51152-001: Second PRAN Agribusiness Project€¦ · “PRAN” is the largest business group in...

Initial Environmental Examination Report (Draft) Project Number: 51152-001 December 2018

BAN: Second PRAN Agribusiness Project

Part 2

Prepared by Sylvan Agriculture Limited

The initial environmental examination 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. Your attention is directed to the “Terms of Use” section of this website.

In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation

of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian

Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any

territory or area.

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of PRAN potato chips, Pasta and Flakes project

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Sylvan Agriculture Limited

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CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction

“PRAN” is the largest business group in Bangladesh, established in 1981. Currently “PRAN” is one of the most admired foods and beverages brand among the millions of people of Bangladesh and other

countries of the world where PRAN products are regularly being exported to different countries of the

world. PRAN is currently producing Juices, Drinks, Mineral Water, Bakery, Carbonated Beverage,

Snacks, Culinary, Confectionary, Biscuit, Dairy, Health Food Drink, Breakfast and Refreshment,

Rehydration, Frozen Food and Kernel Sunflower Oil. All the PRAN products are produced as per

international standard maintaining the highest level of quality during its production processes. PRAN

started its successful journey to export market since 1996 and currently exports to over 118

countries.

1.2 Background of the Project

The PRAN agribusiness project is going to establish a new PRAN Potato Chips, Pasta and Flakes

Project inside of the Habiganj Industrial Park (HIP) under Sylvan Agriculture Limited (SAL), a

subsidiary of PRAN Group. The proposed project will be established inside of the HIP of Olipur,

Habiganj District, Bangladesh. The project is interested in taking project finance from the Asian

Development Bank (ADB), which requires an environmental and social assessment in line with the

environmental and social requirements of these lenders as well as the national regulatory

requirements in Bangladesh. PRAN Group has therefore initiated the Initial Environmental

Examination (IEE) study to comply with the IEE guidelines of the GOB and the Safeguard Policy

Statement (SPS) of the ADB.

1.3 Location of the Proposed Project

The proposed project will be located inside of the Habiganj Industrial Park (HIP). The HIP is

administratively situated in the Nurpur Union under Habiganj Sadar Upazila of Habiganj District,

Bangladesh. The absolute location of the proposed PRAN real potato chips, Pasta and Flakes project

is 24°16'28.60"N Latitude and 91°23'3.94"E Longitude. The northern site of HIP is covered by

Surabahi, Shailjura and Gayerpur village; industries of the Square group (Square denim and

Shahjibazar power station) on the South; Sachiura, Noagaon, Dushashan village on the West and

Olipur village, Dhaka-Sylhet Highway, Dhaka-Sylhet Railway and Hilly areas are located on the East

side. A location Map of the proposed project site is presented in Figure 1-1. This project is situated

about 120 KM far from the capital city Dhaka.


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Figure 1-1: Location Map of proposed Project Site

Source: EQMS

1.4 Objective of the Study

The objectives of this IEE is to ensure that the project compiles with ADB Safeguard Policy Statement

(2009) and other social dimension requirements as well as with that of the Government of

Bangladesh (GoB), which may serve as input in the design of the project being prepared for possible

financing by the ADB. The reference framework for IEE study will therefore, follows the following

standards/guidelines:

Applicable Bangladesh National, Regional and Local regulatory requirements;

ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS); ADB Social Protection Strategy;

ADB’s Public Communications Policy; The IFC Performance Standards for Environmental and Social Sustainability;

The IFC General EHS Guidelines; and

IFC EHS guidelines for Food and Beverage Processing Industry, 2007.

1.5 Approach and Methodology for the IEE Study

The IEE study is undertaken by EQMS following a standard Impact Assessment Approach comprising

the stages of Screening, Scoping, Environmental and Social Baseline data collection, Impact

assessment and management. EQMS approach and methodology for the study is given in following

Figure 1-2.


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Figure 1-2: Approaches for the IEE study

Source: EQMS

The stages of Screening and Scoping was undertaken during the initial stage of the project,

comprised of the understanding of the proposed project, alternative analysis and identification of

legal and regulatory requirement that are applicable for the proposed project.

The EQMS team had a brief introduction meeting with the PRAN-RFL officials on 07/01/2017 at

Habiganj Industrial Park (HIP) prior to site reconnaissance visit. EQMS undertook 3 days (07/01/2017

to 09/01/2017) site visit to understand the site setting, environmental and social sensitivities and to

identify the relevant local stakeholders.


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1.5.1 Screening

The following processes were involved in the screening process:

Review of proposed project related activities and their impacts on different environmental

components;

Identification of environmental and socially sensitive issues and receptors that are located in

the surrounding area;

Categorization of the project as per the Environment Conservation Rules (ECR), 1997 of the

Government of Bangladesh (GoB); and

Asian Development Bank (ADB) guidelines.

1.5.2 Scoping

The proposed study is an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) study and does not required the

screening and scoping, but EQMS conduct a scoping study at the primary stage of the project in order

to identify and assess the key environmental issues that are closely associated with the project

activities. The scoping report is given in Annex-E.

1.5.3 Environmental Baseline Data Collection

Primary environmental baseline data has been collected by EQMS through primary monitoring and

surveys of the study area of 5 km radius as the project site. Secondary information through literature

review was also collected for the study area. The baseline study included the following:

Reconnaissance survey of the Project site and surrounding area of the proposed project site

to establish dominant features of the biophysical and social environments;

The primary environmental baseline data was collected with respect to ambient air quality,

surface water quality, groundwater quality, soil characteristics, ambient noise level and

ecology;

Information on geology, physiography, topography, meteorological conditions, water and

ecological resources, hydrology and drainage, natural hazards and risks of the area, socio-

economic status etc. was collected from secondary sources.

1.5.4 Social Baseline Data Collection

The project site is located in Nurpur Union of Habiganj Sadar Upazila in the Habiganj district of

Bangladesh. The detailed of the project location showing in a map is given in Figure 1-1. The area of

influence of the project comprises of the project site along with the surrounding area, where the

influence of project activities is anticipated. Under the project, a four-storied building will be

constructed within the existing Habiganj Industrial Park (HIP). For constructing the building, the land

requirement will be met through the additional land available in the HIP. It is anticipated that the

impact of the project on the surrounding community will be minimal and will be restricted within 2 km

of the project site.

The social baseline for the study area has been established on the basis of the reconnaissance site

visits, stakeholder consultations and review of available secondary data from different organisations.

Secondary Information Review:

Readily available secondary information was collected for following aspects:

a) Physical Environment

Regional setting

Geography and Geomorphology

Physiography

Land use

Geology and soil


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Climate and Meteorology

Climatic pattern

Temperature

Relative humidity

Rainfall

Regional wind patterns (wind speed & direction)

Hydrology and water use

Natural Hazards

Seismic activities

Seasonal storms & cyclones, tornadoes

Riverbank erosion

Drought

b) Socio-economic Environment

Demographic profile

Education & literacy

Economic activities & livelihood pattern

Socio-economic Infrastructure & Indicators

Health care facilities

Education facilities

Drinking water & sanitation

Agriculture

Transportation facilities

Sites of cultural/archaeological importance

Few of the identified sources for collecting secondary data include the following:

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) at Dhaka;

Department of Environment (DoE);

Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS); and

Published technical journals and books.

Stakeholder Identification and Analysis:

The stakeholders for the proposed project was identified, as those groups who may be affected or

have the influence on the project. As part of the stakeholder analysis, an understanding was

developed of the individual concerns, expectations and influences of the stakeholder on the project.

The purpose of such as understanding was to allow for a proper assessment and mitigation of the

impacts. On the basis of this understanding as an exercise of stakeholder mapping was undertaken,

the purpose of which was to:

Identify each stakeholder group;

Study stakeholder profile and the nature of stakes;

Understanding the expectations from the project;

Gauge their influence on the project.

Based on such an understanding, the stakeholders were categorised into High Influence/Priority,

Medium Influence/Priority and low influence/priority based on their influence/power as well as

interest in the project.

Stakeholder Consultations:

As part of the baseline data collection, consultations were undertaken with the local stakeholders

identified for the project. The list of consultations undertaken in the present study is given in Table

1-1.


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Table 1-1: Consultations were undertaken for the proposed project

SL. Date Details of Stakeholder Venue

1 08/01/2017 Land Seller Group Olipur City Park

2 04/02/2017 Local Community Olipur Bazar

3 04/02/2017 Ethnic Community Lalchand Tea Estate Area

4 05/02/2017 Local Businessmen Conference Room, HIP

As part of these consultations, an attempt was made to develop an understanding of the stakeholder

group’s key concerns and expectations from the project, the stakeholder groups perception of the

project and to triangulate the secondary information available on the area.

1.5.5 Impact Assessment

Following the establishment of the baseline environmental quality, assessment of potential impacts on

the various environmental elements due to proposed project activities has been carried out by

identifying potential impacts, predicting the scale of impacts and their duration followed by evaluating

significance impacts. Mitigation measures have been given for each of the identified impacts.

Impact identification and assessment starts with scoping and continues through the remain of the

impact assessment process. The impact assessment steps are given below (Figure 1-3):

Figure 1-3: Impact Assessment process

What could

happen as a

consequence of

doing what is

proposed

Is it Important?

(Significance)

What can be

done about it?

Is there still a

significant impact?

The key issues identified during the Scoping Phase have been analysed upon the baseline

information. Each issue consists of components that on their own or in combination with each other

give rise to potential impacts, either positive or negative, from the project onto the environment or

from the environment onto the project. In the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) study the

significance of the potential impacts will be considered before and after identified mitigation is

implemented, for direct, indirect and cumulative impacts, in the short and long term.

The following criteria will be used to evaluate Significance:

A) Nature: This is an assessment of the type of effect the activity is likely to have on the

surrounding affected environment. The description includes what is being affected and its

magnitude. The nature of the impact will be classified as positive or negative, and direct or

indirect.

Direct Potential/possible impacts will be generated directly from the project activities

and its associated facilities which is directly linked with the project

Indirect Potential/possible impacts will be generated from secondary sources which are

Predict Evaluate Mitigation/

Enhance

Residual Impacts


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induced by the project activities

Induced Potential/possible impacts will be generated (which are not part of the Project)

due to effect /consequence/ outcome of the Project

B) Extent and location: This indicates the spatial area that may be affected by the project

activities or its associated facilities (Table-A).

Table-A: Geographical extent of Impact

Extent Description

Project Site Potential/possible impacts’ area only at or within the project site/ project boundary

Local Potential/possible impacts’ area is not only limited to the site but also its immediate surrounding areas/ receptors

Regional Potential/possible impacts’ area extends to the immediate surrounding areas along with adjacent areas

National Potential/possible impacts’ area considered of national level

Trans-

boundary

Impact considered of not only within national level but also neighbouring

country.

Impact considered global level.

C) Duration: this measures the lifetime/existence/continuation of the impact (Table-B).

Table-B: Duration of Impact

Duration Description

Short term Potential/possible impact duration is very limited time or length of

construction/decommissioning period

Medium term Potential/possible impact duration will continue after construction period but

stop/discontinue/cease within a tenure of 10 years

Long term Potential/possible impact duration will continue more than 10 years or entire

operational life of project

Permanent –

Mitigated

Potential/possible impact will remain after operational life of project but

appropriate mitigation measures reduce the impact

Permanent –

no mitigation

Potential/possible Impact will remain after operational life of project.

No mitigation measures will reduce impact after implementation.

D) Intensity/severity: This is the degree to which the project affects or changes the environment;

it includes a measure of the reversibility of impacts (Table-C).

Table-C: Intensity of Impact

Intensity Description

Insignificant Changes due to Potential/possible impact are minor, not visible/ noticeable, natural

functioning of environment not affected.

Low

Natural functioning of environment is minimally affected.

Natural, cultural and social functions and processes can be reversed to their

original state if mitigation measure taken.

Medium

Environment remarkably distorted/disturbed/impacted, still functions, if in

modified way.

Negative impacts cannot be fully reversed.


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Intensity Description

High

Cultural and social functions and processes distorted/disturbed/ impacted.

Potentially ceasing to Environmental function temporarily.

Negative impacts cannot be fully reversed.

Very High

Natural, cultural and social functions and processes permanently cease, and

valued, important, sensitive or vulnerable systems or communities are

substantially affected.

Negative impacts cannot be reversed.

E) Potential for irreplaceable loss of resources: This is the degree to which the project will

cause loss of resources that are irreplaceable (Table-D).

Table-D: Potential for irreplaceable loss of resources

Potential for

irreplaceable loss

of resources

Description

Low No Irreplaceable/unique resources will be impacted.

Medium Irreplaceable/unique resources can be replaced, with mitigation

measure/effort and will be replaced after certain period of time.

High Potential/possible Impact replace a particular/ vulnerable resource.

Probability: This is the likelihood or the chances that the impact will occur (Table-E).

Table-E: Probability of Impact

Probability Description

Unlikely Under normal conditions, no Potential/ possible Impact expected.

Low The probability of the impact to occur is low due to its design or historic experience.

Medium There is a distinct probability of the impact occurring.

High It is most likely that the impact will occur.

Definite The impact will occur regardless of any prevention measures.

Magnitude: This is calculated as extent + duration + intensity + potential impact on

irreplaceable resources.

Magnitude essentially describes the intensity of the change that has the potential to occur in the

resource/receptor as a result of the potential impact. The magnitude designations themselves are

universally consistent, but the definitions for these designations vary depending on the

resource/receptor. The universal magnitude designations are:

- Positive

- Insignificant

- Low

- Medium-low

- Medium - high

- High

- Very High

In the case of a potential positive impact, no magnitude designation (aside from ‘positive’) is assigned. It is considered sufficient for the purpose of the IEE to indicate that the Project has the

potential to result in a potential positive impact, without characterising the exact degree of positive

change that may occur.


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Significance: The significance will be rated by combining the consequence of the impact and

the probability of occurrence (i.e. Magnitude x Probability = Significance).

Table-F: Significance

Probability of Impact

Unlikely Low Medium High Definite

Ma

gn

itu

de

of

Imp

act

Insignificant Very Low Very Low Very Low Low Low

Low Very Low Very Low Low Low Medium-Low

Medium – Low Very Low Low Low Medium-Low Medium-high

Medium – High Very Low Low Medium-Low Medium-high High

High Low Medium Medium-high High High

Very High Low Medium High High Very High

Table-G: Significance of issues (based on Environmental Parameters)

Significance Description

Positive Impact Potential/ possible impacts that have a beneficial impact to affected media.

Very low No action required.

Low

Impacts are within the acceptable range.

Potential/ possible impacts such as localised or short-term effects on habitat,

species, or environmental media.

Medium-Low

Impacts are within the acceptable range but should be mitigated to lower

significance levels wherever possible.

Potential/ possible impacts such as localized, long-term degradation of

sensitive habitat or widespread, short-term impacts to habitat, species, or

environmental media.

Medium-high

Potential/ possible Impacts are significant and require attention;

mitigation is required to reduce the negative impacts to acceptable levels;

Potential/ possible impacts such as localised but irreversible habitat loss or

widespread, long-term effects on habitat, species, or environmental media.

High

Impacts are of great importance, mitigation is crucial.

Potential impacts such as significant, widespread, and persistent changes in

habitat, species, or environmental media.

Potential impacts such as persistent reduction in ecosystem function on a

landscape scale or significant disruption of a sensitive species.

Very High

Impacts are unacceptable.

Potential impacts such as loss of a significant portion of a valued species or

loss of effective ecosystem function on a landscape scale.

Potential social impacts are inherently variable because community response to a potential impact,

perceptions of existing and changing conditions, and the degrees of vulnerability are all heavily

dependent on local conditions and the human factor. The significance designations for potential social

impacts take into consideration social science expertise and previous experience in Bangladesh

regarding the relationships between individuals, communities, government agencies, NGOs and

special interest groups, and the oil and gas industry.

Table-H: Potential Social Impact Significance

Significance Definition


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Positive Impact Potential/ possible impacts that have a beneficial impact to affected

stakeholders.

Very low

Potential/ possible impacts that are practically indistinguishable from the social

baseline, with little to no potential impacts to or concerns from affected external

stakeholders.

Low

Potential/ possible impacts that are short-term nuisance or inconvenience;

potentially affected external stakeholders concerned but likely able to adapt

with relative ease.

Medium-Low Potential/ possible impacts such as localised or short term effects; potentially

affected stakeholders concerned but likely able to adapt with relative ease.

Medium-high

Potential/ possible impacts such as local-to-regional (sub-national) or medium

term effects; potentially affected stakeholders concerned and raise the issue as

a high priority, but may be able to adapt with some targeted support or

assistance.

High

Potential/ possible impacts such as local-to-national or long term effects;

potentially affected stakeholders concerned and raised as a high priority; may

not be able to adapt without targeted support or assistance in order to maintain

pre-impact livelihood.

Very High

Potential/ possible impacts such as local-to-global or irreversible long-term

effects; potentially affected stakeholders concerned raise the issue as a high

priority and are likely not able to adapt without targeted support or assistance.

