. Other Economically Important Plant Species


Other than the medicinal purposes, the local people utilise the various plant species for the
purpose of timber, fibre, vegetables, fruit, gums, resins, firewood, etc. A list of 42 plant
species (Table 3.26) has been prepared along with their uses with the consultation of
published literature by Nagi Reddy et. al. (2018) and Basha et. al. (2011).

Table 3.26: Other economically important plant species in the study area
S. No. Family Botanical Name Uses
1 Malvaceae Abutilon indicum Fibre
2 Alangiaceae Alangium salviifolium Timber
3 Fabaceae Albizia amara Timber
4 Fabaceae Albizia lebbeck Timber
5 Amaranthaceae Alternanthera sessilis Vegetable
6 Combretaceae Anogeissus latifolia Gum and Resin
7 Rutaceae Atalantia monophylla Timber
8 Meliaceae Azadirachta indica Timber
9 Arecaceae Borassus flabellifer Fibre
10 Phyllanthaceae Bridelia montana Timber
11 Fabaceae Butea monosperma Dye, Gum and Resin
12 Apocynaceae Calotropis gigantea Fibre
13 Apocynaceae Carissa carandas Edible
14 Apocynaceae Carissa hirsuta Edible
15 Apocynaceae Carissa spinarum Edible
16 Fabaceae Cassia fistula Timber
17 Rutaceae Chloroxylon swietenia Timber
18 Fabaceae Dalbergia sissoo Timber
19 Bignoniaceae Dolichandrone crispa Firewood
20 Moraceae Ficus religiosa Firewood
21 Malvaceae Grewia hirsuta Timber, Fibre
22 Fabaceae Hardwickia binata Timber, Fibre
23 Sterculiaceae Helicteres isora Fibre
24 Anacardiaceae Mangifera indica Edible
25 Moringaceae Moringa oleifera Vegetable
26 Rutaceae Murraya koenigii Vegetable
27 Apocynaceae Nerium oleander Ornamental
28 Oxalidaceae Oxalis corniculata Dye
29 Lamiaceae Premna tomentosa Timber
30 Fabaceae Prosopis juliflora Firewood
31 Fabaceae Pterocarpus santalinus Timber, Dye
32 Fabaceae Senegalia chundra Gum and Resin
33 Myrtaceae Syzygium cumini Edible
34 Combretaceae Terminalia bellirica Timber
35 Combretaceae Terminalia catappa Edible
36 Fabaceae Vachellia nilotica Gum and Resin
37 Verbenaceae Vitex negundo Dye
38 Apocynaceae Wrightia tinctoria Timber, Dye
39 Rhamnaceae Ziziphus jujuba Firewood, Edible
40 Rhamnaceae Ziziphus nummularia Firewood, Edible
41 Rhamnaceae Ziziphus oenoplia Firewood, Edible
42 Rhamnaceae Ziziphus xylopyrus Firewood, Edible

g. Main Agricultural Crops Grown in the Area


According to Agro-Ecological Sub Region (ICAR) classification, the study area falls under
Deccan plateau, hot arid eco sub region (7.1) and according to Agro Climatic Zone (NARP),
it falls in Southern Zone (AP-3). Primarily the economy of the district depends on
agriculture, Paddy is the major crop grown in the district both in Kharif and Rabi season. In

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addition to Paddy the other crop in the district area Groundnut, Coriander, Sunflower,
Cotton, Redgram, Bengalgram etc. As per Agriculture Contingency Plan for District Kadapa,
the district is also rich in horticulture products like Mango, Orange & Batavian, Banana,
Lemon and Papaya are most common fruit crop grown in the area. The most cultivated
vegetable crops are Chillies, Onion, Tomato, etc.

h. Vegetation profile of study area


Forest in the study area mostly comprises of dry deciduous forest, scrub forest and scrub
lands. The tree cover in the study area is mostly covered with mixed dry deciduous and
thorny scrubs. The composition of the tree community is characterized by the dominance
of Senegalia chundra, in association with Ziziphus xylopyrus, Dolichandrone crispa, Albizia
amara, Vachellia nilotica, Prosopis juliflora, Wrightia tinctoria, Anogeissus latifolia,
Chloroxylon swietenia, Atalantia monophylla, Euphorbia antiquorum, Boswellia serrata,
Dichrostachys cinerea, etc.

Under storey consist of the thorny shrub species like Carissa hirsuta, Ziziphus oenoplia,
Catunaregam spinosa and Vachellia horrida. Other shrub species growing in the study area
are Calotropis gigantea, Waltheria indica, Grewia orbiculata, Senna auriculata, Dodonaea
viscosa, Lantana camara, Murraya koenigii, Nerium oleander, Ixora parviflora, etc.

The ground cover in the scrub forest and scrub lands was mostly characterized by degraded
and rocky lands and comprised the grass species like Aristida hystrix, Heteropogon
contortus, Chrysopogon zizanioides, and Eragrostis Unioloides with a few herb species like
Crotalaria Pusilla, Xanthium strumarium, Solanum surattense, Achyranthes aspera,
Phyllanthus niruri, Mesosphaerum suaveolens, Evolvulus alsinoides, Senna tora, Laggera
aurita, Sida cordata, Pulicaria wightiana, Euphorbia prostrata, Alternanthera sessilis,
Oldenlandia affinis, Cyanotis axillaris, etc.

The agricultural fields are mostly represented by the plantation of fruit species like Citrus
sinensis (Orange). Other plant species growing near agricultural fields and settlements are
Azadirachta indica, Mangifera indica, Ziziphus xylopyrus, Senegalia chundra, Vachellia
nilotica, Calotropis gigantea, Lantana camara, Nerium oleander, Murraya koenigii, etc.

a. Community Structure
The description of vegetation structure at different sampling locations is given in the
following paragraphs.

i. TREES
During the sampling, 19 species of trees were recorded from the different sampling sites.
Based on the estimated density of all tree species, Senegalia chundra was found to be the
most dominant tree species in forest area, which was followed by Ziziphus xylopyrus,
Prosopis juliflora, Dolichandrone crispa, Albizia amara, Vachellia nilotica, etc. In the study
area, maximum number of tree species were recorded from site V5 located near existing
Gandikota reservoir with 8 species. The lowest number of tree species was recorded at Site
V6 near Kottapalle Village (4 species) (refer Table 3.27).

Tree Cover in Project Area


Sampling site V1, V2 and V7 are located in and around the proposed project components of
Paidipalem PSP, respectively. The dominant tree species recorded from the proposed
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upper reservoir areas are Senegalia chundra, Ziziphus xylopyrus and Dolichandrone crispa
associated with Prosopis juliflora, Vachellia nilotica, Albizzia amara, Wrightia tinctoria,
Sapindus emarginatus, etc.

Sampling site V2 represents the proposed lower reservoir area of proposed project. The
site is characterized as scrub land comprising Paidipalem balancing reservoir on one side
and hill slopes on the other sides which are occupied with the scrub forest. The dominant
tree species in this site are Senegalia chundra, Ziziphus xylopyrus, Prosopis juliflora,
Azadirachta indica, Bauhinia racemosa, Wrightia tinctoria, etc. (refer Table 3.27).

ii. SHRUBS
The shrub layer in the sampling area were represented by 14 species recorded during the
surveys. The maximum number of shrub species was recorded from Site V3 near
Maddulapaya pond which was represented by 8 species (see Table 3.28). The lowest
number of species was recorded at Site V1 at proposed upper reservoir and site V6 near
Kottapalle Village with 5 species.

Shrubs in the area were mostly distributed in the area with low tree cover, along the
periphery of forest area and on scrub land. Based on the estimated density, Carissa
hirsuta and Ziziphus oenoplia were found to be the most dominant species in the study
area, which was followed by Calotropis gigantea, Catunaregam spinosa, Waltheria indica,
Grewia orbiculata, Senna auriculata and Vachellia horrida.

iii. HERBS
Herbaceous layer was comprised of 28 herb species. The number of species at each
sampling site varies from 7 to 11 species. The maximum number of species occurred at
Site V5 located near existing Gandikota reservoir and Site V3 near Maddupalaya Pond with
11 species each. (Table 3.28). The lowest was recorded in Site V1 at proposed upper
reservoir with 7 species.

In the sampling area grasses were dominant and were represented by the species like
Aristida hystrix, Heteropogon contortus, Chrysopogon zizanioides, Cyperus rotundus,
Cymbopogon flexuosus, Eragrostis Unioloides, Arundinella bengalensis, etc.

Among dicot herb species, Crotalaria Pusilla and Xanthium strumarium were two of the
most dominant herb species in the area. Other common herb species were Solanum
surattense, Achyranthes aspera, Euploca strigosa, Phyllanthus niruri, Mesosphaerum
suaveolens, Evolvulus alsinoides, Cleome chelidonii, Senna tora, Conyza stricta, Laggera
aurita, Chenopodium album, Sida cordata, Pulicaria wightiana, etc.

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Table 3.27: Community Structure –Trees


V1 V2 V3 V4 V5 V6 V7
S. No. Name of Species
F D Ab F D Ab F D Ab F D Ab F D Ab F D Ab F D Ab
1 Albizzia amara 17 17 1.0 -- -- -- 17 33 2.0 25 25 1.0 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
2 Anogeissus latifolia -- -- -- -- -- -- 25 25 1.0 -- -- -- 25 25 1.0 -- -- -- -- -- --
3 Atalantia monophylla -- -- -- -- -- -- 25 25 1.0 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
4 Azadirachta indica -- -- -- 17 17 1.0 -- -- -- 17 25 1.5 -- -- -- 25 25 1.0 -- -- --
5 Bauhinia racemosa -- -- -- 8 8 1.0 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
6 Boswellia serrata -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 17 17 1.0 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
7 Chloroxylon swietenia -- -- -- -- -- -- 17 25 1.5 -- -- -- 17 17 1.0 -- -- -- -- -- --
8 Citrus sinensis -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 8 33 4.0 -- -- --
9 Dolichandrone crispa 33 42 1.3 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 25 42 1.7 -- -- -- 25 25 1.0
10 Euphorbia antiquorum -- -- -- -- -- -- 17 25 1.5 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
11 Dichrostachys cinerea 8 17 2.0 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
12 Gymnosporia montana -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 17 17 1.0 -- -- -- -- -- --
13 Mangifera indica -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 8 8 1.0 -- -- --
14 Prosopis juliflora 17 33 2.0 33 33 1.0 17 25 1.5 25 25 1.0 17 17 1.0 8 8 1.0 25 33 1.3
15 Sapindus emarginatus 8 8 1.0 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 8 8 1.0
16 Vachellia nilotica 17 17 1.0 17 17 1.0 -- -- -- 17 25 1.5 8 17 2.0 -- -- -- 17 17 1.0
17 Senegalia chundra 42 50 1.2 25 58 2.3 25 75 3.0 33 50 1.5 25 58 2.3 50 50 1.0 50 100 2.0
18 Wrightia tinctoria 8 17 2.0 17 17 1.0 -- -- -- -- -- -- 17 25 1.5 -- -- -- 17 17 1.0
19 Ziziphus xylopyrus 42 58 1.4 25 25 1.0 25 33 1.3 50 67 1.3 17 33 2.0 -- -- -- 33 42 1.3
F=Frequency (%)., D=Density (No. of Individuals/ha), Ab. =Abundance

Table 3.28: Community Structure –Shrubs


V1 V2 V3 V4 V5 V6 V7
S. No. Name of Species
F D Ab F D Ab F D Ab F D Ab F D Ab F D Ab F D Ab
1 Calotropis gigantea -- -- -- -- -- -- 17 133 2.0 25 167 1.7 42 267 1.6 58 400 1.7 -- -- --
2 Carissa hirsuta 33 300 2.3 42 300 1.8 50 367 1.8 50 300 1.5 50 367 1.8 -- -- -- 50 367 1.8
3 Catunaregam spinosa 33 167 1.3 33 133 1.0 25 133 1.3 33 167 1.3 33 133 1.0 17 100 1.5 42 200 1.2
4 Dodonaea viscosa -- -- -- -- -- -- 17 167 2.5 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
5 Grewia orbiculata 25 267 2.7 33 133 1.0 -- -- -- 25 100 1.0 -- -- -- -- -- -- 33 300 2.3
6 Ixora parviflora -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 17 67 1.0 -- -- -- -- -- --
7 Lantana camara -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 25 167 1.7 -- -- --
8 Murraya koenigii -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 25 133 1.3 -- -- --
9 Nerium oleander -- -- -- 8 67 2.0 -- -- -- 8 67 2.0 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
10 Opuntia dillenii -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 25 100 1.0 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
11 Senna auriculata -- -- -- 17 133 2.0 33 267 2.0 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
12 Vachellia horrida 17 67 1.0 -- -- -- 17 67 1.0 -- -- -- -- -- -- 25 100 1.0 25 100 1.0

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V1 V2 V3 V4 V5 V6 V7
S. No. Name of Species
F D Ab F D Ab F D Ab F D Ab F D Ab F D Ab F D Ab
13 Waltheria indica 25 200 2.0 -- -- -- 33 133 1.0 -- -- -- 25 200 2.0 -- -- -- -- -- --
14 Ziziphus oenoplia 58 333 1.4 50 300 1.5 50 233 1.2 50 333 1.7 58 300 1.3 -- -- -- 50 233 1.2
F=Frequency (%)., D=Density (No. of Individuals/ha); Ab. =Abundance.

Table 3.29: Community Structure –Herbs


V1 V2 V3 V4 V5 V6 V7
S. No. Name of Species
F D Ab F D Ab F D Ab F D Ab F D Ab F D Ab F D Ab
1 Acalypha indica 25 5833 2.3 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
2 Achyranthes aspera -- -- -- 25 5000 2.0 -- -- -- 42 10000 2.4 -- -- -- 50 11667 2.3 -- -- --
3 Alternanthera sessilis -- -- -- -- -- -- 17 3333 2.0 -- -- -- 17 4167 2.5 -- -- -- -- -- --
4 Anisomeles malabarica -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 17 5000 3.0 -- -- -- -- -- --
5 Blumea bifoliata -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 17 5833 3.5 -- -- --
6 Chenopodium album -- -- -- -- -- -- 25 4167 1.7 33 5000 1.5 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
7 Cleome chelidonii 25 6667 2.7 25 6667 2.7 25 3333 1.3 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 25 5833 2.3
8 Cleome gynandra 42 5000 1.2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 8 2500 3.0 33 4167 1.3
9 Commelina benghalensis -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 17 5000 3.0 -- -- -- -- -- --
10 Conyza stricta 17 3333 2.0 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 17 5000 3.0 17 3333 2.0 -- -- --
11 Crotalaria Pusilla 42 31667 7.6 42 28333 6.8 50 33333 6.7 33 24167 7.3 -- -- -- -- -- -- 50 22500 4.5
12 Cyanotis axillaris -- -- -- -- -- -- 25 6667 2.7 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
13 Datura stramonium -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 33 5000 1.5 -- -- --
14 Emilia sonchifolia -- -- -- 25 5833 2.3 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
15 Euphorbia prostrata -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 25 8333 3.3 -- -- -- -- -- --
16 Euploca strigosa -- -- -- 25 5833 2.3 33 6667 2.0 25 5833 2.3 25 5000 2.0 -- -- -- 17 5000 3.0
17 Evolvulus alsinoides 25 6667 2.7 -- -- -- 33 10833 3.3 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
18 Grangea maderaspatana -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 25 5833 2.3 -- -- -- -- -- --
19 Laggera aurita -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 25 10833 4.3 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
20 Mesosphaerum suaveolens -- -- -- -- -- -- 17 7500 4.5 -- -- -- 25 10833 4.3 -- -- -- -- -- --
21 Oldenlandia affinis -- -- -- -- -- -- 25 6667 2.7 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
22 Phyllanthus niruri -- -- -- 42 9167 2.2 42 13333 3.2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 25 5833 2.3
23 Pulicaria wightiana -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 25 9167 3.7 -- -- -- -- -- --
24 Senna tora -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 25 6667 2.7 -- -- -- 17 9167 5.5 -- -- --
25 Sida cordata -- -- -- 25 4167 1.7 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 33 5000 1.5 25 4167 1.7
26 Solanum surattense 33 17500 5.3 25 6667 2.7 -- -- -- 33 9167 2.8 33 13333 4.0 -- -- -- 42 11667 2.8
27 Tribulus terrestris -- -- -- -- -- -- 17 6667 4.0 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
28 Xanthium strumarium -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 58 16667 2.9 50 26667 5.3 50 15833 3.2 -- -- --
F=Frequency (%), D=Density (No. of Individuals/ha), Ab. =Abundance

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LANDUSE AND VEGETATION COVER IN THE STUDY AREA

PAIDIPALEM BALANCING RESERVOIR

VIEW OF PROPOSED LOWER RESERVOIR & UPPER RESEVOIR NORTH

PROPOSED ALIGNMENT SITE OF PENSTOCK PIPE LINE FROM PAIDIPALEM EAST

PROPOSED UPPER RESERVOIR (EAST)

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PROPOSED UPPER RESERVOIR (NORTH)

PROPOSED ALIGNMENT SITE OF PENSTOCK PIPE LINE FROM PAIDIPALEM NORTH

NEAR POTTIPADU VILLAGE

VIEW OF PROPOSED POWER HOUSE SITE

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SAMPLING FOR FLORA AND FAUNA IN STUDY AREA

Wrightia tinctoria Dolichandrone crispa

Catunaregam spinosa Ziziphus oenoplia

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i. Density and Dominance

I. Density
Density is one of the indicators to assess the dominance of a plant species occurring in an
area. The density of trees, shrubs, and herbs recorded during sampling in the study area are
given in Table 3.30.

The density of tree species varied from 124 trees ha-1 to a maximum of 266 trees ha-1 (refer
Table 3.30) The maximum density of trees in the area was recorded from the sampling site
V3 located near Maddulapaya Pond, followed by sampling site V1 (located at proposed north
upper reservoir) with 259 trees ha-1. Minimum density for the trees was observed from site
V6 near Kottapalle village located on agriculture and scrub land.

Total shrub density in the sampling area varied from minimum 900 plants ha-1 to maximum
1500 plants ha-1. Shrub in the area was mostly observed on the scrub forest and scrub land.
The density of shrub species was found to be maximum at sampling site V3 (located near
Maddulapaya Pond) and minimum was recorded for sampling site V6 near Kottapalle village
located on Agriculture and Scrub land (Table 3.30).

In case of herb species, the density varied from the minimum 58333 plant ha-1 to the highest
102500 plants ha-1. When comparing among the sites, herb density was relatively higher at
site V3, followed by site V5 near existing Gandikota Reservoir (98333 plants ha-1). The lowest
was estimated at site V6 (Table 3.30).

Table 3.30: Density (plants per ha) of Trees


Sampling Sites Tree Shrub Herb
V1 259 1333 76667
V2 175 1067 71667
V3 266 1500 102500
V4 234 1233 88333
V5 251 1333 98333
V6 124 900 58333
V7 242 1200 59167

II. Dominance
The dominance of different species in the study area in terms of the Importance Value Index
(IVI) is given in Table 3.31. A total of 19 species of trees were recorded from the study area.
Among all tree species recorded from the study area, Senegalia chundra and Prosopis
juliflora were the species which were found growing in all the sampling sites.

Based on the estimated IVI values, Senegalia chundra was found to be structurally most
important tree species in forests as well as non-forest areas. In forest area other dominant
species were Ziziphus xylopyrus, Dolichandrone crispa, Prosopis juliflora, Albizia amara and
Anogeissus latifolia. In case of agriculture or scrub land, Senegalia chundra was co-
dominated by Citrus sinensis and Azadirachta indica.

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Table 3.31: IVI of Trees in the Study Area


S. No. Name of Species V1 V2 V3 V4 V5 V6 V7
1 Albizzia amara 20.65 -- 39.06 32.90 -- -- --
2 Anogeissus latifolia -- -- 33.87 -- 33.51 -- --
3 Atalantia monophylla -- -- 32.48 -- -- -- --
4 Azadirachta indica -- 27.07 -- 29.63 -- 61.24 --
5 Bauhinia racemosa -- 18.74 -- -- -- -- --
6 Boswellia serrata -- -- -- 21.72 -- -- --
7 Chloroxylon swietenia -- -- 26.36 -- 21.18 -- --
8 Citrus sinensis -- -- -- -- -- 67.48 --
9 Dolichandrone crispa 53.02 -- -- -- 52.58 -- 38.92
10 Euphorbia antiquorum -- -- 24.41 -- -- -- --
11 Dichrostachys cinerea 15.55 -- -- -- -- -- --
12 Gymnosporia montana -- -- -- -- 19.92 -- --
13 Mangifera indica -- -- -- -- -- 23.55 --
14 Prosopis juliflora 31.35 61.65 27.20 31.94 23.71 20.98 40.48
15 Sapindus emarginatus 11.32 -- -- -- -- -- 12.35
16 Vachellia nilotica 17.90 31.69 -- 27.72 16.50 -- 20.56
17 Senegalia chundra 64.59 83.35 74.04 67.00 73.66 126.75 109.05
18 Wrightia tinctoria 16.05 29.96 -- -- 25.36 -- 24.32
19 Ziziphus xylopyrus 69.57 47.54 44.89 86.39 31.11 -- 54.33

ii. Dispersion/Distribution
A/F Ratio is a measure of the distribution of a species over an area i.e. whether it is
homogeneously distributed or has a clumped distribution. A/F ratio <0.025 indicates regular
distribution, between 0.025 and 0.05 indicates random distribution while >0.05 indicates
clumped or contagious distribution.
From the Table 3.33, It can be seen that Senegalia chundra was the only tree species which
showed a regular distribution (AF ratio<0.025) at site V6 near Kottapalle village which is
described as agriculture and scrub land. On the other hand, tree species has shown mostly
clumped distribution in most of the sampling sites and random distribution at few sites
(Table 3.32).

Table 3.32: A/F ratio of tree species


S. No. Name of Species V1 V2 V3 V4 V5 V6 V7
1 Albizzia amara 0.060 -- 0.120 0.040 -- -- --
2 Anogeissus latifolia -- -- 0.040 -- 0.040 -- --
3 Atalantia monophylla -- -- 0.040 -- -- -- --
4 Azadirachta indica -- 0.060 -- 0.090 -- 0.040 --
5 Bauhinia racemosa -- 0.120 -- -- -- -- --
6 Boswellia serrata -- -- -- 0.060 -- -- --
7 Chloroxylon swietenia -- -- 0.090 -- 0.060 -- --
8 Citrus sinensis -- -- -- -- -- 0.480 --
9 Dolichandrone crispa 0.038 -- -- -- 0.067 -- 0.040
10 Euphorbia antiquorum -- -- 0.090 -- -- -- --
11 Dichrostachys cinerea 0.240 -- -- -- -- -- --
12 Gymnosporia montana -- -- -- -- 0.060 -- --
13 Mangifera indica -- -- -- -- -- 0.120 --
14 Prosopis juliflora 0.120 0.030 0.090 0.040 0.060 0.120 0.053
15 Sapindus emarginatus 0.120 -- -- -- -- -- 0.120
16 Vachellia nilotica 0.060 0.060 -- 0.090 0.240 -- 0.060
17 Senegalia chundra 0.029 0.093 0.120 0.045 0.093 0.020 0.040
18 Wrightia tinctoria 0.240 0.060 -- -- 0.090 -- 0.060
19 Ziziphus xylopyrus 0.034 0.040 0.053 0.027 0.120 -- 0.038

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iii. Species Diversity Index (H’)


To understand species diversity, the Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H') was calculated for
trees, shrubs, and herbs (see Table 3.33).

Among the trees, the species diversity Index was highest at sampling site V5 (2.09) located
near existing Gandikota reservoir. The lowest tree diversity in the sampling area was
estimated for sampling site V6 (1.40) located on agriculture and scrub land (Table 3.33).

Among shrubs, the highest species diversity (1.97) was estimated at site V3 located near
Maddulapaya pond and lowest (1.44) at site V6 located near Kottapalle village (Table 3.33).

The maximum diversity of herb species was estimated from sampling site V5 located near
existing Gandikota reservoir, followed by site V3 (2.12) near Maddulapaya pond. The lowest
diversity (1.64) was estimated at the site V1 at proposed north upper reservoir (Table 3.33).

Table 3.33: Species Diversity Index (H)


Sampling Sites Tree Shrub Herb
V1 2.03 1.70 1.64
V2 1.78 1.67 1.83
V3 1.99 1.97 2.12
V4 1.83 1.80 1.95
V5 2.09 1.68 2.21
V6 1.40 1.44 1.92
V7 1.66 1.53 1.73

iv. Sorenson Similarity Index


Sorenson index of similarity was calculated to estimate the similarities between different
sampling sites sampling area lies under proposed Paidipalem North PSP for all types of plant
forms.

The following table 3.34 indicates that the landuse type in the sampling Site V1, V2 and V3
are deciduous and scrub forest. Whereas the sampling Site V4, V5 and V6 are mostly having
scrub land and scrub forest.

The Sorenson similarity index values estimated for trees showed a very low similarity
between the trees growing in the scrub forests and agriculture & scrub lands. Site V6, which
is represented by agriculture of scrub lands, showed a very low similarities with the sites
representing mostly the forest area. In case of shrubs, a similar pattern has been observed
between scrub forest and agricultural & scrub lands. Herb species showed a relatively lower
similarity between most of sites and landuses as the Sorenson index value was recorded less
than 0.50.
Table 3.34: Sorenson Similarity Index
Sampling Sites Tree Shrub Herbs
(Land use Types) V2 V3 V4 V5 V6 V7 V2 V3 V4 V5 V6 V7 V2 V3 V4 V5 V6 V7
V1 (Scrub Forest) 0.63 0.47 0.63 0.67 0.29 0.88 0.67 0.71 0.62 0.67 0.36 0.91 0.40 0.33 0.27 0.22 0.27 0.57
V2 (Scrub Land) -- 0.40 0.71 0.63 0.50 0.71 -- 0.57 0.62 0.50 0.18 0.73 -- 0.42 0.50 0.21 0.25 0.80
V3 (Scrub Forest) -- -- 0.53 0.59 0.31 0.40 -- -- 0.53 0.71 0.46 0.62 -- -- 0.32 0.27 0.00 0.44
V4 (Scrub Forest/Scrub Land) -- -- -- 0.50 0.50 0.57 -- -- -- 0.62 0.33 0.67 -- -- -- 0.32 0.38 0.4
V5 (Scrub Forest/Scrub Land) -- -- -- -- 0.29 0.75 -- -- -- -- 0.36 0.55 -- -- -- -- 0.21 0.22
V6 (Agriculture/Scrub Land) -- -- -- -- -- 0.33 -- -- -- -- -- 0.40 -- -- -- -- -- 0.27
V7 (Scrub Forest) -- -- -- -- -- 1 -- -- -- -- -- 1 -- -- -- -- -- 1

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3.2.3.3 Faunal Elements


The fauna of the study area has been compiled with the help of direct sighting during field
surveys, supplemented with secondary sources and information provided by local people
during a field survey in the study area. For the preparation of a checklist of fauna in the
study area, the Forest Working Plans of the Kadapa Forest Division was consulted.

a) Mammals
The sighting of mammals in the project area is quite rare. Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) was
the only species sighted near existing Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir. Based on field survey
and information collected from villagers and forest officials, a list of 25 species of mammals
reported from the study area of proposed project was compiled and the same is given in
Table 3.35.

Based on primary data collected during field survey and secondary data, a list of 25 species
of mammals with their conservation status reportedly found in the study area was compiled
and the same is given in Table 3.35.

Table 3.35: List of Mammalian Species Reported in the Study Area


Conservation Status
S.
Family Scientific name Common name IUCN WPA
No.
2022-2 1972
ORDER: CARNIVORA
1 Canidae Cuon alpinus Wild Dog / Dhole EN II
2 Canidae Canis aureus Golden Jackal LC II
3 Canidae Vulpes bengalensis Bengal Fox LC II
4 Felidae Panthera pardus Common Leopard VU I
5 Felidae Felis chaus Jungle cat LC II
6 Herpestidae Herpestes edwardsii Indian Grey mongoose LC II
7 Hyaenidae Hyaena hyaena Striped Hyaena NT II
8 Ursidae Melursus ursinus Sloth bear VU I
9 Viverridae Paradoxurus hermaphroditus Common Palm Civet LC II
ORDER: CETARTIODACTYLA
10 Bovidae Antilope cervicapra Blackbuck LC I
11 Bovidae Boselaphus tragocamelus Nilgai/Blue Bull LC III
12 Bovidae Gazella bennettii Chinkara LC I
13 Bovidae Tetracerus quadricornis Four-horned Antelope VU I
14 Cervidae Axis axis Chital/Spotted Deer LC III
15 Cervidae Rusa unicolor Sambar Deer VU III
16 Suidae Sus scrofa Wild Boar LC III
ORDER: CHIROPTERA
17 Pteropodidae Rousettus leschenaultii Leschenault’s Rousette NT IV
ORDER: LAGOMORPHA
18 Leporidae Lepus nigricollis Indian Hare LC IV
ORDER: PRIMATES
19 Cercopithecidae Macaca radiata Bonnet Macaque VU II
20 Cercopithecidae Macaca mulatta Rhesus monkey LC II
Northern Plains Gray
21 Cercopithecidae Semnopithecus entellus LC II
Langur
ORDER: RODENTIA
22 Sciuridae Ratufa indica Indian Giant Squirrel LC II
23 Sciuridae Funambulus pennantii Five-striped Palm Squirrel LC IV

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Conservation Status
S.
Family Scientific name Common name IUCN WPA
No.
2022-2 1972
24 Hystricidae Hystrix indica Indian Crested Porcupine LC IV
25 Muridae Rattus rattus House Rat LC V
IUCN Ver. 2022-2-International Union for Conservation of Nature; LC-Least Concern; NT-Near Threatened; VU-Vulnerable;
EN-Endangered; WPA 1972 – The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

b) Avifauna
During the field surveys, 24 species of birds belonging to 8 Orders were recorded from the
study area. Birds like Kingfishers, Green Bee-eater, Barn Swallow, White-browed Wagtail,
Indian Robin, Long-tailed Shrike, Purple Sunbird, Cormorants Herons, Egrets, Ducks, etc.
were most frequently sighted bird species in the study area. A list of bird species
composition and their conservation status has been described in Table 3.36.

Table 3.36: List of birds reported from the study area with their conservation status
Conservation
S. Status Residential
Family Common Name Scientific Name
No. IUCN WPA, Status
2022-2 1972
Order: Anseriformes
1 Anatidae Indian Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha LC IV RR
Order: Coraciiformes
2 Alcedinidae Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis LC IV RR
White-throated
3 Alcedinidae Halcyon gularis LC IV RR
Kingfisher
4 Meropidae Asian Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis LC IV RR
Order: Columbiformes IV RR
5 Columbidae Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto LC IV RR
6 Columbidae Laughing Dove Spilopelia senegalensis LC IV RR
7 Columbidae Rock Dove Columba livia LC
Order: Passeriformes
8 Estrildidae Indian Silver bill Euodice malabarica LC IV RR
9 Hirundinidae Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica LC IV WV
10 Laniidae Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach LC IV RR
11 Leiotrichidae Common Babbler Argya caudata LC IV RR
Motacilla
12 Motacillidae White-browed Wagtail LC IV RR
maderaspatensis
13 Muscicapidae Indian Robin Saxicoloides fulicatus LC IV RR
14 Nectariniidae Purple Sunbird Cinnyris asiaticus LC IV RR
15 Ploceidae Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus LC IV RR
16 Pycnonotidae Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer LC IV RR
17 Sturnidae Common Myna Acridotheres tristis LC
Order: Pelecaniformes
18 Ardeidae Little Egret Egretta garzetta LC IV RR
19 Ardeidae Purple Heron Ardea purpurea LC IV RR
Order: Podicipediformes
20 Podicipedidae Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis LC IV RR
Order: Suliformes
21 Phalacrocoracidae Indian Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscicollis LC IV RR
22 Phalacrocoracidae Little Cormorant Microcarbo niger LC
Order: Charadriiformes IV RR
23 Charadriidae Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus LC IV RR
24 Charadriidae Yellow-wattled Lapwing Vanellus malabaricus LC IV RR
IUCN Ver. 2022-2-International Union for Conservation of Nature; LC - Least Concern; RR – Resident; WV – Winter Visitor;
WPA – Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

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c) Herpetofauna
The herpetofauna were sampled on the same transects marked for mammals. The sampling
also carried along riverbanks and the sampling was repeated during night following the time
constrained Visual Encounter Rates (VES) method. A list of herpetofauna reported from
study area is given at Table 3.37. Changeable Agama (Calotes versicolor) and South Indian
Rock Agama (Psammophilus dorsalis) were the only reptile species reported during sampling
from the study area. Indian Bullfrog (Hoplobatrachus tigerinus) was the only amphibian
species sighted near pond during field survey. After consulting from the concerned forest
working plan and local people, a list of 9 species of reptiles and 2 species of amphibians has
been prepared as follows:

Table 3.37: List of Herpetofauna species recorded from the Study Area
Conservation Status
S.
Order Family Common Name Scientific Name IUCN WPA,
No.
2022-2 1972
AMPHIBIANS
1 Anura Dicroglossidae Indian Bullfrog Hoplobatrachus tigerinus LC IV
2 Anura Dicroglossidae Green Pond Frog Euphlyctis hexadactylus LC IV
REPTILES
1 Squamata Agamidae Changeable Lizard Calotes versicolor LC --
South Indian Rock
2 Squamata Agamidae Psammophilus dorsalis LC --
Agama
3 Squamata Boidae Red Sand Boa Eryx johnii NT IV
4 Squamata Colubridae Indian Rat Snake Ptyas mucosa LC II
5 Squamata Elapidae Common krait Bungarus caeruleus LC IV
6 Squamata Elapidae Indian Cobra Naja naja LC II
7 Squamata Pythonidae Indian Rock Python Python molurus NT I
Bengal Monitor
8 Squamata Varanidae Varanus bengalensis NT I
Lizard
9 Squamata Viperidae Russel's Viper Daboia russelii LC II
IUCN Ver. 2022-2-International Union for Conservation of Nature; LC - Least Concern; NT – Near Threatened; WPA –
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

d) Butterflies
The area is rich in the diversity and density of butterflies. During survey Common Tiger
(Danaus genutia) was the most frequently sighted butterfly species in the area. A total of 2
species of butterflies were sighted during the winter season area listed below in Table 3.38.

Table 3.38: Butterflies recorded from Study Area


Conservation Status
S. No. Family Scientific Name Common Name WPA,
IUCN 2022-2
1972
1 Nymphalidae Danaus genutia Common tiger -- --
2 Nymphalidae Neptis hylas Common sailor -- --
3 Nymphalidae Euthalia nais Baronet -- --
4 Nymphalidae Junonia iphita Chocolate Pansy -- --
5 Nymphalidae Euploea core Common Crow LC IV
6 Nymphalidae Phalanta phalantha Lemon pansy LC --
7 Nymphalidae Danaus chrysippus Plain tiger LC --
8 Papilionidae Papilio demoleus Lime Butterfly -- --
9 Pieridae Eurema hecabe Common Grass Yellow LC --
IUCN Ver. 2022-2-International Union for Conservation of Nature; LC - Least Concern; WPA – Wildlife
(Protection) Act, 1972

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e) Conservation Status of Fauna


Different faunal species like mammals and birds were assessed for their conservation status
according to IUCN Red List categories (Ver. 2022-2) accessed in September 2023 and WPA
(1972) Schedules. Different faunal species like mammals and birds were assessed for their
conservation status according to IUCN Red List categories (Ver. 2022-2) accessed in
September 2023 and WPA (1972) Schedules.

Among the mammals, 5 species viz. Common Leopard (Panthera pardus), Sloth Bear
(Melursus ursinus), Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra), Chinkara (Gazella bennettii) and Four-
horned Antelope (Tetracerus quadricornis) are categorised as schedule I species. Wild Dog
(Cuon alpinus), Golden Jackal (Canis aureus), Bengal Fox (Vulpes bengalensis) Jungle Cat
(Felis chaus), Indian Grey Mongoose (Herpestes edwardsii), Striped Hyaena (Hyaena hyaena),
Common Palm Civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus), Bonnet Macaque (Macaca radiata),
Rhesus Monkey (Macaca mulatta), Northern Plain Gray Langur (Semnopithecus entellus) and
Indian Giant Squirrel (Ratufa indica) are listed under schedule II category. Rest of the
mammalian species are listed under schedule II and IV category of WPA, 1972 (refer to Table
3.39).

As per the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, Version 2022-2, Wild Dog is listed under
Endangered (EN) category, Common Leopard, Sloth Bear, Four-horned Antelope, Sambar
Deer and Bonnet Macaque under Vulnerable (VU) category, Striped Hyaena and
Leschenault’s Rousette are listed under Near Threatened (NT) category.

As per the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species version 2022-2, all birds have been listed
under Least Concern (LC) category. As per the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, all species are
listed as Schedule IV category (refer to Table 3.40).

In case of herpetofauna, Python (Python molurus), Bengal Monitor Lizard (Varanus


bengalensis) and Red Sand Boa (Eryx johnii) are listed under Near Threatened (NT) category.
All other species are listed under Least Concern (LC) category as per the IUCN Red List of
Threatened Species version 2022-2 (refer to Table 3.41). As per the WPA, 1972, Python and
Monitor Lizard are categorised as schedule I species, India Rat Snake, Indian Cobra and
Russel’s Viper as schedule II and Indian Bullfrog, Green Pond Frog, Red Sand Boa and
Common Krait are categorised under schedule IV species.

Among the butterflies, all species are either listed under Least Concern (LC) or not evaluated
by IUCN Red List categories (Ver. 2022-2). As per the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, Common
Crow (Euploea core) is categorised as schedule IV species (refer to Table 3.42).

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MAMMAL SPECIES SIGHTED IN STUDY AREA

A Small Herd of Blackbuck spotted near Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir

SOME OF THE BIRD SPECIES SIGHTED DURING THE SURVEYS

Indian Spot-billed Duck Little Grebe Pied Kingfisher

White-throated Kingfisher Green Bee-eater Eurasian Collared Dove

Laughing Dove Rock Dove Indian Silverbill

Barn Swallow Long-tailed Shrike Common Babbler

White-browed Wagtail Indian Robin Purple Sunbird


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Baya Weaver Red-vented Bulbul Common Myna

Little Egret Purple Heron Indian Cormorant

Little Cormorant Red-wattled Lapwing Yello-wattled Lapwing

Herpetofauna recorded in the Study Area

Changeable Lizard South Indian Rock Agama Indian Bullfrog

BUTTERFLY SPECIES SIGHTED DURING THE SURVEYS

Common Tiger Common Sailor

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3.2.3.4 Aquatic Ecology


Fish and Fisheries
Proposed project is Closed Loop Off-stream project. Gandikota Reservoir, constructed on the
Pennar River, feeds the water required for the Paidipalem balancing reservoir. Water from
the fore shores of Gandikota reservoir will be lifted to Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir. The
proposed Pumped Storage project utilises water from the existing Paidipalem Balancing
reservoir. A separate lower reservoir is envisaged towards North of Paidipalem Balancing
Reservoir.

For the documentation of fish fauna in the project area, experimental fishing was carried out
during the field visit. No fish species were landed during experimental fishing from different
Rivers and reservoirs. Data on the fish fauna in the study area was documented through
information collected through public consultation in the study area during field visits and
information available in published research papers and draft CEIA report on Gandikota PSP.
According to this list, 15 species are reported in the study area (Table 3.39).

The nomenclature of fish species is based upon https://www.fishbase.in. According to IUCN


Red List 2022-2, Cirrhinus cirrhosis (Mrigal) and Wallago Catfish (Wallago attu) are listed
under the Vulnerable (VU) category, while the rest of the species are under the Least Concern
(LC) category.

Table 3.39: Fish species reported from the Study Area


S. No. Family/ Zoological Name Vernacular name IUCN Status 2022-2
Bagridae
1 Mystus bleekeri Day's mystus LC
2 Mystus tengara Tengara Catfish LC
Channidae
3 Channa punctatus Spotted Snakehead LC
4 Cirrhinus cirrhosus Mrigal carp VU
5 Channa gachus Dwarf Snakehead LC
Cyprinidae
6 Labeo bata Minor Carp LC
7 Labeo calbasu Karnataka Labeo LC
8 Catla catla Catla LC
9 Cirrhinus mrigala Mrigal LC
10 Puntius stigma Pool Barb LC
11 Labeo rohita Rohu LC
12 Puntius sarana Olive Barb LC
13 Puntius ticto Tecto Barb LC
Gobidae
14 Glossogobius giuris Bareye goby LC
Siluridae
15 Wallago attu Wallago Catfish VU
IUCN Ver. 2022-2-International Union for Conservation of Nature; LC=Least Concern; VU=Vulnerable

3.2.3.5 Protected Areas


No project component falls in any notified protected area. Nearest protected area to the
project components is Rajiv Gandhi National Park, which is at a distance of 35.40 km from.
All the project components are outside the notified ESZs. The location of Rajiv Gandhi
National Park with respect to project components is shown in Figure 3.17.

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Figure 3.17: Map Showing Aerial Distance of Proposed Project from boundary of Rajiv Gandhi National Park

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3.2.3.6 Conclusions
i) The vegetation in the project study area especially in the Forest (Open/scrub forest) and
Scrubland were represented by dry deciduous and thorny vegetation.
ii) As per the land-use classification by NRSC, agriculture land and Scrub land constitute a
major part of the study area accounting for 42.08% and 15.74%, respectively, of the area.
Majority of forest area is comprised of scrub forest which cover 10.95% of the study
area.
iii) According to ‘'A Revised Survey of the Forest Types of India' by Champion and Seth
(1968) the forests in the study area are mainly comprised of Southern Thorn Forest,
Southern dry mixed deciduous forest and Southern Thorn Scrub.
iv) Senegalia chundra, Ziziphus xylopyrus, Dolichandrone crispa, Albizia amara, Vachellia
nilotica, Prosopis juliflora, Wrightia tinctoria, Anogeissus latifolia, Chloroxylon swietenia,
Atalantia monophylla, Euphorbia antiquorum, Boswellia serrata, Dichrostachys cinerea,
etc. are dominant tree species in the deciduous and scrub forest.
v) During survey 90 plant species including 25 species of trees, 17 species of shrubs, and 33
species of herb, 8 species of climbers and 7 species of grasses were recorded from the
area.
vi) As per primary survey and data compiled from secondary literature a list of 229 plant
species has been prepared.
vii) As per Red Data Book of India plants, the observed species does not fall under any
endemic or RET category.
viii) According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (Version 2022-2), 6 plant species
viz. Borassus flabellifer, Cycas beddomei, Pterocarpus santalinus, Tectona grandis,
Syzygium alternifolium and Isonandra villosa are listed under Endangered (EN) category,
Chloroxylon swietenia under Vulnerable (VU) category and Pterocarpus marsupium is
listed under Near Threatened (NT) category.
ix) Mammals are represented by 25 species of which Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra)
Semnopithecus entellus (Common Langur), Macaca mulatta (Rhesus macaque) and
Funambulus pennantii (Five-striped Palm Squirrel) are commonly sighted species.
x) Among the faunal species reported from the area, 5 species viz. Common Leopard
(Panthera pardus), Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus), Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra),
Chinkara (Gazella bennettii) and Four-horned Antelope (Tetracerus quadricornis) are
categorised as schedule I species.
xi) During field survey, 24 species of avifauna belonging to 8 Orders were sighted from the
study area.
xii) None of the avifaunal species is under any category of the IUCN Red List of Threatened
Species version 2022-2. As per the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 all species are listed as
Schedule IV species.
xiii) 11 species of herpetofauna and 9 species of butterflies are recorded from the area
during survey.
xiv) During experimental fishing, No fish species was captured. A total of 15 species are
reported in the study area.
xv) Nearest Protected Area to the Project Components is Rajiv Gandhi National Park, which
is at a distance of around 35.40 km. All the project components are outside the notified
ESZs.

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3.2.4 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT


For sustainable development, it is important to understand social and economic conditions
of the community in the region, impacts of development on the community, measures to
mitigate negative impacts and enhance the positive impacts. Development work depends on
an effective partnership between project developer and the local community. For new
development initiatives, socio economic assessment plays an important role to ensure
community participation and their acceptance of the development activity and also helps in
planning the activities for local area development. This section outlines baseline socio-
economic scenario of the study area villages.

The study of a socio-economic component of the environment is incorporating various facets


viz. demographic structure, availability of basic amenities such as housing, education, health,
and medical services, occupation, water supply, sanitation, communication, and power
supply, and places of tourist attraction and monuments of archaeological importance.

The study area falls under Simhadripuram, Muddanur, and Kondapuram Mandals in Y.S.R
district and Yellanur Mandal in the Anantapur district.

3.2.4.1 District Profile


a. Y.S.R District
District was first formed in early 19th century during the British rule. On 19th August 2005
nomenclature of “Cuddapah” has been changed as “Kadapa” by the Government of A.P. It
was renamed as Y.S.R. District during the year 2010. Y.S.R. District is the extreme south-
eastern district of Andhra Pradesh. The district is bounded on North by Kurnool and
Prakasam Districts, South by Annamayya and Anantapur districts, West by Anantapur District
and East by Nellore and Chittoor Districts.

According to Census 2011, the district includes 3 revenue divisions, 36 mandals, 557 Gram
Panchayats, 726 Revenue villages and 2257 habitations. The Y.S.R district covers an area of
approximately 11,228 square kilometres, with a population density of 225 people per square
kilometre. There are 20, 60,654 people in the district (approximately 5, 06,456 households),
with 10, 37,867 males and 10, 22,787 females. The sex ratio (the number of females per
1000 males) is 985. The district scheduled caste and scheduled tribe populations are 16.39%
and 1.98%, respectively. The total literacy rate in Y.S.R district is 68.33%, with male and
female percentages of 78.76% and 57.85%, respectively. The demographic profile of the
district is given in Table 3.40.

b. Anantapur District
Anantapur district is a part of the Rayalaseema region, which is generally known as a
drought-prone district of Andhra Pradesh. The district is bounded on the north by Kurnool
district, on the east by Y.S.R. district, on the south-east by Chittoor district, and on the
south-west by Karnataka State.

According to Census 2011, there are 949 revenue villages in the Anantapur district, of which
921 are inhabited and the rest are uninhabited. The district headquarters are located in
Anantapur city, and it is administratively divided into 3 revenue divisions, 31 mandals, and

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577 Gram Panchayats. The district covers an area of approximately 19130.00 square
kilometres, with a population density of 213 people per square kilometre. There are
40,81,148 people in the district (approximately 9,64,522 households), with 20,64,495 males
and 20,16,653 females. The sex ratio (the number of females per 1000 males) is 977. The
scheduled caste and scheduled tribe populations are 14.29% and 3.78%, respectively. The
total literacy rate in Anantapur district is 63.57%, with male and female percentages of
73.02% and 53.97%, respectively. (Refer to Table 3.40)

Table 3.40: Demographic Profile of the Study area Districts


Districts Profile
Parameter State
Y.S.R Anantapur
Household 20,927,188 506,456 9,64,522
Population
Male 42,442,146 1,037,867 20,64,495
Female 42,138,631 1,022,787 20,16,653
Total 84,580,777 2,060,654 40,81,148
Density of Population (Persons per sq. Km.) 308 225 213
Scheduled Castes
Male 6,913,047 168,117 2,92,379
Female 6,965,031 169,743 2,90,756
Total 1 3,878,078 337,860 5,83,135
Scheduled Castes (%) 16.41% 16.39% 14.29%
Scheduled Tribes
Male 2,969,362 20,869 78,573
Female 2,948,711 20,125 75,554
Total 5,918,073 40,994 1,54,127
Scheduled Tribes (%) 7% 1.98% 3.78%
No. of females/1000 males 993 985 977
Literacy
Total Literacy Rate (%) 67.02 68.33 63.57
Male 74.88 78.76 73.02
Female 59.15 57.85 53.97
Source: Census of India, 2011

3.2.4.2 Socio-Economic Profile of the Study Area


To study the socio-economic profile of the study area, data has been sourced from the
Census of India, 2011, and Mission Antodaoya 2020. The study area falls under two districts,
i.e., Y.S.R and Anantapur. In the project, a total of 38 villages falls within the study area, of
which 3 villages are un-inhabited. Out of 38 villages, 36 are in Y.S.R district (19 villages of
Kondapuram Mandal, 5 villages of Muddanur Mandal, and 12 villages of Simhadripuram
Mandal), and 2 villages are in Anantapur district (2 villages of Yellanur Mandal). A list of
villages in the study area is given in Figure 3.18 and Tables 3.41. Details related to the
demography of the study area and other amenities have been discussed below.

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Figure 3.18: Study Area Villages

Table 3.41: List of Villages in the Study Area


SI. No District Mandal Village Code Village Name
1 Y.S.R Kondapuram 592803 Neknampeta (Un-Inhabited)
2 Y.S.R Kondapuram 592804 Chowtapalli
3 Y.S.R Kondapuram 592805 Gandaluru
4 Y.S.R Kondapuram 592806 Obannapeta
5 Y.S.R Kondapuram 592807 Kondapuram
6 Y.S.R Kondapuram 592808 Mutchumarri
7 Y.S.R Kondapuram 592810 Regadipally
8 Y.S.R Kondapuram 592814 K.Venkatapuram
9 Y.S.R Kondapuram 592817 Bedaduru
10 Y.S.R Kondapuram 592820 Pottipadu
11 Y.S.R Kondapuram 592821 Venkaiah Kalva
12 Y.S.R Kondapuram 592822 Lingamanenipalle (Un-Inhabited)
13 Y.S.R Kondapuram 592823 Chennamanenipalle
14 Y.S.R Kondapuram 592824 Lavanuru
15 Y.S.R Kondapuram 592825 Donkupalli
16 Y.S.R Kondapuram 592826 S.Timmapuram
17 Y.S.R Kondapuram 592827 Penjuvvi (Un-Inhabited)
18 Y.S.R Kondapuram 592828 Eturu
19 Y.S.R Kondapuram 592829 Anantapuram
20 Y.S.R Muddanur 593159 Kibili Raghavapuram
21 Y.S.R Muddanur 593160 Obulapuram
22 Y.S.R Muddanur 593161 Korrapadu
23 Y.S.R Muddanur 593162 Mangapatnam
24 Y.S.R Muddanur 593163 Denepalle
25 Y.S.R Simhadripuram 593181 Chavvaripalle
26 Y.S.R Simhadripuram 593182 Nandyalampalle

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SI. No District Mandal Village Code Village Name


27 Y.S.R Simhadripuram 593183 Paidipalem
28 Y.S.R Simhadripuram 593184 Devathapuram
29 Y.S.R Simhadripuram 593185 Jangamreddipalle
30 Y.S.R Simhadripuram 593186 Theliki
31 Y.S.R Simhadripuram 593187 Maddulapaya
32 Y.S.R Simhadripuram 593188 Ravulakolanu
33 Y.S.R Simhadripuram 593189 Sunkesula
34 Y.S.R Simhadripuram 593190 Duddekunta
35 Y.S.R Simhadripuram 593191 Kasanur
36 Y.S.R Simhadripuram 593192 Simhadripuram
37 Anantapur Yellanur 595041 Kacharlakunta
38 Anantapur Yellanur 595042 Pathapalle
*Village Code: As per Census of India 2011

a. Demographic Profile of the Study Area


The total population of the study area is 46840, with 23452 (50.06%) males and 23388
(49.93%) females. The number of households is 12076, with an average occupancy of 3–4
persons per household. The child population below 6 years old was found to be 4940, which
is 10.54% of the total population. The sex ratio was found to be 997 females per 1000 males.
Village-wise demographic details are given in Table 3.42.

Table 3.42: Demographic Details in Study Area


Demographic Profile of Study Area
Parameter
Number % to Respective Total
Household 12076
Total Population 46840
Male 23452 50.06
Female 23388 49.93
Population below 6 4940 10.54
Sex Ratio 997
Scheduled Castes (SC) 7897 16.85
Male 3884 49.18
Female 4013 50.81
SC Sex Ratio 1033
Scheduled Tribes 661 1.41
Male 328 49.62
Female 333 50.37
ST Sex Ratio 1015
Literacy
Total Literacy 28964 61.83
Male 16695 57.64
Female 12269 42.35
Literacy Rate 69.12
Male Literacy Rate 80
Female Literacy Rate 58.33
Gender Gap in Literacy Rate 21.67
Source: Census of India, 2011

b. Social Category
There are 7897 scheduled castes in the study area, accounting for 16.85% of the total
population, with 3884 scheduled caste males and 4013 scheduled caste females. There are
661 scheduled tribes in total, accounting for 1.41% of the total population, with 328
scheduled tribe males and 333 scheduled tribe females. (Refer to Table 3.42)

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c. Literacy
There are 28964 literate people in the study area, accounting for 61.83% of the total
population. Of these literates, 16695 (57.64%) are male literates, while 12269 (42.35%) are
female literates. The literacy rate in the villages is 69.12% (above the 6-year-old population),
with males and females having rates of 80% and 58.33%, respectively, creating a gender gap
of 21.67%. (Refer to Table 3.42)

d. Occupational Profile
According to the Census of India 2011, different types of workers may be classified as those
persons who have worked for at least six months or 183 days are treated as main workers;
on the other hand, if a person is categorised as a worker and has participated in any
economic or productive activity for less than six months or 183 days during the last year,
they are treated as marginal workers. Non-workers are those who have not worked any time
at all in the year preceding the enumeration.

The workers coming under the main and marginal workers categories are those involved in
activities such as cultivation, agriculture, livestock, fishing, plantation, manufacturing,
servicing, and repair in the household industry, construction, trade and commerce,
transportation, and other services.

• According to the 2011 census, total population of workers in the study area is 24792
(52.92%)
• Out of the total workers, main and marginal workers were 21611 (87.16%) and 3181
(12.83%), respectively.

Workers' employment pattern: - Main and marginal workers are classified into four
categories: cultivators, agricultural workers, household industry workers, and other workers.
As per the 2011 census, out of a total of 46840 workers in the study, 78.89% of the working
population are engaged in agriculture and allied services, out of which 29.31% are cultivators
and 49.58% are agricultural laborers. Only a small percentage of the population engaged in
household industry (3.49%), and 17.60% of the population engaged in other services, viz.,
trade, commerce, business, transport, government, and private jobs. Details of the main and
marginal working populations in the area are given in Table 3.43.

Table 3.43: Working Population in the Study Area


Particulars Number Respective %
Total Population 46840
Total Workers 24792 52.92
Total Male Workers 14095 56.85
Total Female Workers 10697 43.14
Main Workers 21611 87.16
Male 13247 61.29
Female 8364 38.70
Marginal Worker 3181 12.83
Male 848 26.65
Female 2333 73.34
Cultivators 7269 29.31
Male 4806 66.11
Female 2463 33.88
Agricultural Labours 12293 49.58

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Particulars Number Respective %


Male 5619 45.70
Female 6674 54.29
Household Industrial Workers 866 3.49
Male 423 48.84
Female 443 51.15
Other Workers 4364 17.60
Male 3247 74.40
Female 1117 25.59
Source: Census of India, 2011

e. Basic Amenities and Infrastructure Availability in the Study Area


The basic amenities like education, health, drinking water, electricity, approach road,
transportation, and other facilities available in the study area are given in Table 3.44.

Table 3.44: Basic Amenities and Infrastructure in the Study Area


EDUCATION
Type of Institute No. of Villages
Primary School 29
Middle School 07
Educational Institutions
High School 08
Higher Secondary School 02
College No
HEALTH
Primary Health Sub-centre 05
Primary Health Centre 05
Dispensary No
Family Welfare Centre No
Health Facilities
Maternity & Child Welfare Centre No
Veterinary Hospital 09
Hospital (Allopathic & Others) No
ASHA 35
WATER
Means of Drinking Water No. of Villages
Tap Water 34
Well (Covered/Un-covered) 02
Hand Pump 32
Drinking-Water Tube wells/Borehole 12
Spring No
River/Canal 10
Tank/Pond/lake 05
ELECTRICITY
Power for Domestic Uses 35
Power Supply
Power Supply for Agriculture Uses 35
Power Supply for Commercial Uses 35
ROAD
Village Internal Pucca Road (cc/brick road) 27
Approach Road Gravel (Mud/Kuccha) Road 35
Footpath Road 35
BANKING & FINANCE
Post/Sub post office 19
Commercial Bank & Co-operative Bank 02
Banking Institutions
Agricultural Credit Society 03
Self-Help Groups 35
Source: Mission Antyodaya 2020

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Educational Facilities: As has been observed in Table 3.44, the study area has primary
schools in 29 villages. The middle school is available in 7 villages, namely Kondapuram,
Regadipally, Pottipadu, Jangamreddipalle, Duddekunta, Simhadripuram, and Chawatapalli.
The secondary school is available in 8 villages, namely Kondapuram, Pottipadu, Lavanuru,
Korrapadu, Maddulapaya, Ravulakolanu, Simhadripuram and Chawatapalli, while the senior
secondary school is available in 2 village, namely Kondapuram and Simhadripuram. There
are no colleges available in the study area.

Health/Medical Facilities: As per Mission Antyodaya 2020, in the study area, 5 villages have
primary health centres and 5 villages have primary health sub-centres available. The PHC
centre is located 5–10 km away from most of the villages. For government dispensaries, the
village people travel more than 10 kilometres from the villages. For emergency medical care,
people are dependent on the district and Mandal Hospital, which are more than 10 km from
the villages. The veterinary hospital is situated in 9 villages, and the rest of the village people
travel around 5–10 m from the villages. (Refer to Table 3.44)

Drinking water: Tap water is the major source of drinking water. Apart from this Hand Pump
and Tube Wells /boreholes are also used in most villages in the study area.

