EIA Kuchlak Project Qta Final

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT
AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
DEVELOPMENT OF A HOUSING SCHEME

AT KUCHLAK ROAD QUETTA BALOCHISTAN
UNDER PRIME MINISTER’S HOUSING PROGRAMME
PAKISTAN HOUSING AUTHORITY FOUNDATION (PHA-F)

Ministry of Housing and Works, Government of Pakistan
Ground Floor, Shaheed-e-Millat Secretariat,
Jinnah Avenue, Islamabad
Tel: 051 920 6053 Fax: 051 920 1230
web: www.pha.gov.pk email: info@pha.gov.pk
FINAL REPORT
(September 2019)
Prepared by
GREEN REVOLUTION
Environmental Management and Legal Consultants
Tel: 03334222232 Mob: 03061004637
greensul101@gmail.com
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT (EIAR)
DEVELOPMENT OF A HOUSING SCHEME

AT KUCHLAK ROAD QUETTA BALOCHISTAN
UNDER PRIME MINISTER’S HOUSING PROGRAMME
PAKISTAN HOUSING AUTHORITY FOUNDATION (PHA-F)

Ministry of Housing and Works, Government of Pakistan
Ground Floor, Shaheed-e-Millat Secretariat,
Jinnah Avenue, Islamabad
Tel: 051 920 6053 Fax: 051 920 1230
web: www.pha.gov.pk email: info@pha.gov.pk
FINAL REPORT
(September 2019)
Prepared by
GREEN REVOLUTION
Tel: 03334222232 Mob: 03061004637
Acknowledgment and Disclaimer
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
AND DISCLAIMER
Acknowledgment and Disclaimer
ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND DISCLAIMER

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The professionals, associates, members and the support staff of “Green Revolution”, who carried out this
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study, are all thankful to the concerned officers and staff of the Pakistan
Housing Authority Foundation (PHA-F), who directly and indirectly helped in conducting the study in the best
professional manner. The study relates to examination of the most likely environmental and social impacts of
“Development of a Housing Scheme at Kuchlak Road Quetta, Balochistan under the Prime Minister’s Housing
Programme” by the PHA-F. The team of professionals owes special indebtedness to the Director General PHA-F,
and in particular, to Ms. Najaf Haider, Deputy Director (M&C) PHA-F, Islamabad for providing essential
information/data, invaluable inputs and contributions that spearheaded befitting accomplishment of the study.
We are thankful to PHA-F Management for arranging visits to the site, which helped in accomplishing the
assignment in best possible manner.
DISCLAIMER
This document is the Environmental Impact Assessment report (EIAR) and the environmental management plan
(EMP) of the project titled “Development of a Housing Scheme at Kuchlak Road Quetta, Balochistan under the
Prime Minister’s Housing Programme by the Pakistan Housing Authority Foundation (PHA-F)”. The document
attempts to evaluate and assess the environmental and social impacts of the project in the context of the existing
environmental and social baseline profile of the area and the applicable regulatory framework. The report is
project specific and of limited applicability and liability only to the extent of the activities and operations of the
instant project, during both its construction and the usage phases. The report has been prepared with a view to
seek environmental approval (EA) of the project from Environmental Protection Agency, Balochistan (BEPA).
All rights of this report are reserved with the proponent (i.e., MD, PHA-F) and the environmental consultant
(Green Revolution). No part of this report should be reproduced, copied, published, transcribed in any manner,
or cited in a context different from the purpose for which it has been prepared, except with prior permission of
the proponent and the authoring consultant.
ENVIRONMENTAL TEAM
The Team of Experts included the following:
 Dr. Muhammad Nawaz Ch., Professor Emeritus (Environment), Punjab University, Lahore
 Dr. Naseer Ahmed (Environmental Geologist and EIA Specialist)
 Dr. Iftikhar Hussain Baloch, Former Principal, CEES, Punjab University Lahore
 Dr. KB Mughal (Environmental Management Specialist)
 Dr. Habib ul Haq (Environmental Design and Structure Specialist)
 Dr. Azra Yaqub (Environmental Analyst)
 Engr. Mukhtar A Khan (Civil Engineer and Design Specialist)
 Engr. Jamshed Yaqub (Chemical Engineer)
 Rana Shahid Ali Khan (Environmental Ecologist)
 Muhammad Azeem (Environmental and Resettlement Specialist)
 Khurram Jameel (Environmental Geologist)
 Miss Saira Irum (Environmental Sociologist)
 Ms. Amina Naz (Social Coordinator)
 Ms. Uzma Riaz (Computer Support and Office Administration)
 Mr. Kashif Ikram, Environmental Legal Practitioner and Jurist
 Ch. Muhammad Younas, Advocate Supreme Court of Pakistan
EIA: Development of a Housing Scheme at Kuchlak Road, Quetta Balochistan under PM’s Housing Programme Page i
Green Revolution, 2019
Abbreviations
ABBREVIATIONS
Abbreviations
Abbreviations
Acronym Full Text
ADP Annual Development Programme
BEPA Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency
BHU Basic Health Unit
BOD Biochemical Oxygen Demand
COD Chemical Oxygen Demand
dB Decibel
DHQH District Headquarters Hospital
DMP Disaster Management Plan
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
EIAR Environmental Impact Assessment Report
EMP Environmental Management Plan
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
ERS Emergency Response System
ESDMP Environmental, Social and Disaster Management Plan
ESHU Environmental Safety and Health Unit
GDP Gross Domestic Product
GoPk Government of Pakistan
GoBln Government of Balochistan
HMP Hazard Management Plan
HR Human Resource
IEE Initial Environmental Examination
IEER Initial Environmental Examination Report
JICA Japan International Cooperation Agency
MCH Mother and Child Healthcare Centre
NEQS National Environmental Quality Standards
NOC No Objection Certificate
PakEPA Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency
PEPA Pakistan Environmental Protection Act
PHA-F Pakistan Housing Authority Foundation
PM Particulate Matter
PSDP Public Sector Development Programme
RHC Rural Health Centre
SHC Sub Health Centre
SPM Suspended Particulate Matter
SW Solid Waste(s)
TDS Total Dissolved Solids
TSS Total Suspended Solids
UBC Uniform Building Code
WAPDA Water and Power Development Authority
WASA Water and Sanitation Agency
WHO World Health Organization
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Contents
CONTENTS
Contents
CONTENTS
Sr. No. Contents Page No.
Acknowledgement i
Abbreviations/Acronyms ii
Report’s Contents iii
Executive Summary a
Section-1 The Project and Its Salient Features 1 - 20

1.1 Project’s Introduction 1
1.2 Brief Overview of Housing in Pakistan 1
1.3 Brief Description of the Project 2
1.4 Site’s Location 15
1.5 Background Information 16
1.6 Objectives Underlying the Project 17
1.7 Construction Schedule 18
1.8 Implementation Stages 18
1.9 Construction Activities 18
1.10 Mode of Implementation 19
1.11 Labour and Human Resource Requirements 19
1.12 Studies and Surveys relating to the Project 19
1.13 Intended and Likely Benefits 20
1.14 Proponent 20
1.15 Environmental Consultant 20
1.16 Focal Persons of the Proponent and the Consultant 20
Section-2 Baseline Data and Environmental Profile of the Site / Area 21 - 40

2.1 Baseline Environmental Settings 21
2.2 Studies and Surveys for Baseline Profile 21
2.3 Environmental Description of the Project Area 22
2.4 Site’s Geo-Physical Environment 23
2.4.1 A brief Intro of the Area/District 23
2.4.2 Location of the Site 24
2.4.3 Geography 27
2.4.4 Topography 27
2.4.5 Geology 27
2.4.6 Soil Morphology 27
2.4.7 Seismology 27
2.4.8 Surface Hydrology 27
2.4.9 Hydrogeology and Groundwater 28
2.4.10 Meteorology, Climate, and Air Quality 29
2.4.11 Air Quality 30
2.4.12 Effluent Disposal 30
2.4.13 Background Radiological Characteristics 30
2.5 Eco-Biological Environment 30
2.5.1 Forests, Habitat, and Ecologically Sensitive Areas 31
2.5.2 Local Flora 31
2.5.3 Local Fauna 32
2.5.4 Protected and Ecologically Sensitive Areas 33
2.6 Sociocultural Environment 33
2.6.1 Demographic Profile 33
2.6.2 Land Use/Agricultural Profile 33
2.6.3 Industrial Profile 34
2.6.4 Mining and Minerals Profile 35
2.6.5 Healthcare Facilities 35
2.6.6 Educational Facilities 36
2.6.7 Livestock and Farming 37
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Contents
2.6.8 Infrastructure Profile 37
2.6.9 Water Supply and Sanitation 38
2.6.10 Socioeconomic Profile 38
2.6.11 Culture, Religion, Customs, and Specialities 39
2.6.12 Historical and Archaeological Sites 39
Section-3 Environmental Impacts and Their Mitigation 41 - 60

3.1 Environmental Impacts and Their Mitigation 41
3.2 Impact Assessment Methodology 41
3.3 Impact Mitigation Strategy 41
3.3 Impacts and Mitigations relating to Design and Planning Phase 42
3.4.1 Design and Layout Planning 42
i) Likely Impacts 42
ii) Activities Likely to Produce the Impacts 42
iii) Mitigation Measures 42
3.5 Impacts and Mitigations relating to Construction Phase 42
3.5.1 Parametric Impacts of the Construction Phase 42
3.5.1.1 Soils and Lands 42
3.5.1.2 Surface Water Quality 44
3.5.1.3 Groundwater Abstraction and Quality 44
3.5.1.4 Wastewaters and Effluents 46
3.5.1.5 Air Quality 46
3.5.16 Noise and Vibrations 47
3.5.2 Non Parametric Impacts of the Construction Phase 48
3.5.2.1 Land use change 48
3.5.2.2 Solid Wastes 48
3.5.2.3 Access, Easement, Health, Wellbeing, and Worksite Safety 49
3.6 Environmental Impacts relating to Project’s Operation Phase 51
3.6.1 Parametric Impacts of the Operation Phase 51
3.6.1.1 Soils and Lands 51
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3.6.1.2 Surface Water Quality 52
3.6.1.3 Groundwater Abstraction and Quality 53
3.6.1.4 Wastewaters and Effluents 54
3.6.1.5 Air Quality 55
3.6.2 Non Parametric Impacts of the Operation Phase 56
3.6.2.1 Electricity Usage 56
3.6.2.2 Water Usage 56
3.6.2.3 Solid Wastes 57
3.6.2.4 Noise, Vibrations, and odours 58
3.6.2.5 Health, Safety and Community Wellbeing 58
Section-4 Environmental, Social and Disaster Management Plan (ESDMP) 62 - 70

4.1 Disaster Management Plan 62
4.2 Institutional Setup for DMP Implementation 62
4.3 Roles and Responsibilities of the ESH Unit 62
4.4 Reporting and Recordkeeping 63
4.5 Future Expansions 63
4.6 Responsibility of Contractor towards Environmental Protection 63
4.7 Environmental Monitoring Plan 63
4.7.1 Internal Compliance Monitoring 64
4.7.2 External Compliance Monitoring 64
4.8 Hazard Management Plan and Emergency Response System 64
4.8.1 Safe Handling of Hazardous Materials 64
4.8.2 Equipment for Emergency 64
4.8.3 Standard Operating Procedures for Emergencies 65
4.9 Budgeting for the ESDMP and ESH Unit 66
4.10 Environmental Guidelines 66
Section-5 Stakeholder’s Consultations 71 - 74
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Contents
5.1 Objectives and Rationale of Consultations 71
5.2 Identification of the Relevant Stakeholders 71
5.3 Consultation Methodology 72
5.4 Issues Discussed 72
5.5 Outcome of the Consultations 73
5.5.1 Design Aspects 73
5.5.2 Construction Aspects 73
5.5.3 Operation Aspects 73
5.6 Measures to Address the Concerns 73
Section-6 Consideration of Alternatives 75 - 76

6.1 Significance and Identification of Alternatives 75
6.2 Possible Alternatives to the Project 75
6.2.1 Abandonment of the Project 75
6.2.2 Changing Project’s Scope 75
6.2.3 Shifting the Project 75
6.3 Summary of the Alternatives’ Consideration 76
Section-7 Methodology and Approach 77 - 80

7.1 Rationale and Objectives of the Study 77
7.2 Study’s Main Components 77
7.3 Study Methodology 77
7.4 Extent and Scope of the Study (Terms of Reference) 78
7.5 Planning Strategy 79
7.6 Data Sourcing Methodology 79
7.7 Summary of the EIA Process 79
7.8 Applicable Laws, Rules and Regulations 80
Section-8 Environmental Legal Framework 81 - 87

8.1 Defining the Environment 81
8.2 Defining IEE/EIA 81
8.3 Purpose of IEE/EIA 82
8.4 Main Objectives of IEE/EIA 82
8.5 Effectiveness of IEE/EIA Process 82
8.6 Differentiating the Primary and Secondary Impacts 82
8.6.1 Spatial Dimension 82
8.6.2 Time Dimension 82
8.6.3 Reversibility 83
8.6.4 Probability 83
8.6.5 Beneficial vs Adverse Effects 83
8.7 Environmental Legal Framework in Pakistan 83
8.7.1 Pakistan Environmental Protection Act (PEPA) 1997 84
8.7.1 Balochistan Environmental Protection Act, 2012 84
8.7.1 Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency Review of IEE and EIA Regulations, (2000) 84
8.7.4 National Environmental Quality Standards (1993, 2000 and 2013) 85
8.7.5 Pak EPA Environmental Guidelines 85
8.7.6 Land Acquisition Act 1894 and Land Acquisition (Balochistan Amendment) Act 1985 85
8.7.7 The Forest Act 1927 85
8.7.8 The Federal Antiquities Act, 1975 85
8.7.9 Balochistan Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation & Management) Act 85
2014
8.7.10 Balochistan Cultural Heritage Preservation Act 2010 86
8.7.11 Balochistan Drinking Water Policy/Strategy 2017 86
8.7.12 Quetta Master Plan (QDA) 86
8.7.13 QDA Private Housing Schemes Regulations 1995 (Amended 2007) 86
8.8 Environmental Institutional Framework 86
8.8.1 Environmental Protection Agency, Balochistan 87
8.8.2 Forest and Wildlife Department, Balochistan 87
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8.8.3 Directorate of Archaeology, Balochistan 87
Findings and Conclusion 88

Disclaimer 89
References 90
TABLES
Table No. Description Page No.
1.3a Category wise Number of Housing Units and Shops 14
1.3b Cost Estimates 14
1.11 Estimated Manpower and HR Requirements (Construction) 19
1.16 Contact details of Proponent and Environmental Consultant 20
2.2 Noise Record at the Site 22
2.4.8 Surface Water Quality of the Site/District 28
2.4.9a Number of Tube wells in the District 28
2.4.9b General Groundwater Quality of the Site/District 28
2.4.9c Microbiological Quality of Groundwater of the Site/District 29
2.4.10a Meteorological Features of the Area/District 29
2.4.10b Month-wise Temperature Profile (Mean of Maximum) 30
2.4.10c Month-wise Temperature Profile (Mean of Minimum) 30
2.4.10d Month-wise Humidity Profile 30
2.4.10e Month-wise Rainfall Profile 30
2.4.11 General Air Quality Profile of the Site/District 30
2.5.2a Vegetation Zone wise Flora of District Quetta 32
2.5.2b Some Common Flora of the Area along with Botanical Names 32
2.5.3a Fauna Distribution in Quetta 32
2.5.3b Some Common Fauna of the Area along with Zoological Names 33
2.6.1 Demographic Profile of District Quetta 33
2.6.2 Land Use/Agricultural Profile of District Quetta 34
2.6.3 Number of Registered Factories and Employment Status 35
2.6.5a Healthcare Profile of District Quetta 36
2.6.5b Some common Diseases of District Quetta 36
2.6.6 Educational Profile of District Quetta 37
2.6.7 Livestock Resources of District Quetta 37
2.6.8 Infrastructure Profile of District Quetta 38
2.6.12 Historical and Archaeological Sites in District Quetta 40
3.2a Modified Environmental and Social Impact assessment Matrix (Unmitigated 60
Impacts)
3.2b Modified Environmental and Social Impact assessment Matrix (Mitigated and 61
Residual Impacts)
4.10 Environmental Management and Monitoring Guidelines 67
5.2a Stakeholders into the Project and Nature of their Stakes (Construction Phase) 71
5.2b Stakeholders into the Project and Nature of Their Stakes (Operation Phase) 71
5.6 Summary of Stakeholders’ Concerns alongwith Remedial Measures 73
PLATES
Plate No. Description Page No.
1.3a Map of Balochistan showing location of Quetta 3
1.3b Geographical Map of Quetta 3
1.3c Master Layout Plan 4
1.3d Survey Map of the Site 4
1.3e 3D View Category-I (50’x90’) 5
1.3f 3D View Category-I (50’x90’) 5
1.3g 3D View Category-II (40’x80’) 5
1.3h 3D View Category-II (40’x80’) 6
1.3i 3D View Category-III (30’x60’) 6
1.3j 3D View Category-III (30’x60’) 6
1.3k 3D View Category-IV (25’x45’) 7
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Contents
1.3l 3D View Category-IV (25’x45’) 7
1.3m 3D View 3-Bed Room Apartments 7
1.3n 3D View 2-Bed Room Apartments 8
1.3o 3D View of Commercial Plaza 8
1.3p Architectural Plan Category-I (GF) 8
1.3q Architectural Plan Category-I (FF) 9
1.3r Architectural Plan Category-II (GF) 9
1.3s Architectural Plan Category-II (FF) 10
1.3t Architectural Plan Category-III (GF) 10
1.3u Architectural Plan Category-III (FF) 11
1.3v Architectural Plan Category-IV (GF) 11
1.3w Architectural Plan Category-IV (FF) 12
1.3x Architectural Plan 3-Bed Room Apartments 12
1.3y 3-Bed Room Apartment (Single Flat) 13
1.3z 2-Bed Room Apartment Block 13
1.3aa 2-Bed Room Apartment (Single Flat) 13
1.4a Google Earth Imagery of the Site 15
1.4b Google Earth Imagery of the Site 15
2.3 Site’s approximate Zone of Environmental Influence, red rectangle (adopted from 23
Google Earth)
2.4.2a A Google Earth Imagery of the Site 25
2.4.2b A Google Earth Imagery of the Site 25
2.4.2c A Google Earth Imagery of the Site 25
2.4.2d A Google Earth Imagery of the Site 26
2.4.2e A Google Earth Imagery of the Site 26
2.4.2f A Google Earth Imagery of the Site 26
7.4 Process Flow Diagram of the IEE/EIA Planning Methodology 80
8.3 Steps of the IEE/EIA Process 82
ANNEXES
Annex No. Description Page No.
Annex-1 Balochistan Environmental Protection Act 2012 92
Annex-2 Pakistan Environmental protection Agency (Review of IEE & EIA) Regulations, 2000 112
Annex-3 Pakistan National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) 117
Annex-4 QDA Private Housing Schemes Regulations 1995 (Amended 2007) 119
Annex-5 Stakeholders/Persons Consulted 124
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Executive Summary
EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY
Executive Summary
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
ES.1 Prologue
This is a project specific Environmental Impact Assessment report (EIAR). The report contains environmental
mitigation and management plan (EMP), presents a detailed account of the environmental and social impacts
likely to be confronted from implementation of the project “Development of a Housing Scheme at Kuchlak Road
Quetta, Balochistan under the Prime Minister’s Housing Programme”. The examination of the impacts is limited
not to the construction phase, but also dilates at length upon the most probable environmental and social
impacts of the operation phase of the project housing scheme. The likely and foreseeable impacts have been
described with reference to their extent and magnitude on the various environmental parameters and the bio-
indicators. The report highlights the activities and the likely sources, as could be responsible for the potentially
adverse impacts of the project, with reference to their extent and magnitude on various environmental and
social parameters and other sensitive bio-indicators. It would be pertinent to mention that the review,
assessment, screening and mitigation of the negative environmental impacts of a project or a development
activity is a legal obligation of the proponent under the existing environmental laws. This report is therefore in
partial fulfilment of this legal obligation, too.
ES.2 Pakistan Housing Authority Foundation (PHA-F) – A Brief Introduction

The Pakistan Housing Authority Foundation (PHA-F) was established in pursuance to a Cabinet Resolution of 18th
May 1999. The PHA-F is an autonomous body of the Ministry of Housing and Works, Government of Pakistan.
The objective underlying establishment of the Authority is to provide shelter to low income groups, the poor
and the needy. Since after its establishment, the Authority has launched a large number of housing projects for
providing housing to the citizens of Pakistan in consonance to Paragraph (d) of Article 38 of the Constitution of
Islamic Republic of Pakistan, which requires the state to provide necessities of life including housing to its
citizens.
With regard to achievements of the PHA-F, it would be pertinent to mention that on November 26, 1999, the
then Chief Executive of Pakistan ordered a complete review of the PHA-F’s various schemes and directed for
their expeditious completion. Consequently, on March 9, 2000 the Cabinet and the National Security Council
(NSC) accorded approval for completion of all commercially viable and marketable projects, some of which were
already on the Authority’s portfolio. Pursuant to the above-referred decision of the Cabinet and the NSC, PHA-F
undertook 18 projects in four major urban centres of the country at Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Islamabad
involving 4,476 housing units at the estimated cost of Rs. 5.00 billion. The majority of these projects have since
been completed and possession handed over to successful buyers. In addition to the above-refereed completed
projects, the PHA-F is also undertaking housing schemes for the officers of the federally constituted occupational
groups and for the low paid Federal Government employees on ownership basis. The instant project is meant
for low-income citizens and the low paid governmental functionaries. As regards its composition, Pakistan
Housing Authority Foundation comprises the following:
 Chairman
 Managing Director
 Director General (Coordination and Project Management)
 Director General (Architecture and Planning)
 Director General (Finance and Administration)
The Pakistan Housing Authority Foundation has its Head Office at Islamabad. The Managing Director is its Chief
Executive and the Principle Accounting Officer. For carrying on its business, the Authority has established five
Wings/Sections, namely Construction and Project Management Wing, Architecture and Planning Wing, Finance
and Administration Wing, Land Management Wing, and the Marketing and Allotees Services Department. In
order to facilitate the public, the Authority has established three Regional Allottees’ Services Offices in Karachi,
Lahore, and Peshawar. The chartered mandate and functions of the Authority, interalia, include the following:
 Preparation and promotion plans for developing housing projects for the poor and the needy in Pakistan
 Preparation of guidelines for implementing various housing programmes
 Coordination with the concerned federal and provincial agencies for implementing the Authority’s housing
programmes
 Negotiations for tapping financial resources from national as well as international financing or aid-giving
agencies, institutions or organizations and administering the same for the implementation of the Authority’s
programmes
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Executive Summary
 Taking necessary steps towards obtaining land for the execution of the Authority’s housing projects, schemes
and programmes
 Assisting the applicants in obtaining housing loan facilities through financial institutions keeping in view the
financial position or income levels of the applicants
 Selection of professionals, consultants and engineers for the implementation of the projects and the
programmes
 Select private developers, site consultants and carrying out surveys on the land earmarked for implementing
the programmes
 To supervise advertising campaign, preparation of brochures, pre-qualifications and awards of works to
specific site consultants and
 Performance of such other functions as may be assigned to the Authority by the competent forum from time
to time
ES.3 Brief Description of the Project

The project essentially is “Development of a Housing Scheme at Kuchlak Road, Quetta Balochistan under Prime
Minister’s Housing Programme”. The project will comprise town planning, development of the site and
construction different categories of independent houses, different sized multi-storey apartments, marketplaces,
amenity plots, parks and playgrounds, mosques, roads and public utilities.
As per the preliminary master plan, the scheme envisages construction of houses, apartments, commercial
areas, amenity plots, roads, civil amenities like water supply, sewerage and sanitation network, waste collection
and disposal services, wastewater treatment plant, healthcare and recreational services, mosques, playgrounds
and greenbelts etc. The scheme envisions construction of four different categories of houses, based on plot size
and covered area. The Category-I (Cat-I) houses will have a plot area of 4500 sft (45’x90’) and covered area of
3636 sft each. There will be 55 Cat-I houses that will take up a total land area of 45.65 kanal. The Category-II
(Cat-II) houses will have a plot area of 3200 sft (40’x80’) and covered area of 2500 sft each. There will be 80 Cat-
II houses that will take up a total land area of 47.20 kanal. The Category-III (Cat-III) houses will have a plot area
of 1800 sft (30’x60’) and covered area of 1629 sft each. There will be 361 Cat-III houses that will take up a total
land area of 119.13 kanal. The Category-IV (Cat-IV) houses will have a plot area of 1125 sft (25’x45’) and covered
area of 1164 sft each. There will be 218 Cat-IV houses that will take up a total land area of 45.78 kanal. There
will be two categories of residential apartments i.e., 3-bed and 2-bed apartments. The covered area of 3-bed
apartments will be 1460 sft and of 2-bed will be 1195 sft. The apartments will take up an area of 62.30 kanal. As
regard the support facilities and infrastructure, commercial plazas will take up 22.73 kanal, shops 6.47 kanal,
petrol pump 1.27 kanal, and hotel 1.36 kanal (total commercial 31.83 kanal). Mosques will take up 9.33 kanal,
public buildings 14.58 kanal, and graveyard 14.81 kanal. 10 acres have been reserved for NHA’s RoW and 228.50
acres for the scheme’s roads. The total open area for development of greenbelts and parks will be 58.49 acres.
As regards the allotment quota, 30% will be for the federal government employees, 30% for the provincial
government employees, 30% will be for the general public, 5% for shuhada (Hazara community) and 5% for
employees of the Ministry of Housing and Works. There will be 714 houses and 636 apartments in all, which will
provide accommodation for about 1350 families of four to six members each 1.
ES.4 Objectives underlying the Project

The project aims at providing dignified housing accommodation in the city of Quetta, particularly to those who
do not own a house2. The underlying objective is to reduce the existing shortage between availability and
demand of housing in the country by providing affordable housing to Federal, Provincial Government employees
and general public. The project will provide housing facilities to around 1350 families at a reason able cost in
Quetta. The shortage of housing units in Quetta could be resolved to some extent. The Master Plan envisages
construction of residential area, public buildings, roads and parks as per Quetta Development Authority’s (QDA)
Bylaws. According to a conservative estimate, the number of household units in Quetta is 222,000, out of which
100,000 are urban and 122,000 are rural housing units. The estimated annual growth rate is 2.95 percent. The
estimated current demand of housing units is more than 0.5 million, which is increasing at a projected rate of 5-
7% per annum3. The average household size in Quetta is 8.5 persons. In addition to the underlying objective of
reducing the gap between demand and availability, uplifting and improving socioeconomic condition of the
citizens, boosting the construction industry, creation of new job opportunities and income prospects for those
1 Ibid
2 PHA-F Website www.pha.gov.pk
3 Ministry of Housing, GoPk, Islamabad, 2019
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Executive Summary
engaged in transportation of raw materials and other construction sector activities can be counted as some
secondary or indirect objectives of the scheme4.
ES.5 Objectives of the Environmental Examination

The primary objective of this EIA study is to identify and screen out those of the significant adverse
environmental and social impacts of the project, which are likely to cause adverse impacts on the local and the
general environment around the project. Viewing from this perspective, the potential sources of environmental
impacts would be the various activities relating both to construction and inhabitation stages of the project. Such
activities will relate to and include transportation of construction materials to the site, excavations and diggings,
stockpiling of the raw materials at the site, generation of wastewater and solid wastes, air quality concerns, and
the neighbourhood social issues of community living. The degree and quantum of the various environmental
impacts will depend on a number of influencing factors. Therefore, the focus of the study is to discern the
important environmental concerns of the project and to suggest the ways and means for countering the likely
adverse environmental impacts.
ES.6 Scope of the Study

Being an EIA study, the study is limited in its extent and scope to the parameters as defined in the notified
Environmental Assessment Guidelines of the Government of Pakistan of 1997 5. The study encompasses review
of the baseline environmental profile of the site in particular and the project district in general, wherever
relevant. In addition to identification of the potentially adverse or negative impacts, the following also constitute
a few important aspects of the assignment:
 Extent, quantum and magnitude of the adverse and the beneficial impacts
 Assessment of the degree of disturbance in the baseline profile
 Identification of the best-suited measures for mitigating the adverse impacts
 Presenting a workable environmental management plan for ensuring long-term sustainability of the project
Apart from describing the resource consumption potential of the project, particularly of the raw materials and
freshwater, and their effects on sustainable availability, the study reviews the short-term and the long-term
effects of the groundwater abstraction for the various project activities. Last but not the least, the study presents
a detailed discussion on impacts of disposal of the various wastes and effluents on the soil quality, surface water
quality, groundwater quality, and the air quality. The study also presents an account of impacts of occupancy of
the housing units by about 1350 families with average family size of 6.6 persons per family (about 9000 persons)
on various environmental quality parameters and the bio-indicators during occupancy stage of the project.
Although, the primary focus of the study, at this stage, is analysis of the construction phase impacts;
nevertheless, operation phase impacts have also been touched upon in briefly. Besides dilating upon the
environmental impacts, the study presents detailed account of the various socioeconomic impacts of the
project’s construction like impacts of land use change, impacts on rights of the neighbouring communities on
natural resources, likelihood of opportunities of employment and business, and the greatest positive social
benefit of availability of housing for the target population. Presentation of workable suggestions and a set of
implementable recommendations in the form of environmental mitigation measures and environmental
management plan forms an essential part of the study’s scope.
ES.7 Methodology Employed for the Study

The study has relied on both the primary and the secondary data sources. However, greater reliance has been
placed on the primary sources, which included visits to the site by the consultant’s team of professionals,
soliciting relevant information from the key stakeholders (e.g., residents of neighbouring areas, local
communities, design and construction contractors, site staff of the PHA-F, and functionaries of the relevant
regulatory departments of GoBln). This methodology helped to solicit viewpoints of the stakeholders with
respect to their concerns over the project at a stage when they can be used meaningfully for reviewing the
project with respect to their apprehensions. Some data and information, germane to the study, was collected
through a specially designed project specific checklist. This checklist was used for collecting both qualitative and
quantitative information about the project and its likely impacts onto various environmental parameters.
Apprehensions, concerns and perceptions of the stakeholders and the persons consulted during the study were
reduced into writing through this checklist. The severity of the adverse impacts of the various project activities,
of both construction and operation stages, has been analysed against a modified impact assessment matrix. This
4Project’s brief as provided by the PHA-F

5Guidelines for the Environmental Impact Assessment, Government of Pakistan, 1997
EIA: Development of a Housing Scheme at Kuchlak Road, Quetta Balochistan under PM’s Housing Programme Page c
Executive Summary
impact matrix characterizes important impacts of the project on the selected components of the physical,
biological, and social environments. The secondary sources included the backup files and office records of the
PHA-F Regional Office, information on the subject obtained from the Environmental Protection Agency
Balochistan (BEPA) and information downloaded from browsing a host of websites over the internet.
Employment of the best-suited impact assessment methodology for identification, scoping, and futuristic
predictions of the project’s interactions with the environmental parameters is a distinguishing feature of the
study methodology, besides an analytical and inquisitive approach. The National Environmental Quality
Standards (NEQS), as applicable and relevant, have been used as the benchmark for analysis and comparison of
the project’s impacts. For the sectors/parameters, for which referencing NEQS are not available, internationally
accepted standards and guideline values of the international bodies like the (World Health Organization,
International Standards Organization etc.) have been used as the referencing standard/source.
The study encompasses all stages of the project activities right from planning to post-completion usage of the
project and the intermediary activities of mobilization of machinery and equipment, procurement and
transportation of construction materials, onsite constructions, usage of the finished up building, and the routine
repair and maintenance of the buildings, in terms of their short-, medium-, and long-term environmental impacts
as well as their reversibility and irreversibility characteristics.
ES.8 Project’s Significant Environmental and Social Impacts

The project being the construction-installation of a Hot Mix Asphalt Concrete Plant (HMAP) can be designated
as an activity likely to affect the environment, primarily during its operation phase, unless appropriate measures
are taken for their mitigation. There will hardly be any adverse impacts of erection installation per se because
the plant will be a prefabricated ready to install unit. Some of the important environmental and social impacts
of the project, of both installation and operation phases, will be as mentioned hereunder:
 Impacts relating to Land Use Change: As the project will be constructed on an open, uninhabited, uncultivated
and not fit for cultivation parcel of land, situated on Kuchlak road Quetta, there will not be any adverse land
use change. On account of its geology and morphology, the land is neither under any profitable or productive
agricultural usage, nor can it be applied to any such usage. Therefore, its usage for developing a housing
scheme will not affect its utility and the environment in any adverse manner. Rather, construction of the
housing scheme on this hitherto unusable land will be beneficial for the environment, as new green areas will
be developed alongside tree plantation in the colony (a design stage impact).
 Impacts relating to Easement Rights: No likelihood of impeachment of sunlight, aeration and ventilation, as
not any high rise structures are proposed to be constructed under the scheme, as might interfere with
easement rights of the neighbouring communities. The only possibility is if the structures are placed closely
to each other (a design stage impact).
 Impacts relating to Freshwater consumption: More than normal volumes of freshwater may be used during
construction of the buildings, houses and other civil structures. However, it will only be a limited time
transitional phenomenon and will be over as soon as the active construction phase is over. The consumption
of freshwater by the residents will be just the normal for any such like housing colony (both a construction
and operation phase impact)
 Impacts relating to Generation of Wastewater: Generation of large volumes of wastewater, alongwith the
attending consequences, is expected to be generated during both construction and operation phases. As a
rule, generation of wastewater during lifelong occupancy of a housing scheme, on volumetric basis, is much
higher compared to the active construction phase. Furthermore, chemical and biological characteristics of the
wastewater generated during occupancy phase of the housing units will be different from the wastewater to
be generated during the construction phase (both a construction and operation phase impact)
 Impacts relating to Generation of Municipal Solid Wastes: Multifarious human activities during both
construction and occupancy phases of the project will lead to generation of ordinary municipal type solid
wastes. These wastes will comprise food residues, papers, and other miscellaneous items from a large number
of residential and commercial activities at the project premises and from preparation and consumption of
food by the inhabitants and others. Whereas, generation of solid wastes from construction activities will cease
with the completion of construction, generation of ordinary type municipal solid wastes during occupancy
phase will be a lifelong phenomenon (both a construction and operation phase impact)
EIA: Development of a Housing Scheme at Kuchlak Road, Quetta Balochistan under PM’s Housing Programme Page d
Executive Summary
 Likewise, there will be generation of household-origin municipal solid waste from the housing units all during
operation phase of the project (an operation phase impacts)
 Impacts relating to Generation of Noise: Undesirable ambient noise is likely to be produced during both
construction and the occupancy phases of the housing scheme. Whereas, generation of noise from
construction activities will be a transitory phenomenon, it will be a continuous nuisance during entire
occupancy life of the project. Generation of ambient noise is an inalienable phenomenon of multifarious
construction activities (such as movement of heavy machinery and equipment, loading and unloading of
materials, steel fixing and number of similar other activities) and from large number of diverse activities during
lifelong occupation of the housing scheme (both a construction and operation phase impact)
 Impacts relating to Ambient Air Quality: Construction and operation of the scheme may produce undesirable
impacts on local air quality because of higher than normal levels of resident atmospheric dust. Atmospheric
fugitive dust will be generated from flying-off of the particulates from excavations and diggings, movement of
heavy machinery and equipment on the unpaved roads and improper stacking of the loose materials during
construction phase. Increased movement of the vehicles to and from the site during both construction and
occupation phases may add to local fugitive dust. Similarly, generation of dust during occupancy phase of the
project will be mainly from increased vehicular movement and number of unspecified generic activities by the
residents (both a construction and operation phase impact)
 There could also be the impacts of impairment of air quality from the exhausts coming out from vehicles,
generators, and the machinery and equipment running on fossil fuels (both a construction and operation phase
impact)
 Besides, there could be the impacts on ambient air quality from the particulate dust flying off from the
uncovered loose materials, as might be stacked at the site, like sand and soil (a construction phase impact)
 There could be the impacts from higher dust levels in the ambient air because of atmospheric suspension of
the drag dust originating from increased movement of the carriage and the general vehicles coming to and
leaving the site (mainly a construction phase impact)
 Impacts relating to Risks of Personal Injury: There could be the likelihood of risks of personal injury to the
exposed workers all during construction phase, particularly to those working on scaffoldings, doing welding,
transporting the materials manually and carrying out similar other activities (a construction phase impact)
 Impacts relating to Consumption of Fossil Fuels and Exhaust Emissions: Reasonable volumes of the fossil
fuels (mainly diesel and petrol) are likely to be consumed during both construction and the subsequent
occupation (operation) stages of the housing scheme. Consumption of fossil fuels is likely to produce emissions
of exhaust gases, mainly CO2, which is a greenhouse gas. Therefore, unscrupulous consumption of fossil fuels
may add to carbon footprint of the project (mainly operation phase impact)
 Impacts relating to Consumption of Resources: Construction and subsequent occupation of the houses by
the allottees may be associated with consumption of sizeable volumes of the natural and manmade resources.
However, owing to their consumption with reasonable predictability, the likelihood of their depletion will be
quite remote (both a construction and operation phase impact)
 Impacts relating to Socio-Cultural Aspects: There could be various social and cultural issues relating to closed
community living because of differences of opinions, cultural practices, and the differences of outlook to social
value system (an operation phase impact)
A detailed account of the genesis of the above-referred adverse impacts, their potentiality to affect the ambient
environment and the measures for mitigations has been presented in Chapter 3 of this EIA Report. However, it
would be suffice to state here that if construction and development of the scheme is carried out in a sustainable
manner and in accordance with the ESDMP and the other mitigation measures, as are given in this EIA study,
then the majority of these adverse impacts would become insignificant and nullified.
ES.9 Measures for Mitigation

Besides presenting analysis of the environmental and social impacts of the project, the EIA report details a set
of comprehensive mitigation measures and strategies for avoiding and countering the adverse environmental
and social impacts of the project. Additionally, measures for addressing the impacts emanating from occupancy
of the houses by the allottees have also been presented in the report.
EIA: Development of a Housing Scheme at Kuchlak Road, Quetta Balochistan under PM’s Housing Programme Page e
Executive Summary
The majority of the mitigations measures are activity based. For example, wasteful consumption of freshwater
during construction can be avoided by promoting practices of water use conservation by the construction
contractor, such as curing the masonry and the newly constructed concrete structures with wet gunny wraps
instead of their direct showering with freshwater streams. Similarly, freshwater consumption during project’s
operation phase (the stage of occupancy by the allottees) can be economized by fitting auto-shutoff taps and
metering the water connections. Impacts on the surface- and the ground-water quality can be mitigated by
avoiding direct discharges of the untreated effluents and wastewaters onto lands and or into nearby water
channels, if any. The air quality impacts, like blowing of fugitive dust during construction, can be avoided by
cordoning off the active construction sites and by regular water sprinkling of the bare soils and stockpiled loose
materials. Similarly, dust blowing from bare surfaces during occupancy phase of the project, can be avoided by
paving the footpaths and planting trees and grass on the bare soils. Dust blowing from movement of vehicles,
particularly during operation phase, can be curtailed by constructing speed breakers to control high speed
driving. Adverse impacts of the sanitation origin wastewater can be avoided by constructing septic tanks with
each housing/residential unit or by constructing a central wastewater treatment plant, if feasible.
The negative social impacts of the project such as interpersonal conflicts and intolerant behaviours of the
neighbourhood livings can be mitigated by fostering good neighbourhood relations through Neighbourhood
Committee (NC) and by instituting some dispute resolution mechanism. It is recommended that at the time of
handing over the project to the allottees, the proponent constitutes a “Neighbourhood Committee” for
managing the project and for resolving disputes and problems of the residents all during operational life of the
project. The NC may initiate awareness raising programmes for the education and training of the residents.
Similarly, good offices of the Imams of the masjids in the project can be used for fostering good neighbourhood
relations and mutual respects amongst the residents.
As far as positive social impacts are concerned, the project is likely to provide housing to around 1350 families
(approx. 9000 persons @ 6.5 persons per family) from all sections of the society at affordable prices near the
city of Quetta. This singular social benefit outweighs almost all the negative or adverse impacts of the project.
One cannot think of owning a house in Quetta at such a low price, as is being offered by the PHA-F. The other
significant social benefits and positive impacts of the project will be the opportunities of employment, training,
and the skill development both for the professionals and for the general cadre personnel who would be working
on the project. Another social benefit of the project will be the income prospects for a large population (traders,
shopkeepers, suppliers, vendors, service providers, mechanics, and artisans etc.) who would be providing goods
and services for the residents occupying the houses. This alone can be reckoned as one of the biggest leap
forward towards revival of the local economy.
ES.10 Conclusion and Recommendations

Housing is a fundamental human need and an indomitable essentiality for the sanctity of family life. Due to
number of factors and reasons, Pakistan is today facing a shortfall of more than 4.50 million housing units. It is
therefore need of the time to take up construction of new housing units on war-footing basis by constructing as
many housing units as is physically possible within the available resources. There is no doubt that housing should
be declared a priority area and fast track construction should be taken up. But at the same time, environment
should be accorded the due importance, while planning and constructing the housing projects. Construction of
new housing schemes should not affect the environment adversely by bringing about unfavourable land use
change, large-scale exploitation of natural resources, and pollution of the air, water, and soil environment from
emissions, effluents, solid wastes and other contaminants. It is therefore imperative that before undertaking
any housing or urban development project, the project should be subjected to compulsory environmental
impact assessment, as envisaged under the Balochistan Environmental Protection Act 2012, to ascertain the
adverse impacts relating to both construction and operation phases.
As far as the instant project is concerned, the majority of the foreseeable environmental impacts are of low
significance and controllable by implementing the proposed mitigation measures and by complying with the
environmental laws of the country. In this particular case, implementation of the environmental mitigation
measures and guidelines, as given in this document, are expected to bring down the negative environmental
impacts of the project within the acceptable level. Nevertheless, to ensure long-term environmental
sustainability of the project, institutional arrangements must be put into place for controlling the adverse
impacts all during operational life of the project.
EIA: Development of a Housing Scheme at Kuchlak Road, Quetta Balochistan under PM’s Housing Programme Page f
1. Introduction and Brief Description of the Project
1
INTRODUCTION AND
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
OF THE PROJECT
1. INTRODUCTION AND BRIEF

DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
1.1 Introduction
The Pakistan Housing Authority Foundation (PHA-F), an autonomous body of the Ministry of Housing and Works,
Islamabad, has been setup with the exclusive mandate of providing housing to citizens of Pakistan. The PHA-F,
being a premier public sector housing provider, has been implementing housing programmes for all income
groups across the country. Under its latest initiative, named “Prime Minister’s Housing Programme”, the PHA-F
intends to construct a large number of housing units all over the country, particularly for the low-income strata
in all major cities of the country. The project titled “Development of a Housing Scheme at Kuchlak Road, Quetta
Balochistan is one of the projects under Prime Minister’s Housing Programme. The project envisages
development of a sizeable housing colony at Kuchlak road Quetta over an available and vacant site.
The project essentially is construction of a housing scheme for the low-income and the middle-income sections
of the society. It is hoped that construction of the residential units under the project will help in reducing
shortage of housing in the country, which currently is around 4,500,000 housing units6. The housing scheme will
be spread over an area of 86 acres, which can accommodate construction of 714 houses and 636 apartments
for about 1350 families7. Allotment will be as per the prescribed quota for various categories of eligible persons8.
1.2 Overview of Housing in Pakistan

According to the 1998 Census, the total number of housing units throughout the country is 19.3 million.
According to the said Census, 67.7% housing units are in rural areas and 32.3% in urban areas. The overall
housing stock comprises 39% katcha9 houses, 40% semi-pacca10 houses and 21% pacca houses. As per the
Census report, the housing backlog at the time of the Census was over 4.30 million units11. According to the
Ministry of Housing, Government of Pakistan, the estimated additional requirement of housing is around
570,000 units per annum, whereas the annual production is just around 300,000 housing units, which is resulting
in a recurring annual backlog of 270,000 housing units12. According to the Ministry of Housing, GoPk, the average
household size in the country is 6.6 persons and the occupancy per room is 3.3 persons 13. It is estimated that in
order to make up the backlog and to meet the shortfall in the next 20 years, the overall housing production has
to be raised to 500,000 housing units annually14.
Appreciating the gravity of the situation and realising the potential of housing and construction as a productive
sector of economy, the Ministry of Housing and Works, GoPk formulated the National Housing Policy, which was
approved by the President / the Chief Executive of Pakistan during a presentation by the Ministry of Housing
and Works on the 22nd June 200115.
The major emphasis of the National Housing Policy, 2001 is on resource mobilization, land availability, incentives
for homeownership, incentives to developers and constructors, and promotion of research and development
activities to make construction cost effective. The underlying objective is to create affordability, especially for
the middle-income and the low-income groups. One of the cornerstones of the Policy is to ensure development
of housing for the poor and the needy as well as housing for the rural population through the use of different
instruments like free land, cross-subsidy, concessionary finance, etc16.
One of the important initiatives of the Policy is to declare housing and construction as a priority industry in
category “C”. As a result of this single step, the usual privileges, concessions, exemptions and remissions have
become applicable to this industry in accordance with the policy of the Board of Investment (BOI) as applicable
to industrial sectors. The objectives of this initiative are to17:
6 Pakistan Economic Survey, Economic Division, GoPk, 2018

