GOVERNMENT OF NEPAL

MINISTRY OF ENERGY, WATER RESOURCES AND IRRIGATION

DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES AND IRRIGATION
RANI JAMARA KULARIYA IRRIGATION PROJECT
PHASE II

SITE SPECIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL

MANAGEMENT PLAN

FOR
Construction of Cold Storage Facility
Tikapur, Kailali

Rani Jamara Kulariya Irrigation Project (RJKIP)

January, 2024
Table of Contents
1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Background of the Cold Storage Project....................................................................................... 5
1.2 Objectives of SSESMP ................................................................................................................. 7
2 Particulars of the proposal..................................................................................................................... 7
2.1 Project Area .................................................................................................................................. 7
2.2 Objectives of the project ............................................................................................................... 8
2.3 Relevance of the project................................................................................................................ 8
2.4 Salient features of the project........................................................................................................ 9
2.5 Major project activities ............................................................................................................... 10
2.5.1 Construction phase .............................................................................................................. 10
2.5.2 Operational Stage ................................................................................................................ 10
2.6 Human resource requirement ...................................................................................................... 11
2.6.1 Human resources requirement during construction ............................................................ 11
2.6.2 Human resources requirement during operation ................................................................. 11
3 Methodology ....................................................................................................................................... 11
4 Alternatives Analysis .......................................................................................................................... 12
5 Environmental and Social Setting ....................................................................................................... 15
6 Environmental and Social Impacts and Mitigation ............................................................................. 15
6.1 Beneficial Impacts ...................................................................................................................... 16
6.1.1 Construction Phase.............................................................................................................. 16
6.1.2 Operation Phase .................................................................................................................. 16
6.2 Adverse Impacts.......................................................................................................................... 16
6.2.1 Construction Phase.............................................................................................................. 16
6.2.2 Operation phase................................................................................................................... 19
7 Site-Specific Environmental and Social Management Plan................................................................ 22
8 Conclusion: ......................................................................................................................................... 28

List of Figures
Figure 2.1: Location of the Cold Storage Construction Site ......................................................................... 8
Figure 5.1: Proposed Site for Cold Storage Facility ................................................................................... 15
List of Tables
Table 2.1: Salient Features ............................................................................................................................ 9
Table 4.1: Comparison of alterative construction sites ............................................................................... 12
Table 4.2: Comparison of Ammonia with Freons as coolant...................................................................... 13
Table 7.7.1: Site-Specific Environmental and Social Management Plan ................................................... 22
1 Introduction

With financing from the World Bank, the Government of Nepal (GoN) has been supporting
modernization of Rani Jamara Kulariya Irrigation System (RJKIS). Once complete, the scheme
will provide reliable irrigation water to approximately 14,300 ha of land. The implementing
agency is the Department of Water Resources and Irrigation (DoWRI) with agricultural activities
being implemented through the Department of Agriculture through Agriculture Implementation
Coordination Unit, (ACIU) in Tikapur.

The RJK Scheme Phase 2 is currently in its fourth year of implementation. The Phase-II program
primarily aims at rehabilitation, extension and construction of canals and structures below the
secondary level to take the water to the command area with the ACIU providing location specific
demand-based extension and outreach services for optimal use of water and increase agricultural
productivity. With increase in the command area and reliable year-round supply of irrigation
water, combined with better water management practices supported by the ACIU, the command
area will see sharp increase cropping intensity and changes in cropping pattern to cultivate high
value cash crops and vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, bitter gourd, tomato, cucumber,
eggplant, potato and fruit (banana) farming. The increased agricultural production is expected to
contribute to increased income of the farmers in the command area of the RJKIS.

1.1 Background of the Cold Storage Project

Nepal is currently implementing agriculture development strategy (ADS) a vision for next 20
year since 2015 for overall development of agriculture sector. One of the objectives of ADS is to
improve the food and nutrition security status of the people; particularly the most disadvantaged
and marginalized groups. Nepal has also made many international commitments such as
Undertaking Zero Hunger Challenge 2016-2025, Sustainable Development Goal (2016-2030) II
to achieve food and nutrition security within a period.

