Iear Wrssii (Set A)

SECTION I: PROJECT DESCRIPTION
{Western Region System strengthening Scheme-II (Set-A)}
1.0 BACKGROUND:
Presently, Western Region (WR) is facing peak demand deficit of about 5000-6000
MW. During last 4-5 years, the generation addition in WR has been meagre as
compared to demand growth, resulting in substantial increase in power import from
Eastern Region (ER) and Southern Region. As per CEA National Electricity Plan for
transmission, power demand of the Western Region is expected to grow at the rate
of about 7.5%. As per the projected demand and expected generation addition
programme of the Western Region, it is envisaged that in next 5-6 years, about
4000 MW of power shall be imported from other regions, mainly from Eastern
Region. Western Region Strengthening Scheme-II has been evolved to strengthen
various parts of Western region. Further, based on advice of CEA, the entire
project has been split into four sets viz. Sets A, B, C & D for implementation. it was
subsequently decided by POWERGRID that Transmission Lines under Sets A & D
shall be implemented by POWERGRID on its own and Transmission Lines under
Sets B & C be implemented through 100% private participation. However, in the
event of 100% private participation not materializing for Transmission Lines under
Sets B & C, the same shall be implemented by POWERGRID on its own. All the
Substations (including establishment of new Substations, extension of existing
Substations and provisions for ICTs & Reactors) under the subject project (Set A, B,
C & D) shall be implemented by POWERGRID.
.
1.1 BENEFITS OF THE PROJECT:
This system has been planned for absorbing imported power in Eastern and
Central part of WR, Regional strengthening in Southern Maharashtra, Regional
strengthening in Gujarat and Regional strengthening in Northern Madhya Pradesh.
The proposed Western Region Strengthening Scheme-II shall take care of both
import of power from neighboring regions as well as facilitates further dispersal
towards various load centers of all parts of the region to meet the long term power
transfer requirement.
1.2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION (Set-A For absorbing import in Eastern and Central
part of WR Grid)
Presently, in addition to 220kV inter-regional links, Eastern and Western Regions

are interconnected through a 400kV D/C line between Rourkela and Raipur.
However, to enhance the level of import to about 4000 MW, Raipur - Rourkela
400kV East-West transmission corridor is proposed to be strengthened by
establishing a parallel 400kV Rourkela – Raigarh - Raipur link under East-West
inter-regional Transmission scheme. With this, Raipur substation would become a
major pooling station in eastern part of the Western Region for import of power
from Eastern region.
For transfer of power from Raipur to various parts of the region, it is proposed to
connect Raipur to Wardha through 400kV D/C line. Wardha, located in the eastern
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Initial Environment Assessment Report of WRSS-II
part of the region, is well connected with central part, thus, it shall facilitate
dispersal of imported power to various parts of the region. Further, Raipur - Wardha
being long section, series compensation has been proposed on this line to enhance
the power transfer capacity of the link. Thus, a high capacity parallel transmission
corridor would be developed between eastern and central part of the region.
Wardha is already proposed to be connected with Seoni as a part of Seoni-

Wardha-Akola-Aurangabad Transmission system through a 765 kV line (initially to
be operated at 400kV level). To strengthen this corridor, additional high capacity
765kV line between Wardha and Seoni (initially to be operated at 400kV) is
proposed, which would also cater to the contingency of outage of one circuit in the
transmission corridor.
Further, as large quantum of power shall be transferred to Wardha after its inter-
connection with Seoni and Raipur, it would become a major pooling station in the
Central part of the Region. For further dispersal of power from Wardha, towards
central part, a 400kV D/C line from Wardha to Parli is proposed. A large number of
transmission lines have been planned beyond Parli to develop transmission
corridor towards southern part of Maharashtra, so that share of Maharashtra from
Central Sector generating station/ import from Eastern Region can be delivered
with reliability and security. However, due to the difficulties in termination of a large
number of lines at existing Parli (MSEB) generation switchyard, a new 400kV
switching station at Parli (POWERGRID) with a 400kV interconnection to Parli
(MSEB) is proposed. Further, to develop a transmission corridor right from Raipur/
Bhadravati in eastern part of the Region, Parli (POWERGRID) has been proposed
to be connected with Bhadravati through a 400kV D/C line.
In this way, a parallel Transmission corridor right from eastern part of the region
towards central part would be developed to facilitate long-term power transfer
requirement.
Project Highlights
a) Project Name : Region System strengthening Scheme-II
(Set-A)
b) Location : Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra
c) Beneficiary States : Constituents of Western Region
d) Project Cost : US $ 164.34 million (including IDC)
1.3 Scope of work
Transmission Lines :
1. Seoni (POWERGROD) – Wardha (POWERGRID) 765 kV 2 nd 290 Km

S/C line (initially to be operated at 400kV)
2. Wardha (POWERGRID)–Parli (POWERGRID) 400 kV D/C 363 Km
(Quad.)
3. Raipur (POWERGRID) – Wardha (POWERGRID) 400 kV D/C 366 Km
line along with 25% fixed series compensation
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4. Bhadravati (POWERGRID) - Parli (POWERGRID) 400 kV 380 Km
D/C
5. Parli(MSEB) – Parli (POWERGRID) 400kV D/C 7 Km
Substations:
1. Seoni 400 kV Substation (POWERGRID) Extension

2. Parli 400 kV (New) Switching Substation (POWERGRID)
3. Parli 400 kV Substation (MSEB) Extension
4. Bhadravati 400 kV Substation (POWERGRID) Extension
5. Wardha 400/220 kV Substation (POWERGRID) Extension
6. Raipur 400/220 kV Substation (POWERGRID) Extension
A power map showing the transmission grid of Western Region highlighting the
above scope of works is placed as Exihibit-1.
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SECTION II: BASE LINE DATA
2.0 The project is located in the States of India viz. Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and
Chhattisgarh The basic details of the area under project are given below:
2.1 MAHARASHTRA:
Maharashtra, with an area of 30.77 million ha, is the third largest state of the country,
constituting 9.36% of the total geographic area. It lies between latitude 15 0 35’ and 220 02’
N and longitude 720 36’ and 800 54’ E.
Physiographically, the state can be divided into five regions viz Deccan Plateau, Central
Highland, Eastern Chotanagpur Plateau, Eastern Ghat and Coastal plain. Except around
Mumbai, and along the eastern limits, the State of Maharashtra presents a monotonously
uniform, flat-topped skyline. This topography of the state is the outcome of its geological
structure. The state area, barring the extreme eastern Vidarbha region, parts of Kolhapur
and Sindhudurg, is practically co-terminus with the Deccan Traps.
Climate: The state enjoys a tropical monsoon climate; the hot scorching summer from
March onwards yields to the rainy monsoon in early June. The rich green cover of the
monsoon season persists during the mild winter that follows through an unpleasant
October transition, but turns into a dusty, barren brown as the summer sets in again
Rainfall: The average annual rainfall varies between 160-200 cms. However, seasonal
rains from the western sea-clouds are very heavy and the rainfall is over 400 cm. on the
Sahyadrian crests. The Konkan on the windward side is also endowed with heavy rainfall,
declining northwards. East of the Sahyadri, the rainfall diminishes to a meagre 70 cm. in
the western plateau districts, with Solapur-Ahmednagar lying in the heart of the dry zone.
Temperature: The average annual temperature varies from 25-35 0 C.
Soil: The soils of Maharashtra are residual, derived from the underlying basalts. In the
semi-dry plateau, the regur (black-cotton soil) is clayey, rich in iron, but poor in nitrogen
and organic matter; it is moisture-retentive. The higher plateau areas have Pather soils,
which contain more gravel. In the rainy Konkan, and the Sahyadri Range, the same
basalts give rise to the brick-red laterite soil.
Mineral Resources: The mineral-bearing zones of Maharashtra lie beyond the area of the
basalts in eastern Vidarbha, southern Kolhapur and the Sindhudurg area. The
Chandrapur, Gadchirali, Bhandara and Nagpur Districts form the main mineral belt, with
coal and manganese as the major minerals and iron ore and limestone as potential
wealth. The Ratnagiri coast contains sizeable deposits of illimenite.
Water Resources: Water is the most precious natural resource of the state, greatly in the
demand, and most unevenly distributed. The major rivers like the Krishna, Bhima,
Godavari, Tapi-Purna and Wardha-Wainganga through its Fluvial action has further aided
in the compartmentalization of the state into broad, open river valleys, alternating with
plateau interfluves
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Ecological Resources: The recorded forest area is 61,939 Sq Km, constituting 20.13%
of the geographic area of the state. Reserved Forest constitutes 79.46%, Protected
Forest 13.23% and Un-classed Forest 7.30%. However, total forest cover recorded in the
state is 46,865 Sq. Km comprising of 8070 Sq. Km very dense forest, 20,317 sq Km
moderately dense forest and 18,478 Sq. Km of open or degraded forest thereby covering
a area of 15.23% of State geographical area (Map-1). There are six forest types in the
state, viz Tropical Semi Evergreen, Tropical Moist Deciduous, Tropical Dry Deciduous,
and Tropical Thorn, Subtropical Broadleaved hill and Littoral and Swamp forests. A total of
1.53 million ha of forests constituting about 5% of geographic area, is under protected
area network. There are 5 National Parks and 33 Wildlife sanctuaries. There are two tiger
reserves namely Melghat and Tadoba. Ujni, located in the Sholapur district, with an area
of 35,700 ha is a wetland of national importance.
The lines of proposed transmission system shall pass through mainly ten district of this
state having forest cover ranging from 1.09 % to 35.33%. It may be noted from the table
below that the forest cover in the said districts are generally open/degraded type except in
Gondia, Nagpur and Chandrapur district where it is mixture of dense and open forest. All
precaution in routing of line through forest area to minimize ecological disturbance to
highly wooded area has been applied successfully. Details of forest cover of these districts
are as follows:
In Sq.Km
District Geographic Dense Moderately Open Total %

area forest D Forest
e cover
n
s
e
Beed 10,693 0 10 107 117 1.09
Bhandara 3,588 137 526 223 886 26.28
Chandrapur 11,443 1,262 1,639 1,039 3,940 35.33
Gondia 5,733 812 887 461 2,160 37.14
Hingoli 4,686 0 54 71 125 2.62
Nagpur 9,892 359 961 664 1,984 21.21
Nanded 10,528 53 438 369 860 8.32
Parbhani 6,355 0 7 50 57 0.94
Wardha 6,309 0 438 386 824 13.44
Yavatmal 13,582 128 1,198 1,280 2,606 19.35
Human and Economic Development:
About 70 per cent of the people in Maharashtra depend on agriculture. Agriculture

contributes more than 22% of the state’s income. Maharashtra is the largest producer of a
number of items such as Alphonso mangoes, Thomson seedless grapes, Cavendish
bananas, soft seeded pomegranates, sugar, cotton, oilseeds and cashew. Important
cash crops are cotton, sugar cane, groundnut and tobacco. Although the state accounts
for 9.2% of the total population of the country, it shares about 11% of industrial units, over
17% of labour, about 16% of investment and 23% of the value of industrial output.
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Maharashtra’s major industries are chemicals and allied products, textiles, electrical and
non-electrical machinery and petroleum and allied products. Other important industries
are pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, machine tools, steel and iron castings and
plastic ware.
The development of offshore oil fields at Mumbai High and the nearby basins have
contributed greatly for the industrial development of the state.
2.2 MADHYA PRADESH:

PHYSIOGRAPHY: Madhya Pradesh as its name implies, lies in the heart of India.It
consists of a geographical area of 3,08,300 sq. km which constitutes 9.38% of the land
area of the country & bordering the states - Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra,
Gujarat and Rajasthan. It lies between lat.21 0 04’&260 52’N and long.740 02’ & 820 49’ E.
Climate: The climatic condition is generally Sub-Tropical wet and dry. MP state has three
main seasons:
 Winter (November through February);

 Summer (March through May); and
 Monsoon season (June through September).
Temperature: During the winter average temperatures range from 10° to 27° C.
Summers are hot, with an average temperature of 29° C and a high temperature that at
times reaches 48° C. During the monsoon season temperatures average 19° to 30° C.
Rainfall: Annual rainfall tends to decrease from south to north and from east to west.
The average rainfall in the different regions of the state ranges from 450 to 900 mm. The
annual mean total rainfall recorded at Ujjain is 934.1 mm (1960 – 1980 data period) with
almost 45 rainy days. The heaviest rainfall in 24 hours has been recorded as 239 mm at
Ujjain.
Wind: The mean wind speed at Ujjain is 10 km/hr though the wind speeds are normally
recorded to exist between 4 km/hr to 20 km/hr.
Soil: Red, Yellow and black soils are generally available in the state.
Mineral Resources: Madhya Pradesh is one of the major mineral producing states of the
country. It has large deposits of a variety of minerals. Important among them are bauxite,
copper, manganese, coal, dolomite and limestone.
Water Resources: The important rivers of the state are Chambal, the Betwa, the Sone
and the Narmada.
ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES: The forest cover of the state based on the satellite data is
76,429 Sq. km. which constitutes 24.79% of the geographic area (Map-2). Out of these
dense forest accounts for 4,000 sq.km. having crown density of more than 60%,
moderately dense of 37,843 sq. Km having canopy density between 40-60% and open or
degraded forest of 34,586 sq.km. having crown density ranging between 10-40%. By
legal status Reserve Forest constitutes 61.05%, Protected Forest 37.37% and unclassified
Forest 0.95%. The forests are the main source of supply of fodder and fuel and
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subsistence for the poorest sections of the people and tribal population in the interior
under-developed areas of the state. There are four forest types:
 Tropical Moist Deciduous
 Tropical Dry Deciduous
 Tropical Thorn and
 Sub Tropical Broadleaved Hill Forests.
Forests are largely distributed in central, southern and eastern parts of the undivided state
of Madhya Pradesh. Northern and western parts of the state are deficient in forest
vegetation. Teak and Sal are the two most important forest formations of the state,
covering 18.0% and 16.7% forest area, respectively while miscellaneous forests cover
65.3%. Madhya Pradesh forest reserves are logged for Teak, Sal, Bamboo and Salai.
These forests catered to the needs of the people and cattle for generations, largely
because they contained good cropping species. However, population explosion and
developmental needs have exerted a steadily increasing demand on the ever-diminishing
extent of forests. Over-exploitation resulted in reduction of area under forests. The
maximum forest cover is recorded in the district Sheopur having 56.75% of forest cover
and minimum in the Ujjain district having only 0.61%. There are 11 National Parks (NP)
and 32 Wild Life Sanctuaries in the state. However, the Kanha tiger reserve in Jabalpur
district is the most important National Park of the state.
The one line (765 KV Seoni-Wardha) of proposed transmission system shall pass through
mainly two district of this state having forest cover ranging from 34 % to 37 %. It may be
noted from the table below that in these districts the forest cover is a good mixture of both
dense and open/degraded forest nature this warrant extra precaution in routing of line
through forest area. Details of forest cover of these districts are as follows:
In sq. Km.
District Geographic Dense Moderately open Total % forest

area forest forest Cover
Dense
Seoni 8,758 239 1412 1387 3038 34.69
Chindwara 11,815 203 2368 1838 4409 37.32
HUMAN AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:

The total population of Madhya Pradesh based on 1991 census is 6,03,85,118 out of
which 73.3% is rural and 26.7 % is urban. The state supports 5.9% of country’s total
population. The population density is 196 persons per sq.km. Sex ratio is females per
thousand males are 920. Literacy in males=76.80% & in females 50.28%. Madhya
Pradesh in its present form came into existence on November 1, 2000 following its
bifurcation to create a new state of Chhattisgarh.
Agriculture is the mainstay of the state’s economy and 74.73% of the people are rural.
Almost 49% of the land area is cultivable. Madhya Pradesh consists largely of a plateau
streaked with the hill ranges of the Vindhyas and the Satpuras with the Chhattisgarh
plains to the east. Madhya Pradesh is one of the leading states in the country in mineral
production 26 percent of total Minerals of India are found in M.P. The share of M.P, in
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India’s production of such vital minerals as diamond (100%), dolomite (39%), bauxite
(28%), iron ore (24%), coal (23%), and limestone (23%). In short about 30 different types
of minerals are known to occur in the state. Recently deposits of tin and uranium have
been located in this state. Rich and varied mineral deposits have been surveyed and
identified in this state A large number of automobile industries have been established at
Pithambore near Indore. M.P is rich in low-grade coal suitable for power generation and
has also got immense potential of hydro-energy. The total installed power generation
capacity in year 2000-2001 was 2900 MW. There are eight hydro-electric power stations
with installed capacity 747.5 MW. A total of 50,271 out of 51,806 villages have been
electrified by 2000-2001. Power generation is 14023.7 m Kwh. The Govt. of M.P has
formed a joint venture (Narmada Hydro Electric Development Corporation) with
National Hydro-Electric Power Corporation, a Govt. of India undertaking for execution
of 1000MW Power from Indira Sagar Hydro-Electric Project and 520 MW
Omkareshwar Hydro-Electric Power Project. . The unique temple of Khajuraho are
famous all over the world.
2.3 CHHATTISGARH:
PHYSIOGRAPHY: Located in the Central India, Chhattisgarh has been carved out of
Madhya Pradesh to become the 26th State of the Indian Union. Uttar Pradesh and
Jharkhand bound the State in north, in the east by Orissa, in the south by Andhra Pradesh
and in the West by Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Chhattisgarh has a geographic
area of 1,35,200 Sq. Km which constitutes 4.11% of the land area of the country. It lies
between lat.17047’ & 240 06’ N and long. 80 0 15’ & 840 24’ E. Physiographically the state
is mainly plain. It consists of about one third of former Madhya Pradesh’s geographic
area and population. It consists of 44 percent of MP’s total forest land.
Climate: The climatic condition is generally Sub-Tropical wet and dry
Rainfall: The mean annual rainfall varies between 100-200 Cms.
Temperature: The annual temperature varies between 20-35 0 C.
Soil: Generally mixed red and black soil along with yellow soils in few pockets are
encountered in the state.
Mineral Resources: Chhattisgarh is rich in mineral resources like coal, iron ore &
bauxite and the mines are located respectively in the districts as mentioned below:
Coal- In Bilaspur & Raipur; Bauxite- In Sarguja; Iron Ore- In Bastar, Durg & Rajnandgaon.
Water Resources: The plains of Chhattisgarh are mainly watered by rivers Indravati,
Mahanadi and the Pairi.
ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES: Chhattisgarh having a geographical area of 1,35,200 sq.

km. has about 55,998 sq .km. of forest area based on the satellite data of
October- December,1996 which is about 41.42% of total geographic area. Out of
these dense forest accounts for 1,540 sq.km. having crown density of more than
60% , moderately dense of 37,440 Sq. Km having crown density of between 40- 60%
and open or degraded forest of 17,018 sq.km (Map-3) having crown density ranging
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between 10-40%. By legal status Reserve Forest constitutes 43.13%, Protected Forest
40.21% and unclassified Forest 16.66%.There are three forest types:
 Tropical Moist Deciduous

 Tropical Dry Deciduous
 Sub Tropical Broadleaved Hill Forests
Forest covers slightly less than half of the geographical area of Chhattisgarh. The state is
rich in forest resources having Sal and Teak as the two most important forest formations.
The maximum forest cover is recorded from Tribal district Bastar having 59.72%of forest
and minimum cover of only 8.52% has been recorded from Durg district. There are three
national parks namely the Sanjay Gandhi Udayn, indrawat Tiger project and Kanger valley
in the State
The lines of proposed transmission system shall pass through mainly four district of this
state having forest cover ranging from 8.52 % to 34.73 %. It may be noted from the table
below that the forest cover in the said districts is a good mixture of both dense and
open/degraded forest nature this warrant extra precaution in routing of line through forest
area. Details of forest cover of these district are as follows:
In Sq.Km
Geographic Dense Moderately %