7 Project brief as provided by the PHA-F
8 Bylaws governing allotment and the eligibility criteria are available at PHA-F website www.pha.gov.pk
9 Made of mud and or alike materials
10
Made of bricks, cement and steel etc.
11 National Census Report 1998, Statistics Division, GoPk, 2000
12 Office Files, Ministry of Housing and Works, GoPk, 2019
13 Pakistan Housing Authority Foundation, 2019
14
National School of Public Policy, Lahore 2019
15 Full text of the NHP is available at the website www.moh.gov.pk
16 National Housing Policy, Ministry of Housing and Works, GoPk, 2001
17 Ibid
EIA: Development of a Housing Scheme at Kuchlak Road, Quetta Balochistan under PM’s Housing Programme Page 1
 Accelerate housing activity and contribute towards employment generation and economic development
 Facilitate provision of housing inputs including land, finance, building materials, institutional and legal
framework
 Analyse the culture of poverty and the forces generating ever increasing slums and katchi abadies including
political, public, socioeconomic, bureaucratic and environmental forces
 Promote ways and means for housing development by enhancing affordability, saving capacity, human
tendencies and potential
 Provide safeguards against malpractices, bureaucratic inefficiencies, institutional weaknesses and mafia
assaults
 Develop indigenous and cost effective approaches particularly for the low income groups
 Make the Government as a catalyst and facilitator in case of land policy, financial policy, improvement of
katchi abadies and slums, research and development and institutional development
Construction of the PHA-F’s instant housing project is in line with the National Housing Policy and the Prime
Minister’s Housing for All Programme. Under the latter, the Government of Pakistan will construct five million
housing units to reduce the existing backlog and to provide housing to the shelter-less18.
1.3 Brief Description of the Project

As mentioned earlier under the subsection on project’s introduction, the project essentially is “Development of
a Housing Scheme at Kuchlak Road, Quetta Balochistan under Prime Minister’s Housing Programme”. As per the
master layout plan, the project will comprise the following major components:
 Construction of various category of housing units and apartments blocks as per the master plan
 Construction of various support infrastructure, amenities and public utilities as per the master plan
 Construction of internal roads/pathways
 Provision of parking areas
 Provision of essential amenities
 Beautification and external development
 Construction of greenbelts and grassy ground
 Construction of facilities infrastructure (generator, tube well operator)
As per the preliminary master plan, the scheme envisages construction of houses, apartments, commercial
areas, amenity plots, roads, civil amenities like water supply, sewerage and sanitation network, waste collection
and disposal services, wastewater treatment plant, healthcare and recreational services, mosques, playgrounds
and greenbelts etc. The scheme envisions construction of four different categories of houses, based on plot size
and covered area. The Category-I (Cat-I) houses will have a plot area of 4500 sft (45’x90’) and covered area of
3636 sft each. There will be 55 Cat-I houses that will take up a total land area of 45.65 kanal. The Category-II
(Cat-II) houses will have a plot area of 3200 sft (40’x80’) and covered area of 2500 sft each. There will be 80 Cat-
II houses that will take up a total land area of 47.20 kanal. The Category-III (Cat-III) houses will have a plot area
of 1800 sft (30’x60’) and covered area of 1629 sft each. There will be 361 Cat-III houses that will take up a total
land area of 119.13 kanal. The Category-IV (Cat-IV) houses will have a plot area of 1125 sft (25’x45’) and covered
area of 1164 sft each. There will be 218 Cat-IV houses that will take up a total land area of 45.78 kanal. There
will be two categories of residential apartments i.e., 3-bed and 2-bed apartments. The covered area of 3-bed
apartments will be 1460 sft and of 2-bed will be 1195 sft. The apartments will take up an area of 62.30 kanal. As
regard the support facilities and infrastructure, commercial plazas will take up 22.73 kanal, shops 6.47 kanal,
petrol pump 1.27 kanal, and hotel 1.36 kanal (total commercial 31.83 kanal). Mosques will take up 9.33 kanal,
public buildings 14.58 kanal, and graveyard 14.81 kanal. 10 acres have been reserved for NHA’s RoW and 228.50
acres for the scheme’s roads. The total open area for development of greenbelts and parks will be 58.49 acres.
As regards the allotment quota, 30% will be for the federal government employees, 30% for the provincial
government employees, 30% will be for the general public, 5% for shuhuda (Hazara community) and 5% for
employees of the Ministry of Housing and Works. There will be 714 houses and 636 apartments in all, which will
provide accommodation for about 1350 families of four to six members each 19. Plate 1.3a and 1.3b are
geographical maps of Balochistan and Quetta. Plates 1.3c and 1.3d are the master layout plans. Plates 1.3e to
1.3o are the 3-D elevations of the housing units. Plates 1.3p to 1.3z are the architectural maps of the individual
units and apartments.
18Home page at www.pha.gov.pk

19Ibid
Plate 1.3a: Map of Balochistan showing location of Quetta
Plate 1.3b: Geographical Map of Quetta
Plate 1.3c: Master Layout Plan
Plate 1.3d: Survey Map of the Site
Plate 1.3e: 3D View Category-I (50’x90’)
Plate 1.3f: 3D View Category-I (50’x90’)
Plate 1.3g: 3D View Category-II (40’x80’)
Plate 1.3h: 3D View Category-II (40’x80’)
Plate 1.3i: 3D View Category-III (30’x60’)
Plate 1.3j: 3D View Category-III (30’x60’)
Plate 1.3k: 3D View Category-IV (25’x45’)
Plate 1.3l: 3D View Category-IV (25’x45’)
Plate 1.3m: 3D View 3-Bed Room Apartments

Plate 1.3n: 3D View 2-Bed Room Apartments
Plate 1.3o: 3D View of Commercial Plaza
Plate 1.3p: Architectural Plan Category-I (GF)

Plate 1.3q: Architectural Plan Category-I (FF)
Plate 1.3r: Architectural Plan Category-II (GF)

Plate 1.3s: Architectural Plan Category-II (FF)
Plate 1.3t: Architectural Plan Category-III (GF)
Plate 1.3u: Architectural Plan Category-III (FF)
Plate 1.3v: Architectural Plan Category-IV (GF)
Plate 1.3w: Architectural Plan Category-IV (FF)
Plate 1.3x: Architectural Plan 3-Bed Room Apartments
Plate 1.3y: 3-Bed Room Apartment (Single Flat)
Plate 1.3z: 2-Bed Room Apartment Block
Plate 1.3aa: 2-Bed Room Apartment (Single Flat)
The project also provides for construction of internal roads and footpaths for providing access to the apartments.
Whereas, the footpaths will be paved with tough tiles, the roads will be triple surface treated blacktop ones. The
parking has been provided in the form of a collective parking area for the occupants, as shown in the layout plan.
The residential units will be fitted with almost all major civic amenities like water supply, sanitation, electricity
etc. There will be number of overhead tanks for storing and providing round the clock supply of water to the
occupants. In order to ensure healthy ambience and green environment, the project will have reasonable
number of greenbelts and grassy lawns at various locations inside the colony premises. Besides providing
recreational facilities, these greenbelts will provide playing areas for the young children. As per the master plan,
approximate 15~25% land area is being reserved for developing the greenbelts.
As regard the number of housing units and the cost, the project envisages to construct different numbers of
various categories of housing units, as depicted in the Table 1.3a, below. Table 1.3b depicts the tentative cost
estimates based on applicable scheduled rates of Pak PWD and the NHA.
Table 1.3a: Category wise Number of Housing Units and Shops

Sr. Category Size Number Area (Kanal) % QDA
Bylaw
1. Category-I 50’ x 90’ 55 45.65
2. Category-II 40’ x 80’ 80 47.20
3. Category-III 30’ x 60’ 361 119.13
4. Category-IV 25’ x 45’ 218 45.78
5. 3-Bed Apartment C-Type (40’ x 40’) 216 62.30
6. 2-Bed Apartments C-Type (40’ x 40’) 420 --
Total Residential 320.06 46.55 55% Max
7. Shops/Offices 13’-3” x 9’-6” 765 22.73
8. Sector Shops 10’ x 15’ 72 6.47
9. Petrol Pump 1 1.27
10. Hotel 1 1.36
Total Commercial 31.83 4.63 5% Max
Total Open (Green 58.49 8.51 7% Min
Areas)
11. Mosque (Centre + Sector) 9.33
12. Public Buildings 14.58
Total Public Buildings 23.91 3.48 3% Min
13. Graveyard 1 14.81 2.15 2% Min
14. NHA RoW 10
15. Internal Roads/Paths 228.50 33.23 28% Min
Grand Total 687.59 100
Table 1.3b: Cost Estimates

Abstract of Cost Description Cost (Millions Rs.)
A
1 Roads 243.732/-
2 Sewerage and Drainage 146.355/-
3 Water Supply 139.242/-
4(i) Sui Gas 38.861/-
4(ii) WAPDA 100.000/-
5 Landscaping 106.568/-
6 Additional Items 344.839/-
B Building 2663.218/-
C Apartments 2436.49/-
D Commercial and Public Building 579.932/-
F Consultancy Fee 200.96/-
G Miscellaneous Cost 414.954/-
H Cost of Land --
I Escalation 530.34/-
TOTAL 7945.494/- M
1.4 Site’s Location

The project will be located at Kuchlak road Quetta at the geographical coordinates 30o19’07.17”N,
66o56’29.55”E; 30o18’51.87”N, 66o56’23.34”E; 30o18’57.82”N, 66o56’01.08”E; and 30o19’17.03”N,
66o56’05.49”E and an elevation of 1610 metres above sea level (Plate-1.4a-1.4c). The site is approximately 14
km from the city of Quetta and other major offices of the GoBln. The Colony will be well serviced by internal
blacktop roads. The main approach road to the scheme will be Kuchlak road, which connects a large number of
settlements situated along the said road. In this way, the site will be linked to Quetta and various other
destinations. Resultantly, the site is easily accessible from all parts of the city, which will be of immense
advantage for the residents. As regards the neighbourhood ambience, the site is an open, vacant and
uninhabited parcel of land situated in the peripheral suburbs of Quetta city. The site, as per master plan of
Quetta city is a vacant and unutilized parcel of land. Currently, the site per se is a clear parcel of land, owned by
provincial Government of Balochistan, possession of which will be handed over to the proponent after
completion of the due legal and codal formalities. The prominent key important around the site are:
 To the east: Private land owned by different landowners

 To the North: Approach road of the site
 To the west: Private land owned by different landowners
 To the south: Private land owned by different landowners
Plate 1.4a: Google Earth Imagery of the Site
Plate 1.4b: Google Earth Imagery of the Site

The project will be located at a convenient place near the city of Quetta. Facilities of public transport, education,
healthcare, and shopping will be made available for the residents of the scheme. Likewise, healthcare and other
allied facilities will be made available for the occupants. The scheme will also have its own marketplaces,
shopping areas, superstores and amenities within the scheme’s premises. The main facility sites of Quetta and
around will be easily approachable from the scheme. The site will also be accessible easily from the Air Port,
Railway Station, and the General Bus Stand.
1.5 Background Information

Since the adoption of “Universal declaration of Human Rights” and its subsequent reaffirmation at the 1996 UN
Habitat Conference, “Adequate Shelter for All” has been recognized as a basic human need 20. All Governments
have been made responsible to take appropriate steps in order to promote protect and ensure proper realization
of provision of adequate housing for its citizens. Despite being a signatory of the Declaration ibid, because of
number of restraints and limitations, Pakistan could not make much headway in this respect. Resultantly,
housing situation in Pakistan has deteriorated badly over the past many years and most of the policies
announced for buttressing the sector, the latest being the National Housing Policy 2001, could not produce the
desired results.
Realizing the fact that housing is one of the major pillars of the country’s economy and that there is continuous
degradation of housing quality and ever increasing shortfall in the housing stock, the Government decided to
review various measures and policies formulated in the past in order to come up with such policy measures
which are pragmatic and implementable. The emphasis of the Government would be to focus on the
fundamental requirements of creating a favourable and conducive environment in the country, and to promote
and facilitate this sector where the role of Government would change from provider to facilitator. Government
resolves to evolve, implement and support such policy measures that would ensure adequate housing to all its
citizens through proper planning and management, incentives and motivations. Special emphasis would be given
to provision of micro finance to low income communities. The current housing impasse is the result of several
problems confronting the country, including the political and economic environment, failure of the government
to intervene on behalf of the consumer, the “Coop. Scandals”, acute scarcity of credit, growing poverty,
deliberate neglect of the housing sector, political ploy of katchi abadies issue, and archaic institutional and legal
framework at all levels.
Housing and construction are well recognised to generate maximum employment opportunities and have
contributed to economic revival and growth. Its multiplicative effects on the economy have the robust potential
to generate industrial activities, develop small and medium enterprises (SMEs), self-employment opportunities,
business, commerce and trade activities and at the same time encouraging utilization of indigenous natural and
man-made resources. It will create social cohesion and environmental improvements. More significantly, the
private and informal sectors play a very vital role in housing construction. It is high time that to alleviate the
slump in the current economic situation in the country, housing and construction sector is harnessed to its fullest
potential. The major housing problems and issues confronting the country can be summarized as hereunder:
 There is multiplicity of housing related issues in the country, which have primordial nexus to population
explosion. The population of the country has grown from 84.254 million in 1981 to 130.580 million in 1998,
showing an overall increase of 54.98 per cent. The current projected population is 219.736 million which is
expected to increase to 221.388 million by 2021, based on an average growth rate of 2.61 per cent per annum.
 According to the 1998 census, the total number of housing units, throughout the country, was 19.3 million.
67.7% housing was in rural areas and 32.3% in urban areas. The overall housing stock comprised 39% katcha
houses, 40% semi-pacca houses and 21% pacca houses. The housing backlog, as estimated according to the
1998 census, was 4.30 million units. The annual additional requirement is estimated around 570,000 housing
units whereas the annual production is estimated around 300,000 housing units resulting in a recurring
backlog of 270,000 housing units annually against the estimated household size of 6.6 persons and the
occupancy per room of 3.3 persons.
 Continuing and unchecked growth of squatter settlements and creation of katchi abadies through
encroachment of the state and the privately owned vacant land is a direct outcome of the housing shortage.
It is estimated that 50% of the urban population lives in katchi abadies, slums, and squatter settlements. This
in it itself is a challenge of great magnitude for replacement, rehabilitation and upgradation of the outlived
housing stock. The Government, in January 2001, announced policy measures in this area, which were later
on incorporated into the National Housing Policy.
20www.un.org/Conferences/habitat
 Land suitable for housing is becoming scarce particularly in and around urban centres. Prices of the land
continue to increase with unchecked tendencies of speculation resulting in virtual non- availability of
affordable land especially for the low-income groups
 The Housing stock is also rapidly aging and the present estimate suggest that more than 50% are over 50 years
old and rapidly deteriorating due to general neglect, civic apathy on the part of the households and non-
availability of housing finance at affordable mark-ups.
 Shortage of finance continues to be the major constraint in the production, maintenance and growth of
housing. The share of housing, particularly in the public sector development portfolio, has remained scanty
and continues to decline. From 10.9 percent in the First Five Year Plan, it dropped to 5.9 percent in the Seventh
Five Year Plan and continuous to decline further. The banking, insurance and investment agencies do offer
mark-ups, which are affordable for the majority of the population. Therefore, their activity is confined to a
narrow market of high-income groups. HBFC, the only formal public sector housing finance institution has
constraints and remained inoperative for quite some time as its operations were to be made “Sharia
Compliant”. It is necessary that HBFC expands its operations for maximum coverage and offer packages to
low income groups besides financing of housing projects.
 Due to inflationary trends in the economy, cost of the building materials have sky rocketed. According to a
recent survey, 81% of the households have a monthly income below Rs 7,000/- per month, which is indicative
of growing income–shelter gap and deteriorating affordability of the majority of the households especially the
low-income groups.
 There continues a lack of adaptation of innovative technologies and materials and lack of support to the
research carried out in this field resulting in extravagant and skewed investment patterns in constructions and
unreasonably high construction costs.
 Planning and building code standards and procedures need to be rationalized and simplified. Coordination of
functionality and institutional capacity building within agencies concerned with the built environment i.e.
municipality, development authorities, cantonment boards, etc. is the need of the time.
In the backdrop of the above discussion, Quetta, which is the largest metropolis and a hub of economic activities
in the province of Balochistan, is facing acute shortage of housing. Thousands of people migrate to Quetta every
year in search of economic prospects, jobs, and education. Its population, as per 1998 Census, is 0.760 and the
estimated population for 2019 is 2.408 million. The district has a number of industries such as food processing
industry, iron foundries, small steel mills, textile units, chemical factories and many others. The district is also
famous for handmade carpet manufacturing in Pakistan. Quetta has the largest stock exchange in the province
of Balochistan. It also has reasonable number of federal and provincial Government offices, corporate offices of
many multinational companies, as well as other business houses. Real estate business is flourishing in Quetta,
which has resulted in a thriving construction industry and initiation of several large housing projects in the city.
Quetta is also the cultural, intellectual and artistic centre of the province. Its faded elegance, busy streets and a
variety of Islamic and British architecture makes it a city full of tradition, colour, contrast and surprise. The warm
and receptive people of Quetta are known for their traditional hospitality. This is a city of vivid differences and
of haunting nuances, where bustling bazaars, frenetic streets, glorious fading elegance, British Architecture and
echoing atmosphere of city's masjids merge into a history that is both dramatic and fascinating. Its colourful life
makes it the undisputed centre of cultural life of the province and it is no wonder that it is known as the cultural
capital of the region.
Owing to geopolitical, cultural, economic, and historical importance, the influx of migrants and visitors to the
city is increasing with every passing year. One of the outcomes of this heavy exodus is the persistent, rather
growing, shortage of residential and living accommodation in the city. Unless this deficiency of accommodation
is made-up, it is likely to increase with time. Despite construction of a large number of residential and housing
projects by both the public and the private sector, there still is formidable shortage of housing in Quetta, which
is attributable partly to heavy influx of migrants from other parts of the country and rural areas of Balochistan.
Construction of new housing units will be a perpetual and unceasing activity.
1.6 Objectives Underlying the Project

The project aims at providing dignified housing accommodation in the city of Quetta, particularly to those who
do not own a house21. The underlying objective is to reduce the existing shortage between availability and
demand of housing in the country by providing affordable housing to Federal, Provincial Government employees
and general public. The project will provide housing facilities to around 1350 families at a reason able cost in
Quetta. The shortage of housing units in Quetta could be resolved to some extent. The Master Plan comprises
21PHA-F Website www.pha.gov.pk

of residential area, public buildings, roads and Parks as per Quetta Development Authority’s By Laws. According
to a conservative estimate, the number of household units in Quetta is 222,000, out of which 100,000 are urban
and 122,000 are rural housing units. The estimated annual growth rate is 2.95 percent. The estimated current
demand of housing units is more than 0.5 million, which is increasing at a projected rate of 5-7% per annum22.
In addition to the objective of reducing the gap between demand and availability, uplifting and improving
socioeconomic condition of the citizens, boosting the construction industry, creation of new job opportunities
and income prospects for those engaged in transportation of raw materials and other construction sector
activities can be counted as some secondary or indirect objectives of the project23.
1.7 Construction Schedule

Although, construction schedule of the project has not been finalized, yet it is expected to be spanned over a
period of two years from groundbreaking. Construction will start following completion of the requisite codal and
legal formalities and grant of NOCs from the respective governmental regulatory agencies. Handing over of the
constructed houses to the allottees is scheduled at the end of 2021.
1.8 Implementation Stages

Implementation of the project includes the following essential stages:
a. Preconstruction Stage
 Conducting feasibility study including the cost benefit analysis of the project
 Preparation of the project documents, layout plan and engineering drawings
 Conducting various investigative studies such as geo-technical studies, environmental impact assessment,
and economic feasibility studies
 Obtaining consents, approvals, and NOCs from different agencies and departments of the Government
 Selecting the appropriate and the best suited machinery and equipment for manufacture of the intended
products according to required standards
 Signing the contracts for various jobs, procurements, installations, and implementation of the project
facilities
 Inviting applications from the Federal Government employees, Provincial Government employees,
general public and other eligible for allotment of the housing units and holding of balloting for allotment
in case the number of applicants is greater than the number of the housing units being offered
b. Construction Stage
 Procurement of constructional materials and their onsite stacking and storage
 Construction of campsite office and the labour camp including temporary toilets for the labour
 Demarcating the site structures and carrying out excavation and digging for construction of foundations
 Construction of superstructures
 Construction of a water storage tank for storing water for constructional needs
 Installation of generator and laying of temporary wiring for carrying on constructional activities
 Establishing an onsite testing laboratory and machinery repair and maintenance shop
 External development, landscaping, pavements, beautification, and floral ornamentations
c. Post Construction Stage

 Routine as well as emergency repair and maintenance works which may include repair and maintenance
of machinery, equipment, infrastructure, superstructures, building and fittings etc.
 Maintaining round the clock water supply through overhead water reservoirs
 Regular and periodic cleaning and disinfection of the overhead water reservoirs
 Maintenance and upkeep of the greenbelts, trees, and grass
 Maintaining a trouble free wastewater disposal system and preventing choking of the sewer lines
 Ensuring uninterrupted functionality of the wastewater treatment system, if any
 Environmental management including wastewater collection and disposal, solid waste collection and
disposal, janitorial services, horticulture, and beautification (plantation of trees, exotic shrubs, and
flowers)
 Attending to and addressing the complaints of the residents and occupants in the scheme
 Regular environmental audit and compliance monitoring as per the schedule recommended by BEPA
22Ministry of Housing, GoPk, Islamabad, 2019

23Project’s brief as provided by the PHA-F
1.9 Construction Activities

The main activities for accomplishment of the project include the following:
 Essential topographic, hydrological, geological, and tectonic studies and surveys to determine the essential
and the most appropriate engineering parameters for construction and structural designing
 Detailed architectural, engineering, environmental, economic, social, and cost-benefit feasibility and technical
studies
 Completion of the codal and legal formalities and obtaining NOCs and go ahead clearances from the concerned
regulatory agencies of the Government
 Preparation of the project documents containing project’s scope of activities, mode of execution, and
mechanism for supervision of construction
 Awarding of contract for construction and allied works as per proponent’s code of practice
 Monitoring and supervision of the work for ensuring its proper execution quantitatively as well as qualitatively
 Removal of unspent materials, constructional wastes and debris
 Post execution operations, maintenance, and monitoring of all project activities and operations
1.10 Mode of Implementation

The development and construction of the housing scheme will be taken up as a staged activity right from laying
of the foundation stone to complete construction of superstructures. The proponent (MD, PHA-F) intends to
outsource various components to respective contractors to ensure quality construction under a third party
monitoring and supervision mechanism and to effect timely completion of the project.
1.11 Labour and Human Resource Requirements

The project, being a medium sized developmental activity, will provide a good number of job opportunities for
the skilled and the unskilled personnel. It is estimated that 70 to 90 persons of various trades will work at one
time during construction phase and about 10-15 will be permanently engaged for repair and maintenance
services during operation phase of the project. The number of indirect job opportunities and income prospects
will be three to four times the direct opportunities. Table 1.11 presents estimated HR requirements of the
project during both stages.
Table 1.11: Estimated Manpower and HR Requirements (Construction)

Sr. Job Category Construction Operation
1 Senior Engineers 02 00
2 Junior Engineers 06 01
3 Surveyors / overseers 04 02
4 Computer Operator 00 01
5 Field Laboratory Staff 03 00
6 Skilled Workers 20 05
7 Unskilled and Semiskilled Workers 40 05
8 Others (drivers, security guard etc.) 05 01
Total 80 15
1.12 Studies and Surveys Relating to Environmental Assessment

The team of environmental experts in conjunction with the proponent undertook various studies and surveys
relating to the project, such as:
 Studies and investigations into the baseline environmental profile of the project area
 Physical, geological, hydrological, and topographical studies and related surveys of the project area
 Survey for the assessment of noise levels and their likely impacts on the environment
 Water quality investigations and lab analyses
 Socioeconomic surveys and public consultations to ascertain stakeholders’ concerns
The above-mentioned studies consisted of physical surveys of the site, taking samples for assessing water quality
parameters, and visual observations of the site area. Random public consultations were conducted to ascertain
apprehensions and perceptions of the resident population over the project. Direct interviewing and asking short
questions was found the most suitable mode of soliciting the requisite information. Collective public gatherings
were also found a reasonable mode of knowing public perceptions and learning their viewpoint. Whereas, the
majority of the vicinity residents showed a kind of disinterest into the project. Their primary concern,
nevertheless, was that construction of multi-storey buildings would jeopardize the privacy and purdah of their
low height houses. Their rooms and courtyards will be viewable from the multi-storey apartments, which is
unacceptable to them. The above said objections of the neighbouring residents are graded as the major social
concerns and a potential precursor of social conflicts in the future.
1.13 Intended and the Likely Benefits

The project is likely to provide housing facility and shelter to around 1350 families. Given the increasing cost of
construction and relatively low income of the majority of the population, owning a house is becoming a
farfetched dream of the masses. In this backdrop, the project can be termed as a silver line for the poor and
needy primarily because of its affordable price. Although construction of the proposed number of housing units
and apartments, when compared to overall shortfall of housing in the country, which runs into millions, is just
peanuts; yet it can be graded as a beginning of a bigger target. Apart from providing housing and shelter, the
project will also bring-in the opportunities of jobs, income generation and prospects of business for large number
of persons.
1.14 Proponent
The Managing Director, Pakistan Housing Authority Foundation (MD, PHA-F) is the principal proponent of the
project. However, the proponent may delegate his authority and powers to any of his subordinate in accordance
with Authority’s byelaws for carrying out all necessary acts with respect to the project’s construction including
preparation of architectural design and engineering drawings, conducting the environmental impact
assessment, procurement of machinery and equipment, and other similar activities and removal of bottlenecks
and troubleshooting.
1.15 Environmental Consultant

Green Revolution, who are leading environmental management house in the country, are the accredited
consultant for conducting a detailed and in-depth EIA study of the project in accordance with the rules,
regulations, and guidelines and provisions of other relevant laws in vogue. Green Revolution have their Head
Office at Lahore with branch offices in all the four provincial capitals and the federal capital, Karachi, Peshawar,
Quetta and Islamabad.
1.16 Focal Persons of the Proponent and Consultant

Focal persons each of the proponent and consultant with respect to the instant project will be as hereunder:
Table 1.16: Contact details of Proponent and Environmental Consultant

Proponent Consultant
Managing Director Mr. Kashif Ikram Sh.
Pakistan Housing Authority Foundation Chief Executive, Green Revolution
Ground Floor, Shaheed-e-Millat Office No. 5, Ground Floor, Al-Majeed Centre
Secretariat, Jinnah Avenue, Islamabad Link Faridkot Road, Lahore
email: info@pha.gov.pk email: greensul101@gmail.com
2. Baseline Environmental Profile
2
BASELINE
ENVIRONMENTAL
& SOCIOECONOMIC
PROFILE
2. BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL
AND SOCIOECONOMIC PROFILE
2.1 Baseline Environmental Settings
The baseline or the existing environmental profile of the project’s radius of influence serves as the standard
benchmark against which various project activities are assessed with respect to their potential of affecting the
environment adversely. It is therefore always essential to first establish the baseline profile in order to examining
or predicting the foreseeable impacts. The baseline settings serve as the yardstick for comparing the pre-
construction and the post-construction scenarios. This very section outlines the pertinent features of the
physical, biological, ecological, social, and cultural environment of the project area, which is followed in the next
chapter by detailed deliberations on the foreseeable, or the likely environmental impacts of the project’s
construction and the operation phases with respect to their interactions with various components of the existing
environmental profile.
Description of the environmental settings (also referred to as “baseline”, “existing”, “background”, or “affected
environment”) is an integral part of an environmental impact/environmental examination study. There are two
major purposes of describing the environmental settings in an impact study, namely:
 To ascertain and evaluate the existing environmental quality, as well as environmental impacts of the
alternatives being studied, including the no-action or no-project alternatives, and
 To identify environmentally significant factors or geographical areas that could preclude the development of
a given alternative or alternatives
Additional purposes of describing the baseline settings include, but not limited to, provision of sufficient
information so that the decision makers and the study reviewers, who might be unfamiliar with the general
location, may develop an understanding of the project needs as well as environmental characteristics of the
study area.
One of the significant environmental impacts of a developmental scheme would be the changes likely to take
place in the land use profile. If a developmental scheme substantially alters the land use pattern in a manner
that involves massive conversion of agriculturally useful lands into agriculturally or otherwise less useful lands,
or leading to deterioration of the ecological environment, then the impacts on the environment can be labelled
as deleterious and harmful. If a developmental scheme envisages very little or negligible changes in the existing
land use scenario or the new usages is of superior nature, then the scheme is considered an environment friendly
activity to the extent of this parameter.
It would not be out of place to mention here that usually the format of an IEE/EIA is either project specific or
area specific or a combination of both. Because of the nature of this project, the instant EIA has been prepared
according to the combination format and the baseline environmental conditions, therefore, have been described
according to this format approach. The text following hereafter contains a description of the baseline
characteristics of the project area and the project district, wherever relevant.
2.2 Studies and Surveys for Baseline Profile

The team of experts, in conjunction with the proponent and other concerned agencies, undertook various
studies and surveys relating to the proposition, such as:
 Study and investigation into the baseline environmental profile of the proposition area
 Physical, geological, hydrological, and topographic environmental survey of the proposition area
 Socioeconomic survey of the proposition area
 Health condition and nutritional status of the community
 Soil quality survey and investigations (not carried out)
 Water quality investigations and analyses (not carried out)
 Ambient noise profile at and in the vicinity of the project
 Social study surveys
The objectives of the social study survey were:
 Finding impacts of the project on the health, hygiene, life style and social value system of the inhabitants
 Any probable dislocation of the persons and property and removal of encroachments if involved
 Assessing the prospects of employment and job opportunity and impacts on the economic portfolio of the
beneficiary population in the project area
The above-mentioned studies included visits and physical surveys of the sites and the nearby populations within
a radius of 0.5 km from the site. The social surveys were carried out through random selection of the
neighbouring residents. The residents and the communities surrounding the site, being the important
stakeholders, were particularly consulted to solicit their views over various aspects of the project. Direct
interviewing and asking short questions was found the best mode of soliciting the requisite information. By and
large, the residents who were consulted during the study did not raise any serious objections onto construction
of the project except of generation of noise from the heavy earthmoving machinery to be deployed during
construction of the housing scheme. They were also of the view that construction of apartments will deprive
them of open free spaces in the area. In order to examine the noise potential of the project, the study team
carried out a noise measurement survey, results of which are presented in Table 2.2.
Table 2.2: Noise Record at the Site

Date Time Noise (dB) Date Time Noise (dB)
30.09.19 00:00 50 30.09.19 12:30 70
30.09.19 00:30 45 30.09.19 13:00 70
30.09.19 01:00 45 30.09.19 13:30 70
30.09.19 01:30 40 30.09.19 14:00 75
30.09.19 02:00 40 30.09.19 14:30 75
30.09.19 02:30 35 30.09.19 15:00 75
30.09.19 03:00 30 30.09.19 15:30 75
30.09.19 03:30 30 30.09.19 16:00 70
30.09.19 04:00 35 30.09.19 16:30 75
30.09.19 04:30 30 30.09.19 17:00 70
30.09.19 05:00 35 30.09.19 17:30 75
30.09.19 05:30 35 30.09.19 18:00 75
30.09.19 06:00 40 30.09.19 18:30 70
30.09.19 06:30 45 30.09.19 19:00 70
30.09.19 07:00 45 30.09.19 19:30 75
30.09.19 07:30 50 30.09.19 20:00 80
30.09.19 08:00 55 30.09.19 20:30 80
30.09.19 08:30 55 30.09.19 21:00 75
30.09.19 09:00 60 30.09.19 21:30 75
30.09.19 09:30 60 30.09.19 22:00 65
30.09.19 10:00 65 30.09.19 22:30 60
30.09.19 10:30 60 30.09.19 23:00 55
30.09.19 11:00 65 30.09.19 23:30 55
30.09.19 11:30 65 01.10.19 00:00 50
30.09.19 12:00 65 01.10.19 00:30 45
2.3 Environmental Description of the Project Area

The site is bound by the geographical coordinates 30o19’07.17”N, 66o56’29.55”E; 30o18’51.87”N, 66o56’23.34”E;
30o18’57.82”N, 66o56’01.08”E; and 30o19’17.03”N, 66o56’05.49”E and an elevation of 1610 metres above sea
level. For the purpose of environmental description, a concentric area upto 0.5 km from the site has been taken
as the project’s zone of environmental influence (Plate 2.3). The site is situated in the periphery of the Quetta
city on Kuchlak road, approx. 15 minutes’ drive from the main city. The wider area around the site is fully
inhabited and has turned into a big town near the city of Quetta. The scheme for residential colony at the site
has been conceived by the PHA-F under the Prime Minister’s Housing Programme. Accordingly, Government of
Balochistan has provided around 86 acres of land for developing the housing scheme. The scheme will be located
on Kuchlak road, which is an important busy provincial highway. On account of its location on Kuchlak road, the
scheme is rated as one of the good liveable scheme. All major civic amenities like electricity, natural gas,
groundwater, sewerage and drainage system will be made available in the scheme. Because of its strategic
location, the site is approachable easily from the downtown Quetta. Large number of housing units and the
newly developed urban areas surround the site. The predominant land use in the area is residential cum
commercial.
Plate 2.3: Site’s approximate Zone of Environmental Influence, red rectangle (adopted from Google Earth)
2.4 Site’s Geophysical Environment

The geophysical environment is that part of the overall environmental profile of the area that relates to the
geological and physical entities in the immediate radius of influence of the site. Amongst a number of
environmental parameters, description of the geophysical environment includes particularly the description of
the site, location of the project and geology, hydrology, and atmospheric features of the area surrounding the
site. The subsections following hereinafter describe the pertinent features of the geophysical environmental of
the project area and the district like geography, topography, geology, hydrology, seismology, meteorology, and
other tangible components of the geophysical environment within the immediate radius of influence of the
project.
2.4.1 A brief Intro of the Area/District

District Quetta has an area 2653 km2 and area-wise ranks as the 4th smallest district in Balochistan. It lies between
66°41'40" to 67°17'25" East longitudes and 30°01'29" to 30°28'25" North latitudes. Administratively, the district
consists of 2 Tehsils and 67 Union councils. It is at a distance of 690 km (aerial distance) south-west of Pakistan’s
capital city, Islamabad. Quetta was granted the status of district in 1975. The name originates from Pushto word
Kawatta, which means a fort. Formerly, the town was situated within the walls of fort “A Miri”, which is now
used as an arsenal. Quetta is the provincial capital of Balochistan. It shares boundaries in the east with Ziarat, in
the west with Qila Abdullah, in the north with Pishin, and in the south with Mastung districts. Locally, Quetta is
also known by its ancient name of Shal or Shalkot based on its location at the north end of the Shal Valley. It is
about 1,690 meters above sea level. Although a small city, Quetta has over the years acquired the typical hustle
and bustle of a provincial metropolis. The city and cantonment continue to modernize at an equally fast pace.
Quetta is attractive to tourists for its thrilling location, full of adventure and enjoyment. Some prominent bazaars
of Quetta are Qandhari bazar, Liaquat bazar and Suraj Ganj bazar. Quetta has the 4th largest airport in Pakistan.
Until the middle of the eighteenth century, the history of Quetta was similar to the history of Qandhar in
Afghanistan. In the eleventh century, it was part of the Graeco-Bactrian Empire. After that, it remained under
the Kingdom of the Amir Sabuktagin and Mahmood Ghaznavi until the thirteenth century. In 1470, the Qandhar
Kingdom was succeeded by the Timurs’. Between 1530 and 1545, the Province of Qandhar was in the possession
of Mirza Kamran (The brother of a Mughal ruler). In 1622, the kingdom was brought under the sway of the
Safavid Dynasty and remained there until 1709. Later Ghilzai came into power and ruled the area. Thereafter,
Quetta was transferred to Nadirs. Later on, history relates that Ahmed Shah Durrani finally conferred Quetta to
the Khan of Kalat as a “shall” (present). The British Government occupied Quetta during the first Afghan war in
1839. After Just three years, in 1842, it came back into the hands of the Khan of Kalat. Due to its strategic
importance, it was re-occupied by Sir Robert Sandeman in 1876.
On 26 May 1876, a treaty was signed by Amir Yaqoob Khan of Afghanistan with the British Government at
Gandamak. Thus, the conflict, which emerged as a result of the first and second Afghan war, came to an end. In
1883, Quetta was formed into a separate single administrative unit (Quetta Pishin District). Due to its geo-
strategic importance, the British built Quetta as a garrison town. They extended the roads and railway network
to Afghanistan and Iran. This situation remained unchanged until partition of the Sub-continent in 1947. Under
the One-Unit system from 1955 to 1970, Quetta and Kalat were the administrative units in West Pakistan. After
abolishing the unitary system, Quetta was declared as Capital of Balochistan. Until 1975, Quetta-Pishin was a
single administrative unit. In that year, Pishin was declared a separate district. Very little is known about the
history of the settlement in the district. However, it is certain that the Afghans and Brahvis are recent
immigrants. The Pashtoons appear to have entered the district from the north east, emigrating from their home
round Takht-e-Suleiman. Kasi (A branch of Afghan) are said to have migrated from their home around the Takht-
i-Suleiman about eight centuries ago. They made their first settlement at Samli, a village near Quetta city. The
Brahvis are offshoot from the Kalat territory and their presence in the district dates back to the eighteenth
century. With the passage of time, Quetta began to expand and soon it turned into a beautiful small town. The
British paid special attention to its cleanliness.
However, 31st May 1935 was a black day in the history of Quetta. An earthquake destroyed the Quetta city
completely. The cantonment area, however, survived to a great extent. The reconstruction started soon after.
Until 1947, Quetta was a small town. People used to call it Little London. But rapid population growth in terms
of rural urban migration, and influx of Indian refugees increased the population at Quetta. Influx of Afghan
refugees during the 1980s helped the slums to grow. New settlements in the form of housing schemes emerged
at Satellite Town, Jinnah Town, Samungali Town, Model Town and Shahbaz Town. In Kachi Abadies, slums also
begun to develop. The process of settlement continues even today. Now Quetta has turned into an over-
populated city. The most important archaeological site is Quetta Miri (a mass of indurated clay). The base of Miri
is 183 meter long by 122 meter wide and rises 24.4 meter above the plain. The Miri is now used as an Arsenal.
Some noticeable mounds are Kasiano Dozakh, between Katir and Kuchlak, Tor Ghund near Baleli and Tor Wasi
between Panjpai and Muhammad Khel. Besides, some Karez of archaeological interest are found at Kirani, Sariab
and Kachi Baig.
There is no perennial river in the district. The Quetta Lora comes out near Sariab and traverses the western side
of Quetta valley. This Lora carries rain and wastewater near Baleli and continues northward through the Kuchlak
Valley. Water of Quetta Lora is used for irrigation in villages like Khazi, Samungali and Nohsar. Hanna stream is
one of the important sources of drinking and irrigation water in the district. It rises in the western slopes of the
Zarghoon Range near Urak, about 21 km northeast of Quetta. It enters in Quetta valley near the Staff College
and drains its northern parts. The Hanna stream is joined by Sora Khula and Ghundak Rud Nalla above Sheikh
Manda village.
Quetta District is a multicultural and multi-linguist area. The principal ethnic groups in the district are Pashtoon,
Baloch, Brahvi, Hazara and Punjabi. The Kasi, Bazai, Mashwani and Syed are sub-tribes residing in the area. Urdu,
Punjabi, Pashto, Balochi, Brahvi, Sindhi, Siraki, Hindko and Persian are the languages spoken in the district. Urdu
is commonly spoken by all ethnic groups. The international boundary line between Pakistan and Afghanistan at
Chaman is at the far end of the Kuchlak road (Quetta Qila Abdullah road). Being in close proximity to Afghanistan,
Quetta is the most suitable choice for visitors, zaireen and businesspersons coming from Afghanistan to Pakistan
either by road or by air.
Quetta has been playing an important and vital role in country’s politics, economy, culture, trade, and social life.
The district has always been politically significant and produced a large number of leaders of stature and standing
including the former Prime Minister and the Chief Minister of Balochistan. There have been many provincial and
federal ministers, ministers of state, and advisors from the district. The district is also known for the wide variety
of culture reflecting the traditions and customs of the area.
2.4.2 Location of the Site

The site is bound by the geographical coordinates 30o19’07.17”N, 66o56’29.55”E; 30o18’51.87”N, 66o56’23.34”E;
30o18’57.82”N, 66o56’01.08”E; and 30o19’17.03”N, 66o56’05.49”E and an elevation of 1610 metres above sea
level. It is situated on Kuchlak road approx. 12 km northwest of Quetta city. The site is accessible from Kuchlak
Road, which is a main and a busy road that links Quetta with district Qila Abdullah and various other important
towns, cities, districts and other destinations. The essential civic amenities like electricity, groundwater,
sewerage and drainage system will be made available at the site. Plates 2.4.2a to 2.4.2f present geographical
location of the site as taken from Google Earth.
Plate 2.4.2a: A Google Earth Imagery of the Site
Plate 2.4.2b: A Google Earth Imagery of the Site
Plate 2.4.2c: A Google Earth Imagery of the Site
Plate 2.4.2d: A Google Earth Imagery of the Site
Plate 2.4.2e: A Google Earth Imagery of the Site
Plate 2.4.2f: A Google Earth Imagery of the Site
2.4.3 Geography
The site is bound on the west by an existing road, which will also serve as the approach road to the site; on the
north, south and east by private land owned by different landowners. The housing scheme will be developed on
an available and vacant parcel of land, owned by Govt of Balochistan, on Kuchlak road. Barring the above
description, there are no other structures of prominence, monuments, antiquities or any important landmarks
at, around or near the site.
2.4.4 Topography
Currently, the site is a vacant parcel of land situated on Kuchlak road, Quetta. Topographically, the site, being a
part of district shares similar topographical features. Geographically, Quetta District is mountainous. The hill
ranges are fairly uniform in character consisting of long central ridges from which frequent spurs descend. These
spurs are intersected by innumerable gorges and torrent beds with varied ground in elevation of 1,254-3,500
meters. The Mashlakh, Chiltan, Murdar and Zarghoon are the important mountain ranges in the district. Quetta
lies in the active seismic region. Therefore, earthquakes occur from time to time. The worst earthquake occurred
in May 1935, when a large part of Quetta was destroyed and 60,000 people died. In February 1997, an
earthquake measuring 7.1, on the Richter scale hit Balochistan that resulted in death of many persons in semi
urban areas of the city. Apart from the above-mentioned aspects, the district does not exhibit any other special
physical, geological and geomorphologic features24.
2.4.5 Geology
Geologically, lands at and around the site, being a part of the wider area of Quetta, are mantled lightly with
sedimentary calcareous deposits, which have been consolidated over the centuries. The underlying bedrock is
composed of Precambrian to Metamorphic and Tertiary consolidated rocks. The overlying crust consists of
Pleistocene to recent unconsolidated deposits of sand, clay, silt and rock stone. The formation age of the strata
dates back to Pleistocene to recent times, the latter being predominant near the torrential paths and the former
near the rocks25.
2.4.6 Soil Morphology

By composition, soils at the site, which are contiguous with soils of Quetta district, are granular to amorphous
mix of sand, silt, clay, and rock stone. The texture, morphology, and moisture holding capacities of these soils
show some intrinsic variations as one travels from north to south and from east to west. The soil crust is
composed of sedimentary deposits consisting of silt, clay, sand, and rock stone. Clay and silt formations occur in
discontinuous layers with limited lateral extent. Their thickness is generally less than five meters26. Because of
their morphology, fertility and the yield per acre of the soils is good 27.
2.4.7 Seismology
According to the Seismic Survey Map of Pakistan, Quetta falls in the seismic zone, which has seismic activity
equivalent to zone “2A” of the Earthquake Zones Classification of the United States Uniform Building Code, 1997
(UBC-97). This zone conforms to Zone-3 of the Earthquake Zoning of Pakistan and is associated with unknown
geological conditions and the reported earthquake damage is “moderate”. Nevertheless, earthquakes of
magnitude up to seven on the Richter scale, which generate ground acceleration up to 0.1 g, have been reported
for this zone28. No major earthquake has been reported during past two decades in the district29.
2.4.8 Surface Hydrology

There is not any perennial river in Quetta. The principal source of surface water are the seasonal torrents that
rundown from the four mountains around Quetta valley. Hanna Urak basin is the main source of surface water
for the city.
The pollution of surface waters in Pakistan has assumed serious proportions, primarily because of pouring of the
untreated industrial and municipal effluents into the nearby rivers with impunity. This problem is more
conspicuous in case of rivers that pass through or along the industrial districts. As a result of the unscrupulous
pouring in of the effluents, the water quality of the rivers has been deteriorating. The canals are also not saved
24 Wikipedia
25 Geological Survey of Pakistan <www.gsp.com.pk>
26
Ibid
27 Ibid
28 Ibid
29 Ibid
from this nuisance of direct pouring of the raw sewage. However, Quetta is saved from this menace, as there is
no perennial river here. Table 2.4.8 presents typical surface water quality of the site/district.
Table 2.4.8: Surface Water Quality of the Site/District

Sr. Parameter Unit Value
1 Alkalinity m.mol/l 7.11
2 Bicarbonates mg/l 369
3 Calcium mg/l 50
4 Chlorides mg/l 51
5 Hardness mg/l 375
6 Iron mg/l 0.07
7 Nitrate mg/l 1.69
8 Phosphate mg/l 0.28
9 Sulphates mg/l 121
10 TDS mg/l 780
11 Turbidity NTU 0.8
12 pH -- 6.9
13 Total coliform In 100 ml 5–8
(Source: Sub Soil Water Quality of the Site)
2.4.9 Hydrogeology and Groundwater

Owing to its location in a semi-arid zone, outside the monsoon belt, the rate of groundwater recharge at the
site, through downward infiltration is poor. No hand pump was found installed near the site because usage of
hand pumps for groundwater abstraction is fast declining mainly because of persistently lowering water table.
Motorized pumps have replaced the hand pumps. The general quality of the groundwater near the site is
satisfactory and meets the WHO Guidelines for potable water. The overland rainfall and infiltration from the
precipitation runoff is a major source of groundwater recharge.
The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), which is the principal agency for water supply in the district, has
installed number of tube wells in the district for drawing-up the groundwater and supplying it to domestic and
commercial consumers. However, many residential and commercial establishments in the area also have their
own private tube wells, with which they extract the groundwater directly. The number of existing tube wells and
the pace of water abstraction exhibit the groundwater aquifers to be of small reserve. Construction of a new
tube well is included in the work scope of the project. The groundwater at the site is of acceptable quality and
fit for intended purposes.
The irrigation sources include tube wells and karez or springs. Most of the tube wells are privately owned and
are maintained by community. Whereas, government installed tube wells are maintained by Irrigation
Department. Majority of the crop cultivation area (6,972 hectares) is irrigated by means of tube wells,
encompassing the 71.04% of the total irrigation sources, followed by Karez/Spring (29%) sharing thereby the
area (2,842 hectares) in total. The total number of tube wells (141) installed by the government at 18.8% as
against the privately installed (610) at 81.2%, is very low. More tube wells might be installed by the government,
especially in those areas, where the culturable wasteland is lying fallow and uncultivated for the last couple of
years but provided underground water position allows the potential for exploiting more water resources is to
be envisaged. Tables 2.4.9a, 2.4.9b, and 2.4.9c present typical quality of groundwater at the site 30 and the
number of tube wells in the district31.
Table 2.4.9a: Number of Tube wells in the District

