MEMORUNDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN NWDA AND M/S IRG SYSTEMS

SOUTH ASIA, PVT. LTD., NEW DELHI FOR CARRYING OUT SOCIO-ECONOMIC
SURVEYS/STUDIES AND ECOLOGICAL AS WELL AS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ASSESSMENT STUDIES OF PROPOSED GANGA-DAMODAR-SUBARNAREKHA LINK
PROJECT

1. Preamble
The Ganga – Damodar – Subarnarekha (G-D-S) link project envisages diversion of
28,913 Mm3 of water from the upstream of existing Farakka barrage on river Ganga to the
proposed Subarnarekha barrage across river Subarnarekha. This is an extension of Manas-
Sankosh-Tista-Ganga link, which will deliver about 37,913 Mm 3 of water to Ganga at Farakka
after meeting various enroute utilizations. After allocating 9000 Mm 3 to Farakka-Sundarban
link, a net balance of 28,913 Mm3 would be available at Farakka for further transfer through G-
D-S link canal. Out of this, a quantum of 9,074 Mm 3 is earmarked for irrigation, 432 Mm 3 is
planned to be utilized for domestic & industrial purposes, 757 Mm 3 is proposed to be utilized
for salinity control in Roopnarayan and Haldi rivers. A quantum of about 750 Mm 3 will be lost
in transmission. After meeting these requirements, the remaining 17,900 Mm 3 of water will be
transferred to Subarnarekha for further transfer to south.

The link canal takes off from the existing Farakka barrage in Murshidabad district of
West Bengal, at FSL 21.032 m and traverses for a length of about 381 km through Pakur and
Dumka districts in Jharkhand; Birbhum, Bardwan, Bankura and Mednipore districts in West
Bengal before falling into pond of Subarnarekha barrage at FSL of 53.926m.

The link canal is designed as lined canal of trapezoidal section with bottom rounded
corners. The maximum carrying capacity of the canal is 1724 cumec with the corresponding
cross section of 166 m of bed width and 7.0 m full supply depth. Most of the land acquisition is
confined to mostly cultivable land besides few patches of forest land of 718 ha.

The link involves a total lift of 60.00 m in two stages. A forebay of size1500 mX 933 m
X 9 m depth has been designed. It has been proposed to lift the discharge 1724 cumecs.
Thus total power required for two stage lift works out to 1318 MW.

It is proposed to bring 12,30,062 ha of CCA under irrigation, in the state of West Bengal
and Jharkhand utilising 9074 Mm3 water annually. Apart from irrigation, 216 Mm3 of water is
earmarked to cater to the future domestic and industrial water requirements of 5 important
towns situated in the command. Same quantity of 216 Mm 3 of water has also been kept for
rural domestic and industrial requirements in the command area.

The cost of the project at 2004-05 price level is estimated to be Rs.24418.81 crores.

II. OVERALL OBJECTIVES

i) To assess the likely environmental and ecological impacts due to the link canal
project including cross drainage structures
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ii) To study the present socio-economic conditions of the people in the command
area of the link canal, to assess the likely effect of the project in improving the socio-
economic conditions of the people.

III. IMMEDIATE OBJECTIVES

i) To assess the environmental impacts related to the location, design, structure and
operation of the project. The impact due to project location should discuss the
resettlement and rehabilitation of displaced families, assessment of loss of forest,
natural reserves, etc.

ii) To develop an environmental management strategy to mitigate the adverse impacts

including evaluation of alternative methods to reduce or eliminate adverse impacts of
the most critical areas likely to contribute to the most significant environmental
burdens.

iii) To assess the socio-economic conditions of the people in the command area by
conducting a bench-mark survey in the command area sample and to assess the likely
economic impact of the project.

IV. EXPECTED OUTPUT

(1) An interim report

(2) A draft final report covering, inter alia, the following aspects:

A. ENVIRONMENTAL & ECOLOGICAL IMPACT SURVEYS

a) A concise description of the pre-project ecological conditions in the project area.