District area forest Dense Open Total Forest
cover
Durg 8,549 31 515 224 770 9.01
Raipur 16,468 47 3865 1542 5454 33.12
Rajnandgaon 8,068 3 1727 818 2548 31.58
HUMAN AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:
Chhattisgarh has an area of 1,35,200 Sq km which constitutes 4.11% of the land area of
the country and a population of 2,07,95,956 which is about 2.08%of the country’s total
population. Out of this 79.92% is rural & 20.08% is urban population. Literacy is 65.18%
and sex ratio is females per 1000 males=990. Population density is 130 persons per
sq.km.
Chhattisgarh is generally perceived as a tribal dominated state. Although this is factually

incorrect it does reflect the significantly high proportion of tribals in the region. It also
underscores a fundamentally important point that the tribals in Chhattisgarh have been
able to retain their culture and traditional way of life despite the all-pervasive influence of
forces of modernity. Tribal people constitute 32.5 % of the population of Chhattisgarh.
According to the 1991 census the tribal population in the then districts of Chhattisgarh was
Durg -12.6 %, Raipur -18.6%, Rajnandgaon -25.3 %, Bilaspur -23.4 % Surguja -54.8 %,
Raigarh - 45.5%, Bastar -67.7 %. The various tribes in the Chhattisgarh region are Gonds,
Muria, Bhumja, Baiga, Kanars, Kawars, Halbas etc. A few of these tribes particularly the
Gonds have influenced by the Hindu tradition and have in turn influenced local practices in
the Hindu tradition as well. Other tribes like the Kamars and the Baigas have largely been
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untouched by the mainstream and have retained more of their traditional culture and way
of life.
In India, the combined population of the Scheduled Castes and Tribes is 23.6% of the total
population and for Madhya Pradesh; this figure rises to 37.1%. The combined
population of Scheduled Castes and Tribes in Chhattisgarh is significantly higher at
44.7% and this is largely due to a high proportion of tribal population. Although the
Scheduled Castes do not constitute a very high proportion of the total population they are
critical for understanding the social history of Chhattisgarh, which has been deeply
influenced and effected by the religious reform movements.
The road infrastructure of Chhattisgarh, despite these large distances, is in fact better
than other parts of the undivided Madhya Pradesh. Chhattisgarh currently has 24.6
kilometers of road for every 100 square kilometers of area . In terms of village roads
Chhattisgarh has 1.3 kilometers of village roads for every village.Although nature has
been relatively kind to Chhattisgarh in terms of the average rainfall as compared to
several other States of the Union, discarding of the traditional water preservation practices
in recent times has led to recurrence of drought year after year. Rivers, Tanks and
groundwater are the main sources of water in Chhattisgarh State.Mahanadi, Indrawati,
Sheonath, Rinand, Hasdeo, Mand, Eib, Pairi, Sabari and Arpa are some of the perennial
river veins meandering through the State. The irrigated area in the State is only sixteen
percent of the total cultivable area, while potential exists to raise the irrigated area to
seventy five percent.
Chhattisgarh produced a substantial 36 percent of the total power generated in undivided

Madhya Pradesh, contributing 42% Thermal and 14% of Hydel power. In terms of power
consumption, Chhattisgarh consumes around 24 percent of total consumption in 1996-97
and 1997-98.
The State has vast forest and mineral resources. The main type of mineral resources
found in this region are diamond, gold, iron-ore, coal, corundum, bauxite, dolomite, lime,
tin, granite to name a few. Deposits of cumberlite pipe found in Pailikhand and Deobhog
area and gold deposits in Sonakhan area of Raipur district have evoked investor interest.
High quality iron-ore deposits are found in the Bailadila hill ranges as well as in Dalhi-
Rajhara portion. Abundant deposits of lime stone are found in the districts of Raipur,
Bilaspur, Durg and Bastar facilitating the growth of several large cement plants in the
area.The mining and value addition activities through industries provide employment to
large sections of Chhattisgarh’s population. The State Government follows a sound public
policy of exploiting mineral wealth in keeping with sustainability and ecological balance.
The State would welcome investment in setting up industries to add value to the natural
resources found within, and an investor friendly ambience conducive of serious business.
Small-scale industries include sawmills, furniture units, bidi, and silk and ‘kattha’
industries.
Chhattisgarh region is also known for its rich cultural heritage. Timber wood has an
important place among the major forest produce. It contributes about forty percent of the
total forest revenue. Nearly ten thousand industrial units depend on forests for their raw
material base.
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SECTION III: POLICY , LEGAL & REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
3.0 POWERGRID’s activities by their inherent nature and flexibility have negligible
impacts on environmental and social attributes. Indian laws relating to
environmental and social issues have strengthened in the last decade both due to
local needs and international commitments. POWERGRID undertakes its activities
within the purview of Indian laws keeping in mind appropriate international
obligations and directives and guidelines with respect to environmental and social
considerations of Funding Agencies.
3.1 ENVIRONMENTAL
3.1.1 MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS (NATIONAL)
 MOP order/sanction under The Electricity Act, 2003:

Sanction of MOP, GOI is a mandatory requirement for taking up any new
transmission project under the section 68(1) of The Electricity Act, 2003. The
sanction authorize POWERGRID to plan and coordinate activities to commission
the new project. Electricity act does not explicitly deal with environmental
implications of activities related to power transmission. However, POWERGRID
always integrates environmental protection within its project activities.
 Forest Clearance Under The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980

When transmission projects pass through forest land, clearance has to be obtained
from relevant authorities under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. This Act was
enacted to prevent rapid deforestation and environmental degradation. State
governments cannot de-reserve any forest land or authorize its use for any non-
forest purposes without approval from the Central government. POWERGRID
projects, when involving forest areas, undergo detailed review and approval
procedures to obtain a Forest Clearance certificate from MOEF, Government of
India before starting any construction activity in designated forest area.
 Environmental Clearances under Environment (Protection) Act,1986

Since transmission line projects are environmentally clean and do not involve any
disposal of solid waste, effluents and hazardous substances in land, air and water
they are kept out of the purview of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. However,
the recent amendment in the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 made it necessary
to obtain clearance from MoEF for power transmission projects in two districts in
the Aravalis (viz., Alwar in Rajasthan and Gurgaon in Haryana). The Aravali range,
in these two areas, is heavily degraded, hence, any industrial activity there
becomes critical. Environment Impact Notification, 1994 lays down specific project
categories that require clearance from MoEF Power transmission projects are not
included in this list.
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 Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules, 2001:
MOEF vide its notification dt. 16th May, 2001 under the section of 6,8 and 25 of the
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 has put certain restriction on disposal of used
batteries and its handling. As per the notification it is the responsibility of bulk
consumer (POWERGRID) to ensure that used batteries are not disposed of, in any
manner, other than by depositing with the dealer/manufacturer/registered
recycler/importer/reconditioner or at the designated collection centers – and to file
half yearly return in prescribed form to the concerned State Pollution Control Board.
 Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling)Amendment Rules, 2003:

MOEF vide its notification dt. 20th May, 2003 under the section of 6,8 and 25 of the
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 has put used mineral oil under the category of
hazardous waste which require proper handling and disposal. As per the
notification, all used oil is to be auctioned/sold to registered recyclers only and file
annual return on prescribed form to the concerned State Pollution Control Board.
 Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000:

MOEF vide its notification dt. 17th July, 2000 under the section of 6, 8 and 25 of the
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 has notified rules for regulation /control of
Ozone Depleting Substances under Montreal Protocol adopted on 16th September
1987. As per the notification certain control and regulation has been imposed on
manufacturing, import, export and use of these compound. POWERGRID is
following provisions of notification and is phasing out all equipment which uses
these substances and planning to achieve CFC free organization in near future.
 The Biological Diversity Act, 2002:

Under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity signed at Rio de
Janeiro on the 5th day of June, 1992 of which India is also a party, MoEF has
enacted the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 to provide for conservation of biological
diversity, sustainable use of its components and fair and equitable sharing of the
benefits arising out of the use of biological resources, knowledge and for matters
connected therewith. As per the provision of act certain area which are rich in
biodiversity and encompasses unique and representative ecosystems are identified
and designated as Biosphere Reserve to facilitate its conservation. All restrictions
applicable to protected areas like National Park & Sanctuaries are also applicable
to these reserves. POWERGRID will abide by the provision of act wherever
applicable and try to totally avoid these biosphere reserves while finalizing the route
alignment.
3.1.2 FUNDING AGENCIES:
WB Operational Policies (OP) 4.01/ADB’s Operations Manuals (OM)- F1/BP and

JBIC Environmental Guidelines: These outlines funding agencies policy and
procedures for environmental assessment (EA) of different developmental projects.
All these guidelines classified developmental projects into three categories (A-C)
based on its possible environmental and social impacts though WB & ADB has
________________________________________________________________________________________
13
another category F1 applicable only to projects involving a credit line through a
financial intermediary.
Transmission line projects are categorized as category-B project having limited

impact that can be further minimized through mitigative/management measures
and would normally require only an environmental review. POWERGRID takes
remedial measures to prevent, minimize, mitigate, or compensate for adverse
impact and improve environmental performance. Environment Assessment will take
account the natural environment, human health and safety, and social aspects and
trans- boundary and global environmental aspects. During EA process public is
also informed at every stage of project execution and their views are considered
during decision-making process.
3.1.3 PRESCRIPTIVE FRAMEWORK (NATIONAL)
 Constitutional Guarantees
 Applicable Legislations
3.1.4 RELEVANT POLICIES
 National Conservation Strategy and Policy Statement

on Environment and Development, 1992
 Policy statement for Abatement of pollution, 1992
3.2.0 SOCIAL
3.2.1 MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS (NATIONAL)
 National Policy on Resettlement and Rehabilitation for Project Affected

Families: Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India has notified a
National policy on R&R for PAFs in Feb’04 applicable to all developmental projects
where 500 or more families enmass in plain areas or 250 or more families enmass
in hilly areas are displaced due to project activity. It essentially addresses the need
to provide succour to the assetless rural poor, support the rehabilitation efforts of
the resources and provide a broad canvas for an effective consultation between
PAFs and authorities responsible for their R&R. It has also listed R&R measures
and entitlements for different category of PAFs. Though the National policy as such
is not applicable to POWERGRID because transmission projects do not involve
displacement of such a large numbers of families since land required for
substations is quite small. However, the entitlement benefits listed in the National
policy for PAFs have been adopted by POWERGRID in its “Social Entitlement
Framework” that is being implemented wherever land acquisition for substations is
undertaken.
 Rights of Way And Compensation Under Electricity Act,2003:
________________________________________________________________________________________
14
The act has a provision for notifying transmission company under section 164 (B) to
avail benefits of eminent domain provided under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.
MOP, GOI vide gazette notification dt 23rd Dec’03 had already notified
POWERGRID under this section of said act. Therefore, for the purpose of placing
of any wires, poles, etc., POWERGRID has all the powers that the telegraph
authority possesses. Thus, POWERGRID can erect and construct towers without
actually acquiring the land. However, all damages due to POWERGRID activity are
compensated at market rate. Power transmission schemes are always planned in
such a way that the power of eminent domain is exercised responsibly.
 Provisions Under Land Acquisition Act, 1894, as amended in 1984:

When land is acquired for sub-stations, POWERGRID will follow procedures laid
down under the Land Acquisition Act (LA Act), 1894. POWERGRID sub-stations
have never resulted in large scale displacement or loss of livelihoods. There have
been only marginal impacts due to flexibility exercised by POWERGRID in
selecting sites. The LA Act specifies that in all cases of land acquisition, no award
of land can be made by the government authorities unless all compensation has
been paid.
3.2.2 FUNDING AGENCIES
For POWERGRID, mandatory requirements vis-à-vis Funding Agencies are

comprehensive Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) guidelines and an
entitlement framework as per World Bank Operational Directives 4.30 (OP-4.12)
and 4.20 and ADB’s Operations Manual OM-F2/BP.
 World Bank OD 4.30 (OP-4.12): Involuntary Resettlement:

This directive describes Bank Policy and procedures on involuntary resettlement as
well as conditions that borrowers are expected to meet during operations involving
resettlement of affected groups. It requires a entitlement framework aimed at
restoration, replacement and participation of affected groups. A detailed social
assessment and development of an action plan having list of measures for
betterment/restoration of lost assets/income is required to be submitted to bank
before start of project work. However where only a few people (e.g. about 100-200
individuals) are to be relocated at a particular location, appropriate compensation
for assets, logistical support for moving and a relocation grant may be the only
requirements but the principle on which compensation is to be based will remain
same as for larger groups.
 World Bank OD 4.20: Indigenous People (IP):

This directive describes World Bank policies and procedures for projects that affect
indigenous people. The objective is to ensure that development benefits are
socially and culturally compatible and that the IPs are consulted. Thus, the
Indigenous People Development Plan/Tribal Development Plan is to be prepared
as a prerequisite. POWERGRID will not only incorporate the IP component
whenever necessary, but will also pay attention to marginalized groups such as
women, children, etc.
________________________________________________________________________________________
15
 ADB Operations Manual –F2/BP: Involuntary Resettlement:
The OP describes Bank Policy and procedures on involuntary resettlement as well
as conditions that borrowers are expected to meet during operations involving
resettlement. Its objective is to avoid such resettlement as far as possible if
unavoidable measures like assistance to affected persons for restoration of their
assets/livelihood as would have been in the absence of project. It also classified
project into three categories like category-A where resettlement is significant and
involve physical displacement of more than 200 persons, which require a detailed
resettlement plan. Category-B where resettlement is not that significant and
requires a short resettlement plan. Category-C where no resettlement of peoples
are foreseen and neither require neither resettlement plan nor a resettlement
framework.
POWERGRID emphasizes that displacement is not an issue with transmission

projects because land below tower/line is not acquired and only a small piece of
land is required for substations. However, all affected persons/families shall be
provided compensation and rehabilitation assistance along with other measures as
per POWERGRID's social entitlement framework which is based on these
directives/manuals and National R&R Policy to restore income/livelihood of all
affected persons.
3.2.3 PRESCRIPTIVE FRAMEWORK (NATIONAL)
 Constitutional Guarantees
 National and State-wide Laws and Policies Relating

to Land Acquisition and Issues of R&R
 Madhya Pradesh Pariyojana Ke Karan Visthapit Vyakti (Punsthapan)

Adhiniyam, 1985
 Maharashtra Project Affected persons Rehabilitation Act, 1986
3.2.4 RELEVANT POLICIES
 The Orissa Resettlement and Rehabilitation of Project Affected Persons

Policy, 1994 (water resources projects)
 Resettlement & Rehabilitation Policy – NTPC
________________________________________________________________________________________
16
SECTION-IV: POWERGRID APPROACH FOR ROUTE SELSCTION
4.0 ROUTE SELECTION - (ASSESSMENT & MANAGEMENT PROCESS)
At the system planning stage itself one of the factors that govern the evolution of
system is the possible infringement with the forest. Wherever such infringements are
substantial, different alternative options are considered. The route/ site selection
criteria followed by POWERGRID is detailed below:
While identifying the transmission system for a generation project or as a part of
National Power Grid, preliminary route selection is done by POWERGRID based on
the topo sheets of Survey of India and Forest Atlas (Govt. of India's Publication).
Further optimization is done during detailed survey using GIS/GPS. During route
alignment all possible efforts are made to avoid the forest area involvement completely
or to keep it to the barest minimum, whenever it becomes unavoidable due to the
geography of terrain or heavy cost involved in avoiding it.
4.1.1 STUDY OF ALTERNATIVES
Environmental Criteria for Route selection
For selection of optimum route, the following points are taken into consideration:
(i) The route of the proposed transmission lines does not involve any human
rehabilitation.
(ii) Any monument of cultural or historical importance is not affected by the route of
the transmission line.
(iii) The proposed route of transmission line does not create any threat to the
survival of any community with special reference to Tribal Community.
(iv) The proposed route of transmission line does not affect any public utility
services like playgrounds, schools, other establishments etc.
(v) The line route does not pass through any sanctuaries, National Park etc.
(vi) The line route does not infringe with area of natural resources.
In order to achieve this, POWERGRID undertakes route selection for individual

transmission lines in close consultation with representatives from the Ministry of
Environment and Forests and the Department of Revenue. Although under National
law POWERGRID has right of eminent domain yet alternative alignments are
considered keeping in mind the above-mentioned factors during site selection, with
minor alterations often added to avoid environmentally sensitive areas and
settlements at execution stage.
 As a rule, alignments are generally cited 10-15 km away from major towns, whenever
possible, to account for future urban expansion.
________________________________________________________________________________________
17
 Similarly, forests are avoided to the extent possible, and when it is not possible, a route
is selected in consultation with the local Divisional Forest Officer, that causes minimum
damage to existing forest resources.
 Alignments are selected to avoid wetlands and unstable areas for both financial and
environmental reasons.
In addition, care is also taken to avoid National parks and sanctuaries and any other
forest area rich in wild life.
Keeping above in mind the routes of proposed line under this transmission System has
been so aligned that it takes care of above factors. As such different alternatives were
studied with the help of Govt. published data like Forest atlas, Survey of India topo
maps etc. to arrive at most optimum route which can be taken up for detailed survey
using GIS/GPS and assessment of environmental & social impacts for their proper
management.
4.1.2 Evaluation of alternatives Route Alignment of 765 KV S/C Seoni- Wardha Line:
Three different alignments (Map-4) were studied with the help of published data/maps
and walkover survey to arrive at most optimum route for detailed survey. The
comparative details of these three alternatives are as follows:
Sl.NO. DESCRIPTION ALT-I ALT-II ALT-III

1. Route particulars
i) Length in Kms 290 Kms 252 Kms 265 Kms
ii) Terrain – (a) Plain 87% 84% 85%
(b) Hilly 13% 16% 15%
2. Environmental The line is routed The line is routed The line is routed avoiding
impact avoiding towns. The avoiding towns. The towns. The line has to be
i) Town in alignment line has to be routed line has to be routed routed close to certain
close to certain towns close to certain towns towns namely
namely namely Seoni,Chindwara,Nag-pur
Seoni,Chindwara,Nag Seoni,Chindwara,Na- and Wardha
p-ur and Wardha gpur and Wardha
Nil Nil
ii) House within ROW Nil
To be assessed during To be assessed during
iii) Tree/Crops and its To be assessed during detail Survey detail survey
extent of damage detail Survey
16.25Km / 104 ha. 12.57Km / 81.6 ha.
iv) Forest involvement 7.80 Km / 49.40 ha.
a) Type of forest RF-12.25 km RF-9.75 Km
- Reserve Forest (RF) RF- 3.3 Km. PF-4.0 Km. PF- 3.0 Km
- Protected Forest (PF) PF-4.5 km. Medium - dense Medium
b) Density of forest Medium Dense Flora:Teak, Banyan, Neem,
c) Type of founa & Open to moderate Flora: Teak, Banyan, Tamarinds
floura Flora: Teak, Banyan, Neem, Tamarinds Fauna : Dear, Bear, Indian
Neem, Tamarinds Fauna : Dear, Bear, wild dog, pig etc.
Fauna : Dear, Bear, Indian wild dog, pig
Indian wild dog, pig etc.
etc.
Nil
Nil
d) Endangered
species, if any Nil Nil
Nil
v) Historical/cultural
monuments Nil Nil
________________________________________________________________________________________
18
Nil
vi)Details of Tribal
areas, if any Nil
3 Compensation Cost
a) Towards forest Rs. 570 lakh Rs. 1140 lakh Rs. 870 lakh (Including
clearance (Including NPV @ 9.2 (Including NPV @ 9.2 NPV @ 9.2 lakh/ha.)
lakh/ha.) lakh/ha.)
b) Tree/crop Can be assessed Can be assessed during
Can be assessed during tower spotting tower spotting
during tower spotting
4. Major Crossings:
River 3 2 2
Power line 8 10 10
Railway line 2 2 2
4. Construction problems Right of way Right of way Right of way problems are
problems are less due problems are more more due to more forest
to less forest area, due to more forest area, more damage of
less damage of area, more damage of trees/crops. At many
trees/crops. less hilly trees/crops. At many places in forest and more
area, easy places in forest and hills are without
accessibility more hills are without accessibility which require
accessibility which new access roads. Some
require new access coal bearing area are also
roads. getting affected.
5 O&M problems O&M problems are O&M problems are O&M problems are
less in this alignment comparatively more in comparatively more in this
due to more approach this alignment due to alignment due to non
roads, less forest non availability of availability of approach
area, with open to approach roads, roads,
degraded nature, less
city limits and more
plain areas
6 Overall remarks Minimum Railway More forest, non- Shortest route length but
crossings, no Coal availability of access Max. forest, coal belt
belt involved, road and longest route involved huge cost towards
Moderate route length huge cost forest clearance
length hence towards forest
recommended clearance.
It may be seen from above that Alternative-I is the most optimum route as it involve
minimum ecological sensitive areas like forest having lesser density devoid of any
endangered or endemic sp. whereas other alternatives are shorter in line length but
involve more forest and may require heavy tree felling that may cause serious
environmental problem. Alt- II & III is having ROW problem involvement of more forest and
maximum crossing as well as patches of coal bearing areas. Hence Alternative –I has
been found to be most optimum and recommended for detailed survey.
4.1.3 Evaluation of alternatives Route Alignment of 400 KV D/C Raipur- Wardha- Line:
SL. DESCRIPTIONS ALT-I ALT-II ALT-III

