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GUIDELINESFOR

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

ASSESSMENTOF

HIGHWAY PROJECTS

THE INDIAN ROADS CONGRESS

1989

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GUIDELINESFOR

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

ASSESSMENT

OF

HIGHWAY PROJECTS

FubI~shedby

THE INDIAN ROADS CONGRESSJamnsgar House, Shabjahan Road,

NewDelhg-11O Oil

1989PriceRa211,, 4P

(Plul packbg & postage)

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RC: 10~-1988irst Published: February, 1989

(Rights of Publication andof Translation are Reseried~)

Printed atPRINTAID, New Delhi-20

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CONTENTS

Clause No. Page

1. General ... 1

2. Introduction .. 2

3. Objectives ofEnvironmental ImpactAssessment (EIA) ... 3

4. Scope ... 4

5. Procedure for Environmental ImpactAssessment . 5

6. Approach to Data Collection and Investigations

for Preparing E.l.A. and Mitigating Measures ...

14

APPENDICES

1. Measures to Prevent Soil Erosion and LandDegradation in Road Development inHilly Areas ... 22

2. CheckList ofPoints about Erosion Control

in the Construction ofRoads in Hilly Areas 26

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GUIDELINES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

ASSESSMENT OF HIGHWAY PROJECTS

1, GENERAL

1.1. TheCouncil of the Indian Roads Congress in theirmeeting held on 1st December, 1972 had set up aCommittee tostudy the subject ofHighway Environment and Pollution. TheCommitteehad constituted two panels one for Environmental

Impact Statement (E.LS.) for Non-urban Roads and other forUrban Roads. Three case studies, Deihi-Paiwal Section ofNationalHighway No. 2, Deihi-Meerut Section ofState HighwayNo. 45and Ring Road between Indraprastha Estate and DhaulaKuan for the Preparation of Environmental Impact Statementhad been completed by the School ofPlanning and Architectureand one case Study of40 km stretch of National Highway No.47, on the Northern and Southern side of Trivandrum for theE.1.S. had been completed by National Transportation Planning

and Research Centre. In light of the reports prepared as aresult ofthe case studies, the draft Manual forpreparation ofE.I.S. for non-urban highway was prepared and discussed bythe Committee (Personnel given below) in their meeting heldat New Delhi on the 4th December, 1984. On the basis ofthecomments of the members the draft was Ilnalised by Prof.M. S. V. Rao, Member-Secretary, ofthe Committee:

K. K. Namblar

Prof.M. S. V.Ran

Jose F. F. de AlbuquerqueAmarjeetSinghBhupinder SinghY.N.BahiK.C. BansalM. K.BbaliaProf. H. U. BijlaniProf. J. M. DaveS. P. Gantayat1. C. Gupta

R. G. GuptaR. S. JindalDr. L. R.KadiyaliV. P. KamdarD. N. KhuranaH. N. KumarK.S .LogavinayagamI. Shivalingalab

Conveno,

Member-Secretary

A.0. PolProf~N. RanganathanN.SivaguruR. ThillainayagamC,E., P.W.D.B & R,KeralaDirector,,Horticulture,D.D.A.(SahdeoSingh)Director, Horticulture,C.P.W.D, (Dr.K. Saddy)R.P. Sikka

Lt, Col. 0. B. ShighP. 0. ValsankarA Rep. ofDepartment ofScienceand TechnologyA.Rep. ofDepartment ofEnvironmentD.G. (R.D,)Ex-ofllcio

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1.2. The draft prepared by the Committee was discussedy the Specifications and Standards Committee in their meetingeld at New Delhi on the 28th August, 1986. The Committeeoted that after the draft was prepared, the Environment

rotection) Act, 1986 has come into force and the draft didot contain the quantification of standard of noise, air and

vironmental pollution and, therefore, would not help much innalising new projects. The Convenor stated that a question-aire need to be added to take care of the points and quantifiedctors to take care ofenvironment factors, and the Committee

ecided that the draft should be revised by thegroup under thehairmanship of the Convenor ofthe Committee.

1.3. The draft prepared by Shri K. Arunachalam undere guidance ofthe Convenor was discussed by the Highway

pecifications and Standards Committee in their meeting held atew Delhi on the 21st September, 1988 and Committee desiredat the document should be redrafted on the basis of the com-ents of the members by Shri K. Arunachalam assisted by theember-Secretary and finalised by the Convenor. The document

nalised by them got the approval of the ExecutiveCommitteend the Council in their meetings held on the 16th November,nd 10th December, 1988 respectively.

1.4. These guidelinessupplements the IRC : SP:19 Manualor Survey, Investigation and Preparation ofRoad Projects inso

r as environmental assessment arc concerned and should beead in continuation ofthat manual.

2. INTRODUCTION

2.1. Highway network is one ofthe important componentsf transportation system at theNational, State and local levels.

order to increase the efficiency of the transportation system,onstruction of new roads and improvements to existing roadse being undertaken in urban and rural areas. Construction of

ighways is often coupled with environmental deterioration. Itnot only important but essential at planning stage itself to

onsider environmental impact of the proposed highway works.the case

ofmajor works on existing highways, the

impact of

ese works on the surroundings should be studied and attemptshould be madeto enhance the environmental quality through

provements.

2.2. The increasein public concern regarding quality offe has intensified the need for rational identification, measure-

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ment and evaluation of environmental impacts. In order toachieve the desired harmony between the road and its surroun-dings, it becomes necessary to studythe environmental effects atthe planning stage itself. At present, in the course ofplanning

and designing a highway the main aspects taken into accountare those ofeconomy and traffic flow. As a result ofthis limitedapproach, many environmental problems such as noise, airpollution, aesthetic deterioration and ecological disturbance thatget created are overlooked. Such problems can be avoided iftheir cause and effects are understoodatthe planning stage andremedial measures incorporated during the design phase.