The main agricultural products which need storage around the project area are fruits and
vegetables. Due to various reasons, farmers are not being able to preserve the quality of
agricultural commodities all-round the year. Most fruits and vegetables have a very limited life
after harvest if held at normal harvesting temperatures. Postharvest cooling rapidly removes field
heat, allowing longer storage periods. Proper postharvest cooling can:
  Reduce respiratory activity and degradation by enzymes;
 Reduce internal water loss and wilting;
 Slow or inhibit the growth of decay-producing microorganisms;
 Reduce the production of the natural ripening agent, ethylene.
In addition to helping maintain quality, postharvest cooling also provides marketing flexibility
by allowing the grower to sell produce at the most appropriate time. Having cooling and storage
facilities makes it unnecessary to market the produce immediately after harvest. This can be an
advantage to growers who supply restaurants and grocery stores or to small growers who want to
assemble truckload lots for shipment. Postharvest cooling is essential to delivering produce of
the highest possible quality to the consumer.
Cold storage can be combined with storage in an environment with added carbon dioxide, sulfur
dioxide, etc. according to the nature of product to be preserved. The cold storage of
dried/dehydrated vegetables in order to maintain vitamin C, storage temperature can be varied
with storage time and can be at 0°-10°C for a storage time of more than one year, with a relative
humidity of 80-95 %.

In this scenario, the Agriculture Component Implementation Unit (ACIU) has planned to support
the proposed cold storage project to commercialise agriculture and create jobs and empower the
local agricultural groups, co-operatives, and private entrepreneurs. The potential customers are
growers, traders and consumers of the project command area. The integration of environmental
conservation with development endeavours is reinforced by the enforcement of the Environment
Protection Act 2019 (EPA) and Environmental Protection Rules, 2020 (EPR). The EPR obliges
the proponent to follow the legal processes and get environmental clearance from the competent
authorities before the implementation of the project requiring BES, IEE or EIA 1. The built-up
area for the proposed Cold-Storage facility is 3,528 square feet (i.e., 327.8 m2) and the capacity
is 1000 metric tonnes. For the construction of buildings with built-up areas or floor areas of less
than 3000 m2, no environmental clearance (BES, IEE or EIA) is required according to EPR 2020,
of the Government of Nepal (GoN) 2. The land where the proposed CS facility is to be built
belongs to the Town Development Committee of Tikapur Municipality. As requested by the

1
BES: Brief Environmental Study; IEE: Initial Environmental Examination; EIA: Environmental Impact
Assessment
2
A BES would be required if the built-up or floor area of 3000 to 5000 m2.
RJKIP on the letter dated 2076/10/21, the Water User Association-Main Committee has been
provided with use rights for this 2,710 m2 plot of land at ward number 1 by a board meeting of
the TTDC on December 13, 2020 for the construction of the Cold Storage facility with a joint
investment from the ACIU of RJKIP (World Bank Fund) and the Water User Association
(WUA) based on the decision of the Municipal Board on 2077/08/28 (Annex 5).

To ensure the implementation of environmental and social safeguards during the implementation
of the project, this Site-Specific Environmental and Social Management Plan (SSESMP) has
been prepared.

1.2 Objectives of SSESMP

The objectives of SSESMP projects are as follows:

a) To customize, detail and tailor the relevant /applicable recommendations/ requirements

spelt out in the project’s environmental safeguard documents (Volume 1: Executive
Summary, Volume 2: Environmental Assessment, Volume 3: Bio-diversity Impact
Assessment, Volume 4: Integrated Pest Management, etc.) to the cold storage
construction and operation activities as detailed in Table 2.1.
b) To determine the potential impacts of the project and suggest appropriate mitigation
measures avoiding, minimizing, mitigating or offsetting the adverse impacts and
management of site-specific environmental and social issues and their impacts.

2 Particulars of the proposal

2.1 Project Area
The proposed location of cold storage is situated in ward number 1, Tikapur municipality. The
coordinates of the proposed storage are 28°32’48” N and 81°07’46” E lying 167 meters above
sea level. The facility will be established over an area of 2,710 square meters provided by the
municipal development committee of Tikapur Municipality.
 Figure 2.1: Location of the Cold Storage Construction Site

2.2 Objectives of the project

 To facilitate the general farmers with cold storage facility and reduce wastage of
vegetables and fruits.
 To motivate local farmers to increase agricultural production and promote local market.
 To create a supply of offseason agricultural products

2.3 Relevance of the project

The construction of cold store is closely related with the food security. In Nepal, different
studies have shown the postharvest losses of fruits and vegetables are 20-50%. Various studies
have estimated postharvest losses from 20 to 30% for fresh fruits and vegetables and could
exceed 50% under adverse conditions. Gautam and Bhattarai (2012) estimated losses vary
between 20 and 30% for apple, between 15 and 20% for citrus, between 10 and 15% for
tomatoes 20-25 % for potatoes and between 10 and 15% for cauliflower. The project command
area also faces similar problems of postharvest losses due to lack of proper storage facilities for
the agricultural commodities like potato, tomato and other vegetables from decaying and
alleviate food security problems in the command area, construction of cold storage facility is
necessary.

