Environment Impact Assessment (EIA)

EIA study has been conducted as per guidelines of World bank. All environmental aspects, i.e. Air, water, Biodiversity, Noise & Vibration, Waste etc. are assessed for impact prediction during pre-construction, construction and operation phase. Accordingly, Environment management plan (EMP)and Environment monitoring plan were enacted which is being implemented by Contractors under supervision of GMRC.

Environment Management Framework

During the construction phase, implementation of EMP is responsibility of the civil contractor throughout the period till the handover of the unit to GMRC. During the operational phase, GMRC will hold the responsibility of implementation of EMP. Three tier system for Environment Management for Site & Desk work are being implemented during construction phase. GMRCL in coordination with GEC (General Engineering Company a Project management Consultant) and Contractors, all actions as per EMP are being taken to determine how it affects the environment, complies with regulations, keeps track of environmental management activities, and meets environmental goals and targets.

Environment Monitoring

The environmental monitoring schedule for the entire period of construction at all sensitive receptors is being implemented by the Contractors and monitored by GMRCL.  Air & Noise quality monitored twice in month, water & soil monitored half yearly and Vibration measurements once in three months. Environment monitoring is being carried out by NABL Accredited/MoEFCC recognized private or Government agency. GMRCL has considered key factors while developing mechanism for Environment monitoring includes sample location, monitoring frequency, sampling technique, duration, permissible limits, and corrective actions to be taken for continuous improvement.

Waste Management

Solid wastes generated by Yards & Offices are being disposed off through GMC. Hazardous wastes and Biomedical wastes generated by Casting yards are being disposed off at Common disposal site authorized by GPCB. C & D wastes generated are utilised for backfilling of low lying area in consultation with Municipal Corporation. Muck disposal area identified and developed for disposal of muck within Casting Yard. Periodical compaction and watering activities practised at Muck disposal area. Other non hazardous wastes are sold out to vendors and few items of drums/iron rods etc are reused as Dust bins and traffic diversion purpose. Concrete wastes from Batching plants are reused for making concrete slippers and blocks.

Water

Industrial water consumption includes mainly for Batching plant and Curing in Casting yards. Domestic water consumption is mainly for Offices and Labour camp. Both Casting yard has Drainage connection. Waste water generated from Batching plan is collected in Sedimentation Tank, and treated water reused for washing of Mixers & drums. RO plant installed for providing drinking water to employees and labour colony, reject water from RO plant is reused for purpose of washing and watering to plantation.

Ambient Air quality

Stationary water sprinklers are provided at Storage area of Casting yard to supress the dust generated due to handling of construction materials. Mobile water sprinklers are provided to supress the dust generated due to movement of heavy vehicles & equipment. Periodical maintenance of vehicles & equipments are being practised to maintain ambient air & noise quality. Ambient air quality monitoring is practised at potential location with frequency of twice in month.

Biodiversity Management

The project affected trees has been compensated by planting 20637 number of trees for Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project, Phase II. Additional 12000 nos of trees has been planned during monsoon 2024.

Biodiversity data of Ahmedabad Mero Rail Project, Phase II published through the global network of the GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility). This has been carried out for the first time for Metro-rail project in the country. By making our data discoverable and accessible through GBIF and similar information infrastructures, we contribute to global knowledge about biodiversity, and thus to the solutions that will promote its conservation and sustainable use and will enhance biodiversity-inclusive planning and decision-making in local government.

Noise & Vibration

Noise & Vibration assessment study carried out during construction phase and will be conducted for operation phase as well. All sensitive receptors along the alignment are identified and assessed for Noise & vibration impact if any. The Ambient noise and vibration levels monitoring is a continuous process and may be affected by many site factors including traffic movements. Appropriate mitigation measures as far as practicable are being implemented at some locations.

Rain Water Harvesting/Recharge System 

GMRC is currently executing the project of  Rain water harvesting/recharge projects of Metro Stations and Depots.  #5 Recharge pits per Metro station  are planned for collection and recharge of ground water. Approximately 2072 m3 of rain water  per year   per station will  be harvested and same will be used for recharging of ground water. The work is under progress.

Renewal Energy Project

Rooftop solar system on #15 Metro stations are under process. Estimated Environment positive Impact : 8856 Ton of CO2 reduction per year out of solar project on #15 Metro stations , it will offset planting around 402545 trees. The work is under progress.

Clean Disposal Mechanism (CDM)

GMRC had appointed DMRC in December 2020 for “Consultancy and Validation Services including registration with UNFCCC under DMRC’s CDM POA for Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project Phase-2. DMRC had started the work and submitted the traffic survey report and draft CPA-DD for both the projects. Verification Audit is under process.

Ahmedabad Metro Phase-II :- Estimated amount of annual average GHG emission reductions: 21590 tCO2eq (Source:  CDM-CPA-DD-FORM, CPA005, dated 17 feb 2023.)

Energy Efficiency

GMRC committed to adopt energy efficiency at project sites. Energy efficient lights and luminaries instead of conventional fixtures, provided translucent sheets instead of conventional sheet in all office area and mess of Project site /Casting yards, use of solar blinkers, energy efficient equipments & machineries Site Office designed in these way, maximum daylight and minimum heat gain in the office area. The rooms are well insulated to enhance the efficiency of air conditioners.

Green procurement

GMRC has incorporated concerns of human health and environment in procurement process of civil works, materials, equipments & machineries and services. Tender documents integrate the specifications and requirement of criteria that are compatible with protection of environment and society as whole. ESHS (Environment, safety, health & social) manual prepared by GMRC is part of each & every tender, which specifies the ESHS requirements as per Local, National & Global standards.