Eia report (draft final) for proposed river front development of 20 Ghats along river Ganga in Patna, Bihar

VOYANTS SOLUTIONS PVT. LTD.
403, 4th Floor, BPTP Park Centra,
Sector - 30, NH-8, Gurgaon - 122001
Phone - 0124-4598 200 , Telefax - 0124-4019051
E-mail – info@voyants.in, www.voyants.in
July 2013
Sen and Lall Consultants Pvt. Ltd.
Consultancy Services for EIA study for Proposed River Front
Development in Patna
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Project : Environmental Impact Assessment Study for proposed river front development
of 20 Ghats along river Ganga in Patna, Bihar
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Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND ..............................................................................................1
1.1 OBJECTIVE ............................................................................................................................2
1.2 PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS.................................................................................................2
1.3 AIM OF INVESTMENTS .........................................................................................................3
1.4 River Front Management Investments, ESMF........................................................................4
1.5 Patna River Front Development..............................................................................................4
1.5.1 Proposed Developments.....................................................................................................4
1.5.2 Development of Ghats ........................................................................................................5
1.5.3 Community cum cultural centres.........................................................................................8
1.5.4 Landscape work at Precinct Zones.....................................................................................9
1.5.5 City level parks..................................................................................................................10
1.5.6 Improvement of approach roads to the precincts..............................................................10
1.6 Environmental Issues of Patna River Front Development ....................................................12
1.7 PROPOJECT PROPONENT ................................................................................................14
1.8 TECHNICAL CONSULTANT AND ARCHITECT ..................................................................14
1.9 EIA CONSULTANT ...............................................................................................................14
1.10 PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF EIA..........................................................................................13
2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION............................................................................................................16
2.1 EXISTING GHAT CONDITIONS...........................................................................................17
2.2 NEED FOR PATNA RFD ......................................................................................................23
2.3 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS ...........................................................................................23
2.3.1 Development of Ghats ......................................................................................................24
2.3.2 Promenades including kiosks (connecting some of the ghats together............................25
2.3.3 Community cum cultural centres.......................................................................................27
2.3.4 Landscape work at Precinct Zones:..................................................................................28
2.3.5 City level parks:.................................................................................................................29
2.3.6 Improvement of approach roads to the precincts..............................................................29
2.4 PROJECT LOCATION ..........................................................................................................31
2.5 ADDITIONAL BENEFIT ........................................................................................................34
2.6 PROJECT COST ..................................................................................................................34
3. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK ........................35
3.1 POLICIES AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK OF GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (GOI) ......35
3.2 SAFEGUARD POLICIES OF WORLD BANK.......................................................................42
4. DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENT............................................................................................44

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4.1 PROJECT INFLUENCE AREA .............................................................................................44
4.2 TEAM MOBILIZATION..........................................................................................................44
4.3 ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIAL SCREENING: .....................................................................45
4.4 Project Surroundings.............................................................................................................52
4.5 Baseline Data Collection .......................................................................................................53
4.5.1 Meteorological environment..............................................................................................53
4.5.1.1 Climate ..........................................................................................................................53
4.5.1.2 Ganga Basin Temperature in Patna..............................................................................53
4.5.1.3 Relative Humidity ..........................................................................................................53
4.5.1.4 Rainfall and Precipitation ..............................................................................................53
4.5.1.5 Wind Speed...................................................................................................................54
4.5.1.6 Wind Direction...............................................................................................................54
4.5.2 Physical environment ........................................................................................................54
4.5.2.1 Topography ...................................................................................................................54
4.5.2.2 Geology.........................................................................................................................55
4.5.2.3 Land use........................................................................................................................56
4.5.2.4 Physiography and Soil ..................................................................................................58
4.5.2.5 Seismicity ......................................................................................................................59
4.5.2.6 Hydrology and Drainage ...............................................................................................60
4.5.2.7 Soil Quality ....................................................................................................................61
4.5.2.8 Ambient Air Quality........................................................................................................62
4.5.2.9 Noise Levels..................................................................................................................63
4.5.2.10 Water Quality.................................................................................................................64
4.5.3 ECOLOGY AND BIODIVERSITY......................................................................................66
4.5.3.1 Forest Resource............................................................................................................66
4.5.3.2 Terrestrial Ecology ........................................................................................................70
4.5.3.3 Aquatic Ecology.............................................................................................................77
4.5.3.3.1 Aquatic Profile of the Project Area ................................................................................77
4.5.3.4 Dolphins Habitat in Project Affected Area:....................................................................81
4.6 Traffic survey.........................................................................................................................88
5. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES .................................................................................................89
5.1 Technology Benefits..............................................................................................................99
6. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIAL IMPACT AND MITIGATION MEASURES .....100
6.1 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................100
6.2 ENVIRONMENTAL SCREENING EXERCISE: ..................................................................100
6.2.1 Environmental Factors: ...................................................................................................100

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6.2.2 Social Factors:.................................................................................................................100
6.3 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND MITIGATION MEASURES-CONSTRUCTION STAGE
102
6.3.1 Meteorology and Climate ................................................................................................102
6.3.2 Quarries and Crushers....................................................................................................102
6.3.3 Cultural and Heritage Resources:...................................................................................103
6.3.4 Loss of Structures ...........................................................................................................104
6.3.5 Generation of Dust: .........................................................................................................104
6.3.6 Sanitation and Waste Generation: ..................................................................................104
6.3.7 Drainage Channel: ..........................................................................................................105
6.3.8 Loss of vegetation and tree cutting: ................................................................................105
6.3.9 Impacts on Dolphin: ........................................................................................................105
6.4 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND MITIGATION MEASURES-OPERATION STAGE.......106
6.4.1 Environmental Impact: ....................................................................................................106
6.4.2 Mitigation Measure Proposed in Project: ........................................................................109
6.4.3 RISK ASSESSMENT AND SAFETY MEASURES: ........................................................111
7. PUBLIC CONSULTATION & STAKEHOLDER PARTICIPATION............................................116
7.1 Introduction..........................................................................................................................116
7.2 Methods of Public Consultation...........................................................................................116
7.3 Consultation with affected households ...............................................................................117
8. ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN ...................................................................................128
8.1 Specific activities by BUIDCo..............................................................................................128
8.2 Specific activities by Contractor ..........................................................................................128
8.3 Implementation of EMP.......................................................................................................129
8.4 Environmental Monitoring Program ....................................................................................140
8.4.1 Monitoring of Concessionaire / Contractor's Facilities, Plant and Equipment ............140
8.5 Environmental Budget.........................................................................................................140
9. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION...............................................................................147
List of Tables
Table 1-1 : Portfolio of Investments ........................................................................................................3
Table 1-2 : List of Ghats..........................................................................................................................5
Table 2-1 : Proposed Ghats for development.......................................................................................24
Table 2-2 : Proposed Project Cost........................................................................................................34
Table 3-1 : Environmental Regulations and Legislations......................................................................36

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Table 4-1 : Environment and Social Screening for River Front Development ......................................45
Table 4-2:Proposed Ghats for Developments along river Ganga in Ganga Ghats ..............................52
Table 4-3 :Rainfall and Temperature at Patna in Ganga Basin ............................................................54
Table 4-4 :Land Use Pattern along Ganga river basin .........................................................................56
Table 4-5: Soil Quality Analysis of Proposed Project Site ....................................................................62
Table 4-6: Ambient Air Quality within study area..................................................................................63
Table 4-7: Ambient Noise Level within study area................................................................................64
Table 4-8: Surface Water Quality Analysis Results ..............................................................................65
Table 4-9:: List of National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary located in Bihar.............................................68
Table 4-10: List of trees reported in the project affected area ..............................................................72
Table 4-11: List of Avifauna reported in inner buffer zone....................................................................75
Table 4-12: Species of fishes reported in the study area .....................................................................86
Table 4-13: Traffic Count Survey at Project Influence Area .................................................................88
Table 5-1: With and Without Project Scenario......................................................................................92
Table 6-1: Outcome of Environment and Social Screening................................................................100
Table 6-2: Carrying Capacity Calculation for each of project ghats....................................................112
Table 7-1: Levels of Consultations......................................................................................................116
Table 8-1: Environment Management Plan ........................................................................................130
Table 8-2: Environmental Monitoring Plan..........................................................................................142
Table 8-3: Environmental Budget .......................................................................................................144
List of Figures
Figure 2.1: Artists view of Golaghar Patna ...........................................................................................16
Figure 2.2: Sanitation issues along the ghats.......................................................................................18
Figure 2.3: Slums at edge of river Ganga .............................................................................................19
Figure 2.4: Gandhi Ghat (the only developed ghat at moment)............................................................19
Figure 2.5: Adalat Ghat Edge Condition Analysis (Boulder pitching at the edges) ..............................21
Figure 2.6:Edge condition Analysis in Krishna Ghat.............................................................................22
Figure 2.8: Urban Precincts proposed ..................................................................................................26
Figure 2.9: Design of Urban Precinct (3D-View)...................................................................................26
Figure 2.10:View of ghats after the proposed development of urban precinct .....................................27
Figure 2.11:Proposed Community cum Eco-centre at Gai ghat ...........................................................28
Figure 2.12:Restoring the riparian edge and landscaping ....................................................................29
Figure 2.13:Proposed approach road development of Gai ghat...........................................................30