Based on the literature survey supplemented by field studies, a general description
should be given on geology, soil types, hydrology, meteorology and natural flora and
fauna.
b) A brief summary of demography, socio-economic conditions, land use and land
tenure in the project area.
c) A summary of constraints related to pre-project environment, including shortage of
fuel wood, soil erosion, pollution of surface and ground water and endemic diseases.
d) The quality of surface and ground water resources at representative sites in the
project area.
e) A concise summary of planned project activities, the project’s main objectives, the
main beneficiaries and the expected regional socio-economic effects. Concomitant
factors such as transport, human settlement, services, industrialization and tourism
should also be discussed.

f) Impacts due to project location

 Population affected including weaker sections (scheduled casts, tribes, etc.)

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  Forest lands – An assessment of the loss of forest specifying the type of forest
in the submerge areas and the area occupied by project components.
 Natural reserves – Effect of the project on wild life parks, reserves, sanctuaries
and other protected areas within the project area – impact on rare or
endangered species of flora and fauna within and outside the project area –
impediments to wild life movement – positive and negative effects on the aquatic
life / birds.
 Historical and cultural monuments which will be affected by the project activities.
 Grazing lands- an inventory of communal and other grazing land which will be
lost or affected by project activities – an assessment of possible conflicts in land
use and effect on animal husbandry operations – an assessment of impacts on
livestock movements.

(g) Impacts due to project design

 Hydrological balance – Expected rise in ground water table

 Drainage – Risk of water logging / flooding
 Passage way – Review whether suitable and sufficient crossings for people,
livestock and wild life are included in the project design

(h) Impacts due to construction works

 Construction spoils – Review of the adequacy of provisions for dumping of

construction spoils, waste materials, etc.
 Public health – improvement in availability of water for various uses – the
vectors that may transmit diseases from local carriers to immigrant workers and
staff and vice versa.
 Possible impact if any on underground precious minerals and important mines in
the project area due to construction of project should be evaluated in terms of
loss of natural resources

(i) Impacts due to project operation

 Expected increase in the use of pesticides and fertilizers – assessment of

the effects of runoff and drainage of residual fertilizers and pesticides on the
water quality of the receiving body and on aquatic communities downstream.
 Impacts on soils – improvement of fertility and increase in agricultural
production – the risk of water logging based on soil survey data – salinity and
alkalization risks based on water quality data and soil characteristics.
 Ground water – indication of the areas where changes in ground water level
can be expected including both positive and negative effects – assessment of
possible changes in ground water quality as a result of Percolation of toxic
residues of agro-chemicals and their effect inside and outside the project area.
 Changes in surface water quality and eutrophication- an assessment of
the risk of surface water pollution by residues from agro-chemicals, future trends
and their effect on fisheries and aquatic eco-system-an assessment of the risk of
eutrophication of reservoir / barrage water by sediment, nutrient leaching and
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 fertilizer residues and consequently the risk of clearing of canals and
maintenance programme and its cost estimates and suggested methods that are
environmentally acceptable for weed control.
 Water related diseases – the effect of changes in the water quality,
eutrophication, weed growth and the increase in areas of stagnant water on the
proliferation of insects or other vectors of water related human and livestock
diseases – a study of the present incidence of main water related disease vectors
– an assessment of required health care Facilities – an assessment of adequacy
of planned measures to reduce the spread of water related diseases.

(j) Environmental management and cost estimates

With the knowledge of the baseline conditions, the planned construction activities and
future development programmes, projections are to be made of their influence on
physical, chemical and biological aspects of environment in the area. These projections
should identified whether the pre-project critical environmental conditions will be
further degraded and what additional environmental conditions are likely to become
critical. An environmental management strategy will be developed to mitigate the
adverse impacts. The strategy will include evaluation of alternative methods to reduce
or eliminate adverse impacts of the most critical areas likely to contribute to the most
significant environmental burdens. Cost estimates for each of the proposed mitigation
measures should be given. The proposals shall also include canal bank plantation with
an estimate of the area required and the cost estimates.

(k) Environmental monitoring

Design for a post project environmental monitoring programme for implementation.

The cost estimates and the equipment necessary for implementation shall also be
indicated.

