Baseline Data Study

REPORT

of the EIA of civil engineering projects (CE4026D) carried out for partial fulfilment
of the award of the degree in Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering

by

AADITYA KIRAN
(Roll No.: B200558CE)

ABHINAV V
(Roll No.: B200561CE)

ABHISHEK A M
(Roll No.: B200585CE)

Department of Civil Engineering

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY CALICUT
NITC P.O., Kozhikode – 673601, Kerala
October, 2022
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction

2. Meteorology

3. Ambient air quality

4. Noise level

5. Surface water quality

6. Groundwater quality

7. Soil characteristics

8. Land use/ Land cover

9. Socioeconomic environment
Introduction
Baseline Environmental Studies have been conducted to determine the existing status of various
Environmental attributes viz., Climate and atmospheric conditions, ambient air, ambient noise, water
(ground & surface), soil, hydrogeological, land use pattern, ecological and socio-economic
environment of proposed project within the block. This study would help to undertake corrective
mitigation measures for the protection of the environment on account of any change, deviation of
attributes due to the proposed Project Activities located in Thiruvambady, Dist: Calicut, Kerala. A
comprehensive primary and secondary data collection program were undertaken to assess the status of
baseline environment conditions within the study area, as per the Terms of Reference (TOR) issued by
SEIAA, Kerala vide no. 2807/EN/T-II-1/536/2023 dated 13th December 2023 for carrying out the
EIA/EMP study for one season. The reconnaissance survey of the area around the 10 Km radius of
project site located in Thiruvambady, Dist: Calicut, Kerala was carried out from 1st March 2023 to
30st May 2023 and the field studies were carried out for one season for the EIA studies to collect
baseline primary and secondary data for the present environmental scenario in the study area.

3.2 SCOPE OF BASE LINE STUDY

An area, covering 10 Km radius of project site considered to carryout environmental baseline studies.
Primary data on Micrometeorology, ambient air, ambient noise, traffic, soil, water, flora-fauna &
socio-economic data were collected from the study area by a team of experts. Secondary data were
collected from various Departments of State/Central Government Organizations, Semi-Government
and Public Sector Organizations. Various environmental attributes considered for formulating
environmental baseline are given in Table 3.1 and the frequency and monitoring methodology for
various environmental attributes are given in Table 3.2 for reference.

No. of
SL
Attribute Parameters sampling
no.
locations

Wind speed, Wind direction, Temperature, Dew

1 Meteorology point, Humidity, Pressure 1

Ambient air
2 PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NOx, CO, O3 3
quality

3 Noise levels Noise levels in dB(A). 5

Colour, Electrical conductivity, Turbidity, Total

Dissolved solids, pH, BOD, DO Total alkalinity,
Total hardness, Calcium hardness, magnesium
Surface water
4 hardness, Calcium, Magnesium, Chloride, 1
quality
Sulphate, Iron, Ammonia, Nitrate, Total coliform,
Fecal coliform, E. Coli
 Temperature, pH, BOD, Fluoride, Arsenic,
Groundwater Conductivity, Fecal coliforms, Total coliforms,
5 2
quality Total Dissolved Solids

pH, Conductivity, Water holding capacity, Organic

Soil matter, Porosity, Soil texture, Total nitrogen,
6 2
characteristics Potassium, Total Phosphorous, Permeability

Land use / Land

7 Land use for different land use Classifications. -
Cover

Socioeconomic Socio-economic characteristics, population

8 -
Environment statistics, existing amenities in the study area

figure – Study area of 10km radius

 figure – Google image showing project site
3.1 Environmental setting of study area

Sl Particulars Details
no.