NO
1. Route Particulars
i) Length in Km 366.107 365.208 360.343
ii) Terrain
a) Plain 85% 80% 80%
________________________________________________________________________________________
19
b) Hilly 15% 20% 20%
c) Tough hills Nil Nil Nil
2. Environmental Details The line is routed The line is routed The line is routed avoiding
i) Town in alignment (Near avoiding towns. The avoiding towns. The towns. The line has to be
by) line has to be routed line has to be routed routed close to certain
close to certain towns close to certain towns towns namely
namely Raipur,Durg namely Raipur,Durg Raipur,Durg ,Nag-pur,
,Nag-pur, Bhandara, ,Nag-pur, Bhandara, Bhandara, Chandrapur
Chandrapur and Chandrapur and and Wardha
Wardha Wardha
NIL NIL
NIL Can be assessed during
Can be assessed Can be assessed tower spotting
ii) House within ROW during tower spotting during tower spotting
i) Tree/crops and its extent
of damage 20Km/92 ha.
R.F.& P.F. 32 km/147 ha
0 to 0.3 25 km/ 115 ha. RF&PF
Flora:Teak, Banyan, RF&PF .2to .5 ›.5
iv) Forest Involvement Neem, Tamarinds .2to .5 ›. Flora:Teak, Banyan,
a) Type of forest Fauna : Dear, Bear, Flora:Teak, Banyan, Neem, Tamarinds
b) Density of forest Indian wild dog, pig Neem, Tamarinds Fauna : Dear, Bear, Indian
c) Type of Fauna & etc. Fauna : Dear, Bear, wild dog, pig etc.
Flora Indian wild dog, pig etc.
NIL
NIL
NIL NIL
NIL
NIL
d) Endangered species NIL
if any NIL
v) Historical/Cultural NIL
monuments
vi) Details of tribal areas

if any
3.
Compensation Cost
Rs.1018 lakh Rs. 1254 lakh Rs. 1599 lakh (Including
c) Towards forest clearance (Including NPV @ 9.2 (Including NPV @ 9.2 NPV @ 9.2 lakh/ha.)
lakh/ha.) lakh/ha.)
Can be assessed during
d) Tree/crop Can be assessed Can be assessed tower spotting
during tower spotting during tower spotting
4. Construction problems. No such problem is No such problem is No such problem is
anticipated except in anticipated except in anticipated except in forest
forest area. forest area. area.
5. O&M problems. NIL NIL NIL
6. Overall remarks Longest route but Comparatively shorter Shortest route but involve
involve minimum route but involve more maximum forest and tree
forest. forest and tree felling felling
It may be seen from above that Alternative-I is the most optimum route though it is the
longest route but involve minimum ecological sensitive areas like forest. whereas other
alternatives are shorter in line length but involve more ecological sensitive areas like forest
that may cause some environmental problem. Hence, Alternative-I has been found to be
most optimum and recommended for detailed survey.
________________________________________________________________________________________
20
4.1.4 Evaluation of alternatives Route Alignment of 400 KV D/C Bhadravati-Parli Line:

NO
iii) Length in Km 380kms 362kms 368kms
iv) Terrain
d) Plain 80% 80% 80%
e) Hilly 20% 20% 20%
2.
Environmental Details The line is routed The line is routed The line is routed
iii) Town in alignment (Near avoiding towns. The avoiding towns. The line avoiding towns. The line
by) line has to be routed has to be routed close has to be routed close to
close to certain towns to certain towns namely certain towns namely
namely Chandrapur, Chandrapur, Yavatmal, Chandrapur, Yavatmal,
Yavatmal, Nanded, Nanded, Hingoli and Nanded, Hingoli and
Hingoli and Beed Beed Beed
Nil Nil Nil
2.85km/13.11 ha. 9.75km(44.85Ha) 9.75km(44.85 Ha)

iv) House within ROW RF-4.35, PF-1.5km RF-7.75, PF-2.00km RF-7.95, PF-6.1km
0.2-0.4 0.2-0.6 0.2-0.6
iv) Forest in Km/Ha Flora:Teak, Banyan, Flora:Teak, Banyan, Flora:Teak, Banyan,
e) Type of forest Neem, Tamarinds Neem, Tamarinds Neem, Tamarinds
f) Density of forest Fauna : Dear, Bear, Fauna : Dear, Bear, Fauna : Dear, Bear,
g) Type of Fauna & Indian wild dog, pig Indian wild dog, pig etc. Indian wild dog, pig etc.
Flora etc.
h)Endangered species Nil Nil Nil

if any
w) Historical/Cultural Nil Nil Nil
monuments
vi) Details of tribal areas if Nil Nil Nil
any
3.
Compensation Cost
Rs.153 lakh Rs. 509 lakh (Including Rs. 509 lakh (Including
e) Towards forest clearance (Including NPV @ 9.2 NPV @ 9.2 lakh/ha.) NPV @ 9.2 lakh/ha.)
lakh/ha.)
Can be assessed during Can be assessed during
f) Tree/crop Can be assessed tower spotting tower spotting
during tower spotting
4. No. of Crossing
i) Railway 7 7 6
ii) Trans. Line 9 12 12
iii) River Xing etc. 4 4 4
5. Construction problems. Nil Nil Nil
6. O&M problems. Nil Nil Nil
7. Overall remarks Minimum forest Maximum forest & More forest & power line
Minimum Power lines power lines crossings crossings.
Availability of corridor
________________________________________________________________________________________
21
longest route but involve minimum ecological sensitive areas like forest having lesser
density devoid of any endangered or endemic sp. whereas other alternatives are shorter
in line length but involve more forest and may require comparatively higher tree felling that
may cause some environmental problem. Hence, Alternative-I has been found to be
4.1.5 Evaluation of alternatives Route Alignment of 400 KV D/C Wardha-Parli Line:

NO
i) Length in Km 363KMS 345 KMS 335 KMS
v)Terrain
a)Plain 80% 80% 80%
b)Hilly 20% 20% 20%
2. Environmental Details
ii) Town in alignment The line is routed The line is routed The line is routed avoiding
(Near by) avoiding towns. The avoiding towns. The line towns. The line has to be
line has to be routed has to be routed close routed close to certain
close to certain towns to certain towns namely towns namely wardha,
namely wardha, wardha, Yavatmal, Yavatmal, Parbhani,
Yavatmal, Parbhani, Parbhani, Hingoli and Hingoli and Beed
Hingoli and Beed Beed
Nil
iii) House within ROW Nil Nil
8.15 km(37.49Hect.)
iv) Forest in Km/Ha 4.50km(20.70 Hect) 11.45km(52.67 Hect)
RF-3..45, PF-2.60, Social
i) Type of forest RF-4.00, PF-0.5km RF-7.0, PF-2.35,Social forest 2.10Km,
Forest-2.10Km 0.3-0.5
j) Density of forest 0.2-0.5 0.3-0.7
Flora:Teak, Banyan, Neem,
k) Type of Fauna & Flora:Teak, Banyan, Flora:Teak, Banyan, Tamarinds
Flora Neem, Tamarinds Neem, Tamarinds Fauna : Dear, Bear, Indian
Fauna : Dear, Bear, Fauna : Dear, Bear, wild dog, pig etc.
Indian wild dog, pig etc. Indian wild dog, pig etc. Nil
l) Endangered
species if any Nil Nil
Nil
m) Historical/Cultural
monuments Nil Nil -----
vi) Any other relevant
information if any ----- -----
3.
Compensation Cost
Rs.265 lakh (Including Rs. 597 lakh (Including Rs. 437 lakh (Including
g) Towards forest clearance NPV @ 9.2 lakh/ha.) NPV @ 9.2 lakh/ha.) NPV @ 9.2 lakh/ha.)
Can be assessed Can be assessed during Can be assessed during

h) Tree/crop during tower spotting tower spotting tower spotting
4. No. of Crossing
i) Railway 3 5 3
________________________________________________________________________________________
22
ii) Trans. Line 10 16 10
iii) River Xing 4 4 4
etc.
5. Construction problems. Nil Nil Nil
6. O&M problems. Nil Nil Nil
7. Overall remarks Minimum forest Maximum forest & More forest & power line
Minimum Power lines power lines crossings crossings.
Availability of corridor
longest route but involve minimum ecological sensitive areas like forest having lesser
density devoid of any endangered or endemic sp. whereas other alternatives are shorter
in line length but involve more forest and may require comparatively higher tree felling that
may cause some environmental problem. Hence, Alternative-I has been found to be
4.1.6 Evaluation of alternatives Route Alignment of 400 KV D/C Parli-Parli Line:
The proposed line is only 7 Km. long passing in the plains of Beed district and involve no
forest or any other ecological/historical/ cultural sensitive areas hence no alternative is
feasible/studied for instant line (Map-8).
________________________________________________________________________________________
23
SECTION-V: SCREENING OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT, EVALUATION
AND ITS MANAGEMENT
5.0 Impact Due to Project Location and Design
Environmental impact of transmission line projects are not far reaching and are mostly
localized to ROW. However, transmission line project has some affects on natural and
socio-culture resources. These impacts can be minimized by careful route selection. In
order to get latest information and further optimization of route modern survey
techniques/tools like GIS, GPS aerial photography are also applied. Introduction of GIS
and GPS in route selection result in access to updated/latest information, through satellite
images and further optimization of route having minimal environmental impact. Moreover,
availability of various details, constraints like topographical and geotechnical details, forest
and environmental details etc. help in planning the effective mitigative measures including
engineering variations depending upon the site situation/location. In the instant project
also these techniques are used and detailed survey using GIS/GPS is under progress.
Although, all possible measures have been taken during the finalization of route alignment
for the proposed transmission system but due to peculiarity of terrain and demography of
the area where project is being implemented, some environmental impacts may be there.
The explanations in brief with regard to specific environment review criteria based on
preliminary survey are as follows:
(i) Resettlement
As described earlier all measures are undertaken by POWERGRID at line routing stage
itself to avoid settlements such as cities, villages etc. It may be seen from the above
description of proposed route alignment and also keeping in mind that no land is acquired
for tower foundation as per existing law, the project does not require any resettlement of
villagers.
The proposed project envisages construction of one new substation at Parli for which
private land measuring 36 acres (14.5 ha.) has been selected . For other substations land
for their extension is already available for proposed bays. Hence no fresh land acquisition
or R&R issues are involved in the present projects except for Parli substation which is
being dealt separately.
(ii) Land value depreciation
Based on past experience land prices are generally expected to rise in the areas receiving
power. Further, transmission lines generally pass through uninhabited area, agriculture
fields and forests, where the land-use is not going to change in foreseeable future.
Therefore, the value of land will not be adversely affected to a significant degree.
(iii) Historical/cultural monuments/value

