SRI: Clean Energy and Access Improvement Project

Transcription

1 Resettlement Planning Document Resettlement Plan Document Stage: Final Project Number: July 2008 SRI: Clean Energy and Access Improvement Project Prepared by Ceylon Electricity Board The resettlement plan is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB s Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature.

2 DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKA CEYLON ELECTRICITY BOARD NATIONAL GRID DEVELOPMENT PROJECT LOAN AGREEMENT NO: RESETTLEMENT AND COMPENSATION PLAN ENVIRONMENT UNIT CEYLON ELECTRICITY BOARD COLOMBO SRI LANAKA

3 Abbreviations ADB - Asian Development Bank BoI - Board of Investment 0C - Celsius CEA - Central Environmental Authority CEB - Ceylon Electricity Board db(a) - A-Weighted sound measurement in decibels DS - Divisional Secretary EIA - Environmental Impact Assessment EPL - Environmental Protection License GIS - Gas Insulated Substation GN - Grama Niladhari GS - Grid Substation IEC - International Electrotechnical Commission IEE - Initial Environmental Examination IPP - Independent Power Producer km - kilometer kv - kilovolt LoI - Letter of Intent m - meter mm - millimeter MOH - Medical Officer of Health MVA - Megavolt Ampere MW - Megawatt NCRE - Non-Conventional Renewable Energy NGO - Non Government Organization NIRR - National Policy on Involuntary Resettlement NEA - National Environment Act PAA - Project Approving Agency PAC - Project Approving Committee PSS/e - Power System Simulation REA - Rapid Environmental Assessment ROW - Right of Way SEA - Sustainable Energy Authority SLBC - Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation SPPA - Small Power Purchase Agreement SPP - Small Power Producer VRR - Victoria, Randenigala, Rantembe W - Watt Page 1

4 Executive Summary This Resettlement and Compensation Plan covers the proposed National Grid Development Project of Ceylon Electricity Board, Sri Lanka, scheduled for implementation from year The Project consists of three subprojects, namely (1) Construction of the new System Control Centre (2) Augmentation of Grid Substations for the Absorption of Renewable Energy, and (3) Augmentation of Eight Grid Substations, Construction of Three New Grid Substations and Construction of Four New Transmission Lines. The Project is to be implemented with credit support from the Asian Development Bank. Subprojects 2 and 3 are expected to have certain environmental and social impacts, and Initial Environmental Examinations Reports have been prepared for these two subprojects. This resettlement and compensation plan covers both subprojects 2 and 3. Collectively, subprojects 2 and 3 include the augmentation of a total of fifteen Grid Substations (GSs), construction of four new GSs and the construction of five new transmission lines over new rights-of-way. Augmentation of Fifteen GSs: All the fifteen GSs to be augmented under this project would use land space available within the existing property owned by CEB at the respective locations. Apart from relocation or modification of CEB s own buildings within each GSs, there will be no impacts on any land or buildings owned by members of public or other institutions. In certain GSs, shifting of the perimeter fence would be required, but would not use any land beyond CEB-owned property. Land filling would be required in some GSs to prepare the available space for the construction of the augmentation. Apart from attending to any unforeseen damages (such as possible damage to local roads during material transport) that may be caused during construction, there will be no relocation or compensation issues associated with GSs to be augmented. Construction of Four New GSs: In the selection of lands for new GSs a number of optional sites have been reviewed for each GS. In order to minimize the resettlement impacts, always preference is given to the Government owned lands to avoid resettlement of private dwellings and impacts on land use. Also particular attentions is given to the convenience of access to a transmission corridor which will avoid passing through built up areas and / or areas with special environmental concerns. Accordingly lands to locate these GSs have already been earmarked, and they will all be land owned by the government or governmentowned institutions. Except for one unused building in one location, all the four blocks of land to locate the new GSs are unused and they are not in productive use either for living, commercial activity or for agriculture. Apart from unforeseen issues that may arise during construction, there are no relocation and compensation issues to be addressed at this stage of project planning and approval. Construction of Five New Transmission Lines: This Resettlement and Compensation plan first explains the process of selecting the new rights-of-way for transmission lines. Initially, a number of map based routing options were considered for each new transmission line, with the primary focus on avoiding / minimizing the impacts on human settlements / built up areas, forest and wild life reserves, places of cultural / historical importance, social infrastructure (eg. playgrounds, schools, hospitals etc.) and areas of high grown trees. Among them, the Resettlement and Compensation Plan presents three best optional routes for each corridor, and compares their impacts in terms of land use, human settlements and areas of special concerns (forest reserves). Then the selected option is presented along with Page 2

5 an estimate of impacts. Typical impacts of new transmission corridors would be (a) loss of vegetation (b) land-use restrictions by way of limitations to building heights and height of trees (c) land-use restrictions at tower footings. CEB would not be purchasing the land along the new rights-of-way including the tower footings but would compensate the owners/users for the lost vegetation, but allow lower-height agricultural activities (such as paddy, tea, cinnamon) to continue. However, special cases would be considered and compensated accordingly. The plan then explains the process of public involvement in finalising the transmission line corridor during the environmental evaluation conducted under the Sri Lanka Environmental Act. It explains the legal process for issuing notices to the public about the planned activity and lines to be drawn across their lands, the appeal procedure and the grievance redress mechanisms, and the role and responsibilities of CEB and other government institutions in the process. It also explains the process of evaluation of damages to vegetation and agriculture, at the inception as well and during construction. Finally the report explains the monitoring mechanism for compliance by CEB staff and contractors, to the conditions stipulated in the environmental approval and the provisions in this report. As a result of careful selection of line routes that have been already identified and explained in this report, and the subsequent public consultation and the appeal procedure, this National Grid Development Project, at this stage, is not expected to cause any involuntary relocation of persons from their dwellings. CEB would ensure that maximum efforts would be made to avoid involuntary relocation even if unforeseen constraints occur in the field during setting out of the lines and tower footings. As such, this report focuses more on the aspects of compensation to land owners and users for lost vegetation and long-term restrictions on land-use along the line corridors to be established under this project. This report follows the guidelines established by the Asian Development Bank for involuntary resettlement and compensation. 3