1 Latitude 11.337971

2 Longitude 76.003404

3 AVG Elevation above MSL 85 m

4 Climatic Conditions Moderate

5 Present land use at the location Rubber estate

6 Nearest village THIRUVAMBADI

7 Nearest Town/City Mukkam

8 Nearest Railway Station Kozhikode

9 Nearest Hospital Govt PHC THIRUVAMBADI

10 Nearest Highway NH 83

11 Nearest Airport calicut airport

12 Nearest Fire station Fire Station Mukkam

13 Nearest Water Body Iruvazhinjippuzha

14 Ecologically sensitive zones within 10- Thiruvambady

km distance
 15 Historical/ Archaeological places Nil

16 National Parks/Wild Life Sanctuary Mavoor Wetlands

17 List of Major Industries (within 10 km) Royal Chemical Industry

18 Seismic Zone Zone - III

DISTRICT OVEREVIEW
Calicut District: Calicut is a town and municipality in the northern region of the Indian state of
Kerala. It has an average elevation of 295 metres. To the west of Calicut lies the Arabian sea, to the
east the Wayanad district of Kerala, to the north the Kannur district of Kerala and Mahé (Puducherry)
and Malappuram district of Kerala to the South. Calicut has a temperate tropical monsoon climate.
The average annual precipitation in Calicut is approximately 3,266 mm. The climate is generally
humid with a very hot season from March to May. The South West monsoon occurs from the first
week of June to September, while the North East monsoon occurs from the second half of October to
November. The tides range from 83 centimeters to 160 centimeters. The highest temperature
recorded was 39.4 °C in March 1975, and the lowest was 14 °C on December 26, 1975. The weather
is ideal from December and January until March when the skies are clear and the air is crisp.

Calicut's elevation varies between 1 meter at the sea coast to 15 meters towards the east. The city
typically receives about 204.04 millimeters (8.03 inches) of precipitation and has 235.65 rainy days
(64.56% of the time) annually.

METEOROLOGY AND CLIMATE

The district enjoys tropical humid type of climate with oppressive summer season and good seasonal
rainfall. The summer season extends from March to May followed by monsoon season, which lasts till
September. October and November constitute the post monsoon or retreating monsoon season.
December to February months experience cold weather conditions. Summer: March, April, May
Monsoon: June, July, August and September Post-monsoon: October, November Winter: December,
January and February

1. Meteorology
Wind speed & direction

The maximum wind speed observed during the month of July is 7.9 kmph and minimum wind
speed observed during the month of December is N/A. The annual average wind speed
calculated is 2.4 kmph.
 Source : https://www.indianclimate.com/show-data.php
Table of frequencies (%) on each direction

Windrose diagram for Kozhikode

Location of measurement

Meterological Data
 Relative humidity
SITE SPECIFIC METEOROLOGY
Onsite monitoring was undertaken for various meteorological parameters in order to generate the
site-specific data. The Central Monitoring Station (CMS), equipped with continuous monitoring
equipment to record wind speed, wind direction, temperature, humidity and rain fall was set up at the
top of the building at a height of ~5.0 m above the ground level. The methodology adopted for
monitoring surface observations was as per the Standard norms laid down by the Bureau of Indian
Standards (IS: 8829:1978) and IMD. Data was collected at every hour continuously from 1st March
2023 to 30th May 2023 for 12 weeks
Temperature
The average temperature during study period in the site locations at project site varied from 15°C to
39°C.
Relative Humidity
The average relative humidity during study period in the site locations at project site varied from 23%
to 99%.
Wind Speed
The monthly wind speed in and around the project site during the study period (3 months) are found to
be varied from 0 KMPH to 39 KMPH. The rose diagram showing overall wind direction and wide
speed for the study period is given in Figure 3.2.

2. Ambient Air Quality

 Locations of air quality data sampling

The prime objective of baseline air monitoring is to evaluate the existing air quality of the
study area. This will also be useful for assessing the conformity to standards of the ambient
air quality during the execution of the Proposed Project Activities. Ambient air monitoring
was carried out during 1st March 2023 to 30th May 2023 for 12 weeks. Ambient air quality of
the study area has been assessed through a network of 8 ambient air quality stations designed
keeping in view the meteorological conditions of the study region and others such as major
habitation, environment sensitivity etc. It was observed that no habitats present near the well
locations and all the proposed well locations fall within the open land area. The AAQ
locations selected based on the predominant wind directions and major habitation area. The
methodology adopted for the air quality survey is given below:

PARAMETERS FOR SAMPLING

The baseline data of air environment was generated for the parameters namely Particulate
Matter size less than 10 µm (PM10), Particulate Matter size less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5),
Sulphur dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen dioxide (NOX), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Ozone (O3).
Concentrations of pollutant parameter monitored have been compared with National Ambient
Air Quality standards.
Parameter Unit Location Value Average Permissible limit

Thiruvambady,
64
Kerala 31oC

µg/m3 Raroth, Kerala

PM10 84 66 100
28oC

Koodaranji,
50
Kerala 22 oC

Thiruvambady,
35
Kerala 31oC

Raroth, Kerala
PM2.5 µg/m3 36 33.3 60
28oC

Koodaranji,
29
Kerala 22 oC

Thiruvambady,
20
Kerala 31oC

Raroth, Kerala
NO2 µg/m3 16 19.3 80
28oC

Koodaranji,
22
Kerala 22 oC

Thiruvambady,
56
Kerala 31oC

Raroth, Kerala
O3 µg/m3 45 40.3 180
28oC

Koodaranji,
20
Kerala 22 oC

Thiruvambady,
3
Kerala 31oC

Raroth, Kerala
SO2 µg/m3 4 3.3 80
28oC

Koodaranji,
3
Kerala 22 oC

Thiruvambady,
206
Kerala 31oC
CO µg/m3 284.7 4000
Raroth, Kerala 305
28oC
 Koodaranji, 343
Kerala 22 oC
Source : https://www.accuweather.com
Air quality measurement

3. Noise Level

Noise measurement locations

NOISE ENVIRONMENT
The main objective of monitoring of ambient noise levels was to establish the baseline noise
levels in the surrounding areas and to assess prevailing total noise level in the environment of
the study area. The measurements were carried out using Type 1 noise level integrated sound
level meter. A digital noise level meter was used to record the noise levels. From these values,
day time and night time and 24-hrs Equivalent Continuous Sound Pressure Level (Leq) values
were calculated. Day time is considered from 06:00 hrs to 22:00 hrs and night from 22:00 hrs
to 06:00 hrs.

IDENTIFICATION OF SAMPLING LOCATION

The noise monitoring has been conducted at 5 locations which includes the boundaries of the
property. The location coordinates of these eight locations are given in Table 3.12.

INSTRUMENTS USED FOR SAMPLING

Noise levels were measured using a sound level meter. A typical meter consists of a
microphone for picking up the sound and converting it into an electrical signal, followed by
electronic circuitry for operating on this signal so that the desired characteristics can be
measured.
 METHOD OF MONITORING

Noise, in general, is sound which is composed of many frequency components of various

types of loudness distributed over the audible frequency range. Equivalent sound pressure
levels of day time i.e. Leq (day) and night time Leq (night) are calculated from the hourly
measured noise level and compared to Ambient Noise Level Standards as per the “Noise
Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000” stipulated for daytime and night time for
residential land use. Various noise scales have been introduced to describe, in a single
number, the response of an average human to a complex sound made up of various
frequencies at different loudness levels. The most common and universally accepted scale is
the ‘A’ weighted Scale which is measured in dB scale (A). This is more suitable for an audible
range of 20 to 20,000 Hz. The scale has been designed to weigh various components of noise,
according to the response of a human ear. Sound Pressure Level (SPL) measurements were
measured at all locations. The day noise levels have been monitored during 6 am to 10 pm
and night levels during 10 pm to 6 am at all the project locations.