Power Supply: Power supply for domestic use and agricultural use are available in all the
villages in the area.

Road Network: In the study, the villages are connected by Gravel roads, paved roads and
footpaths. All the villages have gravel and footpath roads whereas 27 villages are connected
with blacktopped/paved/pucca roads in the study area.

Postal, Banking and Finance Institutions:


• There are 19 Post/Sub-Post offices available in the study area.
• There are two Commercial/Co-Operative bank available in the village.
• There are 3 Agricultural Credit Societies available in the study area.
• All the study area villages have Self-Help Groups (SHG).

3.2.4.3 Sample Survey Villages


A socio-economic survey of some of the nearest villages located in the project area was
carried out on a sample survey basis by interacting with villagers, village representatives,
village Sarpanch, etc. Discussions were carried out to understand the present socio-
economic status of the villages, socio-economic issues in the area needing attention, their
opinion or perception about the proposed project, their expectations from the project, etc.

During the survey, a total of 8 villages were covered. All the surveyed villages fall under the
Kondapuram, Muddanur and Simhadripuram Mandals in the YSR district. The list of surveyed
villages and hamlets is given in Table 3.45 with their respective Mandal.

Table 3.45: List of Surveyed Villages


SI. No Mandal Village Name
District: Y.S.R
1 Lavanuru
Kondapuram
2 Anantapuram

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SI. No Mandal Village Name


3 Kibili Raghavapuram
4 Muddanur Obulapuram
5 Korrapadu
6 Paidipalem
7 Simhadripuram Devathapuram
8 Jangamreddipalle

The survey summary and findings can be summarized as follows.

• Occupation: YSR district is predominantly an agricultural district. Agriculture is the main


occupation in the surveyed villages, and there are a large number of farmers in the area.
Most of the surveyed villages depend on agriculture for their livelihood. Many families in
these villages also work as out-migrant labours.

• Agriculture Production: The major crops grown in the villages within the study area are
paddy, groundnut, sunflower, cotton, blackgram, and betel leaves. Along the project
area, a double cropping pattern is practiced by the local community. The major
horticultural crops are mango, papaya, banana, papaya, and lemon. The vegetable crops
grown in the area are brinjal, onion, ladies' finger, tomato, and other vegetables.

• Livestock: Many families from these villages also work as out-migrant labour. About 50%
of the surveyed village’s families keep cows, goats, sheep, and buffalos. Food, milk, and
meat for household consumption as well as for the market. Buffaloes are being reared in
large numbers for better milk yields and are being supplied to cooperatives and local
consumption.

• Irrigation: In the study area, mostly two types of farming systems are observed, i.e., rain-
fed farming and irrigated farming through tube wells and canals. However, wells and
filter points provide irrigation to the paddy and other crops in the surveyed village and
also in the study area. Though there is a river across the study area, it is the only source
of irrigation in the rainy season since it flows mostly during the rainy days.

• Educational Institute: As per the field survey, primary schools are available in five
surveyed villages, except Devathapuram, Korrapadu, and Kibili Raghavapuram, while
middle schools are available in only one village, namely Jangamreddipalle. The high
school is situated in Lavanuru and Korrapadu villages. In rural areas, students travel
around 5–20 km for high school service. There are no colleges available in the study area,
and they travel more than 10 km to where colleges are available. The colleges are
available in Tadipatri, Jamalamadugu, and Kadapa towns.

• Medical Facilities: There are two primary health centres and one primary health sub-
centre available in the surveyed villages, namely Lavanuru, Anantapuram, and
Korrapadu. Veterinary hospital is situated in Lavanuru and Anantapuram villages. Major
hospitals are situated in Tadipatri, Jamalamadugu, and Kadapa towns, which are 10+ km
away from the surveyed villages.

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• Drinking Water & Sanitation Facilities: The major source of drinking water is
government-supplied tap water, which is stored in the village water tank. The people are
aware of the importance of purified water. The Navaratanlu YSR Jalayagnam drinking
water scheme is being implemented in rural areas. As per the field survey, 90% of the
villages in the study area are connected through tap water. Other sources of drinking
water are hand pumps and tube wells. In the case of sanitation, access to the toilet in the
surveyed area is limited. Sanitation awareness and facilities are poor in the area. The
village people put solid waste on the roadside and unused land, as well as in the water
bodies.

• Banking and Postal Facilities: There are no banking facilities in the surveyed village.
There are 5 post/sub-post offices available in the villages, namely Lavanuru,
Anantapuram, Korrapadu, Devathapuram, and Jagamreddipalle. Self-help groups (SHGs)
are accessible in every village. To avail of the banking facilities (except SHGs), the
villagers have to travel for more than 5km.

• Electricity: About 100% of villages in the study area have access to electricity for
domestic purposes. The electricity is reported to be available throughout the day.

• Fuel Source: In the surveyed villages, it was revealed that lighting electricity is the main
energy source. In the project area, firewood and LPG gas were the main sources of
cooking energy. The firewood is sources, reeds, and sticks from scrub and charcoal.
There were also biogas, LPG gas, and charcoal used by the surveyed villages.

• Culture and Religion: The study area is inhabited by various religious groups like
Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity, each of which has its own festival. In the study area, a
lot of the population is Hindu. Most of the Hindu festivals, including Holi, Diwali, Raksha
Bandhan, Sankranthi, Dushera, etc., are celebrated here with a lot of zeal and passion.
Ramzan and Eid are celebrated at the same pace among the people of the Islamic
community. Many south Indian festivals, including Ugadi and Ursu, are also celebrated
with a lot of keenness. Telugu is the main language of the YSR district and the study area.

3.2.4.4 Transport And Communication Facilities


The proposed site is well connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport to the site area
is Kadapa Airport, which is located at a distance of about 70 km. The nearest railway station
is Mangapatnam, which is 12 km away from the project site. Public bus service is available in
most of the study area villages. Autos and motorcycles are available in the villages. The
nearest national highway, namely Krishnapuram Highway No. NH-67, is situated about 8km
away from the project site. District Road passes through the study area. Pucca Road, Kuccha
Road, footpaths, and other road transportation within the villages.

3.2.4.5 Historical, Religious & Archaeological Sites


There are no significant sites of cultural, historical, or archaeological importance within the
study area that will be impacted by the proposed project. Each village in the study area has
some cultural sites or sites of religious significance, like temples, mosques, graveyards, etc.
There are several religious temples situated in the YSR district. These temples attract

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devotees from across the subdivision, block, district, and even the state of Andhra Pradesh
during festivals such as Siva Ratri, Nava Ratri, Diwali, etc. Some of the key tourist and
religious destinations in the YSR district include Pushapagiri, Ameen Peer Dargha, Gandi-
Anjanya Amm Sidhout Fort, Gandikota Fort, Lonkamal Sanctuary, etc. Gandikota Fort is
situated in the nearby Gandikota Reservoir, which comes under Jammalamudugu Tehsil.

3.2.4.6 Public Perception Of The Project


During the village survey, the villagers were shown their interest in the project and positively
expected that, due to the proposed project, the local people would get employment
opportunities. The village people are concerned that there are low infrastructure facilities
like drainage, sanitation, and medical, so the project authority should develop CSR activities
for medical and sanitation facilities in nearby projects surrounding villages. The village youth
expect to provide an alternative livelihood by providing skill development and
entrepreneurship development as a result of the education gained by new generations and
their attitudinal change towards agriculture. There is an expectation from the public that the
local skilled and unskilled youth should get employment opportunities through the proposed
project.

The proposed pumped storage project will be set up on government barren land and reserve
forest lands. There are no villages at the project site. As a result, the project has no R&R
issues. So the villagers have no objections to the project.

The people are interested in the proposed PSP project. The development of the pump
storage project will solve the power supply problem in the villages and, in addition, provide
job opportunities. The pump storage scheme would give the option of maximising revenue
to the study area and the state. The availability of power supply will attract more industries
to establish their units in the district, and many businesses will come to support the large
number of resident and migrant workers at the project site. The anticipated increase in the
flow of money will create a suitable environment for micro- and small-scale enterprises.

3.2.4.7 Conclusion
The socio-economic study of the study area on behalf of the observed villages gives a clear
picture of its population, average household size, literacy rate, sex ratio, scheduled tribe,
scheduled caste, etc. The proposed project is not going to cause any private land acquisition
in the project area. Moreover, it can be added that the project would help in providing
employment to the population. Most of the people in the study area are engaged in
agriculture, migrant labour, and other private or government jobs, businesses, etc. The
average household has between 3-4 members per household. The overall literacy of the
study area is 61.83%, which is average literacy in the area. In a major part of the study area,
students suffer from a lack of drinking water, a permanent job to run their day-to-day lives,
and basic facilities. The major outcomes specify the following observations and gaps in the
study area: The sanitation, drainage, and medical infrastructure systems are very poor.
Approximately 80% of the study area lacks a Pucca close drainage system. The educational
facilities in the study area were fairly good up to secondary school. Medical facilities in the
study area are limited. The project area is connected to the roads, which are black-topped
(pucca), gravel (kuchcha), and footpaths. No chronic or epidemic disease has been reported

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in the study area except for general cases of cough and fever. Electricity is available in all the
villages. 70% of the study area village has banking and postal facilities available. The
telecommunication facilities are good in the study area.

3.3 BASE MAPS OF ALL ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENTS


Study area of the project covers the project area or the direct impact area within 10 km
radius of the main project components like, Lower Reservoir, Upper Reservoir, Powerhouse,
dumping sites, approach road etc. Base maps based on study area for all environmental
components are prepared and given in respective sections above.

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Chapter ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL


4 IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
4.1 DETAILS OF INVESTIGATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
Assessment of environmental impacts of any development activity is the key component of
EIA process. Environmental impacts are assessed based on understanding of the project
features/activities, environmental setting in the area and interaction of project activities
with environmental components leading to prediction of likely impacts due to development
of project in a particular area/region. The proposed Paidipalem North Pumped Storage
Scheme is a location specific project, therefore, impact assessment is carried out by
establishing site-specific environmental settings through baseline data collection and
defining project components from detailed project information. Baseline environmental
status in the project area is established through field studies in pre-monsoon (summer; April-
June) season and also by referring to various secondary data sources as discussed in the
previous chapter. Project related information is sourced from Project Report (PR) of the
project to carry out the impact assessment for project construction and operation phase.

Anticipated environmental impacts during construction phase consist of activities such as


drilling and blasting, excavation, concreting, dumping of muck generated from various
project activities, transportation of material, material handling and storage, waste
generation from labour colonies, operation of construction machinery/equipment, etc.
Additionally, large-scale labour migration to the area, during the construction period, may
create additional stress on the receiving environment. EIA helps in identification and
quantification of such impacts so that appropriate and adequate mitigation/management
measures can be planned and implemented for mitigation and minimizing such impacts.

Operation phase of pumped storage projects is much cleaner and will have minimum
environmental impacts.

All the likely impacts have been considered for various aspects of environment, including
physico-chemical, ecological and socio-economic aspects. Invariably there are two types of
impacts that occur due to construction and operation of projects viz. permanent which
generally lead to loss of plant species, change of land-use, etc.; which can be
compensated/managed and temporary which can be minimized and mitigated.

Based on the project details and the baseline environmental status, potential impacts as a
result of the construction and operation of the proposed Paidipalem North Pumped Storage
Project have been identified. Wherever possible, the impacts have been quantified and
otherwise, qualitative assessment has been undertaken. Environmental protection
measures can be best enforced through inclusion of relevant clauses in the contract not only
for the main contractors but also for sub-contractors as most of activities are undertaken
through various contractors.

This Chapter deals with the anticipated positive as well as negative impacts during the
construction as well as operation phase of the proposed project.

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4.1.1 Impacts on Air Quality

4.1.1.1 Construction Phase Impacts


The sources and activities that might affect air quality in the project area are vehicular traffic,
dust arising from unpaved village roads and domestic fuel burning. The air environment
around project site is free from any significant pollution source. Therefore, ambient air
quality is quite good in and around the project area.

Increased vehicular movement for transportation of man and material and use of
construction equipment will impact air quality at the construction site through emissions
from the engines and equipment, fugitive emissions due to material handling, etc.
Additionally, construction activities including operation of crushers, concrete batch plants,
construction work and movement of vehicles along unpaved road will generate dust &
gaseous emission and impact air quality. The burning of waste will also affect air quality and
therefore need to be controlled. In absence of proper fuel, construction workers at the
project site may use wood for fuel burning.

4.1.1.2 Pollution due to fuel combustion in various equipment


The operation of various construction equipment requires combustion of fuel. Normally, diesel
is used in such equipment. The major pollutant which gets emitted as a result of combustion of
diesel is SO2. The Particulate Matter emissions are minimal due to low ash content in diesel.
Depending upon the fuel quality and quantity and rating of DG sets and other equipment, it is
important to provide adequate stack height for emission to be dispersed in the atmosphere to
have minimum increase in Ground Level Concentrations (GLCs).

4.1.1.3 Emissions from various crushers and other construction plants


The operation of the crusher and other construction plants during the construction phase
generates dust and fugitive emissions, which can impact plant area and surrounding area as
well, depending on wind direction. Such fugitive emissions comprising mainly of the
Particulate Matter, will be generated. Preventive and protective measures are required to be
implemented by contractors at site to control such emissions and further reduce their
impacts on workers and locals.

4.1.1.4 Fugitive Emissions from material handling and transportation


During construction phase, there will be increased vehicular movement. Lot of construction
material like sand, fine aggregate is stored at various sites, during the project construction
phase. Normally, due to blowing of winds, especially when the environment is dry, some of
the stored material can get entrained in the atmosphere. Although it is very difficult to
eliminate such impact completely, it is possible to reduce its intensity by implementing
mitigation measures discussed in ensuing text.

4.1.1.5 Operation Phase Impacts


In pumped storage projects, air pollution occurs mainly during project construction phase.
During operation phase, no major impacts are envisaged on the air environment.

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4.1.2 Impact on Noise Environment


Sources of noise will be increased vehicular traffic due to project construction on approach
roads and at construction sites. Due to construction activity in the area, noise levels will
increase during the period of construction, however, they will remain limited to the work
area mainly where large-scale construction activity will progress. Other sources of noise and
vibration will be the use of explosives for blasting purposes for construction activities.

4.1.2.1 Construction Phase Impacts


a) Noise due to Construction Equipment
The noise levels due to operation of the different construction equipment are given in Table
4.1.

Table 4.1: Equivalent Noise Levels due to Operation of Construction Equipment


Equipment Noise level dB(A) Equipment Noise level dB(A)
Earth Moving Material Handling
Compactors 70-72 Concrete mixers 75-85
Front loaders 72-82 Movable cranes 82-84
Backhoes 70-92
Tractors 76-90
Scrappers, graders 82-90
Truck 84-90
Others
Vibrators 69-81 Saws 74-81

Noise level of about 80 dB(A) at 1m from the source will reduce significantly with distance
and can be calculated with the following formula at any location:
N2 = N1-20 log10(r2/r1) - Af dBA

Where, N2 = Sound level at any location at a distance r2 from the source


N1 = Sound level at any location at a distance r1 from the source

The decrease in sound level of 80 dB(A) (at 1m from the source) at a distance of 100m from
the source is 40 dB(A) even in the absence of external attenuation factor. Decrease in sound
levels (measured at 1 m from the source) at various distances are given at Table 4.2. In the
absence of details of attenuation factors, they have assumed zero, whereas in actual practice
attenuation factors such as vegetation, barricades, etc. will reduce the sound level
significantly. Noise levels get reduced by 6 dB(A) with every doubling of distance.

Table 4.2: Decrease in Sound Levels with Distance from Source*


Distance from Corresponding
Source (m) Sound levels dB(A)
100 40.0
200 34.0
500 26.0
1000 20.0
1500 16.5
2000 14.0
2500 12.0
3000 10.5
* Source sound is 80 dB(A) at a distance of 1m

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Walls of houses attenuates at least 30 dB(A) of noise. In addition, there is attenuation due
to air absorption, atmospheric in homogeneities, vegetal cover, etc. Thus, no increase in
noise levels is anticipated beyond 100m from source during the project construction phase.
However, it can be a cause of concern from workers working in proximity to machines
generating noise.

b) Noise due to increased vehicular movement


During construction phase, there will be significant increase in vehicular movement for
transportation of construction material. At present, there is no significant vehicular
movement in the area. During construction phase, the increase in vehicular movement is
expected to be at least 5-6 trucks/hour during peak construction period. The impact on noise
level due to increased vehicular movement cannot be quantified as it will depend upon
various factors such as vehicle condition, vehicle speed, road condition, idling time, traffic
condition, etc.

c) Noise Generated due to Blasting


Noise generated by blasting is instantaneous in nature. Noise generated due to blasting is
site specific and depends on type, quantity of explosives, dimension of drill hole, degree of
compaction of explosives in the hole and rock. Noise levels generated due to blasting at
various sites recorded in other projects are given in Table 4.3.

Table 4.3: Noise generated due to blasting


No. of Total charge Maximum Distance Noise level
holes (kg) charge/delay (kg) (m) dB(A)
15 1500 100 250 76-85
17 1700 100 250 76-86
18 1800 100 250 74-85
19 1900 100 400 70-75
20 2000 100 100 76-80

It can be observed from Table 4.3 that noise level due to blasting operations are expected
to be of the order of 75-85 dB(A) at a distance of about 250m; which will be reduced to 35-
45 dB(A) in another 100m. External attenuation factor will reduce it further. As the blasting
is likely to last for 4 to 5 seconds depending on the charge, noise levels over this time would
be instantaneous and short in duration. Considering attenuation due to various sources,
even the instantaneous increase in noise level is not expected to be significant especially
during day time. Hence, noise level due to blasting is not expected to cause any significant
adverse impact.

e) Impacts due to Ground Vibrations


The explosive energy generated during blasting sets up a seismic wave within the surface,
which may affect the structures and cause discomfort to human population. When an
explosive charge is fired in a hole, stress waves traverse in various directions, causing the rock
particles to oscillate. Blasting also generates ground vibrations and instantaneous noise.
Various measures have been recommended to minimize the adverse impacts due to blasting:
• Proper design of blast hole to be developed.
• Use of noiseless trunk delays to minimize the noise due to air blast.
• Use of non-electric system of blasting for true bottom-hole initiation.
• Use of muffling mats to arrest the dust and fly rock.

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Noise in and around the construction site may affect the wildlife and residents in the nearby
areas. Wildlife in the area will likely move away from the noise and eventually return to the
area when the blasting is over. However, there is no major wildlife observed in and around
the construction site and hence this may not be a significant issue.

f) Impacts on Labour
The effect of high noise levels on the operating personnel has to be considered as this may be
particularly harmful. It is known that continuous exposures to high noise levels above 90 dB(A)
affects the hearing ability of the workers/operators and hence, should be avoided. To prevent
these effects, it has been recommended by Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) that the exposure period of affected persons be limited as in Table 4.4.

Table 4.4: Maximum Exposure Periods Specified by OSHA


Maximum equivalent Unprotected exposure period per
continuous noise level dB(A) day for 8 hrs/day and 5 days/week
90 8
95 4
100 2
110 ½
120 ¼

4.1.2.2 Operation Phase Impacts


No major impacts are envisaged on noise environment during project operation phase.

4.1.3 Water Environment


Various sources of water pollution in the project area during the construction phase include
disposal of effluents with high turbidity from crushers commissioned at various sites, sewage
disposal from labour camp, blasting and other land clearing activities, washing of oil, grease
and other chemicals from diesel generator sets, vehicles and other machinery etc.

4.1.3.1 Impacts of water pollution


Water pollution is harmful and is considered to be a serious health hazard. It has far-reaching
consequences and effects on human beings and animals also. The effect can be felt not only
in the surface water bodies but also the ground water source in the area. The impact may be
of temporary or permanent nature. The major impacts of water pollution are given as under:

• The civil and hydro-mechanical work at site will lead to stockpiling and excavation activity
on site, thereby exposing the base soil to erosion. The runoff from this site and also from
muck disposal sites may contain high quantity of Suspended Solids which shall add to the
inorganic load of water bodies and drainages in the area. However, the impact of runoff
may not be very significant except during rainy season.
• During construction phase, waste water, sewage etc. shall be generated from the labour
camp and workshops. If disposed untreated, this would substantially deteriorate the
surface and ground water quality in the area.
• The oil and grease released from the project related activities may also change the
physico-chemical characteristics of water.

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4.1.3.2 Construction Phase Impacts


The major sources of water pollution during project construction phase are as follows:
• Sewage from Construction work camps/colonies
• Effluent from Construction Plants and Workshops
• Disposal of muck

Sewage from Construction worker Camps


As project is planned to complete in 42 Calendar months (excluding pre-construction
activities), at the time of peak construction work in the project, around 1000 persons may
be engaged. Out of 1000 nos. the majority of about 70% working population will be from the
surrounding villages and from Andhra Pradesh state and balance 30% workers will be from
other area. All the local persons will come from their homes only. Only the migrated
manpower will stay at site camp. Then after commissioning of the project, about 200 persons
will be required for operations, which might be from local areas or migrated from another
area. The construction phase, also leads to mushrooming of various allied activities to meet
the demand of immigrant construction workers in the project area. Additionally drivers and
labour associated with transportation of material will also stay in the area on temporary
basis.

The domestic water requirement for the construction workers and the technical staff
migrating into the project area is of the order of 100 cum/day @ 100 lpcd. Adding other
requirement from fluctuating population, it can go up to 125 cum/day. With 80% of this
quantum to be generated as wastewater, the quantity of 100 cum/day is considered
significant and require planned disposal otherwise it will lead to water pollution, resulting in
increase in coliforms and other pathogens, which can lead to incidence of water borne
diseases. Therefore, project authorities would be taking appropriate measures to check such
disposal into the natural water bodies. In order to avoid any deterioration in water quality
due to disposal of untreated wastewater from labour camps, appropriate sewage treatment
facilities will be commissioned in the labour camps and only treated wastewater will be
discharged following “General Discharge Standards”.

Effluent from Construction Plants and Workshops


As discussed earlier, construction plants viz. aggregate processing and concrete mixing and
workshops will be established. Water is used in these construction plants and wastewater
generated with high suspended solids. Similarly from workshops, major pollutant will be oil
and grease. Discharge of untreated wastewater will adversely affect the surface and ground
water quality. To minimize the impact, such effluent needs to be treated in-situ before
discharge to any water body or for land application.

Disposal of Muck
The major impact on the water quality arises when the muck is disposed along the water
bodies and natural drainage system. The unsorted waste going into the channels/ water bodies
will greatly contribute to the turbidity of water continuously for long time periods. The high
turbidity is known to reduce the photosynthetic efficiency of primary producers in the water
bodies and as a result, the biological productivity will be greatly reduced. Therefore, the
prolonged turbid conditions would have negative impact on the water quality. Therefore,

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muck disposal has to be done in line with the Muck Disposal Plan, as given in Environment
Management Plan (Chapter 10) to avoid any negative impact.

4.1.3.3 Operation Phase Impacts


One time filling of the reservoir will be done by sourcing water Paidipalem balancing
reservoir has been constructed under Gandikota Lift Irrigation Scheme which has a gross
storage capacity of 6.00 TMC (170 MCM); thereafter water will remain in-circulation and only
evaporation losses will be compensated by intermittent additional filling.

The proposed pumped storage project has envisaged new lower and upper reservoirs with a
gross storage capacity of 0.93 TMC and 0.41 TMC respectively. One time filling of the
reservoir will be done by sourcing water Paidipalem balancing reservoir has been
constructed under Gandikota Lift Irrigation Scheme which has a gross storage capacity of
6.00 TMC (170 MCM); thereafter water will remain in-circulation and only evaporation losses
will be compensated by intermittent additional filling. There are no ongoing or proposed
irrigation or water supply schemes at present from Paidipalem balancing reservoir.
Therefore, no impact during operation is proposed project envisaged either on other
projects or on natural water bodies in the area.

During the operation phase, due to absence of any large-scale construction activity, the
cause and source of water pollution will be much different. Since only a small number of
O&M staff will reside in the area in a well-designed colony with sewage treatment plant and
other infrastructural facilities, the problems of water pollution due to disposal of sewage are
not anticipated. The treated sewage will be reused for gardening and green belt around the
colony.

4.1.4 Land Environment


Construction Phase Impacts
For the development of Paidipalem North PSP, land would be acquired for construction of
project components, reservoir area, muck dumping, construction camps and colony, etc.
Based on the project layout, land requirement has been worked out as 288.18 ha. Out of
which, 159.84 ha of land is Forest land and 128.34 ha is Revenue land.

4.1.4.1 Impact due to change in land-use


Major impact of land acquisition is permanent change of land use, which is unavoidable.
Land acquisition has impacts on local population by way of loss of their agriculture land and
hence livelihood. Land acquisition also lead to loss of flora and fauna by way of loss of forest
land and clearing of vegetation on acquired land. These impacts can be mitigated to a large
extent by providing adequate compensation to private landowners and by compensatory
afforestation in lieu of loss of forest land.

4.1.4.2 Impacts Due to Muck Generation


The total quantity of muck generated from soil and rock excavation (after considering
swelling factor 0.8) is about 50,93,050.00 cum. About 31,57,660.0 cum of excavated muck
are expected to be utilized for Rockfill and aggregate for construction. It is proposed to
dispose off the remaining quantity i.e. 19,35,390.00 cum at a pre-identified muck disposal

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site. The site will be fully rehabilitated and restored on completion of muck dumping. Muck,
if not securely transported and dumped at pre-designated site, can have serious
environmental impacts, such as:
• Can be washed away into the natural water bodies which can cause negative impacts on
surface and ground water quality.
• In many of the sites, muck is stacked without adequate stabilisation measures. In such a
scenario, the muck moves along with runoff and creates soil erosion like situations.
• Normally muck disposal is done at low lying areas, which get filled up due to stacking of
muck. This can sometimes affect the natural drainage pattern of the area leading to
accumulation of water or partial flooding of some area which can provide ideal breeding
habitat for mosquitoes.

Muck disposal needs to be carefully planned else it becomes a major impact from
construction of project. Such a plan is prepared and included in the Environment
Management Plan (Chapter 10).

4.1.4.3 Impacts Due to Waste Generation


The construction of the proposed Pumped Storage Project will involve different categories
of manpower like labour, technical, other officials and service providers. Most of these
technical and non- technical workers will be temporary and will leave the region as soon as
the construction phase of the project is over, which is estimated as 42 Calendar months
(excluding pre-construction activities). Some of the workers will be accompanied by their
families. The total migrant population of workers and their families has been estimated as
1000 persons during peak construction time. These people will be living in temporary and
permanent colonies/ settlements. The main sources of waste generation can be categorized
as:
• Municipal waste (includes commercial and residential wastes generated in either solid
or semi-solid form excluding industrial hazardous wastes and bio-medical wastes)
• Construction and demolition debris (C&D waste)
• Bio-medical waste
• Hazardous waste (generated from construction machinery and equipment)
• e-Waste (computer parts, Printer cartridges, electronic parts, etc.,).

Solid waste generated from temporary and permanent colonies in construction as well as
operation phase requires special management to dispose off, as warranted under the Solid
Wastes Management Rules (SWM) 2016. For that an efficient waste management system
will be required to be put in place to keep the environment of the region clean and healthy.

These colonies and temporary settlements will also require adequate water supply for
drinking and cleaning.

The project authorities will ensure sewage generated from labour colonies and site office is
treated and disposed as per the SPCB guidelines. It’s proposed to provide adequate septic
tanks with soak pits for treatment and disposal of sewage.

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4.1.4.4 Impacts Due to Road Construction


It has been assessed that about 17.24 km length of new road is required to be constructed to
access the various components of the proposed project. The total land required for the
construction of the new road is about 12.46 ha. The major impacts likely to accrue as a result
of construction of the roads are:
• Loss of forest and vegetation cover by cutting of trees/ shrub
• Geological disturbance due to blasting, excavation, etc.
• Soil erosion as the slope cutting operation disturbs the natural slope.
• Interruption of drainage and change in drainage pattern.
• Disturbance of water resources with blasting and discriminate disposal of fuel and
lubricants from road construction machinery
• Siltation of water channels/ reservoirs from excavated debris
• Effects on flora and fauna
• Air pollution due to dust from debris, road construction machinery, etc.
• Noise generation due to construction activities.

4.1.5 Impacts on Forests and Forest Land


About 159.84 ha of forest land will be diverted for the construction of the project
components. This shall lead to loss of some of the plant species used for various economic
purposes. This impact is partially mitigated by implementation of Compensatory
Afforestation Plan as well as Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife Management Plan.

4.1.6 Flora and Fauna

4.1.6.1 Construction Phase


Impact on Terrestrial Flora
The direct impact of construction activity is generally limited in the vicinity of the
construction sites only. As mentioned earlier, a large population (1000) including technical
staff, workers and other group of people are likely to congregate in the area during peak
project construction phase. It can be assumed that the technical staff will be of higher
economic status and will live in a more urbanized habitat, and will not use wood as fuel, if
adequate alternate sources of fuel are provided. However, workers and other population
groups residing in the area may use fuel wood, if no alternate fuel is provided. Hence, to
minimize such impacts, it is proposed to provide alternate fuel for cooking e.g. LPG/ kerosene
to the construction workers. The other alternative is to provide community kitchens on a
cooperative basis by the contractor. The details of the same have been covered in
Environmental Management Plan.

Other major impact on the flora in and around the project area would be due to increased
level of human interferences. The forest area in the Kadapa and Proddatur Forest Divisions is
well known for Pterocarpus santalinus, with the common names Red Sanders. The Red
Sander is endemic to eastern ghat and listed as Endangered by IUCN. The species is widely
distributed over forest area of Chittoor, Annamayya, YSR (Kadapa), Kurnool and Nellore
districts in Andhra Pradesh.

There is huge demand for its heart wood for furniture also used for making the musical
instrument. The felling and trading of Red Sander is illegal in India. The acquisition of forest
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land for no-forestry work will leads to the loss of habitat of Pterocarpus santalinus. However,
the proposed project area comprised of Scrub land and Scrub Forest. Pterocarpus santalinus
is not found in the area.

In addition to Pterocarpus santalinus, Tectona grandis, Cycas beddomei, Syzygium


alternifolium and Isonandra villosa, Chloroxylon swietenia are the tree species reported from
the forest area in the vicinity of project are under listed as RET species by IUCN ver. 2022-2.

The loss of vegetation cover and increase of anthropogenic pressure have impact on
regeneration of RET species. The workers may cut trees to meet their requirements for
construction of houses, furniture and space heating. Normally in such situations, lot of
indiscriminate use or wastage of wood is also observed, especially in remote or inaccessible
areas. Thus, it is necessary to provide training and awareness; and implement adequate
surveillance to mitigate the adverse impacts on terrestrial flora during project construction
phase.

Impact on Terrestrial Fauna


a) Disturbance to Wildlife
Forest cover in the vicinity of proposed project working sites and their immediate vicinity is
comprised of deciduous and scrub forest with agriculture as next pre-dominant land use
type. As discussed in earlier section that the proposed project required about 159.84 ha of
forest land. Although, all the proposed components of Paidipalem North PSP are well outside
the notified Eco-sensitive zone of the protected area. However, the forest in the study area
provides habitat for wildlife. A total of 25 species mammals are reported from the study area
and 24 avifaunal species are sighted during survey. Also 11 species of herpetofauna including
9 species of reptiles and 2 species of amphibians are reported from the area. Among the
reported faunal species, Common Leopard (Panthera pardus), Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus),
Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra), Chinkara (Gazella bennettii) and Four-horned Antelope
(Tetracerus quadricornis), Python (Python molurus), Bengal Monitor Lizard (Varanus
bengalensis) are listed as Schedule I in IWPA, 1972.

During the construction period, large number of machinery and construction workers shall
be mobilized, which may create disturbance to wildlife population in the vicinity of project
area. The operation of various equipment will generate significant noise; noise and vibration
will also increase during blasting which will have adverse impact on fauna of the area. The
noise may scare the fauna and force them to migrate to other areas. Likewise siting of
construction plants, workshops, stores, labour camps etc. could also lead to adverse impact
on fauna of the area. During the construction phase, accessibility to area will lead to influx
of workers and the people associated with the allied activities from outside will also increase.
Increase in human interference will have an impact on terrestrial ecosystem.

Impact of blasting needs to be mitigated by adopting controlled blasting and strict


surveillance regime and the same is proposed to be used in the project. This will reduce the
noise level and vibrations due to blasting to a great extent.

Therefore, adequate measures will be required during the construction phase not to cause
any adverse impact on terrestrial and avifaunal population. Impact of blasting and other

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construction activities needs to be mitigated by adopting controlled blasting and strict


surveillance regime and the same is proposed to be used in the project. This will reduce the
noise level and vibrations due to blasting to a great extent. To minimize the impact of wildlife
habitat around the project area, Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife Management Plan,
including conservation Plan of Schedule-I species has been proposed in Environmental
Management Plan.

4.1.6.2 Operation Phase Impacts


On completion of the construction of the project, the land used for construction activities
will be restored. Construction workers who have resided in that area will move to another
project site. By ensuring all the mitigation and management measures, as planned for this
project, are implemented to minimize the impact of construction phase, large part of the
area will go back to its original form. Operation phase impacts on flora and fauna will be
positive due to green belt development, restoration of construction areas, restoration of
muck disposal area. Increase of greenery in the area and creation of reservoir, will have
positive impact on avifauna.

4.1.7 Impacts on Socio-economic Environment


A project of this magnitude is likely to entail both positive as well as negative impacts on the
socio-cultural fabric of area.

a) Positive Impacts on Socio-Economic Environment


The following positive impacts are anticipated on the socio-economic environment of the
local people of villages of project area during the project construction and operation phases:
i) A number of marginal activities and jobs would be available to the locals during the
construction phase.
ii) Developer bringing large scale investment to the area will also invest in local area
development and benefit will be reaped by locals. Education, medical, transportation,
road network and other infrastructure will improve.
iii) The availability of alternative resources provided by developer in the rural areas will
reduce the dependence of the locals on natural resources such as forest.

b) Negative Impacts on Socio-Economic Environment


Such projects, in addition, to positive impact on socio-economic environment may also bring
certain negative impact due to influx of outside population. Workforce will reside in that
area for around four and a half years and also there will be influx of drivers and other workers
on temporary basis. This influx of people in otherwise isolated area may lead to various social
and cultural conflicts during the construction stage. Developers need to take help of local
leaders, Panchayat and NGOs to ensure minimum impact on this count.

Villagers in the area also depend on forest for fuelwood and fodder from the forest area.
Scrub forest in the area also used as grazing land for livestock. Loss of forest and grazing land
have impact on social environment of the area. Loss of natural habitat will also lead to human
wildlife conflict by means of damage of agriculture crops, fruit orchards and loss of
livestock’s. These impacts can be mitigated by implementing interventions proposed under
biodiversity conservation and wildlife management plan along with green belt development
plan and awareness programmes.

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c) Increased incidence of Diseases


Large scale activity in the area due to the proposed project may become a cause of spread
different types of diseases in the project area due to following reasons:
• Project requires long-term input of labour from outside the area.
• Project requires that significant numbers of project employees be separated from their
families for long periods of time.
• Project involves the creation of large, temporary construction camp(s).
• Increases mobility of people in and out of the area (job seekers, formal and informal
service providers).
• Requires participation /resettlement of the local population.

4.2 MEASURES FOR MINIMIZING/OFFSETTING ADVERSE IMPACTS


Pollution generation mainly during construction phase will be in the form of air, water and
noise pollution, which will be mitigated by adopting various mitigation measures during
construction activities as discussed in later section under the head, “Mitigation Measures”.

Impacts of projects such as muck generation, worker’s health and safety, waste generation
from labour colonies, impact on workers’ health, impact of tree cutting for fuel, impact on
physical environment due to material handling and operation of construction machinery,
etc. will be minimized by implementing various management plans. Environmental
Management Plans viz. Compensatory Afforestation Plan, Green Belt Development Plan,
Landscaping & Restoration Plan, Muck Management Plan, Dam Break Modeling & Disaster
Management Plan, Public Health Delivery Plan, Sanitation and Solid Waste Management
Plan, Energy Conservation Measures and Biodiversity Management & Wildlife Conservation
Plan have been prepared to address these specific impacts with a view to minimize adverse
impacts. Detailed Management Plans are discussed in Chapter 10.

4.3 IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL


COMPONENTS
The proposed Scheme will involve construction of rockfill embankment for creation of Upper
& Lower reservoirs of 11.63 MCM & 26.38 MCM gross capacity respectively. Intake structure
and trash rack for 5 numbers of independent penstocks of 4.6m dia. with 957.0 m length
above ground steel lined penstocks and steel lined penstocks tunnel having a length of 500.0
will be taking off from Upper reservoir. An open pit Powerhouse having an installation of 5
nos. Reversible Francis turbine (5 x 200 MW) operating under a rated net head of 221.26 m
in generating mode and 235.83 m in pumping mode.

Irreversible environment components or resources are those, whose use limit the future use
options and Irretrievable components are those whose use eliminate the future use options.
Typically, in the context of infrastructure project, Irreversible and Irretrievable commitments
of environmental components are due to use of non-renewable resources in project
construction and operation.

During the construction stage of the project, raw material will be consumed as resources,
which are in abundant supply. No impact is identified on any of the flora or fauna species
which will make them extinct by the project. Land required for the project will undergo
permanent change of land use. Forest land will be compensated by compensatory
afforestation and private land will be compensated as per the law. No displacement of
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population is involved. During the project operation, water will be the main raw material for
power generation. For establishment of 1000 MW Pumped Storage project, the Project
envisages one-time initial requirement of water for filling of both the Upper and Lower
Reservoirs and will be utilized for power generation by recirculation and Evaporation losses,
if any will be recouped periodically from Paidipalem balancing reservoir. Therefore, project
does not have any significant irreversible and irretrievable impacts on environmental
components.

4.4 ASSESSMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACTS


Impacts, as discussed above, along with the mitigation measures have been summarized in
the form of matrix and subjected to categorization in the form of magnitude, significance
and duration of impact. Categorization is largely judgement based as assessed by experts
who were involved in carrying out the study. Impact assessment matrix is given at Table 4.5.

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Table 4.5: Impact Assessment Matrix

S. Environmental Nature of Magnitude of impacts Significance Long Term/Short Term


Potential impacts Phase
No. attribute impact Low Medium High Significant Insignificant Permanent Temporary
A. Physical Resources
Change in the surface features
and present aesthetics due to Before
Land use and Direct/Local/
1. the construction of the project construction X X X
Topography irreversible
phase
Muck disposal
B. Environmental Resources
Project will have impact on air
quality during the construction
period due to increase in the
During
dust emission, fuel combustion Direct/Local/
1. Air Quality construction X X X
in various equipment, crushers reversible
activity
and other construction plants
& Emissions from material
handling and transportation
Noise due to general
construction activities and Direct/Local/ During
2. Noise construction X X X
equipment, increased vehicular reversible activity
traffic, blasting etc.
Waste from construction labor
camps, effluent from
Surface and construction plants and During
Direct/Local/
3. Ground Water workshops construction X X X
reversible
quality activity
Runoff from the construction
site and its disposal
During
Domestic wastewater from Direct/Local/
construction X X X
construction sites reversible
and operation

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S. Environmental Nature of Magnitude of impacts Significance Long Term/Short Term


Potential impacts Phase
No. attribute impact Low Medium High Significant Insignificant Permanent Temporary
Soil erosion due to excavation,
muck generation, construction During and
activities and clearing of Direct/Local/ after the
4. Soils X X X
vegetation and access roads. reversible construction
activity
Muck disposal
C. Ecological Resources
During
Direct/Local/
1. Terrestrial Flora Loss of vegetation construction X X X
irreversible
phase
During
Terrestrial Disturbance to the local fauna Direct/Local/
2. construction X X X
Fauna during construction reversible
phase

During
Disturbance to the aquatic Direct/Local/
3. Aquatic Ecology construction X X X
fauna after construction reversible
phase
D. Human Environment
During
Increased incidence of Diseases Direct/Local / construction
X X
Continuous and operation
Health and Phase
1.
Safety During
Fires, Explosion and other Construction
Direct/Local X X X
accidents at construction sites and Operation
Phase
Impact envisaged as there is Direct/Local/ Before the
2. Agriculture X X X
private land involved reversible construction
Positive and negative impacts
on socio-economic Direct/region During
3. Socio-economics X X X
environment Job opportunities al/Continuous operational
during construction phase. phase

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S. Environmental Nature of Magnitude of impacts Significance Long Term/Short Term


Potential impacts Phase
No. attribute impact Low Medium High Significant Insignificant Permanent Temporary
Impact envisaged as there is
Private land Direct/Local/ Before the
4. private land involved without X X X
acquisition reversible construction
displacement

Historical and No archaeological, historical or


Direct/Local/
5. archaeological cultural important sites are X X X
reversible
sites affected by the construction.

Traffic congestion due to During


Traffic and Direct/Local/ construction
6. movement of construction X X X
Transportation reversible phase
vehicles
During
construction
Solid Waste Probability of Surface and Indirect/Local and operation
7. X X X
Generation ground water pollution / reversible phase

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4.5 MITIGATION MEASURES


Mitigation of construction-related impacts would be the responsibility of the project
proponent (through its contractors). Air and water are two major environmental factors that
are directly affected by any kind of construction activity. Transportation of material, storage
and handling of material and construction operations lead to air and noise pollution. During
construction period generation and release of effluents from construction site, workshops,
sewage disposal from labour camp, blasting and other land clearing activities, washing of oil,
grease and other chemical from diesel generator sets, vehicles and other machinery etc.
cause water pollution and affect the quality of surface as well ground water.

The major air pollutants, which could be generally, released during various construction
activities and vehicular movements are Particulate Matter (PM), SOx and NOX. In addition to
these construction activities also generate noise due to the use of heavy machinery, heavy
vehicles, blasting, etc. which has serious impacts on humans as well as the wildlife of the
area.

4.5.1 Air Pollution


The various sources causing air pollution during the construction phase are as follows.

• Particulate Matter (PM): Various activities such as blasting, crushing, transportation of


material in open trucks, open dumping in muck disposal sites, vehicle movements,
operation of Diesel Generator Sets, etc.

• Oxides of Sulphur (SOx): SOx concentration is released into the air from vehicular
exhaust, Diesel Generator Sets, coal burning chulhas etc.

• Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx): Motor vehicles and fuel burning are generally responsible for
the release of oxides of nitrogen into the ambient air.

4.5.1.1 Impacts of Air Pollution


The various impacts of air pollution associated with Particulate Matter (PM), SOx and NOx are
as under:

• Impacts of PM: High quantities of PM in the ambient air can cause emphysema, bronchial
asthma and eye-irritation which in some cases can also result in cancer. PM containing lead
particles (emitted from automobiles) is considered responsible for anemia as it affects
hemoglobin formation. Lead is also a proven carcinogen. Dust coating on leaves of plants
reduces photosynthesis and reduces plant growth.

• Impacts of SOx: The oxides of Sulphur causes irritation of mucous membranes of the
respiratory tract. Higher concentration may cause bronchitis. Plants are particularly
sensitive to high concentrations of SO2 and suffer from chlorosis, metabolic inhibition,
plasmolysis and even death.

• Impacts of NOx: Oxides of nitrogen can combine with hemoglobin to reduce the oxygen
carrying capacity of the blood. This can cause irritation of alveoli of the lungs and high
concentrations may even cause acute bronchitis.

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4.5.1.2 Control of Air Pollution


For the control of air pollution during construction phase of the project, it is suggested that
it should be made mandatory for the contractor/s engaged in the construction works to
ensure the following conditions:

• The crushers should be provided with air pollution control devices as per the rules laid
down by pollution control board, so as to minimize the release of PM into the atmosphere.
• The chimneys of the Diesel Generator Sets should be kept at appreciable height (as per
the CPCB guidelines). The DG sets should be properly maintained and with valid
certificates of Type Approval and also valid certificates of Conformity of Production.
• Regular water sprays at the crushing sites, dumping sites as well as on roads should be
ensured. Necessary clause shall be incorporated in the contractor’s agreement.
• Masks should be provided to the workers and staff.
• Proper ventilation facilities shall be provided inside the tunnel and at all the residential
complexes of the staff and labour.
• Ambient Air quality shall be monitored seasonally during the construction phase at
different locations with the help of NABL accredited lab.
• Controlled blasting during construction activities will be ensured.

4.5.2 Noise Pollution


Various sources of noise pollution in the project area during the construction phase include
vehicular movement, operation of heavy machinery, blasting, crushing, aggregate processing
plants, diesel generator sets, etc.

4.5.2.1 Impacts of Noise Pollution


Noise is generally harmful and is considered to be a serious health hazard. It has far-reaching
consequences and has many physical, physiological as well as psychological effects on
human beings and animals. Continuous exposure to noise may result in temporary or
permanent shifting of the hearing threshold depending upon the level and duration of
exposure. The immediate and acute effect of noise causes impairment of hearing (total
deafness). The major impacts of noise pollution are given as under:

• It causes headache and increased heart beat.


• It causes anxiety, eye-strain, memory loss and muscular strain.
• It also causes fatigue, loss of sleep and emotional disturbance.
• In case of wild animals, the noise pollution has been observed to interfere with their
breeding efficiencies.

4.5.2.2 Control of Noise Pollution


Since continuous exposure to noise is detrimental to health, it is essential to control the noise
pollution. Various measures for control of noise pollution in the project area are suggested
below:

• Diesel Generator sets should have acoustic enclosures to reduce the noise as per the
CPCB guidelines.
• Ear protection aids such as ear plugs, earmuffs, must be provided to the workers who
have to continuously work in the high noise area.

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• Proper and regular maintenance/lubrication of machines should be done.


• Noise producing still machines (such as crushers, aggregate processing plants, etc.)
should be provided with sound barriers, if close to habitation.
• Quieter machines and vehicles with high quality silencers should be used.
• Afforestation around the residential colonies and office complexes should be done as
proposed under the Green Belt Development Plan.
• Ambient noise should be monitored periodically at different locations as outlined in
Environment Monitoring Program.

4.5.3 Water Pollution


Various sources of water pollution in the project area during the construction phase include
disposal of effluents with high turbidity from crushers commissioned at various sites, sewage
disposal from labour camp, blasting and other land clearing activities, washing of oil, grease
and other chemicals from diesel generator sets, vehicles and other machinery etc.

4.5.3.1 Impacts of water pollution


Water pollution is harmful and is considered to be a serious health hazard. It has far-reaching
consequences and effects on human beings and animals also. The effect can be felt not only
in the surface water bodies but also the ground water source in the area. The affect may be
of temporary or permanent nature. The major impacts of water pollution are given as under:

• The construction of civil and allied structures could lead to stockpiling and excavation
activity on site, thereby exposing the base soil to erosion. The runoff from this site and
also from muck disposal sites may contain high quantity of Suspended Solids which shall
add to the inorganic load of water bodies and drainages in the area. However, the impact
of runoff may not be very significant except during rainy season.
• During construction phase, wastewater, sewage etc. shall be generated from the labour
camp and workshops. If disposed untreated, this would substantially deteriorate the
surface and ground water quality in the area.
• The oil and grease released from the project related activities may also change the
physico-chemical characteristics of water.

4.5.3.2 Control of water pollution


To avoid deterioration of water quality of the receiving water body following measures are
suggested.

• During Construction phase provision of portal STP/septic tank/ soak pit etc. of adequate
capacity for labour camp so that it can function properly for the entire duration of
construction phase
• Construction of settling tank to settle the suspended impurities from various sources
i.e. HMP/ crushers, labour camps, etc. before discharging into the main stream
• During Operation, Commission of suitable treatment facilities to treat the sewage
generated from the colony
• Provision of sedimentation cum grease traps at the outer mouth of drains located along
workshops, fuel filling stations, diesel generator rooms etc. so as to prevent entry of
contaminants to the water bodies.
• Oil interceptors shall be provided for refueling areas, vehicle parking, washing areas etc.

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All spills and collected petroleum products will be disposed off in accordance with SPCB
guidelines.

A lump sum budget of Rs. 12.0 lakh per annum for construction period of 4 years has been
proposed for the mitigation measures for control of air, noise and water pollution during
project construction phase.

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Chapter
5 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES
5.1 ALTERNATIVE STUDIES AND SELECTION OF FINAL LAYOUT
5.1.1 Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir
The existing Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir located at Paidipalem village in YSR district,
has been constructed under Gandikota Lift Irrigation Scheme Stage – I with a storage
capacity of 6.00 TMC. Water is pumped from the foreshore of the Gandikota reservoir to
meet the irrigation requirement of the Simhadripuram, Thondur Mandals on the upstream
side of the Gandikota Reservoir. The salient features of the Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir
are tabulated below. The Lower Reservoir proposed for the project draws water from
the Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir including replenishment of water required annually.

Table 5.1: Salient features of the Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir


Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir
Latitude N 14.705429°
Longitude E 78.189913°
Self-Catchment 20.00 Sq Km
TBL 285.00 M
MWL 281.60 M
FRL 281.00 M
MDDL 243.50 M
Length of the Bund 3.668 Km
Side Slopes (U/s & D/s) 2.5: 1
Capacity 6.00 TMC
Top Width 6.00 M
Maximum Height 42.52 M
Maximum Base Width 200.00 M
No of Sluices 3

5.2 SELECTION OF LAYOUT


5.2.1 General
Pumped Storage Projects (PSP) are classified into two types based on the source of water.
• Open-Loop PSP – Continuously connected to naturally flowing water.
• Closed-loop PSP – Not connected to the naturally flowing water.
In a closed-loop system, both upper and lower reservoirs will have little or no natural
catchment basin. The upper reservoir is filled using the water from the lower reservoir. The
water source from the nearby source will help in initial water storage and replenish water
losses. It is preferred to construct this type of project considering its fewer environmental
impacts. The proposed Paidipalem North 1000 MW project comes under closed-loop
category as the project will have separate upper and lower reservoirs which draws water
from existing balancing reservoir.

The upper reservoir is proposed on the abutting hills of the lower reservoir to gain maximum
head. The upper reservoir area is a plateau with a gentle slope towards the north. Since, there
is only one option for upper reservoir location, its capacity has been optimized based on the
safety and cost of the upper reservoir.

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5.3 TECHNO-COMMERCIAL ASPECTS


To design a techno-commercially viable pumped storage project following key parameters
were considered.

a) Water Availability: It is important to have the required water for the PSP and additional
water required for replenishing the lower reservoir to achieve the PLF considered
throughout the life of the project. The project scheme has got sufficient water.
b) Head: Higher head makes the project economical. The availability of a higher design head
will result in a lesser requirement of water. The smaller capacity of the upper reservoir
brings down the construction cost drastically. The proposed scheme has got good head
of water.
c) Existing Lower Reservoir: PSP connected to the existing lower reservoir reduces overall
project cost and construction time. However, a separate lower reservoir is envisaged
for the present scheme to reduce the TRC length as well as to avoid dependency on the
existing balancing reservoir. There is no cost impact due to construction of separate lower
reservoir.
d) L/H Ratio: Another critical parameter for project viability is its L/H ratio. PSP with L/H
less than 10 is considered as most economical. The proposed scheme has about 6.68.
e) Installed Capacity & Operating Hours: Higher capacity with more operating hours will
result in an economical PSP. The proposed capacity of the scheme is 1000MW with
operating hours as 5 hr: 54 min
f) Transmission Network: Availability of transmission networks in the vicinity of the project
will reduce the cost considerably. It is important to have power at a lower cost for
pumping and peak power demand for generation.
g) Availability of Construction Material: For constructing an earthen embankment for
the upper and lower reservoirs, the availability of material with minimum lead and
lifts will reduce the cost of the upper reservoir. Sand will be obtained from Chitravathi
and Penna Rivers. Coarse aggregate will be obtained from excavated rock boulders.
h) Geological Features: It is important to conduct detailed studies as the geological
features have an impact on the construction of underground pump house. As the entire
project runs on the surface other than small lengths of penstocks and draft tube
portions, the geological features have less impact on the project.

The proposed PSP at Paidipalem North meets all the above-mentioned aspects for setting
up a techno-commercially feasible project. Water will be drawn from the existing Paidipalem
Balancing Reservoir. Available head of +247.82 M, which is on the higher side, resulted in a
1000 MW project with 5 hr: 54 min of generating hours, availability of material and 400KV
transmission network making the proposed Paidipalem North PSP a techno-commercial
feasibility project.

5.3.1 Alternative Studies For Upper Reservoir


The upper reservoir location is an isolated ridge abutting the Paidipalem balancing reservoir,
with flat terrain on top of the ridge, there is no scope for an alternate upper reservoir location.
However, the upper reservoir has been optimized based on the safety & economical
perspectives. The optimization table for upper reservoir capacity is given in Table 5.2 below.

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Table 5.2: Upper Reservoir Optimization Table


Upper reservoir FRL of Upper Maximum bottom
Live storage of Maximum height
optimization Reservoir (UR) width of the bund
UR (MCM) of the Bund (m)
options (m) (m)
Option 1 535 8.29 22.84 90.53
Option 2 540 10.43 27.84 117.53
Option 3 545 12.45 32.84 132.53

As seen from the below figure, the contours are dropping suddenly 10 to 15 m at the edges.
To maintain the minimum safe distance from the edges and to avoid sliding of ridge slopes, a
minimum distance of 40 m from the outer bottom edge is maintained. Hence, it is decided to
consider Option II.

Figure 5.1: Paidipalem North – Upper Reservoir

Figure 5.2: Location Map of Upper Reservoir

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5.3.2 General Layout of Upper & Lower Reservoirs


The topographical map of the proposed Paidipalem North 1000 MW project area including
upper and lower reservoirs is exhibited as Figure 5.3. The location of upper reservoir is
abutting the Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir with maximum elevation of 535.00 M above
MSL.

Five independent penstocks were proposed up to the tail race pool. The HRT from the upper
intake is a circular type underground tunnel, with 5.8 m diameter concrete lining for a length
of 50 m. There onwards, 5.8 m concrete tunnel has been transits to 4.2 m diameter steel
lined penstock upto a length of 270 m. From that, the steel pipes of diameter 4.2 m, 32 to 36
mm thick are laid along the hill slope, mounted on RCC pedestals upto a length of 1040 m.
At the foot of the hill water is conveyed through tunnels up to the powerhouse. An open pit
type powerhouse and above the ground transformer yard has been envisaged for the
project. A common Tailrace pool and channel are laid up to the MDDL of the lower reservoir.

The lower reservoir requires about 565 acres of land out of which 85 acres in Kondapuram
RF and the remaining 480 acres in Revenue lands. The upper reservoir, penstocks and the
approach road to the upper reservoir from the foot of the hills are in Kondapuram reserved
forest. Remaining required for the project are in Govt / Assigned lands.

5.3.3 Alternate Alignments for Water Conduit System


Initially it was proposed to consider the existing Paidipalem Balancing reservoir as a lower
reservoir for the project. Though the capacity of the balancing reservoir can suffice the water
requirement for the proposed PSP, there may be future allocation of water for irrigation and
drinking water purposes. Hence a separate lower reservoir is considered for the project.
Three alternate layouts were considered with the new lower reservoir. The comparison of
various parameters for the alternate options are shown in Table 5.3. Option-II has been
finalised for the proposed Paidipalem North 1000 MW Pumped Storage Project.

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Table 5.3: Comparison of Alternate Layout Options for Proposed Paidipalem PSP – North 1000 MW
S. No Description Option-I Option-II - FINAL Option-III
1 FRL at Upper Reservoir for PSP 540 540 540
FRL at Lower Reservoir for PSP 310 310 310
2 MDDL at Upper Reservoir for PSP 518 518 518
MDDL at Lower Reservoir for PSP 270 270 270
Lower Reservoir for PSP New Reservoir New Reservoir New Reservoir
3 L/H 5.1 6.67 7
Elevation of Turbine Centre line at
4 232 232 232
entrance of Powerhouse
5 Elevation at Draft tube 228 228 228
6 Head Race Tunnel (HRT) Circular Circular Circular
Type Concrete Concrete Concrete
Length 50 50 245 m
Dimensions inner 5.8 m 5.8 m 9m
No. of HRTs 5 5 2
Above Ground & Partial Above Ground & Partial
7 Pressure Shaft Under Ground Tunnels
Tunnelling Tunnelling
a) At NSL
Diameter 4.2 m 4.2 m - -
Length 560 1100 - -
Steel Pipe, 36 mm thick, mounted Steel Pipe, 36 mm thick, mounted
Type -
on concrete Pedestal on concrete Pedestal
No. of Pressure Shaft 5 5 - -
b) Tunnel
Diameter 4.2 m 4.2 m 6.5 m 4.5 m
Length 590 m 500 m 510 m 300
Type Steel Steel Steel Steel
No of Tunnels 5 5 2 4
8 Tail Race Pool Open Cut-Pool Open Cut-Pool Tail Race Tunnel
Length 150 m 150 m 1490 m
No. 1 1 2
Width at Starting Point 104 m 104 m Diameter – 9 m

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S. No Description Option-I Option-II - FINAL Option-III
Width at Ending Point 15 m 15 m -
9 Tail Race Channel Open Cut Channel Open Cut Channel Tail Race Channel
Length-01 1600 m 1275 m 820 m
Width 15 m 15 m 12 m
No. 1 1 2
Length-02 300 m 300 m -
Width 15 m expanded to 125 m 15m expanded to 125m -
No. 1 1 -
10 Powerhouse Open pit excavation Open pit excavation Underground
11 Surge Tank No No Yes, Provided
This option is not preferred as Considered this option, as the This option is not preferred
the powerhouse is located in powerhouse is located outside as the tunnelling length is
12 Remarks Reserve Forest Area. The length forest area and cost of water high and the cost &
of the TRC is high resulting in conduit system is less compared to execution time of the project
higher cost. other two options. is more compared to others.