6 CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION Small Power Producers using NCRE Sources Constraints of CEB Grid to Absorb Renewable Energy 11 2 PROJECT SCOPE AND LAND USE Summary Scope of the Project Detailed Scope of Subproject Augmentation of Existing Grid Substations Construction of New Mahiyangana GS and 132kV Transmission Line between Rantambe and Mahiyangana Detailed Scope of Subproject Augmentation of Existing Grid Substations New Grid Substations New Transmission Lines Land Use for the Project New System Control Centre and Grid Substations to be Augmented New Transmission Lines Type of Project and the Category Study Methodology, Scope and Limitations 26 3 MINIMISATION OF IMPACTS AND MITIGATORY MEASURES Measures to Minimise Impacts Grid Substations to be Augmented New Grid Substations to be Established Strategy to Minimise Impacts of New Transmission Lines Optional Routes for Transmission Lines Key Effects on Resettlement and Land Use Mitigation of Impacts on Selected Routes 40 4 SOCIO ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN PROJECT AREAS Subproject Socio-economic Conditions along the Rantembe-Mahiyangana Line Subproject Socio-economic Conditions along Galle- Matara 132 kv Transmission Line Socio-economic Conditions along Habarana-Valachchenai 132 kv Line Socio-economic Conditions along Puttalam-Maho 132 kv Transmission Line Socio-economic Conditions along Ukuwela-Pallekelle 132 kv Transmission Line 52 5 COMPLIANCE WITH POLICIES, LEGAL REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES 54 4

7 5.1 Sri Lanka Legal Requirements and Procedures Environmental Acts and Regulations Electricity Act and Regulations Involuntary Resettlement Policy of Sri Lanka Environmental Approval Procedure for Transmission Lines ADB Policy on Involuntary Resettlement ADB s Involuntary Resettlement Policy ADB s Policy Elements Applicable to the Project 56 6 PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE Grid Substations to be Augmented Rights-of-Way of Transmission Lines Preliminary Work Conducted Sri Lanka Environmental Approval Process Formal Notices and Route Confirmation 61 7 COMPENSATION, RELOCATION AND INCOME RESTORATION Compensation Payments for Crop Damage Land Use Restrictions Impacts on Seasonal Agriculture Temporary Access Roads Relocation 67 8 IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE 67 9 INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK, GRIEVANCE REDRESS AND MONITORING PLAN Institutional Framework Appeal Procedure to Address Grievances Prior to Project Implementation During Project Implementation Monitoring Plan 71 5

8 LIST OF FIGURES Figure CEB Existing Transmission System Figure Site of the Proposed GS in Mahiyangana 14 Figure Space Available for the Augmentation of GSs 18 Figure Route of the Proposed 132 kv Transmission Line from Rantembe to Mahiyangana 20 Figure Proposed Route for the New Galle-Matara Transmission Line 21 Figure Proposed Route for the Habarana-Valachchenai Line 22 Figure Proposed Traverse of the Puttalam-Maho Line 24 Figure 2.7- Ukuwela-Pallekelle Line Trace 25 Figure Optional Routes for the Galle-Matara Transmission Corridor 29 Figure Alternative Routes for the Habarana - Valachchenai Transmission Corridor 31 Figure Optional Routes for the Transmission Corridor Between Puttalam and Maho 33 Figure Three Optional Routes for Rantembe-Mahiyangana Line 36 Figure Optional Routes for the Transmission Corridor Between Ukuwela and Pallekelle 37 LIST OF TABLES Table Summary Scope of the Subproject 2 12 Table Summary Scope of the Subproject 3 13 Table Land use along the Rantembe Mahiyangana Line 20 Table Land Use in the Galle-Matara Line Corridor 22 Table Land Use Along the Habarana-Valachchenai Line Route 23 Table Land-use Along the Puttalam-Maho Line Corridor 24 Table 2.7- Land Use along Ukuwela-Pallekelle Line 25 Table Land-use Pattern Along the Three Optional Routes for Galle-Matara 29 6

9 Table Land-use Pattern Along the Three Optional Routes for Habarana-Valachchenai 31 Table Land-use Pattern Along the Three Optional Routes for Puttalam Maho 33 Table Comparison of the Three Optional Routes for the Rantembe-Mahiyangana Transmission Line 34 Table Land-use Pattern Along the Three Optional Routes for Ukuwela-Pallekelle 38 Table Land Acquisition and Affected Households 39 Table Industries in Area Traversed by Rantembe-Mahiyangana Line 43 Table Employment in Industry along Rantembe-Mahiyangana Line 43 Table Land use along the Rantembe Mahiyangana Line 43 Table Key Indicators of the Agricultural Occupation along Rantembe-Mahiyangana Line 45 Table Summary Socio-economic Information Along Rantembe-Mahiyangana Line 45 Table Agricultural Activities in Galle-Matara Districts 46 Table Socio-economic Conditions in Galle and Matara 47 Table Agricultural Land Use in Polonnaruwa and Batticaloa 49 Table Summarised Socio-economic Information on Polonnaruwa and Batticaloa 49 Table Details of Agricultural Activities Along the Puttalam-Maho Line 51 Table Socio-economic Conditions in Puttalam and Kurunegala Districts 52 Table Socio-economic Conditions in the Kandy District 54 Table Comparison of Sri Lanka Involuntary Resettlement Policy and ADB Policy 56 Table Entitlement Matrix 63 Table Implementation Schedule 67 Table Institutional Responsibilities in the Consultation/Compensation Process 68 Table Project Activities and Institutional Responsibilities 69 Table Cost Estimates for the Compensation Plan 71 7

10 1 INTRODUCTION The project proponent, The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is the national electricity utility in Sri Lanka responsible for generation and transmission of electricity in the country, and is also responsible for the distribution and supply of electricity to about 90% of the customers. About 37% (2006) of electricity is generated by Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and Small Power Producers (SPPs), while the balance generation and the entire transmission system is owned and operated by CEB. The transmission system comprises 220 kv and 132 kv transmission lines interconnecting Grid Substations (GSs) and power stations. By end 2006, the CEB transmission system consisted of 50 grid substations and about 2050 km of transmission lines. The existing transmission network and the GSs are shown in Figure 1.1. Based on CEB s 10-year regional demand forecasts, and the annually updated generation expansion plan, CEB s Transmission Planning Branch prepares a 10-year transmission plan. This plan is updated every year. This plan is prepared at a national level and is a comprehensive plan, using tools such as Power System Simulation Software (PSS/e), and provides information with regard to security analysis, stability, fault levels and reliability of the system. The plan also provides information on the weak points in the system and proposes new projects to accommodate the generation additions and improve the quality and reliability of supply. In addition to the transmission development requirements identified in regular transmission planning exercises which are focused on meeting customer needs, additional requirements have emerged owing to the rapid development of grid-connected power plants based on Non-conventional Renewable Energy (NCRE) sources, particularly small hydroelectric power plants. 8