Total Diesel Electric
Pvt. Govt Total Pvt. Govt Total Pvt. Govt Total
610 141 751 -- -- -- 610 141 751
(Source: Balochistan Development Statistics, 2018)
Table 2.4.9b: General Groundwater Quality of the District

Sr. Parameter Unit WHO Desirable WHO Max Value
Level Permissible Level
1. Temperature 34oC
30Lab Report of the Groundwater of the Site

31Balochistan Development Statistics, 2018
2. pH -- 7.0~8.5 6.5~9.2 7.50
3. Odour -- Unobjectionable Odourless
4. Colour P.C.U 05 Units 50 Units Colourless
5. Taste -- Unobjectionable Unobjectionable Tasteless
6. Turbidity ppm Silica Units NTU 05 Units 25 Units 1.20
7. Total Dissolved Solids -- 500 1500 620
8. Calcium as Ca++ ppm 75 200 36
9. Magnesium Mg-- ppm 50 150 15
10. Total hardness as CaCO3 ppm 100 500 150
11. Total alkalinity as CaCO3 ppm 350
12. Sulphate as SO4- ppm 200 400 140
13. Chloride as Cl- ppm 200 600 24
14. Conductivity at 25oC µs/cm 880
(Source: Water Quality Testing Lab of PHE Deptt, GoBln, 2019)
Table 2.4.9c: Microbiological Quality of Groundwater of the District

Sr. Parameter Value
1. Total plate count / ml --
2. Total coliforms (MPN/100 ml) --
3. Faecal coliforms (MPN/100 ml) --
4. E. coli (MPN/100 ml) Not detected
(Source: Water Quality Testing Lab of PHE Deptt. GoBln, 2019)
2.4.10 Meteorology, Climate and Air Quality

The site, like rest of the district of Quetta, exhibits a cold and dry climate with moderate rainfall32. According to
meteorological profile of Quetta, summers are generally not very hot with moderate humidity. Whilst, winters
exhibit extreme cold and the temperature may drop to zero Celsius. Spring and autumn are the pleasant parts
of the year. The mean winter temperature (December/January) ranges between 10.5°C to 14.5°C. The mean
summer temperature remains around 30°C to 33°C with spikes crossing 38°C. The mean of the maximum
temperature ranges between 29-30°C and mean of the minimum from 15-16°C33. Approximately 50 percent of
the average annual rainfall occurs during the months of July and August 34. The past climatic records indicate that
rain rich years have been occurring at a cycle of 15-20 years with intervening dry period35. The site being a part
of the low lying hills of Central Balochistan, the general climatic pattern is characterized by a dry climate except
during extreme summers, whence the humidity level in the air is a little higher than average. Quetta is outside
the monsoon zone of the country. Therefore, there is hardly any rainfall during the monsoon period. The average
annual precipitation of the district for the past 10 years (2009~2019) has been around 160 mm. The wind flow
is gentle during most of the year with occasional and sporadic dust storms during peak summer. The rate of
evapotranspiration in the built-up areas, where there are massive concrete structure, is lower compared to the
open grassland/cropland in the periphery of the City. The wind flow at the site is remains gentle during most of
the year with occasional and sporadic dust storms during peak summer. Tables 2.4.10a to 2.4.10e present
meteorological profile, rainfall, temperature and humidity profile of the area36.
Table 2.4.10a: Meteorological Features of the Area/District

Parameter Description
Classification of climate Sub mountainous (cold / dry)
Predominant wind direction East / Northeast
Wind intensity Weak to moderate
Average annual precipitation 160 mm
Rainy season Unspecific
Dry season Unspecific
Average annual temperature 22-23 0C
Average summer temperature 29-31 0C
Average winter temperature 10-12 0C
(Source: Pakistan Meteorological Department, GoPk, 2018)
32 Pakistan Meteorology Department, Quetta, 2018 (soft copy)

33
Ibid
34 Ibid
35 Ibid
36 Ibid
Table 2.4.10b: Month-wise Temperature Profile (Mean of Maximum)
Stn. Month / Temperature (oC) (Mean of Maximum) Avg
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Qta 15.7 17.3 19.9 26.5 33.9 36.8 38.4 35.4 31.3 27.6 21.1 20.2 27.0
Table 2.4.10c: Month-wise Temperature Profile (Mean of Minimum)

Stn. Month / Temperature (oC) (Mean of Minimum) Avg
Qta 0.5 -0.5 7.5 10.1 15.6 20.8 22.5 18.5 12.5 7.0 1.4 0.7 9.7
Table 2.4.10d: Month-wise Humidity Profile

Stn. Month / Humidity Level Avg
Qta 31.5 21.0 41.4 23.5 14.2 17.0 14.5 15.0 12.0 15.0 21.5 25.4 21.0
Table 2.4.10e: Month-wise Rainfall Profile

Stn. Month / Rainfall (Precipitation) Avg
Qta 56.0 0.0 80.0 2.0 2.0 14.0 5.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 160
2.4.11 Air Quality

The air quality profile of district Quetta shows concentrations of some of the quality parameters higher than the
WHO Guideline Values and those prescribed under the NEQS. According to a joint air quality investigation of the
major districts in the country by the Pak-EPA and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the average
suspended particulate matter (SPM) in the study districts was 6.4 times higher than WHO Guideline Values. The
levels of sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and oxides of nitrogen also exceeded the acceptable standards in
some areas, but the average levels were below the Guideline Values 37. Another similar study revealed higher
concentrations of SPM in the ambient air 38. However, barring congested urban centres, air quality in rest of the
province generally conforms to WHO Guideline Values39. At the time of visit inspection, the general atmosphere
in and around the site, was found smeared with low-lying suspended particulates but with reasonably fair
visibility. Table 2.4.11 presents typical air quality profile of the site/district40.
Table 2.4.11: General Air Quality Profile of the Site/District

Paramet Ozone SO2 NOx NO CO Dust Humidity W/speed
er (ppb) (ppb) (ppb) (ppb) (ppm) ug/m3 (%) (m/s)
Conc. 6.3 10.0 41.3 29 8 423.7 25-45 1.0-2.1
(Source: Air Quality Monitoring Data, Pakistan Meteorological Department, Quetta, 2018)
2.4.12 Effluent Disposal

Currently, there is not any sewerage and drainage system for the site. A fully functional and appropriate
wastewater collection, drainage and treatment system will be developed and constructed as a part of the master
plan of the scheme alongside construction of a storm water collection and disposal network. The sanitation and
sewerage system of the site will ultimately join with the main sewerage system of WASA, Quetta.
2.4.13 Background Radiological Characteristics

There are no known background radiological characteristics in and around the site. The X-ray machines,
scanners, and the radiotherapy equipment in use at the biomedical facilities at Quetta city do have radioactive
sources installed in them. However, the quantum of emission of radioactivity from these sources is negligible
and does not contribute much towards background ambient radioactivity levels 41.
2.5 Ecological and Biological Environment

The ecological and biological environment of an area is generally considered sensitive to large-scale
developments. Disturbances and imbalances in the ecological and or biological environment can adversely affect
37 3-Cities Investigation of Air and Water Quality (Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad), JICA/Pak-EPA, 2001
38
2-Cities Investigation of Air and Water Quality (Gujranwala and Faisalabad), JICA/Pak-EPA, 2003
39 Air Quality Monitoring in Six Districts of Punjab using Physico-Chemical Techniques, EPD, GoPb, 2005
40 Ibid
41 Based on site visit by Experts Team
the biodiversity features of an area. The biodiversity of an area generally reflects the abundance and richness of
the biological and or the ecological resources.
2.5.1 Forests, Habitat and Ecologically Sensitive Areas

The site per se is devoid of any specific or major plantation except a few ordinary trees, the number of which is
less than ten. There are no major forest plantations within the zone of influence of the project. However, there
are fifteen (15) notified forests in Quetta district, which include Dhobi Ghat, Zangi Lora, Zarghoon North,
Zarghoon Central, Marri Chak, Spin Karez, Karkhasa, Mazar, Khur, Tur, Tagha Torghar, Babri, Maslakh, Southern
Maslakh, and Takatu, measuring 108,008 hectare in total. All the above named forest plantations are located far
away and outside the radius of influence of the site. Moreover, there are no horticulture and or wildlife parks
and planned gardens at or around the site. The linear plantations along the roads, railway line, and water
channels constitute another floral resource of the district 42.
It may be mentioned as a passing reference that owing to consistent human interventions over centuries, the
existing natural habitat of the area is largely a modified form of the original habitat of tropical thorn forests. This
has led to a changed landscape and loss of wildlife. The predominant habitat of the district is the Tropical Thorn
Forest.
2.5.2 Local Flora

Apart from some scattered and isolated trees at the site, there are no other large-scale plantations in and around
the site. Site observation revealed that there are no known floral resources at the site except some indigenous
varieties of trees. The major portion of the site is devoid of any tree plantation. The major tree species are
Obusht Apurs or (Juniperous excelsa polycarpos), Wild Ash (Fraxinus Xanthoxyloides), Shinay or Wild pistachio
(pistatio khinjjak), Surai (Rosa beggeriana), Anjir (Ficus johannis), etc. In the valleys, Ghaz (Tamarix spp) is found
in streambeds. The main shrubs and bushes are Adang (Lonicera hypoleuca), Chank (Cerasus rechingrii), Delako
(Convolvulus spinosus), Gringosehchob (Spiraea brahuica), Makhi (Caragana ambigua), Mateto (Salvia cabulica),
Mazhmunk (Amygdalus brahuica), Phiphal (Daphne mucronata), Saisubai (Onobrychs cornuta), Sehchob
(Cotoneaster afghanica), Shenalo (Astragalus stocksii), Tharkha (Artemisia maritime), Oman (Ephedra
nebrodensis), Wild almond (Prunus ebernea), Zralg (Berberis lyceum) etc. The ground cover is constituted mainly
by Herbs like Atambae (Valerianella szovitsiana), Cheir (Ferula costata), Kamha (Ferula ovina), Sagdaru
(Heliotropium dasycarpum), Ushi (Ferula oopoda) etc. and grasses like Adin (Phacelurus speciosus), Gasht (Stipa
trichoides), Hawae (Cymbopogon jawarancusa, C. commutatus), Kaj (Chrysopogon aucheri), Kholambae (Avena
sterilis), Lashabae (Poa bulbosa), Sarandu (Biossiera squarrosa), etc.
The district has a reasonable area under forest and a considerable area has been conserved as State Forest or
Wildlife Protected Area. The rest of area is unclassified wasteland (mostly community owned). Overall naturally
occurring vegetation, including shrubs, bushes and grass can aptly be termed as rangelands. These rangelands
are substantially contributing to the local economy of the district as forage source for their livestock. There are
fifteen (15) notified forests in Quetta district, which include Dhobi Ghat, Zangi Lora, Zarghoon North, Zarghoon
Central, Marri Chak, Spin Karez, Karkhasa, Mazar, Khur, Tur, Tagha Torghar, Babri, Maslakh, Southern Maslakh,
and Takatu, measuring 108,008 hectares in total. Moreover, there is one (1) notified protected area, which is
Hazarganji Chiltan National Park, measuring as 27,427 hectare in total. Management of most of the notified
forests, presently, does not match with the objectives initially designed, because of lack of ownership by
stakeholders and managerial authorities. Such a situation, coupled with increasing population, has increased the
rate of degradation of these forests manifold. The Hazarganji Chiltan National Park was established in 1980 for
the conservation of Chiltan Markhor (Wild Goat), its associated biodiversity and habitat. The park is an excellent
example of the representative fauna and flora of Quetta valley. There are 18 mammals, 106 birds, 17 reptiles
and 225 plant species found in this park. Every year, students, adventurers and general visitors visit this park for
pleasure and research. At the entrance of the park, a natural history museum has been established, which
provides information, regarding flora and fauna, to the visitors. The Forest and Wildlife department is also
managing two recreational parks in Quetta; these are Mianghundi Recreational Park and Karkhasa Recreational
Area. These parks are excellent examples of eco-tourism concept. Roadside plantations have been established
along almost all major roads in Quetta city, which may include Eastern By-pass, Western By-pass, Quetta Chaman
Road, Airport Road, Hazarganji-Dasht Link Road, Sariab Road and Zarghoon Road plantations. In fact, raising
linear plantations along roads is a real challenge, which has been met over years with patience. With
restructuring (widening) and new alignments of roads, such plantations have been uprooted time and again in
Quetta town to reach the present shape. Tables 2.5.2a and 2.5.2b present the vegetation zone distribution and
common flora of the wider area.
42Brief on Forest Department, GoBln, 2019

Table 2.5.2a: Vegetation Zone wise Flora of District Quetta

Sr. Vegetation Zone Description
1. Uphill steep Like Chiltan, Takatu, Murdar and Zarghoon hills, where Juniperus Excelsa polycarpos
rocky cliffs is the predominantly climax species associated with Pistacia khinjjak and Fraxinus
xanthoxyloides
2. Foot hills and Mostly modified for urbanization, agriculture and other land uses. However,
Piedmont Plains wherever the area is still undisturbed, it is dominated by a variety of shrubs like
Artimesia meritima (Tharkha), Prunus ebernea (Wild almond), Caragana ambigua
(Makhi), Berberis lyceum(Zralg) and Sophora grifithii (Ghuzaira) associated with
herbs and grasses
3. Dry stream beds Tamarix Spp. is commonly seen
Table 2.5.2b: Some Common Flora of the Area along with Botanical Names
Sr. Common / Local Name Botanical Name
1. Juniper Juniperus excelsa polycarpos
2. Artemisia Artemisia meritima
3. Ephedra Ephedra nebrodensis
4. Ephedra Ephedra intermedia
5. Morae/Ajwain Thymus surphyllum
6. Zralg Berberis lycium
7. Surai Rosa beggeriana
8. Shinshobae Perowskia abrotanoides
9. Sursanda Hymenocrater sessilifolius
10. Kala Zira Carum bulbocastanum
11. Spandae Paganum hermala
12. Valanae Mentha sylvestris
13. Walaghunai Dephne oleoides
14. Gung Vitex agnus-castus
15. Jand Prosopis spicigera
16. Van Salvadora obeoides
17. Peelu Salvadora Percica
18. Keekar Acacia Nilotica
19. Shisham Dalbergia
20. Baqain Azadrachta indica
21. Shreen Albizzia Lebeck
22. Popular Popules deltoids
23. Sufeda Euclyptus canaldulensis
24. Pippal Phycus Religiosa
(Source: Forestry and Wildlife Department GoBln, 2019)
2.5.3 Local Fauna

There is no specific fauna either indigenous to the site or even within the radius of influence of the project.
Similarly, there are no special resident or migratory species of aviary, aqua, or wildlife indigenous to the site. As
such, the biodiversity features are insignificant. The site being fully urbanized, no wildlife is seen around the site.
Wildlife habitat type is Dry Steppe. Hazarganji Chiltan National Park is an outstanding example of representative
fauna of the district. The key habitats of the district are Chiltan, Takatu, Murdar and Zarghoon hills, where
following species could be found. Tables 2.5.3a and 2.5.3b present the wildlife distribution and common fauna
of the wider area.
Table 2.5.3a: Fauna Distribution in Quetta

Sr. Type Description
1. Mammals Suleiman Markhor, Chiltan Markhor, Wolf, C common red fox, Blanfords or Afghan fox,
Asian jackal, Striped hyena, Indian crested porcupine, Cape hare, Hedgehog, Migratory
Hedgehog, Beech or stone marten, Marbled pole cat, Afghan pika, House mouse, Long
tailed hamster, Grey hamster, Persian jird , etc.
2. Birds Accentor, Bulbul, Bunting, Chat, Chough, Chukar partridge, Eagle, Falcon, Lark, Magpie,
Owl, Shrike, See partridge, Vulture etc.
3. Reptiles Lizards (Agama, Monitor), Afghan Tortoise (Agrionemys horsfieldii), Saw-scale viper
(Echis carinatus), Levantine viper (Macrovipera lebetina), etc.
Table 2.5.3b: Some Common Fauna of the Area along with Zoological Names
Sr. Common / Local Name Zoological Name
1. Geedarh Cannis aurius
2. Sayyarh (Khargosh) Lepus capensis
3. Percupine (Seh) Hysterix Indica
4. Black partridge (Teetar) Electoris melanocephala
5. Eagle (Cheel) Mitrus migrans
6. Vultures (Giddh) Gyps futros
7. Bulbul Pycnonodus xynthopygos
8. Pigeon (Kabootar) Treron waalia
9. Dove (Fakhta) Streptopilia roseogrisera
10. Ducks (Batakh) Anas spp
(Source: Forestry and Wildlife Department GoBln, 2019)
2.5.4 Protected and Ecologically Sensitive Areas

There are no notified ecologically sensitive areas at or around the site. There is one (1) notified protected area,
which is Hazarganji Chiltan National Park, measuring 27,427 hectare in total 43. However, it is situated far off the
site. Likewise, there is no wetland of national or international importance located in the district. However, Hanna
Lake and Spin Karez support migratory bird population during their seasonal migration.
2.6 Socio-Cultural Environment

The sociocultural environment represents the demographic profile, social traditions, cultural practices,
economy, lifestyle, religious and social aspects and the community’s overall cultural value system at a particular
area. The pertinent features of socioeconomic environment of the project area/district have been highlighted in
this subsection.
2.6.1 Demographic Profile

As reliable data about the population within the radius of influence of the site is not available, the demographic
profile of the district, of which the site is a part, has been taken as the mainstay for establishing the baseline
conditions pertaining to this aspect. The land area of Quetta is 2,635 square kilometres, and its population,
according to 1998 Census, is 760,000. The urban population is 565,000 persons (74.4%), and the rural population
is 194,000 persons (25.6%). The male population is 412,000 (54.2%) and the female population is 348,000
(45.8%). The male to female ratio is 118:10044. The population density is 286.4 per km2. The projected figure for
the year 2019 is 2,480,000 persons. Table 2.6.1 presents demographic profile of the area/district.
Table 2.6.1: Demographic Profile of District Quetta

Tehsil Area (km2) 1951 1961 1972 1981 1998 2019
Quetta 2635 142 252 382 760 2480
(Source: Balochistan Development Statistics, 2018) (Thousands)
2.6.2 Land Use/Agricultural Profile

The land parcel earmarked for the housing scheme is a vacant land, which will be converted into a properly
designed housing scheme. Being a bedrock, the site is not suitable for agriculture. Quetta falls in the tropical
agro-ecological zone bearing a total potential agricultural area of 45,368 hectares, which is approximately 26.9%
of the total geographical area of the District. The potential area available for cultivation was 45,368 ha of the
total geographical area. The current fallow land increased from 0% to 26.8% between 2005 and 2009, which
means more area was made available for cultivation and the net sown area was reduced from 100% to 73.2%
between 2005 and 2009. The major Rabi crop is wheat followed by barley sharing 72.9% and 7.7% of the total
Rabi crop area respectively. The major Kharif crop is fruits followed by onion sharing 80.1% and 7.4% of the total
Kharif crop area respectively. The fodder production was 6,190 tons, which remained the highest for the year
2008-09 followed by wheat at 5,872 tons. Among the fruits, pomegranate produce was the highest with 13,000
yield kg per hectare. Other major fruit produce included apple, apricot, grapes, peach, plum, pear, pomegranate
and cherry. The major irrigation sources included tube wells (71%) and dug wells, karez and spring (29%). There
43List of Protected Areas, GoBln, 2019

are 141 tube wells installed by government and 610 privately installed. Total cut flowers were grown on an area
of 27.9 acres, in which roses and gladiolus cuttings were maintained during the year 2008-09.
Despite some industrialization, agriculture farming is still a source of livelihood for a large section of population
in the district. It is because of agriculture and farming that the peripheral rim around the city limits has been
able to supply meat, poultry, fresh milk, fruits and vegetables for the city residents. Apart from mainline
agricultural pursuits, the sideline agricultural pursuits like sericulture, horticulture, floriculture, and aviculture
are also gaining popularity. Investments in honeybee- sheep-, goat-, fish-, poultry, and dairy farming are also
increasing. The major seasonal crops include wheat, rice, maize, and vegetables. Other agricultural products
include fodder, fresh vegetables, and lattice45.
The agriculture in Quetta is confined to rural and peripheral areas around the city. The principal modes of
irrigation are the hill torrents supplemented by tube wells. Rainfall accounts only for a small proportion of the
irrigation supplies. The major seasonal crops are wheat, rice, maize, and vegetables. Other agricultural products
include fodder, fresh vegetables, and lattice46. Sericulture, horticulture, and aviculture are also a flourishing
agriculture related activity. Honeybee farming is also a growing trade. Sheep, goat, fish, and poultry farming are
also gaining popularity. The geographical area of District Quetta is 169 thousand hectares out of which 12.9%
(21,853 hectares.) is unavailable for cultivation. The potential area available for agricultural crops cultivation is
45,368 hectares. Further, agricultural growth and development possibilities are almost nil due to the extended
demographic thrust, followed by construction of increased number of buildings, housing societies, business and
market centres etc. However, water scarcity and the day-by-day depletion of ground water level, is a major
constraint to both agricultural development as well as the facility of potable drinking water for the living
societies. The number of tube wells, installed by the Government (141) is 18.8% as against private installations
i.e. (610) having a share of 81.2%. From the year 2004-05 to 2006-07, under current fallow land, it is interesting
that no land was left unsown. But, in the next two years 2007-09, the area under current fallow land drastically
increased from 0.2% (25 hectares.) to 26.8% (3,530 hectares.) respectively. Table 2.6.2 present the land use
profile of the district47.
Table 2.6.2: Land Use/Agricultural Profile of District Quetta

Description 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 Mean
Total geographical area 169 169 169 169 169
Total arable land 10 (22%) 10 (23%) 11 (24%) 13 (29%) 24
Total potential area for cultivation 45 (27%) 45 (27%) 45 (27%) 45 (27%) 27
Net sown area 10 (100%) 10 (100%) 11 (100%) 10 (73%) 95
Current fallow land 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 4 (27%) 5
Culturable waste 35 (78%) 35 (77%) 34 (76%) 32 (71%) 76
Forest 81 (48%) 81 (48%) 81 (48%) 81 (48%) 48
Area unavailable for cultivation 22 (13%) 22 (13%) 22 (13%) 22 (13%) 13
(Source: Balochistan Development Statistics, 2018) (Thousand hectares)
2.6.3 Industrial Profile

Industrial development in Balochistan started after 1970 when Provincial Government, because of availability of
raw material such as minerals, agricultural crops, fruits and vegetables took keen interest in the development of
industrial estates. Quetta, on account of its being the provincial capital, became the centre of commercial
activities, as it lies on the main trading routes to Afghanistan and Iran. Moreover, it is a gateway to the Central
Asian States. Trade also involves the inflow and outflow of goods and services from other provinces. The value
of legal inflow and outflow of goods is recorded at the borders but illegal trading activities also take place. There
is a general belief that the magnitude of illegal trade (smuggling) is far greater than the legal one. The last two
decades have witnessed substantial industrial growth in Quetta but now it is not only a commercial and trading
centre but also becoming an industrial city. This has been the outcome of a liberal industrial policy and a package
of incentives given by the Government to the private sector. Major reasons for the expansion of industrial sector
in Quetta have been specific incentives given for Balochistan. Income tax holidays, exemption of customs duty,
and sales tax on imported machinery and credit facilities etc. It is hoped that with further expansion of
infrastructure facilities and incentives, the industrial sector will gain further momentum. There are two industrial
estates in Quetta. The first one is located at Sirki road, it is considered as Mini Industrial Estate. The other is
located at Sariab By-Pass, 13 Km away from Quetta, which was established in 1986-87. All the utility
requirements are available. The Quetta Industrial and Trading Estate is divided into four phases. 380 NOCs were
45 Balochistan Development Statistics, 2018

issued to the industrialist for different type of industries out of which 42 units are completed and functional and
64 units are under construction, while the others are open plots. In total 117 units with 29 different types of
industries are operating. Very small units and printing press are not included in the list. The Industrial Units
hesitate to provide the actual number of their regular and temporary/daily wages employees. They only provide
the number of their regular employees, because if the number of their workers exceeds 10 or equals to 10, then
according to the Registration Act of the Labour Department i.e. clause 2(j) and 5(j), they have to register
themselves. There are more than 2 thousand and 5 hundred (2500) persons employed in the units. The number
of females and children involved in the industrial sector is not known. Tables 2.6.3 present glimpses of industrial
profile of the district48.
Table 2.6.3: Number of Registered Factories and Employment Status

Industry 0-10 10-35 35-65 65-100 100+ Total Worker
Food 22 21 - - - 43 419
Marble 9 - - - - 9 28
Furniture 4 3 - 1 - 8 32
Steel Mill 1 6 - - - 7 94
PVC Pipe 5 - - - - 5 18
Power Generation - 1 - - - 1 35
Chemical/Soap 1 2 1 - 1 5 259
Cement 2 - - - - 2 18
LPG 5 - - - - 5 17
RCC Pipe 7 - - - - 7 45
Ice/Cold Storage 8 - - - - 8 65
Other 15 1 - - 1 17 727
Total 79 34 1 1 2 117 1757
2.6.4 Mining and Minerals Profile

Mining concessions are granted for coal, which is the major mineral. Limestone, ordinary stone, marble, fluorite
and clay are other minerals for which leases are granted. Whereas, occurrences of glass sand, dolomite, silica
(sand) are also given. Sor range, Degari, Sinjidi, Pir Ismail Ziarat and Marwar Coal fields are well known in District
Quetta. These coal deposits were identified in 1891 with 61 million ton of reserves. Coal is found at 28 km east
and southeast from Quetta. It is subbituminous in quality and contains low proportions of sulphur contents.
Quetta is the nearest railway station for the Sor range, Spezand, Degari and Pir Ismail Ziarat coalfields, which
have depth of 1,100 meters. Pir Ismail Ziarat is 60 km east of Quetta and covers over 20 square kilometres,
having two seams- upper and lower seams, while their thickness ranges between 0.6-0.7 meters and 0.4-0.45
meters respectively and their depth ranges between 200-1,000 meters. These fields are the major coal producing
areas of the country, where besides coal, limestone, fluorite and ordinary stone is produced in significant
quantity. Fluorite mineralization in Quetta district occurs in Chiltan Limestone of Jurassic age. Fluorite occurs in
veins in fracture zones. Its mining is in progress and the deposits are not fully determined. Several hundred
meters thick layers of limestone have been found at places. Dolomite occurs in Chiltan formation of Jurassic age
in Quetta (Brewery Gorge). The main mining method is open pit method but several stone crushers are installed
in the district. The crushed stone is used in the construction of buildings and roads. Chiltan Limestone formation
exposed widely from Quetta towards Khuzdar in Zawar Khan about 29 kilometre northeast of Quetta. The glass
sand deposits of good quality are exposed. The deposits are White Sand Stone at the base of Ghazig formation.
Several private sector cutting machines factories are working on commercial basis in and around the city. Due
to recent hike in the oil prices, the demand of Coal has been increased. Coal is used in brick-kiln, lime burning
and domestic use in cement factories and also in power generation.
In District Quetta alone, 58 prospecting licenses and 61 mining leases have been granted over an area of 62,210
acres in for coal, limestone, ordinary stone, marble and fluorite. During the years 2005-2010, the production of
coal has decreased from 604,927 to 356,087 metric tons. During the fiscal year 2009-10, the position of licenses
alongwith production of minerals for the period of five years 2005-06 to 2009-10 remained satisfactory.
2.6.5 Healthcare Facilities Profile

The number of healthcare facilities, their service level, and the area-coverage in Quetta is reasonable and
satisfactory. There is fair number of large size general and specialized hospitals that provide round-the-clock
medical care services. There is a special cardiac hospital and a dental hospital. Almost all teaching hospitals have

nursing schools for training of nurses and some offer different paramedical and laboratory technician courses as
well. The teaching hospitals offer internship facilities for the fresh medical graduates. There are number of
private healthcare facilities of comparable standard and quality. The number of private clinics has grown in the
recent past. The public sector healthcare facilities include large hospitals, RHCs, BHUs, Rural Dispensaries 49.
These are providing primary to secondary level outdoor and indoor healthcare services for the affording
patients. Health Care delivery System of district Quetta is a mix of public and private sector. Both public and
private sector facilities are spread across the district, varying in terms of range of services. The public sector is
spread across urban and rural areas, while private sector is predominantly in urban areas. Anecdotal evidence
suggests that majority of government practitioners spend part of their duty or post duty hours in private
hospitals. Public sector provides services through a large network of health facilities including the Tertiary Care
Hospitals, Secondary Care Facilities, First Level Care Facilities and Preventive and Outreach Worker Programmes.
The highly subsidized public healthcare system is the major provider of curative and preventive care services to
the local population. The health facility infrastructure includes 6 Public Sector Hospitals, 3 Rural Health Centres
(RHCs), 34 Basic Health Units (BHUs), 9 Civil Dispensaries (CDs), and 13 Maternal and Child Health Centres
(MCHCs), 1 TB Clinic and 1 School Health Unit. There are 2018 beds, out of which 30 are situated in RHCs. Apart
from the above Health Facilities, one 50 bed (public sector) hospital and one RHC is under construction in the
district. Similarly, there are 41 private hospitals with 1,003 beds and four private hospitals with 456 beds and
two MCH Centres. Moreover, there are 5 Federal Government hospitals of different departments with 133 beds,
five Local Government Dispensaries, two PMDC Dispensaries and a Jail Dispensary (with 16 beds) functioning in
the district. According to District Health Information System reports, during 2009-10 a total of 485,653 patients
with new cases of common illnesses, visited the government health facilities. Respiratory Tract Infections, Gastro
Intestinal, Urinary Tract Infection and Diarrhoea/Dysentery were the most common diseases reported from
health facilities. Other communicable diseases included Malaria, Meningitis, Fever and Scabies. Table 2.6.5
presents healthcare profile and Table 2.6.5b some common diseases prevalent in the district50.
Table 2.6.5a: Healthcare Profile of District Quetta

Sr. Facility No. of Doctors No. of Nurses No. of Paramed No. of Beds No. of
(M/F) (M/F) (M/F) (M/F) Units
1. Hospital 509/238 26/580 336/2 1988 6
2. RHC 30 3
3. BHU 34
4. CD 54/41 213/71 9
5. MCH 13
6. TB 1
7. Other 1
8. Total 842+327=1169 606 622 2018 67
9. Unit/Population 1057 2038 1986 612 18434
Ratio
Table 2.6.5b: Some common Diseases of District Quetta

Sr. Disease Sr. Disease
1. Influenza (endemic) 2. Typhoid fever
3. Whooping cough 4. Leprosy
5. Measles 6. Conjunctivitis
7. Infantile diarrhoea 8. Dermatitis
9. Amoebic dysentery 10. Glaucoma
11. Bacillary dysentery 12. Pneumonia
13. Infectious hepatitis 14. Mumps
15. Viral hepatitis 16. Arthritis
17. Tuberculosis 18. Allergic rhinitis
19. Malaria 20. Nutritional deficiency
2.6.6 Education Facilities Profile

The educational facilities in the district range from primary level community schools upto universities and highly
specialized research institutions or centres of excellence. There are more than three universities in Quetta in
both the public and the private sector. There are also a good number of technical and vocational training
49Health Department, GoBln, 2019

institutions and a fair number of special education institutions in the district run by the Technical Education and
Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) and the Department of Special Education, respectively51. The literacy rate
of the district, as per 1998 Census, Literacy is the key that opens the doors of awareness and gives socio-
economic uplift. Since independence, Governments has planned and developed various schemes and
educational policies for achieving a high literacy rate. However, the impact of these programs has been limited.
According to Pakistan Social and Living Measurement Survey (PSLM) 2008-09, the literacy rate of age 10+ in
Quetta District was 80% among males and 51% among females, with an overall literacy rate at 67%. The
definition of literacy has been relaxed in this survey that asks only for stated ability to read and write with
understanding. The literacy rate, if measured on international standards, would be lower than this level.
The Federal Government has launched the program to uplift the literacy status in the selected districts, especially
for females that have been deprived of this basic right due to social norms and limited opportunities. Quetta
District was not focused in the subject project. Currently, 120 adult literacy centres are being run in the district
for males and females by NCHD for 3,600 beneficiaries. An overwhelming majority of the adult literacy centres
are for females. As per BEMIS school census 2009-10, there are 417 primary schools (269 male and 148 female),
70 middle schools (35 male and 35 female), 60 high schools (32 male and 28 female), 3 Inter colleges (2 male
and 1 female) and 9 degree colleges (3 male and 6 Female) in Quetta District. Moreover, University of
Balochistan, Sardar Bahadur Khan Women University, Balochistan University of Information Technology and
Management Sciences, a Medical College, an Agriculture College, 2 Poly Technical Institutes (1 Male and 1
Female) and a College for Education are also functioning in the district. There are a few privately owned schools,
academies and tuition centres, but at some distance from the site. The total number of primary, middle and high
schools in Quetta is 637. Out of this, 395 are the boys’ schools and 242 are the girls’ schools. Table 2.6.6 presents
education profile of the district52.
Table 2.6.6: Educational Profile of District Quetta

Community Schools Primary Schools Middle Schools High Schools Colleges
6 445 (310+135) 96 (44+52) 96 (41+55) 19 (7+12)
2.6.7 Livestock and Farming

Livestock production and goat- and sheep-farming are also gaining popularity in the district. In a way, livestock
is complimentary and dependent to agricultural farming. Usage of the husbandry for ploughing and farming
purposes is at the decline and being replaced rapidly by mechanical the implements of farming. Government
and commercial financial institutions are granting liberal loans to farmers and growers for purchasing
agricultural machinery. Planned and institutional livestock production is being witnessed in the form of sheep,
goats, cattle, fish, and poultry farms. The highest reported population among all the ruminants was 164
thousand of sheep. This shows that sheep are the preferred farm animals that people like to keep and grow as
compared to any other livestock species probably due to the suitable weather conditions and the ease of keeping
it. Table 2.6.7 presents livestock resources of the district.
Table 2.6.7: Livestock Resources of District Quetta

Sr. Livestock 1986 1996 2006
1. Sheep 90 67 164
2. Goat 47 40 120
3. Cattle 6 10 11
4. Buffalo N.A 5 26
5. Camel 2 2 1
6. Poultry 279 100 128
2.6.8 Infrastructure Profile

The housing scheme will have all necessary infrastructure facilities including roads, amenity facilities, water
supply, sewerage and sanitation, storm water drainage, electricity and waste collection and disposal system.
Currently, the site is an open virgin land, on which there is not any important infrastructure worth the name.
There are wide variations in the availability of infrastructure facilities in the district. Whereas, availability and
condition of roads in the city of Quetta is reasonable, it is deplorable in the rural areas of the district53.
Construction of roads under various developmental programs has substantially improved agricultural marketing

53 Ibid
and timely transportation of the farm produce to markets 54. The total length of roads in Quetta is 1,168 km, out
of which, 766 km is black topped road (metaled road) and the rest are shingle roads. Black topped roads are
almost 66 percent of total length of roads in Quetta, which is the highest ratio of metaled roads in the province.
Quetta is linked with almost all other districts of Balochistan through a well-developed network of roads. It is
also directly linked with other provinces. Table 2.6.8 presents infrastructure profile of the district55.
Table 2.6.8: Infrastructure Profile (Length of Roads) of Quetta

Year Blacktop (km) Shingles (km) Total length
2002 254 402 656
2008 766 402 1168
(Source: Balochistan Development Statistics, 2018) (Kilometres)
2.6.9 Water Supply and Sanitation

Access to safe drinking water, sanitation and solid waste disposal is considered to be the fundamental right of
every human being and it is the duty of the state to provide these facilities by practicing comprehensive policies
and good governance. Provision of safe water and sanitation services are effective interventions that help reduce
the mortality caused by water-borne disease by an average of 65% and the related morbidity by 26%. Inadequate
sanitation and water availability not only result in more sickness and death but also in higher health costs, lower
worker productivity and lower school enrolment. The water and sanitation indicators for Balochistan are far
lower compared to the national average and this disparity increases further in the rural areas. Situation in district
Quetta is relatively better when compared with rest of the province. Recent surveys have shown marked
increase in the use of drinking water and sanitation facilities. The situation in Zarghoon town, compared to
Chiltan Town, declined as recent surveys have shown a curtailment in the use of drinking water and sanitation
facilities. Since 2003-04, overall use of improved drinking water sources has declined in Quetta Zarghoon town
when the improved water sources were 97%. Although, the use of improved drinking water sources has
improved in Quetta Chilton town, since 2003-04, when the improved water sources were 77%. This
improvement may be due to the development of water supply schemes by the Public Health Engineering
Department (PHED), Government of Balochistan.
2.6.10 Socioeconomic Profile

The site, being a socio-cultural outpouring of the city of Quetta, exhibits the same socio-cultural traits as that of
the main city itself. The social organization in the district is mainly tribal, while some modern patterns are also
adopted in urban areas, and the social structure is patriarchal. Being a male dominated society, women are given
very limited choice in family and social affairs. Quetta district is ethnically diverse. There are five principal
communities: Pashtoon, Baloch, Brahvi, Hazara and Punjabi. Under each community, there are a large number
of heterogeneous groups. Muhajir, Saraiki, Hindko, Afghans and Sindhi are in minority. The decision of the family
head is final in all domestic affairs. The tribal chiefs enjoy the power of decision-making at community and tribal
level. The people are predominantly dependent on trade, transport, government jobs, agriculture and mining.
Quetta is the largest metropolis and an important urban centre of the province of Balochistan. As far as
employment is concerned, opportunities exist in every sort of business, economic, trade, social, educational,
and general activities. A large section of population is absorbed in services sector, in the army, and in the civil
government. Many are working abroad as expatriates and some are engaged in agricultural sector. The mean
income level of the city residents is higher than many other towns and cities of the country. There are more than
one lac registered vehicles in the district and the number of vehicle on the city roads is increasing with every
passing day. Communication system in the form of regular landline and mobile telephone connections is one of
the fast growing areas. Quetta is famous for the variety of its delicious and tasty foods. The evenings and nights
are colourful and outdoor dining is getting popularity.
Quetta is the cultural, intellectual and artistic centre of Balochistan. Its faded elegance, busy streets and bazaars,
and wide variety of Islamic and British architecture make it a city full of atmosphere, contrast and surprise. The
warm and receptive people of Quetta are known for their traditional hospitality. This is a city of vivid differences,
of haunting nuances, where bustling bazaars, frenetic streets, glorious fading elegance, British Architecture and
echoing atmosphere of city's many mosques merge into a history that is both dramatic and fascinating. Being
the centre of cultural and literary activities, it may rightly be called the cultural capital of Balochistan.

Communication facilities in the form of regular landline, broadband wireless telephony, and mobile telephone
connections is one of the fast growing areas. There are various radio and cable networks broadcasting in the
district, such as FM 95, FM 100 and FM 101. Internet facility through dialup and broadband high-speed wireless
DSL is available in the area. The site is connected with all major cities of Pakistan through fibre optic
communication system. Almost all educational institutions of the area in the public and private sector have
computers for teaching and for practical computer laboratory work.
2.6.11 Culture, Religion, Customs and Specialties

The population of the wider area around the site consists predominantly of Muslims. However, there is
reasonable number of Christians residing at the surrounding areas. Balochi and Pashto are the native languages
and spoken widely in the province. However, Urdu is gaining popularity and is becoming the lingua franca,
particularly amongst the youngsters. People generally respect chadar and chardewari, i.e. they do not mingle
up with women publically and stay away from others houses and respectfully wait to be called in or the residents
to come out from their houses. A reasonable proportion of womenfolk observe the purdah etiquette, i.e. they
remain secluded from outsiders. However, womenfolk do participate in almost all sort of social, cultural,
economic, educational, and service activities56.
Although Joint family system was noticed in number of households in the surrounding areas, yet the nucleus or
small family is fast emerging as the preferred mode because of socio economic compulsions and attitudinal shifts
in the youth. In urban areas, nuclear family system is preferred to a joint family system. Due to limited income,
people in urban areas prefer to live independently, whereas in rural areas, the majority of people live in joint
families. The eldest male member takes care of all the family members. His decision is final in family affairs. On
the other hand, nuclear families are very rare in rural areas. The trend for nuclear family is rising in urban areas.
Family institution is very important, as it provides social security during un-employment and financial crisis. It
also plays an important role in social interaction and conflicts.
The food eaten consists principally of wheat as staple food and meat as main meal. However, bajra, rice, butter
and milk etc. are also commonly used. Muhajir and Punjabi groups have different dietary habits. Well-to-do
families eat meat and fish frequently. Mostly, people take meals twice a day. Fruit, sweets and confectionaries
are becoming frequent in eating habits in the area. Famous regional foods include Sajji roast and Kabli pulao.
Quetta is a multi-cultural area, where a variety of cultural and modern dresses can be observed. The traditional
dress consists of a qameez, shalwar with turban in rural areas; coat and a pair of trousers are also worn but in
urban areas and that too by few people. Jinnah, Pashtoon and Balochi caps are also used. The dress of women
differs from that of men. The traditional dress includes long chadar, loose trousers, but the shirt is much longer
and has silk embroidery. Women also wear silver ornaments. Modern dresses worn in urban areas consists of
shalwar, qameez without chaddar. The Afghani and Balochi style embroideries on women's dresses are distinct
cultural identities.
As the society is predominantly patriarchal, decision-making is in the hands of men and the decisions are binding
upon the women. In Rural areas, women have no say in the decision-making process while in some urban families
they are allowed to give their opinion to a limited extent. Society is structured on kinship bases and each group
is attached to a particular tradition, founded on different rules of social organization. Most of these rules and
traditions have undergone a considerable transformation over time. The political organization is built upon two
principles: hereditary authority and personal bonds of allegiance, in which protection is exchanged for loyalty.
Many elected representatives are tribal chiefs and sardars.
Quetta experiences different ethnic socio-cultures. Among the Brahvis, the element of central authority exists.
The hierarchical system of authority is vertical, with downward flow from the Sardar (head of tribe) to Takkari
(head of sub clan) following the younger men in the clan and family. Sardar's position is supreme. Pashtoons lack
central authority while religious leaders are the influential ones. Tribes have an almost equal social position,
with the exception of the occupational groups, who enjoy higher status.
2.6.12 Historical and Archaeological Sites

There are ten historical sites of antiquity and fame in Quetta, as declared under the Antiquities Act 1975.
However, there is not any UNESCO notified world heritage site in the entire Quetta district.