Day time Night time

Location designation Zone Units
CPCB CPCB
Result Result
limit limit

Location 1 Commercial dB(A) 44 65 32.7 55

Location 2 Industrial dB(A) 61.8 75 51.4 70

Location 3 Silence dB(A) 35.2 50 29.5 40

Location 4 Silence dB(A) 42.8 50 30.5 40

Location 5 Residential dB(A) 51.1 55 38.9 45

Source: Manual measurement
Noise level at different points inside the site

4. Surface water quality

Sl Test method Resul Acceptable limit as per
Parameter Unit
no. APHA ts IS10500

Physical examination

1 Colour Hazen 2120B 1 5

2 Electrical conductivity µS/cm 2510B 60 -

3 Turbidity NTU 2130B 0.4 1

4 Total dissolved solids mg/L 2540B 33 500

Chemical examination

5 pH 4500H*B 5.8 6.5-8.5

6 DO 6.2 4

7 BOD <2
 8 Total alkalinity mg/L 2320B 32 200

9 Total Hardness as CaCO3 mg/L 2340C 32 200

Calcium Hardness as
10 mg/L 3500CaB 24 -
CaCO3

Magnesium Hardness as
11 mg/L 3500MgB 8 -
CaCO3

12 Calcium mg/L 3500CaB 9.619 75

13 Magnesium mg/L 3500MgB 1.944 30

14 Chloride mg/L 4500ClB 24 250

15 Sulphate mg/L 4500SO4B 3.8 200

16 Iron mg/L 3500FeB BDL 0.3

17 Ammonia as NH3 mg/L 4500NH3F BDL 0.5

18 Nitrate as NO2 mg/L 4500NO3E 2.6 45

Bacteriology

cfu/100
19 Total coliform 9222B Nil Nil/100ml
ml

cfu/100
20 Fecal coliform 9222D Nil Nil/100ml
ml

cfu/100 Abse
21 E. Coli 9222I Absent
ml nt
Source: Laboratory test data from site

Observation
The results of surface water samples were compared to CLASS – C category and it has been observed
that the analysed parameters of water meet permissible limits for all the surface water locations.

5. Ground water quality

Distance from
Parameter Unit Location Value
site (km)

Mavoor 9 28
Temperature o
( C)
Velliparamba 17 28

pH - Mavoor 9 6.6
 Velliparamba 17 6.2

Mavoor 9 BDL
BOD mg/L
Velliparamba 17 BDL

Mavoor 9 BDL
Fluoride mg/L
Velliparamba 17 BDL

Mavoor 9 BDL
Arsenic mg/L
Velliparamba 17 BDL

Mavoor 9 80
Conductivity (μmhos/cm)
Velliparamba 17 98.5

Mavoor 9 265
Fecal coliforms (MPN/100ml)
Velliparamba 17 220

Mavoor 9 475
Total Coliforms (MPN/100ml)
Velliparamba 17 355.5

Mavoor 9 47
Total Dissolved
(mg/L)
solids
Velliparamba 17 59
Source : https://cpcb.nic.in/nwmp-data-2022/

6. Biological Environment
Flora
Analysis of the flora revealed that there are 124 plant species falling
under 54 plant families. Angiosperms forms 119 species with 26 species
of trees including saplings, 27 species of shrubs, 45 species of herbs and
21 species of climbers. There are 5 Pteridophytes (ferns) falling under
four families. As per the ecological assessment, there are 159 tree species
in 7.5 m. buffer area and 1,643 trees in mineable area existing within the
core zone (total 1,802 say 1,800 trees). The Site has 124 species of plants.
It consists of:
Trees : 20 species
Tree saplings : 18 species
Shrubs : 27 species
Herbs : 45 species
Climbers : 21 species
Ferns : 5 species
 Fauna
The following lists of faunal elements were observed from the site:
Mammals : 15 species
Reptiles : 10 species
Birds : 35 species
Amphibians : 6 species
Butterflies : 37 species
Odonates : 17 species
Spiders : 18 species
7. Soil Characteristics

Soil characteristic sample collection location

The present study of the soil quality establishes the baseline characteristics and this will help in future
in identifying the incremental concentrations if any, due to the operation of the proposed Project
Activities. The sampling locations have been identified with the following objectives;
● To determine the baseline soil characteristics of the study area and
● To determine the impact of the proposed Project Activities on soil characteristics in study area

Analysed values of samples

Parameters units
S1 S2

pH 4.74 4.87
 Conductivity µS/cm 20 24

Water holding capacity % 55 58

Organic Matter % 0.3 0.32

Porosity % 36 36

Soil Texture (type) -- Sandy – Clay Sandy – Clay

Total Nitrogen as N mg/kg 0.35 0.32

Potassium as K mg/kg 360 378

Total Phosphorous mg/kg 81 83

Permeability mm/s 0.003 0.003

Source : Soil sample results of mukkam building stone quary project

8. Land use/ Land cover

Land Use/Land Cover map prepared using remote sensing data from ISRO Bhuvan. Land Use/Land
Cover map as shown in Figure 3.13 is prepared with types of classifications of the landuse as shown
by different colors.