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Figure 2.14:Project Location .................................................................................................................32
Figure 2.15:Landuse along project ghats..............................................................................................33
Figure 4.1:Direct Project Influence Area (DPIA) ...................................................................................44
Figure 4.2:Geological Map of Ganga Basin..........................................................................................55
Figure 4.3:Landuse Aspects along the Ganga ghat section in Patna...................................................56
Figure 4.4: DEM Map along the project section in Ganag ghat section in Patna .................................57
Figure 4.5: Land Use along the stretch of river bank to be developed under RFD project in Patna ....57
Figure 4.6: Physiographic map of Bihar along the river Ganga ............................................................58
Figure 4.7: Seismic Hazard Map showing the Project Area (Ganga Ghats) ........................................59
Figure 4.8:Seismic Zonation Map of India ............................................................................................60
Figure 4.9:River Map of Bihar ...............................................................................................................60
Figure 4.10: Drainage Map of Project Area (Ganga Ghats City) ..........................................................61
Figure 4.11: Discharge of Raw Sewage in Ganga river from various points ........................................66
Figure 4.12: Forest cover map of Bihar ................................................................................................67
Figure 4.13: Location of National Park & Sanctuary of Bihar ..............................................................69
Figure 4.14: Photograph of Flora reported in Riparian Habitat.............................................................71
Figure 4.15: Photographs of Trees Reported at Ghat Area..................................................................74
Figure 4.16:Photograph of Animal Reported in study area...................................................................77
Figure 4.17: Map showing Ganga River and its Tributaries..................................................................78
Figure 4.18: Dolphins Movement in Project Study Area .......................................................................82
Figure 4.19: Location were Dolphins are reported................................................................................84
Figure 4.20: Location of Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphins Sanctuary with respect to project site..........85
Figure 4.21: Photographs of Species of Fishes reported during primary survey..................................87
Figure 6.1:Cultural Resources along river Ganga ..............................................................................103
Figure 6.2: Dolphins Movement ..........................................................................................................105
Figure 6.3:Disposal of Pious Refuse...................................................................................................107
List of Annexures
Annexure1.1: Guidelines for Existing Quarry Management
Annexure1.2: Guidelines for Siting, Operation and Redevelopment of Borrow Areas
Annexure 1.3: Guidelines for Siting and Layout of Construction Camp
Annexure 1.4: Specific R&R Measures
Annexure 1.5: Drawings for Safety Measures
Annexure 1.6: Replies to the observations of NMCG and World Bank

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ACRONYMS
B.C Before Christ
BUIDCo Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation
CPCB Central Pollution Control Board
EP Environment Protection
ESIA Environment and Social Impact Assessment
ESMF Environment and Social Management Framework
ESMP Environment and Social Management Plan
FGD Focus Group Discussion
GAP Ganga Action Plan
GoI Government of India
MoEF Ministry of Environment and Forest
NGRBA National Ganga River Basin Authority
NGO Non- Government Organization
NPRR National Policy on Resettlement and Rehabilitation
NP National Park
OP Operational Policy
PMG Program Management Group
R&R Resettlement and Rehabilitation Framework
SC Supervision Consultant
SPMG Special Program Management Group
ULB Urban Local Body
WB World Bank
WLPA Wild Life Protection Act
WLS Wild Life Sanctuary

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1. INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND
River Ganga has a significant economic, environmental and cultural value in India. Rising in the
Himalayas and flowing into the bay of Bengal, the river traverses through a course of more than
2500km in the plains of north and eastern India. The Ganga basin (which also extends into parts of
Nepal, China and Bangladesh) accounts for about 26 percent of India’s landmass, 30 percent of its
water resources and more than 40 percent of its population. Ganga is India’s holiest river and has a
cultural and spiritual significance that far transcends the boundaries of the basin.
Figure 1. 1The Gangaand its spirituality
Increasing population in the basin and haphazard urbanization and industrial growth has significantly
impacted the water quality of river Ganga, particularly during the dry season. The primary sources of
pollution are untreated sewage and industrial wastewater. Non-point pollution sources from agriculture
and livestock, religious activities at various locations along the river, as well as poor solid waste
management, also contribute to pollution. In addition, substantial abstraction of water, primarily for
irrigation, has led to low flows and associated poor water quality in the critical middle stretch of the
river.
The previous attempt to clean the river, such as Ganga Action Plan (GAP) launched in 1985 have
provided some gains in arresting rate of water quality degradation, but lot more needs to be done.

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Lessons from earlier experience indicate that improving water quality in the Ganga cannot be
achieved by plugging the infrastructure gap alone. Any effective initiative will have to adopt a three-
pronged approach by (i) establishing a basin-level multi-sectoral strategy for addressing pollution in
the river (ii) making relevant institutions operational and effective and (iii) implementing a phased
program for Ganga clean up.
As a major first step in this direction, the Government of India (GoI) has established the National
Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) for comprehensive management of the river. The NGRBA
program will adopt a river basin approach and has been given multi-sectoral mandate to address both
water quantity and quality aspects. The NGRBA has resolved that by year 2020 no untreated
municipal sewage or industrial effluent will be discharged into river Ganga.
1.1 OBJECTIVE
The NGRBA program will finance infrastructure investments to reduce pollution loads at priority on the
river. The investments are intended to exemplify, among other attributes, the high standards of
technical preparation and implementation, sustainability of operations and public participation. The
majority of investments in the NGRBA program are expected to be in the wastewater sector,
particularly in wastewater treatment plants and sewerage networks. Investments will also be
supported in industrial pollution control and prevention (e.g. common effluent treatment plants), and
river front management (e.g. improvement of the built environment along river stretches,
improvements of small ghats
1
and electric crematoria and the conservation and preservation of
ecologically sensitive sites). Many investments are likely to combine elements of more than one of
these sectors.An investment framework has been finalized for the selection of program investments.
The objectives of this investments framework are to:
 Provide a filter for all the NGRBA investments, for ensuring that the selected investments are
well-prepared and amongst the most effective in reducing the pollution loads
 Make transparent the decision making process on investment selection; and,
 Ensure that the investments are implemented in a sustainable manner.
1.2 PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS
The portfolio of investments to be implemented is given in table 1.1. These investments in the first
phase of program is spread across several cities and/or towns within Ganga main stem states of
Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal and may be extended to entire
Ganga river basin comprising of 11 states in the later phases.
1
As used in many parts of Northern South Asia and in Indian Subcontinent, the term ghat refers to a series of steps leading
down to a body of water, particularly a holy river. In Bengali-speaking regions, this set of stairs can lead down to something as
small as a pond or as large as a major river.

