Environmental Impact Assessment for NH- 64 From Patiala to Sangrur (Km 50.00 To Km 113.00)

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 widening of a 55 km stretch of NH-64 from Patiala to Sangrur. The report highlights the importance of EIA in the sustainable development of highway project with a case study of vital link of about 55 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 urban town & country planning department of Patiala and the accidental data was collected from police stations along the highway. The results demonstrated that the Total Dissolved Solids content exceeded the prescribed limits in most of the groundwater samples, PM 10 concentrations at all locations also exceeded the prescribed limits. Noise levels were found exceeded permissible limits. Drainage system of the stretch which was found very poor at some locations. Minimal soil contamination was observed. Highway capacity was analyzed and it was observed that the present two lane highway is insufficient to handle the current traffic volume so the section requires four 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. To check its feasibility the project was then evaluated with the help of matrix method.