2.4 Salient features of the project

Table 2.1: Salient Features

Item Description
Project Name Cold storage
Operator Water User Association of Rani Jamara Kulariya
Irrigation System
Location Tikapur Municipality-1, Kailali
Total land area of the project 2,710 square meters
Land Owner Tikapur Town Development Committee
Building area Total: 3,528 square feet (84ft*42 ft)
Total capacity of facility 1000 metric tonnes
Number of floors 5
Product Fruits and vegetables
Total Project Cost NRs. 74,787,818.69 (with. VAT)
Technology used
Materials and their quantity for
construction
Resources and quantity used/ consumed
during operation
Energy requirement and source
Plan, C-section, L-section, Schematic, 3-
D figure/ perspective view of the facility
with dimensions
Item Description
Investment 75% share of the World Bank and 25% share of
Water User Associations

2.5 Major project activities

2.5.1 Construction phase

 Civil works
The bill of quantity of each civil work is attached in Annex 5.
 Land Requirement for the project
The total permanent land requirement for the project is 2,710 m2 and there will be no
requirement of temporary land area. The area occupied by each project component is
attached in Annex 6. The land where the proposed CS facility is to be built belongs to the
Town Development Committee of Tikapur Municipality. As requested by the RJKIP on
the letter dated 2076/10/21, the Water User Association-Main Committee has been
provided with use rights for this plot of land by a board meeting of the TTDC on
December 13, 2020 for the construction of the Cold Storage facility with a joint
investment from the ACIU of RJKIP (World Bank Fund) and the Water User Association
(WUA) based on the decision of the Municipal Board on 2077/08/28 (Annex 5).
 Construction Materials required for the project
The sand and gravel will be collected from local suppliers. The pre-fab materials will be
brought from Kathmandu or from India depending upon their availability. The ammonia-
based coolant will be imported from India.

2.5.2 Operational Stage

Product flow process
 Agricultural commodities (fruits, vegetables) recieved from customers

Recieving conditioning chamber

Commodities placed in storage components

Distribution conditioning chamber

Commodities transported

2.6 Human resource requirement

2.6.1 Human resources requirement during construction

Unskilled Skilled
8,341 person-days 7,325 person-days

2.6.2 Human resources requirement during operation

Designation Number of employees
Factory manager 1
Storage executive 1
Supervisor 1
Maintenance mechanic 1
Storage helpers 5

3 Methodology

The study team conducted observation of environmental and social conditions around the
proposed site, through structured checklist to determine the potential area of concern/impact in
the proposed location. Besides, following approaches were used to prepare the SSESMP.

a. Review of project documents:

The detailed feasibility study report of the cold storage, the nature of project, refrigerant
type, civil works, manpower availability, product flow and processing were thoroughly
reviewed. RJKIP-2 environmental reports including Executive Summary (Volume1),
Environmental Assessment (Volume 2), Biodiversity Impact Assessment (Volume 3),
Integrated Pest Management (Volume 4) etc., were reviewed
 b. Legislation Review
Environmental legislations were reviewed which include constitution, plan policies, acts,
acts rules, regulations, manuals and standards and directives. The international protocols
and conventions are also taken under consideration.
c. Field survey
Field survey was carried out by the study team for documentation of physical, biological,
socio-economic and cultural issues of the project.
d. Public consultation
A stakeholders meeting was conducted on January 24th, 2021 by the team of ACIU
including officials from the water user associations, stakeholders from the local bodies
and the residents of the surrounding area of the proposed site. Information on the
proposed project was disseminated to the participants requesting for comments and
feedbacks. The questionnaire for obtaining information on the potential positive and
negative impacts on the physical, biological and socio-economic environment of the
project site was filled out during this meeting. The filled questionnaire is shown in Annex
2 and 3.

4 Alternatives Analysis
Alternative Sites:

Two sites were studied for the establishment of cold storage facility. The site proposed initially
was in the main city area just near the Jamara River leaving a chance of water pollution due to
the waste generated from cold storage operations. The currently proposed construction site is out
of the city center. The site is not located in any forest area, rivers, ponds, etc. The rationale for
the selection of the current site for cold storage facility is presented in the form of comparison in
Table 4.1