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Based on the above merits, Option-II has been finalised for the proposed Paidipalem 1000
MW. Pumped Storage Project. Alternate Layout drawings are exhibited as Figure 5.3. The
merits and demerits of the alternate options are tabulated below:

• The water conduit system (WCS) and Powerhouse are proposed above the
ground.
• Separate lower reservoir is considered for the project.
• L/H ratio is 5.1.
• The total length of the tail race channel to be excavated is 1900 m.
• The Powerhouse is located in the Forest area. The approval for getting the Forest
Option I land will take time. As there is a possibility of shifting the powerhouse, with the
same depth of excavation, into revenue lands. This will allow the construction of
the powerhouse early at least by 12 months. Hence the construction time can be
saved by avoiding this option.
• Apart from this, the length of the tail race channel is more by about 325 m
compared to option II.
• Hence, the option I is not considered.
• The water conduit system (WCS) and Powerhouse are proposed above the
ground.
• Separate lower reservoir is considered for the project.
• L/H ratio is 6.68.
• Powerhouse is an open pit type located outside the forest area. The entire land is
located in a revenue area. Land for the same can be obtained within 3 months.
Option II This will allow the start of construction early at least by 12 months.
• Surface penstocks will reduce the construction time and tunnel expenditure can
be avoided.
• The total length of the tail race channel to be excavated is 1575 m and is 325m
less than the option-I
• Considering the above, the layout option II with “project above the ground” is
considered.

• The Layout is completely Underground. The Tail Race Works are partly
underground and partly open channel.
• Separate lower reservoir is considered for the project.
• The L / H ratio is 7.
Option III • The length of the tail race tunnel & channel is 2310 m. Out of this 2310 m, 1490
m is a tunnel, and the remaining length is an open channel.
• L/H ratio is more compared to others.
• Construction time and cost of construction will be more for tunnels.
• Hence, Option III is not considered.

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Figure 5.3: Alternative Layout

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Chapter ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING


6 PROGRAM
6.1 TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF MONITORING THE EFFECTIVIENESS OF MITIGATION
MEASURES
Environmental monitoring provides feedback about the actual environmental impacts of a
project after implementation of mitigation and management measures. Monitoring results
help judge the success of mitigation measures in protecting the environment. They are also
used to ensure compliance with environmental standards and to facilitate any needed
project design or operational changes. The monitoring program will indicate where changes
to procedures or operations are required, in order to reduce impacts on the environment
or local population.

Monitoring shall be performed during all stages of the project (namely: construction and
operation) to ensure that the impacts are no greater than predicted, and to verify the
impact predictions. The monitoring program will indicate where changes to procedures or
operations are required, in order to reduce impacts on the environment or local
population. The monitoring program for the proposed project will be undertaken to meet
the following objectives:
• To monitor the environmental conditions of the project area and nearby habitation, if
any;
• To check on whether mitigation and benefit enhancement measures have actually been
adopted and are proving effective in practice;

To provide information on the actual nature and extent of key impacts and the
effectiveness of mitigation and benefit enhancement measures which, through a feedback
mechanism, can improve the planning and execution of future, similar projects.

The monitoring will be carried out by an NABL accredited laboratory for a period of 42
Calendar months (excluding pre-construction activities) during the project construction
phase or extended if the project construction period gets extended. For estimating the
budget of monitoring, 4.0 years period has been taken. First set of monitoring will start
just before the start of construction work. Monitoring locations/frequency will be adjusted,
as required, to meet the environment clearance conditions as mentioned in the EC letter to
be issued by MoEF&CC. On completion of project construction, a fresh budget will be
prepared, and monitoring will continue as per environment monitoring requirement set
out by MoEF&CC/Pollution Control Board.

6.1.1 Water Quality


Construction Phase
The water quality (surface and ground) monitoring should be carried out in seasonal
intervals i.e. three times in a year for 4 year of construction period. 9 samples will be taken-
4 for surface water samples (Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir, Pond in Maddulapaya village,
Timmapuram reservoir and Chitravathi river near Penjuvvi Village) and 5 ground water
samples (borewells/ handpumps) from project surrounding villages keeping in view the

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project impact area. Budget proposed is worked based on Rs. 8000.00 per sample i.e. Rs.
2,16,000 per year.

Operation phase
Based on the result of analysis of ground and surface water samples during construction
period, operation phase monitoring can continue at same location for another year and
then the locations can be changed or reduced as required.

6.1.2 Air Quality


Construction Phase
The ambient air quality monitoring is proposed at 6 locations to be done for the following
three seasons per year during construction period, taken as 4 year;
• Winter
• Pre - monsoon
• Post – monsoon

The frequency of monitoring shall be twice a week for four consecutive weeks at each
station for each season. The parameters to be monitored are PM10, PM2.5, Sulphur dioxide
(SO2) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx). Every year, 144 ambient air quality samples will be taken
(6 stations x 2 days/week x 4 weeks x 3 seasons). A total cost of Rs. 17.28 lakh/year has
been earmarked for this purpose @ Rs. 12,000.00 per sample for monitoring as well as
analysis.

Operation Phase
Same schedule, as followed during construction phase, should be continued for operation
phase as well and budget can be extended.

6.1.3 Noise
Construction Phase
Noise emissions from vehicular movement, operation of various construction equipment
will be recorded during construction phase at major construction sites. The frequency of
monitoring will be once in 3 months. For monitoring of sound levels, three Integrating
Sound Level Meter will be purchased for which an amount of Rs. 2.00 lakh has been
earmarked as capital cost.

Operation Phase
Same schedule, as followed during construction phase, should be continued for operation
phase as well and budget can be extended.

6.1.4 Ecological Monitoring


To assess the impact of mitigation measures suggested in Environmental Management Plan
Biodiversity & Wildlife Management and Conservation, Green Belt Development Plan,
Landscaping and Restoration Plan, etc. on floral composition and faunal habitat, periodic/
seasonal monitoring of survival rate of species planted as suggested under Biodiversity &
Wildlife Management and Conservation, Green Belt Development Plan, Landscaping and
Restoration Plan, etc. has been proposed.

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In addition, status of bioengineering and engineering structures to control soil erosion and
increase the vegetation cover as proposed in Environmental management Plan will also
monitored under this plan. To monitor the status of plantation and engineering measures
will be start from 2nd year of construction phase.

For this an amount of Rs. 15.00 lakh per year for three years has been earmarked. Under
this programme, the survival rate and recruitment of the seedlings planted in the plots
taken up afforestation programme would be monitored through annual sampling. Not only
the survival and recruitment percentage but their height and other growth parameters
would also be monitored on annual basis.

6.1.5 Financial Requirement


A sum of Rs. 138.76 lakh have been allocated to implement various activities and
programmes envisaged under EMP, the details are given in Table 6.1.

Table 6.1: Cost Estimates for Environmental Monitoring Programme


S. Units Price/ Unit Cost
Activities
No. (Samples x Season x Year) (Rs) (Rs. lakh)
Water quality- surface and
1 9x3x4.0 8000.00 8.64
ground water
2 Air quality (48x3) x4.0 12000.00 69.12
3 Noise Lumpsum - 4.00
Ecological Monitoring (status of
bioengineering and engineering Rs. 15 lakh per year for 3.0
4 - 45.0
measures implemented as year
proposed in EMP).
Documentation & Reporting- Six Rs. 3 lakh per year for 4.0
5 - 12.0
monthly reporting year
TOTAL (1-5) 138.76

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Chapter
7 ADDITIONAL STUDIES
As per the scope of work issued by MoEF&CC, and Generic Structure of EIA Document as
per Appendix III of EIA Notification, following are covered under the Additional Studies:

a) R&R Plan – This section covers the process of land procurement of private land and
R&R Provisions to the affected families. In case of proposed Paidipalem North Pumped
Storage Project, no private land is required for the construction of various components
of proposed Project. Hence, requirement of preparation of Resettlement &
Rehabilitation Plan is not envisaged in the present case.

b) Local Area Development Plan (LADP) – It deals with the provisions being made by
project proponent to benefit the local population. This Plan will help improve quality of
life of local population in project surrounding areas. The budget proposed will form part
of Environment Management Plan.

c) Public Consultation – On completion of draft EIA report and its executive summary in
English and vernacular language (Telugu), reports will be submitted to Regional Office,
Andhra Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (APPCB), Kadapa to initiate the process
of Environmental Public Hearing (PH). On completion of Public Consultation process
and issue of report by Andhra Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (APPCB), major
issues raised during Public Consultation process and response will be covered in this
section.

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Section
Chapter
REHABILITATION
REHABILITATION AND RESETTLEMENT
& RESETTLEMENT PLAN
7.1
7.1

7.1.1 Introduction
The project is located close to Paidipalem Village in the Simhadripuram Mandal of YSR
District in Andhra Pradesh. The project site is easily accessible by NH67 (Bellary to
Krishnapatnam Port). The land requirement of proposed PSP has been meticulously
planned to minimize the impacts. No private land is required for the construction of various
components of proposed project. The total land requirement for Paidipalem North Pumped
Storage Project works out to approximately 288.18 ha and 1.0 ha for temporary works. Out
of 288.18 ha, 159.84 ha is forest land and 128.34 ha land is under administrative control of
Revenue department of District YSR.

7.1.2 Resettlement & Rehabilitation Plan


No private land will be acquired for the proposed project; therefore, no family is affected
due to the acquisition of land for the proposed project. Hence, requirement of preparation
of Resettlement & Rehabilitation Plan is not envisaged in the present case.

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Section
7.2 LOCAL AREA DEVELOPMENT FUND
7.2.1 INTRODUCTION
Keeping in view one of the additional conditions stipulated with ToR accorded by Expert
Appraisal Committee (EAC), referring MoEF&CC OM dated 30.09.2020, provision has been
made to contribute financial assistance for Local Area Development Fund (LADF) under
Local Area Development Plan (LADP). The activities proposed under the Local Area
Development Plan (LADP) will be refined after Public Consultation/ Public Hearing meeting.
Activities to be implemented will be discussed with the District Administration and finalized
by the Multidisciplinary Committee.

7.2.2 AFFECTED AREA FOR LADP ACTIVITY


Proposed Paidipalem North PSP is located close to Paidipalem Village in the Simhadripuram
Mandal of YSR (Kadapa) District in Andhra Pradesh. The villages in the influence zone of
the proposed project which comes under Simhadripuram Mandal. The villages in the
influence zone and in the surrounding of proposed project will be direct beneficiaries for
the Local Area Development schemes. Further based on the need the local area
development activity will also be extended to the Project tehsils and the Project District
appropriately.

7.2.3 FOCUS AREAS FOR LADP


Based on the local consultations in project affected villages, the focus areas covering many
important components of the sustainable development such as social, economic,
livelihoods and environment are identified and set of development activities proposed
under each focus area for the benefit of the local people under the Project. The Table 7.1
below presents the broad thrust area and the nature of activity considered as part of the
LAD Plan.

Table 7.1: Focus Area and Nature of Local Area Development Activity
Focus Area Nature of Activity
• Need based infrastructure support for existing Schools
• Support for basic amenities in existing Schools
• Support for teaching and learning materials
Education
• Support for improving quality of education
• Support for meritorious students
• Support for general and specialized health camps
• Support to existing health facility
• Support through mobile health care services
Health Care • Support for emergency health care services
• Awareness on Health and Hygiene
• Support for Irrigation facilities
• Conduct awareness and training on modern agriculture methods
Animal Husbandry & • Promote natural farming/ organic farming
Irrigation Facilities • Conduct Veterinary Camps for livestock
• Construction of a Veterinary Clinic
• Construction of drinking water ponds for Livestock
• Support for strengthening existing roads
• Support for existing transportation services

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Focus Area Nature of Activity
Infrastructure Development • Support for Drinking Water facilities
• Support in garbage collection/disposal
• Support for Street Lighting facilities
• Support for Community Toilet facilities
• Skill Training of local youth for Job skills
Skill Development and
• Support for Vocational Training in market trades
Training
• Support for capacity building of local Teachers
• Support to un-employed youth for small enterprises
• Support to local youth for self-employment
Livelihood Enhancement
• Support to local women for household enterprises
• Support to local artisans
• Support for training and capacity building of local women
• Plantation along all approach roads/open spaces/ waste lands
Environment • Plantation in available village level institutions (schools, religious
places, offices etc)
• Support the local schools with play material and equipment
• Support for local Anganwadi Centers with play equipment
Sports • Support for developing play grounds
• Support the local sports events
• Support the performing local sports persons
• Support for Community Infrastructure
• Promoting local culture and traditions
Common Interest Activity
• Support for protection of local art forms
• Support for protection of local heritage

7.2.4 LADP BUDGET


The provisional budget allocated for implementing the various local area development
acitivities and programs envisaged under above focus areas under LADP in area around the
project is Rs. 5.0 Crore. List of activities under Local Area Development Plan will be prepared
based on the concerns raised and discussion during public hearing and in consultation
process with the local competent authorities.

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Chapter
8 PROJECT BENEFITS
Overall Project Benefits
Power sector is a critical infrastructure element required for the smooth functioning of the
economy of the Nation. An efficient, resilient and financially healthy power sector is essential
for growth and poverty reduction. The availability of reliable, quality and affordable power
helps in the rapid agriculture, industrial and overall economic development of the state.

Today, Wind & Solar, are the lowest cost source of new energy, however their inherent
infirm nature & non-schedulability presents a huge challenge for integrating large RE
capacities, while maintaining grid stability.

Wind-Solar-Storage Hybrid Projects present a viable solution to the problem at hand and for
future wherein large RE capacities are being planned to be added to National grid. While
battery storage solutions are still evolving, integrating Wind & Solar with time tested and
proven Pumped Storage solutions presents an optimal, economically viable & scalable
solution to supply Schedulable Power On-Demand (SPOD) with both base load and peak load
capabilities.

Pumped Storage solutions provide the necessary scale (large volume of energy storage) and
have a long life-cycle resulting in lowest cost of delivered SPOD energy over the life of the
projects. Developing such integrated projects in Wind-Solar resource rich locations along
with Pumped Storage capacities independently, without impacting the existing natural water
systems / irrigation systems is necessary to sustainably power the future needs of our
country while maintaining grid stability.

The Government of Andhra Pradesh through its nodal agency, New & Renewable Energy
Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (NREDCAP) identified 23 project locations in
the state for preliminary examination and development of renewable power through
pumped storage projects. The proposed Paidipalem North Project is among one of 23
identified pumped storage projects identified by NREDCAP.

The proposed Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project can supply Schedulable Power on
Demand (SPOD) which is Dispatchable & Schedulable Renewable Energy to consumers
across India. With this in view, NREDCAP has undertaken feasibility studies to implement the
1000 MW Pumped Storage Energy which can act as a standalone power generator or act as
important component for Integrated Renewable Energy Projects (IREP).

Employment Generation
Typically, like all infrastructure projects, Paidipalem North PSP is planned to be completed in
42 Calendar months (excluding pre-construction activities), at the time of peak construction
work in the project, around 1000 workers (labour and staff) would be engaged during the
peak construction period, out of which 250 persons will be engaged permanently and about
750 will be temporary labour for the construction work. It is expected that 70% of the total

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workforce shall be available from the State of Andhra Pradesh. After completion of the
project only a staff of about 200 technical persons shall be required for the operation of the
project.

In addition, the project would lead to creation of direct and indirect employment
opportunities as new factories would come up in and around the project due to reliable
power supply/availability, contract works for the locals during construction and operation
phase, etc.

Local Area Development


Total project cost is Rs. 5398.38 Crore (with IDC); an investment of this magnitude in the area
will improve the local infrastructure in the region. A financial provision of Rs. 5.00 crore has
been allocated for strengthening and development of basic infrastructural facilities with a
view to improve the quality of life of residents in the project vicinity. They will have
opportunities of skill development, education, better medical and health care, improved
local infrastructure, etc. In addition, there are proposals for green belt development,
restoration and beautification of the project and surrounding area.

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Chapter ENVIRONMENTAL COST


9 BENEFIT ANALYSIS
As this was not recommended at scoping stage; this aspect was not covered as part of EIA
study.

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Chapter ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT


10 PLAN
10.1 ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN
This chapter deals with the description of the administrative aspects of ensuring that
mitigation measures are implemented, and their effectiveness monitored. NREDCAP is the
project proponent/ implementing agency for design and execution of the work including its
operation post commissioning. Institutional arrangement for planning and implementing
various mitigation and management measures along with carrying out environment
monitoring are given at Table 10.1. Once the project is accorded environment clearance by
MoEF&CC, monitoring requirement as specified in environment clearance letter will be
adopted and followed for project construction and operation.

Table 10.1: EMP Implementation


S. Monitoring/ Supervising/
Activities Implementing Agency
No. Approving Agency
1 Catchment Area Treatment Plan Forest Department State Forest Department
Compensatory Afforestation
2 Forest Department State Forest Department
Programme
Biodiversity Management and
3 Forest Department State Forest Department
Wildlife Conservation Plan
4 Fisheries Management Plan State Fisheries Department State Fisheries Department
5 Muck Management Plan Contractor NREDCAP/ SPCB
Landscaping & restoration of
6 Contractor/ NREDCAP NREDCAP/ SPCB
Construction Sites
Sanitation and Solid Waste
7 Contractor/ NREDCAP NREDCAP/ SPCB
Management
NREDCAP/ District Administration
8 Public Health Delivery System Contractor/ NREDCAP
(Health Department)
NREDCAP/ SPCB/
9 Energy Conservation Measures Contractor/ NREDCAP
State Forest Department
10 Greenbelt Development Plan Contractor/ NREDCAP NREDCAP/ SPCB
11 Labour Management Plan Contractor NREDCAP/ District Administration
Control of Air, Noise and Water
12 Contractor NREDCAP/ SPCB
Pollution
Rehabilitation and Resettlement
13 NREDCAP District Administration
Plan
14 Disaster Management NREDCAP District Administration
15 Local Area Development Plan NREDCAP District Administration
16 Environmental Monitoring NREDCAP SPCB
Submission of half yearly
compliance report on 1st June
17 NREDCAP Regional office MoEF&CC
and 1st December of each
calendar year
SPCB: State Pollution Control Board; MoEF&CC: Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change;
NREDCAP: New & Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh

New & Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (NREDCAP). is


committed to ensure that all possible impacts are mitigated and shall ensure compliance to
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the national and state level regulatory requirements with a view to mitigate potential
adverse environmental impacts resulting from the proposed project activities. The proposed
EMP aims at ensuring the implementation of proposed mitigation and monitoring measures
by the agency responsible for implementation.

EIA process has evaluated various impacts due to the proposed project and the proposed
mitigation measures which have been suggested along with various management plans; will
reduce the severity of identified adverse impacts on environment due to the proposed
activities.

The overall responsibility for implementation of the EMP measures rests with New &
Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (NREDCAP) through
implementing agency and their contractors. Environment Manager of NREDCAP reporting
directly to the project head shall ensure coordination and implementation of the EMP
measures. He will be responsible for progress monitoring of environmental and social
safeguards during project construction and execution stage and submission of monitoring
and compliance report to the authority.

A grievance mechanism will be established where complaints and grievances from the locals
as well as the labour force will be directly addressed by Environment Manager. Records of
all complaints will be generated along with corrective and preventive actions till closure.

The roles and responsibilities of NREDCAP shall be:


1. Inclusion of EMP provisions in contract documents for its implementation.
2. Participate in and facilitate consultations with stakeholders.
3. Participate in project meetings and report on the issues related to environmental
management and social safeguards to provide for any mid-course corrections that may
be required based on situation on the ground.
4. Carry out other responsibilities as required from time to time.
5. Coordinate on the training of locals and capacity building initiatives.
6. Ensuring the implementation of all the planned mitigation and management measures
7. Review the monitoring report and assess the effectiveness of mitigation and
management measures.
8. Take preventive and corrective actions as and when required.
9. Oversee and report implementation of EMP provisions included in the works contract.

10.1.1COMPONENTS OF EMP
As per the Standard TOR, various plans need to be prepared as part of EIA study to ensure
mitigation and management of identified impacts.

In addition, water, air and noise management, environment safeguards during construction
activities have been covered under chapter 4; under mitigation measures. Environment
Monitoring at Chapter 6 as per generic structure of EIA. Other EMP components are
discussed in ensuing text.

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Section
10.2
CATCHMENT AREA TREATMENT PLAN

10.2 CATCHMENT AREA TREATMENT PLAN


New and Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Ltd. (NREDCAP)
proposes to develop Pumped Storage Power project (PSP) near Paidipalem village in YSR district
in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The total capacity of proposed Paidipalem-North PSP is 1000
MW and envisages non-consumptive utilization of 10.46 MCM of water from Paidipalem
balancing Reservoir by re-circulation.

The land required for the project involves acquisition of forest land too. As per the Feasibility
Study Report, 159.84 ha of forest land is required for the project construction. Diversion of
forest land for non-forest purpose will be involved for the construction of project components.
Therefore, Forest Clearance to be obtained under Forest Conservation Act. Catchment Area
Treatment (CAT) Plan is pre-requisite in the application of Forest Clearance. Hence, CAT Plan
has been prepared.

It is a well-established fact that reservoirs formed by dams on rivers are subjected to


sedimentation. The process of sedimentation embodies the sequential processes of erosion,
entrainment, transportation, deposition and compaction of sediment. The study of erosion and
sediment yield from catchments is of utmost importance as the deposition of sediment in
reservoir reduces its capacity, and thus affects the water availability for the designated use. The
eroded sediment from catchment when deposited on streambeds and banks causes braiding of
river reach. The removal of top fertile soil from catchment adversely affects the agricultural
production. Thus, a well-designed Catchment Area Treatment (CAT) Plan is essential to
ameliorate the above-mentioned adverse process of soil erosion.

Soil erosion may be defined as the detachment, transportation and deposition of soil particles
from one place to other by means of transporting agents like water, air, winds etc. Soil erosion
is mainly affected by rainfall intensity, slope gradient, length, soil erodibility and vegetation
cover. Therefore, study of erosion and sediment yield from catchment are of great importance.
Soil erosion leads to:
• loss in production potential
• reduction in infiltration rates
• reduction in water-holding capacity
• loss of nutrients
• increase in tillage operation costs
• reduction in water supply

To control the rate of soil erosion in the catchment, Catchment Area Treatment (CAT) is an
ineluctable part. The CAT plan pertains to preparation of a management plan for treatment of
erosion prone areas through adequate preventive measures. An effective CAT plan is a key
factor to make the project eco-friendly and sustainable. Thus, a well-designed Catchment Area
Treatment (CAT) Plan is essential to ameliorate the above-mentioned adverse process of soil
erosion. CAT plan essentially consists of the following steps.

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1. Calculation of soil erosion using Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), combined
with Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies.
2. Prioritizing the areas for treatment using Silt Yield Index (SYI).
3. Planning of suitable erosion control measures.
4. Cost estimation for CAT plan.

The Catchment Area Treatment (CAT) plan highlights the management techniques to control
erosion in the catchment area of a water resource project. The life span of a reservoir is greatly
reduced due to erosion in the catchment area. Adequate preventive measures are thus needed
for the treatment of catchment for its stabilization against future erosion.

As per the Feasibility Study Report, 159.84 ha of land is required for Project Construction.
Diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes will be involved for construction of Paidipalem
North PSP project components. The catchment area treatment involves:
• Understanding of the erosion characteristics of the terrain and,
• Suggesting remedial measures to reduce the erosion rate.

10.2.1 Steps Involved in CAT Plan Preparation


CAT Plan essentially consist of following steps-
i. Identification of highly erodible areas within catchment by calculation of Silt Yield Index
(SYI) and sediment load for sub water sheds using GIS.
ii. Prioritizing the areas for treatment.
iii. Planning of suitable erosion control measures.
iv. Cost of CAT Plan.

10.2.2 Methodology Adopted for the Study


In the present study, Silt Yield Index (SYI) method is used in which terrain is subdivided into
various sub water sheds and erodibility is determined on relative basis. SYI method is widely
used to provide comparative erodibility criteria of catchment (Low, Moderate, Severe, High
etc.). The application of SYI model for prioritization of sub water in sheds in catchment area
involves the evaluation of
i. Climatic factor comprising precipitation.
ii. Geomorphic factor comprising landforms, physiography, slope and drainage.
iii. Surface cover factors governing flow hydraulic.
iv. Management factor.

10.2.3 Catchment Area


Since the project involves construction of two different reservoirs therefore catchment area
considered for the present study is the catchment of the nalas/ gullies draining into both the
reservoirs.

The catchment of three different unnamed nalas/gullies at the proposed upper dam on each
nala/ gully forms the catchment area of upper reservoir. This catchment area also happens to
be the total area of upper reservoir i.e. 1.01 sq km only. Hence it is stated that once the project
is constructed upper reservoir will not have any catchment.

Catchment of an unmanned nala at the proposed lower dam forms the catchment area of lower
reservoir. This unnamed nala drains into the existing Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir. The
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catchment area of this unnamed nala at the proposed lower dam is 6.50 sq km. Catchment area
map is shown as Figure 10.1. In view of above, in the present study CAT Plan has been prepared
for the catchment of the lower dam only.

10.2.3.1 Defining Study Area


Purpose of the study is preparation of CAT plan for the Catchment Area of Paidipalem North
Pumped Storage Project. As stated above, catchment area of lower dam/ reservoir has been
considered as study area. In order to plan watershed management and to formulate action
plans it requires microwatershed delineation, therefore, catchment area was further
delineated into microwatershed. For the delineation of microwatershed, Watershed Atlas of
India prepared by Soil and Land Use Survey of India (SLUSI) has been referred.

Soil and Land Use Survey of India (SLUSI) has Watershed Atlas of India under digital
environment using GIS and produced a Digital Watershed Atlas (DWA) where the delineation
and codification of watersheds in the country has been undertaken in GIS environment. The
delineation for DWS has been done in seven stages starting with Water Resource Regions and
their subsequent division and subdivisions into Basins, Catchments, Subcatchments,
Watersheds, Subwatersheds and Microwatersheds in decreasing size of the delineated
hydrologic unit.

As per Watershed Atlas of India, study area/ catchment area of lower dam falls in a single
microwatershed. The nomenclature of the microwatershed forming the catchment area has
been assigned as follows: Region (4) “All drainage flowing into Bay of Bengal except those at 2
& 3”; Basin (4C) “Cauvery to Krishna”; Catchment (4C3) “Pennar”; Subcatchment (4C3G)
“Chitravati”; Watershed (4C3G1) “Chitravati”; Subwatershed 4C3G1b and Microwatershed
4C3G1b5 (refer Figure 10.1).

10.2.4 Defining Data Requirement


Soil loss has been calculated through RUSLE (Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation) model which
is computed by the following equation:
Soil Loss (A) = R*K*LS*C*P
Wherein; A = Soil loss (Tons/ha/year)
R is Rainfall & Runoff Erosivity Factor (MJ mm/ha-1/h-1/year-1), which depends upon the
annual average rainfall in mm. Data required for R factor is rainfall intensity.
K is Soil Erodibility Factor (Tons/ha/h/ha-1/MJ-1/mm-1), which depends on the organic matter,
texture permeability and profile structure of the soil. Also, it is a constant value for each soil
type. Data required for K factor is soil type.
LS is Topographic Factor (dimensionless) which depends upon flow accumulation and steepness
and length of slope in the area. Data required for LS factor is slope length and slope gradient.
C = Vegetation Cover and Crop Management Factor (dimensionless), which is the ratio of bare
soil to vegetation and non- photosynthetic material. It is a constant value for each land use
category. Data required for C factor is land use/ land cover.
P is Conservation Supporting Practice Factor (dimensionless), which takes into account specific
erosion control practices like contour bunding, bench terracing etc.

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Figure 10.1: Catchment Area Map of Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project

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10.2.5 Data Acquisition and Preparation


The data on various aspects was collected from different sources. Soil data is sourced from
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Agricultural Knowledge Resources and
Information System Hub for Innovations (KRISHI) geoportal. For the preparation of DEM and
preparation of Slope map, Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) 3 Arc-Second Global
Digital Terrain Elevation Data (DTED) has been used. For the preparation of land use/ land cover,
forest cover map prepared by Forest Survey of India, map prepared by National Remote Sensing
Centre (NRSC), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) of Dept. of Space with Partner
Institutions viz., Andhra Pradesh State Remote Sensing Centre has been used. The rainfall data
in the Catchment Area has been sourced from Climatic Research Unit (CRU), a component of
the University of East Anglia and one of the leading institutions concerned with the study of
natural and anthropogenic climate change.

10.2.5.1 Rainfall Erosivity (R) Factor


R factor is a function of the falling raindrop and rainfall intensity and is estimated as the product
of the kinetic energy (E) of the raindrop and the maximum intensity of rainfall (I30) over
duration of 30 min in a storm. The erosivity of rain is calculated for each storm, and these values
are summed up for each year. In this study, the storm wise rainfall data were not available for
the computation of rainfall erosivity factor (R); therefore, the relationship between seasonal
value of R and average rainfall has been used. The rainfall erosivity factor has been defined as
R = 81.5 + 0.38X, where, R is the average seasonal erosivity factor (MJ mm/ha-1/h-1/year-1),
and X is the annual average rainfall (mm).

For the estimation of rainfall erosivity in the Catchment Area, average rainfall of 10 years has
been taken from the High-resolution gridded CRU datasets. In the absence of site specific
periodic data, CRU data from the year 2011 to 2020 has been used for the calculation of R
factor. In and around the Catchment Area, average rainfall of 10 years have been taken from
the rain gauge station for the estimation of rainfall erosivity. The rainfall erosivity factor (R) has
been calculated using equation R = 81.5 + 0.38X for annual average rainfall of observed and
simulated data. The value of R i.e. 346.70 has been adopted in this study to calculate soil erosion
using RUSLE.

10.2.5.2 Soil Erodibility (K) Factor


The K factor is an expression of the inherent erodibility of the soil or surface material at a
particular site under standard experimental conditions. It is a function of the particle-size
distribution, organic-matter content, structure, and permeability of the soil or surface material.
Prior to deciding the K values, soil map for the area is prerequisite. As per the soil map (Figure
2), mapping unit S4, characterised by dark brown, moderately well drained, moderately deep,
gravelly clayey soils with bed rock at shallow depth (<50cm), severe erosion covers 95.90% of
the catchment area. Rest 4.10% of the catchment area is covered by mapping unit S3,
characterised by dark reddish brown, moderately well drained, shallow to moderately deep,
gravelly loamy soils, very severe erosion. Soil map has been shown in Figure 10.2. The legend
for soil mapping unit classes is given in Table 10.2. As per the soil map of the Catchment Area,
the soil can be classified in two categories. Shallow with loamy texture and very severe erosion
have high K value i.e. 0.325, because they are less susceptible to particle detachment and they
produce runoff at high rates. Deep with clayey texture and severe erosion have moderate K
value i.e. 0.25.

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Table 10.2: Description of Soil Mapping Units in the Catchment Area


Mapping Area Area
Soil Description General Description
Unit (ha) (%)
Loamy Skeletal Mixed Dark reddish brown, moderately well drained,
S1 Hyperthermic Udic shallow to moderately deep, gravelly loamy soils, 199.99 30.75
Ustochrepts
very severe erosion.
Loamy Skeletal Mixed Dark reddish brown, moderately well drained,
S2 Isohyperthermic Lithic shallow gravelly soils with bed rock at shallow 450.35 69.25
Ustrothents depth(<50cm), severe erosion.
Total 650.34 100

Figure 10.2: Soil Map of Catchment Area (refer Table 10.2 for soil unit legend)

10.2.1.1 Topographic (LS) Factor


The LS factor is an expression of the effect of topography, specifically hill slope length and
steepness, on rates of soil loss at a particular site. The value of ‘LS’ increases as hill slope length
and steepness increase, under the assumption that runoff accumulates and accelerates in the
down-slope direction. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and Slope of a particular area is prerequisite
for LS factor. As already discussed, Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) 3 Arc-Second
Global Digital Terrain Elevation Data (DTED) has been used for DEM and the same DEM has
been used for the preparation of slope map. The LS factor prepared for the Catchment Area is
given at Figure 10.3.

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Figure 10.3: LS Factor Map of Catchment Area

10.2.1.2 Crop Management (C) Factor


The C factor is an expression of the effect of surface cover and roughness, soil biomass, and
soil-disturbing activities on rates of soil loss at a particular site. The value of C decreases as
surface cover and soil biomass increase, thus protecting the soil from rain splash and runoff. In
the present study, forest cover map prepared by Forest Survey of India and land use/land cover
map prepared by National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO) of Dept. of Space with Partner Institutions viz., Andhra Pradesh State Remote Sensing
Centre has been used in the allocation of C factor for different land use classes.

The land use/ land cover pattern of the Catchment Area has been given in Table 10.3 and shown
as Figure 10.4. As can be seen from the map and table, the land use/ land cover pattern can be
classified into four classes, out of these, majority of the area i.e. 62.26% is covered by Scrub
Land, followed by Scrub Forest covering 31.48%. As per the landuse/ landcover map of the
catchment area, the classes based upon their contribution to soil erosion can be grouped into
two cover management factors and assigned with C values. Scrub forest and scrub land have
been assigned with c Value 0.02, while, barren rocky land and waterbodies with C value 0.00.

Table 10.3: Area Falling Under Different Land Use/ Land Cover Classes
Land use/ Land cover Classes Area (ha) Area (%)
Scrub Forest 204.74 31.48
Scrub Land 404.93 62.26
Barren Rocky Land 19.04 2.93
Waterbody 21.62 3.33
Total 650.34 100

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Figure 10.4: Land use/ Land cover Map of Catchment Area

10.2.1.3 Conservation Support Practice (P) Factor


The P factor is an expression of the effects of supporting conservation practices, such as
contouring, buffer strips of vegetation, and terracing, on soil loss at a particular site. It is the
ratio of soil loss with specific support practice to the corresponding loss with up-or down-slope
cultivation. In the present study, the P factor has been considered as 1.

10.2.2 Output Presentation


A thematic map for soil loss of the Catchment Area has been prepared using RUSLE model
mentioned in the above section. The Catchment Area was then demarcated into different soil
erosion intensity mapping units or classes based upon the extent of soil loss (see Table 10.4 &
Figure 10.5). The Catchment Area under different Erosion Intensity categories is given in Table
4. As can be seen from the figure and table, around 38% of the catchment area is prone to less
than 1 tons/ha/annum soil erosion, i.e. under negligible erosion intensity category and around
9% of its area is prone to Severe and Very Severe soil erosion.

Table 10.4: Area falling under different Erosion Intensity Categories


S. Soil loss in Erosion Intensity Area (ha) Area (%)
No. tons/hectare/annum Category
1 <1 Negligible 245.94 37.82
2 1-5 Slight 92.82 14.27
3 5-10 Very Low 77.35 11.89
4 10-20 Low 85.06 13.08
5 20-40 Moderate 88.25 13.57
6 40-80 Severe 51.29 7.89
7 >80 Very Severe 9.64 1.48
Total 453.24 100

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Figure 10.5: Erosion Intensity Map of Catchment Area

10.2.3 Prioritization
`Silt Yield Index’ (SYI), method conceptualized by Soil and Land Use Survey of India (SLUSI) is
being used for prioritization of smaller hydrologic units within river valley project areas. Since
the catchment area is only 4.53 sq km and could be delineated into only one microwatershed
therefore, prioritization is not applicable.

10.2.4 TREATMENT PLAN

10.2.4.1 Area to be taken up for Treatment


Areas under severe and very severe erosion intensity category will be taken up for treatment.
To arrive at such an area, first of all areas under severe and very severe erosion intensity
category were extracted, which comes out to be 60.93 ha (refer Table 10.4). Thereafter, areas
under severe and very severe erosion intensity category falling within the proposed project
components such as lower reservoir, upper reservoir, water conductor system, etc. were
removed as once the project is constricted this area will not be available for treatment. The
area thus arrived at and considered as treatable area comes out to be 54.18 ha (or say 54 ha).

The period for implementing Catchment Area Treatment Plan interventions including
maintenance has been taken as 8 years. It is proposed to prepare micro plans, establish
administrative setup and implement other entry point activities such as pre-planting operation
in the first year itself, followed by implementation of treatment measures in second year. The
maintenance period (only for biological measures) will be for subsequent 5 years.

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10.2.4.2 Treatment Measures


Watershed management is the optimal use of soil and water resources within a given
geographical area so as to enable sustainable production. It implies changes in land use,
vegetative cover, and other structural and non-structural action that are taken in a watershed
to achieve specific watershed management objectives. The overall objectives of watershed
management programme are to:
• increase infiltration into soil;
• control excessive runoff;
• manage & utilize runoff for useful purposes.

i. Biological Measures
The biological measures would comprise of:
• Block Plantation
• Aided Natural Regeneration
The per hectare cost norms for both the biological measures have been sourced from already
approved CAT Plan in the state i.e. CAT Plan for diversion of forest land to an extent of 34.05
ha under the foreshore of Owk Reservoir Complex Stage-II, Andhra Pradesh.

A) Block Plantation
A well-stocked forest is the best insurance against soil loss as well as for ecological
rehabilitation. It is therefore proposed to increase the vegetation cover in the tract. For this,
patches of scrub forest falling under severe and very severe erosion intensity category shall be
brought under block plantation. The locality factors prevalent in the area such as fires, grazing
etc. are fairly adverse to the establishment of plantations. Thus, special and intensive efforts
are needed to ensure the success of plantation work. To ensure success of plantation work,
provision of watch and ward has also been made. Owing to the above enumeration factors, the
plantation will require higher levels of maintenance also. 1600 plants per hectare at a spacing
of 2.5 m x 2.5 m will be planted under this scheme. Planting will be done in pits. Pre-planting
operation should be done well in advance. Plants should be healthy with strong stems. As far
as possible indigenous species will be planted. Provision is also made for five years
maintenance. The unit cost for block plantation including maintenance cost for five years is
estimated to be Rs. 1,15,020 per ha consisting of Rs. 67,570 for pre-planting and plantation
operation and Rs. 47,450 for maintenance for five years. The area to be brought under block
plantation and is 38 ha.

B) Pasture Development
As there are degraded patches of scrub land in the area, this measure will be adopted to
encourage development of new and healthy pastures for use of cattle of the area. Under this
treatment, suitable species of grasses and leguminous plant species be planted in the land area
earmarked for the purpose. The unit cost for pasture development including maintenance cost
for five years is estimated to be Rs. 46,470 per ha consisting of Rs. 35,150 for plantation and Rs.
11,320 for maintenance for five years. The area to be brought under block plantation and is
17.0 ha.

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ii. Engineering Measures


The engineering treatment measures require less time to be put in place and can provide quick
solutions. These would comprise mainly of Brushwood check dams and Dry-stone masonry
check dams/ walls. The cost norms for each structure have been sourced from already approved
CAT Plan in the state i.e. CAT Plan for diversion of forest land to an extent of 34.05 ha under
the foreshore of Owk Reservoir Complex Stage-II, Andhra Pradesh.

A) Brushwood Check Dam


The main advantage of brush wood check dams is that they are quick and easy to construct and
are inexpensive as they are constructed by using readily available materials at the site. In brush
wood check dams, small branches preferably of coppice able species are fixed in two parallel
rows across the gully or nala and packed with brush wood between the rows of these vertical
stakes. The vertical stakes are tied down with wires or fastened with sticks across the top. The
important consideration in erecting brush wood check dam is to pack the brush wood as tightly
as possible and to secure it firmly. This type of check dam is generally constructed over small
gully or at the staring stretch of gully. The numbers of check dams are estimated using number
of first order streams in an area under severe and very severe erosion intensity. The number of
brushwood check dams suggested are 22 nos.

B) Dry Rubble Stone Masonry Check Dam (DRSM)


The site where DRSM check dam are to be constructed is cleared and the sites are sloped 1:1.
The bed gully is excavated for foundation to a uniform depth of 0.30 to 0.45 m. and dry stones
are packed from that level. Over the foundation dry stone masonry super structure of rock fill
dam is constructed with undressed stones and packed tightly. The width of the dam at base
should be approximately equal to maximum height. The section is roughly a trapezium. The dry
stone work should go up to 0.30 to 0.60 m in the stable portion of the gully site to prevent end
cutting. Sufficient apron is provided to prevent scouring. The thickness of the apron would be
about 0.45 m and gully sides above the apron have to be protected with packing to a height of
atleast 0.30 m above the anticipated maximum water level to prevent side scour being formed
by the falling water. The numbers of check dams are estimated using number of second order
streams in an area under severe and very severe erosion intensity. The number of dry rubble
stone masonry check dams suggested are 07 nos.

10.2.5 OTHER COMPONENTS OF CAT PLAN


Apart from the biological and engineering treatment measures in the free draining catchment
area there are other aspects of the CAT Plan to be addressed and their cost included in the
overall cost estimate of the plan. The charges for operational support, forest protection, social
mobilization, documentation and publication, monitoring and evaluation and providing
environmental services are some of the integral ingredients which have to be considered and
included while formulating the CAT plans.

10.2.5.1 Administrative Charges


For an efficient management of forest resources, it is essential that operational support to the
Forest Department is adequately developed. Similarly, in remote localities there are no places
for shelter for the staff, people and trekkers. Therefore, a budgetary provision of Rs. 2.62 lakh
has been kept as administrative charges and micro planning.

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10.2.5.2 Micro Planning


The year-wise areas requiring treatment measures have been suggested but have not been
marked. The spatial location of specific treatment to be carried out in the free draining
catchment area would require extensive detailing during the implementation of CAT and a
provision for micro-planning has been made in the total CAT financial allocation. For this
purpose, a provision of Rs. 1.05 lakh is being made.

10.2.5.3 Monitoring & Evaluation


Monitoring and evaluation will be undertaken as a part of project management. A process of
self-evaluation at specified intervals of time will ensure the field level verification of suggested
treatment measures and efficacy of the CAT plan.

The year-wise areas requiring treatment measures have been suggested but have not been
marked. The spatial location of specific treatment to be carried out in the free draining
catchment area would require extensive detailing during the implementation of CAT and a
provision for micro-planning has been made in the total CAT financial allocation. Thereafter,
annual work plan would be prepared well in advance after undertaking initial ground surveys
during micro-planning, specifying physical and financial targets, sites, locations and
beneficiaries of each component of the project activity. Month-wise work schedule of various
items of each component for the financial year would also be prepared in advance and its timely
implementation would be ensured. Monthly progress report on all activities would be
submitted by the Range Officers to Divisional Forest Officer. The monitoring committee shall
be constituted at the project level for this purpose which too would monitor on a regular basis
the quality and quantity of works being carried out under the CAT plan area. A provision of Rs.
1.57 lakh has been made for this component.

10.2.5.4 Contingencies
A provision of Rs. 2.62 lakh has been kept under this component for some leeway to adjust any
unforeseen expenditure.

10.2.6 COST ESTIMATE


The estimated cost of implementation of Catchment Area Treatment Plan as defined above is
Rs. 60.26 lakh and is given at Table 10.5. Since another project named Paidipalem East Pumped
Storage Project proposes to utilise the same lower reservoir for which the present CAT Plan has
been prepared therefore it is proposed to distribute the cost of implementation of CAT Plan
equally between Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project and Paidipalem East Pumped
Storage Project. In view of this, the effective cost of implementation of CAT Plan for Paidipalem
North Pumped Storage Project is Rs. 30.13 lakh. Year wise physical and financial targets is given
in Table 10.6.

Table 10.5: Estimated Cost of Catchment Area Treatment Plan Implementation


S. Rate Total
Item Unit
No. (Rs) Physical Financial (Rs)
I Biological Measures
1 Block Plantation 1,15,020 ha 38.00 43,70,760.00
2 Pasture Development 46,470 ha 17.00 7,89,990.00
Sub Total I (1+2) 51,60,750.00

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S. Rate Total
Item Unit
No. (Rs) Physical Financial (Rs)

II Engineering Measures
3 Brushwood Check Dams 2,000 No 22 44,000.00
4 Check Dams (DRSM) 5,000 No 7 35,000.00
Sub Total II (3+4) 29 79,000.00

A Treatment Cost (Sub Total I + II) 52,39,750.00

IV Administrative Measures
5 Administrative Charges @5% of Treatment Cost 2,61,987.50
6 Micro planning @2% of Treatment Cost 1,04,795.00
Monitoring & Evaluation Cost @3% of Treatment
7 1,57,192.50
Cost
8 Contingencies @5% of Treatment Cost 2,61,987.50
B Sub Total IV 7,85,962.50

Total CAT Plan Cost (A + B) 60,25,712.50


Note: Total cost of CAT Plan is to be equally shared between Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project and
Paidipalem East Pumped Storage Project.

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Table 10.6: Year Wise Phasing of Physical and Financial Targets


S. Year - 1 Year - 2 Year -3 Year - 4 Year - 5 Year - 6 Year - 7 Year - 8 Total
Year Wise Treatment Plan
No. Phy. Fin. (Rs) Phy. Fin. (Rs) Phy. Fin. (Rs) Phy. Fin. (Rs) Phy. Fin. (Rs) Phy. Fin. (Rs) Phy. Fin. (Rs) Phy. Fin. (Rs) Phy. Fin. (Rs)
I Afforestation Measures (ha)
1 Block Plantation 38 13,50,520 38 13,50,520
1st Year planting 38 12,17,140 38 12,17,140
nd
2 Year maintenance 38 6,64,620 38 6,64,620
3rd Year maintenance 38 4,69,300 38 4,69,300
4th Year maintenance 38 2,23,060 38 2,23,060
5th Year maintenance 38 2,23,060 38 2,23,060
6th Year maintenance 38 2,23,060 38 2,23,060
2 Pasture Development 17 5,97,550 17 5,97,550
1st Year maintenance 17 82,960 17 82,960
2nd Year maintenance 17 54,910 17 54,910
3rd Year maintenance 17 27,370 17 27,370
4th Year maintenance 17 13,600 17 13,600
5th Year maintenance 17 13,600 17 13,600
Sub Total I 55 19,48,070 55 13,00,100 55 7,19,530 55 4,96,670 55 2,36,660 55 2,36,660 38 2,23,060 51,60,750

II Soil & Water Conservation Measures (No)


3 Brushwood Check Dams 22 44,000 22 44,000
4 Dry Stone Masonry Check Dams 7 35,000 7 35,000
Sub Total II 29 79,000 79,000

A Treatment Cost (Sub Total I + II + III) 20,27,070 13,00,100 7,19,530 4,96,670 2,36,660 2,36,660 2,23,060 52,39,750

IV ADMINISTRATIVE MEASURES
5 Administrative Charges @5% of Treatment Cost 1,30,994 1,30,994 2,61,988
6 Micro planning @2% of Treatment Cost 1,04,795 1,04,795
Monitoring & Evaluation Cost @3% of Treatment
7
Cost 52,398 52,398 52,398 1,57,193
8 Contingencies @5% of Treatment Cost 1,01,354 65,005 35,977 24,834 11,833 11,833 11,153 2,61,988
B Sub Total IV 3,37,142 2,48,396 35,977 24,834 64,231 11,833 11,153 52,398 7,85,963

Total (A and B) 23,64,212 15,48,496 7,55,507 5,21,504 3,00,891 2,48,493 2,34,213 52,398 60,25,713

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Section COMPENSATORY AFFORESTATION


10.3 PROGRAMME
10.3 COMPENSATORY AFFORESTATION PLAN
Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project is being constructed in the jurisdiction of Kadapa
Forest Division in YSR District, Andhra Pradesh. The total land required for the construction
of proposed project activities is 288.18 ha. Out of 288.18 ha land 159.84 ha land is under
administrative control of Andhra Pradesh State Forest Department.

10.3.1 Compensatory Afforestation Programme


The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 stipulates strict forest protection measures and
procedures (Guide Line 1/08-1 (ii)) for compensatory afforestation on acceptance of
diversion of forestland for non-forestry purposes.

i. If non-forest land is not available, compensatory plantation is to be raised on degraded


forest land to the extent of twice the affected or lost forest area, and
ii. If non-forest land is available, the extent of compensatory plantation will be equivalent of
the affected or lost forest area.

The Compensatory Afforestation is proposed to be undertaken on degraded forest land


identified in consultation with the State Forest Department. The estimated cost of the
Compensatory Afforestation Programme with the cost of non-forest land acquired for
afforestation programme is Rs. 239.76 lakh. This is a budgetary estimate, and the actual cost
will be determined by the forest department during the Forest Clearance (FC) process.

Table 10.7: Cost estimates of Compensatory Afforestation Plan


Particulars Area (ha) Rate (Rs /ha) Amount
Total Cost for compensatory
159.84 150,000/- 2,39,76,000/-
afforestation
Total Say 239.76 lakh
*The actual cost shall be determined as part of forest diversion proposal.

10.3.2 Net Present Value (NPV)


The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India has made it mandatory vide its order dated 28.03.2008
for the user agency to compensate for the diversion of forest land for non-forest use for
developmental activities on the recommendations of Central Empowered Committee (CEC)
to make payment of Net Present Value (NPV) of such diverted land so as to utilize this for
getting back in the long run which are lost by such diversion.

For this purpose, CEC has classified the forest taking in view the ecological role and value of
the forest, 16 major forest types have been further grouped into 6 ecological classes
depending upon their ecological functions (refer. Revision of rates of NPV applicable for
different class/category of forests 2014).

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Consisting of Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests, Tropical Semi Evergreen


Eco-Class I Forests and Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests
Eco-Class II Consisting of Littoral and Swamp Forests
Eco-Class III Consisting of Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests
Eco-Class IV Consisting of Tropical Thorn Forests and Tropical Dry Evergreen Forests
Eco-Class V Consisting of Sub-tropical Board Leaved Hill Forests, Sub-Tropical Pine
Forests and Sub Tropical Dry Evergreen Forests
Consisting of Montane Wet Temperate Forests, Himalayan Moist
Eco-Class VI Temperate Forests, Himalayan Dry Temperate Forests, Sub Alpine
Forest, Moist Alpine Scrub and Dry Alpine Scrub

The cost of Net Present Value (NPV) was calculated as per the revised NPV rates by MoEF&CC
dated 6th January 2022. For non-forestry use/diversion of forest land, the NPV may be
directed to be deposited in the Compensatory Afforestation Fund as per the rates given below
(in Rs.).

Eco-Value class Very Dense Forest Dense Forest Open Forest


Class I 1595790 1436670 1116900
Class II 1595790 1436670 1116900
Class III 1357110 1228590 957780
Class IV 957780 861390 670140
Class V 1436670 1292850 1005210
Class VI 1516230 1372410 1069470

Total forest land requirement for diversion for non-forest use i.e. for the construction of
Paidipalem North PSP activities is 159.84 ha. As the forest in the project area fall in the Eco
Class III as being of type Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests with open forest type, therefore
NPV @ Rs. 9,57,780/ha would be required to be deposited in the Compensatory
Afforestation Fund. The total cost of NPV has been estimated as Rs. 15,30,91,555.20 (say Rs.
1530.92 lakh).

10.3.3 Abstract of Cost


The total budget for diversion of forest land estimated based on Compensatory Afforestation
and NPV, works out to be Rs. 1770.68 lakh. As per the breakup given in Table 10.8. The
actual cost will be as determined/assessed under the Forest Diversion proposal.

Table 10.8: Total Cost of Compensatory Afforestation and NPV


S. No. Particulars Amount (Rs. in lakh)
1 Compensatory Afforestation (CA) 239.76
2 Net Present Value (NPV) 1530.92
Total 1770.68
*Cost of trees shall be additional which shall be part of forest diversion proposal

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Section BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND


10.4 WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT PLAN
10.4 BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PLAN
The purpose of Biodiversity Management and Wildlife Conservation Plan development
projects is to conserve and preserve the existing biodiversity in and around the proposed
project area.

The main objective of the Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife Management Plan is the
sustainable use of natural resources which involves scientific management of natural wealth
vis-à-vis developmental activities that are likely to affect these resources. The threats to
biodiversity generally arise due to anthropogenic activities that may arise as a result of the
proposed development activities. Therefore, Biodiversity Conservation & Wildlife
Management plan has been formulated for the conservation and management of the forest
ecosystems in the vicinity of proposed project.

Keeping in view of the anticipated impacts of proposed project on the biodiversity of area,
the main objectives of biodiversity conservation and wildlife management plan are as
follows:
i. Conservation and preservation of natural habitats in and around project area
ii. Mitigation and control of project induced biotic and/or abiotic pressures/ influences
that may affect the natural habitats,
iii. Creating all round awareness regarding conservation and ensuring people’s
participation in the conservation efforts and minimizing man-animal conflict.
iv. Habitat Conservation and Management of Schedule-I species reported from the
project area.

Following are the measures suggested for the said plan:


i. Wildlife Habitat Preservation & Improvement
ii. Biological fencing
iii. Prevention and Control of Forest Fire
iv. Development of Grazing land/ Pastures
v. Awareness promotion
vi. Strengthening of Infrastructural Facilities of Forest Department

The estimated cost of implementation of various activities envisaged in the Biodiversity


Conservation and Management Plan would be Rs. 74.50 lakh (Table 10.9)

Table 10.9: Budget for Implementation Biodiversity Conservation Plan


S. Total Amount
Particulars
No. (Rs. in lakh)
Afforestation and Enrichment in the adjoining forest area along the
1 37.50
periphery of upper & lower reservoir (@1,50,000/ha for 25 ha)
2 Farm forestry for fuelwood and timber (@100000/ha for 8 ha) 8.00
3 Development and Management of Grasslands (lump sum) 25.00
4 Awareness Programme @ Rs. 1 lakh/year for 4 years 4.00
Total 74.50

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10.4.1 Conservation Plan for Schedule-I Species


Given the human-wildlife conflict because of habitat loss of wild animals due to
fragmentation of forest and loss of agriculture crops by wild animals, it is proposed to
prepare a site-specific wildlife habitat conservation plan in close association with the state
forest department. A provision of Rs. 88.00 lakh has been earmarked for this activity (Table
10.10).

Table 10.10: Break-up for Wildlife Management and Conservation Plan for Schedule-I Species
Fund Allocated
S. No. Activity
(Rs in Lakh)
Habitat Improvement by development of vegetation cover by
1 0.0*
plantation with suitable species.
Biological fence (Bamboo species, Euphorbia sp., Agave americana,
etc.) around the habitation and around the agriculture fields 15.00
2
adjoining to forest area to control human wildlife conflict
3 Construction and filling of water holes and ponds in wildlife habitat. 25.00
4 Support/Provision of veterinary care, cages, recuse centers, etc. 24.00
5 Anti-Poaching measures and preventing illegal tree felling 5.00
6 Training Programme for Techniques of faunal species rescue 4.00
7 Prevention of Forest Fire: Training and Infrastructure facilities 15.00
Total 88.00
* Covered under Biodiversity Management & Wildlife Conservation Plan (refer table 9).

Detailed Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife Management Plan along Conservation Plan
for Schedule-I species is enclosed as Annexure V.

10.4.2 Strengthening of Infrastructural Facilities of Forest Department


Under this plan Project authority would assist the State Forest Department in strengthening
the infrastructure facilities, which are poorly developed in the area. Various activities which
are necessary for the forest protection plan are described in the following paragraphs.

i) For improvement of vigilance and measures to check poaching, check posts and watch
towers will be needed. In order to strengthen the working capacity, the workforce of the
State Forest/Wildlife Department they must be provided with necessary equipment such
as a camera, wireless, binoculars GPS, search lights, health kits, etc. that would increase
their capability and efficiency of monitoring.
ii) The construction of inspection paths and watch towers for more effective and meaningful
patrolling by the department.
iv) Creation of veterinary facilities and rescue camps for healthcare of wild animals and for
disease control. For this purpose, it is essential to maintain a stock of medicines in
addition to setting up of a mobile-rescue-cum-rehabilitation-van.

Project authorities would provide funds to State Forest Department. Total financial outlay
under this head would be Rs. 25.00 lakh.

10.4.3 Monitoring and Evaluation


The monitoring and evaluation of Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife Management Plan
of Paidipalem North PSP will be carried out by a Biodiversity Management Committee
(BMC). The committee will follow the guidelines of National Biodiversity Authority, State
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Biodiversity Conservation Strategy Action Plans (SBCSAP) and State Forest Department to
implement, monitor and evaluate the Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife Management
Plan of the proposed Project. The activities of BMC shall be under the direct administrative
control of the Chief Wildlife Warden/Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Andhra Pradesh.
The BMC will comprise of the following members:

Chief Wildlife Warden/Principal Chief Conservator of


Chairman
Forests, Andhra Pradesh
Manager (Environment), New & Renewable Energy
Member Secretary
Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (NREDCAP)
Divisional Forest Officer of the concerned Division Member
Experts form State University and Active NGO’s Member
Local Body’s Representatives from the villages Member

The Chairman of the committee will have the right to assign various activities to various
members for proper functioning and result-oriented tasks. The committee will monitor the
progress of the proposed plan. Total financial outlay for the BMC would be Rs. 4.00 lakh only.

10.4.4 Locations of Proposed Intervention


Proposed intervention shall be implemented by State Forest department. Hence the
selection of site for implementation of proposed measures will be finalized by state forest
department.

10.4.5 Financial Provision


The total budget allocated focusing on Biodiversity and Wildlife Conservation and
Management Plan including conservation and management measures for Schedule-I species
is Rs 191.50 lakh. The Break-up of the budget is given in Table 10.11.

State Forest Department shall be the executing agency for implementation of the proposed
mitigation measure under Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife Management Plan in the
surrounding of proposed project site, therefore, a total amount of Rs. 191.50 lakh will be
deposited with the D.F.O/ Forest Department for taking up different activities within the
area.