Table 2.6.12: Historical and Archaeological Sites in District Quetta
Federally Protected Sites Provincially Protected Sites
 Mound No. 2, Village Samungali, west side of Airport, Quetta  N.A.
 Mound No. 1, Village Kotwal Near Killi Gul Muhammad, Quetta
 Mound No. 3, Damb Sadat, 14 miles from Quetta, Quetta
 Mound No. 5, Ahmad Khan Zai, Quetta
 Mound No. 6, Shahi Khan, near Pir Ballo or Sariab Road, Quetta
 Mound No. 7, Kachlak on Chaman Road, Quetta
 Mound NO. 8, Village Samali (Dosak-i-Khasyan), Quetta
 Mound No. 9, Village Metar Zai, Quetta
 Mound No. 10, Shaikh Manda on Chaman Road, Quetta
 Mound No. 11, Village Vauhisar, Quetta
(Source: Balochistan Archaeological Department, GoBln, 2018)
3. Environmental Impacts and Mitigations
3
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
AND THEIR MITIGATIONS
3. Environmental Impacts
And Their Mitigations
3.1 Environmental Impacts and their Mitigation
Like any other developmental project, the instant project because of its scale and magnitude is likely to produce
impacts on physical, biological and social environments. The sections and subsections, following hereinafter,
present a discussion and analysis of the foreseeable environmental and social impacts of the project during both
its construction and the subsequent operation (occupancy) phases. Besides analysis of the impacts, the
discussion presents outline of the mitigation strategy and suitable mitigation measures for avoiding and
addressing the identified adverse impacts. Primary and secondary, as well as direct and indirect impacts have
been discussed with respect to their immediate and the ultimate effects on various environmental quality
parameters and the social factors of significance.
The environmental impacts of the project are likely to arise mainly from consumption of materials and resources
for constructing and running the project, usage of energy, withdrawal of groundwater (during both phases),
noise generation, emissions and discharges into air, disposal of wastes, and disposal of wastewater. The majority
of the construction phase impacts are likely to abate with the completion of the project’s construction e.g., noise
pollution, debris generation, construction materials’ consumption etc.
Apart from the negative impacts, there will also be some positive impacts of the project such as availability of
jobs to both skilled and unskilled persons, income prospects for the persons involved in carriage transport sector,
and above all reduction in housing shortage in the city. The premier most positive benefit of the project is
provision of houses to thousands poor and needy persons who cannot otherwise think of having a house of their
own. Because of this singular benefit, it will suffice to state that the positive impacts of the project will outweigh
the potentially negative potential impacts, particularly, whence most of the latter are mitigable. The likely
impacts of the project during its operation i.e., occupation of the housing by the residents, will pertain to water
usage, liquid effluent generation, solid waste generation, noise generation, and the social issue of large scale
community living in a housing scheme.
3.2 Impact Assessment Methodology

A comparative analysis of both the negative and the positive impacts has been carried out with respect to the
baseline conditions. The said comparison follows a parametric and a non-parametric scheme i.e., how and to
what extent various environmental quality parameters (e.g., relating to soil, air, water, and aesthetics) and non-
parametric aspects (economy, social value system, employment, lifestyles, and behavioural patterns) will be
influenced by the various project activities within project’s radius of influence.
Modified Impact Assessment Matrices (Tables 3.2a and 3.2b) have been used for identification, screening, and
characterization of the unmitigated as well as the residual impacts on the physical, biological, and social aspects
using a numerical scale from (-)2 to 0 to (+)2 respectively. The value (-)2 denotes high adverse impacts, (-)1 low
adverse impacts, 0 insignificant impacts, (+)2 high beneficial impacts, (+)1 low beneficial impacts, and N denotes
nil impacts. This scaling of the impacts magnitude helps easy appreciation of the quantum of the impacts.
3.3 Impact Mitigation Strategy

The mitigation measures, as presented in this document, are intended to prevent and reduce the foreseeable
impacts of the project activities during both construction and the subsequent operation phases. The mitigation
strategy for countering the adverse impacts is built on the following hierarchy of choices:
 Avoiding a particular impact altogether by taking or not taking a certain action or activity
 Minimizing the impact by limiting the degree or magnitude of the action and its implementation
 Rectifying the impacts by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the affected environment
 Reducing or eliminating the impacts over the time by preserving and maintaining the operations all during life
of the action
 Compensating for the impacts by replacing or providing substitute resources or environments
 Installing pollution control equipment and devices wherever indicated and necessary
 Improving landscape of the site to augment the aesthetics and to reduce visual intrusion
 Reducing transmission of unwanted noise from the site or spots of noise generating activities
 Taking any other appropriate step on the basis of feedback information onto project’s construction installation
and operation
It is advisable that these measures are given effect in a sequential order by beginning with avoiding the impacts
and thereafter adopting the next sequential choices according to ease of their implementation and cost
considerations. Adoption of the above outlined mitigation strategy is expected to ensure long-term
environmental and social sustainability of the project.
3.4 Impacts and Mitigations relating to Design and Planning Phase

The discussion following hereinafter relates to construction phase impacts of the project on various important
environmental parameters.
3.4.1 Design and Layout Planning

The subsections following hereinafter present a discussion on environmental impacts of the project’s design and
planning stage.
i) Likely Impacts
 Incompatible layout planning and engineering design of the buildings and structures can undermine overall
aesthetic beauty and ambience of the area
 Incompatible layout planning and engineering design and low utilization of the available spaces and not
designing the building with prospective and futuristic needs can result in structures with low social
acceptability
 Incompatible planning and engineering design of the structures with little spaces between adjacent buildings
can result in congested structures with poor ventilation, low air circulation and reduced sunlight,
inconveniences of movements of the pedestrians, difficulty in transporting materials through narrow passages
and obstruction of sunlight. Such structures will in turn have other environmental and social consequences
such as restriction of free movement of persons and vehicles
 Not designing the buildings and structures according to the applicable building codes and bylaws and non-
provision of escape routes and firefighting arrangements in the layout design of the building may take a heavy
toll in case of outbreak of any emergency
ii) Activities Likely to Produce the Impacts

 Layout planning and engineering design of the buildings and structures
 Non-utilization of the available spaces and incompatible architectural designing ignoring the prospective and
futuristic needs
 Incompatible structural designing
 All structural, layout and engineering designing of the project should be in strict accordance with the
applicable bylaws, building codes and engineering parameters
iii) Mitigation Measures

 Services of some professional architect/engineer of experience and repute are obtained for preparing the
layout plan and the engineering and architectural design features of the structures in consultation with the
proponent. The engineering design should cater for proper ventilation, provision of sunlight, and ease of
mobility commensurate to climatic conditions of the site and the broader area around. Shift from here
3.5 Impacts and Mitigations relating to Construction Phase

The discussion following hereinafter relates to impacts of the construction phase of the project on various
important environmental parameters.
3.5.1 Parametric Impacts of the Construction Phase

The subsections following hereinafter present a discussion on the parametric impacts of the project’s
construction phase.
3.5.1.1 Soils and lands

The site, per se, is an open parcel of land earmarked for the development of the housing scheme. The heavily
built-up areas and congested population of Kuchlak surrounds the site. Owing to its geological disposition, the
site does not have any trees or natural vegetation grown over it. However, there are scanty self-grown grassy
tufts. For the soil type, refer to Section 2.3.5.
i) Likely Impacts
 Large-scale excavations and diggings for foundations of various structures can destabilize the land surface,
particularly if the excavated area is left unfilled long, which may lead to rainfall induced soil erosion
 Deep excavations can expose the inner soil layers to contamination which may later manifest as pollution of
the subsoil water
 If excavations are left in-situ long, the storm water runoffs can accumulate in the dugout areas. The ponded
water can then seep downward and laterally, destabilizing the adjacent lands. Lateral seepage into adjacent
lands can weaken them and damage foundations of the structures, if any, on such lands. Stagnation of water
inside the excavated areas would also forestall smooth progression of construction and thereby delaying the
completion of the project’s construction
 Direct discharge and disposal of wastewater from the worksite toilets onto adjacent soils can spoil the
receiving lands
 Non-collection or non-picking of the unspent materials and debris of the left out materials, if left as such and
allowed to mix with soil underneath, can degrade the quality of receiving soils and may render them unfit for
developing green areas later
 Lack of proper drainage and disposal of the constructional wastewater and its stagnation into low lying areas
and depressions can degrade/contaminate the soils underneath and can spoil its
 Leakages of oils, lubricants, chemicals and other like substances from their storage sites and from engines of
the generators, machines, equipment and vehicles can spoil the receiving soils and may undermine ability of
the spoiled soils to support growth of vegetation and plants
 Non-provision of septic tanks with the temporary worksite toilets, constructed for the site labour and others,
can contaminate the effluent receiving soils because of raw nature of the effluents
 Washing of the gadgets, machinery, and equipment without proper drainage of the washout water can
adversely affect the soil quality
 On the land dumping and storage of construction materials such as sand, aggregate, crushed stone, cement,
bricks, lubricants, fuels, and iron bars, without an intervening barrier, can degrade soil quality and may smear
them with fine particulates of the dumped materials.
 Accidental leakages and spillages of the chemicals stored at the site (e.g., anti-termite solution) can affect the
soils in the similar manner as oils and lubricants
 Improper onsite storage of equipment and machinery such as wheelbarrows, mixers, and compactors and
disorderly parking of machinery and equipment may cause soil contamination from trickling or accidental
leakages of oils and lubricants therefrom

 Unplanned diggings, excavations, site clearances and other similar constructional activities
 Deep and large scale excavations and non-filling back of the excavated areas
 Non-construction of septic tanks with the worksite toilets
 Non-clearance of the site after each day’s work and upon completion of the entire project
 Non-construction of drainage burrows and soaking pits for collection and disposal of the constructional
wastewater
 Inadequate storage of oils, lubricants and chemicals without protective sheets underneath them
 Washing gadgetries, implements of construction, equipment and vehicles at the worksite without providing
for its drainage/gravity flow
 Loose and improper storage of oils, chemicals, lubricants, machinery, and equipment at the worksite without
observing due safety precautions with respect to their storage
 Disorderly onsite dumping and storage of construction materials such as bricks, sand, soil, cement, and gravel
etc. without observing due precautions
 Changing oils, filters and spares of the machinery and vehicles without observing due precautions in this
regard

 Deep and large scale excavations should be carried out under direct supervision of a qualified engineer
 Excavations should be kept confined to the specified foundation strips (trenches) as per the approved
engineering drawings. Unnecessary excavations should be avoided. Instead of simultaneous digging of large
areas, which can destabilize the soil and also generate large quantities of dugout soil, batched excavations
should be preferred. That is a previously dug out area should be backfilled before moving onto the next one.
 Excavated areas should be not left unattended and unfilled for long
 As soon as construction is complete, or near completion, landscaping of the site should be taken up by
generous plantation of indigenous and non-indigenous trees in consultation with a landscape expert or a
floriculturist
 Oils, lubricants, chemicals, and other listed hazardous materials should be stored safely at their designated
spots, enclosures, or storerooms, which should be safe from rainfall and away from any potential source of
fire
 Only authorized persons should handle oils, lubricants, and chemicals. They should be given training in safe
handling of the chemicals and avoiding their spillages or leakages
 All the machinery, equipment, and generators at the worksite should be regularly inspected according to a
predefined regime for their working conditions and oil leakages etc. If an oil leakage from a machine is
detected, immediate steps should be taken for plugging the leakage. The soil that might have been spoiled
from oil leakages should be properly reclaimed according to standard technique in that regard
 Site camps for the resident labour should not be setup on the land earmarked for developing greenbelts and
lawns
 Septic tanks of adequate capacities should be constructed for receiving and treating wastewaters from all
temporary worksite toilets and at the temporary container offices, if any. The toilet wastewater should not be
discharged untreated onto adjacent lands
 All machineries and materials should be stored at the designated areas and compounds.
 Washout from washing of equipment and gadgets should be drained into either a septic tank or a sand-gravel
bed for removal of the grit and contaminants
 A boundary wall or a fence is constructed around the site to protect from storm water runoff. If it is not
possible, then a runoff protection embankment should be raised around the excavated areas, at least, to
prevent ingress of the storm water or surface runoff into dugout areas
 A well-designed solid waste management system should be instituted to prevent soil degradation from
improper disposal of the solid wastes
 All the unspent and left over materials be completely removed offsite upon completion of construction and
the site be restored to original or near to original condition
3.5.1.2 Surface Water Quality

The site being a settled area does not have any watercourse running through it. There is not any freshwater
surface channel near the site. Therefore, the surface water channels of the district, on account of being located
far off, do not interact with the site in any way, whatsoever. Therefore, no impacts on surface water quality are
anticipated from construction of the scheme.
i) Likely Impacts
 There could be deterioration of the water quality of a surface channel, if wastewaters from the construction
site are allowed to discharge into the nearby freshwater channel

 Miscellaneous constructional activities involving usage of freshwater and thus generation of wastewater

 Direct disposal of constructional wastewater into a nearby surface watercourse, if any, be avoided
 Soaking, absorbing, and evaporation pits be constructed onsite for collection and disposal of the
constructional wastewater. These pits should be levelled back after completion of construction
 Septic tanks of appropriate capacities are constructed for the treatment and management of sanitary
wastewater to be generated at the project. It should be ensured that all septic tanks remain functional and
are not ‘stuck-up’ at any point of time. It may further be ensured that the wastewaters treated by the septic
tanks are discharged into a drainage channel or sewer line
 Any direct or indirect disposal of chemical, effluents or oils into any nearby waters be avoided
3.5.1.3 Groundwater Abstraction and Quality

Large amount of freshwater will be required to sustain multifarious construction activities at the site. There is
not any existing water supply nor any water tube wells at the site. These existing freshwater sources of the area
will be shared for constructional activities and the new water sources to be developed under the project will be
used for meeting water requirements of the residents during the occupancy life of the scheme. Construction
and installation of a tube well is included in project’s plan and scope.
The groundwater system in the project area is in dynamic flux and balance with the surface water system
through the hydrological cycle. Although reliable data is not available, but evidence suggests that the
groundwater resources (confined and unconfined aquifers) in the project area are recharged from surface
waters as well as overland precipitation. The water from the surface channels and from the rainfall percolates
and infiltrates through the soil to recharge the groundwater system. The rate of recharge depends on various
hydrogeological factors such as infiltration capacity of the overlying soil, proportion of the concrete pavements
to bare soils, average rainfall in the area, volumetric flow in the surface channels, and type of the surface
channels (whether perennial or non-perennial). In case groundwater abstraction is higher than the recharge
rate, the water table would start lowering down until it reaches a stage of no yield.
Generally, construction activities, per se, do not result into groundwater contamination. The groundwater
quality is likely to be affected only if wastewater (from any source) somehow or the other succeeds in reaching
the groundwater aquifer. The most plausible route is a groundwater borehole. However, because of natural
filtration mechanism of the soil layers, the probability of groundwater contamination from percolation of
stagnated wastewaters down the earth’s layers is, therefore, rare.
i) Likely Impacts
 Persistent and prolonged withdrawal of groundwater higher than safe yield limits of the aquifer can initiate
early depletion of aquifer. This situation can result in reduced water supplies for other users who share the
same groundwater resource. The safe yield capacity of the groundwater aquifer is the maximum rate of
abstraction or the quantitative limit at which groundwater can be abstracted without drying up of the aquifer.
Abstraction of the groundwater over and above the safe yield limit can produce serious hydrological and
environmental consequences. Over abstraction can lead to:
 early depletion of the aquifer resources

 persistent lowering of the water table
 reduced availability or non-availability of the groundwater to the neighbouring communities sharing the
same aquifer
 need for replacement of the groundwater pumping machinery owing to lowering of water table and
consequential operational ineffectiveness of the pumps
 Lowering of the water table can cause interference with the groundwater pumping capacity of the
neighbouring communities as the rotary pumps (which are the commonest groundwater pump types owing
to low cost) fail to perform if water table is lowered beyond a critical level. Such a situation can lead to
potential conflicts with regard to water user rights
 There could be the possibility of contamination of the aquifer from downward trickling of wastewater along
the borehole line, if construction of the borehole is faulty and is not secured from the exterior
 Accumulation of storm water into dugout foundations and excavations may pose the possibility of
groundwater contamination from downward infiltration, if the water table is high
 Spills and leakages of chemicals and oils into dugout areas or onto soil can infiltrate down the earth and can
affect the shallow groundwater source

 Withdrawal of large volumes of groundwater for miscellaneous constructional activities, such as preparation
of cement mortar, wetting of bricks, watering of land, and curing of concrete structures
 Imperfect sealing of the groundwater borehole(s) that may allow contaminated water to move down along
the borehole line
 Delayed or non-filling back of the dugout areas and letting wastewater stay in these areas
 Non-observance of necessary precautions in the handling and changing of oils and chemicals and letting them
fall onto ground

 Continuous withdrawal and over pumping of groundwater should be avoided. Instead, intermittent pumping
be carried out to conserve the groundwater resources
 Ground water tanks of appropriate capacities should be constructed for meeting water requirements of the
construction phase. Instead of using the directly pumped out groundwater, it should be stored first in these
water tanks and then used as and when required
 Similarly, overhead water storage tanks designed for the operation phase may be constructed well ahead for
storing water for constructional needs. Water stored in them may be used for construction needs. Once the
overhead tank is filled, pumping be stopped and the stored water be used and the pumps given rest
 Simultaneous abstraction by two or more closely spaced pumps should be avoided. Such pumps should
preferably be run alternately to avoid stress to the aquifer
 Conservation in water usage should be practised wherever and whenever possible. Only minimum essential
quantities of water should be used according to actual water needs of different activities to avoid generation
of large quantities of wastewater. For example, water curing of the masonry and concrete structures should
be carried out by wrapping around a soaked gunny cloth instead of direct water showering of the structure.
Similarly, water from the soaking pits can be used for wetting the raw bricks and curing the masonry works.
Water of the hand washouts may be used for filling flushing tanks of the closets
 Water usage conservation should be encouraged at the worksite by displaying suitably worded requests on
careful water usage
 All boreholes should be constructed under supervision of a qualified and experienced engineer. These
boreholes be sealed off the exterior with bentonite or cement mortar all round to avoid groundwater
contamination from downward trickling of wastewater along the borehole line
 Groundwater boreholes should not be constructed at low-lying places and depressions, which have natural
affection for storm water and surface runoffs
 Regular laboratory tests should be carried out for monitoring quality of the groundwater and early detection
of its contamination and for taking appropriate measures, whenever and wherever needed
3.5.1.4 Wastewaters and Effluents

Wastewaters will be generated during both construction and operation phases of the project. Generation of
wastewaters during constructions will not be of alarming proportions compared to the operation phase. Two
types of wastewaters will generally originate from the project: (i) sanitation wastewater, and (ii) non-sanitation
wastewater.
i) Likely Impacts
 Improper disposal of wastewaters, generated during constructional activities, can degrade soil quality and
may contaminate it if not taken care of properly
 Stagnation of wastewater can act as a breeding place for disease causing organisms and vectors. Proliferation
and growth of disease-vectors can produce serious health impacts amongst the afflicted persons
 Improper disposal and stagnation of wastewater, particularly from the campsite toilets, can act as an aesthetic
blight and a source of foul smells and odours which could be annoying for the exposed persons and the
neighbouring residents, if any

 Miscellaneous constructional activities involving usage of freshwater and generation of wastewater
 Usage of freshwater for sanitation needs at the toilets and other human needs

 Soaking, absorbing, and evaporation pits should be constructed for collection and disposal of construction
water of non-sanitation origin wastewater. These pits should be levelled back after completion of
constructions
 Septic tanks of appropriate capacities should be constructed for the treatment and management of sanitary
wastewater. Efficient working and desired level performance of the septic tanks should be ensured.
Dysfunction of the septic tanks should always be avoided. Only the septic tank treated wastewater should be
discharged out into drainage channel or sewer line.
3.5.1.5 Air Quality

Constructional activities can temporarily deteriorate the ambient air quality from localized blowing of dust and
from suspension of fine particulates in the ambient air. Besides multifarious construction activities, increased
vehicular traffic also contributes to the localized airborne dust. As a thumb rule, blowing of dust and prolonged
suspension of fine particulates in the ambient environment is attributable to increased movement of vehicles,
land excavations, and uncovered stacking of the loose materials. Once in the air, the larger sized particles, under
influence of gravity, tend to settle down in the immediate vicinity of the source. The suspended particulate
matter (SPM) of the size smaller than 10 micrometre (PM10) tends to remain suspended in the environment for
much longer and persistent time and is an environmental hazard. The objectionable impacts of settling of the
suspended dust would be its dry deposition on vegetation, glass windows, motor vehicles, buildings, and other
exposed surfaces. Exhausts from fossil fuel burning in the construction machinery will also deteriorate local air
quality. Similarly, exhausts from generators can also have impacts on air quality in the vicinity.
i) Likely Impacts
 There could be deterioration of the local air quality from presence of fugitive dust and suspended particulate
matter from multifarious construction activities
 There could be Impairment of local air quality from gaseous exhausts emitted from vehicles, machinery, and
generators
 There could be impairment of the air quality from transportation of loose in the carriage vehicles uncovered
 Direct dry deposition of the suspended particulate matter (SPM) and the fine dust onto exposed surfaces,
vegetation, and motor vehicles could be annoying for the neighbouring residents and the vehicle owners
 Presence and suspension of the fine particulates in the ambient air can produce marred visibility and could be
annoying for the masses
 Air pollution is precursor of a number of health impacts particularly pulmonary afflictions

 Multifarious constructional activities like excavations, diggings, and mixing of cement-concrete
 Insecure onsite stockpiling of construction materials like sand, loose soil, and cement without protective
coverings
 Increased movement of vehicles, tractors, and haulage trucks in connection with construction activities
 Uncovered carriage and transport of materials having propensity to flyaway into air during movement of
haulage carriers, e.g., sand and soil
 Operating the faulty machinery and equipment that emit pollutants and smoke from inefficient burning of the
fossil fuels e.g., old and worn out diesel generators
 Excavations and diggings producing large amounts of loose soil which can become source of particulate dust
emissions
 Insecure stacking of loose materials can give rise to windblown particulate dust into ambient air

 Blowing of dust from potential sources at the worksite should be avoided by shielding them from the exterior,
for example using polythene curtains or raising a fence of corrugated sheets around areas of active
constructions
 Blowing of dust and PM from stockpiled loose materials (e.g., sand, soil) should be avoided either by sheeting
them with tarpaulin or plastic sheets or by sprinkling them with light shower of water
 While transporting in the carriage vehicles, the loose materials like sand/soil, should be covered with tarpaulin
or plastic sheets to avoid blowing of particulates into the air from these materials
 All loose materials and excavated soil, which can give rise to windblown particulate dust into ambient air,
should be covered with tarpaulin or other similar materials or lightly sprinkled
 All vehicles belonging to either the proponent or the contractor or the site staff should be regularly inspected
for their emissions. All vehicles, machinery and equipment should be kept tuned up and well maintained by
timely replacement of oils, filters, etc. A documented record of such maintenance may be kept at the site
office
 Only environment compliant equipment and generators (at least Euro-II compliant) should be preferred for
installation at the site. All the machines should be kept in good working condition through a rigorous
maintenance regime of changing the oils, lubricants, and filters
 Only good quality oils, petroleum products, additives, and spares should be used in the machinery, generators,
and the vehicles. Usage of used oil should be strictly prohibited
 Operating the machinery and equipment during windy and stormy conditions should be avoided to the
maximum extent possible as operation during such conditions can carry away the dust particles to distant
areas as well
 All unpaved roads at the site should be regularly sprinkled to reduce blowing of dust from movement of
vehicles and machinery on such roads
 Vehicle drivers should be educated and sensitized of the adverse consequences of rash and speedy driving on
narrow roads and on katcha tracks. They must be obliged to reduce the speed to avoid accidents and blowing
of drag dust on such roads
3.5.1.6 Noise and Vibrations

Generally, noise and vibrations are of relevance to construction activities only if their levels exceed the
prescribed limits. Noise levels higher than a threshold can produce psychological and social impacts of distracted
attention, irritation, and short-temperedness. However, owing to non-cumulative property of sound and
vibrations, the impacts are reversible and of significance only during continuation of the noisy activities.
i) Likely Impacts
 Persistently higher noise levels can produce psychological effects of distraction of attention, irritation, and
short temperedness in the exposed persons
 There could be disturbed sleep in the exposed persons from night-time noisy constructional activities
 Noisy settings and higher background levels can cause difficulty of listening and the consequential habit of
speaking loud, which may manifest in damage to vocal cord system in the exposed persons
 Vibrations from machinery and equipment such as hand-held compactors and concrete vibrators can produce
easy fatigability and generalized aches in the persons working on these machines
 Noise produced from moving vehicles and blowing of pressure horns, at times, could be intolerable particularly
during quiet hours of night

 Various constructional activities like excavations, diggings, compactions, and mixing of cement-concrete
 Movement and running of machinery and equipment like generators, excavators, and tractor trolleys
 Steel fabrication, construction of steel tanks, steel cutting, grinding, and multiple other similar activities
 Loading/unloading of materials from carriage vehicles
 Noise from engines of the moving vehicles
 Blowing of (pressure) horns by the vehicle drivers

 All sorts of activities, particularly the noisy activities should preferably be avoided at night-time
 All vehicles, equipment, and machinery should be tuned-up and kept well maintained. Regular oiling of the
noise producing/moving parts of a machine/vehicle should be carried out to reduce mechanical friction and
noise production from frictional movement of the parts
 As far as practicable, such a work schedule should be devised, which allows reshuffling of the personnel
working in areas with higher levels of noise/vibrations/fumes with those working in areas less prone to these
nuisances and vice versa on weekly or fortnightly basis
 All personnel and workers exposed to noise, vibrations, sunlight, dust, and mist etc. should be provided with
appropriate safety gadgets or personal protection equipment (PPE) like earplugs, aprons, masks, jackets,
gloves, and glasses etc.
 As talking at loud voice in a noisy setting or higher background levels can damage the vocal cords system,
persons working in such settings should be advised to refrain from talking loud
3.5.2 Non-Parametric Impacts of the Construction Phase

The subsections following hereinafter present a discussion on the non-parametric impacts of the project’s
construction phase.
3.5.2.1 Land use change

Generally, land use change, from a useful purpose to a less useful purpose, is considered a kind of negative
environmental impact.
i) Likely Impacts
 Negative land use change and the resultant loss of productivity of the land

 Acquisition and conversion of useful community land into less beneficial usage

 Unnecessary acquisition and land use change of useful land should be avoided
 Home based horticulture and kitchen gardening should be promoted as an alternative of the loss of productive
land
3.5.2.2 Solid Wastes

Generation of common type of solid wastes during the construction phase will not be of any significance. The
probable sources of solid wastes during this phase will be:
 Wastes comprising bits of masonry, broken bricks, bricks’ powder, buts of iron bars, and wood pieces resulting
from normal construction activities
 Wastes comprising packaging materials, empty cans, and cartons and etc. resulting from usages of packed
goods and commodities
 Wastes comprising peelings, leftover food, shopping bags, and empty plastic bottles originating from
consumption of food and other eatables from both the campsite and the site office. This type of waste will
have a reasonable proportion of organic matter.
Because of the very nature of the construction activities, generation of hazardous wastes is not expected during
construction phase of the project.
i) Likely Impacts
 Insecure and unhygienic disposal of the solid wastes generated at the worksite, particularly garbage and trash
may cause degradation of soil and land from the littered wastes
 Insecurely disposed waste-heaps, particularly those containing kitchen garbage and food waste can serve as
breeding grounds for disease spreading vectors and rodents
 Solid wastes scattered at the site will present an un-aesthetic outlook of the premises and environmental
blight of the surroundings
 There could be pollution of the ambient air from emission of particulate dust from the waste piles and heaps
at the site
 Putrefaction of the organic components of the insecurely disposed of solid wastes can produce foul smells
and staunch odours which could be annoying for exposed persons and the inmates
 Throwing away of solid wastes into water channels and the wastewater network can result into choking of the
latter

 Miscellaneous constructional activities producing various constructional wastes
 Procurement of materials that come in packaging and boxes (e.g., cement bags, motor oil tins, and food boxes
etc.) and improper disposal of the packaging material
 Cooking of food and eatables at the campsite and other places at the site its consumption can produce food
residues and organic wastes as a by-product of such activities

 An efficient and responsive solid waste management system should be devised for the entire duration of the
construction phase. Such a system should provide for separate collection of different categories of
constructional wastes. The wastes which will be reusable/recyclable (iron bar buts, aluminium) should be sold
to waste vendors and those which cannot be sold out (brick pieces) may be used as a filling material for
levelling the depressions, subject to technical feasibility
 Reuse/recycle of the packaging materials be practised by selling the recyclable/reusable items of junk to waste
recycling vendors
 The perishable (organic) part of the wastes should be collected separate from the non-perishable (inorganic)
waste. Conversion of perishable/organic component into compost may be considered and practised, if
technically feasible
 Construction workers and supervisory staff should be encouraged and educated to practise waste
minimization, reuse, and recycling to reduce end load of the waste for disposal
 Waste collection baskets of appropriate sizes should be installed at convenient places throughout the
premises, particularly around the food consumption areas for collection of waste
3.5.2.3 Access, Easement, Health, Wellbeing and Worksite Safety

The environmental and social impacts pertaining to rights of access, easement, health, community wellbeing,
and worksite safety would relate not only to construction phase but also to design phase of the project. Improper
and poor design can lead to construction of structures with poor ventilation, sunlight and obstruction of
movement, which in turn can produce psychological, behavioural and health impacts on the occupants. A poorly
designed structure can infringe upon the social privileges of enjoyment of the gifts of the nature by the
neighbouring community. Haphazardly placed materials and construction debris on streets, walkways and roads
can pose higher risks of personal injury and inconvenience of movement of the neighbours and the labourers at
the worksite. Non-observance of the worksite safety instructions and non-use of safety gadgets during
construction operations can increase vulnerability of the exposed persons to adverse health and personal safety
impacts.
i) Likely Impacts
 Construction of poorly designed new structures, juxta-proximal to an existing structure can impeach natural
light, ventilation, and mobility of persons and vehicles
 Disorderly placed raw materials (bricks, iron bars) are generally associated with higher vulnerability to
personal injuries particularly during poor daylight
 If the materials are stored or stacked a little away from the site of their actual consumption, their manual
carrying on shoulders or on the back can pose risks of injury and fatigability in carrying these materials to the
site of consumption
 There could be increased vulnerability to accidents and personal injuries if the workers neglect in observing
the standard operating procedures for carrying out an activity or if they do not observe the worksite safety
instructions and avoid using protective gadgets
 Unsafe storage of hazardous materials, explosive substances, inflammables and ignitable materials can
produce accidents of fire and explosions resulting in loss of life and property
 Unhygienic disposal of toilet wastewater from worksite camps and offices can precipitate epidemics of
waterborne disease not in the workers but also in the neighbouring community
 Since this particular site is surrounded by built-up structures occupied by the Colony residents, haphazard
stockpiling of raw materials and debris onto the surrounding roads can cause inconveniences for the
neighbouring residents
 Production of large amounts of the excavated soil and heaps of debris can cause obstruction to free movement
of persons and vehicles, if it is placed onto the roadways and thoroughfares
 Leakages of oils and lubricants from machinery, equipment and storage areas can degrade soil quality and can
act as a source of accidental personal injury for the pedestrians.
 Stagnation and or ponding of wastewater into depressions and at low lying areas at the site could act as a
source of environmental nuisance and can have serious environmental and health concerns because of their
potential to act as breeding places for disease vectors, as a source of foul smells, and an aesthetic blight
 A poor structural design and poorly levelled pavements can lead to ponding of storm water and inconvenience
for the residents

 Multifarious and miscellaneous constructional activities right from planning stage until completion of
constructions

 The project buildings should be planned and designed as environment friendly structures and their
architectural features should be made environmentally compatible and in accordance with the
prescribed/applicable building codes
 Structural and architectural designs of the project buildings should pay due attention to aspects of natural
lighting, ventilation, easement, environmental ambience, and aesthetic outlook of the buildings
 Allocations of spaces for various structures and facilities should be apportioned according to the prescribed
standards keeping in view the actual occupancy and other operational needs of the residents
 Haphazard and disorderly stockpiling of raw materials should be avoided to the maximum extent possible. In
this regard, separate enclosures should be designated at the worksite for storing different types of materials
 The worksite hazards and accidents should be avoided, or at least, risks of their occurrence should be
minimized by obliging the workers to wear protective clothing/gadgets (masks, gloves, goggles, helmets) while
on work and by observing standard procedures of carrying out an activity
 Safety instructions, signage and warning boards should be displayed at appropriate locations at and near the
site for information, knowledge and compliance by the workers and the staff
 The hazard zones, active worksite areas, out of bound areas, and areas of authorized/limited access should be
clearly demarcated and outlined with indicative red and striped tapes and by affixing warning signboards
 Regular as well as random laboratory testing of freshwater should be carried out for ascertaining its fitness
for drinking. If needed, disinfection with suitable disinfectant should be carried out in consultation with the
authorized officer of the health department
 Appropriately worded safety instructions, signage and warning boards in Urdu should be displayed at various
appropriate locations at the construction site for information of the worksite labour, visitors and the
supervisory staff
 Efficient working of the septic tanks fitted to the worksite toilets should be ensured all during construction
and corrective measures taken for removing any faults
 The worksite labour should be educated and trained in the worksite safety practices by conducting regular
and surprise safety drills and hazard management exercises with the help and assistance of the accredited
environmental consultant
 A small Neighbourhood Committee (NC) of three to five members from the nearby communities may be
constituted for soliciting trust of the neighbouring communities into the project activities. The NC may be used
for apprising the community of the project’s activities and for soliciting confidence of the residents and for
resolving the social issues that are likely to arise from project’s implementation
 A dedicated Environmental Safety, Health and Management Unit (ESHU) should be setup for the entire
operational life of the project with a qualified and experienced person as its head for both the construction
and the subsequent operation phases of the project. The ESHU will be responsible for managing various
environmental issues all during project construction and ensuring that the suggested mitigation measures are
complied with adequately at all times. The ESH Unit should be manned with qualified staff and equipped with
essential machinery and equipment for the performance of its functions and other chartered responsibilities
 The ESHU should prepare a risk avoiding and hazard management plan indicating the assembly point and
escape routes in case of occurrence of an emergency and should carry out practice exercises on regular basis
 Generous tree plantation and development of greenbelts should be taken up as an environmental
enhancement measure towards completion of the construction phase
 It should be ensured that all due respect and honour is given to rights and privileges of the neighbouring
communities and the sanctity, dignity and privacy of the inmates is not violated. It should be ensured that no
damage is caused to the surrounding buildings from any of the constructional activities. Approaches to the
neighbouring residences are kept cleared and well maintained by avoiding stacking of raw materials and debris
therein.
 Fire extinguishers of appropriate types like foaming agents for localized fires should be always available at the
site, particularly near the storage sites of inflammable substances
 Haphazard placement of materials, particularly on the pathways should be avoided. All loose materials, which
can give rise to windblown particulate dust into ambient air, like sand and soil should be covered with tarpaulin
or other similar materials or sprinkled with water
3.6 Environmental Impacts relating to Project’s Operation Phase

The discussion following hereinafter relates to operation phase impacts of the project on various important
environmental parameters as well as non-parametric aspects. As a general rule, potentiality of the negative
impacts of a residential housing project is likely to increase with the number of persons occupying the buildings.
Higher the number of residents, higher will be the demand and consumption for resources and utilities (such as
water, gas, electricity) and higher will be the amount of the wastes generated therefrom (such as sanitation
water and solid wastes). Thus, volumetric increases of consumption of resources and generation of effluents
and emissions will be directly proportional to the number of the occupants. If it is assumed that on the average,
every second family owns a car and every household has at least one motorcycle, then there will be
approximately 675 cars and about 1350 motorcycles coming to, leaving and to be parked at the colony premises.
The number of the various vehicles coming to leaving the colony premises in connection with various other
affairs will be in addition to the vehicles of the residents. All these vehicles, which consume fossil fuel, will
contribute towards exhaust emissions from burning of fossil fuel in their engines. This may affect the local
environment, if the exhaust pipe emissions exceed the prescribed environmental quality standards, as applicable
to the area. Likewise, consumption of freshwater and generation of wastewater, the rate of consumption and
generation of which will be around 95 to 100 litres and 90 to 95 litres per person per day respectively. The total
volume of consumption of freshwater and generation of wastewater, however, will depend on the actual total
occupancy of the colony and the persons consuming the freshwater.
On the social front, there could be chances of social frictions and strained neighbourhood relations from number
of factors and causes. As already mentioned, some of the neighbouring residents have expressed their concerns
over conversion of the greenbelts/park’s land into residential usage. Of the many social issues relating to
occupancy stage, noise will be of serious concern. Noise generation from playing of music at loud volume by a
resident could be a source of annoyance for other residents, particularly the old, infirm, expecting mothers and
the students. The above-mentioned and other various operation phase impacts alongwith their mitigation
measures are discussed hereunder:
3.6.1 Parametric Impacts of the Operation (Occupancy) Phase

The subsections following hereinafter present some brief discussion on the parametric impacts of the project’s
operation (occupancy) phase.
3.6.1.1 Soil and Lands

As there will not be any significant interventions with the land and soils during the occupancy stage, no major
impacts onto soils and lands are expected during this stage of the project. As the project is a housing scheme,
the superstructure will occupy most of the land and major portion of the open land will be converted into pacca
pavements. Therefore, barring the lands earmarked for developing the greenbelts, there will be hardly any land
surface, which might be affected by the project activities. Therefore, the likely impacts of the operation phase
of the project on soils and lands will remain confined to the soils of the greenbelts and the bare soils, which are
discussed as hereunder.
i) Likely Impacts
 It is a common practice in our society that the residents usually park their vehicles onto the greenbelts and
other open places. Parking of vehicles onto the grassy lands can compact the soils underneath and thereby
reducing their water-holding capacity and their capacity to support growth of vegetation and plants. Parking
of vehicles on grassy areas can denude the vegetative cover causing blowing of particulate dust from the
denuded soil. Furthermore, oil leakages from the parked vehicles can impeach the soil quality irreversibly and
can damage the plantations.
 If the gravity-drainage for the grassy areas is not provided in the structural design of the project, then
stagnation of storm water onto the greenbelts can prevent access of the residents to the greenbelts and
thereby depriving them of their right to enjoy benefits of the greenery
 It is a common practice in our society that people throw their discards onto roads, open spaces and greenbelts.
Throwing of the solid wastes, garbage, trash, and food residues by the residents and the neighbours onto the
greenbelts can degrade and contaminate the receiving soils besides undermining aesthetics of the local
environment
 Overflowing of sewerage from choking of the pipes and manholes is not infrequent in our community. If the
overflown wastewaters enter into the greenbelt areas, they can damage the greenery and can also degrade
the soil quality

 Parking of vehicles onto greenbelts
 Throwing of solid wastes and garbage onto greenbelts at and around the project
 Throwing of solids into the sewerage system that results in its blockage and choking
 Other undesirable activities can damage the greenery such as holding marriage functions onto the grassy plots

 Parking of all types of vehicles onto the greenbelts should be prohibited strictly. Warning and informatory
signboards in this respect should be displayed all along the greenbelts and at entrances into the parks and
greenbelts
 Wherever feasible, greenbelts should be fenced with protective grilling and entry and exit should be through
the respective gates only
 Throwing of garbage and solid wastes onto greenbelts should be prohibited and fine should be imposed on
the violators. In order to check this malpractice, an efficient and responsive system of collection, disposal, and
management of the general municipal solid waste should be prepared for the housing scheme and
implemented across the board. Waste bins should be provided at various convenient locations in the parks
and the marketplaces for depositing the solid wastes by the passers-by. They should be emptied regularly and
replaced, if found damaged and unserviceable
 Household wastes should preferably be disposed through the local municipal solid waste system in an
environment friendly manner
 The Neighbourhood Committee (proposed under Section 3.4.2.2) alongwith the ESH Unit should be entrusted
with the task to ensure implementation of these and various other mitigation measures for ensuring
environmental compatibility of the project all during its operational life
3.6.1.2 Surface Water Quality

Project’s operation is likely not to affect the surface waters. The only way that surface waters may be affected
from the wastewaters originating from the housing scheme would be the direct pouring of the latter into the
former, chances of which are almost zero. The surface water channel nearest to the site is an unnamed and
unimportant hill torrent. Owing to intervening physical impediments such as roads, houses, and other structures
as well as non-availability of gravity gradient, wastewaters from the housing scheme are unlikely to find their
way into the nearby wastewater channel. Therefore, chances of pollution of the water of this canal are quite
remote. However, during a storm event, wastewaters may mix up with the storm water and can enter the canal
alongwith the storm water.
i) Likely Impacts
 There could be the possibility, although quite remote, of pollution of the nearby surface waters from direct
discharge of the untreated effluents from the housing scheme into such waters.

 Non-provision of septic tank system of domestic wastewater particularly for the sanitation water from toilets
 Dysfunction or malfunction of the wastewater treatment system (septic tanks) and thereby release of
untreated wastewater into a water channel
 Poor maintenance and non-cleaning (non-removal of sludge) of the wastewater network, which may result
into overflows and leakages that could find their way into nearby water channels

 Direct discharge of effluents and wastewaters from the housing scheme into a nearby surface water channel
be avoided. If discharge into a surface channel is required, it should be only after due treatment and under
permit from concerned authorities and in accordance with conditions of such a permit, if any.
 A practicable and effective schedule of cleaning and de-sludging be chalked out for the wastewater network
of pipes and manholes, particularly before onset of the monsoon
 A well-designed network for collection, disposal, and channelization of storm water be incorporated in the
design and layout plan of the project so that storm water never mixes up with the sewage
 The architectural and engineering features of the project buildings to provide septic tanks of appropriate
functional capacity for the treatment of the sanitation wastewater from the toilets of each individual housing
unit
3.6.1.3 Groundwater Abstraction and Quality

According to Planning Commission of Pakistan, domestic usage of freshwater is the third competitors for the
groundwater usage after agriculture and industry57. The freshwater demand in housing schemes exhibits diurnal
as well as seasonal variations. The consumption of freshwater tends to be the highest in the morning followed
only by a demand spike in the evening. Similarly, demand and consumption tends to be higher (30-50%) in
summer compared to winter58. According to an estimation, the per capita consumption of freshwater in
Pakistani metropolises is around 100 litres per day 59. Therefore, against the expected occupancy of the housing
scheme by around 9,000 persons, consumption of freshwater would be somewhat around 900,000 litres (900
m3) a day. This would be met with from the existing as well as the new boreholes to be made for groundwater
abstraction at the site.
i) Likely Impacts
 Withdrawal of large volumes of groundwater without adequate recharge can lower the water table and may
reduce availability of the groundwater for other users in the community
 In case of poor borehole construction or inadequate sealing of the borehole, pollutants can travel downward
along the borehole line and may pollute the shallow groundwater at least
 If a wastewater outlet from a residential or commercial is discharged on open land or in the street, then
downward infiltration of the pollutants present in the wastewater through earth’s layers can pollute the
shallow groundwater
 If the groundwater source is polluted, then consumption of the contaminated groundwater by the residents
may result in morbidity and mortality due to waterborne illness, particularly gastrointestinal disorders in the
affected persons

 Withdrawal of large volumes of groundwater
 Poor construction and imperfect sealing of the groundwater boreholes
 General lack of social responsibility amongst the citizens, Irksome social habits, and personal practices which
may lead to unnecessary wastage of freshwater and the resultant over pumping of the groundwater

 The residents and water users should be constantly made aware of the importance of freshwater as a precious
natural resource and gift of the nature. They should be constantly educated for practising waste use
conservation
 Water meters should be installed for each household and the residents should be charged proportionate to
the volume of water consumed by them instead of a flat rate which tends to promote water wastage
 Allottees of the houses should be encouraged to install auto shutoff water taps to prevent water wastage
 All wastewater outlets from the houses should be linked to the sewerage network. No wastewater outlet
should be discharging the effluents outside the sewerage network
 A comprehensive hydro-geological investigation of the groundwater parameters may be carried for the entire
project area and the surrounding areas to assess future availability of freshwater by determining infiltration
rate, leaching characteristics of the soil, filtration capacity of the soil, depth of water table, and safe yield limit
of the aquifer beneath
 A practicable groundwater abstraction schedule, based on the aquifer parameters, should be prepared to
ensure sustainable withdrawal of the groundwater
57 Pakistan in the 21st Century, Vision 2030, Planning Commission, GoPk, Islamabad, 2005
58 A brief on Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Quetta, 2019
 Regular laboratory testing of the freshwater to be supplied to the inmates should be carried out for timely
detection of contamination and for taking up appropriate corrective measures
 Water filters should be installed with the water supply sources, if so warranted on the basis of laboratory test
reports
 Overhead water tanks, if any are installed by the occupants at their houses, should be thoroughly cleaned and
disinfected by the inmates after every six months at least by using Health Department’s recommended
disinfectants
3.6.1.4 Wastewaters and Effluents

Large volumes of wastewaters, depending on volumetric consumption of the freshwater, are expected to be
generated from the housing scheme all during its operational life. Given the number of housing units to be
constructed under the project, it is expected that around 1350 families will be inhabiting in the scheme with an
average family size of 6.6 persons per family, as is prevalent in our country. Thus, it is anticipated that
approximately 9000 residents will occupy the housing scheme. If the averaged out usage of freshwater is taken
as 100 litres per person per day, then the freshwater consumption can be assumed to be around 900,000 litres
(900 m3). Based on these calculations, the wastewater generation @ 90~95% of the freshwater consumption
will be around 90~95 litres per person per day. Therefore, the housing scheme will be generating about
810,000~855,000 litres (810~855 m3) of wastewater per day. The wastewater, to be generated at the colony,
will be drained into a sewerage and drainage network to be constructed anew for the housing colony. The newly
built system will ultimately join with the final sewerage drainage channel of Quetta. It is noticeable that
wastewater will be drained out only after its treatment in the wastewater treatment plant to be installed anew
at the housing scheme60.
The domestic wastewaters often contain a number of organic and inorganic pollutants such as chemicals, oils,
fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and many other substances 61. The project being a housing scheme, its sewage will
contain almost all the pollutants typically found in domestic wastewater. By its very design, the project allows
mixing of the non-sanitation water with the sanitation water, which ideally should not be the situation.
i) Likely Impacts
 Choking and blockage of the sewerage lines from indiscriminate throwing of solids into the sewerage system
by the residents can cause obstruction to smooth flow and can result into overflow of the wastewater onto
greenbelts and bare soil areas can degrade the soil quality and may contaminate the soil crust
 Choking, blockage or overflow of wastewater pipelines may cause stagnation of the wastewater onto streets
and pathways thus causing inconveniences to pedestrians, splashes from vehicular movement, foul smells,
and ugly outlook and may act as breeding place for the disease causing organisms and vectors. It need not
mention that proliferation and growth of disease vectors from stagnated wastewater can produce serious
health impacts
 Stagnation of wastewater near the built up structures from frequent overflows can lead to downward seepage
of the wastewater along the foundations and may damage them
 Prolonged stagnation of wastewaters into depressions and the low lying areas may favour algal growth
because of intrinsic high levels of nutrients in the domestic sewage
 If wastewaters from the housing scheme are discharged untreated into the receiving drain, then dissolved
solids in the wastewater can pollute and impair water quality of the receiving channel. In general, impacts of
the dissolved solids include increased turbidity of surface waters, physical hindrance to functioning of aquatic
plants and animals, and provision of a favourable environment for proliferation of pathogens. Increased
turbidity reduces penetration of light through the water column, thereby limiting the growth of desirable
aquatic plants that serve as a critical habitat for aquatic organisms. Solids also provide a medium for the
accumulation, transport, and storage of other pollutants, including nutrients, pathogens, and trace elements.
 There could be the possibility of choking, blockage or overflow of the sewerage and the wastewater network
from indiscriminate throwing of solids into the sewerage network
 Poor maintenance and non-cleaning (non-removal of sludge) of the wastewater network can result into
overflows and leakages which may find their way into nearby channels

 All and various household activities which use freshwater and generate wastewater
60Environment Protection Agency, GoBln, 2019

61A study into Characterization of Domestic Wastewater, MSc Thesis (unpublished), CEES, Punjab University, Lahore
 Choking, blockage and overflow of the sewerage system should be prevented by preventing entry of the solid
wastes into the sewer lines. For this purpose, the ESH unit may publish small leaflets asking the residents not
to throw or dispose of any solid articles in the wastewater system. Additionally, screens should be installed at
appropriate points in the waste line for removing the solid from the wastewater stream
 If a central wastewater treatment plant is not installed, then septic tanks of appropriate capacities should be
constructed for treatment and management of the sanitary wastewater from individual households and other
establishments. Efficient performance and functioning of the septic tanks should be ensured and their ‘stuck-
up’ should be avoided by timely interventions. Only treated wastewater should be discharged into a drainage
channel or the municipal sewer line
 The ESH unit and the NC may chalk out a practicable and effective schedule of cleaning and de-sludging of the
wastewater network of pipes and manholes, particularly before onset of the monsoon every year
 A well-designed network for collection, disposal, and channelization of storm water should be incorporated in
the design and layout plan of the project so that storm water never mixes up with the sewage
 Direct discharge of untreated effluents and wastewaters from the housing scheme into wastewater drain
should be avoided. All discharges should be under valid permit from the concerned authorities and in
accordance with conditions of such a permit. No untreated effluents should be discharged out
3.6.1.5 Air Quality