B. SOCIO-ECONOMIC SURVEYS

(i) Analysis of demographic profile (human population and livestock) including

rate of growth, area, sex ratio, literacy rate, percentage of classified workers,
residential houses, villages, towns, etc. in the study area.
(ii) The impact of changes in nature of work due to commissioning of the project
and the employment generation possibilities, including self employment.
(iii) An analysis of land ownership and operational holdings.
(iv) The role of intensive agriculture on the improvement of status among the
people including improvement on the cropping pattern practices. Agricultural
practices and input pattern.
(v) Gross economical income in the study area at present and the future trends.
Overall per capita income at present and likely changes in the future.
(vi) An evaluation of the industrial development status and impact due to
commissioning of the project.

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 (vii) Possible improvement in surface and ground water availability and benefits
accrued to irrigated agriculture, drinking water use, industries and thermal
power plants.
(viii) Possible improvement in wet lands and fisheries.
(ix) Infra-structural facilities available in the study area
(x) Likely changes in basic amenities and socio-economic aspects like drinking
water, power supply, sanitation, education and public health amenities.
(xi) Likely improvement in livestock and poultry farm population.
(xii) An analysis of land use pattern.
(xiii) Economics of cultivation. Assessment of likely economic impact.
Quantification, in monetary terms, of the benefits that would accrue from
improvement of various sections of society. Wherever it is non-quantifiable in
financial terms, a qualitative assessment in economic terms may also be
provided.

A final report incorporating the views and suggestions of the Review Committee
expressed from time to time.

V. EXPECTED INPUTS FOR THE STUDY

i) Since the pre-feasibility report of the proposed Ganga-Damodar-

Subarnarekha link project contains the data of secret nature, therefore, it
could not be possible to provide the report as such. However, the
information required by the consultants for and considered necessary by the
NWDA carrying out the studies will be made available by the Executive
Engineer, Hydrological Division, NWDA, Kolkata.
ii) Copies of the unrestricted toposheets/maps of the project area and the
enroute command/study area. (to be provided by NWDA).
iii) Information on the cropping pattern adopted in the command area along with
the water requirements of these crops (to be provided by NWDA).
iv) Land use data of the submerged areas and the command area.
v) Census data for the villages in the command area
vi) Revenue records of the area.

VI. DISCIPLINES REQUIRED IN THE STUDY

A team of professionals from various disciplines viz. Agronomy, Irrigation Engineering,

Water Resources, Sociology, Economics and Environmental Sciences, Health Aspects etc. are
to be involved in the study.

VII. REVIEW COMMITTEE

The Review Committee constituted by NWDA shall review the programme and progress
of work of M/S IRG Systems South Asia, Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi. The committee can meet as
often as necessary. The consultants shall extend facilities for holding of the meetings of
the review committee and shall present the studies as done to the committee, the dates
for which shall be communicated well in advance by NWDA. The consultants are expected

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to adjust their work in accordance with the suggestions of review committee. However,
where such suggestions either modify the objectives of the study or have serious
difficulties / financial implications, the consultants would have to point this out to the
NWDA and get the matter settled.

In the absence of a review committee, a designated officer of NWDA may carry

on these functions and review the progress etc.

VIII. SUBMISSION OF INTERIM AND DRAFT REPORT

(a) Submission of Interim Reports within 60 days incorporating reconnaissance survey

results, work elements, methodology and various impacts.

(b) M/S IRG Systems South Asia, Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi shall submit six copies of
the draft final report after incorporating suggestions / modifications on interim report
as decided by the Review committee are incorporated within 90 days from the date of
award of work for examination / suggestions of NWDA

IX. FINAL REPORT

The final report shall be prepared by the Consultant after incorporating views of Review
committee and six copies of the same should be submitted to NWDA for vetting within
five months from the date of award of work.

X. PRINTING OF REPORT

After the final draft report is vetted by NWDA, M/S IRG Systems South Asia, Pvt. Ltd.,
New Delhi shall supply, unless otherwise specified, twenty printed copies of the
report including a soft copy on CD along with drawings, annexures, etc. The data,
information, reports, drawings etc. received by the Consultants from NWDA for carrying
out the studies shall also be returned or given to NWDA in original

XI. PENALTY FOR DELAY

The work shall be completed strictly within a period of Four months (extendable
without penalty to maximum seven months, if recommended by the review committee).
A penalty @ 2% of the contract amount shall be imposed in case of delay of each week
or part thereof.