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Table 1-1 : Portfolio of Investments
S.No Portfolio of
Investments
Possible portfolio components
1 Sewerage and
sanitation
systems/sewage
treatment plants
(new/up
gradation)
 Provision of an entirely new sewerage network including individual
house connections
 Extensions to existing sewerage networks in some parts of
cities/towns to include areas which are un sewered hitherto or to newly
developed areas in the recent years
 Entirely new sewage treatment plants/facility
 Augmentation of capacities in existing sewage treatment plant/facility
 Remodeling/Renovation of existing sewage treatment facilities,
resulting in better effluent quality and augmented treatment capacity
2 Solid Waste
Management
 Engineered landfills with leachate collection and treatment systems
 Waste segregation and composting facilities
 Waste Processing or Waste to Energy Facilities
3 Industrial Pollution
Control Initiatives
 Common effluent treatment plant
 Common hazardous waste management facilities
 Pilot treatment facilities for various industrial sectors
 Waste minimization and Clean technology program
4 River front
Management
initiatives
 River front management and beautification
 Construction of bathing ghats
 Development of crematoria, situated on river banks
1.3 AIM OF INVESTMENTS
The portfolio of investments are aimed at preventing the discharge of untreated sewage into river
Ganga and thus aiding abatement of river water pollution and improvement in water quality.
Consequently, this also contributes to the improvement in the status of environment health and
sanitation for the citizens of the concerned cities and towns. The investments to be implemented have
its own beneficial as well as adverse impacts. The significance of these impacts depends on the
individual project, its size and location. The likely beneficial impacts of the investments include the
following:
 Improvement in sewage collection and treatment within the cities/towns;
 Prevention of storm drains carrying sanitary sullage or dry weather flow;
 Prevention of ground water and soil pollution due to infiltration of untreated liquid waste;
 Prevention of discharge of untreated sewage into river Ganga;

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 Improvement in water quality of river;
 Improvement in environmental sanitation health and reduction in associated health hazards
within cities/towns;
 Improvement in quality of life, human dignity and increased productivity;
 Reduced nuisance of open defecation due to low cost sanitation and reduced malarial risks
and other health hazards and vector borne diseases; and,
 Improved community participation and sense of ownership
1.4 River Front Management Investments
River front management is one of the portfolios of investment to be taken up under NGRBA mandate.
River front management under NGRBA mandate includes:
 River front development schemes;
 Beautification of river banks;
 Construction of bathing ghats along rivers;
 Improvement of lakes and water bodies
 Redevelopment of cremation ground
These river front management works would be included under one investment. The requirement of
land for these works is moderate and much lesser than that is required for other NGRBA investments
like sewage treatment or solid waste treatment facility. Although, these facilities are frequently used
by the citizens, the location of these investments will not generally involve displacement of people.
The proposed Patna River Front Development (RFD) is part of the River front management
investments under NGRBA.
1.5 Patna River Front Development
1.5.1 Proposed Developments
The proposed Patna river front development project would involve the following projects:
 Development of 20 ghats (from Anta ghat to Naujar ghat including change room);
 Promenades including kiosks (connecting some of the ghats together);
 Community cum cultural centres;
 Landscape work in the precinct zones;
 City level parks; and,
 Improvement of approach roads to the precincts
 Development of Crematoria in Gulvi Ghat to an electric crematoria
 Development of interceptor drain (total 8 nos.)
 Sulabh Toilet Complex

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Details of the developments are given below:
1.5.2 Development of Ghats
The proposed 20 ghats considered to be developed under this project given in table 1.2 and shown in
figure 1.2 respectively.
Table 1-2 : List of Ghats
Figure 1.2 Potential of ghat as a public Space
Promenades including kiosks (connecting some of the ghats together)
The proposed development of promenades are given below and shown in figure 1.3 and 1.4:
Ghat Names
Anta ghat B.N. College ghat
Adalat ghat Mishri ghat
T.N. Banerjee ghat Krishna ghat
Baharwa ghat Rani ghat
Ghagha ghat Raushan ghat
Choudharytola ghat Pathri ghat
Alamgaunj ghat Naurwa ghat
Hanuman ghat Raja ghat
Gai ghat Bhadra ghat
Mahavir ghat Naujar ghat

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Name of
Precinct
Connected Ghats
Precinct-I Collectorate ghat Anta ghat B.N.College ghat Mahendru ghat
till Adalat ghat
Precinct-II Adalat ghat To Gandhi ghat
Precinct-III Gandhi ghat to Rani ghat
Precinct-IV Bhadra ghat Mahavir ghat Naujar ghat
Figure 1. 3 Urban Precincts proposed

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Figure 1. 4 Design of Urban Precinct (3D-View)
After the development of the urban precincts the view of a ghat is shown in figure 1.5.
Figure 1. 5: View of ghats after the proposed development of urban precinct

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1.5.3 Community cum cultural centres
Three number of community cum culture centres are proposed as given below and shown in figure
1.6.
 Community cum Eco Centre at Collectorate ghat: This centre is facilitated with community
landscape court with sit out, eco-centre cum meeting hall, café sitting in the second floor. The
total built up area would be 2014 sq.m.
 Community cum cultural Centre at Bhadra ghat: This centre will be facilitated with food court
and community hall and children centre, multi purpose hall for dance and performance and a
promenade view café. The total built up area would be 1273 sq.m.
 Dolphin Research Centre at Gai ghat:In the ground floor there will be research centre and in
the 1
st
floor there will be exhibition hall. The total built up area would be 950 sq.m
 Café at Patna College: This centre will be facilitated with café in the ground floor, Reading
room and kids reading area in the 1
st
floor and Amphitheatre and viewing deck in the 2
nd
floor.
The proposed built up area is 381 sq.m
 Audio-Visual theatre at Gandhi ghat: This centre is facilitated with café in the ground floor,
audio-visual hall in the 1
st
floor, amphitheater and viewing deck in the 2
nd
floor. Toal built up
area 381 sq.m.
Figure 1. 6: Proposed Community cum Eco-centre at Gai ghat

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1.5.4 Landscape work at Precinct Zones
The proposal has also put forward a framework to integrate landscape in to the existing river edge
design. The landscape design has listed criteria like edge restoration, bio-diversity for wildlife,
methods for carbon reduction , providing Larger open space for people for rituals, activity and
exercise, walks, workshops, seminars, shade areas for people, concepts of bio-degradable garbage,
flood control through land scape engineering and environmental education.
The development on the river edge has to be of a kind that does n’t harm the river ecology.The design
solution is a sustainable process. Steps have been taken to put in place on the promenade
networkofwastedisposal.Thetexturesanduseofmaterialbesuchthatitwouldbegreenandenvironmentfrien
dly.
Landscape work has been proposed in four (4) number of precinct zones as given below and shown
in figure 1.7:
Precinct Landscape Work Landscape Work Landscape Work
Precinct-I Collectorate ghat to Anta ghat Anta ghat to B.N
college ghat
B.N College ghat to
Mahendru ghat
Precinct-II Mishri ghat to T.N Banerjee ghat T.N Banerjee ghat to
Kali ghat
Precinct-III Gandhi ghat to Bharva ghat Bharva ghat to Law
college ghat
Rani ghat to Gulvi ghat
Precinct-IV Gai ghat to Naujar ghat
The proposal under the landscape works at the precinct zones will include the following aspects:
 Riparian edge restoration, planting long edge for biodiversity of wild life, carbon reduction,
nutrient exchange along edge
 Large open space to facilitate people for rituals, activity and exercise, walks, workshops,
seminars, shade areas for people
 Nitrogen and Phosphrous reduction through bio-filtration phytorid (from NEERI-CSIR India)
from sewage filled discharge
 Solid waste management through in-situ aerobic composting (for bio-degradable waste)
 Flood control through landscape engineering permanent and temporary
 Environmental education

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Figure 1. 7: Restoring the riparian edge and landscaping
1.5.5 City level parks
2 nos. of city level parks are proposed respectively at Patna College ghat and Gai ghat
1.5.6 Improvement of approach roads to the precincts
Following approach roads are proposed for improvement:
 Approach road to precinct-I
 Approach road to precinct-II
 Approach road to precinct-III
 Approach road to precinct-IV
 Approach road to Krishna ghat
 Approach road to Choudurytola ghat
 Approach to Pathri ghat
 Approach to Gai ghat
 Approach to Raja ghat
A schematic view of proposed development of approach road is given in figure 1.8.

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Figure 1. 8: Proposed approach road development of Gai ghat
1.5.7 Development of Electric Cremetoria at Gulvi Ghat
At present the present crematoria uses wood as burning material. This electric crematoria will help in
reducing the wood consumption and next it would give more burning facilities. This electric crematoria
would help in burning 30 dead bodies in a day.
1.5.8 Development of Sulabh Toilet Complex
Sulabh toilet complex are proposed at 3 locations as part of the project namely at Collectorate Ghat,
Anta Ghat and Bhadra Ghat. Nearly 600 people are expected to use each of these toilets in a day.
1.5.9 Development of Interceptor Drain
The project also envisagesto improve interceptor drains to capture the sewage getting directly
disposed to Ganga from the building along the ghat and then finally dispose them off at a city sewer
manual to divert the same to a STP. A total 8 such interceptor drains are being proposed.