2.3. The factors influencing the environment can be con-sidered in three categories. The first category traffic factors,,comprises those that arise from the actions and characteristicsof the traffic, viz, noise, air pollution and vibration. Thesecondcategory, highway factors, include visual intrusion, severence,land consumption and changein land access which, althoughaffected by traffic, exist irrespective of use of the highway.Under the third category fall the noise and air pollution arisingas a result of construction activities Theguidelines containedin this publication are based on current knowledge and experi-

ence. The noise and air pollution can be related toridingquality of the road, traffic volumes, speeds and distances, butvibration levels are more difficult to predict. Visual intrusionusullyhas to be subjectively assessed at sites or from photographs,drawings and sketches.

2.4. It is observed that the methodologies for assessingenvironmentalimpact developed in other countries can not beapplied in their original form under Indian conditions. Keeping

in viewthe principal objectives, data resourceand availability oftechnically equippedpersonnel for preparation ofthe assessmentfor newand existinghighways, a combination of subjective andconjective procedure is suggested.

3. OBJECTIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTASSESSMENT (EIA)

3.1. The environmental impact assessment has becomean integral part ofthe highway planning and design in manyadvanced countries. The main purpose of EtAis to identifyenvironmental impacts ofthe project and the alternatives, weightheir significance, propose possible mitigating treatments andprovide necessary information for making decision whetherthe project is acceptablefrom environmental angleor not.

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3.2. The case for introducing such a tool in this country isven stronger,as many new highwayprojectsare being plannednd/or implemented at State andCentral Government levels in

he wake of rapid development in the country. It is vitalto

nsure that these new/improved highways arenot only safer andore efficient but are also environmentally acceptable.

3.3. However, considering the paucity ofinformation andon-availability of adequate technical expertise to perform the

ask ofpreparing such assessments it willbe necessary tosimplifyhe same initially. Subsequently, with advancement in the field,he procedure could be refined to make it a more comprehensivend sharper instrument to evaluate critically various alternativesnd compare them.

4. SCOPE

4.1. This publication provides guidelines on the prepara-ion of EllA for highway projects involving either construction of

new road or major improvements to an existing road. Theseuidelines assist in (i) providing useful information about the

ossible environmetnal impacts ofthe project, (ii) assessing andvaluating alternatives directed towards choice of the environ-entally acceptableone which is also economically feasible, and

(iii) identifying mitigating measures for incorporation in the pro-ect proposals.

4,2. Theprocedures for environmental impact assessmentgiven in this publication are for general guidance of engineers

reparing highway projects and not for any administrative

action. It is intended that the assessment will be required onlyfor majorhighway projects, in particular, construction ofnew

ighways. Also, the extent ofinvestigations and data coveragewill depend on the size and importance ofthe project and its

nticipated impact on the environment. Where EIA is to berepared for a project, it is recommended that the project autho-

ities have close interaction with the Department ofEnvironmentand Forests.

4.3. Section 5 of this publication gives the procedure forenvironmental assessment and provides formats for recordingbaseline data, evaluation ofalternatives and assessment of theenvironmental impact of the chosen alternatives. Section 6 pro-vides an approach to data collection and evaluation for prepar-ing the EtA as also measures for mitigating the adverse impacts.

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4.4. It may be noted that the science of assessment ofenvironmental impact ofhighway projects is still in its infancyin the country, and for many features there is no alternative butto resort to subjective assessment for the present. However,

with more experience and information from results of research,it will bepossible to refine the assessment procedures to makethe E1A a more positive toot, Towards this end, this publica-tion would need to be revised in course of time.

5. PROCEDURE FOR ENVIRONMENTALIMPACT ASSESSMENT

5.1. General

Preparation of Environmental Impact Assessment for ahighway project involves several steps, starting from a clearunderstanding ofthe development objectives, collection ofbase-line data, evaluation ofalternatives to overall assessment of theenvironmental impact ofthe selected alternative. The involvedactivities are indicated in the form of a flow diagram inFig. 1. Format for preparing the EIA is given in para 5.2.

5.2. Format for EIA for Highway Projects5.2.1. Introduction: Give a broad description ofthe exist-

ing situation (the terrain, the existing road and its condition,etc.) as also ofthe proposal (length ofnew construction, majorimprovements, etc.); and the development objectives.

5.2.2. ExIsting situation: Giveinformation on the exist-ing situation as regards the road system, road transport,environmental features, etc., in the form shown in Table 1.

TABLF 3. EXISTING FFATURS$

Feature Information

(a) Road factors

(1) Land width available(m)

(ii) Geometrics curvature, gradient, roadway!pavementwidths, etc.

(iii) Structural conditionof roadandroadstructures

(b) Terrain

(i) Type ofterrain(plain, rolling,hilly)

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Feature Information

c) Irafllefactors

(I) Traffic volume (veh/day)

(ii) Trafficcomposition

(iii) Averagespeed oftravel

(iv) Time delaysat railway level crossing, etc.

(v) Presenceofroad intersection (Nos./km)

(vi) Accesscontrol

(vii) Accidents (Fatal andinjury accidents

per year)

(d) Land nse

(i) Typeofarea (urban, semi-urban, rural)

(ii) Numberof towns/villages Iravetsed enroutewith populationfigures

(iii) Locationofmajorland-use types such ascommercial, residential, industrial,recreational, agricultural,etc.