________________________________________________________________________________________
24
As per the POWERGRID’s policy of route selection only that route alignment is finalized
this avoids all the historical and cultural monuments. As per the preliminary assessment
carried out during finalization of route alignment in consultation with State revenue
authorities and ASI, no such monuments are coming in the proposed route alignment.
(iv) Encroachment into precious ecological areas
As already explained all precautions have been taken to avoid routing of line through
forest and ecological sensitive areas and National park/Sanctuaries. However, complete
avoidance of forest area was not possible though National Park/Sanctuary or any other
protective areas have been completely avoided. But the routes of proposed transmission
line are so finalized that it affect minimum forest area, which has also been certified by
concerned Divisional Forest Officer (DFO). In order to minimize forest involvement and
subsequent environmental impact special tower design for 765 KV line has been
developed which has reduced the requirement of ROW by 21 m (from 85 m to 64 m)
thereby saving large area of forest. It may be seen from the above referred tables
that out of total transmission line length of about 1406 Km about 35 Km (2.4% only)
length shall pass through forest land consisting of 175 Ha. forest area in the states
of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Prior approval of GOI/MOEF shall be obtained for
affected forest under Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 after detail survey and finalization of
route through forest area in consultation with local forest authorities. Most of the forests
to be traversed by the lines are already heavily degraded and the wildlife species
present are those who have been adapted to open or disturbed habitat. Therefore
with provision of Compensatory Afforestation the overall forest status will in many
cases improve. Nonetheless, to mitigate losses to existing forests, clearing of the
transmission line Right-of-way will be done under supervision of Forest Department,
and some low canopy seed trees and shrubs may be kept intact if they do not
interfere with tower erection and line installation. The wood will be sold by the Forest
Department, who will also retain the sale proceeds. Three- seven meter wide strips of land
under each conductor will be cleared during construction and only one strip will be kept
free of vegetation as maintenance rows, and other remaining strip of the land will be
allowed to regenerate. Lopping of trees to maintain line clearance will be done under the
direction of Forest Department. POWERGRID will provide construction crews with fuel
wood or alternative fuels as a precaution against collection of fuel wood from nearby
forest. Budgetary provision of Rs. 1256.44 lakh has been made in the FR to meet the
cost of Compensatory Afforestation on double the area diverted and payment of Net
Present Value (NPV).
Transmission lines can serve as new access routes into previously inaccessible or poorly
accessible forests, thereby accelerating forest and wildlife loss. In such cases,
POWERGRID cannot take action itself, but local Forest Department personnel will
normally assess the dangers and take appropriate action, such as establishing guard
stations at the entrance to the forest etc. cost of which is borne by POWERGRID and is
included in the compensatory afforestation scheme. Given the already easy access and
degraded conditions at the proposed projects sites, this problem is not expected to be
encountered. Nonetheless, POWERGRID staff will report to the Forest Department any
noticeable encroachment induced by the Projects.
________________________________________________________________________________________
25
(v) Encroachment into other valuable lands
Impacts on agricultural land will be restricted to the construction phase and when large-
scale maintenance measures are required. Some stretch of the line will pass through
Agricultural fields. Agricultural land will be lost at the base of the tower, which is estimated
to be 0.2-1 sq. m per average farm holding (Fig-1). The proposed project envisages to
construct 1406 Km of line out of this 35 Km. line will pass through forest and rest 1371
Km. which involve approximately 3427 towers including 724 towers of 765 KV.
Construction of 3427 towers will result in loss of approx. 3427 sq. m. or 0.3427 ha. of land
(taking maximum as average due to construction of 765 KV tower which has slightly
bigger base in comparison to normal 400 KV tower) which is quite negligible.
In areas where lines will traverse agricultural land, compensation will be paid to owners for
any crop damage incurred as a result of construction activities. POWERGRID field staff
will consult affected villagers and local revenue department and apprise him about the
project and tower location, which shall be erected in the agricultural land, for
compensation. Revenue department, after evaluating the loss due to construction activity
and productivity of land, arrives at the compensation cost that is paid to farmer.
Agricultural activities will be allowed to continue following the construction period. If bunds
or other on-farm works are disturbed during construction or maintenance, they will be
restored to the owner's satisfaction following cessation of construction or maintenance
activities. In the event that private trees are felled during construction or maintenance
operations, compensation will be paid to the owner in an amount determined by the
estimated loss of products from the tree over an eight year period (for fruit bearing trees)
and for other trees compensation is finalized in consultation with local forest authorities.
Agricultural lands under private ownership will be identified, and in accordance with
normal POWERGRID procedures compensation will be paid to the affected villagers.
Budgetary provision Rs. 1356.30 lakh @ Rs. 1.00 Lakh per Km is made in the cost
estimate to meet these expenses.
(vi) Interference with other utilities and traffic
As per regulations enacted by Government of India, it is mandatory for POWERGRID to

seek clearance prior to construction from department of Railways, Telecommunications
and wherever necessary from aviation authorities that are likely to be affected by the
construction of transmission lines. The transmission lines affect nearby telecommunication
circuits by causing electrical interference. A standing committee -- Power Telecom Co-
ordination Committee (P.T.C.C.) has been constituted by Government of India to plan and
implement the mitigating measures for the induced voltage which may occur to nearby
telecom circuit and suggest necessary protection measures to be adopted. The committee
suggests measures like rerouting of the telecom circuits, conversion of overhead telecom
circuits into cables etc. to minimize the interference.
The cost of such measures is determined by the Committee and is shared by

POWERGRID and Telecom Department on the basis of prevailing norms and guidelines.
Though the exact cost to mitigate the impacts of induction in neighboring telecom circuits
would vary from case to case, the cost on an average works out to be Rs.50000/- per km
________________________________________________________________________________________
26
for POWERGRID. Provision to meet these expenses has been made in the cost estimate
for the same.
Wherever transmission line crosses the railways, clearance is taken from that department.
In general, the system is planned and executed in such a way that adequate clearance is
maintained between transmission lines on the one hand, and railways, civil aviation and
defense installations on the other. Wherever the transmission lines pass by the airports
the towers beyond specified height are painted in alternate orange and white stripes for
easy visibility and warning lights are placed atop these towers.
(vii) Interference with drainage pattern
As the transmission lines are constructed aerially and the blockage of ground surface is
limited to area of tower footings, which is very small, there is little possibility of affecting
drainage pattern. In the infrequent instances where the drainage is affected, flow will be
trained and guided to safe zones.
5.1 Environmental Problems Due to Design
(i) Escape of polluting materials
The equipments installed on lines and substations are static in nature and do not generate
any fumes or waste materials.
(ii) Explosion/fire hazards
During the survey and site selection for transmission lines and sub-stations, it has been
ensured that these are kept away from oil/gas pipelines and other sites with potential for
creating explosions or fires.
Fires due to flashover from lines can be a more serious problem in forest. However,
adequate safety measures shall be taken to avoid such incidence besides this forest
authorities also incorporate measures like making fire lines to prevent spreading of fire in
the affected forest area.
(iii) Erosion hazards due to inadequate provision for resurfacing of exposed area
Adequate measures are taken to re-surface the area where excavation works are done.
Topsoil disturbed during the development of sites will be used to restore the surface of the
platform. Infertile and rocky material will be dumped at carefully selected dumping areas
and used as fill for tower foundations.
(iv) Environmental aesthetics
Since spacing between the towers in case of 765/400 KV lines is approx. 400 meters
these will not affect the visual aesthetics of the localities particularly when it is ensured to
route the lines as far away from the localities as possible. POWERGRID takes up
plantation of trees to buffer the visual effect around its substations and to provide better
living conditions. Wherever POWERGRID feels it appropriate, discussions will be held
with local Forest Department officials to determine feasibility of planting trees along roads
________________________________________________________________________________________
27
running parallel to transmission lines to buffer visual effect in these areas. In addition,
towers may be painted grey or green to merge with the background.
(v) Noise/vibration nuisances
The equipment installed at sub-station are mostly static and are so designed that the
noise level always remains within permissible limits i.e. 85 dB as per Indian standards.
The noise levels reported during normal operating conditions are about 60 to 70 dB at 2
m. distance from the equipment. To contain the noise level within the permissible limits
whenever noise level increases beyond permissible limits, measures like providing sound
and vibration dampers and rectification of equipment are undertaken. In addition,
plantations of sound absorbing species like Casuarinas, Tamarind, and Neem are raised
at the sub-stations that reduce the sound level appreciably. It is reported that 93 m 3 of
woodland can reduce the noise level by 8 dB. Actual noise levels measured at perimeters
of existing Substations are 20 to 30 dB.
(vi) Blockage of wildlife passage
Since the line is passing through mostly agricultural, wasteland and the affected forest
area is also not a migration path of wild life hence, possibility of disturbance to wild life are
nil/remote.
5.2 Environmental Problems During Construction Phase
(i) Uncontrolled silt runoff
The Project involves only small scale excavation for tower foundations at scattered
locations that are re-filled with excavated material therefore uncontrolled silt run off is not
expected.
(ii) Nuisance to nearby properties
As already described in preceding paras, during site selection due care is taken to keep
the transmission line and substations away from settlements. Further, all the construction
activities will be undertaken through the use of small mechanical devices e.g. tractors and
manual labour therefore nuisance to the nearby properties if any, is not expected.
(iii) Interference with utilities and traffic and blockage of access way
Access to the site will be along existing roads or village paths; minor improvements to
paths may be made where necessary, but no major construction of roads will be
necessary either during construction or as a part of maintenance procedures.
As and when a transmission line crosses any road/ railways line, the terminal towers are
located at sufficient distance so as not to cause any hindrance to the movement of traffic.
Stringing at the construction stage is carried out during lean traffic period in consultation
with the concerned authorities and angle towers are planted to facilitate execution of work
in different stages.
________________________________________________________________________________________
28
(iv) Inadequate resurfacing for erosion control
Since proposed line is to be constructed in plain area where erosion problem is not
anticipated. However, if due to terrain at some points transmission towers may be placed
on slopes and erosion prone soils internationally accepted engineering practices will be
undertaken to prevent soil erosion. This will include cutting and filling slopes wherever
necessary. The back cut slopes and downhill slopes will be treated with revetments. As
explained above adequate steps shall be taken to resurface the area after construction.
Wherever sites are affected by active erosion or landslides, both biological and
engineering treatment will be carried out, e.g. provision of breast walls and retaining walls,
and sowing soil binding grasses around the site. Furthermore, construction is generally
undertaken outside the rainy season.
(v) Inadequate disposition of borrow area
As mentioned earlier the transmission tower foundations involve excavations on small