11 Figure CEB Existing Transmission System 2007 CHUNNAKAM 220kV Line 132kV : Underground Cable 132kV Line 132kV Line (not in operation) 220/132 kv Sub Station 132kV GS Hydro Power Station Thermal Power Station KILINOCHCHI KOTUGODA VAVUNIA TRINCOMALEE BARGE PS KELANIYA S'KANDA BIYAGAMA ANURADHAPURA NEW ANURADHAPURA KHD KELANITISSA LAKDANAWI FORT KOLONNAWA PUTTALAM HABARANA KOLLUPITIYA MARADANA ATURUGIRIYA VALACHCHANAI HAVELOCK TOWN ORUWALA DEHIWALA PANNIPITIYA BOWATENNA MADAMPE KURUNEGALA RATMALANA UKUWELA BOLAWATTA KOTUGODA KIRIBATHKUMBURA VEYANGODA RANDENIGALA THULHIRIYA VICTORIA RANTEMBE BIYAGAMA KOTMALE AMPARA INGINIYAGALA KELANITISSA LAXAPANA KOLONNAWA SRI JAYAWARDHANAPURA RATMALANA SAPUGASKANDA ATURUGIRIYA ORUWALA PANNIPITIYA POLPITIYA SITHAWAKA KOSGAMA WIMALASURENDRA NEW LAXAPANA N'ELIYA CANYON BADULLA PANADURA HORANA RATNAPURA BALANGODA SAMANALAWEWA MATUGAMA KUKULE DENIYAYA EMBILIPITIYA GALLE HAMBANTOTA MATARA 9

12 1.1 Small Power Producers using NCRE Sources Grid-connected electricity generating facilities with an installed capacity of less than 10 MW, and owned/operated by private companies, are considered by CEB as Small Producers (SPPs). These SPPs are embedded power plants, because they are connected at medium voltage levels (mostly at 33kV) in the CEB grid, unlike the larger power plants, which are connected at higher voltage levels of 132 kv or 220 kv. Furthermore, embedded power plants in Sri Lanka, being small and dependent on the availability of renewable energy, which is sometimes unpredictable, are not dispatched. The Small Power Purchase Agreement (SPPA) is a standardised, non-negotiable 15-year contract. This contract is used by CEB to purchase energy from embedded power plants. The SPPA is offered only to embedded power plants for which the primary source is a renewable source, or to power plants using waste heat or using combined heat and power technology. The contract specifies the conditions, current prices and pricing policy on which electricity will be purchased by CEB. The first SPPA was signed in Investor confidence in Sri Lanka is so far seen mainly in the development of small hydro. While investors have shown some interest in developing biomass and wind power plants, there has been limited success yet. All SPPs are private-sector investments, with CEB providing a supporting role by way of providing a letter of intent in the first instance. Once the necessary approvals from other agencies are secured by the developer, CEB enters into an SPPA. Any medium voltage (33 kv) transmission line upgrades or new lines, require to be financed by the private developer. Following this procedure, CEB Presently has 63 SPPs in operation, 59 of which are small hydroelectric power plants. The total capacity of SPPs in operation is 114 MW, of which 112 MW are small hydroelectric power plants. In year 2006, 3.7% of total electricity requirement of Sri Lanka were met with SPPs. Development of a SPP is conducted in the following procedure: Application to CEB, evaluation by CEB, issue of the Letter of Intent (LoI), securing of other approvals, execution of the SPPA, financing, construction and commissioning. Further to the 63 SPPs already in operation, CEB has signed 37 SPPAs (35 of which are small hydro), which are in various stages of development. In addition to all the above, a further 96 letters of intent (of which 69 are for small hydro) have been issued by CEB. As it is evident from the above, investors are eager to invest in NCRE-based power generation projects in Sri Lanka under the SPPA mechanism, and this power purchase scheme has a very high potential of further enhancing the development of renewable energy for electricity generation. The Government s 10-year development plan and the National Energy Policy of Sri Lanka state that the country will endeavor to reach a 10% target of electricity generation from NCRE sources by year The newly-established Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA) has been assigned the task of preparing plans and executing them to reach this national goal. 10

13 1.2 Constraints of CEB Grid to Absorb Renewable Energy Sri Lanka s small hydroelectric potential is centered on three provinces: Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva. Owing to the attractive prices offered by CEB and the country experience in the development of hydropower potential, investor enthusiasm has been largely focused on hydroelectric SPPs. CEB has twelve GSs located in these three provinces, and adjacent provinces, to which hydroelectric SPPs are connected: Badulla, Balangoda, Deniyaya, Kiribathkumbura, Kosgama, Mathugama, Nuwara Eliya, Rantembe, Seethawaka, Ratnapura, Ukuwela, Wimalasurendra. Out of these twelve GSs, CEB is no longer issuing LoIs for small hydro SPPs to be connected to the following nine GSs, owing to the firm capacity being exceeded by the LoIs/SPPAs already active: Badulla, Balangoda, Deniyaya, Nuwara Eliya, Rantembe, Seethawaka, Ratnapura, Ukuwela, Wimalasurendra. Out of the above, the capacity constraint at Deniyaya is being relieved through another project, and accordingly, the existing capacity at eight GSs is a severe handicap in Sri Lanka s plan to rapidly harness renewable energy for electricity generation. LOIs are no longer issued by CEB to prospective small power producers whose small hydro developments would feed power to any of these eight GSs. Therefore, augmentation of these eight GSs (or other alternative feed-in transmission infrastructure) remains a high priority for Sri Lanka to develop the small hydroelectric potential to the maximum possible extent, with far-reaching and long-term economic and environmental benefits. As it would be explained in detail later, in this subproject, CEB proposes to expand the capacity of seven of the eight grid substations within the existing GS premises itself, and the expansion of one GS (Rantembe) will not be at the same site but will be associated with a new transmission line and a new GS built at Mahiyangana. In general, the absorption capacity of each GS presently limited to 25 W will be raised to 50 MW with the proposed capacity expansion. Specific details of existing and planned capacity after the proposed augmentation, are given in chapter 2 of this report. 2 PROJECT SCOPE AND LAND USE 2.1 Summary Scope of the Project Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) desires to implement a project titled National Grid Development Project which is divided into two subprojects as follows: Subproject 2: New System Control Centre and Augmentation of eight Grid Substations for the Absorption of Renewable Energy Subproject 3: Augmentation of eight Grid Substations, construction of three new Grid Substations and Construction of four new Transmission Lines The contents of the subprojects 2 and 3 are summarised in Tables 2.1 and

