Vol.9 environmental impact assessment and resettlement aspects - Dasu Dam

National Engineering Services Pakistan(Pvt) Limited (NESPAK)
Associated Consulting Engineers-ACE (Pvt) Limited
Montgomery Watson Harza Energy & Infrastructure Inc. USA
Colenco Power Engineering Limited, Switzerland
February 2009
PAKISTAN WATER AND POWER DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
DASU HYDROPOWER PROJECT
In Association with:
Binnie & Partners (Overseas) Limited
FEASIBILITY REPORT
VOLUME 9
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND
RESETTLEMENT ASPECTS

Dasu Hydropower Project – Feasibility Report Volume 9
i
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND
RESETTLEMENT ASPECTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUMMARY
S.1 Introduction S-1
S.2 Legal and Institutional Framework for Environmental
Assessment S-1
S.3 Description of the Project S-2
S.4 Project Alternatives S-2
S.5 Project Scoping and Public Consultation S-3
S.6 Baseline Environmental Conditions S-3
S.7 Impact Identification, Quantification and Valuation S-4
S.8 Impact Mitigation, Remedial and Enhancement Measures S-5
S.9 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan S-6
S.10 Conclusions S-7
S.11 Recommendations S-8
S.12 Future Environmental Management Program S-9
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction 1-1
1.2 Structure of Report 1-1
1.3 Project Classification for Level of Environmental Studies 1-1
1.4 Impact Identification Tools 1-2
1.5 Project Disclosure with Stakeholders 1-2
1.6 Resettlement Aspects 1-3
1.7 Socio Economic Survey 1-3
1.8 Scope of Services 1-3
1.9 Approach Adopted for EIA Studies 1-3
1.10 Makeup of EIA & Resettlement Report 1-4
2. REGULATORY LAWS AND THE INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK
FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
2.1 Introduction 2-1
2.2 The Legal and Regulatory Framework for EIA in Pakistan 2-1
2.2.1 Policy Framework 2-1
2.2.2 Federal Statutory Framework for Environmental Management
and Assessment 2-3
2.2.3 Provincial Government Statutory Framework 2-6
2.3 Institutional Framework Relevant for EIA in Pakistan 2-7
2.3.1 Federal Government Institutions 2-7
2.3.2 WAPDA 2-8
2.3.3 Provincial Government Institutions 2-10
2.3.4 International and National Non-Governmental
Organizations (NGOs) 2-12
2.4 Specific EIA Requirements for Dasu Project 2-12

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2.4.1 Basis for the Environmental Study 2-12
2.4.2 The Project Proponent 2-13
2.4.3 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Pakistan 2-13
2.4.4 Pakistan’s Federal EPA Environmental Assessment Procedures 2-13
2.4.5 National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) 2-14
2.5 International Agreements and Provincial Water Accord Signed
by Pakistan 2-14
2.5.1 Indus Waters Treaty 1960 2-14
2.5.2 Water Accord 1991 2-15
2.6 EIA Requirements of Potential Financing Institutions 2-15
2.6.1 The World Bank 2-15
2.6.2 The Asian Development Bank 2-16
2.6.3 Other International Procedures for Environmental
Assessment of Dams 2-17
2.7 Implications for the Proposed Project 2-17
3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
3.1 Project Context 3-1
3.1.1 Electric Power Generation Capacity and Demand in Pakistan 3-1
3.1.2 Fuel Sources for Electricity Generation 3-2
3.2 The Need for the Dasu Project 3-3
3.3 Generation Costs of Hydropower in Pakistan 3-4
3.4 Utilization Factor for Hydropower Generation in Pakistan 3-4
3.5 Future Hydropower Development in Pakistan 3-5
3.6 Project Features of Dasu 3-6
3.7 Schedule for Implementation of Dasu Project 3-6
4. PROJECT ALTERNATIVES
4.1 No Project Option 4-1
4.2 Technology Alternatives 4-2
4.2.1 Thermal Power 4-2
4.2.2 Nuclear Power 4-3
4.3 Alternative Hydro Power Development Projects 4-4
4.4 Dam Site Location Alternatives 4-4
4.4.1 Hydrological Considerations 4-5
4.4.2 Geological and Geotechnical Consideration 4-5
4.4.3 Seismic and Other Natural Hazards 4-6
4.4.4 Energy Production Considerations 4-6
4.4.5 Environmental Considerations 4-7

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4.5 Types of Dams 4-8
4.5.1 Comparison of Alternatives 4-8
4.5.2 Cost Considerations 4-9
4.5.3 Main Observations 4-9
4.6 Conclusions and Recommendations of the Comparative Dam
Location Analysis 4-10
5. PROJECT SCOPING AND PUBLIC CONSULTATION
5.1 Project Scoping 5-1
5.2 The Nature of Public Consultation 5-1
5.3 Results of Public Consultation to Date 5-1
5.3.1 Selection of Dam Axis Location 5-1
5.3.2 Consultation with Affected People 5-2
5.3.3 Discussion with Local Government Officials 5-2
5.3.4 Discussions with WAPDA’s Environment Cell (WEC) 5-2
5.3.5 Project Disclosure to Experts in Engineering Consultancy Companies 5-3
5.3.6 Project Disclosure to WWF Experts 5-3
5.3.7 Project Disclosure to Religious Groups (Imams at Dasu) 5-3
5.4 Future Public Consultation Requirements 5-4
5.5 Other Relevant Proposed Developments 5-4
6. EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE SITUATION,
CONSTRAINTS AND NEEDS
6.1 General 6-1
6.1.1 Purpose of Baseline Study 6-1
6.1.2 Methodology 6-1
6.2 Natural Physical Environment 6-2
6.2.1 Climatological Parameters 6-2
6.2.2 Environmental Monitoring 6-2
6.3 Land Use 6-4
6.4 Natural Biological Environment 6-4
6.4.1 Terrestrial Ecology 6-4
6.4.2 Aquatic Ecology 6-4
6.5 Geology 6-5
6.5.1 Upper Reach Geology 6-5
6.5.2 Lower Reach Geology 6-5
6.5.3 Rock Mass Properties 6-5
6.6 Hydrology 6-5
6.7 Natural Environmental Risks and Hazards 6-6
6.7.1 Seismic Activity 6-6

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6.7.2 Kara Kurram Highway (KKH) 6-7
6.8 Socio-economic Environment 6-8
6.9 Consultations 6-9
6.10 Impacts 6-9
6.10.1 Infrastructure Submergence 6-9
6.10.2 Suspension Bridges Across Indus River 6-9
6.10.3 Petroglyphs 6-9
6.10.4 During Construction Impacts 6-9
6.11 Compensation and Resettlement 6-9
6.12 Environmental Constraints 6-10
6.12.1 Indus River Flows 6-10
6.12.2 Seismic Risk 6-10
6.12.3 Landslides 6-10
6.12.4 Political Stability and Security 6-11
6.12.5 Land Acquisition 6-11
6.12.6 Access 6-11
6.12.7 External Environmental Constraints 6-12
6.13 Existing Human Needs in the Project Area 6-12
6.13.1 Provision of Safe Domestic Water Supply, Sanitation
and Health Education 6-12
6.13.2 Improved Nutrition 6-12
6.13.3 Improved Education Provision 6-13
6.13.4 Increased Opportunities for Cash Income Generation 6-13
6.13.5 Electricity Provision 6-13
7. IMPACT IDENTIFICATION, QUANTIFICATION AND
CATEGORIZATION
7.1 Environmental Scoping Methodology 7-1
7.2 Delineation of Boundaries of Possible Impact Areas 7-1
7.3 Positive Impacts 7-1
7.3.1 Electricity Generation 7-1
7.3.2 Job Opportunities 7-2
7.3.3 Water Management 7-2
7.3.4 Surface Water Quality and Amenity 7-2
7.3.5 Upgrading of the KKH 7-3
7.3.6 Local Vegetation and Livestock 7-3
7.3.7 Aquatic Life 7-3
7.3.8 Improvement in Socio-Economic Conditions 7-3
7.3.9 Provision of Public Amenities 7-3
7.3.10 Recreation and Tourism Development 7-4
7.4 Adverse Impacts during the Pre-Construction Phase 7-4
7.4.1 Land Acquisition and Resettlement 7-4
7.4.2 Loss of Private, Community and Government Owned Infrastructure 7-5
7.4.3 Loss of Trees, Vegetation, Agricultural and Grazing Areas 7-5

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7.4.4 Submergence of KKH 7-5
7.4.5 Valuation of Lost Assets 7-5
7.5 Adverse Impacts during the Construction Phase 7-6
7.5.1 Physical Environment 7-6
7.5.2 Site for Construction Camps 7-7
7.5.3 Storage of Construction and Excavated Material 7-7
7.5.4 Liquid and Solid Waste from Construction Camps 7-8
7.5.5 Material Quarries and Borrow Pits 7-8
7.5.6 Surface Water Quality 7-9
7.5.7 Ecological Environment 7-9
7.5.8 Socio-economic Environment 7-10
7.5.9 Summary of Impacts during the Construction Phase 7-11
7.6 Adverse Impacts during the Operational Phase 7-12
7.6.1 Physical Environment 7-12
7.6.2 Ecological Environment 7-13
7.6.3 Socio-Economic Environment 7-15
7.6.4 Summary of Impacts during the Operational Phase 7-15
7.7 Quantification of Significant Impacts 7-16
7.8 Valuation of Significant Impacts 7-16
7.9 External Impacts and Constraints 7-17
7.10 Cumulative Impacts and Constraints 7-17
8. IMPACT MITIGATION AND REMEDIAL MEASURES
8.1 Pre-Construction Stage 8-1
8.1.1 Land Acquisition, Compensation and Resettlement 8-1
8.1.2 Submergence of the KKH 8-2
8.1.3 Access for Local People 8-2
8.1.4 Petroglyphs (Rock Carvings) 8-3
8.2 Construction Stage 8-3
8.2.1 The Natural Physical Environment 8-3
8.2.2 The Natural Ecological Environment 8-5
8.2.3 The Socio-Economic Environment 8-6
8.3 Operational Stage 8-7
8.3.1 Natural Physical Environment 8-7
8.3.2 Sedimentation 8-7
8.3.3 Green House Gas Emissions 8-8
8.3.4 Natural Ecological Environment 8-8
8.3.5 Socio-Economic Environment 8-9
9. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING PLAN
9.1 Objectives of Environmental Management and Monitoring 9-1
9.2 Mitigation Management Matrix 9-1
9.3 Identification of Mitigation Measures for Significant Adverse Impacts 9-2