Table 4.1: Comparison of alterative construction sites

S. Parameter Current site Previous site

N.
Acceptance No opposition by the locals. The community opposed the
from the construction of cold storage due to
2. community the possiblity of leakages from the
cold storage and possible pollution
of Jamara river near to this site.
3. Spoil The project site doesn’t have a Disposal of spoil generated from
S. Parameter Current site Previous site
N.
disposal settlement in the immediate the excavation would have cause a
vicinity, the volume is nuisance for the locals.
relatively small, therefore, the
disposal of spoil generated
from excavation will be
manageable.
Storing/ Due to sparse settlement Due to dense settlement around,
Stockpiling nearby, there is no problem space for stockpiling could be
of with the storing/stockpiling of limited and could have potential
construction construction materials. There opposition from the residents.
5.
materials is sufficient space within the
perimeter of the permanent
land area allocated for the
facility.
Traffic Less traffic is observed around Due to the vicinity with the
the site, so traffic management highway, traffic congestion during
will be easy. The location is construction works was a
6. very much accessible and the possibility
access road is blacktopped and
good for all weather
conditions.
Other There are no settlements, Due to the dense settlement
nuisances to schools, health posts or any around, noise, and air pollution
the socio-culturally sensitive could cause a nuisance to the
7 community entities, there will be no community
(e.g. noise, nuisance to the community.
air pollution,
etc)

Alternative for the use of Ammonia vs Freons

Ammonia and Freon (chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs) are both commonly used as refrigerants in
cooling systems. However, there are several advantages of ammonia over Freon as a refrigerant.

Table 4.2: Comparison of Ammonia with Freons as coolant

S. N. Parameter Explanation
Efficiency Ammonia has a higher coefficient of performance (COP) than
1. Freon, which means that it can absorb more heat per unit of energy
input. This makes ammonia a more efficient refrigerant
Cost- Ammonia is less expensive than Freon and other synthetic
2. effectiveness refrigerants, which makes it a cost-effective option for large-scale
refrigeration applications. Ammonia has a higher coefficient of
 S. N. Parameter Explanation
performance (COP) than Freon, which means it requires less energy
to achieve the same cooling effect. This makes it more energy-
efficient and cost-effective in the long run.
Environmental Ammonia is a natural refrigerant that does not contribute to ozone
3. impact depletion or global warming. In contrast, Freon and other CFCs
have been found to have a significant impact on the environment.
Safety While ammonia is a toxic gas, it has a distinctive odour that makes
it easy to detect if there is a leak. Freon, on the other hand, is
4.
odourless and can lead to asphyxiation if leaked into a confined
space
Availability Ammonia is widely available and relatively inexpensive compared
5. and cost to Freon, making it a more accessible option for smaller businesses
or industries

Overall, ammonia is a more energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective option

for refrigeration compared to Freon. However, it is important to note that ammonia does require
specialized handling and safety precautions to ensure safe usage.
The ammonia-based refrigerant is itself efficient in energy consumption. The project will make
use of a 54 KW refrigeration machine. The electrical connection at the project site currently has
surplus capacity to accommodate the power requirement of this plant. However, the project will
have its transformer and a generator as stand-by to meet its requirement in case of any power
failure as the cold storage cannot be left without providing a continuous power supply.
5 Environmental and Social Setting
The proposed location of cold storage lies at 167 meters above sea level. The land is fallow, and
does not have any cultural heritages, inhabitants or national forest in its area, or water body
within the sub-project boundary or in the vicinity. As per the Geological map of Far Western
Nepal, the project site lies in the Quaternary Formation consisting of alluvium, boulders, gravels,
sands and clays. The soil profile of the site is characterized by medium dense light brownish silty
fine sand, and medium dense light brownish medium to fine SAND with gravels and boulders3.

The land allocated for the facility is 2,710 square meters of fallow land with the right of use
provided by the Town Development Committee of Tikapur Municipality. There are no schools,
health posts or any socio-culturally sensitive entities.

Figure 5.1: Proposed Site for Cold Storage Facility

6 Environmental and Social Impacts and Mitigation

The beneficial and adverse environmental and social issues identified for both construction and
operation phase are based on the following:

3
Geotechnical Investigation Report for the Proposed Cold Storage Site, 2077
  Technical review of the design, construction and operation modalities of the project in the
given physical, and socio-economic and cultural setting incorporating expert’s knowledge
on given situation for the identification of the potential issues
 Stakeholders’ concerns and issues (issues raised by the local people during scoping
meeting)
 Experience gained from other cold storage of similar nature

6.1 Beneficial Impacts

6.1.1 Construction Phase

i. A total of 8,341 work days of unskilled workers and 7,325 work days (refer to section
2.6) of skilled labour will be required for construction. Locals including women will be
hired preferably which will increase employment opportunities for the locals. The project
will train the locals for skilled work.
ii. Increase in the economic activity within the project sites as the local hotels, stores,
hardware suppliers etc., will be benefited during the construction stage.
iii. Local human resource will acquire new skills on cold room construction, especially
prefab houses.