Show this on a map(e) Environmentalfactors

(i) Climate(annual rainfall (mm), snowfall,maximum andminimum temperatures(C)

(ii) Vegetation

(iii) Ribbon development andencroachments

(iv) Roadside facilities

~v) Airpollution level (very high, high,

moderate, low)(vi) Noise level(veryhigh, moderate, low)

(vii) Wildlife (anyendangered species)

tFor new roads, provide information on traffic likely to use the road on

completion.

5.2.3. Need for the proposed project : Need for the project

mit y he lbr fulfilling the development objectives of satisfying thetransport demand, for providing access. for improving theenvironment, etc. These should be discussed keeping the folIo-\Vint~points in view

(a) Transportation demandpresent demand, projection fordesignyear.

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(bJ Access present position about access to theareaand the importance.

(c) Capacity the highwaywidthand type needed

to cater to design traffic(d) IfNoaction alternativeis to be chosen (i.e. the proposed actionis not implemented), discuss ttieanticipated .adverse effectson thefollowing

(i) Traffic convenience free traffic movement/congestion,delays, safety.

(ii) Environmental air quality, noise, vibration, gene-ralaesthetic quality, etc.

(iii) Economic costs of vehicle operation, road

maintenance/improvement, acci-dents.. etc.

5.2.4. Proposed project

5.2,4.1. In this part, the physical itnd environmental fea-ture,s of the alternatives investigated for the proposed projectshould be brought out, The information may be recorded in atabular Form for all the alternatives, ~ide format suggested inTable2.

TAstE 2, PR~IFORMAFOR RI CORDING THE PHYSICAL AND ENvIRoN-MENTAL FEATuREs Ot AlTERNATIvES INVESTIGATED

Particulars Selected Alternative Alternative

altern~tive A B

2 3 4

Length (km)

New construction

lmprovementofexisting road

2. Terrain (plainrolling/hilly)

3. l...and width proposed (in)

4. Cate3ory ofland proposedto beacquired (ha)

Forest land

Agriculturalland

Waste land

Swampyland

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1 2 3 4

5, Displacement ofhouseholds(Nos.)

6. Cut sections

Lengthin cut.(km)Max. depthofcut(m)

7. FillsectionsLengthinfill (kin)Max. height offill (m)

8. Vegetation

No. oftrees exceeding 60cmin girth to becut

9, Flood hazard(encroachment onflood plain)

10. Erosion potential

11, Landslide potential

12, Stretch in geologically unstable arear

13. Drainage andadverse impact onwaterflow

14. Number ofmajorriver crossings(exceeding 60 m)

15. No. of road intersections

.16, No. ofrailwaycrossings

17. Schools,colleges, hospitalsfalling enroute

18. Number and type ofutilitiesrequiringrelocation

l~. Possibility ofprovidingwayside amenities

20. Air quality (very poor,poor, fair,good)

21, Noiselevel

22. Estimated cost

5.2.4.2, Based on the investigations made on the alterna-tives, bring out the reasons for choosing the selected alternative.Highlight the specific merits of the chosen alternative fromenvironmental angle.

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Fig. I. Flow diagramfor environmental assessment of highwayprojects

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5.2.5. Probable impact of the selected alternative on theenvironment and proposed mitigating measures

5.2.5.1. in this para the probable itnpact of the selected

ternative on the environment should he discussed Both bene-cial and adverse impacts should be included. Measures propo,cl for in itigaling the adverse mi pacts should he highlighted.he information may be provided in the form of replies to

estionnaire as in Table 3.

IARLE .. IMPACT OFTHE SILEcTED ALTIRNATIVE ON ills

ENVIRONMENT AND ACTION PROPO5ID FOR MITIOAIION

No. Particulars Probable impact inbrief!proposedaction

2 3

and acquisition

(a) ls acquisition offorest land involved 2(b) Ifso, whether discussions have been

held with Forest Deptt. Also state asto whataction hasbeen taken to getclearance from forest angle.

(c) Is acquisitionofwetland/swampylandj mangroves wildlife habitatinvolved ?

Highway location

(a) Isthe road to traverse any unstablearea, avalanche area,niarsh, etc?11 so, have necessary remedialmeasuresbeen planned 2

(h) Havegeological maps beenstudied orlocal Geological Deptt. consulted toavoid unstable strata 7

Highway alignment(a) l)oesthe alignment follow lie oftue

land andavoid largescale cutting 7

Ib) Is any section susceptible to damage~crosion by streams and torrents 7 Ifso, haveprotection measures beenplanned 7

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4. Highway cnKss-section

(a) Doesthe roadcross-section involvea lotofdisturbance to thenaturalground?

(b) Forsections in cut,isthe halfcut andhalffill type ofcross-section whichinvolvesleasi disturbance tothe naturalground beingadopted?

(c) Arethe proposed cut slopes stable for

the strata 7

(d) Are slope stahilising structures likebreastwalls,pitching, etc., required andbeing proposed?

/e) l)oes the cut hillface requireanyspecial treatment topreventslips. Ifso,are such measures being proposed?

5. Erosion control

(a) Has erosion potential beenconsideredfor the alignment?

(h) Areerosioncontrol measuresbeforestartofworkand between successiveconstruction stagesrequired ? Ifso,have thesebeen workedout ?

(c) Have location and alignment ofculverts been chosen to avoid severeerosion at outlets and siltation atinlets ?

(d) Are necessaryerosion controlmeasuresproposed at outfall ofculverts?

6. Drainage

(a) Does the project provide for necessarycross drainagestructures so asnot toobstruct the natural drainageofthearea?

