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 month. 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.
Gandhinagar
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 iteauthorised by GPCB. C & D wastes generated are utilized 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 practiced at Muck disposal area. Other non hazardous wastes are sold out to vendors and few items & drums are reused as Dust bins and traffic diversion purpose. Concrete waste , concrete cube and paver block used in different purpose in Canteen, labour camp, office area). Concrete waste from batching plant used for making concrete slipper instead of wooden slippers
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. Curing water collected for reuse as far as practicable .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 suppress the dust generated due to handling of construction materials. Mobile water sprinklers are provided to suppress the dust generated due to movement of heavy vehicles & equipment’s. Periodical maintenance of vehicles & equipment’s are being practiced to maintain ambient air & noise quality. Ambient air quality monitoring is practiced at potential location with frequency of twice in month.
Biodiversity Management
The trees that has been be felled due to the project has been compensated by planting ten times the number of trees cut for Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project, Phase II and three times the number of trees cut for Surat Metro Rail Project, Phase I. The Afforestation site has been finalized jointly with Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation and Surat Municipal Corporation for both Projects.
15000 number of trees has been planted for Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project, Phase II and more than 12000 plants are planted for Surat Metro Rail Project, Phase I. Native species are selected for Afforestation and post care maintenance has been contracted for 3 years. About 1040 trees are transplanted based on health & site condition of trees. Median plantation carried out for Phase II project of Ahmedabad Metro Rail. Biodiversity data survey of both Projects of Surat & Ahmedabad has been carried out by GEER Foundation and such data are published through the global network of the GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility) which provides open-access to all. 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.
Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project Phase-2
Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project Phase -2
Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project Phase -2
Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project Phase -2
Noise & Vibration
Noise & Vibration assessment study carried out for both project of Ahmedabad and Surat for 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
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 document 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
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 & Surat Metro Rail Project Phase-1. DMRC had started the work and submitted the traffic survey report and draft CPA-DD for both the projects. Verification Audit is under process.
Environment initiatives in progress
Rain Water Harvesting /Recharge System of Metro Stations
GMRC Ltd. is currently executing the project of Rain water harvesting /recharge system of Metro Stations and Depots of Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project, Phase II. 5 nos of 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.
Renewable Energy
With objective of Energy conservation and to promote enhanced energy efficiency in Metro Rail projects, GMRC in process of carrying out feasibility Assessment of Rooftop solar projects on Metro Stations , Offices and Depots of both Metro rail projects of Ahmedabad & Surat. Based on professional feasibility assessment, Rooftop solar installation will be executed in phase wise manner and on completion of construction of stations and Depots of both projects.
Currently, Rooftop solar system on #15 Metro stations of Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project, Phase II is under progress. Estimated Environment positive Impact: 8856 Ton of CO2 reduction per year for 15 nos of Metro stations, will offset planting around 402545 trees. The work is under progress.
Clean Disposal Mechanism
- Ahmedabad Metro Phase-II : Estimated amount of annual average GHG emission reductions: 21590 tCO2eq (Source : CDM-CPA-DD-FORM, CPA005, dated 17 feb 2023.)
- Surat Metro Phase-I, Estimated amount of annual average GHG emission reductions: 89985 tCO2eq (Source : CDM-CPA-DD-FORM, CPA005, dated 17 feb 2023.)
Social Management Plan
The social management plan is primarily devised from social impact assessment reports. The Social Management Plan contains a description of proposed remedial measures and monitoring plan for the construction and operational period of the project. It contains set of mitigation measures for lessening of negative social impacts through a) changes in the design, construction practices, maintenance, and operation; and b) additional actions taken to protect the biophysical and social environment, as well as individuals who have been impacted adversely by a project.
Social Impact Assessment
SIA study has been conducted in accordance with the guidelines of the GoI, GoG and World Bank ESS – 5 “Land Acquisition, Restrictions on Land Use and Involuntary Resettlement”. It was carried out by conducting primary and secondary surveys and site visits to know the overall social, economic, cultural and religious aspects of the project. The output of social impact assessment exercise would constitute the inputs of RAP.
Minimization of Land Acquisition through alignment modification at design stage
Minimize and /or avoid the adverse impacts, necessary modifications are to be made at design stage. But in cases of unavoidable negative impacts these would be mitigated through suggested appropriate measures.
Land Acquisition and Resettlement and Rehabilitation
The applicable laws and policies on land acquisition, rehabilitation and resettlement for the proposed Project are as follows:
1. Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RFCTLARR) Act, 2013.