6.1.2 Operation Phase

 Storage facility of local agro products: The cold storage has already prioritized local
products in consultation with the locals during the feasibility study. The cold storage will
benefit the local farmers of the RJKIP command area to store and sell off-season
agricultural produces round the year. The cold storage will benefit all farmers irrespective
of their economic status. Effort will be made to ensure that poor farmers are provided
with subsidized fee for storing their products and this will be reflected in the operation
guideline of the cold storage.
 Employment opportunity to locals: Locals will be employed for security,
transportation, sanitation and overall management position of the cold storage. A total of
9 people will be employed as manager, storage executive, supervisor and maintenance
mechanic and storage helpers.

6.2 Adverse Impacts

6.2.1 Construction Phase

 Spoil disposal management

 Since the land is flat and the prefab structure does not need deeper foundation, the
generated spoil will be very low and will not be significant.
Mitigation: Since the land is flat and the prefab structure does not need deeper
foundation, the generated spoil will be very low. There is space available within the
project area for spoil disposal. A separate spoil disposal yard within the project area will
be located with proper fencing.
 Solid waste management issues
Waste generation during construction activities is expected as follows:
Type of waste expected during construction
Organic (vegetables, leftover food)
Plastic (snack covers, plastic bags, material wrappers, water bottles etc.)
Glass (wine bottles, medicine bottles, broken glasses)
Fiber (Cushioning materials, ropes, rubbers, tubes, tires)
Others

Mitigation: Separate Dustbins will be maintained for degradable and non-degradable

wastes. The Recyclable wastes will be sent to scrap dealers; the organic waste will be
composted in the compost pit and the manure thus obtained will be distributed to the
locals.
 Impact from collection of construction material
The construction will require riverbed materials such as sand, gravel and boulders
which will impact water quality, aquatic biodiversity, riparian biodiversity.
Mitigation: The contractor will not be allowed to collect sand, gravel and boulders
within 50m distance of the right embankment of the Karnali River. Not more than a depth
of 1m of excavation will be allowed while mining. Excavation under water will be
strictly prohibited. The project authority and the Environmental Consultant will regularly
monitor this. If the contractor purchases these materials from material supplier, contract
between the contractor and material supplier should include these requirements.

 Hazard due to stockpiling of construction materials

Contractors may store fuel, oil and lubricants, diesel and petrol, bitumen, solvents and
other toxic chemicals for use in construction work. storage of such materials or accidents
 of tankers may cause spillage or leakage contaminating soil, and polluting groundwater,
cause fire hazards.
Mitigation: A separate yard inside the construction site will be designated for stockpiling
of construction materials. Sealing of the area so that surface water pollution does not
occur. Issue of construction camp and labor camp
Construction/ Labour camps will be established within the area allocated, which means it
will be within the perimeter of the sub-project site. The operation of campsites can
generate solid waste, and wastewater that will cause air and noise pollution.
Mitigation: Construction camps and labor camps will not be established outside project
area. Camps will be provided with a first aid facility and pit latrine; a soak pit will be
provided for water and solid waste management. Labour camp management guidelines
will be followed by workers and representatives of contractors for effective
implementation.
 Possible hazards due to combustible material
Storage of Lubricants and oil if not properly done will be a potential source of fire hazard
and soil contamination.
Mitigation: All used lubricants and oil will be collected and recycled or appropriately disposed
of off-site.
 Water and land pollution:
There are no water sources nearby but the water in agricultural lands might get polluted
through seepage and drainage during the construction period. Waste from labour camps
and seepage of cement slurry might impact the soil.
Mitigation: The construction wastewater will be released only after pre-treatment. The
waste generated in the camp will be segregated into degradable and non-degradable.
Degradable waste will be managed in a compost pit, while non-degradable waste will be
sent to the municipal waste management system of Tikapur municipality.
 Dust/ air pollution:
Activities like the operation of heavy machines like; generators, excavators, etc. and
smaller ones like; Driller, concrete mixers, etc. will produce both gaseous as well as dust
pollution.
 Mitigation: The contractor will cover bare soil, and use gravel or mulch to contain fine
soil particles use a water truck or temporary irrigation to keep haul roads damp. Lower
travel speeds shall be maintained on unpaved areas and earthmoving tasks shall be
restricted during extremely windy conditions. The equipment shall be maintained to
reduce the gaseous emissions.
 Noise pollution:
Although the construction activities are intermittent and localized, they nevertheless
contribute to significant amounts of sustained noise during equipment operation. Chronic
noise exposure can be a source of nuisance, creating communication problems and
leading to elevated stress levels as well as associated behavioural and health effects. It
can cause auditory fatigue, temporary and permanent lessening of hearing ability, sleep
disorders, and can contribute to learning problems in children. Operation of heavy
machines like; generators (82dBA), dump- trucks (84dBA), trippers, tankers etc. and
smaller ones like; concrete mixers (83dBA), and drilling machines produce related sound
levels.
Mitigation: The construction activities and operation of equipment will be carried out
below the TWA sound level of 85 dBA to 90 dBA and noise pollution will not be an
issue.