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9.4 Identification of Environmental Enhancement Measures 9-2
9.5 Management of Direct Construction Impacts 9-3
9.6 Site Restoration Plan 9-3
9.7 Reservoir Management Plan 9-4
9.8 Impact Monitoring Program 9-4
9.8.1 Objectives of the Impact Monitoring Plan 9-4
9.8.2 Monitoring Strategy 9-5
9.8.3 Monitoring Parameters and Frequency 9-6
9.8.4 Post Construction Monitoring of Direct Construction Impacts 9-7
9.9 Environmental Risk Management 9-8
9.9.1 Dam Safety 9-8
9.10 Institutional Arrangements for the Project and Implementing the EMMP 9-9
9.10.1 The Key Players 9-9
9.10.2 The Project Proponent (WAPDA) 9-9
9.10.3 Project Contractor 9-10
9.10.4 Supervisory Consultant 9-10
9.10.5 The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 9-11
9.10.6 Local Government 9-12
9.10.7 District Government of NWFP 9-12
9.10.8 Northern Areas 9-13
9.10.9 Non-government Organizations (NGOs) 9-14
9.10.10 Suggested Institutional Arrangements for the Implementation of EMMP 9-14
9.11 Change Management Plan 9-14
9.12 Environmental Performance Auditing 9-15
9.13 Training Requirements for Environmental Management 9-15
9.14 Environmental Management Communication and Documentation
Requirements 9-15
9.14.1 Kick-Off Meeting 9-15
9.14.2 Meetings and Reports 9-15
9.14.3 Document Control for Environmental Management 9-17
9.15 Auditing 9-17
9.15.1 Social Protocols – Health Safety & Environmental 9-17
9.15.2 Project Implementation Schedule 9-17
9.16 Follow on and Additional Suggested Environmental Studies 9-17
9.17 Environmental Costs 9-18
9.17.1 Compensation and Mitigation Costs 9-18
9.17.2 Environmental Monitoring Cost 9-18
9.17.3 Training Cost 9-19
9.18 Residual Adverse Impacts 9-19

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10. CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND FUTURE
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT WORK PROGRAM
10.1 Conclusions 10-1
10.1.1 Positive Impacts 10-1
10.1.2 Adverse Impacts and Mitigation 10-1
10.1.3 Overall Conclusions 10-4
10.2 Recommendations 10-6
10.3 Future Environmental Management Program 10-6
APPENDICES (In Separate Binding)
Appendix–A Socio – Economic Environment Report
Appendix–B Project Impacts, Resettlement and Mitigation Measures
Appendix–C Aquatic Ecology
Appendix–D Terrestrial Ecology
Appendix–E Rehabilitation of River Crossings in the Project Area
Appendix–F Petroglyphs in the Project Area
Appendix–G SUPARCO Water, Air and Noise Quality Data

LIST OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY TEAM
Sr.
No. Name Position Held Qualifications
1 M. Saleem
Sheikh
Project Manager B.Sc. (Civil Engg.-1968), M.Sc. (Geotech-1986),
Registered Engineer Pakistan Engg.Council (Civ-
265), Member I.E. (Pak.), Member Pakistan Engg.
Congress, Member ASCE, Experience 40 years.
2 Alan Bird Expatriate Chief
Environmental
Engineering and
Resettlement Issues
PhD Thesis on EIA passed subject to minor
corrections in 2001, BA (Hons) Geography with
Economics 1979, Fellow Royal Geographical Society
1983, Chartered Engineering Surveyor (Inst CES)
1983, 36 years experience, nearly all in Asia and
Africa
3 Zafar Iqbal
Chaudry
Chief Environmental
Engineering and
Resettlement Issues
B.Sc.1961, B.E.(civil)-1965, M.E.(Water Science &
Engineering-AIT Bangkok)-1970, MIE- Pak, Life
Affiliate Member ASCE, Registered Engineer Pakistan
Engineering council ( Civil/4344),Experience 42 years
4 Mohammad
Aslam Malik
Environmentalist and
Resettlement Expert
B.Sc. 1963, M.Sc.(Agriculture) 1966, Short Training at
California- USA. Experience 41 years (local &
overseas)
5 Dr.Nazir
Bhatti
Aquatic Ecologist M.Sc., Ph.D. Eminent /Researcher & Educationist. Ex
Director General Fisheries –Punjab
6 Mohammad
Atta Ullah
Rana
Terrestrial Ecologist B.Sc. (Agriculture), M.Sc. (Forestry), Post Grag.
Degree Remote Sensing (Holland), Post Grad. Dip.
(i)Agriculture Extension & Sociology (ii) Training of
Trainers in Natural Resources (USA), 39 years
experience with Forestry Department.
7 Qayyem
Awan
Senior Socioeconomist M.A. (Economics) 1979; Post Graduate Diploma in
Demography 1991. Experience 25 years.
8 Muhammad
Shariq
Ahmed
Senior Environmental
Engineer
B.Sc. (Civil) 1996; M.Sc. (Environmental Engineering)
2001; M.Sc. (Software Engineering) 2007; Member
PEC (civil/17692); Member Institute of Engineers;
Experience 11years.
9 Imran Zafar GIS Expert B.Sc. (Space Science); M.Sc. (space science +GIS);
Experience 3 ½ years.
10 Mohammad
Pasha
AutoCAD Operator Diploma in Drafting & Designing (3 years); Experience
30 years.
11 Noor
Mehmood
Assistant
Environmental
Sociologist
M.A.

S-1
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND RESETTLEMENT ASPECTS
SUMMARY
S.1 Introduction
The aim of the proposed Dasu Hydropower Project is to construct a 233 m high dam on
the river Indus for the purposes of generating hydropower. The designed installed
generation capacity is 4,320MW. The reservoir would cover a maximum area of 2,600ha
and the project would be operated on a “run of river” basis. The operational requirements
to meet daily peak demand will result in large daily fluctuations in the reservoir level and
extent. More details of the design of the proposed project are given in Section 3 of the
main EIA report and summarised below. See Figures 1.1 to 1.3 for the project location.
This Environmental Impact Assessment has been carried out at the Feasibility Stage of
the project. There are a set of supporting study reports which are Appendices to the EIA
report, giving the detailed results of specialist studies into specific issues. These include
aquatic and terrestrial ecology, socio-economics, petroglyphs (ancient rock carvings),
access provision in the area and resettlement requirements.
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the proposed project covers both the
natural environmental and the human use of these resources, their interaction and how
this relationship is likely to change as a result of the construction and operation of the
Dasu dam. Environmental assessment and management is a continuous inter-active
process throughout the planning, construction and operation of the project. The key
objective is to identify potential adverse impacts of the project early on in the planning
process and to try and avoid these, and where this is not possible then to minimise and
mitigate for them. The guiding principle is that nobody is to be made worse off as a result
of the project and any adverse impacts are to be fully mitigated for with the provision of
equivalent replacement assets that have been lost. In addition, adequate steps are to be
taken to ensure that economic livelihoods are to be sustained at least to the level that
they were before the project construction commenced. Additional environmental
enhancements are also to be considered and the potential benefits of the project are to
be maximised by appropriate planning and implementation.
The methodology used for the EIA follows standard international best practice, with the
drawing up of a scoping environmental checklist and the production of a comparative
matrix. The reporting follows the standard structure of international funding agencies and
also the procedures of the Pakistan regulatory authorities for EIA. There is a requirement
for the work to be carried out in a participatory manner with public consultation. Section 5
of the EIA report outlines how this has been carried out and the main points are
summarised below.
S.2 Legal and Institutional Framework for Environmental Assessment
Section 2 of the EIA report outlines the legal requirements and institutional framework
that are in place for environmental assessment in both Pakistan and internationally and
are applicable to a proposed intervention such as the Dasu Hydropower Project. The key
institutions involved in the project are identified, the Project Proponent being WAPDA.
The proposed project requires a full EIA to be carried out as it is classified in the most
problematic category, being a large dam causing involuntary resettlement of some 3,670
people. The situation with regard to trans-boundary rivers is also outlined, including the
provisions of the Indus Water Treaty of 1960. The procedures for dealing with any
protected areas, threatened species and indigenous people are also outlined, as the
existence of any of these can invoke special environmental clearance requirements. The

S-2
onus is on the project proponent to demonstrate if these issues are likely to arise with the
proposed project or not.
S.3 Description of the Project
Section 3 of the EIA report gives a description of the proposed project and its
environmental justification. The need for additional power generation in Pakistan is
paramount, with the present installed capacity in the country being insufficient to even
supply base load, resulting in extensive load-shedding which is holding back economic
development of the country. The proposed project would have a generating capacity of
4,320 MW of hydropower in an environmentally sound and sustainable way, using a
naturally renewable resource in a non consumptive manner and producing no emissions.
Dasu Hydropower Project is planned to be constructed after the upstream dam at
Diamer Basha is completed with a large reservoir, which will hold the river sediments
and allow Dasu to operate as a run of river scheme.
The detailed layout of the proposed dam and hydropower station that has been subject
to a feasibility study is given in Figure 3.2. The plan of the proposed project has gone
through a process of development during the feasibility stage, considering the
environmental consequences of alternative dam sites. These alternatives are discussed
in Section 4 of the EIA report and are summarised below. The optimised plan that has
been taken for feasibility study is for a dam with a full reservoir level of 950masl which
stretches upstream to the toe of the Diamer Basha dam. For land acquisition purposes a
further 7m has been added to cover for flood surcharge and freeboard. The area of the
reservoir up to 957masl is 2,606ha (6,439 acres) and a restriction on the construction of
new infrastructure would need to be made on all land up to the level of 960masl. There
would also be a need for some permanent and limited temporary land acquisition and
downstream of the damsite, where the tailrace discharges back into the river.
S.4 Project Alternatives
The project planning process carried out during the feasibility study has taken into
consideration the environmental consequences of alternative dam sites and has resulted
in significant changes in the pre-feasibility plans particularly in respect of location of the
dam axis, which avoid potential adverse impacts for no loss in overall installed
generation capacity.
The EIA has also looked at wider strategic planning alternatives, including the
consequences of not building the proposed project. The power availability situation in the
country is already critical with long periods of load-shedding that is causing serious
economic and social problems across the country. WAPDA has already been forced to
expand power generation from the burning of fossil fuels which is environmentally
damaging, due to the emissions produced, and is also unsustainable. Added to this is
the fact that much of the fuel has to be imported. The EIA report reviews the current
electricity supply situation and demand predictions, along with the alternatives for
increasing supply (including nuclear power generation) and managing demand. It is clear
that well managed hydropower is environmentally the least damaging and most
sustainable power generation option for the country and also has by far the lowest
operating cost.
The comparative environmental implications of three alternative dam axis locations were
also considered, in detail. The use of Axis 5 (the different axis locations are given in
Figure 3.1) had clear environmental advantages over the downstream site at Axis 2.
These included reducing the number of people who would need to be resettled by almost
half and negating the need for remote resettlement. Local opposition to a dam at Axis 2