2. Government of Gujarat, Revenue Department Resolution No.LAO 22-2014/54/5- Declaration of Consent award under section 23A
3. Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (Gujarat Amendment) Act,2016
5. World Bank’s Social Safeguard Standards (ESS)
Livelihood Restoration Plan
– Employment Opportunities in Construction Work
– Vocational Training
– Employment opportunities during operation phase
on Livelihood trainings and govt. schemes
Stakeholder Management Plan
As a part of Social and Environment Impact Assessment Study, a Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) has been prepared for proposed projects to keep stakeholders informed on the project progress. This would ensure appropriate project information on environmental and social risks and impacts is disclosed to stakeholders in timely, understandable, easily accessible and in appropriate manner through structured format.
Grievance Redress Mechanism
Grievance Redress committees have been formed for proposed projects with objective to address, evaluate and facilitate the resolution of any grievances/complaints about the social, environmental and construction related performance at project level.
Gender Action Plan
GMRC has considered various National Standards like the National Building Code Guidelines, 2017, CMRS Railway Safety Guidelines, CPWD Guidelines, SoD (Schedule of Dimensions) and Harmonious design guidelines. for station design to ensure Gender Specific Safety.
- Lighting, dedicated parking lots, separate facilities such as, reserved seats for women, elderly and disabled people in every coach and female metro security staff on stations are being included in the design & provision for women safety.
- Separate washroom facility for Female has been considered in station design.
- Separate Crew waiting Room for Female staff at Crew Control in Train Operations wing is considered in station design.
- Mandatory 24*7 CCTV Cameras at all Operational Stations and Trains is considered in station design.
GMRC is taking all necessary measures to become a gender inclusive agency.
SHE Objective, Targets and Goals
GMRCL is targeting of Zero Harm (Man, Machine, and Environment), for which GMRCL is taking several initiatives including the following, (but not limited to)
BoCW & Conditions of Contract Audit
Buildings and other construction workmen (BoCW) & Conditions of Contract (CoC) SHE audits were conducted for each quarter
External SHE Audit
GMRCL emphasizes a commitment to safety and environment by requiring all contractors to achieve ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management System) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System) certifications
SHE Walkdown & Special SHE Drive
The monthly walkdown schedule has been released on the 1st day of the month, according to schedule walkdown has been carried out for all contractors. Each month, SHE Drive will set a specific theme related to safety, health, or environment. By focusing on monthly SHE themes such as Plant & machinery Safety, Heat Mitigation, Edge protection & working at height and Labor colony with a micro-level approach, SHE Drive can be a powerful tool for identifying core safety issues at a specific site.
Training
Construction sites are inherently busy and complex environments, filled with heavy machinery, potential falls from heights, and exposure to hazardous materials. Safety training is not a nicety in this industry; it’s an absolute necessity. Hence, training programme has been conducted to molding the workmen behaviors.
Safety Campaign
Ahmedabad’s Phase II projects have been actively promoting safety through various campaigns. These initiatives covered Road Safety Week, National Safety Week (held in March from the 4th to the 11th), World Environment Day (celebrated on June 5th), Fire Safety Day, and AIDS Awareness Day, demonstrating a commitment to a well-rounded approach to safety.
Road Safety week ( Jan 11th -17th 2024)
During National Safety Week (January 11th–17th, 2024), all contractors took the Road Safety Pledge and conducted road safety training for workmen.
National Safety Week (4th Mar – 11th Mar 2024)
National Safety Week was celebrated every year March 4th, at GMRCL Ahmedabad Phase-II.
World AIDS Day ( 5th Dec- 2024)
On December 5th, 2024, World AIDS Day was observed at GMRCL Ahmedabad Metro Phase-II. Awareness training on AIDS was conducted, along with pamphlet distribution and other awareness activities to educate and inform the workforce.
World Environment Day (5th June 2024)
On June 5th, 2024, World Environment Day was celebrated at the GMRCL Ahmedabad Phase-II Project with various initiatives aimed at promoting environmental conservation
Fire Safety Day (14th April -2024)
Fire Safety Day was observed at the GMRCL Ahmedabad Metro Phase-II Project with various awareness activities and training programs aimed at enhancing fire safety preparedness among workers and staff. The event focused on reinforcing the importance of fire prevention, emergency response, and best practices for handling fire-related incidents.
Welfare & Health
In Ahmedabad Metro Phase-2, GMRCL is committed to ensuring the welfare and health of workmen and staff, with a focus on preventing occupational diseases. All workmen and staff undergo pre-medical examinations prior to site deployment, and regular health check-ups are conducted through GMRCL’s contractors.