scale basis and the excavated soil is utilized for back filling. In case of substations
generally the sites are selected in such a manner that the volume of cutting is equal to
volume of filling avoiding borrowing of the area.
(vi) Protection of Worker's health/safety
The Safety Regulations/Safety Manual published by POWERGRID, and included in tender

documents will guide provisions for workers’ health and safety. Various aspects such as,
work and safety regulations, workmen's compensation, insurance are adequately covered
under the Erection Conditions of Contract (ECC), a part of bidding documents.
In addition training is imparted to the workers in fire fighting and safety measures. Safety
tools like helmet, safety belt, gloves etc. are provided to them in accordance to the
provisions of Safety Manual. First aid facilities will be made available with the labour
gangs, and doctors called in from nearby towns when necessary. The number of outside
(skilled) labourers will be quite small, of the order of 25-30 people per group. The
remaining workforce of unskilled labourers will be comprised of local people. Workers are
also covered by the statutory Workmen (Compensation) Act. POWERGRID has a
dedicated unit to oversee all health and safety aspects of its project under the Operation
Service Deptt. POWERGRID has framed guidelines/checklist for workers’ safety as its
personnel are exposed to live EHV apparatus and transmission lines. These
guidelines/checklist include work permits and safety precautions for work on the
transmission lines both during construction and operation (Annexure-1) and is monitored
regularly by site in-charge and corporate Operation Services.
5.3 Environmental Problems Resulting from Operation
(i) O&M Staff/Skills less than acceptable resulting in variety of adverse effects
The O&M program in POWERGRID is normally implemented by sub-station personnel for

both, the lines as well as sub-stations. However in respect of the long distance
transmission lines, there are monitoring offices that are located at various points en-route.
Monitoring measures employed include patrolling and thermo-vision scanning.
________________________________________________________________________________________
29
The supervisors and managers entrusted with O&M responsibilities are intensively trained
for necessary skills and expertise for handling these aspects.
A monthly preventive maintenance program will be carried out to disclose problems

related to cooling oil, gaskets, circuit breakers, vibration measurements, contact
resistance, condensers, air handling units, electrical panels and compressors. Any sign of
soil erosion is also reported and rectified. Monitoring results are published monthly,
including a report of corrective action taken and a schedule for future action.
POWERGRID is following the approved international standards and design, which are
absolutely safe. Based on the studies carried out by different countries on the safety of
EHV lines in reference to EMF affect POWERGRID have also carried out such studies
with the help of PTI, USA and CPRI, Bangalore on their design. The studies inferred that
the POWERGRID design are safe and follow the required international standard.
Because of issues relating to need to ensure health and safety relating to the line such as
fire safety, safe voltages on metallic parts of buildings, and safety clearances to avoid
flashover, the transmission lines will not pass directly over any residential properties and
as such the potential for EMF effects to occur will be further diminished. Given that it will
be necessary to ensure that there are no properties in the ROW beneath and to the sides
of the overhead line, automatic mitigation against EMF will be provided between the
source of potentially high strengths (the transmission line) and the residential properties.
Poly Chlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) due to its high heat capacity, low flammability and low
electrical conductivity was extensively used as insulating material in capacitors and
transformers. But after the finding that these PCBs are non-biodegradable and has
carcinogenic tendency, its use in electrical equipments as insulating medium has been
banned all over the world long back. However, it has been reported in some studies that
chances of contamination of oil with PCB is possible. Keeping that in mind, POWERGRID
has taken all possible steps in association with NGC, UK and setup Regional testing
laboratories for testing of existing oil for PCB traces and results of this suggests that PCB
contamination is not an issue with POWERGRID. The World Bank has also made
following comments after a detailed study on Management of PCBs in India :
“ Power Grid was the most advanced in testing for PCBs of the organizations
visited for this project. They have established a procedure for identification of the
presence of PCBs in transformer oil and more detailed analysis for positive
identification sample. To date no significant concentrations of PCBs have been
detected. Power Grid do not appear to have any significant issues regarding PCB
management and have initiated a testing program. The experience & laboratories of
Power Grid could be used to provide a national PCB auditing service”.
5.4 CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW CRITERIA
(i) Loss of irreplaceable resources
The transmission projects do not involve any large scale excavation and land is lost to the
extent of 0.2-1 sq m only for each foundation. As the lines in the subject project are not
passing through any forest area, the problem of losing natural resources in this project is
not envisages.
________________________________________________________________________________________
30
(ii) Accelerated use of resources for short-term gains
The project will not be making use of any natural resources occurring in the area during
construction as well as maintenance phases. The construction material such as tower
members, cement etc shall come from factories while the excavated soil shall be used for
backfilling to restore the surface. Thus the project shall not cause any accelerated use of
resources for short term gains.
(iii) Endangering of species
No endangered species of flora and fauna exist in the project area as well as no reserve
forest is getting affected thus there is no possibility of endangering/causing extinction of
any species.
(iv) Promoting undesirable rural-to urban migration
The project will not cause any submergence or loss of land holdings that normally trigger
migration. It also does not involve acquisition of any private land holdings. Hence, there is
no possibility of any migration.
5.5 PUBLIC CONSULTATION:
Public consultation/information is an integral part of the project implementation. Public is

informed about the project at every stage of execution. During survey also POWERGRID’s
site officials meet people and inform them about the routing of transmission lines. During
the construction, every individual, on whose land tower is erected and people affected by
ROW, are consulted.
Apart from this, public consultation using different technique like Public Meeting, Small
Group Meeting, informal Meeting as per Environmental Social Policy & Procedures
of POWERGRID (ESPP) shall also be carried out during different activities of project
cycle. During such consultation the public will be informed about the project in general and
in particular about the following:
 complete project plan (i.e. its route and terminating point and substations, if any, in
between);
 POWERGRID design standards in relation to approved international standards;
 Health impacts in relation to EMF;
 Measures taken to avoid public utilities such as school, hospitals, etc.;
 Other impacts associated with transmission lines and POWERGRID’s approach to
minimizing and solving them;
 Land acquisition details, proposed R&R measures and compensation packages in line
with POWERGRID’s policy;
 Trees and crop compensation process.
Apart from organising many informal group meetings in different villages (Table-5.1) many
public meeting was also organised in route of wardha-Parli line in the village
________________________________________________________________________________________
31
Table-5.1: PUBLIC CONSULTATION ENROUTE OF TRANSMISSION LINES
S. Line Village Name Person attended

No.
1. 765 KV Seoni-Wardha 1. Simariya Village Sarpanch and
a. 5th to 9th Feb’06 2. Jamunia general/interested
Distt.-Seoni 3. Hivara resident of village
4.Khoka
b. 16th to 20th Feb’06 1. Bikla -Do-
Distt.-Chindwara 2. Koramau
3. Bhaji Pani
4. Guvrel
5. Kalamgaon
6. Shikarpur
c. 10th to 13th April’06 1. Pandhari -Do-
Distt.-Nagpur 2. Ghogra
3. Khopa
4. Jalalpur
5. Mayawadi
d. 15th to 18th April’06 1. Vaghoda -Do-
Distt.-Wardha 2. Chiepur
3. Borgaon
4. Chopan Heti
5.Pipal Kunta
6. Panwadi
7. Jigaon
2. 400 KV Wardha-Parli 1. Deoli -Do-
a. 16th to 18 April’06 2. Vandil
Distt.-Wardha 3. Ratnapur
4. Dagapur
b.. 19th to 21st April’06 1. Yavi -Do-
Distt.-Yavatmal 2. Vadgoon
3. Sonegaon
4. Mahetapur
c. 23rd to 24th April’06 1. Thanda
Distt.- Hingoli 2. Ghoda
3. Digras Bujrug -Do-
4. Pawanmari
5. Bour
3. 400 KV Bhadrawati -Parli 1. Kurada
16th to 18th May’06 2. Jalka -Do-
a. Distt.-Chandrapur 3. Dharana
4. Majari
b. 19th to 20th May’06 1. Hastra
Distt.-Nanded 2. Newari
3. Devjana
4. Boregaon -Do-
c.. 21st to 22nd May’06 1. Palasgaon
Distt.-Hingoli 2. Sawargaon -Do-
3. Takalgaon
4. Mehadipur
5. Dabi
d. 22nd to 24th May’06 1. Inderwadi
Distt.-Beed 2. Kanerwadi -Do-
3. Warwadi
4. Sepwadi
4. 400 KV Raipur-Wardha 1. Dhamdha -Do-