XII SECURITY DEPOSIT

The security deposit will be collected by deductions from the running bills of the
consultant equivalent to 5% of the tendered value of the work and the earnest money
deposited at the time of tender will be treated as part of security deposit.

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 A sum @ 10% of the gross amount of the bill shall be deducted from each running bill
of the consultant till the sum along with the sum already deposited as earnest money, will
amount to security deposit @ 5% of the tendered value of the work within the period
prescribed for commencement of work in the letter of award issued to him.

The security deposit will be refunded within three months after the satisfactory
completion of work and submission of final report.

XIII SCHEDULE OF PAYMENT

The payments shall be made by the Executive Engineer, Investigation Division, NWDA,
Kolkata subject to that total amount shall not exceed Rs. 6,46,631 (Rupees six lakh forty six
thousand six hundred thirty six only) inclusive of service tax @12.24% as per the following
schedule, unless otherwise provided for a particular invitation:

i) On start of work and after submission of the chart showing 10%

time schedule for various activities of the work by the
consultant (subject to furnishing of B.G. of the equivalent amount ).

ii) On certificate of completion of collection and compilation 20%

Of data, sample surveys etc.(to be issued by the Review
Committee)

iii) After submission of Interim report 20%

iv) After submission of draft final reports 20%

v) After intimation of acceptance of the final report 15%

vi) After furnishing requisite printed copies of the

report and return of data / documents etc. 15%

vii) The bill shall be submitted to the Executive Engineer, Hydrological Division,
N.W.D.A. ,Kolkatta for payment.

XIV. INTERPRETATION OF CLAUSES AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Where there is a conflict as regards the interpretation of clauses, scope of work,

changes in the scope due to modifications suggested by the Review Committee/NWDA, the
matters will be mutually settled between the Consultants & NWDA. In case of any difference
of opinion, the decision of the Director General, NWDA shall be final and binding on both the
parties.

XV. COPY RIGHTS

The reports along with drawings, annexures, etc. shall be the copy right of NWDA and
no part thereof shall be printed without prior permission of NWDA. Any summary,
abstract, technical paper etc. based on the study, and any basic data as supplied by
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NWDA, or collected by the Consultants as a part of the study, shall not be published by the
Consultants except with the prior permission of the NWDA. The consultant will
maintain the confidentiality of the data given to them for the work.

XVI. TIME SCHEDULE

The work shall be completed and final report thereof shall be submitted within four
months, after award of work. If the M/S IRG Systems South Asia, Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi
apprehends any delay in submission of the report, they shall inform at least one month in
advance and seek suitable extension of time thereof on sufficient valid grounds. The
extension shall not normally exceed four weeks and no additional payment shall be
entertained on account of such delay.

XVII. VALIDITY
This Memorandum of Undertaking (MOU) is valid till the completion of the work.

XVIII ARBITRATION
Differences / disputes, if any, arising in the interpretation on execution of the
Memorandum of Understanding shall be mutually settled through reconciliation failing
which they will be referred to Director General, National Water Development Agency,
whose decision shall be final and binding on both NWDA and M/S IRG Systems South Asia,
Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi.

XIX. OWNERSHIP OF THE REPORTS

The investigation data / reports prepared by the M/S IRG Systems South Asia, Pvt. Ltd.,
New Delhi shall be the property of NWDA.

XX. AMENDMENTS
No amendment or modification of the Memorandum of Understanding will be made
unless the same is made in writing by both the parties and agreed to. The modifications /
changes will be effective from the date on which they are made / executed, unless
otherwise agreed to.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING is signed today, the 15 th
July, 2008.

Name: ( H.N. DIXIT) Name: (AMIT JAIN)

Superintending Engineer Designation: Managing Director

Investigation Circle,
NWDA, Bhubaneswar.
For and on behalf of For and on behalf of
National Water Development Agency M/s. IRG Systems
South Asia Pvt. Ltd.
New Delhi
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