Pakistan - Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Tourism Development Project : Environmental and Social Management Plan for the Construction Activities in Selected Seven Archaeological Sites in Six Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Overview & Synopsis

The development objective of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Tourism Development Project for Pakistan is to strengthen institutional capacity, increase private sector participation, and improve destination infrastructure in support of the tourism ecosystem in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Some of the negative impacts include: Soil erosion may occur at active construction sites and at contractors’ camps (if required), as a result of uncontrolled run-off from equipment washing yards, excavation of earth/cutting operations and clearing of vegetation; Mismanagement of the archaeological remains may result loss of a valuable asset; Groundwater may also get contaminated from the wastewater generation from the construction camps (if required), leachate from improper dumping of solid waste; Construction activities and movement of project vehicles for construction material supply, traffic problems may arise for the commuters and transporters travelling to the areas; Decline in the ambient air quality within the vicinity of works is expected during the construction phase activities; the noise and vibration will be produced due to the operation of construction machinery such as excavators, concrete mixing plant, tractor trolley, water tanks and other equipment’s; social and environmental impacts which include health and safety, traffic problems, soil degradation, loss of vegetation and assets on the selected land, solid waste and water pollution; Generated wastewater is not properly treated or disposed of, this may contaminate the surface water sources such as nullahs, drains, water channels, river etc. apart from soil contamination; environmental pollution in the project area; and Major sources of air emissions and dust pollution at all the archaeological sites will be visiting vehicular traffic especially during the peak seasons and generators. Some of the mitigation measures include: Soil contamination by asphalt will be minimized by placing all containers in a bounded area away from water courses; Ensure approval for excavation and submit the plan of rehabilitation of the site after excavation; Regular water quality monitoring according to determined sampling schedule; Movement of vehicles carrying construction materials and equipment/machinery will be restricted during the nighttime to reduce traffic load and inconvenience to the local population; Vehicles, machinery, equipment and generators used during construction activities should be kept in good working condition and be properly tuned and maintained in order to minimize the exhaust emissions; Working may be limited to daytime to reduce disturbance; Comprehensive safety and security plan for the camps will be prepared which will comprise of a training manual, use of safety equipment and emergency preparedness; Domestic and chemical effluents from the construction camp will be disposed by the development of on-site sanitation systems; Solid Waste generated during construction and camp sites will be safely disposed in demarcated waste disposal sites and provide a proper waste management plan; and Location of generators (if installed) at sites should be carefully selected.