To determine potential public health impacts, the assessment team considers the public which has

the potential to be exposed to various aspects and potential impacts of the project, whether it is a

permanent resident with continuous exposure or a periodic exposure to a fisherman transiting

through the project area. The significance determinations for potential public health impacts take into

consideration local and regional public health expertise and previous experience in Bangladesh

regarding the relationships between individuals, communities, health care providers, government

agencies, NGOs, and the oil and gas industry.

Table-I: Potential Public Health Impact Significance


Positive Impact Potential/ possible impacts that have a beneficial impact to affected stakeholder.

Very low No impact to the public

Low Potential/ possible illness or adverse effect with limited or no impacts on ability

to function and medical treatment is limited or not necessary.

Medium-Low Potential/ possible illness or adverse effects with mild to moderate functional

impairment requiring medical treatment or management.

Medium-high Potential/ possible serious illness or severe adverse health effect requiring a

high level of medical treatment or management.

High Potential/ possible serious illness or chronic exposure of a few resulting in life

shortening effects.

Very High Potential/ possible serious illness or chronic exposure of many resulting in life

shortening effects.

Identification of Mitigation and Enhancement Measures:


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Once the significance of an impact has been characterised, the next step was to evaluate what

mitigation and enhancement measures are required. For the purposes of this Impact Assessment, the

following mitigation hierarchy was followed:

Avoiding or reducing at source through the design of the project.

Add something to the design to abate the impact.

If an impact cannot be abated onsite then control measures can be implemented off-site.

Some impacts involve unavoidable damage to a resource and these impacts can be addressed

through repair, restoration or reinstatement measures.

The priority in mitigation was to first apply mitigation measures to the source of the impact and then

to address the resultant effect to the resource/receptor via abatement or compensatory measures or

offsets.

Risk Assessment:

Risk assessment study covers the following:

Hazards Identification to determine the incident scenarios, hazard and hazardous events, their causes and mechanism;

Consequence Analysis to determine extent of the consequence of identified hazardous events;

Frequency Estimation to determine the frequency of occurrence of identified hazardous events and various consequences;

Risk Summary to determine risk level and their significance and recommendations for risk mitigation.

1.5.6 Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP)

An ESMP has been prepared including the following:

Purposes and aims of the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP);

Mitigation measures suggested to minimise adverse environmental impacts, with timelines

and responsibility for their implementation; and

Suggesting management system including monitoring and reporting requirements to track

measure and effectiveness of the mitigation measures suggested for the project during its

entire life circle.

1.6 Layout of this Report

The report fulfils the requirements of IEE study under ECR, 1997 (Amendment, 2010), ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS); IFC general EHS Guidelines, Environmental, Health, and Safety

Guidelines for Food and Beverage Processing. The report contains 10 chapters and these are narrated

below:

Chapter-1: Introduction

Introduction to the project and IEE methodology

Chapter-2: Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework

The applicable environmental and social regulatory framework and its relevance to the proposed

project.

Chapter-3: Description of the Project

Describes the technical description of the proposed project and its related activities.

Chapter-4: Description of the Environment

Detailed environmental and social baseline status of the proposed project site and its surroundings

area are discussed.


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Chapter-5: Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures

This chapter includes details of identification of environmental and social impacts and associated risks

due to the proposed project activities, assessment of the significance of impacts and present

mitigation measures for minimising identified impacts.

Chapter-6: Alternative Analysis

Describe the Analysis of Alternatives of the project.

Chapter-7: Information Disclosure, Consultation and Participation

Information disclosure, consultation and participation, comprises public consultation and disclosure conducted of the study area.

Chapter-8: Grievance Redress Mechanism

This chapter describes the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM).

Chapter-9: Environmental and Social management Plan (ESMP)

This chapter presents the ESMP with mitigation measures and monitoring plan for minimising the effect of the negative impacts and enhancement measures for increasing the benefits of the positive impacts.

Chapter-10: Summary and Conclusion

This chapter is the concluding chapter of the IEE report with summary and Conclusion.

1.7 IEE Study Team Composition

EQMS is a specialised consultancy firm appointed by PRAN Group to conduct the IEE study for the

proposed project. Before conducting the study, it is very important to set up an expert team at the

right time in order to assess the significant impacts of the project on the environment. EQMS formed

a professional team consist of qualified and experienced from various discipline in order to address

the critical aspects. The composition of the IEE team is shown in Table 1-2.

Table 1-2: Team Composition of the IEE Study

SL Name of the Expert Position

1 Dr. Kazi Farhed Iqubal Team Leader/Environment Expert

2 Rofiul Karim Senior Social Expert

3 Mohammad Mamun Chowdhury Senior Ecologist and Biodiversity Expert

4 Mirza SA Habib Ecologist

5 Tauhidul Hasan Junior Environment Expert

6 Md. Zahidul Islam Junior Environment Expert and Project Manager

7 Abu Mohammed Nasiruddin Junior Social Expert


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CHAPTER TWO: POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK

2. POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK

To address the environmental and social risks of any proposed project and its associated components

and to protect and conserve the environment from any adverse impacts, the GOB has specified

regulations, policy, and guidelines. Potential lenders also have their own set of requirements (such as

the ADB’s Safeguard Policy and IFC’s Performance Standards) to which any project funded to them must operate.

This section focuses on the administrative framework under the purview of which the proposed

project will fall and the IEE study will be governed, namely:

Bangladesh national and local, legal and institutional framework;

ADB’s policies and framework; and

IFC performance standards and EHS Guidelines.

A. Bangladesh Environmental Policy, Regulations and Guidelines

2.1 Government Environmental Policy, Regulations and Guidelines

2.1.1 National Environmental Policy, 1992

The Bangladesh National Environmental Policy, approved in May 1992, sets out the basic framework

for environmental action together with a set of broad sectoral action guidelines. Key elements of the

Policy are:

Maintaining ecological balance and ensuring sustainable development of the country through

protection, conservation and improvement of the environment;

Protecting the country from natural disasters;

Identifying and regulating all activities that pollute and destroy the environment;

Ensuring environment-friendly development in all sectors;

Ensuring sustainable and environmentally sound management of the natural resources; and

Promoting active association, as far as possible, with all international initiatives related to the

environment.

The Environmental Policy of 1992, which amongst other policies, seeks to ensure that transport

systems, including roads and inland waterways, do not pollute the environment or degrade resources.

The Policy states that IEE should be conducted before projects are undertaken.

2.1.2 National Environment Management Action Plan (NEMAP), 1995

The NEMAP is a wide-ranging and multi- faceted plan, which builds on and extends the statements,

set out in the National Environmental Policy. NEMAP was developed to address issues and

management requirements related to the environment; it is also set out of the framework within

which the recommendations of the National Conservation Strategy are to be implemented. NEMAP

was developed to achieve the following broad objectives:

Identification of key environmental issues affecting Bangladesh;

Identification of actions necessary to halt or reduce the rate of environmental degradation;

Improvement of the natural environment;

Conservation of habitats and biodiversity;

Promotion of sustainable development; and

Improvement of the quality of life of the people.

To attain the above-mentioned objectives, the plan groups all the relevant necessary actions under

four headings, namely a) Institutional, b) Sectoral, c) Location-specific and d) Long-term issues.


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The institutional aspects reflects the need of inter-sectoral cooperation to tackle environmental

problems which need new and appropriate institutional mechanisms at national and local levels. The

sectoral actions reflect the way the ministries and agencies are organised and make it easier to

identify the agency to carry out the recommended actions. The location-specific action focuses

particularly on acute environmental problems at local levels that need to be addressed on a priority

basis. The long-term actions include environmental degradation of such degree that it might become

more serious and threaten if cognizance is not taken immediately.

2.1.3 Environment Conservation Act (ECA), 1995 and subsequent amendments

The provisions of the act authorise by the DG of DoE to undertake any activity he deems fit and

necessary to conserve and enhance the quality of the environment and to control, prevent and

mitigate pollution. The main highlights of the act are:

Declaration of Ecologically Critical Areas (ECA);

Obtaining Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC);

Regulation with respect to vehicles emitting smoke harmful for the environment;

Regulation of development activities from environmental perspective;

Promulgation of standards for quality of air, water, noise and soils for different areas and for

different purposes;

Promulgation of acceptable limits for discharging and emitting waste; and

Formulation of environmental guidelines relating to control and mitigation of environmental

pollution, conservation, and improvement of the environment.

2.1.4 Environment Conservation Rules (ECR), 1997 & subsequent amendments

The ECR, 1997 are the first set of rules promulgated under the ECA, 1995. These Rules provide for,

inter alia, the following:

The national Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) for ambient air, surface water, ground

water, drinking water, industrial effluents, emissions, noise and vehicular exhaust;

Categorization of industries, development projects and other activities on the basis of actual

(for existing industries/development projects/activities) and anticipated (for proposed

industries/development projects/activities) pollution load;

Procedure for obtaining environmental clearance;

Requirement for undertaking IEE and EIA as well as formulating EMP according to categories

of industries/development projects/activities; and

Procedure for damage claim by persons affected or likely to be affected due to polluting

activities or activities causing hindrance to normal civic life.

Depending upon location, size, and severity of pollution loads, projects/activities have been classified

in ECR, 1997 into four categories: Green, Orange-A, Orange-B and Red respectively, to Nil, Minor,

Medium and Severe impacts on Important Environmental Components (IECs).

2.1.5 National Conservation Strategy, 1992

The national Conservation Strategy, 1992 provides recommendations for the sustainable development

of the industrial sector. The key aspects of the strategy are as follows:

All industries shall be subject to an EIA and the adoption of pollution prevention/control

technologies shall be enforced;

Hazardous or toxic materials/wastes shall not be imported as raw materials for industry;

Import of appropriate and environmentally sound technology shall be ensured; and

Dependence on imported technology and machinery should gradually be reduced in favour of

sustainable local skills and resources.

2.1.6 The EIA Guidelines for Industry, 1997


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The EIA Guidelines is a handbook for procedures for preparing the IEE/EIA and for reviewing them

for the benefit of the development partners, IEE/EIA consultants, reviewers, and academicians. While

preparing these guidelines, the present environmental status as well as the need for rapid economic

development of Bangladesh has been kept in view. These considerations have essentially resulted in

simpler procedures to be followed for preparing the IEE/EIA and their review.

2.1.7 Relevant others National Polices

Table 2-1 presents an outline of the other national legal instruments that will have relevance to

development project with respect to the social and environment considerations. The IEE will be

prepared in compliance with these national policies.

Table 2-1: National Legal Instruments

Act/ Rule/ Law/

Ordinance

Responsible

Agency-

Ministry/Authority

Key Features-Potential Applicability

Environment Court Act,

2000 and subsequent

amendments

Ministry of

Environment and

Forest

GOB has given highest priority to

environment pollution and passed

‘Environment Court Act, 2000 for completing environment-related legal

proceedings effectively

The National Water Policy,

1999

Ministry of Water

Resources

Protection, restoration, and enhancement

of water resources;

Protection of water quality, including

strengthening regulations concerning

agrochemicals and industrial effluent;

Sanitation and potable water;

Fish and fisheries; and

Participation of local communities in all

water sector development.

The Brick Burning (Control)

Act, 1989

The Brick Burning (Control)

Amendment Act, 1992 and

2001

Ministry of

Environment and

Forest

Control of brick burning;

Requires a license from the MoEF for

operation;

Restricts brick burning with fuelwood;

Water Supply and

Sanitation Act, 1996

Ministry of Local

Government, Rural

Development and

Cooperatives

Management and Control of water supply

and sanitation in urban areas.

The Ground Water

Management Ordinance

1985

Upazila Parishad Management of groundwater resources;

Tube well shall not be installed in any

place without the license granted by

Upazila Parishad.

The Protection and

Conservation of Fish Act

1950 subsequent

amendments in 1982

Ministry of Fisheries

and Livestock

Protection and Conservation of fishes in

Government owned water bodies

National Fisheries Policy, Ministry of Fisheries Preservation, management, and


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Act/ Rule/ Law/

Ordinance

Responsible

Agency-

Ministry/Authority

Key Features-Potential Applicability

1998

and Livestock

exploitation of fisheries resources in

inland open water;

Fish cultivation and management in

inland closed water;

Prawn and fish cultivation in coastal

areas; and

Preservation, management, and

exploitation of sea fishery resources.

The Acquisition and

Requisition of Immovable

Property Ordinance 1982

and subsequent

amendments in 1994, 1995

and 2004

Ministry of Land

Current GoB Act and Guidelines, relating

to acquisition and requisition of land.

The Factories Act, 1965

Bangladesh Labour Law,

2006

Ministry of Labor This Act pertains to the occupational

rights and safety of factory workers and

the provision of a comfortable work

environment and reasonable working

conditions.

National Agriculture

Policy,1999

Ministry of Agriculture The act deals with the programs related

to making the nation self-sufficient in

food through increasing production of all

crops, including cereals, and ensure a

dependable food security system for all.

2.2 Environmental Clearance

2.2.1 Requirement of the DoE, Bangladesh

The Department of Environment (DoE), the technical arm of the Ministry of Environment and Forest

(MoEF) is the regulatory body and the enforcement agency of all environmental related activities. The

project falls under category “ORANGE-B” (Item 21: Processing fish, meat, food), so an Initial

Environmental Examination (IEE) study needs to be undertaken for obtaining environmental

clearance. As per ECR, 1997, for obtaining the environmental clearance from DoE for different

category projects required to follow some specified steps. The steps for obtaining Environmental

Clearance Certificate (ECC) is given in Figure 2-1.


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Figure 2-1: Process of getting ECC at DoE for different categorised project

Source: DoE

2.2.2 Environmental and Social Requirements of the ADB

The ADB Safeguard Policy Statement (‘the SPS’) 2009 sets out the requirements for ADB's operations

to undertake an environmental assessment for projects funded by the bank. The goal of the SPS is to

promote the sustainability of project outcomes through protecting the environment and people from

potential adverse impacts. The overall objectives of the SPS are to:

i) Avoid adverse impacts of projects on the environment and affected people, where possible;

ii) Minimise, mitigate, and/or compensate for adverse project impacts on the environment and

affected people when avoidance is impossible; and


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iii) Help borrowers/clients strengthen their safeguard systems and develop the capacity to

manage environmental and social risks.

The SPS sets out the ADB policy objectives, scope and triggers and principles for following three key

safeguard areas:

i) Environmental Safeguards;

ii) Involuntary Resettlement Safeguards along with those vis-à-vis Land Acquisition; and

iii) Indigenous Peoples Safeguards.

2.2.2.1 ADB Safeguard Categories

1. Environment

Proposed projects are screened according to type, location, scale and sensitivity and the magnitude of

their potential environmental impacts, including direct, indirect, induced and cumulative impacts.

Projects are classified into the following four categories:

Category A: A proposed project is likely to have significant adverse environmental impacts that are

irreversible, diverse or unprecedented. These impacts may affect an area larger than the sites or

facilities subject to physical works. An EIA including an EMP is required.

Category B: The proposed project’s potential adverse environmental impacts are site-specific, few if

any of them are irreversible, and in most cases, mitigation measures can be designed more readily

than for category “A” projects. An IEE including an EMP is required.

Category C: A proposed project is likely to have minimal or no adverse environmental impacts. An

EIA or IEE is not required, although environmental implications need to be reviewed.

Category FI: A proposed project involves the investment of ADB funds to or through a financial

intermediary. The financial intermediary must apply and maintain an environmental and social

management system unless all of the financial intermediary's business activities have minimal or no

environmental impacts or risks.

2. Involuntary Resettlement

The involuntary resettlement impacts of an ADB-supported project are considered significant if 200 or

more persons will be physically displaced from home or lose 10% or more of their productive or

income-generating assets. Projects are classified into the following four categories:

Category A: A proposed project is likely to have significant involuntary resettlement impacts. A

resettlement plan, which includes assessment of social impacts, is required.

Category B: A proposed project includes involuntary resettlement impacts that are not deemed

significant. A resettlement plan, which includes assessment of social impacts, is required.

Category C: A proposed project has no involuntary resettlement impacts. No further action is

required.



management system unless all of the financial intermediary's business activities are unlikely to

generate involuntary impacts.

3. Indigenous Peoples

The impacts of an ADB-supported project on indigenous peoples is determined by assessing

the magnitude of impact in terms of

customary rights of use and access to land and natural resources;

socio-economic status;

cultural and communal integrity;


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health, education, livelihood and social security status; and

the recognition of indigenous knowledge; and

The level of vulnerability of the affected Indigenous Peoples community.

Projects are classified into the following four categories:

Category A: A proposed project is likely to have significant impacts on indigenous peoples. An

indigenous peoples plan (IPP), including assessment of social impacts, is required.

Category B: A proposed project is likely to have limited impacts on indigenous peoples. An IPP,

including assessment of social impacts, is required.

Category C: A proposed project is not expected to have impacts on indigenous peoples. No further

action is required.



management system unless all of the financial intermediary's business activities unlikely to have

impacts on indigenous peoples.

2.3 Applicable EHS Standards

The proposed project shall have to comply with Bangladesh environmental laws and WB group

guidelines with special attention to comply with the Environmental conservation rule, 1997 of GOB.

