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.

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 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 & 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 wodden slipers

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 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 & equipments. 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 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 finalised 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.

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

Clean Disposal Mechanism

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.

• 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.)

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.