14 Table Summary Scope of the Subproject 2 Grid Substation Purpose of Original Design Existing Transformer Capacity Existing Firm Capacity (MW) Proposed Investment Transformer Capacity after the Proposed Investment New Firm Capacity (MW) 1 Balangoda Grid substation 2 Nuwara Eliya Grid substation 3 Seethawaka Grid substation 4 Ukuwela Generation substation + grid substation 5 Rantembe Generation substation + grid substation 2 x 31.5 MVA 25 Augment with one 31.5 MVA transformer 2 x 31.5 MVA 25 Augment with one 31.5 MVA transformer 2 x 31.5 MVA 25 Augment with one 31.5 MVA transformer 2 x 31.5 MVA 25 Augment with one 31.5 MVA transformer 2 x 10 MVA 8 Build two 132 kv line bays at Rantembe 3 x 31.5 MVA 50 3 x 31.5 MVA 50 3 x 31.5 MVA 50 3 x 31.5 MVA 50 None - New Grid Substation Grid Substation Transformer Capacity after the Proposed Investment 6 Mahiyangana 2 x 31.5 MVA New Transmission Line Line Description 7 Rantembe- 132 kv double circuit line, 21 km Mahiyangana 12

15 Table Summary Scope of the Subproject 3 Existing Transformer Capacity Key Investment Transformer Capacity after the Proposed Investment First Priority Scope 1 Ampara 2 x 31.5 MVA Augment with one 31.5 MVA transformer 3 x 31.5 MVA 2 Habarana 2 x 31.5 MVA Augment with one 31.5 MVA transformer 3 x 31.5 MVA 3 Horana 2 x 31.5 MVA Augment with one 31.5 MVA transformer 3 x 31.5 MVA 4 Kurunegala 2 x 31.5 MVA Augment with one 31.5 MVA transformer 3 x 31.5 MVA 5 Matara 2 x 31.5 MVA Augment with one 31.5 MVA transformer 3 x 31.5 MVA 6 Panadura 2 x 31.5 MVA Augment with one 31.5 MVA transformer 3 x 31.5 MVA 7 Valachchenai 2 x 10 MVA Augment with one 31.5 MVA transformer 2 x x 31.5 MVA 8 Veyangoda 2 x 31.5 MVA Augment with one 31.5 MVA transformer 3 x 31.5 MVA 9 Maho - Construction of new Grid Substation 1 x 31.5 MVA 10 Pallekelle - Construction of new Grid Substation 2 x 31.5 MVA 11 Habarana- - Construction of 132kV D/S Transmission Line - Valachchenai (100km) 12 Puttalam- Maho - Construction of 132kV D/S Transmission Line (42km) - 13 Ukuwela- Pallekelle - Construction of 132kV D/S Transmission Line (18km) Second Priority Scope 14 Kurunegala 2 x 31.5 MVA Augment with one 31.5 MVA transformer 3 x 31.5 MVA 15 Habarana 2 x 31.5 MVA Augment with one 31.5 MVA transformer 3 x 31.5 MVA 16 Valachchanai 2 x 10 MVA Augment with one 31.5 MVA transformer 2 x x 31.5 MVA 17 Horana 2 x 31.5 MVA Augment with one 31.5 MVA transformer 3 x 31.5 MVA 18 Naula - Construction of new Grid Substation 1 x 31.5 MVA 19 Galle-Matara - Construction of 132kV D/S Transmission Line (34km) Detailed Scope of Subproject New System Control Centre Construction of Masterstation that is the control centre building, facilities, computer hardware, application software and communication interfaces. Implement data acquisition and adaptation work in substations and power plants including RTUs, adaptation control, indications, protection and other station systems and transmission protocols. Installation of communication equipment, including voice communication, PLC, fiber optic cables and equipment and other modes Augmentation of Existing Grid Substations (i) Augmentation of 132/33kV GS at Balangoda Augmentation of the existing 2x31.5 MVA double bus bar GS at Balangoda to 3x31.5 MVA double bus bar GS. 13

16 (ii) Augmentation of 132/33kV GS at Nuwara Eliya Augmentation of the existing 2x31.5 MVA single bus bar GS at Nuwara Eliya to 3x31.5 MVA single bus bar GS, with two 33kV outdoor feeder bays and one 33kV bus section bay. (iii) Augmentation of 132/33kV GS at Seethawaka Augmentation of the existing 2x31.5 MVA single bus bar GS at Seethawaka to 3x31.5 MVA single bus bar GS. (iv) Augmentation of 132/33kV GS at Ukuwela Augmentation of the existing 2x31.5 MVA single bus bar GS at Ukuwela to 3x31.5 MVA single bus bar GS Construction of New Mahiyangana GS and 132kV Transmission Line between Rantambe and Mahiyangana Construction of 132/33kV grid substation at Mahiyangana (earlier located at Rantambe) Construction of 2x31.5 MVA, 132/33kV GS at Mahiyangana and two 132 kv double bus bar line bays at Rantambe Generator Substation. Construction of Rantambe Mahiyangana 132 kv double circuit transmission line of 21 km length. Mahiyangana GS: The new Mahiyangana GS will be located on 2 ha of state land. The government had leased this block of land to the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) about 10 years ago to set up a broadcasting station. However, the initiative had not materialised, though a few buildings had been constructed by SLBC for the purpose. The buildings have now been abandoned. The government has therefore, agreed to transfer the land to CEB to construct the proposed GS. The site lies within a state-owned vacant land 8 ha covered with sparse vegetation. Access to the site is a roadway from the Mahiyangana Padiyatalawa main road. The proposed site is shown in Figure 2.1, and there will be no resettlement or relocation of people from this site. Figure Site of the Proposed GS in Mahiyangana 14

17 2.3 Detailed Scope of Subproject Augmentation of Existing Grid Substations (i ) Ampara Grid Substation Transformer Capacity: 2x31.5 MVA increased to 3x31.5 MVA Other additions: one 132kV single busbar transformer bay, one 132kV bus section bay, one 33kV transformer bay, 4x33 kv feeder bays and one 33kV bus section bay, Installation of 30MVAr power factor controlled breaker switched capacitors at 33kV bus (ii) Habarana Grid Substation Transformer Capacity: 2x31.5 MVA increased to 3x31.5 MVA Other additions: one 132kV S/B transformer bay, one 33kV transformer bay, 1x33kv bus section bay, 4x33 kv feeder bays (iii) Horana Grid Substation Transformer Capacity: 2x31.5 MVA increased to 3x31.5 MVA Other additions: one 132kV single busbar transformer bay, one 33kV bus section bay, one 33kV transformer bay, 4x33 kv feeder bays (iv) Kurunegala Grid Substantiation Transformer Capacity: 2x31.5 MVA increased to 3x31.5 MVA Other additions: one 132kV, single busbar transformer bay, one 33kV bus section bay, one 33kV transformer bay, 4x33 kv feeder bays (v) (vi) Matara Grid Substation Transformer Capacity: 2x31.5 MVA increased to 3x31.5 MVA Other additions: one 132kV single busbar transformer bay, one 33 kv bus section bay, one 33kV transformer bay, 4x33 kv feeder bays) Panadura Grid Substation Transformer Capacity: 2x31.5 MVA increased to 3x31.5 MVA Other additions: one 132 kv single busbar transformer bay, one 33 kv bus section bay, one 33 kv transformer bay, 4x33 kv feeder bays (vii) Veyangoda Grid Substation Transformer Capacity: 2x31.5 MVA increased to 3x31.5 MVA Other additions: one 132 kv double busbar transformer bay, one 33 kv transformer bay, 4x33 kv feeder bays (viii) Valachchenai Grid Substation Transformer Capacity: 2x10 MVA increased to 2x10+1x31.5 MVA Other additions: one 132 kv single busbar transformer bay, one 132 kv bus section bay, one 33 kv transformer bay, 4x33 kv feeder bays and one 33 kv bus section bay 15