Therefore, the environment standards as stipulated in ECR, 1997 and IFC EHS guidelines (Food and

Beverage Manufacturing) for air quality, water quality (surface and ground), ambient noise level,

emissions and effluent discharge will be applicable.

2.4 Applicable Environmental Standards

The relevant environmental standards (national and international) applicable to the proposed project

are given below:

Table 2-2: Ambient Air Quality Standards/Guidelines

Parameter

Bangladesh** WHO***

24 hourly

(µg/m3) Annual (µg/m3)

24 hourly

(µg/m3) Annual (µg/m3)

SPM 200 - - -

PM2.5 65 15 25 10

PM10 150 50 50 20

SO2 365 80 20 -

NOx - 100 - 40

CO* 10,000 - 10,000 -

*Co concentration and standards are 8 hourly only.

** Environmental Conservation Rules, 1997 (amended on 19th July 2005)

***WHO Ambient Air Quality Guideline Values (2005 and 2000), which are also being referred in the WB and

IFC’s General EHS Guidelines (2007)

Table 2-3: Effluent Standard level

Pollutants Units

Guideline Value

IFC Standard* DoE standard for (Inland

Surface Water)**

pH - 6 – 9 6 – 9


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Pollutants Units

Guideline Value

IFC Standard* DoE standard for (Inland

Surface Water)**

Total suspended solids (TSS) mg/l 50 150

Oil and grease mg/l 10 10

Total residual chlorine mg/l 0.2 -

Chromium (total) mg/l 0.5 0.5

Copper mg/l 0.5 0.5

Iron mg/l 1.0 2.0

Zinc mg/l 1.0 0.5

Lead mg/l 0.5 0.1

Cadmium mg/l 0.1 0.5

Mercury mg/l 0.005 0.1

Arsenic mg/l 0.5 0.2

BOD5 mg/l 50 50

COD mg/l 250 200

Total nitrogen mg/l 10 100

Total phosphorus mg/l 2 -

Total coliform bacteria MPNa / 100

ml 400 -

Notes: (a) MPN = Most Probable Number; (b) At the edge of a scientifically established mixing zone which takes into account ambient water Inland Surface Water means drains/ponds/tanks/waterbodies/ditches, canals, rivers, springs and estuaries. * The IFC EHS guidelines for Food and Beverage Processing industry, 2007. ** Schedule 10 of the Environmental Conservation Rules, 1997

Table 2-4: Standards for Sewage Discharge

Parameter Unit Standard limit (Bangladesh)*

BOD mg/l 40

Nitrate mg/l 250

Phosphate mg/l 35

Suspended Solid mg/l 100

Temperature °C 30

Coliform No./100 ml 1000

* Schedule 9 of the Environmental Conservation Rules, 1997

Table 2-5: Standards/guidelines for Noise Level

Category of area Standard limit (Bangladesh)* IFC-WHO***

Day (dBA) Night (dBA) Day (dBA) Night (dBA)

Silent Zone 45 35 55 45

Residential Area 55 45 55 45

Mixed Area 60 50 - -


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Category of area Standard limit (Bangladesh)* IFC-WHO***

Day (dBA) Night (dBA) Day (dBA) Night (dBA)

Commercial Area 70 60 70 70

Industrial Area 75 70 70 70

* Schedule 4 of the Environmental Conservation Rules, 1997 amended September 7, 2006. ** Guidelines for Community Noise, World Health Organization (WHO), 1999 *** As per IFC EHS noise level guidelines

Table 2-6: Waste generation in potato processing

Solid waste produced per ton of product Unit Industrial Benchmark*

Potatoes Kg 40

* The IEC EHS guidelines for Food and Beverage Processing industry, 2007.


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CHAPTER THREE: DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

3. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

3.1 Type of Project

The proposed project will develop a new real potato chips, pasta and flakes production plant/factory

inside of the Habiganj Industrial Park (HIP) with infrastructure facilities and other environmental

management facilities in order to maintain the factory sites in a sustainable and hygienic manner.

These facilities will include the following:

Common amenities like internal roads, tree plantation areas etc.;

Ambient air quality monitoring;

Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP);

Storm water drainage system;

Water supply;

Sewerage connecting toilets and waste water;

Solid waste management;

Liquid waste management;

Electricity supply;

Gas supply;

Health and Safety measures.

3.2 Category of the project

According to ADB guidelines, the Sylvan Agricultural Limited (SAL) project (PRAN real potato chips,

pasta and flakes) can be categorised as environment category “B”. According to the DoE guideline,

the proposed project fall under “Orange-B” category, so an IEE study needs to be undertaken for

obtaining the environmental clearance. However, IEE for the proposed project has been prepared

according to the ADB and GoB guidelines. As per ECR 1997, following steps to be followed for

obtaining Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC).

Figure 3-1: Environmental Clearance Procedure for the Orange-B Category project

Source: DoE


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3.3 Key features of the project site and surroundings

The salient features of the proposed project are is described in Table 3-1.

Table 3-1: Salient features of the site and surroundings

1. Geographical Details Latitude: 24°16 28.60 N; Longitude: 91°23 3.94 E

2. Land use 100% area under Habiganj Industrial Park (HIP)

3. Minimum Distances From Project Site

a) City:

b) Village:

c) Railway Station:

d) Railway Line:

e) Highway:

f) River:

g) Khal:

h) International Airport:

I) River Port:

J) Market/Bazar:

k) Sensitive Receptor (School,

Mosque, Graveyard):

l) Ecologically Sensitive Receptor:

Dhaka @ 120 km, Habiganj @ 12 km; Sylhet @ 85 km

Shailjura @ 460m North-West and Surabahi @ 480m West

Sutang @ 2.22 km; Sylhet @ 83 km

Dhaka-Sylhet @ 400 m from the project location

Dhaka-Sylhet @ 60 m, from the HIP entrance

Sutang @ 2 km

Inside of the HIP and connected with Sutang River

Osmani International Airport, Sylhet @ 91 km

Ashuganj @ 47 km

Olipur Bazar @ 300 m

PRAN-RFL Public School @ 740 m west side, Darbar Sharif

Jame Mosque @ 680 m SE, Darbar Sharif Jame Graveyard

@ 690 m SE, Mozaher High School @ 920 m SW, Shailjura

Jame Mosque @ 650 m NW

Rubber forest @ 720 m east side

4. Displacement of Population None (project will be established inside of the HIP)

5. Seismic/Earthquake Zone: As per the Bangladesh Earthquake Zone the project is

situated in Zone-I (Basic seismic coefficient is 0.08 g)

Source: EQMS field survey and GIS database

3.4 Access Road

The proposed project site is well connected by the Dhaka-Sylhet Highway, known as N2 (Shaistaganj,

N204). This road is also a part of AH1 and AH2 in the Asian Highway network. The Dhaka-Sylhet

railway line is very close to the proposed project site. It’s around 400 m far from the proposed project

location. Nearest Railway station is Sutang railway station and it is about 2 km away from the

proposed project site. The distance from the HIP to Dhaka is approximately 120 km and Sylhet is 91

km. The access road is suitable for transportation of equipment and material for setting up the

industry. Inside of the Habiganj Industrial Park (HIP) internal road network developed in a planned

way and a wonderful traffic system is exist there. It is mandatory to collect NOC from Roads and

Highways Department (RHD) and Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) to access the

government road.


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Figure 3-2: Proposed project site (highlighted in green color) inside of the HIP

Source: PRAN

3.5 Description about the proposed project

3.5.1 Product Description

Detailed product description of the PRAN real potato chips is given below in Table 3-2. The other

products are the potato flakes and pasta that will be produced in the same project.

Table 3-2: Product Description

1 Process Name Frying process

2 Product Name Real Potato Chips

3 Ingredients

Real Potato & Seasoning (Red Chilli, Turmeric, Black pepper, Cinnamon,

Cumin Seed, Citric Acid, common salt)

4 Important product

Characteristics

Crispy and spicy in nature

5 Labeling instruction

Name and address of manufacturer, Logo (BSTI, Keep Your

Country Clean & Non-Veg) Allergen Information, Nutrition

Facts, MFG & Expire Date, MRP (Including All Of Taxes).

6 Primary Packaging Foil Pack (Pet +PE+ MPET+LDPE)


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7 Secondary

packaging

HDPE Bag

8 Shelf life 05 months from Date of Production at ambient Temperature

9 Storage condition At ambient Temperature

10 Distribution Method Through PRAN distribution mechanism as a multiple packaging of 22 gm

11 Who will consume General People

12 Sensitive Customer Yes; Immune-compromised

13 Intended Use Ready for consumption

14 Applicable legal

regulation

BSTI, BDS No - 1556

Source: PRAN

3.6 Resource Requirement

3.6.1 Land

The proposed project will be established inside of the HIP and is owned by the PRAN group under the

Sylvan Agriculture Limited (SAL). There is the available land of PRAN group inside of the HIP, that’s why for establishing the proposed real potato chips, pasta and flakes production plant land acquisition

or requisition will not be required from the surrounding community. For the establishment of the

proposed project approximately 20,585 sq. meter area will be required. According to PRAN, they have

purchased 18 decimal land in 21/09/2014 and 82 decimal land in 27/04/2014 from the local

community. HIP authority also regularly conduct meeting with the surrounding local people and there

is no outstanding grievance.

During the selection of the project site and land acquisition, it was considered to avoide the following

ECA’s: Human Settlements, Forest Sanctuaries, National Parks, Game Reserves, Mangroves, Forest Areas, Wetlands, Wildlife Habitats, Archaeological Sites, Ancient Monument Sites, Biodiversity Areas

and Similar Other Areas.

3.6.2 Material Requirement

Different types of construction materials will be required during the construction period of the

buildings and their approximate quantity is given in Table 3-3.

Table 3-3: Construction materials requirement

SL# Materials Unit Total Quantity

1 Cement Bags 71160

2 Stone Cubic feet 244800

3 Sand Cubic feet 149700

4 Bricks Nos. 510000

5 Rebar Ton 1326

Source: PRAN

3.6.3 Water Requirement

During the construction phase of the proposed project, an amount of 25,000 L/day water will be

required. The source of the water will be the deep tube well water.

Freshwater requirement during the operation phase is estimated about 5.3 m³/h. Major water will be

required for the washing of raw potato and other uses. It is estimated that about 5 m³/h water will

be used for the raw potatoes washing. The fresh water supply for the proposed project will be met


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through tubewell/bore well available within the HIP. The breakup of the water requirement for the

operation phase is given in Table 3-4 and the water balance for the proposed project is given in

Figure 3-3.

Table 3-4: Water requirement for the proposed project

SL# Particulars Amount m³/h Source

1 Drinking 0.2 Borewell

2 Toilet and washing 0.1 Borewell

3 Potato washing and other 5 Borewell

Total 5.3

Source: PRAN

Figure 3-3: Water Balance for the proposed project

Source: PRAN

3.6.4 Manpower Requirement

For the completion of the construction work in time following manpower will be engaged for the

proposed project in different stages of the construction work:

Primary stage: 70-80 persons/day;

Casting stage: 150-160 persons/day;

Finishing stage: 60-70 persons/day;

Engineer: 01 and supervisor: 01.

The workforce is one of the main resource requirements to operate and maintain the project in a

better and efficient way. After the setup of the proposed project, the company has planned to employ

about 193 persons in various departments.


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3.6.5 Power Requirement

Power requirement (electricity) for the proposed project is 3000KW-4000KW or unit per shift including

packing and utility section. The power will be collected from grid under the rural electrification board

(REB).

3.6.6 Gas Requirement

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) will be used in the frying section as the fuel for the production of the

chips. LPG requirement for the proposed plant is approximately 120-125 kg/hr max.

3.6.7 Raw Materials/Ingredients Requirement

The following materials/ingredients will be used in the proposed project. List of raw

materials/ingredients required for the manufacturing of real potato chips is given in Table 3-5. Potato

is the main raw material for the real potato chips and flakes production process. About 2500 kg/hour

raw potato will be used for the production of real potato chips.

Table 3-5: List of raw material/ ingredients for the real chips project

SL# Name of the ingredient Unit Quantity

1 Raw potato Kg/Hour 2500

2 Palm Oil Kg/Hour 1000

3 Seasoning Kg/Hour 25

4 Packaging materials (Foil) Kg/Hour 164

Source: PRAN

3.7 Manufacturing Process

3.7.1 Production Capacity

The production capacity of the proposed PRAN real potato chips project will be about 500 kg/hour.

Pasta and potato flakes production capacity of the proposed project will be respectively 5 mt/day and

10 mt/day.

3.7.2 Process flow chart for real potato chips

The PRAN real potato chips will be produced from the raw potato by processing in different steps in

the production plant. The process flow chart of the PRAN real potato chips production is given in

Figure 3-4.

At the primary stage, Sylvan Agriculture Limited (SAL) will be collected raw potato by contract

farming for the proposed PRAN potato chips project and store the raw potatoes in rented cold storage

and transport to the factory by their own and rented vehicles. The stored temperature will be ranging

from 5°C to 18°C. Then the potatoes will be loaded into a vertical helical screw conveyor, which

allows stones to fall to the bottom and pushes the potatoes up to a conveyer belt to the automatic

peeling machine. After peeling, the potatoes will be wash, inspect and eyes and defects remove

before slicing. To prevent discoloration, it will be kept in water temperature ranges between

50~70°C. After slicing, water will be removed by a dryer and the slices cooked in oil in temperatures

ranges 160~200°C. After cooking, excess oil will be removed and send to the conveyor for quality

checking. After that, various ingredients will be mixed and send to the packaging location. Agri-waste

is an organic waste produced from the potato processing, will be sent to the vermin compost and to

organic fertilizer plant.


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Figure 3-4: Process flow chart for real potato chips

Source: PRAN

3.7.3 Process flow chart for potato flakes

The propped project will be produced potao flakes from the raw potato. The process flow chart of the

potato flakes production is given in Figure 3-5.

Figure 3-5: Process flow chart for real potato flakes

Source: PRAN


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3.7.4 List of Machineries

Different types of instruments and machineries will be required to setup the real potato chips, pasta

and flakes plant. All the machineries will be brand new and imported from the India, China and

Japan. Others machineries will be supplied from the local market. The list of machineries required for

the proposed project is given in Table 3-6.

Table 3-6: List of machineries for proposed project

SL. Machine Name Origin

1 Elevator

India

2 Grader

3 Destoner

4 Peeler

5 Feed elevator

6 CC feeder

7 Slice washer

8 Slice washer shaker

9 Blancher

10 Shaker

11 Fryer

12 Flavour applicator and drum

13 Heat exchanger

14 Cold store

China 15 AHU

16 Exhaust fan

17 Nitrogen Generator

18 Packaging machine Japan

19 Lift

China

20 CT

21 Chiller

22 Vehicle

23 Pasta making machine

24 Flakes Dehydrating machine

25 Flakes screening machine

Source: PRAN

3.7.5 Water Treatment Plant (WTP)

The treated water stream is subject to chlorination with the water from the bore well. The raw water

will be processed as per the requirement for different uses. The water used for the manufacturing

process involves treatment of water to a series of filtration steps (4 nos.), involving iron remover,

multi grade filter, an active carbon, which, in turn, further subjected to softening and reverse

osmosis. The layout of different types of filtration is given in Figure 3-6. After collecting the

groundwater from the borewell/tubewell, water will be treated by the following six steps:


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Water Treatment Plant (WTP) procedure:

Step-1: Raw water collection from Deep tube well.

Step-2: Chlorine dosing (2 ppm) in the raw water tank for germ-free.

Step-3: Iron remover filter using for iron remove.

Step-4: Also again Multigrade filter using for iron remove.

Step-5: Activated carbon filter using for chlorine remove at the standard level.

Step-6: Softener filter using for water hardness remove.

Figure 3-6: Layout of the silicon sand filter, activate carbon and softener

Source: PRAN

3.8 Pollution sources, treatment and disposal

Different pollution sources have been identified for the real potato chips, pasta and flakes project.

These are discussed in the following section:

3.8.1 Solid waste

Possible solid waste generation sources in the proposed project are: potato and mud, stone, defected

chips, fines, peels, starch etc. It is expected that an amount of 500 kg/hour solid waste will be

generated from the proposed potato chips, pasta and flakes project. All the solid waste will be used

to prepare organic compost and sold to the third party.

3.8.2 Wastewater

During the operation stage of the potato chips, pasta and flakes production plant, major wastewater

will be generated from the process of raw potatoes and washing. Approximate amount of wastewater


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discharge will be 5.2 m3/hour. All the wastewater will be sent to the Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP)

under Sylvan Agriculture Limited (SAL) of PRAN for further treatment.

3.8.3 Hazardous Waste

The proposed real potato chips, pasta and flakes plant will use palm oil for the potato chips frying.

Major hazardous wastes from the proposed project are the fried palm oil and foil. There is about 500

kg/week burning palm oil will be produced from the proposed plant. The plant authority will send the

burning oil to the scrap section for sale to the third party.

It is expecting that about 2.5 kg/hour foil waste will be produced from the proposed plant. All of this

waste will be collected properly and send to scrap/admin for further safe disposal.