(b) Does the project providefor necessarysidedrains, catchwater drains, etc., forsafedisposal ofsurface water?

(et Will the loadcause undue increase intheHFL orcreate pondingsituationfor longperiods?

7. Vegetation

(a) Does the project provide for sodding/grassing allembankment/cut slopesand other bared areas?

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(b) Doesthe project provide for pLantingtrees/plants on the roadsideat the

appropriate location,

S. Traffic movement

La) Doesthe road affect the trafficcirculation inthearea ? Ifso, havenecessary measures been taken toprovide suitable access to crossingroads?

(hi Wilt the proposed highway improvetraffic movement,in terms of

speed, convenience and safety 2(c) Areschool children, hospitals, etc.,

affected bythe highway7 If so, arenecessary traffic control measurestaken into account?

(d) Arc road user facilities like fuel-fillingstation, rest areas, truck-parks, etc.,ptanned alongthe highway 2

9. Construclion

(a) Has the properdisposal ofsurplusexcavated material been thought ofandprovided for?

(hi Have the type ofequipment to be usedfor construction been identified 2 Willit be specified that theseequipment areprovidedwith potlutioncontroldevices 2

Cc) Have quarry/materialsourcesiborrow areasbeen identified ? Is

opening up of new quary/materialsources involved ? ifso,wilt this affectthe inhabitants in the nearby areas?

(d) What measures have been planned tocontrol dust from construction site 2

(e) Will the proposedborrow areas affectthe environment by way ofsoil erosion,water ponding, projectinga shabbylook, etc. Ifso, have the necessaryremedial measures been planned 7

. Air quality

(a) What is the estimatednumber ofmotorised vehiclesexpectedon thehighway in the design yearpetrol vehicles (nos.)diesel vehicles (nos.)

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Ib) Volume capacityratio and trafficflowcondition expectedon theproposed highwayin the designyear.

(c) Will the highwayimprove or deterioratethe airquality in the populationcentres enroute?

Traffic noiseand ~1brations

(a) What isthe existing noise 1e~elsandnoise level expectedon completion of

project ?(b) What is the type of surfacing proposed

forthe highway?

(c) Are residential institutional areaslocatedwithin adistance of100 mfromthe centreline ofthe highway 7

(d) Ifso, have noiseabatement measureslikenoise screens/screenplantation,etc., beenincluded in the project?

12. Water qualityIs any pollution expected to affect waterquality on completion ofthe project ?

13, Any other point?

5.2.6. Overall assessment ofselected alternative

5.2.6.1. In this part, overall assessment of the itnpact ofthe selected alternative on the environment, based on the infor-mation in Table 3 should be made, Both the positive andnegativeimpacts should be listed out. The proposed remedialmeasures for mitigating the negative impacts along with theirpossible effect should also be brought out.

5.2.6.2. Some ofthe positiveimpacts could he

(i) Employment opportunity to local people(ii) Enhancementof local industry andhandicraft

(ib) Enhancement ofrural development through quick transpor-tation of inputs/outputs

(iv) Quicker approach access to social services

(v) Reduction in trafficcongestion throughcity/town

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tvi) Development of tourisni

vii) Reduced pollution and quicker transportatIon due to betterquality ofroad

I\iii) t niprov ed road safety

5.2!6.3, Some of the negative impacts could be

(it Soil erosi,n, sedimentation oflakes and reservoirs

(ii) Obstruction to natural drainage, water ponding, etc.

liii) Increase in traffic litter, noise anddust pollution

(iv) Airpollutiondue to cvhaust ofvehicles

(v) Cutting of trees! and loss offorest/agricultural land

(vi) Spills of toxic anct hazardous chemicals from carriers ofsuch materials

it Effect on a ildlife through habitat toss.

5.2.6.4 Make an overall assessment whether the projectis acceptable or unit cccptable from environmental angle. Ifunacceptable, the project should be investigated further foridentifying the alternative having better acceptability.

6. APPROACH TO DATA COLLECTION ANDINVESTIGATiONS FOR PREPARING E.1.A.AND MUIGATING MEASURES

6. 1. General

6.1.1. For preparing a highway project, surveys and inves-tigations are usually conducted indifferent stages. First is theReconnaissanceSurvey** during which i~number of alternativealignments are studied on maps/drawings/photographs, etc., and

hen investigated in the field. During this phase, informationon terrain, topographic features, soils, materials, drainage, etc.,are collected and analysed. A plan~profiledrawing to thescaleof i:50,000 is aLso prepared. Based on the information,he alternative alignments are evaluated alongwith cost factors

so as to enable the choice of the most suitable alignment forfurther detailed investigations. The collected information,analysis of alternatives and recommendations are presented inhe Reconnaissance Report.

6.1.2, The time of reconnaissance survey is consideredppropriate for collecting information for preparation of theraft ELA. The draft E.1.A. should be prepared side by side

*See lR( SI 19 MtnuaI fot Survey investigation md Preparation of RoadProjects for survey procedures,data to be collected, etc.

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hc with thc Rco n naissance Report so that both are evaLttate cltogether for selection ofthe most appropriate alignment route oilwhich more detailed investtgations in the Preliminary Survey**phase are to be conductcd . The draft E.i A. should then he

linalised based on atiy new information corning forth fro ni thePreliminary Survey.