The air quality impacts during project’s occupancy stage will arise mainly from two broad categories of activities
i.e., (i) burning of natural gas for cooking, water heating in the geysers, and other household usages, and (ii)
exhaust air emissions from vehicles moving on the roads. Both types of emissions will be a by-product of burning
of fossil fuels and will therefore contain SOx, NOx, CO2, CO, other hydrocarbons, water vapours, and particulate
matter. As the housing scheme is still at a nascent stage, exact volume and composition of these emissions from
both stationary and mobile sources is not known. However, owing to cleaner composition of the natural gas,
emissions from burning of natural gas for domestic and commercial usages at the marketplaces will also be
relatively cleaner and are expected to remain within the prescribed NEQS limits, provided stoves are not faulty
and allow full oxidation of the gas. In contrast to the domestic emissions, vehicular emissions will contain a
considerable amount of impurities and particulate matter and will therefore possess a greater potential to affect
the air quality than burning of natural gas at the households. Machinery and equipment, installed at the housing
scheme if any, e.g., generators, would also contribute to air emissions.
Local air quality can also be affected from the blown-up dust and the suspended particulate matter from the
denuded soil surfaces if greenbelts and plantations are not protected and not maintained in the way they ought
to be. Open burning of household waste and yard trimmings can also contribute substantially to impairment of
the local air quality
i) Likely Impacts
 Impacts on local air quality from burning of natural gas at the households for cooking and other miscellaneous
purposes
 Deterioration of local air quality from carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions produced from burning of
fossil fuels in the internal combustion engines and in various other equipment and machinery running on fossil
fuel
 Deterioration of the ambient air quality from blown-up dust and particulates from denuded soil surfaces
 Deterioration and impairment of air quality from smoke and the particulate matter emitted from open burning
of the household wastes and the yard trimmings (dry leaves, felling)

 Cooking and food preparing activities at the individual households
 Direct open burning of garden waste and the household solid wastes by the occupants
 Burning of fossil fuels in vehicles, generators and other equipment and machinery and resultant emissions
 Poor upkeep, maintenance and tuning of the vehicles and usage of poor quality oils, lubricants, and additives
in the vehicles

 The ESH and the NC may launch periodic campaigns for educating the residents to keep their vehicles tuned
up and in good running condition to reduce emission load
 The ESH and the NC may launch campaigns to convince the residents to promote conservative usage of the
natural resource (natural gas, water). Leaflets, brochures and pamphlets in this regard may be published and
distributed amongst the residents
 Open burning of all types of waste materials and the garden wastes should be strictly banned and the
defaulters should be dealt with in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations
 If generators or other machinery and equipment fitted with engines running on fossil fuel are to be installed
at the housing scheme, preference should be given to installation only of Euro-II compliant engines
 Informatory and awareness raising signboards may be installed at convenient locations and along roadsides
to make the people aware of air pollution and the way to reduce it
3.6.2 Non-Parametric Impacts of the Operation (Occupancy) Phase

The subsections following hereinafter present a discussion on the non-parametric impacts of the project’s
operation (occupancy) phase.
3.6.2.1 Electricity Usage

Electricity will be required at the project for various usages, such as:
 Domestic usage at the housing and commercial units

 For streetlights and other community amenities
 Energizing internal security and cable network system, and
 Operating water lift pumps for filling the overhead water tanks
The exact electricity load for the above-mentioned usages is yet to be calculated. However, it is estimated that
this will be in kilowatts, which will require installation of number of transformers of varying capacities
throughout the project.
i) Likely Impacts
 All the direct and indirect impacts of unhealthy usage of electricity

 Multifarious and miscellaneous constructional activities involving usage of electricity

 Education and training should be given to workers and the contractors’ staff over safety precautions in the
usage of electricity
3.6.2.2 Water Usage at the Project

Water, being an essentiality of life, will be required in quite large quantities during both construction and
operation phases of the project. Various constructional activities such as watering the raw bricks, preparing the
cement mortar, settling the laid down concrete roofs, curing the constructed masonry and concrete works,
washing the construction implements, irrigating the greenbelts, and other miscellaneous activities. The
overwhelming consumption of freshwater after occupation of the housing units in the scheme will relate to
domestic consumption at the toilets, kitchens, floor washing, and drinking. According to an estimate, the per
capita consumption of water in Pakistani metropolises ranges between 100-120 litres per day62. If occupancy of
the individual housing units is estimated as 6.6 persons per family and it is assumed that each housing unit is
occupied by a family, then the total occupancy for the 1350 housing units will be around 8910 persons, say 9000
persons. Thus, the daily water consumption will be around 40,000~48,000 litres (40 m3~48 m3). However, this is
an estimation only and the actual consumption might differ from it keeping in view the diurnal variations.
Furthermore, consumption will also vary according season of the year. Watering of the greenbelts would be in
addition to the domestic consumption. The existing groundwater boreholes at the Colony will be used for
supplying water during construction and operation of the scheme. Consumption of freshwater will result in
generation of wastewater as a natural sequel. The wastewater generation will range between 90-95% of the
freshwater consumption. Thus, consumption of 40,000~48,000 litres (40~48 m 3) of freshwater may generate
approx. 36,000~38,000 litres (36~38 m3) of wastewater. As per the scheme’s master plan, wastewater from the
scheme will be drained into a new sewerage network to be developed as a part of the overall construction plan
of the scheme. The newly developed sewerage system will ultimately join with the existing sewerage and
drainage system of WASA Quetta.
i) Likely Impacts
 All the direct and indirect impacts relating to over abstraction and spendthrift usage of freshwater
62WASA, Quetta

 Multifarious and miscellaneous constructional activities involving usage of freshwater

 Education and training should be given to workers and the contractors’ staff to consider freshwater as a
precious resource and take all necessary precautions in avoiding its wastage and ensuring its conservative
usage
3.6.2.3 Solid Wastes

Solid wastes generated during the operational phase (occupancy phase) of the housing scheme will comprise
mainly the miscellaneous municipal wastes of domestic, household and marketplace origin. Solid wastes from
such a source typically contain paper, glass, empty cans, tin bottles, food packaging, peelings, PET bottles,
plastics, toys, and rags63. According to a study, the municipal wastes of household origin contain relatively higher
amounts of organics compared to other sources 64. On account of higher organic content, the domestic solid
wastes tend to putrefy early and therefore may give rise to foul smells particularly during hot summer days65. In
nutshell, improper collection, disposal and management of solid wastes can produce number of undesirable
environment impacts.
i) Likely Impacts
 The adverse impacts mentioned below will manifest only if a well-planned solid waste management system
for collection and disposal of the waste during operational life of the housing scheme is lacking. In the absence
of a well-designed waste management system, generation and improper disposal of the solid waste may lead
to number of environmental impacts, such as:
 Improperly disposed of solid wastes may cause degradation of the land and soils
 Improperly disposed of solid wastes (e.g., shopping bags) may find their way into the sewerage system and
may cause choking and blockage of the sewer lines
 Scattering of the solid wastes may cause littering of the open spaces, parks, pavements and roads
 Emissions of particulate matter from improperly disposed of solid wastes may cause deterioration of the
local air quality
 Improperly dumped solid wastes may blow up by windstorm and may spread over and may enter into
houses, shops, and other places
 Putrefaction of the organic component of the uncollected wastes may give rise to foul smells
 Heaps of the improperly disposed of and uncollected wastes may act as breeding grounds for the disease
producing vectors
 Food residues in the wastes heaps may attract the stray animals (dogs, cats) which may spread the wastes
in a wider area
 Solid wastes disposed of outside the collection containers may be carried away to distant places with the
storm water and rainfall runoffs and may produce undesirable impacts in a wider area
 Presence of sharp edged and piercing articles in the solid wastes such as blades, razors, needles, and spikes
may cause injury to the waste collecting crew and the waste pickers
 presence of infectious materials in the solid wastes may produce infection in the waste collecting crew and
the waste pickers
 Non-provision of waste collection bins or container drums of appropriate capacities at convenient locations
may encourage disposal and heaping of the solid wastes at the non-designated places and thereby littering of
the area

 Miscellaneous household activities producing domestic municipal solid wastes
 Lack of an instituted sold waste management system for the housing scheme

 The preventable adverse impacts of improper solid waste disposal can be easily mitigated by instituting a well-
designed solid waste collection and disposal system. The ESH Unit may devise the requisite waste
63 Management of Solid Waste, Quetta Metropolitan Corporation, Quetta, 2018

64 Characterization of Solid Wastes in Quetta, QMC, Quetta, 2006
65 Solid Waste Guidelines, Environmental Protection Agency, GoPb, 2008
management plan and put it in place in consultation with the residents. An effective and sound monitoring
mechanism should also be instituted to ensure efficient performance of the solid waste management system
 The ESH Unit may display suitably worded instruction, appeals, requests, and warnings with regard to
depositing of solid wastes inside the containers provided for the purpose at the housing scheme
 The ESH Unit and the NC may foster cordial relations and close liaison with waste generators and the local
municipal authorities responsible for solid waste management for timely lifting of the solid wastes from the
housing scheme
3.6.2.4 Noise, Vibrations and Odours

The most potent sources of neighbourhood noise at the operation stage of the housing scheme will be playing
of music and audio video equipment at loud volumes by the residents and blowing of pressure horns by the
vehicle drivers. Shrill music, high-pitched sounds and use of loudspeakers, particularly at nighttime, could be of
much disturbance and annoyance to the residents. Not much can be done to mitigate this nuisance, except
constant education and awareness of the residents and to remind them of the etiquettes of in a community. The
indoor noise from various household equipment like vacuum cleaners, blowers, dyers, washing machines and
lawn mowers, etc. will be of little significance with respect to the background noise levels. Generation of
annoying vibrations is not expected from any of the routine daily activities at the project premises. There could
be generation of odours from putrefaction of organics from the uncollected solid wastes, particularly during
summers. Emissions of staunch smells from heaps of wastes may be disturbing for the passers-by as well as for
the vicinity residents. However, in the presence of an efficient solid waste management system, probability of
foul odours will be considerably reduced.
i) Likely Impacts
 Prolonged and continuous exposure to noise and vibrations, higher than threshold values, can produce
psychosocial disturbances, behavioural changes, irritable attitude, short temperedness and annoyances in the
exposed persons
 Higher than normal background levels are generally associated with the habit of talking at louder than normal
voice in the persons living in these settings. Speaking at louder voices may damage the vocal cord system of a
person (e.g., abrasions of throat and pathologic hypertrophy of the vocal cords)
 Presence of constantly high noise in the surroundings may cause disturbances of sleep in the exposed persons
with consequential secondary and indirect effects
 Playing of music and videos at louder volumes may lead to social frictions and strained relations between the
neighbours and may culminate even in a scuffle between the parties
 Emission of odours from putrefaction of the organics in the solid wastes could be a source of annoyance for
the neighbouring community and the passers by

 Playing of music, operating audio-video equipment at loud volumes and usage of heavy loudspeakers for
celebrating various personal events
 Frequent and unnecessary blowing of vehicles’ horns particularly pressure horns
 Bringing unfit vehicles onto roads and plying the vehicles with faulty silencers or by removing their silencers
intentionally
 Usage of fireworks on the occasions of marriage, birthday, and religious events
 Poor collection or non-collection of solid wastes leading to their decay and natural biodegradation

 The ESH Unit and the NC may make efforts to foster good neighbourhood relations amongst residents of the
housing scheme by promoting a culture of tolerance and respect for rights of the residents. A mutually agreed
moratorium on playing of music and pressure horns may be enforced in consensus with various stakeholders
 Likewise, residents should be obliged to obtain permission of the ESH Unit and the NC for fireworks, usage of
loudspeakers, and playing of the marriage-bands to mark the occasions of happiness and at special events
 Setting up of the businesses that may produce excessive noise such as automobile workshops, iron grinding
shops, music shops, and other similar commercial activities should not be allowed at the project premises
 Good housekeeping practices and instituting an efficient and responsive solid waste management system can
go a long way in reducing odour problems from natural decadence of the organics
3.6.2.5 Health, Safety and Community Wellbeing

Owing to large scale inhabitation of the housing scheme per unit area of land, there could be number of
neighbourhood differences as well as social issues amongst the resident population. Because of their
multiplicity, it may not be possible to list them all. Because of different lifestyles and social values systems, there
could be frictions and entanglements even on morsel issues amongst the residents. Although, there is plethora
of laws relating to neighbourhood rights, but their enforcement may not be that easy as thought. The best that
can be done is to inculcate a culture of respect for others’ rights in community living amongst the inmates. This
is a formidable task and may not be easy to implement. Some of the social issues have already been touched
upon in the preceding chapters/ sections. One of the many problems, as are encountered in almost all housing
schemes, like the instant one, is supply of utility services, their uninterrupted maintenance and collection of
service charges from the residents. Residents usually try to avoid assuming any sort of responsibility towards
common welfare, for example cleaning of the overhead water tanks etc. In such a scenario, the role of the ESH
and the NC would assume special dimensions and will become more critical and challenging.
i) Likely Impacts
 Presence of large number of residents at a housing scheme of the confined limits can give rise to large number
of social neighbourhood issues, confrontations, and challenges. There could be issues of intolerance of sharing
the common resources
 Non-provision of escape routes and firefighting arrangements in the layout design of the building may take a
heavy toll in case of outbreak of any emergency.

 Multifarious activities by a very large number of residents at the housing scheme

 The ESH Unit and the NC should utilize all means available with them and should make all out efforts to foster
good neighbourhood relations amongst the residents and to inculcate respect and tolerance for each other as
good citizens
 The ESH Unit and the NC should play their role in ensuring continuity of supply of the utilities and essentialities
at the housing scheme
 The ESH Unit and the NC should ensure regular and periodic cleaning and disinfection of the overhead water
tanks with Health Department’s recommended disinfectants
 The ESH Unit and the NC should ensure provision and functioning of street light system
 The ESH Unit and the NC should do all that would be required from such voluntary setups at similar types of
residential establishments
 Buildings’ layout plan and engineering design to incorporate emergency escape routes and firefighting
arrangements
Table 3.2a
Modified Environmental and Social Impact assessment Matrix (Unmitigated Impacts)
Environmental Physical Biological Social and Socioeconomic

Components
Education/Skill enhancement
Environmental enhancement
Community Empowerment
Land and Soil Degradation
Community Participation
Archaeological Heritage
Social / Cultural Issues

Employment / Income
Surface Water Quality
Health and Wellbeing

Agriculture / Farming
Access and Easement
Groundwater Quality
Noise and Vibrations

Natural Vegetation
Safety and Hazards
Availability of food
Odour and smells
Aesthetic Value
Project Activities
Gender Issues
Price of Land
Air Quality
Livestock
Wildlife
Site Selection 0 N N 0 N N -1 0 N N N -1 -1 N N N N +2 +1 +1 0 N 0 0
Layout Plan / Building N 0 0 -1 0 N -1 0 0 N N -1 -1 N -1 -1 N +2 N +1 0 N -1 0

Design
Construction Activities -1 0 -1 -1 0 N -2 -2 0 N -1 -2 -1 N -1 +1 -1 +2 +1 +1 +1 N -1 -1
Occupancy of the -1 -1 -1 -2 + N N -1 N N -1 -1 +1 0 +1 +2 0 +2 +2 +2 +2 N -2 +2
Scheme 1
Key: -2=High Negative Impact -1=Low Negative Impact 0=insignificant/Negligible impact

+1=Low Positive Impact +2=High Positive Impact N=No Impact
Table 3.2b
Modified Environmental and Social Impact assessment Matrix (Mitigated and Residual Impacts)
Environmental Physical Biological Social and Socioeconomic

Components
Education/Skill enhancement
Environmental enhancement
Community Empowerment
Land and Soil Degradation
Community Participation
Archaeological Heritage
Social / Cultural Issues

Employment / Income
Surface Water Quality
Health and Wellbeing

Agriculture / Farming
Access and Easement
Groundwater Quality
Noise and Vibrations

Natural Vegetation
Safety and Hazards
Availability of food
Odour and smells
Aesthetic Value
Project Activities
Gender Issues
Price of Land
Air Quality
Livestock
Wildlife
Site Selection 0 N N 0 N N -1 0 N N N -1 -1 N N N N +2 +1 +1 0 N 0 0
Layout Plan / Building N 0 0 -1 0 N -1 0 0 N N -1 -1 N -1 -1 N +2 N +1 0 N -1 0

Design
Construction Activities -1 0 -1 -1 0 N -2 -2 0 N -1 -2 -1 N -1 +1 -1 +2 +1 +1 +1 N -1 -1
Occupancy of the -1 -1 -1 -2 + N N -1 N N -1 -1 +1 0 +1 +2 0 +2 +2 +2 +2 N -2 +2
Scheme 1
Key: -2=High Negative Impact -1=Low Negative Impact 0=insignificant/Negligible impact

+1=Low Positive Impact +2=High Positive Impact N=No Impact
4. Environmental, Social and Disaster Management Plan
4
ENVIRONMENTAL,
SOCIAL &DISASTER
MANAGEMENT PLAN
4. ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND

DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN
4.1 Environmental, Social and Disaster Management Plan (ESDMP)
This section describes the environmental, social and disaster management plan (ESDMP) for ensuring smooth
environmental and social management of the project at all stages of activities and dealing with an emergency
as and when it may occur. The objective of including the ESDMP into this EIA report is to ensure prevention of
any situation of emergency and in case of development of such a situation, steps required to be taken to manage
the situation. The section also contains a set of environmental guidelines for avoiding and or preventing the
adverse environmental impacts of the project. Besides, institutional setup for implementing the ESDMP,
management of hazards and emergencies, importance of the compliance monitoring programme has also been
discussed.
The ESDMP is considered the core area of an environmental examination study. It focuses on environmental
protection through minimization of the impending risks and the likelihood of occurrence of hazards. The ESDMP
aims to ensure that adverse consequences of an emergency are properly addressed at all stages of disaster
management from prevention to rehabilitation and resettlement of the affected individuals. The ESDMP also
provides a mechanism to reduce likelihood of occurrence of the risks to an acceptable level by adopting the risk
prevention strategies. Wherever possible and applicable, the ESDMP provides for avoiding environmental risks
and, in case they are unavoidable, then identification of the most direct and the best possible measures for
reducing the extent of damage to persons and property. Additionally, ESDMP designates the special risk areas
and proposes stringent measures for hazard avoidance at these high risk and sensitive areas. In nutshell, the
objectives of the proposed ESDMP would be as under:
 To provide an early warning system for the potential or actual risks

 To provide a systematic and implementable mechanism for risk characterization and risk mitigation
 To test effectiveness of the risk handling mechanism and hence improve upon the weaker areas
 To ensure that operational activities are carried out in sound and secure manner by avoiding the probability
of risks occurrence
Safety measures, including appropriate design solutions, onsite handling of the hazardous materials during
construction, and resolution of social conflicts during operational phase of the housing scheme represent major
components of the ESDMP. The ESDMP also aims to ensure that the quality of the life values as well cultural and
religious sensitivities are fully preserved all through various stages of the project to avoid social severances and
conflicts. Lastly, the ESDMP has been framed in line with the national legislative framework, environmental
standards and regulations to ensure environmental compatibility of the project.
4.2 Institutional Setup for ESDMP Implementation

The proponent shall setup an Environmental Safety and Health (ESH) Unit for timely appreciation, identification,
and reporting of the environmental issues relating to the project activities and for taking necessary preventive
and corrective measures for addressing the issues at various levels of responsibilities. The ESH will continue
during the operation phase as well but with a little changed composition and mandate. During the operation
phase, the ESH may consist of the persons appointed in consultation with the NC. Expenses of the ESHU may be
met with from contributions made by the residents. If needed, compulsory maintenance charges should be
imposed for every housing unit. The ESHU should be an independent functional unit headed by an ESH Officer,
who will be assisted by an appropriate number of subordinate officers, technical personnel, and others. The
ESHU should be equipped all essential equipment for dealing with any situation of emergency and disaster.
4.3 Roles and Responsibilities of the ESH Unit

The primary responsibility with respect to management of environmental issues at the housing scheme will rest
with the ESH Unit. Some of its responsibilities may include the following:
 To generate periodic reports and fill-in the checklists on environmental and social performance of the project
and the actions taken by the ESH Unit for rectifying the issues and problems
 To maintain liaison and linkages with the concerned municipal and regulatory authorities for troubleshooting
and timely removal of the bottlenecks with respect to social and physical issues at the project premises
 To ensure smooth and timely implementation of the recommendations relating to hazard prevention at the
housing scheme
 To ensure troubleshooting of the problems relating to health, safety, environment, and social issues all during
project’s construction and operation
 To take all necessary steps to protect safety, sanitation and health of the labour and workers during both
construction and operation, especially of those exposed to higher levels of risks to health and safety
 To prepare and execute awareness raising, educational and training programmes on safety, health and
sanitation for the staff, labourers, officers and the residents particularly for the new comers
 To make investigations of the causes of occurrence of any accidents or hazards and take necessary steps to
prevent occurrences of such events in the future
4.4 Reporting and Recordkeeping

The ESH will ensure a robust reporting and recordkeeping system. Such recordkeeping should be managed
through a computer system and should be handy as and when required. The record may include the following:
 Particulars of the occupants

 Number of persons in each unit and the total number of occupants at the scheme
 Particulars of the visitors coming to and leaving the project alongwith details of the residents visited
 Recording of readings of the meters of the common facilities like streetlight electricity meter
 Record of withdrawal of groundwater
 Operating hours of the tube wells, their repair and maintenance
 Cleaning and disinfection schedule of the overhead tanks
 Status of safety and emergency equipment
 Daily status report on sanitation, safety, environment, and any reportable incident
 Annual, routine, and special repairs
 Wages and salaries paid to the staff of the ESH Unit
 Location, condition, and capacities of the waste collection bins
 Registers of repair and maintenance of various equipment/machinery (repair history sheets)
 Record of laboratory investigations of freshwater and other environmental parameters
 Records of correspondence with various authorities, agencies and the head office
 Other miscellaneous records, if any
4.5 Future Expansions

Currently, no programme of expansion of the housing scheme is on the anvil. However, if any programme of
expansion is envisaged, it should be well thought over and based on strong data analysis, feasibility study, and
an environmental assessment study.
4.6 Responsibility of Contractor towards Environmental Protection

The construction contractor, under instructions of the proponent, should act promptly to prevent noise,
vibration, water contamination, air pollution and other nuisances to the environment resulting from
constructions or the activities relating to constructions. The contractor must always keep the site clean and tidy
all during construction. He should remove all construction debris, surplus soil and other wastes at the close of
construction and properly transport them to the disposal site.
4.7 Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMP)

Environmental monitoring is an essential tool for evaluating environmental performance of the housing scheme
and ascertaining whether recommendations and the environmental mitigation guidelines are meeting with their
intended goals. The prime objectives of the environmental monitoring will be to:
 Check whether mitigation and environmental enhancement measures are adequate, effective and actually
implemented at the site
 Ensure compliance with legal and community obligations including safety on construction sites
 Provide as the means whereby impacts which were uncertain at the time of preparation of the IEE/EIA, or
which were unforeseen, can be identified, and appropriate corrective measures have been taken up
 Improve our knowledge and approach for similar projects, i.e., to provide information on the actual nature
and extent of the key impacts and effectiveness on mitigation and enhancement measures in order to improve
planning and execution of similar projects in the future
The EMP, as proposed in this EIA, defines the monitoring mechanism and identifies a set of verifiable monitoring
parameters to ensure that all proposed mitigation measures are implemented effectively and completely. As
and where applicable, all tested parameters should be analysed in relation to the permissible standards set out
in the NEQS or as prescribed by the international bodies.
4.7.1 Internal Compliance Monitoring

The ESH Unit will be responsible for internal compliance monitoring of the project all during its constructional
and operational phases particularly with respect to compliance of the ESDMP and the environmental mitigation
guidelines. The officer incharge of the ESH will ensure observance of the ESDMP and EMP by the concerned
personnel. He/she will ask for environmental compliance status and performance of the project from his juniors
and will keep record thereof for taking necessary actions as and when required.
4.7.2 External Compliance Monitoring

Environmental performance monitoring or environmental audit in general terms is the systematic collection of
data through a series of repetitive measurements for evaluating environmental health status of a project activity.
External monitoring is a job of specialized nature and must be conducted by a third party (an environmental
firm). It is, therefore, recommended that the proponent or the project management committee (once ownership
and management of the project is transferred to the buyers) hire services of a professional environmental
consultancy for carrying out this essential and important task. There is a good spectrum of categories and
techniques of conducting environmental monitoring and auditing. However, in this case, external monitoring
may be restricted to critically reviewing the implementation process of the ESDMP and the EMP, identifying any
on-ground environmental issues of concern, overall environmental performance of the housing scheme, and
framing proposals and mechanisms for addressing various environmental issues. The primary purpose of the
external monitoring will be to see that both construction and the operation phase activities have been carried
out in line with the mitigation strategy outlined in the ESDMP. Since, operation i.e., usage of the project buildings
as residential units, will be a lifelong and continuing activity, the external compliance monitoring or the
environmental audit should be a regular annual feature.
As mentioned earlier, the primary purpose of the external compliance monitoring or post project auditing is to
evaluate environmental compliance of the various activities and their consonance to the mitigation measures,
terms, and conditions of EIA’s Approval from EPA. The objectives of such compliance monitoring will be:
 To monitor compliances of the conditions set out in the project’s construction permits, contract documents,
and operating licenses
 To review relevance and applicability of the environmental impacts as predicted in the EIA for proper
management of the risks and uncertainties
 To modify the mitigation recommendations or to develop revised mitigation measures if all environmental
impacts could not be predicted earlier or not attenuated by the proposed mitigations
 To determine accuracy of the impact predictions and effectiveness of the mitigation measures in order to
make use of this experience for future activities of the same type
 To review effectiveness of the environmental management and the disaster management plans of the project
4.8 Hazard Management and Emergency Response System

The ESH Unit will also act as the focal agency for dealing with risks and hazards all during construction and
operation phases of the project. The ESH Unit will formulate and develop a hazard management plan (HMP) and
emergency response system (ERS) to cater for any unforeseen eventualities, accidents, fires, or worksite hazards.
An outline of such a plan will be somewhat as under:
4.8.1 Safe Handling of Hazardous Materials

If any hazardous, inflammable, or ignitable materials (diesel, petrol) are to be stored at the project (during both
construction and operation phases), storing of these materials should be according to prescribed instructions
with respect to their storage, handling, movement and control. Only the persons duly authorized in this behalf
should be allowed to handle them. The storage site must have arrangements for gravity collection of overflows,
spills and leakages. The storage site must have firefighting arrangements. At least pressurized foam extinguishers
should always be present to combat fire.
4.8.2 Equipment for Emergency

All first-line-of-defence equipment and gadgets for handling emergencies should be made available at the
project office. These may include rescue ladders, rescue chairs, ropes, first aid kits, stretchers and etc.
4.8.3 Standard Operating Procedures for Emergencies

The following standard operating procedures (SOP) may be followed in case of any emergency, fire, or accident:
(i) Preventive Measures

 Safety instructions and things-to-do-first should be displayed at prominent places at the project premises. All
workers and the residents should be asked to strictly observe the prescribed safety instructions.
 All the workers present in the active construction areas and hazard zones must put on safety equipment and
gadgets (helmets, goggles gloves, aprons etc.) without exception. No worker should be allowed to enter the
workplace without safety gadgets
 Only the persons duly authorized in this behalf should handle chemicals and hazardous materials
 Smoking should be strictly prohibited at the worksite, storerooms, workshop area, container offices and all
close places. Smoking in open spaces can be done under permission from the site engineer.
 No unidentified persons and unauthorised vehicles should be allowed access to construction sites during
construction phase and the houses during occupancy phase. A “no entry/authorized entry” board should be
displayed at the entry points and a guard appointed thereat.
 Fire extinguishers should be affixed at convenient and easily approachable locations.
(ii) Communication Network/Intimation of Emergency

 Any person, worker or resident who first notices or comes into knowledge of any fire, leakage, spills or other
emergency, will immediately report it to the ESH Unit.
 Intimation to other workers in the hazard zone will be communicated through a warning alarm or loudspeaker
announcements under instructions of the officer incharge of the ESH Unit.
(iii) Reporting and Event Logging

 A log of every incident/leakage/emergency should be kept and be made a part of the office record of the ESH
Unit.
 Intimation of any such happening will also be given to the local police or the local civil administration, if
needed.
(iv) Assembly Point

 The officer incharge of the ESH Unit shall mark a permanent assembly point both for the construction and for
the operation phases, where all employees and inmates shall gather first in case of an emergency or disaster.
 Instructions and signage in this regard should be displayed at conspicuous locations throughout the project
premises and the community areas.
(v) First Line of Action

 Firstly, the office incharge of the ESH Unit or a person deputed by him will move to the site and will make a
visual assessment of the situation. He will take further appropriate actions accordingly.
 Only the persons authorised by the officer incharge of the ESH Unit, or working under his instructions should
take further action. They will follow instructions of the supervisory officer.
(vi) Second Line of Action

 If it is apprehended that the first line of action will be unable to cope with the situation, the second line of
defence should be activated by calling the local municipal fire brigade, rescue service, police, or civil
administration depending on nature of the emergency.
(vii) Post Incident Rehabilitation/Restoration

 Once the acute emergency phase is over, efforts for restoring normalcy and rehabilitation should be initiated
under instructions of the appropriate authorities or the project management committee, if any existing.
(viii) Preparedness Exercises and Practice Drills

 In order to assess efficiency of the ESDMP and the SOP and to keep the arrangements in this regard updated,
the ESH Unit may arrange preparatory exercises and practice drills on random basis at the project.
(ix) Liaison with the Local Authorities

 An updated list of telephone numbers, hotline numbers or other means of communicating with district and
provincial disaster management organizations, civil administration, and the police should be displayed at
prominent places at the site and the admn office.
 The ESH Unit will periodically review and update this contact list.
(x) Availability of First Aid and Medical Treatment

 The ESH Unit will arrange for the first aid and the basic medical care facilities at the housing scheme to cater
for a medical emergency. The medicines and disposables of the first aid box should be regularly updated and
recouped.
4.9 Budgeting for the ESDMP and ESH Unit

Funds will be required for efficient performance of the ESH Unit. It is therefore, suggested that maintenance
charges should be imposed on each household or apartment and the money so collected should be used for
funding the ESH Unit. Apart from expenses on maintenance, payment of utilities, salaries of the staff, external
compliance monitoring by an environmental firm will also require allocation of money. It is therefore
recommended that the housing scheme should have suitable environmental budget.
4.10 Environmental Guidelines

Table 4.10 presents necessary environmental management and mitigation guidelines relating to design,
construction, and operation stages of the project. These guidelines are in fact the preventive and corrective
actions that may be taken into consideration by the proponent and other persons involved in planning,
designing, and implementing the project. The primary objective of these guidelines is to avoid or reduce the risk
of the likely damages to environment. These guidelines have been developed with a view to ensure that the
identified adverse impacts relating to various environmental parameters are properly addressed by either
adopting a preventive or a mitigation strategy. The guidelines also designate the persons and agencies for their
implementation and thereby ensuring attenuation of project’s adverse impacts to an acceptable level by
adopting suitable administrative and or technical options.
Table 4.10
Environmental Management and Monitoring Guidelines
A) Design and Planning Stage
Environmental Guidelines Responsibility
Design Aspects  Proponent
(1) Project’s Design and Layout should:  Design Consultant
(a) have architectural features, to the extent possible, in conformity to general landscape of the vicinity/area / Engineer
(b) be in consonance with local climatic, environmental, and meteorological conditions  Principal Architect
(d) prefer local construction materials
(e) incorporate proper ventilation and provision of sunshine, air movement, and maximum usage of the daylight
(f) provide adequate space for movement of persons and vehicles at the site and in between the residential blocks
(g) make provisions for collection, treatment, and disposal of wastes and effluent in an environmentally sound manner by providing a well-
designed solid waste and effluent handling system of appropriate capacity
(i) provide adequate structural safeguards for avoiding contact of storm water with buildings’ foundations through the provision of
essential structures for collection, diversion, and removal of storm water runoff away from the buildings
(j) provide for internal footpaths and or pavements to ensure all weather access to the buildings and other structures
(k) provide adequate arrangements for treatment and disposal of wastewater from the temporary worksite toilets and the community
toilets at the community centre and the project office
(l) Provide construction of septic tank system for collection, treatment, and disposal of toilet wastewater for the temporary worksite toilets
during construction and with each house if central wastewater treatment is lacking
(m) be in accordance with the applicable byelaws and building codes
(n) provide for availability of safe drinking water for the project
(o) be in consonance to the environmental zoning of the site/area
(p) be energy efficient and environment friendly
B) Construction Stage
Air Quality Concerns  Construction
(1) Carryout dust and emission producing activities (e.g., operating machinery, loading/offloading of materials) preferably at evening hours to Contractor
minimize inconvenience to the neighbouring residents, schoolchildren and office workers  Project Manager
(2) Keep the construction machinery and vehicles adequately tuned up and well serviced to avoid emission of smoke and particulate from their
exhausts
(3) Use only new and unadulterated fuels and lubricants. Do not use spent oils
(4) Avoid operating machinery and equipment in windy conditions
(5) Cover loose materials (e.g., sand, soil) with canvas/plastic sheets while stacked onsite or transporting on a carriage vehicle. If sheeting is not
possible, then lightly sprinkle the surface with water
(6) Display instructions at appropriate places requesting the vehicle drivers to lower down speed inside the premises and at the scheme to
reduce blowing of drag dust and to avoid road accidents
(7) Obscure and isolate the active construction zone by vertical shields/blinds, wherever necessary
Water and Wastewater  Construction

(1) Do not dispose of any raw (untreated) wastewater onto soil or land or into the greenbelts Contractor
(2) All effluents and wastewaters from the project should be compulsorily subjected to appropriate type of treatment (e.g., a septic tank) before  Project Manager
their final discharge into the environment
(3) Avoid throwing of liquids and solids into nearby water bodies or on bare soils
(4) The washouts of the construction machinery, implements and gadgets should be disposed of through soaking pits
(5) All freshwater and wastewater pipelines should be buried (or well secured if open) to avoid their accidental or mischievous damage by
vehicles, animals, and miscreants
(6) Provide rainfall containment structures or storm water diverting barriers/channels all around the building blocks to avoid damage to
foundations from accumulation of rainfall water
Noise Pollution  Construction

(1) Operate the noise producing construction machinery and equipment preferably during daytime Contractor
(2) Avoid operating construction machinery at night time  Project Manager
(3) Carryout fabrication and loading/unloading activities preferably during daytime hours
(4) Carryout regular maintenance of the machinery and equipment to reduce noise generation
Public Utilities  Construction

(1) Carryout excavations/diggings only after ascertaining that no gas, oil, or public utility lines are passing through the area to be excavated Contractor
(refer to local utilities layout map)  Project Manager
(2) Devise a standard operating procedure for dealing with accidental damage to utilities along with an immediate restoration plan
(3) If relocation of any public utility or facility (e.g., electricity poles) is involved, it should be carried out well ahead of start of construction
Cultural and Archaeological Heritage  Construction
(1) Discovery of any remnants/relics of historical, cultural, or archaeological importance during excavations or diggings, if any, should be Contractor
reported immediately to the concerned authority/archaeology department  Project Manager
Social Environment/Worksite Safety  Construction

(1) Make the site staff and the labour aware of risks of personal injuries and the ways of avoiding risks (e.g., wearing helmets, breathing masks, Contractor
earmuffs, safety goggles, gloves, etc.)  Project Manager
(2) Keep a first-aid box handy at the construction site during construction and an adequate healthcare setup during operation phases of the
project
(3) Heads/supervisors of various sections should be made aware of the standard operating procedures for dealing with emergencies and hazard
management
(4) Use indicative signage and warning boards throughout the premises during both construction and operation for information and guidance of
the workers/employees
(5) Waste and packaging materials should be collected, segregated, and stockpiled in covered sheds to avoid their contact with rainwater
(6) The labour should be paid wages according to Government’s notified minimum wage rates
(7) Pay same wages to women as to men for equal hours of work
(8) Avoid child labour
(9) Keep firefighting arrangements ready at the site all during construction and a full network of fire extinguishing arrangements once the
project goes into operation
(10) Do not allow cigarette smoking and lighting of fire near work places and near inflammable materials
(11) Store the ignitable and inflammable materials separately and at a safe place away from any source of fire
(12) Keep the residents in loop about the project by constituting the Neighbourhood Committee
(13) carryout regular training sessions into the modern techniques of environmental management, risk avoidance and handling of emergencies
for the project staff during construction and for the ESHU staff and interested residents during operation phase
C) Operation Stage
Water, Wastewater, and Effluents  Environmental
(1) Ensure that the existing and the new boreholes, if any, are constructed according to the applicable engineering and safety standards and are Safety and Health
sealed off from the exterior to avoid any potential contamination of the groundwater through downward trickling of the wastewaters along Unit
the borehole lines
(2) Construct freshwater storage tanks (overhead tanks) of appropriate capacity to ensure continuous freshwater supply for process operations  Neighbourhood
as well as for human consumption. The water holding capacity of the tanks be equal to 24 hours supply based on consumption rates Committee
(3) Carryout periodic cleaning and disinfection of the water storage tanks and the overhead reservoirs , at least after every 3 months
(4) Use Health Department’s approved disinfectants only
(5) Carryout regular and periodic laboratory testing of groundwater and the drinking water for its quality and fitness for human consumption
and other usages
(6) Install water filters or treatment plants, if so indicated on the basis laboratory testing
(7) Prefer source disinfection, wherever feasible
(8) Ensure proper working of the septic tanks and avoid their dysfunction and stuck-up
(9) Ensure regular cleaning and removal of grit from the drainage lines
(10) Maintain a tube well operation register to ensure intermittent running of the tube wells and to ensure their timely repair and servicing
(11) Display appropriately worded instructions at prominent places requesting the residents not to throw solids into the wastewater drains or
closets
(12) Immediately repair any leakages from or damage to water supply lines and the wastewater pipelines
(13) Keep an emergency plan handy for dealing with a disorder of the effluent drainage or wastewater system
Air Quality, Aesthetics, and Landscape  Environmental

(1) If a generator or any other machinery or equipment running on fossil fuel has been installed at the scheme, ensure that it is regularly Safety and Health
serviced and emissions are monitored to ensure that they remain within the NEQS limits Unit
(2) Display suitably worded appeals at prominent places requesting the residents to use as little natural gas as possible for their household
needs and shut down the stoves when not in use and lower the geyser thermostat to conserve usage of gas  Neighbourhood
(3) Display suitably worded requests for the motorists for keeping their vehicles tuned up to reduce emissions and noise Committee
(4) Liaise with the Forest Department for planting trees and vegetative cover during each plantation season. Protect the saplings by ensuring
observance of the recommended watering and trimming schedule
(5) Avoid open burning of solid wastes
(6) All ignitable or inflammable materials, if any, should be stored in accordance with the safety rules for their storage and handling
(7) Develop and maintain the greenbelts, grassy grounds, and shady areas around the project buildings to enhance their aesthetics and
ambience and energy conservation
Solid Waste Management  Environmental

(1) Institute a well-designed solid waste collection and disposal system Safety and Health
(2) Designate locations and provide waste collection bins of appropriate capacities at these locations for depositing of the solid wastes by the Unit
residents
(3) Ensure that the waste bins and the wastes deposited therein are safe from access of the foraging and other stray animals who may spread  Neighbourhood
around the wastes and litter the nearby areas Committee
(3) Ensure that the waste collection spots are safe from rainfall and storm water and that solid wastes will not be carried away by the storm
water
(4) Ensure that the organic and inorganic solids are collected and disposed of separately
(5) Encourage reuse and recycling of solid wastes by displaying suitable instructions and appeals
(6) display instructions prohibiting the residents from throwing solids into the wastewater system
(7) Avoid and prevent open burning of solid wastes
(8) Maintain cordial relations and close liaison with the local municipal authorities responsible for solid waste management for timely lifting of
the solid wastes from the scheme, particularly during the summer season
Noise, Vibrations and Odours  Environmental

(1) Endeavour to develop a good neighbourhood community having harmonious relations with each other by utilizing good offices of the Safety and Health
Neighbourhood Committee Unit
(2) Prevent unauthorized display of fireworks and music by the residents
(3) Prevent usage of the grassy lawns and the greenbelts for holding marriage ceremonies and get together events  Neighbourhood
(4) Prevent establishing of workshops and commercial setups inside the scheme, particularly outside the designated marketplaces Committee
(5) Ensure that the waste collection spots are safe from rainfall and storm water and that solid wastes will not be carried away by storm water
Health, Safety, and Wellbeing  Environmental

(1) Endeavour to develop a good neighbourhood community having harmonious relations with each other by utilizing good offices of the Safety and Health
Neighbourhood Committee Unit
(2) Ensure that provision of utilities and essentialities such as freshwater supply are adequate and upto the mark
(3) Ensure periodic cleaning of the overhead tanks  Neighbourhood
(4) Ensure maintenance and functioning of the streetlights Committee
(5) Ensure that the emergency escape routes are always clear of encroachments and that firefighting system is functional
(6) ensure that the medical care setup is functioning to expectations of the residents and that emergency as well as routine medicines and
disposables are present
5. Stakeholders’ Consultations
5
STAKEHOLDERS’
CONSULTATIONS
5. STAKEHOLDERS’ CONSULTATIONS
This section describes the process and outcome of the consultations held with the relevant stakeholders and the
neighbouring community over environmental aspects of the project.
5.1 Objectives and Rationale of Consultations

The primary objective of the stakeholders’ consultations was to learn and know the apprehensions, concerns,
and opinions of the key stakeholders over environmental implications of the project. The consultation sessions
also served as a source of first-hand information about expectations of the community and beneficiaries of the
project. Dialogue with the stakeholders and recording their concerns at appropriate stages of the project can
help to tailor the project in line with stakeholders’ aspirations and therefore likely to promote public acceptance
of the project and its sub-components.
5.2 Identification of the Relevant Stakeholders

The consultation process began with identification of the most pertinent stakeholders. Efforts were made to
identify the relevant stakeholders through a systematic process based on the nature and degree of their actual
and perceived stakes in the project. Tables 5.2a and 5.2b are the various categories of the stakeholders and the
nature of their stakes into the project pertaining both to construction and operation stages of the project:
Table 5.2a: Stakeholders into the Project and Nature of their Stakes (Construction Phase)
Category Stakeholders Nature of Stakes
Design and Construction Stage
Project Funding  Proponent  All those stakes which a funding agency would
Agency have i.e., achieving the desired objectives and
reaping benefits of investment into the project
Project Sponsoring  Proponent  That the project is carried on smoothly in
Agency accordance with scheduled timeline
Project  Proponent  That the project is implemented as per schedule
Implementing  Project’s Design Consultant and delays on whatsoever account are avoided
Agency  Construction Contractor  That all bottlenecks and impediments are
 Sub-contractors and Labour removed in a timely and effective manner
 Vendors of machinery,  That the bills are cleared in timely manner and
equipment and various goods payments are made as per contract agreement
and services for the Project
Regulatory  Environmental Protection  That constructions under the project conform to
Authorities Agencies applicable building codes, rules, regulations,
 Local District and the bylaws, and environmental standards
Municipal Administration
 Local Building Control
Authority
Project  Applicants  That the project is completed as per schedule
Users/Beneficiaries  Construction contractors and that they get due benefits from the project
 Persons employed at the  That possession of the houses is given the
project earliest possible
Public and  Neighbourhood community,  That the project activities do not affect their
Community Residents, Vendors, living, business, and civic rights in an adverse
Agriculturists, and Land manner
owners  That the project activities are not harmful for
their health, hygiene and aesthetic ambience
Table 5.2b: Stakeholders into the Project and Nature of Their Stakes (Operation Phase)
Operation Stage
Project Funding  Proponent  That the fruits of investment are fully realized
Agency to the desired extent and the objectives are
achieved to satisfactory level
Project Sponsoring  Proponent  That the project operates as a successful
Agency venture and serves as a role model for
replicating similar projects by others
Project Operating  Proponent  That operational bottlenecks are removed in a
Authorities timely manner and the project’s operations
carries on smoothly
Regulatory  Environmental Protection  That the project remains conformant to the
Authorities Agencies applicable rules, laws and the environmental
 Local District and the standards
Municipal Administration
 Local Building Control
Authority
Project Beneficiaries  Allottees of houses in the  That the project is safe and secure from any
housing scheme outside intrusion
 Allottees of commercial  That they are given finished product is of good
areas/shops and the persons quality meets the standard specs.
doing business at the housing  That the project is able to produce the finished
scheme product in requisite quantities at the requisite
 Persons providing services for time
the housing scheme  That the project activities do not pollute the
 Employees of the project environment
 That appropriate training and capacity building
is provided to the project staff
 That operation of the project is free from
corrupt practices and maladies and is geared to
serve its underlying objectives
 That bills are cleared and payments are made in
a timely manner without any hassle and
problems
Public and  Neighbourhood community,  That the project activities do not affect their
Community Residents, Shopkeepers, living, business, and civic rights in an adverse
Vendors, Villagers, Farmers, manner
Land owners and Passers-by  That the project activities are not harmful for
their health, hygiene and aesthetic ambience
5.3 Consultation Methodology

Onsite consultations were held with the representatives of the various categories of the stakeholders as were
available during field visits of the site. Annex-5 is a list of the various persons consulted and interviewed.
Additionally, wherever found feasible, general public in the vicinity were also consulted to know their views and
concerns over the project activities. The majority of these consultations were either one to one meetings or
small and focused group discussions.
5.4 Issues Discussed