3.8.4 Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP)

PRAN group is one of the pioneer group of companies in Bangladesh. PRAN group also propose to set

up a real potato chips plant in the HIP in Nurpur union of Habiganj Sadar Upazila under Habiganj

District, Bangladesh. They have already installed an Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) under the SAL

project. Existing ETP capacity is 1800 KLD, discharge treated waste meeting DoE, Bangladesh

standards and follows the international standards for treated water quality.

3.8.4.1 Design wastewater quantity and quality

PRAN have determined the quantity and quality of wastewater from the potato chips unit to be as

follows:

Raw Wastewater:

Quantity : 1800 KLD

Quality :

pH : 5-6

BOD : 4500 mg/L

COD : 6000 mg/L

TSS : 2000 mg/L

F,O&G : 30 mg/L

Treated Wastewater:

Treated wastewater from the ETP shall meet the following quality standards, which will render the

water fit for disposal into the river nearby.

pH : 6.5 – 8.0

BOD : < 50 mg/L

COD : < 200 mg/L

TSS : < 100 mg/L

FO&G : < 10 mg/L


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Figure 3-7: Process flow diagram of ETP

Source: PRAN

3.8.4.2 Treatment Methodology

The broad treatment methodology, outlining the treatment stages and treatment units is given below:

A. Preliminary Treatment

1. Screening

2. Collection tank

3. Raw effluent Lift pumps

B. Primary Treatment

4. Primary Clarifier

5. Primary solids thickener with optional polymer addition

C. Secondary Biological Treatment

6. Equalisation, Neutralisation & Feed tank for Digestor

7. Digestor Feed pumps

8. High rate Anaerobic Digestor with recycle provision

9. Intermediate Clarifier

10. Single stage Extended Aeration Activated Sludge process with Aeration

11. Secondary Clarifier

12. Sludge Recirculation


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D. Sludge Handling

13. Sludge handling for Primary Sludge and Biological sludge: D-Canter centrifuge with sludge

conditioning

E. Miscellaneous Anciliaries, Accessories

14. Neutralising chemicals

15. Air Blowers

16. Nutrients for biological stage

17. Polymer for sludge thickening and dewatering

Figure 3-8: Layout plan for the ETP

Source: PRAN


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Table 3-7: List of chemicals required for the ETP

SI No. Name of Chemical Unit Consumption

Day Month

1 Lime powder kg 3000 90000

2 Alum kg 360 10800

3 Urea kg 250 7500

4 DAP kg 125 3750

5 Polymer kg 10 300

6 Antifoam kg 2 60

Source: PRAN

3.8.5 Organisation structure for the proposed project

A graphical representation of the organisational structure for the proposed project under SAL is

provided in Figure 3-9.

Figure 3-9: Organisational structure

Source: PRAN


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CHAPTER FOUR: DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

4. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

4.1 General

This section describes the existing environmental and social baseline status of proposed real potato

chips, pasta and flakes project study area under SAL. The analysis was completed through the use of

a combination of secondary data sources in addition to extensive on-ground reconnaissance and

baseline studies to establish an understanding of the environmental and socio-economic baseline of

the project area. Relevant data for this chapter were collected from:

Secondary Sources: Data from literature reviews, maps and monitoring reports;

Primary Sources: This included gathering information from field surveys, laboratory

analysis and public consultations in the project study area.

The baseline condition of environmental quality in the locality of project site serves as the basis for

identification, prediction and evaluation of impacts. The baseline is the current environmental

condition of the HIP, that is, with other industries inside the park. The baseline environmental quality

is assessed through field studies within the impact zone for various components of the environment,

viz. air, noise, water, land, soil and socio-economic etc.

Data was collected from secondary sources for the macro-environmental setting like Climate

(temperature, rainfall and humidity), Geology, Topography, Land use, Soil, Hydrology and Drainage,

Natural Hazards etc. First-hand information has been collected to record the micro-environmental

features within and adjacent to the proposed project area. Collection of primary information includes

extrapolating environmental features on proposed project design, location and measurement of socio-

cultural features adjoining proposed project area. Ambient air, noise, soil and water quality samples

were collected in terms of environmental quality to prepare a baseline database. The consultation

was another source of information to explain local environmental conditions, impacts and suggestions

etc.

The following section describes the baseline environment into five broad categories:

- Physical Environment: Physiography, Geology, Topology, Land use/cover, Soils, Hydrology

& Drainage, and Meteorology;

- Biological Environment: factors related to life such as habitats, aquatic life, fisheries,

terrestrial habitats and flora and fauna;

- Environmental Quality: Air, Water (Surface & Ground), Soil and Noise Quality;

- Socioeconomic Environment: anthropological factors like demography, education,

settlement and housing, traffic and transport, economy and employment etc. and

- Vulnerability and Risk for the project: Climate Change, Floods, Earthquake, Cyclone and

storm surges, Tornadoes, Riverbank Erosion and Drought.

The proposed project site is located inside of the HIP in the Nurpur Union under Habiganj Sadar

Upazila of Habiganj District, Bangladesh. It is about 120 km far from the capital city Dhaka.


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Table 4-1: Important Features of the Project site and surroundings

Sl. Area/ Village name Direction Distance

(Km)

GPS

Location

Features/

Remarks

1 Olipur Bazar Adjacent 0.3 24°16'10.95"N

91°23'1.26"E SBE

2 Rubber Forest South- East 0.72 24°16'6.96"N

91°23'9.96"E EHS

3 Darbar Sharif Jame Mosque South-East 0.68 24°16'11.12"N

91°23'16.11"E EHS

4 Darbar Sharif Jame Graveyard South-East 0.69 24°16'11.21"N

91°23'16.87"E EHS

5 Sutang Bazar East 1.93 24°16'44.52"N

91°24'9.95"E SBE

6 Sutang Bazar Mosque East 1.95 24°16'45.14"N

91°24'11.68"E EHS

7 Pran-RFL Public School West 0.74 24°16'30.9"N

91°22'39.1"E EHS

8 Mozaher High School South- West 0.92 24°16'17.20"N

91°22'33.70"E EHS

9 Shailjura Jame Mosque North-West 0.65 24°16'42.90"N

91°22'46.10"E EHS

10 Sachiura Eidgah North-West 1.14 24°16'47.07"N

91°22'27.99"E EHS

11 Sachiura Graveyard North-West 1.09 24°16'45.92"N

91°22'29.58"E EHS

12 Sachiura Jame Mosque West 1.38 24°16'20.40"N

91°22'16.10"E EHS

13 Sachiura Graveyard West 1.36 24°16'19.4"N

91°22'16.3"E EHS

14 Ulohor Jame Mosque West 2.56 24°16'27.9"N

91°21'32.6"E EHS

15 Sahi Eidgah Ulohor West 2.64 24°16'28.10"N

91°21'30.00"E EHS

16 Udayan KG High School West 2.97 24°16'26.6"N

91°21'18.1"E EHS

17 Saleh Jongi Mazar South-East 1.82 24°16'03.3"N

91°24'01.6"E EHS

18 Bishaura Jame Mosque West 2.19 24°16'27.2"N

91°21'46.1"E EHS

19 Pura sundha Primary School South-East 1.84 24°16'00.9"N

91°24'03.0"E EHS

20 Mokam Mazar Sharif East 1.67 24°16'36.1"N

91°24'02.8"E EHS

21 Shahazi Bazar Madrasha East 1.10 24°16'25.5"N

91°23'42.5"E EHS

22 Suraboi Jame Mosque East 1.09 24°16'23.9"N EHS


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Sl. Area/ Village name Direction Distance

(Km)

GPS

Location

Features/ Remarks

91°23'41.8"E

23 Durga Temple South-East 4.84 24°14'25.3"N

91°24'48.7"E EHS

24 Puraikhola Bazar West 3.12 24°16'48.23"N

91°21'14.79"E SBE, EHS

25 Jalalabad Mosque North 1.57 24°17'14.79"N

91°23'28.70"E EHS

26 Rabondubi Shahi Eidgah North 1.84 24°17'28.85"N

91°23'17.48"E EHS

27 Shahjibazar Power Plant South 2.56 24°15'11.90"N

91°22'32.97"E EHS

28 Shahjibazar South 3.86 24°14'29.03"N

91°22'25.50"E SBE, EHS

29 Shahji Bazar Railway Station South 2.40 24°15'11.74"N

91°22'54.72"E EHS, SBE

30 Shahji bazaar Gas Field South 4.55 24°14'3.43"N

91°22'31.29"E EHS

31 Nurpur Union Parishad West 2.13 24°16'29.50"N

91°21'48.14"E EHS

32 Keshabpur Bazar South-West 3.15 24°15'56.65"N

91°21'18.02"E EHS, SBE

33 Sankarpara Shahi Mosque North-West 3.97 24°18'8.39"N

91°21'32.14"E EHS

34 Uchail Bazar North-West 4.18 24°18'23.04"N

91°21'43.94"E SBE, EHS

35 Bongurhat Shahi Eidgah North 3.10 24°18'10.15"N

91°23'11.10"E EHS

36 Sadur Bazar North 3.36 24°18'18.82"N

91°23'14.14"E SBE, EHS

37 Industry (Square Denims Ltd.) South 1.42 24°15'45.81"N

91°22'44.71"E EHS

38 Lalchand Tea Garden South-East 4.67 24°14'25.25"N

91°24'38.53"E EHS

Source: EQMS Field Survey and Google Earth

Note: All directions are in reference to the CEE site

SBE- Small Business Enterprise, EHS- Environmental Hotspots (mosque, madrasa, school, college etc.)


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Figure 4-1: Site and surroundings of the proposed project area

4.2 Physical Environment

This section describes the major features of the physical environment of the project site. Information

was gathered on the existing physical environment related to physiography, geology, topography,

land use/cover, soil, hydrology and drainage, meteorology, surface water and groundwater quality,

air quality, soil quality and noise quality.

4.2.1 Physiography

The project site is located on the complex physiographic unit (Northern and Eastern Piedmont Plain).

Actually, it occurs in a number of separate areas at the foot of the northern and eastern hills and

including a variety of different landscapes. The physiographic map of Bangladesh indicating the

proposed project area is given in Figure 4-2. Three main kinds of the landscape can be recognised

and are described below:

- Piedmont Plains: sloping gently outward from the foothills. The deposits comprise stratified

sands and silts. Piedmont soils are slightly to strongly acid in reaction. This Piedmont plains

are locally irregular in relief, especially where the sediments are sandy. They mainly stand

above normal flood level.

- Piedmont Basin: occupying the outer parts of the Piedmont plains described above. They

occur extensively in the north. They are occupied mainly by heavy clays, some of them very

strongly acid in reaction. All the basins are subject to temporary deeper flooding during the

flash flood which pours into the area following heavy rainfall in the adjoining hills.

- River Floodplains: adjoining rivers such as the Manu, Dhalat and Khowai before they join

the Surma-Kushiyara floodplain. The landscape mainly comprises broad, smooth, floodplain

ridges with shallow basins. Silty soils predominated but there are silty clays in basins. Normal

flooding is mainly shallow on the ridges and moderately deep in basin centers, but deeper

flooding occurs over the whole landscape for a few day when flash floods occur.


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Figure 4-2: Physiography map of Bangladesh

4.2.2 Geology

The Sylhet Trough comprising a sub-basin of the Bengal Basin lies in the north-east flank of

Bangladesh. It is bounded on the west by the Indian platform, north by the Indian Shillong plateau,

east and south-east by the Chittagong-Tripura fold belt of the Indo-Burman Ranges, and south and

south-west by the main part of the Bengal Basin. The basin gradually deepens toward the center and

undergoes active subsidence. Deposition of the Sylhet Trough sediments has been in a large, mud-

rich delta system that had drained the eastern Himalayas. The geological map of Bangladesh

indicating project area is given in Figure 4-3.


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Figure 4-3: Geological Map of Bangladesh

4.2.3 Topography

The overall topography of the Habiganj Sadar Upazila is undulated. However, the Olipur site area is

almost flat. The land in this Upazila is usually low and flash flood free. The ground elevation of the

project site is 10 mPWD (Graphosman, 1996). A digital elevation map of the terrain surface of 5 km

project study area is shown with the height range in Figure 4-4.


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Figure 4-4: Digital Elevation Map of the study area

4.2.4 Land Use/Cover

Land use/cover inventories are an essential component of land resource evaluation and

environmental studies due to the changing nature of land use patterns in the study area. The land

use study for the proposed project and its 2 km buffer was considered. To establish the existing

baseline scenario using a GIS database for incorporation of thematic information on the different

physical features including waterbodies, settlement, transportation network, industrial areas, business

center and administrative boundaries etc.


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From the evaluation of the existing environmental status, it revealed that the land use/cover consists

mainly of agricultural land, homestead settlement and vegetation, water bodies, hilly area, railway

line, highways and industry is presented in Figure 4-5.

Figure 4-5: Land use/cover map of the proposed study area

Predominant land use in the study area covers agriculture (54.27%), Homestead settlement and

vegetation (22.43%), Hilly area (15.57%) and Industrial area (5.36%). Due to the establishment of

the proposed project, there is a chance of increase built-up or industrial area. However, no major

change in the existing land use will be found because the proposed project is going to establish inside

of the HIP boundary. Breakdown of the land use/cover of the proposed project area is given in Table

4-2.

Table 4-2: Land use/cover of the project study area

Types of Land use/cover Area (in acre) % of the area

Agricultural Land 2585.64 54.27

Homestead settlement and vegetation 1068.53 22.43

Hilly area 741.72 15.57

Industrial area 255.27 5.36

Water bodies 88.17 1.85

Highway road 12.93 0.27

Railway line 11.93 0.25

Total 4764 100

Source: EQMS field survey and Google earth image


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4.2.5 Soil

The soil of the Olipur site is the Calcareous Dark Grey Floodplain soils and occurs extensively on the

Ganges floodplain and locally on the soils that comprise cambic Bhorizon and lime in part or

throughout the solum and with a dark grey topsoil and/or upper subsoil. The topsoil is occupied by

non-calcareous loamy soils and some parts are clayey.

- Peat: occurs extensively in the Gopalganj-Khulna Beels and locally in some haors of the

Sylhet Basin. The soils contain organic matter at the surface or buried under a mineral soil

layer below at a depth of up to 40 cm. The organic material that forms the Histic horizon

varies from dark brown, fibrous peat to semi-liquid black muck. They have been included as

Histosols.

- Hill soils (Brown Hill soils): occupy gentle to very steep slopes of northern and eastern

hills. These soils have been developed over consolidated or unconsolidated rocks, which are

imperfect to excessively drained. In most of the cases, they have Cambic or Argillic B-horizon.

But some of them are very shallow soils overlying rock or iron pan at less than 25 cm depth.

Generally, the subsoils are yellow to strong brown, friable, porous, sandy loam to sandy or

silty clay loam, very strongly to extremely acidic. In shallow soils there are rock fragments or

soft-bedded structure. The majority of these soils are Dystric Cambisols and Haplic and Ferric

Alisols.

- Grey Piedmont Soils: occur extensively on the northern and eastern Piedmont Plains and

locally on the Chittagong coastal plain. They have been formed in the out-wash alluvium at

the foot of hills, having a cambic B-horizon which has a grey matrix and is medium or very

strongly acid in reaction. They are mainly included in Dystric or Eutric Gleysols. The

categories of soil in the project area is shown in Figure 4-6.


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Figure 4-6: General Soil Categories of Bangladesh

4.2.6 Hydrology and Drainage

The hydrological regime of the proposed project area is governed by the Sutang River and a Khal

flowing through inside the HIP, which is connected with the Sutang River. The Sutang River is a

border river. It originates in the hilly area of India and enters into Bangladesh through the Amu Tea

Estates at Chunarughat Upazila of Habiganj and flows through Chunarughat, Habiganj Sadar, Lakhai

Upazila. It falls into Kalni River at Lakhai Upazila. The length of the river is about 82 km, average

width is 36 meters (lowest 21 m and highest 62 m). It has a river basin area of 400 sq. km. It is a


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seasonal river, during January to April no water flow found in the river. During rainy season river

becomes full of water, overspill its bank and inundate the surrounding area. The depth and flow are

gradually reducing day by days. Analysis of the collected available data from BWDB, it was found that

lowest WL was in March (2.95 mPWD) and highest WL was in September (6.86 mPWD). The WL in

the Sutang River at Sutang railway station is shown in following Figure 4-7.

Figure 4-7: Water level at Sutang Railway Bridge

Source: Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB)


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Figure 4-8: Hydrology and Drainage of the Study area

4.2.7 Meteorology

4.2.7.1 Climate

Bangladesh is located in the tropical monsoon region and its climate is characterised by high

temperature, heavy rainfall, often excessive humidity and fairly marked seasonal variations. From the

climatic point of view, three distinct seasons can be recognised in Bangladesh - the cool dry season

from November through February, the pre-monsoon hot season from March through May and the

rainy monsoon season which lasts from June through September. January is the coolest and April the

warmest month. Most places receive more than 1,525 mm of rain a year, and areas near the hills

receive 5,080 mm. Most rains occur during the monsoon (June-September) and little in winter

(November-February). Moderate rains are also reported in the months of March, April and October.