Table 10.11: Total Cost of Biodiversity Conservation And Management Plan


Fund Allocated
S. No. Activity
(Rs in Lakh)
1 Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife Management Plan 74.50
2 Conservation & Management of Schedule-I Species 88.00
3 Strengthening of Infrastructural Facilities of Forest Department 25.00
4 Monitoring And Evaluation 4.00
Total 191.50

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Section
10.5
FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT PLAN

10.5 Fisheries Development Plan


Fishing is one of the occupations under the allied sector of Agriculture of the district. As per
baseline data collected during field survey and supplemented with secondary data collected
from published literature and public consultation a total of 15 species of fish fauna are
reported from the study area. Although there is no organized commercial fishery practiced
in the project area. However, in YSR Kadapa district fishing is also one of the occupations
under allied sector of Agriculture of the district. As per information available on the district
official website, there was reservoir fisheries managed by department of fisheries spread over
an area of 55471 ha by stocking fingerlings. There are 36 Fishermen Cooperative Societies,
and 4 Fisher Women Cooperative Societies were registered along with one District Fishermen
Cooperative Society.

The proposed Paidipalem North PSP is off-stream project. The proposed project will not have
any significant impact on habitat of fish fauna. For operation of proposed project water will
be lifted once from Paidipalem reservoir. However, considering the fact that fisheries as an
important source of income for the people in the area, the Fisheries management has been
proposed under this plan.

10.5.1 Objective of Fisheries Management


Proposed Fisheries Development Plan has been prepared with the following objectives:
• Conservation, Management and Stocking by Enrichment of riverine fish fauna
• Strengthen of fishing techniques and skills of fishermen/ women societies
• Upgradation of existing Govt. Fish farms.

10.5.1.1 Enrichment of Riverine Fish Fauna


The morpho-ecological changes occur in the original lotic water body due to river valley
development projects and other development activities along the natural drain system and
rivers adversely affect the migratory as well as non-migratory fish species. The result of these
activities also includes conversion of natural flow system into regulated maneuvered
discharge, impoundment of waterbodies and water pollution, that have significant impact
on aquatic fauna and food chain system of the water bodies.

Considerable change in the aquatic ecosystem and dependency of local people on fish
resources in the area required the habitat conservation and rehabilitation of aquatic fauna
in natural water bodies and reservoirs.

The proposed Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project is envisaged as Off-Stream Project
in nature and have not any impact of operation on natural water system. Both proposed
Upper and Lower reservoirs are located away from all existing natural water systems. Water
for operation of project will be lifted one time from existing nearby Paidipalem Reservoir
and will be stored in the lower reservoir and used cyclically between upper and lower
reservoirs for energy storage and discharge.

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Although there is no significant impact of project on natural water system but considering
the ecological and commercial importance of fisheries resources in Chitravati and Penna
River, a budgetary provision of Rs. 10.00 lakh has been made to enrich fisheries resources in
the riverine ecosystem under the head of Environmental Management Plan of proposed
Paidipalem North PSP.

In addition to promote riverine fisheries in the area, funds have also been allocated for
management of reservoir fisheries. A budgetary provision of Rs. 5.00 lakh each for the
Gandikota Reservoir and Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir is made under the Fisheries
Management Plan.

10.5.1.2 Development of Fish Farms/ Fresh water Aquaculture


The increasing pressure of population demands future requirements for development and
employment generation on one side and production of food and livestock on the other side.
In case of coastal region of India large population depend on fisheries for food and
employment. Other than marine and riverine fisheries, fish farming is also a substantial
source of fish production that helps in employment generation and secure the need of food.
The farming aspect of aqua farming implies aspects of intervention in the natural growing
process to enhance production. Fish farming is mainly raising fish commercially in tanks and
ponds for the purpose of producing food. Commercial fish farming also reduces the pressure
on natural resources and helps in preserving natural ecosystem.

As per district official website of YSR district there are 36 Fishermen Cooperative Societies,
and 4 Fisher Women Cooperative Societies were registered under department of fisheries.
These numbers show the interest of people in fisheries resources.

To promote the aqua culture and fish farming in the State, Government of Andhra Pradesh
has taken a decision to exempt lands converted to aquaculture from payment of NALA (Non-
Agricultural Land Assessment) Tax vide The AP Gazette Notification of Act No.16 of 2012
dt.14-5-2012.

State Government also issue comprehensive and consolidated instructions and guidelines
viz. mandatory registration for freshwater aquaculture, constitution of District Level
Committee to permit freshwater aquaculture by registration to consider the cases for
regularization of existing unregistered freshwater aquaculture farms and for registering new
freshwater aquaculture farms.

Therefore, considering the potential of freshwater aquaculture in the district and provisions
made by the State Government the requirement and potential of fish farming, financial
provision of Rs. 5.00 lakh/ year for 4 years has been made for skill development and training
on new techniques for fish farming and management of freshwater aquaculture / fish
farming to the registered fish farm owners.

In addition to skill development, funds were also provided by developer for awareness
programme organized to promote freshwater aquaculture in the area. For this provision of
Rs. 1.0 lakh/ year for four years has been made under the proposed Fisheries Development
Plan.

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A total of Rs. 24.00 lakh Fund will be deposited to the State Fisheries Department and
department will be responsible to organize training/ skill development and awareness
programme.

10.5.1.3 Upgradation of existing Govt. Fish farms


As per information available there are 239 Departmental Tanks and 06 Reservoirs under
department of fisheries in YSR (Kadapa) districts. Stocking of these reservoirs and tanks,
enrichment of riverine fish fauna and sustainability of fish farms is only possible if the seed
sources viz. Fish Seed Farms and Fish Seed Rearing centers are properly functional. To ensure
the supply of fingerlings for stocking the reservoirs for enrichment of riverine fish fauna there
are four fish seed farms viz. Fish Seed Farms in Kadapa, Brahmamgarimatam, Rajampeta and,
Mylavaram. Fingerlings were reared in these above Government Fish Seed Farms.
Department of fisheries also provide fingerlings to Fishermen Cooperative Societies free of
cost.

For strengthening the infrastructure of these Government fish farms, financial provision of
Rs. 25.0 lakh has been made under Fisheries Development Plan of proposed Paidipalem PSP.

10.5.2 Locations of Proposed Intervention


Proposed intervention shall be implemented by State Fisheries department. Hence the
selection of site and species for implementation of proposed measures will be finalized by
state forest department.

10.5.3 Financial Provision


The total budget allocated focusing on Fisheries Development Plan is Rs 69.00 lakh. The
Break-up of the budget is given in Table 10.12.

The State Fisheries Department shall be the executing agency for implementation of the
proposed Plan in the surrounding of proposed project site, therefore, a total amount of Rs.
70.00 lakh will be deposited with the State Fisheries Department for taking up different
activities within the area.

Table 10.12: Total Fisheries Development Plan


Fund Allocated
S. No. Activity
(Rs in Lakh)
1 Enrichment of Riverine and Reservoir Fish fauna 20.00
2 Development of Fish Farms/ Fresh water Aquaculture 24.00
3 Upgradation of existing Govt. Fish farms 25.00
Total 69.00

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Section
10.6
MUCK MANGEMENT PLAN
10.6 MUCK MANAGEMENT PLAN
The muck generated from various project activities during the construction of the PSP may
adversely affect the environment if not properly managed. The generated muck volume, if
not properly disposed, can destroy the landscape and increase the atmospheric particulate
matter. The proposed PSP (1000 MW) is located near village Paidipalem in the
Simhadripuram Mandal of YSR Kadapa district in Andhra Pradesh is likely to generate large
volume of muck of which some quantity will be utilizable, and the remaining muck volume
needs to be rehabilitated at appropriate dumping sites in a technically and ecologically sound
manner. Map showing location of Muck dumping site is given in Figure 10.6.

10.6.1 Quantity of Material to be Excavated


The construction activities of the project would generate muck from excavation of various
project structures. The total quantity of 5,093,000.00 Cum muck (considering the swelling factor
of 0.8) is likely to be generated from excavation for various components. The component-wise
quantity of muck to be generated and quantity of muck to be disposed are given at Table 10.13.
However, after the utilization of muck for different project components i.e. 3,157,660.00 cum,
the total quantity of muck to be disposed off works out to 1,935,340.00 cum. The entire
excavated material is proposed to be dumped at one dumping site identified over an area of
12.28 ha area with a total capacity of 1,940,040.00 cum muck to be accommodated. Location of
pre-identified site which has been identified specifically for this purpose as shown in Figure 10.6
below.

Table 10.13: Muck to be generated from various components of the project


Extra
Usage for
S. construction of Required Balance
Project component Excavation rock fill Quantity of
No rockfill material Muck
embankment
Quantity
1 Upper Reservoir 2,900,000.00 2,900,000.00 1,000,000.00 -
2 Lower Reservoir 300,000.00 700,000.00 400,000.00 -
3 Power Intake 65,200.00 65,200.00 - -
4 HRT 30,100.00 - - 30,100.00
5 Penstock Tunnel 64,600.00 - - 64,600.00
6 Powerhouse 644,200.00 644,200.00 - -
7 Draft tube tunnel 23,700.00 - - 23,700.00
8 MAT & ADIT 111,600.00 - - 111,600.00
9 TRP 1,341,000.00 650,400.00 690,600.00
10 TRC 3,153,800.00 - - 3,153,800.00
Total 4,074,400.00
Quantity of Muck disposal 4,074,400.00
Swell Factor 0.8
Total Quantity of Muck disposal 5,093,000.00
Rock available for aggregates
considering 38% losses 3,157,660.00
Total quantity of Muck to be
dumped 1,935,340.00

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Figure 10.6: Layout Map Showing Location of Muck Disposal Sites

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10.6.2 Muck Disposal Site


Net Quantity of Muck to be rehabilitated/disposed of is estimated as 1,935,340 cum. Keeping
the above requirement and topography of the area, one dumping site has been identified
covering an area of 12.28 ha area with a total capacity of 1,940,000 cum muck. The disposal
site was identified taking into consideration availability of suitable area, minimum distance
from generation sites.

10.6.2.1 Criteria for Selection of Dumping Site


The following points were considered and followed as guidelines for finalization of the areas
to be used as dumping sites:
i) The dumping sites have been selected as close as possible to the project area to avoid
long-distance transport of muck.
ii) The site is free from any landslides or creep and care has been taken that the sites do not
have a possibility of toe erosion and slope instability.
iv) There is no active channel or stream flowing through the dumping sites.
v) The site is away from human settlement areas.

The identification of muck disposal areas was done in line with the topographic and site-
specific conditions as specified above.

10.6.2.2 Methodology of Dumping


The muck that needs disposal would be piled at Ø (angle of repose) maximum of 30° at the
proposed dumping site. The description regarding the stabilization of the stacked material
along the proposed roads has been discussed in the following paragraphs.

The options like dumping muck in stages and allowing it to consolidate/settle through the
monsoon, compacting the dumped muck with Bulldozer movement, zoning of the dump
judiciously to ensure the stability of 30° slope under all superimposed conditions will be
explored and utilized. The plan and cross-sections of the proposed muck dumping site is
given at Figures 10.7.

The main objectives of process of muck dumping and restoration of these muck disposal sites
are:
• to protect and control soil erosion;
• to create greenery in the muck disposal area;
• to improve and develop the sites into recreational site;
• to ensure maximum utilization of muck for the construction purpose;
• to develop the muck disposal site/ dumping yard to blend with the surrounding
landscape.

In Paidipalem PSP, a scientific approach and methodology was followed for identification of
the dumping site. All possible alternate sites were inspected and examined before rejecting
or selecting any site. The dumping site is characterized by:

i) low vegetation cover,


ii) the populated /settlement areas are away from the dumping site and therefore will
have least impact on human settlements, and

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iii) the identified muck site is close to the area of generation to avoid hazards related to
transport of muck for long distances and minimizing traffic problems.

The generated muck will be carried in dumper trucks tightly covered in line with international
best practices. All precautionary measures will be followed during the dumping of muck. All
dumpers will be well maintained to avoid any chances of loose soil from being falling during
the transportation. All unpaved routes will be periodically wetted with the help of sprinklers
prior to the movement of dump trucks. Dumping would be avoided during the high-speed
wind, so that suspended particulate matter (PM10) levels could be maintained. After the
dumping the surface of dumps will be sprayed with water with the help of sprinklers and
then compacted.

As mentioned above, for disposal of 1,935,340 cum of muck, an area of 12.28 Ha having
capacity of 1,940,000 cum has been identified (see Table 10.13. The excavated material from
various construction sites would be disposed of at designated site in a controlled and orderly
manner. All measures would be adopted to ensure that the dumping of muck does not cause
injury or inconvenience to the people or the property around the area. The general
topography of the disposal area has a flat ground profile. The spillage of muck will be
prevented by making RR masonry retaining walls to retain the piled muck. The top surface
would be levelled and graded after the capacity of any dumping site is exhausted. The top
surface will be covered with soil and grass seeding will be ensured to promote vegetation
cover. Suitable retaining walls shall be constructed prior to dumping of muck, and terraces
would be developed to support the muck on vertical slope and for optimum space utilization.
Loose muck would be compacted layer-wise. The compacted muck will be ultimately covered
with fertile soil, and suitable plants will be planted adopting suitable bio-technological
measures.

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Figure 10.7 : Cross Section of Muck Dumping Area

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10.6.3 Rehabilitation of Muck Disposal Site


The Rehabilitation plan of muck dumping site includes engineering and biological measures.
The project authorities would ensure that the dumping yards blend with the natural
landscape to develop the site with patches of greenery in and around it. The site can also be
developed later as a recreational park or any other purpose with sufficient greenery by
planting ornamental plants. The muck dumping site would be developed as Eco-Park which
would not only help in rehabilitation of disposed muck site but also help in propagating
biodiversity conservations measures.

The following engineering and biological measures have been proposed for the development
of spoiled areas.

10.6.3.1 Engineering Measures


For stacking of dumped material, and mainly to avoid spillage of muck beyond the acquired
boundary of muck disposal area, RR masonry retaining wall is proposed to be built before
dumping of any material on the site. The total periphery length of Muck Dumping Area is
1620 m and height of retaining wall is proposed to be 3 m. The masonry wall is proposed
with weep holes to be provided with PVC pipes of 100 mm dia. for drainage. The levelling &
Sloping would be done after dumping the material; after every cycle and simultaneously
improving the drainage of the disposal site.

The methodology consists in developing the formation width is half cutting and half filling,
so that the materials obtained from cutting are utilized in filling. The excavation on hill side
will be done to get a stable slope for the materials encountered. At places breast wall, gabion
walls shall be done in natural slope to retain filled material, particularly where there is
problem of retaining the slope.

i) Retaining Wall
Total area of land for dumping of muck is 12.28 ha (refer Table i.e., which can accommodate
about 1,94,000 Cum. The height of the retaining wall will be approximately 3m. A typical
sketch of the retaining wall is given at Figure 10.8.

Figure 10.8 : Cross-section of Retaining Wall

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ii) Compaction
Compaction is an engineering measure, which would reduce bulk density of the muck
thereby optimizing the use of muck disposal area and would make it suitable for the
plantation and other biological measures. Top surface would be levelled and graded to make
the alternative use. The muck will be spread in layers of 500-700 mm thick layers. Top surface
would be levelled and graded to make the alternative use. On top a layer of soil would be
spread to make the land suitable for plantation. The total cost for the process of compaction
is Rs. 180.00 lakh.

iii) Fencing
Fencing is a bio-engineering measure. After rehabilitation of muck the dumping area need
protection for some time from disturbing by human and domestic animals. For this reason,
fencing around the muck deposited is required. Barbed wire strands with two diagonal
strands, clamped to wooden/ concrete posts placed at 3 m distance are proposed around
the dumping piles. Project authorities will establish temporary wind barriers around 3 sides
of dumps in close of settlement area. Estimated cost of engineering measures is given at
Table 10.14.

Table 10.14: Estimated Cost of Engineering Measures


Rate in Cost
S. No. Particular Volume
Rs./cum (Rs. Lakh)
1 Earthwork for foundation (Cum) 16600 350.0 58.10
2 PCC 100 mm Thick M10 Grade Concrete (Cum) 1620 3500.0 56.70
3 R.R. Masonry 9720 750.0 72.90
Weep Holes with PVC Pipe 100 mm∅ @1.5m C/C
4 1620 400.0 6.48
Vertically & Horizontally (Rmt)
5 Compacting and land leveling, etc. LS LS 180.00
Total 374.18

10.6.3.2 Biological Measures


Top surface area of muck dumping area is about 12.28 ha. This area will be treated for the
purpose of plantation. Vegetation cover controls the hydrological and mechanical effects on
soils and slopes. Therefore, biological measures to stabilize the loose slope are essential. To
implement the biological measures in dumping area the following activities would be taken
into account. The biological measures include the following:

i) Soil treatment
Muck dumped at various sites is not considered to be nutrient rich as it is excavated from
tunnels and other structures. In order to make it suitable for the plantation it will be provided
bio treatment.

ii) Plantation
The selected species will be planted after their nurseries have been developed. The dumping
areas are very small; therefore, a separate nursery would not be required. Saplings for
plantation should be procured from existing forest department nursery. Nearly 1-2 years old
saplings would be used for the plantation. Grasses and herbaceous species would be used in
the inter space of tree and shrub species. They will help in providing the continuous chain of

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support in retaining debris, reinforcing soil and increasing the infiltration capacity of the
area. After the process of compaction dumping site will be available for the plantation. In
consultation with the forest department as well as horticultural department.

The afforestation with indigenous plant species of high ecological and economic value which
can adapt to local habitat will be undertaken with 750-800 plants per hectare depending
upon the canopy cover required. Major tree species which would be planted are listed in
table below.

S. No. Family Scientific Name S. No. Family Scientific Name


1 Anacardiaceae Mangifera indica 18 Meliaceae Chukrasia tabularis
2 Anonaceae Polyalthia longifolia 19 Meliaceae Melia azedarach
3 Apocynaceae Nerium indicum 20 Moraceae Ficus sp.
4 Combretaceae Anogeissus pendula 21 Myrtaceae Syzygium sp.
5 Combretaceae Terminalia sp. 22 Ochnaceae Ochna obtusata
6 Euphorbiaceae Jatropha curcas 23 Rubiaceae Anthocephalus cadamba
7 Fabaceae Acacia sp. 24 Rubiaceae Mitragyna parvifolia
8 Fabaceae Albizia sp. 25 Rubiaceae Morinda pubescens
9 Fabaceae Cassia fistula 26 Rutaceae Aegle marmelos
10 Fabaceae Dalbergia sp. 27 Sapotaceae Madhuca indica
11 Fabaceae Bauhinia sp. 28 Acanthaceae Justicia adhatoda
12 Fabaceae Senna montana 29 Apocynaceae Nerium indicum
13 Lamiaceae Tectona grandis 30 Euphorbiaceae Jatropha curcas
14 Magnoliaceae Magnolia champaca 31 Poaceae Dendrocalamus strictus
15 Malvaceae Bombax ceiba 32 Sapindaceae Dodonaea viscosa
16 Meliaceae Azadirachta indica 33 Verbenaceae Vitex negundo
17 Meliaceae Toona ciliata

The estimated cost of these measures would be Rs. 93.00 lakh. This cost includes the cost of
turfing slopes, preparation of ground, spreading of manure, etc., providing 5 cm of soil cover
and transportation and carriage. It also includes the cost of fencing, irrigation, watch and
ward, etc. (see Table 10.15).

Table 10.15: Total financial outlay for the biological measures at dumping sites
S. Rate/ ha Amount
Particulars Quantity
No. (in Rs.) (Rs. in lakh)
1 Site preparation (Levelling and spreading of fertile soil) 12.0 ha 2,00,000 24.00
Digging and filling of Pits
2 10,000 Nos. 60/pit 6.00
(size: 0.45 m x 0.45 m x 0.45 m)
Cost of plant material including transportation of Plant
3 10,000 Nos. Lumpsum 10.00
material from nursery
Planting of entire Plants raised in P/bag including labour
4 10,000 Nos. 30/ plant 3.00
charges
5 Manure and soil filling in pits including transportation - Lumpsum 5.00
6 Cost of RCC fence post and B/Wire Lumpsum 15.00
7 Maintenance for 5 years 5 Years 300000.0 15.00
8 Misc. (watering, transport, etc.) - Lumpsum 15.00
Total 93.00

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10.6.4 Financial Requirement


The estimated cost of the relocation and rehabilitation of excavated material is given in Table
10.16. The total cost of these measures will be Rs. 487.18 lakh.

Table 10.16: Financial requirements for implementation of Muck Disposal Plan


S. No. Item Amount (Rs.in lakh)
1. Engineering measures 374.18
2. Biological measures 93.00
Total 467.18

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Section LANDSCAPING AND RESTORATION OF


10.7 CONSTRUCTION SITES
10.7 LANDSCAPING AND RESTORATION OF CONSTRUCTION SITES

10.7.1 Job Facility Sites & Project Colonies


During construction phase of the project, number of temporary construction sites and
working areas will come up. For the restoration of proposed project affected areas to its
original landscape as much as possible and retain its aesthetic values, various engineering
and biological measures have been suggested.

During construction period about 8.09 ha land is required for job facility, for colony and office
and 1.0 ha temporary land is required for Crushing and Batching plants. Setting up of
infrastructure for construction including colonies for labor will lead to clearing of vegetation.
The forest land diverted for the construction of the project component, will be cleared of
vegetation. Part of this land on completion of project construction can be restored. The
following measures would be adopted for the rehabilitation and landscaping of colony areas
and construction sites.

• Proper roads and lanes would be provided inside the colony area. The open area will be
covered with vegetation. Preferably native ornamental plants and trees will be planted in
rows along the roads and lanes.
• Proper channels would be provided inside the colony to drain out the rain/ domestic
water. Retaining walls will be built to avoid soil erosion, landslides and slips.
• Parks and playgrounds for staff and children would be developed in colony of project area.

The estimated cost of restoration of construction is 43.00 lakh (see Table 10.17).

Table 10.17: Cost estimates for engineering and biological measures for construction areas
Rate/ unit Amount
S. No. Item of work Quantity
(in Rs.) Rs. (in lakh)
Leveling and development of
1 9 ha 2,00,000/ha 18.00
the Job Facility Area
2 Avenue Plantation* -
3 Fencing Lump sum 10.00
4 Maintenance 5 Years 3,00,000/Year 15.00
Total 43.00
*Cost Covered in Green Belt Development Plan

10.7.2 Project Roads


The project is located close to Paidipalem Village in the Simhadripuram Mandal of YSR
District in Andhra Pradesh. The project site is easily accessible by NH67. An approach road
has been planned to reach proposed project area. From this road various permanent and
temporary project roads are proposed for communication requirements in the project
vicinity during the construction stage and that of during the Operation and Maintenance
stage. It has been assessed that about 17.24 km length of new roads is required to be

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constructed to access the various components of the proposed project. The total land
required for the construction of the new road is 12.46 ha. Most of the proposed road passes
through scrub land and open forest.

Major impacts due to the construction of roads are as follows:


• The project area is characterized by the topography of steep slopes. Such topography is
prone to erosion hazards due to the net downhill movement of soil aggregates.
• The removal of trees on steep slopes and re-working of the slopes near roads can
encourage landslips, etc. as erosive action of water gets pronounced accelerating the
process of soil erosion and formation of gullies.
• Increased air pollution during the construction phase.

i. Mitigation Measures to be adopted during construction


The following mitigations measures are recommended during the construction of roads.
Keep an area for clearing and grubbing to a minimum subject to the technical requirements
of the road.

• Properly demarcate area to be cleared to save as many trees as well as shrubs possible.
Tree felling for road construction/works would be kept bare minimum and strict control
must be exercised in consultation with the Forest Department.
• Employ the methodology of balanced cut and fill formation to avoid large differences in
cut and fill quantities.
• Protect cut slopes by providing breast walls, construction of catch water and intercepting
drains, treatment of slopes and unstable areas above and underneath the road, etc.
• Undertake controlled blasting techniques where blasting is required.
• Do not dump or throw excavated material haphazardly but dump in a suitable manner at
designated muck dumping location.
• Link all artificial drains built for drainage near the working area with the existing natural
drainage system. Ensure these drains have gentle slopes. However, on steep slopes
provide check dams so that soil is not eroded and carried away by high-velocity flows.

The estimated cost of implementing mitigation measures discussed above during road
construction is given in Table 10.18.

Table 10.18: Details of cost estimates for measures during road construction
Amount
S. No. Item Quantity Rate
(Rs. lakh)
1. Site Clearance of vegetation 8.0 ha Rs. 50000/- per ha 4.00
Provision of retaining/ breast walls,
2. construction of catch water, and 2800 cum Rs.7500/- per cum 210.00
interceptor drains
Provision of the drainage system along
3. 34000 rmt Rs.500/- per rmt 170.00
project roads (17.0 km)
Total 384.00

It is proposed to carry out roadside plantation and the details of same are discussed in
Section 10.12.

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10.7.3 Plan Implementation


The landscaping and restoration plan will be implemented with help of landscaping experts
and in consultation with State Horticulture Department as well as concerned Forest Division
and funding will be provided by the project proponent for successful implementation of this
plan.

10.7.4 Cost Estimates


The estimated cost for the restoration works, landscaping of quarry areas, roadside
plantations, and creation of green belt around reservoir and colonies and working sites
would be Rs. 427.00 lakh (Table 10.19).

Table 10.19: Summary of Cost estimates


Amount
S. No. Item
(Rs. in lakhs)
1 Restoration of construction areas, colonies, and residential areas 43.00
2 Restoration measures during road construction 384.00
Total 427.00

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Section SANITATION AND SOLID WASTE


10.8 MANAGEMENT PLAN
10.8 SANITATION AND SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
Solid waste generated from temporary and permanent colonies in construction as well as
operation phase requires special management to dispose-off as warranted under the Solid
Wastes Management Rules (SWM) 2016. For that an efficient waste management system
will be required to put in place to keep the environment of the region clean and healthy.
These colonies and temporary settlements will also require adequate water supply for
drinking and cleaning.

The project authorities will ensure sewage generated from labour colonies and site office is
treated and disposed as per the SPCB guidelines. It is proposed to provide adequate septic
tanks with soak pits for treatment and disposal of sewage.

Waste generation rate in Indian cities ranges between 200-870 grams/capita/day, depending
upon the region’s lifestyle and the size of the city. The per capita waste generation is
increasing by about 1.3% per year in India (Annepu, 2012). State-wise data show that Andhra
Pradesh average is about 364 gm/capita/day, however, project area being small town/rural
is expected to generate lower than that of state average. It is assumed for the estimation of
quantum of waste generation, for the purpose of preparation of solid waste management
plan, that migrant labour population will follow the local pattern. Therefore, when project
will go for construction, about 300 grams/capita/day is expected to be generated.

Further, the peak labour population is estimated to be 1000 persons. It is also expected that
locals in the proximity will also use solid waste management facilities; keeping this in view,
the plan is prepared for about 1500 persons.

For 1500 persons an estimated amount of about 540 Kg/day (0.36 kg x 1500 individuals) of
solid waste will be generated. This waste will be collected, segregated, and disposed off in
line with the provisions laid down in Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.

10.8.1 Management of Solid Waste


The project authority shall, within the territorial area of the project complex/ colony, be
responsible for the implementation of the provision of Solid Wastes Management. Adequate
facilities for collection, transportation and disposal of solid waste will be developed. Any solid
waste generated in the project complex/ project colony/ labour colony, shall be managed
and handled appropriately. Various aspects of solid waste management include:
▪ Reuse/Recycling
▪ Storage/Segregation
▪ Collection and Transportation
▪ Disposal

10.8.1.1 Reuse/Recycling
Project proponent/contractor will explore opportunity to recycle the waste generated at the
project site, in this context project will identify authorized vendors for recycling or disposal

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of used batteries, used oil and used oil filters (as these are hazardous waste). Bio-degradable
waste will be treated in Organic Waste Composter (OWC) and the manure generated will be
distributed to local villagers.

10.8.1.2 Storage and Segregation


In the labour colony, provisions shall be made to separately store the degradable and non-
degradable solid waste. Two different coloured bins will be supplied to each labour family,
who will segregate the waste generated in their household. Green and Biodegradable waste
is to be deposited in one container and non-biodegradable waste in another container. In
case of canteens and community kitchens also, two different coloured dust bins will be used
for separately storing the biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste generated. A
sustained awareness programme will be conducted to educate workers about the
segregation of degradable and biodegradable wastes.

10.8.1.3 Collection and Transportation


The project authorities shall prohibit littering of solid wastes in the area under their control
by resorting to following collection practices:

• Organizing house-to-house collection of solid waste on regular pre-informed timing by


using mini trucks.
• Collected waste from residential areas shall be transferred to community bin by suitable
vehicle
• Collection of wastes from office complexes and commercial areas
• Construction / demolition wastes or debris shall be separately collected and disposed off

Solid waste collected shall be disposed-off at a common storage point. Three trucks will be
commissioned to collect the solid waste and dispose the same at sites designated for
disposal of solid waste.

10.8.1.4 Disposal
The solid waste will be transported for disposal at the designated landfill sites. The landfill
shall have impervious clay at the bottom most layers. The second layer shall be impervious
liner (Geo membrane), third layer will be of sand, after that well compacted solid waste is
to be put over the sand, then again, a layer of clay, finally a layer of soil. Vegetation shall be
grown on the topmost layers. It will give a good aesthetic view of landfill.

i) Degradable component
The bio-degradable portion of the solid waste would be disposed of by composting. The
degradable portion is expected to be about 70% i.e., about 378 kg/day of the degradable
portion of solid waste will be generated.

For treatment of bio-degradable solid waste, provision of Solid Waste Treatment Plant has
been proposed established in the project area. The capacity of treatment plant is about 5
ton/day. Proposed Solid Waste Treatment Plant not only manage the solid waste
generated inside the project area, but also cater the management of Solid Waste of
surrounding villages. The composting process takes around 45-60 days to mature. The

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screened compost would be used as good manure especially for the cultivation of
vegetables and for fruit orchards in the area. The treated waste is further utilized as
manure at plantation sites, gardens, and herbal park.

ii) Non-Degradable component


The non-degradable portion (about 162 kg /day) shall be segregated and transported to
disposed at designated sites. The details of land fill site are given as below:

Waste Generation: 162 kg/day


Design Life: 4 years (construction phase)
Total Waste Generation in 5 Years: 236.52 tons
Volume of waste: 278.26 m3 (assumed density =0.85 tonnes/m 3)
Provision of daily cover, liner, etc: 55.65 m3 (20% approx.)
Total Volume: 333.91 m3
Pits of Size (LxWxD): 60m x 25m x 2m (effective depth 1.7 m)

A provision of additional 50% of the total area, for accommodating infrastructure facilities
w i l l be included while working out requirement of space. The liner system will comprise
of the following layers below the waste:

▪ 0.30m thick drainage layer comprising of coarse sand or gravel


▪ 0.2m thick protective layer of sandy silt
▪ 1.50mm thick HDPE geo-membrane
▪ 1m thick clay layer/amended soil layer, comprising of local soil

iii) Bio-medical Wastes


Biomedical waste is expected to be generated during the diagnosis, treatment or
immunization of human beings. It may include waste like scrap, anatomical waste, culture
media, discarded medicines, chemical waste, syringes, swabs, bandages, body fluids, human
excreta, etc. This waste is highly infectious and can be a serious threat to human health if
not managed in a scientific manner. In proposed project, biomedical waste will be generated
from first aid posts and other medical establishments in the area. As the quantity of
biomedical waste generated is not expected to be very significant requiring separate
incineration, it is proposed to have a tie-up with district hospital or private hospital to
dispose-off biomedical waste generated from project activities in their facility.

10.8.2 Financial Requirement


The total budget in order to manage the solid waste generated from this population, has
been proposed as Rs. 303.84 lakh (Table 10.20).

Table 10.20: Cost Estimate for Solid Waste Management Plan


Cost
S. No. Item
(Rs. lakh)
1 Solid Waste Composting Machines (1 Nos) 70.00
2 Portable STP (1 Nos) + Septic Tanks 40.00
3 Construction at composting site 20.00
4 Reclamation and stabilization of land fill and composting site* 25.00

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Cost
S. No. Item (Rs. lakh)
5 One covered truck for conveyance of solid waste to landfill site @ Rs. 25.00 25.00
lakh per truck
6 Two tractors with trolleys @ Rs. 11.00 lakh per tractor with trolley 22.00
7 Manpower cost for 6 persons @ Rs. 18000 per person per month for 4 years 51.84
Running, operation and maintenance of trucks and trolleys including driver’s
8 36.00
salaries @ Rs. 25,000 per vehicle per month for 3 vehicles for 4 years
9 Awareness Programme/ Periodical Training (Rs. 1.0 Lakh/ year) 4.00
10 Tools & Equipment’s 10.00
Total Cost (Rs. lakh) 303.84
* Cost of land is taken in DPR

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Section
10.9
PUBLIC HEALTH DELIVERY SYSTEM

10.9 PUBLIC HEALTH DELIVERY SYSTEM


The objective of Public Health Delivery System is to provide good health care facilities at
construction sites and to improve efficiency in the allocation and use of health resources in
the project area, so as to improve the health status of the people in the area.

10.9.1 Threats to Public Health


Project construction and operation will bring about several changes in the socio-economic
environment of the area including increased threats to health of the community. Possible
threats to public health are briefly discussed below along with the management measures.

i. New Diseases due to Migratory Population


During the project construction period, there will be further increase in the population of
this region, particularly around the project area. The peak migratory labour force during the
construction period is estimated to be around 1000. Out of 1000 nos. the majority of workers
will be from the local population/surrounding Villages and about 500 nos. (workers with
family) will be migrated from other area. These migrant workers and their family members
may be the potential carriers of new diseases hitherto unknown/unreported from the
project area. Diseases like VDs, gastroenteritis, etc. are some of the potential risks to human
inhabitants of this area. The present available health services in the area would be
insufficient to cater to such a vast influx of outside population in this area. Therefore, it
would be obvious for the project authorities and their contractors to have all the laborer
including their family members registered, quarantined and vaccinated against common
diseases like malaria, etc. The project authorities will hold screening camps for the laborer,
where rapid blood tests and swab samples will be analyzed for diseases like, TB, Covid, etc.
and health card will be issued. Only after valid certification a labour or his family members
will be registered with the contractor. The project authorities would ensure that the
contractors follow this strict quarantine procedure, and this clause would be included in the
award of the contract/works. Adequate medical facilities will be provided by the project
authorities for this purpose in addition to strengthening the existing medical facilities in the
area.

ii. Chances of increase in water borne diseases as malaria, and dengue are high if there is a
stagnant water body in the vicinity. The project is a pumped storage scheme which will
create new reservoirs and water will remain in circulation on daily basis from upper to lower
and vice versa. Stagnation of water and multiplication of mosquitoes and other vectors is
not anticipated, however, monitoring and preventive measures are recommended to
prevent outbreak of water-borne diseases.

iii. Chances of increase in respiratory troubles due to increase in suspended particles during
the construction phase. Mainly a cause of concern for construction workers who are likely
to be exposed to dust for long hours. PPEs, such as dust masks, are recommended to mitigate
such impacts.

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iv. Chances of occurrence of gastroenteritis, cholera and typhoid in the labour camps. The
project should make proper arrangements for maintaining high hygienic conditions in the
colonies and labour camps, by providing good sanitation and drinking water facilities.
Medicines would be distributed free of cost to the labour during construction period as and
when required.

10.9.2 Medical Facilities


During the construction phase migratory population will be present and spread along
construction sites in labour colonies. One part of the impact is on local population due to
migrant population and second part is medical needs of migrant population putting stress
on existing limited medical resources in the area. Another dimension which needs to be kept
in mind while planning medical services from the project side is the risk of accidents during
project construction and emergency medical services to respond to such incidents. Working
at heights, underground operations, blasting using explosives, use of heavy machinery and
equipment with moving parts, movement of large number of vehicles carrying men and
material, etc. increase the risk of accidents at workplace. Despite training and use of safety
gears, possibilities of accidents at workplace cannot be ruled out and require preparedness.

It is recommended that the developer provide the following medical facility, directly or
through contractor, to ensure safe and healthy operations during the entire construction
phase. This also helps in minimizing the dependence of labour population on the existing
medical facility.

• Two fully equipped ambulances need to be procured to provide pre-hospital care to


accident victims. The ambulances should always be stationed near major construction
sites or the sites where risky operations are taking place. Typically, the ambulance should
have equipment such as Fornoflex Chair/COT, Ventilator, Vacuum Splint Kit (Adult),
Scoops Stretcher, Oxygen Cylinder with accessories, Resuscitation Bag (Adult), Suction
Pump, Spine Board, siren/beacon, Emergency Light with public address system, Wireless
equipment, additional battery, First Aid bag, BP instrument, stethoscope, etc. and with
trained manpower.
• Two first-aid posts need to be established - near proposed construction sites and colony
areas to take care of basic medical needs of the workers at major construction sites.
• The first aid post will have essential medicines including dressing materials, stretcher,
wheelchair, ORS packets, etc. The first aid post can be housed in the temporarily erected
structure and should be managed by one Health Assistant and assisted by one
dresser/first aid attendant. Visiting doctors can attend First Aid post regularly every day
at a fixed time.
• As the existing medical facilities in the area are not adequate, budget provisions have
been made for strengthening existing PHCs in the project area.

10.9.3 Health Extension Activities


The health extension activities will have to be carried out in the villages situated within the
study area. It is important to inculcate hygienic sanitary habits, especially with respect to
water pollution by domestic waste.

A medico needs to be engaged to make regular visits to these villages and organize health

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promotional activities with the active participation of the local village leaders, NGOs and
available local health functionaries. The health functionaries would undertake the following
tasks as a part of health promotional activities:

• Organize awareness programs and medical camps to make people aware about the
common diseases in the region. This should include poster campaign, awareness camps,
medical camps for health check-ups and vaccination/ treatment, etc.
• Collect water samples to ascertain the potability of water from different sources so as to
monitor regular disinfection of drinking water sources.
• Maintain close surveillance on incidence of communicable diseases in villages.
• Maintain close liaison with the community leaders and health functionaries of different
departments, so that they can be mobilized in case of an emergency.
• Close interaction to be maintained with health department functionaries of the state
government.
• In case of verifiable health problem arising due to blasting activities of the project,
necessary health care facilities shall be provided.

In addition to the above health promotional activities safety measures for contagious
diseases like AIDS and pandemic like Covid19 has been taken in consideration. Therefore, to
minimize the impact of such diseases, it is necessary that project proponents and contractors
must follow specific protocols and government advisories. As a part of EMP, the project
should made provisions to ensure taking adequate measures to control the spread of disease
among workforces. The plan should be updated, keeping in view the prevailing situation at
the time of start of work.

At the time of labour engagement and start of work or anytime during the execution of work,
any directives issued by government with respect to labour, movement, labour stay at site,
social distancing or any other restriction put in place to contain the spread of infectious
disease should be strictly adhered to.

Project proponents will monitor and ensure that contractors will follow any restriction on
movement or advise on distancing as issued by the government due to any infectious disease
during the period of construction. Project proponent will request the details from the
Contractor about the measures being taken to address the risks. This may include the
following aspects as relevant:
• Conducting pre-employment testing for contagious diseases
• Controlling entry and exit from site/ workplace
• General hygiene
• Cleaning and waste disposal
• Control the frequency of workers entering/exiting the site
• Providing appropriate forms of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks
• Training and communication with workers and surrounding community
• Request the Contractor to convene regular meetings with the project health and safety
specialists and medical staff (and where appropriate the local health authorities), and to
take their advice in designing and implementing the agreed measures.
• Create one or more Covid focal point(s) among workforce, who can monitor the situation
and workers and interact with them for any symptoms/requirement

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10.9.4 Cost Estimates


Budgetary estimates for the public health delivery system have been worked out as Rs. 228.00
lakh, as per the breakup given at Table 10.21.

Table 10.21: Budgetary estimates for developing health care facilities


Amount
S. No. Particulars
(Rs. lakh)
Ambulance: 2 no. with all the basic Medicare facilities and small DG set, etc. in the
1 40.00
project area
Budget for running the ambulances including driver, fuel and maintenance for 4
2 40.00
years @ 5 lakh/ambulance/year
3 Two first aid posts including sheds, furniture and basic equipment 20.00
Budget for running the first aid posts @ Rs. 10.0 lakh per post per annum including
4 80.00
cost of medico, para-medico/Nurses and attendant, consumables, etc. for 4 years
5 Measures to control and monitor infectious diseases in the project area. 20.00
6 Budget for strengthening existing medical facilities 20.00
Budget for Health Awareness/ Vaccination Camps @ Rs. 2.00 lakh per annum for
7 8.00
4 years
Total (Rs. lakh) 228.00

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Section
10.9
ENERGY CONSERVATION MEASURES

10.10 ENERGY CONSERVATION MEASURES


As discussed previously, the proposed project would remain under construction for about 4
years, and it is estimated that migrant population during peak construction phase will be of
the order of 1000 persons. Out of 1000 persons, out of these about 500 nos. will be from the
local population/surrounding villages and 500 nos. will be the migratory workers from other
area. It is the general tendency of the migrant laborers to use forest wood for fuel and other
domestic uses, especially when it is easily available. This would create serious biotic pressure
on the nearby forest. To mitigate such impacts, various management measures need to be
put in place and strictly implemented.

Energy Conservation Measure (ECM) are to be planned and implemented during construction
phase either directly by developer or through contractor to reduce the pressure on natural
resources in the project area and minimize impacts on this count. These measures can affect
a variety of resources mainly forest, from negative impact of fuel wood collection by
stakeholders as well as by labours during construction period. To mitigate such impacts,
feasible measures will be adopted to help minimize pressure on forest. These are briefly
discussed in the ensuing text.

10.10.1 Conservation Measures


Renewable natural resources like Forests should be protected/ cared to enhance quality of life
and can also be used and replenished for future use. In study area, supply of cooking gas and
kerosene is available in all villages, but fuel wood is the dominant source of energy due to its
easy availability; therefore, there is need to reduce the pressure on natural forests for wood.
With an estimated migrant population of 1000 persons in the area, the existing facilities will
become insufficient for supply of kitchen fuel for the migrant population during the
construction of the project. Fuel for cooking is an essential requirement and in the absence of
adequate fuel availability they will resort to tree cutting for use of fuel wood. The project
authorities would need to make adequate arrangements for the supply of fuel for domestic
use.

Provisions for Kitchen Fuel


The demand for kitchen fuel will increase due to the population coming from outside for the
construction and other related work of the project. Project authority through contractor/
working agencies should provide kitchen fuel and make arrangement for community kitchen,
canteen and efficient cooking facilities, as briefly discussed below.

Community kitchen: The project developer through contractor/ working agencies would
make sufficient arrangement for the establishment of at least two community kitchens. These
will be established near the project colonies. The kitchen should provide food to the labour at
subsidized rates. The facility should maintain proper hygiene while preparing and supplying
food, with adequate arrangement for waste collection and disposal. In addition, canteens are
also proposed for labour near major construction sites to provide tea/snacks at subsidized
rates.

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Kitchen fuel: During the construction period of the project, many families may prefer cooking
on their own instead of using community kitchen. In absence of fuel for cooking, they would
resort to tree cutting and using wood as fuel. To avoid such situations, the project authority
through contractor/ working agencies should make LPG available to these migrant workers.
The supply of LPG can be ensured on regular basis at subsidized rates.

It is estimated that about 50% of married labour families and all the technical and
supervisory staff would prefer doing their own cooking. Additional connections would be
needed for community kitchens, and married labour families. Therefore, developer through
contractor/ working agencies will coordinate with the LPG supplier to set up a storage depot
in the area to ensure regular supply of LPG cylinders in the project area during construction
period.

Efficient cooking facilities: Project authority should also take measures for reducing the fuel
consumption. The authority should provide solar cookers and pressure cookers through
contractor/ working agencies to the families of migrant workers. Accordingly, budget has been
allocated for the supply of cookers. This facility will also increase work efficiency of migrant
workers and they will also get proper daily diet.

Solar Lantern: Provision of solar lantern has also been made in the project budget and these
will be distributed to labour camps.

Awareness Programmes on Energy Conservation: Special awareness programmes against


tree cutting should be held, which should concentrate on the awareness of labor families
and villagers on environment conservation and sustainable development for the future
generations. Thus, issues like saving trees, electricity and water should be covered in such
programmes.

10.10.2 Cost Estimates


A total budget of Rs. 240.00 lakh have been proposed towards the provision of kitchen fuel,
and other facilities including establishment of community kitchen or canteens for the
migrant workers (Table 10.22).

Table 10.22: Financial Provision for Energy Conservation Measures


Amount
S.
Particulars (Rs. in
No.
lakh)
1 Fund for strengthening the infrastructure of existing LPG Depot 10.00
2 Community Kitchen (2 No.) – capital cost (Rs. 8.00 lakh per kitchen) 16.00
Running cost of Community Kitchen for 4 years @Rs. 20 lakh per kitchen
3 160.00
per annum
4 Canteen (2 No.) – Capital cost (Rs. 5.00 lakh per canteen) 10.00
5 Running cost of Canteen (2 No.) @ Rs. 5.0 lakh/canteen/annum for 4 years 40.00
Awareness Programme for Conservation of Natural resources among
6 4.00
labour
Total (Rs. lakh) 240.00

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Section LABOUR MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THEIR


10.11 HEALTH AND SAFETY

10.11 LABOUR MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THEIR HEALTH AND SAFETY


As discussed above, about 1000 technical and non-technical staff will be working on the
construction work, which is planned to be completed in about 4 years. Construction work
has many associated risks and health impacts for the workers who are directly exposed to
such health and safety risks. Direct exposure to heat, noise and dust can cause long term
health impacts. On the other hand, risky operations if carried out by untrained workers can
cause serious accidents at sites not 1only affecting to those working at site but also in
surrounding areas. Natural accidents such as landslide, earthquake also pose risk to life of
workers on the project site. Therefore, there is a need to prepare complete health and safety
documents for workers either by project proponent/contractor and proponent shall ensure
its implementation. The document should cover the following:

1. Identification of risks – fire and explosion, collapse of shed/structure, fall from working
at height, collapse of lifting appliances, hit by fallen objects, landslides, failure during
underground work, drowning, etc. All the potential risk and high hazard areas/activities
need to be identified and listed. It should also cover high pollution area such as working
in high noise or high dust areas.
2. Steps to Minimize Accident/Emergency – Documents should list all the Do’s and Don’ts
to avoid/minimize emergencies. It should also identify the activities and areas requiring
use of specific PPEs. Prepare SOPs for risk operations.
3. Resource Planning – Document should identify the resources required to minimize
accidents/emergency as well as those which would be required to manage emergency,
if it happens and budge thereof.
4. Preparation of Site Emergency Plan – a site specific emergency plan needs to be prepared
covering all the accident/emergency situations listing control and command structure
and roles and responsibilities.
5. Training and Awareness – regular training and awareness of workers will be needed to
ensure they understand and follow all the safety instructions and use appropriate PPEs.

A detailed plan will be prepared covering the above activities before start of construction
work. A tentative budget of Rs. 60.00 lakh for labour management is given in Table 10.23.

Table 10.23: Budget for Labour Management Plan


S. Budget
Activity
No. (Rs. in lakh)
Identification of risks, risky operations and areas for
1 15.00
preparation of on-site emergency plan
Provision of PPEs @ Rs. 10.00 lakh as capital expenditure and
2 25.00
Rs. 5.0 lakh every year for next 3 years for replenishment
Occupational Health and Safety Training and Awareness
3 12.00
Programs for Workers @ Rs. 4.00 lakh per annum for 3 years
4 Regular Safety Audits @Rs. 2.0 lakh/year for 4 years 8.00
Total 60.00

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Table 10.24 gives list of BIS Standards related to safety aspects during various stages of
construction, installation, erection of different components and appurtenance of river valley
projects, including inspection, observation and maintenance aspects from safety
consideration. Relevant codes should be used to ensure the safety of workers at sites.

Table 10.24: List of relevant BIS Standards


S. No. IS No. Title
Safety code for construction, operation and maintenance of
1 IS 10386 (Part 1):1983
river valley projects: Part 1 General aspects
Safety code for construction, operation and maintenance of
2 IS 10386 (Part 2):1982 river valley projects: Part 2 Amenities, protective clothing and
equipment
Safety code for construction, operation and maintenance of
3 IS 10386 (Part 3):1992
river valley projects Part 3 Plant & machinery
Safety code for construction, operation and maintenance of
4 IS 10386 (Part 4):1992 river valley projects Part 4 Handling, transportation and storage
of explosives
Safety code for construction, operation and maintenance of
5 IS 10386 (Part 5):1992
river valley projects: Part 5 Electrical aspects
Safety code for construction, operation and maintenance of
6 IS 10386 (Part 6):1983
river valley projects: Part 6 Construction
Safety code for construction, operation and maintenance of
7 IS 10386 (Part 7):1993
river valley projects: Part 7 Fire safety aspects
Safety code for construction, operation and maintenance of
8 IS 10386 (Part 8):1995
river valley projects Part 8 Excavation
Safety code for construction, operation and maintenance of
9 IS 10386 (Part 9):1998
river valley projects Part 9 Canals and cross drainage works
Safety code for construction, operation and maintenance of
10 IS 10386 (Part 10):1983 river valley projects: Part 10 Storage, handling, detection and
safety measures for gases, chemicals and flammable liquids

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Section
10.12
GREENBELT DEVLEOPMENT PLAN

10.12 GREEN BELT DEVELOPMENT PLAN


The main objective of green belt development plan is to increase the green cover in the area
and improving the aesthetics. Development of green belt and other form of greenery shall
also prevent the soil erosion and washing away of top-soil besides helping in stabilizing the
functional ecosystem. A "Green Belt Development Plan" has been prepared by selecting the
potential flora of the region that could help in achieving the desired results as stated above.
Green belt development will comprise of plantations at various places like alongside roads
and at different project offices and colonies.

10.12.1 Roadside Plantation


It has been assessed that about 17.24 km length of new roads is required to be constructed
to access the various components of the proposed project. During construction vehicles are
the mobile sources of gaseous as well as particulate pollution. Therefore, it is proposed to
carry out roadside plantation along length of road, identifying suitable patches of roads in
the project area. Components of green belts on roadside hence should be both absorbers of
gases as well as of dust particulates. The choice of plants should include shrubs of heights
between 1 to 4 m and tree of more than 3 m height, the intermixing of trees and shrubs
should be such that the foliage area density in vertical is almost uniform.

The spacing for trees is proposed at 3m and for shrubs at 2m. The pit size has been
recommended as 1 x 1 x 15 cm for trees and 30 x 30 x 30 cm for shrubs. For the protection
of trees from the cattle and other losses, tree guards shall be required. Approximately 5000
trees will be planted in total along both the side of the road in plain area and one side of the
road on hilly terrain. The cost of the plantation has been calculated as per the existing labour
charges and material cost (plants, FYM, tree guard, etc.). The total cost of roadside plantation
(including cost of plant and labour charges) works out to be Rs. 9.00 lakh, also for protection
of seedling and saplings financial provision of Rs. 11.25 lakh has been kept for tree guards
and fencing.

10.12.2 Green belt Around Colony Area Powerhouse site and Office Complex
Greenbelt will be developed through plantation around the Project Colony, Office Complexes
and other job facility area is proposed to be done, so that, greenery is developed in the
project area. Plants basically of horticulture, floriculture and ornamental importance are
recommended within the premises of building in the colony for added attraction and
providing a green lustre.

Precaution should be exercised by not planting large size trees around buildings and other
similar structures as during winter the sun rays are obstructed by them invariably and much
wanted sunshine is impaired. Besides this, it is also proposed to develop green belt around
the working areas for trapping the dust and noise. Plantation of avenue, with native,
ornamental and fruit trees are proposed in these areas along with the area around office
complex. The ornamental, fruit plants will be procured from the horticulture department

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and local market while the avenue plants will be raised in the project nursery (Table 10.25).
For protection of trees from cattle iron tree guards shall be required.

Table 10.25: Tree species suggested for Landscaping, Roadside and Avenue Plantation
S. S.
Family Scientific Name Family Scientific Name
No. No.
Tree Species 13 Meliaceae Toona ciliata
1 Anacardiaceae Mangifera indica 14 Myrtaceae Syzygium sp.
2 Bignoniaceae Spathodea campanulata 15 Rubiaceae Neolamarckia cadamba
3 Malvaceae Hibiscus sp. 16 Rutaceae Aegle marmelos
4 Meliaceae Azadirachta indica 17 Anonaceae Polyalthia longifolia
5 Combretaceae Terminalia sp. 18 Phyllanthaceae Phyllanthus emblica
Strelitziaceae
Ravenala Shrub & Climbers
6 madagascariensis 19 Apocynaceae Nerium indicum
7 Fabaceae Albizia sp. 21 Asparagaceae Agave americana
8 Fabaceae Cassia fistula 22 Sapindaceae Dodonaea viscosa
9 Fabaceae Dalbergia sissoo 23 Poaceae Dendrocalamus strictus
10 Fabaceae Acacia nilotica 24 Lamiaceae Duranta repens
11 Fabaceae Acacia catechu 25 Nyctaginaceae Bougainvillea glabra
12 Magnoliaceae Magnolia champaca 26 Rutaceae Murraya paniculata

10.12.3 Muck Dumping Site


In addition to road and colony plantation will be carried out over an area identified for muck
dumping sites. After disposal of muck, the site will be restored by levelling and spreading the
fertile soil. The species planted in the area and the financial provision for the green belt
development over muck dumping site has been made under Muck Management Plan (refer
section 10.5).

10.12.4 Cost Estimates


The estimated cost for the creation of greenbelt would be Rs. 52.25 lakh. A summary of the
same is given at Table 10.26.

Table 10.26: Summary of cost for different components of Green Belt Development Plan
S. Area/ Unit rate Total
Expenditure details
No. Quantity (Rs.) Amount (Lakh)
Roadside plantation (trees and 4.0 ha (3000 trees
1 shrubs); including plant cost 90/ plant 9.00
and 7000 shrubs).
Plantation & Lawn development at
project colony and office complex
2 (Ornamental & fruit Trees); including 2 ha. Lumpsum 20.00
plant cost
3 Tree guards and fencing 1500 nos. 750/ guard 11.25
4 Maintenance of Plantation 4 Year 3,00,000/ Year 12.00
Total 52.25

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Section DAM BREAK MODELING AND DISASTER


10.13 MANAGEMENT PLAN
10.13 DAM BREAK MODELING AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN

10.13.1 Dam Break Phenomenon


Dam break may be summarized as the partial or catastrophic failure of a dam leading to the
uncontrolled release of water. Such an event can have a major impact on the land and
communities downstream of the breached structure. A dam break may result in a flood wave
up to tens of meters deep travelling along a valley at quite high speeds. The impact of such a
wave on developed areas can be sufficient to completely destroy infrastructure. With such
destructive force comes an inevitable loss of life, if advance warning and evacuation was not
possible.

10.13.2 Need for Dam Break Modeling


The extreme nature of dam break floods means that flow conditions will far exceed the
magnitude of most natural flood events. Under these conditions, flow will behave differently
to conditions assumed for normal flow modeling and areas will be inundated, that are not
normally considered. This makes dam break modeling a separate study for the risk
management and emergency action plan. The objective of dam break modeling or flood
routing is to simulate the movement of a dam break flood wave along a valley or indeed any
area downstream that would flood as a result of dam failure. The key information required
at any point of interest within this flood zone is generally:
▪ Travel time of flood water
▪ Peak water level – extent of inundation
▪ Peak discharge
▪ Duration of flooding

The nature, accuracy and format of information produced from a dam break analysis will be
influenced by the end application of the data.

Emergency Planning
To reasonably prepare an emergency plan, it will be necessary for the dam break analysis to
provide:
➢ Inundation maps at a scale sufficient to determine the extent of and duration of
flooding
➢ Timing of the arrival and peak of the flood wave

Development Control
Development control will focus mainly on the extent of possible inundation resulting from
different failure scenarios. Consideration may also be given to the characteristics of the
population at risk.

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10.13.3 Present Dam Break Modeling Scenarios


The present study for Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project comprises of the following
hydrodynamic simulations:

• Embankment (dam) break with initial reservoir level at FRL in case of upper reservoir

Lower reservoir embankment is right adjacent to existing Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir


having no downstream reach for dam break simulation. Above scenarios have been studied
in the present study based on the vulnerability assessment carried out using Google Earth,
Surveyed layouts and topographical maps.

Paidipalem North PSP project involves rockfill earthen embankments as dam on hilltop which
forms upper reservoir and rockfill earthen embankments near existing Paidipalem reservoir
forming a lower reservoir. Man-made earthen embankments (dam) could be vulnerable
which has been assessed for probable dam break scenarios.

The study for both the scenarios comprises of:


1. Prediction of outflow hydrograph due to dam/embankment breach
2. Routing of dam breach flood hydrograph through the downstream valley to get the
maximum water level and discharge along with time of travel at different locations of
the valley downstream of the dam/embankment.

Figure 10.9: Embankments & Reservoirs – Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project

10.13.4 Introduction to Dam Break Modeling


Generally, dam break modeling can be carried out by either i) scaled physical hydraulic
models, or ii) mathematical simulation using computer. A modern tool to deal with this
problem is the mathematical model, which is most cost effective and reasonably solves the
governing flow equations of continuity and momentum by computer simulation.

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Mathematical modeling of dam breach floods can be carried out by either one dimensional
analysis or two-dimensional analysis. In one dimensional analysis, the information about the
magnitude of flood, i.e., discharge and water levels, variation of these with time and velocity
of flow through breach can be had in the direction of flow. In the case of two-dimensional
analysis, the additional information about the inundated area, variation of surface elevation
and velocities in two dimension can also be assessed.