18 2.3.2 New Grid Substations (i ) Maho Grid Substation Transformer Capacity: 1x31.5 MVA Others: 1x132 kv single busbar transmission line bay, 1x132kV single busbar transformer bay, 1x33 kv transformer bay, 4x33 kv feeder bays, The new Maho GS will be located on approximately 2 ha of land. The block of land earmarked for the GS is presently owned by the government, and the procedure to have the land allocated to CEB has already commenced with the application being made to the DS of the area. The site is located in Wilawa GN division in the District of Kurunegala, in the Northwestern province, on the Maho-Nikaweratiya public highway, 2 km away from the Maho town. Access to the land will be directly from the public highway. The land is presently bare with no appreciable cultivations and is covered in shrubs. There are no people living on the site and hence there will be no need for relocation. (ii) Naula Grid Substation Transformer Capacity: 1x31.5 MVA Others: 2x132 kv single busbar transmission line bay, 1x132 kv single busbar transformer bay, 1x33 kv transformer bay, 4x33 kv feeder bays Transmission interconnection: Construction of single in-out connection from Ukuwela- Habarana 132 kv transmission line (2cct, 0.5 km, Zebra) The new Naula GS is proposed to be located on approximately 2 ha of land. The block of land earmarked for the GS is presently owned by the Mahaweli Authority (a Government institution), and the procedure to have the land allocated to CEB has already commenced with the application being made to Mahaweli Authority. The site is reached from the Naula Town by first travelling 1 km along the Elahera Road, and then along a 1 km roadway to be upgraded and developed by CEB under this project. The first 50 m of the proposed 1 km roadway has a concrete surface while the balance presently has a gravel surface. On another boundary, there is a forest reservation, and on the remaining boundary, there are 10 houses within a short distance from the land. The land is presently bare with no appreciable cultivation and is covered in shrubs, and at times used by Mahaweli Authority as dumping grounds. There are no people living on the site and hence there will be no need for relocation. (iii) Pallekele Grid Substation Transformers Capacity: 2x31.5 MVA Others: 2x132 kv single busbar transmission line bays, one 132 kv bus section bay, 2x132 kv single busbar transformer bays, 2x33k V Transformer bays, one 33 kv bus section bay, 8x33 kv feeder bays, Installation of 4x5 MVAr, power factor controlled breaker switched capacitors. The new Pallekelle GS will be located on approximately 2 ha of land. The block of land earmarked for the GS lies within the Pallekelle industrial zone of the Board of Investment (BoI), and the land is already allocated to CEB. The site is reached from the Kandy-Digana 16

19 Road, along the access road to the industrial zone, and then along an internal road of the zone. On one boundary, there is a private land, and on another boundary, there is a bare land. There is a factory located across the zone s internal road, when looking from the land. The land is presently bare with no appreciable cultivations and it is flat. There are no people living on the site and hence there will be no need for relocation New Transmission Lines (i) Galle-Matara Construction of Galle-Matara 132 kv transmission line (two circuits, 34 km, Zebra). Construction of 2x132 kv, Double Busbar transmission line bays at Galle GS. Construction of 2x132 kv, Single Busbar transmission line bays at Matara GS. (ii) Habarana-Valachchenai Construction of 132kV transmission line from Habarana to Valachchenai (100 km, Zebra, one circuit stringing out of two circuits) Construction of 1x132 kv single busbar transmission line bay at Habarana Grid Substation Construction of 1x132 kv single busbar transmission line bay at Valachchenai Grid Substation (iii) Puttalam-Maho Construction of Puttalam-Maho 132kV transmission line (one circuit stringing out of two circuits, 42km, Zebra) Construction of 1x132 kv, single busbar transmission line bay at Puttalam Grid Substation (iv) Ukuwela-Pallekelle Construction of Ukuwela-Pallekele 132 kv transmission line (two circuits, 18 km, Zebra) Construction of 2x132 kv double busbar transmission line bays at Ukuwela Grid Substation. 2.4 Land Use for the Project New System Control Centre and Grid Substations to be Augmented New System Control Centre and all the GSs to be augmented (seven in subproject 2 and eight in subproject 3) will use available space within existing GS premises, with no acquisition of land required. In System Control Centre and some GSs, CEB s own buildings within the GS have to be relocated or modified, and in some locations, the existing fence has to be moved to cover more of the land space owned by CEB, but there will be no relocation or resettlement of people, or loss of property by individuals. Figure 2.2 shows the space available at a few GSs. 17

20 Figure Space Available for the Augmentation of GSs Badulla Balangoda Nuwara Eliya Wimalasurendra Horana Kurunegala 18

21 Panadura Veyangoda New Transmission Lines (i) Rantembe-Mahiyangana 132 kv Transmission Line The new Rantembe-Mahiyangana transmission line will be approximately 21 km in length. As the Rantembe power station itself is situated on the eastern edge of the Victoria- Randenigala-Rantembe (VRR) sanctuary, the proposed transmission line will traverse about 3.5 km across the sanctuary and then run northwards along the paddy fields lying between Mahaweli River and the B474 road. It will cross Mahaweli River at Diyabubula and run eastwards by-passing the Mahiyangana town and reach the proposed new grid substation located about 2 km away from the Mahiyangana town on the Mahiyangana-Padiyatalawa main road. The proposed line route is shown in Figure 2.3. For most part, the line will run through the DS division of Minipe and enter the Mahiyangana DS division after crossing the Mahaweli River. Mahiyangana DS division is part of the Badulla district in the Uva province and Minipe DS division belongs to the Kandy district in the Central province. Socio economic condition alone each line is given under Chapter 4. 19

22 Figure Route of the Proposed 132 kv Transmission Line from Rantembe to Mahiyangana Table Land use along the Rantembe Mahiyangana Line Selected Option 1 Approximate Line length (km) 21 Land use type (% of line length) Paddy field 73.8% Home garden 7.1% Shrub - Sanctuary 16.7% Village settlements 2.4% Note: For a discussion on the optional routes considered, please see Chapter 3. 20