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1.5.10 Environmental Awareness
The proposed river front development has potential to become one of the recreational and cultural
hub of the city and can emerge as lively urban face. This can transform the water front areas from
marginal use and connect to main stream, public activity etc. Once such public place is being
developed then the necessary environmental awareness and citizen’s responsibility towards the
cleanliness of river Ganga is expected to be developed along with increase of tourism. It is expected
that the proposed river front development in Patna would enhance the environmental awareness
specifically addressing (i) sanitation issues, (ii) prevent disposal of untreated sewage from the houses
adjoining the ghats, (iii) prevent uncontrolled disposal of solid waste in the river, (iv) ecological
awareness among people and among the fishermen specifically regarding Ganga Dolphin and (v)
Open Defecation. The Project also expected to generate awareness among the pilgrims along with
various line department health, safety and environmental issues during festivals like Chath
and“Ganga Arati”.
1.6 Environment and Social Management Framework (ESMF)
An ESMF has been developed for all the NGRBA portfolios of investments. According to ESMF, no
such adverse or negative impacts are expected from river front management works until there are
no major interferences in the river flow channel hydraulics which can trigger erosion and siltation
issues either in situ or elsewhere along the course of the river. Impacts due to such investments could
be minimized or mitigated by appropriate interventions and engineering designs.
The ESMF of NGRBA for river front management work envisages following Environmental issues in
general:
 Change in land use and drainage pattern
 Change in channel hydraulics, triggering erosion and siltation problems either at in situ or
elsewhere along the course of river
 Impact due to inadequate solid and liquid waste disposal arrangements
 Impact due to inadequate sanitation , health and safety facilities
 Impact on river water quality due to proposed amenities
 Impact on environmental aesthetics and cultural values
However in Patna RFD, the project has been envisaged to take care of the issues in the design stage
itself. For example the ecological edge restoration work, development of land scape actually helps in
improving the present situation of drainage pattern. The project also envisaged to provide
management of solid and liquid waste expected to generate from the project and thereby improving
the river water quality.
The project also provides various benefits due to such river front development such as:

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 Ensuring more safe environment for bathing for children and older people with the
implementation of life guard and guard rails;
 Opportunities for employment for people who will operate kiosks and other informal economic
activities due to development of the ghats as an open public place to the people of Patna;
 More efficient management of solid waste and sewerage generated along project ghats;and,
 Improvement of safety measures with deployment of efficient exit routes during religious
gatherings along the project ghats.
1.7 PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF EIA
The present Patna RFD project will be implemented by NGRBA and for that assistance has been
sought from World Bank. According to screening study (given in details in chapter-4) and as per
NGRBA’s framework the project falls under high impact category and hence an EIA study is required
along with specific EMP. Also as per World Bank’s safeguard policy (OP: 4.01: Environment
Assessment) an Environmental Assessment may be required if the proposed development work
envisages to have some impact (adverse or positive) to surrounding environment.
The scope of the EIA study has been finalized based upon the project screening and categorization
and is given below:
 Project screening and scoping;
 Project categorization considering the OP: 4.01 (Environment Assessment);
 Detailed assessment of natural habitats in the river and its riparian areas;
 Assessment of water quality along the river stretch both through secondary and primary data
generation;
 Preparation of study area maps for an immediate vicinity of 200m-1km from either side of the
river through satellite imagery to understand the details of vegetation and potential of siltation.
 Aquatic Ecological assessment of the river at various taxonomy levels for the stretch of ghat
development program;
 Assessment of existing sewage disposal and proposed improvement mechanism for
restricting sewage and other trade effluent disposal (if any) in to the ghat development
section;
 Assessment of proposed Solid Waste Management System as part of the proposed
development;
 Assessment of possible impact on river bed due to the proposed engineering measures for
ghat development and possible management measures (if any);
 Assessment of physical and cultural Resources along the project stretch and assessment of
potential beneficial and adverse impact on such resources from the project;
 Assessment of possible Environmental Quality measures and monitoring mechanism;
 Assessment of possible Environment Management measures and cost;

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1.8 PROPOJECT PROPONENT
National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) is the project proponent for this project.
1.9 TECHNICAL CONSULTANT AND ARCHITECT
M/s Sen and Lall Consultants Pvt. Ltd. is the technical consultant for this project and M/s NilaA
Architecture and Urban Design is the architect consultant for this project for the proposed river front
development in Patna including development of 20 ghats, promenade including kiosks, community
cum cultural centre, landscape work in the precinct zones, city level parks and development of
approach road to the ghats.
1.10 EIA CONSULTANT
M/s Voyants Solutions Pvt. Ltd. is the EIA consultant for the project.
1.11 STRUCTURE OF EIA
The present EIA report is has been arranged in following chapters.
Chapter- 1 Introduction
This chapter describes briefly describes the project, NGRBA
Portfolios of Investments, the ESMF and need of EIA study.
Chapter- 2 Project Description
In the chapter the existing conditions of the ghats and proposed
developments taken under the projects are described along with the
cost summary of total investment under Patna RFD
Chapter- 3 Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework
This Chapter captures the policy and legal framework of government
of India as well the policies of World Bank that are applicable to the
project.
Chapter-4 Description of Environment
Description of the baseline environmental condition including the
baseline conditions of river water quality, terrestrial and aquatic
ecology, air, noise and soil quality are briefly described in this
chapter.
Chapter-5 Analysis of Alternative
This chapter describes the alternatives considered in the project
towards improving the project.
Chapter-6 Environmental Impacts and Assessment
This chapter provides details of the potential impacts from the project
on various environmental factors and mitigation measures proposed
for the construction and operation stage

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Chapter-7 Public Consultation
This chapter briefly describes the consultation measures carried out
with the various sections of common public in and around the project
area and the suggestions provided under the consultation are
documented.
Chapter-8 Environmental Management Plan
This chapter envisages the requirement of Environmental
Management Plan including the monitoring and supervision
framework for the implementation of EMP along with the budget for
implementing EMP.
Chapter-9 Conclusion and Recommendation
This chapter provides the conclusion about the implementation of the
project and provides necessary recommendations.

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2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
A detailed project report on riverfront revitalization is being prepared to enhance the potential of
Patna’s riveredge infrastructure and future decade. This is anunprecedented opportunity to create
new public realm facing towards the river that is strongly connected to the city’s urban fabric. The
report outlines a set of urban strategies that form the larger civic vision to the water front in the city
and illustrates the detail proposal in ghat precincts.
Our attempt has been to provide proposal that
workscollaborativelywithArchitectureandEngineering,UrbandesignandEcologyandLandscapeDesign.T
hestudyspannedoveralengthof7kmofthewaterfrontstartingatCollectorateghatanddowntherivertillGanga
Setuandbeyond upto Naujar ghat.
Figure 2.1: Artists view of Golaghar Patna
The history of Patna spans three millennia and has the distinction of being associated with two most
ancient religions of the world, namely, Buddhism and Jainism. The state has seen the rise and fall of
mighty empires of the Mauryas and the Guptas. The Patna was originally known as Patliputra in the
Mauryan empire. From this city the famed emperor Chandragupta ruled a vast empire from Bay of
Bengal to Afghanistan.
This state has also produced several eminent world class scholars namely:
 Aryabhatt-Famous mathematician and astronomers
 Chanakya-Master of State Craft and Guru of Chandragupta Maurya
It is believed that Patliputra was among the largest cities of the world between 300 and 195B.C.