Highest elevation point within 10kms of site

 Elevation of different point in the site

Locatio Elevation(m
n Coordinates )

L1 11.337971,76.003406 43

L2 11.340077,76.114655 97

L3 11.338577,76.185242 134

L4 11.347001,76.014658 85

L5 11.409567, 76.093156 1322

Elevation of different points

Land use / land cover Area (Km2) Area (%) No. of Events

Paddy Cultivation 0.62 0.74 0

Mixed Cultivation 3.83 4.56 0

Coconut Plantation 28.66 34.13 1

Rubber Plantation 6.94 8.26 5

Built-up 0.53 0.63 0

Open Scrub 4.61 5.49 0

Forest Scrub 3.49 4.16 1

Deciduous Forest 34.95 41.63 13

Evergreen Forest 0.01 0.01 0

 Water River/stream 0.33 0.39 0

Land use of 10km radius around site

9. Socioeconomic environment

Major developmental activities in industrial sector are required for economic development as well as
creation of employment opportunities (direct/indirect) and to meet the basic/modern needs of the
society, which ultimately results in overall improvement of quality of life through economical, health,
education nutrition status in project region, state as well as the country. In this manner all
developmental projects have direct as well as indirect relationship with socioeconomic aspect, which
also include public acceptability for new developmental projects.

Thus, the study of socio-economic component incorporating various facets related to prevailing social
and cultural conditions and economic status of the project region is an important part of EIA study.
The study of socio-economic component incorporating various facts related to socioeconomic
condition in the area is an integral part of EIA process. This includes demographic structure,
population dynamics, infrastructure resources, health status of the community and economic attributes
refers to employment, industrial development and sustainability of the project in view of financial
terms.

DISTRICT PROFILE

Calicut

The history of Kozhikode district as an administrative unit begins from January 1957. When the states
of the Indian Union were reorganised on linguistic basis on 1st November, 1956, the erstwhile
Malabar district was separated from Madras state (Tamil Nadu) and added to the new unilingual state
of Kerala. But Malabar district was found to be too unwieldy for administrative purposes.
Consequently the state government ordered the formation of three districts with certain changes in the
boundaries of some of the taluks. The Kozhikode district thus came into existence on 1st January
1957,originally consisting of five taluks, Viz, Vadakara, Koyilandy, Kozhikode, Ernad & Tirur. With
the formation of Malappuram district on 1st june 1969 & Wayanad on 1st November 1980, kozhikode
district now consist of one revenue division , three taluks, twelve blocks, 78 panchayats and 117
villages.

METHODOLOGY

In order to assess and evaluate the likely impacts arising out of any proposed projects on
socioeconomic environment, it is necessary to gauge the apprehensions of the people in the project
area. For the process of data collection through primary and secondary sources certain methods are
used are given below:

Field Survey and Observations

Field survey and observations is made at each sampling villages and the quality of life of that region is
studied. Visits are made at hospitals, primary health centers and sub-centers to know the health status
of the region.

Map of Kozhikode district(Left) and Malappuram district(Right)

 Source : https://dop.lsgkerala.gov.in/

Sl SC ST
Total Total
no. Village District Male Female populat populat
population ion ion wards