________________________________________________________________________________________
32
a. 6th to 8 March’06 2. Patan
Distt.-Durg 3. Pandhor
4. Gurela
b. 10th -12th March’06 1. Parasgaon -Do-

Distt. Bhandara 2. Sonamara
3. Teli Tola
4. Karupahad
5. Hardooli
c. 13th – 15th March’06 1. Dongergaon -Do-
Distt. Rajnandgaon 2. Kohra-bhata
3. Talagaon
4. Singarpur
Kamathwada, distt. Yavatmal on 14.6.06, in the village Tigaon, Distt. Wardha in route of
Seoni-Wardha 765 Kv line on 24.6.06 and in village Khadki, Distt. Yavatmal in route of 400
KV Bhadrawati-Parli line on 15.6.06. During the Public consultation Programme a notice
in local language was served well in advance to the villagers (Annexure- 2). The details
of line and its importance was explained to the villagers by the concerned officials of
POWERGRID. More than fifty villagers including Surpanchs, and POWERGRID
representative participated in the programme (Plate-1 &3). Pamphlets giving details of
project, its benefit etc. were circulated during the programme amongst the participants
(Annexure-3). The programme was arranged in interactive way and queries like crop
compensation, route alignment etc. were replied. Most of the participants were small
farmers and were worried about their land through which the line will pass. They were
informed that POWERGRID will not acquire their land for construction of transmission
lines. Only towers will be spotted in their fields where they can do farming without any
fear because the tower height is very high and even tractor can pass below the tower.
Moreover, there is no risk of passing current from the above line as there is foolproof
system of earthing for tower. The consultation process was appreciated by the villagers.
They were happy to know about the transparent policy of POWERGRID for execution of
the project and promised to extend their cooperation during construction of the line. The
villagers expressed their gratitude to POWERGRID for organizing “public Consultation
Programme” and sharing information regarding details of the project and environmental
policy of POWERGRID. The process of such consultation and its documentation shall
continue during project implementation and even during O&M stage.
5.6 CONCLUSIONS :
From the above discussion, it would seem that the area is rich in physical resources. But
careful route selection has avoided involvement of any National Park/Sanctuary or
protected area but involvement of forest could not be avoided due to terrain and other
physiographical reasons. Thus, routes selected for detailed survey are the most optimum
route alignment and involved minimum forest and R&R issues in respect of Parli
substation where 36 acres (14.5 ha.) private land is being acquired shall be also be dealt
as per the POWERGRID policy after detailed social assessment by third party. Hence,
based on the criteria agreed with The Bank the project is coming under the P2 category
or non sensitive as only 2.4% of total length is passing through forest which is
already degraded in nature and no impact on wild life is envisages as the forest is
not the habitat of any endangered or endemic sp. of fauna and flora. The infrastruc-
________________________________________________________________________________________
33
tural constraints are very real and pose a limiting factor on the development of the area.
The above facts while on the one hand underline the need for implementation of the
project for overall development of the area and on another hand suggest that a detailed
E.I.A. may not be necessary.
________________________________________________________________________________________
34
SECTION-VI: MONITORING AND ORGANISATIONAL SUPPORT STRUCTURE
6.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAM IN POWERGRID:
Monitoring is a continuous process for POWERGRID projects at all the stages be it the
site selection, construction or maintenance.
The success of POWERGRID lies in its strong monitoring systems. Apart from the site
managers reviewing the progress on daily basis regular project review meetings are held
at least on monthly basis which is chaired by Executive Director of the region wherein
apart from construction issues the environmental aspects of the projects are discussed
and remedial measures taken wherever required. The exceptions of these meetings are
submitted to the Directors and Chairman and Managing Director of the Corporation. The
progress of various on-going projects is also informed to the Board of Directors. Following
is the organization support system for proper implementation and monitoring of
Environmental & Social Management Plan :
6.1 Corporate Level
An Environmental Management Cell at corporate level was created within POWERGRID

in 1992 and subsequently upgraded to an Environment Management Department (EMD)
in 1993 and in 1997 it has been further upgraded to Environment & Social Management
Deptt. (ESMD) by incorporating social aspect of project. Briefly, the ESMD's
responsibilities are as follows:
 Advising and coordinating RHQs and Site to carry out environmental and
social surveys for new projects.
 Assisting RHQs and site to finalize routes of entire power transmission line
considering environmental and social factors that could arise enroute
 Help RHQs and Site to follow-up with the state forest offices and other state
departments in expediting forest clearances and the land acquisition process
of various ongoing and new projects
 Act as a focal point for interaction with the M0EF for expediting forest
clearances and follow-ups with the Ministry of Power.
 Imparts training to POWERGRID’s RHQs & site Officials on environment and
social issues and their management plan.
6.2 Regional Level
At its Regional Office POWERGRID has a Environmental and Social Management cell
(ESMC) to manage Environmental and Social issues and to coordinate between ESMD
at the Corporate level and the Construction Area Office (CAO). The key functions
envisaged for ESMC are :
 Advising and coordinating field offices to carry out environmental and social
surveys for new projects envisaged in the Corporate Investment Plan
________________________________________________________________________________________
35
 Assisting the ESMD and CAO to finalise routes of entire power transmission
lines considering the environmental and social factors that could arise en-
route
 To follow-up forest clearances and land acquisition processes with state
forest offices and other state departments for various ongoing and new
projects
 Acting as a focal point for interaction with the ESMD and CAOs on various
environmental and social aspects.
6.3 Site Office
At the Site level , POWERGRID has made the head of the CAOs responsible for
implementing the Environmental and Social aspect of project and are termed as
Environmental and Social Management Team (ESMT) . Key functions of the ESMT are:
 Conduct surveys on environmental and social aspects to finalise the route
for the power transmission projects
 Conduct surveys for the sites to being considered for land acquisition
 Interact with the Forest Departments to make the forest proposal and follow
it up for MOEF clearance.
 Interact with Revenue Authorities for land acquisition and follow it up with
Authorised Agencies for implementation of Social Management Plan (SMP).
 Implementation of Environment Management Plan (EMP) and SMP
 Monitoring of EMP and SMP and producing periodic reports on the same.
It may be noted that POWERGRID is well equipped to implement and monitor its
environment and Social Management plans.
As regards monitoring of impacts on ecological resources particularly in Forest, Sanctuary

or National Park , it is generally done by the concerned Divisional Forest Officer, Chief
Wildlife Warden and their staff as a part of their normal duties. A monitoring system (done
by the Forest Department) is also in place for compensatory forests established as part of
the Project. A detailed Environment Management Plan (EMP) including monitoring
plan for all possible environmental and social impact and its proper management
has been drawn (Table- 6.1) and will be implemented during various stage of project
execution.
Environmental Review: Periodic review by corporate ESMD and higher management

including review by POWERGRID’s CMD of all environmental and social issues is under
taken to ensure that EMP and other measures are implemented at site. Besides it annual
review by independent Auditor under ISO: 14001 shall also be undertaken for compliance
of agreed policy and management plan.
________________________________________________________________________________________
36
________________________________________________________________________________________
37

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SECTION I: PROJECT DESCRIPTION

{Western Region System strengthening Scheme-II (Set-A)}

Presently, in addition to 220kV inter-regional links, Eastern and Western Regions

Wardha is already proposed to be connected with Seoni as a part of Seoni-

d) Project Cost : US $ 164.34 million (including IDC)

1.3 Scope of work

1. Seoni (POWERGROD) – Wardha (POWERGRID) 765 kV 2 nd 290 Km

1. Seoni 400 kV Substation (POWERGRID) Extension

Temperature: The average annual temperature varies from 25-35 0 C.

District Geographic Dense Moderately Open Total %

Human and Economic Development:

About 70 per cent of the people in Maharashtra depend on agriculture. Agriculture

2.2 MADHYA PRADESH:

 Winter (November through February);

District Geographic Dense Moderately open Total % forest

HUMAN AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:

Climate: The climatic condition is generally Sub-Tropical wet and dry

Rainfall: The mean annual rainfall varies between 100-200 Cms.

Temperature: The annual temperature varies between 20-35 0 C.

ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES: Chhattisgarh having a geographical area of 1,35,200 sq.

 Tropical Moist Deciduous

Geographic Dense Moderately %

HUMAN AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:

Chhattisgarh is generally perceived as a tribal dominated state. Although this is factually

Chhattisgarh produced a substantial 36 percent of the total power generated in undivided

3.1.1 MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS (NATIONAL)

 MOP order/sanction under The Electricity Act, 2003:

 Forest Clearance Under The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980

 Environmental Clearances under Environment (Protection) Act,1986

 Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling)Amendment Rules, 2003:

 Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000:

 The Biological Diversity Act, 2002:

3.1.2 FUNDING AGENCIES:

WB Operational Policies (OP) 4.01/ADB’s Operations Manuals (OM)- F1/BP and

Transmission line projects are categorized as category-B project having limited

3.1.3 PRESCRIPTIVE FRAMEWORK (NATIONAL)

3.1.4 RELEVANT POLICIES

 National Conservation Strategy and Policy Statement

 Policy statement for Abatement of pollution, 1992

3.2.1 MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS (NATIONAL)

 National Policy on Resettlement and Rehabilitation for Project Affected

 Rights of Way And Compensation Under Electricity Act,2003:

 Provisions Under Land Acquisition Act, 1894, as amended in 1984:

3.2.2 FUNDING AGENCIES

For POWERGRID, mandatory requirements vis-à-vis Funding Agencies are

 World Bank OD 4.30 (OP-4.12): Involuntary Resettlement:

 World Bank OD 4.20: Indigenous People (IP):

POWERGRID emphasizes that displacement is not an issue with transmission

3.2.3 PRESCRIPTIVE FRAMEWORK (NATIONAL)

 National and State-wide Laws and Policies Relating

 Madhya Pradesh Pariyojana Ke Karan Visthapit Vyakti (Punsthapan)

 Maharashtra Project Affected persons Rehabilitation Act, 1986

3.2.4 RELEVANT POLICIES

 The Orissa Resettlement and Rehabilitation of Project Affected Persons

 Resettlement & Rehabilitation Policy – NTPC

4.0 ROUTE SELECTION - (ASSESSMENT & MANAGEMENT PROCESS)

Environmental Criteria for Route selection

In order to achieve this, POWERGRID undertakes route selection for individual