23 (ii) Galle- Matara 132 kv Transmission Line The proposed 132 kv transmission line from Galle to Matara will be about 34 km in length. The line will start at the GS in Galle and generally proceed eastwards mostly over semideveloped 1 areas and semi-natural 2 habitats. The proposed line corridor will cross a mix of landscapes comprising home gardens, agricultural lands, paddy fields and scrublands in reaching the GS in Matara. The general layout of the proposed transmission line is shown in Figure 2.4. The composition of land use across the line corridor is paddy land (56%), home garden & village settlements (36%), and scrub and marsh (8%). The corridor will cross two A-class roads, four B-class roads and the river called Polwatte Ganga. Figure Proposed Route for the New Galle-Matara Transmission Line 1 Semi-developed areas mean suburbs and villages with scattered housing, with no contiguous areas of agricultural development, but where small-scale farming and home gardens exist and productively used. 2 Semi-natural areas mean areas away from strictly natural habitats for plant and animals, but areas that could adequately support biodiversity, in the midst of agricultural developments and human settlements. 21

24 Table Land Use in the Galle-Matara Line Corridor Selected Option 1 Line length (km) 34 Land use type - % of line length Paddy field 56% Home garden/village settlement 36% Scrub 4% Marsh 4% Note: For a discussion on the optional routes considered, please see Chapter 3. (iii) Habarana-Valachchenai 132 kv Transmission Line The proposed 132 kv transmission line from Habarana to Valaichchenai will be about 100 km in length. The line will start at the existing Habarana GS located at the 110 km post on the A6 road to Trincomalee. Site of the Habarana GS is almost on the edge of the Polonnaruwa district. The line corridor will cross the districts of Polonnaruwa and Batticaloa in reaching the GS in Valaichchenai. The general layout of the proposed transmission line is shown in Figure 2.5 The percentage composition of the land use across the line corridor is; Chena 3 and shrub land (38%), forest (13%), paddy land (36%) and village settlements (7%). The corridor will cross 2 A-class and 2 B-class roads, will cross and the Mahaweli river about 3 km north of Manampitiya bridge. Figure Proposed Route for the Habarana-Valachchenai Line 3 Chena is generally degraded forest, used informally for shifting agriculture in subsistence farming 22

25 Table Land Use Along the Habarana-Valachchenai Line Route Selected Option 1 Line length (km) 100 Land use type - % of line length Chena/Scrub 38% Forest 13% Paddy 36% Grassland 4% Settlement/home garden 7% Other plantations 2% Note: For a discussion on the optional routes considered, please see Chapter 3. (iv) Puttalam-Maho 132 kv Transmission Line Proposed 132 kv transmission line from Puttalam to Maho will be 42 km in length. The line will start at the GS situated in Kalladi in the Puttalam DS division and traverse the DS divisions of Anamaduwa and Kotawehera in reaching the proposed GS in Maho. The line will cross over the A 10 road that joins Puttalam with Anamaduwa, and also three other B- class roads in its passage to Maho. General layout of the proposed transmission line is shown in Figure 2.6. About 70% of the line will pass over chena, paddy and grasslands. Rest of the line will go over isolated villages situated closer to Maho end of the line. Land use types and the roads crossed by the proposed corridor are described in Table

26 Figure Proposed Traverse of the Puttalam-Maho Line Table Land-use Along the Puttalam-Maho Line Corridor Selected Option 1 Line length (km) 42 Land use type - % of line length Paddy field 29% Home garden/village settlement 35% Chena 31% Grassland 6% Note: For a discussion on the optional routes considered, please see Chapter 3. (v) Ukuwela-Pallekelle 132 kv Transmission Line The proposed 132 kv transmission line from Ukuwela to Pallekele will be 18 km in length. The line will start at the GS situated near the Ukuwela power station and proceed in a southeasterly direction in reaching the proposed GS to be sited within the Pallekele Industrial Zone. The line will traverse semi-developed areas in the Kandy district. The corridor has been selected in a way that maximises the passage through scattered patches of paddy fields. About 50% of the line will pass over paddy fields and the balance comprises home gardens and village settlements. The proposed line corridor will cross the roads B36 (twice) and B37. The general layout of the proposed transmission line is shown in Figure

27 Figure 2.7- Ukuwela-Pallekelle Line Trace Table 2.7- Land Use along Ukuwela-Pallekelle Line Selected Option 1 Approximate line length (km) 16.5 Land use type (% of line length) Paddy field 48.8 Home garden 45.8 Village settlements 5.5 Road crossings (A & B class and minor roads) 10 Railway crossings Type of Project and the Category The National Grid Development Project consists of augmentation of fifteen existing GSs, building four new GSs, and building five new transmission lines along a new corridor developed for each new line. All the fifteen GSs would be augmented within the available space, and no new land will be acquired. The four new GSs would be built on land acquired 25

28 from the government, and presently there are no settlements on any of these four blocks of land earmarked to locate the four GSs. As such, there will be no involuntary resettlements or loss of land/livelihood or disturbance to any member of public owing to the augmentation/construction of GSs. This project includes the development of five new rights-of-way for transmission lines and the construction of five lines. There will be some temporary obstructions to the people who own or use the land over which the line are to be drawn, during construction. During operation, there will be some land-use restrictions, the extent of which, and method of compensation are explained under Chapter 3. There will be no temporary or permanent displacement of people from their homes or livelihoods. According to the ADB Handbook on Resettlement 4 (page 14) and Operations Manual 5, this project can be classified to have insignificant resettlement, with less than 200 persons subject to loss of productive and other assets (including land), income and livelihoods. It is emphasised that the project would not cause any loss of productive and other assets, income and livelihood, but would cause some land use restrictions, as explained in this plan. Therefore under ADB guidelines, this project is classified to be of Involuntary Resettlement category B: Not Significant. Thus, this project requires a short resettlement plan under the ADB guidelines. 2.6 Study Methodology, Scope and Limitations The GSs included in this project do not cause any loss of productive and other assets (including land), income and livelihoods, and thus requires lesser consideration in this resettlement and compensation plan. In case of the five transmission lines, the work is presently at a preliminary level. The technical specifications of the lines have been finalised, and preliminary identification of the line routing has been completed with map-based assessments followed by field visits by CEB engineering staff and Environmental Officers. This study extensively draws upon the experience of CEB staff who have been working on the planning and design phases of the GSs, and the information collected during site visits. In case of transmission lines, the study draws on the experience of CEB design engineers about the route, and the information obtained from other experts in areas such as biodiversity impacts along the proposed corridor. This study reflects the information available from different sources stated above at the time of writing (November 2007). A specific limitation exists with regard to the finalisation of corridor for the five transmission lines under this project, which will be done at the next phase of project development. While the selected alternative for each line corridor is acceptable to CEB, specific conditions stipulated during the environmental approval process and the subsequent process of addressing grievances of affected persons, may require minor 4 Handbook on Resettlement, A Guide to Good Practice, Asian Development Bank, Also see ADB Policy on Involuntary Resettlement, Aug Operational Manual Bank Policies: Involuntary Resettlement, 25 Sep