1 Koodaranji Kozhikode 18678 9242 9436 812 627 14

2 Kodencheri Kozhikode 34854 17170 17684 1913 1003 21

3 Thiruvambadi Kozhikode 28820 13988 14832 1673 365 17

4 Mavoor Kozhikode 27843 13900 13943 2056 248 18

4 Karassery Kozhikode 31536 15114 16422 3026 606 18

5 Kodiyathur Kozhikode 28335 14013 14322 2261 58 16

6 Chathamangalam Kozhikode 46688 23567 23121 5888 109 23

7 Omassery Kozhikode 35009 16764 18245 3340 132 19

10810 1921 42
8 Kizhuparamba Malappuram 22062 11252 14

9 Vazhakkad Malappuram 35774 17280 18494 3740 115 19

10 Urangattiri Malappuram 40297 19925 20372 3255 1052 21

Population data
 Hospitals within 10km of site

SOURCES OF INFORMATION
As per the scope of this study, the information on socio-economic aspects has been gathered and
compiled from several secondary sources. These include Panchayath Office, Taluk Office etc. The
socio-economic details are briefly described in the following sections. This section includes the
present status of the Socio-Economic Environment in the study area. To determine the baseline
socio-economic pattern, at and around the project site, the required data have been obtained from the
published data. Socio-economic baseline data were collected for the following indicators:
● Demographic Structure
● Economic Structure
● Availability of Basic Amenities
The major demographic and economic structure of the study area are classified into the population,
literacy rate and workers details

DEMOGRAPHIC STRUCTURE OF STUDY AREA

The demographic structure of the study area was derived primarily from data of Census record of
2011.
The salient features of Socio-economic Profile are as follows:
Demographic Structure
● The study area is located in a 10 km radius from the project site which is spread
across Calicut and Malappuram districts of Kerala State which includes a total 10
villages within the study area.
● Total population in the study area is 349896 with 171773 male and 178123 female
populations. Overall sex ratio is 1037 females per 1000 male, indicating female
population is marginally higher in the region as compared with the male.
● Total population of scheduled castes in the study area is 29885 and the total
population of scheduled tribes in the study area is 4357.

SOCIO ECONOMIC STRUCTURE

The socio-economic details are briefly described in the following sections. To determine the baseline
socio-economic pattern, in and around the project site, the required data have been collected from the
published data based on the following indicators:
● Economic Structure
● Availability of Basic Amenities
The major economic structure of the study area is classified into the population, literacy rate and
workers details, economic and industry details, etc.

AVAILABILITY OF INFRASTRUCTURE
Based on the field surveys it is found that, the infrastructure resources in the study area with reference
to education, medical facility, water supply, postal, transportation, communication and power supply
are available.
Education Facilities
All villages in the study area have education facilities such as primary schools with reasonably good
facilities. Due to better transport to Calicut, students have the opportunity to travel for better
education. The survey reported that most of the villages have primary and secondary school facility
(10th Standard) and for further education students have to go about 5 to 25 km away. For higher &
technical education people have to go to taluk place and district place.
Health Facilities
Villages in the study area have medical facilities. While conducting surveys in this area, observed
some villages have Health facilities like sub-center, Primary Health Center [PHC] and some villages
have private clinics for better medical treatment, the people move to nearby town and district and
taluk where better medical facilities are available.
Sanitation and Drinking water facilities
One of the most important factors responsible for the emergence of a settlement is availability of
water. In surveyed all villages, it was found that people are using Tap water, tank, well, tube well
water for drinking purposes; however, pond water is also used for other purposes. During the field
study and interaction with local people, it is observed that sanitation is very good in nearby villages.
From the primary survey, it can be observed that there is good drinking water in all the study villages.
Power Supply
Electricity is available in all the surveyed villages and is provided by the Kerala State Electricity
Board, a state-owned power distribution utility.

Communication and Transportation

Majority of the villages have moderate road facility in the study area i.e., villages are having single
lane 2 way traffic roads. It was observed that bus services are available but limited; however when it
comes to state and national highways the bus services are ample. Calicut International Airport is
currently used for air transport. For rail transport Calicut Railway station is the nearby major railway
station. Also Calicut KSRTC bus stand offers good connectivity. Private bus transport is the heart of
district transportation due to their frequency and better connectivity to remote locations.
Livelihood in the Local Villages
During survey and interaction with local people it was revealed that the majority of people are
engaged in agricultural works, small business etc. as a source of livelihood. Most of the farmers are
cultivating Coconut, paddy, banana, tubers, spices and tree crops. Proposed study area does not
involve any major place with religious, archaeological and historical importance.