One dimensional analysis is generally accepted, when valley is long and the flood wave
characteristics over a large distance from the dam are of main interest. In the instant case,
as these valleys are long and the flood wave characteristics over a large distance from the
dam are of main interest, one dimensional modeling was adopted.

10.13.5 Hydrodynamic Modeling


The essence of dam break modeling is hydrodynamic modeling, which involves finding
solution of two partial differential equations originally derived by Barre De Saint Venant in
1871. The equations are:

i. Conservation of mass (continuity) equation


(∂Q/∂X) + ∂(A + A0) / ∂t - q = 0
ii. Conservation of momentum equation
(∂Q/∂t) + { ∂(Q2/A)/∂X } + g A ((∂h/∂X ) + Sf + Sc ) = 0

where, Q = discharge;
A = active flow area;
A0 = inactive storage area;
h = water surface elevation;
q= lateral outflow;
x = distance along waterway;
t = time;
Sf = friction slope;
Sc = expansion contraction slope and
g = gravitational acceleration.

10.13.6 Selection of Model


Selection of an appropriate model to undertake dam break flood routing is essential to
ensure the right balance between modeling accuracy and cost (both in terms of software
cost and time spent in developing & running the model). In the instant case, MIKE 11 model
developed by Danish Hydraulic Institute has been selected for the present study because of
its wide acceptability in India and abroad.

10.13.7 Mike 11 Model


The core of the MIKE 11 system consists of the HD (hydrodynamic) module, which is capable
of simulating unsteady flows in a network of open channels. The results of a HD simulation
consist of time series of water levels and discharges. MIKE 11 hydrodynamic module is an
implicit, finite difference model for unsteady flow computation. The model can describe
sub-critical as well as supercritical flow conditions through a numerical description, which is

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altered according to the local flow conditions in time and space.

Advanced computational modules are included for description of flow over hydraulic
structures, including possibilities to describe structure operation. The formulations can be
applied for looped networks and quasi two-dimensional flow simulation on flood plains. The
computational scheme is applicable for vertically homogeneous flow conditions extending
from steep river flows to tidal influenced tributaries.

The following three approaches simulate branches as well as looped systems.

i) Kinematic wave approach: The flow is calculated from the assumption of balance
between the friction and gravity forces. The simplification implies that the Kinematic
wave approach cannot simulate backwater effects.
ii) Diffusive wave approach: In addition to the friction and gravity forces, the
hydrostatic gradient is included in this description. This allows the user to take
downstream boundaries into account, and thus, simulate backwater effects.
iii) Dynamic wave approach: Using the full momentum equation, including acceleration
forces, the user is able to simulate fast transients, tidal flows, etc., in the system.

Depending on the type of problem, the appropriate description can be chosen. The dynamic
and diffusive wave descriptions differ from kinematic wave description by being capable of
calculating backwater effects. The solution algorithm for the different flow descriptions is
identical in the inner programme structure, implying that the user does not have to
distinguish between the different computational levels, when running the program. In the
instant case, dynamic wave approach was adopted for a better simulation.
Hydrodynamic module utilizes a space staggered grid consisting of alternating h and Q
points, i.e., points where water levels (h) and discharges (Q) are computed sequentially.
Topographic data are entered at the h points, and discharge relations are evaluated at Q
points. During simulations, the complete non-linear equations of open channel flow are
solved numerically at the grid points at specified time intervals for the given boundary
conditions.

10.13.8 Mike 11 Model Set-Up


The Dam Break Module in MIKE 11 simulates the outflow hydrograph resulting from the
failure of a dam. The model set-up consists of a single or several channels, reservoirs, dam
break structures and other auxiliary dam structures such as spillways, bottom outlets etc. As
the flood propagation due to the dam break will be of highly unsteady nature, the river
course needs to be described accurately through the use of as many cross-sections as
possible, particularly where the cross-section is changing rapidly. Further, the cross-sections
should extend as far as possible to cover the highest modelled water level, which normally
will be in excess of the highest recorded flood level. If the modelled water level exceeds the
highest level in the cross-section for a particular location, MIKE 11 will extrapolate the
processed Data as a vertical wall, and this will give conservative results.

10.13.8.1 River Channel Set-up


The river channel set-up for dam break modeling is the same as for the HD model except
that the dam break structure is located in a separate reservoir branch, which contains 3

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calculation points, i.e., two h-points and one Q-point. If a spillway is added to the dam, it
can be described as a separate branch with 3 calculation points. The dam and spillways are
located at a Q-point. The river set-up with a dam and, with dam and spillway are shown in
Figure 10.10 and Figure 10.11 respectively.

Figure 10.10 & 10.11: River set up with dam and spillway

10.13.8.2 Description of Reservoir and Appurtenant Structures


Reservoir
To obtain an accurate description of the reservoir storage characteristics, the reservoir is
normally modelled as a single h-point in the model. This will usually correspond to the
upstream boundary of the model, where also the inflow hydrograph is also specified. In
present case, since there is no catchment area of reservoir; a notional value has been
considered in model as constant.

The description of the reservoir storage is entered in the processed data. The surface storage
area of the dam is described as a function of the water level and it is entered as additional
flooded area. The lowest water level given for the reservoir should be somewhere below the
final breach elevation of the dam.

The cross-sectional area is set to a large finite value and is used only for calculating the inflow
head loss into the breach. The inflow head loss can be calculated as:

∆H = (Vs2 /2g) Ci [1-(As / Ares )]

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Where, Vs = Velocity through the breach


Ci = Inflow head loss coefficient
As = Flow area through the breach, and
Ares = Cross-sectional area of the reservoir

In order to obtain a reasonable head loss description, it is only necessary that Ares >> As so
that [1-(As /Ares)] = 1. The hydraulic radius is set to any non-zero value.
The total surface area of the reservoir is calculated as:

Atotal = b.2∆x + Additional flooded area

Since the total surface area is already described by the additional flooded area, the first term
should be equal to zero. Therefore, the width b should be set to zero.

Dam
At the Q point, where the dam break structure is located, the momentum equation is
replaced by an equation which describes the flow through the structure. As the momentum
equation is not used at the Q point, the ∆x – step is of no relevance. The maximum ∆x for
the river branch, where the dam is to be placed, should therefore be greater than the
distance between two cross-sections in the reservoir branch. So, no cross-section is
interpolated between the actual cross-sections.

Spillways and other structures


At the node, where two branches meet the surface flooded area is taken as the sum of the
individual flooded areas specified at the h-points. Therefore, if the reservoir storage has
already been specified at the reservoir h-point, the spillway h-point should not contain any
flooded areas. Both the width b, and the “additional flooded area” should be set to zero and
other parameters such as the cross-sectional area and hydraulic radius should be the same
as for the reservoir.

Though, in present case spillway is not contemplated as there is no storm water inflow into
the upper reservoir.

10.13.8.3 Boundary Conditions for Dam Break Modeling


The boundary conditions must be specified at both upstream and downstream limits of the
model. The upstream boundary will generally be an inflow into the reservoir at the first
reservoir h-point. The downstream boundary will generally be a stage-discharge relationship
at the last cross section of the set up.

10.13.9 Specifications of Dam Break Structures


The following information relating to dam break structures need to be specified:
(i) Geometrical specifications
(ii) Breach characteristics
(iii) Failure moment, and
(iv) Failure mode

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10.13.9.1 Breach Development


Earth and Rockfill dams usually do not collapse instantaneously, but they develop breaches,
which increase gradually. The failure time may vary between a few hours up to a few days,
depending on amongst other, the dam geometry and the construction material. The
development of the breach determines the breach outflow hydrograph, and an accurate
description of the breach development is, therefore, required in “near field” dam breach
studies. In the “far-field” studies, an accurate flood routing procedure is of more importance,
because the outflow variation is rapidly damped out as the flood propagates downstream.

10.13.9.2 Failure Modes


The dam break module of MIKE 11 allows selection of one of various breach development
modes. Either linear failure mechanism or an erosion-based formulation may be selected.
The linear failure mode assumes a linear increase in the breach dimensions in time between
specified limits. In the erosion-based mode, the increase in breach dimensions is calculated
from the prevailing hydraulic conditions in the breach, and from the given geometrical data.
For both modes, limits of the final breach width and level are specified. These may be
determined, for example, by the original valley embankments.

a) Linear failure modes


The necessary data required to fully specify a linear dam failure are shown in Figure 10.12.
In addition, the user specifies the duration of the breach development and whether the
failure is to commence at a given time, or is initiated by overtopping of the dam. This facility
has applications in simulating the cascading failure of several dams located on the same river.

Figure 10.12: Breach parameters for linear mode

b) Erosion based failure


The enlargement of the breach in earth fill dams from erosion of the dam core material may
also be determined from sediment transport considerations. Erosion based breach
formulations are based on sediment continuity equation for the breach. Numerous sediment
transport formulae are available, of which two have been implemented in the breach
formulation, being those of Engelund-Hansen (1967), and Meyer-Peter and Muller (1947).
Modeling of the variation of the width of the breach is more difficult to relate to the classical
theories of sediment transport. Due to the development of a wall boundary layer along the
often very steep side walls of the breach, the theories for bed load and suspended load do
not apply. As an approximation, the sediment transport at the sloping walls is assumed to be

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proportional to that in the central part of the breach. The coefficient of proportionality (side
erosion index) is of the order of 0.5 – 1.0.

MIKE 11 simulates erosion-based scenario in following two initial failure modes:


• breach failure initially
• Piping failure initially

In the present case, piping failure has been simulated and collapse ratio has been defined
beyond which breach collapses.

10.13.10 Initial Conditions


Though in many cases, dam failure may occur on a dry riverbed downstream of the dam, but
such conditions are not possible in MIKE 11, which require a finite depth of water, in order
to ensure “the continuity” of the finite difference algorithm. Therefore, before a dam break
is actually simulated, it is necessary to create a steady state “hot-start” file, which can be
used for all subsequent dam break simulation. This file is created by:
(i) Giving a lateral inflow at the first h-point in the river
(ii) Setting the inflow into the reservoir to zero, and
(iii) Specifying the dam break structure to fail by overtopping, ensuring that the dam
crest level is greater than the specified reservoir level.

Initial conditions (water level and discharge) must be specified in HD parameter file,
including the reservoir level, at which the dam break simulation should commence. The set-
up should be run until a steady state condition is reached (i.e., Q=constant=lateral inflow up
to the downstream boundary).

10.13.11 Dam Break Simulations


The dam break simulation may be carried out using the hotstart file generated as mentioned
above. The time step depends upon the slope of the river bed and should be selected of the
order of 0.5 to 5 minutes according to the slope.

10.13.12 Input Data Requirement


Dam break flood analysis requires a range of data to depict accurately to the extent possible
the topography and hydraulic conditions of the valley course and dam break phenomenon.

The important data required are;


(i) Cross sections of the valley from dam site and up to location downstream of the dam to
which the study is required
(ii) Elevation-surface area relationship of the reservoirs
(iii) Salient features of the all hydraulic structures at the dam site and also in the study
reach of the valley
(iv) Stage-discharge relationship at the last valley cross section of the study area
(v) Manning’s roughness coefficient for different reaches of the valley under study

For the present study, the following data as supplied has been used;

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10.13.12.1 Valley Cross Sections


For dam break studies of Paidipalem North Project, the valley for a length of about 6223 m
downstream upto existing Gandikota reservoir has been represented in the model by
numerous cross sections taken at a suitable interval. Manning's roughness coefficient for the
entire study reach has been taken as 0.035.

10.13.12.2 Reservoir and Dam


The reservoir has been represented in the model by a separate reservoir branch and its
elevation-surface area relation, which has been specified at Chainage “0” km of the reservoir
branch. The dam has been placed at Chainage 500 m of the reservoir branch and dam breach
parameters specified therein. Reservoir elevation table for upper reservoir is presented
below in Table 10.27.

Table 10.27: Elevation-Area Capacity Table of Upper Reservoir Paidipalem North Upper
Reservoir

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10.13.12.3 Downstream Boundary


In order to avoid its influence in the study reach normally the downstream boundary should
be applied at a distant location from the last river cross section of study reach. The same has
been worked out using Manning’s equation and applied at a location 17750 m downstream
at Mogamureru River confluence.

10.13.12.4 Upstream Elevation Views


Upstream elevation view considered is presented below in Figure 10.13 and 10.14.

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Figure 10.13: Upstream Elevation view of dam (Upper reservoir)

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Figure 10.14: Upstream Elevation view of dam (Lower reservoir)

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10.13.13 Selection of Dam Breach Parameters

Estimation of the dam break flood will depend on time of failure, extent of overtopping
before failure, size, shape and time of the breach formation, etc., which are called dam
breach parameters. The breach characteristics that are needed as input to the existing dam
break models are i) Initial and final breach width; ii) Shape of the breach; iii) Time duration
of breach development, and iv) Reservoir level at time of start of breach. The predominant
mechanism of breach formation is, to a large extent, dependent on the type of dam and the
cause due to which the dam failed.

A study of the different dam failures indicates that earthen or rockfill dams never collapse
instantaneously as concrete dams which breach by sudden collapse. Earthen or rockfill dams
develop breaches which increase gradually. The breaching time may vary from a few hours
to a few days, depending on amongst other the dam geometry and the construction
material. The development of the breach largely determines the reservoir outflow
hydrograph, and a reasonable description of the breach development is therefore required
in near field dam break models. In far field models a reasonable flood routing procedure is
of more importance, because the outflow variation is rapidly damped out as the flood wave
propagates downstream.

The way earthen or rockfill dam starts to breach can be specified as one of the following
failure modes:

- Linear failure, i.e. the increase in breach dimensions is assumed to occur linearly over a
given time (the time of breach development)
- Erosion based failure, i.e. the increase in the breach depth is calculated from a classical
sediment transport formula. The increase in breach width is calculated as the increase
in breach depth multiplied by side index.

In present case, erosion-based failure has been considered with the following erosion based
beach parameters:

Upper reservoir
Erosion based failure has been adopted in the present case; breach of piping failure initially
has been considered with a defined collapse ratio beyond which breach collapses. End levels
of the breach should reflect the bounds imposed by the valley bathymetry accordingly the
values have been taken. Under this scenario, following simulation has been carried out:

- Worst case scenario when reservoir is at FRL 540 m and breach starts in form of piping
failure

Accordingly, the breach parameters as shown in snapshot below have been selected for the
dam break study.

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10.13.14 Critical Conditions for Dam Break Study


It needs to be highlighted that the critical condition for a Dam break study is when the
reservoir is at FRL. Dam Break Study is carried out for the worst-case scenario which is
generally a FRL case. Hence, for the hypothetical case of Dam break simulation and also to
get the maximum Dam breach flood peak it would be appropriate for the worst-case scenario
to assume the starting of the breach, when the reservoir level is at FRL. Hence, same has
been carried out in present case also for worst case preparedness.

10.13.15 Dam Break Simulation


Breach in upper reservoir
As discussed under “critical conditions for dam break study”, the dam break condition has
been simulated accordingly in this scenario. In the simulation the dam has been assumed to
breach when the water level in the reservoir is at FRL i.e. EL 540 m.

The dam breach flood hydrograph just downstream of the dam/embankment is given in
Figure 10.15.

The peak of the dam breach flood just downstream of the dam is 1374 cumec after about
one hour since the start of breach. The maximum discharge, water level and their time of
occurrence at different locations of the valley downstream of the dam/embankment are
given in Table 10.28 respectively.

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Figure 10.15: Dam breach flood hydrograph (FRL Case of upper reservoir, south end dam)

Table 10.28: Maximum discharge due to dam breach flood


Erosion based breach starts developing on 08-09-2023 00:00:00 hours when
reservoir is at FRL 540 m
Chainage (m) d/s of dam Maximum discharge Time of occurrence
(cumec) (Date:hours:Minutes:Seconds)
NORTH_UPPER 111.50 1374 08-09-2023 00:24:34
NORTH_UPPER 348.00 1374 08-09-2023 00:24:50
NORTH_UPPER 598.00 1374 08-09-2023 00:25:05
NORTH_UPPER 848.00 1374 08-09-2023 00:25:14
NORTH_UPPER 1098.00 1374 08-09-2023 00:25:20
NORTH_UPPER 1348.00 1374 08-09-2023 00:25:35
NORTH_UPPER 1598.00 1374 08-09-2023 00:25:45
NORTH_UPPER 1848.00 1373 08-09-2023 00:26:15
NORTH_UPPER 2098.00 1373 08-09-2023 00:26:35
NORTH_UPPER 2348.00 1373 08-09-2023 00:27:09
NORTH_UPPER 2598.00 1372 08-09-2023 00:27:49
NORTH_UPPER 2848.00 1372 08-09-2023 00:28:19
NORTH_UPPER 3098.00 1372 08-09-2023 00:28:44
NORTH_UPPER 3348.00 1371 08-09-2023 00:29:24
NORTH_UPPER 3598.00 1370 08-09-2023 00:30:09
NORTH_UPPER 3848.00 1369 08-09-2023 00:30:59
NORTH_UPPER 4098.00 1367 08-09-2023 00:31:49
NORTH_UPPER 4348.00 1363 08-09-2023 00:32:54
NORTH_UPPER 4598.00 1356 08-09-2023 00:34:09
NORTH_UPPER 4848.00 1348 08-09-2023 00:35:34
NORTH_UPPER 5098.00 1340 08-09-2023 00:37:09
NORTH_UPPER 5348.00 1336 08-09-2023 00:38:20
NORTH_UPPER 5598.00 1333 08-09-2023 00:39:25
NORTH_UPPER 5848.00 1331 08-09-2023 00:40:15
NORTH_UPPER 6098.00 1331 08-09-2023 00:41:05

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Table 10.29: Maximum water level due to dam breach flood


Erosion based breach starts developing on 08-09-2023 00:00:00 hours when reservoir is at
FRL 540 m
Chainage (m) d/s of dam Bed Level Maximum Water Time of occurrence
(m) Level (m) (Date:hours:Minutes:Seconds)
NORTH_UPPER 0.00 515.16 516.85 08-09-2023 00:24:19
NORTH_UPPER 223.00 491.60 493.51 08-09-2023 00:24:44
NORTH_UPPER 473.00 * 442.57 08-09-2023 00:24:55
NORTH_UPPER 723.00 390.77 393.00 08-09-2023 00:25:05
NORTH_UPPER 973.00 * 372.99 08-09-2023 00:25:09
NORTH_UPPER 1223.00 350.86 352.90 08-09-2023 00:25:24
NORTH_UPPER 1473.00 * 314.56 08-09-2023 00:25:39
NORTH_UPPER 1723.00 274.89 276.69 08-09-2023 00:26:00
NORTH_UPPER 1973.00 * 267.19 08-09-2023 00:26:25
NORTH_UPPER 2223.00 256.19 258.33 08-09-2023 00:26:59
NORTH_UPPER 2473.00 * 254.18 08-09-2023 00:27:34
NORTH_UPPER 2723.00 247.38 249.96 08-09-2023 00:28:04
NORTH_UPPER 2973.00 * 244.96 08-09-2023 00:28:29
NORTH_UPPER 3223.00 238.28 240.38 08-09-2023 00:29:15
NORTH_UPPER 3473.00 * 237.18 08-09-2023 00:30:00
NORTH_UPPER 3723.00 231.47 233.96 08-09-2023 00:30:50
NORTH_UPPER 3973.00 * 230.32 08-09-2023 00:31:44
NORTH_UPPER 4223.00 224.91 226.96 08-09-2023 00:33:04
NORTH_UPPER 4473.00 * 225.42 08-09-2023 00:34:25
NORTH_UPPER 4723.00 222.28 224.00 08-09-2023 00:35:45
NORTH_UPPER 4973.00 * 222.86 08-09-2023 00:37:15
NORTH_UPPER 5223.00 220.28 221.62 08-09-2023 00:38:20
NORTH_UPPER 5473.00 * 219.79 08-09-2023 00:39:14
NORTH_UPPER 5723.00 216.28 218.07 08-09-2023 00:40:04
NORTH_UPPER 5973.00 * 216.07 08-09-2023 00:40:45
NORTH_UPPER 6223.00 212.00 213.64 08-09-2023 00:41:20
* cross sections interpolated by MIKE11

From Table 10.29, it can be seen that the rise in water level along the reach of the valley is
maximum 2.58 m and minimum at 1.34 m. Average rise in water level works out to 1.96 m
for the entire simulated reach.

10.13.16 Preparation of Inundation Map


Inundation map (Figure 10.16) is a map depicting the d/s areas vulnerable to inundation by
the Dam break flood for FRL upper reservoir. The MIKE11 model computes maximum flood
elevation at each original or interpolated cross-section.

For dam break studies of Paidipalem North Project, the valley for a length of about 6223 m
downstream upto existing Gandikota reservoir has been represented in the model by
numerous cross sections taken at a suitable interval. Breach has been assumed to occur
when reservoir is at FRL of 540 m. The profile of water levels below the Dam at all cross-
sections is given as Table 10.29. From these profiles, at locations below the Dam & their
subsequent markings on the topographic maps, it can be seen which areas are likely to be
submerged in case of Dam break.

It is clear from the inundation maps that in case of Dam break scenario, no village is likely to
be affected in case of upper reservoir.

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Figure 10.16: Upper reservoir Inundation Maps

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10.13.17 Disaster Management Plan

10.13.17.1 Vulnerability Assessment


It needs to be highlighted that Dam Break Study is carried out for the worst case scenario
which is generally a FRL case. Hence, dam break analysis along with vulnerability assessment
has been carried out in present case also for worst case preparedness.

For dam break studies of Paidipalem North Project, the valley for a length of about 6223 m
downstream upto existing Gandikota reservoir has been represented in the model by
numerous cross sections taken at a suitable interval. From the result of Dam Break Modeling
it is evident that in worst case scenario of FRL, up to about 6223 m d/s of the Dam (upper
reservoir), flood wave elevation to the maximum reaches after about 41-42 min from start
of breach thus not having substantial time for rescue, hence Disaster Management Plan
should concentrate on preventive actions and emergency preparedness, rescue action
planning and implementation of same.

Also, as evident from the inundation map, in case of Dam break scenario, no village is likely
to be affected in case of upper reservoir. Disaster Management Plan is more of emergency
preparedness, rescue action planning and implementation.

It needs to be highlighted that due to location and nature of the project, area doesn’t witness
catastrophic events like cloud bursts and flash floods and hence, only above considered cases
constitute critical scenarios for the dam break study.

10.13.17.2 Surveillance & Monitoring


The surveillance and monitoring programs are required to be implemented during design
and investigation, construction, early operation period and operation and maintenance
phases of the life cycle of the Dam/embankment. An affective flood forecasting system is
required by establishing hourly gauge reading at suitable upstream locations with real time
communication at the top. An effective Dam safety surveillance, monitoring and observation
along with periodic inspection, safety reviews and evaluation must be put in place. These
programs will be implemented in five phases in the life cycle of Dam/embankment viz.,
i) Design and investigation phase,
ii) Construction phase,
iii) First reservoir filling,
iv) Early operation period, and
v) Operation and maintenance phase.

Surveillance and monitoring programmes are required to be implemented during design and
investigation, construction, first reservoir filling, early operation period and operation &
maintenance phases of the life cycle of Dam/embankment.

10.13.17.3 Disaster Management Plan (DMP) for Project


A Disaster Management Plan essentially consists of Disaster Response Plan, Contingency
Plans and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). A well-coordinated Disaster Response
Plan, which makes best use of the organisation’s combined expertise and resources, is

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essential for efficient and successful disaster response. During an actual emergency, rapid
and effective action is required. For this to happen, disaster response and contingency plans
must be in place before a disaster strikes along with the necessary resources. If appropriate
action is not taken or if the response is delayed, lives may be needlessly lost. Typical
components will be as mentioned below:

10.13.17.4 Disaster Response Plan


Though many details remain unknown until an actual disaster occurs nevertheless, it is
essential to prepare a preliminary disaster plan, which should include:
• an overview of all available resources;
• identification of emergency shelter sites;
• relief activity planning, including the identification of suppliers, warehouses and
transportation means;
• identification of emergency water sources;
• establishment of chains of command and communication procedures;
• training of response personnel;
• community education and awareness-raising activities about what to do in case of an
emergency; and,
• identification and implementation of key mitigation and early-warning activities.

10.13.17.5 Awareness and Emergency Preparedness


Emergency preparedness requires the identification of the emergency response participants
and to establish their roles, resources and concerns. It requires evaluation of the risks and
hazards that may result in emergency situations in the community, review of participants’
emergency plan for adequacy relative to a coordinated response, including the adequacy of
communication plans. The following points need to be reviewed under this:
• Identification of the required response tasks not covered by the existing plans.
• Matching of these tasks to the resources available at the sites.
• Making the changes necessary to improve existing plans, integrating the same into an
overall emergency response and communication plan and gain agreement.
• Committing of the integrated plan to writing and obtain approvals from local
governments.
• Establishing procedures for periodic testing, review and updating of the plan.
• Communicating the integrated plan to the general community.

10.13.17.6 Emergency Action Plan (EAP)


The Emergency Action Plan shall include all the potential indicators of disasters, since the
primary concern is for timely and reliable identification and evaluation of potential
emergencies. Once the Emergency situation is foreseen, the Emergency Action Plan may be
put in operation, which may include:
• Areas likely to be evacuated with priorities to be notified.
• Safe routes to be used for evacuation. Such routes have to be identified, discussed and
planned sufficiently in advance for proper implementation of the Plan.
• Means of transportation.
• Traffic Control.

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• Shelters for evacuees.


• Procedures for care and security of property from evacuated areas from anti-social
elements.
• Instructions regarding assignment of specific functions and responsibilities of various
members of evacuation teams

This plan presents warning and notification procedures to be followed in case of potential
disaster. The purpose is to provide timely warning to nearby residents and alert key
personnel responsible for taking action in case of an emergency.

10.13.17.7 Emergency Alert System


An emergency alert is to be provided to the public immediately after sensing the hazard,
based on the first response (FR) received from any source. Chief Emergency Coordinator
should activate emergency Control Centre, and the Emergency Alert may be disseminated.
Initially, attempts be made to control or localize the event in the first instance by looking
into all technical aspects of the hazard and if necessary, activate the needed emergency
action groups to localize the event as a first response measure. If it is not possible to control
the emergency, on-site emergency be declared, and response action be initiated in
accordance with the plan.

10.13.17.8 Safety Procedures & Plan


In case of any disaster situation the Emergency Officer should immediately intimate the ERC.
The safety of men & materials and especially women and child during construction and
operation phases is the area of concern. Keeping in view the safety requirement during
construction, operation and maintenance phases, safety policy with the following regulations
need to be adopted with special priority given to the women and child at the work site.

• To allocate sufficient resources to maintain safe and healthy conditions of work.


• To take steps to ensure that all known safety factors are taken into account in the design,
construction, operation and maintenance of plants, machinery and equipment.
• To ensure that adequate safety instructions are given to employees.
• To provide wherever necessary protective equipment, safety appliances and clothing,
and to ensure their proper use.
• To inform employees about materials, equipment or processes used in their work which
are known to be potential hazardous to health or safety.
• To keep all operations and methods of work under regular review for making necessary
changes from the point of view of safety in the light of experience and up to date
knowledge.
• To provide appropriate facilities of First aid and promote treatment for injuries and
illness at work.
• To provide appropriate instruction, training, retraining and supervision to employees in
health and safety, first aid and to ensure that adequate publicity is given to these
matters.

The following measures can be taken to avoid the loss of lives and property:
• To establish an effective embankments Safety Surveillance and monitoring program

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including rapid analysis and interpretation of instrumentation and observation data;


periodic inspection and safety reviews/evaluation by an independent panel of experts.
• To formulate and implement an Emergency Action Plan to minimize to the maximum
extent possible, the probable loss of life and damage to property in the event of failure
of embankments.

10.13.17.9 Comprehensive DMP for the project


A detailed comprehensive Disaster Management Plan would need to be prepared at the time
of project execution and operation which would need to be dove tailed with the state
disaster management plan for which adequate provision has been kept in cost estimates.
Broadly it should consist of following:
• Disaster Response Plan
• Contingency Plan
• Awareness and Emergency Preparedness
• Emergency Action Plan (EAP)
• Communication System
• Emergency Alert System
• Emergency Warning and Control System
• Health & Medical Response System
• Training
• Mock Drills & Exercises
• Public Information System
• Information Dissemination and Safety Procedures & Plan
• Safety Procedures & Plan
• Evacuation Plans
• Notifications

10.13.18 Cost Estimates for Disaster Management


The estimated total cost of execution of disaster management plan including the equipment
would be Rs. 400.00 lakh and the breakup of the same is given at Table 10.31.

Table 10.30: Estimated cost disaster management plan


Amount
S. No. Particulars
Rs. in Lakh
A. Capital Expenditure
1 Preparation of compressive Disaster Management Plan 150.00
2 Setting up of communication system 50.00
3 Setting up of Emergency Response Organisation 25.00
4 Public Information System 50.00
Total - A 275.00
B. Recurring Expenditure
5 Training & Miscellaneous 50.00
6 Maintenance of alert systems and other equipment 75.00
Total - B 125.00
Grand Total A+B 400.00

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Chapter
11 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
11.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project (Paidipalem North PSP) of capacity 1000
MW is proposed at village Paidipalem, District YSR in Simhadripuram Mandal, Andhra
Pradesh by M/s New and Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh
Ltd (NREDCAP Ltd.). The project comes under the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh,
well known for its minerals and high Wind and Solar potential zone in the country. The
district headquarters Kadapa is located at 70 km and is surrounded by three major towns in
the area viz, Pulivendula, Muddanuru and Tadipatri.

The Paidipalem North PSP utilizes the water in the existing Paidipalem balancing reservoir
which has a gross storage capacity of 6.00 TMC (170 MCM). The Paidipalem balancing
reservoir has been constructed under Gandikota Lift Irrigation Scheme with a total ayacut
of 47,500 acre. Water from the fore shores of Gandikota reservoir is lifted to Paidipalem
balancing Reservoir. A separate lower reservoir of capacity 0.93 TMC has been proposed
for the proposed project. The upper reservoir is located on the abutting hills of Paidipalem
reservoir at an altitude of 535.0 m above mean sea level with a maximum head of 247.82
m.

11.2 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT


Since, proposed Paidipalem North project is a closed loop PSP, as per latest specific TOR for
PSPs issued through OM dated 14th Aug 2023 by MoEF&CC, EIA is based on one season
data (other than monsoon). Accordingly, the field surveys for the collection of primary data
on the existing environmental parameters in the study area delineated carried out in April-
June 2023 as per the approved Terms of Reference (TOR) for EIA studies by Ministry of
Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) covering pre-monsoon/summer
season data/ information have been used to understand the present setting of the
environment at the project site. The base line status is described briefly in the following
sections.

11.2.1 Physiography
The study area of the proposed project lies between 195 m to 556 m elevation. about 81%
of the project study area lies in 200 m to 300 m elevation band and about 12% of the study
area lies in 300 m to 400 m elevation band. Topography is gently sloping to moderately
sloping as about 85% of the area is falling in this category.

11.2.2 Drainage
The Paidipalem North PSP is an Off Stream Closed Loop Pumping Storage Project, which
will comprise two reservoirs that are to be constructed newly. Water from the fore shores
of Gandikota reservoir, which is constructed on Pennar River, will be lifted to Paidipalem
balancing Reservoir. The proposed Pumped Storage project utilises water from the existing
Paidipalem Balancing reservoir. A separate lower reservoir is envisaged towards North of
Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir. Chitravathi river is the tributary of Pennar River.

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11.2.3 Geology
The proposed project lies in the Pennar basin, east of the township of Cuddapah – the type
Paidipalem reservoir is surrounded by high altitude hilly ranges covered by thorny bushes
and shrubs with medium-sized trees. The top of the hill ranges run with dykes of large
blocks of hard rocks. They are in-situ in some places and exposed as sheet rock in other
locations. Streams and streamlets are formed, and they are draining into the reservoir. The
subject area belongs to the Kadapa Super Group of Formations. Quartzite dykes are
extending on the hill tops, consisting of very huge blocks of hard rock followed by hard
layered formations of Shales, Limestones, and Sandstones with large-size boulders in some
places and semi-weathered rocks in other locations. Sills and Dolerite dykes have intruded
on the above structures. Sill is a tubular sheet intrusion, that has intruded between the
older layers of sedimentary rocks, beds of volcanic Lava or tuff or along the direction of
foliation in metamorphic rock. In contrast, a dyke is a disordinate intrusive sheet that does
cut across the older rocks. Sills are fed by dykes.

11.2.4 Hydrology
The proposed pumped storage project has envisaged new lower and upper reservoirs with
a gross storage capacity of 0.93 TMC and 0.41 TMC respectively. The same new lower
reservoir is considered for another Pumped Storage project (Paidipalem East 1200 MW
PSP) in the vicinity, hence higher storage capacity has been considered.

The upper reservoir has no self-catchment area and for the lower reservoir it is about 6.5
Sq. Km. Water will be drawn from the Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir for the first-time and
the replenishment of water also sourced from the same reservoir. The Paidipalem
Balancing Reservoir has storage capacity of 6 TMC. There are no ongoing or proposed
irrigation or water supply schemes at present. Allotment from Andhra Pradesh State
Government for water required for one time filling of lower reservoir from Paidipalem
Balancing Reservoir as well as for annual recoupment of evaporation losses in both
reservoirs has been issued.

The study of daily reservoir levels of Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir and as gathered from
the concerned department officials, the water levels in the Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir
since its commencement in 2019 has not gone below 5 TMC.

Since the water utilisation for the project is on a non-consumptive basis, it can be
concluded that the project has sufficient water throughout its life cycle.

11.2.5 Land Use/ Land Cover


In the study area of Paidipalem North PSP, agriculture land and Scrub land constitute a major
part of the study area accounting for 42.08% and 15.74%, respectively, of the area. Majority of
forest area is comprised of scrub forest which cover 10.95% of the study area.

11.2.6 Meteorology
The study area of the project lies in the YSR district, which experiences mostly hot summer and
dry climate except in the monsoon season. the average maximum temperature of 39.2°C was
recorded during May. The average minimum temperature of 19.5°C was recorded during
January. The area receives maximum rainfall during south-west monsoon i.e. between June

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and October. The Humidity is generally low throughout the year, except during post
monsoon month when the average humidity in the study area is close to 68% in
September. The average maximum wind speed of 7.49 m/s is observed during June.

11.2.7 Soil
Soil in the YSR district is characterized as Red Ferruginous and Black Soils. Black Clay is the
most superior soil in the district. Soil of the study area is Clay Laon, Loam and Sandy Loam
Soil. In general, all the physical and chemical soil quality indicators reflect the good quality
of the soil. The soil fertility based upon Nutrient Index in terms of NPK shows that
Potassium and Phosphorus are in the ‘High’ range but the Nitrogen fertility status of the
soil is ‘Low’.

11.2.8 Ambient Air and Noise Quality


The Ambient Air Quality monitoring was carried out conforming to the National Ambient
Air Quality Standards for Industrial, Residential, Rural & Other Areas and Ecologically
Sensitive Areas. The concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and NO2 at all the sites were well
within the Residential & Rural area permissible limits prescribed by National Ambient Air
Quality Standard 2009 notified by CPCB.

The results of monitoring show that PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and NO2 levels at all the sites are well
within the Residential & Rural area permissible limits prescribed by National Ambient Air
Quality Standard 2009 notified by CPCB. Air quality was also assessed using 24h averages of
PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and NO2 levels in the AQI calculator of CPCB and calculated AQI values
shows the AQI values fall under ‘Satisfactory’ and ‘Good’ category in the study area.

11.2.9 Water Quality


The data on water quality has been collected to evaluate surface and ground water quality
in study area.

Surface water
• All the samples collected from study area do not fall under Class ‘A’, ‘B’ or ‘C’. The
surface water in the study area at all the locations fall under Class ‘D’ i.e. designated
best use of Propagation of Wildlife and Fisheries according to CPCB, Water Quality
Criteria
• Based upon CPCB guidelines as well the WQI calculated above the water in the study
area lies in ‘Medium’ category.

Groundwater
• According to BIS standards for Drinking Water (2012) all the Groundwater samples
collected from the study area fall within permissible limits of the same.
• According to DWQI all the samples of groundwater fall in ‘Excellent’ water quality class.
• In general, Groundwater is under the ‘Very Hard’ category, water from hand pumps or
bore wells can be fit for drinking after conventional treatment.

11.2.10 Floristic Diversity


The project area falls in the Kadapa Forest Division under Kurnool Circle of Andhra Pradesh
Forest Department. As seen from the land use map of the study area, a large part of the

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vegetation is comprised of forests especially in the surrounding of proposed project


components. These forests in the study area can be classified following the ‘A Revised Survey
of the Forest Types of India’ by Champion and Seth (1968) and fall under Group 5 (Dry
Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest) and Group 6 (Tropical Thorn Forest).

During field surveys 89 species of angiosperm and 01 species of were recorded from the
study area. The list includes 25 tree species, 17 Shrub, 33 species of herbs, 8 species of
climbers and 7 species of grasses. The detail inventory of Plant species reported from the
study area has been prepared based on primary survey and same has been supplemented
with available secondary data. An inventory of 228 species of plants belonging to
angiosperms and 1 species (Cycas beddomei) of gymnosperm, was compiled which includes
plant species found in forested areas, scrub land, near agricultural fields and settlements,
abandoned land, etc.. List of plant species recorded from the area is given in Annexure IV.

As per the Red list of Indian Plants published by Botanical Survey of India, no Endemic or
RET species among was recorded from the study area. As per the IUCN Red List of
Threatened Species Version. 2022-1, Among the RET species, Borassus flabellifer, Cycas
beddomei, Pterocarpus santalinus, Tectona grandis, Syzygium alternifolium and Isonandra
villosa are listed under Endangered (EN) category, Chloroxylon swietenia under Vulnerable
(VU) category and Pterocarpus marsupium is listed under Near Threatened (NT) category of
IUCN ver. 2022-2.

11.2.11 Faunal Diversity


Mammals: Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) was the only species sighted near existing
Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir. In addition, the Forest Working Plan of Kadapa Forest
Division has reported the presence of mammals like Leopard (Panthera Pardus), and Sloth
bear (Melursus ursinus) in the forest area in their jurisdiction. Based on primary data
collected during field survey and secondary data, a list of 25 species of mammals with their
conservation status reportedly found in the study area was compiled.

Avifauna: A total of 24 species of bird species 8 Order were recorded during the field survey
from the study area. Commonly found birds like Kingfishers, Green Bee-eater, Barn
Swallow, White-browed Wagtail, Indian Robin, Long-tailed Shrike, Purple Sunbird,
Cormorants Herons, Egrets, Ducks were most frequently sighted bird species in the study
area.

Herpetofauna: During the surveys, Changeable Lizard (Calotes versicolor) and Pondichery
Fan Throated Lizard (Sitana Ponticeriana) were the only reptile species sighted during the
survey. List of herpetofauna comprised of 9 species of reptiles and 2 species of amphibians
has been compiled based on information collected during the field survey, public
consultation and concerned working plan.

Butterflies: The area is rich in the diversity and density of butterflies. The Common Grass
Yellow, Plain Tiger and Lime Butterfly were frequently sighted in the area. A list of 9 species
has been prepared based on the species sighted during the field survey.

Conservation Status
According to Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act (1972 Among the mammals, 5 species viz.

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Common Leopard (Panthera pardus), Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus), Blackbuck (Antilope
cervicapra), Chinkara (Gazella bennettii), Four-horned Antelope (Tetracerus quadricornis),
Python (Python molurus), Bengal Monitor Lizard (Varanus bengalensis) are listed as
schedule I species.

Fish: 15 species of fish fauna in the study area were documented through information
collected through public consultation in the study area during field visits and information
available in published research papers and draft CEIA report on Gandikota PSP. According to
IUCN Red List 2022-2, Cirrhinus cirrhosis (Mrigal) and Wallago Catfish (Wallago attu) are
listed under the Vulnerable (VU) category, while the rest of the species are under the Least
Concern (LC) category.

11.2.12 Proximity to Protected Area


No project component falls in any notified protected area. Nearest protected area to the
project components is Rajiv Gandhi National Park, which is at a distance of 35.40 km from.
All the project components are outside the notified ESZs.

11.2.13 Social Environment


The Paidipalem North PSP (1000 MW) is proposed to be developed is located near
Paidipalem Village in the Simhadripuram Mandal of YSR District in Andhra Pradesh. The
study area falls under Simhadripuram, Muddanur, and Kondapuram Mandals in Y.S.R
district and Yellanur Mandal in the Anantapur district.

In the project, a total of 38 villages fall within the study area, of which 3 villages are un-
inhabited. Out of 38 villages, 36 are in Y.S.R district (19 villages of Kondapuram Mandal, 5
villages of Muddanur Mandal, and 12 villages of Simhadripuram Mandal), and 2 villages are
in Anantapur district (2 villages of Yellanur Mandal). The total population of the study area
is 46840, with 23452 (50.06%) males and 23388 (49.93%) females. The sex ratio was found
to be 997 females per 1000 males. There are 7897 scheduled castes in the study area,
accounting for 16.85% of the total population. There are 661 scheduled tribes in total,
accounting for 1.41% of the total population.

The literacy rate in the project area villages is 61.83% (of the total population above 6
Year). Of the total working population (532.92%) in the study area comprising 87.16% were
main working and 12.83% were marginal worker. Agriculture is the main occupation of the
people in the area with 78.89% of the total working population are engaged in agriculture
and allied services (livestock, fishing, plantation, etc.).

The education facilities in the area are moderate up to middle school but for secondary and
senior secondary education students travel up to 5 to 8 km. There are no colleges available
in the study area. There are 5 Primary Health Sub-centers and 5 Primary Health Centre in
the area. For emergency medical care, people are dependent on the district and Mandal
Hospital, which are more than 10 km from the villages. The veterinary hospital is situated
in 9 villages.

Tap water is the major source of drinking water. Apart from this Hand Pump and Tube
Wells /boreholes are also used in most villages in the study area.

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Power supply for domestic use and agricultural use are available in all the villages in the
area.

The project site is easily accessible by NH67 (Nellore to Proddatur). All villages in the area
are well connected by road. post/sub post office services are available in all the villages.
There are 19 Post/Sup-Post offices available in the study area. There is only one
Commercial/Co-Operative bank available in the village.

11.2.14 Historical, Religious and Archaeological Importance Places


No places of archaeological importance were reported from the study area. Each village in
the study area has some cultural sites or sites of religious significance like temples,
mosques, Church, graveyards etc.

11.3 ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

11.3.1 Ambient Air Quality


Construction Phase Impacts: The air environment around project site is free from any
significant pollution source at present. The sources and activities that might affect air quality in
the project area during construction phase are vehicular traffic, material handling and storage,
dust arising from unpaved village roads, construction activities including operation of
construction plant and machinery and domestic fuel burning.

Additionally, construction activities including operation of crushers, concrete batch plants,


construction work and movement of vehicles along unpaved road will generate dust & gaseous
emission and impact air quality. The burning of waste will also affect air quality. In absence of
proper fuel, construction workers at the project site may use wood for fuel burning and space
heating. This will also impact air quality. Therefore, needs to be managed properly.

Operation Phase Impacts: In pumped storage projects, no impacts are envisaged on air
environment during operation phase.

11.3.2 Noise Environment


Construction Phase Impacts: Noise in and around the construction site may affect the
wildlife in the nearby areas. Sources of noise will be increased vehicular traffic due to
project construction on approach roads and at construction sites. Due to construction
activity in the area, noise levels will increase during the period of construction, however,
they will remain limited to the work area. Other sources of noise and vibration will be the
operation of various equipment and use of explosives for blasting purposes for
construction activities.

Operation Phase Impacts: No major impacts are envisaged on noise environment during
project operation phase.

11.3.3 Water Environment


Construction Phase Impacts: Water is used in construction activities leading to wastewater
generation with high suspended solids. Similarly, effluents due to washing from truck or
equipment etc. would have high concentration of oil and grease. Assessment of quantum
of wastewater from such activities is difficult, however, they can impact the nearby water

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bodies if surface run off with high suspended solid is discharged into them.

Domestic wastewater will be generated from project and worker’s colony to be set up
during construction phase, which can find its way to river/ ground water without any
treatment will cause significant impact on water environment therefore needs to be
managed properly.

Operation Phase Impacts: The project will create artificial upper and lower reservoirs and
water will remain in circulation from Upper Reservoir to Lower reservoir during power
generation and pumped up during non-generation hours on daily basis. One time filling of
the reservoir will be done by sourcing water from existing Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir.
Therefore, no direct impact on natural water bodies during operation is envisaged.

11.3.4 Land Environment


Construction Phase: The following positive impacts are anticipated on Land environment
during construction phase
• Impact due to Land Requirement and change in land-use: Major impact of land
acquisition is permanent change of land use, which is irreversible impact. These impacts
cannot be mitigated; however, compensation in terms of implementation of
Compensatory Afforestation Plan, Biodiversity Conservation Plan, Green Belt
Development Plan, etc. will help in managing and reducing the magnitude of such
impacts.
• Impact Due to Muck Generation: Muck generation, transportation and disposal can
significantly impact the land environment, if not managed properly.
• Impact due to Waste Generation: The main sources of waste generation can be
categorized as:
i. Municipal waste (includes commercial and residential wastes, excluding industrial
hazardous wastes and bio-medical wastes)
ii. Construction and demolition debris (C&D waste)
iii. Bio-medical waste
iv. Hazardous waste (generated from construction machinery and equipment)
v. e-Waste (computer parts, Printer cartridges, electronic parts, etc.,).
• Impacts due to Road Construction: The impacts likely to accrued because of the
construction of the roads, and widening of roads due to loss of vegetation and
geological changes.

11.3.5 Impacts on Forests and Forest Land


About 159.84 ha of forest land will be diverted for the construction of the project. This
shall lead to loss of vegetation cover of that area. This impact will be mitigated by
implementation of Compensatory Afforestation Plan, Green belt, Biodiversity Conservation
and Wildlife Management Plan, etc.

11.3.6 Flora and Fauna

Construction Phase
Impact on Terrestrial Flora: major impact on the flora in and around the project area would be
due to increased level of human interferences. The forest in the area is well known for

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Pterocarpus santalinus, with the common names Red Sanders. The Red Sander is endemic to
eastern ghat and listed as Endangered by IUCN. The species is widely distributed over forest
area of Chittoor, Annamayya, YSR Kadapa, Kurnool and Nellore districts in Andhra Pradesh.
There is huge demand for its heart wood for furniture also used for making the musical
instrument. The felling and trading of Red Sander is illegal in India. The acquisition of forest land
for no-forestry work will leads to the loss of habitat of Pterocarpus santalinus. In addition to
Pterocarpus santalinus, Tectona grandis, Cycas beddomei, Syzygium alternifolium and Isonandra
villosa, Chloroxylon swietenia are the tree species reported from the forest area in the vicinity of
project are under listed as RET species by IUCN ver. 2022-2.

It is necessary to provide alternative fuel, training and awareness, community kitchens,


fencing of critical areas, maintain cooking fuel supply and adequate surveillance to mitigate
the adverse impacts on terrestrial flora during project construction phase.

Impact on Terrestrial Fauna: Loss of forest cover leads to loss of wildlife habitat. Also,
during the construction period, large number of machinery and construction workers shall
be mobilized, which may create disturbance to wildlife habitat in the vicinity of project
area, however, these will be temporary and last during the construction period. To
minimize the impact of wildlife habitat around the project area, Biodiversity Conservation
and Wildlife Management Plan, including conservation Plan of Schedule-I species has been
proposed in Environmental Management Plan.

Operation Phase
On completion of the construction of the project, the land used for construction activities
will be restored. Construction workers who have resided in that area will move out of the
project area. Operation phase impacts on flora and fauna will be positive due to green belt
development, restoration of construction areas, etc. Increase of greenery in the area and
creation of reservoir will have positive impact on faunal species.

11.3.7 Socio-Economic Environment


A project of this magnitude is likely to entail both positive as well as negative impacts on
the socio-cultural fabric of area. No private land will be acquired for project. Therefore,
project have not any negative impact on livelihood and agricultural land due to
construction of project.

a) Positive Impacts on Socio-Economic Environment


The following positive impacts are anticipated on the socio-economic environment of the
villages in vicinity of project area during the project construction and operation phases:
i) A number of marginal activities and jobs opportunities with employment with
contractors, new market ventures, etc. would be available to the locals during
construction phase.
ii) Developer bringing large scale investment to the area will also invest in local area
development and will benefit the locals. Education, medical, transportation, road
network and other infrastructure will improve.
iii) The availability of alternative resources provided by developer in the rural areas will
reduce the dependence of the locals on natural resources such as forest.

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b) Negative Impacts on Socio-Economic Environment


In addition to positive impact on socio-economic environment development of such project
also bring certain negative impact due to influx of outside population. This influx of people
in otherwise isolated area may lead to various social and cultural conflicts during the
construction stage. Developers need to take help of local leaders, Panchayat and NGOs to
ensure minimum impact on this count.

Villagers in the area also depend on forest for fuelwood and fodder from the forest area.
Scrub forest in the area also used as grazing land for livestock’s. Loss of forest and grazing
land have impact on social environment of the area. Loss of natural habitat will also lead to
human wildlife conflict by means of damage of agriculture crops, fruit orchards and loss of
livestock’s.

These impacts can be mitigated by implementing interventions proposed under


biodiversity conservation and wildlife management plan along with green belt
development plan and awareness programmes.

11.4 Mitigation Measures for Air, Water and Noise Pollution


The proposed project involves construction of dam, powerhouse, reservoir, roads, and
other associated infrastructure in a period of 4 years. Major construction activities have
potential of pollution generation as discussed above. Impacts arising out of construction
activities can be mitigated significantly by taking appropriate mitigation measures, as
discussed below.

Control of Air Pollution: For the control of air pollution during construction phase of the
project, it is suggested that it should be made mandatory for the contractor/s engaged in
the construction works to ensure the implementation of pollution control measures as per
CPCB guidelines with regular monitoring of ambient air quality in the project area. Vehicles
should have valid PUC and all project roads should be metalled.

Control of Noise Pollution:


• Diesel Generator sets are to be placed in acoustic enclosures to reduce the noise.
• Proper and regular maintenance/lubrication of machines should be done.
• Noise producing machines (such as crushers, aggregate processing plants, etc.) should
be provided with sound barriers.
• Quieter machines and vehicles with high quality silencers should be used.
• Ambient noise should be monitored periodically at different locations.

Control of Water Pollution:


• Provision of septic tank/ soak pit of adequate capacity for labour camp.
• Commission of suitable treatment facilities to treat the sewage generated from the
colony & offices.
• Oil interceptors/ catchers will be provided and residue of petroleum products,
batteries, e-wastes, etc. will be disposed in accordance with SPCB guidelines.
• Provision of sedimentation cum grease traps to prevent entry of contaminants to the
water bodies.

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A lump sum budget of Rs. 12.0 lakh per annum for period of 4 years has been proposed for
the mitigation measures for control of air, noise and water pollution during project
construction phase.

11.5 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME


Environmental Monitoring shall be performed during all stages of the project (namely:
construction and operation) to ensure that the impacts are no greater than predicted, and
to verify the impact predictions.

The monitoring will be carried out by an NABL accredited laboratory for a period of 4 years
during the project construction phase or extended if the project construction period gets
extended. The monitoring program for the proposed project will be undertaken to meet
the following objectives:

• To monitor the environmental conditions of the project area and nearby villages.
• To check on whether mitigation and benefit enhancement measures have actually been
adopted and are proving effective in practice.

A total of Rs. 138.76 lakh have been allocated to implement various activities envisaged
under the Environmental Monitoring Programme.

11.6 ADDITIONAL STUDIES

11.6.1 Resettlement & Rehabilitation Plan


No private land will be acquired for the proposed project; therefore, no family is affected
due to the acquisition of land for the proposed project. Hence, requirement of preparation
of Resettlement & Rehabilitation Plan is not envisaged in the present case.

11.6.2 Local Area Development Fund


The aim of Local Area Development Activities is focused sustainable development to
improve the quality of life of neighborhood communities through equitable and proactive
smart initiatives in spheres of education, health, rural development, environment, and
livelihoods resulting in improvement of the overall social and economic conditions of locals
as well as improvement of environmental conditions of their surroundings.

Based on the local consultations in project affected villages, the focus areas covering many
important components of the sustainable development such as social, economic, livelihoods
and environment will be identified and set of development activities shall be proposed
under each focus area for the benefit of the local people under the Project. An amount of
Rs. 5.00 crore has been earmarked for local area development activities.

11.7 PROJECT BENEFITS


Employment Generation: Paidipalem North PSP is planned to be completed in 42 Calendar
months (excluding pre-construction activities), at the time of peak construction work in the
project, around 1000 persons may be engaged. Out of 1000 nos., about 70% will be from
the local population/surrounding Villages and balance persons will be skilled /semiskilled
from other area.

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In addition, the project would lead to creation of direct and indirect employment
opportunities as new factories would come up in and around the project due to reliable
power supply/availability, contract works for the locals during construction and operation
phase, etc.

Local Area Development: Total project cost is 5398.38 Crore (with IDC); an investment of
this magnitude in the area will improve the local infrastructure in the region. An amount of
Rs. 5.00 crore has been earmarked for local area development with a view to improve the
quality of life of local residents in the project vicinity. They will have opportunities of skill
development, education, better medical and health care, improved local infrastructure,
etc.

11.8 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP)


Pollution generation mainly during construction phase will be in the form of air, water and
noise pollution, which will be mitigated by adopting various mitigation measures and
implementation of environment management plans.

The project level Environment Monitoring Cell (EMC) would coordinate with stakeholders
for effective implementation of all environmental safeguard measures prescribed in the
EMP & environment and forest clearance letters.

11.8.1 Catchment Area Treatment Plan


The Catchment Area Treatment (CAT) plan highlights the management techniques to
control erosion in the catchment area of a water resource project. The life span of a
reservoir is greatly reduced due to erosion in the catchment area. Adequate preventive
measures are thus needed for the treatment of catchment for its stabilization against
future erosion.

The catchment of three different unnamed nalas/gullies at the proposed upper dam on
each nala/ gully forms the catchment area of upper reservoir. This catchment area also
happens to be the total area of upper reservoir i.e. 1.01 sq km only. Hence it is stated that
once the project is constructed upper reservoir will not have any catchment.

Catchment of an unnamed nala at the proposed lower dam forms the catchment area of
lower reservoir. This unnamed nala drains into the existing Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir.
The catchment area of this unnamed nala at the proposed lower dam is 6.50 sq km. In
view of above, in the present study CAT Plan has been prepared for the catchment of the
lower dam only. The catchment area treatment involves:
• Understanding of the erosion characteristics of the terrain and,
• Suggesting remedial measures to reduce the erosion rate.

The estimated cost of implementation of Catchment Area Treatment Plan as defined above
is Rs. 60.26 lakh. Since another project named Paidipalem East Pumped Storage Project
proposes to utilise the same lower reservoir for which the present CAT Plan has been
prepared therefore it is proposed to distribute the cost of implementation of CAT Plan
equally between Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project and Paidipalem East Pumped
Storage Project. In view of this, the effective cost of implementation of CAT Plan for
Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project is Rs. 30.13 lakh.

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11.8.2 Compensatory Afforestation Plan and Net Present Value


The Paidipalem North PSP is being constructed in the jurisdiction of Kadapa Forest Division
in YSR Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh. The total land required for the construction of
proposed project activities is 159.84 ha of forest land.

In consultation with the Andhra Pradesh State Forest Department and District
administration. The estimated cost of the Compensatory Afforestation Programme is Rs.
239.76 lakh.

Forest in the project area fall in the Eco Class III as being of type Tropical Dry Deciduous
Forests with open forest type, therefore NPV @ Rs. 9,57,780/ha would be required to be
deposited in the Compensatory Afforestation Fund. The total cost of NPV has been
estimated as Rs. 1530.92 lakh.

The total cost of the compensatory afforestation plan, NPV, compensation of trees and
cost of damage to fence and infrastructure is Rs. 1770.68 lakh.

11.8.3 Biodiversity Conservation & Wildlife Management Plan


Keeping in view of the anticipated impacts of proposed project on the biodiversity of area,
the mitigation measures suggested for biodiversity conservation and wildlife management
plan and conservation of Schedule-I species are as follows:
i. Wildlife Habitat Preservation & Improvement
ii. Establishment of Eco Park
iii. Biological fencing
iv. Prevention and Control of Forest Fire
v. Development of Grazing land/ Pastures
vi. Awareness promotion
vii. Strengthening of Infrastructural Facilities of Forest Department
viii. Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC)

The estimated cost of implementation of various activities envisaged in the Biodiversity


Conservation and Management Plan would be Rs. 191.50 lakh.

11.8.4 Fisheries Development Plan


Fishing is one of the occupations under the allied sector of Agriculture of the district. The
proposed Paidipalem North PSP is off-stream project. The proposed project has not any
significant impact on habitat of fish fauna. However, considering the fact that fisheries as
an important source of income for the people in the area, the Fisheries management has
been proposed under this plan. Proposed Fisheries Development Plan has been prepared
with the following objectives:
• Conservation, Management and Stocking by Enrichment of riverine fish fauna
• Strengthen of fishing techniques and skills of fishermen/ women societies
• Upgradation of existing Govt. Fish farms.

The total budget for implementation of Fisheries Development Plan has been proposed as
Rs. 69.00 lakh.

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11.8.5 Muck Management Plan


The construction would involve about 5,093,000.00 cum soil and rock (considering the
swelling factor of 0.8). About 3,157,660.00 cum of rock excavation is expected to be used
for producing coarse and fine aggregate for concrete production and in fillings for
developing areas for construction facilities. The total quantity of muck to be disposed is
worked out as 1,935,340.00 cum.