S-3
was intense and during the consultation process it was apparent that constructing a dam
at Axis 2 would be highly problematic from a social perspective, especially when it
became clear that a dam at Axis 5 could produce as much generation capacity, even if
the construction cost are estimated to be slightly higher.
The comparative environmental implications of different types of dam construction and
layouts of tunnels, tailrace outfall location, power house sitting (surface or underground)
and diversion arrangements during construction were also considered and are discussed
in Section 4 of the EIA report.
S.5 Project Scoping and Public Consultation
There is a legal requirement for public consultation in the EIA process as outlined in the
regulatory framework for Pakistan and also according to the policy directives of funding
agencies. As part of the EIA fieldwork, extensive consultation has taken place with a
wide range of interested parties, including local people and local government institutions.
The range and nature of consultation that has been carried out is outlined in Section 5 of
the EIA report. As explained in the discussion of project alternatives, the selection of the
dam axis location was greatly influenced by the need to reduce the number of people
who would be displaced. Of particular concern was to address the wishes of local people
to avoid flooding out the settlement of Seo and also a historically important mosque in
Seo. This has been achieved by changes in the configuration of the design of the project
for no loss in installed power generation capacity.
S.6 Baseline Environmental Conditions
From the perspective of EIA the baseline conditions for the Dasu project are not straight
forward. The design of the Dasu Hydropower Project is based on the condition that the
dam at Diamer Basha is constructed before that at Dasu. This creates the situation
where the present environmental conditions in the Dasu project area will be significantly
modified by the construction of the dam at Diamer Basha. The environmental impacts of
the construction and operation of the dam at Diamer Basha have already been studied
and an EIA report has been produced. The Diamer Basha EIA work identifies key
adverse impacts and gives appropriate mitigation measures. The environmental
conditions during the operational stage of the Diamer Basha dam will be the baseline
conditions for the Dasu project.
The baseline environmental conditions in the Dasu project area are given in detail in the
EIA Technical Memos, covering terrestrial and aquatic ecology, socio-economics and the
issue of the petroglyphs. A summary of the environmental conditions is given in Section
6.1 of the EIA report. The key environmental issues that act as constraints to the design
and operation of the Dasu Hydropower Project have been identified and are outlined in
Section 6.2 of the EIA report and are summarised below:
- Modifications in river flow as a result of changes in snow and glacier melt in the
upstream catchment (including those caused by climate change) have impact on
Dasu project. It must be remembered that temperature is the key parameter in
determining river flow, rather than rainfall. The operation of Diamer Basha
reservoir is critical to the design of Dasu as Dasu has very little storage and is
designed to operate on a daily cycle to generate electricity.
- The present sediment inflows at Dasu will be dramatically reduced when the
Diamer Basha dam is completed. The remaining source of sediment flow into the
Dasu reservoir will then be the side streams directly flowing into it, which currently
are a very small proportion of the total sediment load. The design of Dasu dam
has taken into consideration the possibility that after 40 years sediment flushing

S-4
may be undertaken at Diamer Basha on annual basis. In such a situation flushing
of the sediments would be necessary for the Dasu dam.
- The Dasu dam site is in an area of high seismic risk and the dam has been
designed following the international requirements for such situations. Associated
with this existing environmental risk from landslides, particularly any that would
fall directly into the reservoir has been considered in the feasibility study.
- There is a pre-requisite to have a stable administration and security situation in
the project area.
- The road access in the area, including the need to realign and upgrade the KKH
is a constraint to the construction of both Diamer Basha and Dasu dams. A
program for upgrading the KKH for Diamer Basha is already underway, taking
into consideration the need for adequate clearances (vertical as well as width),
radius of bends, gradient and weight loading. A similar exercise will be needed
for the parts of the KKH that remain below 957masl within the proposed Dasu
reservoir area.
- As part of the public consultation work for the EIA the existing needs of local
people have been considered, irrespective of the mitigation measures that may
be required for any predicted adverse impacts that may be caused by
construction and operation of the proposed dam at Dasu. These include provision
of basic services such as safe water supply, sanitation, health care (including
improved nutrition for women) and education, along with electricity and road
access. Another key issue is the very low level of household cash incomes in the
area and the need to provide appropriate opportunities to address this.
S.7 Impact Identification, Quantification and Valuation
The EIA process has identified the main positive and adverse impacts that will be
created by the construction of the Dasu Hydropower Project. The identified impacts are
outlined in Section 7 of the EIA report, with the adverse impacts discussed by the time at
which they are likely to occur related to the project implementation program.
The main positive impacts are the generation capacity of 4,320MW of hydropower in an
environmentally sound and sustainable manner without the consumptive use of the
waters of the Indus river. This is the least environmentally damaging option for power
generation in the country, the alternatives being fossil fuel burning or nuclear power.
The main adverse impacts centre on the need to permanently acquire 2,600ha of land in
the dam site and reservoir area. These are listed in Table 7.1 of the EIA Report and
include the following:
- An estimated 3,670 people in 417 households will have their houses flooded.
Fortunately the economic livelihoods of nearly all of these are currently
dependent upon using resources that lie outside the proposed reservoir area. In
addition 34ha (84 acres) of cultivated land, 21ha (51acres) of grazing land,
20,000 trees, 15 mosques, three graveyards, three schools and one hospital,
along with existing water supply, sanitation, electric power and telephone
services will be lost. Thirty commercial businesses will also have their premises
flooded, including shops, hotels, restaurants and timber stores.
- An estimated 46 km of the KKH lie below the 957masl limit of land acquisition, out
of a total length of 75 km passing from the Dasu Dam site to the Diamer Basha
dam site. The existing road network on the right bank of the reservoir will also be
adversely impacted and the links to the left bank and the KKH will be cut.
These losses have been quantified and where possible valued, using equivalent
replacement costs. These are given in Table 7.3 in the EIA report. The total resettlement

S-5
and environmental costs have been estimated as Rs.11 billion (US$ 163.4 million).
These costs are about 3% of the total estimated project cost. The percentage is relatively
low for a large scale hydropower project.
Direct construction impacts are also identified and discussed in Section 7 of the EIA
report, along with external and possible cumulative impacts and constraints. The need
for a basin wide strategic planning perspective has been identified, including a Strategic
Environmental Assessment (SEA), irrespective of the proposed Dasu project.
On the periphery of the Dasu reservoir, a cluster of 46 petroglyphs (rock carvings) of
international importance to Buddhists lie on the right bank of Indus River. Leveling
survey has been conducted in order to ascertain the level of the Petoglyphs and it has
been found that the Petroglyphs are located above elevation 960 m. since the full supply
level of the Dasu reservoir is 950 m, the Petroglyphs will not be inundated. Even during
flood routing through Dasu reservoir, the Petroglyphs will not be affected. Rather the
proposed reservoir will add to the beauty and grandeur of these Petroglyphs by providing
an environment with a beautiful water body adjacent and in a background of this location.
Consequently it will have a positive impact and encourage tourism.
S.8 Impact Mitigation, Remedial and Enhancement Measures
The underlying principle of impact mitigation is that adverse impacts should be avoided
where possible by changes in the proposed design, method of construction and project
operation. Where it is not possible to avoid adverse impacts then they should be
minimised and steps taken to ensure that, at the minimum, nobody will be worse off as a
result of the project. The basis of this is payment of cash compensation for lost
immovable assets and/or provision of equivalent replacements, including steps to ensure
that economic livelihoods are not reduced. For the project this includes the following
steps:
- The loss of houses for some 417 households comprising an estimated 3,670
people is to be compensated for by payment of cash and/or replacement
provision. The designs for new housing should be earthquake resistant. The
replacement will include water and sanitation facilities and electricity supply,
along with allowances for disturbance due to relocation and also a livelihood
allowance for three months.
- The loss of 34ha (84 acres) of agricultural land with any standing crops on it is to
be compensated for in cash and/or replacement land and also with an agricultural
enhancement program.
- The loss of 21ha (51 acres) of grazing land is to be compensated for in cash
along with the provision of a livestock enhancement program with a fodder
component.
- The loss of 20,000 trees is to be compensated for in cash along with a phased
targeted replanting program for 80,000 replacement fruit, fuel-wood and fodder
trees.
- The loss of existing commercial activities, including timber stores, shops, hotels
and restaurants, is to be compensated for in cash and also a relocation program.
- The loss of public and communal infrastructure, including mosques, graveyards,
schools and a hospital along with electricity and telephone lines, bridges and
roads is to be compensated for by provision of appropriate replacements.
- The KKH will be realigned to higher level as required.
In addition to satisfying the requirement to provide minimum replacement assets to those
lost, the following key enhancement programs are proposed:

S-6
- Provision of safe domestic water supply, sanitation facilities and electricity
supplies for all households in the area.
- Provision of adequate health facilities, including a public health education
program.
- Provision of adequate education facilities (specifically more and better quality
staff for primary schools and construction of more residential hostels for
secondary schools), including adult education and vocational training.
- Enhancement of the road transport system to include an interconnecting network
to the right bank (see Appendix E for specific details).
- Economic livelihood promotion programs (with women as specific targets) having
components to address the following issues:
- Tree planting, specifically seedling nurseries for fruit, fuel-wood and fodder trees.
- Horticulture demonstration farms and a potato promotion program.
- Livestock development program, particularly for poultry.
- Fisheries development, both immediately downstream of the dam and also in the
reservoir.
- Wood production and craft industry using local materials.
- Micro credit provision and also money management advice aimed specifically for
households receiving cash compensation.
- Development program for promoting the tourist and recreational potential of the
reservoir and the surrounding area.
Details of the proposed measures are given in Section 8 of the EIA report, split by the
timing of provision in relation to project activities. The quantities and costs of these
mitigation, remedial and enhancement measures are given in Table 7.3 of the EIA
Report. In addition environmental monitoring and management requirements for direct
construction impacts are also outlined.
S.9 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan
The outline for an Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) for the
project is given in Section 9 of the EIA report. The main objectives of the EMMP are to:
- Provide a summary of project impacts, along with the proposed mitigation and
enhancement measures and draw up an appropriate implementation schedule to
address these using a Mitigation Management Matrix (MMM). A preliminary MMM
is given as Table 9.1 of the EIA Report.
- Define the roles and responsibilities for environmental management for the
project stakeholders, including the Project Proponent (WAPDA), Contractor,
Supervisory Consultants and other key players.
- Identify the training requirements needed for the key players in order for them to
effectively implement the EMMP.
- Provide a mechanism, in the form of an environmental monitoring program, which
outlines the key parameters (for both the natural and social environment) that will
need to be monitored and the frequency that this shall be carried out. The
objective is to ensure that the mitigation measures are being effective in keeping
environmental conditions within the prescribed limits and if they are not, then to
make sure that there is an effective response mechanism in place that allows
corrective action to be implemented.
The EMMP will identify what requires to be carried out by whom and when and also
outline the resources and cost requirements for its implementation, along with the
institutional arrangements needed to achieve this.

S-7
The full EMMP will only be drawn up once a decision is taken to go ahead with the
project. The first step will be to draw up a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) following a
detailed inventory of lost assets. The EMMP will also include a Reservoir Management
Plan, a key part of which will be the need, or not, to clear vegetation in the flooded area
prior to its impounding, along with the need for any upstream catchment management
activities. An environmental risk analysis will also be carried out and a Site Restoration
Plan will also be drawn up at an appropriate time. The nature of the Environmental
Performance Audit will also be outlined, along with the system for document handling.
The implementation schedule for the project is yet to be fixed, however an outline
program has been drawn up (see Table 3.3 of the EIA Report) which gives the sequence
of events and the time that this will take from a fixed starting point.
S.10 Conclusions
The EIA work for the proposed Dasu Hydropower Project has followed the requirements
for the Pakistan EPA that classify it as a Schedule A Project, being a large dam that
causes involuntary resettlement. The proposed project would also be both a World Bank
and ADB Category A project requiring a full EIA. The Dasu project is not a consumptive
user of water, being designed for run of river operation with no abstraction. However the
operation would be influenced by the needs for hydropower generation and downstream
water requirements at Tarbela dam and also the operation of the proposed Diamer
Basha dam upstream. The Indus is a trans-boundary river and the legal arrangements
for management and development of its resources are covered by the Indus Water
Treaty of 1960 with India and within Pakistan by the Water Accord of 1991. The
procedures for cross border agreement are already in place and would be followed for
construction of the proposed dam at Diamer Basha before the Dasu project was started.
There are no environmentally sensitive or protected areas impacted by the Dasu project
and there are also no threatened species in the area. There are 46 petroglyphs
(Buddhist rock carvings) of international importance on the periphery of the Dasu
reservoir. These have been studied and a report has been produced (see Appendix F).
The Petroglyphs are located above the reservoir impounding level and will not be
inundated.
The people living in the impacted area are tribal, like most of those in the wider area. By
following the legally required procedures for land acquisition, compensation and
resettlement along with enhancement measures, they should not be unfairly
discriminated against.
The main overall conclusion of the environmental assessment of the proposed Dasu
Hydropower Project is that, for a dam located at Axis 5 with a crest level of 957masl,
there are no significant adverse environmental impacts that can not be adequately
managed by implementing the appropriate mitigation measures that have been identified
and incorporated into the outline environmental management plan for the project. The
predicted adverse impacts of construction of the project, whilst not insignificant, can be
adequately addressed to ensure that no one is worse off as a result of the project,
provided that the project is well managed and adequately resourced in a timely manner.
With a well managed project there should be no residual adverse impacts and with care
it should be possible to achieve significant enhancements for the impacted communities.
The project will have an installed generating capacity 4,320MW to produce electricity in
an environmentally sound and sustainable manner reducing the need to burn non
renewable fossil fuels that cause greenhouse emissions. This will also reduce the need
to import fuels, the price of which can only increase as they become depleted.

S-8
The main environmental risks to the proposed project are the consequences of seismic
activity, both on the integrity of the dam and also landslides that could be triggered into
the reservoir or the catchment area downstream of the proposed Diamer Basha dam.
The Dasu dam has been designed to the appropriate international standards to cope
with such events. The consequences of a serious seismic event have been considered in
the design. The consequences of the occurrence of glacial outflows and landslides
upstream of the Diamer Basha dam site have been studied and taken into consideration
in the design of the Diamer Basha dam. The initial increase in total river flows as ice
stored in the upper catchment melts at a faster rate due to climate change will be a
benefit to hydropower generation on the Indus river. However these initial increased
flows are likely to fall once the amount of ice and snow storage volume in the upper
catchment decreases, again due to climate change. There is little firm data on these
trends at the moment and there is a need to monitor the situation closely. The
sedimentation rate into Diamer Basha reservoir is predicted to start causing significant
loss of live storage some 40 years after first filling.
If well managed, then the Dasu dam hydropower project is environmentally beneficial,
especially when compared to the possible alternatives for power generation and the do
nothing situation. Well planned and implemented hydropower is a renewable energy
source and has no adverse environmental emissions. The proposed Dasu Hydropower
Project has highly significant environmental advantages over fossil fuel burning power
stations and nuclear power generation. The delay in implementing hydropower projects
in Pakistan has already led to severe power shortages and the need to resort to a fast
track program of fossil fuel powered generation facilities that rely on expensive imported
fuels or coal. Such facilities use non renewable energy sources that emit greenhouse
gases. Nuclear power generation is environmentally highly problematic due to risk levels
and the current inability to solve the waste management problem in an environmentally
sustainable manner. The real costs of nuclear power generation, when all the costs are
included, are very high.
The proposed configuration and design of the Dasu Hydropower Project is developed
with the condition that the dam at Diamer Basha is constructed first and provides the
managed flows for run of river hydropower generation at Dasu. In order to gain the
environmental advantages of Dasu, the implementation of Diamer Basha project needs
to be closely monitored so that lessons can be learnt from it and incorporated into the
design and implementation program for Dasu. This includes all environmental aspects in
the widest possible sense.
S.11 Recommendations
As there are no significant predicted adverse environmental impacts that can not be
adequately mitigated and the alternative possibilities for major power generation are
more environmentally problematic, the Dasu Hydropower project should be implemented
as planned with a dam located at Axis 5 and a crest level of 957masl with full reservoir
level of 950masl. However as the implementation of the Dasu project will succeed that of
the dam at Diamer Basha, it is strongly recommended that the Basha project be closely
monitored so that any issues that may arise can be identified and the implications, if any,
for the Dasu project can be considered.
It would be wise at this stage to consider carrying out an independent strategic
environmental assessment of all of the proposed water related developments within the
main Indus river system to ensure that the cumulative impacts of all the proposed
interventions are considered in an integrated manner. Such a strategic environmental
assessment would need to be carried out within the framework of a wider integrated

S-9
catchment management planning process and also consider cross sector resource use,
particularly power generation and irrigated agriculture.
The recommended steps that are required to plan and implement the Dasu project in an
environmentally sound and sustainable manner are indicated below and are the basis of
the proposed environmental management plan for the project.
S.12 Future Environmental Management Program
An outline Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan has been developed that will
provide an action plan, along with the roles and responsibilities for all the players in the
implementation process. This includes budget allocations and the resources required to
mitigate adverse environmental impacts, to provide targeted environmental
enhancements for impacted communities and also to establish and manage an
appropriate environmental monitoring plan to ensure compliance with the current
regulatory framework. The plan identifies which actions need to be carried out in what
sequence based upon the proposed construction program and the relevant legal
requirements, particularly for land acquisition.
The key steps are:
- Further develop and continue the public information and consultation program for
the project, including that with other government departments, particularly the
EPA.
- Continue the regular baseline monitoring at Dasu and the immediate upstream
area for water flow, water quality and noise.
- Ensure that the responsible institution within WAPDA regularly monitors the
extent and depth of snow and ice in the upper catchment so that seasonal
patterns can be identified and also trends over the long term period can be seen.
- Monitor the progress of the Diamer Basha project, including the rebuilding of the
KKH and the power transmission arrangements.
- Once a decision is taken that the government wishes to go ahead with the Dasu
project then an updated environmental assessment should produced and
submitted to the EPA for review with a request for the granting of a no objection
certificate.
- Once a firm decision is taken to go ahead with the Dasu project then the 957m
contour should be physically demarcated in the field and a cut off date should be
agreed after which no new immovable assets should be constructed in the area.
- A detailed enumeration of lost assets should be carried out and a Resettlement
Action Plan (RAP) prepared.
- Individual new house locations should be identified in a collaborative process with
the households who will lose their homes.
- Compensate and ensure that equivalent and adequate replacement housing is in
place before the land is required for construction. This may be in a phased
program depending upon the construction program.
- Monitor the livelihoods of the people in the area and take any corrective action
that may be required to ensure that they will not be worse off as a result of the
project.
More details have been given in Section 9 of the EIA report.
The key environmental studies that will need to be carried out at later stages are:
- Updating of the EIA at the Detail Design Stage.

S-10
- Submission of the EIA to the EPA for gaining the necessary environmental
clearance.
- Preparation of the Land Acquisition and Resettlement Action Plan (LARAP).
- EIA of the proposed Transmission Line.
- EIA of the proposed Grid Station.
- EIA of the rebuilt KKH, including land acquisition, relocation and rehabilitation.
- Full Feasibility Study for the reconstruction of communication bridges across the
Indus River in the proposed Dasu reservoir area. An initial study has already
been carried out and the results are given in Appendix E.

