Environmental Impact Assessment of NH- 730

Abstract

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a systematic investigation of both positive and negative impacts on the physical, biological socioeconomic environment, which would be caused or induced due to a proposed developmental project. EIA provides a plan to reduce the negative environmental effects of proposed development project through alternative approaches, design modifications and remedial measures. Highway construction is a major activity of economic development especially in developing countries. Road development is major source of damage to the environment, including ecological destabilization, habitat disturbance and damage to flora and fauna. In this study analyses the environmental impacts likely to occur due to the proposed 2 lane widening of a 38 km stretch of NH-730 from Pilibhit to Puranpur. The report highlights the importance of EIA in the sustainable development of highway project with a case study of vital link of about 38 Kilometers. The study concentrates on the environment impact assessment of the project in the light of the existing situation at the site. The parameters covered in study are Socio-Economic, Biological, Air (Dust), Water, Accidental, Noise, Ecological & Soil. Samples of air, water & soil were taken to analyze their present conditions. Data was also collected from various Government offices like the forest Department and the accidental data was collected from police stations along the highway. The results demonstrated that the Total Dissolved Solids content were under prescribed limits in all of the groundwater and surface water samples, PM10 concentrations at all locations were under the prescribed limits. Noise levels were found slightly closer to permissible limits. Minimal soil contamination was observed. Highway capacity was analyzed and it was observed that the present highway is insufficient to handle the current traffic volume so the section requires two laning immediately to accommodate more traffic. After analyzing different parameters and discussing the probable impacts suggestions are made regarding the mitigation measures that can be taken at different stages in order to reduce the environmental impacts.