Keeping the above requirement and topography of the area, four dumping sites have been
identified covering an area of 12.28 ha area with a total capacity of 1,940,000 cum muck.
The estimated cost of the relocation and rehabilitation of excavated material will be Rs.
467.18 lakh.

11.8.6 Landscaping and Restoration of Construction Sites


During construction phase of the project, number of temporary construction sites and
working areas will come up. For the restoration of proposed project affected areas to its
original landscape as much as possible and retain its aesthetic values. Various engineering
and biological measures will be implemented for the restoration of proposed project
affected areas. The estimated cost of restoration of construction is 427.00 lakh.

11.8.7 Sanitation and Solid Waste Management


Solid waste generated from temporary and permanent colonies in construction as well as
operation phase requires special management for disposal. The project authorities will
ensure sewage generated from labour colonies and site office is treated and disposed as
per the CPCB guidelines. It is proposed to provide adequate septic tanks with soak pits for
treatment and disposal of sewage. Various aspects of solid waste management include:
• Reuse/Recycling
• Storage/Segregation
• Collection and Transportation
• Disposal
The waste generated from the project area will be collected, segregated and disposed off
in line with the provisions laid down in Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. The total
budget in order to manage the solid waste generated from this population, has been
proposed as Rs. 303.84 lakh.

11.8.8 Public Health Delivery System


Project construction and operation will bring about several changes in the socio-economic
environment of the area including increased threats to health of the community.
i. New Diseases due to Migratory Population
ii. Chances of increase in water borne diseases as malaria, and dengue are high
iii. Chances of increase in respiratory troubles due to increase in suspended particles
during the construction phase.
iv. Chances of occurrence of gastroenteritis, cholera and typhoid in the labour camps.

Medical services at secondary level play a vital and complimentary role to the tertiary and
primary health care systems and together form a comprehensive district-based health care
system. Following activities are proposed:
• Ambulance: 2 no. with all the basic Medicare facilities and small DG set, etc. to cater for
villages in the project area.

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• Budget for running the ambulances including driver, fuel and maintenance for 4 years.
• First aid posts (02 nos.) including sheds, furniture and basic equipment.
• Budget for running the first aid post including cost of medico, para-medico/Nurses and
attendant, consumables, etc. for 4 years.
• Budget for strengthening existing medical facilities.
• Budget for Health Awareness/ Vaccination Camps for 4 years.
• Mitigation measures to avoid spread of infectious diseases among workforce

Budgetary estimates for public health delivery system to be implemented have been
worked out as Rs. 228.00 lakh.

11.8.9 Energy Conservation Measures


The existing facilities will become insufficient for supply of kitchen fuel for the migrant
population during the construction of the project. Therefore, the project authorities would
make adequate arrangements such as Community kitchen, Supply of Kitchen fuel, efficient
cooking facilities and solar lantern either directly by developer or through contractor to
reduce the pressure on natural resources in the project area and minimize impacts on this
count. A total budget of Rs. 240.00 lakh have been proposed under Energy Conservation
Plan.

11.8.10 Labour Management Plan for their Health and Safety


Construction work has many associated risks and health impacts for the workers who are
directly exposed to such health and safety risks. Therefore, there is a need to prepare
complete health and safety documents for workers either by project proponent/contractor
and proponent shall ensure its implementation. A detailed plan will be prepared covering
the above activities before start of construction work. A tentative budget of Rs. 60.0 lakh
for labour management have been proposed under EMP.

11.8.11 Green Belt Development Plan


Green belt development will comprise of plantations at various places like periphery of
alongside roads, powerhouse area and at different project offices and colonies. The green
belt helps to provide habitat for faunal species and capture the fugitive emission and to
attenuate the noise generated apart from improving the aesthetics environment in the
area. The estimated cost for the plantations and creation of green belt around colony and
working sites would be Rs. 52.25 lakh.

11.8.12 Disaster Management Plan


In order to visualize the worst-case scenario Dam Break Modeling exercise was undertaken
and an inundation map was prepared. Based upon the outputs generated from this
modeling, a Disaster Management Plan has been formulated. This plan presents warning
and notification procedures to be followed in case of failure or potential failure of the
embankments. The purpose is to provide timely warning to the population likely to be
affected and alert key people who have to take respective actions in case of an emergency.
The estimated total cost of execution of disaster management plan including the
equipment would be Rs. 400.00 lakhs.

11.9 SUMMARY OF COST


The capital and recurring costs involved for implementation of Environmental Management
Plan for Paidipalem North Pump Storage Project is summarized in Table 11.1.
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Table 11.1: Cost for Implementing Environmental Management Plan


Capital Cost Recurring Cost (Rs. in lakh) Total Cost
S. No. Component of EMP
(Rs. in lakh) Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 (Rs. in lakh)
1 Catchment Area Treatment Plan 30.13 00.00 00.00 00.00 00.00 00.00 00.00 00.00 30.13
2 Compensatory Afforestation and NPV* 1770.68 00.00 00.00 00.00 00.00 00.00 00.00 00.00 1770.68
3 Biodiversity Conservation & Wildlife Conservation Plan 191.5 00.00 00.00 00.00 00.00 00.00 00.00 00.00 191.50
4 Fisheries Development Plan 25.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 0.00 00.00 00.00 69.00
5 Muck Dumping and Management Plan 0.00 210.74 136.90 78.54 23.50 9.50 5.00 3.00 467.18
6 Landscaping, Restoration of Construction Sites 18.00 262.50 100.00 34.50 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 427.00
7 Sanitation and Solid Waste Management Plan 182.00 32.96 34.46 27.96 26.46 0.00 0.00 0.00 303.84
8 Public Health Delivery System 88.00 37.00 35.00 34.00 34.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 228.00
9 Energy Conservation Measures 36.00 51.00 51.00 51.00 51.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 240.00
10 Labour Management Plan 21.00 7.00 12.00 12.00 8.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 60.00
11 Green Belt Development Plan 11.25 13.00 8.00 5.00 6.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 52.25
12 Pollution Mitigation Measures 0.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 48.00
13 Environmental Monitoring Program 0.00 23.44 23.44 38.44 38.44 15.00 0.00 0.00 138.76
14 Rehabilitation and Resettlement Plan** 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
15 Local Area Development Plan 500.00 00.00 00.00 00.00 00.00 00.00 00.00 0.00 500.00
16 Disaster Management Plan 275.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 00.00 0.00 400.00
Total 3148.56 685.64 448.80 329.44 238.40 55.50 11.00 9.00 4926.34
* Cost of CA and NPV shall be finalized as part of diversion proposal.
** Rehabilitation and Resettlement Plan: No private land will be acquired for the proposed project.

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NREDCAP Draft EIA Report Paidipalem North PSP

Chapter
12 DISCLOSURE BY THE CONSULTANT
12.1 DISCLOSURE BY THE CONSULTANT
The EIA report of Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project has been prepared by M/s R S
Envirolink Technologies Pvt. Ltd., (RSET) Gurgaon which is a QCI-NABET accredited
company to undertake River Valley, Hydroelectric, Drainage and Irrigation Projects
(Category ‘A’) according to the TOR approved by MoEF&CC. Certification and contact
details are:

Certificate No : NABET/EIA/2225/RA 0274


Validity : August 15, 2025
Contact Person : Mr. Ravinder Bhatia
Name of Sector : River Valley and Hydroelectric Projects
Category :A
MoEF Schedule : I(C)
Address : 403, Bestech Chambers, Block-B, Sushant Lok Phase I, Sector 43,
Gurugram, Haryana - 122009.
E-mail : ravi@rstechnologies.co.in
Land Line : (0124) 4295383
Cellular : (+91) 9810136853

A copy of the Accreditation certificate along with the list of experts involved is appended at
the beginning of the report.

R S Envirolink Technologies Pvt. Ltd (RSET) is a multi-disciplinary environmental consulting


company with special focus on River Valley, Hydel, Drainage and Irrigation projects. RSET
was established in 2007 as a specialized consulting Service Company, focused to provide
entire gamut of environmental services for water resource development projects. We have
in-house expertise and have a compact team of consulting professionals providing
comprehensive, responsive and high-quality services primarily in the field of natural
resources management, environment, environmental audits and due diligence,
environmental impact assessment, environmental management plan, environmental
modeling, environmental monitoring and compliance status evaluation, hydrology,
geology, Remote Sensing & GIS and modeling using these latest tools, techniques and
technologies with projects extending across the Himalaya and hilly and mountainous
regions of India. Various studies, we undertake, include:

• Environmental Impact Assessment


• Environmental Management Planning and Implementation
• River Basin/Carrying Capacity Studies
• Ecological Studies including Aquatic Ecology
• Biodiversity Conservation and Management Planning
• Assessment of Ecological Flow Requirement
• Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) Modeling

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NREDCAP Draft EIA Report Paidipalem North PSP

• Dam Break Modeling and Disaster Management Plan; Hydrological and Hydro-dynamic
modelling
• Catchment Area Treatment (CAT) Plan, Watershed modelling, Watershed Analysis,
Rehabilitation, Inventories and Management Planning
• Remote Sensing and GIS: All aspects related to applications of Remote Sensing and GIS
especially in the field of natural resources management.
• Socio-economic studies
• Surface Water Hydrology, Water Quality, and Erosion Control
• Environmental Monitoring

RSET is on the list of Consultants who are permitted to appear before Expert Appraisal
Committee (EAC) and State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) and can certify various
documents including Environment Impact Assessment (EIA)/ Environment Management
Plan (EMP) reports under the accreditation scheme for EIA consultants with Quality Council
of India (QCI)/National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (NABET).
Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Consultant Accreditation Scheme has been
developed which has been adapted as minimum requirement by Ministry of Environment,
Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India.

We would like to mention that RSET has significant experience of working on


environmental impact assessment studies. We have successfully completed and got
environmental clearances from MoEF&CC/SEIAA for 56 River Valley, Hydel, Drainage and
Irrigation projects. Presently we are involved with around 10 similar studies which are at
various stages of progress.

RSET’s core competence includes Environment & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) of
hydro power, solar power, drinking water supply and transmission & distribution projects
according to World Bank, IFC’s performance standards, NDB and Equator principles.

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ANNEXURE - II
ToR Compliance – Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project
S.
Clause in Standard ToR Compliance
No
1 Scope of EIA study Chapter 1: Introduction, Section 1.4; Page 1.3
2 Details of the Project and site
• General introduction about the proposed project. Chapter 1: Introduction, Section 1.3; Page 1.1

• Details of project (exiting and proposed) and site L- Chapter 2: Project Description; Section 2.12,
sections of all U/S and D/S projects of river with Page 2.15.
relevant maps and figures.

• A map of boundary of the project site. Chapter 2: Project Description, Figure 2.2; Page
2.6

• Location details on a map of the project area Chapter 2: Project Description, Section 2.3,
Figure 2.1; Page 2.2

• Layout details and map of the project Chapter 2: Project Description, Figure 2.2; Page
2.6

• Existence of National Park, Sanctuary, Biosphere Chapter 3: Description of The Environment:


Reserve etc. in the study area Section 3.2.3.5; Figure 3.17; Page 3.70.

• Drainage pattern and map of the river catchment Chapter 3: Description of The Environment:
up to the proposed project site. Section 3.2.1.2; Page 3.17.

• Delineation of critically degraded areas in the Chapter 10: Environmental Management Plan,
directly draining catchment on the basis of silt yield Section 10.2 CAT Plan: Section 10.2.6; Page
10.10
• Soil characteristic and map of the project area. Chapter 3: Description of The Environment:
Section 3.2.1.9; Figure 3.16; Page 3.26
• Geological and Seismic-tectonic details and maps Chapter 3: Description of The Environment:
of the area surrounding the proposed project Section 3.2.1.3; Page 3.17

• Remote sensing studies, interpretation of satellite Chapter 3: Baseline Environment: Section 3.1.4;
imagery, topographic sheets Figure 3.2, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8 and 3.10: Page 3.5, 3.16,
3.16, 3.17 and 3.22.

Chapter 10 Environmental Management Plan:


Section 10.2

• Land details including forests, private and other Chapter 2: Project Description:
land. Section 2.5; Table 2.2; Page 2.8
3 Description of Environment and Baseline data
To know the present status of environment in the Chapter 3: Description of The Environment
area, baseline data with respect to environmental Section 3.1.1 Page 3.1, Figure 3.1, Page 3.3
components air, water, noise, soil, land and biology &
biodiversity (flora & fauna), wildlife, socio-economic
status etc. the study area should comprise off the
S.
Clause in Standard ToR Compliance
No
following:
• Catchment area up to the dam site
• Submergence area
• Project area or the direct impact area should
comprise of area falling within 10 km radius from
the periphery of reservoir, land coming under
submergence and area downstream of dam up to
the point where tail race Tunnel (TRT) meets the
river.
• Downstream up to 10km from the tip off the
reservoir.
Chapter 3 Description of The Environment
4 Details of the Methodology
Section 3.1.4; Page 3.4
5 Methodology for collection of Biodiversity data
• The number of sampling locations should be Chapter 3: Description of The Environment
adequate to get a reasonable idea off the diversity Section 3.1.4.3; Page 3.13; Figure 3.3 Page 3.8
and other attributes of flora and fauna.

• The entire area should be divided in grids. Chapter 3: Description of The Environment
Section 3.1.4.3; Page 3.13; Figure 3.3 Page 3.8

• The R.E.T. species referred should include species Chapter 3: Description of The Environment
listed in schedule I and II of Wildlife (protection) Section 3.2.3.2(c); Page 3.48 and 3.2.2.3(e) Page
Act, 1972. 3.66
6 Components of the EIA study
A Physical and Chemical Environment
Geological & Geophysical Aspects and Seismo-
i
Tectonics
• Physical Geography, Topography, Regional Chapter 3: Description of The Environment
Geological aspects and structure of the catchment. Section 3.2.1; Page 3.15

• Tectonics, Seismicity and History of past Chapter 3: Description of The Environment


earthquakes in the area. A site-specific study of Section 3.2.1.3(c); Page 3.19.
earthquake parameters will be done. The results of
the site-specific earthquake design shall be sent for Section 3.2.1.5; Page 3.21
approval of the NCSDP (National Committee of
Seismic design parameters, Central Water
Commission, New Delhi for large dams.

• Landslide zone or area prone to landslides existing Chapter 10 Environmental Management Plan:
in the study area should be examined. Section 10.2 CAT Plan, Page 10.3

• Presence of important economic mineral deposit, if NA


any.
• Justification for location & execution of the project Chapter 5: Analysis of Alternatives
in relation to structural components (dam height).
ii Meteorology, Air and Noise
• Meteorology (viz., Temperature, Relative Chapter 3: Description of The Environment
Humidity, wind speed/direction etc.) to be Section 3.2.1.8; Page 3.22
collected from nearest IMD station.
• Ambient Air Quality with parameters viz.,
S.
Clause in Standard ToR Compliance
No
Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM), Repairable Chapter 3: Description of The Environment
Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) i.e., Section 3.2.1.10; Page 3.31
suspended particulate materials <10-microns,
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx),
in the study area at 6 locations.

• Existing noise levels and traffic density in the Chapter 3: Description of The Environment
study area at 6 locations. Section 3.2.1.11; Page 3.33
iii Soil Characteristics
• Soil classification, physical parameters (viz., Chapter 3: Description of The Environment
texture, porosity, bulk density and water holding Section 3.2.1.9.
capacity) and chemical parameters (viz. pH, Figure 3.16, Page 2.26
electrical conductivity, Magnesium, calcium, total Table 3.11, Page 3.26,
alkalinity, chlorides, sodium, potassium, organic Table 3.13, Page 3.28.
carbon, available potassium, available
phosphorus, SAR, nitrogen and salinity, etc.,) (6
locations).
iv Remote sensing and GIS Studies
• Generation of thematic maps viz., slope map, Chapter 3: Description of The Environment
drainage map, soil map, land use and land cover Figure 3.6, Figure 3.7, Figure 3.8, & Figure 3.10;
map, etc. Based on these, thematic maps, an Page 3.16, 3.16, 3.17 & 3.22
erosion intensity map should be prepared.
Chapter 10: Environmental Management Plan:
Section 10.13; Page 10.3

• New Configuration map to be given in EIA report Chapter 3: Description of The Environment
Section 3.3, Page 3.82
V Water Quality
• History of the ground water table fluctuation in Chapter 3: Description of The Environment;
the study area. Section 3.2.1.6; Page 3.21

• Water quality for both surface water and ground Chapter 3: Description of The Environment;
water for (i) Physical parameters (pH), Section 3.2.2, Water Environment; Page 3.36
temperature, electrical conductivity, TSS); Table 3.17, 3.18, 3.19 & Table 3.20
(ii)Chemical parameters (Alkalinity, Hardness, Page 3.36; 3.37, 3.38 & 3.41
BOD, COD, NO2, PO4, CI, SO4, Na, K, Ca Mg, Silica,
Oil & Grease, phenolic compounds, residual
sodium carbonate); (iii)Bacteriological parameters
(MPN, Total coliforms) and (iv) Heavy Metals (Pb,
As, Hg, cd, cr-6, total Cr, Cu, Zn, Fe).

• Delineation of sub and micro-watersheds, their Chapter 10: Environmental Management Plan:
locations and extent based on the All-India Soil Section 10.2; Page 10.3
and Land Use Survey of India (AISLUS),
Department of Agriculture, Government of India.
Erosion levels in each micro-watershed and
prioritization of micro-watershed through silt
yield index (SYI) method of AISLUS.
B Water Environment & Hydrology
• Hydro-Meteorology of the project viz. Chapter 3: Description of The Environment
precipitation (snowfall, rainfall), temperature, Section 3.2.1.8; Page 3.22
S.
Clause in Standard ToR Compliance
No
relative humidity, etc. Hydro-meteorological
studies in the catchment area should be
established along-with real time telemetry and
data acquisition system for inflows monitoring.

• Run-off, discharge, water availability for the Chapter 3: Description of The Environment
project, sedimentation rate, etc. Section 3.2.1.4; Page 3.20

• Basin characteristic’s Chapter 3: Description of The Environment


Section 3.2.1.4; Page 3.20

• Catastrophic events like cloud bursts and flash Chapter 3: Description of The Environment
floods, if any, should be documented. Section 3.2.1.5; Page 3.21

• For estimation of Sedimentation Rate, direct Chapter 3: Description of The Environment


sampling of river flow is to be done during the EIA Section 3.2.1.4; Page 3.20
study. The study should be conducted for
minimum one year. Actual silt flow rate to be
expressed in ha-m km2 year-1.

• Set-up a G&D monitoring station and a few rain- Chapter 3: Description of The Environment
gauge stations in the catchment area for Section 3.2.1.4; Page 3.20
collecting data during the investigation.

• Flow series, 10 daily with 90%, 75% and 50% Chapter 3: Description of The Environment
dependable years discharges. Section 3.2.1.4; Page 3.20

• A table of 10-daily water discharges Chapter 3: Description of The Environment


corresponding to 90% dependable year showing Section 3.2.1.4; Page 3.20
the intercepted discharge at the barrage, the
environmental flow to be released and the other
flow releases downstream of the barrage and
spills to be provided in hydrology section of EIA.

• Norms for release of Environmental flow i.e. 30% Chapter 3: Description of The Environment
in monsoon, 20% in lean season and 25% in non- Section 3.2.1.4; Page 3.20
monsoon & non-lean season to be followed
corresponding to 90% dependable year. A site-
specific study on minimum environmental flow
should be carried out.

• Hydrological studies/data as approved by CWC Chapter 3: Description of The Environment


shall be utilized in the preparation of EIA/ EMP Section 3.2.1.4; Page 3.20
report. Actual hydrological annual yield may also
be given in the report.

• A minimum of 1 km distance from the top of the NA


reservoir to the tail race tunnel should be
maintained between upstream and downstream
projects.

C Biological Environment
S.
Clause in Standard ToR Compliance
No
Flora:
• Characterization of forest types (as per Champion Chapter 3: Description of The Environment
and Seth method) in the study area and extent of Section 3.2.3.1; Page 3.45
each forest type as per the Forest Working Plan.

• Documentation of all plant species i.e. Chapter 3: Description of The Environment


Angiosperm, Gymnosperm, Pteridophytes, Section 3.2.3.2(b); Page 3.46; Annexure-IV
Bryophytes (all groups).

• General vegetation profile and floral diversity Chapter 3: Description of The Environment
covering all groups of flora including. A species Section 3.2.3.2 (h); Page 3.53
wise list may be provided.

• Assessment of plant species with respect to Chapter 3: Description of The Environment


dominance, density, frequency, abundance, Section 3.2.3.2 (i); Page 3.53
diversity index, similarity index, importance value
index (IVI, Shannon Weiner index etc. of the Table 3.30 to 3.34 Page 3.60 to 3.62
species to be provided. Methodology used for
calculating various diversity indices along with
details of locations of quadrates, size of quadrates
etc. to be reported within the study area in
different ecosystems.

• Existence of National Park, Sanctuary, Biosphere Chapter 3: Description of The Environment


Reserve etc. in the study area, if, any, should be Section 3.2.2.5; Figure 3.17; Page 3.70
detailed.

• Economically important species like medicinal Chapter 3: Description of The Environment


plants, timber, fuel wood etc. Section 3.2.3.2 (d); Page 3.50

• Details of endemic species found in the project Chapter 3: Description of The Environment
area. Section 3.2.2.2 (c); Page 3.48

• Flora under RET categories should be Chapter 3: Description of The Environment


documented using International Union for the Section 3.2.2.2 (c); Page 3.48
Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
(IUCN) criteria and Botanical Survey of India's Red
Data list along-with economic significance.
Species diversity curve for RET species should be
given.

• Cropping pattern and Horticulture Practices in the Chapter 3: Description of The Environment
study area. Section 3.2.2.2 (g); Page 3.52

Fauna:
• Fauna study and Inventorisation should be carried Chapter 3: Description of The Environment
out for all groups of animals in the study area. Section 3.2.3.3; Page 3.63; Table 3.35,3.36, 3.37
Their present status along with Schedule of the & 3.38
species.

• Documentation of fauna plankton (phyto and Chapter 3: Description of The Environment


S.
Clause in Standard ToR Compliance
No
zooplankton), periphyton, benthos and fish Section 3.2.3.4; Table 3.39; Page 3.69
should be done and analyzed.

• Information (authenticated) on Avi-fauna and Chapter 3: Description of The Environment


wildlife in the study area. Section 3.2.3.3(b); Table 3.36; Page 3.64

• Status of avifauna their resident/ migratory/ Chapter 3: Description of The Environment


passage migrants etc. Section 3.2.3.3(b); Table 3.36; Page 3.64

• Documentation of butterflies, if any, found in the Chapter 3: Description of The Environment


area. Section 3.2.3.3 (d); Table 3.38, Page 3.65

• Details of endemic species found in the project Chapter 3: Description of The Environment
area. Section 3.2.3.3(e); Page 3.66

• RET species-voucher specimens should be Chapter 3: Description of The Environment


collected along with GPS readings to facilitate Section 3.2.3.3(e); Page 3.66
rehabilitation. RET faunal species to be classified
as per IUCN Red Data list and as per different
schedule of Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

• Existence of barriers and corridors, if any, for wild Chapter 3: Description of The Environment
animals. Section 3.2.3.5; Page 3.69

• Compensatory afforestation to compensate the Chapter 10: Environment Management Plan


green belt area that will be removed, if any, as Section 10.3; Page 10.17
part of the proposed project development and Section 10.12; Page 10.49
loss of biodiversity.

• Collection of primary data on agricultural activity, Chapter 3: Description of The Environment


crop and their productivity and irrigation facilities Section 3.2.3.2(g); Page 3.52
components. Section 3.2.4.2; Page 10.79

• For categorization of sub-catchment into classes Chapter 10: Environment Management Plan
and for the consequent CAT plan, the entire Section 10.3; CAT Plan; Page 10.3
catchment (Indian Portion) is to be considered and
not only the directly the draining catchment.
D Aquatic Biology
• Documentation of aquatic fauna like macro-
invertebrates, zooplankton, phytoplankton
benthos etc.
• Fish and fisheries, their migration and breeding
grounds.
Chapter 3: Description of The Environment
• Fish diversity composition and maximum length &
Section 3.2.3.4; Table 3.39; Page 3.69
weight of the measured populations to be studied
for estimation of environmental flow.
• Conservation status of aquatic fauna.
• Sampling for aquatic ecology and fisheries must
be conducted during three seasons Pre-monsoon
(summer) and monsoon. Sizes (length & weight)
off important fish species need to be collected
S.
Clause in Standard ToR Compliance
No
and breeding and feeding grounds should also be
identified along the project site or in vicinity.
E Socio-economic Environment
• Collection of baseline data on human settlements, Chapter 3: Description of The Environment
health status of the community and existing Section 3.2.4 Page 3.72
infrastructure facilities for social welfare including
sources of livelihood, job opportunities and safety
and security of workers and surroundings
population.

• Collection of information with respect to social Chapter 3: Description of The Environment


awareness about the developmental activity in Section 3.2.4 Page 3.72
the area and social welfare measures existing and
proposed by project proponent.

• Collection of information on sensitive habitat of Chapter 3: Description of The Environment


historical, cultural and religious and ecological Section 3.2.4 Page 3.72
importance.

• The socio-economic survey/ profile within 10 km Chapter 3: Description of The Environment


of the study area for demographic profile; Section 3.2.4 Page 3.72
Economic Structure; Developmental Profile;
Agricultural Practices; Infrastructure, education
facilities; health and sanitation facilities; available
communication network etc.

• List of all the Project Affected Families with their Chapter 7 Additional Studies
names, age, education qualification, family size, Section 7.1 Rehabilitation & Resettlement Plan
religion, caste, source of income, land & house
holdings, other properties, occupation, source of
income, house/land to be acquired for the project
and house/land left with the family, and other
property, possession of cattle, type off houses
etc.
7 Impact Prediction and Mitigation Measures
The adverse impact due to the proposed project Chapter 4: Anticipated Impact and Mitigation
should be assessed and effective mitigation steps to Measures
abate these impacts should be described.
i Air Environment
• Changes in ambient and ground level Chapter 4: Anticipated Impact and Mitigation
concentrations due to total emissions from point, Measures
line and area sources.
• Effect on soil, material, vegetation and human Section 4.1.1 Page 4.2
health.
• Impact of emissions from DG set used for power
during the construction, if any, on air environment.
• Pollution due to fuel combustion in equipment and
vehicles
• Fugitive emissions from various sources.

ii Water Environment
S.
Clause in Standard ToR Compliance
No
• Changes in surface and ground water quality. Chapter 4 Anticipated Impact and Mitigation
• Steps to develop pisci-culture and recreational Measures
facilities Section 4.1.3 Page 4.5
• Changes in hydraulic regime and downstream flow.
• Water pollution due to disposal of sewage
• Water pollution from labor colonies/ camps and
washing equipment.
3 Land Environment
• Adverse impact on land stability, catchment of soil Chapter 4: Anticipated Impact and Mitigation
erosion, reservoir sedimentation and spring flow (if Measures
any) (a) due to considerable road
construction/widening activity (b) interference of Section 4.1.4 Page 4.7
reservoir with the inflowing stream (c) blasting for
commissioning of HRT, TRT and some other
structures.
• Changes in land use / land cover and drainage
pattern
• Immigration of labour population
• Quarrying operation and muck disposal
• Changes in land quality including effects of waste
disposal.
• River bank and their stability
• Impact due to submergence.
4 Biological Environment
• Impact on forests, flora, fauna including wildlife, Chapter 4: Anticipated Impact and Mitigation
migratory avi-fauna rare and endangered species, Measures Section 4.1.6 Page 4.9
medicinal plants etc.
• Pressure on existing natural resources. Chapter 4: Anticipated Impact and Mitigation
Measures Section 4.1.6 Page 4.9
• Deforestation and disturbance to wildlife, habitat Chapter 4: Anticipated Impact and Mitigation
fragmentation and wild animal's migratory Measures Section 4.1.6 Page 4.9
corridors.

• Compensatory afforestation-identification of Chapter 10: Environment Management Plan


suitable native tree species for compensatory Section 10.3; Page 10.17.
afforestation and green belt. Section 10.12 Page 10.49

• Impact on fish migration and habitat degradation Chapter 4: Anticipated Impact and Mitigation
due to decreased flow of water. Measures Section 4.1.3 Page 4.7

• Impact on breeding and nesting grounds of animals Chapter 4: Anticipated Impact and Mitigation
and fish. Measures, Section 4.1.3.3 Page 4.7
5 Socio – Economic Aspects
• Impact on local community including Chapter 3: Description of The Environment
demographic profile. Section 3.1.4.3; Page 3.13; Figure 3.3 Page 3.8
• Impact on socio-economic status.
• Impact on economic status.
• Impact on human health due to water / water
borne disease
• Impact on increase traffic.
• Impact on Holy Places and Tourism.
S.
Clause in Standard ToR Compliance
No
• Impacts of blasting activity during project
construction which generally destabilize the land
mass and leads to landslides, damage to
properties and drying-up of natural springs and
cause noise pollution will be studied. Proper
records shall be maintained of the baseline
information in the post project period.
• Positive and negative impacts likely to be accrued
due to the project are listed.
8 Environmental Management Plan (EMP)
Catchment Area Treatment (CAT) Plan should be
prepared micro-watershed wise. Identification of free
draining/ directly draining catchment based upon
Remote Sensing and Geographical Information
System (GIS) methodology and Sediment Yield Index
(SYI) Method of AISLUS, Dept. of Agriculture, Govt. of
India coupled with ground survey. Areas or
watersheds falling under 'very severe' and 'severe' Chapter 10: Environment Management Plan
1 erosion categories should be provided and required Section 10.2; Page 10.3
to be treated. Both biological as well as engineering
measures should be proposed in consultation with
State Forest Department for areas requiring
treatment. Year-wise schedule of work and monetary
allocation should be provided. Mitigation measures to
check shifting cultivation in the catchment area with
provision for alternative and better agricultural
practices should be included.
Compensatory Afforestation shall be prepared by the Chapter 10: Environment Management Plan
state forest department in lieu of the forest land Section 10.3; Page 10.17
proposed to be diverted for construction of the
2 project as per the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
Choice of plant for afforestation should include native
and RET species, if any. This will be a part of the forest
clearance proposal.
Biodiversity and Wildlife Conservation & Management Chapter 10: Environment Management Plan
Plan for conservation and preservation of endemic, Section 10.4; Page 10.19
3 rare and endangered species of flora and fauna to be Annexure V
prepared in consultation with State Forest
Department
Fisheries Conservation & Management Plan-Fish
Chapter 10: Environment Management Plan
fauna inhabiting the affected stretch of river, a
4 Section 10.5; Page 10.22
specific fisheries management plan should be
prepared for river and reservoir.
Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) Plan needed Chapter 7: Additional Studies; Section 7.1:
to be prepared on the basis of findings of the socio- Resettlement and Rehabilitation Plan
economic survey coupled with the outcome of public
consultation held. The R&R package shall be prepared
5
after consultation with the representatives of the
project affected families and the State Government.
Detailed budgetary estimates are to be provided.
Resettlement site should be identified. The plan will
S.
Clause in Standard ToR Compliance
No
also incorporate community development strategies.
R&R Plan is to be formulated as per land Acquisition,
Resettlement and Rehabilitation Act, 2013 which
came into force w.e.f. 1.1.2014
Green Belt Development Plan along the periphery of Chapter 10 Environmental Management Plan
reservoir, colonies, approach road, canals etc. Local Section 10.12; Page 10.49
6 plant species must be suggested with physical and
financial details. Local plant species suitable for
greenbelt development should be selected
Reservoir Rim Treatment Plan for stabilization of land
slide/land slip zones if any, around the reservoir
periphery to be prepared. Suitable engineering and NA
7
biological measures for treatment of the identified
slip zones to be provided with physical and financial
schedule.
Muck Disposal Plan- suitable sites for dumping of Chapter 10: Environment Management Plan
excavated material should be identified in Section 10.6; Page 10.25
consultation with the State Pollution Control Board
and Forest Department. All Muck disposal sites should Figure 10.6 Page 10.26: Layout Map of Muck
be minimum 30 m away from the HFL of river. Plan for Dumping Site
8
rehabilitation of muck disposal sites should also be Figure 10.7 L/section/ cross section of muck
given. The L- section/ cross section of muck disposal disposal sites page 10.29
sites and approach roads to be given. The plan shall
have physical and financial details of the measures
proposed.
Plan for Restoration of quarry sites and landscaping of Chapter 10: Environment Management Plan
9
colony areas, working areas, roads, etc. Section 10.7; Page 10.34
Study of Design Earthquake Parameters: A site Under Process
specific study of earthquake parameters should be
done. Results of the site-specific earthquake design
10
parameters should be approved by National
Committee of Seismic Design Parameters, Central
Water Commission (NCSDP) New Delhi.
Dam Break Analysis and Disaster Management Plan: Chapter 10 Environmental Management Plan
The outputs of Dam Break Model should be illustrated Section 10.13; Page 10.51
11 with appropriate graphs and maps clearly bringing out
the impact of Dam break scenario. Provision for early
warning systems should be provided.
Water, Air and Noise Management Plans to be Chapter 6 Environmental Monitoring
12 implemented during construction and post Programme
construction periods.
Public Health Delivery Plan including the provisions of Chapter 10 Environmental Management Plan
drinking water supply for local population shall be in Section 10.9; Page 10.41
the EIA/EMP Report. Status of the existing medical
facilities in the project area shall be discussed.
13
Possibilities of strengthening of existing medical
facilities, construction of new medical infrastructure
etc. will be explored after assessing the need of the
labour force and local populace.
Chapter 10 Environmental Management Plan
14 Labour Management Plan for their Health and Safety.
Section 10.11; Page 10.47
S.
Clause in Standard ToR Compliance
No
Sanitation and Solid-waste management plan for Chapter 10 Environmental Management Plan
15
domestic waste from colonies and labour camps etc. Section 10.8; Page 10.37
Local Area Development Plan to be formulated in
consultation with the Revenue Officials and Village
Chapter 7: Additional Studies; Section 7.2, Local
16 Panchayats. Local skill development schemes should
Area Development Plan, Page 7.3
be given. Details of various activities to be undertaken
along with its financial out lay should be provided.
Environmental safeguards during construction Chapter 4 Assessment of Impact
activities including road construction. Section 4.5; Page 4.16
17
EIA Chapter 6 Environment Monitoring
Programme
Energy conservation measures for the work force Chapter 10 Environmental Management Plan
during construction with physical and financial details. Section 10.10, Page 10.45
18 Alternatives will be proposed for the labour force so
that the exploitation off the natural resource (wood)
for the domestic and commercial use is curbed.
Environmental Monitoring Programme to monitor the Chapter 6: Environmental Monitoring Plan
migratory measures implemented at the project site Section 6.1, Page 6.1
is required will be prepared. Provision for
Environment Management Cell should be made. The
19 plan will spell out the aspects required to be
monitored, monitoring indicators/parameters with
respect to each aspect and the agency responsible for
the monitoring of that particular aspect throughout
the project implementation.
A summary off cost Estimates for all the plans, cost Chapter 11: Summary and Conclusion, Section
20 for implementing all the Environmental Management 11.9, Table 11.1, Page 11.15
Plans.

Additional Conditions as per Scoping clearance issued by MoEF&CC vide letter no F No J-


12011/06/2023-IA. I(R) dated 17th April 2023 for 1000 MW installed capacity (refer to Annexure I).

S. No ADDITIONAL CONDTIONS COMPLIANCE


[A] Environmental Management and Biodiversity Conservation
Chapter 4 Anticipated Impact and Mitigation
Measures Section 4.1.3 Page 4.7.

One time filling of the reservoir will be done


by sourcing water Paidipalem balancing
Cumulative Impact of project on carrying capacity and reservoir has been constructed under
sustainability of Reservoir/ nalahs of catchment area/ Gandikota Lift Irrigation Scheme which has a
1
due to tapping of water for filling reservoir. gross storage capacity of 6.00 TMC. There
are no ongoing or proposed irrigation or
water supply schemes at present from
Paidipalem balancing reservoir. Therefore,
no impact during operation is proposed
project envisaged either on other projects or
on natural water bodies in the area.
2 Impact zone decided prior to base line data generation Chapter 3 The Description of Environment
S. No ADDITIONAL CONDTIONS COMPLIANCE
and accordingly, sampling location shall be finalized. Section 3.1.4 Methodology
Baseline data as mentioned in Standard ToR shall be Sampling Locations at Figure 3.3 Page 3.8,
collected for preparation of EIA/EMP report along with Figure 3.4 Page 3.9 and Figure 3.5 Page 3.12
soil characteristics which shall be studied at minimum 10
locations. The ground water level at 10 locations shall be
measured in project area in all three seasons.
A study shall be carried out on impact of project activity
on the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem, within project Chapter 3: Description of The Environment
area classifying the impact zones (highly/impact/low Section 3.1.4; Page 3.3; Figure 3.2, 3.3 and
impact zone) based on seasonal variations and covering 3.5; Page 3.7 & 3.10
3 the aspects related to impacts on aquatic ecosystem/
primary productivity due to quantity of water to be Chapter 3: Description of The Environment
lifted for power generation and thermal stratification. Section 3.1.4; Page 3.4; Figure 3.2; Page 3.5,
Accordingly, Environment Management plan shall be Figure 3.3; Page 3.8 and 3.5; Page 3.12
prepared.
Sampling locations be located to cover villages situated Chapter 3: Description of The Environment
near the reservoir and around boundary of forest area Section 3.1.4; Page 3.4; Figure 3.2; Page 3.5,
4 for collection of baseline data and data to be Figure 3.3; Page 3.8 and 3.5; Page 3.12
incorporated in EIA/ EMP report.
Identify the sand mining/ quarrying sites in Chapter 2: Project Description Section 2.9.4
5 submergence area and downstream of reservoir. Page 2.10
Source of construction material and its distance from
the project site along with detailed transportation plan Chapter 2: Project Description Section 2.9.4
6 for construction material in view of the project site Page 2.10
location in Western Ghats be submitted.
A detailed reclamation/ restoration plan of quarrying Chapter 10 Environmental management
7 site/sites be incorporated in the EIA/EMP report. Plan Section 10.7 Page 10.34
Certificate and certified map from Chief Wildlife Warden Under Process
shall be submitted mentioning that project boundary is
8 located outside the Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) and no
Wildlife Sanctuary falls within 10 km of Project site.

A detailed wildlife conservation plan for Schedule-I Under Process


9 species be prepared duly approved by the Chief Wild Life Chapter 10 Environmental management
Warden be submitted. Plan Section 10.4 Page 10.19
Annexure V
In case any Wildlife Corridor is located within 10 km Chapter 3: Description of The Environment
radius of the project site a detailed study shall be Section 3.2.3.5; Figure 3.17; Page 3.70
10 conducted to assess the impact of project on safe Chapter 4 Anticipated Impact and Mitigation
movement of wild animals. Measures Section 4.6 Page 4.9
Chapter 2: Project Description Section 2.4
Reservoir/ Riverbanks protection plan all along the Size and Magnitude of Operation and
11 submergence need to be prepared and incorporated in Chapter 5 Analysis of Alternatives
EIA/ EMP. Discuss the protection/ embankments
required around the proposed reservoirs
Scope of watershed development in the 10 km radius of
the project shall be studied in consultation with Govt.
12 Under Process
institutions/ Indian Council of Agriculture Research
(ICAR) and accordingly a detailed Water Shed
S. No ADDITIONAL CONDTIONS COMPLIANCE
Development Plan shall be prepared and incorporated in
EIA/ EMP report.
Appendix-I
MoU for water uses for the project shall be signed and Energy Department, Government of Andhra
13 approved by concerned authority. Issue order vide G.O.Ms.No. 19 dated
12.09.2022.

Environmental matrix during construction and Chapter 4 Anticipated Impact and Mitigation
14
operational phase needs to be submitted. Measures Section 4.4 Table 4. 5 Page 4.13
Matrix formulated on the basis of detailed study and Chapter 4 Anticipated Impact and Mitigation
15 field survey of flora and Fauna methodology used shall Measures Section 4.4 Page 4.12; Table 4. 5
be mentioned in the EIA report. Page 4.13
Endemic plant and animal species found in the area Chapter 3: Description of The Environment
16 concerned shall be provided instead listing entire Section 3.2.2.2 (c); Page 3.48
endemic species found in the State. 3.2.3.3(e), Page 3.66
Details of Flora and Fauna reported in submergence Chapter 3: Description of The Environment
area, Nos. of tree along with their density and Section 3.2.3.2 (h); Page 3.53
17 nomenclature of the tree species required to be felled Section 3.2.3.2 (i); Page 3.53
for reservoir creation and other project component Table 3.30 to 3.34 Page 3.60 to 3.62
Project impact on avi-fauna shall be studied and Chapter 4 Anticipated Impact and Mitigation
18 incorporated in EIA/ EMP report. Measures Section 4.1.6 Page 4.9
Impact assessment on the fish diversity based on the
Chapter 4 Anticipated Impact and Mitigation
19 hydrological alteration at the water drawing sources
Measures Section 4.1.3 Page 4.7
shall be studied.
20 Stage-I Forest Clearance shall be obtained. Yet to be applied for
Study of impacts of project on water sources i.e. Chapter 4 Anticipated Impact and Mitigation
21 Paidipalem balancing reservoir. Measures Section 4.1.3 Page 4.7
[B] Socio-economic Study
Declaration by the project proponent by way of affidavit
that “No” Inter-state issue / policies issue is involved
22 Appendix-II
with any state in the project. Consent from other state
for drawing of water, if required.
All the tasks including conducting public hearing shall be
done as per the provisions of EIA Notification, 2006 and
23 as amended from time to time. Public hearing issues --
raised and compliance of the same shall be incorporated
in the EIA/EMP report in the relevant chapter.
Statement on the commitments (activity-wise) made
during public hearing to facilitate the discussion on the
24 CER in compliance of the Ministry’s OM F.No.22- --
65/2017- IA.III dated 30th September, 2020 shall be
submitted.
Not Applicable
Tentative no. of project affected families shall be No private land will be acquired for the
25 identified and accordingly appropriate Rehabilitation & proposed project; therefore, no family is
Resettlement plan shall be prepared. affected due to the acquisition of land for
the proposed project.
EIA Chapter 3 Description of The
26 Details of settlement in 10 km area shall be submitted.
Environment; Section 3.2.4.2 Table 3.41;
S. No ADDITIONAL CONDTIONS COMPLIANCE
Figure 3.18 Page 3.74
[C] Muck Management / Disaster Management
Details of quantity of muck generation component wise Chapter 10: Environment Management Plan
27 and disposal site along with transportation plan and its Section 10.6: Muck Management Plan; Page
monitoring to be provided. 10.25
Chapter 10: Environment Management Plan
Details of Muck Management plan prepared along with
28 Section 10.6: Muck Management Plan; Page
estimated cost incorporated in EIA/EMP report
10.25
Techno-economic viability of the project must be
29 Under Process
recommended from CEA/CWC
[D] Miscellaneous
Pre-DPR Chapters viz., Hydrology, Layout Map and
30 Power Potential Studies duly approved by CWC /CEA Under Process
shall be submitted.
Undertaking need to submitted regarding no activities
31 has been yet on the project site and water allocated to Appendix-III
this scheme shall not be diverted to other purpose.
Both capital and recurring expenditure under EMP shall Chapter 11 Summary and Conclusion
32
be submitted Section 11.9; Table 11.1 Page 11.15
Draft EIA Report Paidipalem North PSP
The photograph should bear the date, time, latitude &
33 Photographs with date and time are given in
longitude of the monitoring station/sampling location.
relevant sections of Report
Arial view video of project site shall be recorded and to
34 --
be submitted.
Detailed plan to restore wider roads and convert them Chapter 10: Environment Management Plan
35
into narrow upto 10m after construction of the project. Section 10.7: Section 10.7.3; Page 10.34
NREDCAP Draft EIA Report Paidipalem North PSP

Annexure IIIa

Weather Data of Paidipalem North PSP


Table 1: Mean monthly Maximum and Minimum Temperature (oC) (Reference years 2013-2022)
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Temperatur Temperature Temperature Temperature Temperature Temperature Temperature Temperature Temperature Temperature
Month
e (oC) (oC) (oC) (oC) (oC) (oC) (oC) (oC) (oC) (oC)
Max Min Max Min Max Min Max Min Max Min Max Min Max Min Max Min Max Min Max Min
January 19 30 19 29 19 30 20 28 20 30 20 31 20 30 21 31 20 30 19 32
February 21 33 21 32 20 33 23 34 21 34 22 33 23 34 21 33 20 33 19 35
March 24 37 24 36 25 36 26 38 25 37 26 37 26 38 24 41 23 38 24 39
April 29 39 28 39 27 38 30 41 29 40 29 39 30 40 27 34 27 40 28 42
May 30 40 29 39 30 40 30 39 30 40 30 39 31 41 25 32 28 37 27 38
June 27 34 28 37 27 34 26 33 27 34 27 34 29 37 25 31 27 34 27 36
July 25 31 26 32 27 35 25 32 27 34 26 33 27 33 25 31 25 31 25 32
August 25 32 26 33 26 33 25 33 26 33 26 32 25 31 23 30 25 32 25 33
September 24 31 24 32 25 32 24 30 26 33 26 33 25 31 21 28 25 32 25 33
October 23 30 32 23 24 32 23 32 24 32 24 33 24 30 19 27 24 32 23 31
November 20 28 20 29 21 28 21 31 22 30 22 31 22 29 20 30 22 28 20 30
December 18 28 19 28 20 28 20 29 20 30 21 30 20 27 18 27 19 30 20 30

Table 2: Mean annual average Rainfall (mm) and Numbers of Rainy Days (Reference years 2013-2022)
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Months
A B A B A B A B A B A B A B A B A B A B
January 0 0 0 0 3.2 1 11.6 1 7.9 1 0 0 14.3 2 11.9 1 10 2 6.2 1
February 16.97 2 0 0 0.8 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1.8 1 0 0 2.6 1 0 0
March 0 0 3.7 1 9.2 2 0 0 1.2 1 18.9 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1.4 1
April 6.04 1 0 0 52.95 4 0 0 1.5 1 0 0 11 6 12.5 2 12.6 1 2.9 1
May 31.8 5 91.93 11 55.42 5 34.5 8 41.6 10 41.5 9 106.99 14 14.5 3 73.91 5 100.6 6
June 57.7 11 120.94 7 98.91 9 264.03 19 111.96 15 155.86 14 75.32 12 269.72 8 89.47 8 68.7 7
July 203.52 22 94.73 13 39.86 8 107.66 12 45.7 8 44.4 11 171.49 20 240.21 16 334.34 20 148.6 15
August 115.36 12 167.47 10 124.19 10 39.79 3 133.1 14 85.2 9 206.26 11 92.73 7 85.79 9 170.4 12
September 236.38 15 92.18 7 173.06 14 212.44 16 289.8 11 88 9 206.71 16 285.46 16 83.8 10 137.09 7
October 349.23 11 94.06 10 120.27 7 13.03 2 239.72 13 49.53 3 16.3 4 255.95 10 100.38 8 122.2 8
November 20.28 3 34.8 4 260.32 15 7.6 1 7.7 2 17.2 4 49.25 1 178.52 7 166.61 18 58.7 8
December 0 0 54.8 3 4.3 1 32.96 2 0 0 5.9 1 11.9 1 5.4 1 6.3 1 43.9 4
Note:- A-Rainfall (mm); B-No. of Rainy days
NREDCAP Draft EIA Report Paidipalem North PSP

Table 3: Mean Monthly Average Maximum Wind speed (mps) (Reference years 2013-2022)
Months 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Average
January 4.5 5 4.2 4 4 3.6 4.7 4.9 4.9 4.4 4.4
February 5.1 5 5 4.8 4.1 4.6 5.6 5.5 4.8 5 5.0
March 5.3 4.6 5 5 4.3 4.7 5.9 5.4 5.1 5.2 5.1
April 5.1 5.1 5.1 4.9 4.8 5.1 5.3 4.9 5 5.4 5.1
May 6 6.8 6 5.7 5.9 5 5.9 5.6 6 6.4 5.9
June 7.5 8.1 7.5 6.7 7 7.5 7.1 6.6 7.2 6.9 7.2
July 7.8 6 8.1 7.8 8.1 8.8 7.8 5.9 7.4 7.2 7.5
August 6.2 5.1 6.7 7.8 6.6 8.7 7.8 7.3 6.4 6.9 7.0
September 4.5 3.6 4.8 6.3 5 5.2 6.2 5.8 6.5 4.2 5.2
October 3.9 3.4 3.6 3.8 3.5 4.3 3.8 4.2 3.4 3.9 3.8
November 3.3 3.9 4.4 3.2 4 4.4 4.1 4.8 4.2 4.2 4.1
December 3.9 4.2 4 3.7 4 4.7 4.9 4.8 4.1 4.7 4.3

Table 4: Mean Monthly Average Humidity (%) (Reference years 2013-2022)


Months 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Average
January 56 64 64 54 55 48 53 62 62 56 57
February 49 48 54 42 41 38 44 51 45 44 46
March 36 39 43 35 35 29 32 39 32 35 36
April 33 29 40 28 28 33 28 32 34 33 32
May 34 37 35 39 36 36 28 31 47 44 37
June 50 44 36 63 54 50 46 56 52 50 50
July 62 57 51 59 51 54 57 66 65 60 58
August 59 60 50 58 53 55 62 64 59 60 58
September 68 64 57 71 55 51 65 71 62 61 63
October 75 62 64 60 59 55 73 72 67 69 66
November 70 60 61 57 59 63 74 76 67 68 66
December 62 64 77 58 57 63 78 71 81 69 68
NREDCAP Draft EIA Report Paidipalem North PSP

Annexure-IIIb
WIND ROSE DATA
Table 1: Wind Rose April data 2023
S.No. YYYY MM DD HH W_dir W_Sp S.No. YYYY MM DD HH W_dir W_Sp
1 2023 04 1 0:00 315 3 55 2023 04 7 18:00 225 5
2 2023 04 1 3:00 360 3 56 2023 04 7 21:00 202.5 5
3 2023 04 1 6:00 337.5 3 57 2023 04 8 0:00 225 5
4 2023 04 1 9:00 45 4 58 2023 04 8 3:00 225 1
5 2023 04 1 12:00 45 3 59 2023 04 8 6:00 180 3
6 2023 04 1 15:00 22.5 3 60 2023 04 8 9:00 202.5 3
7 2023 04 1 18:00 360 2 61 2023 04 8 12:00 202.5 5
8 2023 04 1 21:00 315 2 62 2023 04 8 15:00 202.5 5
9 2023 04 2 0:00 45 2 63 2023 04 8 18:00 202.5 6
10 2023 04 2 3:00 22.5 4 64 2023 04 8 21:00 202.5 6
11 2023 04 2 6:00 337.5 3 65 2023 04 9 0:00 225 4
12 2023 04 2 9:00 360 4 66 2023 04 9 3:00 225 3
13 2023 04 2 12:00 22.5 2 67 2023 04 9 6:00 247.5 2
14 2023 04 2 15:00 360 3 68 2023 04 9 9:00 225 3
15 2023 04 2 18:00 337.5 3 69 2023 04 9 12:00 202.5 5
16 2023 04 2 21:00 22.5 2 70 2023 04 9 15:00 202.5 6
17 2023 04 3 0:00 225 3 71 2023 04 9 18:00 202.5 6
18 2023 04 3 3:00 337.5 4 72 2023 04 9 21:00 202.5 6
19 2023 04 3 6:00 337.5 3 73 2023 04 10 0:00 225 3
20 2023 04 3 9:00 360 4 74 2023 04 10 3:00 225 2
21 2023 04 3 12:00 360 3 75 2023 04 10 6:00 225 2
22 2023 04 3 15:00 360 2 76 2023 04 10 9:00 247.5 2
23 2023 04 3 18:00 337.5 3 77 2023 04 10 12:00 202.5 4
24 2023 04 3 21:00 337.5 1 78 2023 04 10 15:00 202.5 4
25 2023 04 4 0:00 225 5 79 2023 04 10 18:00 202.5 5
26 2023 04 4 3:00 225 4 80 2023 04 10 21:00 202.5 6
27 2023 04 4 6:00 315 4 81 2023 04 11 0:00 202.5 4
28 2023 04 4 9:00 337.5 5 82 2023 04 11 3:00 225 2
29 2023 04 4 12:00 360 2 83 2023 04 11 6:00 315 1
30 2023 04 4 15:00 360 2 84 2023 04 11 9:00 270 1
31 2023 04 4 18:00 292.5 2 85 2023 04 11 12:00 180 4
32 2023 04 4 21:00 180 3 86 2023 04 11 15:00 180 5
33 2023 04 5 0:00 225 5 87 2023 04 11 18:00 180 6
34 2023 04 5 3:00 315 4 88 2023 04 11 21:00 180 5
35 2023 04 5 6:00 315 3 89 2023 04 12 0:00 225 3
36 2023 04 5 9:00 315 4 90 2023 04 12 3:00 247.5 2
37 2023 04 5 12:00 315 2 91 2023 04 12 6:00 315 1
38 2023 04 5 15:00 270 1 92 2023 04 12 9:00 292.5 1
39 2023 04 5 18:00 315 0 93 2023 04 12 12:00 202.5 3
40 2023 04 5 21:00 225 6 94 2023 04 12 15:00 202.5 4
41 2023 04 6 0:00 225 4 95 2023 04 12 18:00 202.5 6
42 2023 04 6 3:00 225 2 96 2023 04 12 21:00 202.5 5
43 2023 04 6 6:00 337.5 3 97 2023 04 13 0:00 225 4
44 2023 04 6 9:00 337.5 3 98 2023 04 13 3:00 225 2
45 2023 04 6 12:00 292.5 3 99 2023 04 13 6:00 315 1
46 2023 04 6 15:00 225 3 100 2023 04 13 9:00 315 3
47 2023 04 6 18:00 180 5 101 2023 04 13 12:00 292.5 1
48 2023 04 6 21:00 202.5 5 102 2023 04 13 15:00 180 4
49 2023 04 7 0:00 202.5 6 103 2023 04 13 18:00 270 1
50 2023 04 7 3:00 202.5 4 104 2023 04 13 21:00 225 4
51 2023 04 7 6:00 202.5 3 105 2023 04 14 0:00 180 4
52 2023 04 7 9:00 202.5 4 106 2023 04 14 3:00 225 2
53 2023 04 7 12:00 225 5 107 2023 04 14 6:00 315 2
54 2023 04 7 15:00 225 5 108 2023 04 14 9:00 315 3
NREDCAP Draft EIA Report Paidipalem North PSP
S.No. YYYY MM DD HH W_dir W_Sp S.No. YYYY MM DD HH W_dir W_Sp
109 2023 04 14 12:00 292.5 2 168 2023 04 21 21:00 180 5
110 2023 04 14 15:00 225 3 169 2023 04 22 0:00 270 1
111 2023 04 14 18:00 225 3 170 2023 04 22 3:00 360 3
112 2023 04 14 21:00 225 2 171 2023 04 22 6:00 360 2
113 2023 04 15 0:00 180 3 172 2023 04 22 9:00 360 3
114 2023 04 15 3:00 225 2 173 2023 04 22 12:00 22.5 3
115 2023 04 15 6:00 270 2 174 2023 04 22 15:00 45 4
116 2023 04 15 9:00 315 3 175 2023 04 22 18:00 157.5 4
117 2023 04 15 12:00 315 0 176 2023 04 22 21:00 225 5
118 2023 04 15 15:00 157.5 3 177 2023 04 23 0:00 225 4
119 2023 04 15 18:00 180 2 178 2023 04 23 3:00 45 2
120 2023 04 15 21:00 180 3 179 2023 04 23 6:00 337.5 3
121 2023 04 16 0:00 225 4 180 2023 04 23 9:00 22.5 4
122 2023 04 16 3:00 157.5 1 181 2023 04 23 12:00 45 2
123 2023 04 16 6:00 270 2 182 2023 04 23 15:00 292.5 2
124 2023 04 16 9:00 315 3 183 2023 04 23 18:00 45 2
125 2023 04 16 12:00 180 3 184 2023 04 23 21:00 202.5 6
126 2023 04 16 15:00 157.5 4 185 2023 04 24 0:00 225 5
127 2023 04 16 18:00 202.5 4 186 2023 04 24 3:00 225 5
128 2023 04 16 21:00 202.5 4 187 2023 04 24 6:00 247.5 3
129 2023 04 17 0:00 225 3 188 2023 04 24 9:00 315 3
130 2023 04 17 3:00 225 3 189 2023 04 24 12:00 315 2
131 2023 04 17 6:00 315 3 190 2023 04 24 15:00 315 2
132 2023 04 17 9:00 315 3 191 2023 04 24 18:00 315 3
133 2023 04 17 12:00 225 2 192 2023 04 24 21:00 225 6
134 2023 04 17 15:00 180 5 193 2023 04 25 0:00 247.5 5
135 2023 04 17 18:00 225 4 194 2023 04 25 3:00 225 4
136 2023 04 17 21:00 225 6 195 2023 04 25 6:00 202.5 3
137 2023 04 18 0:00 180 3 196 2023 04 25 9:00 225 2
138 2023 04 18 3:00 180 3 197 2023 04 25 12:00 225 3
139 2023 04 18 6:00 135 1 198 2023 04 25 15:00 225 4
140 2023 04 18 9:00 270 1 199 2023 04 25 18:00 225 8
141 2023 04 18 12:00 202.5 3 200 2023 04 25 21:00 225 5
142 2023 04 18 15:00 180 4 201 2023 04 26 0:00 270 5
143 2023 04 18 18:00 180 3 202 2023 04 26 3:00 315 3
144 2023 04 18 21:00 180 5 203 2023 04 26 6:00 202.5 3
145 2023 04 19 0:00 180 2 204 2023 04 26 9:00 270 1
146 2023 04 19 3:00 202.5 2 205 2023 04 26 12:00 225 3
147 2023 04 19 6:00 292.5 2 206 2023 04 26 15:00 225 3
148 2023 04 19 9:00 337.5 5 207 2023 04 26 18:00 225 3
149 2023 04 19 12:00 315 2 208 2023 04 26 21:00 202.5 6
150 2023 04 19 15:00 202.5 3 209 2023 04 27 0:00 225 6
151 2023 04 19 18:00 202.5 4 210 2023 04 27 3:00 225 5
152 2023 04 19 21:00 202.5 4 211 2023 04 27 6:00 225 2
153 2023 04 20 0:00 202.5 4 212 2023 04 27 9:00 337.5 2
154 2023 04 20 3:00 337.5 3 213 2023 04 27 12:00 315 1
155 2023 04 20 6:00 337.5 3 214 2023 04 27 15:00 180 2
156 2023 04 20 9:00 360 4 215 2023 04 27 18:00 247.5 3
157 2023 04 20 12:00 360 2 216 2023 04 27 21:00 225 4
158 2023 04 20 15:00 225 2 217 2023 04 28 0:00 225 5
159 2023 04 20 18:00 90 4 218 2023 04 28 3:00 225 4
160 2023 04 20 21:00 180 3 219 2023 04 28 6:00 180 4
161 2023 04 21 0:00 360 5 220 2023 04 28 9:00 247.5 3
162 2023 04 21 3:00 360 4 221 2023 04 28 12:00 225 3
163 2023 04 21 6:00 337.5 5 222 2023 04 28 15:00 180 4
164 2023 04 21 9:00 45 4 223 2023 04 28 18:00 180 3
165 2023 04 21 12:00 45 2 224 2023 04 28 21:00 135 3
166 2023 04 21 15:00 315 1 225 2023 04 29 0:00 225 5
167 2023 04 21 18:00 202.5 3 226 2023 04 29 3:00 225 4
NREDCAP Draft EIA Report Paidipalem North PSP
S.No. YYYY MM DD HH W_dir W_Sp S.No. YYYY MM DD HH W_dir W_Sp
227 2023 04 29 6:00 225 2 234 2023 04 30 3:00 225 1
228 2023 04 29 9:00 22.5 3 235 2023 04 30 6:00 270 2
229 2023 04 29 12:00 337.5 2 236 2023 04 30 9:00 292.5 3
230 2023 04 29 15:00 45 1 237 2023 04 30 12:00 270 2
231 2023 04 29 18:00 45 4 238 2023 04 30 15:00 225 2
232 2023 04 29 21:00 180 5 239 2023 04 30 18:00 247.5 3
233 2023 04 30 0:00 225 3 240 2023 04 30 21:00 225 4

YYYY-Year; MM-Month; DD-Date; HH-Hour; W_dir-Wind Direction (Degree); W_Sp-Wind Speed (m/s).