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Celebration of religious festivals:
The famous ChhathPuja of Eastern India is celebrated in Patna with great gaiety on river Ganga’s
banks. More than five lakhs devotees offer Puja to Sun God on the occasion of Chhath Puja in the
month of October. On this occasion lakhs of people trek to Ganges and after holy dip in the Ganges
worship Sun God.
Recently Ganga Aarti has started at 2 nos. ghats, namely Gandhi ghat and Bhadra ghat. The Tourism
Department is conducting these on weekly basis and already has emerged an attractive weekly event
of city. Such programs can create enormous awareness for cleanliness of river Ganges.
2.1 EXISTING GHAT CONDITIONS
During the visit of the project team of VSPL to assess the existing conditions of the ghats the following
point emerges:
 Sanitation: At present the existing facilities at the ghats are quite poor. Practically there is no
change room or toilet facility in the ghats. Disposal of raw sewage from buildings, slums are
very common along with open defecation along the edge. Further there are dairy units along
the ghat the waste is directly disposed to river Ganga (Refer Figure 2.2).
ThemightyriverGangesisanintrinsicpartof lifeofPatna.
Thisbeinganhistoricalcitythesettlementsstartedrightafter river’sbankedgeandconsequentlytheriver’sedge
remainedunattended.Thegreatpotentialof riverfrontdevelopmenteludedthe
peopleofPatna.NowwiththisdecisionofBiharGovt.todeveloptheGangariverfront,a greatopportunityfor
Urbantransformationofcityhas emerged. The benefitsofthisriverfrontdevelopmentare
immense.Afewsalientbenefits arespecifiedbelow.
The spread of Patna along river Ganga The spread of Patna city in and around Gandhi
Maidan

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Disposal of sewage from building lines along
ghat to river ganga
Domesticated animal and dairy units along ghat,
disposal of animal waste to river Ganga
Open Defecation along edges of river Ganga Direct disposal of solid waste from the
slum/colnies along the river bank into river Ganga
Figure 2.2: Sanitation issues along the ghats
 Festivals and Safety: The ghats are neither big enough to accommodate thousands of
Devotees during Chhat festival. There are high chances of accident if any mishap happens
with the devotees. In fact the same thing happened on 19
th
of November 2012 when during
Chatt festival 17 people killed due to stampede at the Adalatgaunj Ghat in Patna.
 Encroachments: Illegal colonies, slums and encroachment are observed along the ghat
especially to name Bhadra ghat where high density of slum observed. The colonies are
developed so close to the bank that during monsoon chances of drowning and unsafe
condition prevails. (Refer figure 2.3).

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Figure 2.3: Slums at edge of river Ganga
 Safety issues during Night time: There are hardly any light in the ghats making it really
unsafe to women and general public as well. Women are not seen in the ghats after 4 p.m. On
the contrary at Gandhi Ghatwhich has been developed for recreational purpose notices
presence of women even after 9 p.m. This shows that if there is proper ghat developed people
will use it.
Figure 2.4:Gandhi Ghat (the only developed ghat at moment)
 Edge Restoration:. Stone pitching has been observed along the river bank. This is a practice
being done to restore the banks from erosion but it does not exist more than 2-3 years and
every time such types of edge restoration work without any kind of landscaping or green area
reduces the ecological activities in the river edges and thus impacts the food chain (Figure 2.4)
 Unsafe Ghats-No clear entry exit route: At present the ghats are very narrow and each step
height are very steep (avg. 10-13 inch) especially as observed in Mishri Ghat. Almost all the
ghats do have some temple and devotees go for puja. The steep steps may be ok for youth

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and adult but for children, women and aged persons these kind of steps are not very safe
option. Further the steps are slippery due to water and may cause accident.
Further, there is no such demarked entry or exit route to the ghats from the banks which also
create lot of unsafe condition during mass gathering like chatt festival etc.
 Present Initiative of Bihar Government: It would also be very pertinent to mention that at
present the river front development/ management report has been worked upon from
Collectorate ghat only. The reason is that till last year Ganges course had swerved away from
Patna City and rejoined at Collectorate ghat only. Form here the river again runs along the city
river banks.

Project : Environmental Impact Assessment Study for proposed river front development of 20 Ghats along river Ganga in Patna, Bihar
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Figure 2.5:Adalat Ghat Edge Condition Analysis (Boulder pitching at the edges)

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Figure 2.6:Edge condition Analysis in Krishna Ghat

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2.2 NEED FOR PATNA RFD
Development of River front has emerged as lively Urban Core of cities - their socio-cultural, and
recreation centres. Patna is also trying to improve the waterfront use from marginal and neglect into
the mainstream of public life. Today everyone recognizes the value of waterfronts for recreation and
ecological reasons. Projects for improvement of river water quality by preventing disposal of sewage
directly into the river by collection of sewage and its treatment before disposal into water body are
being prepared separately.
After several discussions with the government agencies and NGRBA the need for the river front
development in Patna along river Ganga was taken in to consideration mainly for the following reasons:
Upgradation of Ghats acutely needed:
At present the existing facilities at the ghats are quite poor. Practically there is no change room or toilet
facility in the ghats. The ghats are also not big enough to accommodate thousands of Devotees during
Chhat festival. There is hardly any ghat where Visitors to Patna can go for an enjoyable glimpse of river
Ganges.
Environmentalawareness:
adjoin the ghats, (iii) prevent uncontrolled disposal of solid waste in the river, (iv) ecological
Open Defecation. The Project also expected to generate awareness among the pilgrims as well as
with the line department regarding the health, safety and environmental issues during mass gathering
of people during famous chatt festival and “Ganga Arati” along Ganga ghats.
Ghats Landscaping :
Atpresentonly stone pitching work has been observed along the banks which are generally need to
be repeated for every 2-3 years of time. This generally reduces the ecological activities along the
banks.
The proposed project is proposed with ecological edge restoration work along the banks.
2.3 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS
The proposed Patna river front development project would involve the following projects:
 Development of 20ghats (from Anta ghat to Naujar ghat including change room);

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 Promenades including kiosks (connecting some of the ghats together);
 Community cum cultural centres;
 Landscape work in the precinct zones;
 City level parks; and,
 Improvement of approach roads to the precincts
 Development of Crematoria in Gulvi Ghat to an electric crematoria
 Development of interceptor drain (total 8 nos.)
 Sulabh Toilet Complex
Details of the developments are given below:
2.3.1 Development of Ghats
The proposed 20ghats considered to be developed under this project given in table 2.1 and shown in
figure 2.2 respectively.
Table 2-1 : Proposed Ghats for development
Ghat Names

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Figure 2.7 Potential of ghat as a public Space
2.3.2 Promenades including kiosks (connecting some of the ghats together)
The proposed development of promenades are given below and shown in figure 2.7 and 2.8:
Name of
Precinct
Connected Ghats
Precinct-I Collectorate ghat Anta ghat B.N.College ghat Mahendru ghat
till Adalat ghat
Precinct-II Adalat ghat To Gandhi ghat
Precinct-III Gandhi ghat to Rani ghat
Precinct-IV Bhadra ghat Mahavir ghat Naujar ghat

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Figure 2.8: Urban Precincts proposed
Figure 2. 9: Design of Urban Precinct (3D-View)

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After the development of the urban precincts the view of a ghat is shown in figure 2.10.
Figure 2.9:View of ghats after the proposed development of urban precinct
2.3.3 Community cum cultural centres
Three number of community cum culture centres are proposed as given below and shown in figure
2.11.
 Community cum Eco Centre at Collectorate ghat: This centre is facilitated with community
landscape court with sit out, eco-centre cum meeting hall, café sitting in the second floor. The
total built up area would be 2014 sq.m.
 Community cum cultural Centre at Bhadra ghat: This centre will be facilitated with food court
and community hall and children centre, multi purpose hall for dance and performance and a
promenade view café. The total built up area would be 1273 sq.m.
 Dolphin Research Centre at Gai ghat:In the ground floor there will be research centre and in
the 1
st
floor there will be exhibition hall. The total built up area would be 950 sq.m
 Café at Patna College: This centre will be facilitated with café in the ground floor, Reading
room and kids reading area in the 1
st
floor and Amphitheatre and viewing deck in the 2
nd
floor.
The proposed built up area is 381 sq.m
 Audio-Visual theatre at Gandhi ghat: This centre is facilitated with café in the ground floor,
audio-visual hall in the 1
st
floor, amphitheater and viewing deck in the 2
nd
floor. Total built up
area 381 sq.m.