The points listed below are some of the issues discussed during the consultations:
 Are the constructions being taken up in accordance with applicable codes, rules, and regulations?
 Are the constructions commensurate to their usage after completion?
 Are the contractors complying with the environmental requirements?
 Are there any concerns apprehensions, and views of the community and the stakeholders over the project
activities relating to design, construction and operational aspects? What are these?
 What are the likely adverse impacts of the project on the various components of the environment i.e., physical,
biological, and social components?
 What could be the possible remedies for the concerns and apprehensions? How they concerns can be
effectively addressed?
 Any particular and specific personal or site related concerns.
 What steps would be needed to ensure long-term sustainability of the project and the activities under the
project?
 How the project operations can come up to expectations of the users and or the beneficiaries?
5.5 Outcome of the Consultations

The neighbourhood communities did not express any specific or significant concerns. Interestingly, different
stakeholders had different perceptions and different concerns about the project. Some of the concerns and
apprehensions relating to various aspects of the project are reproduced below:
5.5.1 Design Aspects

 The design aspects must take into account the relevant building codes, byelaws, and the applicable
governmental policies.
5.5.2 Construction Aspects

 Delays in construction and completion of the project are likely to result into escalation of construction costs.
 Delays in payments to the contractors, sub-contractors, suppliers and the labour can cause delays in the
project implementation.
 Delays in handing over the sites and later changes in the drawings and scope of work result into slow progress
of the constructions under the project.
 Interferences by the local regulatory agencies and the municipal authorities are also likely to cause delays in
completion.
 Disorderly and haphazard placement of construction materials with its attended consequences could be a
nuisance for the labour and other persons working on the project.
 Construction related noise could be troublesome for the neighbourhood community.
 Generation of dust and its deposition on exposed surfaces would require frequent dusting.
5.5.3 Operation Aspects

 There could be disruptions and discontinuations in the supply of the machinery and equipment and other
materials for timely completion of the project
 There could be non-payment or delayed payment of wages to the work charge and the temporary employees.
 There could be unsatisfactory cleanliness of the premises due to administrative and supervisory lapses.
5.6 Measures to Address the Concerns

Table 5.6 presents a summary of the concerns and apprehensions of the various stakeholders to the project and
the plausible measures to address them:
Table 5.6: Summary of Stakeholders’ Concerns alongwith Remedial Measures

Persons Concerns/Apprehensions Remedial Measures
Consulted
Environment  Environmental and functional  EIA, EMP and the Environmental Guidelines
Protection Agency compatibility of the project as given in this documents will ensure
 An institutional setup for addressing environmental and functional compatibility of
the issues and concerns the project
 No or minimal delays at various  An Environmental Safety, Health and Social
milestones Management Unit (ESHU) will be setup to
manage all environmental and social issues of
the project during both construction and
subsequent operation
District  The project carries on smoothly  The core administration of the project as well
Authorities without creation of any serious as ESHU will ensure smooth functioning of
impediments the project without eruption of any
unpleasant situation
Project Staff  Wages are paid in time and no  The core administration and the ESHU will
deductions are made therefrom on ensure that all apprehensions are allayed in a
any count timely manner
 Good quality and hygienic food is
served
 Social security cover is provided for
the project staff and the labour
Contractors  Delays in construction and  The majority of the contractors’ concerns
completion of the project and relate to procedural and management issues.
resultant escalation in construction The institutional setup proposed for
costs
Persons Concerns/Apprehensions Remedial Measures
Consulted
 Delays in clearing of the running environmental and social management of the
bills/ payments project will help solve the problems
 Poor coordination between various
departments and functionaries
 Changes in the drawings and scope
of work
 Lengthy and tedious procedural
requirements
 Interferences by the local regulatory
agencies and the municipal
authorities
Office staff and  Non-fulfilment of promises by the  The majority of the concerns relate to
other employees project authorities procedural and management issues. The
 Disruptions in the supply of proposed institutional setup will help solve
essentialities like office stationery, the problems
diesel for generators, and ink for
printers
 Non-payment or delayed payment of
wages to the work charge and the
temporary employees
 Unsatisfactory cleanliness of the
premises
 Lack of appropriate working space
for the employees
 Lack of space for placing the
important record and files
 Lack of safe drinking water facility
Neighbourhood  Noise pollution  The ESHU will keep constant liaison with the
community and  Dust and air pollution neighbouring community and will resolve all
shopkeepers  Disorderly placement of disputes and differences in an amicable
construction materials manner through negotiations and
 Environmental compatibility of the consultations
project  Timely completion of the project will be
 Neighbours are not displaced or their ensured
business are not affected  No person will be dispossessed or displaced
 Timely completion of the project from his land without paying for due
compensation
6. Consideration of Alternatives
6
CONSIDERATION OF
ALTERNATIVES
6. CONSIDERATION OF Alternatives
6.1 Significance and Identification of Alternatives
The consideration of alternatives to any project is one of the key aspects of an environmental study.
Consideration of alternatives provides for the examination of different options to achieve a stated objective and
assist the decision-makers in the choice of the best option, which has the least adverse and the greatest
beneficial environmental, social, and economic consequences.
The most pertinent question to assess feasibility and propriety of any developmental project from the
environmental impact perspective is to determine whether an alternative option would be objectively a better
choice than the current proposal. The comparative analysis of the environmental and economic impacts of all
the possible alternative options can provide an answer to this important determinant. This very question has
been objectively and analytically examined here in the light of comparison of the likely impacts on the physical,
biological, ecological, health, and economic environment as well as views and reservations of the stakeholders
(proponent and the likely beneficiaries / affectees).
6.2 Possible Alternatives to the Project

In the light of the objective evidence and views of the stakeholders, the below listed possible alternatives to the
project are reviewed as hereunder:
 Abandonment of the project on financial and technical grounds i.e., no project option
 Modifying scope (Reducing and downsizing; or enhancing and upsizing) of the project
 Shifting the project to some other location
The above alternatives are briefly discussed below:
6.2.1 Abandonment of the Project (No Project Alternative)

The “no project” option is the ubiquitous option that can be exercised for any and every project. Exercising this
option means abandonment of the project altogether and continuing with the existing position i.e., status quo.
This option could save the entire project cost of millions of rupees to the exchequer. However, the objective
evidence and the pertinent data do not favour this option. As has been mentioned in chapter 1, there is serious
shortfall of housing unit in the country compared with its availability and demand. The demand for housing units
is increasing with every minute passing. The “no project” option would mean further increasing this availability-
demand deficit in the housing sector, which situation cannot be afforded. The available statistics indicate that
there is lot of potential in this sector of the economy that can be tapped in both the private and the public sector.
Construction of the project is an attempt by the proponent to reduce the growing gap between availability and
demand of housing units in the country. Non-construction of the project would therefore mean worsening the
situation. In order to solicit opinion of the stakeholders on this point, a number of persons, urban developers,
real estate agents, public functionaries, and officers of the PHA-F were interviewed after explaining them the
underlying objectives of the project’s construction. The majority of the interviewees favoured construction of
the project as they hoped availability of quality housing for those who do not own a house in Quetta. None of
the interviewees voted against construction of the project. As such, this alternative of “no-action” was found
devoid of any rationale, justification, or merit.
6.2.2 Changing the Scope (Reducing/Downsizing or Enhancing/Upsizing) of the Project

The second alternative could be to change the project’s scope in terms of number of the housing units, number
of apartments, area of the individual units and provision of the allied and support facilities and infrastructure.
The scope changing option may also entail changing the architectural features and layout design of the facilities
to be provided under the scheme. As per the existing scope, the scheme comprises 714 houses and 636
apartments alogwith host of support facilities and infrastructure.
The public response manifested from a very large number of applications for allotment of the apartments is
itself a proof of good architectural features of the project and optimal features of the project.
6.2.3 Shifting the Project to some other Location

The third alternative option could be relocating and shifting the project to some other site. However, the
objective rationale for this option was found lacking on two counts. Firstly, it may be very difficult if not
impossible to find a large and compact piece of land of suitable dimensions for constructing a housing project,
as is the present one, near the city of Quetta. Secondly, despite relocating the project, the pertinent
environmental impacts on the air, water, soil, and socioeconomic environment would remain almost similar in
nature as would be at the present site. Contrarily, the site owing to a number of advantages appears to be a
good choice for constructing the project because not only the land belongs Government but is also available and
located amidst a good environment in the suburbs of Quetta. As the land is not under any other productive
usage, its usage for developing the housing scheme will not involve adverse land use change. All the civic
amenities and the infrastructure required for a housing scheme such as water supply, sewerage system,
electricity, telephone, and natural gas is already available at the site. Furthermore, construction of the project
at this site does not involve dislocation or resettlement of any population. On the other hand, relocating or
shifting the project to some other site might involve land use change and or displacement and resettlement of
the occupants. Besides, availability of such a large piece of land in Quetta may be difficult. Additionally, if the
proponent buys land at a new site, the cost of the project may shoot up exorbitantly, thus rendering it
economically non-viable and non-affording for the target population. The objective analysis indicates that
exercising the option of shifting the project to some other location will render the project socially and financially
non-viable. Non-availability of a piece of land with requisite characteristics and features will be a major
restraining and impeding factor in shifting or relocating the project. Therefore, in view of the position explained
above, this alternative option of shifting the project from the current site to some other location was found not
feasible.
6.3 Summary of the Alternative Consideration

Based on the objective analysis, and views and opinions of the stakeholders, as detailed above, none of the
alternative options, as discussed above, are feasible. Furthermore, the net socio-environmental impacts of the
project, as thrashed out in this EIA study are positive in nature, which favour construction of the project at the
proposed site. Therefore, consideration of the above-discussed alternative options was found not relevant to
the instant project.
7. Methodology and
Approach
7
METHODOLOGY
& APPROACH
7. Methodology and
Approach
7. METHODOLOGY AND APPROACH

7.1 Rationale and Objectives of the Study
The primary objective of the instant EIA study is to address the significant ones of the various environmental
and social impacts likely to be encountered from both implementation and operation of the project. The project
envisages development of a modern housing scheme on an available and vacant parcel of land situated at
Kuchlak road, Quetta approx. 10 km from Quetta city. The development, construction and occupation of the
housing units, marketplaces and other amenity buildings under the scheme is considered to cause some
environmental and social implications, examination of which is required to address them.
Some of the project activities proceeding or succeeding construction and operation of the housing scheme could
be of some concern from both the environmental and the social standpoint. Some of them, particularly those
emanating from implementation of the civil works, deployment of machinery and equipment (particularly those
running on fossil fuel) for various activities and usage of the noisy machinery can produce some limited scale
impacts on the immediate environment. Therefore, they need to be assessed objectively in order to attenuate
their adverse potential, if any.
It is in the above context that the proponent awarded this Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study to
Green Revolution, Lahore for examining the magnitude and extent of the likely impacts of the project’s
construction and operation before implementing the same. It need no reiteration that identification and
characterization of the actual as well as the potential adverse impacts and addressing them through appropriate
preventive and corrective measures is an essential prerequisite under environmental laws of the
country/province, currently in vogue66.
7.2 Study’s Component

The instant EIA study comprises the following components:
 Description of the existing environmental settings or the baseline profile of the project’s zone of social and
environmental influence (the zone of influence has been taken only with respect to the extent of the spatial
and temporal impacts of the project)
 Assessment and examination of the social and environmental implications of an adverse land use change
emanating from implementation of the project
 Assessment of the most likely disturbances to various environmental parameters emanating from
constructions and other related activities to be taken up by the proponent, if any, following allotment of the
land
 Preparing the ESDMP containing guidelines for the proponent for avoiding and mitigating the predicted
adverse impacts on the physical, biological, and socio-cultural environment
The study covers various aspects and stages of the project, particularly those relating to constructions, if any,
and the post-construction operation stages. The study, of course, is limited in its extent and scope to the
prescribed terms of reference67. Plates 2.4.2a~2.4.2f present location and extent of the project with reference
to other key points and the approximate zone of environmental influence of the project as downloaded from
the Google Earth68.
7.3 Study Methodology

Apart from other pertinent aspects, the EIA provides an insight into the likely environmental and social impacts
of the project’s construction and operation by adjudging them against the standard environmental and social
impact assessment guidelines, rules, and regulations of the Government of Pakistan as well as other
international organizations (like the World Bank, WHO etc). Format of the report, to the extent possible, is in
consonance with the prevailing international practices in the field of environmental examination and
assessment.
The study has relied primarily on the data and information already available with the proponent and other
agencies and department of Government of the Balochistan. However, wherever so required, additional data
66 Section 12 of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997 and Section 15 of Balochistan Env Protection Act 2012
67 The ToR are given in the work order issued to the study consultant by the proponent
68 Google Earth Map
7. Methodology and
Approach
and information has been gathered through various reliable sources, which included visits of the site by the
consultant’s team of professionals for evaluating the impacts with relation to geographical and social contexts
of the project.
The visiting team obtained requisite information from the key persons of the proponent, like the Project
Engineer and the Regional Incharge. Additionally, the team consulted the neighbouring residents around the
site, some local public representatives, concerned officers of the BEPA and the District Government, members
of some non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other relevant stakeholders into the project.
Direct interviewing in the form of short questions and the individual as well as public consultations with the local
community and the stakeholders have been used as one of the modes for soliciting their viewpoints and to learn
about their concerns, if any, over the project. A modified impact assessment matrix and the photographs taken
during visit survey have been used for characterizing the adverse environmental and social impacts of the
proposed modifications on the physical, biological, and the social environment. Wherever relevant, National
Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS)69 have been used as the standard benchmark for comparing the extent
and magnitude of the project’s environmental and social impacts.
Some relevant information was also obtained from secondary sources of data and information. The secondary
sources, which have been made use of during the study, included office records of the proponent, information
on the project as is available with the BEPA, and some websites and a few other similar sources.
7.4 Extent and Scope of the Study (Terms of Reference)

As per provisions of the Balochistan Environmental Protection Act 2012, the proponent is obliged to carry out
examination of the environmental impacts of the proposed project “Development of a Housing Scheme at
Kuchlak Road, Quetta under Prime Minister’s Housing Programme”. Green Revolution, being the leading
professional environmental consultants, have carried out EIA of the project for and on behalf of the proponent.
Several activities are carried out in an environmental assessment study, including impact identification,
preparation of a description of the affected environment, impact prediction and assessment, selection of the
proposed action from the alternatives evaluated to meet the identified needs, and summarization and
communication of information to the regulatory authority. The objectives of the various activities differ, as do
the pertinent methodologies for accomplishing the activities. The term “methodology” as used herein refers to
structured approaches for accomplishing one or more of the basic activities. The structured approaches
encompass various substantive areas within the biophysical and socioeconomic environments, thus
distinguishing them from impact prediction methods or models for specific substantive areas.
Being an Environmental Impact Assessment, the study is limited in its extent and scope. However, the study has
been conducted in accordance with international practices and the guidelines, rules, and regulations issued by
Government of Pakistan. The format and mode of environmental impact examination/assessment has been
kept, as far as practicable, in conformity to the national and international practices in the field of IEE/EIA. The
study therefore contains examination of the essential baseline conditions, likely or foreseeable disturbances or
impacts to those conditions, and the mitigation measures/recommendations in respect of the environmental
impacts of the project both during construction and during subsequent functioning. This, of course, included
evaluation of the potential and actual positive or negative impacts on the physical (tangible) and abstract (non-
tangible) environments. The study covers all aspects of the proposed developmental activity including
architectural, civil, mechanical, electrical works and the spectrum of services concerning its usage as housing
project. The terms of reference (ToR) and scope of the study include, though are not limited to the following:
 Carrying out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the project and preparing the Environmental
Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) for and on behalf of the proponent
 Formal submission of the report to the concerned agency for its review in compliance with the mandatory
provisions of the rules on the subject
 Reviewing the project activities in context to all pertinent environmental perspectives and examining whether
the project is environment friendly or otherwise
 Preparing the EIA Report in the light of the guiding principles, international practices, and the rules set forth
in the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency’s Regulations on the subject of IEE/EIA
69Revised NEQS are available on the website of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency
7. Methodology and
Approach
 Using the best-suited environmental examination and impact assessment methodologies, i.e., those that are
most appropriate for the identification and assessment of the possible negative or positive environmental
impacts in line with special nature of the project
 To identify, investigate, examine, and prepare a comprehensive profile of the likely impacts on the physical,
biological, hydrological, economical, and socio-cultural environments likely to emanate from implementation
of the project on the project area and beyond
 Provision of any other advice and or technical expertise before, during, and after completion of the study and
even thereafter, if so required by the proponent.
7.5 Planning Strategy

The flow diagram given below shows the planning strategy for the preparation of the instant EIA Report.
7.6 Data Sourcing Methodology

The basic objective of the EIA of the project is ascertaining the baseline environmental settings and examining
the likely environmental disturbances that might emanate from implementation of the project or its subsequent
activities. Yet another objective of the EIA is ensuring a sustainable development of the resources in sharing with
other stakeholders. Findings of the EIA have been prepared in the form of the instant Environmental Impact
Assessment Report (EIAR).
Both primary and secondary data sources have been relied upon in soliciting the pertinent information necessary
for carrying out EIA of the project establishment. Reliance has also been placed on the authenticated information
from various sources including the governmental departments, international sources, websites, authentic
publications, reference documents, and private organizations through consultations, interviews, and surveys.
Wherever so warranted, samples were taken for analysis and for assessment of the possible impacts. Special
attention has been focussed on the sources of possible environmental contamination in the wake of
implementation of the project and in preparing recommendations on curtailment/reduction of pollution there
from. Best-suited impact examination and assessment methodology was followed for the identification, scoping,
and futuristic predictions of the environmental interactions and the likely impacts of the project activities and
long-term operations of the project.
Analytical and inquisitive approach is the distinguishing feature of the study methodology. National
Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS), wherever available, have been used as the benchmark for analysis and
comparison of the project impacts. For the sectors and the parameters in respect of which the NEQS were not
available, international standards and guidelines of the international bodies were used as the reference source.
Site study surveys and the laboratory analyses were used as the primary data sources for assessing the
environmental, ecological, and other physical impacts of the project. Governmental policy on the subject was
also kept in view while conducting the study and making assessments.
The study encompasses all stages of the project activities, viz., conceptualization and planning, mobilization,
execution, operation, maintenance, monitoring, and post execution operational activities in terms of their short-
, medium-, and long-term as well reversible and irreversible environmental impacts and impressions.
7.7 Summary of the EIA Process

Based on the findings of the EIA study and nature of the project, the construction phase of the project has been
found not to cause any serious negative environmental impacts. However, there would some low-grade negative
impacts on some environmental parameters such as air quality, noise, and some social impacts within the project
area. However, most of the potentially negative impacts of the construction phase will be outweighed by the
potentially more positive impacts of provision of housing to large number of families and provision of jobs to
number of skilled and unskilled persons.
As far as operation phase is concerned, lifelong operational activities of the housing scheme will have some
potential negative environmental impacts, which will be of significance only if the mitigation measures as
proposed in this study are not acted upon. These potential impacts would emanate from improper solid waste
management, non-treatment of wastewater/effluents, and sociological interactions amongst the residents.
However, if the ESH Unit and the NC, as have been proposed in this document, are constituted and made
functional, then most of these potentially negative impacts will be controlled or avoided. To summarize, positive
impacts of the project outweigh the potentially negative impacts (which further are mitigable), thus making the
project an environmentally benign and environment friendly project/activity.
7. Methodology and
Approach
Fig 7.4: Process Flow Diagram of the IEE/EIA Planning Methodology
7.8 Applicable Laws, Rules and Regulations

A list of some of the applicable laws, rules, regulations and bylaws to the project is reproduced hereunder:
 Balochistan Environmental Protection Act, 2012 (GoBln) Annex-1

 Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Review of IEE/EIA Regulations), 2000 (GoPk) Annex-2
 Pakistan National Environmental Quality Standards, 2000 (GoPk) Annex-3
 QDA Housing Regulations, 1995 (GoBln) Annex-4
 Applicable Building Bylaws, Building Codes
8. Environmental Legal Framework
8
ENVIRONMENTAL
LEGAL FRAMEWORK
8. ENVIRONMENTAL LEGAL FRAMEWORK

8.1 Defining the Environment
There has been a viewpoint difference over a single consensus definition of the word environment amongst
academics, scholars, and environmentalists. Notwithstanding this difference of viewpoint over definition of the
word environment, the environment is generally considered to comprise / include the following ingredients:
 All aspects of the surroundings of human beings, whether affecting human beings as individuals or in social
groupings.
 Natural resources including air, land, and water.
 Ecosystems and biological diversity.
 Fauna and flora.
 Social, economic, and cultural circumstances.
 Infrastructures and associated structures.
 Any solid, liquid, gas, odour, heat, noise, vibration, radiation resulting directly or indirectly from the activities
of human beings.
 Identified natural assets such as natural beauty, outlooks, and scenic routes.
 Identified historical and heritage assets.
 Identified cultural and religious assets.
 Aesthetic assets.
 Public health characteristics.
 Identifiable environmental planning, environmental protection, environmental management, pollution
control, nature conservation, and other mitigation measures.
Aside the textbook definition, the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act gives the following definition of the
word environment.
“Environment means –
(a) Air, water, and land;
(b) All layers of the atmosphere;
(c) All organic and inorganic matter and living organisms;
(d) The ecosystem and ecological relationships;
(e) Buildings, structures, roads, facilities and works;
(f) All social and economic conditions affecting community life; and
(g) The inter-relationships between any of the factors specified in sub-clauses (a) to (f).
8.2 Defining IEE/EIA

Initial Environmental Examination and Environmental Impact Assessment (IEE/EIA) means an environmental
study comprising collection of data, prediction of qualitative and quantitative impacts, comparison of
alternatives, evaluation of preventive, mitigatory, and compensatory measures, formulation of environmental
management training plans and monitoring arrangements, and framing of recommendations. Environmental
Impact Assessment may be described as an environmental management tool whose objective is to identify,
predict, and evaluate the potential biological, physical, social and health effects of a proposed development
action and to communicate the findings in a way, which encourages environmental concerns to be adequately
addressed by stakeholders, including decision-makers and communities prior to development decision being
made. It plays a crucial role in environmental protection and meeting the challenges of sustainable development.
An environmental impact assessment study therefore comprises collection of data, prediction of qualitative and
quantitative impacts, comparison of alternatives, evaluation of the alternative options, and framing of
recommendations, if so required. The environmental assessment is therefore considered as an environmental
management tool. The objective of this management tool is to identify, predict, and evaluate the significant
biological, physical, social and health effects of a project and to communicate the findings in a way, which would
encourage the environmental concerns to be adequately addressed by the stakeholders (including decision-
makers), and the concerned communities prior to development decision being made. The prior environmental
assessment of the project before its actual implementation will play a crucial role in environmental protection
of the wider project area and meeting challenges of sustainable development.
8.3 Purpose of IEE/EIA

The United Nation Economic Commission on Europe (UNECE) (1987) has stated that:
“The purpose of environmental examination (EE) and or environmental impact assessment (EIA) is to give the
environment its due place in the decision making process by clearly evaluating the essential consequences of a
proposed activity before action is taken. The concept has ramifications in the long run for almost all development
activities because sustainable development depends on protecting the natural resources which is the foundation
for further development.”
Any EIA in order to be good or accurate should be flexible, fairly simple, objective, include all the key
environmental issues, and be able to identify project-generated impacts and detect sensitive areas. A large
number of EIA methods and techniques have been developed and used in the EIA process.
The EIA process is essentially an impact identification and investigation system, which has four distinct stages,
as shown in the flow diagram (Fig 8.3) below:
Fig 8.3: Steps of the IEE/EIA Process
8.4 Main Objectives of IEE/EIA

Though the instant EIA has been conducted as a legal obligation as required under Section 15 of the Balochistan
Environmental Protection Act; yet the secondary objectives of the EIA can be summarized under:
 To identify beneficial and adverse environmental impacts

 To identify and describe the residual adverse impacts which cannot be mitigated
 To incorporate environmental information into the decision making process relating to developmental
projects
 To identify appropriate monitoring strategies to track impacts and provide an early warning system
 To incorporate environmental information into the decision making process relating to developmental
projects
 To aid selection of the optimum alternatives, where feasible owing to project design / site
8.5 Effectiveness of the IEE/EIA Process

To be effective, the environmental impact assessment procedure needs to be applied to all those actions, which
are considered to cause significant environmental consequences. It is therefore important to establish a
mechanism for the selection of project related actions and activities requiring impact assessment. Such a
selection process is usually termed screening. The next stage in the process is determining which issues need to
be examined in the EIA. This activity is termed scoping. The scoping process aims to identify the main impacts
to be investigated in detail, the aim being to focus the study only to the impacts of significance rather than taking
an all-embracing approach for all the possible impacts irrespective of their impact significance.
8.6 Differentiating the Primary and Secondary Impacts

Initial impacts on one component in an environmental system (e.g., land use change) can have repercussions for
other, which may be nearby or distant from the component immediately affected. Depending upon the structure
and functioning of the particular environmental system being stressed by a development, an initial impact can
result in further impacts. The impacts can therefore exhibit a range of characteristics, such as:
8.6.1 Spatial Dimension

Impacts can occur in the immediate vicinity of a project. Alternatively, they can occur at considerable distance
from an installation, e.g., fuel burning and CO2 emissions.
8.6.2 Time Dimension

Some impacts can occur immediately (e.g., noise impacts). Others are not apparent until a considerable period
has elapsed (i.e., threshold level).
8.6.3 Reversibility
Some impacts are irreversible. Others can be reversed either naturally or artificially.
8.6.4 Probability
As impact predictions refer to future effects, there is a level of uncertainty associated with them. Each impact
has a likelihood of occurrence.
8.6.5 Beneficial/Adverse Effects

Some impacts are beneficial whereas others are adverse or harmful.
8.7 Environmental Legal Framework in Pakistan

Section 12 of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997 and Section 15 of the Balochistan Environmental
Protection Act 2012 makes it mandatory for every proponent of a project to file with the concerned
Environmental Protection Agency (Federal or Provincial) either an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) or
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), as the case may be, in respect of his project. The instant Environmental
Impact Assessment Report (EIAR), therefore, has been prepared in compliance to this binding provision of the
Balochistan Environmental Protection Act. The Initial Environmental Examination and Environmental Impact
Assessment Regulations 2000, which have been prepared under the PEPA, detail the procedure for conducting
environmental impact assessment of a project. Special care has been taken to carry out this Environmental
Impact Assessment of the project in conformity with the “Policy and Procedures for the Filing, Review, and
Approval of Environmental Assessments”; and the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, Review of the
Initial Environmental Examination and Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2000; issued by the
Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, Islamabad.
As per definition given in the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997 and the Balochistan Environmental
Protection Act 2012, “Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) means an environmental study comprising
collection of data, prediction of qualitative and quantitative impacts, comparison of alternatives, evaluation of
preventive, mitigatory, and compensatory measures, formulation of environmental management and training
plans and monitoring arrangements, and framing of recommendations and such other components as may be
prescribed”.
Category I, Item 1 of Schedule-I of the Regulations ibid, under the title “Urban Development and Tourism”
subjects the housing development project to an initial environmental examination unless specified to the
contrary by the regulatory agency. The instant housing project therefore falls under the above-mentioned
category of the projects as listed in the IEE/EIA Regulations. Nevertheless, in view of the project size, the
proponent, in compliance to the binding provisions of environmental legislation and as a manifestation of his
commitment towards environmental protection and preservation, got the environmental impact of the instant
project examined/assessed in an objective and scientific manner in accordance with the Rules.
Environmental Impact Assessment may be described as an environmental management tool whose objective is
to identify, predict, and evaluate the potential biological, physical, social and health effects of a proposed
development action and to communicate the findings in a way, which encourages environmental concerns to
be adequately addressed by stakeholders, including decision-makers and communities prior to development
decision being made. It plays a crucial role in environmental protection and meeting the challenges of
sustainable development; a view which was recognized within the provisions of the Declaration of the United
Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) popularly known as “Earth Summit” held in Rio
de Janeiro, Brazil in 1992 and Conference’s recommendations resulting in the Global Programme of Action
(Agenda 21). Article 17 of the UNCED Declaration states that “Environmental Impact Assessment, as a national
instrument, shall be undertaken for the proposed activities that are likely to have significant adverse impacts on
the environment and are subject to the decision of a competent national authority. Pakistan being a member of
the UNCED and a signatory to the Agenda 21 is obliged to give effect to the Declaration and the principles
enunciated there-under. Incorporation of Section 12 in the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997 and
Section 15 of the Balochistan Environmental Protection Act 2012, is in fact a reflection of country’s commitment
towards this international obligation.
The terms Environmental Assessment (EA) or Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental
Statement (ES) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIAS) are used respectively to describe the overall process
and the written report arising from the studies. Regrettably, there is no real consensus on the use of these terms
and often they are used either interchangeably or for denoting a different context by different professionals.
Whereas, many countries have the EIA systems, the World Bank has procedures for EA. An EIAS is a formal
document resulting from the EIA process which systematically considers all the likely impacts arising from a
project, identifies which impacts need further consideration and for those impacts provides mitigation measures
which reduce the impacts to an acceptable level. An EIAS also contains a critical examination of the alternatives
to the project and an environmental management plan to help facilitate the proponent to monitor impacts at
various junctures / stages and take appropriate remedial measures as advised in the document. The applicable
legislative tools and enactments, as are relevant in the context of environmental protection in the country and
the province, are described briefly hereunder:
8.7.1 Pakistan Environmental Protection Act (PEPA) 1997

The Pakistan Environmental Protection Act (PEPA) 1997 is the basic legislative tool empowering the Government
of Pakistan to frame and enforce regulations for the protection of environment. The PEPA 1997 is broadly
applicable to air, water, soil, marine and noise pollution, and handling of hazardous wastes. Penalties have been
prescribed for those contravening provisions of the Act. Under section 12 of the PEPA 1997, no project involving
construction activities or any change in the physical environment can be undertaken unless an IEE or EIA is
conducted and a report submitted to the federal or provincial EPA. However, as a result of the 18th Amendment
this subject is now in the exclusive domain of the provincial government. The main consequences of this change
are as follows:
 The Ministry of Environment at the federal level has been abolished. Its functions related to the national
environmental management have been transferred to the province. The international obligations in the
context of environment will be managed by a ministry, the Ministry of Climate Change.
 The Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997 (PEPA) is technically no longer applicable in the provinces.
The provinces are required to enact their own legislation for environmental protection.
8.7.2 Balochistan Environmental Protection Act, 2012

After adoption of the 18th Constitutional Amendment in 2010, the subject of environment has been devolved
and the provinces have been empowered with respect to environmental protection and conservation.
Subsequently, the Balochistan Government amended the PEPA 1997 as the Balochistan Environmental
Protection Act 2012. The Act is now the principal provincial legislation in Balochistan for the:
 Protection, conservation, rehabilitation and improvement of the environment

 Prevention and control of pollution
 Sustainable Development
The Act is broadly applicable to air, water, soil, marine and noise pollution, as well as handling of the hazardous
waste. Penalties have been prescribed for those who contravene the provisions of this Act. Powers of the
Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency (BEPA) have been considerably enhanced under this legislation.
Under Section 15 of this Act, “No proponent of a project of the public and or the private sector shall commence
construction or operation unless be has filed an Initial Environmental Examination with the Government Agency
designated by Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency, as the case may be or where the project is likely to
cause an adverse environmental effects, an environmental impact assessment and has been obtained from the
Government Agency approval in respect thereof. This initial environmental examination and the environmental
and social management plan has been made in consonance with Section 15 of the Balochistan Environmental
Protection Act.
8.7.3 Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency Review of IEE and EIA Regulations, (2000)
These Regulations classify various projects on the basis of the expected degree of adverse environmental
impacts and lists them in two separate schedules-I and II. Schedule-I lists the projects that may not have
significant environmental impacts and therefore require an IEE. Schedule-II lists the projects of potentially
significant environmental impacts requiring preparation of an EIA.
The Regulations also require that all projects located in environmentally sensitive areas require preparation of
an EIA. Although the Regulations do not list the projects that require neither an IEE nor and EIA. Nevertheless,
it can be assumed that the projects not listed in either Schedule will be exempt from IEE or EIA, as the case may
be, under the exclusion interpretation. The Regulations authorize the government to issue specific guidelines
for the projects not listed in Schedule-I or II, but located in environmentally sensitive areas to file an EIA for any
type of project. Housing schemes are listed under Schedule-I of the IEE/EIA Regulation 2000 and therefore
subject to IEE.
8.7.4 National Environmental Quality Standards (1993, 2000 and 2013)

The National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) specify the standards for industrial and municipal
effluents, gaseous emissions, ambient air requirements and emission levels for sulphur dioxide and nitrogen
oxide, vehicular emissions and noise levels. The PEPA specifies the imposition of a pollution charge in case of
noncompliance with the NEQS. During the construction and operation phases of the instant housing scheme,
NEQS will apply to all effluents and emissions. All activities under the project will comply with the applicable
NEQS and the proponent will ensure that the emissions generated from any of the activities under the project
are well within the NEQS.
8.7.5 Pak EPA Environmental Guidelines

The Pak-EPA has published a set of Environmental Assessment Guidelines for conducting environmental
assessments and the environmental management of different types of development projects. The guidelines
that may be relevant to the instant housing scheme will include the following:
 Guidelines for the Preparation and Review of Environmental Reports, Pakistan Environmental Protection
Agency, 1997
 Guidelines for Sensitive and Critical Areas, Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, 1997
 Environmental Assessment and Checklists for Construction of Housing Schemes, Pakistan Environmental
Protection Agency, 2005
8.7.6 Land Acquisition Act 1894 and Land Acquisition (Balochistan Amendment) Act 1985
The Land Acquisition Act (LAA) of 1984 and its Balochistan amended version is the de-facto policy
governing land acquisition, resettlement and compensation in the country in general and in the
province in particular. This Act empowers the Government of Balochistan to acquire any land for public
use including the establishment and construction of housing facilities and provide compensation to
the landowner according to the procedure prescribed in the Act. The development of the instant
housing scheme does not involve acquisition of any privately owned land, as the entire land for the
scheme has been provided by the provincial Government of Baluchistan. Hence, this Act is hardly
applicable to in the context of the instant housing scheme.
8.7.7 The Forest Act 1927

The Forest Act empowers the Provincial Forest Department to declare any forest area as reserved or
protected. It empowers the Provincial Forest Department to prohibit the clearing of forest for
cultivation, grazing, hunting, removing forest produce, quarrying and felling, lopping and topping of
trees, branches in reserved and protected forests. No protected forest is situated in the area/site.
Hence, this Act may not be applicable.
8.7.8 The Federal Antiquities Act, 1975

The Antiquities Act of 1975 ensures the protection of cultural resources in Pakistan. The Act provide legal basis
to protect ‘antiquities’ from destruction, theft, negligence, unlawful excavation, trade and export. Antiquities
have been defined in the Act as ancient products of human activity, historical sites, or sites of anthropological
or cultural interest or national monuments. The law prohibits new construction of buildings in the proximity of
a protected antiquity and empowers the Government of Pakistan to prohibit excavation in any area that may
contain articles of archaeological significance. Under this Act, the proponents of project are obliged to ensure
that no activity is undertaken in the proximity of a protected antiquity, and if during the course of the project
an archaeological discovery is made, it should be protected and reported to the Department of Archaeology,
Government of Pakistan, for further action. This Act is not relevant to any activities under the scheme, as the
site is far away from any notified antiquities in Quetta.
There are total 389 officially notified sites of cultural and archaeological importance in Pakistan protected under
the Federal Antiquities Act, 1975. Out of these 389 sites, 27 sites are located in Balochistan province. Out of the
27 sites of Balochistan, only 10 are located in Quetta. However, none is situated within the assumed zone of
environmental and social influence.
8.7.9 Balochistan Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation & Management) Act 2014
The Balochistan Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management) Act, 2014 caters for the
protection of wildlife resources in the province. Besides ensuring an environment conducive for their rearing
and livelihood, the Act regulates hunting, poaching, possession, and trade in birds and animals. The Act
prescribes penalties for its contraventions. Government can notify and amend lists of protected ecosystems,
national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, safari parks and game reserves. This Act is not applicable to the housing
scheme, as all activities under the scheme shall be carried out on a site not covered under the Act. It is noticeable
that there is neither any wildlife sanctuary, game reserve nor ecologically sensitive area within the assumed
zone of environmental influence of the housing scheme.
8.7.10 Balochistan Cultural Heritage Preservation Act 2010

The Act makes provision for preservation and protection of ancient places and objects of architectural, historical,
archaeological, artistic, anthological, anthropological and national interest in the Province of Balochistan. The
Act acknowledges the right of the province to acquire any type of heritage that is vulnerable to numerous
threats. The Act also prescribes punishments for intentional destruction of any of the archaeological sites. The
Act is not applicable in the instant case, as the activities under the project are limited primarily to town planning,
infrastructure development and civil work constructions at a designated site, which is devoid of any heritage
value. Nevertheless, to be on the safer side, if any cultural heritage or antiquity is found, it will be handled as
per provisions of the Act and the procedure described therein.
8.7.11 Balochistan Drinking Water Policy/Strategy 2017

The Balochistan Drinking Water Policy/Strategy provides a strategic direction and a development framework to
the stakeholders and addresses the issues and challenges faced by both to its urban and rural populations. It is
envisaged that the efforts of all tiers of government and the local authorities shall be planned, executed and
coordinated accordingly. The new policy/strategy proposes establishment of new drinking water supply systems,
rehabilitation and upgradation of existing systems in urban as well as rural areas to ensure sustainable access of
drinking water to the entire population of Balochistan.
8.7.12 Quetta Master Plan (QDA)

Keeping in view the rapid and unplanned growth of Quetta City, the Quetta Development Authority (QDA)
undertook preparation of the Quetta Master Plan with the help of NESPAK in 1985. The step was taken on the
direction of Government of Balochistan for Quetta City to manage its present as well as future growth in
scientific and planned manner. The Project is divided into the following three components:
 Urban Planning
 Project Preparation
 Action Studies
In the urban planning context, future growth, form and direction of the City has been visualized up to the year
2008. Major zoning and land uses have been identified and recommendations made for housing, education,
medical care and public utilities etc. In the action studies, recommendations have been made for beautification
of Chaman Road, Zarghoon Road and Sariab Road and detailed plans have been prepared. Outdated building
bylaws and zoning regulations have also been revised. Quetta being within the seismic zone, a study was
conducted to identify high risk and very high risk zones so that different types of buildings could be planned and
designed accordingly. Included in the study are recommendations to enforce seismic code through legislation to
minimize the loss of human life and property. Recommendations have also been made for strengthening the
functions of QDA through necessary amendments in the current Ordinance. It is the fervent desire of the
Government of Balochistan to implement the recommended projects so that Quetta could be restored to its
original character and transform into a physically more comfortable, functional and aesthetically appealing City.
8.7.13 QDA Private Housing Schemes Regulations 1995 (Amended 2007)

These regulations provide a framework for the planning, approval, development and land subdivision for the
private and the public sector housing schemes within the controlled area of the Quetta Development Authority.
The regulations provide a mechanism for scrutiny of the documents regarding approval of housing schemes,
areas to be reserved for various components and other applicable byelaws. As the instant housing schemes falls
within the jurisdiction of the QDA, the said Regulations shall apply to the scheme.
8.8 Environmental Institutional Framework

Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency
Pak-EPA is the Federal environmental institution responsible for administering the provisions of the Pakistan
Environmental Protection Act, 1997. The Pak-EPA is required to ensure compliance with the NEQS, establish
monitoring and evaluation systems, and both identify the need to, as well as initiate legislation whenever
necessary. It is thus the primary implementing agency in the hierarchy of environmental management. The
provincial EPAs are the provincial arms of the federal EPA. Federal EPA has delegated powers to its provincial
agencies to administer and implement the provision of the Act in its jurisdiction. One of the functions delegated
by the Pak-EPA to the provincial EPAs is the review and approval of environmental assessment reports.
8.8.1 Environmental Protection Agency, Balochistan

After promulgation of the 18th Constitutional Amendment, environment has become a provincial subject.
Therefore, EPA Balochistan is the relevant Agency to review and grant environmental approval to the IEE/EIA
studies regarding the projects within the territorial jurisdiction of the province of Balochistan. The instant EIA
shall also be cleared by the BEPA. The BEPA is responsible and legally authorized Agency to monitor and
implement the IEE/EIA recommendations, as contained therein, in line with the provisions of the Balochistan
Environmental Protection Act and conduct public hearing on the EIA reports, wherever required.
8.8.2 Forest and Wildlife Department, Balochistan

Wildlife conservation and forest management is also a provincial subject. In Balochistan, the implementation of
Balochistan Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management) Act, 2014 and formulation of
policy decisions are the responsibility of the Balochistan Wildlife Management Board. The instant EIA shall
therefore be subservient to the provisions of the Forest Act ibid.
8.8.3 Directorate of Archaeology, Balochistan

Archaeology Department Balochistan is a provincial department responsible for protection and conservation of
archaeological sites, monuments, and other sites protected under the Federal Antiquities Act, 1975. The instant
EIA shall therefore be subservient to the provisions of the Antiquities Act ibid.
Findings and Conclusion
FINDINGS AND
CONCLUSION
Findings and Conclusion
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION

Results of the instant EIA study show that negative or adverse environmental impacts of the construction phase
of the project (Development of a Housing Scheme at Kuchlak Road, Quetta, Balochistan) on the physical
environment, although significant, will be of no eventual consequence because of their mitigable character. The
majority of the identified negative impacts of both construction and occupancy phases are also reversible in
nature and can be made good in case the suggested mitigation measures are implemented in true spirit and
effective monitoring mechanism is put in place. It is noteworthy that the socio-environmental impacts of the
project are of positive nature, and beneficial for the community and the environment as whole. The EIA study
also shows that there will be no end-exploitation and consequential depletion of the local natural resources. In
view of the known and limited scope and magnitude of the project, the local resources will remain conserved
and available for sustainable development. The project would therefore bring in positive and healthy
improvements in the socio-economic environment of the area and availability of housing to citizens.
Disclaimer
DISCLAIMER
Disclaimer
DISCLAIMER
The instant Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) of the project titled “Development of a Housing
Scheme at Kuchlak Road, Quetta, Balochistan” has been prepared in compliance to the relevant provisions of
the Balochistan Environmental Protection Act 2012 and the IEE/EIA Regulations framed thereunder. The report
is project specific and of limited liability and extent to the titled project only. All rights are reserved with the
proponent and project’s environmental consultant. No part of this report can be reproduced, copied, published,
transcribed in any manner, or cited in a context different from the purpose for which it has been prepared,
except with the prior permission of the Proponent and the Consultant.
References
REFERENCES
References
REFERENCES
1. National Environmental Conservation Strategy, Government of Pakistan
2. Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997
3. Balochistan Environmental Protection Act, 2012
4. Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, Review of IEE/EIA Regulations 2000
5. Policy and Procedure for the Filing, Review, and Approval of Environmental Assessment Guidelines 1997
6. World Bank Environmental Guidelines, Environment Department, World Bank 1988
7. Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines, Government of Pakistan, Ministry of Housing and Works
(Environment and Urban Affairs Division 1986
8. Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment - Principles and Procedures, Process, Practice and
Prospects, John Glasson
9. Environmental Assessment in Practice, D. Owen Harrop, and J. Ashley Nixon
10. Balochistan Development Statistics, Government of Balochistan, 2018
11. Management of Air Pollution in Punjab, EPD Laboratories, Government of Punjab
12. Pakistan Standards: Drinking Water (2nd Revision), Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority
13. Guidance for Implementing the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Process, Central Environmental
Authority, Ministry of Forestry and Environment, Government of Sri Lanka
14. Subsoil Water Quality Monitoring in 14 Districts of the Punjab, Provincial Task Force on Subsoil Water,
Environment Protection Department, Government of Punjab
15. Environmental Encyclopaedia (2nd Edition), William P Cunningham, and Terence H Cooper
16. Pakistan Environmental Laws and their compliance, Dr. Shoaib Qadir and Athar Rafiq Dogar, Lahore Law
Times Publications 2018
17. Water Quality Status in Pakistan, Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources, Ministry of Science and
Technology, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad 2018
18. Project Documents “Development of a Housing Scheme at Kuchlak Road Quetta Balochistan, Pakistan
Housing Authority Foundation , Islamabad, 2019
19. Various papers provided by the PHA-F Islamabad including layout plan and architectural drawings, 2019
20. Environmental Assessment Guidelines of the Asian Development Bank, Environment Division, Office of
Environment and Social Development, 2003
21. Environmental Guidelines for Selected Infrastructure Projects, Office of the Environment, Asian
Development Bank, 1993
22. Pakistan Environmental Assessment Procedures, Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, Islamabad,
1997
23. Biodiversity Action Plan for Pakistan, Government of Pakistan, IUCN I and WWF, 2000
Annexes
ANNEXES
Annexes
Annex-1
BALOCHISTAN PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT
NOTIFICATION
Dated Quetta, the 15th January 2013
No. PAB/Legis:V(9)/2013. The Balochistan Environment Protection Bill 2012, Bill No. 9 of 2012 having been
passed by the Provincial Assembly of Balochistan on 24th December 2012 and assented to by the Governor
Balochistan on 9th January 2013 is hereby published as an act of the Provincial Assembly of Balochistan.
THE BALOCHISTAN ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION ACT 2012
ACT NO. VIII OF 2012
(First published after having received assent of the Governor of Balochistan in the Balochistan Gazette (Extra
Ordinary) dated the 9th January 2013.
An Act to provide for the protection, conservation, rehabilitation and improvement of the environment, for the
prevention and control of pollution, and promotion of sustainable development.
Preamble
Whereas, it is expedient to provide for the protection, conservation, rehabilitation and improvement of the
environment, prevention and control of pollution, promotion of sustainable development, and for matters
connected therewith and incidental thereto, it is enacted as follows:
1. Short title, extent and commencement