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Climatic sub-regions of Bangladesh are presented in Figure 4-9 and as per that, the Habiganj District

falls in South Central region. To assess the climatic conditions of the project area, climatology data

has been obtained from Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). Long-term average climatic

data collected at the nearby Srimangal weather station (2010 to 2016) reflect the monsoonal effects

on climate in this region:

Mean monthly maximum temperature (37.10C)

Mean monthly minimum temperature (5.460C)

Mean annual relative humidity 80%

Annual rainfall (2104.7 mm).

Figure 4-9: Climatic Sub-region of Bangladesh


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4.2.7.2 Temperature

The monthly average maximum and minimum temperatures recorded at the Srimangal weather

station are presented below in Table 4-3 and Table 4-4 respectively. The highest average

temperature reached 38.6°C in April 2014. The lowest average temperature recorded in the past 10

years was in January 2013 (4°C). Throughout the year the highest temperatures are generally in

March through October, and the lowest temperatures are from December to February Figure 4-10.

Table 4-3: Average Monthly Maximum Temperature (ºC), Srimangal

Year Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2010 31.0 32.2 37.7 36.7 35.5 35 35.5 35.9 34.5 35.6 33.1 29.8

2011 28.0 32.0 33.6 36.0 35.1 35.5 35.6 36.0 36.6 35.0 32.6 31.0

2012 29.0 33.0 36.9 37.0 36.0 35.2 35.0 35.5 36.5 33.7 32.4 28.5

2013 29.0 33.0 35.5 37.2 34.6 36.5 35.6 35.5 35.6 36.0 32.2 31.9

2014 30.5 30.2 36.8 38.6 36.0 36.4 36.6 35.0 34.6 35.0 34.5 30.2

2015 31.2 32.2 35.5 35.0 36.0 36.2 35.5 35.4 37.2 36.0 32.4 29.4

2016 27.4 33.3 34.1 36.0 36.4 35.8 35.7 37.2 35.2 35.5 35.0 30.6

Average 29.4 32.3 35.7 36.6 35.7 35.8 35.6 35.8 35.7 35.3 33.2 30.2

Source: Bangladesh Meteorological Department

Table 4-4: Average Monthly Minimum Temperature (ºC), Srimangal


2010 5.0 5.7 12.0 18.4 20.9 21.5 24.4 24.0 22.8 18.0 12.6 8.4

2011 5.5 8.0 9.4 16.3 19.7 22.6 24.4 23.7 24.0 18.2 12.2 7.7

2012 5.4 5.9 11.5 16.4 19.4 21 24.5 24.1 24.1 16.0 11.2 6.6

2013 4.0 8.8 11.5 16.6 18.7 23.3 24.3 23.9 23.1 17.3 10.3 6.5

2014 7.4 7.6 8.5 17.2 19.8 22 24.5 24.4 22.4 16.8 11.0 8.5

2015 6.4 5.5 9.8 18.1 19.8 22.7 23.6 23.9 21.0 18.0 13.1 6.0

2016 6.4 7.8 14.0 18.4 19.0 22.9 23.7 22.8 23.9 18.7 12.8 10.2

Average 5.7 7.0 11.0 17.3 19.6 22.3 24.2 23.8 23.0 17.6 11.9 7.7



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Figure 4-10: Monthly average Max. & Min. Temperatures (2010-2016), Srimangal


4.2.7.3 Humidity

Due to heavy rainfall, the humidity levels in Bangladesh remains high. Relative humidity in the Project

AOI is generally above 80% from May to January. The month of March is the driest with relative

humidity around 76%. Relative humidity normally varies in the range of 76-83% throughout the year.

The monthly variation of normal humidity in Srimangal has been presented in Table 4-5 and Figure

4-11.

Table 4-5: Average Monthly Relative Humidity (%), Srimangal Weather Station


2010 83.8 69.3 64.3 74.9 81.3 86.4 84.8 86.1 88.2 85.6 82.5 81.7

2011 84.6 81.0 81.0 75.9 77.2 78.1 79.2 80.0 80.3 80.6 80.5 84.5

2012 80.8 79.8 79.1 78.9 78.9 79.2 79.5 79.6 79.8 80.1 80.2 80.5

2013 80.5 80.2 79.8 79.6 79.7 79.8 80.0 80.1 80.3 80.4 80.4 80.6

2014 80.6 80.5 80.3 80.1 80.8 80.2 80.3 80.6 80.5 84.3 81.6 85.3

2015 81.5 76.5 71.2 79.4 83.1 83.9 86.0 86.6 85.2 85.3 83.0 84.5

2016 83.8 78.4 77.6 78.4 83.4 84.5 84.8 83.4 86.8 85.9 84.7 83.5

Average 82.2 77.9 76.2 78.2 80.7 81.7 82.1 82.3 83.0 83.2 81.8 82.9



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Figure 4-11: Average Monthly Humidity (2010-2016), Srimangal Weather Station


4.2.7.4 Rainfall

The monthly and yearly rainfall recorded at the Srimangal weather station is shown in Table 4-6 and

Figure 4-12. The record shows that total monthly rainfall is highest from April through to October.

The highest annual rainfall (2,405.2 mm) recorded within the last 7 years was in the year of 2016,

while the lowest annual rainfall (1,811mm) was recorded in 2012.

Table 4-6: Total Monthly and Annual Rainfall (mm), Srimangal

Year Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual

2010 0 0 48 228 534 432 213 311 214 203 1 53 2237

2011 5.8 7.2 59.1 78.2 600.2 409.3 375.6 313.8 100 71.5 0 0 2020.7

2012 3.8 1 16.8 298.6 254.3 498.3 128.2 351.9 140.9 96 21.2 0 1811

2013 0 9 31.1 99.6 671.6 292.2 288.2 415.1 250.6 147 5.2 5.2 2214.8

2014 0 13 49 95 393.6 456.4 313 379.8 467.1 73.4 0 0 2240.3

2015 4.6 48.6 36.7 344.2 434.6 231.1 610.1 384.8 170.3 103.6 0 10.4 2379

2016 2 130.4 95.5 185.4 503.5 350.8 180 322.1 184.5 222.7 228.3 0 2405.2

Average 2.3 29.9 48.0 189.9 484.5 381.4 301.2 354.1 218.2 131.0 36.5 9.8 2186.9



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Figure 4-12: Average Monthly Rainfall (2010-2016), Srimangal


4.3 Environmental Quality

4.3.1 Air Quality

4.3.1.1 Methodology of Air Quality Monitoring

The existing ambient air quality of the study area was monitored at four (4) locations during the

monitoring period (February 2017). The monitoring parameters included Particulate Matter (SPM,

PM2.5, and PM10), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) and Carbon Monoxide (CO). All the

parameters except SPM and CO were monitored on 24-hourly basis twice a week during the duration

of the study. SPM and CO were monitored as 8-hourly average.

Selection of Sampling Locations

The baseline status of ambient air quality has been established through a scientifically designed

ambient air quality monitoring network. The ambient air quality monitoring locations were based on

the following aspects covered in field survey plan developed prior to the fieldwork:

Meteorological conditions of the area based on information of BMD observatory at Srimangal;

Topography of the study area; and

Location of sensitive receptors such as settlement area.

The EQMS study team monitored the ambient air quality and the impact on ambient air quality is

cumulative inside the HIP. The particulate and gaseous samples collected during the monitoring have

been analysed as per the procedures specified in Table 4-7. The geographical locations and setting of

the ambient air quality monitoring locations have been presented in Table 4-8 and map is shown in

Figure 4-13.

Table 4-7: Methodology for Analysis of Ambient Air Quality

Sl. No. Parameter Analysis Procedure

1. SPM Gravimetric method

2. PM10 Gravimetric method

3. PM2.5 Gravimetric method

4. SO2 Colorimetric method at 560 nm using spectrophotometer (West-Gaeke


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Sl. No. Parameter Analysis Procedure

method)

5. NOx Colorimetric method at 540 nm using spectrophotometer (Jacob and

Hochheiser method)

6. CO Digital CO meter

Table 4-8: Ambient Air Quality Sampling Locations

Sl.

No. Sampling Location Code

Geographical

Location Type of Source

Distance

from the

project

site (m)

1. In front of the proposed project location

AQ1 24°16'29.60"N 91°23'04.00"E

Industrial area 0

2. In front of Saha Alam House

AQ2 24°16'45.70"N 91°22'52.10"E

Residential area 625

3. In front of Hazi Vila AQ3 24°16'11.90"N 91°23'19.30"E


4. In front of Roman Monjil AQ4 24°16'37.60"N 91°21'48.50"E


Source: Field Survey by EQMS, February 2017

Figure 4-13: Air Quality Monitoring Locations

4.3.1.2 Ambient Air Quality in the Study Area

The monitored ambient air quality is summarised in Table 4-9.


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Table 4-9: Ambient Air Quality in the Study Area

Location Date of

sampling Observed

Concentration in µg/m3

PM2.5 PM10 SPM* SO2 NOx CO*

AAQ1 03/02/2016

Maximum 25.36 57.27 139.8 8.6 28.3 967

Minimum 18.75 47.03 128.6 5.43 25.02 860

Average 21.88 52.19 133.87 6.85 26.68 910

AAQ2 04/02/2016

Maximum 15.65 39.87 116.4 5.7 23.95 635

Minimum 11.3 36.13 111.4 4.77 21.18 590

Average 12.99 37.72 113.58 5.19 22.49 615

AAQ3 05/02/2016

Maximum 19.92 34.6 108.5 11.4 23.87 577

Minimum 15.3 29.26 98.11 7.1 18.36 513

Average 17.49 31.59 103.17 8.87 20.79 537

AAQ4 06/02/2016

Maximum 15.4 27.6 101.2 8.7 19.87 544

Minimum 12.28 22.13 89.57 3.19 15.26 517

Average 13.87 24.74 94.31 5.61 17.43 528

Duration (hr) 24 24 8 24 24 8

Standards

Bangladesh**

24 hourly 65 150 200 365 -- 10,000

Annual 15 50 -- 80 100 --

WHO*** 24 hourly 25 50 -- 20 -- 10,000

Annual 10 20 -- -- 40 --

Source: Air quality monitoring and analysis done by EQMS, February 2017

Note:

* SPM and CO concentration and standards are 8-hourly only

** The Bangladesh National Ambient Air Quality Standards have been taken from the Environmental

Conservation Rules, 1997 which was amended on 19th July, 2005 vide S.R.O. NO. 220-Law/2005.

*** WHO Ambient Air Quality Guideline Values (2005 and 2000), which are also being referred in the World Bank

and IFC’s General EHS Guidelines (2007).

Analysis and Discussion of results:

PM2.5: The average PM2.5 concentration in ambient air was recorded in the range of 12.99 - 21.88

µg/m3. During the monitoring period, the maximum PM2.5 concentration was reported at AAQ1 as

25.36 µg/m3. Higher PM2.5 concentrations at this location are primarily due to the traffic movement

and Industrial activity. The PM2.5 level at all the locations was found to be within the Bangladesh

National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

PM10: The average PM10 concentration in ambient air was recorded in the range of 24.74 - 52.19

µg/m3. During the monitoring period, the maximum PM10 concentration was reported at AAQ1 as

57.27 µg/m3. Higher PM10 concentrations at this location are primarily due to the traffic movement

and Industrial activity. The PM10 level at all the locations was found to be within the Bangladesh

National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

SPM: The average SPM concentration in ambient air was recorded in the range of 94.31- 133.87

µg/m3. During the monitoring period, the maximum SPM concentration was reported at AAQ1 as

139.8 µg/m3. Higher SPM concentrations at this location are primarily due to the traffic movement

and Industrial activity. SPM level at all the locations was found to be within the Bangladesh National

Ambient Air Quality Standards.


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SO2: The average SO2 concentration in ambient air was recorded in the range of 5.19 - 8.87 µg/m3.

SO2 concentrations at all the monitoring locations were reported well below 365 µg/m3, which is the

24-hourly National Ambient Air Quality Standards for in Bangladesh as well as the WHO guideline

value of 20 µg/m3.

NOx: The average NOx concentration in ambient air was recorded in the range of 17.43 - 26.68

µg/m3. There are no stipulated standards for 24-hourly NOx concentration in Bangladesh and also

there is no WHO guideline value for the same. The annual Bangladesh and WHO guideline value for

NOx 100 µg/m3 and 40 µg/m3. Present 24-hourly average concentrations at all the locations are

below these values.

CO: The average CO concentration in ambient air was recorded in the range of 528 – 910 µg/m3.

Average concentrations of CO are reported low at all the monitoring locations while comparing with

the Bangladesh standards as well as WHO guideline value 10,000 µg/m3.

4.3.2 Ambient Noise Levels

Noise levels were recorded at six (6) locations in the study area during the baseline survey period.

The EQMS study team monitored the ambient noise level and the impact on ambient noise is

cumulative inside the HIP. Noise levels were recorded in the form of sound pressure levels with the

help of a digital sound level meter. The details of noise monitoring locations are given in Table 4-10

and map is shown in Figure 4-14. The purpose of ambient noise level measurement was to determine

sound intensity at the monitoring locations. These locations are chosen in such a way that a

representative data could be recorded all over the project site. The sound level is recorded in form of

A-weighted equivalent continuous sound pressure level values with the use of A-weighting filters in

the noise measuring instrument. The Noise level of the project site and surrounding study area is

shown in Table 4-11.

Table 4-10: Details of Ambient Noise Monitoring Locations

Sl. Code Location Geographic

location

Location

setting

Distance

from the

project site (m)

1. NL1 Besides the proposed project site 24°16'29.9"N

91°23'05.2"E Industrial 50

2. NL2 In front of Mohun Mia House 24°16'12.9"N 91°23'08.2"E

Residential 500

3. NL3 In front of Shailjura Jame Mosque 24°16'42.9"N 91°22'46.1"E

Silent 675

4. NL4 In front of Jalal Mia House 24°16'19.3"N 91°22'26.3"E

Residential 1100

5. NL5 Inside of the Industry 24°16'17.2"N 91°22'50.1"E

Industrial 530

6. NL6 In front of Pran RFL Public School 24°16'30.9"N 91°22'39.1"E

Silent 714



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Figure 4-14: Noise Level Monitoring Locations

Table 4-11: Noise Level Parameter in and around the Proposed Site

Sl.

Location Sampling Date

Noise Level

dB (A) Location Setting*

Bangladesh Standard dB

(A)**

WHO standard dB

(A)***

Leqday Leqnight Day Night Day Nigh

t

1. Beside the proposed project site

03/02/2016 63.6 59.2 Industrial 75 70 70 70

2. In front of Mohun Mia House

04/02/2016 51.7 42.1 Residential 55 45 55 45

3. In front of Shailjura Jame Mosque

05/02/2016 47.5 38.5 Silent 50 40 55 45

4. In front of Jalal Mia House

06/02/2016 50.6 41.4 Residential 55 45 55 45

5. Inside of the Industry

07/02/2016

59.5 54.2 Industrial 75 70 70 70

6. In front of Pran RFL Public School

08/02/2016 49.3 37.6 Silent 50 40 55 45


*Location setting (according to ECR 1997 and subsequent amendment in 2006)

**Environmental Conservation Rules, 1997 (Schedule 4) (subsequent amendment in 2006)

*** IFC EHS Guideline

The project area falls into industrial zone according to Bangladesh Environmental Quality Standard

ECR’97 categorization. All noise levels were within the standard limit of ECR’97.


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4.3.3 Water Quality

Water sampling and analysis were undertaken to understand the overall baseline water quality

characteristics of the surface and groundwater in the Project area. The surface water sampling was

based on the identification of the major surface water body in the project surrounding area (pond).

Groundwater sample was collected from HIP dormitory Building (Motor Pump). The nearest Sutang

River is about 2 kilometers (eastside) and Khal is about 180 meter (westside) far from the proposed

project site. Details of the sampling locations are provided in Table 4-12 and map is shown in Figure

4-15.

Table 4-12: Details of Surface and Ground Water Sampling Locations

Sl. Sampling location Sampling

Code Geographic

location Type of Source

Distance from

the project site (m)

1. Pond near the Project area SW1 24°16'13.7"N 91°22'50.8"E

Pond 580

2. Drinking water from HIP

Dormitory GW1

24°16'13.54"N 91°22'47.76"E

Motor Pump 644

Figure 4-15: Water Quality (Surface and Ground) Sampling Locations

The samples were analysed for parameters covering physicochemical and bacteriological

characteristics as mentioned in the scope of work. Water samples were collected as grab water

samples in pre-washed plastic jerry cans and sterilised clean PET bottles for complete

physicochemical and bacteriological tests respectively.

The samples were analysed as per standard procedure/method given in Standard Method for

Examination of Water and Wastewater Edition 20, published by the American Public Health

Association (APHA). Details of the analysis method and protocol are presented in Table 4-13.