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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction
Dasu Hydropower Project (DHP) is proposed run of the river power project on Indus
River. Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) is the proponent of the Project
on behalf of Government of Pakistan. This project forms the part of WAPDA’s vision-
2025 program. The aim of vision 2025 is to improve hydropower generation capacity,
the revival of the country’s economy and above all meet the future needs of Indus Basin
Irrigation System.
The DHP is proposed to be located on Indus River, about 8 km upstream of Dasu Bridge
near Dasu town, in Kohistan District of NWFP, Pakistan. Geographically it is located at
E3215359.95, N1238016.47; which is 73.6 Km down stream of Diamer-Basha Dam
Project measured along the river (Figures 1.1 to 1.3). The Dasu damsite is a
mountainous region. The Project site is accessible from Islamabad by GT Road and
Kara Kurram Highway (KKH) via Abbotabad- Mansehra-Besham-Pattan- Dasu. There is
no rail link or airport to Dasu. River transport does not exist. The Project area is
classified as high risk zone for earthquake.
MONENCO carried out Inventory and Ranking Study- 1984 for WAPDA. DHP was
identified as run of the river power project on Indus River 79 km down stream of
proposed Basha Dam Project (renamed as Diamer Basha Dam Project). A 235m high
concrete faced embankment dam having ability to produce 2700 MW power was
envisaged, few kilometers up stream of Dasu Town. The Dasu Hydropower Project
Consultant – A Joint Venture, was awarded contract to advance the conceptual proposal
by MONENCO to a full feasibility report.
1.2 Structure of Report
The feasibility report of DHP consists of 13 volumes. This is 9th
volume of feasibility
report and covers the environmental and resettlement studies: including environmental
laws and guidelines, baseline conditions of the project area, alternatives considered,
environmental impacts, terrestrial ecology, aquatic ecology, mitigations actions required,
socioeconomic issues, compensation required for the affected assets and resettlement
issues of voluntary and involuntary resettlement.
This volume shall form Environment Impact Assessment and Resettlement report and
has been prepared to be stand alone document as far as possible and provide in depth
information on environmental issues of the project. Effort has been made to prepare the
report to meet the requirements of (a) Environmental Protection Agency in Pakistan, (b)
the rule of Asian Development Bank and that of (c) World Bank. Some of the information
used in preparing the EIA report is also from other volumes of the report and a number of
studies made by other consultants as well.
For the purpose of environmental study the DHP area has been defined as the area
delimited by Dasu dam axis till Diamer Basha Dam axis in the north and contour El 957
m. Further downstream area bounded by the dam axis up to 1km at contour El 850m.
1.3 Project Classification for Level of Environmental Studies
The DHP is classified as ‘large dam’ by Environment Protection Agency (EPA) of
Pakistan guidelines and is classified category ‘A’ project by ADB & WB project
classification (Table 1.1). As per guidelines of EPA procedures a large dam must have
an in depth study of the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) and identify the

1-2
mitigation actions which should be included in planning and design of the project.
Similarly ADB’s category A project must have an EIA done for it. This report has been
prepared in light of EPA laws of Pakistan, ADB and WB rules. These laws and rules
require studying effects of the project on environment, socioeconomic conditions, cultural
heritage, current use of land , people living in the area, ecology of the area (animals,
birds, fauna & flora, agriculture , trees); houses, buildings and infrastructures such as
bridges, roads, mosques, school and hospital etc. The identification and quantification of
impact is required. When quantification can not be given then qualitative description of
the impacts is stated.
Table 1.1 Project Classification for EIA Studies
No Authority Criteria
Classification of
DHP
Remarks
1
Environment
Protection
Agency
Pakistan.
Dam storage 50MM or
Lake area 8Km
2
Or hydropower
Capacity 50MW
Schedule A
Projects: Large
Dam. EIA
Necessary
Schedule A category;
IEE-EIA
Regulation2000
2
Asian
Development
Bank (ADB)
Category A: Significant
adverse Impacts.
Category B: Limited
adverse impacts
Class A. EIA
necessary
Environment
assessment guidelines
section V; OM20
3
World Bank
(WB)
Category A: diverse
and significant
environmental impact.
Category B: Have
limited specific impacts
Class A Project
EIA is required.
OD 4.00
1.4 Impact Identification Tools
This report provides details of impacts based on satellite imagery of 10th
October 2005
interpretation using GIS software including field checks and updates. The resolution of
satellite imagery was 0.6 meters. The time lapse between imagery date and the report
date is about two years. Field checks have revealed small changes in physical
infrastructure. New houses or buildings have been marked and counted. However the
assessed quantities for trees have been increased by 5 ~10 % , where trees are young
and less than 0.6m spread can not be seen, to arrive at final quantities to allow for any
left over or unaccounted for item.
During the field visits the study teams photographed various objects of relevant interest
and used them in support of text in the feasibility report. The subject of these
photographs was the description of environments (baseline state), Terrestrial Ecology,
Aquatic Ecology, scoping sessions, social & cultural aspect, petroglyphs and information
of general interest. Some pictures have date and time printed while other do not have
this detail; for simple reason that different cameras were used.
1.5 Project Disclosure with Stakeholders
EPA guide line stress the need to discuss the project with stake holders. The stake
holders are: officials of NWFP ( in present case these are District Nazim, District
Coordination Officer (DCO), Superintendent of Police (SP), District Forest officer (DFO),
Executive Engineer Works & Services, District Agricultural officer, District Health Officer
and Wildlife Officer), Political leaders, community leaders, bankers, teachers and people
who will be directly affected by the project. Structured interviews were made during the
feasibility study and analysis presented. The direct affectees of the Project shall be
people who reside in the project area, and organizations such as Special
Telecommunication Organization, PTDC motel, offices of Frontier Works Organization
and police check post buildings. Religious mosques shall be affected.

1-3
Project disclosure was also made to experts in consulting firms and NGOs. Project
disclosure was made to religious leaders in Project area.
1.6 Resettlement Aspects
The resettlement of the affectees has been dealt to the level necessary in the feasibility
stage. The resettlement locations have been identified. These locations shall be
developed to provide all necessary facilities such as drinking water, schools, drainage,
mosques, market, access roads, electricity, telephone, development of agricultural land.
Voluntary and involuntary resettlement are foreseen in the project.
1.7 Socio Economic Survey
The Project’s social survey was conducted under restrictions imposed by the local
District Management. These restrictions did not allow the interviewing of women even
through lady enumerators. Therefore only male enumerators interviewed male residents
using structured questionnaire.
1.8 Scope of Services
The TOR defines the scope of the services. This has been elaborated in Inception
Report and it’s up gradation as a result of comments from the WAPDA’s General
Consultants and other organs of the WAPDA. The selection of dam axis, description of
the project, baseline studies from secondary and primary data, fauna & flora, aquatic
ecology, social survey establishing social baseline, identification of impacts and its
quantification, mitigation action and its cost, resettlement matters, environmental
monitoring plan and recommendations has been presented.
1.9 Approach Adopted for EIA Studies
The full supply level (FSL) of the dam has been fixed by project planners as EL 950 m
which shall provide the head necessary to run the turbines for producing designed
electrical power. The flood surcharge head (5m) plus waves height (2m) add to 7 m to
FSL. Thus dam crest level shall be 957m. Easement of 3 m has been adopted in
relocation of KKH. The impacts have been estimated at level 957m.
The impacts were studied using satellite imagery and ground truthing.
The water quality was based on water sampling in Project area by WAPDA arranged
laboratory (SUPARCO) for physical and chemical properties.
The tree count has been done using following methods:
Tree count from imagery showing all vegetation in red color due to infra-red
photography. Each tree is identified, differentiated from shrub and marked with a dot
which is counted sheet by sheet on imagery and then summed up to find total.
Tree counting by determining the area of cluster of threes on imagery. Sampling in the
field where clusters were found in reservoir area and physical count in 100ft×100ft areas.
The noise level was measured at site by using noise level measurements and averaging
them out. This aspect was arranged by WAPDA using reputable laboratory resource
(SUPARCO). Data provided by WAPDA was incorporated.
The air quality was measured at site by WAPDA’s arrangement using reputable

1-4
laboratory resource (SUPARCO). Data provided by WAPDA was incorporated.
The suspension bridges by physical count and satellite imagery. The covered area of
buildings and numbers involved by satellite imagery. The PTDC motel from satellite
imagery and cost estimate by PTDC, which was reviewed by Consultants and
incorporated in estimate.
KKH by SOP contoured maps, satellite imagery and data from KKH studies for
relocation. Telephone line and power lines from satellite imagery and ground truthing.
Agriculture land by satellite imagery. Agriculture output rate and unit price of sale by
discussions with Agriculture Department and Forest Department at Dasu. The cost of
trees as fire wood was estimated on guideline provided by Forest Department.
The petroglyphs by levelling survey, counting boulders at site and preparing photographs
and by reporting to WAPDA for onward report to Archaeology Department Government
of Pakistan, Islamabad.
The cost of construction from Works Department NWFP Dasu office for government
buildings.
The cost of land has been established by multiple discussions with Revenue department
Dasu, Zari Tarakiati Bank Dasu, Social survey, and discussion with senior Government
officials. The cost reflects market rates in 2nd
half of 2007.
1.10 Makeup of EIA & Resettlement Report
The report consists of the following two parts in separate bindings.
Environmental Impact Assessment and Resettlement Aspects
Section 1 Introduction
Section 2 Regulatory Laws and the Institutional Framework for Environmental
Assessment
Section 3 Project Description
Section 4 Project Alternatives
Section 5 Project Scoping and Public Consultation
Section 6 Existing Environmental Baseline Situation, Constraints and Needs
Section 7 Impact Identification, Quantification and Categorization
Section 8 Impact Mitigation and Remedial Measures
Section 9 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan
Section 10 Conclusions, Recommendations and Future Environmental Management
Work Program
Annex –1 Photographic plates
Annex –2 Contacts and Liaison
Annex –3 Correspondence Relating to Dam Axis 2 and Seo Village
Appendices to Environmental Impact Assessment and Resettlement Aspects
Appendix–A Socio – Economic Environment Report
Appendix–B Project Impacts, Resettlement and Mitigation Measures
Appendix–C Aquatic Ecology
Appendix–D Terrestrial Ecology
Appendix–E Rehabilitation of River Crossings in the Project Area
Appendix–F Petroglyphs in the Project Area
Appendix–G SUPARCO Water, Air and Noise Quality Data

