Environment Management Framework

Three tier system of 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  authorised 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 practiced at Muck disposal area. Other non hazardous wastes are sold out to vendors and few items of empty drums/iron rods etc are reused as Dust bins and traffic diversion & safety 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 & 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.

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.

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,

Biodiversity management

Afforestation : The trees that has been be felled due to the project has been compensated by planting three times the number of trees cut for Surat Metro Rail Project, Phase I. The Afforestation site has been finalised jointly with Surat Municipal Corporation for both Projects.

More than 12000 plants are planted (2022-2023) 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.

a) Biodiversity data sharing via GBIF: Biodiversity data (Flora, Fauna, Zooplankton and Phytoplankton) survey and data assessment has been carried out by GEER Foundation during July 2023 to Feb 2024 and such data are published as per Project agreement through the global network of the GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility), which provides open access to all.

b) Flamingos conservation Action plan: The study on ”Conservation of L.Flamingoes in the river-stretch between Sardar Bridge and Pt. Dindayal Upadhyay Bridge of Tapi “has been completed by GEER Foundation during Dec21 to Dec22. Frequent Site visits carried out by M/s. GEER Foundation; however, Flamingos were not observed at Study Area during entire study period. The Final Report submitted by GEER in March 2023. The study concluded with set of actions and mitigation measures to be implemented during construction phase. Findings of the study were discussed with Contractors and some of the actions are currently being implemented as per progress of the work.

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.

• Surat Metro Phase-I, estimated amount of annual average GHG emission reductions: 89985 tCO2eq (Source:  CDM-CPA-DD-FORM, CPA005, dated 17 feb 2023.)