6.2. Investigations

6.2.1. The degreeot impact of road construction on thedifferent environ mental aspects vary depending on tactiis suchas the types of tuca (urban or rural), the terrain (plain, rolling orhilly), the landuse pattern of the area (residentittl, educational,

industrial, etc.) For example, road constructioti in the hills isbeset with problems like landslides, soil erosiot, etc , which areofseriotts environmental consequences. In residential anti otherurban areas, quality ofair, noise pollution, proper traffic circu-lation and the like are moreimporta nt. In the rural areas wherespeeds are high, it is more a question of having an aestheticallypleasing alignment fitted gracefully into the surroundings andproviding pleasing visual experience. Where a road has topass through forest land, obtaining necessary clearance from the

Department of Forests and Wildlife is important. Thus,depending on the situation, the aspects requiring detailedstudy should be identified and the investigations organisedaccordingly.

6.2.2. It is desirttble that the investigations for preparingE.l.A. are conducted by a multidisciplinary team cool prising aHighway/Traffic Engineer, an Ens ironmental Specialist and a iiHorticulturist. For roads in urban areas, a Town Planner

should be included. Similarly, for roads in the hills, a Geologist/Cioeteehnieal Engineer should be included.

6.2.3. investigations for the existing roads

6.2.3.1. Table 1 of the E.l.A. format will be required to betilled in for cases where major redevelopment of the existingroad is envisaged or a new road along a different route (e.g.bypass) is to be constructed. The data to be collected wouldinclude

Ii) inventory data of the roadfrom Inventory Sursey

(ii) Terrainfromtopo sheets andsiteinspection(iii) Structural condition ofroad androad structuresfrom site

investigations

* *5cc [RC SP : 19 for survey procedures, datato be collected, etc.

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tiv) Land-usefrom Town ptanning organisations, area/citydevelopment authority

(v) traffic fromtrafficcount andclassificationstudy, speed-delay studies, etc.

(vi) Accident from police authorities

(vii) Environmental factors

Climatic featuresfrom Meterologicat Deptt.Wild life -from WildlifeDeptt.

Air pollution see para 6.2.6.Noise level see para 6.2.7,Others from siteinspection

6.2.3.2. The road should be divided intosections of similarphysical and environmental features, and data collected andpresented for each section separately.

6.2.3,3. The purpose of assessment of the environmentalquality of the existing route is for comparison with the estimatedenvironmental quality after the implementation ofthe proposedhighway alternative.

6.2.4. Road construction in hilly areas

6.2.4.1. Construction ofa road in the hills is a humannecessity for providing the basic communication facility, butthis activity invariably disturbs the natural setting and createsconditions conducive to large-scale landslides in the first fewyears of construction. Even dense forests are not immunetothis problem. With the removal ofvegetative cover,, destructiveaction of water gets further pronounced and accelerates theprocess ofsoil erosion and formation of deep gullies. Conse-quently, the hill faces are bared ofsoil and vegetative cover andenormous quantities ofsoil and rock move down the rivers, andin some cases the road itself is washed out.

6.2.4.2. While the adverse effects ofhill road constructionon the environmental/ecological system cannot be eliminatedaltogether, counter measures must be taken by the road constru-

ction agencies to bring down tIle adverse effects to the barestminimum possible. This calls for careful attention right fromthe stage ofconception ofthe road to surveys and investigations,alignnient selection and project formulation, construction,and subsequent maintenance. To ensure that best resultsare achieved and expensive maintenance is avoided, mea-surestaken should nothe considered in.. isolation but built into

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the road project itself as an integraL part withall necessaryprovisions for thepurpose. importantamongtheseare broughtout under broad activity headingsin Appendix 1.

6.2.4.3. Toensure that measures for prevcntion of.soilerosion and land degradation are planned and executedin asystematic mannerandthatno Important featuresare lost sightof,a checklist Is suggested, vide AppendIx2. Preferably thischeck list should form a part of the road project Itselfforfacilitating cross checking of the requirements at differentstages.

6.2.5. PolkIlen eesrol -

general6.2.5.1. There arcabout 30major enactments related to

control ofpollution now beingadministered by the CentralandStateGovts. The enforcement of the Acts for PreventionandControl ofPollution ofWater(1974) and Air(1981), as alsoInrespectofWater Cess Act (1977) is carried out through theCentral Boardfor Prevention and Control of Water Pollution(CBP CWP). The Central Board also coordinates activities ofthe 18 State Central Boards statutorily constituted in variousStatesand UnionTerritories for nationwide Implementationofpollutioncontrol. Forprovidinga singlefocusfor all environ-mental issues Inthecountry and to plugloopholes in theexistingActs, theGovt. ofIndia enacted the Environment (Protection)Act, 1986. This Act confers on the Central Govt. to take allnecessary measuresforprotecting thequality ofenvironment, tolay downstandardsfor discharge ofenvironmental pollutants,etc.

6.2.5.2. Towards monitoringair quality, the Ministry ofBnvlronment and Forests have set up 75 ambIentair qualitymonitoringstations spread throughout the country. Similarly,monitoring stations have been set up on theriversystems forassessment ofwaterquality.

6.2.6. Mrp.11.1k.

6.2.6.1. Air pollution to the highway environment Iscaused by road vehicles. For petrol driven vehicles, carbonmonoxide (CD) discharged from the exhaust ofvehicles is thepollutant. For diesel driven vehicles It Is the densityofthesmoke emitted which though of not of major ImportanceInrespect ofhealth isseriousfrom thepointofview of obstructiontovisibiLity,soiling ofstructures, publicproperty, etc.