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2. REGULATORY LAWS AND THE INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
2.1 Introduction
This section presents a synopsis of current national and international legislation, policies
and guidelines which will have a bearing and relevance to the planning, design,
implementation and operation of the Dasu Hydropower Project. The requirements of
national and international policies, legislation and guiding principals have been
considered whilst preparing this Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) and
Resettlement Report. The existing government institutional arrangements for
environmental management, including EIA, are described to enable an understanding of
how the implementation mechanism of the various laws operates. The identification of
the project proponent, along with its legal responsibilities and powers (remit) with regard
to EIA are also described, specifically in the context of the requirements for environment
protection and resettlement of people affected by the project. It should be noted that
items within the regulatory framework (policy, laws, guidelines etc) are amended from
time to time in the light of experience gained both locally and worldwide. It is important
that the latest versions of regulatory instruments are followed at the time of Dasu project
construction.
2.2 The Legal and Regulatory Framework for EIA in Pakistan
2.2.1 Policy Framework
The main Federal Government policy documents that are directly applicable to the
proposed project are the National Conservation Strategy, the Resettlement Policy and
the Pakistan Power Policy of 2002. The Ministry of Environment is responsible at the
Federal level for policy, planning and implementation in respect of environmental
aspects in Pakistan. The Pakistan Environmental Protection Council (PEPC) headed by
the Chief Executive of Pakistan is the highest inter-ministerial and multi-stakeholders
decision making body for such matters.
The Pakistan National Conservation Strategy (NCS)
The strategies themselves are essentially capacity building initiatives. The Pakistan
National Conservation Strategy (NCS) is the principal policy document for environmental
issues in the country and was developed and approved by the Government of Pakistan
on March 1, 1992. The NCS works on a ten-year planning and implementation cycle.
The NCS deals with 14 core areas which are;
i. maintaining soils in cropland;
ii. increasing irrigation efficiency;
iii. protecting watersheds;
iv. supporting forestry and plantations;
v. restoring rangelands and improving livestock;
vi. protecting water bodies and sustaining fisheries;
vii. conserving biodiversity;
viii. increasing energy efficiency;
ix. developing and deploying material for renewable energy;
x. preventing/abating pollution;
xi. managing urban wastes;
xii. supporting institutions for common resources;
xiii. integrating population and environmental programmes; and
xiv. preserving the cultural heritage.

2-2
Based on the NCS, policies are being framed for institutional strengthening and human
resource development for environmental protection, especially at the local and provincial
level. The NCS is a policy document that deals with the core environmental issues in
Pakistan at the macro level and recommends an action plan to address these issues.
Project specific mitigation prescriptions cannot be expected in the NCS document, rather
the principles of environment protection, conservation and management provided in the
NCS document have to be used as guidelines during the planning and execution of
projects.
As a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1992, it was also necessary
for Pakistan to develop a national strategy for the conservation of biodiversity. The
Government of Pakistan constituted a Biodiversity Working Group, under the auspices of
the Ministry of Environment, to develop a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) for the country,
which was completed after an extensive consultative process. The plan, which has been
designed to complement the NCS and the proposed provincial conservation strategies,
identifies the causes of biodiversity loss in Pakistan and suggests a series of proposals
for action to conserve biodiversity in the country. The Pakistan Environmental Protection
Council (PEPC) has approved the action plan and steering committees have been
formed at both Federal and Provincial levels to implement it.
The BAP recognizes that at project level Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is
used as a tool to identify environmental impacts of a proposed project and suggests
ways for reducing adverse impacts. The BAP further stipulates that an EIA should be
initiated at an early stage in the project development cycle and that public participation in
the review of potential effects is important. The EIA of the Dasu Hydropower Project
fulfils the requirement of the BAP.
Resettlement Policy in Pakistan
An important aspect of EIA is consideration of the displacement and relocation of the
project affected population. A new resettlement policy has yet to be approved by
Government but amendments to the Land Acquisition Act of 1894 have been made from
time to time. It is currently in a draft form with the Pakistan Environmental Protection
Agency. The policy has been formulated to ensure an equitable and uniform treatment of
resettlement issues throughout Pakistan. This policy will apply to all development
projects involving adverse social impacts, including land acquisition, loss of assets, loss
of income, loss of business and other possible losses. The draft Resettlement Policy
addresses those areas which are not taken care of in the Land Acquisition Act of 1894
(LAA) and will be applicable wherever any public sector or private development project
affects people, families or communities, even when there is no displacement of
population.
The legal procedures for land acquisition have the objective of providing adequate
compensation for the loss of income to those who suffer loss of communal property,
including common assets, productive assets, structures, other fixed assets, income and
employment, loss of community networks and services, pastures, water rights, public
infrastructure like mosques, shrines, schools, graveyards and any consequential losses.
The Pakistan Power Generation Policy 2002
The Power Generation Policy of the Government of Pakistan (GOP) aims to reform the
power sector through restructuring and deregulation. The aim is to help the country to
meet its future power needs. WAPDA and Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) are
the two main producers and distributors of electricity in Pakistan. KESC has already

2-3
been privatised whilst WAPDA is still a public organisation. WAPDA owns 54% of
national electricity generation and distribution and serves about 88% of the electrical
customers in Pakistan. WAPDA has prepared a “Hydropower Development Plan- Vision
2025” to meet the deficit of electricity through proposed provision of additional
generation capacity. The objectives of the power policy are to:
a) Provide sufficient capacity of power generation at the least cost, and to avoid
capacity shortfall.
b) To encourage and ensure exploitation of indigenous resources, human
resources, participation of local engineering and manufacturing capabilities.
c) To ensure all stakeholders are looked after in the process.
d) To safeguard the environment. The requirements of the PEPA of 1997 relating to
environmental protection, environmental impact and social soundness
assessment shall have to be met.
2.2.2 Federal Statutory Framework for Environmental Management and
Assessment
The key items of the existing regulatory framework at the Federal level that have
implications for the proposed project are identified and discussed below. These include
Ordinances, Acts, Laws, Regulations, Rules and Guidelines.
The Pakistan Environmental Protection Ordinance 1983
The Pakistan Environmental Protection Ordinance, 1983 (PEPO 1983) was the first
legislation designed specifically for the protection of the environment in the country. The
Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency was established in 1984. This is the primary
government institution dealing with environmental issues. Significant work on developing
environmental policy was carried out by the late 1980s, which culminated in drafting of
the Pakistan National Conservation Strategy. Provincial Environmental Protection
Agencies were also established at about the same time. The National Environmental
Quality Standards were established in 1993 and then revised in 2000. The enactment of
the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act (PEPA) No.XXXIV of 1997 conferred broad-
based enforcement powers to the Environmental Protection Agencies. The publication of
the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency Review of IEE and EIA Regulations (IEE-
EIA Regulations) dated 2000 provided the necessary details on the preparation,
submission, and review of Initial Environmental Examinations (IEE) and Environmental
Impact Assessments (EIA).
In addition to the PEPA of 1997, Pakistan’s statute books contain a number of other laws
that have clauses concerning the regulation and protection of the environment. A
summary of laws and regulations relevant to the proposed Dasu project in the context of
environmental assessment and management of the project are given in Table 2.1.
The Pakistan Environmental Protection Act (PEPA) No. XXXIV of 1997
This comprehensive piece of legislation has evolved over time to provide the legal
framework for the preparation and implementation of national environmental policies. It
is entitled “The Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997 (PEPA 1997)”. The PEPA
was enacted in 1997, repealing the PEPO of 1983. The PEPA 1997 provides the
framework for implementation of the National Conservation Strategy, including the
protection and conservation of species, wildlife, habitats and biodiversity, along with the
conservation of renewable resources. The PEPA also establishes the standards for the
quality of the ambient air, water and land, along with the establishment of Environmental

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Tribunals and appointment of Environmental Magistrates. The need and nature of Initial
Environmental Examinations (IEE) and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) are
given along with the need for promotion of public education and awareness of
environmental issues through the mass media.
The PEPA of 1997 is the basic legislative tool empowering the government to frame
regulations for the protection of the environment. This Enabling Act is applicable to a
broad range of issues and extends to air, water, soil, marine, and noise pollution, as well
as to the handling of hazardous wastes. Penalties have been prescribed for those
contravening the provisions of the Act.
The key features of the Act that have a direct bearing on the Dasu Hydropower Project
are the following:
Section 11(1) states that “Subject to the provisions of this Act and the rules and
regulations made there under, no person shall discharge or emit, or allow the discharge
or emission of, any effluent or waste or air pollutant or noise in an amount, concentration
or level which is in excess of the National Environmental Quality Standards.” The
Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA), the body mainly responsible for
enforcing the PEPA of 1997, has published National Environmental Quality Standards
(NEQS) that will be applicable to the Dasu project. These are given in Tables 2.2 to 2.4.
Section 12(1) requires that “No proponent of a project shall commence construction or
operation unless he has filed with the Federal Agency an Initial Environmental
Examination [IEE] or, where the project is likely to cause an adverse environmental
effect, then an Environmental Impact Assessment [EIA], and has obtained from the
Federal Agency approval in respect thereof.”
Section 12(2)(b) The Federal Agency shall review the Environmental Impact
Assessment report and accord its approval subject to such conditions as it may deem fit
to impose, or require that the Environmental Impact Assessment be re-submitted after
such modifications as may be stipulated, or reject the project as being contrary to
environmental objectives. For the Dasu project, it is required, according to the
regulations, that an EIA report be submitted to the Pak-EPA, and approval obtained
before undertaking construction.
Section 14 requires that “Subject to the provisions of this Act, no person shall generate,
collect, consign, transport, treat, dispose of, store, handle, or import any hazardous
substance except (a) under a license issued by the Federal Agency and in such manner
as may be prescribed; or (b) in accordance with the provisions of any other law for the
time being in force, or of any international treaty, convention, protocol, code, standard,
agreement, or other instrument to which Pakistan is a party.” Enforcement of this clause
requires the Pakistan EPA to issue regulations regarding licensing procedures and to
define ‘hazardous substance.’
The Project Implementation and Resettlement Ordinance of 2001
The Government has proclaimed an ordinance entitled "Project Implementation and
Resettlement of the Affected Persons Ordinance 2001", later referred to as the
“Resettlement Ordinance". This ordinance will be used to safeguard the interests of
persons/groups having to be involuntarily resettled due to land acquisition caused by a
proposed project. This Ordinance establishes that the resettlement of the involuntarily
displaced persons is done as a matter of right and not by way of charity or any such
sentiment. In addition the Affected Persons (APs) shall be accepted as special groups