29 deviation from the proposed routing, and these deviations can only be confirmed after the detailed route surveys have been completed, notices are issued in accordance with the Electricity Act, and objections are resolved by the relevant DSs. The updated resettlement plan will be submitted to ADB, after the detailed surveys have been completed. 3 MINIMISATION OF IMPACTS AND MITIGATORY MEASURES 3.1 Measures to Minimise Impacts Grid Substations to be Augmented All the fifteen GSs to be augmented would use the land space already available within each GS, and no additional land would be acquired by CEB or assigned to CEB. This is the best option available to expand the GS capacity, at the same location with no additional land use. Therefore, alternative locations were not considered for the augmentation of the fifteen GSs in the project New Grid Substations to be Established CEB design engineers extensively examined the area in which the new GSs would require to be located, and reviewed a number of optional sites for each one of the four new GSs. The following were the crucial issues considered: (a) Availability of land: The Government of Sri Lanka or its various agencies own land in many parts of the country, and using Government land is the best option to locate a new GS. There will be no resettlement of private dwellings and no impacts on land use. Therefore, CEB opted to use Government land in all the four locations of the news GSs. (b) Convenience of access to a transmission corridor: All the four new GSs would be the terminals of the new transmission corridors to be developed and lines to be built. Land use impacts are higher when transmission lines cross well-developed, built-up areas. Therefore, the land selection for the GSs have avoided locations within townships of Mahiyangana, Maho, Naula and Pallekelle, but are nevertheless within close proximity to the towns to ensure the technical quality of service to the township (and in case of Pallekelle, the service to the industrial zone, as well) would not be jeopardised. The land earmarked at Mahiyangana has some abandoned buildings, whereas all the other three sites are clear of any buildings. Therefore, the four sites selected (each of approximately 2 ha) are nearly the best options available to site the new GSs. No specific options were considered for these four sites Strategy to Minimise Impacts of New Transmission Lines A number of map-based routing options were considered for each new transmission corridor. These options were then examined during site visits. In examining the optional routes, the primary focus was on minimising impacts on human settlements, houses and 27

30 other buildings, crops and trees. As present and future human settlements are likely to be focused more along A and B class public roads and in urban areas, the optional line routes studies avoided or minimised crossings of public highways and urban areas. The general guidelines followed in selecting routing options are listed below:- Minimise disturbance to human settlements and other built-up areas Avoid forest and wildlife reserves. Where it is not possible to avoid the line to traverse through sanctuaries, national parks, reserve forests, etc., minimise the route length through such areas Avoid monuments of cultural or historical importance, and of religious importance Minimise impacts to any social infrastructure and services such as playgrounds, schools and hospitals. Avoid coconut, rubber and other plantations with high grown trees Route the line through grasslands, paddy fields, tea, cinnamon, chena, shrub and marshes as much as possible to minimise damage to the tree cover, particularly in areas with tall trees. Every effort was made to comply with the above criteria but compromises were unavoidable in certain situations. Likely summary of impacts on any sanctuary, forest and wildlife reserve give below. Some of these impacts are relevant to other non-forest areas as well. Loss of mature trees: the 27m-wide line corridor needs to be cleared of trees over 3 m in height as well as large trees adjacent to the corridor Loss of habitat for rare birds if they are nesting on such trees Disturbance to the soil due to uprooting of trees leading to soil erosion Disturbing the wildlife habitat during the construction phase, mainly due to noise arising from vehicle traffic 3.2 Optional Routes for Transmission Lines At least three options were considered in detail for each of the five new transmission lines to be built under this project. In this subsection, we summarise the three options, particularly the land-use impacts of each option relevant to this resettlement and compensation plan. (i) Galle-Matara 132 kv Transmission Line Evaluation of options: CEB has identified three optional routes for the new transmission corridor to be developed under this subproject. These three options are shown in Figure 3.1. The land-use patterns along the optional routes are compared in Table

31 Figure Optional Routes for the Galle-Matara Transmission Corridor Table Land-use Pattern Along the Three Optional Routes for Galle-Matara Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Comments Approximate line length (km) Estimates on map-based routing Land use type (% of line length) Paddy field Paddy cultivation can continue in the corridor. Favourable owing to minimum long-term disturbance to farming Marsh/Swamp Tea Coconut Other cultivations Home garden May have dispersed houses Shrub Chena-type land (rotating agriculture, a few isolated tall trees) Village settlements Home garden with houses marked in the map. It is required to minimise the distance traversed within populated areas, to minimise the land-use restrictions and disturbance to private lands and houses. River crossings Nos River crossings have to be minimised for technical reasons, 29

32 Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Comments and to prevent location of transmission towers on river embankments Road crossings Nos Road crossings have to be minimised, to ensure minimum land-use restrictions caused by the line, because housing density is high near national highways Based on the above screening, it was decided to select Option 1, which has the lowest impact on home gardens, in spite of the fact that it is about 1.9 km longer than the shortest distance identified for option 3. Expected Impacts of the Selected Option and mitigatory measures: About 58% of the selected option lies along paddy fields, which are cultivated twice a year, and the active periods are April-July and November February. Every effort will be made to (a) conduct tower footing construction work and line string work during the off-season, and (b) not to build temporary access roads to tower location across the paddy field by hand-carrying the materials to the locations. However, in case these have to be done during the cultivation season, any damages / disturbances / impacts caused to the cultivations would be compensated as given under clause 7. In case of the crossings of coconut and home gardens, there is the possibility of coconut and other trees would have to be cleared along the 27m corridor, and the vegetation permanently maintained at a height of 3m. Every effort would be made to ensure that during route selection, long stretches of coconut or other productive home gardens are avoided. (ii) Habarana-Valachchenai 132 kv Transmission Line: Evaluation of options: CEB has identified three optional routes for the new transmission corridor to be developed under this subproject. These three options are shown in Figure 3.2. The land-use pattern along the optional routes are compared in Table

33 Figure Alternative Routes for the Habarana - Valachchenai Transmission Corridor Table Land-use Pattern Along the Three Optional Routes for Habarana-Valachchenai Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Comments Approximate line length (km) Estimates on map-based routing Land use type (% of line length) Paddy field Paddy cultivation can continue in the corridor. Favourable owing to minimum long-term disturbance to farming Marsh/Swamp Grass lands Chena Other cultivations Home garden May have dispersed houses Shrub Chena-type land (rotating agriculture, a few isolated tall trees) Forest Strict National Reserve (forest/wildlife) Sanctuary - - Village settlements Home garden with houses marked in the map. It is required 31