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6.2,6.2. The Bureau ol Indian Standards have preparedemission standards for both petrol and diesel vehicles. Theseare

(iLl 15 9057-1979, Emission Limits forCarbon Monoxide forVehicles Powered by Spark Ignition Engines. ThisStan-dard stipulates the following emission standards for CO

ff1 Vehicles which have completed 5 years of life or80,000km distance, whichever is earlier. CO contentof exhaust gases by volume duringidling

..,Max, 3 per centlii) Other vehicles, COcontent ofexhaust gases by volume

duringidling ,.,Max. 4,5per cern

The CO content is to be detent med as prescribed inIS 5182. (Part X)l977, Methods for Measurement of AirPollution Part X~ (a rhon Monoxide.

(hi IS 81 18-1976, Smoke Emission i,evels for Diesel Vehicles,ibis standard pr escrihes the following maximum smokedensity levels

(i) For vehicles operating in urban areas, the smokedensity shall not exceed 65 Flartridge smoke unitsasmeasured by free acceleration method; or 5.2 Bosch or75 Hattridge smoke units as measured by full load

method.(ii) For vehicles operating in non-urban areas, the smoke

density shall not exceed 70Hartridge smoke units asmeasured by free acceleration method; or 5.5 Bosch or 801lart,idge smoke units as measuredby full load method,

ihe above standard also includes the procedure formea,sure men t.

6.2.6.3. The above mentioned vehicle eniission.standard.shave not yet been made statutory. Also, there. is no nationalstandard for ambient air quality. The present efforts as regardscontrolling air pollution from automobiles have been restrictedto survey of the level ofdischarge of pollutants from the vehiclesand making suitable recommendations,

6.2.6.4. The level oi ambient air pollution because of roadvehicles depends on several factors such as the condition of thevehicles, the level of traffic congestion causing frequent accele-ration/deceleration or stopping, the wind velocity and direction,etc. At present, no indigenous data or models are available forpredicting the level of ambient air pollution under given sets ofconditions, Till such time the data/models are available, it issuggested that both the number of motorised vehicles and the

volu me/capacity ratio (lower the ratio, lesser is the congestion

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and lower pollution) he taken as indicators for air pollution

levels.

6.2.7. Noise pollution

6.2,7,i. Road traffic causes noise. The noise level dependson factors such as trail.c intensity, the type and condition of thevehicles, acceleration/deceleration depending on the level ofcongestion, smoothness of road surface, etc. The BIS has re-commended the acceptable noise levels under different situations.Thenoise levels for residential a reas as given in 15 4954-1968are as follows

Si.No.

I.

t.,ocation

Rural

Acceptableoutdoor noiselevelsin residential areas

dR (A)

25-35

2 Suburban 30 - 403. Residential (urban) 35 - 454, Urban(residential andbusiness) 40 - 50

5. City 45 - 506. Industrial area 50 60

The B1S has also brought out a number of standards on themeasurement of noise. These are

ti) 15 3028-1980, Measurement of NoiseEmitted by MovingRoad Vehicles.

lii) IS : 4758-1968, Method of Measurement ofNoise Emitted by

Machines.

(iii) iS 97791981, Sound Level Meters.

(iv) IS :103991982, Method of Measurement of Noise Emitted by

StationaryRoad Vehicles.

(v) iS :104231982, Personal Sound ExposureMeter,

6.2.7.2. Noke pollution is an irritant and affects humanhealth

and efficiency. This will therefore be required

to be

con-

sidered in urban areas and other residential areas falling within100 in ofthe road.

6.2.7.3. With the available data, it is not possible topredict noise levels for a given set ofroad and traffic conditions,However, it may bejudged subjectively that a road with lower

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traffic, lowervolume/capacity ratio and smoother surfacing willdevelop lower noise levels than the oneotherwise. Where highernoise levels are experienced or anticipated, it would be advisableto prov.ide screen pla ntations and other noise attenuating

devices.

6.2.8. Highway aesthetics

6.2.8.1. An aesthetically designed, constructed and main-tained highway is not only pleasing to the eye and enhancingthe environmental quality hut also is safe in operation Thea.ctivity involvesseveral steps such as choice of location, selectionof pleasing alignment which merges with the natural environ-

nient, grassing and planting the roadside, provision of waysidefacilities to travellers, etc. The indian Roads Congress havepublished detailed guidelines on these aspects, vide (i) 1RCSP. 21-1979, Manual on Landscaping of Roads and (ii) Environ-mental Consideration sin Planning and Design of Highways inIndia (1979) with Discussions. Theseguidelines should invaria-bly be consulted in the preparation ofhighway projects.

6.2.8.2. Borrowing earth from roadside bomrowpits for

enihankment construction has been a

common practice in thecountry. Quiteoften the pits are dug in irregular shapes andleft without any provision for drainage. This not only makesthe roadside unpleasant but also causes water stagnation withconcomitant adverse effect on the road and the environment.It is, themelore, necessary that the borrowpits should be dug inregular shape and in a manner to merge these with the naturalground and provided with drainagearrangements.

6.2.9. Pollution during construction operations6.2.9.1. During road construction operations, the, main

sources of pollution are

(i) exhaust and flue gases from the road construction equipment; and

(ii) dust resultingfrom constructionoperations.

6.2.9.2. Most of the road construction equipment aregoverned by standards ofBIS or foreign standards which pro-vide for pollution control devices for the equipment.. Thecontract-conditions should stipulate that the equipment to beused for the works should be provided with pollution controldevices. Also before start of construction operations, theEngineer should ensure that the equipment brought to worksite are of standard type with necessary pollution controldevices.

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6.2.9.3. Loading, unloading and transport of materialslike soil, sand, inoorum, etc., will cause dust nuisance, particul-arly when high velocity wind is prevailing. In such cases, it

will be advisable to slightly wet the materials at the source itselfbefore loading and to cover the loaded vehicles ,vith tarpaulin orsitnilar such material. When construction activities causcexcessive dust and noise nuisance to adjoining residential/institu-tional areas, temporary screens may he erected.