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Figure 2.10:Proposed Community cum Eco-centre at Gai ghat
2.3.4 Landscape work at Precinct Zones:
The proposal has also put forward a framework to integrate landscape in to the existing river edge
design. The landscape design has listed criteria like edge restoration, bio-diversity for wildlife,
methods for carbon reduction , providing Larger open space for people for rituals, activity and
exercise, walks, workshops, seminars, shade areas for people, concepts of bio-degradable garbage,
flood control through land scape engineering and environmental education.
The development on the river edge has to be of a kind that doesn’t harm the river ecology. The design
solution is a sustainable process. Steps have been taken to put in place on the promenade network of
waste disposal. The textures and use of material be such that it would be green and environment
friendly.
Landscape work has been proposed in four (4) number of precinct zones as given below and shown
in figure 2.12:
Precinct Landscape Work Landscape Work Landscape Work
Precinct-I Collectorateghat to Anta ghat Anta ghat to B.N
college ghat
B.N College ghat to
Mahendru ghat
Precinct-II Mishri ghat to T.N Banerjee ghat T.N Banerjee ghat to
Kali ghat

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Precinct-III Gandhi ghat to Bharva ghat Bharva ghat to Law
college ghat
Rani ghat to Gulvi ghat
Precinct-IV Gai ghat to Naujar ghat
The proposal under the landscape works at the precinct zones will include the following aspects:
 Riparian edge restoration, planting long edge for biodiversity of wild life, carbon reduction,
nutrient exchange along edge
 Large open space to facilitate people for rituals, activity and exercise, walks, workshops,
seminars, shade areas for people
 Nitrogen and Phosphrous reduction through bio-filtration phytorid (from NEERI-CSIR India)
from sewage filled discharge
 Solid waste management through in-situ aerobic composting (for bio-degradable waste)
 Flood control through landscape engineering permanent and temporary
 Environmental education
Figure 2.11:Restoring the riparian edge and landscaping
2.3.5 City level parks:
2 nos. of city level parks are proposed respectively at Patna College ghat and Gai ghat
2.3.6 Improvement of approach roads to the precincts
Following approach roads are proposed for improvement:
 Approach road to precinct-I
 Approach road to precinct-II
 Approach road to precinct-III

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 Approach road to precinct-IV
 Approach road to Krishna ghat
 Approach road to Choudurytola ghat
 Approach to Pathri ghat
 Approach to Gai ghat
 Approach to Raja ghat
A schematic view of proposed development of approach road is given in figure 2.13.
Figure 2.12:Proposed approach road development of Gai ghat
2.5.8 Development of Electric Cremetoria at Gulvi Ghat
At present the present crematoria uses wood as burning material. This electric crematoria will help in
reducing the wood consumption and next it would give more burning facilities. This electric crematoria
would help in burning 30 dead bodies in a day.
2.5.9 Development of Sulabh Toilet Complex
Sulabh toilet complex are proposed at 3 locations as part of the project namely at Collectorate Ghat,
Anta Ghat and Bhadra Ghat. Nearly 600 people are expected to use each of these toilets in a day.
2.5.10 Development of Interceptor Drain
The project also envisages to improve interceptor drains to capture the sewage getting directly

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disposed to Ganga from the building along the ghat and then finally dispose them off at a city sewer
manual to divert the same to a STP. A total 8 such interceptor drains are being proposed.
2.5.10 Environmental Awareness
adjoining the ghats, (iii) prevent uncontrolled disposal of solid waste in the river, (iv) ecological
Open Defecation. The Project also expected to generate awareness among the pilgrims along with
various line department health, safety and environmental issues during festivals like Chath
and“Ganga Arati”.
2.4 PROJECT LOCATION
The proposed project site is located along the river Ganga starting from Collectorate ghat and spread
beyond the Ganga setu. Few of the ghats are proposed to be connected through promenade and
would also involve landscape work.
The location map of the proposed project site is provided in Figure 2.14 and existing landuse along
the ghats are shown in Figure 2.15.

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Figure 2.13:Project Location

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Figure 2.14:Landuse along project ghats

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2.5 ADDITIONAL BENEFIT
‘Chaht Festival’ is the most important festival of Bihar. Millions of devotees congregate on bank of
river Ganga for taking a dip and also undertake other religious rituals. The celebration of Chhat
festival would become much more comfortable to these devotees by construction of walkway and the
socio-cultural centres.
This will also help in developing tourist attraction as Ganga Arati can be organized on regular basis at
2 – 3 ghats as is done in other religious cities like Varanasi, Haridwar etc. This will also help develop
ecological awareness to prevent the pollution of the river.
The Promenades will provide an alternative passage for people to travel from one ghat to the other
directly without getting on to the main road. This will greatly reduce traffic on main road and reduce
misery of people in traffic, particularly during festival times. The Promenades will reduce the distance
to be travelled and time required for going from one ghat to the other substantially. The Promenades
will also provide a panoramic view of the river banks and ghats to the visitors.
2.6 PROJECT COST
The proposed cost for the project is given in table 2.2.
Table 2-2 : Proposed Project Cost
S.No Description of Item Cost (INR Lakh)
1 Development of 20ghats (from Anta ghat to Naujar ghat including
change room)
8929.37
2 Promenades including kiosks (connecting ghats together) 8751.07
3 Community cum cultural centres 1660.04
4 Landscape work in the precinct zones 425.60
5 City level parks 833.14
6 Improvement of approach roads to the precincts 262.11
7 Development of Gulvi ghat 750.77
8 Interceptor Drain 326.97
9 Sulabh Toilet Complex 36.96
10 Information Education and communication campaign 75.00
11 ESMP Cost 511.89
12 Add contingency (8%) 1764.08
Total 24327.00

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3. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK
The policies, regulations and administrative framework within which the project is to be implemented with
respect to environmental management and protection are reviewed in this section. The review includes
the sector-specific Environmental and Policies and Regulations of the Government of India, National
policies regarding socio-economic issues and the Administrative framework of various agencies, such as
the Ministry of Environment and Forest, the Pollution Control Boards and other bodies associated with the
implementation of the proposed project.
The following laws and regulations are application to the environment and social aspects of the proposed
ghat development program:
 Policy and regulatory framework of Govt. of India
 Environmental Policy of the respective State Governments
 Legislations applicable to the construction activities
The Project is seeking financing from World Bank and hence their environmental and social safeguards
are also applicable to this Project. The categorization of the project as per World Bank guideline is
detailed in Chapter-4.
3.1 POLICIES AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK OF GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (GOI)
 Constitutional Provisions
The Constitution of India, in Article 48, of Directive Principles of the State, states that “the state shall
endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard forests and wildlife of the country”.
Further Article 51-A (g), of fundamental duties, emphasizes that, “It shall be the duty of every citizen of
India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife and to
have compassion for living creatures”. These two provisions of the constitution are the guiding principles
for the environmental legislation in India.
The Government of India has laid down various policy guidelines, regulations, acts and legislations
pertaining to sustainability and protection of the environment and its various components. The statutory
requirements for the proposed project are discussed briefly in the following paragraphs.
 The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
The Environment (Protection) Act, popularly known as EP Act, is an umbrella legislation that supplements
existing environmental regulations. Empowered by the EP Act, the Ministry of Environment and Forests

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(MoEF), the Government of India has issued the following notifications regulating the siting of industry
and operations, procuring clearance to establish industries and development of projects with appropriate
Environmental Impact studies, coastal zone regulations and many other aspects of environment through
notifications.
 Environment Impact Assessment Notification 14
th
September 2006:
This kind of project on river front development does not fall under Environmental clearance requirements
as per the EIA notification 2006 of MoEF.
Even the total covered built up area for the project is 10,000 sq.m and hence according to the EIA
notification, the project does not trigger the requirement of prior environmental clearance under category
8(a)
2
also.
Hence the project does not require environmental clearance as per the rule of Govt. of India.
The key environmental laws and related regulations are given in table 3.1. The key environmental
regulations can also be accessed at www.MoEF.nic.in/rules-and-regulations
Table 3-1 : Environmental Regulations and Legislations
S.N
o
Act/Rules Purpose Applicabilit
y
(Yes/No)
Reasons for
Applicability
Authority
1. Forest
(Conservation)
Act, 1980 with
Amendments
Made in 1988
The Forest
(Conservation)
Act, 1980 has
been
formulated in
order to provide
the
conservation of
forests and for
matters
connected
therewith or
No As diversion of
reserved / protected
forest land is not
involved.All the trees
along the banks will
be saved
Forest
Department,
State Govt. and
MoEF, GoI
2
As per 8(a) if the project built up area is more than 20,000 sq.m then only it triggers the requirement of environmental clearance.