Table 2: Frequency Distribution (Period 01/04/2023 to 30/04/2023)


S. No. Directions 0-0.5 0.5-2 2-4 4-6 6-8 8-10 10-25 Total
1 North 0 2.5 3.75 0.42 0 0 0 6.67
2 NNE 0 0.83 2.08 0 0 0 0 2.91
3 NE 0 2.5 2.08 0 0 0 0 4.58
4 ENE 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 East 0 0 0.42 0 0 0 0 0.42
6 ESE 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7 SE 0 0.42 0.42 0 0 0 0 0.84
8 SSE 0 0.42 1.25 0 0 0 0 1.67
9 South 0 1.25 6.67 3.33 0 0 0 11.25
10 SSW 0 0.42 7.92 7.08 0 0 0 15.42
11 SW 0 6.67 12.5 7.08 0.42 0 0 26.67
12 WSW 0 1.25 1.67 0.42 0 0 0 3.34
13 West 0 4.17 0 0.42 0 0 0 4.59
14 WNW 0 2.5 0.83 0 0 0 0 3.33
15 NW 0.83 4.58 5.83 0 0 0 0 11.24
16 NNW 0 1.25 4.58 1.25 0 0 0 7.08
Total 0.83 28.76 50 20 0.42 0 0 100

Table 3: Wind Rose May data 2022


S. No. YYYY MM DD HH W_dir W_Sp S. No. YYYY MM DD HH W_dir W_Sp
1 2023 05 1 0:00 270 2 27 2023 05 4 6:00 180 2
2 2023 05 1 3:00 225 2 28 2023 05 4 9:00 225 1
3 2023 05 1 6:00 315 1 29 2023 05 4 12:00 202.5 1
4 2023 05 1 9:00 315 3 30 2023 05 4 15:00 157.5 3
5 2023 05 1 12:00 270 3 31 2023 05 4 18:00 225 2
6 2023 05 1 15:00 247.5 3 32 2023 05 4 21:00 202.5 4
7 2023 05 1 18:00 225 4 33 2023 05 5 0:00 202.5 5
8 2023 05 1 21:00 225 6 34 2023 05 5 3:00 225 3
9 2023 05 2 0:00 202.5 5 35 2023 05 5 6:00 225 2
10 2023 05 2 3:00 202.5 4 36 2023 05 5 9:00 22.5 3
11 2023 05 2 6:00 202.5 4 37 2023 05 5 12:00 45 2
12 2023 05 2 9:00 225 4 38 2023 05 5 15:00 180 4
13 2023 05 2 12:00 225 4 39 2023 05 5 18:00 180 3
14 2023 05 2 15:00 225 5 40 2023 05 5 21:00 202.5 3
15 2023 05 2 18:00 225 5 41 2023 05 6 0:00 225 3
16 2023 05 2 21:00 225 6 42 2023 05 6 3:00 360 2
17 2023 05 3 0:00 225 5 43 2023 05 6 6:00 360 3
18 2023 05 3 3:00 225 2 44 2023 05 6 9:00 360 3
19 2023 05 3 6:00 45 1 45 2023 05 6 12:00 360 2
20 2023 05 3 9:00 225 0 46 2023 05 6 15:00 360 1
21 2023 05 3 12:00 22.5 1 47 2023 05 6 18:00 45 2
22 2023 05 3 15:00 45 2 48 2023 05 6 21:00 225 5
23 2023 05 3 18:00 135 2 49 2023 05 7 0:00 135 2
24 2023 05 3 21:00 157.5 5 50 2023 05 7 3:00 337.5 4
25 2023 05 4 0:00 202.5 2 51 2023 05 7 6:00 360 3
26 2023 05 4 3:00 202.5 2 52 2023 05 7 9:00 360 4
NREDCAP Draft EIA Report Paidipalem North PSP
S. No. YYYY MM DD HH W_dir W_Sp S. No. YYYY MM DD HH W_dir W_Sp
53 2023 05 7 12:00 22.5 3 112 2023 05 14 21:00 337.5 4
54 2023 05 7 15:00 22.5 3 113 2023 05 15 0:00 360 7
55 2023 05 7 18:00 315 4 114 2023 05 15 3:00 360 7
56 2023 05 7 21:00 337.5 5 115 2023 05 15 6:00 360 6
57 2023 05 8 0:00 292.5 4 116 2023 05 15 9:00 22.5 8
58 2023 05 8 3:00 337.5 2 117 2023 05 15 12:00 45 7
59 2023 05 8 6:00 315 2 118 2023 05 15 15:00 45 6
60 2023 05 8 9:00 360 2 119 2023 05 15 18:00 45 3
61 2023 05 8 12:00 22.5 2 120 2023 05 15 21:00 22.5 3
62 2023 05 8 15:00 45 3 121 2023 05 16 0:00 22.5 6
63 2023 05 8 18:00 90 3 122 2023 05 16 3:00 360 5
64 2023 05 8 21:00 135 2 123 2023 05 16 6:00 22.5 5
65 2023 05 9 0:00 247.5 2 124 2023 05 16 9:00 22.5 6
66 2023 05 9 3:00 315 2 125 2023 05 16 12:00 45 6
67 2023 05 9 6:00 22.5 2 126 2023 05 16 15:00 45 5
68 2023 05 9 9:00 45 2 127 2023 05 16 18:00 45 2
69 2023 05 9 12:00 45 3 128 2023 05 16 21:00 45 3
70 2023 05 9 15:00 90 4 129 2023 05 17 0:00 315 3
71 2023 05 9 18:00 135 3 130 2023 05 17 3:00 360 5
72 2023 05 9 21:00 202.5 2 131 2023 05 17 6:00 360 5
73 2023 05 10 0:00 90 2 132 2023 05 17 9:00 22.5 6
74 2023 05 10 3:00 180 1 133 2023 05 17 12:00 45 4
75 2023 05 10 6:00 225 0 134 2023 05 17 15:00 45 3
76 2023 05 10 9:00 22.5 1 135 2023 05 17 18:00 45 3
77 2023 05 10 12:00 67.5 2 136 2023 05 17 21:00 45 2
78 2023 05 10 15:00 135 2 137 2023 05 18 0:00 225 2
79 2023 05 10 18:00 135 6 138 2023 05 18 3:00 315 3
80 2023 05 10 21:00 270 3 139 2023 05 18 6:00 337.5 4
81 2023 05 11 0:00 270 2 140 2023 05 18 9:00 22.5 5
82 2023 05 11 3:00 270 2 141 2023 05 18 12:00 22.5 3
83 2023 05 11 6:00 292.5 1 142 2023 05 18 15:00 45 2
84 2023 05 11 9:00 360 3 143 2023 05 18 18:00 45 1
85 2023 05 11 12:00 22.5 4 144 2023 05 18 21:00 360 1
86 2023 05 11 15:00 90 4 145 2023 05 19 0:00 225 2
87 2023 05 11 18:00 90 2 146 2023 05 19 3:00 337.5 4
88 2023 05 11 21:00 270 2 147 2023 05 19 6:00 337.5 4
89 2023 05 12 0:00 270 2 148 2023 05 19 9:00 360 5
90 2023 05 12 3:00 360 5 149 2023 05 19 12:00 360 3
91 2023 05 12 6:00 360 5 150 2023 05 19 15:00 22.5 2
92 2023 05 12 9:00 360 5 151 2023 05 19 18:00 315 2
93 2023 05 12 12:00 360 4 152 2023 05 19 21:00 315 3
94 2023 05 12 15:00 45 4 153 2023 05 20 0:00 225 3
95 2023 05 12 18:00 135 2 154 2023 05 20 3:00 315 5
96 2023 05 12 21:00 337.5 4 155 2023 05 20 6:00 337.5 5
97 2023 05 13 0:00 337.5 4 156 2023 05 20 9:00 337.5 5
98 2023 05 13 3:00 360 6 157 2023 05 20 12:00 22.5 3
99 2023 05 13 6:00 360 6 158 2023 05 20 15:00 22.5 3
100 2023 05 13 9:00 360 8 159 2023 05 20 18:00 135 4
101 2023 05 13 12:00 22.5 7 160 2023 05 20 21:00 202.5 3
102 2023 05 13 15:00 22.5 5 161 2023 05 21 0:00 247.5 4
103 2023 05 13 18:00 315 4 162 2023 05 21 3:00 315 4
104 2023 05 13 21:00 315 4 163 2023 05 21 6:00 360 5
105 2023 05 14 0:00 360 8 164 2023 05 21 9:00 360 5
106 2023 05 14 3:00 360 7 165 2023 05 21 12:00 337.5 2
107 2023 05 14 6:00 360 7 166 2023 05 21 15:00 225 1
108 2023 05 14 9:00 360 7 167 2023 05 21 18:00 45 4
109 2023 05 14 12:00 45 6 168 2023 05 21 21:00 225 5
110 2023 05 14 15:00 45 5 169 2023 05 22 0:00 225 4
111 2023 05 14 18:00 45 3 170 2023 05 22 3:00 337.5 5
NREDCAP Draft EIA Report Paidipalem North PSP
S. No. YYYY MM DD HH W_dir W_Sp S. No. YYYY MM DD HH W_dir W_Sp
171 2023 05 22 6:00 360 4 210 2023 05 27 3:00 337.5 6
172 2023 05 22 9:00 360 5 211 2023 05 27 6:00 360 5
173 2023 05 22 12:00 360 2 212 2023 05 27 9:00 22.5 6
174 2023 05 22 15:00 247.5 0 213 2023 05 27 12:00 22.5 5
175 2023 05 22 18:00 180 3 214 2023 05 27 15:00 45 5
176 2023 05 22 21:00 180 3 215 2023 05 27 18:00 45 4
177 2023 05 23 0:00 157.5 3 216 2023 05 27 21:00 360 3
178 2023 05 23 3:00 157.5 4 217 2023 05 28 0:00 360 3
179 2023 05 23 6:00 180 3 218 2023 05 28 3:00 360 6
180 2023 05 23 9:00 45 3 219 2023 05 28 6:00 360 6
181 2023 05 23 12:00 45 2 220 2023 05 28 9:00 22.5 6
182 2023 05 23 15:00 45 2 221 2023 05 28 12:00 45 5
183 2023 05 23 18:00 135 4 222 2023 05 28 15:00 22.5 3
184 2023 05 23 21:00 247.5 1 223 2023 05 28 18:00 22.5 4
185 2023 05 24 0:00 225 3 224 2023 05 28 21:00 270 3
186 2023 05 24 3:00 337.5 7 225 2023 05 29 0:00 45 1
187 2023 05 24 6:00 360 6 226 2023 05 29 3:00 360 4
188 2023 05 24 9:00 360 6 227 2023 05 29 6:00 360 5
189 2023 05 24 12:00 22.5 4 228 2023 05 29 9:00 22.5 5
190 2023 05 24 15:00 45 4 229 2023 05 29 12:00 22.5 2
191 2023 05 24 18:00 315 3 230 2023 05 29 15:00 45 2
192 2023 05 24 21:00 315 3 231 2023 05 29 18:00 202.5 4
193 2023 05 25 0:00 337.5 7 232 2023 05 29 21:00 135 3
194 2023 05 25 3:00 337.5 6 233 2023 05 30 0:00 270 4
195 2023 05 25 6:00 22.5 4 234 2023 05 30 3:00 90 1
196 2023 05 25 9:00 22.5 7 235 2023 05 30 6:00 202.5 2
197 2023 05 25 12:00 22.5 6 236 2023 05 30 9:00 360 2
198 2023 05 25 15:00 360 5 237 2023 05 30 12:00 45 2
199 2023 05 25 18:00 337.5 5 238 2023 05 30 15:00 135 2
200 2023 05 25 21:00 337.5 4 239 2023 05 30 18:00 45 6
201 2023 05 26 0:00 360 7 240 2023 05 30 21:00 315 4
202 2023 05 26 3:00 360 7 241 2023 05 31 0:00 292.5 4
203 2023 05 26 6:00 360 6 242 2023 05 31 3:00 315 3
204 2023 05 26 9:00 22.5 6 243 2023 05 31 6:00 315 4
205 2023 05 26 12:00 45 5 244 2023 05 31 9:00 360 4
206 2023 05 26 15:00 135 2 245 2023 05 31 12:00 360 2
207 2023 05 26 18:00 247.5 2 246 2023 05 31 15:00 45 4
208 2023 05 26 21:00 315 1 247 2023 05 31 18:00 360 4
209 2023 05 27 0:00 360 6 248 2023 05 31 21:00 315 3

YYYY-Year; MM-Month; DD-Date; HH-Hour; W_dir-Wind Direction (Degree); W_Sp-Wind Speed (m/s).

Table 4: Frequency Distribution (Period 01/05/2023 to 31/05/2023)


S. No. Directions 0-0.5 0.5-2 2-4 4-6 6-8 8-10 10-25 Total
1 North 0 3.23 5.24 8.87 3.63 0 0 20.97
2 NNE 0 2.42 4.84 4.84 1.21 0 0 13.31
3 NE 0 5.65 5.65 3.63 0.4 0 0 15.33
4 ENE 0 0.4 0 0 0 0 0 0.4
5 East 0 1.21 1.21 0 0 0 0 2.42
6 ESE 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7 SE 0 2.82 1.61 0.4 0 0 0 4.83
8 SSE 0 0 1.21 0.4 0 0 0 1.61
9 South 0 0.81 2.02 0 0 0 0 2.83
10 SSW 0 2.02 2.42 0.81 0 0 0 5.25
11 SW 0.81 3.23 3.23 2.82 0 0 0 10.09
12 WSW 0.4 1.21 0.81 0 0 0 0 2.42
13 West 0 2.02 1.61 0 0 0 0 3.63
14 WNW 0 0.4 0.81 0 0 0 0 1.21
15 NW 0 2.02 5.65 0.4 0 0 0 8.07
NREDCAP Draft EIA Report Paidipalem North PSP
S. No. Directions 0-0.5 0.5-2 2-4 4-6 6-8 8-10 10-25 Total
16 NNW 0 0.81 3.23 2.82 0.81 0 0 7.67
Total 1.21 28.25 39.54 24.99 6.05 0 0 100

Table 5: Wind Rose June data 2023


S.No. YYYY MM DD HH W_dir W_Sp S.No. YYYY MM DD HH W_dir W_Sp
1 2023 06 1 0:00 225 2 54 2023 06 7 15:00 45 5
2 2023 06 1 3:00 315 4 55 2023 06 7 18:00 360 4
3 2023 06 1 6:00 360 6 56 2023 06 7 21:00 360 3
4 2023 06 1 9:00 360 6 57 2023 06 8 0:00 337.5 7
5 2023 06 1 12:00 360 4 58 2023 06 8 3:00 360 7
6 2023 06 1 15:00 337.5 3 59 2023 06 8 6:00 360 7
7 2023 06 1 18:00 315 5 60 2023 06 8 9:00 22.5 7
8 2023 06 1 21:00 315 5 61 2023 06 8 12:00 45 7
9 2023 06 2 0:00 337.5 6 62 2023 06 8 15:00 45 6
10 2023 06 2 3:00 337.5 6 63 2023 06 8 18:00 45 5
11 2023 06 2 6:00 360 6 64 2023 06 8 21:00 360 6
12 2023 06 2 9:00 22.5 7 65 2023 06 9 0:00 22.5 6
13 2023 06 2 12:00 45 6 66 2023 06 9 3:00 360 7
14 2023 06 2 15:00 45 5 67 2023 06 9 6:00 360 6
15 2023 06 2 18:00 22.5 3 68 2023 06 9 9:00 360 8
16 2023 06 2 21:00 337.5 4 69 2023 06 9 12:00 45 7
17 2023 06 3 0:00 360 7 70 2023 06 9 15:00 45 6
18 2023 06 3 3:00 360 8 71 2023 06 9 18:00 45 4
19 2023 06 3 6:00 337.5 6 72 2023 06 9 21:00 22.5 8
20 2023 06 3 9:00 22.5 6 73 2023 06 10 0:00 45 5
21 2023 06 3 12:00 45 5 74 2023 06 10 3:00 360 7
22 2023 06 3 15:00 90 5 75 2023 06 10 6:00 360 7
23 2023 06 3 18:00 45 2 76 2023 06 10 9:00 22.5 7
24 2023 06 3 21:00 180 1 77 2023 06 10 12:00 22.5 7
25 2023 06 4 0:00 315 2 78 2023 06 10 15:00 45 5
26 2023 06 4 3:00 360 6 79 2023 06 10 18:00 22.5 7
27 2023 06 4 6:00 360 6 80 2023 06 10 21:00 360 7
28 2023 06 4 9:00 360 7 81 2023 06 11 0:00 360 6
29 2023 06 4 12:00 22.5 6 82 2023 06 11 3:00 22.5 4
30 2023 06 4 15:00 45 5 83 2023 06 11 6:00 360 6
31 2023 06 4 18:00 45 2 84 2023 06 11 9:00 360 8
32 2023 06 4 21:00 45 4 85 2023 06 11 12:00 337.5 7
33 2023 06 5 0:00 360 5 86 2023 06 11 15:00 360 6
34 2023 06 5 3:00 360 5 87 2023 06 11 18:00 360 4
35 2023 06 5 6:00 360 5 88 2023 06 11 21:00 337.5 6
36 2023 06 5 9:00 22.5 6 89 2023 06 12 0:00 360 6
37 2023 06 5 12:00 22.5 6 90 2023 06 12 3:00 360 6
38 2023 06 5 15:00 360 5 91 2023 06 12 6:00 360 6
39 2023 06 5 18:00 337.5 4 92 2023 06 12 9:00 360 7
40 2023 06 5 21:00 360 5 93 2023 06 12 12:00 360 7
41 2023 06 6 0:00 337.5 7 94 2023 06 12 15:00 360 6
42 2023 06 6 3:00 337.5 7 95 2023 06 12 18:00 22.5 4
43 2023 06 6 6:00 337.5 7 96 2023 06 12 21:00 360 7
44 2023 06 6 9:00 360 7 97 2023 06 13 0:00 360 8
45 2023 06 6 12:00 22.5 7 98 2023 06 13 3:00 360 7
46 2023 06 6 15:00 45 4 99 2023 06 13 6:00 360 6
47 2023 06 6 18:00 22.5 2 100 2023 06 13 9:00 360 7
48 2023 06 6 21:00 337.5 6 101 2023 06 13 12:00 22.5 5
49 2023 06 7 0:00 360 7 102 2023 06 13 15:00 22.5 6
50 2023 06 7 3:00 360 7 103 2023 06 13 18:00 45 5
51 2023 06 7 6:00 360 7 104 2023 06 13 21:00 360 8
52 2023 06 7 9:00 360 7 105 2023 06 14 0:00 360 8
53 2023 06 7 12:00 22.5 7 106 2023 06 14 3:00 360 7
NREDCAP Draft EIA Report Paidipalem North PSP
S.No. YYYY MM DD HH W_dir W_Sp S.No. YYYY MM DD HH W_dir W_Sp
107 2023 06 14 6:00 360 6 166 2023 06 21 15:00 360 3
108 2023 06 14 9:00 360 7 167 2023 06 21 18:00 315 4
109 2023 06 14 12:00 360 7 168 2023 06 21 21:00 337.5 6
110 2023 06 14 15:00 360 6 169 2023 06 22 0:00 360 4
111 2023 06 14 18:00 22.5 5 170 2023 06 22 3:00 360 5
112 2023 06 14 21:00 360 6 171 2023 06 22 6:00 360 5
113 2023 06 15 0:00 360 8 172 2023 06 22 9:00 360 6
114 2023 06 15 3:00 360 7 173 2023 06 22 12:00 22.5 5
115 2023 06 15 6:00 360 5 174 2023 06 22 15:00 22.5 3
116 2023 06 15 9:00 360 7 175 2023 06 22 18:00 337.5 2
117 2023 06 15 12:00 22.5 7 176 2023 06 22 21:00 315 4
118 2023 06 15 15:00 22.5 6 177 2023 06 23 0:00 45 4
119 2023 06 15 18:00 360 5 178 2023 06 23 3:00 360 5
120 2023 06 15 21:00 360 6 179 2023 06 23 6:00 360 5
121 2023 06 16 0:00 360 8 180 2023 06 23 9:00 360 6
122 2023 06 16 3:00 360 6 181 2023 06 23 12:00 22.5 4
123 2023 06 16 6:00 360 5 182 2023 06 23 15:00 90 2
124 2023 06 16 9:00 22.5 6 183 2023 06 23 18:00 135 6
125 2023 06 16 12:00 22.5 6 184 2023 06 23 21:00 45 2
126 2023 06 16 15:00 22.5 6 185 2023 06 24 0:00 22.5 4
127 2023 06 16 18:00 22.5 5 186 2023 06 24 3:00 360 5
128 2023 06 16 21:00 360 5 187 2023 06 24 6:00 337.5 5
129 2023 06 17 0:00 360 8 188 2023 06 24 9:00 360 6
130 2023 06 17 3:00 360 7 189 2023 06 24 12:00 360 5
131 2023 06 17 6:00 360 6 190 2023 06 24 15:00 360 5
132 2023 06 17 9:00 22.5 8 191 2023 06 24 18:00 360 4
133 2023 06 17 12:00 22.5 7 192 2023 06 24 21:00 337.5 4
134 2023 06 17 15:00 45 5 193 2023 06 25 0:00 360 6
135 2023 06 17 18:00 45 4 194 2023 06 25 3:00 337.5 5
136 2023 06 17 21:00 360 6 195 2023 06 25 6:00 337.5 5
137 2023 06 18 0:00 360 8 196 2023 06 25 9:00 360 8
138 2023 06 18 3:00 360 6 197 2023 06 25 12:00 22.5 6
139 2023 06 18 6:00 360 6 198 2023 06 25 15:00 22.5 7
140 2023 06 18 9:00 22.5 8 199 2023 06 25 18:00 45 5
141 2023 06 18 12:00 22.5 6 200 2023 06 25 21:00 45 4
142 2023 06 18 15:00 45 6 201 2023 06 26 0:00 360 6
143 2023 06 18 18:00 22.5 4 202 2023 06 26 3:00 360 6
144 2023 06 18 21:00 22.5 6 203 2023 06 26 6:00 337.5 6
145 2023 06 19 0:00 337.5 6 204 2023 06 26 9:00 360 8
146 2023 06 19 3:00 337.5 6 205 2023 06 26 12:00 360 8
147 2023 06 19 6:00 360 6 206 2023 06 26 15:00 22.5 7
148 2023 06 19 9:00 22.5 7 207 2023 06 26 18:00 22.5 6
149 2023 06 19 12:00 22.5 6 208 2023 06 26 21:00 360 6
150 2023 06 19 15:00 45 4 209 2023 06 27 0:00 22.5 6
151 2023 06 19 18:00 45 3 210 2023 06 27 3:00 360 7
152 2023 06 19 21:00 360 5 211 2023 06 27 6:00 360 5
153 2023 06 20 0:00 315 6 212 2023 06 27 9:00 360 7
154 2023 06 20 3:00 337.5 6 213 2023 06 27 12:00 360 7
155 2023 06 20 6:00 337.5 6 214 2023 06 27 15:00 360 7
156 2023 06 20 9:00 22.5 7 215 2023 06 27 18:00 360 7
157 2023 06 20 12:00 22.5 5 216 2023 06 27 21:00 360 7
158 2023 06 20 15:00 360 4 217 2023 06 28 0:00 22.5 7
159 2023 06 20 18:00 337.5 5 218 2023 06 28 3:00 360 6
160 2023 06 20 21:00 337.5 7 219 2023 06 28 6:00 360 5
161 2023 06 21 0:00 22.5 6 220 2023 06 28 9:00 360 7
162 2023 06 21 3:00 45 4 221 2023 06 28 12:00 360 7
163 2023 06 21 6:00 360 3 222 2023 06 28 15:00 360 7
164 2023 06 21 9:00 22.5 5 223 2023 06 28 18:00 360 7
165 2023 06 21 12:00 22.5 5 224 2023 06 28 21:00 360 7
NREDCAP Draft EIA Report Paidipalem North PSP
S.No. YYYY MM DD HH W_dir W_Sp S.No. YYYY MM DD HH W_dir W_Sp
225 2023 06 29 0:00 360 6 239 2023 06 30 18:00 360 7
226 2023 06 29 3:00 360 6 240 2023 06 30 21:00 360 7
227 2023 06 29 6:00 337.5 6
228 2023 06 29 9:00 360 7
229 2023 06 29 12:00 360 7
230 2023 06 29 15:00 360 7
231 2023 06 29 18:00 360 8
232 2023 06 29 21:00 360 7
233 2023 06 30 0:00 360 6
234 2023 06 30 3:00 360 6
235 2023 06 30 6:00 360 5
236 2023 06 30 9:00 360 9
237 2023 06 30 12:00 360 8
238 2023 06 30 15:00 360 9
YYYY-Year; MM-Month; DD-Date; HH-Hour; W_dir-Wind Direction (Degree); W_Sp-Wind Speed (m/s).

Table 6: Frequency Distribution (Period 01/06/2023 to 30/06/2023)


S. No. Directions 0-0.5 0.5-2 2-4 4-6 6-8 8-10 10-25 Total
1 North 0 0 3.75 23.75 23.33 0.83 0 51.66
2 NNE 0 0.42 2.92 10 7.08 0 0 20.42
3 NE 0 1.25 3.75 5.83 0.83 0 0 11.66
4 ENE 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 East 0 0.42 0 0.42 0 0 0 0.84
6 ESE 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7 SE 0 0 0 0.42 0 0 0 0.42
8 SSE 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
9 South 0 0.42 0 0 0 0 0 0.42
10 SSW 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
11 SW 0 0.42 0 0 0 0 0 0.42
12 WSW 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
13 West 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
14 WNW 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
15 NW 0 0.42 1.25 1.25 0 0 0 2.92
16 NNW 0 0.42 1.67 6.67 2.5 0 0 11.26
Total 0 3.77 13.34 48.34 33.74 0.83 0 100
NREDCAP Draft EIA Report Paidipalem North PSP

ANNEXURE-IV
List of Plant Species Reported From Study Area
S. No Botanical Name Habit S. No Botanical Name Habit
Acanthaceae Aristolochiaceae
1 Andrographis paniculata Herb 33 Aristolochia indica Herb
2 Barleria cristata Shrub Asteraceae
3 Dyschoriste vagans Shrub 34 Acmella paniculata Herb
4 Eranthemum nervosum Shrub 35 Blumea bifoliata Herb
5 Justicia adhatoda Shrub 36 Blumea lacera Herb
6 Lepidagathis cristata Herb 37 Chromolaena odorata Shrub
Aizoaceae 38 Conyza stricta Herb
7 Trianthema portulacastrum Herb 39 Emilia sonchifolia Herb
Alangiaceae 40 Grangea maderaspatana Herb
8 Alangium salviifolium Tree 41 Laggera aurita Herb
Amaranthaceae 42 Pulicaria wightiana Herb
9 Achyranthes aspera Herb 43 Tridax procumbens Herb
10 Aerva javanica Herb 44 Xanthium strumarium Herb
11 Alternanthera sessilis Herb Bignoniaceae
12 Chenopodium album Herb 45 Dolichandrone atrovirens Tree
Anacardiaceae 46 Dolichandrone crispa Tree
13 Mangifera indica Tree 47 Dolichandrone falcata Tree
Apiaceae 48 Oroxylum indicum Tree
14 Centella asiatica Herb Boraginaceae
Apocynaceae 49 Euploca strigosa Herb
15 Gymnema sylvestre Climber 50 Heliotropium indicum Herb
16 Aganosma cymosa Shrub Burseraceae
17 Calotropis gigantea Shrub 51 Boswellia serrata Tree
18 Calotropis procera Shrub Cactaceae
19 Carissa carandas Shrub 52 Opuntia dillenii Shrub
20 Carissa hirsuta Shrub 53 Opuntia stricta Shrub
21 Carissa spinarum Shrub Cannabaceae
22 Dregea volubilis Shrub 54 Cannabis sativa Herb
23 Hemidesmus indicus Herb 55 Trema orientalis Tree
24 Ichnocarpus frutescens Shrub Capparaceae
25 Nerium oleander Shrub 56 Cadaba fruticosa Shrub
26 Vallaris solanacea Climber 57 Cadaba zeylanica Shrub
27 Wattakaka volubilis Climber 58 Capparis sepiaria Climber
28 Wrightia antidysenterica Shrub Casuarinaceae
29 Wrightia tinctoria Tree 59 Casuarina equisetifolia Tree
Araceae Celastraceae
30 Wolffia globosa Herb 60 Gymnosporia montana Tree
Arecaceae 61 Gymnosporia senegalensis Shrub
31 Borassus flabellifer Tree Cleomaceae
32 Phoenix loureiroi Tree 62 Cleome chelidonii Herb
NREDCAP Draft EIA Report Paidipalem North PSP

S. No Botanical Name Habit S. No Botanical Name Habit


63 Cleome felina Herb 99 Cassia fistula Tree
64 Cleome gynandra Herb 100 Clitoria ternatea Climber
65 Cleome viscosa Herb 101 Crotalaria alata Shrub
Clusiaceae 102 Crotalaria pusilla Herb
66 Calophyllum inophyllum Tree 103 Dalbergia sissoo Tree
Combretaceae 104 Dichrostachys cinerea Tree
67 Anogeissus latifolia Tree 105 Gliricidia Maculata Tree
68 Combretum albidum Climber 106 Hardwickia binata Tree
69 Combretum ovalifolium Climber 107 Indigofera cassioides Shrub
70 Getonia floribunda Climber 108 Indigofera tinctoria Herb
71 Terminalia bellirica Tree 109 Millettia elliptica Shrub
72 Terminalia catappa Tree 110 Millettia extensa Climber
73 Terminalia chebula Tree 111 Mimosa pudica Shrub
74 Terminalia elliptica Tree 112 Phyllodium pulchellum Shrub
Commelinaceae 113 Pongamia pinnata Tree
75 Commelina benghalensis Herb 114 Prosopis juliflora Tree
76 Cyanotis axillaris Herb 115 Pterocarpus marsupium Tree
Convolvulaceae 116 Pterocarpus santalinus Tree
77 Cuscuta reflexa Climber 117 Rhynchosia minima Herb
78 Evolvulus alsinoides Herb 118 Senegalia chundra Tree
79 Ipomoea carnea Shrub 119 Senegalia pennata Climber
80 Ipomoea hederifolia Herb 120 Senna auriculata Shrub
Cucurbitaceae 121 Senna occidentalis Shrub
81 Cucumis maderaspatanus Herb 122 Senna tora Herb
Cyperaceae 123 Tephrosia hookeriana Herb
82 Cyperus rotundus Grass 124 Vachellia horrida Shrub
83 Fimbristylis dichotoma Grass 125 Vachellia karroo Tree
Ebenaceae 126 Vachellia nilotica Tree
84 Diospyros melanoxylon Tree Hypoxidaceae
Euphorbiaceae 127 Curculigo orchioides Herb
85 Acalypha indica Herb Lamiaceae
86 Euphorbia antiquorum Tree 128 Anisomeles malabarica Herb
87 Euphorbia hirta Herb 129 Leucas aspera Herb
88 Euphorbia neriifolia Shrub 130 Mesosphaerum suaveolens Herb
89 Euphorbia prostrata Herb 131 Ocimum basilicum Herb
90 Manihot esculenta Shrub 132 Ocimum tenuiflorum Herb
91 Ricinus communis Shrub 133 Premna mollissima Tree
Fabaceae 134 Premna tomentosa Tree
92 Acacia colei Tree 135 Tectona grandis Tree
93 Aeschynomene indica Herb Liliaceae
94 Albizia amara Tree 136 Asparagus racemosus Shrub
95 Albizia lebbeck Tree Linaceae
96 Alysicarpus vaginalis Herb 137 Hugonia mystax Shrub
97 Bauhinia racemosa Tree Loranthaceae
98 Butea monosperma Tree 138 Scurrula parasitica Shrub
NREDCAP Draft EIA Report Paidipalem North PSP

S. No Botanical Name Habit S. No Botanical Name Habit


Lythraceae 170 Phyllanthus emblica Tree
139 Woodfordia fruticosa Shrub 171 Phyllanthus niruri Herb
Malvaceae 172 Bridelia montana Shrub
140 Abutilon indicum Shrub Poaceae
141 Bombax ceiba Tree 173 Apluda mutica Grass
142 Decaschistia cuddapahensis Herb 174 Aristida hystrix Grass
143 Grewia hirsuta Shrub 175 Aristida setacea Grass
144 Grewia tenax Shrub 176 Arundinella bengalensis Grass
145 Hibiscus platanifolius Tree 177 Arundo donax Grass
146 Pavonia zeylanica Herb 178 Bambusa bambos Grass
147 Sida acuta Shrub 179 Brachiaria distachya Grass
148 Sida cordata Herb 180 Chrysopogon zizanioides Grass
149 Thespesia lampas Shrub 181 Cymbopogon flexuosus Grass
150 Urena lobata Herb 182 Digitaria ciliaris Grass
151 Waltheria indica Shrub 183 Eragrostis Unioloides Grass
Meliaceae 184 Heteropogon contortus Grass
152 Soymida febrifuga Tree Ranunculaceae
153 Azadirachta indica Tree 185 Clematis gouriana Climber
Menispermaceae Rhamnaceae
154 Cocculus hirsutus Climber 186 Ziziphus jujuba Tree
155 Pachygone ovata Climber 187 Ziziphus nummularia Shrub
156 Tinospora cordifolia Climber 188 Ziziphus oenoplia Shrub
Molluginaceae 189 Ziziphus xylopyrus Tree
157 Glinus oppositifolius Herb Rubiaceae
Moraceae 190 Canthium coromandelicum Shrub
158 Ficus racemosa Tree 191 Catunaregam spinosa Shrub
159 Ficus religiosa Tree 192 Galium asperuloides Herb
Moringaceae 193 Haldina cordifolia Tree
160 Moringa oleifera Tree 194 Ixora parviflora Shrub
Myrtaceae 195 Ixora pavetta Tree
161 Eucalyptus globulus Tree 196 Mitragyna parvifolia Tree
162 Syzygium alternifolium Tree 197 Morinda pubescens Tree
163 Syzygium cumini Tree 198 Oldenlandia affinis Herb
Nelumbonaceae 199 Pavetta indica Shrub
164 Nelumbo nucifera Herb 200 Spermacoce hispida Herb
Nyctaginaceae Rutaceae
165 Boerhavia diffusa Herb 201 Atalantia monophylla Tree
Opiliaceae 202 Chloroxylon swietenia Tree
166 Cansjera rheedei Climber 203 Citrus sinensis Tree
Oxalidaceae 204 Limonia acidissima Tree
167 Oxalis corniculata Herb 205 Murraya koenigii Shrub
Papaveraceae Salicaceae
168 Argemone mexicana Herb 206 Flacourtia indica Tree
Phyllanthaceae Sapindaceae
169 Flueggea leucopyrus Shrub 207 Cardiospermum halicacabum Herb
NREDCAP Draft EIA Report Paidipalem North PSP

S. No Botanical Name Habit S. No Botanical Name Habit


208 Dodonaea viscosa Shrub 218 Grewia orbiculata Shrub
209 Sapindus emarginatus Tree 219 Triumfetta pentandra Shrub
Sapotaceae 220 Triumfetta rhomboidea Shrub
210 Isonandra villosa Tree Ulmaceae
Smilacaceae 221 Holoptelea integrifolia Tree
211 Smilax zeylanica Climber Verbenaceae
Solanaceae 222 Gmelina asiatica Shrub
212 Datura stramonium Herb 223 Lantana camara Shrub
213 Physalis angulata Herb 224 Vitex negundo Shrub
214 Solanum surattense Shrub Vitaceae
215 Solanum torvum Shrub 225 Cissus quadrangularis Climber
Sterculiaceae Zygophyllaceae
216 Helicteres isora Shrub 226 Balanites roxburghii Tree
Tamaricaceae 227 Fagonia cretica Herb
217 Tamarix ericoides Shrub 228 Tribulus terrestris Herb
Tiliaceae
Annexure- V
Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife
Management Plan
and
Conservation Plan for Schedule-I species
Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife
Management Plan
and
Conservation Plan for Schedule-I species

Prepared for:
PAIDIPALEM NORTH PUMPED STORAGE PROJECT
New & Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh
(NREDCAP)
District YSR, Andhra Pradesh

Prepared by:
R. S. Envirolink Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
403, Bestech Chambers,
B-Block, Sushant Lok-I, Gurugram
Phone: +91-124-4295383: www.rstechnologies.co.in
CONTENTS
Page No.
1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Propose of Report ....................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Project Location ........................................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Project Description ...................................................................................................................... 2
1.4 Description of Flora and Fauna of the Project Area .................................................................... 4
1.4.1 Forest Types in the Study Area........................................................................................... 4
1.4.2 Vegetation profile of study area ........................................................................................ 4
1.4.3 Floral Diversity .................................................................................................................... 4
1.4.4 Rare, Endangered and Threatened (RET) Species .............................................................. 6
1.4.5 Faunal Elements ............................................................................................................... 11
1.5 Protected Areas ......................................................................................................................... 17
1.6 Threats to Biodiversity & Wildlife ............................................................................................. 18
2. BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PLAN ...................................... 20
2.1 Objectives of Management ...................................................................................................... 20
2.2 Mitigation Measures ................................................................................................................. 20
2.3 Conservation and Management Measures ............................................................................... 20
2.3.1 Wildlife Habitat Preservation & Improvement ................................................................ 21
2.3.2 Development and Management of Grassland ................................................................. 21
2.3.3 Awareness Programme .................................................................................................... 22
2.3.4 Budget .............................................................................................................................. 22
3. CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF SCHEDULE-I SPECIES ............................................... 23
3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 23
3.2 Schedule-I Species (WPA 1972) Reported in the Study Area .................................................... 23
3.3 Conversation Measures for Schedule-I Species ........................................................................ 23
3.4 Management Measures ............................................................................................................ 25
3.4.1 Veterinary care ................................................................................................................. 25
3.4.2 Training to Local Youth ..................................................................................................... 25
3.4.3 Prevention of Forest Fire .................................................................................................. 25
3.4.4 Construction and Maintenance of Water Holes/ Ponds in Wildlife Habitat. ................... 26
3.4.5 Safeguards during construction phase ............................................................................. 26
3.5 Budgetary Provisions ................................................................................................................. 26
4. Strengthening of Infrastructural Facilities of Forest Department ............................................ 27
5. Monitoring and Evaluation ........................................................................................................ 27
6. Locations of Proposed Intervention .......................................................................................... 28
7. Financial Provision ..................................................................................................................... 28

LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Forest types found in the Study Area ..................................................................................... 4
Table 2: List of Plant Species recorded during field survey.................................................................. 5
Table 3: Details of Species found in the Study Area ............................................................................ 6
Table 4: Conservation Status of Plant Species ..................................................................................... 7
Table 5: List of Mammalian Species Reported in the Study Area ...................................................... 11
Table 6: List of birds reported from the study area with conservation and Residential status ........ 12
Table 7: List of Herpetofauna Reported from the Study Area ........................................................... 13
Table 8: Butterflies recorded from Study Area .................................................................................. 13
Table 9: Butterflies recorded from Study Area .................................................................................. 17
Table 10: Budget for Biodiversity Management & Wildlife Conservation Plan ................................. 23
Table 11: Break-up for Wildlife Management and Conservation Plan for Schedule I Species ............ 26
Table 12: Total Cost of Biodiversity Management and Wildlife Conservation Plan .......................... 28

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Location Map of Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project ............................................... 2
Figure 2: Layout map of Paidipalem North Project along with intake pipe for initial filling................ 3
Figure 3: Map Showing Aerial Distance of Proposed Project from Rajiv Gandhi National Park........ 18
Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife Management Plan Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project

1. INTRODUCTION
Pumped Storage Projects (PSP) presents an optimal, economically viable & scalable solution
to supply Schedulable Power On-Demand (SPOD) with both base load and peak load
capabilities to the Nation.

The Govt. of Andhra Pradesh through its nodal agency, New & Renewable Energy
Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (NREDCAP) identified 23 project locations in
the state for preliminary examination and development of renewable power through
pumped storage projects. Proposed Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project (1000 MW)
is one of among 23 identified pumped storage project identified by NREDCAP.

As the proposed project envisages hydroelectric power generation, therefore, it gets


covered in the Schedule of EIA Notification, 2006 at item 1(c), Category ‘A’ i.e., >100 MW
installed capacity. Scoping clearance of the project with 1000 MW was initially accorded by
Ministry of Environment Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India vide
letter no. J-12011/06/2023-IA-I dated 17th April 2023.

1.1 PROPOSE OF REPORT


The proposed Project does not fall in any protected areas like Wildlife Sanctuary/National
Parks etc. However, in reference to additional conditions of Terms of Reference (ToR)
issued by Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) via letter No. J-
12011/06/2023-IA-I dated 17th April 2023 (Annexure-I of EIA Report), directed to submit
Conservation plan for the Scheduled I species reported from the study area. In pursuant to
the condition of ToR, The Biodiversity Management and Wildlife Conservation Plan along
with conservation Measures of Schedule-I species is prepared. It is Pertinent to mention
that none of the Schedule-I species were reported in the primary survey during EIA/EMP
studies.

1.2 PROJECT LOCATION


The project is located close to Paidipalem Village in the Simhadripuram Mandal of YSR
District in Andhra Pradesh. The project site is easily accessible by NH67 (Bellary to
Krishnapatnam Port). The project is located towards North of Existing Paidipalem Balancing
Reservoir with upper reservoir at geographical co-ordinate 14°43'54.44"N and
78°11'10.05"E and lower reservoir at geographical co-ordinate 14°42'34.16"N and
78°12'42.00"E.

The nearest rail head is Mangapatnam which is about 15 Km from the Project site and with
loading and unloading facility. The Mumbai–Chennai line, one of the busiest lines in the
southern region, passes through Mangapatnam railway station. It is one of the “B” category
railway stations in Southern Railway zone under Guntakal railway division. The nearest
airport is Kadapa, which is 70 km (approx.) from the project site. The nearest seaport is
Krishnapatnam Port and is about 220 km from the project site. The project site lies in
Simhadripuram Mandal, located in the Pulivendula Revenue division of the Kadapa District
of Andhra Pradesh. It is well connected with the NH 67 which connects Krishnapatnam
Port, Andhra Pradesh in the North to Panjim, Goa in the West. Location map of the project
is shown in Figure 1.

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Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife Management Plan Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project

Figure 1: Location Map of Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project

1.3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION


Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project is envisaged with a proposed installed capacity
of 1000 MW (5 x 200 MW) located in the YSR Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh. The
project is a standalone pumped storage scheme to meet the power requirements during
the peaking time and to maintain grid stability. The scheme is proposed with one upper and
one lower reservoir. The scheme envisages drawl of water from existing Paidipalem
Balancing reservoir for initial filling into the proposed lower reservoir through a pipeline
arrangement. Both the reservoirs are planned to be interconnected through water
conductor system and the reversible generator pump turbine would be installed in the
open pit type powerhouse. The scheme is envisaged to meet the peak demand of about 6
hours with an estimated annual energy generation of 1922.76 MU. Off-peak pumping hours
are estimated as 6.53 hours with annual pumping energy of 2407.53 MU. The cycle
efficiency of the project is 79.86% Figure 2.

The upper reservoir, about 15% of lower reservoir, penstock and approach road to upper
reservoir falls under administrative control of Andhra Pradesh State Forest Department and
159.84 ha of forest land is required for Project Construction. Diversion of forest land for
non-forest purposes will be involved for construction of upper reservoir of Paidipalem
North project. Therefore, Forest Clearance to be obtained under Forest Conservation Act.
The remaining project components are falls in revenue land i.e., 128.34 ha. Construction of
Paidipalem North PSP is planned to be completed in a period of 42 months, excluding Pre-
construction works, creation of infrastructure facilities viz. additional investigations,
improvement of road network and colonies.

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Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife Management Plan Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project

Figure 2: Layout map of Paidipalem North Project along with intake pipe for initial filling

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Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife Management Plan Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project

1.4 Description of Flora and Fauna of the Project Area

1.4.1 Forest Types in the Study Area


The project area falls in the Kadapa Forest Division under Kurnool Circle of Andhra Pradesh
Forest Department. As seen from the land use map of the study area, a large part of the
area is comprised of agriculture and scrub lands. The area in and around the proposed
upper reservoir is covered mainly with the scrub forest. According to the ‘A Revised Survey
of the Forest Types of India’ by Champion and Seth (1968), the forests in the study area can
be classified under Group 5 (Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest) and Group 6 (Tropical Thorn
Forest). The forest types in the study area is illustrated in the Table 1.

Table 1: Forest types found in the Study Area


Group Sub-Group Forest Type
Group 5. Tropical Dry 5A. Southern Tropical Dry 5A/C2 Dry Red Sanders Bearing
Deciduous Forest Deciduous Forests Forest
Group 6. Tropical 6A. Southern Tropical Thorn 6A/C1 Southern Thorn Forests
Thorn Forest Forests 6A/DS1 Southern Thorn Scrub

1.4.2 Vegetation profile of study area


Forest in the study area mostly comprises of dry deciduous forest, scrub forest and scrub
lands. The tree cover in the study area is mostly covered with mixed dry deciduous and
thorny scrubs. The composition of the tree community is characterized by the dominance
of Senegalia chundra, in association with Ziziphus xylopyrus, Dolichandrone crispa, Albizia
amara, Vachellia nilotica, Prosopis juliflora, Wrightia tinctoria, Anogeissus latifolia,
Chloroxylon swietenia, Atalantia monophylla, Euphorbia antiquorum, Boswellia serrata,
Dichrostachys cinerea, etc.

Under storey consist of the thorny shrub species like Carissa hirsuta, Ziziphus oenoplia,
Catunaregam spinosa and Vachellia horrida. Other shrub species growing in the study area
are Calotropis gigantea, Waltheria indica, Grewia orbiculata, Senna auriculata, Dodonaea
viscosa, Lantana camara, Murraya koenigii, Nerium oleander, Ixora parviflora, etc.

The ground cover in the scrub forest and scrub lands was mostly characterized by degraded
and rocky lands and comprised the grass species like Aristida hystrix, Heteropogon
contortus, Chrysopogon zizanioides, and Eragrostis Unioloides with a few herb species like
Crotalaria Pusilla, Xanthium strumarium, Solanum surattense, Achyranthes aspera,
Phyllanthus niruri, Mesosphaerum suaveolens, Evolvulus alsinoides, Senna tora, Laggera
aurita, Sida cordata, Pulicaria wightiana, Euphorbia prostrata, Alternanthera sessilis,
Oldenlandia affinis, Cyanotis axillaris, etc.

The agricultural fields are mostly represented by the plantation of fruit species like Citrus
sinensis (Orange). Other plant species growing near agricultural fields and settlements are
Azadirachta indica, Mangifera indica, Ziziphus xylopyrus, Senegalia chundra, Vachellia
nilotica, Calotropis gigantea, Lantana camara, Nerium oleander, Murraya koenigii, etc.

1.4.3 Floral Diversity


As per data collected from field survey,an inventory of 89 plant species of angiosperm and
1 species (Cycas beddomei) belongs to gymnosperm, has been prepared and listed below in

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Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife Management Plan Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project

Table 2. The list includes 25 tree species, 17 Shrub, 33 species of herbs, 8 species of
climbers and 7 species of grasses.

Table 2: List of Plant Species recorded during field survey


S. S.
Family / Botanical Name Habit Family / Botanical Name Habit
No No
Acanthaceae Convolvulaceae
1 Dyschoriste vagans Shrub 35 Evolvulus alsinoides Herb
2 Eranthemum nervosum Shrub 36 Cuscuta reflexa Climber
Amaranthaceae Cycadaceae
3 Achyranthes aspera Herb 37 Cycas beddomei Trees
4 Alternanthera sessilis Herb Cyperaceae
5 Chenopodium album Herb 38 Cyperus rotundus Trees
Anacardiaceae Euphorbiaceae
6 Mangifera indica Trees 39 Euphorbia antiquorum Herb
Apocynaceae 40 Acalypha indica Herb
7 Wrightia tinctoria Trees 41 Euphorbia prostratam Trees
8 Calotropis gigantea Shrub Fabaceae
9 Carissa hirsuta Shrub 42 Albizia amara Trees
10 Nerium oleander Shrub 43 Bauhinia racemosa Trees
11 Hemidesmus indicus Herb 44 Dichrostachys cinerea Trees
12 Wattakaka volubilis Climber 45 Hardwickia binata Trees
Asteraceae 46 Prosopis juliflora Trees
13 Blumea bifoliata Herb 47 Senegalia chundra Trees
14 Conyza stricta Herb 48 Vachellia nilotica Shrub
15 Emilia sonchifolia Herb 49 Senna auriculata Shrub
16 Grangea maderaspatana Herb 50 Vachellia horrida Herb
17 Laggera aurita Herb 51 Crotalaria alata Herb
18 Pulicaria wightiana Herb 52 Crotalaria Pusilla Herb
19 Xanthium strumarium Herb 53 Senna tora Climber
Bignoniaceae 54 Senegalia pennata Herb
20 Dolichandrone crispa Trees Lamiaceae
21 Dolichandrone falcata Trees 55 Anisomeles malabarica Herb
Boraginaceae Mesosphaerum
56 Herb
22 Heliotropium indicum Herb suaveolens
23 Euploca strigosa Herb 57 Ocimum tenuiflorum Shrub
Burseraceae Malvaceae
24 Boswellia serrata Trees 58 Waltheria indica Herb
Cactaceae 59 Sida cordata Trees
25 Opuntia dillenii Shrub Meliaceae
Cannabaceae 60 Azadirachta indica Trees
26 Trema orientalis Trees 61 Soymida febrifuga Herb
Capparaceae Menispermaceae
27 Capparis sepiaria Climber 62 Cocculus hirsutus Trees
Celastraceae Molluginaceae
28 Gymnosporia montana Trees 63 Glinus oppositifolius Herb
Cleomaceae Phyllanthaceae
29 Cleome chelidonii Herb 64 Phyllanthus niruri Grass
30 Cleome gynandra Herb Poaceae
Combretaceae 65 Aristida hystrix Grass
31 Anogeissus latifolia Trees 66 Arundinella bengalensis Grass
32 Combretum ovalifolium Climber 67 Chrysopogon zizanioides Grass
Commelinaceae 68 Cymbopogon flexuosus Grass
33 Commelina benghalensis Herb 69 Eragrostis Unioloides Grass
34 Cyanotis axillaris Herb 70 Heteropogon contortus Climber

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Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife Management Plan Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project

S. S.
Family / Botanical Name Habit Family / Botanical Name Habit
No No
Ranunculaceae 81 Sapindus emarginatus Shrub
71 Clematis gouriana Climber 82 Dodonaea viscosa Climber
Rhamnaceae Smilacaceae
72 Ziziphus xylopyrus Shrub 83 Smilax zeylanica Herb
73 Ziziphus oenoplia Shrub Solanaceae
Rubiaceae 84 Datura stramonium Herb
74 Catunaregam spinosa Shrub 85 Solanum surattense Shrub
75 Ixora parviflora Herb Tiliaceae
76 Oldenlandia affinis Trees 86 Grewia orbiculata Shrub
Rutaceae 87 Triumfetta pentandra Shrub
77 Atalantia monophylla Trees Verbenaceae
78 Chloroxylon swietenia Trees 88 Lantana camara Trees
79 Citrus sinensis Shrub Zygophyllaceae
80 Murraya koenigii Trees 89 Balanites roxburghii Herb
Sapindaceae 90 Tribulus terrestris Herb

The detail inventory of Plant species reported from the study area has been prepared
based on primary survey and same has been supplemented with available secondary data.
An inventory of 228 species of plants belonging to angiosperms and 1 species (Cycas
beddomei) of gymnosperm, was compiled which includes plant species found in forested
areas, scrub land, near agricultural fields and settlements, abandoned land, etc. List of
flowering plant species (angiosperms) recorded from the area is given in Annexure IV. This
list includes 67 species of trees, 62 species of shrubs, 67 species of herbs, 18 species of
climbers and 14 species of grasses. Most of the vegetation is found mainly in the forest
area.

Based on the plant species reported from the study area, Fabaceae was found to be the
most dominant family with 35 plant species, which was followed by Apocynaceae (15
species), Malvaceae (12 species), Poaceae (12 species), Rubiaceae (11 species) and
Asteraceae (11 species) Details of plant species reported during the field surveys within
families are given in Table 3.

Table 3: Details of Species found in the Study Area


Group Family Genera Species
Angiosperm
Tree 29 55 67
Shrub 24 51 62
Herb 29 61 67
Climber 10 17 18
Grasses 2 14 14
Gymnosperm
Tree 1 1 1
Total 229

1.4.4 Rare, Endangered and Threatened (RET) Species


The conservation status (Rare, Endangered, and Threatened) of all 229 species of plants
recorded from the study area was assessed by consulting Red Data Book of Indian Plants
and IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Version 2022-2.

As per the Red list of Indian Plants published by Botanical Survey of India, no Endemic or
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Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife Management Plan Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project

RET species among was recorded from the study area.

The conservation status following the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Version 2022-2
downloaded from www.iucnredlist.org is listed in the table below. The majority of the
species have not been assessed yet by IUCN (2022-2). Out of 229 species reported from the
area, 84 species have been assessed. Among these species, 6 plant species viz. Borassus
flabellifer, Cycas beddomei, Pterocarpus santalinus, Tectona grandis, Syzygium
alternifolium and Isonandra villosa are listed under Endangered (EN) category, Chloroxylon
swietenia under Vulnerable (VU) category and Pterocarpus marsupium is listed under Near
Threatened (NT) category of IUCN ver. 2022-2. While other species are listed either under
the Least Concern (LC) or Data deficient (DD) category (see Table 4 below).