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Appendix 1

MEASURES TO PREVENT SOIL EROSION AND LANDDEGRADATION IN ROAD DEVELOPMENT IN HILLY AREAS

1. Project Conception and Planning

1.1. The length ofnew roads to be constructed should be bare minimumso that disturbance to the natural surroundings is least. A Master Plan ofentire development of hill region should be prepared showing integrated roadnetwork of all kinds of roads to the extent possible and practicable coveringthe planning at macro and micro levels. It is necessary that the main road

should touch the cluster ofvillages, and separate feeder roads, bridal paths, foottracks, etc., may be provided asconnections. The specification ofsuch connec-tions will depend upon the importance ofthe village.

1.2. All road construction activities should be coordinated through asingle agency within the State or atCentre so that all care is exercised to haveproper planning, implementation and fundingofthe projects.

1.3. All road projects should be planned, designed and executed inaccordance with the standards andspecifications laid down by the IndianRoadsCongress.

2. Alignment Selection

2.1. While selecting newroad alignments, attention must bepaid to avoidareas prone to landslides, soil erosion and other damaging features. It shouldbe made obligatory to associate geotechnical engineers, geologists, forest andsoil conservation experts, economists and other specialists right from the incep-tion stage to ensureselection ofmost suitable alignment.

2.2. Road alignments should avoid large scale cuttings and fillings andfollow the lie of the land as far as possible. Use oftunnels to avoid deep cuts

should be considered where feasible and economical.

2.3. To theextent feasible, roads should be aligned away from streamsand torrents except where theseare to be crossed. Sincethe greatest damagealways occurs along water courses, special attention is necessary to createprotection belts offorests on both sides.

2.4. Before finalising the alignment, erosion potential of each alternativeshould be carefully examined, and the one involving least disturbance to thenatural ground should be preferred.

3. Design

3.1. Where theroad is in cutting, halfcut and half fill type section whichinvolves least disturbance to the natural ground should be adopted subject toconsiderations ofeconomy and road stability being satisfied.

3.2. The cut slopes should be made stable for the type of strata in theinitial construction stage itselfby adoption ofappropriate slopes with benches,etc., including the use of stabilising structures like breast walls,pitching, etc.

4. Construction

4.1. Area for clearing and grubbing should be kept the minimum subject

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to the technical requirementsof the road, rise clearing area should he properlydemarcated to sase disirable trees andshrubsand to keep tree cutting to therninimuab

4,2. Where erosion iv likelt to be a problem, clearing and grubbing opcr~Lions should he Sc) scheduledand perforniect thatgrading operations and perruanent erosion control featarcs can follow imniediatcLy thercarlcr if the projectconditions pcrmit; othen ise tenporary erosion control measures should hepros ided between successive construction stages. Under no circumstances.honeser, should very large surface area of erodible earth ntsterinI be exposedat any one time b) clearing and grubbing.

4,3 1 Lie method ofbalanced cut and liii formation should be adopted toas oid large difference in cut andfill quantities.

4.1, [he cut slopes should he suitably protected by breastwalls, pros isionof flat stable slopes, construction ofcatchssater andintercepting drains, treat-ment of slopes and unstable areas above andunderneath the road, etc. Thismust he pitinned in advance and spccitic provisions made in the projectestimate,

4.5. Whererockblasting is involved, controlled blasting techniques shouldhe adopted to avoid over-shattering of hill faces,

4.(s, Excavated nsateria I should not be thrown hapazat dly hut dumpedduly dressed up in a suitable form at suitable places where it cannotget easilywashed away by rain, andsuch spoildeposits maybe duly turfed

or provided

with somevegetative cover,

5. Drainage

5.1. Drainage ofthe water from hill slopes and road surface is veryimportant. All artilieial drains must be linked with the existing natural drainagesystem for which separate detailed engineering survey may be carried out andplanning done. Before the road is opened to traffic, proper drainage systemincluding suitable interceptor andcatchwater drains must he completed. Thispart ofthe project mast be givenall importance as most of the road damagesarecaused becauseofne,eligence in providing properdrainage system andmuchwill be saved in subsequent road maintenance,

5.2. The surface drains should havegentle slopes. Where falls in levelsare to benegotiated,checkdamswith silting basins should be constructed andthatsoil is not eroded and crried away byhigh velocity flows,

5.3. Locationand alignment ofculverts should be so chosen as to avoidsevere erosion at outlets and siltation at inlets.

5.4. The cross-drainagestructuresshould dischaige safely on the valleyside, and in thus connection, alt necessary precautions/safeguards should hetaken to ensure that the discharging waters do not cause erosion even when theytiow for tong periods. For this purpose, all necessary channel training anderosion control works like pitching/paving of the channel and outfall points,drop ssalls, flexible apron,etc., should be considered and provided for as a partofinitial design and construction.

5,5, Along with other road components, due attention should he paid tothe niaintenance ofdrainage and soil conservation works. Drains, catchpits

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etc., shouldbe cleared ofall dehris and repaired where necessary before the onset ot the ra irty season, Er oded areas stioutctbe promptly made up and providedwith vegetative cover.

6. Grassingand Planting(ii. Deforostation for roadconstruction/worksshould he bare minimum

and strict control must he exercised in consultation with the forest authorities.F:quivalent amount of new treesmust beplanted as integral part ofthe projectwithin the available land and if necessary, separate additional land may beacquired for this purpose. Suitable provisions may he made in the projectesti nate.