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S.N
o
y
(Yes/No)
Reasons for
Applicability
Authority
ancillary or
incidental
thereto.
2
Wildlife
(Protection) Act
1972
The Wildlife
Protection Act,
1972 has been
formulated in
order to protect
the wild life in
sanctuaries
and National
Park.
No/Yes This act is not
applicable as no
sanctuary / national
park exists within 10
km radius of project
site.
The vikramshila
Gangetic Dolphin
Sanctuary is more
than 160km from
project site
Chief
Conservator
Wildlife, Wildlife
wing, state
forest
department,
MoEF, GoI
3 Land Acquisition
Act, 1894 (As
amended)
Sets out rule
for acquisition
of land by govt.
No No private land
acquisition is
involved.
Revenue
Department,
State
Government
4 The Air
(Prevention and
Control of
Pollution) Act,
1981
To control air
pollution by
controlling
emission of air
pollutants as
per the
prescribed
Yes This act will be
applicable during the
construction stage
SPCB

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S.N
o
y
(Yes/No)
Reasons for
Applicability
Authority
standards.
5 Water Prevention
and Control of
(Pollution) act,
1974
To control
water pollution
by controlling
discharge of
pollutants as
per the
prescribed
standards
Yes This act is mainly
active during the
construction stage
SPCB
6 The Noise
Pollution
(Regulation and
Control) Rules,
2000
The standards
for noise for
day and night
have been
promulgated by
the MoEF for
various land
uses.
Yes This act will be
applicable for all
construction
equipments
deployed at worksite
SPCB
7 Municipal Solid
Wastes
(Management and
Handling) Rules,
2000
To manage
collection,
transportation,
segregation,
treatment and
disposal of
municipal solid
waste
No/Yes This rule is not
applicable to the
project as such.
However, waste
generated during
construction and
operation stage (by
regular ghat users)
MoEF, CPCB,
SPCB

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S.N
o
y
(Yes/No)
Reasons for
Applicability
Authority
are to be addressed
8 The Ancient
Monuments and
Archaeological Sites
and Remains Act,
1958
Conservation of
cultural and
historical
remains found
in India
No The proposed
development is not
in close proximity to
any ancient
monument declared
protected under this
act.
Archaeological
Dept., GoI,
Indian Heritage
Society and
Indian National
Trust for Art and
Culture
Heritage
(INTACH)
10 Public Liability Act
and Insurance act
1991
This act details
out the
requirement of
protection from
hazardous
materials and
accidents and
sets the
guideline how
to store the
hazardous
materials.
No Largely no such
hazardous waste is
being expected from
ghat development
project hence this
act is not applicable.
Contractor need to
abide by this act if
they store emulsions
etc.
SPCB

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S.N
o
y
(Yes/No)
Reasons for
Applicability
Authority
11 Explosives Act,
1984
This act details
out the
requirement for
safe
transportation,
storage and
use of
explosive
materials.
No No such blasting is
involved in the
project and storage
of diesel, oil and
lubricants will be not
that significant to
trigger this act
Chief Controller
of Explosives
12 Minor Mineral and
Concession Rule
For opening
new quarry
No Only licensed quarry
will be used and no
new quarry site will
be used for minor
minerals like stone,
soil, river sand etc.
District
Controller
13 The Mining Act The mining act
has been
notified for safe
and sound
mining activity
No As the aggregate
materials will be
sourced from
vendors and no new
mining site is to be
used for the project.
Dept. of Mining,
State Govt.
14 National Forest
policy, 1988
To maintain
ecological
stability through
preservation
No No such eco-
sensitive feature is
present in the
project stretch as
Forest
Department,
State Govt. and
MoEF, GoI

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S.N
o
y
(Yes/No)
Reasons for
Applicability
Authority
and restoration
of biological
diversity
such.
Other applicable acts and rules mostly related to the construction activities are given below:
 Contract Labour (Regulation & Abolition) Act, 1970
Engagement of labour and basic facility to be provided and labour licence to be obtained.
This act will be applicable for engagement of labour.
 Minimum Wages Act, 1948
The employer is supposed to pay not less than the minimum wages fixed by appropriate government as
per provisions of the act.
 The building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions
of Service) Act 1996 ad the Cess Act of 1996
All the establishments who carry on any building or other construction work employ 10 or more workers
are covered under this Act; the employer of the establishment is required to provide safety measures at
the building or construction work and other welfare measures, such as canteens, first-aid facilities,
ambulance, housing accommodation for workers near the workplace etc.)
 Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 2000
Whereas it is expedient to prohibit engagement of child in factory, mining and similar other risky work and
to make necessary provision for health. Child’s safety and services and facilities while engaging them in
other work.
This act will be applicable to make sure not to engage any child labour.

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3.2 SAFEGUARD POLICIES OF WORLD BANK
The proposed ghat development project may trigger the following operational policies of World Bank:
World Bank classifies supported projects into three categories namely:
Category-A: A proposed project is classified as Category A if it is likely to have significant adverse
environmental impacts that are sensitive, diverse, or unprecedented. These impacts may
affect an area broader than the sites or facilities subject to physical works. EA for a
Category A project examines the project's potential negative and positive environmental
impacts, compares them with those of feasible alternatives (including the "without project"
situation), and recommends any measures needed to prevent, minimize, mitigate, or
compensate for adverse impacts and improve environmental performance. For a
Category A project, the borrower is responsible for preparing a report, normally an EIA
(or a suitably comprehensive regional or sectoral EA) that includes, as necessary,
elements of the other instruments as given below:
Depending on the project, a range of instruments can be used to satisfy the Bank's EA
requirement: environmental impact assessment (EIA), regional or sectoral EA, strategic
Safeguard Policies Triggered by the Project Yes No
Environmental Assessment (OP/BP 4.01) [x] [ ]
Natural Habitats (OP/BP 4.04) [x ] []
Pest Management (OP 4.09) [ ] [x]
Physical Cultural Resources (OP/BP 4.11) [x] [ ]
Involuntary Resettlement (OP/BP 4.12) [x] [ ]
Indigenous Peoples (OP/BP 4.10) [ ] [x]
Forests (OP/BP 4.36) [ ] [x]
Safety of Dams (OP/BP 4.37) [ ] [x]
Projects in Disputed Areas (OP/BP 7.60) [ ] [x]
Projects on International Waterways (OP/BP 7.50) [ ] [x]

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environmental and social assessment (SESA), environmental audit, hazard or risk
assessment, environmental management plan (EMP) and environmental and social
management framework (ESMF). EA applies one or more of these instruments, or
elements of them, as appropriate. When the project is likely to have sectoral or regional
impacts, sectoral or regional EA is required.
Category-B: A proposed project is classified as Category B if its potential adverse environmental
impacts on human populations or environmentally important areas--including wetlands,
forests, grasslands, and other natural habitats--are less adverse than those of Category
A projects. These impacts are site-specific; few if any of them are irreversible; and in
most cases mitigatory measures can be designed more readily than for Category A
projects. The scope of EA for a Category B project may vary from project to project, but it
is narrower than that of Category A EA. Like Category A EA, it examines the project's
potential negative and positive environmental impacts and recommends any measures
needed to prevent, minimize, mitigate, or compensate for adverse impacts and improve
environmental performance. The findings and results of Category B EA are described in
the project documentation (Project Appraisal Document and Project Information
Document of World Bank).
Category-C: A proposed project is classified as Category C if it is likely to have minimal or no adverse
environmental impacts. Beyond screening, no further EA action is required for a Category
C project.
The project categorization has been detailed in Chapter-4 after project screening.

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4. DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENT
4.1 PROJECT INFLUENCE AREA
In Patna River Front Development (RFD) all the development work are associated with the right bank of
river Ganga. Hence the influence area considered for the EIA study is mainly concentrated within the right
bank and the ghat sections. In general 500m lateral distance from the right bank side has been
considered as Direct Project Influence Area (DPIA) and 1 km lateral distance from the right bank side has
been considered as Indirect Project Influence Area (IPIA).
Figure 4.1:Direct Project Influence Area (DPIA)

4.2 TEAM MOBILIZATION
The reconnaissance survey was carried out between 31
st
august and 1
st
of September 2012 for the
purposed of proposed EIA study, site assessment, proposed ghat development works and fixation of
monitoring locations. Further, environmental quality monitoring team carried out environmental monitoring
and generated baseline data between 12
th
of September till 22
nd
of September 2012.Further Focus group

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Discussion was also held in this period during the visit and deployment schedule of human resources
considered for the project are also planned. FGDs were also undertaken with various stakeholders as
detailed below:
FGD-1 : Local vegetable seller and boatman at Anta ghat
FGD2
: Local ghat Users in Mahendru ghat and Collectorate ghat
FGD3
: Slum population along river Ganga between Misri to Dr. T.N.Banerjee ghat
FGD4
: Common ghat users coming to ghat for passing time during evening period at Gandhi
ghat and Kali ghat
FGD5
: Relatives who gather in the funeral at the crematorium at Baikuntha Dham ghat
FGD6
: General Public discussion may be at some tourist place of the city (like Golaghar or
Gandhi Maidan to know their perception about ghat development work)
FGD7
: Local fishermen for understanding their livelihood and possibility of any impact on them.
FGD8
: Discussion with local fishermen for discussion as part of river Dolphin, its observation
frequency, poaching provisions and use of its oil for fishing etc.
4.3 ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIAL SCREENING:
The details of environment and social screening details is shown in table 4.1 as given below:
Table 4-1 : Environment and Social Screening for River Front Development
Environment and social information format for screening
Project Title: River front development in Patna
Implementing Agency: National Ganga River Basin Authority
Project Cost:150 Crores
Project Components: Ghat development,
Project Location(Area/District)
S.No Screening Criteria Assessment of
Category(High/Low)
Explanatory note for
categorization
1 Is the project in an
eco-sensitive area or
adjoining an eco-
sensitivearea?(Yes/No
Low as the stretch does not
fall under any eco-sensitive
zone declared by Govt. of
India. The project area does
The project area does not fall
under any protected or conserved
area under forest act or wildlife
protection act (both terrestrial and