34 Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Comments to minimise the distance traversed within populated areas, to minimise the land-use restrictions and disturbance to private lands and houses. Historic & Cultural Sites Tanks/ Abandoned Tanks Rock River crossings Nos River crossings have to be minimised for technical reasons, and to prevent location of transmission towers on river embankments Road crossings Nos Road crossings have to be minimised, to ensure minimum land-use restrictions caused by the line, because housing density is high near national highways Railway crossings Nos Based on the above screening, it was decided to select Option 1, which has the lowest impact on forests and no traverse through the strict natural reserve, in spite of the fact that it is about 4.9 km longer than the shortest distance identified for option 3. In the case of this line, the selected option has a slightly high percentage of traverse through home gardens, though small. Expected Impacts of the Selected Option and mitigatory measures: About 33% of the selected option lies along paddy fields, which are cultivated twice a year, and the active periods are April-July and November February. Every effort will be made to (a) conduct tower footing construction work and line string work during the off-season, and (b) not to build temporary access roads to tower location across the paddy field by hand-carrying the materials to the locations. However, in case these have to be done during the cultivation season, any damages / disturbances / impacts caused to the cultivations would be compensated as given under clause 7. In case of the crossings of coconut and home gardens, there is the possibility of coconut and other trees would have to be cleared along the 27m corridor, and the vegetation permanently maintained at a height of 3m. Every effort would be made to ensure that during route selection, long stretches of coconut or other productive home gardens are avoided. (iii) Puttalam-Maho 132 kv Transmission Line: Evaluation of options: CEB has identified three optional routes for the new transmission corridor to be developed under this subproject. These three options are shown in Figure 3.3. The land-use patterns along the optional routes are compared in Table

35 Figure Optional Routes for the Transmission Corridor Between Puttalam and Maho Table Land-use Pattern Along the Three Optional Routes for Puttalam Maho Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Comments Approximate line length (km) Estimates on map-based routing Land use type (% of Paddy field Paddy cultivation can continue line length) in the corridor. Favourable owing to minimum long-term disturbance to farming Grass lands Chena Coconut Other cultivations Home garden May have dispersed houses Shrub Chena-type land (rotating agriculture, a few isolated tall trees) Village settlements Home garden with houses marked in the map. It is required to minimise the distance traversed within populated areas, to minimise the land-use restrictions and disturbance to private lands and houses. 33

36 Tanks/ Abandoned Tanks Option 1 Option 2 Option Comments Rock 0.2 Religious Premises Nos. 1.0 Road crossings Nos Road crossings have to be minimised, to ensure minimum land-use restrictions caused by the line, because housing density is high near national highways Based on the above screening, it was decided to select Option 1, which has the lower impacts on home gardens and the higher share of the traverse through paddy fields, in spite of the fact that it is about 2 km longer than the shortest distance identified for option 3. Expected Impacts of the Selected Option and mitigatory measures: About 34% of the selected option lies along paddy fields, which are cultivated twice a year, and the active periods are April-July and November February. Every effort will be made to (a) conduct tower footing construction work and line string work during the off-season, and (b) not to build temporary access roads to tower location across the paddy field by hand-carrying the materials to the locations. However, in case these have to be done during the cultivation season, any damages / disturbances / impacts caused to the cultivations would be compensated as given under clause 7. In case of the crossings of coconut and home gardens, there is the possibility of coconut and other trees would have to be cleared along the 27m corridor, and the vegetation permanently maintained at a height of 3m. Every effort would be made to ensure that during route selection, long stretches of coconut or other productive home gardens are avoided. (iv) Rantembe-Mahiyangana Transmission Line: Evaluation of options: CEB has identified three optional routes for the new transmission corridor to be developed under this subproject. These three options are shown in Table 3.4. The land-use patterns along the optional routes are compared in Figure 3.4. Table Comparison of the Three Optional Routes for the Rantembe-Mahiyangana Transmission Line Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Comments Approximate Line length (km) Estimates on map-based routing Land use type (% of line length) Paddy field 74% 62% 46% Paddy cultivation can continue in the corridor. Favourable owing to minimum long-term disturbance to farming Home garden 7% 20% 8% May have dispersed houses but not marked in the map Shrub % Chena-type land (rotating agriculture, a few isolated tall 34

37 River crossings Road crossings Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Comments trees) Sanctuary 17% 16% 17% Essential to cross the sanctuary because Rantembe is located within the sanctuary. Village settlements 2% 2% 16% Home garden with houses marked in the map. It is required to minimise the distance traversed within populated areas, to minimise the land-use restrictions and disturbance to private lands and houses. Mahaweli River River crossings have to be minimised for technical reasons, and to prevent location of transmission towers on river embankments National highways B474 (twice) B46 (once) B474 (twice) B46 (once) B474 (twice) B46 (twice) Road crossings have to be minimised, to ensure minimum land-use restrictions caused by the line, because housing density is high near national highways About 74% of the Alternative 1 traverse through paddy fields (man made habitats) and this would be a preferred option with less impact on natural habitats and human settlements. Alternative 2 and 3 cut across more terrestrial habitats and human settlements compared to the alternative 1, and therefore this would have more impacts on biodiversity and people. Based on the above screening, it was decided to select Option 1, which has the lowest impact on human settlements, in spite of the fact that it is about 2.5 km longer than the shortest distance identified for option 3. Expected Impacts of the Selected Option and mitigatory measures: About 74% of the selected option lies along paddy fields, which are cultivated twice a year, and the active periods are April-July and November February. Every effort will be made to (a) conduct tower footing construction work and line string work during the off-season, and (b) not to build temporary access roads to tower location across the paddy field by hand-carrying the materials to the locations. However, in case these have to be done during the cultivation season, any damages / disturbances / impacts caused to the cultivations would be compensated as given under clause 7. In case of the crossings of coconut and home gardens, there is the possibility of coconut and other trees would have to be cleared along the 27m corridor, and the vegetation permanently maintained at a height of 3m. Every effort would be made to ensure that during route selection, long stretches of coconut or other productive home gardens are avoided. 35

38 Figure Three Optional Routes for Rantembe-Mahiyangana Line Page 36

39 (v) Ukuwela-Pallekelle 132 kv Transmission Line: Evaluation of options: CEB has identified three optional routes for the new transmission corridor to be developed under this subproject. These three options are shown in Figure 3.5. The land-use patterns along the optional routes are compared in Table 3.5. Figure Optional Routes for the Transmission Corridor Between Ukuwela and Pallekelle Page 37