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Table 4-13: Method for Water Analysis

Sl. Parameter Method Protocol

1. Temperature Digital Thermometer -

2. pH pH meter APHA., 4500 H+ B

3. Dissolved Oxygen Digital DO Meter -

4. Total Dissolved Solids Digital TDS meter -

5. EC Digital EC meter -

6. Oil and Grease Partition Gravimetric method APHA., 2520 B

7. COD Open reflux method APHA., 5210 B

8. BOD BOD 5 day APHA., 5210 B

9. Fecal Coliform Faecal coliforms Procedure APHA 9221 E

10. Iron as Fe AAS APHA 3113 B

11. Total Hardness (mg/l) EDTA Titrimetric APHA 2340-Hardness(C)

12. Chloride (Cl) (mg/l) Argentometric APHA 4500(B)

13. Arsenic (As) (mg/l) Silver diethyldithiocarbamate APHA 3500(B)

14. Cadmium (Cd)(mg/l) AAS APHA-3500-Cd (B)

15. Lead (Pb) (mg/l) AAS APHA 3500 - Pb (B)

The quality of surface water was compared with the standards for Inland Surface Water, Environment

Conservation Rules (ECR) and Schedule 3(A), 1997. Few additional parameters were also analysed,

apart from those given in Schedule-3(A), for determining the water quality of the pond near the

project area. The groundwater was compared with the Drinking Water Standard E.C.R.-Schedule-

3(B), 1997. The standards have been presented along with the monitoring results of surface and

groundwater for comparison.

4.3.3.1 Surface Water Quality

The surface water Quality was compared with the Bangladesh ECR standard for best practice based

classification criteria Table 4-14 shows the analysis results.

Table 4-14: Surface Water Quality Analysis

Lo

ca

tio

n

Da

te o

f

sa

mp

lin

g

Parameter Unit SW1

Bangladesh Standard*

A B C D E F

Pond n

ear

the P

roje

ct a

rea

05/0

2/2

017

Temperature °C 25.6 -- -- -- -- -- --

COD mg/l 2 -- -- -- -- -- --

BOD5 mg/l 1.8 2 or

less

3 or

less

3 or

less

6 of

less

10 or

less

10 or

less

DO mg/l 6.7 6 or

above

5 of

more

6 or

more

5 or mo

re

5 or

more

5 or

more

EC µS/cm 125 -- -- -- -- -- --

pH -- 6.8 6.5-8.5 6.5-8.5 6.5-8.5 6.5-8.5 6.5-8.5 6.5-8.5

TDS mg/l 250 1000 -- -- -- -- --

Pb mg/l <0.005 0.05 -- -- -- -- --

Cd mg/l <0.001 0.005 -- -- -- --


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Lo

ca

tio

n

Da

te o

f

sa

mp

lin

g

Parameter Unit SW1

Bangladesh Standard*

A B C D E F

CI mg/l 268 150-

600

-- -- -- -- --

FC MPN/

100ml

Present 0 -- -- -- -- --

Oil and grease mg/l 1.6 0.01 -- -- -- -- --

Source: Laboratory Analysis, EQMS laboratory, Date of analysis: 6th February– 12th February

* Bangladesh Environment Conservation Rules, 1997- Schedule 3 (Standards for inland surface water)

Note: A= Source of Drinking water for supply only after disinfecting; B= Water usable for recreational Activity;

C= Source of drinking water for supply after conventional treatment; D= Water usable by Fisheries; E= Water

usable by various process and cooling industries; F= Water usable for irrigation.

pH: Result for pH in surface water falls within the permissible limits of 6.5-8.5.

Dissolved Oxygen (DO): The DO of sample station is 6.7 mg/l that meets the criteria of inland

surface water quality standard of Bangladesh.

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD): The BOD levels range between is 1.8 mg/l that meets the

criteria of inland surface water quality standard of Bangladesh.

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): The TDS contain the sample is 250 mg/l, which is below the

Bangladesh Standard (ECR’97) 1000 mg/l.

Coliform: Faecal Coliform is present in the sample.

4.3.3.2 Groundwater Quality

The results of one groundwater sample were collected from the Motor Pump at the HIP Dormitory

Building is shown in Table 4-15.

Table 4-15: Groundwater Quality Analysis

Location Date of

Sampling Parameter Unit Concentration

GW1

Bangladesh

Standard

(ECR’97)

Drinking

water from

HIP

Dormitory

05/02/2017 Temperature °C 25.2 -

pH - 6.73 6.5-8.5

TDS mg/l 220 1000

Chloride (Cl) mg/l 256 150-600

Cadmium

(Cd) mg/l <0.001 0.005

Arsenic (As) mg/l <0.01 0.05

Iron (Fe) mg/l 0.7 0.3-1.0

Fecal Coliform n/100L Nil Nil

Total Coliform n/100L Nil Nil

Source: Laboratory Analysis, EQMS laboratory, Analysis date: 6th -12th February 2017

The key parameters in groundwater are discussed below, compared with the Bangladesh ECR

Standards for drinking water.

pH: The pH of the sample of is 6.73, which is well within the standard range of 6.5 to 8.5.


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Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): The TDS contain the sample is 220 mg/l, which is below the

Bangladesh Standard (ECR, 1997) 1000 mg/l.

Chloride: The chloride content in the sample is 256 mg/l is within the permissible standards of 150-

600 mg/l.

Cadmium: The cadmium content of the groundwater sample is <0.001.

Arsenic: The Arsenic content of the sample is <0.01 mg/l which is below the BB Standard (ECR’97).

Coliform: Faecal and Total Coliform are not present in the sample.

4.3.4 Soil Quality

Soil quality is a measure of the condition of soil relative to the requirements of one or more biotic

species and or to any human need or purpose. According to the United States Department of

Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, "Soil quality is the capacity of a specific kind of

soil to function, within natural or managed ecosystem boundaries, to sustain plant and animal

productivity, maintain or enhance water and air quality, and support human health and habitation."

The European Commission's Joint Research Centre proposed a definition, stating that "Soil quality is

an account of the soil's ability to provide ecosystem and social services through its capacities to

perform its functions under changing conditions. Soil quality reflects how well a soil performs the

functions of maintaining biodiversity and productivity, partitioning water and solute flow, filtering and

buffering, nutrient cycling and providing support for plants and other structures. Soil management

has a major impact on soil quality.

One sample was collected from the proposed project site. The detail of the sampling location is given

in in Table 4-16.

Table 4-16: Location of soil sample

SL. Sample

type Sample

Code Sampling Location

Geographical Location

Land use

Distance from the

project site (m)

1 Soil SQ1 Near the proposed

project site 24°16'29.99"N 91°23'5.74"E

Industrial area/ Barren

land 65

Analysis and Discussion of results:

The analysis result of physio-chemical parameters of the soil sample is presented in Table 4-17.

Table 4-17: Soil Quality Results

Date of Sampling Parameter Unit Concentration

SQ1

5/2/2017 pH - 5.77

EC dS/m 1.26

Copper (Cu) mg/kg 3.2

Manganese (Mn) mg/kg 6.1

Zinc (Zn) mg/kg 0.61

Lead (Pb) mg/kg 3.89

Iron (I) mg/kg 67.3

Arsenic (As) mg/kg 0.12

Source: Laboratory Analysis, Department of Soil, Water and Environment, Analysis date: 8th-16th February 2017


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Figure 4-16: Soil Sampling Location

pH of Soil: The pH of the Soil sample is 5.77, which is moderately acidic in nature as per the Table

4-17.

Table 4-18: Standard Soil Classification

pH Classification

<4.5 Extremely acidic

4.51-5 Very strong acidic

5.01-5.5 Strongly acidic

5.51-6 Moderately acidic

6.1-6.5 Slightly acidic

6.51-7.3 Neutral

7.31-7.8 Slightly alkaline

7.81-8.5 Moderately alkaline

8.51-9.00 Strongly alkaline

>9 Very strongly alkaline

Source: http://www.esf.edu/pubprog/brochure/soilph/soilph.htm

4.4 Biological Environment

The biodiversity component of the study focused on a few groups of biological components. These

were: flora, birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals as well as the surrounding ecosystems. The

proposed project area is located inside of the HIP and no floral and faunal diversity is found inside of

the industrial park. Most of the field work has been done in the study area and addressed with these


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groups although each group had different approaches and requirements. A multidisciplinary team

related to ecology (terrestrial and aquatic) has been engaged in conduct the study.

4.4.1 Flora

Ecological surveys were undertaken in February 2017 in the project study area (HIP Area of “PRAN

real potato chips, Pasta and Flakes project”) using quadrate sampling method for different habitats.

Different quadrate sizes for a different type of vegetation were taken. Details are provided in Table

4-19.

Table 4-19: Sampling details of vegetation in the HIP Area

Vegetation types Area Quadrates GPS coordinates

Homestead Plantation

(10 Quadrates each of

size 15 m X 15m

Near Habiganj Industrial Park Area HPQ1 24°15 30 N

90°22 59.6 E

Near Habiganj Industrial Park Area

(Eastern part) HPQ2

24°16 42.6 N

90°22 41.4 E

Near rail line of Habiganj Industrial

Park Area HPQ3

24°16 47.3 N

91°22 24.24 E

North-west part of the Habiganj

Industrial Park Area HPQ4

24°17 09 N

91°22 41.6 E

North-Western part of the Habiganj

Industrial park area HPQ5

24°17 08.9 N

91°22 25.9 E



24°17 12.4 N

91°22 28.5 E

Western side of the Habiganj


24°16 19.4 N

91°22 21.3 E

South-Western part of the Habiganj


24°16 27.4 N

91°21 46.7 E

South-Western part of the Habiganj

Industrial park area. HPQ9

24°16 35.5 N

91°23 58.6 E

North-East part of the Habiganj

Industrial area HPQ10

24°16 15 N

91°23 29.9 E

Plantation forest hill

area (4 Quadrates each

of size 15m X 15m)

Eastern part of the Habiganj Industrial

Park Area (near road) PFQ1

24°15 17.2 N

90°22 57.9 E


Park Area(near rail line) PFQ2

24°15 20.8 N

90°23 00.5 E


Park Area (near rail line) PFQ3

24°15 25.3 N

91°23 00.0 E


Park Area (near rail line) PFQ4

24°15'39.9"N

91°23'10.1"E

Agricultural Land (3

Quadrates each of size

2 m X 2 m)

North-West side of Habiganj Industrial

Park Area ALQ1

24°16'35.91"N

91°22'22.09"E


Industrial park area ALQ2

24°16'58.37"N

91°22'48.81"E


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Vegetation types Area Quadrates GPS coordinates

Near Habiganj Industrial Park ALQ3 24°16'20.76"N

91°22'30.40"E

Fallow Land


size 2 m X 2 m)

North-Eastern part of Habiganj

Industrial Park FLQ1

24°16'5.23"N

91°22'26.52"E

North-East part of Habiganj

Industrial Park FLQ2

24°16'30.08"N

91°22'1.54"E

Northern part of Habiganj Industrial

Park FLQ3

24°17'1.71"N

91°21'56.28"E

Grass Land


size 1 m X 1 m)

Western side of the Habiganj

Industrial park area GLQ1

24°16'11.72"N

91°22'31.30"E

Near Habiganj Industrial Park Area

(Eastern part) GLQ2

24°16'54.71"N

91°22'54.47"E

Near Habiganj Industrial Park Area GLQ3 24°16'56.33"N

91°22'22.91"E

The Primary data collection of different components of the project study area was done using well

established and accepted ecological methods in different habitats. These methods are discussed in

each sub-section below. The field data collection mainly included on biodiversity assessment of

different life for of floral elements such as trees, shrubs, climbers, herbs and grass.

4.4.2 Fauna

During the fauna survey of the project impact zone mainly covers:

Birds;

Amphibians and Reptiles;

Mammals;

Butterflies, Dragonflies and Damselflies; and

Fisheries.

4.4.2.1 Birds

The basic methods have chosen based on setting up a single line at each site called a “transect”. The birds were identified either visually, by their calls or digitally recorded. This method involves

identifying all the birds it has been seen or heard while standing at a series of points along a transect

(Straight line through the site). Bird’s counts were conducted at the start of first light which is before

sunrise. This time was when birds vocalized most and is known as the “Dawn Chorus”. It is also time

of maximum bird movement as birds through the bush to begin feeding. A systematic search in the

project impact area (over a fixed area and/ or for a fixed time) such as the method specified here has

the added advantage of providing an index of the abundance of individuals and species. The reliability

of the abundance index can be reduced by either overestimates or underestimates of bird numbers.

To reduce overestimates, particularly when a member is observing, try to ensure that each individual

bird is recorded only once. Hence, ensure that a least one member of the team is watching at all

times. FGD with local people (including villagers, school teachers, Imam) helps to get information of

the local species available in the project area.

4.4.2.2 Amphibians and Reptiles

Amphibians and Reptiles assessed on an opportunistic basis by the team. For this inventory, it has

been used a combination of diurnal and nocturnal time-recorded visual encounter surveys ("general


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surveys"), road driving with capturing digital image from the spot. Interviews were held with local

people in the area to assess the presence of game species. FGD with local people (including villagers,

school teachers, Imam) helps to get information of the local species available in the project area.

4.4.2.3 Mammals

For mammal's inventory, it is generally huge challenging, time-consuming as well as costly. During

our inventory of this project area with the stipulated short time, it has been followed "Observational

methods" including imaging by a digital camera, identification of dung, tracks and others signs, night

walks. Sometimes indigenous knowledge (especially from hunters) is shared to prepare a preliminary

list of species and/or help with identification of signs. FGD with local people also consider during this

inventory of the project area.

4.4.2.4 Butterflies, Dragonflies and Damselflies

Butterflies had assessed during the walk-over surveys. Identification of butterflies was done by both

visual characteristics. During the identification of the survey, priority had given to record the species

presence through digital medium. Host plants and nectar also consider during this inventory to

document larva’s healthiness and presence. During the survey mainly cover ditches, bushes, ponds, homestead garden, cultivation fields etc. To facilitate this task adequately over a relatively short

period, sometimes the larger sites had subdivided into smaller count units to ensure the maximum

coverage by an individual or small group. All Photographs with each species had reconciled in order to

avoid duplications of species records.

Dragonflies and damselflies: these species are closely linked with water bodies. During the survey

of this arena, teams have tried to cover adjacent water area as much as possible. For identification of

species, visual inspection had implemented. Survey locations includes river and pond. Digital medium

has been used to identify and record the species presence with a graphical reconciliation in order to

avoid duplication.

4.4.2.5 Fisheries

It has been conducted FGD to the local people and secondary information for fish species in the 5 km

radius of the project area. FGD including villagers, school teachers, Imam helped the ecological team

to get information of the local species available in the project area.

4.4.3 Bio-ecological Zone

Twenty-five bio-ecological zones have been delineated within Bangladesh by the IUCN. Six

parameters were used to determine the areas including physiography, soil, rainfall and temperature,

floral distribution, faunal distribution and flood depth (IUCN 2002). The project site occurs in two bio-

ecological zones, one is bio-ecological zone 9b: Sylhet Hills, its covered inside of the industrial park

area and another one bio-ecological zone is 4e: Meghna Floodplain is situated within 5 km radius of

the project area. The map of the bio-ecological zones is given in following Figure 4-17.

4.4.3.1 Sylhet Hills zone

The six hill ranges peering through the south of the Sylhet district from the Indian State of Tripura

constitute this zone, which are, in a sense, a continuation of those which transverse the Chittagong

region in the southeast. These hilly tracts could be remnants of Pleistocene terraces. The small

hillocks in this zone are locally known as Tilla. The average range of these hillocks is 40-60 m while

the maximum height of the hills in this zone is about 168 m (Kashid, 1991).

The tropical evergreen forests are found in this zone, particularly in the valleys. The predominant

floral species in this type of forests are the Garjan (Dipti’rocarjms sppj), C'ivit (Swintonia floribunda),

Chapalish (Artocarpus chaplasha), Chundul (Tetraweles muiiflora), Telsur (Hoycu udorata) and

Narikeli (Pterygota alata). In the lower canopy, important species like the Pitraj (Ayhanamixis


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yohjstaclnja), Toon (Toona ciliata), Nageshwar (Mesua ferrea), Uriam (Mangif era sylvatica) and Jam

(Syzygium spp.) are found (Rashid, 1991).

Figure 4-17: Bio-ecological zones of Bangladesh

This zone is still relatively rich with faunal diversity. The prominent mammal species present here

include the Hoolock gibbon (Hylobates hoolock), Assamese macaque (Macaca assamettsis), Malayan

giant squirrel (Ratufa bicolor), Leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) and Pig-tailed macaque (Macaca

nemestrina). This region is still popular among bird watchers due to its rich bird diversity. The

common bird species found in this zone are the Kalij pheasant (Lophura leucomelanos), Oriental pied


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hombill (Anthracoceros albirostris), Black-backed forktail (Enicurus immaculatus), Chestnut-bellied

nuthatch (Sitta castanea) and Common green magpie (Cissa chinensis) (Rashid, 1991).

Floral diversity:

Trees: Ban chalta (Dillenia pentagyna), Garjan (Dipterocarpus turbiiiatus), Chapalish (Artocaipus

chaplasha), Kanak (Schinia wallicltii).

Shrubs: Bankunch (Micromelum minutum), Hastikanna (Leea macroplyla), Datranga (Melastoma

malabathricum), Kanchan (Bauhinia scandens).

Herbs: Shothi (Curcuma zeodaria), Staurogyne argentea, Ophiorrhiza villosa .