6.2.2 Operation phase

 Risk of Accident and Emergency Preparedness
Hazard due to ammonia release
Release of ammonia due to excess water within the system freezing may cause bursting
of pipes and other equipment. Ineffective refrigeration due to excess oil within the system
causes the system to work harder than necessary, thus stressing the system components.
Oxygen levels of more than a few ppm in liquid ammonia or a few thousand ppm in
gaseous ammonia can promote stress corrosion cracking in steels. This may result in a
catastrophic failure of bulk storage vessels, ammonia weeping from a crack within the
refrigeration system. Stress corrosion cracking proceeds more rapidly at high
temperatures. The impurities can enter the ammonia system while charging, from valve
stem packing, from pipe repairs, from piping leaks etc. The ammonia containers are
classed as "pressure containers with risk of explosion."
Mitigation: The following points should be observed when using pressure containers:
a. Inspection and acceptance: The design and manufacturing company must have a
Certificate of Approval from the appropriate authorities, and the products must
have a quality certificate.
b. Keeping technical records: Detailed records should be kept, including dates,
inspections, repairs, measures taken to resolve problems, and so on.
c. Personnel training: Operators must be trained, and receive the required
qualification after passing an examination.
d. Care in handling: Valves should be opened slowly to prevent pressure from
rising or falling too quickly.
e. Avoid overfilling: Do not overfill, to avoid high pressure and temperature.
f. Regular inspection: According to the specifications of the pressure containers,
they should be inspected externally once a year and internally once every two
years by the relevant authorities. After inspection, a visible and permanent label
of the authority, with the year of inspection, must be affixed to the container.
g. Safe transport: Ammonia containers should be protected from impacts or
overturning. Valves should be closed and caps well screwed on during transport.
Loading and unloading must be done slowly. Ammonia containers should never
be placed together with other containers, especially oxygen bottles. Fire
extinguishers must be available.
h. Regular maintenance: Pressure containers must be repaired and maintained
regularly to prevent leaking. They should be kept in dry areas when not used.
i. Qualified drivers and operators: The drivers and operators of tank trucks must
be trained and qualified by passing an examination. Moving and stopping
ammonia tank trucks should respect not only normal traffic regulations but also
special conditions. The relevant regulations should be written and displayed in the
appropriate position in or on the vehicle.
j. Accident reporting: Any accident should be reported immediately to the relevant
administration, police and labour department.
 k. Emergency Response Plan (ERP) appropriate to the risk and in coordination
with the locals to account the emergency prevention, preparedness and response
arrangements need to be prepared for operation by the contractor.
 Impact due to Solid Waste, semi-solid and liquid waste
The rotten vegetables, paper and plastic wrappers, sacks will be the main component of
solid waste during operation phase. If not handled properly it may result in foul odor
around the cold storage area. The semisolid and liquid waste consists of flush water and
decomposed vegetables.

Mitigation: The waste generated will be segregated into degradable and non-degradable.
Degradable waste will be managed in a compost pit, while non-degradable waste will be
sent to the municipal waste management system of Tikapur municipality.
7 Site-Specific Environmental and Social Management Plan
Table 7.7.1: Site-Specific Environmental and Social Management Plan

