India: Extension, Renovation, and Modernization of Grand Anicut Canal System

OBJECTIVE

The objective is to improve the water carrying capacity and the irrigation efficiency of the Grand Anicut Canal System.

DESCRIPTION

The renovation and modernization of the Grand Anicut Canal system will be carried out through various interventions including lining the bed and side walls of the canal, repair / replacement of the water regulating structures, de-silting the tanks, and introduction of canal automation system. These interventions are expected to result in increased conveyance efficiency thereby increasing land under irrigation in the region and ensure equitable distribution of water to farmers based on the need (through the automation system) resulting in sustainable agricultural practices. The renovated structures will also reduce the instances of canal breaches and flooding of the towns and villages in the Cauvery Delta region.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL INFORMATION

AIIB’s Environmental and Social Policy (ESP), including the Environment and Social Standards (ESSs) and the Environmental and Social Exclusion List will apply to this Project. ESS 1 (Environmental and Social Assessment and Management) and ESS 2 (Involuntary Resettlement) are applicable to the Environmental and Social (ES) aspects of the project. Applicability of ESS 3 (Indigenous Peoples) will be further assessed. The project has been preliminarily assigned Category B.

The project will deliver positive ES benefits through improving the water resource conservation and increasing the agricultural productivity. The predicted negative impacts are mainly from construction during the project implementation period, such as noise, dust, tree felling, increased turbidity due to desilting operations, and impacts associated with the disposal of silts. The impacts and related mitigation measures will be identified and compiled in the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment accompanied with the Environmental and Social Management Plan. The project is unlikely to involve land acquisition since all works will be within the available right-of-way. To address any potential displacement impacts for the distribution canals, a Resettlement Planning Framework complying with ESS 2 is being prepared.

A multi-tier Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) will be established at the project level to receive and facilitate resolution of the concerns or complaints of the people who believe they have been adversely affected by ES impacts of the project. In addition to the above GRM for addressing complaints from the local community, a commensurate mechanism will be made available at the contractor level for worker’s grievances. All ES information including GRM at the project level and the Project-affected People’s Mechanism of AIIB will be posted on the website of client in both English and Tamil.