2-5
who in the supreme interest of the country have accepted/undergone involuntary
displacement. The proposed Ordinance shall be supplementary to the Land Acquisition
Act of 1894, as well as other Laws of Pakistan, and wherever items included in the Draft
Resettlement Policy.
The Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (Including Later Amendments)
The Land Acquisition Act of 1894 sets out the rules and procedures for acquiring land
and immovable assets needed for development. The Act sets out the methodology for
compensating owners of affected land and assets. The Act comprises 55 Sections
dealing with area notifications, surveys, acquisition, compensation, apportionment
awards, dispute resolution, penalties and exemptions. However, it does not cover the
aspect of resettlement of the affected population. In this respect, the GOP is in the
process of formulating appropriate laws and policies with the assistance of the ADB.
However, WAPDA has practised a resettlement policy similar to that of international
funding agencies and has already been applying these for their mega projects, for
example the raising of Mangla Dam.
It should be noted that there have been frequent revisions to the Land Acquisition Act
and that the latest revisions will apply. This is particularly important for the Dasu
Hydropower Project as the proposed commencement of construction of the project is
planned to be after the construction of the Diamer Basha dam is completed.
The Antiquities Act of 1975
The Antiquities Act of 1975 ensures the protection of cultural resources in Pakistan. The
act is designed to protect defined “antiquities” from destruction, theft, negligence,
unlawful excavation, trade and export. Antiquities have been defined in the Act as
ancient products of human activity, historical sites, or sites of anthropological or cultural
interest and national monuments. The law prohibits new construction in the proximity of
a protected antiquity and empowers the Government of Pakistan to prohibit excavation
in any area which may contain articles of archaeological significance. The guideline
procedure for Environment Assessment recommended by the Pakistan EPA reads as
follows:
“If the proponent or the consultant identifies an archaeological site that appears to be of
importance but the site is not listed they should discuss the site with the relevant
conservation authority”.
“The relevant conservation authority should inform the Responsible Authority of their
assessment of the significance of the likely impact of the proposed development early in
the process, in order for the Responsible Authority to determine the level of
documentation required. The EPA will then be in a position to review the level of
reporting required in the light of advice from the Archaeology Department”. The Federal
Department of Archaeology and Museum, Government of Pakistan is the sole custodian
of all articles of archaeological finds and historical heritage.
The Telegraphy Act, 1910
The Telegraphy Act of 1910 was promulgated for installation of telegraph poles and
stringing. The Act allows provision for installing poles and towers without the need to
acquire any land. However there is provision for temporary acquisition of land during the
construction period of such infrastructure. In such circumstances compensation is made
just for the loss of crop for a specific period of temporary occupation for construction.

2-6
The WAPDA Act No. XXXI of 1958
The WAPDA Act No. XXXI of 1958 provides for the unified and coordinated development
of the water and power resources of West Pakistan. This Act authorizes WAPDA to
construct and operate electrical transmission lines, entrusting powers and obligations to
them as a licensee under the Telegraphy Act of 1910. The WAPDA Act also establishes
policy for land acquisition and compensation, as well as the degree of liability of WAPDA
for damages sustained by landowners and other parties.
The Electricity Act, No IX of 1910 with Electricity Rules of 1937
The Electricity Act of 1910 and Electricity Rules of 1937 relate to the supply and use of
electrical energy in Pakistan. This Act applies together with supplementary rules that
have been issued from time to time.
The Forest Act of 1927 and Later Amendments
The Forest Act of 1927 establishes the right of the Government to designate areas for
reserved forest, village forest and protected forest, and they may acquire such areas in
order to prohibit or restrict the public use of such resources or other activities within
them.
The Protection of Trees and Brushwood Act of 1949
The Protection of Trees and Brushwood Act of 1949 prohibits the cutting or lopping of
trees and brushwood without the permission of the Forest Department.
The Local Government Ordinance of 1979
Section 93 of the Local Government Ordinance of 1979 pertains to environmental
pollution. Under this Ordinance the local councils are authorised to restrict activities
causing pollution to air, water or land. They may also initiate schemes for improving the
environment.
Pakistan Penal Code 1860
The provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code of 1860 fix the penalties for violation of
statutory instruments in the country. These include pollution of air, water bodies and
land. The penal code 1860 provides for and deals with a wide spectrum of offences and
related punishments under the law.
2.2.3 Provincial Government Statutory Framework
NWFP Laws and Acts
The proposed Dasu dam and nearly all of the reservoir area is located in the NWFP
province. The following NWFP laws are likely to be relevant and have to be taken into
consideration.
Forest
- NWFP Forest Ordinance 2002
- NWFP Forestry Commission Act 1999
- NWFP Management of Protected Forests Rules 1975.

2-7
- NWFP River Rules 1952.
- NWFP Protection of Trees and Bushwood Act 1949.
Fisheries
- NWFP Fisheries Rules 1976
Wildlife/Fauna/Non Timber Flora
- NWFP Wildlife (Protection, Preservation and Management) Act 1975.
- NWFP Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management) Act
1975.
Protected Areas
- NWFP Wildlife (Protection, Preservation and Management Act 1975-National
Sanctuaries, Game Reserves, Private Game Reserves).
Freshwater
- NWFP River Protection Ordinance 2002.
- NWFP Local Government Ordinance 2001 (Clause 4.3.2.1)
2.3 Institutional Framework Relevant for EIA in Pakistan
The success of environmental assessment as a means of ensuring that development
projects are environmentally sound and sustainable depends in large measure on the
capability of regulatory institutions to operate in an effective manner to achieve the
objective. The institutional framework for decision making and policy formulation in
environmental and conservation issues are briefly described below.
2.3.1 Federal Government Institutions
Headed by a Federal Minister, the Ministry of Environment, Local Government and Rural
Development is the main government organization responsible for the protection of
environment and resource conservation. The Ministry works with the Pakistan
Environmental Protection Council (PEPC) and the Federal and Provincial Environmental
Protection Agencies and was established under the provisions of the PEPA of 1997.
Two organizations, the Pakistan Environmental Protection Council (PEPC) and the
Pakistan EPA, are primarily responsible for administering the provisions of the PEPA of
1997. The PEPC oversees the functioning of the Pakistan EPA.
The Federal Government has formed the PEPC. Its members include the President of
Pakistan (or someone appointed by the President), as the Chairperson; the Minister of
the Ministry of Environment as the Vice-Chairperson; Governors of the Provinces;
Ministers in charge of the subject of environment in the Provinces; the Secretary to the
Federal Government in charge of the Ministry of Environment, Local Government and
Rural Development; the Director General of the Federal EPA; Heads of Federal and
Provincial Environmental Protection Departments; environmentalists and community
representatives, including scientists. The functions and powers of the Council include
formulation of national environmental policy, enforcement of the PEPA of 1997, approval
of the NEQS, incorporation of environmental considerations into national development
plans and policies and to provide guidelines for the protection and conservation of

2-8
biodiversity in general and also for the conservation of renewable and non-renewable
resources.
The Federal Government has also formed the Federal EPA, which is headed by a
Director General and has wide ranging functions given in the PEPA of 1997. These
include preparation and co-ordination of national environmental policy for approval by
PEPC, administering and implementing the PEPA of 1997 and preparation, revision or
establishment of NEQS.
The Federal EPA has overall jurisdictions over EIA/IEE issues. Federal jurisdiction is
applicable to the projects which are:
- On federal land;
- Military projects;
- Involving trans-national impacts; and
- Having trans-province impacts.
For all other cases, the concerned Provincial Responsible Authority shall have
jurisdiction over EIA and IEE issues. The Federal EPA reserves the rights to review any
Environmental Report at any time and to suspend the powers it has delegated to any
Responsible Authority if it believes those powers have not been properly used.
2.3.2 WAPDA
The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) was created in 1959 to
undertake the task of investigating, planning and executing schemes for irrigation,
drainage, prevention of water logging and reclamation of saline land. It was established
as an autonomous body responsible for the integrated development of water and power
resources in Pakistan. The organization was also entrusted with the work of
implementing Indus Basin Settlement Plan signed between India and Pakistan in 1960 to
develop replacement works for management of river water and irrigation systems. Since
then it has been engaged in building water development projects which include extensive
research and investigation activities to augment the water resources of the country.
The Charter of Duties of WAPDA is to investigate, plan and execute schemes for the
following fields:
- Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Power.
- Irrigation, Water Supply and Drainage.
- Prevention of Water logging and Reclamation of Waterlogged and Saline Lands.
- Flood Management.
- Inland Navigation.
The Authority comprises a Chairman and three Members working through a Secretary.
The two main departments of WAPDA are the Power Wing and the Water Wing. The
Finance Department deals with the financial matters of WAPDA. Each of the three wings
are headed by the members who, along with the Chairman, comprise the management
board of WAPDA. Figure 2.1 shows the organisational structure of the WAPDA.
WAPDA is one of the largest employers of human resources in Pakistan. Over the years
WAPDA has developed technical capability and expertise in its range of activities and
gained sound experience which has made it a modern and progressive organization.