Table 4: Conservation Status of Plant Species


S. No Family Botanical Name Conservation Status
IUCN 2022-2
1 Acanthaceae Justicia adhatoda LC
2 Alangiaceae Alangium salviifolium LC
3 Amaranthaceae Alternanthera sessilis LC
4 Anacardiaceae Mangifera indica DD
5 Apiaceae Centella asiatica LC
6 Apocynaceae Carissa spinarum LC
7 Apocynaceae Nerium oleander LC
8 Apocynaceae Wrightia tinctoria LC
9 Araceae Wolffia globosa LC
10 Arecaceae Borassus flabellifer EN
11 Arecaceae Phoenix loureiroi LC
12 Asteraceae Acmella paniculata LC
13 Asteraceae Grangea maderaspatana LC
14 Cactaceae Opuntia stricta LC
15 Cannabaceae Trema orientalis LC
16 Capparaceae Capparis sepiaria LC
17 Casuarinaceae Casuarina equisetifolia LC
18 Celastraceae Gymnosporia senegalensis LC
19 Clusiaceae Calophyllum inophyllum LC
20 Combretaceae Terminalia bellirica LC
21 Combretaceae Terminalia catappa LC
22 Combretaceae Terminalia chebula LC
23 Commelinaceae Commelina benghalensis LC
24 Commelinaceae Cyanotis axillaris LC
25 Convolvulaceae Cuscuta reflexa LC
26 Cycadaceae Cycas beddomei EN
27 Cyperaceae Cyperus rotundus LC
28 Cyperaceae Fimbristylis dichotoma LC
29 Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia antiquorum LC
30 Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia neriifolia LC
31 Euphorbiaceae Manihot esculenta DD
32 Fabaceae Acacia colei LC
33 Fabaceae Aeschynomene indica LC
34 Fabaceae Albizia amara LC
35 Fabaceae Albizia lebbeck LC
36 Fabaceae Butea monosperma LC
37 Fabaceae Cassia fistula LC
38 Fabaceae Dalbergia sissoo LC
39 Fabaceae Dichrostachys cinerea LC
40 Fabaceae Gliricidia Maculata LC

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Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife Management Plan Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project

Conservation Status
S. No Family Botanical Name IUCN 2022-2
41 Fabaceae Hardwickia binata LC
42 Fabaceae Mimosa pudica LC
43 Fabaceae Phyllodium pulchellum LC
44 Fabaceae Pongamia pinnata LC
45 Fabaceae Pterocarpus marsupium NT
46 Fabaceae Pterocarpus santalinus EN
47 Fabaceae Rhynchosia minima LC
48 Fabaceae Senegalia pennata LC
49 Fabaceae Senna occidentalis LC
50 Fabaceae Vachellia karroo LC
51 Fabaceae Vachellia nilotica LC
52 Lamiaceae Premna tomentosa LC
53 Lamiaceae Tectona grandis EN
54 Lythraceae Woodfordia fruticosa LC
55 Malvaceae Bombax ceiba LC
56 Malvaceae Grewia hirsuta LC
57 Malvaceae Grewia tenax LC
58 Malvaceae Urena lobata LC
59 Malvaceae Waltheria indica LC
60 Meliaceae Azadirachta indica LC
61 Molluginaceae Glinus oppositifolius LC
62 Moraceae Ficus racemosa LC
63 Moraceae Ficus religiosa LC
64 Moringaceae Moringa oleifera LC
65 Myrtaceae Eucalyptus globulus LC
66 Myrtaceae Syzygium alternifolium EN
67 Myrtaceae Syzygium cumini LC
68 Nelumbonaceae Nelumbo nucifera DD
69 Phyllanthaceae Flueggea leucopyrus LC
70 Phyllanthaceae Phyllanthus emblica LC
71 Poaceae Eragrostis Unioloides LC
72 Rhamnaceae Ziziphus jujuba LC
73 Rubiaceae Catunaregam spinosa LC
74 Rutaceae Atalantia monophylla LC
75 Rutaceae Chloroxylon swietenia VU
76 Rutaceae Murraya koenigii LC
77 Salicaceae Flacourtia indica LC
78 Sapindaceae Cardiospermum halicacabum LC
79 Sapindaceae Dodonaea viscosa LC
80 Sapotaceae Isonandra villosa EN
81 Solanaceae Physalis angulata LC
82 Verbenaceae Gmelina asiatica LC
83 Verbenaceae Vitex negundo LC
84 Zygophyllaceae Tribulus terrestris LC
IUCN Ver. 2022-2 - International Union for Conservation of Nature; DD – Data Deficient: LC - Least Concern; VU:
Vulnerable; NT: Near Threatened; EN: Endangered

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Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife Management Plan Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project

LANDUSE AND VEGETATION COVER IN THE STUDY AREA

PAIDIPALEM BALANCING RESERVOIR

VIEW OF PROPOSED LOWER RESERVOIR & UPPER RESEVOIR NORTH

PROPOSED ALIGNMENT SITE OF PENSTOCK PIPE LINE FROM PAIDIPALEM EAST

PROPOSED UPPER RESERVOIR (EAST)

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Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife Management Plan Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project

PROPOSED UPPER RESERVOIR (NORTH)

PROPOSED ALIGNMENT SITE OF PENSTOCK PIPE LINE FROM PAIDIPALEM NORTH

NEAR POTTIPADU VILLAGE

VIEW OF PROPOSED POWER HOUSE SITE

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Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife Management Plan Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project

1.4.5 Faunal Elements


The fauna of the study area has been compiled with the help of direct sighting during field
surveys, supplemented with secondary sources and information provided by local people
during a field survey in the study area. For the preparation of a checklist of fauna in the
study area, the Forest Working Plans of the Kadapa Forest Division was consulted.

a) Mammals
The sighting of mammals in the project area is quite rare. Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra)
was the only species sighted near existing Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir. Based on field
survey and information collected from villagers and forest officials, a list of 25 species of
mammals reported from the study area of proposed project was compiled and the same is
given in Table 5.

Table 5: List of Mammalian Species Reported in the Study Area


Conservation Status
S.
Family Scientific name Common name IUCN WPA
No.
2022-2 1972
ORDER: CARNIVORA
1 Canidae Cuon alpinus Wild Dog / Dhole EN II
2 Canidae Canis aureus Golden Jackal LC II
3 Canidae Vulpes bengalensis Bengal Fox LC II
4 Felidae Panthera pardus Common Leopard VU I
5 Felidae Felis chaus Jungle cat LC II
6 Herpestidae Herpestes edwardsii Indian Grey mongoose LC II
7 Hyaenidae Hyaena hyaena Striped Hyaena NT II
8 Ursidae Melursus ursinus Sloth bear VU I
Paradoxurus
9 Viverridae Common Palm Civet LC II
hermaphroditus
ORDER: CETARTIODACTYLA
10 Bovidae Antilope cervicapra Blackbuck LC I
11 Bovidae Boselaphus tragocamelus Nilgai/Blue Bull LC III
12 Bovidae Gazella bennettii Chinkara LC I
13 Bovidae Tetracerus quadricornis Four-horned Antelope VU I
14 Cervidae Axis axis Chital/Spotted Deer LC III
15 Cervidae Rusa unicolor Sambar Deer VU III
16 Suidae Sus scrofa Wild Boar LC III
ORDER: CHIROPTERA
17 Pteropodidae Rousettus leschenaultii Leschenault’s Rousette NT IV
ORDER: LAGOMORPHA
18 Leporidae Lepus nigricollis Indian Hare LC IV
ORDER: PRIMATES
19 Cercopithecidae Macaca radiata Bonnet Macaque VU II
20 Cercopithecidae Macaca mulatta Rhesus monkey LC II
Northern Plains Gray
21 Cercopithecidae Semnopithecus entellus LC II
Langur
ORDER: RODENTIA
22 Sciuridae Ratufa indica Indian Giant Squirrel LC II
Five-striped Palm
23 Sciuridae Funambulus pennantii LC IV
Squirrel
24 Hystricidae Hystrix indica Indian Crested Porcupine LC IV
25 Muridae Rattus rattus House Rat LC V
IUCN Ver. 2022-2-International Union for Conservation of Nature; LC-Least Concern; NT-Near Threatened; VU-Vulnerable;
EN-Endangered; WPA 1972 – The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

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Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife Management Plan Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project

b) Avifauna
During the field surveys, 24 species of birds belonging to 8 Orders were recorded from the
study area. Birds like Kingfishers, Green Bee-eater, Barn Swallow, White-browed Wagtail,
Indian Robin, Long-tailed Shrike, Purple Sunbird, Cormorants Herons, Egrets, Ducks, etc.
were most frequently sighted bird species in the study area. A list of bird species
composition and their conservation status has been described in Table 6.

Table 6: List of birds reported from the study area with conservation and Residential status
Conservation
S. Status Residential
Family Common Name Scientific Name
No. IUCN WPA, Status
2022-2 1972
Order: Anseriformes
1 Anatidae Indian Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha LC IV RR
Order: Coraciiformes
2 Alcedinidae Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis LC IV RR
White-throated
3 Alcedinidae Halcyon gularis LC IV RR
Kingfisher
4 Meropidae Asian Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis LC IV RR
Order: Columbiformes IV RR
5 Columbidae Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto LC IV RR
6 Columbidae Laughing Dove Spilopelia senegalensis LC IV RR
7 Columbidae Rock Dove Columba livia LC
Order: Passeriformes
8 Estrildidae Indian Silver bill Euodice malabarica LC IV RR
9 Hirundinidae Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica LC IV WV
10 Laniidae Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach LC IV RR
11 Leiotrichidae Common Babbler Argya caudata LC IV RR
Motacilla
12 Motacillidae White-browed Wagtail LC IV RR
maderaspatensis
13 Muscicapidae Indian Robin Saxicoloides fulicatus LC IV RR
14 Nectariniidae Purple Sunbird Cinnyris asiaticus LC IV RR
15 Ploceidae Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus LC IV RR
16 Pycnonotidae Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer LC IV RR
17 Sturnidae Common Myna Acridotheres tristis LC
Order: Pelecaniformes
18 Ardeidae Little Egret Egretta garzetta LC IV RR
19 Ardeidae Purple Heron Ardea purpurea LC IV RR
Order: Podicipediformes
20 Podicipedidae Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis LC IV RR
Order: Suliformes
21 Phalacrocoracidae Indian Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscicollis LC IV RR
22 Phalacrocoracidae Little Cormorant Microcarbo niger LC
Order: Charadriiformes IV RR
23 Charadriidae Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus LC IV RR
Yellow-wattled
24 Charadriidae Vanellus malabaricus LC IV RR
Lapwing
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2022-2; LC - Least Concern; NT-Near Threatened; WPA – Wildlife
(Protection) Act, 1972; RR-Resident; WV-Winter Visitor

c) Herpetofauna
The herpetofauna were sampled on the same transects marked for mammals. The sampling
also carried along riverbanks and the sampling was repeated during night following the
time constrained Visual Encounter Rates (VES) method. A list of herpetofauna reported
from study area is given at Table 7. Changeable Agama (Calotes versicolor) and South
Indian Rock Agama (Psammophilus dorsalis) were the only reptile species reported during
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sampling from the study area. Indian Bullfrog (Hoplobatrachus tigerinus) was the only
amphibian species sighted near pond during field survey. After consulting from the
concerned forest working plan and local people, a list of 9 species of reptiles and 2 species
of amphibians has been prepared as follows: The classification and nomenclature of
reptiles are based upon http://www.reptile-database.org/ and amphibians are based upon
https://amphibian softheworld.amnh.org/.

Table 7: List of Herpetofauna Reported from the Study Area


Conservation Status
S.
Order Family Common Name Scientific Name IUCN WPA,
No.
2022-2 1972
AMPHIBIANS
1 Anura Dicroglossidae Indian Bullfrog Hoplobatrachus tigerinus LC IV
2 Anura Dicroglossidae Green Pond Frog Euphlyctis hexadactylus LC IV
REPTILES
1 Squamata Agamidae Changeable Lizard Calotes versicolor LC --
South Indian Rock
2 Squamata Agamidae Psammophilus dorsalis LC --
Agama
3 Squamata Boidae Red Sand Boa Eryx johnii NT IV
4 Squamata Colubridae Indian Rat Snake Ptyas mucosa LC II
5 Squamata Elapidae Common krait Bungarus caeruleus LC IV
6 Squamata Elapidae Indian Cobra Naja naja LC II
7 Squamata Pythonidae Indian Rock Python Python molurus NT I
Bengal Monitor
8 Squamata Varanidae Varanus bengalensis NT I
Lizard
9 Squamata Viperidae Russel's Viper Daboia russelii LC II
IUCN- International Union for Conservation of Nature; LC – Least Concern; VU: Vulnerable; WPA – Wildlife
(Protection) Act, 1972

d) Butterflies
The area is rich in the diversity and density of butterflies. During survey Common Tiger
(Danaus genutia) was the most frequently sighted butterfly species in the area. A total of 2
species of butterflies were sighted during the winter season area listed below in Table 8.

Table 8: Butterflies recorded from Study Area


Conservation Status
S. No. Family Scientific Name Common Name
IUCN 2022-2 WPA, 1972
1 Nymphalidae Danaus genutia Common tiger -- --
2 Nymphalidae Neptis hylas Common sailor -- --
3 Nymphalidae Euthalia nais Baronet -- --
4 Nymphalidae Junonia iphita Chocolate Pansy -- --
5 Nymphalidae Euploea core Common Crow LC IV
6 Nymphalidae Phalanta phalantha Lemon pansy LC --
7 Nymphalidae Danaus chrysippus Plain tiger LC --
8 Papilionidae Papilio demoleus Lime Butterfly -- --
9 Pieridae Eurema hecabe Common Grass Yellow LC --
IUCN Ver. 2022-2-International Union for Conservation of Nature; LC - Least Concern; WPA – Wildlife (Protection) Act,
1972

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MAMMAL SPECIES SIGHTED IN STUDY AREA

A Small Herd of Blackbuck spotted near Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir

SOME OF THE BIRD SPECIES SIGHTED DURING THE SURVEYS

Indian Spot-billed Duck Little Grebe Pied Kingfisher

White-throated Kingfisher Green Bee-eater Eurasian Collared Dove

Laughing Dove Rock Dove Indian Silverbill

Barn Swallow Long-tailed Shrike Common Babbler

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White-browed Wagtail Indian Robin Purple Sunbird

Baya Weaver Red-vented Bulbul Common Myna

Little Egret Purple Heron Indian Cormorant

Little Cormorant Red-wattled Lapwing Yello-wattled Lapwing

Herpetofauna recorded in the Study Area

Changeable Lizard South Indian Rock Agama Indian Bullfrog

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Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife Management Plan Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project

BUTTERFLY SPECIES SIGHTED DURING THE SURVEYS

Common Tiger Common Sailor

e) Conservation Status of Fauna


Different faunal species like mammals and birds were assessed for their conservation
status according to IUCN Red List categories (Ver. 2022-2) accessed in September 2023 and
WPA (1972) Schedules. Different faunal species like mammals and birds were assessed for
their conservation status according to IUCN Red List categories (Ver. 2022-2) accessed in
September 2023 and WPA (1972) Schedules.

Among the mammals, 5 species viz. Common Leopard (Panthera pardus), Sloth Bear
(Melursus ursinus), Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra), Chinkara (Gazella bennettii) and Four-
horned Antelope (Tetracerus quadricornis) are categorised as schedule I species. Wild Dog
(Cuon alpinus), Golden Jackal (Canis aureus), Bengal Fox (Vulpes bengalensis) Jungle Cat
(Felis chaus), Indian Grey Mongoose (Herpestes edwardsii), Striped Hyaena (Hyaena
hyaena), Common Palm Civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus), Bonnet Macaque (Macaca
radiata), Rhesus Monkey (Macaca mulatta), Northern Plain Gray Langur (Semnopithecus
entellus) and Indian Giant Squirrel (Ratufa indica) are listed under schedule II category. Rest
of the mammalian species are listed under schedule II and IV category of WPA, 1972 (refer
to Table 5). As per the WPA, 1972, Python and Monitor Lizard are categorised as schedule I
species, India Rat Snake, Indian Cobra and Russel’s Viper as schedule II and Indian Bullfrog,
Green Pond Frog, Red Sand Boa and Common Krait are categorised under schedule IV
species (Table 7).

As per the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, Version 2022-2, Wild Dog is listed under
Endangered (EN) category, Common Leopard, Sloth Bear, Four-horned Antelope, Sambar
Deer and Bonnet Macaque under Vulnerable (VU) category, Striped Hyaena and
Leschenault’s Rousette are listed under Near Threatened (NT) category. While, all birds
have been listed under Least Concern (LC) category. As per the Wildlife (Protection) Act
1972, all species are listed as Schedule IV category (refer to Table 6).

In case of herpetofauna, Python (Python molurus), Bengal Monitor Lizard (Varanus


bengalensis) and Red Sand Boa (Eryx johnii) are listed under Near Threatened (NT)
category. All other species are listed under Least Concern (LC) category as per the IUCN Red
List of Threatened Species version 2022-2 (refer to Table 7). Among the butterflies, all
species are either listed under Least Concern (LC) or not evaluated by IUCN Red List

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categories (Ver. 2022-2). As per the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, Common Crow (Euploea
core) is categorised as schedule IV species (refer to Table 8).

f) Aquatic Ecology
Fish and Fisheries
Proposed project is Closed Loop Off-stream project. Gandikota Reservoir, constructed on
the Pennar River, feeds the water required for the Paidipalem balancing reservoir. Water
from the fore shores of Gandikota reservoir will be lifted to Paidipalem Balancing Reservoir.
The proposed Pumped Storage project utilises water from the existing Paidipalem Balancing
reservoir. A separate lower reservoir is envisaged towards North of Paidipalem Balancing
Reservoir.

For the documentation of fish fauna in the project area, experimental fishing was carried
out during the field visit. No fish species were landed during experimental fishing from
different Rivers and reservoirs. Data on the fish fauna in the study area was documented
through information collected through public consultation in the study area during field
visits and information available in published research papers and draft CEIA report on
Gandikota PSP. According to this list, 15 species are reported in the study area (Table 9).

The nomenclature of fish species is based upon https://www.fishbase.in. According to IUCN


Red List 2022-2, Cirrhinus cirrhosis (Mrigal) and Wallago Catfish (Wallago attu) are listed
under the Vulnerable (VU) category, while the rest of the species are under the Least
Concern (LC) category.

Table 9: Butterflies recorded from Study Area


S. No. Family/zoological name Vernacular name IUCN status 2022-2
Bagridae
1 Mystus bleekeri Day's mystus LC
2 Mystus tengara Tengara Catfish LC
Channidae
3 Channa punctatus Spotted Snakehead LC
4 Cirrhinus cirrhosus Mrigal carp VU
5 Channa gachus Dwarf Snakehead LC
Cyprinidae
6 Labeo bata Minor Carp LC
7 Labeo calbasu Karnataka Labeo LC
8 Catla catla Catla LC
9 Cirrhinus mrigala Mrigal LC
10 Puntius stigma Pool Barb LC
11 Labeo rohita Rohu LC
12 Puntius sarana Olive Barb LC
13 Puntius ticto Tecto Barb LC
Gobidae
14 Glossogobius giuris Bareye goby LC
Siluridae
15 Wallago attu Wallago Catfish VU

1.5 Protected Areas


All the project components are falling outside Rajiv Gandhi National Park. The location of
Rajiv Gandhi National Park with respect to project components is shown in Figure 3.

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Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife Management Plan Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project

Figure 3: Map Showing Aerial Distance of Proposed Project from boundary of Rajiv Gandhi National Park

1.6 Threats to Biodiversity & Wildlife


The fragmentation of forested landscape in the area is likely to happen due to acquisition
of forest land thereby change in land use, degradation of adjoining forested landscape due
to various project construction activities. Therefore, land use change and construction
activities will affect biodiversity in the study area. Such activities might lead to increased
disturbance to wildlife in the area, man-animal conflict, introduction of exotic weedy plant
species into the adjacent forested area. Major threats to biodiversity and wildlife in the
project area are as follows.

a) Diversion of Forest land for Project:


The proposed project is being constructed in the jurisdiction of Andhra Pradesh Forest
Department. For the development of Paidipalem North PSP, the total forest land
requirement has been worked out as 159.84 ha. The forest land in the area is comprised of
dry Deciduous and Scrub Forest. The diversion of forest land for project i.e., land use
change will immediately put wildlife present in those forest patches under stress leading to
landscape fragmentation. Increased access to nearby forests by construction of new roads
will result in disturbance to wildlife by degradation as well as loss of habitats thereby
affecting wildlife populations in the area.

A large population of workers from other areas, including technical staff, workers, and
other groups of people is likely to congregate in the area during the peak project
construction phase. It can be assumed that the technical staff will be of higher economic
status and will live in a more urbanized habitat, and will not use wood as fuel if adequate
alternate sources of fuel are provided. However, workers and other population groups
residing in the area may use fuel wood, if no alternate fuel is provided. The workers may
also cut trees to meet their requirements for the construction of houses, furniture.
Normally in such situations, a lot of indiscriminate use or wastage of wood is also observed,
especially in remote or inaccessible areas.

Other major impact on the flora in and around the project area would be due to increased
level of human interferences. The forest in the area is well known for Pterocarpus
santalinus, with the common names Red Sanders. The Red Sander is endemic to eastern

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ghat and listed under Endangered category by IUCN. The species is widely distributed over
forest area of Chittoor, Annamayya, Kadapa, Kurnool and Nellore districts in Andhra Pradesh.
There is huge demand for its heart wood for furniture also used for making the musical
instrument. The felling and trading of Red Sander is illegal in India. The acquisition of forest
land for no-forestry work will leads to the loss of habitat of Pterocarpus santalinus. In
addition to Pterocarpus santalinus, Pterocarpus marsupium, Chloroxylon swietenia and
Syzygium alternifolium are the tree species reported from the forest area in the vicinity of
project are under listed as RET species by IUCN ver 2022-2.

During the construction period, a large number of machinery and construction workers
shall be mobilized, which may create disturbance to the wildlife population in the vicinity of
the project area. The operation of various equipment will generate significant noise,
especially during blasting which will affect the fauna of the area. The noise may scare the
fauna and force them to migrate to other areas. Likewise, siting of construction plants,
workshops, stores, labour camps, etc. could also lead to adverse impacts on the fauna of
the area. During the construction phase, accessibility to the area will lead to an influx of
workers and the people associated with the allied activities from outside will also increase.
An increase in human interference could have an impact on the terrestrial ecosystem.

Thus, it is necessary to formulate a conservation and management plan to mitigate the


adverse impacts on terrestrial flora during the project construction phase.

b) Operation Phase Impacts


On completion of the construction of the project, the land used for construction activities
will be restored. Construction workers who have resided in that area will move to another
project site. By ensuring all the mitigation and management measures, as planned for this
project, are implemented to minimize the impact of the construction phase, a large part of
the area will return to more or less its original form. Operation phase impacts on flora and
fauna will be positive due to green belt development, restoration of construction areas,
restoration of the muck disposal area and implantation of biodiversity management and
Wildlife Conservation Plan. An increase of greenery in the area and the creation of the
reservoir will have a positive impact on wildlife habitat and avifaunal diversity.

c) Human Wildlife Conflict:


Deforestation, growing human settlements, expansion of agricultural land and
fragmentation of natural habitat and grazing ground of species like Wild Boar are the
causes behind rising of human wildlife conflict. In the study area human-wildlife conflict in
terms of crop damage is perhaps more common and causes huge loss to the farmers.

d) Hunting and poaching:


Damage of crops by species like Monkey, Langur, Wild Boar, etc. results as hunting and
killing of these wild animals by means of poisoning or with the help of hunters.

e) Illegal cutting of trees:


The area well known for Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus) forest. There is huge demand
for its heart wood for furniture and for making the musical instrument in international

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market. The felling and trading of Red Sander is illegal in India. Also, the stakeholders from
the study area depends upon forest for their day to day need of fodder, fuelwood, and other
non-Timber Forest products (NTFP) as well as timber wood needs. This results in
tremendous pressure on the forests.

f) Grazing pressure:
The scrub forest in the area is under heavy grazing pressure by the livestock and is
susceptible to damage by livestock.

2. BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PLAN

2.1 OBJECTIVES OF MANAGEMENT


Keeping in view of the anticipated impacts as per the foregoing chapters, the management
objectives can be described as:
i. Maintenance of ecological balance through preservation and restoration, wherever it
has been disturbed due to project developmental activities,
ii. Conservation and preservation of natural habitats in project surrounding
iii. Mitigation and control of project induced biotic and/or abiotic pressures/ influences
that may affect the natural habitats,
iv. Habitat enhancement in project area by taking up afforestation and soil conservation
measures,
v. Creating all round awareness regarding conservation and ensuring people’s
participation in the conservation efforts and minimizing human wildlife conflict.

2.2 MITIGATION MEASURES


The following management strategies including shall be implemented by forest department
in the impact area of proposed project.
i. Habitat Improvement of Schedule-I species through conservation and preservation
of natural habitats in project surrounding
ii. Infra-structure development
iii. Anti-Poaching measures
iv. Training Programme for Techniques of faunal species Rescue
v. Prevention of Forest Fire
vi. Creating all round awareness regarding conservation and ensuring people’s
participation in the conservation efforts and minimizing human wildlife conflict.

2.3 CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT MEASURES


Wildlife conservation is the preservation and protection of animals, plants, and their
habitats. The most effective way of biodiversity management and wildlife conservation in
the area are habitat management through habitat enhancement, preservation and
improvement, conducting conservation programmes and creation of environmental
awareness involving local people, and strict enforcement of wildlife protection laws.

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2.3.1 Wildlife Habitat Preservation & Improvement


i. Afforestation and Enrichment plantation
Afforestation and enrichment plantation will be carried out in the area. Area under forest
and tree cover will be expanded through systematic planning and implementation of
afforestation and rehabilitation programme on available community lands. Afforestation
programme in the degraded Forest Compartments is also proposed to be carried out in the
surrounding to the project area. The sites and species to be planted will be finalized by the
state Forest Department as the program will be implemented by them.

Plantation site will be trench fenced and brushwood fence, for the protected from cattle
grazing. With the improvement in habitat of wildlife the incidences of human wildlife
conflict will accordingly reduce. The estimate cost for plantation over about 25 ha degraded
forest land in the surrounding of Project area has been worked @ Rs. 1,50,000 per ha for
Enrichment plantation. The enrichment plantation will be carried along the periphery of
upper reservoir in the adjoining forest area. As such, no additional forest land will be diverted
for this purpose.

ii. Farm Forestry


The project area harbours number of economically important plants like Tectona grandis,
Terminalia spp., etc. These valuable resources will be directly useful to the people of the
area which can form the basis of economic upliftment.

With a view to reduce dependence on the natural forests for biomass and other non-
timber forest products (NTFPs) or minor forest produce (MFP) alternate resources need to
be building up. NTFPs/MFP plantations will be carried out on the community land,
degraded land, fallow lands which help in sustainable land management and also a tool for
reclamation. An area of about 8 ha in will be developed.

Decentralized nurseries will be created with the help of forest department. Species to be
raised are primarily to cater to fuel, fodder, and small timber needs. Seedlings will be
distributed every year to villagers on a nominal rate. The distribution will be facilitated
through Forest Range office in the area. Forest department may take up prior survey with
the help of local administrative bodies/panchayats to assess the requirement plants.

A budgetary estimate has been made @ Rs. 1,00,000.00 per ha under this head. The
estimated cost for farm forestry is Rs. 8.00 lakh.

2.3.2 Development and Management of Grassland


In order to prevent seeds from getting washed away and to ensure uniform growth of
grasses, seed pellets of grasses will be sown at regular intervals. Pellets are made by mixing
powdered clay and farmyard manure into which grass seeds are mixed. The mixture is then
made into balls of and sun dried in summer to be sown soon after de-weeding. This will
also help in arresting erosion to a great extent. The estimated cost for sowing of grasses is
Rs. 25.00 lakh.

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2.3.3 Awareness Programme


The success of any conservation plan of this magnitude is entirely hinged on the active
support and wholehearted co-operation of all stakeholders with the members of public
playing a major role. For this purpose, meetings and workshops will be organized from village
to village on regular basis. Functions like Van Mahotsav, Wildlife Week, World Forestry Day,
and World Environment Day will be organized in a befitting manner to which village heads,
members of public representatives’ system at Gram Panchayat level, local leaders and
members of NGO will be involved. The topics should include deterioration of biodiversity,
habitat loss, control of Blue Bull and Wild Boar damages and other human wildlife conflicts,
fire damage control and how best the vegetation can be revamped etc. Members of public
will be encouraged to speak. Student community should also be sensitized on various
conservation issues.

Considering that the wildlife populations will be impacted by project construction activities
and also due to influx of migrant labour force, mitigation measures should also be taken for
the larger area. The following measures are proposed:
• Control on poaching.
• Awareness campaigns aimed at creating awareness towards respecting the habitat
protection in general and the protection of wildlife species in particular.

Under this programme, various activities viz. training, publishing of pamphlets, brochures,
hoardings, etc. shall be carried out during the construction phase of the project. The
following activities are planned under this programme:

Observance of Wildlife Week: The wildlife week will be celebrated every year in the month
of March to assess all the tasks set aside for wildlife management. Under this programme,
seminars, art competitions and awareness campaigns will be held.

Nature Club: Nature clubs will be introduced at Higher secondary and High school level in
the project area. They will be imparted education by means of audio-visual aids so as to
sensitize them about importance of wildlife conservation.

Involvement of Village Panchayats and NGOs: The Panchayats of affected villages and
active NGOs in the project area would be involved to disseminate the knowledge about the
benefits of the proposed project and ensuring greater participation in the conservation
efforts and safeguard the environment of the area.

For implementation of awareness programme an amount of Rs. 1.00 lakh/year has been
budgeted.

2.3.4 Budget
Total budget for the Biodiversity Management & Wildlife Conservation Plan would be Rs.
74.50 lakh. The breakup of the budget is given at Table 10 below.

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Table 10: Budget for Biodiversity Management & Wildlife Conservation Plan
S. Total Amount
Particulars
No. (Rs. in lakh)
Afforestation and Enrichment in the adjoining forest area along the
1 37.50
periphery of upper & lower reservoir (@1,50,000/ha for 25 ha)
2 Farm forestry for fuelwood and timber (@100000/ha for 5 ha) 8.00
3 Development and Management of Grasslands (lump sum) 25.00
4 Awareness Programme @ Rs. 1 lakh/year for 4 years 4.00
Total 74.50

3. CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF SCHEDULE-I SPECIES

3.1 Introduction
The development activities often present a threat to biodiversity in the area like habitat
destruction, degradation, fragmentation through overexploitation, poaching, hunting,
pollution, etc. Therefore, developmental projects are required to maintain ecological
integrity to ensure biodiversity conservation and sustainable development together. The
impacts need be mitigated or minimized substantially through well drafted conservation
management plan. The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 mandates protection of plants
and animal species by way of listing them under different schedules to provide them
varying degrees of protection. Schedule I and part II of Schedule II provide absolute
protection and offences under these are prescribed the highest penalties. Key strategies
required for any biodiversity management plan are in situ strategy, ex situ strategy,
reduction of anthropogenic pressure and rehabilitation of endangered species.

3.2 Schedule-I Species (WPA 1972) Reported in the Study Area


The details of biodiversity in the study area have already given in section 1.4. According to
it Leopard (Panthera pardus) and Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus), molurus), Blackbuck
(Antilope cervicapra), Chinkara (Gazella bennettii), Four-horned Antelope (Tetracerus
quadricornis) Indian Rock Python (Python molurus molurus) and Indian Monitor Lizard
(Varanus bengalensis), are the Schedule-I species as per Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act,
1972 reported from the study area.

3.3 Conversation Measures for Schedule-I Species


a. Habitat improvement: Leopards live in a variety of dry and wet forests, and in some
grasslands, where boulders and scattered shrubs and trees provide shelter. The
Leopard has the widest habitat tolerance than any big cat in India. Habitat of the
species will be improved by planting suitable species in surrounding areas. The prey
species preferred by leopard will be conserved to ensure sufficient prey availability,
which will also reduce the conflict with humans. The prey species preferred by
leopard will be conserved to ensure sufficient prey availability which will also reduce
the conflicts with humans.

In addition to conservation of Sloth Bear habitat, restoration of habitat through


community-based forestry activities needs to be implemented. Community-based
forestry programs could significantly expand habitat for sloth bears. The benefits of this

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community-based approach to maintaining ecosystem integrity thus extends well beyond


sloth Bear.

b. Biological Fences: Conflicts generally arises when leopard or Sloth Bear enters in
human settlements, which indirectly reflect the condition of adjacent forested areas, i.e.
its ability to support Leopard and Sloth Bear habitat. Protective Fencing to Protect
Livestock: Biological fences will be used to protect the livestock from the leopard
attack.

c. Strict Protection Measures: The Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 provides us with the
statutory framework for wildlife conservation, and Poaching is a crime against
wildlife. During interview and discussion with local people it was noted that study
area is not prone to poaching or any other wildlife violence related to leopard. But,
precaution will be always taken while dealing with wildlife. The contact information of
concern wildlife and forest department will be provided to every worker or at the field
office. If any kind of poaching or other offense is noticed; it will be immediately
clued-up to the concern Forest and Wildlife Officials. More importantly, worker will
make aware of wildlife crime and subsequent penalties and punishment.

d. Monitoring Mechanism: For identification and management suitable habitat of different


species in the forest area, continuous monitoring become necessary. Therefore, to
understand the movement and habitat suitability for conservation of wild species
periodic monitoring and surveillance mechanism should be practiced with the help of
Wildlife Camera Traps.

d. Small earthen material lined water tanks will be created in the identifies habitat area
as well as to make sure availability of drinking water.

e. Litter burning will be discouraged strictly. Litter burning practices destruct habitat and
destroy feeding material and remove the cover and nesting materials necessary for
shelter and protection from predators.

f. Public Awareness Programme: Involvement of local people in conservation activities will


be ensured by organizing meetings and seminars from village to village on regular basis
to carry the people along with implementation.

Awareness generation between farmers and local villagers about the nature and ecological
importance of the species. Villagers would be encouraged to use natural manure such as
cow dung and vermicompost (compost prepared by earthworms which convert organic
waste into manure) instead of chemical fertilizers and pesticides that mostly kill insects
(food of monitor lizard) which limit food supply. Insects are an important prey-item
during the incubation period and for juvenile’s growth.

The support of village heads and other members of gram panchayat, local leaders and
members of regional NGO would be solicited to execute the proposed awareness and
habitat improvement programmes. Functions like wildlife week, world forestry day, Van
Mahotsav and world environment day will be organized. The discussion may evolve

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around habitat loss, human- wildlife conflicts and how best the vegetation can be revamped
etc.

Moreover, a training workshop for all workers will be conducted at the start of any project.
It will include formal training on the importance of biodiversity and to make available the
information about the flora and fauna of high conservation value present in the area.
Information on Wildlife policies and Government regulation and penalties will be provided
to workers. Similar kinds of activities will be done time to time to enhance the interest of
mine workers in the conservation.

3.4 Management Measures


In view of the above, various Management and Conservation measures like Habitat
improvement, development of Biological Fences using suitable plant species,
enforcement of Strict Protection Measures, Public Awareness Programme involving
villagers and forest officials for protection and conservation of various species, Anti-
Poaching measures, Construction and filling of water holes and check dams/Ponds, tube
wells etc, Support/Provision of veterinary care, cages, rescue centers, etc., Infra-structure
development (Surveillance Equipment’s like Cameras, Wireless Sets, GPS etc)., Training
Programme for Rescue Techniques of faunal species, Prevention of Forest Fire activities
like Training and Infrastructure facilities etc., have been proposed.

3.4.1 Veterinary care


Following provision has been made for ensure the veterinary care of wildlife in the
protected area.

i. Creation of veterinary facilities and rescue centres for healthcare of wild animals and
for disease control. For this purpose, it is essential to maintain medical facilities in the
veterinary centres.
ii. Provision of 01 mobile-rescue-cum-rehabilitation-van with financial provision of Rs.
12.00 lakh.
iii. For Maintenance of mobile-rescue-cum-rehabilitation-van and medical supplies provision
of Rs. 2.00 lakh/ year for 4 years has been proposed under this plan.
iv. Training programme shall be organised for upgradation of knowledge and techniques of
faunal species rescue and veterinary care. A total budget of Rs. 4.00 lakh has been
proposed for training programme.

3.4.2 Training to Local Youth


In addition to activities like management and conservation of habitat and provision of
veterinary care for faunal species in the area, training programme for interested local
youths and officials of forest department about the rescue techniques of faunal species
with the help of recognized organizations, wildlife professionals and NGO’s.

3.4.3 Prevention of Forest Fire


This being a tropical forest, it is prone to fire. Forest fire is caused both naturally as well as
by the human beings. Anthropogenic causes will be minimized through forming a fire line
around the forest area. The following measures are therefore proposed to be taken to
prevent forest fire:

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i. Fire Fighting Equipments: These Fire watchers will also be equipped with certain Fire
Fighting Equipments such as Fire resistance dress, Water bottle, Axe, Shoes etc. to
attend to emergencies. Therefore, financial provision has been made for fire-fighting
equipments.
ii. Clearing of Fire Line: Fireline will be cleared over a vulnerable area.
iii. Training & Awareness: Financial provision to organise firefighting training for forest
officials and villagers residing around project area has been made under this Plan.

3.4.4 Construction and Maintenance of Water Holes/ Ponds in Wildlife Habitat.


For easy accessibility of drinking water for wildlife within the forest area provision of water
holes/ artificial ponds has been made. Fund has been allocated for construction of new
waterholes/ ponds and maintenance of existing waterholes/ ponds in the forest area. A
total of Rs. 15.00 lakh has been allocated for waterholes. In addition to the cost of
construction and maintenance, provision of Rs. 2.50 lakh/ year for 4 years has been made
for water supply and filling of dry ponds during dry season.
3.4.5 Safeguards during construction phase
During the construction phase, various adverse impacts on the forest and wildlife are
anticipated in the surrounding areas of the proposed project in terms of increased noise
levels, release of air and water pollutants, etc. To avoid and minimize the negative impacts
of these activities, project authorities are advised to prepare strict guidelines as suggested
below:
(i) Minimum levels of noise during construction activities will be maintained and ambient
noise should be monitored periodically at different locations as outlined in
Environment Monitoring Program.
(ii) Strict restrictions shall be imposed on the workers at project sites to ensure that they
do not harvest any species/produce from the forests and cause any danger or harm to
the animals and birds in the wild.
(iii) The provision made for community kitchen and ensure the supply of the kitchen fuel
from the nearest depots to avoid forest degradation and destruction of forest and
wildlife habitats.
(iv) The interference of human population would be kept to a minimum in the adjacent
forested areas and it would be ensured that the contractors do not set up labour
colonies in the vicinity of forests and wilderness areas.

3.4.6 Budgetary Provisions


The total budget allocated focusing on Conservation plan for Schedule -I species is Rs 88.00
lakh, under Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife Management Plan of Paidipalem North
PSP. The Break-up of the budget is given in Table 11.

Table 11: Break-up for Wildlife Management and Conservation Plan for Schedule I Species
S. No. Activity Fund Allocated
(Rs in Lakh)
1 Habitat Improvement by development of vegetation cover by 0.0*
plantation with suitable species.
Biological fence (Bamboo species, Euphorbia sp., Agave americana,
etc.) around the habitation and around the agriculture fields 15.00
2
adjoining to forest area to control human wildlife conflict
3 Construction and filling of water holes and ponds in wildlife habitat. 25.00

R S Envirolink Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 26


Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife Management Plan Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project

Fund Allocated
S. No. Activity (Rs in Lakh)
4 Support/Provision of veterinary care, cages, recuse centers, etc. 24.00
5 Anti-Poaching measures and preventing illegal tree felling 5.00
6 Training Programme for Techniques of faunal species rescue 4.00
7 Prevention of Forest Fire: Training and Infrastructure facilities 15.00
Total 88.00
*Covered under Biodiversity Management & Wildlife Conservation Plan (refer table 7)

4. STRENGTHENING OF INFRASTRUCTURAL FACILITIES OF FOREST DEPARTMENT


Under this plan Project authority would assist the State Forest Department in
strengthening the infrastructure facilities, which are poorly developed in the area. Various
activities which are necessary for the forest protection plan are described in the following
paragraphs.

i) For improvement of vigilance and measures to check poaching, check posts and watch
towers will be needed. In order to strengthen the working capacity, the workforce of
the State Forest/Wildlife Department they must be provided with necessary equipment
such as a camera, wireless, binoculars GPS, search lights, health kits, etc. that would
increase their capability and efficiency of monitoring.
ii) The construction of inspection paths and watch towers for more effective and
meaningful patrolling by the department.
iv) Creation of veterinary facilities and rescue camps for healthcare of wild animals and for
disease control. For this purpose, it is essential to maintain a stock of medicines in
addition to setting up of a mobile-rescue-cum-rehabilitation-van.

Project authorities would provide funds to State Forest Department. Total financial outlay
under this head would be Rs. 25.00 lakh.

5. MONITORING AND EVALUATION


The monitoring and evaluation of Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife Management Plan
of Paidipalem North PSP will be carried out by a Biodiversity Management Committee
(BMC). The committee will follow the guidelines of National Biodiversity Authority, State
Biodiversity Conservation Strategy Action Plans (SBCSAP) and State Forest Department to
implement, monitor and evaluate the Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife Management
Plan of the proposed Project. The activities of BMC shall be under the direct administrative
control of the Chief Wildlife Warden/Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Andhra
Pradesh. The BMC will comprise of the following members:

Chief Wildlife Warden/Principal Chief Conservator of


Forests, Andhra Pradesh Chairman
Manager (Environment), New & Renewable Energy
Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (NREDCAP) Member Secretary
Divisional Forest Officer of the concerned Division Member
Experts form State University and Active NGO’s Member
Local Body’s Representatives from the villages Member

The Chairman of the committee will have the right to assign various activities to various
members for proper functioning and result-oriented tasks. The committee will monitor the
progress of the proposed plan. Total financial outlay for the BMC would be Rs. 4.00 lakh only.

R S Envirolink Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 27


Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife Management Plan Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Project

6. LOCATIONS OF PROPOSED INTERVENTION


Proposed intervention shall be implemented by State Forest department. Hence the selection
of site for implementation of proposed measures will be finalized by state forest department.

7. FINANCIAL PROVISION
The total budget allocated focusing on Biodiversity and Wildlife Conservation and
Management Plan including conservation and management measures for Schedule-I
species is Rs 191.50. Lakh. The Break-up of the budget is given in Table 12.

Andhra Pradesh State Forest Department shall be the executing agency for implementation
of the proposed mitigation measure under Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife
Management Plan in the surrounding of proposed project site, therefore, a total amount of
Rs. 191.50 lakh will be deposited with the State Forest Department for taking up proposed
activities within the area.

Table 12: Total Cost of Biodiversity Management and Wildlife Conservation Plan
Fund Allocated
S. No. Activity
(Rs in Lakh)
1 Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife Management Plan 74.50
2 Conservation & Management of Schedule-I Species 88.00
3 Strengthening of Infrastructural Facilities of Forest Department 25.00
4 Monitoring And Evaluation 4.00
Total 191.50

R S Envirolink Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 28


GOVERNMENT OF ANDHRA PRADESH
ABSTRACT

Energy Department - Proposal for setting up 2,2OO MW Fumped Hydro


Storage Power Projects, 3,500 MW Solar Power and 1,500 MW Wind Power
Projects by M/s. Indosol Solar Private Limited - Allotment of Captive Power
Plants of 2,2OO MW Pumped Hydro Storage Power Projects, 3,500 MW Solar
Power and 1,500 MW Wind Power Projects in Nandyal, Kurnool and YSR
Districts for energ, requirement to the proposed Integrated Solar PV
Manulacturing Unit at Nellore District- Orders - Issued.

ENERGY (POWER.II) DEPARTMENT

G.O.Ms.No. 19 Dated:-L2.O9.2022
Read the following: -

1.G.O.Ms.No.1, Enerry (Power.ll) Dept, dt:3, l-2019.


2.G. O. Ms, No. 2, Energr(Power. II) Dept-, dated:3- 1 -20 1 9.
3.G. O.M s. No.3, Energr (Power.ll) Dept, dated:3 - 7 -2O 19.
4.G.O.Ms.No.35, Energr (Power.ll) Dept, dated: 18-1 1-2019 and
G.O.Ms.No. 1, dated: l -3-2021.
S.Proposals received on 23.08.2022 ol M/s Indosol Solar Private
Limited, Hyderabad.
6.Govt Letter No. ENEO 1 -APRE I I 3 I 2022, dated:23 -O8-2O22.
7.From the Vice Chairman & Managing Director, New and Renewable
Energr Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (NREDCAP),
letter No. NREDCAP/WE/PSP/lndosoll 2022 dated 25.08.2O22 and
29.08.2022.
8.From the Chairman & Managing Director, APIRANSCO, vide letter
No.CMD / CGM / Commercial & Legal / RAC / F -O5 I 2022,
dt:27.O8.2022.
9.From the Member-Convenor, APPCC, Vijayawada, letter No.CGM/
PP/ DGM / REP Projects/ D. No. I 22, dated:27 -O8-2O22.

ORDER:-
Government of Andhra Pradesh is giving prioriry for promotion of
Renewable Energr Power projects and has been rolling out multiple
initiatives, programs, policies and incentives to accelerate the development
of the renewable energr sector. The State is having good RE power potential
particularly in Rayalaseema rcgion ',l,here huge extents of lands have been
identified for promotion of RE power projects by inviting private investments.

2. Further, the GoVernment of India has committed at the 26th session


of the Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Glasgow, United Kingdom
to reach 500 GW Non-fossil ener$T capacity by 2030 and achieve the target
of net zero emissions by 2O7O.
(P.r.o.)
2

3. ln the G.O lst to 4th read above Government have issued orders
providing incentives for large scale promotion of Wind Power, Solar Power
and Wind-Solar hybrid Power Projects in the State of Andhra Pradesh.

4. In order to balance the variations in RE generation, reliable Energr


Storage solutions are required. Though various ener$/ storage technologies
are available, Pumped Hydro Storage Power Projects (PSP) offer highest
promise due to their flexible operation to balance the Variable Renewable
generation in short span of time. Andhra Pradesh is in forefront in the
country in identifying potential sites lor promotion of Pumped Storage Hydro
Power Projects. Techno-Commercial Feasibility Reports (TCFR) were
prepared with an aggregate potential of 33,240 MW. Detailed Project Reports
are under preparation lor most viable locations in phased manner.
Considering the huge capital investments required to establish PSP Projects,
the Government is intending to encourage private investments in already
identical PSP projects.

5. M/s. ISPL is setting up fully integrated Solar PV manufacturing


industry from Poly-silica to Ingot-wafer to Cell to Module which is being set
up in the State. M/ s ISPL won the Production Linked Incentive Scheme
announced by Govt. of India to promote domestic manufacturing and reduce
imports of Solar Panels which also aligns with the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat
Initiative of Govt. of India.

6. In the reference Sth read above, M/s Indosol Solar Pvt. Ltd. (ISPL),
Hyderabad, have submitted the proposal to the Government to allocate the
Captive Power Plants to meet their Power Requirements for the Green Field
Vertically Integrated Solar Photovoltaic Manufacturing Unit for allocation of
1.50 GW Wind Power, 3.5 GW Solar Power and 2.2 GW Pumped storage
power Projects:-

Captive Plants Capacity Location


Wind Plant 1.5 GW Dhone West, Gunduthanda
H ebbatam
Solar Plant 3.5 GW Kolimigundla (V), Kurnool
District :1200 MW,
Urinchintala, Ananthapur
District: 600 MW,
M. Kambaladinna (V): 600 MW,
Thondur (V) : 400 MW, Kadapa
District,Kambadur, Ananthapur
District: 700 MW
Pumped Storage 2CW Paidipalcm North & East
Plant

(Contd..P.3)
::3::
7 . The estimated capitai expenditure for proposed solar PV module
manufacturing unit is indicated as Rs. 20,836 Crores in the 1st phase with
a potential to create employment for more than 5,000 people in AP State.
The project is expected to create huge employment opportunities to about
1 1 ,500 people directly and 10,000 - t I ,000 people indirectly in a phased
manner (3 phases) over a period of 5 years. The manufacturing facility being
set up by M/s. ISPL is highly energr intensive and requested the
Government for allocation ol PSP, Solar and Wind Power Projects to meet the
captive power requirements thereby reducing the cost of power for their
manufacturing facilify will bring down the cost of manufacturing of solar cell
and they can compete with International Market. In the case of Captive
Power Plants an amount of Rs.25,000 crores of revenue to the Government
and 1 1,000 persons will get direct and indirect employments u.ith the
proposed project.

8. The proposal of M/s. Indosol Solar Pvt. Ltd. has been placed before
State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB) meeting held on 05.O9.2022. The
SIPB has taken the following decisions:
i. Allotment of Pumped Storage Hydro Power (PSP) Projects and Solar
Power and Wind Power Projects as follows:
a. Paidipalem East Pumped Storage Power Project in YSR Dist.-
1200 MW
b.Paidipalem North Pumped Storage Power Project in YSR Dist.-
1000 Mw
c.Solar Power in Kolimigundla mandal, Kurnool District -
3500 MW
d.Wind Power in Dhone West and Hebattam of Holagunda
mandal, Kurnool District -1500 MW

ll Extend Mega Industrial Project Status to the project to facilitate


single windou, clearances. NREDCAP will be the Nodal Agency.
However, no incentives will be provided.

lll Allotment and alienation of revenue land available if any at the


PSP project locations on outright salc basis (.r_l Rs. 5.O0 lakhs per
acre or on lease basis with lease rentals of Rs.31,000/acre with
an annual escalation of 57o for every two years, based on the
option ol the Projcct developer at Simhadripuram Mandal, YSR
District.
IV. Allotment of project areas and allocation of revenue lands
available if any in the proposed project locations for Solar and
Wind power projects on lease basis with lease rentals of
Rs.31,000/acre with an escalation of 5% for every two years
without overlapping with the capacities of other developers as per

(P,T,O)
1

the provisions of AP Solar Power Policy 2018 and AP Wind Power


Policy 20 18 read with AP RE Export policy 2020. The land
allocation shall not exceed 3 acres per MW in case of Solar power
projects and 2.50 acres power projects at Kolimigundla (Mandal)
Nandyal District / M. Kambaladinne (V) and Kadarabad of
Mandal, YSR District for Solar Projects and Dhone West, Dhone
(Mandal) for Wind Projects.

Allocation of 3.0 TMC of water on one-time non-consumptive


basis and O.45 TMC water towards annual evaporation losses
from the existing Paidipalem Reservoir as per the Industrial
Water Supply Policy / Guidelines and subject to guidelines
issued by the Water Resources Department.

vl. Green Energr Development Charge shall be levied for the


component of Pumped Storage Power Project @ - Rs 1 lakh/ MW
of installed capacity/year for first 25 years from the date of
commissioning of the project and @) of Rs 2 Lakhs/ MW instalied
capacity/year thereafter.

v11. Govt. of Andhra Pradesh will support and facilitate the project for
availing grants of special category projects under central Govt.
schemes.

vlll Govt. of Andhra Pradesh will facilitate the project for availing
benefits provided as per National Energr Storage Policy without
any financial commitment from Govt. of Andhra Pradesh.

tx Payment of Rs. 50,0O0 per MW to rhe Nodal Agency (NREDCAP)


forPSP capacities towards registration charges within two
months from the date ol allocation of the projects by the
Government.
x Payment of Statutory fee and charges to NREDCAp for Wind and
Solar Power capacities within two months from the date of
allocation of the projects by the Government.
xl Reimbursement of actual expenditure incurred by the NREDCAp
by the developer, towards preparation of Feasibility Reports,
Detailed Project Report, carrying out various field investigations
and expenditur e towards obtaining various clearances of the said
PSP projects as and when demand notice is raised by NREDCAP.

xll. The project completion timelines in case of pSp projects is 6


Years and in case of Wind and Solar Power project is 2 years from
the date of handing over of revenue lands available if any at the
proposed project locations.

(Contd.P.5)
c

9. Government after detailed examination of the proposal of M/s. Indosol


Solar Pvt. Ltd., in consultation with various stakeholders i.e, Revenue Dept.,
EFS&T Dept./ WRD Department. APIRANSCO in the light of the decisions
taken in the State Investment Promotion Board, havc decided to extend the
incentives as per the decisions of State Investment promotion Board as per
the incentives given to the Adani Green Energr Limited/Greenko Energies
Private Limited in the case of Pumped Storage projects and policies of Solar,
Wind and Hybrid Policies of 2018 issued by the Govt in the G.Os lst to 4th
read above.

10. Accordingly, the Government here by issue the lollowing orders:-

l. 2200 MW of Pumped Storage Hydro Power (PSP) Projects, 3SO0 MW


of Solar Power and 1500 MW of Wind Power Projects are allotted to
M/s. Indosol Solar Pvt. Ltd. at the fotlowing locations:

Sl.No. Project Project Location Capacity


Com nent
1 Pumped Storagc Paidipalem East, 1200 MW
Hydro Project Simhadripuram
Mandal, YSR Dist.
2 Pumped Storage Paidipalem North, 1000 Mw
Hydro Project Simhadripuram
Mandal YSR Dist.
3 Solar Power Kolimigundla mandal, 3.500 MW
Kurnool Dist., M
Kambaladinne &
Kaderabad villages of
Mylavaram Mandal,
YSR Dist.
4 Wind Power Dhone West and 1500 MW
Hebattam, Holagunda
mandal, Nandyal/
Kurnool Districts.
Total 7,2OO MW

II Mega Industrial Project Status has been accorded to the project to


facilitate single window clearances. NREDCAP will be the Nodal
Agency. However, no incentives will be provided.

ll1. Allotment on lease basis/ alienation of revenue land available if


any at the PSP project locations either on outright sale basis @ Rs.
5.O0 lakhs per acre or on lease basis with lease rentals of
Rs.31,OOO/acre with an escalation of 57o for every two years, based
on the option of the Project developer at Simhadripuram Mandal,
YSR District.
(P.r.o.)
6

lV. Allotment of project areas and allocation of revenue lands available


if any in the proposed project locations for Solar and Wind power
projects on lease basis with lease rentals of Rs.31,000/acre with an
es..lrtio., of 57o for every two years without overlapping with the
capacities of other developers as per the provisions of AP Solar
Power Policy 2018 and AP Wind Power Policy 2018 read with AP RE
Export Policy 2O20. The land allocation sha11 not exceed @ 3 acres
p.i Uw in case of Solar Power projects in Kolimingundla Mandal,
kurnool District and M.Kambaladinne and Kaderabad villages of
Mylavaram Mandal, YSR District for Solar Projects and @2.50 acres
per MW at Dhone West, Dhone Mandal and Hebbattam village,
Holagunda Mandal , Kurnool District in case ol Wind Projects.

Aliocation ol 3.0 TMC of water on one-time non-consumptive basis


and 0.45 TMC water towards annual evaporation losses from the
existing Paidipalem Reservoir as per the Industrial Water Supply
Policy / Guidelines and subject to guidelines issued by the Water
Resources Department.

vl. Green Energr Development Charge sha11 be levied for the


component of Pumped Storage Power Project only @ - Rs1 lakh/
MW of installed capacity/year for first 25 years from the date of
commissioning of the project and Rs 2 Laklns I MW installed
capacity/year thereafl er.

v11 Govt. of Andhra Pradesh will support and facilitate the project for
availing grants of special category projects under Central Govt'
schemes.

v111. Govt. of Andhra Pradesh will facilitate the project for availing
benefits provided as per National Energ}r Storage Policy without
any financial commitment from Govt. of Andhra Pradesh.

1X Registration Charges of Rs. 50,0O0 per MW sha1l be paid to the


NREDCAP for PSP capacities within two months from the date of
this order.

x. Statutory fee and charges to NREDCAP shall be paid for Wind and
Solar Power capacities within two months from the date of this
order.

x1 Actual expenditure incurred by the NREDCAP towards preparation


of Feasibility Reports, Detailed Project Report, carrying out various
field investigations and expenditure towards obtaining various
clearances of the said PSP projects shall be reimbursed / paid by
M/s. Indosol Solar Pvt. Ltd. as and when demand notice is raised
by NREDCAP.
(Contd..P.7)
7

xll. The aliocated projects shall be executed and commissioned within


a period of 6 (Six) years from the date of handing over of revenue
Iands available if any at the proposed project locations, failing
which the entirc land shall be resumed back to the Government.

x l. The Porest Department shall extend necessary support and


facilitate to carry out surveys and investigations in forest areas and
diversion of forest lands.

1 1. The Revenue Department/ EFS & T/ Industries & Commerce/ Water


Resources Department/ AffRANSCO shall take necessary action
accordingly with respect to their issues mentioned at para 10 above.

12. The Vice Chairman & Managing Director, New and Renewable Energr
Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Ltd.,, Tadepalli shall take
further necessary action accordingly.

(BY ORDBR AND IN THI1] NAME OF THE GOVERNOR OF ANDHRA


PRADESH)

K. VIJAYANAND
SPECIAL CHIEF SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT

To
M/s Indosol Solar Pvt. Ltd., 6-3-879l8, 3rd Floor, G Pulla Reddy Sweets
Buildings, Begumpet, Hyderabad-SOO 0 16.
The Vice Chairman & Managing Director, NREDCAP, Tadepalli.
The Chairman & Managing Director, APIRANSCO, Vidyuth Soudha,
Vijayawada.
The Chiel Commissioner of Land Administration & Special Chief Secretary to
Government, APIIC Towers, Mangalagiri.
The Special Chief Secretary to Governmenr, Revcnuc Department.
The Special Chief Secretary to Government, Finance Department.
The Special Chief Secretary to Govt., Industries & Commerce Department.
The Special Chief Secretary to Government, EFS&T Department.
The Principal Secretary to Government, Water Resources Department.
The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, GoAP, Guntur.
The Collector & District Magistrate, Kurnool District.
The Collector & District Magistrate, Nandyal District.
The Collector & District Magistrate, YSR District.

Copv to:
The Commissioner of Industries, Vijayawada.
The Managing Director, APGENCO, Vidyuth Soudha, Vijayawada.
The Chairman & Managing Director, APSPDCL, Tirupati.
The Chairman & Managing Director, APCPDCL, Vijaya'*'ada.
The Chairman & Managing Director, APEPDCL, Visakhapatnam.
(P.r.o.)
B

The P.S to Special Chief Secretary to Chief Minister'


The P.S. to Secretary to Chief Ministcr.
The P.S. to Minister for Energr, FES & T and Mines & Geolory'
The P.S., to Special Chief Secretary to Government, Energr Dept
Sf/ Scs.

/ / FORWARDED: :BY ORDER/ /

K tlo.,-.
SECTION OFFICER

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