Climbers: Gila (Entada scandens), Jhum alu (Dioscorea pentaphylla), Palashia lata (Spatho1obus

listeri).

Orchids: Acampe premorsa, Dendrobium aphyllum.

Faunal diversity:

Mammals: Hoolock gibbon (Hylobates hoolock), Assamese macaque (Macaca assamensis), Eastern

mole (Talpa micrura), Malayan guuil squirrel (Ratufa bicolor), Leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis),

Barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak), Phayres leaf monkey (Trachypithecus phayrei), Sloth bear

(Melursus ursinus), Pig-tailed macaque (Macaca nemestrina).

Birds: Kalij pheasant (Laphura leucomelanos), Oriental pied hombill (Anthracoceros albirostris),

Black-backed forktail (Enicurus immaculatus), Chestnut-bellied nuthatch (Sitta castanea) and

Common green magpie (Cissa chinensis).

Reptiles: Reticulated python (Python reticulata), Assam rooted turtle (Kachuga sylhetensis), Green

rat snake (Coluber nigromarginatus), Large spotted cat snake (Boiga multomaculata), Mandalay kukri

snake (Oligodon theobaldi).

Amphibians: Leaf frog (Rana erythraea), Balloon frog (Uperodon globulosus), Boulengers frog (Rana

alticola), Ornate microhylid (Microhyla ornata).

4.4.3.2 Meghan Floodplain

A major part of the Meghna floodplain was created by the deposition of sediments brought in by the

old Brahmaputra River, before it changed its course to the west of the Madhupur sal tract some 200

years ago. The rest of the sediments were laid down principally by the Meghna River itself and by

some minor rivers draining down from the Tipperah hills. This floodplain occupies a low-lying

landscape of chars and many broad meandering channels. This zone is mostly affected by seasonal

flooding while river bank erosion is considered the major environmental hazard (Bra miner, 1996).

The luxuriant growth of palms is the dominant characteristics features of the vegetation types of the

zone. The Betel nut (Arcca catechu) is increasingly visible as the dominant tree species towards the

western section of this zone and grows almost in the form of forests along the Meghna above

Lakshmipur. It is invariably accompanied by the Mandar (Erythrina indica), a thorny tree species, that

serves to shade the young betel nuts. The Coconut (Cocos nucifcra) is also very commonly found in

the western part of this zone and on the chars. The Toddy palm (Borassus flabellifer) and Date palm

(Phoenix sylvestris) are also to be seen in most parts. The Mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni) and Teak

(Tectona grand is) planted at the roadsides have, on the other hand, matured well. This zone also

produces several varieties of cane, a good deal of bamboo and thatching grass (Khan, 1977).

It is evident from old accounts that a few hundred years ago, this zone had, like many other places in

Bangladesh, more forest cover than it has today; consequently, faunal diversity was also richer than it

is today. Webster (1911) mentioned that the different species of deer, tiger and buffalo, which were

well represented in the past, became scarce during the last few decades. Prominent mammalian


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species, which were found in this zone, are several species of bats, different species of monkeys,

pangolins, etc. Moreover, several species of raptorial birds were found in this zone which included:

the Red-headed vulture (Sarcogyps calvus), White-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis), Crested

serpent eagle (Spilornis cheela), Short-toed snake eagle (Circaetus gallicus), etc All these species are

now either extinct or threatened (Khan, 1977).

Floral diversity:

Planted trees: Kanthal (Artocarpus heterophyllus), Aam (Mangifera indica), Narikel (Cocos nucifera),

Supari (Areca catechu).

Trees near water: Debdaru (Polyalthh Jongifolia), Rendi koroi/Rain tree (Samanea saman),

Goraneem (Melia azaderach), Barun (Crataeva nurvala), Pitali (Trewia nudiflora).

Aquatic plants: Kachuripana (Tichhornia crassipes), Makhna (Euryale ferox), Shada shapla

(Nymphaea nouclali), Bara nukha (Monochoria hastata).

Faunal diversity:

Mammals: Thick-eared bat (Eptesicus pachyotis), Rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatto), Common tree

shrew (Tupaia glis), Small Indian civet (Viverricula indica).

Birds: Gray nightjar (caprimulgus indicus), River lapwing (Vanellus duvaucelii), Black-shouldered kite

(Elanus caeruleus), Cattle egret (Blibulcus ibis), Black kite (Milvus migrans).

Reptiles: Braluniny river turtle (Hardella thurjii), Dark-bellied marsh snake (Xenochrophis

cerasogaster), Slender worm snake (Typhlops porrectus).

Amphibians: Large tree frog (Rhacophorus maximus), Boidenger’s frog (Rana alticola), Red

microhylid (Microhyla rubra), Ornate microhylid (Microhyla ornata).

4.4.4 Biodiversity of Flora

Terrestrial Ecosystems

Surveys of quantitative plant ecology were conducted in five habitats to describe the vegetation

occurring within 5 km radius of the project because there are no mentionable flora species inside of

the project site. These are described below:

Homestead Plantation

Ten quadrates of homestead plantation (each of size 15 m x 15 m) were studied in this project. Out

of three quadrates studied a total of 31 species belonging 13 families were found as listed in Annex-

D, block wise checklists and the photographs have been given in Annex-D. Species of fruits and nuts

yielding plants were recorded in three quadrates. Some other common plant species area; Bamboo

spp, Areca catechu, Eucalyptus citriodora, Swietenia mahagoni, Musa sapientum, Gmelina arborea,

Samanea saman, Accacia auricaliforms, Phoenix sylvestris, Ziziphus mauritiana, Aphanomxis

polystachya, Hibiscus sp, Azadirachta indica,Bambusa spp,Adiantum obliquum,Artocarpus

heterophyllus, Polyalthia subcrosa, Tamarindus indica, Borasus flabellifer were recorded most

commonly occurring trees. Besides Cocos nucifera, Mangifera indica, Psidium guajava, Carica papaya,

Moringa oleifera, Citrus aurantifolia and Syzygium cumine were also found as common growing plants

in homestead area. Also, it has been done visual observation and secondary information for the

homestead species, consider 5 km radius surrounding of the project. The checklist has been provided

in Annex-D.

Agricultural Land

The project site is mainly in an industrial area, known as Habiganj Industrial park (HIP). There is no

floral and agricultural land inside of the HIP. However, surrounding of the project, there are

agricultural land and homestead area. Three agricultural quadrants have been taken of surrounding


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the project area in order to identification of the species. Three quadrates of agricultural land (each of

size 2 m x 2 m) were studied surrounding the project site. Out of three quadrates studied a total of

10 species belonging 8 families were founded. The checklist of agricultural species has been given in

Annex-D.

Oryza sativa, Capsicum frutescens Field Mustard are most common agricultural crops growing in the

project site. Some vegetables are like Abelmoscus esculantus, Cucurbita maxima etc. also found

around the project site.

Fallow Land

Three quadrates of fallow land (each of size 2 m x 2 m) were studied surrounding of the project in

order to identification and checklist of that area. Out of three quadrates studied a total of 18 species

belonging 14 families were found. Fallow lands were dominated by herb species of Colocasia

esculenta, Mimusa pudica, Solanum nigrum, Amaranthus spinosa, Nicotinia plumbaginifolia, Leucas

indica, Alerodendron viscosum, Physalis mnima, Vernonia cinerea, Cyperus rotundus, Solanum

xanthocarpum, Eurena lobata, Triumfetta rhomboidea, Xanthium indicum, Phyla nodiflora,

Heliotropium indicum, Amaranthus philoveroides. The checklist of fallow land species has been given

in Annex-D.

Grass Land

Three quadrates of grass land (each of size 1 m x 1 m) were studied in the project surrounding area.

Out of three quadrates studied a total of 12 species belonging to 5 families were found as listed of

Annex-D. Among them Cyperus rotundus, Cynodon doctylon, Amaranthus philoveroides,

Alternanthera sessilis, Alerodendron viscosum and Eurena lobata.

Aquatic area

The remarkable waterbodies of the project area is Sutang River and a Khal inside of the HIP and the

river is almost 2 km far from the proposed project site. A visual observation has been conducted for

aquatic vegetation identification. A total of 22 species belonging 13 families were found as listed in

Annex-D.

4.4.5 Biodiversity Index of flora

It has been taken 10 homestead blocks and 4 plantation blocks study to determine the biodiversity

index in the study area. During the survey, it has been estimated the Simpson index diversity,

Simpson reciprocal index, richness, abundance of the floral species (Table 4-20). Simpson's Diversity

Index is a measure of diversity. In ecology, it is often used to quantify the biodiversity of a habitat. It

takes into account the number of species present, as well as the abundance of each species.

Shannon Weiner Diversity: On the diversity scale, biologically realistic H’ values range from 0 (only one species present with no uncertainty as to what species each individual will be) to about 4.5

(high uncertainty as species are relatively evenly distributed). In theory, the H’ value can be much higher than 4.5, although most real world estimates of H’ range from 1.5 to 3.5. The highest H’ value was recorded for homestead forest in Plot 7(1.72), which possesses moderate diversity on the H’ scale in the project area and for plantation forest area highest was found plot 1(1.08) represent the

low diversity of plantation forest.

Simpson’s Index (D): Simpson’s Index (D) value of ranges between 0 and 1. With this index, 0 represents infinite diversity and 1, no diversity. That is, the bigger the value of D, the lower the

diversity. The highest Simpson’s diversity (0.83) was recorded at Plot 7 and plantation forest it has founded highest index in plot 1 (0.78).

Simpson’s Index of Diversity (1-D): The value of this index also ranges between 0 and 1, but

now, the greater the value, the greater the sample diversity. In this case, the index represents the

probability that two individuals randomly selected from a sample will belong to different species. The


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highest diversity (0.95) among the sampled plots was recorded at Plot 10 and highest diversity of

plantation forest was recorded in plot 2 (0.68).

Simpson's Reciprocal Index (1/D): The value of this index starts with 1 as the lowest possible

figure. The lowest Simpson’s reciprocal index represents the highest diversity index and higher reciprocal index represent the lower diversity index. The highest value of the reciprocal index was

recorded in plot 10 (20) and the index was 0.05 for homestead plantation and forest plantation was

recorded in plot 2(3.13) and index 0.32.

Species Richness: Plot 3 recorded the highest number of species, 10 and thus showed higher

species richness with respect to other sampled homestead plots. Plantation forest highest was plot 2

(5).

Total Abundance: Total abundance represents the highest number of individuals recorded per

sample which was recorded highest in Plot 10 (881) in the study area. For plantation forest plot 2

(137) was recorded.

Table 4-20: Biodiversity Index value of different Plots*

Paramet

er

Homestead forest Block (10) study Plantation forest block

(4) study

Plo

t# 1

Plo

t #

2

Plo

t# 3

Plo

t# 4

Plo

t# 5

Plo

t#6

Plo

t#7

Plo

t#8

Plo

t#9

Plo

t#1

0

Plo

t#1

Plo

t#2

Plo

t#3

Plo

t#4

Shannon-

Wiener

Diversity

Index(H)

0.75 1.63 0.91 0.25 0.43 1.36 1.72 1.02 0.55 0.08 1.08 0.51 0.92 0.23

Species

Richness (S) 7.0 8.0 10.0 7.0 7.0 7.0 8.0 7.0 9.0 5.0 4.0 5.0 4.0 2.0

Total

Abundance 133 43 457 387 339 133 75 68 224 881 29 137 49 32

Simpson’s Index (D)

D:

0.38

D:

0.79

D:

0.40

D:

0.13

D:

0.22

D:

0.70

D:

0.83

D:

0.52

D:

0.25

D:

0.05

D:

0.78

D:

0.32

D:

0.67

D:

0.34

Simpson’s Index of

Diversity

(1-D)

1-D:

0.62

1-D:

0.21

1-D:

0.60

1-D:

0.87

1-D:

0.78

1-D:

0.30

1-D:

0.17

1-D:

0.48

1-D:

0.75

1-D:

0.95

1-D:

0.22

1-D:

0.68

1-D:

0.33

1-D:

0.66

Simpson's

Reciprocal

Index

(1/D )

1/D:

2.63

1/D:

1.26

1/D:

2.50

1/D:

7.69

1/D:

4.54

1/D:

1.42

1/D:

1.20

1/D:

1.92

1/D:

4.0

1/D:

20

1/D:

1.28

1/D:

3.13

1/D:

1.49

1/D:

2.94

Source: EQMS field survey February 2017

* Plot is defined as a demarcated area of land and it considered as a unit for counted the number of species. For

the homestead plantation plot (15m X 15m size) has been considered (Table 4-19).

4.4.6 Biodiversity of Fauna

During the Fauna survey of the study area mainly covered:

Birds(Avifauna);

Amphibians;

Mammals;

Butterflies;


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Dragonflies and Damselflies; and

Fishes.

Birds (Avifauna)

Habitat Condition of the Study Area: The project area is very rich in bird’s diversity. During the survey tenure, a total of 37 species were found at the project area. Adjacent river, homestead

vegetation, different shrubs of this land has supported the wild birds feeding and roosting.

Species Diversity: A total of about 37 bird species were documented within the project area.

According to IUCN Red List 2015, all species are the least concern (LC). A detail about the terrestrial

and aquatic birds’ species checklist and photographs is given in Annex-D.

Amphibians, Reptiles

In the Project area, many important aquatic and terrestrial wildlife species have been found. During

field investigation, a total 7 species have been found in the Project area. According to the IUCN

status, among the identified species 4 are in least concern, 1 in near threaten and 1 in data deficient

category. A detail list of Amphibian- reptiles species and photographs is given in Annex-D.

Mammals

It has been recorded 11 Mammals species in the study area. Mammals that were found within the

study area are Small Asian Mongoose, Mongoose, Greater short nose fruit bat, Golden Jackal, Assam

Rabbit, Small Indian civet, Rhesus macaque, Irrawardy Squirrel, Little Indian field mouse, House

mouse, Roof Rat. it has been founded, Assam Rabit (caprolagus hispidu) -“Data deficient”, small Indian civet (Viverricula indica) - “Near Threaten”, Rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) -“Vulnerable” and rest of the mammals has been founded Least Concerned status according to the IUCN red list

status 2015. A detail species list of Mammals and photographs is given in Annex-D.

Dragonfly and Damselflies

During the survey, 06 dragonfly and damselflies species belonging 2 families have been found in the

study area. One family has been founded Coenagrionidae and rest of the five species family were

Libellulidae. A detail species list of Dragonfly and Damselflies and photographs is given in Annex-D.

According to observational assessment by the local expert, it has been found as “common” status in

Bangladesh.

Butterflies

Butterfly carries a symbol of climate condition. The survey area prevails a good number of butterflies.

A total of 13 species belongings to 5 families have been identified during the survey tenure whereas

Pieridae family has been founded maximum in 4 species. A detail list of Butterflies and photographs is

given in Annex-D. It has been founded Least Concerned (LC) status of all recorded species according

to the IUCN red list status 2015.

Fisheries

It has been conducted FGD with the local people and secondary information sources for fish species

survey in the 5 km radius of the study area. FGD including villagers, school teachers and Imam to get

information of the local species available in the study area. The total 75 fish species have been

identified with the discussion with the local people and available secondary information. According to

the IUCN red list 2015, it has been found that 10 species is in Near Threatened, 43 in the Least

Concerned, 3 in Critical, 9 in Endangered, 8 in Vulnerable and 2 in Data Deficient categories. The

checklist of the fisheries has been given in Annex-D.


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4.5 Socio-economic Environment

4.5.1 Population

4.5.1.1 Demography

In the 2 km study area, there are 21,683 households (HHs) including squatters with a total population

of 1,09,319 that will be impacted indirectly as along with positive (Job opportunities, Income

generation activities etc.) and negative (dust generation from transportation vehicles, road accident in

the approach road etc.) consequence by the implementation of the Project. There is no direct impact

due to the implementation of the proposed project because there is no land acquisition and

resettlement issue. The average sex ratio is 95.75 and the average household size is 5.03. Table 4-21

shows the demography of the project area.

Table 4-21: Demography of the project area

District Upazila Union Total

population

Total

HHs

Average

HH size

Sex

Ratio

Literacy

(%)

Habiganj

Habiganj

Sadar

Raziura 22745 4545 5.0 94 41.3

Nurpur 28619 5692 5.0 95 50.6

Madhabpur Bagasura 28044 5442 5.1 97 33.6

Chunarughat Sankhola 29911 6004 5.0 97 39.7

Project Study Area 109319 21683 5.03 95.75 41.3

Source: Population and Housing Census, 2011, Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS)

4.5.1.2 Ethnic Composition

According to population census (2011), among the selected Unions 1,246 ethnic households are

found (Table 4-22).

Table 4-22: Ethnic households of the project area

District Upazila Union Total population Total HHs

Habiganj

Habiganj

Sadar

Raziura 22 3

Nurpur 34 7

Madhabpur Bagasura 8 2

Chunarughat Sankhola 5386 1234

Project Study Area 5450 1246


4.5.1.3 Religion

As per the 2011 census, the population of the project study area primarily consists of Muslims

constituting almost 90.31% of the total population. The remaining 9.69% is primarily constituted by

Hindus with Christians, Buddhists and others comprising an insignificant percentage. The following

Table 4-23 indicates the various religious profile of the project study area.