(1) This Act shall be called the Balochistan Environmental Protection Act, 2012.
(2) It extends to the whole Province of Balochistan except Tribal Areas.
(3) It shall come into force at once.
2. Definitions
In this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context:
(a) “Adverse environmental effect" means impairment of or damage to the environment and includes:
(i) Human health and property or biodiversity, coast, beaches and ecosystem;
(ii) Pollution; and
(iii) Any adverse environmental effect on Land, Air and Water;
(b) "Agricultural waste" means waste from farm and agricultural activities including poultry, cattle farming,
animal husbandry, residues from the use of fertilizers, pesticides and other farm chemicals;
(c) "Air pollutant" means any substance that causes pollution of air and includes soot, smoke, dust particles,
odour, light, electromagnetic radiation, heat, fumes, combustion exhaust, exhaust gases, noxious gases,
hazardous substances and radioactive substances;
(d) “Alien species” means a species that does not occur naturally in Balochistan.
(e) “Balochistan coastline or coastal zone” means the territorial jurisdiction of the coastline of the Province of
Balochistan.
(f) “Best practicable environmental option” means the best method for preventing or minimizing adverse effects
on the environment, having regard to, among other things:
(i) The nature of the discharge and the sensitivity of the receiving environment to adverse effects;
(ii) The financial implications, and the effect on the environment, of that option when compared with other
options; and the current state of technical knowledge and the likelihood that the option can be successfully
applied.
Annexes
(g) "Biodiversity" or "biological diversity" means the variability among living organisms from all sources, including
inter-alia terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part,
including diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems;
(h) “Clinical waste” means any waste produced by hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, doctor's offices, medical
laboratories, medical research facilities and veterinarians, which is infectious or potentially infectious.
(i) "Council" means the Balochistan Environmental Protection Council established under section 3;
(j) "Discharge" includes spilling, leaking, pumping, depositing, seeping, releasing, flowing out, pouring, emitting,
emptying or dumping;
(k) "Ecosystem" means a dynamic complex of plant, animal and microorganism communities and their non-living
environment interacting as a functional unit;
(l) "Effluent" means any material in solid, liquid or gaseous form or combination thereof being discharged from
industrial activity or any other source and includes a slurry, suspension or vapour;
(m) “Electronic waste” means discarded computers, office electronic equipment, entertainment device
electronics, mobile phones, television sets, cathode ray tubes (CRT) and refrigerator, VCRs, stereos, copiers, and
fax machines. It also includes used electronics, which are destined for reuse, resale, salvage, recycling or disposal
and electronic products nearing the end of their "useful life".
(n) "Emission standards" means the permissible standards established by the Provincial Agency for emission of
air pollutants and noise and for discharge of effluent and waste;
(o) “Endemic and indigenous species” means species, which occurs naturally in the wild only in Balochistan, or a
species, which only breeds in the wild in Balochistan.
(p) "Environment" means:

(i) Air, water and land;
(ii) All layers of the atmosphere;
(iii) All organic and inorganic matter and living organisms;
(iv) The ecosystem and ecological relationships;
(v) Buildings, structures, roads, facilities and works;
(vi) All social and economic conditions affecting community life; and
(vii) The inter-relationships between any of the factors specified in sub-clauses (i) to (vi);
(q) "Environmental impact assessment" means an environmental study comprising collection of data, prediction
of qualitative and quantitative impacts, comparison of alternatives, evaluation of preventive, mitigation and
training plans and monitoring arrangements, and framing of recommendations and such other components as
may be prescribed; training plans and monitoring arrangements, and framing of recommendations and such
other components as may be prescribed;
(r) "Environmental Magistrate" means the Magistrate of the First Class appointed under Section 32;
(s) “Environmental Tribunal” means the Balochistan Environmental Protection Tribunal constituted under
section 28;
(t) "Exclusive Economic Zone" shall have the same meaning as in the Territorial Waters and Maritime Zones Act,
1976 (LXXXII of 1976);
(u) "Factory" means any premises in which industrial activity is being undertaken;
(v) “Genetic Resource” means any material of plant, animal, microbial or other origin containing functional units
of heredity of actual or potential value.
(w) “Government” means the Government of Balochistan.
(x) "Government Agency" includes:

(i) A department, attached department, bureau, section, commission, board, office or unit of the Provincial
Government;
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(ii) A developmental or a local authority, company or corporation established or controlled by the Provincial
Government; (iii) the Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency; and
(iv) Any other body defined and listed in the Rules of Business of the Provincial Government.
(y) "Handling", in relation to any substance, means the manufacture, processing, treatment, package, storage,
transportation, collection, destruction, conversion, offering for sale, transfer or the like of such substance;
(z) "Hazardous substance" means:

(i) a substance or mixture of substances, other than a pesticide as defined in the Agricultural Pesticides
Ordinance, 1971(II of 1971), which, by reason of its chemical activity or toxic, explosive, flammable, corrosive,
radioactive or other characteristics, causes, or is likely to cause, directly or in combination with other matters
an adverse environmental effect; and
(ii) Any substance, which may be prescribed as a hazardous substance;
(aa) "Hazardous waste" means waste which is or which contains a hazardous substance or which may be
prescribed as hazardous waste and includes hospital waste and nuclear waste;
(bb) "Historic waters" means such limits of the waters adjacent to the land territory of Pakistan as may be
specified by notification under section 7 of the Territorial Waters and Maritime Zones Act, 1976 (LXXXII of 1976);
(cc) "Hospital waste" includes waste medical supplies and materials of all kinds, and waste blood, tissue, organs
and other parts of the human and animal bodies, from hospitals, clinics and laboratories;
(dd) "Industrial activity" means any operation or process for manufacturing, making, formulating, synthesizing,
altering, repairing, ornamenting, finishing, packing or otherwise treating any article or substance with a view to
its use, sale, transport, delivery or disposal, or for mining, for oil and gas exploration and development, or for
pumping water or sewage, or for generating, transforming or transmitting power or for any other industrial or
commercial purpose;
(ee) "Industrial waste" means waste resulting from an industrial activity;
(ff) "Initial Environmental Examination" means a preliminary environmental review of the reasonably
foreseeable qualitative and quantitative impacts on the environment of a proposed project to determine
whether it is likely to cause an adverse environmental effect for requiring preparation of an environmental
impact assessment;
(gg) “Integrated pollution control” means the holistic system aimed at pollution prevention and minimization at
source, managing the impact of pollution and waste on the receiving environment and remediation of damaged
and polluted environments.
(hh) “Living modified organism” means any living organism that possesses a novel combination of genetic
material obtained through the use of modern technology.
(ii) "local authority" means regional or district set up of EPA or any Agency designated by the Provincial
Government, by notification in the official Gazette, to be a local authority for the purposes of this Act;
(jj) "Local council" means a local council constituted or established under a law relating to local Government;
(kk) "Motor vehicle" means any mechanically propelled vehicle adapted for use upon land whether its power of
propulsion is transmitted thereto from an external or internal source, and includes a chassis to which a body has
not been attached, and a trailer, but does not include a vehicle running upon fixed rails;
(ll) "Municipal waste" includes sewage, refuse, garbage, waste from abattoirs, sludge and human excreta and
the like;
(mm) "Environmental Quality Standards" means standards established by the Federal/Provincial Agencies under
clause (e) of sub-section (1) of section 6 and approved by the Council under clause (c) of sub-section (1) of section
4;
(nn) "Noise" means the intensity, duration and character of sounds from all sources, and includes vibration;
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(oo) "Nuclear waste" means waste from any nuclear reactor or nuclear plant or other nuclear energy system,
whether or not such waste is radioactive;
(pp) "Person" means any natural person or legal entity and includes an individual, firm, association, partnership,
society, group, company, corporation, co-operative society, Government Agency, non-governmental
organization, community-based organization, village organization, local council or local authority and, in the case
of a vessel, the master or other person having for the time being the charge or control of the vessel;
(qq) "Pollution" means the contamination of air, land or water by the discharge or emission of effluent or wastes
or air pollutants or noise or other matter which either directly or indirectly or in combination with other
discharges or thermal or radiological or aesthetic properties of the air, land or water or which may, or is likely to
make the air, land or water unclean, noxious or impure or injurious, disagreeable or detrimental to the health,
safety, welfare or property of persons or harmful to biodiversity;
(rr) "Prescribed" means prescribed by rules made under this Act;
(ss) "Project" means any activity, plan, scheme, proposal or undertaking involving any change in the environment
and includes:
(i) Construction or use of buildings or other works;
(ii) Construction or use of roads or other transport systems;
(iii) Construction or operation of factories or other installations;
(iv) Mineral prospecting, mining, quarrying, stone crushing, drilling and the like;
(v) Any change of land use or water use; and
(vi) alteration, expansion, repair, decommissioning or abandonment of existing buildings or other works, roads
or other transport systems, factories or other installations;
(tt) "Protection of environment" means the qualitative and quantitative improvement of the different
components of the environment and prevention of the deterioration of qualitative and quantitative standards;
(uu) "Proponent" means the person who proposes or intends to undertake a project;
(vv) "Provincial Agency" means the Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency established under section 5,
or any Government Agency, local council or local authority exercising the powers and functions of the Provincial
Agency;
(ww) "Rules & Regulations" means rules and regulation made under this Act;
(xx) "Sewage" means liquid or semi-solid wastes and sludge from sanitary conveniences, kitchens, laundries,
washing and similar activities and from any sewerage system or sewage disposal works;
(yy) “Shipbreaking” means breaking up of various types of ship for recycling.
(zz) "Standards" means qualitative and quantitative standards for discharge of effluent and wastes and for
emission of air pollutants and noise either for general applicability or for a particular area, or from a particular
production process, or for a particular product, and includes the Environmental Quality Standards, emission
standards and other standards established under this Act and the rules and regulations;
(aaa) “Strategic Environmental Assessment” Strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is a system of

incorporating environmental considerations into policies, plans, programmes and strategies. It is sometimes
referred to as strategic environmental impact assessment.
(bbb) "Sustainable Development" means development that meets the needs of the present generation without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs;
(ccc) “Sustainable Management” means management of the use of natural resources to provide for the health,
safety and social, cultural and economic wellbeing of people and communities taking into account the following:
(i) Safeguarding the life-supporting capacity of natural resources and ecosystems;
(ii) Ensuring the maintenance of the life-supporting capacity and quality of natural resources and ecosystems to
meet the reasonably foreseeable needs of future generations;
(iii) Avoiding the creation of adverse effects and, where adverse effects cannot be avoided, mitigates and
remedies adverse effects.
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(ddd) "Territorial waters" shall have the same meaning as in the Territorial Waters and Maritime Zones Act, l
976 (LXXXII of 1976);
(eee) "Vessel" includes anything made for the conveyance by water of human beings or of goods; and
(fff) "Waste" means any substance or object which has been, is being or is intended to be, discarded or disposed
of, and includes liquid waste, solid waste, waste gases, suspended waste, industrial waste, agricultural waste,
nuclear waste, municipal waste, hospital waste, used polyethylene bags and residues from the incineration of
all types of waste.
(ggg) “Water resource” includes surface water, an aquifer or groundwater, a river or spring, a natural channel in
which water flows regularly or intermittently, and a wetland, lake or dam into which, or from which, water flows.
3. Establishment of the Balochistan Environmental Protection Council

(1) The Provincial Government shall, by notification in the official Gazette, establish a Council to be known as
the Balochistan Environmental Protection Council consisting of:
(a) Chief Minister or such other person as the Chief Minister may nominate in this behalf Chairperson
(b) Minister for Environment Vice Chairperson
(c) Chief Secretary Balochistan Member
(d) Secretary Environment Member/Secretary
(e) Secretary Finance Member
(f) Secretary Industries Member
(g) Secretary Agriculture Member
(h) Secretary Forest Member
(i) Secretary P&D Member
(j) Secretary S&GAD Member
(k) Director General EPA Member
(l) Such other persons not exceeding six (6) as the Provincial Government may appoint,
with the following representation: One from the Balochistan Chamber of Commerce &
Industries and one from the Balochistan Chamber of Agriculture, Two Environment
experts/Scientist, One Educationist and One from Non-Governmental Organization.
(2) The Members of the Council, other than ex-officio members, shall be appointed in accordance with the
prescribed procedure and shall hold office for a term of two years.
(3) The Council may constitute committees of its members and entrust them with such functions as it may deem
fit, and there commendations of the committee may seek assistance from any Government Department or
expert in the relevant environmental field in performance of its functions, committee may seek assistance from
any Government Department or expert in the relevant environmental field in performance of its functions.
4. Functions and powers of the Council

(1) The Council shall:
(a) Coordinate and supervise enforcement of the provisions of this Act; and
(b) Approve comprehensive environmental policies and ensure their implementation within the framework of a
National/ Balochistan conservation strategy as may be approved by the Federal/Provincial Government from
time to time;
(c) Approve the Environmental Quality Standards;
(d) Provide guidelines for the protection and conservation of species, habitats, and biodiversity in general, and
for the conservation of renewable and non-renewable resources.
(e) Coordinate integration of the principles and concerns of sustainable development into development plans
and policies;
(f) The Council shall frame its own rules of procedure.
(g) The Council shall hold meetings, as and when necessary, but not less than two meetings shall be held in a
year.
(2) The Council may direct the Provincial Agency or any Government Agency to prepare, submit or implement
projects for the protection, conservation, rehabilitation and improvement of the environment and the
sustainable development of resources or to undertake research in any aspect of environment.
5. Establishment of the Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency

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(1) The Government of Balochistan shall by a notification in the official Gazette established Balochistan
Environmental Protection Agency to exercise the powers and perform the functions assigned to it under this Act
and the rules and regulations made thereunder.
(2) The Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency shall be headed by a Director-General who shall be
appointed by the Government of Balochistan on such terms and conditions as it may determine.
(3) The Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency shall have such administrative, technical and legal staff, as
the Government of Balochistan may specify to be appointed in accordance with Balochistan Civil Servant Act
1974.
(4) The powers and functions of the Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency shall be exercised and
performed by the Director General.
(5) The Director General may, by general or special order, delegate any of the powers and functions to staff
appointed under sub-section (3).
(6) For assisting the Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency in the discharge of its functions the
Government of Balochistan shall establish Advisory Committees for various sectors and appoint as members
thereof representatives of the relevant sector, educational institutions and non-governmental organizations.
6. Functions of the Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency

(1) The Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency shall:
(a) Administer and implement this Act and the rules and regulations made thereunder;
(b) Prepare, in co-ordination with the relevant Government Agency and in consultation with the concerned
sectors Advisory Committees, environmental policies for approval by the Council;
(c) Take all necessary measures for the implementation of the national environmental policies approved by the
Council;
(d) Prepare and publish an Annual Environment Report on the state of the environment;
(e) Establish standards for the quality of the ambient air, water and land, by notification in the official Gazette
in consultation with the other relevant Government Departments/Agencies.
(f) Revise the Environmental Quality Standards with approval of the Council,
Provided that:
(i) before seeking approval of the Council, the Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency shall publish the
proposed Environmental Quality Standards for public opinion in accordance with the prescribed procedure; and
(ii) different standards for discharge or emission from different sources and for different areas and conditions
may be specified; where standards are less stringent than the Environmental Quality Standards prior approval
of the Council shall be obtained;
(iii) Certain areas, with the approval of the Council, may exclude from carrying out specific activities, projects
from the application of such standards;
(g) Coordinate environmental policies and programmes;
(h) Establish systems and procedures for surveys, monitoring, measurement, examination, investigation,
research, inspection and audit to prevent and control pollution, and to estimate the costs of cleaning up
pollution and rehabilitating the environment in various sectors;
(i) Take measures to promote research and the development of science and technology, which may contribute
to the protection of the environment, and sustainable development;
(j) Certify one or more laboratories as approved laboratories for conducting tests and analysis and one or more
research institutes as environmental research institutes for conducting research and investigation for the
purposes of this Act.
(k) Initiate legislation in various sectors of the environment;
(l) Render advice and assistance in environmental matters including such information and data available with it
as may be required for carrying out the purposes of this Act:
Provided that disclosure of such information shall be subject to the restrictions contained in the proviso to sub-
section (3) of section 15.
(m) Assist the local councils, local authorities, Government Agencies and other persons to implement schemes
for the proper disposal of wastes so as to ensure compliance with the standards established by it;
(n) Provide information and guidance to the public on environmental matters;
(o) Recommend environmental courses, topics, literature and books for incorporation in the curricula and syllabi
of educational institutions;
(p) Promote public education and awareness of environmental issues through mass media and other means
including seminars and workshops;
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(q) Specify safeguards for the prevention of accidents and disasters which may cause pollution, collaborate with
the concerned person in the preparation of contingency plans for control of such accidents and disasters, and
co-ordinate implementation of such plans;
(r) Encourage the formation and working of non-governmental organizations, community organizations and
village organizations to prevent and control pollution and promote sustainable development;
(s) Perform any function, which the Council may assign to it.
(2) The Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency may:

(a) Undertake inquiries or investigation into environmental issues, either of its own accord or upon complaint
from any person or organization;
(b) Request any person to furnish any information or data relevant to its functions;
(c) initiate with the approval of the Provincial/Federal Government, requests for foreign assistance in support of
the purposes of this Act and enter into arrangements with foreign agencies or organizations for the exchange of
material or information and participate in international seminars or meetings;
(d) recommend to the Government of Balochistan the adoption of financial and fiscal programmes, schemes or
measures for achieving environmental objectives and goals and the purposes of this Act, including:
(i) Incentives, prizes awards, subsidies, tax exemptions, rebates and depreciation allowances; and
(ii) Taxes, duties and other levies;
(e) Establish and maintain laboratories to help in the performance of its functions under this Act and to conduct
research in various aspects of the environment and provide or arrange necessary assistance for establishment
of similar laboratories in the private sector;
(f) Provide or arrange, in accordance with such procedure, as may be prescribed, financial assistance for projects
designed to facilitate the discharge of its functions.
7. Powers of the Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency

Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency may:
(a) Lease, purchase, acquire property both moveable and immovable;
(b) Fix and realize fees, rates and charges for rendering any service or providing any facility, information or data
under this Act or the rules and regulations;
(c) Enter into contracts, execute instruments subject to approval of the Provincial Government, necessary for
proper management and conduct of its business made thereunder;
(d) Subject to approval of the Provincial Government appoint in accordance with prescribed procedures such
experts and consultants as it considers necessary for the efficient performance of its functions on appropriate
terms and conditions;
(e) Summon and enforce the attendance of any person and require him to supply any information or document
needed for the conduct of any enquiry or investigation into any environmental issue;
(f) The Director General Balochistan EPA or any other Regional officer specifically authorized in this behalf by
the Director General shall have the power to impose fine/administrative penalty upto rupees one hundred
thousand from case to case basis.
(i) The fine/administrative penalty shall be recovered as per land revenue act.
(ii) The fine/administrative penalty initially or for an interim period shall be placed with the Balochistan EPA till
the decision of the Environmental Tribunal or Magistrate; and
(iii) The fine/administrative penalty after the final decision shall be deposited in the public exchequer.
(g) Enter and inspect and under the authority of a search warrant issued by the Environmental Court or
Environmental Magistrate, search at any reasonable time, any land, building, premises, vehicle or vessel or other
place where or in which, there are reasonable grounds to believe that an offence under this Act has been, or is
being, committed;
(i) Subject to the provisions of this Act, any person generally or specifically authorized in this behalf by the
Director General shall be entitled to enter, at all reasonable times, with such assistance as he considers
necessary, any building or place for the following purposes, namely:
a) To perform duties conferred on him under this Actor rules;
b) To inspect any activity in such building or place in accordance with this Act, the rules or any notice, order or
direction issued thereunder;
c) To examine or test any equipment, industrial plant, record, register or any other important matter relating
thereto;
d) To conduct a search of any building or place which the said person has reason to believe to have been the
place of occurrence of any offence in contravention of any notice, order or direction issued under this Act or the
rules;
e) To seize/close any equipment, industrial plant, record, register, document or other matter which may serve
as evidence of the commission of any offence punishable under this Act or the rules.
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(ii) The provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure shall be applicable in respect of any search or seizure under
this Act.
(a) Take samples of any materials, products, articles or substances or of the effluent, wastes or air pollutants
being discharged or emitted or of air, water or land in the vicinity of the discharge or emission;
(b) Arrange for test and analysis of the samples at a certified laboratory;
(i) Every person authorized in this behalf by the Director General may, in such manner as may be prescribed by
rules, collect from any factory, premises or place samples of air, water, soil or of any other substance for the
purpose of analysis.
(ii) The results of the analysis of samples collected under clause (i) shall not be admissible in evidence in any
legal proceeding unless the provisions of the clauses (iii) and (iv) have been complied with.
(iii) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (4), the officer collecting a sample under clause (i) shall:
(a) Serve notice on the owner or proponent or agent of the said place, in such manner as may be prescribed by
rules, of his intention to collect such sample;
(b) Collect the sample in the presence of the said occupier or agent;
(c) Put the sample into a container and affix on it a seal bearing the signatures of himself and of the occupier or
agent;
(d) Prepare a report of the sample collected and sign it himself and take the signature of the occupier or agent;
(e) Send without any delay, the said container to the laboratory specified by the Director General EPA.
(iv) Whereas, ample is collected under clause (i) and a notice is served by the collecting officer under sub clause
a) of clause (iii), the collecting officer shall, if the occupier or agent wilfully absents himself at the time of the
collection of the sample or, though being present, refuses to sign the sample or report, in the presence of two
witnesses, give his signature and attest and seal it and shall send it without any delay to the laboratory specified
by the Director General, mentioning that the occupier or agent had not been present or, as the case may be,
refused to give his signature.
(i) Confiscate any article used in the commission of the offence, where the offender is not known or cannot be
found within a reasonable time.
Provided that the power under clauses (f), (h), (I) and (j) shall be exercised in accordance with the provisions of
the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898) or the rules made under this Act and under the direction
of the Environmental Tribunal or Environmental Magistrate; and
(j) Establish an Environmental Coordination Committee comprising the Director General as its chairman and the
heads of relevant Government Agencies and such other persons as the Government of Balochistan may appoint
as its members to exercise such powers and perform such functions as maybe delegated or assigned to it by the
Government of Balochistan for carrying out the purposes of this Act and for ensuring inter-departmental
coordination in environmental policies.
8. Establishment, powers and functions of the Regional or District Environmental Protection Agencies
(1) Government of Balochistan shall, by notification in the official Gazette, establish the Regional or District
Environmental Protection Agency, to exercise such powers and perform such functions as may be delegated to
it by the Government of Balochistan under sub-section (2) of section 34.
(2) The Regional or District Environmental Protection Agency shall be headed by an officer at least of the rank of
regional Director or Deputy Director who shall be appointed by the Provincial Government on such terms and
conditions as prescribed in the Balochistan Civil Servant Act 1974.
(3) The Regional or District Environmental Protection Agency shall have such administrative, technical and legal
staff as the Government of Balochistan may specify, to be appointed in accordance with the Balochistan Civil
Servants (Appointment, Promotion and Transfers Rules 2009) such procedure as may be prescribed.
(4) The powers and functions of the Regional or District Environmental Protection Agency shall be exercised and
performed by an Officer of the rank of regional Director or Deputy Director appointed as head.
(5) The Director General may, by general or special order, delegate any of the powers and functions to staff
appointed under sub-section (3).
9. Establishment of the Balochistan Sustainable Development Funds

(1) There shall be established in the Province a Balochistan Sustainable Development Fund.
(2) The Balochistan Sustainable Development Fund shall be derived from the following sources, namely:
(a) Grants made or loans advanced by the Federal Government or the Provincial Government;
(b) aid and assistance, grants, advances, donations and other non-obligatory funds received from foreign
governments, national or international agencies, and non-governmental organizations; and
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(c) Contributions from private organizations and other persons.
(3) The Balochistan Sustainable Development Fund shall be utilized in accordance with such procedure as may
be prescribed for:
(a) providing financial assistance to the projects in the public/private sector designed for the protection,
conservation, rehabilitation and improvement of the environment, the prevention and control of pollution, the
sustainable development of resources and for research in any aspect of environment; and
(b) Any other purpose, which in the opinion of the Board shall help to achieve environmental objectives, and the
purposes of this Act.
10. Management of the Balochistan Sustainable Development Funds

(1) The Balochistan Sustainable Development Fund shall be managed by a Board known as the Sustainable
Development Fund Board consisting of:
(i) Secretary Environment Department Chairperson

(ii) Secretary Industries Department Member
(iii) Secretary Social Welfare Department Member
(iv) Secretary Finance Department Member
(v) Secretary Forest Department Member
(vi) Secretary Agriculture Department Member
(vii) such non-official persons not exceeding six(6)as the Members Government of
Balochistan may appoint including two (2) representatives of the Balochistan
Chamber of Commerce and Industry, two (2) representatives of the Balochistan
Chamber of Agriculture and two (2) representative of leading non-governmental
organizations/donors.
(viii)Director General, Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency Member/Secretary
(2) The Board shall have the power to:

(a) Sanction financial assistance for eligible projects as specified in section 9 (3) of this Act
(b) invest moneys held in the Balochistan Sustainable Development Fund in such profit bearing Government
bonds, savings schemes and securities as it may deem suitable; and
(3) The Board shall constitute committees of its members to undertake regular monitoring of projects financed
from the Balochistan Sustainable Development Fund and to submit progress reports to the Board, which shall
publish an Annual Report incorporating its annual audited accounts and performance evaluation based on the
progress reports.
(4) Audit of the fund shall be conducted on annual basis.
11. Inter-Provincial Environmental issues

(1) The project falling within the geographical jurisdiction of two or more Provinces, the IEE or EIA may be
submitted by the proponent to each Provincial Environmental Agencies for review and approval.
(2) In case of any dispute or concerns the matter shall be settled through mutual consultation of the Provinces
to avoid any inconveniences or future litigation.
(3) The concerned Provinces may constitute a joint technical or review committee including a representative of
the concerned Federal Ministry dealing with Environment and coordination.
12. Multilateral Environmental Agreements

(1) The obligation of the International Conventions, Treaties and Protocols shall be observed as before
devolution of the subject of Environment to the Province on Environment or climate change. In case of any
international/bilateral cooperation, the matter shall be proceeded with consultation with the concerned Federal
Ministries.
(2) The Government of Balochistan/Environmental Protection Agency shall extend support to those obligation
of the International Conventions, Treaties and Protocols where adequate assistance provided by the Federal
Government.
13. Strategic Environment Assessment (SEA)

EIA: Development of a Housing Scheme at Kuchlak Road, Quetta Balochistan under PM’s Housing Programme Page
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(1) This section regulates the conditions, methods and procedure according to which the assessment of impact
of certain plans and programmes on the environment (hereinafter referred to as strategic assessment) shall be
carried out in order to provide for the environmental protection and improvement of sustainable development
through integration of basic principles of environmental protection into the procedure of preparation and
adoption of plans and programmes.
(2) The Government at all levels of administration and in every sector shall incorporate environmental
considerations into policies, plans, programmes and strategies.
14. Prohibition of certain discharges or emissions and potential harmful items or materials
(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act and the rules and regulations no person shall discharge or emit or allow
the discharge or emission of any effluent or waste or air pollutant or noise in an amount, concentration or level
or is likely to cause a significant adverse effect on the environment or human health which is in excess of the
Environmental Quality Standards or, where applicable, the standards established under sub-clause (ii) of clause
(f) of section 6.
(2) The Government of Balochistan shall not allow any imported or locally made commodities or items or
materials or equipment or instruments or automobile or pesticides etc. into its provincial jurisdiction, which may
have any potential of causing Environmental problems.
(3) No person or company related to public and private sector shall introduce any of the imported or locally
made items or materials or equipment or instruments or automobile or pesticides etc. as per subsection (2) for
any purpose unless it has filed an application to the Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency, as the case
may be, and has obtained approval from the Government Agency in respect thereof.
(4) The Government of Balochistan may levy a pollution charge on any person who contravenes or fails to comply
with the provisions of sub-section (1), to be calculated at such rate, and collected in accordance with such
procedure as may be prescribed.
(5) Any person who pays the pollution charge levied under sub-section (2) shall not be charged with an offence
with respect to that contravention or failure.
(6) The approved license in terms of section 15 of this Act does not affect the applicant’s duty to obtain any
other authorization required in order to undertake the activity or implement the project concerned, whether in
terms of this Act or any other legislation.
(7) A person/firm causing discharge of pollutants shall take all reasonable measures to ensure that the best
practicable environmental option is adopted in relation to the discharge of emission and conservation of the
environment.
15. Initial Environmental Examination and Environmental Impact Assessment

(1) No proponent of a project of public and private sector shall commence construction or operation unless he
has filed an Initial Environmental Examination with the Government Agency designated by Balochistan
Environmental Protection Agency, as the case may be, or, where the project is likely to cause an adverse
environmental effects an environmental impact assessment, and has obtained from the Government Agency
approval in respect thereof.
(2) The Government Agency shall subject to standards fixed by the Balochistan Environmental Protection
Agency:
(a) Review the initial environmental examination and accord its approval, or require submission of an
environmental impact assessment by the proponent; or
(b) Review the environmental impact assessment and accord its approval subject to such conditions as it may
deem fit to impose, require that the environmental impact assessment be resubmitted after such modifications
as may be stipulated or reject the project as being contrary to environmental objectives.
(3) Every review of an environmental impact assessment shall be carried out with public participation and no
information will be disclosed during the course of such public participation, which relates to:
(i) trade, manufacturing or business activities, processes or techniques of a proprietary nature, or financial,
commercial, scientific or technical matters which the proponent has requested should remain confidential,
unless for reasons to be recorded in writing, the Director General of the Balochistan Environmental Protection
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Agency is of the opinion that the request for confidentiality is not well-founded or the public interest in the
disclosure outweighs the possible prejudice to the competitive position of the project or its proponent; or
(ii) International relations, national security or maintenance of law and order, except with the consent of the
Government of Balochistan; or
(iii) Matters covered by legal professional privilege.
(4) The Government Agency shall communicate its approval or otherwise within a period of four months from
the date the initial environmental examination or environmental impact assessment is filed complete in all
respects in accordance with the prescribed procedure, failing which the initial environmental examination or, as
the case may be, the environmental impact assessment shall be deemed to have been approved, to the extent
to which it does not contravene the provisions of this Act and the rules and regulations.
(5) Subject to sub-section (4) the appropriate Government may in a particular case extend the aforementioned
period of four months if the nature of the project so warrants.
(6) The provisions of sub-sections (1), (2), (3), (4) and (5) shall apply to such categories of projects and in such
manner as may be prescribed.
(7) The Government Agency shall maintain separate registers for initial environmental examination and
environmental impact assessment projects, which shall contain brief particulars of each project and a summary
of decisions taken thereon, and which shall be open to inspection by the public at all reasonable hours and the
disclosure of information in such registers shall be subject to the restrictions specified in sub-section (3).
(8) No concession areas for any developmental activities shall be awarded to any International/National groups
or firms without consultation and concurrence of the Government of Balochistan/Environmental Protection
Agency.
(9) The prospect licenses for mining, quarrying, crushing etc. shall only be awarded/granted in compliance with
the sub section (1), (2), (3), (4) and (5) .
(10) The cellular companies shall obtain environmental approval from the Balochistan EPA before installing Base
Transceivers Station (BTS).
(11) BTS Stations should be required to undergo routine evaluation for Compliance. Whenever an application is
submitted to the Balochistan EPA for construction or modification of a transmitting facility, EPA shall have the
authority to take action if acellular base station antenna does not comply with the International Commission on
Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) Guidelines and recommendations of the report titled `Environmental
and Health Related Effects of the Cellular Base Station Antennas' carried out by IT and Telecom Division, Ministry
of Information Technology.
(12) No person or company related to public and private sector shall commence construction or operation unless
the concerned building authority accord approval under the provisions of the in vogue Building Code.
(13) After fulfilling the sub section (12) an action plan shall be submitted to the concerned municipal/town/union
council to carry out the activities for a specific time period as to provide the general public or road users an
alternative corridor.
(14) the waste generated during the construction or maintenance or repair of any building shall be appropriately
disposed of or transported or collected to a designated place allocated for the purpose like any land fill site to
avoid public nuisance.
(15) The construction or repair activities especially in the main city area shall be carried out in a manner to
minimize the road congestion or blockage.
(16) The proponent of the project shall remit fifty thousand rupees as review fee of an Initial Environmental
Examination (IEE) and one hundred thousand as review fee for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
(17) the person or company in public or private sector intend to commence any scheme or project do not falling
under schedule I and II of this Act shall remit twenty five thousand rupees as an Environmental approval fee to
the Balochistan
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Environmental Protection Agency.
16. Prohibition of import of hazardous waste

No person shall import hazardous waste into Balochistan and its jurisdiction limits.
17. Handling of hazardous substances and licence

(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, no person shall generate, collect, consign, transport, treat, dispose of,
store, handle or import any hazardous substance except:
(a) Under a license issued by the Government of Balochistan and in such manner as may be prescribed; or
(b) in accordance with the provisions of any other law for the time being in force, or of any international treaty,
convention, protocol, code, standard, agreement or other instrument to which Pakistan is a party.
(2) Every owner or proponent of any land or premises on which hazardous waste is kept, treated or disposed of
shall make a written application to the Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency for a hazardous waste
management license, which shall at least include details of:
a) The chemical composition, nature and volume of the waste, which is being, or will be, produced;
b) The industrial process, trade or activity giving rise to the waste;
c) The way in which the applicant proposes to keep, treat or dispose of the hazardous waste, including storage
and handling procedures;
d) The precautions, which will be taken to avoid any adverse effects on the environment being caused by the
hazardous waste.
(3) The Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency shall evaluate each application for a license under this
Article in the following manner:
a) grant a hazardous waste management license, with or without conditions, if satisfied that the proposed
method of keeping, treating and disposing of the hazardous waste will not cause any adverse effects; or
b) Refuse to grant a license giving reasons for the refusal in writing to the applicant.
(4) The Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency would take a decision in regard to subsection 2 within
thirty (30) days of the date of lodging of the application for a license.
(5) The license shall be granted for a reasonable period not exceeding five years. On expiry of the license for
renewal same procedure shall be followed.
18. Electronic waste

(1) Every producer, distributer, collection centre, refurbisher, dismantler or recyclers shall store the electronic
waste for a period not exceeding six months and shall maintain a record of collection, sale, transfer, storage and
segregation of wastes and make these records available for inspection.
Provided that the Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency may extend the said period in following cases,
namely:
(a) Dismantlers and Recyclers upto six months of their annual storage capacity of the owner; or
(b) Collection centres who do not have access to any registered dismantling or recycling facility; or
(c) The waste, which needs to be specifically stored for development of a process for its recycling, reuse.
(2) Every producer, distributer, collection centre, refurbisher, dismantler or recyclers shall make arrangements
for the environmentally sound management and disposal of electronic waste.
(3) the ‘environmentally sound management of electronic waste’ as “taking all steps required to ensure that
electronic waste are managed in a manner which shall protect health and environment against any adverse
effects, which may result from hazardous substance contained in such wastes.”
(4) The provisions of this section shall apply to every producer, consumer and bulk consumer involved in
manufacture, sale, purchase and processing of electronic equipment or components.
(5) Information dissemination on electronic waste and the environmentally sound management of electronic
waste is also mandated from producers.
(6) to regulate the provisions of this section all the relevant international conventions, protocols and treaties
collectively called as multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) shall be applicable where Pakistan is
signatory or ratified the MEAs.
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(7) Any person or company or unit who contravenes or fails to comply with the provisions of the above
subsections shall be imposed penalty under section 25 of this act.
19. General Prohibition in relation to Solid and Hospital Waste Management and Waste Management License
(1) No person may collect, transport, sort, recover, store, dispose of or otherwise manage waste in a manner
that results in a significant adverse effect.
(2) Every person who imports, produces, collects, recovers, transports, keeps, treats or disposes of waste shall
take all reasonable measures to prevent a significant adverse effect on the environment from occurring.
(3) The owner or proponent of every premises upon which solid and hazardous hospital waste is produced shall
ensure that all hazardous waste whether solid or hospital waste is separated from other waste and is stored in
separate containers pending disposal, in accordance with the requirements of the Balochistan Environmental
Protection Agency as set out in regulations, published guidelines or license conditions.
(4) A Person shall not dispose of solid and hazardous hospital waste in such a manner that it becomes litter or is
likely to become litter.
(5) Unless in possession of a valid waste management license issued by the Balochistan Environmental Protection
Agency, no person may construct, own or operate a landfill site, incinerator or other facility at which waste is
permanently disposed of or is stored indefinitely.
(6) The Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency shall evaluate each application for a license and shall do
the following:
a) grant a license if the Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency is satisfied that the applicant has sufficient
expertise to undertake the activity in question in accordance with the law and in a manner that will not have
significant adverse effects; or
b) Refuse to grant a license giving reasons for the refusal in writing to the applicant.
(7) The Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency shall reach a decision in regard to subsection 2 within
thirty (30) days of the date of lodging of the application for a license with the Balochistan Environmental
Protection Agency.
(8) If there are reasonable grounds to grant license, and those grounds are communicated to the license holder
in writing, the Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency may amend, revoke or impose new conditions in
an existing waste management license.
(9) The license granted under subsection (6) shall be subject to review if condition of license granted are not
fulfilled.
20. Management of Water Resources

(1) All persons, for the purpose of protection, conservation, development, use, control and management of
water resources would take into account the following measures:
a) Protecting aquatic and associated ecosystems and their biological diversity;
b) Reducing and preventing pollution and degradation of water resources.
(2) When preparing water resource management plans, Departments and other relevant institutions shall at
least take the following into account:
a) Provisions for integrated water shed management;
b) Regulation of sustainable abstraction of groundwater;
c) Regulation of the use of ground or surface water for agricultural, industrial, mining, and urban purposes;
d) Measures to protect human health and ecosystems;
e) Measures to protect wetlands and their associated ecosystems;
f) Any other provision necessary for the sustainable use and management of water resources.
(3) An owner of land or a person who uses the land on which any activity or process is performed or undertaken
which causes or is likely to cause significant pollution of a water resource must take measures to prevent any
such pollution.
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21. Regulation of Motor Vehicles
(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, and the rules and regulations, no person shall operate a motor vehicle
from which air pollutants or noise are being emitted in an amount, concentration or level which is in excess of
the Environmental Quality Standards, or where applicable the standards established under clause (e) of section
6 (1).
(2) For ensuring compliance with the standards mentioned in sub-section (1), the Balochistan Environmental
Protection Agency may direct that any motor vehicle or class of vehicles shall install such pollution control
devices or other equipment or use such fuels or undergo such maintenance or testing as may be prescribed.
(3) Where a direction has been issued by the Government Agency under subsection (2) in respect of any motor
vehicles or class of motor vehicles, no person shall operate any such vehicle till such direction has been complied
with.
(4) To regulate the provision of this Act a green squad comprising of representative of Traffic Police, Motor
Vehicle Examiner, Excise & Taxation and EPA Balochistan shall be in place to monitor and inspect the
automobiles running on the road as per the Environment Quality Standard.
(5) The inspection or monitoring shall be carried out at least once in a month wherein a mechanism be chalked
out for issuance of warning tickets (red: Highly polluted, Blue: less polluted) on a prominent on the vehicle, as
the case may be for specific period of time not exceeding 30 days to maintain the vehicle in order .
(6) Whoever contravenes or fails to comply with the provision of subsection (5) such vehicle should be made off
road or punishable with fine at least twenty thousand rupees which may be extended to one hundred thousand
rupees. In the case of continuing contravention or failure the vehicle shall be impounded.
22. Alien Species and Living Modified Organisms

(1) The import into Balochistan of alien species and of living modified organisms is prohibited without a permit
issued by the relevant authority under any law enforce in Balochistan. The Balochistan Environmental Protection
Agency in consultation with the Departments of Agriculture, Livestock and Animal Husbandry and Food shall
monitor the matter.
(2) No permit for the introduction of an alien species or of a living modified organism shall be issued unless the
environmental impact indicates that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm to indigenous natural resources
or human health will result from the proposed introduction.
(3) Subsection 1 and 2 of this Section shall apply equally to introductions of alien species and living modified
organisms into the Province of Balochistan and to introductions from one ecosystem to another within the
province.
(4) The introduction of alien species and living modified organisms into protected areas shall not be allowed.
23. Coastal Zone

(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act the activities or concentration or level of discharges of the following units
established on onshore and offshore shall be monitored strictly to prevent the pollution and environmental
degradation caused by the following multi-magnitude and multidisciplinary units.
a) Ports and shipping
b) Fisheries
c) Ship dismantling
d) Shipping Traffic (Oil Tankers & Vessels) & dredging.
e) Oil and gas mineral exploration.
f) Coastal power plants and Energy sector.
g) Oil refineries and Industries
(2) The shipbreaking at Gaddani or anywhere else in the coastal belt/zone of this province shall be subject to
fulfilling all the relevant obligations under the Basel Convention “on the Control of Trans-boundary Movements
of Hazardous Waste and their Disposal”, Rotterdam Convention “on the prior Informed Consent (PIC) Procedure
for certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade” and other relevant Treaties/Protocols
and provisions of this Act.
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(3) During the process of ship breaking/dismantling the waste, hazardous waste or sludge or Polychlorinated
biphenyls or asbestos etc. shall be disposed of in a manner to ensure Protection of Terrestrial and Marine
environment.
(4) The activities of shipbreaking/dismantling activities on shore or offshore within territorial limit of Balochistan
shall be monitored at least biannually to ensure environmental protection and prevent degradation and
pollution.
24. Environmental protection order

(1) Where the Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency is satisfied that the discharge or emission of any
effluent, waste, air pollutant or noise, or the disposal of waste, or the handling of hazardous substances, or any
other act or omission is likely to occur, or is occurring, or has occurred, in violation of the provisions of this Act,
rules or regulations or of the conditions of a license, and is likely to cause, or is causing or has caused an adverse
environmental effect, the Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency may, after giving the person responsible
for such discharge, emission, disposal, handling, act or omission an opportunity of being heard, by order direct
such person to take such measures that the Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency may consider
necessary within such period as may be specified in the order.
(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such measures may include:
(a) Immediate stoppage, preventing, lessening or controlling the discharge, emission, disposal, handling, act or
omission, or to minimize or remedy the adverse environmental effect;
(b) Installation, replacement or alteration of any equipment or thing to eliminate, control or abate on a
permanent or temporary basis, such discharge, emission, disposal, handling, act or omission;
(c) Action to remove or otherwise dispose of the effluent, waste, air pollutant, noise, or hazardous substances;
and
(d) Action to restore the environment to the condition existing prior to such discharge, disposal, handling, act or
omission, or as close to such condition as may be reasonable in the circumstances, to the satisfaction of the
Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency.
(3) Where the person, to whom directions under sub-section (1) are given, does not comply therewith, the
Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency may, in addition to the proceedings initiated against him under
this Act, the rules and regulations, itself take or cause to be taken such measures specified in the order as it may
deem necessary and may recover the reasonable costs of taking such measures from such person as arrears of
land revenue.
25. Penalties
(1) Whoever contravenes or fails to comply with the provisions of sections 14, 15, 16, 18 or section 24 or any
order issued there-under shall be punishable with fine which may extend to one million rupees, and in the case
of a continuing contravention or failure, with an additional fine which may extend to one hundred thousand
rupees for every day during which such contravention or failure continues.
Provided that if contravention of the provisions of section 14 also constitutes contravention of the provisions of
section 21, such contravention shall be punishable under sub-section (2) only.
(2) Whoever contravenes or fails to comply with the provisions of section 17, 19, 21, 22 or 23 or any rule or
regulation or conditions of any license, any order or direction, issued by the Council or the Balochistan
Environmental Protection Agency, shall be punishable with fine which may extend to one hundred thousand
rupees, and in case of continuing contravention or failure during which such contravention continues.
(3) Where an accused has been convicted of an offence under subsections (1) and (2), the Environmental Court
and Environmental Magistrate, as the case may be, shall, in passing sentence, take into account the extent and
duration of the contravention or failure constituting the offence and the attendant circumstances.
(4) Where an accused has been convicted of an offence under sub-section (1) and the Environmental Court is
satisfied that as a result of the commission of the offence monetary benefits have accrued to the offender, the
Environmental Court may order the offender to pay, in addition to the fines under sub-section (1), further
additional fine commensurate with the amount of the monetary benefits.
(5) Where a person convicted under sub-sections (1) or sub-section (2) had been previously convicted for any
contravention under this Act, the Environmental Court or, as the case may be, Environmental Magistrate may,
in addition to the punishment awarded thereunder:
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(a) Endorse a copy of the order of conviction to the concerned trade or industrial association, if any, or the
concerned Provincial Chamber of Commerce and Industry or the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce
and Industry;
(b) Sentence him to imprisonment for a term, which may extend to two years;
(c) Order the closure of the factory;
(d) order confiscation of the factory, machinery, and equipment, vehicle, material or substance, record or
document or other object used or involved in contravention of the provisions of the Act.
Provided that for a period of three years from the date of commencement of this Act the sentence of
imprisonment shall be passed only in respect of persons who have been previously convicted for more than once
for any contravention of sections 14, 16, 17, 18,19 or 24 involving hazardous waste;
(e) Order such person to restore the environment at his own cost, to the conditions existing prior to such
contravention or as close to such conditions as may be reasonable in the circumstances to the satisfaction of the
Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency; and
(f) Order that such sum be paid to any person as compensation for any loss, bodily injury, damage to his health
or property suffered by such contravention.
(6) The Director General of the Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency or an officer generally or specially
authorized by him in this behalf may, on the application of the accused compound an offence under this Act
with the permission of the Environmental Tribunals or Environmental Magistrate in accordance with such
procedure as may be prescribed.
(7) Where the Director General of the Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency is of the opinion that a
person has contravened any provision of Act he may, subject to the rules, by notice in writing to that person
require him to pay to the Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency an administrative penalty in the amount
set out in the notice for each day the contravention continues; and a person who pays an administrative penalty
for a contravention shall not be charged under this Act with an offence in respect of such contravention.
(8) The provisions of sub-sections (6) and (7) shall not apply to a person who has been previously convicted of
offence or who has compounded an offence under this Act who has paid an administrative penalty for a
contravention of any provision of this Act.
26. Offences by bodies corporate