2-9
WAPDA Power Wing
The WAPDA Power Wing currently operates separately from the Water Wing, with the
formation of Pakistan Electric Power Company being a corporate entity headed by the
Member (Power). The Power Wing of WAPDA which was divided into three operations
for power generation, transmission and distribution has been restructured into 14 Public
Limited Companies. These 14 Corporate Entities are:
Four (4) Thermal Power Generation Companies (GENCOs).
- Southern Generation Power Company Limited (GENCO-1) with its headquarters
at Jamshoro District, Dadu near Hyderabad, Sindh.
- Central Power Generation Company Limited (GENCO-2) with its headquarters at
Guddu District, Jacobabad, Sindh.
- Northern Power Generation Company Limited (GENCO-3) with its headquarters
at TPS Muzaffargarh District, Muzaffargarh, Punjab.
- Lakhra Power Generation Company Limited (GENCO-4) with its headquarters at
WAPDA House, Lahore.
One (1) National Transmission & Power Dispatch Company (NTDC)
Nine (9) Distribution Companies (DISCOs) as under:
- (LESCO) Lahore Electric Supply Company
- (GEPCO) Gujranwala Electric Power Company
- (FESCO) Faisalabad Electric Supply Company
- (IESCO) Islamabad Electric Supply Company
- (MEPCO) Multan Electric Power Company
- (PESCO) Peshawar Electric Power Company
- (HESCO) Hyderabad Electric Supply Company
- (QESCO) Quetta Electric Supply Company
- (TESCO) Tribal Electric Supply Company
WAPDA Water Wing
The Water Wing operates under the head of the Member (Water). For effective control,
the entire country is divided into north, central, south and west zones, generally covering
the provinces of NWFP, Punjab, Sindh and Baloachistan respectively, with the execution
of Scarps and surface water development projects.
Chief Engineers (CEs) and Project Directors (PDs) implement projects falling under
regions within each zone. In addition, the Water Wing has a CE (Coordination and
Monitoring) responsible for construction and operation of dams and also all other
projects under the Water Wing. There are also two separate General Managers for
Ghazi Barotha Hydropower Project and the National Drainage Project. The Planning
Division of the Water Wing, headed by the General Manager, looks after all of the
planning activities on the water side of WAPDA. Water resources and hydropower
development and the Vision-2025 planning program are handled by the three General
Managers, one covering Technical, (South and North), the GM for P&D and the GM
Hydro Development.
WAPDA Environmental Cell
The WAPDA Environmental cell (WEC) operates under the GM (P & D) of the Water

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Wing. The organizational setup of the WEC is shown in Figure 2.2. Currently the WEC
consists of two sections working under its Director who works under Project Director
(WRPO). The main section of the WEC is at Lahore. The current strength of the WEC is
about 30 professional and para-professional staff. Technical staff consists of
environmental engineers, geologists, ecologists and civil engineers. The WEC staff is
used to dealing with EIA requirements and also handling Resettlement Action Plans.
2.3.3 Provincial Government Institutions
Arrangements for Environmental Assessment at Provincial Government Level
Each provincial government has its own environmental protection institution responsible
for pollution control. The provincial EPAs and the Environmental Protection Departments
(EPDs) are the provincial counterparts of the Federal EPA, which is authorized to
delegate powers to its provincial counterparts. The Provincial Environmental Protection
Agencies are formed by the respective Provincial Governments. A Director General who
exercises powers delegated to him by the concerned Provincial Government heads the
Provincial EPA. The reports covering IEEs and EIAs are submitted to the concerned
Provincial EPAs for approval.
For public works, responsibility for IEE management and review and granting or refusing
of environmental approval, will be vested in the Planning and Development Departments
(referred as P&Ds) responsible for economic and development planning at federal and
provincial levels. The jurisdiction of Federal and Provincial Responsible Authorities
(EPAs/EPDs) is given in Figure 2.3.
North West Frontier Province
As can be seen in Figure 1.3, the dam site and nearly all of the reservoir area falls into
the North West Frontier Province (NWFP). The location of the Districts within the NWFP
is shown in the map given as Figure 2.4. At the Provincial level, the NWFP holds all the
required administrative powers regarding land acquisition, resettlement and rehabilitation
of displaced people of any development project. For the DHP various government
departments at Federal, Provincial and District level will interact and collaborate for
implementation of the project. One of the prerequisites which will require immediate
action relates to the handling of environmental issues. The construction of the DHP will
require that all land and immovable assets located upstream of the dam axis and lying
below 957masl will need to be acquired. The project area is mainly covered within the
administrative jurisdiction of District Administration of District Kohistan, in the North West
Frontier Province (NWFP). The Land Acquisition Act of 1894 with its amendments will
need to be applied for acquisition of the land. Other land based assets will be acquired
according to the rules and regulations applicable for acquiring such assets. A small part
of the project area in the upper reach falls in the jurisdiction of the Northern Area
Administrative and requires that all rules and regulations for acquiring this specific area
of land and land-based assets will need to be applied accordingly.
The Government of the North West Frontier Province functions under the provisions of
the Constitution of Pakistan (1973). The Province has a Provincial Assembly with 124
elected members, constituent of 99 Regular seats, 22 seats reserved for Women and 3
seats for Non-Muslims. The Provincial Assembly elects the Chief Minister of the Province
who forms a Cabinet of Ministers to look after various Departments. The Chief Minister is
the Chief Executive of the Province. The Federal Government appoints a Governor for
the Province.

2-11
The bureaucratic machinery of the Province is headed by a Chief Secretary who
coordinates and supervises functions of various Departments headed by Departmental
Secretaries. In the NWFP the person in charge of the Planning & Development
Department is the Additional Chief Secretary who reports to the Chief Secretary. All the
Secretaries of different Departments are assisted by Additional Secretaries, Deputy
Secretaries, Section Officers and other staff. The Departments may have attached
Departments and autonomous or semi-autonomous bodies to look after various
functions.
Since 2001, a system of elected District Governments has been introduced in the NWFP.
The Province is divided into 24 districts (see Figure 1.2). The Districts are headed by a
Zilla Nazim (District Nazim) assisted by a District Coordination Officer (DCO), who is in
charge of the District bureaucracy. In a District the functions are devolved further to the
Tehsil, Town and Union Council Governments as a part of the local Government system.
Each District has an elected Zilla Council, elected Tehsil, Town and Union Councils who
look after various activities at their respective levels. At District level a District Police
Officer looks after the Law and Order and he reports to the Zilla Nazim. Each District has
a Public Safety Commission which addresses public complaints against the Police.
There is a Provincial Police Officer who is in charge of the police system at the provincial
level.
Government of the Northern Areas
As can be seen in Figure 1.3, the head reach of the Dasu reservoir, where it meets the
downstream face of the proposed Diamer Basha Dam, lies in the Northern Areas. The
Federal Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas (KANA) administers the Northern
Areas of Pakistan. Any development and implementation of major projects will not be
implemented without the involvement of the said Ministry. The Government of the
Northern Areas has its own legislative council. The Chief Secretary of the Northern
Areas is the administrative head. The structure of the Government of the Northern Areas
is given in Figure 1.2. The Dasu reservoir area covers only part of one District (Diamer)
in the Northern Areas.
On the 23rd
October 2007, the President of Pakistan unveiled a package of political,
administrative and development reforms for the Northern Areas (NA).
The legal frame work, under which KANA administers the NA, has been changed by
incorporating 52 amendments proposed by the representatives of the NA into the Legal
Frame Work Order 1994, a law through which Islamabad administers the strategic area.
The salient points as given in a public statement are:
1. The NA Council has been given the status of a Legislative Assembly. The
existing council has 36 seats, 24 elected and 12 reserved seats (six for women
and six for technocrats). It has powers to legislate on 49 subjects.
2. The Legislative Assembly has powers to debate and pass budget.
3. Hither to called Deputy Chief Executive of the council shall be the Chief
Executive with full administrative and financial authority.
4. The existing Chief Executive of NA (who is a Federal Minister) shall be called
Chairman of the NA government.
5. The Chief Executive shall be elected by the new assembly.
6. The new assembly shall have powers to pass no-confidence motions against the
Chief Executive, Speaker, and Deputy Speaker.
7. All administrative and financial powers of Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and
Northern Areas would be transferred to the Northern Area Government.

2-12
8. There would be an Accountant General’s office for the Northern Area.
9. A new District (7th
) would be carved out of Gilgit.
10. Two sub divisions of Dagone and Raundo will be set up in Baltistan.
11. The cases registered against officials of NA shall be transferred from Islamabad
to Gilgit.
12. The agricultural loans up to Rs 50,000/ are remitted. This will benefit 12000
people. In addition the mark-up on small and medium loans would be waived.
13. A commission under the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission shall be
set up to resolve the boundary dispute between NA and NWFP province.
14. The current regional development budget has been increased from Rs.6.5 billion
to Rs.7.6 billion.
The reservoir of Dasu Hydropower Project partially falls within the administrative control
of the Diamer District of the Northern Area. Therefore, in relation to the Dasu
Hydropower project, the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Diamer District will be the
key contact point. This office will be responsible for the coordination of different
governmental departments for the execution of the project.
The overall organizational setup of the Northern Areas Administration is given in Figure
2.4.
2.3.4 International and National Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
International environmental and conservation organizations, such as the International
Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Wide Fund for Nature
(WWF), have been active in Pakistan for some time. Both these organizations have
worked closely with the government and have played an advisory role with regard to the
formulation of environmental and conservation policies. In the eight years since the Rio
Summit, a number of national environmental non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
have also been formed, and have been engaged in advocacy and, in some cases,
research. The most prominent national environmental NGOs, such as the Sustainable
Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and Shirkatgah, are members of the Pakistan
National Committee of IUCN. The International Fund for Agricultural Development
(IFAD) has also been active for some time, particularly in the Northern Areas under the
Northern Areas Development Program (NADP). The NADP is working for the
development and construction of various agricultural and social uplift programs,
especially in the affected valleys of the project area.
As mentioned earlier, environmental NGOs have been particularly active in advocacy
and promoting sustainable development approaches. Much of the government’s
environmental and conservation policy has been formulated in consultation with leading
NGOs, who have also been involved in drafting new legislation on conservation.
2.4 Specific EIA Requirements for Dasu Project
2.4.1 Basis for the Environmental Study
The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) under the powers conferred
upon it by the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act (PEPA) of 1997 provides the
necessary details for the preparation, submission, and review of the Initial Environmental
Examination (IEE) and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for proposed
developments. Categorization of projects for IEE and EIA is one of the main topics of the
IEE-EIA Regulations of 2000. Projects have been classified on the basis of expected
degree and magnitude of environmental impacts and included in different schedules

Vol.9 environmental impact assessment and resettlement aspects - Dasu Dam

Vol.9 environmental impact assessment and resettlement aspects - Dasu Dam

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