DESCRIPTION
The Reach 6 to be supported by the Project runs from Gottigere to Nagavara in Bangalore and the length of the proposed corridor is approximately 22 km, with 6 elevated stations and 12 underground stations. The Project consists of four components.
(i) Construction of Elevated Viaduct and Stations: The component consists of approximately 7.5 km of elevated metro section and 6 elevated stations.
(ii) Construction of Underground Section Tunnel and Stations: The component consists of approximately 14.5 km of underground metro section and 12 underground stations.
(iii) Depot: The component consists of a maintenance depot for the Reach 6 at Kothanur.
(iv) Tunnel Ventilation System and Environment Control System.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL INFORMATION
The Bank has decided to use the EIB’s Statement of Environmental Principles and Standards 2009 (Statement) since (i) it is consistent with the Bank’s Articles of Agreement and materially consistent with the provisions of the Bank’s Environmental and Social Policy and relevant Environmental and Social Standards; and (ii) the monitoring procedures that EIB has in place to ascertain compliance with its Statement are appropriate for the Project. The Bank has placed the Project in Category A. The EIA notification (2006) of the Ministry of Environment and Forest, GoI exempts metro rails from applying for environmental clearance. However, the BMRCL has voluntarily carried out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in line with EIB standards. The Project will require the acquisition of about 26 ha of land and will include both permanent and temporary land acquisitions and involuntary resettlement of some residential households and businesses. Approximately 800 households are expected to be affected. An Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMP) has been prepared based on the findings of the EIA, to mitigate the environmental and social impacts due to the Project.
A Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) has been prepared to address the involuntary resettlement under the Project. The RPF has been subject to consultation with Project Affected Persons and disclosed, in English and local language, on the following BMRCL website: http://english.bmrc.co.in/FileUploads/e12b9f_CareerFiles.pdf.
Public Consultations for the Project are being conducted and will continue throughout the construction phase. Resettlement Action Plans (RAP), consistent with the RPF, is also being prepared concurrently. In order to implement and monitor RAPs effectively, a Social and Environmental Management Unit (SEMU) has been constituted in the BMRCL.
A Project-level Grievance Redress Mechanism has been set up to assist affected people to resolve their queries and complaints.
The EIA (including an ESMP) for the Project was prepared by BMRCL and approved by EIB. The EIA document is available on the following BMRCL’s website:http://english.bmrc.co.in/FileUploads/862da0_CareerFiles.pdf.