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Category(High/Low)
categorization
).If yes, which is the
area? Elaborate
impact accordingly.
not fall under any kind of
environmental sensitive zone
(such as wildlife sanctuary,
national park). The area
though is a habitat for Gaga
dolphin but their concentrated
mostly in the left bank and
Patna RFD will be constructed
in right bank.
aquatic).
2 Will the project create
significant /limited/no
social impacts?
 Land acquisition
resulting in loss of
income from
agricultural land,
plantation or other
existing land use.
 Land acquisition
resulting in
relocation of
households.
 Any reduction of
This project will create limited
social impact.
No agricultural land or
plantation used for livelihood
present there. No private land
acquisition is involved, only
some squatter may need to be
displaced.
Except some slum population
(who are encroacher) no such
impact envisaged
Not going to be affected. All
the temples will be existing
The project does not have much
of a social impact due to:
 As it is only a RFD work and
does not involve any private
land acquisition
 The work is limited only at the
slope protection part where
only few encroachment has
been observed between misri
ghat and T.N.Banerjee ghat
 Some dairy units are adjoined
along with cow shelters along
the bank who may need to
shifted to some other place.

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Category(High/Low)
categorization
access to tradition
and river
dependent
communities (to
river and areas
where they earn for
their primary or
substantial
livelihood).
 Any displacement
or adverse impact
on tribal
settlements(S).
 Any specific gender
issues.
and associated livelihood of
priests, ritual related livelihood
will continue
Not envisaged
No as such
This could be the only impact
from the project.
The project thus does not involve
much of social impact and the
category of impact may be
considered as low.
3 Will the project creates
significant/limited/no
environmental impacts
during the construction
stage?(Significant/limit
ed/no impacts)
 Clearance of
vegetation /tree
There will be some limited
environmental impacts during
construction stage as given
below:
 Not applicable
 This will be taken care and
proper storage of material
Limited environmental impact is
envisaged and with set control
measures most of the impacts will
be minimized at the contractor’s
level only.

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Category(High/Low)
categorization
cover
 Direct discharge of
construction run off,
improper storage
and disposal of
excavation spoils,
waste and other
construction
materials adversely
affecting water
quality and flow
regimes.
 Flooding of
adjacent area
 Improper storage
and handling of
substances leading
to contamination of
soil and water
 Elevated noise and
dust emission
 Disruption to traffic
movements
 Damage to existing
infrastructure,
will be made and discharge
of debris will be reduced
 Chances of flooding is very
less. Design is being made
with high flood data
 Proper storage of materials
will be made along the bank
 Required precaution to be
taken to minimize the
impact
 Will be limited only to
approach roads being
considered for improvement
 Very minimum and care
shall be taken to avoid the
same
 Construction sites will be
restored
 This will be checked in

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Category(High/Low)
categorization
public utilities,
amenities etc.
 Failure to store
temporary
construction sites
 Possible conflicts
with and /or
disruption to local
community
 Health risks due to
unhygienic
conditions at works
camps
 Safety hazards
during construction.
detailed during FGD and
ESIA. However during
screening, it is understood
that people welcome such
project
 Health and Safety norms
will be set in the ESIA with
monitoring mechanism to
follow the same
4 Will the project create
significant /limited /no
environmental impacts
during the operation
stage?(Significant/Limi
ted/No impacts)
 Flooding of
adjacent area
The project may create limited
environmental impacts during
the operation stage as:
 Chances of flooding to
adjacent areas are less
due to more bank
protection/stabilization
 Effluent from the project
Chances of these impacts are less
with the appropriate
implementation of the program.
However some safety risks and
health hazard risk is there during
the peak time of festivals. During
that time emergency
preparedness on the part of Bihar
Govt, NGOs and EMP

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Category(High/Low)
categorization
 Impacts to water
quality due to
effluent discharge
 Gas emission
 Safety hazards
will be taken care through
sulabh toilet/mobile toilet
and interceptor drains
 Chances of gas emission
is negligible from the
project
 Proper protection in the
river front where the
promenade or road is
given shall be made to
avoid un avoidable
circumstances/accidents
etc.
 No such impact is
envisaged on gangetic
dolphin in the right bank
side as they are more
concentrated in the left
bank side of river where
depth is available for their
movement. The project
includes riparian edge
restoration as compared
to stone pitching as being
carried out present days
for bank stabilization.
implementation team of NGRBA
need to take necessary step

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Category(High/Low)
categorization
Hence this will create more
natural habitat than at
present. Thus impact if on
dolphin from the present
project (if any) is positive
during the operation stage.
5 Do projects of this
nature/type require
prior environmental
clearance either from
the MoEF or from the
relevant state
Government
department?(MoEF
/relevant state
Government
department/No
clearance at all)
Not applicable as per the EIA
notification 2006
6 Does the project
involve any prior
clearance from the
MoEF or state Forest
department for either
the convention of
Forest land or for tree
Cutting?(Yes/NO)
No clearance is required from
MoEF and no tree cutting
would be involved and hence
no clearance from forest
department will be required.
The project area does not fall
under any notified eco-sensitive
zone and hence no prior
environmental clearance is
required.

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Category(High/Low)
categorization
7 Please attach
photographs and
location maps along
with this complete
Environmental format
for screening.
Attached separately with the
form
Overall Assessment Moderate
After overall assessment of the project, this project can be considered as having moderate impact on
Environment and Socio-economic environment. Hence as per the NGRBA framework (page 92, section
4.4.1 of NGRBA framework) projects with high and moderate impacts are being kept in high impact
project category. Accordingly this project falls under high impact category as per the NGRBA framework.
4.4 Project Surroundings
The proposed project is river front development in Ganga Ghats including development of 20 ghats(total
length of 6.50 km), promenade including kiosks, community cum cultural centre, landscape work in the
precinct zones, city level parks and development of approach road to the ghats. The photographs of the
ghats along River Ganga with name have been provided in the Table 4-2.
Table 4-2:Proposed Ghats for Developments along river Ganga in Ganga Ghats
Ghat Names

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Source: Feasibility Study
4.5 Baseline Data Collection
The baseline environmental setting has been studied using secondary data as well as primary data to
understand the present environmental scenario of the proposed location. Primary data hasbeen collected
at site during post monsoon season in the month of September , 2012 by Mitra S. K. Pvt. Ltd, Recognized
by NABL and MoEF.
4.5.1 Meteorological environment
4.5.1.1 Climate
The project ghats are within 1 km from Patna City.
The climate in Patna is characterized by quite hot summers to moderately cold winters. The day
temperature generally ranges from 21.1ºC (Avg.) in January to 38.7ºC (Avg.) in May and night
temperature from 7.3ºC (Avg.) in December to 27.7ºC in May/June (Avg.). The summer begins in April
and peaks in June/July with the temperature soaring up to 43°C (Max) till the moisture laden monsoon
wind bring some much-needed relief to the parched fields. The rains last through August & September
and continue into early October.
4.5.1.2 Ganga Basin Temperature in Patna
In the Ganga basin the mean maximum and mean minimum temperature as recorded in Patna is
respectively 31.9°Cand 20.8°C (Refer Table 4-3).
4.5.1.3 Relative Humidity
The relative humidity near the Ganga ghats is round 80 to 93 %.
4.5.1.4 Rainfall and Precipitation
The weather in the Ganga Ghats in Patna is characterized by a distinct wet season during the period of
south west monsoon (June to September). The air temperature starts falling with the onset of the

Eia report (draft final) for proposed river front development of 20 Ghats along river Ganga in Patna, Bihar

Eia report (draft final) for proposed river front development of 20 Ghats along river Ganga in Patna, Bihar

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Eia report (draft final) for proposed river front development of 20 Ghats along river Ganga in Patna, Bihar