Where any contravention of this Act has been committed by a body corporate, and it is proved that such offence
has been committed with the consent or connivance of, or is attributed to any negligence on the part of, any
director, partner, manager, secretary or other Officer of the body corporate, such director, partner, manager,
secretary or other officer of the body corporate, shall be deemed guilty of such contravention along with the
body corporate and shall be punished accordingly.
Provided that in the case of a company as defined under the Companies Ordinance, 1984 (XLVII of 1984), only
the Chief Executive as defined in the said Ordinance shall be liable under this section.
Explanation: For the purposes of this section, "body corporate" includes a firm, association of persons and a
society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 (XXI of 1860), or under the Co-operative Societies
Act, 1925 (VII of 1925).
27. Offences by Government agencies, local authorities or local councils

Where any contravention of this Act has been committed by any Government Agency, local authority or local
council, and it is proved that such contravention has been committed with the consent or connivance of or is
attributable to any negligence on the part of, the Head or any other officer of the Government Agency, local
authority or local council, such Head or other officer shall also be deemed guilty of such contravention alongwith
the Government Agency, local authority or local council and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished
accordingly.
28. Balochistan Environmental Tribunals

(1) The Government of Balochistan may, by notification in the official gazette establish Balochistan
Environmental Protection Tribunals which shall exercise jurisdiction under this Act.
(2) The Balochistan Environmental Protection Tribunal shall consist of a Chairperson who is, or has been, or is
qualified for appointment as, a judge of the High Court to be appointed after consultation with the Chief Justice
of the High Court and two members to be appointed by the Government of Balochistan which at least one shall
be a technical member with suitable professional qualifications and experience; in the environmental field as
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may be prescribed. For every sitting of the Balochistan Environmental Protection Tribunal the presence of the
Chairperson and not less than one Member shall be necessary.
(3) A decision of Balochistan Environmental Protection Tribunal shall be expressed in terms of the opinion of the
majority or if the case has been decided by the Chairperson and only one of the members and a there is a
difference of opinion between them, the decision of the Balochistan Environmental Protection Tribunal shall be
expressed in terms of the opinion of the Chairperson.
(4) Balochistan Environmental Protection Tribunal shall not, merely by reason of a change in its composition, or
the absence of any member from any sitting, be bound to recall and rehear any witness who has given evidence,
and may act on the evidence already recorded or produced before it.
(5) Balochistan Environmental Protection Tribunal may hold its sittings at such places within its territorial
jurisdiction as the Chairperson may decide.
(6) No act or proceeding of Balochistan Environmental Protection Tribunal shall be invalid by reason only of the
existence of a vacancy in, or defect in the constitution, of, the Balochistan Environmental Protection Tribunal.
(7) The terms and conditions of service of the Chairperson and members of the Balochistan Environmental
Protection Tribunal shall be such as may be prescribed.
29. Jurisdiction and powers of Balochistan Environmental Tribunals

(1) Balochistan Environmental Protection Tribunal shall exercise such powers and perform such functions as are,
or may be, conferred upon or assigned to it by or under this Act or the rules and regulations made thereunder.
(2) All contravention punishable under sub-section (1) of section 25 shall exclusively be triable by Balochistan
Environmental Protection Tribunal.
(3) Balochistan Environmental Protection Tribunal shall not take cognizance of any offence triable under sub-
section (2) except on a complaint in writing by:
(a) The Government Agency or local council; and
(b) Any aggrieved person, who has given notice of not less than thirty days to the Provincial Agency concerned,
of the alleged contravention and of his intention to make a complaint to the Environment Tribunal.
(4) In exercise of its criminal jurisdiction, the Balochistan Environmental Protection Tribunal shall have the same
powers as are vested in Court of Session under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898).
(5) In exercise of the appellate jurisdiction under section 22 the Balochistan Environmental Protection Tribunal
shall have the same powers and shall follow the same procedure as an appellate court in the Code of Civil
Procedure, 1908 (Act V of 1908).
(6) In all matters with respect to which no procedure has been provided for in this Act, the Balochistan
Environmental Protection Tribunal shall follow the procedure laid down in the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Act
V of 1908).
(7) Balochistan Environmental Protection Tribunal may, on application filed by any officer duly authorized in this
behalf by the Director-General of the Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency, issue bail able warrant for
the arrest of any person against whom reasonable suspicion exist, of his having been involved in contravention
punishable under sub-section (1) of Section 25.
Provided that such warrant shall be applied for, issued, and executed in accordance with the provisions of the
Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898).
Provided further that if the person arrested executes a bond with sufficient sureties in accordance with the
endorsement on the warrant he shall be released from custody, failing which he shall be taken or sent without
delay to the officer in-charge of the nearest police station.
(8) All proceedings before the Balochistan Environmental Protection Tribunal shall be deemed to be judicial
proceedings within the meaning of section 193 and 228 of the Pakistan Penal Code (Act XLV of 1860), and the
Balochistan Environmental Protection Tribunal shall be deemed to be a court for the purpose of section 480 and
482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898).
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(9) No court other than Balochistan Environmental Protection Tribunal shall have or exercise any jurisdiction
with respect to any matter to which the jurisdiction of Balochistan Environmental Protection Tribunal extends
under this Act, the rules and regulations made thereunder.
(10) Where the Balochistan Environmental Protection Tribunal is satisfied that a complaint made to it under sub-
section (3) is false and vexatious to the knowledge of the complainant, it may, by an order, direct the
complainant to pay to the person complained against such compensatory costs, which may extend to five
hundred thousand rupees.
30. Appeals to the Environmental Tribunal

(1) Any person aggrieved by any order or direction of the Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency under
any provision of this Act, and rules or regulations may prefer an appeal with the Balochistan Environmental
Protection Tribunal within thirty days of the date of communication of the impugned order or direction to such
person.
(2) An appeal to the Balochistan Environmental Protection Tribunal shall be in such form, contain such particulars
and be accompanied by such fees as maybe prescribed.
31. Appeals from orders of the Environmental Tribunal

(1) Any person aggrieved by any final order or by any sentence of the Balochistan Environmental Protection
Tribunal passed under this Act may, within thirty days of communication of such order or sentence, prefer an
appeal to the High Court.
(2) An appeal under sub-section (l) shall be heard by a Bench of not less than two Judges.
32. Jurisdiction of Environmental Magistrates

(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898), or any other
law for the time being in force, but subject to the provisions of this Act, all contravention punishable under sub-
section (2) of section 25 shall exclusively be trial-able by Environmental Magistrate especially empowered in this
behalf under section 14 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 185 (Act No. V of 1898).
(2) An Environmental Magistrate shall be competent to impose any punishment specified in sub-sections (2) and
(4) of section 25.
(3) An Environmental Magistrate shall not take cognizance of an offence triable under sub-section (I) except on
a complaint in writing by:
(a) The Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency or Government Agency or a local council; and
(b) Any aggrieved person.
33. Appeals from orders of Environmental Magistrates

Any person convicted of any contravention of this Act or the rules or regulations by an Environmental Magistrate
may, within thirty days from the date of his conviction, appeal to the court of sessions whose decision thereon
shall be final.
34. Power to delegate

(1) The Government of Balochistan may, by notification in the official Gazette, delegate any of its or of the
Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency powers and functions under this Act and the rules and regulations
to any Government Agency, local council or local authority.
(2) The Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency may also by notification in the official Gazette, delegate
any of its powers or functions under this Act and the rules and regulations to EPA Regional or sub-offices. In case
of nonexistence of its Regional/Sub-offices may delegate its powers or functions to any local council or local
authority in the Province.
35. Power to give directions

In the performance of its functions the Provincial Agency shall be bound by the direction given to it in writing by
the Government.
36. Indemnity
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No suit, prosecution or other legal proceedings shall lie against the Government, the Council, the Balochistan
Environmental Protection Agency, the Director Generals of the Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency,
members, officers, employees, experts, advisers, committees or consultants of the Balochistan Environmental
Protection Agency or the Environmental Tribunal or Environmental Magistrates or any other person for anything
which is in good faith done or intended to be done under this Act or the rules or regulations made thereunder.
37. Dues recoverable as arrears of land revenue

Any dues recoverable by the Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency under this Act, or the rules or
regulations shall be recoverable as arrears of land revenue.
38. Act to override other laws

The provisions of this Act shall have effect notwithstanding anything inconsistent therewith contained in any
other law for the time being in force.
39. Power to make rules

The Government of Balochistan may, by notification in the official Gazette, make rules for carrying out the
purposes of this Act including rules for implementing the provisions of the international environmental
Agreements, specified in the Schedule to this Act.
40. Power to amend the Schedule

The Government of Balochistan may, by notification in the official Gazette, amend the Schedule so as to add any
entry thereat or modify or omit any entry therein.
41. Power to make regulations

(1) For carrying out the purposes of this Act, the Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency may, by
notification in the official Gazette and with the approval of the Government of Balochistan, make regulations
not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act or the rules made thereunder.
(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such regulations may provide
for:
(a) Submission of periodical reports, data or information by any Government agency, local authority or local
council in respect of environmental matters;
(b) Preparation of emergency contingency plans for coping with environmental hazards and pollution caused by
accidents, natural disasters and calamities;
(c) Appointment of officers, advisers, experts, consultants and employees;
(d) Levy of fees, rates and charges in respect of services rendered, actions taken and schemes implemented;
(e) Monitoring and measurement of discharges and emissions;
(f) Categorization of projects to which, and the manner in which section 15 applies;
(g) Laying down of guidelines for preparation of initial environmental examination and environmental impact
assessment and Development of procedures for their filing, review and approval;
(h) Providing procedures for handling hazardous substances; and
(i) Installation of devices in, use of fuels by, and maintenance and testing of motor vehicles for control of air and
noise pollution.
42. Repeal, savings and succession

(1) The provision of Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997 (Act No. XXXIV of 1997) applicable to the
Province of Balochistan are hereby repealed.
(2) Notwithstanding the repeal of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997 hereinafter called the
repealed Act, any rules or regulations or appointments made, orders passed, notifications issued, powers
delegated, contracts entered into, proceedings commenced, rights acquired liabilities incurred, penalties, rates,
fees or charges levied, things done or action taken under any provisions of the repealed Act shall, so far as they
are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act be deemed to have been made, passed, issued, delegated,
entered into, commenced, acquired, incurred, levied, done or taken under this Act, until they are repealed,
rescind, withdrawn, cancelled, replaced or modified in accordance with the provisions of this Act.
(3) On the establishment of the Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency under this Act, all properties,
assets and liabilities pertaining to the Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency established under repealed
Act shall vest in and be the properties, assets and liabilities, as the case may be, of the Balochistan Environmental
Protection Agency established under this Act.
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(4) The Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency constituted under the repealed Act and existing
immediately before the commencement of this Act shall be deemed to have been constituted under section 5
and the Director General and other officers and employees appointed in the said Agency shall be deemed to be
Director General, officers and employees appointed under the Balochistan Civil Servants Act 1974.
(5) Notwithstanding the repeal of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997 (Act No. XXXIV of 1997), all
proceeding pending immediately before commencement of this Act, against any person under the repealed Act
and rules, regulation or order made thereunder, or any other Law or rules shall continue under that Law and
rules, in the manner proceeded thereunder.
Schedule
(See Section 39)
1. International Plant Protection Convention, Rome, 1951.

2. Plant Protection Agreement for the Southeast Asia and Pacific Region (as amended), Rome, 1956.
3. Agreement for the Establishment of a Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in the Eastern Region of
its Distribution Area in Southwest Asia (as amended), Rome, 1963.
4. Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat, Ramsar, 1971 and its
amending Protocol, Paris, 1982.
5. London Convention on Ocean Dumping 1972.
6. Convention Concerning the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage (World Heritage Convention),
1972.
7. MARPOL Convention on Prevention of Pollution from Ship, 1973/78
8. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), Washington, 1973.
9. Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, Bonn, 1979.
10. Convention on the Law of the Sea, Montego Bay, 1982.
11. Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, Vienna, 1985.
12. Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, Montreal, 1987 and amendments thereto.
13. Agreement on the Network of Agriculture Centres in Asia and the Pacific, Bangkok, 1988.
14. Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Waste and Their Disposal, Basel,
1989.
15. Convention on Biological Diversity, Rio de Janeiro, 1992.
16. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Rio de Janeiro, 1992.
17. Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes, 17 March
1992.
18. The Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, 13 June 1992.
19. London Amendment to Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the ozone layer, 10 Aug 1992.
20. United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, 16 Nov 1994.
21. Washington Declaration on Land Based Marine Pollution 1995.
22. UN Convention on Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses, 1995.
23. Ban Amendment to the Basel Convention on the Control of Trans-boundary Movements of Hazardous
Wastes and their Disposal, 22 Sept 1995.
24. The Kyoto Protocol, 11 Dec 1997.
25. The Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals
and Pesticides in International Trade, 11 Sept 1998.
26. The Beijing Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the ozone layer, 1 Jan 2000.
27. The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity, 29 Jan 2000.
28. Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), 23 May 2001.
29. International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, 3 Nov 2001.
30. Hong Kong International Convention For The Safe And Environmentally Sound Recycling Of Ships, 2009.
Secretary
Balochistan Provincial Assembly
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Annex-2
The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency

(Review of IEE and EIA) Regulations, 2000
S.R.O. 339 (1)/2001. In exercise of the powers referred by section 33 of the Pakistan Environmental Protection
Act, 1997 (XXXIV of 1997), the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, with the approval of the Federal
Government is pleased to make the Following Rules, namely:
1. Short title and commencement

(1) These regulations may be called the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency Review of Initial
Environmental Examination and Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2000.
(2) They shall come into force at once.
2. Definitions
(1) In these regulations, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context:
a. “Act” means the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997 (XXXIV of 1997)
b. “Director General” means the Director General of the Federal Agency
c. “EIA” means an environmental impact assessment as defined in section 2(XI)
d. “IEE” means an initial environmental examination as defined in section 2(XXIV); and
e. “Section” means a section of the Act
(2) All other words and expressions used in these regulations but not defined shall have the same meanings as
are assigned to them in the Act.
3. Projects requiring an IEE

A proponent of a project falling in any category listed in Schedule-I shall file an IEE with the Federal Agency,
and the provisions of section 12 shall apply to such project.
4. Projects requiring an EIA

A proponent of a project falling in any category listed in Schedule-II shall file an EIA with the Federal Agency,
and the provisions of section 12 shall apply to such project.
5. Projects not requiring an IEE or EIA

(1) A proponent of a project not falling in any category listed in Schedules I and II shall not be required to file
an IEE or EIA
Provided that the proponent shall file:
(a) An EIA, if the project is likely to cause an adverse environmental effect;
(b) For projects not listed in Schedules I and II in respect of which the Federal Agency has issued Guidelines
for Construction and Operation, an application for approval accompanied by an undertaking and an
affidavit that the aforesaid Guidelines shall be fully complied with.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-regulation (1), the Federal Agency may direct the proponent of
a project, whether or not listed in Schedule I or II, to file an IEE or EIA, for reasons to be recorded in such
direction.
Provided that no such direction shall be issued without the recommendation in writing of the Environmental
Assessment Advisory Committee constituted under Regulation 23
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(3) The provisions of Section 12 shall apply to a project in respect of which an IEE or EIA is filed under sub-
regulation (1) or (2).
6. Preparation of IEE and EIA

(1) The Federal Agency may issue guidelines for preparation of an IEE or an EIA, including guidelines of general
applicability, and sectoral guidelines indicating specific assessment requirements for planning, construction
and operation of projects relating to particular sector.
(2) Where guidelines have been issued under sub-regulation (1), an IEE or EIA shall be prepared, to the extent
practicable, in accordance therewith and the proponent shall justify in the IEE or EIA any departure
therefrom.
7. Review Fees
The proponent shall pay, at the time of submission of an IEE or EIA, a non-refundable Review Fee to the
Federal Agency, as per rates shown in Schedule III.
8. Filing of IEE and EIA

(1) Ten paper copies and two electronic copies of an IEE or EIA shall be filed with the Federal Agency.
(2) Every IEE and EIA shall be accompanied by:
(a) An application, in the form prescribed in Schedule IV; and
(b) Copy of receipt showing payment of the Review Fee
9. Preliminary Scrutiny
(1) Within 10 working days of filing of the IEE or EIA, the Federal Agency shall:
(a) Confirm that the IEE or EIA is complete for purposes of initiation of the review process; or
(b) Require the proponent to submit such additional information as may be specified; or
(c) Return the IEE or EIA to the proponent for revision, clearly listing the points requiring further study and
discussion.
(2) Nothing in sub-regulation (1) shall prohibit the Federal Agency from requiring the proponent to submit
additional information at any stage during the review process.
10. Public Participation

(1) In the case of EIA, the Federal Agency shall, simultaneously with issue of confirmation of completeness
under clause (a) of sub-regulation (1) of regulation 9; cause to be published in any English or Urdu national
newspaper and in a local newspaper of general circulation in the area affected by the project, a public notice
mentioning the type of project, its exact location, the name and address of the proponent and the places at
which the EIA of the project can, subject to the restrictions in sub-selection (3) of section 12, be accessed.
(2) The notice issued under sub-regulation (1) shall fix a date, time and place for public hearing of any
comments on the project or its EIA.
(3) The date fixed under sub-regulation (2) shall not be earlier than 30 days from the date of publication of the
notice.
(4) The Federal Agency shall also ensure the circulation of the EIA to the concerned Government Agencies and
solicit their comments thereon.
(5) All comments received by the Federal Agency from the public or any Government Agency shall be collected,
tabulated and duly considered by it before decision on the EIA.
(6) The Federal Agency my issue guidelines including the basic techniques and measures to be adopted to
ensure effective public consultation, involvement and participation in EIA assessment:
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11. Review
(1) The Federal Agency shall make every effort to carry out its review of the IEE within 45 days and of the EIA
within 90 days, of issue of confirmation of completeness under regulation 9.
(2) In reviewing the IEE or EIA, the Federal Agency shall consult such Committee of Experts as may be
constituted for the purpose by the Director-General, and may also solicit views of the Sectoral Advisory
Committee, if any, constituted by the Federal Government under sub-regulation (6) of section 5
(3) The Director-General may, where he considers it necessary, constitute a committee to inspect the site of
the project and submit its report on such matters as may be specified.
(4) The review of the IEE or EIA by the Federal Agency shall be based on quantitative and qualitative assessment
of the documents and data furnished by the proponent, comments from the public and Government
Agencies received under regulation 10, and views of the committees mentioned in sub-regulations (2) and
(3) above.
12. Decision
On completion of the review, the decision of the Federal Agency shall be communicated to the proponent
in the form prescribed in Schedule V in the case of an IEE and in the form prescribed in schedule VI in the
case of an EIA.
13. Condition of Approval

(1) Every approval of an IEE or EIA shall, in addition to such conditions as may be imposed by the Federal Agency
be subject to the condition that the project shall be designed and constructed, and mitigatory and other
measures adopted, strictly in accordance with the IEE/EIA, unless any variation there to have been specified
in the approval by the Federal Agency.
(2) Where the Federal Agency accords its approval subject to certain conditions the proponent shall:
(a) Before commencing construction of the project, acknowledge acceptance of the stipulated conditions by
executing an undertaking in the form prescribed in schedule VII;
(b) Before commencing operation of the project, obtain from the Federal Agency written confirmation that the
conditions of approval, and the requirements in the IEE/EIA relating to design and construction, adoption
of mitigatory and other measures and other relevant matters, have been duty complied with.
14. Confirmation of Compliance

(1) The request for confirmation of compliance under clause (b) of sub-regulation (2) of regulation 13 shall be
accompanied by Environmental Management Plan including the measure and procedures proposed to be
taken to manage or mitigate the environmental impacts for the life of the project, including provisions for
monitoring reporting and auditing.
(2) Where a request for confirmation of compliance is received from a proponent, the Federal Agency may
carry out such inspection of the site and plant and machinery and seek such additional information from
the proponent as it may deem fit.
Provided that every effort shall be made by the Federal Agency to provide the requisite confirmation or
otherwise within 15 days of receipt of the request, with complete information, from the proponent.
(3) The Federal Agency may, while issuing the requisite confirmation of compliance, impose such other
conditions as the Environmental Management Plan and the operation, maintenance and monitoring of the
project as it may deem fit, and such conditions shall be deemed to be include in the conditions to which
approval of the project is subject.
15. Deemed Approval

The four-month period for communication of decision stipulated in sub-section (4) of section 12 shall
commence from the date of filing of an IEE/EIA in respect of which confirmation of completeness is issued
by the Federal Agency under clause (a) of sub-regulation 9.
16. Extension in Review Period
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Where the Federal Government in a particular case extends the four-month period for communication of
approval prescribed in sub-section (5) of section 12, it shall, in consultation with the Federal Agency, indicate
the various steps of the review process to be taken during the extended period, and the estimated time
required for each step.
17. Validity Period of Approval

(1) The approval accorded by the Federal Agency under section 12 read with Regulation 12 shall be valid, for
commencement of construction, for a period of three years from the date of issue.
(2) If construction is commenced during the initial three years validity period, the validity of the approval shall
extend for a further period of three years from the date of issue.
(3) After issue of confirmation of compliance, the approval shall be valid for a period of three years from the
date thereof.
(4) The proponent may apply to the Federal Agency for extension in the validity periods mentioned in sub-
regulations(1),(2) and (3), which may be granted by the Federal Agency in its discretion of such period not
exceeding three years at a time if the conditions of the approval do not require significant change
Provided that the Federal Agency may require the proponent to submit a fresh IEE or EIA, if in its opinion
changes in location, design, construction and operation of the project so warrant.
18. Entry and Inspection

(1) For purposes of verification of any matter relating to the review or to the conditions of approval of an IEE
or EIA, prior to, during, or after commencement of construction or operation of a site, factory building,
plant, and equipment installed therein.
(2) The proponent shall ensure full cooperation of the project staff at the site to facilitate the inspection, and
shall provide such information as may be required by the Federal Agency for this purpose and pursuant
thereto.
19. Monitoring
(1) After issue of approval, the proponent shall submit a report to the Federal Agency on completion of
construction of the project.
(2) After issue of confirmation of compliance, the proponent shall submit an annual report summarizing
operational performance of the project, with reference to the conditions of the approval and maintenance
and mitigatory measures adopted by the project.
(3) To enable the Federal Agency to effectively monitor compliance with the conditions of approval, the
proponent shall furnish such additional information as the Federal Agency may require.
20. Cancellation of Approval

(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in these Regulations, if at any time, on the basis of information or
report received or inspection carried out, the Federal Agency is of the opinion that the conditions of an
approval have not be complied with or that the information supplied by a proponent in the approved IEE or
EIA is incorrect, it shall issue notice to the proponent to show cause, within two weeks of receipt thereof,
why the approval should not be cancelled
(2) If no reply is received or if the reply is considered unsatisfactory, the Federal Agency may, after giving the
proponent an opportunity of being heard
(a) Require the proponent to make such measures and to comply with such conditions within such period
as it may specify, failing which the approval shall stand cancelled; or
(b) Cancel the approval.
(3) On cancellation of the approval, the proponent shall cease construction or operation of the project
forthwith.
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(4) Action taken under his Regulation shall be without prejudice to any other action that may be taken against
the proponent under the Act or rules or regulations or any other law for the time being in force.
21. Registers of IEE and EIA Projects

Separate Registers to be maintained by the Federal Agency for IEE and EIA projects under sub-condition (7)
of section 12 shall be in the form prescribed in Schedule VIII.
22. Environmentally Sensitive Areas

(1) The Federal Agency may, be notification in the Official Gazette, designate any area to be an environmentally
sensitive area.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in Regulations 3, 4 and 5, the proponent of a project situated in an
environmentally sensitive area shall be required to file an EIA with the Federal Agency.
(3) The Federal Agency may from time to time issue guidelines to assist proponents and other persons involved
in the environmental assessment process to plan and prepare projects located in environmentally sensitive
area.
(4) Where guidelines have been issued under sub-regulation (3), the projects shall be planned and projected,
to the extent practicable, in accordance therewith and any departure therefrom justified in the EIA
pertaining to the project.
23. Environmental Assessment Advisory Committee

For purpose of rendering advice on all aspects of environmental assessment, including guidelines,
procedures and categorization of projects, the Director General shall constitute an Environmental
Assessment Advisory Committee comprising:
(a) Director EIA, Federal Agency (Chairman)

(b) One representative each of the Provincial Agencies (Member)
(c) One representative each of the Federal Planning Commission and the Provincial Planning and
Development Departments ( Members)
(d) Representatives of industry and non-Governmental organization and legal and other experts
(Members)
24. Other Approval

Issue of an approval under section 12 read with regulation 12 shall not absolve the proponent of the duty
to obtain any other approval or consent that may be required under any law for the time being in force.
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Annex-3
Pakistan National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS)
Motor Vehicle Exhaust and Noise

# Parameters Standards (max: permissible limit) Measuring Method
1 Smoke 40% or 2 on the Ringleman Scale
during engine acceleration.
2 Carbon Monoxide Emission Standards

New Vehicle Used Vehicle
4.5 % 6% Under idling conditions, non-dispersive
infrared detection through gas analyser.
3 Noise 85 db (A) Sound meter at 7.5 m from the source.
Selected Gaseous Pollutants from Emitting Sources

Parameter Source of Emission Standard
Smoke Any 40% or 2 Ringlemann
scale or equivalent
smoke number
Particulate matter Boilers and furnaces:
Oil fired 300
Coat fired 500
Cement kilns 300
Grinding, crushing, clinker coolers and related processes, 500
metallurgical processes, converter blast furnaces and cupolas
Hydrogen chloride Any 400
Chloride Any 150
Hydrogen fluoride Any 150
Hydrogen sulphide Any 10
Sulphur oxides Sulphuric acid/Sulfonic acid plants 5,000
Other plants except power plants operating on oil and coal 1,700
Carbon monoxide Any 800
Lead Any 50
Mercury Any 10
Cadmium Any 20
Arsenic Any 20
Copper Any 50
Antimony Any 20
Zinc Any 200
Oxides of nitrogen Nitric acid manufacturing unit 3,000
Other plants except power plants operating on oil or coal:
Oil fired 400
Coal fired 600
Cement kilns 1,200
Municipal and Industrial Effluents

Parameters Into Sewage Into Inland Treatment
Temperature or temperature increase 30oC 30oC
PH 6-9 6-9
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5)at 20oC 80 250
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)d 150 400
Total Suspended Solids (TSS) 200 400
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) 3,500 3,500
Grease and oil 10 10
Phenol compounds (as phenol) 0.1 0.3
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Chloride (as CI) 1,000 1,000
Fluoride (as F) 10 10
Total Cyanide (as CN) 1.0 1.0
An-ionic detergents (as MBAS)e 20 20
Sulphate (SO4) 600 600
Sulphide (S) 1.0 1.0
Ammonia (NH3) 40 40
Pesticides 0.15 0.15
Cadmium 0.1 0.1
Chromium (trivalent and hexavalent) 1.0 1.0
Copper 1.0 1.0
Lead 0.5 0.5
Mercury 0.01 0.01
Selenium 0.5 0.5
Nickel 1.0 1.0
Silver 1.0 1.0
Total Toxic metals 2.0 2.0
Zinc 5.0 5.0
Arsenic 1.0 1.0
Barium 1.5 1.5
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Annex-4
QDA Private Housing Schemes Regulations 1995 (Amended 2007)
Planning Permission and Procedure

1. Framing of a housing scheme: means a housing scheme can be framed by cooperative societies, an individual,
a group of individuals, sponsor/developer or any of his/their attorney on his/their behalf for an area not less
than 32 kanals falling within the controlled area for submission to and approval of the Authority, as per
residential zones specified in the Master Plan.
2. Submission of a housing scheme: means obtaining planning permission, no objection certificate (the word no
objection certificate has been deleted). Every application (Appendix-A) for a housing scheme for which planning
permission is required shall be submitted by the sponsor to the Town Planning Directorate of the Authority,
alongwith six (6) copies each of the following documents:
a). Site plan of the proposed scheme on scale 1:10,000 dully prepared and signed by a Town Planner Registered
with Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners.
b). Certified copies of ownership record including Fard-e-Malkiat, Aks Shajra and Tatima of the proposed site
dully signed by the Tehsildar of the area indicating the location (i.e., mauza, mahal and tehsil etc.) of the
proposed housing scheme including list of khasra Nos. alongwith the land area of each khasra.
c). Attested copies of the computerized National Identity Card of the sponsor.
d). No objection certificate obtained from the District Water Committee established under the Executive
District Officer (Revenue), Quetta.
e). No objection certificate from the other planning agencies i.e. Cantonment Board, Chilten Town/Zarghoon
Town in case the area is contiguous with their limits.
f). Certificate from WAPDA as regards availability of electricity for the proposed housing scheme.
g). No objection certificate from Executive District Officer (Revenue), Quetta allowing the use of land for a
housing scheme.
h). Certificate from Sui Southern Gas Company as regards availability of gas for the proposed housing scheme.
i). Certificate from PTCL as regards availability of telephone lines for the proposed housing scheme.
In case the documents are incomplete and deficient in any manner, the same shall not be accepted by the
Authority and will be returned to the sponsor.
3. Scrutiny Fee for Granting Planning Permission:

A scrutiny fee at the rate of Rs. 5,000/- for an area upto 10 acres and Rs. 10,000/- for an area more than 10
acres shall be payable to the Authority by the sponsor for each scheme, for which the Planning Permission has
been requested. The payment shall be made through a challan to be prepared by the Town Planning Directorate,
QDA on the request of the sponsor of a scheme. The scrutiny fee is, however, subject to revision by the Authority
from time to time.
4. Procedure for scrutiny of application for the grant of planning permission:

a). On submission of requisite documents and the deposit of the scrutiny fee as mentioned in clauses 4 and 5
above, the Director Town Planning will forward a set of these documents to the Chairman of the Committee
constituted for considering the grant of planning permission for housing schemes. The Committee shall comprise
of the following:
i. Chief Engineer Chairman

ii. Director Town Planning Member
iii. Director Works Member
b). The meeting of the Committee shall be held within 30 days of the submission of the application to consider
the grant of planning permission.
5. Aspects to be considered by the Members of the Committee for Granting Planning Permission:
a). Chief Engineer QDA: (i) He will examine the proposals so as to ensure that the road network proposed in the
housing scheme is strictly adhered to the Master Plan of the Authority so as to ensure proper access to the
proposed scheme in future. He will evaluate the proposal keeping in view the development potentials of the
proposed site, the physical conditions existing in the proposed site and their compatibility with the development
programme of the Authority. (ii) He will approve the infrastructure design (the designing of infrastructure
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facilities/services shall be prepared by a reputed consultant registered with Pakistan Engineering Council) to be
submitted by the sponsor at later stage and the possibility of linking the scheme with the main water supply and
sewerage networks of Quetta City in case the scheme does not provide for an independent networks of water
supply and sewerage disposal.
b). Director Town Planning QDA: He will scrutinize the details/documents submitted alongwith the proposal in
order to ensure their correctness and identify/locate it in the controlled area/master plan area to ascertain its
proposed use. He will assess the proposal so as to ensure that it does not come in conflict with any proposed/
notified scheme of the Authority or any other scheme of the Government or Semi Government agency processed
and approved by the Authority. He will also ensure that proper Town Planning Standards are being adopted as
per scheme regulations.
6. Time Limit for Scrutiny of Applications for Planning Permission:

The panning permission shall be granted or refused by the Committee in a period not exceeding 60 days from
the date of acceptance of the application for planning permission in the office of the Director Town Planning (as
given in Appendix-B).
7. Communication of the decision of the Committee with regards to Planning Permission:

(a). Director Town Planning shall communicate the decision of the Committee on the application for planning
permission to the sponsor within a period of 30 days after the Committee’s meeting. The approval for the grant
of planning permission shall be subject to the terms and conditions approved by the Competent Authority.
(b). In case objections are raised by the Committee on the application for the grant of planning permission, the
case shall be reconsidered by the Committee as soon as the objections are removed by the sponsor. This
reconsideration of the application by the Committee shall be treated as a fresh application for planning
permission. The Committee shall approve or reject it, as the case may be, within a period of 60 days after the
acceptance of the application for planning permission by the office of the Director Town Planning.
(c). The Director Town Planning may allow, with the approval of the competent authority, the inclusion of an
additional area to the extent of 20% of the total approved area for which the initial proposal for planning
permission had been made by the sponsor, if the area proposed for inclusion is contiguous and fulfils all the
requirements for the grant of planning permission.
(d). The planning permission granted by the Authority shall remain for a period of three (3) months from the
date of issue by the Director Town Planning.
(e). The Competent Authority may consider to extend the validity of the planning permission for an additional
period of three months and on the payment of additional fee of Rs. 5,000/- or 10,000/-, as the case may be.
(f). The sponsor will not advertise the scheme for the sale of plots on the basis of planning permission. In case
of any default, the planning permission shall be cancelled forthwith without giving any notice and same will be
published in daily leading newspapers (at least two newspapers).
Submission and Processing of the detailed Layout Plan

8. Submission of the detailed Scheme for the area:
The sponsor shall submit to the Director Town Planning a detailed scheme for approval consisting of the
following documents, before the expiry of the validity of the Planning Permission:
a). Four (4) copies of the Site Plan showing location of the scheme with reference to its surrounding areas on the
scale 1:10,000 or any convenient scale.
b). Four (4) copies of the Survey Plan of the site drawn to a scale of not more than 1:2400 showing the spot
levels, physical features such as existing trees, borrow pits, high tension lines, water channels, existing
graveyards, mosque etc. the contours with one meter interval shall be indicated on the plan.
c). Four (4) copies of Layout Plan drawn to a scale of not more than 1:2400 showing the sub-division of land into
plots and allocation of land for circulation network and sub-division of land for various uses in accordance with
the Planning Standards acceptable to the Authority.
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d). Layout Plan should be prepared and signed by a qualified Town Planner registered with the Pakistan Council
of Architects and Town planners.
e). Certified copies of Mutation Deed in respect of transactions entered into after the preparation of Current
Register of Rights.
f). One copy of the irrevocable General Power of Attorney dully registered, if the scheme is submitted by any
person other than the owner(s).
9. Planning Standards
The Planning Standards may vary in each scheme depending upon the residential density desired to be achieved
by the sponsor of the scheme. But, the land use percentage distribution must remain within the following limits:
a). Residential: Not more than 60%

b). Commercial: Not more than 2%
c). Open/green spaces: Not less than 7%
d). Roads/streets: Not less than 28%
e). Public Buildings: Not less than 3%
f). The width of the streets proposed in the layout plan will not be less than 30 feet or (9 meters)
g). The minimum size of a residential plot will not be more than 1000 sq. yds (836 sq. meters)
10. Scrutiny Fee for the detailed Scheme

A scrutiny fee at the rate of Rs. 1,000/- per acre for a scheme having as area of upto 10 acres and Rs. 1,500/-
per acre for a scheme having an area of more than 10 acres (which includes the scrutiny of layout plans and
infrastructure design for the proposed scheme) shall be payable to the Authority and shall be deposited through
a challan form issued by the Directorate of Town Planning, QDA after the submission of the detailed scheme.
The scrutiny fee is, however, subject to revision by the Authority from time to time.
11. Processing of Detailed Scheme

a). The processing of land ownership documents submitted with the detailed scheme shall be examined in the
office of the Director Town Planning, after the scrutiny fee has been deposited with the Authority. The sponsor
will be informed about the objections in the land ownership and other documents, if any.
b) The Authority shall have the discretion to reject the request for approval of the detailed scheme in case no
response is received from the sponsor within a period of two months from the date of communication of the
objections to him about the land ownership and other documents.
c). In case ownership documents are found in order, a public notice shall be given in the local leading newspapers
for inviting public objections, if any.
d). The public notice shall be given in the press at the expense of the sponsor.
12. Communication of Objections received on the Scheme:

a). The Director Town Planning shall inform the sponsor about the objections, if any, received from the public in
response to the public notice for clarification. The scheme will not be processed further until and unless
objections are removed/settled by the sponsor.
b). After the confirmation of ownership documents in favour of the sponsor through the public notice, layout
plan for the housing scheme shall be examined by the Town Planning Directorate of QDA to ensure that the
layout plan of the scheme is in conformity with the Master Plan recommendations.
c). In case of any objection irregularity in the layout plan, the same will be communicated to the sponsor within
30 days of the confirmation of ownership documents for rectification, if any.
13. Approval of Layout Plan (Technical Approval):

a). After the incorporation of all the observations raised on the layout plan, the sponsor will be required to
submit the layout plan on a tracing cloth with khasra numbers super-imposed on it and showing 30% saleable
area in terms of plots to be mortgaged with the Authority as a security towards the provision of infrastructure
services.
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b). After the completion of all the above formalities, the layout plan will be signed by the Director Town Planning
and the Competent Authority.
c). A copy of approved layout plan should be supplied to Chief Engineer QDA. He shall visit the site before and
after the consultant planner complete the ground demarcation of the scheme.
14. Mortgage of Plots:

After the approval of the layout plan by the Authority: (a). The sponsor shall be required to mortgage 30% of the
saleable area in favour of the Authority (as per specimen enclosed at Appendix-D).
(b). In case the sponsor dose not desire to mortgage 30% of the saleable area he shall required to deposit entire
development cost of infrastructure with authority (QDA) or shall furnish a bank guarantee from a scheduled
bank of equivalent amount in favour of the amount of development cost shall be assessed by the Authority on
the basis of prevailing cost of development (deleted).
(c). The sponsor shall also be required to transfer to the Authority free of charge land reserved for roads, parks
/open spaces/play grounds, public buildings and graveyard (38% of the total area) in the scheme alongwith the
mortgage of 30% of saleable area as per specimen given in Appendix-C.
15. Public Notice for Plots to be Mortgaged:
16. Registration of Mortgage Deed with the Authority:

a). After the publication of the public notice in the press regarding the plots mortgaged in favour of the Authority,
the sponsor shall submit a copy of the plan of the scheme superimposed by khasra numbers, on tracing cloth
indicating thereon the schedule of plots mortgaged in favour of the Authority alongwith the seals of the Director
Town Planning and the competent Authority.
b). The sponsor shall then be required to submit seven (7) copies of the layout plan of the scheme for the purpose
of registration after it has been signed by the Director Town Planning and the Competent Authority.
c). The Deed shall be registered by Director Town Planning within a period of two weeks after the submission of
the requisite number of copies of layout plan and in a manner set out in the mortgage deed at Appendix-D and
on judicial paper of the assessed value.
d). The Judicial paper for registration shall be purchased by the sponsor who will also incur all other incidental
expenses, including registration fee etc.
17. Communication of Final Approval of Detailed Scheme Plan.

The final approval of the detailed scheme plan shall be conveyed to the sponsor after the registration of the
mortgage deed of 30% of saleable area and transfer of 38% of total area i.e., amenity area.
18. Validity of Approval of Detailed Scheme Plan:

The approval of the detailed scheme plan shall be valid for a period of one year within which the sponsor will be
required to submit the detailed design of infrastructural facilities including roads, water supply, sewerage,
drainage refuse collection, electricity etc. to the Director Town Planning who shall forward the same to the Chief
Engineer for scrutiny within 15 days.
19. Approval of Infrastructural Design:

(a). The Chief Engineer/Competent Authority with in a period of 60 days after receipt of the detailed
infrastructural design, shall approve the same or propose amendments or require further details of the plans for
incorporation in the scheme.
b). In case of any observations raised by the Chief Engineer on the infrastructural design the same should be
rectified by the sponsor and re-submitted to the Authority for approval before the expiry of the period of validity
mentioned in clause 20 above.
20. Release of Mortgaged Plots:

The plots mortgaged in favour of the Authority will be released with the consent of the sponsor subject to the
condition that the Committee consisting of the Chief Engineer, Director Town Planning and Director Works have
certified that the proportionate development works have been completed as per specifications and designs
122
Annexes
approved by the Chief Engineer and which has also accorded necessary approval to the release of mortgage
plots as per provision contained in the Mortgage Deed.
21. Penalty for Non-Execution of Development Works:

In case the sponsor is unable to undertake the development works in the proposed scheme within the time as
specified by the Authority, the Authority shall proceed to sell the plots mortgaged in its favour in the scheme
either through private negotiation or public auction in order to accumulate funds for the completion of the
whole or remaining development works in the scheme.
22. Linking the Services of the Scheme with the Main Network:
The sponsor shall obtain permission from the Authority to link the proposed services network within the scheme
with the overall network of the services provided by the agencies concerned within the City after the sponsor
has deposited the fee as may be prescribed by the Authority for this purpose.
Miscellaneous
The Governing Body has the discretion to change, modify, alter or relax any of the provisions contained in the
regulations as and when so required without any prior notice or intimation to the sponsor of a scheme.
Sub-Division Schemes
All the above procedures will be adopted for approval of Sub Division Schemes having total area ranging between
1.0 acre to 4.0 acres, except the land use standards for which Director Town Planning will specify these standards
according to the size of the scheme and the existing facilities available, near the proposed scheme with the
approval of the Competent Authority.
123
Annexes
Annex-5
Stakeholders/Persons Consulted
Sr. Name and Designation

1. Mr. Tariq Rasheed
Managing Director
Pakistan Housing Authority Foundation, Islamabad
2. Mr. Irfan Khan
Director (M&C)
3. Ms. Najaf Haider
Deputy Director (M&C)
4. Mr. Javed Malik
Deputy Director (Engg)
5. Mr. Shahzaib Ahmed
Assistant Director (Engg)
6. Mr. Muhammad Saleem Lehri
Project Director
PHA-F Housing Scheme, Kuchlak Road, Quetta
7. Mr. Muhammad Awais
Project Consultant
PHA-F Housing Scheme, Kuchlak Road, Quetta
8. Col. Rtd Mumtaz Hussain
Environmentalist
Environment House, Defence, Lahore
9. Mr. Nasir Khan Kashani
Director General
Environment Protection Agency, Government of Balochistan, Quetta
10. Mr. M. Rizwan Ali
Deputy Director (Admn)
11. Syed Ain-ud-Din Agha
Assistant Director (Admn)
12. Neighbouring residents
13. Local NGOs
14. Local public representatives
15. Others
124
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
Results of the instant EIA study show that negative or adverse environmental impacts of the
construction phase of the project (Development of a Housing Scheme at Kuchlak Road, Quetta,
Balochistan) on the physical environment, although significant, will be of no eventual consequence
because of their mitigable character. The majority of the identified negative impacts of both
construction and occupancy phases are also reversible in nature and can be made good provided the
suggested mitigation measures are implemented in true spirit and an effective monitoring mechanism
is put in place.
Conversely, the socio-environmental impacts of the project are of positive nature, and beneficial for
the community and the environment as whole. The EIA study also shows that there will be no end-
exploitation and consequential depletion of the local natural resources. In view of the known and
limited scope and magnitude of the project, the local resources will remain conserved and available for
sustainable future development. The project would therefore bring in positive and healthy
improvements in the socio-economic environment of the area and availability of housing to Pakistani
citizens.
Prepared by
GREEN REVOLUTION
Tel: 03334222232 Mob: 03061004637

EIA Kuchlak Project Qta Final

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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT

AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

DEVELOPMENT OF A HOUSING SCHEME

PAKISTAN HOUSING AUTHORITY FOUNDATION (PHA-F)

DEVELOPMENT OF A HOUSING SCHEME

PAKISTAN HOUSING AUTHORITY FOUNDATION (PHA-F)

ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND DISCLAIMER

Section-1 The Project and Its Salient Features 1 - 20

Section-2 Baseline Data and Environmental Profile of the Site / Area 21 - 40

Section-3 Environmental Impacts and Their Mitigation 41 - 60

Section-4 Environmental, Social and Disaster Management Plan (ESDMP) 62 - 70

Section-5 Stakeholder’s Consultations 71 - 74

Section-6 Consideration of Alternatives 75 - 76

Section-7 Methodology and Approach 77 - 80

Section-8 Environmental Legal Framework 81 - 87

Findings and Conclusion 88

ES.2 Pakistan Housing Authority Foundation (PHA-F) – A Brief Introduction

ES.3 Brief Description of the Project

ES.4 Objectives underlying the Project

ES.5 Objectives of the Environmental Examination

ES.6 Scope of the Study

ES.7 Methodology Employed for the Study

4Project’s brief as provided by the PHA-F

ES.8 Project’s Significant Environmental and Social Impacts

ES.9 Measures for Mitigation

ES.10 Conclusion and Recommendations

1. INTRODUCTION AND BRIEF

1.2 Overview of Housing in Pakistan

6 Pakistan Economic Survey, Economic Division, GoPk, 2018

1.3 Brief Description of the Project

18Home page at www.pha.gov.pk

Plate 1.3a: Map of Balochistan showing location of Quetta

Plate 1.3b: Geographical Map of Quetta

Plate 1.3c: Master Layout Plan

Plate 1.3d: Survey Map of the Site

Plate 1.3e: 3D View Category-I (50’x90’)

Plate 1.3f: 3D View Category-I (50’x90’)

Plate 1.3g: 3D View Category-II (40’x80’)

Plate 1.3h: 3D View Category-II (40’x80’)

Plate 1.3i: 3D View Category-III (30’x60’)

Plate 1.3j: 3D View Category-III (30’x60’)

Plate 1.3k: 3D View Category-IV (25’x45’)

Plate 1.3l: 3D View Category-IV (25’x45’)

Plate 1.3m: 3D View 3-Bed Room Apartments

Plate 1.3n: 3D View 2-Bed Room Apartments

Plate 1.3o: 3D View of Commercial Plaza

Plate 1.3p: Architectural Plan Category-I (GF)

Plate 1.3q: Architectural Plan Category-I (FF)

Plate 1.3r: Architectural Plan Category-II (GF)

Plate 1.3s: Architectural Plan Category-II (FF)

Plate 1.3t: Architectural Plan Category-III (GF)

Plate 1.3u: Architectural Plan Category-III (FF)

Plate 1.3v: Architectural Plan Category-IV (GF)

Plate 1.3w: Architectural Plan Category-IV (FF)

Plate 1.3x: Architectural Plan 3-Bed Room Apartments

Plate 1.3y: 3-Bed Room Apartment (Single Flat)

Plate 1.3z: 2-Bed Room Apartment Block

Plate 1.3aa: 2-Bed Room Apartment (Single Flat)