Tentative
S Impact Mitigation measures for Supervise
Location Responsibility management Remarks
N identification adverse impacts d by
cost
A Physical Environment (Construction phase)
Since the land is flat and the
prefab structure does not need
deeper foundation, the generated
spoil will be very low.
Hazard due to construction ACIU/ Cost for fencing
1 There is space available within Contractor 15,0000.00
spoil disposal site WUAs by GI plane sheet.
the project area for spoil disposal.
A separate spoil disposal yard
within the project area will be
located with proper fencing.
The Recyclable wastes will be
sent to scrap dealers; the organic Cost for dust bins
Solid Waste
construction waste will be composted in the ACIU/WU and compost pit,
2 Management Contractor 100,000.00
site compost pit and the manure thus As lime, decomposer
Issues
obtained will be distributed to the etc.
locals.
A separate yard inside the
Hazard due to construction site will be
stockpiling of construction designated for stockpiling of ACIU/WU Plastic mat for
3 Contractor 100,000.00
construction site construction materials. Sealing of As surface coverage.
materials the area so that surface water
pollution does not occur.
Establishment Construction camps and labor
and operation of camps will not be established
Labor camps construction outside project area. Camps will ACIU/WU
4 Contractor 700,000.00
and site be provided with first aid facility As
Construction and pit latrine; soak pit will be
Camps provided for water and solid
 Tentative
S Impact Mitigation measures for Supervise
Location Responsibility management Remarks
N identification adverse impacts d by
cost
waste management. Labor camp
management guidelines will be
followed by workers and
representatives of contractors for
effective implementation.
Within
Possible All used lubricants and oil will be
project area
hazards due to collected and recycled or Cost for plastic
as well as ACIU/WU
5 toxic and disposed off site in appropriate Contractor 150,000.00 bags and
during As
combustible manner so as to avoid any transportation.
transportatio
material environmental degradation
n
The construction wastewater will Contractor ACIU/WU
be released only after pre- As
treatment. The waste generated in
the camp will be segregated into
Water and land degradable and non-degradable. Should be
construction
6 pollution Degradable waste will be Embedded in
site
managed in a compost pit, while BoQ
non-degradable waste will be
sent to the municipal waste
management system of Tikapur
municipality.
The contractor will cover bare Contractor ACIU/WU Should be
soil, and use gravel or mulch As Embedded in
to contain fine soil particles BoQ
Within
project area use a water truck or temporary
Dust/ air
as well as irrigation to keep haul roads
7 pollution: during damp. Lower travel speeds
transportatio shall be maintained on
n unpaved areas and
earthmoving tasks shall be
restricted during extremely
 Tentative
S Impact Mitigation measures for Supervise
Location Responsibility management Remarks
N identification adverse impacts d by
cost
windy conditions. The
equipment shall be maintained
to reduce the gaseous
emissions
Within The construction activities and Contractor ACIU/WU Should be
project area operation of equipment will be As Embedded in
Noise pollution: as well as carried out below the TWA BoQ
8
during sound level of 85 dBA to 90
transportatio dBA and noise pollution will
n not be an issue.
B. Physical Environment (Operation Phase)
The office room will be well
ventilated in order to control foul
smell; leaking areas will be
Air pollution frequently checked and Regular
controlled. Contractor/WU
1 and odour ACIU 0.00 supervision no
Cold Storage Operation and As
nuisance cost involved.
Management Guidline (शित
भण्डार संचालन तथा व्यवस्थापन
कार्यशवशि, २०७९)
The machinery is 54KW which
cost is built in
Impact due to can be easily operated by existing
Entire design and
2 Energy electricity supply but a WUAs ACIU 0.00
Project Area estimate of the
Consumption transformer and generator will be
cold storage.
used.
Measures suggested in 6.2.2
Project site (Hazards due to ammonia
Ammonia and release) Cold Storage Training for
3 WUAs ACIU 300,000.00
Hazard adjoining operator.
Operation and Management
areas
Guidline (शित भण्डार संचालन
 Tentative
S Impact Mitigation measures for Supervise
Location Responsibility management Remarks
N identification adverse impacts d by
cost
तथा व्यवस्थापन कार्यशवशि, २०७९)

The structures will be made

earthquake hazard tolerant. Pre-
Project site
fab structures are itself fire Cost for training
Fire hazard & and
4 tolerant and seismic tolerant. WUAs ACIU 200,000.00 and fire
Earthquake adjoining
However, fire extinguishers and extinguishers.
areas
proper training will be provided
to working staffs.
The solid waste will be collected
in separate bins and organic
waste will be composted in
Impact due to Cost for dust bin,
coordination with neighboring
Solid Waste, 100,000.00 per plastic bags and
5 Project Area villagers. The recyclable waste WUAs ACIU
semi-solid annum compost pit, lime,
will be sold to scrap dealer and
waste decomposer.
other waste will be managed in
coordination with Tikapur
Municipality
C Biological Environment (Operation phase)

Impact due to
Nearby The impact will be prevented by
ammonia Already
agricultural applying the precautions
1 leakage on WUAs ACIU 0.00 mentioned in
lands of mentioned 6.2.2 (hazard due to
nearby section B.3.
project area ammonia release)
agricultural land

D Socio-Economic and Cultural Environment (Construction Phase)