6,2. Depending on the availability ofhand andother resources, alTorcstalion ofroadside land should hecarried out to a sufficient distance on cit her sideofthe road. The selection of plant species will dependon climate, aititude and

soil conditions,but preference should begivento deeprooted trees and plants.For preparingthe detailed scheme ofafforestation, persons having knowledge ofsoil conservationor forestory should desirablyhe associated,

6.3, Vegetative cover should he established on all cut/fill slopes throughany oneof the techniquesdescrhed in lliC 56-1974 Recommended Practicefor Treatment ofEmbankntcnt Slopes for Erosion Control. rhe activity ofestablishing vegetation on barren slopes should be treated aspart ofthe regularmaintenanceoperationson all bill roads,

6,4. Strip forestssuitable tor the site conditions for a minimum distance

of30 in on eithersideofthe road boundary should be provided, These shallbe raised andmaintained by forest authorities. No felling except of deadordying trees should be permittedin this area,

7. consultations

7.1, Local Geological L)epartnsent should be consulted to avoid unstablestrata whilefixingroadalignment.

7,2. it will be advisable, at least for important roads, to have consultationwith the officersof the Forest Department at the stages of route alignmentselection, surveysand investigations, etc., so as to ensure that the selected align

mnent hasminimum potentialfor soil erosion and that the project designs andestimates provide for the necessary soil erosion control measures. Theidea isthat with such jointconsultation pursuits practicedfor some selected roads, thePWDEngineers would getconversant andshould be able to take care ofsuchrequirements by themselves for other roadprojects in general.

7.3. For any seriously problematic areaswhere normal measures are notlikelyto be successful, specialist organisations like the CRRJ, GS1, etc., maybeconsultedfor evolving suitable remedial measures.

8. ProjectEstimate

8,1. The road constructionprojectestimatesshould provide Jor not onlysherequisite scale ofinvestigations butalso the necessary measures againstsoilerosion so that these can be built into the project with adequate financialprovision,

8,2. For treatmentof unstable areas. say 50m aboveand30 m below theroad level, depending on the site conditions, cost of necessary correctivemeasures should beprovided in the project estimates. This mayeven bein the

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form of certain percentage of total cost hut based on assessmentoftreatmentworkspossibly needed,

9. TraIning

Trainingof road engineersin hilly areasshould be intensive and practice

oriented. On every major on-going project, training fiscitities should be created.The instituteshaving roadresearchfacilities may be associated for organisingclass room andfield training and solvingspecificproblems, if any. The trainingshould lay emphasis on preservation of ecology, forests, environment, etc., toavoiddenundationoffertilesoil ofthe hill slopes and check the causes leadingto landslides, etc. For efficienthandling ofthe project, only experienced personswith proven ability should be selected,

10. CheckList

Tohelp the project preparingEngineerand the project approving authori-ties in determining whether all aspects, considerations and items of work withregard tosoil conservation anderosionprevention have been duly taken intoaccount, and to facilitate reviewat differentstages, a checklist is suggested, videApprudix2. Thechecklist should form a part ofthe road project report.

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AppendIx 2

CHECK LIST OF POINTS ABOUT EROSION CONTROLIN THE CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS IN HILLY AREAS

1, Does the road construction project estimate provide for the necessarymeasures against soil erosion ?

2,. 1-tave soil maps andaerialphotographsstudies and investigations madetolocate areas or section,s with high erosionpotential?

3. I-laserosion potential been considered for each alignment ?

4, Fiave geological maps been studied or local Geological Department con-

sulted to avoidutsstable strata5 Does the selected alignment follow the lie of the land andavoid large scale

cutting 1

6. Has useoftunnels to avoid deepcuts been investigated ?

7, ts the road alignment susceptible to damage/erosion by streams andtorrents1

8, Is consultation/coordination with other departments like Forest Departrnent necessary 2 Ifso, havethey been consulted 1

9. Flowwill adjacent andnearby streams, ponds and lakes be atrected byprojectconstruction 7

Id. Will special erosion control measures he reqiured to protect adjacentproperties I

II. Does the roavt crosssection involve a lot ofdisturbance to the ntsturralground 7

I?. Are the design cuts slopes stableforthe type ofstrata 2

13, Are slope stabilising structurelike breast svalls, pitching, etc., required 7

14, Doesthe cut hill face require any special treatment to prevent ships 7

15. Has theareafurclearing and grubbingbeen clearly demtircated 7

ltd itas a work schedule hecn worked out for the different constructionoperations I

17. What erosion control vvorksare required before clearingand other work isstarted I

It. Areany temporary erosioncontrol measures required hetween successive

construction stages2

19. Have sedimenttraps, benches, catch water drains, side drains, sodding,ditch paving,slqpe protection works andothererosioncontrol items beenidentified on thufplans and providedin the contract 2

70, Havethe location andalignment ofeulverts beenfixed svith due consider-at ion to erosion at outlets andsiltation at inlets2

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II. Havethe necessary erosion control measures been taken at the outfalls ofculverts7

22. Has theproper disposal ofsurplus ewavated material beenthought ofandprovidedfor 7

23. What action hasbeentaken to establish vegetativecover on cutfill slopesand plantings on the disturbedroadside land 7

24. Arethe existing drainage facilities maintainedin good order7

25. Have any inadequacies in planning, designandconstruction heenidentifiedandreported to higherauthorities 7

26. Do any ofthe design measures require modification in the light of fieldconditions 7

27. Do anyof the problems require consultation with specialist organisationslike the CaR!, GSI, etc.?