Table 4-23: Religion Profile of Project Area

District Upazila Union Total Pop.

Muslim Hindu Christian Buddhist Others

Pop. % Pop. % Pop. % Pop. % Pop. %

Habiganj

Habiganj Sadar

Raziura 22745 21480 94.44 1261 5.54 0 0 0 0 4 0.02

Nurpur 28619 26559 92.80 2051 7.17 0 0 0 0 9 0.03


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4.5.2 Education

According to population and housing census, show that concentration of literate people in seven

unions of selected Upazilas. The literacy rate in the Project areas is 41.3% which is lower than the

national average of 42.1%. Table 4-21 shows the Literacy (%) of the project area.

4.5.3 Settlement and Housing

According to population census (2011), total household of the project study area is 21683.

Predominant structure of this study area is katcha (78.03%) followed by Semi-pucka (15.78%), Pucka

(3.15%) and Jhupri (3.05%). Housing tenancy of the study area is owned by 96.2%, rented (0.45%)

and Rent free (3.35%). Table 4-24 and Table 4-25 show Type of structure and Housing tenancy in

the project area.

Table 4-24: Type of structure in the project area

District Upazila Union Number of

Households

Type of Structure (%)

Pucka Semi-

pucka Kutcha Jhupri

Habiganj

Habiganj

Sadar

Raziura 4545 1.7 13.9 83.3 1.1

Nurpur 5692 2.5 17.8 72.2 7.5

Madhabpur Bagasura 5442 3.8 15.1 78.4 2.7

Chunarughat Sankhola 6004 4.6 16.3 78.2 0.9

Project Study Area 21683 3.15 15.78 78.03 3.05


Table 4-25: Housing tenancy in the project area

District Upazila Union Number of Households

Housing Tenancy (%)

Owned Rented Rent free

Habiganj

Habiganj Sadar

Raziura 4545 95.8 0.1 4.1

Nurpur 5692 95.8 1.2 3.0

Madhabpur Bagasura 5442 95.9 0.2 3.9

Chunarughat Sankhola 6004 97.3 0.3 2.4

Project Study Area 21683 96.2 0.45 3.35


4.5.4 Traffic and Transport

In the project area; Habiganj Sadar, Madhabpur and Chunarughat, total Metalled, Semi metalled,

Unmetalled (kacha) road is 1555 Kilometer. Total Railway (all broad gage, meter gage and duel gage)

is 35 kilometer. Waterway in monsoon (river + canal) is 113 Kilometer. Waterway round the year

(river + canal) is only 35 Kilometer. Embankment road, Canal, Others are 40.5 kilometer (Source:

District Statistics 2011, Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS)).

Madhabpur Bagasura 28044 26887 95.87 1153 4.11 0 0 4 0.01 0 0

Chunarughat Sankhola 29911 23370 78.13 6487 21.69 45 0.15 1 0.003 8 0.03

Project Study Area 109319 98296 90.31 10952 9.63 45 0.04 5 0.003 21 0.02


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4.5.5 Public Utilities

4.5.5.1 Water supply

At the project study area, the major source of drinking water is tube-well where about 91.03%

population use tube-wells water. About 1.28% people have access to tap-water. Other 7.7% people

have access neither tube-well nor tap water. An overview is depicted in Table 4-26 below.

Table 4-26: Sources of Drinking Water and Electricity Facility of the Project Area

District Upazila Union

Number

of

Househol

ds

Source of Drinking

Water (%) Electricity

Connection

(%) Tap Tube-

well Other

Habiganj

Habiganj Sadar Raziura 4545 0.0 97.3 2.7 44.3

Nurpur 5692 0.1 94.9 5.0 53.9





4.5.5.2 Electricity

Electricity is an important indicator for measuring the quality of life in the Project area. In the project

area, only 41.35% of the households have grid electricity connection. However, households mostly

use the electricity for lighting and fanning purposes. Electricity connection of the project area shows

Table 4-26.

4.5.5.3 Sanitation

In the Project area, only about 12.6% and 35.8% of households use respectively water sealed and

non-water-sealed sanitary latrine facility which represents the 48.4% households of the study area.

51.6% households use non-sanitary facilities. Significant numbers of households, 8.98%, defecate in

open places with no access to hygienic latrine facilities. Table 4-27 shows sanitation facility of the

project area.

Table 4-27: Sanitation Facility of the Project Area


Number of

Household

s

Type of Toilet Facility (%)

Sanitary

(water-

sealed)

Sanitary

(non

water-

sealed)

Non-

sanitary None

Habiganj

Habiganj

Sadar

Raziura 4545 18.2 38.1 39.0 4.7

Nurpur 5692 10.4 40.9 42.3 6.4





4.5.5.4 Healthcare Facility

Upazilas; Habiganj Sadar, Madhabpur and Chunarughat lie under the project area. Within these

Upazilas Number of MBBS and FCPS are 50 persons. Moreover, eight numbers of diagnostic centre


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and related health personnel have established in the project area (Source: District Statistical 2011,

BBS).

4.5.5.5 Solid waste

Uncontrolled waste generation coupled with inadequate collection and disposal systems have the

potentiality to give rise to pollution and environmental degradation as well as disease. While no

specific data on local waste management was collected from the study area, it is likely that – as with

many other parts of rural Bangladesh – the villages within the study area have no formal waste

management facilities, and that in general people dispose of their waste in landfills or in fallow land.

4.5.6 Economy and Employment

In accordance with the Census of Bangladesh (2011), Agriculture including direct farming,

sharecropping, agricultural laborers etc. is the dominant source of employment in the project area.

Approximately, 81.79% and 40.23% male and female among the total employed population involved

in Agricultural activities. Moreover, significant numbers of the population; 15.39% male and 52.51%

female, of the project area are employed in services. According to census 2011 in these Upazilas,

agriculture (including livestock and agricultural labour) is the primary source of income. In the project

area, 12554 male and 1667 female are employed.

Table 4-28: Employment status of the study area


Population

Aged 7+, not

attending

school and

employed

Field of Activity

Agriculture Industry Service

Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female

Pop. % Pop. % Pop. % Pop. % Pop. % Pop. %

Habiganj

Habiganj

Sadar

Raziura 3125 504 2969 95.01 202 40.08 43 1.38 11 2.18 113 3.62 291 57.74

Nurpur 2873 241 1834 63.84 51 21.16 78 2.71 19 7.88 961 33.45 171 70.95

Madhabpur Bagasura 3361 192 2717 80.84 57 29.69 95 2.83 8 4.17 549 16.33 127 66.15

Chunarughat Sankhola 3195 730 2794 87.45 511 70.00 140 4.38 108 14.79 261 8.17 111 15.21

Project Study Area 12554 1667 10314 81.79 821 40.23 356 2.83 146 7.26 1884 15.39 700 52.51


4.5.7 Fisheries

The fisheries of the project area consist of inland open water fisheries, fresh water aquaculture. Like

other parts of fisheries sector, it is major sources of nutrition, income, employment, livelihood support

to the people of this area.

Wetlands are among the most fertile and productive ecosystem that support the life cycle of different

fauna and flora resources of an area. The project area is enriched with open water fisheries those are

available in the rivers, khals and floodplain.

The fresh water fisheries commonly found in the areas are: Anabas testudineus (koi), Clarias

batrachus (magur), Hetropneustes fossilis (sing), Channa punctatus (taki), Mystus tengra (tengra),

Glossogobius giuris (baila), Gadusia chapra (chapila), Chanda ranga (chanda), Colisa sp. (kholisha),

Chana striatus (shoal), Amblypharyngodon mola (mola) and small indigenous fish like Mastacembalus

spp. (baim), M. gulio (gulsha), Xenentodon cancila (kakila) etc.

Table 4-29: Fish Culture in the study area

District Upazila Union Union

Area (ha)

Culture Fisheries Total

Culture

Total Capture

(In dry

Total

Wetland Pond Other


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Culture Culture season)

Habiganj

Habiganj Sadar

Raziura 2523.48 60.14 211.50 271.64 91.60 363.24

(10.39%)

Nurpur 2105.26 17.91 10.50 28.41 188.21 216.62

(10.28%)

Madhabpur Bagasura 3784.61 80.20 12.33 92.53 102.18 194.71

(5.14%)

Chunarughat Sankhola 3784.61 80.20 12.33 92.53 102.18 194.71

(5.14%)

Project Study Area 12197.96 238.45 246.66 485.11 484.17 969.28

(7.95)

Source: www.landzoning.gov.bd (accessed in August 2016)

4.6 Vulnerability/Risk for the project

4.6.1 Climate Change

Bangladesh is particularly vulnerable to climate change. Two-thirds of the country is less than 5

meters above sea level, making it one of the most flood-prone countries in the world. Severe flooding

during a monsoon causes significant damage to crops and property with severe adverse impacts on

rural livelihoods. Future climate change seems likely to increase the destructive power of monsoon

floods.

The General Circulation Models (GCM) considered in the fourth assessment of Inter-Governmental

Panel of Climate Change (IPCC) produced a clear consensus that temperatures in the Ganges-

Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) basin would rise by 1 to 3 °C by 2050 along with increases of about

20% in precipitation. Another study forecast that just a 1°C increase in temperature and 5% rise in

precipitation would result in an increase of 20% in the area flooded in Bangladesh (Mirza, M.Q., R.A.

Warrick, N. J. Ericksen, and G.J. Kenny,1998: Trends and persistence in precipitation in the Ganges,

Brahmaputra and Meghna Basins in South Asia, Hydrological Sciences Journal).

The proposed real potato chips, Pasta and Flakes project will be located in the north-east region of

the country. This area has no particular risk from climate change. The most vulnerable areas of

Bangladesh are the coastal region (southern) due to climate change induced hazards.

4.6.2 Floods

Floods are the most significant natural hazard in the country causing extensive damage to human life

and property. The country lies on the downstream part of three major river basins: Brahmaputra,

Ganges and Meghna and thus are frequently flooded. There have been many destructive floods in

Bangladesh, including very severe floods of 1987, 1988 and 1998.

The 1988 flood set a new record for the flooded area, while 1998 flood was unprecedented with its

long duration. The flood damage potential in Bangladesh is increasing due to the possible causes of

climate change, urban concentration in the three river basins, encroaching of settlements into flood

prone areas, and overreliance on the safety provided by flood control works such as levees,

reservoirs. There are two types of floods which occur in Bangladesh: annual floods (barsha) that

inundate up to 20% of the land area; and low frequency floods of high magnitude that inundate more

than 35% of the area (bonna). The major floods that occurred in 1954, 1955, 1974, 1984, 1987,

1988, 1993, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2007 have been very destructive and caused a serious threat to

lives and economy. From the flood prone area map shown in Figure 4-18 found that the proposed

project area is situated in the not flood prone area.


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Figure 4-18: Flood prone area of Bangladesh


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4.6.3 Earthquake

Bangladesh has continually been one of the seismically active regions of the world and has

experienced numerous large earthquakes during the past 200 years. Many of seismic-tectonic studies

have been undertaken in the area comprising the Indo-Burman ranges and their western extension

and in northern India. Major active fault zones of the country have been delineated through

geological trenching and dating methods. A list of reference of this is provided in Haque, (1990),

using data from various sources. A seismic zoning map of Bangladesh has been proposed in 1979 by

Geological Survey of Bangladesh (GSB) dividing the country into three seismic zones which was

accompanied by and outline of a code for earthquake resistant design. Later, a new updated seismic

zoning map and detailed seismic design provisions have been incorporated in Bangladesh National

Building Code (BNBC, 1993). A seismicity map of Bangladesh and its adjoining areas has also been

prepared by BMD and GSB. Bangladesh has been classified into three seismic zones with Zone-1 is

the most and Zone-3 is the least vulnerable to seismic risks (Figure 4-19). The proposed project area

falls under Seismic Zone-1 means the most vulnerable to seismic risks. A list of the historical

earthquake that takes place in the surrounding of the project area is given in Table 4-30.

Table 4-30: Historical Earthquake surrounding of the project area

Location Magnitude Date

Cachar, India 7.5 10/01/1869

Manikganj, Bangladesh 7.0 14/07/1885

Great Indian Earthquake (Shilong Plateau, India) 8.7 12/06/1897

Srimangal, Bangladesh 7.6 08/07/1918

Dhubri Earthquake 7.1 02/07/1930

Bihar-Nepal earthquake (Bihar, India) 8.3 15/01/1934

Assam, Himalaya 8.5 15/08/1950

Monipur, India 7.4 21/03/1954

Assam, India 6.7 08/07/1975

Sikkim, India 6.8 18/09/2011

Monipur, India 6.6 03/01/2016

India-Myanmar border 7.2 13/04/2016

Source: Choudhary, 2005, BMD and Banglapedia


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Figure 4-19: Earthquake Zone Map of Bangladesh

4.6.4 Cyclone and Storm Surges

Bangladesh, due to its unique geographic location, repeatedly becomes the landing ground of

cyclones formed in the Bay of Bengal. These cyclones are devastating and cause extensive damage to

life, property and livestock. The cyclones occur in two seasons, April-May and October-November –

i.e. before and after the rainy season. Cyclones in Bangladesh are presently classified according to

their intensity and the following nomenclature is in use:


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Depression (winds up to 62 km/hr.);

Cyclonic storm (winds from 63 to 87 km/hr.);

Severe cyclonic storm (winds from 88 to 118 km/hr.); and

Very severe cyclonic storm of hurricane intensity (winds above 118 km/hr.).

As shown in Figure 4-20 the Project site does not fall under cyclone affected area. The coastal part is

most vulnerable to the cyclone disaster.

Figure 4-20: Cyclone map of Bangladesh


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4.6.5 Tornado

It is the pre-monsoon period when most of the abnormal rainfall or drought conditions frequently

occur in different parts of Bangladesh. Also, there are severe local seasonal storms, popularly known

as nor’westers (kalbaishakhi). Severe nor’westers is generally associated with tornadoes. Tornadoes are embedded within a mother thundercloud and moves along the direction of the squall of the

mother storm. The frequency of devastating nor’westers usually reaches the maximum in April, while a few occur in May, and the minimum in March. Nor’westers and tornadoes are more frequent in the

afternoon. Nor’westers may occur in late February due to early withdrawal of winter from Bangladesh. The occasional occurrence of nor’westers in early June is due to the delay in the onset of the southwest monsoon over the region (Karmakar, 1989). List of the nor’westers and tornadoes that hit the study area and surrounding area is given in Table 4-31.

Table 4-31: List of Tornadoes had hit the project site and surroundings

Date Location

10th May 1991 Habiganj

4th May 2003 Brahmanbaria

23rd March 2005 Habiganj

3rd June 2010 Brahmanbaria

22nd March 2013 Brahmanbaria

Source: Bangladesh Disaster Knowledge Network and newspapers

4.6.6 Riverbank Erosion

Riverbank erosion in Bangladesh is no less dangerous than other sudden and devastating calamities.

Losses due to river erosion occur slowly and gradually. Though losses are slow and gradual, they are

more destructive and far-reaching than other sudden and devastating calamities. The effects of river

erosion are long-term. It takes a few decades to make up the losses, which a family has incurred by

river erosion. Some rivers are swollen beyond danger levels, including the Khowai in northeastern

Habiganj where devastating bank erosion made hundreds homeless in 2007. There has been little

progress, however, for improving the lives of erosion-affected people due to resource constraint.

Sutang River is the nearest river from the project site and it is almost 2 km far from the proposed

project site. The Sutang River is not a riverbank erosion prone river in the area. The riverbank erosion

prone area of Bangladesh is shown in following Figure 4-21.


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Figure 4-21: Riverbank Erosion Prone areas of Bangladesh

4.6.7 Drought

Droughts are very frequent in Bangladesh due to its geo-physical position and varying rainfall pattern.

Particularly, droughts are common in the northwestern districts of Bangladesh. Between 1949 and

1991, droughts occurred 24 times in Bangladesh while very severe droughts hit the country in 1951,

1957, 1958, 1961, 1972, 1975, 1981, 1982, 1984, and 1989 and past droughts have typically affected


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about 47% area of the country and 53% of the population. Bangladesh also experienced droughts of

high magnitude in 1973, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1989, 1992, 1994, and 1995.

Table 4-32: Historical details of different droughts that occurred in Bangladesh

Year Affected area Description of casualties

1865, 1866,

1872, 1874

Dhaka, Bogra and

Sundarbans Crop suffered greatly in most cases.

1951 Severe drought in

north-west Bangladesh Substantially reduced rice production

1973 Northern Bangladesh Resulted 1974 Famine

1975 47% area of the

country Affected more than 50% population

1978, 1979 Widespread

Reduced rice production by about 2 million tons, directly,

affected about 42% of the cultivated land and 44% of the

population

1981 Severe drought adversely affected crop production

1982 Drought caused a loss of rice production of about 53,000 t

1989

Naogaon, Nawabganj,

Nilpahamari and

Thakurgaon

Drought dried up most of the rivers

1994, 1995,

1996

Immense crop damage, especially to rice, jute and

bamboo clumps.

Source: CEGIS, 2013

From the above historical database, no drought occur in the proposed project site.

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