Prohibition of entrance without
Cost for
Occupational permission to the hazard areas. ACIU/WU
1 Project Area Contractor 200,000.00 signboard and
Health Hazard Fencing of high-risk construction As
fencing net.
sites and signboards to prevent
 Tentative
S Impact Mitigation measures for Supervise
Location Responsibility management Remarks
N identification adverse impacts d by
cost
accidents. A SOP needs to be
prepared by the contractor for
construction in situation like
pandemicss.
Provision of health care facilities
Impact on
at the camps with sufficient ACIU/WU Coordination with
2 health and Project Area Contractor 100,000.00
manpower and medicines to As Tikapur hospital.
sanitation
control any epidemic outbreak;
Names of the
labour along with
their identity
Child labor Child labor will be strictly ACIU/WU
Project Area Contractor 0.00 revealing their
issues prohibited As
age will be
documented by
the contractor.
CoC will be
Most of the manpower will be
signed and
utilized from local areas. Outside
complied by the
workers with good
laborers to avoid
Impact due to communication and interaction
ACIU/WU risks related to
3 workers from Project Area skills will be employed in the Contractor 0.00
As SEA/SH in the
outside the area project during construction phase
community
A SOP needs to be prepared by
including child
the contractor for construction in
labor/child
situation like pandemicss.
protection
E. Socio-Economic and Cultural Environment (Operation Phase)

ACIU will work in close Cost for training

Haphazard coordination with WUAs and 300,000 per on marketing and
1 Tikapur WUAs ACIU
market growth Tikapur municipality for market annum market
management. management.
 Tentative
S Impact Mitigation measures for Supervise
Location Responsibility management Remarks
N identification adverse impacts d by
cost
The priority to be given to the
product of local farmers and to
avoid ‘elite capture’ the
Impacts due to
provisions such as subsidized fee 100,000.00 per Cost for
2 discriminatory project area WUAs ACIU
to poor farmers, easy access to all annum workshop
practices
etc., will be included in the
operation guideline of the cold
storage.
Cost for Desktop
computer
Impact due to Collection The tags in the vegetables will be purchase and
Poor centers and created digitally so that there will WUAs ACIU 300,000.00 training on
Management project area be less chances of misplacement. commodity
management in
3 storage.
The project will employ mostly
Corporate local workers The project will
In and Cost for flower,
Social maintain greenery by plantation
around WUAs ACIU 50,000 per annum fruit and other
Responsibility of trees within its boundary. The
project area tree plantations.
of Project labor act will be strictly
implemented
8 Conclusion:
The cold storage facility which is going to be constructed by Water User Association (WUAs) in
RJKIP project command area will have significant benefits to the farmers and overall food
security of the region. The construction of cold storage will help to reduce post-harvest losses
from fruits and vegetables produced in and around the project command area. The consumers
will have access to fresh agricultural commodities all year round in minimum prices while the
farmers will also get a profitable floor price for their commodities. However, a project of this
magnitude may have some negative impacts on the surrounding biological, physical and social
environment. The priority will be given to the product of local farmers and to avoid ‘elite
capture’ the provisions such as subsidized fees to poor farmers, easy access to all etc should be
included in the operation guidelines of the cold storage. ACIU, being aware of the situation, has
conducted a thorough study on the possible impacts of the project. Provided there is a regular
supply of goods for storage, there could be only one possible impact i.e., the possibility of
Ammonia hazard. The measures for safeguarding from possible leakage of ammonia and its
impacts have been included or will be included in the cold storage design and operation manual.
A Cold Storage Operation and Management Guidline (शित भण्डार संचालन तथा व्यवस्थापन कार्यशवशि,
२०७९) has been prepared that also includes the Emergency Response Plan (ERP) appropriate to
the risk, and to account the emergency prevention, preparedness and response arrangements of
possible ammonia release.

All other potential impacts are insignificant in this project. The construction of 1000 metric ton
capacity cold storage has already inspired local farmers and businesses even during preparatory
stage. ACIU will implement, supervise and monitor the implementation of proposed Site-
Specific Environmental and Social management plan. It is envisaged that the proposed project
will be a milestone in promoting the agricultural production and their marketing in project
command area.
References
Gautam D. M. and Bhattarai (2012). Postharvest horticulture.Bhawani Printers.Chabahil
Kathmandu, Nepal.
Ministry of Forests and Environment, 1999. Environmental Protection Act, 1997 and
Environment Protection Rules, 1999. (Amendment, 1999)
Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (2014). Agriculture Development Strategies
2014.
Ministry of Health (2017). Nepal Demographic and Health Survey, 2016.
Annexes
Annex 1. Minute of meeting held on January 24, 2021 for environmental and social screening of
the proposed project.
Annex 2. Questionnaire for environmental screening of the proposed project.
Annex 3. Questionnaire for the social screening of the proposed project.
\
Annex 4. Map of the proposed project site.
Annex 6. Layout and design of the proposed project from detailed project report.
Annex 5: Letter for Land Use Rights
 Related photographs

Meeting held on January 24, 2021 for environmental and social screening